The sun shines on the calm lake, sparkling. The breeze blows by, carrying the fishy smell of the lake and the aroma of green grass. Dean is slumped on a creaking old folding chair, with a fishing rod casually draped in his right hand and a half bottle of cold beer in his left hand. His knuckles are white. The collar of his flannel shirt has been washed white. His mouth was open, and the knees of his jeans were stained with fresh soil. His eyes were half-squinted, and there was a rare relaxed smile on the corner of his mouth. This was the first time in the past few months that he had not been awakened by Hell's nightmare, interrupted by the pursuit of demons, or had a peaceful moment that was not shrouded in the shadow of the end of the world.
The tip of the fishing rod suddenly sank slightly, causing a circle of fine ripples. Dean raised his eyebrows, and just when his wrist was about to use force to lift the rod, the air around him twisted without warning, as if it was thrown into the water of stones.
Castiel's figure appeared out of thin air thirty centimeters in front of him. His ever-changing dark windbreaker was buttoned to the top, and his hair was combed meticulously, not even a stray hair. But his usually calm brows were now tightly knitted into a "Sichuan" shape, and his ice blue eyes were filled with anxiety that Dean had never seen before.
Dean was startled, and the fishing rod in his hand fell into the lake with a "plop", splashing him all over. He was stunned for three seconds before he realized what he was doing. He rubbed his temples resignedly and rolled his eyes.
Dean wiped the water on his face and his tone collapsed: Fake, I am dreaming, right? Absolutely.
Castiel spoke very fast and in a very low voice. At the same time, he scanned the surrounding air quickly and vigilantly. His fingers unconsciously clenched the hem of his windbreaker: We have to talk. It's not safe here. We need a more secluded place.
Dean spread his hands with a ridiculous look on his face: More secretive? Man, this is my dream! How can the communication of consciousness be concealed? Is it possible that we have to hide under the quilt?
Castiel's eyes suddenly became sharp, staring into Dean's eyes: It was a dream, but it could also be overheard by some people.
Dean The smile on his face disappeared, he frowned and leaned forward slightly.
Dean: Cass, what happened? Are you even afraid of this?
Castiel didn't answer. He quickly took out a crumpled piece of paper from the inner pocket of his windbreaker and stuffed it into Dean's hand. His fingers were cold to the bone, as if they had just been fished out of ice water.
Castiel: Come meet me here. Let's go now.
Before he finished speaking, the moment Dean raised his head, he had disappeared without a trace, as if he had never appeared. Only the piece of paper in his hand, which carried his body temperature and a faint aura of holy light, proved that everything that had just happened was true.
"Ah!"
Dean suddenly sat up from the bed, his chest heaving violently, and he was breathing heavily. Cold sweat on his forehead flowed down his cheeks, soaking the pillow. He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turned white, and the touch of the note was still in his hands. His heart was beating wildly in his chest, as if it was about to break his ribs.
The door of the next room creaked open gently. Bai Haorui walked in quickly. He was meditating just now, and the purple and gold True Gang on his body disappeared in a flash. He was wearing a simple white T-shirt and black sweatpants. His hair was a little messy, but his eyes were clear and there was no trace of sleepiness.
Bai Haorui walked to the bed and lowered his voice: Are you having a nightmare?
He turned around and walked to the table, picked up the mineral water on the table, unscrewed the bottle cap, and handed it to Dean's hand. Then he stretched out his warm and strong palm and patted Dean's back gently. There was a hint of True Fire temperature in his palm, like a warm current, which slowly soothed Dean's tense nerves.
Dean took a swig of water, gasped and shook his head: It's not a nightmare. It's Cass. He came into my dream.
He spread out his palms, and the crumpled piece of paper was clearly visible. Bai Haorui stretched out his fingertips and lightly brushed the paper. A layer of pale golden shimmer appeared on his fingertips, and he carefully explored the remaining breath on it.
Bai Haorui frowned slightly: There is his aura on it, and it is very unstable, as if it will dissipate at any time. What happened to him?
Dean: He said it was not safe here and even conscious communication would be monitored. He asked me to go to this address to see him immediately.
Bai Haorui raised his head suddenly, his eyes serious: What do you mean? Heaven There is something wrong internally? Are they monitoring each other?
He walked to the window and pushed it open. The cold wind in the early morning blew in, bringing with it a hint of coolness and the fragrance of wheat from the distant fields. Bai Haorui closed his eyes, and Divine Sense spread silently into the distance like water waves, across the sleeping city, across the endless fields, across the rushing river, and extended to Illinois hundreds of kilometers away.
