Watch your step; Salvaged Hope, Tag: Tyrael

[CASTIEL]

DO YOU REALIZE YOU ARE MORE THEN JUST A WEAPON?

The rays of light that caressed the sky reflected off the clouds, which spread across heavens in a rippled effect, this scene was far more relaxing then Castiel felt within himself. Sometimes it was hard, well no, all the times it was hard, ever since deciding to stick with his original mission of averting the apocalypse, stopping the seals from breaking, keeping the Winchester’s safe. Castiel had very little understanding in regards to what drove his siblings in charge, or what possessed God to leave them in charge if he still felt inclined to save Castiel, who was now opposing them.

That choice had meant that it wasn’t just ‘pro apocalypse’ or not, it actually was far more serious, if you weren’t with family, then they did more then just give you the cold shoulder. They slammed the door on you, changed the locks, and made damn sure you understood how much of a let down you were, branded you in disgust to all those in familiar circles, and plotted ways to cut you off from your inheritance. In Castiel’s world, that inheritance happened to be tapping into the powers his Father had granted all angels to be blessed by. Sure, all the abilities were still there, for now, but the ones charged by heaven had been noticeably decreasing in strength since the ordeal with the horseman, War.

The scuffle with the previous angels sent to capture Gabriel and Castiel had pretty much left the brothers attempting to lay low, however it was hard. Staying with Bobby just might get the two blown away to smithereens before Heaven even got its hands on them, he was not a tolerant guy, and Gabriel was hardly tolerable when he got bored at the best of times. Being the third wheel with the brothers was a bit frustrating and staying at Gabriel’s apartment was a bit confining for long periods, especially with a dog who enjoyed leaping all over him. Still, it wasn’t as if Castiel had many choices, though he’d been half tempted to go see Tamara, even feeling as out of place as he had doing her a favor, it had to be better then just waiting.

However that would risk putting her, and anyone else around her, in the middle of any random scuffle that may or may not occur at any given point. So instead Castiel sat there, in the back of Bobby’s junkyard, atop one of his many useless vehicles. The last thing Castiel wanted to do was anger the elder hunter of the group, not that it wasn’t an easy thing to do to start with, but taking measures in attempting to remain on Bobby’s better side would be the wisest option. Going to see him at any hour in the night was not going to win the guy over; Castiel had learned this from experience.

Getting Gabriel to stay put and within sight of Castiel was just as stressful at times as facing random opponents that decided to ambush you at a moments notice. Though the younger of the two angels could never be sure which was worse, Gabriel skipping off and doing his thing, or offering to let Cas tag along and take part in it. With chin on entwined fingers, palms clasped together and elbows resting on bent knees, the angel sat idly staring at the sunrise, as if waiting for the signal of an all clear. It wasn’t like there was a definite time to approach people, people could be disgruntled at any point, and Castiel was worried he was over staying his welcome, in general, with all the problems he was causing. Of course, on the flip side, it was hardly more or less then what Dean had put the soldier through, it was just… Castiel had never really socialized that much with Bobby directly; it felt awkward hanging around the hunter, even during a mission. Now Castiel was going to be asking the guy if he'd mind an angel lurking about the junk yard, even if meant sitting out here or in his basement and generally out of sight, at this point, Castiel was far from caring.

Although appearing rather peaceful, lost in thought, and taken in by the sight of the light playing across the morning sky, Castiel’s attire had a rather disheveled appearance. Aside the tie having been put on back to front, the white shirt beneath the suit had a splatter of blood across it. The sleeve of the jacket was torn slightly at the stitching of his shoulder; a few cuts and bruises were mostly hidden beneath the material, save a cut on the lip and across the ridge of Castiel’s nose. For the most part they were well along to healing up, however the clothes would get attention when Castiel felt inclined to bother.

FYI: Keep it down, or Bobby will blow off your head.

[TYRAEL]

brother, are you there?

and tell me, is it wonderful?

or were you hoping to find something a little more?

