Chapter Fourteen
Battle Cry
December 17, 2009
Azrial took a deep breath of the cold night air as she slowly approached the ritual site. The snow crunched under her feet, and she could see her breath in the air. Her brother was truly dramatic. Or perhaps he just wasn't restraining his powers. Thankfully, her own power was rather cold in nature as well.
The cold could still burn you though, and Azrial wouldn't let that thought leave her mind.
Azrial stopped several feet in front of Lucifer, her hands tucked into her pockets as she waited for him to acknowledge her presence. She stretched out her senses to make sure Castiel and Crowley were in place and gave a mental sigh of relief when she found them where they should be. Lucifer turned toward her, and Azrial looked past the rotting flesh of the dying vessel to truly look at her brother. His form was cracked, but still somehow beautiful, proof that even now he was one of their Father's favored creations. Even if her brother couldn't see it.
"Azrial? Now this, this is a surprise."
Azrial couldn't help the twitch of her lips at Lucifer's statement. He sounded pleasantly surprised at the turn of events.
"It's good to see you, Lucifer."
It was, even as she kept an eye on his every move and prepared herself for a strike, it was good to see her brother. She'd missed her family, and she'd take this moment of strange normality before it all went to shit. Lucifer laughed, truly laughed, and Azrial forced herself to look once more at his vessel. His form was so damn bright. Like a raging sunset.
"Only good? No, this is fantastic! Did you know Michael accused me of sororicide?"
"What?"
Azrial couldn't keep the disbelief out of her voice. Did they not know how she'd died either? Even if it didn't stick, it was more than a bit insulting to her and Lucifer that Michael had leveled such an accusation.
"Oh yes. Seems dear old Michael forgot how those fights always went. Rude, no?"
Lucifer chuckled and then tilted his head at her smiling all the while. "It's good to see you alive, Azrial. Please, promise you'll let me tell Michael I told you so."
Azrial had to remind herself that this wasn't the Lucifer she remembered. He was playing her, she could tell, and for a few moments she'd fallen for it. His pleased tone wouldn't last when she told him why she was there.
"Perhaps."
Lucifer chuckled at her answer, and Azrial raised an eyebrow and her brother waved his hand.
"It's so like you. Perhaps," he made air quotes and smirked at her, "You're the embodiment of neutrality, Azrial. I can't help but respect that. Death must be proud."
There was that condescending tone she'd been expecting. Azrial tilted her head and asked, "Is that so?"
"You think I'd lie to you, little sister?"
Lucifer tried to sound hurt, but the flash of annoyance in his eyes gave him away. Azrial snorted and shrugged.
"I don't know. It's been a long time, Lucifer. You're only the third angel I've seen since The Fall."
Her brother raised a surprised eyebrow at the declaration, "That doesn't make sense."
"What? Did you think you and your flock were the only ones who got the Heavenly boot? Please."
The bitterness that crept into her voice was real, and she saw the calculating gleam in her brother's eyes. Good, at least she'd know what he was planning.
"What a shame. I'm sorry you had to go through that, Azrial. I can understand your anger."
He sounded so genuine. She could see how so many had fallen to his silver tongue over the years, but she refused to be one of her brother's victims.
"I've moved on."
"So it seems. I must thank you, Azrial. Your presence was more than enough of a gift, yet you've brought me so many wonderful toys!"
Lucifer's giddy voice set her on edge, but Azrial didn't show her surprise at his statement. Her brother grinned and looked past her.
"You brought my perfect vessel with you, and Michael's as well. Truly, I couldn't have asked for more from you. Not to mention a Saint! Azrial, you're spoiling me."
Azrial was going to kill them. She was going to kill Sam and Dean Winchester and scatter their bones to the wind for this. It took all over her training to remain calm, but her fists clenched in her pockets at Lucifer's words.
"Of course," her brother continued easily, slowly closing the distance between them, "I've known Castiel was here the whole time. He's been so polite though, so I let him be."
"How generous."
It took everything she had not to growl those words. Lucifer was now only three feet in front of her, and she almost lashed out as he tapped her nose. It was something he'd done countless times before The Fall, but now it felt patronizing, and she didn't want her brother this close.
"Aren't I? Now," he paused and frowned, "there is a demonic aura here. Oh, I know who that is. Delivering a traitor on top of all you've already done is overkill, Azrial. You're already my favorite."
"What can I say," Azrial couldn't keep her voice calm anymore; it wavered slightly and Lucifer smirked at her. "I've always been a people pleaser."
"Oh Azrial, don't lie. You were never any good at it."
