Vrskaandrea: I'm so glad you liked this one and thank you for your encouragement to keep going. I liked the idea of showing the actual, physical damage that was being done to her for everyone to see. Made it a bit more dramatic! One thing I've always believed was that Gabriel loved Cas more than the other angels, (he was the one who took Cas to the water's edge and told him about the fishes after all) also I needed a reason for...oops, nearly spoiled it!
Malic Malic: Labour sucks, but Deana is holding her own for now. I hope you still like Michael by the end of this.
spnfangirl8: Thank you! That is such a compliment. FYI, I read your story and I really love it so, you keep going too, I'll be following along!
Franki3Winchester: Epidurals? Lucky you. Two of my experiences were completely drug free because the labour was progressing too fast. And didn't that suck!? The Nephilim can hear everyone but Cas is the only one that can hear Sprout. Ruth speaks Hebrew because she is not an angel but actually from a story in the bible that I loved as a child, so Hebrew it is. Gabe was pretty awesome and he continues to be awesome for a while.
ShadowXMoonlight: Exciting isn't it? But hold on, theres more to come.
Chapter 41
"Is that true?" Ellen asked looking at the Angel. "What Deana said about your grace."
"My grace is depleting, yes, but I'm not at a dangerously low level yet."
"And if it gets to that level?"
"Then I would have to return to Heaven to replenish it." Castiel replied turning to check on the battles taking place outside the cabin. So far his soldiers when maintaining a good line and no Demons had broken through the perimeter.
"And how long would that take?" Ellen asked.
"Mere minutes. Ten, fifteen at the most. But Deanas strong, I don't see that as being necessary." Cas said turning back stroking the sleeping girls hair.
"Well, let's hope for all our sakes that's true." Ellen said as she left the room. She needed coffee and to update the other hunters in the latest development.
…
It was with relief that Deana was given the okay to push on her next serious contraction. At first the infusion of Castiels grace had helped but as the labour progressed the Nephilims grace burnt through it quickly. Cas and Ellen coaxed Deana to take the second vial after golden rivers coursed up her neck and jawline. Her eyes glowed golden as she threw her head back and screamed as she tried to expel the life that she had nurtured within her from her body.
She inhaled the second dose of grace while Cas and Ellen supported her. Again she was surrounded by a bright glow as the angelic grace flowed through her, healing her. Things worked much smoother for about fifteen minutes before the grace depleted entirely. Cas continued to allow his own grace to flow into Deana to help ease the pain but he knew he was fighting a losing battle.
After a particularly long contraction, Deana flopped back into her pillows and grasped at Castiels hands.
"I have an idea." She whispered, a tear falling from her eye. "How about you do this bit and I hold your hand?"
"You're doing so well Deana. You can do this." Castiel encouraged her, hiding his own fear.
"I can't."
"You can, you're going to make it through this. I promise." He replied, stroking her hair back as he tried to repair more of the damage left from the Nephilim.
She began to moan and squirm before sitting back up, bowing over her belly and growling as she began to bare down again.
"That's it, Deana, push. Push, push, push!" Ellen encouraged her, rubbing her back and steadfastly ignoring the growing golden rivers moving up her shoulders and neck.
…
John wandered the aisles of the supermarket. He had taken the day off to get some things. Since Deana had disappeared he had neglected a lot of things around the house, things she used to do for them, cooking, cleaning, food shopping. All these little things that John and Sam had taken for granted. But worse still, he had also neglected Sam and it wasn't fair to his youngest son so lately John had tried to re-engage with Sam.
It had been months since Deana had vanished. The only contact being a phone call Christmas Day promising she would come home, but so much time had passed and she still wasn't here. John sighed as he passed the alcohol aisle, forcing himself not to turn down it. He had been drinking too much. He knew it, Sam knew it. He was ashamed to think what Deana would say if she knew it too. He had let her down but now he was going to do better.
…
John pushed the cart loaded with groceries to the Impala. He was driving it now to feel close to his absent daughter. He had just finished loading everything into the trunk when he heard a voice greet him.
"Hello John."
He turned and saw Deanas best friend standing there.
"Cassandra. How...how are you?" He asked hesitantly.
He hadn't spoken to Cassie a lot since Deanas disappearance but they kept in semi regular contact.
"She's dying John." She said staring at him with unblinking brown eyes.
"What?"
"Deana. She's dying but I can take you to her. We can help her."
"You know where she is? Where she has been this whole time?" John asked.
"No. But I know where she is now. I can take you." Cassandra repeated.
"How?" John demanded.
"You just have to say 'yes'." She said with a sardonic smile and a bright blue flash in her eyes.
