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For the third time that night, Dean woke up in a sweat. Another nightmare, or a flashback ... it made no difference to him. What he'd been through in the last few hours and days bordered on a horror trip.Tears welled up in his eyes as he wrapped his hands around his body, pulled his knees to his chest, and tried to curl up as small as possible on the bed. Nobody was there. He'd disappointed everyone. Only because once again, he had only thought of others. Not entirely true … because he hadn't thought at all.…Since the hunter couldn't fall asleep anyway and didn't want to either, the small bedside lamp was switched on, and he leaned against the bed frame with a sigh. What were the others doing?The last memory was of his brother's beaming face bent over the dead body of Lucifer. They'd defeated him. That had been the plan ... and then it all went wrong because he ... he, Dean Winchester, had trusted an angel.How could he be that stupid?! How could he think that bastard was telling the truth; after all, he'd learned about those winged bastards over the past few years. It had taken many, many months to trust Castiel and only one minute for Michael.
Cas ...
With another deep sigh, Dean thought of his angel, who'd tried to dissuade him from this insane plan. Sooner or later, another solution would undoubtedly have been found together, but his stubbornness in doing things alone had gotten everyone into the biggest mess in human history.Dean was firmly convinced that he deserved it if no one would look for him and free him....Suddenly loud, terrible music pounded in his ears, and Dean pressed his aching head between his knees."Fucking shit, Michael!"The image of the angel appeared on the TV, and the two men stared at each other. That was Michael's way of communicating. Again and again – in every mirror, on every shiny surface, even in the window of the goddamn microwave. If the angel of the Lord wanted it, he could watch Dean. And that was the problem because this annoying fowl never slept. He pointed around with an amused smile. Michael had taken a liking to this world – the city lights, the beautiful women, and the booze. Above all, he enjoyed that Dean didn't enjoy it.As quickly as the image appeared, it disappeared, and the young man was alone again....Michael sat at the bar and ordered something to drink. While the glass was sipped, he, too, thought about the past few days. He'd never have thought it possible that it was that easy. For many years Dean had defied him; vehemently resisted being the sword.Sam got bent with Lucifer, and fate was kind to him when he was able to borrow the lost Winchester brother Adam temporarily.But then, back in that goddam field in Detroit, he was tricked and trapped in a cage with his hated brother Lucifer for a long time. How many times had he prayed, shouted, and cursed at his father ...At some point, however, this vessel became too weak for his power. As hard as he tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together, that memory was erased because suddenly, he found himself in another universe.Had his father sent him there? Why did he do that? Probably because of the unfathomable paths and blah blah blah...With a deep sigh, he shook his head and took a long gulp, motioning for the bartender to refill the glass.It's a good thing that a poor idiot seemed to be waiting for him and had promised him everything just so his children would be saved from starvation. He had to grin slightly at that thought because this happiness hadn't lasted very long. But he didn't care.In former times he belonged to the righteous and most loyal soldiers. Even if he didn't see any benefit in these weak people even then, this new universe had changed him even more ... but maybe it was also the influence of Lucifer that had poisoned him in the cage ...This new world was different – dark, evil. But Michael tried to make the best of it with his followers. It was clear that this wasn't the best for everyone involved ... but that didn't matter either.And now he was sitting here thinking about everything he could do now his brother was dead. He planned to reshape the world according to his rules, and he looked damn good in his new suit. "Cas!"Startled, the black-haired angel whirled around and looked into Sam's horrified face. It wasn't until a few moments later that he realized his hand was on the stovetop, smoking, smelling.Lost in thought, like so often in the past few days, it wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Just the day before, absentmindedly, Jack's leg had been squeezed so hard that only the screams of pain from the broken leg had brought him back to his senses. It was repaired immediately, but the lousy conscience was still nagging at him."I'm sorry," he murmured guiltily as the smoke alarm started beeping."It can't go on like this. Michael has been in Dean for four days now. We finally need a plan!" Jack felt helpless because he had no more power. Cas felt guilty for not being able to stop Dean. Mary and Sam had holed up between the books with Bobby and Charlie for the past few hours, but they hadn't found anything either, and Rowena was nowhere to be found.In the