Chapter 11
"You know that what they are doing is wrong."
Castiel turned to see Amitiel standing behind him. She was dressed similarly to Anna in that she wasn't in the customary suit but more like casual humans. That was how the expression went… at least that was how Angela called it. He hadn't talked to Amitiel ever since she told him what he did was wrong in regards to Sam. "Amitiel," he said.
Amitiel sighed as she stepped towards Castiel, "This is wrong."
"It has to be done."
"Cas, what you allowed to be done to Absolution… that is wrong."
Castiel looked at Amitiel. His features seemed to have a frown as he looked at her. "It was not my decision."
"But you have the authority to say something," Amitiel pointed out. "You're her guardian angel. Any order that could bring about the harm of a charge is terminated by the guardian. The guardian-charge relationship supersedes all orders geared to harm the charge."
Castiel knew that better than anyone. He was the first one to respond when he sensed extreme distress for her. It had distressed him when he was given the order to stand down while they retrieved her. He had been told that she would be taken somewhere safe.
Amitiel watched and knew that Castiel was thinking about everything that had happened and what was said to him. She knew what she was talking about. She may not have a charge per se but she sympathized with the humans and was willing to defend them. Like the others higher up, she knew the score and what was going to happen with the Apocalypse or rather what was supposed to happen. She just didn't like the means; the ends didn't always justify the means. "Cas?"
"I know."
Amitiel looked at Castiel with a raised brow. It was an indicator that she wanted him to clarify what he meant. She had seen the look on his face.
Castiel repeated, "I know… about the guardian- charge bond."
"Then why didn't you stop Zachariah?"
Castiel looked at Amitiel almost begging, "What was I supposed to do? Angela is the Malachi. She is supposed to…"
"We all know about her, Cas," Amitiel replied gently. "Father made sure that we know about our sister." She put her hand on the angel's shoulder and gently squeezed. "But what about how you feel?"
"We aren't supposed to feel. We are to obey," Castiel replied not looking at Amitiel as he thought about things.
"And you do."
"And what I feel? It is…"
"I would have to say that it's the bond in most respects but I think it's how you feel about her for her." Amitiel paused and got to business, "Cas, you wouldn't let anything happen to her. You would fight for her. You have before."
"I can't go where they have her."
"That won't be a problem. You know how Absolution is." Amitiel wasn't sure if she should mention that Gabriel was involved with that. She had been there when Gabriel received the call and she offered her help. Gabriel asked her to talk to Castiel.
Hey I'm not the one sweet on my little brother.
Amitiel wanted to punch Gabriel for that but he was smirking at her like he was making a comparison mentally. She agreed though since she wanted to see Castiel but hadn't attempted it since she was sure to run into Zachariah or be called by senior management.
Castiel looked at Amitiel and nodded, "She has decided not to be a prisoner. Ever since…" He looked off in the distance. "What must I do Amitiel?"
Amitiel knew that she had to say this just right. She knew Castiel was one to follow the greater good path. It was what made him a good little soldier and being a lower class, higher ups like Zachariah treated him like a grunt. It was like any hierarchy in the world. Yet she knew that Castiel had feelings for his charge that had caused him to disobey. He went to her when she was troubled even though she didn't call for him. She looked at Castiel while he looked off in the distance and replied, "Do what a guardian is supposed to do. Do not let your charge get hurt."
"You said she…"
"There is more than one way to hurt someone Cas," Amitiel prompted, "It doesn't take much to find that which is close to her."
She looked at Castiel and went silent. He had to make his choice. When he looked at her, she finally said, "Help Dean and you will help her."
"I can't do that."
Amitiel gave a gentle sigh, "I told you what you should consider Cas, but you need to take that step. Letting someone go down the path to perdition when it hurts others or there is a chance to change things… I think Absolution understands what it means better than any of us."
Castiel looked at Amitiel and then off at a distance. He considered a lot of things. He hadn't felt comfortable when they asked that difficulty of Dean and Angela. He didn't like the fact that she had been asked to seek out the Prophet when they knew Lilith was coming but he was able to give Dean the hint about her. He hadn't liked it when he found out where she had been taken and he knew that Dean hadn't either. "Perhaps she does," he finally said and glanced at Amitiel.
