"So...are we going back?" Sam asked, gazing upon the rising Sun coming over the horizon. The sky was filled with rich oranges, reds and yellows, making the clouds appear as if they were on fire. The bright orb had yet to surface. Dean, who walked to stand beside him, yawned while stretching his arms over his head. He was glad he wasn't wearing his armor, basking in the soft wind passing him by. He watched as Sam leaned his head back when the wind blew through his long hair and tunic. He stifled a laugh, though Sam threw him a bitch face when a snort escaped Dean's mouth. In an instant, Dean stood up straight and pretended to pay attention the
Sunrise again, desperately trying to stifle his his giggles.
"Screw the army, Sammy. I think we're overdue for a visit at Bobby's. Besides, I want to see that secret chamber of his."
Sam raised an eyebrow at his brother, rolling his eyes. He shrugged his shoulders, because he wanted to see Bobby again, too. "What about Ketch, though? If we don't get him his amulet back, he'll cause a mess of problems for Cas, and us."
"Got that covered, Sammy. I had Rowena send it to him by witch mail. He should have it back by now." Dean yawned again, scratching his chin. Sam just smirked with a huff. "What did it cost you?" He watched his brother slouch forward with a pout.
"Well?" Sam nudged Dean's arm, chuckling when he was pushed away by a grumbling Dean.
"Shemademekissherhandandprofessmyundyinggratitudeforher." The elder Winchester mumbled under his breath, causing Sam to wrestle him into a headlock with a grin. "What was that, brother?"
"You heard me." Dean growled, pushing his hands against Sam's chest and stomach in an attempt to free himself. Sam only tightened his grip, to his brother's dismay. "So you're telling me that Rowena, the all powerful witch who could have anything she wanted, asked you for a kiss and your gratitude." He threw his head back in laughter, loosening his grip on Dean.
Pulling free with a slight stumble, Dean backed away, glaring at Sam. "Yeah, it's really funny, Sammy." He grumbled with a pout, smiling when Sam glared at his nickname again.
"It's hilarious, Dean. Because she knows how much you hate it." Sam grinned, wiping a tear from his eye.
"Yeah? We'll just see what you think about this?" Dean grinned, then ran forward and tackled his unsuspecting brother to the ground. "Hey! You jerk! Get off me!" Sam slapped at Dean and wrestled with him, fighting for dominance.
"Not till you take your words back, bitch." Dean tickled Sam's sides, causing his brother to laugh and writhe beneath him. He then straddled Sam's chest and held his arms down to lean over his little brother. Moving his mouth to create saliva, he wiggled his eyebrows at the taller man.
"Don't you dare, Dean! Get your spit away from me!" Sam barked, shifting his body to try and knock Dean off before the saliva could leave his brother's mouth.
"Well, aren't you boys having a grand ol' time." The thick Scottish accent caused Sam and Dean to stop and look at the witch, who stood nearby with her arms crossed beneath her breasts. "And here, I've been giving your precious Angel a new outfit, all by myself." She raised a hand to examine her nails, before glancing at them with her bright lips.
Sam and Dean stared at her curiously, neither one much thinking of their positions anymore when the angel came into view. He donned a light brown leather breastplate that extended down to his mid-thigh, with dark trousers beneath shin armored plates. A dark leather belt wrapped nicely around his waist. He wore a light gray, long sleeved tunic beneath the leather armor, which connected to the wrist gauntlets he wore. And finally, his shoulders donned pauldrons*, while a gorget* hung at his throat and upper chest. Both were so polished Dean could see the sunrise reflecting off them.
Getting to his feet, Dean gaped at the angel, marveling at how well the armor looked. "Damn, Cas." Was all he could say, while Sam heaved himself up to his feet and nodded at Rowena and Castiel. "That's a great outfit, Cas. It suits you."
"Thank you. I find myself enjoying it very much. It reminds of what James and I used to wear when we did battle together." Castiel, smiled fondly, pulling lightly at the leather armor. Sam briefly glanced at Rowena, but she didn't seem phazed by the name 'James'. Perhaps the angel had told her about his past already.
