Chapter Eight

The "Wicked" Witch

June 13, 2010

Sam wasn't comfortable with this plan, but that wasn't anything new if he were honest. He smoothed out his suit and took a deep breath, steadying himself. It didn't matter how Crowley, Castiel, or even Dean put it; this was kidnapping, plain and simple. He could tell himself it was the end of the world or that this woman was simply a witch, but it didn't help. The fact he and Dean had never heard of Rowena told its own story. She must have stayed mostly under the radar, and that meant she wasn't doing anything too bad.

Or maybe he was just trying to be optimistic; he wasn't sure anymore.

Sam stepped onto the casino floor, running his eyes over the busy area. It had taken a few days of tracking the old fashioned way after casting the spell, but they'd found Rowena. She seemed to enjoy a large amount of glitz and glam. For some reason that annoyed Crowley, but Sam didn't care. He just wanted to get this over with.

"Well, aren't you a tall one?"

Sam blinked, glancing down to see the petite redhead he'd been searching for. Her sharp hazel eyes, almost green Sam noted, stared up at him curiously. He knew that look, it was one he'd directed at monsters and humans alike. She was assessing his threat level, clearly trying to weigh if he'd cause a problem or not.

"I've been told that a lot," Sam casually responded. "Your eyes are rather stunning."

Rowena's eyebrow kicked up at his compliment, but Sam hoped since it was honest the witch wouldn't question it. There was a small spark of power behind her eyes that made them glow a bit more than a human's would, and it did make them stand out.

"Is that so?" Rowena's accent became thicker with her amused laugh. "I know you've been watching me."

Fuck. That was just his luck, wasn't it? Of course, a witch as old as her would have noticed she was being tracked. Sam tried to think quickly while keeping up a facade of outward calm.

"I didn't think you'd notice."

"I notice everything, giant."

Sam could hear the subtle threat in her voice. It reminded him a bit of Crowley, and that gave him an idea.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I'd heard of you, and I was hoping - well, it's embarrassing." Sam hoped he wasn't laying it on too thick, but she seemed intrigued by his meek tone.

"Go on."

"Well, I've heard that you're an extremely powerful," Sam paused and dropped his voice to a whisper, "witch. I've found out I'm naturally inclined to magic, and was hoping you'd teach me."

Rowena blinked several times, staring at him in clear surprise. Sam prayed his ploy would work but would book it out the casino's front door if it didn't. Her eyes narrowed and seemed to weigh him up for a few moments before placing a surprisingly strong hand against his upper arm and shutting her eyes.

"Yes...you do have a latent talent, but it is unrefined. Almost as if you've been afraid to use it." Her eyes opened, and she graced him with a small smirk. "I think we can fix that though, giant."

"How could you tell-?" Sam began, but Rowena scoffed.

"All traumas leave scars, boy," she said tightly. "Those related to magic or the supernatural leave deeper scars than normal."

"Oh," Sam muttered. "I hadn't considered that, but it does make sense."

His thoughts turned to Dean, and even Crowley. Sam couldn't help but wonder what type of scars Hell left on them. Would Rowena notice just from seeing them, or would she have to touch them as she had with him?

"I have a prior engagement this evening," Rowena said, breaking Sam from his thoughts. "Tomorrow afternoon we should meet."

"Where?" he quickly asked, trying not to sound too eager. If it bled through, Rowena didn't seem to notice.

"I have a room here, number 418. Come at noon and we'll have tea and discuss what you hope to accomplish and whether I can help you."

She left a moment later, and Sam took a deep breath. That had gone as well as he could have hoped.

"Good work, moose."

Sam cursed softly and turned to glare at Crowley. "Can you not sneak up on me?"

"Can I get you without the plaid?" the demon countered. "No, so you must endure."

"What Azrial sees in you…" Sam muttered. "I'm guessing you heard all that?"

"I did. I must say, great acting. You told enough truth that she wasn't able to detect your lies."

Sam shrugged, not sure how to feel about the compliment. "Well, what do we do till then?"

"Go enjoy yourself," Crowley waved him off. "I have to make a trip across the pond again."

"Well, say hello to Bobby for me then."

