BASED ON ERIC KRIPKE'S "SUPERNATURAL". ALL COPYRIGHTED CHARACTERS AND STORYLINES BELONG TO THEIR RIGHTFUL OWNERS.

Here's episode 11 of season 4, finally updated after a long, long time. Thank you Spitfire1941, I realy appreciate your review. And you're right. It was about time I'd continue this story. Now it's going to take some time before I start updating regularly again (I have to write a few chapters in advance) but I've decided to go on.

Hope you enjoyed this episode!

S04E11: FRAILTY

Michael enters the tent, filled with anger and fury, followed by Cas, Ellen, Selaphiel and Lucifer.

"Michael would you mind telling me what went on. Why are you so upset" Cas demands to know.

After a brief moment in which the archangel seems detached from the general's question, he suddenly turns to face the others while addressing his leader: "Ask Ellen. I'm sure she has a very good excuse for screwing up."

"What are you talking about" Cas is confused. "Ellen, what happened?"

"I'll tell you what happened" Michael responds instead. "She almost compromised the entire mission. If it hadn't been for Lucifer, all the angels on this mission would have been dead. Tell me Ellen. I'm curious as hell. What got into you? Cause I would have never expected something like this from you."

Still taken by puzzlement, Cas throws another glance at Ellen, hoping to discover what went wrong. Their mission turned out to be a success despite the many casualties but obviously, according to Michael, something that could have turned into a catastrophe was barely avoided. And the archangel's finger points to Ellen. As for the latter, she is standing next to him silently, head dropped to the floor, unable to offer any kind of explanation…

A day earlier…

Cas is staring at a large keep from afar, contemplating on how to break down its defenses. So far, the angels have managed to destroy many settlements from the Olukhay blockade. Yet that does not stop him from expressing concern that what they have faced cannot be the full extent of the imperials' might. And furthermore, the general knows that he cannot take down the entire enemy blockade. Nevertheless, he must ignore his doubts and maintain his concentration at his current mission.

He is distracted by loud noises coming from behind. Turning around, he notices that an armored vehicle regiment has just arrived at the angelic establishment near the imperial keep. From one of the tanks steps out Michael and approaches him.

"As you requested Castiel, a complement of 7 mobile artilery units and 5 Abrams-type battle tanks."

Selaphiel and Ellen join the two. "You think they'll be able to do the job" she inquires.

Cas explains: "The stronghold in front of us is protected by some sort of impenetrable energy field."

"Yeah, how did they do that anyway" Selaphiel is curious.

"There's only one explanation for it" the general says. "Witchcraft."

"Are you telling me that the Olukhays can use magic? Like spells and stuff? That's just ridiculous" the fire archangel grunts.

"Not necessarily" Ellen intervenes. "We've witnessed the humans using witchcraft since the dawn of time. It would only be logical to assume that the Olukhays are capable of it as well."

"Which makes you wonder what else they can do" Michael states.

"We'll just have to worry about that on a later date. Right now, we need to find a way to bring that force field down. If our tanks will not succeed, I'm considering heavy air bombardment."

Suddenly, Cas' attention is caught by Lucifer. "You brought him as well" he asks Michael.

"Yeah. He handled himself pretty well in that dog fight over that nest. Figured he would bring the same kind of contribution in this mission too."

"I have no doubt" the general admits. "Come. Let's get to work."

In the mean time, on the Celestius, Adriel and Eziel walk side by side.

"I really appreciate you helping me Adriel. I feel a bit overwhelmed with all this stuff."

"No need to thank me Eziel. I'm glad I can offer assistance."

"Well I got to go and check on how those drills are coming up" Eziel admits and leaves. However, Adriel does not remain alone for he is immediately joined by Tilia. "So how is Eziel doing" she asks after they share a short kiss.

"Considering that he's just been named CNAF (Commander of the Naval and Air Forces), I think he's managing."

"Look Adriel, I'm really sorry that you were replaced. I know how much that job meant to you."

"Nonsense" he points out. "I got suspended because of my own error in judgment. I screwed up and I suffered the consequences. It's actually very simple."

