CH1 Into the other side
When there is nothing else and no one to go to, the last resource is always a desperate pray.
-Dear Castiel…who are, maybe, running his ass out away from heaven…we pray that you have your ears on…so…- Dean stood in the middle of nowhere accompanied by his brother, waiting for his pray to be answered with arms wide open and one eye closed….but nothing happened.
The brothers look around. The place was buzzing with people. None of them since to mind the brothers- They were all too busy to care about two weirdos and their practical jokes.
Deep down, both brothers were freaking out. It was not something they would share with each other. Wherever they were at the moment, it had become very quickly the most scary place they had ever faced. Nothing they knew seemed to apply, and nothing they did seemed to work. A deadly combination for unstable minds. But this is not the case for our heroes; they still had an angel on their side. It was high time they called in the big guns.
Only Castiel was not answering; no one was answering. The brothers were starting to realize how alone they really were in that foreign world they were thrown into, and just when all hope was starting to fade, a backdrop was removed from behind them, and Castiel was standing by on the other side, just a few meters away.
He was talking to a lady just a little shorter than he was. They were both laughing; it seemed they were having a good time. She was standing with her back to the brothers. They didn't even notice her. They ran past her and went straight to Castiel, desperate for some answers.
-Cas…Cas… Thank Go…- Dean called him as the brothers approached the couple. The lady was kind of pushed to the side.
-What is all this? What did Baltazar do to us?- Dean wasted not a second. He needed answers and fast, and Castiel, so far, was always the angel to ask.
Castiel looked at them, a little confused. He looked at the girl standing now to the side; she gave him a quick smile and nodded at him, encouraging him to follow the brother's cue. Castiel took one full second to gather his thoughts before answering:
- To keep you out of Virgil's reach, he cast you into an alternate reality…- he answered in his most serious voice- a universe similar to ours in most respects yet dramatically different in others…- Sam and Dean looked at him in utter confusion. The girl was going back and forth between the brothers and Castiel. Castiel waited.
-Like…bizarro world, right? Except instead of having bizarro Superman, we get this clown factory…- concluded Dean.
-Hum...- paused Castiel, not sure how to proceed. He looked at the girl once more, who immediately gave him an encouraging full circle movement with her hand while nodding to go on.
-yeah, well… Anyway, no time to explain...- Castiel turned to Sam – Do you have the key?- Castiel extended one hand at him. Sam automatically reached for his pocket.
-Yeah!- he answered and pulled it out – What this thing do anyway?- he handed it to Castiel.
-It opens a room…-
-What's in this room…- Dean intercepted.
-Every weapon Baltazar stole from heaven…- Castiel revealed. Dean was beside himself – And he gave it to us?- he said, shocked.
-To keep it safe until I could reach you- Castiel gave them a very serious look. The girl tiny clapped quietly behind the brothers. Castiel smiled proudly, but this all went unnoticed by the brothers, who were busy building their theory. The girl again motioned for Castiel to continue.
-Right! uhm...With those weapons, I have a chance to rally my forces – continue Castiel trying to be serious again.
-Uh! Okey…good- replied Sam – So now Uhm... what's the deal with all this tv crap?-
Castiel looked at him, very confused. The girl's smile faded.
-Pardon?- replied Castiel
-Amen Padeleski- said Dean to Sam
-Padalecki- corrected Sam
-What?- protested Dean
-Padalecki…pretty sure- Sam repeated the pronunciation. Dean dismissed him.
-Oh man!- complained Castiel and pulled a paper out of his trenchcoat – They put out new pages?- he went through them, frustrated.
-They what?- asked Dean
-Is this some kind of cosmic joke?- continued Sam.
-yeah, because if it is a joke. Is stupid, and we don't get it!- complained Dean.
Castiel was flustered going through his script. The brothers were looking at him in confusion. The girl on the side was looking at the brothers, astounded.
Castiel untied his tie annoyed– You guys okay?- he asked a little bit nervously. Dean staggered at him, and his eyes fell on the papers Castiel was holding.
-Give me that…What is this?- he snatched them and read them. -It's a word of script…- Dean informed Sam -This isn't Cas- he pointed at Castiel disappointed.
-Well, look at him!- protested Sam
-You guys want to run lines…?- Castiel or not Castiel had unbuttoned his white shirt, revealing a blue pullover underneath.
Dean skimmed the script -His name is Misha….Misha?- said Dean at the actor with a look of disbelief.
-Oh wow!- Sam rushed to take the keys back from Castiel or, better yet, from the actor called Misha that he was still holding in his hand -Great!- exclaimed Sam, frustrated.
Dean threw the papers at Misha, and they both walked away.
-Misha….Jensen? Talk the name around here – scorned Dean.
-You guys!- called Misha -you guys punk me! – he had picked up the papers and thrown them at the brothers, but they never reached them; they just fell lamely on the floor –I am definitively tweeting that! Did you see that?- Misha turned around at the girl standing by with her arms crossed, looking after the brothers go.
-Yes! You were so professional!- she praised him.
Misha chuckled and pulled his cell phone out -Hola Misha amigos! J'square got me good…- Misha started to write. The lady looked at Misha for a moment and gave him something like a reminiscent look.
Misha continued– really starting to feel like one of the guys…- speaking as he wrote. He sent his tweet with a childish smile and then looked up at the girl. He noticed she was paying no attention to him but was very somber, looking at the brothers.
-Is there something wrong?- he approached her, closing the lid of his phone.