There was something sorrowful about the salvage yard that Tyrael couldn't quite place. He strolled through the maze of wrecks and traced his fingertips over rusting hoods and peeling paint. Row upon row of dead or dying machines, left to await salvation or to rust and rot in the open elements. Graveyard of human ingenuity.

Gravel crunched under his feet with every step and the faintest of breezes played at his vessel's scruffy head of hair. It was a spectacularly calm day, and Tyrael did his best to find some peace in it despite knowing his brothers and sisters were at war; despite knowing what he had come to the salvage yard to carry out.

He walked slowly, at a smell-the-roses pace. He wanted to take in every moment he was on earth... Or perhaps he simply wanted to postpone his assigned duty. But dear brother Castiel would have sensed him by now, and there was no point in drawing it out any longer.

Will he know our intentions?

Difficult to say. He may expect hostilities, given the circumstances.

If he would simply agree to come with us...

Unlikely.

Yes. Unlikely.

Tyrael rounded a stack of sedans and saw his brother seated atop a wreck. He stopped, then, with fifteen or so feet between them. He let his hands hang loose at his sides and regarded Castiel with his head titled a degree.

He was hardly an intimidating angel - not looming and powerful like Uriel or Raphael, not a black-suited warrior like so many of his brothers. The face of his vessel was bright and open, hair and beard scruffy and so contrary to the icy professional appearance kept by many of his siblings. He wore a bulky blue coat that made him seem perpetually cold. His eyes shone like quartz lights. He ignored the handle of his angel blade under his coat, digging into his vessel's ribs. He desperately hoped he wouldn't need it.

"Brother Castiel," he began, and if some emotion could be drawn from that warm angelic monotone one might say Tyrael sounded happy. He had once mourned his brother's passing. For a fleeting moment, seeing Castiel alive again trumped the mounting anxiety over his mission.

"We are pleased to see you again."

the pressure is deceiving...

TAGGING: CASTIEL , LYRICS: "NAVEED" - OUR LADY PEACE ,

^{lisey of caution owns my soul. and this template. don't steal it.}

[CASTIEL]

DO YOU REALIZE YOU ARE MORE THEN JUST A WEAPON?

Despite having been out there for a good few hours, arriving just in time to have spied Bobby preparing for the end of his night, Castiel hardly suffered from the wait. Aside being bored at times, there was plenty to think about, besides, going in and interrupting the hunter during his meal seemed unfair. That, and it didn’t take a telepath to see how stressed Bobby got at people constantly disturbing his meal times. Add further to that displeasure Bobby had towards the interruptions, was when someone caught him watching his all time most watched show, Tori and Dean. Not that Castiel understood why anyone enjoyed sitting in front of that device and wasted what little time on Earth they had watching other peoples made up stories. Maybe at some point he’d stop being annoyed that Gabriel spent so much time doing the same, and actually gave the thing a try himself; maybe you had to sit there and watch it to see what the fuss was about.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly for Bobby that night, no stress, and at that point the phones had died down and finally the guy seemed to be relaxing. Somehow fluttering in there all beaten up seemed like some unfair drama the guy hardly needed. It wasn’t like Bobby could do a lot, Castiel supposed, or maybe he could something, but definitely not stand up against other angels with out putting himself in some serious danger. The thought caused Castiel to ponder making it so angels couldn’t pop in at their hearts content whenever they wanted, assuming Bobby hadn’t already organized things since last time Castiel had gone there.

The arrival of Tyrael was as if a reply to this pondering, a confirmation that, yes, he really should find ways of protecting Bobby Singer from any sudden arrivals. A sigh was breathed out of Castiel’s lungs, his chin lifting from the perch on his clasped hands, and instead lowering his forehead down. Was this how it was going to always be? It seemed more then just offhand attempts; this seemed constant and relentless, stubbornly throwing things at Cas as if wearing him down. But why? What were they trying to tire him out for that required this amount of manpower to be wasted and how did it help them in their pro-apocalypse endeavors?

