Supernatural/Paprika Fusion: While I Lay Dreaming (5/?)
Series: While I Lay Dreaming
Chapter Title: flower's grave
Author: felicia_angel
Characters: Castiel, Ellen, John Winchester, Sam, Adam, Dean (mentioned), various Campbells, various Angels
Series Summary: AU from "Swan Song" and "Jus in Bello" - Dean checked into the Institute because of insomnia. Now, his family and friends must attempt to piece together a way to save him and the rest of the world from danger.
Chapter Summary: Heaven's timelessness begins to work against Castiel as he rushes to unravel the mystery of Dean (and Sam's) souls. In the end, there are greater questions to be had.
AO3 Link
tell me who/will put flowers on a flower’s grave?
-Flowers grave
The talk with Death and the return of Sam and Adam made Castiel withdraw to Heaven, mostly to ponder what had been said and what would be done. There was an increase in those that abandoned their duties, or who felt that their duties were better-served on Earth. He didn’t blame his brothers or sisters for that, instead finding work for those that still reported to Heaven.
Still, the new of Abdiel and that his brother had children upset Castiel. All that he and others could find seemed to hint at only two ways an Angel could create others like themselves, but that those Angels would be, ultimately, weaker and possibly flawed in some way. A few thought Abdiel had possibly had Nephilim, but Castiel dismissed that, based on Death calling them Angels. While Nephilim were powerful in their own rights and had various types of powers that had translated, after the Flood, to some psychics and others today, Castiel could not see Death mincing words in such a way.
He was called to the Roadhouse by a rather confused Ash, who seemed to be uncertain as to what was going on. When Castiel arrived, he found Ellen to have cleared out most of the Roadhouse, the many people now at the Garden instead.
“I heard you visited John Winchester,” Ellen told him, sitting him down with a drink.
“Yes,” he said, then let out a sigh. “I have upset him?”
“He’s more aware that he’s not on Earth, and he’s been tryin’ to get back. Annoyed a few people, to say the least.” She sipped her own drink. “We tried lookin’ for Mary but she’d off somewhere too. Hell, I wouldn’t put it past her to be--.”
“Mary Winchester is not in Heaven.” Though Castiel had thought she was, a return and search for her proved only that it was an echo of a soul. That echo, luckily, didn’t reside in Hell. But his attempt to speak with her about Dean had proved only that she was there as part of other’s memories and Heavens, as a residual leftover of the soul that had once been Mary Winchester.
Ellen paused, looking at Castiel. “What? A soul either goes to Heaven or Hell, don’t it?”
Castiel took a sip of the beer, finding it just what he needed and remembered from the one time Ellen and Jo had let him try the night before they’d gone after the Devil. Though it wasn’t the first time he’d met them, or even heard of them, it was the first time they were seeing him after he’d begin to Fall, and both had simply taken a look at him before deciding to ‘adopt’ him as family. Their deaths, and how they died, affected him as it had the others. He also knew their deaths had been a major linchpin in Dean’s decision to give in to Michael.
“Souls are...in some ways, different, from many other things on Earth and in the various places of Heaven and Hell. A Human soul especially.”
Ellen was silent and let him pick his words. Even in Enochian, there were many ways to describe a soul. “Grace is what we are, what we have been - our powers, our connection to Father, our connection to each other. That is why, even if an Angel Falls, they still have a small connection to that. An Angel that has Fallen, has...become a Human Soul, can remember being an Angel. But the context can be muted as well, much of the experiences as muddied as the early moments of a Human’s childhood. When Grace is restored, in some ways they can be as powerful...but in others, they are more powerful.”
He remembered Anna, and wondered if her returned Grace had allowed her such power, or if that was only himself. The few who’d seen Anna, both before and after, supposed that the way she’d Fallen, and why, had a lot to do with it. Unlike Castiel, Anna had been tempted and left her role as protector. Castiel had stood to defend Chuck and Dean - had continued his role - and thus it was a hypothesis that experiences death as an Angel, as well as while Human, had allowed Castiel to understand it as well as the nature of Grace and Souls. Even after holding the Righteous Man, Castiel seemed to understand humanity a bit more.
“Dean’s soul is...different. As the Righteous Man, in some ways, I expect it, but...the question is exactly how.”
“What’s that got to do with his mom?”
Castiel drank a bit more, hoping this wouldn’t upset her. “A soul is something that even Angels cannot easily define. We allow in the righteous and just, the holy and those who live their lives without committing acts that stain it too badly. Belief, in some ways, is power.”
Ellen nodded. “That’s why all the other Heavens are showin’ up now. Belief’s shifting?”
He nodded. “Also the Apocalypse took away much of our power. The Archangels and others...misused souls.” He was silent a moment. “Souls are as numerous as stars, and as different. In general, all have the same simple principle. But if used for power, a soul can...” he looked at the beer. “A soul can, and often does, give Angels extra power. While Jimmy’s soul is freed from the pain he would have seen, had he remained...my own power, if I used his soul, would be able to rival Michael’s for a few minutes.” He let that sink in for a moment. “The ability of a soul to deceive itself into believing it’s alive, or must remain, is what creates ghosts. Some are able to let go, to either arrive in Heaven or accept their damnation. A vast majority, especially those that become corrupted and instead turn into vengeful spirits or similar, are destroyed with their bones.”
Ellen seemed to understand. “And a Hunter who is stuck because of her guilt?”
“Mary was trapped by her guilt, but also by the power that Azazel had. It was not until the poltergeist arrived to threaten the family that her own spirit awoke. And destroying it, destroyed her. What made it to Heaven was simply an echo of her soul.”
Ellen let out a breath, looking sad. “It explains...well, a few Hunters that ain’t up here when they should be, or can’t be called out of their Heaven.”
