Chapter Five

Heaven Dropped a Bombshell

Author's Note: Uploading a Day Early (Aug. 28, 2020)

December 5, 2009

Bobby was once more back at the airport but this time he was waiting to pick someone up. As people started to stream out of the airport he swept his eyes through the crowd trying to pinpoint his friend. Bobby finally spotted Rowen and found himself surprised to see his auburn hair had greyed a bit more since the last time he saw the man. He was now sporting a distinctly peppered look. The man's amber eyes met his and Rowen grinned as he made his way over to him.

"Bobby, long time."

The man leaned in for a quick hug, and Bobby rolled his eyes but hugged the exorcist back. The man pulled away and looked him over carefully and then snapped out quickly, "Christo."

Bobby rolled his eyes and glared mildly at his friend.

"Isn't that a bit backward? You hugged me before checking."

"You let me hug you, hence why I checked."

Bobby snorted and pulled open the truck door for his friend before making his way back to the driver's side. Rowen pushed his luggage behind the seat, got in, and pulled out his phone as Bobby pulled away from the pickup zone. A moment later, his amber eyes were once more boring into him, and Bobby knew the conversation was about to go from friendly to serious.

"Alright, Bobby. Fill me in so when we get to the house I'll know where to start."

"Ya asked for it. This ain't a short story."

"It's rush hour, we have time."

Bobby hummed in agreement and began getting his friend up to date on everything that had happened.

Line Break

December 7th, 2009

Dean pulled into the open wrought iron gate after Crowley had gotten out and entered the code before getting back into the car. The house was massive and overlooked Lake Washington. He saw Castiel stiffen as they crossed through the gates, and shot his friend a concerned look but didn't say anything.

"Damn, this place is huge."

Sam's statement from the backseat had Dean humming in agreement. Crowley was behind Castiel, and to Dean's surprise, he saw a flash of anticipation in the demon's dark eyes in his rearview mirror. That put him on edge, but at the same time, he had to wonder exactly why Crowley seemed to be gunning to get here. Was it really just because he wanted the situation dealt with, or was it something more?

"It helps when you have 2 million dollars to throw around."

Crowley's mildly annoyed, yet somewhat amused, comment caught Dean off guard. Sam made a sound like a strangled cat, and Dean quickly asked.

"What? Your contact ran off with your money?"

"It's not that much, and they paid it back."

Dean froze, not having expected the demon to admit such a thing. He pulled into the parking spot they'd been directed to and stared at the demon through the mirror.

"Hold up, someone took 2 million dollars from you and they're still breathing?"

The demon shot him a dirty look and Dean plowed on, "Holy shit, who are we meeting? Your wife? Jilted lover? Mistress? That's the only way I see this person still being alive after a stunt like that."

The demon's eyes flashed red and Dean could feel the anger bubbling just below the surface, but it was only for a moment. It was telling though, and Dean's curiosity was starting to get the best of him. It was small things like this, and the asine rules that the demon had set, that told Dean there was something more to this contact then met the eye. Crowley huffed, opened the door and stepped out of the Impala. Dean shot a look at Sam who shrugged and got out as well. Dean hesitated a moment and muttered to Castiel, "Keep an eye on him."

"I will. Something feels off, and I don't trust him."

Dean hummed in agreement at Castiel's whispered response as the two exited the car. Crowley began to walk toward the door when a well-dressed man stopped him from entering the house. Dean froze and went to pull a gun when the man's eyes flashed to black as he eyed Crowley critically. He cursed as he realized he didn't actually have a damn weapon because of the red-eyed demon.

"Crowley, interesting to see you here."

"Stand aside, Xander. You know damn well I'm allowed to be here."

"I didn't say you weren't Crowley, just that it was interesting to see you here."

The demon simpered the statement and Dean froze at the fury that seemed to pass over Crowley's face.

It was crushed quickly and the King of the Crossroads purred, "Interesting it may be, but if you keep her waiting you'll be dead. As far as favorites go, we both know whose side she'll take, don't we? That, or you'll become a chew toy for my pup."

