Pretty, Reckless, Winchester

XXX. Long Black Road

[The Hunter Games]

Dean was sitting on his bed in the bunker, holding his right arm. His Mark-fuelled killings plagued his mind. He got up and looked at himself in a mirror, which was divided into three parts by cracks running from side to side.

Cas paced the bunker library. "She barely speaks to me."

Sam and Holly appeared and sat down.

Cas continued. "She's like a wounded animal, just watching me."

"Look, Cas, you know what? You really tried to do the right thing that night." Sam reassured. "You did. That goes for you too, Holly. I know you're beating yourself up about this, too. This guy Claire was hanging out with, Randy, all he did was use her."

"Well, she thought he was kind. And for that, she loved him. Show how little kindness there was in her life. You know, whatever Randy did, he didn't deserve--"

"No, yeah, I know, I know. We hear you. Dean has had to kill before. We each have. But that was--"

"That was what?" Dean asked.

Sam rose, surprised while Holly rested her feet on the table. Dean walked in from the war room.

"Dean." Sam and Holly said.

"That was a massacre. That's what it was." Dean looked from Sam to Holly to Cas. "There was a time I was a hunter, not a stone-cold killer." Cas, Sam, and Holly looked troubled. "You can say it. You're not wrong. I crossed the line. Guys, this thing's gotta go." Dean looked down at the mark on his arm.

"That won't be easy." Cas warned.

"Well, then burn it off! Cut it off."

"It is more than just a physical thing. It will take a very powerful force to remove the effect."

"Dean, we have been through all the lore." Sam said. "There's nothing."

"This reaches back to the time of creation. It may pre-date the lore. If we had the Demon Tablet, maybe."

Holly frowned. "But you said it was missing."

"It is." Cas looked reluctant about his next words. "There may be another way."

CROWLEY'S THRONE ROOM HELL

Rowena came through the door. She was looking for something, opening a chest and a closet, but not finding it.

"Ah, may I help you?" Guthrie asked.

Rowena turned around, surprised as Guthrie came up behind her.

Guthrie continued. "His majesty didn't want you wandering around unattended. Certainly not in here."

"Och, I was just looking for a wee scrap of food." Rowena replied. "That swill they bring me, hardly fit for the mother of the king."

"I wouldn't know. I don't eat. If you please. I have my orders." He indicated the exit.

"Oh, you poor dear man. Guthrie, is it? Terrified of displeasing him, aren't you? I know how my son can be. You're all scared spitless. Still, a boy listens to his mum. I'd be happy to put in a good word for you."

"I'm fine, thank you."

Crowley opened the door and entered, holding a contract and pen. "Guthrie. Whatever this is, it bores me rigid. Do I sign or not?"

"I found it in order, sir. Do sign."

Crowley signed the contract and handed it to Guthrie. Guthrie nodded at Rowena and left.