Name: Dream Dangerously, Fassbender Fan, Jimjamz
Title: Changes (part 8)
Disclaimer: characters belong to the writers of Hex and Shine Entertainment with the exception of original characters created for this fic.
Character focus: Cassie/Thelma/Azazeal.
Rating: PG
Summary: Cassie returns to Medenham after the events of Series 1 to discover some shocking changes. This was originally written as a continue the plot fic on the Strange Thoughts board.
Context: Just after series 1, an alternative version of events to series 2.
Keywords: drama,

"Fine" Thelma stood up; she was too tired to argue, "How do you suppose we get her back? We'll bring her back here, and Jolly come along again. She's gonna have to be interviewed, one way or another"

"We wont bring her back here" Michael said, already heading for the door, "Are you coming?" He asked, when Thelma didn't follow.

"What do you mean, not back here? Where else are we going to go? We have to stop here!" She demanded, not wanting to leave the memories- the good ones- behind.

"I don't know where else we can go permanently, but I know somewhere temporary, and I can get us there quickly" The boy said slowly, now stood in the doorway, "And we have to move fast, he'll be aware she's vulnerable"

"She's with two police officers and Jo, she'll be fine" She said, agitated at Michaels desire to leave.

"No! You don't understand!" Michael spat, "NEVER underestimate my father! Never! Do you really think three mortals will stop him?"

"Okay" Thelma said quietly, frightened at the boys tone and how much he looked like Azazeal when he was angry, "But...does that mean Cassie's only protected with us?"

"Me" Michael said shortly, "No Nephilim would dare touch her when I'm around. And my dad...well...I'll know what to do"

Thelma bit her lip, thinking back to the prophesy Peggy told her. A few moments of silence past, Michael in the doorway, Thelma leaning against the window.

"So can we go now?" He asked impatiently. Thelma sighed and nodded, knowing she'd never win the argument anyways.

"Come on then" He said. Thelma nodded, taking one last look around the room.

Don't get all sentimental now...

"Okay...I'm ready" She breathed, following him out, not knowing where they were going, or what they were doing. But she trusted Michaels...judgement, if not the boy himself.

"I need you to go to the library. Wait for me there"

Michael quickly disappeared through the door as Thelma reluctantly followed. As she closed the door behind her, feeling as though she were locking away more than her room, she noticed the hallway deserted. He was quick she'd give him that.
*

The corridors were mercifully empty as lessons continued in the classrooms Thelma crept past. She found herself at the library and immediately entered without a thought crossing her mind when she was reminded quickly and painfully why she had not wanted to return.

Police tape cut the room into cold sections as a dark stain adorned the threadbare carpet by a now sheet-covered chair that Thelma had previously sat in. As she took in the foreign sights she noticed she was not alone. A single police officer was perched nearby fidgeting with his belt as he surveyed the room, clearly on guard to deter any curious students who might wander his way.

Thelma eyed the cop strangely, waving her hand in front of his unblinking eyes. She had been a ghost for well over a year now yet meetings like this aroused her curiosity. Boring quickly and spotting a nearby sofa, she sat and waited.
*

Sariel's eyes glistened as he focused upon the door now opening.

Rose's heart beating frantically she also focused on the door, panic rising in her veins, her throat dry as she waited helplessly for what was about to come.

The door opened completely and a bright sunlight filled the room, giving light to shadowy corners and decaying furniture. A shadow stood silhouetted in the light, fists clenched at their side a look of menace upon their brow. Clear Nephilim features beginning to reveal themselves along their arched back and neck.

Rose stifled a cry as she collapsed back into her chair. As though she had fallen on a pin she jumped to her feet, scrambling and stumbling as she retreated to the far wall. Her chest rising heavily, tears began to escape from her eyes, sending mascara filled streams down her glowing cheeks.

"Sariel" the voice was deep and raspy as the demon approached. He stretched his foe's name, speaking slowly, emphasising the silence he greeted.

"Azazeal. I've been expecting you for some time." Sariel's grin returned as he squared up to Azazeal.."The accursed Satan has returned."

