Supernatural Fan Fiction ❯ Angels and Demons: A Supernatural Fanfic ❯ Secrets Can Kill ( Chapter 3 )

3. Secrets can kill

Sam awoke to the harsh sunlight of the early morning shining through Bobby's living room window. As he sat up he noticed Dean sleeping on the floor with Grace lying on his chest. Her eyes were closed, and as he stood up, he vaguely wondered if demons had to sleep. Sam stepped over them, stifling a yawn as he went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, looking for something to eat. He didn't feel like eating pizza or Chinese takeout, and it was too early in the morning for beer, so he grabbed his jacket and snatched Dean's keys off of the table. He drove to a small gas station a few miles away and went inside. Grabbing some coffee and doughnuts, he noticed a familiar visage standing outside the women's bathroom.

Ruby.

Ruby? What's she doing here? I thought she was leaving me for good. I guess she missed me, especially after all the things we did last summer while Dean was gone. Sam walked over to her with a smirk on his face, more than a little happy to see her. “Hey Ruby, what brings you back so soon?”

She returned his smile, flipping her reddish brown hair over her shoulder. “Hey Sammy, I just wanted to check on you. I guess I spoke too soon when I told you goodbye the other day. I won't always be around, but as long as you're angel free, you'll be able to see me if you want to. How are your powers coming along? Does Dean know yet?”

Sam shrugged. “I haven't told him. It didn't seem important. Speaking of powers, they've been fading over the last few days. I'm going to need a hit Ruby, and soon.”

Ruby nodded, licking her lips. “Don't worry Sam; I'll give you a hit. How about tonight? You can meet me here, say, around 9, can't you?”

Sam nodded. “Yeah, I can do that. Dean doesn't have to know right?” Ruby shook her head. “Good.” Sam continued. “After all, what he doesn't know won't kill him.” Ruby walked out the door and Sam went to the counter to pay for his things. Once he got back to Bobby's house Dean was up and Grace was gone.

“Hey, you remembered the pie this time. Thanks Sammy.” Dean said, grabbing a beer from the fridge and sitting at the kitchen table. Sam drank his coffee and ate some doughnuts, thinking about Ruby all the while and just how much he needed the hit she was going to give him. “Where did Grace go?” he asked absently. “She went to get her angel friend Rachel. I don't know why, but that's what she said.” Dean responded. Bobby came downstairs a few minutes later and ate breakfast with the boys. Once that was done he mumbled something about the end of the world and research and left. Grace appeared with Rachel and they sat down to talk with Dean and Sam.

“It's nice to finally meet you Rachel. I didn't get to speak to you the other night. I'm Sam.” They shook hands. Grace and Dean where discussing the greatest classic rock bands, debating on whether Metallica or Bon Jovi was better. The conversation between Sam and Rachel lapsed into silence. Sam studied Grace's friend intently, noting how serious and quiet the woman seemed. Something about her was calming though, and even though he could think of a million questions to ask her, he found himself unable to speak. She was watching him as well, her face inscrutable. Her eyes shimmered with something close to amusement, but Sam couldn't be sure. The silence between them was getting awkward, but he didn't know how to break it. Rachel didn't seem to mind, and after a few seconds, turned her attention to Grace and Dean. At the moment, they were talking about pie and its various flavors.

Rachel watched Dean and Grace's conversation with an almost avid fascination. It amused her to see her friend so spirited and happy while conversing with a mortal. Of course, Dean was a special mortal to be sure, so it wasn't surprising that Grace was chatting with him. Even though at some points Dean's attention drifted from her face to her boobs, most of the time he was giving her direct eye contact, which was a good sign. Rachel could tell that Grace was very pleased by the attention as her blue eyes sparkled and she smiled. Neither one of them paused in their conversing when Bobby walked into the kitchen.

“Here, these are for you Bobby. I hope they can be of some assistance to you in your research. I translated some of the older texts so you wouldn't have to go through all that trouble. If I can be of any further service, don't hesitate to ask.” Rachel murmured, handing him a stack of books. Bobby looked a little stunned as he took the books, and Rachel could hear his thoughts of shock and disbelief that he was conversing with an actual angel. It wasn't uncommon in her line of experience to pick up on mortal's thoughts unintentionally, considering how loud they were often broadcast. “Thank you ma'm. I'm much obliged to you.” He said, tipping his hat. He nearly dropped them on the floor when Castiel suddenly appeared in the room. The talking between Grace and Dean ceased. Bobby stood in stunned silence and Sam was speechless. Castiel greeted Sam and Dean and turned his attention to Rachel. “Can I speak with you privately for a moment?”

