09x09 - Once Upon a Timepiece - Part Five: Anagnorisis
Episode Number: 09x09 of Season 9 Fan Fiction (S9FF)
Title: Once Upon a Timepiece
Subtitle: Anagnorisis
Author: dracox-serdriel
Word Count: 3,315
Rating: R
Warnings: language, violence
Status: Complete. Feedback is appreciated.
Siler walked toward Edward's house. Why anyone would call him in the afternoon on a weekday, he didn't know, but why not? He was surprised to see Mervin riding on his white donkey towards the same destination.
"Ahoy there," Mervin called.
"Right," Siler shouted back.
"You two, too?" Alex said as she rounded the corner. Janya walked with her.
"And me," Ariq said, already in front of the house. "I'm guessing a party, personally."
"Is Rommel with you?" Janya asked Mervin.
"Nope."
"But I am," Hayden said. The group coalesced outside the driveway in front of Edward's house.
"Hello," Hiren said, as he too joined the group. "This is an odd company, isn't it?"
"No odder than any other," Janya replied.
"Who are you?" Dean asked again.
"Deshane," he said. His eyes stared at the bottle, as if willing it to burn faster.
"I think he's telling the truth," Cas said.
"No, he's lying."
"We should wait for the - " Cas stopped. The bottle finished burning, and a sallow green liquid that was once the timepiece evaporated.
Deshane's face became bluer, his hair more read, and his entire demeanor changed.
"What the hell?" Dean said.
"He's one of the people cursed," Cas observed.
"Yes," Deshane said still under Dean's knife. "I was."
"Who are you?" Dean barked.
"My name is Willowelf."
Sam moved in, "Willowelf, from the book?"
"Yes, if you will, please," he said indicating the knife.
"One wrong move," Dean threatened.
"Don't worry," Deshane said, "I'm in your debt."
"Our debt?" Cas echoed.
"Start talking," Dean demanded.
"He's a willow tree become human," Sam explained. "A disciple of Grandfather Lu."
"Which one is Grandfather Lu?" Dean asked. "The dude with the mule?"
"Grandfather Lu is one of the eight immortals," Deshane said. "Benevolent deities, protectors of humankind, each with their own patronage. They are known - "
"Cliff notes version, Tree-Boy. What about the fairy tale characters?"
Deshane looked ashamed. "I couldn't free my teacher and the others from this place. Only non-supernatural entities could achieve it. In my attempt to break the curse about fifty years ago - "
"You got caught up in it yourself," Sam completed.
"Yes," Deshane said meekly. "I designed this book in case of such a scenario. I never knew it would take so long to find someone willing to break it."
"That's Ed?" Sam said.
"Ed, yes, he's always been a bit more aware of everything," Deshane said. "The book was designed to inspire the holder to free the immortals from this place."
"You didn't write it in as fairy tales?" Sam asked.
"No," Deshane replied. "I bought that watch by chance back in April. I fixed it, and as soon as it started ticking, all these little miracles started happening - "
"Your memory began to come back," Castiel completed. "A cursed timepiece usually has that kind of resonance."
"So these, fairy tale characters, these eight immortals, were cursed here?" Dean asked.
"Fairy tale characters are just stories," Deshane explained. "The eight immortals, however, they're real, and they've been stuck in this place for seventy-five years."
"Now they're free?" Dean asked.
"Thanks to you."
Dean looked at Cas and Sam, neither of whom seemed terribly worried. "Hello! We just freed eight asshats with a ridiculous amount of power! Why isn't anyone else concerned?"
"Because they're benevolent," Deshane answered.
"Actually, because whatever demon is attracted by the power will find themselves, as you say, out of luck," Castiel said. "Assuming they all know who they are now, they can't be manipulated - "
"What demon?" Deshane asked.
"We don't know which one," Sam said.
"Why are you talking to him?" Dean asked.
"He's not our enemy," Cas replied.
"How do you know that? The dude's a tree!"
"Was a tree," Deshane responded. "And if you're correct about the demon, we should get Edward to safety."
"I thought you said only non-supernatural entities could break this curse?" Cas asked. "Why would a demon want him?"
"He's got perception," said Deshane. "And the demon might not know about the curse or if it's broken."
"Are we really not concerned about the eight immortal combat fairies we just let free?" Dean asked Sam and Cas.
"Not now, Dean, com'on," Sam grabbed his keys. "Get an arsenal ready on the way."
Deshane, or Willowelf or whoever he was, rode shotgun as Dean and Cas climbed into the truck bed under the cap, digging through various bags for anything they can use against demons.
"That's them?" Olivia said looking out the window at the hodgepodge of people gathered in front of the house.
