Guardian Part One
Fic Masterpost
Heaven had been waiting for the birth of Dean Winchester for many, many years. The entire fate of the human population depended on the actions the male would chose under immense pressure and the influences that differed from the norm of a human life.
Dean would never have a normal life.
Until the day called for him to stand up as his role, the human needed to be protected. He needed to learn through his own mistakes and he would be pushed over his limits but it all came back to this:
Dean Winchester needed to survive.
Others did not share the same opinion as Heaven. They thought the Winchester boy should be slayed and Fate should not even come into play. Fearful of assassination attempts, Heaven declared one of its own to the side of Dean Winchester. One of its own who surely would not meddle with Fate and kill from the shadows. One of its own who could watch over the growth of Dean and ensure his security against those truly evil.
Heaven decided to make one of its own into a Guardian Angel.
Guardian Angels were rare. There had only been a handful over the past three centuries and the angel to be granted such a role would carry the burden of great honor.
So who was appointed such a position?
“Castiel, Father has big plans for you.”
Anna didn’t smile but the air around her was buzzing and Castiel was suddenly very curious. He knew it was nothing to fear. He trusted his Father and those above him that helped keep Heaven safe and holy.
Father didn’t talk to many nowadays but word finally reached the angels in waiting: Castiel. Castiel would be the one to follow their promised savior. Castiel would become a Guardian Angel.
Everyone believed the Winchester boy to be in good hands.
Castiel himself was nothing but a good son. He loved his father and followed orders under the command of Heaven. Acting out in disobedience was never an option. He might not ‘feel’ as the humans but he knew the importance of following God’s orders. He knew God wouldn’t lead him astray and he would do whatever was acquired of him so as not to fail his Father.
“Your current job will be reassigned,” Anna stated simply.
He nodded and shut his eyes; it was time to meet Dean Winchester.
Castiel has spent a great deal of time in his lifetime simply waiting. If he had a job and he was required to be patient, he had no problems doing so. However, he never acted as a bodyguard. The heavy pressure of being the Dean Winchester’s Guardian Angel made him only wish to make his Father and his sisters and brothers proud; make sure the fate of his keep could see the light. Once God had chosen the Guardian Angel there could be no switching. Castiel had entered the youngest Winchester’s destiny and, now, whatever happened would be because of Castiel’s own doings.
“I was thinking we could name him after your mother,” John whispered.
“A baby boy can’t be a named Deanna,” Mary teased back, looking at John in a way that Castiel couldn’t fully understand. Humans, of course, cared deeply for each other. Of course, he cared for Heaven greatly but Humans were different; God intended them to be so.
The woman’s shriek made the angel flinch (not that anyone saw it anyway). He was not use to the couple’s playful manner. Protecting the unborn child meant making sure Mary was safe for delivery.
John continued his (Castiel recently learned the term) tickling upon Mary which only escalated once Mary began her own attack on John.
Throughout the next nine months, Castiel stood watch next to the expecting mother. He never left her side, which was normally right by John’s. After a while, the angel could pick out some emotions. All the laughs, the fights, the unhappy smiles, the sleepless nights Mary lay awake long after John-Castiel watched it all. He had no contact with Heaven, which he expected. His full priority would be Dean and he would likely wait many, many years before hearing Father’s word again.
The troubling part was the absence of assaults. Castiel wasn’t a fool; He could sense the others close by that weren’t friendly to the Winchesters, could practically taste their hate. But no one approached the family. So the angel simply stood by and continued observing the interactions of the married couple.
When Mary finally went into labor, Castiel was more than ready for the overdue attacks. Yet, none came. As like the past nine months, the angel did not leave Mary’s side. He sat with her in the backseat of the car (John insisted she needed to lay down) and when her breathing became short and unsteady, the angel placed his fingertips upon her stomach. He checked to make sure the baby was okay and he was. As they reached the hospital, Castiel knew the baby was going to be just fine and that his job was only just beginning.
A FEW MONTHS LATER
The human could see him.
Castiel tilted his head to the side and watched as Dean mimicked his movement. Moving from his spot on the wall, the angel now stood in front of the crib. High pitched gurgling noises came from the child’s mouth and a wide smile broke out across his face. Castiel frowned in return.
Nobody should be able to see him. Granted, it didn’t take much power to hide himself from the visible eye but even the supernatural were supposedly hidden from his trail. He should be concerned, that a mere human be granted the ability to break his barriers but, then again, Dean was no ordinary human. After all, Heaven had big plans for him. But the angel couldn’t fully shake off his unease with the situation. Those big green eyes stared at him expectantly and Castiel stared back. The child seemed very pleased with the situation, as he continued making the animalistic shrieks.