Amitiel wasn't sure what he was going to do. She just looked at him and then he was gone. She wasn't sure what just happened until she sensed it. She felt the tingle through her grace. It allowed her to give a gentle smile. Be careful Cas.
In the meantime Castiel went to get what he needed. This was the definition of disobedience if he could define it with what he was about to do. Yet it felt right, if he could call it that. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that he had been disobedient with regards to his charge with the way things he had done like seeing her and doing things that were not what he was supposed to do.
It had been a confusing time and he had gone to think after Dean virtually told him to get out after telling he couldn't take him to Sam. He had initially tried to reason with Dean about how important but the elder Winchester wouldn't have any of it. And Dean had been right that he had been trying to warn them all about what was going to happen. He tried to warn them and then he was taken back to heaven.
He couldn't understand then why Dean preferred the way things were. He said he would prefer the living hell and Sam as he was and even Angela looking like a washed out hag; it was better than Zachariah's projected look of peace on earth. Dean then said to him, "Angie may know the score but even she wouldn't let this happen if it can be prevented. That's what makes her better than you and your dick ass brothers."
I know we have a purpose Cas. We all do and that's a fact. The only thing that gets made up along the way is how we get there. It's how we grow as people and I like to think that's how God wanted it all along. Maybe I'm totally wrong but at least I can live with myself. I know you're not a hammer.
It had been part of a conversation he had with Angela when they first started working together. The last one with Amitiel was enough to motivate him to this decision. It was disobedience but it was the right thing to do. I hope you are able to do what you have to do Angela. I won't let you be hurt again.
He appeared in the green room thoroughly startling Dean after he grabbed him and pushed him against the wall, forcing his hand over the elder Winchester's mouth. With his free hand he pulled out the demon killing knife and watched as Dean's eyes widened slightly. He held his gaze.
Dean had become frustrated with the whole thing. Castiel wouldn't take him to see Sam or Angela and being a colossal dick. He thought guardian angels weren't supposed to hurt their charges and yet he let his dick ass brother dump her in the one place she never talked about and bore scars from repeated escape attempts. Personally he wanted to fuck this and then have his girl thoroughly kick Zachariah's ass and he would stab him in the face. His stomach grumbled in protest to the lack of food and he eyeballed the cheeseburgers on the table.
How can you think of food at a time like this?
First order of business is survival. Food strikes are stupid since you only make yourself weaker for when the time comes.
Is that why you have a healthy appetite?
Don't even go there or I'll kick your ass.
Dean felt the tug at his lips at the reminder of that conversation. It was right when she started running Sam in his hamster wheel for the tournament. She still ate larger than normal portions and then it was always fun talking about it since she ate enough for four people and still had a great body. Mostly he did that to tease Sam since his brother ogled her then and didn't even know it. He felt a pang at that since this was bound to make things worse and probably she would give up on trying to get closer to Sam… not that she was trying hard. If he got out of here he would lock them in a room and not let them out until one of them said something.
Feeling hungry and taking some good advice, Dean reached for the cheeseburger and ended up being pressed against the wall by Castiel. He thought the angel was going to do something to him when he saw the demon killing knife but looking at the angel, he saw something else and understood. Castiel wasn't there to harm him but for something else and it meant he had to be quiet. Giving a nod that he understood, it was a relief when Castiel released him.
Castiel took a step back and used the knife on his arm to drawn blood. Once it was going, he began to paint symbols on the wall that would be recognizable to Dean. He glanced at Dean and shot him a look. It was a sort of apology for what he had done but he knew that there was a lot more to be done about it and for the first time… he was afraid to see her.
Dean took in the angel's expression as he turned away and continued to work. Something was going on there and maybe Castiel did have a heart to heart with Angela. No doubt she would have let him have it or maybe he did think things through. It was hard to tell with the angel.
"Castiel. Would you mind explaining just what the hell you are doing?"
Both had jumped the second they heard Zachariah as he appeared in the room. Castiel stared at his superior and the second he took a step, the angel placed his bloody palm in the center of the sigil he had just drawn and watched as Zachariah disappeared in a burst of white light while screaming. "He won't be gone long. We have to find Sam now."
"And Angie?" Dean needed to know she was okay.
"Nothing I can do about that."
