Chapter 8: A fate worse than Death..."
So, here is chapter 8! I hope that you'll enjoy!
Special thanks to my great beta-reader '''Geekyfangirl131" for checking the chapter out!
Warning: Mention of past torture (Dean's time in Hell) It's nothing graphic, but still, it's there.
Off we go!
THEN...
"The answer is no. I refuse to kneel before you. I am not, and will never again be, your bitch. Now get done with it. Kill us both, come on." Sam uttered, voice wavering. Lucifer's face was unreadable for a few moments, and everything were silent. But then, a smile was painted across his face, a very promising smile. A smile which resembled a poker player's, who had just picked up one more ace in his hand...
The game was not yet over... In fact, it had just begun.
'Dear Sammy... In all your cleverness, you're still naive. You haven't learned a thing from our time together, have you? What a shame... You should know, Sammy, that death, is not the only ace up my sleeve. And there are fates far worse than death, of that, I assure you. It's high time you learn that one can break an opponent by means other than killing him, or what he loves the most... Let's see, will you understand your lesson this time?' Lucifer's lips turned upwards as these thoughts flooded his mind. It was time for the real game to begin.
"Well... I have to admit that, I never expected this turn of events." Lucifer said, careful to mask the amusement in his voice. "You still have aces up your sleeve Sam. That's why I've always liked you so much." The Devil continued, and in a blink of an eye he released Dean from his hold. The green eyed man fell on the floor and started coughing repeatedly, as he gasped for air. Mary's eyes flew open and she got on her feet, rushing towards her first born. "What are you doing?" Sam questioned, watching as Lucifer started walking away from Dean and towards him.
"I admire you, Sam. You still have balls, after all." Lucifer said, locking his eyes with Sam's. "As for what I am doing, I am rewarding you for your effrontery." He muttered, moving past Sam, heading towards the dark corner from which he had crawled out of. "Besides..." He rasped, and with a movement of his hand, all three of the Winchesters froze in place. "I told your brother you would come to me willingly and I have to be honest, I didn't give you much of a choice." "Lucifer just get done with it-" But Mary's raspy call was cut off, as the Devil turned back around, emerging from the shadows for yet another time. Only this time, he was holding something in his hands. "What is this, a suitcase?" Mary asked, irony in her voice.
"Hush, mama Mary, you're distracting me." The Devil said angrily. Mary fell silent, but turned her gaze on Dean, who gasped in terror. "Do you know what this is, Sam?" Lucifer questioned, eyeing the suitcase. "No." Was all the young hunter replied. "Do you know who it belonged to?" "Is this some kind of game?" Sam spat, annoyance clear in his voice. "Oh, but no, dear Sam... This is the choice I'm about to give you. You can walk out of here, along with mommy dearest. But Dean stays-" "No-" "He stays, for an hour and a half. He stays here, with me, and this suitcase. Then, you can come back here and collect him. I swear, I won't kill him." Lucifer explained, eyes fixed on Sam.
"Whatever you want, it has to do with me, so he stays out of it-" "You refused me, Sam. Again. You don't want us to go to the prom together, I get it. So, I moved on. And I am giving you a choice here, a good deal. No one will die. You will walk out and so will she-" At that point, Lucifer's gaze fell on Mary. "And eventually, so will Dean." "You won't touch him-" "No, I will not touch him. I will use him, Sam. I will make him my new, improved bitch. He will be a better partner than you have ever been, and to be honest-" The phrase was cut off however, as Sam lashed out on his tormentor, pushing him backwards with such force, that it took Lucifer by surprise. The impact made the suitcase slip from his hand and crush on to the concrete floor loudly.
Only then did Sam, who had grabbed Lucifer by the collar of his leather jacket, see the markings around the case. Ancient runes, in a language Sam had seen once before, were now surrounding the suitcase. Sam narrowed his eyes, trying to remember where he had seen those runes before, but it was futile. The letters started glowing, and Sam managed to make out one word, one name, to be precise, which made his heart stop. This couldn't be... "Where did you get that?" Dean croaked, voice distant. "Oh, this? After Sam killed Alistair, I made sure to assemble his belongings, things he really enjoyed using." Lucifer explained, smiling wickedly. He then pushed Sam backwards, freeing himself from the hunter's hold.
