Chapter 10: The End Game
Sam watched with a heavy heart as Michael faced down Gabriel. This was like one of his worst nightmares come true. He couldn't bare to watch them tear each other apart so he turned away, instead focusing on the injured angel next to him.
"Cas how are you holding up?" Sam asked quietly.
The dark haired angel shook his head. "I'll be fine. My injuries are already healing."
"Your wing is still bleeding." Dean said suddenly. "Gabriel is one mean bastard."
Castiel shook his head as Dean began wrapping his injured wing. "That is not really Gabriel. He is lost in Crowley's spell of servitude. Gabriel's will is not his own."
"I think I got the bleeding to stop." Bobby said tying off the bandage around the angel's chest. "How the hell did you summon Michael?"
"I didn't. Lucifer gave me a necklace. One of the charms broke when Gabriel cut me and Michael appeared. If I'm right then the other one will bring us more help when we need it." Castiel said, wincing as he watched Gabriel began to slice Michael apart. "Michael isn't trying. He doesn't want to hurt Gabriel that same way Gabriel wasn't trying to hurt me."
"Well he's certainly pissing Gabe off." Dean said. "This isn't good. What's Michael thinking? Gabe's carving him up like a Thanksgiving turkey."
"Michael's trying to appeal to Gabriel. He's trying to override the spell."
"Will it work?" Bobby asked watching as Michael landed a solid blow on the youngest archangel's leg.
"I don't know. I can't tell from here." Castiel admitted.
Michael suddenly looked their way. "Castiel now! Break the other one! We need to get-"
Castiel smashed the second crystal to the ground torn between watching Gabriel and Michael, and watching the blinding white smoke. One large blinding white wing emerged from the smoke followed closely by a second before they flapped, clearing it away. Sam scrambled back a bit as Lucifer appeared from the smoke. His blue eyes took in the three hunters and the injured angel before turning to find Michael, pinned to a beam by Gabriel.
"Michael you idiot!" The Devil spat as his blade appeared.
The Fallen took off at a run and vanished, reappearing before Gabriel. He kicked the youngest archangel hard, sending him flying into the air before he stuck one of the roof supports. Sam nearly gagged at hearing his boyfriend's body snap at the contact. Sam turned away, flinching as he heard Gabriel hit the ground, tears filling his eyes.
"Lucifer!" Came the dark tone that had Sam's heart clenching; Gabriel didn't even sound like himself anymore.
"I'd stay down if I were you Gabriel. I don't want to have to kill you again." Lucifer said.
Crowley let out a growl as he glared down at the angel at his feet. "What are you waiting for?!" The demon snapped. "An invitation?! Get up and kill them!"
Lucifer let out a chuckle. "You'll have to give Gabriel a minute to two to heal before he can move. I just broke his back. Since I have injured to attend to as well, how about we call a truce? Ten minutes. Just to take care of injuries."
The King of Hell nodded. "Ten minutes it is."
Lucifer turned and headed for his older brother. "Hey Sam come give me a hand."
Sam cast a glance at Gabriel before he rushed to help Lucifer. The Devil was examining the blade that was pinning his older brother to the beam. Sam stopped a few feet away, trying to focus on anything but the sounds of bones snapping behind him as his boyfriend's body healed. The hunter felt sick.
"Sam get on Michael's other side and support him. I need to get him down." Lucifer said.
Sam went and stood on the other side of the oldest archangel and held him steady. "Michael. You okay? How's Adam?"
"Adam's fine. He's asleep. I didn't want him awake for this battle." Michael said, letting out a yelp as Lucifer yanked the blade from his shoulder. "Really Lucifer? You couldn't have warned me?"
Lucifer smiled. "Where's the fun in that? You healing okay?"
Michael nodded, leaning heavily against Sam but his blue eyes were locked on something across the room. "Lucifer. Look."
Lucifer turned to see what had his brother's attention. Gabriel had made it to his elbows and knees, his shirt riding up. The Devil felt the bile rise in his throat as he saw what had captured the First Born's attention. Dark hand shaped bruises were clearly visible on their younger brother's hips, the marks dark enough to reveal where each finger had been. Lucifer had to turn away suddenly, drawn back by the sound of Michael questioning his vessel's health as the hunter had turned away and began to throw up.
