Chapter Text
Lucifer cautiously descended the dimly lit hallway, the darkness enveloping him like a shroud of mystery. He could hear the faint echoes of the gnomes' urgent search outside, their voices growing more distant as he ventured further into the unknown depths of the gnome kingdom. The stone walls seemed to close around him, casting eerie shadows that danced with malevolent intent.
As he crept through the labyrinthine corridors, Lucifer's mind raced with thoughts of Emily and their difficult situation. He knew they had to find a way out and escape the clutches of the gnomes before it was too late. Every nerve in his body was on edge, and his senses heightened as he strained to listen for any signs of danger lurking in the shadows.
Luci stopped at the entrance Rodrick had brought him in and quickly ran towards the opening. The foggy entrance was bathed in a soft, ethereal glow that beckoned to Lucifer like a beacon of hope in the darkness. He hesitated momentarily, his heart pounding in his chest as he contemplated crossing over into the unknown. But the urgency of the situation spurred him into action, and with a deep breath, he stepped through the portal.
As soon as he stepped inside, he felt himself smack into a pair of legs. He yelped as he landed on his bottom. His brown eyes nervously looked up, and he let out a sigh of relief. He was looking into Castiel's bright blue eyes. "Cas!"
"Lucifer!" Castiel exclaimed, relief and concern mingling in his voice as he helped the child to his feet." Are you alright? Have you been harmed?"
"No, I'm ok," Luci shook his head. It was then that he noticed his father. "Daddy!" The youngest wrapped his arms around Sam's legs. "They have a ton of kids down there. Now that you're here, you can help them."
Sam's heart swelled with a mix of relief and concern as he knelt down to embrace his son. "Lucifer, I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured, holding the child close. His eyes swept over the unfamiliar surroundings, taking in the ethereal glow of the place they had found themselves in. "We'll do everything we can to help those children, I promise."
Castiel's gaze was sharp as he surveyed their surroundings, his angelic instincts on high alert. "We need to move quickly and find a way to get those children out of there," he declared, his voice firm with determination.
"Can we wait a second?" Dean sighed, leaning against the wall. "These tunnels are getting to me."
"Why don't you just stay here?" Bobby suggested. "We need someone to stay here with Lucifer and keep an eye on him."
Dean reluctantly nodded, knowing Bobby was right. "Alright, but you guys better not take too long. I don't like sitting around twiddling my thumbs," he grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Hey!" Lucifer frowned. "Why do I have to stay here with Dean? I want to help."
Cas knelt down in front of Lucifer, his expression soft but firm. "Lucifer, you have already done more than enough by leading us here. Your bravery and quick thinking have brought us one step closer to rescuing those children," he said, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. "But now we need you to stay with Dean and stay safe. Your father and I will do everything possible to help the children below."
Lucifer's lower lip trembled, torn between wanting to help and understanding the importance of staying behind. After a moment of inner struggle, he finally nodded, his eyes reflecting determination and fear. "Okay, I'll stay," he whispered with a newfound resolve.
Sam ruffled his son's hair proudly before turning to Dean. "Watch over him, okay? We'll be back as soon as we can."
Dean grunted in acknowledgment, his protective instincts kicking in as he eyed the tunnels warily. Lucifer walked over to his Uncle and sat down. Sam kissed him on the head before heading down into the underground gnome village with Bobby and Castiel.
—
As Emily turned a corner, her heart started to race. She was completely disoriented and had no idea how to find her way out of the village, let alone navigate through the maze of twisting tunnels.
"There you are!" a strange voice called out.
The young child turned to see an elderly female gnome with a hunched back and wrinkled skin. Her face was adorned with wrinkles that told a story of a long life . She wore a tattered dress with patches and tears throughout, but she still maintained a sense of regalness.
"I've been looking all over for you," the gnome said, her eyes wide with concern. She reached out a hand towards Emily, and her expression was kind and gentle. "You shouldn't be wandering around here on your own. Come with me; I'll keep you safe."
"I want to go home," Emily explained, tears filling her eyes. She didn't want to be there with the gnomes; she wanted to go home and see her parents.
The gnome's face softened with empathy as she knelt before Emily. "I understand, dear. None of us wish for you to be here against your will," she said, her voice soothing. "But right now, you are our guest, and we will do everything in our power to ensure you are safe and cared for. As soon as the king tells us to return you, we will."
Emily sniffled, wiping her tears with her hand as she considered the gnome's words.
"Oh my dear," the gnome wrapped her arms around her. "Let Mrs. Berrytwist take care of you."