-Did you notice?- She answered without looking at him. Misha followed her sight, looked at them for a moment, and returned a blank stare at her.
-They are talking to each other…- she quietly said. Misha gasped.
The brothers keep walking down the studios when they stumble upon a brown trailer quite big. It was a bit of a sore thumb, even for that hectic studio. Sam noticed the name on the trailer.
-Hey! Jensen Ackles!- he signal his brother.
-That's fake me! – replied Dean – So, this must be fake mine…- they rushed inside. It was a luscious trailer, quite roomie inside; it had a big aquarium, big tv...and quite the art collection. Right at the entrance, on a table, was a remote-controlled helicopter waiting to be played with.
-Wow, who puts a 30-gallon aquarium inside a trailer?- asked Sam, approaching it and looking at the pretty fish.
-Apparently, Jensen Hackles…- excused Dean.
-Right…- turned around Sam half laughing when his eyes met the lonely computer unlocked on the table -here we go! Let's see who this guy is…- Sam sat and started typing.
-Well, he is not a hunter, but he plays one on tv- said Dean as he looked around at the art collection, mostly the actor in several of his roles.
-It says here you are from Texas…- commented Sam.
-Really?- admired Dean.
-And that you are in a soap opera…- Sam's look went critical. Dean rushed and looked over Sam's shoulder.
-What?- he said in disbelief. Sam had clicked on a video called Days of Our Lives. Sam was transfixed in horror, looking at a younger version of his brother storming in, shouting something about money and running away with this girl in the scene with him.
It took Dean a few seconds to close the laptop in disgust -Don't like this one bit, Sammy; we need to get out of this universe pronto!-
-Yeah, no argument here – said Sam, shrugging in disgust as he just saw something that cannot be unseen– But I don't think our prayers are reaching Cas..- They looked at each other and sighed-…The real Cas, that is…- corrected Sam when they suddenly heard knocking on the door. The brothers scramble.
-What are you doing? This is your trailer…Open up!- hushed Sam. Dean obeyed and composed himself to open the trailer's door. Down the step was that girl that was with Castiel, fake Castiel, looking up; she wore glasses and had her curly brownish-gold hair tied up in two ponytails cascading on her shoulders. She was holding a folder. Her green eyes were fixed on them. She said nothing and stepped inside.
-May…may we help you?- offered Dean, clearing his throat. She looked at Sam as she passed him, then continued inspecting the trailer.
-We?- she finally answered when she reached the close laptop and turned at them – you may want to take a look at this- she placed the folder over the laptop and walked out of the trailer.
Dean hurried to close the door. - Well...that was odd...- said Dean as soon as they made sure she was gone.
Sam went to the folder and pulled out some pages and skimmed them -It's a script...- his eyes widening as he kept reading - it contains Baltazar's spell…scene...-
-That's it!- occurred to Dean- If we can reverse Baltazar's spell…we just….get the ingredients…get back to that same window, and...there is no place like home- enumerated Dean, getting excited with the prospect. It sounded so simple, so they got straight into it.
The brothers were back again at the set where they first arrived. The window they came through was still broken. Some staff were still around, but nobody was minding the two of them as they searched around the set.
-Backbone of a lesser saint…Here, got it!- exclaimed Sam as he pulled out something from the desk at Bobby's fake house- but his celebration was short live – urg! It's rubber- he threw it on the desk and bounced right back at him.
-Check this out!- called Dean, and he went to check. Dean was holding a knife. He took the tip and bent it around- It's fake! It's all fake!- He threw it away.
The director, the producer, and the girl were standing nearby, watching the brothers argue through the broken window. They stood confused, the girl was just amused as they observed Dean plunging a fake knife into Sam and then into himself. The director and the producer looked at each other, worried; the girl was entertained.
-Well, at least they are talking to each other!- Exclaimed the director, and they all nodded and moved along. The girl took a little bit longer to follow them.
-Of course, everything here is fake! We are in a film set. We need to get back into the real world- Sam said as they both walked out of the studio, frustrated with not being able to start on that spell to go home. They walk straight to an Impala parked nearby.
-Now you are talking- answered Dean. They got in, and off they went; at least, they tried until the car started to make weird noises.
-What the heck is wrong with this thing?- complained Dean. They were both looking around when a guy with a safety jacket came running after them, knocking on Dean's side window.
-Wait, wait! Mister Hackles…- he called
-It's a freaking prop!- exploded Dean understanding -Like everything here…- Dean stopped the car and got out.
-Thank you, Mister Hackles…- exclaimed the young fellow, very relieved.
-How the heck are we supposed to get out of here?- exclaimed Dean, frustrated at the scared teenager.
-If the two of you are done playing with props for today…- called the girl. Sam stepped out of the car, and they both walked at her. -Your ride is waiting over there- she pointed at a black van parked in a car's bay with a guy waiting by its side.
A few minutes later, Sam and Dean were awkwardly seated in the back seat, being driven out of the studios.
-Is there a place you want me to drop you off? Jensen?- asked the driver looking at Dean through the rear mirror.
-Oh! Me? Yes!- reacted Dean -well, hmm, I just tag along with humm…-
-Jared- whispered Sam
-Jared! Yes…- repeated Dean.
The driver gave them a weird look. -Since when have you guys been talking?-
-Uhm! Yeah, Clint…- tried Sam to remember the name that was briefly mentioned before they got in the car.
-Cliff- corrected the driver
-Yes Cliff…obviously…I think we are going to go back to my place and do some…-
-Work on our acting- saved Dean -for our characters… for the show…- he reaffirmed in his most serious voice.
