Title: The Angel of Solitude and Tears

Written By: Alexia Blackbriar

Summary:

Season 5 AU After Carthage. Because Cas was just too awesome to Fall and I felt like the writers were throwing away so much potential. A lot of things haven't been explained.

AN: Aw god... *looks up at last updated* Aw, sorry guys. I'm an idiot. You probably hate me. I don't blame you. *shifts uncomfortably* Thanks so much for the supportive reviews and everything though... really got me writing again. I really wanted to try and writing but this just...wouldn't...come...out.

Anyway... I'm currently also writing an Avengers fic, Tony with wings, and reactions of the team, so look out for that.

*Embarrassed* Well, yeah. On with the story... So a lot of you asked for Samandriel and Inias in this chapter. I am glad to say, they do feature! Hester does as well, but only very briefly. Enjoy!

Gabriel and Castiel bounded from heaven to heaven; one second they were on the sunny Jamaican beach, the next they were in the snowy Alps, the next they were running through the bustling streets of Rome at its golden age. Soul-jumping was quick and made it easy to escape their pursuers. After another few hops into randomly picked Soul's Heavens, Gabriel pulled Castiel around a corner and they slowed to a fast walk along a stretch of country-side road, thick clumps of trees surrounding them. There were no angels, but there was the faint linger of Grace that proved that a Seraph patrol had passed through this heaven not long ago.

Gabriel grabbed Cas' shoulder and turned him around, facing him with panicked eyes. "What the hell are you doing here, baby bro?"

A dark look passed over Castiel's face as he answered grimly, "Dean banished me to escape Bobby Singer's panic room."

"I'm gonna kill him," Gabriel seethed. "Nobody hurts my little brother and gets away with it. That idiotic squirrel irritated me from the start. Cas, if he dares speak against you or hurt you again, I will not hesitate to skin him alive and use his meat suit as a fireplace decoration."

Cas raised a hand, concerned, and brushed over a graze on his brother's forehead that was dripping blood and Grace. "Don't worry about me, brother. Worry about yourself. You're hurt."

Gabriel chuckled weakly. "Yeah, they took my wings out of commission as well. I've been resorting to soul-jumping because I can't fly." He limped in a circle and hesitantly fanned his shining golden wings out. They were, of course, large, broad and impressive, but now they looked as if they had been put through a blender. "Mind setting the bone for me?"

The younger Archangel did so quickly, ignoring the flinch and groan of agony from his big brother as he did so. Gabriel flapped carefully twice before folding his wings into his back again, turning back to him. He froze as the quiet sound of Grace buzzing floated past, a patrol of Seraphs flying, skimming past the boundary of the heaven. He took hold of Castiel's shoulder and they began walking quickly again. Glancing about the empty Somerset lane, Gabriel ducked under a tree and motioned for Cas to follow, until they paused in a shadowed glade surrounded by trees and thick bushes, shielding them from eyes from above.

"There's no way to get out," Gabriel told him. "They would've sealed all the Gates as soon as you arrived." He scoffed, looking down. "Figures. I've been running around here like a headless chicken for the last month or so and when I finally get close to getting out of dodge -"

"A month?" Castiel interrupted, alarmed. "It's barely been twenty-four hours."

"Back on Earth, yeah," Gabriel nodded. "But up here, Mike runs the place. He's been slowing time down so they have more time to find us before they have to deal with the dos amigos."

"And now we're trapped here," Castiel muttered, casting his eyes downwards. "For however long Michael wants?"

Gabriel grimaced. "The only way we'll be able to get out is if we slip through the banishment cat-flap."

Cas stopped and stared, confused. "Cat-flap?"

"Yeah, at the moment it's set to one-way entrance, but we should be able to tweak it," Gabriel winked. He frowned then. "Problem is, it's all the way in the Southern corner, past the Garden and a hop, skip and a jump from the Weapons Vault. It's gonna be crawling with Seraphs, and Mike's put them all onto high alert. We're both Number 1 and 2 Heaven's Most Wanted at the moment, kiddo. If you don't count dear old Lucy that is."

