Title: The Road to Redemption Chapter 2- The Long and short of it all

Spoilers: Up to sex and violence

Disclaimer: Supernatural and it characters belong to Kripke and Cw but I do own Lexi

Chapter 2

The motel was just like every other motel the boys had stayed at; small, ugly, and stained with secrets and sins of its past occupants. Sam had grown accustomed to this and was lying comfortably back against the headboard with is laptop. Dean however, was pacing back and forth, uncomfortable with the whole situation.

First this hot new chick shows up, and dude what's up with me and angels anyway? Then Cas sends me away like I'm some nosy child and then there's the biggest problem: Sam.

Dean stopped pacing and looked over at Sam. He looked at his brother like he was a book that Dean actually finds worth reading, but can't quite figure out.

Since when is Sam the one who's comfortable in these low-rent motel rooms and since when am I the one who questions everything and wants something more from life? It's like ever since I came back, we've reversed roles and I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Dean sighed softly and started pacing again. Confusion and worry was written all over his face.

I can feel Sam slipping closer to the edge and I'm helpless to stop it.

Dean stopped pacing again and clenched his fists at his side.

Wait me helpless? Since when am I helpless? Dean Winchester is no damsel in distress.

At that moment there was a whoosh of air followed by Castiel and Lexi appearing in the middle of the room. Dean stopped pacing and Sam set the laptop on the bed and stood up. Lexi stepped away from Castiel and hopped on the bed opposite Sam. Dean turned to face Castiel. Sam stared at Lexi with a confused and curious expression on his face. Lexi stared right back with a look of amusement mixed with concern.

"I have been informed that things have gotten worse for our side in recent days. It seems the lines between good and evil are being blurred," Castiel informed them, as if that explained everything.

"What the robot is trying to say is I'm here to keep a better eye on you guys, because angels are no longer strictly the good guys and Demons aren't necessarily the bad guys. As much as it pains me to say that," Lexi translated.

"Wait, so now we have Angels and Demons on our asses? THAT'S JUST GREAT! CUZ WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH," Dean yelled.

"Dean, you are not alone. Not all of heaven is against you. You do have friends among the angels," Castiel said trying to calm Dean down.

"Is that your way of trying to make me feel better about all this?" Dean asked him.

"Give the guy some slack he just found out that everything he ever believed in was a lie. Plus, we now have an Archangel to contend with. An Archangel is one of the most fearsome, cold-hearted bastards' father has ever created, and one has turned to the dark side of the force," Lexi added at Deans confused face.

Dean opened his mouth like he's about to say something but Lexi cuts him off.

"In answer to your next question, Dean, yes angel's feel. They feel in a much greater and more powerful way then any human ever could. To let themselves be swayed by their emotions is something they don't do. Some people mistake that for them not having any. As far as Anna, she didn't lie, she just didn't understand. It made her cranky and you know the saying curiosity killed the cat," Lexi said.

"How do you know about Anna?" Dean asked.

"I'm psychic," Lexi replied sarcastically.

Dean looked at her with shock. Castiel however looked annoyed.

"Just kidding. It's her typical M.O. she gives the line about how angels don't feel and how she wanted so badly to feel human emotions and then she seduces some poor shmuck. When I was assigned to you I was given the file. I know everything about you guys now," Lexi replied.

Sam, finally having gotten over the shock of what Lexi just told them spoke up.

"How exactly do you expect us to fight both heaven and hell?" Sam said his voiced laced with a hint of anger.

Lexi stood up and faced Sam full on.

"We don't expect you to do anything. You want to sit back and watch the world being pulled into hell, be my guest. But if the mortal realm falls, so does heaven and everything beyond. We're not asking you to do this alone, nor are we asking too much. We simply want you to stop using the demonic powers Azazel gave you," Lexi threw back at him angrily.

Lexi walked away from Sam and took a few deep breathes to calm down.

"And as far as your brother is concerned, his job is to lead the armies of heaven on the battlefield. Until that time comes, you are both supposed to keep doing what you were born to do: hunt. We still have a chance, it seems Lilith has forgotten about me, but that was her mistake," Lexi said with a smirk.

