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Chapter Text

The Trickster smirked as the paramedics drew a sheet over the corpse, the man had been well known for driving drunk and had seriously injured more than one person.  He had come to Loki’s attention when he had hit a car carrying a family head-on, killing both parents.  He’d then used his wealth to buy his way out of charges and adopt the two children to keep them quiet.  Loki had arranged for visions of his victims to chase him during one of his benders, not his fault the guy ran out in front of a car in his drunken state.

He was just about to pop home when a panicked prayer reached him, Loki, please, I need you now!  Albert and Todd are…

He recognized Deborah’s voice and popped into the home of her adoptive parents.  A quick scan showed that it was empty, and he remembered that tonight was supposed to be her official adult welcome into their coven.  He flew to just outside the coven’s sacred space, unable to land inside because of the warding around it, he suppressed his grace so he could enter and was greeted by chaos.   Bodies were strewn everywhere, some had their heads twisted at the wrong angle, some had their throats slit, and some had been gutted.  Twin golden blades dropped into his hands as he picked his way through the carnage, glancing at the bodies and praying to his father that he wouldn’t find Deborah among them.

His heart dropped when he found Charles near the partly open door to the open area where the altar stood, his neck snapped like a toothpick.  He went invisible as he slipped through without touching or moving the door.  Albert was holding Moria against the east wall, but Gabriel could see a mid-level demon had possessed the High Priest.  Moving slowly, he got behind the High Priest before going visible and tapping the demon on the shoulder.

“That is so not a good idea, bucko,” he snarked. 

The demon’s eyes went wide, before going completely black.  “So the little bitch has an angel on her shoulder.  You’re too late, angel, your prophet is already dead.”

Gabriel tapped the point of one of his blades on the demon’s chin.  “If she is, I’ll bring you back and kill you all over again.”

Then he rammed the other blade into the demon’s heart, dropping the body while it was still sparking and moving to where Moria lay slumped against the wall.  He lifted her gently, cradling her against him as he raised two fingers toward her forehead, but she pushed his hand away and whispered. “Trap door under the altar.  Please, Gabriel, get her out of here and protect her.”

“I will, Moria,” he replied, almost choking on the tears he refused to shed.  “For as long as she lives.”

With a quiet sigh, Moria closed her eyes and drew her last breath.  Using his angel senses he saw Charles waiting for her, with a heavy heart he pushed them both toward Heaven and sent a prayer to Joshua, the only angel who knew what he’d become, to take care of them.  Then he moved to the altar, studying it for a few seconds until he figured out the catch to open it.   Deborah was curled up in the bottom of a shallow pit, eyes closed and biting her fist to keep from crying out.  He reached out with his hand and mind to let her know he was there. 

Loki saw a flash of joy in her eyes when they popped open, then they widened in fear.  With a quick wink at the girl, he blinked out of the way and behind the demon that was inhabiting Henry.  He could tell that Todd was long gone, so Loki reached in and pulled the demon out, causing the vessel to collapse.  He held the twisted soul with one hand as he drew his pagan power around him like a cloak and spoke with his true voice.  “You live because I have a message for you to deliver.  Tell your boss the girl is under the direct protection of Loki. If she is harmed I will bring the wrath of The Trickster down on them.”

With that, he banished the demon back to Hell and turned to Deborah.  He scooped her up, trying to think of the safest place to take her when Hecate’s voice rang in his head.  ‘Loki, is Deborah well?’

He looked at the girl in his arms before replying,’ Physically, yes.’

‘Bring her to my temple.  The ritual has to be completed for her safety.’

‘I don’t think she’s mentally ready for that..’

‘It doesn’t matter, Loki.  It has to be done tonight.’

‘Lady H,’ he started but she’d vanished from his head.  With a sigh, he unfolded his wings and flew to Greece determined to have it out with the goddess.  He landed in the nave of the temple and gently woke Deborah.  “Rise and shine, sweetheart.”

She opened red-rimmed green eyes filled with unspoken questions. “Sorry, kiddo, but Lady H says we have to finish the ritual tonight.”

Hecate appeared next to them, dressed in a black chiton that sparkled like it was covered with stars.  Her face was compassionate as she reached out and stroked the girl’s hair with a gentle hand, dismissing the blood and dirt covering her as she did so.  “Loki, the wards have been adjusted so you may enter. “

“Lady H, respectfully, I don’t…” he began

He received a sharp look from the goddess, “I have my reasons, which will be explained later.  For now, know that this is at your Father’s request.”

