Running seemed like the only option left. So that's what Cassiel did. He ran and ran. He knew what Michael wanted, he knew what everyone wanted from him. It was just a matter of time now. How long could he go on like this? Praying seemed to be futile, as there was no one who could save him. In the evening when his weakened form needed rest, he lay down and closed his eyes. And in those moments he swore he could feel the pull of power that the Crown gave off. The power so many were hungry for.

'Balthazar, can you hear me brother?'

Wings flutter

'Castiel, focus.' The voice cut through the dream-like scenario and brought Cas back to the present. Kevin was pushing at his shoulder. 'You were spacing out again, you doing alright?' Cas quickly pulled away from the unwelcome touch, 'I'm fine.' He wondered quickly how long he'd been spacing out, but knowing the situation they were in they'd probably all just thought he'd frozen up.

Sam had received some clothes, but they were a terrible fit. But well, who would've thought that Sam would turn out to be giant? Cas had never seen someone so tall, and to know that Sam's growth spurt had just started and to know he would end up like this? He was impressed to say the least. Cas wasn't the only one who didn't know what to say. Dean was quiet, but only to keep intact his dignity, that was for sure.

'Guys,' Sam's deepened voice spoke, 'why are all of you so tiny?' Charlie pulled out a mirror from her bag, 'there you go kiddo, see for yourself.' Sam gave Charlie a questioning look, 'thanks?' He gazed at himself in confusion. 'Wow! This is…' He seemed flabbergasted. Cas guessed he might need some comfort. 'When we got attacked we all got hit by a spell. As you can see the results varied from person to person. But you have gone through quite the change. We understand if you need some time…'

Sam jumped up, 'this is so cool. Look how big I am guys! And I have stubble! I can grow a beard. And my voice is so low.' He deepened his voice even more. 'Luke I am your father.' Kevin shrugged. 'Seems to me that he's pretty cool with it. Reminds me of the time that-' Charlie quickly shut him up. 'We already know a bit too much about your personal life sweetie. It's best if you keep quiet. Like Dean.'

Sam turned to his brother with worry in his eyes. 'Wait, what's wrong with Dean? Did something happen are you ok?' Dean turned away, he was trying hard not to talk. Cas gently squeezed his shoulder. 'Just let it out. We won't judge.' Dean looked up, and he gave Sam a tortured look. 'Got a feeling inside, can't explain. It's a certain kind, can't explain. I feel hot and cold, can't explain. Yeah, down in my soul, yeah can't explain.' Sam's expression morphed from confusion into… slight amusement. 'Wait, are you singing I Can't Explain from The Who?' Dean simply nodded.

Charlie grinned, 'I hope he'll sing us some more Disney songs. He has the voice of a princess.' Sam seemed to be scanning the situation now. 'So if Charlie is a guy… and Garth is a dog that can talk… what's wrong with Cas and Jo?' He was putting on his case-face.

Everyone gave Jo a quick glance who was picking flowers for Charlie with a love-struck expression. 'Well I guess it must be some sort of love spell.' Sam mumbled looking at Cas as if expecting him to suddenly grow two heads. 'You seem fine. How are you feeling?' In all honesty, Cas felt like his skin was feeling weird. Kinda like when he was trying to heal himself. 'I'm good.'

Dean quickly took hold of Castiel's hand when nobody noticed and squeezed it lightly. Sam made his way towards the empty spot where the dead body had gone up in dust. His hand went over the empty space and through the fallen leaves. Finally he picked up a hex bag and studied it for a bit. 'What's that?' Charlie came closer trying to hold the bag but Sam quickly handed it to Dean.

Only then did Cas noticed that neither of them was directly touching the bag. Dean took hold with it by using a handkerchief. 'It's a hex bag. Usually planted on a victim to cause a certain curse or hex to occur to that person. It may also be the key for us to lift our own curses. So no touching it. We gotta burn it.'

Once the bag had burned the group checked for any changes. 'Son of a bitch must've not made the bag himself.' Dean cursed. He looked up surprised. 'Well holy cow I can talk again. That's at least something.' Jo however still seemed to be quite out of it and Kevin still had difficulties lying. 'Guess we gotta find that witch and make her fix this.' Sam sighed.