They exchanged smiles and she got up, following him to the far side of the living room and around the side of the staircase. She didn't know what was going on, but for Castiel to seek her out, it must be important. “Rachel” Castiel began, once they were out of earshot, “There are some things I need to tell you. First, Lilith is attempting to break another seal. A day from now she will try to raise the man responsible for starting the pagan holiday known as All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. If he is raised, he will be able to bring to life all sorts of terrible creatures and demons and countless lives will be lost. The next thing is Sam Winchester. I have it on good authority that his powers are growing by leaps and bounds. I need you to find out why. The third reason has to do with the first one. So far, there have been three gruesome murders in a small town in Carthage, Missouri. These are connected to the seal. It takes a very powerful witch to do something like this, and she's so powerful that she's able to shield herself from us. We need you and Grace, along with the Winchesters, to locate her. If you are unsuccessful, then Uriel and I will have no choice but to annihilate the entire town.”

Rachel's eyes widened. “This is quite a serious matter. I'll make sure that we do everything we can to stop the opening of the seal. I'll also see if I can't find out how Sam's powers are growing. But, Castiel, don't you think that destroying the entire town might be a bit much? I mean, those are human souls we're talking about. Can nothing else be done?”

Castiel sighed. “Well, I hope we are able to stop it. In all actuality Rachel, it's a test for Dean Winchester. We want to see how he will perform under pressure. I pray that no harm befalls the humans. I just thought I should tell you.”

“Well, thank you. I appreciate it. I guess I'll see you in Missouri then?” Rachel asked. “Yes. You will. Hopefully Dean makes the right choice.” Castiel said. They hugged for a moment, savoring the other's scent and warmth. Then they parted and Castiel turned to leave. “Hold on a minute Cas, you forgot something.” Rachel said. She smiled and placed a quick kiss on his stubbled cheek. As she pulled away she saw him blush the slightest bit, but his grey eyes held happiness. He faded into the air and once he was gone Rachel walked back into the kitchen. Dean, Sam, and Grace were staring at her, curiosity written all over their features. Dean broke the silence by asking, “So, are you two together or something?” Rachel felt herself blush and stammered out that she didn't know what he was talking about. Grace just laughed and Sam looked confused. “You two know each other?” he said.

“Of course we do, we're good friends. He wanted me to tell you that there's a case for you in Carthage Missouri if you're interested. There have been three murders and it's linked to a powerful witch whose inadvertently breaking a seal. If she does then all the things that you two have ever hunted will be popping up in every town in the country. It'll be a bloodbath. It's important that we stop it or Castiel and Uriel, another angel, will be forced to destroy all the townspeople.”

“Well then, we need to get to that town.” Dean said. Grace and Rachel waited while the brothers packed their bags and talked. “So, while Castiel mentioned all of those things, did anything else go on?” Grace asked curiously. “Well, I kissed him, if it means anything.” Rachel mumbled. She was totally unprepared for Grace jumping on her and squealing in delight. As she pried her friend off of her, Rachel wondered vaguely what had been going on between Grace and Dean. When she had come back to the apartment the night before, Grace had mentioned something about him, but she didn't go into much detail. Before Rachel could ask Dean was hollering at them to get down the stairs because they were leaving.

They made the trip to Carthage Missouri, Dean sitting in the front seat driving and Grace riding shotgun singing “Living on a Prayer” while Rachel sat in the back along with Sam, who was texting someone. She knew that if she wanted she could have just read his mind and found out who it was, but Rachel prided herself on not being intrusive so she didn't bother. For her, the five hour long drive was filled with thoughts of Castiel and not much else. Once they arrived in Carthage, they checked into a cheap motel and Sam and Dean went to go investigate and interview the wife of the latest victim. Grace and Rachel focused on trying to locate the witch. After reviewing the files of previous victims, Rachel managed to make a connection. They had all met a certain girl who had a history in the occult. As Rachel was researching the seal, she came across something that was more than a little disturbing. “Hey Grace, I just found something. If I'm right about what this witch is doing, then this is the only opportunity for this man to be raised for the next 600 years!”

“Whoa, that's creepy. If we botch this up then we're screwed.” Grace murmured. “You mean if the humans mess this up.” Rachel said. Just then, Sam and Dean came back. “Did you find anything useful?” Grace asked.

