June 16th, 2010
Cicero, Indiana
It was a month later. Alex was walking down the street, on her way home from Pizza King. She kicked a rock down the street, watching as it bounced into the sewer grate.
"You're Alex, right?" Alex turned at her name. A teenage boy was standing behind her, watching her closely.
Alex huffed. "Maybe." She flared her nostrils, pausing when she caught the smell of sulphur. She tensed, looking around.
The boy seemed to notice. "Are you okay?"
"Of course." Alex raised her good wing defensively. The smell was growing stronger. Maybe she was just paranoid.
"But you are Alex? I mean, there are not many female angels around here." The boy's voice changed, growing deeper. Alex's heart sank to the floor as the boy blinked, eyes turning black. Then she ran. She could here footsteps following close behind, and she forced herself to go faster. Damn wings, she cursed. If only they weren't broken, I could fly out of here. She ducked into an alley, searching for a way out. Above her head, a ladder hung. She jumped, grabbing on to the bottom rung. She began to haul her way up when a hand grabbed onto her ankle, pulling her down.
Desperate, Alex lashed out, kicking violently. There was another yank, and she lost her grip, falling to the ground. She scrambled to her feet, fist balled. The demon stood in front of her, blocking her way out. Alex flared her good wing. "Go away," she growled. "Leave me alone."
"I'm afraid I can't to that." The demon's black eyes glinted in the dusky light. "Crowley's been looking for you for almost three months now. He'll be glad I found you."
Rage boiled in her stomach, but Alex forced it down. "I'm not going anywhere with you." She glanced around for an escape.
"You don't have a choice." The demon stepped forward, and Alex bared her teeth. He reached out to grab her shoulder, and Alex saw her chance. She ducked under his arm, ramming an elbow into his side on the way through. He stumbled, and turned to face her. "Running's pointless." He stepped closer. "You can't hide from me."
Alex let him step closer until he was only a few inches away. "Then I guess I'll just have to kill you." She suddenly reached out, placing a hand over his forehead.
The demon laughed when nothing happened. "You can't kill me."
"I haven't tried yet." Alex focused on her rage, letting it spill down her arm, pushing her grace along. It exploded into the demon, and his face twisted in agony. Then he collapsed to the ground.
Alex took a step back, unsure what to do now. She looked down at the body, realizing she couldn't leave it there. Finding little other alternative, she dragged it behind the dumpster before quickly wiping down the ladder, freeing it of fingerprints. Then she ran.
...
She arrived back at her house a few minutes later. Dean's car was in the driveway, signifying he was home. She burst in the front door, breathing heavily. "What are you doing home?" Dean hurried into the front room from the kitchen. He studied her, his face growing deep with concern. "Is everything okay?"
Alex shook her head. "Crowley found me," she whispered. "No, no, not Crowley. One of his demons. B-but it's okay. He's dead." The words tumbled breathlessly out of her mouth.
Dean put a hand on her shoulder to steady her. "Calm down." His quiet voice seemed forced, but Alex did as he said. "There are demons? Here?" When Alex nodded, he frowned. "And they're after you."
Alex nodded again. "What am I going to do?" she asked quietly.
Dean was quiet for a long time, but finally he spoke. "You are going to go find Bobby. Or Cas. Or anyone else who can help you."
"You can help me," Alex snapped.
"No I can't!" Dean spat. "This is my life now, and I don't want any demons messing it up. I have a life, I have a family, and I want to keep it that way!"
Alex stared at him, shocked. "You have a family? Your family is me, Dean. Me, and Sam, and Bobby and Cas."
"Not anymore." Conflict battled in Dean's gaze before it hardened. "Sam's in the cage, and you have Bobby and Cas. Not me." He turned his back, hurrying up the stairs. Alex followed. "You need to pack, and get out of here as soon as possible." He walked into her room, pulling her backpack out of her closet. He threw it to her.
"You can't just throw me out!" Alex exploded, throwing the bag back at him. She quieted her voice. "This isn't like you, Dean. We've been through a lot together." When Dean ignored her, her voice grew. "You can't just turn your back on me like this! What the hell am I suppose to do?" She watched Dean start to pack her things, and her heart beat wildly. "Dean!"