'Well at least there is no body to get rid of.' Cas mentioned trying to see the bright side. Kevin sat himself down. 'Wow, you guys really are psychopaths.' Cas shook his head, ignoring Kevin. 'Meg said they were coming for Sam. We've wasted enough time. We gotta keep moving.'

Sam quickly added: 'Trust us, we'll explain everything soon enough.' When neither Kevin, nor Charlie nor Garth moved Dean turned around. 'What's going on? We don't have all day guys let's go!' Charlie shrugged, 'well you three are obviously in some sort of cahoots without us. And Jo is in on it too I guess. And well Dean… you DID just murder someone in cold blood, even if he was a bad guy.'

Kevin groaned. 'What Charlie is too nice to say is this: We ain't going anywhere with you. I honestly just wanted a nice day with my friends and I was planning on watching some Sex and the City when I got home. But right now I'm wondering if we'll die in this forest.' A painful silence fell. Everyone got startled out of it by the ringing of a cell phone. Dean held up his phone. 'Pamela.' He simply said.

He put her on speaker. 'Hey, I saw your call. I have some bad news.' Dean handed Sam the phone. 'Hey Pamela, it's Sam. We have some bad news too.' It was quiet on the other side for half a second. 'I can conclude from your voice that either your balls have suddenly dropped. Or you guys also had an encounter with the witch.'

Jo had picked up Garth and was petting him. Much to his horror. 'Yes, he brought us to the forest but he couldn't do anything because Dean shot him immediately. When he died he went up in dust. And now we're all cursed.' Sam started to explain. Cas scooted closer to hear the conversation better. 'Oh shit. Well then I have some bad news your y'all. A woman came into my tent, a witch. She also tried to hurt me. Lucky me that I get glimpses of the future. So I was prepared. She fled before she could do anything.'

Sam and Dean shared a frustrated look. 'Do you boys have your witch killing bullets with you by any chance? Because she's quite an expert.' Dean started checking his bag but to no avail. Kevin suddenly spoke up, loud enough for everyone to hear. 'Pamela, I do think you're very pretty. And I have definitely fantasized about you. But to hear that you are motivating these guys to kill another person… Well it's disturbing to say the least.'

Pamela laughed. 'That must be a truth spell of sorts. Poor guy. Listen, I have called some hunters from the area. They are already on their way. A demon named Meg is on her way to meet you guys. She was talking to me in the tent before the witch arrived. Something about demons coming for you.'

Dean pulled a face, shaking his head. 'Meg? What the hell is she doing here.' Cas looked at the group, trying to come up with a plan. 'Pamela, if we meet up with you and bring you our friends, will you take care of them? They trust you more than they trust us at the moment. They'll be save.' Sam turned to look at the group, 'you guys wanna meet up with Pamela? She'll keep you safe and she isn't a crazy killer.'

Kevin gave him a thumbs up and Charlie frowned. 'This is a terrible birthday party, but yeah sure.' For a second the connection went bad but Sam shook the phone and it started working again. 'Yeah you guys can hear me? Good. Alright sounds like a plan to me. We'll meet up at the parking lot sounds good? Be careful guys, I'll take your friends with me and bring them to safety. But what about you?'

'Well we burned the hex bag but the results seem small. Jo sometimes has a few moments of clarity now. And Kevin isn't telling us about his masturbation schedule so that's good. But if I manage to find her I can fix this.' Dean's voice didn't leave room for discussion. Cas nodded, 'if Dean stays I'll stay too. Sam will go with Pamela too.' Sam's head snapped up. 'What? No! I won't leave you guys behind! I'm staying!' Cas was already afraid this would happen.

'Sam they are coming for you, think about it. We will wait for the hunters and make sure everyone is save. And you guys take a run for it.'

'Yeah, that ain't gonna work pal.' Meg spoke, she appeared from behind a tree. A friendly smile on her face. 'Heya guys, how's it going?' Dean tried to shoot her immediately, Cas reacted quickly and took his gun. Garth's ears went down, he let out a shocked howl. Meg seemed pleased. 'Oh, how I've missed this.'

