Note: I do not own the characters from Supernatural but merely borrowing the guys and gals so please do not sue me. I do own the OC's that appear however. I want to thank everyone out there who has been supportive and positive through reading, reviewing and/or adding to their alerts: YOU ARE ALL THE VERY BEST!!!
As everyone gathers in Phoenix, the day of the auction has arrived…
Brady and Markus sat in silence unsure of what to say. Brooklyn and Castiel were missing and Bobby knew something was going on but couldn't or wouldn't say over the phone. And now Dean was in a state of shock and anger upon hearing Brooklyn was missing. Brady ran his hand down his face as he was frustrated that they were sitting on their asses when they should have been out looking for the angels.
"That's it!" Brady slammed his fists into the chair in frustration standing up and pacing about the room furiously. "Why are we sitting here when we could be out looking for Brook and Cas!?"
"Brady…" Markus warned the younger hunter. Brady continued pacing about the room with his hands balled up into fists. Markus shook his head as Brady continued pacing like a caged animal.
"Markus, we should be out there" he pointed out the window. "Looking for Brooklyn and Castiel." Brady sat back down with his face in his hands growling in frustration. Markus sat down next to the younger man.
"We'll get them back, Brady, even if we have to go Hell and back to do it." Markus said taking Brady into a much needed embrace as the younger hunter broke down sobbing into Markus' shoulder.
Today was the day. Colin rose with a grin as today was auction day. Soon the angels would be sold off making him a small fortune. Ciara remained asleep beside him as the sun rose streaking through the curtains as he slipped out of bed waltzing towards the shower wanting to start the day off right.
Castiel woke up seeing his angel still asleep against him. He had admit to himself Brooklyn took a calculated risk in attacking Colin but it was rather satisfying seeing him get outfoxed by her. He felt her turn on her side as she remained fast asleep. They had to figure out how to get out of here but with the manacles and collars on them they couldn't use their powers to get them out. Colin had thought of everything it seemed. Castiel felt helpless as they remained a prisoner of Colin waiting to be auctioned off like cattle to the highest bidder. The thought disgusted the angel causing him to shudder.
His shuddering woke Brooklyn as she looked up seeing what she thought was disappointment in his eyes.
"Cas, what's the matter?" Brooklyn asked with a hint of sadness in her voice. Castiel pulled her up until their foreheads met closing his eyes thinking of what to tell her. How could he tell her that he felt responsible for the mess they were in?
"Castiel, listen to me. This is not your fault, none of it is. I don't blame you and I never will. Why do you blame yourself?"
"I was supposed to protect you and keep you safe and I didn't. If I was doing what I was ordered to do we wouldn't be here waiting to be sold like cattle." Castiel saw deep sadness flash in her eyes as Brooklyn extended her cuffed hands up towards his strong face lightly running her fingers along his face and jaw line. She smiled as she saw her angel lean into her touch closing his eyes tight.
"I never once thought you were at fault for any of this and I never will my angel" she whispered as she leaned against him. Though he was deeply touched by her words of confidence and love, Castiel still felt responsible. He felt as if had failed her as her guardian and he wasn't sure if he could forgive himself.
"Castiel, you need to forgive yourself" Brooklyn's words reverberated through the room fading as they reached the walls and were replaced by complete silence except for the sounds of their breathing.
The silence was broken by the sound of the door unlatching and opening as a red haired green eyed man stepped in followed Darius and Malus. Brooklyn and Castiel grabbed onto one another as if their lives depended on it as the three approached the angels. Brooklyn narrowed her eyes at the red haired man as he stopped crossing his arms across his chest. His head tilted to one side as if he was studying the two angels before him. After remaining in the stance for several seconds he straightened back up before finally speaking.
"So, these are the two powerful angels everyone has been talking about?" He asked the two behind him without turning.
"Yes, Matthias" Darius answered with an air of respect. Matthias leaned in holding her chin in his hand before he ran his hand down her neck. He turned to look at Castiel who held Brooklyn tight to his chest. Matthias merely sized him up before turning back to Darius and Malus.
