Sam wasn't even sure what had he been looking for but it had fell on a second plane when he came across a certain book that had "The 7 Archangels" written in big golden letters on its spine.
He had grabbed it out of half confusion half panic.
Dean had claimed it to be fake considering their local angel had never bothered to inform them about three more potential threats to look out for.
But Sam had still insisted on reading it.
And despite Dean's teasing his brother had ended up hovering over his shoulder.
The first four were the expected ones which prompted a serie of mocking comments from Dean related to the pictures used to describe the archangels.
Lucifer looks like a L'oreal Paris model.
Michael looks like Cate Blanchett.
Raphael has a monk vibe.
Gabriel looks like a mother sneaking out at night to check on her child that ends up falling off a window.
-Dean. Not helping.- Protested Sam at his brother's comments.
-You take that book too serious.
-And you take it too light.- Reprimanded Sam a bit irritated. If Dean didn't care why keep annoying Sam? Couldn't he go do something else? He flipped the page and was struck with an unexpected sight.
Dean behind him whistled.
-That's one hot chick.
Sam ignored the comment but he wasn't even sure if to disagree.
Because this... Ariel was her name.
It was a woman dressed in a light dress with golden armor bits across her arms, chest and waist. A flower crown on top of her head and breathtaking features of an otherworldly beauty. Golden curls falling like a soft river down her shoulders.
Still her piercing green gaze was so intense it could be felt even through the picture.
A lion sat at her side with her hand resting on top of its head and a calm expression. A few doves flew above her head as a snake curled around her leg. All of it while a striking background of a forest stood behind her.
-Her name's Ariel. She's the archangel of nature.- Read Sam more to himself than to Dean.- Her name translates to "Lioness of God" and she oversees the protection and healing of animals and plants. She's a liaison between the human and the elemental world of spirits, faeries, mystical crystals and other manifestations of magic.
-She protects those weaker and vulnerable and is fair and merciful with those who respect the weak? I call bullshit. If that was the case she would have brought her ass out and helped us with Lucifer and Michael. Hell even with Amara.
-Dean. It does says here that she is the angel of mother nature for her principal mission is to protect nature. I doubt humans are her latest concern.
And she had the ability to control the four elements; water, air, earth and fire. Had full control over the natural world.
If that wasn't amazing he didn't knew what it was.
Still.
-How come Chuck didn't mention her or the fact that there were more archangels?- Frowns Sam as realization hits him.
-Like I said that book is fake.
-It's not. He could have had a good reason.
-A good reason to not call on three archangels that could have helped us with Amara? Dude almost died.
-I'm not sure Dean. He is God so-
-If you say "God works in mysterious ways" I swear I will hurt you.
Sam wisely shut up.
But as he stared at the archangel he couldn't help but ponder how come Cas never mentioned her. Wouldn't the existence of all archangels be something the brothers should be allowed to know about considering their record with those?
He couldn't understand the angel's reasons to hide something like that.
With another sigh he flipped the page.
This time what met them was a man surrounded in amethyst flames and an even more piercing amethyst gaze that stood right on top of the world. His wings spread behind him with flaming stars that gave the illusion of compressed galaxies. He held an unrecognizable book that seemed carved out of pure gold and infused with light. Strings of amethyst flames spread all over the picture like thin lines of flaming whispers.
It took the brothers a moment to react to the ethereal sight before them.
-Zadkiel... Righteousness Of God?- Frowned Dean at the stupid title that made no sense at all.
-He's the angel of freedom, mercy, benevolence and justice.- Read out Sam with a troubled expression plastered on his face before his eyes widened.- Dude he is the one who held back Abraham to prevent him from sacrificing his son.
-That doesn't explain how did the angel of justice didn't step in to kick Lucifer's ass due his killing spree of innocents.
Sam decided to ignore his brother's bitter words despite the fact that he was also questioning the same thing.
-He helps transmute negative energies into positive ones and keeps the flame of Cosmic Freedom for planet Earth and her evolutions alight. Sustaining the universal vibration of free will.
-What the hell does that mean?
-I'm not sure.- Sam was frowning at the page as if this one would be able to tell him the actual meaning of those words.
When it didn't he sighed in defeat.
Ariel.
Zadkiel.
Neither of those two sounded like troublesome entities but neither had done Michael who was suppose to be merciful and help mankind.
