Chapter 4 - Darkening Sky
Kat hated herself somewhat because she knew that this unbelievably bright light in Dean's eyes would soon be snuffed out. Dean thought he was saved, but he didn't truly know that he was or what happened to bring it about. Lilith had just erupted from Ruby's vessel, fleeing from something unknown. Dean looked ecstatic, everyone knew it was supposed to be the day his soul got dragged to Hell, and Lilith's hand had been on the door to let the hellhounds in. Dean hadn't heard them, Kat knew, but he saw and heard the door moving and crunching as they threw themselves against it. But then everything stopped suddenly, and Lilith was gone.
Kat knew that this meant that the ruse was up. Crowley had made Lilith go as far as she could to fool Sam and Dean. Why he had, was beyond Kat, but she was grateful. She was also grateful that the hellhounds, which she had been able to hear (though she kept that fact hidden), did not come in and tear her to shreds. Not that she hadn't expected them to, but maybe that would come later.
Now, they were at a bar just outside of town celebrating. Kat knew she had to appear as if Dean was free with no strings attached and her happiness had to reflect that lie. Luckily, Sam and Dean didn't seem that concerned with her. Dean was drunk, absolutely, happily drunk, and Sam had, for once, had a few more beers than usual. He wasn't quite drunk yet, but he likely would be. She herself hadn't had anything to drink because it was shaky enough when the bar had even let her in, but her brothers had loosened up more than she had seen them in months, ever since Sam came back. She hated that this would be taken from them and likely soon.
Sam and Dean had just walked back up the bar for more when Kat just knew. She knew to go outside. She knew it was time. She couldn't explain why, but this feeling washed over her, and if a feeling could have a voice, it would be a calm, soothing one saying: "It's time, child. Come outside." That implied voice took away her fear, and she knew without it she would not have been able to stand and walk out of the bar,being careful to make sure Sam and Dean weren't paying attention.
She walked out, and there was Crowley, standing beside the Impala.
"It is time indeed, Katarina." Crowley said.
Kat looked around, "No hellhounds?" She didn't know why she dared ask, maybe a last ditch attempt at humor as she faced certain death.
"No hellhounds," Crowley echoed. "I say again, I need you to trust me or at least try to. It's going to be very important."
"So you keep saying," Kat said. "Though that's about all you say." Kat swallowed, tears threatening to prick in her eyes. She'd been brave for months. She'd watched her time trickle away, and she never told anyone. She'd suffered in silence because she didn't want to cause Sam and Dean any more pain than they had already in believing that Dean was to be the one to die.
Crowley's eyes softened, "You don't need to be afraid of me."
"I'm going to Hell," Kat's voice cracked. "And I've tried not to be afraid, but… I'm not like Dean, and I hate that about myself. I hate that I had any hesitation in making the exchange when he didn't."
"I've been watching you for years, Katarina," Crowley said firmly. "And as far as I can tell, you're the only Winchester with any sense. You're young, you haven't had time to become as sick and twisted as your brothers. You should hesitate to die, that's called self-preservation. That isn't something to be ashamed of."
"Wow," Kat gathered herself. "Quite a speech from the King of the Demons." She trailed off and looked at her feet, knowing that she was delaying the inevitable and that Crowley was letting her.
"Okay," Kat breathed, her voice barely loud enough to qualify as a whisper. "Enough stalling, I'm-"
"Kat!" Kat turned to see Sam and Dean running towards her and Crowley. They got within about six feet before they both stumbled, their legs seeming to halt as their feet stuck to the ground. Definitely courtesy of Crowley, whom Kat could still sense behind her, though he didn't say a word.
"Kat, what are you doing?" Dean struggled against the power holding him still. "Get away from her!"
When neither Crowley nor Kat moved, Sam turned his attention to Crowley. "Who are you?"
"Crowley, King of Hell," Crowley replied. "It's a pleasure."
"Kat, come on," Sam gestured to her.
"Sam, I…" Kat glanced back at Crowley.
"What's going on here?" Dean asked.
Kat considered them both, their eyes concerned and fearful and darting between her and the demon behind her. The moment had come, and she found she wasn't prepared for their reaction. But they wouldn't have much time to hate her.
"I sold my soul."