DISCLAIMER: Chapter may/will contain events/dialogue directly from the show. For this reason I insist that I do NOT own Supernatural.

Of The Light

Elm Treigh

Chapter Eleven

Going Home

"The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place

where we can go as we are and not be questioned."

-Maya Angelou


Magdalena woke with a start, feeling groggy and lethargic. She looked around the room, noticing the walls were a different color and the windows were a different shape and size; even the curtains were different.

"What happened?" She asked herself aloud; pulling the covers away from her and sitting up. Her bare feet touched the carpet. She rubbed her feet on the carpet to warm them while she stretched her arms out then over, hearing her joints pop and sighing at the sensation.

She stood and walked toward the bathroom to begin her morning routine; undisturbed by the wave of confusion and frustration that was ready to strike and wash all over her. She scratched her head lazily, staring at herself in the mirror. She gasped, shocked at her reflection. Running her hands over her swollen eyes, red nose, and puffy lips. She looked as though she had been crying through the night. Which considering the small headache she was beginning to have and the way she looked, she probably had.

"What the hell happened?" She whispered.

She began to daze off, her hands still tracing her eyes and mouth, as she tried to recollect the events that caused her appearance.

She remembered Aggie and Abby. She remembered Abby's transformation from an eight year old girl to a grown woman upon her request. She remembered their talk and the new information she had finally come by about who she is and her relation to the boys. What she should do next.

Her hands gripped the sink tightly as the image of a pale sallow faced man, standing in the middle of what looked like a blood bath straight from The Battle of Antietam came into view. Masten.

She remembered Masten showing up and killing everyone that had gotten in his way to get to her. She remembered Masten snapping Aggie's neck in two ruthlessly, Abby charging him, the fight that ensued; her standing stock still at what she was witnessing. She even remembered Castiel coming to her rescue when Masten had her cornered while she held Abby on her lap, bleeding to death. But somewhere between Masten discharging Abby with a fierce blow and Castiel showing up was a blank space and she didn't know why.

"Good afternoon people of Cornell, Illinois!"

The radio startled Magdalena back into reality. Cornell, Illinois? Wasn't she in Chicago? How did she get to Cornell? Did Castiel bring her here? Why? For her own safety? Again there was a blank in her mind. She can't even remember what happened after Castiel took her away from Masten!

She stomped back into the room upset, searched for her phone, and scrolled down the contact list. She was going to get to the bottom of this. Now!


Castiel sighed as he walked away from the scene. He had been watching Magdalena making a call to Chuck, seeking more answers from him, only to be disappointed to not receive any.

He closed his eyes. He could still see Magdalena retrieving her belongings frantically after he had saved her from Masten's clutches. Her words echoing in his head. "We have to tell them. We have to warn them." See her turn around and gasp at how close he was to her. The blush that crept up her neck as she glanced quickly at his lips then returned her gaze to his eyes. The rapid beating of her heart when he cupped her chin in order to do what was needed to be done. He saw the want in her eyes for their lips to touch. She wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him. He's seen want in Humans before, but never directed at him and never had it looked so enticing. And how does he repay this want she had for him? How does he react to it? He erases a bit of her memory and leaves her unconscious in a motel a few towns over.

"Castiel," Adriel said from behind him.

Castiel turned, putting aside his thoughts of Magdalena lest his brother hear them. "Adriel," He replied.

"I'm sorry," Adriel said gripping Castiel's shoulders. "It was not my intention for—"

"It's alright, Adriel," Castiel said casually, shrugging off Adriel's hold on him.

He didn't begrudge his brother for what he revealed to him. He wasn't sure exactly what Adriel had wanted him to do with the information. Warn Dean? Tell him about Lilith? About Sam being deceived? It went against his orders. And besides, Sam should know better than to trust a Demon. Demons will always have an ulterior motive. It has become hard to tell whether Dean would be able to stop Sam.

"We have to warn them!"

Setting Lucifer free would be chaos. Millions of people will die. More of his brothers and sisters will die. Lucifer equals death. Lilith is the key to his freedom. Sam is the hand on that key. Could he stand to allow so much death and destruction to his Father's creatures? For the world to end? For Magdalena to possibly die? She'd do anything for the Winchester's. She'd protect them every which way she can. She'd fight for them. She'd die for them. Could Castiel stand to see Magdalena die?

"Adriel," He looked up to regard his brother who was waiting patiently for him to respond to him.

"I know," Adriel answered. "I could manage a few minutes with Dean Winchester while he sleeps. Have him meet you here." He handed Castiel a piece of folded paper with an address. "I will do my best to give you as much time with them as possible. We have to stop this Castiel. Go!" And they both vanished.

Castiel found himself on a dock by the lake. Trees surrounded him and Dean who was sitting on a chair, holding a fishing rod. Bait settled on his left. It was a peaceful dream. Castiel felt a pang in his chest. But he needed to tell him. He approached Dean slowly, being sure to be in his peripheral.

"We need to talk," He said.

Dean was momentarily startled. He twitched his head to the right, glimpsing Castiel's form and sighed. "I'm dreaming, aren't I?"

Castiel looked down at Dean. Urgent worry and slight fear that he was going to get caught, etched on his face. "It's not safe here. Some place more private."

"More private? We're inside my head."

