March 8th, 2010
Blue Earth, Minnesota
It was about a week later when they drove up to Blue Earth, Minnesota. There had been storms and other omens that pointed to demonic activity. They had driven around for a while until it was dark. "There." Dean slowed the car.
"What?" Alex looked out the window.
"I saw something." Dean pulled the Impala to the side of the road and got out. He grabbed his shotgun off of the seat. Alex and Sam followed, guns in hand. Dean headed into the trees.
"I dunno, Dean," Alex said quietly. "This seems kinda dangerous. What if this is a trap?" She paused. "Can you smell that?" She scented the air.
"Sulphur." Sam cursed, raising his gun.
"Very good." A voice sounded behind them.
All three spun around. A man stood there. He blinked, and his eyes turned black. "Dean Winchester. Haven't seen you in a while."
Dean shot him. The salt rounds sent him flying backwards.
Suddenly they were surrounded. "What the hell?" Dean cursed under his breath.
There were more demons than Alex could count. The air was heavy with the stench of sulphur. She cocked her gun. "Dean?"
"Damn," Dean cursed again. "Back to the car!"
Alex fired three shots in succession. Three demons flew back. However, they were quickly replaced.
"Just run!" They turned tail and ran. Alex, having shorter legs, was steadily falling behind, and pumped her legs harder. A demon appeared in front of her, and Alex swerved, but not soon enough. Her shoulder collided with the demon, knocking them to the ground. Alex struggled back to her feet as iron-like hands gripped her leg. She thrashed around desperately. Thinking fast, she fumbled for the flask of holy water she had brought. She unscrewed the cap and tossed it onto the demon. It shrieked in pain, letting her go. She grabbed her gun and ran. Sam was grappling with a demon a few feet ahead. The demon had a knife, and Sam was bleeding. Before Alex could help, a shot was fired, and the demon fell backwards. Sam scrambled to his feet, casting a glance back at Alex.
They ran to the car and got in. As soon as Alex closed her door Dean sped off. Glancing behind her, Alex saw the demons giving chase. "Faster," she urged. "They're following."
Dean obliged. He floored it, and the car shot forward. The demons still pursued.
"Faster, Dean," Sam hissed out. He was still bleeding from his left shoulder, and let out a pained noise.
"I can't!" Dean snapped. Alex looked down at the speedometer; it read almost ninety. Dean glanced over at his brother. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Sam lied. "I'm amazing."
"You ever seen that many?"
"No. No way, not in one place."
The car spun around a corner, and Dean slammed both feet on the brakes. In front of them was a semi, laying on it's side. It was on fire. Sam let out a surprised noise. "What the hell?"
"Dammit!" Dean exclaimed. He threw the car into reverse, turning around. Suddenly, something smashed through the windows, It tried to pull Dean out of the car. Alex yelled a warning, but it was too late. Another demon grabbed Sam, almost yanking him through the window.
Alex sat in the middle, not sure what to do. Suddenly the demons screamed. She looked up to see a stream of water hitting the demons. It burned them, and they let go of the hunters. A large truck had pulled up, and the water was coming from there. Two men got out, and one had a megaphone. He started yelling words into it. The demons screamed again, black smoke twisting out of their mouths. The vessels collapsed to the ground.
The three of them sat there in shock. Alex's heart was pounding, but something was off. She leaned forward. "What was that?" she whispered. "It wasn't Latin. It almost sounded Enochian."
It looked like Sam and Dean ignored her. "Well, you don't see that everyday," Dean finally said.
The man who had spoken those strange words approached. "You three alright?"
"Peachy." Dean got out of the car. Sam followed.
"Be careful. It's . . . dangerous out there." The man started walking away.
"Whoa whoa whoa wait." Dean called him back. He hurried around the car towards him.
"No need to thank us."
"No. Hold up." Dean shook his head to clear it. "Who are you guys?"
"We're the Sacrament Lutheran Militia."
"I'm sorry. The what?"
"I hate to tell you this, but those were demons, and this is the Apocalypse. So. . . buckle up."
All three stood quietly for a few seconds before Alex started laughing.
"The Apocalypse isn't funny, miss," the man said impatiently.
"It's just a little." Alex smiled.
"I'm being serious. It's happening. "
"Yes, I know it is," Alex countered. "I was kind of there when it started. My bad."
"So are you guys hunters?" Dean asked, cutting Alex off.
"Sorry, what? Hunters?"
"Yeah, you know. Demons . . . hunters."
"In that case, yes."
"Sorry. What was your name again?" Sam finally asked.
"Rob." Rob held out his hand.
"Hm. I'm Sam, this is my brother Dean. That's Alex." Alex waved hello.
Dean walked over to the trunk. He opened it, then propped open the weapon's box. The two other men from the truck joined them, looking in.
"And it looks like we're in the same line of business," Sam added.
"And among colleagues." Dean pointed to the shotgun one of the men was holding. "That's a police issued shotgun. That truck is . . . inspired. Where'd you guys get all this crap?"
"And that exorcism wasn't latin," Alex added. "It almost sounded like it was Enochian." Dean nodded in agreement.
Rob shrugged. "You know, you pick up a few things along the way."
Dean exchanged a glance with his brother. "Guys, come on. The whole corner of the state's overrun with demon omens. We just want to help. That's all."
"We're on the same team here," Sam continued. "Just talk to us."
Rob exchanged a look with his associates. "Follow us," he finally said. He got back into his truck and drove off. They got into the Impala and followed.
