April 6th, 2010
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Alex rolled off of the couch with a groan. Her eyes hurt, and still she had found nothing. "Ugh." She hit the ground and stared up at the ceiling, eyes unblinking.
"Busy?"
Alex looked up. "Didn't hear you come in."
Dean walked up to her, nudging her shoulder with his toe. "Twelve states, two dozen people, and nothing. No one know anything." He sat down on the floor beside her, back resting against the couch. "You sure you don't know how to stop this?"
"I told you. In the show, Michael goes against Lucifer as Adam. We get them into the cage with the horsemen's rings. That's all I know. I don't know any way around it." She looked over at the Winchester. "I'm not lying."
"I'm sure you're not."
"Where's Sam?" Alex looked around. The Winchesters had been gone for almost an entire month, and still none of them had any handle on the impending apocalypse. Even more distressing was that there was now sign of Castiel, and Alex couldn't It wasn't long before Michael and Lucifer faced off in the final battle. Alex could feel it. They had a month; maybe less, and by the look in Dean's eyes, she knew he felt the same way.
"He's in town." Dean held out his hand. "Grabbing some beer. Bobby said you're out."
"We are." Alex reluctantly stood and walked over to the fridge. She pulled out a two liter of Mountain Dew and unscrewed the cap. "I haven't been in town in a few days." She took a long sip. "It's been a long couple weeks."
"Yeah. Tell me about it."
Bobby rolled into the study. "Where's Sam?"
"He's not back yet."
"Well tell him to hurry up."
Dean just snorted. He leaned against the kitchen counter, studying the housebound hunter. "How are you doing, by the way?"
"How do you think?" Bobby snapped. "I've been working my ass off."
"I know, Bobby. We have too." Dean leaned against the counter with a sigh. "I haven't slept in days."
"You gonna see Moseley?"
Dean shook his head. "Not yet. We're working our way over there."
"Well, you should." Bobby rolled over to the fridge and tugged it open. He leaned forward and pulled out one of Alex's shrink wrapped sandwiches. "She's one of the best, boys."
The front door opened, and Sam stepped through. He dropped a grocery bag on the table.
"About time," the old hunter grumbled, pulling a bottle of whiskey out.
"Bobby thinks we should talk to Moseley," Dean told his brother.
Sam nodded as he connected the name to the face. "Yeah, uh, yeah. That's a good idea."
"Can I come?" Alex looked up at the Winchester. "I'd be nice to get out of the house for once."
When Dean looked down at Bobby, the hunter grunted. "Fine by me. Not like we've found anything." He poured himself a glass of whiskey. "And I can do without her nagging."
"You can't live off of grilled cheese and scotch!" Alex snapped. "I mean, come on."
"See what I mean?"
"Fine. She can come."
...
Muncie, Indiana
The night sky was dark by the time Dean pulled the Impala off into the parking lot of a hotel. "Dude. We should keep going," Sam told him. "It's only 9 o'clock."
"No way, man," Dean protested. "This place looks amazing." With a glance out the window, he added, "Besides. I can barely see the road. This storm is apocalyptic." He looked over at his brother. "You seriously want me to drive in this?"
Alex snorted at his choice of words. She looked out the windshield. Elysian Fields Motel. She furrowed her brow. It sounded familiar. She shook the feeling off. She was far too tired. To prove it, she yawned. Rain pounded on the metal roof above her head, its rhythmic beat threatening to lull her into sleep. "Here's the plan. Get out, grab out stuff." Dean opened the door. "Then run for it." Alex did as he said, pulling her jacket up over her head before throwing open the door and hurrying after the hunter. She grabbed her bag out of the trunk, and took off toward the hotel. Sam followed. They burst through the doors, soaking wet, hair plastered to her scalp.
"Whew." Dean let out a long breath, looking around. "Nice digs, for once." He led the way over to the front desk. "Busy night." He leaned against the desk, watching the man.
"Any port in the storm, I guess." The man at the desk let out a chuckle. He slid Dean a form. "If you could just fill this out, please."
"Yeah," Dean complied. Alex studied the man. Tall, short dark hair, with a black bow tie and a name tag: Chet. He looked old, but in good health.
"Sir, I think you got a little," he motioned to Dean's neck, "shaving nick here." He held out a tissue. Dean looked confused, but held the tissue against his neck. When he pulled it away, there was a spot of blood. He glanced at Sam. "Your key." The man held out a room key.
"Oh, thanks." Dean took it. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to have a coffee shop, would you?"
"Buffet," Chet informed them. "All you can eat. Best pie in the tri-state area." He motioned to their left.
"You don't say," Dean smiled. He looked to his left, contemplating to himself, but then decisively led them up to their room. "Food next," he promised.
...
They quickly changed into drier clothes. Alex used a towel to semi-dry her hair before taking a seat on the bed. Eventually Dean came out of the bathroom. He pulled on a clean jacket, glancing at Alex. "Hungry?"
"Of course." Alex stood up, following him down the stairs and into the buffet. She heard Sam follow them, running to catch up. Dean immediately went to the pie; not that Alex was surprised. She took a plate and filled it with several egg rolls.
She walked over to a far table, Dean following close behind. Suddenly she felt him stop and backtrack, and looked around to see him stop beside a woman. Black hair cascaded down her dark skin, stopping at the top of a red sleeveless blouse. "How you doing?" Dean asked, letting out one of his charming smiles.
"No."
Dean looked blank. "But . . ."
"No," she repeated.
"Oh, lady, I'm just, you know . . ."
"I understand. And no."
Dean searched for something to say. But he found nothing, so conceded with a, "Yeah." He walked away.
"Shut down," Alex joked quietly.
"Shut up," Dean glared at her. He sat down next to Sam. Alex pulled up a chair. Sam was intently studying his phone.
"Sam." Dean glanced at his brother's uneaten plate. "Unpucker, man. Eat something." As if to emphasis his point, he took a bite of pie.
