A/N: I do not own the guys and gals and since I am not making anything from these works please don't sue me Mr. Kripke. I do own all OC's though. For every one out there reading and reviewing and yes even lurking: The support has been awesome!!!
No one was too anxious to leave the panic room despite the awesome display of moments ago. Afriel unconsciously fingered the tiny fragment dangling from the thin cord almost as if he was reassuring himself it was still there. Both watched as Raphael healed Bobby grabbing him from the brink and back to the living. The tiny angel and hunter were relieved that Lilith and her goons were gone yet both remained on the defensive as Lilith would certainly return.
"You okay there, kiddo?" Afriel twisted his head to look up at Brady with a steady gaze in those brown depths. The angel nodded slightly at the hunter before wiggling off his lap to join Dean. The tiny seraph pushed his way past Raphael and stood by Dean's side. The hunter felt a tiny warmth on his hand and peered down to see wide brown eyes staring right back up at him.
"I wanna go with you," Dean smiled sadly at his surrogate son then kneeled down to Afriel's level. He gently rested his much larger hands on the tiny shoulders knowing what he had to say would upset the angel.
"Sorry, kiddo, but no can do. You still a pretty big bull's-eye on that little back of yours. I know you wanna help and I can't begin to tell you how much that means to Sam and I, but it's still unsafe for you. I know you don't like being stuck in here but you're needed here," Dean raised his eyes to where Tariel was still laying unmoving. The angel sighed with a heavy heart knowing he could easily move at will but didn't want to let Dean down. He had kept him safe from when Lilith let loose her pets and minions on the house.
"Alright, I'll stay here," his voice was barely above a whisper. Dean knew Afriel was hurt that he couldn't join him but with part of his Grace missing and Lilith still out there he didn't want to take any chances. The hunter embraced the angel tight letting his head rest on one of the small shoulders. Bobby noticed the interaction between the two and saw something in Dean that he never observed before. He decided to keep silent and ask later as now they still had some loose ends to tie up.
Markus had already stepped out into the basement taking an assessment of the damage. His shoulders dropped as he saw many family mementos and photos broken and torn, strewn about the carpet. He felt violated as his steel blue eyes took in the destruction. Sure he knew this could happen but it still didn't soften the blow. He kneeled down and brushed away shards of glass and splintered frames and pulled a photo from the rubble. It was one that he held dear to his heart. The day Brooklyn was born. The hunter felt tears welling in his ancient eyes as he carefully pressed the wrinkled photo against his body.
"Hey, Markus, everything alright man?" He quickly wiped his eyes and turned to Sam. The younger man noticed the photo clutched in his hand but didn't inquire about it. Instead he looked up and around seeing the extent of the damage.
"You know we'll stay and help, Markus," the immortal smiled briefly and gripped Sam's shoulder in an appreciative manner.
"Thank you, Sam. An old man like me can't possibly do alone," Sam rolled his eyes and snorted at his joke.
The sound of boots crunching over ruined photo frames and furniture made the two look over their shoulders and see Dean heading out along with Brady and Raphael. The Healer's upper lip curled into a snarl as he laid eyes on the room.
"Demons, no respect for anyone or anything," he huffed. Brady let out a low whistle as he flicked on the lights to the bedroom seeing this room was not spared the wrath of Lilith or the bathroom or study.
Markus felt his heart break at the sight of his study. This was his sanctuary and that bitch destroyed it. He fought to keep his raging anger under control feeling his hands curling into tight fists. Letting an anguished shout fill the room, Markus punched the wall creating a tight circle in the sheetrock and plaster.
"Now I'm really pissed off," he growled. Raphael placed a hand on Markus's trembling shoulder unsure of what to say to his friend. Markus spun around finding himself locked with the Healer's empathetic orbs.
"It's alright, Markus, we will all help rebuild," the hunter nodded as his anger materialized into hot angry tears that cascaded down his face.
Afriel sat on the bed and watched the distressing scene unfold. The angel detected Markus's anger and pain over what the demons did.
"Demons better watch out," he said to himself. Markus DeTaurius was not one to have as an enemy for the little angel had watched him when he was a general for Rome and his enemies were shown no mercy. Lilith had a new foe to contend with now.
A small moaning sound caused the seraph to turn and see Tariel stirring and slowly opening her eyes. She looked around confused as to what was going on. Afriel placed a hand on the side of her face providing some stability to the angel as she continued to come out of her coma like state. Tariel could feel a throbbing pain on her shoulder blades as she struggled to sit upright. Afriel pulled his hand away repositioning his tiny body allowing her to support her lean frame against his.
"Tariel's awake," he beamed. Afriel wrapped his arms around her waist careful not to increase her discomfort. The angel merely groaned softly as the warm comforting presence of her brother leaned harder against her.
