It had been one hell of a year for Crowley.
Demons normally didn't follow a set path. Everyone who thought differently, was an idiot. Sure, there were monarchs. Lucifer. Dean. They ruled and people followed orders given and passed down the chain of command. But most of the time, it was because the interests of the ruler also benefited demonkind as a whole.
So why really, was a King necessary?
Why was a monarch of Hell in general necessary? Heaven seemed to be doing just fine staying off the radar without Michael or without God. God. Who even knew where the big guy had been? Michael had been issuing out his own orders for the longest time.
Indeed, a God who let his world be condemned to this made everyone question the existence at all. Still, everything had to come from something, didn't it? Perhaps He was more like the demons the angels hate than everyone cared to realize. He simply did not care.
And He was probably hiding out. Good for him.
If only they could all afford that luxury.
He had just left the California State Prison. Why he was there, what he was doing there was no one's concern. He had been in out of this penitentiary on business for months and no one had stopped him.
Passing through realms was never easy. You had to pass through Dimensional Doors. And they always required payment. Crowley tried to restrict his mortal realm activity so he didn't have to do this so often. But alas, being the acting leader of Hell's army was never easy.
Of course he didn't ask to be the "acting leader". It was simply passed down on him when many demons came to him for guidance. He was older. Experienced. But just because a handful of demons were coming to him now didn't make him King...
But it sure felt like it.
In a short span of time, he had changed Hell. The First Circle was always called Pride because it embodied Lucifer's pride. A fitting title for such an arrogant ruler. It used to have a castle that looked more medieval than sinister. Now, it had a towering building that resembled a corporate building in the mortal realm with over thirty floors. It's not like there was a use for each floor.
But Imperials guarded each floor, each room. It was a good store for the souls that needed to be contained and tortured.
The top most floor was where Crowley went, passing the entrance hall where a towering golden statue of Lucifer was. If it had been up to him, he would have chosen one of Lucifer's less-than-great moments. Maybe while he was having his face trampled by Michael. But Lucifer's statue was a strict form on the throne with his knuckles under his chin, surveying any who looked upon him with promise.
It was a good representation of the old ways and a representation of what would never be again.
The hallway leading up to his office was different. You'd expect Lucifer's exploits at least. But the statue was as far as he went in regards to honoring the old king. Each painting represented Crowley instead. Some even had the title "Crowley, the Valiant" written on golden plaques at the end of them.
His office had more of them. It was a very lavish space with a desk and large leather bound chair in front of a wall-sized window that allowed a perfect view of what was going on below. If anyone was ignorant of where they were..it looked like a normal city was below.
With permanent black skies above.
Crowley kept various trinkets from his travels. Most of these were his own, some of these were not. But his most prized possession was held on a high shelf. Still spotted with old blood, the Sword of the King. This was a special black sword that followed the worthy king. Before he had fallen into the ninth circle, Dean had possession of this sword, but his death gave it to no one. Not even Crowley. It could only be wielded by one of official royal status anyway.
It was very valuable to say the least. Many times during the passing months, Crowley debated selling it to a foolish human who would take it for what it looked like: a relic of an ancient past.
But not yet.
An Imperial entered his office with a serious look about him. "Sir, there's someone here to see you."
"Yes, I figured as much," Crowley sighed. "Angel, right? Send him through."
The Imperial nodded and went back, closing the door. Crowley leaned back in his chair after clearing his desk of any thing that might set off the angel. The angel hadn't changed much for someone who had seemingly been in hiding. Still wearing tan like it was the most popular style and double layers of clothing.
"Ah...Castiel, it's been a long time," said Crowley, letting the chair go back enough that it hit the window.
"I have never previously encountered you," said Castiel.
"No, but I've heard of you. Your reputation speaks for itself,"
"I suppose I should compliment the renovation," said Castiel, stepping inside. He looked around with barely concealed disgust.
"You don't have to, if you honestly dislike it," said Crowley dismissively.
"The castle was made of Dark Element. It's been here for centuries. How were you able to take it down?"
"Just because I cannot destroy it, does not mean it doesn't bend to heavy use of Will," Crowley replied. "I think this is much better than a dingy old castle, don't you think?"
Castiel managed a faint smile. "To each his own."
"Last I heard you were missing in action like the rest of your kind...," Crowley chuckled. "Run away after our king fell into a big..black..hole."
"Shouldn't believe everything you hear, Crowley," said Castiel coolly.
"Take a seat, Castiel," said Crowley, gesturing carelessly to a seat in front of him.
Castiel obliged, pulling it back and sitting down. "You know why I'm here."
Crowley smiled and tilted his head. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"No, you know," Castiel corrected, peering at Crowley closely. "You know exactly why I'm here. You're the only power that Hell has...And you're the only one who knows how."
"Elaborate please," said Crowley politely.
Castiel leaned forward in his chair, both hands curled on the ends of the armrests. "I need to get into the ninth circle."
Perhaps he was expecting the power of his gaze to be intimidating. Crowley didn't flinch. He spoke rather easily. "You want to get into the ninth circle. My my. This day just gets better and better, doesn't it?
"Tell me how,"
"You have it easy, Castiel. Simply waltzing in here and demanding the monarch to take you to the ninth circle. Must be nice. I wager you won't get the same treatment the deeper you go into the bowels of Hell," said Crowley.
"You are no monarch," said Castiel coldly.
Crowley smiled wide, unoffended. "Going into the ninth circle. It's no easy task...For someone of your caliber, not at all. You would have to take the long...scenic route, if you will."
"I don't care what it takes, I need to get there," said Castiel.