"We should hit the road, Dean." Sam didn't look up.
"In this storm?" Dean scoffed. "It's . . ."
"Biblical," Sam finished. "Exactly. It's friggin Noah's ark out there, and we're eating pie."
"Pie is good," Alex protested light-heartedly.
Dean gave her a nod of approval. "How many hours of sleep did you get this week?" he asked his brother. "What? Three? Four? Bobby's got his feelers out, okay? We have talked with every hoodoo man and root woman in twelve states."
"Yeah, well, I'm not giving up."
"Nobody's giving up. Especially me. We're gonna find a way to stop the devil okay?" He glanced at Alex, who didn't answer. "Okay?" he repeated, this time more pointedly.
"Yeah, okay," Alex nodded. "Totally."
"And soon," Dean added. "I can feel it. And we'll find Cas, and we'll find Adam. But you're no good to me burnt out."
He held Sam's gaze for several long seconds. "Yeah, yeah okay," Sam finally relented.
"Come on. We've actually got the night off for once. Let's try and enjoy it." Dean picked back up his fork, concentrating on his pie.
They sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Alex finished her plate, and went back for seconds. Even Sam found the appetite, nibbling on his corn-on-the-cob. When they finished, they headed back to their room. Dean reached in his pocket for the keys, stopping when he glanced to his left. Alex followed his gaze to see a young couple heavily making out. Dean smiled.
"Oh, what are you, twelve?" Sam shook his head at his brother's immaturity.
"I'm young at heart," Dean joked back. He opened the door and stepped in, walking over to the bed, with a whistle. "I still can't get over how nice this place is. We're like Rockafellers." He stopped over by the beds. "Chocolates!" he exclaimed, picking up the small chocolate that sat on the pillow. "You want yours?" he asked his brother.
"Knock yourself out."
"Whoa," Dean turned his attention elsewhere. "Casa Erotica 13 on demand."
Sam scoffed, and Alex rolled her eyes. "Pie, chocolate, porn, it's like heaven for you, isn't it?"
"What?" Dean pretended to look offended.
"I don't know, Dean," Sam began. "Isn't this place in the middle of nowhere?"
"So?" Dean shrugged it off.
"So what's a four star hotel doing on a no star highway?" Sam posed the question. Alex nodded at his very good point. Even Dean went silent for a few seconds.
In that silence, they could hear the couple in the other room, accompanied by several thumps. Followed by a very loud crash, so forceful it actually shifted the bricks in the wall out of place. Alex jumped, and both Sam and Dean froze. Dean tossed the chocolate back onto the bed, and they hurried into the other room, Alex following closely. Sam threw open the door, stepping inside. He stopped cold, Dean beside him. Alex wiggled her way between them to see the room. It was dark, and absolutely nothing was out of place. She frowned, confused.
"Hello?" Dean called. With a nod to Sam, he stepped farther into the room.
Sam veered off, looking into the bathroom. "Hello?"
Alex watched Dean look around the room. Something sparkled on the ground, and she knelt down, picking up a wedding ring. "Dean?" She held it up.
Dean took it, and Sam came over to them. He and Dean exchanged a confused glance, and, without a word, quickly hurried out of the room. Alex followed, closing the door behind her. She followed, searching her minds for facts. Something pricked at the back of her neck, and she flinched, reaching up to feel it. When she drew her fingers away, there was blood. Alex looked behind her, eyebrows furrowed. That wasn't right. She continued on her way, perplexed.
She reached the front desk a minute later to see Dean and Sam already there.
"They checked out," Chet was saying. Alex narrowed her eyes. Something was in the back of her mind, gnawing away at her memories. But she couldn't place it.
"They checked out?" Dean asked, unconvinced.
"Mmm-hmm," Chet confirmed. "Just now."
"Really? It kinda seemed like, like they were in the middle of something." Sam ended with a slight chuckle.
"Yeah," Dean added, "It's kinda weird for honeymooners to check out with out this." He held up the wedding ring.
"Oh dear." Chet gently took the ring from Dean's fingers. "I'll just put that right here in the lost and found. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Suddenly it all clicked. Alex inhaled sharply at the realization. She silently cursed herself. She was getting slow. Well, it had been two years since she had seen the show. That's no excuse, she hissed to herself.
"No, we're good." Dean and Sam started to walk away, but Alex remained where she was. Chet turned to look at her, and she confidently met his gaze.
"Hey, quick question," Alex casually approached the front desk. "And, I might be wrong, but you look like the type of guy who would know the answer."
"Sure," Chet smiled kindly. "Shoot."
"On the ride here, I was reading this book about Greek and Roman mythology," she explained innocently. "And I was reading about, well, about Hermes, and, from what I understand, he's the Greek equivalent to Mercury. So I was wondering, are they the same guy, or, are they like two separate people?" She narrowed her eyes, evaluating his reaction. From what she remembered, he was Mercury.
"I'm not sure," Chet smiled, but his eyes revealed nervousness. "I believe they are two different gods."
"Ah, well thank you." Alex turned to leave. "You've given me a lot to think about." With that, she stalked off.
She rejoined Dean and Sam. "I'll scope out the joint, and you keep an eye on Norman Bates over there," Dean was saying. "I mean, one night off, is that too much to ask?" he complained, stomping off. Alex followed him. He got into the elevator, and Alex stood next to him. "You know what's going on?" he asked tiredly.
"Possibly," Alex replied slowly. "Not completely confident yet though. But if this is what I think it is . . ." She trailed off. "Dean? Something's going to happen. And you need to listen to me one hundred percent. No questions, no hesitation."
The older hunter looked worried. "What's going to happen?"
