OK, so I wasn't even thinking when I posted the last chapter because I forgot to post the translation of the Latin with it! *facepalm* So I went back and translated it and I'm sorry if it's not 100% perfect because I don't actually remember what I wrote and the program I use to write the Latin doesn't always translate things back the way I originally write them:
(Rough)Translation: "I am Lucifer, Lord and Ruler of the Underdark. Your grace will be removed as you are unworthy. I punish you in the name our Father for your transgressions, Zachariah. You will be no more!"
Chapter 32
Dean drove through the desolate countryside with no signs of civilization in sight except for the occasional road sign indicating just how far away the next town was. He was alone and while it was lonely traveling by himself, it also gave him a chance to reflect not only on recent events, but all of the events that had led up to this point.
He had lost so much. And he was so tired. Tired of the fight that seemed to get them nowhere. He had lost his mother. His father. So many friends. And even Sam. Yes, he was getting better and was no longer under the influence of Ruby and the demon blood, but his brother, the brother Dean had always known, had died the day the Hellhounds came for Dean's soul.
And now Castiel had been taken by Lucifer. The angel who had given up his entire existence for him… the angel who had become both a friend and lover… gone. And for what? Because Dean couldn't keep his cool for once. Because he had to be a dick and say things he didn't mean.
He had stopped by Bobby's before heading to Utah because he wanted to check on Sam himself. He needed to be reassured that something was going right. And Sam had looked better. A lot better. But despite everyone's insistence Dean had decided to go to Jacob's alone. There had been a whole lot of yelling and a lot of arguing.
"You god damn idigit!" Bobby yelled furiously. "This could be a trap for all you know! And you're supposed to be the one who can kill the son of a bitch, so what happens if you die?"
Dean understood their worries and complaints, but he refused to back down.
"I need to think about some stuff. Alone. You guys need to work on figuring out where Lucifer went. When I get back then we'll fight him. Together. But this… this I need to do alone."
The sun was setting in the west when Dean pulled up to the church. The clear sky was melting into a pool of vibrant pinks, oranges and blues. Off in the distance he could see the mountains slowly fading into the darkness as night approached. He could hear the occasional chirp of a cricket or a tweet of a bird as they settled in for the night. It was a beautiful sight and it was incredible to him that there was still such beauty in the world when everything else was crashing down around him.
Dean pulled out his phone and flipped it open. He scrolled through the menu until he got to the application holding all his pictures. He brought up the picture of Castiel sleeping that morning after they first made love. Dean's heart clenched as he took in Castiel's innocent sleeping face. So at peace. He then went back to where he stored his videos that he had recorded. He selected one of them and began watching.
It was from when they had gone out for breakfast that first morning. They were both feeling silly and happy together and for fun Dean had recorded Castiel looking at the menu. Castiel looked up at the camera and cocked his head in that confused manner he always did.
"What are you doing?" Castiel asked quizzically.
"Making a video," Dean replied off camera.
"A video?"
"Yeah. So I can show off how sexy you are while you're reading a menu."
Castiel blushed and tried to hide behind the menu.
"Look at that. This guy has been around for a couple millenniums and killed more demons than even the best hunters out there, but he's camera shy!"
Castiel peeked over the top of his menu and glared at him.
"I'm not camera shy!"
"Prove it!"
Castiel set down the menu and folded his arms across his chest.
"There. Happy?"
"Hmm… not yet. Need you to say something."
Castiel sighed, but could be seen trying to fight a smile.
"Alright. What do you want me to say?"
"Do you love me?"
Now Castiel broke out into a wide smile.
"I love you. You know that."
"Hmm… I dunno if that was convincing enough. If I'm going to put this on YouTube you need to give me more than that!"
Castiel cocked his head in confusion.
"What's 'YouTube'?"
"Never mind. Just tell me all the reasons you love me. And don't spare the details!"
Castiel smiled shyly and ducked his head while playing with the edge of his menu. "But you know why."
"I forgot. So you need to tell me and I'll have it recorded this time so I won't forget again."
Castiel's blush deepened, but finally nodded.
"Fine. I love you because… you are handsome… passionate… brave… stubborn…"
"You love me because I'm stubborn?"
Castiel nodded. "We wouldn't be here if you weren't. You are also loyal… caring…"
"Good in bed?" Dean volunteered.
Castiel's blush deepened. "Yes…" He admitted shyly.
The camera shifted and landed on Dean's beaming face.