"Speaking of you, what are you exactly?" Dean asked turning to look at Lexi.

"I am the ultimate weapon. Father created me of man and angel. I live among the humans and never age. That does not mean I am immortal. I can die by another's hands just like any normal human. Once I die, however, I'll become a full angel and Father's wrath will be like nothing you have ever seen or felt. He created me of his own flesh and blood."

Sam looked intrigued while Dean looked awed and annoyed. Castiel however, is his usual expressionless self.

"I am one of the few who have seen him. I was made to bring him closer to his humans, to give him a taste of what life is like on Earth. I can do everything an angel can and more. The extent of my powers isn't of consequence right now."

"If you're so powerful why can't you do anything to stop this war? Why do so many people die everyday if you have all this power?" Sam asked his voice laced with irritation.

"I am not omniscient. My power and what I can do with it is limited. There are rules that come with power. If I could I would stop all suffering in the world I would, but I can't. My power is limited by higher powers. Do you think I enjoy hearing the suffering of people?" Lexi threw back at him.

"I didn't… I'm sorry," Sam muttered.

"It's okay. My sole purpose here now is to make sure you two stay out of trouble, well mostly Sam since Dean has Castiel but you get the point. However keeping you guys out of trouble seems like a bigger job then I originally thought," Lexi said. "So technically, I'm the Cas to Sam's Dean. I am not however Anna, and Dean we won't be screwing in the back of the Impala."

"Alexis!" Castiel exclaimed with a bit of annoyance lacing his voice. "That was uncalled for. If you can't act appropriately then…"

"Fine, I'm sorry Dean. Look, the world right now is kinda like a huge mess and I'm here to provide you with help. You were pulled from hell for a reason; you are worthy and you can succeed. I know I can be a hard ass and I'm probably not what you expected but this isn't exactly my dream either. So we're stuck with each other and we might as well make it as easy on all of us as possible." She turned to Castiel. "Was that better? Was that what you wanted?"

Lexi then walked past Castiel and out the door of the motel room. Castiel sighed and sat in a chair.

"Lexi can be difficult but she's good at her job. She's not a bad person, she's just been through lot in her life and she has these walls that make it hard but you have to be patient," Castiel said softly.

"Wow, you actually sound like a real person Cas. She means something to you?" Dean asked surprised.

"She is my family. I care for her as you care for Sam. It is my job to look after her. She is known for getting into trouble," Castiel replied. "Maybe I should speak with her."

Sam stood up and turned to Castiel. "You know, I think maybe I should talk to her. Like she said, I'm the Dean to her Cas, so maybe I'll have a better chance at reaching her. Besides, she's my angel right?" Sam said.

"Perhaps, you would be better suited for this conversation," Castiel relented.

Sam turned to Dean who nodded and he walked out the door. Castiel sat back down. Dean sat on the bed and faced Castiel.

"So what exactly is between you and Lexi?" Dean asked him

Castiel sighed and leaned back in his seat like he's trying to get comfortable.

"I was there the day Lexi was born. It was unlike anything I'd ever imagined."

Heaven

April 1982

All the archangels were gathered in a circle. God was at the center with Michael to his right. Suddenly, the door to the room opened and Castiel walked in. No one turned to look, but Castiel looked embarrassed.

"Come in Castiel. I want you to see something," Michael said to him without ever turning.

It was then that God turned to Michael. Michael reached out for his wings and pulled out a single feather. He pressed it to his lips and handed it to God. Castiel finally made it to the circle and Michael moved to give him room, as they are alone now. He looked down and saw her. The most beautiful being he'd ever met. In that moment Castiel was filled with so much love he couldn't help but reach out and try to touch her. If only to make sure he wasn't seeing things.

"Pick her up Castiel. You will not harm her," Michael told him.

Castiel looked up at him to discern as if he was trying to figure out if it was really okay or not. When Michael nodded he reached his hands out and picked up the baby.

"You must support the head, Castiel. A baby's neck is fragile. Even one as special as her," Michael explained.

"Who is she?" Castiel asked him while making sure he supported her head.

