Mickey left Joshua and left the compound all together. Ditching his human form and taking to the skies without fear. He wouldn't be seen unless he wanted to be seen, and radars couldn't pick him up anyway. He had a destination in mind, Rhode Island, and he got there right before morning mass. Taking his human form once more, and a back pew, he listened with reverence to the word of God, not taking communion because it wasn't his place to, but listening all the same until the end.
Father Reynolds stood outside and bade his congregation goodbye. He took time to speak with those that sought out his time, but eventually made his way back inside and closed the doors behind him. He paused looking at the man that waited within. There was something different about him. Something very different. Almost disconcerting. He moved to sit in the pew in front of the man and turned to face him. "I haven't seen you here before. Welcome." He said. It wasn't missed on his part that the man had not partaken in communion.
"Yes you have." Mickey said. "Just not like this." He looked at the stained glass windows around the church. "It's so peaceful here." He said, nodding with approval. "As if this really was God's house, and not just a turn of phrase."
"I like to think that God's peace can be felt where he is sincerely worshipped. Where he is revered. " He said with a calm smile. "I'm Father Reynolds." He added by way of introduction.
"I know." Mickey said. "I'm...Michael." As close to the truth right now as he could be. "Have you ever considered leaving your congregation? For another where faith in anything isn't quite as strong?"
"If I were called to be reassigned, I would go. " He said honestly. He had given his life to GOD. He would go where he was sent. It wasn't a matter of consideration. It was a matter of obedience.
"I like that." Mickey said with an honest smile. At least someone understood, even a bit. "Hours from here, depending on how you get there, there's a fellowship in need of a spiritual guide. It can't be me, I'm not a very good people person."
"I can't just leave on the suggestion of a stranger in my church." He said with a gentle smile. He didn't recognize the man as an angel.
"I know. But I'm not." Mickey said. "Though I heard a joke today, outside. When you talk to God, you're religious and devout. But when God talks to you, you're schizophrenic. Do you believe that?"
"I would suppose that depends on how you hear him. GOD speaks to all of us if we listen. Of course if he starts telling you to kill your neighbor, chances are you aren't talking to GOD."
"Oh no." Mickey agreed, with a laugh. "For that, God would send His warriors. You're not a warrior, Father. You're a nurturer. Unfortunately, I'm really not. Physical I can take care of. There are some who find comfort in my presence," some of the girls back at the compound, knowing instinctively that he was not a threat for rape or molestation, "but everything else, I can't do. Sam and Andy need you, Father."
He looked concerned. "Did they send you? Is everything alright? " He instantly figured the reason the man was disconcerting was that he was one of Sam's kindred for lack of a better word. He was surprised not to see the St.Michael's symbol on him anywhere but that could just be an oversight.
"They didn't send me. Just an idea I had, to make everything go a little smoother there..." He said before he trailed off and tilted his head at the priest. Who seemed to be searching his form for something. "Is everything all right, Father?" He asked.
"What? Oh yes. " He said, not wanting to give anything away if the man were just a messenger. "Why don't you join me for Sunday Dinner and you can tell me about what is going on there?"
"I would like that." Mickey said as he stood up. He towered over the priest, unintentionally. But he did. "I'll see you then." He said and shook his hand. Puttered around town for a bit before showing up for dinner. Dinner was better. Less chance of a eavesdropper. One could never be too careful after all.
"Please come in." Father Reynolds said as he led the man inside the rectory. "My house keeper left us a nice roast and apple pie for dessert. I hope you are hungry. She seems to think one visitor is an excuse to cook for an army."
Mickey laughed. "I know people like that." He said as he stepped into the rectory. Tastefully but simply decorated, the priest took his vow of poverty seriously. Quilts, gifts from his parishoners Mickey guessed, decorated the walls, the furniture was simple but sturdy as he was led into the dining room. "Dean found a sword." He said simply, cutting to the point. "Did you know about his search for the sword?"
"Yes I do... an earthly equivalent of the sword of Michael the Archangel. Or at least that is the interpretation of visions leading them to the sword."
"Not Michael's." Mickey said. He knew, he still had his sword. "But a compatriot's. Just as powerful where it needs to be. Passed from human to human throughout the generations as it was needed. Though if you ask me, giving it to Attila probably wasn't the smartest move."