"You...you're not Cassandra!" John said looking around. He had parked around the back of the shopping centre in a rarely used section, wanting to avoid Deanas Baby being damaged. "Who are you?"
"I'm here to help you."
The area was clear so as she spoke he reached into his back pocket for the small flask of holy water he still carried with him and quickly uncapped it throwing the water into 'Cassandra's' face.
"Not a demon John." She replied with a flick of her head.
"Then who...what are you?" He demanded.
"As I said. Deana is dying but I can help her. I can take you to her." Cassandra explained patiently.
"She's dying?" John asked as if it was the first time the words had registered.
"Yes. But I can save her."
"How?" John whispered.
"John, someone has taken your daughter and I have said I can reunite you, now does the 'how' really matter?" The creature wearing Deanas best friends face said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "All you have to do is say 'yes'."
"That's all? And I'll have my daughter back?" John said, his voice cracking.
"It's that simple."
Could it really be that easy? One word and he would see his daughter again? Hold her after all these months?
"What about Sammy?" John asked.
"He can't help her, but you can."
"Okay." John nodded, a tear falling down his face. He knew this would hurt Sam but if it brought his sister back... "Take me to my daughter."
"I gotta hear you say it Johnny. I gotta hear you say 'yes.' Will you let me take you to Deana?"
"Yes."
It was barely a breath but it was good enough. Cassie fell to the ground as Michael left her body and entered his new vessel.
"Now this is much better." Michael said as he stretched out his arms and rolled his head from side to side.
He glanced down at the unconscious girl at his feet and with a swipe of his hand he sent her back to her car, where she would later wake and believe everything that happened was just a weird crazy dream.
"Now John," He said to...himself. "A promise is a promise. Let's take you to your daughter."
Michael called to his wings, feeling them unfurl behind him and with one firm sweep, he disappeared.
…
Michael appeared at the cabin, just beyond the would be barrier of the, now deactivated, wardnet. He gazed about to see the garrison of Angels involved in battle. The first pulse of energy dispelled by the Nephilims impending birth had drawn a multitude of demons and Heavens warriors were doing a valiant job at keeping them at bay.
Michael just huffed and snapped a few demons, who were impeding his path, out of existence as he walked towards the cabin. He stepped into the clearing an knelt drawing a sigil in the ground. He placed both palms flat on the ground and sent his grace flowing through his arms and into the earth, activating the ward. Grace flowed blue, spiking up from the ground as it circled the cabin creating a warding Michael hoped would keep out any other unwanted visitors. He stood and brushed his hands together before stepping through the white-blue glow and approached the cabin.
Stopping at the top step he placed a hand against the post and burned a smaller sigil in the wood and then with a flourish of his hand he opened the door and he stepped in to face two very determined and underprepared hunters.
…
Deana was exhausted. The labour hadn't been progressing for an extreme amount of time but with the Nephilims power flooding her system with each contraction, her body was breaking down. Even Cas' grace had been unable to stop the damage so he was now mostly concentrating his own powers on pain relief for Deana and instead of trying to stop the golden streaks that flowed through Deanas body he was trying to repair the damage as much as possible, but his own grace was depleting fast than he expected.
Deana dropped against the pillows, all energy gone.
"I can't...I can't do this any more." She sobbed. "I'm not gonna make it. I'm so tired, just let me go."
"You can do this." Cas encouraged her even as her breathing lightened and her eyes slipped closed. "You can do this Deana, I'm not going to let you die. You can't die." He whispered as he pressed his forehead to hers.
"Just promise me you'll protect it. Promise me you'll take care of our baby."
"I promise. I promise to take care of all of you." He held Deanas hand tightly and kissed her gently on her temple.
Suddenly he tensed as a loud crash sounded from the lounge room. The occupants of the room looked at the door and the man stepping through.
"John?" Ellen stepped back surprised.
"Daddy?" Deana sobbed.
…
"Dad? Are you really here?" Deana asked.
John looked at his daughter with a soft, loving smile.
"That's not your father Deana." Castiel said, suddenly appearing between Deana and the man at the door. "That's Michael."
Michael huffed, a sardonic smile forming on his face. He stepped around his brother and stared at the girl on the bed.
"Twins Castiel. Well done."
"Twins? No!" Ellen said, her head snapping around to look at Michael. "There was only one heart beat and when we did the ultrasound..."
"And how did that go for you?" Michael asked with a smirk.
"The machine exploded." Ellen admitted.
"Hmmm, such protective siblings. Won't let anything happen to each other. They are perfectly synchronised. They will be astounding in battle."