The whole time he never took his eyes off the baby. She began to snuggle into his chest and grabbed a fistful of his wing.

"Her name is Alexis. She was made of humans and myself. She is to be raised by a human family until it is her time to rejoin us," Michael told him.

Castiel looked at him in horror and Michael laughed.

"Do not worry young Castiel. She will be okay," Michael said looking down at him.

Alexis had fallen asleep with a smile on her face. Castiel had gone back to staring at her. In that moment Michael noticed it. There was a change in Castiel's heartbeat. It had sped up and his grace was pulsing, trying to force its way out. Castiel loved her. Michael couldn't help but smile.

"It is time Castiel. She must be given to her new family," Michael whispered to him.

Castiel tightened his grip on Alexis protectively at the same time as Alexis tightens her grip on Castiel.

"It would seem she is attached to you, young Castiel," Michael told him with a smile.

"And I her. She is the most beautiful being I have ever seen. I do not wish her to leave. The world will sully her. She is too pure for a world such as that," Castiel argued.

"It is all our father's creation. You must have faith in the humans, you will learn that one day," Michael said to him kindly.

Castiel looked down at Alexis, who had woken up. She had bright blue eyes and Castiel found himself mesmerized. He placed a kiss on her forehead and handed her to Michael. Alexis started to cry.

"It would seem she has a fondness for you, as well," Michael laughed.

"We understand each other. We have the same soul," Castiel explained.

"So you do. Then you must have faith Castiel. Father has a plan for all of us. Come, Fly with me. I wish to show you something else," Michael told him, still holding Alexis.

Michael spread out his wings and flew out of heaven with Castiel following. Michael landed in front of a house. There is nothing special about it, but Castiel could feel the faith and love inside the house.

"This is where you mean leave her?" Castiel questioned.

"Yes, they will love and take care of her here. The mother does not work. She stays at home with their son. The father is a respected man in the Church and a teacher. Their son is 3 and has been wishing for a younger sibling. They have all been praying for God to bless them with a daughter," Michael explained to him.

"They are good people. They will love her and take care of her, but I still do not want to leave her," Castiel said stubbornly.

Michael laughed and handed Alexis back to Castiel. Both of them seemed to brighten up and glow as soon as Alexis was in his arms. Michael set down a basket on the stoop and an envelope.

"You are not leaving her forever young Castiel. It is your job to watch out for her. She is your charge now," Michael told him.

Castiel smiled and kissed her forehead one more time before setting her in the basket. He finally understood. He reached out and rang the doorbell. He heard footsteps and smiled. He looked back for Michael and realized he was alone. He spread his wings and flew off just as the door opened.

Hotel room

Present Day

"Wow Cas, that was some story. So Alexis is part Michael? And you were her guardian?" Dean asked.

"It was Michael's grace that brought her to life and his feather that gave her wings. As to your second question, I suppose you would call it that," Castiel responded.

The Middle of Nowhere

Present Day

As Sam walked north down the road he heard fighting coming from a patch of woods on the left side of the road. He pulled the shotgun out of the back of his pants and headed toward the noise. When he got to a clearing in the middle of the woods he saw Lexi fighting a demon. He'd never seen anyone move with such grace and flawlessness before. He couldn't move, he just stood off to the side and watched.

She seemed to know he was there though because she turned and looked at him. In that second the demon got in one hit. Lexi was knocked to the ground and she grunted in pain. Sam moved forward to help her but one glare from her and he froze. As the demon leaned down she used her full power to kick him across the clearing into a tree. The tree snapped in half and landed on the demon with a crash. This seemed to only make the demon angry. It threw off the tree charged for Lexi. She side stepped it at the last second and it crashed into another tree. The demon was unconscious.

She pinned him to the ground and placed two fingers to his forehead and black smoke surrounded them and was then sucked into the earth. Lexi then placed the same two fingers over the man's heart and leaned down to his ear, like she was whispering to him. After a few seconds she stood up and wiped the dirt off of herself. She turned around and looked at Sam, she looked angry and walked past him back to the road. Sam regained his senses, put the gun away and followed her to the road. He nearly had to run to catch up with her.

