Sorry its been so long since I posted another chapter. Its been a rough couple of weeks. Thanks for all the follows and faves. I love it that others are enjoying the story as much as I love writing it.
This chapter picks up right where chapter 13 left off. It's a long chapter, but hey its Crowley what did you expect? This is rated M/T. Remember this takes place between season 1-6 with a little of 7. Again as always review, review, review. Please if you like the story pass it on.
Chapter 14: Hello Mr. Crowley
When the guys walked into the living room, they were unprepared for the guest that was sitting on the couch waiting for them. He was dressed in a black suit, sitting there with his legs crossed and a glass full of Bobby's best scotch. Smiling. Without a care in the world. Instantly Dean and Sam both bristled up. Bobby stood there with his mouth hanging open. They all looked at each other in disbelief, then back at the guest.
"Well hello there chuckle heads...It seems as though you guys can't seem to keep out of trouble. Can you?"
"Crowley." Dean being sarcastic.
"In the flesh...well sort a speak." Crowley said being prudish.
All of them looked at each other, then back at Crowley again. Dean was fuming. Sam looked as though he wanted to wrap his fingers around Crowley's neck. This wasn't what they needed. Seeing that the guys were about ready to jump Crowley, Bobby decided to speak up before some one got hurt.
"What do you want Crowley?" Bobby asked aggravated.
"Bobby...it's so good to see that you're getting use out of your legs." Crowley said smugly.
"Yeah...Stretch them and use them every day! Now what do you want?" Bobby demanded.
Crowley stayed seated, smiling. He knew that they all had an idea why, what and who he was there for. However, Crowley wanted to play the game a little while longer. Just enough so that he could get them riled up. He was going to sit there and take his time. Crowley loved torturing the Winchesters. If he can make them squirm, just a little bit, he was one happy ass demon. Before it was all said and done, Crowley knew their skin would be crawling and trying to do about anything to keep what he had planned from happening. He was going to love every minute of it.
"I understand from a reliable source, that you have a pretty little lady as a guest here in (looking around) this humble ah, cabin?" Crowley mocked.
Sam turned to Bobby and Dean, "The hospital. (his eyebrows creased) The nurse."
Crowley heard him, however he didn't comment. He continued to sit there with a smile a mile wide, nodding his head yes. Acknowledging that indeed, Sam was right.
"What the hell do you want with her?" Dean protectively.
Crowley laughed, "It sure didn't take you long to bed her huh? Dean?"
Dean started for him. Sam reached out and grabbed him by his arm. Stopping Dean in his tracks. He wrestled with Sam for a moment, pointing his finger as if he was going to say something, then pushed him back and turned away. Sam turned and looked at Crowley.
"Okay Crowley whats the game?" Sam asked.
"No game Sam...I have a great proposition for Miss Caroway. Which I'm sure, she will want to hear." Crowley said simply.
"What do you mean Crowley? (moving toward him) What can you possibly offer Amara?" Dean snapped as Bobby moved in front of him. Attempting to keep him from Crowley.
Crowley moved to the edge of the couch. "More than you can Dean. (standing up) See what I could offer Miss Caroway, could both be beneficial to her and I."
"You want to make a deal, don't you?" Sam demanded.
"Is there anything else I would want?" Crowley asked, as he casually turned away from the guys, moving toward the kitchen.
Before Sam or Bobby could stop him, Dean moved in front of Crowley. Stopping him instantly from taking another step toward the kitchen. Dean knew that Crowley could snap his neck with a twist of his wrist. But at that moment, he really didn't care. Besides being pissed at his off-handed remarks, Dean was determined not to let Crowley get within a foot of Amara, to make any kind of deal.
"Come on Crowley, What? Do you have a hard on for Tenebroin?" Dean said being sarcastic.
"Tisk, tisk, tisk...Now you know as well as I do, I can offer Miss Caroway more protection than anything you can possibly offer her. She'll get refuge from hell for a while and I'll get to have the spirit of sins at my beckoning call." Crowley bragged.
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Amara was washing the last of the dishes when she heard Dean yelling at someone. She hoped that the guys wasn't getting on his case to bad about last night. She stood there and listened for a few minutes. Whoever Dean was talking to, was speaking so softly, Amara couldn't hear him. Placing the dish she was washing in the strainer, Amara decided to see what was going on. She wasn't going to let Dean take the heat all by himself. After all, it did take two.
