A/N: So... here's the longest chapter yet. Sorry for the delay in posting, but it is up on the day I promised. I'm pretty busy getting ready for winter so I haven't been around much. I have, however, been writing. Thanks to everyone who's sticking with this and enjoy the chapter.
Usual warnings: Language, gore. If I've flattened your city and have gotten something wrong, it's because I never leave home and again, I've been too busy outside to research. Don't own 'em, just any mistakes you spot.
Chapter 4
Downtown was where he wanted to be, even with the word out. Newspapers crying in print and reporters screaming over television, radio, internet. Downtown, he walked the streets, maybe seen, but still truly unnoticed among the bustle. Musical voices drifted on the breeze to his ears. He looked around, icy eyes seeing creation and perceiving targets. The very beings he was punished for not submitting to, for not bowing down to. He was now making them bow, making them bend and break before him, taking homes and lives, savings and life's works, children and parents, and gnashing, rending, snapping. Killing. The street beneath his feet rumbled and splinters as he stepped over the crack with a spring in his step. The crack behind him widened and smoke, steam and the scent of exposed earth met his nose. The crack raced down the street and under the building at the corner, expanding and splintering the foundation of the old building. The steeple at the top teetered and fell as the roof began to collapse. Stained glass rained down on screaming people as the entire city began to quake. Car alarms went off seconds before buildings falling silenced them with a crunch of metal beneath concrete.
High rises and single story buildings shared the same fate as the earth they rested upon bucked, cracked, and caved to his whims.
***
Sam sat upright on the bed, his sweat drenched hair clinging to his forehead and cheekbones. His chest heaved and he choked, tears streaming unabated from his eyes. Sam gasped, squeezing his eyes shut.
Dean walked in from the bathroom, wiping sleep from his eyes. He heard Sam's sharp intake of breath and dropped his hand. "Sammy!" Dean ran to the bed and sat on the edge, gripping Sam's shoulders. He felt the heat through Sam's gray tee shirt. "Hey, hey. Easy Sammy. Just breathe, okay?"
"I-I saw him do it again. He…It looked like he took out some old Cathedral."
"Okay, okay. You're burnin' up. Just take it easy. Lay back and jus' breathe." Dean eased Sam back, the younger hunter looking like he wanted to protest even as he paled and closed his eyes.
"D-n." Sam moaned, shifting to his side that he could bury his face in the pillow.
"Gonna get you somethin' for the pain."
"Th'ks." Sam whispered as he allowed himself to feel the comfort of the hand Dean placed briefly on the back of his neck.
"Mom?" Sam found himself on the blinding white floor of the room, his mother's flowing dress brushing his upturned fingers where his hand rested on the floor.
"It's okay baby. I'm right here." Mary soothed, easing her small hand through Sam's hair.
Sam eased up on his left elbow, Mary moving to support her son. He pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head slightly. "What's goin' on, mom?"
"He's here, baby. You have to be ready." Mary touched Sam's forehead and his world went white.
Dean stood when he heard the rumble of an engine, going to the window. He pulled back the sheer, but slightly dusty curtain, looking down into the driveway as a big black truck pulled to a stop. The driver's door opened and Dean smiled, looking down on the man that vaguely reminded him of a long haired Popeye. Joshua had long black hair, a barrel chest and powerful arms. He was only an inch or two shorter than Dean himself and easily weighed more than Sam, but nearly all muscle weight. Dean looked at Sam, walking from the window to the bed. He checked Sam to make sure he was sleeping peacefully and left the room, pulling the door halfway closed. He made his way downstairs to greet his father's old friend and mentor.
Bobby opened the door while Joshua was reaching into the back seat of the big king cab Chevy. He removed a laptop and a large bag. Joshua smiled a crooked smile, showing strong white teeth as the older hunter clapped him on the shoulder.
"Good to see ya, man."
"Yeah, old man, long time no see." Josh said, teasing Bobby good naturedly.
Dean came towards the door as Joshua walked through, letting Bobby close the solid wood behind him. "Heya Josh." Dean said.
"Ace!" Josh said, tucking the laptop under a beefy arm and clapping Dean on the shoulder. "Good ta see ya in one piece Dean."
"Good to be in one, Josh."
"Where's the kid?"
"Josh, uh… he's…Lucifer did somethin' to him. He's…sick, and I have this damn awful feeling that we're runnin' outta time. Josh, tell me you got somethin'?"
