Chapter 11: Showdown

Southern Wyoming. Saturday, December 2, 2006.

Henry had selected a motel on the outskirts of Casper to be their headquarters. They needed to stay close enough to the city to have reliable cell phone service and internet, but that meant it would be a long drive to the churches. The vehicles waiting for them at the airport were SUVs with four-wheel drive. There was little snow accumulation on the ground, and clear weather was forecast for the next few days.

Neal smiled when he saw Crowley lounging in a chair in the motel lobby. His black suit and maroon shirt were in sharp contrast to the jeans and heavy jackets of the others.

"Take your time checking in," Crowley advised. "They haven't arrived yet."

"You have a way of tracking them?" Dean demanded.

Crowley nodded. "Don't I always come through for you?" He turned to Bobby. "Add this to my list of favors extended to you with up to now precious little payback. And while I'm at it, who made the room reservations?"

"I did," Henry said.

"Why did you leave me out?"

"He didn't," Bobby quickly said before Henry had a chance to reply. "You're staying with me, and you better not try anything."

Crowley rolled his eyes. "Haven't you learned by now you're not my type? But just to prove there are no hard feelings, I've already settled into your room."

Graham and Julia were staring at Crowley with a mixture of unease and curiosity. He appeared to revel in it. He invited everyone to Bobby's room to "be enlightened" as he explained it.

Crowley's complacent snarkiness had an additional benefit. Chloe already appeared less tense. Trading jabs with him probably eased a little of Dean's pressure too.

Henry had gotten reservations for the group on the ground floor at one end of the building. After stowing their bags, everyone trooped into the Odd Couple's room.

In front of the window, a map of southern Wyoming had been spread out over a sheet of yellow poster board. Symbols drawn on the poster board bordered the map on all sides. A long, slightly curved horn in a metal frame was suspended over the map.

"Those characters are Enochian," Bobby said. "Did you write this?"

"Don't look so surprised," Crowley chided. "Just because it's angel language doesn't mean I'm not fluent in it. I cashed in a favor from someone who dislikes Azazel as much as I do. He provided the spell."

"Who is he?" Dean asked.

Crowley smiled smugly. "Who else? An angel. Not someone I normally associate with, I grant. But as Cheekbones knows, having allies of all types is a decided advantage. This particular bloke has been assigned the task of making sure Lucifer doesn't escape. He was especially interested in learning about Chronos aiding Azazel. If a Greek god teams up with Lucifer, that could alter the balance of power."

"Chronos may not be the only one working with Azazel," Chloe said. "We suspect Dolos is also involved." She explained their line of reasoning. "Do you know of anyone else capable of mind control?"

"Not in the way you suggest," Crowley said. "Have you prepared accordingly?"

"We have," Dean said. "Care to explain how this contraption works?"

Crowley eyed him speculatively but didn't question him further. The demon knew they were capable of banishing deities but not how they did it. It was their ace-in-the-hole to ensure he behaved himself.

"The goat horn is from a specific cliff near Jerusalem," Crowley said. "It was dipped in certain oils and blessed by the angel in question. The Enochian text supplies the magic sauce. Once Azazel is within four hundred miles of us, his movements will appear as a bright red line on the map." He dropped into a chair. "For now, we wait. Anyone up for party games?"

"I've got work to do," Bobby retorted.

Crowley scowled at him. "You're no fun at all. I even brought my chessboard."

"If you're looking for a game, I'm willing," Julia said. "We'll need to keep an eye on the map in any case. We can take turns resting."

"I slept on the plane," Henry said. "How often do I have a chance to play chess with a demon?"

"And for those who don't want to play chess, I brought along a poker set," Sara said. "We're prepared for a long wait."

If Crowley expected he'd win at chess, he was sorely disappointed. As the night progressed, he lost to both Julia and Graham. Henry let him win once then he too checkmated him. Neal and Sara kept the poker game going. Participants dropped out occasionally for a few hours of sleep. A 24-hour diner fixed them up with burgers and fries.

He and Sara took a break around eleven to take a short walk outside. The air was frigid. Neal already knew they wouldn't linger. Even the stars looked cold. A week ago, they'd been in Thailand. They'd spent Thanksgiving on a warm beach—just the two of them, a bioluminescent ocean, and a star-filled sky.

"Last week, we daydreamed about the adventures we'd have as a married couple," Sara said softly. "This isn't what I had in mind."

He chuckled. "Me neither, but I'm glad we're here to help."

