Disclaimer: Crimson Peak is Guillermo Del Toro's property, Supernatural belongs to Eric Kripke, The Lodgers to Brian O'Malley. Emma, Constance and I are self-inserts. The old lady from Camden Market belongs to Chibimelodee.
Summary: Ghosts are real and everything happens for a reason. Is this why Marina and her friends find themselves trapped in Allerdale Hall a few days away from Christmas?
Author's note: This story was written for me by « Emma » and « Constance » from Chibimelodee as an Advent Calendar two years ago. Please note that all three of us are french and while we do know our way around English, we might still make some mistakes. Feel free to let us know! As the three girls are french and start to speak from this chapter, I'll put the translations of their sentences right next to them so you know what they say.
At the Candlelight
Chapter 22 : All I want for Christmas is you…
Seconds flew by, transforming into minutes, transforming into hours. Thomas had locked himself up in his bedroom, working tirelessly on his plans, finding little comfort in Constance's scent that still lingered in the air. He was doing it for her, their last discussion clinging to him like a balm to his wounds. Castiel, the newly arrived angel, had been right. The Baronet owed it to repair his mistakes.
A young boy, playing all alone,
In an imaginary world, in his father's home.
He escaped from family, hid from terrifying life.
His imaginary world,
Sheltered him from his strife.
Then he grew, was forced out alone,
But he never forgot his imaginary home.
And while all around him was pain and stress,
His imaginary world seemed by far the best.
So he closed his eyes, sang in a voice so clear
That his imaginary world began to appear.
He sang so clear this world alive,
And the boy stepped in
where he finally could survive.
A muffled voice came from behind the door, Thomas quickly raising his head from numerous sketches:
« Tommy Boy, listen you son of a bitch. One for yes, two for no. You alive ? ».
The Baronet's eyes went wide at Dean's question, questioning the Winchester's logic.
« Come on, don't be a pouter ! I know you're here... I can hear you breathe through this goddam door ! » the hunter urged as Thomas internally asked how could he knock twice if he was not alive.
Reluctantly, he knocked once on his bedside table, in the hope that, once the hunter reassured, he would leave him in peace.
« There we go ! » Dean screamed triumphantly.
The Baronet could almost see the American smirked at his last sentence before yelling downstairs :
« THE LITTLE BARON'S STILL WORKING ! EVERYTHING'S FINE ! ».
Lucifer angrily punched the wall, leaving a red splash of his blood on the stone. Wincing, he looked at his knuckles, noticing for the first time ever his own blood, the red liquid running down his hand. Cradling his fist, he let out a raging growl, tears beginning to pool in his blue eyes.
How did these stupid apes succeed to trap him in this ruined house, trapping him in his mortal vessel ? His grace seemed to have disappeared, his wings cut and powers vanished into thin air. He remembered quite clearly having spread his wings after finally having been freed from his dreadful cage and yet, since he had heard that unknown guy scream, nothing seemed to work as before. Looking around, he cursed once more time as he fell on his knees.
Lucifer had found shelter in the basement, not really ready to risk his now mortal neck by facing the bloody Winchesters. If only Sam had said yes, oh how things would have been different ! He breathed deeply, nearly coughing as the putrid air entered his lungs. The acrid smell of clay made him want to vomit and he cursed one more time his Father to have put him in this state ! If only He knew how it was to be human, never would He had disagreed with him to erase them ! Closing his eyes, he let some tears escape, running freely on his cheeks as he began to pray, first to Him, then turning to his newfound humanity :
« What did I ever do so wrong that you should cast me from grace
Though I love to rule in Hell here, how I miss the taste of Heaven
Its soft and cool embrace
If I were a big boy I wouldn't cry
But since I'm not a big boy I'll have to close my eyes
And picture what it's like
I'm just like you, I'm made by He, despised by they
I'm almost me I'm nearly human
Look at me, I'm almost a human being
Pity me
I'm almost a human being, these tears are real
I'm jealousy, I'm spite and hate
To the core I'm mean
I'm nearly human
Look at me, I'm almost a human being
I'm just like you
Better than He, to Hell with they
I'm almost me, I'm nearly human
Pity me »
A mocking huff startled him, his eyes darting to see the intruder. A dark shape of a woman stood on the far side of the room. The faint light caught some trail wafting behind the woman in a strange way, faint strands that appeared to be glowing as they floated upward. Was she smoking ? No, that wasn't it… She was… a ghost ! And that strange black smoke he saw floating around her could be just one thing… Hate… A hate so deep, so intense he was sure he could use it to find his power again…
« Look at the great Lucifer, moping in a dirty basement like a cockroach… Or would you prefer me to call you Satan, Beelzebuth, Mephistopheles or maybe even Abaddon ? » she laughed cruelly. « Who would have thought the Devil to be such a… crying baby, calling at his Father for help at every sign of problems ? How pathetic you are… »
« You have been mistaken, silly ghost… » Lucifer answered, tiredness transpiring in his voice. « I am not the Lord of Flies, thank you very much. I kinda hate these insects…. Mephistopheles is just a cross-roads second-ranked demon, not really worth being mentioned. He owns everything to Faust, really… And Abaddon ? Dear, do I really look like a Knight of Hell to you ? »
He flashed her his signature smirk as he went back in his feet, walking to her wafting form. Her lifeless eyes seemed to promise him a challenge, reigniting in him the fire that had almost extinguished.
