A/N: Ugh. Sorry for the late update guys, I know it's only two days late but I still feel bad. School and work and getting my AJ Crowley costume ready for halloween got the better of me and I lost track of the time. My apologies. Anyways, here's the newest chapter. Enjoy!
Bobby made the trip to Sioux Falls in record time. On a normal day he didn't speed unless he was on a hunt or it was urgent. Urgent meant having to go to the library and get the information within a half an hour or have a dead hunter on his hands. Those were the situations that tended to get Jody on his ass. He knew otherwise, he had no reason to speed and was better off taking his time. Driving cleared his mind and sometimes he needed a reason to get out and stay out of the house for a bit. Without opting for human interaction. Sometimes the house got to the point he felt crowded and stuffy and his breath was stuck in his ribs. Sometimes the overwhelming situation got to him the apocalypse and worrying about the Winchesters. And sometimes it was the memories the house came with. Today of course there was cause for urgency. Although he was ninety percent sure any hunter in his right mind would've disagreed.
"Singer!"
And that was just what he needed at a time like this. Socializing was not his strong suit. Bobby often reminded himself he could at least be a polite human being and use proper decorum. So he turned obligingly to the source of the call.
Jody Mills jogged up to him in full uniform, a little out of place in the grocery store. The little plastic basket slung over her arm was at odds with her uniform. "You better have a good reason for speedin' into town like that Singer."
"In a bit of a rush." Bobby bit out, noticing her following along behind him as he turned down the next aisle. His eyes scanned the shelves for the ingredients he needed to find.
"Somethin' up with the boys?" Jody lowered her voice and Bobby felt a little bit of annoyance melt out of him at her secrecy and kinship. After the apocalypse and zombies, he'd had to fill her in on a few things. She didn't like it and he wished he hadn't had to tell her. But at least she wasn't riding him about his drinking or occasional speeding anymore. If he had asked, he was pretty sure he could get her help if it was about him or the boys or a world threatening apocalypse. And she understood now, understood the life he had. She also understood why, even when he tried his hardest, he wasn't exactly up to normal standards.
"Not exactly. Favour for a...friend. But it's private and a bit time sensitive." Cinnamon...parsley...Bobby read through the ingredients in his head again and sighed aloud. The spell sounded like an herb mix for chicken. That was provided you ignored the occult ingredients in it, like bones and blood. Most of those he had and the blood had to be his anyways. "Balls."
"Anything I can do?" Jody hummed in understanding at his explanation. "Watch your language Singer."
"It's complicated. And I'd rather-actually there is one thing." Bobby winced but continued, figuring that asking Jody was his fastest course of action. "Know if anyone's got or hit a young animal lately and wouldn' mind sparin' a coupla bones?"
"Guy passin' through yesterday hit a deer around dusk." Jody mused, giving Bobby a curious look. "Not even a year old. Gerald's cutting it up at the compound. That work?"
"That'll work just fine." Bobby gave a quick sigh of relief and checked over his shopping list again. "Mind comin' with? Easier than havin' to explain myself. I don' have time for questions or to hunt somethin' down myself."
"Lemme grab groceries for the station an' I'll meet you outside." Jody brushed past him, striding purposefully for another aisle. Bobby gave a faint nod at her back before heading to the register.
He waited a stressful ten minutes or so, mentally counting down to when the next bone would be burnt. He didn't fancy leaving Crowley alone in the house for too much longer. If something happened or if he did something, it might not turn out well. Jody gave him a wave as she exited the store and Bobby followed the police cruiser. The local hunting compound wasn't far away. Anyone needing help processing an animal went there to do it. They also brought any animal involved in collision that could was salvageable. Most of the towns experienced hunters showed up to help for those. Bobby had even pitched in a few times and when he did, the hunters in town seemed impressed by his skill with a knife.
It was a skill he'd learned fast when it came to hunting monsters. It was also useful for getting rid of bodies when he had the time and ability to. Not that the hunters in town knew that.
Gerald was there and he nodded his assent when Jody asked if Bobby could take a few of the bones. He did look curious though, blinking when Bobby picked out a few ribs and the skull. Bobby spoke up before most of the more incriminating questions could start. "Trapping."