The bushes rustled. Both the Archangels whipped their blades out and slipped into combat positions easily. After a moment, two Graces appeared faintly; a second later, their vessels turned the corner, fighting their way through the thick green shrubbery. One of the angels started bouncing excitedly and rushed up to the Heir of Heaven, pure white wings flapping.

"Castiel!" Samandriel chirped. "Wow! I haven't seen you in ages!" He hugged the Archangel and Cas stood there awkwardly. "How's Earth? Is it okay? What's global warming? What's this thing I've been hearing about the white lions and the kangeroos? Are the humans evolved enough yet? Do they still have scales?"

Gabriel looked amused. "You know this kid, Cas?"

Castiel nodded, slightly embarrassed. "Yes, this is Samandriel. He's in training under one of the angels in my Garrison..."

"Which happens to be me," the other angel smiled, though it looked forced and tired. "I'm Inias."

"Not to be rude," Gabriel started. He's going to be very rude, Castiel thought. "But what are you two doing in this corner of the Souls?"

Inias' smile dropped from his face and he shifted, wings rustling. "Actually, we've all been put on look-out to search and capture the angels Gabriel and Cassiel." He blinked and added, "Every angel. Not just the Seraphs. The Cherubs, all the Second and Third triad... everybody."

"Crap," Gabriel deadpanned.

"Yeah!" Samandriel replied enthusiastically. "We're gonna to find them both and tie them up and when Michael comes he's gonna be so impressed with us both and we're gonna get a massive reward for service to Heaven!" He buffed up his wings and crossed his arms, trying to look huge, his wings spreading in a failed show of intimidation. "Those two angels aren't gonna stand a chance against us!"

There was a beat of silence in which Inias shot both the Archangels an apologetic look, his light hazel wings ruffling.

Gabriel turned to Cas. "I thought you said your Garrison knew who you were."

Castiel shrugged helplessly. "Most of them do."

"Well this is awkward," Gabriel said tightly. "Allow me to introduce us to your charge, Inias. Hey, Samandriel, I'm the Archangel Gabriel and this is the Heir of Heaven, Cassiel, also known as Castiel. It's nice to meet you."

Samandriel went completely silent and gazed at both of them with wide eyes. Frozen in place, he carefully inspected each one of the Archangels Graces and then, realising what he had so obviously missed, when crimson red, his wings drooping slightly. After a second, he stepped back and looked down at his hands, fiddling with his fingers, breathing heavily. Inias sighed and put his head in his hands.

"So..." Gabriel began. "Is this the part where you tie us up, call Mike over and get your incredible reward for service?"

"I'm sorry," Inias groaned into his hands. "He's so overly enthusiastic sometimes." Rubbing his forehead, he questioned, "You both need to hide, yes? I'm sure we could find you a place to sit the search out."

Samandriel looked up at them, his eyes shining. Finally, he spoke up in a small voice, "You know that won't work, Inias. They need to get outta Heaven fast. Best way is to find some Souls to help them and then sneak 'em out."

"You don't have to do this, Samandriel," Castiel told him quietly.

"I wanna," Samandriel insisted. "You helped me with my grooming when I was younger. I owe you and Heaven's decree says all debts must be paid."

"Kid's gotta point," Gabriel agreed.

"Alright," the Heir of Heaven agreed reluctantly.

Samandriel took Cas' hand and tugged on it. "Come with me!"

Inias checked the road before beckoning them out. Gabriel still looked wary and hung back, blade still in hand, following Castiel and Samandriel. They stepped into another Heaven, this one empty, a pre-set heaven for somebody who was still alive. It was a sparse African highland, with antelope and zebras grazing on the tall dry grass, and a lion prowling around a mile away. Inias quickly motioned for them to get down. They crouched behind a small hill and shielded their Graces as a patrol of a dozen Seraphs flew by.

"We need to find Souls, quickly," Inias whispered.

"Any Souls which are willing to help angels can't be trusted," Gabriel muttered. "We need unwilling Souls, who won't sell us out."

A small grin spread across Samandriel's face. "I think I know who to ask."

