Sorry, was gonna post this Monday but forgot the dang flashdrive AGAIN. Apologies. Here's the new chapter! Enjoy.
A guy goes to sleep early one night and he wakes up to find that his dad, uncle, God, and the Devil have come up with a plan that includes powerful witches, the King of Hell and his demons, and the angels all working together to weaken God's sister to the point where she'll be easy to kill by God and the Devil. But it hinges on all of them working together.
Ben can just imagine Krissy's reaction to hearing this plan, and Claire. He can imagine the twin looks of skeptical disbelief that his dad and friends think the plan will work, like they're seriously second guessing whether or not his dad is insane.
He can't blame them.
A witch named Rowena, coincidentally the mother of the King of Hell, and a couple of her powerful witch sisters are to use a spell to be the first step to weaken Amara while the angels and demons work together to batter down Amara's defenses even more and then God and Lucifer lay the final blow, thus saving the world until the next apocalypse.
And yes, he just used the word thus in a sentence. Maria would be so proud.
Ben smiled at the thought of his foster mother only to have it slip off a second later. He misses her and Logan. He misses them so much. They were good to him. Would his dad let him visit them every now and then?
It's all a waiting game now. Ben's just not sure he likes how fast things have accelerated since he went to bed last night. In a way he's happy with it, things will come to end soon, but he's also terrified that by everything speeding up something will go horribly wrong and he could lose his dad and uncle one fell swoop, leaving him an orphan once more.
He doesn't want to be alone again. He barely handled losing his mother but he knew, deep down, that his dad is still out there somewhere waiting for Ben to come find him, but if he loses his dad and uncle, he'll have no one left. Knowing his dad was out there kept Ben going.
What if it doesn't work and Amara kills everyone?
Krissy. Claire. Alex. Jody. Logan and Maria. They can all die tomorrow and there is nothing he can do about it. He can't even say anything to them.
Krissy's smile, Claire's smirk, Alex's wide grin, and Jody's fondly amused expression flashed across his eyes, kicking him in the gut. They can't lose. Krissy and Claire and everybody can't die because they failed. He can't let his foster parents die. He can't. No one is dying, dammit.
Krissy wanted to scream, to punch Claire in the smug face, and she desperately wanted to leave Sioux Falls and go find Ben. He's in danger, has been in danger if she's being honest, and it doesn't feel right being away from him. She should have just stayed with him, regardless of anything else. They would be together facing against the Big Bad with Dean's dad and uncle and whatever allies they've recruited, but she should be there. With Ben. Not here trapped in a house with fog that won't go away.
Over on the TV newscasters are talking with "experts" about the 'The Fog That Won't Leave', and yes, they say it with all caps. Although the fog is no longer toxic, it is rather dense and clogs the throat when people venture outside, so residents are told to stay inside until further notice, and if they have to leave, people are to use face masks, or oxygen masks if they have them.
Jody hid all hers to keep Krissy and Claire from stealing them and taking off after Ben.
There's still tension between the two young hunters but overall they do get along. All their problems get pushed aside whenever Ben's safety comes to mind but rises concerning anything else Ben-related, and Alex has had it with the all the back-and-forth over what to do about their wayward friend.
Every call to Ben's cell is immediately sent to voicemail and Krissy can't track it because it's turned off. It is driving her a little crazy with worry that she can't know for sure that Ben is indeed with Dean. No matter what Jody said.
She never should have let Ben go on his own.
Needing to do something, Krissy strode to the door and screamed out into the fog all the anger, self-recrimination, and fear she had since she got separated from her boyfriend. The scream had the hairs rising on the backs of Claire, Jody and Alex's necks.
Claire couldn't suppress the shiver that ran through her body at the sound. For the first time since meeting her, Claire might actually be a little afraid of Krissy Chambers. There is something a little dangerous in that scream, like Krissy will do anything to get back with Ben, and that has Claire feeling grudgingly admiring of the dark haired hunter.
If anyone can find Ben and take care of him, Krissy has shown she's more than capable of doing so. Does it irk Claire that Krissy succeeded where she failed? Yes, but she can see now with perfect clarity that she and Ben could have never worked as seamlessly as he did with Krissy. Too many issues between Claire and Castiel and Dean for them to be an effective team. Ben deserves someone who would care about him for him, not because of who his family is. Claire's not it, but she can be the best friend he'll ever have.
Krissy slammed the door shut hard enough to rattle the whole house. It brought Claire back to the present and saw Jody do the same thing from her position on her favorite chair. Jody shook her head and summoned a smile for Claire and the others.
