To all the readers,
First, I must apologise profoundly for not updating this story. It was only due to the persistent messages of Nina Ferraro that I actually updated this - so many thanks to you! I hope to be updating much more regularly now.
P.S. I'd advise you to go back and have a read over the chapters because it has been a long time since I updated.
P.P.S If theres anything I've gotten incorrect, or missed out, or if theres anything you want to see - let me know! I write this for myself and for you too.
Inside Bobby's home, once the tension had been released, they were discussing the next steps on how to summon Death to figure out the Yellow Eyed Demon's plans. Dean let his eyes trail over the insides of the small home, taking note of the abundance of books and rare family mementos. He saw only one picture of a blond haired woman with Bobby, and another picture of Sam and Jo together. They looked young- around 13 or so, with their arms slung over the other's shoulders. They were smiling. Sam looked radiant, his smile almost lighting up the whole frame as he smiled cheekily at the camera.
Dean turned away from the pictures to pay attention to what John was saying. He was sat on a sofa, hunched over and brows furrowed. "I still say we summon Death. We can use his knowledge. He knows all the people who have died – how they died if you understand me. We find out what links everyone. Follow the trail of bodies and we can find out more about his plan. We know that-" he suddenly broke off, casting a shifty eye at Dean.
Dean rolled his eyes. "if you're worried about what I know, don't. I know Sam is a special child. I know that Azazel wants him and others, that they've been given powers. Speaking of-"he turned to look at Sam, "what's the extent of your powers?"
Sam looked a bit sheepish at the question, but still answered, albeit hesitantly. "Well I have visions of some people. That's how I knew about Scott Carey. I've also been able to do other things…like move things with my mind and stuff" he looked up hopelessly at Dean. Dean smiled reassuringly, but said nothing except "okay that's cool. Anything else you know that you can share with us?"
Dean felt a slight twinge of guilt at not telling them about his own powers and Michael, and Cas being an Angel, but he still didn't know them. He also felt guilty at leading them on a futile chase. The Winchesters wanted to summon Death to ask him questions. They realised that Azazel was giving children powers for some nefarious purpose. They also knew that most of the parents of the children were killed by fire. John and Bobby believed if they summoned death, they could figure out which other children were chosen, and what Azazel's plan was. Dean knew what Azazel's plan was, and he could've told them, but then they would've wanted to know how he knew it – and he wasn't willing to share his conversations with Michael, especially as he hadn't told Cas yet either. He hadn't told Cas about the powers, with fear that Cas may grow angry.
But a larger part of Dean was reluctant to share his powers, because he wasn't sure he completely trusted Michael. Michael had given him valuable information, and he was indeed useful. But – but he was trying to teach Dean how to use powers. And Dean already knew of a bunch of kids who had powers, powers given to them by Azazel. Dean was confident that Michael was Azazel, but he also believed that he was hiding something. Dean trusted his gut, and right now? His gut told him that Michael hadn't disclosed the full information. He would tell the Winchester's eventually. He would. But after he spoke to Cas and Michael about revealing their identities. He knew Michael would say no – he had refused Dean's plea to inform Castiel of Michael existence, so he would probably forbid him from talking to the Winchester's about it.
"okay" Dean clapped his hands together, "how do we summon Death?" he asked them, attempting to change the subject.
"Well, that's what we're not too sure of" Bobby scratched his chin. "I've got a couple books here that should help. so if we get to reading that, it should help us." He stood up from the couch and headed towards the massive bookshelf filled with dusty tomes. Grabbing a couple, he chucked them at John, Sam, Dean and Ellen. "Start reading" he commanded.
Dean took the old book in his hand, coughing at the dust which blew in his face the moment he opened it. Flicking to the first page, he let out a great sigh at the sheer volume of pages the book had. Castiel leaned in beside Dean, shocking him as Dean forgot he was even there with how quiet he was. It seemed it was an ability of Cas' – people rarely noticed him even though he was right in front of them. That probably explained why Bobby didn't throw him a book to read. "Dean" he whispered seriously. "I know how to summon Death – shall I tell them?." Dean pondered it for a second: if Castiel seemingly knew how, right off the bat, it might cause suspicion. It would be better to wait for some time.
