CHAPTER FORTY-THREE: Oh, Oh No

Meg stared at Crowley with wide, incredulous eyes as he watched her intently, gauging her response. "You're kidding." She breathed. Out of all the things she had expected the King to say, this was not one of them.

"Those hunters took away my latest investment, I would like to know how it's doing. Seeming as though Dean and as well as that family of his trusts you..." He trailed off, a dark grin tugging at his lips. "Don't worry, darling. They'll never know you were spying on them for me. All you have to do is go up top and update me every so often."

Meg sat up straighter, crossing her arms with defiance. "And if I tell you to bite me?" She challenged, crying out when Alastair grabbed a fistful of her bleached blonde hair.

"Then you're of no use to me." He answered simply, a subtle threat in his words.

The former brunette swallowed, glancing up at Alastair before turning her attention to the King. "Sign me up."

...

Jo took a calming breath as she made her way down the basement steps, still able to hear Dean screaming her name rattling in her brain. All last night she remembers cries of anguish coming from the panic room, most of which included 'Jo, no! Please, I'm sorry!' and by this point she planned on putting a stop to it.

With a sense of determination, Jo opened the door to see a pale Dean sitting cross-legged on the cot, his head in his hands. When he looked up, he still had dried blood on his face and the bruises were turning a nice shade of purple.

"Hey." She said softly, leaning against the doorframe.

The demon seemed to be at war with himself as he looked at her. He looked like he was about to say something before a series of coughs racked his body and left scarlet droplets on his shirt that already had it's fair share.

"One second." Jo shut the door and ran upstairs to the room Sam and his brother shared, rifling through the drawers of the dresser to find him a clean shirt. She then made her way to the kitchen and grabbed a rag and wet it before heading back to the demon.

"Here, let me help." She dapped at his face lightly with the moist cloth, trying to get rid of the dried blood that was beginning to crust. She wiped gently, noticing how Dean wouldn't even look at her. He purposely kept his free hand behind his back as he waited patiently, knowing Jo was helping him. "Strip." She said plainly, rolling her eyes when she saw the demon's confused expression. "I brought you a fresh shirt."

He seemed grateful as he removed his sweat and blood stained shirt and grabbed for the fresh green one she was holding. The hunter briefly noticed a raised handprint on his shoulder but she figured it was something that could wait. He pulled it over his head before clearing his throat. "Thanks, Jo." He said quietly, giving her a small smile.

She grabbed one of the empty chairs and sat down, making sure to not look at his wrist she was almost positive was going to get infected. "So-" She began only for Dean to cut her off.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, his tone full of self-loathing and sorrow which made the hunter's heart clench.

"Hey." She started, grabbing his free hand when he wouldn't look at her. He brought his dull green eyes up to face her, looking extremely vulnerable. "I'm fine. Okay? It wasn't you and I know that. It's in the past." She reassured, gripping his fingers harder when he tried to pull away.

"Isn't this cute." Alastair began from the corner who was leaning against the desk with his arms crossed. "She forgave you." He said with too much sweetness. He walked over to where he was standing right next to Dean.

Dean stiffened, his eyes darting over to an empty space next to him. Figuring he was hallucinating, Jo tried to pull his attention back to her. "Bobby and Ellen are back, they say hi." She forced a laugh, the demon slowly turning his head back towards her.

"You should go." He finally said as Alastair whispered in his ear what he was going to do to him. "I'm not- It's not safe." He added, tugging his hand away and gripping the side of the cot, his knuckles turning white.

Jo bit her lip, not thinking it was a good idea. "Dean-"

It was only a split second before the demon started screaming, grapping for his head desperately as Alastair loomed over him, holding his skull with enough force to break it if he wanted to. "Jo- go-" He managed to get out, squeezing his eyes shut as he let out another pain-filled yell.

Jo took off, barreling up the stairs. She looked around the living room frantically, her eyes finally finding John on the opposite end of the room. "You gotta help him, he's in real pain." She begged the eldest Winchester who was taken aback by the fact she had been down there.

