Chapter 10: Round and Round he goes where he stops…
As Sam drives further and further away from the bunker, he looks down at himself and realizes that maybe an earlier stop to get a change of clothes is in order. However, he doesn't want to stop in the nearby town because, well, almost everyone knows Dean. A shopping center is around 20 more miles out and since Dean hates them, he decides to go there. He arrives, gets out of the car and walks inside. Inside, he walks to the closest outlet store, other than strange looks upon entering he is ignored.
Sam grabs two pairs of jeans, three plaid shirts, a packet of colored t-shirts and a pack of socks. He looks around a bit he and also finds a packet of briefs. He walks over to the register where the cashier rings his purchases up. He pulls out his credit card and pays for them. The cashier smiles at him as she hands hands him his purchase and he walks out.
He takes another deep breath while sitting behind the wheel. "Okay, that was easy" he thinks "then why am I feeling bad?" "Never mind" he decides as he shakes off the feeling. He then starts the car and drives off.
Seven hours later, he is nodding off as he drives. He looks at the time, it's 8:30. "Why am I so tired?" he wonders yawning. "I can't stop yet, maybe I just need some coffee" he thinks as his stomach grumbles. It has actually been grumbling for the last three hours, he'd skipped lunch. He sees a road sign up ahead for a truck stop diner - "Madge's place". Just as he wonders whether he should order something to go his stomach grumbles again. "Okaaay, yeah, I need to get something and use the bathroom to change into something more presentable" he decides.
He pulls up to a very loud busy diner with a truck stop and gas station attached. He parks the car and looks down at himself. "Okay, I can do this. I don't need to feel nervous. It isn't like anyone can see through my jacket to see the puppy onesie nor the diaper" he muses grimacing at the thought. He opens the door, steps out and zips up the jacket, just in case. There's a lot of people milling about both outside and inside. He walks through the glass doors, up to the counter and sits on a stool. He picks up the menu as a redhead walks up to him.
"What it'll be honey?" All of a sudden Sam feels self-conscious and over whelmed. There's too many people, too many noises and he feels that he can't concentrate.
"Uh, I'm not sure?" he whispers. The waitress, who at that point, seems like she's on autopilot looks at her customer and sees the dewy eyed look of the young man in front of her. She feels bad for him.
"How about I start you off with a nice cup of coffee and you take your time ordering? I'll be back in 10 minutes while you decide what you want" she says to him. "Okay, yeah" he agrees grateful.
She pours him a cup before reaching into the bakery counter, and for some strange reason, pulling out one of their large chocolate chip cookies for him. She puts it on a small plate, smiles and walks away.
"Okay get a grip" Sam tells himself. "Why do I feel like a small scared child?" he wonders. "Oh crap, is it to do with what Hannah did to me? That means I'm going to have to keep checking myself mentally otherwise I'll screw up. I can't afford that. I can't travel like this, I'm going to need help" he realizes.
He looks up to see where the waitress is and waves her down. He smiles at her and begins his charm.
"Sorry about earlier, I've been driving for hours. I was kind of in the zone there, but I'm ready now. I'd like to take a chicken salad to go, dressing on the side, and can I please get this coffee to go too?"
She blinks, he looks totally different from the scared young man she met a few minutes ago.
"Sure thing hon. Anything else?"
"Yeah, uh, can you tell me where the bathroom is?"
"Towards the back through the lounge we have one" she says pointing to a red door.
"Okay. Let me pay for this and I'll be right back" he says handing her a twenty using some of the cash he'd gotten at the outlet store and grabs his duffel. She watches him walk away, not sure why she feels hesitant to let him go by himself.
She shakes her head maybe because she's raised four boys by herself? Maybe she's feeling a bit maternally nostalgic? She shrugs, goes off to the back kitchen and places his order.
Sam pushes the red leather looking door that leads to the diner's lounge area. The room is dimmer and it takes his eyes time to adjust after the bright lights in the diner. There's a full bar, some small tables and booths for anyone just wanting to have a drink and relax or play a game of pool or darts. A juke box is playing classic rock in the corner. He notes that it's not as crowded as the diner before seeing the bathroom sign and walks to the back.
He enters the men's room and sees that all four stalls are empty. Seeing the door has a lock he decides to act quickly before someone walks in. He locks the bathroom door and quickly puts his bag down opening it. Then he stands and takes off the jacket. He sees his reflection in the mirror and is startled by it. He leans on the sink before reaching to touch his reflection. His worry lines and hard ruggedness, acquired over the years have gone. It's still him except without the harsher lines and his eyes look so innocent without him really trying to make them that way.
