Timelines Aren’t For Dreamers

Castiel wasn’t sure where he was trying to get to when he awoke that morning. He didn’t wake Kalliope, nor did he stir Etain, Viho, or Elpis. The man could feel something tugging at his old heart… maybe it was the urge to head home one last time. He was sure that he was heading in a relatively familiar direction though with the lack of his sight Cas couldn’t be a hundred percent sure. But there was something else that Castiel noticed that morning as well…

He didn’t feel right. Everything felt slower and the world felt just a bit colder. Maybe it was some sort of instinct within him that if something were to happen he didn’t want to be around his mate, son, and daughter. Castiel knew he was old, heck, older than old at this point. The man let out a short cough, feeling something tickle his throat. He could taste blood… but still the man decided to press on. If he found the pack he could get herbs for whatever ailed him.

This was hardly the state he wanted to see his family again in, however. Heck, he thought to himself, he hadn’t even found Ronen yet and that wounded him deeper than any battle wound he’d ever received. The man took another step, ears falling back as a whine passed his lips.

He was tired.

He was so tired…

But…

Castiel shook his head. Everything was feeling heavy… and he wasn’t sure he could keep pressing on. He could smell water, and the thought that maybe a refreshing drink might wake him up stirred in his mind.

A couple more steps and Castiel couldn’t walk anymore. He stumbled, crumpling to the earth like something worn and discarded. The man took a raspy breath, his unseeing eyes slowly closing.

What had he accomplished? He asked himself.

He was away from everyone else now… and Castiel just felt so tired…

...maybe if he just slept for a while he’d feel better. Then he could either find his way to Celestial or find his way back to Kalli and the kids. Maybe if he found the latter group they could find the pack together.

Castiel curled around into a ball and gave a small shiver. He felt so cold… and everything was starting to feel numb. Something in Castiel screamed at him to stay awake, to not give into sleep, but he was just too tired…

And shortly after Castiel drifted off the last breath he’d ever breathe slipped passed his lips.

The man wouldn’t see his mate or children again in this lifetime… and yet, evil still, the pale man held a slight smile on his face.

Before he died he must have been having the most pleasant dream.

The dream of his family whole. Surreal, Kalli, all their children…

They were all there.

...and knowing that one day they’d all be together again…

...well, how could he not smile?

--Exit Castiel via Death.--