“I am sorry.”
She managed a smile. “Well, what’s the big difference, anyway?”
He frowned. “I do not understand.”
“I remember before you came up here and changed Heaven around...it was ok, but...god, it felt like a damn djinn trap, sometimes. It’s why I’m glad Ash showed up and pulled me out here.”
Castiel slowly nodded. “I understand the trepidation. Heaven is supposed to be a reward. I know it has been changed before I gained my new power, but my own garrison was tasked with watching Earth, not the final reward. It wasn’t until recently that I saw the problem with it.” He finished the beer. “I am worried.”
“About?”
“Dean. His brothers have been returned, and yet all the reports say they have stayed away from where he lives. I fear going to him.”
Ellen glared at him. “Castiel...”
“He wished to live as his brother asked him to, before he died. While I wish to return to Dean, I fear what might happen.” He sighed. “Dean was...Dean...after his brother’s death. I hope Lisa can help.”
Ellen was silent. “You sent him off to the apple-pie life, didn’t you?”
Castiel slowly nodded. “I believe he would not survive the next encounter with...anything. Not because he is unable to fight, or lead, but because of his grief. He needed...some space.”
“You’re at least gonna go and check on him, right?”
“Yes, but I am also worried.”
“Oh...about what?”
“As I said before, Dean’s soul is...unique. Many believe it is due to his role as the Righteous Man, but others are curious.”
“Why?”
“He was able to...repair...Bobby Singer’s soul after it was touched by a demonic presence. This is hardly possible. I have looked into other events in his past as well, and noted that demons do not possess him. Before, I believed this was something unique to Michael’s Vessel, but now, I believe it is unique to Dean.”
“That he’s possession-proof, even without the tattoo?”
Castiel nodded again. “He also withstood demonization in Hell. Again, this was believed to have been something that occurred because of his status as the Righteous Man, as well as his role as Michael’s Vessel. But the more we learn of the Revelation, the more we question it.” He knew his brothers and sisters were both curious as well as upset with the wording, and with what had happened. More, though, were now curious about Dean Winchester.
Ellen looked upset, though he could also tell this was more out of fear of what would happen to Dean, as well as the unhappiness of recalling Dean’s time in Hell. Dean’s family, or those he considered his family, were often upset by the lengths he or Sam would go to in order to save the other. He also knew that the few Hunters who arrived and knew Dean and Sam blamed that mostly on John Winchester and how he raised Dean. Ellen herself was very upset with how John had raised Dean.
“So what’s Sam doing that’s got you upset?” Ellen finally asked, taking the glass and cleaning it.
“I believe that allowing Lucifer into him, as well as Adam’s own interactions with Angels and Michael, have...made them upset. Sam seems to be moving to protect Dean from returning to Hunting, but also is under the influence of his mother’s family. They are...not kind...to supernatural beings. They also appear to know a little about Sam’s interactions with Ruby, and John’s neglect to introduce the Milligans to the ‘lifestyle’.” He considered. “The failed War left both sides with too many weapons and little else to do. Many have returned to their spaces, but others have not. Also, supernatural beings are...upset...with what happened, as are some pagan gods and goddesses. It’s becoming more dangerous.”
Ellen let out a near-inaudible curse. “Damnit. Sam had to get stupid like that, didn’t he?”
“I doubt it’s his fault. Friagnel believes the Campbells are working to regain ground. After Mary left and her parents died, there were missteps in attempting to track what killed them. Many were killed. Now that Azazel is dead and they have some knowledge of Angelic Vessels and lineages, I believe they want to keep Sam and Adam close as a way of...affirming...their survival.”
Ellen let out a huff. “What about John’s side?”
“Unluckily, there are none left. His father is...trapped...in a portal and only John’s presence back on Earth, or his sons together in a specific location, would allow him to return to any current time. However, I also believe that something dangerous might be following him.”
Ellen shook her head. “Stupid Winchesters. Well, Bill and I will try to get John to see reason, if we can. You go find Dean. I don’t like the idea of him being alone too long.”
“I shall do what I can.”
--
It is only after the talk with Ellen, and with Friagnel’s assurance from Earth that Sam and Adam are beginning to question Ezra Campbell’s methods, that Castiel began to look into the Righteous Man. Both the Earthly and Heavenly books were lacking in any information about him, save that a Righteous Man must break in Hell for the First Seal of Lucifer’s Cage. But he also found contradicting wording as well. Both Heavenly and Earthly Revelations showed the Righteous Man as the one who would open the First Seal, but also there was notes on why and what would happen. Some obscure Earthly Revelations, nearly lost to Human sight, stated that the Righteous Man would only break when the Lightbringer’s Vessel began to prepare. Others said the Righteous Man could begin the Apocalypse, but may end it prematurely.
The Heavenly Revelations were no better, even those used by Raphael and Michael. Castiel found that two spoke of the Righteous Man and Michael’s Vessel as two separate things - for as Cain slew Abel, so Abel’s line...
Castiel frowned. The word could be line, but it also spoke of a parallel. Cain and Abel parallel - the older brother who’s offerings were ignored by God, and the younger’s who was blessed, then killed. It worked, vaguely, for Sam and Adam. Considering how things ended, Castiel could see why this was placed where it was. But the question now remained of the Righteous Man’s true purpose, beyond opening the first Seal. The Demons had believed John to be the Righteous Man, and some had gained the Heavenly scriptures from those who rebelled with Lucifer. When John had either not broken or, in breaking, not released the Seal, the Demons obviously had been happy to get the next Winchester and try, this time with Alastair devoting all of his time. The end result should have demonized Dean, even a bit...but it hadn’t. The signs of his time in Hell were there, as were the signs of his time in Heaven, but Dean remained (stubbornly, to some) human. He remained convinced of the values of free will and choices over the Revelations of God and hints of the End Times.