They quickly passed through the African highland. Samandriel started leading them towards the Seraph training grounds. Both Gabriel and Castiel fell back, wary. As they entered, they found it empty - apart from one angel doing inventory. Samandriel flew up to her and spoke to her very fast, before leading her over to them. The two Archangels regarded her warily as she approached.

"Hmm," she said. "The deserting Archangel and the Heir of Heaven who's gone crazy. Not exactly what I expected, Samandriel."

"Please, Hester," Samandriel pleaded. "You know what Michael is doing is wrong."

Hester sighed and rolled her eyes. "Alright." A golden orb of light appeared in her hands. "This is the Infinity Orb. It'll lead to Souls willing to help you and only you." As she handed it to the in-training angel, she warned, sounding concerned, "Be careful. It'll turn red if any hostile forces are coming your way, but stay alert."

"Thanks, Hester!" Samandriel beamed, throwing his arms around her middle.

Hester looked down at him, embarrassed, ruffling his hair. As Samandriel and Inias led them quickly away from the training area and into the Soul designated areas, Castiel glanced back and found Hester staring after them, looking worried, her wings stiff. She nodded at him once before turning away and flying off out of sight. The odd little group only had to jump through a few heavens before they came to a door.

KNOCK BEFORE ENTERING

- THAT INCLUDES YOU TOO, DAMN ANGELS

"Why am I thinking this is a hunter's heaven?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow.

"Because it is," Cas realised. "Samandriel, is this -?"

"Ellen and Jo Harvelle," Samandriel beamed. "You knew them, right?"

"Briefly yes. I believe they tried to get me drunk," Castiel gave a small smile.

Samandriel gathered himself for a moment before giving three firm knocks on the door. There was the sound of shuffling feet and grumpy voices, before the door was yanked open and the oldest Harvelle peered out at them with narrowed eyes, one hand on her hip. She scrunched her nose up at the sight of them. Castiel was not surprised to see that her Soul was no less bright than it had been when she had been alive - perhaps after the nature of her sacrifice, her glow was even stronger.

"Huh," Ellen said, definitely not pleased. "Not more of you god-damn angels. We just had like twenty fly past. They short-circuited our TV. I ain't seen no Heir of Heaven, so my advice to you would be to pull those feathers outta your arses and -" She froze and stared incredulously at the black-winged angel, who was standing awkwardly beside Gabriel.

After a moment, she asked incredulously, "Cas?"

"Ellen," Castiel bowed his head in greeting.

"What -" She looked around wildly before opening the door wide and ushering them quickly inside. "In. Get in. Quickly."

The four angels entered the Heaven and Ellen slammed the door behind them, locking it twice. It was the Roadhouse Bar. Jo was wiping glasses behind the counter and a scruffy looking man was knocking back a glass of whiskey. Jo glanced up at the sound of the door rattling with a raised eyebrow, but her expression quickly morphed into shock at the sight of the angels.

"Mom?" she questioned. "What's going on? I thought -" She cut off and her eyes bulged as she caught sight of blue eyes and black wings. "Cas?! What are you - Dude, you have to get outta here, like, yesterday! All of the angels are looking for you!"

"I know," Castiel replied, somehow sounding slightly sheepish. "You are aware then of my status in Heaven?"

"Crown prince gone AWOL, yeah," Ellen nodded. She thumbed back to the scruffy-man who was drinking his third glass of whiskey. "Ash set up like a universal camera. We've been watching you boys the moment we got beamed up." Her expression morphed into one of faint amusement. "You should here the way the Cherubs talk about you up here. I think they want you and Dean to get together. Of course, I totally agree. I saw you two together for one evening and I already knew you couldn't keep your hands off of each other."

"Mom!" Jo hissed. She turned back, looking apologetic. "Sorry, she get's a little carried away sometimes..."

"The ship wars we have seen..." Ellen smirked. She tilted her head towards the other three angels. "These three with you?"

"My brothers," Cas agreed. "Gabriel, the Archangel, my past mentor and two members of my garrison, Inias and Samandriel."