« And who are you, Darling ? »
She chuckled darkly, a flash of pure hate making her eyes glisten.
« What I am is the end of every soul that currently live here. I am their damnation. If I can't have him, then nobody will ! »
« What a particular thing you are… » the Devil smirked, feeling his old self reappearing with her presence, her hatred and wrath fuelling him with a burning fire. « What you saw here was… » he carelessly showed the place where he had been kneeling with a nonchalant wave of his hand « … well, let's forget what you saw, okay ? You know, I like to punish people too… Well, at least, I used too. »
He winked playfully at her before resuming
« What about we join forces and slaughter them all ! Might be fun ! I promise you… » he trailed his fingers on her cheek and, like a moth drawn to its death towards the candle flame, she leaned despite herself into his touch, closing her eyes, unaware the Devil's injury was disappearing at an alarming speed thanks to this simple touch.
« Once I'm free to go away from your house, I'll give you everything your black little heart desires… »
The wicked and sadistic smile she flashed him made him shiver with anticipation. The feeling of her evaporating skin against his finger was sending sparks of power into his core and, focusing on the clay that surrounded them, he drew her magic for her, making the whole house shake violently. He could hear the window glasses break, the wind engulfing inside the already chilling house, feel blood running down every wall… Loud screams and shrieks resounded to them, making their hearts swell with pride as they dived into each other's gaze, already planning their dreadful scheme, the wailings and screechings like music to their ears.
Do you hear that sound, that beautiful sound
That is the sound, of clean, white, shorts turning brown
Torture and pain, breaking a brain… This is so weird!
A sound that says I will never sleep well again
The sound of a scream, is music to me
A sound that says fifteen years full-time therapy
Trauma and fear, it sings in my ear
Ain't it the sweetest noise around, that beautiful sound
Panic and stress ! Oh ain't it the best
The sound of heart ex-exploding inside a chest
It fills you with pride. We're ruining lives
Ain't it the sweetest noise in town, that beautiful sound
She smirked slyly and, looking at the Devil, declared loftily :
« I want him ! ».
Lucifer chuckled, mumbling :
« I don't even know who « him » is but I can already say he is a lucky bastard… » then, wrapping his arms around her small waist, he pulled her closer before whispering in her ear, making her shiver :
« Now, a kiss to seal the deal ! » His lips dropped on hers hungrily, angrily, with a promise of far more to come.
The Baronet jumped away off his sketches, his face covered with ink, when he heard distinct screams coming from a room downstairs. He was quite certain it was Emma and Marina. He forced himself to remain calm, knowing for well they had three hunters, two angels, a witch and the King of Hell to protect them. He yet couldn't repress a shiver to run down his spine at the high-pitched shrieks and the fear that transpired in them. A gush of surprisingly warm and embracing wind opened his door, the scent of his love filling the room in the most delicious way. Constance's voice resounded in his mind, as clear as crystal :
« Save them ! »
Rushing to the stairs, he froze when he saw the horror of the situation. It was like all the elements were trying to tear the remains of the house apart, the snowflakes flying through each breeches, each crevasse, whirlwinds of hot and cold air devastating everything in their passages, sheds of glasses shattering everywhere, clay running down the walls, red trails making the house seemed to bleed for the torture. He could almost hear the house wail at the invasion. Shielding his face with his arm, he ran downstairs, looking desesperatly for his unfortunate guests. He had already lost so much. He couldn't afford to lose them all… The floor creaked and sank in, bringing red clay at the surface, the disgusting blood-like loam seeming to come from Hell itself to eat Allerdale Hall alive.
