Non Timebo Mala: Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Sam rushed up the last few steps toward the senator’s seat. It had taken him far longer than he’d wanted to get there but he’d been forced to slink around, dodging guards, and even in one event striking up an innocent conversation with one when he’d been spotted. He’d distracted that soldier long enough to knock him out but the going had been slow and every shout from the crowd had gnawed at him like acid in his veins. As he stumbled at last out into the balcony, he took the moment to glance down into the arena and his heart almost stopped. He could see Dean and Castiel in its center, surrounded on all sides by four large predatory cats and he only hoped this could be stopped before it was too late. He ignored the shout of protest from one of the officials next to the senator and made his way straight for the one person he knew could end this. He’d almost made it when two guards grabbed his arms and tried to forcibly drag him back out. “WAIT!” he shouted, “I need to talk to you! Please! I have a pardon!”
The senator turned and scowled at him. “A pardon? Ain’t nobody in these games getting a pardon that I’ve ever heard,” he snapped, “What’s your name, boy?”
“Samael. Samael Winchester. The man down there is my brother. I have a pardon from Azazel,” Sam said breathlessly. The men holding him paused and looked at the senator for direction on how to proceed.
“Now I know you’re lying. Azazel’s never pardoned a single blasted soul in his whole life.”
“I swear,” Sam pleaded, “just read it.” He waved the paper toward the senator who snatched it out of his hand. The man’s brows crinkled together and he scratched at the thick short beard that graced his chin.
“Senator, Rubico?” one of the guards asked.
“Drop ‘em,” the senator replied much to Sam’s relief. He found himself under the senator’s heavy gaze and he glanced furtively down into the arena again in his impatience. They were wasting time and it could prove disastrous. “How the hells did you get this?” the senator asked with open skepticism.
“Please, senator Rubico, I can explain later but right now my brother is about to die if you don’t stop this.”
The senator narrowed his eyes and snorted. “You’ll explain now or I’m not stopping anything.”
A Nubian man to his left shook his head and chuckled derisively. “You know as well as I do, Bobby, that Azazel’s never given a pardon. Just send the kid on his way.”
“Shut up, Rufus,” Bobby snapped.
“Bobby?” Sam asked with a raised brow.
“A nickname. Short for Rubico cause my friend here can’t be bothered to use my whole name. But we’re not here to discuss my personal life and you’re running short on time,” Bobby griped.
Sam couldn’t seem to get the words out of his mouth fast enough. He let a series of lies slide easily off his tongue, ones he’d pieced together on the way to the balcony, about how Castiel was an aide to Azazel (true enough) and how the senator had given Dean pardon because Castiel had helped identify the real murderer.
The look on Bobby’s face said he clearly didn’t believe a word of it and Rufus leaned around him just to add his own disbelieving scowl but the senator rose to his feet none the less. “Whatever, kid. Far as I’m concerned, the fact that this piece of paper has Azazel’s signature on it is good enough for me. ‘Sides, if I’m not wrong, whatever you’re up to is gonna piss him off and I’m always ok with that.” Rufus chuckled and leaned back into his seat again. Bobby turned toward the crowd and waved his arms at the officials standing against the doors to the arena. They perked up at his signal and he crossed his forearms over one another, a sign to halt the proceedings. The reaction was instant and the men disappeared into the depths of the coliseum, returning only a moment later with the beastmaster at their backs. The older gentlemen, responsible for the care of the animals, rushed out and began directing a stream of other workers who poured out behind him much to the ire of the crowd.
Boos and shouts rang down as the animals were gathered up and Dean followed Castiel’s line of sight up into the stadium. There he could make out the senator standing with his arms crossed and beside him was the tall unmistakable figure of Sam. Dean sighed in relief and let some of his weight fall onto Castiel’s shoulder. A long lean arm wrapped around his waist in support and he looked over into his lover’s concerned eyes. “M’fine, Cas. Just tired. Been a long friggin’ day.” Castiel curled Dean as close as he could to his chest in a gesture of protection and he kept a watchful eye out as the men around them herded the cats back down the ramps and into their cages below ground. When the arena was clear of wild animals, the men formed a tight ring around Dean and Castiel and the latter raised his sword threateningly as he warded off any potential future threats to Dean.
The men stood still and waited patiently as the crowd died down. All ears struggled to hear the words of the senator being shouted out over the arena. “I hereby pardon Dean Winchester on order of senator Azazel who proclaims a mistake in identity has been made. This soldier is cleared of all charges laid against him. Let ‘em go.” The fight had been a good one and as such the crowd seemed pleased at this change of events. They did so love drama and the story of a legionnaire mistakenly accused of murder was sure to be a hot topic of discussion for weeks to come.
Dean unfurled himself from Castiel’s supporting arms and dragged his lover toward the doors leading to freedom, a scowl plastered on his face for anyone who got in his way. Once underground again and away from prying eyes, he slipped a possessive arm around Castiel’s waist and dared anyone to say a single word about it. They collected their personal belongings and re-dressed quickly, Dean trying hard not to think about how gross he felt as he tugged his tunic back on over the grit of sand, sweat and blood, and they made their way back out. As they trudged up the incline that would lead them back into fresh air and daylight, they found Sam waiting at the top for them.
