Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or its characters - these were created by Eric Kripke - I'm just borrowing them. I'm not making any commercial gain. No harm or infringement intended.

E/O Challenge: Strike. 3 x 100 word drabbles where disaster strikes. #1: Castiel's losing his powers; Dean still thinks he's awesome, but Sam's ever the cynic. #2: Fresh from a demon hunt in Vegas, Dean's trying to make the most of a bad situation. #3: Castiel has an epiphany. It may be too late.

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Calamity Strikes

"For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes" - Proverbs 24:16

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A/N: Castiel's losing his powers; Dean still thinks he's awesome, but Sam's ever the cynic. 100 words.

Unlucky Strike

"I wanna see you as you are now ... be the lightning in me that strikes relentless" – 'The Lightning Strike', Snow Patrol

Castiel was certain the remains were buried here somewhere, but he'd been digging for hours with no joy.

"Now that's some freaky angel-strength mojo," laughed Dean, with more than a hint of awe in his voice.

Castiel frowned. If he'd been at full grace he'd have located the bones by now.

"Are you, like, digging to the center of the earth?" Sam chuckled.

Castiel gave a final, desultory shove with the spade.

Dean's eyes widened as black liquid bubbled up out of the ground. "Did you just strike oil?"

Sam sniffed. "Nah, but I think he found the sewer main."

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A/N: Fresh from a demon hunt in Vegas, Dean's trying to make the most of a bad situation. 100 words.

Strike Out

"Faster!" yelled Dean, dragging his brother along by the arm into the casino. "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade..."

"Wait, Dean..." mumbled Sam, still spitting out the demon blood he'd accidentally got in his mouth, as yet another premonition started. "I think that croupier..."

"That's it! We're gonna be rich!" yelled Dean. In his excitement he grabbed tight hold of the woman who turned and promptly slapped him around the face

"...is gonna strike you," finished Sam weakly. "Sorry Dean, I think it's worn off."

"Sonuvabitch," swore Dean.

"Oh! I knew you were gonna say that," added Sam.

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A/N: Castiel has an epiphany. It may be too late. Missing scene for "4x20 The Rapture".

Strike Down

"I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries" - Psalm 89:23

The sky above the pier was a clear, sun-washed blue. The waters of the lake ran still and deep.

Unnoticed, Castiel watched Dean fishing. He looked below the surface, beyond the constituent molecules. He allowed himself a small moment of pride. I made that. And it was all good.

He concentrated his gaze further until the glory of Dean's soul exploded into view. The breath he didn't even need caught in his throat.

He looked to the heavens. Strike me down if you must, Castiel prayed quietly, but I will help this man.

Zachariah's hand landed heavily on his shoulder.

(;,;)