"Oh crap, is this what Hannah meant when she took away my defenses?" he wonders. The toddler outfit he's wearing doesn't make things any better. Actually, it brings out more of the innocence and youth. He really does look like a giant baby. Sam feels an anxiety attack starting from inside his deeper conscious. He quickly looks around and sees how dark and ominous the bathroom looks causing his breath to hitch. He wonders how he got here and where Dean is.
Somewhere deep inside he knows he's supposed to be doing something but he can't think. He's cold, hungry, tired and…and he wants Dean! He backs away from the mirror and leans against the wall trying to mentally get a grip.
There's a loud knock on the door and it startles him from his thinking. "Hey who lock the damn door!" a voice calls.
Sam looks around again confused what was he's doing. He looks over to the door when it's banged again. "Hey is there anyone in there?!"
He looks at his supplies and remembers what he's supposed to be doing and clears his throat "Uh, one minute!" he finally calls out, voice wavering a bit.
"Dang, this ain't no private bathroom!" the person outside yells. "Great" Sam huffs as he grabs his jacket and pulls it on. He re-zips back up reaching for the bag before going to the door. He mentally refocuses and prepares himself before unlocking it.
"Boy what in hell were you…" the stranger stares up to the giant coming out the bathroom. Sam stands up at his full 6'4, neck held high and shoulders back. He glances down at the man who stands at only 6 feet giving Sam 5 full inches over him.
"Personal Business' Sam growls low causing the guy to step back hands raised. Sam continues to walk past him to the diner. The bright light assaults him, giving him another slight panic attack, but he pushes it down and walks back to the counter. He looks for the red head waitress. She spots him first and walks up to him with a plastic bag.
"Here you go darling and your change."
"Keep it" he replies, grabbing the bag before heading out the door. He walks over to the black sedan and drops the white plastic bag in the front seat, through the broken window. He takes a good look around the parking lot and starts making his way to the gas station part around the back. Just as he guessed, there is an outside bathroom for people coming only for gas. Upon entering he sighs seeing it's a single bathroom and locks it. It's a bit dark and grimy but it will do for what he needs. He opens the bag, pulls out the bronze bowl and the ingredients he needs. He doesn't bother to draw a devil's trap, he just needs to summon ... him.
He adds another ingredients, something he picked up from watching Dean do the summoning spell for Gabriel. He slices his right hand and drops a few drops of his blood into the bowl, knowing it will strengthen the summoning ritual. His inner child winces at the slight pain in his hand.
He recites the Latin incantation and then drops the match into the bowl. Sparks flare and smoke rises. Sam steps back but nothing happens … at first. Then the one stall in the small bathroom opens up and Crowley steps out.
"Really, this had better be important summoning me in the most degrading place" he fumes as he turns and faces Sam. He stops and freezes mid brush of his lapels on his black suit jacket.
"Well this is quite the surprise" Crowley muses. "Must be really bad if you are calling me Moose. You are calling me for assistance I presume."
"No I really wanted to see your ugly mug" Sam bitches.
Crowley shrugs at Sam's comment "To what do I owe the pleasure? As if I don't know already. Your big brother goes MIA for a week now and you're calling me. Coincidence? I don't think so" Crowley finishes.
"This is all your fault!" Sam angrily says. He can't help but stomp his foot, ending with his mouth in a pout. Crowley raises his eyes at Sam display of immaturity. Something is up and he's curious to find out what.
"Temper moose, but before we continue might we move this discussion a little less odorific?"
"'kay" Sam replies before turning around to unlock the door and walk out. Crowley pauses at Sam's agreement without arguing more or threatening him first, before he follows. It puts Crowley on alert, wondering if this is a trick, since Sam did not draw a devils' trap to keep him there.
Sam stops, hesitant, and looks around "Um don't know where to go now" he says quietly. Crowley studies Sam for a minute and notices something is up with the younger Winchester. He points to the bar attached to the diner, "Well how about we grab a drink and discuss?" Sam nods but does not lead the way. Crowley pauses for a minute, not feeling comfortable having a Winchester at his back, but something tells him nothing is going to happen, so he leads the way, followed by Sam. He watches Sam and notices how his shoulders are slouched, as though he's trying to make himself smaller.
They walk up to the bar and sit on stools. Crowley sees how Sam slouches on his stool and looks down at his hands. Crowley sighs and motions the bartender over ordering two scotch, three fingers pour. When the bartender brings them over he hands one to Sam and it seems to do the trick … almost.
