Chapter Five: A Modern Myth
"There are things in this world that can't be explained by the rational mind."
Marley and Alex looked like that had a few days ago. Not a scratch on them, it was as if they had just up and decided to walk home. Even more surprising than that was the fact that John Winchester was also there. His hair had more gray, he had age lines along his eyes and forehead, as if he was alive and well this whole time.
Suspicion and anger were the primary emotions on every hunter's face it was hard to know what had wandered through the Whitman's front door. The land was protected with every precaution imaginable. Demons, ghosts, ghouls, or pretty much any other supernatural creature couldn't just wander on to the property. The house was a standstill. Multiple weapons were aimed at the trio.
"Do not move," Charles hissed.
"Charlie," John Winchester cajoled.
"Don't," Charles growled. "I don't know what you things think you're playing at but you just made the worst mistake of your lives."
"We know that this is hard to believe," Alex whispered.
"But it's us," Marley replied. "Hailey just came back, why not us?"
Charles exchanged looks with the hunters assembled. Then he started barking orders, "I want rope, holy water, silver, and three chairs front and center. Now."
Immediately jumping to do the Whitman patriarchs bidding Jo, Natasha, and Dean rushed off. The hunters that stayed did not relax their stance not trusting the newcomers not to make any sudden movements. Once Dean, Natasha, and Jo were back with the items that had been requested, Charles nodded towards the chairs.
"If y'all don't mind," Charles grimaced, nodding to the chairs.
Alex, Marley, and John did not have any arguments as they sat in the chairs. Dean, Ellen, and Jo bound them quickly with the rope. Once they were properly secured, Charles held up the holy water. He then moved from one person to the next filling their mouths with some of the water, when the water didn't react burn them the remaining hunters relaxed a bit.
The next test was the silver. Instead of using the knife to cut, Charles just laid it on a patch of open skin. Once again there was no reaction to indicate that it was a revenant or a shape shifter. The last test was one of information, they each said something that only Marley, Alex, and John would know. They each shared a fact easily, and without hesitation.
"Unbelievable," Charles gasped.
"Nothing in our lives is unbelievable, pops," Alex laughed. "Can you untie us now?"
"My babies," Meredith whimpered.
There was a flurry of movement as all three were cut loose. Meredith was attempting to hug both Alex and Marley. Finally all the Whitman's managed to get in one huge group hug.
Hailey joined her brothers just staring at her father. He had been dead for at least three years and now he was standing in front of his children as if no time had passed at all.
"Boys," John smiled. "Hailey."
Aiden, Sam, and Dean seemed unsure of what to do. Maybe they were still in shock. Hailey, however, launched herself into her father's arms. John held his youngest in a death grip. One hand cradled her head as he caught his breath. The only thing that had been on the Winchester patriarchs mind since waking up was finding his children.
And his children were all in one piece with the exception of Hailey. Her former blonde hair was now a light brown; she was a bit taller and curvier. It reminded John a bit like his sister, Hilary. This would be what Hailey would've looked like if she had more Winchester genes; instead she took after her mother's side. The one thing that she still had was her striking sapphire eyes.
"It seems like we have a lot to discuss," John stated.
He set Hailey back on her feet as he moved to hug each of his sons in turn.
"Let us find some place quiet," John suggested.
John led the way into the farmhouses basement. It was completely furnished and housed the Whitman's exercise equipment as well as their sparring mats. As Hailey followed her family she noticed that most of the other hunters that were in the house had scattered, once it was clear that there was no threat. Hailey shut the basement door behind her, trailing quickly down the stairs. It was quiet for a few moments as each Winchester looked at the others.
"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth," Dean began. "But, how are you here, Dad?"
"All I remember was someone saying that they had work for me to do," John shrugged. "Next thing I know I woke up a few miles outside of Wichita. Alex and Marley were standing near me. Heard the same thing."
"Marley and Alex died not even forty eight hours ago though," Sam noted. "You've been dead for years. And we salted and burned your remains like you wanted us to do."
"I don't know what to tell you, Sam," Dad responded. "I fear that I don't have much more answers than you do."
"People aren't getting resurrected outta the goodness of someone's hearts," Hailey mumbled.
"I agree with that," John sighed. "Now I have questions of my own. Hailey, what on earth happened to you?"
