Fic: Supernatural: Jedi!Verse: Dean/Castiel: [R] - Welcome To The New Age (8/10)
Title: Welcome To the New Age (8/10)
Author: nicole9514
Rating: R
Genre: AU, Fusion w/Star Wars, slash, action, romance
Pairing: Dean/Castiel
Warnings: language, violence, blood, death
Spoilers: None
A/N: This fic takes place in my Jedi!verse series of fics. The title for this arc in the Verse was taken from the song "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons.
Summary: Dean and Cas duel the apprentice, while Anna has her own fights to face.
Word Count: 4,374
New to the series; here's a Link to the Masterpost
Anna padded down the hall, her hazel eyes darting all around her. She ignored the slight pain in her arm where it was still mending. The young woman didn’t have time for weakness; ten young lives were depending on her, and she wasn’t going to let them down.
Master Crowley had taken point; she was bringing up the rear, her senses extended as she felt, watched, and listened for trouble.
The kids were putting on a brave face, and as much as it pained her to admit, they seemed to feel safe with Crowley. The bastard had a heart after all. Those kids were only alive because of him, because he’d been willing to die for them.
It didn’t mean she liked him; he’d been a large part of the reason the council had turned against her Master and Knight Winchester. She knew he’d spoken out against them, but if Master Castiel could be civil with him, so could she.
Crowley held up a hand as they passed a small meditation room - in the distance she could hear the mechanical clanging of droids, and judging by the sound -lots of them.
They all ducked inside.
He ushered the younglings into the corner, and told them to wait, and be silent.
“You know how to use that thing?” His gaze darted to her saber.
She narrowed her eyes, and flashed a wicked grin as adrenaline coursed through her veins with each bang of metal footfalls.
They were getting closer.
“Sure. She turned it upward and pointed to the top. “This end goes into the bad guys, right?” She smirked at Crowley’s exasperated expression. “I can handle myself old man.”
“I suppose we’re about to find out.”
They crouched by the door, waiting.
The first gold Battle droid came from around the corner, its weapon aimed, and dozens more followed.
“Let’s go greet our guests,” he breathed, and then leapt into the air spinning, and twirling with as much grace as her Master, and came down hard, taking out three droids with one blow.
Anna smiled, and leapt into the fray.
Her purple blade cut through them like butter, she blocked their weapons fire, bouncing it back at them, taking out several.
Crowley’s own blue blade whirled around, lopping off mechanical heads with ease.
In minutes dozens of the simple minded droids lay in smoking heaps on the floor.
“Impressive,” Crowley admitted.
“Yeah. You too.”
They headed back towards the meditation room when three Destroyers rolled out into the hall, their shields up, and began firing in rapid succession.
Sith Spit,” she snarled as her saber whirled and parried blocking each shot.
Anna noticed the ache in her arm increase as she held off the onslaught of fire.
“Keep them busy,” Crowley barked as he leapt, bounced off the wall, flipped, bounced off the other wall, and landed behind them.
Anna knew what he was doing; their shields were weaker from behind. The Jedi Master drove his blade into the one closest to him. The other tried to turn, but wasn’t fast enough - the older Jedi impaled it.
That left one.
She couldn’t let him have all the fun.
Anna flung her hand forward, and felt the force flow out of her, propelling the thing backwards, slamming it against the wall. Its shield sparked, over-loaded, and then she flung her saber towards it, cleaving it in two.
She picked up her weapon off the smoking husk, and grinned.
Crowley actually smiled. It was kind of creepy, as if he wasn’t used to moving his muscles in anything that wasn’t a sneer or an expression of some type of disdain.
Still, at least he was trying.
“Let’s get those younglings back to our ship before someone else decides to drop in.”
******
Dean leapt upwards intending to kick that sadist out of the air mid-leap, only it didn’t work out that way. Gordon was fast, and powerful - Dean had never actually scene him fight, only heard rumors. He was pretty much known to be one of the best and deadliest.
Perhaps that hadn’t been an exaggeration.
Dean found himself on his ass with aching ribs from Walker’s boot ramming into it. And the son of hutt still landed flawlessly on his feet, and he was smiling.
“Nice try.”
Dean growled, knowing Gordon was trying to make him mad, to act rashly, charge in and get himself killed. He didn’t - instead moving back a few steps and aligning himself next to Cas, ignoring the throb in his side.
“We do this together,” Cas breathed, “His gaze focused straight ahead of him.
“Yeah, good plan.”
“I see you two can’t even fight on your own - attachment has made you weak,” he spoke in a low, calm tone.
It sent chills up Dean’s spine.
He did a quick glance around, and noticed Sam had vanished. Good. He was smart enough to know this wasn’t a fight he could win. At least he didn’t need to worry about protecting his little brother as well as not getting his ass handed to him by Darth Sithweed over there.
Cas moved left; Dean circled right. They waited - trying to make Gordon make the first move.
They had no idea what he was capable of, and Dean wasn’t in the mood to get bitch slapped again by baldy.
He wondered if chopping off your locks was part of the Sith indoctrination process - most likely the dick had just thought he looked more intimidating this way. And he had to admit, it worked for him.
Gordon was watching them, his eyes hard, his red sabers bouncing lightly in his hands.
The sound of boots on the tiled floor, coupled with breathing were the only sounds in the room.
Gordon finally got impatient, flinging one of his lightsabers towards Cas’s face. Dean felt his heart race, but Cas side stepped, and ducked underneath.
Dean was pretty damn sure he saw several dark pieces of hair fall to the ground.
That had been too damned close.
The red saber whirled back to Gordon. While he was guiding it back, Dean took the opportunity and attacked. Cas leapt at the same time and struck from the side.
