The World Has Moved On, ch. 5

[phar_ahkmenrah]

Title: The World Has Moved On (5/?)

Author: phar_ahkmenrah (halfblood alchemist)

Genre/Pairing: Dean/Castiel, AU

Rating: NC-17 (for strong sexual content, blood and gore, violence and language)

Spoilers: None (AU)

Wordcount: WIP

Warnings: This fic will be riddled with strong sexual scenes, violent deaths, torture, graphic imagery, and scary scenes. Far far future fic, modeled after “the Gunslinger” series by Stephen King. NOT A CROSSOVER! (Has similar concept as the Supernatural series, but different presentation. *Character parallels, concept parallel etc*)

Summary: As a great author once said, too many years long since passed, “The world has moved on…”. Two brothers find themselves travelling across the lands of a world that time forgot, travelling to avenge the destruction of their village, and the death of their family and friends. On their journey they discover their destiny lies in the secret profession of their late father and find their world turned upside down when they discover a dark force is threatening to destroy mankind. Left to stop this devastation from wiping out their whole world alone, they find allegiance in the unlikeliest of partners: a young, inexperienced mage, renegade from his clan and rebellious to their arrogant, narrow-minded ways. This rag-tag trio of heroes holds the fate of the world in their hands… if they can face the truth.

~*~


Chapter Five

Dean shifted in his sleep, sighing softly as he made himself more comfortable. The early morning sun barely peeked into the sky; the air above them stained deep blues and pinks from the impending daybreak. Bird calls broke the otherwise silent morning calm, the dawn breaking slowly from the misty horizon.

A sudden snuffling ruffled Dean’s hair, disturbing his sleep. Almost automatically, Dean’s hand came up, swatting the nuisance away drowsily. “No Impala… It’s too early…” Dean muttered, turning back over to drift back to sleep.

Instead, the snuffling persisted, this time firmer, more insistent. Dean groaned, pushing the nose away again. “I said, no!” He growled, turning over to face the antagonizing equine.

But it wasn’t Impala. Instead, the white mare stooped over the prone man, sniffing him curiously as she nickered quietly. Dean stared at her confused for a moment, before smiling. “Aye… Iofiel, I am sorry; I did not mean to shun you, girl.” Dean laughed, sitting up.

Iofiel looked rather indignant and tossed her mane haughtily before trotting back over to her master. The young mage tended to the fire quietly, and the absence of Samuel lead Dean to understand the two were collaborating on the morning meal; Castiel to cook while Sam hunted the fowl of the land.

Dean caught sight of a small smirk on the corners of the mage’s mouth, and he laughed. “Oh I see then, Cas. You have sent your horse to commit your dirty work of waking me, is that it?”

Castiel shrugged, tossing the white mare a piece of feed before standing and grabbing more kindling for the fire. “I admit to no such thing, Deanolo. You single me out for such a terrible plot, why? It is through the heart, my friend…. straight through!” he said with an air of dramatics, his appearance overly abashed by this.

Dean laughed, rolling his shoulder gently to test the tight muscles. “And I myself admit to no such accusations, Cas. For after all, you have done such a marvelous job of tending to my wounds, I could not offend any such caretaker. I have not the skills to mend my own person!”

Castiel’s appearance took on a smug façade, as he turned back to Dean. “Speaking of such wounds, I must check them. Sit.” He ordered. When Dean had done so, he knelt behind him and pulled the bandage back gently from the healing wound.

Castiel smiled, touching the scar gently before applying a thin layer of poultice to the skin and re-covering it. “it is knitting well. It will not be long before you are able to remove the bandage. How is your form?” he asked, leaning back slightly.

Dean shrugged, turning to face him. “I believe I can move with much better ease now, Cas; although I will not test the weight of my sword just yet. “

Castiel nodded in agreement, helping Dean pull his tunic on over the bulky cover. “Indeed, that is a wise choice. However, you seem to be well enough to partake in other activities… like tending the camp.” He said mischievously, handing Dean a sack of camp supplies.

