Disclaimer: I could sing a cute little number about copyright but it'd be off key, so instead, here's the fine print.
Warnings: Higher than usual violence, angst, and various character deaths.
Word Count: 8,345
AN: I'm sorry this is so late. The schedule is gonna be a little late too.
Enjoy!
Chapter 27: Road to nowhere.
"Woah woah woah. Let's just calm down."
Dean held up his hands, the gesture useless as Anna continued to hold Cas at knife point. Cas looked both unsurprising and wary as he stared at Anna. Anna's eyes were cold as her gaze didn't waver. She ignored everyone within her surroundings as she addressed Cas.
"You put me in prison." she stated.
"Yes." he didn't blink.
Anna pulled her blade arm back and thrust her arm forward to strike. Cas didn't move as the blade came straight for him. Dean darted to them but Balthazar was quicker than him and grabbed Anna's arm. Anna whipped her head around to glare at Balthazar as Cas stepped back.
"As feisty as ever, eh?" Balthazar said.
"Let me go." she snarled.
"Not quite." Balthazar replied.
Sam shot his brother a glance but Dean didn't notice as he moved closer to the three angels. He raised his hands again. Dean's voice was soft and steady.
"Anna." he said. "You've got plenty to be pissed about but we can talk about this later. We're not safe out here."
Anna finally turned to look at Dean. He straightened at her blank stare. After a few minutes, she lowered her arm. Dean's shoulders visible slumped and Sam let out a breath. Anna whipped back around to glare at Cas, eyes narrow and dark.
"We're not finished." she snarled.
Cas lowered his head in assent. Dean moved to his side but Sam held back, frowning. Dean kept his own expression neutral as he began speaking to Cas.
"Think you can shazam us back to Bobby's?"
"Yes." Cas's voice is flat. "Hold on."
SPNTMI
Simon was holding a transistor cap when Sam, Dean, Cas, and a small host angels suddenly appearing in the yard. Gaping, he froze on the spot. Sam and Dean stood opposite one another of Cas. A whole group of angels surrounding them, totaling out to twenty.
"Where are the others?" Dean asked.
"Inside." Simon side. "I don't think the angels can get past the warding."
"No we can't." Anna said with a frown.
"I'll get em'."
Simon bolted to the door of the house, returning a few moments later with Bobby and Ellen flanking him. Isabelle, Alec, and Chuck following suit. The prophet's jittery energy was offset by the quiet but sharp aura of the Lightwood siblings. They approached the angels slowly, feet not making a sound as Chuck stumbled. His sneakers snapped a twig underneath him. Sam startled a little but no one said anything. Bobby cleared his throat. Sam just now noticed the rifle in the older man's hand. The older man kept a tight grip on it.
"Everything go according to plan?" Bobby asked.
Dean scoffed, eyes dark as his shoulders shook. Sam and Cas both looked at him with dark frowns. When Dean wasn't more forthcoming, Sam spoke up.
"We got caught-" Sam began.
Bobby swore. Sam held up his hands. He rushed on.
"We got everyone we could and no one got hurt, but-"
"But we better get inside." Bobby finished. "Magnus is redoing the wards." He pointed to the angels. "Don't touch anything."
Bobby led them back inside. The new angels glanced around their surroundings, nonplussed as Sam and Dean corralled them inside. Balthazar and Gabriel whispered back and forth to each other as Cas eyed Anna. The former kept a guarded gaze as the latter glowered at him. Alec and Isabelle stared as the angels flitted in. Twisting a strand of hair, Isabelle pursed her lips as her brother shifted from foot to foot. Chuck went in last, shutting the door behind him.
Sam turned to see Clary sitting on the couch, a wan but content smile on her face. A small bundle of blankets cuddled against her chest. Sam's expression brightened. He lowered his voice as he addressed Clary.
"Congratulations. You guys doing ok?"
Clary nodded, shifting the bundle forward. At her widening smile, Sam moved forward to get a closer look. He peered down at a pink face peeking out from soft blankets. A little head was the only visible from out the bundle; expression was scrunched up in sleep as little lids fluttered. A soft puff of air from tiny nostrils. Sam looked back into Clary's face.
"Her name is Eden." she whispered.
"Pretty." Sam said. "I can see why you chose it."
"Yeah, yeah. This is friggin' fascinating. Just a cherry on top of this shit sundae." Dean said, tone sharp.
Eden stirred. Clary, Jocelyn, Sam, Bobby, and Simon turned to glower at Dean.
"What's your problem?" Simon asked.
Sam cleared his throat, beating Dean to the punch as Sam explained just what happened in Heaven. Out of all the angels, only three of them-Gabriel, Anna, and Balthazar-seemed unfazed by the recounted information. Cas's hands shook, head bowed. He said nothing. Alec and Isabelle reached for each other, fingers fumbling for a minute before interlocking their hands together. Magnus watched Alec bite his lip and shake his head. Magnus's cat eyes glittered in the light, narrowing as the words settled into the air.
No one particularly noticed Chuck's reaction. The small man was pale and trembling even as his eyes bored into Dean. His gaze, for just a moment, appeared ancient. A terrible sadness weighed his expression. His lips trembled. No trace of teeth as a twitch of a smile-grim as it was-graced his features. His features finally stilled and he closed his eyes as he squared his shoulders. When he open them, they were clear and bright.
"So...God doesn't care?" His voice held a strange waver. "What does that mean?" he asked.