"Yeah, but one of them didn't show," Edward replied. "I should call him - "
"No," Olivia said.
"But he's definitely one of them," Edward pleaded. "We need them all, don't we?"
"He stayed away for a reason. He'll be along later. Why don't we go out, and you introduce me to them? Just, follow my lead. Okay?"
"What about the angels?" Dean whispered. "Are they here?"
"They're close, looking for someone," Cas said, "but they don't know I'm here."
"We should keep it that way."
"I'm coming with you."
"Cas, it's - "
"Until we know more about this demon, I'm not just going to hide from the world."
"And if the angels - "
"Then I will retreat if I must," Cas cut him off. "I'm not leaving. So stop trying."
Up front, Sam spoke with Deshane. "Who is who?" Sam asked. "I mean, their real identities, not the weird fairy tale ones."
"Alex is Lan Caihe," Deshane explained. "She or he, depending on who you ask, sings and can predict the future with lyrics."
"I'm guessing Mervin is Elder Zhang Guo, because of the donkey," Sam said.
"You know your immortals?"
"No, but it's hard to forget a guy who can fold up his ride and put it in his pocket."
Deshane's face shined, literally. "Siler is Zhangli Quan, with his magic fan. Hayden is - "
"Grandfather Lu," Sam completed. "Invisibility is a dead giveaway."
"Yes, and Hiren is Han Xiangu, patron of musicians, and Ariq is Li Tien-Kuai."
"Of course, I should've know, the crutch."
"You do know your immortals," Deshane said proudly. "Janya, she's He Xiangu, patron of women."
"We didn't meet her."
"She keeps to herself."
"And, that kid, Rommel, is he one of them?"
"Yes, he's Royal Uncle Cao."
"An awkward teenager is Royal Uncle Cao?"
"The curse was meant as punishment as well as entrapment. Siler runs a meth lab. Hiren is a local huntsman with no success at his business. Hayden is a cloistered brother who never teaches."
"Whoever did this wanted to prevent the immortals from sharing their gifts?" Sam asked.
"I believe so."
"Who did it?"
"Two witches. They did it to steal the magic objects the immortals had."
"You mean someone's got - "
"No, no," Deshane said. "I found them and recovered the objects after I killed them."
"Then why did the curse - "
"I don't know why it didn't die with them," admitted Deshane. "Maybe that's why they chose a timepiece to curse."
"Siler, Alex, Mervin," Edward said by way of introduction. "And this is Hiren, Janya, Ariq, Hayden. Guys, this is Olivia, she's a friend. She's here to help."
"Help with what?" Ariq asked.
"That's a long story," Olivia said. "And I think we should cut to the chase. Each of you possesses something that holds the key to remembering your true identity."
"True identity?" Janya echoed. "That's why we're here?"
"You came because you know something is happening," Edward said. "If I'm wrong, nothing will happen. If we're right, then, you'll be free. What's the downside?"
"You would know better than I," Olivia said, "but the object you have would be very special to you. Something you can't let go of. This is how you are cursed. Once you place them here on the ground, you'll be free of all this."
Everyone looked awkwardly at one another.
"Alex," Edward started, "we all know about your basket you use as a drum." He turned to Ariq, "And that crutch of yours Ariq? That's holding you back."
None of them moved. Edward turned to Siler, "That pipe of yours, Siler, have you ever been parted from it?" He turned to Mervin, "And you and your white donkey. Why have you never put it down?"
Olivia shook her head. "Fine, then stay cursed." She turned to leave.
"Wait," Ariq spoke. He put his crutch down in front of himself and hobbled away from it. Mervin followed, placing his mule-on-a-stick on the ground, though he couldn't bare to walk away from it.
Siler tossed his pipe, and Hayden dropped an ornate cross he wore around his neck. Almost on top of the pipe and cross, Janya placed a folding fan. Hiren hesitated before adding to the pile an arrowhead he wore.
Alex backed away. She would not let go of her basket.
Olivia thought that six out of seven wasn't too bad, so she swept down and grabbed the pipe, cross, arrowhead, and folding fan pile. She turned to gather the iron crutch and donkey.
Mervin had already stowed it in his pocket. Ariq took up his crutch, and the seven circled up, in opposition to Olivia.
"Sorry, love," said Siler, "You're too late."
Olivia's eyes turned black. "It's never too late when you've got enough power," she snapped. Her voice rumbled and shook the ground.
Edward stuttered, "But you said - "
Olivia waved her hand and snapped his neck.
The truck pulled around just in time to see Edward's lifeless body crash to the ground.
"No!" Deshane yelled.
"You ready?" Sam bellowed to the back cap.
"Yes!" Dean and Cas said at the same time.
