Chapter Six

The cold air chilled through him rapidly, making his skin turn bumpy but the tall man didn't seem to notice anything. It was as though he was somewhere else, a place where others could not see him. Lights blurred his vision, turning everything fuzzy.

Sam could feel his head spin out of control before his eyes and he was sure he knew the reason why. There was something he needed but first he needed to get Ruby out of the motel room and it was essential to get there before his brother did.

He was sure leaving when he did was the right decision, considering Castiel had just shown up. There was no way the angel would let his brother die. He cared about him too much. It was almost sickening that an angel of the Lord would willingly succumb to human and blasphemous behaviour.

He had to admit though, mainly he feared for his own immediate future if he hung around. If he had been stronger he would have stayed for a chat with Castiel. He did want another meeting with him, and alone would was preferable.

A car horn blared loudly as it whizzed past him, startling Sam. He had wandered out onto the road. He raced to the sidewalk, placing his hands in his jacket pockets and he hunched his shoulders forwards, as though not wanting to be seen. He looked down the street both ways frantically. He quickly made a decision of which way to go. He needed to get back to the motel room, so he needed a way to get there.

Sam looked up and down the darkish street again. Eventually he found the right car to take. It was out of the way and unguarded by other cars. Using his skills, the lock popped up with ease and he jumped in the driver's seat and took off before anyone noticed. The lights mostly blinded him still but it was almost as though the use of his eyes were unnecessary.

As Sam drove he took several deep breaths. Never did he imagine he would get here. He still remembered the day that Dean turned up at his apartment, saying he needed help in finding their dad. At first he thought it was just an excuse or some lame attempt at getting him away from his normal life.

Suddenly, Sam lashed out and hit the steering wheel with the palm of his hand, yelling out his frustrations. He never wanted this life. He didn't want to hunt down werewolves or vampires or demons and now slowly, he was turning into something else, something dark that he even scared him.

He was becoming his own worst enemy, perhaps Dean's as well, and maybe even his father's too if he was alive. Part of him was glad that his dad wasn't alive to see him now, or his mother for that fact. He could only imagine how disappointed both of them would be.

Already he had seen how disappointed his brother was with him. Too many times Sam had seen that look on Dean's face, that shocked and disappointed gaze in his green eyes. He sighed in irritation. He needed answers.

When he finally reached the motel he jumped out of the car, somehow slamming the door shut as he went and sprinted towards the correct room. Without giving it any thought, he kicked the door in violently. Both occupants' heads shot towards the doorway. Sam looked between both of them. A light smile flittered across his face when he saw the shocked look on Bobby's face. He had put his weapon down.

Ruby's neck almost snapped as a blur whizzed past her. Sam barrelled into Bobby, knocking both of them to the ground. Bobby attempted to reach for the gun as Sam straddled his lap. Sam breathed heavily as he grabbed Bobby's wrists and pinned his hands to the ground above his head. Sam quickly pulled his leg back and thrusted it forward, connecting to Bobby's stomach, winding the older hunter.

He gasped for air and Sam swiftly removed himself and got to his feet. He grabbed the gun and gripped it tightly as he walked back to Bobby and stood over him. He continued to ignore the scraping of Ruby's chair against the floor as she tried to get closer but the devil's trap stopping her. His tall frame loomed over Bobby. The hatred slowly leaving him as he continued to hear his gasping.

'Sam, please,' he whispered. 'This isn't you, you know it isn't.'

'Do it, Sam!' Ruby yelled. 'Don't think about it, just do it.'

'Sam...'

Sam's bottom lip trembled as tears stung the back of his eyes. 'I... I...' he stumbled.

'Come on, son,' Bobby said gently. 'There's no need for this.'

'Do it, Sam!' Ruby said more forcefully, now at the very edge of the markings, still trying to get closer, her eyes glowing a clear, dark black in her excitement.

'Do you know what's happening?' Sam asked Bobby, his voice raspy.

'Happening...? To what, Sam?' Bobby asked instantly in confusion.

'I need to know what's happening...' Sam cried out before Ruby could speak.

Bobby held up, his palms towards Sam to show he was no threat. 'Look, Sam, if you let me up, we can have a calm, friendly chat and we can call Dean-'

'NO!' Sam shouted, making everyone in the room jump, including himself. 'No,' he said, slightly calmer. 'I do not want Dean here.'