Dean groaned, taking the sack. “Tending” the camp meant cleaning the area of their debris so as not to disturb the environment. He always had bestowed this task on Sam, but now seeing as he was the invalid, he would take on the menial labor. “You are fortunate that I am in a forgiving mood, Castiel.”

Castiel smirked, returning his attention to the fire. “Oh, dear. You have used my full name. I am frightened.” His response dripped with sarcasm.

Dean smiled, going about his camp duties. The air fell into companionable silence, broken only by the crackling of the now roaring fire.

Every so often, Dean’s attention landed on the stoic mage before him, before he would shake himself from his diversion to remind himself that his duty still loomed incomplete. But that did not stop his recurring distraction.

Castiel looked far too serene for such a situation that both knew they were simply disregarding for the moment. Dean knew that they would be unable to put it off for long, considering. But at the moment, they were simply companions on the trail. If they could keep this mindset for as long as possible, they were comfortable. Besides… Dean did not want to admit this, but he felt rather comfortable around the mage… much more comfortable than he normally would allow himself for others. Sam was one thing… this was entirely new. He felt… strange. Dean had no words to really describe his emotions on the situation, but a change in atmosphere saved him the trouble of muddling through them.

Sam reined Gabriel into the camp, jumping down from the saddle with his successful catch. Two large pheasants and a prairie rabbit for each of them to indulge in. Sam smiled, laying the birds and jackrabbits out to be cleaned. “I must say, your horse brings much luck to the hunt!” he laughed, pulling another small purse from his hip. Inside held a small handful of wild figs, ripe and sweet, and he distributed the treats between the three of them before grabbing his flint knife and whetting it quickly.

Castiel grinned, plucking the nearest pheasant expertly. “I am surprised. He normally saps the fortune from those around him, what with his temperament. He must take a shining to you, Samuel.”

Sam shrugged, laying one of the jackrabbits on its side. He ran two cuts around the base of each hind leg, pulling the skin off quickly. Suddenly, he jerked forward, and whipped around to see Gabriel nudging him playfully, whickering to him. Sam smiled and ran a hand down his light blaze before returning his attention to the kill before him. “Gabriel, I sense you seek attention. Why not play with Impala or Iofiel?”

Gabriel looked a bit put off, but nonetheless, tossed his head flippantly and trotted over to the other two equines, grazing lazily.

Dean laughed, sitting down finally after his duties were complete, snatching the fig up and rubbing the dirt from the soft skin. “It appears that Gabriel has rejected your friendship, Sam. It is impossible for you to keep any under your belt, though so I do not see this as any sort of surprise.” Dean jested, shoving Sam’s shoulder playfully.

Sam glared at Dean, flicking a piece of fur in his direction. “As if you could speak. Your only friends are you horse and your bread!”

Castiel raised his eyebrows, looking between the two brothers. “I thank the Father for my lack of siblings. If this is how they behave, I would rather drown.”

Dean returned his attention to the mage, smirking. “This is our form of affection. Nothing short of manly!”

Sam snorted into his fist, receiving a blow to the back of the head. “OW!” he griped, flinging the bloody entrails in retaliation.

Castiel sighed, standing up. “Enough you two, you act as nothing more than children! But… If you really must fight however, I must side with Samuel on this one.”

Dean stared, shocked as Sam quietly cheered his small victory against his elder brother. Castiel merely ignored the look Dean shot him, sitting down once again.

“You must be joking, Cas! How could you side with the enemy, against me of all?” Dean said, feigning the wounded one.

Castiel didn’t say anything, watching with amusement as Dean’s unwatched fig quickly disappeared from its spot, via Gabriel. “If only to irk you, Dean. Otherwise, I find no reason to side with any on such an argument.”

Dean blinked for a moment before shrugging the statement off. He reached down to grab the fig, only to find the spot empty. “What…?”

“I may have failed to mention that Gabriel has an incessant sweet tooth. Do not leave your treats unattended around him, lest they surely go missing.” Castiel added, as Sam laughed heartily, biting noticeably into his own fruit to spite the irate Dean.