Castiel nearly let out a frustrated sigh, but he saw no other choice in the matter. He would have to visit John Winchester again.
--
John is pretty sure he’s trapped in...something, and is unhappy when the creature appears before him again, this time when he’s watching his wife hug Dean, his son having proclaimed that he loved her and would never leave her. John remembers this time, when they’d fought and he’d stayed away from the house. Dean had been happy when he returned, as if nothing happened, and Mary had been wary of his intentions.
He’d come here to try and get Mary to see him. She hadn’t, going from memory to memory instead, though at times he thought she hugged Dean a bit too tightly, possibly hugged his former self a bit longer than he remembered. He’d tried to find others, but after seeing Ellen and Bill, hearing them attempt to take him somewhere and learn more...he’d simply fled, hoping for his own answers.
John growled at the intrusion into his wife’s memories (he doubted they could be anything else) and attempted to hit the creature, the thing easily grabbing his hand and overpowering him as they suddenly moved, now in a strange, garden-like area. “You have upset many of your friends with your stubbornness, John Winchester.”
“Let me go, you--.”
“No. I have questions.”
John glared at the thing. He’d never been caught by a creature that created illusions, though he’d hunted a few with Dean and Sam. But he knew he was dead, and had his own questions and fears. The thing said it knew Dean and Sam, was their friend (yeah right!) and had only questioned him about Dean and what happened during his possession. That had been torture enough, until he’d realized that the perfect place he’d been in was nothing more than a retread of his memories. Seeing Ellen and Bill, trying to find Jim but fearing what he’d say to John...
“What makes you think I’ll answer them, you twisted son of a bitch?”
Once more, there was a flash of the power that made John tremble with fear, attempting to move away but unable to do so in the creature’s grip. John knew better than to overestimate creatures, had taught his children all that he could about the things they hunted, and after facing progressively powerful demons, he also knew that sometimes it was a bad idea to anger them. He didn’t know what Castiel was, exactly, or what it’s ultimate goal was. All he knew was that it had him, possibly had Dean and Sam, and claimed it pulled Dean out of Hell. But the thing had also said Dean was hurting emotionally...if John could convince it to let him see his sons, be with them, he might be able to help them escape the creature.
The creature relaxed a bit of it’s hold, though not enough to release him, and said, “Dean is not where he should be. I believe his life is in danger.” John swallowed down his happiness that Dean had escaped, though he disliked the idea that Dean might be in danger somehow. Considering how little he’d told the creature during the last visit, John hoped it had been what made Dean escape.
“What do you want me for?”
“As I said, I have questions,” the creature let him go, allowing John to stand and face it. “I know they are painful memories, but...what happened to you when you were in Perdition?”
“Per...what?”
“Hell.”
John felt himself pale, not wanting to recall all that had happened to him, all he’d gone through and been forced to witness. Every few years, one of the demons who ask him if he wanted down, and tell him what he had to do, and each time...
“What would you possibly want to know?”
“You were able to survive a century without breaking,” the creature told him matter-of-factly, “I know Dean’s, but I do not know yours.”
John swallowed, not wanting to relive it or even think about it, yet this thing seemed intent on pulling it out of him. Maybe it was using what it learned to torture his boys?
“Why?”
The creature tilted it’s head, as if considering if it wanted to answer the question or not. “Despite what happened, you did not break. However, I doubt that means you were treated equal to Dean.”
“The hell--.”
“Dean was given to the Master Inquisitor.” John felt ill, and the creature reached up, touching him to either steady him, or hold him enough to keep digging in the emotional knife it was hurting him with. “Dean went to Perdition because of a Deal, in order to revive his brother. Because the demons had lost their hold on you, and not broken you, they decided to...” the creature appeared to be thinking of the right phrase. “It was unclear to them which of you would be the one to begin to unlock the Cage. Dean was given to Alastair.”
John knew of Alastair. The high-demon had tortured him but often left him to others to deal with, though he always appeared to ask John to take up the knife. He had almost given in to the Inquisitor before the Gate was open and he was able to run out. He couldn’t imagine anyone withstanding Alastair constantly, and to hear that Dean had been given to him...
“You’re lying,” John managed, annoyed at how weak he sounded.
“I would not lie about that,” the creature told him sincerely, “It is one of the reasons I am worried about Dean’s emotional state. He still carries those scars, and with all that happened...” the creature once more fell silent. “You were not given to Alastair?”
John swallowed, uncertain if he should trust the thing or not, but still reeling from the thought of his baby boy at that monster’s hands. “Yes, but he...often gave me to others. He questioned me, every night though.”
The creature seemed thoughtful before nodding. “That does explain one thing. Why did you not take up the knife?”
John glared at it, but the creature simply stared at him until he felt uncomfortable before he said, “I...couldn’t.”
“Why not?”
John felt his reservations about attacking the creature suddenly disappear in a burst of anger and protectiveness. “Because I couldn’t! Because I’m not some twisted soul! Because I’m not about to give up my humanity just so the pain goes away like all those others! I don’t know what you think you’re doing with this information, you son of a bitch, but I won’t let you use it against my boys!”
The creature frowned, as if confused by his tirade. “I would not use such things against Dean or Sam. But Dean is in danger, and--.” He stopped, looking at something behind John. John whirled to find a young, blond boy in a red-and-white striped Weiner Hut outfit on, the nametag labeled “Alfie” and his look a bit confused.
“I’m sorry for interrupting, but Hastor may have found something.”
The creature nodded. “Thank you, Samandiriel.” He glanced at John, then back to the new creature, “Could you take John Winchester to the Garden?”
Samandiriel nodded. “Of course.”