"When Crowley locked me in that cage, I asked for some fellow demons to search the place for the suitcase. Luckily, Crowley had stored it in a dusty corner and after I got free, I took it with me." "So, this is Alistair's... Toolbox?" Mary rasped, shaking. "Yeah, you can call it a tool box. The catch is, however, that only a few beings, chosen by Alistair himself, can open the case." He continued, eyeing Mary, who seemed lost. "I am one of them. Azazel was another one... Oh, and Dean, you can open the case as well, am I right?" The Devil questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Dean remained silent, as his mind was putting the pieces together. Lucifer had turned the tide in his favor yet again. There were only a handful of things Dean was afraid of, but those tools, were one of them. Should Lucifer subject him into relentless torments using those tools, then Dean was sure he wouldn't last. But that was fine by him. Those tools had stained and molded his soul, they had made him a sinner. It only seemed fair to meet his end like this. And if by dying, he could ensure Sam would live, then things were even better. And the vow? The promise they had made that night? The seal was one of blood and love, how could he break it?
All of a sudden, Lucifer's cold, hard voice echoed in the bunker, bringing Dean back to the present. "So, here is your choice Sam... Take your mother, walk out the door as a free man, and come back one and a half hour later to pick your brother up. I assure you, he will still be alive. Damaged... But alive." Lucifer said, turning his gaze on Sam once again. When all Sam did was to remain silent, Lucifer shrugged and with a wave of his hand, he threw Dean on the wall, hands above his head. "Dean!" Mary yelled, but Lucifer cut her off. "I'll take your silence as consent. Wise choice, Sam. Wise choice." The disappointment in the Archangel's voice was clear. Dean moaned as he felt his ribs cracking, but drew in a collective breath and managed to utter a few words. "Sammy... Go, you have got to go. You'll come back for me, okay?" Dean croaked, but Sam remained silent, unable to move.
"Sammy, you have to go, take mom and get the hell out of here!" Dean said again, voice now sharper than before, commanding, urgent. But all Sam could do, was to look at that suitcase, eyes fixed on the burning runes, which were reflected even brighter in his watery hazel gaze. "Sam! Do as I say!" Dean rasped, as he beheld Lucifer moving towards his brother and the suitcase. At the sound of those words, Sam jerked visibly, eyes widening. It was as if someone had electrocuted him, for he gasped in anguish.
"Wow, using dad's ways, aren't you, Dean?" Lucifer pointed out, making Mary's eyes fly open. "Oh, don't be so surprised, mama Mary. They were indeed, trained like soldiers. They have always followed orders." Lucifer explained, amused, as he beheld the woman waving her head in refusal. "So, I think we have wasted more than enough time talking nonsense…" The fallen angel announced, as he extended his hand, taking a hold of the suitcase. "If you don't wish to leave, then be my guest, stay here and watch…" The Devil pointed out, turning his eyes on Dean, who was failing to control his breathing. "Reserare[1]." Lucifer rasped in a low, yet firm voice.
The sound of gears and wheels turning, was then heard, and Lucifer swiftly placed his left hand bellow the suitcase, holding it at the level of his sternum. The suitcase was all of a sudden engulfed in flames, along with Lucifer's hand, but the fallen angel made no move to pull it away. On the contrary, he carefully placed his right hand on the top of the case, letting it dive in the small lake of swirling fire. The tips of his fingers were touching the burning metal and the flames had now risen up to the level of his eyes.
Mary took a few unsteady steps backwards, and was now standing only a few inches away from Dean. She inhaled loudly, when Lucifer let out a triumphant yell. "I summon thee, come forth, for your Master calls!" With those words, the suitcase finally opened, revealing shiny, well preserved and wisely chosen items, which made Mary freeze. Scalpels, small hooks, spiky lashes, shackles, iron bars which could be secured around one's neck so as to make breathing almost impossible, knives, burning stamps… Shivering, Mary let her gaze linger on some small bottles and a syringe, which were carefully placed in a separate section of the case.
