A/N: Thank you to all my readers and reviewers - I love you all and I've really enjoyed working on this one. Enjoy!
DISCLAIMER: This is a work of fiction using characters from the Supernatural universe. I do not claim any ownership. This work is solely for entertainment purposes and is not considered film or tv canon (not by a long shot).
Castiel came to himself beside a strong fire. He flexed his shoulders and closed his eyes when he felt nothing.
A hoarse voice drifted from the other side of the fire. "I'm so sorry, Cas …"
Castiel opened his eyes and sat up slowly. Dean met the haunted blue gaze. Castiel looked … lost. Dean wondered if that was how he felt most days.
"Dean ... I'm sorry ... I never meant ..."
Dean moved quickly to Castiel's side and pressed a kiss against his temple.
"Do not apologize, my angel."
Castiel thrilled to hear Dean's words. "Not 'thief' any longer?"
"I will call you whatever you wish, Cas but know this – I will never leave you again." Dean replied with a smile.
Silence stretched between them. Singer, walking back with an armful of wood sat down heavily and looked at Castiel with wary eyes. Castiel hugged his knees to his chest and leaned against Dean.
"Ask."
"Boy, you know what we saw – what we don't know is how ... or why?" Singer said softly.
Castiel trembled but he saw no way out of the tale he had to tell. He looked up and met Dean's eyes before looking again into the fire. Dean pressed another kiss against Castiel's hair.
"It's alright, Cas – I'm not going anywhere without you again," Dean promised.
Castiel seemed to relax and he inhaled deeply before speaking.
"The Bishop struck a deal for his soul with the demon known as Azazel – he is among the elder demons and very strong. Azazel cursed you both, Dean. However, when he lost Sam, the Bishop still lusted and longed. He tried to find solace in the broken bodies of boys and men alike, but nothing would satisfy." Castiel paused. "His deal made him bold and he asked another boon of Azazel. His soul was the price of the first curse, Azazel took my Grace for the second curse and the Bishop was granted his desire. If a mortal would no longer do, the Bishop decided that no less than an angel of the Lord would warm his bed now. I was already in Aquila – my Father sent me there to find my charge."
"Charge?" Dean asked.
Castiel nodded. "The human I was to watch over – I was over the city ... it was very similar to when the quarrel took Sam out of the sky. I was pierced by the blackness my wings were gone ... I was mortal. I fell to Earth – I landed at the feet of the Bishop ... naked and afraid. I could no longer hear my brothers ... I could no longer hear the voice of my God. I was so afraid, Dean."
Castiel shivered and Dean did not wait to ask – he wrapped his cloak around his lover and pressed closer to Castiel's side. It pained him to hear Castiel speaking so somberly. It made him murderous toward the Bishop to know what he had done to the angel.
"The Bishop learned of the fickle and devious nature of demons with my curse – he called down an angel from heaven. He did not specify that he wished it to remain an angel. I was nothing more than a mere man and he did not desire that. I was beaten and kept in a cage near his Grace's bed. My curse will last until yours is broken or Sam gives himself to the Bishop. Our lives are woven together, Dean. I would not ... I will not stop you from killing the Bishop. But if there is a chance ... even the slimmest of possibilities must give you hope, Dean. A chance at life ... for Sam ... for you." Castiel pressed his cold hand against Dean's cheek. Dean leaned into it and then turned to kiss the palm.
"Castiel ... my angel ... what will happen when the curse is broken? Will you leave me bereft and alone?" Dean whispered. His heart was breaking ... he would do anything to return Castiel to heaven. Even if it meant losing him forever.
"I do not know, Dean. I know that I love you with everything that is within me – that will never change no matter what form I or you take." Castiel said quietly, holding Dean's eyes as he did.
Dean smiled sadly and ran his hand through the shock of dark hair. "I have no mission of honor to take me to Aquila regardless - Singer tells me my father's sword fell through the ice last night."
"You are already a righteous and honorable man, Dean – you do not need a jewel in a sword to prove this," Castiel said.
Dean chuckled and placed a kiss on Castiel's forehead. "You could almost make me believe that, Cas," Dean stood abruptly. "Now then ... let me show you idiots how to cage a wolf."
Night fell and Singer approached the main gates into Aquila. He slowed his cart and drew as close to the river as he could. A shadow fell from under the tarp covering the back of the cart and scrambled away. Singer growled under his breath.
"Remember, angel ... the cul-de-sac by the great North wall."
Castiel nodded. "I will remember ... go!"
