Chapter 14: I want to break free!

Just over three days ago….

Michael's POV:

It wasn't easy standing this close to his true vessel. Michael had thought that he would be used to it by now, but no such luck. The electricity buzzing through his true self was hard to keep in check and he had to be very careful as his brother Lucifer and the damn half breed were literally less than 10 feet from him.

Michael knew it was a risk. He should have flown past the camp and away from his 'sword' but he knew that Raphael had everything in hand, and if he was honest, he had quickly lost interest in whether this world survived or not. Everything of importance for him, lay in the hands of the Winchesters. Nothing else mattered. Not securing the angelic legions to this south or destroying the resistance. All important, but they would be Raphael's headache. He had a bigger and better destiny. One were he would be finally free of the shackles of this miserable world and free to roam the other, finally building the utopia that his father had promised. All he had to do was get through the next few days. Armed with this thought, he centred his power within and focused on the goal.

Now that had re-centred his focus, Michael took in the interesting reunion in front of him. Firstly, there was the Winchester reunion. Michael took in how the entire camp seemed to freeze when Sam and Lucifer had arrived. Looking towards his vessel, Michael took in the shock as Dean said, "Sam?" He watched as Sam moved towards his mother and they embraced. Michael could tell how much his vessel wanted to rush to his brother, but there was too many people there. He couldn't help smirking at how so alike his vessel and he really were. 'You're perfect. Just made for me.'

Michael listened as Sam explained how Lucifer had brought him back and he couldn't help applaud his brother for his shameless ability of taking advantage of the situation. Lucifer stood open and non-threatening. He even had a smirk on in his face as he agreed that it was he who had saved and give the precious baby brother an extra life. As Lucifer pointed towards the other angel and stated, "Besides, what with my little bro here being a hot mess, I figured you need me. I'm here to join the team." With the last sentence, Lucifer had specifically aimed his comments towards the nephilim.

As Lucifer had been speaking, Michael considered the alliance that could form here. He was concerned, that Lucifer on his own was dangerous but not a real problem, but if he joined with the humans and with his progeny then there could be problems. Though, it was the smaller angel that originally had been ignored that now garnered his attention. Michael had always known that this angel's grace was very weak, nearly to the point of him being human. But as Lucifer had given him attention, Michael took the time to identify the other angel. Just in case this unknown element could ruin his plans! 'No. No, it can't be! Is this what is left of our little bro, Gabriel? No. Just no. How far you have fallen baby brother. This is what happens to you when you side with the humans and get too close to them.' As he took in Gabriel, he realised that there was no way the younger archangel would pose a problem. So as Lucifer did, he too dismissed him.

"Your name is Jack?" As Lucifer had asked his name, Jack answered, "and yours is Lucifer." The moment was interrupted by his vessel. It was clear that Dean did not want any interaction between the two of them. 'Interesting!' "No. No! Oh no." Dean moved towards both father and son. "You don't talk to him and you, don't listen to him." Lucifer disagreed. "Don't you think that's his choice?... are you trying to keep me from my son?" The other angel, Castiel defended his vessel's behaviour, "No. This is Kelly Kline's son. He nothing like you."

Michael knew his brother well, and he could see that this conversation was really annoying Lucifer. This development was fascinating as well. The half breed has a role yet to play. As he thought on, he nearly missed as Lucifer argued back to Castiel, "don't say he's nothing like me. I'm the only one who understands him. This power he has. I'm powerful. Dangerous. Ruthless… in the best sense though." Michael watched with interest as the nephilim lowered his eyes and thought on his brother's words. It was true, the child really was struggling with his position in life. And typical Lucifer, he had managed to identify the vulnerability within seconds. But Michael's 'sword' was not finished. Like Michael, Dean could sense only too well the danger of letting Lucifer into your head. "No. Kill him!" As Dean gestured towards Gabriel, Michael felt sad, he knew that even at his best, this archangel Gabriel hadn't the power. Lucifer knew this too and stated, "he's not strong enough."

As Gabriel tried to speak to Dean, Dean continued, "you've got the blade…" Jack shouted for him to stop, but Dean continued, "…. He's the devil… KILL HIM!" Everyone watched as Jack had heard enough and in his emotional confusion, had taken flight. As Dean defended his actions, "Oh great! Does that when he's scared. Way to go DAD!" Michael smiled. This was the first time he had seen his vessel and Lucifer interact. It was very clear there was nothing but hatred coming off Dean. 'Hatred against my brother. I wonder, who do you hate more Dean, me or him?' Glad he had stayed to observe the interactions, Michael learned so much in 15 minutes. All of this he could use. All of this is would use.

As Gabriel went off in search of the nephilim, Lucifer spoke. "I don't understand all the hostility? You. Need. Me! I am a walking weapon. I know this Michael. Heck. I beat him! So, how about a littl T" It was obvious that Castiel had heard enough as he moved towards the vessel and reached into the backpack to retrieve something. Michael had never been happy with just how comfortable this angel was around HIS vessel. He didn't realise that he had clenched his fists in rage. On noticing his own behaviour, Michael corrected it immediately. 'He was not jealous. No, he was furious that angels had had the opportunity interact and support his vessel'. Shaking his head and snapping his thoughts out of it, he turned his attention as the angel moved to imprison his brother.