"I dunno, Dean." Alex finally said. "I mean, that definitely sounded Enochian. You don't just pick up Enochian."
Dean grunted in agreement. "We're just gonna see what's up," he promised.
Alex fell back into her seat.
...
The sun was starting to appear over the horizon, and by the time they got to the town, everything was visible, the overcast clouds giving the deserted streets a foreboding feeling. The mist settling over the town didn't help. They pulled up in front of the church and got out. Sam had changed into a different shirt, and when he got out, he tossed Dean his bloodied one. Dean put it in the trunk before getting out his pistol, putting it in his jeans. Alex grabbed hers and did the same. Concrete dividers with barbed wire lined the streets as well as the path leading to the church doors. Two men stood guard where the path and road met, and a large, red devil's trap was placed beneath them, leaving no option but to go through it. Alex followed the Winchesters into the church. Inside, there were many people. Alex quickly realized it was a wedding. She furrowed her brow in confusion.
At the front of the church stood a man, dressed in the black garb of a Catholic Father. "Who would have thought the Apocalypse could be so romantic? Marriage, family-" he motioned to the couple in front of him, " - it's a blessing. Especially in times like this. So hold onto that."
"Wedding?" Sam scoffed. "Seriously?"
"Yeah." Paul nodded, eyes focused on the couple. "We've had eight so far this week."
Alex huffed.
...
Alex watched the newly weds hurry out into the street, surrounded by their friends. She and the Winchesters stood outside the doors of the church, arms crossed, the same expression across all of their faces.
"So Rob tells me you boys hunt demons."
They turned around to see the pastor standing behind them. "Uh . . . yes sir," Sam nodded.
"You missed a few."
Sam and Dean exchanged looks. "Yeah. Tell us about it. Any idea why they're here?"
The man shook his head. "They sure seem to like us though. Follow me." He motioned them into the church.
"So you're a preacher?" Dean asked, following the man down a flight of stairs.
"Now what you expected, huh?"
"Well, dude, you're packing."
The man shrugged. "Strange times." He led them into the church's basement. At least a dozen people were down there, making what Alex recognized to be ammunition. Not just any ammunition. Salt rounds.
"Is that a twelve year old packing salt rounds?" Dean voiced her thoughts. Alex glanced over at the girl.
"Everybody pitches in." The pastor led them further into the room.
"So, the whole church?"
"The whole town."
Dean glanced back at his brother. "A whole town full of hunters. I don't know whether to run screaming or buy a condo."
"Well, the demons were killing us. We had to do something."
"So why not call the National Guard?" Sam asked.
"We were told not to."
"By who?"
The pastor looked up at Sam, but didn't answer.
"Come on, Padre. You're as locked and loaded as we've ever seen. And that exorcism was Enochian. Someone's telling you something."
"Look. I' m sorry, I, uh, I can't discuss it."
"Dad, it's okay." One of the teenage girls turned around. Alex jumped slightly at the voice so close to her ear, and she took a step back closer to Dean. The girl stepped forward. Long, wavy brown hair, a blue polka-dot blouse, and a knit sweater that was somewhere between light grey and beige. Alex couldn't exactly tell in the dim light.
"Leah-"
"It's Sam and Dean Winchester. They're safe. I know all about them."
Sam and Dean exchanged looks, and Alex frowned. She opened her mouth to remind the girl that she was part of this too, but reluctantly decided against it.
"You do?" Dean studied the girl in suspicious confusion.
"Sure from the angels."
"Oh, that's great," Alex grumbled.
"Thee angels," Dean agreed. "Awesome."
"Don't worry. They can't see you here. The . . . marks on your ribs, right?" Leah touched her lower ribs as emphasis.
So you know all about us because angels told you?" Sam looked down at the girl, confusion on his face.
"Yeah, among other things."
"Like that snappy exorcism spell," Dean added, his voice taking on that hint of brusqueness that came when he wasn't exactly pleased.
"And they show me where the demons are going to be, before it happens. How to fight back."
"Never been wrong." The pastor stepped closer to his daughter, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Not once. She's very special."
The girl blushed. "Dad . . ."
"And let me guess. Before you . . . see something, you get a really bad migraine, you see flashing lights?"
Leah paused. "How'd you know?" she asked slowly.
"Cause you're not the first prophet we've met. But you are the cutest." Leah smiled, and Dean grinned back. "I mean that with total respect, of course," he hurriedly added when the pastor shot Dean a look.
"Is, uh, there a motel in town?" Alex asked quietly. "I mean, I'm assuming we're going to stick around a while."
Dean tore his gaze off of the prophet and looked down at Alex. "Uh, yeah. Yeah. That's a good idea."
"There's one down the road."
"Thanks." Sam nudged Dean out of the room.
...
After checking into their motel room, they had a late dinner at Paul's Tavern that was down to streets. Alex was finishing up her burger when Sam came back with two beers.
"So, did you get a hold of Cas?" Dean reached for his beer.
"Yeah, I left him a message. I think." Sam looked over at Alex. "What's up with his voicemail? I thought you said you helped him set it up."
"I did." Alex swirled a fry in some ketchup. "After about an hour, that's the best we were able to do."
Dean pulled out his phone. "What does it say?"
He dialed Castiel's number, and Alex heard the phone ring. It rang again, then once more before a woman said, "You have reached the voicemail box of-"
"I don't understand. Why, why do you want me to say me name?" Castiel's voice came through the phone. Then their was the sounds of several buttons being pressed before a long beep.