As Sam swallows the burning liquid down it wakes him up. He has two reactions: he savors it and he chokes on it. Sam looks around and notices Crowley sitting next to him.
"When did you get here?" he exclaims.
Crowley looks a bit puzzled at Sam's outburst "About 5 minutes ago, chap. When you summoned me in the bathroom of the gas station. Are you feeling all right Moose?"
Sam takes a deep breath, grabs his drink again and takes swig. This time enjoying the burn more. It seems to fully wake him up pulling his full conscious to the front. Although it does burn his tummy … no his stomach. "It's called a stomach not a tummy" he mentally chastises himself. Since it burns his stomach it helps to ground him more. He might pay for it later though, alcohol on an empty stomach isn't a good idea.
"No" he honestly replies to Crowley's query "Thank you for this" he gulps the last swallow of scotch.
"Sure anytime, now care to enlighten me as to what is going on?"
Sam nods his head trying to gather his thoughts, now that he's front and center.
"Yeah okay there not a lot of time but I need to know, can you get me close to the Cage?"
"Beg your pardon?" Crowley looks at Sam as if he's lost his mind.
"Look, I just need to know if you can get me as close as possible to the Cage, where Lucifer is."
"I know what you mean moose, but why would you want to visit that side of Hell?"
"You know why" Sam gives Crowley a knowing look.
"Okay granted I know, but what makes you think he'll want to help?"
"He won't have a choice" Sam looks determinedly at Crowley. Crowley looks a little taken aback by Sam's declaration.
"Well, well, well. Could little Sammy have actually grown a pair and actually have a plan that might succeed?"
"Will you help me?"
"What's in it for me?"
"Well for one Dean won't be a Knight of Hell anymore so he'll no longer be a threat to your crown. Me, I won't hunt and kill you" Sam finishes.
"Tempting, but what's your guaranteed 'this won't go sideways' plan and how do you plan on keeping big brother out of the picture?"
Sam swallows at the last part and mumbles his reply.
"Come again?" Crowley asks.
Sam sighs "I said I need your help with that one." Crowley looks at him waiting for more explanation.
"Look, I can tell you everything once I get to a safer place. Right now, I don't' know how much longer I can keep myself focused. When I get tired and hungry I tend to ... I mean I get really … uh …" he looks away not feeling comfortable enough to share but needing some kind of help. Even though he doesn't trust Crowley, he's better than anyone else who might alert Dean.
He allows himself to let a bit of Sammy in and looks up at Crowley. He looks directly at Crowley with as much sincerity as he can.
"Crowley, look I need to get to Flagstaff, Arizona and in my condition I don't think I can drive the last nine hours it will take without getting pulled over or crashing the freaking car." He unleashes his most puppy eyed look on the King of Hell.
"What the devil is wrong with you Moose?" Crowley asks completely baffled by Sam's demeanor and something else feels off …
Sam drops his head "There's kind of a spell on me?"
"Kind of?" Crowley echoes.
"Angel grace really or more like they removed something" Sam looks up again and Crowley sees for the first time with his demon eyes at Sam and finally sees it. Sam's soul's aura. It had always hidden behind Dean's own soul's aura.
No matter how tired or weary or broken Dean was, anytime his little brother was around him, his aura had the strength to increase in size and block out the younger Winchester's true soul image. He had always thought it was funny that Moose's vessel was big but he could never see his true soul around Dean because Deans' true soul would cover almost all of it because of its vastness. Now he saw why … Sam's was … it was … actually very bright, pure, young and small … "huh, the irony" he thinks.
Crowley quickly covered his eyes using his demon powers as a kind of a filter. Then he remembers the times when Dean was not with Sam, his aura was dulled down. He'd always assumed it was because of what the boy went through with Lucifer in the cage.
"Why now? Crowley asks out loud.
"Come again?" it's Sam's turn to be puzzled.
"Why is your soul so bright, pure and noticeable, when it was dim before?"
Sam nods at this acknowledgment "So that what Hannah meant when she said she pulled something up-front and took down my mental shields."
"Ah, so that's why you are acting all loopy" Crowley comments.
"Look it's actually more than that, but I guess the fast way to get you up on intel is to let you see what's happened these past few days" Sam looks down at his hand knowing what he has to do but afraid to remove the Sigil because he knows the moment he does, Dean will have full access to him. They'll need to move fast as soon as he does.
HE looks directly at Crowley "I need you to break the circle on this Sigil" Sam says showing him his left palm. Crowley is taken aback "The moment you do; you need to look as fast as you can through my mind to catch up to now. Then we need to jump out of here, ASAP!"