"if it was actually his sword, then I would agree. Giving it to a man with a political war axe to grind was probably less than appropriate. Then again, who knows what the reasoning was? You never know why things are as they are. Sometimes you just have to accept life and move on with it. Even things that make no sense, like huns with holy relics."
"Well, luckily for us, Dean Winchester doesn't have a political ax to grind. We lucked out there, he really doesn't have any secondary motivation, or counter agenda." Mickey said as he drank his coffee. "He's a pain in the ass, don't get me wrong, but he'll get the job done."
"He is a good man. A bit abrasive, highly opinionated with no faith what so ever." The priest added with a faint chuckle. "But he is a good man. So it was meant for Dean? Can't say I am surprised. I dont think Sam could handle it. Far too much anger in that young man. Even if he is much more reasonable, and gentle natured than his brother."
"Dean was surprised. He was sure it was for Sam." Mickey said. "I'm so not sure Sam is gentler than his brother. The poor kid is dealing with a lot of stuff right now. In his head. It's amazing what's in his head, it really is." He said as the room slowly filled with light, the purest of lights.
"He needs a gentle hand that one... " The priest said, noticing the changes in the room on a subconscious level at first. "He has been hurt in ways that no one should have to endure. Yet still he stays the course."
"He believes it's because he has no choice. Either this or go 'dark.' He doesn't really see it as making a choice." Mickey said. "I understand when the alternative is so bad, they don't feel it's a choice at all, but it is."
"Every one has their limits. Things they could never make themselves do. Or believe that they can't face. The cause of most suicides really. An overwhelming fear of facing something they believe is so bad, it's unbearable. For some it's loneliness. For others, consequences. It's more complex... for Sam it's becoming evil. He fears that more than death."
"No he doesn't." Mickey said. "He fears becoming evil, but what he fears most is becoming evil and hurting, or killing, his brother. He has his sanity tied up in Dean. It's actually disturbing to witness."
"Especially as Sam is Dean's reason to exist. " Father Reynolds pointed out. "Have you known them long?" He asked, blinking a little. The light was getting a little uncomfortable, making it hard to focus his eyes. at least that was what he thought as he looked at Michael. He made a note to take some aspirin when dinner was done.
"I've known them all their lives." Mickey said, letting his wings become visible to the human eye slowly. It seemed so ostentatious to present himself this way, but he had faith at least a man of God could comprehend him. "Before they were even born."
The priest crossed himself. "Michael." He breathed softly, taking a moment to process it all completely. He KNEW what he was seeing this time. There was no doubt. This was a messenger of God, his chief archangel, the being that would in the end bind Lucifer in chains.
Mickey nodded, and pulled everything back. The human mind could only take so much, he'd seen enough to convince him. "Dean Winchester is the bearer and wielder of the sword. But he and Sam come as a package deal." Mickey said. "I can fix anything physical, I have. But he and the rest of the children are tainted. By no fault of their own, granted, but tainted away from me all the same. I can't help them with their minds. And if we lose Sam, we lose Dean. If we lose Dean, well..."
"We lose everything, and Sam will descend into darkness and exceed the demon's expectations of him." The priest provided. "Taking those he is trying to save with him."
"So you see the stakes." Mickey said. "So, if your parish can spare you, I would appreciate it if you would return with me. Guess I could pay the bishop a visit if you need permission from the diocese. That could even be entertaining." He knew the bishop, a pompous fool really.
"It would be appreciated. That way he can arrange for Mass to be taken care of in my absence. " He also knew that if he just left, even of he said it was important, the bishop would dearly love to have him removed and placed in a supporting role somewhere rather than back in his parish. Even priests were merely human after all. Personality issues could be found even in those called by God.
Mickey grinned. "It can be arranged." He said. "Your bishop will be a humble man soon enough." A visit from an archangel in his office, full with blazing sword, should do it. Even angels had weird senses of humor. Maybe especially angels.
"Alright." He said. "I will go and pack a few things then." He had been worried about his post in the order, having to remain so far away from the group. This would actually make his job much easier.
"It will." Mickey said, inadvertently picking up that stray thought. He handed Father Reynolds a plane ticket. "I'll instruct Bobby to pick you up at the airport." He said, and left the room. Time to visit the bishop, and remind him of his place in the pecking order.
The bishop was doing office work, mundane tasks that kept the diocese open, when his office seemingly burst into flames, bright and holy feeling.
The Bishop immediately dropped to his knees, and crossed himself. He had never experienced anything so intense in his life. "Who are you?" He asked.
