"Gabriel. If Mary Winchester isn't in any of the places a spirit should be then where is she?"
….
"I don't know. Alive?"
"How can she be alive?"
"I don't know. I'll look into it. I know someone who can go places I can't. Meantime," he tossed a set of keys to Castiel. I got you guys a house. It's fully warded. The only angels who can get in are me and you. You and the guys can stay there as long as you want. The address is on the key fob. I'll find out about Mary. Call if you need me" and with that he was gone.
…
Dean would never admit this to anyone but his favorite way to wake up was with his head pillowed on Cas's chest and wrapped in his arms. He was really going to have to let it happen more often. It had only happened twice before since they stared their relationship but it was enough for Dean to know he preferred it.
"Good morning, Dean" Cas kissed the top of his head. "Good morning little one" he put a hand over Dean's stomach.
Dean kissed Cas's cheek "Mornin'". He stretched and yawned "Anything interesting happen while I was sleeping?"
Cas took a breath that was absolutely unnecessary "Yes actually. Gabriel stopped by and gave us a house to use as we see fit" he dangled a set of keys.
Dean sat up and took hold of the keys "Why?"
"He didn't say why. But it's fully warded except against himself and me. I had a brief look—it's very nice. It's nearby in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. There's room for Sam, Sarah and Miles and Millie too."
Dean stared at him "It's in Bethlehem?" He yawned again. "I am too tired to understand Gabe's motivations. Are you sure I can't have coffee?"
"Yes, I'm afraid so." Cas got out of bed and went over to the mini fridge, "You may however have orange juice." He poured the juice "Gabriel told me something else I know I should tell you. But I fear your reaction and I don't wish to get your hopes up."
That was curious and worrisome. Dean swung his legs over the side of the bed "Tell me anyway."
Cas set the glass on the nightstand and sat down next to him "He told me that he was going to ask your mother to visit your dreams but couldn't find her spirit."
Dean felt the color drain from his face and his heart rate increased as he processed that. "What?" he swallowed "what does that mean?"
"She's not in Heaven, Hell, or the Veil."
Dean tried not to hope "Does-does that mean she's alive?"
"It's possible. But either way something is blocking her from Gabriel's senses. He's looking Dean. As soon as he finds something…"
Dean couldn't believe this. He didn't even know what to hope for. But he did know that alive or dead his mom was in trouble. "We have to help her."
Cas rested a hand on Dean's shoulder "Gabriel is doing everything in his power, my love. There's nothing we can do at present. If he needs our help I'm sure he will let us know. Would you like to get breakfast?"
"Not hungry."
"Please, my love, you need nutrients."
"Maybe later." Honestly, he couldn't think of anything else except his mother.
"How about we get Sam and look at the house?"
"Sure whatever" Dean felt like he was in a fog, early almost forgotten memories swimming to the surface.
He remembered how safe he felt in his mama's arms, how warm and loved and how her scent always calmed him. She smelled of vanilla and apples and just a hint of furniture polish. He remembered how her hair tickled him when she bent down to kiss him. He remembered this one night in the summer, Sammy was maybe three months old and he and Dean were left with the neighbors while Mama and Daddy went out. Dean was embarrassed when Mama kissed him and left lipstick on his cheek. Whenever he'd cry, Mama would hold him tight and wipe his tears away with her thumb.
A strong arm around him and a rough thumb swiping his eyes brought him out of his reverie. "I'm so sorry, Dean. I shouldn't have told you till I knew more."
Dean sniffed, head on Cas's shoulder—he hadn't realized he was crying "No. I'm glad you told me. I uh I'm sorry I spaced out."
"Shhh, love" Cas kissed him "It's all right."
….
The deity Gabriel was going to see was as unpredictable as a wildfire, had a wicked streak like his own and never, ever forgot a slight against him. But seeking revenge was a long process for him—he'd lull you into a false sense of security and then WHAM! He ruled several disciplines including thieves, magic, athletics, communication, and he was the best Guide of Souls in the business. He'd also always known that Loki was really Gabriel. In fact it was him who helped Gabriel hide from Heaven. He was more powerful than the average pagan god because contrary to popular belief, Zeus was not his father—Gabriel was.
