The best part of Castiel Novak's entire year was his birthday. Not because he could have a party with his friends or go out; you see, he had been confined to a tall tower his entire life by his mother Lilith. Nor was it because he got a spectacular gift every year. No, it was because of the lights that always light up the sky on that one special day; thousands upon thousands of floating lights were always light and sent off into the sky on his very birthday. This happenstance was just so intriguing to him. And this year he was determined to find out what they were.
Conveniently, Lilith had walked up the many flights of that moment; now was, probably, the only time he would get to ask her.
Timidly, trying to slowly work up to the point, Castiel started to inquire, "Mother?"
"Yes, my child."
"Well, as you know, tomorrow is my birthday. And,"
"No, no, no. I distinctly remember your 'birthday' was two years ago." Lilith had snapped back at him.
"Well, you see. That's the thing about birthdays. They happen every year." His voice slowly dwindling; starting to sound weak in comparison.
"Really now, well colour me surprised. Let me guess you want something."
"Well, um. Yes. I was wondering if I could go out and see the lights. Maybe?" Timidly, Castiel started to back up, away from his now fuming mother.
"Go out. Go outside? To see lights? You can see lights in here. And what about all the dangerous thugs and dirty ruffians? Castiel, we've talked about this. With a gift like this," Lilith paused, bringing her hand to stroke his cheek gently, "You can't be to careful, you have to protect it. That's why we live up here. Away from the world."
"I know, but mother. Just hear me out," slowly rebuilding his courage Castiel started to move closer, "If I go see the lights, I'd be content. I wouldn't want to leave. ."
Lilith had cut him off, "Never want to leave. Castiel, don't you dare lie to me. If you leave now, you'll, you'll never come back. Or you'd get mugged. Or some one would steal you for your powers. Do you really want that?"
"Well, no, but."
"No, buts. The matter is settled. You will not go see these lights. You will stay here, and never. Ask. To. Leave. Again. Do I make myself clear?" Lilith was slowly approaching the poor boy with a sneer on her face that could scare the toughest of thugs.
"Yes mother." Slowly making his way back to the stairs to his room, Castiel had never felt so defeated. Picking up his books on the way, he locked himself his own personal hell for yet another tortuous day.
The next day, a ruffian hunter came bursting through his window; possibly changing his life forever.
Sitting on the window ledge reading about something vaguely interesting, Castiel had heard a ruckus coming from the far end of the tower. Slowly, he made his way to the window adjacent to his, he spotted man. Not much to really look at, or so he guessed. He looked nothing like the princes his mother had read to him. He was actually the absolute opposite of that.
Dressed in grungy clothing and messed up spiked hair. Slightly sweaty and panting. He made his way to the tower.
Dashing out of view, Castiel grabbed the nearest object, which happened to be a fairly heavy pan, he waited for the ruffian to leave. Only to find out that he thought it would be better just to climb up in to the tower with him. Freaking out even more, Castiel decided it would be easier for both of them if he was unconscious.