Dim streams of light from the sun filtered through the large industrial windows that flanked the floor of an abandoned factory building. The structure clearly had fallen into disrepair with broken glass and fallen paint chips scattered over the floor. Nature itself attempted to reclaim the structure for itself as wild grasses and vines were starting to grow in some of the less destroyed areas. The only sign of former occupany came in the form of an overturned office chair off to the left side of the building. Not a single ounce of electricity was running through the building but the air was still humming with an odd sensation. The heaviness sturred Sam Winchester who had found himself bound and beaten in a solid wood chair in the center of the room. Needless to say disoriented didn't begin to describe his state of being when his vision cleared up after being struck in the head. Despite the pounding headache he was experiencing Sam Winchester didn't allow the shock of the situation tp cause him to panic. The young hunter tried to will his body into moving and then found that he was tightly secured to the chair he was resting in with thick ropes. Who ever had captured him certainly knew their way around bindings. The lessons that John Winchester taught him about escape wouldn't help Sam get out of this mess which was slightly infuriating. The biggest question in Sam's mind was how did things turn out like this? Sam wanted to believe that Michael hadn't abandoned him to whatever fate had planned for him. Somehow the two must have been seperated but the details of the last twenty four hours were a big jumbled blur in the hunter's mind.
Before Sam could attempt to put the pieces together to make sense of the situation he heard a loud groan emenate from his right side. Slowly he shifted his glance to find Castiel in a similar state as himself. The Winchester's guardian was just as beaten as Sam and was bound to a chair with enochian infused cuffs. Whomever had captured them knew exactly who and what they were. Normal methods of restraint would be ineffective on an angel but the magic cuffs would suppress Castiel's angelic powers. While Sam was relieved to find his friend in a stable condition he was concerned when he had found no sign of Dean. That fact created another series of questions for the young hunter. Given the situation Sam could easily jump to the worst case scenario but it seemed impossible considering Dean was possessed by the strongest of the heavenly host. Unless the captor proved to be Lucifer himself there was no way that the archangel would have been defeated and left for dead. Sam refused to believe any of it and decided to go with a more logical explaination.
Hunting procedures were standard in the Winchester's book and nothing not even the appearance of an Archangel would change how the brothers conducted themselves. When working a case the brothers would often arrive at the scene together and then during the investigation phase they would split up to cover as much ground as possible. Sam normally handled the witnesses while Dean conducted the major fact finding for each hunt. Perhaps the kidnapper seized the opportunity to grab Sam when Dean was investigating the area of concern. Currently the biggest question in the younger hunter's mind was why? No creature of darkness would survive to see tomorrow if they ever laid a hand on Sam. Dean always without fail made sure of that. Not only did these creatures have to contend with the elder Winchester but now they had to also tango with the strongest of the Archangels. From what Sam personally witnessed he knew that pissing Michael off was an instant death wish. Before the young hunter could get lost in his thoughts he heard Cas' gruff voice brake the silence. "Sam are you alright?"
Before Sam could even begin to think about himself the younger hunter carefully examined Castiel's form again. Sam would never forgive himself if their friend died again on his watch. Internally the younger Winchester smiled hearing the heartfelt concern from Castiel. The celestial being was more concerned with the state of his charge than to give consideration to the situation he himself found himself in. That was a very Castiel thing to do. The hunter carried out a mental checklist of his body and aside from the pounding headache he was in surprisely good shape. Nothing felt out of place which indicated nothing had possessed him. Additionally Sam didn't find any visible bite marks which ruled out almost everything else supernatural. Needless to say the pieces weren't coming together. Humans couldn't hurt Castiel. Since Dean's angelic possession Sam and Castiel had become high priority on the protection list; right up there with prophets. Lightly he nodded in confirmation. "I'm fine Cas. Do you have any idea what's happening or where Dean is?"