The flames were slowly dying out, revealing Lucifer's burning eyes as they did so. There was something twisted in those eyes, Mary was sure of it. With slow, steady steps, Lucifer moved towards Dean and Mary, placing the, now open, suitcase, on the nearby desk. The runes which were encircling the suitcase, had now begun to lose their shine, but were still visible to the naked eye. Lucifer turned his gaze on Dean, allowing his lips to crawl upwards. "What an irony… You know what each of those tools can do. You know what awaits you. That must be far worse than it was, when you first saw those tools." The Devil pointed out, well aware of the impact his words were having on Sam.
When no one uttered a word, Lucifer turned to Mary, who was still shaking, standing next to Dean. "Wondering what the runes say, aren't you, mama?" Mary remained silent, but stepped between the Devil and Dean, with her back on the latter. "Get away from my son." "I am only doing what Sam chose." Lucifer answered, and with a wave of his hand, the runes were elevated and were now floating mid-air. Mary could only stare at the symbols, bewildered. "Unfortunately, translating them in Latin, is the best I can do. Ancient Demon language cannot be translated in English, not even by me." The fallen angel explained dully. With a snap of his fingers, the ancient runes changed into understandable symbols and words, but still, Mary could not understand what they were saying.
Dean let out a gasp, making both Mary as well as Lucifer turn their gaze on him. Fiery letters were mirrored in his emerald green orbs and the older man had to lower his gaze, as memories flooded his mind. "Sam, go, leave, now…" Dean managed to croak out, his head still bowed. His voice, Sam noted, was filled with fear, and the young man could never recall a time when he had heard his brother sound so scared. It was these quivering whispers, that echoed loud in his mind, breaking through the veil of mist and numbness which had coated it. How could he allow this to happen? Dean had gone to Hell for his sake, he had undergone years of torture, and now, he was called to face those same torments which broke him in so many ways… 'How I feel? I wish I couldn't feel a thing. I wish I couldn't feel a damn thing, Sammy…' Sam drew in a sharp breath, as the echo of those words, which Dean had managed to utter in between tears all those years ago, was now all the young man could hear.
No, he couldn't let Dean do this. Sam couldn't allow Lucifer to tame his brother's beautiful soul. He had already allowed him to break his, to the point where Sam was driven mad by the sheer memories of what he had gone through. He couldn't stand it, if something similar was to happen to Dean. He opened his mouth to speak, but a low, devilish voice inside his head stopped him. 'Can you bear such a test? You're already broken beyond repair. Don't do this to yourself…' Sam shook his head as if trying to make those thoughts go away. But all he achieved, was for them to become even louder.
"Don't be stupid. What you're about to do is not brave, it is foolish to say the least. Lucifer will tear you apart, and after he's done, not even Dean will be able to pick up the pieces.' A low, yet sharp inhale made Sam's eyes fly open. Lucifer had turned his back on him, and was now heading towards Dean, a small knife in his grasp. Mary was shoved aside, but was unable to tear her gaze from the letters which were still floating in mid-air. "Those words are meant for Alistair, but since he's not here, I'll have to take his place…" Lucifer promised, taking yet another step towards Dean. Sam's watery gaze met the one of his brother, and Dean spoke, his voice cold, unforgiving.
"Sam, take mom and get the Hell out of here. That's an order." Sam froze at the sound of those words, and he was sure that it was his father who had uttered them, not Dean. 'Follow the order, don't be a fool!' The voice in Sam's head cried out, but Sam closed his eyes, willing for his mind to stop working. Everyone fell silent. Even Lucifer paused, turning towards Sam. Swallowing hard, Sam felt hot tears behind his closed eyelids. He tried his best to hold them back, but it was all futile. Following orders was pointless, surviving almost three months in isolation had been for nothing, for Lucifer was free after all. Allying with the Brits, was yet another mistake… God, what was the point in all this? Sam felt as if he was drowning in an ocean of his own mistakes. He couldn't breathe, there was not enough air…
'I'll get us out of here, Sam, I swear to you. I won't let us die in here, in this underground hole, like some kind of low life rats.' Dean had sworn when they were trying to get out of the bunker, a few hours earlier. His words had given strength to Sam, but what had taken him by surprise, was what Dean had done next. He had lowered himself to Sam's level, kneeling before him. He had taken in a deep breath, ignoring the sharp pain in his lungs, and had shielded his mouth over Sam's, giving him every molecule of precious oxygen as he exhaled in his mouth. Sam was stunned, but his numb body welcomed the gesture, and he could feel a sparkle of hope coming alive deep inside him. And as Dean repeated the procedure, gritting his teeth against the intense pain, Sam was sure that that sparkle was coming alive more and more, like a building fire.
