Dean woke up to a sharp knock.
"Sir?" a voice said. "It's past your checkout."
"Hmmm?" Dean rolled over as the motel manager opened the door. He
looked down at the two hunters on the floor.
"Either pay for another night or leave." The manager tapped his foot
impatiently.
Who actually does that? Dean thought.
"Whatever," me mumbled, getting up from the carpet and ambling
towards the other man with his wallet. He pulled out a few bills and
held them out.
"I don't believe that will cover it-" The motel worker started, but
Dean slammed the door before he could be tricked into paying any more.
"Hey, Dean-o." Jumping at the sound of a sarcastic voice, he whirled around.
"Gabriel? Where have you been? We left Bobby's three days ago. Where's Cas?"
"Whoa, one question at a time. I'm sure Cassie will be here soon. He
had some angel-business or something to attend to. And me? I needed a
break from you three- you two-" The Archangel looked around. He was
standing outside the bathroom; Dean shifting groggily before him, and
Jade was asleep by his feet.
"Where's Sam?" Gabriel asked finally.
"Sam is…" Dean's voice came out quiet and shakier than he would have
liked. "He's dead," he said hoarsely.
"What?" Gabriel's golden-colored eyes grew wide. "Dead? What- how-"
he swallowed slowly- "How did it happen?"
Dean looked away.
"Okay. Touchy subject, I know, but you need to tell me," the shorter
man said desperately.
"He- he left, I don't know why, he just left, and- and… He killed
himself, Gabriel."
"But we were so close-" Gabriel was practically whining- "I mean,
Lucifer- and- why- h-how…" the Angel stuttered uselessly. "We could've
done it," he said, his legs shaking. He grabbed the doorframe, trying
to keep himself upright. The room grew silent, interrupted only by a
few sharp breaths from Dean.
"Oh, God-" Gabriel blurted, retching for a moment. And then he threw up.
"What the-" Dean grumbled, turning as his phone began to ring.
The sound echoed through the small room, covering Gabriel's uneven
panting. Jade began to stir on the stained floor of the motel room.
She looked around her. A ginger-haired Archangel was struggling to
stand, staring down awkwardly at his own vomit with confused eyes. A
wild, green-eyed hunter fumbled around half-dressed, muttering and
cursing as he tried to find his cell phone.
The previous day's events came rushing back in a blur, triggering tears.
"Sam!" Jade cried hopelessly, her face already streaked with salty wetness.
"Hello?" Dean yelled into the phone as he flipped it open, sounding irritated.
"Hi Dean," said a young, feminine voice.
"Do I know you?" was the reply.
"No, but Sam does."
"Well I'm sorry sweetheart. He can't come to the phone right now,"
Dean snapped.
"Why not?" The person not the other end of the line sounded genuinely worried.
"We're a little busy right now," Dean managed, choking it out through
gritted teeth. "Who are you, anyway?"
"My name's Silver. I believe you spoke to my parents?"
"I don't have time for this."
"Fine- what's that noise?"
"What noise!"
"Is someone- crying?" Silver asked.
"N-" Dean started.
"Shhh! Let me hear."
"Dean stopped talking. He held his cell away from is face, rubbing
his forehead.
Silver, the mystery girl, intently listened to every sound that transferred.
She could hear Dean huffing, probably a response to the gagging that
seemed to be coming from the far side of the room. All the while,
someone kept wailing Sam's name and sobbing.
"Is Sam okay?" Silver questioned suddenly.
Dean pressed the phone back up against his ear. "Why should I tell
you anything?"
"Sam told me all about you. And y'know what? Everything he said is
true, from what I can tell. Dean, just trust me on this one. 'Kay?"
Silver waited for a response, but nothing happened.
"Dean?"
"Yeah?"
"Meet me at the Noble House Chinese Restaurant tomorrow. It's on my
street. Next to the bowling alley."
The phone clicked as Silver hung up.
"Jesus…" Dean grumbled.
There was an odd splat from behind him, followed by a shriek.
He slowly turned back around, and began to address the situation.
Gabriel was not doing so well.
Jade was flat out miserable, trying to stand, but ultimately failing.
She peeled her damp shirt away from her and let it hang limp on her
shoulders. Her curly hair was a mess, and her face was smudged blood
and black mascara.
"Is that- blood?" Dean asked, beginning to panic.
Managing to speak, Jade croaked, "Yes. But it's not mine. Gabriel
puked it up. I think he needs a doctor."
"A doctor? He's an Angel!" Dean exclaimed incredulously. But, glancing
at the person in question, he realized she was right.
Gabriel seemed as if he was off-balance, powerless. He was clutching
at his stomach, unable to make a sound, and had a pained look on is
face. His skin was far too pale for it to be normal, and scarlet was
dripping down from his mouth and chin and staining his shirt.
"He can't fix himself," Jade murmured, the realization not hitting her fully.
"Jade!" Den yelled. "He can't heal himself! He's dying!"
A/N: Next chapter coming soon. Feedback appreciated!
