Battlefront

Author: Cheryl W.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dean or Sam or any rights to Supernatural, nor am I making any profit from this story.

Summary: AU of Season 5 - Dean's in charge of leading the heavenly army to victory.

Author's Note: Thanks to some wonderful prodding by Pandora Jazz and a few others awhile ago, I'm updating this story. It's not finished yet but hopefully I'll be able to keep the updates coming at a faster pace. I love that anyone is still interested in more of this story!

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Chapter 5: In Weakness

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I have never known the bitter taste of guilt before, do not know how to make any of this better. Wonder if I should draw closer to Castiel and his human charge or flee their side. Indecisive, I climb to unsteady feet, know that, never has there been a bond between angel and human like the one I am witnessing.

"Cas, I think I zigged…when I shoulda…zagged," Dean wheezes out even as he is pulled gently forward into Castiel's arms, as Castiel's careful fingers ghost over the wound on his shoulder and down his back.

Though Dean can not see Castiel's expression as the angel pulls him closer, allows him to rest against his chest, I can. My brother's anguish is tangible and his fear convicts me more than any words could. When his eyes find mine, words tumble from me. "I'm sorry! He's hurt because of me, of my failings."

"No, he's hurt because of my failings. It's my duty to protect him," Castiel bitterly counters my declaration, even as his hold on Dean remains impossibly gentle.

"You're both…wrong," Dean contradicts, his words carrying conviction even as he limply lays against Castiel, his blood pooling on the ground where he kneels.

I notice Castiel's wince, know that Dean's words speak of strength but his voice, it is weak, screams of pain even as he stubbornly continues. "I'm hurt because..they tag teamed me. Because I…screwed up. Left myself …vulnerable," Dean justifies my failure.

"Because he was protecting me," I admit, my eyes on Castiel. I want my brother to know that Dean is not to be faulted for this, that it was not Dean's weakness that got him wounded. No, the weakness was my own.

"I know," Castiel says and there is a well of respect and sad resignation for Dean's actions in his tone. Though Castiel barely touches the wound during his examination, Dean groans in pain. But it is Castiel who winces as if the pain is his own and when his eyes meet mine, I'm not so sure it is not. "I need to get him somewhere safe and have him healed."

I wish I could offer my services, that I had the ability to heal, to undo the grievous pain I have allowed to befall the man, but I can not. Healing is not one of my gifts, is given to very few of our kind, to only the strongest of our ranks.

"No healing," Dean chokes out, his hand fisting desperately but weakly in Castiel's coat lapel. "It weakens you guys too much. We …" he coughed.

Castiel draws him closer in his hold, soothed, "Don't talk Dean. Save your strength."

But the man refused his suggestion, forced the next breathless words out, "We can't afford to …pull someone …from the ranks…to heal me."

I watch worry and frustration and fierce love flicker across Castiel's essence, feel something tighten in me as Castiel tenderly rests his chin on Dean's head. "Let me decide what we can afford, Dean." Then his eyes met mine and I'm surprised he even remembers my presence. "Are you going to be alright?" he asks, his eyes sliding down to my own bleeding wound.

Numbly I nod, my own pain forgotten in the face of such tragedy.

"Go find Sam, bring him to where I go."

Before I can vow I will do as he asks, Castiel draws Dean carefully into his arms. The man emits a choked cry of pain as his savagely wounded body is jostled even by the gentle arms of the angel that loves him best. Then Castiel and Dean are gone, literally on angel wings.

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"And I was with you in weakness, and fear, and in much trembling." ~ 1 Corinthians 2:3

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TBC

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Thanks for reading! If you could spare some words of encouragement, I would so appreciate it. I know how I want the story to go but I'm struggling to keep the "voice" right.

Have a great evening!

Cheryl W.