As the cuffs went on Lucifers' wrists, Michael smirked. 'Well, that's never going to hold you brother! What are you playing at now? Ahh, now I see what you're doing. Nicely played. Nicely played.' He watched the angel Castiel explain. "In case your innate evil overwhelms this new found team spirit you won't mind wearing these then will you? You're not at full power. They should hold you." Michael watched his vessel, who was clearly not impressed and was not convinced the cuffs would hold him. But Michael's ears picked up from Lucifer that there was still time as 'I left Rowena some grace. So you have, I'm thinkin,… emm.. 31 hours give or take.' Michael registered the time. He now had the specific timetable to work to. And like Dean, who had just checked his watch, both vessel and angel knew it was going to be tight to do what needed to be done.

With this thought, Michael vanished. He had a few things to complete.

Mary's POV:

Mary watched as her two boys finally hugged it out. She could tell it was a much needed private moment between the two of them. She loved them both very much, but the single tear and the look of devastation on Dean's face had almost destroyed her. He couldn't even put in words that his brother had died. Instead, the tear running down his cheek told her everything. Thankfully Sam had been saved, by Lucifer of all people. That thought left her very uneasy. She had never liked the role Lucifer had played in both her sons lives. But it left her very uncomfortable at the archangels' motives. The devil never did anything unless it was of direct benefit to him. He would gladly have enjoyed leaving Sam were he was and watching Dean destroy himself, so why? It was obvious. It was to get close to his son.

That thought filled her with even more dread. These past few months Jack had become a son to her. She cared deeply about him but feared that his father, the literal devil, was circling. Whatever he wanted, it couldn't bode well for Jack or anyone else. Jack was powerful, perhaps one of the most powerful beings to walk the earth. To think that Lucifer could get his hooks into him, shape and mould him was unthinkable. But here she was now, trying to get the clearest picture of all the people involved in order to ensure that Lucifer didn't win. And right now, as she looked towards her sons, she realised, perhaps the biggest asset Lucifer had now to persuade Jack was in fact Dean. Dean was too emotional. And his hatred of Lucifer would push the boy towards his father, not away from him. She would need to keep a closer watch.

Dean's POV:

I was so angry. No, it wasn't just anger, it was frustration, confusion and topped off with some powerlessness. Either way, it was far too many emotions for a Winchester to have at once, but nothing about these past two days had been normal. Dean was used to solving problems by hitting it, killing it or even at times eating it. But not today. Today had been one of the worst days of his life and that was saying something. Every time he had closed his eyes over the past few hours, he had relived the death of his brother and that image would just not disappear, even though he was sure he was looking at all 6 foot 4 inches of his brother in front of him.

'What made matters worse was who had saved him. I could have taken anyone else. Amara, Azazel, even Michael, but not Lucifer. Not him. And he did it with a smug, self-satisfying grin whilst indirectly rubbing it in, that me, big brother had not been powerful or skilled enough to save him. It has just been too much. The emotions were still so raw. One minute, my Sammy was gone and then I'm hugging mum, who I thought was dead and had to worry whether she was alive and trying to survive in a bombed out apocalypse world. But setting that all aside, I hadn't had a chance to speak to Sammy yet. Not since his resurrection. And then I had to go and blow up like that with Jack. Couldn't the kid not see through his father. It was the frickin devil for crying out loud! You're not meant to want to understand and bond with him. Please, oh please, I don't want to be right in the end about Jack. Please kid, don't trust in that bastard. Please, just don't!'

Dean squashed everything down and he was sure he needed to revisit his concerns about Jack and Lucifer before this mission was over, but for now, he needed to reconnect with his brother. Until he did that he knew deep down that he wouldn't function as he needed and this was too important of a mission to not be on his 'A' game. So it was those thoughts swirling in his head, that he made his way up the steps of the cabin and towards his little bro. He could tell from the stance, that Sam was focusing on his phone. Most likely being ultra-organised and setting his stop watch so we knew exactly how much time we had to complete the mission.

Sam must have heard him as he turned round to finally greet me too. "Hey, I'm sorry… About all this." Dean could understand where Sam was coming from, because he to had been there with this type of guilt before. "Are you good?" Dean knew he was right because Sam looked down as if something fascinating was happening with their boots. "I'm alive, yeah." Dean breathed out. That was all he needed to know and more importantly hear from him. " Well then you've got nothing to apologise for." We hugged but we must definitely didn't have a heart warming moment. 'No sir, we did not!' "I thought I'd lost you man." Sam acknowledged in the way Sam always did. He was happy and Dean felt, that no matter where they ended up, he knew he was home, as long as he was with his brother. But in typical Winchester style, the chick flick moment was over and both were in business mode.

Looking directly at Sam, Dean said, "what are we going do about to do about Lucifer?" 'Was there any other questions worth talking about! With no surprise, I could tell that Sam was ready to finish this and I could only imagine what the devil had whispered in Sam's ear when he was resurrecting him.' "I'll handle him. I will Dean. Let me handle him." It was clear from the head nods that Sam meant business, he was adamant that this task was going to be done. Dean believed him, he just hoped it wouldn't cost too much. "OK", it was the only reply Dean could make.