With no more hesitation, he quickly got up and made his way downstairs, stunned into silence when he swathe state his son was in. Jo pushed his back, urging him forward.

John rushed into the small room and sat on the bed behind his son, putting his firm hands on his shoulders and squeezing just to let him know he was there. The hunter knew he couldn't stop the pain but he could sure as hell be there for emotional support.

Dean's rigid body seemed to relax some but the screaming didn't let up, the demon really felt like his head was being crushed.

After what seemed like hours, the middle Winchester's cries came to a stop as Alastair let go and stood on the other side of the room with a self-satisfied look on his face.

"Dean?" John asked hesitantly, moving to where he was sitting in front of his son. The demon's glassy-eyed expression turned to one of puzzlement when he saw his father sitting before him.

The middle Winchester started shaking with anger. Anger at himself, the situation, Cas for locking him down here, Sam for not bringing him the blade.

Finding no better option, John leaned forward and wrapped his arms around his son for the first time, pouring out love and safety in the one simple act.

Slowly, involuntary tears began to run down Dean's cheeks as he felt his ferocity at everything melt into sorrow. He fisted his hands in his father's shirt, holding on for dear life.

Jo stood by idly, not use to seeing the cocky, self-righteous demon in such a susceptible state that it was almost surreal. She watched the exchange between the two, her heart welling at the sight.

...

Meg had only been topside for a solid ten minutes and she was already fighting the urge to murder everyone in her general vicinity. She popped up in a nobody town just outside of Sioux Falls and the locals were rude as hell. She had walked into a nearby store, needing new clothes and hair dye (she was not about to go around with blonde hair, the less things she can be compared to Ruby with, the better.), when she realized just how much she hated the majority of the human population.

They were smelly, greedy, and downright mean when it came to something as simple as 'can I pay with a hundred?' when she had only grabbed fifteen dollars worth of items. But, one of Crowley's guys had handed it to her so she had no choice but to make the poor sales clerk who needed a serious attitude adjustment to break her hundred dollar bill.

Finding a nearby motel room, she quickly changed and began the process of fixing her hair the King had had a weird urge to ruin with bleach. Meg felt like she'd never understand Crowley, not even if she walking around in his body.

Four hours later, Meg was a new person with a fresh leather jacket, jeans, and combat boots to go along with her once again brown hair.

With her destination in mind, the demon left the motel and made her way to the familiar home of Bobby Singer where she had spent months lounging on the couch while they tried to figure out where Azazel was. The drive in the yellow bug she had hotwired was quick and had given her time to figure out what the hell she was going to tell them. She had doubts that they would let her back with open arms even though they had parted at relatively good terms.

Arriving at Singer Salvage Yard, Meg parked the car and climbed the stairs, taking a deep breath before knocking forcefully.

...

"I'm comin, I'm comin'" Bobby said impatiently as the knocking at his front door continued. He rubbed tiredly at his face, not sure why the hell someone was showing up at his doorstep at almost one in the morning. John had appeared behind him after being interrupted from his research and was just as irritated.

"What in the sam hell-" He paused mid-rant, shock overcoming his features as he saw Meg standing before him with her arms folded and a smirk plastered to her face.

"Miss me?" She quipped, pushing into the house as if she owned it. Bobby worked his mouth, not positive how the hell he should proceed.

Thankfully, John did. "Meg? I thought Crowley nabbed you?"

The brunette shrugged, plopping down on the couch and crossing her legs with an almost bored expression. "I had a little help from someone who owed me a favor. They sprung me loose and now I'm back to helping your sorry asses." She winked at Bobby as he leaned against the wall with a skeptical look. She glanced around the room and the obvious lack of people. "So, where is everyone? I heard rumors that lovely wife of yours has joined the party." She locked eyes with John who seemed to falter a bit at the statement.

