Chapter Thirty-Four

Puzzle Pieces

Valrius Vila: 45 BC

Crowley hated this situation. He hated the era, he hated the people, and most importantly he hated Marcus's insistence he needed to work to blend in.

"Bad day?" Bobby asked as he slowly pulled off his clothing. The man was working closely with the masons, blacksmiths, and artisans stationed at the base. It meant Crowley barely saw him throughout the past two weeks which just added insult to injury.

"Everyday spent here is a bad day," Crowley growled.

Bobby snorted, but didn't argue with him. "Working for Azrial can't be that bad."

"She's barely around," he snapped. "I'm stuck watching over her subpar seamstresses like a mother hen instead of doing something useful."

"One could argue that making clothing for the household is useful."

"Don't even start. I've gotten that line enough from the darling commander."

He'd also heard it from Azrial, who seemed more annoyed each time she had to bring it up. It just fed into his own annoyance at making zero progress with this blasted spell. He was thinking about living in the bloody woods until this was all over if it kept up.

"He means well. I can't imagine the burden he carries being responsible for all this so young. I keep thinking about Sam or Dean whenever I see him working late into the night."

Crowley huffed, but wasn't so jaded he couldn't see where Bobby was coming from. Marcus was young even among the other soldiers who called the base home. With the exception of the new recruits who came and went, the man was almost always the youngest person around. It made the respect Marcus commanded all the more impressive, but at this point Crowley just wanted to wring the brat's neck. He was attractive, he could certainty understand Azrial's sexual attraction, but he was far too noble for Crowley's tastes. Even when the bastard took command over a room, he had a kindness to him that was baffling.

"He's driving me insane," Crowley muttered.

"No, he's not." Crowley shot Bobby an annoyed look, but the man raised his hands. "It's not Marcus you have a problem with, it's Azrial."

"How the hell do you figure?"

Bobby sighed at his terse tone. "She's not giving you special attention. From what I've seen, she barely even looks in your direction most days. That gets under your skin, and then you end up being even more annoyed when she enforces Marcus's orders. You don't want to admit you have an issue with her though, so you're pushing it onto him."

Crowley scowled. "You're so sure of that?"

"What if I told you she'd sought me out several times to discuss our situation in the past two weeks?" Bobby snorted as a pitcher filled with fresh flowers exploded. "See? It's her you've got an issue with."

"Fuck off," Crowley snapped.

"Tell me what's really wrong, Crowley. I can't help otherwise."

Crowley ignored the plea, sitting on the edge of their shared bed. It was easier to be annoyed at Marcus, someone he barely knew, then to be angry at his angel.

"She's so damn happy."

Bobby raised an eyebrow at him. "And?"

"She's happy," Crowley stressed. "Carefree even, yet still a talented warrior. Maybe even better than she is in our time. Have you seen her sparring with the soldiers?"

"I have," Bobby sighed. "She's definitely more ruthless."

"This version of her would never have saved me."

Bobby stiffened. "Crowley, don't do this."

"It's true, you can't deny it."

"She's never met a demon, to her knowledge!" Bobby's tone turned defensive, and Crowley looked away. "We know for a fact now that Death wiped her memories of Gabriel's trick."

"What's your point?" Crowley demanded. "Do you think if she remembered it would change things?"

"Yes!" Bobby shouted. "She adored you, Crowley. I'd bet my life there is something in the back of her head saying you seem familiar. Castiel talked about memory wipes and they aren't absolute. There are always cracks."

"Then why does she look at me like scum?"

Crowley couldn't keep the self loathing out of his voice. He'd never seen Azrial as happy as she was here. Was it just life, or was he missing something that would be obvious to someone else? Bobby sat next to him, wrapping an arm around his waist.

"I think we scare her. Our existence means all this ends. That's not gonna be a pleasant thought for her."

"Do you really think that's it?" Crowley asked.

"I don't know, but I think it's a big part of it. Why don't you ask her yourself?" He shot Bobby a skeptical look and the man laughed. "When we get home, your highness."

"Fine," he huffed.

"Good. Now stop pouting and join me in the baths."

Crowley's lips twitched. "Anything to see you naked, pet."

The man bumped his shoulder as he stood up. "Like ya don't see it every night now."