"Give me a few to set up an' we'll see what we get."
"'M gonna go check on Sammy."
"Give the kid my best." Josh said, sitting the laptop on the table and opening it up. Dean nodded and headed upstairs.
Dean walked towards the bedroom door, his internal alarm ringing loudly when he heard the ragged breathing coming from the room. "Sam?" Dean shoved the door open, going to his brother's side. Sam's head tossed on the pillow and he gasped. "C'mon Sammy, settle down." Dean squeezed Sam's shoulder and rubbed it soothingly. Sam finally settled down.
"How's he doin' Dean?" Bobby asked as he walked in the room.
"He's sleepin' again. Fever's still high."
"Let 'im rest if that's what he needs."
"What the hell is happenin' Bobby?"
Joshua's booming voice rang out from downstairs, nearly drowning out Bobby's "Kid, I wish I knew."
"Guys, I got somethin'!" Lightening cracked, highlighting the evening sky and brightening it to near daylight. Thunder shook the house to it's foundation. Bobby turned towards the door and stopped short when he was met with the coldest gaze that he'd ever seen. Hair like black silk framed an angular face, making the icy eyes stand out starkly against the smooth skin. Bobby shivered once as a long fingered hand reached out and clamped onto his forehead. He gave a near silent sigh as his legs folded and eyes closed.
Dean pulled the bone handled knife from it's hiding place at his waist and lunged as Lucifer took a single step over Bobby's form and into the bedroom. Lucifer held up a hand and Dean stopped, knife poised in the air.
"You."
"Hello Dean."
Lucifer moved his hand slightly and Dean grunted, his face contorting as he fought against the force pushing his hand to the side. Pain shot through his elbow, making his fingers tingle. "Guh." Dean's teeth clenched and his nostrils flared as he tried to pull his hand up again. His fingers tightened as he fought the pins and needles feeling, knuckles turning white. The blade pointed at Lucifer from somewhere near Dean's thigh.
Lucifer's face was passive, his eyes shifting to Sam, a wistful look on the beautiful face. Dean found himself unable to move as Lucifer lowered his hand and walked silently by him.
"Azazel's chosen. Mary's child. So it's down to you, your guardian and I, Samuel." Lucifer sat sown on the bed and carded long fingers back through Sam's hair. Sam tried to shy away from the touch. Dean growled, finally able to wrench around and face him.
"You sonuvabitch, get away from my brother!" Dean roared, trying to force himself free of Lucifer's hold.
"Shh, my child." Lucifer cooed as Sam moaned.
"Fuck you! He'll be yours over my damn dead body!!" Lucifer turned from the bed and stood. Dean blinked when he appeared right in front of his face with the muffled crackle of flames.
Pounding footsteps thundered up the stairs, Joshua's voice covering the distance. "Dean!" The door slammed shut and rocked in it's frame as the burly older hunter threw his shoulder into it, trying to get in.
"That can be arranged, Dean. I'm sure mother Mary would welcome you with open arms." Lucifer's hand flew up and Dean slid backwards, slamming into the wall and sliding down, gasping for breath as the wind was taken from his lungs. The Morning Star glared at the door, his icy eyes glinting. Black smoke curled up through the floorboards and snaked under the door. Dean heard Joshua gasp and the pounding abruptly stopped. "Leave us!" Lucifer called, his voice sounding reverberating. Footsteps moved away from the door.
"Stop." Sam's tired voice said from the bed. "Stop."
Dean felt the pressure ease on his chest as Sam stood from the bed. He wavered and put a hand on the bed to steady himself. Finally pulling in a deep breath, he stood and spoke.
"What do you want?"
"My savior by my side. You, Samuel. You set me free from my prison. I want you to share in my joy. Take part in my revelry!" Lucifer said, spreading his arms wide. Sam's eyes dropped for a second, staring past Lucifer to look at Dean, who remained on the floor, pinned to the wall. Resignation darkened his eyes. Dean shook his head vehemently.
"No, Sam. Don't you do it. Don't you do it!" Sam ignored Dean, focusing once more on Lucifer.
"You swear to leave Dean and Bobby alone."
"You have my word." Lucifer said softly, appearing with the crackle of flames right in front of Sam. He cupped Sam's cheeks with his long fingers. Sam's eyes scrunched shut and he gasped at the touch.
"Sam! NO! NO!"
"Fine." Lucifer slid his hand from Sam's cheek to the back of his neck. Fire rose up from the floor, the choking smell of sulfur tinged smoke choking Dean and making his eyes burn.