Lucifer's mocking tone made her bristle and Azrial simply countered, "Maybe you should have taught me better."
"I can't do anything with a poor student, can I?"
Azrial narrowed her eyes as she watched Lucifer's body shift slightly, and his grin became predatory as he looked her dead in the eye, "Now, to stack the deck in my favor."
Azrial cursed as he vanished, and she didn't even need to look to see what he was going to do. She willed herself in front of his target and grimaced as an angel blade cut deeply into her shoulder.
Well, that had gone to shit quickly.
Line break
Dean hated how quiet it was. As they slowly approached he could see Azrial and Lucifer speaking calmly to each other. The first time the bastard laughed Dean swore his heart had skipped a much-needed beat. That was a sound he never wanted to hear again.
"Wish we could hear what they are saying."
Sam muttered the statement as he clutched his gun tightly. Dean hummed as they stopped and watched the interaction. There was still enough distance that they shouldn't be noticeable.
"Can't be anything good. Do you see the tension in her shoulders? She's ready for an attack."
Rowen's voice was firm, and Dean looked at Azrial's back with narrowed eyes. The man was right. Lucifer seemed to shift, and Dean's eyes widened as the fallen angel vanished.
"What, where did he-"
"Dean!"
Sam's voice sounded terrified, and Dean's eyes widened as he saw Lucifer grinning and a blade coming toward his heart. He couldn't move, it was all happening too fast. He shut his eyes, not wanting to see the bastard's grin as he died.
The feeling of something warm and wet splattering against his face made Dean open his eyes. The head of raven hair at chest height didn't actually click for several seconds. The smell of copper was strong in the air and his hand raised to his face to wipe away whatever had splattered him. His fingers pulled back and he stared at the red liquid that coated them.
"Father only knows why I'm even helping you, you suicidal morons."
Azrial's muttered comment was furious, and Dean's eyes fell to her shoulder which was torn to shreds. There were thick pieces of skin hanging loose, and blood was soaking her white shirt. She didn't pay it any mind though. Lucifer narrowed his eyes at them and huffed.
"Really? Are you really going to ruin my good day? I haven't exactly had many of those."
He sounded like a child who'd been told no. Dean wanted to say something, but his eyes kept falling to Azrial's shoulder instead. It was like his brain couldn't process what the archangel had done. Suddenly the raven-haired archangel launched herself at Lucifer, her blade drawn in seconds. The fallen angel's eyes widened and he took several steps back as Azrial's blade came close to slitting his throat.
"Damnit, Azrial, calm down. It's just a human."
Lucifer sounded like he was trying to placate his sister, and the next strike almost cut his ear off in retaliation. Sam grabbed his shoulder as Castiel joined Azrial and drove Lucifer further away from them,
"Dean, snap out of it. We've gotta get out of here."
Dean turned as Sam pulled him and he could see the fear on the faces of the others. That had been too close, and suddenly he felt like this was the worst idea he'd ever had. The four of them took off toward the car trying to ignore the fighting angels.
When the distinct howl of hellhounds filled the air, Dean realized they were completely boned.
Line Break
Crowley was going to kill those flannel covered morons. He ducked out of sight as more demons started to arrive, and cursed Lucifer to hell and back for involving other demons. He knew the group was armed to the teeth and could handle themselves against a handful of runts.
Then the howl of hellhounds filled the air.
"Bollocks."
Crowley shut his eyes and gave a sharp whistle. If those bastards wanted to play hard, he was more than willing to put their mutts in an early grave in return. He wouldn't let this entire mission go to shit just because a few humans couldn't leave well enough alone. A heavy body brushing against him made him smirk, and his eyes opened and zeroed in on the demons.
"Sic em."
The hound snarled and launched toward the fight, and Crowley withdrew the angel blade Azrial had hastily shoved into his hand before all this bullshit started. He'd been hoping to observe and stay out of the fight, and now he was going to show his hand.
Just lovely.
He chanced a glance at the fighting archangels, and noticed Castiel had joined Azrial in pushing Lucifer back. Her shoulder was torn to shreds, and that shirt would have to be burned but she seemed fine otherwise. He smirked as Lucifer had to duck as Azrial came dangerously close to slitting his throat. Good. Maybe this situation was salvageable after all.
Line Break
Rowen was pretty sure this was how he'd die.
You didn't get to be a well renowned exorcist and not expect a demon to kill you somewhere down the line. He just didn't expect a hoard of demons.
"Keep moving!"