Moment over, the boys discussed the next steps. They had been incredibly lucky to find their mum and Jack so quickly, but now they needed to get moving, especially now that the clock was ticking. Eager to get moving and home, Dean piped up, "What's the next move, now that Lucifer's in the mix?" Sam shrugged his shoulders. They had both imagined a number of possible scenarios, but this one, they hadn't really thought of, despite the fact that they were using the devils' grace to keep the door open. "I'm not sure, but I know one thing, we need to move and move soon, because it will be cutting it close as it is and the longer Jack is near Lucifer, I fear it could make things even worse!"

"Well that makes things simple. We grab mum and Jack and I say we high tail it out of here, back through the rift. Close the door and let Michael and Lucifer kill each other. Job done, and your welcome!" Even though Dean knew he was being optimistic in one part and selfish in another, he knew it would not be that simple. So, both brothers believed, the first thing they needed to do was to get their mother organised and then they would both approach Jack. Unfortunately, when it came to their mother, Dean knew the woman was strong willed and would have her own thoughts on the so called plan! Sadly, for Dean he was about to get another slap to the face.

The first thing he saw as he approached his mum was her interaction between Lucifer and her and mainly the punch directly to his face. Dean couldn't help but be in awe at his mum. 'Who could say that their mother punched the devil not once but a whole number of times in the face. Awesome!' But Dean quickly buried that thought as there were more important matters to attend to. So instead he complimented Mary with 'nice shot'. He could tell that Sam was equally impressed when he included a 'no kidding' with the remark. In typical Sam style, he pushed forward and straight to business. "Hey, emm, we really should go look for Jack and get back home…. Before it's too late" Dean was not prepared for the answer his mum was about to provide him. "I, eh, boys, eh, about that." Deans heart began to sink as her words began to sink in. 'Oh no mum. Please not this again. We came for you. Are you not happy to see us? Are you not ready to come home with us so we can work on us being a family, for once?' But he said none of this, instead he waited for those dreaded words, and no surprise they came. "I'm not going back." Mary had them no sooner out of mouth, that Dean answered, "I'm sorry what?!" He was trying not to sink into denial but it was beginning to hurt deep within him. 'How many times could we take this type of rejection. I know deep down, that mum doesn't hate us. I shouldn't take it personal, but how else am I meant to take this?'

Mary continued, "I fought beside these people. I respect them. I respect their cause. You can't expect me to abandon them." Sam added, "that's not. You heard, what Lucifer said, we have 31 hours." But Mary was standing her ground. "Sam! Dean! I know what you went through to come find me. But these people are being slaughtered." Dean fought ever instinct he had. He wanted to shout at his mum, 'yeah sure you know what sacrifices we made to get here. The hell we went through. The pain and the suffering. NOT! But don't worry, you put the needs of strangers above your sons. What would be different.' But Dean didn't say any of this. He couldn't. This was his mother and he loved her, no matter what. He didn't want to think that maybe he loved her much more than she loved him. 'After all, it has only been one year mum, since you've known the adult version of me, Dean, your son. Heck, mum probably knows most of these people and Jack better than she knows me and Sam. Who am I trying to kid. Only myself.'

Instead of giving voice to his thoughts and insecurities, Dean let his face show how upset and even betrayed he felt. It was clear he knew she was choosing others over her sons again. Mary saw the look and said, "They need me here." Dean couldn't help himself, emotion showing he answered, "No. We need you mum" We do!" Mother and oldest son were locked in a battle of wills. Dean continued, "We've been mopping up the world for years. Years! We've been knocked down, we've been possessed. We've lost friends, we've lost family. We've lost each other. And we've never walked away from a fight. And sometimes, we should of, cause not every fight everywhere could be won. It just can't. Tell her!"

Dean was expecting a response, but not this. "I think mum made up her mind." Dean almost didn't catch the significance of what he had said, but Sam continued, "mum doesn't want to leave these people. So let's take them with us!" Dean let those words sink in. 'Oh hell no Sam! We can't. There's no possible way we can get all these people across this terrain and back home. Never name what we'd do when they're home?' Instead, Dean let his 'what the fuck' look show on his face when Sam sided with Mary. Sensing weakness, but trying not to get too excited, Mary continued, "They'll never leave their home. They'll never leave their cause." Sam countered, "I'm not saying abandon the fight. I'm saying we get them somewhere safe and then we all figure a way to take down Michael. Then once we do, they can come back and save their world." Dean thought it sounded so simple, too simple, his mum would never believe him, but for a second time in minutes, Dean was shocked. Mary had a look of pure adoration and pride on her face when she looked at Sam. Proud that he had been smart, caring and considerate to think of all angles, not just about themselves. Seeing the look and thinking on this further, Dean could do nothing but agree. He wasn't 100% bought into the plan, but he felt that his voice meant less now somehow and if he voiced it he would be seen as selfish. So he said nothing.

His thoughts were interrupted as Mary said, "you do that for them?" She smiled. Dean tried to hide his concerns and his emotions and as per usual, these were best hid behind humour and bravado. He simply replied, "well, what we got? Nine busting out, what's a few more. How many we talking about?" He got his answer that it was too many just by the sheer amount of time it took Mary to count up in her head. "25". It was on hearing the number that Sam seemed to snort. He hadn't realised there were so many but instead of letting his mother down, like Dean he looked towards the ground and silently panicked as to how they were going to make this work.