"NO!" Dean pushed against the wall and stood as the fire whooshed and imploded in on itself, going out. Sam and the fallen one were gone. "NOOO!"
Dean broke free of the wall and stumbled, the sudden release while he was pushing against the force holding him, nearly sent him to the floor. He rushed to the spot where he'd last seen his baby brother, crouching low to the floor. He smelled the remnants of fire, the fine particles of ash dancing on the air he stirred. The floor was unmarred. Dean inhaled and smelled sulfur.
"Sammy. Damnit, kid." Dean reached out to touch the floor. "I am so gonna beat you down when I find you. Right after I give you the biggest hug you've had since you were six."
"Mmnn."
"Bobby." Dean said, going to the older hunter's side. He crouched down as Bobby stirred, placing a hand on the old man's arm.
"Easy."
Bobby pushed himself up on his elbows. "Aww, what the hell?"
"Exactly."
"Wha-?"
"Lucifer."
Bobby pushed himself up with Dean's aide and straightened his askew hat. "Sam." He made it a statement. Dean nodded morosely. "Damn it." He drawled.
Dean let go of Bobby's arm and spun away, throwing his head back. "CAS!" He paced the length of the room and screamed again. "Cas, get your damn ass down here! NOW!"
"I am here, Dean." The angel said as he appeared in the doorway behind Bobby, causing the old man to jump. "You took me from the front lines."
"Yeah, well tough. That sonuvabitch has Sam!"
Cas glanced at the floor. "He is making his move then."
"Wha-? What move?"
"Dean, Sam will start the final battle of this war." Dean stared at the angel as he spoke. "Lucifer will possess Sam completely and the final battle will be fought."
"Sam's got the tattoo."
"Lucifer is older than that sigil. It will not deter him. He will simply ignore it as if it weren't there.
"How do we stop 'im?"
"You will not." Castiel said as he addressed the older hunter. "You must stop your friend. He has been possessed by that which the word calls Legion. If he continues to be host to this particular demon, he will not survive." Cas turned again looking over the horizon. "Dean, it is your job to lead in this war. You are General. And your soldiers are here."
The sunset cast a bright red flare over the tops of the trees as it sunk below the horizon. The light coalesced, turning from the red, to gold before flashing blue white and making Dean shield his face. The light disappeared as the sound of rustling wings whispered on the breeze. Dean and Bobby both stared wide eyed as a dozen angels appeared in front of them.
"Dean, this is my garrison." Castiel said as he turned to face the awed hunters. "We are at your service."
"So what do we do?" Dean asked Bobby, looking over the angels in his command. Bobby stared at the angels before looking at the younger hunter and shrugging helplessly. Dean looked at the angels again and then turned to Cas.
"Cas, ya said Josh is possessed by Legion?"
"A very dangerous demon. Like humans with multiple personalities. Legion is one of the most destructive of Lucifer's generals."
"Bobby, take four of the angels and go after Josh." Four large male angels stepped forward, silent and unanimously. Dean looked at them. "Joshua is to be taken alive and uninjured. Get the demon out of him and get him safe." Bobby pulled Dean aside.
"Dean, ya sure it's wise to split up?"
"I'm not sure we have a choice. Cas said Josh can't last and I've gotta find Sammy. We've gotta put Lucifer away and end this." Bobby nodded and turned, the angels following him soundlessly.
Dean looked at Cas. "We're gonna end this, now."
Sam groaned, blinking as his surroundings came back into focus. Light poured through a large stained glass window casting rainbows over him. He scrunched his eyes shut when the burgundy light cut into his brain. He pushed himself up and sat back on his butt, pinching the bridge of his nose. A shadow fell over him and he jumped, scuttling backwards until his back came to rest against the wall.
"Wha-?"Sam choked when Lucifer closed in on him and gripped his throat. He lifted the youngest Winchester to his feet and pushed him back, releasing his throat to slid long fingers up to his chin. "What do you want with me?"
"I told you Samuel. I want you to take part in my joy. I want you by my side when I make this world as it should be. One where humans submit to the angels and a select few rule. My true brothers should be here soon. Don't fear us Samuel. You will be the most cherished of treasures." Lucifer snapped out a hand and laid it on Sam's forehead. Sam gasped, Lucifer's quiet command of "Sleep" all but drowned out. Sam went limp, slumping against the man's chest. Lucifer lifted him as though he were weightless, moving to a silk covered table lit from behind by candles. He laid Sam down on the table, brushing his long locks back from his eyes tenderly. The light from the candles flared and played brightly over Sam's lax face, the crescent shadows of his eyelashes enhanced by the soft light over the hollows of his face.