"I died," Hailey replied. "A demon carved sigils in my bones so I couldn't be placed in my old body. Meet Hailey 2.0. Though everyone seems to recognize me, which I can't figure out. Like everything going on lately, I blame the Angels."
"And where were you three?" John demanded.
"Dad it wasn't their fault," Hailey protested. "It was a prophecy. Abby, Lucy, and I all died right before Lucifer rose. That should've been the end of it. But, the angels brought me back."
"Abby and Lucy who?" John snapped. "What prophecy?"
"The Trinity," Hailey explained. "Three girls all born the same year had abilities that were celestially given. Azazel attempted to pollute our bloodline so when the apocalypse begun we would chose Hell's side. When we didn't, we were murdered."
John scrubbed a hand down his face as he struggled with what his daughter had said. The fact that she died, it hurt more than John could ever imagine. The fact that she was standing right in front of him only dulled the blow minutely. That coupled with the fact that his youngest son looked like a walking bruise did little to assuage his guilt over leaving his children by themselves.
"Why is Aiden beat to hell?" John finally asked.
"Poltergeist threw me out a third floor window," Aiden shrugged. "No big."
"A tree also broke his fall," Sam scoffed, glaring at his little brother.
Finding him unconscious and covered in blood did not qualify for a no big deal situation.
"Yeah," Aiden said. Almost daring Sam to say something. "But, I'm fine."
"You have to be more careful," John growled. "All of us do. This family has had too many close calls over the years."
"I'd say," Aiden scoffed.
"Which means we have to be careful," John ordered. "No more running off half cocked. No hunting alone. Until this apocalypse business is done we watch our backs."
"Yes, sir," The Winchester siblings chorused.
The Winchester's settled back into a comfortable silence. They seemed apprehensive about having their father back, yet relieved at the same time. It was nice to know that someone with all the knowledge their father had about the occult was back.
The other hunters who had come to pay their respects had gone while the Whitman and Winchester family were getting reacquainted. If there was one thing all hunters had in common, it was a knack to know when they were no longer wanted. The only ones who stayed were Ellen, Jo, Bobby, and Natasha. The farmhouse was now quiet with the lack of other people milling around.
"Shall we join the others?" John asked.
"Whatever you wanna do, Dad," Dean shrugged speaking for all his siblings.
John smiled clapping a hand on his eldest's shoulder, "You've done good, son. Kept this family together."
The praise had Dean fighting not to smile. Though he straightened up, his chest puffing out proudly. John went up the stairs first, quickly followed by Dean then Sam, then Aiden, and finally Hailey. Once Hailey had climbed the stairs she shut the door to the basement.
"John," Charles greeted. "It's been a long time."
"Thank you for watching my children, Charlie," John replied.
The two men shook hands before hugging. When they stepped away, John moved to hug Meredith. Then he hugged Ellen.
"I feel like I've missed a lot," John sighed. "You mind catching me up?"
"Not at all, Winchester," Charles responded. "Come into the kitchen. We have a pot of coffee already going."
"My man," John laughed.
The four adults walked into the kitchen leaving their children in the living room. Hailey walked over to Alex, immediately throwing her arms around his neck.
"I'm so sorry," Hailey cried. "I tried to save you. It was just…I just…"
"Don't put that on yourself, sweetheart," Alex replied. "I knew what I was getting into. Like I told my brother, it wasn't your fault."
"Do you have any idea how this has happened?" Dean asked.
"Nope," Alex sighed. "Woke up in a field with Marley. Found your dad shortly after. We found clean clothes and hot wired a car. The last thing we all remembered were moments before our deaths. Marley caught me up with what happened in Carthage."
"We should've been more prepared," Darren frowned.
"I should have seen this coming," Natasha replied. "I let you all walk into a trap."
No one got the chance to argue as Natasha's head snap towards the front door. She rose to her feet and went to the door, swinging it open before Missouri could even knock. The older woman did not seem shocked by this. Instead she grinned widely, pulling Natasha into a hug.
"Your gifts are growing stronger by the day," Missouri smiled.
"Yes," Natasha agreed. "Sometimes not fast enough."
"You were blocked in Carthage," Missouri told her. "As was I. There are powerful forces at play, baby. Something older than anything we have ever known."
"Who is that behind you?" Natasha asked.
A woman had appeared on the front porch from behind Missouri. She was tall and slender with long blonde hair and striking blue eyes. Hailey had gone to greet Missouri when she saw the other woman. Hailey froze in shock as she realized that she had seen the blonde before.