Dean snapped his phone closed and looked over at Alex, eyebrow quirked.
She shrugged. "I think it's great." She shoved the fry into her mouth.
"So, uh, what's your theory?" Sam turned the conversation back to the subject at hand. "Why all of the demon hits?"
"I don't know. Gank the girl . . . prophet, maybe?"
"I . . ." Alex hesitated. "Do we even know Leah's a prophet? I — I feel like I would remember if there was another prophet that's not Chuck."
Sam just shook his head, and Dean paused. "What?"
"Just these angels are sending these people to do their dirty work."
"Yeah. And?"
"And they could get ripped to shreds."
"We're all gonna die, Sam. In like a month - maybe two. I mean it. This is the end of the world. But these people aren't freaking out. In fact, they're running to the exit in an orderly fashion. I don't know that that's such as bad thing."
"They're not all going to die," Alex snapped.
"What ever happened to us saving them?" Sam added. He and Dean stared at each other for several seconds.
The sound of the church bells rang through the bar, and as Alex watched, the people stood up and exited the bar. Dean watched them go as well. "Something I said?" he half-joked.
"Paul." Sam called out the bartender's name as he passed. "What's going on?"
"Leah's had another vision." With that, Paul left.
"Wanna go to church?" Sam turned his attention back to his brother
"You know me - downright pious." Dean finished off his beer, then stood up.
Alex followed the Winchesters out into the street and into the church. They stood in the back as the pastor - Pastor Gideon, as they had been told - made his way up to the pulpit. Leah followed, standing behind her father. "Three miles off Talmadge Road," he began. However, Leah leaned forward, whispering something in her father's ear. "Five miles," the pastor corrected. "There are demons gathered. I . . . don't know how many, but a lot. Thank you, Leah. So. Who's going to join me?"
Rob raised his hand. "Wouldn't miss it."
"Someone's got to cover Rob's ass," Paul volunteered. Several other people raised their hands as well.
Dean looked over at Sam, then down at Alex. She nodded. Dean raised his voice. "We're in, Padre."
"Thank you." Pastor Gideon looked upwards. "I'd like to offer a prayer." His eyes drifted close. "Our Father in Heaven -"
"Yeah, not so much," Dean whispered. Alex kicked him in the leg with the side of her foot in reprimand. She glanced up to see Paul take a swig out of his flask, patiently waiting for Gideon to finish.
"Help us to fight in your name," Gideon continued. "We ask that you protect us from all servants of evil. Guide our hands in defeating them, and deliver us home safely. Thank you. Amen."
...
Fifteen minutes later, Alex crept through the woods towards a large, dilapidated house. Dean was in front of her, shotgun in hand. By her side was a teenage boy, eighteen years old. His name was Dylan, as Alex had recently learned. Rob's son. She heard the rustle of leaves, and she glanced to her right to see a flash of brown through the trees. There were two other parties surrounding the house; one led by Pastor Gideon himself, and the other by Sam Winchester.
Dean led them around to the back. He motioned them forward towards a shed. Alex followed, finger slipping towards the trigger of her shotgun in preparation for what might come. Dean raised his gun as he stepped in front of the shed door. Dylan did the same, then turned away. It was empty.
They made their way to the back porch. Dean pointed to a window further down, and Alex nodded, slipping off to check it. She heard surprised noise, and spun around to see a man pinning Dean against the house. Before she could react, Dylan fired his shotgun. The demon fell down with a cry.
"Vivi tato mona dae." Blach smoke flew out of the demon's mouth at Dylan's words.
Dean kicked open the door, and the three of them hurried in. Fighting and gunshots could be heard clearly from upstairs. A shot was fired next to her, and Alex jumped as a man fell at their feet. Dean moved towards the staircase, and Alex followed, leaving Dylan to exorcise the demon.
A demon appeared at the top of the stairs, and Dean fired, knocking it flat. They continued down the hall just as Dylan caught up. In the main room was Sam; he stabbed demon with the knife before turning to look at them.
Demons came from all sides, and Alex lost track of what was happening. Shots were fired, men fell. She heard the empty click of a barrel, and turned to see Dean just as he thrust the butt of his gun into a demon's face. Alex spun around and fired two shots, and a demon fell by the door. There was a cry, and Alex jumped as a body landed right by her feet. Dean reached down and pulled the demon knife out of the man's back before stabbing the other demon he had been fighting in the heart. Its face flashed, and it crumpled to the ground.
The house was silent. Alex looked over at Sam to see him lying on the ground, breathing heavily. He looked from Alex to Dean, then pulled himself up to his feet.
There were footsteps. Rob and Paul moved past them and out of the house. Pastor Gideon hurried down the stairs to see the three of them standing there. "Is that all?"
"Think so." Dean wiped the knife's blade on his worn jeans.
The man nodded curtly. "Let's go." He led them out of the house.
Everyone was still alive. Alex did a quick head count; not counting the three of them, there were five people. Just like before. That was good. She and the Winchesters fell to the back.
"I guess that's what it's like, huh?" Sam said quietly.
"What?"
"Having backup."
Dean smiled slightly, shaking his head. But he didn't argue. He stopped in front of the Impala, and they threw their weapons into the trunk.
"Dean!" Alex looked up at Dylan's voice. "Sam."
Dean looked up. "Yo."
"Hey. So, uh, is - is that - is that cool that I get a ride back with you guys?"
Sam looked at Dean, shrugging. Alex did the same; she didn't care.
