Father Millard shaved, but he didn't take out his earring. John admired how good Father Millard was at evading Father Eagleman. The people who attended service regularly took to Father Millard easily. When he gave a sermon his voice was always clear, strong, and full of life. He had a certain charisma about him with his warm smile and friendly demeanor. He spoke to everyone like he'd known them for ten years; never meeting a stranger. Whenever Father Eagleman gave John chores Father Millard would somehow worm his way into helping, or they'd sneak off hoping they wouldn't get caught. Unlike the other priests Father Millard always talked to John. Even if he was busy he'd always make time to talk and play with John.
Father Millard was a cool guy, but John didn't really want to tell him about Michael. No one else but Mother Andrea believed John could really speak to him. There were times John doubted he really even could. Father Eagleman had told him numerous times he was just imagining it or that he was lying. A few other people he told said he was crazy. Michael assured him he wasn't. Michael told him that he was there for him and not them. He did not need their acceptance if it was the truth. Father Millard had been at the monastery for a few months. He started teaching John Italian, helping him with his studies, giving him harder books to read, and playing games with him. Father Millard had claimed numerous times they were friends. Perhaps John could tell him if Father Millard was his friend.
Father Millard was sitting at his desk writing out the sermon for evening mass as John sat on the floor reading a book about the French Revolution. John asked, "Father Millard, do you believe in angels?"
Father Millard laughed, "It kinda comes with the gig, but yeah I do. Why do you ask?"
"Do you think angels can talk to people?"
"I suppose they can. I myself haven't had any whispering in my ear, but who says they can't be chatting away to us humans down here. Maybe I just can't speak angel?"
"Enochian," John blurted out, "Angels speak Enochian."
Father Millard quickly spun his chair around. His mouth was gaping open. He asked, "How do you know that."
"Angels know all known and dead languages although they speak Enochian to other angels." John replied
"Have you ever read the Supernatural series?"
John shook his head, "I don't know what that is. I just wanted to tell you I talk to this one angel. His name is Michael. You know the archangel Michael right? If you don't believe me that's fine…I just wanted to tell you cause…cause you're my friend and all."
Father Millard jumped up and started digging through his duffle bag. He had unpacked one duffle when he first arrived. It only had clothes, a few religious books and the like inside. The other he left packed and kept it under his bed. He pulled out a boxed set of books and sat it down in front of John, "You really have never read the Supernatural book series? Because if you have I'm calling bull on all that, if not I am gonna piss my pants. This is just so awesome! You're serious about all that? Like I trust you and all, but I need conformation here little buddy."
"I haven't ever read those books they seem a little hard. It's all true. Please don't…piss your pants."
John had tried out some of the weird words Father Millard said often, but they tasted funny on his tongue. It would take some getting used to. Father Millard's only rule was that he watches what words he uses around Father Eagleman. It could end badly for both of them if he didn't.
Father Millard's smile reached ear to ear, "You can actually talk to the archangel Michael! That's freaking awesome that is just…awesome! Wait he isn't trying to get to you start up the apocalypse or anything has he? Kidding, I'm kidding. You have to read Supernatural."
He sat the five books out, "Carver Edlund hasn't released all the books in the series yet, but I read the others online. I thought it was fan fiction at first, but it was totally his work. You see Dean and Sam Winchester are these brothers that hunt down monsters. It gets a hell of a lot more complex as the story continues. There are Dean Girls and Sam Girls. I could never choose a favorite between the boys they're both great. Castiel came in the fifth books and he is an awesome addition. Destiel is a real thing there no force in the world that can convince me otherwise. Greatest love story ever I ship it with all my heart. Just because I'm a man doesn't mean I'm blind they are in love! Gabriel is the best archangel ever; tell Mikey no hard feeling okay. They hunt wendigos, vampires, werewolves, demons, and shifters. They also stop the apocalypse."
John said, "Werewolves are real. I remember this guy telling me about it when I was little. He and his friend were hunters they killed it so it wouldn't ever hurt me."
Father Millard waited patiently when John seemed to pull into himself. He would get this dreamy look on his face and would zone out for a couple. It startled Father Millard at first, but he got used to it after he learned it was a regular occurrence.
"Michael says that The Winchester Gospels were written by a prophet of the lord. He says all of what you said it true, although some parts confused him. He also says that if you do not believe me fully he knows that you studied under exorcists in Italy. He says you also fight bad guys."
Father Millard ran his hand through his hair, "I believe you. I totally believe you. I now have different reasons for wanting you to read Supernatural, other than wanting someone to share in something I enjoy."