"Exactly," Castiel said, looking around at the trees beyond the lake. "Someone could be listening."

Dean looked up at Castiel when he said that. He saw the anxiety and nervous glances at their surroundings. The slight fear. He became nervous himself just seeing them. "Cas, what's wrong?"

Castiel pulls out the white folded paper Adriel gave him. "Meet me here." He hands the paper to Dean. "Go now."

Suddenly, Castiel disappears. Dean looks left and right before waking with a gasp.


Magdalena began pacing her motel room restlessly, sucking on her fingernail as she waited for Ted to answer his phone.

"C'mon Ted, please," She urgently whispered.

"Hello?"

Magdalena sighed, relieved. "Ted! Thank God!"

"Lil' Lady? Ever'thing alright?"

"Yeah, fine," She paused. "Well, no. Not really."

"What's ter matter?"

"It's a friend," Magdalena said slowly. "He— He's in trouble and I have no way to get to him. The motel I'm staying at is a little out of ways from any towns or anywhere really, and—"

"Motel? I thought you was staying with this Edlund feller?"

"Oh, um, I had to leave because I, uh," She looked around nervously. Looking for a plausible answer on the walls, knowing she wouldn't find anything on them. "Needed to see a friend at a church in Chicago. She, uh, wanted help with this charity drive she was doing and I said I'd go because it was on the way? Yeah, that's it."

"Yer in Chicago now?"

Magdalena frowned irritated. "No," She pouted. "I'm in Cornell. Same state though."

"How'd the Hell did ya get there?" Ted said. Magdalena was about to respond when Ted continued. "Never mind. I gotta buddy live in Cornell. He'll give ya a ride. Where'd ya need to go?"

"Pontiac, Illinois," Magdalena answered.


Castiel traipsed about impatiently and apprehensively in the industrial factory. Waiting for Sam and Dean Winchester to arrive so that he could finally reveal everything he knew to them. Everything he found out. They had a right to know. Telling them would save thousands and millions of lives. It would save the lives of his brothers and sisters. It would save Magdalena. Any punishment he would receive would be worth it. Right?

Adriel watched Castiel pace a clean line on the dusty floor. It was the only way. He would have been more than happy to tell Dean Winchester everything himself, but Dean was not familiar with him. Though Dean Winchester was cautious around Castiel, Adriel knew that somewhere deep down, Dean Winchester trusts Castiel. Which is why it had to be him.

"They'll be here, brother," Adriel said calmly.

"But you two shouldn't."

Both Adriel and Castiel turned at the sound of the voice. There standing a few feet away were about five of their brothers wearing black suits. Zachariah's Angel's. Adriel thought bitterly.

"My brother's," He said softly, approaching them gently, arms spread out invitingly.

"Adriel," One of them said. "You betray us." He turned his attention to Castiel. "And you." He looked down on Castiel, disgusted. "I knew you couldn't be trusted."

Adriel stopped his stride toward his younger brothers and instead stood a little ahead of Castiel, who had decided to succumb to his brother's words and look away ashamed. "He is doing what needs to be done," Adriel hissed in Castiel's defense.

"He disobeys his orders!"

"Lucifer cannot rise!" Adriel stated. "Death becomes us all if he is set free!"

"Paradise will await us, brother." Another Angel said.

"Paradise? This is not what our Father wanted!"

"How would you know?" The previous Angel seethed. "Our Father has deserted us! Zachariah will bring us peace!"

Castiel looked up then. "Our Father has not deserted us!"

"Quiet traitor! You will be dealt with accordingly for your treachery!"

"He isn't going anywhere," Adriel said slowly, lowering his head, fists clenching.

"He's coming with us. As are you."

The five Angels approached Castiel slowly; two leading the three that flanked them. Castiel stiffened, preparing himself for a fight, keeping a keen eye on his brothers' movements. He was aware that he was on Zachariah's 'keep-an-eye-on' list. Especially after his hesitance with Dean's involvement with Alastair and his intervening with Sam and Dean's encounter with Chuck. He briefly looked at Adriel, appreciative that he at least had him on his side.

Adriel took a step forward, toward them; putting himself in between them and their intended target. He sized them up, shaking his head at them. Giving them one last chance to reconsider their actions and leave before things got ugly. He didn't want to fight his brothers. He didn't want a fight to occur, period, but he was willing to stop what they're about to start if need be.

The Angel's leading the group, halted, glancing at each other, silently communicating their plans. Should they leave the traitorous Angels be and fall back? Return to Heaven with the news of failure? No. They would not fall back, so they determinedly moved onward as gracefully as only an Angel could going into battle.

Not leaving it to chance, Adriel struck at his brothers before they could reach Castiel. The impact of the blow causing them to skid a good couple of feet backward. Their heads snapped up, fear and uncertainty in their eyes.

The two Angels running the show, hesitated before deciding a beat down was preferable to the stench of shame and incompetence they were likely to endure if they didn't follow through.

They knew Adriel was a highly ranked Angel and he possessed powers they do not, but orders were orders. They persisted onward, coming closer and closer with each step. Their body's tense— alert, understanding that the situation had turned from bringing Castiel in to a resistance, involving one of Heaven's most venerated Angels.

