Chapter 10: When the Levee breaks and Lucifer Rising
Dean, Bobby and reluctantly Alex all sat around the living room. All of them trying to get their minds off of Sammy locked in the panic room ridding off his demon blood high. Alex leaned back on the couch trying her best to cradle her bused cheek. She couldn't sleep with everything that was going on in her head. From the strange happenings with the demons to Castiel's strange behavior. Nothing in her life made sense. Slowly her eyes drifted to Dean seeing once again he was looking at her cheek. Bobby had reacted worse to everything then anyone but Dean wasn't too close behind him. Alex did her best to settle in knowing it was going to take Sam a while to ride out what ever that stuff had done to him. Her eyes looked back at Dean seeing his eyes hadn't left her.
"Dean, would you stop it already," Alex asked hating being the center of attention even if it was from her older brother.
"I'm going to kill that son of a bitch," Dean growled out. "I'm going to rip his lungs out," Dean was just as protective of Alex as he was of Sam. No one messed with them. Dean's eyes looked over the bruise on her cheek remembering that whole scene again and waking up that night hearing her crying. Castiel was going to pay for what he had done to her.
"Dean. There are bigger problems here. In case you haven't noticed Sam is addicted to demon blood and almost all of the 66 seals have been broken. I think that kinda outweighs your need for revenge. Once we stop the apocalypse you can do what ever you want," Alex whispered as she leaned back not feeling anything from Castiel's grace or the power that had saved from the three demons. She still hadn't told anyone about what had happened. With everything that was happening with Sam she figured it wouldn't be the best of times. "Besides I'm over it," She said flatly not even wanting to see her blue eyed angel right now.
"I'm going out for a walk," Dean said casting one quick glance at Bobby almost telling him to keep her there. Alex watched Dean steeping out with that same look he use to get when he was younger. When he was about to go beat up some kid that had been picking on either her or Sam.
"He's going to go pick a fight isn't he?" Alex asked looking over at Bobby who for the first time in a while was smiling. Part of her said he was smiling over what Dean was about to do.
"Probably," Was all Bobby said as he changed the channel. "Hell, more then likely. Gonna get his ass kicked to,"
"He's going to get his butt handed to him," Alex said laying down across the couch feeling her heart aching as much as she tried to fight it. "Uncle Bobby. When Sam's ran this out of his system can we talk?" Alex watched her uncle growing slightly uncomfortable but eventually he nodded.
Dean had been screaming for Castiel for almost two and a half hours wanting to talk to that angel to get his answers. Mostly to get some payback for what he had done to Alex. Finally something caught his attention from the corner of his eye as he saw that smug little bastered standing under one of the lights. "Well, it's about time. I've been screaming myself hoarse out here for about two and a half hours now," Dean growled out.
"What do you want?" Castiel asked keeping the same cold level tone he had used before. As soon as he arrived Castiel could feel her in the house. He knew the two angels from before would be there with her now to make sure he didn't see her in any form. All he could do now was keep her safe.
"You can start with what the hell happened in Illinois," Dean growled out his hands clenching tightly into fists. It was taking every ounce of self control he had in him to keep from attacking.
"What do you mean?" Castiel asked already seeing Dean's anger. His clenched hands and tensed shoulders told Castiel of his current mood.
"Cut the crap. You were gonna tell me something," Dean's anger just kept growing over his casual manor. He wanted the damn angel to show some type of regret. He wanted to believe not angels where such dicks. "Then there's the shit you pulled with Alex,"
"Well, nothing of import," Castiel started though his words once more where quickly cut off by Dean.
"You got ass-reamed in heaven but it was not of import?" Dean said clenching his fists a little tighter over the fact he completely brushed over what had happened between the two of them.
"Dean, I can't. I'm sorry. Just as I can not talk about...her," Castiel said feeling it wasn't even safe to speak her name. "Get to the reason you really called me. It's about Sam, right?"
"Can he do it? Kill Lilith, stop the apocalypse?" Afterward he was going to make sure this nerdy little angel knew better then to mess with his baby sister.
"Possibly, yes. But as you know, he'd have to take certain steps," Castiel spoke fighting down the urge to look in the direction of the house. He keeps his eyes ahead of him. On Dean. Where he knew she would be safe.
"Crank up the hell blood regimen," Dean spoke with a slight sigh.
"Consuming the amount of blood it would take to kill Lilith would change your brother forever. Most likely, he would become the next creature that you would feel compelled to kill. There's no reason this would have to come to pass, Dean. We believe it's you, Dean, not your brother. The only question for us is whether you're willing to accept it. Stand up and accept your role. You are the one who will stop it," Castiel spoke his eyes rarely leaving Dean. This would work. He would not look in her direction. He would keep her safe.
"If I do this, Sammy doesn't have to?" Dean asked willing to do almost anything it took to keep the two of his younger siblings safe.
"If it gives you comfort to see it that way," Castiel spoke once more in that cold level tone.
"God, you're a dick these days," Dean growled out lowly. He couldn't stand the sight of the angel before him for much longer turning around Dean walked a few steps away sighing softly. He would do this if for no other reason it would mean protecting Sam. God what he wouldn't do for that boy. "Fine, I'm in. But only if you answer me one thing honestly," Dean said turning around facing Castiel.
"What?" Castiel asked tilting his head slightly hearing his orders to answer what ever it was that Dean asked so long as it didn't reveal their plains.
"Back there. With Alex. Why Castiel? Do you know what that did to her? I've had to wake up hearing her crying for the past three nights," Dean wanted an answer and he was going to get it. Even if what came out of Castiel's mouth wasn't what he was expecting.