"not yet Cas, give it some time." Castiel nodded. Shifting himself to get more comfortable in his seat, he resigned himself to a long night filled with reading a pointless novel.
After multiple hours Dean finally told them how to summon Death. "The spell is not that complicated. It requires several ingredients and a simple summoning incantation" Castiel told the group promptly. "we will require: dead mans blood, vampire blood, tears of a siren, wood of the oak older than 500 years and a variety of herbs. Do you own it?" he directed the question at Bobby who rolled his eyes and sighed loudly.
"yeah sure, I keep tears of the siren downstairs. Anything else you'd like? The wings of a fairy? God's breath whilst you're at it?" Bobby asked sarcastically. Whilst Cas initially frowned at Bobby's use of sarcasm, he grew cold and stony at the mention of God.
"It would be wise not to blaspheme Robert Singer. Do not, ever, use the lord's name in vain" he commanded stonily. His anger seemed to suddenly fill the room. A thick stifling presence took over; Dean was barely able to breathe from the suddenly thickness of air. He was silent and unable to move. Cas' blue eyes almost glowed; his eyes focused intensely on Bobby who had immediately gone quiet, physically decreasing the size of his body to appear less intimidating.
"Cas" Dean gasped out when he was finally able to breathe, the pressure in the room slightly lessening. "We get it, he gets it" he choked out roughly. Cas turned to Dean immediately and the stifling presence grew once more, until Cas blinked his eyes and it suddenly disappeared as though it had never been there.
"Cas is really religious" Dean told the widened eyes of everyone in the room. "so please don't insult his religion" he asked them, attempting to distract the attention from Cas who was still standing there, as imposing as ever. Dean didn't miss the look both John and Bobby gave Cas, their eyes narrowed in suspicion. He also didn't miss how John's hands twitched towards the gun on the table. This wasn't good. They were both perceptive men, and had definitely noticed that Cas seemed to possess some supernatural powers. Dean would have to warn Cas, and keep an eye out for John and Bobby in the meantime.
"shall we split up then?" Bobby asked the inhabitants, his frown replaced with pensiveness. "I know we can get some Siren tears from Caleb, he might also have some vampire blood. Dead man's blood can be found in a morgue? Oak, maybe from a history museum. Herbs are easy, I have a bunch of them here. How shall we split up?"
"We also need some people to stay here and begin translating the spell, in addition to begin mixing the herbs. Maybe…um dad and Dean and I could stay here?" Sam asked sheepishly. "you can go to Caleb's, Ellen to the morgue and Castiel can get the oak?" sam suggested, his eyes downcast. Dean knew he made the suggestion to force him to spend more time with John and him. Dean didn't mind it, he did want to know his biological family. As long as it wasn't too awkward or he didn't ask too many questions.
"yeah that's cool" Dean told the room. He saw John sigh in relief from the side of his eye.
"alright then, let's get a move on" Ellen clapped her hands together, standing up from the sofa and preparing herself for a journey to the morgue. As Cas stood up, Dean grabbed his wrist.
"hey Cas, I know you can get the oak easy. Just…come back in a few hours? Make it look like you had to try, you know?"
Cas nodded at him, smiling faintly before leaving the room with Bobby and Ellen. When it was just the three Winchester's in the room, things were slightly awkward. Dean got up and moved towards Sam who was focused intensely on an old book.
"so what you doing?" he asked.
"translating this from Latin to English. It should take some time"
"We can work on it together. I know a bit of latin. And whilst we do that, we can get to know eachother" Dean offered, gaining a smile from Sam at the suggestion.
"yeah that's great. So what do you want to know?"
"you still a big nerd? I remember that you used to like to learn a lot when we were young? That changed?"
"no, not really. I like to learn"
"any specific interest?"
"law mainly." He laughed at the look he received from Dean.
"cmon man" Dean laughed. "you have to understand the look. You, a hunter, who breaks laws – digs up bodies, kills people, impersonates federal agents, likes to learn about law. You want to be a lawyer?" Dean asked him.
"…no, im a hunter. It's who I am." Sam replied stiffly. Dean might not have seen Sam in over a decade, but he still knew when something was wrong with Sam.
"is that you speaking, or dad?" he asked. He pretended not to notice how Sam smiled when he said 'dad' instead of John.