John’s anger at the being resurfaced, and he turned to growl at Castiel, “I’m not going anywhere until I get some answers, you bastard.” He moved closer to the being, hoping to intimidate it with his size. “Just what the hell is going on here? What have you done with Dean?”
“I have done nothing to Dean,” the creature said, “I am--.”
“If you tell me you’re worried about him, you can try again,” John growled out, “I don’t know what you’ve done to them, but I’m not going to become some damned puppet like the others you hurt!”
The creature suddenly straightened, power seemed to come off of him as his blue eyes locked on John’s own. John felt himself back away in terror at the sheer power in those eyes, the anger suddenly rising.
“You should not assume I mean you or anyone else harm. Do not forget that I pulled your son from Perdition, and did all I could to defend and protect him in his greatest time of need. I am doing all I can to ensure he does not become a target again.” The creature shifted, it’s focus so intent and unyielding that John had to break eye-contact first, even as he heard the deathly-quiet and dangerous voice continue. “You should show me some respect. I do not have to ask you to know what happened.”
The creature looked back up at the one called Samandiriel and said, “Take him to the Garden and ensure he remains there. I will return shortly.”
--
Castiel is fairly certain he’s found what he’s been looking for, but the implication is...frightening. For one thing, all indications are that Dean’s soul was not only unique, but quite dangerous. The power it had and showed was something that nothing else had. It made Castiel wonder, though, as he had noted that Sam’s power, though demonic in origin, were ones that also tended to throw them out of their hosts. The other Special Children that had developed their powers leaned more heavily towards controlling demons, not throwing them out or killing them. Castiel almost put it to the Kush knife that Ruby gave them, when she was gaining Sam’s trust, but almost dismissed it. Ruby was an agent of Lilith’s, and one that, all things considered, loved Lucifer and Sam more than her own kind. It would make sense, then, for her to have a knife that killed demons. But it didn’t make sense that her blood, or even any other demon blood, allowed Sam to exorcise or kill demons. Yes, he had to kill Lilith to release the final Seal (according to the Apocalyptic rhetoric that Michael, Raphael and Zachariah followed) and that might be a reason for his power manifesting in such a way, but it also simply surprised Castiel that such a similar power would manifest in Dean. Besides, most of the other Special Children also gained the powers of others, or even the powers of those they killed and drank blood from. Sam had been killed and resurrected through demonic means, in order to break the first Seal. If that hadn’t happened, if one of the others had gotten away without killing Sam, would they have been able to kill Lilith? A few Angels, who were starting to understand ‘what if’ scenarios and driving the poor Fates a bit crazy by their questions, went to speak to some writers and others about it when Castiel explained his curiosity.
Abdiel’s fate also worried Castiel. Whoever the new Angels were, they were not making themselves known, and others were worried about the few missing or presumed dead Angels from the Apocalypse. Abdiel had loved Father but also was the one that seemed most upset during the First War. He also, however, had been the first to battle, slew or threw down the most revolting Angels, and disappeared quietly, even more quietly than Gabriel had. The others, as far as Castiel and the others could tell, were now scattered or in hiding, and so long as they didn’t do anything to endanger Hunters or others, Castiel was content to leave them as such.
How was Abdiel connected to this? Had he created a soul like Dean’s to combat the demons that Lucifer made? If so, why split himself and hide from the Host?
Brother! Friagnel’s frantic voice cut through to him, Brother, Ezra Campbell...he--!
There was a sudden break, causing Castiel and a small group of others to fly quickly towards the Campbell compound. They had to be careful, the break not indicating Angelic Death (only angels...or Dean, perhaps Sam...could kill other angels) but a trap was very likely. He considered manifesting as he heard Sam yelling at his uncle, “Release her!”
“Since when did you side with the Angels?” a voice said, Castiel moving further in, seeing that Friagnel was, indeed, in a ring of Holy Oil, Adam and Sam standing off against Ezra Campbell and one other while some of the cousins appeared to be divided, taking the side of Sam and Adam.
“Since you don’t tell me anything about my brother!” Sam growled back, “I know he’s hurt.”
Ezra looked angry and annoyed. “Do you? How?”
“Because we know how to use a damned phone,” Adam told him, sneering, “What the hell are you playing?”
“I’m not playing at anything. You want that screw-up of a man back? You can have him!” Castiel saw the older man sneer, “He’s dead anyway.”
Sam appeared shocked, his gun wavering briefly at the news as Castiel motioned the others to head to where the other Campbells, the ones who didn’t appear shocked but pleased, were aiming before suddenly there was a brief flurry of wings and the two slumped to the floor, Ezra Campbell looking amazed as Adam looked over, Castiel manifesting in surprise.
“I taut a taw a putty tat,” Balthazar said in some odd accent before he snapped, ending the Holy Fire and freeing Friagnel, “I did. I did taw a putty tat.”
“Balthazar, what...?” Castiel asked in confusion as Friagnel said, “Brother, it’s Abdiel. He--”
This time, there was no sudden flare up of power. Castiel was speaking to Friganel one moment, and the next, she suddenly went up in flames. Balthazar looked equally surprised and afraid, the other Angels manifesting and looking not just at themselves, but at each other before Adam, fearfully, said, “no...no, there’s no way he’s out.”
Sam looked away as his female cousin came up to watch over and looked...surprised and afraid. “That...Dean said that’s what happened to Anna...when Michael--.”
Castiel could finish the thought easily, fear rising from all the others before him as Balthazar suddenly flew off.
Michael’s power is the only thing that could so burn an angel. But Michael had no Vessel - Adam showed no signs of his return - and he was still locked in the Cage - a few of the ‘sneakier’ angels quickly reported that back from where they watched over the Cage.