Castiel followed Adriel's cue and swung at one of the brothers that had reached him. Throwing him back against the concrete wall, a thunderous sound echoing throughout the abandoned factory as the Angel's body left a cracked imprint. He fell to the ground with another loud thud, temporarily ejected from the fight.

The other four Angels recovered quickly and suddenly, Adriel was fending off two while Castiel fought the others. Dodging swings and kicks. Receiving a few punches here and there, but not enough to cause either to lose their footing or the upper hand. Both Adriel and Castiel were skilled soldiers in combat and the Angels that were sent to do Zachariah's bidding were still very much young and inexperienced.

Castiel was momentarily distracted, at one point, and was thrown clear across the factory straight toward the stairs. He landed harshly, leaving a crater shaped as his body, blood appearing on his nose and corner of his lip. He wiped it away, ignoring the stinging sensation as he allowed it to heal. He watched Adriel fight against four. The Angel he had knocked out, back, and fighting with more fervor; the other was strutting toward him, thinking he had gotten the better of him.

Castiel peeled himself off the stairs, standing slowly, sneering at the approaching Angel. He took a moment to dust himself off before flying down to Adriel's side, giving a fierce blow to the Angel that had thrown him along the way; pulling two of the Angels that were on Adriel off of him. Grunting as he launched them against the steel bars and cranes, causing the frames to break with a loud shriek.

Adriel managed to repel one Angel away long enough to quickly send one away and simultaneously swing at the other. Castiel, also, sent one away while he struggled with the last as Adriel was then fighting two. Through the struggle he sought out Adriel's well being. One of the Angel's extended a palm out to Adriel's chest and blasted him back so that he hit a thick beam; snapping it in two.

"Adriel!" He shouted, giving a harsh right hook to the Angel he was arm locked with, and charged toward the two remaining Angels.

"Enough of this!" Someone had said and just as suddenly as the fight began, they all vanished with a great white light.


"Hey check it out," Dean said, flashing his light on a symbol on a wall painted in blood. Sam looks up, pointing his own light. "Look familiar?"

"Yeah, it does," Sam answered.

"Anna used something like that to wish the Angel's back to the cornfield." He looked away from the symbol, flashing his light elsewhere.

"So, what? Cas was fighting Angels?" Sam asked incredulously. He followed Dean, also returning to looking around.

"I don't know," Dean replied, then stood still. "Shh, shh. You hear that?" Sam stilled, straining his ears to hear what Dean heard. "Sounds like someone's coming."

"Yeah, someone small."

They walked behind a beam and stood there, shutting their flashlights off, waiting for the trespasser as the hurried steps became closer and closer. Dean peered out of the corner, Sam doing the same on the other side.

"Oh no!"

"Magsie?" Sam asked stepping out.

"What're you doing here?" Dean asked surprised and a little put out.

"I'm too late!" Magdalena said, ignoring their questions and rushing to them. "Where's Castiel?"

"Uh," Sam blinked, wondering how she knew that Cas was in danger and where he was. "We were just looking for him." He answered after a while.

Magdalena frowned and walked away from them. She began looking through the rubble, moving some of the mangled metalwork. Sam sighed. He walked toward her and assisted her.

"What're you doing here?" Dean asked again.

"I was told to come here," She grunted lifting a bar. "That Castiel was in trouble."

"You were told?" Dean said skeptically.

"Yes!" Magdalena huffed, dropping a particularly heavy square something. "Could you help? Please?" She threw a tiny piece of scrap at him.

"Hey!" Dean said, sighing, returning to the search. He spotted something a little aways from the two, in a pile of rubble. He walked to it cautiously before realizing that it was a body. "Sam. Magsie." They looked up and hurried over to Dean.

"Cas? Cas! Hey Cas..." Dean said reaching a hand out to him. Sam stood on one side of Dean, Magsie crouched close to Cas' body on Dean's other side.

"What's— What's going on?" Castiel said looking around panicked.

Dean helped him sit up. "Just take it easy, take it easy."

"Are you okay?" Magdalena said kneeling beside him. Her hand rested gently on his arm.

Castiel looked at her confused, then looked away, checking himself for injuries and then quickly stood up. "Oh n-no..."

"Cas, you okay?" Sam repeated for Magdalena.

"Castiel," Castiel said, turning his back on Magdalena, looking distraught and sounding more like a frail human. He stared at the brothers. "I'm not Castiel." He finally said. Magdalena practically sprinted to Dean's side to get a better look at Castiel. Did he just say...? "It's me."

Sam and Dean blanched. "Who's me?" Sam asked cautiously.

"Jimmy," Not-Castiel answered. "My name's Jimmy."

"Where the hell is Castiel?" Dean all but demanded.

Jimmy shook his head. "He's gone."

"What?" Magdalena gasped; believing he meant dead. She began to tear up. "He's gone? G-Gone where?" Her voice broke. Castiel couldn't be gone. She needed him.

Jimmy gave Magdalena a look, as did the brothers. "He was sent back."

"What?" The three said together.


The car ride to the motel, after stopping by a fast food restaurant, was an awkward one. Magdalena sat in the back seat with Jimmy whispering into her phone, determined to ignore Jimmy's presence for a while longer. She wasn't sure how she felt about sitting next to Castiel knowing it wasn't Castiel anymore. Although, she didn't have to worry much about Jimmy at the moment. He was gazing out the window, not noticing her presence either, lost in his own thoughts. The boys, however, were uncomfortable and feeling very uncertain.