In his normal voice, Mickey wasn't soft spoken. His voice boomed like thunder and seemed to shake the very walls down to the foundation. "One of God's followers has been chosen." He said. It wasn't a lie, or even a stretch of the truth even. "For an assignment not here. You will let him go. When he returns, he returns to his place at the altar of God to lead His worship."
The bishop trembled. HE ran a tight ship. The archbishop had never had a single complaint about his diocese. He could see that was about to change, but what could he say or do? "Wh- who... who is called?"
"Father Reynolds." Mickey said. "You'll also stop seeing the married woman, and stop pilfering funds meant for the poor. You don't want God angry at you, do you? Because then he sends me."
The man nodded emphatic agreement not sure if he should say yes or no, because the chance of answering at the wrong moment. "I... I will do as the Lord commands."
"You should have all along." Mickey said. "You are bound by God and the rules Man has put in His place. Chastity, humility, poverty. It's really not that hard. This was your choice. Why are you being an idiot?"
"I don't know." He said sounding like a small child when asked why they had done something stupid. "I... I lost sight of my faith." He admitted finally.
"You are an idiot." Mickey said. "Confess your sins to the archbishop. Take your penance. Probably a sabbatical while you're at it too."
He nodded emphatically, he paled even more, and his blood ran cold. He couldn't convince himself this was a dream, no matter how hard he tried.
Mickey drew everything in again, appearing as a mortal man once more as he sat down in a chair across from the bishop. "That went well. Do you have any Jolt soda?"
The man trembled as he slowly shifted position on the floor. "N-no... I can... I can send out for it if you... if you want it." He suggested as he slowly got to his feet and resumed his seat behind his desk.
Mickey sat back and appraised the man behind the desk. "Not so powerful after all, are you?" He asked, with a glimmer in his dark eyes. "Nothing you do goes unnoticed up High. How could you forget that?"
He didn't look the angel in the eyes. He couldn't bring himself to look upon his face. "I don't know... started slipping and didn't want to stop."
"Free will sucks." Mickey said with a frown. "Look, you're not damned. Yet. Keep it up and you'll definitely be roasting in the fires of hell, trust me. Even Lucifer holds men of the cloth to a high standard."
He nodded, calming down a little at a time. "Right... yes.. not damned yet."
"Pretty damn close though." Mickey said. "If you were to get hit by a bus tonight, you'd definitely get a one way ticket straight to hell. Come on, man. Stealing? Adultery? Coveting? Envy? What's next? Murder?"
"No! Never!" The bishop exclaimed. He had even avoided some of the more heinous indiscretions that some of the other priests had been caught indulging in.
Mickey laughed. "You humans. It's the threat of hell that keeps you on the right track, rather than the promise of paradise. Let me tell you, you're not exactly made exactly in His image, because He's a whole lot smarter than you. Might come with that whole omnipotent thing though."
"I will do as the Lord commands." He said, figuring it was the safest thing to say in that moment. He didn't have the faith he had in his youth. Not that he doubted God existed, just doubted that he mattered in the grand scheme of things.
Mickey rubbed his temples, a human expression of being fed up, since he was in a human form at the moment. "Of course you matter in the grand scheme of things. Do you think I would be here trying to right you if you didn't? Make up your mind, Bishop. Either you think you're less than a worm, or you think you're the most powerful man here."
"I don't think you understand. How could you... you spend your existence in His presence. Down here on earth it isn't so black and white. Not so easy to keep your faith."
"There's one thing to have a crisis of faith, and another to flout His rules because you think you can get away with it. That somehow those robes and that ring make you above everyone else." Mickey said calmly. Always back to what he couldn't understand.
The bishop fell silent. "There is no excuse. I am weak." He admitted finally. He had given his entire life to God and it had left him feeling hollow. He filled that space with what he could justify in his mind, even if he knew underneath it was all wrong.
"Then you need to leave the priesthood. If serving God isn't enough to fulfill you, and make you feel part of something, you need to find another life." Mickey said. "Porn star maybe."
"I hardly think it's necessary to go that far." The Bishop said. "I will... I will pull it together." He promised.
"You hardly think it's necessary?" Mickey said, rising suddenly. "You hardly thought it was necessary to stick to your vows also!"
The priest shank back, sliding back to his knees suddenly. "I'm a mortal man with mortal failings. I will pull my life together, adhere to my vows."