The door to the bedroom opened and Dean’s eyes traveled to his mother, chubby arms reaching out for her to pick him up. “What are you so happy about,” she asked, shifting the child over her shoulder and began to walk out. Castiel followed and Dean saw him yet again. Another grin and the angel was once again in awe of this child. The power that their Father had granted him.
If Mary or John expected anything, Castiel overheard no such conversations. Over the next few months, Dean’s eyes always sought out Castiel. His parents just assumed Dean really liked being carried and then changed his mind a lot. The hard part came when Dean learned to crawl. Whenever the child was on the ground he crawled over to the angel. The first time it happened, Castiel freaked out and out of habit he disappeared from his spot and reappeared on the other side of the room.
Dean was startled and even whimpered. He moved forward and then turned around. When he spotted Castiel though, he made his usual happy face and let out a laugh. The baby crawled back towards Castiel and the angel once again zapped to another part of the room. Dean clapped his hands, eyes searching and once they landed on the other he started giggling again.
The whole thing confused Castiel until he realized that the child thought this was some sort of a game. He’d seen Mary and John play such seemingly pointless games before but the blatant trust Dean had towards a stranger made him fearful of who else could try to get close to the baby.
After a few more runs of that, Castiel was growing irritated. Finally, he forced himself still and stared down at Dean’s confused look as to why he was still in the same place. Dean started saying something - what Castiel didn’t understand. Young humans did not make sense with their words, he knew that. He was just going to stay still and wait until Dean’s interest waned. That way, hopefully, he wouldn’t have to do any repeats of tonight’s dance. Then the little blonde reached out and touched his vessel’s shoe and Castiel zapped out of reach once more. The baby squawked with approval and Castiel sighed.
As Dean grew older, he still paid attention to Castiel. He offered him food, told him he could sleep with his teddy if he told him his name. One night John caught his son talking to, what appeared to be thin air. He told Mary, thinking Dean made up some imaginary friends. Mary then went and grilled all sorts of questions out of Dean. Within hours Dean’s room was as demon proof as the former hunter could make it. Castiel cracked a grin. That would actually help his job out greatly and owed Mary for such a kind act. She soon settled down when no threat was apparent and seemed to accept John’s theory of fake friends.
Knowing his parents didn’t like hearing about Castiel, Dean never brought it up to them. At night he talked aloud, trying to get the other to talk back.
“What’s your name,” then human asked the hundredth time and Castiel inwardly sighed.
“Castiel.” He didn’t actually mean to say it, but it was too late now to take it back. Plus, it was a bit tiring to hear the same question over and over.
The look of shock on Dean’s face was promptly replaced with excitement. The angel would never understand how humans could go through such emotions so quickly.
“You can tak!”
After a pause Castiel finally answered, “Yes.”
Dean rolled over onto his stomach, legs now bent and waving in the air. He placed his head in his hands and didn’t break eye contact from Castiel.
“I din know if you could. Some of ma freens dun wanna talk and Mama says tat some people jus can’ tak. I fink-” The three year old continued to babble and Castiel found himself actually listening and not minding the chatter. He couldn’t completely understand and the way the child skipped topics really confused him too. Whenever they were alone, Dean continued to talk to him and Castiel would sometimes answer. A long time passed before Dean brought up the question Castiel had been waiting for.
“Sooo what are you? Are you a ghost?” Dean’s eyes were so bright with interest that he considered entertaining the idea. But Castiel shook his head and shut his eyes. Father had given him no guidance in this. No one told him that his charge would be able to see him, let alone bombard him with questions. He had heard nothing from Heaven regarding his actions so far. After another pause he opened his eyes, staring right at Dean.
“I’m an angel.”
Dean’s eyes grew wide. “Like the ones Mama talks ‘bout?”
“Angels are watching over you, baby. Don’t ever forget it Dean.”
“The same.”
Dean gave him a funny look so he clarified. “Yes. Just like the ones your mother talks of.”
“Why’re you here tho?”
“I am a Guardian Angel. Your Guardian Angel.”
Castiel was pretty sure he never saw a human with eyes that big before.
“What’s a yardian?”
“Guardian,” Castiel stressed the word.
“Tats what I said,” Dean whined.
Castiel thought very carefully before continuing. “Guardian Angels protect special people. “
“Me?” The blonde thought for a moment as Castiel nodded. “Why?”
“Because you are very special, Dean.”
Dean smiled then declared: “I fink angels are special.”
When Mary discovered she was pregnant with another child, John picked her up and whirled her around the living room. Then he picked up Dean and tossed him high, high up. Dean laughed and shouted and Castiel doubted he understood what was going on.
“You’re going to be a big brother, Dean,” Mary said and John ruffled their son’s hair affectionately.
“Yay,” Dean shouted then, in all seriousness, continued: “I want a brother.”
Mary laughed and knelt down so she was at proper eyelevel. “You do, do you?”
Dean nodded hurriedly.