-Alright – laughed Cliff, the driver
-Where the heck are we anyway- continued Dean talking to Sam. Just as they passed under a sign that read: Welcome to Vancouver, they both shrank in their seats.
-Due, we are not even in America!- complained Dean.
A few minutes later, they arrived at a giant mansion. They open the main crystal doors and step into a great hall.
-As modest dic JC- exclaimed Dean as they walked in.
-Wow….I must be the start of this thing – admired Sam.
Dean scoffed -Yeah, right!- his attention deviated quickly to something on the side - Check it out!- he called Sam where a tanning bed was placed.
-What am I, Dracula- mocks Sam, feeling a little bit disgusted also.
Dean walked to the bed and opened it -George Halmilton Dracula – joked Dean and closed the bed; as he did, he spotted an alcohol cabinet nearby.-Oh! Now we are talking – Dean walked to it and poured himself a drink. They suddenlyheard a weird noise coming from outside. Dean walks past Sam to a crystal door covered by vailed curtains. He draws the curtain. It was the door to the backyard.
-Due, you have a camel in the back!- laughed Dean. He honestly did not know how to feel about it; he was in between laughing and straight weird out.
-It's an alpaca, you dumb ass- came a voice out of nowhere, and Ruby, the demon, walked in from the upstairs landing.
-Ruby!- said Dean in horror. She rolled her eyes and sighed, tired. The two brothers looked at each other in confusion.
-Ruby, right, 'cause that never gets old- The lady descended the stairs. She was wearing a black dress and heels. -How was work today, hon!- she walked straight to Sam and kissed him fully in the mouth. Sam enjoyed the movement while it lasted.
-Wait! You and Ruby?- Dean was flabbergasted. Sam slightly shrugs as confused as he was.
-Do you honestly think that's funny, Jensen? - she was obviously annoyed.
-Right! Cause you are not Ruby…You…how could you be? -Tried to save face, Dean. Sam barely gave him another shrug -You…of course. You are the lovely actress who plays Ruby and…you are in Jared's house…. because you two are…- Dean was looking at Sam, and Sam was also looking back at him, both completely at a loss until Dean's eyes fell into a photograph on the chimney. He sees Sam hugging Ruby, both dressed in wedding gowns.
-You two are married!- Saved Dean, and Sam's eyes popped out.
-You marry fake Ruby?- Dean was beside himself. Sam turned around to the chimney to catch up with what Dean was pointing out. He sees the photo. He does not know whether to feel proud or terrified.
Ruby, or fake Ruby, is looking at them– What are you two playing at?- she said weary.
-Work…Work!- babbled Sam
-Yeah I just…I thought to pop in… and say hey…Hey!- babbled also Dean -and…and…maybe run some lines-
-You never even been to our house- retorted Ruby
-Well, now that I know there's an alpaca – smiled nervously, Dean – I am definitively coming back-
-Well, Alpacas are the greenest animals- explained Ruby, not Ruby. The boys just nodded along.
-Right! Right, green animals... they are so important- tried Dean to get on her good side.
She looked at him up and down and scoffed -Well, there's that thing I have to get to- she said to Sam.
-Right…the thing- tried Sam to follow up. Ruby, not Ruby, sighted -Yeah, the International author adoption dinner?-
Oh!- was all Sam's response.
-Okay, well!- Ruby takes Sam's head, forces him to bend down, and gives him yet another full kiss. Dean rolled his eyes. Sam separated from her, feeling awkward. Ruby walked towards the main door -yeah, well, I am glad you two are talking again…- and she quickly left the room. Sam and Dean looked her go away.
-Well, it seems you did all right!- celebrated Dean when she was out of earshot.
-yeah! Yeah!- he was feeling his lips proudly when it suddenly struck him – I should figure out her name- they both nodded in agreement.
A few hours later, in Sam's office, at Sam's fake house. The brothers were researching the real ingredients they needed for the spell. They had figured out most of the ingredients, but some of them were proving to be a little bit tricky to get, like the bone of a saint.
They tracked down one at an auction web page in New Mexico for a hundred thousand dollars.
-Well, I guess we can drive down there, yank it, and be back in another week?- estimated Dean.
-Or we can just buy it…- suggested Sam
-What? Dude, that thing is over a hundred thous…- he could not finish the sentence when Sam flashed a black credit card at him. Dean smiled.
Another few hours later and a few maxed-out credit cards, they had accommodated for the ingredients to arrive as soon as possible, with one promised to be delivered early in the morning at the airport.
-Money man! There is nothing like it- celebrated Dean as he closed the laptop he had been working on with the last order completed – All right! Couch, TV start, beauty rest…- Dean dropped on the couch in the office and prepared to sleep for whatever was left of the night before their shipment arrived.
Sam was left to wander about the house. At that time, he heard the main door open. Ruby steeped in.
-Hi…Hi…Gen…Geneve?- greeted Sam. Geneve turned around – Gen…- she corrected him, a little bit upset.
-Gen…of course so…how was…the author thing?-
-It was good- she seemed to calm down -Everybody missed you there- she threw her coat in his arms.
-Oh! Yeah…Dean and I…I mean Jensen! Jensen and I had been…-Geneve sighted tire – you have been a Winchester for too long -she kissed him and gave him her hand. They both walked up to their room. Sam followed her with no objections.
By sunrise, Dean and Sam were at the airport getting a small package from one of those tiny planes.
Cliff, the driver, was there – Sorry to pry, but why are we picking a pack this early that has not cleared customs yet?-
Dean mouthed a little before answering – To save time-
Sam got in the car.