"That was amazing. I've never seen anyone move like that. Even Castiel can't fight like that," Sam said excitedly.

"What are you doing here, Sam?" Lexi questioned.

"I thought someone should check on you. Make sure you were okay. What happened back there…?" Sam began.

"Sorry, I shouldn't have taken it out on you guys like that. Sometimes I just think Castiel treats me like a child. Everyone does. Sure, they'll treat me with respect because of who I am but none of them take me seriously. I can't age. I'm forever stuck like this. Father wanted me to experience the human aging process but at 26 he wanted me to stop, so I did. I'm just a child to all of them. And Castiel he'll never…" Lexi started.

"You like him, don't you?" Sam asked with a smile.

"Castiel and I have a history. There was a time when… well, he wasn't as uptight as he is now." She smiled remembering. "We had a… I guess you could call it a 'thing'. Till it almost ended the world. Obviously, it was forbidden for angels to become romantically involved after that. It changed Castiel. He was always the good soldier, did whatever he was told no matter whom it hurt," She explained, her voiced laced with resentment.

"I'm sorry. That sucks, and now you're stuck working with him. It seems like a cruel joke," Sam said sympathetically.

"My whole life is a cruel joke. I'm not an angel, but I'm not human. I'm the ultimate weapon and that's how I'm treated. So yeah, I'm not exactly sympathetic to Dean and his whining about being brought back and not being worthy. I love my father and I love my job. I believe in what I'm being told to do 100%. Sometimes, I just resent it though. I resent not being given the choice or chance, even if I would choose to do exactly what I'm being asked. I guess that's why I seem so angry towards you," she said as if a little ashamed.

"I resent the fact that you have the choice, this opportunity to beat the odds, to show everyone that even though you were given these demonic powers you'll still good and you spit on it," She said crossly.

"I know about you and Ruby, Sam. Sleeping with the enemy. The rush you feel," She stopped walking and moved closer to Sam.

"The danger. The thrill knowing how angry Dean would be if he knew," she said seductively.

She was so close to him she was breathing in his ear. Sam started breathing heavier.

"You live for the thrill, the danger. You get off on it. It has nothing to do with the demon, just the excitement. The power you get from drinking her blood. You can't live without it anymore," she whispered in his ear.

She pulled away and pulled a knife out of the back of her jeans. She put it to her wrist and cut. Blood started to ooze out. Where the drops hit the ground, flowers begin to bloom. She smiled a smile like Sam had never seen before. As she walked back towards Sam, she held up her bleeding wrist. When she reached him she held her wrist out to him.

"Go ahead, try some. It's what you want. It's what you need. It's like nothing you'll have ever tasted before. It'll give you a rush 10 times what that demons blood gave you. You saw what happened when a drop of my blood hit the ground, what do you think it'll do to you?" She asked.

Sam looked her in the eye, a look of confusion on his face. She must be joking. He thought. But as soon as he saw the serious expression on his face he knew she wasn't joking.

She wants me to drink her blood. I can just imagine what it would do. The power an Angel's blood would give me. What am I thinking! I can't drink her blood. I don't want to. I'm stronger than the blood.

Despite his inner voice, after a few seconds he couldn't resist anymore. He reached out and grabbed her wrist. He was bringing it up to his mouth when he dropped it and stepped away.

"NO!"

Lexi smiled back at him and placed two fingers on her wrist. Within seconds it had healed.

"Congratulations, you passed. See, you are strong enough to resist. There was a second when I doubted you. I thought you were actually gonna do it when you picked up my wrist. Its progress, but you almost failed. My blood normally does no harm. It's pure creation. However, if you mix it with demon blood, there will be unpleasant consequences. I'm impressed though...I'll make a deal with you Sam. I won't tell Dean about you and the demon, if you keep resisting," she smirked.

"Okay. You have a deal," Sam responded in a slightly surprised, yet amused voice.

Lexi held out her uninjured hand to him. "Let's go save your brother from the robot," she joked. He took her hand with a smile and they walked back towards the hotel.