"No fucking way," Hailey gasped.
"Hailey Jade Winchester," Missouri scolded. "You watch your mouth."
"I'm twenty," Hailey protested.
"You sassing me, girl?" Missouri growled.
"No ma'am," Hailey quickly responded. "But, Missouri…that's…"
"You're mother," Missouri replied. "Yes, it is."
"Let me get this straight," Hailey shook her head. "We get our father back. I come back. Alex and Marley come back. And now my mother? Why? How?"
"I actually have answers for that," Missouri responded. "Now where are the others? I'm not going to explain this more than once."
"They're in the kitchen," Dean stated.
Missouri nodded, striding in with her head held high. The others went to follow but she held out a hand.
"Give me a moment," Missouri requested before going into the kitchen.
"I don't understand anything," Aiden sighed.
Having been requested to leave the parents alone. The others turned to look at Mary Winchester.
"Do you know who we are?" Sam asked.
"Of course I do," Mary replied.
"Mom, is that really you?" Dean asked.
"Yes, baby," Mary smiled.
Mary was close to tears, as she looked at all her children. She had missed so much of their lives. So much of her own life. Whoever brought her back had the foresight to age her body to the age she would've been. Mary had grown up in this world and she knew that whatever brought her back had done so with something specific in mind. This many resurrections were damn near unheard of.
Dean didn't look at his siblings as he made his way to his mother's side, quickly snatching her into a hug. Mary returned the hug with equal force. It seemed like Dean had to force himself to let go as he took a step back to let Sam hug their mother. Their reunion was just as emotional.
Hailey had gone closer to Aiden, sensing out of all her brother's that he would be on the same page. Aiden had only been three when Mary had died. He barely remembered their mother. Hailey even less so. Watching Sam and Dean reunite with them awakened a longing that Hailey thought she had put to bed a long time ago. The longing of a mother, growing up in a house full of men had not been easy. At times, Hailey would've said it sucked. But that was the past and she was the woman she was today because of the upbringing she had. For better or for worse.
Sam also let his mother go after a few minutes, leaving her with the opportunity to walk over to her youngest. John and Mary had named both Hailey and Aiden after John's parents, since Dean and Sam were named after hers. Unlike Mary's own parents, John's had died from natural causes.
"Aiden," Mary whispered. "Hailey."
Hailey glanced between her mother and Aiden, almost like she was unsure what to do. That made sense, since the last time Hailey had seen Mary she was a baby, and if it hadn't been for the occasional picture she would have no idea what her mother even looked like. Aiden could sense his sister's unease, giving her an encouraging smile before moving to hug his mother.
As the tallest in the family, Aiden dwarfed their mother. She had a diminutive frame, yet had a commanding presence. Still Aiden nearly folded himself over, hugging his mother tightly. As they embraced Hailey looked over to Natasha who was watching the scene with everyone else. Knowing that her best friend had a question: if it really was Mary Winchester standing in front of her, Natasha held her gaze and nodded slowly.
It made no sense and Natasha did not like not seeing something like this coming. As a clairvoyant it was not often that she was surprised. And yet surprise seemed like a frequent state for her these days. She may have grown up in the world of the supernatural, but this was unheard of. Nothing that Natasha knew of had the power to raise the dead. The recently dead, maybe. But, both John and Mary Winchester had been dead for years. And yet someone had taken the care to not only resurrect them, but make it so that they would be the age of fifty-five, as if they had never died at all.
Time was a relative thing, yet messing with a time line could have devastating ripple affects. This wasn't like someone sending people forward in time. Natasha wasn't even sure what it could possibly be. All she knew was that sooner or later she would know everything she needed to know. All beings show themselves sooner or later.
Hailey didn't even realize that Aiden had stepped out of the hug and gone over to her, until he was pushing her in their mother's direction.
"Hailey," Mary breathed.
Now Hailey realized why her father refused to look at her some days. In her old body, she was a near mirror image of her mother. It had been a lasting reminder to her father of exactly what he had lost. Standing across from her, Hailey stood frozen; they were nearly the same height, with the same blue eyes. Hailey's own breathe caught in her throat before she began to cry. For everything she had missed out on. For all the moments a mother should share with a daughter. Almost sensing her daughter's grief, Mary lunged forward pulling her youngest child into a tight grip.
