Cas nervously stepped from one foot to the other. 'So has anyone ever tried to sneak into a building before?' It was night time, Singer Salvage Yard was abandoned and closed. The lights were out in Bobby's home. 'Sure lots.' Dean and Jo spoke at the same time. Sam shuffled his feet before also nodding.

Castiel thought he'd feel calmer. But instead he felt even more nervous. They were about to commit a crime. Sam seemed to see his struggle because he made a soothing gesture. 'Relax, we going in and out. He won't even know we were here.' They were hiding behind a group of bushes. Cas once again gave the house a look. 'So you really think he's hiding it in the library?' Dean smiled, 'I don't think. I know. Bobby is smart, but he's also predictable. And besides if it isn't there then I'm sure you can trace it.'

He gave everyone a stern fatherly look. 'We don't speak unless necessary. We whisper. If you're in pain you suffer in silence. We leave everything behind exactly how we found it. Capice?' Jo saluted him. 'Aye captain.'

They quietly made their way towards the back door. The first thing Dean tried was to open it. When the door stayed locked he took out his lock pick. Relax Cas, everything's going smoothly. Castiel looked up at Jo who smiled. Sometimes it was difficult to keep his own thoughts separate from those of others.

Finally the door clicked and opened. Dean lacked his usually proud expression. Cas gave his hand a soft pinch. Dean felt embarrassed for breaking into the house of someone who he considered a father. Dean's expression quickly focused on Cas. He gave him a smug grin, but they both knew that the Winchester was fooling himself.

Castiel had never put a foot in Bobby's home. It looked like it could use a decent cleaning. Books were scattered everywhere. The sound of the creaking floor made everyone cringe. Cas could feel an energy buzzing through the house. At first it felt odd like someone was pulling at his organs. But suddenly he realised what it was. It was the grace, he could sense it again.

They made their way towards what Castiel assumed was the living room. Books were scattered on every surface. Dean and Sam gave each other a look. Carefully Cas bend down to pick up one of the books that were probably thrown on the ground. The page was opened on a painting of the archangel Michael. Bobby had been doing his research obviously.

The pull of the grace didn't get stronger though. Bobby hadn't hidden it here. Cas shook his head, indicating that they had to look somewhere else. Slowly they made their way towards the hallway. Cas can you hear me? Castiel stopped to turn towards Dean. Slowly he cocked his head, indicating that Dean could continue. Great, hey listen, pal, you're not sending us down to the basement right?

Cas wished he could send Dean a mind message as well. Instead he gave him an apologetic smile before heading down the stairs. The stairs creaked even worse and for one terrifying second they thought they would get caught. But Cas could sense that Bobby's mind was still blissfully unaware. They continued down the stairs.

The only one who seemed comfortable was Jo. She seemed unbothered as she walked around the dark basement. She was shining her flashlight around like she knew no fear. Cas made a quick note to keep Jo close. Sam had silently clutched Dean's jacket. But his expression was not fearful, simply cautious.

Who knew what Bobby Singer was hiding down here?

A growl got followed by Jo getting tackled to the ground by a creature. Dean immediately pulled his gun, ready to shoot the creature. 'Stop!' Jo quickly hissed, she pulled herself up. The creature was a dog. And it was licking her face.

She let out a soft chuckle. 'Hey Rumsfeld, how ya doing bud?' Dean dropped the gun immediately. 'Shit I forgot about the dog.' The way he said it implied that he wasn't the biggest fan of Rumsfeld, in comparison to Jo who was petting the dog. Sam's eyes lit up like he was seeing the most beautiful thing in the world. He quickly joined the petting. The dog loved it. 'Not the biggest fan of dogs Dean?' Cas asked.

'To quote a dorky dude: Don't ask stupid questions.' Dean looked up nervously. 'Jo can you stay with him and keep him quiet?' Jo smiled, 'no prob.' Rumsfeld was making himself comfortable, turning to show her his belly. Cas refocused on the object they were looking for. The pull was definitely stronger down here.

Cas followed the call without hesitation. He stopped at a big locked door. Dean raised his eyebrows, here? he asked. Cas nodded, he felt less nervous now that they were halfway there. Sam however was biting his nails. Dean was just about to open the door when a voice spoke up. 'Dean? Sam? Castiel? What are you doing down here?'

