Dean watched Sam walk down the metal staircase behind Gadreel. He crossed his arms as he reclined in a chair, his feet up on the map room table. Cas leaned against the table beside him. He looked over as Sam took a seat opposite the older hunter, and all three of them turned their attention to Gadreel. The angel pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket and dropped it on the table. Dean reached forward and grabbed it, reading it out loud. "Kevin Tran?"

Kevin looked up from the library where he had his work spread out.

Gadreel sighed grimly. "Metatron found me."

Cas straightened out to stand. "You spoke with him?"

"He propositioned a recruitment. I just had to do one thing for him." He looked down at the paper.

Sam followed his eyes and his eyes widened slightly. "He wanted you to kill Kevin?" His brow furrowed. "Why?"

"He wished for me to bring him the tablet."

Dean had his feet on the ground again. "Yeah, but it's gotta be way easier to have you come in here with some sort of sob story and nab the tablet while we aren't looking. Metatron has to know that."

Sam huffed a sigh as it clicked for him. "Without Kevin he'd be the only one who could read it."

"Yeah, but Kevin dies there'd just be another prophet." Dean reasoned. "One goes down another just springs up, whoever's next in line. What, he's going to kill them all? Didn't Crowley already try that? So it's kind of pointless."

"Unless he figured out a way to stop new prophets from being called." Sam replied.

"Can he do that?" Dean looked up at Cas. "Is that even possible?"

Cas spread his hands. "I am not sure. He was the scribe to god, there is no telling what he knows of the workings of heaven."

Dean turned his attention back to Gadreel. "So he told you to kill Kevin and take the tablet and then… what, you get to be his new butt buddy?"

"He claimed he would take me to heaven. That I could help him lead the angels he chose to bring back with him."

"What does that mean? He's gathering angels for heaven?"

"An army." Cas said gravely.

Gadreel dipped his head in agreement. "It would seem so."

"Huh." Dean said thoughtfully, silence creeping in as they took a moment to let this news sink in. He flicked his eyes up at Gadreel. "You think about listening to him?"

Gadreel looked down. "I would be lying to say I did not entertain the thought for a moment, but only just." He looked up, making eye contact with Cas. "I took some advice from a friend and conferred with my vessel. We chose to appear acquiescent and bring this information to you."

"So now what?" Kevin's voice from the archway surprised everyone as nobody had seen the prophet stand to join them.

"That is, I suppose, the question." Gadreel replied.

"When does he expect you back?" Sam pressed.

"He did not give a time, but-"

"But eventually he'll get suspicious." Sam finished. "Great."

Dean looked between Gadreel and his brother. "Well there has to be some way to trick him…"

"With what, a fake tablet? He wrote them Dean, he's gotta know what they look like."

"Perhaps he could bluff that we had already hidden it." Cas mused.

Sam nodded "Tell him he killed Kevin but-"

"Will it work?" Dean interrupted, looking up at Gadreel.

The angel seemed thoughtful for a moment. "It may."

"Alright, and then what?" Dean looked back to the group.

Sam gave a half shrug. "We see if he can find out more? About Metatron and his plan?"

"Yeah." Dean sighed. "Alright, We do this, what's the play? Gadreel goes to Metatron sans tablet, says the kid is toast. What if the next thing on Metatron's to-do list is worse?"

"We should back him up." Cas nodded slowly. "Keep out of sight until we are sure it is safe. It does make a certain sense. If there's an exploitable weak spot we can act quickly. To capture Metatron alive would be ideal."

Everyone startled again as Dean's phone once more began to ring. He pulled it out of his pocket, reading the contact and his face scrunched. "Oh, what the-." he muttered as he answered the call, flicking it on speaker. "What the hell do you want?"

"Squirrel. Long time no chat."

"Save it Crowley. I told you I see your face again-"

"You kill me. But here we are and my lovely mug remains well out of your reach. I have something that may interest you."

"Unless it's Metatron's head on a plate, we're not interested."