Quickly Castiel gazed around the room and worry instantly flashed on his features when he realized the elder Winchester was no where to be found. Protective didn't begin to describe the character of the missing elder brothers. While it was possible for something supernatural to get the better of Dean on occassion; his counterpart Michael was calculating. Nothing blindsided him aside the Winchesters themselves. Castiel attempted to recall how they had become trapped in this conundrum but events came back in flashes. He remembered meeting up with Bobby at the motel, talking about the strange events happening around the town and having a sit down with the local law professional stationed at the heart of the investigation. Even now Castiel couldn't shake the feeling something was off about the sheriff. If he realized that fact then it was hard to believe that Michael hadn't been aware of it. Archangels were the top of the food chain but despite all their powers it was possible for someone to trap them. Given the presence of the enochian cuffs that was a very real possibility but the question was why? "I'm sorry Sam, I don't."
Hearing that confession didn't lighten the young hunter's mood and made him even more hungry for answers. Needless to say for the first time in a while Sam wanted to beat down whoever the bastard was who took them prisoner. The identity of the said perpetrator wouldn't remain a mystery for long. Without warning a loud eerie creeking noise echoed through the abandoned warehouse as one of the large green metal doors opened at the far end of the structure. Sam's green eyes widened is surprise when his gaze landed on the form of the approaching figure. "...You." The recognition slightly delighted the unknown being. False pretences were discarded and his true nature was revealed which only made the situation all that more striking.
Several hours earlier...
Doomsday had finally arrived for the evil son of a bitch that had caused the mysterious murders within the quiet and peaceful east coast town the moment the Winchesters pulled into area. Carefully Dean parked the impala in the motel parking lot and quietly entered the building with Sam and Castiel not far behind. For the next few days the motel would be home and already Dean was missing the comfort and solitude that the bunker provided. Without batting an eye he approached the front desk and began to get them settled in. The younger Winchester shifted his gaze over to the wall just inside the lobby and noticed a town map hanging there over a warm and comforting fireplace. The map detailed the history of the town which Sam studied just in case the details buried within it proved to be vital to the case. Just as the boys were about to head down the hall to their rented room a familar voice rang out from the opened elevator door. "Sam...Dean..."
Dean carefully pocketed the credit card and idenitication he had given the clerk at the desk and broke a smile when he found their family friend and substitute father figure Bobby. Without needing to say a word Dean walked across the lobby and gave the old man a hug. Ages seemed to go by since the last time they had seen each other. Working a case with Bobby would really feel good. "Good to see ya Bobby. Lets head to our room and you can fill us in."
Lightly Sam reached out and touched Bobby's shoulder in a friendly greeting and Castiel simply nodded. The two guardians of the Winchesters hadn't interacted much and almost every time things were kinda unnerving to say the least. This time wouldn't be any easier since they still had to debrief their ally about the recent events regarding the whole deal with Michael. Oh yeah that would go over well. Without much discussion the group entered the motel room and Dean instantly tossed his duffle on the bed he claimed as his own to Sam's annoyance. Everyone found a comfortable spot around the room and so the discussion began. As if on cue minutes into the conversation Bobby shouted, "What in the hell possessed you to do an idotic thing like that?!"
The disapproval was predictable since Hunters generally had a strong distrust of anything that wasn't human. From the start the angels hadn't done themselves any favors with the various methods they used to attempt to get the brothers to accept their destined roles in the apocalypse. Sam let out a small breath before he shifted his glance off to the side knowing Bobby was disappointed to say the least. The decision had been Dean's and his alone but Sam couldn't help but feel partly to blame since he convinced his brother to alter his steadfast rejection of the Archangel. Silence took control of the room once more and in that time Sam was looking for an explaination Dean stood against the window with his back turned. The elder Winchester was not going to yank his younger brother out of the fire this time. Sam had to own up to his decisions. "Bobby I know it's risky and that there are no guarentees... but when has there ever been a sure way to handle any of it? I wanna believe."