Rowen yelled back to the Winchesters and Bobby as he shot one of the demons square between the eyes. He felt horrible as the body fell to the ground as the demon died but there wasn't anything he could do. If it were one or two demons he could maybe exorcise them, but the 15 they were facing? No. No one was that good. Dean was shooting back when he could, but they needed to make more progress. He took a deep breath and yelled back, "I'll hold them off, keep moving!"
"Are you crazy? They'll-"
"GO!"
He shouted over Bobby's objection, and shot another demon who thought they could get close during the argument. When the three men started moving, Rowen focused his attention fully on the demons in front of him.
"Well, I've wanted to use this for a while."
He pulled the hefty weapon that he'd holstered near his hip and aimed at the demon who rolled their eyes.
"And what are you going to do with that, Anderson? Really, this is-"
Rowen pulled back the heavy trigger and sent the grenade straight into the demon's face as he ducked further away. The grenade impacted and shattered into a spray of blessed shrapnel as Rowen tried to put more distance between himself and the hoard. A heavy body slammed into his, and Rowen found himself struggling to breath as the invisible creature above him snarled. It's paw was square on his chest, and he could feel his ribs cracking under the pressure as he tried to get an angle to shoot the creature. Rowen pressed his body as close to the ground as he could at the snap of fangs, and finally shot the magnum causing the creature above him to yelp, but it didn't get off as it took another snap at his head, it's claws digging deeply into his chest.
The weight vanished suddenly, and Rowen took a shuddering breath as he stared up at the snow falling down on him for several seconds. He could hear the sound of dogs fighting, and realized the thing that attacked him must be a hellhound. How was he still alive?
Rowen was yanked up from the ground by a none too gentle hand. He staggered as he struggled to regain his footing and was shoved in the direction that the others had headed.
"Get out of here, moron."
Rowen's vision took several seconds to refocus, and he found himself staring at Crowely in surprise. The demon looked impatient as he continued to look back at the fight, ignoring the ground being torn up by the fighting hellhounds only a few feet away.
"Crowley-"
The demon turned on him with a furious red gaze, and Rowen swallowed and realized he should be counting his blessings that the crossroads demon hadn't left him to his grisly fate.
"For once in your damn life, listen and get the hell out of here!"
Rowen didn't have to be told twice; he turned to leave when he saw Crowley stiffen, his head snapping to look toward the fight. Crowley ground out the next word and Rowen was shocked to hear fear creep into the demon's voice, "Run."
A moment later Crowley vanished, and Rowen heard the fighting behind him stop. He took Crowley's advice; after all he didn't want to know what could scare the demon that badly.
Line Break
Lucifer scowled as he dodged another strike. His mood had taken a sharp downturn, and Azrial was tiring him out. It didn't help that anytime his sister moved out of striking range Castiel was up his ass. He'd heard the angel had let himself go, but this damn fight made Lucifer add the demon who told him that lie to his 'to do' list.
"Damnit, Azrial! Stop this!"
She scowled and the blade shifted mid strike, and Lucifer's eyes widened as the scythe came speeding toward his neck. Was she actually out to kill him? As he ducked he saw the hesitance in her gaze and narrowed his eyes. Perhaps there was still an option. For now he needed a shield. His eyes looked past Azrial to see Crowley shoving the Saint back toward the Winchesters and glared. A traitor would certainly make a good human shield.
Azrial took another deadly swing, and Castiel went for his side. He was only able to dodge his sister's blade and hissed in pain as Castiel cut deeply into his side.
"That's it!"
Lucifer couldn't keep the anger out of his voice as he yanked as hard as he could on Crowley's demonic power. He didn't like to advertise he had this level of control over the demons, but if it meant saving his life he'd live with it. He could feel Crowley fighting him, but with another harsh tug the demon was in his grip and Azrial's blade froze. Shock painted her face for a moment, and then she looked downright pissed off. Lucifer tightened his grip on Crowley's neck, relishing the small hiss of discomfort from the trapped demon.
"Really," he couldn't quite keep the disbelief out of his voice, "You two are stopping for Crowley?"
Castiel looked stiff, and he shot Azrial a questioning look. Lucifer narrowed his eyes as he made sure Crowley was blocking a majority of his body. Azrial's blade shifted back to its default form, and Lucifer wondered if the demon had been smart enough to bargain with his sister for safety. She'd always been one to keep her word, something he never understood.
He smirked at her and snorted in amusement, "Come on, Azrial. I'm feeling better about my odds now. Let's keep going!"