Even though Emily didn't want to go with the gnome, she knew she had no choice. She reluctantly nodded and allowed the gnome to lead her back to the playroom.
—-
The underground gnome village was a hidden marvel, nestled deep within a stone and dirt tunnel network. The town walls were adorned with bioluminescent fungi and glowing crystals, casting a soft, ethereal light that illuminated the stone pathways and quaint, earth-toned homes built into the cavern walls. Small gardens of vibrant, luminescent plants dotted the village, providing beauty and sustenance for the gnome community.
However, the village's usual tranquility was shattered. Panic coursed through the narrow streets as gnomes scurried about with worried expressions. The gnomes, typically calm and orderly, were in disarray, unsure how to handle this unexpected situation.
"What the hell is wrong with them?" Bobby asked as they knelt beside a stone wall.
"They seem pretty lost," Sam explained as he watched them run around. "It doesn't look like they have a plan at all."
"If they are incapable of organization, how are they able to kidnap all those children?" the angel asked.
"They must have a leader," Bobby suggested. "I bet they're helpless without him."
"Yeah," Sam nodded. "I bet the snake will die if we cut off its head."
"There's a snake?" Castiel quickly jerked his head around, his bright blue eyes scanning the area. "I don't see one. What does a snake have to do with this?"
That's when Sam looked up and noticed the largest building in the gnome's village. Beyond the edge of the town stood an imposing castle. The gnome's castle stood at the edge of the underground town, a majestic structure that seamlessly blended with its natural surroundings. Built into the side of a massive stone cavern, the castle's exterior was a masterful combination of rough-hewn rock and delicate architectural details, reflecting the gnomes' skill and craftsmanship.
The main entrance was framed by two towering stone columns, intricately carved with scenes from gnome mythology and history. Sam couldn't help but notice the abundance of carvings of both human and gnome children. The columns held up a majestic archway adorned with tiny, glimmering crystals that caught the light from the bioluminescent fungi. The result was a beautiful sparkling effect reminiscent of a starry night sky. The heavy wooden doors, reinforced with iron bands, stood closed, adding mystery and grandeur.
Above the archway, a series of narrow windows were set into the stone. Their glass panes glowed softly from the light within. These windows were adorned with finely wrought iron grilles, shaped into swirling patterns reminiscent of vines and leaves. Vines of luminescent moss and fungi crept up the sides of the castle; their gentle glow added an enchanting touch to the rugged stone.
Flanking the main entrance were two smaller towers, each capped with a conical roof made of overlapping stone tiles. The towers were dotted with arrow slits and small balconies, providing vantage points for lookout and defense. Atop the castle, a more prominent central tower rose; its peak disappeared into the darkness of the cavern ceiling above.
Surrounding the castle was a wide moat filled with clear, sparkling water that reflected the glow of the fungi and crystals. A sturdy stone bridge arched over the moat, leading to the main entrance. The castle grounds were lush with underground flora, including bioluminescent flowers and meticulously tended gardens, adding natural beauty to the formidable structure.
"I bet that's where their leader is," Sam said, pointing to the structure.
"I agree," Bobby nodded. "We need to get in there and take the bastard out. These guys don't seem too bright, so I don't think it'll be hard to sneak past them."
Clusters of gnomes gathered in small groups, their animated discussions filled with concern and speculation. Some of the older-looking gnomes tried to maintain order and calm the frightened villagers, but without direct guidance from their king, their efforts were only partially successful. The central square, typically a place of gatherings and celebrations, now was the hub of the village's anxiety.
"We should split up and search the town," a gnome shouted.
A makeshift council has formed, with several respected gnomes attempting to devise a plan, but the rising tide of fear and uncertainty hampers their efforts.
"No!" another being butted in. "We need to search in a group. If we split up, it'll be harder to search."
"Now is our chance," Bobby nodded towards the castle.
Sam, Bobby, and Castiel exchanged a knowing glance before quietly approaching the imposing gnome castle. The trio moved swiftly, using the chaos and distraction within the village to their advantage. As they approached the main entrance, the heavy wooden doors loomed before them, closed and forbidding.
"What are the chances these doors will be unlocked?" Sam reached out and took the handle. He pulled on the door as hard as he could.
Castiel reached out to touch the door, his fingers brushing against the rough wood. Suddenly, the doors creaked open slowly, revealing a dimly lit corridor beyond. A faint, flickering light danced on the walls, casting eerie shadows that seemed to come alive in the darkness. Without a word, the trio headed inside the castle.