"That we're on our own." Dean said. "Big surprise."
"Now look-" Bobby said.
Cas shoved a hand into his pocket and fished out the amulet. He tossed it to Dean. His voice was tight.
"Here. I have no use for this." he broke off whatever he was going to say, clearing his throat.
Sam's head turned as if pulled by the force of a large, invisible hand. He stared at Dean holding up the amulet by its' string by two fingers. Sam shivered at the way Dean's lip curled into an almost snarl. A twist of fury in the ghosting over his face before being replaced with a blank expression. His green eyes lost their depth of feeling. Without a word, he tossed the amulet over his shoulder, only for it to skitter underneath the stove. Chuck sucked in a breath. Hurt flashed across Sam's face as his hands clenched. He ducked his head before anyone could speak.
"Then what's the next step?" Clary asked.
"Obviously we keep going." Isabelle said. "We have new allies, now we can carry out any plan we choose." he tone brooked no argument.
"Um...I had a vision." Chuck said. "The angels brought back Adam."
People began to speak at once.
"Who?" Alec asked.
"Your brother?" Clary asked.
"Half brother." Sam corrected. "It's complicated."
Bobby held up his hands. Chuck continued.
"I'm not sure if they wanted me to see this or not." he said.
"Where is he?" Cas asked, now focusing his attention of Chuck.
Chuck gave a little figet. "Uh...the Midwest?"
Dean rolled his eyes. Cas spared him a glare that Dean caught out of the corner of his eye, but before he could comment, the angel spoke.
"I'll check."
Cas disappeared and then reappeared a few minutes later.
"Adam is in University of Milwaukee dormitories. Apparently they have been re purposed for refugees by the army."
Bobby cursed. "Dammit, that virus is creepin' up in that direction from the south. The army is spread thin enough as it is." he said.
"Preaching to the chior." Sam huffed.
"You know it's a trap right?" Dean didn't make it sound like a question.
"Obviously." Magnus said. "Although it sounds like we'll have to spring it anyway."
"Which is why we need a plan." Bobby said. To Ellen he asked, "Is Jo still upstairs?" At Ellen's nod, he replied. "Ok, get her and everybody huddle up. Here's what we're gonna do."
SPNTMI
The drizzle wasn't unpleasant on his skin. On the contrary, it tried to wash away the sweat that beaded on his arms and neck. Fog hung in the air, skimming over the grass. Jace and Tessa stood side by side on the sidewalk. He stared at the silent crowd. It was not a crowd of people. It was yesterday and the day before that. Now it was a crowd full of reapers wearing the guise of old men in black suits. They stretched down the block as far as Jace could tell. Tessa was the only one with a female shape. None of them moved. Jace couldn't muster a single sarcastic comment.
"What's happening?" he asked.
"It's almost time." Tessa said.
Jace frowned. "For what?"
But she didn't answer.
SPNTMI
Bobby spread out the map across the table and began circling points.
"Ok, so the army's checkpoints are here, here, and here. Since the refugee camp is in the center of theses points, the surrounding areas are going to be the safe zones. The farther away from them, the less protection there'll be. I doubt they even have full control of the city." he said.
"So pockets of croats, with the army trying to keep them out of the zone limits?" Alec asked.
Bobby nodded. Jo turned to look at the older man.
"So where's Adam exactly?" she asked. "I mean, we are rescuing him right?"
Bobby, Ellen, and Sam exchanged a round of looks between each other.
"Of course." Ellen said. "We can't leave him."
"He is the spare vessel for Michael." Cas put in.
"Yeah can't forget that, can we?" Deam bit out.
Cas closed his mouth with a snap, tearing his gaze away from Dean's face. Anna, however, kept staring back and forth between the two of them.
"Which is why," Bobby cut in. He pointed at Dean. "You stay here and guard the sword."
Dean's head snapped up and he glared at Bobby. "Come again?"
"You heard me. You're benched." Bobby held up a hand. "No. It's too dangerous. We already know this is a trap, then we'd be playing right into their hands by bringing you. You'll do more good here."
Dean's mouth pressed into a thin line, frame rigid as he glowered at Bobby. Sam shifted in his seat but remained where he was. He kept trying to catch Dean's gaze.
"You won't be alone." Sam said.
Dean reeled, twisting back to face his brother. Cas watched the two of them stare each other down. Dean scowled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Dean asked.
Sam straightened his back. "You aren't the only one feeling the grind." he said. "Just-"
"Just what." Dean snapped. "Just take your word for it? Already did that. Look where it got us."
Sam blinked rapidly, as if sand had been thrown in his eyes. Throat working, he didn't look away. Sam took awhile to speak again.
"...So you still don't trust me."
Dean's voice was heavy. "No."
Sam let out a breath. "Thought so. Don't know why you would."
Sam's tone was weary, expression becoming abrupt and shuttering into neutrality. Dean shuddered as Sam continued to stare, not quite focusing on Dean's face.
"Just...stay here ok?" Sam lowered his voice. "Please."
Sam leaned forward and Dean swallowed, unable to meet his brother's eyes any longer. Anna moved closer to them and bother men jumped, pulling away from each other. Anna's eyes blazed. She addressed Dean, getting too close to his personal space. Cas's eyes narrowed.
"Don't give up or else you 'll be like-"
"Don't." Cas barked.
He ignored the sudden attention brought to him. Cas turned away from Anna's glare and Dean's sudden, insolent smirk. Cas kept his posture stiff as he addressed Bobby.
