AFTER THE STORM
PART 9: We Stood Tall, and Remembered Our Own Land, What We Lived For.
Gabriel waited until everyone was asleep to make the call.
The evening had been full of laughter and stories. True to his word, Raphael gave all the angels a thorough work-over. The humans found endless amusement in the effects it had on them. Dean had to carry his sleeping brother back to the bedroom while Castiel stumbled after him, grace-drunk and giggling. It took both archangels to get them all tucked in and settled.
Go make your calls, Gabriel. I will keep watch, Raphael promised.
It may take some time. There's a few people who may be able to help, and some can't be reached on a cell phone. Gabriel smoothed imaginary wrinkles out of Sam's blankets, smiling when the boy snuggled down further.
Go, Gabriel,Raphael said with amusement. I will let you know if anyone wakes up. Or sneezes.
You better, Gabriel gave him a mock scowl. As he walked out of the room, he waved a hand and a box of tissues appeared on the table. Just in case.
Raphael's laugh echoed in his mind all the way to the kitchen. Once there, Gabriel gathered his materials and laid them out on the table. Then, he pulled out his phone and started on the easier calls.
By morning, he had a plan and an appointment. After five phone calls, four rituals, and a lot more humility and begging than he was used to using, Gabriel found someone who understood what he needed. At sunset, he would meet with one of the few goddesses who universally commanded respect.
Even archangels admired Hecate—and tonight, the sixteenth of November, was her night.
When Dean shuffled into the kitchen, he was greeted to a mess of magical ingredients and discarded bowls. "Umm, I hope none of those were used for breakfast," he said in a sleep-gruff voice.
Gabriel snapped, removing the mess. "Nope," he reassured as he went to make coffee for them. "Just getting in touch with some old friends I thought might be able to help with our situation. I see a lady about a canine companion tonight."
That made Dean halt mid-step. "That...that is very soon." He cleared his throat. "I guess we can go out and get stuff for it today. What do they even need—food, bowls, and...a bed? Oh my god, we're getting a dog. I'm gonna have to stock up on lint rollers." The hunter wiped his face with his hands.
"Calm down, Deano. Try not to croak at the domesticity," Gabriel chuckled. "And you don't need to go get anything. I'm not buying Sam a pet."
"What?" Dean's head shot up in confusion. "I thought..."
"We're taking in a service companion—and only if I pass the interview with their keeper. I'm gonna be busy today making her libations." Gabriel left the coffee to brew and began pulling down bowls and ingredients. He had all the stuff to make the honey cakes and there was a barrel of spiced mead in one of his storehouses. All he needed was fresh fish, and that would be easy enough to procure.
"I can't have this conversation without coffee," Dean muttered, pouring a cup before the pot was finished brewing. "I feel like I'm missing something."
Gabriel sighed as he carefully started mixing the cake batter. He infused it with his grace to add power to the offering. "How much do you know about Hecate?"
Dean froze with his coffee cup halfway to his mouth. "The Greek goddess?"
"Yup."
Dean's shoulders sagged and he drained half the mug, wincing at the temperature. "She isn't one to trifle with, if the lore is true. And I'm guessing it is if you're stressing this much. Isn't she the goddess of the crossroads? And, like, necromancy? Why exactly are we asking her for anything?"
"People have been sacrificing dogs to her for thousands of years," Gabriel started to explain, but was interrupted.
"Ew, man!" Dean shuddered. "What the hell? That is not—"
The archangel snapped his fingers and a fresh doughnut appeared in Dean's mouth. He pushed a plate across the counter that contained steaming leftovers to keep the hunter quiet so Gabriel could concentrate on talking and working without interruption.
"There. Be quiet." There wasn't time. The others would wake soon, and had less than twelve hours to be ready. "When humans sacrifice animals to a god or goddess, it sends the spirit to the deity. Some gods consume them, some collect them. And then there's Hecate."
Dean's eyebrows raised in curiosity, but he remained silent.
"She transforms them—or did, when people still sacrificed animals to her. She'd bring them back to life as something greater than before. Trained them as guardians—warriors bound to protect those whom Hecate deemed worthy. There was a time when she had entire armies at her command. But time and wars killed most of them. As Christianity spread, she was all but forgotten. No followers means no sacrifices, so she took the remaining few and retreated to one of her places in between." Gabriel transferred the batter into a bake pan. He breathed a blessing over the jar of honey and painted her symbols over the smooth batter surface. "Retirement has mellowed her out. Hopefully. But she's been known to perform favors for friends."
"Let me guess—you used to be one?" Dean asked around his mouthful of eggs.
"Besties, for sure!" Gabriel sung. Dean frowned at him. "Okay, maybe we weren't BFFs, but we knew each other. There's mutual respect there. She helped me with someone, and I helped her in exchange. Once I've plied her with my cooking and told her the story, I know she will help again."
"What else will it cost you?"
Gabriel looked up, startled by the seriousness he heard. "What?"
"A deal with Hecate sounds like it would involve something more than cake and a chat," Dean put his food down and leaned closer. "So what else will it cost you?"
Gabriel laughed, and was happy to see some of the tension ease out of the hunter. "Unlike my adorable little bro, I am not a Winchester. No soul or grace deals. I'm not giving up a set of wings, or any other ridiculous image you've conjured in that empty cranium! Food and incense are traditional offerings. Besides, she loves mead more than blood, and I happen to have a barrel of her favorite. Trust me—I'm only offering what I'm willing to give."
Dean stared at him, then shrugged. "Whatever, man. Just don't do something stupid. I'm not explaining it to Sammy if it all goes wrong."
"I can promise you, Dean," Gabriel put down the honey and met the hunter's eyes, "that I will not do anything to jeopardize anyone, including myself."
Dean gazed back stonily. After a moment, he gave a slow nod of acceptance. "Good."
Gabriel got back to work. By the time the rest of his flock filtered into the kitchen, he'd been baking for two hours and made one time-hop to get the fish. Dean wouldn't have even noticed if not for the enormous basket that reappeared with him.
