Chapter 2: A Way Out

Sam and Charlie sit in his living room facing each other.

Sam:

So, you know who I am. How long have you been hunting and does Amelia know?

Charlie:

No, she doesn't and I would like it to stay that way. She doesn't need any part in this life.

Sam:

How is it that you know about demons, but she doesn't?

Charlie:

When I was 16 I found out that I was adopted, and went looking for my parents. They were both from a long line of hunters. They died shortly after…a demon. Anyway pretty much ancient history from there.

Sam:

I'm sorry. I know what it's like to lose your parents.

Charlie:

It's pat of the life you know. I'm sorry too. I've heard a lot about you and your brother. Speaking of which where is he? From what I hear the two of you are joined at the hip. He on a solo hunt?

Sam:

No. About three months ago we went up against the leviathan leader Dick Roman.

Charlie:

Heard about that on the grapevine.

Sam:

Well, we did this ritual and sent him back to purgatory. Little did we know whoever was in the immediate vicinity would get sucked in with him. My brother and our angel friend Castiel were sucked in with him.

Charlie:

Purgatory…

Sam:

Yeah.

Charlie:

Any luck with getting him out?

Sam:

No. I have tried everything. The demon downstairs was no help, and I've run out of leads.

Charlie:

Not necessarily.

Sam looks at her hopeful.

Sam:

You know how to get him out?

Charlie:

Yeah I do. About two years ago I was as odds with this crossroads demon over a soul, and he sent me there as a way to get me off his back.

Sam:

You've been to purgatory?

Charlie:

Not willingly.

Sam:

Who was the demon? If we find him he can send me there.

Charlie:

No. He won't be any help when I got out I blew his head off.

Sam:

That's just great. Nothing again.

Charlie:

Actually he's not the one who sent me. I mean he had it done, but it takes a pretty powerful demon to actually send you there.

Sam:

How'd yo get out?

Charlie:

If there's a way in somewhere there's always a way out. You just need to know how to find it.

Sam:

So we need a powerful demon. You tell me where the way out is…

Charlie:

No.

Sam stands up at that.

Sam:

Why the hell not?

Charlie:

It's not like I have a map I can draw. Purgatory is inner changing just when you think you have it figured out you've run a mile in one direction and end up where you started.

Sam:

Damn it! What do you expect me to do just sit here knowing I can get to him, but not get him out Charlie? There has to be something…

Sam looks at her desperately.

Charlie:

There is. I go.

Sam:

I can't ask you to do that. If something happened to you it would devastate Amelia she's already lost enough.

Charlie:

I know, but you're not asking I'm volunteering I spent enough time there to know how it works. Let me help if you love your brother half as much as I love Melia then, I wanna do it.

Sam:

Charlie…

He wants to debate, but the sheer look of determination on her face stops him.

Sam:

Thank you.

Charlie:

Thank me when we're all back in one piece. This demon you can summon him.

Sam:

Yeah.

Charlie:

How can you be sure he is powerful enough?

Sam:

He's the King of Hell, and the one who sent Dean and Cas there.

Charlie:

King of Hell? You know what I don't want to know. You work on getting him here I'm gonna need some supplies. Meet back here in and couple of hours?

Sam:

Okay.

Charlie smiles at him and leaves.

(Purgatory)

Dean is sitting by a fire in a cave when Cas appears with a bag. He hands it to Dean.

Castiel:

It's not much, but it should sustain your energy.

Dean takes the bag and there are some odd looking form of fruit in it. He looks at questionably.

Castiel:

It's not poisonous.

Dean:

Thanks. Any luck with an exit strategy?

Castiel:

I keep going in circles this place is complex.

Dean:

Not surprising considering who created it.

Castiel:

I'll keep trying you stay here, and stay hidden.

Cas disappears.

Dean:

Sure I'll just stay here…alone.

Dean throws the fruit down.

(Sam's House)

Charlie knocks on the door, and Sam lets her in. She throws her duffle on the couch. Sam has already set up what was needed to summon the King of Hell.

Sam looks at here duffle.

Sam:

Supplies?

Charlie opens the bag full of weapons and a journal.

Charlie:

My own personal arsenal. I told Melia I had a job and would call her in a couple of weeks when it's done. How's it coming with the summoning spell?

Sam:

Ready just a few choice works and our guest will make his appearance. You ready?

Sam gets ready to chant, but Charlie stops him.

Charlie:

Wait before we send my ass to creepy crawly playground I need you to do something for me.

Sam looks at her.

Sam:

I owe you so whatever it is.

Charlie:

It's Melia I want you to…

Sam:

Stop seeing her.

Charlie:

No. You make her happy and you both could use some happiness, but if this goes south, not that I'm underestimating my own badassness, take care of her she'll need you.

Sam:

Of course, but you're coming back you all are.

Charlie:

Okay, enough with the chick flick moment.

Sam laughs.

Charlie:

What?

Sam:

Nothing that's just something Dean would say.

Sam grabs the keys to Dean's impala, and the demon knife and hands them to Charlie.

Charlie:

What are these for?

Sam:

So, brother knows I sent you. The knife kills demons, and keys belong to my brother (air quotes) baby.

Charlie:

Alright let's summon this jackass and get this show rollin'.

Sam begins to chant some latin phrases, and throws some mixture into the bowl on the altar. Crowley appears behind them in the demon trap.

Crowley:

Sam Winchester to what do I owe the displeasure.

They turn around and face him. Charlie looks as surprised as Crowley.

Charlie:

Crowley? You're the King of Hell?

Crowley:

Oh, Charlotte it has been too long. A little worse for wear, but as beautiful as ever.

Sam:

You two know each other?

Charlie:

The demons head I blew off.

Crowley:

Ah yes hurt like hell, but not enough to kill my dear.

Charlie:

Last time I checked you were a lowly crossroads demon now you're the King of Hell. How happy is your ego.

Crowley:

As much as I love our little banter and how I have missed it. I have a hell to run so get on with it.

Sam:

We want you to send Charlie to Purgatory.

Crowley:

No doubt an attempt to save your shorter more sarcastic big brother. Now why would I do that? I rather like a world with one less Winchester.

Charlie:

Again your ego.

Crowley:

Come again love.

Charlie:

I wonder how how looks to your disciples. You wearing your weakness on your sleeve. The Winchesters are your weakness. You and I both know that they are strongest together. Bringing Dean back will show all your little minions that you don't fear them.

Crowley:

As true as that may be love. I can't bring him back.

Charlie:

But I can. You send me in and it could work to your favor.

Crowley:

How so?

Charlie:

I go in I could die, and that would work for you in such a big way because now that I know you're alive I'm gonna make it my life's mission to be a constant pain in your ass with trying to kill you any chance I get. So it's a possible win win for you your royal…

Crowley:

Point made Charlotte let's not bite off more than you can chew.

Sam:

You'll do it?

Crowley:

Yes shaggy I will.

Charlie grabs her duffle.

Charlie:

Remember your promise Sam.

Sam nods at her. She looks at Crowley.

Charlie:

What are you waiting for you to get snugly? Let's do this princess.

Crowley rolls his eyes and snaps his fingers. Charlie disappears. Crowley looks to Sam.

Crowley:

Word of advice Winchester be careful who you and big brother decide to associate with. Charlie is far more reckless and uncontrollable than eight of you, and she might get you killed.

Crowley disappears.

(Purgatory)

Charlie appears in an open field, and notices a few sets of red eyes looking at her from a distance. She pulls out her guns.

Charlie:

How nice a welcoming committee.