A/N:

I usually make it a point to avoid author's notes if possible, especially at the beginning of a chapter to ensure that my views and interpretation of my stories does not colour your perception of them. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and it is true for all people and of everything. I started publishing on this site for the opportunity it gave me, the access to likeminded aspirant writers [I know of at least two writers on this site that have gone on to publish their own works.] and the possibility of receiving constructive criticism from neutral parties who does not personally know me but are knowledgeable enough to provide me with corrections and pointers. I thank everyone who has taken the time to let me know what you think of my works and have given me suggestions and I assure you that I will not let the immaturity of one person colour my opinion of all of you.

To all those who are wondering why I've broken a rule that I have managed to uphold till now, the answer is quite simple. I have just deleted a review that asked me and I quote, to commit suicide because they didn't like my work [to put it in more polite terms]. To all those who are not happy with the way I portray my characters, please, click on that bright red button situated at the upper right hand corner of your screen. If the reason you do not like my work is because my writing is abysmal or because my grammar is horrendous, please, feel free to correct me. English is not my first language and any sort help in clearing up my mistakes so I can become a better writer is more than welcome. But at the same time, be kind. Do not use words that you wouldn't use in polite company. I am not sure how many people saw that crude review before I noticed it and took it down, but I would like to apologise to them. Even though it was directed at me, you should not have been exposed to it. Considering that this site does not have an age restriction, anyone from a ten year old to a hundred year old [I assume] could have seen that and it would not have been nice to them.

Constructive criticism is welcome. Flames are not. If you must send me flames, please, send me a PM. That way only the intended recipient of your vitriol will be exposed to it.

I thank everyone who was kind enough to read this. All of us lost precious time because someone was immature enough to flame me and then attach their address, contact numbers and e-mail addresses along with it. Many of you may have realized who I am speaking of, because apparently this particular person has made it a habit to leave offensive reviews across this site and unfortunately cannot be reported because they make it a point to leave them as an anonymous reviewer [even if they leave their contact address along with it].

I leave this note as it is because I wanted to let those who believe that spewing vitriol online while hiding behind the anonymity that the internet provides is right that I will not take it as it is. Again, free will is a thing and if this is how you wish to use it, then please leave others out of it. You hate someone's work, then read something else.

To all my kind readers, I apologise once again for making you sit through a 600+ words long author's note. If anyone attempts to cyber bully you, then stand up to them. Most of the time bullies are nothing more than horribly insecure people who feels powerful when they pick on someone who they think is smaller than them. Remember Hooper from A Bug's Life, people.

Without much ado, I present to you, Chapter 13 of Star of Bethlehem.

Chapter 13:

"Why do you keep calling me Madonna?" Mary suddenly blurted out.

It was Raphael who answered her. "It is because you are the mother of the Boy King of Hell. The Blessed Virgin is called the Madonna of Heaven because she gave Birth to the Messiah. Sam here, is his counterpart in Hell. That kind of makes you the Madonna of Hell."

"Wait what?!" John asked, his face twisted in anger.

Gabriel, for it was him – the golden eyes were a dead giveaway – snapped his fingers and John fell silent. He attempted to speak once more but found out that he could produce no sound. The angel then turned to Mary and said " I won't kill him because that would be a punishment for you and Dean and an easy escape for John. But I will put him through Hell, maybe not literally but still, till he sees the error of his ways. Do you accept?"

"Will he be unharmed?" she asked.

"Physically, yes. Mentally, he will be a bit shaken."

"If that's what it takes for him to be a proper father to all four of my children, then go ahead." she replied. She looked pale, but was determined. Gabriel nodded and then snapped. John disappeared from where he had sat, leaning against the wall heavily.

"Wait, what are you going to do with Dad?" Dean asked quietly, too quietly.

"Put him in one of my pocket dimensions as long as it takes for his lesson to be driven into his thick skull." His expression softened a bit. "Dean-o, had your Daddy insisted on following the path he was on, he would have turned into a demon, like that Gordon Walker who killed everything that he thought was wrong. There is still time for him. If he changes his path now and repents, his soul would be purified, washed of the stain of his many sins. I don't want Sam to be the one who have to deal with his soul in Hell, either. He might not see John as his father, but it will still hurt him because it will hurt you and the Madonna if John is sentenced to Hell. You don't want that do you?"

"No. So what am I supposed to do now? Dad's stubborn. It's going to take him years to understand whatever it is that he is supposed to learn."

"It will take him years, yes. But to you it will be only long enough to finish a meal."

"Huh?"

Raphael snapped her fingers and the hospital room turned into a large hall.