“Nope, we got nothing.” Dean said. She told them what she and Rachel had managed to uncover. “Well then, all we have to do is find the girl.” He and Sam left again, trying to locate her. While they were gone, Rachel shared her concern for Sam, as well as what Castiel had told her about his growing power. Grace's eyes widened. “Well, he must be getting advice from Ruby. Remember that summer when Dean was in Hell and Sam was by himself? Well, I looked after him a time or two and she was always around. His power grew to enormous levels during those months. It was a little scary actually. But that's not the weirdest part. Besides the fact that they were sleeping together, I'm pretty sure I saw Ruby give Sam some of her blood. He already has demon blood in him, that's what gave him his psychic powers. If Ruby gave him her blood then that might explain why he's getting so powerful.”

Rachel sucked in a breath. “That's an abomination! No wonder Cas is worried. I would be too. Just think of what that tainted blood must be doing to him.”

Grace shuddered. “I don't want to know.” Rachel sighed and told her about Sam and his texting in the car. “I think he might be meeting Ruby somewhere tonight. Would you mind tracking him to see?” Grace shrugged. “I guess I can. Should I bring Dean along with me? He has a right to know.” Rachel agreed that he did and then resumed her work. Once the boys were back it was early evening. Dean sat down on the bed and pulled out the TV guide, looking for something to watch. Rachel continued to work and Sam said that he was going to go out for a bit. About 10 minutes after he left, Grace said she was going to get some beer and asked if Dean wanted to join her. He followed her outside and she grabbed his arm. A second later they were standing in between a wall and a cracked door in a darkened hallway.

“How did you do that?” Dean asked incredulously.

“Time travel.” Grace responded, winking at him. “Look, I brought you here because Rachel and I are worried about Sam and his powers.” As she spoke Sam walked into the middle of the dimly lit room, unaware that he was being watched. In front of him there was a demon possessed man that Ruby had managed to tie up. She stood off to the side. The man shouted a few obscenities at Ruby before turning on Sam. Sam stared at the man for a few seconds, rage building inside him. Using his mind, Sam exorcised the demon from the man's body without saying a single word and banished it back to Hell. The man lay limp in the chair and Sam went over to check his pulse. He was relieved to find him still alive and was helping the man up when Dean busted through the door.

“I can't believe you didn't tell me about this! What the hell Sam? You think you can just sneak out whenever you want to and use your powers without telling me? What's wrong with you? And who the hell is that chick?” Dean yelled, pointing at Ruby.

“Hello Dean. You remember me, don't you?” she asked. After a few moments recognition crossed his face. “What the hell have you done to my brother Ruby?” he questioned.

She shrugged. “Oh, nothing much. I just trained him to use his powers better while you were indisposed. We hooked up, hung out, had some really nice sex, he drank my blood, you know. The usual.”

Dean looked at Sam, half repulsed, half shocked. “You mean to tell me that you did the nasty with that? I wouldn't tap her with a ten foot pole! I hope you saw a doctor afterward. And you drank demon blood? Have you lost it? Sam, that's disgusting! Why the hell would you do that?!”

Sam looked at his brother and shrugged. “It gives me power Dean. Look, it's not a bad thing; in fact, it allows me to help people. Before, the victims didn't live when we performed exorcisms, but now they do. I don't even have to say anything. I just use my mind. I'm just trying to turn my curse into something better, that's all.”

Dean stared at him in silence for a few moments. “I think I'll just tell you this. If I didn't know who you were, I'd be hunting you.”

The awkward silence lasted for a few minutes until Grace suggested that they get the injured man to the E.R. after that Ruby high tailed it out of town and Sam, Dean, and Grace went back to the apartment. Things only got worse however, because Castiel and Uriel were waiting for them.

“Have you located the witch yet?” Castiel asked.

“We're working on it.” Dean said.

“Well, you need to hurry; you're running out of time.”

“Yeah, I know. Sorry, we just had some issues with Sammy over here.”

“Did you find out why his powers are increasing?” Castiel questioned.

“It's demon blood.” Dean murmured. Both Uriel and Castiel gasped. Sam gulped nervously. “We have more important matters Castiel. The witch needs to be destroyed and soon. We don't have much time. We should just destroy the whole town and get this over with. After all, they're just mud monkeys.”

“You edge close to blasphemy Uriel. Mind your tongue.” Rachel snapped. She was standing by Castiel who stood in between the TV and the bed. Uriel stood by the window.