"Did you know?" Ellen asked Castiel.
He at least had the good manners to look ashamed as he nodded. Angel or not Ellen was about to tear him a new one when Deana cried out weakly, tears streaming down her face as she continued to struggle to birth her child...children.
"I can't do it. It's too hard." She panted laying back against the pillows, the glowing black trails burned into her skin visible.
"Yes you can." Castiel said, his attention drawn back to her as Michael moved to the other side of the bed.
"You're dying Deana but I can help you through this. All you have to do is say 'yes'." Michael said quietly into her ear.
"No!" Castiel yelled pushing the Archangel away. "Don't listen to him Deana!"
"I don't care." Deana said. "I can't do this. You're just gonna take the baby anyway."
"No we're not. They'll stay with you. These babies need their mother to raise them." Cas said.
Deana didn't answer as she began to push again, despite her words, trying her hardest to expel the Nephilim from her body.
"You can do this. And do you know why?" Michael asked as he leaned close to her, allowing his own grace to flow through her, easing her pain and repairing some of the damage her children had caused. "Because you, Deana Winchester, are tenacious. You are strong and resilient and you would sacrifice everything for family. You would never leave your family, your children alone. You can do this, Deana."
"Well maybe I don't want to." Deana said as she lay back panting. "Maybe I don't want to do this all alone."
"You won't be alone, Deana, I'll be there with you." Cas assured her.
"No you won't!" She said turning away. "You can't!"
"Of course I will. Every moment I can."
"Don't you get it?" She finally snapped. "Jimmy!"
"What about him?" Cas asked.
"Jimmy has a wife, a child. He has a family and it's not fair on any of them to keep taking him away just because of me. You shouldn't even be here! I don't want you to be with me 'whenever you can'! I want you! Always!" Her frustration and distress distracting her momentarily from her physical pain.
"Deana..."
…
"Maybe I can help." Said a dark skinned man as he appeared in the corner.
"Jesus!" Ellen said startling, Ruth surprisingly had remained very calm throughout this whole episode. "Who the hell are you?"
"My apologies." The newcomer addressed Ellen with a small bow of his head."I am Joshua."
"Great! Are there any more of your friends dropping in because it's beginning to get a bit crowded in here and just incase no ones noticed, we're kinda busy!" Ellen asked the other Angels, flinging her arms out in frustration.
The Angels ignored her and turned to Joshua.
"Why are you here?" Michael demanded.
"Your father sent me." Joshua answered before he addressed Deana. "My child, I have spoken to our Father and he has heard your pleas. He is aware of how you have been used and that everything that has transpired here has been against your will. While he cannot change what has happened, he can reward you for your sacrifice, for your selflessness, and he will, but first, you are correct. I do need to return this vessel to his family."
Before anyone could react, Joshua placed a hand on Castiels shoulder and they both disappeared.
"Noooo!" Deana screamed before it deteriorated into another cry of exertion as her babies moved closer to their entry into the world.
…
Any measure of control and sanity left Deana the moment Joshua and Castiel disappeared. She was screaming hysterically both Ruth and Ellen trying to calm her. Despite her heartbreak her children still needed to be birthed and the labour wasn't stopping just for Deanas grief. The strongest contraction yet brought Deana back to the task at hand just Michael leaned down to whisper in Deanas ear.
"Do you hear that noise Deana?" He said referring to the raised voices and clash of metal against metal outside. "There is a battle going on for your children's souls. If you die, if you give up then Hell will claim you babies as their own."
"No Cas will..." Deana began.
"No Cas won't." Michael interrupted her. "If you die Castiel will wither and waste away. He will not be able to protect your children and Hell will win. Is that what you want? Evil to corrupt your children? All of this, your sacrifice, everything, will be for nothing. Just say 'yes'."
Before she could answer, Joshua reappeared in the room.
He smiled down at Deana even though she was unaware of his presence.
"You're back?" Michael asked seemingly bored.
"Yes, I've come to give Deana her ...reward." Joshua announced spreading his hands.
He placed his hand in his pockets and withdrew a small handful of earth and a glass bottle fill with a glowing liquid. With his thumb he flipped the cap open and poured a few drops into the soil in his right hand. He recapped the bottle and with a flick of his wrist it disappeared. Covering his right hand with his left he brought them up to his face and whispered a few Enochian words against his skin before drawing his hands apart. The damp earth spun in a glowing circle that expanded as Joshuas hand drew further apart. Suddenly the room shook and and a bright light streamed through the window to join into the swirling mass of light and dark earth between Joshuas hands. A blinding light filled the room causing all humans to shield their eyes and when it subsided, Castiel was standing beside Gods gardener, looking bewildered.