"And yet...you do not tremble or run. Foolish as ever I see dear Sariel. Such a shame that I will have to kill you. My son shall reign. I will not rest until it is done!"

"If only it were that easy," Sariel sighed, grinning wickedly at the demon before him. Azazeal let out a roar of frustration and lunged at him, but he quickly jumped out of the way, landing at the other side of the room, right in front of Rose.

"Surely you haven't forgotten?" He laughed, eyeing Azazeal with amusement, "The unholy alliance...you may be powerful, but you can't kill me. Only one has the power to do that"

And with another grin, he was gone, leaving a frustrated Azazeal and a terrified rose in his wake. Azazeal advanced upon Rose, snarling, pure rage etched into every line on his face.

"Why didn't you tell me he was here?"

***

It had been almost ten minutes, and Thelma was getting bored, if not a little anxious. She picked at a loose thread on the sofa arm, hating the eerie silence that surrounded her, only broken by the officer's heavy breathing. She was just thinking of going to look for Michael and Cassie herself when they rushed into the room, him pulling his mother along behind.

"Right, we have to go quick" Michael said to the girls, looking round the room.

"Hang on..." Thelma said, glancing at the police officer, who showed no sign he'd noticed the main suspect in his murder case had just barged into the room, "Can he not see you two?"

"I'll explain later" Michael said urgently.

"Where are we going?" Cassie asked.

"I'll tell y-"

But the young boy broke off abruptly, staring at the door, a look of panic on his young face. Cassie and Thelma whipped round, wanting to know the cause of Michaels distress.

"Michael...Cassie" It was Azazeal, now looking his normal self. He strolled into the library, a forced air of calm around him. Cassie shifted closer to Thelma, but her Michael stood his ground, standing in front of his mother and the ghost almost protectively.

"What do you want?" He whispered, fists clenched. Azazeal smiled, and tried to embrace his son, but he took a step back, glaring at the man before him.

"I want you to come back...both of you" He said charmingly, glancing over at Cassie.

"I'll never go anywhere with you" She said through gritted teeth. Azazeal chuckled.

"But don't you want to be a family, Cassie? Don't you want what's best for Michael?" He whispered, drawing the boy to his side, who this time didn't resist, "We can be together...me, you, our son...All the panic, all the worry will be over...surely it has to be better then this foolish attempt to run away from me"

"We weren't running away" Michael muttered, wrenching himself from his father and going over to stand by Cassie and Thelma, "And we wont come with you, not this time...not after what you did to my mother"

"Michael, do not be foolish, wherever you go, you know I'll find you!" Azazeal spat, advancing towards the group, "If you wont come...I'll have to take you by force!"

And with that he lunged toward the trio, grabbing both mother and sons arms in a pincer like grip. Michael struggled, holding onto Cassie for dear life, who screamed, trying in vain to hold onto Thelma, her frustration adding to her panic when she couldn't touch her...

Trees and buildings rushed past in a blur as Azazeal swept mother and child across the grounds of Medenham. Cassie's throat was dry and scratchy from screams affecting no reply, her head pounding and dry tears clinging to her skin, she strained to focus on something; anything that would give an indication of where they were headed. Her eyelids grew heavy as a sea of dizziness swept over her; with little reluctance she closed her eyes. She didn't open them again until they had come to a standstill.

Opening her eyes Cassie found herself and Michael stood, unbound, either side of Azazeal. The air heavy with fog and the grass wet underfoot she eyed her surroundings with curiosity and familiarity. They were stood beneath a tall, elegant oak with a large outstretched branch overhead...The Hanging Tree...they were at Rachel's grave.

"I trust you recognize your surrounding?" Azazeal's sneer brought Cassie back to reality with a thud. As she turned to face him she discovered they were not three but hundreds of shadowy figures were emerging from all directions. Surrounding them.

"Oh don't worry about them, they are here for protection. They are at my command Cassie and they could be at yours if you would only say the word." He stretched a pale hand toward Cassie who responded with a look of repulsion.