—
Lucifer grumbled under his breath and kicked a small rock along the floor. He felt like it was pointless to stay back with Dean; he should have been out there fighting, proving himself as a true hunter. He glanced over at Dean, sitting on the ground with his back against the tunnel wall. Luci remembered their journey through the tunnels, which had made him slightly queasy. His uncle seemed more susceptible to magical transportation than he was.
"I'll be right back, Luci," Dean said, moving down the tunnel a bit. "I think I'm going to be sick. Be a good kid and just sit there."
Luci knew this was his chance. He knew he needed to find his Dad and help him. When Dean was out of eyesight, he headed back into the town.
Luci moved swiftly through the dimly lit tunnels, his small feet making little noise on the rocky ground. The earthy scent of the underground surrounded him, a sharp contrast to the fresh air of the world above. As he returned to the gnome village, he could hear faint echoes of panicked voices and hurried footsteps.
Emerging from the tunnel entrance, Luci cautiously peered around a corner and saw the chaos unfolding in the gnome village. Gnomes darted back and forth, their expressions twisted with fear and confusion. From the corner of his eyes, Lucifer spotted Bobby, Castiel, and Sam running towards a large castle on the hill.
Luci's heart raced as he watched the three hunters disappear into the castle. He knew he had to follow them despite the danger that lay ahead. With determination in his eyes, Luci crept towards the castle, using every bit of his stealth and cunning to avoid detection by the frantic gnomes.
A sudden sense of foreboding washed over him as he approached the towering doors. The castle loomed before him like a dark fortress, its ancient stones whispering tales of forgotten power and lost secrets.
Stepping inside, Luci found himself in a grand hall illuminated by flickering torches that cast dancing shadows on the walls. The air was thick with tension, and an eerie silence enveloped the space.
—-
The underground throne room of King Thistlefoot was a remarkable blend of tradition and forward-thinking design. Its walls were lined with intricate carvings depicting the rich history and legends of the gnome people. The soft glow of bioluminescent fungi illuminates the space and casts a warm, otherworldly light that accentuates the natural beauty of the underground chamber.
The throne stood at the center of the room, a masterful piece of craftsmanship made from intertwining roots and branches polished to a deep, rich luster. The throne was adorned with precious gemstones and inlaid with fine silver, reflecting King Thistlefoot's appreciation for tradition and the natural world. Above the throne, a canopy of delicate crystal formations glistened, creating a stunning visual effect reminiscent of a starlit sky.
Flanking the throne were two grand tapestries woven from fine threads; one depicted scenes of ancient gnome lore, and the other showcased more recent achievements and innovations. These tapestries symbolized King Thistlefoot's respect for the past and openness to the future. Two large dwarf-forged swords hang on the wall. The swords hung parallel to each other on the wall; their blades gleamed in the soft glow of the bioluminescent fungi. They were crafted from the finest metal, polished to a mirror-like shine, and adorned with intricate designs. They had come into Thistlefoot's possession before the great Stone and Root Conflict. The king shivered at the memory.
The floor was covered with a lush, living moss carpet that felt soft underfoot, connecting the earth and nature. Around the room's perimeter, shelves and nooks held ancient tomes, artifacts, and curiosities, each with its own story. A small, modern contraption hummed quietly in one corner, a testament to King Thistlefoot's willingness to embrace new technologies that benefit his people.
Sam quickly walked down the hallway, peeking into the different rooms. He stood when he saw the king sitting quietly on his throne.
"Get in there and distract him," Bobby said, kneeling on the floor. He started going through his bag. "Get him off that throne, and then I'll take him out."
Sam nodded determinedly and stepped forward, his footsteps echoing softly in the cavernous throne room.
King Thistlefoot's eyes glinted with a mixture of weariness and determination as he gazed at Sam before him. The king's regal bearing and imposing presence filled the throne room, starkly contrasting the chaos and uncertainty that reigned outside the castle walls.
"Who dares disturb the sanctity of my throne room?" King Thistlefoot's voice boomed, echoing off the stone walls. His gaze bore into Sam, assessing him with a keen intelligence that hinted at centuries of wisdom and experience.
"A hunter," Sam answered, looking the gnome straight in the eye.
"That's what I thought," the king set up straight. "I knew there was something strange about the boy that was brought here. Leave it to Roderick to bring the son of a hunter into our home."
Sam's heart raced as he faced the formidable King Thistlefoot, his mind racing for a way to divert the king's attention. He knew that Bobby was counting on him to create an opening for their plan to succeed. "We just want the children returned to their families."