"Why are you asking me? Ask the one you brought," Crowley raised his head over his view of Castiel. "You can come in, Dante. I have no wish to apprehend you."
Dante pushed the closed door open and leaned against one side of it, lighting a cigarette and taking a long puff.
"Though, I am curious. As to how you got out. Treachery is a vicious circle that has no feasible escape route. How did you get out of there, Dante?" Crowley quirked an eyebrow, genuinely curious.
"Sea turtles," said Dante.
Both Castiel and Crowley stared at him.
Dante blew out a cloud of smoke. "I'm not even going to even go into that reference because if you don't know it; We can't be friends."
Crowley ignored him and turned to Castiel, reaching into his coat pocket and drawing out a vial filled with dark liquid. "Do you know what this is?"
"No," said Castiel honestly.
"This is demon blood," said Crowley, holding the vial in the palm of his hand. " Poured straight from the vein from a living demon."
Castiel stared at the vial in his hand then back up at Crowley. "Why are you telling me about that? What does that have to do with anything we're talking about?"
"Because I want you to take it," said Crowley simply. "It's an ancient tradition in Hell...They call it baptism by fire. Our young Prince himself went through it. You drink a vial of the blood of the tainted spirit and from there, the darkness consumes you. It gives you the power of tainted Will. In your case, it will simply warp your use of Will."
"Why would I do that?"
"Because," Crowley leaned forward. "You want in that deep, dark...horrible circle. You want in, you're going to drink this potion. The first step to getting into the ninth circle is corruption. You have to corrupt your Grace and become one of us...Or if you're up for specifics...Like him." He nodded towards Dante.
"You don't know if it'll kill me," said Castiel. "If it kills me, then what is the point?"
"It won't kill you, of that I'm sure. Your Grace is infinite. If anything, your Immortal Flame will purge the taint and it will have no effect. And you will be deemed unworthy of stepping into the depths of hell. And I will have no choice but to have Dante escort you out...," Crowley's eyes twinkled. "But I have a feeling there's more to you than meets the eye, Castiel. I'm almost positive this potion will have some effect on you."
Castiel shuffled in his seat. "Why do you say that?"
"You're no saint," said Crowley. "And you know it."
Castiel sighed impatiently, holding out his hand. "Fine. Give it to me."
"So quick to jump into peril," Crowley laughed. "I didn't say do it now...No, you're going to drink this when I deem you ready. You need this potion to proceed. You need it to get to the second circle."
Both Dante and Castiel stared. Castiel with incredulity and Dante kept a perfect mask of boredom.
"That's right, boys. There's no such thing as a free pass. You have to go through each circle one at a time. And earn your pass to the next circle. You want this vial, yes... Each circle has a trial for you. And the deeper you fall, the more you...lose."
Castiel paused for a long moment, glowering at Crowley, but he spoke without a single touch of hesitation. "What do I need for you to give it to me?"
"That's a tricky question, Castiel. As acting guardian of this circle, I ordain your price...So let's say...Pride," said Crowley. "Demonstrate Pride and I will give you access to the second circle. Be warned though, this is the only access I give you. Lucifer and his prince may have had control of the nine realms...but I do not. I'm not a King."
"I'll say," Dante scoffed.
"You don't have to worry about Dante," said Crowley, focusing on him. "Dante has access to all circles of Hell. But you. You need to prove yourself. And demonstrate sin to gain access to the lower levels."
"Who heads the other circles?" Castiel asked, ignoring both of them.
Crowley smiled without humor. "Oh, you'll see. It's not going to be easy, angel. You are going to have to make the-"
"Ultimate sacrifice. Skip to the part where I get the damn vial," Castiel snapped.
Crowley interlocked his fingers together and looked to the ceiling. " Dante, direct our guest to the arena."
Castiel looked around at Dante, who remained motionless for a moment before leaning off the side door and stepping inside so as to let Castiel pass through first.
With a long look at Crowley, Castiel stood. "I have no interest in being tricked. I'm here because Dante told me you're the authority to get through to that circle. If you double cross me..."
"I have no interest in betraying you, Castiel. But speaking of treachery, that is something exclusive to the ninth circle. I have no doubt you'll be knocking on those doors in no time. However, I do have very little faith in you getting out. Dante may be an exception for one reason or another, but you won't find it so easy. And considering he's making a return trip," Crowley met his gaze coldly. "It looks like he won't be back here again any time soon."
"You were the King's Guardian, according to Dante," said Castiel. "You have power here only because of that, I wager. Any other demon-"
"Would not allow this," Crowley finished lightly. "I'm being quite lenient with you, Castiel. Another demon would not be so. They wouldn't exactly relish the thought of a loyalist walking into the headquarters and making demands. But as it is, I see your resolve. And I know exactly what you hope to accomplish. As for being the King's Guardian. That is neither here nor there. My guardianship ended when he died. So that is null and void in this instance. I did not choose to rule Hell, much like all of it's previous occupants...but I am doing so because someone has to keep order around this place."
"You made your point," said Castiel, turning to leave.
"Good luck, Celestial. You're going to need it. Head to the arena. Your first trial is there," said Crowley. " I expect I won't be seeing either of you again."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," said Dante, letting Castiel past him.
"One last thing. I should warn you on the effects of going through the circles of Hell the long way. It is his only way through, but that's not to say it'll be easy for him. Hell is pain and despair all around. I hope you remember what to do when the time comes, Dante,," said Crowley.
"Are you done?" Dante asked in a bored voice, as if none of this mattered to him. In all likeliness, it didn't.
"Yes, you can go now," said Crowley distractedly, turning to the side to open a drawer and withdraw a few sheets of papers. Contracts, more than likely. "Good luck to you."