Amara came out from the kitchen, wiping her hands a dish towel when she suddenly came to a complete stop, dropping the towel. In front of her stood a demon. Amara closed her eyes tightly. Secretly wishing that she was dreaming. Counting to three in her head she slowly opened them again. Realizing that she was really seeing what she was seeing. Standing in front of her, was a demon with red eyes, blacken skin and long jagged teeth. Amara was seeing Crowley in his true demon form. A staggered gasp came out from her.
All four of them turned to Amara when they heard her. They could see Amara knew who Crowley was by the look on her face. Dean started to move over to her, when suddenly he was stopped in his tracks. Unable to move no matter what he tried to do. Bobby and Sam was trying to move also, but couldn't budge ether. It was because Crowley had other ideas for them, that didn't include them messing up his plans. With the flick of his wrist, all of them, except for Amara was thrown across the room. Each landing hard up against the wall. Unable to move. Crowley tossed them a smile and walked over to Amara.
"Hello Love." Crowley said through an evil grin.
Amara didn't answer him. She stood there looking at him with a look of repulsiveness. She was incapable of seeing pass his true form. Crowley sense this and snapped his fingers in front of her. Amara watched as Crowley's appearance changed into his human form. Amara caught herself thinking, This must be the way they see it.
"Sorry about that love. I forgot you can see my true form. I hope this is a bit more appeasing to you?" Crowley said, moving his hand in front of him.
"It's an improvement." Amara smartly replied.
Amara stood there stoic. Not showing a trace of emotion. Completely composed with no hint of being terrified or afraid. Even though on the inside, she was scared as hell. She pulled that feeling down deep within her. Keeping it hidden from the demon that stood in front of her. What Amara did show to Crowley and the rest of them was all in her mannerisms. Putting on her game face, Amara appeared as if she was calm, balanced, with no suggestion of being afraid or terrified. That she was ready to stand her ground and fight. One of self-confidence. A different Amara that none of the guys had see from her before.
Giving Amara a small bow, "My name is Crowley, I take it your Amara Caroway?"
"Okay and what is it to you if I am?" Amara said shrewdly.
Dean could see that Amara's demeanor had changed. He could see a wall that instantly went up. He felt that this was a good thing. He knew she was gonna have to be tough to faced down Crowley. Knowing him as well as Dean did, Crowley was going to be playing head games with Amara. He hoped that she was going to be capable to hold her own against him.
Crowley stood there for a few minutes sizing Amara up. Looking at her, as a dog would leer at a bone. He could see that Amara wasn't what he perceived her to be. A little boney he thought, but something with her presence unnerved him. Thinking to himself that she was going to be a challenge. However Crowley didn't care, he needed Tenebroin. He was willing to do about anything to get it.
Crowley smiled wide as he said, "I think we need to have a little chat. You know...about this little predicament you seem to have gotten yourself into."
Looking at Crowley dead in the eyes, "What makes you think I would need your help? (crossing her arms) Why would a demon, like yourself want to help me?
"Because I can offer you a chance to have a life." Crowley simply said
Amara looked at him for a minute. Letting her mind return to hell for a moment. Thinking about all the demons that she had come across. When suddenly a light bulb went off in her head. Thinking to herself, "This must be the Crossroad Demon! The one who proclaimed to be the king of hell." There were rumblings across hell about this Crowley. Amara didn't know much about him. However, she heard talk that at one time he was king of the crossroads demons. If she remembered correctly, Crowley was now king of Hell, since Lucifer had lost his battle with Michael. Entering her mind was the conversation that she and Dean had about his and Sam's battle with the angels and demons. It was making sense to Amara now why Crowley was offering to help her.
Being blunt, "Hmm...For how long Mr. Crowley? What?...10 years? (her eyes narrow) I know who you are. Your reputation precedes you. That's why I have to ask, why would the self-proclaimed king of Hell want to offer me help?"
"Oh you're a smart one huh? (shaking a finger) Been listening to the rumors have you?" Crowley scoffed.
Sam looked over to Dean and Bobby. The looks on their faces copied his shock. They all were unaware that Amara knew about the on goings in hell. Thinking that she couldn't remember much about hell and what she did, was only bits and pieces. Sam wondered how much she really remembered about her time in hell.
"We both know that isn't a rumor...So I'll ask again, why do you want to help me?" Amara questioned.
Crowley laughed, "I can solve your problem with Tenebroin, but only if you give me something in return."
"Right? (uncrossing her arms) Tell me, what is the going price for a damned soul? Huh?" Amara taunted him.
"Amara, now now now, lets lose the attitude and make a deal love." Crowley crudely requested.