Dean nodded, the waved at the firetruck. It drove away. "Hey, you've saved my ass twice already," Dean chuckled. "One more time, you can drive."
Sam handed his brother a beer. Dean reached into the cooler in the trunk and pulled out another. He tossed it to Dylan, who caught it, confused.
"Hey. You earned it. Don't tell your mom."
"Oh believe me. I will not." Dylan grinned and turned so he was leaning against the side of the Impala. Alex heard the crack and hiss as the beer can was opened. Dean and Sam did the same, clinking the cans together before taking a sip. Alex closed the trunk and jumped up on it, leaning back against the back window.
"You don't drink?"
Alex glanced at Dylan. "I don't like to. This was a pretty chill hunt. I don't think I'm going to need to." She returned her gaze to the sky. It was still light out. Judging by the sun, it probably would be for the next few hours-
Dylan let out a cry, pitching forward. Alex jumped, blood running cold at the sound. She jumped off the car and raced around to where the boy had been pulled under the car. Dean was by her side in a second. Alex heard a faint cry and the sound a knife sinking into flesh as she and Dean puled Dylan out.
The boy was lifeless, eyes staring blankly upwards. His throat was torn wide open by what could only be human teeth. "No," Dean breathed.
Sam hurried over to his brother. "Demon."
Alex looked down at Dylan's body. "W-We should get him back to town," she finally said. She tore her gaze away, looking towards the trees.
"Yeah."
...
Alex stood outside the church, watching as Dylan's coffin was carried in. Even though entire town was there, there were still empty pews. But Alex didn't think they were going to go in. It just . . . didn't seem right.
Dean's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Ma'am, we're just, um, very sorry." Alex turned to see Rob and a woman standing in front of them. Alex knew Rob was Dylan's father, so the woman had to be his mom.
"You know . . ." the mother spoke, voice raw with grief, "this is your fault."
Alex looked away, not wanting to even be part of the conversation.
Rob gently nudged his wife forward, an arm around her shoulders for comfort. "Jane," he said quietly. "Come on." They stepped past the Winchesters and into the church. Alex looked up in time to see Sam and Dean exchange soulful looks. They entered the church, and Alex slowly followed, sliding into the back pew beside Dean.
"I wish I knew what to say," Pastor Gideon finally said, looking down at the open coffin. "But I don't." He looked over at the parents. "I'm so sorry, Jane, Rob. There are no words. Dylan . . . I don't know why it happened." He turned towards the rest of the congregation, voice growing stronger. "I don't know why any of this is happening. I got no easy answers. But what I do know it-"
Suddenly, Leah fell into the isle, making no move to brace herself.
"Leah, honey?"
The daughter started seizing violently. Gideon knelt down as worried gasps came from the crowd. Dean leaned forward, confused and worried as well. "Leah, honey?" Pastor Gideon reached out to steady her as Leah stopped thrashing. "Honey? It's okay sweetie. It's okay." He gently helped her sit up.
"Dad, it's Dylan," Leah gasped.
"Just rest a minute, okay?"
"No, listen. Dylan's coming back."
Surprised gasps and murmurs filled the room.
Leah shakily stood up, and her father reached out, trying to steady her. She gently pushed him away, getting to her feet. She moved so she was in the front of the church. "Jane, Rob," she began, "it's going to be okay. You'll se Dylan again. When the final day comes, Judgement Day, he'll be resurrected and you'll be together again. We'll all be together. With all our loved ones. We've been chosen." She turned her attention to everyone. "The angels have chosen us. And we will be given paradise on earth. All we have to do is follow the angels' commandments."
...
"No drinking, no gambling, no premarital sex." Sam pushed his way out of the church. "Dean, they basically just outlawed ninety percent of your personality."
Alex grunted in agreement, rolling her shoulders back. To be honest, the rules Leah had put down made sense, but it seemed a little strange. From what she knew, it didn't seem like the angels really gave a damn about stuff like that. But what the hell did she know?"
Dean shrugged. "Yeah, well, whatever. When in Rome."
Sam looked over at his brother, confused. "So, uh . . . you're cool with it?"
"I'm not cool. I'm not, not cool. I'm just, look man," he sighed, "I'm not a prophet. We're not locals. It's not my call." There was a moment of silence, and Dean glanced back towards the church. "I'll catch up with you."
He brushed past Alex, who looked up at Sam. "So . . . now what?"
"I'm going to the bar." Sam reached into his pocket. "You want to go back to the motel?" He held out the key.
Alex took it, shoving into her jeans. "The bar?" she repeated. "Didn't they just outlaw drinking?"
"I just want to talk to Paul."
"Sure." Alex snorted. "Whatever. You go 'talk to Paul' and whatnot. I'll be watching tv."
...
She walked with Sam down the road before he turned off towards the tavern. Alex continued on to the motel. She took a quick shower before turning on the tv and pulling Dean's laptop close.
...
"Hey!" Alex looked up at the sound of static. It was a few hours later, and the sky was starting to darken. She turned her eyes upon the tv to see black and white squiggly lines dancing across the screen. She glanced back at Dean's laptop to see that the Internet was down as well. "Hey!" she repeated angrily. "I was using that!"
She got off of the bed and approached the tv. She checked the cables; everything looked just fine. Confused, she pulled out her cellphone to call Sam. No service. "Dammit!"She threw her phone onto the bed. "The world is ending," she whined before pulling herself to her feet and staggering over to the landline. She fell on the bed and pulled it near.