With the decision made, Mary walked off towards the centre of the camp, most likely to inform the others, that there was a mass evacuation. This could not happen without at least speaking with the other resistance leaders and that meant leaving the camp and making their way towards Bobby's settlement. That in itself was a good few hours away. As Mary walked away, Sam seemed to sense Dean's mood and thought best to make himself busy somewhere else. On the other hand, Dean stood still with his hands clenched at his sides. He had a headache coming on. 'What the hell do I do now? It's going to be difficult getting there on time but with moving so many people, we run the risk of grabbing angelic attention, most likely from Michael.'

It was the thought of that particular archangel that filled Dean with a strange fear. He had always revered Michael in some way, though he had only really engaged with the other worlds' Michael at least twice. But this world's version was by all costs, even worse. 'What if he finds us and stops us? What if he knows who or more likely what I am? I will fight him, but my family are here. Can I hold out against him? Would I be able to deny this version the yes, the other Michael failed to get? I don't' think I'm as strong as I once was.' He closed his eyes and tried with every ounce of inner strength he had to stop both his hands from shaking by his sides. After a few minutes of taking deep breaths he calmed down. It was at this moment that he realised that it was better not to think further about Michael. He needed to concentrate in getting everyone home safe and sound. After all, he was not the most important issue, there were so many other things and people ahead of him that needed to be considered first. With that thought, he opened his eyes and moved to help his brother and mother gets things moving.

Castiel POV:

Castiel was worried. He was worried about Dean and his current behaviour. It hadn't missed his attention that Dean had watched his brother die. Had seen him resurrected, by Lucifer of all things and now was trying to get his mother and Jack to come home with them. Jack. That was the big question for Castiel. He was really worried about the nephilim. Not only was he struggling with the day to day stuff of having the weight of looking after all these humans, but he now had to contend with his father being present. Of course, Dean's behaviour towards Lucifer coupled with his parenting approach towards Jack being similar to that of John Winchester was so not helping. In fact, thanks to Dean pushing, Jack had vanished and no doubt was sitting angsting over everything somewhere.

Now, Castiel was facing Lucifer, something he had hoped he wouldn't have to do directly again, but today was full of surprises. "Come on Cas, old sport!" Cas was not impressed. "I'm not your sport. And I will not broker a relationship between you and your…" It was the flutter of wings that marked Jack's arrival. Lucifer thought it funny and he remarked, "speak of the 'not devil'". Jack walked closer to both angels. Lucifer looked at his son, "Son!" Jack did not like this, "It's Jack!" Castiel felt it was time to warn Jack about his father. "Jack, talking with Lucifer, it's, it's not a good idea." Unfortunately for Castiel, Jack was too curious for his own good. "I'm not going to talk, I'm going to listen."

Castiel closed his eyes in frustration and dismay. This was so not a good idea, but he was powerless to do anything about it. He had learned from Dean's earlier approach, that that approach was not the best way of dealing with the Lucifer/Jack problem. Jack did not understand how manipulative the devil could be he. He would must likely play on Jack's insecurities. Lucifer took the opportunity to break his thoughts with a whispered, "he's going to listen." And with that smug reply, Cas shook his head.

"Whoow, I've been waiting for this moment for so long, I just don't know what to say. It's just this dad thing is sorta new to me. So a, do you have any questions you want to ask. Don't let my status as a legend hold you back." Jack interrupted with his question, "why does everyone hate you?" Castiel watched as Lucifer took the question in his stride. "Hah, well, he just got, he just got right to the point.. that's good. That's good. Good question, emm, you've probably heard the stories. Right? Anything ugly happens, any evil befalls the world, it's my fault. …. Fake news!" Cas couldn't believe the spin that was coming out of his mouth. "Well that's NOT. Entirely. True." Lucifer always had an answer to everything, so this was no different. " Well, well , well. I have done things that I'm not entirely proud of. I've led the occasional soul to ruin, this is true. But Jack, it's because humans are so messed up. They're so willing to be led." Thankfully Jack was still not won over. "My mother was human." Lucifer realised his mistake and backtracked, with "awesome lady. Incorruptible. Not like that. Great kisser and lost my virginity to her."

Cas shook his head, this was a car crash and he was watching it happen. Lucifer read between the lines and stopped the line of conversation. He corrected himself, "I mean the point is. Humans are not perfect. They're hardwired to fall and when they do they need a fall guy and…" Cas took in his explanation and couldn't believe the gall, "That's a vast over simplification." Lucifer did not like Castiel interfering, though he kept his temper. It wouldn't do if he accidently on purpose disintegrated the angel/father figure in front of Jack. "OK Cas, true or false, for over almost ever, I've been locked away in a cage?" Reluctantly Cas had to say yes. Lucifer continued is argument, "True. It's true. SO how did I do all this evil? For all these centuries, I wonder?" Cas knew it was too much, too late and give up and walked away to find Dean and Sam. Perhaps reinforcements was required. As he walked away, he heard Jack ask further questions. He was getting sucked in further into the devils' narrative.

Thankfully, Cas came across the two brothers quite quickly. He overheard Dean say, "OK, well getting an extra 25 in that rift may not be possible." Sam took his arrival to ask the question, "Cas, right any update on Jack?" Cas sighed, "He's back." As Sam asked where he was? Cas thought it was best to get to the point, "he's with Lucifer." Of course, it had the right reaction. No one was happy with this development and Dean's face said it all, 'what else could possibly go wrong!'.

