Chapter 4 – Climbing Insanity
The four slowly made their way up the rope. Dean was bored, as one could only look at stone cliff faces for so long.
"Uh," Gabriel said, looking down. "That guy's climbing the rope. And he's gaining on us." He paused as his brows furrowed. "He's also the most suspicious person I've ever seen."
"What?" Crowley followed his gaze. "Inconceivable."
Dean glanced down. There was a man climbing up the rope. He had dark hair that was tousled from the wind, and he was also wearing a mask over his face.
And a trench coat.
"Did he think that the trench coat wasn't suspicious enough so he just had to wear a mask as well?" Crowley muttered in disgust. He glared at Sam. "Faster!"
With a grunt, Sam picked up his pace. However, with another look down, Dean could see that the guy in the trench coat was still gaining.
"Faster!" Crowley growled.
"I thought I was going faster." Sam snapped back as he tried to go a bit faster, but the strain was easily seen in his bulging muscles.
"You're supposed to be some sort of colossus, a great legend!" Crowley was obviously losing his patience as frustration filled his voice. "And yet he gains!"
"Well, I'm carrying three people." Sam sounded annoyed even as he grunted once more from his efforts. "He's just got himself."
"Next time I need a giant, I'm going to be getting a different one." Crowley muttered.
"Well, how would you like to do this then?" Sam asked, throwing a bitch face. "Or, better yet, how about I lose some of the weight I'm carrying?" He momentarily looked down at where Crowley was hanging.
The Brit huffed, but remained silent. After all, even he knew when not to push Sam.
Still, as Dean watched, the mystery man continued to gain.
It didn't really matter though as they managed to reach the top of the Cliffs of Insanity. Sam hung from the rope as Gabriel slipped out and helped Crowley and Dean onto safe ground within the ruins of a castle. Once all of his passengers were off of him, Sam pulled himself up over the edge. He stretched his sore muscles as Gabriel watched him appreciatively. Dean rolled his eyes at both of them.
Crowley made his way to the rock that anchored the rope. Pulling out a long knife from the small of his back, he began to saw at the rope.
"What are you going now?" Sam asked, exasperated.
"Getting rid of that pesky insect." With a final snap, the rope broke and fell over the cliff. Gabriel and Sam looked down over the edge. Dean inched over to join them, and lifted an impressed eyebrow at what he saw.
The man was still hanging there, clutching onto the rocks of the cliff face.
Gabriel and Sam also looked suitably impressed. "Nice arms." Sam commented.
Crowley joined them. "He didn't fall! Inconceivable!"
"You know, you're smart and all," Gabriel frowned at him, "but you keep using that word. I don't think it means what you think it means."
"I think the word you're actually looking for is impossible." Sam suggested. He checked over the edge again and his eyes widened. "Holy crap! He's climbing."
The others looked over to confirm Sam's observation. It was true. Slowly but surely, the man was feeling out handholds and making his way up.
Crowley growled at the sight annoyed. He clenched his fist for a moment, and Dean could see it trembling. Then, he somehow became completely calm, and even smiled a bit. "Whoever he is, he's obviously seen the princess – "
"Excuse me?" Dean asked, taken aback.
"Sorry, the prince." Crowley rolled his eyes. "And he must therefore die." He pointed at Sam. "Carry him. We'll be heading straight for Hell's plains. You." He turned to Gabriel as Sam picked up a protesting Dean. "Catch up when he's dead. I don't care if he falls or you use your sword; I want him dead."
"Hmm." Gabriel popped another candy into his mouth. "You know, I think I'm going to duel him left-handed."
"You know what a hurry we're in!" Crowley hissed. "There's no time to play."
"There's always time to play." Gabriel asserted. "Besides, it's the only way I'd be satisfied. If I used my right, it'd be over way too quickly."
"Fine." Crowley facepalmed. "Have it your way. I don't care as long as it gets done." He walked away from the cliffs.
Sam shifted Dean's weight on his shoulder. The hunter continued to try kicking him. "Be careful." He warned Gabriel. "After all, you can't trust men in masks or trench coats, so he's double trouble."
"I'll be fine." Gabriel assured him. "And once I win, will you give me a smooch?"
Sam's cheeks turned a bit pink. Before he could answer, Crowley bellowed, "I'm waiting!"
The giant looked at their boss. "Not the time, Gabriel. See you later!" He hurried off.
Gabriel sent a cheeky grin after him and waved.
This was going to be one fight he had to win.
AN: Really short chapter, but it was getting way too long so I split it into two chapters. Tune in next time for swordfighting! Anyway, thanks for all of the support you've shown so far, and I'll see you next time.