Chapter Text

The Count of Good Omens

Under the cover of night off the coast of the island of Asphodel, a small boat departs the grand ship Eden. On board are three men, one of them is dying.







The boat creeped along the shore, the people inside were whispering to each other.

"You better be right about this, Crowley." A wheezing voice said.

"Do you want him to die? No? Then listen to me."

The boat pulled up to the shore, suddenly there were pounding hoofbeats. A small group of soldiers approached the dinghy.

"Halt!" One of the soldiers shouts, one of them is carrying a lantern.

"Why have you come here? This is a forbidden island. You'd do best to leave now before we kill you."

"Please, we have no other option. Our captain has taken ill and we fear he will die. We beseech you to assist us."

The boy at the front of the boat pleads.

"Do you not know where you are boy?" The commanding general speaks.

"We are at the island of Asphodel, are we not?" The boy speaks again.

"Yes, and this is a forbidden island, a home of exile for Thaddeus Dowling. We shall warn you only once more, return to your ship or face death." The general speaks a stern warning in his voice.

Suddenly another voice speaks.

"Where is your Christian duty?" The man, once great Ruler of Swindon, Thaddeus Dowling approaches. The boy in the boat lets out a gasp.

"Sir, you know the law. None are to come here." The general speaks back.

"Yes, such is the law of man my good general. But what of the laws of God? Is it not commanded that we assist those in need? Go ahead, send them away or kill them. Obey man's laws but when you get to heaven I wonder what God will think of you?" Thaddeus walks away.

The general pauses for a moment.

"All right, Dantes, Fernand grab the man and escort him to the home."

The two soldiers rush to comply lifting Captain Ligur out. The men in the boat follow.

"Thank you sir, I am most grateful."

The boy holds out his hand.

The general stares at him.

"If you were wise, you would have turned around and gone back. You are even more foolish to thank me. But on your own head be it." The general motions for them to follow as they ride up to the fortress.

The boy walks in to find his captain laying on the table. His boat mate with black eyes and white hair sits beside him drinking. They've given the captain some medicine to bring his fever down.

Thaddeus walks up to the boy.

"Thaddeus Dowling, my son." He clasps the boy's hand.

"An-" Thaddeus stops him.

"For your safety just give me your last name." He says, patting the boy's shoulder.

"Crowley, sir. I know I shouldn't have come but I couldn't let the captain die." Crowley looks at the man, he is losing color and his breath is slowing.

"Whether or not he survives the night is yet to be known. Come sit and chat with me, it has been a long time since I've had someone other than General Dumas to talk to." Thaddeus escorts him to the next room, it looks to be a library. Filled with books and a fireplace in front of which are two cozy looking chairs.

They sit next to a fireplace and Thaddeus pours them some wine. He hands Crowley a glass.

"Your friend seems intent on drinking my stores dry." Thaddeus chuckles.

"Hastur is good at that, but he's also upset and scared." Crowley provides.

Thaddeus raises a questioning brow.

"He's the second mate and the Captains closest friend."

"Second mate? If he is the Captain's closest friend should he not be the first mate?"

Thaddeus swills his glass allowing the wine to catch on the side.

"I'm afraid I beat him to that by a year and a half." Crowley replies sipping slowly, he's never had wine of such quality before.

"And so life is wasted on the follies of youth, but no matter I'm sure you'll be a great Captain."

Thaddeus pours himself another glass.

"I do hope to have my own ship one day." Crowley's golden eyes dance in the firelight.

"Surely that beautiful ship will be yours when you return to wherever it is you're going?"

Thaddeus watches the boy who is thin and limber, with a desperate eagerness to prove himself. He chuckles there is naive kindness to this boy.

"The Eden? Why, I can only dream of having a ship like that. No, I am working hard to one day own a ship half as great as that one."

Crowley was an optimist.

Thaddeus smiled.

"Tell me my son, handsome boy like you.

Do you have a love?" Thaddeus refills the boy's glass.

Crowley blushes. "Yes, I do. And she is the most beautiful woman in the world. A true angel."

