Chapter Text
Dean tightened the straps on the baby carrier in front of him. He refused to make eye contact with Sam. Dean leaned into the car and unbuckled Cas from the carseat, tucking the angel (wings and all) into the carrier.
“You comfy, buddy?” Dean asked the sleepy angel. Cas had fallen asleep to the gentle rhythm of the car’s rumble and swaying on the highway.
Cas rubbed his eyes and nodded, snuggling into Dean’s chest. Dean smiled down at the toddler affectionately, finally making eye contact with Sam. They were parked outside of the house where Dean had woken up so many weeks ago. Sam and Dean quickly checked their weapons and walked quietly up the steps of the house. The door was unlocked, which quickly put Sam and Dean on edge. Dean was very aware that he was not just fighting for himself, but the small fledgling attached to his chest.
They entered the eerily dark and silent house. It looked as if no one had touched anything since Dean had last been here. The goblets still lined the table. Dean walked over to Sam.
“I don’t hear anything. I have no idea if anyone is here.” Dean peeked around the corner leading into a hallway.
“Do you want to split up?” Sam asked halfway up a staircase. Dean shook his head. He knew that with a child, he would be slower and his instincts would not be focused on killing anything. He didn’t want to scar Castiel, so he followed Sam up the stairs. Once at the top, Sam motioned for Dean to be quiet, at the end of the hall, a faint blue light bled from under the door. Dean nodded and pressed himself onto the wall behind him. Sam circled to the otherside of the door. Dean couldn’t help but notice that the blue was so familiar.
Slowly turning the doorknob, Sam pushed the door open to reveal a room empty of people but, completely covered in goblets. Each one was full to the brim with the blue light from under the door. Sam and Dean lowered their guns and looked to each other.
“It’s angel grace.” Sam provided. Dean slowly nodded. The room seemed to be vibrating with power.
“That’s partially correct, deary.” An elderly voice rang out from a darkened corner of the room. “That and human souls. It’s my collection.”
Sam and Dean were back on alert. Apparently their initial look over of the room hadn’t been enough, they had missed the old woman. With a wave of one hand, the crone flew Sam against a wall, dropping him after the impact.
“One must feed the gods to keep them young! I’ve found that human souls and angel’s grace are the best nectar.” Hebe stood up and took a sip from one of the goblets. Dean watched in awe as the old hag transformed into a beautiful young woman in front of his eyes.
“Much better.” said the goddess as she stretched. Cas had begun to fuss. The power of the grace had awakened him.
“I see you’ve brought me a fresh supply.” Hebe’s magic froze Dean where he was, unbuckled the carrier and guided the now bawling Cas into her arms. She pulled a pacifier out of thin air and shoved it in Cas’ mouth. “Ugh, I hate it when they cry.” She shifted the bundle in her hands so she had one free one.
“Unfortunately for you, you have to die. But don’t worry, your souls will be put to good use.” Hebe once again raised her hand.
BANG! A shot rang out and everything went dark for Dean.