"Yeah uh- Sam, Ellen and Jo are upstairs sleeping, Mary is taking a shower, and Dean he uh..." John trailed off, looking at Bobby for help.

"Crowley had Dean take the Mark of Cain." The old drunk deadpanned.

Meg choked on her own spit as she stared wide eyed in disbelief at the two in front of her. She stood up, running hands through her hand. "No, are you serious? That's real? I thought it was just something written on demon bathroom walls."

Bobby shook his head, wishing it was just a story. "It's all true, and Dean is sure payin' for it."

The demon seemed confused as Bobby started explaining the extent of what happened with Gordon to what's been happening since he got put in the panic room.

"Well, it's a good thing I'm here." Meg exclaimed as she stood up and made her way downstairs.

...

"Ruby, I'm all out. It's been weeks." Sam said through clenched teeth, irritation seeping into his tone as he spoke angrily into his cell phone. He listened impatiently to her reply before responding. "Just- meet me in Bobby's basement okay? Dean is too out of it to know and nobody else goes down there."

He hung up the phone, shoving the small device into his pocket before leaving the bathroom and going into his bedroom. He grabbed the backpack that Ruby had brought him stuff in before and made his way to wait downstairs in the basement.

...

Dean could feel uncontrollable ferocity starting to bubble in his gut, fueling harmful thoughts to those around him as he sat completely alone in the panic room. He had tried picking the lock of the cuffs with a paper clip he had found when Meg of all people opened the door and walked in.

"You're shitting me." He said with disbelief as the brunette plopped down on a chair, glancing curiously at the brand on his forearm.

Meg flicked an eyebrow up, eyeing him with amusement. "You seem to be in a situation." She pointed out, a sly grin tugging at her lips as she watched him continue to mess with the lock.

He shrugged. "I see it more as a minor setback." He quipped, pausing from his current task to send her a mischievous smile. He felt his patience begin to dwindle as he struggled with the cuffs, his eyes switching to black as he fussed with it.

"Here." Meg huffed, standing up and helping him quickly unattach the metal bindings. She rolled his eyes as he rubbed at his wrist, the worn skin slowly repairing itself. He noticed the broken devil's trap below him, no doubt accidentally being broken from when Jo had let the damp cloth fall on the floor on the fresh paint. "So," The brunette began, getting down to business. "About that Blade-"

"How'd you get loose, Meg?" Dean asked, an accusation in his tone as he eyed her patiently, his obsidian orbs trained on her.

The brunette faltered for a second before her arrogant look returned. "Crowley got tired, Ruby sprung me." She answered vaguely, hoping to satisfy the middle Winchester's suspicions.

Dean just nodded, looking unconvinced before he remembered what she had begun to say. "You mentioned the Blade?"

Both their heads turned towards the door as they heard footsteps coming downstairs. Meg rushed to the open door, pulling it almost closed so she could see who it was. After a moment, Meg sighed with annoyance. "It's Sam." She said, although she paused as he stayed on the opposite side of the basement. All her questions were soon answered when she saw Ruby appear in front of him.

"Ruby's here. Talking to Sam." Meg said slowly, not wanting to set Dean off.

Utter hatred flooded the middle Winchester's features as he took a step forward and pushed the door open, his eyes landing on the pair across the room.

"Dean-" Sam began, puzzled right before he was flung against the wall, the air leaving his lungs. The blonde's eyes flashed black as she stood fight ready while Dean approached her menacingly.

"Been a few weeks." The short-haired demon noted, the Mark of Cain starting to burn his arm. But he didn't care, all he cared about was ripping Ruby apart.

"A few weeks?" Sam asked from his position on the wall, his brows creased in confusion.

Dean scoffed darkly, the sound causing chills to run down their spines. "Ruby here visited me in Hell."

The start of a brand new day in Hell meant that yesterday's wounds had healed, leaving whoever was going to work him over today with a fresh slate. Although Dean hated to admit it, he really wished it wasn't going to be Alastair today. Sure, Cain and Crowley were just as ruthless but Alastair had a certain flare that left the young demon feeling absolutely defeated.