John asked, "Can you teach me about that stuff so I can fight bad guys too?"
Father Millard ruffled John's hair, "Maybe when you're older."
John's eyes widened when he opened the gift Father Millard gave him. It was his old bible which he had said once belonged to Mother Andrea. She had given it to him when he decided to become a priest. Now Father Millard had given it to him. "Father Millard, are you sure you want to give this to me?"
"It's not every day a boy turns six years old. You're on your way to becoming a man!"
John smiled as he politely thanked Father Millard. His actual birth wasn't on January 24th, but it was the day Mother Andrea took him in. They had assumed he was three, so they went by that when counting his age. Three years at the monastery, and Father Eagleman never warmed up to him. Mother Andrea died shortly after the first year, and after that John had Father Millard. He learned not only Italian, but he started learning Latin as well. He read book after book with Father Millard's help including Supernatural. Since according to Michael everything in the series was real, John believed it. John Winchester was a surprise. It was saddening learning some stuff about the man whose name he decided he wanted to be his as well. Having your wife killed by a demon had to be high on the list of shitty things that could happen.
A lot of the people in Supernatural were brave, loyal, smart and just heroes, but one of John's favorites had to be Bobby. Without him Dean and Sam would be like chickens with their heads cut off. Both brothers would do anything for each other, and Bobby was always there for them. John figured that was what family was like. They all were great hunters too. John wanted to be just like them when he grew up. It took a lot of convincing, but after he turned five Father Millard started teaching him about everything that was out there. He had no trouble with the lore and exorcisms that was easy enough. Silver, holy water, beheading, salt; John could remember everything that could be used against any monster. The more practical teaching was a little harder to get a hang onto.
John was small for his age since he was malnourished as a baby. He'd been doing better since coming to the monastery, but he spent most of his time in study. Physical exercise hadn't been something he was used to. Father Millard thought that he had to work both his mind and body. He would run with Father Millard in the morning and do rigorous exercises in order to build up strength.
In order to build agility they would go through homemade obstacle courses, jumping exercises, and they made good use of the rectory stairs. To improve his senses Father Millard would have him walk around blindfolded and even run some of the courses without his sight. Father Millard was more strict than usual during training, but he knew when John was at his limit. They had learned it the hard way after one intense session John threw up. He never pushed him too hard again.
Father Millard didn't press him about where he got his knife from. He commented about how it was silver then blessed it with holy water. Then he taught him how to use it. They had to be careful not to be caught with the weapons. They'd sneak out at night in order to practice. Vampires would only be killed by beheading, so John had to learn how to use a machete. Father Millard found a small gun with low kickback, and taught John how to shoot. They started off with shooting soda cans.
John had a sharp eye, so they quickly progressed to moving game. John's first hunt was a simple poltergeist case. After that there was a werewolf, a small vampire nest, and a Ruguru. They started slowly working their way up the monster ladder. He even got to meet a couple hunters.
Father Eagleman once caught him drawing anti-possession symbols for practice or course it had to be when Father Millard was out. Father Millard was disgusted. Of course the prude instantly assumed they were symbols of devil worship. He ripped the paper from John and dragged him by the arm, "You wicked, wicked child! You dare depict such things in a house of worship! You horrid demon child! The devil will drag you into hell himself! It's why your mother abandoned you! She couldn't possibly bear the thought of raising such a burdensome child like you." Father Eagleman shoved John into one the confessionals, "You pray and plead with God to save your soul! Confess your sins and do not come out until you have learned your lesson."
John scoffed when Father Eagleman stomped away. Three years of that and it had stopped bothering him for the most part. He would no longer feel saddened that he would go to hell. He couldn't bring himself to cry anymore over Father Eagleman's words. So what if he was a rotten selfish child. Father Millard tried to persuade him otherwise, but Father Eagleman's words cut deep. His mother had abandoned him, perhaps Father Eagleman was right. John hoped that when he was older being able to save others just might make up for whatever sins he had committed. He never did anything to horrendous, but if Father Eagleman said it was might as well try and save his soul.
