Hey everyone. So due to a combination of the time of year (very busy in retail) and some (very) minor health issues it was looking shaky that this chapter was going to be posted but I summoned together the very last of my rapidly dwindling energy stores and did a last read through so I could post it for you. Plus, I'm on hold again and it kept me awake. No review replies today I'm sorry. This seems to be the limit of my coherent thoughts today. XDD
But huge thanks to Vrskaandrea, Malic Malic, ShadowXMoonlight and Franki3Winchester who took time to review and just let me tell you, stuff going down soon...ish.

Chapter 38

Deana had awoken alone. Though she was slightly sad Cas had left she was mostly overjoyed just by the fact he had even been there and he had admitted he loved her. Her stomach rumbled and she had a sudden, overwhelming urge for fresh, warm chocolate chip cookies. She rolled off the bed and after using the bathroom and washing her hands wandered down to the kitchen.

She turned on the oven and pulled out some cookie sheets to grease. Once that was done she measured out the butter and put it in the microwave for a few seconds to melt. This was her favourite recipe it was quick and she knew it by heart from the amount of times she had made them. Before she began to measure out the rest of the ingredients she flicked on the radio and laughed to herself when Aretha Franklins 'Say a Little Prayer For You' started. She swung her hips side to side as she weighed out the flour and salt and collected the eggs and vanilla, not even noticing when she began to sing along.

"Forever and ever, you'll stay in my heart

and I will love you.

Forever and ever we never will part,

oh, how I love you

Together, forever, that's how it must be,

to live with out you,

Would only mean heartbreak for me.

I say a little prayer for you..

Oh, hey Ellen. I'm making cookies." Deana greeted the other woman as she entered the cabin.

"Hi Deana. So, that was Castiel?" She asked.

"Yeah. Isn't he heavenly." Deana asked cheekily.

"Oh, yeah. Devine." Ellen replied with a slight eye roll. "Listen Deana, we need to talk."

Since the exploding tree incident on Christmas Day there had been several other moments of the Nephilim reacting to Deanas emotions. When she got overwhelmed or angry or scared, mugs would sometimes crack or books and magazines would fly across the room. When the coffee machine disintegrated into a million tiny shards after a particularly nasty argument with Bobby, Deana took up yoga and began meditating to try and level out her emotions. And if Ellen was hoping that these practices would help her when she told Deana about the conversation she had with Castiel, well then, she was sorely mistaken.

To say Deana took the news of the revised delivery date badly would be putting it lightly.

First she asked Ellen to repeat the information. Then all the colour drained from her face and the wooden spoon she was holding began to smoke and turned to ash in Deanas hand. Next all the windows in the kitchen exploded outwards and finally Deana mumbled an apology and retreated to her room, and into herself. She took to wearing her fathers oversized hoodie again as if it was an armour, and mostly just sat outside on the patio, only speaking when spoken too, eating and drinking only when told.

Ellen was seriously worried about the girl and decided she wasn't comfortable leaving her while she was like this. She called Bill to come collect Jo, who, despite her best effort, hadn't been able to pull Deana from her funk. Bobby came and together the two men replaced the window panes and then after Bill and Jo left, Bobby and Ellen sat down and discussed a new, revised game plan.

Pastor Jim Murphy cherished the quiet early mornings to take an hour or two for quiet prayer and contemplation. These last few months he had quite a bit to contemplate. The priest knelt at the communion rail, resting his elbows on the polished wood. His hands were clasped together in front of him and he rest his head against them. He finished up his prayers with a whispered 'Amen' and pushed himself up to standing. He gazed reverently at the hand crafted 150 year old cross hanging behind his alter and crossed himself before turning away to leave the church.

Normally when one finds themselves, unexpectedly, face-to-face with a stranger at the crack of dawn one would be forgiven if they startle and perhaps cry out but when Jim turned to see the man in the trench coat standing silently in the middle of the aisle he did neither. In fact Jim felt neither surprise or fear.

"You would be Castiel." He stated, surprisingly calm in the presence of the Heavenly creature.

"You are a man of true faith, James Murphy. My Father would be very pleased that such faith still exists on this earth. And yes, I am Castiel, and we must talk."

Here's one you haven't heard...

A Priest and an Angel sit in the knave of a small church in Blue Earth, Minnesota...

"She hasn't taken the news well and Ellen is worried for her state of mind." The priest informed the Angel.

Castiel sighed.

"I rather suspected she wouldn't. I would have stayed with her but Michael is watching me." He said.