Lucifer turned and caught Dean's gaze the eldest Winchester rushed over, putting a hand on his brother's back. "Sammy? Sammy are you okay? What happened?"
"Look at Gabriel." Michael said softly. "He has bruises on his hips. That demon took liberties with him."
Dean's eyes went wide as he glanced over at the blonde archangel who was finally managing to get to his feet, the archangel's shirt falling to hide the bruises once more. The eldest Winchester's gaze went from shocked to pissed in a matter of seconds. He turned to look at Lucifer and the message was clear. Dean wanted the King of Hell dead yesterday. The hunter reached down and helped his brother to his feet just as Lucifer helped Michael. Bobby met the brothers and began assessing Michael first and began cleaning up the blood and bandaging the worst wounds.
As Dean sat Sam down next to Castiel he turned to Lucifer. "What's your plan?"
Lucifer turned to look at the hunter. "What makes you think I have a plan?"
Dean shrugged. "Michael had one."
The Fallen laughed. "And that would be why Gabriel beat him. Gabriel is a tactician. He can run circles around the best laid plan and leave you wondering what happened. I'm the only one that Gabriel was never able to beat because I never made a plan. I trust my instincts to fight not a plan."
"So what are you going to do?" Sam asked, the hunter still pale and shaky.
Lucifer turned to glance at Gabriel and Crowley. "I'm going to try and get my brother back. The spell seems to be affecting Gabriel worse then anything I've heard of before. I'm not going to lie, I don't know if it's possible to break the spell at this point of not. His eyes are red. That means that he's not in control anymore."
Sam turned to look at his boyfriend, seeing those red eyes staring at them, promising a world of pain. "We...We can't save him can we?" Sam asked, his voice cracking as he turned back to the group.
Lucifer turned to face his vessel, his face serious. "I don't know but you can be damn sure that I am going to try. I've failed Gabriel too many times already to give up now."
Sam nodded. "Thank you."
"Lucifer be careful." Michael said. "Gabriel isn't afraid of using everything he knows."
"Don't forget he learned all his tricks from me." Lucifer said. "My only worry is his archangel blade. I don't feel like dying today."
"He doesn't have his archangel blade." Castiel said using his Grace to help with Michael's injuries. "He only has his standard angel blade."
Michael frowned at that. "Did that demon take it?"
"He gave it to me." Sam said, showing the Second Born the blade that was still hidden up his sleeve. "He said...To use it as a last resort."
Lucifer let out a vivid curse that had the First Born scolding him. "Gabriel must know that we don't have many options. He gave you the only thing that could kill him. I'm not sure if he planned this or if Gabriel knew this was going to happen. Either way we have an advantage."
"You think Gabriel knew that he was going to end up getting his brain scrambled by Crowley?" Dean asked in disbelief.
"He probably didn't know it would come to this but Gabriel most likely knew that Crowley was planning something or else he never would have parted with his blade." Michael said. "Our archangel blades are the only things that can kill us. Each of our blades are tied to our Grace. That's why it's so hard to kill an archangel."
Lucifer suddenly stood a bit straighter. "Times up. Wish me luck." The Devil said moving away from the group and towards the center of the warehouse.
Crowley whispered something to Gabriel and the archangel nodded before going to meet his brother. Lucifer watched as Gabriel came forward, summoning his blade to his hand as he did so. Lucifer gave him a smirk, relaxing his body and making the Fourth Born frown as he was unable to read anything into the stance. Instead Lucifer tossed his own blade from hand to hand, watching those red eyes.
"You know I have to say Gabriel I don't like the red eyes. It clashes horribly with your hair." Lucifer said. "I think I liked them better when they were gold."
Gabriel let out a snarl and rushed at the Devil only to have Lucifer side step him. As he went past he gave his younger brother a boot to the ass for good measure. The younger angel barely managed to catch himself before he fell over and turned to look at the taller angel with hatred. Lucifer gave him a sweet smile.
"Something wrong Gabby?" He asked, knowing how Gabriel hated the nickname.
"Watch your words Devil!" Gabriel snapped. "I am-"
"A bit shorter then I remember you being. Your last vessel was taller." Lucifer said, his blue eyes taking stock of his brother. "Yup. Definitely shorter."