The three boys quickly turned around to meet the curious gaze of Karen Singer. Her ghostly appearance would've been terrifying if it wasn't for the bright pink apron that she was wearing. Sam was the first to find back his tongue. 'Hey Karen.' Cas managed to wave at her, his shoulders hurt because of the tension he was experiencing.

'Well we were just preparing a little surprise for Bobby.' Dean suddenly blurted. Karen's confusion didn't disappear yet. 'A surprise? His birthday is not around the corner… so what do you need from him?' She looked at her watch, 'isn't it kinda late? Don't you have school tomorrow?' Dean looked from Sam to Cas but neither said a thing. 'Well you know, he has always been good to us. We bought him a gift and we hid it away in this room, and we thought that tomorrow would be the perfect moment to give it to him.' Sam nodded quickly and added: 'So we'll just grab it and be on our way.'

Karen stared both Sam and Dean down, but neither flinched. Finally Karen turned to Cas, he felt nervous energy swirling around him at her cold eyes. 'And what are you doing here?' Dean opened his mouth to say something but Karen quickly hushed him. 'Well, I didn't feel like staying behind, and Dean told me about Bobby's dog so I really wanted to see him…'

Karen nodded, 'Rumsfeld is a doll, and he wouldn't harm a fly. Well I suppose you don't want me to tell Bobby?' For a second her appearance became translucent. Cas wondered what Jo was thinking, she was just around the corner, but Castiel didn't hear the dog, it was oddly quiet. Karen smiled.

Cas knew it was just a feeling, but for some reason he knew something was wrong. Sam was nodding, 'we appreciate it Karen! He'll love it. We'll see you tomorrow?' Dean put his hand carefully on Cas' shoulder. Are you ok? Dean gave him a worried look. He wished Dean could read his mind and realise something was off.

Dean turned around to open the door as Karen disappeared into thin air. Cas felt nervous as Dean finally managed to open the door. Sam was already walking into the round room, his gaze curious. Cas followed him but turned around at the last second, ready to call Jo. Dean was one step ahead and was already walking back to get her. 'Hey Jo, you coming or what?'

Cas felt a sting go through his head, like he hit his head. He knew, for some reason that this was Dean's pain and not his own. 'Sam, stay here. Dean is hurt.' Sam quickly followed him instead of listening. Both Jo and Dean lay unconscious on the ground, the dog was sitting in the corner. Completely unaware that Karen had hit Jo and Dean with a baseball bat. She glared at Sam and Castiel. 'You lied to me.'

Her form flickered, blood was dripping from her body. 'Karen what did you do…?' Sam seemed quite upset to see his brother on the ground like this. She ignored his question completely, instead she started screaming. 'YOU ARE LIARS AND YOU'RE HERE TO HARM US. YOU CAME HERE TO STEAL.' She pointed at the round room. 'I KNOW WHAT BOBBY IS HIDING IN THERE. AND YOU WON'T HAVE IT.' Her eyes got big as she looked at Cas.

'I know who you are. I know WHAT you are. And you won't take it.' Cas had been silently observing so far, but he felt something catch in his throat when she focused her anger on him. 'Karen please!' Sam was hunched over, checking if Jo and Dean were alright. Karen seemed to calm down a bit. She suddenly looked extremely pale, a slow smile formed on her face.

'If I kill you all our worries will go away. You're the reason that everything is a mess. If you're gone everything will go back to the way it was.' She nodded, convinced of her decision. Cas shook his head, suddenly regaining the ability to talk.

'Sam, run back to the room and if you can lock the door.' Sam nodded, seeming hesitant to leave his brother and Jo behind. Karen paid him no attention. Castiel took a step forward. 'Karen, let's get Bobby and talk this out.' Cas sometimes felt like he did not truly belong in his body like he was an outsider looking through someone else's eyes.

But sometimes he felt like he was watching scenes unfold. Like in this moment. He saw a dark basement. Two teenagers lay on the ground. A pale woman with a bat was bleeding, her breathing ragged in rage. Across from her stood a teen, with messy hair, dark bags under his eyes and a nervous expression.

Cas saw himself standing there, trying to talk sense into Karen while she deformed, left reality in flashes and let go of the baseball bat. He saw himself take a step backwards as she moved towards him. Her eyes said murder. Her smile promised dead.