"We had thought to bring her father and brother to the cabin for the last few weeks. We thought she might improve with them there."

"No. You are doing the right thing, keeping them separated."

"Really? I had felt rather guilty keeping the girl from her family. I remember her as a child, always hovering by her fathers side and never straying more than a few steps from Samuel." Jim recalled.

"Michael has been keeping watch over the remaining Winchester's. My brother was furious when he discovered Deana had disappeared and 'his weapon' along with her. He questioned me quite...intensely regarding her whereabouts. I must say, Priest, you have done an exceptional job with your warding to keep even an Archangel blind."

"Thank you." Jim bowed his head, humbled by the praise of the Seraphim. "But you speak as if you fear for Deanas safety should Michael find her."

"I do not believe my Brother would hurt Deana despite his anger over her disappearance, but he is not the only being we need to shield them from. All of Heaven and Hell knew the moment the Nephilim came to be. Demons are also seeking them out. We have had to keep Angels near the Winchester's at all time. Already several demons have been dispatched trying to get to Deanas family." Castiel said.

"And you are protecting them?" Jim asked.

"Of course. Deanas family mean everything to her. I would never forgive myself if something should happen to either her father or brother because of my actions." Cas assured the priest.

"She will be relieved to hear that." The old hunter paused for a moment. "I must ask though."

"Yes?"

"From what I've read, from what little there is to read, it sounds like a Nephilims mother rarely survives the birth. So I ask you, from a man of faith to a being of Heaven, will Deana survive this?"

"Truthfully? I'm unsure but I will do everything in my power to ensure she does. Michael believed that as she was created to be his Sword, his perfect vessel, Deana would stand the best chance of making it through the birth."

"Why does Michael care if Deana survives? Honestly? I mean if all he wants is his weapon, why would he care about Deanas survival."

Castiel stared at the priest for a moment wondering the best way to phrase the answer but it clicked for Jim be for Cas got a chance.

"He might want more." Jim gasped.

"That's one possibility."

The Priest stood and strode away from where the Angel sat, his hand covering his mouth. He thought over their discussion. If wanting more Nephilim was one possibility, what could be the other? Jim froze and turned back to Castiel.

"It's because of what you said earlier, isn't it? That thing about Deana being Michaels Sword. He wants the best of both worlds, his vessel and his weapon! He wants to take mother and child to war!"

Castiel at least had the good grace to look ashamed, and slightly heartbroken.

"Yes."

There was quiet in the church for a long time.

"And after the child is born? What then?" Jim asked.

"I do not know." Castiel said with another sigh.

"Will we be able to keep them hidden?"

"Unlikely. During the birth the warding will have to be disabled as I will need full use of my Grace to help Deana through. This will mean the moment of the Nephilims birth all beings will know their location. I will have the most trusted of my Garrison with me to protect everyone but it will also mean Michael will be notified and although I will defend Deana and my prodigy, there's every chance Michael may just take what he came for."

"But you'll stop him if he does try to take Deanas baby?"

"To my very last, metaphysical, breath."

Deana woke with a grunt of pain. It felt as though someone had gripped her spine and was twisting. The spasm passed and she let out a sigh of relief. Needing to use the bathroom she placed a hand on her stomach and she rolled, almost quite literally, out of bed.

"Wow bubby, it's getting to be a tight squeeze in there." She commented as she stood.

Deana took a step towards the door when her abdomen suddenly tightened and cramped causing her to cry out in pain and double over. When the pain eased she took a couple of deep breaths as she stood up straight.

"What the hell was that?" She asked herself.

Daylight had not yet brightened her window so she figured Ellen would still be in bed but didn't think the older woman would mind and early wake up call, even if it was just to reassure the nervous mother-to-be. Deana made it as far as the doorway before another cramp hit her.

"Argh!" She cried as she doubled over, clutching her stomach. She stumbled out the door and slapped an open palm against Ellen's door. "Ellen," she said on an exhaled breath. "Ellen!"

The pain lessened again and Deana gripped the door handle and turned, gripping the edge as she fell inwards when the door swung inwards.

"Ellen? I think somethings wrong." She said as she entered the room. "Ellen?"

Deana looked around the room. To her horror it was completely devoid of any sign of Ellen. The bed was stripped bare, blankets folded on the end of the mattress, pillows placed on top. She stepped out of the room and headed through the living area. She made it halfway before another wave of pain hit. This time a double whammy of cramping abdomen and twisted spine. She grasped the back of the sofa and breathed through the pain. When the current wave passed she made her way to Bobby's door.