Dean turned to face her. "What do you want me to do?" he snapped.
"I want you to help!" Alex's voice grew in desperation.
"I can't help!" Dean spat, throwing her bag back at her. She caught it. "Bobby and Cas can keep you safe. But I have to think about Lisa and Ben too." His voice cracked in pain. "And they're not safe while you're here."
"And I'm not safe at all!" Alex felt like crying. She couldn't believe Dean was giving up on her. "Do you know what they'll do if they catch me? It'll be Lucifer all over again."
"Get Cas to help! He's your mate. He'll know what to do." Dean picked up her phone off the desk and put it in her hand.
"Cas hasn't answered. I've tried praying to him. He's too busy trying to stop the apocalypse from restarting," Alex protested as Dean dragged her back down the stairs. He stopped at the door, opening it. "I'm not going." Alex crossed her arms. "I'll just wait here for Lisa."
Dean's eyes flashed fire. "If you're not out the door in the next ten seconds, I will personally call Crowley up here."
"You wouldn't!" Alex's eyes grew wide. "Dean!"
"Ten, nine, eight," Dean began to count down.
"You wouldn't risk bringing the demons here," Alex tried to reason.
"The demons will leave once Crowley has you. Now get out!" Dean yelled. Alex took a step back, and Dean slammed the door in her face.
Alex stood outside, looking at the door. She stared at it blankly, processing all that had just happened. She sighed, slinging her bag around her shoulder. She started down the driveway, glancing back to see Dean watching her from the window, arms crossed. She held his gaze, silently pleading for him to let her back in. He shook his head, and Alex closed her eyes. She walked out to the sidewalk, looking both left and right, unsure where to go. Finally, with a visible sigh, she headed to her left, towards town. "How the hell am I suppose to get to Bobby's?" she wondered aloud.
Digging around in her pockets, she counted whatever money she had. Hundred dollars. Would that be enough? Alex bit her lip, unsure what to do. "Cas?" she called. "Castiel!" She yelled his name, casting a quick glance around. "Where the hell are you, man? Seriously. I need you, like, now." Still nothing. "Cas?" Alex felt panic growing inside her chest. Where was he? Even worse, how was she suppose to do this without him? "Please, Cas. Crowley's after me. I'm running for my life here." She let out a nervous laugh. "Why aren't you here, man? Any day now." She kept walking, but Castiel didn't appear. Alex bit her lip. Looking up, she knew town a few blocks away. Making a quick decision, she decided to take the bus as far as she could, then maybe Bobby could pick her up.
...
It was a long walk to Noblesville, which was the nearest place with a cross-state bus station. She hurried into the building and walked up to a ticket window.
"Hey." Alex forced a tiny smile. She dug in her pockets for her money. "I've only got a hundred bucks here. How close to Sioux Falls can I get?"
The woman looked down Alex, surprise and pity in her eyes. "Is everything okay?"
"Huh?" Alex felt surprised. "Yeah, yeah, I guess. I was just living with my brother, and, well, stuff happened, so I'm going to my uncle. It's safer there." She tried to pull on the woman's emotions, figuring she could use them to her advantage.
The woman frowned sympathetically. "That's terrible," she said. "Let me see what I can do." She looked at her schedule. "Is one hundred all you have?"
Alex nodded. "Afraid so."
"Well, I'm afraid that won't get you very far. What were you planning to do after that?"
Alex shrugged. "Dunno. Probably walk. Maybe someone'll give me a ride."
The woman closed her eyes out of sympathy, unable to stand the sight of the girl in front of her. "Tell you what. I can get you to Brandon, Minnesota. It'll cost you ninety dollars."
"Only ninety?" Alex was surprised. "It should be more than that."
"Don't you worry, honey. I'll take care of it."
Alex started to protest, but the woman won't have it. "At least take this much." Alex handed her all her money.
The woman shook her head. "You're going to need some money to eat. I'm afraid ten dollars won't get you very far either."
"I don't need to eat." Alex promised. "Please. Take it all."
"No." The woman shook her head. "It'll only cost you ninety dollars."