evening, everyone sat together at the table. Silence; looks went from one to the other. It was a hopeless situation.Castiel was the only one with power but had no chance against an archangel. Also, he'd been arguing with Jack, who didn't seem to care that Dean died if Michael got killed...."Sam?"The young hunter shrugged. Of course, he wanted his brother back, but he also knew Dean would give his life if it saved the world.One could twist and turn it, but they were running out of time because Michael had already started. Leaning against the sink, Dean was brushing his teeth when the toothbrush fell off in shock.An image appeared in the mirror of two men and three women, bloodied, with their hands tied and hanging from an iron bar. Michael was torturing and killing the few remaining angels, which was horrific and brutal.It was only a moment before the mirror became a mirror again, but the memory of it forced the hunter to his knees, sobbing. He felt so helpless, and the fact that it was him – if only his body, holding those deadly tools was reminiscent of the horrible time in hell where he himself had become the master of torture.Dean screamed, raged, and smashed everything that got in his way. He was so angry and ecstatic. The blood he drew from the injuries mixed with sweat and tears. His heart was beating wildly in his head, and his fist kept pounding against the wall until his knuckles broke. Exhausted, he sank to the floor and heard a loud laugh … it was everywhere.It only took a blink of an eye, and the bathroom was in its original condition; Dean's hand was healed, and various bodily fluids were gone."I won't let that happen ..." Michael grinned out of the mirror, showing his white teeth, "... you couldn't even kill yourself if you wanted to. You can't just watch. You're just a small, weak, worthless human being. And besides, it weakens me when you smash everything here. So let that be, damn it!" Dean thought about the time Sam was obsessed with Gadreel and wished it was the same because his younger brother had no memory of that time.But he knew Michael enjoyed tormenting him. Dean went into the kitchen and made himself some coffee ... lots of coffee. He didn't want to fall asleep, didn't want to remember. But this calm and stillness didn't make it easy. He closed his eyes and tried to think of something pleasant. There wasn't much anyway. He thought of his mother, of Sam ... of Cas."Cas ... I dunno if you can hear me ..."Again that nasty laugh."Oh, come on. Shut up, Dean. Nobody hears you except me. And certainly not your cuddly angel!" day 8A loud pounding on the door woke up Sam. With a deep groan, he ran his hand over his face and through his hair, and with an effort, he got up from the couch. Looking at his watch, the younger hunter noticed it was already afternoon.A questioning look in Cas' direction because all the important people were in the bunker.The loud knocking sounded again. Sam cocked his gun, and while the others gathered, he climbed the long spiral staircase and opened the door. There was a teenager he didn't know. But this boy seemed to know Sam."Sam? You told me a few years ago to come if something is wrong."While the heavy door was closed again and the weapon was sheathed, the hunter wondered how he should know him. Sure, a case – but which one?When the brown-haired teenager glanced down, and some people pointed guns at him, he felt a little scared. He looked anxiously at Sam, who assured the others everything was fine. "Jesse Turner."Even if Sam had to think for a moment, Cas knew who he was dealing with very well. With a frown, the angel came closer and eyed him from all sides."Jesse? Like the Antichrist-Jesse?" Sam asked, and in no time, all guns were pointed at him again."Yes … no. That's why I'm here," he stammered, sitting down and taking a deep breath.The boy was Jack's age – at least Jack looked like it, and curiously he approached."It's gone. My power … there's nothing left." Cas only replied with a shrug and explained that he had power as long as Lucifer existed. And now he was dead ...Jesse told them he'd lived everyday life in Australia and hadn't used his power rashly. Only this part of life was missing, and he wondered why. He was glad to get rid of this power, not having to worry, becoming a normal man, and not having to deal with all that supernatural stuff anymore."But it's not the worst thing that Lucifer is dead, is it?" Jesse smirked after hearing the whole story."How to take it," Jack interjected. "He's my grace.""And you are ...?""Jack. Lucifer's son," the young man replied, shaking hands with Jesse."... ?""He's a Nephilim. Half human and half angel," Castiel explained."I'm half human and half demon.""Nice. Would we've cleared that up with the family history then?" Bobby grumbled sarcastically. "You're so quiet. What's happening?"Mary sat beside her son and put his arm on his shoulder."We have a Nephilim and the Antichrist here … without power. The key to this is Lucifer. What happened if ...""You're not seriously suggesting that you revive Lucifer so the two boys can regain their power? I don't even know if that would work.""But they could kill Michael.""And Dean ...""Yes, if there's no other way ... Dean too."