Castiel watched as Dean went into overprotective mode. Within seconds he had managed to seek out and had located both Lucifer and Jack and as Cas, Dean and Sam approached, they could overhear the devil ramble on about powerful families in history, no doubt trying to impress the boy. Having heard enough bullshit, Dean interrupted. "Hey. Hey. I told you NO talking. And I told you NO listening!" Jack bit back, "Dean, he's in chains." As usual Dean had a witty retort, "His mouth isn't. I should have gagged him!" The next words out of Jack's mouth, hit home to Cas. This got to the route of everything that was going on with Jack. "I need to know about my powers. My family." Cas said, "Jack. We are your family. We have been protecting you, we've been honouring your mothers wishes. We're your family." Sammy lent his voice to the debate. "Jack, you have no idea who Lucifer is." Jack was annoyed now. "And I never will, unless I talk to him." Dean shouted, "Jack!" but Jack had grown strong in the past few months and didn't back down. "Dean! He's my father." Lucifer said nothing. He didn't need to. The damage to relationship had been done and in Castiels' opinion, Jack was one step closer to believing in his father.

Dean POV:

Dean was still fuming as they walked towards Bobby's camp. It hadn't taken long to dismantle the other camp and move out. He knew he had been too severe in his dealings with Lucifer in front of Jack. It's just he couldn't help himself. Lucifer had been the source of all of his family's pain and now he was obviously trying to manipulate his way into Jack's heart, but for what purpose? Because try as Dean might, he couldn't imagine, that it was for love. There had to be something else going on, and Dean was willing to bet the keys to his baby that it was for the power currently running through Jack's veins.

Dean internal ranting was interrupted by his mother, "we should reach base camp in a couple of hours." Dean and Sam both nodded as they led the column of survivors towards Bobby's camp and one step closer to safety. Dean couldn't relax as he knew less than 8 steps behind him, Lucifer was walking and talking to Jack. After having to listen to Lucifer mumbling, Dean got nervous. "Sam, go back there and check out what Helter Skelter there is saying to the damn kid!" Sam agreed and held back to naturally walk alongside them. Meanwhile Dean fumed on in silence. His body language was not lost on Mary. "Take it easy on Jack, he's been fighting a war. He's trying so hard to prove himself, but he's lost people, friends, it's gonna take a minute to get through it." Dean seemed to listen to what she was saying.

They walked on. Dean couldn't help hearing Jack speak to Sam about something to do with taking out Michael. Dean felt he had no control on anything and though, he would never say it to his mum or even Sam, he was worried. Every moment they were here, increased their chances of running into Michael. This was something that Dean really wanted to avoid. He couldn't put his finger on it, but ever since he had arrived to fulfil this mission, he had an increasing sense of uneasiness and foreboding. He would have felt stupid to share with Sam or Cas, but he had a weird feeling that at various times, he felt a presence close by. He had no evidence, but there were times earlier in the mission, that he felt he could sense something or someone else present.

Dean jumped, just a little when his mother continued, "Dean, like it or not, Lucifer is Jack's father. He's going to take an interest in him." Dean was annoyed. "So what we're just supposed to let Lucifer drag him over to the dark side." Mary smiled, she knew Jack well. "Jack's not going to the dark side. He'll see Lucifer's true nature. And he'll see it through his own eyes, not yours." Dean listened. He may not have liked hearing this, but he couldn't deny that his mother's worldly wisdom was most likely right. He would be a fool to ignore it. He nodded and took it on board.

Thankfully, Dean was spared thinking too much more on the topic, as he looked up and to his right to see Cas briskly walking back towards him. "Hey, find him?" Cas said, "No. Gabriel went ahead to scout. He should be back by now." No one got a chance to relax as Gabriel broke through some branches shouting 'ANGELS!'. Everyone responded with raising their weapons and prepared for the inevitable confrontation. It never came, as the group of angels were disintegrated and disappeared in a cloud of greyish black smoke. Everyone looked around and saw Lucifer standing smugly with his hand up. He had just destroyed the angels with a simple click of his fingers. Jack watched in awe. Dean not so much! He realised the devil was literally 'taking the piss' out of them by wearing the handcuffs. And as if he had just read Dean's mind, the cuffs literally melted off his wrists.

"Oh yeah, about the cuffs. I knew they wouldn't hold me in this world. Long story short, I didn't want your impotence to get awkward, so I just went along." Lucifer smiled and then said 'your welcome.' He looked to Jack who was smiling with what looked like pride. Dean looked on, with growing distrust and disgust. They needed to get away from this world and fast.

Thankfully, there was no further incidents on the road to Singers Salvage yard. As Dean and Sam took in the yard, both were a little creeped out by the sign. It brought back too many memories. Dean was remarking how it was 'no Sioux Falls' when Bobby joined their conversation. After a few light hearted remarks, Bobby cut right to the chase. "Anyhow it's good to see you boys again. I knew you couldn't stay away." Dean smiled, "yeah, you know where we can find Charlie… or Ketch? Bobby answered, "well, they aren't back yet. They got a tip on an angel kill squad looking to execute some resistance. They went to head them off at the pass." Dean did not like hearing the news that once again Charlie was putting her own safety directly on the line. His face said it all as he said, "you let Charlie got with Ketch?" Bobby knew what was going on. "She let ketch go with her, it's her operation." Dean had no other choice but to let it go and accept, he had no control over this and even less say.