"Colin says they need to be bathed and dressed for tonight as do the others. We need them to look their best for the paying customers" Matthias ordered as he turned to leave with Darius and Malus on his heels.
The thought of being separated from Castiel made Brooklyn cringe as the angel stroked her hair trying to soothe her.
"No one will tear us apart, Brook. I promise" Castiel vowed kissing her forehead. All they could was wait.
Bobby's truck pulled up in the drive, the engine roaring loud enough to wake the dead. The older hunter cut the engine hesitant to climb out. He struggled to form what he was about to tell Brady and Markus. Hell, even he was having a hard time comprehending what he learned. But Markus and Brady had to know they deserved to know. Finally gathering the courage after remaining in his truck for several minutes, Bobby opened the door and stepped out slamming the door behind him.
Markus had finally calmed Brady down with a few shots of whiskey when the doorbell rang. Markus sprinted to the door opening it to find Bobby standing there with a nervous smile on his face. Markus could tell he was hiding something.
"Robert, please come in" Markus opened the door wider for his friend to enter. Bobby nervously looked around as Markus shut the door and led him to the living room where Brady was seated with the Jack Daniels and a shot glass before him. A blank stare greeted the men as Bobby eased himself into the chair opposite Brady. The older hunter felt his heart racing as he swallowed down a lump in his throat. Markus wearily eyed his friend as Bobby fought to say the words that needed to be said. After sitting in silence for a few moments, he finally gathered the courage to tell them.
"Markus and Brady we need to talk. We may know where Brooklyn and Castiel are. Have either one of you heard of the Nightingale?" Both men absently shook their heads as Bobby nodded his before continuing on.
"For a while now, hunters had been vanishing without a trace across the country and we didn't know how or why. Well a few months ago one the hunters in Tennessee informed us of this place. Very hush hush, not too many knew about its existence. Anyways, when angels and others such as Wiccans started to go missing, all signs were pointing towards the Nightingale."
"Bobby! Spill it out, please!?" Brady pleaded with desperation in his eyes.
"The Nightingale is run by an Elder Vampire named Colin. It's an auction house. We suspect the missing angels and others have wound up here and are being sold to the highest bidders" Bobby saw the anger and shock that lit up the men's faces. Brady shot up with rage in his eyes.
"An auction house?! Who the fuck buys them!?"
"Do you really need me to answer that Brady?" Bobby asked as Brady realized the horrid truth. His best friend was going to be sold like a commodity to some sick evil bastard and do whatever they wanted to her. Markus grabbed Brady pulling him back down on the couch. Markus knew Brady wanted to go to Tennessee and get Brook, but they needed a plan. Just then the door swung open and shut as Dean and Tariel had finally arrived. Bobby quickly looked away unable to meet Dean's sharp green eyes.
"Not everyone speak up at once" Dean said as he saw the somber faces. "Someone wanna tell me what the Hell is going on here?" Bobby stood forcing himself to meet Dean's worried expression.
"Sit down, son" Bobby said clasping a hand on his shoulder guiding the hunter and his angel to the chair.
"Bobby, man, come on spill it" Dean pleaded as Bobby took a deep breath trying to find the best way to break the news to him.
"We may have located Brooklyn and Castiel. We need to head to Tennessee, like yesterday."
Dean knew Bobby was tip toeing around the real issue at hand. He felt his frustration rapidly rising as he fought to keep it in check.
"Bobby, please, tell me!" At this point Dean was one level below yelling as Bobby realized there was no point in hiding it any longer.
"Dean, I'm not sure how to tell you this but we think Brooklyn and Castiel are at a place called the Nightingale. It's an auction house that caters to the Other side" Dean cut him off.
"A what!? NO!!! No it can't be!" Tariel grabbed Dean holding him as he started to shake uncontrollably. They had to find them before they were lost for good! Tariel looked over at Bobby praying what he said wasn't true. Bobby could only look with sadness as Tariel got her answer.
"Dean, we will find them. You need to have faith" her voice firm and her hazel eyes showed determination and certainty. She wasn't going to lose anymore brethren especially when it was Brook and Cas.