Once they arrived, Magdalena set her bag by one of the beds, while Jimmy and the boys settled themselves at the round table. Jimmy's back faced the window, and he immediately began eating his burger with relish. Dean sat on his left, Sam across from Dean.

"Thanks a lot," Magsie said, carrying her strawberry milkshake toward the table, placing the shake on the table, and also settling herself on one of the chairs across from Jimmy. She straddled it, leaning her arm on the back of the chair, the other held the phone to her ear as she continued to talk. "Really, I appreciated the ride... No, I'll be fine... Yeah, they're good friends of mine. I'll be sure to tell Ted what good help you've been... Alright, good-night."

She hung up the phone, and took a sip of her shake. She glanced at Sam and Dean who gave her questioning stares. She smiled at them, straw still in her mouth, before directing her attention to Jimmy. She watched him eat his food. Ravishing it, and making sounds of enjoyment.

Sam and Dean followed her gaze. "Let's slow'er. You're gonna give me angina," Dean said.

Jimmy shrugged. "I'm hungry." He grabbed his drink and took a sip.

"When's the last time you ate?" Sam asked, curious.

"I dunno," Jimmy said in between sips. "Months."

"Months?" Magsie said frowning. "I could barely function without breakfast!"

Jimmy nodded his concurrence, and continued eating. "Mmm..."

The brothers watched in amazement as Jimmy was finishing his burger and sucked his drink dry. Magdalena smiled at him. It was something new to see Castiel eat, or the person who Castiel inhabited. At least now she knew Angels don't need to eat.

"What the Hell happened back there?" Sam asked after a while. "I mean, it looked like an Angel battle royale."

"All I remember is there was a flash of light and I," He took another bite. "Ah, and I woke up and was just, like, me again." He swallowed half of what he had in his mouth and took another bite.

"So what," Dean began. "Cas just ditched out of your meat suit?"

"I really dunno," Jimmy shrugged, taking another bite, though his mouth was still full.

"You should really slow down," Magdalena said. "You're gonna get a tummy ache."

All three men stared at her. Tummy ache? They thought. Dean tried to hide a smirk and Sam sighed. Jimmy just nodded and resumed eating.

"What?" Magdalena frowned at them. She stuck her tongue out at them as a response.

Sam rolled his eyes, Dean gave Magdalena a smirk, and Jimmy scrunched his brow at her, and determinedly looked away.

"You remember anything about being possessed? Anything at all?" Sam continued where they left off.

"Mm..." Jimmy said. "Bits and pieces, mean," He glanced at Magdalena briefly before looking away. "Angel being inside you. It's kinda like being chained to a comet."

"Well, that didn't sound like much fun," Dean muttered.

"Understatement," Jimmy nodded, taking another bite.

"Cas said he wanted to tell us something. Please tell me you remember that," Sam said somewhat urgently.

Jimmy thought about his question for a second, looking away from the three. His eyes chancing glimpses at Magdalena. Glimpses that didn't go unnoticed by the brothers or Magdalena, making her straighten in her seat, feeling uncomfortable.

Jimmy shook his head. "Sorry."

The boys looked askance at his answer. Magdalena narrowed her eyes at Jimmy. He's keeping something from them. She had a feeling he was.

Dean seemed to be thinking along the same lines as Magsie because he rolled his eyes at him and said, "Come on. What do you know?"

Jimmy held the last bite of his burger inches away from his mouth. He stared blankly at the table. "My name is Jimmy Novak. I'm from Pontiac, Illinois. I have a family."

Magdalena coughed, her heart thumped in her chest. He has a family? She looked away from the men who were giving her an odd look before Sam and Dean gave each other a look. They knew the situation had become more difficult with the news they just heard.

"You—" Magdalena cleared her throat, trying to push down a bit of the shake that decided to lodge itself in her esophagus. "You have a family." She said simply. More for herself than anyone.

Jimmy looked up at her. Their eyes locked. He nodded slowly. "Yes."

"Oh," Magdalena said. "Excuse me." She put the shake down on the table and stood up, walking toward the bathroom, feeling three pairs of eyes watching her. But she had to leave. Something didn't feel right and she needed to get away. She was also beginning to get a headache.

Sam and Dean looked at Jimmy who's eyes were still on Magdalena and the door she closed. He felt guilty. He remembered bits and pieces alright, but they were all about the green-eyed beauty that was currently in the bathroom, reassessing herself and the situation.

Dean cleared his throat in attempt to get Jimmy's attention back on the conversation. He didn't like the little looks he was giving Magsie or the fact that she left when he had said he had a family. Could Magsie have feelings for Cas? He cleared his throat again since it didn't do anything the first time.

Finally, Jimmy snapped out of his thoughts and trance and looked at Dean. "Yes?"

Dean pressed his lips into a thin line, annoyed. He caught Sam's eye and nodded. "We'll be right back," He said to Jimmy, standing up.

"Where're you going?" Jimmy asked them, startled by their sudden urge to leave.

"A bit of fresh air," Dean answered curtly.

"You're gonna leave me alone with..." He glanced at the bathroom door. "With her?"

"She won't hurt you," Sam said, noting Jimmy's unsure eyes.

