Echoes of Hell (Supernatural Fanfiction Book 4)

The Plan in Motion

The air in Bobby's cramped motel room was thick with tension and anticipation as everyone gathered around the small, worn-out table in the center. We were finally ready to put our plan into action, and the weight of what was about to happen pressed down on all of us.

Jody, Ellen, Rufus, Ruby, Castiel, Gabriel, Bobby, and I had all crammed into the space, making it feel even smaller than usual. The dim light from the single overhead bulb cast long shadows on the walls, adding to the gravity of the moment. Everyone looked tired, their faces etched with worry, but there was a steely resolve in their eyes. We all knew what was at stake.

As we all found places to stand or sit, the silence was broken by the sound of Bobby clearing his throat. "Alright," he began, his voice rough but steady. "We're at the point where there's no turning back. We've got to figure out who's stayin' behind with Dean and who's comin' with us to find Crowley."

My heart pounded in my chest as I sat quietly in the corner, my eyes fixed on a spot on the floor. I knew I'd be one of the ones going to confront Crowley, and that was non-negotiable. Dean needed answers, and I needed to find them—no matter what it took. But the thought of leaving him, even for a little while, felt like a betrayal. Especially after everything he'd been through. Especially after hearing him say, "I need to go back."

The room was filled with quiet murmurs as everyone started discussing the best course of action. I stayed silent, knowing this was one decision I couldn't be a part of. They had to decide who would stay behind to watch over Dean without my input, and it was eating me up inside. I wanted to be in both places at once—to stay by Dean's side and to go after Crowley. But I knew what had to be done.

"Jody, you've got experience keeping folks grounded, especially when they're dealing with some heavy stuff," Bobby said, looking over at her. "Maybe you should stay back with Dean. Make sure he doesn't do anything... well, anything he shouldn't."

Jody nodded, her face lined with concern. "I'll stay. I've seen how bad off he is, and he's going to need someone here who can keep a cool head."

"But you might need more than one person," Rufus chimed in, leaning against the wall. "Dean's a fighter. Even in the state he's in, if he really wants to do something, one person might not be enough to stop him."

Ellen, who had been listening quietly, crossed her arms and added, "I'll stay too. Dean needs someone who's not afraid to lay down the law if he tries to get up to something. Besides, I know how to handle a Winchester. Seen 'em at their worst."

A brief smile flickered across Bobby's face, but it quickly disappeared as the seriousness of the situation settled in again. "Alright, so Jody and Ellen will stay with Dean. The rest of us will head out to find Crowley and get the answers we need."

Ruby, who had been pacing at the edge of the room, stopped and turned to face the group. "I've got some connections that might help us track Crowley faster," she said, her voice confident. "I'll go with you guys. We need to make sure we catch him off guard, and I can help with that."

Gabriel, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up. "Castiel and I should be part of the group going after Crowley. We've got a few tricks up our sleeves that might give us an edge. Besides, if Crowley's got some demon muscle with him, you'll need our help."

"Agreed," Castiel said in his low, gravelly voice. "Crowley is cunning, but he's not invincible. We can bring him to heel if we act quickly and decisively."

Bobby nodded in agreement. "Then it's settled. Rufus, you'll come with us too. You've got experience with Crowley, and we'll need all hands on deck."

Rufus gave a grim nod. "I've tangled with him before. We're gonna need to be sharp, but I'm in."