"Some meat would do better."
"These'll work fine, thanks." Bobby brushed the suggestion off and packaged his choices in a plastic bags. "Thanks Jody. Thanks Gerald."
"Hold on Singer!" Jody caught up with him outside the building, grabbing Bobby's arm and turning him to face her so he would stop. Mentally he cringed and sighed. "Look, are you sure there isn't anything else I can do? You seem pretty on edge, I'd like to help if it's serious."
"I'm not sure my friend would appreciate the extra manpower. He's a bit...private." Bobby edged toward his truck when it looked like Jody might stop him again. He angled himself so he could get there fast if Jody attempted to grab him. "I'll call you if somethin' comes up that I need help with though."
He moved then, taking just a few steps to swing himself into the drivers seat. Jody didn't have time to stop him and he threw the truck into reverse. Crowley would be distrustful of her help, even if he'd be a little more likely to accept it if Bobby trusted her. Frankly Bobby didn't want her to get involved if things got as dangerous as he thought they might. He also didn't want to hear what she thought about him helping out the King of Hell of all people. If it came down to it, she was higher on his list of who to ask for help than the boys. They wouldn't be able to keep their mouths shut if they found out. Not to mention they were likely to help whoever was burning Crowley's bones than help get his bones back. He knew when it came to Jody at least, that she would do as he asked and there was a fifty percent chance she'd stay quiet.
Crowley was sitting on the couch when Bobby got back, looking as prim and proper as ever. Bobby almost found it to be reassuring. Almost as if what was happening wasn't affecting the demon as badly as it actually was. As if it wasn't as bad as Bobby already knew it was. But he'd tortured a demon by burning their bones and he knew what was happening and what would happen. It would only get worse for Crowley the more bones were burnt and the longer this went on. His appearance was well manufactured, but manufactured all the same.
He held up a shot glass when Bobby came into the study, swirling it once. "Had one of my reapers fetch it for me. As much as I dislike desecrating my Craig, the Siren's blood does take the edge off."
Bobby studied the mixture for a minute, nose wrinkling slightly. "That looks disgusting. Got a name?"
"Trust me, it doesn't taste much better than it looks either. I do have a name, but not of the reaper who took my bones. I was able to get direction to the name of one who, according to all my associates, will have that information." Crowley stood, downing his drink and brushing his suit carefully. "I trust you found the appropriate spell?"
"Mhm." Bobby grunted as he packed up everything he needed into a duffle bag and slung it over his shoulders.
"Let's get on with it then." Crowley clapped a hand over Bobby's shoulder, warm and firm but yielding. Bobby could've stepped away if he wanted to. "Ready?"
Bobby nodded slowly and cautiously, tensing up. There was a second of feeling like he was stretching uncomfortably. Then a few moments of gut wrenching queasiness that he doubled over for. Crowley's hand migrated to his back and his voice was concerned, which Bobby hadn't expected. "Alright there Robert?"
"Fine. 'm fine." Bobby straightened up, shrugging off Crowley's supportive hand in embarrassment. He rifled through his duffle bag to spray Enochian sigils around the room of where ever they were. "Jus' don' like travelling that way."
It wasn't until he heard Growley's pitiful whine behind him that Bobby realized. They had once again reached the hour mark. Bobby hadn't noticed the dog, despite the glasses, which he chastised himself for. He turned on his heel, catching Crowley before the demon could collapse onto the floor. "Another one?"
"Yes." Crowley rasped out and curled into his chest. Bobby held him for a minute before maneuvering him to sit against a nearby wall. "Bollocks. That bloody hurts."
"I'd imagine so." Bobby stayed for a moment longer, until he was sure Crowley could manage on his own. He went back to setting up the altar then, holding up a talisman and chanting over it. He disliked black magic, it was strange, full of loopholes and dangerous. But at times like this it was handy to know a few tricks. A shallow cut across the palm of his hand and he created the banishing sigil first. He waited a moment and then filled the middle of the talisman, squeezing his hand to get just enough blood into it.