Turning to the last one Sam wasn't sure what he had even been expecting but this sure hadn't been.
A man stood in the middle of a battlefield clad in armor. Thousands of bodies scattered around him in piles of blood and gore. His wings were sharp and spread like a dark mantle of death behind him. Hundreds of phantom-like creatures swarming around him like an endless river of spirits. A few hovering over the bodies.
And there was a friggin' dragon-like creature hovering behind him like a massive guardian. Lightning spread across the sky like apocalyptic vibes, energy crackling around him so hard a blueish aura was surrounding him. Glowing eyes frozen in time as he held a spear to the chest of a kneeling man.
Sam heard Dean suck in a sharp breath behind him.
-Son of a bitch.
-Cassiel.- Sam found it odd and uncomfortable for that thing in the picture to have a name so similar to Castiel's.- He's the angel of tears, solitude and temperance. His name translates to speed of God and/or wrath of God.
Sam was sure he would have nightmares with this one. The sight was too disturbing and inhuman compared to the others.
And the more he read the more he found himself feeling panic creeping in.
Angel Of Saturn. Father Of Time.
Watcher Of Mankind.
Fastest archangel in all of creation.
Archangel Cassiel also known as Kasiel or Qafsiel was created to watch over the universe without interference and to only intervene during times of great need.
This angel is associated with constant change, old age and legacy, as well as long-term goals and travel.
Of all the angels that God created Cassiel shone the brightest for he was the last archangel/angel to be created.
Prince regent of the Seventh Heaven; holiest of the holiest places where God sits on His Throne.
He presides over the deaths of kings and guards those who would be otherwise overlooked. Watches over all the waters and is the protector of everything that lives within them.
Able to muster attacks at the speed of light and be in several places at the same time. It is because of this speed that the Ancient Greeks worshipped him as Hermes, whom is known as the messenger of the gods. His speed is so mighty even the archangel Michael is unable to keep up with him. Attacks able to wield the same effect as being struck by a white dwarf star.
Cassiel is in charge of past life experiences and reincarnation. He decides who may or may not enter the Seventh Heaven. Reason on the why in some human tarot cards Archangel Cassiel is mistakenly refer to as the Archangel of Death.
Cassiel is the one who guards the treshold between the human world and the next life.He has an enormous army of spirits under his command and is armed with a lightning-dripping sword as well as a bow, tempests, light, and powerful winds—weapons which he uses against anyone not fit to see God.
Cassiel as God's last creation is one of a kind. The one angel who upon his creation was given a soul which allowed him to develop human emotions and free will. Aside from a soul Cassiel was also given forbidden knowledge about the universe and creation itself.
The brothers were horrified and mortified at this point.
Anxious.
Because if there was such powerful being walking around how come it hadn't come chasing after their asses just yet? How come they never heard of that guy in the first place? I mean the bastard has never stuck his nose around but the hell said he wasn't another dick with wings?
And how come Castiel didn't bother to warn them about him nor even Chuck mention him? Surely someone that powerful and an archangel on top of that wouldn't be easy to miss nor brush off?
-Dude I'm gonna punch Cas.
-Punch me?
No. Sam and Dean did not shriek.
Hunters with steel-like instincts did not shriek.
Both brothers whipped around in order to see the angel standing in the middle of the stairs with an amused look cloaked with guilt.
-Jesus Cas, I swear to God I'm gonna sew a bell on that stupid tie one of these days.
Castiel gave Dean a funny look at those words before finishing his descend down the stairs.
-I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you. You just looked busy and I didn't want to bother you.
At those words Dean was reminded of what he had learnt moments ago and before Sam could stop him the older hunter lunged for the angel who didn't even had time to react before Dean threw a punch at him that got him cursing and hugging his hand against his chest almost immediately.
-Son of a bitch!
-Are you okay Dean?- Castiel sounded both alarmed and concerned as he looked from one Winchester to the other in hopes for answers about what just happened.
-No. What the hell is wrong with you?
-I'm an angel and I cannot be harmed the conventional way?- Frowned the angel in confusion. Dean glared at him as Sam coughed to hide a snicker. The younger Winchester then got up holding the book.
-Cas is this book real?- Asked Sam choosing a less violent approach as Dean kept cussing and holding his potentially broken wrist.