"Yeah but it was important to you. And besides, I haven't been the best support lately. But I can make it up. What do you say to an entire night in your quarters? Just the two of us. We can talk, watch a movie … maybe even play doctor" she smirks wickedly.

"Oh sorry darling but I can't. I have a lot of work to do."

Tilia laughs in disbelief: "What work? You're not a commander anymore. You should have plenty of spare time."

"I promised Eziel that I'll help him settle in Tilia" Adriel snaps. "You think these things get solved on their own?"

"I…" she tries to speak but is quickly cut off.

"We're at war damn it. We don't have time for intimate moments or fun nights. If you don't understand that then maybe you're not cut out for this."

Tilia's expression turns to disappointment. Realizing that he acted stupidly, Adriel tries to apologize: "Look I'm sorry…"

"No, no. There's no need to apologize. Poor, pathetic little old Tilia doesn't get anything. That's OK" she concludes and prepares to leave.

"Tilia wait…"

"I'm just going to go now. It seems that I'm not what you currently need … or should I say want."

Watching her walk away, Adriel feels completely ashamed for the way he treated her. But from another point of view, he does not have enough time for her. After his enormous failure that caused him his rank, he decided that he would start all over. Work his way from the bottom and reach the place he was before, no matter what the cost. That is why he is doing everything and committing all his spare time to help Eziel lead the angelic fleet. If he works hard enough, maybe he'll win back Cas' trust and his position as a Commander. This plan is way much better than the alternative, isolating himself and brooding over his failures. But then there's Tilia. How can he please her when he is already fully dedicated to his goal? His life has gotten so complicated…

Cas and the others get ready to assault the force field of the Olukhay keep. Michael reports that the artillery units and tanks are in position while Selaphiel informs that the mortar teams and rocket launchers are ready to siege their target. Furthermore, several angels stand by near mounted 50 caliber machine guns. Everyone awaits the general's order.

Cas, who takes a deep breath, wonders if this will work. Then, he reaches for his wrist comm, installed in his right gauntlet, and transmits: "All units, prepare to open fire on my mark!" At his words, the celestials' pulse rises as they feel the tension before the battle.

The general throws one last glance at Ellen. She nods, as in a special form of approval. Having received it, Cas again takes his wrist to his mouth and utters determined: "Fire!"

After their leader's command, the angels hit the force field with every weapon they have. The high yield projectiles crash into the energy barrier and create multiple, large explosions. The heavy shells launched by the artillery tanks display their destructive power through massive, powerful blasts. Added to these are the mortar rounds and the RPGs which are completed by the mounted machine guns.

Yet despite such fire power, the force field seems totally unaffected. No matter how many bombs the angels throw at it, the mystical wall manages to stay in one piece and continue to protect the Olukhay keep.

Witnessing that their attack has no success, Selaphiel walks up to Cas: "Boss we're clearly not even scratching that thing. We're wasting precious ammo."

Recognizing the truth in the fire archangel's assessment, Cas realizes that they must stop. "All units, cease fire. Repeat, all units … cease fire!"

The general's order is executed as everyone reverts back to a neutral state. Disappointed that his plan failed, Cas sighs in frustration. The angelic army is devoting too much time and resources just to break the defenses of an enemy fortress. If this will be the case concerning all assault missions, then this campaign against the Olukhays will turn into a long and difficult war which will probably end up in the celestials' defeat.

"Don't worry honey" Ellen comforts him. "We'll break this force field. It's just a matter of time."

"I suppose" he replies, a bit disconcerted. Then, he turns to the others: "Let's fall back. This mission is obviously a failure."

"Whoa, whoa, something's going on" Selaphiel points out, starring at the large gates of the keep. Cas and Ellen direct their view there and notice that something is about to exit the Olukhay stronghold.

"Is that what I think it is" the fire archangel questions.

"Yes" Michael answers, not taking his eyes away from what comes out of the keep. "It's a siege tower."

The oldest archangel is correct. From the gates of the keep advances a monstrous, massive rectangular structure on 4 wheels. Reaching up to a height of about 12 feet, it is similar in every way to the siege engines constructed by the humans since the rise of the great civilizations on Earth.

"Last time I saw one of these things was in 19 century France" Selaphiel recollects.

