Title: to build their ruin
Disclaimer: not my characters; title from Milton.
Warnings: AU during season 4
Pairings: pre-Lucifer/Castiel
Rating: PG
Wordcount:335
Point of view: third
Prompt: any; in a universe where Uriel was the loyalist, and Castiel the traitor. (Lucifer/Castiel would be epic bonus, but not necessary.)
Heaven has been in chaos since Gabriel stormed out. Michael vanished in the aftermath, Raphael went off the deep end, and Uriel claimed that they must stand strong because Father will return. He will. Heaven must resound with that surety because to doubt is unforgivable.
Sammael doubted and now only Lucifer remains. There is the warning of doubt's price.
Uriel counsels faith, even though he detests humans. Even though he longs to strike down Dean where the smartass mudmonkey stands. Even though his entire being, from the Grace still bright in him to his powerful wings, flinches from Sam's very presence.
Uriel counsels faith. He believes in the goodness of his brothers, even Gabriel and Raphael. He sometimes says they should release Lucifer to invite him back, because surely something of Sammael is still in him or else Father would have destroyed him, not had Michael cast him into a cage.
Uriel has faith. Uriel has hope.
Uriel dies on Castiel's sword, framed for the death of seven angels. Dean Winchester utilizes skills taught in Alistair's workroom and Sam is closer to the edge than ever because no mere man can kill a demon with only the strength of his will.
And Lucifer whispers to Castiel, oh, so well done, my dear.
One day, not long now, Sam Winchester will unlock the cage. Dean already turned the first key. And then, on that glorious morning, when the brightest of all stars shines free again, Castiel will bow before his liege, offering himself fully to the angel he would have followed into Hell, if only Sammael had allowed him the honor.
You are exactly where you need to be, darling, Lucifer whispers, and Castiel pulls close the memory of the one time he ever felt Lucifer's touch.
Soon, Lucifer promises, so very soon.
Yes, Castiel replies with everything in him, everything he has.
Dean is unconscious in a hospital bed and Sam sits, frantic, at his side. Castiel watches from the corner, and says again, Yes.