Dean took the demon knife and checked the Colt. Castiel pulled out a second angel blade.
"Where did you - "
"This one was Tamandriel's," Cas remarked. "Sam should take it."
"Right, okay, what's the plan?"
"We save the eight immortals and hope for the best," Cas said.
Sam slammed on the breaks and parked the car with the hazard lights flashing on the edge of the Tristen Road, hoping it would stop people from heading up that way for a while. Deshane opened the cap for Dean and Cas.
"You fight?" Dean asked.
"Not well, I'm afraid," Deshane admitted. "Come on."
Their entry went unremarked upon by Olivia, who raised her hackles to the seven immortals.
"Give me your magic," she snapped, "or I will rip it from you."
"You e'en know who we are, cher?" Hayden asked.
"Nothing," Olivia's eyes blacked again. "Not compared to me, kiddos."
"And you are?" Siler asked. "A randy little demon?"
"You might know me by the name Paimon," Olivia said.
Bang! Dean took a shot with the Colt, but the demon teleported a few feet away, and the bullet embedded itself into a tree.
"Well, now, look at this," Paimon-as-Olivia said. "Our motley crew keeps getting bigger."
Hayden saw Deshane and his eyes became wide. "Willowelf?"
"Yes, teacher," he replied.
"Touching reunion," Paimon said. "But I'm not one for patience - "
"You," Sam said. "You were the woman at the graveyard - "
"Sorry, Olivia isn't home right now," Paimon cut him off. "Now hold still while I slaughter you."
"She's Paimon," Ariq said.
Paimon reached up and the darkened the sky. Thunder rolled, and hail fell.
"Should I be impressed?" Dean asked.
"One of the kings of hell," Cas said.
"Wow, seven magical jackasses and an angel, it's my lucky day."
"Actually, five angels," Naomi's voice replied.
She and three henchmen, or hence-angels, used the sound of thunder to cover their entry.
Hayden suddenly had a large sword, which he swung through the air in a repetitive pattern. Dean could not make out what he muttered over the noise of the storm around him, but when he finished, a hot stream of red and green shot at Paimon, who jolted.
"Now, now," Paimon taunted. "That tickles."
With a flick of her hand, Hayden's body went flying, and Deshane went to his side shouting, "Grandfather Lu!"
"Damnit," Sam whispered. "His sword is supposed to dispel evil spirits."
Naomi motioned to hench-angels one and three. "Gilemane and Haverford," she said. "Everthorn, with me."
Siler took up a sword of some kind, and Ariq dashed over to minister to Hayden with the help of Janya and Alex. Hiren had a shotgun, and together with Siler they took sentry positions over their wounded companion.
Dean felt like everything was in slow motion. The four angels took up strategic positions and went to move in on Paimon. He motioned for Cas to stay back.
"I'll go in with the demon knife," he whispered.
"Dean - " Cas tried to say, but he didn't have time. A ball of fire hurled at Sam's head, so Cas tackled him to the ground.
Gileman and Haverford attacked from either side, and Naomi and Everthorn made a frontal assault. Paimon appeared a sword in each hand and parried all four angels at the same time. When one of them, Gileman, exposed his flank for a heartbeat, Paimon slashed down and cut the angel in half, throwing his body to the ground where it erupted in white light.
The three angels continued the assault, but it was as if Paimon had eight arms, not two. Dean slipped passed the wailing appendages with the demon knife and, with catlike skill, thrust the blade between Paimon's shoulder blades.
Paimon roared in pain, and Dean yanked the knife out to make his retreat, just in case the angels planned to take advantage.
The next events all happened at once. Paimon decapitated Everthorn and Haverford with his two swords, his roar of pain echoing hugely and dissipating the storm. He swung both blades together in front of him, which should have slashed Naomi in half, but instead she was thrown down to the ground and someone else took a slicing hit from shoulder to thigh.
"Cas!" Dean bellowed as he ran over him.
Sam rounded on Paimon, who was still standing. The demon knife didn't work.
"Sorry, kiddos, your hardware isn't good enough for a thing like me!"
"What about mine?" Rommel said. He'd managed to approach noiselessly during the fray, and in his hands was a large jade object.
"What - what's happening?" Paimon bellowed.
Sam had thought Paimon being stabbed caused the storm to blow out, but he was wrong. Rommel held the Jade Tablet, and Sam remembered who he was. "Uncle Cao," he whispered.
Paimon shrieked. His black smoke burst out of Olivia's dead body and flew away.
Dean had pulled Castiel off of Naomi, who was covered in his blood but very much alive. Hayden stood up, healed from Paimon's assault.
"Cas," he whispered, "hang in there, buddy." He looked up at Naomi, "Little help here?"
"I can't," she said.