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"Jesse Turner. Is it coincidence or fate that you're here?"Shaking his head and smiling slightly, Sam looked at the sleeping body on the couch."He turned me into a toy figure," Castiel grumbled."He was a kid, and you wanted to kill him. He was afraid."Good. The point went to Sam, but Cas didn't like this boy."Nevertheless. He can't help us either, so he might as well leave as he said."Of course, nobody could be forced, and the plan was still missing. Repeated attempts were made to reach Rowena via cell phone, and lo and behold, Sam was lucky for what felt like the hundredth time. Without explaining much, the red-haired witch accepted, and Sam was relieved because if he'd mentioned the reason, she'd undoubtedly have hung up immediately.It took two more days for her to arrive. In her bag was everything a witch could possibly need.The elegant lady straightened her long black velvet dress and knocked expectantly. Friendly as always, everyone was greeted with a smile. And, of course, the pretty angel. However, the smile stuck in her throat when she was told what it was all about...."You want what? You're crazy!"With a mocking snort, she wanted to turn back on the spot."Please, Rowena. We know you have the darkest spellbooks. We need you!"The young hunter appealed to her power and strength, flattered her, and after much persuasion, Rowena buckled, sat down at the table, and looked around.When her gaze lingered on Charlie, she nodded. The memory of having managed, with her help, to be able to read the Book of the Damned came back. Of course, it was clear that it was AU-Charlie. However, this appealed to her conscience, as she was partly to blame for her death.Then her thoughts wandered to Lucifer. This gang really wanted to bring back the worst enemy in the whole world, and the witch herself should be the mastermind. It wasn't a question of whether she could; it was a question of wanting to. After all, she'd tricked him a few times and knew the devil held grudges. Rowena was really struggling with herself, and it took a lot of persuasions."He's in the back of one of the cells, bound and spell-bound." "Sam, I dunno if that's such a good idea."The hunter was convinced it wasn't a good idea, but he nodded to Cas and replied:"We just need his power. Then he can sleep forever and ever."After years of fear and anguish, after the psychological terror that Lucifer had done to him. After all of that was over, and Dean had killed him, Sam now wanted him alive again. Yeah, that definitely wasn't a good idea.But when Jack, Cas, and he stood before the dead body, there was no turning back.Rowena sighed and stood by the door, and with hesitant steps, as if Lucifer might wake up at any moment, she made her way to the center of the room, where everything was being prepared."Stand in a circle. All around that bastard there."Bobby, Mary, Rowena, and Charlie held hands. Cas, Sam, and Jack knelt on the ground and put their hands on Lucifer's chest."The book says it should be the people who connected with him, but we're all we have ..."The spell was repeated three times. Once, it was even Cas since he had more power as an angel ... but nothing happened. Not even a wiggle of his toe. Nothing."I hate to say it, but we're lost without that damn bastard," Bobby murmured. "Say, maybe I'm wrong, but... what about Jesse?" Charlie replied, flopping prone on the couch. "Didn't you say he had a connection to him too, or from him ... or, dunno.""Who's Jesse?"Rowana had never heard of him and wanted to know more."The Antichrist.""Oh ..." the redhead laughed nervously, "... well, this is getting better and better.""No, his power died with Lucifer. He's just a normal teenager. Just like me", Jack mumbled sheepishly and got himself a glass of water. He wished nothing more than to have his power back so that the annoying plagues of sleeping, eating, drinking, and going to the toilet would disappear again."And what's the use then?""Man Cas, what do you have against him?! It's worth a try." Sam dialed the number, and an hour later, Jesse was with the others in the bunker."Doesn't look very spectacular," the boy remarked and lightly nudged Lucifer's with his foot.To be honest, he didn't feel comfortable when everyone was back in their positions, and his hand was also on Lucifer's chest.There was a sudden bang – the bowl on the floor burst. With a gasp, he sat up and looked around. Disoriented, Lucifer groped around in the darkness and roared."Hello, is anyone here? Where the hell am I?!"A streak of light could be seen in the distance, towards which he stumbled and suddenly found himself face to face with a being. With a mocking grin, Lucifer looked it up from head to toe."You look good. Where have I ended up?""Where all angels land," his reflection replied."Oh, whatever. I hafta go back.""Nobody comes back from here. You should sleep like everyone else."Lucifer shook his head, put a hand on the other's shoulder, and laughed before getting serious."Don't you hear it? I'm called. Bring me back. Instantly!"The devil concentrated and tried various things, but nothing worked."You have no power here, and now be quiet!""Otherwise, what?"He sang the first song that came to mind – wrong, but with enthusiasm and a volume that almost burst the creature's eardrum."Ahhh ...!"With a scream, the being closed its eyes, and in the next moment, a lightning bolt flashed through Lucifer's body, and then he knew nothing more ... Everyone concentrated and repeated Rowena's words in the small, dark, cold room.Castiel