He could feel countless weak energy fluctuations, including the steady breath of human life, the restlessness of nocturnal animals, and some evil breaths hidden in dark corners. Suddenly, a strong and pure angelic energy burst out in the direction of Illinois, and then, as if it was torn to pieces by an invisible big hand, it was annihilated in an instant. The pain that penetrated deep into the bone marrow, like the soul being torn in two, was clearly transmitted across hundreds of kilometers.
Bai Haorui opened his eyes suddenly and his pupils shrank suddenly.
Bai Haorui's voice was low: I also sensed it just now. Just ten minutes ago, an angelic energy was forcibly torn apart in the direction of Illinois. I could feel the pain hundreds of kilometers away. It was like something was forcibly tearing his consciousness away from this world.
Dean's expression changed instantly, and the mineral water bottle in his hand almost fell to the ground: You mean...Cass was arrested?
Bai Haorui shook his head and picked up the coat hanging on the back of the chair: I don't know the specific situation, we'll see when we get there. Pack our things and we'll be there right now.
The Impala was speeding on the dark road, its headlights piercing the darkness, leaving two long light tracks. When they arrived at the address on the note, it was completely dark.
It was a textile factory warehouse that had been abandoned for more than ten years. The huge factory building stood like a dormant beast in the darkness. The broken windows were like countless empty eyes, staring coldly into the distance. The surrounding area was covered with weeds half as tall as a man, making a "rustling" sound in the night wind.
The three of them got out of the car. Dean and Sam took out their flashlights at the same time, and two beams of light swayed in the darkness. Bai Haorui closed his eyes, and Divine Sense instantly scanned every corner of the entire warehouse.
Bai Haorui opened his eyes and spoke in a serious tone: There is the breath of a living person inside. There is also a very strong energy residue, which is very chaotic. There is the holy light of angels, the smell of sulfur of demons, and... traces of a fierce fight.
The three of them held flashlights and carefully pushed open the warehouse door. "Creak--" there was a harsh metal friction sound, and the heavy iron door slowly opened, raising dust all over the sky, making people cough.
The warehouse was in a mess. Broken glass and rusty machine parts were scattered on the ground. The walls were covered with black scorch marks, and there were some scratches with deep visible bones, as if they were scratched by some sharp claws. The air was filled with a pungent smell of sulfur and a faint smell of holy light. The two smells mixed together were nauseating.
Sam looked around with a flashlight and wrinkled his nose: What the hell is going on? This place looks like a scene after an explosion.
Dean kicked a piece of broken iron beside his feet: There was a fight here. And it was a very fierce fight.
Sam: Who are both parties?
Dean raised his chin behind him: Look back. Does it look familiar?
Sam turned around and shined a flashlight on the wall behind him. There was a complex rune carved on the wall, the lines were twisted and ferocious, emitting weak energy fluctuations. The edges of the rune were somewhat blurred, but its shape could still be clearly recognized.
Sam: Of course, this is the anti-angel rune.
Dean: So, does it mean that Cass is fighting with angels? His own people fighting his own people?
Bai Haorui squatted down, dipped his finger into some black ashes on the ground, put it to the tip of his nose and smelled it: there was more. There was other smell. At least a dozen demons had been killed here, and they were completely purified by the holy light. Not even soul fragments were left. It seemed that Cass was surrounded by enemies at the time. He had to deal with the angels who were chasing him, and the demons who were taking advantage of the situation.
He stood up and dusted his hands.
Bai Haorui: In these ashes, there are fragments of demon souls. They were purified instantly. Cass must have tried his best at that time.
At this moment, a faint sobbing sound came from the deepest corner of the warehouse.
Dean immediately raised the flashlight and shone it over, lowering his voice: Sam! Haorui Look! Cass! Cass! Hey, wake up, Cass!
The three of them walked over quickly. They saw a man in a plaid shirt huddled in the corner, his arms tightly hugging his knees, and his head buried in his knees. He looked to be in his thirties, his brown hair was messy, like a bird's nest, his face was covered with dust and tears, his eyes were red and swollen like walnuts, and his eyes were confused and empty, as if he had just woken up from a nightmare that had lasted for a year.
Hearing the sound, he suddenly raised his head, saw them, and struggled to stand up. But his legs were as weak as noodles, and he staggered and almost fell to the ground.
Bai Haorui quickly stepped forward and reached out to hold his arm steadily. The man's body was as cold as a stone just taken out of the ice cellar. His pulse was so weak that it was almost untouchable, and his breathing was rapid and shallow. It was obvious that he had not had a good rest or eaten for a long time.