"And I will never tire of it."

"Gonna make me blush," Bobby laughed. "Come on, the baths should be mostly empty at this hour."

Crowley allowed Bobby to drag him out of their room, glad at least one of them was thriving in this environment.

Line Break

Marcus opened his eyes when he heard people approaching. He'd been enjoying one of the rare moments where the baths were empty, taking his time to relax from the day. Azrial was spending every spare moment trying to find a way to get their visitors home, and he knew he'd have to drag his wife to bed tonight. She was at her limit, and others were picking up on something being wrong. He moved to the back of the bath, using one of the columns to block him from view. Normally he wouldn't mind engaging someone in conversation, but right now he wanted to be left alone with his thoughts.

"Impressive as always."

Marcus stiffened at the dry voice, happy he'd moved. Of all the people he didn't want to talk to, his unwanted visitors were at the top of that list.

"I wonder if these baths are still on the vineyard." Bobby's curious voice was coupled with the sound of water moving.

"Another question for Azrial," Crowley snorted. "We should keep a list."

"Stop whining and get in here, your highness."

Marcus raised an eyebrow at the teasing tone, but remained silent. He'd wanted to know more about the two, and now was the perfect opportunity.

"I'm not whining."

There was another slosh of water, and Marcus snorted quietly at the satisfied sigh that echoed around the room.

"You are. She's probably gonna have a ton of questions for us too when we show back up dressed like Romans."

"Oh yes, I can already imagine how that conversation will go."

"Stop worrying," Bobby said. "She loves you, and that's not gonna change."

Marcus shut his eyes, exhaling softly. He'd guessed there was something there, but to have it confirmed hit differently. He knew his marriage to Azrial was only for his life, and he was happy she'd found love again after he was gone. He just wished it hadn't intruded on the few years he had with her.

Crowley huffed. "I'm ignoring that comment and moving on to something more important. We brought him back to fix that bloody bracelet, and he didn't even have the decency to warn us this would happen."

Marcus narrowed his eyes, shifting quietly so he could get closer to the men.

"The version we brought back was in his late thirties, Crowley. He's barely twenty-two right now."

"You're telling me time travelers wouldn't stand out to you?" Crowley's disbelief was clear in voice.

"I'm saying maybe his memory was wiped. We know for a fact that Death did it to Azrial at least once, why not in this situation?"

"Why would he meddle that far?"

"Because he's a chess master," Bobby muttered. "He wants a specific outcome, and if wiping that poor man's memory would get it, he would."

"You really are a father through and through," Crowley chuckled. "Remember he dies older than you are now."

"Ya, ya. Time travel is just messing with my perspective."

Silence fell over the bath, and Marcus hated the conclusion he'd reached. He needed to know for sure though, which meant confronting the two men. He swam forward, moving from behind the pillar. Both men turned to look at him, and Marcus was surprised to see how scarred they were. He'd assumed they were both soft, their weight indicating a life of comfort. Instead, their bodies showed clear signs of hard fought battles. The demon even had some kind of art going up the majority of his arm, and from what he knew of such things it was quite painful to have done. He'd certainly never heard of someone with such detailed body art!

"Damn," Bobby muttered. "I'm guessing you heard all that."

He frowned. "Yes. I have questions."

"And why should we answer them?"

Crowley's voice was barely above a growl, and Marcus was shocked to feel the power in it. Azrial was the only person he'd experienced that from, and only when she was angry. Crowley appeared calm, if somewhat annoyed at the intrusion.

"Don't start a fight," Bobby said. "As far as your questions, I'm not sure if we can answer them."

"I say we don't answer them at all." Crowley leaned against the edge of the bath, looking down at him. Bobby sighed, and to Marcus's surprise splashed water directly in the demon's face.

"Stop trying to fight him!" Bobby ordered.

Crowley sputtered, glaring at Bobby. "Whose side are you on?"

"The side where I'm not in the middle of a dick swinging competition, your highness."

"Why do you call him that?" Marcus cut in. "That implies rank, does it not?"

Crowley snorted, his eyes flashing red. The power rolling off the demon seemed to double, and Marcus inhaled sharply. Bobby seemed unaffected and was rubbing his temples.

"Crowley, I swear I'll kick your ass."