"You're allowing me to view your memories, well it must be pretty bad if you of all people are allowing me in."
"Crowley! I don't have much time, I'm so tired and I feel like I want to just drift and … god this is getting hard" Sam sniffs.
"Bugger, all right, Crowley reaches over and touches Sam's hands nothing happens, the sigil is still in place. "What the Devil?"
"Oh sorry, I forgot" Sam reaches over to his right wrist and pulls down his sleeve. He removes a silver bracelet with interesting cravings on it.
Crowley is watching him, Sam sighs "It repels magic or any other supernatural power, now please" he holds out his hand again. This time when Crowley touches his palm part of the circle lines disappears as he stares into Sam's eyes. Everything flashes before the King of Hell's mind. When he pulls back he looks at Sam.
"Well, uh, huh … was not expecting that ..." he looks over at Sam again puzzled.
"Yeah I know" Sam says with raised eyebrows.
Crowley is still looking at Sam, he had to ask "Are you wearing…"
"Yes! Sam interrupts him.
"Sorry mate. Was curious, is all. Not often you run into situations like this" Crowley states holding his empty tumbler glass. He waves the bartender over and asks for another shot.
"Crowley we need to go! 'm pretty sure Dean is back at the bunker and livid." He looks at his watch, it's nine pm. "Oh yeah. Dean is definitely back in the bunker and we still have nine more hours to go to get to Flagstaff."
"You're right. The last thing I need is for squirrel to be jumping down my throat if he finds out I'm with you" Crowley says standing and putting down a 20. Sam gets up to follow, but feels a strong hand grip his bicep before being spun around.
Sam's eyes widen in shock!
"Sammy, oh my god are you all right!?" Dean looks completely worried, concerned and mad all at the same time.
"Dean!" Sam yelps in surprise. Crowley turns at hearing Sam's exclamation.
Dean's eyes narrow at the bar when he sees the two empty tumblers "You let him drink!?"
"Squirrel in my defense I did not know anything until now. He summon me" Crowley points out.
"Samuel Winchester did you do a demon summoning spell?"
"No" Sam whispers.
"Samuel.'
"I didn't! I did a blood demon summoning spell!" Sam slams his hand over his mouth. Where had that come from?! "Damn it" he realized, "Hannah's grace strikes again!" He tries to move away but Dean's got a good grip on his arm. He grabs Sam's hand and looks at it. He sees the slice on his right palm and the dry blood trying to scar over the cut.
"Damn it Sam! You cut yourself with a knife on purpose" Dean growls.
"I … I .. I'm sorry Dean, I needed to…" Sam's voice wavers.
"Boys, you might want to take this outside. You two are drawing unnecessary attention to yourself" Crowley points at the bar they are standing in.
People had stopped doing what they were doing to watch the scene unfold. "Aww crap" Sam thinks as he tries to pullout of Dean grasp but Dean holds on tight.
"Time to go Sammy."
"No Dean, stop' Sam tries to pull out of his grip again looking over Dean's shoulder to Crowley for help.
"Sorry but it looks like it's time for me to bail" Crowley says before disappearing. Sam's jaw drops "no, no, no I was so close" he thinks as tears well up in his eyes out of frustration. "Argh! Stupid spell! Stupid tired brain! Making me get all emotional and loose control over my body's reactions!"
It's not like he's never been on his own before, he needs to try to get away, he still has the bracelet. He reaches in his left pocket and closes his hand around it. Dean can't use his demon powers, but he can use his strength.
"No Dean, let go" Sam tries one more time to pull out of Dean's grasp.
Out of the blue, Sam hears "Sugar, I do believe the young man asked you to let him go." It was the redhead form the diner!
"Well you see darling this here's my little brother. Right now he's just really tired and not feeling too well." Dean smiles at the waitress, but there's a hardness in his voice that Sam notices.
"Sweetheart, you all right?" the waitress asks Sam directly, ignoring Dean.
"Oh, oh" Sam realizes. "If I cause a scene with Dean like this, innocent lives could get hurt." He doesn't mean to drop his head, but he's so tired he can't get his head to work right. He's really struggling now.
"I'm sorry. I'm okay" he answers the waitress quietly.
"Darling you ain't got nothing to be sorry or scared for. This here is my place and if you don't feel like going home with him you don't have to" she smiles warmly. That was when Sam saw her name tag for the first time. "Madge" as in "Madge's place." This whole diner/bar truck stop is her place. She's the owner and the last thing she needs is Dean demolishing the place!
