Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural.
Chapter 1:
Hell was an interesting experience, now that he'd returned using a different vessel. Demons he passed as he strode into Crowley's throne room stared at him in shock, but also reverence. There were still some loyalists, then...even if the dog had retaken his throne.
But the throne wasn't what interested Lucifer anymore...at least, not totally. That plan could go on the backburner for now.
"Miss me?"
It gave him the greatest delight to see Crowley's shock at his new meat suit. The King hid it well, or at least, he tried to. Lucifer could also sense a deep stab of betrayal. Images flickered through his mind of the months Dean had spent as a demon.
Months he'd spent with Crowley, bromancing, as Sam had called it.
Screw 'bromancing' the whole episode with the triplets proved Dean had had more than a platonic relationship with the demon.
A means to an end, clearly, as Lucifer sensed no reciprocation on Dean's end. But to what end, exactly? Dean had supressed that, as if he'd felt guilty for thinking of it once he became human again.
"You dare show your face here again?" Crowley said coldly, pulling Lucifer from Dean's memories and back to the present.
He shrugged. "Technically not my face, but I do get your point." he grinned. "Whatcha think of the new model? I didn't even have to convince the poor bastard to give himself up."
"No of course not," Crowley said flatly. "If I know anything about Dean Winchester, he'll sacrifice himself in a heartbeat for that featherhead and giant of his."
"Which he did."
"I figured." Crowley sighed. "What do you want?"
Lucifer raised an eyebrow. "Who says I want anything?"
"Are we really going to play this game?" Crowley said exasperatedly. "Our positions have changed."
Lucifer pursed his lips and glanced around the room. Most demons present avoided looking in his direction. Others sneaked halfhearted glances his way, though if Crowley caught them, he said nothing.
"Obviously." Lucifer changed the subject. "You weren't there to see Dean defeat Amara."
Crowley snorted. "Priorities." he waved his hand, gesturing to the room at large. "Someone had to maintain order while you were trying to sway her to your side. That failed, I presume?"
"You could say that," Lucifer nodded. "But that's not the real reason you stayed away, is it?" Lucifer laughed. "There was nothing in it for you, was there?"
"Of course there was. Wench is out of my hair permanently. Everything's decapitated puppies and dull rainbows. Now get on with it before my patience runs out. What do you want?"
Lucifer grinned.
Ahhh...right there. He'd found it.
"Ever hear of a kid named Jesse Turner?"
Crowley tilted his head to the side, intrigued.
"What about him?"
Sam's fingers slammed down on the keyboard of his laptop so hard it was a wonder they didn't break under the pressure. No matter what he searched about Lucifer, nothing seemed to give any kind of hint as to what the devil could be angling for. Across the table from him, Cas shifted in his chair and stared at the ground. Cas had zapped them back to the bunker, where Sam had immediately jumped on researching Lucifer's endgame, all thoughts of food and sleep gone.
Cas had barely spoken during the entire drive.
"There's nothing!" Sam exploded finally, shoving his laptop to the side angrily before shoving a hand through his hair. "Nothing except all the fucking apocalyptic shit, like we haven't lived that already." he glanced at Cas. "Hey." Cas didn't respond. "Cas? You okay?"
Cas looked up at the younger Winchester, his expression tired. "I feel drained. Lucifer's possession took a toll on my grace, and transporting us back here did not help." He attempted to look more alert, but it didn't seem to work. "What is it?"
"He was in your head," Sam stated.
"So...what, Dean accepting Lucifer is my fault? and...what, you think he left some kind of clue as to what his grand plans were?" Cas snapped, mood shifting abruptly. Did Sam really think so low of him? It hurt Cas deeply to even think of the notion this could be true. "He stuck me in my little corner with a television and that was that. I didn't want to know, and I certainly didn't bother asking. He said he could defeat Amara. I believed him."
"Cas -"
"Before I get a lecture for doing what I believed was right at the time, I'm just going to cut the conversation short." If looks could kill, Sam would have been dust in that moment. "I'm going to my room. Call me if you find something."
He stalked off, Sam staring after him, perplexed by this change in Cas's personality. Something definitely wasn't right...but he couldn't handle both Cas and Lucifer at the same time. He reached for his phone. He hit the speed dial and put his phone to his ear, waiting until the other line picked up.
"Jody, hey...it's Sam Winchester." he pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "I need your help. I'm in Lebanon, Kansas. No, I'm...It's Dean." he exhaled. "I'll explain. Where can I meet you? No, I - It's hard to explain over the phone, that's all." he nodded as he listened to her response. "Yeah, okay. I'll meet you day after tomorrow at Kansas City International Airport. Thanks Jody."
He hung up.
"Out of the question." Crowley barked. "Are you mad? Setting the Antichrist up as the ruler of Hell?"
Lucifer rolled his eyes. "Quit being so dramatic. And no, we don't set him up as the ruler of Hell. We set him up as ruler of everything. He destroys humanity, and then Heaven. Dad's pretty much a gonner without his sister. He's easy pickings."
"And what, pray tell, do you suppose happens once Jesse becomes your so-called ruler, hmm?" the King asked. "Do you think you'll have him wrapped around your little finger? You're sadly mistaken."
"You doubt me, Crowley?" Lucifer's tone became soft and dangerous. "Don't forget, puppy, I could have you back on all fours cleaning the dirt with your tongue in an instant."
"You won't." Crowley replied smugly. "You need me. More importantly, you need what I do best."
"And that is?"
"I'm a salesman, or, I was, when I ran the crossroads. Doesn't mean my skills are rusty though. You should've seen the one I almost gave Dick Roman."
Lucifer shrugged. "If it's anything like the one you nearly gave Sam Winchester, I'm sure you're more than up to the task. And with Dean Winchester aiding your image, you can't fail, can you?"
"Of course not. He and his brother sent the boy running. He trusts them. And It's high time he came back into the swing of things." Crowley's eyes narrowed. "And what do we do after this little escapade of ours, hmm? You can't expect me to tolerate you any less than I already don't."
Lucifer shrugged.
"First one to destroy the other wins, I suppose. Deal?"
It took several moments of silence for the demon to consider the proposition. Truth be told, he wanted Lucifer back in the cage where he belonged...but not in Dean Winchester's body. No...not in that work of art.
Fuck. Focus Crowley, he betrayed you, remember? What were those words he'd used? "I ain't your friggin' bestie." Ah...right. He had to think of Hell and its well being if he was to remain King when this all ended. The Antichrist would do wonders for Hell's PR and take them to new heights. It was for the best. Besides, he could always go back on the deal if he felt so inclined.
"Deal."
I can certainly promise more Cas next time. Trying to outline where this is going and it's a lot of fun. Next update will be as soon as possible! Reviews are welcome!