"Why are you ruining this for me? The boy asked, and a show of strength would be better received than an explanation."

"You're a pain in the ass." Bobby sighed and turned toward Marcus. "I'm sorry. Crowley's been on edge since we got here."

"I did not realize you were so powerful," Marcus said. He met the demon's annoyed gaze, and tilted his head. "I apologize. I assumed I knew your power and that was disrespectful."

Crowley stared at him for several seconds before huffing. "Do you see this shite?" he asked Bobby. "How the hell am I supposed to stay mad when he's so bloody polite!"

"You aren't." Bobby sounded amused and gave him an easy grin. "Don't take it personally, he ain't much of a social creature."

"More social than your hermit arse," Crowley muttered. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "What questions do you have?"

"Is she well?" Both men looked away at Marcus's question, and he felt his heart sink. "What happens?" he demanded.

"We can't tell you what happens to her," Crowley said. "It would risk the future. As far as being well, that's relative."

"She's strong as ever," Bobby tried to reassure him. "Gives as good as she gets in arguments and doesn't take crap from anyone."

"You have described my wife whenever she is in a bad mood," he huffed. "That does not mean she is well."

"What could we tell you that would put your mind at ease?" Crowley pointedly asked.

"I do not know," he sighed. "I know she was cut away from her family. You both being here tells me she loses another."

"You ain't wrong," Bobby said. "Losing you left a mark, but it also made her the woman we care for. I don't think you understand just how far in the future we are from."

"And we shouldn't tell him," Crowley cut in.

"Shouldn't we?" Bobby countered. "Maybe we are meant to pass on some information. Not for Azrial, but for his family. The Valerius are an old and powerful family. What if they always knew what was coming?"

"My family lives on?"

He couldn't keep his emotions under control at that news. Bobby gave him an understanding look and nodded.

"Ya. Look, Azrial told us about ya sister."

Marcus winced, but didn't look away. It wasn't like death was a stranger to him, but he'd always expected to go before his twin. Especially as the campaigns he was sent on became more dangerous.

"I see. So you know about Marcia and Felix then?" he asked.

"Damn naming conventions," Bobby muttered. "We didn't know their names, just that Azrial raised them with you after your sister's death."

"That is why she is so on edge," he sighed. "I know the two of you thought it was your presence."

"Wait, how old are the children?" Crowley asked, surprise dripping off his voice.

"Barely a year," he said. "She insists on tending to them herself, unlike other women of her station. Felix was sickly when he was first born and she barely left his side. Thankfully they are both well now."

"Damn, we just dropped in on the middle of her life."

Crowley sounded annoyed with himself at the realization. It was one of the first indicators of how much they must care about his wife. They were trying to do their part to help, so he owed them the same consideration.

"You know about the gift she gave them then?"

"Yes," both said at the same time. They shot each other a look, and Bobby snorted as Crowley rolled his eyes. Marcus felt himself smile despite the seriousness of the situation.

"Am I to assume you are in a serious relationship with her then?" he asked.

Bobby coughed, looking away. Crowley didn't seem to have the same embarrassment and met his questioning gaze without hesitation.

"She is my mate," Crowley said bluntly.

Bobby spun around to look at Crowley and Marcus raised an eyebrow at the openness.

"Are you kidding me?" Bobby demanded. "You tell him, but not Azrial?"

"He won't hold it over my head until the day I die," Crowley scoffed. "If I admitted such a thing to Azrial I would never hear the end of it."

"You're infuriating," Bobby said. "I ain't about to make any crazy declaration like that, but yeah. I'd say we're pretty serious."

"Then let me help," Marcus implored them. "If what you say is true, she has more than kept her promise to me. Let my family and I repay her."

Crowley shut his eyes, taking a deep breath. "She's going to kick my arse," he muttered. "Fine. We'll give you some information, but I need your word, it will only be passed on orally. If there is a paper trail of any of this and she finds it..."

"I understand," he said when Crowley trailed off. "You have my word."

"Uh, pass it on to the women in your family." He frowned at Bobby's awkward addition. "Trust me," the man said. "It's complicated."

"Very well, I will do as you say."

Crowley slipped fully back into the water with a tired sigh. "Well, we may as well make ourselves comfortable. This is going to be a long conversation."