"You see that you do." Mickey said, looming over the desk. "Let Father Reynolds be an example to you. He's been chosen to fulfill an important mission that will save the world. While you get a lecture."
The bishop once more nodded emphatically, too frightened to think clearly. He wanted the encounter to be over, wanted more than anything to think that it had never happened, but he didn't doubt that it had, and that it was an amazingly profound experience.
"You see that you fix your life." Mickey said. "And fix your faith. The Church and the faith have no room for personality arguments. You will be watched." Then...he disappeared.
The bishop slid the rest of the way to the floor and began to sob.
SNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSN
"Okay... I think we actually have it finished." Sam said, looking over the hydrotherapy tub. He hadn't been able to sleep so he had come down here to work on it again.
Andy looked at Sam as he reached for the handle to try it out. "Are you sure this time?" Andy asked. Last time something wasn't hooked up quite right, and Andy was STILL soaking wet from being sprayed with water until Sam could shut it off.
"As sure as I'm gonna be until I turn this handle." Sam said with a grin, and turned the faucet, this time things seemed to be working alright. ... so far... anyway. Sam was going to fill the tub, turn things on and drain it completely before celebrating too much.
Andy exhaled in relief when he didn't get sprayed this time, and watched the tub fill. "So how do we get him in it?" He asked with a grin. "Throw a six pack, some M&Ms and a couple of Hooters girls in there?"
"That would do it " Sam said with a laugh. "Although I suspect after another day of training with the sword he will be more than happy to get in here and relax a while." Sam said. "Once he is sure we aren't looking."
"So he's really an angel then. I thought angels were supposed to be nice, and kind and comforting?" Andy said with a chuckle as he dipped his hand in to check the water temperature and nodded approvingly.
"Not arch angels. They are the ones that are there to battle on God's behalf. " Sam said. "You know, the guys that turn cities to salt and punish housewives for looking over their shoulders."
"Oh. Okay." Andy said, eyes widening. He wasn't all that up on theology, he was usually too busy worshipping the ganja to tell the truth. "Do we have to keep him here?"
"Not really... but I don't know that it would do any good to kick him out. I mean he has to train Dean and Dean has thrown himself completely into it. Why? Is he bothering people? I can talk to him if he is."
"No, nothing like that." Andy said. "He's quiet is all. I was just, you know, freaked out about the whole cities to salt thing. He can really do that? Is he a he? I've seen Dogma. Is he neutered?"
Sam laughed. "Haven't looked and sure as hell not going to ask if he is anatomically correct by human standards. Not the sort of man I want to say hey dude, are you dickless or what?"
Andy laughed at that. "Okay, true. Dean's not taking holy orders or something is he? Cause that won't last. No sex, no swearing, no drinking..."
"No... no holy orders. I would have to worry if he were possessed by some angel or something if that were the case cause... talk about not Dean things to do." He said "Definitely not what I expected from an angel, that's for sure. "
Andy laughed at that. "What were you expecting? Halos and harps? So was I, so what do I know, right?"
"I don't know about halos and harps but I sure wasn't expecting the attitude that's for sure. Guess neither of us had any clue what angels were like. "
"I never gave them a thought one way or another really." Andy confessed. "I'm an atheist. Is he going to be beat me up? Whoa, am I still an atheist if I believe he's an angel?"
"Really wouldn't know how to answer that. I've believed in demons all my life... which means I sort of have to believe in God and angels. Don't have a lot of faith anymore though. " He shrugged. "Guess I am more of an agnostic these days. I know God and His forces exist. I know Lucifer and his forces exist...until recently all I have dealt with are the bad guys... then the good guys show up and flip me attitude because I supposedly have free will in all of this."
"Well someone's got a chip on his shoulder." Andy said. "Not sure if its you or him. Maybe both. Maybe you guys can trade or something."
"Oh I'm pretty sure it's both." Sam said with a faint laugh. "I know I do. Didn't exactly choose to have demon's blood poured down my throat at 6 months old... or to have my mother die or to be raised as I was... so no... this has nothing to do with free will."
"Hey, my bio mom burned herself to death on behest of my evil twin brother before I knew she was even alive. Guess I chose that too." Andy said with a chuckle as he offered Sam a beer that Joshua had picked up on his last trip out.
"Some how the fact that some one somewhere did choose it equates to our free will." He shook his head. "It's a mess. Guess they don't teach dealing with angels in hunter school." He said. "Or vice versa." He opened the beer and took a long drink.