"I can't tell you. Not yet. But when the time comes, you'll know it. Promise to do what I say?" Their conversation was cut short as the elevator door opened. Dean looked out her, let out a tiny nod, then pulled his EMF detector out of his pocket, taking the lead. Alex let him. They slowly made their way down the hallway. The passed an open door, and Alex froze at the sound of a loud noise. Alex swore it was an elephant's trumpet. And even stranger, out of the corner of her eyes, she could have sworn she had also seen an elephant, but when they backed up to look, they saw a large, black man, towel wrapped around his waist.
"This ain't no peep show, man!" he exclaimed, roughly closing the door. Alex and Dean exchanged glances.
"Yeah. I know what's going on. Hell of a night we're in for," she mumbled. "We should go find Sam."
"Yeah." Dean hurried off down the hall, Alex at his heels. They found Sam headed back to the lobby. Alex frowned.
"Where's Bates?" she asked.
"Dunno." Sam frowned. "He disappeared. What about you guys? Find anything?"
Dean glanced at Alex. "Well, we thought we saw an elephant."
"I saw an elephant," Alex collaborated.
"An elephant?"
"Yeah."
"Like, an elephant?"
"Like full-on Babar." They reached the lobby. It had changed from the bustling room it have been only a few minutes ago, and was now completely empty.
"So what the hell is . . ." Sam paused, looking around. "Where is everybody?" He walked over to the lobby doors. They didn't budge.
"Let me guess," Dean said dryly. "It's locked. So what? Roaches check in, they don't check out?"
"But think about how we got here," Sam realized. "The detour on I-90? The friggin hurricane?"
"You're saying we were lead here?"
"Like rats in a maze."
Dean looked back at Alex, who shrugged innocently. "How was I suppose to know?" she defended. "I only figured out what's going on a few minutes ago."
"You can start by telling us what's going on," Sam suggested, voice edging on irritation.
"Patience." Alex chastised. "I'm still not totally sure yet." She turned around. "We could start by finding the other guests."
"And where would they be?" Dean asked.
"Think about it," she encouraged them. "Where would they usually end up?"
"Cellar?"
"Locked room?"
"Kitchen?"
"Bingo." Alex pointed a finger at Sam. She watched them hurry off towards the hotel kitchen, following more slowly.
Dean looked down into a boiling pot. "Please let this be tomato soup. Please let this be tomato soup," he whispered. He moved the ladle that was sitting in a large pot on the stove. He grimaced. "Motel hell." Alex looked over his shoulder to see eyeballs floating in the pot. She flinched away at the sight.
"Help us!" she heard a man yell, and turned to see Sam standing by the walk-in freezer. A man was in the window, looking pleadingly out. "Get us out!"
Sam looked back at Dean and reached into his pocket. He pulled out his lock-picking kit, kneeling down.
Alex and Dean hurried over to him. Alex looked into the freezer to see at least a dozen people, all wearing the same terrified expression. She smiled at them. We'll get you out, she mouthed to them. Behind her, Dean insisted, "Hurry up!"
"I'm going as fast as I . . . as I can." Sam looked over at Dean and trailed off. Alex turned around, and her breath caught in her throat.
Dean let out a small sigh. "There's somebody behind me, isn't there?"
"Two somebodies, actually," Alex corrected. Sam nudged her fiercely with his elbow, effectively silencing her.
Rough hands grabbed Dean, and dragged him backwards. The second man reached for Alex, but she slipped out of his grasp, holding up her hands in innocence." Take Sam here," she suggested. "I'll follow behind quietly." When the man grabbed Sam, yet continued to move towards her, she hurried closer to where Dean had gone. "Please." Despite their situation, Alex somehow managed to roll her eyes nonchalantly. "Where am I going to go?" With that, she stalked off after Dean and his captor.
They were led down the hall and into the main dining hall. Three tables were set up in a "U" formation, and each table held several people. Alex glanced around. Each guest wore a name-tag, each with their individual names. Odin, Baldur, Kali, Ganesh. "Hey, Sammy. How's your knowledge of pagan gods?" she whispered.
"Something tells me this isn't the Shriner convention," Dean said at the same time.
Chet, who had now changed his name to Mercury, wheeled out a large food cart. "Dinner is served," he announced, revealing a tray of meat. Alex curled her lip in disgust as she realized what kind of meat it was. Human. Liver, intestines; all kinds of inner organs lay neatly arranged on a platter, and in the center, a human head.
Dean let out a sickening sound. Alex was about to make a witty comment when bright lights sought them out. "Ladies and gentlemen," she heard Baldur say, "Our guests of honor."
Both Dean and Sam froze. Alex racked her brain, trying to remember exactly what happened when. She gave up. Three chairs were pulled up, and Alex took a seat, indicating Sam and Dean should do the same. Dean sat next to her, Sam on the other side. The other people in the room took their seats, chatting excitedly.
Finally Baldur stood up, gently hitting his champagne glass with his fork. "Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, and the other guests went silent. "Thank you for coming. Although in all my centuries, I never thought I'd see this. So many gods under one roof."
"Gods?" Sam hissed. Alex nodded. She'd tried to tell him.
"But before we get down to brass tacks, some ground rules," the pagan god continued. "No slaughtering each other. Curb your wrath. Oh, and uh, keep your hands off the local virgins. We're trying to keep a low profile here." A few of the other gods laughed, and Alex chuckled as well. Well, that saved her ass.
"Oh, we are so, so screwed," Sam muttered unhappily to his brother.
"Now we all know why we're here. The Judeo-Christian apocalypse looms over us. I know you've all had your little disagreements in the past. The time has come to put those aside and look towards the future. Because if we don't, we won't have one. Now we have to very valuable bargaining chips. Michael and Lucifer's vessels. The question is, what do we do now? Anybody have any bright ideas? Speak up. This is a safe room."
One of the pagan gods stood up. Alex didn't recognize the language, but she suspected it to Mandarin, judging by the look of the god and his name, Zao Shen. He ended by yelling something.
