A/N: Prompt: Hero
On the grassy fields of Heaven, Castiel sat, surrounded by a flock of his fellow angels. The War for Heaven was over, and those who had survived were desperate for guidance. Arrogance had been the downfall of many; nearly all the angels who had only waged war for either power or other selfish concerns had been killed or cast out. Few were left.
The ones who remained were, as Castiel was quickly finding out, the True Guard. Those whose only desire was to serve Heaven and its souls, and return to God's Mission protecting the humans.
It seemed, in a miraculous way, Father had used the War to clean house for his children to start anew.
…a concept that now terrified them. All these angels knew was war. Peace was completely alien to them.
So of course, they all now looked to Castiel.
"No," he shook his head at them. "I will not lead you."
"But Castiel," Inias argued. "Clearly you are God's choice."
"No, Inias," Castiel corrected him. "I would be no one's choice. You know as well as I my failures when I attempted to lead. I believe we need to find a new path. Together."
This time Roslyn spoke up. "But how, Castiel? Not knowing what to do, no clear orders - this," she faltered, "this…Free Will, as you call it, is frightening."
Castiel was silent for a moment, considering the question. Finally, he asked, "Roslyn, do you believe we are doing Our Father's Will? That we are following our Mission, as set out by Him? Taking care of the souls in Heaven, and watching over His Creatures on Earth?"
Roslyn nodded. So did many of the others.
Castiel surveyed them all. "Then have faith in that. When I was human, I knew fear as well. Fear in the unknown can be overwhelming."
Looking away, he continued, lost in a memory. "But when I thought I was at my darkest point, I met a woman. She was praying for the health of her husband. I admit, my faith was low. I told her at the time no one was listening. She said that wasn't possible. She told me my truth didn't shake her faith."
Returning his gaze back to his family, he continued. "It turns out, she was right. Someone was listening. I was just too scared to realize it was me. Her belief was so strong. I knew then, even without Heaven, her faith alone would carry her through. She taught me faith will give you strength, especially in the face of uncertainty."
Murmurs of assent spread through the flock. Castiel could see how his words affected them. Nearly all appeared to be taking his words to heart.
"Do you believe we will find the answers, Castiel?" Inias asked, and Castiel could tell the question was rooted now in wonder, and not distress.
"I don't believe we will find the answers right now," Castiel told them, "but I do believe they will come. We will figure them out. Have faith, and all will be all right."