The demon paled, and Dean found himself trying to unpack what had just been said. So they were meeting a woman, and Crowley was more than confident that he ranked above anyone else in her eyes. She employed demons but seemed just as quick to cut them down for disloyalty which Dean could grudgingly appreciate. Also, Crowley had a hellhound and one large or vicious enough that the other demon looked sick at the mention of it. Not a small feat from what Dean remembered of Hell.

"Go inside, and keep your damn hunters on a leash, Crowley."

"Polite as ever, Xander. Watch your step."

Crowley pushed past the demon making sure to slam his shoulder into him making the taller man stumble slightly. It was a testament to Crowley's power, or the fear the demon had of the woman, that he simply glared at the King of the Crossroads rather than respond. Xander eyed them as they passed as well but a glare from Castiel sent him scurrying away. Seemed between Crowley and Castiel the demon didn't want to try his luck. Crowley led them through the foyer to a comfortable, if upscale, living room.

"Make yourselves comfortable. I'm sure she'll be a few minutes yet. Drink?"

Crowley had beelined it to the small bar in the corner of the room near the large wall to wall window overlooking the lake. Dean sat down on the large L-shaped couch that took up most of the room. There were a few chairs facing slightly toward it as well, but Sam sat down next to him. Castiel walked over to the large window and was looking out at the water with a confused and thoughtful look. Dean wondered what was setting the angel on edge but felt it better not to ask while Crowley was around.

"Uh, sure. She got beer?"

Crowley scoffed, but there was the sound of clinking bottles and the demon walked over offering them to him and Sam. Dean frowned not recognizing the name but still pulled out the bottle opener on his keys and popped it open. It seemed like it was an import, likely German if the name was anything to go by, but Dean wasn't picky. He put it to his lips and took a sip humming in appreciation at the taste. He should have figured someone who had a house like this would have good beer. He shot a look at Crowley who had a crystal tumbler on the bar counter and was pouring himself a drink. The demon picked up the glass and began walking over to them when Dean heard the telltale fluttering of wings. He snapped his head to where Castiel was standing but the angel was still there, though his shoulders were tense. The click of heels drew his attention and Dean started as a woman glided into the living room.

The first thing he noticed was her body. Not in a sexual way, though God damn was she a sight. Her body was completely toned in a way that only a fighter could achieve. The black dress she wore didn't leave much to the imagination despite going up to her neck. Her back was bare and as she passed him he could see that her back was almost more toned than her legs that he caught a glimpse of due to the thigh-high slit. Every step she took held confidence and it was clear just by the heavy click of her heels she was used to wearing something less dainty than the stilettos she was in. Raven hair was tied up high on her head, and Dean caught a glimpse of blue eyes that rivaled even Castiel's. Her's were far darker though, and seemed much sharper than the angels. More practiced at picking apart a person. She didn't pay them any mind as she walked up to Crowley a sultry smile pulling at her red painted lips.

"Crowley! It's been far too long."

The woman purred Crowley's name in a way that Dean knew could get any man going. She pressed herself against the demon who moved his arm to accommodate the shorter woman without spilling his drink. Crowley's eyes glowed with something Dean wasn't sure he could place. It wasn't lust or even desire, but it wasn't something as simple as possession either. The woman leaned up, her breasts pushed tight against the demon's arm, as she pressed a kiss to his jaw. Dean narrowed his eyes at the action and wondered if he'd been right. Her nose nuzzled against Crowley's jawline for a moment, and Dean knew that action well. Many women would do that in his experience if they wanted to smell a man's cologne or particularly enjoyed his scent. He'd had more than one partner do that in his past and it was leaving him wondering just what the relationship between the two was. Dean almost snorted his beer when he noticed Crowley, ever so slightly, tilting his head to accommodate her. What the hell was that? Crowley's arm was draped slightly over her shoulder, but that was purely to accommodate his arm and drink.

"You look lovely as always, darling. Early night?"