"What do you suggest?" he asked.
Bobby spared a quick glance to the Winchesters before raising an eyebrow. No one spoke. He waited another minute before speaking.
"We'll I'd say that we need to split into two groups. Gotta have some angels in both." He pointed a finger to a thick black line. "We take this route we can get there faster. Bring whatever you think will help. ID's for the checkpoints just in case. Clary, can we use your truck?"
"Of course." Clary adjusted Eden against her chest. "Everything will be ready to go."
Bobby nodded. "We'll bring my van, just in case. We've still got some medical supplies left."
"I imagine we can ask the military if they have any to spare." Jocelyn said.
"How many can fit in the truck bed?" Alec asked.
"Three can squish in the cab and about...six in the truck bed." Clary said. "But they gotta pack light."
"Yeah." Jo said.
Rachel, one of the angels, finally spoke up. "A force of us can get there without the use of vehicles. We'll provide the back up."
"I'll come with you." Anna said.
"As will I." Cas replied.
Before she could respond, Gabriel spoke up.
"If this trap works, then you'll need me. If anyone can distract my big bro, it's me."
"Then I'll go too." Sam said. "Show of hands, who's coming?"
Ellen, Jo, Simon, and the Lightwood siblings. Dean raised his hand.
"I'm coming or this isn't happening." he said.
"Dean-"
"No. I'm not gonna sit back here while that kid takes a bullet for me."
"No one's saying that." Sam said. "Look, can you be an adult about this?"
"No." Dean's jaw set.
Gabriel snorted as Magnus rolled his eyes.
"I mean it." Dean said. "I won't let him die cuz' of me."
Sam bent his head and after a few minutes, he looked back up a took a breath.
"Ok."
Dean blinked. "Ok."
"Ok, can we get this show on the road?" Bobby asked.
"Quite." Magnus replied.
"I'll get the truck." Jo said.
Jo stood up and strode out. Gabriel clapped his hands together. The angels came to attention and he began to rattle off orders. A flurry of movement and Dean could imagine wing beats. Cas moved away before Dean was able to walk around the table. An angel bumped into Bobby and the older man stumbled back with an exclamation. The offending angel's non-expression didn't change as Bobby shoo'ed them out of the kitchen.
"Too many damn people in my house." Bobby growled.
Ellen gave a brief snort of laughter before exiting out the backdoor. Eden started to fuss and Clary shushed her, grabbing a spare blanket before walking out of the living room. Only Bobby and Dean remained in the kitchen. Dean fidgeted underneath the older man's gaze but the only thing Bobby said was,
"Good luck, son."
SPNTMI
Coming down from the I90 and I94, they made it to Milwaukee with no problems. Dean idled the impala down the main street, peering out the windows, hunting for signs that led to the University of Wisconsin. In the rear view mirror, Clary's blue pick up truck followed them. He caught a flash of blonde hair and realized who was driving. Shrugging, he wasn't surprised that Jo was trusted with a car that wasn't hers. She did alright getting baby out of New York City.
Dean looked back to the windshield. With Cas in the backseat, Dean kept his eyes fixed on the road, and turning down on the right when Sam pointed to a hand made sign. Thin wire fences were erected in various patches of lawn as they were herded down the street. There were only a few cars parked but the place had a sense of population, of lived-in-ness. Soon enough, men and women in worn fatigues gathered at the roads until there was a checkpoint.
Without a word, Sam opened the gloved compartment and handed Dean some ID's. A soldier walked over to them and Dean rolled down the window. Bending down to their level the soldier greet them.
"Where you folks headed?"
"Just to get out little brother." Dean said.
"Name?" the soldier asked.
"Adam Milligan."
The soldier headed back and consulted a second man in fatigues beside him. Together, they pored over a thick clipboard, flipping through pages. The first man went back to the car.
"He's still on the list. Go on through. We've got a curfew at ten-thirty." he said.
"Sure thing." Sam said. "Can you give us directions to the University?" he asked.
The soldier nodded, rattling off directions. Dean gave a brisk nod to the men and drove forward into the safe zone. A few streets down and a couple of turns later, they found the campus. A wide cul-de-sac fenced in a modest park. Dormitories surrounded them.
"Which one?" Dean asked.
Instead of answering, Cas pointed to the far right. Sam squinted. A plaque erected in the lawn of the front of the building. It read : 'East Sandburg Hall'. Dean glanced up at the rear view mirror. Clary's pick-up truck was a few paces behind them. Turning on his blinker, Dean drove into the parking lot. The truck pulled up beside them. Both cut off their engines. Jo and Ellen got out of the cab as Simon, Isabelle, Alec, Anna, and Gabriel piled out of the truck bed. Sam, Dean, and Cas got out of the impala. Without a word, everyone got their things and went to enter the building.
SPNTMI
Clary hugged Eden closer to her, humming as she fed her baby. The blankets tucked around her hips, legs, and feet. They kept the chill away despite the summer air. Clary winced as Eden took a particularly hard tug. Clary stared down at her daughter. Her wisps of red-gold hair were thicker and longer than what Clary had previously estimated. Her skin was a healthy pink, warm and dry. Clary's right hand supported Eden's head. Thumb and forefinger stroking soft skin. Her left arm cradled Eden, who was still content to suckle.