He couldn't suppress a reprieving sigh when he found them all gathered in the library. Emma and Marina were screaming their lungs out, hiding under a table while Rowena was trying her best to repel the elements but failing miserably. Castiel, Sean and Crowley stood still, the carnage seeming to have no effect on them. Sam, Dean and Bobby were ready to fire, guns at the ready, nearly firing at the Baronet when he opened the door. Yelling as loud as he could, Thomas mentioned them to follow him:
"COME UPSTAIRS! WE NEED TO GO IN MY ROOM! YOU WILL BE SAFE THERE!"
Wrestling to make their way on the first floor, they all ran as fast as they could.
The Baronet bedroom was strangely intact, despite the floor covered by rough sketches. Blowing a pink strand of hair out of her sight, Emma tried to catch her breath, her hands resting on her knees, slightly bending.
« What's happening ? » she asked, her voice showing her fear, already turning an accusative glare at the Baronet.
« Oh, nothing… Just the end of the world ! » Sam snickered.
Dean managed to catch the little French woman before she could hit his brother and felt his heart break when she pulled away quickly from him, as if his touch had burned her.
« I'm still not speaking to you ! » Emma hissed, anger seeming to radiate from her small form.
« You're still mad at me, love ? » Dean asked, disbelieved.
« Twinkle, twinkle… » she started, looking deep into his eyes, wanting him to continue.
« Little star ? » he guessed, a smirk forming on his lips, hope to bubble in his chest.
« I wish I could hit you with a car ! » Emma spat, turning her back to him, walking to go sit on the huge bed.
« Still angry… Got it… » he mumbled, trying to smile but failing miserably.
Clearing his throat, Dean turned awkwardly to Thomas, cocking his head :
« How did you know we needed help ? I mean, the girls had screamed before and you never ran downstairs… »
Thomas sighed, his head laying low, pondering how could he explain everything without causing a tantrum.
« I was… warned… Someone told me… »
« Who ? » Marina asked, her voice just above a whisper as Sean was hugging her tightly, trying to warm her.
« Constance » her name escaped his lips before he could even think.
He felt his heart hammering hard in his chest as he heard Emma shift on the bed. Closing his eyes, he waited for the inevitable blow but only heard a soft sob. Turning his head, he looked at her with apologies. She never seemed so frail, so broken. Her small eyes were full of unshed tears. Seconds passed, a grieving silence engulfing them before her sorrow turned slowly into terrible wrath. She snickered bitterly, her upper lip curling up in a grimace :
« And why would she do that ? I know my sister and she is not daft. YOU are the reason she died ! Never in her afterlife would she want to speak to you ! I tried to warn her but she saw you like the monster you are too late… You bloody MURDERED her ! »
« Actually… » Castiel intervened, earning himself a hard glare from Emma « … as a Protector, Sir Sharpe is able to establish a link between life and death. The ghosts of this house are drawn to him and, even if he didn't want to, he'll hear them anyways… »
A disgusted snort escaped Emma's lips as she looked at Castiel.
« Really ? He doesn't have any sort of power…. »
« You forget this unforgettable moment of jukebox jealousy he did while we had our first date… »
Dean winked, all too happy to back up Emma and annoy the Baronet.
« It's kinda cool and certainly quite useful at a party but against Lucifer…Seriously Cas, I'm in that business for quite some time to know this son of a bitch does not have all this freaking mojo you, Crowley or even Rowena have… »
« Actually kiddo… » Bobby intervened, looking quite uneased « you may not have seen but, when Tommy had let his rage explode when Constance's body vanished, there was this weird energy-like which blocked Lucifer… Hell ! The idijt couldn't even move or breathe and… I can almost swear he was bleeding... »
« Who's Constance ? » Crowled asked, his bright eyes searching the room for clues.
« No-one interesting… » Crowley sighed loudly, wanting nothing more than to stop this discussion. « Just the Baronet's little butterfly. Speaking of, we really need to start moving on and stop crying over this girl. Let me remind you there's a bloody Apocalypse out there ! »
The King of Hell's face was red with trepidation but he slowly cooled off when he saw the murderous glare of the Winchester's brother. Turning to a furious and broken Thomas, Crowley bowed mockingly, his voice taunting:
« Albeit, her death was quite spectacular… Had you picked her nickname knowing she would transform into butterflies ? Oh Cas, you should have seen that, there were literally hundreds of them flying in the hall… Quite a show it was. I would have been sad to miss it… »
« Don't you talk about Constance like that ! » Emma yelled angrily, pointing her finger under the demon's nose. « She was my sister long before she was his « little butterfly » or whatever… and she had never been her whatsoever ! »
« That, my dear, is a piece of totally useless information! And don't be so sure about the last point… Our dear Baronet seems to have certain success, if I'm referring to the ridiculous tenderness he succeeds to inspire to my heartless mother ! » Crowley snorted, wrinkling his nose. « Now, let me tell you what IS important : the bloody Baronet and her were in the perfectly blissful honeymoon phase of their relationship… Well, that is until Thomas had decided to snog his sister and Frenchy to put her tongue in Sam's huge and disgusting mouth ! Because THAT is why Lucifer is trying to bloody bury us in the damn mansion ! »
« Still, she was my sister long before she met the Petit Baron… » She hissed and Crowley rolled his eyes, looking defeated.