Without prompting Dean slowly turned back around and gazed over at Bobby. A slight amused laugh escaped his throat which caught the attention of everyone in the room. Sam and Bobby looked rather puzzled for a moment before realizing Michael had once again shown himself. "Forgive me, but you just remind me of someone very dear to me. Someone who was more than a brother to me... a father figure even. The two of you would become best of friends I'm sure." A look of doubt appeared on Bobby's features for a moment before Michael continued. "You don't trust me, I understand that. Until now I hadn't been the most... transparent in my intensions. Sam and Dean are trying to show me another way... a better way."
Hearing that statement of intent brought a prideful spark in Castiel's gaze. When he had begun to realize the intent of his brothers Castiel had begun to loose faith in them. Despite Michael's nature he was trying to change and return to the way he was in Castiel's earliest memories. Bobby reserved his support but he thought against doubting Dean's judgment. Many underestimated the Winchester who dropped out to devote his life to being a hunter. Under all the sarcasm and the I could give a crap attitude Dean was just as calculating as the archangel possessing him. Knowing the conversation wouldn't change anything the older hunter turned the focus of the discussion to the case. The experienced hunter updated the brothers about the situation with the various monster groups. Apparently humans weren't the only things dying unnaturally around these parts.
All glances turned to Michael when they instantly thought that the God Squad had something to do with the situation. "You have any boots on the ground, Michael?" Bobby questioned. If there were other angels around then their commander would be aware of it.
Michael knew that Raphael had sent down several of their brothers to track down Lucifer but they both knew that their wayward sibling hadn't traveled out toward these parts. Like the Winchesters he focused his activities to the middle of the country. "No, I don't. Our focus has been on Lucifer. Mass gatherings of this sort is business for an Archangel, not an ordinary angel." The only archangel not accounted for was Gabriel and Sam knew this wasn't the Tricksters usual MO.
Frustrating as it was to not know what was doing all hunter kind a favor the brothers knew ganking the son of a bitch that was killing humans took priority. "What do we know about the deaths in the sports complex?" Sam questioned.
"As of this morning, three people have died. The victims were of different ages and backgrounds. The only connection between them was that they were patrons of the establishment and made it big the night before they were killed." Sam considered all the possiblities and needless to say the list was full of complications. The victims all had the best or in the eyes of some the worst luck ever. The situation sounded very much like the rabbit foot situation the brothers faced before. A cursed object was very much a real possibility. "The strange deaths started roughly a week after the untimely death of an up and becoming superstar who worked at the complex."
"Who's the lead on the case?" Sam asked as he watched as his brother was already changing into his FBI suit ready to begin the investigation.
"Sheriff Zenman."
Not to long after the debriefing the Winchesters and Castiel found themselves on their way to the station to meet with the sheriff. When they arrived a rather puzzled expression appeared on Castiel's features when he suddenly felt a faint but unmistakable signature of an angel's grace. The exact location wasn't clear but Castiel found it odd considering Michael had already stated that there were no other angels besides themselves in the town. Dean blinked a few times when he glanced back at Cas. "Cas? You got something?"
"Possibly. You two go on without me. I wanna check this out." Before either brother could object Castiel was gone once again. In the end Dean thought it was for the best considering Castiel had a horrible time with lying and it always made things overly complicated. Needless to say the brothers knew Cas and he wouldn't just vanish unless he thought something serious was going on. Angel business was always his expertize and handling investigations were theirs. Without wasting another minute the brothers entered the station and flashed their badges to a man sitting at the desk. The individual turned around in his chair and lightly tapped on the window of the sheriff's office.
The sheriff in question calmly walked out of his office and carefully looked at the brothers before inviting him into his office. The man in question was only slightly older than Dean, with neck length brown hair that appeared to be something out of a military film. "Federal crime must be at an all time low if you boys have come out here to investigate some suicides. I'll admit it's unusual for there to be such a spike but people can surprise you." Although the sheriff had been talking to both Sam and Dean his focus on Sam was slightly unnerving.