"So am I," she said, linking her arm in his. "Maia's not the only one who's acquired a family. There was a period in my life when the only one I felt close to was Aunt Celeste. Over the past couple of years, I've bonded not only with you and your family but with the Scoobies."

"And they with you. That clan spirit Maia likes to talk about is alive and well."

She gazed up at the full moon. "It does look larger than normal. Supermoon is an appropriate word for it."

"It's beautiful," he agreed. "And by the time we see the blood moon tomorrow night, we will have rescued Sam and Maia so they can watch it with us."

"Is this an instance of if you believe hard enough, it will come true?" she asked wryly.

He shrugged. "Or just the conman in me coming out. The successful con relies on the right attitude. If you stop believing that you can adjust to whatever is slung at you, you've lost before you even start."

"Then tomorrow we'll celebrate our happy ending," she declared. "We have a great crew. Even if the plan is full of leaks and gaping holes, I'm sure it will come together, just like we did."

They exchanged a kiss in the moonlight. If Neal let himself think for an instant that Sara could be killed tomorrow, he'd be paralyzed into inaction. Instead, he focused on everyone toasting their victory under the glow of a blood supermoon.

#

The night passed without any sign of Azazel. The motel had a breakfast buffet where guests could make trays to take to their rooms. As of eight o'clock, there was still nothing showing on the map. Doubts began to creep in about the locator spell. Dean believed they should start visiting the churches. The distances between them were so far that it would take several hours to check them all out. They knew the supermoon occurred at seven o'clock that evening. By then, Azazel would want to be in place in the cemetery.

"I'm getting reports about unusual weather patterns in Iowa and Nebraska," Bobby said, ending a call on his cell phone. "That could be a signal." He gave a nod to Chloe. "A lightning storm appeared out of nowhere over Scotts Bluff Monument, your old stomping ground."

"How far is Scotts Bluff from Casper?" Eric asked.

Julia turned to her laptop and began a search. "It's about three hours away. Bobby, when was the lightning strike?"

"An hour ago," he said grimly. "Crowley, can you do a refresh on the map?"

He shook his head. "The oil I used on the horn should work for another couple of days. My advice? Those of you who are heading out, get yourselves ready. It won't be long now."

Neal and Sara went into their room to change their clothes. There wasn't much else they could do. As they went back into the corridor, Chloe opened the door. One look at her excited face was enough to know it was happening!

They raced into the suite to see a bright red line. It started on the state line southeast of their location. The line slanted to the northwest, avoiding Casper. They watched breathlessly as it finally reached a point and stopped right at one of Samuel Colt's churches.

Julia pulled up a photo of the old wooden structure on her laptop. The church was in a cross shape with a transept at right angles to the nave and a truncated tower. The structure appeared to be in better shape than some of the churches. Perhaps that was why Azazel had chosen it. Large vacant windows were interspersed on all sides, suitable for what they had in mind. They waited just long enough to make sure Azazel wouldn't take off again then headed out.

They rode in the larger of the SUVs Graham had rented. Neal was the designated driver. Sara, Eric, and Chloe were his fellow scouts for a proposed science-fiction movie. When they drew near, Henry and Dean would crouch on the floorboard to avoid being spotted. They hoped to see the interior, but if Azazel blocked their way, Henry and Dean would sneak around to the back to gain entrance while Azazel was distracted. Eric would remain outside. He was into photography and had brought along an array of lenses and cameras to document the location, and also any supernatural events that might occur.

Henry and Dean were wearing identical clothes. They hoped to make Azazel believe supernatural forces had cloned Dean into two identical emissaries. The details were sketchy enough to fit on a napkin. It was the sort of plan that would have caused Peter to register Neal for remedial training at the Bureau.

#

Sam awoke slowly, a faint taste of honey in his mouth. Where was he? His last clear memory was when he and Maia stood in the backyard. A vice constricted his lungs. Was she still with him?

He jerked his head upright only to have his vision explode into stars.

"Waking up are we, Sammy? I bet you're excited about your upcoming performance. Who wouldn't be? You'll be a general—the commander of your own army. Good times are coming your way."

Sam heard the snap of fingers and his vision cleared to see Azazel leering at him. He was lying on a wood plank floor in some derelict building. His hands and feet were tightly bound together. "Where's Maia?" he croaked, his throat parched.

"Don't you worry, Sammy. Every general needs a good screw, and I'm keeping your girlfriend safe for you."

"How do I know you're speaking the truth?"