Line Break

Bobby didn't know what to expect when Azrial said she may be able to overpower Gabriel's spell. Getting sent through time was pretty boring. A touch from an angel and bam, you're in whatever time period they wanted you in. Gabriel's spell had been tied to a room, which was a new one, but it was still instant. Azrial took a deep breath as she faced them, her eyes shining silver. Marcus was off to the side and he could feel the man's thoughtful gaze on the three of them.

"Ready to go home?" Azrial asked.

"More than a little," Bobby said. "No offense, of course. Your hospitality has been great."

She smiled at his reassurance, and glanced toward Crowley. "I owe you an apology, King of the Crossroads."

Crowley froze at Azrial's address, and he watched the two curiously. They hadn't even told Marcus that information, opting to promise the man an explanation in the future.

"For?" Crowley finally asked.

She sighed, glancing back at Marcus before focusing on Crowley. "My disrespect. In my haste to deny future events, I belittled and ignored your skills. That has never been my way. Fear made me act out of character, and I hope you can forgive me for it."

Crowley didn't respond right away, staring at her thoughtfully. "I'm sure you'll make it up to me one day, angel."

"I'm sure I will. Be well, both of you. May the next time we meet be under less trying circumstances."

She didn't give them a chance to respond, raising her hands toward them. She didn't touch them like Castiel had, and instead seemed to focus on the air around them. The ground below their feet glowed and he grabbed Crowley's shoulder. The last thing he wanted was to be flung through time without the demon. That would be just his luck after this whole mess. A strong wind blew through the clearing and Azrial frowned and seemed to push back against an invisible force.

"Keep an eye on the ground," Crowley muttered. "I have a bad feeling about this."

"And you're only mentioning it now?" he demanded, glancing at the glowing ground.

"I only have a theory, but if it turns out to be true it's going to cause a light show."

He frowned, choosing not to argue with Crowley. A sheen of sweat had started to form on Azrial's forehead and she was gritting her teeth. The wind had picked up and he was starting to get a worrying sense of déjà vu.

"She'll know to stop, right?" he asked.

"I don't know," Crowley admitted. "I don't know her understanding of time spells."

"Balls."

The ground started shaking and he dropped Crowley's shoulder in favor of linking arms with him. It was the right thing to do given how Crowley pulled him closer. A blood chilling caw filled the air and Crowley stiffened.

"Bollocks," Crowley hissed. "Azrial, stop fighting!"

Crowley's call was either ignored or went unheard in the powerful wind. Azrial's eyes were narrowed at a spot above their head, and her hands were glowing brightly. Bobby chanced looking up and his heart migrated to his throat.

"What the hell is that?" he choked out.

"I'm guessing Gabriel," Crowley snarled. "Or one of the bastard's faces."

A massive golden bird was hovering above them. He couldn't tell what type, but that didn't really matter given their proximity to its deadly claws.

"Crowley, get us the hell out of here!" he demanded.

"I can't. Right now that thing is focused on Azrial and we don't want it focused on us."

"What will it do to her though?"

"Well, as long as she doesn't -"

Crowley's explanation was cut off as the bird was forced to the ground with a furious caw. Azrial was staring at it, her whole body glowing softly.

"That. As long as she doesn't do that." Crowley's voice cracked, and Bobby could see the open concern on his face. "How could she be so hot headed?"

"Because patience comes with maturity," Bobby snapped. "And she ain't there yet!"

"It's going to attack her. The spell was trying to defend from being tampered with. She basically hit it over the head with a brick."

As if to prove Crowley right, the bird let out an ear piercing screech and flared its wings. Azrial was forced to take a step back to avoid having her arm ripped off by the furious creature. It took to the air, causing the wind in the clearing to increase and the circle under their feet had faded completely.

"Are we good to move now?" Bobby asked.

"Yes, and I suggest we do," Crowley said.

Crowley transported them over to Marcus, who was bent over and covering his eyes. Bobby cursed and ripped the fabric of the toga he was wearing.

"Careful," he said. "You don't wanna look at this shit. It can burn your eyes out." He wrapped the fabric around the man's eyes and helped him stand back up.

"How are you able to handle it?" Marcus demanded. "Crowley makes sense, but you are human."