"Shes tougher then you give her credit for. She will be alright," Castiel spoke hating the words that where coming out of his mouth. But in the end he knew that she would be alright and that she was in truth stronger then most though. "I told you before Dean. I will do what I have to protect her. That night I was protecting her," He knew if he had not done so she would not be among the living today. "It is time we started. You give yourself over wholly to the service of God and his angels?" Castiel repeated the words he had with Alex. The longing in his heart to see her again was laying heavy remembering how beautiful she looked making her vow.
"Yeah, exactly," Dean said feeling it wouldn't do any good to try and push for any more details.
"Say it," Castiel said much as he had with Alex.
"I give myself over wholly to serve god and you guys," Dean said motioning towards Castiel which for him was good enough.
"You swear to follow his will and his word as swiftly and obediently as you did your own father's?" Castiel asked making it personal for Dean much as he had for Alex.
"Yes, I swear. Now what?" If anything else Dean was ready to get this over with.
"Now you wait, and we call on you when it's time," Castiel whispered seconds before his eyes darted for a half a second to her direction before he disappeared longing for her once more.
When Dean had come back in looking as annoyed as ever Alex could only guess that the talk he had with Castiel had not gone like had was hoping. It wasn't long afterward before Alex had headed off to sleep still feeling nothing from Castiel's grace. She didn't know when it had happened but the normal ache that had once been so strong now felt like nothing was there. The next morning didn't fare any better as somehow Sam had escaped. She had been woke by the commotion seeing Dean didn't look none to happy.
"Dean? Dean! You listen to a word I said?" Bobby growled out looking at Dean who was staring out the window seemingly uncaring about where his baby brother had went. Bobby had spent close to an hour trying to talk Dean into calling Sam. Grabbing another soda from the fridge Alex knew that it wouldn't do any good trying to talk to Dean. He was being stubborn like normal when it came to Sam. There was so much of John in Dean it wasn't funny.
"Yeah, I heard you. I'm not calling him," Dean spoke only confirming to Alex that this was a fight they where not going to win. Walking into the same room as Dean and Bobby.
"Don't make me get my gun, boy," Bobby threaten and Alex knew that it wouldn't do any good. Taking another deep swallow of her soda she watched the two of them. They really where like father and son.
"We are damn near kickoff for Armageddon, don't you think we got bigger fish at the moment?" Dean asked turning to face Bobby. They where so close to hell on earth he couldn't think of his baby brother at the moment. There was to much else that they needed to be worried about.
"I know you're pissed. And I'm not making apologies for what he's done, but he's your," Bobby started and Alex could feel from the look on Dean's face that was the last thing he wanted to hear.
"Blood? He's my blood, is that what you were gonna say?" Deans voice raised slightly. He didn't even want any mention of blood right now. He had his fill of blood. Right now by blood alone Sam was more a demon then he was his brother.
"He's your brother. And he's drowning," Bobby's said looking at her almost for help trying to talk the boys into getting back together.
"Bobby, I tried to help him, but... look what happened," Dean said sounding almost defeated.
"So try again. Dean you can't just give up on him," Alex said before taking another drink from her soda looking back at Bobby. Hell they both knew it wouldn't do any good. "You didn't give up on me. I know you never would. Just like I know deep down your not going to give up on Sam so how about you drop the act,"
"It's too late," Was Dean's only answer as he looked at Alex with a odd hint of sorrow in their depths.
"There's no such thing," Bobby yelled this time. The two where too hard headed for their own good.
"No, dammit! No. I gotta face the facts. Sam never wanted part of this family. He hated this life. Ran away to Stanford the first chance he got. Now it's like deja vu all over again," Dean said seconds before sinking down in one of the chairs. "Well, I am sick and tired of chasing him. Screw him, he can do what he wants,"
"You don't mean that," Bobby spoke and even though his words where cool and calm Alex could hear the anger in her uncles voice. She knew it all to well having been on the receiving end more than a few times.
"Yes I do, Bobby, Sam's gone. He's gone. I'm not even sure if he's still my brother anymore. If he ever was," Dean spoke holding just as much anger in his voice as Bobby did.
"Dean, Sam's always been your brother. He always will be. Something like that never changes," Alex spoke wishing she could get Dean to see that they would never stop being family. Taking another drink Alex watched her uncle turn to lean on the table seeing he was fuming. Slowly she backed away knowing these two where fixing to explode and it wasn't going to be good. After a moment he swept his hand angrily over the table knocking books and papers to the ground seconds before he advanced on Dean who stood knowing they where about to come to blows.
"You stupid, stupid son of a bitch! Well, boo hoo, I am so sorry your feelings are hurt, princess! Are you under the impression that family's supposed to make you feel good?! Make you an apple pie, maybe? They're supposed to make you miserable! That why they're family!" Bobby yelled his hands clenched into fists. He was so angry at Dean he could have slapped him. Alex did have to admit that as rough as her Uncle was he always had a way with words. And much of what he spoke was the truth. "Hell you think she walks on water. That girl's driven me up the wall more than a few times. Disappearing to go hunting, not telling me a damn thing about where she's been or what she's done. Hell, Dean. There's been more than a few times I've wanted to slap the spit out of her mouth but We're still there for each other. You know why? That's what family does,"
"I told him, "You walk out that door, don't come back," and he walked out anyway! That was his choice," Dean yelled matching her uncle yell for yell.
"You sound like a whiny brat. No, you sound like your dad. Well, let me tell you something. Your dad was a coward," As soon as those words left Bobby's mouth Alex knew this wasn't going to be like one of their normal fights. Never before had she heard Bobby calling their dad a coward.
"My dad was a lot of things, Bobby, but a coward?" Dean said and she knew he was pissed.