put his hands on those of the other three and sent a blast of energy through their bodies, which also transferred to Lucifer's body.The man on the ground was shaken violently; seconds later, everyone was bathed in bright light. Everyone except Castiel reflexively covered their eyes and took a few steps back. The spell hadn't failed to work.A powerful rumble of thunder shook the room, and before Lucifer could say or do anything, Cas slashed his throat and bent Jack's head down, who, out of sheer instinct, opened his mouth slightly to allow the grace to go back to where it was meant to go. And not only that, because now Jack had Lucifer's grace too, and Jesse had his power again.All of this happened in a few seconds, and only when Lucifer sank back and closed his eyes forever did everyone breathe deeply for the first time. "Wow," Rowena gasped, sinking to the ground, feeling incredibly dizzy.But when Sam tried to help her, she waved off, saying she only needed a few minutes rests."Now we haven't one but three powerful beings."Bobby laughed, and the others agreed. It was good to be able to laugh freely again.Sam put his hands on Castiel's shoulders and looked at the deep folds on his forehead with a shake of the head because the two teenagers understood each other brilliantly."It's not that bad when Jack has a friend his age ... or at least his size," the hunter smiled mischievously.Well ... what else could Cas do than accept it?These eight had given their all for the day and deserved a break. Castiel repeatedly stabbed the older hunter with the angel's blade, who writhed, whimpering and panting on the ground.Blood splatters on the walls and Cas' mad face in front of him - like back when the angel was possessed by the leviathans and again and again Michael's terrible, loud, mocking laughter, with the aim of breaking him.It only lasted a few moments. When the dark blond hunter opened his eyes again, everything was as before. Crouching on the floor, Dean crawled into a corner. The sweat of fear ran down his body, and he stared at his trembling hands."Please, Michael. Stop it!" he sobbed, never thinking of himself to beg. But he could no longer; that was worse than the time in hell.Dean put his hands in front of his face, pulled his knees close to his body, and prayed that this nightmare would end soon.For days, maybe weeks, or it felt like years ... always the same thing. The sense of time was lost, the reality blurred; Dean hallucinated from sleep deprivation and just wanted to die. He was just a piece of flesh that seemed to dissolve. "We're just getting started!"Barely opening his eyes again, the hunter stared at that lousy archangel's face in the mirror. A big, hellish grin like the clown Pennywise.Dean couldn't count how many times the people he loved had tortured and then killed him or how many times the people he couldn't save had blamed him. At first, he'd rebelled, screamed, and tried to regain control. Again and again, he'd stood up only to be pushed down again.Dean had made up his mind to get through it somehow, but he had no more strength."Why don't you just kill me?" he replied indifferently and with a fragile voice, but only earned another sarcastic sneer before Michael disappeared.
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Rowena, Sam, Cas, and Jack spent the last few hours flicking through the grimoire again. "I think I found something."With a questioning look, the young Nephilim handed the book to the witch, and after scanning the lines, a nod followed.The ingredients for the mixture were immediately procured."We still need the essence of an angel.""Of course. How much?"Without hesitation, Castiel stood up and tilted his head as Rowena didn't answer immediately."Everything …"
Everything
Everyone knew what that meant. But Castiel was willing to give up this existence for his hunter and live on as a human. He'd existed for so long, and considering that all the people he loved would die one day and he had to live with this pain … it wasn't a difficult decision for him to make.Determined, the angel nodded and handed Sam his sword."Cas! Are you really sure?" Jack asked with a frown.The black-haired angel nodded and sighed. If that could save Dean ... of course – he'd do anything for his hunter. Suddenly, Rowena groaned, clutched her head, and sank to the ground. Everyone was with her immediately. All those spells required tremendous power, but of course, she wanted to push through. Not because she cared about Dean that much, but as one of the world's most powerful witches, it was only a matter of time before Michael would seek her life.And, of course, it was also a question of her ego...."You know?"With that, she handed the angel two vials of a purple substance, which were stowed in his coat pocket with a nod. It was protection, and if everything went as planned, it would protect them both from dying with Michael. But it took half a day for the spell to take effect."Why not faster?""Let's hope half a day is enough. You don't know what to expect."The young hunter sighed, hoping everything would go well and he didn't lose both of them. Saying that he had faith, he put his watch around Cas' wrist and hugged him again. "Zod ee reh doh noh koh ah beh rah ma geh nah zod peh sah geh."Everything was ready, and together with Cas, clutching the last drop of his grace that gave him some more angel power, Rowena set about summoning the archangel. With a strong gust of wind, he also appeared a short time later."What do you want from me? I was in the process of destroying Ohio!"With a roar of