Its been a *long* time. Let's see if anyone is still around...

Sam

We shouldn't be doing this. Why did I agree to this?

Was it seeing her in such distress? And believing I can keep her safe, no matter what? Is it arrogance, determination, or both?

I have no idea what we are walking into. No idea what has already happened...no idea what Lucifer's plan is.

Just going in blind. With no backup, and Ali exposed.

I promised my brothers that we would remain here, regardless of how long they took.

I hope they understand. I think Cas will. How do you deny those anxious, panic-stricken amber eyes?

Ali is out of the car before I've even pocketed the keys. I run over to her, put my hand on her shoulder. "Hey, gimme a minute, okay? I've been thinking something over...I'm going to make a call."

This has to be better than no help at all, and no one else knowing we're here. All of us. I pull out my phone and make the call. Each ring makes me nervous.

"Well, hello Samuel...it's been a while", Rowena's voice is pleasant and curious.

I take a breath. "Rowena, we need your help. It's a lot to explain-"

"Ah, Sam. Of course you do. What have you managed to get yourselves into, this time?"

I give her as much information as I feel is needed...the mention of Lucifer giving her pause, as expected, and the brief introduction of Ali peaking her curiosity-also as expected. She asks several questions, all of which I promise to answer once everyone is safe. I give her our location and request her assistance.

"You've no idea what you're walking into? And Lucifer wants the girl and you're just marching her right in there...?", she counters.

Ali is watching my face, which I try to keep neutral. "Rowena, its not that simple-"

"But I'm not wrong."

I chew my lip. "No, you're not wrong."

"Okie dokie...well...I suppose I'll be on my way, then. I imagine my Winchester boys will owe me a rather generous favor?"

I manage a tight-lipped smile. "Naturally, Rowena."

"Alrighty, then", I hear a smile in her voice as she ends the call.

Ali knows of Rowena and has heard a few stories, between the three of us. She doesn't seem surprised that I called her, and she doesn't protest.

"By my side, the entire time. Right?", I ask, studying her face.

"Always", she nods.

As we make our way towards the warehouse, I can tell Ali is alert and concentrating on anyone (or anything) she might sense. In this way, she is incredibly helpful, and maybe for the first time it really sinks in why she's wanted by so many. She doesn't need weapons or combat training to be advantageous...but we do plan on training her for her own safety.

When we reach the building, we snake around the sides-each has a set of doors-to make sure they're clear, then enter through the back. The door is heavy and old. Ali is shoulder to shoulder with me when we step inside. I assess the room, which is expansive and devoid of light.

My flashlight reveals several aisles by which to cross the room. We take the clearest path. I look at Ali and she shakes her head, letting me know she doesn't feel anyone here. Eventually we find a set of double doors, an empty room with what is likely a message from Lucifer...I tell Ali not to think about it.

The room leads to an odd hallway. We take a few steps and Ali stops suddenly.

"Oh my, you're finally here...I've gotta admit, I didn't know if this would work or not. Its my lucky day."

"Sam", she clutches my arm. "He knows we're here."

We knew this was likely. "It's alright. We're alright." With this, Ali starts to move forward, down a deep dip in the hallway, and then we see a brick wall in the distance. "What...", I start.

"That...that isn't supposed to be there, is it?", Ali asks.

"I highly doubt it", I reply.

As we get closer, Ali's face lights up. "Sam...angel grace...and...Jack's unique...uniqueness. They are behind those bricks!" She starts to run, and I match my pace with hers.

"You found the sweet spot...", Lucifer coos.

Alice ignores him. "Cas! Jack! Dean!", she bangs on the bricks with urgency. "We're here!"

We hear faint voices on the other side, then they become clearer. I assume they've moved up against the bricks like we have.

Surprisingly, it is Dean we hear first. "Sam! What the hell are you doing here?! She can't be here!"

Ali speaks up immediately. "I didn't give him a choice, Dean. I'm sorry. I couldn't".

Cas yells through the barrier next. "Alice, you aren't safe. This was all a setup. You have to leave!".

I think we all know that isn't an option.

"How do we get to you?", Ali asks, voice raised.

Just like that, the wall disappears like it never existed. I try to grab Ali but she is already sprinting towards Cas with no assessment of the situation. I guess I can't expect anything less. Her arms go up around him and he crushes her to his chest.

The greetings are brief. "Guys, this isn't right. He was just waiting for her to come after us", Dean says.

"It's obvious", Cas agrees, still holding onto her. "Sam...why did you bring her here...?" In all fairness, I suppose the question bears repeating.

Ali shakes her head. "No, I insisted. He held out for as long as he could. He-"

"Guys...", Jack closes his eyes. "He's here. I feel him."

Lucifer doesn't miss a beat, appearing out of thin air with a perverse grin on his face.