Authors Note: It's been a while since I published and I'm sorry about that. Between my computer dying and writer's block it's been a ride.
This story first showed up in a dream and has been bouncing around in my head for a month or so. It's of course AU and sadly I don't own Castle. If I did they'd have moved to TNT and we'd be enjoying season 9 with a full cast.
Richard Castle was an old man now and he felt it. Not just in what was left of his body but in his soul but he'd felt that weight since he lost his wife in the same ambush that had taken his ability to walk leaving him to raise their six kids by himself from a wheelchair. His once ocean blue eyes had been a dull stone grey ever since.
At seventy-five years old his hair was as white as the snow that fell outside his window. Unlike when he was younger, his face now bore a well groomed but full beard and stache. His wrinkles were like deep creases in his once ruggedly handsome face. He let out one of his thousand sighs a day then blinked when his daughters hand landed on his shoulder. It was Johanna, his second eldest and first child with his third and last wife. They'd named her after his wife's mother, who had long since passed even before they had met.
He smiled at his daughter, she was practically a clone of her mother and it made him feel as though his wife was still with him in some respects. He tilted his head up when she spoke
"I have everything together Dad. Are you sure you want to do this? There's no way to know how it will effect the timeline"
Castle glanced out the window then back to Jo
"I'm sure honey, just as I'm sure there are infinite timelines and that my going back will only alter one of them, not all of them. I just need to see her one more time before I die"
Johanna crouched next to his chair and took his hand in hers
"I know Dad and given the doctors don't expect you to make it through the week... you have nothing to lose right?"
Castle nodded and squeezed her hand. He'd spent the previous night with all seven of his children explaining his plans and saying his goodbyes
"I wont survive the trip back, but that's okay. You've all got your mother's strength, you'll all do us both proud because you already have and continue to"
Johanna wiped a tear from her cheek with a sniffle
"I love you Daddy"
Castle leaned over and kissed her forehead softly
"I love you too Jo Jo and I always will"
She sniffled again but flashed him a brilliant smile before standing up and walking towards her lab.
"Everything is ready for the transport and I've got the folders you wanted put together. Everything is evidence that could have been gotten legally at the time if you'd have known what to look for. It's more than enough for Mom and the young you to close the case"
She walked over a table, picked up a few fat manila envelopes, then returned setting them on his lap.
"I'm going to tell her to send one copy anonymously to Jordan Shaw, impress upon her that she can't do it herself as much as she'll want to. If she gets involved my going back will be for nothing"
Johanna nodded and kissed his cheek before hugging him tight
"You do what you think is right Dad. I'll see you again someday"
He returned the hug with all his might, which isn't much in his weakened state
"Just not too soon Jo Jo, have a long happy life first"
She stood upright and nodded a few times
"I'll do my best Dad"
He just nodded and looked at the folders in his lap. She took a deep breath and opened a large chamber for him. He drove his wheelchair inside and turned around. Once the door was shut he waved with a smile then nodded for her to do it. Moments later he was engulfed in a strange steam and he disappeared leaving his daughter silently crying behind him.