A glance at Bobby’s house as Castiel lifted his face once more showed the hint of a desire to go inside, to find some way to just avoiding yet another fight. This arrival however was no mere grunt sent to smack Castiel around, this was someone higher on that particular food chain. The question however, was Tyrael here on a mission, or for personal reasons, as Remy and Elijah had been? Going into the house, even with all the supplies at Castiel’s disposal, would put Bobby at risk if this was more then just a social call, and that wasn’t a chance the angel wanted to take.

"Brother Castiel," Fingers unlaced themselves, arms dropped though Castiel remained leaning with elbows on knees, turning his attention over towards Tyrael, keeping a rather neutral expression. "We are pleased to see you again." There was no attempt to look around for any others, Castiel knew this brother well, both had not been stationed on Earth often and neither had fully devoted themselves to either which side at one point. The discussion felt like over a millennia ago, so distant, even though it was not long before his last chat with Remembrance and also prior to Raphael having had descended upon Castiel with holy vengeance. It had been hard, as a soldier originally assigned to help stop the 66 seals from being released, fighting along brothers and sisters that fell during the battles, only to then be told it was all just for show. Few angels would have tolerated, or even understood, the outrage Castiel had felt, the utter betrayal in how he and his warriors were treated. Fewer still had to live on after these careless decisions, burned some way that a simple ‘sorry’ didn’t quite manage to heal.

"Tyrael." Finding it difficult not to say the name with an air of slight exhaustion, Castiel still managed to offer the ghost of a curve in the corner of his lip, some hint of a smile that crept to life despite the concern etched about his eyes. "I have missed our discussions." Still being ready for an attack at a moments notice, Castiel was determined not to make the first move, may be tired of it all, but he was far from becoming trigger happen with his siblings lives. And Castiel did honestly miss his talks with Tyrael, it was hard finding someone to speak openly too that did not judge so single-mindedly, though Duriel and Hadriel had always proved willing to listen. Since their amalgamation, the then named Tyrael, had proven to be just as willing to listen, to see two, three, four or any number of sides of each debate that laid out before him. "It always seems certain view points no matter where I am, are rather specific… it makes things… lonely at times." Heaven, Earth, no matter where, when communities were conflicting then it was difficult at the best of times to get folks from one side to see issues regarding disloyalty towards folks on the other, even if you happened to be from that other side.

[TYRAEL]

brother, are you there?

and tell me, is it wonderful?

or were you hoping to find something a little more?

Tyrael felt Castiel's exhaustion as if it was his own and frowned sympathetically. Part of him longed for long-ago times of simplicity, when all that was to be done was to follow orders. There were no questions to ask and no doubts in mind. No brothers at war. Yet, despite the heavy burden, Tyrael would never trade his newfound awareness for ignorance. This free thinking, he surmised, must have been a gift from the Father. Could there be any other explanation?

He walked closer to his brother, slowly and carefully as if to ensure Castiel would not interpret hostility in his actions. And that it was necessary for that to be a concern in the first place troubled him deeply.

"We understand, brother. Our siblings are rather inflexible in their views. It is difficult, thinking the way we think, and being unable to discuss it. We ask for... simply a consideration of the other side of things, and they respond as if we have betrayed them."

Tyrael leaned against a wreck and crossed his arms and stared off into the distance, bright glowing eyes taking in every detail of the scene laid out before him.

"We have thought long about this. We think, perhaps, it is because they are afraid. They fear choice, and fear change, and fear that which represents a threat to the status quo we have all lived with for ages."

Tyrael paused and turned his eyes over to his brother.

"Which means they fear you. Not in the way one fears the wrath of brother Michael or brother Raphael, but they fear the change you could bring if more of our kind came to see things from your point of view."

Tyrael looked away from his brother once more, out over the scrapyard, past the heaps of wrecks and on to the horizon. All in his sight could be destroyed if his brothers had their way. It seemed needlessly wasteful.

"Or we could be wrong. It requires more consideration," Tyrael shrugged. Then, solemnly, he added: "You seem weary, brother. We wish you were not so heavily burdened by this."

the pressure is deceiving...

TAGGING: CASTIEL , LYRICS: "NAVEED" - OUR LADY PEACE ,

^{lisey of caution owns my soul. and this template. don't steal it.}

[CASTIEL]

DO YOU REALIZE YOU ARE MORE THEN JUST A WEAPON?