Sam let the memory engulf him, he allowed himself a few more seconds of peace. He let the memory of Dean's lips on his own, be carved deep inside him, before taking in a deep breath, filling his lungs with oxygen, like Dean had done for him a while ago. His hazel eyes opened, and there was that very same fire Dean had started, burning within them. He had made up his mind. He knew he was a fool, not brave, but the line between foolishness and bravery is very thin, when love enters the game.
Sam lifted his gaze, and started walking towards Lucifer. He took yet another sharp breath and spoke, voice filled with pain and guilt, but steady and sure. "I was never good at following orders." He stated, not sure to whom this statement was addressed. "I have not been brave either, all I have ever been, is a fool. I've made the wrong choices, again and again, as I was unable to see what was right and what was wrong. I've failed the people I love…" Here, Sam paused, locking his gaze with Dean's. "And even though I've tried to make amends, tried to make things right, in the very end, the people I love end up getting hurt, and are forced to pick up my pieces, to put me back together." Sam's voice wavered, but he took yet another step towards Lucifer.
"So… I am so sorry, for all these times I've chosen wrongly. This time, however, I can see what is the right thing to do. What is the choice I must make." Sam halted, eyes flicking on the Latin text which was still floating mid-air. He cleared his throat and spoke, making sure to harden his expression, to put on his best poker face. Making sure to brace himself for what he knew was coming. His eyes fell on his mother, but Sam carefully avoided his brother's gaze, knowing well, that Dean would see right through his façade. Swallowing hard, he spoke, voice low.
"Fire burns as tears run, to flee he yearns, yet here he is banned.
Hooked to chains, he trembles as the One draws near.
Now nothing remains, of what he once held dear…"
Mary's eyes narrowed, as she beheld Sam moving with slow, even steps towards the Devil, his hazel eyes now fixed on the fiery letters which were still floating mid-air, right above the small pool of whiskey and the shards of the broken bottle.
"Nothing to save him from his fate, no one will come, now it's too late.
In the land of the damned he is now banished, and all hope has long been vanished."
Sam swallowed hard at that point, clenching his fingers into fists. He tried to get a glimpse of Dean, but the older hunter had averted his gaze, unable to look at Sam's figure. Sam, however, could tell that Dean was shaking. This was Lucifer's ultimate game… And Sam, had made his choice. A choice Lucifer seemed to have finally understood, for he ever so slowly turned his back on Dean, facing Sam. The younger man spoke again.
"Hear him cry, hear him moan, as he is viciously carved in stone.
Hear him yell, hear him scream, as his tormentor rays supreme."
Sam came to a halt as he reached the shards of glass and the pool of brown liquor. His voice trembled, his breathing was now labored and his eyes watery. Lucifer took a couple of steps to the side, moving past Mary. The Devil moved almost choreographically, his steps slow, steady, quiet. Sam was shaking, yet, he took in a deep breath and kept talking, voice wavering.
"And all hopes fade, for the ruler of the damned is here,
The one everyone fear.
The damned, they utter his name, the play his game.
They kneel before him, their humanity, they disclaim."
Lucifer's steps led him right before Sam, but Sam refused to look at those fiery orbs. On the contrary, his gaze was fixed on Dean, who had now raised his head, revealing the tears which had escaped his green eyes and were marking his cheeks. Mary eyed Sam questionably, but she turned around abruptly, as a pained shriek emerged Dean's throat. "No, Sam!" He cried out with all his might and Sam smiled inwardly. Dean could indeed see right through him.