The others wrinkled their noses at the odd combination of smells, and Gabriel quickly shooed them all out of the kitchen. He shoved the picnic basket into Raphael's hands and ordered the Healer to take them all outside or to another room—anywhere that wasn't in the kitchen asking questions. Castiel grabbed Dean and dragged him along. Dad bless little brothers.
He worked tirelessly preparing the fish and arranging side platters of fruits and cheese. His brothers kept him updated through the hours, sending him images of Sam running through the yard with Dean close behind. There were a few close calls—noises from the woods or a shadow moving across the sun—that put the boy on edge. Gabriel forced himself to let the others handle it, even though he wanted nothing more than to help.
It made him work harder, knowing that this was going to be a better long-term solution than whatever words of comfort he could think up. When five o'clock rolled around, he laid all the dishes over an ancient cloth. Gabriel sealed it in his grace, and the runes woven into the fabric glowed white.
With a gesture, he sent the whole spread into a special basket from Athens. The mead barrel was already shrunk to jar-sized and nestled inside. All he had to do now was deliver it.
Gabriel held the offering carefully and flew out of the bunker.
Traveling through the veil to the realm between worlds, he landed in a forest at the center of a three-way crossroads. Fireflies ignited a single path and he followed it toward the growing sound of howling. When he stepped into a clearing, he stopped with a gasp.
A cottage sat along the forest's edge, a half-built construct merging with a massive twisting yew. The fireflies swarmed through the branches, casting a greenish glow over the thatched roof. Fences formed large pens where dogs of all sizes either romped playfully or slept in piles.
The cottage door opened and Hecate stepped out, just as awe-inspiring as Gabriel remembered. She took the form of the Mother tonight, yet still radiated the beauty of the Maiden and the wisdom of the Crone. But the Mother held the power and magic of life.
"Hecate, I am honored you have granted me an audience." Gabriel let out a shaky breath and raised the basket in offering with a smirk. "I come bearing gifts."
"Loki." Hecate graced him with a grin, sharp and full of teeth. "It has been some time since I last saw you, my friend. Although, I hear it is 'Gabriel' now, yes?" Her head tilted, sending onyx curls cascading over her bare olive-skin.
Gabriel nodded. "Yeah. It's a long story."
"One I am sure I shall hear. One day." She reached out and took the basket. "But I believe you have a different story for me today. So, tell me, Gabriel—what could move an archangel to ask a favor of a lowly god?"
"I would never consider you a 'lowly' anything, Hecate." He bowed his head. "You are a goddess of judgment, protector of the innocent, and healer of children."
"Loki..." she warned.
"You know, I kinda had a crush on you back in the day," he continued with a wink.
Hecate blinked at him, then threw her head back and laughed with delight. The sound echoed through the clearing, and the dogs howled in answer. "It's good to see your return to grace has not dulled your humor."
"Pfft!" Gabriel rolled his eyes at the idea. "I was causing chaos in Heaven long before Dad formed the Earth. They'll probably only let me back for short supervised visits now."
"Come, join me for a meal and you can tell me your tale." Hecate led him around to the other side of the cabin where a large stone slab served as a table. She opened the basket and directed the rush of magic toward the stone. The food appeared laid out over the ancient cloth, just as Gabriel had planned. "Beautifully done. For an angel," she said with a look.
Gabriel snorted. "Ouch."
The goddess took her time piling her plate with a bit of everything he'd offered. Only when she took her place on a seat of oak and fur did Gabriel dare get any for himself. He knew tradition.
"Tell me about the child," she said, staring at him over her goblet of mead.
Gabriel filled his own goblet. He was going to need the alcohol way more than fish or cake for this story. "I'm not sure how up-to-date you are on Earth's current affairs, but two weeks ago today, the Darkness almost destroyed all of existence. It was saved by two humans—brothers."
Hecate gave a single nod. "I heard."
"Right, well, Dad ended up healing the younger one using His own grace. Then, He brought me back from the ether and I found myself in charge of a brand new fledgling." Gabriel took a drink. "Except he's not an infant angel with a young man's memories. He's Samuel Winchester."
"Oh." Hecate set her plate aside and held her cup out.
Gabriel rushed to refill it. "You know of him?" He tried to hide his trepidation—the Winchesters tended to inspire fairly strong opinions in others. Usually of the negative sort.
"As much as any other pagan. He came to my attention during your apocalypse," she said, deep in thought. "How long...?"
"Was he in the Cage having his soul shredded by Lucifer and Michael?" he finished the question for her. She nodded. "Our best guess is around two hundred years."
Hecate sucked in a breath. "Tell me what you are dealing with."
Gabriel sat in a low-hanging yew branch and collected his thoughts. "His grace is beginning to process through all the memories his human mind couldn't contain. Night terrors, flashbacks, trouble discerning reality, and grace outbursts are our daily norm. But we were attacked a few days ago by humans carrying a powerful weapon—strong enough to blast me and a seraph away so they could take Sam. Heaven has added protections and guards to our home, but..." He shut his eyes and calmed the rage that threatened to spill out. "The humans tortured Sam. Burnt him with holy fire that forced his wings to sprout way too early. And Sam doesn't trust angels on the whole, so healing was a battle. The past couple days have been...well, 'hard' doesn't really describe it."
Hecate stood and motioned for him to follow. "Describe Sam to me. Who is he, separate from his struggles?"
Gabriel laughed. "Sam Winchester—the boy forged in suffering?"
Hecate slapped his shoulder, and Gabriel stumbled. "What is he like? Is he quiet or loud? Is he a physical or mental creature?"
"Ah," Gabriel considered the questions. "Well, he's quite a walking contradiction. He can go hours without talking, and loses himself in research, but tends to explode when he feels threatened. Scary intelligent—he loves learning, but he can't shut off his brain. He's incredibly kind and gentle and self-sacrificing. And a sassy little shit when he wants to be."
"Sounds like someone I know," Hecate said with a knowing smile.
"You're not the first to say that," Gabriel huffed.