'Dean she's here to help. Stop shooting her.' Cas spoke slowly. Dean gave him an irritated glare and reached for his gun. Cas handed it over slowly. The moment he got handed his gun he tried to aim again. This time Sam was the one taking the gun, he held it up in the air where Dean couldn't reach. 'You're done? If Cas says she's here to help you gotta trust her.'

Cas nodded in agreement. 'No shooting her Dean. She's my friend.' Meg smiled, her hand resting on Castiel's cheek. 'Oh, I knew you liked me!' Cas turned away from her touch. Charlie stood up, giving Meg a curious look over. 'Well, well it's been awhile. You're also on team crazy?' Meg hardly spared Charlie a glance. But she did wink at her.

Suddenly a sound came out of nowhere. 'So FYI I might be psychic but I can't see everything. Can someone fill me in?' Pamela's voice spoke from the cell phone that laid unused in Sam's hand. 'Oh yeah sorry. Meg is here. We'll meet up with you in the parking lot.'

Cas felt his skin boil again. 'Let's just go. The sooner the better.'

Wings flutter

Charlie pointed at the map on her phone again. 'Yeah if we keep walking that way we'll see a river. And once we've crossed we gotta move through the town area. It will be busy so if we keep a low profile we should be good.' Kevin opened his mouth, everyone let out a sigh. Ever since Kevin had become cursed he couldn't shut his mouth. He had an opinion on everything.

'So why can't we just call 911 again?' Sam once again got hit in the face with a low hanging tree branch. 'We already told you. The police can't take these guys out. They are demons.' Kevin wisely shut his mouth.

Garth was having the time of his life. 'Guys I can hear the river! My ears are so cool. I'm like Superman. But in like… dog form y'know?' Garth turned out to be right. They'd finally found the river. People who'd stayed at the inns, hotels and cottages were filling the area, and the group would fit right in. 'Great let's get a move on.' Sam let out a sigh of relief. Garth ran away again, full of energy.

Cas can you hear me? Cas quickly turned to look at Dean, his mouth was closed shut, he was looking around. Holding his gun ready. Not that anyone would notice here. People ran around with worse. 'Yes, what is it?' He kept his voice low, in order to keep the conversation private. Sam needs to go with the rest. If we separate Jo from Charlie she might get her act together. We need to find that witch together. At least… Are you feeling alright? No weird side effects because of what that guy tried?

Cas quickly cupped Dean's hand when no one noticed. 'I do feel strange. But I think I'll be fine. But I don't know about your plan Dean. Demons don't look at people their bodies. They look at their souls first of all. And if they know how Sam's looks like… then he won't be safe anywhere.' They reached the wide wooden bridge. People crossed it while eating and laughing. They seemed unaware of anything strange happening.

It started out soft, but as they crossed the bridge Cas could hear music. As they continued the music became louder. 'We're almost out of the forest area. We'll be heading to the city area. If we keep walking we can leave out of gate 1.'

Dean pulled a face. 'We're not being careful enough. What if they have people at the gates? Maybe it's better if-' a piercing scream interrupted his suggestion. It was like Jo suddenly got hit in the face, she pushed Charlie aside and ran towards the sound. 'Jo wait!' Sam was already running after her. Dean and Cas shared a look before also taking off.

A group of people had formed. They pushed their way through to see what was going on. Cas felt his stomach turn at the sight of a man on the ground with green skin. Next to him was a woman, tears on her face while slowly clapping. 'What happened?' Jo asked.

'A woman… she, she talked to Vince. She, said something.' She looked away, still clapping. 'He fell down. He just… he just stopped breathing.' She gave the people around her a desperate look. 'Someone please help him! Call an ambulance.' Cas got startled by the sound of someone clapping next to him. The girl in question seemed just as surprised as him.

It was like a virus, more and more people started clapping. Cas noticed that his own group was not affected. Suddenly the clapping died down. And everything became strangely quiet. 'There you are. Which one of you killed my boyfriend?' The witch appeared out of the crowd. She looked like a regular woman, but Cas felt like he got hit in the face. She radiated a terrible grief, and he felt like someone was slowly choking him with it.

