Mama Will Provide/Some Say/The Human Heart
"On this island as you know the earth will sing as soon as a storm ends," Michael explained. He had the children on the edge of their seats. "The storm that had befallen the village had finally ended thanks to Agwe having mercy on our people and Castiel had set out on a journey that would change his life forever. He was scared yes, but he did not know he was walking amongst old friends."
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Castiel ventured through the deep woods. The chill from the breeze shot up his spine and he felt very alone until he started to look around. The tree started to sway in a way like they were dancing. The birds sang louder, almost like they were talking to him. Frogs bounced in front of his path and they stared at him. The trees rustled too. Someone was walking in them. Castiel felt scared again, but then someone emerged with a calming smile on their face.
"You've never been away from the sea child," Asaka stepped out and snapped her fingers. The breeze started to pick up around Castiel like it was engulfing him in a hug and then it took shape beside her as cloudy looking people. The frogs hopped towards her too and the birds fluttered around her. Even the trees turned their branches and leaves towards her. Castiel suddenly figured out who he was dealing with. "You're going to need a helping hand. You're like a fish that must learn to swim on land."
"Oh great Asaka," Castiel fell to his knees and bowed his head at her. "Please forgive my not bowing earlier to the Goddess of the Earth. Please forgive me my holy one."
"Stand up child," Asaka took Castiel's hand and helped him to his feet. She was putting on quite the show for her friends who were hiding in the trees. Agwe looked over at Erzulie and then back to Asaka and Castiel. Papa Ge simply looked bored and rolled his eyes, not paying any attention to Asaka's acting. "You are far from your home are you not? Come with me child. I will lead your way. Walk with me and I shall take you far to your love."
"How did you know I was traveling for that?" Castiel asked skeptically, but walked with her.
"I am one of the four Gods of your island," Asaka smiled. "I know all and see all."
One of the birds landed on her shoulder as she continued to walk. The forest seemed to respond to her as she strode by. It was as though everything was coming to life and gaining human qualities. Castiel stared wide eyed as the flowers smiled at him and the grass seemed to wave.
"Now tell me," Asaka said. "You want a way out of these woods to meet your true love? How romantic! I am more than happy to assist. I can provide you anything, food, shelter, a way out when the time comes. Whatever you need mama will provide?"
"Mama?" Castiel asked as the cloudy breeze people giggled and spun around him until they disappeared again.
"Mother earth child," Asaka chuckled. "You really do not get out much do you?"
"This is my first time actually," Castiel nodded. "But Dean is worth it."
"Dean Winchester," Asaka nodded. "I know of him. He is a fine choice Castiel. He is rich and handsome and did I mention rich? You thought you would be poor your whole life he could provide you with riches beyond your belief!"
"I do not wish for that," Castiel swallowed hard. "I wish for Dean to love me with his whole heart. Not with his money or his looks."
"You have high expectations for a peasant boy." Asaka replied.
"I just pray that you guide me safe passage," Castiel was a bit put off by the Goddess's comment. "The rest will take care of itself."
"Bugs will bite," Asaka warned him. "Night will fall; you will be terrified all alone. The road will be long and hard. Are you sure you want that?"
"I am willing to take those risks." Castiel nodded, sure of himself. Asaka nodded and gave him her blessing.
"Castiel did indeed travel into the night and he slept under the shade of a large tree and indeed he did shiver," Michael narrated the long dark night. "But he kept his love in mind with every tremor that filled his body. He awoke the next morning tired, but determined to go to Dean. When he stood the Gods gasped. They hadn't expected him to last the night, but his will was strong and his heart was filled with even stronger love. And when he set out, you'd best believe they followed."
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"What happened to Castiel next?" one of the children asked.
"He began the long journey towards the city," Michael explained. "No one knows for sure what happened. Some say that the road was long and cruel; others say that he got a ride. Some say from a vender or that the Gods themselves pulled up in a car from the city and drove him all the way there. But that is simply preposterous."
"How far did he travel?" Anna was enthralled that the love part of the story was coming up.
"As far as you'd suppose." Michael smiled.
"And how long did it take her?" Anna was getting impatient with Michael's answers.
"Much longer than your nose." Michael touched her nose and she giggled as she grabbed it.
"Was he frightened?" Zachariah asked, trying to seem interested.
"Very." Michael nodded.
"But his love was too strong to scare him!" Anna exclaimed.
"Well I suppose so because eventually Castiel reached the city," Michael continued the story. "Some say they laughed at him. His feet were bare. He was not like them. A vender supposedly gave him shoes or so some have told me. The taxis honked at him when he walked in the road and the cars beeped loudly when he passed them. The shoes hurt his feet, but he suffered the price he had to pay to see Dean."
"He found him right?!" Anna was practically bouncing in excitement again.
"Yes," Michael nodded. "When he arrived at the gates supposedly he was denied access. Some say he climbed the vines to the window of Dean's room. Others say he scrubbed the floors until he learned where Dean was kept. Others say the Gods lifted him up and placed him by Dean. No one knows for sure, but all we do know was what happened after. When he finally met with Dean again."
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"Who are you," Dean exclaimed, throwing the covers back and trying to get up. "What are you doing in here? I'll call a guard!"
"You do not recognize me?" Castiel asked, coming closer. "It's me. Castiel."
"I do not know a Castiel." Dean's eyes were filled with fear and fever. Castiel came over to the side of his bed, daring not to sit down though.
"You were in a car crash," Castiel replied. "I rescued you. I took care of you. You grew quite ill and you still are."
Castiel reached out a hand and gingerly touched Dean's forehead. He was burning up.
"My leg," Dean grunted and grabbed at the side of it. "It won't heal."
"I came all this way to see if you were alright," Castiel explained. "I came all this way because I wanted to care for you more. I feel responsible for you. I feel...things for you."
Castiel put Dean's hand in his and stared into the rich boy's eyes. Dean's green eyes looked into Castiel's crystal blue eyes and he felt his heart thud a bit. He had never laid his eyes on a more beautiful man. He hadn't told his father of his preferences ever, but the situation had never come up. He saw compassion in Castiel's eyes and pure innocent love for the world. And for him. He saw it deep down. Dean swallowed hard.
"Then stay," Dean patted the bed. "I will call for no one yet. Show me how you heal and pray that I do. Besides that I wish to...know you Castiel. I believe we met on less than better terms before."
"I would like that." Castiel as he laid down next to Dean.
Erzulie smirked from the shadows. Her friends were around her. They were standing dumbfounded at Castiel's victory.
"The courage of a dreamer never ceases to amaze me," Erzulie explained. "His youth and innocence has made this possible. I told you true love will always prevail."
"I see your point now." Agwe looked over at her and she smirked at him.
"I for one am as surprised as Agwe." Asaka looked at the couple on the bed in shock.
"Oh please," Papa Ge exclaimed. "It won't last!"
The Gods watched until Dean fell asleep, Castiel following shortly after happy as a puppy in springtime.
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