They walked past several pens, each a sprawling field that held about a dozen dogs. There were ponds and small shelters and firepits all tucked together with beds of flowers. The fireflies followed them until they stopped at a gate, then they danced along the bound branches that formed the fence.
"I want you to meet someone, but before you do, you must know something." Hecate turned to face him. "If he decides to go with you, I do not part with him lightly. He is the last of my first."
"Hecate..." Gabriel whispered breathlessly.
"You need someone capable of dealing with a powerful, out-of-control child who doesn't trust. There is only one among the pack who qualifies." She put two fingers in her mouth and whistled a series of notes. The howling fell silent. From the far corner of the pen, a tiny speck flew over the field toward them.
Gabriel squinted. Either the between-dimension was messing with his ability to judge distance, or the bounding ball of fur was much smaller than he'd anticipated. Scratch that, he thought as the creature grew closer. Much much much smaller.
The speck turned out to be a piece of cotton with stubby legs and beady little eyes. It didn't slow down when it reached them. Gabriel stared as it darted under the fence to bounce full-force against Hecate's ankles and roll clumsily away.
"Morpheus!" Hecate frowned fondly. "One of these days, you are going to knock yourself out. And I can only hope I am present to witness your humiliation."
The pocket-sized piece of fluff let out a high-pitched 'yip' and rolled again, suddenly gaining mass and momentum. In a flurry of fur, it shifted and expanded, kicking up a cloud of dust. When it settled, Gabriel took a step back and fought the urge to draw his angel blade.
The puppy was not a puppy! Laying flat on his belly, the canine's head stood at least four feet high. Fur flowed off the creature in long white waves. The face was shaped like a husky with a long round snout and bear-like ears. Curious blue eyes stared into Gabriel.
Hecate moved to stand next to the creature. "Morpheus, I want you to meet Gabriel. He's an old friend of mine. Gabriel, this is Morpheus."
Loki, a low voice rumbled in Gabriel's head.
Gabriel nodded, dumbfounded. "I...I used to go by that name, yes."
Gabriel, he sounded the name out slowly. The archangel?
"Yeah," Gabriel whispered, still nodding. He vaguely realized he looked ridiculous, but couldn't help it. This wasn't his first encounter with a magically enhanced giant dog, and he was caught in a tide of emotions. He couldn't afford the distraction of memories.
Morpheus stood and shook the dust off, sending tufts of fur swirling through the air. Gabriel coughed and took another step back. The canine's mouth fell open in a wide grin, his tongue lolling to the side. How can I be of service?
Hecate rescued him by answering. "Gabriel brought me a very special case. He cares for an angel child who is in crisis. The boy was human first, and his soul was nearly destroyed by other angels before their Creator healed him."
Morpheus sat down and swung his massive head to look at the goddess. You wish for me to leave? he asked with a startled whine.
"Never," she reassured firmly. Her hands grabbed the fur framing his face and pressed their foreheads together. "I will never ask you to leave. This is your home, and I am your Mother. But I know you. You haven't had a pup—"
Fledgling, Morpheus interrupted.
Hecate continued without missing a beat. "—in over a century. You are wonderful with the babes here, but you are restless. I think you need an adventure."
An adventure with archangels? he chuffed, rolling his eyes toward Gabriel. Are you any good at adventures, Gabrieloki?
Gabriel grinned, meeting the canine's mischievous gaze. "You have no idea." He took slow steps forward. "Three days ago, I got blasted to a galaxy over one and a half million light years from Earth, pulverized a comet, and flew back with my awkward brother clinging to me like a koala bear. And that wasn't the craziest thing I experienced in the past two weeks."
Morpheus stood and closed the distance between them. His breath blew hot on Gabriel's face. What was the craziest thing?
"I came back from the dead and adopted some Winchesters."
Winter blue eyes narrowed, searching for any deceit. When none was found, Morpheus swung his head from side to side in disbelief. Suddenly, a giant tongue slurped along Gabriel's cheek. The archangel held still, keeping his eyes and mouth shut in case it returned. Hmm...You are an interesting creature. I will hear your case.
Gabriel carefully opened one eye. Morpheus made a sound somewhere between a sneeze and a laugh. "Are you done licking me?"
Maybe.
"Oh, you'll fit right in!" Gabriel said, wiping his face with his jacket sleeve.
Hmm, Morpheus hummed. Walk with me and tell me about your pack.
"We're a little group of outcasts." Gabriel fell into step next to the canine. He watched Hecate wave to them and set off toward her cabin. "There's an archangel, a seraph, a fledgling, and two humans. I know, it sounds like the set up to a bad bar joke."
They walked together slowly as Gabriel described the members of his eclectic family. The resurrected mother, the righteous man, the fallen angel, and the new grace-child. Morpheus listened without interruption until Gabriel was done explaining their recent circumstances surrounding the boy's kidnapping.
That is quite a tale, the canine said as he led them into an open field.
There were no fires nearby, and only the occasional green glowbug to light the area. Morpheus thumped his head against Gabriel's chest, knocking him on his ass. A paw pushed him all the way back into the grass where the sight of swirling stars overhead stole the archangel's unnecessary breath.
Morpheus flopped beside him and rolled to sprawl out on his own back. For a moment, they both just stared at the sky, getting lost in the vibrant colors. When the canine spoke again, his voice was soft. What do you hope to find here?
Gabriel felt earth magic soak into his wings, a familiar energy more primal than grace. Emotion burned in his throat, and he swallowed hard before he answered. "I'd hoped..."
No. Not past tense. What DO you hope to find here? Morpheus insisted.
"I hope to find help for Sam—a friend and confidant. Someone he can trust and feel safe around. We each play a different role, but Sam has no one who meets him on equal ground. We all see ourselves as mentors and parents to him. That counts double for his brother—Dean raised him when they were both babies." Gabriel gave an empty laugh, and traced constellations in the sky. "Sam may be older than his mother and brother's combined years, and he may even end up more powerful than me and Cassie. But he's only a little bigger than a toddler and his grace is even younger."
