(Finally getting to the good stuff. This chapter will introduce several new angels and more importantly a glimpse at one of the new archangels.

The demon screamed as Sam concentrated. It twitched and coughed until its essence began to leak out of its vessel's mouth. Finally the demon was completely expelled from the host and sunk into the ground, banished back to hell. The vessel slumped to the ground unconscious. Sam raced over to check on her and smiled. He seemed quite pleased by saving the human's life.

Castiel on the other hand was anything but pleased. He had continued watching the Winchester after his brother's death and the human had gone into a downward spiral of misery and pain. The loss of Dean left a large void in his life, a gap that a demon named Ruby too easily filled. Despite promising his older brother he wouldn't dabble in the demonic powers he suppressed, Sam was all too eager to start learning from Ruby and descended further and further into darkness. His abilities were born of evil and no amount of humans he saves with them would ever change that.

"Still following around the abomination?" Uriel asked as he appeared beside Castiel.

"Sam's abilities are improving but so is his appetite for demonic blood," Castiel stated.

"He's practically one of them now," spat Uriel. It was no secret that he had little love for humans. His specialty was destruction on a large scale and his skill has been put to use many times. Uriel was the one who destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah along with killing every firstborn child in Egypt as the final tenth plague. There were times Castiel believed his brother actually enjoyed killing humans but he buried such thoughts. Uriel had been one of his closest brothers in the two millennia since their watch on Earth began.

"Not yet. His humanity is still intact," replied Castiel.

"But for how much longer?" asked Uriel. "You know as well as I do that once he gives into the darkness completely, his humanity will be gone just like the other special children. If we were still allowed to intervene, I would kill him right now."

"He's stronger then you know. I haven't given up hope on him yet," Castiel said firmly.

Uriel was about to reply when another presence joined them. Adriel was one of the few female angels in the garrison and also one of the most devoted to carrying out Heaven's will. She never openly questioned her orders to anyone and never once admitted to losing faith that heaven would someday return. Castiel sometimes envied her faith as his had waned over the centuries.

"Good you're both here. Heaven has sent a messenger," Adriel said with excitement. Castiel and Uriel were speechless, completely stunned. It had been two thousand years since any message had come down from above. The cupids came and went but they rarely spoke to any of their brethren.

"Where?" asked Uriel.

"We are all to assemble as the place whence our watch began," answered Adriel. She was referring to the place on Earth where the angels first landed and spread out. A place that had different names over the years but now it was called Stonehenge. Massive standing stones assembled in a ring formation had been constructed on the site to mark its importance though the reason for its construction was lost among the humans.

Castiel and Uriel immediately teleported to Stonehenge to find nearly the entire garrison were assembled and waiting. Balthazar, Ezekiel, Hester, Inias, Samandriel, Bartholomew, and so many more all finally together in the same place for the first time in two thousand years. But the angel standing in the center of the assembly wasn't one of the garrison.

Zachariah was a Seraph, a high ranking member of the Heavenly Host. He was Anna's direct superior before her fall and supposedly had direct contact with the Archangels, God's most powerful creations and the rulers of Heaven. Castiel had never met one in person. Being of such a low rank didn't make him worthy of their attention but he had witnessed their power before. Angels were warriors but compared to Archangels they barely anything more than insects. A single Archangel had powers that would surpass a hundred regular Angels, perhaps even more so. Only seven exist but now they are divided.

"Brothers and sisters it's been a long time since we've last spoke. For two thousand years you have carried out your duties with due diligence and though the loss of your commander Anna was a bitter blow, you have persevered and for that God is proud of each and every one of you," Zachariah announced. "But now your real assignment is about to begin. Lilith, the new Queen of Hell, is trying to break the first seal of the 66."

Everyone glanced at one another, knowing the ramifications of such an act. The first seal had to be broken in order to start breaking the others. Out of 6600 seals, only 66 needed to be broken and once they were, Lucifer would walk upon the Earth and the apocalypse begins. "We don't know which damned soul she will try to use to carry this out but we do know the only way to stop it. You're going to break into the Pit and spring the human soul loose," continued Zachariah.