'Then how about we talk...' Bobby suggested quietly.

'There's nothing to talk about,' Sam said frantically.

'Don't you want to know what's happening?' Bobby asked quickly.

A yell of frustration echoed the room as Sam cried out. He turned swiftly and kicked the back leg of the bed violently, causing half the mattress to fall off the side. Sam ran his free hand through his hair, breathing heavily, panic etched in his features, wondering what his next move was. Sam closed his eyes for a few seconds before moving back towards Bobby. He swung the rifle in his hands and hit Bobby square in the forehead, knocking him unconscious.

Sam walked to Ruby and backhanded her across the cheek. She gasped and turned her head to look at Sam again. 'What the hell was that for?' she asked heatedly.

'You know exactly what's going on and you're going to tell me,' said Sam angrily.

'How about you untie me and we get out here first?' Ruby suggested. She could still feel the sting from the backhanded slap. She thought it was unwarranted. She only tried to get rid of someone Sam was once close to.

Sam moved swiftly and bent forwards, grabbing Ruby's hair, forcing her neck back. She gasped through an open mouth. Sam moved his face closer to hers, hissing through his teeth. Ruby looked at Sam, her eyes wide. She felt her blood run cold. This wasn't in her plans.

'Look, Sam,' she whispered, attempting to keep calm. 'Let's get out of here before Dean shows up and I'll explain everything.'

'Why don't you explain everything now?' Sam said forcefully.

'It will take too long-'

'You're lying,' Sam breathed dangerously.

'I'm sure Dean will burst through that door any second now and he may have his angel with him. We need to leave now!' she hissed through her teeth.

Sam paused for a moment, searching Ruby's face. 'Fine,' he said eventually. He realised his grip on her hair and he took a step back. Using the gun, he pointed the barrel towards the ceiling and fired off a shot. Ruby jumped and held her head against her chest, shielding herself from the falling debris. Sam stepped towards her again and hauled her to her feet. He tore the rope from her hands in one swipe before grabbing her upper arm, leading her towards the still open door.

'Sam!' Ruby screamed. 'Get off me!'

'Shut up!' Sam yelled back at her, yanking on her arm.

As soon as they left the motel room, Ruby went quiet and Sam stopped. 'What?' he asked quickly.

'I smell angel,' she whispered fearfully.

Sam swore under his breath. He pulled on Ruby's arm again and dragged her towards the same car he came in. He wrenched the driver's side door open and threw the rifle onto the back seat before shoving Ruby inside. She quickly scrambled to the other side and Sam got in the driver's seat, quickly starting to car, they left.


'Castiel!' Dean shouted to the black sky.

His green eyes wandered over the millions of stars wondering where the angel was. Three hours had now passed since Castiel left with the woman he used as a vessel and Dean was still calling for him to return. He had many questions and he was sure that Castiel was the best person available to answer them. Dean rubbed a hand through his short hair as a tired sigh left him. He shook his head slowly and went back inside the motel room.

He was unsure of what to do. He felt guilty for not realising that Sam wasn't with them until after Castiel had left. He had thought of looking for him but doing it alone wasn't a good idea and he knew both Castiel and Bobby would skin him alive if he tried, well, maybe Castiel wouldn't if he pleaded hard enough.

He tried calling Bobby an hour and a half ago but he got no answer but he was sure Bobby was just busy talking to Ruby or maybe he didn't hear his phone or ... Sam returned...

Dean shook himself from those bad thoughts. They weren't doing him any favours right now. He just needed to relax, especially after everything that's happened. Dean slowly walked towards the small fridge and he checked inside. His eyebrows rose in surprise. There was beer. He hesitantly took one out and opened it. He almost expected something to explode. Though when realising nothing was going to happen he drank from it, downing half of it in one go.

Slowly, Dean walked to the bed he used before and sat on the edge. He tried to keep his mind clear of recent events as he sat there but it was near impossible. He finished off the beer quickly and placed the now empty bottle on the bedside table, smiling inwardly when he heard it clunk.

Dean pulled his phone from his pocket and dialled Bobby's number. It rang out. Dean exhaled heavily and punched in the number again.

'Come on, pick up,' Dean muttered.

