Fairytales are Real Part 6: One Wore Blue and One Wore Gray
It was surprisingly easier than Dean expected to convince Sam to come with him and Castiel. As soon as Dean had mentioned that Cas was from the Kingdom of Heaven, Sam was right on board. “Dean! Why didn't you tell me your friend was from Heaven? Do you have any idea how powerful the beings of Heaven are? They can help us defeat Lilith!” And there wasn't much of a problem convincing Ruby not to come along, because the second Heaven was mentioned she was out. “Look Sam, they don't like demons in Heaven. They're all 'kill first, ask questions never.' Bye Sam.”
So the three boys began their journey to the Kingdom of Heaven, following Castiel's lead. It took them two weeks to reach their destination and, along the way, Castiel filled them in on the history of his people. The Kingdom of Heaven had been in the grip of a civil war for centuries. Once the King had stepped down from his throne, he had left his two oldest sons to rule the kingdom. Michael, the oldest, would take the throne but his brother Lucifer disagreed with his ability to lead the kingdom and had challenged his brother. The people of the kingdom fell into war as they split their loyalty between the two brothers. The war created a great schism in the kingdom, and the two brothers sought every possible way to defeat one another's armies. Where Michael was hailed for his honor and cunning, Lucifer was known for his strength and vices. The free spirits, the fighters, the thieves- all broke off to follow Lucifer's kingdom. Whereas, Michael's kingdom was built on family and workmen.
Lucifer was building a great army and word of it had spread throughout the Kingdom of Heaven and the Other Plains. Michael sought a weapon of his own. He sent Castiel to scour the world for a warrior, a righteous man who was fated to bring peace to the kingdom of Heaven as well as the world. Castiel had been looking for said man for decades before finding Dean Winchester. He had faced many battles, being swept up in the battles of many great men. In the beginning whenever he would find a man he thought to be the righteous man he would stay by their side constantly, guiding them in their own journeys, protecting them from attackers, and healing them of all their injuries. After several failed attempts at finding the righteous man he realized that 'perching on the shoulder' of his hero's actually hindered them. They could not prove their own strength and cunning when they constantly had a guardian saving them and guiding their every move. He now realized, however, that all those other hero's were false righteous men. None of them were like Dean. The instant Castiel met Dean he knew he'd finally found his man. Angels, Castiel explained, had a unique ability to see into a person's soul and measure the value they find there; they could see a person for what they really were and what they could really become. It was very similar to the way psychic could read people, but unlike psychics, angels were never wrong about a person's potential.
Dean couldn't help but laugh as Cas came to the conclusion of his story. He was still skeptical of his own worth in this story but if Michael wanted him to go out and fight for him, he would do anything to save Sammy from his deal with the demon. He was also awed at the tales of Castiel's strength and bravery, Castiel didn't even seem to be bragging from these stories. He just told his own tales of heroism as if he were simply stating fact. Castiel was quite humble as well as a brave warrior. Perhaps he'd underestimated the pale little guy.
The kingdom was unlike anything Dean had ever seen. The streets were literally paved in gold, and the buildings were all shimmering in silver as they rose upwards into the skies. The castle itself was the size of the entire town of Lawrence and there were guards posted all around the perimeter. The grounds were lush with greens and flowerbeds. Dean couldn't even identify half the plants around the kingdom grounds. Everywhere the brothers passed, they heard whispers and townspeople hid behind shutters and closed doors. When they reached the castle doors, the guards immediately parted for them, bowing before Castiel.
Dean raised his eyebrow in question at Castiel, but the native man ignored Dean's silent inquiry. Castiel led the brothers into the castle and through a long hallway. One guard stopped him with a hand on his shoulder, “Prince Castiel, you've returned. Your brother is expecting you,” a tall ,blond man in full-body armor with a smirk told Castiel.
Dean's eyebrows shot up further at that. “Prince?” he mouthed in question.
Castiel glared at him and waved to the brothers, “My brother is expecting us.” He led them straight into the throne room.
The throne room was even more elaborate than the rest of the castle. At the end of a long, golden carpet was a single throne and at it sat a young man with huge, white wings protruding from his back. “Brother.” The man at the throne smiled softly at his brother before his eyes fell to Dean.