Bai Haorui put his fingertips on his wrist, exploring his physical condition. A strong, yet to be dissipated angelic energy came from his body, as if it was engraved in his Bones, and every cell was soaked in the holy light. Bai Haorui shook his head gently.
Dean saw his face clearly and breathed a sigh of relief, but then frowned: Don't be nervous, relax first. Cass, are you okay? Castiel?
He reached out to pat the man on the shoulder.
Dean: What happened Cass? Why are those angels chasing you?
The man took a step back suddenly and avoided Dean's hand. His voice was hoarse and dry, with a cry: I am not Castiel. It's me.
Dean was stunned for a moment, and looked at Sam: Who does this "I" refer to?
The man sniffed and wiped the tears on his face: Jimmy. My name is Jimmy Novak.
Dean's face changed: Damn it, where did Castiel go?
Jimmy shook his head blankly and looked ahead blankly: He was gone.
The three of them took Jimmy to a nearby 24-hour fast food restaurant. It was already late at night, and they were the only customers in the fast food restaurant, and the fluorescent lights gave off a pale light. Bai Haorui ordered two double-decker burgers, a large portion of French fries and two cups of hot milk for Jimmy.
Jimmy ate hungrily. He grabbed the burger and took big bites. The corners of his mouth were covered with ketchup and salad dressing, and he didn't even bother to wipe it off. He drank the first cup of hot milk in one gulp, which made him grin with teeth. He didn't care, and immediately picked up the second cup. He seemed to have been hungry for months, and there was only food in his eyes.
Dean looked at him and couldn't help but say: Eat slowly, I'm really afraid you will choke to death. No one will fight with you.
Jimmy's mouth was full of food and he said vaguely: I'm choking! I'm starving to death!
Sam handed him a tissue: When was the last time you ate?
Jimmy swallowed the food in his mouth and took a sip of milk: I don't remember, it was a few months ago. Since he lived in my body, I have never eaten or slept. I am like a bystander, locked in the corner of my consciousness, watching him do anything with my body.
Dean frowned: What happened? That warehouse looks like a place where angels fight.
Jimmy shook his head: I only remember a bright light flashing, and then I woke up and regained my consciousness. Everything before was like a vague dream.
Dean: In other words, Cass has left your body?
Jimmy: I really don't know. I only know that I can finally control my body.
Sam: Do you remember the time when you were possessed? Do you remember everything?
Jimmy raised his head suddenly, his eyes full of pain: Of course, all the details are remembered. The angel enters your body, as if it is tied to a comet. You can feel his thoughts, his strength, and his emotions, but you can't feel anything. I couldn't do anything, so I could only watch. He had been to Hell, he had been to Heaven, and he had killed demons and angels. I watched him kill one person after another with my hands. That feeling was really terrifying.
Dean was silent for a moment: Then this sounds really uncomfortable.
Jimmy smiled bitterly: That's just an overview.
Sam: Cass said there is something very important to tell us. Please, think about it carefully. Do you still remember what it is?
Jimmy shook his head apologetically: I'm sorry. He hid that secret so deeply that even I don't know.
Dean: Okay, what else do you know?
Jimmy's eyes instantly became gentle, and his fingers unconsciously rubbed the wedding ring on his ring finger: I know my name is Jimmy Novak, from Illinois's Pontiac has a warm home. Claire. My daughter Claire. She is eight years old this year. She likes to draw the most and she is very good at drawing.
Bai Haorui sat next to Jimmy and silently handed him a tissue. He looked at Jimmy's haggard and longing face with complicated eyes.
Bai Haorui said softly: For the so-called "holy mission", abandon your family and let them live in fear and pain. But this is your belief. Just do it as you wish.
(one year ago)
Warm yellow light filled the small restaurant. Jimmy, Amelia and Claire, a family of three, sat around the dining table. On the table was a simple dinner: roast chicken, mashed potatoes and vegetable salad. Claire was holding a crayon and drawing on the napkin.
Jimmy Put your hands together, close your eyes, and pray devoutly: Thank you for the food you have given, holy Lord. We will cherish your gift extremely, and we will continue to uphold our faith and reverence for you, and abide by the name of the Father. Amen.
Amelia&Claire then closed his eyes: Amen.
Amelia cut a piece of chicken for Claire, then looked up at Jimmy.
Amelia smiled: Should work go well today?
Jimmy smiled: Not bad. The radio commercial was finally signed.