Castiel snapped out of the outer body experience as he was flayed towards the brick wall. He managed to protect his head but did badly scrape his hands. He hissed in pain. 'Who is there?!' A rough voice boomed through the house. It was Bobby, he'd woken up from the noise. His heavy footsteps were bursting through the house and towards the basement.

Karen's head suddenly snapped up, 'Sam don't touch that!' She yelled and suddenly disappeared. Bobby was downstairs and was aiming the gun at a confused Castiel. 'Don't move or I will shoot your ass!' Cas immediately raised his hands and got a splash of holy water in his face 'Bobby it's me! Karen lost it; Sam is hiding in the round room. We need to check if he's ok.'

Bobby didn't even flinch as he looked at Jo and Dean. 'They're just unconscious. We tried to steal the grace from you, it was my idea. Karen found us and suddenly freaked out.' Cas tried to stand up when he heard a smash against iron. 'If you even flinch I will shoot your head off.' Bobby warned him. 'That round room is the panic room. It's designed to keep out supernatural folks. She won't get to him.'

He slowly lowered his gun, fire in his eyes. 'Karen, you there?'

Karen appeared almost immediately, she looked normal again. 'Bobby, these boys were trying to steal from you.' Cas slowly stood up, Dean let out a groan as he looked around. 'What the hell?' His eyes met Bobby's and he muttered a string of curses. 'You keep your potty mouth shut.' Bobby warned him before he turned his attention to Karen, 'did you hit them with the bat?' His voice sounded very neutral, neither kind nor angry.

But Cas could see a different read on him. Bobby was scared, he was being cautious. Dean looked around, 'where is Sammy?' Cas didn't dare speak up, so instead he helped Dean stand up. 'Your brother is hiding in the panic room.' Karen answered, all her craziness had melted away. She looked like a concerned mom. 'He seemed scared.'

For the first time in his life Cas felt like making a sarcastic comment, instead he quietly observed Bobby. 'Well I need to ask him a question so let's call him.' Bobby turned towards the panic room, 'Sam? Can you come over here? It's Bobby! We need to have a talk!' Slowly a pair of footsteps was drawing near, and with those footsteps did the pull of grace. Sam had found it.

He had a guilty expression as he saw Bobby. 'I know what you want to ask, I just want to start by saying that we're sorry for causing you so much trouble.' He held up the little bottle of grace. 'We just wanted to help Cas safe the world…' A strange thing happened, Bobby took the bottle from him quickly. His eyes shimmered with something strange. 'It's alright, just don't do it again.'

Cas decided to take the plunge, 'Bobby please hand it over to me. I know what it is, it belongs to me. Let me take care of it.' Cas reached out his hand, Karen shook her head. 'No! That's ridiculous. How dare you claim to know what's best?'

Bobby's grip tightened. 'No, I won't give it to you.' Dean shook his head, he'd been trying to poke Jo awake. 'You're joking, right? Bobby we need this to stop the end of the world. Just give it to Cas.' Cas felt confused at Bobby's odd change in demeanour. 'This is mine you hear me? You. Can't. Have. It.' Karen too seemed strange again, but Bobby paid no attention to his wife.

Of course, Cas remembered his dream. The way the archangels had looked hungry for power. This was a powerful object, of course it would corrupt. Cas surprised himself when he reached out his hand and pulled the object away from Bobby with no problem. It flew out of his grip and the moment Castiel got it he felt strange. Cas hardly heard Bobby yell in anger as he opened the bottle and poured the substance into his hand.

The moment he touched it, everything disappeared.

Wings flutter

Cassiel had everything he needed. He'd said goodbye to those he considered good friends, and had been spit on by those who wished him a miserable life on earth. Rumours had spread around like hellfire. The doomed angel Cassiel, the betrayer of his own kin, the seraph destined to fall in love with a human was going to protect one of the most powerful objects ever created.

It was ridiculous, and it was the way their father intended for it to be. Cassiel, of course, knew the words written about him. The words that predicted the apocalypse. He was going to fall from grace to be with the Righteous Man. The idea of falling in love, of being corrupted in any sort of way was ludicrous to the seraph. Cassiel only had one loyalty, one family and one purpose. And he refused to let himself fall into darkness. So taking on this task was the only way to redeem himself, to make him feel like he belonged again.

