Chapter Thirty-One

The Centurion's Heart

Southern France (in modern times): DATE UNKNOWN

Bobby hit the ground shoulder first, and he felt the bone shift out of place. He grunted, shutting his eyes tightly as the world spun several times before settling. He opened his eyes and found himself staring up at a canopy of trees. Sunlight was streaming through the leaves and the sound of animals echoed around him.

"I'm too old for this crap," he muttered.

"That makes two of us."

The dry voice made him sigh in relief as he slowly pushed himself off the ground. Crowley was there a second later, offering him a hand up. Once he was on his feet, he glanced around trying to take stock of their situation. They were in a wooded area and there were no signs of civilization.

"I'm going to strangle that bastard," Crowley growled.

"What did he do?" Bobby asked, glancing at the demon.

"He tossed us back in time. I'm trying to get a handle on where, but his spell scrambled us in three different directions."

"Damn, so all six of us are who the hell knows where?"

Crowley sighed. "Unfortunately."

Silence lapsed over the clearing, and Bobby watched Crowley stare thoughtfully at the sky. He hoped the others were faring alright. Hopefully due to proximity Castiel and Dean had been tossed together. Taking into account what Crowley said, that would mean Sam was with Azrial. He trusted her to look out for Sam, but he was still worried. There was no telling where any of them landed, and depending on the situation they found themselves in, things could go to hell. Even if they figured out where and when they were, how would they get back? Would they have to track down Gabriel in the current time, or would Castiel and Azrial be able to pull the others back through time?

"Fuck me," Crowley hissed.

"What's wrong?"

"Gabriel didn't just throw us a few years back. I think my most recent spell may have clashed with his due to the time elements."

"But wasn't your most recent spell to bring back-" Bobby stopped talking, a pit falling into his stomach.

"Indeed," Crowley said. "Welcome to ancient times, pet. We're in 45 BC."

"Fuck me," Bobby said. This was a damn disaster.

Line Break

By some miracle, they hadn't run into anyone yet. Thankfully when Crowley had given Marcus the ability to understand English and Italian, he'd picked up the Roman dialects the man had known. Bobby didn't even bother to ask how the demon had done it, and just asked if Crowley could pass the knowledge on to him. He'd never been more grateful to have a supernatural companion then he was now. One mind dump later and he could at least communicate if it was needed.

"We'll need to find shelter soon," Bobby sighed. "I can't believe that spell didn't drop us near anything."

"I still can't get a read on where we are." Crowley's frustration was clear in his voice, and Bobby shot him a sympathetic look.

"You may not be able to because we're so far removed from our own time."

"Just because you're right doesn't mean I have to like it," Crowley muttered. Bobby snorted, and butted his shoulder gently against Crowley's.

"We'll get through this."

Crowley hummed in agreement, and shot him a slight smile. It was clear this had him stressed, and Bobby didn't want to make it worse by expressing his own worries right now. Once they had some shelter they could make a plan of attack. The sun was starting to fall below the horizon, and they didn't have much daylight left. The sound of snapping branches made Bobby freeze. He grabbed Crowley's arm to stop him from moving.

"What?" Crowley asked.

Bobby hushed him, straining to hear more. There were a few more snaps before the forest fell silent.

"Maybe it was nothing," he muttered. There could be any number of animals in these woods, and being paranoid wouldn't get them anywhere. There was another, louder snap, and Bobby glanced toward the sound just in time to see an arrow whizzing toward him.

"Move!" Crowley yelled and shoved him out of the way as an arrow embedded in the tree where he'd just been standing.

A low growl was his only warning as a massive body slammed him into the ground, dislocating his recently set shoulder. Sharp white teeth were hovering over his neck, but it was the eyes of the beast who'd pinned him that took his breath away.

"Holy shit, Azrial?" he wheezed.

The she-wolf above him froze just as two soldiers crashed through the clearing. He could barely see what was happening, but heard weapons being drawn.