"There, see? Documented proof that I am awesome in bed!" He announced proudly before turning the camera back on Castiel's blushing face.
"That is only a part of the reason why I love you!"
"So tell me the main reason!"
"Because… when I'm with you… I feel safe… and… and loved…"
They grasped each other's hand and Castiel smiled warmly.
"I love you too, Cas. I always will."
The recording ended there. Dean wiped away the tears he hadn't realized had escaped until that moment.
He had to get Castiel back. Somehow.
Taking a deep breath Dean shoved his phone back into his pocket and got out of the car. He made his way past the darkening burial mounds until he reached the church door. He hesitated before knocking. When he heard no response he opened the door and looked inside.
"Jacob?" Dean called out as he entered the church while looking around. "It's Dean Winchester!"
"Come in, Dean," he heard a voice at the front of the church call out. Dean could see Jacob sitting in the first row of pews, looking at the platform at the front of the church.
Dean made his way carefully down the aisle, glancing around him to make sure nothing was going to spring out after him. The church was dark except for a few of the candles at the front of the church being lit. It was both beautiful and eerie as the light flickered off of the stained glass windows. When Dean finally reached Jacob he saw the old man sitting placidly with a small smile on his face.
"Hey," Dean said. "Sam said you called and had something to show us."
"I did, Dean," Jacob replied calmly.
Dean stood there. He felt something… almost an uneasy feeling as he watched the calmness surrounding Jacob.
"Um… are you going to show it to me?"
"In time, Dean. Please, sit down."
Dean clenched his jaw.
"Look, Jacob, I don't mean to be rude, but we really don't have a lot of time here. The Apocalypse is going on out there and Lucifer is building his army and I have to find him before he kills anyone else."
Jacob looked up at him and smiled patiently.
"We have all the time we need, Dean. Please sit down."
Dean felt his uneasiness growing. He took a step back and reached for the demon killing knife hidden under his jacket.
"What's going on here, Jacob? What did you call me here for?"
Jacob continued to watch Dean calmly.
"I have information to help you, Dean. That is why I called you here."
Dean's heart began to race in his chest and he felt the adrenaline course through his veins.
"You're not Jacob," Dean stated firmly as he took another step back while watching Jacob closely.
Jacob nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, you are correct, Dean. Jacob no longer resides in this vessel."
At this statement Dean drew the knife and took a defensive stance.
"Who the hell are you and what the hell did you do to Jacob?" Dean demanded furiously.
Jacob made no reaction to Dean's actions. He remained seated on the pew, watching Dean intently.
"I sent Jacob home to be at peace. He carried out his duties well and he received his just reward."
"Is that right?" Dean sneered. "So what the hell are you then? Another angel? Cuz let me tell you, buddy, I'm getting pretty sick and tired of you pricks."
Jacob arched an eyebrow at him, but still made no other move.
"Really, Dean? And why is that?"
Dean looked at him incredulously.
"Gee, let me think about it for a minute. Maybe it has something to do with you guys lying to me and Sam from the beginning. You tried to separate us and you almost got Sam killed! And then there's all the shit you've done to Castiel. You sons of bitches tortured him and cut out his grace! You're no better than the monsters Sam and I have been hunting our whole lives!"
Dean was trembling now while Jacob sat quietly and mulled over Dean's words.
"Yes, I am afraid what you have said is all true. The angels have not proven their worth, have they, Dean?"
This conversation was not going in any way how Dean expected it to go.
"So, what? You're here to prove you're different?"
Jacob chuckled. "Well, I am different, Dean."
Dean let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah right."
"I am different. And I am much more aware of what has been going on than you realize, Dean."
"Is that a fact?"
"Indeed it is."
"OK, so what exactly do you know?"
Jacob smiled pleasantly.
"I know you have fallen in love with Castiel and he with you."
Dean started at Jacob's response.
"I know that you have been intimate with each other on several occasions. I know that you had an argument with him that caused him to leave and be taken in by Lucifer. I know before you came in here tonight you were looking at pictures and videos of him. You blame yourself for what happened and you are now looking for a way to rescue him. What else should I tell you, Dean?"
Dean stood in the aisle stunned, the knife hanging weakly at his side. The candlelight flickered and Dean could see Jacob's face, the surface worn by the many years he had been alive, but his eyes were lit up and vibrant. This was no angel or any demon.
"Who are you…?" Dean whispered.
Jacob smiled broadly and rose to his feet.
"I'm God, Dean Winchester."