"Well, you were coming to visit me. How could I not come home early? Give me a moment to change, and I'll be right back so you can introduce me to your...associates."

The beautiful woman pulled away from the demon and left the room with the same confident stride she had entered with. Dean watched her go unable to truly comprehend what had occurred. As soon as he thought she was out of earshot though he spoke up.

"Hey Cas? For the record, THAT'S a honeypot."

His friend didn't respond, but Crowley cleared his throat and Dean found himself on the other end of a mild demonic glare.

"Didn't I tell you to behave, Squirrel?"

"I didn't say it in front of her, now did I?"

Crowley sighed. clearly annoyed but didn't say anything else as he sipped his drink. The demon sat down in one of the chairs facing the sofa and seemed to become lost in his own thoughts. They were only waiting for a few minutes, and Dean could tell something had Castiel overly agitated as his friend paced behind the couch. The soft pad of socked feet on the tiled floor had Dean looking back toward the entryway and he felt his mouth go dry.

The woman had gone from being beautiful to being his type of woman in the span of a few minutes.

Her hair, that had been so intricately done up, was now in a messy bun hanging low on her head. She was rocking a pair of skin tight blue jeans, and a black Guns n Roses long sleeve with the back cut out of it by hand. All pulled together with a pair of obviously worn fuzzy blue socks.

"Holy fuck."

He muttered the curse low against the opening of his beer bottle. He wasn't blind to the dirty look that Crowley shot at him but he could honestly care less. The woman fell into the chair directly across from them without a care to a graceful landing before pulling her legs up so she was sitting cross legged.

"So," she began in a much lighter and less sultry voice then she'd spoken to Crowley with, "How can I help you?"

Dean bit his lip to stop from answering that question with the first thing that came to mind, and thanked God Crowley decided to speak up first. He instantly regretted that thought, though.

Crowley glared at Dean as the hunter made no effort to hide the thoughts going through his head when he laid eyes on his contact. Really, did he have no filter? He may not have said anything but his eyes were speaking volumes. Going by the amusement rolling off her, she had noticed as well.

"You never look at me like that, Squirrel. I'm starting to get offended. Especially after that lovely room I got you."

Dean sputtered slightly and seemed at a loss as to how to respond. Crowley smirked but it was quickly quashed by an amused voice coupled with a feminine laugh.

"Of course he doesn't look at you like that, Crowley. The man has standards."

Their eyes met for a moment, and Crowley did his best not to let ouf the aggravated growl that was building in his chest as he stared into amused cobalt eyes. Underneath the amusement was a placating look, and he knew she was only doing this to prove a point. Best to just play along and bitch about it over drinks once they weren't around the hunters.

"I won't dignify that with a response, darling. This is Sam and Dean Winchester, and their angel Castiel."

He saw a flicker of emotion in her eyes at the introduction of Castiel. He'd worried about her reaction to seeing another angel, but there wasn't much he could do about it. He wasn't sure what, if any association, she'd had with Castiel so it was best just to let the hunters bring the angel with them. Now though he was thinking he should have warned her.

"An angel. Interesting."

She murmured the words as she and Castiel stared at each other. Crowley could feel the tension now, and really wished he'd sent a simple text to warn her.

"Uh, Cas? I just got bitched at about my wandering eyes."

Dean's attempt to make a joke saw a flash of anger pass through Castiel's eyes and Crowley winced. She sighed and tilted her head breaking the staring contest between them.

"Your presence here makes an introduction on my part rather useless, little brother."

There was no denying the placating tone in her voice now, and Crowley found his interest piqued. He watched as Castiel's eyes flashed to a dark ominous silver, almost grey, before settling back to soft blue.

"Azrial."

Castiel ground out the name, and Crowley wasn't blind to the multitude of questions that were laced through it. She simply tilted her head to the side and stood up. The Winchester's scrambled to their feet and were staring at her in shock.

"Wow, wow, wait just a damn minute! Cas, you said your sister was dead!"

