Chapter Seven
The Enemy of My Enemy
CW: Alcoholism and Racism*
*You are going to see throughout this series that there is a very deep divide between angels and demons. This is shown in the show, but not to the extent I plan on exploring here in this series. Many of the behaviors you see angels, including Castiel at first, use toward demons can be seen at least as prejudice, and at worse a form of racism. I think Ruby summed it up nicely in season four: "They're angels. I'm a demon. They aren't going to care if I'm being helpful. They smite first, then they ask questions later."
Please, keep this in mind going forward. The way Crowley is treated by the Winchesters' will honestly look nice by the time we start seeing other angels' views of him hanging out with Azrial.
December 11, 2009
Sam paged through the small stack of papers that Bobby had handed off to him after he sat down. The information was cursory and it answered none of their questions about Azrial. Castiel hadn't wanted to go into her history in the car because he knew Bobby would want the explanation and the angel hated repeating himself. Sam's eyes darted over to the angel who looked uncomfortable with the multitude of questions Rowen was shooting off at him. Castiel still answered them, but Sam could see the irritation mounting and decided to spare the angel further discomfort.
"So, you really didn't find much."
"No. I was hoping Castiel may be able to tell us how much of that is BS and what's not."
Bobby's gruff response had the angel reaching out his hand to take the stack of papers. Sam handed them over before relaxing back into the couch. Castiel's eyes scanned the papers quickly, and Sam could just make out the upward twitch of the angel's lips. After several minutes Castiel snorted and set the papers down.
"Well, one thing was right. She is the Angel of Death, but even that is flawed. She only serves the primordial Death. Azrial doesn't control any aspects; she's simply an overseer. An overpowered reaper if you'd like a comparison."
"Wait, so she's not powerful enough to face up against Lucifer?"
Dean sounded like someone punched him in the gut but Castiel quickly shook his head.
"No, you misunderstand. I'm saying in relation to Death she's not really as important as the lore makes her out. Azrial is powerful, equal to Michael, and more than able to go one on one with Lucifer."
Sam froze and realized quickly that Castiel was omitting something important, and knowing what he did about Lucifer he could already guess what it was.
"Lucifer would never face a more powerful opponent one on one. He's too smart and manipulative for that."
Castiel nodded in agreement with his words, and Sam wondered exactly what Azrial planned on doing in regards to Lucifer. She was his sister, so she had to know that he'd never willingly trade blows with her for fear of his life. Hell, Sam was pretty sure Lucifer didn't want to go up against Michael either. It was just a consequence of the fallen archangel wanting to wipe out humanity, and Michael being the perfect little soldier.
"I thought Michael was the most powerful of the archangels?"
Rowen's question was met by Castiel raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not sure why humans think just because Michael was created first that he is the most powerful. All the archangels have around the same amount of raw power at their disposal, but how they use it dictates their strengths. I'm sure Sam and Dean could tell you what a nuisance Gabriel can be."
Sam winced just as Dean groaned in response to the Trickster's name. Rowen turned to him questioningly and Sam sighed.
"Gabriel has an ability that lets him create, for lack of a better term, pocket dimensions. That's on top of the fact he's one of the best practitioners of illusions I've ever seen even among creatures like djinn. There are no flaws in Gabriel's illusions or dimensions. It takes a damn miracle to get out of either."
Sam couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice, and Bobby shot him a sympathetic look. Sam shrugged showing he was okay but the annoyance didn't leave his face. He'd love to punch the archangel in his smug face for the whole Mystery Spot incident, and then the asshole went and threw them into some demented TV recreation. It was infuriating, but Sam could admit he was impressed that the archangel could pull it over on them twice.
"That's impressive. So you're saying that all the archangels are that powerful?"
Rowen's question was directed at Castiel who hummed softly, "In a way. Raphael is the youngest of the five. He is the weakest in theory, but he makes up for it in strategy and cunning. He took after Lucifer in that respect. After all, you don't have to be a heavy hitter if you can stab your enemy in the back before they notice your approach."
Sam frowned at the mild disgust in Castiel's voice and wondered why it seemed the angel didn't like Raphael. Even when Castiel had been arguing with Gabriel there was an underlying hostility about the youngest archangel. Had Raphael done something to Castiel, or was it just a case of not liking how the archangel commanded his troops? Sam doubted Castiel would answer even if he asked, so kept his silence on the matter.
"So how much of a power difference actually exists between them, Cas? It seems like you're saying there is a power difference but also not. Which is it?"
Dean's question caused the angel to sigh, and Sam wondered if it was in aggravation or just exhaustion.
"Michael and Azrial are both frontline soldiers. You don't want to be facing either in direct combat. Lucifer, as you know, is disgustingly good at mind games. He could make you second guess why you're even there, and he's no slouch with a blade. He's just not as good as Michael or Azrial."