"Hello?"
"C-Can I have the number for the, uh, the tavern?"
"Sure."
After she was given the number, she called the tavern. "I want Sam," she said when the phone was answered.
There was a bit of shuffling, and then Sam's voice came through. "Uh, Alex?"
"We're all going to die." Alex lay across the bed, head and shoulders hanging over the bed. "Die, Sam. Did you hear me?"
"What's wrong?" There was a scraping noise as Sam stood up, pushing back the chair.
"The internet's down!" Alex slid further off of the bed. "And the cable! And the cell towers!" She fell to the ground with a thud and a whine. "We're going to die -"
Sam hung up.
...
Dean came back an hour later. Alex hadn't moved from her spot on the floor. "What's up with you?"
"We're going to die," Alex repeated apathetically.
"No we're not." Dean sat down on the bed and turned on the tv. It turned back to its default pattern. "The hell?"
"Everything's down," Alex mumbled. "Cable, cell towers, wifi. We're stuck here. Only landlines work." She stood up, running her hand through her blonde hair. "There's a Goodwill in town . . ." she said slowly. "I'm in need of some new shirts. Wanna go?"
Dean flicked the tv off. "Sure," he shrugged, casting one last glance towards the tv. "There's nothing to do here."
...
The sun was setting by the time they got back. Dean turned on the lamp in-between the beds but left the overhead off. Alex threw her bag onto her bed, then dug through it. She pulled out a grey striped shirt. "You think this'll look fine on me?" she asked him again.
Dean finished putting on a pot of coffee and sat down on the far bed, leaning against the headboard. "Yeah, yeah. It's fine."
There was a knock on the door, and Alex hurried over to let Sam in.
"Where you been?"
"Drinking." Sam closed the door behind him.
"You rebel."
"I'd have had more, um, but it was curfew."
"Right."
Sam glanced over at the tv. "You hear they shut down the cell towers?"
"Yeah. Alex told me." Dean whistled. "No cable, internet."
"Total cut off from the 'corruption of the outside world,' " Sam added scathingly, making sure to add air quotes.
"Huh. It sucks."
Sam looked brother, eyes narrowed in angry confusion. "Don't you get it? They're turning this place into some . . . some kind of fundamentalist compound."
"No, I get it."
"And all you've got's a 'hmm'? What's wrong with you?"
"I get it. I just don't care."
"What?" Sam looked over at Alex, then back at Dean.
Dean sat up. "What difference does it make?" he asked with a forced laugh.
"It makes a hell of a —" Sam cut himself off, studying his brother. He let out a huff of angry laughter. "At what point does this become too far for you?" he finally snapped. "Stoning? Poisoned Kool-Aid? The angels are toying with people!" He sat down on the bed opposite Dean, and Alex slid out of the way, not wanting to get involved in what was sure to be some sort of fight.
"Angel world, angel rules, man." Dean stubbornly refused to get worked up. He just seemed . . . tired.
"And since when it that okay with you?"
"Since the angels got the only lifeboats on the Titanic." Dean stood up and walked over to the kitchen area. "I mean, who exactly is suppose to come along and save these people? It was suppose to be us. But we can't do it." He picked up a mug and poured himself a cup of black coffee.
"So what?" His brother's indifference just fueled Sam's confusion and anger. "You wanna, you wanna just want to stop fighting, roll over?"
"I don't know, maybe." Dean took a sip.
"Don't say that."
"Why not?"
"Cause you can't do this."
"Actually, I can."
"No, you can't do this." Sam stood up, turning to face his brother. "You can't do this to me." When Dean didn't say anything, Sam looked away, taking a deep breath. "I got one thing, one thing keeping me going," he finally said. "You think you're the only one white-knuckling it here, Dean? I can't count on anyone else. I can't do this alone."
Dean looked down at the ground. He set his mug on the table and moved towards the door.
"Dean."
The older Winchester grabbed his jacket. "I need to clear my head," he told them, not even looking back.
"It's past curfew." Sam said after him. The door closed, and Sam turned away. "It's past curfew," he repeated quietly.
Alex watched the Winchester quietly. "We're going to save these people," she promised quietly.
Sam looked over at her, and Alex was surprised to see his eyes were watering slightly. "I know," he finally said. His eyes flickered over to the plastic bag. "What's that?"
"Me and Dean went shopping." Alex was glad for the change in subject. "I got this shirt I kinda like. Want to see it?" She turned and grabbed it off of the bed before stripping off her old t-shirt and pulling it on. She turned back to Sam. "Well?"
The Winchester shrugged. "It's nice," he said half-heartedly.
"I need new clothes." Alex looked down at it, then moved slightly to the left so she could see herself in the tv's reflection. "I like it."
Sam pulled a book out of his bag, flipped through the pages, then stuck it back in his bag with a sigh.
"I got your message." Alex spun around at Castiel's voice. The angel was leaning against dividing wall. Alex moved forward. He looked unstable, and she was worried he was hurt. "It was long, your message," Castiel continued. "And I find the sound of your voice grating."
Alex stopped, confused. Sam blinked. "What's wrong with you? Are you . . . drunk?"
"No!" The angel insisted. He swayed slightly, then admitted, " . . . yes."
"What the hell happened to you?"
Cas let out a quiet noise, and leaned his head against the iron post. "I found a liquor store."
"And?"
"And I drank it." Castiel moved towards them unsteadily. "Why'd you call me?"