"Oh, I don't like his tone," Dean whispered to them. Alex let out a huff of laughter.
Ganesh laughed. "Kill them? What, so the angels can bring them back again?"
"I don't know what everybody's getting so worked up about!" Odin exclaimed. "Cause it's just a couple of angels having a slap fight. There's no Armageddon. Everybody knows when the world come to and end, the Great Serpent Jormungandr rises up, and I myself will be eaten by a big wolf!" He ended with a short laugh. Zeo Shen responded, but Odin cut him off. "Oh yeah? And why's that? Because your beliefs are so realistic? The whole worlds getting carried around on the back of a giant turtle? Ha! Give me a break."
Zeo Shen shot a string of words back at him. Alex just laughed. "World turtle," she whispered at the Winchesters.
"What are you going to do about?" Odin challenged. The Chinese pagan god said something back. "You watch your mouth when you talk to me, boy."
Alex watched the two gods interact. However, she quickly found herself uninterested, only understanding half of the conversation. She sighed, slumping down in her chair. Dean nudged her, motioning for them to leave. She nodded understandingly. She silently slipped out of her chair and followed Sam and Dean towards the door. There was a whoosh, and a crystal chandelier crashed at their feet. All three of them froze.
"Stay," Alex heard Kali command. They turned around, but made no move to sit back down. Kali looked around at the other pagan gods. "We have to fight," she said, her voice clear and smooth. "The archangels. The only thing they understand in violence. This ends it blood. It's either them, or us."
Mercury spoke up. "With all due respect, ma'am, we haven't even tried talking to them." Kali's eyes flashed, and she glared down at him. As Alex watched, the god started to choke. He frantically loosened his bow-tie, trying to find some point of relief, but there was none.
Finally Baldur spoke up. "Kali." He snapped the Hindu god out of her concentration.
"Who asked you?" Kali released Mercury, and he sucked in a deep breath of air.
Behind them, Alex heard the doors swing open. "Can't we all just get along?" Alex spun around, relief flooding through her. When she saw Gabriel, she let out a broad smile. Beside her, both Dean and Sam just looked shocked.
The archangel wore a button-down burgundy shirt under a faded green military jacket, the sleeves slightly too long for his arms. His light brown hair was slicked back from his face.
Dean opened his mouth. "Ga . . ." he started, but Gabriel flicked a hand at him, cutting him off. Sam just stared.
"Hey, Z." He smiled at Alex, and she grinned back. "Sam, Dean," the angel addressed the two hunters. "It's always wrong time, worst place with you muttonheads, huh?"
"Loki." Baldur rose to greet the new arrival.
"Baldur. Good seeing you too. I guess my invitation got lost in the mail." He frowned, a darker meaning behind his light words.
"Why are you here?" the Norse god persisted.
"To talk about the elephant in the room." Ganesh started to stand up, opening his mouth to protest, but Gabriel cut him off. "Not you." Alex let out a small laugh at his joke, and Gabriel shot her a smile. "The apocalypse. We can't stop it, gang. But first things first." He turned to Alex and the Winchesters. "The adults need to have a little conversation. Check you later."
He snapped his fingers, and Alex found herself back up in their hotel room. Both Sam and Dean looked speechless. Alex sat down on the bed. "O-okay. Did, did that . . ." Dean stammered, trying to find his voice. "Holy crap!"
"Yeah, tell me about it." Sam seemed to be having just as hard a time. "Oh, and next time I say keep driving, let's keep driving!"
"Alright. Next time." Dean ran his hand through his hair.
"What's are next move?" Sam asked Alex.
"Don't worry. I've got a plan." Alex hoped she sounded more convincing then she actually was.
"Oh, yeah? And what does that include?" Dean asked, slightly pissed. He started to form his own plan. "We need to get those poor saps out of the freezer. Maybe gank a few freaks on the way out if we're lucky? . ." He trailed off.
"And when are you ever lucky?" Gabriel asked. Alex turned to look at the archangel, who was sitting casually on the couch.
"Well, you know what, bite me Gabriel," Dean said dryly.
"Maybe later, big boy."
"I should have known." Dean approached. "I mean, this had your stink all over it from the jump."
"You think I'm behind this?" Gabriel seemed surprised. He stood up, walking slowly over to Dean. "Please. I'm the Costner to your Houston. I'm here to save your ass."
"We don't need you to save our ass," Dean shot back. "Alex has a plan."
"Really?" Gabriel looked at Alex. "Well, let's here it, Z."
"Z?" Sam looked from Gabriel to Alex. His question remained unanswered.
Alex crossed her arms. "Sure." She looked at the archangel. "You're my plan."
"I'm your plan?" Gabriel looked very much surprised. However, the shock was quickly gone, and he turned smugly to Dean.
Alex nodded. "That's what I said."
Dean snorted angry. "Great plan, Pip." He turned back to Gabriel. "So what, you want to pull us out of the fire?"
"Bingo. These guys are either going to dust you, or use you as bait. Either way, you're uber-boned."
"Wow, 'cause a couple of months ago, you were telling us we need to 'play our roles.' You're uber-boning us!"
"Oh, the end is still nigh. Michael and Lucifer are still going to dance the lambada, but not tonight. Not here." He stalked past Dean and Sam to stand a few feet away.
"And why do you care?" Dean challenged him. Alex shifted on the bed, brining her knees up to her chest.
"I don't care. But, me and Kali, we, uh, had a thing." Gabriel shrugged. "The chick was all hands. What can I say? I'm sentimental." Alex studied her knees, unprepared for the slight tinge of jealousy that sparked in her stomach. She narrowed her eyes, very much confused at the feeling, even if it was small. There was no way in hell she liked Gabriel. Not even a little bit. No. Stop it. Stop it, dammit.
"Do they have a chance?" Sam spoke up. "Against Satan?"
Alex let out a snort. "Really, Sammy?" Dean asked.
"You got a better idea, Dean?"