-Alright! Here we go…- celebrated Dean.
-We are not doing anything illegal, are we?- Cliff turned around. Now, Sam mouthed a little before answering – Will it make you feel better if we say no?-
-No- said Cliff, turned around and drove away.
Back at the studio. The set was still quiet; no one was around. Sam and Dean were getting ready when the lights suddenly turned on.
-Oh no!- said Dean. The director, producer, and the girl walked in. The set started to get busy very quickly.
-What is this?- asked the director, looking at Dean through the same broken window from the day before. Both the director and the producer were shocked to see him so early in the set. The girl noticed Sam fading in the back with a box.
-Are you here for the first run-through before everyone else? Dedication!- said the director, a tone of mockery and disbelief in his voice.
-Can I talk to you for a second – intercepted Dean -We are going to need the set clear for… let's say an hour or so…- he negotiated.
-You needed it cleared…- repeated the director.
-yeah…hum, me and…Jared…we are going to do some actor stuff…- The director and Dean smiled for an awkward moment at each other.
-Jensen, we are thrilled to see you collaborating so creatively, and your enthusiasm is refreshing…- the director paused -we will clear the set exactly when we are finished shooting the pages we are scheduled to shoot in this set so you do your acting stuff and we'll do our camera stuff and a…-No need to say anything else. Dean understood and walked away, leaving the director mid-sentence.
Dean found Sam sitting at the back. He was successful in finding the chair with his name. Right behind him was Castiel or Misha, who had been on his phone all this time and just noticed the box Sam was holding.
-Oh priority, what's in it?- he asked Sam
Sam did not give it much of a thought to reply – a part of a dead person- he answered, waiting for Dean, who was now approaching.
-Oh, cool!- muttered Misha.
-So, bad news -came Dean -Looks like we'll have to do a little acting…- Sam eyes peeled clear -What? US?-
-Supernatural, scene 36, take one marker!- a guy shouts and clacks the marker. Dean, Sam, and Castiel had a scene together…Needless to say, it was going to be a long day.
The girl sat with the director and the producer, looking at the little screen. There was no way to describe the acting massacre they were performing today; it was beyond beginners; they didn't even know the first thing, but Misha was such a good sport. He was so patient. He kept smiling and giving it his best.
-Baltazar is no hero. But he knows Raphael will never take him back – was Misha's one line as his co-workers keep missing their cue, messing their lines, trying to look as cool as two cats in a room full of swinging chairs.
Meanwhile, the girl was the only one seemingly having a blast out of everyone on the set today. The crew felt miserable at this point; how long would it take to get that scene right…
-Is because…is because we have no other choice- Sam tried his best to be as dramatic as he could be…to that extent… he kept coming back as a robot, and Dean was not far behind with the weirdest acting poses and awkward deliveries.
The director rolled his eyes tiredly. At some point, Sam felt comfortable enough to ramble about the uses of a key.
-CUT! What is happening? WHAT IS HAPPENING?- finally exploded the director.
-I never received the memo that this show was changing to a comedy,- chuckled the girl, with a tear in her eye.
The director snorted.
-It seems to me we could all use a break...maybe it will help them get their act together...- suggested the girl.
-Stop? They can't stop…Nobody stops…- but the director was indeed feeling tired, so he turned defeated at the producer -Do we have anything we can use?-
-Well, technically, we got everything they need to say in bits and pieces- answer the producer.
-We move on! Take a break- announced a director, and the studio was cleared.
-Finally!- celebrated Dean and Sam and got right into setting the place for the spell. The box was unpacked. The cauldron was filled with all the ingredients, and the symbol was painted in blood on the new window.
The director observed them from afar, with the producer and the girl.
-I don't know what is going on here! They started talking to each other…- said the producer
-That should be a good thing… shouldn't it?- said the girl
-I thought so, but now Jensen is living at Jared's house, plus they are smuggling illegal stuff from Mexico…- said the director.
-Well, that didn't take long to get out - thought the voice of the director muffled as the girl's eyes fell on the symbol Jensen, or fake Jensen, had just drawn on the window.
-Misha's celebrity tweet said it was a black market organ thing – commented the producer -I am betting drugs…- he said to the director.
-Anyway, as far as I can see, I think they have lost any shred of talent they have ever had…- In that moment, they were interrupted when Sam and Dean jumped through the window.
-Drugs!- reaffirmed the producer.
-I don't understand what went wrong- muttered Sam as they both entered Jensen's trailer, all battered.
-No…no, no, That spell was perfect. It should have worked; I was observing the whole thing with Baltazar, and it matched to the dot what it is in this script…- refuted Dean
-What if it can't- sighed Sam, and Dean paused to look at him – Look, I was up all night. There is no sign that anything like the apocalypse ever happened here, and as far as I can tell, monsters, ghosts, demons…They are all pretend-
-Nobody is hunting them?-
-No hunters. Maybe that is why the spell never worked, Dean; maybe here there's…no supernatural…No magic-
-no demons…no hell…no heaven?- asked Dean and sat down.
-Something like…even better, no angels- They both felt dread-…How were we supposed to get back home?- Asked Sam when the door opened, and the girl stepped in. Both brothers jumped out of their seats.
-Oh! Hey…humm...miss...- they looked at each other, but neither of them knew her name. They never ask.
She closed the door behind her- No angels, no magic… no supernatural…are you both always this dramatic?- the two brothers stared at her. -I am surprised that after a whole night's work, your conclusion is that everything is fake in this world because the internet said so…because everybody know internet is always so reliable… - she mocked.