"Whoa." Sam reached out to steady him. "There you go. Easy. Are you okay?"
Castiel paused, then moved forward slightly, leaning up so his mouth was by Sam's ear. "Don't ask stupid questions." He pulled way. "Tell me what you need." He leaned against the bed.
"Dude. This was an episode." Alex took a step back as Castiel stumbled. "Trust me. I remember Cas being drunk."
"T-There have been these — these demon attacks," Sam explained. "Massive, right on the edge of town. And we can't figure out why they're —"
"Any sign of angels?" Cas interrupted.
"Sort of. They've been speaking to this prophet."
"Who?"
"This girl, Leah Gideon."
"She's not a prophet."
"I'm pretty sure she is," Sam insisted. "Visions, headaches — the whole package."
"The names of all the prophets, they're seared into my brain. All angel's brains, actually. Leah Gideon is not one of them."
Sam paused. "Then what is she?"
A moment of silence. Then Castiel shrugged. "I don't know."
"Alex?"
"I don't know. I only remember Cas being drunk. But yeah. Pretty sure she's not a prophet."
Castiel groaned. He moved over towards the couch. Alex and Sam followed. "Dude, are you sure you're okay?" Alex asked worriedly.
"That shirt." Castiel looked at her. "It's new."
"Yeah. I just got it." Alex looked down at it. "You like it?"
"No." Castiel sat down.
Alex frowned, hurt by his abruptness. "O-Oh. Okay."
"W-Where's Dean?"
"Out." Castiel stood up, and Sam stepped forward, pushing the angel back down. "You better stay here until he gets back, okay?"
"Yeah, okay." Castiel sat back down.
...
A few hours passed, and still no sign of Dean. Sam stood up, worried. "Maybe we should go look for him," he suggested. "He should be back by now."
Alex nodded. "Yeah." She glanced over at Castiel. He was studying Sam's book. It was upside down. "Maybe we should leave the angel behind," she whispered.
"I can hear you," Castiel informed them. "I'm still a celestial being."
"Yeah, yeah, okay. You — just stay here, alright? In case Dean comes back."
Castiel nodded. "Okay."
"Okay," Alex repeated. Then she and Sam left.
...
The morning came. Alex and Sam had given up hours ago, and Alex had caught a few minutes of sleep before the door opened. Sam stood up. "We went out looking for —" He cut himself off. "You alright?"
Alex sprung to her feet as well; Dean's hands were covered with blood.
Dean looked down. "Yeah. It — it's not my blood. Paul's dead."
"What?!"
"Jane shot him."
"It's starting."
"What's starting?" Dean looked down at Cas, who was still on the couch, noticing him for the first time. "Where the hell have you been?"
"On a bender," Cas replied with perhaps the most sarcasm Alex had ever seen him muster.
"Did he — did you say 'on a bender'?" Dean looked over at his brother, confused.
"Yeah." Sam ran a hand through his hair. "He's still pretty smashed."
"It's not of import," Castiel said. "We need to talk about what's happening here."
"Well, I'm all ears." Dean walked over to the sink and washed his hands.
"Well, for starters . . ." Sam sat down on the red leather couch beside the angel, "Leah is not a real prophet."
Dean stopped. He turned back to them. "Well, what is she exactly?"
"The whore."
Dean looked down at Castiel. "Wow, Cas, tell us what you really think."
"Oh!" Alex sat down on the arm of the couch beside Sam. "Whore of Babylon. Right."
"She rises when Lucifer walks the earth," Castiel told them. He pointed to a large book that he had gotten last night and started to read. " 'And she shall come, bearing false prophecy.' This creature has the power to take a human's form, read minds. Book of Revelations calls her 'the Whore or Babylon.' "
Alex nodded in agreement. Dean looked between the two of them. "Well, that's catchy," he finally said. Alex rolled her eyes.
"The real Leah was probably killed months ago," Sam said.
"What about the demons attacking the town?"
"They're under her control."
"And the Enochian exorcism?"
"Fake. It actually means, 'you breed with the mouth of a goat.' " Castiel smiled, waiting for them to laugh. Sam and Dean looked at each other, then Dean glanced at Cas, an eyebrow raised. Seeing the hunters' confusion, Castiel added, "It's funnier in Enochian."
"I'm sure it is," Alex promised.
"So the demons smoking out — that's just a con? Why? What's the endgame?"
"What you just saw — innocent blood spilled in God's name."
"You heard all that heaven talk," Sam added. "She manipulates people."
"To slaughter and kill and sing peppy little hymns," Dean finished. "Awesome."
"Her goal is to condemn as many souls to hell as possible. And it's . . . just the beginning. She's well on her way to dragging this whole town into the pit."
"And after she takes the town, she's going to keep moving," Alex added. "She's not going to stop."
"Alright." Dean nodded. "So, then, how do we go Pimp of Babylon all over this bitch?"
Alex groaned at the terrible joke, while Sam and Castiel just exchanged glances. Then Castiel was gone.
"Whoa whoa whoa." Alex jumped to her feet. "Cas!" She looked over at Dean. "There's a drunk angel on the loose. Great."
Dean walked over to the sink and dried his hands. "Great," he echoed.
...
The day passed, and still no sign of Castiel. The three of them spent most of their time holed up in the motel, only leaving to eat. Dean and Sam went to Paul's funeral service, but Alex opted to stay behind.