Amara moved over toward where the guys were plastered against the wall. Looking up at Dean, she could see the concern expressed in his eyes. He didn't like where her and Crowley's conversation was heading. Amara didn't say anything to him nor show him any type of emotion. Taking a deep breath, she turned around.
"Okay Mr. Crowley, I'll hear what you have to say. But first before we even have a conversation, I need you to let (pointing her thumb) them down." Amara demanded.
Crowley laugh at Amara and looked over toward the guys. Then he gets an expression of superiority across his face.
"Okay Amara. I can agree to that, but first they have to promise to behave."
Amara turned to guys, "Are you guys gonna behave?"
All three looked at her. But didn't say anything. They were unclear where Amara was going with this. Amara gave them a look that said trust me. The three of them shook their head yes.
Amara smiled as she turned back to Crowley, "They'll behave."
Crowley didn't say anything. He flicked his wrist and all three fell onto the floor. Getting up, they dusted themselves off. Then move toward Amara. Dean places his hand on her shoulder and turns her around to face them.
"Are you okay?" Dean asked.
"Yes...I'm fine." Amara answered simply.
"Amara, are you sure you know what you're doing?" Sam questioned.
"All Crowley is going to do is trick you." Bobby attempted to explain.
"I know what I'm doing. (looking at them) What I need you guys to do is stay out of it and let me handle this." Amara requested.
"Amara!" Dean exclaimed.
"Trust me." Amara replied.
Amara didn't give Dean a chance to protest. Turning away from him, she walks over toward Crowley. Returning her arms to the cross positioned.
"Okay, lets hear your offer." Amara demanded.
Crowley smiled, "That's my girl! What I am willing to do (beaming) is to get Tenebroin back to hell. So it can go back to doing what it does best...punish. In return I will give you...uh...lets say 15 years."
Amara began to laugh, "Ah come on! Really, 15 years? That's it? (narrowing her eyes) And what? You get Tenebroin back to doing his job and you can continue to act as if you run hell? (shaking her head) What do I get?...A little moment in time? Does that sound fair to you?"
This pissed off Crowley. He hated to be challenged. Let alone by a damned soul.
With an irritated voice, "Watch that tone with me girl!
Amara smirked. "What? You didn't think I knew? Did you? (Placing her hands on her hips) I know more than what you think. So lets quit playing games here."
"What do you want? More time? (trying to be sincere) Okay...How about 30 years? That's the best I can offer you. (being smug) Anything more than that...Well you know, It would be bad for business. So what do you say? 30 years sounds good?" Crowley offered.
Amara looked at Crowley. Lots of thoughts flooded at her at once. She could take the offer. 30 years was a good offer. She could have her life back. Start anew. She wouldn't have to worry about facing Tenebroin. Not now at least. It would solve the her problem about getting it back to hell. Then she wouldn't have to worry if God would forgive her or not. Let alone worry whether God would hear her. She could put off hell for the next 30 years. Have a decent life. And when the time came, she would know what to expect.
Dean looked over at Sam and Bobby. They gave him the same look in return. Disbelief. He couldn't believe that she was considering it. After everything she had been through up to this point. She would damn her soul for sure by doing this deal. Dean felt Amara should see if there was a chance to send Tenebroin back to hell on her terms. Not to give up and sell her soul for a few moments of a damned life. Dean shook his head. He had to try to convince her not to do it. To wait and see if they could find a way to send it back.
"Amara! You don't want to do this? This isn't the way to do it." Dean pleaded.
Amara didn't answer him. Nor did she turned around. She stood there in front of Crowley. Silent. Thinking.
"Don't do it Amara! We'll figure out another way to send it back!" Sam called to her.
Again Amara didn't acknowledge them. She stood there frozen in place.
Dean turned to Bobby and Sam, "We can't let her do this!"
"Its her choice Dean. There isn't anything we can do." Bobby tried to reason with him.
"Bullshit!" Dean claimed.
Turning, Dean began to walk over to where Amara was standing. Getting about 2 or 3 feet from her, Dean smacks into an invisible wall. Pushing him back. Keeping him from reaching out for her. Taking his hand, he let it run up and down. He could feel the wall. But there was nothing there to show why he couldn't go any further.
"What the hell? (pushing on the invisible wall) Crowley!" Dean yelled.
Bobby and Sam walked over to where Dean was. Placing his hand out, Sam reached in front of him. Pushing. It wouldn't let his hand move. Running his hand over it. As if something was blocking it from going through the air. Bobby gave him a look of concern and tried it himself. There was a true wall in front of him.