Clary tilted her baby's head a little so Eden could have better access. It was a totally new sensation, nursing was. A small mouth sucking and pulling. Fatigue settled over her but she was mentally alert. Clary was still riding high on the coattails of her adrenaline. She had a baby. Her baby was here and in her arms. Clary sniffled, trying to wipe her eyes without moving her hands too much. A floorboard creaked and she looked up to see Jocelyn walking towards her with a glass of water. Clary's smile faltered. Jocelyn frowned, sitting next to Clary.
"Let's trade."
Clary hesitated for a moment as Jocelyn set the glass on the coffee table. Clary shifted, stroking Eden's cheeks as she tried to disentangle baby from nipple. Eden fussed and Clary shushed. Jocelyn's arms outstretched and the transition from mother to grandmother was more nerve wracking than Clary anticipated. Jocelyn cradled Eden in her arms, crooning softly as she rearranged the downy blankets. Within minutes Eden was asleep.
"Wow, that was fast. That's got to be a super power." Clary said.
Jocelyn looked up with a smile. "You'll get the hang of it."
Clary grabbed the glass of water. Jocelyn eyed her.
"In the meantime, you need to get some sleep." she said.
Clary took a swig of water. "I'm fine."
Jocelyn searched her face. "You seem...different." she said. "I don't know."
Clary sucked in a breath. "I feel different." she waited a moment before continuing. "Ever since I had Eden, I've just been..." she trailed off, avoiding Jocelyn's gaze.
"Well...whatever you've been feeling. It will be alright." She cleared her throat. "Now I want you to go upstairs and get some sleep. We'll be here when you wake up."
Clary nodded, unfurling from her seat and heading for the stairs. She managed to get out of Jocelyn's sight, halfway up the stairs when her vision shorted out. Sharp, burning went through her body. Thumping against the wall, Clary managed to catch herself before she fell. She coughed, sudden wetness splattering on her lips and chin. Clary wiped her mouth and stared at her fingers. They came away red. Ithuriel fluttered inside her, voice frail in Clary's head.
"I'm sorry, I can do no more."
"It's ok. Just save your strength. We'll need it."
SPNTMI
The inside of East Sandburg Hall was spacious, it's interior resembling a hotel. The multiple floors were visible from the ground. A check in desk dominated to the left of the doors. Only one young woman manned the counter. She looked up at the group's approach. A few people sat at the couches that cluttered the center of the room. About ten or so. They stared at the group, but any interest within their expressions was dulled. Dean called to the attention, clearing his throat.
"We're looking for Adam Milligan." he said.
Two girls exchanged surprised glances but the rest shrugged or murmured noncommittal noises. One young man cleared his throat. Sam fixed his attention to him.
"I think he's still upstairs. He's on the fifth floor, room 206 on the left. Can't miss it." he said.
"Thanks." Sam said.
Dean pointed to a hallway in the left hand corner of the room. At the young man's nod, Dean turned and strode off in the offered direction. Sam and the others hurried after him. The hallway curved to a stairwell. Each flight of stairs could be easily seen just by looking up to stare at the way the went alongside the corridor where the rooms were. Dean jogged up five flights and found room 206. Dean tugged on the handle but the door was locked.
"Does this seem a little too easy to you?" Simon whispered to no one in particular.
"Yeah." Sam said. "Dean, wait a-"
Dean set about picking the lock, small clicking of the tumblers before they gave out and unlocked for him. Dean opened the door and went inside. Sam made to follow his brother and the door slammed shut in his face. At once, sigils scrawled themselves all over the door, edging at the walls. Anna, Cas, Gabriel, Isabelle, and Alec were flung back in a flash of light. Simon shouted in alarm and Sam covered his eyes. The light faded enough for him to lower his arms.
The angels had been banished and the Lightwood siblings flung back down the far end of the hallway. Sam only spared them a glance before trying to open the door. As soon as his hands touched the metal, he pulled back with a sharp hiss. His hands came away red.
"What now?" Simon asked.
Sam didn't answer, pounding on the door.
"Dean? Dean!"
SPNTMI
As soon as Dean stepped into the room, the door slammed shut behind him. Dean jumped, whirling around to try and open the door. The handle was gone, as if it never hand one in the first place. From the other side of it, he heard his brother pounding. He banged once on the door in reply.
"I'm ok. Just get out of here-"
"Dean?"
He stilled. While he only heard it a few times before, he recognized the voice. Lowering he hand, he turned around to face the speaker. Sitting in the small living room, with only the kitchenette in between them, was Adam.
SPNTMI
The guards posted at the checkpoint had very little warning. Only the slightest of sound before a roaring horde of croatoans came sprinting down the road. The first soldier opened fire as the second radioed it in. The first emptied the magazine and a single croatoan leapt over the barricade and tore into his face in the time it took for the soldier to reload his gun. The radio crackled to life and the second soldier barely had time to reply as he was swarmed. He fired his gun, bullets ripping into soft, infected flesh. It didn't deter them but sirens blared and the soldier's last thoughts were of relief. The croatoans forced their way into the safe zone.
SPNTMI
Sirens wailed through the building, piercing the air. Simon cried out, clapping his hands over his ears. Jo shivered, accepting her mother's offered hand. Ellen pulled her up and the two looked around. Sam hadn't moved from the door as Isabelle and Alec jogged back to them. The siren kept on wailing.
"Now what?" Isabelle snapped.
"Trouble." Alec replied.
"Yeah and how much you wanna bet they're croatoan." Simon replied.
Ellen frowned. "You think that was a part of the angel's trap?"