It was a bold plan and dangerous. A single demon was no threat to an angel but hell had thousands of demons. If they attempted to break in, the angels would be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. "With all due respect Zachariah, such a feat would be extremely dangerous. We don't have the numbers to enter the pit and look for this soul," Castiel voiced what everyone else was thinking.

"Oh don't worry. We'll find out who it is first then send you in and with heavy duty backup. You're going to have not one but two Archangels covering your descent," replied Zachariah. That seemed to ease everyone's concerns about the mission.

"They're sending us in with the big guns," Balthazar whispered to Castiel.

"In the meantime however, it is essential that all of you track down your true vessels and prepare them for house your essence. God has decreed that the time of observation is over. Now we'll get back to what we were born to do. Smite the enemies of Heaven into dust," continued Zachariah. The angels all cheered in unison. "You are dismissed."

"Well. Mud monkey suit shopping here I come," muttered Balthazar before disappearing. One by one the others quickly teleported away as well except for Castiel.

"Something you want to add?" Zachariah asked him, surprised that the lower ranking angel remained.

"I believe I know who Lilith is attempting to use to break the first seal. His name is Dean Winchester," Castiel spoke up.

Zachariah sighed in disappointment, "Yes I've heard about your little obsession with that human."

Castiel was surprised. How could he know about that? The Seraph had just returned. "I know because the cupids do more than just connect bloodlines that are useful to us. Who do you think has been Heaven's eyes and ears for the past two millennia?" asked Zachariah.

The idea that cupids could be spies was something Castiel had never once considered. "Castiel you were ordered to observe all that you could and instead of that you kept your focus on two insignificant hunters," continued Zachariah.

"They are not insignificant. Dean Winchester managed to kill Azazel, Lucifer's right hand. And Sam…" Castiel argued then stopped himself.

"Ah yes. The abomination with demon blood inside him," Zachariah commented.

"Lilith is afraid of him. The first and most terrifying of Lucifer's legions trembling because of a human," stated Castiel.

"Sam Winchester will be dealt with in due time. But until then you are to concentrate on getting your vessel's consent and cast aside any lingering thoughts you might have on those two humans. Do I make myself clear?" demanded Zachariah.

"Yes sir," said Castiel. He knew better than to disobey. Murder and rape were considered to be humanity's worst crime but for angels, disobedience was the gravest sin. They were soldiers and soldiers obey. They were not meant to have the free will that humans were granted by God.

Castiel teleported himself to the outskirts of a city named Pontiac. No angel needed to be told who their true vessel was, they already knew who they were. It was simply a matter of gaining the human's consent. Castiel hadn't been in a vessel for more than two thousand years and societal norms have changed. In ancient times, most people were willing to accept the idea of angels taking control of their bodies. These days the idea might seem somewhat ludicrous. Human Civilization had moved towards a more scientific based society but along the way they disregarded the stories passed down by their ancestors. They no longer believed in monsters, demons, or angels.

The human chosen to be Castiel's vessel was named Jimmy Novak. A family man with a wife named Amelia and a daughter named Claire. Castiel didn't really understand what profession Jimmy worked in to provide currency to his family but that's irrelevant. What did matter was that Jimmy seemed to be a devout man who prayed regularly and attended church often. Hopefully that would mean he would open to the idea of angels and eventually saying yes.

Castiel waited until Amelia and Claire went to bed. Jimmy had fallen asleep in front of the television and now was the perfect opportunity to communicate. Castiel approached the human, his presence causing electrical distortions within the house. The television's signal scrambled, awakening the human from his slumber. Jimmy moved towards the TV, trying to change the channel but everyone had the same static.

"Jimmy Novak. My name is Castiel. I am an Angel of the Lord," Castiel announced himself. Jimmy screamed in pain as he covered his ears then dropped to the ground, convulsing. Castiel cursed himself for being so reckless. The man was his true vessel but there was no guarantee he would be able to hear the angel's true voice without enduring intense pain. He quickly withdrew from the area, deciding to take a different approach.

Waiting until Jimmy Novak recovered and went to bed, Castiel entered his dream and manipulated it to suit his needs. At the moment Jimmy was in a massive cathedral, singing hymns with thousands of other worshippers. As they began the chorus, Castiel removed the other constructs so that Jimmy was the only being within the massive church. The human glanced around confused then Castiel appeared before him. The angel had chosen Jimmy's own physical appearance. To the human, he might as well have been a mirror image.