 His eyes widened.  “Dad stuck his nose into your business? “

At her nod, he changed to formal Asgardian clothing and offered his arm to Deborah.  She was shaking as she took it and they walked toward Hecate’s temple.  Inside they were greeted by goddesses of magic from every pantheon, he’d never seen anything like it before.  He escorted Deborah to her place in the circle before going to stand next to Freyja, who touched his hand to get his attention.

“I know,” she whispered.  “I’ve known since you came to us.  And not even Odin knows that.”

He shot her a grateful look, Odin knew what he was and had created Loki to help him hide from his family.  When he turned his attention to the ceremony before him, he could tell that Deb was forcing herself to go through the motions, the joy that she’d been feeling earlier in the week was gone but she carried on like a trooper and was welcomed into the company of the adult witches.  As the other goddess congratulated her, Hecate motioned him to go through the temple to the room in the back.  Unlike the rest of the temple, the decor here was modern, grays and whites with throw pillows and vases of flowers adding a touch of color here and there.  He went over to the sideboard, searching through the crystal decanters until he found a good scotch in one of the bottles.  He poured himself a glass, shot it down, then added ice and poured himself another.  Sipping from the glass he perused the bookshelves to entertain himself until Hecate appeared with Deborah and Freyja following behind her.

Gabriel sat on the couch and patted the space next to him, Deborah took the hint and curled herself into his side with a tired sigh.  Hecate gave him an amused look as she handed Freyja a tankard of mead, then sat in one of the chairs with a glass of wine in her hand.  Gabriel conjured up a cup of tea for Deborah as he raised a questioning eyebrow at the goddess.  She smiled at him before speaking. “Deborah needs to know everything, Loki, tonight,”

He stared at her, “Lady H, I don’t know if she’s ready…”

He was interrupted by a new voice, “Because she needs to know exactly what’s going on, my son.”

He stared at the curly-haired, blue-eyed man for a second before he saw beyond the vessel, “Hey, pops, long time.  Like a millennium or so.  Find what you went out for?’

The man flinched, “I guess I deserved that. And call me Chuck”

“Ya think,” Gabriel snarled, as Deborah slid back along the couch away from him.  “Do you know what Mikey and Rafe have started?  The vessels are sixteen and twenty, they’re almost ready to start this thing.”

He got up and strode over to the other man.  “You left them with no instructions and a vague prophecy, so guess what, they're starting the apocalypse centuries too early.  And the humans are the ones who’re going to suffer for it.  So what are you going to do about it?”

“That’s why you’re Deborah’s protector,”  he sighed.  “I needed someone I could trust to be with her, to help her change the things that need to be changed.”

Gabriel eyed him suspiciously, then nodded slowly.  “I get free reign here?  I don’t want you changing what we do.”

Chuck held out his hand. “You have my word, but you have to tell her everything tonight.”

“Give me Cassie and Balth and you’ve got a deal,” Gabriel bargained.  “And find a way to make it clear to Mikey and Naomi that they are off limits without bringing my name into it.”

Chuck sighed, “I’m going to regret this, but you have a deal.”

When the two beings shook hands, Chuck vanished in a flash of brilliant white light, leaving Loki standing there with a huge grin on his face.  Hecate and Freyja looked shocked at God’s sudden disappearance, Deb just looked curious. 

“What happened to him,” she asked.

Loki turned to her.  “Pops gave me all the power over anything having to do with you.  Unless I ask him to interfere, the rules say he has to stay away from all of it.  And that includes your family.”

Deb looked confused.  “But why would he be interested in me and which family?  Mom and Dad are…”

Loki sighed and looked to the Goddess’ for help.  They both grinned at him and gestured for him to continue.  Shooting them a glare, he poured himself another scotch before sitting down and starting his story.

Chapter Text

Jousha was unsurprised to find Balthazar and Castiel sparring together at the training grounds.  He watched them for a few minutes, their moves both graceful and brutal at the same time.  They were two of the best fighters in the Host and their other skills complemented the others.  Castiel was a gifted strategist, while Balthazar was a spy and thief.   The god who had requested their assistance was going to have his hands full with the mischief the two of them got up to.  When they had obviously finished their bout, he cleared his throat to let them know he was there.

The youngsters looked at him, curiosity in both faces as he seldom left the Garden.  Balthazar, the bolder of the two, spoke first in a polite tone. “What can we do for you, Jousha?”

