A/N: Okay, I am redoing this whole thing. I was NOT happy about it and for the life of me
I couldn't get myself into it. So, I decided to redo it. Same idea, same inspiration just done
differently. Hopefully this will make things seem to flow smoother. Bare with me folks, trying
my best here.
To clear up some worries I have for the ones who will be reading, this is kinda my own universe.
The war between Heaven and Hell is about to kick off again, yes again. Lucy and Michael are in the cage
along with Adam. You'll see some familiar along the way and lots of things where I am sure you will wonder...
WTH is she doing? :) But with that being said, hope you enjoy this and don't kill me.
Disclaimer: I own NOTHING SPN.
Chapter 1 : And The Path Is Chosen
The alarm on her cell went off, blaring some annoying sound that only managed to frustrate the teenager. The darkness of her bedroom comforted her and mocked her. Blindly, eyes still shut, she reached for her cell phone and shut the alarm off. Then it vibrated and made a 'popping' sound. In the darkness she grunted and prepared her eyes for the tortuously bright cell phone. Her eyes watered as she repeatedly blinked and sighed. Then as her watering dark brown eyes skimmed the text message, her body shot up. With a new found alertness the teenage girl jumped out of bed and turned her light on. With a wide smile and a bouncy demeanor she slipped into her blue fuzzy house shoes and ran down the hallway to the stairs. Already she smelt coffee brewing, her parents were awake.
"Mom? Dad?" She shouted down, carefully bounding down the polished wooden stairs. Her smile was still on her face when she burst into the kitchen, holding up her phone like a mad woman. Standing in the kitchen was her father, Frank. He was in his usual work clothes, blue pants and a blue short sleeve button up shirt that had his name stitched above the breast pocket. Frank Childs, Childs Auto Repair. He looked up at her from his steaming hot coffee cup, squinting and fighting a grin.
"Yeah kid?" He asked, voice still heavily laden with sleep. The teen had to take a moment to catch her breath before she motioned to her phone enthusiastically.
"Madison said her mom and dad bought her four tickets to the Thorned Crown concert tonight!" Her big brown eyes were wide and shining with elation, her Dad blinked but was struggling to keep his face together.
"Oh that's nice." His voice was neutral and the girl's face fell, obviously disappointed. He cleared his throat and scratched his clean-shaven chin. "What's the matter Felix?" His daughter's body language gave her away. The shoulders slumped, her arms went limp and the severe case of bed head had her looking pitiful.
"Well...Madison invited me to go...remember you'd said..." Felix blinked and sighed, had he really forgotten? Frank decided he couldn't put her through anymore torment, but before he could say anything his wife glided into the room.
"Oh, shame on you Frank! Of course you can go honey, your father was just being mean." The lilting warm voice of Aileen Childs immediately made Felix squeal in victory.
"Really?" The teen looked to her father for confirmation and he nodded, laughing.
"Yes, really. David had already asked me if it was okay to let Madison invite you. I don't see the harm in...oomph!" He never got to finish the sentence before Felix had nearly tackled him into the kitchen counter. She was hugging him tightly with her thin arms, her bushy dark brown hair tickling his nose and getting into his coffee. Aileen stood off the the side, smiling. Felix repeatedly thanked him and kissed his cheek before going to her Mom, showing her the same appreciation.
"Just remember, check in with us every little while. Make sure you stay with Madison and her father. No wandering off or anything, I know you're 16 now but..." Felix nodded, getting serious for a moment to agree to her parents more than fair terms. Her dark eyes took in her mother's pinned up blonde hair, white blouse and pencil skirt. Her makeup was very modest, but she was beautiful all the same. Her parents seemed to beam at her for a moment.
"I promise. As soon as the concert's over I will call to let you know I am on my way home." She offered up as she pushed the wild mess of hair out of her face. The teen's smile was unwavering until her father checked his wrist watch and shook his head.
"Well, it's that time. Felix you have less than an hour to do whatever it is you do to get ready for school..." Frank smiled and quickly set his coffee down before he kissed his wife and daughter goodbye. Felix scurried upstairs and shut her door, bouncing to her CD player and pressing play. The sounds of Thorned Crown filled her room as she quickly grabbed her jeans and a sweater for school. Today was going to be the best day of school ever because there was no possible way she could be brought down right now. The 16-year-old sang along to the religious lyrics as she texted Madison back to confirm that she was allowed to go.
Before long she was done and trying not to trip over herself as she tugged her sneakers on. Her mother was also on her way out the door, grinning as her teen daughter giggled and blushed. They hugged and went separate ways. Minuets later the school bus showed up and Felix bolted on, finding the excited waving hands of her bestie. She joined Madison and the girls began gushing over the concert they'd get to attend tonight.
