Chapter 21
There was silence for nearly a minute after Sam and Gabriel left. Dean kept his head buried in his knees for this time; once he had partially composed himself again, he raised his head to look around the store. He held out his arms, waiting to be helped down from his spot on the counter; Idunn volunteered for this job instantly since Castiel was confused by what Dean's gesture had meant.
"Are you okay now Dean?" She asked the sniffling toddler as she placed him on the floor. Dean nodded half-heartedly, still refusing to say anything. Idunn crouched down and ran a hand over his messy hair, brushing the long bangs out of his face making it impossible for him to hide any longer. "I know it's getting harder for you to control your emotions, you don't have to lie to us Dean; we won't tell Sam if you don't want us to. But you're just going to have to face reality, Dean," She ran a hand through his hair again when he swallowed back tears, "As much as I'd like to say it's all going to be fine, I can't promise you that. However, I can promise you that we will try our very best to fix this as long as you promise to be brave and stay positive. Okay?" Dean's bangs fell back over his face as he nodded. "Okay." Idunn said with a comforting smile.
"Now, I'm going to go get you some milk and cookies, I'll be back in a second." She chirped as she span round while standing up. A small smile appeared on Dean's face at the mention of cookies.
Castiel stepped forward gingerly, wanting to comfort Dean but unsure of what to say to his upset charge. Fighting Lucifer didn't seem so bad now that Castiel was faced with an emotional child; he would probably be more successful with handling their Lucifer problem than comforting Dean.
"Is there anything else you need Dean?" Castiel asked him while Idunn fumbled about in the kitchen at the back of the store. Dean shook his head, seeming more coherent than he had been moments before, although he still had not spoken since Castiel had arrived in the store.
"Righteo Deano, I wasn't sure whether you were an oatmeal or choc-chip kind of guy so I got you both." Idunn announced as she set a tray with a plate of cookies, two glasses of milk and a green Sippy cup on the counter top. She handed Dean the green cup and held out the plate, nodding towards it when Dean just stared at her with furrowed brows. Dean's hand moved quickly as he grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and shoved it in his mouth, becoming more tranquil while he ate the snack.
Idunn handed Castiel the glass of milk which he stared at for a moment before placing it back on the counter, untouched. This went unnoticed by Idunn since she was distracted watching Dean comically devour the snack and sipped her own beverage, tearing off small chunks of cookie alternating between feeding the dog and herself.
"This was always my favourite part of this job, the only part I actually liked, you know? The kids, they were always so happy." Idunn said generally, once again not directing her statement to anyone as she fed the drooling dog.
"Can I ask a question?" Dean asked quietly as he chewed on a piece of cookie, staring at an invisible stain on the floor just in front of his feet.
"Shoot," Idunn replied encouragingly, pleased the kid was talking again.
"Wha's up with the whole Disneylan' thin'?" He asked bluntly. " I mean you're this ancien', powerful god wigfh', an' you're spendin' your days in a theme park," Dean probed, receiving an amused laugh from Idunn.
"I love youth. I feed off it, and you can't get more youthful than Disney World. No matter how old you are, even if it's only for half a second everybody feels like a kid in a sweet shop at Disney World. It's pretty incredible; even I couldn't do that with the amount of power I have. There's no magic, nothing supernatural, just pure joy and imagination." Idunn shrugged taking a bite of the cookie she'd picked up, "Plus, after spending centuries in a freezing cold climate, a little sunshine's a nice break." Dean smiled around his fourth cookie.
"An' the toy store?" Dean gestured to the surrounding shelves.
Idunn shrugged again, "What can I say; I'm an enthusiast for classic toys." She began placing the used glasses and plate back onto the tray, returning to the kitchen to place them in the sink. "You can play with something if you'd like," She shouted through to him, knowing that was what he was hoping for, kids always did.
Dean rushed over to a model army truck he'd had his eye on since they'd stepped foot in the place. He rolled it across the floor, chasing after it when it moved forward, laughing hysterically the entire time. Winston, the dog, began following him and the car, becoming progressively excited by the young visitor. Dean stared at the dog for a moment, Castiel expected him to push it away, being aware of
his dislike for the animal, but instead, Dean petted it's fluffy head and giggled when it licked his face.
Castiel and Idunn watched as Dean played with the car and the dog, Idunn laughed whenever he did something unbelievably cute- which meant she laughed a lot- and even Castiel cracked a smile when he heard Dean's high-pitched shrieks of laughter.
Winston quickly got bored of the giggling toddler and returned to his position at Idunn's feet, resting his chin on the brown leather of her boots. Dean was unfazed by the dog's lack of interest, he just continued to play with the army truck and green army men Idunn had also given him.