"It looks like it's heading our way" Ellen notices.

"Wait a minute" the fire archangel states. "Last time I checked, these things don't move on their own. Do you guys see anyone or anything that is pushing or pulling it forward? Cause I don't."

Cas asks Ellen for binoculars. Taking a closer look, the general realizes that Selaphiel is right. It is as if the tower moves by itself.

"Selaphiel?"

"Yes Castiel."

"Get a javelin ready. As soon as the tower steps out of the force field area, I want a lock on it!"

"Yes Castiel" the archangel complies. He turns around and addresses two angel soldiers: "Masack, Bira, get that piece over here." They obey the order, load the missile inside the launcher and place themselves in firing range. The Olukhay siege engine moves very slowly but eventually, it crosses the force field, furthering away from its protective grasp.

"Fire" Cas shouts.

The anti-tank projectile heads to its intended target but, to the angels' dismay, the siege tower is shielded by an energy barrier as well.

"You've got to be kidding me! That thing has a force field too?" Selaphiel groans exasperated.

"It's obviously magic controlled" Ellen assumes.

Cas peers at the Olukhay machinery before turning to the oldest archangel: "Michael!" Understanding what his superior is asking of him, the latter heads back to the tanks, requesting that they immediately get set to open fire. After that, he enters one of the armored vehicles. Lucifer is inside as well.

While the tower closes in on the angelic forces, the Abrams tanks begin to fire upon it, over and over again. The celestials handling the javelin try again. Unfortunately, their combined fire power has no effect on the siege engine which does not even slow down. Witnessing this, Cas orders every unit to attack the enemy mobile structure.

At one point, from one of the openings presented on the front side of the tower, an arrow is launched. Shockingly, it proves to be extremely volatile, managing to blow up a tank. Cas is perplexed. How can the Olukhays posses such destructive abilities? He realizes he cannot dwell on questions. He must act. First, he orders that all the angels from within the tanks abandon their position since there is no time for them to drive the vehicles to safety.

While preparing to leave the tank, Michael and Lucifer notice an arrow heading their way. Performing a supernatural leap, they successfully escape the blast caused by the bow casted projectile which destroys the armored vehicle.

In the mean time, the rest of the angels are hitting the tower with everything they have, struggling to avoid the high explosive arrows.

Selaphiel empties his rifle's clip. "Not good" he expresses, observing that the imperial siege engine is causing massive damage and inflicting many casualties among the angels' ranks. That is why he throws his weapon away and commences striking the Olukhay tower with fire balls. No effect. Focusing harder, the youngest archangel releases a large wave of fire in an attempt to take down the enemy mobile structure. Again, useless.

Some celestials travel to the rear of the tower, suspecting that part to be vulnerable. Sadly, they are wrong. The entire structure is protected by a force field, which at the moment seems impenetrable, allowing the archers inside to continue their attacks undisturbed.

Meanwhile, Cas sees a wounded angel somewhere near the imperial siege machine. Discerning that he is still alive, because of the faint movements of his arm, the general rushes to save him. Reaching his position, awfully close to the tower, Cas helps the injured soldier on his feet. To her horror, Ellen notices that an arrow is dangerously close to her lover and the other angel. The general lays eyes upon it as well.

"Cas, nooo" Ellen shouts in panic. At this moment, her mind is taken over by memories. She experiences many flashbacks from the time she betrayed her family and Cas to work for Alice. But the most intense one is related to Cas' death at the hands of Alzar. She recollects how she just stood there and did nothing, watching her one true love get murdered. All of these memories last only a split of a second but they have a significant impact on Ellen. She freezes and can only gaze at how the arrow rapidly approaches Cas.

Fortunately, the general uses his telekinesis to stop the arrow in midair and send it back at the tower. Then, he carries the wounded angel away from the archers' firing range, much to Ellen's relief.

Realizing that the tower will not be brought down by conventional weapons, Lucifer decides to use one of his most deadly and powerful supernatural attacks. He faces the siege engine, closes his eyes and clenches his fists, preparing to muster enough energy to be able to use his incredible power.

"What are you doing" Michael asks.

"Just cover me" the devil requests.