"What do mean by that?" Dean narrowed his eyes. Worst case scenario would result in him going on a rampage and killing that fuck head the Old Man.
Castiel looked at Dean and replied, "She is not there Dean. She escaped."
"Can't you find her?"
"No. She… cut me off again," Castiel was aware that he sounded a bit pathetic with it. He turned to business and continued, "She will be fine but we need to find Sam."
Dean understood that Sam was priority and no doubt if she did escape she was working just as hard to find his brother too. If that didn't get Sam's attention… "Where is he?"
"I don't know," Castiel admitted, knowing that it wasn't what the elder Winchester wanted to hear but he did have another solution. He handed the demon knife to Dean and added, "But I know who does. We have to stop him, Dean. From killing Lilith."
"But Lilith's gonna break the final seal," Dean replied a little confused. He knew this part already. What else was there?
"Lilith is the final seal," Castiel replied firmly. "She dies, the end begins."
That was enough to spur Dean into action. He put the knife in his jacket and said, "Alright then. Let's go."
Castiel took a hold of Dean and they were out of the green room. Dean was glad not to be seeing more of that pinkish or whatever color it was monstrosity. Looking around though, he realized in a different room that was very familiar. In fact he had been in here before and he quickly looked around until he found what he was looking for.
"This isn't supposed to happen."
They had made it to Ilchester, Maryland and now they weren't that far away from St. Mary's convent, roughly two miles. Sam looked at the sign and sighed. They were almost there and he was that much closer to killing Lilith and ending this. He looked down at Sasha who was looking at him as if to ask what he was going to do next.
"Sam, it's time. Are we doing this or not?" Ruby looked annoyed as she stood by the car waiting.
"Give me a minute to think," Sam replied.
"Sam!"
"Give me a damn minute, Ruby!"
Ruby was taken aback by his response but she didn't let it show as she fingered the knife. They didn't need this. Not now when they were so close. "Better think fast," she retorted.
Sam huffed as he looked away. The closer they were getting, the more uncomfortable he was getting with the idea of what he was going to do. He needed someone to talk to; at least let them hear his argument and then offer an opinion. He wanted his family there. Pulling out his cell phone he looked at the unheard message and looked at Sasha.
Sasha looked up at him. Talk to the alpha. Talk to your littermate. They are of the pack. She gave a whine of encouragement.
Sam paused and looked at his phone. He dialed a number and waited. He glanced at the pup and then turned to look away.
This is Angela. You know what to do.
Sam pursed his lips and felt like he wanted to cry. It was irrational to think that she didn't want to talk to him. Besides it went straight to voicemail. Something could be going on. He controlled his breathing and waited for the signal to talk. When he heard it, he said, "Angie… please call me. I… just want to talk to you about this… and…"
He hung up, not sure with what he wanted to say. He didn't want to sound needy and pathetic. She wasn't his mom even though she fussed like one over little things. He couldn't go to her every time he had a problem but this was different and… he wanted to know what she really thought. He wanted to come clean and even if she blew up like Dean at least he would know that they were on even footing. Since there was something wrong with her phone, he looked at the voicemail he had.
It was Dean's voicemail that he had been letting sit there. He wasn't sure if he wanted to hear what was on it. Sasha's whine decided it for him and he pressed the button to access it. He needed to hear his brother's voice only he didn't expect what he heard.
Listen to me, you blood-sucking freak. Dad always said I'd have to save you, or kill you. Well I'm giving you fair warning. I'm done trying to save you. You're a monster, Sam. A vampire like Angie. The difference is she's up front about it. You're not you anymore, and there's no going back.
Sam felt tears well up in his eyes. He knew Dean could hit hard especially when he made nasty comments about Angela. This though hurt the worst. Dean wouldn't say something like that to him but apparently he did. His own brother felt that he wasn't worth coming after and saving. Slowly he put his phone into his pocket just as he heard Sasha whine. Dean was right. There was no going back now.
Turning he faced Ruby and started walking towards the car. He ignored the fact that she was smiling at him and said, "Do it."
"Thank God," Ruby replied as she headed towards the trunk.