What else?
Gabriel dropped his hand and sighed. "I want him to be happy. I want his pain to stop outweighing his joy. For him to learn that he doesn't always have to be suspicious of those who care about him—that not everyone demands a price for their love. And I want to burn his fucking 'Savior of the World' hat so he can stop trying to put it on and get himself killed."
And what do you want, Gabrieloki?
"I..." Gabriel blinked as tears blurred the stars. "Nothing. I already have more than I ever dreamed possible. I have a flock who knows me, and accepts me anyway. I have a home where I freely exist as Gabriel without hiding Loki, and vice versa. My Father has even returned...kinda. There is nothing more I want for myself. I don't know what else there could be."
He heard Morpheus roll back onto his belly, and the blurry sky was replaced by a white fuzz. The face moved closer, and Gabriel shut his eyes again when he felt the broad tongue lap away his tears. A paw landed across his chest as Morpheus inched closer to reach the left cheek, methodically working his way up into the archangel's hairline. It was oddly soothing.
When he finished, Morpheus rested his head under Gabriel's chin. I like you, and your offering was honest.
"Offering?" Gabriel said in a scratchy voice, slightly muffled in fur. "Did you steal a fish?"
Morpheus chuffed at him. Not yet. But you gave me something different.
"What?" he felt a jolt of fear. What had he given?
The dream of an archangel. Morpheus raised his head, grinning at the surprise on Gabriel's face. I will return with you on a trial basis. If it does not work out, then I will help you find someone better suited. Hecate was right—I have missed being needed. You sound like adventure follows you. I've missed that too.
Gabriel threw his head back onto the grass and laughed. He laughed in relief and excitement, the stress of the last few days finally being replaced by hope. Fresh tears burned his skin, but Morpheus didn't take them. "Like I said, you have no idea. Do you know anything about fledglings?"
I know all pups—canine, human, god, and many other races. Children are children, regardless of power or form. Morpheus stood and waited for Gabriel to join him.
The archangel rolled to his feet, brushing the dirt off his pants and hair. "I hope you're right. Sam is the first fledgling since before humanity existed. And no angel has ever been crafted from a human soul. We are officially in uncharted waters."
I welcome the challenge.
They made their way back to the cottage. Hecate stood in the doorway with a small wooden box in her hand. She smiled sadly as they approached. "I see you've come to an agreement."
"How...?" Gabriel asked, looking between the two pagan beings.
"He's smiles like a wolf on a hunt whenever he decides to leave. I have not seen that grin in a long time." She stepped in front of Morpheus. "I have a gift for you, old friend."
You do not normally give me gifts when I leave, he said, sitting back on his haunches.
Hecate nodded. "You have never gone to work with angels before."
She opened the wooden box to reveal a necklace of thin silver rope. A single key, carved from stone, acted as a pendent. Its long shank branched into a 'Y' within a circular bow. Three tiny sapphires sat where lines and circle touched. A single moonstone glowed milky-white from the center where the three points met.
Gabriel gasped—he knew that key. Morpheus apparently also recognized it. The canine stood and took a step back.
No, Hecate. I cannot take that, he growled.
"You will need it," she said simply, staring him down until he relented. He sat slowly and hung his head so she could reach. A low rumble emanated softly from his chest in discontent. "This opens the three realms of my crossroads—Earth, Hades, and Heaven. You do not want your charge going somewhere you cannot follow."
Hecate's hands swiftly tied the silver thread around his neck. The key glowed blinding white, then magically faded into Morpheus' fur. Her arms remained in place as she pulled him into a fierce embrace.
The canine shivered, then nuzzled into her hair. I will visit.
"You better," she sniffed and stepped away, turning damp eyes on Gabriel. "And I expect to meet this boy who drove an archangel to my door with the best honey cakes I've ever tasted."
Gabriel gave a low bow in gratitude. "I'm sure that can be arranged. Sam would love it here." He straightened up with a grin. "He'd probably be torn between asking you questions like a good little hunter and running to play with a field full of puppies."
"He is welcome to do both," she said firmly, wrapping him in a hug as well. "You take care of him, understand?"
"I swear to you—he will be under my personal protection. And, by extension, the protection of Heaven."
"I don't care or trust Heaven, but I am trusting you." Hecate leaned back and gave him a severe look.
I am standing right here, thank you, Morpheus interjected. He butted his head between them, pushing them apart. And I have not required protection since I was a pup myself.
"I know, Morph," Hecate's expression softened. "But you'll always be a pup to me."
Go, he said, nudging her again. Tonight is still young. You will have more offerings before dawn.
Hecate gave a watery laugh, and hugged him once more. "Don't have too much fun, you two."
Gabriel watched her walk away and slowly fade into the night. He turned to Morpheus, an eyebrow raised. "You ready to meet the fam, big guy?"
Morpheus nodded as he stood and gave a full-body shake. As the dust flew, he seemed to lose mass, condensing back down to the cotton ball Gabriel had first seen. He pranced over to the archangel's feet and climbed onto his shoe. Well? he asked with a tiny yip.
"Well what?" Gabriel asked, careful not to move his feet and squash the piece of fuzz.
I'm not walking back to your dimension. Pick me up and fly us, angel-god.
A giggle escaped Gabriel as he picked the canine shifter. He weighed barely a pound, and most of it was fur. "This is pretty convenient. There's no way we could take you out in public when you're the size of a pony." He cradled the creature to his chest. "Do you have other forms?"
No. This was my form when I was sacrificed to Hecate as a young pup. Morpheus sniffed at the archangel's shirt. My larger form is who Mother made me.
Gabriel nodded. He'd received many blood sacrifices during his time as Loki, but he'd preferred offerings of service and intent. And food—food was his favorite.
He walked them back along the firefly-lit forest path. "So, Sam doesn't know you're coming. I explained to the others that you are not a pet, but Sam has no idea. He probably doesn't even remember Dean promising him a dog. It was all said in the midst of post-rescue chaos when Sammy was mostly unresponsive and in extreme pain."