"Trying to rile me up Lucifer?" Gabriel asked, his eyes almost glowing red. "It won't work. Before this night is through I am going to hold your heart in my hands and watch as the light dies from your eyes Satan."
"Don't think so." Lucifer said. "I just got Nick fixed so his body can handle me. This is my vessel now. Much the way that one is yours."
Gabriel charged his older brother again and Lucifer not only easily blocked the blow but countered it as well sending the younger angel to the ground. Blue eyes locked with red and Lucifer smirked at the rage that was clear on his younger brother's face. Gabriel stood slowly and dusted himself off before turning and going over to Crowley and kneeling before the demon, his head bowed low.
The King of Hell locked eyes with Lucifer even as he reached out and began petting Gabriel's hair. "Since you seem to be enjoying yourself how about we make a deal?"
"A deal huh?" Lucifer said, eyeing the King of Hell.
"Yeah. I'll walk away, letting everyone live. You'll never have to see me again. This nasty business can all be over and no one else has to get hurt."
"And in exchange?" The Devil asked, tilting his head to look at the demon.
"I keep my new pet."
Lucifer went silent and seemed to think about the offer.
"He's not serious is he?" Dean asked turning to look at Michael. "Tell me Lucifer isn't seriously thinking about saying yes to this douche bag."
"No." Michael said softly. "Crowley wants to play so Lucifer is playing right back. That demon is about to find out that the hard way that you don't play games with the Devil."
Lucifer suddenly smiled and began meandering around the area, slowly circling the two. "That is a nice offer. Very lovely. I'm touched by your moving gesture. However, I don't like the clause in it so here's my counter offer. You let Gabriel go, and maybe I won't rip you to shreds on the grounds of touching my brother without his permission."
Crowley seemed to falter at that. "What makes you think it wasn't willing? He practically jumped me when I offered him sex."
"The fact that the bruises on his hips prove that you were taking him from behind. Gabriel hates that position almost as much as he hates his nickname." Lucifer said with a smirk. "It just doesn't give him any pleasure."
Crowley gave the Devil a nod. "Time for me to go then."
"You aren't going anywhere. My baby brother Castiel did a very good job of warding this place. You are stuck in a nice big Devil's Trap and can't leave that meat suit of yours." Lucifer said with a shrug. "Sorry about your luck. So are you going to release Gabriel?"
The Scotsman adjusted his tie nervously and reached into the pocket of his suit and pulled out a single blood stained feather and dropped it to the ground where it burst into flame leaving behind a scorched imprint. "Happy?"
"The others."
Crowley let out a snarl and dropped two more to the ground. "Satisfied?"
Lucifer face was hard and his eyes cold. "Do I look stupid to you? Our wings are our Grace in this plain. I can sense the feathers on you. All of them. Now."
There was a gleam in the demon's eyes as he reached into his suit and pulled out two long primary feathers, the gold barely visible under at the crimson staining. "This is what you want then is it?"
"I should have known you had his primary feathers. Your control over Gabriel was far stronger then it should have been, even for a demon like you." The blonde said. "Now drop them."
"Certainly." Crowley said. "After my pet does what he's supposed to."
Lucifer barely had time to react as Gabriel lashed out, his blade biting into the Devil's calf. Gabriel whispered a spell and a blinding light filled the warehouse. Lucifer heard Michael counter the spell and as his eyes adjusted once more he was met with Crowley's smirk. Hearing Dean let out a curse he turned to find Gabriel standing over Sam, the hunter's arms pinned behind his back with one hand while Gabriel's other hand held his angel blade to the hunter's throat.
"Sorry. I didn't like your counter offer." Crowley said. "Let me go and I won't kill the moose."
Dean pulled out his gun and pointed it at the demon but Michael grabbed his arm. "Shoot Crowley and he might order Gabriel to kill him. Trust us Dean. Please. Let Lucifer handle this."
"That's my brother that asshole is threatening." Dean growled.
"And he's using our brother to do it." Michael reminded him gently. "We'll get through this."
Sam carefully twisted, feeling the cold metal against his neck, until he was able to see his boyfriend's face. "Gabe...Gabe please..."
Those red eyes tore themselves away from Crowley and Lucifer and looked down at Sam. The angel shook his head, his eyes closing and when they opened the red had faded slightly from them. Sam felt his heart leap at the sight. Maybe he could reach Gabriel. Casting a glance he made sure that Crowley was focused firmly on Lucifer before turning back to the youngest archangel.