He clasped his hands together resting his forehead on them. Why was he such a horrible child? John just couldn't understand it. He was just a kid. He punched the confessional wall; a bad decision that left him with sore knuckles. He dropped his hands and looked up to the heavens,
"Forgive me Father for I have sinned. My last confession was two days ago. I don't really know how I could of sinned more during that time but I guess I did. That thing about the anti-possession symbols they weren't a devil worshiping thing. I mean when Lucifer threw his fit he went about it the wrong way. I wouldn't worship him now I mean when he was the Morning star sure, but he's kind of a dick now so sorry about that. Dude, of what I heard about in those books…no disrespect or anything but you're a bit of a dick yourself. I should probably say sorry about that. I shouldn't call God a dick I know. I'm supposed to confess to save my soul and all. I don't want to go to hell; I really don't. I haven't really done anything since two days ago so there's not much sorry. I just wanted to say sorry, and I can't come out till I do so…amen and stuff."
John was startled by sudden clapping outside the confessional. He tore open the curtain to find Father Shepard and Father Bradley standing outside the confessionals. Father Shepard was clapping, and they were both smiling. No one smiled at John unless it was Father Millard. They were all too terrified of what Father Eagleman might do. Father Shepard said, "That was an intriguing confession, John. I quite enjoyed it, although I don't think it was intended for me."
John rolled his eyes, "Of course it wasn't for you jackass. Do you want something or are you going to be arrogant sissies like usual?"
Father Shepard seemed odd. He was usually so docile, but now he was grinning at John with an air of confidence and self-assurance. Father Bradley laughed, "arrogant sissies huh? That explains a lot. I never would have guessed these priests would cry so much."
Father Shepard asked, "So whatever could a vessel of the archangel Michael do that would make him susceptible to go to hell?"
John was starting to get angry. They were mocking him. They were trying to rile him up so he'd get in more trouble. John said, "None of your damn business! Leave me alone."
Father Shepard grabbed John's shirt collar bring him close to him. John felt the blood drain from his face. Father Millard had taught him what that smell meant. The two priests eye's turned black, "We can't leave you alone, Winchester. Crowley will want to know about you…"
John had never met a demon. Father Millard was an exorcist so he had encountered a few, but he had made it a strict rule that demons were on a no-no list for six year old hunters. He and Father Millard were supposed to put up seals to keep demons out the rectory and church, but they hadn't yet. They planned to tonight. It was no use now, since a demon had him by his shirt collar. John was scared. He was scared out of his mind. Father Millard said fear was what kept people alive. John couldn't fathom how the feeling he might piss his pants would keep him alive. The demon sighed, "You were talking a big game earlier. Where's that bravado now huh Winchester?"
John swallowed, "Please…please let me go."
The demon possessing poor Father Shepard smirked "Guess the baby Winchester isn't so brave. The weak little thing even thinks he's going to hell. Well better you than me."
John threw the small vile of holy water he had hidden in his pants pocket. The demon shrieked in pain when it splashed in his face. He dropped John to the floor. John ran for the rectory before the demon possessing Father Bradley could react. He had to get to Father Millard's room. There was a devils trap under the rug, and he had more holy water. When he turned into the hall Father Eagleman and Father Howell were standing there. John shouted, "There are demons I swear to God you guys have to move now!"
Their eyes turned black as well. Father Eagleman's voice was like ice, "You know this old guy bawled when I possessed him. He believed it couldn't possibly happen to him, being a man of God and all, but it did. He blames you. He hates you. He truly believes it's your fault. He thinks your some sort of devil child and that if you hadn't come here this never would have happened. If only he knew you really are the vessel of an angel."
Father Howell grabbed John and threw him against the bookcase. The books tumbled on top of him. John scrambled out from underneath the books and forced the door to Father Millard's room open. The demon's hand almost grasped the back of John's shirt before he got through the door. Father Millard had the holy water in his nightstand. John swore under his breath. Father Millard had left his cross necklace. It had a small anti-possession symbol inscribed on it, and the idiot forgot to put it back on after he showered.
John slipped it around his neck and prayed Father Millard wouldn't come home. The demons couldn't get past the salt lines, but they hadn't even tried to get into the room. John grabbed Father Millard's salt gun and sat behind the rug. He just had to think. He couldn't escape through the window. If he jumped three stories he'd probably break his back. If he went through the door demons would break his neck. The door swung open and John raised his gun. It wasn't any use. "You're not Father Millard."
The demon possessing Father Millard grinned, "Bryan's not here right now please leave a message." John shot the demon in the chest making sure it wasn't near any vital organs. The demon waved his hand and the salt line broke. "Sorry to break it to you kid, but I'm not a regular demon." He picked up John by his shirt making him drop the gun and holy water. John was getting sick of demons doing that. He kicked, hit, and tried to wiggle out of the demons grasp. The demon just laughed at his struggles kicking the rug into a corner, "That's a sorry excuse for a devil's trap. I figured you'd put up more of a fight even if you are a baby Winchester. That's no fun."