"Yeah, about that," Bobby sighed. "There are those who can handle seeing this crap. I'm sadly one of them, and trust me at the moment I wish I wasn't."

"Is she okay?" The concern in Marcus's voice was heavy.

Bobby squeezed his shoulder, hoping to reassure the man. "She'll be fine. She's strong, remember?"

Marcus didn't respond, so Bobby took the opportunity to glance at Crowley. He was watching Azrial face off with the bird, and it was clear he wanted to step in.

"Crowley, what should we do?" Bobby asked. "She's not backing down."

"Damn her pride," Crowley hissed. "I may have to step in."

"Is that a good idea? We're still pretty damn close to people."

"I don't think we have a choice. If she keeps fighting Gabriel's spell, it may lash out at more than just her. I can't believe that bastard took the time to infuse it with his grace."

"Go then," Bobby ordered. "While it's still focused on her."

"I don't know what it will do to her!" Crowley snapped.

Bobby paled. "What do you mean?"

"I've never seen anything like this. A normal spell can rebound and cause physical harm if there is enough power behind it. This is pure archangel grace, and I like living."

"Should...I try?" Bobby skeptically asked. He wasn't sure how much help he'd be in this situation, but they had to do something. He'd come to know many of the people living in the compound, and it would break Azrial's heart if anything happened to them.

"You won't be going near this," Crowley said. "I'll deal with it. Keep lover boy here safe."

"I heard that," Marcus grumbled. "Just...protect her."

Bobby winced at the tone. He'd known the man for two weeks, and in that time he'd never heard such desperation. Crowley didn't respond and instead fled his vessel. The smoke didn't take form, choosing to shoot straight for Azrial. It impacted her body, and she stumbled. The movement ended up being a good thing as a golden claw slammed into the ground where she'd just been standing.

"Crazy bastard," Bobby muttered.

"Tell me what is happening," Marcus begged. "I hate not being able to help."

"Crowley is trying to possess her vessel. I don't know if it will work. If it does, he could possibly force her to stop fighting the spell."

"Is he really that powerful?" The skepticism made Bobby laugh.

"I don't think anyone has truly seen how powerful he is," he admitted. "But I know he can handle her grace. They've shared a body before, but it was his."

Bobby snapped his head away from Marcus when a screech filled the air. A wall of fire had snapped up between Azrial and the bird. She looked frozen, and her eyes were glassed over. The seconds dragged on, and the fire slowly started to die down. The bird slammed its wings forward, sending ambers and licks of flames into Azrial. It didn't appear to harm her, but Bobby still hated standing on the sidelines. For the first time he understood Dean's need to be in the battle. Could he really stand to the side as his whole world risked their lives? Sitting at home and waiting for news would drive him insane.

The fire died down suddenly, and Azrial shifted her body. It looked like she was bracing herself for a massive blow. Bobby paled, and took an instinctive step forward.

"Don't take the hit," he whispered.

"What did you say?"

Marcus's concerned question made his heart sink. The bird focused in on Azrial, and before he could blink light bathed the clearing. He was forced to close his eyes and heard a cry of pain. When he was finally able to open his eyes, the clearing was in disarray. There were holes in the ground from the fighting, and the grass was still smoking from Crowley's fire. He looked for Azrial, but the only thing he could see was torn up dirt.

"Is it safe to look?" Marcus asked.

"I think so," he said.

Marcus ripped off the cloth, looking around frantically. "Where are they?" he demanded. "How was so much damage done?"

"Angels and demons are powerful," Bobby said. "As for where they are, I think in that rut. I was about to go check."

Marcus didn't bother waiting for him, taking off toward where Azrial had been standing. Bobby followed as quickly as he was able, grateful for the increased stamina he'd earned while living here. He reached the rut only a moment after Marcus.

Azrial was lying prone, her wings wrapped around her. She'd clearly attempted to shield herself from the attack, and it looked to have worked somewhat. Bobby carefully stepped down into the hole, and gently pulled one of the massive wings away. He jumped away as a plume of red smoke went shooting away from her.

"Damnit, Crowley," he muttered. "Looks like she passed out."

Marcus carefully moved down next to him, doing his best to avoid the massive wings taking up most of the rut.

"Should we move her?"