Dean took a step forward, placing himself between himself and Sam. 'Why do you fucking care?' The witch smiled 'Because that person will die slowly.' She warned him. Her eyes going over the crowd of people who suddenly all seemed frozen in place, unable to speak. They all looked terrified. Cas was overwhelmed with emotions now. From his own mind, and those in the crowd. He clutched his head, trying to get the voices to disappear. 'Cas?!' Sam's voice cut through the sound of clapping, the shouts of terrified people. Cas' vision became blurry.

He could feel something inside of him move now, pulsing. It had been boiling under his skin. It became bigger and bigger until it covered all of him. Cas looked up slowly. Kevin was standing frozen in fear next to Charlie. Who looked like she was ready to either run or fight. Jo stood next to the body of the dead man. Her hand reaching inside of her pocket. Dean and Sam were closest to the witch who was still talking about something. Garth was being held by Meg. She seemed unconcerned with the situation and kept Garth as far away from her as possible.

'Enough.' When Castiel spoke, it felt like even the wind stopped for a minute. Everything around him became utterly quiet. The witch stood there, her mouth closed now against her will. The air felt static with power. It made Cas both afraid and determined. He looked at the crowd and spoke one simple word: 'Sleep.' They all fell down in the grass and drifted away.

Cas knew that whatever he was doing, it was limited. He turned towards his friends: 'Everything will be alright.' The witch seemed utterly confused. 'What the hell are you?' Her panicked voice the only thing in the air. She started struggling, trying to move. Cas smiled, she couldn't harm him. 'You can't hurt me. Surrender and you'll be spared.'

'Cas.' Dean spoke up, a warning in his voice. 'It's ok Dean. I have the situation under control.' Only then did Cas realize that he was sweating profusely. It was that short shift of focus that caused all sounds to return. Whatever Cas had juiced up, it was gone.

The witch seemed to notice as well, she smiled. 'Well I think I'll just kill you-' A loud bang and one bullet in the shoulder later, the witch fell down in surprise. Everyone turned to look at who had pulled the trigger. It was Meg. 'You're welcome.' Charlie pulled a face of utter horror, 'you just shot somebody.' Sam quickly took the gun from her. Cas felt his legs cave and fell down. Dean quickly sat down next to him.

'You idiot are you ok?' Cas felt himself nod, 'just dizzy. Is she dead?' Charlie removed herself from the group. 'I'll go check…' she bend down, giving the body a hesitant look. Cas turned to look and fear rose up inside of him. She was alive, he could see her soul. 'WAIT-'

She pushed Charlie off her and started strangling her. Meg got out her knife and slashed at her but she was thrown through the air by an invisible force. The witch smiled down on Charlie. 'Gotcha.' Both disappeared into thin air. Dean's face had gotten pale. 'Fuck!'

Wings flutter

The group moved in silence across the area then. It seemed strangely calm now. Apparently the demons had all decided to have a little holiday. It didn't make sense. When they finally reached the parking lot Pamela was already waiting with her car. She took the news as well as Dean expected. 'Remember when I said you needed witch killing bullets?' After Charlie's kidnapping the group seemed strangely calm and Cas had a feeling he'd been the accidental source of it. Even now nobody seemed to move or flinch.

'Yeah, we know. We know! We gotta find her. There must be some way.' It was Dean who spoke. He seemed extremely distraught. Pamela shook her head. 'The hunters will be here any minute. Who knows where they took her? But they will help you find her. More importantly: You all got out unscratched right?' They talked for a bit about the damage. 'She's been going around the park, killing people. It seems that she's trying to create as much chaos as possible.' Meg huffed, trying to hold back her laughter. So far Dean had been awfully quiet about her presence. But now he finally snapped. His aura growing bigger as if to intimidate her.

'You shut the fuck up! What was even the point of you coming along? We never stood a change and now they have my friend because of you.' Meg didn't seem very insulted. 'Sure shove the blame away I don't mind. I am only here for one thing. I am here to protect Castiel.' That only seemed to make Dean angrier.

'Cas doesn't need your protection. We're already here for him. You should leave, the damage has been done.' Meg shook her head, 'you don't understand do you? Crowley isn't interested in either Charlie or Sam. All he wants is Castiel. While you are crying about your friend, here I am thinking about the greater good of the situation. You're welcome.'