"Yeah, she's harmless," Dean added. "Just don't piss her off."

Jimmy's eyes widened at that. As soon as the door closed, he stood and began to pace in front of the table. Castiel was finally out, he's finally free, but he was a little antsy and worried that maybe he's not out of this yet. All he wants to do is return to his family. Never did he believe he would regret helping an Angel, a warrior of God, but he does. He really does. No matter what decision the brother's make, he's leaving to see his family.

The door to the bathroom opened. Jimmy stopped pacing and stared at the bathroom. His heart raced, waiting to see the girl that held a residence in his mind, walk out and face him. I can't do this. I can't

Magdalena braced herself, readying for the inquiring stares from the men in the room. Her abruptly leaving after Jimmy announced he had a family was bound to raise a few questions. Questions she didn't really have answers to. She needed to leave the room. That she was sure, but as to the why? She hadn't a real clue.

She was surprised that Castiel's vessel had a family, maybe? And she needed to digest that alone. But that still didn't explain why she feels put out and upset. Even a little angry. Did she hope that if Castiel couldn't care for her like she was beginning to care for him that maybe after everything was done that his vessel would? Or was it the fact that an Angel would use someone who had a family and take him away from said family was surprising?

Listen to yourself. "Maybe Cas' vessel will like me like I like Cas..." Are you crazy? You care about Cas the same way you care about Sam and Dean. It doesn't go beyond that. Got it? She frowned, stroking her ring. She got it.

She took a deep breath, letting it out quickly, and stepped out. She looked around the room and noticed two men were missing. All she saw was Jimmy, standing rigid, and staring at her, wide eyed; afraid. Why would Jimmy be afraid of me? She walked toward him slowly. Watched him watch her movements worriedly.

"Where's Sam and Dean?" She asked, reaching a hand around him for her shake, smiling, amused, when he flinched away from her arm.

Jimmy sighed. "Outside. Talking."

Magdalena walked around him to the window, pulling the curtains apart. She could see the brothers arguing. She had an idea of what the disagreement would be about and hoped that Dean would still object. She turned to face Jimmy.

"I'm sorry I left like that," She said, finishing her milkshake.

"It's alright," Jimmy said, looking away from the green eyes he wanted to lose himself in. No. No you don't want to look into those eyes. You want to look into Amelia's. Remember? Your wife? He was struggling to stamp down what ever feelings that lingered from Castiel. Jimmy loved his wife and daughter.

"No. It's not alright," Magdalena continued. "It was rude. It's just..." She set the empty container down. "I was a little surprised that you were married. That's all."

Jimmy looked up. "I love my wife and daughter."

Magdalena smiled. "Of course you do. There's no doubt in my mind that you don't. Still... I care about Cas."

"He cares about you too," Jimmy answered before he could stop himself.

Magdalena stared at him. "Really?" She asked.

Jimmy turned away from her. "Yes," He whispered.

Magdalena couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. She felt elated by the news. She wasn't sure why, but she was... He has a family. She frowned.

"Look, Jimmy?" She began carefully. Jimmy turned to face her. "What ever happens... I'm going to help you get you back to your family, alright? You can count on me." She smiled.

Jimmy returned the smile. He no longer felt afraid that Magdalena would come on to him or that he would succumb to what ever feelings Castiel had for her. Now he understood why Angels didn't normally showcase any emotions. Because they don't know what to do with themselves when they do feel. He was almost certain that Castiel had some sort of feelings for Magdalena, just as he was sure Magdalena felt something for Castiel as more than just an Angel looking out for her. After all, he was struggling to keep said feelings in check. He was glad she was at least reasonable.

The door opened and in walked in the brothers. Their faces fallen, and saying that they didn't have good news. Oh no. Magdalena thought. She knew what was going to happen. She hoped Dean would say no to keeping Jimmy from his family but she understood why he shouldn't be with them.

"Uh, Jimmy?" Dean began leaning against the chair that Magdalena had occupied earlier. Sam sat down on one of the chairs. Magsie still stood by the window, watching the scene unfold before her. Jimmy had moved away from the three to get a better look and space. "We, uh, you can't go home."

Jimmy stared at them as though they had two heads. "What the Hell you talking about I can't go home?"

"There's a good chance you have a bullseye on your back," Dean said.

"What?" Jimmy said, not believing what he was hearing. "From who?"

Dean looked behind him at Sam. Sam nodded for him to keep going. Why couldn't you give him the bad news? He thought bitterly. He sighed. "Demons."

Jimmy scoffed. "Come on." He said exasperatedly. "That's crazy. What would they want with me?"

Dean shrugged. Hating everything about this situation. He glanced at Magsie who was hugging herself, looking away, chin resting on her shoulder sadly. He returned his attention to Jimmy and answered, "I don't know. Information, maybe?"

"I. Don't. Know. Anything!" Jimmy pointed out each word individually.

"I. Know," Dean mimicked.

"I'm done okay?" Jimmy said, approaching Dean. "With Demons, Angels. All of it. I just wanna go home."

Dean looked away. His heart felt heavy. He knew how Jimmy felt. He wished he could be done with Angels and Demons and all of it, too. "We understand," He said looking up at him.

"No. I don't think that you do understand," He interrupted. "I've been stabbed and healed and my body's been dragged all over the Earth. By some miracle I'm out and I am done. I've given enough, okay?"