Don't worry. I will introduce myself in this form first.
They reached the crossroads, and Gabriel felt the veil between realms grow thinner. He took a deep breath. "Ready?"
Always.
And they were gone.
When they landed, Morpheus decided that he loved angel-travel. He almost asked to go again just to feel the rush of time and space twisting around him. Squirming in Gabriel's hands, he caught sight of old bricks and trees lit by the setting sun.
The area was soaked in magic, and smelled like a storm even though the sky was clear. His ears picked up the sounds of at least four other beings but he couldn't see them. Gabriel set him down gently and ruffled his fur. "They're out back. Raphael and Cassie know we're here."
Is Sam not suspicious of your absence? Morpheus asked, trotting alongside the archangel.
"Technically, I've been gone for less than a minute. Sam doesn't know I left." He stopped abruptly, and Morpheus looked up to catch a pained grimace. "He's gonna give me hell over time and dimension hopping. Let's try not mentioning it for now. Maybe he won't notice."
Morpheus frowned. No lies or secrets.
"No, no, I don't mean..." Gabriel sighed and crouched down. "He's a worrier. In fact, he'll probably fuss after you when you shift, worried you're wasting energy and making yourself vulnerable."
Well, that's just silly. Shifting builds energy. It is an action fed by god-magic, not my own stamina! He tilted his head, resisting the urge to howl in amusement.
"You try explaining that to him." The archangel rolled his eyes and stood up. "Come on. I want to see his face while it's still light out."
Morpheus followed closely as they walked around the corner of the building. He tried to stay hidden behind the sneakers while he took in the scene. Gabriel seemed to understand and kept his steps slow and measured.
It was easy to identify each person from Gabriel's descriptions. The other two angels were gathered around a fire, their wings and grace shining brighter than the flames. The mother stood with them, laughing as they watched her sons in the yard. The human brother ran to catch a fuzzy ball when he saw Gabriel. Smiling, he threw the ball over his shoulder and jogged toward them.
"Showtime," Gabriel whispered.
"Hey, I thought you were..." Green eyes went wide when they caught sight of Morpheus. "Umm, Gabe?"
"Yeah, Deano?" Gabriel stood with his arms crossed, relaxed and amused.
"What...how is...I don't..." the hunter sputtered eloquently.
Morpheus ignored him in favor of the other figure in the yard. Sam Winchester was indeed a unique child. A blend of grace and soul bound together in a clumsy little body. He watched the boy run to pick up the ball, yelling obscenities at his brother over his shoulder.
The canine grinned—this was his kind of kid. Darting around Gabriel and Dean, he sprinted across the yard with a bark. Sam's head whipped around, throwing him off balance, and he landed on his butt. The mother squealed something excitedly, but Morpheus didn't look away from his target.
As soon as he reached Sam, he made sure to 'trip' and tumble the rest of the way. He landed at the boy's feet and stared up into the confused face. A series of emotions flashed through hazel eyes, and Morpheus cataloged each one to memory. Excited energy left him practically vibrating in place as he waited for Sam to make the first move.
The boy stared at him as though he didn't trust his own eyes. Glancing around to the other people present, he must have received an encouraging signal because some of the tension transformed into wonder. "Hey there," Sam whispered, slowly holding a hand out for Morpheus to inspect. "Where did you come from?"
Sniffing the fingers, Morpheus got the strong scent of ozone with undertones of sweat and healthy earth. He licked over the knuckles, watching Sam's gaze dart between him and the odd pack-flock. A small smile graced the corner of the boy's mouth.
In his experience, all children were somewhat feral pups. They worked off instinct and body language more than words. Speech only worked if the child trusted the speaker. But honesty was a large part of trust, and he wouldn't pretend to be a 'normal' dog.
Hello, Sam. He kept his voice quiet and closely watched for any signs of fear, wondering how much bite this pup had in him. Gabriel's warning about Sam's tendency to lash out when startled left the canine more curious than nervous. It pleased him when the hand retreated instead of attacking.
Morpheus didn't move when Sam gasped and crab-walked backwards a few steps. He heard the pagan-angel reassure the others by the fire, not letting them rush over. Good—this moment was about Sam.
Shapeless wings rose behind the boy in a clear display of alarm. Morpheus lowered his head and wiggled his butt. He couldn't help it in this form, and he knew the effect it had on most people. He believed in using every resource available, including the adorably disarming size factor.
"What?" Sam whispered, barely audible over the sound of his pulse.
I said 'hello.' Morpheus repeated, and rolled belly-up. The grass felt good here—different from his Mother's realm.
"Can...can you talk? Or am I just hearing you?" The boy stared at him, too stunned to blink.
Are those different things?
Sam swallowed and looked toward the murmuring group by the fire, silently pleading for someone to help. "Yes. They're very different. Especially since you understand me enough to answer my questions."
Hmm, Morpheus mused. The boy was intelligent. And pushy, even when unsure. You are right. I can speak, although not everyone is capable of listening.
"Who are you?" Sam asked, shifting up to kneel a few inches closer. The stance would let him get to his feet quickly if he needed to run.
My name is Morpheus.
"And where...why...?" Sam frowned. Apparently, both brothers struggled with words when overwhelmed.
Gabriel said you needed a friend, and added protection in light of recent events. Morpheus flipped back onto his belly and sniffed the air. The area was layered in heavy scents—creatures, wood smoke, foliage, and magic all competed for dominance. It would take time to sort through and familiarize himself with them all.
"Gabriel?" Sam sent a fierce scowl in the archangel's direction before his head snapped back to Morpheus. "Wait, protection? He wants you to protect me?" His voice dripped with doubt.
I have two forms. My other one is much more impressive.
"You're a shapeshifter?" The boy said the word like it meant a very specific thing.
Morpheus tilted his head. I am able to shift my shape, yes. But only between the two forms.
"Do you shed your skin when you change?"
I don't even shed my fur, he huffed. I belong to Hecate's pack—my abilities come from her. I change size, not species, and have no human form.
