Part 6
The Winchesters, the clarions and Castiel had parked outside a set of caves. They were getting ready to enter the caves and find the bug man.
Dean stated "Remember guys, the alpha has a big ass set of wings. We gotta catch him"
Lotus handed everyone a torch that they could wear on their heads. She said "Do not let your guard down at all. In the surrounding areas there are a lot of missing men. We've got no idea how many of these things are in there."
Everyone gave a nod and headed inside the caves, armed and ready.
Crowley was in his old throne room in hell with Stephon standing close by. A lower level demon stated "Crowley, we heard you were dead"
Crowley smirked and replied "Let's just say I was on vacation and leave it at that."
Another of the lower level demons questioned "Are you even still powerful enough to rule hell"
Crowley, with his smirk still in place, stated "Let's find out shall we. Stephon."
Crowley pointed at Stephon and Stephon began screaming in pain. He screamed for several moments before suddenly exploding. The lower level demons all looked at Crowley.
Crowley said "The rumours are true; Virgil is bringing about the end of worlds. That happens, we will have no new souls to maim. Personally I'm partial to a good maiming so I would suggest that you all behave yourself and don't run around helping Virgil like Stephon was."
One of the lower demons questioned "What do you want us to do?"
"What do you think?" Crowley snapped. "This is hell. Corrupt souls and make deals."
The lower level demons all left the room and Crowley stated "They're all morons aren't they darling?" He was patting the hellhound he'd been speaking to when it began growling.
Crowley turned and saw Michael, Krissy and Jack "About bloody time. What took you lot so bloody long? Where did you get that tablet?"
Krissy stated "Dude, we've been down here for what feels like months. Just take us home"
Crowley rolled his eyes and said "Fine, we did have a deal." He clicked his fingers and shackles appeared on Michael, Jack and Krissy. Crowley explained "Those come off when Lotus gets rid of this bloody curse. This way."
Michael, Krissy and Jack followed him out of the room.
Mary was staring at Bobby, waiting for a response. Bobby sighed and said "For the record, I'm not Jack's father, I'm the other one"
He raised his hand and clicked his fingers. Mary went wide eyed as Bobby morphed into Lucifer. He was wearing a pair of black jeans, a black Tshirt and a suit jacket with the sleeves rolled up.
He was obviously nervous as he stuck his hands in his pockets. Mary demanded "What happened to Bobby?"
Lucifer replied "He was killed. I took his place about six months after that Michael thought he killed me."
Mary questioned "Why take Bobby's place?"
Lucifer replied "Dad told me to. He saved me and made Michael think he killed me. He limited my powers, a lot, and said, protect Mary Winchester"
"Why?" Mary demanded
Lucifer shrugged "It's possible he just wanted me to learn from humans. I'm not entirely sure, he didn't say much."
Mary asked "So now what? What do you want? What are you going to do?"
Lucifer replied "Well, not dying would be nice. I can help with this end of worlds business or I can disappear and leave you alone"
Mary silently thought for a moment. Before she spoke her stomach could be heard grumbling. Lucifer clicked his fingers and Mary flinched before looking around. They were now sitting in a diner.
Lucifer pointed out the window and said "The car's packed and ready when you are"
Mary remained quiet for a moment and a waitress came over and asked if they were ready to order. Lucifer ordered them each a coffee and Mary was looking at him curiously.
Mary eventually commented "You look like our Lucifer so it's pretty easy to be pissed at you right now"
Lucifer gave a nod and replied "I'm not like that jackass. Now. I was once. I did the whole, daddy doesn't love me temper tantrum thing too. I changed though, he didn't and I know, that's difficult to believe. I don't blame you"
Mary commented "I still don't understand why, out of everyone, your dad wanted you to protect me"
The waitress brought over their coffees and left. Lucifer waited until she was out of earshot before he said "Honestly, I don't know. It confused me at first. Our world didn't even have a Mary Winchester"
Mary had a sip of her coffee before questioning "Since we met, you're the reason my injuries have always healed quickly, aren't you?"
Lucifer nodded and said "Yes. It was pretty easy to sneak up on you while you were sleeping and speed up the healing process."
"You were watching me sleep?" Mary asked with a raised eyebrow
Lucifer let out a scoff and said "No, I flew in, poked you in the forehead and left again. I might have been an ass in the past but even I'm not that creepy"
Mary smirked and said "That's yet to be decided." Lucifer rolled his eyes and had a sip of his coffee. Mary asked "How come you never did more to help the humans in apocalypse world. The ones who thought Bobby was a friend. Why didn't you protect me when that Michael had me as a prisoner?"
Lucifer sighed and looked anywhere but at her as he explained "Unlike the rest of the angels, archangels were designed to feel emotions. Now, Castiel is proof the others can learn them but even then, there's an oddness to it. When archangels feel any kind of emotion it is with the same intensity a human would."
Mary stated "You were scared"
Lucifer gave a small nod and said "From what I've learned since being in this world; my cage and my Michael were far worse than anything this world's Lucifer experienced. I... I didn't want to go back in the cage and if my Michael had have found me alive-"
Mary gave a nod as she said "He would have made sure he didn't fail again as painfully as possible. I met the guy, he was a dick"
"Understatement" Lucifer muttered as the waitress returned.
They each ordered some food before Mary asked "So what is your plan now?"
Lucifer shrugged and replied "Pay for breakfast and continue hoping you don't want me dead"
Mary asked "What? No world domination? No epic plans to make humans suffer?"