Brady leapt up racing to his room throwing clothes and his toiletries in his bag. "What are we standing here for!?" He yelled racing out the door. Markus quickly gathered up his own things soon joining the others outside. The Impala and truck sped towards Louisville as Dean hoped they wouldn't be too late.
Matthias opened the door as two new demons followed behind him. He turned towards the dark haired woman pointing at Brooklyn.
"Alexis, take the female angel and have her cleaned up for tonight. Marcos, you take the other angel and see to it he is readied as well." The demons nodded as they approached the sleeping angels. Brooklyn woke up to see them inching towards her and Castiel. Immediately she moved her body from his ready to fight. Alexis, the female demon, tackled Brooklyn touching the collar around her neck. She cried out feeling pain shoot through her draining her of any will to fight or resist. Alexis merely picked her up around the waist taking her down the corridor. Castiel had awakened to his angel's screams of pain only to see her being taken away from him. He felt himself jolt up to stop the demon from carrying her away but was stopped by Marcos, the other demon. He sneered at the angel as Castiel desperately tried to reach Brooklyn. Marcos slammed him against the wall wrapping his large hand around the metallic collar. The angel's ears rang as his vision went black at the demon's touch feeling the pain course through his body.
"I'm in charge here, angel" Marcos growled in his ear as Castiel lost all will at the demon's touch. Darius was a bloody genius when he came up with this way to keep the angels in line seeing how these little babies bound an angel's power rendering them useless. And when they tried to fight back a very uncomfortable charge shocked them but not harming them.
Castiel felt his body being hoisted over Marcos's shoulder as the demon took the angel down the corridor, one step closer to what appeared to be an inevitable fate.
Brooklyn felt herself being lowered onto a bench as Alexis began removing her clothing. Brooklyn fought against the demon's invasive hands but was no match for the powerful dark magic that controlled her. She felt the manacles being removed from her wrists as the female demon turned to remove her shirt and bra. Brooklyn felt exposed and vulnerable in this state with her soul crying out for Castiel as she shivered and felt the tears welling in her perfect grey eyes until they rolled down her face and onto the floor. Alexis felt no sympathy for the angel as she knew that when she was human, Brooklyn was responsible for the countless deaths of her sisters and brothers. This was sweet revenge as far as the demon was concerned.
"Up" she commanded coldly. Brooklyn rose as Alexis led her by the elbow to a second room which housed a shower and towels already placed out. This was it. It was auction day.
Alexis pushed Brooklyn ahead of her into the room which was warm but its appearance was deceiving as to what its purpose was. Brooklyn eyed the room feeling alone and cold inside. Alexis spun her around so their eyes met. Brooklyn could see the undying hatred and malice in the demon's eyes as they remained locked together.
"Colin says you need to be cleaned up. Get in there and clean up" she barked at the angel. Brooklyn eyes narrowed until they were slits throwing back the emotions Alexis had shown her but moments ago.
"Are you deaf, Ravenwood?! I said get your angelic ass in there and clean up. I will not tell you again" the tone in Alexis' voice turned menacing as Brooklyn stood there still defiant.
"Make me, demon" she retorted seeing the demon's face turning red with anger as her eyes flashed coal black. Alexis reached out grabbing her neck sending sharp jolts of energy through her. Brooklyn's legs buckled as the pain became unbearable. She collapsed to the floor in a naked heap at Alexis' feet. The demon grinned seeing how much pain Brooklyn was in. But she had to get this damn angel ready and she wasn't about to endure Colin's wrath. Again. Alexis grabbed Brooklyn roughly by the arm bringing her to her feet as she dragged the angel towards the shower.
Alexis started the water making sure it wouldn't burn the angel's skin before shoving her in. Brooklyn stood there as the hot water cascaded over her. She heard the demon's voice over the water.
"Time's ticking, Ravenwood, I would seriously suggest you get cleaned up."
