Castiel had much trouble thinking over the loud bickering of the team. Of course this was expected when you bring so many different beings with opposing mind sets to the same place. If he had the time he would have picked his team more wisely but on such short notice, Cas knew he should be grateful for the people that did join him.
Dean having arrived last with his brother came forward to Castiel. "This is the best team you could find? And why are they movie characters?"
"It's a long story Dean, but lets just say a lot of movies like what you call "Star Wars" actually do exist."
"Well how's that possible, how would someone be able to come up with a story that fits perfectly with something else?" Dean asked in confusion.
"Like I said its a story we better not get into now but the creators where most likely under the influence of God. Like how Chuck was able to write your stories in advance."
Dean still in some disbelief took Castiel's words as truth remembering his own experience with Chuck in the past. "But why are they here Cas? Why go out of the way to get these guys?"
"We need them Dean any support we can get will help. There is no failure in this mission we must succeed, everything depends on it" Castiel did not want to explain himself to Dean not when he could be briefing everyone but he continued "Besides this isn't going to be like last time you're going deep into the heart of Purgatory. That is where I believe we will find what were looking for, though Purgatory still is largely a mystery I don't know what to expect if you go further into it."
Sam observing the team noticed someone that he wished he hadn't. "Cas what is Lucifer doing here? Have you forgotten what he did last time he was out of the cage?"
"Sam I don't like it that much as well but you will need the extra juice while in Purgatory. Also just so were on the same page both Crowley and myself have decided if we cannot put him back into the cage once this is over we will keep him trapped in Purgatory for eternity if necessary."
Dean interrupted "Wait Cas did I just hear you say Crowley? Have you not learned anything over the last years? He can't be trusted."
"It's a mutually beneficial for both of us, Crowley can't get new souls into hell without Death. Besides his part is minimal at best, Crowley is only here to get all of you into Purgatory. He told me he has means of access. That's all he plays in this and I promise you I intend to keep it that way."
"Seriously Cas think for minute. When has Crowley ever taken the backseat on anything? He will betray us for sure. It's only a mater of time."
Castiel started to walk away from the Winchesters "It is time to brief the team."
...
"Listen up" Castiel began. "You're all here for a very important mission. Like I told you upon your recruitment it will be dangerous, I won't lie to you I don't expect all of you to come back actually it's possible none of you will return but the risk is necessary one."
Cad Bane spoke up "It seems like the risk outweighs the rewards. I don't like sticking my neck out for these kind of things."
"I can assure you all that you will be well rewarded for your help if that is what you seek."
"Your assurance means nothing, we hardly know who you're." Darth Marr stated.
"If I may I believe this mission is important for all of us." Gnost said. "Can you not feel it? The force has not felt right this past week. Perhaps this Death gone missing is the solution as to why."
"I agree with the Kel Dor." Revan said.
Castiel watched the group continue to argue amongst each other. Such debates are pointless he thought. But Marr had a point they didn't have much real reason to trust him.
...
An hour of discussions passed when the group became silent. Kenobi lifted a hand to speak "It would seem the majority of us have come to an agreement that we will follow your instructions the sooner were done the sooner we leave."
"That is good news." Castiel said with a hint of relief. "Take whatever provisions and weapons you will need. We set out first thing in the morning. Once you get inside Purgatory you won't have access to get out till the mission is completed."
The group set off to prepare. Though Castiel still had one thing to do. "Dean I must speak to you."
"What is it?"
"Not here." Castiel zapped Dean to a private sitting area away from the group.
"Cas what did I tell you about doing that? Warn me first."
"Sorry. But I have brought you here because it is important. There are people in the group we can't trust. I fear you where right when you brought up Crowley is going to betray us."
"It's not that hard to figure out that every time we are with him one of us gets a stick shoved up our ass."
"I believe Crowley is going to infiltrate our group, actually I'm sure of it." Cas stopped to gather his thoughts then continued "How he plans to that I'm unsure. Possessing people would be my guess though he may try a more subtle approach and pay people off."