"He'd rather push Sam away then reach out to him. That don't strike me as brave. You are a better man than your daddy ever was. So you do both of us a favor. Don't be him," Bobby said as he looked at Dean who had turned back staring out the window. Just as Alex reached up to finish her drink she felt the word falling away from her leaving her stomach turning slightly. As she lowered the bottle she was surprised to find she was far from the over packed lived in house of her uncil's. Looking around she was as surprised as Dean to find they where in a large, lavishly appointed room. The walls where pure white with gold trim and accent. A large marble table stood in the center. There too was someone she wasn't as happy as she though she was going to be to see.
"Hello, Dean. It's almost time," Castiel spoke his eyes staying on Dean. Not even looking to Alex. Even though the angels where gone he knew that if he took one misstep they would kill her. As much as she fought it Alex's eyes still trailed over his face and over his body remembering what it felt like to be kissed and held by him. Alex simply allowed herself to sink down on one of the lavish chairs as she watched Dean poking around the room looking at the magnificent pastoral painting on the wall.
"Hello, Dean. You're looking fit," Zachariah said suddenly appearing close by Castiel. Alex's eyes slowly turned to the floor. She had almost had her fill of angels.
"Well, how 'bout this? "The site life of Zach and Cas,"" Dean said seeing the blank looks on their faces even though he heard Alex laughing. It was good. He hadn't heard her laughing in a while. "It's a... never mind. So what is this? Where the hell am I?"
"Call it a Green room. We're closing in on the grand finale, here. We want to keep you safe before showtime," Zachariah motioned towards the table holding hamburgers and beer. "Try a burger. They're your favorite. From the seaside shack in Delaware. You were 11, I think,"
"I'm not hungry," Dean said looking back at Alex seeing she was uncomfortable as he was. Hell he couldn't blame her for not wanting to be in the same room as Castiel.
"No? How about Ginger from season 2 of "Gilligan's Island"? You do have a thing for her, don't you?" Zachariah offered making Alex shutter at the though of having to stay here and watch that.
"Tempting. Weird," Dean said watching his baby sister shuttering slightly. Even though times where hard he would still find a way to pick on her. "Maybe a little less weird if those two got their time to," Dean said motioning to Alex then Castiel whose blue eyes had widened at the suggestion.
"We'll throw in Mary Ann for free," Zachariah offered pushing Alex to her breaking point as she stood her anger rising. As much as she had been fighting it her eyes would continued venturing to Castiel. Standing she was just about to speak when Dean started once more.
"No, no. Let's... bail on the holodeck, okay? I want to know what the game plan is," Dean said offering to spare her that sight and she was more then thankful for it.
"Let us worry about that. We want you... focused, relaxed," Zachariah said smirking slightly. He could feel Castiel growing even more uncomfortable about being in the same room as her.
"Well, We're about to be pissed and leaving, so start talking, Chuckles," Dean said motioning towards her. Alex moved closer to Dean feeling Castiel's attention on her some how even though his eyes had not once looked in her direction. Walking closer to Dean she didn't even bother looking in his direction.
"All the seals have fallen. Except one," Zachariah explained before a slight sigh escaped his lips. He could feel Castiel's attention on the girl. He hadn't stepped out of line yet so there was nothing he could do. Zachariah knew though with these two it was only a matter of time.
"That's an impressive score. That's... that's right up there with the Washington Generals," Dean said once more moving her behind him. After what Castiel had done to her he didn't trust them around her.
"You think sarcasm's appropriate, do you? Considering... you started all this? But the final seal...it'll be different," Zachariah said watching Alex being moved behind Dean.
"Why" Alex finally asked from behind Dean looking at Zachariah then at Castiel seeing once more his eyes where avoiding her.
"Lilith has to break it. She's the only one who can. Tomorrow night – midnight," Zachariah said his eyes boring into the young woman. He would easily kill her if Castiel showed even the slightest hint that he was going to help Dean in some way.
"Where?" Dean asked seeing Castiel had not looked in her direction. He must really believe he was protecting her.
"We're working on it," Was all Zachariah would say.
"Well, work harder," Dean said looking back at Alex seeing she was resigned to staying here a while.
"We'll do our job. You just make sure you do yours," Zachariah said watching the little girl steeping out from behind Dean. All Zachariah could do was smirk.
"You have your job to do that's great. Dean has his job to do. Mind telling me what I am doing here?" Alex asked wanting to know just what they had brought her here for. She didn't have any big part to play in all this. She didn't shrink away from him as Zachariah walked towards her. Leaning down he didn't stop tell his eyes where level with hers.
"You. Are here for nothing more than to be insurance. So to speak," Zachariah said for the first time scaring her as she looked into his cold dead eyes.
"Insurance against what?" Alex finally whispered feeling her heart pounding in her chest.
"Against some people disobeying," Zachariah said as he offered her a slight smirk. Alex watched silently as he straightened himself looking down at her with a look of almost smug pleasure. Looking past him she looked at Castiel was looking off to the side for a second the though that he was the one she was here to keep in place was Cas crossed her mind but she just as quickly dismissed it.
"Yeah, and what is that, exactly? If I'm supposed to be the one that stops her, how? With the knife?" Dean asked once more moving her behind him. He would keep her safe even if it meant killing every angel in heaven to do so.
"All in good time," Zachariah spoke stepping away from the girl as Dean moved her behind him. He would see her blood shed this day he could feel it.
"Isn't now a good time?" Dean asked feeling her moving behind him as she looked around from behind him her eyes momentarily looking at Castiel before looking away knowing that it wouldn't do any good. He was beyond her reach.
"Have faith," Zachariah spoke.
"What, in you? Give me one good reason why I should," Dean said feeling Alex moving from around him heading towards the table. He watched her from the corner of his eye as she grabbed on of the burgers. It took every ounce of will Alex had to keep from jumping up as she saw Zachariah getting in Dean's face.