Sam chose the moment to ask, "Bobby, we're going to have to hit the road soon. We're running out of time." Bobby knew what they were talking about. "Well about that, Mary said you want to take a bunch of our people back to this other earth." Dean agreed and then took a drink. Bobby continued, "well no offence, that may be the dumbest frickin idea in a landfill of dumb ideas." Dean couldn't argue with him. He hadn't been ecstatic about the idea, but if it got his mum and Jack to come home, he would invite half of the planet to come back through the doorway.

Michael's POV:

Michael looked out from the doorway of the mobile command centre (it was really a large tent, pitched in the centre of Heaven's latest earth HQ). He knew the clock was ticking and as he reached out with his mind, he sensed that his vessel was much closer to the portal. In fact, he had just reached the rebels main base camp. He smiled at this thought, because he had just learned news from his Lieutenant, Tobias, that the human Charlie and off worlder Ketch had just been captured. It was too late in many respects, but he couldn't help take satisfaction that these two particular 'thorns in his side' were about to be taken care off.

Sadly, as always he was pulled from his reflections as Raphael arrived. Michael was relieved that his brother's mission had gone off without any problems. It was at least one less thing for him to concern himself with. Though, he was in two minds to really care about this world, given that he would soon not be in it. But, he knew the information that Raphael had been tasked with obtaining was critical to his success in the other world. "Welcome back brother, I trust you were able to meet with our old friend 'Death'?" Raphael paused and then nodded.

It had been a risk to meet and share his intentions to go to another universe with the Angel of Death, especially as the angel had a big rule about the natural order and sending an archangel to another universe, was more than just tweaking in that said universe. No it had the major potential to rip the natural order up and change too much. Judging from the look on Raphael's face, Michael could tell that the discussion with this universes' version of Death had not gone any different. "Speak openly brother. I need to know the position as I'm sure I will have to face the other version of Death at some stage, especially as I have big plans."

"Hmmm….. (Raphael actually sighed!)…. It was as we expected Michael. The Horseman was not amused by this plan of yours. He was very adamant that we minimalise the contamination and send the off worlders back and seal off the rift from our end." Michael was not happy with the suggestion and Raphael could see this. " I know brother this is not what you want, but I can't help thinking that by sending the nephilim and Lucifer back through the portal, you will be getting rid of opponents. And with that the human resistance will crumble once and for all. You know, the humans are failing, it won't take long to finally crush the remaining insurgents and then we can rebuild."

"Stop Raphael!" Michael could not, no, he did not want to hear any more from his brother. "Just stop! I know it sounds like sense and I have always valued your advice on such matters but I do not fear the half breed and I can easily crush Lucifer. But take a look around this world. It's destroyed. Even if we win, we have lost. There's nothing to conquer, there's nothing left to build with. Humans are all but extinct and the natural world has been devastated." Michael did not want to admit that he was not a 'builder'. "Raphael, I am a soldier. I have always been a commander. War is what I do. And as I look out around this world, I realise that there's nothing left to conquer. You, brother, you are the builder and it is only right that it should be you to be the peacetime leader. You can rebuild this world, but this other world, has these abominations in it and father has given me the signs and mission to go there and cleanse it too. How can I ignore father's orders?"

"But Michael, Death was adamant that there are rules when it comes to other universes. That's why our father made it so difficult to cross realities. We can't ignore Death's warnings. Please brother stay here. I fear for you especially as you're going alone. At least take a battalion of angels with you." Michael seemed to think on Raphael's reasoning and words. "I don't fear Death's retribution and I don't fear the unknown. I will have my 'sword' and with that all the power that father had promised me. Yes, I will be breaking the rules, but father would not have sent these visions and sent my vessel to me, if he had not wished me to go down this path. I cannot ignore the wishes of my father or my destiny."

Raphael's face seemed to show unease, especially at the mention of the 'sword'. After a very long silent pause, Raphael decided to speak up. "Michael! You know you are my Commander and my friend. We have fought alongside each other for so long, I can't count. But I am concerned about your motivations, especially when it comes to your true vessel." Michael was furious. 'How dare he question my thinking and question father's orders. The presence of the vessel should only stand to make this more clearer that it is ordained by God and meant to be. Not the opposite.' Michael straightened his back and moved his hands to his side, and began to clench them, as if getting ready to attack.

"Apologies brother, you misunderstand. I mean no offence, but were your vessel is concerned, we should exercise extreme caution. We know he refused your other self in the other universe. We know that apocalypse failed to happen and as Lucifer has stated, it was due to both yours and Luci's vessels. The risk is too great. What if you can't get a yes and quickly, what will you do? What if the other universe is too different and the nephilim is too strong, what will happen to you? I just don't want the obsession with your vessel to cloud your military and strategic judgement. That's all I'm saying Michael."