She scowled, and to his surprise gave a dismissive wave to Castiel. The angel seemed pissed over the dismissal, but he obeyed and Lucifer frowned as he saw Castiel appearing near the Winchesters. That wouldn't do.
"I thought you had more pride than this, Lucifer. Or perhaps you're just afraid of me."
Lucifer scowled and almost snapped back, but then he noticed her knuckles were practically white around her blade. Why was she suddenly so tense? Even during the fight before she hadn't gripped her blade that hard. He tightened his grip on Crowley's shoulder making the demon hiss in pain, and he saw her nails dig into her hand as her grip tightened further,
"You're hesitating," Lucifer accused, surprised at the realization, "don't tell me you've gotten attached to this pathetic traitor. What did you do, sleep with him?"
He laughed at his own joke, knowing it was nothing of the sort. Azrial was far too prideful to lower herself like that. He lifted his eyes as he got his laughter undercontrol to see Azrial's face white as the snow falling around them. His laughter died in his throat as he stared at her in horror.
No.
No, there was no way.
Lucifer dug his nails into Crowley's shoulder, and he could feel blood coating his fingers. He didn't care. He couldn't even enjoy the pained exhale from the demon he was holding onto, not when his sister looked like a startled doe.
"You're joking. Azrial, tell me you're joking."
It wasn't a question. Why would it be? She had to be fucking with him for the sake of it. The startled look on her face didn't disappear though and horror gave way to disgust.
"Azrial, come on," Lucifer couldn't keep the anger out of his voice, "I know getting booted outta the nest sucks but this? That's ugh, it's gross."
Azrial's face went from pale to red, and she looked furious. Lucifer scoffed, and he was about to open his mouth when a scream echoed from near where the Winchesters had run off. A moment later there was nothing but silence, and Lucifer growled.
"I swear, good help is so hard to come by these days."
He prepared to move closer to the Winchesters, and tightened his grip on Crowley. If his sister wanted to have stupid and disgusting attachements, so be it. He'd solve that problem while keeping her from attacking him outright. Azrial knew better, and he'd remind her of that even if it meant splattering Crowley's blood across the snow.
Truthfully, that was his preferred method anyway.
Line break
Sam almost shot Castiel when he appeared near them. The angel didn't look surprised, and strode over to Rowen who was barely staying on his feet with Bobby and Dean's help,
"We need to move. I'll heal the worst of your wounds, but then all of you need to leave."
Rowen tensed as Castiel touched his chest, but a moment later it was clear whatever he'd done had helped immensely. The exorcist stood up straighter, and didn't need Dean to help hold him up. It was clear he was still injured because when Bobby tried to pull away Rowen almost collapsed. Castiel turned his eyes toward Dean, and Sam saw the flash of surprise.
"Are you bleeding?"
"Wha-? No."
"Your face is covered in blood."
Castiel's matter of fact answer caused Dean to wince. Sam remembered the angel hadn't seen how that had happened. Castiel dismissed it as he shot a wary look behind him.
"You need to go. I'll help-"
Castiel stopped speaking and spun around just as Lucifer appeared in front of them. He was gripping Crowley by the demon's bloody shoulder and looked murderous. Sam froze as Lucifer raised his free hand, but a moment later Azrial appeared in front of them and Lucifer's hand froze. Why though? Why was he hesitating to kill his sister? That wasn't like the fallen archangel.
Lucifer huffed and spoke softly, "Alright, good day over. You just had to push my damn buttons, didn't you?"
That question was clearly directed at Azrial, but she growled softly not bothering to respond to the bait. Lucifer tisked and continued.
"I thought I was on a roll. Sam was here, Dean was good as dead, my sister is alive, and I had a Saint to corrupt!"
Sam felt fear creeping up his spine at the psychotically happy voice Lucifer was using. The happiness melting off Lucifer's face was like flipping a switch, and he looked furious. His voice had dropped an octave as he ground out.
"But no. No, that would be too perfect. Instead, I find you idiots interrupting my damn ritual, and that my sister is sleeping with a demon."
Sam's eyes widened, and his eyes shot to Azrial. He could only see part of her face with the way she'd positioned herself in front of them, but he saw the flash of anger in her eyes at being called out. He knew he couldn't talk, God knew he couldn't, but at the same time Sam couldn't help the wave of disgust that washed over him. His eyes moved and he saw the same disgust Lucifer was showing mirrored on Castiel's face, and Azrial hissed.
"What? Mad I got laid while you were rotting in the cage?"