"Because you swore your obedience. So obey," Zachariah all but growled out as he was inches from Dean's face. Her gaze followed Dean's as they both looked past Zachariah seeing Castiel looking down in pure guilt. It wouldn't take but a few minutes before it would be just her and Dean once again. Unwrapping the burger Alex took a bite before she let out a small sigh looking up at Dean.
"Well isn't this just fun?" she asked watching Dean walking towards her as he took a seat beside her. She could tell he was as annoyed as she was over all this. As she brought the burger up to her mouth to take another bite She suddenly felt her appetite was gone as she folded it back up in the wrapping laying it in her lap. "So now I'm insurance," Alex whispered looking ahead of them her annoyance growing.
"I won't let them do anything," Dean promised as he gently patted her knee offering her a small soft smile. "I need to call Sammy," She watched as he stood pacing the room slightly as he opened his phone dialing Sam's number. She could hear Sam's recorded message knowing he probably wouldn't be picking up the phone for a while.
"Hey, it's me. Uh," Dean said before he cleared his throat looking over at Alex. It would only take a few seconds before she got the message as she looked away from him giving him as much privacy as she could. "Look, I'll just get right to it. I'm still pissed... and I owe you a serious beatdown. But... I shouldn't have said what I said. You know, I'm not Dad. We're brothers. You know, we're family. And, uh... no matter how bad it gets, that doesn't change. Sammy, I'm sorry," Was all Dean managed to say before the beep came signally that it was done recording the message. She watched Dean hanging up the phone letting out a small sigh. Alex watched Dean pacing back and forth as she lay the burger down beside her watching as it suddenly disappeared before she curled up laying her head on the back of the couch her hand coming up for a few seconds touching the bruise on her cheek. She was still very very mad at him but at the same time it had been good to see him again. So much of her wanted things to go back to normal. The more she watched Dean the more he seemed to be growing frustrated not that she could blame him. Alex watched with amusement as he poked one of the numerous angelic figurines on the many mantlepieces tipping it deliberately to the ground. Alex couldn't help but smirk watching it shatter though her smile quickly faded as Castiel appeared behind him. Once more she felt the mix of anger and desire. She watched him turning around, looking slightly guilty.
"You asked to see me?" Castiel asked breathing in her presence once more. He longed more than anything to be able to touch her again. To kiss her once more. He wanted her more than anything he had known before and being in the same room with her was almost torment not being able to touch her again.
"Yeah, listen, I, uh, I-I need something," Dean said clearing his throat slightly.
"Anything you wish," Castiel said keeping his eyes ahead of him not daring to look in her direction. His hands hung lifelessly beside him. Even though the room was large even now he could smell her sweet scent.
"I need you to take me to see Sam," Dean said looking back at Castiel before looking back at Alex. He could almost feel the desire between the two of them even with all that had happened.
"Why," Castiel asked not moving from the position he had been in.
"There's something I got to talk to him about," Dean said. As much as Alex fought it her eyes looked over to him looking over his shoulders, along his slightly messed up hair and across his cheek. She was angry with him but he was very handsome.
"What's that?" Castiel asked turning around not looking at her but rather his attention remained fully on Dean. As much as he wanted to he couldn't look at her. He would not allow himself even that if it meant keeping her safe.
"The B.M. I took this morning. What's it to you? Just make it snappy. And while you're at it I think you owe her an apology," Dean said sarcastically motioning in her direction with a quick motion of his thumb.
"I don't think that's wise," Castiel said his head lower slightly. Oh if Dean only knew half the things he wanted to do if he where allowed.
"Well, I didn't ask you for your opinion," Dean answered with a slight smirk.
"Have you forgotten what happened the last time you met?" Castiel asked breathing in her scent softly once more. That was all he would allow himself.
"No. That's the whole point. Listen, I'm gonna do whatever you mooks want, okay? I just need to tie up this one thing. Five minutes - - that's all I need," Dean said knowing what ever they where going to want him to do that he needed to make things right between him and Sam.
"No," Was all Castiel would say.
"What do you mean, no? Are you saying that I'm trapped here?" Dean whispered his annoyance showing over his features as he cast a quick glance at Alex seeing she was just as uncomfortable as he was.
"You can go wherever you want," Castiel spoke his hands brushing against his coat his want growing inside him.
"Super. I want to go see Sam," Dean said knowing it probably wouldn't do any bit of good.
"Except there," Castiel said focusing on Dean trying his best to block out his feelings for her. He would focus on Dean. Any thoughts of her would lead him to act on his wants and desires.
"We want to take a walk," Alex said standing beside Dean. If they could get out of this room Dean had a far better chance of finding a way to reach Sam. Looking up at Dean it seemed as though he was in agreement with her idea.
"Fine. I'll go with you," Castiel said his eyes focusing on Dean rather then the woman who stood beside him.
"Just the two of us," Dean added looking at Alex seeing the hurt in her eyes that he was still ignoring her.
"No," Castiel whispered once more breathing in her scent once more.
"You know w hat? Screw this noise. We're out of here," Dean snapped as his hand quickly found Alex's wrist as he pulled her along behind him. Alex cast one final glance back at Castiel seeing he still wouldn't look her in the eyes. Dean continued pulling her along behind him. He sure as hell wasn't going to leave her here. As he headed for the door he could hear Castiel speaking once more behind him.
"Through what door?" As Dean turned towards him frowning. When he turned back the door was replaced by a smooth wall. Turning back around Dean frowned even more seeing Castiel had also disappeared just as their only door out of here.
"Damn it," Dean muttered. As his hands slipped from around her wrist. Dean had to find a way to get to Sam. Find a way to get Alex out of here. He would protect them both no matter what it took. "Look. One way or another we're getting the hell out of here," Dean promised as he looked into her eyes.