"Right. Okay..." Sam sighed and looked again toward his family. "What are they doing?" he muttered under his breath, too low for human ears but plenty loud to a canine.
I asked that I be allowed to introduce myself, Morpheus answered. He ignored the glower he received and crawled closer.
"Why?" Sam snapped. His body tightened like a coil ready to spring.
Because you deserve to make decisions based on your own impressions—not because others talk you into it. Morpheus paused, then yipped—a noise he knew sounded ridiculous. And I'm a big boy who doesn't need a handler, thank you.
Sam let out a half-laugh, then slapped a hand over his mouth like he could force the sound back inside. After a second, his hand dropped to reveal a small smile. "You sure about that? Because you seem pretty small. And I haven't been able to say that about anything since Chuck shrunk me."
Don't worry—I'm sure. He made it to Sam's knee, impressed that the boy remained visibly relaxed. The grace-soul below the surface sent a very different message. Violet light swirled through the body, occasionally giving off bright white sparks. The storm-smell grew heavier. And I won't shift right now—not without telling you first.
"Why, because you'll scare me?" Sam bravely scoffed. He rested a hand on the knee in front of Morpheus, and his fingers twitched like they wanted to touch.
Morpheus bumped his nose against them, encouraging the boy to interact. He was rewarded with fingertips lightly running over his head. They played with the long fur, shaping it into pointed tufts.
Maybe. It made Gabriel step back when he first saw my other form.
The fingers paused, then slowly resumed exploring. "That is hard to picture. I've seen him stand against Lucifer twice, and he barely flinched."
Brothers have a way of making us too furious to fear. He turned his head and licked the boy's wrist.
Sam's breath hitched and his pulse jumped, but he didn't pull away. "Tell me about it," he said, glancing at his own brother.
Also, I may have neglected to tell him I was shifting. Morpheus kept licking further up the thin arm. He heard a light giggle and got his front paws up on Sam's knee, slowly climbing. Another burst of laughter greeted him when he reached the inside of the elbow. Goosebumps bloomed across the boy's skin and Morpheus stopped to look up. The smile he found made him wag his whole body.
"So," Sam said as he began petting in earnest, "Gabriel asked you to come here to be my friend and protect me? And you, what, just agreed?"
This is what I do—guide and protect children in need. Morpheus cocked his head to the side. Of course I agreed.
Sam frowned, but there was no anger in it. "I'm not really a kid."
Morpheus licked his elbow, eliciting a barely muffled squeal. Everyone is a child to someone.
The sunlight was fading fast, taking any lingering warmth with it. Sam shivered, and Morpheus wondered why the pup only had on a t-shirt. Footsteps approached, and he twisted around to see Gabriel carrying a small sweater.
"Hey guys," the archangel said with a tentative smile. "It's getting kinda cold out here. You want to join us by the fire?"
Sam took the sweater and shoved it over his head. "Yeah, the fire sounds good. Dean's probably about to explode."
"That's putting it mildly," Gabriel shuddered. "I've got Cassie occupying him with soulful stares for now."
Sam snorted and rolled his eyes. "How ever did you manage that?" he asked in a mocking monotone. Using both hands, he gently set Morpheus on the ground.
"Oh, you know." Gabriel wriggled his eyebrows. "I put them within a half-mile radius of each other."
"If he hears you, he's gonna stake you again. And when he does, you better not come crying to me because he ruined your favorite shirt," Sam lectured as he got to his feet.
Morpheus observed them, fascinated by the dynamics between the archangel and fledgling. They walked to where the others waited, sitting by the fire. Gabriel hadn't lied—the seraph and human's eyes were locked in an intense staring contest. The other two, however, had their gazes set on Morpheus.
The other archangel stared at him in open curiosity, but the mother looked like she might cry. "Oh my God, Gabriel! Look at him," she squealed, then shook her head and addressed Morpheus directly. "Look at you! The others said...but you are not what I was picturing." A look of horror crossed her face. "And you can totally understand me, can't you? I'm sorry, that was so rude! I just...can't even stop rambling because if I stop talking then I might pick you up and kiss you. And that's probably incredibly taboo and reason to smite me..."
"Mary," Raphael rumbled calmly and laid a hand on her shoulder. His voice carried power.
"What, did everyone know about this except me?" Sam asked, looking at each of them. All he got back were grins and nods.
Morpheus padded up to Mary and head-butted her hand. She immediately began petting him, laughing brightly when he rolled and let her reach his belly. "Oh, you'd disarm anyone with that move," she told him with a wink.
I like your mother, Sam. Morpheus said, knowing all the angels could hear him.
"What?" Mary asked when the others smiled.
Sam cleared his throat. "He says he likes you."
"Really?" she gasped and looked down at him. "Well, I like you too. And I think you're perfect!"
Morpheus yipped and rolled to his feet. He gave her hand a quick lick in thanks and went to check out the other archangel. Raphael stared down at him, nearly expressionless except for the spark of amusement in his eyes. You are the Healer-angel?
"I am," Raphael answered with a nod. "And you are one of Hecate's guardians."
It wasn't a question, so Morpheus didn't bother answering. Instead, he sniffed around the archangel. The scent of honeysuckle and pine and spices overwhelmed him, making him sneeze. The force of it knocked him over and he decided to pass on tasting the powerful being's vessel.
"So, when do we get to see him...you know...big?" Dean's gruff voice boomed over the fire..
Morpheus glanced at him and saw the barely restrained aggression that filled the man's green eyes. Grinning, the canine turned to Sam. Would you like to see a re-enactment of Gabriel's reaction?
"Hey!" Gabriel objected.
Sam stared at him for a second. Then, his mouth twisted, and he bit his lip to keep it still. "Kinda," he whispered nervously.
Morpheus jumped up and walked out into the yard a short distance. Gabriel, do you mind standing with Sam?
"Why?" Sam asked before Gabriel could answer, but the archangel was already moving to pick him up.
"Calm down, kiddo," Gabriel whispered in Sam's ear as he placed the boy on his hip. "Trust me—you want to be up here when you meet him."