Completely ignoring the bickering argument, Castiel was looking straight into Sean's eyes, completely lost in his thoughts, looking at his young brother's aura doubtfully. The dark-haired angel's voice interrupted Crowley before he could answer the small woman :
« Why didn't you save her ? »
The question was simple, cutting through everyone's heart like a sharp knife. Sean's head lowered under the questioning gaze of his eldest and, after a few seconds, his eyes met Castiels, unwavering and steady.
« She had to die. It was written. Furthermore, Marina wouldn't have been truly saved if… »
The sound of bone breaking under his fist didn't diminish Thomas's rage the least and he went to hit again at the Angel, his grief overpowering his every thought. No one in the room was moving, all too focused on what Sean had just said. Closing her eyes, Marina sobbed silently, the reason for her still beating heart breaking it. Sean was nursing his nose, blood dripping heavily, looking at the Baronet with wide eyes. Thomas shouldn't be able to hurt an Angel… Angels were untouchable. Angels were indestructible. How could he… These thoughts were cut short when he stumbled on the floor, the Baronet's body over him, his fists hammering his face. Sean's face was now barely recognizable, bloody, bruised, puffy… And yet, he didn't move.
« Five bucks Tommy knocked Lucky Charms out » Bobby smiled proudly at the scene, his arms folded on his chest.
« Are you kidding me ? » Crowley asked, shaking his head. « The fool's an angel ! Mister Blue-Blood has no chance, Bobby… I bet you a hundred your grandpa will eat the dust ! »
Sean's plaintive wail seemed to awake Dean and Sam from their trance. They quickly went to take Thomas off of the Angel, the Baronet wriggling like a mad man to get to Sean.
« I was going to propose to her ! » Thomas was screaming, keeping his tears at bay. « We were going to marry ! »
Wiping away her tears, Marina tried to stop her hands from shaking as she took the ring out of her pocket, the butterfly's wings glistening, catching everyone's eyes. Tears beginning to pool in his blue eyes, Thomas looked at the jewellery, his heart breaking a little more at its sight. Never would he see her with it. Trying to avoid looking at Sean, Marina walked carefully to the Baronet, ready to give the ring back to its rightful owner. Sam discreetly waved at her not to move, not knowing what the barely controllable Baronet's reaction could be.
At lost for words, Emma opened her mouth, closing it seconds later, her mouth reopening in consternation, looking like a fish out of water. Before she could organize her thoughts and finally form a sentence, Rowena huffed haughtily, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear with grace :
« Well, it was time, right Tommy boy ? It's quite normal for men to their responsibilities after fathering a child in poor girls… »
The room fell silent again, the meaning of her words taking time to sink into everyone. A single perfect tear rolled down Thomas's cheek, dropping on his heart, shaking his head, refusing to believe he had lost far more than the woman he loved because of Sean, while Emma tried to really understand what she had just heard. She clearly had misunderstood, right? Looking at Marina for answers, she saw the same astonishment and sadness that slowly made their way into their hearts. The man responsible, according to her, for Constance's death was the same man who fathered a child in her ? He had dared touch her ! He had… He…
Dean was watching closely Emma, not daring to come close to her, fearing her reaction. Yet, a chill of fear ran down his spine when he saw her expression change from uncomprehension to pure hate. Catching the Baronet by his shoulder, the eldest Winchester slowly pushed him to the exit, whispering to his ear it was time for him to go outside.
« Are you insane ? » Thomas asked with uncomprehension, shocked with all he just learnt, too busy trying to shake his way free from the hunter so he could hit again the Angel whom he had lost everything, unaware of Emma's murderous glare. « Didn't you see what's happening out there ? ! »
« Well… » Dean eyed Emma, seeing her anger bubbled to the surface « … if you want to live another day – figuratively speaking of course – I would really recommend you not to be near the drop-dead gorgeous doll… huh, Emma… The battle we have to fight is not in the room but against Lucifer… We need weapons. Guns. Silver knives. Salt. »
Nodding, Sam went near them, quickly followed by Bobby and Crowley. Taking a deep breath, Thomas closed his eyes, gathering his courage before opening the door and running out to the armoury, the four other men on his steps.
