The Angels' way - A Supernatural Story

15

"What is..." Castiel begins, squinting his eyes.

"Hello, Castiel. You came to see us, didn't you? Well, here we are. We've come to you."

The celestial being turns toward Maeve, his ethereal presence commanding yet somewhat intimidating.

"Well, to both of you."

"I was going to take Maeve to one last place before bringing her home to you," Castiel says cautiously, his tone revealing his reluctance.

Indeed, Maeve's father had envisioned guiding her to meet her little brother in his own Heaven, to help her grieve and demonstrate his presence in her life-a chance for atonement after the years lost. But it seems fate has other plans. When the angels who govern Heaven set their sights on something, it happens swiftly, and Castiel knows better than to object.

At that moment, Maeve turns to face the assembly of angels, her gaze steady and unwavering. She recalls Dean's warning: "Be wary of angels; they're not all like Castiel." She intends to heed that advice. With a determined smile, she addresses the angel who spoke to Castiel.

"Who are you?"

As she speaks, the angel envelops Maeve and her father in a shimmering light, transporting them to another location in Heaven. Without a moment to gather her thoughts, he replies.

"My name is Ezrael. I'm somewhat the angel in charge of Heaven these days. But don't mistake my position for power-I don't delude myself. The leaders here change frequently, and I await the day someone comes to take my place. In the meantime, I do my best for my brothers and sisters."

He smiles warmly, and Maeve feels a strange blend of reassurance and wariness. She wonders whether this warmth is genuine or merely a façade.

"In any case," he continues, turning his gaze directly to Maeve, "I'm delighted to finally meet you. I've followed your journey over the years, and it's been heartening to see you grow into such an accomplished woman. Castiel, you must be proud of your daughter."

"So, you knew, Ezrael," Castiel replies, frowning slightly. "You were aware that our Father made me a father."

"Yes, I knew."

Ezrael gazes out a window, where Maeve sees nothing but clouds and an all-encompassing, radiant white light bathing every inch of Heaven. He moves around his desk, drawing closer to them.

"Your mother was honored to bring you into this world," he explains. "Our Father knew exactly what He was doing when He chose her. Audrey Clarke was perfect for the task. Just as He chose the angel to fulfill this divine plan."

"What do you mean?" Castiel asks, intrigued.

"Our Father always knew you would rebel, Castiel. That you would side with Humans, giving them everything. That made you the ideal candidate to father a Nephilim like Maeve."

Through this conversation, Maeve begins to grasp the enormity of her existence-that God had a plan for her. The realization both frightens and excites her.

"So, God wanted me to be born," Maeve summarizes. "But... I don't understand..."

"You don't understand why, do you?" Ezrael finishes for her. "Oh, I suppose I'll have to enlighten you. Maeve, you are a Nephilim-the result of the union between an angel and a human. But you're not just any Nephilim; you are a purified Nephilim."

Ezrael retreats behind his desk, settling into his chair as he conjures two more chairs for Maeve and Castiel. Maeve remains transfixed, fully absorbed in Ezrael's words.

"You are not just any Nephilim, Maeve, but the purest and strongest being in existence, despite your mortal side. God did not create you without a purpose."

"So," Maeve asks, her curiosity piqued, "what is that purpose?"

"We're getting to that."

Ezrael tilts his head slightly, studying Maeve.

"Maeve, I believe you've encountered Demons. Those abominable creatures with black eyes..."

Her expression tenses, and she feels a surge of apprehension. Castiel's reassuring hand on her back provides a comforting reminder of her connection to him, the tattoo Dean gave her a silent pledge of safety.

"Well, you see, demons possess great power-sometimes greater than angels. But that is unacceptable to God, and we angels who guard Heaven and humanity share that sentiment. That's why you're here, Maeve. You've been chosen."

Ezrael locks eyes with her, and the warmth she sensed earlier dissipates, revealing an intensity that borders on predatory. He composes himself, but his tone turns grave as he shares the weight of Maeve's destiny.

"You are the indestructible weapon destined to save Heaven. I don't know how or when, but I know that God created you for this purpose."

Maeve shifts her gaze from Ezrael, who is resolute, to Castiel, who looks more contemplative than shocked. The gravity of what she hears unsettles her, while Castiel's face betrays his unease.

"Castiel," Ezrael continues, turning to Maeve's father, "you must be very proud. You are the angel who will ensure Heaven regains its former strength."

"I don't understand," Castiel replies, a note of concern creeping into his voice. "My daughter is supposed to be some kind of... celestial weapon?"

"That's correct. Haven't you wondered, dear brother, why Demons are pursuing you?"

Seeing their curiosity, Ezrael offers the explanations Maeve has long sought.

"The Demons hunt your father," he says to Maeve, "because he is your protector on Earth-your Heavenly Father, who prevents them from coming after you. Much to their displeasure."

"What do you mean?" Maeve interjects, confusion clouding her thoughts. "The Demons have already tried to reach me."

"Oh yes?" Ezrael replies, arching an eyebrow. "And did they succeed? Wasn't there a force keeping that Demon from touching you, from approaching you? Did you really believe that emanation came from you?"

Maeve realizes, to her surprise, that the protective aura she felt was a bond forged by Castiel, an invisible shield crafted by his presence, safeguarding her from evil.

"As long as Castiel lives, no supernatural being can harm you. You are shielded from their attacks and destined to become the strongest entity in existence. At least, with proper training. But that's not the focus right now."

Ezrael examines his hand, studying the lines as if searching for divine guidance, before returning his gaze to Maeve and Castiel.

"The Demons seek you to kill you and access the power of your offspring. Yet the best protection comes from your own father-the very being who prevents that loss by existing."

The irony strikes Castiel like a thunderclap. He, who has never been there for Maeve, is now the only barrier against the darkest creatures in the Universe. The fight for his survival has transformed into a mission to ensure a brighter future for his daughter, a future he never had the chance to offer.