Being honest with himself, Dean had been genuinely shocked to see Ruby walk in one day, a cruel smiling curling at her lips as she started on him. The initial surprise wore off rather fast as she worked slowly and deliberately at making this particular day, actual Hell.

He should've known he was fucked when Ruby strapped him to a table, claiming it'd make him easier to get to.

"Say it." Ruby whispered, her lips brushing against his ear as she spoke. "I want to hear you say it."

"Make me." Dean spat, cringing as a broken rib that was protruding from his side was pressed ever so slightly.

Ruby's excited laugh echoed against the walls, a sick feeling forming in his gut as the blonde's eyes took on a new wickedness he had never seen before.

She worked efficiently. After growing tired of his screaming, she gagged him with a holy water drenched cloth, the liquid burning the edges of his lips and the inside of his mouth. She began carving, chopping, plunging, whatever she could think to do with that angel blade.

"Say it, or I chop off anything that dangles." She threatened, the blade's tip digging into his lower abdomen. When all she got was silent defiance, she gripped the rib that was sticking out of his torso and yanked, an animal like growl escaping from Dean's mouth. Ripping the gag from his mouth, she cupped one hand around her ear. "I'm sorry, didn't quite catch that."

"Please..."

Sam looked at Ruby with betrayal, not knowing that she had had contact with his brother while he was in Hell. As if just noticing the bloodlust in Dean's eyes, the youngest Winchester tried to focus on that instead of the bag full of demon blood that rested behind the blonde demon. "Dean, let her go. Whatever happened, it doesn't matter." He urged, his brother's eyes darting to him with disgust radiating from him.

"That bitch is going to die, Sammy. There's no way getting around it." He promised, cockiness lacing his tone before he eyed a bottle of crimson that had escaped from the bag. "You dropped something." Dean added, nodding at the container.

Sam's face dropped as he realized what Dean was referencing. "I can explain-"

"I don't want a piss poor excuse. What I want-" He stopped as he spun around, Castiel standing there with his angel blade at the ready.

"Dean, don't make me do this." He warned, seeming regretful as the demon just chuckled and shook his head.

"What I want, is to get my damn Blade." He spat, glancing at Meg and giving her a wink right before he vanished before their eyes.

...

Sam fell to the floor, panting hard as he looked around the room in complete fear and bewilderment. "How did he-" He began, only for Castiel to cut him off.

"The only demon I want to see in this basement is Sam. To any others, I suggest leaving before I send you straight back to Hell." Cas's voice was hard as he made eye contact with the two girls, his tone dangerous.

With a blink, the two were gone, leaving Sam and the angel alone.

"Cas I can explain-" He tried, but his attempt was futile.

The angel held up his hand, obviously not in the mood. "This would not have happened if not for your... habit. I suggest you stop this Sam Winchester, or so help me I am not afraid to end you." Leaving no room for discussion, Castiel headed upstairs to let the others know that Dean was gone and pissed.

...

TBC

Please continue to read and review, I love knowing what you guys are thinking about the story. Thanks to all those who favorite, follow, and read this story, you honestly have no idea how much I appreciate it. Special thanks to Nina Ferraro (Here's more!), Amber89107 (Omg you are honestly too sweet. I am humbled by your review and I hope you continue to like it(: ), helinahandcart (I like your pun, haha and I'm glad you like it!), Little13Silence (I'm glad you like it, hope you enjoyed this update!), 1983Sarah (I always get nervous with their exchanges because I feel like it doesn't do it justice, but thank you!), babyreaper (Crowley always has something up his sleeve, I just expect it now.), and ncsupnatfan (There's always more anguish and pain. Meg is gonna go for whichever team she feels will benefit her the most, we will just have to see. And, the boys tend to do stupid things for each other, that's pretty much a given.) for reviewing! You guys are awesome!