"Oh." Alex decided to stop while she was ahead. "Thanks. A lot." The woman handed her back ten dollars, and Alex stuck it in her pockets. "Thanks," she repeated before walking into the station. Looking up at the sign, she saw her bus was leaving in twenty minutes. She sighed, sitting down in a chair. The building was cool, compared to the almost ninety degree weather outside. She pulled out her phone, dialing Dean's number. It rang, but Dean didn't pick up. She cursed under her breath.
...
The twenty minutes ticked by very slowly. Finally, when her bus was called, Alex boarded it, sitting in the very back. From there, she could see everyone, and nobody sneak up on her. She sighed again. A few more people filed in, Alex slumped down in her seat, looking around warily. She shied away from the window, not wanting to be seen. Thinking quickly, she rifled her bag, pulling out a sweatshirt Dean had thankfully packed. She pulled it on, pulling up the hood. She knew the demons would only recognize her because of her wings, but figured it was worth a chance. She sighed again.
The bus pulled out of the station, heading down the road. Looking around, Alex examined each of the passengers, scenting the air. There was no smell of sulphur, and Alex deemed the bus demon free. She reluctantly took of her sweatshirt, thankful that the bus was air-conditioned.
...
She rode the bus for the whole day straight. Thanks to her angel-ness, she didn't have to eat very often, and was able to fast the day. The bus only stopped a few times, letting people in and out, gassing up, changing drivers. Then they were off again. Alex never moved, not wanting to be seen. As the night came, the bus pulled into the station in Brandon, Minnesota. Alex stood up, deciding she had spent enough time on the bus. Then the smell of sulphur hit her nose. Her head snapped up, gazing wildly around. She hurried down the bus' isle, not wanting to be caught in such a small place. She reached the door right as it swung close, and red hot panic flooded through her spine.
"You wouldn't happen to be Alex by any chance?" the driver asked.
"Let me go." Alex turned around, glaring defiantly up at the demon-possessed man.
He laughed. "Can't do that." He started the bus, pulling it out onto the street. "I hope you don't mind. We're going to have to take a little detour."
Alex froze, terrified. Thinking quickly, she threw her weight against the bus door. It barely budged. She turned back, reaching for the lever that opened the door. The demon reached out to stop her, and Alex yanked him out of his seat. He lost control of the bus, and it veered off the road. Alex ran to the back of the bus, falling to the ground as is ran over a large bump. The bus lost its balance, and suddenly fell on its side.
Alex fell with it, flailing blindly for a hold. Her hand found a pole, and she held on. The bus flipped, and Alex hit the roof. She scrambled for exit, wrenching open the window. She grabbed her bag and ran. Ran down the road in the opposite direction of town. She saw black smoke billowing up from bus wreckages, and she ran faster, breathing heavily. She tripped, and rolled with her shoulder down the ditch. There she lay, back pressed flat against the hard ground.
Five minutes ticked by, and nothing happened. Alex finally dared to look. She peered onto the road. Nothing. She sat up, retrieving her bag. She opened it, rifling through its contents. Her phone was still in her pocket, miraculously undamaged. She also found her gun, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Sure, it wouldn't help against demons, but it made her feel safer. She also found the knife Charlie had given to her, and she smiled. Repacking, she stood up, flinching as she straightened her knee. She put her gun in the waistband of her pants. Then she started down the road.
...
Almost an hour later, she came upon a small motel. Not seeing any better chance, she entered the office. There was an old lady at the desk. "May I help you?" she asked.
"Uh, maybe." Alex looked around, scenting the air. No sulphur. She paused, trying to appear as helpless as she could. "Um, you wouldn't know of any place I could spend the night for free? I've, uh, been walking for the past couple hours and kind of need a place to stay."
"Is everything okay?" The woman lowered her glasses from her eyes, studying the girl.
"Yeah, yeah. I just lost my home and am walking to my uncle's. I spent all my money on buses, but all I've got left is ten dollars." She pulled out the bill. "Is this enough to get a room?"
The lady let out a sympathetic laugh. "It's nowhere near enough. But it's okay. We have several extra rooms. You can spend the night."
"Thanks." Alex stepped forward, holding out the money.
"No, no. You keep it. Free of charge."