“Perhaps the baby will be a boy. You’ll protect him, won’t you?”
Dean nodded again and Mary threw her arms around her son. “Oh baby, Daddy and I will always love you.” Dean snuggled closer to his mother and Mary kissed the top of his head.
The following months were still peaceful. Perhaps due to Mary’s charms but the supernatural strayed away from the Winchester family. Heaven gave no word about what to do with this new child. It could mean nothing but Castiel believed everything had a purpose. He remained at the top of his game. His priority was Dean. Dean was important. If possible, he would try to protect the newest addition to the family but Dean would always have to come first. So as the previews years, Castiel never left Dean’s side. Recently though, Mary and Dean spent much time together so he kept an eye on Mary’s wellbeing as well.
A few days after the due date and Mary still hadn’t gone into labor the parents went to the hospital. The daughter of one of John’s work friends came over to watch Dean. Castiel remembered seeing the girl before at a social event but nevertheless, he didn’t leave Dean’s side. Even when Dean and her put together a puzzle Castiel was right there, staring at the girl. Dean had long learned the art of not mentioning Castiel when around other people but the angel saw a few glances in his direction.
“Everything okay,” the girl asked and Dean didn’t respond for a minute.
“I don’t wanna play this anymore.”
“I thought you liked puzzles?”
Dean just pouted and turned away from her. Castiel glanced at Dean momentarily and Dean chose then to scoot closer to the angel.
“I want Mama.”
“Well, she’s not here is she?”
Her whole demeanor shifted and right before she could grab Dean, Castiel grabbed hold of the child first. He shifted Dean behind him and felt years of unused power surging through his vessel. In one swift movement the palm of his hand touched her forehead and she let out a bloodcurdling scream. Behind him Dean was struggling against Castiel’s hold which only made him grip the boy’s shoulder tighter. Bright light emanated from her eyes as Castiel sent her down to Hell.
Behind him Dean was sobbing and still struggling. Castiel let him go and turned away from the human girl now laying on the floor. She wasn’t dead; maybe in a comatose state for a little bit but if the Lord wanted her to be, she would be fine.
Dean was up against the back of the couch. His big eyes were wide in fear and Castiel just stared at him. He wanted to move forward but he wasn’t sure exactly how to approach this.
“Mama,” Dean screamed and Castiel shifted his head to the side. “She’s at the hospital. You know that.”
But he just continued to cry. The angel faced the babysitter again before placing her on the couch. Dean scrambled to put distance between them but Castiel was faster and appeared in front of him.
“Dean.”
Dean cried harder.
“Dean. Stop.”
That didn’t work either.
“She was going to hurt you.”
No response.
“I am here to protect you.”
The boy calmed down at those words, though he was still sniffling. He looked up at Castiel with big, round eyes for a moment and then ran at Castiel, wrapping his arms around the angel’s legs.
Said angel stood stock still but when Dean started crying again he maneuvered his arms around the boy’s back (he was sure he’d seen Mary in the same position before). He patted Dean’s head awkwardly but Dean seemed to like it and his crying subdued in a little bit.
“Cas?”
Not really liking the nickname, Castiel had regrettably learned to answer to it. It was an improvement to the “Castle” stage.
“Yes?”
“Is it gone?”
“Yes. I sent her away.”
Dean’s shoulders sagged with relief and he held on to Castiel tighter.
“I don’t want her to come back.”
“I am fairly certain it will take her a while before she is able to come back. I highly doubt she will,” he quickly added seeing the color fading away from the other’s face. “But … if she does. I will be here. I will protect you.”
“Promise,” the child demanded with watering eyes.
“I will always protect you.”
When John returned, the babysitter was already waking up. She claimed she had a huge headache, but was still fine to drive, thanks. John didn’t push it and took Dean to see Mary and his new baby brother.
Dean yelled with joy at that and for a second forgot he wasn’t suppose to interact with Cas around others. Still, the boy looked up at the angel, flashing a smile and Castiel almost gave him one in return. John’s eyes narrowed and he frowned. “One of your friends again?” He asked casually but the angel detected a bit of fear.
“Huh?”
“Never mind, buddy. Come on, your mother’s waitin’ for us!”
Castiel followed the males through the hospital, on the lookout for any signs of threat. Odd that the first attack would occur today of all days. He walked closer to Dean.
Once in the room, Dean got to hold his brother. John took many pictures and Castiel thought it was all very similar to when Dean was born. The new child was to be called “Samuel.” Mary said she didn’t mind Sam as a nickname. Dean took that to meaning “Sammy” and Castiel had a feeling the name would stick if the grins on the parents’ face meant anything.
The family was happy.
Dean was safe.
There was only a handful of demons he’d had to take care of when he first came to Earth and while he was sure that number would eventually increase, he felt confident he could continue and help Dean complete his fate.