The demon hummed before turning and walking away. Sam sighed and glanced around the expensive casino before shaking his head. A bar sounded so much better than this right now.

Line Break

June 14, 2010

Azrial took a deep breath of the fresh air as she stepped out of the airport. She shifted the backpack full onto her shoulder, glancing to her right. Bobby was fiddling with his own bag and she smiled slightly. He was rather sweet, insisting on coming along on this trek. She knew it wouldn't be wise to go on her own, but she also didn't want to ask anyone to come. Even with Crowley dropping them close to the site, they were still looking at a decent hike, and who knew what they'd find at the end. It could be nothing, it could be a trap, or it could be something so much worse.

"Where's his highness?" Bobby asked as they walked along the drop-off and pick-up area. Azrial snorted at the nickname and glanced around.

"Not sure. He text you?"

"Why would he text me?"

Azrial stared at Bobby, trying to figure out if he was joking. The hunter had to have noticed Crowley's attraction, right? A phone ringing had them both digging for their cells, but Azrial smiled triumphantly when it wasn't hers ringing.

"Shut up," Bobby muttered as he answered the phone. "Where are ya?"

Azrial looked around the area again to make sure they weren't being watched, but nothing seemed out of place. People were milling about, entering or exiting the airport, or getting into a vehicle. A hand wrapping firmly around her own startled Azrial. When she realized it was Bobby pulling her further up the walkway, she relaxed. She took the opportunity to take in the hunter. She could understand what Crowley saw in the human. He was intelligent, good-looking, and could give as good as he took during a debate. She couldn't find the heart to be jealous of the connection the two had forged in her absence. It was something beautiful and pure, even if Crowley would claim it was nothing more than sexual attraction.

"You off with the fairies again, princess?"

Azrial shook her head. "Bad joke given recent events."

Bobby scowled and Azrial bit her lip, searching for something to make him smile. "Are you looking forward to going home for a bit in two weeks?" It worked, and Bobby gave a relaxed nod as they started walking side by side.

"Yes. Hate to complain given what I've had access to, but I want to sleep in my own damn bed."

"The Winchesters and Castiel will be there too," she needlessly pointed out. His lips twitched into a gentle smile and Azrial felt her heart speed up a touch at how it softened his face. Yeah, she could definitely see what Crowley saw in the hunter.

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it," he said warmly.

Azrial swallowed, trying to figure out what to say but was saved as they came to a stop in front of a rather nice car.

"What a cute couple," Crowley's amused voice came from the rolled-down window. Azrial rolled her eyes, but let go of Bobby's hand now that they reached their location.

"Cuter than you at least," she said as she opened the door and fell into the passenger seat. "Why are you driving?"

"Because I trust no one, and this needs to stay under the radar. So human travel it is until we reach where the road ends."

Bobby fell into the back seat just as Crowley finished his explanation and the car began moving. Azrial shut her eyes, trying to ignore the claustrophobic feeling from building. She hated being in confined spaces, and lately, it felt like she was in them constantly. A gentle squeeze on her knee had her sighing and shooting a grateful glance at Crowley. Thankfully, he understood without words what was bothering her.

"What are you both hoping to find out here?" Crowley calmly asked. He seemed a bit on edge, and Azrial curled her fingers around the hand he still had on her leg. She squeezed them gently and he shot her a questioning look.

"Hopefully some idea where Azrial's flock is," Bobby said from behind them.

"I don't know what I'm hoping for," she admitted. "Crowley...Bobby knows about me falling."

It was a good thing they were one of the few cars around because Crowley practically jerked to a stop as he pulled over on the side of the road.

"What?" he snapped, turning to look between the two of them.

"Anderson forced the issue," she quietly admitted. Crowley shut his eyes, and Azrial knew he was trying to calm down. This wasn't something either of them wanted known, but rather Bobby than anyone else.

"Bollocks," Crowley muttered. "I'm guessing you took it well, pet?"

Crowley's sarcastic question to Bobby made Azrial bristle.

"From what Azrial said, better than your panicking ass did when she first showed up in all her angelic glory."