“BLOODY HORSE!” Dean raged, glaring over his shoulder at the prancing equine. Impala and Iofiel both whinnied to Gabriel as if to cheer him on.

“Now who is one against the world, Dean?” Sam hooted, flint knife and jackrabbit forgotten in his mirth.

Dean only glared at Castiel, who looked far too smug for his liking. “I despise you…” he seethed, glaring at Castiel.

This time, Castiel returned the look, leaning over the fire to sneer at Dean. “Once again, Dean, I am none to trifle with.”

“I could easily best you to prove your mistake!”

Castiel turned his eyes skyward, sighing. “With your knitting wound, I dare not tempt it. However, there are ways to prove one wrong…” he muttered, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a look of utter mischief crossed his eyes. “How are you to ride?”

Dean stared at him for a moment, before the meaning sank in. “I am well enough to support myself on the saddle… why? Are you suggesting what I think you are?”

Castiel smirked, sitting back. “It is only fair. We could settle this dispute at once, with no harm befalling the other; after all we are working together on this.”

Sam raised his hands in surrender, backing out of the conversation. “I will resist this challenge; after all the camp needs someone to watch it.”

Dean and Castiel both paid no heed; both simply stood together, staring the other down. Castiel clicked his tongue, summoning Iofiel, while Dean motioned to Impala. Both horses came obediently.

Castiel smiled, resting a hand on Iofiel’s neck. “I will give you time to saddle Impala. We race… “he paused, looking around their environment. Off in the distance, the rise of distant foot hills caught his eye. “… to those foot hills. Winner receives bragging rights; the other receives camp duty for two weeks. Agreed?”

Dean looked to where Castiel gestured, squinting. “That must be well over a league!”

Castiel raised a hand, staying his further comments. “Are we agreed?” he repeated, extending his hand to Dean.

Dean smirked, taking it in good faith. “Indeed, we are agreed. However…” he added, lifting the blanket and saddle to Impala’s back, fastening them quickly. “… I must warn you fairly that Impala is impossible to beat in cross country!”

Cas smiled, mounting Iofiel bare-back as per usual for the two. “And I say… you have no idea who you are up against. Those cumbersome accessories will only slow Impala. But, if it is what makes you happy I cannot deny your comforts.” Once he was seated, Castiel removed his robe, leaving him only in his boots, leggings and tunic. He pulled at the half-glove gauntlets to secure them and nodded to Dean. “When you are ready…”

Dean smirked over at him, gripping the reins tightly. “No, no. I insist, you first…”

Sam had already had enough of their banter groaned audibly. “JUST GO ALREADY!”

Like a shot, both riders were off, galloping full speed across the country side. Hoof beats thundered across the landscape, dirt flying from the horses’ trek.

Dean smirked, seeing Castiel’s equine merely neck and neck with Impala. “I see your horse has good pace! See if she can catch up!” Dean jeered, spurring Impala onward. Impala gunned his speed, pulling ahead of the white mare easily.

He looked over his shoulder to see Castiel hovering over the horse’s back, the only support he used to ride Iofiel being his knees clamped firmly at her sides. He gripped her mane, his seat upon her back light but controlled. He had to admit that it was rather impressive. They moved as one entity, whilst he fully controlled Impala’s trek, using the reins to guide the horse. However, he was still winning at this point, and he smiled smugly, turning his attention to the lagging rider. “YOU SEE?” he shouted to him, grinning like a fool. “IMPALA IS NO MATCH IN A RACE!”

Castiel grinned, leaning down. He whispered something to Iofiel, the horse’s ears perking up at his words.

Dean smiled and turned his attention back to the trek before him. The fields splayed before them, the rise of distant mountains foggy against the background as the foothills slowly eased closer. If this pace kept up, Dean could easily beat Castiel by a landslide. He felt rather confident.