Lucifer shook his head and replied "I've noticed humans cause enough suffering on their own."
Mary replied "Well, you're not wrong there"
Lucifer nodded and said "I also don't want to rule, or unleash, hell. I don't want to take over heaven, or destroy the planet I just, I've been reduced to simply not wanting to be alone"
Mary asked "Seriously?"
The waitress dropped off their food and once she was gone, Lucifer replied "With the whole, time working differently thing, I was in the cage for an unfathomable amount of time. A lot of the time I was being tortured and punished but then, for about seven hundred thousand years. There was nothing. No image of Michael, no taunting, no torture, no surroundings; there wasn't even any noise. Just me, powerless and alone in silent darkness"
Mary stated "No wonder you don't sleep well when it's dark." Lucifer looked at her with a raised eyebrow. She explained "You always got really fidgety if it was too dark. Especially in the bunker where it can be pitch black. I used to think it was Bobby having nightmares. Now I know that was you having flashbacks"
"Hmm" Lucifer gave a small nod as he ate.
Mary watched him wince in pain and attempt to sit so there was less pressure on his side. "You're still hurt" She commented
Lucifer nodded "That hook is as powerful as an angel blade. My vessel is almost healed but my grace is still wounded. It's painful"
Mary was surprised as she asked "So playing human shield back there could have killed you?"
"I don't think so, it wasn't as strong as an archangel blade" Lucifer replied.
"You don't think so?" Mary asked
Lucifer shrugged and said "In my world, that part of Dante's inferno just mentioned knights of hell. The malebranche didn't exist. There's not much information on them in either of our worlds"
Mary said "Thank you. It would have killed me"
Lucifer shrugged and replied "It's my job"
Mary pointed out "But it's not. You're dad never said how long you had to protect me. Technically you did what you were asked ages ago. Why are you still doing what he asked?"
Lucifer stated "I have nowhere else to go and believe it or not... You're not horrible company"
Mary gave a small smile and they finished their meals in silence. Soon they were finished eating and Mary noticed Lucifer was nervous. She watched him for a moment, noting how different he was from the other Lucifer.
Eventually Lucifer paid the bill and they headed out to the car. He leant on the car and sighed before he asked "So what now?"
"What do you mean?" Mary asked
"Do you want me to stick around? Do you want help?" Lucifer asked before "Or am I right in thinking you want me to disappear?"
Mary asked "You'd actually disappear if I asked you to?"
Lucifer nodded and said "You'd never see or hear from me again." He then nervously mumbled "Unless you were in pain or in danger because of the ward on your ribs"
Mary let out a scoff but had a small smile. She said "I got a message from Dean. They're all going after the bug man. Are you able to find Charoness?" Lucifer was surprised by the question and nodded. Mary asked "How long until you've healed?"
Lucifer looked at his injured side and replied "Physically the wound's healed. As for my grace, anywhere from an hour to a couple of days. As long as I don't get stabbed again I can handle her"
Mary stated "I don't trust you at the moment but I am going to give you a chance to prove yourself."
Lucifer went wide eyed, obviously not expecting that. "Really?" he asked
Mary nodded "I'm not sure if you're up to anything but it's obvious you're different from this world's Lucifer. I'd like you to help me catch Charoness while the others deal with bug men"
"OK" Lucifer said with a nod.
"Well, get in the car then because we're driving" Mary stated
"Hey" Lucifer said before she could get in the car. He reached inside his jacket and pulled out his archangel blade. "Uh here"
Mary looked at him and asked "Surely you're not stupid enough to give me your real blade. The one thing that can kill you"
Lucifer handed her the blade and slid his finger tip over the blade. He showed her the small cut and Mary was surprised to see that it was glowing. Lucifer awkwardly said "Thank you." He then moved around the car and got into the passenger seat.
Mary tucked the blade in her own jacket and got in the car.
The clarions, the Winchesters and Cas had split up in the caves and were all struggling against the bug men. Crowley appeared suddenly with Krissy, Jack and Michael.
"Bollocks" Crowley said and was about to leave when Michael grabbed him.
Michael clicked his fingers and and the shackles he Jack and Krissy were in disappeared. A slight shimmer of light travelled over Crowley and Michael said "The curse is gone. Don't come back"
Crowley stated "Gladly" and then disappeared.
Krissy and Jack were already fighting the bug men and Michael looked around. He could only see Lily and Sam.
Krissy killed one of the bug men before yelling at Sam "What the hell are these things?"
Sam replied "Geryon. They're like demons. The alpha has wings as well and we need to take him alive."
The group of them killed all of the bug men in the section of cave they were in before Michael asked "Where are the others? These caves won't be safe for much longer"
Lily replied "Dean, Cas and Tulip went further into the cave. Lotus and Clover were chasing the alpha"
Michael nodded and said "Go and help them with the alpha."
Further in the caves, Castiel was bleeding from several gashes on his chest where his grace was exposed. He was struggling to keep the creatures away from him.
Dean and Tulip were both heavily injured. One of the creatures swung it's tail towards Dean and Tulip pushed him and took the blow. She was thrown backwards and hit the cave wall before landing with a thud on the ground.