Castiel clambered down the bank of the river and paused just above the water. "Lord, if you still hear me – we have now come full circle. I have found love and purpose and I would hope that there is a higher meaning to all this," Castiel slid into the water. "Of course, if there isn't ... I won't think badly of you."
Singer pulled his cart into the courtyard leading to the Bishop's enclosure. One of the guards stepped closer and regarded Singer with a bored expression. "Hold there, Father ... what do you have here?"
"Oh, it is a surprise present for His Grace the Bishop from the people of my parish," Singer lied quickly. The cloaked figure beside him did not speak and kept its head down.
The guard tore back the leather covers over the back of the cart – and jumped back a foot when a caged black wolf snarled and snapped at him.
"A fine pelt, don't you think?" Singer asked loudly.
The guard huffed and then looked closely at the cloaked person sitting beside the monk. "What have we here ...?"
With another jerk, the guard tore back the hood. Sam regarded the man disdainfully but said nothing. The wolf, however, went mad, snapping and snarling through the bars of its cage. The guard looked over with irritation and drew his sword.
"I've never had the pleasure of killing a wolf before," he said.
Sam clenched his hands into fists and then laughed out loud. The guard paused with a confused expression. Sam elbowed Singer. "That's just what His Grace said!"
The guard pulled back and looked at Sam who was grinning. "I'm sure the Bishop will understand you depriving him of his entertainment – he's a very forgiving sort of man, after all."
The guard grimaced and sheathed his sword. "Very well ... pass on."
Singer chuckled. "Wisdom is beyond price, young man ... be grateful that you have it."
The guard shook his head. "Get on, old man!"
Singer urged his donkey on with a light flick of his switch. "Idjit."
Sam chuckled beside him and did not disagree.
Morning dawned cloudy and cold. The Bishop stood with his altar boys as he prepared for Mass. He felt uneasy for some reason. An ill wind was blowing but he could not decide what it might be. One of the clergy approached him to escort him to begin the Mass and he snapped, "When I am ready!"
Castiel swam against the current to the hole in the grate he'd escape through only a few days prior. Castiel believed he would be terrified if he ever had to face the Bishop again. Instead, he found himself determined and driven – the love he felt for Dean gave him a courage he had not experienced since his entrapment. He smiled and broke the surface of the water with a quiet gasp. Swimming to the access shaft, Castiel looked up at the grate above his head.
Soon, Dean. You will be free soon ... if it takes all I am, you will be free, Castiel thought.
Singer watched the morning sky with its blanket of clouds. He walked to Dean who stood in the stable next to Impala. The hawk sat on a nearby rail, restless and making small noises of discontent. Singer's expression was excited.
"Soon, Dean ... once the clouds break."
Dean looked at the gray sky. He slipped a small sliver of meat to the hawk and watched as it devoured it. He did not look at Singer as he said, "It is day, old man. Just like yesterday and just like tomorrow. There is nothing special about it."
Singer looked at Dean in dismay. The elder Winchester did not believe still ... but would he condemn Castiel by not trying?
Armed with only a small dagger, Castiel worked at the grate, trying to loosen it. He had to be free and inside the church before the eclipse. Preferably before the Bishop arrived for Mass.
A little help, perhaps, Lord?
The Bishop and his entourage entered the church just as Castiel worked the grate free. He cursed softly and pulled it back into place only to curse again when one of the clergy stood on it. He frowned and then looked at his dagger. A mischievous smile slid across his face.
The clergyman jumped back as something sharp slid through his shoe and into his foot. His companions looked at him in alarm – not only for the strange behavior but also for worry that the Bishop would see.
"Rats!" The man declared.
Rats were a constant nuisance and a familiar one, even in such a holy place. Taking his staff, the man poked it vigorously through the holes in the grate before his companion pulled him away. Castiel smirked. Humans were easy to deceive sometimes. Twisting himself, Castiel performed his escape of earlier only in reverse. He emerged into the church unseen by the clergy who were focused on the Bishop. Soft voices drifted through the room with hymns. Castiel smiled to himself. In another life, he had very much enjoyed human songs of worship. The songs had taken a darker meaning to him when he'd experienced evil by a man regarded as holy and above reproach.
Dean sighed and paced impatiently. Looking at Singer he shook his head. "The Mass will be over soon, old man. I can no longer wait." Dean looked toward the church. "If Castiel has done his job, I can kill the Bishop now or never."
Singer looked at the young man helplessly. "No, Dean! This chance will never come again!"