That is, until his confidence hit a wall at the next turn of events. Suddenly the sound of impending hoof beats drawing nearer caught his attention, and he tensed. He turned just in time to see Castiel and Iofiel, rider and horse, pass Dean as if he merely strolled by his horse’s side. Dean’s jaw fell open as Castiel turned, balancing on one knee upon Iofiel’s back to salute him. “CATCH ME, OH GREAT HUNTER OF THE PLAINS PEOPLE!!” Castiel laughed, pulling ahead of Dean quickly.

Dean shook his head, spurring Impala onward. The chase in full swing, he spurred Impala further, the black mustang giving his all to try and catch up with Iofiel. But it was near impossible.

Iofiel flowed over the landscape like water, hooves barely beating the ground before her stride continued, putting great distance between them.

As they rode the sun finally broke the horizon completely, bathing the landscape in golden light. It was stunning. Dean nearly lost concentration, his attention locked on the elegant rider before him. Sunlight glinted off of Iofiel’s white fur, the two nearly angelic as they rode together. It was more than he could say for his own riding partnership with Impala. Castiel barely guided the white mare, letting their bond control their moves. Stunning.

“CANYON!” Cas suddenly shouted over his shoulder, veering off violently in his course. It took Dean a moment to realize what he meant, when he saw it. A large canyon that neither had noticed before suddenly spread before them, gaping mouth ready to swallow them into dark depths. Dean pulled the reins harshly, Impala’s hooves scraping dirt as he tried to stop his advance. It did no good, the only course of action being to follow the rider before him.

Impala compensated, dirt flying as he rode along the lip of the canyon following the white mare. Dean kept his eyes locked on the rider before him; daring not to look beyond his vantage point to the gaping hole which he rode mere inches from. He shook his head in wonder. It was as if Castiel did not even know the canyon was there; attention on the ride to keep his connection with Iofiel.

Dean knew there was no way to cross the canyon easily. His only option would be to spot a narrower portion before Castiel did to make the leap. And luck would be on his side.

Dean spotted the narrowest stretch, and gauged it quickly. Yes, Impala would be able to make the jump easily. He’d warn Castiel of it after the fact so as to gain the upper hand on the leap and pull ahead in the race. Dean changed course, moving away from the canyon before turning back and urging Impala on at full speed.

Impala hit the edge, making the leap. He easily breeched the gap, landing with a loud clatter of hooves on the hard dirt below. Castiel had not noticed, still riding on. “CASTIEL!” Dean shouted, catching the young mage’s attention.

The mage turned to see Dean safely on the other side, and he smirked. He too veered off from the canyon and turned back, Iofiel pausing slightly. He eyed the canyon for a moment, a silence filling the air.

Dean realized too late what the mage’s plan was. He would cross at that point… much further down the length of the ravine, where the canyon stretched far too wide for any creature to cross. His eyes widened at the realization, as he began waving his arms frantically. “NO! THE RAVINE IS TOO WIDE!” he shouted, hoping to stop the mage. It was in vain.

Castiel suddenly spurred Iofiel on, the horse charging the gap at full speed. His face masked determined, headed straight for the massive crack in the earth.

Dean’s heart stopped in his chest. Iofiel didn’t even have a good starting distance for her jump, and Castiel thought she could make it? It was mad! They would both be killed by the fall! It was too much to bear.

Time seemed to slow as Iofiel hit the ledge and made her leap. Dean’s eyes trained on the concentration of the mage’s façade, the horse flying through the air. Suddenly, Castiel released his grip on her mane, his arms extended to either side, war cry filling the very air that froze in this moment of truth.

The moments crawled as Dean’s heart worked to start again. Iofiel couldn’t possibly make the whole distance; her descent was already begun and she hadn’t made it to the other side yet. “Come on… Castiel… please…” he urged, white-knuckling the reins.

The air cracked to life the moment Iofiel’s hooves hit the ledge. She staggered slightly from her flight, rider and horse clambering onto solid earth after several horrifying moments. They had succeeded!