King Thistlefoot's expression softened slightly at Sam's words, a hint of sadness flickering across his features. He rose from his throne, his movements slow and deliberate, like a creature used to commanding respect and attention. "The children are safe within our walls."
The gnome took a few steps forward before raising his hand. He waved his hand, and the doors to the throne room slammed shut, sealing them inside.
—-
Castiel lunged forward just as the doors slammed closed. He put his hand on the door and tried to open it, but it didn't budge.
"I was afraid of this," Bobby grunted, tossing the herbs he was holding to the floor. "Gnomes are too powerful for their good."
The seasoned hunter hurried to the lone inner window that provided a view of the throne room. As he peered inside, he saw the gnome king launch an attack at Sam, causing him to fall to the ground.
"Pops," Luci's small voice broke the silence in the hallway. "Where's Dad?"
Bobby turned to see Luci standing there, a mixture of fear and determination in his eyes. "Dammit, Lucifer. We told you to stay with Dean." The old hunter knelt before Luci, his weathered face softening with concern. "Your Dad is in there, kiddo. We need to help him. " He reached out a hand and squeezed Luci's shoulder reassuringly.
Sam's pain-filled screams reached the trio in the hallway. Whatever was going on in that room wasn't good.
"Daddy! " Lucifer rushed to the window, trying to look into the room, but he was too short to reach. The younger man climbed onto a table and peered inside.
Inside the throne room, chaos erupted as King Thistlefoot unleashed his powerful magics upon Sam with a ferocity that sent shockwaves through the chamber. Sam struggled to fend off the onslaught, and his hunter instincts kept him from succumbing to the overwhelming force.
Bobby clenched his jaw, frustration, and worry etched on his face as he watched from the window. With a steely resolve, he turned to Luci and Castiel. "We have to find a way in there and help Sam before it's too late."
Luci's determination was evident in the blaze of his eyes as he nodded, his tiny hands balled into fists. His gaze was fixed on the swords hanging on the wall. Sam needed a way to defend himself from the gnome's magic, and Luci remembered an incident at Rodrick's house. The child recalled thinking about the door unlocking, and it did. He didn't fully understand how it worked, but perhaps it could also work with the swords.
Luci leaned forward, his heart pounding as he reached out a trembling hand towards the gleaming swords on the wall. Closing his eyes, he focused all his energy on the image of the swords floating down to him, willing them to obey his command like the door had in Rodrick's house. For a moment, nothing happened. But then, to his astonishment, he felt a strange pull in the air around him. The swords began to tremble, slowly lifting off their hooks and falling to the floor.
—
Sam let out a gasp as the swords tumbled to the floor. He quickly seized the opportunity, scrambled to his feet, and reached for the nearest sword. He felt a surge of power course through him as he gripped the hilt, his senses sharpening as if awakening a latent strength within him. With newfound determination, he faced King Thistlefoot, who looked on with surprise and fury at the turn of events.
The gnome king raised his hands, preparing to unleash another wave of magic at Sam, but this time, Sam was ready. With a fierce battle cry, he charged at King Thistlefoot, deflecting the magical onslaught with the sword's gleaming blade. Sparks flew as the clash between hunter and king intensified, the air crackling with energy. The gnome grabbed the other sword.
Their blades clashed with a loud ring, the sound reverberating through the throne room as sparks flew with each strike. King Thistlefoot's eyes blazed with fierce determination, his movements fluid and precise as he sought to overpower Sam. But the hunter fought with a tenacity born of desperation, his muscles straining with the effort to hold his ground against the powerful gnome king.
With an intense sword wave, Sam knocked the gnome's hat off. The magic waves Thistlefoot was throwing suddenly stopped, and he fell to the floor.
Alarmed by the sudden events, Sam cautiously approached the fallen king, his sword poised and ready. It seemed the gnome's hat was vital to his magical abilities. King Thistlefoot lay crumpled on the ground, his regal demeanor shattered in defeat. His eyes, once filled with power and authority, now held a glimmer of resignation as he gazed up at Sam.
"Please... kill me, " the king whispered, his voice barely above a breath. The weight of centuries seemed to bear on him, the burden of his rule evident in the lines etched on his aged face.
Sam's heart clenched at the defeated figure before him, the once formidable king now reduced to a mere shadow of his former self. Lowering his sword, Sam hesitated, torn between his duty as a hunter and the compassion that stirred within him. "Let the children go home. It's all I want."