The heart-warming laughter and commentary of events were soon interrupted by Winston's frantic barking. The dog jumped up and ran at the door, barking loudly. Dean had flinched, frightened by the dog's noisy reaction to whatever it was that had disturbed him.
"Oh no," Idunn muttered. She rushed forward and scooped Dean up into her arms. "Come on," She said to Castiel, motioning towards the stock cupboard on the left side of the store. Castiel followed her into the small, cramped room filled with empty boxes and old, unsold stock. Idunn handed Dean over to Castiel who wrapped his arms tightly around the shivering child.
Idunn placed a hand on either of Castiel's shoulders and stared directly into his eyes, "Stay in here." She spoke slowly, exaggerating each word. "Do not leave this room, either of you, no matter what happens, no matter what you hear or think you hear, just do not move. Promise me." She waited until both Castiel and Dean nodded. "And stay quiet." She added for mainly Dean's benefit. She pushed Castiel down forcefully so he was slumped against the wall, his arms wrapped protectively around Dean who was sat in his lap, face hidden in the tan trench-coat.
Idunn went back through the door into the store front where Winston continued to bark. She took a deep breath to calm herself, stroking the dog's head in an attempt to quieten it, saying softly, "Sh-h, Winston, it's okay. We can do this." The dog growled but did as its master requested, silencing it's barking.
The door opened on its own accord and a middle-aged woman strutted in confidently, the sound of her high heels hitting the floor echoed through the store creating a shattering atmosphere. Her strawberry blonde hair was tied up in a neat bun and her expensive black, silk dress clung to her figure.
"Idunn, you've probably guessed I'm not here for a social call so I'll get straight to It." She glanced around the store in distaste displaying her disapproval; the tone of her voice had the same demeaning effect. "I assume you know why I'm here." She hissed bitterly.
Idunn shrugged, releasing an over-exaggeratedly jaded huff. "No idea, I know it can't be because of Disney World because you are incapable of having any form of fun. I hear there's a great restaurant around here." She snapped her fingers shaking her head. "No, it can't be that; you're not really a foodie person."
"Enough games Idunn, where is it?" the strawberry blonde advanced on the younger woman, her heels clicking on the wooden floor.
"Where's what?" Idunn asked.
"Idunn, I said enough games. What else would I be looking for?" her harsh voice cut through the tense air.
Dean clung tighter to Castiel's shirt as the two English voices battled each other for dominance and confidence; in an attempt to comfort the young, scared boy, Castiel employed a technique he'd seen Idunn use. He patted the blonde, shaggy hair in the same way Dean had petted the puppy, reserved but with a strong sense of affection.
"Well, I do get a lot of people coming in here asking for directions to the Magic Kingdom, like it's that hard to miss." Idunn smirked, her fear hidden by the sarcasm.
"This is why everybody hated you, Idunn." The older woman spat, becoming irritated by Idunn's childish behaviour.
"Yeah, well if everybody hated me why are they all looking for me? Ever think of that, huh?" Idunn asked with an immature scoff.
The other woman strode forward and grabbed Idunn by the collar of her dress, yanking the shorter woman upwards so they were at eye level. "Where. Is. It?" She gritted her teeth as she said it.
"Wow, Sigyn. I've never realised how pretty your eyes are before." Idunn grinned. Idunn went tumbling backwards when Sigyn hurled her away, wobbling for a moment before she was able to regain her balance. "You know, that wasn't very nice." Idunn said as she patted down her dress now crumpled dress.
"You're pathetic, you always have been." Sigyn commented as she swiftly studied Idunn form.
"You're just still jealous Mum trusted me more, even though you were the- what did you call it-" Idunn tapped her finger against her chin for effect, "Oh that was it, 'The Superior Daughter'."
Sigyn snapped, striking Idunn across the cheek. Castiel's grip tightened as Dean squirmed to be set free, wanting to help their new friend. Castiel stared pointedly at him, silently telling Dean to remain quiet like Idunn had instructed.
"I will ask you only once more. Where is it?" Sigyn's voice was chillingly calm.
Idunn spat the blood out of her mouth, shaking her head as she laughed. She raised her head to look at Sigyn again. "It's gone, I destroyed the last one years ago."
"I know that's a lie." Her voice rose before she collected herself, an unsettling smile appearing on her face. "But no worries, I suppose I will just extract what's left from that Winchester boy; I assume he's around here somewhere." Sigyn stared down at the model truck and army men implying she had already deduced that Dean had in fact been in the store, sparing a knowing glance at her younger sister.