But still there was no answer. 'Damn it,' Dean exclaimed, throwing his phone on the bed space beside him. He rubbed his face with his palms vigorously before picking up his phone again, along with his car keys. He felt as though he couldn't afford to wait any longer. He didn't like sitting here inactive when possibly, there are things he could be doing.

He left the motel room subtly and walked towards his car. Looking it over made him smile inside. He didn't question himself on how Castiel got it and where he got it from or even how. A frown appeared on his face for a few seconds as he wondered if Castiel had driven his car. Could angels drive? He was just thankful to have it back. He jumped into the front seat and he carefully turned the key. Hearing the familiar rumbling made him grin outwardly. He sighed in slight happiness before leaving.


The gravel beneath his feet crunched dryly and it echoed in his ears though it disturbed no one around him as there was no one around to interrupt. They had travelled faster and further than he would have thought possible. The location was deep into the middle of nowhere.

Before him lay dark grassy plains and trees more than twice his size. The dark grey clouds loomed menacingly in the sky, threatening to drench him. As though on cue, thunder rolled in the sky, telling him that the threat was about to become real.

Castiel stood stiffly out in the open as he looked ahead. They had driven up through the mountains and eventually arrived here. The house sat at the end, near the edge of the rocky cliff. When the house finally came into sight Castiel looked it over cautiously. He didn't want to make a mistake so soon and blow his cover so quickly.

When he thought it safe he concealed himself the best he could and stood beside an open window. Slowly he turned to look inside but he abruptly turned away. There were two people in there. The same two people he had been searching for. He was about to move until he heard them speak.

'Now tell me what I want to know!' Sam said firmly.

'What do you want me to say?' was Ruby's hard reply.

'I want you to tell me what's going on, the truth this time.'

'I've been truthful with you-'

A loud smack echoed the room.

'And stop hitting me!' Ruby shouted, her voice on the edge of shaking.

'Then start being honest!'

'I haven't-'

'Don't you dare lie to me anymore.'

'I'm not.'

'Liar,' Sam breathed, his warm breath hitting her face.

'Could you let me get a word in, please?' Ruby asked in frustration.

The room turned silent and Castiel frowned faintly. Slowly, he turned to look in the room again. Both occupants were on their feet and Sam had Ruby pinned up against a blank, cream coloured walls. Both of them were wearing minimal clothing; Sam only in his jeans and Ruby in white panties and matching singlet. Castiel's frown deepened. He could just guess what they've been up to since arriving here.

He watched as Sam brought his hand up to gently stroke Ruby's cheek. His mouth was moving but Castiel could hear nothing. The look on Sam's face was set in complete determination. Castiel was sure he had been given another hit of what he thought he needed.

Slowly, Sam's hand moved around the back of Ruby's neck and suddenly, he squeezed tightly. Ruby gasped and her eyes widened.

'Sam,' she gasped audibly. 'You need to let go of me.'

'Well you need to tell me what I wish to know or I won't be letting you go.'

'Sam...' Ruby gasped. Sam didn't realise her. 'Alright!' Ruby yelled eventually. Sam let go and breathed heavily. 'But you'll need to wait.'

'Why?' Sam asked, anger flashing in his eyes.

'Because we have company,' Ruby replied instantly.

'What? Who?' Sam asked quickly, his eyes widening in alarm.

'We're being followed. I smell angel again. I believe we're gonna have to fight our way out.'


The Impala's engine went silent as Dean pulled into the motel parking lot. He slowly exited the car and walked towards the room they had been in before. Somehow it seemed so long ago that he was here. Dean's eyes narrowed slightly when he realised quickly that something wasn't right. The door was open and the light was on but there appeared to be no movement inside.

Dean took his gun from his pocket and approached the rest of the way stealthy. But when he realised that Bobby was the only person inside he put his gun away and ran into the room. He knelt beside Bobby and checked his pulse. Dean breathed a small sigh of relief when he felt it beat against his fingers. He looked to Bobby's chest and knew he was breathing when it rised and fell. Quickly, Dean then ran his hands over the older man's body, just checking there were no bullets wounds or blood.

When he knew for sure everything was alright he breathed a heavy sigh of relief. He went to the small bathroom and took a small washcloth off the basin and wet it gently before going back into the main room to place it on Bobby's forehead. When Dean straightened he looked to the ceiling. The devil's trap was no longer in one large piece. Dean frowned faintly before he looked around. The rifle was missing.