A flicker of emotion crossed King Thistlefoot's weary eyes at Sam's words, a mixture of relief and sorrow washing over his features. "As you wish, human. My plan has been a failure anyway."
"Plan? " Sam asked. There was something here he was missing.
The gnome king waved his hand, and the doors swung open, revealing a pathway leading out of the throne room. Sam watched in astonishment as King Thistlefoot slowly rose, his once imposing figure now hunched and weary. The king turned to Sam, a solemn expression on his face. "Go, " he said softly. "Take the children and leave this place. Rodrick will lead you out."
"Daddy! " Lucifer rushed into the throne room and wrapped his arms around his father's legs. "You're alive."
A wave of gnomes flooded into the throne room. The battle had attacked their attention, and they were worried about their king.
Thistlefoot's heart ached as he watched the father and son embrace. The sight reminded him of his five sons, whom he deeply loved. His wife had passed away almost a decade ago, leaving him to raise their children alone. But when they were taken from him, it felt like his soul and heart had been ripped away, too.
"Why did you take the children? " Sam asked, looking up at the king.
The king decided there was no harm in telling the hunter the truth: "Our children were stolen two years ago. I've done everything I can to get them back, but I can't. Gnome babies can't be born in moments of sorrow. I hoped having the children would make everyone happy, and babies would be born. "
Sam felt a pang of sympathy for the grief-stricken gnome king before him. The weight of loss and longing in Thistlefoot's eyes was palpable. His actions were born out of a desperate desire to fill the void left by his missing children. Despite the chaos and conflict unfolding , Sam couldn't ignore the raw emotion radiating from the defeated monarch.
"I'm sorry for your loss, " Sam said softly, his gaze meeting Thistlefoot's weary eyes. "But there are better ways to heal than through harm and captivity."
The gnome king regarded Sam with a mixture of surprise and contemplation as if considering the hunter's words in a new light.
"Let me help, " Sam suggested, looking at Bobby and Castiel. "I may not be able to get your children back, but I can try."
"No! " Dozens of voices began to talk at once. "Gnomes don't work with hunters. " More voices joined in. "Hunters are the enemy."
"Maybe this would be a good idea, " the king smiled. "I suppose it's worth a shot. You've shown some serious skills. " He stood, walked over to Sam, and extended a hand. "We will have an alliance with hunters. " Sam wasted no time shaking his hand.
"Yes! " The gnomes began to celebrate. "We're going to work with hunters."
Sam wasn't sure he could help the gnomes, but he wanted to try it.
---
Sam sat in the dimly lit library, a rare moment of tranquility settling over him. The flickering light from a nearby lamp cast soft shadows on the walls, creating a comforting ambiance.
He sipped a cup of coffee, letting the warmth seep into his hands as he reflected on recent events. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each vying for attention: the gnome king's sorrowful story, the unexpected alliance.
Bobby's footsteps echoed down the hallway, the sound growing louder as he approached the library. He entered the room, his expression severe but tinged with a hint of concern. He found Sam sitting at the large wooden table, looking pensive and deep in thought. "Hey, Sam," Bobby greeted, sitting across from him.
Sam looked up, offering a tired but grateful smile. "Hey, Bobby."
The older hunter took a deep breath, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. "We need to talk about Lucifer."
The younger man's expression grew wary, a flicker of unease crossing his features. "What about him?"
Bobby leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Sam, that boy has powers. You saw what he did with those swords. He made them drop just by thinking about it."
Sam's eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of denial creeping into his voice. "Bobby, he's just a kid. Maybe it was a coincidence, or maybe—"
Bobby held up a hand, cutting him off. "Sam, listen to me. This isn't something we can brush off or explain away. Lucifer has abilities, and while you might want to deny it, that isn't going to change the facts."
Sam's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of Bobby's words pressing down on him. Deep down, he knew his friend was right. He'd seen Luci move things, but he'd done his best to ignore it. Yet the thought of his son having powers he couldn't fully understand or control filled him with fear and uncertainty.
"I don't know what to do, Bobby," Sam admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "I want to protect him, keep him safe. But this... this is beyond anything I ever imagined."
Bobby's gaze softened, his voice steady and reassuring. "That's why you need to talk to him, Sam. You need to help Lucifer understand his powers and learn to control them. If he doesn't know how to manage it, bad things can happen."
Sam nodded slowly, the gravity of the situation settling in. "You're right. I can't ignore this. I need to be there for him, guide him through this."
Bobby reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're a good father, Sam. And you're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together."
Sam took a deep breath, a renewed sense of determination filling him. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it head-on for the sake of his son.