Crowley watched them completely amused. There was no way he was going to let any of them interrupt his deal. The expression on their faces made Crowley grin. Nodding his head at them, as to say that it was his show. He turned back to Amara.
"Well, Amara...Whats your answer? 3O years of life, freedom, to do what you want before you continue spending your eternity in hell?"
Eternity. That was the word that snapped Amara out of her trance. Eternity, that whats she has to look forward to. To continue the punishment that was handed down to her for ending her life. If she took this offer. This way out of the situation she was in now, it would be only for a little bit. She still will have to go back. Then she would be punished twice as much, if that was possible. If she faced her fate, what's to say she would go to hell. She wondered, Is it going to worth it in the end? Take the deal and live now or take my chances with the possibility of being free from everything.There was another question that kept nagging at her.
Looking at Crowley, "How are you going to get Tenebroin back in hell?"
"Once the deal is made, the spirit goes back." Crowley stated as fact.
Amara looked at Crowley. Turning around and looking at the guys. Then back at Crowley. She had enough of the game.
"Oh I see? (taking a deep breath) You can't take it back on your own? Only if I take your offer. That's the only way you can get Tenebroin back to hell." Amara figuring out his true plan.
"That's right love. According to the lore...you brought him here, so you are the one that holds all the cards." Crowley admitted.
Amara looks at the floor for a moment. Then turning to look at Dean and the guys. She could see the worried looks on their faces. Knowing that if she says yes, what will happen to her soul in the end. She turns and looks at Crowley. On his face was pure desperation and perversion. He would get every thing he wants. Some thing to do his job and keep him being King Hell, as well as getting another soul to his collection. Amara's face suddenly turns dark. Her eyebrows pointed and a look came over as if she wanted to slap him. What she says next was as simple and direct as she could be.
"No."
Crowley shook his head in disbelief, "No?...what do you mean no?"
"No."
Crowley could feel the blood rising up to his head. He was pissed.
"Amara...You realize that this gives you 30 years that you wouldn't have had in the first place. This deal would send Tenebroin back. You will not only save yourself but the bloody world too!" Crowley declared.
"I know." Amara simply replied.
Crowley was taken back, "Do you think that God will forgive you? He doesn't care one way or the other what takes place here on earth. (suddenly another thought came to him) Oh...You think the Winchesters can save you? Huh? (Laughing evilly) Awe come on Love...really? There is something you need to know about the Winchesters. They do more harm than good! (half yelling) They'll just muck it up! Do you realize that?"
Amara didn't say a word. She stood there knowing she was doing the right thing. She made her mind up that she was going to stand her ground. Not showing how scared she really felt inside. Showing outwardly, Crowley and the rest of them that she wasn't afraid.
"Hmm...Let me ask you a question. Perhaps it will change your perspective of the Winchesters. (a look of self-satisfaction washed over his face.) Did Dean tell you what his hobby was in hell?" Crowley said blissfully.
Amara turned and looked at Dean. Dean instantly had a guilty look. She could see that whatever Dean did wasn't going to be good. Crowley noticed this too. He knew right at that moment he was right. Dean didn't tell her. It wasn't underneath him to take advantage of this.
"Oh Dean, you cunning little human!" Crowley taunted.
"Crowley, I'm gonna kill you." Dean threaten.
"You tried already remember!" Crowley snapped back.
"Whatever you gonna tell me Crowley, isn't going to change the fact that I'm not going to take your offer." Amara stated.
"No maybe not, (his face was red) but it will sure make me satisfied." Crowley voice sounded devious.
"Then go ahead. Whatever is going to float your boat." Amara defiantly said.
"Do you want to tell her Dean or should I? (Dean didn't reply) Okay then...Do you know what Dean's job was in hell? (moving toward Amara) Was to torture pretty little things like you. (taking his hand and runs it down her face) The best part of this tale, Amara, is that he liked it." Crowley said fiendishly.
Amara stepped back away from Crowley. Flashes of images entered her mind. Her on the rack. A figure of a man who stood just out of her view. He was talking to a rather tall man. The tall man was explaining how things were done. Shaking her head, Amara knew it wasn't the time to let her memories of hell come and haunt her. At that moment, she had to deal with what was in front of her. Even if Dean did, torture souls, it wasn't him now. Amara glanced over at Dean. He wouldn't even look at her. She understood why. It would have to be something they would have to deal with later.
"Okay...and this matters why? (crossing her arms again) Crowley everyone has a job to do in hell. Some of us was the ones that did the torture and some of us was (taking a deep breath) the ones that was tortured." Amara stated factually.