"Meet him?" Sam whispered back furiously. "I thought I already met him!"
"Hey! What's going on!?" Dean got to his feet as the others began moving.
Morpheus looked at Sam and barked to get the boy's attention. Remember Sam—I am only changing size.
Sam frowned, but stayed silent as he waited.
Morpheus shook his body, drawing on the magic given to him by the Mother. He felt himself expand, reborn in a rush of energy that burst from every molecule in his body. It was over in a blink.
He stood tall and waited for everyone to take in the change. The brother was predictable with his instant yell. The seraph held him in place, although his blue eyes flared bright with grace in alarm. Mary grabbed on to Raphael, but it was to keep herself steady. Raphael remained impassive, and seemed more intrigued by his companions' reactions than Morpheus' new form.
And then there was Sam. His hands clenched Gabriel's jacket in a death grip, but he stared at Morpheus in amazement. Fear fluttered through the boy's grace—a thrill of excitement more than terror.
Morpheus approached slowly, his eyes never leaving Sam. Is this okay?
Sam opened his mouth and closed his mouth several times before speaking. "You're never gonna fit in the car!" he croaked.
"He's not riding in Baby!" Dean shouted.
Morpheus gave his best wolfish grin. Is your brother always a wild, frisky thing?
Sam nodded.
Excellent. Morpheus chuckled as he came to a stop directly in front of Gabriel and Sam. Lowering his head, he nuzzled one of the tiny fists. He felt the muscles tighten in a spasm before gradually relaxing enough to let go of the cloth.
Sam swallowed audibly, and reached his hand to touch the massive snout. Morpheus held still, letting the pup move at his own speed. The hand paused midair. "Do you like people petting you? I mean, since you're not..." Sam frowned. "You're not a pet. You're like a pagan demigod or warrior...hound? Is it rude?"
Rude? Morpheus asked, bewildered by the question. He understood hesitation rooted in nervousness or fear when dealing with a new charge. But Sam seemed wasn't showing the fear from earlier when he first heard Morpheus talk, and seemed genuinely concerned about propriety. You are adorable, pup, he snorted.
Sam's frown deepened while Gabriel laughed. "I am not either of those things," he stated firmly.
"Cas, what's he saying?" Dean's voice sounded strained. "What's he saying to you, Sammy?!"
Sam turned to look at his brother who was red-faced and fighting the seraph's hold. "Dean!" the boy snapped. "I'm fine, okay? Chill before you hurt yourself, jerk."
"What's he saying to you, Sammy?" Dean repeated, although he stopped pulling.
Sam blushed. "Nothing, Dean..."
"He called him an adorable pup!" Gabriel called over his shoulder.
"Traitor," Sam muttered, yanking the archangel's wing.
Gabriel stumbled back a step until Raphael's hand steadied him. "Oh, you brat!" the shorter archangel declared with a laugh. "No more eye-level privileges for you."
"Wait, what?!" Sam's eyes went wide and he tried to hold on tighter as Gabriel bent to put him down.
"Nope. Have fun, ankle-biter," Gabriel said, peeling away Sam's hands and legs and depositing him onto a pile of pillows.
Morpheus stared down at the disheveled boy. Adorable, he said, nuzzling his hair.
Sam batted at his head, clearly no longer concerned with rudeness. "Not. Adorable."
You keep telling yourself that. Morpheus licked Sam's cheek, dragging his tongue across the baby-soft hair. It elicited a muffled scream behind tightly pressed lips. He repeated the action a few times until the curls bunched together in damp clumps. Now, I am going to go reassure your brother that I do not plan on eating you.
"Why? Because I don't taste good?" Sam answered with a glower.
Morpheus looked at Dean and Castiel. The human no longer fought to get free, but his entire body radiated tension. He reminded the canine of a pack-sister from long ago—fiercely protective of the few she was close to and dangerous to any she considered a threat. He missed her terribly.
Castiel watched him with blazing blue eyes while whispering to the hunter, "Just stay calm, Dean. Gabriel wouldn't bring someone who meant us any harm. You know that."
Morpheus nodded at the angel. It is true. Thank you, Castiel.
He looked to the human again. Dean shrugged off Castiel's hands and squared his shoulders. His gaze held a challenge, but he swallowed repeatedly as sweat dripped down his temples.
Morpheus' nose wrinkled at the sharp scent of gunpowder. It clung to the hunter like a burning cloud, tickling the canine's sinuses. He sneezed, loud and violent.
Dean leapt backwards and collided with the unphased angel. "Whoa!" he screamed, hands flying up to pat at his face and chest. "What did he say, Cas?! Oh God..."
"Bless you," Castiel said calmly, his eyes softening with humor.
Ugh, gunpowder makes my nose itch, Morpheus complained, shaking his head to clear the sensation.
"What?! Why would he say that?" Dean asked, throwing his hand toward Castiel blindly until he hit him.
"He didn't say it," Castiel said with an eye-roll. He stepped out from behind the hunter to stand next to Morpheus. "I said 'bless you' because he sneezed. And he sneezed because gunpowder irritates his nasal passages."
"He...he...what?" Dean froze mid-pat, but his words came faster. "He sneezed? You sneezed? You didn't, like, order my execution or curse my ancestors? You sure? Cas, is he sure?"
Castiel shot Dean a look that said 'shut up' in any language, then returned his attention to Morpheus. "It is an honor to meet you," he said in a voice deeper than expected.
Morpheus liked the way this angel smelled. They were each unique, but this one was more subtle. And I, in turn, an honored. I have never had the chance to work with angels. Gabriel was actually the first I'd ever met.
"I hope he made a better impression than this one," he said, nodding at Dean.
"What?" Dean whispered in outrage. "You're supposed to be on my side, Cas. Remember?"
"I am literally by your side, Dean." Castiel gave a long-suffering sigh. "Morpheus, may I introduce Dean Winchester. He has what I believe the kids refer to as 'zero chill.'" The angel made a strange gesture with both hands. Morpheus didn't recognize what it meant, but he heard the others laughing.