"Alright, boys. Off you pop. I don't want you lingering and driving away my customers. There are a few hiding in the forest because they wish to do business secretly." Rowena whispered the last word with a smirk and a wink.
"We're going. We're going." Dean grumbled, before staring at her as he lifted an accusatory finger to point at her. "And don't let anyone know you have those feathers." Rowena rolled her eyes at the man with a frustrated puff, pushing his finger away from her.
"Don't you point that sausage me, or I might have half a mind to turn you into a squirrel." The witch growled with a smirk at Dean's eyes growing wide. "You wouldn't dare!" Dean barked, backing up a bit and glared at his laughing brother, who was bent over grasping his knees for support.
"Oh, wouldn't I?" Rowena raised her hand, pointing a finger at the elder Winchester. "Poof." She sang, watching Dean close his eyes and plead silently that he wasn't a squirrel, or anything unnatural. When a opened one eye, then another, he saw Rowena and Sam leaning into each other while laughing hysterically and pointing at him. Castiel simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders at Dean.
Waving his hands at the laughing pair in frustration, he walked over to Castiel, lifting an arm to rest over the angel's shoulders. "Come on, Cas. Let's get out of here before these cumberworlds* get a second wind." Castiel threw his head back with a laugh, understanding the reference, causing Dean to grin.
o0o
The ride to Bobby's house was mostly fair weathered, until the day before their arrival surprised them with a thick fog whilst the sky proceeded to water the land with a light drizzle. The sound of the rain pattering the ground was relaxing, while the leaves bounced rhythmically. A chill settled in the air, causing their breaths to form steamy wisps. The fog surrounding them made the forest appear old and haunted, sending chills down Dean's spine.
"This place is creepy." The elder Winchester muttered, tightening his hands around the reins. He started at the sound of sudden flapping behind him, causing him to jerk around and scowl at the large brown owl soaring away with a 'hoot'.
"It's not that bad, Dean." Sam remarked, chuckling at his brother's behavior. Turning his head to look at the small pond they passed, he enjoyed the sight of the raindrops touching the water's surface and leaving constant ripples. Ruby lowered her head slightly, shaking her mane of the accumulated water, much like a dog would shake itself dry. With a smile, he leaned forward, gently patting her neck. He knew she didn't like the rain very much. Usually she was the one to snort in irritation constantly in this weather, but this time it was Baby snorting. The black mare had shifted herself closer to the white stallion, holding her head high as she nuzzled the back of Castiel's armor. Dean chuckled at his horse's behavior, though agreeing that it would be nice to have shelter from the drizzle beneath the massive dark wings again.
"Sorry, Baby. Not this time." Dean patted Baby's neck, pulling her away from Castiel, though the angel didn't seem to mind. He knew Castiel wouldn't risk exposure, even in this fog. It was daylight, and he didn't know if anyone was nearby. Baby huffed in frustration, stamping her hooves on the muddy ground in protest. With a smile Castiel reached over to stroke the mare's brow, whispering words of encouragement to the equine, causing her to settle down.
"We're almost there, Sweetheart." Dean stroked her neck comfortingly, knowing she hated being wet and cold. As she shook her head, he watched wisps of steam leave her large nostrils to dance in the air before disappearing. Tightening his cloak around himself, he breathed into his hands to warm them before rubbing them together. Looking towards his little brother, he watched as Sam faced the crying sky, allowing the drops to land upon his face and neck. His dark hood kept his hair relatively dry as the material slowly grew more damp.
Castiel kept his eyes forward, watching Akobel's head bob as he walked at a slow pace. He could feel the stallion's enjoyment of the rain, much like himself. Glancing down at his wrists, he gingerly brushed a finger against the leather, wondering if his brother's had sensed his disappearance. He didn't want to cause them worry, but at the moment, it was the best option to keep himself off the demons' radar. He would deal with any hurt feelings at a later time.