-Look, lady…- Dean tried to put her in her place but was interrupted by Sam -Were you listening to our conversation?- she gave them an amused look.
-Of course, so much fun listening to the rambling of wannabe starts!- she laughed. Sam and Dean shuffled uncomfortably.
-There are hunters in this world, only their work does not always make it to the news.-
Dean gave a look at Sam.
- Yeah! Because they are usually the main piece in yellow journalism, among all wackos, scoundrels, and pretenders…like this…– and he waved around at the place.
-Like…-
-Like this Dean, it is all staged and fake like what we are doing right now-
-Have a little faith…- said the girl
-Little faith?- protested Sam- In our world, the supernatural is a fake, not a fairytale…-
-SAM!- called Dean, but it was too late. The words have escaped him. The girl smiled. Dean walked in between them.
-What do you want?-
- This world's mechanics are just a little different, that's all….- There was a soft knock on the door. They all turned around. The girl opened the door, and Misha was down the steps.
-Sorry Jensen... Jared- Misha greeted but made no attempt to enter the trailer. -Can I please talk to you? Please…- he waited for the girl. She crossed her arms and stepped down. Misha closes the door behind them. The brothers went to the nearest window and watched the couple.
It seems Misha was stressing out about something. He kept pointing at the trailer and flailing his arms around. The girl was listening to him intently, only for the next moment to start laughing. Misha seems devastated.
-It's like looking at a puppy being bullied - compared Dean, and Sam looked at him weirdly.
Misha turned around at the trailer and sighed, only to find the brothers looking at them through the window. They both smiled but made no effort to hide. Sam even waved at him.
-Misha...- Called the girl, placing her hand on his arm -I know they are acting a little crazy these days, but believe me…they are not that kind of dangerous…- Misha turned around and looked into her eyes. He sighed again, giving up.
-You always do this…like you know better, even when all the odds are against you…-he neared her -I trust you, but…can you please just keep them at a distance?- The girl chuckled. Misha took the hand she had placed on his arm -I don't want anything to happen to you…Please…-
Now it was her turn to sigh. Her hands took him by the lapels of his trench coat. She leaned forward. Misha was taken by surprise. Her forehead gently touched his. Her eyes focus on him.
-Would my favorite actor in the whole world accept to have a drink with his humble number one fan?- she smiled. Misha said nothing and smiled back -I might be crazy- she whispered to him – I will spike your drink, rope you, and take you to my basement…-
Misha chuckled – rope me in the basement…tempting, but wouldn't we be more comfortable in our room?...- his hands moved around her and held her.
-Oh! So it's a yes to the drink…- she let him go and took his arm to lead him. -And afterward, we can go to the prop department to see about that rope…-
-I know you are joking, but you really have me going…-
She laughed out loud. They both walked away.
-They are together, right?- asked Sam to Dean, both looking a little aloof.
- Like you and Ruby together?-
- Well, uhm, I guess so…otherwise that would have been very inappropriate for coworkers…-
-You think?- Dean sighed and sat – You have Ruby, and Castiel has…that girl…What do I have?- he opened the laptop – she has to be at least a supermodel…-
-What do you think she wanted to say to us?- asked Sam sitting in front of Dean.
-Oh! So you noticed too…- said Dean his eyes glued to the screen.
-She knows something...- said Sam
- yeah...she did give me that impression- answered Dean slowly and looked at his brother – I think we need to make room in our busy schedules to have a meeting with this girl…- they both nodded.
-Did you find anything?- asked Sam, going back to the previous subject, looking over the laptop.
-Shut up!- was all Dean's response as he shut the laptop off.
Back in the set, a red light shined somewhere in another window. The window shattered, and a person came through. It was the assassin that was hunting Baltazar to kill him. The same guy that encountered Sam and Dean just before they were cast away into that dimension.
Sam and Dean were on their way back to the set. They were discussing what other ideas they had to tackle their current existential problem. They turned around a corner when Dean went to one side and Sam to the other.
-No, it's around here- pointed out Sam
-No, dude, it's over here- insisted Dean and walked straight into what looked like an office set.
-DEAN!- shouted Sam as they saw the angel Virgil, coming right up to Dean. He quickly placed his hand on Dean's head to annihilate him, but nothing happened.
-Sorry, dude, mojo-free zone – Dean mocked and quickly attacked Virgil.
Within seconds, Dean and Sam had cornered the guy. The crew standing around sees the fight and intervenes. They manage to separate Dean and Sam from Virgil. He seizes the opportunity and runs away. But before he leaves, as he is getting separated from Sam, he manages to get the keys out of Sam's pocket.
-If Virgil broke through, maybe he's got a way to get back – pointed Dean when they were alone and in the clear from the crew.
-Or he has no juice here, and now he is stuck like us- pointed back Sam.
-yeah! Either way, it was the Virgil from our world. He recognized us and tried to kill us right away, not some double…and I want to finish kicking his ass. I don't think this Virgil character would pop in if he were not looking for that key-
-You are right!- said Sam, and tried to feel the key in his pocket, but it was no longer there. He freaked out. He went through all his pockets, but there was nothing; he immediately traced back his steps to see if the keys were on the floor.
-Sam?-
-Dean, I think Virgil has the keys-
It was nighttime when Misha, after a hard day's work or, in this case, a weird one, left the set to go home. He was at the car's bay.
- Where are you?- he was on his phone.