Jo paled. "Is that possible?"
"I really hope not." Simon said. "Speaking of, where are our angels?"
Sam pulled back from the door, seemingly more collected now. "It'll take them awhile. If any croatoans came through then we've got to get these people to safety."
"What about Dean?" Isabelle asked.
Sam paused, swallowing and he ran a hand through his hair. He didn't answer. Ellen eyed him before she turned to the others. Sam cleared his throat.
"This dorm will have emergency exits. If we get everyone still here back to their rooms they might have a chance-"
"Might?" Alec asked.
Sam nodded. "The way the locks on these doors work. Everyone should have a personal key card. That should slow down those croats. So we just need to get everybody upstairs."
"Easier said than done, I just know it." Isabelle rolled her eyes. "Alec and I can cover you."
Alec nodded. "Just hurry. My arrows aren't unlimited."
"You got it." Jo said. "Me and Mom can heard the students upstairs."
"So Sam and I fight the croats?" Simon asked.
"That's the plan." Ellen said.
With that, they made their way downstairs. Screams rose up to meet them as they hit the main floor. The group of students clustered together, hiding behind the large visitors desk. The attendant shrieked when a single croatoan broke off from the pack racing down the street to slam itself at the glass doors. A few more followed suit, slamming their heads into the glass until it cracked.
Sam brought up the rear, pulling out his gun. "Get ready."
Jo and Ellen gathered the students to them. One of the girls sniffled, clutching on Ellen's arm.
"We need you to get your key cards." Ellen asked. "We're taking you back to your rooms."
Students started shouting and crying. One young man spoke up.
"A lot of the room keys got demagnetized. I think only a few work now."
"Where's the closest one?" Ellen asked.
The man frowned. "Uh...damn...I think it's on the eighth floor."
"Where's the key?"
The attendant looked up. "I have it. It's at the desk." she handed it to Jo, who was closer to her.
"What are you names?" Jo asked.
"Sally." The attendant said. "Those two girls are Gina and Padme."
"I'm Todd." the first young man said. "The others are David, Sven, Barry, Mike, Jason, Reese, and Jamie."
"Nice to meet you." Simon said.
"Hurry." Sam replied.
"This way." Ellen said.
Just as the two women began to lead the students out, the glass gave and the croatoans began pouring out. Panic broke out and the students raced out in all directions in an attempt to escape. Jo and Ellen tried to corral them and Sam and Simon surged forward to meet the croats. One of them leapt onto David, biting at his neck and he collapsed with a scream as croats dog piled him.
Sam shot at them, hitting about three of the monsters before having to pull back. A wave of croatoans advanced and Sam pulled the trigger, only for an empty click to answer him. His eyes widened. Another scream went through the air. Out of the corner of Sam's eye he saw Jo and Ellen pulling three of the students behind them, away from the advancing croats as a fourth student tried to get around them to his rescuers.
A croat tackled Sam, scattering his gun out of his hands. It tried to bite him, leaning all of its weight on top of him. Sam threw his hands up, pushing at its chest to no avail. Rotting teeth inches from his cheeks. Simon dashed forward, prying the croat off of Sam. It whirled on Simon, snarling as it charged him. The moment its gnarled hands grasped him, a sudden force rose up to meet the monster, shoving it back. The croat was flung three hundred feet, crashing back and hitting a sofa. It growled, crumpled on the cushions.
"Huh." Simon pulled Sam back up to his feet. "Here." he handed Sam back his gun.
"Thanks."
Simon nodded, stepping in between Sam and the rush of croats as the man reloaded his gun. He fired at the croats closest to him.
"Help Ellen and Jo." he said.
"Got it." Simon called.
Simon sprinted to their side, throwing up his hands as attacking croats ran to him. One shoved him, only for it to be shoved back, flung into the group of its fellows. The fourth student ran to Jo's outstretched hand. She tugged him behind her and together they moved forward to the corridor. An opening yawned from where Ellen's group was and the front doors. Sam caught a flash of movement beyond the broken glass. Gabriel.
"Go on without me." Sam shouted.
Simon and Jo turned around to gape at him.
"Like hell."
"What?"
Both shouted at the same time. Sam pointed to the doors.
"Barricade the doors behind me. I have an idea."
Sam raced forward, shooting any croat that came in his way as he went outside. He heard more than saw Simon shove the furniture against the doors. He made it to Clary's truck before three pairs of hands grabbed his rams and legs. Sam swung his shotgun out like a club. The butt of the gun cracked against the monster's jaw. It staggered back only for another to take its place. It screeched, lunging at Sam. A hand shot out, pulling the croat back.
"Sammy, what at you doing out here?"
"Saving your ass." Sam shot the croat Gabriel held. It collapsed at the archangel's feet. "Dean's still trapped."
"I figured." Gabriel eyed the remaining croats as Anna and Cas dispatched them. "There's more coming from the opposite direction; we'll be pinned down in a few minutes." he said.
"What about Adam?" Sam asked.
Sam reloaded as Anna stabbed the nearest croatoan with an angel blade. Cas stuck close to her, slashing back a trio of the monsters. He turned to stare at Sam.
"And Dean?"
Sam scowled. "I have an idea." He rattled off his plan, nodding as Gabriel whistled.
"Well that's-"
All three angels froze and something in Sam trembled. As if from far away, something was screaming-Sam shook his head. Anna and Cas shared looks of shock.