He gripped her shirt, violently shoving her against the car. 'Here's the deal. You help us find Charlie or you leave before I exorcize you. You understand?' Pamela finally decided to interrupt. 'Alright enough you two. It's time to leave.'

Cas observed impassively, feeling oddly empty again. This was probably the worst timing to temporary lose his emotions. Pamela however seemed to notice. She didn't comment on it. 'Use your small brain Dean, wherever she is, it will be close by. They are trying to lure Cas into a trap after all.'

Dean was holding a knife to her throat now. Whatever Cas had managed to do to keep everyone relaxed and pliant disappeared suddenly. Kevin started yelling in protest, Garth let out a low whine and Jo seemed to snap out of her relaxation too and kept both Kevin and Garth back. 'Dean what the fuck easy! Don't kill her!' Garth called out in panic.

'Yeah, so you're gonna tell us where they have her Meg. I know you know. So either talk or get hurt.' Cas squinted his eyes, wondering if maybe he should do something. He decided against it. After all if the information really was that important he should just torture it out of her. Meg shrugged, she pretended to be unafraid. 'The mission always comes first. I'd rather die than give Crowley his way.'

Sam finally spoke up. 'Enough!' He pulled at Dean's arm. 'Back off Dean, this is not the way.' Dean looked up slowly: 'Sammy… leave this to me.' They had an intense staring contest for a bit. Finally Sam stepped backwards. 'Listen Meg is right. It will be a trap. We gotta wait for back up. What would you do Dean? Run in guns blazing? Charlie will be dead before you know it.'

Apparently that actually caused a reaction. Because Dean stepped back. Cas was pretty sure that Meg seemed slightly relieved. Cas turned to look at his friends. They were bothersome at this point. 'Pamela, take Kevin and Garth away from here.' Something in Castiel's cold and calculated expression made Dean frown. 'Cas?'

'So I did take the wrong one. Well you must admit, when they said little brother I didn't think the giant was the one Crowley was talking about.' The witch had appeared out of nowhere, holding Charlie in a tight magic hold. She was still a guy, and seemed pretty pissed at this point. 'Charlie!' Kevin shouted, but Pamela put a firm hand on his shoulder. 'Don't move.' She warned.

The witch smiled, 'now I think we can handle this situation quite easily. If you even move for one second. If you even try to flinch your friend here is dead.' Cas turned to look at Charlie. Really it didn't matter if she died. It would be a shame yes, but really it was of no importance. They could just leave, she had nothing on them.

Apparently Dean didn't share his sentiment. 'Alright you got us. Just don't hurt her.' The witch seemed slightly taken back. 'Her? Oh did my curse do this?' She seemed to find it quite hilarious, but Castiel's thoughts were abruptly disturbed by Dean's. Cas, Garth has to attack her. She won't see him coming. I'll keep distracting her. Cas casually turned to look at Kevin who was holding Garth. They stood behind Pamela.

Cas nodded slightly so Dean knew the message had come across. He gave Meg a meaningful look. She mockingly started to squint like him. But she then rolled her eyes and spoke up. 'Hey, witch lady? I'm pretty sure you can just kill your hostage. Because I wanna go home.' The witch turned to look at Meg who stood farthest away from Cas. 'I can do whatever I want human!'

Meg seemed genuinely offended. 'Excuse me, I'm not human! I'm a freaking hellspawn!' They got into quite a discussion. Cas quickly turned to make eye contact with Pamela. Thank god she could read minds. She quickly nodded and carefully gave Garth the message what he should do.

Garth carefully jumped to the ground and moved away from the group. Charlie had noticed and tried to struggle a bit. The witch snapped out of the meaningless talk. 'Ok enough! You get your friend back and in return you will hand me over Castiel.' Cas didn't feel concerned for even a second. He simply nodded. 'Ok.' The witch seemed taken back. Dean however quickly protested. 'Cas no! What are you thinking!' Cas had to admit that his acting skills were on point.