"Tell me more about her, I do like hearing of young love." Thaddeus watches as the boy drains his glass.

"Her name is Azira, and she is an angel. Her hair is soft and as golden as the clouds on a summer morning. Her eyes are as blue as the sea, and she's brilliant. A true genius Sir. I sometimes feel rather dull compared to her."

Crowley's shoulder length red hair shines in the light.

"A smart woman is a true treasure, and I hope she realizes how precious she is to a man as devoted as you." Thaddeus smiled fondly.

"Hearing you speak of your love why it makes me miss mine." He wipes away a stray tear.

Crowley looks at him with a pitying sadness.

"My Harriet, is much like your Azira. Smart and beautiful and so precious to me. My only regret is that I didn't spend enough time with her, telling her how much I loved her. How true I am to her. Now I'm afraid I'll never get to."

Thaddeus watches Crowley's face fall into something mournful.

"You seem like a well traveled boy, tell me have you ever been to Swindon?"

"I go there about twice a year, why I'm expected there next week." Crowley is feeling the wine as Thaddeus keeps refilling his glass.

"If I might ask you a favor in return for letting you stay here."

Crowley gnaws his lip.

"But of course if it is in my ability to assist I shall." He finally says.

"I have a letter for my Harriet, but my post is being watched like a hawk of course. Understandable, but the contents of this letter are not for the eyes of anyone but my Harriet. If you could deliver it for me I'd be grateful."

Crowley again chews his lip.

"But of course sir, how shall I find her?"

"Excellent, now she actually lives in Oxfordshire. But the person you'll be delivering it to is her cousin a Mister Willaus. He lives in Swindon but sees her regularly."

Thaddeus stands up and goes to a box on the bookshelf. He opens it and pulls out a thick envelope, he goes back to the chairs and begins to hand it to Crowley before holding it back.

"If you have a love surely you can understand the private things written in this letter. I shall entrust you not to read it." He says eyeing Crowley.

"No need to worry sir, I can't read anyways." The boy responds.

"Pity, but nevertheless I am grateful. Now sleep, it won't do you good to journey on a hangover."

Thaddeus heads for the door. There's a small shuffle of feet as Hastur slinks back to his chair.

Crowley takes the letter and puts it safely into his pocket. He goes to find that a couple of bedrolls have been laid out for him and Hastur. Bidding the grumpy man a goodnight he kips down and sleeps.

He wakes to a prodding foot. It is the general.

"Your Captain has been dead for over an hour, it is time for you to leave." The general says no more.

Hastur and Crowley wrap Ligur's body up and carry him back to the ship. Soon Eden is on it's way to Tadfield, as sour as it is to lose the captain a small part of Crowley looks to the horizon. If he squints he might glimpse his love standing on the pier searching for his ship. He smiles softly to himself thinking of her.

The town of Tadfield, just an hour and a half's ride from Swindon, is a small but bright one. It is picturesque and would in fact inspire many an artist with its green hills and sunny shores. It boasts a decent harbor that keeps the town afloat, the owner of this harbor is from a family as old as the town itself. Adam Primus, his wife Eve and his two young sons, Cain and Abel. Tadfield is home to many wealthy families, The Fell family being the second most prominent and the Grace family being the third. The Grace family fortune is held by the son Gabriel Grace, and the Fell family fortune is held by the only surviving member, the daughter Azira Fell.

Now it's important to note how the two were brought up, their families are actually distant cousins of each other. The Grace family grew their riches through intimidation and dumb luck, and enjoyed the high life ever since, they taught their son this as well. The Fell family was largely made up of intelligent people, the Fell's insisted that all their children including their daughters learn how to handle money and run a business. Through this they have guaranteed that their descendants will be quite comfortable for decades to come.

Anthony Crowley lives in a small apartment with his elderly mother. He has been taking care of her since his father died. They never had much in the way of funds but they had a great love for each other. Before he died Crowley's father passed a token on to his son. It was the only valuable thing they owned, a gold signet ring that had been in their families for generations. Anthony wears it every time he departs, believing it to bring him good luck and so he can carry a piece of his family everywhere.