"Gabriel-"
Gabriel nodded.
Sam fired off another shot as the angels stopped moving. "What's going on?"
Anna whirled around, eyes wide. A croatoan raced to her but she dispatched it without a backward glance. Staring down Castiel, she raised her blade.
"Did you feel that?" Anna asked.
Castiel shook. "Yes."
"Then we need to leave-"
"No."
"Castiel-"
"I won't leave Dean!"
Anna blinked. Behind them, Sam and Gabriel exchanged looks.
"What's happening?" Sam asked, voice tight.
"Lucifer. Big bro is trying to summon Death." Gabriel's voice was quieter than Sam had ever heard it. "That's-he's-"
"Go." Sam said. "We can take care of this."
"Sam." Anna's voice shook.
"He's right." Cas glowered at Anna. "We can handle this. Come back when the situation presents itself."
Anna and Cas stared at each other. Sam wasn't sure what the full context was, but Anna's gaze was more calculating than Cas's, who was giving her a determined stare.
"Alright but I'm taking the others with me."
Cas nodded. "Good luck."
"And to you as well."
Anna disappeared. Gabriel rose an eyebrow but said nothing as Cas got into the driver's seat of the truck. Sam fished out a sharpie out of the glove compartment and scribbled hasty sigils all over the truck. He clambered into the passenger seat as Gabriel hopped into the truck bed.
SPNTMI
The clearing exploded with movement. The reapers tried to avoid the bouts of fighting. Jace felt the familiar thrum and pull of battle. His remaining seraph blade clenched in his hand. A demon sprinted past him and Jace was about to give chase but Tessa yanked him back.
"Wait."
"Why?"
Tessa inclined her head. Demons were clustering together, silent. Jace frowned. He wasn't sure if it was because of Tessa's presence of his own new found awareness, but he had an easier time of identifying demons. Said demons hurried past them. Jace held up his blade.
"Follow me."
Tessa rolled her eyes but said nothing as they moved forward, keeping their distance from the other demons. A sharp, guttural scream echoed across the field. Jace bolted forward as the sounds of combat reached him. He didn't care if Tessa was following him or not. There was a hum in the air. His seraph blade was trembling in his hand.
Jace shuddered. Angels. Angels and demons doing battle in a farmer's field. The crowd pressed in on him. A demon bumped into his shoulder and Jace swiveled to stab downward. His blade caught the demon in the shoulder and blood spurted around the wound. Snarling, the demon slammed him to the ground, ripping itself free from Jace's weapon. Before it could deliver the finishing blow, an angel bent down and stabbed the demon in the throat. It collapsed on top of Jace, gurgling as it died. The angel moved away without a word. Jace caught movement at the corner of his eye. Flame red hair.
Jace sat up, shoving the demon's body off of him. It rolled onto its side like an old sausage. He weaved through the crowd, unable to go any faster as opponents tore through each other. Jace growled, straining forward to catch another glimpse of red hair and he was about to shout-
Screams drowned out his voice. He could see why up ahead. In the clearing, piles of dirt lying beside deep pits of freshly dug earth. Demons were holding sobbing women and children as they were stabbed one by one. Mundanes. The non-possessed townspeople were now being thrown into the mass grave. One woman screamed out for her child before being stabbed and dumped into the grave. Her child shrieked before it was her turn.
A lone figure observed these precedings. Jace's heart clenched. A sharp cut of a figure. Lucifer wearing his father. Lucifer turned and Jace could have sworn they made eye contact. He shuddered. The blaze of red hair entered his vision again. Jace frowned. It wasn't Clary. She strode toward Lucifer all the same. Lucifer smiled at her approach.
"Just in time sister. That was the last of them."
He raised a hand. The angel took a step back but it was the angels behind her that were struck down. Their bodies collapsed onto the ground as more angels began to surround Lucifer.
"I'd prefer not to do this but-"
"Go!" The redheaded angel shouted.
Lucifer 'tsked' and the remaining angels disappeared. The redhead angel stood firm. Neither of them moved, staring at one another. When Lucifer next spoke, his voice had a careful slowness to it. As though he were trying to keep a frightened animal still.
"Now, if you'll excuse me."
"Wait-"
Lucifer began chanting just as the female angel dived forward. The demons repeated the chant. Jace shuddered, feet frozen to the spot as he watched the ground crack. The demons spasmed, light crackling from within their bodies, and illuminating them from the inside out. Within moments each and every one of them collapsed to the ground, hosts dead.
Blackness seeped out from the cracks just as the redheaded angel fell at Lucifer's feet. She froze but Lucifer kept his attention on the scene before him. Something brushed Jace's shoulder. He jumped, twisting around to see Tessa by his side. She said nothing, gaze fixed forward. Jace stared as a...shape twisted through the blackness, gaining substance, and he could have sworn he saw a hand...
The longer he stared, the more his eyes began to hurt. His vision shorted out, as if it couldn't see past the edges of the thing. Teeth chattering as tears streamed down his face; lumps of something were bending out of shape, as if pulling the light into itself. Jace shook all over, rolling himself onto the grass and retching. Tessa put a hand on his shoulder but he couldn't look at her any more than he could look at the thing unfurling in front of them. He heard Lucifer's voice ringing out through the field.
"How nice to finally see you again, Death."
SPNTMI
"Ok, just remember to press the gas-"
"I know."
The truck hovered over the roof of the dorm, engine idling.