laughter, he watched Sam pull out a lighter. Although he'd fallen into the trap, he wasn't worried about getting out safely."I'm the strongest Archangel, and this little fire can neither kill nor hold me.""It doesn't hafta be, but it will make you weak and unable to move for a few minutes. We don't need any more time", Sam replied in a firm voice that was more acted than real. Nobody knew how this thing would turn out. No one knew who'd survive or die.Cas was dripping wet from head to toe because if it didn't have to be, he didn't want to burst into flames. Clutching his grace tightly, he took another deep breath. He'd been human before, but this … this was final – there was no turning back.Everything was planned and had to happen quickly.Determination in his eyes, Cas stood next to Sam, who dropped the lighter on the floor at that moment.In no time, a circle of fire of holy oil spread, and Michael's laughter became more derogatory."Wait and see what's in store for you, then you'll stop laughing," the hunter murmured.Rowena raised her hands and began the spell; Cas threw the small glass with the blue liquid against Michael's chest, took a small start, and jumped the moment Jack's eyes shone red, and the dark room was wrapped in bright light.After a few moments, the spook was over, and it looked like nothing had happened. Michael was still standing in the circle, which had gone out in the meantime, and gave Sam an irritated look before only a flapping of wings could be heard."It worked," the hunter sighed, sinking to his knees. Cas was gone. Now it was time to wait. "Castiel!"As the ex-angel snuck through the corridors of the bunker, he winced when Michael's angry voice was heard loud and clear. Of course, he was afraid. But the most important thing was to find Dean's room, so he resolutely continued his search. But what he saw when the door opened broke his little heart.Sobbing and huddled in a corner, the older hunter sat with his head buried between his knees."Dean …"Quietly murmur, but the person addressed didn't respond. Cautiously Castiel approached.When Dean raised his head, and the horror could be seen in those green eyes, the black-haired man was shocked."Stay away. Don't come near me! You're just a hallucination. You're not gonna kill me again!"In his trembling hand was a knife that was being waved wildly. Repeating these words, his body rocked back and forth restlessly. This rigid, expressionless look made the blood in Cas' veins freeze.
Damn Michael! What did you do to him?
Of course, it was clear that it wouldn't be easy, but Cas hadn't expected anything like that."Calm down, Dean, it's me. I'm with you," he whispered and wanted to take the knife from his hand, but blood dripped from his thighs after a quick, thoughtless movement.This confused giggle scared him, so he sat down on the bed and looked at Dean for a while....The green eyes darted back and forth wildly; they couldn't focus on anything."You're not real," Dean murmured like a mantra. It was like he didn't even notice his best friend."Dean ..."But as long as the hunter had the knife in hand, ready to stab at any moment, Cas didn't dare to come any closer.Feverishly, he wondered how to reach his friend. The two brothers had a safe word. Dean had told Crowley back when he was in Sam obsessed with Gadreel. With a sigh, the blue eyes closed. With the best will in the world, Castiel couldn't think of it. Seeing him like this was more terrifying than anything he'd gone through in his life. Dean meant everything to him, and he told him so, but the hunter didn't react.…Suddenly the TV turned on."I dunno how you did it, but that's not important either. The important thing is that both of you'll die. Dean is just a shadow. He doesn't recognize you; either he'll kill you, or I'll do it. But not yet because you're too much fun to watch." Terrified but at the same time furious to see Michael, Cas grabbed the first thing he could find and threw it at the TV. The screen shattered into a thousand pieces. The same was done with the mirror as he appeared there too with loud laughter immediately after, and the window in which his reflection was reflected broke too.Dean only perceived what was happening through a fog and wondered why his angel didn't attack and try to kill him. His heart was racing, and an unbelievable headache clouded his senses. His eyes were heavy and threatened to close at any moment, but he had to stay awake. He just had to.He tried to understand what this figure, crouching on the floor in front of him, wanted from him, but the words became blurred.When Cas looked at the wristwatch, he was a bit desperate because four hours had already passed without any backlash.Again and again, Dean nodded off for a few seconds to start up again in shock, and Cas winced every time. Eventually, he managed to take the knife and held it in his hand. But seeing that fear in those big, tear-stained eyes, he threw it away as far as he could."I ain't here to hurt you. Dean, I wanna save you", the black-haired man whispered and slid a little closer.Like a frightened animal, Dean started whimpering, looking for a way out, but literally had his back to the wall....It lasted two more hours, during which Cas tried everything to convince his friend that he wasn't only real but also wanted to help. With a lot of empathy, continuously a little further until it was finally possible to lay a hand on the hunters without him wildly kicking around in panic. Castiel talked to him non-stop, telling him about the joint adventures, his family, and the caring people