"Thank you." Alex reluctantly shoved the bill back in her pocket. She thankfully took the key, and turned to leave.
"What if someone comes looking for you?" the woman called. "What's your name?"
Alex turned back, her face dead serious. "If someone comes looking for me, you've never seen me. Send them away, and I'll get out of here as fast as I can."
"Should I call the police?" The woman reached for the phone.
"No," Alex said all to quickly. "Not even the police can help me. Please. I'll leave as soon as the sun rises." Then she left. She quickly hurried down to her room, unlocking the door and slipping inside. She locked the door behind her. Tiredness pulled on her limbs, but she didn't want to sleep. Instead, she sat down on the bed, turning off all the lights. Moonlight filtered through the closed drapes, giving enough light so Alex could see her surroundings. She crossed her legs, senses alert. However, her eyelids were heavy, and her head slipped down to her chest. Within a few minutes, she was asleep.
...
"Good morning." Lucifer's sing-song voice reached her ears.
Alex snapped open her eyes. She was back in her dreams. "No." She sprang to her feet, spinning around. "No no no."
Lucifer's face turned to one of confusion. "Is everything okay?" he asked, approaching her.
"I need to wake up." Alex ran towards the door. Lucifer caught her by the arm, pulling her back into him. "Let me go," Alex struggled. "I need to wake up."
"What's wrong?" the archangel asked, looking worriedly into her face. He reached up, cupping her cheek in his hand.
"I have to wake up," Alex repeated, trying to get away.
"Not until you tell me what's wrong." Lucifer clamped his hands on her arms, holding her still. Alex gave up struggling, knowing she couldn't beat him. Tears stung her eyes as she realized her position. "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey," Lucifer whispered softly, holding her tight. "It's okay." He guided her over to the couch, sitting down. "What's wrong?" He lifted Alex's face, brushing the tears out of her eyes.
"Oh my god." Alex closed her eyes. "I'm dead. I'm so dead."
She felt Lucifer stiffen. "What's going on?" His voice grew sharp, full of worry. "Alex. Look at me. What is going on?" When Alex opened her eyes, he continued. "Is someone hurting you?"
"It's Crowley," Alex whispered. "He's after me. He, he wants to sell me again. I-I've been running. Dean wouldn't help, a-a-and Cas wouldn't answer. I d-don't know what to do." She closed her eyes again. "I need to wake up. He'll find me."
Lucifer pulled her up against his chest into a tight hug, resting his chin on her head. "It's okay, it's okay," he soothed, running his hands up her back.
Alex took a shaky breath. "Please. I need to wake up," she said into neck. "Let me wake up."
"Alex. I don't control that," Lucifer whispered, his breath gently stirring her hair. He paused, then sat back. "But everyone knows you always wake up during the best part of a dream." He pressed a long kiss on her lips.
Alex broke away. "Not now, Luci."
The archangel just laughed. "Come here." He stood up, taking her hand.
Alex pulled back. "I said, 'not now'."
"I know. But not that. I'm helping." Lucifer ran into the kitchen. Alex slowly followed, curiosity getting the better of her. He stopped, looking around, then ran upstairs. Alex returned to the living room, impatiently waiting. He came back down with several pieces of paper in his hand.
"What are you doing?" Alex asked.
He ran back into the kitchen, eyes sparkling. Alex followed. He grabbed a pen off the counter, scribbling something down. Alex leaned over next to him, watching him carefully. "What are you doing?" she repeated herself.
"I am helping." Lucifer glanced up at her, a small grin across his face. "Here." He shoved the paper towards her.
"What is it?" Alex glanced down at the strange drawing.
"You still have the Enochian sigils on your ribs, right?" Lucifer reached out, placing two fingers on her chest. "Right." He turned back to his picture. "Those use to hide you from all angels and demons. But you're an angel now. It works differently. However, we can still hide you from angels and demons. It's just a little different. It should also hide your wings from demons. " He flicked her wings with the tips of his for emphasis.
"Uh, yeah. Okay." Alex nodded, not sure where he was going.
"Here." Lucifer showed her what he had drawn.
Alex took the pen. "What's that?"
"This will hide your wings from demons."
"Uh, okay."