Several stalactites fell from the roof of the cave, one of which crushed one of her legs. She roared in pain and Dean killed the last bug man in the area. "Cas you OK?" Dean asked as he moved towards Tulip
"I should be fine" Castiel said weakly
Dean looked at Tulip and angrily grumbled "That was stupid." He helped her up and wrapped one of her arms around his shoulders and she winced in pain. Dean stated "You leave the self-sacrificing bullshit to me. Don't you ever do anything like that again, you hear me?"
"You're welcome" Tulip mumbled with a roll of her eyes
Before Dean could say anything else Michael walked over quickly. He poked each of them in the forehead before moving over to Castiel and healing his wounds.
Michael stated "Head for the exit. It won't be long before these caves collapse"
They all moved out quickly and found everyone except for Clover and Lotus fighting the demon creatures near the entrance of the cave.
There were two creatures left and they suddenly let out a loud deafening screech. The cave began collapsing and Michael clicked his fingers, killing the creatures. He yelled "Move!"
Everyone ran out of the cave and stopped once they were outside. They all looked around when suddenly Jack said "Clover!"
Everyone turned to see leaning against a large rock. "It's in the trees" Clover said weakly.
There was a rustling sound before suddenly Lotus's bloody body fell from a nearby tree. She was unconscious and barely alive she had so many injuries.
Before her body could hit the ground Michael flew to her side and caught her. He dropped to his knees and quickly healed her injuries. After a moment she woke with a gasp and sat up as she frantically looked around.
Michael said "It's OK. You're safe now"
She looked at him for a moment before she said "Michael. You're OK." Lotus then suddenly hugged him. "Thank you" she breathed
Michael was surprised she sounded relieved he was OK and slowly returned the hug.
While they were having a moment, Castiel had moved over to heal Clover as the alpha geryon dropped down from the trees. Sam was quick to throw a vial and cast the spell. Just like the alpha wolf woman, the geryon was soon encased in a blue substance.
Michael helped Lotus to her feet and said "Come on, it's safe now, let's get you back home"
Lotus gave a nod and they rejoined the group who was greeting Krissy and Jack and introducing them to Tulip
Jack and Castiel shared a hug as Lily commented "It's good to have you back guys"
Jack commented "It's good to be back"
Dean asked "How are you doing Krissy? Any idea why those dicks took you?"
Sam asked "Where did you find a word of god tablet?"
Krissy explained "The demons wanted this" She held up her blade and they watched wide eyed as it morphed from a blade to a tattoo on her arm. "I can heal stuff now too, a bit"
Michael clicked his fingers and suddenly everyone was by their cars in the garage of the manor. The geryon encased in blue was also there. He stated "I might not need to but I would like to sit down"
Everyone gave a nod and they headed inside. They all headed to one of the lounge rooms where there was plenty of room for everyone.
Michael clicked his fingers again and there were several pizzas and drinks for everyone covering the table. "What did we miss?"
Jack and Krissy each grabbed a bottle of water and drank as Lotus explained "As well as the weird demons that took Krissy, we've also been dealing with the geryon which you saw today and some new wolf hybrids. Both those alphas have been caught because we need to kill them at the same time as Charoness, who is next on our hit list. She's been stealing souls before killing people. All three of them are killed like demons"
Jack questioned "You think they have something to do with the end of worlds?"
Sam replied "We know they do. Those demons are called malebranche. The geryon, wolf hybrids, Charoness and the malebranche are all mentioned in Dante's Inferno. We just haven't made the connection to the end of worlds nor do we know what the end of worlds is"
Castiel looked at Michael and explained "Dante's Inferno is one of Dante Alighieri's ramblings"
Michael nodded and explained "We saw the stone. The souls this Charoness is stealing are being sent there; it's the only explanation for the one we saw"
Jack asked "Is that what that light was?"
Michael nodded and Krissy stated "I'm guessing this is all leading up to Dante being the big bad guy we need to kill"
All eyes were on Krissy as she explained "I had to study Dante's Inferno to some extent in school. Dante gets guided by Virgil downwards through hell and past Satan to purgatory. That stone, was keeping something in and the souls are probably giving it power. That stone was right under where Lucifer's cage was and the white eyed douchebag the malebranche took me to called himself Virgil"
Sam commented "Actually, right before I was saved from the alpha wolf woman, I mentioned Dante. She was angry that I dared say his name"
Dean questioned "So we've got a white eyed demon we don't know how to kill, about to free a demon voldemort?" Everyone looked at him and he rolled his eyes and said "Oh shut up, I read"
Sam questioned "What set this off? Why is this happening now?"
Michael stated "I can handle Virgil. I believe this was kick started when I was freed, though it would have happened eventually"
Clover asked "What do you mean?"
Michael explained "The cage was designed for Lucifer and it was linked to him. When he died it began to crumble and slowly grow weaker. Crowley destroyed what was left and freed me which set this this all into motion earlier than it would have happened on it's own. Approximately thirty years earth time, so to speak"
Lotus commented "The cage was acting as a wall between the stone and everything else"
Michael nodded "I believe so"
Lily asked "Can we fix the stone? Or build another cage?"
Michael shook his head "No that is unfortunately not possible. Our best chance is to catch this Charoness to prevent Dante getting stronger. It is possible more information can be found on that tablet"
Sam asked "What about you guys? Were you OK in hell?"
Krissy replied "Yeah, Mike kept us safe. We would have been lost without him"
Jack added "I think I saw Mom just before I got my powers back"
Dean asked "What?"