So how had he killed Friagnel, and why? What had their sister learned that so threatened the Campbells and the Archangel Michael?
Chapter Title: flower's grave
Author: felicia_angel
Characters: Castiel, Ellen, John Winchester, Sam, Adam, Dean (mentioned), various Campbells, various Angels
Series Summary: AU from "Swan Song" and "Jus in Bello" - Dean checked into the Institute because of insomnia. Now, his family and friends must attempt to piece together a way to save him and the rest of the world from danger.
Chapter Summary: Heaven's timelessness begins to work against Castiel as he rushes to unravel the mystery of Dean (and Sam's) souls. In the end, there are greater questions to be had.
AO3 Link
tell me who/will put flowers on a flower’s grave?
-Flowers grave
The talk with Death and the return of Sam and Adam made Castiel withdraw to Heaven, mostly to ponder what had been said and what would be done. There was an increase in those that abandoned their duties, or who felt that their duties were better-served on Earth. He didn’t blame his brothers or sisters for that, instead finding work for those that still reported to Heaven.
Still, the new of Abdiel and that his brother had children upset Castiel. All that he and others could find seemed to hint at only two ways an Angel could create others like themselves, but that those Angels would be, ultimately, weaker and possibly flawed in some way. A few thought Abdiel had possibly had Nephilim, but Castiel dismissed that, based on Death calling them Angels. While Nephilim were powerful in their own rights and had various types of powers that had translated, after the Flood, to some psychics and others today, Castiel could not see Death mincing words in such a way.
He was called to the Roadhouse by a rather confused Ash, who seemed to be uncertain as to what was going on. When Castiel arrived, he found Ellen to have cleared out most of the Roadhouse, the many people now at the Garden instead.
“I heard you visited John Winchester,” Ellen told him, sitting him down with a drink.
“Yes,” he said, then let out a sigh. “I have upset him?”
“He’s more aware that he’s not on Earth, and he’s been tryin’ to get back. Annoyed a few people, to say the least.” She sipped her own drink. “We tried lookin’ for Mary but she’d off somewhere too. Hell, I wouldn’t put it past her to be--.”
“Mary Winchester is not in Heaven.” Though Castiel had thought she was, a return and search for her proved only that it was an echo of a soul. That echo, luckily, didn’t reside in Hell. But his attempt to speak with her about Dean had proved only that she was there as part of other’s memories and Heavens, as a residual leftover of the soul that had once been Mary Winchester.
Ellen paused, looking at Castiel. “What? A soul either goes to Heaven or Hell, don’t it?”
Castiel took a sip of the beer, finding it just what he needed and remembered from the one time Ellen and Jo had let him try the night before they’d gone after the Devil. Though it wasn’t the first time he’d met them, or even heard of them, it was the first time they were seeing him after he’d begin to Fall, and both had simply taken a look at him before deciding to ‘adopt’ him as family. Their deaths, and how they died, affected him as it had the others. He also knew their deaths had been a major linchpin in Dean’s decision to give in to Michael.
“Souls are...in some ways, different, from many other things on Earth and in the various places of Heaven and Hell. A Human soul especially.”
Ellen was silent and let him pick his words. Even in Enochian, there were many ways to describe a soul. “Grace is what we are, what we have been - our powers, our connection to Father, our connection to each other. That is why, even if an Angel Falls, they still have a small connection to that. An Angel that has Fallen, has...become a Human Soul, can remember being an Angel. But the context can be muted as well, much of the experiences as muddied as the early moments of a Human’s childhood. When Grace is restored, in some ways they can be as powerful...but in others, they are more powerful.”
He remembered Anna, and wondered if her returned Grace had allowed her such power, or if that was only himself. The few who’d seen Anna, both before and after, supposed that the way she’d Fallen, and why, had a lot to do with it. Unlike Castiel, Anna had been tempted and left her role as protector. Castiel had stood to defend Chuck and Dean - had continued his role - and thus it was a hypothesis that experiences death as an Angel, as well as while Human, had allowed Castiel to understand it as well as the nature of Grace and Souls. Even after holding the Righteous Man, Castiel seemed to understand humanity a bit more.
“Dean’s soul is...different. As the Righteous Man, in some ways, I expect it, but...the question is exactly how.”
“What’s that got to do with his mom?”
Castiel drank a bit more, hoping this wouldn’t upset her. “A soul is something that even Angels cannot easily define. We allow in the righteous and just, the holy and those who live their lives without committing acts that stain it too badly. Belief, in some ways, is power.”
Ellen nodded. “That’s why all the other Heavens are showin’ up now. Belief’s shifting?”
He nodded. “Also the Apocalypse took away much of our power. The Archangels and others...misused souls.” He was silent a moment. “Souls are as numerous as stars, and as different. In general, all have the same simple principle. But if used for power, a soul can...” he looked at the beer. “A soul can, and often does, give Angels extra power. While Jimmy’s soul is freed from the pain he would have seen, had he remained...my own power, if I used his soul, would be able to rival Michael’s for a few minutes.” He let that sink in for a moment. “The ability of a soul to deceive itself into believing it’s alive, or must remain, is what creates ghosts. Some are able to let go, to either arrive in Heaven or accept their damnation. A vast majority, especially those that become corrupted and instead turn into vengeful spirits or similar, are destroyed with their bones.”
Ellen seemed to understand. “And a Hunter who is stuck because of her guilt?”
“Mary was trapped by her guilt, but also by the power that Azazel had. It was not until the poltergeist arrived to threaten the family that her own spirit awoke. And destroying it, destroyed her. What made it to Heaven was simply an echo of her soul.”
Ellen let out a breath, looking sad. “It explains...well, a few Hunters that ain’t up here when they should be, or can’t be called out of their Heaven.”
“I am sorry.”