Dean whooped for joy, fist pounding the air in congratulatory cheer. Iofiel reared back as a whinny broke around them. Castiel smiled, saluting the hunter in return. He looked absolutely elated by the success, trotting over to Dean’s side. “I find your cheer to be uplifting. Shall we continue?” He asked, leaning over Iofiel’s neck to leer at Dean.

However, before Dean could respond, the sound of thunder filled the air. This was disconcerting… there was not a cloud in the sky. Dean slowly turned to the source of the sound, eyes wide. Both men froze, shocked.

A herd of strange looking animals barreled their direction. Neither man had ever seen one of these creatures before. They were absolutely massive, huge shaggy heads atop furry brown bodies. Hooves like cattle beat the earth flat as they charged, horns lowered to attack.

Dean stared at the creatures, before looking at Castiel with wide eyes. “Time to go!” he yelled, urging Impala on. Both men took off atop their steeds, riding as hard as they could to evade the stampeding animals.

Both men were shocked to see these animals quickly overtake them, the herd charging. It didn’t take long before both men were enveloped amongst the huge creatures, riding along side of them as they ran.

Iofiel whinnied frightened, tossing her head as she ran alongside a particularly large creature. The animal lowed in response, knocking into her. The force nearly drove Castiel from her back, but a steadying hand from his companion kept him astride as they fought to work their way from the thick of the herd.

There was no way they could break free. The animals were grouped too tightly to make their way through the throng. “What do we do?!” Dean yelled to Castiel, looking more than worried. If they fell from the backs of their rides, they would surely be trampled.

Castiel looked over his shoulder to the remainder of the herd, before looking back at Dean. “Stay strong. We may be able to let them pass if we are careful!”

Dean nodded, concentrating on his ride. They gradually slowed, letting the animals make their way, occasionally dodging a wayward creature as it barreled towards them. The adrenaline coursed through their veins, keeping the two alert. It wouldn’t be long…

Finally, FINALLY, the last of the animals made their way through, leaving the two men behind in their wake. Both men slowed their horses to a stop, panting heavily as they watched them disburse into the environment. Even the creatures seemed to slow finally as they exhausted themselves, the herd breaking apart as they, one by one, stopped.

Dean’s eyes trained on the beasts, holding the reins of his horse in a vice like grip. It was a bit much excitement for one day already, but he couldn’t have asked for a better excursion. He smiled, turning to speak to Castiel, when he found that he was no longer by his side.

“Dean.” Castiel called, grabbing the hunter’s attention.

Dean turned in time to see Castiel guide Iofiel in a trot, making the last leg of their journey -a mere thirty feet- to the base of the foothills. His eyes widened in awe. The stampede had driven them right towards their destination… and sure enough, Castiel was the first to reach the foothills.

“I win.” Castiel said finally, smiling broadly.

Dean stared for a moment, realizing exactly what had happened. Castiel had won by a mere trot. Both men locked eyes for a moment before bursting into laughter.

~*~

The sun had already crested the sky, beginning to make its way westward. Both men had synonymously decided to take the day for themselves, enjoying the scenery. After all, Impala and Iofiel both needed to rest after such a hard ride.

Dean poured the contents of his canteen into his palm, letting Impala drink. Castiel sat against the face of one of the rocks, letting Iofiel rest her head in his lap. He ran his fingers through her mane, muttering soothing words in Enochian to her. The midday sun had colored the skin of his shoulders and neck a light pink, his nose and cheeks flushed with sun exposure. Dean smiled at the sight. If he didn’t know Castiel any better, he could have sworn he was just an innocent Rider, a messenger of the plains.

His eyes landed on the strange tattoo around Castiel’s right eye, brow furrowing. After several weeks of travel with the mage, he had still not asked for the origin of said tattoo. Castiel was indeed an intriguing man. Dean learned new things of him every day.

“Castiel… I meant to ask. Of what importance does the tattoo around your eye possess?” Dean inquired, resting his elbows on his knees.