Marina was looking at the fireplace, not a single thing able to make her eyes waver from it. Her thoughts seemed to swirl and turn so fastly in her head it made her dizzy. Strangely, looking at the fire was calming her nerves, especially when she was not thinking about Sean. His blue eyes flashed in her mind and she had to repress a sob as her heart clenched with pain and anger.
« Nothing heals old wounds than opening fresh ones. » The witch was awkwardly trying to comfort Emma. « So it's quite normal for you to turn your anger on halo-and-harp over there… Quite therapeutic actually ! Sometimes life is unfair and sometimes we lose things and sometimes we make mistakes. And some of these things can never be fixed no matter how powerful you become. Some things just are, and everyone has to live with that. Furthermore, imagine adding a baby in this equation ! It's not really the most… »
« Don't… » Emma interrupted, turning her back at the witch, fighting back the tears that were threatening to fall. « I don't want to think about what this douchebag had done to her…. He made her believe he loved her and I told Constance he was a liar, that she shouldn't trust him… but she didn't listen… She never listens to me and… and now she won't be able to listen to her… ever… because… because she's… »
Emma wiped viciously the tears she couldn't help to shed. The witch patted her back with uncomfortable compassion.
« When will they come back ? »
« The Three Amigos? » Rowena asked with a sneer. « With their bro hugs, pep talks, and melodrama? Count on it. »
At the other side of the room, Castiel was trying his best to fix Sean's face.
« Say, Sean » the eldest Angel asked, looking confused. « Can you explain to me in detail what happened to this… Constance ? Crowley spoke about… butterflies ? »
Not wanting to relive her sister's death by listening to the Angels talk, Emma went near her best friend, hugging her closely, then went to retrieve a candle. Closing her eyes, she prayed with all her heart, hoping Constance would hear her from behind the veil of Death.
I could use some help here
Tired of talking to myself here
Back [here], you don't exist so here I am in the abyss
Are you really in this place? It's like the emptiness of space
I could search for all eternity and never see your face
Help me out, I'm lost without you
Standing, stuck on this impossible road
No idea which way to go
Whichever path I choose I lose, you know
Speak to me and I'll understand
One little word to know I'm not alone
And show me the way back home
Opening her eyes, she bent and lit the candle, wishing to bring her sister some light in her afterlife. The candlelight flickered, almost extinguishing itself before being reborn with a newfound passion, almost blinding her. Putting it on the small table near the fireplace, Emma let a final tear roll down her cheek, crashing near her candle, fixing the flame with reverence. It flickered again, just like somebody had blown it off. Furious, she turned around only to find Constance, her body faintly transparent, her dark hair contrasting with her pale skin. Rushing to her, unable to jump into her incorporeal arms, so close and yet out of reach, Emma couldn't find the right words to say, not being able to touch the ghost of her sister. Tears rolling freely on her cheek, Emma was mumbling something incomprehensible, thanking whatever had succeeded to make Constance appear in front of her.
Marina jumped out of her trance when she heard Emma babbling, her eyes widening when she saw Constance's ghost. With a shaking hand outstretched, she went near her dead friend, not really believing what she was seeing.
« Constance ? » she asked with a small voice.
For an only answer, Constance nodded, a small smile on her face. It seemed she was surrounded by peace and calm in this desert of hope.
Rowena was looking at the ghost, dumbstruck, her mouth agape, before she tucked a smile, her eyes brightening. Sean had fallen on his knees, looking like he was praying to Constance, his bright eyes imploring her forgiveness. Castiel, a little suspect, dived his eyes on Constance.
« You must be the young woman who died several hours ago… » His voice sounded friendly, almost angelic.
« And you are Castiel. » Constance answered calmly. « I've been watching over you… Over all of you… »
Emma tried to muffle her sob as her sister was looking at her with compassion.
« I, with Thomas's wives, will do our best to protect you for what is coming. But please, you must not dare any bad thoughts for Sean. I understand why he did what he did. He is not a hero. But sometimes doing the right thing requires sacrifices. Et ce sacrifice ne pouvait être que le mien... Et c'est pour cela que tu dois pardonner à Thomas, Emma... Il aurait donné sa vie pour me sauver s'il avait pu... Il s'en veut tellement... »
(And this sacrifice could only be my own. This is why you must forgive Thomas, Emma. He would have given up his life had he been able to... He's angry with himself so much...)