"Dean. It will be alright," She didn't know why but something told her deep down that everything was going to be alright. It was hard to say but the feeling was laying heavy on her giving her an unusual sense of calmness. Slipping away from him she once more made her way to the couch as she sunk down her hands hanging lifelessly between her legs. Dean how ever was far from ready to be calm about the whole situation as he quickly picked up one of the pedestals picking one of the wall which once held the the door. Gripping the pedestal tightly he quickly went to work trying to break through the wall pulling chucks of sheet rock off as he went. Alex watched quietly as he made his way through the the wall tell finally reaching the foundations. He had been swinging at the wall for about ten of fifteen minutes when he paused Dean could have almost cursed when he looked up seeing the wall had repaired itself.
"Son of a bitch," Dean growled out his hands hanging at his sides.
"Quit hurling feces like a howler monkey, would you? It's unbecoming," Zachariah spoke as he suddenly appeared in the room with them. Her eyes would have normally looked upon angel's with some softness but with Zachariah it was different. She didn't fully trust him.
"Let us out of here," Dean growled out turning around facing the angel. He was more then ready to get out of here. He almost had his fill of angels.
"Like I told you: too dangerous out there. Demons on the prowl," Zachariah said striking Alex as odd. Looking up at Dean Alex could tell he felt much the same as she did. Something about all this made no sense what so ever.
"I've been getting my ass kicked all year. Now you're sweating my safety? You're lying. I want to see my brother," Dean said knowing just like Alex that something was up.
"That's... ill-advised," Zachariah said looking between the two of them.
"You know, I am so sick of your crap riddles and your smug, fat face. What the hell is going on, huh? Why can't I see Sam? And how am I gonna ice Lilith?" Dean asked feeling his annoyance growing. He was going to get to Sam somehow and he was damn well going on. These angel's where up to something.
"You're not...Going to ice Lilith," Zachariah said with a slight sight.
"What?" Alex asked as her eyes narrowed. Standing she slowly walked closer to Dean her annoyance showing as she looked at Zachariah.
"Lilith's going to break the final seal. Fait accompli at this point. Train's left the station," Zachariah said sound as though there was no point in trying to stop any of this. Alex couldn't understand it. How could an Angel give up so easily. They had been busting their butts off trying to prevent the breaking of the seals.
"But me and Sam, we can stop," Dean started but his words quickly died off causing Alex to look up at him. She had seen that look on her brother before. It was usually the look he got when he came to the realization of something horrible. "You don't want to stop it, do you?"
"Dean what are you talking about. Of course they want to stop it. What do you think they had been fighting so hard for?" Alex said standing in front of Dean taking the side of the angels once more. She had all the faith in the world that the angel's wanted to stop all this from happening.
"Nope. Never did. The end is nigh. The apocalypse is coming, kiddo, to a theater near you," Zachariah said his words leaving Alex feeling numb as she turned around looking at him blankly.
"What was all that crap about saving seals?" Dean watched seeing the effects of what Zachariah had said was having on her. These angel's where going to pay.
"Our grunts on the ground - - we couldn't just tell them the whole truth. We'd have a full-scale rebellion on our hands. I mean, think about it. Would we really let 65 seals get broken unless senior management wanted it that way?" Zachariah said smirking softly seeing the surprise on everyone's faces.
"But why?" Alex finally whispered wanting to know how angel's would sit back and willing let something like this to happen.
"Why not?" Zachariah asked seeing the surprise on her face and the disbelief that they had willing allowed something like this to happen.
"The apocalypse?" Alex whispered still feeling her mind and body numb as it ever had been before. How in could this all have happened like this?
"Poor name, bad marketing – puts people off. When it is is Ali/Foreman. On a... slightly larger scale. And we like our chances. When our side wins – and we will – it's paradise on earth. Now, what's not to like about that?" Zachariah asked once more leaning down to face the young girl. "Come now. I know what you pray for each and every night. That they will find peace. And they will. You will as well. And if your good, really good might even get what I know you really want,"
"What happens to all the people during your little pissing contest?" Dean asked drawing Zachariah's attention from Alex. Dean watched silently as Alex walked away from the two of them once more sinking down on the couch.
"Well.. you can't make an omelet without cracking a few eggs. In this case... truckloads of eggs, but you get the picture. Look... it happens. This isn't the first planetary enema we've delivered," Zachariah whispered watching the girl sinking down on the chair His eyes quickly moved back to Dean seeing him eying a vase which was close by. "Uh, no, Dean. Probably shouldn't try to bash my skull in with that thing. Wouldn't end up too pleasant for you,"
"What about Sam? He won't go quietly. He'll stop Lilith," Dean said sure that Sam would stop Lilith. Even hopped up on demon blood he would stop Lilith.
"Sam... has a part to play. A very important part. He may need a little nudging in the right direction, but I'll make sure he plays it," Zachariah said before inhaling deeply.
"What does that mean? What are you gonna do to him?" Dean asked his voice dropping low with the though that they where going to do something horrible to Sam.
"Sam, Sam, Sam. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Forget about him, would you? You have larger concerns. Why do you think I'm confiding in you? You're still vital, Dean. We weren't lying about your destiny. Just... omitted a few pertinent details. But nothing's changed. You are chosen. You will stop it. Just... not Lilith, or the apocalypse. That's all," Zachariah said looking at Dean with a smile on his lips.
"Which means?" Dean asked his anger growing even more towards these angels.
Alex's eyes finally watched as Zachariah gestured to a painting on the wall. She didn't know much about art but in all their research she had come across the image more then a few times. Saint Michel terrassant le Dragon by Josse Lieferinxe. "Lucifer. You're going to stop Lucifer. You're our own little Russell Crowe, complete with surly attitude. And when it's over... and when you've won... your rewards will be unimaginable. Peace, happiness... two virgins and seventy sluts," Zachariah said with a slight chuckle. "Trust me. One day, we'll look back on this and laugh,"
"Tell me something. Where's God in all this?" Dean asked willing to give up what they said his reward would be if for no other reason then to stick it to the angel's that had been stringing them along the whole time.