Azrial's fingers twitched at her sides at Dean's shouted comment, but otherwise she didn't move. Her gaze was still locked on Castiel who was eyeing her with a maelstrom of emotions clear on his face.

"I did, and she was. Angels leave a rather distinct mark when they die, Dean."

Castiel's snapped statement took the hunter aback, but now he was watching Azrial warily. It seemed, for whatever reason, the hunters knew exactly who she was and it set them on edge. Azrial shifted her stance and to his surprise she flashed her eyes to their angelic silver color and in a move he'd seen many angels use allowed the shadowy imprint of her wings unfurl behind her. It was never something she'd normally do. She had a far more potent way of getting attention, but seemed to realize that this was how the hunters were used to an angel flexing their muscles.

"Oh fuck."

Sam muttered the statement, and Dean was nodding as the wings fell back into invisibility once more. Azrial shut her eyes and when they opened they were once more the piercing cobalt he was accustomed to.

"You bastard! You brought us to an archangel, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Sam's snarled question took Crowley by surprise, but he didn't get the chance to respond to the accusation.

"He brought you here because you need help."

Azrial's voice cut through the panic and anger in the room like a knife. It was cool and booked no room for argument. It also had a profound effect of Castiel losing his initial hostility. Instead the angel was eyeing her with curiosity, and Crowley wasn't sure if that was better or not.

"Sit down. I won't hurt you, and you're more than welcome to walk out that door once our conversation is over. I've made time for you; the least you can do is explain why you're here."

Azrial kept her voice leve,l and to show that she meant to ill will sat back down. The brothers seemed to consider their options and Crowley could see the broad strokes of a silent conversation passing between them. Sam and Dean finally sat back down but they were now eyeing Azrial wariely. She sighed and rested her chin on her palm before speaking.

"It doesn't take a genius to guess why you're here. You've run out of options with regards to Lucifer, haven't you?"

The question held no ill intent or judgement. Just a heavy sense of truth, but Crowley could tell it still didn't sit well with the hunters. He decided to give them a chance to collect themselves.

"You did say using The Colt would be like shooting a grenade into the sun. I'm more inclined to point a brighter, more vicious, sun at him."

Azrial snorted and that seemed to give the hunters enough time to get their thoughts in order.

"Why would she do that, Crowley? Going off other archangel reactions why would she be any different?"

Dean's voice was tightly civil and Crowley was impressed that he'd been able to keep it that way. Azrial turned her gaze back to Dean who seemed startled that she didn't shy away from the question.

"Let me guess. Michael said he was obying orders, you haven't actually met Rapheal, Lucifer is acting like the world's most bitchy victim, and Gabriel told you to go fuck yourselves?"

Dean looked like a fish out of water as Azrial summarized her brothers' reactions in a way only a sister could. Crowley snorted in amusement and finally began to relax again.

"How, how the hell did you know that?"

Sam breathed out the question looking at her with a bit more respect. Azrial laughed as she lifted her head from her palm once more, and shot Castiel a knowing look before turning back to Sam.

"Truthfully, Rapheal was a guess. Michael and Lucifer were predictable. Gabriel, on the other hand, was based on if you'd been able to find him."

"We did. We tried to ask him for help but he said it was inevitable. Then told us to fuck off."

Azrial rolled her eyes and Sam's annoyed statement but she hummed in understanding.

"That sounds like him. Don't worry about Gabe. When the chips are finally down and it comes time to choose, he'll side with humanity. He's far too attached at this point, and he doesn't want to see a boss fight between his older brothers."

The certainty in her voice took them all by surprise. Crowley hadn't realized that she held such confidence in another archangel, but given what had been said it made sense in this situation. If Gabriel had run off and Azrial had been forced into hiding it would make sense that they could understand the other's viewpoint even if they didn't interact directly.

"I've gotta ask, why didn't you just tell us who your contact was, Crowley? You didn't even tell us she was a woman."

Crowley raised an eyebrow at Dean but kept his tone even as he responded.

"I offered to introduce you when I gave you The Colt over a month ago. Azrial is extremely private for obvious reasons and if anyone, and I mean anyone, knew we were interacting we'd both have problems."