"Then you won't mind if we ask you some follow up questions." Dean commented as his gaze shifted between his brother and Sheriff Zenman. His body language told him to continue and Sam picked up where Dean had left off.
"Prior to their deaths, did anyone seem unusual out of character?"
The sheriff thought about the victims individual and then lightly shook his head. "Nothing out of the ordinary. We lost a promising young man a few weeks back but everyone seemed to be taking it in stride. Actually everyone were supporting the family and everything seemed normal."
"Any reports of strange noises or smells?"
A somewhat taken back expression appeared on the law man's features when he heard Sam's second question. "Not to my knowledge. Look agents, these were simple people who suddenly felt living wasn't worth it. Not even a little bit of happiness can stop someone from killing themselves when they hit rock bottom. Wish I could tell you more."
"No, thank you for your time." Dean stated before he stood up and guestured toward Sam indicating that they should head out. Sam wanted to press on but didn't verbally confront his brother on the manner. The younger hunter gazed at the sheriff again before they walked out the door and felt like something was off.
Once outside Sam looked at Dean again with a curious expression and before he could inquire more about what just happened he heard Dean say, "Oh he knows more then he's letting on. Not sure how but something just doesn't feel right." After the initial interview the brother's seperated again to dig deeper into the victims and the location that seemed like the epicenter for the mysteries.
Present...
A rather puzzled expression appeared on Castiel's features when he picked up the same unusual grace that he had picked up at the station. His gaze became fixed upon the individual approaching them and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't find a name to go along with the sensation. That within itself was odd since Castiel was familar with all his brothers and sisters in heaven. How could he be unaware of an angel who had this unusual intensity within their being. Before the Winchester's guardian could voice his thoughts he watched as the unidentified angel glance over at Sam with a small smile. "Welcome back to the world of the living." More confusion struck the young hunter when he discovered the individual in question was in fact the local sheriff he and Dean had spoken to earlier during their investigation of all the mysterious deaths that had transpired throughout the town. Not only had Sam not expected to run into the individual again but the change of attire threw the hunter slighty. Instead of the sheriff's uniform he had been sporting earlier the male was wearing an olive green tweed military jacket, officer's hat, a gray button down shirt, a black neck tie and slacks.
Sam hadn't noticed it before but the sheriff possessed the same killer expression behind his eyes as his brother. That was the standard look of someone who had been through some intense situations and had lived the life of a hunter. Throughout their travels Sam and Dean had encountered other hunters who sometimes held other positions within society. While it was possible he couldn't imagine someone balancing three different existances at the same time. Clearly Sheriff Zenman wasn't who he claimed to be and Sam was more determinded than ever to discover the truth behind his idenity and his motives. "You aren't a small time sheriff are you?"
Denying the aligations at this point seemed rather pointless so the older male dropped the act and decided to reveal himself to the younger Winchester. "No, no I'm not... Sam Winchester." Shock appeared on his features when the male identified him by his true name and not the fake identity he went by. Dean was right in his assumption that Zenman knew more than he was letting on. "I'm not even human. I'm actually an angel."
Castiel dangerously narrowed his eyes as he looked upon the being that claimed to be an angel. There was little doubt in Castiel's mind that the grace he had felt earlier had belonged to the being before him. Despite that he still couldn't pin down who it belonged to. "Forgive me but I don't know you."
A look of understanding flashed across the older being's features before he shifted his attention back toward Castiel. "We have never been formally introduced, Castiel. My name is Major." Everything about that statement threw Castiel for a loop. When he was a fledgling Castiel remembered hearing stories about an angel who went by that name. He was legendary for he was the only angel who ever took on an archangel and survived.
Pure shock appeared on Castiel's features when he heard the angel state his name. Although the two had never met in person the older angel's reputation was well known. Sam blinked a few times when he saw the surprise on Castiel's face. Before the hunter could ask Cas answered the big question on his mind Castiel replied quitely, "Major... the guardian of the archangels. You were...we all thought you to be dead."