"well…" Sam didn't reply.
"Listen Sam, if you want to be a lawyer, then do it. Do what makes you happy"
"what would make me happy is killing Azazel"
"then that's what we'll do. What would make you the happiest after Azazel's death?"
"becoming a lawyer" Sam replied slowly, blushing when his eyes met Dean's.
"Then focus on that. You'll make it, I believe in you Sammy" he replied confidently.
"thanks Dean." Sam smiled at him, then looked down pretty quick at John's re-entrance into the living room. In john's hands were several jars of what Dean assumed, were the necessary herbs.
"here boys. Come and get some of this" he called out to them. Dean and sam both moved from the couch and over to the kitchen where the herbs were sprawled across the counter.
"okay Dean, you take these and cut them up finely. Sam, take these and take out the pods. Discard the old shell's okay?" Both males nodded to John's commanded, and moved into an easy, synchronised comfortable silence.
"so uh Dean, you got any hobbies?"
"uh yeah. I like to work on cars, or read about engineering"
"you're interested in engineering?" Sam perked up, just as John simultaneously asked "you like mechanics?"
"yes and yes" Dean replied. "I've always been interested in how things work – I guess that came from Da- from Mike" he finished, self conscious of the way John winced every time John called his adoptive parents 'mom' and 'dad.' "Although he's a doctor, dad's always had a passion for cars" he reiterated. He wouldn't feel guilty at calling Mike 'dad', because he was his dad. It didn't make John any less his father, but it just meant he had been raised by two men.
"that's good. Its always been in your blood" john smiled, whilst Sam grinned widely.
"run this through me one more time" Sam started. "We're going to summon Death and ask him about all the deaths: about the mothers who burned, the children with abilities…in the hope that Death will know of Azazels plans?" Sam questioned, his raised eyebrow indicating how foolish he thought it was.
"yes" John replied stonily. "and once we know his plan, we protect you from him and take him out for good" he vowed gruffly, his eyes meeting Sam's. Sam nodded silently, wanting to trust in his father's promise.
Dean felt guilty. Even though Sam had admitted his special powers and his relation to Azazel, Dean hadn't told them about Cas being an Angel, and he hadn't told anyone about speaking to Michael, or more importantly, about his own powers. Dean knew how Azazel planned to resurrect Lucifer, but he hadn't even shared this with any of them. He knew he was a hypocrite for judging Sam for hiding the truth about being a 'special child', when in reality it was Dean who the true liar.
"it'll be fine" Dean vouched, clapping Sam on the shoulder. "it'll work out. We'll kill Azazel and then everything will be okay." Dean exited the room, not sure who he was really trying to reassure. He went upstairs quickly to the spare room, shutting the door behind him. He sat on the bed, shutting his eyes and bowing his head.
"mike?" he asked cautiously. This time he didn't slip into a sleep as he normally did. He was hovering on the edge of consciousness: he could feel the bed beneath him, the strain of his bowed neck, but he could also hear Michael's voice.
"Dean" Michael replied.
"hey man, I just….i just need some more reassurance."
"of course. What is troubling you?"
"We're summoning death. Are we sure he wont…kill us or something? If he does attack us, are any of us actually strong enough to fight back?"
"Dean" Michael intoned seriously. "I would not let any harm come to any of them. Death will not attack, but if he does" Michael's voice grew cold and stony, chills erupting down Dean's neck, "if he does…he will see our wrath" Michael promised him. Dean felt strong in that moment, powerful. When he left the room, it was with swagger and cockiness.
The ritual was ready. Everyone had returned with the needed ingredients, they were laid out on the table. Now, came the ritual.
"who wants to do the honour?" John joked, not receiving any laughter.
"I'll do it" Dean volunteered, glancing down at the paper with the summoning ritual written down on it. The penultimate step was to burn the remaining herbs, something Dean did with his lighter. As the herbs were burning, Dean shut his eyes and began to repeat the incantation three times. Once he had said it, they waited. At first, there was nothing; simply the silence of everyone in the room, the crackling of Bobby's fire, and the drifting mist of the herbs. Then…then there was a thick stifling presence filling the room, shadows almost coming to life from the walls.
