Chapter Twenty-seven: Old Rivals
The sun lay half risen on the horizon. We had yet to sleep but for now the world was a little safer. Another job down, another ahead of us. But at the moment we were content. I stood with Dean's arms around me. Sam was leaning on the car a few yards back. He was kind enough to give us as much alone time as he could offer. It seemed that as time went on there was less time for each other leaving more time to find Azazel and to kill him. We had yet to find the colt or even have an inkling of its whereabouts. But that wasn't the concern of the day. If I had it my way today would be a day for us. But it never seemed to end in my favor.
"How are you doing today?" Dean asked sweetly over my shoulder.
"I'm good." I smiled, leaning into him.
"Will you do me a favor?" He said softly.
"Yes." I said turning my head to look at him.
He buried his face in my hair and whispered, "Will you marry me today?"
I turned in his arms and looked at him, frowning. "Are you serious?" I asked him. I didn't want to be toyed with when it came to this. Even though I already knew he wasn't toying.
"Of course I am." He frowned back.
My frown curved into a grin and I nodded at him, wrapping my arms around his neck. "I would love to marry you today."
He kissed me deeply before leading me to the car. We got in and we drove to the next town. It was the usual small town. Like many others we had been through before. But on the way into it we saw a small chapel. I grinned at Dean, my excitement becoming overwhelming. I grinned at Sam who just grinned back, shaking his head. When Dean parked the car I was out and running before the men even opened their doors.
"Where are you going?" Dean called.
"To find something to wear!" I yelled back with a grin. "I'll call you!"
I rushed off to find the nearest bridal shop. It took me longer then I had hoped but soon I found the only shop in town. It was small and there wasn't a lot of selection but it would do.
"Hello!" A middle aged woman came rushing over to me, followed by an elderly one.
"Hi." I smiled at them.
"My name is Elsie." Said the middle aged woman. "And this is Marge. What can we do for you?" She said overenthusiastically.
"I'm just looking." I told them as nicely as I could.
I moved through the racks only to have them follow every move I made.
"This one is pretty." Marge told me beaming.
"It's okay." I smiled at her.
"This one is half price and if you'd like I can show you all the ones on sale." Elsie told me with a grin.
"That's very kind of you but I think I'll be all right. Just give me a few minutes to look around. If you don't mind." I said smiling at them with irritation.
The grins stayed on their faces but they backed away from me. I sighed with relief before looking through the racks. I tried on several. Bringing myself to ask for help from the two women. But it was worth it. I slowly found which style I liked and soon I had it narrowed down to three. I was about to pick one when I heard the bell above the door ring. The two women rushed off to see who it was. When movement caught my eye I looked over, only to tense.
"Hi, Evy."
"Annabelle." I said shortly. She looked the same. She was petite with long flowing black hair and a slim build. She was on the ordinary side. Allowing her to hide what she was. But I knew. "What are you doing here?"
"I've been living here. It just so happens that you've once again stopped in my town."
"We're not here for you." I told her. I wasn't happy to see the witch but she had never caused us harm. She had helped me and Dean more then she had hurt.
"I see you and Dean worked it out." She smiled as she stepped toward me.
"Yes we have, quite a while ago." I smiled at her. "We're getting married today." I told her excitedly.
"How extraordinary." She replied with just as much excitement. "Can't pick one?"
"I've got it narrowed down." I told her as I continued to stare at the dresses.
"Try them on. I'll tell you what I think." She smiled kindly.
I just looked at her before nodding with a smile. "Okay."
I tried on all three dresses for her. Walking through the store. Trying to pick out a pair of shoes. I wasn't going to worry about jewelry, and if I had it my way I would have gone barefoot. The shop keepers were nothing but wonderful though they asked too many questions. Annabelle was nicer then me, letting them help and talking to them much more kindly. I was too eager to pick one and call my fiancé. I was too ready to get married. My whole being hummed with the excitement and anticipation of marrying Dean. I loved him so much. It was now or never.