"You and I are on the same side now. I have no reason to lie to you." Azazel's soft voice was more nauseating than his usual sarcastic sneer. How could the demon possibly think he'd go along with starting the Apocalypse? Hadn't Maia already warned this might happen? She counted on Sam to make the right decision, and he would.

Azazel waved a hand and Maia suddenly appeared on the floor next to him. She was still clad in the jeans and turtleneck she'd worn when he returned from New York. Like Sam, her wrists and ankles were bound tightly together. She appeared unconscious . . . or worse.

"Is she okay?" Sam demanded.

"Sammy, Sammy, just be patient." Azazel made a dismissive gesture, and Maia blinked. She stared first at Sam and then Azazel.

"Welcome to your new life, cupcake," Azazel said. "My general has chosen you to be his consort. It's quite an honor."

"Sam?" Maia's voice was a husky croak. The vice around Sam's chest eased a smidgeon. No telling how long they'd been unconscious, but they were still alive and he'd work with that.

"Don't pay any attention to him," Sam urged.

"Go ahead and lie to her if it makes you feel better, although that won't win you any favors. Still, since you're Lucifer's vessel, I suppose I can show a little tolerance."

Ice poured into his veins as Maia stared at him horrified. "What do you mean I'm Lucifer's vessel?"

"Why else have I been going to all this trouble? Lucifer gave you the great honor of selecting you to be his vessel on Earth. Just as soon as he's freed from his cage, you and he will be one. Tonight is simply the opening act. Once the portal from Hell is opened, the real fun begins."

#

Neal pulled to a stop in front of the church. Their last contact with Bobby had been ten minutes ago. Azazel hadn't changed his location. They'd all slathered on spell repellent in preparation.

"A black cargo van is parked behind the church," Sara said for the benefit of Dean and Henry who were now both stretched in the back of the SUV so they couldn't be spotted from the windows.

"Sam and Maia could still be inside it," Chloe suggested.

Eric shook his head doubtfully. "Possibly, but then Azazel would probably be with them to ensure they don't escape."

"Dean and I won't leave the vehicle until Eric gives us the signal," Henry said. "If Azazel isn't in the church, we'll adjust our plan."

They'd parked the SUV to the side of the building so Henry and Dean wouldn't be noticed when they got out. The strategy was for Neal, Sara, Chloe, and Eric to act as if they were photographing the church and discussing its suitability for the movie. If Azazel didn't show up, they'd check out the interior.

Neal and his fake film crew piled out. Making sweeping gestures, he exclaimed about the location's suitability. Eric rotated through lenses as he shot every angle of the building and its surroundings. Sara and Chloe discussed various shots. They'd decided to base their discussion on Glass Angels, the short feature Aidan had shot at the Mystery Mansion. It was easy to dream up long, rambling discussions about the familiar plot.

They slowly drew near the church with no sign of a yellow-eyed demon.

When Neal arrived at the open doorway, he called out, "Hello? Anyone there?" He turned around to shout at Eric, "Hey, Ed, be sure to take shots of those windows. They're perfect backdrops for the special effects team."

"What's going on?"

Neal spun around to see Azazel. The sketch he'd made based on Dean's description was a closer resemblance than he'd realized. And sure enough, his eyes were light yellow. The demon wore a heavy jacket over jeans. His tone wasn't threatening, but his jacket was open and Neal saw the tip of a gun grip. The Colt?

"I saw a cargo van," Neal said, keeping his tone friendly. "I figured someone was here. You with the county?" he prompted, giving the demon low-hanging fruit.

"That's right. It's my job to periodically inspect old buildings."

"This one is a beauty," Sara said, stepping up. Between the two of them, they blocked Azazel's view of Chloe. "We're with Parastone Productions. We're scouting locations for an upcoming movie. We were told about the abandoned churches in this region but didn't expect them to be so spectacular. Do you know who owns this one?"

"The county. You'll need to get permission from them."

"Could we take a look inside?" Neal asked.

"Sure, but there's not much to see except for dust and cobwebs." Azazel stepped aside to let them enter.

He was right. The building was gutted with only the outside walls remaining. Not much place for anyone to hide unless they were in the far area of the transept. An old cloth had been draped on the ground. Possibly bodies could be underneath but he couldn't be certain till he got closer.

"Do you mind if we take a few photos?" Sara asked.

"Go ahead, but stay near the doorway." The demon glanced up at the roof. "Those timbers are unstable. I was fixing to close off the entrance with tape."

A veiled threat? Neal called out to Eric to join them. As they marked off locations, Neal let a little of the powder Chloe had given him drop to the ground. Sara was doing the same on the other side of the entrance.