Azira Fell, Gabriel Grace and Anthony Crowley met at school and became fast friends as kids. They would follow each other everywhere and get into trouble. Anthony was always mischievous and a bit of trouble maker, while Gabriel was the leader of the group it was clear who pulled the most focus. Azira was the sweet demur one but she many learned that she could be quite the trouble maker herself.Anthony's father passed away when he was 10, he had to drop out of school and get a job. He worked at the docks until he was old enough to work on the ships.

He still found the time to spend with his friends when he could, it was when he was almost 17 that he was approached by Adam asking him to join a man named William Ligur on his new ship. Anthony jumped at the opportunity to earn more money and maybe one day to save up to marry Azira. They had fallen head over heels for each other, some say that the boy was lost the moment they met. They say it took some time for her to admit her feelings as well but whatever the case. Those two could always be found together when Crowley wasn't working.

Azira Fell stands on the pier scanning the Horizon for her the ship that carries her love.

Her plump soft skin freckles under the warm sun. As she waits a man walks up to stand next to her.

"If you stare at the sun too long you'll go blind."

A man walks up to her, she turns around and gives him a good natured smile.

"Gabriel, good to see you." Her voice is soft and rich with affection.

Gabriel smiles back at her, he stares at her as she continues to look towards the horizon.

"Why do you wait for him?" Gabriel asks.

Azira's smile turns downward a little.

"I wait for him because I love him and he loves me."

"If he truly loved you he would be here, I wouldn't leave you. Not for one day. Marry me and you'll never be alone." Gabriel brushes her arm.

Azira just pulls away.

"Gabriel you are a friend to me and like a brother to Anthony. I care for you but I do not love you, you waste your time chasing after me. Time that would be better suited to another girl." Azira said this as the bell rang signalling the arrival of a ship.

Azira's face split into a wide smile as she watched Eden come into port. Her and Gabriel went to the shipyards and waited as the ship docked. There he was red hair glinting in the summer sun, he waved to them and they returned it.

After the ship docked he came bounding down the plankway. A somber grin on his face.

"Angel!" He went up and kissed Azira, he smiled as they broke apart and pulled Gabriel into a hug.

"Gabriel, it's good to see you brother." He smiled and Gabriel smiled back.

Crowley looked back towards the ship. They were removing the Captain's body. He looked back at his angel and his friend both of whom were staring at what was happening.

"I'm afraid the Captain took ill and passed away." He said.

"Oh that poor man." Azira dabbed her eyes.

One of the crew members was signalling to Crowley.

"I have to talk to Porter, wait for me at Rits? I'll be along as soon as I can." He kissed Azira's cheek and left. Gabriel escorted her to Rits to wait for Crowley, Azira was thinking it was lucky she brought a book with her.

Crowley ran up to the Porterhouse and met with Hastur. They made their way into the office of Adam Primus. He looked up as they entered the room and gave them each a firm handshake.

"I was sorry to hear about Captain Ligur. He was a good Captain. I have arranged for his last rights and burial to be covered, he'll be buried in the morning."

"He was a bastard who overworked his crew."

Crowley kept this thought to himself. He nodded and spoke his condolences to Hastur, who had been drinking for the past day.

"Still life must go on, the Eden needs a Captain." Adam had the attention of the men, one of them was a haggard drunken man.

Hastur, 30 second mate but much older and more experienced than Crowley. Although he was suspected of skimming the shipments of alcohol.

The other was barely a man. Crowley 19 first mate, was young and naive. But there's intelligence there, loyalty and kindness. The crew already liked him and he was energetic. He smiled at both of them.

"I have decided that you Anthony will be Eden's new Captain." He said smiling as the boy's face lit up.

"Truly?!" Crowley was overjoyed as Adam set everything up and paid him his first captains salary. Hastur glared daggers at them but neither were paying attention to him.

"This is wonderful Mr. Primus, thank you so much. I can't wait to tell Azira. Oh she'll be overjoyed." Crowley was counting the coins not being able to believe his luck.

Adam chuckled and shook the boys hand.

"It's settled then. I shall expect you back here in two months, for now go and tell your mother the news. Oh and Crowley." Mr.Primus said before the boy left.