"God? God has left the building," Zachariah said with a smile moments before he vanished once more leaving just the two of them there with a lot more on more on their minds. Leaning back Alex brought her hands up to gently rub over her face. She couldn't believe that the angels where really bringing about the end of the world and god was no where to be found in all of this. As one hand slowly slid from her face to rest on her leg as her other slid under the collar of her shirt feeling the crucifix brushing against her fingers. The dream reality she had known for so long that angels where holy and just. That there was a god who cared for every living being was out there and looking out after them was harshly stripped away. She could see for the first time in her life she saw clearly that humanity was all on their own. No one gave a damn about anything but their own means. A quick hard tug easily snapped the chain as her hand still gripping the cross fell between her legs. She felt no faith in anything beyond Sam, Dean, and Bobby. As she stood she could hear Dean pacing back and forth trying to figure out how he was going to find a way to Sam. Laying the cross on the table Alex sighed softly knowing that all of her life of sacrifice and chastity was all for not. Slowly her hand reached out brushing over the metal cap of one of the beers before gently pulling it out. As soon as she popped the lid she felt Dean's eyes focusing on her.
Looking back at him she could see that she was right Dean was looking at her with surprise and a questioning look. Raising the bottle she took a small exploratory sip knowing beer was not going to be one of those things she was going to like. She had always had a sweet tooth and this stuff didn't satisfy that.
"What the hell are you doing?" Dean asked watching her taking another small drink.
"Angels are allowing demons to bring about the end of the world. There is no God up there that gives a damn what happens to us. I'm having my first beer and losing my faith in the whole celestial thing. I've had my fill of angels and god. The only thing I really have faith in now Dean. Is you, Sam and Bobby," Alex said taking another swallow of the amber liquid not able to hold back a grimes crossing her features as she heard Dean chuckle. "We make it through this. Hell tonight I might go out and get laid. Why not right? Its not like they really care up there," Alex raised the bottle drinking a little more of it feeling her head once more start to go fuzzy as she heard footsteps approaching her. The next thing she felt was Dean's hand pulling the bottle from her hand setting it down on the table before she felt his arms wrapping around her. Holding her close. Almost out of instinct alone her arms wrapped around his waist.
"Why don't we slow down a little on the whole rebellion thing," Dean said as he pulled away from her seeing her eyes where slightly hazed over. She wasn't drunk yet but she would be soon if he allowed her to keep going. "No more drinking. I need you clear headed in this, alright?" Dean waiting until she nodded her head before he lead her to the ornate couch sitting her there. "Sleep it off. I'll let you know when I have a plan,"
Dean paced back and forth for hours after she had slipped off to sleep trying to figure out how they where going to stop all of this and how he was going to find a way to talk to Sam. Every now and then his eyes would turn to her then to the cross that lay abandoned on the table. It was almost sad for him to see her lose her faith like this. She had always been the one to hold on so tightly to the belief that there was something out there that cared about them that at times it had even helped Dean through some thing. Flipping open his cell phone he tried once more to call Sam. As he brought it up to his ear all he could hear was static.
"You can't reach him, Dean. You're outside your coverage zone," Castiel spoke having appeared behind Dean. His eyes very briefly moved over to Alex seeing her body slumped over on the couch. She seemed different and he could feel that her faith was no where near as strong as it had been before. He could feel the sadness of knowing he had helped her loose her faith in god and his creations.
"What are you gonna do to Sam?" Dean asked breaking Castiel from his thoughts as he looked up at Dean then over to the table seeing something he had not been expecting.
"Nothing. He's gonna do it to himself," Castiel said as he slowly walked towards the table gently picking up the cross letting it rest in the palm of his hand as his thumb gently brushed over the smooth surface. For her to have taken it off he knew she had no faith in them what so ever. Not that they deserved it in his mind.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Deans voice mixed with his overwhelming feelings of guilt over Alex and Sam as his hand dropped to his side and his head lowered looking down at the floor. "Oh, right, right, Got to tow the company line. Why are you here, Cas?"
"We've been through much together, you and I. And I just wanted to say, I'm sorry it ended like this," Castiel spoke feeling the broken chain from her cross resting between his fingers. He would keep it. He liked knowing something that was close to her was with him now. Not that he deserved it in his mind.
"Sorry?" Dean scoffed angrily. "It's Armageddon, Cas. You need a bigger word than "Sorry," Dean said spotting the chain that was hanging between Castiel's fingers when the angel turned to face him. He had his hope now.
"Try to understand - - this is long foretold. This is your..."
"Destiny? Don't give me that "holy" crap. Destiny, God's plan... It's all a bunch of lies, you poor, stupid son of a bitch! It's just a way for your bosses to keep me and keep you in line! You know what's real? People, families – that's real. What you had with her before they made you throw it away. That was real. That night in the motel room. That was real, as real as you are ever going to see. And you're gonna watch them all burn?" Dean spoke his voice raising a little higher with every word he spoke. He only hoped what every feelings he had for Alex where still strong enough to pull Cas back over on their side.
"What is so worth saving? I see nothing but pain here. I see inside you. I see your guilt, your anger, confusion. In paradise, all is forgiven. You'll be at peace. Even with Sam. She will be at peace. With everything. She will never know pain or want again," Castiel spoke his hand gripping her cross a little tight. Of course that meant that they would also never be together. Not the way he wanted.