"You alright, Cas?" Dean asked, noticing the angel's staring at the leather gauntlet. Piercing blue eyes met his, causing him to hitch his breath. No matter how many times he looked into the angel's eyes, he felt the need to be submissive. Those ancient eyes commanded authority and respect. "Yes, Dean. I was lost in thought for a moment." The ebony replied with a smile, returning his eyes forward once again.
"What were you thinking about?" Dean wondered, keeping his eyes on the angel. He noticed Sam watching the ebony with silent curiosity. He was a little disappointed when Castiel shook his head slightly with a small frown, but acknowledged his friend's desire for privacy. Instead, the elder Winchester turned his attention to the forest around them, noticing the fog had thickened as the minutes passed. The trees roughly twelve meters ahead were nearly hidden from view.
The more they wandered into the forest, the trees grew thicker and more gnarled. Some looked ancient, as if they had been there since the dawn of time. Their trunks extended far into the sky, concealed from view. Dean grew uneasy at the low creaks and seeming moans sounding in the distance around them, causing him to glance in all directions, noticing that Sam did the same thing. This was their first time in this forest, having gone around in the past.
"Do you think something is out there?" Sam asked, feeling a chill run down his spine at the sound of a stick breaking close by. He whirled around to look behind him, but saw only the thick fog. The horses seemed to grow uneasy, snorting in worry as their hooves stomped the ground in distress as the slowed to a stop. A deep groan filled the air around them, causing Dean to shiver at the unearthly sound. Baby backed up, rearing up with a scared whinny. Ruby followed suit, but settled down when Sam leaned quickly dismounted and pulled her head to him, gently stroking her to calm her nerves.
"Whoa, Baby. Settle down." Dean worried, feeling his mare's body shaking beneath him. He gripped the reins and tightened his knees when she bolted upward with a panicked whinny, fearing he would fall from the saddle. "Shit!" He shouted as the black mare prepared to bolt when her front hooves touched the ground, but was grateful when Castiel reached out to grab the reins. Pulling the agitated horse towards him, he gently stroked her brow and muzzle, pushing his calming grace into her mind to ease her worry.
"Thanks, Cas." Dean breathed, feeling his body shaking from the near disaster. He focused on the stallion to calm himself, noticing Akobel remained motionless, save his swishing tail, shaking mane and twitching ears. His soft snort filled the air, but his hooves were planted on the muddy ground.
"Why is Akobel so calm, when Baby and Ruby panicked?" Sam asked in wonderment, understanding what Dean with thinking. He and his brother turned their eyes to the angel, watching him continue to pet the relaxing mare.
"He is calm, because he senses that I am not afraid." Castiel spoke, looking the brothers in the eyes. "This forest will not harm us. It is old, but also wise. It knows that I am here."
"But I thought your gauntlets-" Dean began, but was cut off as the angle spoke with a shake of his head. "This part of the forest is far more than just a supernatural entity. It is as old as time itself on this world. It can sense things that others cannot." He finished, listening to another deep groan fill the air. "It is welcoming us into its forest."
"Wow." Dean muttered, looking at the foggy forest around him, noticing in the distance a nearly concealed three branch moving in an unnatural manner. He came to realize the forest was alive, and not just in the regular tree sense. The thought spooked him, but he forced himself to remain calm. Looking to his brother, he noticed Sam was writing in his journal, jotting down the revelation as best he could beneath the protection of his cloak. Of course Sam would find the information thrilling.
"Let's get moving then. I don't want to be in this place all night." Dean grumbled, shivering at the cool air blowing past him, causing him to wrap his cloak around himself once more. He was grateful when Castiel removed his hands from Baby and led Akobel forward along the path. He and Sam followed beside him, glad their mares didn't feel so uneasy anymore. Dean wanted to be out of this place, not enjoying the constant creaking, groaning and movement as they continued on their way.
o0o
"Hey, Bobby!" Dean called as they approached the old man's house, seeing the retired hunter preparing another repaired wagon to bring to town. Bobby removed his hat, scratching his scalp as the three approached him.