Gordon waved his hand; Dean found himself slamming into a wall. It felt as if was being pummeled by a mountain, and everything went dark for a moment as his vision closed in.
He fought it off; focusing on the sounds of clashing sabers.
He blinked the stars back, and realized he was slumped against the wall, staring at a broken vase that had decorated the hall.
He tasted blood as his eyes found Cas locked in a desperate fight against the larger man.
Walker’s style was odd, predatory, and when he attacked every blow went for the kill. Cas was holding on, but barely, he was struggling to block each blow, and he was completely on the defensive.
Dean got to his feet, his legs felt rubbery, and a wave of nausea hit him.
He pushed past it, and saw Cas hit the ground. Gordon was over him, and he plunged downward.
Cas rolled to the side, and Gordon’s blade drove into the floor. Cas kicked his face; the man grunted.
The dizziness past and Dean ignored his throbbing skull and let lose, outstretching his arm he hit the son of a bitch while he was pulling his saber free. He wasn’t prepared, and it was his turn to fly.
Only Gordon didn’t slam into the wall. Somehow he rebounded off of it, then somersaulted up to a balcony above them, laughing.
“You two don’t go down easy; I’ll give you that.”
Cas was at his side, breathing hard while sweat dripped down his skin. His eyes were worried, as he took in Dean’s condition, but there was no time for talk.
Gordon used the force to launch a statue of one of the ancient Jedi right at them.
Fuck.
Dean dove one way; Cas the other. He heard the sound of it shattering into a million pieces.
Gordon just laughed.
“Almost had you.”
Dean growled. “Why don’t you come down and face us you piece of space trash.”
“Aw Dean, always so crude. It’s no wonder the Council looked down upon you.”
Dean ignored the jab, and watched his opponent walk back and forth above them as if he were their god.
It was time to bring him back down to reality.
He glanced at Cas, and somehow the other man knew exactly what he had in mind.
They both threw their sabers at once, controlling them with the force, and causing them to arc towards the ledge he was standing on. It cut through it; there was a creaking sound, just before it collapsed.
He heard Gordon scream in rage, as he lost his thrown.
Dust and dirt floated in the air where it had fallen; Dean squinted trying to make out the details.
Out of the dust cloud, his skin covered in the powder, emerged a murderous, Sith.
He stalked towards them, cuts marring his flesh, and blood dribbling down the side of his head.
Dean lifted his hand to stop the force push that Walker unleashed, and failed. It cut through his defense as if it had been made of air.
Dean hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of him.
Cas was on the ground as well, gasping, and he realized Walker was chocking him with the force.
What was it with these sith types and force chokes?
Dean tried to get up; Gordon hit him again, slamming him back against the wall.
Apparently they’d really pissed him off.
Walker stood over Cas, and smiled at Dean. Dean knew he wanted him to know how much pleasure he was going to take in his; he wanted Dean to see the man he loved die.
Gordon raised one of his sabers, and his expression was almost…orgasmic as he prepared to murder Cas.
A shot rang out in the distance. Blood, and brains exploded seconds before Gordon’s body fell to the floor in a bloody heap.
Dean blinked rapidly, and heard Cas taking deep, shuddering breaths.
He crawled over to Cas, and touched his pale face.
Cas managed a weak smile. His voice was strained, and hoarse as he managed, “I’m okay.”
Dean exhaled. He felt like sleeping for days.
He looked upward, and saw Sam standing up on a balcony on the opposite side of the room. A rifle in his hands. The genius, had made his way up another floor while they’d been fighting, and sniped that piece of shit from a safe distance away.
He’d had no idea Sam was that good of a shot.
“You guys okay?” He called out.
Dean waved at him, and flashed him a thumbs up.
They’d all underestimated Sam, including Gordon - hell that son-of-a-hutt had probably even forgotten his existence.
Dean knew if it hadn’t been for that surprise shot, he and Cas would both be dead right now.
“Thanks little brother,” he whispered, even though he knew Sam couldn’t hear him.
******
Anna and Crowley emerged from the temple unscathed, and made their way down the long steps. No one spoke; they weren’t safe. No where would be safe unless the others could stop Roman.
After getting a good distance away from the temple, they stopped to rest inside an abandoned house. The family had probably fled when the attack had started.
The kids needed to rest.
As they sat, Anna took up position near the door, searching for trouble.
Crowley spoke to the younglings. They held onto his every word; their eyes full of trust. He patted one of their heads, and offered them water before sauntering over, and kneeling next to her.
“Anything Princess?” He snarked as they paused to peer around the corner.
She glared at him. “No, and for future reference I prefer Queen.”
Crowely’s lips twitched. “Sassy suits you; you were always so quiet. Quite frankly I never thought you’d amount to much of a Jedi.”
“You and everyone else - except Master Castiel.”
Crowley’s eyebrows raised and she expected him to correct her, remind her that he was no longer a Jedi.
He didn’t.
“You shouldn’t care what anyone else thinks about you. It’s not about being liked, it’s about being respected. Demand respect and people might hate you, but they’ll think twice about attacking you in a dark alley.”
Anna watched him, her mind processing his words, and she spoke from the heart. “That’s not respect Master. That’s fear.” She leaned in close, her eyes steel. “But those younglings, the way they look at you. That’s respect, that’s love. And you can’t buy that, or terrorize it out of anyone.”
Crowley blinked, but said nothing.
“The way I saw you defending those kids, the way you fought with me today to protect them. As much as I hate to admit it, because I think you’re a pompous ass,” she paused, and dug deep, pushing down her pride, knowing it was what her Master would do. “You earned my respect. I hope you try and keep it.”
