Dean stood between his brother and the demon, his mind working feverishly to catch up to this unexpected circumstance. He drew in a deep breath, exhaled. "Give me a minute to talk to him," he requested, indicating Sam with a jerk of the chin. The demon nodded his head, then stepped away.

"What are you doing? You can't go to him now," Sam protested after Dean drew him aside. "I won't let him switch you with Michael."

"You think I'm going to let him do that?" Dean replied in a harsh whisper. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure the demon was out of earshot. He then pulled the special key from his pocket, pressed it into Sam's hand. "Crowley's probably going to keep me in his office until it's showtime. It's on the top floor, but this key will get you past the hexes. As soon as Gabriel gets back you guys grab me. Understand?"

Sam nodded, though he was still frowning. "All right. You gotta promise me you'll stall him as long as you can. I don't know when Gabe will get back."

Dean answered him with a smile and clap on the back. "Don't worry. I'm sure I'll think of something."

This less-than-reassuring statement only deepened Sam's frown. But he gripped Dean's shoulder, nodded.

After they parted the demon transported Dean to the stairwell leading to Crowley's office. As he followed the demon he turned his thoughts to how he'd avoid the ol' switcheroo now that he couldn't rely on Gabriel's smoke and mirrors. When he crossed the threshold to find Crowley sitting at his desk, an expectant smile on his face, Dean knew he'd better think fast, or else they'd all be screwed.

"So good of you to come back, Dean," Crowley began after he dismissed the demon. "Are you ready to play the role God intended for you?"

Dean smirked at the bad joke. "Not really. I've heard being an angel sucks."

"That depends on who you listen to, and what part of an angel is being referenced in your case," Crowley countered with a little smile. He stood, rounded the desk to lean against the corner. "Sit," he invited, gesturing toward the chair. When Dean hesitated Crowley gave an exasperated sigh. "I don't plan on locking you in any closets. I'm sure you get enough practice on your own."

He bit back his want to retort- the closet jokes were getting real old real fast- gave a little, mocking smile and took a seat. Crowley smiled down at him like a cat with a bird in its paws.

Dean stared at Crowley.

Crowley stared right back.

Another uncomfortable moment passed, and Dean scowled. "Is this what we're gonna this whole time?"

Crowley's smile widened.

An invisible force suddenly settled over Dean, keeping him trapped in the chair. He struggled against it, gave up the effort with an irritated grunt and sent Crowley a heated glare.

"There, that's better. I want my ace to remain up my sleeve and not wandering about. In fact, I think I'll tuck baby brother away too," he announced and snapped his fingers. A pair of demons appeared with Sam dangling limply between them.

Dean instantly tensed. "Leave him alone, Crowley," he growled, his fists clenching. "This deal's between you and me."

"And now I'm activating my insurance policy," he replied smoothly, rising to his feet. He gestured to the demons, who dragged Sam to the second chair. He slumped over, his chin touching his chest. Dean pulled against his bonds, gritted his teeth.

"You son of a bitch."

"Son of a witch, actually," Crowley informed him, as if correcting a child. "Mommy showed me a thing or two; the lessons have really paid off when it comes to the dynamic duo." He strolled toward the door, as casual as ever. "Sit tight, boys," he called over his shoulder. "I'll see to you later."

After Crowley had gone Dean looked over at his brother. "Sam? Sammy!" he called. There was no response; Sam was most likely still suffering from the side effects of the soul squeeze. As Dean glanced back at the demon Crowley left to guard them, he hoped Gabriel was as prompt with rescues as Castiel.

The first few hours passed by without Castiel's notice. Just about the only thing he did notice was he wasn't as weary after each session. That he credited to being at full power again. It also helped partition the part of his mind that was actively focused on what still needed to be done, and on what Michael had said. His mind didn't need to be a part of the equation when his body responded just fine on its own.

Halfway through his shift he signaled for the demon who escorted the clients to his room. It had once been Balthazar's job; however, once they had learned of the horn he hadn't been back. After informing the demon he was taking his break, Cas closed the door in the other man's face and locked it. As he turned round, taking in the rumpled bedsheets, the discarded clothes, empty glasses, overturned wine bottle and tray of food, he exhaled. It was a great relief to be able to leave this behind. It was all thanks to Dean, and despite his not being from this reality. He hoped the Castiel Dean knew- and missed greatly although he hadn't spoken of it aloud- was aware of just how lucky he was.