Castiel immediately dropped to his knees before his brother, and Dean and Sam followed suit. “You've brought me a present, brother,” the crowned man addressed Castiel but his eyes did not leave Dean. Dean had to look away from his gaze; it was as if his eyes burnt right through him.
“Yes, brother. I've brought you a righteous man as you requested of me so many years ago. I've been journeying the world in search of this man. His name is Dean Winchester. He has come to ask your favor.” Castiel spoke to the ground while addressing his brother.
“Very well. What can I do for you, Dean Winchester?”
Dean looked up at the king and then rose to his feet. If he was going to do this, then he was going to do it his way, and he wasn't the kneeling type. “Um, yea. Michael, is it?” Castiel frowned at Dean's informality, but Michael just smiled, nodding for Dean to continue. “Well uh ... you see ... my brother has been hunting this witch, the White Witch. Goes by Lilith. Cas said you might be able to help us to defeat her.”
Michael smiled proudly, “Ah, yes, Lilith. One of my brother's creations ... Dean, if you agree to be my servant, to serve me in my war against my brother, then I can assure you that Lilith will be killed in the crossfires.”
Dean looked to his little brother for guidance. Sam stood too, beside his brother. “Umm, your majesty. Uh … Michael, I would like to kill Lilith myself. I believe that, in doing so, I could save my own town by bringing fairytales back to the people.”
Michael nodded, “Very well then. Samuel Winchester shall join my troops as well. Castiel will show you to your rooms. While you stay here you will be welcome to anything you desire. My own brother, Castiel, will wait on you.”
Castiel was frowning like he would protest, but he didn't say anything. Finally, Castiel rose and led the two brothers out of the throne room. Dean was staring Castiel down, but Cas kept his back to him. “So, Michael is your brother? Why didn't you say anything, Cas? He wasn't acting very 'brotherly'.”
Castiel turned to glare at Dean, “Michael is the king of this kingdom. I am one of several dozen of his brothers. He gave me a great honor by sending me to find him a righteous man. He trusted me as the great warrior I am to find his righteous man and assist him in the way I saw fit. It was how I could best serve him. And if he wants me to wait on you, then I will. But do not question my loyalty.” Cas' angry outburst shut Dean up. He looked over to his brother who simply shrugged his shoulders. The three of them walked quietly as Castiel showed them to their rooms.
***
Michael had had Castiel lay out a white toga for Dean; it was of a very fine silk and had the land's emblem engraved on it. He also laid out a pair of golden sandal, to complete the whole 'man of the court' look that really did not befit Dean. Dean, however, did not want to offend Michael or Castiel for that matter. When Castiel looked at Dean. he smiled greatly, most likely thinking Dean's figure was suited to the wardrobe of a nobleman. Castiel himself wore full plate mail armor while walking around the kingdom, just as the other guards. Dean could really see the warrior in Castiel's tales now. It would be hard to distinguish him as royalty as such. All of the angels in the kingdom also wore their wings out within the city's great walls.
“These people are angels, Dean. They're known for their generosity and good will. Why can't you just accept we've finally found the good guys? That they actually want to help us and see us succeed?”
“Because I don't trust anyone, Sam, and you shouldn't either. But I know one way to find out if they really are as generous as they say they are ...”
Sam called after Dean as he pulled on his boots and walked out the door, “Where you going. Dean?”
“To talk to the people!” Dean said as he threw his hands into the air.
Dean wandered around the town looking for anything interesting until he came across a tavern that had, 'The Roadhouse' written above it. Upon going into the tavern, he could tell it was his type of place right away. It was dark and grungy and everyone was keeping to their own little corners. Dean sidled up to the bar where a pretty young blonde girl was keeping bar. “Whisky, please.” The girl slid a glass towards him.
The man sitting at the bar beside him grunted, “Stuff'll poison you.”
Dean glanced over at him with one eye; he was an older man with a gruff beard and a beer belly. He wore the brown cloths of a worker and an old worn hat. Dean held out his hand to the man, “Dean, Dean Winchester. I'm new to town.”
The man just grunted again and took a sip of his drink before muttering, “Bobby Singer. What blew you into town?”
Dean grinned down into his glass, “Here to sign up for the big war.”
Bobby glared at him, “Now why in the hell would you want to do that, you idjit?”
Dean chuckled, “Well, why? Aren't the angels just as generous and wonderful as everyone says they are?”
Bobby snorted, “I ain’t saying that, you idjit. I'm just saying this war is stupid and ain’t gonna go nowheres anytime soon.”
