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Ch.4 Summary: The last one set during episode 4x20 The Rapture! Yay! Judgment time. Castiel is bent, but not broken.

Angel Interrupted

Ch. 4 "Words."

The heavenly hierarchy is split into three spheres of power and authority. The first sphere is of the highest in rank and power. The Second Sphere consists of beings known as Dominions, Powers and Virtues. While Powers and Virtues concern themselves with the larger tasks of keeping the cosmos in balance, Dominions are charged with regulating and supervising the lower ranking Archangels and Angels of the third sphere. Angels are the lowest beings of all three spheres.

It had been Zachariah responsibility to reign his way word angel in, and now his work was being judged. In most cases, under usual circumstances an angel in Castiels position would have his or her grace removed, and their soul hurled to earth. Castiel however, had established a rapport with the Winchesters. As much effort as it took to drag Castiel back to obedience, it would be even more difficult if even possible for another angel to persuade Dean to swear fealty to heaven. It was simple really. The human was more important then the angel, and the only way to get to the human had been to break the angel.

Castiel kneeled, hands behind his back and head bowed to the floor, directly under a blinding spot light originating from some unknown source. Beyond the light that surrounded him was a deep darkness that wielded vague forms that shifted and moved as shadows in the dark. Zachariah, slowly walked around the outer edges of the light, just close enough Castiel could see his his outline.

He was on display, and though he was supposed be properly desensitized to emotion, Castiel had never felt as unnerved as he did just then. The ones in the shadows who were observing his every movement were the Dominion of the Second Sphere. Rarely did angels such as Castiel ever come in contact with the beings who now stood just feet from him. He didn't know how many were watching, but he felt the strength and immensity of their power. It felt like a continuous wave of adrenaline, anxiety, elation and fear pounding at his being, threatening to rip him apart from the inside. Castiel wondered idly if perhaps this what humans felt in the presence of angels?

Jimmy Novacks voice abruptly interrupted Castiels thoughts. "You promised me my family would be safe."

Castiels jerked slightly, and began to raise his head but stopped. Was this a trick? Were they doing this to illicit a reaction, to gage his emotional response? He quickly dropped his chin to his chest once more, and stared at the ground.

"You promised you were gonna take care of them!"

Castiel closed his eyes against the voice. He had been cut off from his charges for months, at least it had been months for him. He had grown accustomed to hearing only his own thoughts, his own narrative in his mind. Now, to hear Jimmy, obviously in need of help, was like a painful shot of electricity rebounding inside his head.

Zachariah allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction. He was relieved to see Castiel show very little to no distress at the sound of his former vessels agitated voice. Of course he had been surprised, but who wouldn't be? At any rate, it was Castiels first test, and he passed. Zachariah stepped away from the light, and began to speak to Castiel in a a severe tone. "Castiel, you are aware of your audience and that they are here to adjudicate. You know the consequences of failure."

What Castiel thought was a pause, extended into expectant silence. Had those been questions? Was he suppose to say something? No mistakes. He couldn't afford mistakes here. If he answered, he better sound sincere. "I understand."

Zachariah stated flatly "Review your case for judgment."

Castiel was quaking inside, but began talking in monotone, aware that the manner in which he presented himself was just as crucial as the words he said. "I am Castiel, an angel of the third sphere. During the last siege of Hell, I was the first to find Dean Winchester and pull him from the pit. He was assigned as my charge thereafter. During the time I spent on earth, my judgment became impaired. I disobeyed orders. I interfered with prophecy. I refused to come back when I was called. I tried to fail heavens plans. I killed two of my brethren." Castiel almost sighed with relief. There it was. Simple. Facts only. Exactly how he had been coached to do it.

Silence filled the darkness, the shadows shifted slightly and Castiel could feel the air grow heavy with disapproval.

Zachariah was not surprised by Castiels answer. He had merely repeated facts that had been drilled into him for the last 100 days or so. Zachariah could sense however, that the Dominion would require more then just this parroted information. With woeful uncertainty Zachariah said "Continue."

Castiel hesitated not knowing what Zachariah wanted him to say. This was the wrong question for the last round of answers they had forced him to memorize. Castiel was not prepared. He could feel his soul vibrating with tension and trying not to shatter under the weight of the massive aura of power surrounding him. No mistakes. He could make no mistakes.

Unsure, he began talking very slowly. "I was...astray of my...nature and...purpose when I was brought home." Too many pauses, there were too many pauses.

He continued, trying to think through to the end of each sentence before he began it. "By patience and...through the effort of Zachariah and others, I have been saved...from...my..." Castiel looked to the floor with the last words, he couldn't help but wince at his own clumsy awkwardness. "...from falling."