When Castiel approached the mini fridge he glimpsed a figure manifest by the glass doors leading to the balcony. He looked up, not surprised to find Balthazar standing there. He greeted his arrival with a little nod.

Balthazar took one look at Cas, the hastily donned robe and shook his head. "It's not too late to leave now," he began. "You can still come with me."

"I appreciate the offer, but I can't," Cas told him, taking an unopened beer bottle and twisting the cap off. He took a sip, nodded. "We're very close to the end."

Balthazar made a small sound of assent. "You know the chances of this little plan of yours working are slim to none."

"Regardless, my mind is made up. There are people depending on me. I won't leave them again." He briefly glanced away, his throat tightening. "I can't fail him."

Balthazar studied him in silence for a few moments, as if unable to comprehend Cas's words. "He's probably gone, you know," he said quietly.

At this Cas turned on him. Fought back the panic tightening around his heart. "We don't know that for certain."

"Yes we do. Cas-"

"No," he interrupted sharply, and Balthazar subsided. When he spoke again, his voice was thick with emotion. "For three years you've been here but not once did you try to help me. It was Dean who saw to my freedom- it will always be Dean who has my best interests at heart. You have agreed to stand with me. Don't ask me to turn back now, not when he needs me most."

There was a brief pause before Balthazar smiled again, albeit sadly. "I always liked that about you," he said in a rare moment of honesty. It took Castiel by surprise. "You never did what was expected of you. I still don't quite understand the attachment to your howler monkey but..." he trailed off and shrugged. He then leaned against the wall, folded his arms. "So, tell me this: if you're so sure he's still in there, how will you draw him out?"

Castiel, who had smiled at Balthazar's words, now averted his gaze. With all their focus being on Gabriel's horn, neither had given much thought to how they'd free Dean. When he said as much Balthazar gave a little shrug.

"Oh I'm sure you'll figure it out, seeing as to how...connected you two have always been." He stepped away from the wall and flashed a tiny smile. "Do me a favor and try not to get killed."

While this wasn't a promise he was entirely certain he could keep, Cas nodded. Balthazar lingered for a moment more, as if he had something else to say, but smiled again and vanished.

Castiel approached the glass doors and pushed them open, letting in a cool breeze. He lifted his gaze to the stars, sighed. As he thought more on Balthazar's words, it wasn't long before the sparse furniture on the patio gave way for the dark, cold alley that night in Detroit.

Three years ago...

Bobby had gone ahead to scout the building. Castiel lingered by the cars with Sam and Dean, his hands in his pockets as he observed the brothers from a respectful distance. Sam was watching the street; every now and then he'd take a deep breath to steady himself. Dean, on the other hand, was silent and still. What he felt at the moment, however, was all in his eyes. Sometimes he'd look Cas's way, his throat flashing as he swallowed, before he looked away. Cas wanted to approach them both, give them some kind of comfort. He hadn't felt his powerless state so greatly as in those tense moments.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew their attention. Bobby walked toward them, a pair of binoculars in his hand. "Demons," he reported to Dean. "At least two dozen of them. You were right. Something's up."

Dean's face was like stone. "More than something. He's here, I know it," he stated. He then walked toward the trunk, giving his brother a swift look as he did so.

Sam turned to Bobby then. Castiel watched as they embraced, his chest tightening with pain. While he had faith in Sam's strength, he still feared for him, and sorrowed for the price to be had if victory was theirs.

After Bobby said his goodbyes, Sam looked to Cas, gave a little smile and approached him with his hand out. Cas knew the proper response was to shake it, but he found his attention drawn to the look in Sam's eyes.

His smile was small, forced. "Take care of these guys, okay?"

Castiel was not that well versed in how humans said goodbye. Even through all the corrections Dean had made for him, and all the behavior he had witnessed in movies and television, part of him could not comprehend the need to smooth over farewells. So when his response was a regrettable truth- he could not look after them, not the way Sam intended- Sam gave a little, exasperated sigh. Behind them, Cas saw Dean look away, his hand curling into a fist.