"So?" I asked Annabelle after switching from dress to dress.
"I think that one." Annabelle smiled.
"Really?" I grinned and turned to the mirror.
The dress was anything but glamorous. It was strapless, which would aid in the removing process, with only a slight train in the back. It had simple sequence along the bust and had lines of it going down the sides of the dress. I couldn't help but grin. This was the dress. This was the day. Now all I had to do was return to Dean.
The dress had been chosen and the chaplain had been called. I had called Dean, telling him to meet me at the chapel in an hour. Annabelle offered to help me get ready. She accepted without hesitation. She was the only woman I had here with me. I wished Katy were here but it would be cruel to try and get her here, though I know she would be unhappy when I told her the news. But I wasn't going to think about that. It was planned and it was happening. That, and Annabelle wasn't so bad. She was definitely getting a tally on the side of 'allies'.
I was thoroughly excited as we walked toward the chapel. We were talking enthusiastically. She asked about Dean and me and I couldn't help but tell her. We rounded a corner and my eyes immediately caught a familiar figure in front of me. I froze and Annabelle stopped, frowning at me. A second later I shoved my bags into her arms and ran as fast as I could.
"Riley!" I yelled as I pursued him.
He was only a few yards in front of me. I picked up my pace, knowing that I could outrun him. He skidded around a corner and when I followed he was gone. I kept going, searching the area, but there was no sign of him. Panic started to seep into me. There were only two reasons he would be here. He was either following me, or he was here on yellow-eyes' orders.
"What is it?" Annabelle asked as she finally caught up with me.
"An enemy is here." I stated as my eyes scanned every nook and cranny.
"Who?" She asked.
I looked at her before back at the town. I sighed and turned back toward the chapel. "He was a friend who went and joined yellow-eyes. He's betrayed us all. He put Dean in the hospital, passed on information. He's the son of a bitch that brought me back from the dead with no memories." I said and looked at her. "His name is Riley Newberry."
As we walked I told her what I knew about him. She had been trustworthy enough and if she lent me a hex bag or two I could live with that. She was interested in what I had to say. Maybe a little too interested. When I was done she was quiet. I kept glancing at her but it took her nearly a full ten minutes before she spoke.
"I think I know him." She finally told me.
I stopped and looked at her, frowning. "What do you know?" I asked her.
"Not a lot. I've seen him in passing. I've spoken to him briefly but he left an impression." She told me.
"That he's a nice guy?" I frowned at her but kept moving.
"No, that he was up to something. I didn't like him." She replied.
I looked at her and grinned. "You know Annabelle; we might just get along yet." She smiled and shook her head.
When the chapel came into view I felt nervous. I had to tell Dean and Sam about Riley. It would do nothing if I hid it from them. But I was afraid that Dean would want to call it off. Get out of town and away from him. That would do nothing for us, but I would go with him if he wanted to leave. We were so close though. I didn't want to jeopardize it.
"There you are!" Dean grinned when I came into view.
"Hi baby." I grinned back and kissed him deeply. His lips felt so good against mine. He was in a tux. He looked fantastic. I kissed him again, taking in his taste and his smell. Though it stopped too soon.
"What are you doing here?" Dean frowned at Annabelle.
"It's okay." I smiled at him. "She's more of a friend then a foe." I said and shrugged. "She helped me pick out my wedding dress." I grinned and kissed him again.
"Don't you know its bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?" Sam grinned as he walked up, kissing me on the cheek.
"Hi, Sammy." I smiled as I hugged him.
"Who's this?" Sam smiled at Annabelle.
"This is the witch that Evy and I met a while back." Dean told him.
"Oh." Sam said slightly surprised. "Hi."
"Hi." She said and smiled.
"Listen, we uh…ran into an old friend. Or rather and old rival." I said and looked at Dean. He just frowned. "Riley's in town."
Dean didn't say a word. He left my side. I followed him and watched as he checked the cartridge in his gun before heading toward the entrance.
"No, don't." I told him, grabbing his arm. "You won't be able to find him anyway."