Jack explained "In the river Acheron." He looked at Castiel and asked "Is it possible to check if she's out of hell"
Castiel replied "I will ask Haniel to check for you. Unless Michael would prefer to go to heaven." He looked at Michael and added "I noticed you are back at full strength"
All eyes were on Michael as he nervously said "Yes, when Krissy healed a wound I obtained in hell, Crowley's bindings were removed"
Lotus gave his shoulder a squeeze and said "This is your other home. If you want to stay, stay." She almost inaudibly added "Please?"
"I'd like that" Michael replied quietly. Lotus smiled and Michael turned to Castiel "I will intervene if anyone gives her any trouble but Haniel is doing a fine job. She should be in charge"
Castiel smiled and gave a nod before disappearing.
"Son of a bitch!" Dean said with wide eyes as he looked at his phone.
Sam asked "What is it?"
Dean was obviously angry and took a few deep breaths before he explained "Mom, is on her way to catch Charoness"
Sam said "What the hell are they thinking? Why are Mom and Bobby doing that alone?"
Dean clenched his jaw before he said "Apparently, Bobby wasn't Bobby. He's apocalypse world Lucifer. His vessel is Nick too"
Sam froze and everyone else went wide eyed. Michael disappeared.
Castiel returned and looked at Jack. He said "There was a large group of souls that arrived in heaven and came from Acheron. Kelly is safe in her heaven"
Jack smiled and said "Thank you for checking"
Castiel then turned and said "Haniel has- where's Michael?"
Dean stated "Apparently Bobby was apocalypse Lucifer this whole time."
Castiel frowned and mumbled "Oh for the love of Chuck." He then disappeared again.
Lily questioned "Now what?"
Tulip stated "I'm going to bed. It's late, some of us nearly died and by the sounds of things, we should rest up while we can"
Krissy commented "Sounds good to me"
Everyone gave a nod and headed in their separate directions.
Mary and Lucifer were in a hotel room. Lucifer was sitting silently on one of the beds while Mary prepared weapons on the other.
Lucifer commented "All you really need is my blade and that vial for the spell"
Mary commented "I'd rather be prepared for anything. We don't know if she'll be alone"
Lucifer then suddenly stood and moved to stand next to her. He held an arm in front of her protectively and demanded "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you for myself." Michael replied as he stood near the door. "I had to be sure you weren't the brother I knew"
"John?" Mary questioned. She was obviously confused
Lucifer stated "Michael"
Mary glanced at Lucifer's archangel blade on the bed next to her and Michael raised his hand. The blade flew to his hand and he slowly placed it on the table.
Michael stated "I did not come here to fight. This vessel is just a clone of John. Any issues with that you can take up with Crowley." He looked at Lucifer for a moment before he commented "You are quite different from the Lucifer I shared the cage with; much brighter."
Lucifer nodded and commented "I did not have the mark for as long. I also fought it whereas your Lucifer embraced it and let it consume him"
Michael gave a nod and was about to speak when Castiel appeared and blurted out "You two better not be assbuts. One apocalypse is bad enough"
Mary couldn't help the slight chuckle that escaped. Michael stated "Relax Castiel. We do not trust each other but we have no reason to fight either"
Castiel looked at Lucifer expectantly and Lucifer gave a nod. Castiel sternly stated "Good. Keep it that way." He then disappeared again.
Michael smirked and said "I believe the expression, he's got balls, is appropriate"
Lucifer smirked and said "You're not wrong"
Mary questioned "So you two really aren't going to fight?"
They each shook their heads and Michael questioned "I am presuming Mary is safe with you?"
Lucifer nodded and said "Dad requested I protect her. Even if I didn't want to, I haven't got much else of a goal"
Michael gave a small smile and nodded before he said "If you need help, let me know"
Lucifer nodded and Michael disappeared.
Michael reappeared in the manor and realised everyone had gone to bed. He headed to his room and was surprised to find Lotus asleep on his bed. Her legs were hanging over the edge with her feet on the floor. She seemed to have sat down, lay back and fallen asleep.
He clicked his fingers and then she was lying on one side of the bed under the blanket. He sat on the other side of the bed with his back against the headboard as she stirred awake.
She looked around for a moment until her eyes fell on him. He stated "Sleep. You need your rest"
She rolled on her side to face him and sleepily asked "Are you OK?"
Michael nodded and replied "I had to see for myself. The Lucifer with Mary is from the other world and while I don't trust him, I don't intend to fight him either"
Lotus curled her body and moved the pillow so it was right next to his thigh. "You're not hurt anywhere?" she asked as she stifled a yawn.
Michael said "Not at all"
"Good" Lotus mumbled. "I was worried about you" She added before she slipped her hand over his leg right next to his knee. She was almost asleep as she said "Glad you're OK"
Michael stared down at her, obviously surprised by her statement. He reached out and gently ran his fingers through her hair, his fingertips barely brushing against her scalp.
She let out a happy sigh and drifted off to sleep.
It was close to three am when Lily was heading back to bed after getting a drink of water. She had a blanket wrapped around herself so that only her face and feet were sticking out.
She was walking past Sam's room when she heard "No, no please, stop. Don't, don't. Lucifer stop"
She frowned and opened the door. Once inside she could see Sam tossing and turning in the throes of what must have been a vivid nightmare.
She closed the door and moved to the bed. "Sam" She said as she knelt on the bed next to him. "Sam, wake up" she said as gently shook his shoulder.