"Eh, screw him then." Andy said. "I mean, he's here for Dean until Dean can handle that thing without hurting himself. The rest of us, we can ignore him, right?"
"There is that." Sam said. "I knew that you were my second in command for a reason. Someone has to be able to tell me to chill every now and again."
"Yeah because every time Dean does, you get even more tightly wound." Andy said. "I'd offer you a joint if I thought you'd take it. Does wonders for calming. Really."
"Yeah but I get a little ... out of control ... if too relaxed." He said. Not wanting to take any risks or chances after the man he had pretty much jellied in a fit of anger.
"Yeah, when Dean's threatened." Andy pointed out. "Dude, he stabbed your brother. You reacted. Unless someone stabs him again, I think you'll be okay."
"Yeah... well...it's hard to say. Sometimes I think I'm losing it... I don't know that I really need to relax or open things up anymore than they already are. Some days it doesn't even feel like now... like this timeline ... is real."
"You told us you didn't remember anything." Andy said. Dean told him how strange Sam had acted before the government got him. And Andy was there for the aftermath.
"I lied." Sam said with a sigh, realizing his mistake. But it wasn't like Andy was going to lock him up for what was going on inside his head. "Back when Dean was in the hospital in New Orleans I had started having what I thought were visions, only... only it like living through it all." He said in low tones. "It wasn't visions... it was me, sending warnings back to myself about what was gonna happen. " He explained it all as best he could. That he actually remembered years in that place, remembered seeing Dean tortured and killed just to see what effect it would have on him. He remembered killing time and again, lashing out at those who tormented him. "I can't let my guard down." He said. "Not for a second."
"You can't live like this." Andy said. "Let me guess, you haven't told Dean. That guy worries about you just as much as you worry about him, you know."
"And that is precisely why I can't tell him. He has enough going on right now with the training and the eventually battle to the death with a demon. He can't do that if he is distracted by something that he can't do anything about."
"He's your brother." Andy reminded Sam. "But don't worry, I'm not going to run off and tell him. So are you still sending messages back to yourself?"
"No... that timeline doesn't exist anymore since you guys rescued us." He said. "I don't know if I don't develop that power now, or if it's just that I don't have time to send back warnings from here on out." Sam shook his head. "But I am stuck with the memories because I lived it... whether it happened or not... gotta love paradox."
"Sounds like something out of Star Trek." Andy said with a chuckle. "I don't know, should we get you some therapy?"
"With who? I mean... if I told anyone else about it they would lock me up for being delusional." Sam said with a sigh. "Not sure what good it would do anyway."
"Maybe make you feel better?" Andy suggested. "Cause if you don't, you know Dean's gonna pick up on it. That angel dude can keep him busy and tired for only so long you know."
"Yeah well only need to keep him distracted until the whole final battle thing is done." Sam said honestly. "After that he can know.. but I don't know who I could go to for therapy to be honest, and there are those here who are more in need of it than I am. "
"You know who you sound like? You sound like Dean." Andy said, shaking his head. "The whole placing yourself at the bottom of the list. Because other people are more important than you."
"That's what leaders do" Sam said. "It's also what Winchesters do." He said with a faint smile. "Dad was the same way."
"Thought that was the one thing you would change about your brother if you could change anything at all?" Andy asked.
"Yeah. But he takes it to whole new suicidal levels. Me I just suffer in silence." He teased. "Dean thinks that the only way to do anything is life or death."
Usually his life or death, but Andy didn't say that. "Okay, so we'll find someone to help you. That's all." Andy said. "Because if you space out on us, then that means I'm in charge. And I'll end up letting Joshua walk all over me, cause that man scares me."
"Josh is easy. Just be sure to show respect when you are telling him hell no...and if that doesn't work... change his mind for him." Sam said. He wasn't about to let Joshua horn in on the control of the order.
Andy chuckled. "Yeah, I could do that." He said. "Or you could just not make me deal with him. I mean, he's your 'uncle' and all, not mine. I'm just a pot smoking hippie to him."
"As long as I am here, you don't have to. If he gets to be too much trouble, send him my way. " Sam said. "He is just an old marine who is used to a certain way of doing things. Dad was like that. Hard to get him to bend on some things. We managed though ... sometimes." He added with a laugh.
Andy laughed. "Yeah, don't worry. I'll send him your way." Andy promised. "Okay, hydrotherapy tub done. We got beer, munchies...what else do we need to do?"