Castiel’s hand drifted up to his face, a small smile dancing on the corners of his mouth. “To tell you the truth, it possesses no importance whatsoever. I was young. I remember when I got it, actually. It was before one of our solstice rituals, and my companions and I, well… we got into the ritual hallucinogens a bit early before the ceremony. I don’t exactly remember the tattooing itself, but I remember waking the next morning to find it around my eye. I considered removing it, but I grew so attached to it I couldn’t see myself without the tattoo. So I left it.”

Dean smirked, nodding. “Indeed, I am glad you opted not to remove the tattoo. It makes you look rather dashing.”

He wasn’t sure, but Dean thought he saw Castiel blush. Either that, or the sunburn on his cheeks grew worse as they spoke.

The two fell back into silence, simply enjoying each other’s company. Dean looked up after a moment to speak again, when he saw the look on his friend’s face. Castiel looked… upset. “Cas? Are you well?” He asked, sitting up a bit straighter.

Castiel nodded, rubbing his eyes for a moment. “I am well. It is… it’s just…” he couldn’t seem to find the words to finish, and simply fell back into silence.

Dean decided to finish for him. “You miss your clan.” He offered, nodding.

Castiel shrugged slightly, wincing from the tight skin on his shoulders. “It is not that I miss them. I have… I went against my own way of life. It is just something I would have never considered doing. But I couldn’t let them go through with their plan. I…” he paused, looking up at Dean. “… I just couldn’t.”

Dean listened to him speak, sympathizing with him. “I understand. If you see wrongs amongst your own people it is better to right them, even at the expense of your own ways.”

Castiel nodded, smiling slightly. “You completely understand, and for that I am grateful. Besides, you and Sam… you are both my friends. And I will not turn my friends over to harm if I can help it. You two are the closest I have ever seen of any siblings; it is most endearing.”

Castiel lifted his eyes to the gradually waning sun, smiling slightly in confirmation. “By my power, I serve free will.”

Dean’s eyes locked on Castiel, the fading sunlight staining his near perfect face in golden hues. A smile broke across his face as his previously warring emotions finally clicked into place. He now knew the word he had been searching for to describe his companion, and it fit him absolutely perfectly… beautiful.

The whickering of their equines drove Dean from his awe, as he looked up to the horses. It was then he realized exactly how late it was. “It would be best if we went back to the camp… Samuel is probably worrying his head off about the two of us.” He muttered, standing up to stretch his back gently.

Castiel nodded, speaking not a word as he stood as well, urging Iofiel to her feet. Running his fingertips over a tight muscle in her shoulder, he soothed it before mounting her quickly.

Once the two were seated, they rode off, a much gentler pace than their previous ride, simply enjoying the scenery that they had previously ignored before in their urgent need to complete the race.

Dean mulled over Castiel’s words as they rode, sneaking a glance over at his companion. “When you speak of these rituals… they are of great importance, no? Would any be allowed to see them?”

Castiel didn’t speak long enough for Dean to believe he would not respond, but before the bounty hunter could put off this portion of the discussion, he sighed. “Indeed, any could see these rituals… but unwanted eyes upon these events are immediately put out.”

Dean swallowed, eyes locked before him. “Put out?” he asked, almost timidly.

“Put out… quite violently.” Castiel emphasized, nodding. He turned to look at Dean, cerulean eyes hard. “You understand now why there are many reasons I do not approve of my clan’s… behavior.”

Dean only nodded. “Have you not considered… ceding from them?” The hunter finally asked, turning to him. He regretted these words immediately, the air swallowing them in hot, heavy discomfort.

“The thought had not crossed my mind. But… seeing as where I am now, it is of little importance.” The mage said rather coldly.

Dean shrank in on himself, the air growing heavier with Castiel’s displeasure. “I am truly sorry…”

The mage softened slightly, sighing. “No, it is alright. It is not your fault, Dean.” He took a moment before choosing his next words carefully. “You take a lot of weight upon your shoulders, it seems. However, blame does not always lay with you. Have faith.”

Dean only snorted, looking unconvinced. “There are many reasons why I carry so much upon my conscience. Reasons I would rather not discuss.”