"Yes? Mr.Primus."

"Do us all a favor and ask that girl to marry you, I don't think she'll be able to wait much longer."

Crowley grinned and dashed from the room, Hastur slunk out behind him. He caught up to Crowley at the gate.

"Hastur! Fancy a drink with me and my friends?"

Crowley was in too good of a mood and longed to spread it.

"Fine but you're buying." Hastur followed after him.

They made it to Rits cafe where Crowley and Azira embraced again. Crowley called for a round of drinks and announced the news. Azira of course was overjoyed and kissed him again. Gabriel gave him a smile and clapped him on the shoulder. Crowley was looking at Azira and smiling at her, she smiled back and Crowley then decided that he'd much like a walk with her. He held out his hand and she took it, they walked off never letting go of each other. Gabriel almost followed but was pushed back down into his seat by Hastur.

"Let the lovers go, there's nothing you can say that'll make her forget about him." Hastur grumbled into his tankard.

Gabriel glowered at him, he took a long drink from his and spoke up.

"Shouldn't you be Captain now? I mean you and Ligur were closer than Crowley was. It doesn't seem fair. I mean you're older than him as well."

Hastur snarled at this.

"Yes, but Crowley is the one with seniority on that blasted ship. Cocky little bastard, I don't fancy answering to him but what am I to do?"

Hastur downed the rest of his drink and grumbled some more.

"I don't understand what she sees in him? He has no money, no family name. He is barely above a street urchin and yet she adores him."

Gabriel fiddled with the little wooden flute Crowley had given him. There had been two, one was given to each of them by Azira. Gabriel had been jealous when Crowley revealed an aptitude for playing it. He could make even the simplest instrument sing a beautiful song. And when Azira sung along in that angelic voice of hers it was like you were hearing the angels themselves. Gabriel could follow sheet music but lacked the natural talent. He had one night threw his out in a fit of envious rage. He almost immediately regretted it, it had been a nice one. Crowley let him borrow his and they would pass it back and forth.

Hastur just watched, he felt as though he had a kindred spirit in Gabriel.

"If you really want to take him down a peg I have an idea." Hastur smiled as Gabriel looked up at him. He continued.

"Do you know where the ship stopped before we came back to Tadfield?"

Gabriel listened to every word as Hastur told him what went down before they had come home.

"Angel." Crowley breathed as he lay on her, she was beautiful like this. Her hair fanned out behind her, clothes thrown to the side. His hands roamed over her every inch, he kissed her plump lips and delighted at the taste. She moaned along with him, in this little cave along the sea. They laid down and held each other tightly. Crowley kissed every inch of her he could reach.

"I love you angel." He said a smile in his voice.

"I love you my dear." She snuggled closer to him.

"Angel?" Crowley chews his lip "Will you marry me?" Crowley looked at her, the love of his life. The one being he couldn't imagine being without. Her endless blue eyes stare into his golden brown ones. She beams, face lighting up like the summer sun.

"I know I don't have a proper engagement ring." He begins, "But I thought, you could wear this." He holds out the signet ring to her.

"Anthony, I couldn't possibly wear this. It's from your father, it belongs in your family." She hesitates.

"My father received it from his father, and his father before him. He wants it to stay in my family, but if you say yes. Then you'll be my family. Say yes angel." Crowley looks at her.

She kisses him. "Yes, yes I'll marry you."

He laughs brightly and slips the ring on her finger.

"When I get back from Swindon I'll have brought you a proper ring." He says kissing her again as they collected their clothes.

"This is a proper ring and I shall want no other." She smiles at him, he laughs again.

"A book then, a book for your library." He says, leaning in for a kiss.

"Hmm, make it two and you have a deal." Azira kisses him and takes his hand as they walk back to town.

They stop to bid hello to the Youngs their daughter is running about covered in mud. Deedrie Young is chasing her determined to get her in the bath. Crowley manages to catch the little girl, he swings her up and over his shoulder as she giggles manically.