"Dean…" her voice squeaked as Tariel's throat was parched and dry. She swallowed then tried calling out her hunter's name again. She didn't care if her throat retaliated against her attempts to catch her love's attention.
"Dean," the hunter froze and listened. "Dean," it couldn't be, could it? "Dean," it had to be her.
Jumping over the debris Dean reached the panic room. He grabbed the iron framework nearly stumbling over his own feet when he saw her sitting up and awake. Tariel had a slightly glazed over look which was rapidly fading away as her hazel eyes were greeted with Dean standing there. The hunter felt a grin breaking out across his face as he rushed to his angel's side taking her in his strong arms. Arms that felt empty and cold without her encircled within them.
Dean kissed her cheek and nestled his head against her shoulder as she carefully draped her arms around his waist. How she missed his body pressed against hers so tight.
"I was worried you wouldn't make it," his voice cracked and trembling through his confession. Tariel shook her head and kissed his forehead.
"Worry no more, Dean, for I am here and in your arms," she whispered. Afriel gently released the angel from his arms so Dean could hold her closer. The hunter looked over at the little angel and ruffled the light brown tresses.
"Thanks, kiddo," Afriel beamed knowing he did well. The angel nodded then went to sit in the chair and watched as the hunter and angel exchanged vows of love and devotion.
The group had witnessed Dean's one eighty and hurried to the panic room welcomed with a touching site. Dean and Tariel were once again reunited. Bobby felt a smile cracking his face at the sweet scene. For the older man couldn't imagine Dean Winchester finding an honest and genuine love. Cassie had broken his heart in two then the loss of Brooklyn had put the man in a tailspin. But now as he witnessed the bond they shared Bobby knew it was going to be alright for them.
"Shall we head upstairs and see the carnage?" Markus sighed heavily. Taking the lead, the immortal led the men up the stairs and in the hall. Dean and Afriel remained behind with Tariel.
Markus paused at the top of the stairs listening intently for any movement. The hunters and Archangel tensed as they stood on the stairs listening and waiting for any movement. They waited with abated breath refusing to give any indication of their presence. If Lilith had decided to return they didn't want her having the advantage. The immortal slowly let his breath leave his lungs before peering around the corner down the darkened hallway. His vision sharp like a cat's allowing him to see what no mere human could.
"Let's go," he whispered treading down the hall with the rest of the group on his heels. Bobby wasn't about to sit down while the guys had all the fun. He wanted to repay the demons for all the wonderful hospitality they showed him while he was in their company. Outside the sound of flapping wings alerted the hunters they were not alone after all.
Above the house it circled watching for movement. It hungered to rip its claws into soft human or angel flesh. Hell it would settle for both at once. It avoided the bright blue flash as it had hidden deep in the desert waiting until it was safe to return. Its hearing sharp able to detect the slightest hint of life, the tiniest heartbeat, the faintest breath or the smallest traces of warmth that radiated from any living being. As it circled around the house its head shot downward sensing warmth and life below.
The living room was thrashed as furniture was torn apart and mementos smashed. Markus felt his anger rising but forced himself to suppress the negative energy struggling to take over. Breathing in slowly then exhaling the immortal pressed on seeing the kitchen was in shambles. He was relieved Brooklyn wasn't here to see this.
It glided through the air waiting for her to arrive. She told it that she would return and it could have all the human flesh it desired. Its blood red eyes spotted two figures on the ground and the beast realized it was Lilith. It was time.
Sam was sifting through the broken glass and debris scavenging anything that could used as a weapon. Bobby had joined the younger man helping him search finding a shot gun that had the barrel bent into itself. Well that certainly wasn't going to be of any use. Dropping it in a huff, the old hunter continued his hunt finding two handguns that had escaped the attack. Sliding the firearms in his waistband, Bobby remained by Sam's side realizing that was all they would find.
"Find anything?" Brady knelt down by Sam as Bobby nodded his head and presented the two handguns. Brady fished through his pockets and found the bullets he discovered hidden beneath a cabinet in the kitchen.
"These are the salt filled ones," he said with an evil glint in his eyes as Bobby accepted the rounds.
Markus wasn't having any better luck as he and Raphael had found more debris than anything. The demons even raided the damn fridge!
"Like I said before no respect, Markus," the Healer growled. The pair stood to their feet as the sound of ripping and tearing echoed from the roof.
"Oh, shit," Brady exclaimed speaking for the rest of the group. The sound of the roof being split apart from the house drowned out any other sounds. The creature wailed and hollered as it fought to tear the barrier that kept it from the hot flesh and blood beneath.
"Panic room now!" Markus shouted out as the men raced down the hall towards the stairs. As they charged down the corridor a figure loomed at the landing causing the men to stop dead in their tracks.
"And just where do you think you gentlemen are going?" Damon sneered as the demon's silver disks flashed violently at them. Raphael charged in front ready to take his former friend head on.
"Bring it on, bitch," Damon snarled.