outside. The gory and gruesome things got left out, which wasn't easy, and it was the seventh hour when Dean's head finally clicked."Cas?" The ex-angel closed his eyes with a sigh of relief."I'm here, Dean."Tears ran down the dark blond man's face, and he clung to his angel in desperation.Another hour had passed before the sobbing stopped, and Dean had brought himself up enough to ask about the plan."He can hear us, Cas.""I know."Castiel reached into his coat pocket and took out paper and pen. In silent communication and with their thoughts turned off, the two went through their project step by step, and at the end, Dean nodded happily. And even if it meant the end for both of them, he was relieved not to be alone.However, Cas hid that he was no longer an angel not to start a discussion. He could imagine the reaction only too well – Dean would've blamed himself and felt bad. But it was his decision, and he would've done it repeatedly – because he'd do anything for his best friend. As Dean looked into the sea blue eyes, there was no doubt that the two would make it – together. To see his face so close to his own, to feel the warm breath on his skin and the heat in his own body ...Dean suddenly needed to kiss those perfect, soft, slightly parted lips. But the question was how his angel would react to that. Would he return the kiss?"I'd puke my guts out," a voice suddenly interjected, making both men flinch.That was reason enough for Dean, and even if Castiel pushed him away, at least he would've done it to defy Michael. Taking another deep breath and gathering all his courage, he bridged the last stretch and gently placed his lips on the others.Cas stiffened completely from shock, but the two were immediately torn apart again when the floor began to shake, the light flickered and exploded with a loud bang, and the picture fell from the wall and shattered into a thousand pieces.As quickly as it had started, that quake had stopped. When Dean shyly lifted his head and saw Cas smiling, his heart warmed up again. Seeing his angel smile with the slightly flushed cheeks was an image that burned deep into Dean's memory. He'd never seen anything more beautiful. When Cas was looked at from top to bottom and was also naked in thought, Dean was already a step further and wondered how sex with his angel would be....But the fact that Michael could overhear these thoughts was also forgotten. To the warrior of God, those things were foreign. He'd never felt the need for physical closeness and stole affection from others through torture and manipulation.Not only that. It disgusted him. It made him angry, and he didn't like seeing people happy. And a human and an angel? That was the biggest sin of all anyway!
Wait...
Suddenly the memory came back ... something had happened ..."That bastard isn't even an angel anymore!" he muttered to himself.Doesn't matter. Still, he couldn't and didn't want to let Castiel get away with it; he had to pay for this. This frigging man in a trench coat had given Dean hope that he'd tried so hard to destroy. Since the ex-angel had destroyed everything reflected in the room and Michael couldn't see the two, he had no choice but to pay them a visit in person.He hadn't been on earth long enough to be able to deal with human things, and besides, there was no interest. But it wasn't hard to figure out that it was challenging for people to show themselves naked; it did something to that so-called dignity.And so, Michael intended to go one step further – he'd take that dignity away from Castiel. The door flew off its hinges with a loud bang and shattered into countless pieces. Scared to death, the hunter and the ex-angel stared at the imposing and stately figure that had spread its imposing wings in a glaring light. Sparks flew, and both men had to protect their eyes before only Michael could be seen, who approached them with an angry look."So you wanna know what it's like?"With a firm grip, he shredded Castiel's trench coat along with his suit. Stiff with shock and unable to move, Cas stared into the archangel's dark, almost black eyes."No!" Dean yelled and wanted to rush to help before he was thrown against the wall with just one hand movement and hit the floor painfully.After this shock, he got up again, only to get a hard punch in the stomach, which took his breath away. Unable to move, the young man helplessly watched what was unfolding before his eyes. Cas didn't know what happened to him when his pants were ripped down and he was brutally thrown over the table. Everything went so fast. Dean cried, begged Michael to stop, and despite the pain, he managed to get up again."Back off! Son of a bitch!"He only got a sneering laugh as an answer, was sitting tied and gagged on a chair, and a moment later and had to watch in horror as Michael attacked his angel.Gradually Cas regained his survival instincts and kicked around, screaming and whining as he realized what Michael was up to as he unzipped his zipper.With a brutal grip, he held Castiel's hands together behind his back. It turned him on to see the dark-haired man so helpless. His screams made him horny, and he got hard.With a racing heartbeat and a trembling body, Cas felt his legs being forcefully pushed apart, and he was held in place mercilessly. It was heard through a fog that his agonizing howl only aroused Michael even more.It was quiet momentarily as Cas stopped breathing and felt something mercilessly penetrating. However, the next moment the black-haired man shrieked and screamed as he was engulfed in an intense pain he'd never