"Crowley, don't attack them!" he snapped at the demon. He couldn't see him, but he didn't doubt Crowley was ready to go on the offensive given the situation. He looked back up the she-wolf who'd shifted to meet his eyes. "Azrial, please. We know you. We aren't supposed to be here."

The wolf leaned down, sniffing at his neck like a curious dog. After several seconds she cocked her head, took her paws off his chest, and sat down next to him. She let out a sharp bark, drawing the soldiers attention toward her. Bobby sat up, taking a deep breath as he glanced around the clearing. The first person he noticed was Marcus, younger than the version they'd resurrected in their time. He didn't recognize the man next to Marcus, but both had their blades drawn and aimed at Crowley.

"What's going on?" Crowley growled.

"We found someone who can help," Bobby said. He glanced at Azrial who cocked her head. "You know him too. Go check like you did with me."

He never thought he'd see the day where a wolf looked skeptical, but she slowly pawed toward Crowley. Bobby noticed she stayed lower to the ground as if she was expecting an attack.

"Who are you?" Marcus demanded.

"Just wait," Bobby begged.

The man frowned, glancing toward Azrial who was now in front of Crowley. She was growling low in her throat, but that could simply be instinct. Crowley met her eyes, and held out his wrist without prompting. Azrial moved closer and a few sniffs later the she-wolf froze.

"So you figured it out?" Crowley asked calmly. Azrial glanced from Crowley to Bobby, before looking over at Marcus.

"What are they?" Marcus asked, clearly surprised at Azrial's reaction.

She tilted her head, and took off at a trot toward Marcus. Her form shifted as she went, and soon the younger version of Azrial Bobby had seen in her memories was at Marcus's side.

"Friends," she answered. "They will not harm anyone."

"You are so sure?" the man asked skeptically. "They look strange."

"May I have a moment of my husband's time?" Azrial asked the other soldier. The man raised an eyebrow, glancing toward Marcus.

"Cassius, go back to the fort," Marcus ordered. "I have a feeling this will not be a quick conversation."

"Of course," Cassius nodded. "Be safe."

Cassius headed back the way the group had come, and Bobby slowly got to his feet. He stumbled slightly, his hand falling to his side.

"Fuck, I think you broke a rib," he said.

Azrial's eyes widened, and she bit her lip. "I am sorry," she whispered. "I thought you were an enemy."

"Don't stress it, princess. I've had worse."

Marcus looked confused at the nickname, but Azrial smiled weakly. There was still a bit of a language barrier there, but hopefully the knowledge gleaned from Marcus in the present would be enough to get them through this.

"Explain, Azrial," Marcus demanded. "Why did we let them up?"

She blushed, and Bobby didn't doubt she knew what they were to her. The downside to a canine's sense of smell in this situation.

"They are not from this time, my love."

"Then why are they here?"

Azrial glanced toward him, and Bobby cleared his throat. "We were thrown back in time by your brother."

Azrial looked shocked, and Bobby almost jumped when Marcus pointed his sword at him.

"Leave," Marcus snarled. "I have promised her a carefree life here. I will not have you paint a target on my wife's back."

Bobby glanced at Crowley, begging the demon for help.

"We don't have the power to get back on our own," Crowley said. "It was Gabriel who did this."

Azrial grabbed Marcus's shoulder, and the man looked to her in surprise. "You believe them?"

"I do. I can smell Gabriel's grace on them."

Marcus frowned, but slowly lowered his sword. "What do you want to do?"

"Gabriel is not a threat to me," she reassured him. "If we were to cross paths it would be a happy reunion. These men need to return to their time, and to do so will need our help."

"Our?"

Bobby didn't blame Marcus for his skepticism. Azrial reached up, placing both her hands on the man's cheeks.

"Our," she stressed. "They will need to blend in until I can figure out what my foolish brother has done."

"You know I can not simply let them stay."

Bobby had a front row seat to the most deadly pair of puppy eyes he'd ever witnessed, and he'd raised Sam. Azrial's soft pout seemed to be the breaking point, because Marcus huffed as he sheathed his blade.