'We have no choice Dean.' Sam was standing at the side, Pamela handed him something quickly. The witch noticed. 'What did you give to him?' She gave both a threatening look. Garth was quietly standing behind the witch now. Waiting for some sort of signal. 'It's a witch killing bullet. They are quite a painful death for someone like you. A real bite.' Garth quickly moved forward and sank his teeth into the witch her leg. She howled. Charlie quickly sucker punched her and ran across the parking lot to safety. Followed by Garth.

'YOU WILL PAY FOR THAT.' She suddenly stood quietly. A group of demons appeared. Around the group. No-one could run now Cas realized. He wasn't surprised to see Crowley. And he seemed pissed. 'You're the most useless slave I've ever had. You keep getting outwitted by a group of teens.' He sneered.

The white started looking pale. 'I am so sorry my liege.' He held up his hand. 'Enough. I will do this myself if I have to.' He turned towards the group. Crowley's eyes had a dangerous glimmer in them when he turned to Castiel. 'It's good to see you again. It seems that we have a bit of a situation.' Cas felt something move in his chest. An emotion, but it struggled to form. Cas kept looking at him with a blank expression.

Crowley snapped his fingers. Against his will it seemed Sam was dragged across the ground. Dean tried to stop it, but the witch stopped him, he stood frozen in place. 'Sammy!' Crowley gave an exasperated sigh. 'It seems we both have something that the other needs.' Crowley seemed taken back by the lack of reaction by Cas. 'Seems you've slipped away farther than I was informed. Well it doesn't matter. I count to ten. Surrender yourself or he dies.'

Sam's eyes widened in panic as he tried to break free. 'One, two, three, four, five' Crowley sounded incredibly bored. Dean panicked even more, 'CAS DO SOMETHING.' But Cas saw no reason to move. So what if Sam got killed? Was he supposed to feel something?

'Six, seven, eight.' Crowley's voice got something threatening now. But apparently everyone saw Castiel's disinterest as utter fear because Dean's being flared up. His soul was almost too bright to look at. He stood up screamed and when he reached out to the witch she started burning. A loud scream left her before she turned into ash. Dean seemed just as surprised as everyone else. Sam fell down on the ground, looking pale and quickly losing blood. Crowley took a step back, Cas could almost see him calculating the situation in his mind. 'I see. Very peculiar indeed.'

Dean seemed utterly panicked as he tried to wake Sam up. Only then did Cas finally snap back. Regret was the first thing that hit him. 'Oh no.' He whispered, horrified with his own lack of action. One of the demons snarled and took a step forward. Crowley shook his head. 'We're done here.' The demon seemed surprised. 'Sir?' Crowley glared and the demon quickly took a step back. 'I guess I'll see you around.' He gave Cas a knowing smile before disappearing. The sounds of screeching cars made them look up. An ambulance and a police car had arrived. They made their way towards the park.

More cars came, Pamela quickly stepped forward. Everyone move aside he needs medical attention! Cas made his way over to Sam who seemed to have a nasty wound, if they didn't do something soon it would be fatal. 'Stay with us, come on Sam stay focused. I got you.' Dean was rambling, pressing his hand against the wound as if he could keep the blood inside.

Cas knew what he had to do. 'I will heal him. Step aside.' Dean seemed conflicted. 'Are you sure you can do that?' No, but I have to try, was all Castiel could think as he sat down and put his hand on the warm wound. He closed his eyes, and forced his body to do what he wanted. 'Come on.' He growled, he felt a spark go through him. Finally his hands started to light up blue and within seconds Sam was completely healed and gasping for air.

Dean smiled at Sam, 'guess we're safe now.' He proceeded to black out moments later. Cas quickly caught him. 'Is he ok?' Sam's voice had gotten higher. When Cas looked up Sam was once again a young teen. 'He'll be fine. He's just exhausted himself with whatever he just pulled on that witch.' He also felt close to passing out, but focused himself on staying awake.

Wings flutter

Pamela sat across from Cas in her tent. 'This will definitely reach the newspapers. That witch was insane. Five people dead. Ten badly injured. We're lucky it didn't get any worse than this. Cas didn't reply, he felt weirdly hollow after what had happened today.

'I see those little screws turn in your head Castiel. Tell me what you're thinking about.' Pamela handed him a cup of tea but he simply sat it aside. 'It's just that… what Dean did today… I've seen him do something familiar before. He protected me before, it seems that there is something to him. Something that we've never really given much thought.' Pamela shrugged, 'well Dean was always a weird case to me. But I don't see anything strange inside of his mind if that's what you're wondering about.'