felt in his existence.It was a stinging and burning sensation as Michael thrust roughly over and over again. Fear came with it; the fear of being torn in two. How wildly Castiel tried to kick and escape this ordeal, it was easy for Michael to hold him. It only lasted a few minutes, but it felt like hours to Dean. His heart burst, and no matter how hard he tried to close his eyes, he felt like the archangel wanted him to watch.Seeing his friend whose body was being mercilessly dragged like a doll hurt so much, and hearing the bloodcurdling screams. Tears of desperation streamed down Dean's face, and he felt like choking on the smell of sweat, blood, and sperm.Once a soldier of God, Cas had fought many battles and helped the Winchesters in their personal cases after his fall from heaven. In his life, he'd experienced and gone through a lot. He was obsessed, had died numerous times, and always got up and straightened his trench coat to keep going.Even back then, as a human being, he hadn't let himself be defeated. But now? He felt like all life was being drained from him. It was demeaning and undignified. Gradually the screams died away until only a whimper could be heard. Cas had given up; there was nothing left of his fighting spirit. It was useless.Michael sensed that, and it was no longer fun. He'd broken him; he'd broken both. Since he was finished anyway, the archangel let go and left without another word. He got what he wanted. The gag and shackles were gone with him, but Dean couldn't move or say anything when he fell to his knees. The experience sat too deep.Lifeless, like a sack of potatoes, Cas sank to the ground. His clothes were back in place, bearing no testimony to the brutal way Michael had undressed him, but he felt naked, helpless, and ashamed—close to fainting.It had only been a few minutes, and Cas couldn't and didn't want to imagine what his friend had to endure in the last few days. Neither of them said a word. Neither of them moved.Cas' eyes were blank, staring at the wall. His body didn't hurt anymore, which Michael must have done, but the memory of what he'd just experienced brought tears to his eyes.…Sobbing softly, Dean crawled to his angel, wanted to take him in his arms, wanted to tell him that it was all over soon.But Castiel jerked back in shock when Dean took his trembling hand."Cas, it's me. It's over," the hunter whispered and lay down on the ground next to him, retaking the trembling hands, trying to calm him down with soft words.Another hour passed. Both sat on the floor, and Dean held Castiel in his arms, stroking his hair repeatedly, enjoying the closeness, warmth, and trust. He'd buried the thought of sex in the back of his mind."It's about time," he whispered, kissing his friend's forehead. Cas lifted his head, looked him straight in the eye, and nodded.After both had drunk their medicine, Dean smashed the table. Each of the two grabbed a wooden leg and got to work.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"It's time."Sam looked at his watch and then at Rowena. Everyone prayed that the plan would work. The devastation Michael had already wreaked on earth in the past few hours was devastating, and nobody wanted to imagine what would happen next if nobody stopped him."It should be Michael who should protect us in the fight against the hellish powers, against the rulers of darkness, and the spirits of evil in the air with his light, wings, and sword," Sam mumbled with a mocking snort."You got that from the Bible?" Rowena asked derisively. The young hunter nodded."Forget the Bible. According to everything I've learned so far, there isn't much truth in there anyway," Bobby said sarcastically, took a large sip from his hip flask, and took a deep breath before standing in a circle with the others holding hands."The day after the full moon. The sun is rising. We only have this one try. Guys, are you ready?" Rowena stepped back from the window and looked at each of them.Jack nodded determinedly. Of course, he wanted to free Dean and Cas, but his anger at Michael was much more tremendous, and the young Nephelim yearned to destroy him.Jesse's nod came hesitantly. He hadn't had much to do with the whole supernatural stuff, had tried to suppress that side, and was glad when that burden was lifted from him. Now it was back, and he was afraid of what he could do with it. On the other hand, he was glad to have met these people who'd promised to help him understand and not be swayed to the side of evil. "All right then. You must all concentrate and give me all your strength. I have to be able to rely on it, or this will kill me. I've never cast such a powerful spell before."The red-haired witch was afraid; real fear like never before.There was another bowl filled with various ingredients on the small, black altar table in the middle of a sigil, surrounded by Enochian symbols. Candles were lit, and with a nod of encouragement, Jack took her hand, and together they spoke the lines that summoned Michael. With a fiery look, Jack lit the contents of the bowl, and all eyes were on the center of the room. "What the hell do you want now?!"With a tremendous crack of thunder that shook the whole bunker, the archangel looked at one after the other with displeasure."I wanna speak to Dean," Sam said firmly, igniting the circle with the holy oil, but the angel just shook his head, smiling."You've worked really hard."With a wink of approval, he realized he wasn't only standing amid the holy fire but also in an angelic trap in the middle of a sigil. With a wave of his fingers, however, he'd