The school day went by sluggishly and when the bell rang, Felix practically jumped from her desk and ran full throttle towards her locker. She threw everything inside and ran to where Madison would be waiting for her at the exit on the far end of the school. Madison's mom was supposed to pick them up and then they'd head to the Cho house for dinner. After dinner they'd hit the road for the hour drive to Kannapolis to see their favorite Christian band. Uhg, today was just too perfect. Felix smiled at her bestie. Madison grabbed her hand as they dived into Mrs. Cho's Jeep Cherokee.
Meanwhile, unseen to the eyes of all the bustling teenagers in the highschool, stood a woman. Her face was a mask of seriousness with a touch of frustration. Her perfectly straight red hair glistened underneath the simple black head band. The woman's suit was perfectly pressed and neat. Classic black and white. Nothing out of place. She blinked as she watched the Jeep drive away. Her brows slightly furrowed, her lips formed a tight line.
"Hello Anahara." A deep gravely voice called to the woman. She didn't react, she just stood there. "You look troubled." The woman tilted her head up slightly before casting a side glance to her company.
"Hello Castiel. No, I am not troubled. I am just...contemplating the swift passage of time for my charge." The woman's voice softened for a moment, as the side of her mouth twitched.
"Yes, the passage of time for humans is very much different from our own. How is the girl?" The man asked, standing beside Anahara completely still and a serious expression to out do the woman anyday. He waited patiently for her response, and finally it came.
"Felix is well. She is healthy and her personal relationships are blossoming. Academically she is one of the top in her class. Last week she was elected as the teen bible study leader for her congregation. The girl's happiness is boundless at this time." Anahara replied, turning more to face her fellow angel. Castiel gave a simple nod and made eye contact with her.
"Lieing is a sin, surely I don't need to remind you of that." Though it was a reprimand, Castiel's voice was soft. Anahara sighed and let her shoulders relax slightly, her mouth going bacck to it usual shape.
"Within the week Felix will no longer be guarded. My order's have been changed to rejoin the garrison and resume my post." Her sharp green eyes looked conflicted as Castiel's eyebrows furrowed.
"That's a good thing. I thought being put on Guardian duty was punishment..." The woman broke her collected composure and openly scoffed. It surprised the man.
"A good thing? Felix will be unprotected Castiel! They aren't assigning someone to replace me! There is still three years until the end of her Wait." Anahara paused and took a deep breath, seeing the other angel mentally working through what she was saying. "Haven't you seen her path?" Castiel blinked and looked away from her, watching as parents showed up to collect their offspring.
"No, but I have heard the whispers about her. I don't know what to believe anymore. There's so much chaos in Heaven, not to mention what I have been dealing with..." Anahara's eyebrow shot up, her mouth drawn tight again.
"Which is exactly why Felix needs someone who can protect her! Once I am gone she will be an open target. The attempts on her life have been rising. Just last week I had two demons come after her, she almost noticed. Her destiny is too important to leave her on her own." Another pause fell between the angels. "If Felix dies or her path deviates too much, this war could spill over onto Earth. It isn't just humans who need her to live Castiel, angels do too." Cas listened and seen the conviction Anahara had in her charge. Indeed, the girl could potentially be a crucial asset in the war to come.
"Have you spoken to..." He went to ask but she bristled up.
"Yes, seems as if they don't care. Sometimes Castiel, I think they want the war. And...sometimes I wonder if I do too." Her dark gaze met his before her eyes lightened up. "But when I become frustrated with our brothers and sisters, I watch Felix. She's a merciful light in this enclosing darkness. I have faith in her, not Heaven, not like I used to. Even the Pathfinder couldn't see how it ends for her, but he did tell me there would eventually be a fork in her Path." Castiel nodded, understanding this.
"Some humans do, but it's not very common." Anahara nodded and continued on.
"One way will take her to her dream. Veterinarian, husband, and three children. A long life of happiness. The other, well, it's much different." Anahara's eyes became dark once more, her lips taught. "As much as I want Felix happy, we are going to need her. Castiel this human girl will change everything. We just need one thing to happen at the right time." The man tilted his head, absorbing everything Anahara had been saying. Many angels were whispering about this curious devout girl who seemed absolutely normal.
"But isn't it forbidden to interfere with the natural order of a human's fate? It's their personal decisions and actions that make their Paths." His voice sounded more assertive, warning. The woman took a deep breath and nodded before she clasped her hands together behind her back.
"Indeed. But, I think you will find it hard to disagree with me once you know what her deciding factor is Castiel." He clenched his jaw and tried to push down the uneasiness he was feeling at the direction this conversation had turned. He'd been in the neighborhood and just thought to pop over and check in on his sister. He'd been told the girl was high priority a few years ago, he was curious after what some of the other's had been whispering.
"Tell me." Anahara slowly let a rueful smile barely contort her lips as she appraised his face.
"Dean Winchester."