"The demons won't be able to recognize you if they've never seen you. It'll help."
"How do I get this from here to out there? Should I draw it on something?"
"Draw it on your hand, your arm. Anywhere. This will keep you safe." Lucifer suddenly froze. "You need to wake up," he whispered. "Something's happening." He pulled her into a quick, hard, meaningful kiss. "Stay safe." Then he was gone.
...
Alex snapped open her eyes. They quickly adjusted to the dark, gloomy room. "Hello Alex." Alex sat up, looking wildly around. They focused on a man standing in the corner of the room. Black suit. Red tie. Strong accent.
"What do you want?" Alex hissed, springing to her feet.
"I think you know, love." He wandered closer, a half-filled glass in his hand. "You know, you've given me a hell of a time tracking you down. Wouldn't it have been easier, just to . . . come back?" He shrugged.
Alex bared her teeth. "Leave me alone, Crowley."
Crowley laughed. "You know I can't do that. I still have several potential mates for you, and they are offering quite a price." He stepped closer. Alex stepped back. "There's no point in running, Alex. I already know it's just you. Dean turned you away, and if Cas hasn't shown up by now, he's not going to anytime soon."
"That's not true."
"Then where is he?" Crowley motioned to the empty room. "If he really cared, would he really let me sell you again?" Alex took another step back. "You can keep running, but you can't run forever. I know you, Alex. Your wing is still broken. You can't outrun us. I will find you."
Alex ran. She grabbed her bag sitting by the door and ran. The sun was barely coming up, but Alex barely noticed. She just ran. West. She just ran west. Her backpack bounced on her back, making the running awkward, but she didn't stop.
She only slowed when she ran out of breath. Looking around, she ducked behind a gas station, leaning against the brick wall. Then she stood up, reaching for her phone. She pulled it out. The battery was low, but it would last for an hour still. She dialed Bobby's number, waiting for him to answer. The landline didn't work, so she tried his cellphone. It rang.
"Uh, 'ello?" Bobby answered.
"Oh, thank god." Alex breathed a sigh of relief.
"Alex?" Bobby sounded confused. "Is that you?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"Is everything okay?"
"No, not exactly." Alex sat back down, feeling defeated.
"What's wrong? Is everything okay between you and Dean?"
Alex actually laughed. "Not exactly," she repeated. "But that's not the problem. Listen, I'm in Brandon, Minnesota? Any chance you could come pick me up?"
"What?!" Bobby's voice rose into an angry yell. "Alone?"
"Yeah, alone," Alex sighed. "Can you come get me?"
"Sorry, girl, but I'm in Montana. Hunting a revenant with Landon. It's only a four hour drive from you to my house. See if you can get a ride, or something."
"Uh, that's the problem. I have a couple demons on my ass. Cas isn't answering, Dean turned me out. But, uh, I'll see what I can do."
"Hey. I think Charlie might be in that area. Give him a call." Bobby sounded angry, his voice tense.
"Okay, bye. Oh, and, happy birthday." Alex quickly hung up before he could say anything else. She hurried back into the store. "Hey, question. What's the quickest way to get to Sioux Falls?"
The guy looked back up, eyes dull. "Don't you have a phone?"
"Uh, yeah, but it's dead and I don't have the charger or the time."
The guy sighed. "Head west," he advised.
Alex briefly closed her eyes. "Thanks."
She headed down the road.
...
It was her third day on the road. She had already spent almost all of her ten dollars on water to keep hydrated, but her stomach was growling loudly. She checked everywhere for money; she only had fifty cents. Two quarters. Down the road was a town, and she hurried towards it. The first restaurant she saw was a McDonalds. She walked in. There were a few people, but it wasn't overly crowded. She went up to the counter. "How much can I get for this?" she asked quietly, dropping her change on the counter.
The woman looked down at it disdainfully. "Not much, honey. A fry, maybe."
Alex closed her eyes briefly. "I'll take what I can get, then."
"Don't you have anything else?"
Alex shook her head. "This is all I have."
"Well, I'm sorry, but it won't get you anything."
"Is there anyplace I can get food for this much?" Alex's stomach growled, and she was starting to get desperate. "I haven't eaten in two days."