SPNTMI
Dean stared at Adam. The latter was still seated on the couch, staring up at the former. Wariness in the younger man's gaze. It was almost reflected back at him but before Dean could speak, Adam beat him to the punch.
"The angels told me about you-"
"Did they?" Dean. "Let me guess. I'm a liar and bad things'll happen if you listen to me, or hell, even know me."
"Something like that." Adam's smirk was brief and he sobered. "Look, I really don't want to be here either but I don't have a choice."
"Yes, yes you do." Dean said. "I get that we don't know each other and you got no reason to trust me-"
"Yeah I don't-"
Dean held up his hands. "Just hear me out. The angels are using you to get to me. Now, I don't know what they promised you, but I swear, if you let me help you, I can get you out of here and then we can go our separate ways if that's what you want."
Adam said nothing, eyes glazing over for a moment. Dean swallowed, stance still stiff as he stared around the room. They were alone as far as he knew. Dean suppressed a shudder and Adam spoke again.
"I want to see my mom."
Dean nodded. "Ok." his voice was soft. "I'll see what I can do."
"The angels want a yes-"
"That we do." A voice cut in.
Dean flinched. Two angels in nondescript black suits appeared. One was blond and the other had black hair. Each wore an identical smirk. Sahaquiel and Armisael.
"How many of you dicks are floating around?" Dean growled.
"Enough." Sahaquiel replied. "All that matters is you-"
"Both." Armisael said. "A yes is needed."
Adam's eyes narrowed. "Guess you guys over sold me as a one true vessel huh?"
"You are-"
Adam scoffed, interupting Sahaquiel, whose own features twisted at the young man's tone. The angel advanced and Dean shot forward, getting in between the two. Sahaquiel's expression smoothed over.
"Yes."
Armisael blinked as if he had been submerged in water and still hadn't quite got the water out of his face. Dean stared up at him, a slight waver in his voice.
"If you bring Adam's mom back and leave them in peace, then I'll do it. I'll say yes to Michael. Hell, call him down here if you want, see what he thinks about this whole thing."
Sahaquiel and Armisael exchanged looks. Each had a brief smile as they nodded in unison.
"I think that can be arranged." Armisael said. "Just sit tight."
Sahaquiel began to chant in Enochian. Dean took a shaky breath and Adam spared him a sharp glance.
"It's gonna be ok." Dean said.
A harsh whine cut off Adam's reply. Dean and Adam covered their ears, the whine getting louder. Cracks formed in the walls as light shone from above. Adam screamed, dropping to his knees. Dean staggered to his side. Dean squinted, light searing behind his eyelids. Beneath the high pitch static was a whisper that resonated within Dean's chest. He tried to get a lungful of air but the stench of ozone was overpowering and familiar. Dean shuddered at the unexpected strain of longing that shot through him as he felt Michael draw near.
An engine roared and Dean looked up in time to see Clary's pick up truck crash through the ceiling. Dean dived out of the way, tackling Adam to the floor. Sahaqiuel and Armisael's voices sounded far away, screaming in rage. Debris flew outward from the truck. A chunk of the ceiling his Sahaquiel square in the chest. He stumbled back as Armisael fumbled for his seraph blade.
The truck landed on top of Armisael, angel blade soaring out of his hands and landing in the sink. The wheels revved, spinning on top of Armisael's chest. Sahaquiel roared, racing forward but a hand reached out from the passenger side of the truck cab, slamming onto the hood of the car. The sigils glow was brief.
"Get in!"
The light from above wavered as Sahaquiel and Armisael disappeared. Dean and Adam got to their feet. Dean, still ducked down, managed to clamber inside the truck bed. Adam right on his heels. Michael's light grew brighter, almost to match the shout that was certainly behind the high pitched whine.
"Dean!"
Adam sounded close to his ears. Dean stretched out his hand, fingers struggling to find his. The engine revved. A body pressed against his and it took Dean a moment to figure out that Gabriel was holding onto his shoulders. He was pulling Dean back. Gabriel shouted and the light grew brighter. The truck shot forward and Dean skidded backwards, back slamming into the back of the cab. Fingers slipped away from his hand and he was bereft.
The truck barreled through the kitchenette and breaking down the door. Eyes streaming, Dean clutched at the sides of the truck bed. The truck jolted forward and Dean gritted his teeth as they raced down the corridor. The light faded and the ringing in his ears faded just in time for Dean to see them drive down a flight of stairs. Speeding up, the wheels skimmed the stairs.
"Jesus!" Dean yelled.
He caught a glimpse of Alec and Isabelle on separate stairwells. Isabelle higher up than Alec, who shot at croats racing below them. The horn blared and Dean peered through the glass to see that the driver was Cas. Dean did a double take, but before he could comment, Isabelle shouted to Alec. Alec looked down to where she was pointing, eyes wide. He nodded.
Alec shot his final arrow into the face of a croatoan that had gotten too close to Jo. The Harvelle's and Simon were still at the foot of the stairs by the base of the building. Alec waved to get Cas's attention and then put his feet on top of stair's rails. He balanced himself on the railing. He splayed out his arms but kept still. Isabelle uncurled her whip just as Cas drove beneath Alec. Isabelle's whip shot out as Alec held up his hands, catching the whip. Pushing off the railing, he swung through the air. When the truck bed was directly underneath him, he let go of the whip and tumbled into the back with Dean. Dean gaped at him.
"Hello." Alec said. "Fancy seeing you here." After a few moments of Dean's silence, he sobered. "Sorry, that was terrible."