Dean sighed for the third time in five minutes but this time it was in annoyance. There was only one answer why the devil's trap was destroyed, Ruby was gone and Bobby was lying on the floor unconscious. Sam. It had to be. Dean swore under his breath. More than ever he wanted this to be over. He wanted Ruby dead, Castiel back to his normal self and for Sam to be his brother again.

Suddenly, there was a slight groan from the floor, making Dean jump. He turned and saw Bobby attempting to move.

'Do you plan on helping, boy, or are you gonna stand there and watch?' rasped Bobby.

Dean went to Bobby's side and helped him onto the bed. He waited until the older hunter settled before he stood back a little. 'What happened, Bobby?' Dean asked, not able to wait much longer.

'I'm pretty sure you can see that for yourself,' Bobby replied.

'Did Sam say anything?'

Bobby shrugged as he tried to remember. 'Yeah, well not really, he seemed more confused than anything else. I think he was going through a withdrawal. He was sweating and his eyes... he seemed unfocused.'

'Yeah, well, I bet hanging out with Ruby isn't helping. She's doing something to him.'

'The demon blood is the thing that's doing it...'

'Yeah, but Ruby started it,' Dean said quickly. 'We have to find him.'

The room turned silent except for the door creaking as Dean closed it and odd car or truck that passed on the road. Dean watched as Bobby rubbed his forehead, presumably the place where Sam had hit him. Judging from Sam's actions, he was sure part of his brother was still there. He still had a conscious.

'Where's your angel?' Bobby asked quietly.

'Not with me, obviously,' said Dean, attempting to deflect the conversation but it didn't work.

'What happened? You did find Jimmy, right? Why don't you tell me what happened with you? You look like you went ten rounds with Muhammad Ali.'

'One thing at a time Bobby,' Dean muttered quickly. 'Yes, we did find Jimmy. He was being held by a demon named Viktor. I can't say how many times he tortured Jimmy and I didn't ask.'

'Why?' asked Bobby quickly.

Dean shrugged and looked away momentarily. 'It felt too personal, I guess. Sam and I rushed in there, got ambushed by two other demons. The one that attacked Sam got his neck broken and I'm guessing the demon left and the one that attacked me beat the crap out of me before Castiel came back, in a female vessel and sent the demon back to hell. I'm sure it was at that time that Sam left. A bright, white light filled the room, Viktor was burnt nice and crispy and Cas spoke with Jimmy before he got both of us out of there.'

'A bright light?' Bobby asked, deep in thought. 'What was the bright light?'

Dean shrugged. 'I really don't know. It surprised me. At first I thought Cas was doing it but now I'm not so sure.'

Bobby nodded slowly. 'So, where did he take you?' he asked slowly as he took everything in.

'To another motel,' Dean replied with a sharp exhale. 'He healed both Jimmy and I enough so we wouldn't die. I don't know if he'd get into trouble for that, maybe it's why he's not around.'

'Perhaps he went after Sam,' Bobby suggested quickly.

'He wouldn't go without me,' Dean said almost angrily.

'Wouldn't he?' Bobby asked, eyebrows rising slightly. 'I think he knows your feelings when it comes to Sam and perhaps he knows you won't have the stomach to do what needs to be done.'

'What needs to be done?' Dean asked, his voice tight and restrained. 'And what exactly needs to be done, Bobby?'

'Dean... he needs to be stopped, you know that.'

'Yeah, I do,' Dean said quickly. 'But he doesn't need to die for that to happen. Castiel's an angel, I'm sure there's more that he can do.'

'We could say that about a lot of the situations you've faced,' said Bobby, looking slightly discouraged.

'I know,' Dean breathed tiredly. He took a step closer to Bobby, causing the older hunter to look up at him more directly. 'Bobby,' he said slowly. 'We need to find Sam. If Cas has gone to find him then I want to help. I want to be there.'

'You don't want him to kill Sam?'

'And what, you do?' Dean asked angrily.

'No, of course not!' Bobby said loudly.

'Then we go find him,' Dean spoke clearly. 'And we go now.'


Sounds of panic filled the room as Sam and Ruby rushed around the room. Castiel watched them curiously. Sam hastily put on his red shirt before forcing his shoes on roughly as Ruby ran from the room. Castiel didn't want them to have another chance of escaping but he knew besides the cliff side there really was nowhere for them to go anymore.