"who dares to summon me?" a voice asked. They all turned to the entrance where there was a tall, skinny, pale man, adorned in black robes standing there.
"I do" Dean stepped forward.
The man- Death, glanced at Dean up and down. "and who are you to-" then he broke off. Eyes widening. Suddenly he was in front of Dean, hand raised to Dean's forehead – close, but not touching. Dean was aware of how everyone in the room jumped in alarm, futilely raising their weapons at Death incase he harmed Dean.
"impossible" death murmured, his face moving extremely close to Dean's, dark eyes peering into Dean's green ones. "impossible? Improbable. Unlikely" he murmured to himself. Dean was the only one who heard his murmuring.
"What is?" Dean asked nervously, his curiousity overtaking his fear. The man leaned back, his eyes flickering over Dean's face once more, eyes going glossy as if he saw something else.
"nothing" he replied. "Dean Winchester" he stated.
"yes" Dean confirmed. Death merely – smiled? He then turned, seating himself on a chair.
"now…before I kill you, someone get me some food" he commanded. Sam was eager to please, practically tripping over his feet in an effort to get to Bobby's kitchen.
"hey!" John yelled, waving the gun about. "this aint a social call bud, we summoned you hear for a reason" he threatened.
"please" Death rolled his eyes. "that summoning ritual is nothing. I can leave any time I want. I am not bound to you" he intoned seriously, the threatening aura returning in the room. "what is it you wish to know?" he asked leisurely, crossing his legs.
"Azazel. We want to know what Azazel wants" John told him. Death's eyes flickered to Dean before returning to John. "Azazel wants to raise lucifer. To do so, he will have one special child release the first demon - Lilith- from hell. Then, he will break 66 seals and release lucifer"
John's face paled rapidly. "lucifer" he swallowed harshly. "he wants too – okay. How close is he?"
"hm" death went silent for a moment. "he has the children, they have their power. He's a few steps away. If you wish to stop him, I suggest your hurry" he commented.
"that's what we want to do!" Ellen snapped, her face then paling when realising she shouted at death. Thankfully, Sam returned with a peanut butter sandwich – something Death accepted (Dean couldn't believe this was actually happening) before eating it in one go.
"kill Azazel and then Lilith, before she activates the other 65"
"what does that mean?" Cas asked intently.
"…castiel" Death's head tilted, eyes focusing on Cas' blue ones.
"yes"
"it's been a long time" death responded.
"Wait…you've met?" sam asked ludicrously.
"yes. There was a…flood" cas replied. "I saw death" he spoke stiltedly.
"yeah yeah" Dean interrupted hurriedly. "I remember this, you nearly died and saw death- probably a reaper though" he added in an attempt to distract the attention away from cas.
Death seemed to realise that no one knew Cas was an angel. "indeed. Just a child then. You are much more…grown now. I doubt your father or siblings would be pleased with the direction you have gone." Again, his eyes slid to Dean.
"well" Cas' voice was harsh. "my father isn't here to judge me. And my siblings…would realise why I do what I am doing"
"going slightly off track here. You mentioned something about 65 seals" Bobby interrupted.
"oh yes" Death looked chastised. "Castiel, you asked what I meant. The 66th seal to release lucifer, requires the death of Lilith." Castiel paled, his eyes widening in shock.
"no. no that's not possible. Because Lilith must die – her death would stop lucifer, not bring him- I don't-" Dean was worried now, he had never seen Cas look so forlorn before.
"Castiel" Death said. "ELA ESTRA. ELA NEODI FRESOMA. NANIS TRUSBOA ILAESA." Everyone in the room was confused at the abrupt change of the language. At first, Dean was too…then, a few seconds later he understood the words.
"they lie. They want him free. Do not trust everyone" the words floated into Dean's head. How was it he understood it? Surely, it was Enochian they were speaking. Perhaps Dean could translate it because Michael had granted him translation as one of his powers.
"Now. Kill Azazel and stop the seals from breaking. Be warned, the first seal is when a righteous man spills blood in hell. Both john and Dean Winchester fit this: do not make any deals and do not go to hell" he commanded them seriously, causing Dean to become scared.
"and why…why would we make a deal?" he asked nervously.