"We'll need Crowley to do that," Bobby sighed. "I wouldn't want to risk damaging her wings, and I doubt you want her seen by anyone like this."

"If Crowley can get her back to the villa-" Marcus began.

"Say no more."

Crowley's tense voice made Bobby wince. He glanced up and noticed that Crowley wasn't trying to get down into the rut.

"You need help?"

Crowley scoffed, and held out his hand. Azrial's body slowly rose into the air until only the tips of her large wings touched the ground. It meant she was floating a good few inches above Crowley.

"I need to make two trips, but I can transport us directly into the villa. Is there a space you'd prefer?"

Marcus's concerned gaze was fixed on Azrial as he pulled himself out of the rut. "My bedroom would be best. No one ever enters it without direct permission."

"Come closer, and think of the location as clearly as possible." Crowley's order was met with a nod and he grabbed Marcus's shoulder. "I will be right back," Crowley said.

"Take ya time," Bobby said. "It may take some maneuvering to deal with her wings."

Crowley hummed, and the three vanished. Bobby looked around the area, wondering how the damage would be fixed. From what he understood, this area was marked out for agriculture. Now it was a damn disaster. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. He hoped that the base wouldn't suffer from the spell backfiring. The people he'd had the chance to meet were great. At Marcus's word, they'd welcomed him with open arms. He knew despite Crowley's bitching that the seamstresses that worked for Azrial looked at him like a damn god. It made sense, in a strange way, especially because the demon seemed to be holding back his knowledge most of the time. Couldn't risk modern techniques showing up this soon, even if they were skills from the late 1600's.

"You seem deep in thought." Bobby glanced over at Crowley who was observing the damage with a frown. "What a bloody mess."

"Yeah," Bobby sighed. "It really is."

"You were right, by the way." He raised an eyebrow at Crowley, waiting for him to elaborate.

"Right about what?" he finally asked.

"Her memories. They are locked away. It didn't seem like a malicious block and I don't think it was Death."

"How ya figure?"

Crowley sighed, turning toward him. "I think she locked them away, because remembering was simply too painful. There were next to no memories of her time in Heaven, and considering what was happening there should have been a few cropping up."

"So it's like suppressing bad childhood memories," Bobby mussed sadly. "Makes sense."

"Marcus wishes to speak with us. Are you ready?"

Bobby snorted. "As long as he doesn't try to kill me, I think I'll manage."

Crowley hummed, offering his arm. Bobby took a page out of Azrial's book and stepped fully into the demon's arms, giving him a tight hug.

"You're okay too, right?" he asked against Crowley's hair.

"Mostly," Crowley said after a moment. "Her grace feels the same as it did before, but she argued with me."

"What did she argue with you about?"

"She genuinely thought she could cow the spell," Crowley chuckled. "She didn't stand down until I told her she was being a prideful brat."

Bobby chuckled, and it quickly turned into a quiet laugh. "Should tell Marcus that one. May win ya some points."

"It was true," Crowley scoffed. "She may be a more ruthless fighter now, but she's too damn prideful to make full use of it."

He frowned, a thought dawning on him. "That's it. That's why her falling is such a big deal."

Crowley pulled away slightly, his brows pinched. "Care to share with the class?"

"Falling must be what gives her the sense of humility we see in the future. The issue is she's been beaten down and battered so much in the past decade or so that her pride barely exists now."

"And that's an issue, how? I'm a demon, pet, the sins are basically our bread and butter."

"But the only thing that makes pride a sin is if someone has it in abundance," Bobby pointed out. "Pride, or in this case confidence, in earned skill isn't a damn sin! Look at Marcus, you know damn well he takes pride in who he is and what he's accomplished."

Crowley's eyes widened slightly, and he could see the moment the demon realized what he was getting at.

"She's had a defeatist attitude about everything since Lucifer stabbed her. She doesn't care if she..." Crowley trailed off, and the brief look of horror on his face made Bobby wince.

"She doesn't care if she dies," he said. "Probably hasn't in a long time."

"Fuck," Crowley hissed. "Fuck, we need to get back."

Bobby nodded in agreement. "Come on, we shouldn't leave Marcus alone. Man's been through enough shit today."

Crowley nodded absentmindedly and teleported them away.