"We understand, brother. Our siblings are rather inflexible in their views. It is difficult, thinking the way we think, and being unable to discuss it. We ask for... simply a consideration of the other side of things, and they respond as if we have betrayed them." That was it exactly, talking with Michael, Raphael, Zachariah, it was pointless, both because it just incurred their wrath and even if you managed the conversation unscathed then you’d still be verbally knocked down a few pegs. Castiel knew all this from experience; it was not luck that had stopped the soldier from suffering their displeasure sooner, it was the love of other siblings that had curbed Castiel’s outrage or doubts. Tyrael, Remembrance, Nathanial, all of them, all the others, they had all stepped in and allowed Castiel his chance to vent and speak aloud.

Unfortunately there was only so much they could do before Castiel’s actions were noticed, and his doubts seen, and even the profound love that had sheltered him could not protect Castiel from ‘upper management’. Perhaps that is what hurt the most, that in some ways there were people who loved him too much, that put themselves in harms way because of him and his choices. That was too big a thing to ask of anyone, it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right, and no matter how desperately Castiel felt this path with the Winchester’s would be one he walked firmly, there was no desire to drag others down with him. That ddn’t stop Castiel from missing them, because lord did he miss them so badly.

"We have thought long about this. We think, perhaps, it is because they are afraid. They fear choice, and fear change, and fear that which represents a threat to the status quo we have all lived with for ages." If they feared it, then Castiel had not seen that apprehension, just the anger, the rage and righteous fury that was associated with disobedience and showing doubt. Emotions had always been referred to as doorways to doubt, and they were right, weren’t they? Castiel got close to the humans; he let them in too close and all that once had made sense no longer felt right.

"Which means they fear you. Not in the way one fears the wrath of brother Michael or brother Raphael, but they fear the change you could bring if more of our kind came to see things from your point of view." If only more did, enough that death and banishment were not the only response to be considered. Maybe then they could sit down and talk; maybe then they would reconsider and see another side to the story. Of course, if more angels showed doubt, if Castiel caused them to stray, then their deaths were on his shoulders, their misery his doing. What right did Castiel have to put any of his beloved siblings through the pain he had suffered? At least this suffering had been by Castiel’s own choices and actions… even if some blamed the Winchester’s for it.

"Or we could be wrong. It requires more consideration," A more noticeable smile crossed Castiel’s lips, his eyes peering over towards the other sibling, finding comfort in the familiarity of the others careful consideration over things. "You seem weary, brother. We wish you were not so heavily burdened by this." At this the small smile fell away, that cloud of somber which seemed far too familiar a sight on Castiel drifted once more across the angel’s features.

"From what I have seen, Tyrael, my actions have laid way to the risk of civil war, if I did not feel burdened by this, then that makes me no better then Raphael." Not that Castiel was so arrogant as to assume all this was only happening due to his own actions, there were other factors, others who had rebelled long before Castiel had been tempted to. Somehow he just happened to be in the more recent and crucial moments, he seemed to have somehow been the tipping point, and granted if it weren’t his own actions, then it could have been another’s. But it wasn’t someone else’s, it was Castiel’s doings that had apparently stirred the most recent troubles. Being brought back by the supposedly missing Father just amplified the rage that had bubbled away in other siblings who disagreed with Castiel. Even Elijah had turned around and fled Heaven to find Castiel, to ask what caused him to rebel; others were seeking him out, and for every sibling that made contact, than one more sibling was at risk of death for betrayal.