"It's a bad idea. Lucifer's going to turn them into finger paint," Gabriel told them. Alex nodded in agreement. "So let's get going while the going's good, hmm?"
"Okay, great. Then why don't you just zap us outta here, then?"
"Would if I could, but Kali's got you by the short and curlies. It's a blood spell. You guys are on a leash."
"What does that mean?"
"It means it's time for a bit of old black magic." The archangel pulled out a small bottle of mouth-spray. Alex rolled her eyes.
"Okay, yeah. Well, whatever. Well, we're going to take the hors d'oeuvres in the freezer with us."
"Forget it," Gabriel scoffed. "It's gonna be hard enough sneaking you mooks out of here."
"Fine. They called you Loki, right? Which means they don't know who you really are."
"Told you. I'm in witness protection."
"Okay." Dean nodded, then approached, "Well then, why don't you do what we say, or we tell, uh, the legion of doom about your secret identity. They don't seem like a pro-angel kind of crowd."
Gabriel looked at Alex. "I see you've been a bad influence on them," he said dryly. He turned back to Dean. "I'll take your voices away."
"We'll write it down."
"I'll cut off your hands."
"Well then, people are going to be asking, 'why are you guys running around with no hands?' "
Gabriel looked from Dean to Sam. Seeing they were serious, he sighed. "Fine." He disappeared.
"Z?" Sam asked again.
Alex shrugged. "He came up with it."
"How?"
"Dunno. Can we go free the freezer-people?" She started towards the door. "Probably should grab out stuff." Sam grunted in agreement, and they grabbed their bags.
She led them out of their room and down into the lobby, carefully checking every corner for any signs of the pagan gods. However, it was all clear. They carefully stepped into the open.
A man screaming was the only warning that there was trouble. Sam and Dean quickly hid behind a protruding wall, and Alex quickly followed. She glanced back to see a man being dragged into the room by four gods. She quickly recognized Odin and Zeo Shen, but was pulled back into the wall by Sam before she could place the other two. "Stay," he whispered.
"No, no, no!" the man was begging desperately. "No! Please!" His screams were silenced by the horrible sound of a large knife sinking into flesh. Alex squeezed her eyes shut, trying to ignore the white terror shooting up her spine. Trying to ignore to man's screams that were still resounding through her mind.
"It's too late," she heard Sam whisper to Dean, and she unconsciously shuffled closer to Sam, pressing her shoulder against his arm, finding comfort in the hunter's solidness.
There they waited, waiting for a chance to run. Finally, several minutes later, Dean gave the okay. "They're gone," he whispered, dropping his duffle bag. They did the same, and Dead led them quickly into the kitchen. Sam immediately hurried over the freezer, pulling out his lock picking kit. Dean and Alex stood careful watch.
Suddenly, Alex felt someone grab the back of her jacket, and the ground disappeared from beneath her feet. The next second, both she and Dean hit the metal shelf behind them. Alex struggled to her feet to see Zeo Shen holding Sam against the freezer, hand at his throat. She glanced back at Dean, who was pulling himself to his feet as well. She watched him pull a wooden stake out of his jacket, launching himself at the god, sinking the stake into his back. Zeo Shen fell to the ground, dead.
"Lucky that worked," Alex pointed out dryly. Not every pagan god could be killed with a wooden stake.
"What are you talking about?" Dean hurried over the help Sam.
"You serious?" Alex asked. "You got lucky that that stake killed him. Imagine if it didn't." She left it at that, because in that next second, the doors were thrown open, and two gods burst through. Seeing the dead Zeo Shen, and the three of them near the prisoners, they roughly grabbed them and dragged them out of the kitchen. They were dragged into the ballroom, and roughly thrown into their seats. Alex pointedly took the chair closest to the despondent Gabriel, giving him a smile. Dean sat next to her.
"How's the rescue going?" Dean asked the angel.
Gabriel didn't respond, but flashed him a sarcastic smile. "Good plan," he whispered to Alex.
"Yes, it is," she responded.
"Well, surprise, surprise." Kali spoke to the rest of the pagan gods. "The Trickster has tricked us."
"Kali, don't."
"You're mine now," Kali whispered, sitting down so she was straddling Gabriel's lap. "And you have something I want." She trailed her hand down his chest. Alex glanced away, finding it amusing that everyone else had diverted their eyes as well. Alex looked back to see Kali pull something out of Gabriel's jacket. She quickly recognized it as an angel blade. "An archangel's blade." Kali showed the other gods. "From the archangel, Gabriel."
"Okay, okay. So I got wings, like Kotex. But that doesn't make me any less right about Lucifer."
"He's lying. He's a spy."
Gabriel's eyes flashed with desperation. "I'm not a spy. I'm a runaway. I'm trying to save you. I know my brother, Kali. He should scare the living crap out of you. You can't beat him," Gabriel begged. "I've skipped ahead, seen how the story ends."
"Your story. Not ours." Kali cut him off. "Westerns. I swear. The sheer arrogance. You think you are the only ones on earth? You pillage and you butcher in your God's name." Her voice cracked in quiet pain, but she found strength to continue. "But you're not the only religion, and he's not the only God. And know you think you can just rip this planet apart? You're wrong. There are billions of us. And we were here first. If anyone gets to end this world, it's me." She leaned close to Gabriel, lightly touching his cheek. "I'm sorry."
At those words, Alex narrowed her eyes in confusion. Sorry for what? Then she saw it. Oh. Right. Before she had time to react, Kali had thrust the blade into Gabriel's heart. His face filled with pure shock, before a white light crept up his throat. The archangel threw his head back in a cry of pain as the light shot out of his eyes and mouth, burning with an unnatural light. Alex squinted her eyes, unwilling to watch, but unable to tear her eyes away. The light faded, and Gabriel fell back in the chair, limp. Shock flashed through Alex, and it took her several seconds for her to remind herself that he wasn't actually dead. She turned to look at Dean and Sam, seeing the expression on their faces the same as she had just worn. There was complete silence.