« Et c'est parfaitement raison de s'en vouloir... Tout est de sa faute... S'il ne t'avais pas trompée avec sa soeur, jamais tu ne serais morte » Emma yelled, tears rolling freely down her cheeks…
(And he's perfectly right ! Everything is his fault ! Had he not cheated on you, you'd still be alive!)
How could Constance still defend this monster?
« Nous avions tous notre rôle à jouer... Souvent sans en être conscient et parfois même en y étant forcé... Thomas is the key to save you all…He will need your forgiveness and your help, Emma... » Constance said with a strange calmness.
(We all had our parts to play, often without knowing it and even sometimes being forced to...)
« Constance… » her sister begged, falling too on her knees. « I don't understand… You… He… »
« My time is almost up, Emma… » Constance whispered, trying to touch her sister's cheek. « But remember I love you… »
Her final words clung in the air, flying like a butterfly, vanishing in a cold mist as Constance slowly disappeared, a ball of light suspending a second at the place of her heart before vanishing completely.
Dear friends, I loved you well
Each steadfast heart
Our dreams kept within
And though those days are lost
Our story lives on
In bonds we forged, in battle blazing bright
In a warrior's ageless heart
Now, by the hearth I rest
« Honestly ? I think the world's gonna end bloody. But it doesn't mean we shouldn't fight. We do have choices. I choose to go down swingin' ! » Dean had to scream his words of wisdom facing the awful weather that seemed to swirl in the house.
« I love it when you get all shrink » Crowley smirked, the only one to walk like nothing was happening around him. « Touches me right where my bathing suit goes… » The dreadful storm seemed to have diminished by the time they finally were in front of the armoury.
Sam huffed, the noise was lost in the whistle of wind. Before Thomas could touch the doorknob, a sharp strike of a cane crashed down his spine. Falling on the ground with the violence of the hit, he had to blink a few times before he finally saw who had attacked him : his mother. Armed only with her cane, she was trying to make the Winchesters and Bobby back off. Strangely, the little King was nowhere in sight. Before the Baronet had succeeded to be back on his feet, Crowley had materialized with Thomas's father's gun and quickly threw it to him.
The bullet left the gun before the Baronet could think. Unfortunately, it did nothing for the ghost, the salt having no effect on her, except maybe to make her angrier. If eyes could kill, Thomas would surely drop dead right this instant. The gun was shaking in his hands as his mother used her cane to walk to him. « Monster… » she yelled, holding her cane high, ready to strike. Like the little boy he once was, Thomas, which only the wall he was leaning on avoided his escape, hide his face with his shaky hands in a hopeless want to avoid the violent strikes of his Mother. It was when he fell on the floor that the lights suddenly flickered. They all froze, ready, while a wing rustle filled the room.
« Damn, what's this shit ? Where does that sound come from ? » Dean said coldly, unsheathing his gun, acting like he was unaware of the presence of Thomas's Mother's ghost or the hurt and trembling Baronet laying on the ground.
« I don't know, I can't see a damn thing ! » Sam answered, looking the cause of that noise.
« Butterflies ! » Bobby whispered.
« What ? Where ? I can't see butterflies ! » Crowley asked coldly, his hands in his pockets.
« Now, we're haunted by butterflies ? Seriously ? ! What did we do to them ? How many caterpillars did we murder recently ? » Dean joked.
Lady Sharpe retreated slowly, her steps unsure and fumbling. The flight of butterflies slowly merged together, a shape of a woman materializing in the middle of the wing rustlings. With a sharp hiss, Thomas's Mother disappeared in a cloud of black smoke as Constance was slowly emerging from the butterflies.
« Well, nobody told me we needed a fresh ghost to save us from an old one ! » Crowley said, sarcasm dripping from his voice as the house fell oddly quiet.
« You demons. You think you're something special. But you're just spirits too. Twisted, perverted, evil spirits. But, end of the day, you're nothing but ghosts with an ego. » Bobby sighed, crossing his arms on his chest.
« Thomas… » Constance whispered, kneeling near him, putting her cold hand on his cheek, curing his wounds, giving him his strength back with her love.
The baronet strengthened slowly to hug the young woman. He hid his face against her neck, his tears rolling freely on his cheeks. Constance ruffled softly his hair, comforting him tenderly. She tried to help him to be back on his feet but he only tighten his grip, refusing to let her go.
You fill up my senses
Like a night in a forest
Like the mountains in springtime
Like a walk in the rain
Like a storm in the desert
Like a sleepy blue ocean
You fill up my senses
Come fill me again
« You need to free the spirits that are trapped here… They deserve to rest in peace. Margaret… Pamela… Enola… Your son… and me… You need to let them go… You need to let me go… » Constance whispered softly.