A slight laugh escaped Major's throat when he heard Castiel's statement. Of course God had spread that headline throughout heaven. If anyone believed he was alive there would be little doubt in his mind that they would have come looking for him much sooner. "Forced sabatical really."
Confusion flashed on the younger angel's features. Why had this well respected angel keep himself hidden? Why would he go so far as to capture Sam? None of this was making any sense. Ever since his brothers decided to move forward with the apocalypse and forgo their mission to look after humanity Castiel didn't understand anything. Major shifted his focus from his younger brother back to Sam who was starting to look very unnerved. "Sam Winchester, true vessel of Lucifer and the child with the demon blood...know this, I have no ill-will toward you. In fact, if the situation were different than I'd be thrilled to take you on as my student. You remind me so much of Lucifer when he was a fledgling its actually kind of scary." Major let out a slightly breathy laugh and then lightly shook his head. "I'm afraid I have no choice but to kill you."
Castiel angrily tried to free himself from his chair when he heard the threat from the elder angel. No one was harming one of the Winchesters on his watch. Major slowly turned back to address Castiel with a serious expression on his features. "And you Castiel...I should smite you for your act of treason against heaven. Gabriel's favorite fledgling or not your actions cannot be overlooked."
In that moment Sam couldn't help but think about his favorite trickster archangel. Silently he prayed that he would come and save them from Major's wrath. Before the other angel could move to harm Castiel a smirk appeared on Sam's features. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I don't think Michael would be too happy to find one of his charges murdered." Major instantly stopped but not out of fear. Castiel could see that he wasn't like the other angels. This being wasn't scared of the strongest archangel. In fact the expression on his features was full of longing.
Slowly Major shifted his glance back toward the hunter and lightly shook his head again. "No, no he probably wouldn't. Though from the beginning I've only done what I had to and this is no different. He may not see it now but all of this is for his benefit and in the end he'll thank me for it. So again, I'm sorry but you Sam Winchester need to die."
Sam knew he was in no condition to fight off the angel and with the sigels on his ribs he also was painfully aware that Michael couldn't locate him either. This would be where he would die... again. Major slid his angel blade out from under his sleeve and approached Sam again. Castiel looked on terrified that he couldn't do anything with his grace locked down. As Major raised his blade to strike it into Sam's chest a fluttering of wings echoed throughout the building. "Step away from the Winchester, Major."
The younger hunter was surprised to once again find him looking back at Gabriel. He didn't know how he found him but the cheeky bastard came to his aid again. Major slowly turned around and faced the youngest archangel with a smile. "...Gabriel."
A rather threatening glance appeared in the youngest archangel's gaze as he stared down the being that for all intensive purposes raised him. Sam was special to Gabriel even though he hadn't out right stated that. "Seems I wasn't the only one playing hooky with Michael."
"I never wanted that." Major stated somewhat angerly. "Just like I don't want this now. For Michael's sake it has to be done." The intensity around the room began to grow thicker as Gabriel's rage began to boil within his vessel. No one harmed what he believed to be his. Sam watched on as the Trickster he loved did the very thing he hoped Gabriel would do; return his affections. Protecting what was important was the greatest sign of love and Sam was touched Gabriel would do it in a show against his own flesh and blood.
The arguement between the two angels continued to get heated and there was little doubt a battle between them would erupt. Sam didn't want that. He didn't want Gabriel's hand to be forced and for him to kill one his own. Throughout their time together he had seen what that had done to Cas and he didn't want the archangel he fell for to live with such regrets either even if it meant he'd be saved.
To be continued...
Hello again my fellow SPN fans! I know I said action would begin with this chapter but I think that will have to wait for chapter 10. This thing would get too long if I continued into that. I'm pretty happy with how I introduced Major and I hope you found it interesting as well. Will this thing end with blood shead or will the angels be able to take steps to work out their conflicting desires. Please leave your thoughts in a review and I'll see you next time.