"You really think I want to join you? Are you crazy? I would rather die!"

Azazeal's smile faded.
"You will make your choice Cassie! There are no escapes this time, no friends. Live your life with me or join your ancestor.
A glimmer of pain in his voice Azazeal gestured toward the grave underfoot, turning his gaze from Cassie to Michael; who, until now, had remained mute, hidden in the shadows behind his father.

"And you, my son, have you finally seen the light? It took all my earthy powers of persuasion to bring you hear tonight. To prevent your death. Your loving Mother wanted you aborted did she tell you that? You must see, it is your destiny to be with me."

The whites of Michael's eyes glowed in the moonlight as he looked at his mother.

"Is this- No! You lie! I will not choose you, I will not stoop to you level"

Tears coursed from Cassie's eyes as Michael stared at her. His eyes wide and innocent in hope of a response, a truth to contradict Azazeal's. The only answer he received was that of a heart wrenching silence between the two, Cassie unable to tear her eyes from his.

The moment was broken by Gadreel approaching from the multitude of Nephilim standing guard at the scene.
"Sire-" he addressed Azazeal "the ghost has been dealt with. She no longer poses a threat" he cast a smug glance in Cassie's direction as he returned to his position.

Cassie's anguished screams rang out across the night air; heartfelt and blood curdling she collapsed onto the grass sobbing uncontrollably for her friend. Her heart breaking with every breath.

"You see Cassie, there is no one left. No one but me, make. your. choice" Azazeal's voice showed no signs of remorse of even emotion as he once again extended a hand toward the girl at his feet.

Broken and weary Cassie stared into his eyes. Those eyes; filled with such menace and hate, such power and yet a weakness in his isolation. Broken thoughts danced in Cassie's mind as her heart raced, there was no other way, and this was not a nightmare she could awake from. She was exhausted, the pain, the running, losing everyone she had ever cared for...what was it worth? Her heart shattered as she grasped the hand, stumbling to her feet she stood facing Azazeal.

"I've made my choice" she said despairingly "I choose you"

At once the ground beneath their feet gave way and they plummeted into darkness. Cassie closed her eyes, clinging to Azazeal's body for safety, his scent filling her nostrils but her only thoughts residing with Thelma.

She ran as fast as she could, trying to keep up with the retreating group. In the back of her mind she knew there was nothing she could do, but all rational thought pulled away in her desperate and fruitless attempt to save Cassie.

"Get away, ghost" She bumped head on into something solid, forcing her to fall back onto the ground. Scrambling up, she focused on the demon in front of
her. Smirking, he waved his hand, then walked off.

Puzzled, she ran forward but was again knocked back. She tried and tried again, but there seemed to be some invisible wall, separating her from Cassie. Finally giving up, she pressed herself against the force field, trying desperately to see what was going on through the circle of onlookers. One shifted, and she was finally able to get a clear view.

Azazeal was standing under the hanging tree, with Michael at his side. Cassie was kneeling before him, her back turned away from Thelma. The fallen angel extended his hand, and she was just able to catch the last of his words.

"...me, make.your.choice"

"I've made my choice," Her friend said, "I choose you"

"NO!" Thelma cried, her heart aching from the betrayal. She beat at the wall; willing the blonde to turn round and see, feel what she was doing to her. Azazeal smirked and drew her in his arms, making Thelma reel back in revulsion.

"No...No, no, no" She whispered, over and over again. She didn't notice the darkness, the shaking earth. She was too shocked, too numb to notice anything but her own pain, her own sense of betrayal and loss. Tears coursed down her face, burning her cheeks as she searched for some explanation to Cassie's actions. When she finally looked up, the grounds were deserted, everyone was gone. Cassie was gone.

She didn't know how long she sat there, she didn't care. Hours passed, the fierce wind whipped harshly against her but she didn't feel it. She didn't feel anything.

"Its not the end..." A voice said softly, startling her. She jumped back, focusing on the source of the words through the darkness.

"Sariel..."