The angel paused and seemed to consider his next words carefully once he noticed everyone's attention was on him.
"Gabriel was actually Heaven's healer. He is by far the best healer among the angels, and his right hand Cassiel was the only one who could keep up with him."
The reminiscent air in Castiel's voice had Sam shooting a look to Dean who raised an eyebrow in response but remained silent. Castiel shook his head trying to clear his thoughts before he continued.
"Raphael is quite like how I've seen human politicians act. He's an opportunist who will throw his weight behind whoever has the most power. In this case, it's Michael. Raphael and Azrial almost tore each other apart during the rebellion in Heaven. I don't think you'd be surprised by me saying Azrial almost killed him for raising a weapon against her. Not on purpose, of course. Raphael was simply unprepared for her ferocity."
Sam swallowed thickly at Castiel's casual admission. Without context for the situation he couldn't fault Azrial's response but how did that make the archangel different from Michael, or even Lucifer?
"So it's down to how they use their power, and only Michael and Azrial are combat specialists?"
Bobby's question was met by Castiel's nod though the angel further explained.
"Michael is the General of Heaven's armies. Every move, every action, goes through him. Azrial was the Lieutenant. She was skilled at commanding from the frontlines whereas Michael preferred doing things from behind the lines."
"Bastard wasn't willing to get his hands dirty?"
Dean snapped the question and to Sam's surprise, Castiel chuckled. It seemed to take Bobby and Rowen by surprise as well because both men sat up a bit straighter, giving Castiel questioning looks. The angel seemed to understand they wanted answers and smirked slightly.
"He never had to. Not with Azrial on the frontline. It just wasn't needed and after her death, the only problem really left that needed Michael's attention was Lucifer and he dealt with it swiftly."
"I'm surprised she didn't end up saddled with some stupid nickname the way you're talking about her."
Dean chuckled as he made his statement but Castiel's eyes shone with amusement as he looked at Dean, and Sam had a feeling Dean was about to eat his words.
"The God Spear."
Castiel's words echoed in the room and for a moment there was absolute silence. Bobby and Rowen exchanged a loaded look but Sam didn't pay it any mind, he was too busy staring at Castiel like he'd grown a second head. Dean wasn't much better mouthing silently until he finally managed to get a few words out.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"She was called The God Spear. Heaven's final solution. If Azrial entered the battlefield it meant death. Fitting given her station, isn't it?"
"Jesus Cas, and you served her?"
"A long time ago. She died shortly after Cain killed Abel. At least that's what we'd all been led to believe."
Castiel didn't sound as confident now, and Sam could see that Bobby and Rowen had quickly picked up on it.
"Could she have lied about who she was? If everyone thought she died-"
"We didn't think. We saw the results"
Castiel's snarled statement cut off Rowen's question and Sam winced as the exorcist's jaw snapped shut at the angel's venomous reply. Castiel seemed to have reached his breaking point, and started ranting about the situation.
"We saw where she died, and Raphael was able to give us her last words. Lucifer may have denied it, but how else was Azrial struck down with Michael's spear when we all saw him fighting when she was killed? Now she shows up after all these years working with a nobody demon. She's soiling herself by associating with him. She's working with the scum of Hell instead of coming home!"
Castiel's voice shook and Sam couldn't tell if it was from anger or confusion. Dean stood up walking over to the angel and placing a steadying hand on his shoulder. Castiel took a deep breath, but didn't speak up again and Dean shot Bobby a look that had the older hunter clearing his throat.
"Azrial's obviously who she claims to be, so let's put that aside. Castiel, how do you think we should act around her? I'd rather not end up on the wrong side of a pissy archangel."
Bobby's question seemed to soothe some of the tension in Castiel's shoulders, and Dean was able to sit back down though he didn't move far from the angel.
"I don't know. I could tell you what she was like, but she's obviously not the same. I could never see her fraternizing with a demon like she is now."
"I think Cas has a point. Is there any way we can separate her and Crowley? Could really do without that smug bastard's constant snarking. Any ideas, Rowen?"
The exorcist tilted his head at Dean's question and spoke slowly, obviously not wanting to upset Castiel again.
"I wouldn't recommend trying to separate them, especially since she specified that you leave this demon alone if you wanted her help."
Rowen's statement didn't seem to settle well, but the exorcist pressed on. He turned to Castiel and met the angel's gaze without any hesitation.
"You asked why Azrial would soil herself by working with Crowley. I think you'll find that she's simply fulfilling her divine purpose."
Sam blinked in confusion not understanding where Rowen was going with his statement.
Castiel frowned as he eyed the exorcist. "I don't understand."
The admission was short and a bit gruff for the angel, but Rowen didn't seem to mind.
"Angels were created to watch after humanity by God, were they not?"
"Well, yes. That is what our purpose became once humanity was created."