Dean looked confused and Castiel spoke up for the first time since he and Azrial had faced off.

"You'd be killed if Hell was feeling lenient and Azrial would be labeled a traitor and treated no better than Lucifer."

Azrial nodded, "Exactly right, Castiel. My situation is already volatile as it is. I have no desire to have a conversation with Michael or Lucifer about why I'm working with a demon."

"Why are you working with a demon? I think we have a right to know."

Sam's question was met by a frown from Azrial, and Crowley doubted he looked any kinder than the archangel at the question.

"Explain to me why you have a right to such information, Sam Winchester. Our business is exactly that, ours. Castiel just explained why we keep it that way."

"We have a right to know if we'll be working together. Crowley already exacted a price for us even getting in here. How do we know-"

"You can trust us?"

She cut Sam off with her question and Crowley watched as it brought the young hunter up short. Sam gave a stiff nod, and Azrial rolled her eyes and shot him a look. He raised an eyebrow at the expectant look but hummed after a moment.

"Simply put Moose, you can't. You shouldn't trust anyone, especially not right now."

That answer didn't seem to sit well with Sam, but Dean stopped his brother from continuing down that vain by speaking up.

"So we can't trust you. Then why are we here? No offense, lady, but your brothers haven't left the greatest impression and now you're offering to help us? Why? What are you getting out of this?"

The smile Azrial directed at Dean couldn't be considered nice. It was rather predatory and Crowley had to stifle his amusement at the discomfort that seemed to fall over the two humans in the room.

"Me? My job becomes less of a shit show and paperwork stops piling up with no end in sight. Do you have any idea how messy an apocalypse can get? Especially an apocalypse that hasn't been signed off by Death?"

That question brought the three up short and Crowley was glad she'd asked such a pointed question. The Winchesters needed to realize the scope of this problem went beyond just them and their people. Castiel may better understand, but his exposure to humans left him with the same attachments that the hunters had. Attachments blinded you to the end goal, and Crowley would never understand why people would let themselves be distracted in a life or death situation by a single person or group of people. It was foolish.

"Wait, Death isn't behind this? The other horsemen are."

Sam's question caused Azrial to roll her eyes and Crowley snorted in amusement at the action. She hated having to explain herself in such minute detail, and he could tell she was approaching the end of her patience.

"Death isn't simply a horseman, and thinking that will get your fool asses killed. Death is ever present, always there, and not bound by the same rules or stipulations as the others. He exists with or without them, and he has the power to leave his cage at will. Death existed before all of us, and he will exist after all of us. He views all of this as nothing more than a tantrum, I assure you."

That seemed to shock them into silence and Crowley pointed out.

"Part of the reason for the time constraint is that Lucifer is setting out to bind Death next Thursday. If that happens, kiss Death's abstinence good bye. He won't have a choice anymore."

Azrial hummed and nodded in agreement. Crowley could pinpoint the moment panic set into the hunters. Castiel was much better at hiding it, but he could still see the slight crease in his brow that marked his concern.

"That's only ten days away."

Dean's voice was shaky and Crowley could see Sam looked defeated. Azrial sighed and turned her gaze toward Castiel.

"Ten days is enough time, don't you think Castiel? After all, you'll have my help."

Castiel stiffened and there was a clear look of disbelief on his face. He saw Azrial smirk and he had to wonder about what she was implying to the other angel. Castiel turned to Dean who was watching the byplay.

"She's right. Ten days is enough with her help."

"So you'll help us? What's your price?"

Sam's skepticism was dripping off his questions and Azrial rolled her eyes. Crowley knew her patience with the situation had dissipated.

"Crowley already named my price."

He froze, and shot her a look but she didn't meet his gaze. Sam, Dean, and Castiel were staring at her and varying stages of surprise and shock.

"What do you mean by that?" Dean asked.

"Crowley's deal to meet me was to leave him alone. My price to help you is your word that you will leave him alone. No betrayal. No trying to swing it so it seems like self defense. You'll let him walk away, and you won't make a move against him so long as he doesn't make a move against you."