"Now, Miss Sarah. What are you doing making your poor mother chase you all over the place? Why you should give her a break, since she's busy growing you a little sister." Azira pinches her cheek.

"Anthony! Azira good too see you." Mr. Young takes Sarah from Crowley and puts her inside so her mother can give her a proper bath.

"And to you Mr. Young, how are you doing today?" Crow responds.

"Good as ever my boy." He smiles at them and catches a glimpse of the ring on Azira's finger.

"Well I'll be damned." He gently grabs her hand inspecting the ring. "Oh I must tell Deedee. She's going to be ever peeved that I win the bet."

They both blush and after bidding Mrs. Young hello they head up to the apartment that Crowley shares with his mother.

Tracy Crowley is sitting by the window sipping at some tea and darning some of her son's socks when the door swings open. She stands up and goes to hug her boy. Crowley embraces his mother tightly and kisses her cheek, she then embraces Azira and when Azira shows off the ring. Tracy starts to delight insisting on making them a proper dinner.

"My son, what are they feeding you out there? You're much too thin." Tracy says as she dallops another helping of stew onto his plate.

"He's always been thin, you could feed him an entire bakery and he wouldn't gain a pound. Well if he'd eat any at all." Azira teases him.

They sit and chat, Crowley talks of his travels and brings out a package of Jasmine tea leaves for his mother. She whips them up a cup and then insists on reading their leaves.

"I see a happy marriage, with three children and a beautiful house with a room for Grandma." Tracy declares.

They all laugh and talk with each other when a loud knock sounds at the door. Crowley gets up to answer it. There are two knights at the door, They step in.

"Can I help you?" Crowley asks.

"Are you Anthony Crowley?" The red haired woman asks.

"Yes, is there something wrong?" Crowley steps back looking at his mother and Azira.

"Anthony Crowley we have orders to arrest you and bring you in." The man states.

"Arrest me? On what charges?!" Crowley is looking scared and confused.

"We're not at liberty to discuss that, come quietly and it'll go better for you." The woman steps forward and forces Crowley to turn around. They clap him in irons and begin to lead him away.

"Wait! Wait stop! Please." Azira and Tracy hurry after them.

They stop before getting to the carriage where a white haired driver waits.

"Please tell us what's going on, why are you taking him?" Azira looks at Crowley with tears in her eyes.

"Like we said, we're not at liberty to discuss it. It's probably just something small and he'll come back to you in no time." The man replies.

They load Crowley into the carriage, the man sits in back with him. While the woman joins the driver at the front.

Crowley twitches in his seat as he stares down the disturbing black eyes of the guard. He chews his lip.

"Look if this is about the tea I'll pay for it, I didn't even take much more than enough for a couple people. Surely there's no reason to go to this length." He tries, the man says nothing.

Crowley remains silent for the entire ride to the house of Commander Villefort. They pull up to the house and take Crowley with them. He makes no attempt to fight, figuring if he corporates he might get home in time to get some sleep before he has to head to Swindon.

They bring him in and lead him through the foyer. As they do they pass a dark skinned woman who Crowley doesn't recognize.

She looks up at them and smiles slightly.

"Raven, Scarlett. Good to see you, what have we here?" She steps up to Crowley.

"We're just bringing him to see Michael, we don't really know more than that." Raven says.

She smiles at Crowley and yet he doesn't feel relaxed.

Soon a door opens and the woman known as Commander Villefort steps forward. She directs them to her study where they remove Crowley's chains and sit him down at a desk. They leave the room and Michael sits on the other side. A fire crackles in the fireplace behind them.

"Are you aware of why you're here Mr.Cowwley?" She asks.

"It's Crowley, Commander and no I'm not." Crowley chews on his lips causing it to bleed.

Michael gives a small smile.

"You're here because you're being suspected of treason. Mr. Crowley." Michael stares at him.

"Treason, on what grounds!" Crowley felt his anxiety rising and he began to sweat.

Michael looked at him, this young boy barely a man. Obviously from simple backgrounds, no way he could knowingly be tied to treasonous things.

"When your Captain fell ill did you stop at the Island Asphodel?" She asks, looking the boy in the eyes. Would he lie? Would he tell the truth?