When the human saw him, Jimmy seemed to understand what was happening. "I'm dreaming," he said.

"Yes you are. I needed to wait until you were asleep before I could try and communicate again," explained Castiel.

Jimmy frowned, "Again? What are you talking about?"

"Earlier in the night when you awoke in your living room, I attempted to communicate with you but my voice overwhelmed you," stated Castiel.

"Excuse me? That was just static on the television. I admit I'll need to fix the volume settings…" sighed Jimmy.

"There was nothing wrong with it. My presence can affect electrical circuitry but that wasn't what you heard. My true voice can be intense but certain individuals can hear it," explained Castiel.

"Hear it? It was just white noise…what is wrong with me? I'm arguing with myself in a dream?" Jimmy moaned. The human believed this was all a dream.

"This is a dream but I am real and I require your help," replied Castiel.

"And what exactly are you supposed to be then? An alternate suppressed personality?" Jimmy inquired though his tone was sarcastic.

"No. I am Castiel and I am an Angel of the Lord," Castiel declared. Thunder and lightning roared overhead as his wings faded in and out of focus.


Over the next several weeks, Castiel had visited Jimmy and spoken with him a dozen times. Learning from his earlier mistake, the angel spoke to him through electronic instruments like a television and radio. This diminished the intensity of his voice, allowing Jimmy to be able to hear him painlessly. At first the human thought he was going crazy but as time went on he began to believe Castiel's words. He was chosen by God for something important. Castiel didn't give him specifics yet until he was certain Jimmy would even say yes and he wouldn't accept the human's consent until he was told the full facts. Jimmy at least deserved to understand what would happen to him.

Amelia Novak was the complete opposite of her husband. While Jimmy began to believe, she thought it was dementia. Castiel once heard an ironic human joke that summed up this entire situation. When you talk to God, it's natural. But when God talks to you, you're insane. She found it after Castiel proved his power by protecting Jimmy's hand as he submerged into scoldering hot water. Unlike Jimmy whose faith became stronger, Amelia was horrified by what happened and managed to take him to something called a psychiatrist. Medical professions had greatly changed over the centuries and Castiel hadn't kept up with the terms and standards of medical care. The psychiatrist didn't impress the angel though. He was too quick to believe all of this was contributed to insanity. Thankfully Jimmy wasn't so close-minded.

Before Castiel could gain his consent however, Zachariah summoned the garrison to their meeting place. Most of the angels managed to gain their vessel's consent but others like Balthazar and Adriel still needed more time. "Time is something we are out of. We've discovered the human Lilith will use to break the first seal and we need to rip him from her grasp as quickly as possible," announced Zachariah.

"Who is it?" asked Castiel.

"It would seem fate has a sense of irony Castiel. His name is Dean Winchester," replied Zachariah. All the angels turn to Castiel in surprise. They all knew he kept an eye on the Winchesters believing that they were important and now it seemed his belief was vindicated.

"As you are the one most familiar with this human, God has commanded that it will be you who will raise him from damnation. The rest of you will cover Castiel. Recovering Dean Winchester is your first priority," explained Zachariah. The angels knew what that meant. Castiel and Dean's safety was now their utmost concern and they are to lay their lives down to protect them. Such missions were what they were created for.

"Once it is finished Castiel you will also brief the human and convince him of his importance to our cause," said Zachariah.

"I understand," replied Castiel.

"We stand ready," Bartholomew said. The other angels nodded in agreement, including Castiel.

"Then prepare yourselves. It's time," said Zachariah. He glanced up into the sky. Dark clouds formed overhead, turning the sunny day into darkness with sporadic bursts of lightning. A gentle breeze turned into intense hurricane winds. For the first time in millennia, archangels were descending from Heaven. The most fearsome creations of God shot down towards the Earth, their forms immense and fearsome. Raphael was the archangel of healing and protection. He was assigned to guarding God's prophets from harm. Ariel was the archangel of nature. The only female archangel had duties pertaining to maintaining the weather and safeguarding beasts and life when God reins judgment upon the Earth just as he did with the Great Flood.