At this moment, the TV in the living room suddenly made a harsh high-frequency noise, and the screen instantly turned into snowflakes. Jimmy suddenly covered his ears and let out a painful groan. Then his body softened, slipped from the chair, and fell to the ground.
Amelia stood up screaming: Jimmy! Jimmy!
Claire was so frightened that he burst into tears: Dad! Dad!
Amelia and Claire screamed in horror and gathered around him.
The four returned to the motel. Sam and Dean sat at the table, discussing in a low voice. Jimmy sat on the edge of the bed, looking out the window blankly. His fingers kept rubbing the wedding ring on his ring finger. The ring was somewhat worn, but it was still polished by him.
Sam lowered his voice: Then what should we do?
Dean: What do you mean? This guy has a family. Of course, buy him a ticket and let him go home. He has had enough.
Sam frowned and shook his head: I don't agree with this approach. Dean, he is our only clue.
Dean: But he doesn't know anything about it! He doesn't remember anything!
Sam: Do you really believe that he doesn't know? I mean, is it possible that he is lying to us? Or is Cass's consciousness still sleeping in his body, but we didn't notice it?
Dean's tone became a little serious: What are you going to do? Lock him up and interrogate him properly?
Sam: Dean, maybe he knows the facts subconsciously. I think we can at least take him to Bobby, and maybe let Pamela try hypnosis or Spirit Communication on him. Maybe we can dig out the memories Cass has hidden.
Dean: I don't think so, bro.
Sam: Dean, think about it, there was a fight between angels there. Although we still don't know exactly what happened, it must be a big deal, and it affects Apocalypse and the whole world. We can't just miss the only clue in our hand.
Dean looked at Sam in confusion: What's wrong with you? Remember our purpose of helping everyone, right? Isn't it just to reunite them? Jimmy has lost a year of his life, and we can no longer deprive him of his right to go home.
Sam: You think I don't want to help him? I'm just discussing the matter. I'm also trying to find ways to help him.
Dean: How can you see it?
Sam: Dean, we want to find out from him, do you think those demons won't want to? If we send him home, the demons will definitely come to our door. By then, he and his family will be in danger.
Bai Haorui had been leaning against the window, listening to their argument without speaking. After a while, he turned around.
Bai Haorui's tone was calm, but extremely firm: The devil will come, that's for sure. But this is definitely not the reason for us to lock him up. He is not a prisoner, he is a victim. Heaven took advantage of his faith and took away a year of his life. Do we still want to take away his right to go home now?
Sam: But...
Bai Haorui: Interrupted him, walked up to Sam, and looked him in the eyes: No but. We are hunters, and our duty is to protect ordinary people, not use them as tools. If the devil dares to come, we will kill them. It's that simple.
His eyes were serious and firm, with an undoubted power.
Bai Haorui: Sam, don't forget why we are hunters. We are not saving the world to save the world, we are protecting ordinary people like Jimmy. If we sacrifice their happiness for the so-called "big picture", what is the difference between us and the monsters we want to destroy?
Sam opened his mouth and wanted to refute, but in the end he lowered his head and said nothing.
Jimmy turned his head suddenly and looked at them excitedly: What are you three talking about? What do you mean I can't go home?
He heard their conversation and stood up emotionally. His eyes were red and his voice was trembling with anger.
Sam sighed: Because you are the target of public criticism now.
Jimmy: What do you mean? Who are they?
Dean: Demons.
Jimmy sneered: Come on, stop talking nonsense. Why do they want this empty shell of me?
Sam: It's hard to say. If we ask for the truth, maybe they also want to know what Cass discovered.
Jimmy shouted excitedly: I don't know what I have said!
Sam: I know, but...
Jimmy interrupted him with a hoarse voice: Listen, my mission has been completed, do you understand? It's none of my business what the devil or angel is. I just want to go home now. I miss my wife, I miss my daughter.
Dean walked over and patted him on the shoulder: We understand.
Jimmy: Shaking his head, tears streaming down his face: No, I don't think you understand this feeling at all. I have been shot, stabbed and resuscitated, and my body has been used by others all over the world. Although I was chosen by God, I have completed my mission. I have given enough, understand? I have already lost a year, and I cannot and do not want to lose more.
Sam: Listen, we just want to tell you that you are safest if you come with us.
Jimmy: How long will it take?
Dean and Sam looked at each other and fell silent.
Dean said with difficulty: At least until we figure out the whole thing.
Dean: Where do you want to go now?
Jimmy: Can't I go visit my wife and daughter?
Sam shook his head: No. You will only put them in danger.
Jimmy: Taking a step back, eyes desperate: Does that mean I am now a prisoner again?