"Is there a problem?" A young man walked up behind her. "What's holding up the line?"
"I'm sorry," the woman behind the counter said. She turned back to Alex. "I'm sorry, but fifty cents won't get you anything here."
Alex closed her eyes, then headed towards the door. "Miss, you forgot your money," the woman called.
Alex turned. "Keep it. If I can't even buy me food, it's useless." She left before sitting down on the curb, head in her hands. Her stomach was cramping with hunger pains, and she screwed her eyes close. She was only eighty or so miles from Sioux Falls, but right now she didn't feel like she could make it.
"Excuse me." It was the man from before. "Is everything okay?"
"Depends." Alex glanced up at him, scenting the air. No sign of sulphur. He looked normal as well.
"You seriously haven't eaten in two days?"
"Yeah. It's been a while. But I'm just passing through."
"Hm. Why don't you come back inside. We'll get something to eat, then figure out what to do next." The man held out his hand, and Alex took it.
"Thank you." She followed him back into the restaurant. She hesitantly ordered a Big Mac meal, feeling slightly embarrassed for letting him pay for it. He also ordered his food, and he handed her a glass. She walked over to the soda fountain. She wanted soda, but knew if she was going to walk, she needed the water. Soda would only make dehydration worse. She compromised and got coke, deciding to get a refill of water before she left.
While her decisions were being made, so was her food, and by the time she returned to their table, it was ready. The man, who's name turned out to be Drew, slid her her burger, and Alex picked it up. She forced herself to eat slowly, alternating between the burger and the fries.
Finally Drew spoke. "So, what's your name?"
"Alex."
"Hm. And what brings you to this town?"
"I'm just passing through."
"Where to?"
"Sioux Falls."
Alex knew he noticed her short, closed answer, but he didn't push her. "Sioux Falls?" he repeated. "Hm. That's what? A two hour drive?"
Alex nodded. "Just about."
"Well, you may be in luck. I have to drive down to Sioux Falls tonight."
"Hm."
"If you want, I can give you a ride."
The idea was tempting. Alex finally nodded. "Okay. Where should I meet you?"
"I'm driving down for my job. If you want, you can just stay at my apartment."
Alex shook her head. "Sorry. I shouldn't. I, I can't be found."
Drew's eyes narrowed. "You're not in trouble, are you?"
Alex lowered her eyes. "It's no big deal."
"Pretty sure that's a lie. Is it the police?"
"No. They can't help me. This is a lot bigger." Alex sighed. "If you don't want to give me a ride anymore, that's okay."
"No, it's fine. How about I'll meet you at the corner of Elm and 2nd, okay? Eight o'clock sharp."
"Okay." Alex finished her burger, feeling her hunger subside. "Thank you."
"Yeah." Drew left.
Alex stood up, refilled her cup with water, and walked out the door.
...
June 20th, 2010
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Alex stepped through the front door, breathing a sigh of relief. She must had thrown off the demons. Of course, this is definitely where they'd expect her to be. She locked the front door, cursing the fact that, apart from the downstairs bathroom next to her, it was the only door that locked. Hurrying into the kitchen, she dropped her bag. She placed her Colt 1911 on table, checking it one more time. She felt her knife in her pocket and pulled it out, flicking out the blade. She smiled, putting it back in her pocket. She pulled off her jacket and dirty black Hell Hazers II t-shirt, and pulled on some maroon 3/4 sleeve shirt and a forest green plaid sweatshirt. She had just started rolling up her clothes when she heard a noise, and her mind started to wheel.
"Okay," she started to plan out loud. "I need salt. Salt, iron. Devil's trap." The panic room. Iron walls coated with salt, and stocked with all the shotguns and ammunition she would need.
There were two footsteps upstairs. Forgetting her backpack, she grabbed her smaller bag containing her journal and other things and tore through the study and the hall. The back door opened, and a demon stepped through, black eyes gleaming. Alex panicked, and, in an act of desperation, reached out, placing her palm over the demon's face. Her fear and panic mingled with her grace as it raced down her arm and into the demon. White light flared out of his face, and he crumpled to the ground dead. Alex just ran. She ran down the rickety stairs and towards the panic room. She flung open iron door. Then everything went black.