Cas couldn't help but wonder if she was lying. She had no reason to but who knew? 'So where did that demon girl go to?' Cas didn't like it when people called Meg a demon. She had a name, but even to Pamela that seemed of no importance. 'Well she could be anywhere at this point. I'm not even sure what her motive is…'

'Yet you see her as a friend. Be aware. She is a soul that was condemned to hell. She is in her core rotten. Don't rely on her, and don't trust her so much. I am only saying this because you think the others are judgmental. But take this from someone who can see inside people. You think she has a soul? She does not. She had a shadow of what was once a soul.'

Cas bawled his fists. 'Yes, she once had a soul. Which means she can remember what it was like before. And that's most important. Nothing else matters in the end.' He stood up. 'Maybe I lend Dean some of my strength, who knows how he was able to do what he did. I won't get answers by being ignorant. You offered to help me unlock things that are hidden in my mind. Please help me. You understand what's at stake.'

Pamela seemed to think it through. 'I did remember doing you that offer. But it might be dangerous. There could be a good reason why those things were locked away in the first place. Opening your mind to them could be dangerous. It will be quite a risk. Are you willing to take it?' Cas sat across from her. 'Tell me what to do.'

Wings flutter

'Charlie stop touching your boobs.' Dean chided. He seemed tired, but normal. Charlie rolled her eyes. 'I'm just glad my body is back to its normal functions ok?' Kevin pulled a face, 'I just wanna go home. This is probably all just a weird wacky dream. And when I wake up tomorrow I'll probably just laugh about it.' Garth didn't seem to share his sentiment. 'Man, this was awesome. Really strange but awesome. Best dream I've ever had!' He'd transformed back, but had shared Sam's lack of clothing and was thus only wearing a clean piece of underwear that could be found in his bag.

Jo was facepalming when Cas arrived. 'Can you believe these two? They think it was all a dream.' Cas smiled, 'maybe it's better if we leave them under that impression?' She gave him a curious look. 'And how are we supposed to do that? They know how the world really is. We've put them in permanent danger.' Cas put his hand on her shoulder, he'd never touched her before he realized. 'Trust me. I think I know what to do.'

He made his way to his two friends. When they saw him Kevin seemed a bit intimidated. 'So how are you guys feeling? Ready to wake up?' Cas joked. Before either of them could answer he quickly took hold of their foreheads. He closed his eyes and felt himself get grip on their memories. Once he let go both boys fell asleep. The look of worry had disappeared from their faces. Jo seemed impressed. 'A new trick? What did you do?'

Cas turned to look at Charlie who was talking with Pamela. 'Pamela helped me unlock this ability. I altered their memories. As far as they know people got murdered by a crazy lady and we got a bit stuck in the crossfire. Nothing about magic, demons or the supernatural. They'll be fine.' Jo nodded, 'well the fewer people remember me being all lovey-dovey the better.'

Charlie's eyes met Castiel's. 'Are you going to do the same for Charlie?' She sounded hesitant now. 'I don't think we have a choice. She managed to handle this the best, but I think it's better for her peace of mind if she remembers a pleasant birthday.'

And so when the group stepped inside their cars that's exactly what Charlie remembered. 'I was an awesome day guys. Send me a text when y'all home.' Dean nodded and smiled. 'Say hi to your mom for us.' Sam added kindly. Charlie's happy expression faded. 'Oh, Sam that's really sweet. But I guess Dean never told you. But my parents are dead. Have been for years.' It was like receiving a punch in the face. Only when Charlie had taken off did Cas realize the implication of her words.

He wasn't the only surprised though. Sam and Dean both had odd expressions on their faces too. Because Charlie's mom had been alive this morning. But now she was apparently dead for years.

Wings flutter

Everyone was taken home and Cas got joined by Dean on the couch. 'You watching the sunset?' Cas nodded, allowing Dean to curl up next to him. 'Yeah… trying to progress what happened today.' Dean felt warm and soft next to him, comforting really. 'Man, so many things that happened. Is it weird that I'm instead planning my birthday?' Cas was taken back by Dean's words.