The words had an immediate effect on Lucifer. His grip on Crowley's shoulder tightened, and a sickening crack filled the space between them. Azrial's back was ridgeded as Crowley exhaled in pain. It was clear to Sam the proud demon was doing everything he could not to give Lucifer the satisfaction of hearing him scream. That crack though couldn't have been anything good. Lucifer's voice lost some of his hostility as he spoke once more.
"Cute, Azrial. Real cute," he paused and swept his eyes over them and asked, "Want to know the kicker in all this?''
The question was directed to all of them, and when no one answered Lucifer began to lecture them.
"I'm sure my darling sister told all you idiots not to be here. She's a perfectionist like that. That means whatever happens from here on out is on you. Proof humanity doesn't deserve an angel's mercy."
Lucifer's words slammed into Sam, and he couldn't help but acknowledge the truth in them. They shouldn't have been here. It was apparent to him when Castiel and Azrial were fighting, and it became undeniable when Azrial took Lucifer's blow to save Dean's life. This fight, it was beyond them. It wasn't something they should have been involved in once they had a willing fighter. It was like hiring an assassin and then insisting on doing the job yourself. So why were they here?
Sam's eyes shifted to his brother who appeared almost as tense as Azrial. Still covered in blood and grime, Dean looked murderous. Sam knew in this case it was to hide his fear, and wished he'd spoken against this plan. Wished the four of them were as far away from this damn fight as possible.
He wished his brother was safe.
Lucifer's hand seemed to glow, and without warning Crowley screamed in agony. Lucifer seemed giddy at finally getting a response, and Sam didn't want to imagine the pain Crowley was in to give it.
When the screaming ended Lucifer spoke, "So I'm going to tear this traitor apart, oh and then I'm going to splatter Dean's pretty little face all over the pavement. Maybe then you'll say yes, huh Sammy? Say yes to save your brother."
Lucifer sounded thrilled at the idea, and Sam felt sick as Crowley screamed again and Lucifer dug the angel blade he'd found into the demon's shoulder. Sam could see the moment Azrial's control snapped, and a feeling of dread washed over him.
"Enough! Just stop, Lucifer!"
Azrial sounded desperate, and Sam wished she didn't. He wished she'd been able to keep hold of her emotions a little longer because he saw the calculating look enter Lucifer's eyes as he stopped torturing Crowley.
"Why would I do that, Azrial?"
Azrial's blade was still gripped in her fingers, and Sam swore his heart stopped as she sheathed the blade and said firmly.
"Just let him go, Lucifer."
Lucifer tilted his head, and there was another sharp crack. Crowley hacked up blood and his head dropped as he coughed trying to breathe through the pain. There was no more screaming though, and Sam found himself grateful for it. His eyes kept darting between the two archangels, and Lucifer broke the silence.
"Why? What's he worth to you, little sister?"
The mocking tone was there for all to hear, and Sam could see the way Azrial's body sagged in defeat. He couldn't understand why she was so keen to protect Crowley, but he knew had Dean been in that position there wasn't anything Lucifer would ask that he'd say no too.
That thought was terrifying, because Azrial may just choose to sell them out to save Crowley.
"What do you want?"
Lucifer outright laughed at the question, but as his gaze settled on Azrial he looked strangely fascinated by her behavior.
"Is this what it's coming to? Bargaining for a demon's life? A traitor no less?" Azrial didn't respond and Lucifer's voice took on a condescending tone, "Seems the God Spear has grown brittle; Michael would be so disappointed."
Azrial didn't respond to the jibe and she asked again, "What do you want in exchange for Crowley's life?"
Lucifer hummed and his eyes scanned them once more. Sam stiffened as Lucifer locked eyes with him, and Sam realized exactly what the archangel would ask for and Sam didn't know if Azrial would deny her brother.
Not now.
Not when the person she actually seemed to care about was at stake.
"You promised them protection, didn't you?"
It was like Lucifer was asking about the weather, and Sam felt sick.
"I did."
Azrial's response was quiet, tense and short. Lucifer smirked and waved his blade,
"Well, you were always good for your word."
Azrial was silent for several moments and asked, "So?"
"Break it."
The silence was heavy, and Sam swore the snow was making more sound than anyone in the clearing.
"Lucifer, what do you-"
Lucifer cut off Azrial's tentative question with a snort of laughter, "I want my vessel, Azrial. So what's worth more to you, Crowley's life or your word? You know what should be worth more, but somehow I doubt you'll do the right thing."
Lucifer once more locked eyes with him, and Sam knew in his heart this was the end of the line. The fallen angel was confident as he added for clarity, "So Azrial, give me Sam and I'll let Crowley go. Deal?"