Calming down, Michael understood where Raphael was coming from. He too, had given over considerable time to these thoughts, but he couldn't ignore the ache in his being. The emptiness and the need to have purpose. He raised his eyes and in a quiet voice shared his thoughts. "I understand your concerns and even your logic. The general in me looks at this and see's too many unknowns. I mean, who gives up nearly every tactical advantage and goes into enemy territory without better intelligence? But I can't ignore father's orders and I know Dean Winchester is stubborn but he is my sword and once harnessed, the power will be boundless. Surely you can see that? Surely you can understand it? If I stay here, I will go insane with boredom. I am a fighter and with my sword, I get the chance to do it right, not just for this world but for the other world. A world which is lost and has fallen so far, Lucifer runs freely and he's producing deadly offspring. I have my mission and I will have my sword!" Michael emphasised that this was the end of the debate by slamming both his fists on the makeshift table in front of them.

It was at that stage, that the seraph and heaven's Assistant Chief Interrogator, second only to Naomi had arrived. Michael and Raphael looked at one another and quietly acknowledged that the decision was made and the conversation over before allowing the angel to enter. Michael couldn't help but smile as he took in the angel in front of him. 'Who would have thought it, that in the other universe, there would be a rather annoying version of you running about with humans and openly rebelling against your kind.' Michael looked this universe's version of Castiel up and down. He tried to catalogue the differences in the two versions. Their vessel was the same, but that's where the similarities ended. "Ah! Castiel! Good of you to come. I have a rather special job for you to do. Sadly, it was time sensitive, but now, well…, not so much now. Buuutttt, still it would be useful for you to use your particular set of skills on two human prisoners that are being held off site. I need you to find out everything about the resistance and their plans and I need the information as quickly as possible." Castiel preened at the unusual compliments coming from Michael. He replied, "your order will be carried out without question Sir. Do you wish them completely broken and then destroyed or do you have any other plans for them?"

Michael thought on the question. There really wasn't any need to even interrogate them now, especially as the information would be useless in a day or so's time (according to the prophet). But, he couldn't help think on how much fun it would be for this Castiel to meet the other version. If anything, it may unsettle the rebels and off worlders some more. "Completely break them and do as you wish with them both. I don't see them having any further tactical use past the information they hold. Feel free to exterminate them." As Michael finished, Castiel saluted and turned to leave. "Oh Castiel, word to the wise, be quick. I would recommend to interrogate them this evening. I believe you will get the information you require." With Castiel's departure, Raphael couldn't help notice Michael's extra grin. "Why brother did you send him. You know we don't need the information. So why send him out to get ambushed?" Michael walked across the room and lifted a spare angel blade that had been sitting on a nearby desk. "mmmm, good question brother. We both know what will go down. The prophet showed it to me along with all other events. I don't want to change too much of the prophecy just in case it changes the overall outcome. And I can't think of anything more horrendous for the off worlders than having to kill another version of their friendly angel."

Both archangels spoke further about plans and the options in front of them and after a few hours Michael quietly said his goodbye to a handful of the trusted and vanished. But before going, he agreed to take a few angels with him. It was a small gesture to placate some of the concerns Raphael had been holding and he knew they would be useful in the other world.

Castiel's POV:

It was nothing short of pride that Castiel was feeling as he watched Dean, Sam and Mary propose the evacuation plan to the remaining human leaders. The angel had been surprised that his angelic classification had been so welcomed, considering what his kind had inflicted on the innocent human population. But here he was standing quietly off to the side as he watched the discussion unfold.

"Let me get this straight, you want us to follow you through a magic door that's going to blast us the hell out of here and into some type of fairytale world were everything's pretty?" Castiel nodded his head. That was a fair point. If he had been hearing this for the first time, he too would have been highly sceptical. He didn't place much hope that Sam and Dean's plan would be agreed. Sam's voice broke through his thoughts. "Ok, that's not exactly what I was trying to say…" Mary spoke up. "Andy, I get that you don't know my sons, but you do know me. Hear them out!" Castiel couldn't help but smile. Mary was a natural leader. He could see where her boys took their skills from, especially Dean.

"No one here is running out on our buddies, running out on the fight." Castiel breathed in. He knew from Dean's body language that the elder Winchester was fast becoming annoyed. In fact, Dean's unease and behaviour during this mission had been causing him concern. Cas had always known, that when it came to family, Dean had a shorter fuse and was more protective, but he couldn't shake the sense that there was something else worrying Dean. As to what that was, it could be anything. And as on cue, Dean did not disappoint. "No one's saying running out. Guys, I don't know if you've noticed, but you're losing. OK! You're outmanned, your outgunned…" Thankfully Sam broke his brother's tirade, before something really insulting was said. "my brother!... Back home we're sitting on the biggest collection of lore and weapons in our world. Now, something in there, might be enough to even the odds." Dean got with the script and added, " so, we find that and then we come back here with a plan, a plan to beat Michael and his armies and then you win!"

Castiel never really heard the rest of the conversation. He knew it probably concerned everyone talking it over and having a vote. The seraph was more concerned with something that had been playing on his mind, ever since they had arrived. It simply was, where was Michael? Michael had to have realised Lucifer was in this world never name why he hadn't felt his true vessel yet! So, why wasn't he using the forces of Heaven to break down the doors to this camp and smite everything in his way.