Dean looked down at the hooded hawk that rested on his arm. He met the monk's eyes. "I know. Singer ... "Dean handed the man Sam's knife, the same one he used to kill and skin rabbits. "If the service ends peacefully ... if the cathedral bells begin to toll ... you will know I have failed."
Singer looked at the blade and then back at Dean. "What will I tell Sam?"
Dean looked sadly at the raptor sitting obediently on his arm – it chirped mildly and Dean's eyes started with tears. "Bobby ... please ... if I fail ... you have to ... please end his life. Quick and painless while he is unaware."
Singer regarded Dean in horror. "Dean, I can't ... you can't ask me to do this! I've known you both since you were boys!"
Dean put his hand on Singer's shoulder. "I know ... and because you love us both as sons, you must do this. It would be more cruel to condemn him to a half-life without the sun for the remainder of his days. I know Sammy ... if you don't do it, he will after it becomes too much to bear. Would you condemn him to Hell as a suicide?"
"Dean ... please ... I couldn't do it."
"Bobby, did it ever occur to you that this is what God intended all along?" Dean asked quietly.
Singer's eyes spilled over with tears.
Castiel, wearing a 'borrowed' cloak, made his way to the heavy doors at the back of the church. He sidled along them innocently, feeling behind him with his hands until he found the lock holding the bars in place. His nimble fingers began to work.
Dean rode Impala into Aquila. It felt odd and yet strangely familiar to be back on the cobblestone streets, hearing his mount's heavy footfall on the stone. He wore his helmet of office as he had for so long. He had once served the Bishop with pride. He would die with his head high and proud. Riding to the church, Dean surveyed the guards arrayed in front. He slowed Impala and then addressed the men before him.
"As the one who was your captain ... and perhaps by the grace of God will be again, I ask you to let me pass." Dean's commanding voice echoed in the courtyard.
The lead officer rode his mount until he was beside Dean. He lifted his helmet guard and Dean recognized him as one of his lieutenants. The man studied Dean for a moment and then said, "Pass, Captain ... Godspeed."
Dean nodded and swallowed the lump in his throat at the respect the man gave him. The ranks parted and Dean guided Impala through the opening to meet his destiny.
Castiel was frantically working at the lock with his dagger and becoming more and more frustrated as the moments passed. Glancing back, he realized that the guards had noticed him. Not wanting to disturb the sanctity of the moment, they were making their way back to him slowly and sedately. It was the only reprieve Castiel could hope for – he prayed furiously under his breath.
Lord, I must do this ... I must ... please Lord ... You have shown me love ... You have brought him to me ... please do not take him from me ... I beg of You ... please let this lock -
At that moment, the lock released. Castiel looked heavenward with a grin. "Much appreciated, Lord."
The guard quickened his step as Castiel raised the bar on the doors. His sword was raised as Castiel clambered up to reach the locks at the top and slid them back. As his blade cut a downward arc to Castiel's unprotected back, the door was slammed open by the front hooves of a midnight black horse. The guard was knocked off his feet and his sword clattered harmlessly to the floor. Castiel rode the door back and grimaced as he hit the wall but his eyes were bright with emotion as Dean rode through on Impala. Dean paused for a moment and looked at the man he had given his heart. He smiled and Castiel returned it. Then Dean rode Impala into the church and down the center aisle to stand before the Bishop, regarding the man who had destroyed his life and Sam's with unbridled hatred. He raised his sword only to lower it again as the sound of hooves echoed again in the church. Turning, he saw Crowley enter on his white stallion.
"Winchester!" The man roared.
Dean looked back at the Bishop who regarded him impassively. He had no choice, he had to defend himself against Crowley if he was going to survive to take the Bishop's life. Turning Impala, Dean urged his horse into a gallop as Crowley did the same. The clang of swords rang through the church.
Castiel ran with every bit of speed he could muster from his human frame. He scrambled to the stable where the cart stood and found Singer and the hawk gone as planned. He crawled under the cart and pulled out a bundle. He smiled.
"Thank you, Lord." Dean's family sword emerged from the cloth.
Weaving through the pillars on either side of the church, Dean pursued Crowley. He'd allowed the man to remount once when his mount fell. When he managed to unhorse Crowley again, he did not allow him the same courtesy. As Dean pulled up beside the man, Crowley pulled off his helmet and launched it at Dean who ducked. The missile sailed over Dean's head and crashed through the massive stained window. Sunlight spilled into the church and dazzled Dean's sight for a moment.
