Angelica Lilith Winchester

FIVE

I lost track of time staying in that room. I drifted in and out of consciousness. At one point I could have sworn I heard Michael laughing at me and I nearly had a heart attack before I realized it was just in my head. At one point I heard him, still using Dean as a meatsuit, taunting me in my head.

'You're nothing, little one. They never really cared about you. They just acted like it to spare your feelings. Really, they think you're a monster and they should be hunting you instead of taking care of you.'

I sat bolt upright on the couch, cold sweat dripping off my skin. Again, I calmed down once I realized it wasn't real. However, something about this wasn't sitting right with me. Something had to have happened for Michael to not return for me sooner. Something about teasing me was just so entertaining for him.

XxX

I must have drifted off again because when I opened my eyes, a woman who I had never seen before sat across from me. I immediately sat up, brows furrowing in confusion.

"Oh, little one, it's still me in here," the woman purred, smirking at me.

"M-Michael?"

The woman nodded, standing from her seat.

"What happened to Dean?"

"I needed to lull Dean into a false sense of security. He was fighting me just a bit too much for my liking. So, I decided to let him go back to his family for a bit. Recharge so I can regain full and absolute control."

"You're insane."

"I'm a genius, little one, and your part in this will be clear soon. Right now, I must go prepare for my sword's return."

"He'll never let you back in! Not after what you did!"

"Don't you realize, little one?" Michael held onto my chin, forcing eye contact. "He has no choice. I've thought of everything."

------

Sam, Dean and I were in one of the lock ups John set up. Zachariah had appeared and was explaining to Dean how he was Michael's chosen vessel. Sam was currently on the ground with two broken legs while I, for some reason, so far had escaped getting hurt.

"There's a reason you're telling me this instead of just nabbing me," Dean realized. "You need my consent. Michael needs my say-so to ride around in my skin."

"Unfortunately, yes," Zachariah confirmed.

"Well there's got to be another way."

"There is no other way. There must be a battle. Michael must defeat the serpent. It is written."

"Yeah, maybe. But, on the other hand... Eat me. The answer is no."

"Okay. How about this? Your friend Bobby--- we know he's gravely injured. Say yes, and we'll heal him. Say no, he'll never walk again."

Sam and I both looked up at Dean with wide eyes.

"No," Dean deadpanned.

"Then how about we heal you from..." Zachariah paused, thinking, "stage-four stomach cancer?"

Dean doubled over, coughing blood into his hand.

"No," he spat at the angel.

XxX

Dean stood in front of the broken vessel of the alternate universe Michael. Cass and I stood behind him.

"If we do this, it's a one-time deal. I'm in charge. You're the engine, but I'm behind the wheel. Understand?"