"The seemingly endless stream of soldiers being sent my way also does, admittedly, wear me a down a little, but don’t tell them that." With a slight stretch of Castiel’s stiff shoulders, rotating the shoulders a little and flexing his neck, Castiel sighed and slid off the wreckage. "So ... let me guess," A hand smoothed out the tie his vessel had worn the day of being possessed, a slight tilt of Castiel’s head while doing so, and a knowing gaze taking in Tyrael’s unspoken responses. "They hoped if you talked to me, I’d come back willingly." The words were quietly spoken, his deep voice steady, "You know what makes it harder? Knowing this world is ending, and than meeting a girl, who looks at us as if we are the good guys, the heroes, and all she wants from me is food for the hungry." A few steps drew Castiel that little closer to Tyrael, as if momentarily forgetting the risks and just wanting to be closer, to emphasize what was being said. "How do I tell her we are the monsters, and those she cares for, loves and protects, just ants to be stepped on in our private war?"

[TYRAEL]

brother, are you there?

and tell me, is it wonderful?

or were you hoping to find something a little more?

Tyrael found himself staring uncertainly at his vessel's feet. He wasn't quite sure what he felt at that moment, but he thought it might be shame. And he wondered why he should be feeling shame when he was following his orders - orders passed down from above, that were therefore good and just orders, nevermind the lack of justification.

But that was a silly way of thinking about things, and Tyrael recognized it was a silly way of thinking, and he knew he felt shame because he had thought long and hard about those orders. He had found holes in those orders. They didn't hold up to a modest amount of scrutiny, nevermind the philosophical debating over their implications in which his two selves engaged. And yet, here Tyrael was, obedient little dog doing the bidding of his master. He couldn't look up at Castiel just then. At least Castiel had the strength to follow his convictions.

Still, though he thought his brothers in service to heaven misguided on certain issues, Tyrael did not think Castiel the paragon of reason either.

He has gotten too close to the humans to be objective.

Not the whole of them. The individuals.

Yes. And that makes this all the more difficult.

Personal attachments. Troublesome.

Troublesome, maybe, or simply beyond Tyrael's understanding. He hadn't any idea what Castiel saw in the humans, though he hadn't the opportunity to form a reasoned opinion of them either. As he so loved to say, it required more consideration.

"Brother," he began, almost timidly, "Have you considered that you are not looking at the situation objectively?"

He lifted his head to regard Castiel with bright curious eyes.

"Your close ties to these individual humans... We believe it is clouding your judgement."

He looked away again, off into the distance, contemplative.

"We are all ants in this war, brother. It has been destined for us since the dawn of creation. For all angels, all humans, all heaven and earth. And if Father so willed, he could halt it. But he has not. He has left us on this path, for better or worse." Tyrael paused and sighed heavily. The words seemed hollow in his vessel's mouth; echoes of the party line and nothing more.

"And some of us have been blessed to discover what we believe to be free will. And perhaps averting this war is a wise decision to make - or perhaps not. But it is not one that should be made on personal attachments to creatures whose lives are no more than the blink of an eye to us. What is eighty years to us, brother Castiel? These humans you care for will be dust very soon, war or no war. We are eternal. We will be here to feel the effects of all this long after the humans have rendered their own civilizations to dust."

When he regarded his brother again, there was something pleading in his borrowed eyes and borrowed voice.

"What will happen to them, if all goes as it is destined - do you really think it is any worse than what they will do to themselves? Please, brother. Return with us. You can impart to us your knowledge of humanity, and perhaps we will come to see your side. Perhaps you can convince others. But remaining here..."

Tyrael frowned deeply, and spoke so quietly it was as if he did not want to speak at all. He said: "They ordered us to retrieve you. They told us to use force, if necessary. We do not wish it so."

the pressure is deceiving...

TAGGING: CASTIEL , LYRICS: "NAVEED" - OUR LADY PEACE ,

^{lisey of caution owns my soul. and this template. don't steal it.}

[CASTIEL]

And you were waiting on the edge of the unknown

For a moment after his rant, Tyrael stood there, staring down, Castiel closed his eyes, giving both himself a chance to remember it was not fair to get angry towards Tyrael, and a chance for the other to consider what was said. Having two minds inside one body meant that were at times deep conversations being held that others would not included in on, meaning there were times Tyrael merely stood there, debating within his own mind, leaving others waiting in silence.