"Metatron, no. But destroying Abaddon. That I may be able to help with."

"Nothing we've heard of can even touch a knight of hell." Sam spoke.

"Moose! Good to hear the band didn't break up after your recent misadventures. And nothing can, except one thing. The first blade."

"The first blade?" Dean responded, unimpressed.

Cas however leaned forward, brow furrowed. "You know where to find the first blade?" he pressed.

"You've heard of it." Crowley's words were more a statement than a question.

Cas looked up at Dean's questioning expression. "Only by name." He turned his attention back to the phone. "It's the weapon the archangels used to kill the knights of hell in the first place."

"Bingo."

"Yeah, fine Crowley, but if you know where it is, just go get the damn thing and ventilate her yourself."

"If only it were that simple."

Dean groaned. "Of course it isn't."

"I understand we have some bad blood between us, but I don't come empty handed. I have a peace offering, just as time sensitive, but I think you'll be interested."

"Spit it out."

"One Linda Tran."

Kevin was at the phone in a flash. "You bastard."

Dean had a hand on Kevin's chest, gently pushing him back from the phone, trying to get a hold of the situation before it devolved. "You told Kevin you killed her."

"I lied."

Sam spoke up. "Fine. You bring her here, we may just be willing to talk."

"No can do, Moose. I'm looking out for me here, and me alone. Taking down Abaddon, that's just good business. But it ain't worth showing my neck around the potential number of demons I'd need to bust her out. I have a price on my head. Sam gets an address, I get the handsomer Winchester for a game of finders keepers. Everybody wins."

Dean picked up the phone, bringing it closer to him. "How do we know you're telling the truth?"

"You don't. Now. I'm sitting in a rather pathetic looking Lebanon bar when you're ready to go. Toodles."

Dean slammed the phone back down on the table in frustration. "Damn it."

"Do you think he's telling the truth?" Sam asked, looking up at the group. He made eye contact with Kevin who looked a little like he might faint.

Dean paused. "All of it? No. But at least some of it." he grunted.

"Now what?"

The older Winchester rubbed a hand over his eyes, letting out a sigh. "As if we didn't have enough on our plate."

"I'm going for my mom." Kevin asserted firmly.

Sam threw him a sympathetic glance. "Kevin-"

"No, I don't give a crap what you're going to say. She's my mom. I thought she was dead until five minutes ago. She is only in this mess because of me."

Dean stepped in. "Yes, fine, just… hold on for one freaking minute while we get a game plan together." He rapidly felt like the situation was getting out of control.

Sam looked thoughtful. "Alright. Dean, you go with Crowley, see if you can get your hands on this first blade. I'll back up Kevin, we'll get Mrs. Tran out of there." He looked up at Cas. "Do you mind backing up Gadreel when he meets Metatron?"

"Woah woah woah-" Dean objected.

"Gadreel can't go in alone, Dean." Sam said firmly. "And it can't wait. None of this can."

"I just feel like we're spreading the team out a little thin." Scratch that. Dean knew the situation was getting out of control.

"You got a better idea?"

"Yeah… not splitting up."

"Dean, I'm not seeing another option here." Sam insisted. "Everything here is on kind of a time crunch. You can handle Crowley on your own."

"It's not me I'm worried about."

"Kevin and I can handle a couple demons. Cas, you good with Metatron?"

"With Gadreel and my grace, and the element of surprise, the odds are favorable." Cas reasoned.

Sam nodded. "Then it's settled."

Dean tilted his head back but he could not think of any valid arguments against this. It wasn't that he didn't doubt anyone's abilities, but the stakes were so high on each of them that he really wished they were giving their all. He stood abruptly, frustrated with the situation on a whole, and stalked from the room.

Sam stood and put a hand up to stop Cas who looked like he was going to chase directly behind. "Let me talk to him." He said softly, following the path his brother took.

Sam found Dean in his room, packing guns into a duffel. He gave a half knock on the open door and let himself in. "Hey, it isn't great, but it's what we got."