"I'm good for now. Don't think sleep is coming any time soon." Sam said. "Not with out a good deal more alcohol."
"Then let's get you a good deal more alcohol." Andy said with a grin. "Cause you look like crap and you need to sleep."
"That obvious huh?" Sam said with a sigh as he downed his beer. "Maybe a dose of advil pm or something... I don't know. " The situation was wearing Sam down. Just the memories that he couldn't share. Knew he shouldn't share even if he could. It created a level of anxiety and paranoia that wasn't healthy for anyone. But... what if it wasn't over yet? What if there was another round coming? Quillon had stirred that pot again nicely for him.
"Yeah, man, that obvious." Andy said. "I'm going to go remind Zoe that you didn't kidnap me forever. Seriously, get some rest."
"Yeah... I'll try.See you in the morning." Sam said as he let the water out of the tub and got to his feet. "Have fun." He said and exited the room, making his way back to the one he shared with Dean.
"Dude, sneaking in this late, there better have been a girl involved." Dean said from his pillow. He was a bit of a light sleeper when Sam wasn't where he could see him when he closed his eyes. As much as his body right now wanted him to be a deep sleeper.
"Nope... just working on something with Andy." Sam said as he stripped down to boxers and crawled into his bed. "Got a hydrotherapy tub installed in the basement. Figured it might come in handy."
"Joshua's been complaining about the ravages of old age." Dean said with a shrug and looked at his brother. In the dim light he could see it. Sam was NOT okay. No matter what he said, he wasn't okay. "We're gonna have to have a talk once Drill Sergeant Archangel lets me breathe, aren't we?"
"I'm just tired. Spent all day pretending I was a plumber." He said by way of explanation. It wasn't entirely a lie. Not really. He just skipped a lot of detail in between.
"Yeah, okay." Dean said, in a tone that said clearly Sam wasn't fooling him. But he didn't press the issue, they were both too tired to get into it. Dean was bad and awkward at pressing for 'share and care' in the first place, even when rested.
"It's nothing to worry about, Dean." Sam said pulling up the covers. "Goodnight. See you in the morning."
"Yeah, okay." Dean repeated. He wasn't convinced. It would come out of Sam like a girl sooner or later. He just hoped he'd be able to deal with whatever was hanging so heavily on his brother's mind.
Sam turned over to face the wall, hoping that his brother wouldn't notice that it took him forever to fall asleep.
Father Reynolds arrived in the early morning. In Dean terms it would be late at night, the sun just starting to peek out between clouds as he rode with Bobby to the compound in a rickety old pick up truck. He was surprised he'd gotten permission. Not only permission, but a blessing to go. And the bishop had looked nearly in awe at him. At him! The priest he was threatening to banish to a backwoods parish because he didn't play political games.
"It's good to finally meet you in person. But what was it that brought you out here?" Bobby asked.
"I felt like I was needed." Father Reynolds said. "In fact, honestly, I was told I was needed. It all sounds crazy, I know."
"Told? Oh... let me guess. our friendly neighborhood archangel. That isn't widely known by the way. Just us that have to deal with things. You know."
"Friendly is far too strong a word." Father Reynolds said with a laugh. "I thought I was going to pee myself there for a moment. Archangels aren't supposed to be friendly though, they have one wing dipped in blood after all."
"Yeah I know. Not entirely unlike hunters that way. He isn't a bad sort really. No worse than the boys' father, John. Now there was a man who could rub people the wrong way with out half trying."
"If I had to have a direct servant of God fighting on my side, I'd rather he be able to do the job at hand, than friendly." Father Reynolds said. "But you're right, angels don't have the monopoly on those particular personality traits."
"Now Dean and Sam... they have authority issues. Dean only recognized one authority, and that was John... Sam... didn't even recognize that. So it's been a little touchy with him and those two, but I think they will manage to make it just fine."
"Sam recognizes Dean as an authority." Father Reynolds pointed out. "Perhaps Michael needs to revamp his approach. Or maybe I can act as a buffer, I don't know. He already knows his limitations, that's why he asked that I come. I like to think I'm far more of a people person than he is."
"That goes without saying." Bobby said with a chuckle. "Dean and Sam... those two have a relationship I wouldn't want to define. But yeah a buffer between Mickey and the rest of the group could certainly be used."
"Then I'm glad I was granted a sabbatical." Father Reynolds said with a smile. "It's good to be needed."