John said, "I don't know what you're talking about you son of a bitch!"
Father Millard asked, "What you don't know? You know about demons, but you don't even know whose kid you are?"
John spat in the demons face, "Like I'd listen to you!"
The demon moved his hand from John's shirt to his throat, "You're Dean Winchester's son, a vessel of the archangel Michael. The only reason I'm not killing you right now is because Crowley wants you."
John choked out, "Tell Crowley he's not my type."
The demons grip tightened, "You don't understand your situation do you, child?"
John was having difficulty breathing. He tried to cry out, but he could only make gurgling noises. The demon found it hilarious. He decided instead to pray in his mind, 'Michael help me! Please help me! MICHAEL!'
John heard a scream come from down stairs. The demon growled, "Damn it!"
He dropped John and climbed out the window leaving. A young man walked through the bedroom door, "I have eliminated the demons. Sadly I was not able to save the people who had become possessed." The man was young looking; he had dark eyes and neatly combed black hair. John didn't recognize him. He shot the man in the chest with rock salt. The man wasn't fazed at all by it. He asked, "Do you not recognize me? I am Michael. You prayed for me to assist you. It seems the demon possessing Father Millard escaped. It is alright there wasn't much you could do. We can only hope your friend was killed when the demon first entered him otherwise he will endure much torment."
John wrapped his hand around Father Millard's necklace. It happened again. He was left alone again. If Father Millard wasn't dead he was being worn by a demon. He should of known it wouldn't last. John asked softly, "Michael, demons lie right?"
"Demons are horrid creatures who will lie in order to torture their victims."
"Is this my fault?"
"Although the reason the demons invaded this monastery was in order to obtain you do not blame yourself. I shall protect you from them."
John's legs were wobbly but he managed to stand. He said, "We should probably get out of here. It's not safe. I just gotta grab some weapons."
Michael reached out to John and John flinched. Michael frowned, "I shall not harm you. We have spoken much, and that does not change due to me being in a vessel. You are injured."
John felt a trickle of blood dribble down his nose, "I must of cut my forehead when the books fell." Michael healed his cut.
"Please allow me to assist you. You are mourning your friend and the loss of your home I understand."
John scoffed, "It's nothing I can handle myself."
Michael sighed, "Jonathon, please listen to me."
"Please don't call me Jonathon."
Michael kneeled down and patted John's head, "John I shall not leave you. I shall protect you. You are a vessel of mine. You're the son of Dean Winchester, and you are my friend. You can put your faith in me and I shall always comply. I will not disappoint you."
John averted his eyes from Michael's knowing gaze, "Why the hell should I believe you?"
Michael smiled, "Have faith. If in nothing else, if in no one else, even if you believe you cannot have faith in yourself… Have faith in me."
John's eyes met Michaels. Michael had never lied to him before. John's mouth twitched upwards, "Am I really Dean Winchester's kid?"
Michael picked up the six year old, "You are indeed the child of The Righteous man."
John couldn't take much. He put a change of clothes and weapons in his backpack along with his bible. He also took the money Father Millard had saved for the Supernatural convention. He didn't want to think about Father Millard. He didn't want to see the monastery ever again. Michael covered John's eyes when they passed the priests bodies. Standing at the front door Michael asked, "What are we to do now?"
John sighed, "Saving People, Hunting things, the family business I suppose."
Michael's brow furrowed, "You do realize you are only six years of age?"
"I'm getting' close to seven, and your older then dirt."
Michael nodded, "Very well. We should not pursue the demon now. There is a werewolf in Virginia. We should also obtain a safe house."
John asked, "What do you mean by obtain? How the hell are we going to do that?"
"Have faith."
"Are you not going to stop saying that?"
"No, I shall not."
Thank you all reading,following,reviewing all that. You guys are great really and thanks for the help with Sam's love situation. I think I now what I'm doing...maybe hopefully. Lita12576 when I read your review I just instantly thought, "I like your style bro. Mimi (guest) adorable with depth is just what I was aiming for. Guest who has no other name what's up if you know who you are. I could literally write an essay in response to your review but alas i couldn't reply since you are are a guest. .
ofcourseimanangel Lucifer will not be forgotten even after heaven. DeerstalkerDeathFrisbee Your reviews always fill be with happiness and rainbows I always love to hear what you have to say it always gives me food for thought. Everyone who wasn't mentioned by name exactly I adore all of you. To those who might not like Johnny's story there will only be about another chapter or two before we get back to Sam and Dean.