Jousha gave the youngsters his gentle smile.   “I’ve been instructed to request your presence in a meeting with Michael and Raphael.”

He enjoyed the shocked look on their faces, usually to be called in front of both Archangels meant punishment so he put them out of their misery.  “It’s about a new assignment.  They don’t know why we’re having this meeting or that you are coming.  Please, be on your best behavior.”

He turned, walking away and the now subdued angels followed him through the white halls of Heaven to Michael’s office.  He knocked on the closed door before opening it and walking in.  Michael was sitting behind his desk, with Raphael standing behind him on his right.  Jousha held in a sigh, they both watched the three lower angels cross the room until they were standing in front of them.  Michael let them stand in front of the desk for several minutes, trying to make the oldest and youngest of the lesser angels as uncomfortable as possible before he spoke.

“What do you want, brother,” Michael sounded bored.  “And why are these fledglings with you?”

Jousha could sense Balthazar and Castiel both brisling behind him but ignored him.  “I have a message from our Father, and it involves the youngsters.”

Micheal sat up straighter. “And what does our Father say?”

“He is loaning Balthazar and Castiel out to one of the lower gods,” was the gentle reply.  “He didn’t tell me which one, only that these two had been requested by someone he could not turn down.”

While God hadn’t mentioned which god had requested the boys, Johsua had a feeling he knew who it was.  He’d heard from his absent friend just a short time before, and he’d been upset to leave these two behind when he left. He let none of his suspicions show on his face as he watched the Commander mull over the orders.

“Fine,” Michael finally said.  “It’s not like they’re important to the Garrison.  Take them to Niaomi-”

Joshua cut him off with a firm voice. “No, He says they are to leave now.  Unless you want to disobey Him.”

He watched Michael’s interior war reflect in his faces.  His need to be the good son battled his need to have control over the Host.  After several minutes of silence, Michael spoke again.  “Leave then.  Follow orders and return when the mission is done.”

Recognizing a dismissal when they heard one the three younger angels turned and left the office as fast as they could without seeming to run.  Joshua led the two younger angels to a shielded corner of his Garden, where the walls between Heaven and Earth were thin and gave them their instructions.  

“Go here,” he said urgently.  “Go directly, stop for nothing.”

“But Joshua, we need…” Castiel started.

“Vessels will be provided, ones that they will not be able to trace. “

“Josh, what is going on,” Balthazar asked.

“I have suspicions, but no facts,”  Joshua smiled at them.  “If I’m right, you will be pleasantly surprised.  Father go with you, my friends.”

And with that, he pushed them through Gabriel’s hidden portal to Earth.

Bathazar and Castiel hurled toward the Earth coordinates that Joshua had given them, both of their minds racing, sharing their thoughts on the private bond they had forged over the centuries.  

Why has Father loaned us to another god, Balthazar?” Castiel questioned.  We aren’t toys to be played with.

I wish I knew, Cassie.  I’d feel better about this whole mission.

Why not tell us who we are working with?  We could prepare better if we knew.

Cassie, please stop asking questions you know I don’t have answers for.  Joshua said this pagan requested us and Dad couldn’t say no.  Whatever we’ll be doing …ah, there’s the promised vessels.

They arrowed in on the two bodies that lay in the yard of a neatly kept family home.  Castiel folded himself into the dark-haired one, while Balthazar folded himself into the blond.  Two sets of blue eyes blinked as the angels adjusted to being in a vessel for the first time in several centuries.  Castiel made it to his feet first, feeling slightly odd without a human soul hiding in the back of his mind to give him a power boost.  This body was fairly tall and well built, dressed in blue jeans and a plain black t-shirt, that was all he could tell at the moment.  Next to him, a blond man dressed the same as he stood up unsteadily and looked toward the house.  Castiel followed his line of sight to find a rather short man standing on the porch. He was dressed in jeans, a maroon button up, and white tennis shoes.   There was something familiar about him, but Castiel couldn’t quite figure out what it was.  

“Come on in, boys,”  he said in a merry voice.  “Drinks are on me while we discuss what we’re going to be up to for the next few years.”

Castiel looked at Balthazar, who shrugged before he moved toward the being on the porch staring at him with a strange look on his face, with Castiel following behind.  The door opened by itself and they entered the comfortable looking living room and were waved to a couch near the fireplace.  The other being sprawled on the loveseat across from them and snapped his fingers.  Castiel found he had a mug in his hand, with some kind of foamy liquid in it.  He took a sip, discovering that it was slightly sweet but with a sharp afterbite of alcohol.  He took another sip, deciding that he liked it.  From the corner of his eye he saw Balthazar take a tentative sip, then an enthusiastic gulp.