Understanding what his younger brother is attempting, Michael envelops him in a transparent, protective force field, just like the one guarding the Olukhay keep. The tower directs its course toward the two archangels, the archers inside concentrating their fire upon them. Although their arrows cannot pierce Michael's shield, the collision force of the tower will most likely achieve that goal and interrupt Lucifer's attack.

Cas realizes that and figures he must do something to decrease the speed of the Olukhay siege engine and buy the devil more time. So, he enters a tank and drives it to the back of the tower. There, he attaches the armored vehicle's towing hook to one of the tower's parts, linking the two mobile units with a chain. Afterward, he returns to the tank and accelerates as hard as he can, hoping that it will manage to slow the siege tower's advance. And, for a fraction of time, he succeeds.

Meanwhile, as Lucifer gets closer and closer to the full sequence of his attack, the other angels and the archers exchange heavy fire. Despite Cas' efforts, the tower collides with Michael's force field, submitting it to an enormous pressure. The oldest archangel tolerates this but knows he cannot resist indefinitely. As for the devil, a few inches away from the large Olukhay siege engine, does not even twitch, standing perfectly still.

"Lucifer hurry up" Michael shouts. "I can't hold this thing forever!"

Steam begins to come out of the tank, giving Cas the notion that he is overheating the engine. He shuts it down, concluding that there is nothing more he can do. Everything rests in Lucifer's hands.

"Lucifer" Michael cries, unable to maintain the force field any longer.

The devil opens his eyes which shine brightly. He yells: "Now Michael!" The latter lowers the energy shield, allowing Lucifer to release a massive light wave that breaks through the tower's force field, incinerating the entire siege structure. The entire area is engulfed in a blinding white spectrum, forcing everyone to cover their sight.

Once the light clears off, the celestials lay eyes upon the destroyed enemy unit and stand down. Lucifer takes a few seconds to regain his breath while Selaphiel and Ellen check to see how many angels have perished. Cas appears to be very mournful at his fallen siblings. Too many have died today in what should have been an easy assault operation.

"What do you feel about this war now Castiel" the devil asks, extremely angry, even delivering a shoulder- check to the general. The latter remains still, unable to have any kind of reply and heavily filled with remorse.

Evening. Tilia is in her quarters on the Celestius, enjoying a plate of crackers and a glass of milk. She hears two knocks coming from the door. Turning her view in that direction, she witnesses Adriel coming in. "What do you want" she asks bluntly, very upset with him.

Adriel, obviously, came to visit her with the intention of apologizing for his behavior. He does not wish to allow a wedge to be driven between him and Tilia. She is the only valuable thing left for him after his failure. Whatever happens, he swears to himself to keep her by his side.

"I'm sorry for what I said today" he begins. "I acted like a complete jerk. I should have just kept my mouth shut."

His words persuade her to look at him. This gives Adriel courage to go on: "You're not pathetic. And I think that you are one of the most intelligent and sensitive angels I've ever met."

"No Adriel" she retorts. "You were right. It's not like I'm making such a huge difference in this war. All I do is sit on my ass all day and cover reports. I don't have the right to ask you to spend time with me."

"That's not true. You help us all the time. Your contribution is important, no matter its nature. Look" - he approaches her and grabs her hand – "I know that things between us haven't been so bright lately, but I promise you that they'll get better. You mean a lot to me and the last thing I want to do is push you away."

"You don't think I'm useless" she inquires.

"We'd be lost without you" Adriel assures her after which they share a kiss.

In the mean time, at the angelic temporary base near the Olukhay keep, Cas, Ellen, Selaphiel Michael and Lucifer discuss the conclusions of the battle.

"Body count revealed 26 fatalities" Ellen reports. "Others presenting injuries are being transported at this very moment to the physical universe for complete recovery."

Cas buries his head in his hands.

"Oh no" Lucifer rapidly interferes. "You don't get to regret what happened. You don't have the right. This whole fiasco was your idea Castiel. Don't you dare turn away from it!"

"Leave him be Lucifer" Ellen defends the general. "Cas did the best he could. Look I think we need some rest. We all had a bad day and we could use some sleep."