Something flickered in his eyes, real emotion, and she saw him soften slightly. “I make no promises princess,” but his expression was almost, warm. “However, as much as I hate to admit it, I was wrong about you.”
She felt a surge of surprise, and gratitude. She grinned. “Yeah. You were.”
He laughed softly.
“So we friends now?” Anna quipped.
He looked appalled. “Absolutely not. Personally I think you’re a little red-headed nightmare.”
Anna tried not to smile - she really did.
*****
Everything hurt, but it would have to wait. Dean ignored his aching head, his throbbing ribs, and the fatigue from the beat down they had suffered.
Cas still looked pale, but he was walking well, and his eyes were fierce.
Dean wasn’t going to think about the fact that they had barely been able to hold their own against the apprentice - and they were planning on taking on the Master.
Nope, not gonna think about it.
Sam was the only one who didn’t look like he’d spent an hour in the boxing ring.
Dean was more than a little grateful he’d come along.
He definitely could hold his own.
Now if only they could find Ellen, he might be able to get rid of the weight on his chest.
Until he actually saw her upright, and breathing, he wouldn’t really be able to believe that she was alive.
A shot rang out, and a hiss of pain had Dean spinning, and reflexively blocking a stream of blaster fire that came at them.
Sam was on the ground holding his side; Cas had taken position guarding him.
“I’m okay, just grazed me,” Sam was saying, while Dean searched the area above them.
“Bounty hunter,” Cas breathed, “I caught a glimpse of him on top of that monument.”
A man on a jet pack darted above them, firing as he went. Dean and Cas blocked all the shots, and Sam returned fire from the ground, getting lucky and hutting his pack.
It began to sputter, and spark. He was forced to land.
Dean raced towards him. The man who was wearing a red mask, pulled out a thermal detonator and tossed it towards him.
Shit.
Dean used the force to propel it back toward the hunter, and it exploded in a firestorm of heat, and pressure.
Dean hit the ground and covered his head and face, a few moments later he felt fingers touching his forehead.
Cas hovered above him, checking him over.
“I’m good,” he said, at least he thought he did. He could barely make out the words. He shook his head a few times, and noticed his ears were ringing. Damned sound had fucked up his hearing.
“You’ll be okay,” Cas mouthed, enunciating each syllable so he could lip read the words.
Dean nodded, and his gaze went to Sam. It wasn’t just a graze.
It wasn’t life threatening, but it was bad enough that he needed medical care.
“You just can’t stop getting shot can you?” Dean grumbled, and noticed he could sort of hear himself this time.
Sam glared at him, but allowed Dean to use a piece of his robe to wrap his side.
*****
The ringing in Dean’s ears had lessened, and he was hearing better, not perfect, but it was getting there.
At least it seemed no permanent damage had been done.
Sam was too pale and he was walking slower than normal. He hoped they found the others soon, assuming there was anyone left to find.
He felt Cas watching him, probably wondering the same thing.
Force. What if it was just them? Anna, Crowley, and a handful of younglings. The order had been thousands strong, now they were practically an endangered species.
Everywhere they went dead bodies mocked them. Some Dean knew, some he didn’t. There were too many faces.
The Jedi hadn’t been perfect, but they hadn’t deserved this.
No one did.
The room of a thousand fountains came into view; Dean felt sick. The once beautiful and serene, almost forest like area where Cas had spent so much time meditating, was in ruins. Trees downed, grass burned, streams stained red with blood.
He heard Cas inhale sharply.
“Horrible isn’t it?”
Dean spun, and found Jedi Master Ellen Harvelle standing there. Battle weary, bruised, tired, and stained with various colors of blood, but she was alive.
Dean felt his face stretch into a huge grin and he embraced her.
She made a sound of surprise, but hugged him back.
“It’s so good to see you, alive,” Dean managed, feeling his throat close up.
Ellen patted his back affectionately. “You know me, I don’t go down easily.”
Cas moved forward, and they clasped hands. “We had been told you had been killed.”
“Not yet, but a couple of close calls.” She looked around, “Come with me. It’s not safe out here in the open.”
They followed her down a corridor; she slid her hand over a panel, and a wall opened.
Dean gaped; he hadn’t know that was there. But that had probably been the point.
They went inside; the wall closed behind them.
Close to thirty Jedi of varying age and species were inside. Some were wounded, all looked exhausted.
“We’ve been trying to keep up the fight, but they hit us hard, and fast. So many were dead before anyone knew what was happening.”
“What happened?” Cas asked, while Dean helped Sam to sit down.
“I was getting ready to come meet the two of you, when he made his move. There were explosions in dozens of key areas around the temple. The Council chambers, the library, training areas, and in the living quarters area. Hundreds died in seconds, many more were mortally injured. After that it was chaos. Those Dark Jedi you mentioned, flooded inside, along with droids, and mercenaries. We took out a lot of them, but they just kept coming, and they knew exactly where to hit, and what to do.”
“He’s been planning this for years,” Cas said gently. “He had every advantage.”
“He wouldn’t have - not if we would have listened sooner,” Ellen breathed.
“We can’t move backward, only forward.” Cas touched her shoulder, and Dean watched her take several deep breaths. “We haven’t lost yet.”
“No. You’re right.”
They were quiet for a moment.
“Gordon must have planted the bombs,” Dean spat into the silence.
Ellen’s head shot up. “It was him then.”
“Yeah.”
Her eyes turned to molten steel. “He still breathing?”
“No ma’am,” Dean said, “And you can thank Sam, here for that.”
Ellen nodded. “Thank you, Sam. I wish we were meeting in person under better circumstances.”
“Me too,” He gave her a weak smile.