deactivated everything."But should I tell you something? All of this doesn't work for me. You probably still dunno that I'm the firstborn and, therefore, the strongest of all angels. Nothing you do can harm me."After a moment's shock, Sam started screaming; he desperately begged Dean and Cas to answer and take control. He knew that was no use, but that wasn't the plan either; it was just meant to distract this bastard – until the two of them got to work. His only concern was that it was taking too long, for nothing happened except that he was at the mercy of the archangel's taunting laughter and scorn. "If it wasn't a damn serious and shitty situation, it could be fun," Dean giggled and winced when the entire kitchen equipment flew towards him.Cas nodded and looked contentedly into the flames, which had covered almost half of the library.They looked around, breathless and exhausted. The two had done a great job. The overhead light shattered with one final blow, and Dean fell to his knees. Everything was demolished, and everything burned.The two sat next to each other and hoped to get out safely."In case Cas. If we don't survive this, I have something to tell you ..."Tears welled up in Dean's eyes because it would be a damn bad joke of fate if ..."I dunno where to start. You're my best friend; we've been through so much together. The feeling-thing ... I-I've never been good at anything like this, but I want you to know ..."Taking a deep breath, he took Cas' hands, but his throat was drawn together. He couldn't utter a word as the heat and flames grew closer. His eyes begged his friend to take what was on his mind. Dean wished for nothing more than to spend more time with his angel ... now that he knew how he felt. Tears ran down his cheeks as he laid his lips on Cas'. A soft sob broke out of his lungs as he looked deep into those beautiful blue eyes and finally heard those words that made his heart float."I love you, Dean. I always have. And I'm glad to be with you now."Nothing mattered anymore. Even if this should be the end, he was the happiest person in the world. The next moment the ground opened up under their feet, the cupboard fell over and buried Dean, and with a loud yelp, he grabbed Castiel's hand tighter."It's time, Dean. We hafta go!""I can't move."Cas tried everything but couldn't move the heavy cupboard off Dean's leg. He grabbed a pole for help, silently cursing himself for not being stronger.A hurricane came up and pulled him down."You hafta go, Cas!" Dean yelled, but the black-haired man clasped his hand tightly and shook his head. With his last strength, he could free himself from the vortex."I let you go once before. Never again. Dean. Do you hear?"The desperation and the effort cost his last reserves, but with combined forces, they'd made it together before the rift finally closed. The archangel hadn't been well for a few moments. He felt so weak or couldn't heal himself; he gasped, wheezed, and jerked from side to side. He wanted to see what his two lodgers had been up to, but at the same time, he needed to be in control."What ... are you doing?" he whispered, his throat tight.As if through a veil, Michael watched the red-haired witch slowly drip into the bowl, an essence he knew only too well. With a loud crack, the bowl caught fire as her hands moved across the violet mist. Then came the exorcism.His nephew's eyes started to glow red, and he took the hand of this other boy whose eyes ... oh fuck, those glowing eyes! Damn, who was that brat?But Michael didn't have time to think about it either, as he became aware that he was floating above the floor and had no power over his body.The words that were spoken together got louder and louder, and then all Michael could do was scream. Rowena's voice shook, blood dripped from her nose, and her eyes fluttered.Out of pure reflex, Mary wanted to go to her, but Sam reacted with quick-wittedness because the connection mustn't be broken under any circumstances."... audio nos!"With those last words, her final strength, and the help of the two magical boys, the bowl contents were thrown against Michael's body with a wrist flick. Then the witch fainted.The only ones who could watch this loud spectacle were Jack and Jesse because it might have burned the eyes out of the others' heads. Then there was silence in the pitch-dark room. "Did it work?"Jack lit the torches in the room, and two figures crouched where Michael had been standing until recently."Caution! I think I broke my leg," Dean hissed as his brother hugged him fiercely and turned to his friend. "Can you please? That hurts like hell.""No, Dean ... I can't," Cas replied with a sigh and beckoned to Jack, who immediately took care of the matter."What do you mean you can't?""I ain't an angel anymore. I'm human now," he replied sheepishly, and Dean got angry."Who do I hafta kill? What bloody bastard did this to you!?""He did it for you," Mary chimed in, hugging the two of them with a smile.Glad about it, because Castiel had always been someone like her own son, she kissed him on the temple."I ... I dunno what to say."Cas knew that now precisely what he'd feared had happened and tried to talk him out of this unnecessary feeling of guilt. "Team Free Will 2.0 has gained a few members. And I'm proud of you all. That was incredible."When Sam and everyone else was seated at the table, he raised his glass and held it up, nodding gratefully to everyone."Now, there will be a short break from monsters, demons, and angels. We've some catching up to do …" Dean smirked and threw Cas a furtive look.