"Yes, I did Commander. He was dying and I felt I had to try." Crowley spoke the truth, he always did.

"I see. Did you meet with Thaddeus Dowling?" Michael asked frowning.

"Yes, Commander."

"Did he say anything or give you anything?"

Crowley nodded and pulled out the letter.

"He told me it was for his wife." He said handing Michael the letter.

Michael opened it up, her eyes scanned the letter and as they did her face fell slightly. She looked up at Crowley and gave him a small smile.

"Did you read any of this?" She asks.

"No, I can't read Commander." Crowley responded, his voice riddled with anxiety.

"No need to fret, it's nothing but a love letter."

She picks it up and tosses into the fire.

"Now, I believe you've been here long enough. I shall send my knights to take you home." She leaves and Crowley lets out a heavy breath. He just wants to be home, with his angel. The knights come for him and escort him outside.

He pales a little seeing the carriage he was brought here in.

"It is just more convenient this way." Raven tells him, pushing him forward.

Crowley nods and climbs in, he watches as Raven climbs in with him. Staring at him with a disturbing smile. He nervously swallows.

The carriage continues to the docks and when they stop he pretends to come along quietly. He waits for the opportune moment and takes it.

Pushing Raven into the water he trips up Scarlett and takes off towards the back roads. The knights pull their friend out of the water and pursue him.

This is where he has the advantage, growing up running through the streets with his friends he knows every turn, every corner. He runs until he gets close to Gabriel's home, laughing with relief he scrambles up a wall and drops into the garden.

Going through a side door he runs into the house and calls out to Gabriel.

"Gabriel, brother! Please, I need your help."

Gabriel comes from his bedroom and stares down at Crowley. He runs down the stairs.

"Crowley, what's wrong? You look like death."

"They're after me." Crowley is pacing erratically.

"Who's after you? Anthony." Gabriel gently grabs his arm.

Crowley looks up at his best friend. Tears are welling up in his eyes.

"The knights, they think I've committed treason but I haven't! I didn't know, look you know I'd never ask for any money but I need to get out of town." Crowley was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Gabriel took his arms and led him into another room.

"What of Azira, your mother? Will you leave them behind?" Gabriel brown eyes stared into golden ones.

"I don't know! Right now I need to focus on getting out of here. I can send for them later, please brother help me!" Crowley was clutching Gabriel's shirt.

"Of course, I'll help you. Here wait in here and I'll get what you need." Gabriel handed him the wooden flute.

"Thank you Gabriel. It means the world to me."

Crowley collapsed in a chair clutching the flute, he was so lost in thought he didn't hear the door lock.

It was taking too long, Crowley got up and went to the door. He went to open it but it wouldn't budge. He pounded on the door.

"Gabriel! Gabriel! What's going on?" He heard the voices of the knights carrying throughout the hall. He paled and moved away from the door, spinning around he desperately looked for a way out. He found none, the door unlocked and burst open. He was swarmed by the guards, they pushed him down and chained him. He struggled against them. As they carried him out of the house he locked eyes with Gabriel who was smiling at the display.

"WHY?! You're my friend! Why are you doing this?" Tears poured down his face.

Gabriel comes up to him and looks him dead in the eye.

"Anthony, do you think that if I was really your friend I would do this? The sparrow is a fool to trust the cat." He leaves at this and Crowley is dragged into the waiting carriage.

They ride back to the docks and drag Crowley on a ship, as they board he spots Azira standing on the shore as if she's waiting for him.

He tries to call out to her but Raven punches him in the gut. They throw him in a cell below deck and turn to leave him.

"Where are you taking me?" Crowley asked worn out from the day's events.

Raven and Scarlett look at him.

"You'll see when we get there." They leave him alone in the cell.

It takes a full day and a half to reach their destination. Crowley is taken from his cell and pulled off the ship and onto a small boat. They row towards a building and Crowley's heart sinks with dread.

As they pull up to the small dock a portly man and guards are there waiting for him. The man smiles as they take Crowley out of the boat.

"Welcome to the Château D'if my friend. Your new home."