The two Archangels passed right by the garrison, almost like two whales passing by a school of fish. They descended into the Earth, causing earthquakes as they went. Immediately Castiel and the others spread their wings and descended after them. Raphael and Ariel burst through the Gates of Hell and spread out, slaughtering any demon in their wake. The legions were of hell were caught off guard and immediately scattered for their lives. The chaos allowed Castiel to pass by them unchallenged. The rest of his garrison formed around him. Uriel, Balthazar, Adriel, Ezekiel, and the rest all cleaved and tore their way through.

The demonic ranks were lite at first but quickly changed as hundreds of them started swarming around them. The Archangels could only distract so many so he had to work fast. While his brothers and sisters held them off, Castiel scanned through the labyrinths of torture and suffering for Dean. There were so many. Some were being tortured, other were conducting the torture, all part of a methodical machine that creates new demons for Lucifer's army. As his search continued, Castiel could hear his siblings struggling. Ezekiel fought hard but was eventually overwhelmed, getting dragged into a swarm of angry demons that ripped him apart. His death sent out a shockwave that smited his killers. Others fell as well. Bartholomew, Samandriel, Hael, Hannah, and Esper all died trying to give Castiel the time he needed to find Dean.

Then he saw him. A black soul that was inflicting unimaginable pain upon another soul. Castiel didn't want to believe but realized they were too late when he saw who Dean's victim was. Abigail Grayson screamed as Dean carried out sick and twisted fantasies programmed inside of him after months of torture and indoctrination. But even if he broke the first seal, there was still hope. Castiel shot towards him and grasped him. Dean screamed in pain as his wicked and twisted form couldn't stand to be held by something holy and divine. "Let me go!" Dean shouted at him.

Castiel ignored his protests as he shot back up the way he came. The rest of his brothers and sisters continued fighting bravely to protect him but they were slowing getting overwhelmed. Up ahead thousands of demon formed a barrier to prevent the intruders from escaping. Castiel's garrison stood no chance of fighting their way through that but the archangels were another matter. Raphael and Ariel easily tore through their ranks, scattering them like locusts and securing their escape route. With the archangels covering their escape, the angels met no further opposition as they shot of the pit.

Their work finished, the archangels ascended upwards into Heaven. The rest of the garrison followed Castiel as he flew towards Dean Winchester's grave. His soul still struggled but the angel held on tight. They passed overhead a forest near Pontiac, ironically not too far from where Jimmy lived. Castiel violently slammed Dean's soul back into his body, the resulting action sending shockwaves into the woods above it. Castiel then healed Dean's wounds and systemically began to erase moments of the past few months from his memory. When his work was complete, Castiel touched Dean's chest and the human breathed in the breath of life.

His work complete, Castiel shot back into the sky. The others all bowed their heads, a sign of their respect. He had completed their mission but they lost six of their siblings. Castiel had known them for thousands of years but he did not mourn. They died serving God's will. One by one the angels retreated back to their postings and other assignments, leaving Castiel to speak to Dean alone. The angel could only wait until the human slowly emerged from his grave, gasping for air as he pulled himself out of the dirt.

Dean was weakened, hungry, thirty, and most of all confused. He had no idea what had happened to him or how he had come back to live. Believing was too weak to speak with yet, Castiel observed him as he made his way to an empty gas station. As he regained his strength, the angel decided to get closer. This human was special and should be able to understand what Castiel was saying. As the angel feared, Dean became concerned when electrical instruments inside began to flicker. He immediately grabbed containers of salt and tried to cover the windows, no doubt thinking a demon was approaching.

"Dean don't be afraid. My name is Castiel," Castiel called out to him. Dean covered his ears, crying out in pain. The windows shattered all around him as he dropped to the floor. Cursing himself, Castiel withdrew. This was the second time he's tried introducing himself to a human in his natural voice and causing more harm than good. The angel decided to stay away at least for the moment. While Dean had time to recover, Castiel resumed his conversations with Jimmy.