Crowley was pissed. This wasn't the reaction he was hoping for. He wanted to hurt her more than anything. He had to know why. Why is she was so willing to risk her soul and take a chance on the Winchesters? Thinking to himself. It didn't make sense to him. This deal was perfect. He had to get Tenebroin back to hell. Crowley had a new job to do. He couldn't spend his time to make sure that the damn souls were being punished. Amara was the only one that could do it. To send the Tenebroin back. It started with her and had to finish with her. There was no one else that could do it. He knew that she wasn't strong enough to fight the spirit. No one was. He wasn't willing to take the chance that God would forgive her. He knew God hadn't cared or been around in a long time. Crowley had plans. That didn't include the spirit reeking havoc on earth.
"Amara, Amara, Amara. Go ahead try to rationalize it as much as you want. Either way when it comes down to it, your savior over there (pointing at Dean) was just as evil and nasty as every one of the demons that tortured you!" Crowley pleaded.
"It's not going to change my mind. I'm not taking the deal Crowley. No matter what you tell me." Amara spouted.
Dean looked over at Sam and Bobby. They looked about as relieved as he was. He was proud of Amara that she didn't take the deal. Though he couldn't have blame her or held it against her if she did indeed take the deal. Dean knew she was gonna have a lots of questions when this was done. But he was willing to face that than the thought of her soul going back to hell without a fight. Now it was only up to the one that hasn't been in the picture of anything for over two centuries.
Crowley was livid. He had to find out why Amara wasn't willing to take the offer. He couldn't understand why she would rather take her chances on God. Not with her knowing that if she didn't get his forgiveness, she would be back in hell and Tenebroin would rule the earth. He had to find out why.
"If you don't take my offer, then what? How do you think you're going get Tenebroin back to hell without my help?" Crowley demanded.
Amara looked Crowley square in the eyes, simply replied, "Faith."
Crowley was fuming, "Faith...really?"
"Yes Crowley. Faith." Amara answered.
"You having Faith? Now that's laughable!" Crowley said bitterly.
"Why? Do you think I don't have any?" Amara asked.
Crowley began to laugh. It was such an evil laugh. Everyone in the room shuttered.
"What do you have faith in Amara?...What?...Where was your faith three years ago? When you took that leap off the bridge?" Crowley said coldly.
"That was then and this is now." Amara plainly answered.
Unconvinced Crowley lashed out, "Do you really think that God (pointing finger at her) will care enough to save you. To forgive you? That he would crawl out from underneath his rock just for you? You got to be joking."
"Maybe...Maybe not Crowley. But all I have left is faith. In the end, what happens is going to happen. (holding her head up high) If God chooses to forgive me or not. I'll have to face that bridge when I come to it." Amara explained.
"So your willing to take a chance on God, who hasn't cared about you or anything in this forsaken world...And your willing to take the chance if you lose, to go back to hell and for Tenebroin to rule." Crowley said flabbergasted
"If that what happens, so be it. Look Crowley...I'm gonna go back to hell ether way. Whether I accept your offer or face Tenebroin. If I'm gonna go back to hell, I want it on my terms. Not yours." Amara said accepting her fate.
Suddenly Amara began to choke as she was being lifted off the floor. Her hands went immediately to her neck. Trying to peel away the invisible force that was squeezing her neck, as it held her suspended in the air. The world slowly began to fade away. To turn to black. She could barely hear Dean and the rest of them yelling at Crowley to quit. Just before she was about to pass out, Crowley let her go. Amara landed hard onto the floor. Gasping for air.
Crowley gathered his composer, "Fine have your faith! For your God that hasn't been around in years. Who gave up on you and the rest of the world. (straightening his clothes.) But understand this, when the spirit comes for you...takes you...sends you back to hell, I'm gonna be there! And I will make you suffer over and over!"
With that said, Crowley snapped his fingers and disappeared. The guys ran over to where Amara was sitting in a heap in the floor. Dean was the first that got to her. Getting down on his knees, he moves Amara's hair from her face. Lifting her head, Dean could see the silent tears she was shedding. Sam and Bobby gathered behind her. Looking at them, Dean was concerned. Taking is index finger, he wipes a tear away.
"Amara, are you okay?" Dean worriedly asked.
Looking up at him, "You have no idea how close...(breathless)...how close I was to saying yes."
"But you didn't." Dean replied.
"I just hope that my faith, will be enough." Amara hoped.
None of them said a word after Amara said that. There wasn't a way to prove she was right or wrong. The only one that could answer that, hasn't been taking calls for a long time.