"The Winchesters will fix it. The fog will go away, you'll see, and once that's done. We will go see Ben, I promise."
The brunette scowled but nodded her head in agreement. Claire nodded too when Jody glanced at her, and Alex dipped her head slightly. She's coming along with them. Ben is her friend, not just Claire's. Alex cares about Ben just as much as Claire does.
Krissy threw herself onto the couch with a frustrated huff. The other women surrounding her gave varying looks of sympathy and understanding, and it soothed the rising rage inside her until it banked back enough where her breathing returned to normal and the urge to kill everything in her path that lies between her and Ben abates.
"Why can't I call the Winchesters to see if Ben's okay?" asked Krissy. Her stomach is in knots and she is one second away from throwing up.
"Because their phones are off," Jody explained for the fifth time that day. "Pretty sure they don't want to get distracted from their mission. They're going to stop God's sister, get rid of the fog, and maybe bring Ben back to us. Logan and Maria are still looking for him," she said sadly.
She still feels guilt over the Marks' grief and worry over their missing foster son. Jody can see it in Maria's eyes, that she believes Ben is dead. That is like a stab to the heart every time she sees the petite brunette. Logan is the opposite. He believes Ben is alive somewhere out there waiting for them to come find him.
Jody knows the truth and she can't tell them. It would put them in danger. Ben would never forgive her if they died on her watch. Neither would his dad and uncle.
Ben will have to tell them himself whenever the Winchesters deem it safe enough for Ben to return to Sioux Falls.
Krissy frowned at Ben's foster parents' names. Her own guilt sneaking up on her. Ben had talked about them, usually in a sad voice. She hadn't given them much thought and Ben only mentioned them a could of times before he just stopped talking about them all together. It never occurred to her to wonder why that was.
"What - What do they look like? Ben's foster parents." Krissy never had seen a picture of them or even asked Ben what they looked like, deeming it unimportant at the time.
Jody tilted her head in thought. "Logan is average height with broad shoulders, built like a linebacker, and Maria is curvy with light brown hair. They're very happy-go-lucky if a little abrupt at times but once you're theirs, you're theirs for life. Logan still has hope of finding Ben. He refuses to believe Ben is gone for good."
"And Maria?"
"Maria," Jody sighs, "is believing that Ben will come home because Logan believes."
Krissy nodded because what could she say to that?
Closing her eyes, the dark haired hunter got comfortable on the couch and let her mind make lists of all the things she needs to gather once the fog dissipates. She's out of here the second that happens, and the women in this house will not stop her. Her backpack is already half-full of weapons and some snack and power bars. Krissy is still trying to figure out how to put a couple of bottles of water into her bag without weighing it down to the point where she'll topple backwards as soon as she puts the pack on.
"You're not going to get to him before they kill the Big Bad, you know that, right?" Claire spoke up suddenly. "I see that look, and I know what that means. You're gonna go after Ben as soon as the fog lets up, aren't you? Don't think we haven't thought of that?" asked the blonde hunter with a scoff. "Please, like we haven't all thought about doing that exact same thing."
Krissy scowled at Claire, promising retribution at a later date. Preferably when she had Ben back where he belongs, right by her side.
Or so she thinks when the sky turns red and the fog disappears.
Dean almost flinched from Ben's anger at being left behind at the bunker when everything went down. Chuck is hurt, weakened, because of them. Their plan failed. Horribly.
As angry as Ben may be for being essentially locked in his room, Dean breathed easier knowing his son was safe while they confronted Amara. It didn't soothe his worries though when Amara turned out to be far more powerful than they anticipated. She bore the weight of their blows with cuts and bruises that looked far worse than it actually was, and she fought back, handing them their asses with minimal effort. But the blow she dealt Chuck, and the sky turning red, Dean knew their time was up.
He failed to save his son.
Guilt and failure slammed their mighty fist into his stomach then reached inside his chest and gripped his heart tight, twisting it viciously. Dean can practically hear and feel Lisa's disappointment and righteous wrath searing him from above, no doubt wailing in rage at his incompetency to protect their son. No wonder she kept Ben from him.
Ben is standing in front of him, feet apart and shoulders back, his entire stance screaming defiance and anger.
"Why did you leave me?"
Dean sighed. He was kind of hoping this talk would take place after they found a breather. He lifted his gaze and met his son's glittering brown eyes, the anger banked back enough for him to listen for Dean's explanation and those eyes pin him down like his mother's when the answer she wants from him better be the right one.
"I wasn't going to take you into a dangerous situation," Dean said tiredly. It's soul deep. If it wasn't for Ben, he'd give up and accept death like a friend. "And please don't even think about arguing against me. We had a plan, it failed, and you were here, safe."