"I'm so sorry," Mary whispered. "So sorry."
Hailey's brothers had made the move to go over to console their sister when Natasha held up a hand. Warning them to wait. There were some things that you couldn't be protected from. In this one instance, Hailey Winchester had needed her mother, and there she was. Hailey's sobs soon quieted into an occasional sniffle. As Mary continued to hug her daughter murmuring words of comfort in her ear.
The others hadn't realized how quiet the room had gotten, until the kitchen door swung open with an audible bang. John Winchester quickly strode into the room with Missouri on his heels, ranting about the Winchester Patriarch being a stubborn son of a bitch.
Having been on the receiving end of John Winchester on a warpath, Hailey was quick to spring away from her mother, almost hiding herself behind Aiden. Unlike previous instances, John's fury extinguished the moment he locked eyes with his wife.
"It's her," John questioned, looking towards Missouri. "You're sure."
"Don't insult me, John Winchester," Missouri retorted. "I would know if someone was not who they said they were. The last memory that woman has is of her baby and the fire."
When John continued to look unsure, Missouri blustered, "I could just slap you. That's your wife. She's been watching out for you and your family for years. Now you're just being stubborn."
"Something new," Mary teased.
"Oh, Mary," John laughed.
That seemed to be the last thing John needed. As he took his wife into his arms a second after that, nearly crushing her to his chest. Both husband and wife seemed overcome with emotion. This had been more than any Winchester had ever wished for. Something that defied all the rules in this world. It was something that set every hunter in the room on edge, even as they were grateful to be reunited with their loved ones.
"Come on, you all," Missouri prodded. "Let's give these two a moment."
Together the Winchester siblings, the Whitman siblings, Jo, and Natasha followed after Missouri into the kitchen. As soon as the majority of the group was assembled in the Whitman's spacious kitchen, conversation came to a halt. After all the grief in the day before, to suddenly be reunited with friends and family, it was a little too much to take in. Going from one extreme to the other.
When Castiel appeared in the middle of the room everyone jumped. Hailey fought back a sigh and lost. She was getting a little tired of the Angels sudden appearances. Especially since it was obvious that Castiel knew what was going on and refused to share.
Although, Castiel was an angel, he possessed a human vessel. Which was why his sudden appearance did little to startle Natasha Colson. Instead she moved quickly latching a hand around the Angel's wrist as her eyes turned white.
"Natasha!" Missouri cautioned. Reading a person was one thing; tapping into an angel was something that few people could do. Seeing or hearing an Angel in their true form could cripple you. The younger psychic knew the risk and moved to read the Angel anyway.
Castiel moved to push the woman off of him, but found that he could not. His eyes looked at the room in confusion before he looked at Hailey. Hailey stood off to the side one arm raised, keeping Castiel pinned to the floor.
"Hailey!" Castiel growled. "You don't know what you're doing."
"I know exactly what I'm doing," Hailey replied. "You won't tell us what's going on. Fine. We have other ways of getting information."
"Hails, maybe you shouldn't," Dean responded, noting the irate Angel.
Before Hailey and Castiel had seemed friendly. Ever since she had come back they were at odds. It was something that Dean had picked up on. And it was a hard thing to wrap his head around. He trusted his sister with his life. Yet the Angel had saved his ass a lot in the past year.
Sensing her brother's conflicted feelings she turned to look at Dean, without releasing her hold on Castiel. "There's something wrong, Dean. The Angels are playing all of us."
"You shouldn't be able to do this!" Castiel shouted. "I'm a warrior of God. You're abilities are celestially given, they cannot be used on me."
Natasha had not reacted to the argument having lulled herself into a trance. Latching on to Castiel's vessel's memories. Through that link she was able to see everything and when the connection broke she stumbled away and would've crumbled to the floor had Aiden not been there to hold her up.
"You monster," Natasha whispered.
"Natasha," Castiel implored. "Don't. You don't understand."
"What'd you see?" Missouri asked, sensing her protégé's unease.
"I saw the end," Natasha sobbed. "The end for all of us."
Author's Note: I don't know if anyone is reading this and while I write primarily because I like to. I also like getting feedback. It seems like I'm throwing this into the void and that doesn't do a lot for the muse. So, if you like it, hate it whatever can you leave a review? I'm about one chapter ahead writing wise and some feedback would probably make the writing/posting process go by a lot smoother. So what do ya say? Throw a girl a bone.