Before he could leave heaven a voice called out to him. Cassiel lowered his wings and turned to find Anna flying towards him. Once she landed she greeted him. 'Nice to see you here Anna. How can I help you?' Cassiel awaited Anna's instructions. Had she been sent by Michael to inform him they'd found someone more suitable to protect the Crown? She spoke quickly, like she was forcing the words out of her being. 'I come here to request to take your place. I know many must've tried to do the same. But please consider letting me carry this burden.'

Her eyes had that look, that look of desire that he'd only seen a few times on her icy expression. 'I've observed the humans for a long time. I will fit in well. I know how they think, I know how they act-'

'You know how they are capable of feeling,' Cassiel interrupted. Anna's wings moved nervously, '… well of course, but that won't be an issue!'

Cassiel shook his head. He felt pity for her. 'You are the only one who wants to take my place, no-one even dares to cross me right now because of what I have in my possession.' Anna stayed silent. 'You have to talk to Naomi, Anna. I've quietly observed your behaviour, you seem obsessed with these humans. I can feel your desire to be there instead of here.' Cassiel tried to give the angel a friendly look, 'but this is where you belong.'

Anna nodded, 'I take that as a no.'

'I apologize. I must go now, I have a long journey ahead of me. Take care of yourself.'

Cassiel could feel the jealousy radiate from her but did not comment.

'I guess I'll try to visit Naomi sometime. I wish you good fortune Cassiel. And until next time.' With those words the angel spread her wings and left. Cassiel watched her fly away for a bit, knowing that soon he would not be residing in heaven anymore.

He turned towards the edge of his world and looked down unto another. It was time. He took a deep breath, closed his eyes and allowed himself to drop to a new purpose.

Wings flutter

'Castiel? Cas you there?' Cas was being shaken, his eyes quickly opened and he regained consciousness. 'I'm alright. I'm alright.' He quickly looked around, Bobby sat in the corner, Sam was talking to him, he seemed worried. Karen was nowhere to be seen.

He felt strange, a bit tingly. Dean seemed relieved that he was alright. 'Do you remember what happened?' Cas shook his head, he remembered taking the grace and taking it out of the bottle. Other than that… 'What happened?'

Dean sat himself down. 'Well Karen totally flipped and tried to hurt you. And you… well you almost… you almost made her explode?' Dean's aura was nowhere to be seen, he couldn't get a read on him. 'Care to elaborate on the exploding part?'

Sam pulled a face from across the room. 'Guys tone it down?' He asked, he seemed really concerned. Cas looked over, Bobby's eyes were closed. 'What happened to Bobby?' Sam looked up, his expression angry. 'You did this Cas.'

For a second Castiel was convinced that the ground would disappear, that he would fall into a pit of darkness and pain like he'd done so many years before. It didn't happen, and it filled him with confusion. Sure he knew that this was supposed to be bad, sad even. He knew he should feel guilty and be filled with dread. But his heart didn't miss a bit, his breathing was relaxed and calm. He tried to make a face of regret, he attempted to feel bad. But he failed.

'I see.'

No-one said anything. 'Jo is upstairs; if you need me I'll be there.' Sam's voice tried to conceal his anger but failed miserably. 'Try to wake Bobby up will you?' He left. Dean's face was unreadable. But he didn't event take hold of his hand. He just kept looking at Cas.

'Don't mind him too much, he'll be alright in a few hours.' Cas knew he should feel bad that the younger Winchester was angry at him, but he could neither remember nor care about it. 'Dean tell me what happened, I need to know.' His own voice sounded strange to him, he shifted awkwardly. His whole body felt strange, like he was wearing a layer of tight uncomfortable clothes that was meant for a child and not a teenager.

Dean seemed to think for a second, eventually he spoke. 'Well you took it and you gave us all such a strange look. Said these verses like you were reciting something, but we couldn't understand a word of it. Do you remember?' Castiel couldn't remember that at all. 'When I took hold of it I blacked out. I had a dream. It was about the angel Anna.'

Cas remembered Anna's cold empty expression as she told him that there was no escape from his faith. What had happened to her? She had changed. He remembered her true form, and how it suddenly became clear to him that angels were no humans. And never would be.

'Well you were talking, so I tried to snap you out of it. Bobby suddenly started acting normal again but Karen flipped. She tried to hurt you and your eyes started glowing. And I'm pretty sure she almost exploded. But then Bobby tried to stop you and you touched his forehead and now he won't wake up.'