Zachariah visibly flinched at the stuttered statement of reclamation. As important as Castiels influence with the humans was, the Dominion would not support sending him back without being assured of his loyalties.

Castiel realized he was sinking. Thought that he had perhaps revealed that he wasn't as reformed as they thought. He had to fix it, and fast. He began talking again, this time steady and determined. "My grievances against heaven were unjust and mislead. I have repented for my sin. I have prayed for mercy, for another chance to do Heavens bidding." Castiel paused for emphasis.

Zachariah squinted into the light, giving Castiel a long searching look. That sounded good, but was it true?

Castiel continued his voice stronger then it had been before. "I am a messenger of heaven. I am a warrior of heaven. I serve heaven completely." Castiel would have continued his litany of obedience, but Jimmys voice became much louder, and strangely on topic.

"I gave you everything you asked me to give...this is what you do?! This is your heaven?!"

To anyone else, he may have sounded angry, but Castiel knew Jimmy better. He sounded afraid. His words, his tone, it was all desperation. This was not a trick. It was Jimmy, and he was in trouble.

"Help me, please! You promised Cas."

Castiel tried to focus on the shadows loitering in the darkness. He'd made too many mistakes already. If he failed, he wouldn't be able to help anyone, ever. It was as if Jimmy was tuned into his thoughts though, as the next thing he heard was "Jus' help me please."

If he wasn't bound in heaven by Zachariah, Castiel would have been at Jimmys side despite the consequences, but there was nothing he could do at the moment. He bowed his head towards the floor once again and tried to concentrate on anything but Jimmys voice.

Moments passed. Static whispers sounding like nothing Castiel had ever heard before, leaked from the darkness. The noise was unsettling. Then there was silence.

A new noise suddenly sounded, and this time Castiel did look up, wide eyed and unable to hide his distress. It was as if all the choirs in heaven were singing a single high pitched note through a thick wall of static. As the moment drew out, the noise only increased in intensity and volume. Even though he knew it wouldn't help because he wasn't actually hearing the voices in a physical sense, Castiel covered his ears, desperately trying to block out the sonic bedlam.

Castiel felt like he was on fire and drowning at the same time. All the pain Zachariah and the others had inflicted on him during the last few months, could never compare to what was happening now. Castiel crumpled to the floor on his back, his legs haphazardly tucked under him. No longer trying to cover his ears, he laid still paralyzed with pain and helplessness. Had they passed judgment? Had he failed? Was this his punishment?

"CASTIEL...CASTIEL...LISTEN"

Castiel blinked. The static began giving way to words.

"CASTIEL, ANGEL...SPHERE"

The noise was becoming bearable and he was beginning to hear the voices more clearly.

Castiel tried to get back to his knees but could not find the strength or balance to do so. Instead he propped himself up with his arms behind him, in a half setting position. Concentrating, he began to understand more and more words until the voices became clear.

"CASTIEL, ANGEL OF THE THIRD SPHERE. YOUR JUDGEMENT DOES NOT END HERE."

Castiel closed his eyes. What did that mean? As he waited for more words, an overpowering sense of relief enveloped him .They were gone, and the crushing power they wielded had dissipated instantly in their wake.

Castiel opened his eyes and stared into the darkness, but this time it was just darkness. No moving shadows. No unseen forms staring back at him. He closed his eyes and let himself fall back. He had never felt so exhausted.

A moment later, Zachariah was towering over him. "Castiel. On your knees."

Castiel had not forgotten Zachariah, but after facing the Dominion, his presence was easy to dismiss for a moment of rest. Then again, he had to keep face. He couldn't drop the act now, after everything he had gone through to make it believable.

Zachariah studied Castiel as the angel got to his knees and bowed his head in a perfect gesture of submission. "You have orders Castiel. The Winchesters have been taken by Demons, as well as two vessels. Protect the brothers, take the young vessel."

Castiel dared not look up. Not when he was this close to getting back to his charges. He hesitantly asked "Jimmy?"

Zachariah placed his hand on the back of Castiels head. "Is no longer your concern. Take the young one."

Castiel knew without further questioning who the young vessel was to be, but arguing would be of no use. The faster Zachariah released him, the sooner he could help his charges. "I understand."

Zachariah clinched his fist in Castiels hair and forced his face upwards. "Do you? Do you really understand Castiel? Your judgment does not end here. Know we will see everything."

Castiel wanted to jerk away, to get as far from Zachariah as possible. While they had failed to convert him, they had succeeded with instilling a deep sense of fear in their presence, and terror at their touch. He knew the words Zachariah was waiting to hear and said them with as much sincerity as he could. "I will obey."