“Took you long enough,” Dean said by way of greeting.
Sam snorted and raised an eyebrow. “You’re welcome,” he said with a shake of his head. “You two ok?”
Castiel nodded. “Dean is hurt and needs some rest. I know a place we can go.” He led them down through the city streets into a small quiet section on the outskirts near the walls. He had never been to the place himself but he recalled the directions on how to reach it and after checking three wrong buildings he finally found the little butcher shop he was looking for. He led Dean and Sam inside and made his way past the long table where a young man was chopping up some freshly slaughtered lamb to be dried and salted later. He knocked politely on the narrow door at the back of the shop and it opened to reveal a tall thin woman with vibrant red hair. She looked taken aback to find Castiel standing there and there was a pause of surprise before her face broke out into a full grin. “Hello, Anna,” Castiel said with a little hesitation, “I’m sorry to just drop in like this…”
Castiel’s words were cut off as Anna threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “Little brother,” she whispered, “Oh Castiel, I’m so glad to see you. How did you get down here? Won’t you be in trouble with Michael?” She pulled back to look at him. “I thought I was still on his list of people he didn’t care for.”
Castiel smiled ruefully. “I have joined you on that list.”
“Then you’re in good company,” she said sympathetically before tugging him inside. She looked back at Sam and Dean, giving Dean a raised brow at the look of appreciation he shot her. “Are these yours?” she asked.
“Yes, Dean and Sam are my friends,” he paused and smiled shyly at Dean, “and more.”
Dean slid past Anna and took Castiel’s hand in his own, giving her a smirk before planting a possessive kiss on his lover’s lips. Anna just chuckled. “So I see,” she said as she closed the door behind Dean. “Well, it’s good to see you again. I’ve missed you. Care to tell your big sister what happened between you and Michael?” She eased down into a chair and offered over a tray of thinly sliced cured meats, breads, and fruits. Dean wolfed them down while Castiel explained what had happened and as he watched the horror and anger flit across Anna’s face, Dean decided he liked her more and more.
“We came here because I’m afraid we have no place else to go at the moment,” Castiel finished apologetically.
“That arrogant bastard,” Anna huffed, “Well you’re welcome here as long as you want, Cas.” She paused and lowered her head sadly. “I wonder what’s going to happen to old Anya now.”
“Nothing,” Dean chimed in. Every head in the room turned to look at him. “Nothing’s going to happen to her because Sam and I are headed back there now to get her.” Sam opened his mouth to protest and Dean held up a hand. “Sam, we started this, we’re finishing it. We know Cas is safe now and almost everyone in the whole damn city is at the games. We go ahead and get her, bring her back here and then all four of us get outta this place before anyone knows better. And gods help me, I almost hope Michael IS there. I wanna give that sunnuva bitch a piece of my mind anyway.”
“Dean, you just narrowly escaped death. You’re hurt and tired. This is foolish,” Castiel protested.
“Do you have an option B? Cause I don’t see any other way.” Castiel wracked his brain for an alternative that wouldn’t put Dean right back into trouble again but when he couldn’t come up with one in short order, Dean nodded. “That’s what I thought.” Dean placed a reassuring hand onto Castiel’s knee. “Just stay here, catch up with your sister, and we’ll be back before you know it.” Dean rose before anyone else could argue and headed for the door. He knew it might be foolhardly to try again so soon after being caught but from what he’d learned from Sam, Michael was still clueless as to why Dean was there in the first place. His discovery at the Novak house had most likely been chalked up to him trying to speak with Michael on Castiel’s behalf and he knew that now would be the best time to make their move with everyone in the city being preoccupied.
Castiel watched Sam hurry out the door behind his brother, the words tumbling from his lips echoing every concern Castiel had over what could potentially go wrong. When he looked up though, Anna was smiling reassuringly at him and she squeezed his hand. “That’s one heck of a guy you found,” she said with a grin, “Course, I’m glad you got him because he’d probably drive me insane.” Castiel chuckled and Anna rubbed his back. They spent the next hour catching up on old times and what Anna had been up to for the last year.
Cas kept glancing back at the door eagerly every time he heard someone enter the shop outside and his shoulders would slump when the footsteps receded away again. He couldn’t help the worry gnawing at him and as it happened again Anna took his hand into her much smaller ones. “They’ll be fine,” she tried to assure him. Her words were followed by the sound of another person entering the shop and Castiel turned to look at the door. His heart lightened as the person made their way to the entry but it dropped into his gut as the door swung open.
Michael stood there, his face an impassive mask, but Castiel could see a rage burning in those deep slate eyes. For a terrifying moment, he thought the attempt to free Anya had once again gone horribly awry and he felt his breath freeze in his lungs. “I thought I would find you here,” Michael said in a strained clipped voice. “I have just come from speaking with Azazel. He told me what happened. About your rejection. Your humiliation of him. Your vile tryst with this lowly soldier.”