"Brother." The other angel started apprehensively, causing Castiel to focus, knowing there was a question to follow, and one he may have to think on or reply with serious consideration towards the implications of whatever was said, "Have you considered that you are not looking at the situation objectively?" The glow of Tyrael’s eyes lifted from their downcast stare to meet Castiel’s blue gaze. "Your close ties to these individual humans... We believe it is clouding your judgment." Yes, it almost slipped out without any consideration in the moment, because it had been a thought on his mind many times. "We are all ants in this war, brother. It has been destined for us since the dawn of creation. For all angels, all humans, all heaven and earth. And if Father so willed, he could halt it. But he has not. He has left us on this path, for better or worse." Although Castiel wanted to say he was unsure what then, if God was leaving it to them to carry on this plan, why would their Father bring Castiel back? Was it not clear the angel of Thursday had made his choice on the matter, so why keep this rebellion in motion by returning Castiel to the dispute? It was hard holding a discussion with someone who would be ordered to report back all that was said, they both had to hold their ground. Even if Cas would be all too happy to just walk away, if Tyrael allowed it, then he would be punished… how did things get so bad in Heaven, when a brother could not show mercy or love to his beloved kin without ridicule?

"And some of us have been blessed to discover what we believe to be free will. And perhaps averting this war is a wise decision to make - or perhaps not. But it is not one that should be made on personal attachments to creatures whose lives are no more than the blink of an eye to us. What is eighty years to us, brother Castiel? These humans you care for will be dust very soon, war or no war. We are eternal. We will be here to feel the effects of all this long after the humans have rendered their own civilizations to dust." The words brought hurt to Castiel’s eyes, not from upset over Tyrael saying this, but for the truth in which was spoken. The idea of Dean and Sam dying was upsetting, the idea of losing friends when he had lived eternity without having to suffer the loss of loved ones… It would be a new pain to live with, and Castiel often tried to not think of it.

"What will happen to them, if all goes as it is destined - do you really think it is any worse than what they will do to themselves? Please, brother. Return with us. You can impart to us your knowledge of humanity, and perhaps we will come to see your side. Perhaps you can convince others. But remaining here... ." To say the idea of going home was unwelcomed would be a lie, after crossing Raphael the angel had pretty much figured he would forever be homeless. Completely and utterly screwed, as Dean would say, the idea of the offer stung inside, gnawing away at restraint and teasing any sense of hope. It would be so easy to say yes, after all the stress since his return, the fear, the running, the hiding, and the fighting… "They ordered us to retrieve you. They told us to use force, if necessary. We do not wish it so." As the last thing was spoken, Castiel raised a hand, resting it gingerly over his eyes, what humans could not see, however, were the intangible wings that slouched, offering a more notable sense of defeat.

"If I go back… it won’t stop," Gabriel was being hunted, Dean and Sam were under pressure, Anna, Elijah and all the others. Castiel lowered his arm, both remaining limp by his side, the soldier pressed his lips together, torn over the idea, "Raphael will not just have me back and all forgiven, I saw the look in his eyes, Tyrael, there was no love, no regret, he ended me when I was already defeated, and it didn’t seem to bother him." Clearly the realization that one of his elder brothers, not including Lucifer who Castiel had always seemed uneasy towards, lack of affection had been a hard thing to swallow, but something that made him feel cold towards Raphael at the same time. They had disagreements, everyone at some point disagreed, however in Raphael’s world that was not allowed to a point of execution. However Castiel did not blanket that upset out over all his siblings, though the ones who followed Raphael blindly harming all those that disagreed saddened him.

"I was just snared by Sariel who has been ordered after Gabriel, if I was truly wanted back and welcomed, he would not have used me against Gabriel," The angel informed Tyrael, though by ‘just’ it had been the previous day’s afternoon. "I fear you have been sent because they are attempting to take away all of us who would protect Gabriel, perhaps to twist us into going against him, I do not know. I can not allow Gabriel, Dean or anyone I care about to be alone in this, even if it means I am never to go home again, so when you get back, you tell them we aren’t going to be picked off one by one any more." Although shifting into a stance that suggested he was ready to fight, Castiel made no effort to withdraw his blade, not yet, not if it could be avoided entirely.