“Norse mead,” Balthazar exclaimed.  “I haven’t  had this in centuries, how did you come by it?”

The other being smirked at him.  “It’s easy enough to get when you’re Norse.  Loki, god of mischief, trickster, and, for now, your boss.”

Balthazar started coughing as he swallowed a gulp of mead wrong.  Loki laughed at the look Balthazar shot him for dropping that bomb with such perfect timing.  Once he had stopped, Loki told them about Deb.  When he’d finished Balthazar just had to ask the obvious question.  

“So how does a pagan god become the protector of one of Father’s prophets?”

While Balthazar engaged Loki, Castiel had been studying the pagan, sensing something beneath the surface pagan magic.  Carefully, he reached for the god with his grace, not knowing how the magic would react to him.  To his surprise, the magic reached back and embraced him with the warmth of a familiar grace he had thought he’d never feel again.  So when Loki winked at him after Balthazar asked his question Castiel spoke up.

“Because he is more than a simple pagan god,” Balthazar turned to look at his brother.  “He is the angel on her shoulder, as the humans say.”

Castiel looked the amber-eyed god in the eye.  “ Am I correct, Gabriel?”

Chapter Text

“ Because he is more than a simple pagan god,” Balthazar turned to look at his brother.  “He is the angel on her shoulder, as the humans say.”

Castiel looked the amber-eyed god in the eye.  “ Am I correct, Gabriel?”

“Castiel,” Balthazar hissed at his brother, not sure how the pagan godling would react to being called by that name.  Loki had always managed to be absent when he’d been in Asgard so he’d never met him.  Much to his surprise the god began laughing.

“You always were quicker on the uptake than Balth, Cassie.”  he grinned.  “So how did Mikey explain me vanishing?”

Balthazar could only stare at Loki, no Gabriel, as Castiel answered, “He told us you were seeking revelation from Father.  No angel suspected the truth.”

Balthazar reached out with his grace, desperate to find the truth for himself.  He could have cried when the familiar golden grace wrapped around his own, but relief quickly turned to anger.  “You left us!  Do you know what they did?  How they kept us under control?  They fucked with the minds of those they could, and used them as examples of what could happen to us.”

“I wanted to bring you with me,” he responded, looking both angry and ashamed.  “But I didn’t know how I was going to hide myself, much less two fledglings.  I was lucky that Odin was willing to hide me from Michael and help me create Loki.  Even getting Freyja to gift me with pagan magic to hide my grace and teach me how to use it. “

Gabriel took a deep breath that he really didn't need before he continued.  “And then I couldn’t go back.  I’d seen you, Balth, on one of your missions for Michael.  I could see Niaomi’s fingerprints all over your mind.  Do you think I would have been exempt?  You two were lucky, Mikey made her be careful with you because you had skills he needed.  Me? I’m just his annoying, traitor brother.  He’d have let Naomi leave me a mindless mess who could only follow orders.”

Balthazar and Castiel both nodded, but it was Bathazar who spoke, “Can you undo what was done to us?”

Gabriel made an iffy motion with his hand.  “We’re going to have to use the workroom.  Deb is very sensitive to any kind of magic, including angelic.  I don’t want to wake her, she’s been through enough tonight..”

That’s when Castiel turned stubborn.  “You left us without a word.  Why should we trust you now?”

“Good attitude,”  Gabriel answered, looking him right in the eyes.  “The answer is because if you don’t every word, everything you experience outside of the wards on this house will go straight back to Michael.  And he will be able to pull you back to Heaven at any time and reprogram you again.”

He paused for effect.  “And there won’t be a damned thing that you’ll be able to do about it because you won’t remember when you get back here.”

He stood up and motioned for the younger angels to follow him to the workroom.  He pointed to the chairs he’d set up in a warded circle.  “Have a seat, boys and we’ll get started.”  

He stood between them and placed a hand on each of their heads.  Then he started pulling at the tangled threads Naomi had left in their minds.

Hours later, Gabriel dragged himself to the couch, having left Balth and Cassie sleeping on the mattress he’d conjured for their comfort.  As he drifted off he swore that he’d stop Michael and Raphael just for what they’d done to his two favorite little brothers.