Song Remains the Same

Chapter 53: Skeletons

"Rescue me from me... and all that I believe."
- Smashing Pumpkins

Castiel ascended the celestial heights, slipping through the dimensions to leave earth behind. The Heaven he arrived to was a tranquil scene: nestled in prairie land, a little cottage overlooked a small pond. Autumn burnt the clustered trees alongside the water's edge into brilliant yellowy orange. The pond was a mirror, reflecting the stunning blue sky. A wooden dock stretched out several feet over the water, and at the end of it an elderly couple stood next to one another holding hands. They were unaware of the angel's presence.

He'd arrived to a Heaven that belonged to soulmates. These were the rarest Heavens of all. He was stirred—reverent of this and of them, the two souls who had created this place together. He saw how the shorter of the two men laid his head contentedly onto the taller man's shoulder. How wonderful it was that these two people—meant for each other, intertwined at the soul level—could remain together even in the life beyond life. Cas wondered: had he been born on earth instead of created in Heaven... would he have been her soul mate? He thought of soft hazel eyes and freckles scattered across fair skin. He thought of the sound of her voice and the privilege of her smile directed at him. And then he thought of how he hadn't seen that smile in so long. And with rapidly increasing anger, he remembered why he'd come back to Heaven in the first place.

As if on cue, Castiel realized another angel had arrived. He immediately turned around, reaching for his blade. When he saw who it was, he had to stifle his true reaction of contempt. He let his hand fall and did not draw his blade. "Hello Rachel." His greeting was neutral and he watched her hawkishly. She was the reason he'd returned to Heaven.

"Castiel," Rachel returned. She stood just a few feet away and she was difficult to read. Mildly perturbed, maybe. Suspicious, certainly. "Where have you been? We've been calling you."

"Yes. I know," he said brusquely, giving away nothing with his tone or demeanor. "I've been busy, and I still am."

Her features twisted into mistrustful confusion. "What do you mean?"

Cas stepped closer to her, narrowing his eyes. "I came here to tell you that my presence is required on earth for some time." He paused, noting the distinct note of distaste that ran across his angel sister's face. "I'm leaving Ezekiel in charge in my absence."

Her mouth dropped open. "You can't be seri—Ezekiel is just a foot soldier!"

Cas was diplomatic in the face of her outburst. "He's proven himself loyal."

Rachel was absolutely scandalized. "And I haven't?"

"Hm," Castiel feigned thoughtfulness, even though inwardly he was thinking of her lies and betrayal. "I suppose you have." And here was the trap he laid for her, the test. With utmost convincing emotion, he smiled a little as if grateful. "I wanted to thank you, Rachel, for traveling to earth and delivering my message to Alex all those months ago."

He studied her reaction, thinking perhaps he saw the briefest glance of guilt in her features. But instead of confessing her sins—which would have been the correct action to take—out of her mouth came more untruths. "Of course, Castiel," she said, putting on a gracious smile that was insulting. "I was happy to do so."

Without any warning, Castiel grabbed Rachel by the collar with two hands and smashed her into the side of the cottage. "Lies!" he snarled furiously. She was shocked and wide-eyed, realizing she'd been discovered. "I know you never gave her my message," he seethed. "And then you had the audacity to lie to my face and falsify a return message?" He was so angry he could have killed Rachel on the spot. "Give me one reason I shouldn't demote you or worse right here and now."