Sam leaned closer, lowered his voice. "Please...just be there for Dean," he requested. "Don't let him be alone."

This was something Sam didn't need to ask of him. Cas nodded. He then took Sam's hand, pressed it gently. Sam let the contact linger for a moment more, nodded again and moved toward Dean. Cas met Dean's eyes before he moved away to stand near Bobby.

After a brief silence Dean left Sam alone to take in the demon blood. He made it a point not to look in his brother's direction. Cas kept his gaze focused on Dean's face, again wished that there had been another way.

Sam signaled he was done by closing the trunk. When Cas looked over at him, he could sense the power now coursing through his body. Though it was impossible, it seemed Dean felt it too, for his expression didn't just reflect pain, but concern. As Sam swept past, and Dean started after him, Cas acted on impulse. He fell into step behind Dean with the intent of touching his shoulder in silent assurance. Instead, Dean reached behind him to grasp Cas's hand, very tightly, before he moved off. Castiel stood in the mouth of the alley, heavy hearted, as he watched the brothers approach what would be their toughest battle yet.

Bobby and Castiel waited in tense silence. People who happened by the building shivered, gathered the layers of their clothing closer to their bodies. Castiel also felt the chill in the air, knew it was because of Lucifer. He had never known why his older brother's light was so cold. Or it could be he just didn't remember. Castiel's memories of the great war were sparse at best.

There was a brilliant flash of light then, drawing a sharp gasp from Bobby. Cas very nearly ran toward the building; only Bobby's grip on his arm prevented him from giving in to what was pure instinct as far as the brothers were concerned. He squinted up at the window, saw shadows dart past. He could hear the faint echo of Dean's voice chanting the incantation that would open Lucifer's cage. A rush of air, more like an otherworldly groan, sounded. Bobby shivered at hearing it. Cas felt his hands clench inside his coat sleeves. Knew he was holding his breath. His heart pounded.

Was this it?

Would they never see Sam again?

All went still. Castiel exchanged glances with Bobby. The older man's eyes were filled with grief, regret. Though it didn't seem possible, Cas felt that the world was now that much colder without Sam Winchester.

A figure abruptly raced headlong from the building- Dean. Cas almost went to him, but after taking one look at the panic and despair in Dean's face, he found himself rooted to the spot.

Bobby rushed toward Dean. "What's wrong? What happened?"

Dean was shaking his head. Tears trailed down his face. "It didn't work," he managed in distraught tones. "Lucifer- he was too strong."

Bobby's face paled. It looked like he had been punched in the gut. "No..."

Cas fought back his own fear. "The rings?"

"Gone. Lucifer's got them." Dean's face crumpled, and turned away from them. He pressed his hands to either side of his head. "Dammit, Bobby, we never should have let him do it..."

Bobby grabbed Dean's shoulder and spun him around. "Don't do this, son. Get a hold of yourself!"

"Don't you get it?" Dean cried, breaking away. The sheer anguish in his face cut through Castiel as sharply as a blade. "I couldn't do anything! I let him down! And now he's gone because of me!"

"Dean-"

But he shouldered past Bobby toward the alley. He kicked at a discarded can on the way, sending it careening down the street.

Bobby heaved a weary sigh and looked at Cas. "Well?" he prompted.

Cas was briefly confused. "Well what?"

The older man rolled his eyes, took Cas by the back of his collar and shoved him forward with a surprising show of strength. "Don't just stand there looking pretty- go talk to him before the boy does something crazy."

Castiel glanced at him over his shoulder, nodded.

He found Dean sitting on the back of the Impala, his head in his hands. His shoulders trembled from the sobs he was trying to fight. He didn't look up when Cas stood in front of him, or when he murmured his name.

Cas waited another moment. "Dean," he ventured softly. "You're not to blame. We knew this would be the likely outcome."

When Dean lifted his head, and Cas got a good look at the pain in his eyes, he knew it was the wrong thing to say. "You know what, Cas? Screw you," he snapped. "I don't need you to logic me."

