God dies, but not before she speaks to her chosen children...

Castiel knew exactly what was happening. Sam and Dean were confused, but Castiel understood. He realized that he should've told them, but that would mean accepting what had been set in motion. He would not, could not, give in until there was no other choice.

As Dean and Sam scrambled, the both of them doing research and making calls, Castiel stayed by God's bedside. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was stable, but Castiel knew that she wasn't sleeping. She hadn't been since she'd woken from unconsciousness days ago. She was awake, and listening to everything going on around her.

Castiel also knew that her life was fading quickly. Dean and Sam were human, and therefore could not feel the brilliance and strength that had always hung in the air around her disappearing. But Castiel knew. He also knew that she knew.

Suddenly, her eyes opened. They shifted to Castiel, and he felt anguish overtake him. The once brilliant, golden orbs were now dark.

"It has come…" she mumbled.

Surprisingly, Dean and Sam had heard and rushed to her side, both of their faces bearing looks of fear and confusion.

The room became cold, but not physically. The aura in the air was chilled. God seemed to calm slightly, attempting to take a deep breath.

"Death," she muttered, blinking slowly and staring up at the ceiling.

"God…"

The three men spun on their heels to see a sickly looking figure. All three of them recognized the gaunt face and stick-like form. Before them stood Death, Horseman and father of all Reapers. Dean and Sam had hoped to never run into him again.

"The time has come, my friend," Death uttered, spinning the ring on his finger.

God's head slowly inclined, her chin pressing against her collar bone. "May I have private final words with my chosen children?"

Death contemplated this.

"I shall wait in the hallway."

"Thank you," God sighed appreciatively as Death paced to the door and let himself out for a few moments. Then, God's eyes shifted to the three men once more. "And thank you, my sons."

"He wasn't lying, then?" Dean asked, his jaw set angrily. Despite the fact that he'd once been very angry with the being before him, he'd grown attached. In a way, Dean's relationship with God was similar to that of his relationship with Castiel.

"I'm afraid not," she answered, knowing that he was speaking of Death telling him that the Horseman would one day reap the Creator of All.

"But," Sam stammered, the confusion still marring his boyish features. "You… You're God. You can't just die!"

"Everything dies, Samuel."

The finality in God's voice ended Sam's rambles. Castiel could've sworn he heard anger in the retort, as well.

"Samuel, Dean, if I may speak to Castiel alone?" God asked as her eyes flicked to the door, and then between the two brothers' faces. They nodded, and then filed out of the room. This left God and Castiel alone.

After several moments of silence, Castiel spoke.

"Heaven will be distraught," he mumbled, feeling his gut heave as he experienced the emotion sadness.

God's lips tugged up at the corners, attempting to smile. "Kneel, Castiel," she commanded kindly.

Castiel did as he was told.

Shakily, God raised her hand and set it atop his vessel's head, her thin, frail fingers lacing through his black hair. Her head rolled, and her dark eyes bore into his blue ones.

"You have my blessing, Castiel, for the rest of eternity."

"I do not understand," he muttered, the same sort of confusion Sam had exhibited now showing on his face.

"This world cannot go without a leader; it requires some form of authority," she explained, her eyes continuing to trap his.

"I do not believe your choice to be a wise one-"

"Castiel, do you believe your past attempt to do my work a mistake?"

Castiel nodded. He remembered that time with pain throbbing throughout his being. He did not deserve the lack of retribution and forgiveness many had given him.

"Do not be fooled into thinking that none of your brothers or sisters would have done differently when placed in your situation, Castiel. Given the chance, they would simply make the mistake you have already made. Therefore, you are the only one who will not."

Castiel found that when God explained, he understood.

"Who is to say that I will not make it again?" Castiel asked.

God's eyes flashed dangerously. "I am."

Castiel felt God's cold fingers press against his vessel's scalp. It was a gentle motion.

"I trust you, Castiel, to watch over my creations," her voice was quiet, but still held an air of authority. Castiel doubted that he would ever be as incandescent as she. "Serve me well, my son."

The air chilled once more, and Castiel turned to find Death standing beside him. God removed her hand from his head, and set it gently back at her side before staring into Death's own dark eyes. His frail hand raised from his side, and he held it out to God, waiting for her to take it.

Castiel closed his eyes as God moved to accept the hand. For several moments, he refused to open them. Even when the cold faded and warmth returned, he kept his eyes clamped shut. Only when he heard the door open and Dean start mumbling to himself did Castiel move to view God's lifeless body.

But there was no body.

There were no signs that God had ever even been there.