Light's Rupture

The horn may be your last shot, but not mine.

If the circumstances had been different, Rowena would have laughed at the expression the woman in front of her was giving. There was a time when she would have done anything to faze or make angry the woman that stood before her. But after the whole thing with Jack… things were different. Rowena saw what she once called a murderer in a different light.

It was no secret that Rowena and the Malachi were on the opposite sides of things. Rowena believed in prophecy and magic and didn't really care who she hurt to become what she was. The Malachi… she was given power but refused to use it. Even when odds were stacked against her, she would rather fight much like her companions. It irked Rowena that she professed so much love for people in general and then all the destruction… It was enough to set them up as enemies.

Then there was Jack.

Rowena got a different view of the woman who was the definition of heaven and hell's fury the night she figuratively got on both knees and begged her to help Jack. Granted Jack's personality swayed her, the witch couldn't forget the look of gratitude, kindness and love the Malachi showed her. That last one baffled her most of all. After everything, the Malachi showed her love. It showed when she comforted her after the horror and the anger and rage she felt when she failed in her attempt to strengthen the walls. It was why she approached her first with this.

"What are you saying?"

It was then Rowena showed the Malachi the page from the Book of the Damned. She didn't have to explain what was written. The Malachi knew enough to know and her expression showed it. Rowena said, "Consider it a backup plan. Contingency."

Rowena didn't expect the reaction. Well, she should have. The Malachi was all about love and kindness, the virtues of man embodied. At least that was what her Samuel liked to say. It surprised the witch at the sudden flow of tears and the refusal. It was enough for her to say, "Now I know the Malachi of Absolution would not just say no to an opportunity and probably the last choice."

"There is always a choice, Rowena. Three strikes and you're not out."

"Again with the baseball metaphors."

"Honest truth."

It was enough for them both to share a chuckle. It also allowed Rowena to pull herself together and explain, "Belphagor's way may work, but you of all people should know that there is always a catch."

The look on the Malachi's face was answer enough for the witch, "More than you know. Probably the same as you."

It had been a dig at Rowena's age but made in jest since they were both very old. Rowena couldn't help but smile at the woman. It became sad when she said, "I believe in magic. I believe in its power and I believe that this… may be the only way."

Rowena was ready for the protests and held off the Malachi saying, "I've done things but… I've grown fond of your Samuel and your little bairn. She deserves to have her family with her."

"She would feel your death, Rowena."

"She's so special." Tears were threatening but eventually Rowena managed to relay her reasons. She had the Malachi ready to agree. She just needed one thing. She looked at the woman and said, "There is one thing."

"What?"

"I want your permission to have Samuel be the one that kills me."

Again, if had been any other time, Rowena would have laughed at the expression on the Malachi's face. Rather, she nodded and reaffirmed her request. Of course it led to the Malachi being an inquisitor and asking about her reasons. She knew the Malachi knew about Death's books and that her end would be at Sam's hands. That was what the whole inquisition was about and she was sure the Malachi found it odd that she, Rowena, was asking for permission.

"I don't have anyone else that I care about to do it, but I have grown fond of Samuel… your bairn… and you."

It took a bit, but Rowena finally had the Malachi agree and give her permission. Rowena knew that the Malachi's word was bond, but she wanted some reassurance when she asked, "I know your word is bond, but I want you to swear it. Swear on the name of your goddess."

Rowena knew she was asking a lot from that and an oath sworn like that. She just wanted to make sure that no matter what…

"In the name of Isis, the mother of the living dead, I swear to you Rowena that I will see your spell carried out if and when it is done."

Rowena didn't expect that. She figured that the Malachi would refuse, but she did it. To top it off, she didn't expect the hug from the Malachi. She had forgotten how affectionate the woman could be and it seemed more so that she was a mother. It wasn't like the witch could reject it and the woman did comfort her after the failed spell attempt. Little did she know that it would mean much more.

As it turned out, something went wrong with the search for the Crook. Rowena knew that she had to do it, which was why she insisted that Sam be the one with her when she did the spell to sew the tear into hell shut. She didn't expect the Malachi to show up.

Rowena knew that Dean was unprotected and she worded it so the Malachi would go and protect him. Both Winchesters completed the Malachi and to have one without the other… she was not going to endure a lifetime of moping from that woman. Plus, she knew the Malachi had been powered up in some way. Sam didn't elaborate except to say she was an apex hunter, whatever that meant. In simple terms, she was qualified to look after Dean.

It was a complete surprise when the Malachi showed up right when Sam refused to use the knife on her. The only thing that indicated her presence was the woman's soft voice say, "It'll be okay, Sam."

Rowena wasn't going to pretend she understood love. She could admit to infatuation, lust and other words. Maybe she felt some affection for her Fergus, but in that moment, she saw another meaning the way how the Malachi was looking at Sam and standing by her side. It was like she was telling Sam that she was okay with it and agreeing with Rowena. It was complicated to explain, but it was there and it enabled Sam to plunge the knife in her stomach.

It was like the funeral marches she had seen in her lifetime as she walked, pulling in all the souls and demons of hell that had escaped into her. She knew she was marching to her death. Yet, she wasn't alone. In front of her was the Malachi, holding that blade of hers in her hand and that other one at her belt. Every bit like the warrior of the stories told about her.

The Malachi cleared the path to the tear for her and waited for her. It was actually quite touching to Rowena. She had mocked the woman about her compassion even for her enemies and here it was being given. Not as lip service, but genuine compassion and kindness. It was really too much and Rowena felt like she would say something to be annoying.

"Rowena."

Rowena knew the end was near and she was ready to jump in now that she had all the souls inside of her. She was stopped by that voice and turned to look. The Malachi was standing there and she couldn't help but say, "How many times are we going to stand this close? I don't like you."

The Malachi smiled at that. Rowena didn't mean it and she knew it. They both did. What Rowena didn't expect was the Malachi grasping her head and pulling it towards her. She didn't realize what was happening until she felt the kiss on her forehead. The witch blinked at the Malachi and all she got was a smile of understanding.

As she fell into the tear, Rowena felt a sense of peace. She was scared of dying. Anyone would be, but it was a relief because she knew who would kill her, and she made the choice to do it. She could almost just imagine the Malachi looking into the abyss and watching her fall and it strangely felt comforting. She wouldn't be alone.

A/N: Rowena's thoughts as she made her plans to save the world. Tag to The Rupture.