“I am sorry. Forgive me Rachel, I spoke out of turn.” He apologized. Castiel turned his attention to Dean and Sam. “If you're going to save the town then you need to hurry. We can give you until tomorrow evening but no later. If you fail then we will have no choice but to destroy the city. I suggest you get to work.”

“Can't you give us any more time? I thought angels were supposed to be merciful.” Sam said. Uriel laughed and shook his head. “Boy, the end of the world is beginning. We don't have time for mercy.”

“Well then, we'll just have to get this thing stopped before all hell breaks loose then. Come on Sam. We have work to do and people to save.” Dean said. He and Sam walked out the door.

Uriel and Castiel left a few moments later as well, leaving Grace and Rachel alone. They waited for Sam and Dean to return. In the predawn hours they arrived back at the motel, exhausted. They had managed to locate the girl and found out that it wasn't actually her behind the whole thing, but her art teacher. They had managed to kill him and they hoped that their actions set everything to rights. They soon fell asleep, and while Grace agreed to stay with them, Rachel went to speak to Castiel.

She met him in the town park and they sat down on a park bench to talk.

“So, what happens now?” she asked him.

Castiel sighed. “I don't know. Even though they killed the witch, the seal was still broken. That means that we're one step closer to the end. I don't know why everything has turned out this way.”

“Well, did Dean pass the test?” Rachel asked.

“I don't know. I was just following orders, and those were to follow Dean's orders. That's all I was told. I'm worried Rachel. I'm having doubts and am uncertain. I don't know what tomorrow holds. I don't know right and wrong anymore. Do you think that anything we do will change the outcome? Can we really win?” he sounded nervous.

Rachel gave him a small smile, but it was one that didn't reach her eyes. “I don't know for certain. All I am sure of is that we have to have faith and believe. Just because our way may seem dark doesn't mean that we need to give up. I keep telling myself that, because I don't know what else to do anymore. But, no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you.”

Castiel felt a small measure of hope in Rachel's words. Smiling softly, he slipped an arm around her shoulders, comforted and drawing strength from her presence. Rachel rested her head against his shoulder and felt happiness well up inside her. Sitting there in companionable silence, they both held on to each other, to the only thing that seemed real, watching the sun come up and give light to a new day and praying against all odds with an uncertain faith that the world could be saved.

Back at the motel Dean and Sam were completely out of it. Grace lay by Dean's side and watched him as he slept. She watched his chest rise and fall, feeling sympathy for Dean because he was angry at Sam. She would be angry too if her sibling had kept such a big secret from her. She looked over at Sam who was sprawled out on the other bed, and smiled mischievously as an idea came to her. Getting off of the bed slowly and quietly so as not to wake Dean, she rummaged around in Dean's bag and found what she was looking for. She got Sam's underwear out of his bag and sprinkled itching powder in his boxers.

She went and lay back down beside Dean and waited for him to wake up. Sam awoke before his brother. Through half open eyelids Grace watched him grab a pair of underwear along with some other clothes and go into the bathroom. After a few moments she heard a commotion as he knocked some things off of the sink. The noise woke Dean up.

“What's going on? Is that Sam I'm hearing?” he asked groggily. Grace giggled and nodded. Dean looked at her and smirked. “Someone's been naughty. What did you do to him?”

Grace shrugged. “Well, he pissed you off, so I played a prank on him. I put itching powder in his boxers.”

Dean laughed and pulled Grace to him. “Have I told you that you're the most awesome girl ever?”

Grace chuckled. “No, but now is a good time to start. If you want, I can put Nair in his shampoo.”

Dean smiled and pinned her beneath him. “Keep talking, we need more ideas.” He said. She giggled and spouted off a few more tricks that she could think of. Somewhere between their talk of the various ways to torture Sam they ended up making out on the bed. It would have gone further too, if Sam hadn't rushed out of the bathroom to grab the rest of his boxers. He ended up staying in there for half the day, and while Grace and Dean went to the store to get him some itch cream Grace suggested they also picked up Nair and a few other things too, for future pranks.

“So, you'll stick around for awhile then?” Dean asked on the ride back.

“Of course I will. We have to make Sam's life miserable for at least a little while. Besides, I like you.” Grace responded.

“Well, I like you too. I want you to stay. After all, it's not like I can make out with Sam. That would just be weird. Now, if you and your gal pal have the urge, please, don't let me stop you.”

Grace laughed. “No thanks. I like kissing you more.”

“Oh really? Why don't you prove it?” he said.

Grace did that and more, and it was a good hour before they left the car and went inside.