"He just saved your life," Dean yelled, "you get that right?"
"My orders are to kill him," she said, "you're lucky I'm not following them."
Naomi disappeared.
"Cas, tell me you can heal yourself," Dean pleaded.
"The blade he used..." Cas muttered.
"Ariq," Sam said, "or, Li, please."
"Normally I only help the needy, but, I suppose you did just save us," Ariq replied. He used his iron crutch to make his way over to Cas. He pulled out his magic gourd and began apply herbs.
Sam then turned to the others. "And what about Ed? He's the reason you're all free."
"Actually, it was you," Deshane said.
"No, this kid is the reason, we just lit stuff on fire. He was the one who helped us here, and all of you."
Hiren took out his flute, and he began to play a sad melody. Dean shook his head. Mourning and honoring someone was the not the same as actually helping him. Edward was just a twenty-something-year-old-kid. Even as Cas healed up, he felt the weight of it on his shoulders. He should've helped Edward, not the eight freaky immortal people.
Pop, crack! Edward's neck reset itself, and he stood up from the ground slowly.
"What happened?" he said blankly.
"Good question," spat Dean.
"Han Xiang," Sam said to his brother. "His flute can heal life."
"And what sent that demon running?" Dean asked.
"Jade tablet," Cas said, getting to his own feet.
"Careful," Dean fussed over the angel.
"That's right," Rommel replied. "It purifies an area."
"An area? How big an area?" Dean asked.
"Most of Louisiana," Rommel said mildly.
"And for how long?" Sam asked.
"Few hours at least."
"So Paimon could be back soon," Sam said. "We need to get outa here, now." He looked at the eight immortals and Deshane. "You guys should, too."
Hayden put his arm on Edward's shoulder. "You have something many people do not. You have a long way to go, but I want you to come with us. In time, you will come to understand."
"Just, go with you?" Edward repeated. "Leave this place?"
"Yes," Hayden replied.
Edward nodded. "All right, yeah, let's do that."
Alex handed Sam something. "We are also in your debt. Thank you, Sam and Dean Winchester and Castiel."
A strong gust of wind enveloped Edward, Deshane, and the eight immortals. As soon as it passed, all ten disappeared.
"Okay, so, we're screwed, and we need to get outa here now," Dean said.
"I'll drive."
Dean rode in the back with Castiel, letting Sam listen to whatever crappy music he felt like playing.
"Cas, why? Why did you save her?" Dean asked. "She was ready to let you die."
"Yes," he admitted. "Maybe she deserves to die for what's she's done. But so do I."
"Cas - "
"No, Dean, you need to understand this. You have forgiven me, but that's not the same as me being innocent. If she had died, who would tell heaven that Paimon was back?"
"You could."
"No, I can't."
"So you saved her so she can tell her angel buddies about Paimon?"
"Dean, he is a king of hell," Castiel explain.
"Which means what?"
"You remember Abaddon?"
"Yeah, that bitch was a bitch."
"She was just a knight of hell. Compared to Paimon, Abaddon is a henchmen."
Dean took a deep breath. "So, powerful and hard to kill. Okay."
"It took an archangel to lock Paimon away. They should've killed him, but there were others, and only so many archangels..."
"We don't have any archangels left," Dean said. "Except Metatron, but - "
"I doubt he'll be able to help."
"Awesome."
Dean slumped down on Cas, "I'm sorry."
"What?"
"For the last few weeks, I've been an idiot," Dean said quietly, "and I'm sorry. Cas, I - "
"We can talk about this later, when you're not half asleep," Cas interrupted.
Dean did feel too tired to continue all; all the adrenaline from the fight drained away. "You promise we'll talk before you leave again?" he asked the angel.
"I promise," Cas rasped reassuringly.
Without really thinking about it, Dean fell asleep across Cas's body.
"Sleep well."
Sam set aside his research on Tezcatlipoca and witchcraft and pulled out books on demons. Castiel helped him, setting aside his own research as well.
"You should talk to Dean," Sam said, sitting down in the war room.
"Sam, this is important - "
"Taking a few hours to live life won't slow us down," Sam said. "Not really. You should go talk to him."
"I would like that."
"And when you have time, we'll talk about Kuravi's mission."
Cas tilted his head inquisitively.
Sam continued. "If Paimon was interested in the magic of people like the immortals, he's probably gonna want whatever else he can get his hands on. So we should help Kuravi's friends get free if we can. Assuming none of them are demons."
"They're not."
"Good, then we're helping," Sam said.
"But - " Cas began to protest.
"No buts."
Cas nodded and stood up. "Thank you, Sam."