“We ran into Master Crowley,” Cas added.
Her eyes lit up. “He made it then, with the younglings.”
“Yes - Anna’s with him, and they are taking them to our ship.”
“Thank the force,” she breathed, and Dean saw the hope returning to her posture and expression.
“How did you know you could trust him?” Dean couldn’t help himself from asking.
Ellen smiled. “He saved my life in a fight, and several others. He’s not very good at playing nice, or being diplomatic, but he sure is handy in combat.”
“He was willing to die for those younglings,” Cas said, “You made a good choice in picking him to escort them.”
“Well, at least one decision I made turned out right.”
“Stop that. No time for pity parties.” Dean barked, holding her gaze, and smiling when he saw some of her old fire there.
“Don’t you sass me boy. I can still kick your ass.”
Dean sat up straight. “Yes ma’am.”
She smiled.
******
A little while later they were as patched up and as rested as they were going to get. Dean knew they had to get moving, they had to find Roman. They’d filled Ellen in on their plan, and on their own fleet that was on its way.
“So you two idiots think you can take on a Sith Lord huh?”
Dean had enough sense to look repentant. “No. But we have to try.”
“Well, you’re gonna need help,” Ellen grunted.
“We need to know where he is - you got any ideas?” Dean asked.
Ellen sighed, her eyes flickering with an emotion Dean couldn’t place. “Last I heard he was slaughtering any members of the order he could find left alive. So far he hasn’t found us. But that’s not gonna last forever.”
“So we go out there making noise, and stir up trouble, and he’ll probably find us,” Dean surmised.
“Considering you two were a thorn in his side this entire time. I’d say that’s a given,” Ellen replied, her eyes tired.
“Well, Cas, I guess me and you are going for a stroll.”
Cas pursed his lips. “Sounds lovely.”
“I’m coming with you.” Ellen said, and began to stand.
Dean felt panic rip through him as images of Ellen dead, at Roman’s feet assaulted him.
“No,” he blurted too quickly and too loudly.
Cas stiffened, but remained quiet.
“Excuse me?” Ellen asked, her expression surprised.
Dean swallowed, and quickly added, “I need you to stay here and protect Sam.”
“I’m not your babysitter - the others can handle that,” she almost growled, her tone determined.
“No. I don’t trust anyone else with this,” Dean felt his words quavering with desperation and emotion.
Ellen studied him; her eyes confused. “He’s important to you, I take it.”
Dean glanced at Cas, who nodded.
“Yeah.” Dean swallowed, and lowered his voice, stepping closer to Ellen. He licked his lips, and managed, “He’s my brother.”
Ellen stared at him, her eyes swimming with a mixture of dozens emotions. “Force.” She looked at Sam, her eyes thoughtful. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” Dean replied, his tone holding no trace of doubt.
Ellen continued to watch Sam. Her eyes softening briefly around the edges. “I can see it now.”
Dean waited, his eyes, and expression pleading with her to just stay here.
“There’s something you aren’t telling me.” Ellen’s sharp mind didn‘t miss anything, her eyes going back and forth between Cas and Dean.
Dean swallowed, and knew he had to show his entire hand if he stood a chance in getting her to stay out of this fight. He took a deep breath, and finally after holding it inside for so long, he told her about Cas’s vision.
She sat very still for awhile, her expression unreadable. Eventually she exhaled, and said quietly, “Well, ain’t that a bitch.”
Dean chuckled, even though his eyes were burning.
He could still tell that she was struggling with this, that she still wanted to come with them - that staying behind went against her instincts.
“Do this for me, Ellen -” Dean swallowed, he felt Cas take his hand, encouraging him to open up, to tell her why this was so important to him. A few months ago he never would have been able to say it, but now, he was stronger. He could do this.
“You’re the closest thing I have to a mother.” He inhaled shakily, “Please, stay here and…” his words trailed off, and he took deep breaths.
He felt Ellen’s hand come to rest on his cheek. Her eyes were shining, her expression gentle, and loving. “Okay, Dean.”
Dean exhaled. “Thank you.”
****
Sam wasn’t happy, but he was injured, and he was smart enough to know he’d only put them in danger. And he knew this fight wasn’t going to be easy.
“What makes you think you can win this?” Sam said, his eyes too bright. “You two getting yourself killed won’t help anyone.”
“No, but Sam, you know we have to try. If we don’t stop him here, today - who will?” Dean asked, managing to be the reasonable one this time.
The fact was almost all of the oldest, and most powerful Jedi had died in the explosions. Roman had been smart. The council was almost all dead, only a few had survived because they hadn’t been attending the session.
Ellen, Rufus, Jodie, and Crowley were it.
And Rufus and Jodie were injured, and on the mend. Crowley was busy, and Ellen, well her being there just wasn’t going to happen.
So that left them.
Sam pulled him into a bone crushing hug; Dean returned the gesture. “I’m glad you’re my brother,” Sam breathed.
“Me too,” Dean replied, and gave him one last squeeze and pulled back.
They clasped hands, then Dean turned to find Cas waiting for him, his eyes proud.
“Keep him from doing anything stupid,” Sam asked Cas.
Cas smiled. “I’ll try, but you know how stubborn he can be.”
Sam smiled, and he and Cas exchanged quick, but affectionate hug.
They faced each other, knowing this fight might be their last. Dean leaned in and kissed Cas once on the lips. “Let’s do this.”
Cas nodded as they headed out to find the man who had caused all this pain and death.
A/N: Two updates in two days, i'm doing good for once :P I just wanted to get this up quickly for you guys who have actually stuck with this fic for so long. And as a bonus it was a freaking long chapter, editing it one time took over an hour lol :) Please excuse any errors I missed.