He woke with a gasp and saw Lily, though didn't immediately recognise her while she was wrapped up in the dark. He panicked and reached for the knife under his pillow until she said "Easy Sam. That was just a nightmare"
"Lily" He stated before breathing a sigh of relief. "You scared the crap out of me. What are you even wearing? What are you doing in here?"
Lily put the blanket on the end of the bed and said "I was wearing a blanket because as awesome as this place is, it gets bloody cold at night and I'm used to warmer weather"
She then crawled under the blankets as she said "I'm in here because on my way back from getting a drink I heard you having a nightmare about Satan"
Sam was obviously surprised by her actions but didn't get a chance to speak. She pushed him down so he was lying on his back and moved his arm as she said "And I'm staying because you need to remember you're not alone and you're safe." She lay next to him with her head on his chest as she mumbled "If that dickbag even thinks about breathing on you I'll castrate him and kill him with his own junk"
Sam couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped before he quietly said "I don't think that's possible but thank you"
He nervously wrapped his arm around her properly and she sleepily replied "If you think Dean's extreme when someone he cares about gets hurt, you ain't seen nothin' yet. I'm also more fun to cuddle and, you know, smell better"
Sam chuckled again "That's very true"
They were quiet for a moment before Lily asked "You OK?"
"Yeah" Sam replied "Yeah, I'm good"
"Good" Lily replied before lifting her head up enough to kiss him on the cheek. "Goodnight Sam"
Sam cupped her cheek and hesitated for a moment before leaning forward enough to kiss her. They kissed tenderly for a few moments before Sam pulled back with a grin. He whispered "Goodnight Lily"
Lily was grinning just as wide as she lay back on his chest. Sam wrapped his arms around her and they soon fell asleep.
The following day Mary and Lucifer had found Charoness. She was in a bar that was almost empty and had just taken the souls of three people. Their heads dropped to the floor and Charoness smirked when Mary walked in.
Charoness chuckled "Well if it isn't mommy Winchester. You won't kill me, I will return again so do your worst"
Mary stated "We didn't come here to kill you. We came to catch you so we can kill you with the others"
Charoness looked scared as she asked "Who's we?"
Lucifer appeared behind her and distracted her while Mary pulled a vial out of her pocket.
However in the short amount of time it took Mary to throw the vial and say the spell, Lucifer had gotten himself hurt. Charoness had landed several powerful blows before cutting Lucifer's back with the blade on her staff.
Mary said the short spell and, like the two alphas before her, Charoness was encased in the strange blue substance. Mary moved over to Lucifer's side as he fell to his knees "Luc, are you OK?" She asked
Lucifer shook his head. He stated "That.. It cut my grace"
Mary called out "Castiel I need help, quickly"
At the manor everyone had been sitting in the control room doing research when suddenly Castiel tensed. He disappeared and reappeared almost immediately. He looked at Michael and said "Michael, I need your help." Without waiting for an answer Castiel grabbed Michael's shoulder and the two of them disappeared.
Dean questioned "What the hell?"
Sam stated "That can't be good"
Lotus commented "I don't know about you guys but I am not having any luck with this research. I think we need to get that tablet translated"
Dean commented "I've been trying to avoid that. Erin's thirteen, I'm not big on getting her involved in this"
Sam commented "We might not have a choice Dean"
Tulip stated "Don't forget, she did put the old king of hell out of business with a knife that god gave her. We just need to consider asking her for help with information."
Lotus added "We'll keep looking but if we don't find anything soon, we might run out of time"
"Huh" Clover muttered as he looked at his phone. "Donna and Jody just took out a small nest of vampires"
Dean commented "A small nest should be easy for those two. Everything OK?"
Clover nodded and said "Yeah, they're fine but one of the vamps mentioned the end of worlds."
Sam asked "What did they say?"
Clover replied "Right before they killed it, it said, 'you can't stop the end of worlds. The merger is inevitable and all those in purgatory will return. Go ahead and kill me, I'll see you again soon.' The hell is that supposed to mean?"
Sam then said "When Chuck visited me in a dream, he said that he was going to wipe out the leviathan as a just in case."
Dean was annoyed as he said "Which is real useful now. Where was he when we were on a dick hunt?"
The clarions chuckled and Sam smirked before he said "Actually it might be useful. Purgatory is full of monsters, leviathan included. If a gate or a portal to purgatory was opened, wiping them out would mean we wouldn't have to hunt dick again"
The clarions chuckled again before Lotus stated "So quite possibly, the end of worlds has something to do with merging purgatory and the land of the living"
Krissy and Jack walked in carrying more books and Krissy stated "Well, this is everything that might have info that'll help. It's a long shot though. You guys found anything?"
Clover commented "Sam and Dean were just talking about hunting dick"
Jack stated "I thought you guys were straight"
Dean grumbled "Seriously guys?"
Before anyone could say anything else, Castiel appeared with the encased Charoness. Everyone stared and Castiel stated "Michael has taken Mary and Lucifer to the room Mary was using upstairs. They caught Charoness, as you can see, however Lucifer was injured quite badly. Her blade cut not only him but his grace as well"
Sam clenched his jaw and closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. Dean asked "You gonna be OK Sam?"