Lilith stood at panic room's doorway sensing the iron encased space was fortified. Her eyes turned white before she closed them. When she opened them, where a woman once stood was now the form of a familiar face.
Afriel was watching over Tariel and Dean as they had curled up in one another's arms and managed to doze off. He was snapped out of his trance at the sound of a knock on the heavy door.
"Afriel, it's me," Sam's voice came through from the other side. Frowning, the little angel cautiously approached the door. Standing in the safety of the Eye, the seraph swept his hand across his body opening the door with what little angel mojo he had left. Sam stood there in front of the room with a panicked look on his handsome face.
"Afriel, we're under attack and Raphael's calling for you," the angel remained firmly in place sensing something was very wrong. Sam offered his hand out yet wasn't stepping inside. Afriel shook his head.
"No, you're not Sam," he declared as the figure of Sam melted away revealing Lilith beneath.
"You're a smart little angel," she snarled back as the demon and angel stood off. "You may be an observant little brat but too bad for you it won't save you."
Blank white orbs illuminated the demon's eyes as she lifted her hand. Afriel screamed as he could feel the demon's dark powers dragging him across the floor. He fought to brace his small form grasping for something anything to keep him inside the safety of the panic room. Terror gripped him tight as he frantically looked at Dean and Tariel.
"Dean!" the little seraph shouted at the top of his lungs only to see the hunter still on the bed. Lilith cruelly laughed as Afriel's pleas fell upon deaf ears.
Upstairs Raphael and Damon continued to square off. Evil versus light, brother against brother. The Healer's stare hard and cold as Damon merely snickered at his former brother.
"You go find the bitch, Damon and I have some issues to resolve," Raphael barked as the remaining three rushed past the Healer. Damon merely shook his head with the twisted sneer still firmly latched upon his face. With a wave of his hand, the demon sent the hunters crashing against the living room wall effectively keeping them there.
"Now, Raphe, did you really think I would let your little tools ruin our fun? I don't think so," angered at the demon's smugness, the Healer launched a right hook making direct contact with the demon's face. Damon's head violently jerked left but his body remained firmly seated in place. He turned his face and cracked his neck as his fingers ran across the angry red spot where the angel had decked him.
"My turn," Damon growled. A low rumbling sound rose within the demon's throat as the tendons in his neck popped out. Damon thrusted his hands forward hurling a powerful swell towards the Healer. Raphael dodged the blow diving to the side. He landed on his knees and immediately assumed a fighting stance anticipating the demon's next move.
The air was heavy with an electric charge as the two powerful entities faced off neither one willing to relent to the other. Raphael's breathing hard and rapid as his vessel's heart pounded loudly in his chest. Damon's eyes flashed silver as he stared down the Archangel. His fingers twitched in anticipation as they hung limp at his sides.
"You don't have the balls to take me head on, Raphael," Damon taunted the Archangel.
"Apparently you don't know me as well as you once thought, demon," he retorted leaping to his feet and calling forth his Grace and allowing his true form to leak through his vessel's form.
Markus saw the bright light and hollered at his companions, "Shut your eyes!" Sam and Bobby closed them tightly as Raphael continued to let his angelic soul come forth. Damon hissed in pain and immediately covered his eyes and vanished. Raphael suppressed his form back within his soul and turned to the hunters. The three men felt their bodies sliding down the wall as Damon's influence was broken.
"Dean! We left him, Afriel and Tariel alone!" Sam cried out in horror.
Dean awakened to find Afriel missing. Frantically he sat up and gently maneuvered around his angel scanning the room for his little guy.
"Afriel! Afriel where are you?!" he shouted out. He grew heartsick as the sickening realization filled his mind. A hand on his shoulder made him spin around to find Tariel standing there with look that confirmed his fears.
"She has him, Dean. Lilith has Afriel," she choked. The hunter embraced his love tight as he realized how much the little seraph meant to him. He felt his tight tighten and eyes well up as anguish and sorrow washed over him.
Afriel woke up finding his arms and legs chained tight to a large wooden slab. He fought against the restraints not caring if they cut deep within his skin. The slick warmth of the angel's blood coated his wrists and manacles as he continued fighting.
"Better knock it off, you little angelic brat," his eyes darted towards the source of the voice. Standing next to him was a slender woman with long flowing red hair and hard callous eyes.
"Anna," Afriel whispered in horror. Anna nodded as she stroked the seraph's hair and face. Afriel jerked his head away from her vile touch. The angel laughed shortly at his rejection of her.
"Afriel, some things never change do they? Lilith's got big plans for you, sweetie," her cold words ran like ice water through the little angel's veins. His body frozen in terror as the sinister form of Lilith materialized beside Anna. Afriel narrowed his eyes at the two she demons as he refused to show them any pain.
Next chap up soon!!! I am sorry about the slow updates as my brain is totally fried! Thanks again for all of the support and feedback!!!