"Hello, boys. Long time no see."
The voice came from the doorway of the motel. The closed and locked door of the motel room. Or at least the one that used to be closed. Dean was on is feet in a second, Sam close behind, both aiming guns towards the angel in the doorway.
"Gabriel." growled Dean.
"Oh, drop the act, Dean. You know you're happy to see me. It's been awfully boring around here- you know you would love some excitement."
"What do you want?" Sam asked, his distaste for the angel apparent.
"Nothing. Well, not much at least." He smiled and moved out of the shadows so the boys could see his face clearly. "I've just been so bored."
"Yeah, well, we can't help you there." Dean said, his eyes scanning the room for an angel blade. Damn it, where had he put it?
"Sure you can. And if you help me, I'll help you."
"How? We don't need your help."
"Sure you don't. You know what, I was wrong. I can't help you." Gabriel turned and began to exit the motel room. "I'll tell Cass you said hello."
"Stop." Dean's voice cut through the air. In second he was across the room, an angel blade held under Gabriel's neck. "What do you know about Cass?" If Gabriel was surprised about the blade he didn't show it. He began to laugh.
"Hm. Seems I can help you." He slid out of Dean's grasp and walked back into the room. "I'll tell you what. Survive the next twenty-four hours and we'll talk."
"Survive what?" Dean exchanged a glance with Sam. They both knew it was a bad idea, but it seemed as though they were trapped.
"The game, Dean." Gabriel said, spreading his arms in a carefree manner. "You're in it."
"What do you mean? Who else is in it?"
"You'll see. Now, survive twenty-four hours, win the game, and I'll tell you all you need to know." Gabriel looked at his wrist. "Now it's about half past freckle, so the game starts in three…two… one." He looked up and smiled at the brothers. "Have fun!"
The angel disappeared in a flash of smoke.
Dean waved the smoke aside with his hand.
"That was probably the stupidest thing we could have done, Dean." Sam said, "You know this is just for his sick entertainment. Trust me, that is the last thing we want to be."
"You know what, Sam? He didn't really give us a chance. So stop worrying about another bad life choice, because we've both made several, and start grabbing weapons. I have the feeling we're going to need them."
Sam gave Dean a look. "I would if I could."
"What do you mean? Both your hands are working, aren't they?"
"All our weapons are gone, Dean."