Cas nodded, he looked around. 'Where is Karen? Is she ok?' He didn't really care if she was hurt or not, but if she was alive he needed to know. 'She snapped out of it a bit later, she was very upset and disappeared.' For a second Cas was sure he could feel something move in his chest, maybe worry? Regret? Dean seemed to notice because suddenly he took his hand.

'Don't worry too much about it. Karen was not your fault. She has been stuck in this world for a long time. That she's acting this way happens eventually. My dad has tried to convince Bobby many times to just let her rest. But he can't do it, and Karen refuses to leave his side.'

Cas stood up, still holding on to Dean. His insensitivity was slowly fading. He took a sharp breath and there it was. Fear, sadness, anger, self-hate and remorse. His mind was chanting. You worthless piece of garbage. You should die, just die, die already. End it now. All thoughts hit him like a train. 'Dean… I hurt him. I hurt Bobby. Oh, God… What have I done?!'

Dean's aura returned, making his eyes hurt. 'Make it stop Dean. Please!' He tried to free himself but Dean pulled him into his arms. 'Easy Cas. Close your eyes. Bobby will be fine. You didn't do it on purpose. We're all fine and we got what we came for. So close your eyes, take a deep breath with me. And relax.' Cas had never known how full his head was with thoughts. Until now. Slowly the ringing in his ears disappeared, he relaxed.

'Man I'm really relieved that you're you again.' Dean admitted. Cas pulled back slightly, 'what do you mean by that?' Dean's aura was softly touching him like he was still a bit afraid of him. Dean afraid of him? It made his stomach turn.

'Well you acted so strangely just now. Like you just couldn't care at all. You gave me this look like I was a stranger.' Cas understood, he'd felt it too. Like someone had cut away a part of him that was capable of feeling. 'Yeah I felt it too, but it's gone now. I feel fine.' Dean nodded, his eyes went from worried to relieved. 'Man, I could kiss you right now.'

'Not again, Jesus Christ, you two must be the two biggest idjits I've ever laid my eyes on.' Bobby spoke up, he'd woken up. He sat in the corner with a grumpy expression. Both Dean and Cas quickly pulled away from each other embarrassed. 'Oh please continue. The sweetness is making my teeth rot. And when you two are done playing Romeo and Juliet you can help me upstairs and explain to me what the hell is happening here.'

He pointed at Cas, 'and I should fire you for breaking and entering and stealing.'

Cas felt a pit form in his stomach. Bobby's angry expression faded. 'Ugh, you know what? Never mind. Just help me upstairs and make me some coffee.'

'I would definitely be Romeo in this scenario.' Dean said.
'Dean we all know that you would be the chick.' Bobby dismissed him.

Wings flutter

After Bobby had had five strong cups of coffee and some really early breakfast he turned towards the kids. 'So you're telling me that Jesus Christ…'

'We call him Evil Jesus.' Jo interjected.

Bobby gave her a look. 'Alright… so you're telling me that Evil Jesus is real and that the angels want you to help bring him back?' Cas nodded, 'that's the short version yes.'

Bobby poured another cup. 'So why didn't you guys just ask me if I wanted to hand it over? Would have saved you this little fiasco.' He took a big gulp of a flask next. Dean pulled a face, 'we did and you said no!' Bobby looked at him, genuinely surprised.

'So why do you think I can't remember?' Cas nervously pulled his hand on his watch where both pieces of grace where residing. They still needed to find three other parts. And if he had them all… what would happen next?

Jo dropped her own coffee and suddenly fell down. Her face a strange expression as she got surrounded by a blinding light. Suddenly her eyes opened again. 'Jo are you alright! What happened?' Sam and Dean were helping her get up. She looked around, a smile slowly formed on her face. 'I'm fine, it's a little bit off a rush I will admit, but I'm fine.' Jo stood up. 'I've come here to give you information.' Her way of speaking was strange.

She smiled and turned towards Cas. 'Hey Cassie!'

Castiel felt like he was getting punched in the stomach. 'Balthazar?' He blinked a few times, behind Jo's aura was clearly a blinding white light that looked awfully familiar.