"You will be my death, dearest one. Very well, they may reside in the villa so long as they contribute."

Azrial leaned up, kissing Marcus firmly before turning to them with a bright smile.

"It is settled then. I will find tasks in the household that will suit you both, and then I will begin working out a way to get you both home."

"We appreciate it," Crowley said. Bobby nodded in agreement, which seemed to please Marcus.

"What are your names, and are you both human?" Marcus asked.

"My name is Robert, most people call me Bobby. This is Crowley," Bobby said. "I'm human, but Crowley is a demon."

Marcus raised an eyebrow, glancing down at Azrial. The archangel turned the puppy dog eyes back on and the Roman huffed. "You will explain later," he ordered her.

"Of course, my love."

"Your names will not fit in," Marcus sighed. "Speak with Azrial privately to work out an identity."

"Thank you," Bobby said. "We are grateful for the help."

The man eyed him carefully, and for the first time Bobby wondered if he put together why Azrial was so trusting of them. There was a guarded look in Marcus's eyes that hadn't been there at the start of the fight. He didn't blame the man, but he hoped things didn't get too messy between the three of them. He really wished the Marcus they resurrected had warned them about this mess, but maybe the man didn't remember it.

"Come," Marcus said. "We will return to the villa. I warn you both, any man who wishes to eat will work." Crowley rolled his eyes, but didn't argue with the man. Bobby nodded in understanding, making Marcus hum.

"Will you lead the way?" Marcus asked Azrial.

She smiled brightly, and took off running. Her form shifted once more, and the she-wolf stopped within eyesight as she waited for them to catch up. Bobby had a feeling this trip was going to be done mostly in silence, but at least Azrial seemed pleased as she trotted a few paces in front of them. Hopefully everything would work out and he could deck Gabriel for putting him through this.

Line Break

Crowley looked around the room he and Bobby had been shown to. It overlooked part of the massive vineyard, and he could see the training barracks from here as well.

"I felt it best to have you together," Azrial said from her place at the door. "I hope this is acceptable?"

"It's great," Bobby said. "And no worries. The bed is big enough for the both of us."

Crowley glanced at the hunter, surprised at his openness. Azrial smiled softly, but there was a touch of tension around her shoulders.

"Well, if you need anything else please come find me or one of the servants. They will know how to find me if needed."

"Sounds good. If you need help figuring out the spell, Crowley and I are here."

Azrial nodded, glancing toward Crowley skeptically for a moment. "I will inform you both if the need arises. For now, I must prepare for the evening meal. My personal hand maid will come with a change of clothing for you, as well as some food. I will stop by in the morning with your identities and help settle you into a role while you are here with us. Have a lovely evening."

She turned, shutting the door softly behind her. Crowley sighed, sitting on the edge of the barely queen sized bed. It was uncomfortable, but he tried to remind himself that conditions hadn't been much better when he was alive. Hell, this was damn luxurious comparably, especially with the pristine furs tastefully placed on the bed. Furs he had no doubt that Azrial had helped hunt.

"It could be worse," Bobby said. "We have a roof over our heads and a plan."

"This is a gilded prison," he countered. "We'll be watched constantly, especially because of me."

He couldn't stop the bitterness from creeping into his voice. While Azrial seemed inclined to give Bobby the benefit of the doubt, she'd barely spoken to him despite his attempts. He knew it wasn't anything personal, but it damn well felt like it.

"She ain't our Azrial," Bobby said as he sat next to him. "And we don't know if she's ever met a demon."

"I know."

Silence lapsed over them, and Crowley sighed. It was pointless to be offended by the young archangel's actions. When he looked at her he didn't even see the angel he'd come to claim as his own. She was innocent, almost painfully so. There was a bright aura of happiness and hopefulness that radiated off of her. If he placed the Azrial he knew next to her...well, he doubted he'd see many similarities. Life had suffocated her innocent flame, and he didn't doubt it started with Marcus's death.