-Still looking for that extra…- answered the girl on the other side.
-Really? I hope you'll find him quick…-
Misha entered his car and turned the key on.
- Well, it seems that guy is not registered in the security registry. He somehow breached in, managed to spot Jensen and Jared, and got into a fight straight away; I am rather impressed they managed to subdue the extra. According to the crew members who intervened, that guy was not some weakling-
-Is that why you are sending me home? You think I cannot subdue that guy myself as well?- protested Misha. The girl laughed.
-No…I want you ready and pretty when I arrive…I am bringing that rope…-
Hahaha! Misha laughed -I know you are joking, but…- he paused and sighed -Please hurry…-
-You think I would stand my favorite character up? Never, you are the sole reason why I come to work -
-Is that all that I am to you?- he pouted
-Misha, drive safe, my sweetest heart- She said slowly. Misha smiled, a little bit blushed.
He sat there for a moment, his heart racing. It has been a good day, after all. Suddenly, a shiver ran down his spine, an inexplicable chill. Dismissing it as mere nerves, he glanced around the empty car bay. Not one soul around.
- "Do you ever get that feeling someone's watching you?" he muttered over the phone.
-What?- the girl said, and the connection was suddenly interrupted. Virgil jumped Misha from behind the back seat. He was armed with a knife.
-Drive- he demanded. Misha was shouting, afraid. But there was no one around to hear him.
Misha parked in an empty alley. Virgil pushed him out of the car.
-How do you do it? Living in this empty desert, nothing greater than yourselves, nothing but dirt when you die- bickered Virgil
-What?- said Misha, trembling as he stumbles out of the car dragged by Virgil. He pinned Misha into a wall
-No power…no magic…-
-I am not following you at all…- Mishas voice cracked.
-There is no magic in this universe-
-Magic?- Misha repeated, confused -Please let me go-
-Nothing but a bag of string and pulleys…-
-What?-
-You should thank me for what am I about to do…-
-Why? What are you about to do?-
-I need to make an important call. I hope that it makes it through- there was a nasty slashing sound, and poor Misha gargled for a bit before quieting down. A homeless person was in the area, unnoticed by Virgil. He sees everything.
-This is what am I reduced to…- complained Virgil as Misha's body fell to the floor – Raphael – he shouted.
- To think that girl is part of the production team… – commented Sam as they entered Jared's home for the night.
-Yeah, and with the studio on high alert, we didn't even have the chance to get near her- Dean scoff
-Oh my! Oh my!- They heard Geneve crying
-What?- asked Sam
-Misha has been stabbed to death- she was crying, her makeup up smudged over her face.
-Where?- they both asked her at the same time. Geneve was taken aback.
Sam and Dean found the place fairly quickly. The body of Misha was already covered. They saw the girl kneeling next to him. A police officer was talking to a homeless person, who explained what he had seen.
-Yeah, yeah, Raphael, like the ninja turtle. He was calling someone called Raphael after what happened-
The girl extended her arm at Mishas's hand resting exposed on the floor.
-Hey!- called the police and walked to her -Please, ma'am, don't touch the body…- he said in a rather soft voice.
-What if I could…- she said, her hand still reaching for Misha's.
-Ma'am!- warned the police officer.
-Hey!- Sam's hand suddenly grabbed hers -here you are. You shouldn't be alone right now…- But she was not crying, not even looking like a mess like Geneve was. She was just quietly observing Misha under the harsh blue plastic sheet he was covered with.
Sam helps her stand up.
-You know each other?- asked the police officer
-They work for me- answered the girl quickly.
-I am going to ask you to please clear the scene.- The policeman signals them to move away.
Sam and the girl walked up to Dean, who had intercepted the homeless person.
-yeah, that is right! The scary man killed the attractive crying man, and then he started some kind of prayer- the homeless person further explained to Dean. -and the strange part, after a while, I swear I heard this voice answering-
-What did it say?- asked Sam
-It doesn't make any sense...- the homeless man muttered, his gaze fixed on the girl. She'd already heard this part along with the police officer, but all the homeless man received in return was a dismissive shrug and a cynical smirk from the police.
-Try us!- encourage Dean. The man went from Dean to the girl and then to Sam. They all were looking at him so seriously. The man gave in and continued -The voice said for Virgil to return tomorrow at the place where he crossed over at the time of the passing, and Raphael would reach through the window and take him and the key home-
Sam and Dean looked at each other. The girl had walked away before the man finished speaking. Dean sighed; he pulled out a pack of bills and gave it to the homeless person; this one looked at it amazed but asked no question, took it, and scrambled away.
-Hey! If Virgil makes it back with the key, Cas is dead, and our world is toast—said Sam
-So then we stop him. How bad can an angel with no wings be?-
By morning, Virgil has made his way into a weapon shop. He may have had no powers, but he was still a warrior and weapon expert; within minutes, he armed himself, killed everybody in the shop, and walked away.
Meanwhile, Sam and Dean arrived early at the set and were waiting only for Virgil to appear—no signs of the girl.
-We need to make this count, Sam; if we drop Virgil and he gets away, we might be stuck here…forever- dreaded Dean
-No, we'll figure a way back- answered Sam, a conviction in his eyes.
-I thought you would be broken up if we managed to get back-
-What? Don't be stupid! -
-Come on, Sam, no hell below us and above only the sky?-
-Dean, our friends are back there-
-yeah, but you have a pretty good life here…you have to admit, being a gazillionaire married to Ruby…The whole package, there is no contest-
- No, you know you're right; we just don't mean the same thing here. I mean, we are not even brothers here, man!-
-Alright them, let's get our crazy show back home-
- Such deep conversation at these early hours – The girl walked in.