Crowley sent her a dirty look, and Azrial raised her hands in surrender. "Look, I didn't explain everything, just what I felt was necessary."

Meaning she didn't explain how Crowley was involved in it at all. Crowley pursed his lips and tilted his head in understanding.

"Well, that makes this easier. I'll be going with you to the site."

"That wasn't the plan!" Azrial objected. "You're our backup."

"Plans change," Crowley said. "And this isn't up for debate, angel."

There was a hard look in his eyes, and Azrial knew she wasn't going to win this argument.

"Fine," she scoffed and fell back in her seat. "Let's get this over with."

"See, was that so hard, darling?"

"Bobby, you can keep him," Azrial huffed at the hunter's amused snort.

"Oh no," Bobby chuckled as the car began moving again. "He's your problem, princess."

"Be still, my heart, you're both so kind," Crowley growled.

Azrial glanced back at Bobby with a smirk. "We could always elope, leave him here?"

Bobby couldn't hold back his laughter when she fluttered her eyelashes at him, and Crowley rolled his eyes and mumbled traitors under his breath. Her heart warmed again, and she realized with a start how much she enjoyed this atmosphere. Hopefully, this mission wouldn't end horribly. Then again, that would be her luck.

Line Break

Rowena groaned softly as the world slowly came into focus. Her head was pounding, and the last thing she remembered was sharing a bottle of wine with the man who'd approached her the day before. She blinked, trying to figure out where she was. The room was circular, and barren except for a cot and desk. There was a soft blanket tossed over her, and it fell away as she slowly stood up.

"You're awake."

Rowena snapped her head around to see the giant standing in front of the door with a slightly guilty expression.

"What have you done?" she demanded and went to get up. Her progress was halted by the tug of cold metal against her wrists and the giant winced as she stared down the length of chain that bound her to the bed.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "The world is ending, Rowena. We knew, well our...ally knew you wouldn't help us willingly."

"And you think this is an acceptable alternative?" she snapped. The giant sighed and shook his head.

"No," he said. "But I got outvoted."

Rowena scoffed. She doubted the giant had even put up an argument. "You're a hunter, aren't you?" she spat.

He didn't respond for several seconds, and there was a call from outside the room that got his attention.

"I'll be right there!" he shouted before turning back to her with a frown. "Would you like something to eat?"

"So you can poison me?" she mocked, happy to see him flinch. "Take your offer and shove it up your arse, giant."

"Fine," he said curtly and turned and left the room. The door shut with a heavy thunk, and Rowena cursed her luck. She could feel the enchanted chains suppressing her magic and to add insult to injury, she could sense the sincerity from the giant.

Damn it all, this was a mess.

Line Break

Bobby jolted awake as the car came to a stop. The sun was at its peak, and it seemed they were parked near the entrance of a hiking trail.

"I still say you should wait here," Azrial said.

"And let you run off with Robert? I think not, angel."

Bobby rolled his eyes, popping his neck as he stretched. "So how far from here?"

Azrial glanced down at the map they'd used to plot out the possible locations while researching. "At least a five-mile hike to get us to the edge of our radius. Then the radius itself is at least ten miles wide."

"Glad I wore boots," Bobby sighed. "What about you, your highness? A suit ain't exactly outdoors gear."

Crowley snorted. "It will be fine. How long could this possibly take?"

Bobby exchanged a glance with Azrial, silently asking if he should tell the demon. A mischievous grin lifted her lips, and she shook her head slightly.

"Hopefully not long," Bobby said carefully. The truth, but not the whole truth. Let the demon experience why they were telling him to wait rather than tag along.

"Then there is no issue. Do you have the coordinates for the edge of your search radius?"

Azrial rolled her eyes but showed Crowley the map. Bobby grabbed his bag and got out of the car, looking out at the vast expanse in front of them. There were some trees, but not as many as he expected. The sound of doors shutting had him glancing over at Azrial as she slung her own bag over her shoulders, pulling the hood of her jacket out as she did so.

"Take Bobby first," Azrial said. Crowley frowned but offered his hand without argument. Bobby took it, and with a whoosh of air, they were gone from the area.

The next update is Friday, October 1, 2021