Crowley hadn't realized she was going to be so blatant in her defense of him. He'd expected her, especially with the presence of Castiel, to tiptoe around the situation. Instead she'd plowed right into the conversation and took the bull by the horns.

Really, he shouldn't have expected anything less from the blunt archangel.

"Why?"

Castiel's one word question saw some of the annoyance from Azrial's face melt away. Her gaze was a touch softer at his obvious confusion.

"Castiel, it's been a long time. People change, even angels will change with enough time. My reasons are my own. Perhaps, when we're alone you could ask more questions, but I won't talk about this in front of two hunters I don't know beyond my older brothers' desire to jump their bones."

Dean sputtered in agitation and Crowley was utterly amused at her wording. Suddenly, Azrial stiffened and Crowley shot her a look.

"What's wrong, Azrial?"

That got the other three's attention, and Castiel looked a mite irritated, but Crowley couldn't imagine why. Azrial stood up and her eyes darted to the window.

"Crowley, get them out of here."

The seriousness in her voice had him getting to his feet without anymore prompting. She walked over to the wall where two dual blade short swords hung and she pulled them down.

"Azrial are you sure-"

He kept his voice low but she turned to him with a smile. Not the half smirks or the polite smiles she'd been giving the others all night. This was soft and genuine. It had been a long time since he'd seen that, and honestly didn't know what to say in the wake of it.

"I'd hate to get blood on your suit. Go, get them out of here. I'll meet up with you for that drink when I'm done."

She spun the blade in her hand with a practiced ease but her arm was twitching slightly in anticipation. Crowley could feel the others staring at them and he exhaled sharply. He nodded and turned away from the archangel and walked past the Winchesters.

"Let's go. The house is under attack."

"What? Then how are we getting out?"

Dean snapped the question but followed the demon. Castiel kept stride with Dean and muttered, "She's staying. We'll be fine."

"Why do you have so much freaking faith in her?"

They'd made it outside only for Xander to to stop them from reaching the Impala. The demon smirked at Crowley.

"Shame, Crowley. Seems someone tipped off Lucifer to your location."

Crowley snarled and raised his hand to attack the demon only for a blade to go through the demon's throat. He tried to smoke out only for a hand to reach up and cover his mouth. Crowley stared into the demon's panicked eyes and smirked just as the tell tale glow of smiting lit up the meat suits eyes. The body crumbled to the ground revealing Azrial with a spattering of blood on her cheek and neck.

"Are you all deaf? Go!"

She snapped the command, and Crowley saw Castiel drag Sam and Dean away without any further prompting. He met her eyes one last time and gave a slight nod before she took off back into the house. He shot Dean a look when he honked the horn and shook his head before vanishing from the area.

If what Xander said was correct he'd been made. Best to stay away from the two VIPs of the apocalypse. It was time to get underground and stay there. Azrial would take care of any demons before they became a problem. He knew that was why the angel wasn't using her blade. An archangel blade would be noticable and if one did escape, they'd tattle to Lucifer in a second. This way she looked, at worst, a rogue angel.

It was less than fifteen minutes later as he was sitting in his safe house that Azrial appeared. There was more blood on her face then before but that didn't stop the archangel from smiling brightly at him as she set the two blades on the table.

"Got my drink?"

He snorted as he slid a glass over to her and she downed it in one shot before setting the glass down with a sharp snap. He eyed her blood covered face and neck, and rolled his eyes before gesturing to the bathroom.

"Grab a shower. You reek of inadequacy."

"Really? I thought I reeked of traitors?"

He chuckled low in his throat and tilted his drink to her, "I think we're both right, darling. Still, go get cleaned up, then we can talk."

She smirked and tapped her nails against the table in thought, "Sure you can wait half an hour?"

"It's been three years, Azrial. What's less than an hour to talk about our plans?"

Azrial laughed and Crowley hated to admit it but things really were more interesting when the archangel was around.