"You can take your peace... and shove it up your lily white ass. 'Cause I'll take the pain and the guilt. I'll even take Sam as is. She takes you just the way you are. I can tell you now she would rather have the pain and want if it meant you two could be together. It's a lot better then being some Stepford bitch in paradise. This is simple, Cas! No more crap about being a good soldier. There is a right and there is a wrong here, and you know it," Dean argued as he watched Castiel turning away her cross still resting in his hand. "Look at me! You know it! You were gonna help me once, weren't you? You were gonna warn me about all this, before they dragged you back to bible camp. Help me - - now. Please,"
"What would you have me do?" Castiel asked the longing to be with her again was stronger then anyone would ever know.
"Get us to Sam. We can stop this before it's too late," Dean pleaded seeing the at least Castiel was willing to listen. He knew what ever was between him and Alex had to be strong. Stronger then even he knew.
"I do that, we will all be hunted. We'll all be killed. They will kill her, Dean. If I disobey," Castiel finally admitted running his thumb over her cross once more.
"If there is anything worth dying for... this is it. She would agree I know that. We will keep her safe, Cas," Dean felt his anger rising as once more Castiel looked away. "You spineless... soulless son of a bitch. What do you care about dying? You're already dead. We're done,"
"Dean," Castile started seeing the harsh look in Dean's eyes.
"You know why that was on the table? She doesn't believe in you guys any more. You're father, the angels, or you. I won't forgive you it let her keep losing faith in you guys. We're done," Dean snapped as Castiel disappeared taking her cross with him. Dean now could only hope that Alex's hold on him was strong enough to bring Castiel back to their side. Walking over to her he shook her watching her waking as she rubbed her eyes clear.
"You figure something out?" Alex asked as she cleared her eyes looking up at him seeing him giving her an odd look. "What?"
"You just might have saved everyone," Dean said with a slight smirk seeing the confusion on her features. Not that he could blame her. "I'll tell you later," Dean said as he slowly stood slowly picking up his normal pacing hoping soon Castiel would appear to help them out.
Rubbing her eyes Alex tried to clear her mind she watched Dean pacing back and forth heading towards the table as he paused in front of the platter of hamburgers seeing he was considering eating one. He must have made his mind as he picked one up. Castiel's sudden appearance even made her jump as he grabbed Dean roughly grabbing by the shoulder shoving him against the wall pressing a hand over his mouth. Looking back at her Castiel gently motioned her to him for once looking into her eyes. Standing Alex slowly approached him knowing this had to be what Dean had been talking about. Her footsteps stopped for a few moments as she watched Castiel drawing the knife as he and Dean stared at each other. Slowly though Dean nodded slightly. Castiel slowly let him go before he drew the knife across his forearm taking his other hand. Alex went to move closer to them as Castiel started smearing it on the wall to form the angel banishing sigil but her legs refused move. Her whole body seemed frozen in that spot. She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. It wasn't until she felt a sharp point pressing into her back and a hand gripping her neck under her jaw that she felt control returning to her body.
"Castiel! Would you mind explaining just what the hell you're doing?" Zachariah spoke behind her as Alex watched the two of them turning around the look worry on their features. None so much as Castiel as his bloody hand hovered over the sigil. "I told you what I would do if you disobeyed me," Zachariah pushed the knife a little more into her back making her squirm in pain. As it continued digging into her back Alex couldn't help but gasp. Her hands gripped Zachariah as she looked into Castiel's eyes seeing the worry burning in their blue depths. She now knew why he had acted like he had that night. "Now lower your hand and clean the wall,"
Alex and Dean watched Castiel lowering his hand as the knife pulled away from her back slightly. Alex knew they where using her to keep Castiel under control. To keep him from helping Dean reach Sam and have them stop all of this. She was the only thing keeping them from being able to move. Looking up into Castiel's blue eyes she could see that he wasn't going to do anything while they threatened to kill her. "Dean," Alex whispered the fear running through her body about what she was about to do. But at the same time it was the only way that they would be able to reach Sam. "You have to stop this," her voice was shaking slightly as she felt a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Alex?" Dean asked seeing she was about to do something crazy.
"Just take care of Uncle Bobby for me. You know how he gets," Alex whispered seconds before she quickly shoved her body backwards feeling the blade piercing her body as it sliced through her skin, spin and straight through her heart. The pain flashed through her body as she felt her heart stopping dead in her chest. Another violent flash of white light flooded through the room and she felt her body collapsing to the floor as she felt the life leaving her body. S her vision faded to black all remembered seeing was Dean and Castiel rushing towards her before everything faded away.
Castiel watched frozen with horror as he watched her body collapsed to the floor. Running towards her he knew he was too late. She had died on the fall to the floor. Kneeling down his hand shaking slightly reached out touching her cheek softly. He had watched her die and wasn't able to do anything to stop it. His heart ached as he slowly pulled her up cradling her in his arms as his lips softly brushed over her forehead feeling a few tears rolling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry," He whispered pulling her body closer to him. He knew they had to move quickly. Zachariah wouldn't be gone long but he still couldn't force himself to move from holding. Pulling his head back he looked up seeing Dean looking at him with the same level of pain. His fingers brushed through her hair as he gently rocked back and forth with her resting in his arms. His lips once more brushed over her forehead as he wanted to break down and cry.
"He won't be gone lone. We have to find Sam now," Castiel spoke as he gently picked her up feeling how limp her body was in his arms. The guilt he had been feeling lay even heavier on his heart. Her head rested on his shoulder as he noticed her sweet scent was quickly fading away.
"Where is he?" Dean asked watching how Castiel cradling Alex gently. He was going to kill Zachariah. Somehow he was going to bring her back. But for now he would full fill her last wish and find Sam to stop all this from happening.
"I don't know. But I know who does. We have to stop him, Dean, from killing Lilith," Castiel said his eyes quickly moving from Dean to Alex looking into her now empty green eyes. He wanted to cry, he wanted to hold her and never let her go. He also knew there would be time for that. For now he wasn't going to let her sacrifice to be in vain. She had offered her life to make sure they had a chance to save humanity.