Part 9
Feel free to friend this journal for the insanity :)
Comments are always appreciated.
Author: nicole9514
Rating: R
Genre: AU, Fusion w/Star Wars, slash, action, romance
Pairing: Dean/Castiel
Warnings: language, violence, blood, death
Spoilers: None
A/N: This fic takes place in my Jedi!verse series of fics. The title for this arc in the Verse was taken from the song "Radioactive" by Imagine Dragons.
Summary: Dean and Cas duel the apprentice, while Anna has her own fights to face.
Word Count: 4,374
New to the series; here's a Link to the Masterpost
Anna padded down the hall, her hazel eyes darting all around her. She ignored the slight pain in her arm where it was still mending. The young woman didn’t have time for weakness; ten young lives were depending on her, and she wasn’t going to let them down.
Master Crowley had taken point; she was bringing up the rear, her senses extended as she felt, watched, and listened for trouble.
The kids were putting on a brave face, and as much as it pained her to admit, they seemed to feel safe with Crowley. The bastard had a heart after all. Those kids were only alive because of him, because he’d been willing to die for them.
It didn’t mean she liked him; he’d been a large part of the reason the council had turned against her Master and Knight Winchester. She knew he’d spoken out against them, but if Master Castiel could be civil with him, so could she.
Crowley held up a hand as they passed a small meditation room - in the distance she could hear the mechanical clanging of droids, and judging by the sound -lots of them.
They all ducked inside.
He ushered the younglings into the corner, and told them to wait, and be silent.
“You know how to use that thing?” His gaze darted to her saber.
She narrowed her eyes, and flashed a wicked grin as adrenaline coursed through her veins with each bang of metal footfalls.
They were getting closer.
“Sure. She turned it upward and pointed to the top. “This end goes into the bad guys, right?” She smirked at Crowley’s exasperated expression. “I can handle myself old man.”
“I suppose we’re about to find out.”
They crouched by the door, waiting.
The first gold Battle droid came from around the corner, its weapon aimed, and dozens more followed.
“Let’s go greet our guests,” he breathed, and then leapt into the air spinning, and twirling with as much grace as her Master, and came down hard, taking out three droids with one blow.
Anna smiled, and leapt into the fray.
Her purple blade cut through them like butter, she blocked their weapons fire, bouncing it back at them, taking out several.
Crowley’s own blue blade whirled around, lopping off mechanical heads with ease.
In minutes dozens of the simple minded droids lay in smoking heaps on the floor.
“Impressive,” Crowley admitted.
“Yeah. You too.”
They headed back towards the meditation room when three Destroyers rolled out into the hall, their shields up, and began firing in rapid succession.
Sith Spit,” she snarled as her saber whirled and parried blocking each shot.
Anna noticed the ache in her arm increase as she held off the onslaught of fire.
“Keep them busy,” Crowley barked as he leapt, bounced off the wall, flipped, bounced off the other wall, and landed behind them.
Anna knew what he was doing; their shields were weaker from behind. The Jedi Master drove his blade into the one closest to him. The other tried to turn, but wasn’t fast enough - the older Jedi impaled it.
That left one.
She couldn’t let him have all the fun.
Anna flung her hand forward, and felt the force flow out of her, propelling the thing backwards, slamming it against the wall. Its shield sparked, over-loaded, and then she flung her saber towards it, cleaving it in two.
She picked up her weapon off the smoking husk, and grinned.
Crowley actually smiled. It was kind of creepy, as if he wasn’t used to moving his muscles in anything that wasn’t a sneer or an expression of some type of disdain.
Still, at least he was trying.
“Let’s get those younglings back to our ship before someone else decides to drop in.”
******
Dean leapt upwards intending to kick that sadist out of the air mid-leap, only it didn’t work out that way. Gordon was fast, and powerful - Dean had never actually scene him fight, only heard rumors. He was pretty much known to be one of the best and deadliest.
Perhaps that hadn’t been an exaggeration.
Dean found himself on his ass with aching ribs from Walker’s boot ramming into it. And the son of hutt still landed flawlessly on his feet, and he was smiling.
“Nice try.”
Dean growled, knowing Gordon was trying to make him mad, to act rashly, charge in and get himself killed. He didn’t - instead moving back a few steps and aligning himself next to Cas, ignoring the throb in his side.
“We do this together,” Cas breathed, “His gaze focused straight ahead of him.
“Yeah, good plan.”
“I see you two can’t even fight on your own - attachment has made you weak,” he spoke in a low, calm tone.
It sent chills up Dean’s spine.
He did a quick glance around, and noticed Sam had vanished. Good. He was smart enough to know this wasn’t a fight he could win. At least he didn’t need to worry about protecting his little brother as well as not getting his ass handed to him by Darth Sithweed over there.
Cas moved left; Dean circled right. They waited - trying to make Gordon make the first move.
They had no idea what he was capable of, and Dean wasn’t in the mood to get bitch slapped again by baldy.
He wondered if chopping off your locks was part of the Sith indoctrination process - most likely the dick had just thought he looked more intimidating this way. And he had to admit, it worked for him.
Gordon was watching them, his eyes hard, his red sabers bouncing lightly in his hands.
The sound of boots on the tiled floor, coupled with breathing were the only sounds in the room.
Gordon finally got impatient, flinging one of his lightsabers towards Cas’s face. Dean felt his heart race, but Cas side stepped, and ducked underneath.
Dean was pretty damn sure he saw several dark pieces of hair fall to the ground.
That had been too damned close.
The red saber whirled back to Gordon. While he was guiding it back, Dean took the opportunity and attacked. Cas leapt at the same time and struck from the side.
