It turned out the town with the demons also had people preparing for the apocalypse and a Whore of Babylon.

Instead of getting angst out on some asshole demons all it left Dean with was more questions and frustrations. He had gone to see Lisa. He wanted her and Ben protected, but couldn't stay. His life was a mess and he wasn't about to bring them into that. Hell, he might not even be him in a few days.

Sam knew that Dean was thinking about saying 'yes' to Michael. He wasn't about to let his big brother do that, but the only solutions he could think of were pretty drastic. He talked about it with Bobby and it was decided that Dean couldn't make that choice no matter what. Even if it meant locking him in Bobby's panic room. Which they did.

It was all that they could think to do, but that didn't make Sam feel any less like an asshole. For the first time in weeks he prayed to Jael. The more angels on their side the better, he thought.

In Heaven, Jael had been sitting on a beach contemplating and waiting for guidance. She figured it wasn't coming, but she had nothing better to do. Watching the waves crashing into the shore, she suddenly heard Sam Winchester in her head. She had thought about the brothers everyday since she left them. She listened to him talk about Dean and their situation. She knew the conclusion of this war was drawing closer. She could feel the fighting of her brothers and sisters up here in Heaven all around her, but she could not move. She could not make herself join. She could not even bring herself to think about it. The angel didn't know what was wrong with her, but she didn't like it. Was she scared? Or just indifferent? Jael couldn't tell; it was as if her mind and body were not her own anymore. When the younger brother talked of how they had locked Dean inside of a room to keep him from making a bad decision she stood. Jael knew she was needed, but not what to do about it. She turned and left the beach and for some reason felt as if she knew where to go. The angel found herself traveling down the sandy roads again. She came to a fork and took the path to the right. It was getting greener along the roadside. Darker as well. Trees began to cover the sky above her. Jael followed this road for miles. She came to no forks, no turns, or curves. Just straight road ahead of her.

Eventually, the sun started to peak through the trees. The road started to turn to dirt and gravel again and Jael could see a building up ahead. There were gardens and small trees all around and the angel knew why she was here. She was needed, but she was scared. Jael did not want to fail again.

"You can stand there as long as you need, but I don't think your friends would appreciate it."

The voice brought Jael out of her anxieties. As always it was same angel that appeared to give her assignments. He had dark skin and a grey beard just starting on his chin. Their surroundings were always gardens, fields or forests, but they seemed different and new each time.

"Hello brother." she answered.

"The Winchesters will need you. You are to join them in their final fight." the older angel began to tell her of her mission. His voice was calm and friendly. It sounded as though he was commenting on the weather. He continued to talk as he trimmed the leaves of a large exotic flower.

"One of the brothers will be lost. Which will cause the other to lose his way. You will not be able to do anything about this."

Jael tried to ignore the way her heart clenched as she listened.

"I'm sorry sir, but I thought Castiel was my mission."

"Castiel was a way to bring you to your mission. You will not be able to save him either." he turned to look at her now. She begged that her face was not giving away her fear. "Your mission will also be a lesson for you. Your father wishes to know if you have learned anything in your time of banishment from Earth."

She looked down to the ground now, ashamed. "Yes, sir."

"You are going to help Dean Winchester set out on the path he must follow. There will be heartache for him, but it will help him to save his brother. You must not interfere."

"I understand, sir."

Her heart sighed for Dean, and she did not understand it at all.

I know I'm probably driving you crazy with the short, slow chapters, but I want to make sure I at least get something out there.

Happy Holidays everyone!