"Bobby! Bobby, please. Something's happening. I need help!" She banged on the door and when it didn't open she opened the door and stepped in.

Again the room was empty. Left in a similar state as Ellen's. She pushed away from the door and made her way down the short hallway to Jim's room. His door opened with a slight push to reveal one more abandoned room.

Crying out in fear and frustration, Deana walked back into the lounge room.

"Hello? Anybody?" She screamed. "I need help! Please someone help me!"

The worst pain of all ripped through her and she dropped to her knees.

"Cas?" She sobbed. "Cas can you hear me? Please we need you."

Deana managed to reposition herself so she was leaning against the couch and tried to breath through the pain and she felt a tugging sensation down low and amniotic fluid flowed out onto the floor.

"Please some one help me." She whispered.

The urge to push hit her suddenly.

"No, no, no, no." She pleaded. "Not now."

The urge didn't abate as another contraction ripped through her. She cried out as she bore down and pushed. She dropped her head back against the sofa cushion, panting and sobbing as the contraction passed, although the pain remained.

Deana had no way of knowing how long she sat there on the floor, cycling between pushing and sobbing and pleading for help. The window had lightened and Deana lay trembling, her thighs slick with blood.

"I can't do this." She sobbed, tears running down her face.

Her eyes slipped closed as the blood flowed from her body. She could feel another contraction building but didn't have the energy to push. Through her half closed eyes she saw a man step in front of her. He placed one hand on her knee and knelt down.

"Let me help you." He said.

"Cas?" The word came out slurred.

"No. Not Cas, Michael." He replied. "But I am here to help."

He reached out and placed a hand on Deanas stomach. She felt a warmth, a light pressure and then nothing.

Deana lifted her head as she heard her baby's first cry.

"Give me my baby." She said as she struggled to lift her arms.

Michael wrapped his arms tightly around the newborn and smiled at Deana.

"Such a tiny little thing. But we'll fix that as soon as we get back to Heaven." He said as he stood.

"Please, give me my baby." Deana begged.

"No, I don't think I will. I'm going to raise this one and together we are going to wipe this world clean and rebuild it in my own design."

"No..." Deana tried to stand but due to the enormous blood loss was too weak. She crumpled back to the ground. Supporting herself with one arm she held the other out towards the Archangel.

"Please, don't take my baby."

"I thank you for you service Deana but now I must take my leave."

Deana cried out as two large silver wings spread out behind Micheal. With no strength left, she collapsed to the ground still pleading for her child. The last thing she saw before her eyes slipped closed was the Archangel disappearing with her baby.

Ellen awoke suddenly in the middle of the night to find her room shaking. She sat up and looked around. She'd gotten into the habit of leaving her door open just incase Deana needed her and could now hear the girl whimpering in her own room. The shaking was increasing as Ellen made her way into Deanas room. The girl was mumbling and thrashing around in her bed.

"Deana?" Ellen approached the bed with caution.

"No, please." Deana mumbled in her sleep.

Ellen reached out to place a hand on Deanas shoulder when she shot up and screamed.

"Nooooo!"

It had to have been one of the most heart breaking cries Ellen had ever heard. She quickly sat on the bed and gathered the girl to her. Wrapping her in a tight hug. The cabin began to shake worse.

"It's okay Deana. I've got you. Everything is gonna be okay."

Deana tried to fight and Ellen heard the glass in the window begin to crack. She held on tighter to the frightened girl.

"Shhh. It's okay. Deana. I'm here."

"No! No! He took it! He took Sprout and you were gone! I was all alone and he took my baby!" Deana cried as she clutched Ellen's shirt.

Ellen held Deana to her chest as she watched the crack in the glass snake across the pane.

"It's okay Deana. You're not alone. You'll never be alone. We're not leaving you." She tried to reassure the girl.

"You left. You all left! I was alone and scared." Deana sobbed.

"No, no, no. It was just a dream. We're still here. See, see, you're baby's right here.l

Ellen took one of Deanas hand and placed it on her stomach so she could feel the growing bump. Slowly the shaking stopped and the cracks in the glass stopped spreading.

Slowly Deana calmed and Ellen tried to get her to lay back down but she wouldn't relinquish her hold.

"Please don't go." Deana begged tearfully.

"I won't leave you. I promise." Ellen said as she climbed into the bed beside Deana, pulling her close until her head rested against her shoulder.