Castiel moved from the window and walked away from the two-storey house and down the narrow gravel pathway. Castiel glanced down the path opposite the house. The driveway was all the way down there. Part of him hoped that Dean would stay away and let him handle this. Many times since he followed Sam here he wondered if not telling Dean was the right thing to do. He stood a fair way down away from the house and he waited.

As he predicted the doors open with a loud bang and Sam came running out onto the porch. Sam instantly stopped when he spotted a figure standing on the gravel footpath. He frowned faintly, wondering who the person was. His heart slowed temporarily at the possibility of the person being Dean.

Slowly, Sam made his way down the stairs, cautiously looking around him, as though expecting more people to jump out and grab him. He walked towards the figure, which remained still. Sam came to a stop when he realised who the person was.

'Why if it isn't my favourite angel... Castiel,' Sam said with a small smile.

'Where is Ruby, Sam?' Castiel asked, his tone gruff and resolute.

'She's around,' Sam replied vaguely. 'I see they let you come back, as did Jimmy.'

'I haven't fallen.'

'But you were close, weren't you?' Sam asked, his eyes dancing with glee. 'I suppose all you need is a little push...'

'Was it always your intention? To see me fall?' Castiel asked calmly.

'Not at first, perhaps, but it was Ruby's plan,' Sam said honestly. 'She wanted you out of the way and I agreed with her. You're too close to my brother.'

'I haven't taken him away from you...'

Castiel's sentence trailed off when Sam held a hand up. 'I don't want to hear any of your pathetic attempts to explain your actions. I just want you gone.'

'I cannot do that, Sam,' Castiel said quickly. 'I have a responsibility to your brother.'

'Why?' Sam asked roughly.

'I pulled him from hell and he is now in my charge,' Castiel answered. 'There are bigger things happening here.'

'Such as?'

'Lilith, Lucifer, the apocalypse, where should I begin Sam?' Castiel asked modestly.

'Ruby and I are onto Lilith,' Sam said confidently.

'It does not seem like it,' Castiel commented. 'It feels as though you're more concerned with getting me out of the way.'

'I need Dean and he needs me. We need to help each other in this coming war.'

'Dean will not work with you if Ruby is around,' Castiel said slowly. 'Tell me where she is.'

There was a silent pause. 'Do you know what's happening?'

'To you?' Castiel asked. Sam only nodded in reply. 'Yes, I know what's happening to you.'

Sam waited but Castiel did not continue. 'Tell me,' he grounded out, his jaw clenched tightly.

'No,' Castiel said firmly. 'First you need to let me help you.'

'You, help me? Are you serious?' Sam chuckled.

'I hold no grudge...'

'I don't believe that for a second,' Sam interrupted. 'You may be an angel but don't pretend to be above or better than me. You're not so innocent.'

Castiel sighed in faint annoyance. 'After... it happened I felt ashamed. I was called back to heaven to answer their questions on how I let such a thing happen in the first place. They considered not allowing me back and I will admit, for a short time I wanted nothing but revenge on you but it was wrong. You are not to blame for being manipulated.' Castiel seemed to hesitate before saying more. 'You followed Ruby with almost no questions. I quickly wondered why, how she could do it so easily but when learning about the demon blood, it became clear. Your actions were not entirely your own.'

'Stop!' Sam yelled, throwing his hands up into the air. Castiel instantly knew he was right. 'I don't want to hear anymore of your blabbering.'

Within seconds, Sam closed the gap between him and the angel. He grabbed the front of Castiel's clothing and flung him to the side. Castiel hit the ground hard and his body rolled, causing the grass to stain his trench coat on the place he first hit the ground.

He swiftly got back to his feet and Sam advanced swinging. His fist connected to his opponent's cheek. He swung a second time, hitting him again. The third one came towards him but Castiel blocked it, grabbing Sam's other arm and drawing him closer before kneeing Sam in the stomach.

Sam wheezed and doubled over as Castiel took a step back, both of them panting heavily. Castiel's blue eyes didn't once leave Sam as he continued to watch him. He stumbled away from the angel, still holding his stomach.

'This is not how it needs to be,' Castiel said softly. 'I do not want to fight you.'