Jo smiled. "Yeah, we know about Gabe. He's been running 'round this place with his tail between his legs for 'bout a month now. You're lucky you found us when you did. You guys wouldn't last two days without us to help you."

"I lasted a month," Gabriel quirked an eyebrow.

"Yeah, and who do you think was the one throwing stilettos at the angels chasing you?"

Gabriel paused. "Oh, good point. I thought they just magically appeared."

"Not everything's magic, kid," Ellen replied.

The scruffy haired drunk stood up on wobbly legs and staggered towards them. "Hate to break up this so fascinating convo, but we have like seven Seraphs heading for us. They're putting all hunters under surveillance. Seems Michael ain't as stupid as we thought."

"Damn," Ellen muttered. "We need to get you kids outta here, quick."

"I'll call Mary and John," Jo offered. "They're barely two point three seconds away, and they know the Southern layout like each others' lips."

Gabriel gave a short laugh and pointed at her. "Good one."

"Mary and John Winchester?" Castiel repeated, stepping forwards, puzzled. "But... they dealt with demons. Should they not be in Hell?"

"You really think they were gonna let the parents of the vessels of Michael and Lucifer walk dilly-dally down in the pit?" Ellen crossed her arms. "Uncle Raph's been sending parties down into Hell ever since Lucifer got bust out. He keeps dragging Souls back up with him - Mary and John being two of 'em. He and Michael are amassing a Soul army - apparently they can be roped in for mojo, which ain't sounding good for all of us Souls up here."

Castiel felt his Grace sink in horror. If Raphael had been sending angels down into the pit... who knew how many of his brothers had been tortured and dying, without him even knowing about it. The heat and stink of Hell had been traumatising - sending unprepared angels in without proper knowledge would have been a suicide mission. "How many angels has he been sending?" he asked quietly.

Jo shook her head sadly. "We don't know for sure, but a lot. Sorry, Cas. I know they were your brothers and sisters."

"Time's up, kids!" Ellen called out as she peeked through the doorway. "We got three big 'uns, coming in fast."

"What colour wings?" Inias questioned.

Ellen peered back out. "One reddish brown, one bluish white and one silvery grey. Know 'em?"

"Unfortunately," Inias replied. "They are right, we need to depart, quickly."

"Uh, duh," Gabriel said. "But we have no idea which way to go, bucko."

There was a white flash and suddenly a door appeared on the other side of the bar room, two figures stepping through it. Castiel's wings rose and flapped excitedly - it was so easy to recognise the Winchester's parents, Mary and John; John by his sure, confident walk and classic Winchester features and Mary by her kind eyes and blonde hair. Both of them had shot-guns in their hands.

"Lucky for you, mister, we do," Mary snarked.

"John and Mary Winchester," Castiel greeted them, bowing his head respectfully, his wings rustling.

"Castiel," John responded formally. "We saw what Dean did. I'm sorry for that."

"Your son is... very hard to rein in," the Heir replied, with a faint smile. "There's no need to apologise."

"You wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for him," Mary cut in with a sympathetic look. "And though I hate to pin the blame on my eldest son, it was Dean's fault, and he needs to know that. So when you get out of here, give him a smack on his arse from his old Mom, would you?"

"Yes, Ma'am," Gabriel said flirtaciously.

"Brother," Castiel growled.

"Relax, Cas," Mary laughed. "This one I know how to deal with."

"Hey," John interrupted, glancing out the door. "We need to go. We can catch up later, but at the moment we need to get these two angels out of Heaven and back on Earth."

"Agreed," Jo said.

"You two should stay behind," Gabriel said, turning to Inias and Samandriel. "You've done enough already." He ruffled Samandriel's hair. "Thanks, Alfie. Be good, kid."

"Fly high, Aim high," Samandriel quipped back.

Inias formally said his goodbyes to both of them before dragging Samandriel off. They went out of the back entrance and took flight, vanishing a few seconds after. Gabriel and Castiel relaxed, content that their two brothers would at least be safe. Jo jogged up to Cas and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, minding his wings. Recognising it as a hug, Cas embraced her back briefly before shaking Ellen's hand.