Sam gave a nod before Lily gave his shoulder a squeeze as she stated "With his own junk remember. Probably after Dean tears him a new one"
Sam took another deep breath and nodded again before wrapping an arm around her "I'll be OK"
Lotus stated "Well then where are we going to kill these things because I'd rather play it safe and not do it here at the manor"
Clover suggested "We should probably find an old warehouse or something. Something a bit isolated"
Sam commented "There's a few abandoned towns not far from here. Should be easy enough to find one with a building that won't collapse on us"
Lotus gave a nod "Sounds good"
Meanwhile, Red-gum was standing with Virgil and the five remaining malebranche.
Red-gum questioned "So if I do this, you swear the clarions will suffer?"
Virgil let out a chuckle "I am a demon. Suffering is my business. Anyone helping the Winchesters will be taken care of"
"Well then, we have a deal" Red-gum replied with an evil smirk. He asked "When will it happen?"
Virgil replied "Oh it won't be long now"
Upstairs at the manor, Michael was holding his hand a few inches above the wound on Lucifer's back while Mary stitched him up. Lucifer seemed to be unconscious and lying on his stomach. Mary tied off the stitches and Michael pulled his hand away and said "That should help"
Mary asked "Will he be OK?"
Michael nodded and said "Yes but I don't know how long it will take"
Mary gave a nod and asked "Is there anything I can do to help him?"
Michael replied "Not a great deal. Similar to an angel without their grace, he might behave like a human. Eating, sleeping and so on. If that is the case I believe he will complain about it, a lot."
Lucifer sleepily grumbled "Will not"
"Will too" Michael stated
Lucifer again grumbled "Will not"
Mary couldn't help but laugh. "Two beings almost as old as time itself and you're arguing like five year olds"
Lucifer mumbled "He started it"
"Did not" Michael replied
Mary chuckled and said "OK, enough." She looked at Michael and said "I'll keep an eye on him. Could you keep an eye on everyone else"
Michael nodded and disappeared. Lucifer looked at Mary and mumbled "He started that"
Mary smiled and said "Get some sleep you big baby, it will help"
A couple of hours later the Winchesters, the clarions, Cas, Jack, Krissy and Michael were standing in an old school hall, in an abandoned town. The two alphas and Charoness were still encased in the blue substance and were all in the middle of a demon trap.
Dean said "So, the blue stuff comes off. We exorcise these douche bags and we kill whatever else might come at us"
Lotus commented "That's the plan" She looked over at Lily and Clover and said "If anything goes wrong; blue nine. Are we clear?"
Lily argued "Dude no."
Tulip stated "Not by yourself, you're not"
Lotus sternly replied "Yes by myself. Keep your guard up."
Clover walked over threw a potion vial on each of the statues and stepped out of the demon trap. The blue substance dissipated and soon the three demon creatures were free.
They were trapped in the demon trap yet all three of them were oddly calm as Sam pushed a button on his phone. There was a small portable speaker nearby that the exorcism played through and it was all that could be heard in the old hall.
The exorcism finished and the three demon creatures each turned into black smoke. The three pockets of black smoke whirled together in the air before turning a dark golden colour and slamming into the floor. The building then began to quake as that part of the floor began to glow.
A large red cloud of smoke then flew out of the glowing section of floor and an evil chuckle was heard. Everyone turned in time to see Virgil, surrounded by the remaining malebranche, slam his hand on an angel banishing symbol.
Michael and Castiel disappeared and at the same time the clarions and Jack all momentarily doubled over in pain. Then Red-gum appeared looking pleased with himself. He stated "I will finally get to see you all suffer like the scum you are"
The large cloud of red smoke began flying into Red-gum, just like a demon possessing someone. His body glowed brightly.
Lotus roared "Blue nine, now! Get everyone out!"
Lily and Clover hesitated for a moment before turning and forcing Sam, Dean, Jack and Krissy out of the building. Lotus brought out her wings and spread them wide to shield the others as the malebranche began twirling their hooks. She said "Tulip, go!"
Tulip had hung back, making sure everyone else was out before turning back to help Lotus. "No" Tulip replied just before one of the malebranche moved to block the door. "Can't now anyway"
"Damn it!" Lotus said with a growl before she put her wings away.
Both girls readied themselves for a fight but the malebranche simply surrounded them and waited.
Red-gum stopped glowing and looked down at his body before laughing. He said "Ah yes, this will do nicely."
Lotus saw that his eyes were now red and stated "Dante"
He smirked and looked at her "So, you've heard of me. Oh I am going to have fun with you two half bred mutts." He then said to the malebranche "Take them alive"
The malebranche moved forward to capture the girls. Lotus and Tulip fought hard and managed to each kill one of the malebranche before they were knocked unconscious.
Outside Dean and Sam stopped and looked around. Dean said "Wait, where's Tulip and Lotus?"
Clover replied "Making sure we get out of here alive"
Lily added "Come on, get in the cars. None of us are equipped to handle a white eyed demon"
Dean growled out "We can't just leave them in there"
Krissy said "We have to go back"
Clover stated "We can't, we need a plan and running in there to get ourselves killed won't help anyone"
Jack said "Family means nobody gets left behind"
Dean stated "Exactly, what stitch said."
Sam said "Let's go"
They all moved back to the hall but it was already empty when they entered. Dean angrily roared "Son of a bitch!" He turned to look at Clover and Lily and said "You two. What the hell was that blue nine crap? Why didn't they escape too?"
Clover sighed and explained "We were taught a lot of codes during training so that our plans were never revealed to whatever we were hunting. Blue nine was a last resort to save hostages. She would have done whatever it took to make sure they didn't follow us."