"Mary's child. The most coveted item since the Father's love was lost to me." Lucifer ran a finger down Sam's throat, feeling his pulse beating rhythmically. "And you are in my possession. You will help me reshape this world in a reign of purifying fire." Lucifer turned from Sam, walking towards the big mahogany doors of the cathedral. He walked by three stained glass windows, each depicting scenes where angels bowed before God. The second window showed the faceless figure of God. Lucifer put his fist through the window, the glass shattering into multi colored glittering sparkles that rained down on his boots. Lucifer walked through the doors, booming laughter filling the cathedral as the doors banged open without him even touching them.
"Sammy." Mary called, crouching at her son's side. "Sammy! Baby, wake up!" Mary shifted Sam so that he lay on his back and she pulled his head and shoulders into her lap. Mary used a small hand to push his long hair back and winced at the heat she felt coming from his skin. "Oh, baby. This is hurting you so bad."
Mary tipped her head back and looked above her. The room faded away to just a muted white glow.
"You get your hands off my son! Using me is one thing. I can't fight for myself, but you hurt my baby and you will wish you ceased to exist. I promise you that!"
"And just what do you think you can do to us, Mary? You're a speck. A formless spirit."
"Keep hurting my baby, Zachariah, and you'll find out what even dead Winchesters are made of." Mary spat, her blue gray eyes turning hard, brighter blue.
Zachariah smirked, raising a chubby hand and putting his fingers together. He snapped, the sound reverberating through the room. He disappeared and Sam gasped, jumping awake in Mary's arms. He looked up at her, puzzled, before relaxing and closing his eyes again. He swallowed hard before he spoke, his voice tired and rough.
"Mom?"
"Shh, shh. I'm here baby." She brushed her hand through Sam's hair twice before allowing it to linger on his too warm forehead. Sam shifted so that he lay on his side, tucking his head into her thigh. "You're safe with me now." Sam pulled his knees up to his chest, pinning an arm between them as his other hand came up to circle around his mother's narrow waist and fist in the back of her dress.
Bobby and the four angels walked through the streets, seeing the broken glass, bent signs and damaged cars. They heard a voice ahead, different tones ringing as they pinpointed it coming from an alley just up the block from where they were. Bobby held up a closed fist and switched to two fingers, directing two of the angels ahead to circle the block and come in through the back of the alley. Bobby and the other two angels headed towards the voice. Bobby was the first to lay eyes on the burly hunter possessed by Legion. The man was a mess, knuckles bloody, the crimson fluid dripping from fingers that clenched and unclenched in random spasms.
He spoke, his voice gravelly. "I don't…" He paced to the wall, jerking a hand through his long, disheveled hair, blood from his knuckles clumping the strands together. He laughed, a high, hysterical laugh, paced to the wall and drove his fist into the wall, blood spurting from where a bone protruded from his third finger.
"I got lotsa names, don't know which to use." Joshua screamed aloud and shook his head. "AARGH!" He turned and paced again, kicking at the dumpster and denting the side when he'd made it to the other side.
"Legion!" Bobby barked, leveling a rock salt loaded shotgun at Joshua's form.
"I am." Joshua stopped and looked at Bobby, stepping back when he noticed the angels behind the old man. Two other angels came up and gripped his arms. Joshua threw them off, roaring.
"You have no idea. No idea what you're dealing with." Joshua's eyes bled black, before glinting red and then turning white, then back to black. He turned, shooting out a bloody hand and catching one of the angels hard in the throat. White light shone from the angels eyes and mouth before he screamed and disappeared in a blast of bright light that had Joshua stumbling and Bobby shielding his face. Joshua lunged for Bobby when he recovered his footing. The older hunter fell hard to the ground, grunting, Joshua landing on top of him. Joshua's hands wrapped around Bobby's throat and began to squeeze. The shotgun went off with a roar. Joshua flinched and the angels broke his hold on Bobby, yanking him off the older man. Bobby began coughing, curling onto his side as a hand came up to cradle the back of his bloodied head.
The third angel stepped in front of Joshua and spoke in a deep, booming voice. "Return to the depths, Legion. Your prison awaits."