Ben threw a disgruntled look at his dad. He couldn't argue against that, no matter how much he wants to. He really, really wants say he's not a child anymore but he has a feeling that argument won't work. In fact, that statement might actually cut his dad deep and that's the last thing he ever wants to do. Hurting his dad was never on his agenda.
Dean watched his son have an internal war with himself. His lips curled up at the edges in a faint grin, Ben has Lisa's thinking face but his dad's posture. There's a hint of John Winchester in his son.
Dad would know what to do, the errant thought entering Dean's mind. He would. That was the one thing his dad had going for him, he knew what what he was doing, or so he projected. That's something he wished John had taught him before dying. He needs fatherly advice to raise his child.
Dammit, Dad, why couldn't have been more of a father than a drill sergeant? None of what you taught me has prepared me for fatherhood. How am I supposed to save the world and make sure Ben doesn't hate me in the end?
He doesn't want his relationship with Ben to end up like Dad and Sam's. It took Dad dying for them to even come close to making up.
Not that it matters if they can't find some way - a hail Mary - to defeat Amara. His son could die tomorrow because he's a failure. He'd rather die than see that look of trust turn into fear and horror at Dean failing him. He'd die if it meant protecting Ben. In a heartbeat. No hesitation. Anything and everything for his son. Sam'll take care of him, Cas, too, now that they have him back. Amara either killed or banished Lucifer out of Cas's body. Those two will ensure his son grows up safe, to live a long, happy life.
"Do you want to meet Cas, properly?" Dean asked suddenly, needing to get away from his spiraling thoughts.
Ben's face twisted as he shifted from emotion to emotion at the sound of the angel's name. Dean patiently waited for his son's response. Finally, Ben nodded, and Dean grinned widely.
"Come on, then. Cas wants to meet you as well." There's amusement in his dad's voice, but also tension. Like it's a test of some sort.
Dean lead the way, hiding a grin at Ben instinctively flanking him, like Sam would, and like Dean did for his dad. Larger footsteps appeared on Dean's left, a half-step behind Ben. Sam. Of course. His little brother does know him so well, Dean thought with a smile. He had to have known that Dean was going to introduce, properly, Ben and Castiel.
Ben's footsteps faltered slightly when he realized they were heading towards the kitchen. Dean reached back without looking and snagged Ben's wrist, pulling him close. Ben had nothing to fear from Cas.
Cas looked up from his brooding stare off with the kitchen table to lock eyes with Dean, holding it until Dean stopped in front of him and slid into the seat across. Ben copied his dad while Sam moved to sit next to Cas, to show there is no blame and that Sam will defend Cas should Ben get too angry. It warmed Dean's chest to see his little brother be the diplomat he was born to be.
"Hello, Ben," came the gravelly reply, it had Dean smiling like an idiot. Sam too. They missed their angel so much. "I'm glad you're safe and reunited with Dean...and I'm sorry about your mother."
Ben took in a sharp breath as he blinked away tears. This is the angel that his dad trusted, that his uncle trusted, and this is the angel that took away his memories of the most amazing father in the world. He didn't know how to feel. A part of him wants to shoot across the table and hug the angel while another part wants to reach across and deck him, and judging by the subtle shifting of his uncle's weight to a more ready position, those thoughts are blaring loudly across his face.
A large, calloused hand settled over Ben's, bringing attention to the fists he unconsciously balled them into. Releasing a shuddering breath, Ben slowly unfurled his hands and shifted his body towards his father, seeking guidance.
"You're supposed to say hi," Dean chided jokingly, bringing a huff from Ben.
"Hi," Ben parroted dutifully, "and thanks. For the condolences. Not for robbing me of memories of my dad and for not helping he out whenever I called for you. Those, I'm still waiting for an apology for."
Dean's snort had Sam throwing a bitchface at him. Dean shrugged it off.
But...
"That was never Cas's fault," Dean told Ben. He grasped Ben's hand briefly before letting go. "He did it at my request."
Ben lifted his shoulders briefly, bringing them up past his ears. "Messenger and all," he mumbled, face heating up. His finger danced across the tabletop, playing a melody only he can hear, briefly wishing he'd paid more attention during his piano lessons when he was younger. He could write a symphony with thundrous drums and clashing symbols and haunting flutes. The plucks of a harp and the bellows of trumpets gearing up for battle. He could be writing that right now.
"I'm sorry," Ben mumbled, only a little louder than last time.