Lily added "Lotus was always team leader so she felt it was her responsibility to make sure anyone important made it out safely. The men of letters treated us like cannon fodder. The whole self worth thing isn't something any of us are experienced with"
Dean was obviously pissed "So you guys just let her sacrifice herself? What about Tulip why did she stay back when you guys didn't?"
Lily replied "She trusted us to keep you guys safe. We didn't want to let her do that but she was going to do it anyway. We didn't want to let her down and have her efforts be pointless"
Clover added "I dare say Tulip didn't want a repeat of last time. She was still captive with us the last time the men of letters needed to order a blue nine. Waratah was like a brother to Tulip. She had to walk away from him to save some civilians and she never saw Waratah again"
Krissy questioned "So what do we do now?"
Sam stated "We find them. Their bodies aren't here and there's no blood in sight. They're alive, which means they'll probably be used as bait."
Dean was obviously still angry. He stated "Everyone back to the manor, now. I want those girls found. Alive"
It was an hour and a half later that everyone was at the manor. Jack, Krissy, Lily and Clover were inside the control room. Clover was attempting a tracking spell while the others researched. Dean and Sam approached as Clover lit a match and they watched nervously as the map burned.
The flames went out and Clover sighed before he said "They're still in Kansas somewhere but I can't get a location"
Dean gave a nod and said "Right, keep trying. They've gotta be somewhere. Me and Sam are going to take the tablet and go and see Erin."
Sam added "We'll bring her here with her mom if we need to. We won't be gone long"
They were about to leave when Michael and Castiel appeared. Castiel was leaning heavily on Michael.
"Cas!" Dean said as he moved over to help Castiel sit down.
Michael looked around and asked "How did you escape? What happened?"
Krissy replied "Basically Lotus and Tulip acted as a decoy so we could all escape. They got captured and now we're trying to find them"
"What?" Michael asked worriedly. "We have to find them. Dante is free"
Sam pointed out "We're about to go see Erin and see if she can make sense of the tablet"
Michael gave a nod and said "Good. I will do what I can to find them."
Dean stated "You let us know if you find anything"
Michael gave a nod and disappeared.
Lotus woke up hanging from her wrists in a dark room with no windows. She struggled for a moment before she heard Tulip "Hey, you're awake"
"Tulip?" Lotus questioned
Tulip replied "Yeah. They haven't come in since I woke up. I don't know what they want"
Lotus commented "We're still alive so they probably want to use us as bait. I'm more concerned with what they'll do first"
Tulip said "I've been trying to get free but I think they've warded the cuffs"
Lotus nodded "Unfortunately they're not as stupid as the average demon"
The door to the room swung open with a creak and Dante walked in. Lotus questioned "What do you want douche bag?"
Dante stated "You may act brave all you wish. You and your little team won't stop me. In fact you, miss Lotus, will be providing the last piece of the puzzle."
Tulip stated "Keep your hands off her"
Dante chuckled evilly and said "Oh I wouldn't worry, you'll get your turn."
Lotus growled out "What do you want?"
Dante replied "I'll take what I want in good time half breed. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy your pain"
Sam and Dean were in Erin's house and explained what was going on as they showed her the tablet.
"Whoah" Erin said as her eyes went wide.
Sam said "We were hoping that maybe you could have a look at it and tell us what it says"
"I'll try" Erin said as she reached for the tablet. The second her skin connected with it though, it glowed faintly before the writing changed. The gold symbols now appeared to only be on one side of the tablet. "Whoah" she said again
Dean commented "Well that hasn't happened before"
"It's got my name on it" Erin stated
Sam questioned "Will it take you long to read it?"
Erin shook her head. She then said "It says: Hello Erin, if you're reading this, Sam and Dean must need your help. If the end of worlds has reached this point, then the attempted merger is inevitable. The bloody battle by the cage door can only be won and dealt with if fueled by the strongest power there is. The same thing that will give Krissy's blade the power to end the void. A piece of the stone can be used to close the doorway but will result in one dying for love. Prepare well, for it will not be an easy battle and everyone has their part to play. I will wipe out the leviathan and ensure they do not break free. Good luck, I will see you all soon, Chuck."
Dean looked annoyed as he asked "That's it?"
Erin nodded "Yeah, that's all it says"
Sam pinched the bridge of his nose and said "Damn it Chuck"
Dean stated "I want to punch him in the throat"
Erin chuckled and asked "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Sam sighed and shook his head "If you could just write that down for us, that would be great"
Erin nodded and pulled out a piece of paper and a pen.
When Sam and Dean arrived back at the bunker they found everyone still in the control room. Dean was quick to ask "Any luck?"
Lily shook her head and asked "Michael is still looking and Cas is checking in with Haniel. What about you guys?"
"Chuck's an ass" Dean stated before handing over a piece of paper. He then asked "What's that smell?"
Donna emerged and said "Jody's cookin' up a roast so you all still get a feed"
Sam and Dean each hugged Donna before she went and sat next to Clover. Lily read the translation that Erin had written down out loud.
Krissy was surprised she was mentioned. She said "Wow, no pressure. What even is the void?"
Sam replied "We're not sure"
Clover stated "If he's wiping out these leviathan it must be a sure thing that a portal to purgatory will open."
Jack asked "How will we get a piece of the stone?"
Dean sighed and replied "If Michael can't get it we might have to try Crowley"
Sam asked "Has anyone heard from Mom?"