The second Castiel sees the book the second he seems to lose 30% of his skin color.
-No.
The answer is quick.
Too quick.
-You sure?
-Yes. I... have to go.
Neither Sam nor Dean had ever heard such lame excuse for an escape.
Dean grabbed his arm before he could think about fleeing.
-Cas. Why would you hide the existence of those archangels from us?- Sam's voice wasn't accusing but curious and confused as he asked that.
Not like Dean's next pissed question.
-More importantly why did Chuck didn't mention them?
And the angel didn't answer. He was now staring at the floor and looking like he was drowning in more guilt than the situation called for.
-Cas?
Still no answer.
-You can trust us.
Sam's words just got the angel start making a sad attempt to free his arm from Dean's grip who didn't loosen his grip one bit and if he knew Cas well enough he knew he wouldn't attempt to use force in fear of accidentally harming Dean.
-You know them don't you?- Accuses Dean which does nothing for the now frantic angel who won't stop pushing at Dean's hand nor face them at all.
Castiel wanted to run more than he had ever wanted.
This was wrong and this shouldn't be happening. The Winchesters weren't suppose to find out and no one was suppose to ever find out.
-Cas.
Dean was mad.
And he was so gonna get even more mad if he was to find out the truth.
He would want Castiel to leave and this time he wouldn't allow him to come back.
But it was like Lucifer had told him.
"I don't need to tell them. It will be a hundred times worse when those two find it out on their own. Your little family game will come to an end and it will all be because of you."
Castiel had no opportunities.
The brothers now knew and it was a matter of time before Sam figured out who one of those archangels was.
-I... You didn't need to know about them because none of them are threats and Chuck didn't mention them because He couldn't risk having the archangel who keeps magic flowing nor the archangel who makes sure to keep the free will flowing die. No matter the circumstances the universe is in neither of them is allowed to fight. Neither of them can die for their deaths would bring terrible consequences. And neither of them interact much with humans to begin with so it didn't matter.
-Fair point. What about the third one? Cassiel.- Neither of the brothers missed how the angel flinched at the name.
-He's not important. You don't need to concern yourself with him.
-Wrong. If a feathered dick able to lead armies of spirits is walking around with a lightning sword and the ability to either muster attacks at the speed of light or strike people with the force of a star I believe it's in our right to concern ourselves with it.
-He's weak and for the most part useless. Chuck didn't mention him because He knew that.
And wasn't that just sad?
He who once was one of the most powerful archangels to go against Michael and come out victorious now couldn't even stand his ground against a regular angel without receiving a beating.
-How does an archangel that powerful becomes weak and useless?
Castiel didn't answer.
-Cas?
And Castiel hung his head in defeat.
-He extracted most of his grace and then casted a spell upon himself to bind what was left of it so it wouldn't regenerate back to its full strength. Now he is no longer an archangel but something weak and for the most part useless.
-So he's human?- Dean couldn't understand why would someone give up that kind of power.
-No. He's still an angel.
Sam couldn't pinpoint what it was but he had a feeling he was missing something here.
And then it seemed to hit Dean at the same time it did Sam.
Cassiel.
Removed grace.
Spellbound.
Still an angel.
The truth was staring right back at them almost with a mocking loudness.
Dean's hold on his arm faltered as the truth hit him.
That thing in the page surrounded with corpses and spirits.
He had it right infront of him.
And it was not an 'it' but the same person he had grown to see as another brother.
-You are Cassiel.- Sam was the one who voiced it.
It wasn't a question but a statement of fact and Castiel flinched as if he had been struck. His shoulders dropping almost in defeat as he gave a short nod.
-You...
Dean was at a loss of words. He felt confused and pissed and betrayed and more confused.
Because what the hell?
How could Cas hide something like that from them? How could he have the nerve to let Lucifer possess him when he had that kind of power in him?
-Wait, if you are him, how come none of the other angels ever mentioned it?- Frowns Sam as he stares at the angel-archangel with newfound awe.
And Castiel was still staring at the floor.
-Archangels are expected to follow their duties without question and be all powerful. Getting rid of that part of me was something Heaven viewed as a transgression against God Himself and therefore no one ever spoke of it due considering me as much of a shame as Lucifer to remember or even think about.
-Your duties...?