"No Sam. That is not want I am going to do." Dean rolls his eyes, what does it take to get Sammy to understand? He's not the typical cause carnage and destruction demon.
Sam looks at his brother startled before he remembers that the sigil is broken and Dean can hear his thoughts again.
"Yeah, I know Sammy" Dean arches an eyebrow and proceeds to lift Sam's left hand looking at the broken sigil. Sam cringes, not because he's scared, but because he knows he's in trouble for breaking one of the rules Dean had set out.
"Not just one rule, but several Sammy. Now it's time to go home." Dean looks around and sees he is still standing in the bar. He looks at Sammy, since he cannot just read but feel the guilt coming of the kid.
"I'm sorry Dean" Sam whispers again with glazed eyes, holding up a glowing silver bracelet "But I have to do this. We won't be able to morph out here that easily."
Dean recognizes the bracelet and looks at Sam "Sammy baby give me the bracelet."
"No" Sam says as he stepped back. Although he knew it was the right move, he's having an internal struggle with himself. He's tired and his head hurts, his tummy hurts and why can't he just go go home with Dean? His hand wavers a bit holding the bracelet as he lets out a small whimper "Dean."
"It's okay Sammy. You're just tired, hungry and confused. I know you just want your bed and your binky. Mister Flops is waiting for you at home" Dean says gently to Sam as he reaches for the bracelet. Sam tries to take two steps back but whimpers after hearing what Dean had just described, it sounds comforting. God if he could just think for another minute.
Then he feels a hand grab onto the hand holding the bracelet, looking to his right he sees Madge right there.
"Look. I don't know what the hell is going on, but I can read people well. Since this boy is holding a weird glowing bracelet against you, sir, I would think you get the message. NO means NO." She looks perplexed but determined. She doesn't understand what the freak is going on but she'd seen the boy's eyes and they looked like someone asking for help, any kind of help. She was not going to stand by and let this young man disappear without at least trying. She might be in over her head, as her late husband Harold would say, but damn, that's who she is. She jumps before she looks sometimes.
Dean sighs "Lady you don't know the half of it". Dean had some respect for the 50 year old lady. She actually reminds him of Ellen. Spit and fire, and righteous anger to protect the weak.
Thanks to her interruption Sam regains a bit more focus "Dean, please don't hurt these people."
Dean looks at Sam "Sammy I've already said I wouldn't do that and if it makes you happy Cas, is here to make sure that does not happen."
Sam looks startled instead of relieved and whips his head around.
"He's outside Sammy, waiting for us. He'll make sure Madge and her patron are all right, with a little bit of angel grace of course."
Right on cue Castiel opens the door and walks in "Dean, we have a problem and we need to leave these good folks, now."
"I'd love to Cas, but Sammy here is playing a game called 'let's not use powers.'"
"What?" Castiel looks confused.
"Well, try to get us out of here with your new found grace and see what happens."
Cas looks over at Dean and Sam, and sees the glowing bracelet. "I take it that is the reason I could not communicate with you from the outside or even sense you or Sam?"
"Bingo" Dean smirks.
Cas peers at Sam, "That might not be such a good idea now Sam. We need to go, or we are in endangering these people."
Sam looks between Dean and Cas with questioning eyes. Dean shrugs at Sam not knowing himself what is going on. Madge is still standing next to him, holding on to him which is what is helping him stay grounded.
"What are you talking about Cas?" he asks.
'Demons, more than a handful and by what I can sense Abaddon's followers."
"But Abaddon is dead" Sam exclaims "How can there still be followers?"
"Not many took her fall lightly and want revenge" Cas explains.
"Wait that means…." Sam looks up scared, at Dean.
"Yes" Cas answers "Dean is the one they want, so now would be an excellent time to get out of here."
Sam clasp his hand around the bracelet and says a quiet incantation. The bracelet stops glowing. Unfortunately the moment it does, a gale force shatters the front of window of the bar.
On instinct, Sam grabs Madge and shielded her as he made her duck down. A hand full of patrons in the bar had also ducked and covered. Dean had moved to stand right in-front of Sam and the shards of glass hit him. However, as Sam watches, the small cuts here and there on Dean's arms and face close up quickly. So did Cas', who stood alongside Dean.
The air clears inside the bar to reveal eight new figures standing, all with black eyes. Sam, who was crouched down with Madge, immediately makes to get up to stand alongside Dean. However, as he moved Dean's hand shot out behind to hold Sam down where he is. He leans over to Castiel "Cas I need you take Sam and get him the hell outta here."