Lily smirked and said "She checked in about half an hour ago. Lucifer is healing pretty quick considering. She's making him binge watch Dr Sexy"
"Ah boys, you're here" Jody said as she walked in. She gave Sam and Dean a hug each before she said "Everyone into the kitchen. Dinner's ready. You can catch me up while we eat"
Everyone headed into the kitchen and sat around the large dining table as they ate. As they were finishing up, Dean's phone rang.
He quickly checked it and his shoulders slumped. "It's just Garth" He said before answering the phone.
He filled Garth in on what was happening and what they were expecting. Dean finished the call with "Yeah OK, man. Stay in Kansas we'll keep you posted"
Dean hung up the phone and Sam asked "How's he holding up?"
"I don't know if he is man" Dean replied. "Losing Bess cut him deep. He wants to help"
Jody asked "Do we have any idea when this battle is supposed to happen?"
Sam shook his head and said "No but I don't think it's far off"
Two days had passed and Lotus and Tulip were still locked in the darkened room. They were both bloodied and beaten. Dante had been in and out constantly, taking great pleasure in torturing them. Tulip was currently slumped in the corner, unconscious with her hands chained above her head.
Dante was standing in front of Lotus with an evil smirk on his face. Lotus weakly questioned "Why keep this up? What do you want from us?"
Dante chuckled and said "A promise was made that you would suffer and I am quite enjoying keeping that promise. We're not even up to the best part yet. Do you know what three things we require to build the portal?"
Lotus managed an eye roll as she muttered "Sounds like you're going to tell me"
Dante chuckled and said "The bones of three different purgatory bound creatures. Demon blood and the last thing is what I am going to take from you."
Lotus tensed and stared at him, wondering what he was talking about. Dante simply chuckled and pulled out a knife as he said "We're going to have some more fun first"
On the third day that Lotus and Tulip had been missing Dean and Sam were in the control room researching with Lily and Castiel. Jack, Krissy, Jody, Donna and Clover were in the gym doing some training.
Mary and Lucifer walked into the control room and Mary asked "Any luck yet?"
Dean shook his head and said "No, nothing so far"
Lucifer sat at the end of the table as Mary gave Dean's shoulder a supportive squeeze. "We'll find them"
Dean looked away and gave a nod before reaching for the glass of whiskey in front of him. Castiel commented "You seem better Lucifer"
Lucifer nodded and replied "My grace is a little damaged but I'm fine." He noticed Sam was tense and commented "Sam I understand you probably don't want me here but you're safe from me. Think of me as the less idiotic twin brother of your Lucifer. I'm happy to stay away completely once this crap is dealt with"
Sam gave a nod and said "Just keep your distance"
"Sure" Lucifer said before looking at the others. He added "Mary mentioned your friends. What did-"
Before he could finish Michael appeared and let out a frustrated growl. He said "I can't find them anywhere! Their heavens remain empty so they must still be alive somewhere. Virgil must have them extremely well warded. What the hell do we do now?" he asked as he slumped down in one of the chairs.
Lucifer then said "I was just about to ask, what did Crowley say?"
Lily replied "We haven't spoken to him about the stone yet. We're more concerned about Lotus and Tulip"
Lucifer shook his head and said "I didn't mean about the stone. Crowley is the king of hell now, isn't he?"
Dean said "Yeah, what's your point?"
Lucifer said "So we should talk to Crowley. He'll have more luck tracking a demon than you guys are having tracking your friends"
Michael commented "Let's go into town then. We can't summon Crowley here" Michael looked at Dean and added "Coming?"
Dean was already standing and nodded as Lucifer commented "I'll come too. Crowley is powerful enough to ignore a summoning but he can't ignore me"
Sam said "I'll come too Dean." Dean looked at him and Sam nodded and said "It'll be fine"
Dean said "Ok then, let's-"
Michael clicked his fingers and suddenly the four of them were standing in a hotel room in the town closest to the manor. Dean and Sam looked around to get their bearings. Michael looked at Lucifer and said "Get him quickly. Please"
Lucifer gave a nod and disappeared.
Sam took a moment to ask Michael "You're sure he's not this world's Lucifer"
Michael nodded and said "I can promise you Sam. That is not the assbut who caused you suffering."
Sam gave a nervous nod when suddenly Lucifer reappeared with Crowley. Crowley looked around and looked annoyed as he said "Now what?"
Michael stated "We need to know where Virgil is holding our friends."
Crowley said "Is that all? I'll need half an-"
Before Crowley could finish, Lucifer clicked his fingers. Crowley's legs were frozen on the spot and everyone looked at Lucifer. Lucifer looked at Crowley and sternly stated "Let him go."
Crowley looked annoyed and hesitated. Lucifer sternly said "Now Crowley"
Crowley rolled his eyes said "Fine"
Sam demanded "What's he talking about? Who is he talking about?"
The four of them watched as Crowley pulled out a vial that had been hanging around his neck. He glanced at Sam and said "Who did you think I made a deal with when the gates were closed in my world?" He placed it on the ground and pulled out a small blade before making a small incision on one of his fingertips.
Crowley then smeared the small vial with blood and said a short spell. The small vial broke and it's contents grew rapidly. It only took a few seconds before a familiar face was standing in front of them.
At the same time Sam and Dean both said "Gabriel?!"
The next part will be the last part! Hope you're enjoying it :) Thank you to anyone who is reading it, you rule