"This is crazy," Mercury finally whispered.
"They can die. We can kill Lucifer."
Dean suddenly stood up. "Alright, you primitive screwheads. Listen up."
"Are you out of your mind?" Sam whispered angrily to his brother. He looked at Alex. "We had a plan, Dean."
"No, Alex had a plan. Gabriel. Now he's dead, and I'm out of options. Now." He turned his attention back to the gods before him, walking around towards Alex. "On any other given day, I'd be doing my damnedest to, uh, kill you. You filthy, murdering chimps. But, hey, desperate times." He stopped by Gabriel's body before turning towards the drink table. "So, even though I'd love nothing better that to slit your throats, you dicks, I'm gonna help you ice the devil." Alex glanced over at Sam to see his face blank with shock. Dean continued. "And then we can all get back to ganking each other like normal. Guy's not in the yellow pages. But me and Sam, we can get him here." Dean stood behind Alex, putting his hands comfortingly on her shoulders.
"How?" Kali asked.
"First, you let those main courses go," Dean ordered. "Then we talk. Either we can take on the devil together, or you lame-ass bitches can eat me." He paused. "Literally."
Kali remained silent for several seconds. "Fine," she finally decided. She motioned to one of the gods, who walked off into the kitchen. "Now we talk."
"No way. Not until I personally see them safely outside." Dean walked off after the god, and Alex followed, leaving Sam behind. She heard screaming coming towards her, and knew the people had been freed. She stopped in the lobby, and turned to see a wave of bodies heading towards her. Dean held open the door. "Come on everybody!" he yelled. "Let's go let's go let's go let's go let's go!" He followed them out into the parking lot, carrying their bags. Alex watched from inside. Suddenly she frowned as she watched Dean get into the Impala. He wasn't leaving was he? He can't leave. She watched for a while, trying to figure out what was going on. That's when she saw movement from inside. Gabriel. Right. Alex walked out and got into the passenger side seat.
"They just stabbed me in the friggin heart!" Gabriel was exclaiming. He shot Alex a glance as she entered.
"Maybe, but you still give a crap about them, don't you?"
"Dean."
"Now they're going to die in there without you."
"I can't kill my brother," Gabriel pleaded.
"Can't or won't?" Dean challenged. The archangel didn't respond. "That's what I thought." Dean got out of the car, leaving Gabriel and Alex alone.
"What do you want?" Gabriel asked scathingly.
"Nothing. Just glad you're okay." Alex shrugged.
"It wasn't -"
"Your real blade, I know," Alex finished for him. "It's just . . ." She let out a deep breath before continuing. "Something's going to happen tonight. I can't tell you what, but I'm going to need you to trust me."
"Trust you?" Gabriel let out a quiet laugh. "Why should I do that?"
Alex sighed, running her hand through her blonde hair. She looked up into Gabriel's brown eyes. "Never mind." What am I thinking? she muttered in her head. I've never been able to save anyone. Not Ellen, not Jo, not Carton. How'm I going to save a freakin archangel? Alex shook her head, reaching for the door to get out.
She was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. "See you around, Z," Gabriel said quietly, only a hint of forced humor in his voice.
"Yeah, see you around." Alex flashed him a sad smile before exiting the car. She quickly returned to the ballroom.
"Show's over," she heard Dean declare loudly. "Sword's a fake, and Gabriel, he's still kicking. I hate to break it to you sister, but you've been tricked."
"Well, he is the Trickster," Alex mumbled to herself. She looked around the room, planning her next move. Apart from the main doors behind her, their was a smaller pair of doors to her right. Alex mapped out the hotel in her mind, figuring she could quickly reach those doors from the lobby. Good.
She heard Kali protest, but Dean quickly convinced her. Above her head, the lights flickered. "And, we're out of time." She spoke so all could hear her. Out in the hall, she heard the screams of the pagan gods, along with other, unpleasant and grotesque noises of bodies being ripped apart.
"It's him," Sam said quietly.
"How?" Kali sounded surprised.
Alex looked at Sam; he shook his head. He hadn't called for the devil. "Apparently one of your friends sold us out," Alex muttered darkly. She stepped behind Baldur.
"Who?" Kali turned to look at her.
"Does it matter? Shazam us out of here, would ya?"
"We can't."
"Of course you can't." Lucifer stepped into the room. "You didn't say, 'mother may I.' Sam, Dean, good to see you again." He looked at Alex, eyes flickering with interest. "Alex." The doors behind him swung closed.
Baldur stepped forward, and both Sam and Dean stepped back, shielding Alex. "Baldur, don't," Kali warned.
The Norse god didn't listen. "You think you own the planet? What gives you the right?" he challenged angrily, walking up to Lucifer, whose dark eyes glittered angrily.
Lucifer responded by thrusting his right hand through Baldur's chest. The sound of ripping flesh filled the room, and Alex caught sight of the archangel's hand sticking through the god's back. She closed her eyes as terror flooded up her spine. "No one gives us the right," she heard Lucifer whisper. "We take it." He sharply pulled his arm back out, and the god collapsed to the ground, dead.
The whoosh of flames caught Alex's attention, and she tore her eyes from the scene in front of her to see Kali, face twisted in anger, fire running up her arms. She glanced back at the devil to see his reaction; he appeared unimpressed. Kali lifted her arm, and flames shot towards Lucifer. He stumbled back a few steps, and the fire grew. Dean and Sam ran, jumping behind a table for cover. Alex followed, barely reaching safety before a wave of fire rushed over their heads. It dissipated, and Alex raised her head slightly, just in time to see Lucifer, completely unharmed, punch Kali in the jaw, sending her flying back.
"You okay?" Sam whispered.
"Yeah," Dean responded, voice tight with fear.