"No Dean!" Sam protests.
"Sammy, no arguing this time." Dean has his back to Sam as he doesn't want to turn his back on the demons. Just then four more walk through the door bringing the total to 12.
"As much as I want to agree with you Dean, I am inclined to agree with Sam. These are not your average demons. You will need me to stay for backup" Cas says with a hard look on his face.
"I know that Cas. Why do you think I need Sam as far away as possible?" Dean says through gritted teeth as the mark on his arm starts to glow. Sam glances between Cas and Dean wondering what the hell is going on. Before he can ask, one of the demons steps away from the rest and Sam sees that his eyes are different. They are black, but the outer-ring was ... gold? He was tall, about Sam's height, had a very broad chest and shoulders and his jet black hair was slicked black.
"Dean Winchester, the great demon hunter. So the rumors are true. You've been turn into one of us" the guy smirks.
"Bael, rumor has it that you're still a dick" Dean replies.
Sam looks at the demon. Why did the name Bael ring a bell? He realizes with a start that Bael is one of the seven princes of hell mythology that he'd read about. A kind of demon god who appeared as a bull, man or other creatures. "Oh no" he thinks "he is quite powerful, but just like all powerful bullies he's more like a jackal that waits until the bigger guns are out of the picture. Then comes in and takes the pieces."
Dean eyes glint with anger.
Bael looks at Dean's arm as the Mark begins to glow "So you have taken Cain's sin upon your soul and the Mark proves you're the next in line to lead since Abaddon is gone."
"Aw, didn't you hear? I gave my resignation to Crowley a week ago" Dean smirks "you might want to take it up with him."
"Don't mention that low life of a demon to me" Bael spits "He thinks just because he sits on the throne, he rules us all."
"I'm pretty sure Crowley's proven quite an adversary for whoever crosses the line with him or challenges him" Dean answers matter factually. "Otherwise, you'd have taken the throne away from him, there has been plenty of chances."
"An I'd have taken them but then again I didn't align myself with hunters or a Winchester for that matter as that traitorous coward did."
"Well it just goes to show you, Crowley was smart. He knew the stakes and how to play them in his favor at the time" Dean remarks.
Bael takes a step forward into Dean's space "Well, I'm surprised you're actually defending him, considering all the pain and misery he gave you and your brother." Bael pauses leaning in and smiling in Dean's face "But then again, I wouldn't expect any less from a personal lap dog."
Dean's jaw tightens at that and then he smiles, a very icy chilly evil smile.
"I ain't no one's lap dog" Dean's eyes flash black and before Bael can say anything else, he's flung half across the room into the juke box. Dean hadn't lifted a single finger to snap or hand to show he was about to do it. Sam gulps realizing how much stronger Dean really has become and more at ease with his powers than Sam ever was with his. As Dean turns around the Mark glows brightly.
He looks at the other Demons in the room "Anyone else?" he calls out.
Bael stands up rage evident in his eyes and yells a command to the demons. They all swarm towards Dean, attacking. Sam's reaction is instant, he reaches in his jacket and pulls out the demon knife, but before he can join the fray, Castiel grabs him and tells him to take cover. He looks angrily at the angel to tell him off.
"Sam you are in no condition to fight and you will only hinder your brother with him trying to watch your back, is that what you want? Stay here and protect the owner" Castiel orders and runs in with angel blade in hand. As much as Sam wants to help; Cas is right about one thing (not the other) the owner and patrons who are caught in this stupid rumble, need to be protected and got the hell out of here.
"What in BLAZES is going on!" Madge yells as one demon is flung over their heads crashes against the wall behind them.
"Um, monsters and demons are real" Sam shrugs at her. He grabs her hand and pulls her to the back of the bar hides under the counter.
"Okay" Madge mutters.
Sam looks at her confused; she looks too calm to be this accepting about what he said.
"Harold had a funny way of protecting his family" Madge explains to Sam over the crashing sounds "He asked me to trust him in always protecting me and the boys. No matter what I saw. Just to trust him. I truly love that man so I did, and never questioned the weird stuff he did." She looks over at Sam and smirks "You know like salted the windows. He actually found a way to keep the window and doors salted permanently and there was iron welled in the front and back porches. The best ones were the weird circles he drew in the boys' and our rooms hidden beneath the rugs. I take it you know what I am talking about?"
"Uh yeah" Sam answers "Welcome to our everyday lives, saving people hunting things the family business" Sam shrugs.