During one of them, Castiel felt a presence approaching. A consciousness was searching for him. Castiel could feel the source of its power, magic. Someone was using abominable dark arts to try and find him. "I invoke, conjure, and command you appear unto before this circle," the being chanted over and over. A human was using witchcraft to see him.

"My name is Castiel and you must turn back," Castiel called out to her.

"Castiel? No sorry Castiel. I don't scare easy," the human told him and resumed her chant. "I conjure and command you show me your face."

"Turn back now," Castiel tried to warn her. His warnings were ignored as the human established a psychic link, seeing his face and paying the price. She screamed in pain just before the connection was severed. Assuming she survived seeing his true form, Castiel felt no real sympathy towards her. Witchcraft originated from demons who taught it to human followers millennia ago. To utilize it was an affront, no matter what noble purpose one tried to use it towards. But the only way she could have established such a link was from something he touched and Castiel only touched one thing. Dean Winchester.

The human was just as diligent as he was before his death. Dean was searching for Castiel, looking for answers. Perhaps now he was ready to for a talk. Castiel waited until Dean was alone. Later that night, Sam quietly left the room. He was going to rejoin Ruby and continue utilizing the dark powers within him. But he was not the angel's mission, Dean was. And that he was alone, Castiel moved closer.

Dean was awakened from his slumber from the electrical distortions in the room. Recognizing what was going on, he immediately sprung out of bed and grabbed a weapon. He was expecting someone to come in from the front door as he had salt lines around the windows. Castiel tried using the television to speak through. Hopefully his voice wouldn't be as intense this way.

"Dean don't be afraid. I'm Castiel and I'm the one who rescued you from the pit," the angel called out to him. Dean didn't seem hear him so Castiel spoke up, "Dean I'm not your enemy." Dean cried out in pain, covering his ears. All around him glass from windows and mirrors shattered. Castiel cursed himself once more for being so foolish. He couldn't speak to the Winchester this way. He needed a vessel to speak through.

Then another voice called out to him. "Castiel. We conjure and command you to appear before us," one voice said then another. Castiel didn't need to see them to know who was trying to summon him. Demons, probably the same ones who ran into Sam and Dean at a diner. Castiel had watched from a distance to make sure the two would be alright but the demons allowed them to leave. These spawns of Lucifer clearly had no idea what they were getting into summoning him but he would grant their wish. Castiel teleported to the diner, his true form passing through the building. He didn't need to utter a word or do anything, his simple presence burned out the eyes of every demon inside. He lashed out, killing most of them. Only one managed to escape but she didn't matter. Castiel had more important things to get to.

The angel teleported back to Jimmy Novak's home. There his true vessel was in another argument with his wife. Once again it was about Castiel. Amelia wanted her husband to take medicine and stop listening to the voice he's hearing. Jimmy on the other hand believed he was being summoned for a higher purpose. Amelia gave him an ultimatum, take the pills or she would take their daughter and leave. Emotionally distraught but determined, Jimmy dressed himself in a coat and left his house.

He glanced up at the night sky and said, "Castiel I want to help you. I'm about to lose my family. What do you want from me?"

Castiel descended, the light of his form shining upon Jimmy's face. Unlike the other human, Jimmy wasn't in pain by viewing Castiel's true form. "You have seen I cannot speak to others in my true voice anymore then I can show them my face. You can see as you are my true vessel but in order for me to conduct God's work, I need to use your body as my instrument to walk upon the Earth. Do you understand me?" explained Castiel.

Jimmy listened to his words and was disheartened. "Yes I understand," he spoke up. He took a deep breath and said, "Promise me my family will be okay and I'll do it."

"You have my word," promised Castiel.

"Then yes," sighed Jimmy. Castiel descended into Jimmy's body and the two merged into one. The angel clenched his fist, getting a feel for his vessel. Castiel felt limited now in his new form but it was necessary to conduct his work so he would learn to live with it.

Hearing a sound, Castiel turned to see Jimmy's daughter Claire coming out of the house. "Daddy," she called out to him. Castiel stared at her for the first time through human eyes. It was strange the way humans visualize things through simple optic nerves. Angels could see everything around them while human's ability to see was greatly limited.

Needing to get back to his mission, Castiel turned away and said, "I'm not your father."