-You shouldn't be here- warned Sam.
-Are you always sneaking about to hear people's private conversations?- protested Dean
-I happen to work here. I just heard your voices and came to inspect…-
-How brave….no security guards?- retorted Dean
-I don't need them…- she retorted back
-Please…this is not a safe place…- try to intervene Sam
-You're right! There is a killer on the loose, and one of our main actors is now dead. This morning, I called the people in charge to let them know I was shooting down the production, at least for today. You know what they told me?-
-Please, take all the time you need?- ventured Dean joking.
-Hire more security, call the writers to adjust the script, and replace the actor as soon as possible… Do not stop production… And you say this world is godless…Long live Mamon- she said bitterly.
-We are sorry about Misha…- answered Sam softly.
-Are you now? You didn't even know him…or notice him at all. But that was your counterparts, weren't they? You believe he was a real angel…-
Sam and Dean said nothing when a sudden burst of gunfire echoed through the place. Chaos erupted as the studio plunged into a state of panic.
-How useless is security in this place?… Anybody can waltz in even armed?- the girl uttered.
-Stay here- shouted Dean at her. Sam and he went out to find Virgil shooting everything in sight. Virgil was going straight to the place he needed to be in order to be extracted from that dimension.
Dean and Sam knew the drill. They quickly separated. Sam called Virgil to distract him while Dean went around and jumped him to disarm him.
They managed to knock him out and retrieve the keys from his pocket. That is when they noticed a symbol in one of the windows next to them started shining red. The girl was standing next to the window.
-Guys!- the girl called and extended her arms at them. They took them by instinct, but instead of pulling her out of the way, it was her who pulled them in.
Sam and Dean rolled out the broken window. They found themselves in front of a lady dressed in a black suit in the middle of a parking lot.
-You two… – she walked slowly -have the strangest luck!- Sam and Dean stood up.
-Raphael?- asked Dean; the lady said nothing but gave him a disdainful look.
-Nice to meet you- continued Dean -Dude looks like a lady – he mocked-commented at Sam. The lady raised her arm, and Sam and Dean kneeled in pain. -The key – she demanded. The keys fell out of Sam's pocket. Raphael grabbed them.
-And that would take you to a locker in Graverly station- they heard Baltazar walk in.
-Really?- demanded Raphael.
-you see, I needed a modest decoy to make it more convincing- answered Baltazar.
-Give me the weapons…- Raphael threw the keys.
-Sorry darling, they are gone-
-What?-
-I said too bloody late! you see, they were all so well hidden that I needed time to find them, so I volunteered those two knuckles to play fetch with Virgil…You two were such an adequate stake. Thank you boys!-
-You made your last mistake- warned Raphael
-I got a few more up my sleeve, honey- mocked Baltazar. Sam and Dean slowly stood up. Raphel had lost interest in them; she walked up to Baltazar, about to annihilate him. He backed up.
-Step away from him, Raphael!- called Castiel -I have the weapons now. Their powers are with me- Lightning and thunder strike even though it is not raining. Raphael stood still, looking at Castiel.
Out of the motel, the girl came out the broken window -Ouch!- they all heard and looked back. She was holding her hand, bleeding.
-Hey, hey! Be careful. This is real glass, not plastic like in the studio- Sam rushed at her and, pulling his handkerchief, covered the girl's wound.
-Oh! So you follow us?- commented Dean, amused – Castiel, I think we need one ticket ride…back…- but he could not finish his sentence. As he turned around, he noticed all the angels looking at the girl staggered.
-A kindred spirit. Who the heck carries a handkerchief nowadays?- said the girl, smiling at Sam.
-just hold it; we should get that wound clean, right…away…- but his voice died out when he turned around to find everybody stunned looking at them. Dean was also looking at him, but all he could manage was a shoulder shrug.
-Do you mind if I keep the handkerchief for a moment? I'll return it clean- she continued. Sam looked at her at a loss. -Of…of course…- he tattered.
-Now, to business…- she turned around at the angels. Raphael and Balthazar flinched and backed away.
-How did you…YOU knuckleheads!- Raphael shouted at Dean and Sam -Of all people you could have dragged with you…-
-Now, now – called the girl, and Raphael quieted down- don't take it out on the children…- The girl walked up to her with a smile- I think I made you wait long enough…let's get right into business, shall we?- Raphael stepped back and swallowed hard.
-Your Virgil took my Misha…I think it is only fair I took something of the same value from you- she continued walking slowly towards her. The girl's wounded hand dropped down like getting ready to strike, the handkerchief wrapped around her hand like a white bandage. Raphael gave a terrified look at Sam and Dean and disappeared.
-Ha! You think I won't follow…- but she could not finish her sentence as Castiel had called her name.
-Abaddon!- he said, his voice filled with longing and pain.
A soft smile graced her lips as she turned to face them. -Baltazar... Cas...- But her words trailed off. Castiel, unable to contain himself, rushed forward and embraced her.
-Oh great!- muttered Baltazar and backed up. Sam and Dean noted this: Baltazar was as uncomfortable as Raphael was with the girl. Not Castiel; he was looking like he was cozying up fast to her. He did not let go of her.
The girl was stunned. Castiel's embrace obscured her view, forcing her to look up at the night sky. Her eyes shimmered as her form elongated. Lowering her gaze, she smiled softly and closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She leaned into him, finally returning the hug for a fleeting moment. Just as quickly as it began, he released her, shaking her shoulders excitedly. "You're alive!" he exclaimed.