Gordon waved his hand; Dean found himself slamming into a wall. It felt as if was being pummeled by a mountain, and everything went dark for a moment as his vision closed in.
He fought it off; focusing on the sounds of clashing sabers.
He blinked the stars back, and realized he was slumped against the wall, staring at a broken vase that had decorated the hall.
He tasted blood as his eyes found Cas locked in a desperate fight against the larger man.
Walker’s style was odd, predatory, and when he attacked every blow went for the kill. Cas was holding on, but barely, he was struggling to block each blow, and he was completely on the defensive.
Dean got to his feet, his legs felt rubbery, and a wave of nausea hit him.
He pushed past it, and saw Cas hit the ground. Gordon was over him, and he plunged downward.
Cas rolled to the side, and Gordon’s blade drove into the floor. Cas kicked his face; the man grunted.
The dizziness past and Dean ignored his throbbing skull and let lose, outstretching his arm he hit the son of a bitch while he was pulling his saber free. He wasn’t prepared, and it was his turn to fly.
Only Gordon didn’t slam into the wall. Somehow he rebounded off of it, then somersaulted up to a balcony above them, laughing.
“You two don’t go down easy; I’ll give you that.”
Cas was at his side, breathing hard while sweat dripped down his skin. His eyes were worried, as he took in Dean’s condition, but there was no time for talk.
Gordon used the force to launch a statue of one of the ancient Jedi right at them.
Fuck.
Dean dove one way; Cas the other. He heard the sound of it shattering into a million pieces.
Gordon just laughed.
“Almost had you.”
Dean growled. “Why don’t you come down and face us you piece of space trash.”
“Aw Dean, always so crude. It’s no wonder the Council looked down upon you.”
Dean ignored the jab, and watched his opponent walk back and forth above them as if he were their god.
It was time to bring him back down to reality.
He glanced at Cas, and somehow the other man knew exactly what he had in mind.
They both threw their sabers at once, controlling them with the force, and causing them to arc towards the ledge he was standing on. It cut through it; there was a creaking sound, just before it collapsed.
He heard Gordon scream in rage, as he lost his thrown.
Dust and dirt floated in the air where it had fallen; Dean squinted trying to make out the details.
Out of the dust cloud, his skin covered in the powder, emerged a murderous, Sith.
He stalked towards them, cuts marring his flesh, and blood dribbling down the side of his head.
Dean lifted his hand to stop the force push that Walker unleashed, and failed. It cut through his defense as if it had been made of air.
Dean hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of him.
Cas was on the ground as well, gasping, and he realized Walker was chocking him with the force.
What was it with these sith types and force chokes?
Dean tried to get up; Gordon hit him again, slamming him back against the wall.
Apparently they’d really pissed him off.
Walker stood over Cas, and smiled at Dean. Dean knew he wanted him to know how much pleasure he was going to take in his; he wanted Dean to see the man he loved die.
Gordon raised one of his sabers, and his expression was almost…orgasmic as he prepared to murder Cas.
A shot rang out in the distance. Blood, and brains exploded seconds before Gordon’s body fell to the floor in a bloody heap.
Dean blinked rapidly, and heard Cas taking deep, shuddering breaths.
He crawled over to Cas, and touched his pale face.
Cas managed a weak smile. His voice was strained, and hoarse as he managed, “I’m okay.”
Dean exhaled. He felt like sleeping for days.
He looked upward, and saw Sam standing up on a balcony on the opposite side of the room. A rifle in his hands. The genius, had made his way up another floor while they’d been fighting, and sniped that piece of shit from a safe distance away.
He’d had no idea Sam was that good of a shot.
“You guys okay?” He called out.
Dean waved at him, and flashed him a thumbs up.
They’d all underestimated Sam, including Gordon - hell that son-of-a-hutt had probably even forgotten his existence.
Dean knew if it hadn’t been for that surprise shot, he and Cas would both be dead right now.
“Thanks little brother,” he whispered, even though he knew Sam couldn’t hear him.
******
Anna and Crowley emerged from the temple unscathed, and made their way down the long steps. No one spoke; they weren’t safe. No where would be safe unless the others could stop Roman.
After getting a good distance away from the temple, they stopped to rest inside an abandoned house. The family had probably fled when the attack had started.
The kids needed to rest.
As they sat, Anna took up position near the door, searching for trouble.
Crowley spoke to the younglings. They held onto his every word; their eyes full of trust. He patted one of their heads, and offered them water before sauntering over, and kneeling next to her.
“Anything Princess?” He snarked as they paused to peer around the corner.
She glared at him. “No, and for future reference I prefer Queen.”
Crowely’s lips twitched. “Sassy suits you; you were always so quiet. Quite frankly I never thought you’d amount to much of a Jedi.”
“You and everyone else - except Master Castiel.”
Crowley’s eyebrows raised and she expected him to correct her, remind her that he was no longer a Jedi.
He didn’t.
“You shouldn’t care what anyone else thinks about you. It’s not about being liked, it’s about being respected. Demand respect and people might hate you, but they’ll think twice about attacking you in a dark alley.”
Anna watched him, her mind processing his words, and she spoke from the heart. “That’s not respect Master. That’s fear.” She leaned in close, her eyes steel. “But those younglings, the way they look at you. That’s respect, that’s love. And you can’t buy that, or terrorize it out of anyone.”
Crowley blinked, but said nothing.
“The way I saw you defending those kids, the way you fought with me today to protect them. As much as I hate to admit it, because I think you’re a pompous ass,” she paused, and dug deep, pushing down her pride, knowing it was what her Master would do. “You earned my respect. I hope you try and keep it.”