"It's Crowley, Cas of course he will try something but why are you only telling me this?" Dean answered he was getting annoyed with his friend.
"Because Dean you need to lead the group when everyone gets into Purgatory I trust you enough with this task. I can not come. Crowley has the means to the way in and out of Purgatory if we all go he could trap us inside, I must stay and keep an eye on him."
"I'm not so sure, how do you plan I go about leading a group of strangers and uprooting traitors in the process?" Dean asked.
"That is up to you to decide but you got Sam that's at least someone you can work with and I got something for you." Castiel walked to a box in the corner of the room and opened it. He lifted a crude looking black staff from the box.
"What do you expect me to do with that, Split the Red Sea? Do I look like Moses to you?"
"This is from heaven it is a relic believed to be connected to Purgatory. We call it the 'Staff of the Fallen'. It should allow me to track your progress into Purgatory, it can also assist your group. But it has drawbacks you can not hold if for too long it wasn't meant to be used in mortal hands. So you must let someone else hold the staff every night or else it will start to have consequences on the wielder."
"Okay enough with the speeches I got it. Move the staff around or else it's dangerous."
"Do you understand everything though?" Cas asked he was starting to become worried for Dean.
"Yes. Well there is one thing what are we looking for? What are we supposed to do when we find whatever it is we're looking for to bring Death back?"
"I am not sure. All I know is it should be near the center of Purgatory's power which means you will have to make a long trip. The staff should be able to guide well enough. It will act as your compass."
Dean extended his hand to grab the staff but Castiel quickly jerked it away. "Not now Dean. I'll give it to you in the morning before you enter. Remember one person can not hold it for too long.'
...
The group was just outside the entrance into Purgatory. It was not much of a door more of a gap in the wall that worked as a portal but it would suffice well enough. Castiel was happy though that Crowley played his part without question... For now that is.
Castiel began to speak "Alright everyone this is it. I explained yesterday what needs to be done and I have briefed Dean personally, he will lead the group when you get inside."
Loki spoke up "No point in waiting here with you." The group watched as he stepped forward towards the wall and vanished.
The group followed, one by one they entered. Anakin looked to Obi-Wan who was a bit nervous "What's the worse that could happen?."
"Anak.." Anakin stepped into the portal as Obi-Wan tried to say something "Always on the move."
The rest of the group entered till it was only Dean and Cas left. "I believe you can do this Dean. I have much faith in your ability to lead and do what must be done." Castiel extended his arm to give the staff to Dean.
Dean took it from his hands he felt a sudden pulse of power go through him but it wore off quickly. With one last look Dean nodded to Castiel and entered the portal.
...
Inside Purgatory it was just like how Dean remembered it. Gloomy and dark and packed with dense forest. He looked and saw the rest of the group standing to the left. Dean took a glance at the staff wondering what he was supposed to do with it remembering Castiel said it would guide him.
"So what's the plan?" Much of the group asked.
Dean started to turn with the staff till he stopped as the tip started glowing. "That way." Dean pointed with the Staff. "That is where we will find what were looking for."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's get a move on." Rex said.
"No, not yet. There's something I need to tell you first." Dean stated "Castiel told me that there are traitors in the group that will try and bring us down, he believes they're working for Crowley. In order to counter this you will discuss amongst each other as we hike to our goal and vote off someone every day."
Dean could see the nervousness of the group and they where right to be nervous. This task was hard enough without Crowley's involvement.
"Oh the convicted will most likely be executed. As you can see we don't exactly have a jail. So you better find the traitors quickly. And one more thing this staff I have, one person can only hold it for a day before it gets dangerous so we will be moving it around everyday that means you will also need to vote on a staff holder daily. Understand?"
The group nodded in approval. "Alright then let's go find what were looking for."
Sam hanged back with Dean for a moment. "Not to be a downer but were so screwed." Sam said in a worrying tone.
"Well I'm with you on that one." Dean replied