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09x10 Spiral Architect
Primary Post: 09x09 Once Upon a Timepiece
Primary Post: Season 9 Fan Fiction (S9FF)
Title: Once Upon a Timepiece
Subtitle: Anagnorisis
Author: dracox-serdriel
Word Count: 3,315
Rating: R
Warnings: language, violence
Status: Complete. Feedback is appreciated.
Siler walked toward Edward's house. Why anyone would call him in the afternoon on a weekday, he didn't know, but why not? He was surprised to see Mervin riding on his white donkey towards the same destination.
"Ahoy there," Mervin called.
"Right," Siler shouted back.
"You two, too?" Alex said as she rounded the corner. Janya walked with her.
"And me," Ariq said, already in front of the house. "I'm guessing a party, personally."
"Is Rommel with you?" Janya asked Mervin.
"Nope."
"But I am," Hayden said. The group coalesced outside the driveway in front of Edward's house.
"Hello," Hiren said, as he too joined the group. "This is an odd company, isn't it?"
"No odder than any other," Janya replied.
"Who are you?" Dean asked again.
"Deshane," he said. His eyes stared at the bottle, as if willing it to burn faster.
"I think he's telling the truth," Cas said.
"No, he's lying."
"We should wait for the - " Cas stopped. The bottle finished burning, and a sallow green liquid that was once the timepiece evaporated.
Deshane's face became bluer, his hair more read, and his entire demeanor changed.
"What the hell?" Dean said.
"He's one of the people cursed," Cas observed.
"Yes," Deshane said still under Dean's knife. "I was."
"Who are you?" Dean barked.
"My name is Willowelf."
Sam moved in, "Willowelf, from the book?"
"Yes, if you will, please," he said indicating the knife.
"One wrong move," Dean threatened.
"Don't worry," Deshane said, "I'm in your debt."
"Our debt?" Cas echoed.
"Start talking," Dean demanded.
"He's a willow tree become human," Sam explained. "A disciple of Grandfather Lu."
"Which one is Grandfather Lu?" Dean asked. "The dude with the mule?"
"Grandfather Lu is one of the eight immortals," Deshane said. "Benevolent deities, protectors of humankind, each with their own patronage. They are known - "
"Cliff notes version, Tree-Boy. What about the fairy tale characters?"
Deshane looked ashamed. "I couldn't free my teacher and the others from this place. Only non-supernatural entities could achieve it. In my attempt to break the curse about fifty years ago - "
"You got caught up in it yourself," Sam completed.
"Yes," Deshane said meekly. "I designed this book in case of such a scenario. I never knew it would take so long to find someone willing to break it."
"That's Ed?" Sam said.
"Ed, yes, he's always been a bit more aware of everything," Deshane said. "The book was designed to inspire the holder to free the immortals from this place."
"You didn't write it in as fairy tales?" Sam asked.
"No," Deshane replied. "I bought that watch by chance back in April. I fixed it, and as soon as it started ticking, all these little miracles started happening - "
"Your memory began to come back," Castiel completed. "A cursed timepiece usually has that kind of resonance."
"So these, fairy tale characters, these eight immortals, were cursed here?" Dean asked.
"Fairy tale characters are just stories," Deshane explained. "The eight immortals, however, they're real, and they've been stuck in this place for seventy-five years."
"Now they're free?" Dean asked.
"Thanks to you."
Dean looked at Cas and Sam, neither of whom seemed terribly worried. "Hello! We just freed eight asshats with a ridiculous amount of power! Why isn't anyone else concerned?"
"Because they're benevolent," Deshane answered.
"Actually, because whatever demon is attracted by the power will find themselves, as you say, out of luck," Castiel said. "Assuming they all know who they are now, they can't be manipulated - "
"What demon?" Deshane asked.
"We don't know which one," Sam said.
"Why are you talking to him?" Dean asked.
"He's not our enemy," Cas replied.
"How do you know that? The dude's a tree!"
"Was a tree," Deshane responded. "And if you're correct about the demon, we should get Edward to safety."
"I thought you said only non-supernatural entities could break this curse?" Cas asked. "Why would a demon want him?"
"He's got perception," said Deshane. "And the demon might not know about the curse or if it's broken."
"Are we really not concerned about the eight immortal combat fairies we just let free?" Dean asked Sam and Cas.
"Not now, Dean, com'on," Sam grabbed his keys. "Get an arsenal ready on the way."
Deshane, or Willowelf or whoever he was, rode shotgun as Dean and Cas climbed into the truck bed under the cap, digging through various bags for anything they can use against demons.
"That's them?" Olivia said looking out the window at the hodgepodge of people gathered in front of the house.
"Yeah, but one of them didn't show," Edward replied. "I should call him - "
"No," Olivia said.