Dean bit his lip, trying to look thoughtful, “But what if Michael had a secret weapon that could defeat Lucifer?”
Bobby almost choked on his drink from laughing too suddenly, “One of those boys always has a secret weapon. Ain't gonna make a lick of difference.”
An older woman came up behind Bobby and smacked him on the back of the head. “Quit getting yourself all worked up. Now, who's this nice young lad? Looks like he could use something to eat. Jo, why don't you go get him some roast beef? Now I'm Ellen, owner of this here tavern. Hope my husband Bobby hasn't been talking your ear off here.” Ellen smiled warmly at him, and Dean did a double take. Ellen was really good looking for an older woman, golden brown hair, soft brown eyes, a sweet smile, there was no way the old geezer Bobby was good enough for this cougar.
The blonde at the bar brought over a sandwich for Dean, placing it before him. The blonde girl smiled at him, “And this is my daughter Jo.”
Dean grinned, “Nice to meet you, sweetheart.”
Ellen glared at his informality and Dean schooled his features, stuffing the sandwich into his mouth.
During the next couple of weeks, Dean became close to Bobby, Ellen, and Jo. As soon as Ellen found out how Dean's mother died when he was very young, she instantly began mothering him; from feeding him to making sure he kept himself hydrated after play fighting with his younger brother. Bobby was always up for a lively discussion and a good drink and he even sometimes gave Dean pointers on his fighting. He was like the father figure that Dean had recently lost and missed so greatly.
Dean couldn't help but feel at home with the Singer-Harvelles. He learnt that Bobby and Ellen were both remarried and found one another after they'd both been widowed. Bobby was a daily patron of Ellen's bar and was going there for two years before he finally gathered the courage to ask Ellen to have a drink with him. Soon after that they were remarried. Jo was Ellen's daughter from her first marriage, but she took to Bobby like bee's on honey. Jo was a little spitfire herself and Dean found himself becoming quick friends with her. She would often tell Dean how she hoped to find her own fairytale one day, and then she would meet her knight in shining armor and save the world.
Dean was hanging out at The Roadhouse one afternoon chatting with Jo when Castiel burst through the doors. He glanced around the room quickly, until his eyes landed on Dean. He strode towards the man purposefully and sat down before him, interrupting the conversation between Dean and Jo. Dean looked at him quizzically, “What are you doing here?”
“Samuel told me where I could find you.” Jo was eyeing the angel suspiciously, but Castiel only had eyes for Dean. He stared at him like he was slowly stripping down all of Dean's defenses. Now that Castiel was back in Heaven, he had all of his powers back at full force and his wings were in plain sight; they were a deep midnight blue and shone in the dingy tavern lights. Most of the tavern patrons were watching them now.
Jo looked at Dean warily, “Should I leave you two ...?” She placed a delicate hand on Dean's shoulder and looked into his eyes.
Dean ripped his gaze from Castiel to look at Jo, smiling softly. “Nah, it's ok, sweetheart. We'll only be a minute.”
Castiel glared at the young blonde, “Dean Winchester is my warrior, he's not here to be your plaything.”
Dean and Jo both gaped at the angel's outburst. “I thought he was Michael's warrior ...” Jo muttered beneath her breath.
“Maybe you better go.” Dean waved the girl off without touching her anymore; he didn't want to piss Castiel off further. Once she was gone, Dean turned back to Cas, glaring. “What do you want, Cas?”
Castiel seemed to relax once Jo was gone. “You should be training. Michael needs you to be strong to fight in his war.” Castiel's tone was commanding but soft.
Dean glared, “Yeah, well, I've been working my ass off! I need a break, Cas. Besides, Michael hasn't told me what he wants me for yet, or when we're moving out or nothing. In fact, he's done a total of no talking to me since I got here.”
“That's because you're my charge. I'm supposed to be looking after you until Michael's ready for you.”
“Fine, but don't you think he could at least give me someone else to train with? All I've had is Sam and Jo, and by now I know both their moves pretty well. It's not helpful anymore.”
“I will train you myself then.” Castiel seemed pleased at the turn of events, and Dean couldn't deny the fact that he was eager to be trained by an actual angel.