"Yeah Sam, I get it." He zipped the bag shut, tossing it aside roughly, trying to let out some of his frustrations without letting go completely. "You know, these aren't all of the same priority level."

Sam knew what he meant. He also knew Dean felt like an ass for suggesting so. "I'm not going to tell Kevin his mom has to wait. Besides, if Crowley is telling the truth, and she's out there, it's only a matter of time before Abaddon catches wind and goes for her too."

"That's another thing, since when are you on the whole trust Crowley train?"

"I'm not. But I do think Crowley is right. He's looking out for him. And right now that means defeating Abaddon. He'll be willing to play ball until then. And then, if this really is the weapon the archangels used to kill the knights, then-"

"Then we can use it on Crowley right after. I know. Any other time though."

"Anyway. I have to go pack for our part. And make sure Kevin is up to speed at least on exorcisms."

"Man we could really use some of that demon napalm or whatever Kevin whipped up."

"Yeah. If only." Sam shook his head. "We'll be ready in twenty. Cas good enough at driving to get him there? I think Gadreel came in on a bus. I know Cas has only been behind the wheel like, what, twice?"

"Yeah, he'll make it." Dean grabbed his coat, pulling it on, making sure Dad's journal and the demon knife were tucked safely in his pockets. He started for the door, intent on doing some last minute checks before the headed off, make sure the junker he was sending Cas out in had gas at the very least. He nearly tripped over the cat in the hallway. "Damn it!"

Sam came out behind him and laughed. The cat was settled in front of a large mixing bowl and saucepan, both larger than her. One full of cat food, and one of water. "At least the cat will be okay."

Dean muttered something Sam didn't quite catch before storming off towards the garage.

The older hunter wasn't terribly surprised to find Castiel already in the garage, leaning against the ford the brothers would be taking. He could see past him to the junker Cas would be taking and Gadreel was simply sitting there. "Hello Dean."

"Hey. You two got everything you need? Did you make sure the car has gas?"

"I have my angel blade. And the fuel gauge is reading half."

"Should get you there. You have that card I gave you to fill up before you come back. Listen, Sam and Kevin will try and keep a low profile. Hopefully him being out and about doesn't find its way back to Metatron, but keep your guard up just in case."

"We will be fine, Dean."

"Yeah you better be."

"I wish you luck with your endeavor as well."

"Yeah well. Me? The semi-former king of hell? What's the worst that could happen?"

"Torture and subsequent death is likely the worst outcome."

Dean stared at Cas, his expression unimpressed. "Yeah. Thanks."

Cas simply bowed his head in a nod.

Dean rolled his eyes. Before he could think better of it he grabbed Cas and pulled him in for a brief hug. "Be safe, I mean it."

"Yes Dean." Cas responded as they parted. He gave one last nod to Dean before he got in the beat up sedan and set off on the road.

Dean watched him go before turning his attention to the door as Sam and Kevin hopped up the steps. He tossed the station wagon keys to Sam before slipping into the passenger seat. He gave a stern look to the prophet in the back. "You stay in the car when we get there. I don't want you anywhere near Crowley."

"I'm not a kid Dean."

"And I'm not your babysitter. But the King of hell is there and who knows what sorts of demonic crap might be sniffing around after him. Last thing we want is to tip anyone off about a prophet being ripe for the taking." Dean shook his head. "We shouldn't even be taking you with, there is literally a price on your head, and we're banking on Gadreel being able to bluff you're dead. But it's your mom, and you get a pass. But I'm telling you, at this bar, you stay in the car."

Kevin crossed his arms, falling back against the seat, but he relented. "Fine."

.

Entering the bar on a quiet Thursday evening, Crowley was one of only four patrons. The brothers approached the table, each taking a seat, the bartender bringing over beers without asking as he knew their orders well. "Alright speak." Dean demanded.

"Boys." Crowley greeted. "No Sherman? Leaving this to the grown-ups?"

"The location of Mrs. Tran, asshat."