"Well, I'll be damned. I didn't think I'd see ya boys so soon. The army not keeping ya busy enough?" He grumbled, replacing his hat on his head.
"I do not think you will want to be damned. It is a very unpleasant feeling." Castiel spoke up, causing Bobby to raise an eyebrow. Sam and Dean giggled at the angel's response. Turning to look at them, the ebony realized it must have been another expression and just shrugged his shoulders with a smile.
"What do ya boy's want this time?" The old man asked, watching the three dismount. "We were in the area, and decided it was time to see that secret chamber of yours." Dean grinned, walking past Bobby and leading Baby towards the stables. Sam and Castiel followed behind him with Bobby joining them to get Rufus hitched up to the wagon.
"I'll show ya when I get back from town. Gotta get this delivered before sundown." Bobby looked up at the sky, seeing the Sun past its point in the middle of the clear blue sky. It would be going down within the next four hours. While his boys took care of their horses, he prepared Rufus in his tack and saddle, before leaving the stables and hitching the stocky horse to the wagon. Soon after he left, Sam entered the house to read some more of Bobby's books. He noticed that Garth wasn't around, figuring the kid must have gone to town or been on some sort of trip elsewhere. He would have enjoyed conversing with him again.
With Sam inside, Dean and Castiel decided to take care of a few chores while waiting for Bobby's return. Castiel carefully removed his armor and shirt, then picked up the long handled ax and began placing the fresh cut logs of wood on the stump, bringing the ax down with a mighty chop and causing the wood to split and fall onto the stump. Dean having removed his own armor, basked in the cool breeze sweeping through his shirt. He gathered the various pieces of fresh chopped wood when Castiel moved to place another log on the stump, placing the cut pieces on the wood pile beside the house.
"Hey, Cas?" Dean asked, lifting his head from his task to look at the angel, who continued chopping wood with all the force of a superhuman. He was surprised that Castiel hadn't broken the ax yet with how hard he whacked the logs. Or that the stump hadn't shattered to pieces. "Yes, Dean?" The angel asked, not taking his eyes from his task as he placed another log on the stump, not noticing Dean's eyes staring at his back that still bore the scars Alistair had given him so cruelly. Castiel had told Dean that he wanted to keep them as proof of his capture, should his brothers come looking for him. The large scars were fully healed, but they remained a saddening sight in their jagged and raised pink condition.
"That night in the storm, when you used your wings to keep us dry...I was wondering if I could...you know what, never mind. I sound silly for ask-" Dean rambled, casting his eyes to the ground as an embarrassed blush rose to his cheeks as he sat on the ground. He was surprised though when a hand fell upon his shoulder, stopping his rambling mouth.
"You are not silly for wanting to see them, Dean. And I would be happy to show you, but not here. Not in broad daylight where anyone can see. They are black after all, and will be noticeable far away." Castiel sat down beside Dean, slapping a hand on the elder Winchester's knee as he stared off into the distance. Dean looked at his friend's face, noticing a sad expression on the angel.
"Why are they black? Isn't an angel's wings supposed to be white or something?" Dean questioned, watching Castiel's frown deepen into despair. Castiel clenched his eyes shut, inhaled sharply as the edges of his mouth twitched in anguish. Words couldn't seem to form in his mouth, causing him to nod while looking away from Dean's trepidation.
"Shit, Cas! I didn't mean to upset you. Forget I asked." Dean stumbled over his words, grabbing hold of both of Castiel's shoulders, pulling him towards himself to wrap an arm around the angel's neck.
"No, Dean. It's okay." Castiel whispered after a pregnant pause, allowing himself to relax before speaking again. "My wings are black because...I was punished for my crimes...Rather than returning to Heaven after the wars were over, I stayed on Earth for a time because I wanted to watch over James' family, keeping my promise to him in keeping his family safe." Castiel leaned his head to the side, resting it against Dean's shoulder.