Something flickered in his eyes, real emotion, and she saw him soften slightly. “I make no promises princess,” but his expression was almost, warm. “However, as much as I hate to admit it, I was wrong about you.”
She felt a surge of surprise, and gratitude. She grinned. “Yeah. You were.”
He laughed softly.
“So we friends now?” Anna quipped.
He looked appalled. “Absolutely not. Personally I think you’re a little red-headed nightmare.”
Anna tried not to smile - she really did.
*****
Everything hurt, but it would have to wait. Dean ignored his aching head, his throbbing ribs, and the fatigue from the beat down they had suffered.
Cas still looked pale, but he was walking well, and his eyes were fierce.
Dean wasn’t going to think about the fact that they had barely been able to hold their own against the apprentice - and they were planning on taking on the Master.
Nope, not gonna think about it.
Sam was the only one who didn’t look like he’d spent an hour in the boxing ring.
Dean was more than a little grateful he’d come along.
He definitely could hold his own.
Now if only they could find Ellen, he might be able to get rid of the weight on his chest.
Until he actually saw her upright, and breathing, he wouldn’t really be able to believe that she was alive.
A shot rang out, and a hiss of pain had Dean spinning, and reflexively blocking a stream of blaster fire that came at them.
Sam was on the ground holding his side; Cas had taken position guarding him.
“I’m okay, just grazed me,” Sam was saying, while Dean searched the area above them.
“Bounty hunter,” Cas breathed, “I caught a glimpse of him on top of that monument.”
A man on a jet pack darted above them, firing as he went. Dean and Cas blocked all the shots, and Sam returned fire from the ground, getting lucky and hutting his pack.
It began to sputter, and spark. He was forced to land.
Dean raced towards him. The man who was wearing a red mask, pulled out a thermal detonator and tossed it towards him.
Shit.
Dean used the force to propel it back toward the hunter, and it exploded in a firestorm of heat, and pressure.
Dean hit the ground and covered his head and face, a few moments later he felt fingers touching his forehead.
Cas hovered above him, checking him over.
“I’m good,” he said, at least he thought he did. He could barely make out the words. He shook his head a few times, and noticed his ears were ringing. Damned sound had fucked up his hearing.
“You’ll be okay,” Cas mouthed, enunciating each syllable so he could lip read the words.
Dean nodded, and his gaze went to Sam. It wasn’t just a graze.
It wasn’t life threatening, but it was bad enough that he needed medical care.
“You just can’t stop getting shot can you?” Dean grumbled, and noticed he could sort of hear himself this time.
Sam glared at him, but allowed Dean to use a piece of his robe to wrap his side.
*****
The ringing in Dean’s ears had lessened, and he was hearing better, not perfect, but it was getting there.
At least it seemed no permanent damage had been done.
Sam was too pale and he was walking slower than normal. He hoped they found the others soon, assuming there was anyone left to find.
He felt Cas watching him, probably wondering the same thing.
Force. What if it was just them? Anna, Crowley, and a handful of younglings. The order had been thousands strong, now they were practically an endangered species.
Everywhere they went dead bodies mocked them. Some Dean knew, some he didn’t. There were too many faces.
The Jedi hadn’t been perfect, but they hadn’t deserved this.
No one did.
The room of a thousand fountains came into view; Dean felt sick. The once beautiful and serene, almost forest like area where Cas had spent so much time meditating, was in ruins. Trees downed, grass burned, streams stained red with blood.
He heard Cas inhale sharply.
“Horrible isn’t it?”
Dean spun, and found Jedi Master Ellen Harvelle standing there. Battle weary, bruised, tired, and stained with various colors of blood, but she was alive.
Dean felt his face stretch into a huge grin and he embraced her.
She made a sound of surprise, but hugged him back.
“It’s so good to see you, alive,” Dean managed, feeling his throat close up.
Ellen patted his back affectionately. “You know me, I don’t go down easily.”
Cas moved forward, and they clasped hands. “We had been told you had been killed.”
“Not yet, but a couple of close calls.” She looked around, “Come with me. It’s not safe out here in the open.”
They followed her down a corridor; she slid her hand over a panel, and a wall opened.
Dean gaped; he hadn’t know that was there. But that had probably been the point.
They went inside; the wall closed behind them.
Close to thirty Jedi of varying age and species were inside. Some were wounded, all looked exhausted.
“We’ve been trying to keep up the fight, but they hit us hard, and fast. So many were dead before anyone knew what was happening.”
“What happened?” Cas asked, while Dean helped Sam to sit down.
“I was getting ready to come meet the two of you, when he made his move. There were explosions in dozens of key areas around the temple. The Council chambers, the library, training areas, and in the living quarters area. Hundreds died in seconds, many more were mortally injured. After that it was chaos. Those Dark Jedi you mentioned, flooded inside, along with droids, and mercenaries. We took out a lot of them, but they just kept coming, and they knew exactly where to hit, and what to do.”
“He’s been planning this for years,” Cas said gently. “He had every advantage.”
“He wouldn’t have - not if we would have listened sooner,” Ellen breathed.
“We can’t move backward, only forward.” Cas touched her shoulder, and Dean watched her take several deep breaths. “We haven’t lost yet.”
“No. You’re right.”
They were quiet for a moment.
“Gordon must have planted the bombs,” Dean spat into the silence.
Ellen’s head shot up. “It was him then.”
“Yeah.”
Her eyes turned to molten steel. “He still breathing?”
“No ma’am,” Dean said, “And you can thank Sam, here for that.”
Ellen nodded. “Thank you, Sam. I wish we were meeting in person under better circumstances.”
“Me too,” He gave her a weak smile.
“We ran into Master Crowley,” Cas added.