"Azazel may try to kill Sam, or one of you to encourage the other to sacrifice themselves. He will resurrect Sam himself if he kills him – but as I said, do not make any deals. Especially you, Dean Winchester" his eyes narrowed. "is that all you wish to know?" he questioned, leaning back leisurely.
"how will he use the special children" John's face turned disgusted, "to free the Demon Lilith?"
"special child" Death corrected.
"No, there's the more than one special child – I know for a fact there's at least six-" Sam's eager speech was cut off.
"Yes. He gave many of you abilities. But only one of you will be needed in the end. In an archaic tradition" he smirked, "he intends for you to battle eachother to the death. The last one shall open the gates of hell."
"if you knew of this, why didn't you stop him?!" Sam asked harshly.
"first" his tone was cold, his black eyes focused intently on Sam. The stifling aura had returned once more. "do not think to question me, Samuel Winchester. Second, I am Death – I reap souls and assure people and monsters receive judgment. I do not interfere with the will of demons, humans, or angels alike." No one except Dean could've noticed how his eyes slid minutely to Castiel's. "I learnt only recently of his plans to pit you against one another, and I didn't not see myself…fit, to interfere."
"Now. If that is all, I wish to speak to Dean alone" his gaze turned swiftly to Dean who was stood there in shock.
"hey listen pal, you're not taking him anywhere" John lifted the shotgun he was holding, aiming directly at Death's forehead.
"please" Death rolled his eyes, then clicked his finger. Dean's body was jerked. When he opened his eyes, he and Death were in an empty room, with just two chairs facing eachother.
"sit" he commanded. Dean did as he wished.
"so, what's up?" he asked shakily, laughing nervously.
"tell me about yourself…Dean Winchester" Death's head cocked.
"I'm sure you know everything."
"true" Death nodded. "Michael" he said abruptly.
"you know about him?!" Dean was shocked.
"yes…" Death eyed him speculatively, taking time to respond. "yes, I know about him. tell me, how did you come to know of him?"
"I met him in a dream a few months ago. He explained that he's there to help me"
"and you know of his nature?"
"if you mean, do I know he's an angel, then yes I do"
"anything else he cared to share with you?"
"he told me about Azazel. And he's helping me control my powers"
"powers…you say?"
"yeah. Telekinesis so far, I think more will come"
"interesting. Very interesting. I shall be keeping an eye on you, Dean Winchester. Remember, do not make a deal with any demon."
With a similar whoosh, Dean was returned back to Bobby's living room. John ran up to him, panic evident on his face. "Dean, are you okay? What happened?"
"nothing important. he just said that he'd been watching me. I was always known to be a righteous man" Dean shrugged, walking over to the kitchen to grab a beer. He took a long swig, watching and waiting until everyone decided to sit down and relax.
"so, what next?" Bobby asked the room.
"we make sure Sam, or one of us, doesn't die. But I don't know what else we can do" John sighed, running a hand through his head.
"there are several options, although they may not be morally acceptable" Cas spoke. "We can ensure the devil's gate is never opened by killing all special children." There was instantly backlash at his response, Sam yelling that they "wont be killing innocents!"
"or, we can wait until Lilith is released, then kill her instantly before she can break the 66 seals" Cas told them.
"to be honest, I'd prefer the second one. I don't feel good killing innocents" Dean shrugged.
"Either way, the special children will die. If we kill them or not, they will fight to the death and only one will remain" Cas spoke tonelessly.
"isn't there a way for us to...to protect all of them?" Ellen asked. "if we have all the children with us, with a cloaking signal, maybe he wont be able to find any of them?"
"it's worth a shot. I guess we'd better try to locate all of them. Sam, with your psychicness, can you link to the others?" Bobby asked.
"I could try" Sam guessed. "but guys, aren't we forgetting something? Didn't anyone realise what Death said?" he asked. There was silence. "he said he 'doesn't interefere with the will of demons, humans or angels'! That mean's angels exist. Cant we ask them to help us?"
"no, you cannot" Cas told them instantly.
"and why not?" Sam asked.
"The angels will let the seals break, so that Lucifer and Michael can fight. It is prophesised"
"maybe they wont want it to happen. How do we know unless we ask them?" Sam asked louder, growing frustrated. Cas' eyes glowed.
"because you're speaking to one now."
Was you expecting that?