As exhausted as she was from the emotional toll, Deana fought sleep. Her blinks would become slower and her breathing would begin to even out before she would pull herself back to wakefulness. Ellen rubbed circles on her back trying to relax the expectant mom.

"Hey Sprout, don't know if you can hear me." She whispered. "But your mommas having a hard time so a little help her might be nice."

Having physical contact with Deana, Ellen could feel the calming influence the Nephilim sent through it's mother's system and before she knew it, Deana was back sleeping soundly.

Deanas dark mood continued for just over a week before she began to emerge. Ellen found her curled on the couch reading, wearing her pyjama pants and Johns sweater with a steaming cup of tea on the table beside her. The fact she had made herself the beverage was an encouraging sign.

"What are you reading?" Ellen asked.

Deana twisted the book so she could see the cover.

"Tristan and Isolde. Good book." Ellen sat on the arm of the sofa by Deanas feet. "Haven't you already read that one?"

"It's a favourite." Deana mumbled with a shrug before going back to reading. "Besides, not like there's much to choose from here."

A dozen words, that was more than she spoken all together in one go all week. Another encouraging sign.

"Listen Deana," Ellen began. "Bobby will be back soon and Jim is on his way. We want to sit down with you and go over a game plan."

"Probably a good idea." She said turning a page.

"Deana, I know you're scared..."

"You don't know anything." Deana said not looking up from her book. "All I dream about is blood and pain and death and Angels taking my baby, so 'scared' doesn't even begin to cover it."

"I get it. We are gonna do everything we can to get you through this."

Deana looked up and nodded once.

The nearest town was just over an hour away and Bobby had gone to get some supplies. Pastor Jim and Bobby returned to the cabin within quarter of an hour of each other. Deana was still sitting on the sofa reading and Ellen suggested she take a walk before they sit down to talk. Deana placed her book on the coffee table and after slipping on a pair of shoes she walked out through the patio doors and began walking a few circuits of the barrier.

There was a flurry of activity once Deana left the cabin and when she returned about thirty minutes later the three older hunters were sitting around the table drinking coffee. She made her way across the room to sit at the table.

"Before you sit, Deana." Jim said. "There's something we'd like to show you."

Deana watched as the others rose from their seats and led her down the hallway to her room. On the bed were some packets of diapers, a few tiny singlets, some onesies and a small pile of baby blankets. Set up in the corner of the room was a wooden cradle. Deana crossed over to it and ran a hand across the smooth polished timber. The small bed was made up with white sheets and a pale grey satin bound blanket. Folded at the end was the little blanket that Deana had attempted to make but was finished off by Ellen, and a small stuffed rabbit propped on top. Deana reached down and fingered the corner of the blanket before dropping it again and withdrawing her hand.

"Do you like it?" Jim asked.

"I'm not leaving here am I?"

"That's not what this is about." Ellen assured her. "We just wanted you to feel prepared. We know you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed finding out the baby's coming three months earlier than you thought so we just figured, you know, having all this ready might make you feel a little better."

Deana huffed and ran her hand along the cradle again.

"When I die, what's going to happen to Sprout?" She asked.

"Deana, you're not going to die." Jim answered.

Deana turned to look at him.

"I read all those books you had so, again, when I die what's going to happen to Sprout?" She repeated.

"We don't know what's going to happen." Jim answered.

"Take it to my dad, he'll take care of the little one or if he can't or...or won't find a nice family, some one you can trust."

"Well, we ain't doin' either of those things so stop your crying!" All eyes shot to Bobby in surprise. "Cause for starters, you ain't gonna die."

"You don't know that." Deana countered.

"Yeah I do actually. You, Deana Winchester, have got to be the most stubborn, tenacious person I've ever met! You're brave and face everything head on. For all the time I've known you, you never backed down when faced with any challenge. I mean you're still standing here ain't ya?"

"Barely." Deana scoffed.

"Whatever but you're still here and when it comes to your family? You are the most devoted, loving person there is. I watched you with Sammy and there weren't nothin' you wouldn't have done for him or your daddy for that matter and despite the wobbly beginnings I know you're going to apply that same love and dedication to this one here." Bobby said gesturing to her stomach. "And even though that Angel of yours has assured us he's gonna do everything in his power to get you through this, personally I think you're the only one who can do it and will do this. Besides, even Heaven wouldn't be able to help the Reaper who tried to get between you and your youngun."

Deana stood stunned for a moment then crossed the room and hugged the grizzly old hunter.

"Thanks Bobby."