"Not really." Alex turned at the familiar voice. "Better late then never, huh?" Gabriel let out a forced grin. He pushed something into Dean's chest. "Guard this with your life." Then he stood up, disappearing over the table. The sound of a body being thrown made Alex looked up. She saw Lucifer hit the ballroom doors, flying through them into the wall.
"Luci, I'm home." Gabriel stood in front of Kali, who was still laying on the ground, stunned. Lucifer staggered to his feet and approached his younger brother. "Not this time." Gabriel held his blade out, keeping the devil at bay. He helped Kali to her feet, pulling her close. "Guys," he called over his shoulder, "get her out of here!" Dean and Sam complied, standing up and hurrying over to Kali. Working together, they helped her out of the room, supporting her weight. Gabriel circled around with them, keeping his blade pointed at Lucifer. Alex hurried after them. She shivered as she felt the devil's gaze on her back, and she dashed around a corner.
They hurried outside to the Impala. "I'm not getting in that thing!" Kali exclaimed, looking at the black car.
"Just get in the car, princess," Dean shot back, and, after helping Sam get the stubborn goddess in the backseat, circled around to the driver's side. Sam slid into the passenger side, slamming the door closed behind him.
"Dean." Alex stopped him.
"Hm?" Dean opened his door. "Can it wait till we're in the car? We're in a bit of a hurry."
"I'm not going."
That stopped him. "What the hell do you mean?" he exclaimed.
"I told you. Something was going to happen that I needed to stop. And something is going to happen. Please. I need to do this."
"No! You're not going back in there. And definitely not alone. I'll go with."
"No!" Alex stopped him. "If you go, if either of you come, you will die. Only I can do this. Please."
"No," Dean snapped. "I'm not letting you go back in there, Alex. He'll kill you!"
"This is something I have to do," the girl pleaded. "You promised. You promised to listen to me."
Dean looked torn. He glanced through the windshield, looking for Sam to back him up.
"Dean!" Alex snarled. "Get out of here. I have to go now. Get in, and drive away!" She took off back towards the hotel, only glancing back to see Dean hesitate, then reluctantly get in the car. She watched him peel out and drive down the road before slipping back into the hotel. She quickly navigated the halls and came before the second set of doors. She quietly nudged one open, peering into the scene before her.
"Screw him!" Gabriel was saying. "If he was here, I'd shiv his ass too."
"You disloyal-"
"Oh, I'm loyal. To them," Gabriel cut him off.
"Who? These so-called gods?" Lucifer spat.
"To people, Lucifer. People."
"So you're willing to die for a pile of cockroaches. Why?"
"Because Dad was right. They are better then us."
"They are broken. Flawed. Abortions!"
"Damn right they're flawed. But a lot of them try. To do better, to forgive. And you should see the Spearmint Rhino. I've been riding the pine a long time. But I'm in the game now, and I'm not on your side, or Michael's; I'm on theirs."
"Brother, don't make me do this," Lucifer pleaded.
"No one makes us do anything." As Alex watched, a second Gabriel crept up behind Lucifer, blade poised.
She took a deep breath. It was now or never. Her whole body was trembling in fear, but somehow she forced herself to stand up and push her way through the door. "Gabriel, stop." Her voice sounded confident and strong, the complete opposite of how she felt.
The room fell silent, the only sound being Alex's pounding heart. It was so loud Alex could swear they could hear it, but if they could, they didn't comment. "Alex?" She heard Gabriel, his voice filled with shock.
Somehow, she didn't know how she did it, but Alex approached them. "Luci, Luci, Luci." She looked down at the body of Baldur. "You got some splaining' to do." She flashed a smile at her joke, and glanced at Gabriel to see if he got it. She knew he probably did, but was in too much shock to show it. She focused back on the devil. "Oh, and you got something right here." She ran a finger of her temple, in the same spot Lucifer had a splatter of blood on his forehead. "And, well . . . there." She motioned to the rest of him. Then she turned to Gabriel. "Gabe. Hey."
"Alex, What are you doing here?" Gabriel said in a low voice.
"Saving your life." Alex looked offended. "Sorry I don't want to see you die." Gabriel just stared at her, speechless. "But before you go, there are a couple conditions," she added. Gabriel squared his jaw, eyes blazing. "I'm bending a lot of rules for you, man. You're suppose to die. Right here, right now. But I'm not letting that happen, so I have to make sure we stay on track, eh? So, first and foremost, you've got to stay away from the Winchesters. As far as they know, you. are. dead. Capisce? You show your face, everything goes down the drain. And then, I've got to fix it. Which will involve killing you."
"Then why not just let me kill him?" Lucifer asked, and Alex could tell he was mad they had been interrupted.
"I have a soft spot for angels," she replied sarcastically. She heard Lucifer begin to respond, but she stopped him. "I'll get to you next. Right now, I'm busy." She turned back to Gabriel, who seemed completely shocked at her abruptness towards his older brother and unable to regain his composure, which was probably for the best. "So we cool? Stay away from the Winchesters, stay alive."
"And what if I don't?" Gabriel crossed his arms.
"Then I'll have to kill you," Alex responded quietly. "And I don't want to do that." She raised her voice. "Tell you what. I'll talk to you later, okay? Keep your listening ears on, and we'll chat soon."
"You're going to let her talk to you like that, little brother?" Lucifer asked coldly.
Gabriel rolled his shoulders back authoritatively. "Go away, Alex," he growled. "This doesn't concern you."
"Yes it . . ."
"No it doesn't!" the archangel snapped. "You and your damn-"
Anger flared in Alex's eyes. "I am trying to save your life! I am sticking my damn neck out for you, Gabriel. Do you know how easily I could be killed right now? I am risking my life so I can save yours. So the least you could do is show some respect!"
"Z . . ." Gabriel's eyes grew wide.