"You can't tell her," Bobby whispered.

"You have to be more specific, pet."

Bobby pulled his chin up, running a thumb against his jaw. "About anything. I'm sure she knows our relationship was sexual, but we can't let her know it's more then that."

"I know we can't meddle here," Crowley said.

"I almost want to," Bobby admitted. "I know the heartache she's gonna face, and it ain't fun. At the same time...she has to fall, Crowley, you know that."

That was it, wasn't it? He'd reached the point where he desperately wanted to protect her from that fate. It went against everything he was, but that was his relationship with the archangel in a nutshell. She brought out the best in him, and Bobby was starting to do the same.

"I won't risk our future in a worthless attempt to shield her from the world."

Bobby sighed, clearly not impressed by his annoyed tone. "I wish I could pretend not to care the same way you do. It would make this situation easier."

Crowley huffed, but relaxed into Bobby's chest when the man pulled him closer. There was no point arguing against the assumption, so he let the subject die. He wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, but soon the only light was from the moon outside. They'd shifted to laying on the bed, and Crowley felt Bobby's breathing even out. He'd let the man sleep while he could. There was no telling what the next day would bring. He'd wait for the maid to come by before trying to relax himself.

Line Break

Azrial paced her bedroom, struggling to process what happened today. The two men hadn't lied, she could smell Gabriel all over them. The big question now was why? Gabriel had to know meddling with time was foolish, especially since the two men were clearly from far in the future! Her brother wasn't a fool, so why had this happened? Then there was the fact she could smell herself on both of them. Her grace was coiled around the human and demon in a possessive brand. It scared her. She hadn't even done that to Marcus, choosing to bless the ring that marked him as the paterfamilias of the Valerius family instead. It was less permanent, but still offered her husband protection from the supernatural. What was so special about these two men that she'd openly marked them with her grace?

"Dearest, you are wearing a hole in the floor."

Azrial sighed, glancing toward the door to her room. Marcus was leaning against it with a thoughtful frown. She moved forward and pulled him toward the bed to sit.

"This situation has me on edge," she said.

He hummed, running his fingers through her hair. "Why did you vouch for them?"

"Their story has to be true." She sighed, turning to look at him. "They smell of my brother's grace, but there is more."

"More?"

"They both had constant exposure to angels. Not just my brother, but one of my flock as well. What demon would want to be exposed to that much grace?"

That was her biggest issue, she realized. This demon, Crowley. She didn't understand his motive. He had to have a motive, right? Demons always had motives from what she'd heard.

"There is more to it," Marcus prompted. "Something you are not saying."

She met his eyes, wishing he couldn't read her so easily. "They carry my mark," she whispered. Marcus sighed, and she was surprised how calm he was. "You had already guessed?" she demanded.

"It crossed my mind," he said. "You are not an overly trusting woman, dearest. I know enough about the strain between you and your brothers that being marked by Gabriel would not be enough for you to vouch for them."

"I do not trust them," she snapped. "Especially that demon."

"But you trust yourself. After all, you have been on your own for far too long not to."

Azrial huffed, dropping her gaze. Why did he have to be right about this?

"Talk to me," Marcus whispered. "I hate to see you upset."

She shook her head and mustered a smile. "I am more frustrated than anything, my love. Once they are returned home things will be fine."

She had to believe that. This was the happiest she'd ever been, and she wouldn't lose it because Gabriel had thrown a tantrum that tossed these two back in time. She tried to silence the worry that had settled in her heart. If she'd so openly marked these men, what happened to Marcus? She stole a glance at her husband. He'd shut his eyes and was rubbing soothing circles against her back. Maybe this was a warning that she needed to try harder to protect Marcus. She wouldn't let anything happen to him, especially since she'd recently lost his sister.

"You think too loudly," he muttered. "Rest, dearest. I have no intention of leaving you."

The next update is Saturday, September 24, 2022