I have never met a pack like yours. Morpheus sniffed the angel's coat—it was saturated with the sweet smell of rain with tiny traces of the hunter's gunpowder. Tell your human that I promise not to curse his bloodline, nor eat his brother. The pup is too stringy, and Dean smells terrible.
Castiel's eyes filled with panic as they darted toward Gabriel, seeking advice. The archangels was too busy choking on laughter and avoiding Sam's kicks to answer. Surprisingly, Raphael joined them with a soft, rolling chuckle.
"Someone care to elaborate?" Dean asked with forced civility.
Morpheus head-butted the seraph in the chest. Just tell him before he shoots me.
Castiel cleared his throat. "He says that he promises not to curse your family or eat Sam."
"Oh, well," Dean nodded comically, rubbing his sweaty palms against his jeans. "Good. That's good. Thanks, I think."
Thank you, Castiel. Even though you left out the best part.
Castiel jumped when Morpheus suddenly licked his forehead. "You are welcome."
Morpheus heard an odd noise, and turned to see Sam yawning. He took three strides and flopped next to the boy. In the firelight, he saw the dark circles framing hazel eyes. When did you last sleep, pup?
"Not a pup," Sam mumbled, blinking slowly.
When did you last sleep? Morpheus repeated.
"I slept all night last night," he answered. His voice was exhausted, and twinged with frustration.
Morpheus looked at Gabriel for confirmation. The archangel nodded. "True, but your sleep has been interrupted a lot lately, and you also had an extreme amount of healing done a couple of days ago."
Come on, he said, nudging Sam to his feet. You can show me your home in the morning.
"But we don't even have a bed or anything for you." Sam scrubbed at his eyes with the back of one hand and leaned against the canine's side. "Where will you sleep?"
Morpheus huffed a laugh. Wherever I want, he said honestly. He always slept near the children he protected, and he wasn't planning on changing that routine now. Would you like one of us to carry you?
Sam's back straightened instantly, and he pushed away from Morpheus. "No, thank you!" He blushed and trudged toward the house.
Morpheus followed, not waiting on the others. He heard Castiel relay their conversation to the hunter, and Dean sputter his objection to dogs in beds. Gabriel's steps caught up with them.
"Man, you gotta sneeze on Dean more often. That shit's never gonna get old!" The archangel moved to walk on Sam's other side, keeping the boy between them.
I will keep that in mind. Morpheus grinned, his tongue lolling out of his mouth. If he always smells like he's rolled in gunpowder, then it won't be hard.
They entered the home and Morpheus shivered. If the outside yard was saturated in magic, then this was the pool from which it came. He would have to make time to inspect every nook and cranny—he already sensed numerous dangers and cursed objects.
Gabriel walked down the steps in front of Sam. The boy was asleep on his feet, but refused to be carried. Morpheus descended the stairs, careful to not catch a claw on the odd grate floor. He heard quiet bickering as Dean and Castiel came through the door, Mary and Raphael right behind.
They led him to a large bedroom with multiple beds and seating. Everyone entered together, quickly filling the room. Morpheus was surprised—he hadn't realized that humans and angels slept like a pack.
The humans left to change into sleep clothes, and Castiel went to help Sam do the same. Gabriel and Raphael began to arrange the bedding. Morpheus shifted back down to his smaller size and ran to explore as much of the room as possible before everyone returned.
"How are you doing, Morpheus?" Gabriel asked softly. "Everything okay so far?"
Morpheus yipped from underneath a sofa. I am enjoying myself. Your family is quite interesting. He ran along the floorboards, covering the room's perimeter. And I believe I can help Sam.
"You were very good with him," Raphael said. "He does not easily trust."
I've noticed. But that's okay—I can out-stubborn any child. I have over two thousand years' experience doing just that.
"I fear you'll need every second of that experience," the Healer-angel mused.
One-by-one, the others returned. Dean jumped onto the large bed in the middle of the room. Mary came in carrying a book and sat on the sofa. Ten minutes later, Sam shuffled in with Castiel closely following.
Sam climbed up onto the bed beside his brother, scooting into the center to leave room for a third. Castiel stood awkwardly until the boy patted the empty space. Instead of laying down, the angel kicked off his shoes and sat against the headboard. Raphael settled into a chair next to Mary, content to quietly meditate.
Before laying down, Sam looked around the room until his eyes settled on Morpheus by the door. "Where will you sleep?" he asked.
Morpheus sprinted and jumped, easily clearing the edge of the mattress. He took pleasure in the way Sam and Castiel's mouths both dropped open. Most people didn't think he was capable of much in this form and it was always a pleasure to correct that perception.
"Oh, hells no!" Dean propped himself up on an elbow and scowled at him.
Morpheus deliberately pranced closer to Sam and sat by his legs, never taking his eyes off Dean.
"No," Dean insisted, and started to sit up.
Morpheus bared his teeth and growled, a high trilling sound. Somebody please explain to Dean that I can sleep on this bed in this form, or I can shift. Those are his options.
Instead, Sam punched his brother in the shoulder. "Quit being a cranky old guy, asshole. Lay down and go to sleep."
Dean stared at his brother. Morpheus watched, fascinated, as an entire silent conversation seemed to play out between them. Eventually, Dean just nodded and buried his face in the pillow with a groan.
Sam gave Morpheus a shy smile and lightly scratched behind his ears. Morpheus licked the fingers and waited for the pup to lay down. Only then did he curl up in the crook of Sam's knees. He drifted to sleep listening to the angels whispering in their silent way to one another. Just before his consciousness slipped away, he sent a prayer of gratitude to his Mother for sending him on this new path. And then, he dreamed of adventures
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Thus concludes the "After the Storm" arc of this story! Ya'll, it was sooo much longer than expected.
Don't worry, though-this story is far from over. Who wants to know what's going on in Heaven these days? ;)
So, what did you think? TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS-I WANTS THEM PRECIOUS!
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Be loving and kind, my darlings!