-Guard the gate to the Seventh Heaven. Control which souls are allowed into Heaven.
-You didn't want to do that?- Dean couldn't for the life of him find what was so wrong about that despite how friggin' boring it sounded.
-That's not it. I... You read the book. I was meant to watch and never interfere. And at first it was fine because that's what I was asked to do. But then Azrael was sent with a group of angels to slaughter the firstborns in Egypt and I couldn't do it. I couldn't just watch.
Those screams had been too much.
Innocent souls suffering an unfairness bigger than the world itself for no logical reason.
-That was the first time I broke the rules... And after that I kept breaking them, over and over again. I answered every single prayer that no one else would answer. I collected the souls of those who had been left to rot in the battlefield. Answered the cries of children who had been left to starve on the streets. Healed those who couldn't be healed and the world had given their backs to...
And he had been so proud of it. It had felt right. As if had been the real purpose of his creation.
-But Michael found out what I was doing... He said that if I didn't stop acting out of line he would break my wings so I would never be able to leave Heaven.
The brothers sucked in a sharp breath at that.
They had known that Michael was capable of a lot of things but to go as far as threatening to cripple his own brother due this one doing the one thing angels were suppose to do which was help others... dude was sick.
How was it possible that amongst a mass of billions upon billions of ancient beings was there only one who wasn't an absolute asshole?
-I decided that getting rid of my grace would be a better choice than being locked away for eternity. Being weak but able to help felt better than being powerful and being forced to watch and do nothing.
As the brothers said nothing Castiel felt himself grow anxious and bowing his head even more.
-You have every right to be mad but I didn't tell you not because I didn't trust you but because I didn't thought it mattered considering Heaven stopped caring about it a long time ago and I'm as powerful as a regular angel. Or a Seraph which is above the general angels but still below the archangels and-
-Dude. Chill out.- Cut off Dean successfully getting the angel to grow silent.- I'm pissed that you didn't tell us but I can see your point and I know you are insufferable when it comes to keeping quiet shit you find unnecessary.
-You are not mad?- Asked Castiel surprised as he looked up at them.
-No.
Lucifer's words rang across his mind.
"You are nothing but a weapon to them. Once they realize who you are they will demand you to power up or hand them your weapons."
-You... won't ask me to take my grace back right? Nor ask for the sword...
Sam and Dean frowned at that.
-Cas. We would never ask that if that's not what you want. Still, the idea of archangel grace or powerful weapons laying around doesn't bring that much comfort to me. Are they somewhere safe?
Castiel was staring at him as if he had grown a second head.
It was clear that he hadn't been expecting that answer and wasn't that sad? How could he ever even begin to fathom that Sam and Dean would do something as heartless as forcing him to take his powers back after he chose to give the middle finger to Heaven and side with humans before either of them even met him?
-I... it's safe. I had to relocate them considering Lucifer now knows where I was hiding them before.
-You sure he won't find them?
The idea of Lucifer with a friggin' lightning sword or bow let alone sucking up on archangel grace felt almost panic inducing.
-No. I... hid them here.
That got raised eyebrows from the brothers.
-Here?
-The sword and bow are in the archives cloaked with an invisible spell. My actual blade is under your bed and my grace is under Sam's bed.
Well that explained how Sam has had such a peaceful sleep despite their fight with Amara and Lucifer's violation of his room.
-Why hid them in our rooms and not yours?
-Because I trust you?
No one had any right to look that confused and honest while voicing those words. As if he couldn't see a single reason for him to not trust with his blade the same man who almost killed him with his own blade. No reason for him to not trust Lucifer's vessel with his grace.
The actual weight of his trust for them felt like a punch that took their breath away.
Sam had to blink away the blurriness from his vision as he swallowed past the lump in his throat.
Castiel stumbled as he found himself being pulled into a sudden hug from Sam.
-Thanks Cas. I promise I will keep it safe if it comes to it.- The angel didn't answer but Sam was able to feel his lips quirk up into a light smile against his shoulder.
Dean for his side cleared his throat to push some calm back into his now emotion filled being.
-So, you got a lightning sword. Can I see it?- He asked hoping to get rid of his need to grab the angel into a hug and apologize over a hundred times for all the crap he had thrown at him in the past.
Castiel smirked at that and nodded.