Hermes had the cosmic power of an archangel and the earthy soul of a titan. This combo was even more forbidden than human/angel in the eyes of Heaven. So of course, Gabriel was content to let folks believe the myths and had hid Hermes's angel powers till he was old enough to do it himself. And Gabriel loved him more than life itself.
The dwelling Hermes shared with his mother was simple compared to the other Olympians' built into the cave he was born in. Gabriel had raised his hand to knock when the door swung open.
"Hello Gabriel" there stood the most beautiful woman Gabriel had ever had the privilege to lay eyes on, not to mention love. Tall, olive skin with long black hair cascading down to curvy hips, eyes shining like bronze.
"Hi Maia" he breathed "been a long time."
"Yes it has. So what's this I hear about you and Kali?"
Gabriel laughed nervously and waved a hand "Ah, we were over ages ago. 'Sides that was Loki. You're the only woman for Gabriel."
Maia rolled her eyes "So you have split personality disorder, that's lovely."
"Sarcasm is really quite becoming on you, my dear."
"What are you doing here as yourself?"
Gabriel got right to it "I'm here to see Hermes. Is he home?"
"No."
"Where is he?"
"What do you want with him?"
Gabriel almost said 'I'm his father, I have a right' but thought better of it. He sighed "I've had a wake-up call recently, Maia. I'm trying to stop the Apocalypse, I'd like to ask his help. After apologizing for well everything. I want to make it up to you too but I need to talk to him first. Please?"
Maia regarded him critically for several moments then her face softened. "He's at the week card game with his friends. Ares is hosting today."
"Thank you" he leaned up (damn short vessel) and kissed her cheek, caressing her with a wing. "Call on you later?"
"You'd better, you overgrown feather duster."
The god of war's dwelling…well, it wasn't what one would expect. In fact, Ares wasn't what one would expect. He was actually a pretty nice guy once you got to know him. He was just a victim of bad press. Sure, he loved the thrill of battle but he didn't kill indiscriminately. He never went after children of women—well innocent women anyway.
The front window was open and Gabriel could hear the chattering inside.
Ares' booming laugh rang out "And then they cut off his finger. Can you believe that? The Horseman of War was outsmarted by two hunters, outsmarted and over powered. Fucking hilarious."
"Not just any hunters" that was Hermes "the vessels of Michael and Lucifer—one of whom is the Righteous Man. Besides the Winchesters have outsmarted Loki."
"Only 'cos I let them" Gabriel strode through the door, finding it unlocked. "The first time, I let them. The second time, Sam just figured it out. Big difference."
There were only three at a little table, Hermes, Ares and someone Gabriel hadn't seen in a very long time.
"Emmanuel? You're alive?"
Emmanuel stood "Uncle?"
"You never did know how to knock did you?" Ares muttered. As Hermes's closest friend, he was well aware of Gabriel's identity.
Hermes got to his feet "What you doing her, Pops? Your wings are showing."
They were to anyone who wasn't mortal anyway "Hey kiddo. How ya been?"
"Oh you mean since Loki blamed me for that thing with Shiva?"
Gabriel rubbed the back of his neck "Ah come on, you know that was part of the act. And I knew you could handle it. And did you tell your mother about Kali?"
Hermes crossed his arms narrowed the eyes he got from Gabriel "Why are you here?"
"Well, it kinda has to do with what you all were just talking about. But first, Emmanuel?"
Emmanuel was nephilim and Castiel's older half-brother. They had the same mother and Emmanuel's father well, he didn't like to talk about him.
"It hasn't been easy" Emmanuel said "but yeah I'm alive. Last I heard no one's seen you in ages."
"We all thought you were dead, Emmanuel. That's the main reason your brother chose to become fully winged."
Emmanuel cringed and he sank back down "I had heard of an angel named Castiel. I wasn't sure. Damn."
Hermes sighed "Never mind Manny for a minute. What exactly are you doing here, oh esteemed father of mine?"
"Okay, okay, it's like this…"
Let me know if you like the new characters. Please review. Tell me your thoughts on where you think the story's going. :)