Sam eventually stood tall again. 'You know... I've kept wondering if you and I would have another meeting, alone... and here we are.'

Castiel said nothing.

Sam gave a short chuckle. 'What? Got nothing to say?'

'Sam, what you did to me and Jimmy was...'

'Unforgiveable? Inconceivable? Implausible? Remorseless? Vindictive? Which word do you think suits the situation better?' Sam asked, smiling once more.

'Sam...' Castiel whispered shaking his head slowly, sadness present in his eyes. 'Do you feel no remorse? Do you not care about the trouble this has caused?'

Sam shrugged, his smile still present. 'You're an angel!' Sam shouted to the dark sky. 'Why the hell does it matter? You're not human, you're not even alive!'

'What about Jimmy?' Castiel asked calmly.

'What about him?' Sam asked callously. 'He's no longer in control. You are. He won't be the same again, his life won't ever be as it once was.'

Castiel felt anger rush through him as he momentarily looked down to the ground before averting his eyes back to Sam. No matter how true Sam's statements were it didn't change the fact that what he did was wrong and he knew what had to be done. Sam needed to be stopped. As his thoughts turned to Ruby his eyes flickered to the side of the house. She was standing there watching.

Castiel frowned faintly but had no time to think of the situation more as he was knocked to the ground. He groaned as a heavy weight crushed against him. He attempted to push Sam off using his arm but was unsuccessful. Sam grabbed Castiel's arms and manoeuvring the angel like a rag doll he turned him onto his stomach. Sam clamped his legs closed on Castiel's hips as he pressed his hands into the angel's back, keeping him as steady as possible.

'I think I like this position,' Sam whispered crudely.

Sam's face lit up with glee when he heard a small strangled cry from Castiel's throat. It almost felt like old times, except this was outside in the cold and on the soft, green grass. Sam bent down and put his face to Castiel's neck. He sniffed for a moment before licking the bare skin. He heard Castiel's breath hitch in his throat.

'Hmm... you still taste so nice...'

Castiel's eyes closed as he swallowed hard. He bucked his body upwards, causing slight friction against Sam's. The young hunter chuckled low in his throat, making it almost sound like a growl.

'Keep doing that all you want, my little angel...'

Suddenly, a new sound filled the air. It made both Castiel and Sam looked up. The sound was a little too familiar. Sam swore under his breath but he stayed where he was, knowing that Dean would have to choose. When the car finally came into view the tires skidded to a halt and both of them watched as two people jumped from the car, weapons in hand.

They came rushing towards both of them. Quickly it was confirmed to be Dean and Bobby. Dean quickly pointed to the side of the house. 'Bobby, go after Ruby!' he yelled.

With nothing being said Bobby raced towards Ruby. Her eyes narrowed angrily before turning to run. Dean gradually slowed down as he reached Castiel and Sam. He looked both of them over. Neither of them looked very good right now.

'Hello, Dean,' Sam said cheerily.

'Sam, let him go,' Dean said instantly.

'I don't think so,' Sam said quickly. 'It's time for you to make a decision.'

'What are you talking about?'

Sam took his hands off Castiel's back and moved them to hold under his head, just like he had with the demon's neck he broke. 'Shoot one of us...'

Green eyes met blue and Dean exhaled shakily. He knew that shooting Castiel would have no effect but he knew that at the moment, this wasn't Sam. But if he shot his brother, there was a chance it would kill him. Dean licked his dry lips as his hands tightened around the shot gun as he tried to make a decision.

'Shoot him,' Castiel started. A few of Sam's fingers pressed against his vocal cords. 'H...e... wi...ll... l...ive.'

The fingers tightened and Dean made a decision. If he heard Castiel correctly then it shouldn't matter. He pointed the barrel at Sam and aimed. Sam looked up at him, not even attempting to move. Hesitantly, Dean pulled the trigger. The gun exploded through the air and the bullet hit Sam.

A strangled gasp came from Sam's mouth as soon as the bullet hit his chest and he fell backwards. More thunder rolled in the sky again and this time it was promptly followed by the down pouring of the rain that the dark grey clouds were holding onto to.

A single tear ran down Dean's cheek as the gun fell from his hands, landing onto the soft grass. Castiel panted as he fell forwards against the ground. Dean remained still as his eyes lingered on his brother's still form.