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

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.

~*~

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 ravaging of the 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 remaining 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."

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

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.

~*~

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 ravaging of the 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 remaining 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."