"Wait! I can tell you where Samuel is."
"You spout lies only, Legion. You are incapable of the truth."
"Oh, but my father wants you to know. I know the truth. I know it all. The plans for Mary's child."
"Lies."
"Let 'im talk." Bobby groaned.
"You'll see Sam again. Not Sammy. Sam's at the town square, Sioux Falls. Sammy's dead. Sammy's dead. Or he will be when this is all over."
"No more riddles." The angel in front of Joshua said, lifting a hand.
"No, no no. No more riddles. I tell the truth. You will find Sam at the town square."
The angel shook out his long silver hair and reached both hands to Joshua, placing one on his head and the other on his heart. White light filled the alley in a blast before it left, leaving Joshua hanging unconscious between two powerfully built angels. His tattered shirt quickly stained crimson from the rock salt that had bitten into his flesh from the close range shot. Bobby shoved himself up on his elbows, before being helped to his feet by the silver haired angel.
"He okay?"
"He will survive."
"Good. Let's get 'im safe and go find those boys." Bobby flipped open his cell phone and dialed Dean's number.
"Hello."
"Got Josh, Dean. He's a little worse for wear but he's alive. Legion said ya can find Sam at Sioux Falls. In the square. Don't know whether I believe him…"
"But it's worth a shot. I have the other angels with me. I'll get him back if he's there."
"You be careful, ya idjit. Ya hear me?" Bobby heard Dean's breath over the line and then the click signifying that the line had been closed.
The moon was high in the sky when Dean walked into the deserted town square, Castiel at his side. He laid eyes on a figure, broad shoulders shrouded in a white button down shirt. Dark blue jeans covered legs down to black, slightly worn leather boots. "Sam."
Sam turned, a smile on his face that reached and lightened his blue green eyes. "Dean!"
Sam walked forward, towards Dean and part of Dean wished that this was his brother. "Stop Sam." Dean said, backing up one step as Castiel took a step forward and put one shoulder in front of Dean.
"What is it Dean?"
"Just stop Sammy. Don't come any closer."
"Dean? What's wrong? It's me." Sam took another step closer and Castiel held out a hand palm forward.
"Stop." the angel said, two more moving up and flanking Dean.
"Call off your guard dogs Dean." Sam said, his eyes bleeding black.
"I knew it. He got to you. How? I mean, you have the tattoo."
"I don't have to get to Sam to be him." Sam's voice deepened, gaining a booming resonant quality. His hair darkened and clothing turned from white to black, starting at the collar and bleeding through the threads as if someone had dumped black paint over him.
"Lucifer." Castiel said, vehemence obvious in his voice.
"Hello, brother. Good to see you again."
"Traitor."
"Oh come now, such harsh words lead to harsh actions and we wouldn't want Sam to be on the receiving end of that now would we."
"You hurt him and I swear to God I'll…"
"You'll what Dean? Send me back to my prison? That would be a neat trick. If you do though, you'll never see your baby brother again."
"Where is Sam?" Castiel asked.
"Safe. Guarded. Treasured. He's where he belongs. Mary's child. By MY side."
"Give him back you sonuvabitch."
"Get real Dean. You never loved him. You can't protect him like he deserves. You were too busy moping around to realize you were losing him to me. Slowly and surely. He's mine Dean." Lightening cracked overhead, blinding the angels and Dean and when he lowered his hand from his face Lucifer was gone.
"Subterfuge." Cas turned to the angels in his command. "Lucifer has taken Sam underground. Brothers and sisters, search the cities for Sam Winchester. He is not to be harmed. He will be heavily guarded and not himself. Be wary." The angels nodded and with the flutter of multiple sets of wings breaking the stillness of the night they were gone.
"Cas, where the fuck is Sammy?"
"We will find him Dean. Do not doubt your connection to him. You will need to rely on it to get him back."
Dean and Castiel walked back towards the fountain, Dean crouching down to look at the ground, seeing traces of sulfur residue on the pavement and flagstone base of the fountain. Dean ran a finger through a sulfur smudge, scooting closer when a small piece of something gold caught his attention. He picked it up seeing a small piece of lead beading connected to it.
"Stained glass."
"Dean?"
"Sammy's in a church."
"Where?"
"I wish to hell I knew!" Dean stood with the glass in his hand, closing his fingers tightly around the shard. It bit into his hand. Hang on Sammy. I will find you.
Please review! I'll post again sometime next week.