Her eyes lit up. “He made it then, with the younglings.”
“Yes - Anna’s with him, and they are taking them to our ship.”
“Thank the force,” she breathed, and Dean saw the hope returning to her posture and expression.
“How did you know you could trust him?” Dean couldn’t help himself from asking.
Ellen smiled. “He saved my life in a fight, and several others. He’s not very good at playing nice, or being diplomatic, but he sure is handy in combat.”
“He was willing to die for those younglings,” Cas said, “You made a good choice in picking him to escort them.”
“Well, at least one decision I made turned out right.”
“Stop that. No time for pity parties.” Dean barked, holding her gaze, and smiling when he saw some of her old fire there.
“Don’t you sass me boy. I can still kick your ass.”
Dean sat up straight. “Yes ma’am.”
She smiled.
******
A little while later they were as patched up and as rested as they were going to get. Dean knew they had to get moving, they had to find Roman. They’d filled Ellen in on their plan, and on their own fleet that was on its way.
“So you two idiots think you can take on a Sith Lord huh?”
Dean had enough sense to look repentant. “No. But we have to try.”
“Well, you’re gonna need help,” Ellen grunted.
“We need to know where he is - you got any ideas?” Dean asked.
Ellen sighed, her eyes flickering with an emotion Dean couldn’t place. “Last I heard he was slaughtering any members of the order he could find left alive. So far he hasn’t found us. But that’s not gonna last forever.”
“So we go out there making noise, and stir up trouble, and he’ll probably find us,” Dean surmised.
“Considering you two were a thorn in his side this entire time. I’d say that’s a given,” Ellen replied, her eyes tired.
“Well, Cas, I guess me and you are going for a stroll.”
Cas pursed his lips. “Sounds lovely.”
“I’m coming with you.” Ellen said, and began to stand.
Dean felt panic rip through him as images of Ellen dead, at Roman’s feet assaulted him.
“No,” he blurted too quickly and too loudly.
Cas stiffened, but remained quiet.
“Excuse me?” Ellen asked, her expression surprised.
Dean swallowed, and quickly added, “I need you to stay here and protect Sam.”
“I’m not your babysitter - the others can handle that,” she almost growled, her tone determined.
“No. I don’t trust anyone else with this,” Dean felt his words quavering with desperation and emotion.
Ellen studied him; her eyes confused. “He’s important to you, I take it.”
Dean glanced at Cas, who nodded.
“Yeah.” Dean swallowed, and lowered his voice, stepping closer to Ellen. He licked his lips, and managed, “He’s my brother.”
Ellen stared at him, her eyes swimming with a mixture of dozens emotions. “Force.” She looked at Sam, her eyes thoughtful. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” Dean replied, his tone holding no trace of doubt.
Ellen continued to watch Sam. Her eyes softening briefly around the edges. “I can see it now.”
Dean waited, his eyes, and expression pleading with her to just stay here.
“There’s something you aren’t telling me.” Ellen’s sharp mind didn‘t miss anything, her eyes going back and forth between Cas and Dean.
Dean swallowed, and knew he had to show his entire hand if he stood a chance in getting her to stay out of this fight. He took a deep breath, and finally after holding it inside for so long, he told her about Cas’s vision.
She sat very still for awhile, her expression unreadable. Eventually she exhaled, and said quietly, “Well, ain’t that a bitch.”
Dean chuckled, even though his eyes were burning.
He could still tell that she was struggling with this, that she still wanted to come with them - that staying behind went against her instincts.
“Do this for me, Ellen -” Dean swallowed, he felt Cas take his hand, encouraging him to open up, to tell her why this was so important to him. A few months ago he never would have been able to say it, but now, he was stronger. He could do this.
“You’re the closest thing I have to a mother.” He inhaled shakily, “Please, stay here and…” his words trailed off, and he took deep breaths.
He felt Ellen’s hand come to rest on his cheek. Her eyes were shining, her expression gentle, and loving. “Okay, Dean.”
Dean exhaled. “Thank you.”
****
Sam wasn’t happy, but he was injured, and he was smart enough to know he’d only put them in danger. And he knew this fight wasn’t going to be easy.
“What makes you think you can win this?” Sam said, his eyes too bright. “You two getting yourself killed won’t help anyone.”
“No, but Sam, you know we have to try. If we don’t stop him here, today - who will?” Dean asked, managing to be the reasonable one this time.
The fact was almost all of the oldest, and most powerful Jedi had died in the explosions. Roman had been smart. The council was almost all dead, only a few had survived because they hadn’t been attending the session.
Ellen, Rufus, Jodie, and Crowley were it.
And Rufus and Jodie were injured, and on the mend. Crowley was busy, and Ellen, well her being there just wasn’t going to happen.
So that left them.
Sam pulled him into a bone crushing hug; Dean returned the gesture. “I’m glad you’re my brother,” Sam breathed.
“Me too,” Dean replied, and gave him one last squeeze and pulled back.
They clasped hands, then Dean turned to find Cas waiting for him, his eyes proud.
“Keep him from doing anything stupid,” Sam asked Cas.
Cas smiled. “I’ll try, but you know how stubborn he can be.”
Sam smiled, and he and Cas exchanged quick, but affectionate hug.
They faced each other, knowing this fight might be their last. Dean leaned in and kissed Cas once on the lips. “Let’s do this.”
Cas nodded as they headed out to find the man who had caused all this pain and death.
A/N: Two updates in two days, i'm doing good for once :P I just wanted to get this up quickly for you guys who have actually stuck with this fic for so long. And as a bonus it was a freaking long chapter, editing it one time took over an hour lol :) Please excuse any errors I missed.
Part 9
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