"Just get out of here before I change my mind!" Alex heard the flutter of wings as he disappeared. The second Gabriel vanished in a flash of static. Alex let out a long breath before turning around and walking off towards the door. She heard Lucifer ask her something, but she ignored him, just wanting to get out. Her heart was pounding, ready to explode, and she just had to get out. The next thing she knew, she was thrown headfirst into the wall. She slid to the ground, the wind knocked out of her. "Ow!" She rubbed the back of her head. "N-Not nice, Luci," she somehow was stupid enough to mumble.
"Don't call me Luci," he warned her.
"Fine. Whatever." Alex rolled her eyes, staggering to her feet. Where was this nonchalantness coming from? "Was that really necessary?" She really should stop.
She was answered by being roughly shoved back against the wall. Large hands held her there. "You must be pretty brave," Lucifer said quietly. "Standing up to me like that. I thought we had agreed you'd stay out of my business."
"Oh please," Alex rolled her eyes for the second time, trying to stop trembling. "Don't act like this was all some big inconvenience for you. Trust me. I know how much it would have hurt you to kill Gabriel. He's your brother for God's sake!"
She was cut off when Lucifer shoved her against the wall. "Don't talk about my Father like that," he hissed.
"Sorry." Alex closed her eyes for a brief second, her head throbbing. "But it doesn't change anything. Killing him would have crushed you. You m-might be the devil, but nobody d-deserves to go through that." She took a deep breath, trying to control her stuttering tongue.
Lucifer stepped back, and Alex somewhat relaxed. "You've sure some nerve, walking in on me like that, claiming you did me a favor," he murmured, reaching out with his blood-stained hand to grab her shoulder. "You're lucky I haven't killed you. Yet." He lightly ran his thumb over her collarbone.
"Kill me?" Alex forced out a laugh. "You won't kill me."
"And what makes you so sure?"
Alex didn't answer immediately. Her breath caught in her throat, but she forced words out. "How's that vessel doing, huh?" She studied the burn-like wounds on his forehead. "Nick, it was Nick, right?" Lucifer nodded. "Well, he's, uh, he's looking a little worn. How long do you think he'll last? Another month, maybe two? Not long. You need Sammy to say yes." She sounded confident. That was good.
"I don't need you for that," Lucifer chuckled quietly. "It's his destiny."
"So it is," Alex conceded. "It's suppose to happen. But guess what wasn't suppose to happen? Me. I'm not even suppose to exist in this universe."
"This universe?" Lucifer looked slightly interested.
"Yeah," Alex continued. Adrenaline flooded through her veins, boosting her confidence and daring. "Where I come from, this is all a show. I know what happens when. But don't get me wrong." She held up her hands defensively, "I'm all aboard for this apocalypse. I want Sammy to say yes. But killing me, that'll only make him say no."
Lucifer studied her carefully. "I don't believe you," he finally laughed.
"Then kill me," Alex challenged. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted it. You idiot! she snarled to herself. You just told the freakin devil to kill you!
"Alex Alex Alex," Lucifer sighed, shaking his head. "Can you even hear yourself?"
Alex felt a tremor pass through her body.
She knew Lucifer felt it, but he said nothing. Instead, his eyes focused on something distant. "Hm. Z. Where exactly did that come from?"
Alex narrowed her eyes, perplexed at the sudden turn of conversation. "I'm not sure," she slowly said. "My, uh, my full name's Alexandra, Gabriel got Xandra from that, then shortened it to Zan, I guess. That turned into Z." She ended with a shrug.
"And you're sure you're human?" He stepped closer, cutting the space between them in half.
"Uh, yeah, last time I checked," Alex snorted. She tried to step back. Lucifer didn't let her. "Dude. Personal space." Her voice shook, but he politely let her shoulder go.
"Mm. Well, Alex," Lucifer lingered over her name, and Alex held in a shaky breath. "I think I'll let you live yet again. There's something about you. You're different." Then he was gone.
Alex felt like she was going to pass out. She shakily walked out of the ballroom. Now that she was alone, and the adrenaline wore off, she felt numb with fear. Stupid, stupid, stupid! she berated herself. You told the freaking devil you knew the future? What the hell? He's going to use that against you, you stupid bitch. And then you challenged him to kill you? Could you possibly be more stupid? She hit her head against the wall angrily. Then she slumped down to the ground. "Dammit!" she yelled. No one can hear you. A little voice in her mind told her. 'Cause everyone here is dead. Alex shuddered as the voice turned into Lucifer's. She opened her eyes, expecting to see him, but she was still alone. With shaking hands, she pulled her phone out of her pocket.
She dialed a number. The phone rang, but no one answered. Of course he doesn't answer. Alex told herself. It went to voicemail. "Hello," a young lady's voice reached Alex's ear. "You have reached the voicemail of . . . 'I don't understand. Why do you want me to say my name?' "
"Hey, Cas, it's Alex," she began. "Figured I'd leave you a message, since you've been a little delayed when I've just prayed to you." She cleared her throat. "Yeah. I, uh, I'm in Muncie, Indiana. At this place called Elysian Fields Motel? Um, I could really use some help. It's hard to explain, really. It, uh, kind of involves Gabriel and Lucifer." She paused, flinching at how that sounded. "Um, don't go to Sam or Dean. They can't know what I did. But, uh . . ." Before she could think of more words, the phone beeped again, indicating she was out of time. "Please hurry," she added quietly. Then she hung up. Thinking again, she scrolled through her contacts, stopping on Dean's number. She stood up, her thumb hovering over the call button as she took a step towards the door. Before her foot even hit the floor, black spots clouded her vision, and she collapsed, the phone rolling out of her hands. Then she blacked out.
...
...
Okay. Just a few quick things.
1) I apologize. The OC saving Gabriel is extremely cliche. However, it was a necessary evil :)
2) From this point on, most of the chapters are going to be original works. So hopefully my own writing will hold up.