Brooklyn looked to find the body wash and sponge sitting on the shelf as she started to wash her body. Her tears mixed with the soap and water as she washed her face. She felt so alone without her angel beside her. Her thoughts wandered to him as she continued to clean herself up. She didn't realize he was on the other side of the wall being subjected to the same treatment as she.
Castiel had put up a fight with Marcos every step of the way until Marcos once again sent the all too familiar waves of pain through him. He had to stop or Jason would surely suffer a great deal so he relented to Marcos as the demon quickly and effortlessly stripped him down tossing his clothing aside. He removed the manacles before pulling him towards the showers.
"Get moving, angel" Marcos commanded as Castiel felt his body obey the demon and step in the shower. The steady rush of water ran over him as he thought about Brooklyn. He had half expected her to be there lathering his waiting body with those gentle hands but found himself alone. He fought to feel her soul but failed to as the walls were blocking him from sensing her. He fought back the overwhelming sadness and tears as he washed his body and hair trying to block out the pain. His mind drifted back to happier times when they would bathe one another and revel in the presence of the other. How he would hold her tight against his body feeling the heat of her body. And of the many times they had made love in the shower whispering words of love and undying devotion. He could only pray that they would be reunited.
The demons had laid out what it was they were to wear for the evening's events as Colin liked to treat his customers to well groomed and dressed angels and beings. He always made the final inspection before they were brought out for to be paraded for the sea of buyers.
As Brooklyn finished drying her body and hair, Alexis had laid out a smoke grey silk gown with spaghetti straps and matching undergarment. Brooklyn wearily eyed the undergarment seeing there was very little left to the imagination. Then again, that was the idea. Alexis watched as the angel dressed in the gown and garment. Her auburn hair cascaded down her neck reaching her shoulders in layers. Once she was cleaned and dressed, Alexis once again dragged Brooklyn down the hall with her wrists bound together. Her heart raced as she hoped she would see her angel. She couldn't bear the thought of being separated from him. Her soul had continued to cry out to him as she was led down the hall and finally to the door at the end.
Alexis swung the door open leading the angel by the elbow. Brooklyn's eyes went wide with shock as she saw who else was there as well.
"Raphael! Gabriel!" She cried out as Alexis roughly grabbed her and seating her down on a long bench.
"Easy on the manhandling, Xena" she spat out as Alexis hooked her bound wrists to a chain connected to the floor. She noted that the Archangels were bound just as she was. A tsunami of mixed emotions washed over seeing her beloved brethren well and alive. But no Castiel. Gabriel watched his daughter become racked with sadness as her angel was nowhere to be seen. Brooklyn lowered her head not wanting the Archangels to see her pain and tears.
The door swung open as Marcos dragged Castiel in. Brooklyn looked up through her red and puffy eyes to see her angel before her. Relief washed over her as Marcos pushed Castiel down beside her locking his manacles to the floor.
"Cas…" she whispered not caring if the tears were rolling down her face for all to see. Her angel looked heartbroken as they sat there in silence. Brooklyn stretched her hand pleading with her eyes for her angel to do the same. The Archangels watched as the angels clasped hands pressing their foreheads together as they were reunited.
The Impala and truck raced across the New Mexico desert only stopping for food. But even then it was drive through as they pressed onward hoping to make it to Tennessee by tomorrow. They would take turns driving the vehicles so everyone rested or something that resembled rest. Brady and Markus would each drive then trade off with Bobby and Dean at night.
"We have to find them, Markus. We just have to" Dean said as his voice was strained from exhaustion and melancholy. The steel blue eyed hunter looked at the weary hunter. He knew Dean still loved his daughter as she still loved him but they had found new loves but would always have a place in their hearts for each other. He had been angry at first with Dean for breaking Brooklyn's heart but he saw Dean truly did love her and that something else was responsible for their misery; Markus gave the man another chance and came to love him like another son.
It was at Amarillo they stopped to break and change drivers. Markus knew Dean was nervous about letting him drive his baby but his fears soon subsided as Markus treated her with kid gloves. Brady drove Bobby's truck as the older man was lulled into a restless sleep.
Ok everyone! Next chapter up soon! Thank you again to everyone that is following this story!