Six Months Later
Dean woke with a start. He was sweating and sticky and he whined, wanting to go back to sleep but also for his Mama to come to him. He moaned a little louder, hoping someone would hear him but when no familiar touch came, he opened his eyes. The darkness scared him and he clenched his favorite bear tight to his chest. Mama always said Teddy would keep the monsters under the bed from climbing out.
Save for his nightlight, the only source of light was from the hallway. He left his door open because he liked being able to hear his parents moving around at night; it helped him sleep. He didn’t hear anything now though. He didn’t like silence.
The young Winchester looked around for Cas, wanting reassurance everything was alright. He wanted to go out to the hallway but was too scared to go by himself. If Cas came with, Dean could go. He’d climb into Mama’s bed (Dad had been sleeping on the couch downstairs for a while now though he didn’t know why) and be safe there.
His angel wasn’t in eyesight though. Nobody was in his room.
Tears started to form and then he thought of Dad saying how only babies cried and then he actually was crying. He didn’t want to be a baby. He didn’t want to be alone. He needed someone to be with him. The darkness always scared him.
“Dean.”
The boy looked up quickly and saw Cas standing in front of his bed. He looked different. His clothes were torn and he had splashes of red paint across his face and hands. Dean would ask about that later. Right now he just wanted some contact. Holding open his arms, he looked pleadingly up at Cas. His angel only moved forward to grab his shoulders though.
“Dean. Listen to me.”
His voice sounded scary. Not nice like it usually was. Dean’s bottom lip began to tremble but he didn’t look away. Cas didn’t like when he did that.
“We need to go. Now.”
When Dean didn’t respond, Castiel pulled him roughly from his bed and he cried out.
“Hush. Be silent.”
Dean closed his mouth but still sniffled. He didn’t like this; Whatever Cas was doing. Cas never wanted to leave Dean’s room.
His angel was practically pulling Dean behind him. The grip was tight on his wrist and more tears rolled down his face. He opened his mouth to complain (maybe if he said please Cas would stop?) when a HUGE scream tore through the house. Dean jumped and then suddenly he wasn’t holding Cas’ hand anymore. Cas was on the other side of the hallway, leaving him alone. He waited for Cas to stand back up but the angel remained motionless.
Someone grabbed him and Dean was turned around to stare right into shining, golden eyes.
“My, my, my. You’re a big boy now, aren’t you Dean.” The man gripped his arm tighter and made him spin around as he looked at him. Dean wanted to cry out but instead he closed his eyes and held Teddy closer to him.
Make it go away. Make it go away. Make it go away.
“Don’t be scared, Dean.” The man was patting his head now and Dean felt sick. “I just want to have a chat.”
“No,” Dean gasped, jerking away from this intruder. He didn’t like this. He opened one eye to look for Cas but just saw yellow eyes in front of him.
“I wouldn’t resist so much---”
The pressure on his arm left and Dean ran into the next room; Sammy’s. He heard sounds he couldn’t identify to the action but he shivered, scared anyway. He slammed the door behind him, locking it even though Dad always told him not to do that. He was sure Dad would understand just this once.
There were more crashes from outside and quickly he moved away from the door. Shaking now, Dean began backing up.
He stopped when a raindrop fell onto his forehead and slid down his face. Distracted, the boy wiped it away until he remembered he was inside and there was no rain indoors. Slowly, he craned his neck back and gazed at the ceiling with wide, scared eyes.
“Mama,” he questioned his voice a whisper.
Mama was laying on the ceiling in her nightgown. Her mouth was open, like she was trying to talk but when she tried red fell out of her mouth and onto him. “Mama!” he screamed and a few seconds later fire burst through the ceiling.
The fire was going to eat Mama. The fire was going to take her away.
“Mama!” He screamed again and wanted to reach out for her, he really did. He was just too scared. Why didn’t she move? Why was she letting the flames so close? She never liked it when Dean played with fire.
The door slammed open and Dean jumped, expecting to see the man with shining eyes again. But it was Cas!
The angel didn’t look up and just disappeared and reappeared by Sammy’s crib. Dean hadn’t noticed, but his brother was crying now. He didn’t like the flames either. Cas bent over and picked up baby Sam all bundled up in his blankets and turned to Dean. “Take your brother, Dean.”
Dean started to protest; holding up his bear but Cas suddenly yanked Teddy out of his arms and threw it across the room.
“Take your brother,” he repeated. His tone was still angry but Dean knew enough to listen to that voice. The last time he heard that voice was a long time ago and Cas always helped him. Always.
Holding both arms like his parents taught him to, Dean let Cas deposit Sam into his arms.
“Now go, Dean. Run outside and don’t look back. Don’t stop until you reach the street. Whatever you hear, do not look back.”
Dean ran.
Part Two