[TYRAEL]

brother, are you there?

and tell me, is it wonderful?

or were you hoping to find something a little more?

Tyrael said nothing to Castiel, but everything about him from his stance to his bright blue eyes was one final, silent plea. Please, he said without words, Please don't make us do this. Yet he knew the truth; he saw it written on Castiel's face. There was nothing more to be discussed. All at once he felt such a sickening hatred for this war, for this apocalypse, that he thought of shirking his duty right then and there. He would strip himself of his allegiances and sit this one out on the sidelines rather than fight his own brother.

Of course, his better sense prevailed. It would be suicide, making such a reckless decision as that. He was no archangel like Gabriel. If he left, he would be cut off from the host - and if he was cut off from the host, he would no longer have the power to hold his vessel together, to keep the injured half of himself alive. He would split apart and cease to be Tyrael.

If he was going to die, he decided, he would die in service to something. He would not die while running away like a coward.

Tyrael's vessel had a way with expression. The way he could slump his vessel's shoulders, frown and look up with his big bright eyes like a kicked dog, it conveyed everything he felt and more. There were subtleties in human expression that even his true angelic form couldn't properly convey.

Everything about Tyrael, in that moment, was sorrow.

"We are so sorry, brother," Tyrael said. The hilt of his angel blade, under the coat, dug hard into his vessel's ribs. He ignored it. He clenched his vessel's fists.

"Please forgive us."

And then he struck, faster than human eyes could follow. He charged forward and made a grab for Castiel's wrist, intending to wrench his arm behind him in a tight hammerlock, then use his own free arm to grab him around the neck. If he could simply restrain Castiel, he thought, he could quickly transport him back to the heavens without any lasting damage to either of them.

A simple plan, in theory. He knew brother Castiel would not make it so easy.

the pressure is deceiving...

TAGGING: CASTIEL , LYRICS: "NAVEED" - OUR LADY PEACE ,

^{lisey of caution owns my soul. and this template. don't steal it.}

[CASTIEL]

And you were waiting on the edge of the unknown

There were times where anger made even the craziest of actions bearable in the moment they were being preformed, however there was no anger towards Tyrael, even when Castiel tried to insist to himself that the other was a misguided rival... it didn’t help, because that was just it.. misguided. They were trained by design as well as a strict code of rules to follow orders with blind obedience... it wasn’t really entirely fair to condemn them for what they were designed to do. Why was it so hard though, so difficult for some siblings to see just how wrong it was to destroy that which God adored, to slay each other in the name of the End of Days. What made it harder, was when one could see the doubt in another’s eyes, see the displeasure and the pain such actions caused them, actions they felt unable to avoid.

" We are so sorry, brother," As was Castiel, who merely waited, hands raised, body poised, "Please forgive us." Again Castiel had to consider, was his return a blessing, or a curse? Had their father rewarded him, or was it a punishment? Which would have Castiel preferred? ... The angel felt so impossibly alone, nothing made sense in this war, each side had reasons Castiel could grasp on varying levels, each side had fighters that Castiel held dearly, each side pulling and tugging till Castiel felt himself ripping apart.

Movement was fluid, yet Castiel was tired, he was both physically sore and emotionally drained from it all, there was no way for the angel to describe how he felt, it was heavy, and empty, and upsetting in ways that didn’t even make sense to the angel, how could it? Emotions weren’t exactly a birth right, and having access to them didn’t make him an expect on them. Hands grabbed, deflected, threw themselves around and grabbed again, barely a few dance steps in and Castiel could already sense it, he’d already seen it in Tyrael’s eyes before it started, this would drag on if allowed, neither felt inclined for serious damage to the other, which meant both held back at vital points. How was this going to work? Castiel frowned, distracted in this consideration as he felt a tug, which attempted to be pulled away from with a forcible twist and grab of his own. "Do you not consider this outrageous, to be asked to harm our own? To harm those who would protect another sibling? All I wish, Tyrael, is to hear the cries of God’s children, and do as they ask of me. Is that not what we were asked to do?"

Sorry, so many issues and changes to take into account!