Jo- no Balthazar smiled cheekily. 'The one and only!' He gave his body a good look. 'And this time in the form of a pretty girl, if this isn't my lucky day.' Everyone looked at Cas now. 'Is this the angel?' Dean asked. His expression murderous, Cas hardly confirmed it or Dean was already aiming his gun.

Balthazar quickly raised his hands. 'Easy tiger! Your tiny female friend is fine for now. She was still a little bit dizzy from the hit she got, so convincing her to give me access was pretty easy. Kinda sure she actually needs to go to the hospital. But I'll just heal her head now while I'm at it. That aside, bullets don't hurt me.' Bobby was muttering under his breath. Whether he was praying, cursing of reciting an exorcism would remain a mystery.

Sam seemed most upset of all. 'Why are you here?' Cas requested. 'Hurry up, we don't want you here. Your presence attracts the attention of others.' Balthazar seemed slightly upset, Cas felt his stomach turn when he saw Jo's empty eyes look at him. 'Well I wanted to congratulate you for having found two parts already. Honestly I'm surprised you're not dead yet. With you-know-who going to school with you.'

Dean's aura was distrust to the bone. 'But you're here, so I guess she hasn't started her plan yet.' Balthazar looked out of the window, he seemed a bit nervous again. 'Because the Crown is so powerful it has a weird effect on humans. It makes them corrupt, they want to keep it to themselves no matter what. So that's why you don't remember Mister Singer. But it's safe with Cassie now. He's the only one who can't be corrupted by it.'

Dean spoke up, loud and threatening: 'why should we trust him? Why are you helping us?' Balthazar scoffed, 'First and most of all: I'm in a female vessel so I prefer female pronouns thank you very much. And second: easy, I'm helping because I'm nice.' Bobby laughed, it was dry and short. 'That's bull, everyone wants something. What is it that you want?' Balthazar smiled mysteriously. 'That's for me to know.'

Cas felt like he was being punched in the gut. He'd never considered if the angel had other motives. 'This vessel is reacting badly to my presence so I need to leave soon. Cassie, stay cautious. It has been awfully quiet out there so I'm pretty sure they're planning something.'

She handed Sam a little roll of paper. 'This is what Cas was residing. I heard you're the one who does the decoding? Because this might be useful.' Sam took it quietly, the angel gave him an intense look. She smiled, 'Mmm… you're an interesting one Sam Winchester. I'm sure we'll hear from you again.' She turned to look at Dean, her smile broadened. 'Both of you.'

A bright light, and a cheerful cheerio later the angel had disappeared. Leaving a confused Jo behind. 'Did-' she pointed at her herself, then she pointed at the ceiling. 'Did that just happen?' She let herself fall down in a chair.

Wings flutter

Castiel tried to list his activities for the day when he woke up. He knew that his neighbour Daphne wanted him to meet her cousin and that he still needed to finish some homework. Oh and of course there was the fact that the apocalypse was getting closer every day.

His morning went strangely easily. He didn't wake up feeling terrible. His alarm went and he stood up immediately. He ate without any trouble too. It was really quiet. He got a message from an unknown number.

Unknown: Good morning Castiel, I hope you slept well. It is Anna.

Cas should probably call Dean. Or Bobby, tell them that something was wrong. Instead he calmly saved her number on his phone and made his way towards the door to start his school day. Dean picked him up and tried to kiss his cheek. Cas leaned away. His phone pinged, another message.

Anna: I am warning you to stop looking.

Dean seemed taken back by his cold behaviour. He took hold of Cas' hand. 'Are you alright?' Cas pulled his hand away, he knew he should feel something. But he couldn't. His suspicions got confirmed when he received another message.

Anna: The more grace you find, the more humanity will be suppressed to make space. Eventually you will not be capable of feeling anything anymore. The damage will be permanent. Stop now, and surrender. And we will release you from your suffering.

'Cas?' Castiel quickly put his phone away and smiled at his boyfriend. 'I'm fine. Let's go.' Sam gave him a concerned look from the back seat but didn't comment either. Cas felt an odd feeling wash over him. Relief? He didn't feel guilty for lying at all!

They started driving. And for a second he swore he could see Crowley standing across the street. Watching him.

I AM BACK. Another chapter and this time things are happening. Honestly at this point, I'm just hoping you guys don't hate this fic. So I would appreciate it if you left a comment so I know what you guys are thinking!