Castiel's voice was hesitant as he responded to Rowen's question and the man pushed on.
"What are demons if not the worst of humanity? Those most in need of an angel's care and possibly redemption. Crowley is nothing more than a corrupted and damaged human soul. Can you fault your sister for doing her duty?"
Sam stared at Rowen trying to comprehend what the man had just done. Castiel looked like someone had slapped him and Dean was staring wide-eyed at Rowen who didn't look at all fazed. Bobby seemed amused, but remained silent. Castiel opened his mouth but it took several seconds for him to speak.
"I hadn't considered such a viewpoint."
Castiel's voice was distant and Sam winced as he realized he'd likely be seeing the angel drunk again. Sam noted that Dean wasn't much better and winced as that mental bill totaled up.
"I think Cas and Dean need a minute. Bobby, are there any errands you need done?"
The hunter hummed and stood up and grabbed a shortlist off the table and handed it to Sam. It seemed to be a few odds and ends, but mostly a beer run and Sam shot Bobby a grateful look.
"Alright guys, let's take a breather. We can finish this up later."
Sam stood up, and despite his shock Dean quickly followed and pulled Castiel up with him. The angel seemed to be reeling from Rowen's revelation, and Sam wondered how long it would take for the surprise to melt into another rant. He wanted to get the angel on his way to being drunk before then.
Line Break
Bobby watched the boys leave with mixed emotions. When he heard the door shut he turned to his friend.
"You gonna tell me what the hell that was about?"
Rowen snorted as he stood up stretching as he walked over to the desk and picked up a book.
"Not sure I follow."
"Don't start with me, Rowen. That stunt you just pulled with Castiel; what was it about?"
Rowen rolled his eyes and turned toward him with a small smirk. Bobby really should have known better. The exorcist never did anything without reason and this was no exception.
"I simply pointed out that perhaps Azrial was doing her duty. Is that so bad?"
"You don't actually believe that."
There was no question in Bobby's voice, and Rowen chuckled, making it clear that the hunter was right.
"Of course not, but I also don't care about why Azrial's working with this demon. I care about you all getting out alive though, and she's your best bet. I'm also dying to pick her brain about angelic lore."
"You can be a real bastard sometimes, ya know that?"
"All the best people are, Bobby. Would you rather I let Castiel continue down the path he's on and likely cause an incident when he tries to smite Crowley for doing something he found inappropriate or a threat?"
Bobby huffed but didn't respond. The man was right but that didn't make it any easier. Dean hadn't looked much better at the alternative that Rowen had painted, and he knew Castiel and Dean were likely heading straight to a bar. There was only so much your world view could be upset in one day before you turned to the bottle instead of trying to deal with it.
"Come help me move some stuff to the panic room, ya bastard. It's the least you can do after that stunt."
Line Break
"Think they made it back yet?"
The lazy question had Crowley looking up from his book to the archangel lounging in the armchair across from him. Azrial was sprawled out akin to a cat, her legs draped over the arm of the chair as she curled into the corner of it. Her eyes were shut as she relaxed and she was clearly enjoying the calm before the storm. The scent of blood still clung to her, but he didn't particularly mind. Coupled with the soft scent of rain and moonflower, it was a nice reminder that the angel was in the room. It would take time to adapt to having her nearby again, but this was the least of the things he had to reacclimate to.
"I'd assume so. It's been three days."
Azrial hummed in response but didn't bother to respond further. Crowley shut his book and set it aside as he spoke, "Are you thinking we should head over to their little safe house?"
"Sure, you do that," Azrial murmured in response as she stretched out her legs further causing a small pop and a satisfied sigh from the archangel. Crowley rolled his eyes, but got up shooting the woman a look.
"You're as lazy as I remember."
Her eyes opened and Azrial's lips quirked at his annoyed comment.
"Not when it matters. I'll be right behind you. I just need to put my shoes on, so don't piss them off. I have no desire to get shot."
Crowley snorted and turned making his way toward the door of the safe house they were in. He threw over his shoulder, "Maybe getting shot would light a fire under your arse."
"Cute. How bout I light a fire under yours and see if you keep that tone?"
"You'd have to catch me first, darling."
Azrial snorted and Crowley smirked slightly at the sense of amusement rolling off the angel as he walked out the door. He was just about to leave as Azrial called out, "I could catch you if wanted to, Crowley. There is just a distinct lack of want."
Crowley couldn't help his parting quip and purposely turned to look into amused cobalt eye.,
"Says the woman who kept my favorite drink at her wet bar for three years."
He didn't wait for a response but Crowley did catch the flash of annoyance in her eyes as he got the last word in. It lacked any real heat, and her small smirk made it clear Azrial was quite content with the score as it was.
It didn't mean she wouldn't try and even it later, and he looked forward to her attempt.