Crowley took the moment to launch himself at Dean. Grabbing the elder Winchester's cloak, he bodily hauled him off Impala and brought him crashing to the floor. Dean growled and pushed himself upright again while at the same time aiming a hard uppercut to Crowley's jaw and tossing the man to one side.
Snatching up his sword, Dean stalked toward the Bishop. Guards flew out of from the arcade and attacked Dean ... he was loathe to spill blood in the church and so he simply knocked them aside. One by one he tossed away until he stood before the dais where the Bishop looked down at him, fear beginning to spark in his eyes.
Crowley tackled Dean from behind, throwing him to the stones. Dean rolled, bringing up his sword in time to parry Crowley's enraged strikes. Getting his leg up, Dean was able to kick Crowley away and into one of the pillars that lined the aisle. The man sank to the floor, stunned.
Dean grabbed his sword and was turning back to the Bishop when something caught his eye. Through the broken stained glass window, Dean watched in disbelief as a shadow began to creep across the sun. He watched, frozen as Singer's prediction became reality before him.
"A night without a day ... a day without a night ..." Dean's face grew pale as he remembered what he had told Singer to do. "No ... Singer! Wait!" Dean began to run down the aisle, his mind no longer on killing the Bishop.
Crowley emerged with a roar and tackled Dean. Dean fought madly – he had to reach Singer before he carried out his request – Dean knew he could never live with himself else. Crowley, however, would not give up. Fists and swords crashed wildly as the two men battle one another. Slamming Crowley to the ground again, Dean looked up to see a guard reaching for the bell ropes. He pulled his dagger and threw it with all the strength he had. It landed true and the man fell to the floor below. He heard Crowley's angered shout behind him and he turned. As they clashed again, Dean heard a sound that froze his blood in his veins. The bells.
"No! Stop!" Dean's voice reverberated through the church as the hateful sound pealed over the city. "No ... Sammy ..."
Dean stumbled toward the doors, not wanting to believe ... not daring to let himself realize what had happened. Singer would hear and he would end Sam's life. Because Dean asked it of him. Because Dean did not have the faith to believe in miracles. Tears streamed down his face as he whispered, "Bobby, make it quick."
Turning back into the church, Dean's purpose narrowed to one thing: killing the Bishop. Crowley never stood a chance. Dean's eyes blazed with righteous anger and his attacks held nothing back. The two men battled to the foot of the stage where the Bishop watched and Dean stumbled forward. He barely managed to roll away from Crowley's strike and grab the sword from the false captain's hands. Flipping it, Dean held the sword tightly and watched as Crowley impaled himself upon it. He shoved the corpse aside and stood, breathing heavily.
"Dean!"
Dean looked up to see Castiel toss his father's sword to him. He caught it easily and spun it in his hand – the heavy weight familiar and right. Dean walked over to Castiel and pulled the man to him in a hard kiss. He heard the gasps and cries of outrage but Dean no longer cared. He would not see this day out alive but he would not go without telling Castiel how he felt.
"I have condemned you to a Hell not of your making, Cas. For that please forgive me," Dean whispered. "I love you, my angel. I will always love you."
Castiel was stunned speechless. He did not understand what Dean meant but the pain in his lover's voice was obvious and sharp. He pressed his hand to Dean's cheek and nodded. "Do what you must, Dean. I will love you forever, curse or no curse."
Dean nodded and stalked over to the Bishop, his sword raised. The Bishop regarded him coolly.
"But Winchester ... kill me and the curse will go on forever. We must think of young Samuel."
Dean sneered. "Sam is dead." His heart broke uttering the words.
The Bishop's face twisted into a mockery of grief. His beautiful young man was gone ... forever out of his grasp. Dean snarled, "Damn you ... damn you to hell!"
Dean's sword arced through the air to split the Bishop's skull when a voice Dean had not heard in two years echoed through the church.
"Dean?"
Castiel and the entire gallery turned to see a tall young man walking down the center aisle. A sad look graced Sam's face and Dean sucked in a broken gasp. "Sammy ..."
Turning, he grabbed the Bishop and threw him to his knees. He shook the man fiercely. "Look at him!" Dean shouted.
The Bishop looked at Sam with terror-stricken eyes. Dean pivoted and put the tip of his sword to the Bishop's throat. "Look at me!" The disbelieving gaze focused on Dean slowly. Dean snarled at last, "Look at us!"