Castiel felt a flood of relief as he realized that meant Dean and Sam had not been discovered but Anna stood immediately and raised her chin. “You are no more welcome in this house than I was in yours. Get out.” Her hackles raised as Michael took a challenging step inside.
Castiel rose to his feet as well and stared defiantly at his brother. “Azazel is a disgusting monster.I will never understand why you desire to be like him and I have no shame in my actions. You also have no right to speak ill of Dean. He is a better man than you ever will be."
“I know he murdered a senator on my front steps last night. That doesn't sound like any great man to me,” Michael stated coldly.
“That is a lie,” Castiel retorted, “Dean is innocent of this crime. He has been pardoned and your opinion is not welcome here. Please leave.”
Michael shook his head. “I knew you had been poisoned by our less savory siblings but I had no idea to what extent.” Castiel hated the disappointment in his brother’s voice but it was different than before. He no longer felt guilty over it, instead it only irritated him. Michael took a deep breath. “This is foolish. Your childish crush on this soldier is ridiculous. Now come along. We are leaving.”
“No,” Castiel stated flatly.
Michael froze in the doorway. “Castiel,” he said warningly.
“I said ‘no’,” Castiel repeated with more emphasis, “I am tired of taking your orders. You care for no one but yourself. You have sacrificed our family for your own gains and I will have no part in it anymore.”
Michael stalked over and drew himself up to his full height, looming over Castiel in all his intimidating glory. “Do not make this difficult, Castiel.” A strong hand closed around his wrist.
In response Castiel swung hard with the other, clocking his brother across the left cheek and snapping his head back. Michael stumbled in mute shock, his hand flying to his face and his eye watering from the blow. He stared dumbfounded for a moment before lunging to return the swing. Castiel sidestepped it and slammed a punch up into Michael’s gut. His brother cracked an elbow down into Castiel’s spine before hurling him across the room. Anna screamed for them to stop as Michael threw himself onto his brother but Castiel caught him in the midsection with a brutal kick and he came to his feet swinging. He bounced Michael’s head off the doorframe and earned a vicious elbow to the throat for his troubles. Strong fists wrapped into his tunic as Castiel tried to regain his breath and Michael tossed him through the open door into the shop. Castiel skidded to a stop before a wall of booted feet and when he looked up he saw four armed men whom he recognized as working for Azazel.
“No!”
Hands reached down and grabbed him from the floor. His arms were jerked painfully behind him and rope was secured around his wrists as he struggled. “Michael, no! Do not do this!” His words were cut off as a thick strip of cloth was shoved between his teeth and tied behind his head. He wriggled and jerked at the arms holding him, staring at his brother with wide pleading eyes, but Michael watched him coldly from the doorway.
Anna grabbed her brother’s arm and screamed at him. “Michael, don’t! You overstep your bounds. You cannot do this! This is kidnapping! Even the rights of Patria Potestas don’t allow you to do this!” Michael shoved her away and she stumbled back a few steps as he wheeled around to face her.
“Lucien defied me and fled when he knew he couldn’t win. Urial followed him, choosing our brother over the rest of this family. Gabriel put his selfish desires above our honor and you would not even attempt to put your body to some use to gain our rise us above our current station. ONE OF YOU IS GOING TO LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE!” he shouted angrily, “ONE OF YOU IS GOING TO OBEY ME! I WILL NOT BE BETRAYED AGAIN!”
Anna recoiled in horror, drawing back from the crazed rage she saw in his eyes. “If you take him back there,” she said pleadingly, “you know what will happen. You know he doesn’t want to go. He will never give himself willingly to Azazel now. What do you hope to accomplish?”
Michael gathered himself back into his usual air of forced calm. “Azazel has assured me he still wants Castiel in his home. Castiel will do as he is told.”
“And if he doesn’t?” Anna asked incredulously, “What then? Will you let that monster keep him captive against his will?”
Michael’s dead stare told her more than any words he uttered. “He is incapable of making rational decisions right now. He has spent too long around the likes of you, Gabriel, and now this murdering soldier whom he professes to care for. I will do what is best for him. Castiel is no longer your concern.” With that, Michael turned on his heel and strode from the house. Anna snatched up a knife from the table and rushed at his back with an angry scream but he whipped around and caught her hand, twisting her wrist until it popped loud enough to hear. Castiel cried out around his gag as Michael shoved his sister back into the house and pulled the door shut behind her. A nod from Michael spurred the men holding him and Castiel struggled as he was dragged out of the shop to a waiting litter outside. He kicked out at his captors until his ankles were grabbed and he was shoved unceremoniously inside. Ropes were secured around his legs as Michael climbed in and once Castiel was all but immobile, the four guards let the curtain drop, sealing off both men from public view.
The litter shifted as the workers at each corner picked it up, flanked by their armed escort, and they made their way back toward the wealthy section of town.
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