Gabriel and Cas got out of the back door the very instant the seven Seraphs burst in through the Roadhouse's front entrance. Mary and John quickly leapt through several Heavens, leading them carefully, before stopping and holding their hands out to signal silence, and for them to stop. Cas' wings went still and one hesitantly brushed against Mary's side.

"What is it?" Gabriel asked promptly.

"What part of -" John repeated the silence signal - "Do you not understand?"

"The silence part," Castiel replied for him.

Mary gave a short laugh. "I don't know what Dean and Sam have been complaining about. You do have a sense of humour."

"Hey, be quiet!" John ordered. "Unless you want to be caught!"

Castiel shot him a sympathetic and apologetic look before glaring at Gabriel. The golden-winged Archangel put his hands up in surrender, smirking. Mary and John quickly pushed them into a bush, and twigs tangled in Cas' dark wings and he scowled at them, as if they had personally offended him. There was a brief pause and then two angels flew past at a medium speed. A low growl escaped from Cas' throat: Zazriel and Nathaneal, the two angels whom had been pursuing him before. John elbowed him harshly in the left wing and Cas hissed at him.

The sound, however, attracted the two angels closer and Nathanael peered into the shrubbery. Catching sight of a few golden primaries and a flash of black secondaries, he drew his blade.

"Hello, Cassiel, Gabriel," he said. "Come out. I know you are there."

"No, we aren't!" Gabriel called.

"You're an idiot," John told him, before grabbing Gabriel's blade and shoving it into Nathanael's chest.

The angel collapsed, dead, Grace burning out and then John was throwing a punch at Zazriel, knocking him off balance, before he pulled the sword out of the dead Nathanael's chest and stabbed it down into Zazriel's head. The angel's Grace erupted. Two sets of burnt wings adorned the ground, spread out. Both Archangels felt like they were going to be sick. Zazriel and Nathanael lay in a small wingless pile, dead, and John retrieved the blade, his face blank, before he offered it back to Gabriel.

The Archangel stepped back as soon as John reached out. "Get away from me. You just murdered two of my brothers."

"'Thanks for saving my life, Sir'," John said sarcastically. "Grow up, Gabriel. It was either kill them or get captured."

"I hate you," Gabriel seethed.

"And I hate you," John responded. "Glad to see we're on the same page, monster. Now let's get going."

"John," Mary said softly. She nodded her head towards Castiel.

Cas was kneeling down and carefully shutting Zazriel and Nathanael's eyes. He kept his face blank, but knew his blue eyes and slightly trembling black wings would reveal how he truly felt about the fact Dean and Sam's father had just brutally murdered two of his brothers in front of him without a second thought.

Cas looked up at John and said darkly, "I see how you and Dean are related."

John just shot him a look. "Let's just get out of here."

"Gladly," Gabriel snarled.

Mary shoved John a head and took Castiel and Gabriel by the shoulder, leading them away from the two dead bodies. Cas hung his head and Gabriel watched him worriedly. Soon, they reached the Weapons Vault - and of course, were greeted by the sight of a small garrison of seven angels sharpening angel blades and grooming wings. Mary and John made them duck behind a line of neatly trimmed bushes and they waited for a moment.

"We should wait until they leave," Castiel suggested. "That way we'll be unopposed."

"Screw that," John said. He jumped up and ran off to the opposite side of the Weapons Vault before throwing his hands up and yelling, "HEY! I'm John Winchester, and I just killed two angels! How 'bout that? Come get me!" before he sprinted off into the next Heaven.

The seven angels, being naive and stupid, leaped up and followed, taking flight after him. The Gates lay in the distance, and Mary led the two Archangels up to them. Castiel shook the great metal bars, but they wouldn't budge.

"Cat-flap," Gabriel shrugged. "We just gotta find the right switch."

"I don't see any switches," Mary raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it won't be obvious." Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Otherwise everybody would flip the switch."

They fanned out and, keeping a close eye on their surroundings for any angels, began searching for something that could possibly act as a switch to open up the gates. Castiel was just about to inspect a glowing silver marble lion when the sound of great buffeting wings made him look up, and he was struck by a faceful of shining sky coloured feathers and wings that far outstretched his own. He made to stand, but one massive wing knocked him back, sending him sprawling onto the ground.