Castiel stared sadly at Dean's child. A perfect blend of Dean Winchester and Lisa Braeden and not just in looks but in personality too. He also inherited the Winchester curse. He had hoped that the Braeden bloodline would assert itself over the Winchester one. No. The boy is a Winchester through and through.
Ben flicked his eyes up and got caught in Castiel's gaze. Ancient eyes stared back at him, eons swim within those blue orbs, and there is sympathy in them. They're so sad but when those eyes glance over to his father, a warmth and something else shine out of them, and suddenly Ben understands. It slams into him like a mack truck as immense sympathy washes over him. It explains so much about the angel and why he seemingly attached himself to Dean. He bets the angel doesn't even know why he does what he does for his dad.
Any anger Ben had towards the angel evaporates on the spot. Poor celestial being.
The tension in the room disappeared, breaking the staring contest between his dad and Castiel and with his uncle's stare off with the table. They all looked up with wide, confused eyes and focused on Ben.
"'M not mad at him anymore," Ben explained softly. He ducked his head shyly when he saw the warmth in his dad and uncle's eyes, and the relief in Castiel's. Ben decided to tactfully change the subject. "So, how do we stop Amara now?"
Castiel and Sam shrugged, an exhausted look momentarily clouding their features that spoke volumes while his dad went rigid then suspiciously blank. Ben doesn't know his dad that well but even he hears the warning bells going off in his head, but before he can comment on it to his uncle and Castiel, the look is gone and an equally exhausted expression resides on his dad's face.
"Can God summon a black hole and we just...push her in it?"
Ben's question had all three men chuckling. It was Castiel that answered.
"No, Ben, then the whole world would be destroyed. Not even God can stop a black hole."
"Hmph," grumbled Ben. He crossed his arms and sat back in his chair waiting for any of the older men to volunteer ideas, a smirk growing when they started to look frustrated, save for his dad. His dad bit his lip and tapped his chin rhythmically, a calculating expression and an unfocused look in his eyes. Ben bit back a grin at seeing his dad's Thinking Face for the first time.
Then something bizarre happened, his dad's gaze focused and Castiel and Uncle Sam's eyes snapped to his dad with furrowed eyebrows. There's a series of head movements, quirked eyebrows, hand gestures and shrugs that left Ben watching them with wide eyes.
He wants that. That's what he's been craving. A connection deep enough where no talking is needed. It's the same connection he shared with his mom.
Dean snapped his eyes towards Ben a little guiltily before flicking them back to Uncle Sam and Castiel, and another bout of nonverbal communication that lasted several minutes then Uncle Sam scowled darkly and Castiel closed his eyes in resignation. The not-so-triumphant look on his dad's face had Ben fighting the urge to scream and demand they tell him what just happened and is he going to like it. Will the plan they came up with work or is Ben going to see his family and the sky again for the last time?
"Ben, go check on Chuck and Rowena," his dad ordered. Ben balked at being dismissed but the glint in his dad's eye had Ben snapping his mouth shut and stomping off towards the library.
"He's not going to like it," is the first thing Sam says as soon as Ben is out of earshot. "He's really really not going to like it."
An explosive sigh escapes Dean before he answers. "I know. Believe me, I know. We'll discuss it with Chuck and Rowena, after we send Ben on a supply run. I'll tell him when we have everything prepared." There's heaviness settling over Dean, and he whispers to the two people he trusts most in the world, "He's going to hate me. We just got reunited and now I'm going off to die. One day, Sam, Cas, that's all I get with my boy, and then it's lights out for good. Resurrection for me. He'll never forgive me."
"Perhaps," Cas says tentatively, "but he'll always remember you as a hero."
"Just not a good dad," Dean sighed regretfully. "Lisa's probably going to slap the shit out of me the second she sees me."
Sam snorted then sobered. "We don't know that. Maybe Mom and Dad'll stop her before she even raises her hand," he offered with a sad grin. He's losing his brother...again. Cas is losing Dean. Ben is losing Dean. The world in general will lose its greatest warrior and biggest protector.
"If it works, Sammy, I want you to send Ben to his foster parents. They'll raise him right, but you damn well better be a part of his life. Both of you," Dean said, pinning them down with his intense gaze. "My son won't be left alone in this world, you hear me. You will make him stop hunting and you will help him achieve his dreams. You will bring starlight or move mountains to show him he will never be alone again, and you tell Jody this is her second chance to watch over my son."
With that, Dean gets up and strides out of the room. Neither Sam nor Castiel see the tears in his eyes or know the ache in his throat or feel the breaking of his heart at leaving his son once more.
And next Dean goes through with the plan Ben is absolutely going to hate.