"Touchy aren't we? Fine." Crowley pulled a piece of paper with an address scrawled on it and dropped it on the table in front of Sam. "A storage facility. Corridor Q unit three. One of the front desk men should be one of mine. If he's still loyal the password is mutton chops. He'll release her."

Sam took the paper. "And if he's switched teams?"

"Then kill the whole mutinous lot, I don't care. You're halfway proficient with an angel blade, take care of it. Off you go."

Sam nodded to his brother and stood without another word, heading out and leaving Dean with Crowley.

Dean glared at the demon. "Now talk to me about this blade."

.

Sam and Kevin were not surprised when the demon doubled back on permissions. He was compliant one moment, and the next he was furious Crowley wouldn't call and then would just let one of his long kept victims out. Sam was a little surprised that there was only one demon guarding these cells, but he'd take his victories where he could get them.

Sam allowed Kevin and his mother the tearful reunion they deserved while he set to work opening each of the other cells in corridor Q, cutting loose the other two victims he found.

The two women were dropped at a local hospital and Sam opted to bring Mrs. Tran to one closer to the bunker, just to avoid the police questioning that might come from multiple victims. Getting a clear bill of health, Sam drove them to the bunker and waited. And waited. And waited.

The younger Winchester hadn't been surprised when he was the first one back. While the none of their chosen destinations were too far (except maybe Dean but he had a teleporting demon as transport) their tasks might take longer than a milk run demon killing rescue. He had sent off a quick text to Dean and Cas, but he figured everyone was likely too busy to check in right away. He had however expected that some time within the few hours after they would give a response. He was starting to worry.

By the time Dean walked in through the bunker door Sam was pacing in the map room, trying to figure out where to possibly start looking for anyone. He looked up, his expression betraying his worry as he snapped at Dean for an answer of where he was.

"We got into a scuffle with some demons. We were locked down with a spell, no signal."

"You okay?"

"Yeah, we handled it." Dean rolled his neck, still feeling a bit stiff from the fight.

"And the blade?"

Dean groaned, dreading going into it but knowing there was no way around it. "Turns out the archangels didn't kill shit."

"You mean they didn't kill the knights of hell? So nothing can?"

"No, I'm just saying it wasn't the archangels. It was Cain."

"Cain? Like…"

"Like Cain."

"And that makes the first blade…"

"The weapon he used on Abel." Dean finished.

Sam shook his head in disbelief. "So what happened to this blade?"

"He said he threw it deep into the ocean."

"Wait you met Cain!?"

"He's a demon. The original knight of hell, who trained the rest. Gave it all up for a chick, and killed them when they threatened her."

Sam looked at Dean in disbelief. "And he just told you where to find the blade."

"Crowley is scouring the ocean now. Who knows how long that will take." Dean rolled up his sleeve, revealing the mark. "A present from Cain."

"What does that do?"

"Says it'll let me use the blade, that it's useless without this."

"And?"

"And what, Sam?"

"And what nasty side effects come with it? We don't just get handed something with no strings attached, least of all from a demon."

"Whatever they are, he wasn't specific on details and I wasn't asking. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it."

Sam sighed. "Great."

"You two okay? Did you find her?"

"Yeah, and Mrs. Tran checked out fine at the hospital. I think Kevin and her are catching up somewhere. No troubles on our end."

Dean nodded thoughtfully. "That's good. How are Cas and Gadreel doing?"

"They haven't checked in."

Dean whipped his head up to look at him. "What!? At all?"

"Not even to say they made it there." Sam said nervously.

"Sam, it's been hours since they should have gotten there."

"Yeah, I know that. I wasn't really sure where to start. Both of you sort of scared me."

"Get in the car." Dean was already halfway up the stairs.

"Dean-"

"Tell Kevin we're leaving, get in the car." Before he could lay his hand on the door his phone rang and he whipped it out. "Cas?"

"He took him…"

"Gadreel, what-"

"Metatron has Castiel."