The garrison had been buzzing today with the latest news. Everyone in the Garrison had been talking about these Winchester boys. The Father was finally going to be choosing a charge angel for them, and everyone was crossing their fingers for the honor. I solemnly hope that this task is not put on me, thought Castiel quietly to himself.

He seemed to be the only one in the Thursday Garrison who was less than thrilled with the possibility of having this job put on his shoulders. He had heard of the Winchesters on and off for what felt like forever. In complete honesty, he was starting to grow weary of the constant chatter, but he would never admit this out loud to anyone. These brothers would be the vessels of Castiel's own brothers, and they were of the upmost importance.

The tall and sturdy one, Sam if he remembers correctly, seemed to be the brains of the operation. He was just like his father in every way; probably why they did not get along to swimmingly. Sam would be an easy charge, Castiel thought absently as he strode into his barrack. He seemed prone to duty and understanding. He seems like he would be a much better choice to house Michael, Castiel contemplated. He felt sorry for the gangly man that he would be chosen for Lucifer and eventually fall.

Dean Winchester, however, is Michael's vessel of choice. Castiel watched dean from a very young age (all angels were required some observation time of the vessels, to prepare them if they were chosen). Castiel did not quite enjoy Dean's surly mannerism, but he saw that his soul was truly the purer of the two brothers. Castiel began to grow attached to the elder Winchester the first time he had watched him. It was Dean's passionate loyalty to family, which truly made him of intrigue. Castiel began to identify with him more and more.

When Castiel found out that Dean had sacrificed his soul to a Crossroads Demon, he was truly shocked. Initially he thought that Dean was even dumber than he looked. As he took a closer look into Dean's psyche, though, he saw how much love and affection was underneath his sacrifice. Castiel brimmed with pride after that, which was quite unusual.

Angels were not supposed to be sentient beings. They were created to be the servant and soldiers of Heaven. God had created the humans with emotions, not angels. The first times that Castiel could truly remember feeling though was when Dean made that decision. An overwhelming sense of grief for this man overcame him. So much sacrifice always made with not much in return.

The day that Dean was dragged to hell was when Castiel first felt anger. Castiel found himself jaw clenched and knuckles white from observation decks. He quickly shoved down those feelings and got up. God has a plan for the Winchester Boys, especially the eldest one. soothed Castiel silently.

Unexpectedly there was a soft knocking at the door, which was more of a gesture than anything; angels were not really allowed much privacy, except within their own minds. Castiel shook off the negative memories and began to get up, but Balthazar strode in with his usually easy and confidence.

"Hello, Castiel. Are you eager to hear the results of Father's decision?" Castiel grimaced, "You know I have no interest in protecting the Winchesters." "Well a few of my friends in the Tuesday Garrison are almost certain that a servant will be chosen from our garrison." Of course, the angel would be chosen from here, Castiel thought bitterly.

Suddenly something began to tug at Castiel's grace and soon he was standing in the Throne Room of God Himself. He smiled uncomfortably, and shifted in his garments. The room was so beautiful and grand, unlike anything seen at the barracks.

"Hello, my son. How are you on this beautiful day in Paradise."

"Erm, wonderful, si—father! And you?"

"Well, they just appointed a new leader of hell, so that is quite disappointing. Crowley, I believe his name is? I have never heard of him though, so he cannot be that threatening." Father said with ease.

"Yes, me either—he's no match for you no matter the case." Castiel chuckles uncomfortably, unsure what to say next, but I mean what do you say to the God of the universe when you are standing a few feet away? "Uh, Father, was there a reason you wanted to see me—?"

"Ah, yes. Right, you have been chosen to take charge of the operation to retrieve Dean Winchester from Hell. I know that you have not exactly been thrilled with all the commotion surrounding the Winchesters, but you are just the kind of soldier I need on this detail. Are you willing to accept your assignment?"

"Yes, o—of course, Father. Anything to further the Kingdom", his reply was as cheery as he could maintain.

"You leave tomorrow, I am also assigning Zachariah and Daniel to aid you. Hell can be a very tricky place for angels." Father spoke with finality.

Castiel walked out feeling the weight of everything that had just transpired. Understanding that once he actually came face to face with this Dean Winchester that he had seen and heard so much about something was going to change. Anxiety was never something that Castiel really enjoyed though. This mission definitely was not going to be the black-white morality that he enjoyed so much.