"I can try." He replied reaching for the handle.
"Dean…" I said stopping him again. "Don't." He just looked at me. "We are so close." I whispered to him. "We are so close to it now. I have the dress. You're already in a tux. I want to do this today. I want to marry you." He didn't move but his expression softened. "Please, let it go. Just for today. Let it go."
He sighed and took his hand away. "Okay." He nodded putting his hand on my neck.
"Thank you." I told him with a small smile.
He kissed me and smiled. "Now go get ready." He said and pointed me toward the room I was to use. "Take your time." He smiled sweetly.
"Don't go do anything stupid." I told him as I stepped away from him.
"I'll try." He grinned.
I glared at him before disappeared into the room with Annabelle. She was kind enough to help me into the dress and put my hair back. It was pulled partially back and she pinned it so it looked nice enough to get me though my wedding day. I owed her a lot. More then I thought I ever would.
"Thank you." I told her as we were about to go out.
"You have nothing to thank me for. I owe you." She smiled.
"You do?" I frowned at her.
"Sure, for not killing me on site." She told me.
I laughed. "It wasn't a big deal. You helped me and Dean. It almost fits that you're here today." I smiled at her. "So, in honoring the weirdness of the day…will you stand up there with me?" I asked her.
She grinned from ear to ear. "Yes, I will."
As soon as the words were out I knew that it was time. She grinned and went ahead of me. I took a series of deep breaths as I followed her a few minutes later. I stopped just to the side of the doors, waiting for the music to start. There was no organist; instead Sam hooked up his ipod. The song that was to be played was going to be a surprise to me. That was the way Dean wanted it. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, seeing everything that had led me to this moment. I grinned and then the music started to play. At first it didn't seem to be anything special. It was soft and normally I would have listened to it. But right now, all I could see was Dean. It wasn't until the chorus started when I realized what made it special. Why it worked.
In your wedding dress
To have and to hold
Even at my best
I want to let go
By that time I was standing in front of Dean, his hand in mine. Sam lowered the music. He was standing next to Dean. Annabelle was standing next to me. As far as weddings went I couldn't picture mine any other way, now that I was standing here. The priest started to talk and I tried to pay attention but I couldn't stop smiling at Dean. He was grinning and he gently rubbed my palm. I couldn't help but giggle and feel my face flush.
"You look beautiful." Dean whispered.
"You look handsome as usual." I whispered back. We stood grinning at each other when the priest cleared his throat. "Sorry." I smiled at him.
He just smiled and continued to speak. It was time for the vows. Dean turned to his brother, taking the ring from his hands. He turned and took my left hand in his. I grinned, my body quivering with excitement. He put the ring just at the tip of my finger. I grinned at him wider, hardly able to contain myself. He grinned back and laughed lightly as he repeated the priest's words. When he had finished the words he smiled once more before moving to put the ring on my finger. It had barely touched it when a shot rang in the church. I felt something hit me and I looked down to see blood splatter on my dress. Below that the ring was spinning on the floor. My heart started to race and I looked at Dean. He was frowning at me. Red starting to seep through his white shirt.
"Your dress…" He frowned before he started to fall.
"Dean!" I yelled, grabbing him.
I couldn't hold him and we both fell. I cradled his head as we hit the floor. Sam was at his side an instant later.
"Dean, baby?" I cried.
"Evy…" Dean chocked out. Blood was running from the corner of his mouth.
"Stay with me." I cried as I rubbed his cheek with my hand. "Please, stay with me."
"Evy…" He said again, fear in his voice.
"I love you." I told him.
"I love…I…" Dean tried to say but he was fading fast.
"Dean, baby, you have to stay with me. You can't die. You can't leave me." I told him. I looked at Sam and behind him I could see a figure in the doorway. I blinked my tears away. Seeing Marissa standing in the doorway. "Sam…" I said and he followed my gaze. He went to move but I stopped him, looking down at Dean. His eye lids were heavy and his breathing was becoming jagged. "Dean? Dean!" He went limp a moment later. "No! Dean!" I screamed but was pulled away.