Castiel also couldn't get the conversation he had had with Lucifer a few months back out of his head. It was when the devil had just escaped from this world and found him. He had not missed the true fear that Lucifer had displayed when he spoke of Michael and of his plans to come to their world. Lucifer had mentioned how different his brother had been. Lucifer had been frightened and as far as Castiel could tell, the devil was very keen to get back through the rift and close off this world as quickly as possible. Armed with all these thoughts, Castiel's ears twitched when her heard Bobby mention that Charlie and Ketch's mission had went sideways and that they were being held captive. Sam asked, "where did they hear about this execution?" With this statement, Castiel knew his interrogation skills would be needed at some point and he was not wrong. Within 20 minutes, the informant was placed on the chair in front of Sam and Dean.

Being brave, the human asked what did they want from him. Dean took the lead in the interrogation. "We're thinking you did." Sam followed up, "did you tell Charlie and Ketch about the angel kill squad?" Castiel watched as the prisoner agreed and then stated that he didn't know what they were talking about when he was accused of setting them up. Cas didn't have to wait to long until he saw the signal from Dean to do his thing.

It had been so subtle, Dean had looked coldly at the suspect and then lifted his eyes. Cas moved behind the man and placed his hands on his head and started to probe. The pain sent screams through the human and with a simple move of his eyes again, Cas stopped. "Do you want to try that again?" It wasn't long after that, that the human broke and spilled everything about the set up. But Castiel still remained uneasy. His gut kept asking, 'why was Charlie and Ketch set up?' It was also unnerving to learn through the mind probe, that the man had been given the order via an angel who had stated the order had come straight from the top. That could only mean Michael had given the order himself. Cas could understand Charlie's importance, given her track record with the resistance, but Ketch should not even be on Michael's radar. Unless, he was. That thought struck Cas's heart. 'If Michael knows of Ketch he will know who came here with Ketch at the same time. So, he will know of Dean. But it still doesn't make sense. Knowing everything, why hasn't he made his move? What is he waiting on?'

As per usual, there was never any time to stop and think and before Cas could really mull this over, he was arming himself and preparing for a counter assault and rescue of Ketch and Charlie. To make matters worse, both Charlie and Ketch were being held within 30 minutes walk of the camp, which didn't make sense. High priority prisoners like these two would have been flown directly to Michael's base of operations. So why this easily infiltrated outpost?

Cas pushed these thoughts to the side as he marched alongside Dean, Sam, Jack and Mary. The plan was a simple one. Get in, confuse, disorientate and take out the enemy and then save the hostages and get out. Clean and clinical. So it was with some discomfort for Cas, when he witnessed the other version of himself sneak out the back door and towards the truck. Cas held back and let the others lead the rescue mission whilst he took out his other self. Being honest, it was incredibly unsettling to see this version of himself. Cas couldn't help wondering if this is what would have happened to him, if he hadn't met Dean?

With no time to dwell, he grabbed his doppleganger and turned him around. His other self was stunned. "More than one of us! Fascinating." Cas was disgusted at what his other self had become. "I've gotten used to it." Before disposing of his replica, Cas checked through his bond to Dean to see that everything was OK. He was relieved that there had been no human casualties and they were beginning to grab everyone and make a retreat. His other self said, "you align yourself with humans?" Cas didn't have to justify himself, but he felt he had to make the point to this fascist. "I vastly prefer them to angels." His remark with countered with "don't think you are better than me. We are the same." Cas had to agree with that remark. Both would do anything for their cause. They followed the orders they believed in. With a killing blow, he replied, "yes we are!" He watched as the other version of himself slid to the ground in a heap.

After that, it all happened so fast. Dean carried Ketch out of the cabin and he was swiftly followed by Sam, Mary and Charlie. They fled across the countryside, back towards the Salvage Yard. As they made their way back, Castiel had some time to think on all that he had experienced. It had unnerved him meeting the other version of himself. But if he was honest, that really wasn't what was bugging him and he knew it. He stopped and looked up to the sky and then took time to look around him. Dean and Ketch had stopped as well. Obviously Dean was concerned and whispered, "what is it Cas? Enemy?" Cas stopped Dean from going for his weapon. He shook his head. "No. No, it's nothing Dean. I'm just a little weirded out by killing myself back there and I'm a little worried that Michael will be pissed when he finds out. But ignore me, I'm imagining shadows were there aren't any. Let's keep moving." Dean and Ketch seemed to understand and started to move again.

It didn't take long until the reached base camp. They off loaded their weapons and debriefs all who needed to hear. Still feeling a little uneasy, Cas stepped back a little, trying to blend into his surroundings. He wanted to take time to survey the landscape. 'What was he missing?' Bobby's voice caught his attention. "Good work! We gotta win. We don't get many of those these days. Real proud of you boys. And I've got some news. We took a vote, see who was idjit enough to go off to this other world with you." Sam asked, "yeah, any takers?" Bobby smiled. "Everyone, me included. For whatever reason I've a real good feeling about you two."

Castiel was relieved. Finally they were leaving and it couldn't come a minute too soon. As Bobby moved of to start getting packed, Dean, Sam and Cas decided to discuss the next steps. Sam lead the conversation, "Dean, that's great, how the hell are we gonna do this? We only have a few hours left." Cas was real proud because he could tell that Dean's mind was already coming up with a plan and as he followed the hunters eyes, he also saw what the plan was. Dean shouted, "Bobby, tell me about that bus!"