"Look," Sam stood slowly. "All we're saying is that until we figure this out," He chanced a glance at Dean who was looking determinedly away from the two. "The safest place is with us."

Jimmy looked at Magdalena. They locked eyes for a second. "How long?" Magdalena's eyes began to water.

Sam shook his head when he and Dean shared one of their signature looks to one another. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

"Great," Jimmy muttered, breaking eye contact with Magdalena and walked past Dean to the door.

"Where you going?" Dean asked after him.

Sam stood in front of the door. "To see my wife and daughter, okay?" Jimmy answered.

"No, you're not," Sam said, pressing a hand against Jimmy's chest, preparing to use force if need be. "You're just gonna put those people in danger."

Jimmy scowled irritably. He caught Magdalena's eye. She shook her head, but kept her gaze on him. An unspoken message sent and received. "So, what? Now I'm a prisoner?"

"Harsh way to put it," Sam almost whispered.

"Guys," Magdalena spoke up. All three men stared at her. Sam and Dean forgot she was there. "There has to be another way."

"There isn't," Sam said. Dean glimpsed at him from the corner of his eye.

"Oh really?" Magdalena said crossing her arms in front of her stubbornly. Her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "What if... What if we have Jimmy's family meet us at Bobby's? Can't they all stay there till we find a more permanent solution?"

Jimmy gave her a small appreciative smile. He knew she was grasping at straws trying to help him get to his family; just as she promised. Magdalena turned out to be not what he was expecting at all.

Dean sighed. He wanted Jimmy back with his family too, but Sam had a point. He'd only endanger their lives if he returns. But Magsie's suggestion could work too. Hell, that's what he was thinking too.

"Listen," He said staring at Jimmy. "It's getting late. Why don't we just sleep on it tonight and figure this out tomorrow?"

"Fine," Jimmy said walking away upset, knowing well that Dean was just humoring him. They're not letting me go anywhere.

"I'll take the first watch," Sam offered, running a hand through his hair.

"Yeah, alright," Dean said staring at Magdalena. "I suppose you're leaving too?"

Magdalena glared at him. She made her way toward him, purposely shoving Sam out of her way, and punched Dean on the chest. Dean looked up at Sam surprised who also looked surprised.

"No," She said, grabbing his chin so he was forced to look at her. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying." She let go of his face and pushed past him too.

"Great," Dean said running a hand behind his head.

"Where is she going to sleep?" Sam asked.

Dean turned and watched Magsie smile at Jimmy kindly and sympathetically. She asked him something, a hand on his shoulder, and Jimmy nodded warily. He clenched his jaw as he saw her reach for her bag, take out some small thin pajamas with what looked like cartoon canaries on them, and plop her bag next to the bed that Jimmy will be sleeping on.

"Guess that answers that," Sam said. Dean huffed, walked toward the other bed, and laid down, fully clothed, irritated.


Hours passed. Sam was staring out the window, then turned to regard Jimmy and Magdalena's sleeping forms. Their backs were facing each other before Magdalena turned to her other side so that she was now facing Jimmy's back. She was holding a small stuffed Teddy Bear closely to her; she snuggled deeper into the sheets. She seemed so peaceful for someone who lost the love of her life just weeks ago. She must be stronger than he gave her credit for.

He sighed, turning to stare at Dean for a few moments. His heart began to race and his breathing quickened erratically. If only Dean knew what he had been pumping through his veins the past few days. How anxious he's been feeling because of it. How he had broken his promise. How he could let it get this far... It's worth it if Lilith dies. He'll understand when Lilith is dead. After she's dead, he'll stop. But this was the only way. He needed more. He needs...

Forgetting his duty, he left the room. Needing his fix more than watching Magsie and Jimmy. Not seeing that Jimmy's eyes opened, as did Magsie's, when he closed the door. Jimmy turned over to see Magsie who was already pulling the covers away from her, watching Dean but also being sure to be careful with her stuffed animal. Jimmy rolled his eyes but followed Magdalena's behavior.

He grabbed his trench coat, and followed her out the motel, closing the door quietly behind them, while looking for signs of Sam. Not seeing him anywhere, they stood awkwardly by the door. Magdalena was barefoot, in her thin canary pajamas, shivering, goosebumps rising on her arms in front of Jimmy. She looked up at him, a small sad smile gracing her features.

"Thank you," He said to her.

"I told you. You can count on me," She smiled, giving him her emergency cash.

Jimmy took the money hesitantly, and thanked her again. Magdalena gave him a hug that he was not expecting. He stood frozen. Not sure what he should do. Hug her back? Pat her back? Say it's alright that she'll still see Castiel someday? He wasn't sure if the last one was even true let alone possible.

"Here," She said, stepping away, holding out a piece of paper. Jimmy took it, confused. "Call me when you get there, so I know that you made it alright. Or if you change your mind."

"I won't," Jimmy said forcefully. "Change my mind, I mean." He added quickly.

Magdalena smiled. "I don't blame you."

They said one more good-bye before Jimmy turned, and walked away. Putting on his trench coat along the way as it was a little chilly out. Please be safe. Magdalena thought watching him until he was out of her sight.


"Dean! Would you hurry up?!" Sam yelled as he continued to pack clothes into the bag, while Dean was brushing his teeth.