Dean turned his back on the man and walked toward his younger brother. Sam met his brother half-way and the two embraced tightly.
"Dean ... is it really over?" Sam asked, his eyes wet with tears.
"Yes, Sammy ... it's over ... finally ... it's over." Dean replied.
Sam looked over his brother's shoulder at the Bishop who stood shaking. His eyes went cold and he walked past Dean. The amber gaze never wavered as Sam walked steadily to stand before the Bishop. The man shivered at the utter disdain in Sam's eyes. Holding out his hand, Sam opened his fist to reveal the hood and jesses used to hold and control the hawk. He held them in front of the Bishop and then tossed them to the ground at his feet. The Bishop flinched at the obvious dismissal.
Sam turned and walked back to his brother. His smile was wide. Behind him, however, the Bishop's countenance was shifting and twisting as every dark intention came boiling up. His rage at being denied filled him and he suddenly lofted his staff like a javelin. "If I cannot have you, no one will!"
Dean's hand was on his sword ready to throw it when every other window in the church exploded.
"You. Will. Not. Harm. Them."
The voice was deep and rough – Dean would have recognized it anywhere. Castiel stood at the doors of the church. Gone was the meek mortal thief – Dean knew the man he was seeing now was the warrior angel Castiel was meant to be. The black wings protruded to either side of Castiel's body and his eyes glowed with an energy not of the world. A flutter of wings and Castiel stood over the now-cowering Bishop. Dean squinted, he thought he could see a wavering shadow beside the Bishop, but he couldn't trust his vision. Sam's hand was on his shoulder and the brothers exchanged looks before watching events unfold.
Castiel looked down at the man with a gaze that barely controlled his wrath. The Bishop began to plead and beg.
"Please do not kill me please forgive me please I was wrong ... I never intended ... forgive me forgive me forgive me," the man babbled. His sanity was only being held together by the thinnest of threads.
Castiel regarded the man curiously. "Forgiveness? You cursed two men because you could not have the one thing you wanted ... you ripped me, an angel of the Lord, from heaven and condemned me to life here as a mortal. You ask forgiveness ..." Castiel leaned in close to the Bishop's face. "Human, you have to have a soul for that."
With those words, Castiel glanced at the shadow hovering near him. The Bishop's scream echoed through the church as the shadow flowed into him and he vanished – his robes fell to the floor, empty.
Castiel turned and walked to the brothers where Sam stood with his arm around Dean's shoulders. Singer was beside them. Placing his hand on Dean's shoulder and Singer's, Castiel brought them out of the church and to the walkway on top of the Aquila city wall.
Dean blinked in the sudden sunlight. His heart, while filled with joy that his little brother was with him again, was breaking as he looked at the being that had been his lover for so short a time. Castiel looked at Dean. Taking his face in both hands, Castiel kissed him. The black wings enfolded them both, blocking out the world. Sam smiled as did Singer.
When they parted, Dean whispered, "Cas ... will you leave me now?"
Castiel regarded Dean with faint amusement. "Do you wish me to leave you, Dean?"
"No! Never! But ... you are ... and I am a man. And not a well-educated one at that." Dean said sadly.
Castiel smiled. "Dean ... remember that I said I was already in Aquila?"
"Yes. To find your human charge."
"Dean ... you are my human charge. My Father sent me here for you."
Dean blinked. "For me? But I'm no one special ..."
"You are to me, Dean. My Father is the Creator of everything ... do you suppose He did not know I would fall in love with you?" Castiel asks.
Dean shakes his head. "Does this mean you will stay?"
"For as long as you live, Dean," Castiel promised.
"What happens when I die?"
Castiel smiled and pressed another kiss to Dean's lips. "Your death will be the last time we are separated, Dean. I will never leave you. I will always love you."
"My beautiful angel ..." Dean said softly, his hand trembling as he ran his fingers over Castiel's lips.
Sam chuckled as the wings enveloping Dean shivered. Singer shook his head. "Only your brother could manage to test the resolve of an angel."
Sam smiled, his heart full for Dean and hopeful for the future. He closed his eyes and turned his face to the sun to bask in its warmth. A rustle of wings had him opening his eyes to see that Dean and Castiel were gone. He sighed and began to walk to one of the towers to return to the city. Singer ambled along beside him.
"I fully expect to see you both at the gates of Heaven," Singer said sternly.
"Castiel did a fair job picking the locks on the church doors – I'm sure we'll get in one way or another," Sam teased.
Singer's laughter rang over the parapets.