"I wasn't trying to insult you," he defended in quiet tones. "I wanted to soothe your conscience."

"Yeah, well, it didn't work," he grumbled. He glanced away, his hands tightening into fists at his knees. "So. Lucifer's wearing Sam. What now?"

"Now he will meet Michael on the appointed battlefield, and we all will die."

Dean sent Cas an annoyed look. "Dude. Do you even listen to yourself sometimes?"

To this Cas furrowed his brow, uncertain of how to respond. Dean rolled his eyes and slid off the trunk with an incoherent mutter. He turned just as Bobby joined them.

His face was grim. "You better take a look at this," he said, gesturing for them to follow.

They approached an electronics shop across the street. A small knot of people gathered in front of the televisions, the same look of astonishment on their faces at the snapshots of devastation from around the world. Castiel shook his head at the scenes and sent a sympathetic look Dean's way.

"It's started. It will only become worse."

"Thanks for the heads up," Dean retorted. At seeing Cas's pained grimace he muttered something under his breath and started walking back toward the alley. "You say we're all gonna die when this thing goes down? Not if we stop it."

"Stop it?" Cas echoed, turning to watch him walk away. "How?"

"That's what I'd like to know," Bobby put in as he fell into step behind Dean.

Dean waited until they were back in the alley before he faced them. First he looked at Bobby, then Cas. Of all the emotions in his eyes at that moment, the one Cas identified was desperation. It worried him.

"Where's the showdown, Cas?" he asked.

"I- I don't know. And even if I did, it won't do any good. You cannot stop Armageddon."

"Well, I'm not just going to sit here and do nothing," he countered hotly. He sent a look of appeal Bobby's way, but when the other man didn't speak up on his behalf he stared. "Bobby?"

It hurt to hear the pleading note in his voice.

Bobby was shaking his head. "I don't know what else to do," he admitted unhappily. "That's not Sam anymore."

Dean turned on Bobby at this, grabbed a fistful of his shirt. "No, don't you even think that!" he cried. "It is Sam, and right now he's going one on one with the damn devil. If you think I'm going to let him do it alone you're crazy."

Bobby stared into Dean's enraged face for a moment, shook his head again. It seemed to break something inside Dean, for he released him and took a shaky step back. "You really think he's gone," he murmured in disbelief. "Bobby, what if that was me? Would you think the same thing? Would you?" he demanded of Cas. When neither answered- Castiel knew the truth was not what Dean wanted to hear, nor did he want to think about it- Dean sent both a disgusted look and strode off. He yanked open the car door, threw himself into the driver's seat so hard the Impala shook.

Bobby rubbed the back of his neck and heaved a sigh. "Damned stubborn fool," he grumbled. "That's your cue, Romeo."

Cas met Bobby's gaze. This time he did not question what he meant. What Bobby implied was the same as Sam's last request. He nodded; Bobby smiled, patted the angel's shoulder in silent thanks before venturing for his van.

Dean was on the phone when Cas reached the car. He waited until he ended the call before speaking his name.

Dean spared him one glance as he turned the ignition, and the car roared to life. "You think I can't stop it," he began. Cas couldn't remember the last time he heard such pain in his voice. "I don't think I can either. But I'm going to talk to Sam."

Cas shook his head. "Please understand," he murmured. "All you will see is Michael killing your brother."

Dean's smile was as empty as his eyes. "So that's it, huh?" he said quietly. "Then I've really got nothing left to lose."

Castiel was stricken silent by this. Just as Dean went to put the car into gear Cas reached inside to grab onto his wrist. He held it so tightly the edge of Dean's watch drove into his palm. "No," he told him firmly. "I won't let you do it."

"Too damn bad, Cas. I'm going."

"That's not what I meant," he replied, and released him with a curt gesture. A few minutes later he had climbed into the passenger seat, closed the door with a sharp bang. He met Dean's gaze.

"I'm not letting you face this alone."

It took a moment for this to register with Dean; when it did he gave a small but grateful nod. After calling Bobby to tell him where they were headed Dean drove off. When he started down a dark road Cas couldn't help but compare it to their destination, and knew that despite all the uncertainty surrounding it, he wouldn't have it any other way.