"But he's definitely one of them," Edward pleaded. "We need them all, don't we?"
"He stayed away for a reason. He'll be along later. Why don't we go out, and you introduce me to them? Just, follow my lead. Okay?"
"What about the angels?" Dean whispered. "Are they here?"
"They're close, looking for someone," Cas said, "but they don't know I'm here."
"We should keep it that way."
"I'm coming with you."
"Cas, it's - "
"Until we know more about this demon, I'm not just going to hide from the world."
"And if the angels - "
"Then I will retreat if I must," Cas cut him off. "I'm not leaving. So stop trying."
Up front, Sam spoke with Deshane. "Who is who?" Sam asked. "I mean, their real identities, not the weird fairy tale ones."
"Alex is Lan Caihe," Deshane explained. "She or he, depending on who you ask, sings and can predict the future with lyrics."
"I'm guessing Mervin is Elder Zhang Guo, because of the donkey," Sam said.
"You know your immortals?"
"No, but it's hard to forget a guy who can fold up his ride and put it in his pocket."
Deshane's face shined, literally. "Siler is Zhangli Quan, with his magic fan. Hayden is - "
"Grandfather Lu," Sam completed. "Invisibility is a dead giveaway."
"Yes, and Hiren is Han Xiangu, patron of musicians, and Ariq is Li Tien-Kuai."
"Of course, I should've know, the crutch."
"You do know your immortals," Deshane said proudly. "Janya, she's He Xiangu, patron of women."
"We didn't meet her."
"She keeps to herself."
"And, that kid, Rommel, is he one of them?"
"Yes, he's Royal Uncle Cao."
"An awkward teenager is Royal Uncle Cao?"
"The curse was meant as punishment as well as entrapment. Siler runs a meth lab. Hiren is a local huntsman with no success at his business. Hayden is a cloistered brother who never teaches."
"Whoever did this wanted to prevent the immortals from sharing their gifts?" Sam asked.
"I believe so."
"Who did it?"
"Two witches. They did it to steal the magic objects the immortals had."
"You mean someone's got - "
"No, no," Deshane said. "I found them and recovered the objects after I killed them."
"Then why did the curse - "
"I don't know why it didn't die with them," admitted Deshane. "Maybe that's why they chose a timepiece to curse."
"Siler, Alex, Mervin," Edward said by way of introduction. "And this is Hiren, Janya, Ariq, Hayden. Guys, this is Olivia, she's a friend. She's here to help."
"Help with what?" Ariq asked.
"That's a long story," Olivia said. "And I think we should cut to the chase. Each of you possesses something that holds the key to remembering your true identity."
"True identity?" Janya echoed. "That's why we're here?"
"You came because you know something is happening," Edward said. "If I'm wrong, nothing will happen. If we're right, then, you'll be free. What's the downside?"
"You would know better than I," Olivia said, "but the object you have would be very special to you. Something you can't let go of. This is how you are cursed. Once you place them here on the ground, you'll be free of all this."
Everyone looked awkwardly at one another.
"Alex," Edward started, "we all know about your basket you use as a drum." He turned to Ariq, "And that crutch of yours Ariq? That's holding you back."
None of them moved. Edward turned to Siler, "That pipe of yours, Siler, have you ever been parted from it?" He turned to Mervin, "And you and your white donkey. Why have you never put it down?"
Olivia shook her head. "Fine, then stay cursed." She turned to leave.
"Wait," Ariq spoke. He put his crutch down in front of himself and hobbled away from it. Mervin followed, placing his mule-on-a-stick on the ground, though he couldn't bare to walk away from it.
Siler tossed his pipe, and Hayden dropped an ornate cross he wore around his neck. Almost on top of the pipe and cross, Janya placed a folding fan. Hiren hesitated before adding to the pile an arrowhead he wore.
Alex backed away. She would not let go of her basket.
Olivia thought that six out of seven wasn't too bad, so she swept down and grabbed the pipe, cross, arrowhead, and folding fan pile. She turned to gather the iron crutch and donkey.
Mervin had already stowed it in his pocket. Ariq took up his crutch, and the seven circled up, in opposition to Olivia.
"Sorry, love," said Siler, "You're too late."
Olivia's eyes turned black. "It's never too late when you've got enough power," she snapped. Her voice rumbled and shook the ground.
Edward stuttered, "But you said - "
Olivia waved her hand and snapped his neck.
The truck pulled around just in time to see Edward's lifeless body crash to the ground.
"No!" Deshane yelled.
"You ready?" Sam bellowed to the back cap.
"Yes!" Dean and Cas said at the same time.
Dean took the demon knife and checked the Colt. Castiel pulled out a second angel blade.