Sam lowered his gaze, all the while swallowing hard. His eyes glanced over Lucifer to the last verse of the Latin text. The Devil stood straight, and was almost as tall as Sam. Mary couldn't utter a single word, as the two were now standing so close to one another, separated only by the pool of whiskey and the shards of broken glass which lay at their feet. Sam eyed the Latin text which was floating before his eyes again, speaking for the last time, translating the final verse.
"All values the damned forsake, and their soul,
now belongs to Alister to break...
No one from that land will ever, be saved..."
Sam's voice died then, and the Latin text dissolved in thin specks of dust as soon as Sam had uttered the last syllable. Now, all that was standing between Lucifer and Sam, was the shards of glass and pool of whiskey. To everyone's surprise, Sam moved passed the Devil with an elegant move, heading towards the wall Dean was pinned on. His eyes were teary, and he was shaking like a leaf. He reached Dean without glancing over his shoulder at Mary, who was a few feet away. His long hands caressed Dean's wet face, his long fingers lingered on Dean's dry lips.
"Sam, you fool, I gave you an order!" Dean rasped, but all Sam did was to smile sadly at his brother. Their eyes met, and Dean gasped at the amount of love Sam's hazel orbs held. Letting his hands fall from Dean's face, the younger man turned around, grabbed Mary, who yelped in surprise, and pushed her behind his own body. "Sam, what are you doing-" But Mary's question was covered by Dean's agonizing cry. "Sammy, don't! Sam!" But it was too late. Sam had taken a few steps towards Lucifer again, only this time, when they met face to face, separated by the pool of whiskey, it was Sam's large figure which was hiding Mary and Dean from Lucifer's piercing gaze. There, standing tall, a guard for those he loved the most, facing the ultimate threat. The Devil himself.
"Let them go." Sam uttered, bowing his head in a gesture of submission. His hazel eyes were looking right back at him, mirrored in the whiskey. "Oh, and why would I do that?" Lucifer asked, mockery in his voice. He was well aware he had won the game. "Because… I choose to be yours…" Sam croaked, taking a couple of steps backwards. Mary thought Sam was retreating, but what her son did next, made her heart break. "Because, I beg you to let my brother go…" Sam said, as he kneeled down before the Devil.
And Mary could only watch, as Sam, who was so proud and tall, sunk to his knees, his head bowed down as well. "I have madde this choice willingly…" Sam croaked out, shoulders shaking, tears falling down his cheeks, mixing with the whiskey. Lucifer smiled, letting his hand find Sam's chin, so as to raise the young man's head. "And what does this choice make you?" He questioned, his grip on Sam's chin tightening. Sam remained silent for a moment, letting his eyes flutter closed.
That was it. He was going to surrender himself, his body, his very own soul to Lucifer. There was no turning back. Opening his eyes, Sam inhaled and spoke, voice low, but clear. "Your bitch. That makes me what I'll always be… It makes me your bitch…" Sam croaked, and moaned as Lucifer pushed him backwards forcibly, while laughing minacity. Sam landed on the pool of whiskey and hissed loudly in pain, as his right forearm was torn by the sharp pieces of glass… Lucifer grabbed Sam by the hair and turned him around, so that he was looking at Dean.
The Devil snapped his fingers and Dean fell on the floor with a loud thud. Mary rushed to his side, but he pushed her away, and fought to get up on his feet, to get closer to Sam. "I told you Dean…" Lucifer said, smiling. "Sam would come to me willingly…" He continued, letting his lips find Sam's ear. "I'll kill you, I swear, if you touch him, I'll kill you!" Dean yelled, but his cries were met with Lucifer's amused face. "I'd like to see you try, Dean… I'd like to see you try…" He said, and with the small knife he was still holding in his hand, he tore Sam's cheek open, making him cry out in pain. Blood started dripping down marking the beginning of the most cruel revenge game to ever be played…
[1]According to Google, as well my great beta-reader, 'reserare' means 'open up' or 'unseal'
End of chapter 8...
A/N! So, here it ends! Loved it? Hated it? Let me know if you want!
Your awesome reviews keep me going! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment!
So, until next time,
Love you all,
Usagi!