Madge laughs but its rueful " Well, now I know what two of my boys are doing and why they keep away." At a loud crash she looks over the counter and sighs "Oh god, my place. This is probably not covered by the insurance company."
Sam bites his lip and feels bad for her. Maybe he can even the playing field out a bit. At least he can help the other patrons get the hell out without worrying about being flung psychically.
He looks at the bracelet and pulls it off, he looks at Madge "Um this will kind of help a bit, we can get the rest of your patrons out of here safe and sound, and not get stopped by demons. He reaches into his duffel bag, pulls out an angel blade and hands it to her "Do you know how to use this? It's the only thing that can kill those things."
Madge hefts it into her hands and smiles "Harold might not have told me what he did, but he made damn sure his kids and wife knew how to use weapons, never questioned just went with it."
"Why?" Sam is puzzled as to why did Madge would trust a hunter implicitly without question.
"Because the way we met. I was 18 Harold was 28. I knew my dad was acting funny, and somehow I knew this thing was not my father, but I could not convince momma. Harold showed up the night this thing realizes its cover was blown. It killed my mom and it almost got me. Harold broke down the back door to the kitchen and killed it. I didn't see, I was locked in the broom closet and I guess Harold heard my crying. He opened the door and found me. The rest you can say its history" she smiles brightly.
"So, boy meets girl huh?" Sam queries.
"A bit more complicated, but yeah pretty much" she replies. "So what you gonna do with that thing?" She points at the bracelet.
Sam smiles "Protection spell where no type of magic powers can be used inside the whole establishment. I need a drop of your blood since you are the owner. It's the only way it will work."
"Really and it will work?"
"Yes."
She holds out her hand to Sam with a large smile "Well get on with it."
Sam pulls out the demon blade and holds her hand as he makes a small cut. He holds her hand over the bracelet and recites something in Latin, she doesn't understand. Then he stands up, raises the bracelet over his head and calls out "Hoc Terra Sancta!" and slams it down on the bar.
After a brilliant flash of light there's silence. Sam looks around and the first thing he sees is Castiel's hands on two demon soldiers' faces. Both parties realize nothing is happening, no angel grace power is killing them.
"Bad timing Sam!" Dean calls out at the last second when all bad guys and good guys get a clue that they can't use their powers. Castiel ducks just as the two demons are about to tear him a new one and Dean pops up behind them slashing one with the blade as Cas comes up with the angel blade through the other head. The foray begins again and Sam grabs Madge and makes a run towards the booths to the left. He tells Madge "You get them and I'll get these guys to the right."
"April! Jake! Come on guys let's get the hell out of here! Jake grab Linda and Matt, they're right behind the next booth" Madge yells.
Sam meanwhile grabs two girls who look about 21; one with red hair and the other with raven black hair. As they make a run to the exit one of the girls lets out a scream. Sam turns around and sees the black haired girl grabbed by her hair and pulled back by a demon.
Sam grabs the red haired girl and pushes her forward towards the exit "Go, go, go!" he yells.
"But Emily … " she hesitates.
"I got her" Sam shouts as he runs back towards the pair. He pulls out the demon blade, makes a long arc swing and cuts off the girl's hair in one sweep. She falls forward and Sam catches her then swings her around propels her forward.
Just as the demon gets up from losing his balance and lunges, without hesitation, Sam slams the demon blade up into its guts and slides it upwards with a satisfied determined look as the light fizzles out of the demon. He pulls out the knife as another demon takes him by surprise and slams him forward.
Sam hits the ground with a grunt but reacts quickly; he turns around fast and tries to slash the demon's throat. The demon avoids the blade as it lunges knocking Sam over again and causing the blade to fly out of his hand. The demon sensing its advantage kneels on Sam's chest and grips his throat, beginning to choke him. Sam sees stars as his lungs desperately try to grab air but then the demon is suddenly gone. Sam turns his head as he gasps in air to see the demon lying on it's back. Dean had slashed its throat.
Dean kneels quickly over Sam to check him out. "Son of bitch! CAS!" he yells as he quickly looks over to the angel who is the middle of stabbing a demon. Before Dean can get another word out his eyes roll upwards and his body slumps next to Sam.
Sam looks up in confusion and sees the dark haired girl he had just rescued standing over Dean with a frying pan in hand, chest heaving.
"What? she says, "You look like you needed help" she shrugs. Upon seeing the look on Sam's face she hesitates "Was he one of the good guys or bad guys?" she inquires. Sam doesn't look grateful.