-Somebody told you I was dead?- was her response.
-Well, Isn't this adorable? – came Baltazar, but not too close -That one lost lamb has made its way back to the fold… Admirable…let me be the first one to welcome you…Oh no! Cas has already done it- he pointed out that he was still holding her, so Castiel let her go- allow me to be the second one… Welcome back…- Baltazar made a small courtesy; he never removed his eyes from the girl. Dean was observing attentively his every move. Baltazar was trying to play it cool, but Dean knew better; it takes one thief to know another. Baltazar was utterly troubled by her presence.
-now that you have your sword, Cas, try not to die by it- Baltazar addressed Castiel -Miss Abaddon…sir!- he corrected himself, feeling he was being too casual around her. He disappeared.
Castiel took Abaddon's hand -Please… Don't go just yet. You can feel it, can't you? So much has changed…Let me explain…-
Castiel was right; something was amiss, and she could feel it. She waited for his explanation. Sam and Dean join them.
-Cas, what the heck!- came Sam.
-What was all that about?- demanded Dean. They all waited for Castiel's explanation. They all waited on Castiel to set things straight.
-Follow me- he asked Abaddon and, touching Dean and Sam on their shoulders, transported them all back to Bobby's house
Castiel moved away from Dean and Sam. Just a few seconds later, Abaddon appears next to Castiel
-You are an angel…- said Dean sounding in between a question and an exclamation.
The girl looked at him but said nothing.
-Let's go…- said Castiel to the girl.
-No… Castiel, wait! Aren't you going to explain anything to us?- Dean called.
-Let me sort this first out Dean, I promise I'll be back as soon as I can…-
-No! Castiel, please…- intercepted Sam -For the longest time, we haven't heard the first thing about what's happening…-
- And now your girlfriend here is more important than us? For instance, were you in all this whole affair to banish us to that doomed world? Using us as a diversion- demanded Dean.
-it was Baltazar's plan… - Castiel answered plain, but then, it occurred to him something, and turned around at Abaddon -They found you there… Why?-
-No, no, do not change the subject- jumped Dean in between them.
Castiel looked at Dean, then at Abaddon, then, like doubting something, he finally answered him -I would have done the same thing; you both have a nack to pull yourself above and beyond…you would have made it back from that world even without my help…-
-Really? Are they that amazing?- Abaddon quietly said.
-That is not comforting Cas- protested Dean.
-I keep repeating myself, but it is like you don't want to understand…All I am trying to do is to keep us alive. If I lose against Raphael, we all lose everything…-
-Yeah, Cas! We know the stakes. That's about all you told us!- They looked at each other, confronting.
-I am sorry about all this…I'll explain when I can- he moved past Dean and extended his hand at Abaddon. Abaddon looked back apprehensive.
-It's been such a long time…I would like to go home first…- she answered.
-I know, but it might be dangerous. Please... just stay with me until I can clear all this up- Castiel continued to hold his hand out to her.
-Oh so! There is an explanation for her, but not for us?- Dean's voice sounded a little bit in pain.
-Is not the same Dean. You are not about to jump blindfolded in the middle of a bloody war-
-Really Castiel? Funny you put it like that because I feel I JUST DID EXACTLY THAT!- they both stared at each other.
-I am just asking you…all of you for a little bit of trust…-
-That is not fair, Castiel- intervened Sam in his usual soft tone -We were thrown into that dimension with no warnings, no instruction, no nothing…Only to find out that we were being used as distractions…-
-You were safe there…Any one of us could have brought you back…-
-Really? Cause nobody told us that was the plan in the first place…- Sam's voice broke – We call you…we have no answer…No, nothing, and I bet it was the same for her…- Sam looked at Abaddon. She looked back at him, eyes wide open and crystal clear.
- You call on us?- Castiel approached her in the most pained voice.
-I tried…many times…It never occurred to me to resort to demon contact techniques…Which was what Virgil used to contact Raphael… -
-I… I am so sorry…- Castiel started but was interrupted.
-Not as much as Misha…The means Virgil used. What would you be sorry about exactly?- she passed around the room- It's not your fault that I was stranded in some weird faithless dimension with no hope of ever coming back home… You know…the people that marooned me there call themselves my friends…I guess in the end, the whole thing was on me for believing I had any…-
-Stop right there! I am not keeping secrets from any of you…I have tried to explain myself on many occasions…- he addressed Dean and Sam very annoyed -and you…If I had only known, I would have…-
-Save me? Come to my rescue… Cute…-I don't know what you are trying to pull out here, Castiel, but, at least for humans, trust is a luxury… very easy to break…You call them friends, right?- she waved at Dean and Sam.
-I do…- Castiel answered plainly. Abaddon laughed.
-I can't believe it! It is always like this with you…Tell you something I learned from my travels -She walked up to him -You shouldn't be so willing to risk it all for so-called friends with less than an ounce of faith in you -She looked at Sam and Dean. They had surprised looks on them – They obviously don't trust you…and you should not trust me either…Stop sticking your neck for people who clearly do not care about you!- she looked Castiel dead in the eye and then disappeared. Castiel was devastated.
-Castiel…- call Dean. To his own surprise, his voice came out softly. He could see Castiel was troubled.
-Not now…- was all Castiel said and disappeared. Sam and Dean were left in the middle of the room to draw conclusions by themselves.
-Freaking angels!- exclaimed Dean.