"Raphael! Get away from him!" Gabriel shouted furiously, running forwards, his golden wings snapping out in defence of his little brother.

"So," Raphael said, looking down at Castiel in disdain and the Heir carefully clambered back to his feet. "You have grown, I see. You're wings are tainted, little brother. You are not the Heir we were hoping for."

"I figured that out by myself," Castiel responded with a snarl. "What do you want?"

"Want? I want nothing," Raphael said calmly. His blue wings folded back in and he stood in front of the two Archangels, looking scrutinisingly at them both. "My, my, you don't look so healthy, boys. Feeling a little plucked, Gabriel?"

"Screw you, Raph," Gabriel replied maturely.

"Where are you two going then? Not back to that hideous little rock they call Earth, surely."

"News flash. Earth is awesome," Gabriel argued. "I mean, Red Vines? Best sweets, ever."

"You do know stalling won't get you anywhere."

"We are not stalling you," Castiel said with a grin. "We are distracting you."

Mary whacked Raphael from behind with a chair. The Archangel winced and fell to one knee, and Gabriel punched him squarely in the jaw, Cas kicking him in the chest. Mary dropped her chair and grabbed Cas and Gabriel, just as a legion of Seraphs began landing in front of the Weapons Vault, looking murderous. Castiel turned and aimed his hand at the silver marble lion. In seconds, it exploded and the golden gates cracked open.

"GO!" Mary shouted. "It's not like they can kill me; I'm already dead!"

"Mary -" Cas started, sounding pained.

"Go give Dean a kick up his arse!" Mary yelled as she was swarmed by armed, furious angels. "AND I TOTALLY SHIP YOU AND DEAN TOGETHER."

Gabriel dragged Cas through the gates, and they were blinded by a bright, mind-blowing white light. They span through the air, wings flapping out of control, hands linked and suddenly they were in Earth's atmosphere, hovering. Gabriel fell almost instantly, wing still recovering from being broken, but Castiel had a big enough wingspan that he was able to support them both. They hovered, panting and shaking and shocked by the ordeal before Gabriel glanced at his little brother weakly. They both stared at each other, doing nothing other than flapping and breathing.

"Dean," Cas said suddenly. "Where's Dean?" He began searching for his speck of Grace inside Dean's soul, scanning the Earth's surface for it desperately.

Gabriel groaned. "We escape Heaven and the first thing you ask is where your pet Winchester is? You know what, I agree with Mary, I ship you two together."

"I have no idea what that means," Castiel admitted.

"Aw, my lil' bro is so innocent," Gabriel teased. "But seriously, 'profound bond'?"

"I know you like Sam," Cas pointed out.

"Yeah, but that's difference, 'cos I totally traumatised him. Why'd you wanna find Dean anyway, didn't he banish you and send you to the dogs?"

"Yes, he did. I want to find him so I can punch him in the face and make him pay for what he did to me."

Gabriel paused, surprised. "Wow. Didn't know you held a grudge."

Cas glowered at him. He began searching again and - yes, there he was, next to a preacher, requesting for the man of God to contact Heaven. Castiel seethed quietly and swooped down to land, dropping Gabriel off at one of his safe houses. His big brother swore he would be by later to check on him, once his wings had completely healed. Cas gave him a brief hug before flying off. Towards Dean. Anger boiled inside of him and his wings shook in fury.

"Our father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name—"

Castiel appeared beside him and his wings snapped out to full span, towering tall and wide like a great black curtain. Dean glanced up at him, horrified, stumbling back and the preacher choked and his words caught in his mouth as it dropped open.

"You pray too loud."

AN: So! How was that? Pile of crap? Amazing? I don't know... Yes, Gabriel and Mary ship Destiel. I can just imagine they do. Mary sitting in Heaven, shouting, "KISS. JUST KISS YOU TWO. DEAN JUST - JESUS CAS JUST KILL HIM" and John rolling his eyes.

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