He walked out of the bathroom, laughing with his mouth dripping toothpaste. "Sorry, ah, this funny to you?" Sam said far beyond irritated.

Dean smiled at him. "Mister big bad prison guard; Jimmy McMook gives you the slip? Yeah, it's pretty funny." He winked at Magsie who was sitting on the bed she had shared with said prisoner.

She was waiting patiently for the brothers to be done so that they could go after Jimmy. Not even bothered by the teeny tiny guilt she was feeling for being the one to help Jimmy escape and not telling the brothers about it. Mainly because she wasn't sorry she helped him leave because she believed he should be with his family. There were other ways. She believed there were. The brothers were just too lazy to look for them. Or she thought so anyway.

"Where you go anyway?" Dean continued.

Magdalena rolled her eyes at Dean, but regarded Sam at his question. She was curious as to where Sam had gone to also. She knew something was wrong with him. He seemed easily agitated and a little strung out. And he seemed... different. The energy, Sam's scent; it was a little off when he returned to the room. It's like he isn't Sam anymore.

"I was getting a coke," Sam answered crisply and flustered.

"Was it a refreshing coke?" Dean teased, smiling at Magsie, trying to get her to play along and get on her good side. Especially since it looked like she'd be with them for a while. Until she decides to leave again.

Magsie frowned at him and stood up. Shouldering her bag, she headed for the door. "When you guys are done, I'll be waiting in the car."

"She's right, Dean," Sam said glad for the change of subject. "Can we just go? Please?"


Sam, Dean, and Magsie were each lost in their own thoughts comfortably, while in the Impala, driving to catch up to Jimmy. Magdalena stared at the passing tree's, remembering how much comfort she used to get from them, but now they were just an awful reminder of that night. She wondered when her relationship with the forest will ever get back to what it once was.

She chanced a quick look at Sam's head in front of her. She was still sensing something wrong with him. She couldn't pinpoint exactly what that something was, but she was definitely feeling a little uneasy. A small burn in her stomach. She chalked that up to skipping breakfast though.

Suddenly, Magdalena sat up straighter. Someone something's coming. She stilled, waiting for the feeling to either disappear or strengthen.

"Hey guys."

"Wow! Jesus!" Dean said startled, swerving the car into the next lane, a freight truck honking, before he hastily jerked back onto the right road.

"Smooth," Anna said.

Magdalena glared at the Fallen Angel sitting next to her, nonchalantly. As though her appearing out of nowhere was common. She couldn't believe Anna was here. What's she doing here anyway? Come to keep tabs on her? She hadn't shown up before, why now?

"Ever try calling ahead?" Dean asked annoyed and a little spooked that he had put his baby in danger like that.

"I like the element of surprise," Anna quipped.

"What the Hell are you doing here, Grace?" Magdalena hissed.

Anna stared blankly at her. "Magdalena," She acknowledged.

"Wait," Sam said, looking behind him at the two. "Magsie? You know Anna?"

Dean ignored Sam's question, glancing back to look at Anna in the back seat. "Wow. You look terrific."

Magdalena fixated her glare on Dean. She leaned forward and smacked him as hard as she could on the head. "Ow," He said, rubbing the back of his head.

"Um, yeah, not the most appropriate time, Dean." She and Anna said.

Anna leaned forward after Magdalena sat back, arms crossed in front of her, an angry pout featured on her face; watching Anna. "You let Jimmy get away," Anna said. It was a factual statement. Not a question.

"How do you know about Jimmy?" Magdalena asked suspiciously. Anna looked at her from the corner of her eye but for the most part, ignored her. Which only angered Magsie more.

"Magsie?" Sam asked.

Magdalena looked at Sam. "Grace and I go way back." She scowled.

"Grace? Her name's Anna," Sam said.

"It's a reference to my falling from Grace," Anna explained. "Magdalena doesn't like me."

Dean glanced at Magdalena through the rear view mirror. He saw her angry pout, glaring daggers at Anna's head, jaw clenched, and fists by her side. She looked like she was using all the self control she could find not to knock Anna out. This highly amused him.

"Really? Why not?" He asked smirking at Magsie who caught his eye.

"Let's not get into that right now," Anna dismissed quickly. "You two let Jimmy go."

"Talk to Ginormo here," Dean said, jabbing a thumb in Sam's direction.

Sam stared at him. A 'thanks-a-lot' look on his face. He turned in his seat to look at Anna who was regarding him.

"Sam?" She inquired, scrunching her eyes at him. "You seem... different."

Both Magdalena and Dean looked at Sam. Magdalena had a worried look on her face. She knew there was something different about Sam and Anna pointing it out confirmed her suspicions if only marginally. She just wished she knew what it was.

"Me?" Sam said, gazing briefly at Magsie. "Huh, I dunno." He glimpsed at Dean next. "A haircut?"

"That's not what I'm talking about," Anna replied ominously sharing a long somewhat knowing look before Sam broke eye contact by turning around completely and looked back at the road ahead. Anna regarded him a few seconds longer then turned her attention to Dean. "So, what Jimmy tell you? He remember anything?"

"I should have known," Magdalena disparaged, glowering at Anna. "You don't care about Jimmy or Cas! You just care about what ever information he had for Dean!"