Castiel searched for Dean but couldn't find him anywhere. Perhaps he went into hiding seeing what happened the last several times he encountered the angel. Castiel grew frustrated in his search until he felt another spell being cast with his name. He was once again being summoned, this time by Bobby Singer. Finally things were starting to unfold properly.

Castiel teleported near a wooden barn on the outskirts of Pontiac. His sheer presence intensified the wind, rattling the shutters. Castiel would need to find a way to stop that from happening every time he teleports. Inside the barn, the angel could sense his quarry. Castiel unleashed a telekinetic blast that forced the barn door open as he slowly strolled inside. The lights all sparked and exploded, another side effect of the angel's unchecked power. Symbols and sigils were spray-painted all along the floors, walls, and ceilings. Normally they would ward off demons but they were harmless to angels.

Dean and Bobby fired weapons of salt at him, clearly believing Castiel to be a demon of some sort by their choice of weaponry. The angel was unharmed as he approached them. The two humans exchanged worried looks. Castiel could see Dean grabbing a knife designed to kill demons, one specifically stolen from Ruby.

"Who are you?" demanded Dean.

"I'm the one who gripped you tight and raised you from perdition," answered Castiel.

"Thanks for that," muttered Dean before he lunged forward and stabbed Castiel with the knife. The angel glanced at the weapon protruding from his vessel with annoyance. The blade had no more effect on him then the wards on the walls or the salt they fired upon him. Dean stared at him speechless, stunned. Castiel pulled the knife out of his vessel and dropped it to the floor.

Bobby lunged at Castiel with a steel pipe but the angel easily caught it. He turned and touched the man's forehead, inducing him to sleep. Bobby dropped to the ground unconscious. Castiel then turned his attention back to the Winchester. "We need to talk Dean. Alone," he said.

Dean quickly scrambled over to check on Bobby. Castiel allowed him to check on his friend while he examined a book on a nearby table. He glanced through and realized it was a book of spells. Castiel was tempted to burn such heresy but decided against it. It did have the spell that allowed them to summon him so maybe it was more useful in the Winchester's hands then as ashes.

"Your friend is alive," Castiel told Dean as he checked on his friend.

"Who are you?" whispered Dean.

"Castiel," answered the angel.

"I figured that much. I mean what are you?" snapped Dean.

Castiel turned to look at him when he said, "I'm an angel of the Lord."

Dean stood up with disbelief in his eyes. "Get the hell out of here. There's no such thing," he said.

"This is your problem Dean. You have no faith," sighed Castiel. He expanded his true form out of his vessel, conjuring up an image of wings over the sudden flash of thunder and lightning. It ended quickly as Dean couldn't see an angel's wings for too long or his eyes would burn out.

"Some angel you are. You burned out that poor woman's eyes," pointed out Dean.

"I warned her not to spy on my true form. It can be overwhelming to humans and so can my real voice. But you already knew that," Castiel spoke.

"You mean the gas station and the motel? That was you talking? Buddy next time lower the volume," grumbled Dean.

"It was my mistake. Certain people can perceive my true visage. I thought you would be one of them but I was wrong," explained Castiel.

"And what visage are you in now? Holy tax accountant?" asked Dean.

"This is a vessel," answered Castiel.

Dean glared at him, "You're possessing some poor bastard?"

"He's a devout man. He actually prayed for this," replied Castiel.

"Look pal I'm not buying whatever you're selling so who are you really?" demanded Dean.

Castiel frowned, starting to lose his patience. "I told you," he said.

"Right," scoffed Dean. "And why would an angel rescue me from hell?"

"Good things do happen Dean," said Castiel.

"Not in my experience," replied Dean. Castiel stepped closer to the human, not understanding. Dean didn't feel he deserved to be rescued. After all the good he's done in the world, he doesn't believe he was worth saving from damnation.

"What's the matter? You don't think you deserve to be saved," said the angel. Castiel was starting to feel sympathy for the first time in a long time.

"Why'd you do it?" asked Dean.

"Because God commanded it. We have work for you," answered Castiel.

(Next chapter will be short but have important dialogue between Dean and Castiel regarding Bela and how far Dean will go to get her out of hell. Hope you enjoyed and please review.)