'Yeah I know, weird timing. But like with all the crazy shit going on, I just wanted something normal to latch on to. My birthday is in January. I was taking that I could take you and Sammy on a road trip. And maybe we can go camping in the summer. Heck if Sammy gets himself a girlfriend he might just leave the camping to just us two. And then maybe-'

Cas felt like he was going to stop breathing so he quickly pulled his boyfriend closer. 'Dean stop.' Dean carded his fingers through Castiel's hair. 'What you don't like camping?'

'No that's not it. Don't make plans for our future. Because the idea that we won't have that future…' Dean shook his head, 'but we will. We will have that future alright?'

This was it. Cas had to tell him that he was changing. 'Dean… I don't think I have that much time left. I have a ticking time bomb inside of me. I lose more humanity everyday… what if lose myself before that all can happen? I don't know how much longer I can protect you.'

That evening was filled with quiet whispers as the sun slowly went down. As the two shared their concerns Cas slowly saw Dean falling asleep. 'I can see your soul you know that? It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. You were the first soul I ever saw… I wonder why.' Cas was talking more to himself than to Dean. Who was already drifting away into sleep.

Cas carefully pulled himself from Dean's arms and wrapped a blanket around them both. Knowing that Sam had accidentally fallen asleep on his bed. 'Night Cas, love you.' Dean slurred. Pulling Cas closer. Until both felt completely safe.

Wings flutter

Cassiel knew that it was too late now. 'You have nowhere left to run, what will you do?' Balthazar had asked him. The walls were shaking on its foundation. The Seraph had puffed up his chest. 'Whatever is necessary to protect the Crown.' Balthazar had shaken his head. His human vessel looked strange on him. 'You shouldn't fight Michael. Just give him what he wants. I don't want to see you get killed.' The two brethren gave each other a sad look.

'You were one of my closest friends Balthazar. I can only ask you this favour. Please.' The floor started shaking now. Cracks started revealing themselves. 'I have to go, please Balthazar promise me.' The angel seemed lost for words, 'I promise…'

Cassiel closed his eyes, tapping into his long gone angel grace to take him as far away as possible. The seraph found himself in a back alley. The humans were speaking Turkish and selling their goods on the market nearby. Cassiel just hoped he'd travelled far enough. He started moving knowing he didn't have much time left. There only seemed to be one option left. And now that Balthazar had made him a promise…'

A scream of pain left him. He turned to see one of his sisters pulling out her knife from his back. 'Raphael?' The archangel smiled. 'Michael will be here shortly. Try not to die just yet.' You shall know no fear in the face of justice, as you are my righteousness. You are warriors. You are my children and you will guide those who came after you. And love them more than you shall ever love me. For you are the shepherds and they will be your flock.

Cassiel remembered those words on the day he was created. The decision he made was simple then. A burning hot sensation went through his whole body. As slowly the seraph pulled out his very essence the poor vessel he was wearing was trying to claw away his own skin. Desperate to be freed from the agony. The archangel Raphael was screaming. 'Stop it you fool. You are destroying yourself!'

Cassiel simply smiled. Knowing that Michael had lost. A bright flash of light appeared in the sky and everything went dark.

Wings flutter

When Cas opened his eyes he was at a crossroad. Mist surrounded him. 'Having sweet dreams Castiel?' A voice spoke. Cas quickly turned, finally finding who he was searching for. Crowley smiled, 'you were looking for me?'

It was now or never. 'I am here about your deal. Is it still available? Crowley's eyes started bleeding red. 'Depends on if you agree to sign a contract.' He smiled the cruellest smile as he handed him a piece of paper.

It was quiet for a bit as Cas read through the paper. Finally he looked up. 'Do you have a pen?'

Hey everyone! So I am back! What took me so long? Well life happened, and this chapter was just a real struggle. I also got a new job so I am hoping that I will be able to update once a month again like PROMISED. So this will be the August update.

Only 5 chapters to go before it ends! I hope you enjoy and I want to thank everyone for the lovely comments. Those are really kind and really keep me going. This story as been tough because English isn't my native language. So I'm learning a lot. Until next time and take care.