"But why not return to Heaven? Why not give James his body back?" Dean mumbled mostly to himself, but Castiel answered him anyway. "James let me keep inhabiting his body because he feared another threat would come and endanger humanity, as did I. And we were good friends by that point. He didn't want me to leave, so I stayed." Castiel lifted his hands to look at them as a tear escaped his eye. "Heaven was furious with me for thinking a human took precedence over Heaven. They banished me, never allowing me to return home. My wings were...burned with...Hellfire...as a constant reminder of my betrayal." He spoke slowly, lest he break down in sobs.
"If I ever meet your family, I'm going to kill them!" Dean seethed, wrapping his other arm tightly around the angel and pulling him into an embrace. He was furious that his friend was treated in such a manner. "I can't believe they did this to you! They sound like a bunch of dicks with wings!" He growled. Castiel sighed with a small, tear filled laugh.
"Perhaps, Dean, one day you might make good on that. But there are some who are still loyal to me. I do not see them often, for I do not wish them to be punished for interacting with me. They will be great allies should the time come."
"What are their names, so I don't gank them the moment I see them." Dean demanded, a hint of playfulness in his voice as he pulled the angel closer to him and fell to his side, pulling Castiel to the ground with him and landed on their backs. Both laughed heartily as their heads pressed into the dirt, getting their hair dusty.
"Gabriel is one of my elder angelic brothers. He's an Archangel, thus making him impervious to the lesser angelic hosts' aggression. Then again, he would be dealing with my eldest brothers, Michael and Raphael. Raphael has held contempt for me since the moment I chose to stay on Earth." Castiel paused, looking into Dean's eyes as he moved to sit up, Dean's arms dropping to his side allowing the angel to prop himself up with his arms behind his back. "I'm not sure about Michael. He never said a word when I fell. I knew I hurt him, but I know he still cares. There are times when I catch glimpses of him in various vessels, keeping an eye on me, whether to make sure I am not getting into trouble, or to make sure I am safe."
"My other brother, Balthazar, is a bit more frivolous. He faked his death before the great wars, deciding it would be better to live a life of grandeur on Earth than forever obey the rules of Heaven. I see him a couple of times each century. Gabriel is much the same. He too faked his death and visits me often, mostly to protect me from anything that might try to hurt me."
"I'd like to thank this brother of yours." Dean smiled, but it fell from his lips when a thought entered his mind. "If he keeps you safe, then why were you captured by the demons and held for however long they had you?" He watched as Castiel looked toward the sky, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I do not know, Dean. Much of my capture eludes me. I remember I was watching over James' last ancestor tend to her grandmother's horses, then I woke up in chains, surrounded by demons and Holy fire." The angel shuddered at the last part, the memories of his torture trying to push themselves forward. He calmed when Dean's hand fell upon his arm, giving him
moral support. "Perhaps Gabriel does not know I was captured. Nor Balthazar. Neither of them would ever give me to the demons."
"What about Raphael or Michael. Or any of the other angels?" Dean asked, sitting up beside his best friend, turning his head to face the angel and observing his quiet countenance. With a sigh, Castiel let his head fall back. "Raphael would be more than capable. I don't know if Michael would have the heart. He is extremely fierce to those who cross him, but he is just as fierce when protecting his family. I do not think Michael was behind my capture."
"So it's safe to say that Raphael sold you out?" Dean growled, clenching his hands.
"Perhaps. But I do not wish to assume he was the one responsible. It may not have even been him. I was with a different brother that day. It was..." Castiel paused, the name not coming to mind. "His name is..." He tried again, but he could not remember who it was. Leaning forward, he raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Why can I not remember?" The angel growled menacingly, causing Dean to lean away in momentary shock. The elder Winchester had never heard the ebony speak in such a manner, causing the hair on the back of his neck and arms to raise. He silently observed the discouraged angel, then lifted a hand to rest on the back of Castiel's neck, lightly drumming the skin with his fingers to distract the ebony.
"Perhaps the demons screwed with your memory." Dean paused in thought, watching Castiel turn his head to glance at him, while his fingers continued their ministrations. "Can they do that, Cas?" The ebony shrugged his shoulders, before speaking in a whisper. "I do not know. They have been capable lately of a great many things that I never thought possible." Castiel dropped his head into his palms, rubbing his face as he let out a deep sigh.