***
Dean was wandering around the castle looking for something to do when he heard voices, familiar voices talking in heated tones. He recognized one of them to be the king, Michael's. He heard his own name being spoken and decided to get a closer look. He recognized the man talking to Michael as his right hand man, Zachariah. “Do you really think the little meatbag is ready for this?” Zachariah was asking Michael. A flare of anger dripped down Dean's spine as he suspected that the 'meatbag' in question was him.
“Don't worry, he won't need to be ready, all he needs is to say 'yes' to my command.” Zachariah raised his eyebrows in question. Michael smiled sadly, “The righteous man is but only a puppet in my army. I've conjured up a spell that will turn him into the warrior I truly need. He will have no need for human pleasures such as eating and sleeping, he'll only know the fight. Lucifer won't know what hit him.” Zachariah let out a surprised chuckle.
“Oh, my. I was wondering what you could possibly need with a human. I should have known you had something special planned.”
Michael nodded and sighed, “Yes well, it has become necessary for the greater good.”
Dean ran down the hallway, trying to keep his breath even and his footsteps quiet. When he got to his room, he pulled the door open and slammed it behind himself. He instantly knew he wasn't alone in the room. His eyes fell to the bed, where Castiel was sat. “Dean.” He looked at Dean with a sweet kind of reverence, but Dean wasn't having any of it today.
Dean approached the angel, “You son of a bitch.” He punched Cas right in the jaw before yanking his hand back immediately, cradling it against his chest in pain, “Damn it. What is your jaw made of? Steel?!”
Castiel looked thoughtfully at the broken hand. “I'm sorry.” He tried to take Dean's hand into his own but Dean pulled it back, glaring at him. “I only wish to heal you.”
“I don't want any more of your help, you self-righteous dickhead. You think I wouldn't find out? That I'd just go along with his plan all hunky-dory. Then when he was like, 'oh, by the way, I just want to use your body for my master-army and to turn you into a drooling meatsuit puppet,' that I'd just be like 'ok! Let's go hold hands and run into the sunset singing kumbaya together'? You ... you angels are such dicks! Well you know what? I won't do it!” Dean was panting now, from his running and his angry outburst.
“Michael said that? I don't believe it! He wouldn't ...” Castiel looked troubled.
Dean huffed, “Yeah … well … he said it was 'necessary for the greater good'.”
Castiel cast his eyes downward, “Oh Michael … How far you've fallen that you stoop to such dark methods ...” Castiel looked back up to Dean, his eyes shining now. “I'm so sorry, Dean. I swear I had no idea, you must believe me.”
Dean watched the angel for a moment; Cas looked so heartbroken that Dean couldn't help but believe him. “You're serious.” Castiel nodded his head. “Well it's true, all of it. I just overheard Michael talking to his right hand man, Zachariah.”
Castiel shook his head, “I had no idea. I would never allow Michael to harm you.”
Dean was surprised at his sincerity; he could tell Castiel was completely serious about not wanting his brother to harm him. “Well, I can't stay here. If I stay here, Michael will turn me into his magic puppet and put on a little puppet show for his brother. Sam and I have to get out of here.”
“I agree. We have to get to Sam.” Before Dean could say anything, Castiel put his fingers to Dean's forehead and they both disappeared from the room. They quickly reappeared in Sam's room and Dean felt terribly dizzy.
Sam ran to them immediately “Dean, what the hell?”
“Sam, we have to get out of here, right now!” Dean demanded.
“Uh ... ok. Let me just-” Before Sam could finish his sentence, Cas grabbed onto both of them and they appeared on the edge of the town, right before the gate.
“You two need to get out of here immediately. I'll get your horses.” Cas disappeared again, and Dean was getting very sick of all this hocus pocus now. Castiel reappeared a minute later with two horses; one of them was Dean's Impala. “They'll be looking for you, so you have to move fast.”
Dean and Sam mounted their horses quickly and Dean turned to Cas, offering him a hand but Cas just stared at him blankly. “Aren't you coming?” Cas shook his head in dissent. “Won't they kill you if you stay?”
“Probably. But I must distract them if you're to get out of here safely.”
“Cas, you have to come with us. You won't make it out of there.”
“Dean. I'll find you guys, but right now you have to get out of here as fast as you can.”
“Come on, Dean. Cas is right, we've got to get going.” Dean watched after Cas' retreating figure as the two brothers rode out of the town's gate. As soon as they passed through it, Castiel's figure disappeared.
***
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