Thomas' breath was shaky, almost hurtful.
« I can't… Don't ask me that… You… I… We… It's not fair ! Please, Constance… Just wait for me… I… »
Alas, his plea was cut short, Constance slowly fading away. His incomprehension turned into anger and sadness, then resignation. He was going to see her again, even if he had to die for it.
Come let me love you
Let me give my life to you
Let me drown in your laughter
Let me die in your arms
Let me lay down beside you
Let me always be with you
Come let me love you
Come love me again
« So, if I get everything right, « him » is him ? » Lucifer asked with disbelieve, pointing at the shaken Baronet, sobbing his heart out, kneeling on the floor.
Carefully hidden behind a magical veil, the Devil and Lucille were stalking the men outside the armoury, monitoring their every move.
« People sometimes kill the people with whom they're in love but please, darling, you could do so much better than Mister-Perfect over there ! Your hairless ape's heart's mysterious, I tell you ! If I had known he was « him », I seriously wouldn't have… »
« We have a deal ! » Lucille said, her eyes never leaving her brother's body, trying to calm her shaking hands.
« That tingling sensation running up your spine… inevitability. And the bit running down your leg? Fear. » Lucifer pointed, looking amused at the tribulations of the ghost. « Is everything all right, darling? You seem distracted. Since I've met you, I got at least a glimmer of a smile from my remarks, the occasional eye roll. You're really into your bro, right ? But, unfortunately, I don't think it's reciprocal… Are you sure you don't want him, instead, with his ridiculed beard and paranoïa ? « Him » will do the trick if you want to keep it to the family. Or you have « him » with his inferiority and drinking problem… Try to kill « him » once or twice but you wouldn't believe how resistant « him » is. I strongly suggest you choose « him » instead, healthy, tall and smart, not to mention he is my vessel… And, if you like whiny little-minded baby, you could always turn to « him »… »
« I should have guessed you know nothing about love… You are the Devil after all ! » she responded, her eyes flashing with anger. « If I dared, I would thank you for all the things I have done in my life. »
« Why do you, human, blame me for all their little failings? » he asked, seeming passionate as he spoke. « You use my name as if I spent my entire days sitting on your shoulders, forcing you to commit acts you would otherwise find repulsive. « The devil made me do it. » I have never made one of you do anything. Never. You live your own tiny lives. I do not live your lives for you. If I had, I would certainly have murdered him a lot sooner… Frankly, I don't see what you see in him. Personally, I can't stand the guy ! »
Rolling her eyes, she vanished, leaving the Devil alone with his thoughts. Yes, they had a deal, a pretty solid one but Hell would freeze if he didn't have to punish the stupid Baronet ! After all, would she notice if he added some more clauses to their deal ? If she wanted « him », well, she was going to have « him », even if she had to kill « him » !
They were all back in the bedroom, in the safety of its warmth, their arms full of old and vintage gun that Crowley assured they would work and not blown up of their faces. Bobby still had some suspicions but time wasn't really on their side.
As only welcome, Emma screamed as they all entered « Constance came ! She's… She's… »
« I seriously don't understand this. » Rowena rolled her eyes, looking confused. « Well, don't mistake me I am a flawed, petty, evil creature but I pride myself on being quite smart… But this ? Turning into butterflies after dying then haunting the house ? Not really something we see every day, right ? »
While the hunters, Rowena, Crowley and the Angels were putting the last touches on the cage, Thomas, without saying a single word, rushed to a corner of the room, sitting on the bare ground with the golden butterfly hairpin, firmly held in the palm of his hand and the little music box of his childhood. Soft music resounded when he opened the top, a moth delicately flipping its wings.
Quickly shutting out the discussion that currently went on between all the supernatural experts and Marina, Emma decided to tiptoe towards the sad Petit Baron, the words of her sister still being present in her mind. « I'm sorry… » she whispered with a little voice, kneeling in front of him.
« I beg your pardon ? » Thomas asked, having not paid attention to what the odd French woman had just said.
« I said I'm sorry » Emma resisted the urge to roll her eyes. « Constance suggested we… Well, to be honest, she kinda demanded I made peace with you. Don't get me wrong I'm still mad at you but now, I kinda understand your side of the story and… Let's say I'm clearly a lot angrier with you than with Dean but a little less angry with you than with Sean … Furthermore, Constance asked so… it's not really like I had a choice… »
« However odd your apologies are, I accept them » he forced a smile, his eyes glistening with a newfound flame. « It means a lot to me. Constance was and will forever be the light inside my darkness and the fact that you, her sister, still wants her happiness even in her afterlife… But, you know, who cares about where happiness comes from ? Look, we all have our… particularities but if it works… it works. You got something here, even if he's kind of loony. » he smiled, showing Dean with a wave of his hand.