That night, Alex took a long, hot shower. When she was done, she tossed her clothes onto the bed, glancing around. Dean had pulled up a chair away from the kitchen and was sitting beside Sam at the coffee table. Alex quickly braided her damp hair, then sat down beside Sam, pulling the large book closer. She studied the picture of the Whore. It was old, probably from medieval times. It showed a woman riding a seven headed dragon. She pulled the Bible close as well, scanning Revelations 17. "Dude, I can't stand the King James Version." She rubbed her temples. "Seriously. Why not just go NIV like everyone else?"
There was a flutter of wings, and Alex looked up. "It's about time," she snapped.
Castiel dropped a stake on the coffee table in front of them. "The whore can be killed with that," he informed them. "It's a stake made from a cypress tree in Babylon."
"Great. Let's ventilate her." Dean reached for it.
"It's not that easy."
Dean pulled back. "Course not."
"The whore can only be killed by a true Servant of Heaven."
"Servant, like . . ."
"Not you. Or me. Sam of course is an abomination." Castiel turned to look at Alex, expression thoughtful. Alex stood, wondering if he meant her. However, he only said, "You braided your hair."
"Uh, yeah."
"I like it. It's different." Castiel turned back to the Winchesters. "We'll have to find someone else."
Alex huffed. "Like who?" She paused. "Are you sure none of us work? Because I feel like Dean killed her in the show."
Castiel hesitated, so Dean spoke up. "Look. Let's just get this right the first time, okay? Maybe I can kill her, but I'd rather have someone who can kill her for sure."
"There's the, uh, pastor." Sam looked up at Cas. "I mean, that's about as true Servant as you get, right?"
Castiel nodded.
"How are we going to get him here?" Alex asked. "I mean, are you just going to tell him that he has to kill his daughter?"
"Well, this whole town's focused on the angels, right?" Sam looked from Alex to Cas. "Tell him the truth. Tell him you're an angel."
Castiel nodded. Then he was gone.
"Great." Alex stood up. "Does he seem a little hungover to you?" She huffed. "We don't have much time, guys. He better be one hundred percent. Fast."
There was another loud flutter of wings, and Alex heard the pages of the open book flutter. She turned around to see Castiel standing there, Pastor Gideon by his side.
"What the hell was that?" Gideon looked over at Castiel, eyes wide.
"Yeah, he wasn't lying about the angel thing," Dean told him. "Have a seat, Padre. We got to have a chat."
He motioned to the chair, and Gideon sat down.
"Alright." Dean sat down on the couch, leaning forward onto his knees. "I, uh, hate to be the one to break it to you, but you're daughter's not your daughter." He paused only a second to let that sink in, ignoring the pastor's indignant noise. "And she's not a prophet. You familiar with Revelations 17?" He pushed the Bible towards him.
"Yes." Gideon took the book, placing it on his lap. "I've read it several times in the past few weeks," he admitted.
"So you're familiar with the Whore of Babylon." Dean pulled the cypress stake close. "Listen. The demons are playing with you. And that exorcism? Fake. You saw what Jane did. She's dragging the entire town into hell." He pushed the stake closer to Pastor Gideon. "You're the only one who can stop her."
Gideon was quiet for several seconds as he comprehended what he was asked to do. "No. She's my daughter."
"I'm sorry, but she's not. She's the thing that killed your daughter."
"That's impossible."
"But it's true," Sam put in, voice soft with sympathy. "And deep down, you know it. Look, we get it — it's too much. But if you don't do this, she's going to kill a lot of people. And damn the rest to hell."
Dean picked up the stake and held it out.
The pastor hesitated. "It's just . . . why does it have to be me?"
"You're a Servant of Heaven," Castiel answered.
"And you're an angel."
"Poor example of one."
Pastor Gideon looked between Castiel and Dean, then lowered his head and nodded. "Okay," he reluctantly agreed. "I . . . I'll do it."
"Okay." Dean handed him the stake, and the man shakily took it.
Alex looked up to see Castiel was gone. She narrowed her eyes in confusion. Dean stood up. "I'm going to get something out of the trunk."
"I'll come too." Alex wanted to get out of the room. She hurried outside, letting out a breath at the cold Minnesota air. Dean walked over to the Impala, opening the trunk. Alex glanced to her right to see Castiel sitting on a bench, head in his hands. He let out a pained noise, and Alex sat down beside him. "You okay?"
"My head's on fire," the angel groaned.
"Heads up." Dean tossed something to Alex, and she caught it. She handed the bottle of aspirin to Castiel.
"How many should I take?" Castiel studied the bottle.
"You?" Dean studied the angel. "You should probably just down the whole bottle."
Alex let out a soft laugh, but Castiel just nodded. "Thanks."
"Yeah, don't mention it." Dean approached. "Yeah, I've been there. I'm a big expert on deadbeat dads. So . . . yeah, I get it. I know how you feel."
Castiel sat there in silence for a few seconds. "How do you manage it?"
"On a good day, you get to kill a whore."
Castiel looked up at Dean, who shrugged, quirking an eyebrow.
Alex smiled. She leaned into the angel, brushing shoulders. "Everything's going to be fine," she promised. "Alright? I would know."
Dean nodded, eyes focused on Alex, unsure if she was lying or not. "Go get Sam and the Padre," he told her. "We should go."
Alex nodded and hurried back into the motel.
...
They made their way down the church's stairs five minutes later. Pastor Gideon led them down a hallway, and pushed their way in through a door. "S-She usually comes in here," Gideon said quietly. "She's liked it ever . . . ever since she was a kid."
Dean closed the door behind them. "Yeah. Hide over there."