There were a few long seconds, waiting with baited breath, before a reaper appeared. There was a mix of masculine and feminine features pulled into a huffy expression. Button nose scrunched up, full lips pursed. Its square jaw tight held tight and narrowed eyes framed with short, white eyelashes. "I hope you like an early death."
Bobby rolled his eyes and raised an eyebrow in the way only an ornery old man could. "You're under a binding spell so good luck. Got a couple a questions for you, an' 'm willing to wait till we get the answers we want. Sooner you wanna be unbound, the quicker you oughta answers."
"Well, you could at least be polite and do introductions first."
Crowley leveraged himself up against the wall and Bobby made an aborted motion to help him up. There was a strange need in him to make Crowley sit back down. The demon strode forward with purpose and seemed to go back to his usual, intimidating self. "No need. I know who you are and you know who I am. What I want are answers."
"Oh, the King of Hell himself. To what do I owe the pleasure?" The reaper cocked out their hip and Bobby felt reminded of a teenage girl...or teenage Dean. "Ask away your highness."
Crowley's gaze narrowed, critical and accusatory. "I know you don't have to answer me with the truth moron. But you do have to answer him. The formalities please Robert."
Bobby snorted indignantly. "I ain't your servant." His gaze returned to the reaper. "Can't reap either of us, stay standing there, answer any questions we ask truthfully, do as I tell you. Oh an' I wouldn't attempt to escape."
The reaper grumbled to itself. "Could at least use a please."
Bobby ignored him and continued. "Did a reaper steal Crowley's bones from Hell?"
The reaper looked conflicted for a moment before they answered. "Yes."
"Who? We need a name."
"Name's Karisle. Or at least that's what she calls herself to humans. Real name's…" The reaper spoke in deep Enochian and Bobby glanced back at Crowley. He noted the momentary look of concentration as the demon memorized the name.
"You know the name?"
Crowley shook his head slow deliberateness. "No, but I can search my records, if she's one of mine, I'll find her."
"Where is she now?" The reaper looked pained for a moment and Bobby ignored Crowley's smirk.
"I don't know...last I heard she was doing a job on the surface."
They waited for a few moments, looking for any sign of deception and then Crowley spoke up. "Do you know who she was working for?"
"No, but a demon I think."
"Were you involved in any way?"
"No." The Reaper seemed to be getting edgy and Bobby pierced him with a glare.
"So you don't know who has Crowley's bones?"
"I already said I don't know. It might not even be her regular boss. she's the rogue, not me."
Crowley snorted and muttered something about the Reaper lying through their teeth. Bobby rolled his eyes, trying to ignore the interruption. "We've got what we need, huh? I don't think he's got much more for us."
"I believe you may be right Robert. Are you ready darling?"
"Mhm." The Reaper's eyes narrowed and they lunged as Bobby dropped the talisman to the ground and it cracked. He slammed his hand against the banishing sigil. In the split second before the Reaper was gone in a flash of white light he heard a curse and saw their eyes widen. He jumped up, scooping up the talisman as he did and his duffle bag of supplies. "Time to go Crowley."
"Trying." Bobby turned as Crowley grabbed his shoulder, using the hunter for support. Bobby reached around him, holding Crowley up as the demon doubled over in pain. He caught a glimpse of red eyes and realized it was an involuntary reaction to what was happening. The panic intensified as Crowley attempted and failed to teleport either of them.
"Crowls...don' mean to rush you, but we gotta go, and soon. You up to it or should I start setting somethin' up to hold the Reaper off if they come back?" Bobby scanned the room swiftly. He noted Growley lower down and slink around both of them in a defensive posture.
"I can do it, I can do this. I'll get us back. I got you into this mess, I won't let you get hurt because of me." Crowley took a few deep breath and screwed his eyes shut. Bobby marveled for a moment at how calm he'd managed to sound whereas Crowley's voice had broken. He forced himself to focus, filing it away for something to think about later. Perferably when he wasn't in a life or death situation. He reacted fast enough to grab Crowley when they appeared back in his living room. Within moments of them teleporting he was holding an armful of unconscious demon.
"...Balls."