She managed a smile. “Well, what’s the big difference, anyway?”
He frowned. “I do not understand.”
“I remember before you came up here and changed Heaven around...it was ok, but...god, it felt like a damn djinn trap, sometimes. It’s why I’m glad Ash showed up and pulled me out here.”
Castiel slowly nodded. “I understand the trepidation. Heaven is supposed to be a reward. I know it has been changed before I gained my new power, but my own garrison was tasked with watching Earth, not the final reward. It wasn’t until recently that I saw the problem with it.” He finished the beer. “I am worried.”
“About?”
“Dean. His brothers have been returned, and yet all the reports say they have stayed away from where he lives. I fear going to him.”
Ellen glared at him. “Castiel...”
“He wished to live as his brother asked him to, before he died. While I wish to return to Dean, I fear what might happen.” He sighed. “Dean was...Dean...after his brother’s death. I hope Lisa can help.”
Ellen was silent. “You sent him off to the apple-pie life, didn’t you?”
Castiel slowly nodded. “I believe he would not survive the next encounter with...anything. Not because he is unable to fight, or lead, but because of his grief. He needed...some space.”
“You’re at least gonna go and check on him, right?”
“Yes, but I am also worried.”
“Oh...about what?”
“As I said before, Dean’s soul is...unique. Many believe it is due to his role as the Righteous Man, but others are curious.”
“Why?”
“He was able to...repair...Bobby Singer’s soul after it was touched by a demonic presence. This is hardly possible. I have looked into other events in his past as well, and noted that demons do not possess him. Before, I believed this was something unique to Michael’s Vessel, but now, I believe it is unique to Dean.”
“That he’s possession-proof, even without the tattoo?”
Castiel nodded again. “He also withstood demonization in Hell. Again, this was believed to have been something that occurred because of his status as the Righteous Man, as well as his role as Michael’s Vessel. But the more we learn of the Revelation, the more we question it.” He knew his brothers and sisters were both curious as well as upset with the wording, and with what had happened. More, though, were now curious about Dean Winchester.
Ellen looked upset, though he could also tell this was more out of fear of what would happen to Dean, as well as the unhappiness of recalling Dean’s time in Hell. Dean’s family, or those he considered his family, were often upset by the lengths he or Sam would go to in order to save the other. He also knew that the few Hunters who arrived and knew Dean and Sam blamed that mostly on John Winchester and how he raised Dean. Ellen herself was very upset with how John had raised Dean.
“So what’s Sam doing that’s got you upset?” Ellen finally asked, taking the glass and cleaning it.
“I believe that allowing Lucifer into him, as well as Adam’s own interactions with Angels and Michael, have...made them upset. Sam seems to be moving to protect Dean from returning to Hunting, but also is under the influence of his mother’s family. They are...not kind...to supernatural beings. They also appear to know a little about Sam’s interactions with Ruby, and John’s neglect to introduce the Milligans to the ‘lifestyle’.” He considered. “The failed War left both sides with too many weapons and little else to do. Many have returned to their spaces, but others have not. Also, supernatural beings are...upset...with what happened, as are some pagan gods and goddesses. It’s becoming more dangerous.”
Ellen let out a near-inaudible curse. “Damnit. Sam had to get stupid like that, didn’t he?”
“I doubt it’s his fault. Friagnel believes the Campbells are working to regain ground. After Mary left and her parents died, there were missteps in attempting to track what killed them. Many were killed. Now that Azazel is dead and they have some knowledge of Angelic Vessels and lineages, I believe they want to keep Sam and Adam close as a way of...affirming...their survival.”
Ellen let out a huff. “What about John’s side?”
“Unluckily, there are none left. His father is...trapped...in a portal and only John’s presence back on Earth, or his sons together in a specific location, would allow him to return to any current time. However, I also believe that something dangerous might be following him.”
Ellen shook her head. “Stupid Winchesters. Well, Bill and I will try to get John to see reason, if we can. You go find Dean. I don’t like the idea of him being alone too long.”
“I shall do what I can.”
--
It is only after the talk with Ellen, and with Friagnel’s assurance from Earth that Sam and Adam are beginning to question Ezra Campbell’s methods, that Castiel began to look into the Righteous Man. Both the Earthly and Heavenly books were lacking in any information about him, save that a Righteous Man must break in Hell for the First Seal of Lucifer’s Cage. But he also found contradicting wording as well. Both Heavenly and Earthly Revelations showed the Righteous Man as the one who would open the First Seal, but also there was notes on why and what would happen. Some obscure Earthly Revelations, nearly lost to Human sight, stated that the Righteous Man would only break when the Lightbringer’s Vessel began to prepare. Others said the Righteous Man could begin the Apocalypse, but may end it prematurely.
The Heavenly Revelations were no better, even those used by Raphael and Michael. Castiel found that two spoke of the Righteous Man and Michael’s Vessel as two separate things - for as Cain slew Abel, so Abel’s line...
Castiel frowned. The word could be line, but it also spoke of a parallel. Cain and Abel parallel - the older brother who’s offerings were ignored by God, and the younger’s who was blessed, then killed. It worked, vaguely, for Sam and Adam. Considering how things ended, Castiel could see why this was placed where it was. But the question now remained of the Righteous Man’s true purpose, beyond opening the first Seal. The Demons had believed John to be the Righteous Man, and some had gained the Heavenly scriptures from those who rebelled with Lucifer. When John had either not broken or, in breaking, not released the Seal, the Demons obviously had been happy to get the next Winchester and try, this time with Alastair devoting all of his time. The end result should have demonized Dean, even a bit...but it hadn’t. The signs of his time in Hell were there, as were the signs of his time in Heaven, but Dean remained (stubbornly, to some) human. He remained convinced of the values of free will and choices over the Revelations of God and hints of the End Times.