...
The door opened a little while later, and Leah stepped into the room. Alex pressed herself further into the wall, watching the girl approach the dresser. Her face twitched, morphing into something inhuman. Then it returned to normal.
Castiel appeared right in front of her. In that moment of her surprise, he grabbed her, turning her around. Gideon rushed from his hiding place, stake raised.
"Daddy, don't hurt me!" Leah cried, eyes wide. Alex jumped out. Sam and Dean hurried towards them. "Gideon, now!" Sam yelled.
However, in that brief second of delay, Leah managed to change the tides. "Pizin loco iad."
Castiel cried out in pain, falling to the ground. Gideon raised the stake, but Leah pushed out with her hands, sending the pastor flying across the room, as well as the two Winchesters. Alex moved towards her, but the next thing she knew, her back hit the wall, and she fell to the ground.
Leah ran out the door, as everyone struggled to their feet. Pastor Gideon jumped to his feet, running after her. "Gideon!" Sam yelled after the pastor. "Wait! No!" He and Dean pulled themselves up, hurrying out the door.
Alex moved to follow, but paused. Castiel still lay on the ground, groaning. "Cas!" She knelt down beside him. "What did she do?"
"Go," Castiel rolled onto his side, clutching his chest.. Alex hesitated, but did as he said. She ran after the Winchesters. A rush of people pushed her against the wall, and she fought her way through into the basement storage room.
"Let me go!" Jane was being held by Sam, who was struggling to keep the woman still.
Dean was on the floor, Leah on top of him. Her hands were wrapped around his throat. "This is why my team's gonna win," she told him. "You're the great vessel? You're pathetic, self-hating, and faithless. It's the end of the world. And you're just going to sit back and watch it happen."
In those brief moments it took her to speak those words, Alex crossed the room. She tackled the whore to the ground, struggling to keep the upper hand. A fist connected with her jaw, and a hand wrapped itself around her throat.
Suddenly, Leah went still, eyes wide. Her face twitched, and she started shaking violently. Alex pushed the woman off of her, scrambling away. The cypress stake stuck out of her back. Leah began to seize violently, head thrashing back and forth. Then the stake exploded into flames, and Leah screamed. The stake disintegrated into ash, and the whore fell still, life fading from her eyes.
Alex stood up on shaky legs, gently touching her throat.
"But . . ." Jane's voice came from behind her, small and scared, "I don't understand. How are we suppose to get to paradise now?"
"I'm sorry. Pretty sure you're headed in a different direction."
There was a noise behind them, and Alex turned to watch as Pastor Gideon struggled to stand. Sam hurried over to help him. "Gotcha."
Dean walked behind Sam. "Come on," he said quietly.
Alex dashed past them. She hurried back into the first room to see Castiel still laying there. She dropped to her knees beside them. "Cas?" She shook the angel. "Castiel?"
The angel's eyes snapped open. "Alex?" His voice sounded groggy.
"Come on." Alex tried to help him to his feet. Then Dean was at her side, and together they got Castiel up. They joined Sam, who was helping support Pastor Gideon, and together they made their way up and out of the church.
"Dean, how did you do that?" Sam finally asked as they stepped into the night.
"What?" Dean glanced over his shoulder at his brother.
"Kill her."
"Long run of luck held out, I guess." Dean grunted as Castiel staggered.
"Last I checked, she could only be ranked by a Servant of Heaven."
"Well, what do you want me to tell you? I took a shot. I went for it."
"Don't question it," Alex added. "She's dead, right? That's what's important." They stopped by the Impala, and Dean and Sam helped the two other men into the backseat.
Alex slid in beside Castiel, ears straining to catch Sam's words. "Are you gonna do something stupid?" he asked.
"Like what?" Dean circled around to the driver's side.
"Like Michael stupid."
"Come on, Sam. Give me a break." Dean slid in behind the wheel, and Sam followed, closing the door. They drove off to the motel.
...
"We're leaving as soon as possible." Dean dropped Castiel on the bed and threw his few possessions into his bag.
"Yeah, hang on." Sam helped Pastor Gideon into a chair. "Let me patch him up first."
"Of course." Dean stepped outside, carrying his bag. He came back a second later empty-handed. "Whenever you're ready."
Alex started rolling her clothes up and packing them in her bag. She picked up her new grey striped shirt, then paused studying it. She glanced at Castiel, then back down at the shirt. She reluctantly tossed it under the bed. She zipped up her bag and crawled onto the bed, closing her eyes.
"How's the head?" Dean walked over to Pastor Gideon.
Alex glanced over at them to see that Sam was bandaging the pastor's arm. The man held an ice pack tightly against his head with his other hand. "I'm seeing double. But that may be the painkillers." He ended with a chuckle.
"You'll be okay."
"No."
Several seconds of long silence. Alex closed her eyes, her throbbing headache returning. She heard footsteps, and cracked open one eye to see Dean moving towards the door.
"Where are you going?" Sam asked.
"I'm just going to grab some clean bandages out of the trunk. Relax." With that, he left the motel room.
"There." Sam finished the bandage. "How's that?"
The familiar rev of the Impala's engine filled the air, and Alex jumped out of bed. She and Sam rushed through the door in time to see the Impala disappear down the road. "Dammit!" Sam cursed. "Dean! DEAN!"
Alex watched the Impala leave, eyes wide and mind whirling. "He's not coming back," she whispered, because deep down, both she and Sam knew it.
Dean was gone.