Zachariah flattened his hand against Castiels head and pushed him backwards. Castiel continued to fall until he felt the warm glow of a human soul flicker with panic as it was pushed aside. He had always taken the utmost care in choosing his vessels, making certain they were completely aware of what it meant to be a vessel and willing just the same. Had this human been properly prepared, or had she simply granted her permission out of awe in the face of a real angel?

Castiel had never literally been forced into a vessel before. Didn't even know it was possible, but Zachariah had only began the process and Castiel had to complete it discreetly.

Much like holding ones breath while running a marathon, entering a vessel quietly, was an arduous process. As he became conscious of the young girls body, he recognized the fowl taste of stale vomit. The humans head was damaged. Castiel quickly began healing the injury, when he heard the sharp crack of a gun firing followed by a loud painful grunt.

His eyes snapped open, and he saw Jimmy on the floor. Dean and Sam were being held by Demons. The one with the gun spoke and one of the male demons began to turn towards Castiel. He closed his eyes, and waited.

Within seconds he exorcised the demon, distracting the others and giving Dean and Sam the opening they needed. As Castiel made his way to the brothers he passed Jimmy, fallen to the floor and bleeding. Jimmy looked up at his daughter and questioned. "Castiel?!" Castiel stopped beside Jimmy just long enough to convey a measure of assurance with his presence.

Three more demons remained and Dean needed help. Castiel walked over to Dean and placed his hand on the Demons forehead, thankful that the demon hadn't been standing. How was he to fight in such a vessel?

A cursory glance at Sam initially looked like he had control of his Demon. Castiel began to look for the other Demon, when he heard Dean whisper "Oh God." He followed Deans gaze and was repulsed by what he saw. Sam Winchester had latched onto the neck of his incapacitated demon, ingesting the hosts tainted blood.

Castiel and Dean met Sams stare in silence. They were both taken aback when Sam raised his hand towards them, but quickly realized he was aiming at a Demon. Disquieted by Sams actions, but realizing he had the last demon taken care of, Castiel went to Jimmy.

Jimmy lay propped against a large wooden beam. His eyes were half closed and he seemed disorientated. Castiel could not heal him. Individually a single angel did not have the ability to do so. Jimmy was going to die.

As Castiel hit his knees, he felt rather then heard Jimmy. His soul was frantic, screaming out in fear and worry for what he was leaving behind. Castiel gently wove his hand through Jimmys hair, tilting his head until they met each others eyes.

There was so much wrong with the situation, and months of punishment and emotional conditioning could not stand up to this single moment in time. The quieter Jimmys body became, the louder his soul grew. He concentrated and through his touch, Castiel gave Jimmy just enough peace to take away his inner chaos and giving him clarity of mind in his last moments of life.

Castiel did not know what to say. Nothing seemed appropriate. Nothing he could say would be adequate. He remembered Jimmys words from earlier.

"Of course we keep our promises. Of course you have our gratitude. You served us well, your work is done."

The words were sincere, but they were not enough. Castiel continued.

"It's time to go home now, your real home. You'll rest forever in the fields of the lord."

Jimmys eyes cleared and he whispered "No."

"Rest now Jimmy."

This time he spoke clearer, louder. "No. Claire?"

Castiel loathed what he was about to say. "She's with me now. She's chosen." Jimmy shuttered with pain and Castiel doubted it was from the bullet.

Castiel pressed on. "It's in her blood, as it was in yours."

"Please Castiel, you need to just take me. Take me please." Jimmy was begging.

Castiel didn't have time to explain that he had orders to let him die. Orders to take his daughter and expose her to the same pain and horrors that Jimmy had experienced. That wasn't saving the Novak family, it wasn't protecting Jimmys daughter. He had just said angels don't break promises. He knew Jimmy understood more then anyone, what being a vessel entailed. He knew he had already lost the argument, with Jimmy and himself, still Castiel tried again.

"I wanna make sure you understand. You won't die, or age. If this last year was painful for you, picture a hundred, a thousand more just like it."

Jimmy grabbed Castiel, in a show of resolve. "It doesn't matter. You take me. YOU TAKE ME. Jus TAKE me."

His mouth was beginning to fill with blood. Jimmy had only seconds left. Castiel closed his eyes for a quick moment. It seemed that the big decisions, the ones with the furthest reaching ramifications, were always rushed. Time was fluid, and yet there was never enough of it when he was on earth. He fully understood the cost of disobedience, but this time it was the smaller picture that mattered. "As you wish."

As Castiel transferred into the older male vessel, he could feel relief and calm radiate from the human soul inside. Castiel was instantly orientated, familiar with the body and it's abilities. It took only a moments thought to heal the bullet wound.