Castiel nearly let out a frustrated sigh, but he saw no other choice in the matter. He would have to visit John Winchester again.
--
John is pretty sure he’s trapped in...something, and is unhappy when the creature appears before him again, this time when he’s watching his wife hug Dean, his son having proclaimed that he loved her and would never leave her. John remembers this time, when they’d fought and he’d stayed away from the house. Dean had been happy when he returned, as if nothing happened, and Mary had been wary of his intentions.
He’d come here to try and get Mary to see him. She hadn’t, going from memory to memory instead, though at times he thought she hugged Dean a bit too tightly, possibly hugged his former self a bit longer than he remembered. He’d tried to find others, but after seeing Ellen and Bill, hearing them attempt to take him somewhere and learn more...he’d simply fled, hoping for his own answers.
John growled at the intrusion into his wife’s memories (he doubted they could be anything else) and attempted to hit the creature, the thing easily grabbing his hand and overpowering him as they suddenly moved, now in a strange, garden-like area. “You have upset many of your friends with your stubbornness, John Winchester.”
“Let me go, you--.”
“No. I have questions.”
John glared at the thing. He’d never been caught by a creature that created illusions, though he’d hunted a few with Dean and Sam. But he knew he was dead, and had his own questions and fears. The thing said it knew Dean and Sam, was their friend (yeah right!) and had only questioned him about Dean and what happened during his possession. That had been torture enough, until he’d realized that the perfect place he’d been in was nothing more than a retread of his memories. Seeing Ellen and Bill, trying to find Jim but fearing what he’d say to John...
“What makes you think I’ll answer them, you twisted son of a bitch?”
Once more, there was a flash of the power that made John tremble with fear, attempting to move away but unable to do so in the creature’s grip. John knew better than to overestimate creatures, had taught his children all that he could about the things they hunted, and after facing progressively powerful demons, he also knew that sometimes it was a bad idea to anger them. He didn’t know what Castiel was, exactly, or what it’s ultimate goal was. All he knew was that it had him, possibly had Dean and Sam, and claimed it pulled Dean out of Hell. But the thing had also said Dean was hurting emotionally...if John could convince it to let him see his sons, be with them, he might be able to help them escape the creature.
The creature relaxed a bit of it’s hold, though not enough to release him, and said, “Dean is not where he should be. I believe his life is in danger.” John swallowed down his happiness that Dean had escaped, though he disliked the idea that Dean might be in danger somehow. Considering how little he’d told the creature during the last visit, John hoped it had been what made Dean escape.
“What do you want me for?”
“As I said, I have questions,” the creature let him go, allowing John to stand and face it. “I know they are painful memories, but...what happened to you when you were in Perdition?”
“Per...what?”
“Hell.”
John felt himself pale, not wanting to recall all that had happened to him, all he’d gone through and been forced to witness. Every few years, one of the demons who ask him if he wanted down, and tell him what he had to do, and each time...
“What would you possibly want to know?”
“You were able to survive a century without breaking,” the creature told him matter-of-factly, “I know Dean’s, but I do not know yours.”
John swallowed, not wanting to relive it or even think about it, yet this thing seemed intent on pulling it out of him. Maybe it was using what it learned to torture his boys?
“Why?”
The creature tilted it’s head, as if considering if it wanted to answer the question or not. “Despite what happened, you did not break. However, I doubt that means you were treated equal to Dean.”
“The hell--.”
“Dean was given to the Master Inquisitor.” John felt ill, and the creature reached up, touching him to either steady him, or hold him enough to keep digging in the emotional knife it was hurting him with. “Dean went to Perdition because of a Deal, in order to revive his brother. Because the demons had lost their hold on you, and not broken you, they decided to...” the creature appeared to be thinking of the right phrase. “It was unclear to them which of you would be the one to begin to unlock the Cage. Dean was given to Alastair.”
John knew of Alastair. The high-demon had tortured him but often left him to others to deal with, though he always appeared to ask John to take up the knife. He had almost given in to the Inquisitor before the Gate was open and he was able to run out. He couldn’t imagine anyone withstanding Alastair constantly, and to hear that Dean had been given to him...
“You’re lying,” John managed, annoyed at how weak he sounded.
“I would not lie about that,” the creature told him sincerely, “It is one of the reasons I am worried about Dean’s emotional state. He still carries those scars, and with all that happened...” the creature once more fell silent. “You were not given to Alastair?”
John swallowed, uncertain if he should trust the thing or not, but still reeling from the thought of his baby boy at that monster’s hands. “Yes, but he...often gave me to others. He questioned me, every night though.”
The creature seemed thoughtful before nodding. “That does explain one thing. Why did you not take up the knife?”
John glared at it, but the creature simply stared at him until he felt uncomfortable before he said, “I...couldn’t.”
“Why not?”
John felt his reservations about attacking the creature suddenly disappear in a burst of anger and protectiveness. “Because I couldn’t! Because I’m not some twisted soul! Because I’m not about to give up my humanity just so the pain goes away like all those others! I don’t know what you think you’re doing with this information, you son of a bitch, but I won’t let you use it against my boys!”
The creature frowned, as if confused by his tirade. “I would not use such things against Dean or Sam. But Dean is in danger, and--.” He stopped, looking at something behind John. John whirled to find a young, blond boy in a red-and-white striped Weiner Hut outfit on, the nametag labeled “Alfie” and his look a bit confused.
“I’m sorry for interrupting, but Hastor may have found something.”
The creature nodded. “Thank you, Samandiriel.” He glanced at John, then back to the new creature, “Could you take John Winchester to the Garden?”
Samandiriel nodded. “Of course.”
