Without A Trace >> Dean Winchester

16 | Life's Labyrinth

"You mean that... that wonder woman Kevin was talking about?!" Dean exclaimed, "Back in the boat house? You're kidding me, right?"

"I'm afraid not. Long ago, Crowley kidnapped her father, who was a prophet, for him to translate the demon tablet. George was loyal prophet— he did not translate a single word for him. But Crowley killed George. His plan was to kill Clarissa next, eliminating the witness of course, but that was before he knew what she was capable of. I was able to come in to save her at the right time. I freed Clarissa and she ran off without me getting to at least talk to her. But that was the biggest mistake I could ever make; after I saved her, it was that moment when Crowley knew she was special. Ever since then, he did his research, trying to find out why an angel like me saved her from the hands of a demon. It was a major victory for Crowley when he eventually found out what she was. He knew how useful she could be. He started following wherever she went, hiding in the shadows; waiting for the right time to use her."

Dean cupped his ears, leaning towards Castiel, refusing to believe what the angel had just told them. They gave him an incredulous stare with their jaws dropped; neither of the Winchesters said a word.

"Why didn't you try protecting her if you knew all this?" Dean cried, throwing both his arms in the air.

"I did, Dean. But as I said, Crowley was smart enough to ward any power that would interfere him and his plan. Guilt heaved my shoulder afterwards, because it was the job that my fellow brothers and sisters tasked me with— to protect the Guardian of Land. But I failed. Again."

At that, the Winchesters' stare softened.

Sam knew Castiel would always take it hard on himself when he hits the bottom rock, so changed his tone into a gentle one. "It wasn't your fault, Cas. We all make mistakes. But why didn't you at least tell us all this before?"

"I was not aware that she started living with you both. That is why I was not able to fully protect her." He sighs, "I'm sorry."

Castiel paused, taking a deep breath, "besides, I did not want to burden you with my failure once again."

Din pressed his lips into a thin line, "We're like family, Cas. We tell each other our problems."

Dean felt Sam's gaze burn at the back of his head, but he ignores it.

Castiel lowered his gaze and muttered an "okay."

"Well, what are waiting for? Let's summon the son of a bitch."

x x x

As Dean cut through his skin while a few droplets of blood dropped down to the bowl, Castiel flinched. Sam, however, didn't. It was a regular thing— if they had to summon something, either one of them had to be the guinea pig and grit their teeth through the pain.

Sam and Castiel stepped back as Dean threw a lighted match to the bowl. A few seconds of silence passed and Dean scoffed. "Where's the son of a bi—"

"Aw, You've got to be kidding me!! I was having my spa day!"

The trio jolted and whipped their heads back to see Crowley stomping his feet, whining— but successfully confined inside the demon's trap. You could tell he wasn't happy. "Oh, the Winchesters. Ever so happy to see you, boys." He said, his voice dropping with venom. "And what's this? You've got angel baby, too in your hands!"