It was unexpected when Sasha leapt forward and clamped her jaws around Ruby's leg. It was a controlled grip meaning that she could feel the pressure from the teeth but it wasn't enough to do serious damage. The low growl emanating from the pup's chest indicated that it could get serious. That didn't mean that Ruby wasn't prepared to be bitchy about it and exclaimed, "Get off you fucking bitch!"
Sam blinked since Sasha had gone from compliant ti aggressive. She wasn't trying to hurt Ruby but she was making a statement. He knew that the pup could really damage Ruby's leg if she wanted to but something was holding the pup back. He went forward to try and shoo her off, "Sasha let go."
Wait Sam.
Sam frowned and stopped and looked around. There was nobody there and yet it felt like someone was there. He looked around ignoring the fact that Ruby was trying to shake off Sasha.
"Sam, get this thing off."
Sam.
Sam continued to look around. The last time that occurred…
Wait Sam.
Frowning still, Sam decided to give it a shot but spoke out loud, "Angie?"
Wait Sam.
It sounded like a recording going over and over again. Sam frowned trying to figure out what was going on. "Angie, is it you? It's me Sam."
Ruby was getting annoyed. The damn mutt wasn't letting go of her leg and only seemed to pinch it tighter as if to keep her from moving. She looked at Sam who was talking to nobody there and said in an annoyed tone, "Sam, tell this mutt to let go before I make her." She put her hand on the dog's muzzle and earned a growl and a harder pinch.
Sam ignored Ruby for the most part and tried to focus. Talking out loud seemed to help even though there was the possibility that he was still hallucinating. "Angie?"
You need to stop Sam.
"I can't. If I kill Lilith then we can stop it all," Sam replied. He realized that he was looking like an idiot talking to the sky but it felt right. "I can do this. You don't have to."
You need to stop Sam.
"But I'm doing this so you don't have to."
You need to stop. Great… dang…er…
"Angie? Angie!" Sam continued to look up at the sky as if that would bring a response. When nothing came, he couldn't help if it was more of his mind playing tricks on him or what. Anyway, he was alone again, and he got the feeling that something wasn't right about the whole conversation.
Ruby was getting frustrated and started shaking her leg. "Let go you stupid bitch."
You will not interfere, pit beast.
"I'll skin you alive and make you into a fur coat," Ruby retorted as she looked down at the imposing glare of the pup. "I'm not afraid of you."
It is not I you should be afraid of.
"And who would that be?"
The alpha.
Ruby had to scoff at that since she had just kicked Absolution's ass and would have killed had Sam not interfered. She followed because she needed him on her side. He was still fighting her tooth and nail and it looked like she might be losing him.
Sam continued to look around. Something wasn't right about that message and it had him wonder if she was in trouble. If Angela was in trouble then he needed to do this. He could do this and she would be free. He turned towards the car to find that Ruby was still being held by Sasha and it appeared they were having some sort of conversation given that Ruby threatened to skin Sasha alive and Sasha was looking at her like she was being ridiculous.
Beware of the alpha, pit beast.
"Sasha. Let go."
Sasha looked at Sam for a moment and then at Ruby with a clear warning in her eyes. She may have lessened her stay with the alpha's alpha but she sensed the alpha had something important to say. Slowly she released Ruby's leg and gave a snort through her nose. She walked up to Sam and looked up at him to see what he would do.
Sam looked at the pup. No harm really had been done to Ruby and he figured it was because she was giving her opinion on what he was about to do. He really didn't want her to leave and yet she was looking at him like she expected him to tell her to leave. He was in a quandary but so far, apart from the recent leg bite, she hadn't done anything except… talk?
"I think it's time to retire the mutt," Ruby said, her hand on the trunk.
"No." Sam didn't look at Ruby but at the pup. He then said, "In the car Sasha."
Sasha hesitated for a moment since she knew what Sam was going to do. She had hoped that he would listen to the alpha but something must have gone wrong. Still she would follow Sam and keep him relatively safe. She gave a look to say she didn't like what he was going to do and obeyed, getting into the backseat.
Sam felt like he might be making a mistake but then Dean's words stole into his mind. Taking a breath he walked towards Ruby and said, "Do it."
A/N: Looks like Amitiel managed to get the final knock of sense into Cas and Sam makes one last call to Angela and gets an interesting reply. What happens next? Stay tuned for more Descent into the Maelstrom...