"Go after her." Annabelle told me. "Leave Dean to me."
Her gaze was serious. I nodded and slipped out of my shoes before running from the chapel. I saw her grinning at me over her shoulder as she walked down the street. I flew after her, the dress flowing behind me. My hair came loose as I ran. I could only imagine what I looked like. She didn't even try to stop. She just waited. I didn't slow when I finally reached her. I tackled her to the ground. I turned her under me and punched her as hard and fast as I could. She took it momentarily before using her power to throw me off of her. She pinned me to an alley wall, walking up to me.
"Why?" I asked her.
"Why?" She grinned back. "Oh, because it was fun. He'll be dead and there will be nothing holding you or Sam back. Sam is more important but torturing you is so much more fun." She replied.
"You should have killed me." I told her as tears ran down my cheeks.
"Do you remember what I told you?" She asked. I didn't say anything. I looked at the sky. She grabbed me by the cheeks and forced me to look at her. "I meant every word of it."
"Now Dean's dead. Doesn't that screw up your little plan?" I asked her.
"Not in the slightest. It just means you'll be easier to deal with from here on out." She smiled.
"Kill me now." I told her. "Please. It doesn't matter anymore."
She grinned but before she could decide what she was going to do shots rang in the alley and I was released. Marissa ran as Sam rushed to my side.
"Evy…" He said looking at me with red eyes.
"Is he dead?" I asked him.
He didn't say anything. I stood, pushing him away as he tried to embrace me. I started to run again. I ran back to the church. I froze in the entrance. At the alter I could see Annabelle kneeling at his side. I started to walk forward before I ran. I knelt next to him. He was breathing, but it was shallow. I looked at Annabelle but she had anything but a hopeful look on her face.
"He's alive." She told me softly. I sighed with relief as I continuously ran my fingers down his face. "I managed to keep him alive but…" She said and stopped.
My head jerked toward her. "But what?" I asked her.
"I wasn't able to keep his soul in his body." She told me.
"What?" I frowned at her.
"I managed to save his body but not his soul. He'll remain like this until we can get it back."
"Get it back?" I asked shaking my head as I closed my eyes. Things like this aren't supposed to be possible.
She sighed and put her hand on my arm. "I know this is hard. I can't even imagine what you're going through. But he knows. You need to find him."
"How?" I asked airily.
"I have a spell. One to bring you to him. Another to get both your soul and his back here." She told me.
"I have to leave my body?" I asked. She nodded.
It took me only a moment to nod at her. "Do it."
"I'll need a few hours to get what we need. Get him to the hospital. I healed his wound but he'll need to have medical attention to keep his body alive." She told me.
I nodded as Sam stopped next to us. "Is he…?" He asked. He couldn't get the words out any better then I could.
"He's alive." I told him. "We have to get him to the hospital."
He nodded and pulled Dean over his shoulder. I helped him get him into the car before we sped to the ER doors. There were questions that we answered the best we could. The wound was healed but he was unconscious and there was still blood on his shirt. I didn't know what to tell them but seeing me in my wedding dress and the state I was in, they weren't going to argue. They rushed him away but it didn't take long for them to come get me and Sam. The doctor led us to his room.
"How is he?" I asked.
"As far as we can tell he's okay. We'll know more when he wakes up." She replied before excusing herself.
I nodded before turning away from the room. Sam quickly followed me. "Where are you going?" He asked.
"Stay and watch over him." I told him.
He grabbed my arm, forcing me to face him. "Tell me what's going on." He whispered harshly. "Something is going on that you're not telling me."
"This one time I need to ask you to just trust me. I'm taking care of it. If you need anything call Annabelle. I won't be able to be reached for a while." I told him before pulling away.
He said my name but I ignored him. I didn't know what was going to happen and I didn't want him to worry. Annabelle had done her magic. Now it was up to me. I would save Dean. Even if it was the last thing I did.