"Um" Sam scrunches his face as he slowly sits up. "It's a bit complicated right now" he wheezes out, as the battle continues around them. The girl leans down and reaches for Sam's hand. He concentrates on her and ignores the blood carnage around him feeling suddenly unsure. "Well while you're deciding I think we should get out while we can" she states. Sam hesitates a moment to look over at Dean. He wants to stay and triage his wound, but then Dean groans and he realizes it's now or never. Cas is here and can heal or at least triage Dean. Sam stands up looks again at Dean. He sees him stir and decides that he'll be fine. He follows the girl outside the bar.
The moment he steps outside he can see panic everywhere. He looks for Madge and sees her with some of her clientele, whom it looks like she knows on a more personal level. He walks over to her with a slight limp, having injured his knee when the demon knocked him down.
"Sam are you all right?" she quickly asks. "Nothing a little ice won't heal" he smiles at her on purpose to ease her worry.
Looking around at her establishment and feels bad. "I'm so sorry Madge. Look once Dean and Cas clear out that demon faction in there, you can remove the bracelet from the bar and Cas will be able to help clear up this place with some of his angel buddies."
"I don't want to even ask about that" Madge states as she holds up a hand to stop Sam from explaining further.
"Harold must have lived quite an interesting life before we got married" she deadpans.
"You have no idea" Sam replies, although he thinks it probably wasn't as interesting as Dean's and his lives. Maybe Harold only hunted simple monsters and saved lives just like he and Dean did in the beginning. "Simple?" Sam snorts at the thought. He wonders if his smart ass self-back in Stanford would agree that a wendiego or a werewolf is preferable to all the crap they'd done with angels, demons and apocalypse situations.
"Look Madge, thanks for your help back there but I gotta go. I'm really sorry for all this."
Madge holds up a hand again, "Look I don't know or understand what's going on, but when you get your stuff together, maybe you and that brother of yours" at which she raises an eyebrow "Can stop by and tell me your story over some pie and coffee. I think it's about time I hear exactly what Harold did and my two boys, who follow their daddy, do for a living."
"Maybe" Sam replies "I can't make any promises yet. But I think Dean wouldn't mind stopping for some pie if it's homemade." "Pffft, the best in this Tri-State!" Madge exclaims.
Sam gives her a hug and starts quickly walking towards the car he took from the bunker. He opens the door and slides in before hesitating again.
"I don't think Bael and his small group of followers are gonna last another minute Moose. I think it's time we take off" Crowley states next to him.
Sam startles and looks over to the passenger side where he sees Crowley sitting as if nothing had just happened.
"You! What happened!" Sam yells.
"Easy Moose. Just had to find a distraction as you requested" Crowley answers.
Sam frowns at the comment before his eyes widen in shock.
"Wait that was you! You sent Bael after Dean!?" Sam looks like he's ready to kill Crowley.
"Ah, ah, ah temper Moose. You said you wanted me to distract Dean, so I did."
"Not by sending a powerful demon that looks like he wants my brother's head on a plate!" Sam yells again.
"Look Moose, this was the only way I knew to help you. You called me and asked me to help, I take it cause you were running out of options." Crowley looks at him knowingly "And believe me Squirrel has this. As long as the Mark is on him he can't get hurt or die."
Sam shoulders sag, "Maybe I've gone too far" he thinks before he realizes that he passed 'too far' about 3 months ago. This is just another necessary step to take to free Dean from the Mark.
"Okay you're right, but we can't take this car, Dean will now know which car I took and will track it down easily."
"No worries" Crowley replies, "I got one standing by" he points to his right and next to them is a black new shiny Chevy truck. Sam sighs and feels a bit relieved, he is so tired and hungry. He looks down at the plastic bag next to Crowley before grabbing it. He gets out of the sedan and walks over to the truck. He opens the passenger door and slides in, duffel bag in tow.
Crowley watches him with a look of concern on his face as he slowly follows. He looks inside ready to say something about the siting arrangements but the big moose is already asleep, leaning on the passenger door, dinner bag in his lap. Crowley looks around and sighs "bugger" as he rolls his eyes.
He opens the driver's door then slides in. He looks at the wheel a bit confused before closing his eyes and resting his hands on it. "Ah, so that's how you operate this monstrosity" he mutters then snaps his fingers and the trucks turns on. Sam barely stirs as the sound of the engine turning on, he curls his legs closer to himself and pillows his head on his arm.
Crowley stares at him for a minute. "Well wonders never cease. All this time I thought those books, were exaggerating Sam's capabilities to fold that body of his into half his size." He pulls out of the parking lot and heads north towards Sam's original destination of Flagstaff Arizona.