"Cas?" Deana cried.
"Jimmys gone?" Castiel asked as he ran his hands over his chest searching for any sign of his vessels soul. "What did you do?"
"Yes he is." Joshua responded calmly. "Our Father knows what was done." Joshua glared at Michael. "And that you, Castiel, have laid claim to this human. He is well aware what will happen to you if you are unable to be with her so God decreed that because of Deanas selflessness, her assertion that James Novak remain with his family that you should have your very own vessel."
"I can stay?" Castiel asked hopefully.
"Yes, in fact our Father has charged you with protecting your mate and fledglings. This won't be you sole duty but it will be your main priority."
Castiel gripped Joshuas shoulder tightly.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." Joshua replied and disappeared.
"You can stay?" Deana asked reaching for Castiels hand.
"I can stay." Castiel said, gripping Deanas hand tightly and grinning.
Deanas grip tightened as another contraction hit. She could no longer ignore the golden tendril burning through her skin, the burning within her body. Maybe now she had something to hope for, the possibility of a real family of her own. She looked between Castiel and Michael as she growled with exertion.
"What do you say Deana?" Michael prompted her.
"Yes." She forced out.
Michael stood with a victorious smile. Castiels hand shot out and pressed against his chest.
"You will help her through this then leave as soon as it's done." He warned the Archangel.
"As soon as it's safe." Michael replied with a curt nod.
He threw his head back as his grace withdrew from John Winchester and entered Deana, throwing her back against the pillows. Her eyes glowed blue as Michaels grace filled every inch of her.
John Winchester fell to the floor.
"Michael?" Castiel asked.
"I am here, I will get her through this."
The blue faded from Deanas eyes and her green ones met Castiels. She gripped his hand tightly and nodded.
"Okay, let's get this done."
…
John Winchester came to on the couch Bobby and Pastor Jim had laid him out on after dragging him from the birthing room. His mind was foggy at first and took a few moments to clear. He sat up quickly, too quickly if the swirling room was anything to go by, and finally go a good look around, startling when his eyes fell in two vaguely familiar faces.
"Bobby? Jim?" He asked. "What's going on?"
A cry from the end of the hallway had John standing and turning to face the direction of the sound.
"What was that?" He demanded.
"That would be Deana." Jim said placidly also standing.
John turned back to face the hunters, now both on their feet.
"You said you didn't know where she was!" John advanced on Bobby reaching to pull him in by his shirt. "You told me you were looking for her and all this time she was here?"
John shook the older man viciously and drew his fist back.
"John, I..."
A rustling sound and a clearing of a throat drew their attention to the doorway. All three stepped back shocked, Bobby's shirt falling from Johns grip, his fist falling uselessly to his side.
"Who are you?" Jim asked.
"I am the Archangel Gabriel, Messenger of God." Gabriel tilted his chin up and spread his hands out wide. The reflection of his wings visible behind him as a perfect heavenly chord sung out around them. "Ah, gosh I love a good entrance, the theatrics of it all."
He lowered his arms and smiled at the three men. Clapping his hands together he addressed them.
"Right first, you should probably sit." He spread his hands out wide and suddenly John, Bobby and Jim were all sitting on the sofa in front of the Angel. "So, long story short." Gabriel began as he sat on the coffee table. "Your daughter was seduced and knocked up but my little brother Castiel on the orders of our big brother Michael." He started pointing at John. "She's in there right now giving birth to two tiny half angels that may or may not be needed to save the world. Now out there." He said pointing over their shoulders. "Is a battle between Angels and Demons for the claim to the souls of the new little Nephilim. We want Heaven to win so here's the game plan." Gabriel leaned into closer the the other men. "Castiel in there is our goalie. He's gonna protect his human and the babies. You three are the last line of defence. You are going to make sure if any demons get in here they don't get down to that room. You're going to need these."
He held out his hands and three long silver, trip-edged blades appeared. He handed one each to the men in front of him.
"These are angel blades. They'll kill almost anything so please keep the pointy end away from me." He said as he redirected the tip of Johns blade away from him with a finger. "Oh, it won't kill me but it does create a bit of an itch. Anyway, demons, stab, Angels, don't stab."
"What are you going to be doing?" Bobby asked.
"Oh me?" Gabriel said standing. "I'm the centre. I'm going to be everywhere."
He pulled out a golden short sword and with a wiggle of his eyebrows disappeared, reappearing in front of a sneaky demon who was trying to approach the cabin.
"Not today buttercup!" Gabriel said as he placed a hand against the demons head and smited him.
…