Dean's eyes widened at the mention of his name, staring up at Castiel with a terrified expression. The angel patted his head lightly again in an effort to calm Dean's and his own nerves.
"Well, you know what they say when you assume right? Although you're already an ass so I guess it can't make you any more of one." Idunn noted, her voice becoming bitterer.
"Just tell me where he is and this will all be over. You can return to your bleak existence here and I will return home." Sigyn said, fixing her dress and turning away from Idunn, no longer interested in the younger woman who stared at her confused.
"Mum wouldn't let you touch the kid; we're not supposed to interfere. Anyway, the Winchester's are off limits to everyone; you know that." Idunn retorted.
"Well, she's desperate now. You made her desperate." Sigyn said slowly.
"Yeah, well tough because I'm not telling you shit." Idunn shrugged again, unsure what else to do to hide her crippling fear. Sigyn hit her other cheek, harder this time and Idunn's hand immediately went to cover the developing red mark. Dean wriggled in Castiel's arms again at the sound of the ruthless skin contact and although Castiel also wanted to help Idunn, he knew that they couldn't; Sigyn was more powerful than himself and they'd be giving her exactly what she wanted, Dean. Castiel couldn't break his promise to both Idunn and Sam, even if he did feel terrible about it.
"You ungrateful, selfish child; you would rather protect these swine than help save your own family?" Sigyn's voice was increasing in both anger and volume.
"Yes," Idunn shot back instantly, her hand still cupping her cheek. "In a heartbeat. I'd gladly help these 'swine' over you. For one thing, they've never tried to kill me, so there's that." She laughed as blood collected in her mouth from Sigyn's latest assault.
"You should never have betrayed us then." Sigyn said with yet another strike, this one hard enough to send Idunn to the floor.
Idunn looked up at Sigyn with a pained expression. "Betrayed you?" She asked as tears swelled in her eyes. "I was a confused kid who made a dumb decision in the middle of a war. Could you really blame me? I had to watch as my family killed each other for no other reason than power. Were you really that unaffected when Mum killed Dad?" Sigyn looked away from her sister. "Because I was. And then I was given this unbelievably heavy burden that I didn't want; it made me a target to everyone." Sigyn closed her eyes while Idunn spoke, unable to look at her younger sister. "Mum always criticised me and had no problem expressing her disappointment. She thought of me as an object, a possession that had no emotions." She choked back the tears, quietly laughing at how absurd her life seemed when spoken out loud. "My big sister's even attacking me because Mum told you too. You were supposed to look out for me, protect me, be my friend and instead you tried to find anyway to steal what little power and importance I had."
Sigyn opened her eyes to look at Idunn who shook her head at the situation as she choked out. "And I'm the one who betrayed you? I ran, yes. I admit that it was stupid and I shouldn't have, but how dare you say that I betrayed you." She'd given up holding back the tears. "I've missed you, and Mum and ever since the moment I left, I have been trying to find a way to make it up to you, a way to make you all forgive me, a way to return home. I thought you would have changed, but I guess I was wrong. You are still the same petty bitch you've always been."
Sigyn stepped forward again, "I will kill you Idunn, and I have no issues with that. It would just be less hassle if I didn't have to. Just tell me where the kid is." She spoke with no trace of emotion in her voice.
"Go screw yourself." Idunn spat, blood staining her teeth.
Sigyn withdrew the large blade from ostensibly thin air, raising it in preparation to kill her younger sister. "Goodbye Idunn." She lowered the knife but before it reached the younger, crying woman, Sigyn was halted by a high-pitched yell.
"Back off bitch. I'm here so you can leave her alone!" Dean shouted at her, Castiel rushing to try to grab the determined toddler only to be shrugged off.
A malicious grin spread across Sigyn's face as she turned away from Idunn, facing Dean and Castiel who was now holding Dean's shoulder's protectively.
"Dean, no." Idunn whispered through tears as she looked at the child consumed with a momentary sense of confidence that was quickly dwindling.
"Oh Dean," the words sent shivers down Castiel's spine and Dean quaked where he stood, immediately regretting his impromptu discussion that now seemed simply idiotic. Sigyn felt great pleasure in their frightened reactions. "We have such big plans for you." Sigyn's grin widened as she stalked towards Dean.
AN: Sorry this is a little late, I do apologise but I hope it's worth it. Thank you to everyone who is continuing to read the story and as always thank you for the reviews. A bit of action and back story to some of my OCs in this chapter which I hope you enjoy. I will try to update as soon as possible but for now enjoy!