Disclaimer: Supernatural is owned by Kripke and I imagine some suits down at The CW. All the copyrights associated with Supernatural belong to them. Only the ideas contained within this story are the property of the author. No profit is being earned by the writer of this story.

A/N: Takes place after Episode 4.08 Wishful Thinking, but before Episode 4.09 I Know What You Did Last Summer.

A/N2: My first fanfic :) This is the part where I say I love reviews, blah blah blah. You know the drill. Thank you so much to my Betas: Alli Elaine, Live Journal's "TheVinegarWorks" Your encouragement and editing skills are wholly appreciated.

Chapter 3: They're Only Chasing Safety

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He will cover you with his feathers,

And under his wings you will find refuge.

Psalm 91:4

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Skagit County, Washington

When they were younger, there was nothing Dean couldn't handle. Since Sam was four years old, Dean was his hero. Not because his big brother was the patron saint of victims afflicted by the supernatural, but because he was the finder of lost socks, master of fraction flashcards and an expert at the cereal-to-milk ratio. Growing up did little to sway Sam's adoration. Dean helped him be normal or as normal as any Winchester son was going to get a shot at.

After he landed the lead role of George Gibbs his freshman year of high school, John didn't talk to him for a week. His father saw it as a distraction from hunting, another prime example of Sam's lack of focus. Instead of attending opening night and waiting for his son backstage, John Winchester was in Plattsburgh, New York, working a job.

But Dean was there. He had spent the last six weeks coaching Sammy on his lines. Sitting third row dead center in their Dad's timeworn leather jacket, Dean looked out of place next to the other students' parents. After the show, Sam beamed with pride when Dean said it was the best play that he had ever seen even though it was the only play he had ever seen.

That was the past though and they were stuck swimming through the present, although currently Sam felt like they were drowning. They were running on empty, pretending like they knew their way home, a way back to before. He fumbled with his cell phone, hashing over the idea of calling Ruby to see if she found any news on the Lilith front. Spending time with Ruby was a double-edged sword. On one hand, she held a wealth of information during a time when educated allies were scarce. On the other hand, seeing her was like being stabbed in the gut seventeen times.

It was nearly midnight when Sam decided to set out on a search party for Dean. Luck was in his corner thanks to the lack of liquor stores in town. He didn't think it would take too long to track Dean down, but this present situation was wearing him down fast. Nevertheless, Sam slid behind the steering column of the Impala, making a point to turn off the music. Everything was different. While Sam knew how they ended up in this predicament, he still couldn't fathom that he was driving out to find Dean like an irritated father picking up his drunken son from a high school kegger. As the Impala roared to life, Sam thought --This is my entire fault. Just let him be alright.--

*****

Union, Kentucky

The altar inside St. Timothy Parish had all of the accoutrements of a typical Catholic church. It was made entirely from Tennessee Marble from Knox County to illustrate the concept that Christ was the cornerstone of the Church. This particular church was only built in the past century and lacked the necessary bones to practice the customary tradition of placing the relics of saints and martyrs beneath the fixed stone. The residents of Union, Kentucky would have to visit a different church if they wanted that privilege. Castiel paused in the aisle to admire the exquisite stained glass window over the pulpit.

"The Annunciation to the Shepherds – the angels proclaimed the birth of the infant Jesus Christ to those who were the recipients of his promises. They were not Kings or educated state men, but lowly shepherds keeping watch over their flocks in the dead of night. Sounds like a story you would enjoy," Uriel remarked acridly from the back of the chapel.

"An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them: Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:9," Castiel murmured. The star of Bethlehem gleamed with etched glass. Although the Bible was regarded as a man-made convention by the heavenly host, Castiel still marveled at the intensity and the magnificence of its language.

Uriel walked down the aisle, taking a seat in a pew to the left of Castiel. "They fell to their knees, trembling with fear. These mud-monkeys completely lack courage, bravery, loyalty. Our kind never should have had anything to do with these inferior beings," Uriel grumbled. He picked up a Bible left on the bench and flipped through it aimlessly.

Refusing to acknowledge the bitter tone in Uriel's voice, Castiel continued his recitation. "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Castiel peered over his shoulder at Uriel who was doing little to hide the feelings of discontent running rampant across his face. He remembered that moment distinctly. Every member of the host was invited to attend, even fledgling angels such as him. This was supposed to be a day of celebration, a day to remember for the ages. Man finally had a champion and a savior. No longer would they have to wander the literal and metaphorical deserts of Earth alone.

"And since that night, we have been playing second fiddle to these walking toilets on two legs," Uriel complained.

Castiel shot him a glance, "This is blasphemy. Watch what you say."

Uriel put the Bible down and leaned back to look at Castiel. "What happened to you? When did you become the defender for mankind? I expected more from you."

Castiel threw up his hands in frustration. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Can we please get back to the matter at hand. Were you able to locate the grace?"

Uriel stood up and reached inside his shirt to reveal a necklace. It glowed with the essence of energy, emitting a bright light inside the otherwise dark church. "I found it just a little ways away from here; touched down in the form of an oak tree. We simply can't take the chance that she remembers who she is and goes looking for this. I have received revelations from our superiors. They want us to go collect her."

Castiel heaved a sigh and ran his hand through his hair. "Where is she?"

"Not far from here. The Connor Beverley Behavioral Medicine Center in Ohio. Whatever that means. Humans constantly rename this entire creation, I can't keep track. I am worried about you however. You know our orders are to kill her. Is this going to be a problem for you, Castiel?" Uriel asked.

Castiel wanted to wipe that smirk off of Uriel's face, but thought better of it. "I am capable of doing my job, brother. She is… far from innocent. All the sentiment in the world cannot change that," Castiel replied. He tried to sound confident, but inwardly, he wasn't so sure. This young woman, this Anna, remembered nothing of her former life as an angel. She didn't know that she had disobeyed and fallen to Earth, but now that she was tapping into angel radio, she was a liability they couldn't afford to take. "We will go and find Anna. She has to die."

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A/N: I'm not sure when the next update will be... soonish. Like at least within the next two weeks. Kinda not sure where to go. Suggestions are welcome :) Uh... Thanks for stopping by?