Daughter of the Legend: Soul on Fire (#Wattys2018)

Chapter Thirty-One: After The War

Sometimes I think that fire is more alive than people in my world. It's unafraid, bold and hungry. Unapologetic. But, perhaps that why people fear fire. We relate to closely. It's the danger in us, in our souls. I believe our souls are on fire. At least, I knew mine was. I felt it burning inside me.

When the ash cleared and the light had left, the first thing felt was unyielding aching from my shoulder blades, and the smell of blood. My ears rang like a bomb had gone off beside me. I felt hands on my face. I could see green eyes in front of me.

My eyes. Dean's eyes.

"Tiger," He called, his voice distorted like it was underwater, "Rae?" I moved my hand and touched his stubble covered chin and smiled wearily.

"Is it over?" my voice wavered and I felt myself leaning to the left. Dad smiled at me with tears in his eyes.

"Yeah kid, it's over."

The flood of relief was overwhelming, making my heart ache for all those we had lost along the way and the price that we had paid to get here. The smile that pulled itself across my cracked lips was accompanied by tears of joy and relief. I was free. We were free. Finally.

Cassidy and Sam knelt down on either side of Dean. She smiled at me and pulled me into a gentle hug.

"You did it, sis." She whispered. Nodding in response, I hissed a little as waves of pain washed over my body. Everything felt different. It felt as if I could feel more. The pebbles under my knees were sharper, the smell of smoke and sulfur more prominent, and the pain from my shoulders was breathtaking. When Cassidy released me, Sam and Dean helped me to my feet and our bruised procession worked our way to the door.

We had rounded a corner when Bobby, Bentley, and Castiel had jumped out ready to fight. Their eyes wide with panic and fury. Upon recognizing us, they all visibly relaxed and took in our battered appearances.

Castiel stared at me curiously.

"What's wrong Cas?" I coughed, blinking away the ever growing headache.

"They are gone..." He stated softly, "Your wings...the grace. It's all gone." That's why everything hurts a million times worse, I don't have any angel left in me.

"They burned," my whisper made his dark eyes soften, "I guess I used it all to end Lily." I blinked slowly. He looked from me to Dean.

"She needs to rest. Her body doesn't know how to be completely human." Dean nodded. I hummed in agreement.

I didn't remember getting back to the Impala or checking into a motel. When I woke up a little more, I could tell that my shoulder's were still seeping blood when we got back to the motel room. My muscles screamed in protest with every motion and my headache had progressed to a migraine. Thankfully, everyone was okay with me sleeping like I was dead. To be honest, I don't think I could have done much else.

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The Winchesters and Company let Rachel sleep soundly as they discussed the next step.

"We are walking away," Dean stated, his voice hard and tired, "I promised her that as soon as this was over we were tapping out and going to try and start a normal life," He looked at his brother with hopeful eyes, "I want you guys to come with us, but I understand if that isn't something you can do."

Sam looked at the youngest Winchester, "What do you think Cass?" The girl shot her adoptive father a half smile.

"I think that would be awesome," She turned her gaze to Bentley and Bobby, "What about you guys?"

Bobby pulled his ball cap off this creased forehead and tossed it on the scuffed wood table, "I think it's about damn time I retired. Boy?"

Bentley looked over at Rachel, the affection in his eyes undeniable, "I'm in."

The only person who hadn't said anything was Castiel, who was focused on Rachel with worried eyes. The company looked at him expectantly.

"I want to return to the true nature of God's plan for angels," His voice was quiet, "I shall keep watch over all of you and help those most in need," The angel turned his gaze to the family that he had created for himself, "She has much to learn and a great deal of healing to do. It will not be easy." Castiel paused, looking at the faces before him, "But if there is anyone who is capable of helping her, it is all of you." Genuine smiles filled the rather somber room. Winchester and company would be just fine, and they would carry on as they always had: Together.