"Gabriel please. I know you're in there somewhere." Sam whispered. "Please. I love you Gabe."
The red faded until his eyes were more of an orange color, the gold and red blending to create a new shade. "S-Sam..."
"Yeah. It's me. Gabe I'm sorry." Sam whispered, tearing up but not wanting to let them fall in case the order was given to kill him. "No matter what happens Gabriel know that I love you."
Gabriel's eyes slammed shut and his grip tightened on Sam's wrists but the blade at the brunette's throat wavered and slowly lowered. "Sam...my blade...please..."
The hunter shook his head. "No. We can still save you. Please Gabriel. Don't make me do this."
Blood streamed from the archangel nose once more. "He's ordered me...Please don't let me kill you. Don't let me."
Gabriel suddenly shoved Sam forward and away from him. The youngest Winchester fell forward, catching himself while sliding the archangel blade into his hand. Gabriel stood still, his eyes flickering between colors. He took a shaking step forward as Sam got to his feet, archangel blade in hand. Sam couldn't stop his tears as the red finally won over the gold. Time seemed to slow as Gabriel charged him and the two went rolling.
When they broken apart Dean and Michael where there, helping pull Sam to feet while Castiel stood guard. Sam shook them off however and was staring at his boyfriend, his whole body shaking. Gabriel was standing opposite to them, his face pale, as he swayed dangerously. His angel blade fell from his hand to hit the floor and Crowley's yell of denial echoed in the warehouse.
"Sam you-" Michael started, his eyes fixed on the Fourth Born.
"No. He... Gabriel snatched the blade from my hand. He did it to himself. I couldn't stop him." Sam said brokenly. "I couldn't stop him."
Gabriel was taking slow, deep breaths, his body tense. His eyes were gold once more as they stared at his blade, which was embedded in his own chest once more. A small trail of blood came from the corner of his mouth to join the rest of the blood decorating his face from his nose bleed. Pulling his eyes away from the blade, Gabriel looked up and locked his eyes with Sam's own green.
"Sam..."
Sam shoved past the two angels and his brother and rushed to his boyfriend. Gabriel reached out a fisted a hand into Sam's jacket as soon as the hunter was close enough to reach. Sam's hands shook as he clutched at the archangel, helping lower him to his knees as they gave out, places kisses on his face even as the angel let out a pained gasp. Gabriel's head fell forward to rest on his hunter's chest, even as his free hand clutched at Sam's tightly.
"Gabe...Gabe please..."
"Sorry Sam. I couldn't..."
"Why did you do it?!" Sam asked.
Gabriel lifted his head to stare at the human, his eyes gold but still with traces of red in them. "I did it because...I would rather die then let you get hurt because of me Sam."
"Gabe I..." Sam stopped his voice cracking. "You shouldn't-"
"I did it because I love you Sam." Gabriel said with a choked laugh. "I love you Sam Winchester and I'm sorry it took me so long to say it."
"You didn't have to-I knew it already-Gabriel please..." Sam begged. "Just let me...Let me get Michael or Lucifer. Lucifer! Lucifer!"
Gabriel shook his head. "It's okay Sam. But I need a favor. I shouldn't ask but..."
Sam was confused until Gabriel guided his hand to the blade, still embedded in the angel's chest. "If I pull it out you'll die! Just let me get-"
"Sam...I can't get free unless it ends. I'm...I'm asking you...Please help me..." Gabriel whispered. "I'm not...I'm not strong enough to finish the job. I'm too weak."
Sam gave Gabriel a teary eyed smile as he helped his boyfriend grip the blade. "I love you."
"I love you too Sam. Just don't give up on me. I promise I'll be back for you." Gabriel panted out. "I. Love. You."
Sam couldn't stop the harsh sob that was ripped from him as he helped slam the blade home. Light poured from the angel as his Grace burnt out. The angel's body fell back, his wings burnt onto the cement and his halo was there as well. Sam couldn't help but stare at the body of his boyfriend, laying on the cold cement, his eyes open but blank and staring, the gold in them fading away until all that was left was a dull hazel. Sam barely felt it as hands and wings settled on his body, all he knew was that the love of his life, his angel, was dead.