« Don't let that go. Okay ? You'll never forgive yourself. Who knows how this fight is going to end… It's important he knows that you loved him… »
A small clear of the throat made them turn their face, Marina standing awkwardly near them.
« I couldn't help but overhear your conversation… » she muttered, her head low, blushing. « I think Sir Sharpe is right. I forgave Sean after Constance left. For all we know, it could be our final hours on Earth. Go see Dean. » She gently pushed her towards the hunter, taking Emma's place near Thomas.
Sighing loudly, Emma slowly walked to Dean, wiping a tear away as she heard Marina sharing with the Petit Baron some stories about Constance. Not really knowing what to say, she pulled the American's shirt to her, bringing his attention to her. Turning around, he followed her to a recluse corner. Ruffling his hair nervously, he chuckled :
« I'm… I'm sorry, doll… You know, the only reason I waited so long to apologize to you is that I hoped you would forget why I owed you an apology… I mean, maybe now is the last time I'm going to see you and I… I want to stop memorising your face, the way you move, everything about you. If I had known the last time I kissed you would be the last time, I never would have stopped. »
« Kiss him you fool… » Rowena huffed to Emma, rolling her eyes with exaggeration.
« What ? » the pink-haired girl asked, disbelieved.
« Didn't you hear that speech ? » the witch rose an eyebrow to accentuate her saying. « If you don't kiss him, then I will ! And God knows I don't even like him… »
Glaring hard at Rowena, Emma stuck out her tongue before launching herself into Dean's arms, their lips meeting in a fiery kiss. Seeing the pair reconciled, Sean smiled shyly, his eyes darting to Marina, blushing slightly.
« I'm sorry » he whispered, his voice weak with emotions.
Marina, who couldn't take it anymore, tugged him by the collar and smashed her lips to his, kissing him for all he was worth, muttering between breaths.
« I already forgave you… ».
A touch of her lips on his and he was on fire, kissing her with all the passion that he had managed to reign since he had met her.
A loud clearing of the throat made the two couples jump apart, seeing a very uncomfortable Bobby, a frowning Crowley, an amused Rowena, a blushing Sam, a disturbed Castiel and a sad Thomas. Chuckling softly, his smile hidden in Emma's hair, Dean had to release his grip on her waist to catch the guns Bobby was throwing at each one who could fire a gun.
« So, Dean, Sam, Castiel and Crowley, you're on as baits to catch dear ol' Lucifer in his cage. Sean, Rowena, Tommy and I will close the goddamn door… Any questions ? » the old hunter grumbled .
« Woah, woah, woah, rewind and pause ! » the King of Hell held his hands. « Did you forget the time when Lucifer made me his dog ? Not gonna happen again ! I'm not gonna be the bait, never in one million years ! »
« I'm not sure it's a good idea for me to get in the cellar… » Sean struggled to say, hating to show weakness. « Last time I get there, I… and I'm not sure that Sir Thomas accept to… »
Sighing loudly, Bobby announced the new teams : « Let's go with Dean, Rowena, Sam and Sean for Luci and Castiel, Crowley, Tommy and I for the door, okay ? »
« What are we gonna do ? » Marina asked, fumbling her weight one foot to the other, uneased.
« You two stay here ! » Dean pointed at the two French women. « I'm NOT gonna risk your life out there ! You stay in this bedroom, end of discussion ! »
Emma opened her mouth, ready to yell a reply only to be stopped by Thomas's hand, squeezing her shoulder. Bending to be on her side, he whispered something for only her to hear. No one truly saw the Baronet discreetly give her scissors. With one last look at Marina, a perfect single tear rolling on his cheek, Sean was the last one to get out, leaving the two young women alone.
The click of the door closing made Emma break into a huge grin. Marina looked at her with confusion, carefully stepping out of her way to let her best friend go straight into the sheet closet. Taking two bright white sheets, Emma smiled slyly, holding one to Marina :
« The Diversioner is back ! »
«Tu es complètement dingue!» Marina yelled, catching the given sheet off Emma's hands with automatism.
(You're completely crazy!)
« If at first an idea is not absurd, there is no hope for it ! » Emma winked with a cheeky grin.
To Be Continued