A Week Later
The Child's house was empty except for Felix as she got ready for church. She double checked her carefully straightened hair, made sure her white skirt was sitting right on her hips. The teen chewed her lip as she slid on the pastel green cardigan over the yellow muscle shirt. Tonight would be her first night officially leading her groups Bible study. All week she'd searched for scriptures to focus around. Since it was so close to being Thanksgiving, she'd found a few pertaining to being thankful. She was proud of herself, so was her parents and Pastor Phillip. The pastor happened to also be her Uncle on her father's side. He was a good man, never married and no kids. From what her father had said, Uncle Phillip had went through a very rough patch for the majority of his youth all the way to his early thirties.
At around 35 he'd found God and decided to settle down here in Salisbury to be close to his remaining family. Occasionally at family dinners Felix would ask him about his life before, but he'd give her some vague answer that would just leave her with more questions. Even her father would shut her down in her pursuit to know more about her beloved Uncle and Pastor. But today wasn't a day for questioning, but being ready. Once her clothes were in order and her shoes were on her feet, Felix grabbed her messenger bag and cell phone. She checked the clock, she still had thirty minuets to get to the church. But if she got there early, she'd be able to get everything ready in the Teen room. So without any more stalling Felix grabbed her house keys and made out the door. She locked up and took off towards the church. Her mother would get off work and head straight to church, her father always did the same.
Her flats made a clacking sound on the side walk as she briskly walked past her neighbors houses. Her brown eyes looking at the colors on the trees, wondering at the beauty God had created. Felix mentally rehashed things she'd say if many of her peers asked questions. So many things were on her mind these days. School, her upcoming assessment tests and now the study group. But she knew she could handle it. All these things would give her good experience for college and her adult life. God would see her through. As Felix thought these things, she failed to notice the man who'd began trailing her. She hummed to herself as she crossed a street and readjusted her bag. Taking a right to cut some distance off, she went through the Killian's driveway and waved at them as they climbed into their car. Felix knew she'd see them at church shortly.
She dodged between the Dogwood trees that naturally marked off the Killian's property from the church. Almost there she reminded herself. A few more steps later she stumbled and fell over a branch that had fallen from the tree. Severley disappointed in the fact her skirt was now covered in grass stains and dirt, she huffed and made her way back onto her feet. Felix grumbled and grabbed the branch to move it out of the way when she noticed something odd about it...it had been cut off. The wood was still green... Something about it didn't sit right with her, it made her nerves tingle. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she let the branch fall onto the ground. The 16 year old took another step, the church was just across the lawn...
Somewhere behind her a twig snapped and leaves rustled. Felix's head snapped around to try to spot whatever it was, but nothing was there. Her heart was pounding as a little voice in her head told her to run. But fear had a tight grip and she found herself paralyzed where she was.
"Hello?" She croaked out. A minuet stretched by and after convincing herself nobody was there, she began walking again. This time her pace was nearly a jog. Her ears heard the familiar sounds of car doors shutting and happy laughter as the many members were showing up for their weekly service. Almost there, she kept reminding herself. Her heart began to slow back down to normal the closer and closer she got. She wasn't ever walking alone by herself again. "Whew." Felix whispered when she was no more than twenty yards from the back entrance to the church. Her right hand gripped the strap for her messenger bag tightly.
"Hey!" A voice spoke behind her and she faltered, turning sharply out of surprise. A man was walking towards her. He was tall and broad, old jacket with the hood pulled up to shield his face. His cargo pants were dirty and his hands looked no better. He wasn't stopping his pace and Felix began backing up. Then something snapped in her and she dropped her bag to run, but thick muscular arms snatched her up. A strong hand clamped over her mouth. Felix tried to scream and fight but her tiny frame was nothing for him. Her eyes watered as she seen he was taking her to the alley behind the old gas station that hadn't been open in years. There was an old shed that some of the local kids used to smoke pot and drink in. The busts were made every other weekend, Felix had heard all kinds of rumors about the shed.
Still, she kicked and tried to bite the mans hand, but he didn't acknowledge her. Her captor bent down under the chain link fence and kept on until they were shrouded in the darkness of the shed. The old metal door was pulled down and he fished out some duct tape from his jacket pocket. He taped her mouth shut and bound her wrists, then her ankles. Once she'd been secured and sat in a wooden chair he'd drug to the center of the room, he pulled out a cell phone and spoke in a language she didn't understand. The call only took a few seconds, and when he was done he turned to face her. There was just enough light streaming in through the dirty and molded windows to where she could see him. He took two steps and crouched down. His face was still mostly shrouded from her under the hood of his jacket, but she'd never forget the smell of his breath.
Putrid. Rotten. It turned her stomach as he smiled and bared perfect white teeth. She wanted to look away, but found she couldn't. The man reached a hand up and slowly pulled the hood back. He was handsome, so very handsome it almost distracted her from the horror of her situation. But when her eyes met his, she knew the devil was real. Everything she'd read about evil was true. The eyes peering back into her's were solid black. Tears silently fell down her cheeks as she watched him pull a long and terrifying knife from the inside pocket of the jacket.
"Time to go night night, little girl."