John’s anger at the being resurfaced, and he turned to growl at Castiel, “I’m not going anywhere until I get some answers, you bastard.” He moved closer to the being, hoping to intimidate it with his size. “Just what the hell is going on here? What have you done with Dean?”
“I have done nothing to Dean,” the creature said, “I am--.”
“If you tell me you’re worried about him, you can try again,” John growled out, “I don’t know what you’ve done to them, but I’m not going to become some damned puppet like the others you hurt!”
The creature suddenly straightened, power seemed to come off of him as his blue eyes locked on John’s own. John felt himself back away in terror at the sheer power in those eyes, the anger suddenly rising.
“You should not assume I mean you or anyone else harm. Do not forget that I pulled your son from Perdition, and did all I could to defend and protect him in his greatest time of need. I am doing all I can to ensure he does not become a target again.” The creature shifted, it’s focus so intent and unyielding that John had to break eye-contact first, even as he heard the deathly-quiet and dangerous voice continue. “You should show me some respect. I do not have to ask you to know what happened.”
The creature looked back up at the one called Samandiriel and said, “Take him to the Garden and ensure he remains there. I will return shortly.”
--
Castiel is fairly certain he’s found what he’s been looking for, but the implication is...frightening. For one thing, all indications are that Dean’s soul was not only unique, but quite dangerous. The power it had and showed was something that nothing else had. It made Castiel wonder, though, as he had noted that Sam’s power, though demonic in origin, were ones that also tended to throw them out of their hosts. The other Special Children that had developed their powers leaned more heavily towards controlling demons, not throwing them out or killing them. Castiel almost put it to the Kush knife that Ruby gave them, when she was gaining Sam’s trust, but almost dismissed it. Ruby was an agent of Lilith’s, and one that, all things considered, loved Lucifer and Sam more than her own kind. It would make sense, then, for her to have a knife that killed demons. But it didn’t make sense that her blood, or even any other demon blood, allowed Sam to exorcise or kill demons. Yes, he had to kill Lilith to release the final Seal (according to the Apocalyptic rhetoric that Michael, Raphael and Zachariah followed) and that might be a reason for his power manifesting in such a way, but it also simply surprised Castiel that such a similar power would manifest in Dean. Besides, most of the other Special Children also gained the powers of others, or even the powers of those they killed and drank blood from. Sam had been killed and resurrected through demonic means, in order to break the first Seal. If that hadn’t happened, if one of the others had gotten away without killing Sam, would they have been able to kill Lilith? A few Angels, who were starting to understand ‘what if’ scenarios and driving the poor Fates a bit crazy by their questions, went to speak to some writers and others about it when Castiel explained his curiosity.
Abdiel’s fate also worried Castiel. Whoever the new Angels were, they were not making themselves known, and others were worried about the few missing or presumed dead Angels from the Apocalypse. Abdiel had loved Father but also was the one that seemed most upset during the First War. He also, however, had been the first to battle, slew or threw down the most revolting Angels, and disappeared quietly, even more quietly than Gabriel had. The others, as far as Castiel and the others could tell, were now scattered or in hiding, and so long as they didn’t do anything to endanger Hunters or others, Castiel was content to leave them as such.
How was Abdiel connected to this? Had he created a soul like Dean’s to combat the demons that Lucifer made? If so, why split himself and hide from the Host?
Brother! Friagnel’s frantic voice cut through to him, Brother, Ezra Campbell...he--!
There was a sudden break, causing Castiel and a small group of others to fly quickly towards the Campbell compound. They had to be careful, the break not indicating Angelic Death (only angels...or Dean, perhaps Sam...could kill other angels) but a trap was very likely. He considered manifesting as he heard Sam yelling at his uncle, “Release her!”
“Since when did you side with the Angels?” a voice said, Castiel moving further in, seeing that Friagnel was, indeed, in a ring of Holy Oil, Adam and Sam standing off against Ezra Campbell and one other while some of the cousins appeared to be divided, taking the side of Sam and Adam.
“Since you don’t tell me anything about my brother!” Sam growled back, “I know he’s hurt.”
Ezra looked angry and annoyed. “Do you? How?”
“Because we know how to use a damned phone,” Adam told him, sneering, “What the hell are you playing?”
“I’m not playing at anything. You want that screw-up of a man back? You can have him!” Castiel saw the older man sneer, “He’s dead anyway.”
Sam appeared shocked, his gun wavering briefly at the news as Castiel motioned the others to head to where the other Campbells, the ones who didn’t appear shocked but pleased, were aiming before suddenly there was a brief flurry of wings and the two slumped to the floor, Ezra Campbell looking amazed as Adam looked over, Castiel manifesting in surprise.
“I taut a taw a putty tat,” Balthazar said in some odd accent before he snapped, ending the Holy Fire and freeing Friagnel, “I did. I did taw a putty tat.”
“Balthazar, what...?” Castiel asked in confusion as Friagnel said, “Brother, it’s Abdiel. He--”
This time, there was no sudden flare up of power. Castiel was speaking to Friganel one moment, and the next, she suddenly went up in flames. Balthazar looked equally surprised and afraid, the other Angels manifesting and looking not just at themselves, but at each other before Adam, fearfully, said, “no...no, there’s no way he’s out.”
Sam looked away as his female cousin came up to watch over and looked...surprised and afraid. “That...Dean said that’s what happened to Anna...when Michael--.”
Castiel could finish the thought easily, fear rising from all the others before him as Balthazar suddenly flew off.
Michael’s power is the only thing that could so burn an angel. But Michael had no Vessel - Adam showed no signs of his return - and he was still locked in the Cage - a few of the ‘sneakier’ angels quickly reported that back from where they watched over the Cage.
So how had he killed Friagnel, and why? What had their sister learned that so threatened the Campbells and the Archangel Michael?