An ominous creak was heard followed by a small avalanche of dust.

Azazel frowned as he studied the ceiling. "See, I told you it's not safe. You best be moving along."

Neal reluctantly agreed. "I think we got enough photos. Thanks again for your help."

They walked back slowly to the SUV. Any moment now the action would begin. Henry and Dean should be in place under the windows. Chloe had skirted around to the side. She promised not to enter the building and claimed she wouldn't need to. She was about to fight a dark demon with dark magic.

#

Dean waited impatiently, crouched underneath a window. He was a coiled spring ready to kick ass.

He broke into a grin when a lightning bolt pierced the church interior. That's my girl! When Chloe started her dark magic effects, Azazel raced back inside the church.

"On your knees, demon scum!" Dean roared, jumping onto the window ledge while praying it didn't collapse under his weight.

His double jumped into a window on the opposite side and shouted, "Bow to the Emissary of Erebus!" Henry's voice sounded just like Dean's.

Azazel was caught flat-footed, staring at first one then the other. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out the Colt just as the interior was enveloped in black smoke, or so it appeared to him. The effect was caused by Chloe who was crouched just outside the church. He and Henry only saw a slight mist because of the repellent they were wearing.

While Dean tackled Azazel from the front, Henry snuck in for the Colt. Speed was essential. They had to get the gun before he could use any of his abilities on them. Eric sped in from the back of the church to help just as Azazel hurled Henry aside.

"Catch!" Henry yelled, tossing him the Colt. Man, did it feel good to have it in his grasp. He spun around and fired point-blank at the son of a bitch's forehead.

The demon transformed into molten lava as he howled to the sky. He quickly dissolved into a bright crimson column of smoke. It was just about the most satisfying sight Dean had ever witnessed.

Someone tackled him hard from the rear. Sam yanked the gun away before he had a chance to react.

#

As soon as the smokescreen appeared, Neal sprinted to the back of the church. He and Sara had already checked the van. It was empty, but lengths of rope and dried puddles of vomit testified to how it had been used. In a corner was a stash of dynamite, probably meant to blow up a section of the railroad track so demons could pass. Just as ominous was a jar of honey, a probable signal that Dolos was around. In Scotts Bluff, he'd used a special type of honey to establish links to mortals.

He and Sara both carried blades dipped in banishment oil, but they weren't confident they'd work on Dolos if he'd escaped from exile.

Sara said she'd delay her entry into the church to see what, if any, resistance Neal encountered.

As soon as he climbed in through a gutted window, he spotted Dolos. He still looked like the Nebraska baker Will Hatzis but was wearing the uniform of an SS officer. He held Maia in front of him like a shield. "Don't come any closer if you want her to live," he hissed, holding a dagger against her throat.

Maia appeared to be in a trance. Her face was smudged with dirt.

"Let her go," Neal pleaded. "You don't want to go to war against Erebus."

"So, that's your game," he sneered. "Did he make you immune to my spells? He picked a pitiful specimen to be his champion."

"Take me instead," Neal urged. "Maia means nothing to him. I'm much more valuable. I know Erebus's plans. Not only that, I have an in with Astrena. I'm sure we could come to a mutually beneficial understanding." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sara sneak inside.

Dolos actually appeared to consider his flummery. He was distracted just long enough for Neal to launch himself forward to wrest the dagger away. While they struggled, Sara plunged her treated sword into his back. With a poof, the god vanished.

Dolos might not be banished permanently but all they needed was to get rid of him for a few hours.

#

"Don't make me slug you, Sam" Dean pleaded. By now the smoke had dissipated. Surely Sam recognized him.

Sam stared at him with glazed eyes as they struggled. "I don't want to hurt you, but I have to take the Colt to the cemetery."

Henry and Eric were approaching from opposite sides. Sam seemed oblivious to them. When he held the Colt over his head, Eric leaped up and grabbed it.

Henry helped Dean hold him in place. "It's over, Sam. You're not going to the cemetery. We're taking you home."

Sam collapsed to the ground, his chest heaving. He blinked his eyes rapidly and squinted, probably wondering why he was seeing double. "Dean? Where am I?"

Notes: I enjoyed researching Azazel in the historical record. In the Hebrew Bible, Azazel is a male goat—a scapegoat—used to atone for sins. Some legends relate that the goat was thrown off the cliff Crowley referenced. In the Book of Enoch, Azazel is associated with a fallen angel.

Dolos made his first appearance in my stories in Dawn of the Jackalopes.