Castiel immediately got to his feet and began walking to the exit. As Castiel passed Dean and Sam, he stopped to looked back at Amelia and Claire. They were holding each other tight caught between relief and a new, appreciative grief for Jimmy. Castiel wished at that moment, that Zachariah had been able to purge him of feeling, but then he heard Jimmys thoughts. "It'll be ok. They will be ok."

Castiel found himself in awe of the the natural human ability to cope and then turned to walk away. He could already sense another angel close. His wings had been effectively bound, and he had only his human legs to move by. There was no running. They would be waiting for him as soon as he was out of the humans sight. Castiel made it only a step or two before Dean stopped him.

"Cass, hold up."

Castiel came to a slow halt, taking a moment for a deep breath before turning around to face Dean. This would not be pleasant, for either of them.

Like nothing had changed, Dean asked "What were you going to tell me?"

He had no choice. If he told Dean now they would both be killed. He knew his only option was to obey...for the time being. He had the words. They had made sure he could say them under any condition. If they really were watching, this was the moment of truth. If he did it right, they may allow him to stay in the field despite his disobedience concerning the Novacks.

Castiel stared into Deans eyes and tried to sound like he believed what he was saying. "I learned my lesson while I was away Dean. I serve heaven, I don't serve man...and I certainly don't serve you."

Dean looked too confused, perhaps surprised to say anything. He stared at Castiel, searching for answers. Castiel knew he had to leave before Dean opened his mouth and started making sense. After a moment spent trying to break away from Deans intense gaze, Castiel was striding towards the exit.

As soon as he stepped out of the building, a tall Latin American appeared in front of him. His voice was deep and unsympathetic. "Castiel? Why?"

Castiel didn't answer, he just pressed his lips together and looked pass the other angel. Explaining his actions to another angel would be an exercise in futility. Instead he concentrated on his senses. The night winter air bit into his ears and cheeks. He breathed deep, taking in the scent of rain and wet earth. He listened to the wind illicit sharp clatters and slow squeaks from the various man made objects around them. It felt good to feel again.

Castiel looked up at the sky. He had always found displeasure in cloudy nights that hid the stars. This night however, the moon was full, and the clouds glowed as it lumbered behind them. If he looked close, he could even catch a glimpse of rainbow around the moon, it was beautiful.

Would he ever see the stars again after tonight? Castiel tried not to think for the moment, he wanted a memory, a picture of beauty and creation to hold onto.

The other angel studied Castiel for a brief minute. "Lets go, better to get it over quickly."

Castiel breathed deep and smiled sadly. They had sent Malahidael. The angel of courage and grace. He had never met him, but he knew all of heavens angels by name. It was one of his specialties. "Mala, I would like to watch the stars for a moment...before..." Castiel didn't know what was to happen to him now, and he paused, leaving that thought unfinished. "Tonight the sky has a beauty I've never seen before."

Malahidael stared at Castiel for a moment. How had he known his name, when he had not met Castiel before tonight? It didn't matter, the angel now in his custody had a certain manner about him that Mala found pleasing. Mala turned and scowled into the darkness. Orders were orders, and the thought of disobedience never crossed his mind. Yet, Castiel didn't seem the malicious and tainted angel he had been sent to collect.

It was a small request. A a slight delay, a short reprieve from heavens wrath. Mala turned his face towards the sky and smiled. "The sky does look especially novel tonight Castiel."

Castiel glanced at Mala, thinking that he could have been a friend or at least an alli in another time. Malas grip tightened, a quick warning not to try anything.

Castiel sighed and looked back to the sky. "Yes."

…NOTES...

Malahidael (also known as Machidiel) is the Angel of Courage as well as the "Grace Bringer". He inspires enthusiasm, adventure and liveliness and helps others to keep and focus on the grace in their hearts.

For more information about the 3 Choirs/Spheres of heaven wikipedia the term "Christian Angel Hierarchy"...but if you do, remember this is fiction and did take a few liberties;)

Sneak Peak at future storyline.

He was dressed completely in white against a background of white making it a bit difficult to distinguish him from the walls of his cell. His head hung low and Dean could only see a mess of tousled dark here.

Sam asked anxiously "Well, is it him?"

Dean rested back on his heals. "Yeah, it's Cas."

Sam crowded Dean away from the window, wanting to see for himself. "Did you see his face?"

"No."

Sam backed away from the door and asked "How do you know it's Castiel?"

Dean glanced at the door again. "Because it's him."

Sam cocked an eyebrow at Dean. "Uh-ha. If you say so."

Dean looked down the hall where two orderlies were standing around a workstation. "So, any ideas on how to break an angel out of an insane asylum?"