Lazarus Falling [Supernatural]

Chapter One - Missing in Action

  "Where is Castiel?" A man with golden hair, golden eyes, and golden wings flaring out from his back stormed into a cozy-looking office nestled in the center of Heaven. Gabriel knew the risk of coming back to the very place he had run away from, but it was a risk that had to be taken for his little brother's sake. Stupid, stubborn, brave Castiel, always trying to be a hero. It was going to get him killed one day, and Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling that today was that day. Especially since a little birdie told him that Castiel had undertaken a mission to rescue the Righteous Man from Hell – a certain Dean Winchester. That had been months ago, and they both should have returned by now...unless Castiel had perished in the fires of the Pit, leaving the Winchester boy trapped under Alistair's influence.

Gabriel's eldest brother, Michael, sat behind the gigantic oaken desk that dominated much of the office. He was in his most recent guise, and despite having only briefly taken on a vessel years ago, the visage of a young John Winchester had remained. "Gabriel! What a pleasant surprise," The iciness in his tone expressed the exact opposite of pleasure, though. "It's been far too many years since you last set foot in Heaven."

Gabriel completely ignored Michael's greeting, barely able to see the noble brother he had known and loved in the cold angel sitting in front of him. "Where is Castiel?" He repeated, slamming his hands onto the desk so hard they left a sizzling impression in the wood.

"He's undertaken a mission to rescue the Righteous Man from Hell. Actually, as soon as we mentioned it, he leapt at the chance to rescue the mud monkey," Michael explained, unfazed by the new marks in his desk. "He should be back soon."

"You're lying," Gabriel fired back. "You know what happened to him. Just tell me: is he alive?"

Michael paused for a moment, his piercing eyes scrutinizing his younger brother with a callous look. Finally, he said, "I shouldn't have to tell anything to a coward like you. Nonetheless, I will say, if only out of pity."

Gabriel scoffed. He doubted that Michael was even capable of feeling pity. His brother would only give Gabriel information unless he thought it would be useful; still, the self-proclaimed Trickster would be foolish not to listen.

"He's dead. We're almost positive," Michael stood slowly, shoving his hands in the pockets of his expensive suit.

Gabriel fought to hold back tears, remembering his annoying little brother for a moment. How he had held Castiel back before he could attempt to step on a slimy black amphibian emerging from the turbulent waters of the world. "Big plans for that fish," He'd laughed as he saw his brother's curious blue gaze fixated on the little life in front of him. How he had watched a slightly older Castiel wander away from the bulk of young angels learning about their Heavenly duties to watch the still-young earth from afar. How he had heard the call of a dark-haired angel as the sky split and Gabriel fled: "Don't go!" He hadn't looked back, knowing that if he had seen Castiel standing there alone, he would have lost his nerve.

Castiel was dead.

Castiel was gone.

And Gabriel hadn't even said goodbye.

"What about the Winchester?" Gabriel managed to say, trying to focus on something other than Castiel.

"Still in Hell," Michael waved a dismissive hand. "But Castiel did give us some useful information through his death. Dean Winchester is far more heavily guarded than we anticipated, so any attempt to rescue him should not be undertaken lightly."

"You're going to try, though?" Gabriel inquired. The elder Winchester brother was Michael's vessel; surely the archangel would not give up so easily...

"Of course," Michael smiled a knowing smile, which was surprisingly irritating to Gabriel. "But he's fine where he is now. He can wait."

"What about his sanity? Hell's no walk in the park; it could break him. And damaged vessels present...well, difficulties."

"That much is true," The elder angel agreed, moving out from behind his desk and pacing the plush carpet. "I believe that I will be able to reverse any damage, but in case Dean Winchester is deemed...unsuitable, there's always another option. Adam Winchester, John Winchester's youngest son. Not perfect, but...workable."

Gabriel blinked in surprise, managing to keep the rest of his face in a neutral expression. However, Michael caught the shock in Gabriel's eyes and smirked smugly.

"You may think you know everything, brother, but you don't. So, tell me, are you with us?"

Gabriel shook his head, taking a cautious step back. "No, I'm not with you...but I'm not against you either. I'm not going to take sides in this war."

"That's right, Gabriel," Michael stepped towards him, a hint of menace flitting across his features. "Run away and hide. After all, that's all you're good for, yes?"

Gabriel wanted to snap back a witty retort, but he had no desire to argue with Michael at that moment. He would not give his big brother the satisfaction. "Goodbye, Michael. Oh, and good luck destroying the world."

Gabriel disappeared in a whoosh of wind, silently and bitterly vowing that he would not be like Castiel. He would not get involved.