"Where did you - "
"This one was Tamandriel's," Cas remarked. "Sam should take it."
"Right, okay, what's the plan?"
"We save the eight immortals and hope for the best," Cas said.
Sam slammed on the breaks and parked the car with the hazard lights flashing on the edge of the Tristen Road, hoping it would stop people from heading up that way for a while. Deshane opened the cap for Dean and Cas.
"You fight?" Dean asked.
"Not well, I'm afraid," Deshane admitted. "Come on."
Their entry went unremarked upon by Olivia, who raised her hackles to the seven immortals.
"Give me your magic," she snapped, "or I will rip it from you."
"You e'en know who we are, cher?" Hayden asked.
"Nothing," Olivia's eyes blacked again. "Not compared to me, kiddos."
"And you are?" Siler asked. "A randy little demon?"
"You might know me by the name Paimon," Olivia said.
Bang! Dean took a shot with the Colt, but the demon teleported a few feet away, and the bullet embedded itself into a tree.
"Well, now, look at this," Paimon-as-Olivia said. "Our motley crew keeps getting bigger."
Hayden saw Deshane and his eyes became wide. "Willowelf?"
"Yes, teacher," he replied.
"Touching reunion," Paimon said. "But I'm not one for patience - "
"You," Sam said. "You were the woman at the graveyard - "
"Sorry, Olivia isn't home right now," Paimon cut him off. "Now hold still while I slaughter you."
"She's Paimon," Ariq said.
Paimon reached up and the darkened the sky. Thunder rolled, and hail fell.
"Should I be impressed?" Dean asked.
"One of the kings of hell," Cas said.
"Wow, seven magical jackasses and an angel, it's my lucky day."
"Actually, five angels," Naomi's voice replied.
She and three henchmen, or hence-angels, used the sound of thunder to cover their entry.
Hayden suddenly had a large sword, which he swung through the air in a repetitive pattern. Dean could not make out what he muttered over the noise of the storm around him, but when he finished, a hot stream of red and green shot at Paimon, who jolted.
"Now, now," Paimon taunted. "That tickles."
With a flick of her hand, Hayden's body went flying, and Deshane went to his side shouting, "Grandfather Lu!"
"Damnit," Sam whispered. "His sword is supposed to dispel evil spirits."
Naomi motioned to hench-angels one and three. "Gilemane and Haverford," she said. "Everthorn, with me."
Siler took up a sword of some kind, and Ariq dashed over to minister to Hayden with the help of Janya and Alex. Hiren had a shotgun, and together with Siler they took sentry positions over their wounded companion.
Dean felt like everything was in slow motion. The four angels took up strategic positions and went to move in on Paimon. He motioned for Cas to stay back.
"I'll go in with the demon knife," he whispered.
"Dean - " Cas tried to say, but he didn't have time. A ball of fire hurled at Sam's head, so Cas tackled him to the ground.
Gileman and Haverford attacked from either side, and Naomi and Everthorn made a frontal assault. Paimon appeared a sword in each hand and parried all four angels at the same time. When one of them, Gileman, exposed his flank for a heartbeat, Paimon slashed down and cut the angel in half, throwing his body to the ground where it erupted in white light.
The three angels continued the assault, but it was as if Paimon had eight arms, not two. Dean slipped passed the wailing appendages with the demon knife and, with catlike skill, thrust the blade between Paimon's shoulder blades.
Paimon roared in pain, and Dean yanked the knife out to make his retreat, just in case the angels planned to take advantage.
The next events all happened at once. Paimon decapitated Everthorn and Haverford with his two swords, his roar of pain echoing hugely and dissipating the storm. He swung both blades together in front of him, which should have slashed Naomi in half, but instead she was thrown down to the ground and someone else took a slicing hit from shoulder to thigh.
"Cas!" Dean bellowed as he ran over him.
Sam rounded on Paimon, who was still standing. The demon knife didn't work.
"Sorry, kiddos, your hardware isn't good enough for a thing like me!"
"What about mine?" Rommel said. He'd managed to approach noiselessly during the fray, and in his hands was a large jade object.
"What - what's happening?" Paimon bellowed.
Sam had thought Paimon being stabbed caused the storm to blow out, but he was wrong. Rommel held the Jade Tablet, and Sam remembered who he was. "Uncle Cao," he whispered.
Paimon shrieked. His black smoke burst out of Olivia's dead body and flew away.
Dean had pulled Castiel off of Naomi, who was covered in his blood but very much alive. Hayden stood up, healed from Paimon's assault.
"Cas," he whispered, "hang in there, buddy." He looked up at Naomi, "Little help here?"
"I can't," she said.
"He just saved your life," Dean yelled, "you get that right?"