"But Lilith's gonna break the final seal," Dean said his eyes slowly moving from Alex the pain too much right now to deal with.
"Lilith is the final seal. She dies, the end begins," Castiel said as he leaned down softly kissing her forehead before looking back at Dean. "Put your hand on my shoulder," Castiel waited tell he felt the weight of Dean's hand on his shoulder before he spread his wings heading for Chuck's house. He wasn't going to leave her behind as he cradled her body softly in his arms. As they appeared suddenly he could see from the look of shock on Chuck's face that he hadn't been expecting them.
"Wait. T-t-this isn't supposed to happen," Chuck stammered looking between Castiel and Dean briefly to Alex to him who looked like she was asleep.
"Sir?" The woman on the phone asked reminding Chuck he had been on the phone.
"No, lady, this is definitely supposed to happen, but I just got to call you back," Chuck spoke into the phone moments before hanging up looking back at the trio. "I..." Chuck started noticing for the first time that something wasn't right. Maybe it was the way her eyes seemed to stare off into nothing or the way that her body hadn't moved even to breath. "Is...is she alright?" Chuck asked as he slowly approached the three of them.
"No Chuck, she's not alright, she's dead," Dean said his heart hurting to say those words. "Its a long story. Right now we have to find Sam," Dean said watching Chuck walking front of Alex seeing had indeed passed.
"Sam? He's at St. Mary's with Ruby," Chuck said looking up at Castiel.
"St. Mary's? What is it, a convent?" Dean asked having to look away.
"Yeah, but you guys aren't supposed to be there. You're not in this story," Chuck said as he slowly reached out brushing some hair from in front of her face. She looked so at peace. "And you're not suppose to be dead,"
"Yeah, well...,," Castiel started as he glanced over at Dean. "We're making it up as we go," The rest of what Castiel had to say was quickly cut off by a great rumbling accompanied by a blinding white light.
"Aw, man! Not again!" Chuck groaned as he turned facing the blinding white light knowing all to well what it was.
"It's the Archangel!" Castiel's eyes quickly turned to Dean. Alex had given herself to get them to this point. Now it was Castiel's turn to follow her lead. "I'll hold him off! I'll hold them all off! Just stop Sam," Castiel said shifting her lifeless body in his arms seconds before he claped Dean on the forehead transporting him away. He was going to have to fight and he knew that this was a fight he wasn't going to be able to win. Laying her down on Chucks couch he allowed himself just a few dear minutes to say his goodbye. Leaning over her Castiel very softly pressed his lips against hers wishing more than anything to feel her kissing him back. "I'm sorry. I failed to keep you safe again," Castiel whispered moments before his hand slowly rose closing her eyes. Standing slowly he looked over her form before turning taking a few steps away from her. "Chuck, I ask that you take care of her body until Dean comes back for her,"
"Yea, sure," Chuck said as he moved standing beside Castiel as the faced what was to come. "I was rooting for the two of you," Chuck said as he placed a hand on Castiel's shoulder. After seeing the look Castiel gave him Chuck dropped his hand in embarrassment. As the white light flooded the room Chuck watched Castiel looking back at her form once more seconds before his body exploded leaving Chuck shaken.
Alex barely remembered the pain of the knife entering her body or the feeling of dying as she fell to the floor. Now though she found herself standing in Chucks living room that looked like it had seen better days. Honestly it looked like a bomb had gone off inside it. What was worse she felt different. As though her body was made of nothing but thin air. Looking off to the side she saw Chuck looking shaken. Even worse when he turned around his eyes falling on her.
"Chuck?" Alex asked softly turning to face him seeing the confused look on his face.
"How can I see you?" Chuck asked as he turned around to face her slowly walking towards her. It was now that everything came flooding back into her mind. Her head slowly turned seeing her body laying out on the couch as her mind raced to catch up with the fact she was now a ghost. Something she had hunted all her life and now she was one of them.
"Oh my god. I'm a ghost," Alex whispered kneeling down beside her body getting a rare chance that most people didn't have. "How did I get here. Last thing I remembered we where all in the nice room," she said reaching out to touch her bodies arm watching as her hand passed through her body. "Zachariah showed up. Thats all I remember," Alex said as she looked up at Chuck seeing oddly enough he was looking at her calmly. He slowly sunk down beside her sitting with his back to the couch and her body. Slowly Alex followed suit her mind still trying to catch up with the fact she was dead. "Did they manage to stop it?" Alex finally asked.
"They didn't," Chuck said looking back over at her. "They tried though,"
"Iditios," Alex whispered looking around the room wondering where her reaper was. "How about Castiel. Is he alright?"
"He will be. He's just away right now," Chuck said as his hand came out resting on her knee. Alex had half expected his hand to pass right through so when she could actually feel his hand very lightly patting her knee which surprised her. Looking up in his eyes she watched a smile forming on his lips.
"Chuck, whats going on?" Alex asked looking into his eyes knowing something wasn't normal here.
"In time. I promise. Right now though you need to go. We'll see each other again soon then I'll explain everything," Chuck said as they both stood. As soon as Alex stood she felt a cool rush as she turned around seeing a tall blond woman dressed in the normal a black suit. Alex knew it was her reaper here to take her to what ever area she was bound for. Looking back at Chuck she couldn't help but swallow softly. "Alex please have the faith you had before,"
"I'll try," Alex whispered as she slowly walked towards her reaper knowing their was no point in trying to run. Her time had come. Gently her arms wrapped around her it wasn't but a few seconds later Alex felt her body evaporating as she was sent to heaven. Chuck watched her leave knowing soon she would be back.
"Take care of her. Big plans for her," Chuck whispered watching the reaper disappearing.