"Magdalena," Anna began.

"No," She interrupted, facing her so she could see how angry she was. "Where were you when Cas needed help, huh?"

"Magdalena," Anna said again, closing her eyes, sighing.

"She has a point," Sam interjected.

"Why? What's going on?" Dean asked Anna, returning the conversation back to the matter at hand.

Anna let out another patient breath and answered Dean, turning away from Magdalena. "It's Cas. He got sent home. Well, more like dragged back."

Magdalena glared at Anna. Feeling even more suspicious of her. How did she know about Jimmy and about what happened to Cas? Was she spying on Cas? On the brothers? On her? For what?

"To Heaven?" Dean said bringing Magdalena back from her thoughts. "That's not a good thing?"

"No," Anna said urgently. "That's a very bad thing. Painfully, awfully bad." She dazed away. Thinking about something the brothers and Magdalena couldn't possibly fathom. She then added, "He must have seriously pissed someone off."

Sam and Dean gave each other a worried look. Magdalena looked past them at the road ahead. Poor Cas. She thought. What could he have possibly known and want to tell Dean to risk... She closed her eyes trying to stop the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Cas said he had something to tell me. Something important," Dean blatantly revealed.

That caught Anna's interest immediately. "What?" She asked pressingly.

"I don't know."

"Does Jimmy know?"

"I don't think so."

"You don't think so?" Anna said skeptically, brow raised. "What ever it is, it's huge. You gotta find out for sure."

"That's why we're going after Jimmy," Sam looking back at her.

"That's why you shouldn't have let him go in the first place," She chastised, causing Sam to, once again, look away, back to the road. Anna sighed. "He's... probably dead already."

"Oh, that's it!" Magdalena huffed. She pulled Anna's shoulder harshly. "Jimmy's not dead! He's with his family! And Sam didn't let him go. I did!" Both Sam and Dean looked at her shocked. "And you Grace? You have nothing to do with this alright? If Cas wanted you to know, he'd contact you. He'd tell you himself. But he didn't and he doesn't. So get over it!"

"Magdalena, this is bigger than you can imagine," Anna replied calmly.

"Then why weren't you there with him?" She retorted. "Why are you waiting till now to find out what's going on? If you know something, anything, then let us know and we'll deal with it. Because if you really cared, you'd have been with him fighting the fight!"

"You know I can't," She said feeling angry. How could Magdalena believe she didn't care? Of course she cared! She was helping them wasn't she?

"Oh, yeah," Magdalena laughed bitterly. "I forgot. You're a fugitive. The Angels have orders to kill you or send you back. So, what?"

"So, what?" Anna spat. "I'm of better use here. On Earth."

"Doing what?" Magdalena shouted. "I don't see you doing anything! What the Hell could you possibly be doing besides hiding like the coward you are?!"

"Magsie," Sam said feeling the conversation taking an ugly turn.

"I'd mind my tongue if I were you, Magdalena," Anna warned through her teeth. She's had just about enough of her constant attitude and disrespect. She was an Angel dammit! She deserved some sort of respect.

"Or what?" Magdalena challenged. "You're gonna kill me?"

"You know I wouldn't—"

"I don't know that for sure. It's not like you're all that reliable, Grace."

"My name isn't Grace!" Anna hissed.

Magdalena smiled. Glad to have hit a nerve. "You'll always be a disgrace to me, Anna."

"Alright. That's enough, you two!" Dean interjected. "Anna, I think you should go."

Anna glowered at Magdalena but nodded at Dean. "I'll be in touch."

"We promise not to hold our breaths," Magdalena muttered.

"Magsie!" Dean warned. Magdalena shrugged at Dean, unafraid.

Anna gave Magdalena a sympathetic look. "Magdalena, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you mistrust me, but I—"

Magdalena didn't care to hear an apology or an explanation from Anna. She didn't care because she hated Anna. Because Anna was right; she didn't trust her. And all she wants to do as she watched Anna speaking to her but not hearing a word she was saying, was to be able to hurt her. See her bleed by her hands. She's hit Anna many times before, breaking knuckles, fingers, and one time, her wrist, doing so. What's one more try? She thought. And punched Anna square on the nose before she could got cold feet.

A loud crack was heard, followed by a, "What the Hell was that?" from one of the brothers and blood oozing from Anna's nose. Anna stared at Magdalena's victorious grin, shocked that she managed to draw blood from her. She's getting stronger. Anna decided to leave before she retaliated and found out how much stronger Magdalena has become.

"What the Hell, Magsie!" Dean yelled.

Magdalena grinned. "I did it! Did you see that? I drew blood!"

Sam turned in his seat. "Yeah, and you broke your hand doing it." He reached for it to examine it better. Magdalena allowed him to inspect her newly injured hand.

"Who cares?" She laughed. "I hurt an Angel!"


A/N: Well, there you have it! Another chapter! ;D I hope y'all liked this chapter as it took a while to write. (OK, so most of my chapter take a while to write. Being the perfectionist that I am. lol) I'd like to quickly add that this chapter would not have been done if it hadn't been for my good friend Parsy who helped me with a fight scene that I was struggling with. Thanks bunches, Parsy!! You're the BEST!! Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read my story and this chapter. Don't be afraid to tell me whether you hate it or LOVE it! :P