Dean just shook his head. A minute later, Isabelle dropped in. Her grin was a touch feral. Dean nodded. The truck sped up, hitting the main floor. The Harvelle's and the students raced to catch up. Cas swerved, fishtailing for just a second before coming in between the Harvelle's and the croats. Ellen and Jo led the remaining students in the truck bed before climbing in back. Simon darted forward, but not in time to escape the rest of the croats.
"Go, hurry." Simon shouted.
Cas twisted the steering wheel in response, turning the car around. Ellen, Jo, and Sam shot at the monsters swarming the car. A few were held at bay as Simon tried to escape. Isabelle's whip shot out to decapitate the croatoan closest to Simon as Cas gunned the engine. Truck shot forward and Simon raced to catch up. Half a dozen croats pounced on Simon and a second later they were flung back just as Cas drove through a window. Everyone ducked as shards of glass flew everywhere. Simon climbed out of the window, sprinting after the truck, croatoans right behind him. Jo crawled forward, stretching out her arms as Simon picked up speed.
Simon put in another burst of speed, feet pushing against the asphalt and he jumped. He shot forward, sneakers skimming over the the metal bed. The truck hit a speed bump and Simon tumbled into Jo's arms. The screams of the croatoans faint as they out ran their pursuers. Sam leaned over to Cas.
"Take a turn over here."
Cas took the requisite turn and Dean rapped on the glass from the cab's rear window. Sam slid it open and Dean peered inside.
"You crazy sons of bitches." he said. "How in the hell-" he cut himself off.
"There are gears." Cas said, voice deadpan.
Dean stared at him for a moment, catching the faint twist of Cas's lips as he shared a brief smile. Despite himself, or maybe that smile triggered it, but Dean burst out laughing in a surprised bark before it transformed into slightly manical guffaws. Sam stared back and forth between the two. He didn't miss the way Cas's eyes shined at the sight of Dean laughing and Sam couldn't help smiling.
"Dude." Dean said.
Simon frowned. "What's so funny?"
He finally eased himself back from Jo and both of them stared at the cab's interior. Dean burst out laughing all over again.
SPNTMI
Jace hid next to Tessa behind the bushes. He shook all over Death stood beside Lucifer. A shifting mass that seemed to vibrate with energy despite not moving. Something that could see him despite its undivided attention on Lucifer. The archangel kept still, glaring down at the female angel. Even at this angle, Jace could see that the amused smile didn't match the cold eyes. The female angel didn't move, red hair tangled about her shoulders. Her pinched expression set out like a beacon.
Lucifer jerked his head in her direction. "Take care of her."
Death stepped forward. It seemed to glide, yet the grass withered at its touch. Jace gagged. Long appendages, too...other to be limbs, too many to count. It reached for the angel, who tried to push herself back. Arms shaking, she tried to stand but she could get away fast enough-
"Just kidding." Lucifer said.
The spindly shadows moved back, curling in on each other. It leaned away from her and she eyed it without speaking. Lucifer bent down to her level.
"I was hoping you could pass a message onto Sam for me." When she didn't reply, he continued. "Tell him, that I will be waiting for him in Detroit."
She bared her teeth and Lucifer laughed, but without warning she disappeared. Lucifer slowly stood up, humming a little to himself.
"Now, what shall I do with you two?"
Jace shot forward, rolling into grass into he landed in a heap at Lucifer's feet. Tessa shrieked as she psychically manhandled in the same manner as Jace, until she too collapsed in front of the devil. Valentine's face sneered down at them, lips manipulated to twist and curl in a way that never seemed able to do when he father had full control over his own body. Jace shivered, unable to spit defiance when his teeth were chattering to hard to move.
Death shifted and Jace couldn't scream. It walked forward without moving, mass rippling into features. It was like watching something age and regress back and forth. A head was forming. This time Jace did scream. Lucifer gave a little chuckle as Jace's eyes watered at the sight of newfound limbs and eyes. It regarded him with a kind of clinical distaste. Suddenly Death appeared in the shape of a man. A thin, weathered man in black. When he spoke he voice was a soft as thunder.
"I may have a suggestion."
SPNTMI
It was night and they had dropped off the student survivors at a safe zone two states away. The only sounds were the chirping of crickets and their whispers. Not a croatoan to be heard.
"So the angels have Adam and Gabriel?" Ellen asked.
"Adam probably." Sam said and he ran a hand through his hair. "Not too sure about Gabriel, but..." he sighed. "He's alright. He's got to be." The last part seemed to be meant only for himself.
Dean frowned. "Doesn't changed the fact that we failed."
"Dean." Cas turned to look at him. "Don't give into despair."
Dean snorted but before he could reply, Anna appeared in front of them. Simon was the only one who jumped. His eyes widened when he took in her bedraggled appearance. Her hair was in absolute tangles, framing the angry bruises all over her face. The blood on her clothes was still fresh.
"Lucifer." she panted. "Lucifer freed Death."
Everyone stilled, silent as she elaborated and it continued to stay silent long after she finished. Methodically, Ellen and Jo began repacking the first aid and the rest of the supplies. Simon said nothing, trembling as he waited for Dean reload his gun and climb into the driver's seat. His face was blank and not even Sam approached him. His voice was quiet.
"We're leaving now."
Everyone got back into the truck. Dean turned onto a two lane road and they drove down into the dark.
SPNTMI
TBC...