"Oh we need ya. Between the people needing a safe place to talk, and buffering the freaking all mighty archangel." That was still something that even Bobby had to stop and pinch himself about. "Then there is the fact that we are going up against a fallen angel... yeah a priest is probably a good idea right now."
"Glad I can be of some help." Father Reynolds said. "All those poor children..." he shook his head, "I'll do what I can."
"Thank you. Can't offer you a house right now. Still working out the bugs on our little almost town we found. But there are rooms in the office building we have converted. Can give over a couple of them for you."
"I don't need a house." Father Reynolds said. "Just some space. Somewhere to sleep would be nice. And someplace to talk. That's all I really need." He took his vow of poverty seriously.
"Well that we've got." Bobby said as he got out of the truck to unlock the gate that warned people to stay way, toxic waste. He climbed back in, drove through then got out and reversed the process.
"This place is safe?" Father Reynolds asked, seeing the toxic waste sign. Not that it mattered in the end, God wanted him here, so he came.
"Yeah. We got it cleaned up and safe. Not that anyone on the outside knows that." Bobby said with a grin. "It's amazing some of the abilities these kids have. "
"Yes, I've heard." And he had seen some random things on the video feeds. "I think this will work out. I have faith." He said with a grin.
"Good thing, Padre. Cause you are gonna need it around here. Not a lot of anyone else here does any more." Bobby said as they neared the small grouping of buildings.
"Maybe not." Father Reynolds said. "And don't worry, I'm not going to preach faith in God and all that. I think these poor kids are past that."
"Right now I think that whole private conversation thing, and the comforting presence is exactly what they need. A chance to let out some of what's eating them alive. Maybe not feel so tainted when they are done."
"I'll certainly do my best." Father Reynolds said. "This fellowship has no chance of working if we all collapse from within. Then where is the world?"
"Scary thought, isn't it? The fate of the human race is in the hands of a bunch of traumatized kids."
"They made it out of the facility. They made it through the first few days surrounded by strangers. They're stronger than they seem. We just need to convince them to rely on that strength." Father Reynolds said.
"In some cases easier said than done... in others... it's gonna be hard convincing them they aren't invincible."
"I think Dean, special child or not, falls into the latter category from what I've seen." Father Reynolds said. "We do have our work cut out for us. But we're supposed to be a community, and I am focused on that."
Bobby nodded as he helped the priest with his bags and led the way to his room. "Yeah I think that would do 'em a world of good. They are pretty much used to being outcasts and oddballs...and I hate to say it, test subjects. Pretty dehumanizing."
"Yes, it is." Father Reynolds said. "But this is a community. It is not the last outpost for the outcasts. It's not an army base of would be could be soldiers. It's time we started acting like it. Our forefathers settled in communities like this size, they didn't make it work by staying separate and apart."
Bobby smiled, warming to the priest in that moment. "When you're settled in here, I can show you around and to where you can set up an office."
"It doesn't take me long at all." Father Reynolds said as he was shown to a place he could sleep. He put a blanket a parishoner had made him on the bed, hung a cross on the wall, and placed his Bible on the nightstand. "So, the tour?"
Bobby smiled and led the priest through the halls, when he would pass by someone he would introduce the priest. Those there knew that Father Reynolds was part of the order, so it wasn't quite as much of a shock as finding Josh parking his truck out front had been.
Father Reynolds greeted each one with a warm handshake and a friendly word, committing each face and name to memory, reading in their eyes which would need him the most at first. He'd been a parish priest long enough to be able to pick that up in people.
Bobby showed him all there was to see which wasn't much just yet, and then showed him to one of the first floor offices that they hadn't turned into bedrooms. "And this is where you can set up shop."
"This will do nicely." He said, planning on going through what wasn't being used, to make it a little more comfortable. "I'll set up here, I should be done by the end of the day."
"Okay. We serve meals at 7, 12 and 6. Otherwise you are on your own. " Bobby said. "I have a few things that need taking care of, so I will leave you to it. Sam should be up and about sometime soon. Don't expect to see much of Dean for a while Mickey has him pretty busy."
"I can imagine." Father Reynolds said as he left to explore the grounds. One of the girls who refused to talk since leaving the government facility was just sitting on a worn bench. So Father Reynolds just sat next to her and stared at the same tree. Just sitting.
Deirdre eventually glanced over at the priest, then looked back at the tree. He wasn't one of them. She knew that. She could always tell which ones were ... different.