"My orders are to kill him," she said, "you're lucky I'm not following them."
Naomi disappeared.
"Cas, tell me you can heal yourself," Dean pleaded.
"The blade he used..." Cas muttered.
"Ariq," Sam said, "or, Li, please."
"Normally I only help the needy, but, I suppose you did just save us," Ariq replied. He used his iron crutch to make his way over to Cas. He pulled out his magic gourd and began apply herbs.
Sam then turned to the others. "And what about Ed? He's the reason you're all free."
"Actually, it was you," Deshane said.
"No, this kid is the reason, we just lit stuff on fire. He was the one who helped us here, and all of you."
Hiren took out his flute, and he began to play a sad melody. Dean shook his head. Mourning and honoring someone was the not the same as actually helping him. Edward was just a twenty-something-year-old-kid. Even as Cas healed up, he felt the weight of it on his shoulders. He should've helped Edward, not the eight freaky immortal people.
Pop, crack! Edward's neck reset itself, and he stood up from the ground slowly.
"What happened?" he said blankly.
"Good question," spat Dean.
"Han Xiang," Sam said to his brother. "His flute can heal life."
"And what sent that demon running?" Dean asked.
"Jade tablet," Cas said, getting to his own feet.
"Careful," Dean fussed over the angel.
"That's right," Rommel replied. "It purifies an area."
"An area? How big an area?" Dean asked.
"Most of Louisiana," Rommel said mildly.
"And for how long?" Sam asked.
"Few hours at least."
"So Paimon could be back soon," Sam said. "We need to get outa here, now." He looked at the eight immortals and Deshane. "You guys should, too."
Hayden put his arm on Edward's shoulder. "You have something many people do not. You have a long way to go, but I want you to come with us. In time, you will come to understand."
"Just, go with you?" Edward repeated. "Leave this place?"
"Yes," Hayden replied.
Edward nodded. "All right, yeah, let's do that."
Alex handed Sam something. "We are also in your debt. Thank you, Sam and Dean Winchester and Castiel."
A strong gust of wind enveloped Edward, Deshane, and the eight immortals. As soon as it passed, all ten disappeared.
"Okay, so, we're screwed, and we need to get outa here now," Dean said.
"I'll drive."
Dean rode in the back with Castiel, letting Sam listen to whatever crappy music he felt like playing.
"Cas, why? Why did you save her?" Dean asked. "She was ready to let you die."
"Yes," he admitted. "Maybe she deserves to die for what's she's done. But so do I."
"Cas - "
"No, Dean, you need to understand this. You have forgiven me, but that's not the same as me being innocent. If she had died, who would tell heaven that Paimon was back?"
"You could."
"No, I can't."
"So you saved her so she can tell her angel buddies about Paimon?"
"Dean, he is a king of hell," Castiel explain.
"Which means what?"
"You remember Abaddon?"
"Yeah, that bitch was a bitch."
"She was just a knight of hell. Compared to Paimon, Abaddon is a henchmen."
Dean took a deep breath. "So, powerful and hard to kill. Okay."
"It took an archangel to lock Paimon away. They should've killed him, but there were others, and only so many archangels..."
"We don't have any archangels left," Dean said. "Except Metatron, but - "
"I doubt he'll be able to help."
"Awesome."
Dean slumped down on Cas, "I'm sorry."
"What?"
"For the last few weeks, I've been an idiot," Dean said quietly, "and I'm sorry. Cas, I - "
"We can talk about this later, when you're not half asleep," Cas interrupted.
Dean did feel too tired to continue all; all the adrenaline from the fight drained away. "You promise we'll talk before you leave again?" he asked the angel.
"I promise," Cas rasped reassuringly.
Without really thinking about it, Dean fell asleep across Cas's body.
"Sleep well."
Sam set aside his research on Tezcatlipoca and witchcraft and pulled out books on demons. Castiel helped him, setting aside his own research as well.
"You should talk to Dean," Sam said, sitting down in the war room.
"Sam, this is important - "
"Taking a few hours to live life won't slow us down," Sam said. "Not really. You should go talk to him."
"I would like that."
"And when you have time, we'll talk about Kuravi's mission."
Cas tilted his head inquisitively.
Sam continued. "If Paimon was interested in the magic of people like the immortals, he's probably gonna want whatever else he can get his hands on. So we should help Kuravi's friends get free if we can. Assuming none of them are demons."
"They're not."
"Good, then we're helping," Sam said.
"But - " Cas began to protest.
"No buts."
Cas nodded and stood up. "Thank you, Sam."
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09x10 Spiral Architect
Primary Post: 09x09 Once Upon a Timepiece
Primary Post: Season 9 Fan Fiction (S9FF)