"Hmm." Dean hummed softly, thinking for a moment on how to change the topic. Sliding his hand down Castiel's neck, he patted the flesh between the angel's shoulder blades. "How do you even kill angel's? Aren't you guys like impervious to destruction or something, because you're all powerful?" He waved the fingers of his other hand about, pretending to cast some magical spell, causing the ebony to chuckle.
"Not quite. There are weakness we cannot combat. Holy fire, for example. If we even touch holy fire, we will instantly perish. Though that concept is not known by many. I fear to think where the demons recieved that information." Castiel spoke softly. Dean thought back to when he and Sam first found Castiel, when they were surrounded by that ring of fire. So that was Holy Fire. He would store that information and keep a close watch over the angel anytime they were around fire, just in case. He shifted his eyes down when he noticed the angel lifting a hand and willed the silver blade to appear. "The other way we die is if we are stabbed in vital areas with these blades."
Dean watched silently as Castiel lightly pressed the tip of the blade to his own chest, where his heart rest. Then to his torso, throat and head. "Okay, Cas. Stop that. I don't want to know how to kill you." Dean gently took the blade from Castiel's hands and held it in his own, wanting to stab the blade into the dirt. "So where do angels go when they die?" He asked, swallowing at the thought of Castiel perishing. He glanced up at the ebony's face, who had his eyes closed.
"When angels die, they blink out of existence, as if they were never there to begin with. We go to a place called the Empty. It is a dark place filled with pain and sorrow and regrets for an eternity of sleep." Castiel replied, though his voice was soft and shaky. Dean furrowed his brows, not sure what to make of his friend's words.
"You sure know a lot about that place." The Winchester spoke, watching intently while Castiel slowly opened his eyes and turned to stare into Dean's with a piercing gaze. "It is one thing that is passed along in Heaven. To keep us from wanting to choose a path that leads to death."
"Sounds like a bunch of uptight dicks with wings." Dean muttered, dragging the silver blade gently along the grass and dirt. He saw Castiel nod in his periphery vision. "Heaven is very strict. There is no room for disobedience. You must either do as you're told or become an outcast and hated among your kind."
"Remind me not to die and go to Heaven then." Dean poked the ground with the blade, digging little holes, not noticing Castiel's glower at his blade being used as a shovel. "For humans, Heaven is a wonderful place filled with memories. You will be fine, Dean."
"Not sure I want to be in Heaven if you're not there with all of us." Dean mumbled, thinking of all his family, dead and alive. He considered Castiel part of that family, like a really, really old, little brother. At Castiel's lips slightly turning upwards, he placed his hand on the angel's shoulder and stared the ebony in the eyes. "We'll find a way, Cas. We'll find a way to get you back to Heaven. I won't have you wandering this world long after we're all dead."
Castiel smiled fondly at those words. His heart ached at the love he felt. "Thank you, Dean. It means a great deal to me to have you care so much." He wrapped an arm around Dean's shoulders and pulled him into a side hug, before leaning over to press a kiss to Dean's brow. He chuckled a moment later when Dean pushed him away with blush. "D-Don't do that, man! It's creepy!"
Castiel just laughed heartily, shoving a chuckling Dean away before getting to his feet. Turning and leaning down to face his friend, the angle extended his hand to Dean, smiling when the man took it and pulled Dean to his feet. "Thanks, Cas." Dean grinned, patting the ebony's shoulder.
Dusting the dirt from their clothing, they went about continuing their task of wood chopping and stacking. Observing the angel's back once again, Dean watched at the muscles moved beneath the scars. He was glad the scars were healed now, but it didn't quell his anger at his best friend's treatment. He would find whoever was responsible for turning Castiel over to the demons and gank that son of a bitch.
o0o
*Pauldron- a name for a shoulder armor plate.
*Gorget- throat and upper chest armor.
*Cumberworld- An old insult, meaning a useless person who takes up your space and breathes your air. Dictionary . com