He just sat there with Deirdre, radiating peace and serenity. Because he was serene at the core of it all. He'd dedicated his life to God's work, and found great joy in it, even in the heartbreak he'd encountered over the years. After a while, he looked at her. "Perhaps you can show me where I can get something to drink?"
She looked up at him as he spoke and smiled, nodding as she got to her feet and waited for him to do the same before leading the way into the mess hall.
He followed the young girl to the mess hall, where he saw Sam making preparations for breakfast. "Good morning, Sam." He said with a warm smile. "Deirdre here is acting as my tour guide."
Sam looked up in surprise at the priest's voice. "Hi." He said with a smile and moved to hug him gently. "Glad she is taking good care of you. When did you get in?"
"I got in a few hours ago. Bobby got me settled in for the most part." Father Reynolds said. "I feel I've done all I could for my parish, time to spread my wings, see where else I can help. And I had an advisor in that area. Sam, you should have called me before this." He admonished gently.
"I know... didn't want to create a conflict of interest." Sam said. "I know you can't normally just take off when you want to." He didn't have any idea how to broach it all with the priest even though he was a part of it now.
"Well, I'm here now." Father Reynolds said with a smile. "Just in the nick of time too, I see. No one knows how to make a good batch of scrambled eggs apparently. Deirdre, bring us some milk please." He said as he waved Sam aside.
She nodded and went to get the milk.
"Oh... oh... show up just to insult my cooking." Sam said with a smile, but stood aside to let the priest take over. Deirdre was responding to him, and that was good to see.
"You were cooking? I thought you were making paste." Father Reynolds said with twinkling eyes as he took the milk from Deirdre with thanks. "You all need more help than you can provide yourselves. And that kind of help, I can give."
"There I have to agree." Sam said. "And paste is what Dean makes and calls gravy when it's his turn to cook. This is... probably closer to rubber cement." He laughed
"An apt description." Father Reynolds said. "So I'll be making rounds. Back in the day, priests used to make house calls, check up on their parishoners that they felt were having a difficult time. It's fitting that I am able to return to that. It really is."
"Good. I'm glad that it's something you are up for cause we really do need you. I'm glad you're here."
"Sam, I entered the seminary because I wanted to dedicate my life to helping people by serving God in whatever way he chose." Father Reynolds said. "Where else would I rather be? I think you, though, you I'll have to schedule an appointment with, so you don't try to shrug me off."
"It might be the only way there's time." Sam said. "Things have gotten really busy since Dean and I got here. It's a good busy for me I guess, but busy."
"Be careful, Sam." Father Reynolds said gently. "Wearing yourself into the ground looks good on paper, but it never has a good result."
"Sometimes...sometimes it's the only thing I can do." He answered. If he didn't stay focused on the here and now, this reality, he was sure that he would fly apart. It was strange, but the pain of the blasted chunk of metal in his neck had kept him focused before. Keeping Dean in one piece had kept him focused on the road. Here... here there was only work.
"You can talk to me." Father Reynolds said. "I ate dinner with an archangel. I've seen the ghost of a priest I considered a close friend. I've seen the power of the children like you, and I've seen the damage done to you and them. There isn't much left that would shock me. And nothing left that I can't get over being shocked from."
Sam nodded. "Once you have the others on your schedule...come talk to me about setting up a time" He said and smiled at Dierdre. "Don't let him work too hard." He told the young woman in a gentle tone and turned to go.
She sighed watching him leave.
"That one is going to be a problem." Father Reynolds said as he mixed up a large batch of scrambled eggs. "He'll end up keeling over from something or other before he admits there's something wrong. This, the same man who chews his brother out for doing the same thing." He shook his head. "Dierdre, do you think you can be my eyes and ears? I can't be everywhere at once, maybe you can help me out with keeping tabs?"
She looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded. He hadn't asked her to speak, he had simply accepted that she didn't and spoke to her as though she were normal in all other respects. She liked that. She liked Sam too. He was always gentle with her, even though she knew there was a lot of power in him. A lot of dark and angry power. A lot of fear as well.
"Thank you." Father Reynolds said. "Let's see if we can get going on breakfast before someone else comes to ruin it. I'm surprised you all aren't eating potato chips and coffee and calling it a day!" He teased.
She smiled and laughed silently. Then went about gathering a few things from the refrigerator to go with the eggs. She was glad that the priest had come.