“Very well…” and the air fell silent once again, although the extra weight dissipated back into companionable quiet.

The silence didn’t last long. Dean’s curiosity got the better of him eventually, and he sighed, turning back to Castiel. “I never believed that magic was real until I met you and your people. How does it work? Is it something that one is born with or does it come with your trainings?”

Castiel smirked slightly. “Inquisitive, I see. Yes, magic is real and it is indeed borne into the Enochians. But it must be honed with experience. And alas, I am not fully experienced as of yet.”

Dean blinked, looking at him. “How? You seem quite adept as it is.” The idea that Castiel was a mere novice still was unfathomable to the hunter.

“The strength of one’s magic comes with time and experience. One does not reach his full potential until he reaches at least one hundred sun cycles… of which I am a mere twenty shy.”

Dean blinked, staring at Castiel in awe. One hundred sun cycles… but that would make him…

“Dean… I am well over eighty cycles aged.” Castiel said finally, staring hard into his eyes.

Eighty years old. It was unthinkable. Dean swallowed, unable to find his voice at first. “You… you appear no older than I…” he tried to reason, his mind unable to grasp the concept.

Castiel nodded. “Dean we are not traditional people. Many would say that we are not human. However, we are not immortal. Our longevity is much, much stronger than people such as yourself, but nothing more. The average life span of an Enochian is at least two hundred cycles in length, although there are cases of our kind who ceded and drew mortal breath for the remainder of their sorely shortened days.”

Dean found it difficult to comprehend, as he swallowed his disbelief once again. “Do you age?”

“No we do not age. Our maturity ends at our thirtieth cycle, and remains as such until the end of our days. Nothing more.”

Dean breathed heavily, shaking his head slightly. “Shit… this is news to comprehend, indeed. However, I must admit for your age you are quite the sight.”

Castiel laughed, turning his attention back towards the trail before them. “I thank you for the compliment… if that is indeed what it is.”

Dean nodded, smiling back at him. “It is…”

Their eyes locked for a moment, lost in these words. Castiel stared unblinking back into emerald depths, licking his lips slightly to wet them. Dean swallowed and opened his mouth to speak.

The words never came. Sudden unease on their equines’ parts alerted them and they both turned to see what had caused the two animals to startle. Dean gasped, eyes wide in shock.

The camp was just ahead, and it was in total disarray. Items were thrown helter skelter, the fire violently trampled, throwing ash every which way. Gabriel paced around the camp, whinnying in dismay. Sam was nowhere to be seen.

Dean immediately leapt from Impala’s back, running to the camp site. “No.. No…!”

Castiel stared, shocked. A sudden dread filled his very being and he too became uneasy, sensing what the horses had. “Dean… Dean it is not safe here. We must go!” He shouted, dismounting and dashing to his companion’s side.

Dean paid no heed, frantic as he looked around the camp for any clues. None showed, any possibilities being destroyed by the ravaged site. “I left him.. I shouldn’t have… I…”

Castiel placed a hand on his shoulder, looking distraught. “Dean… we must go…”

Dean wrenched from his grip, anger welling in his breast. He threw his head back, rage fueling his call. “SAM!”

~*~

Zachariah stood before his leaders, head bowed. “My lords… it has begun.” He said, looking up to them. The air hung thick around them.

Michael nodded, turning to The Father as he repeated the words to him quietly. The Father raised a hand motioning meaninglessly as he responded. Zachariah waited patiently for their verdict.

“We shall deal with the brothers in due time, Zachariah.” Michael responded eventually, looking to the Enochian before him. “They are our primary interest. However… we must deal with the traitor. Alert Annahriel that the wrongs done to her will not go unpunished. She will have revenge for this.”

Zachariah nodded, smiling darkly. “Indeed. The traitor Castiel shall receive his punishment. We will hunt down the remainder Winchester and seek the rebel Enochian, as per The Father’s wishes. Dean will see to truth and side with us. As for Castiel… he shall surely pay for his rebellion.”

~*~


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