"Ellen's right" Castiel agrees. "We will come up with another plan tomorrow. Michael, Lucifer, perform an inventory. I want to know our condition for another attack."

"Yes Castiel" the oldest archangel compels.

"Am I the only one over here who sees that this is pointless" the devil protests. "Haven't we lost enough angels already?"

"That's enough Lucifer. Let's go" Michael demands.

Noticing that his pleads go unanswered, the fallen archangel resigns. "You're a hypocrite Castiel and so are the rest of you." Then, he storms out of the tent. Michael follows him.

"I'll try to find another assault strategy" Selaphiel says and departs the tent as well.

"I've made huge mistakes today" Cas admits while sighing.

Ellen grabs his jaw: "Hey, hey! Look at me. One way or the other, we'll do this. We will capture that keep. I promise you."

Reluctant, Cas accepts her encouragements. Afterward, they begin to kiss, heading toward the sleeping bags…

Several hours later, midnight finds the two warring sides resting. The angel soldiers who are on watch can say without a doubt that things are as quiet inside the Olukhay keep as they are at their own base. The imperials do not engage probably because they know they have the upper hand with their impenetrable force field. This gives the celestials the opportunity of a good night's sleep and to recharge their energies for another battle.

In the command tent, Cas and Ellen are sleeping. However, the female angel has a disturbing nightmare, reminiscing the same images of the past she experienced during the battle. She dreams how Cas dies while the only action she can perform is reduced to watching. And she goes through it over and over again until she abruptly wakes up with her heart beats racing. Shaken by the nightmare, she quickly checks up on Cas to see if he is all right. The general is sleeping comfortably. Afterward, Ellen covers her forehead with her palms, visibly troubled by her dark dream.

Outside, several feet away, Michael and Lucifer are repairing a tank in the pale light of a lamp. The former is on a creeper, working under the armored vehicle while the latter gives him different tools.

"Come on Michael! You have to admit that everything Castiel is doing here is wrong. You have to see that."

"He's my general. I have to obey him" Michael explains.

"Don't give me that crap. You and I both know that you're the most capable to lead our family. Not a small, inexperienced being like Castiel."

"Says the angel who got his asked kicked by him" Michael replies. "Look, you don't know him like I do. He proved himself. He's not the mere foot soldier I sent to Earth to handle the Apocalypse campaign. He's grown so much and he has father's trust."

"Oh yes. You've hit the spot with that."

Michael slides his creeper from under the tank to look at his brother: "What is that supposed to mean?"

Lucifer starts laughing. "Oh you haven't changed at all Michael. Still unable to think for yourself."

Michael gets on his feet, clearly angered by his brother's affirmation.

"What" Lucifer asks, a bit frightened. "What are you going to do? You're going to beat me again? Go ahead. It changes nothing. You're still that same Michael who can't take decisions on his own. Only this time it's not dad you're blindly following, it's just a little brother, which makes things 10 times worse."

Michael opens his mouth to retort but is quickly cut off.

"What is most disturbing is the fact that you know it. You know that Castiel is screwing up big time yet you take no action. In the mean time, our siblings are falling everyday while our family is dragged into a hopeless, unwinnable war."

And with that Lucifer leaves. In the past, Michael would have never taken his brother's words into consideration. However, now, he is a bit taken aback because he finds himself pondering over what the devil said. And worse, he discovers a faint glimpse of logic and reason in his arguments. "No" Michael imposes to himself. He is not going to doubt Cas and listen to Lucifer. He knows better than that. Therefore he returns on the creeper and slides back under the tank.

Morning. Around 07:00 hours, Selaphiel is seen running around the angelic settlement, making his way toward the general's tent. He barges in without permission and stumbles on Ellen dressing herself. They both scream and abruptly wake up Cas who, under the deep influence of sleep, grabs his katana and unsheathes it, believing that they are under attack. The fire archangel steps out of the tent and adds: "Sorry Ellen!"

"That's OK Selaphiel" she forgives him while rolling her eyes.

"What is going on here" Cas grunts.

"I think I found a way to bring the Olukhay force field down" the archangel declares. "Come to the forward command tent in half an hour and I'll tell you everything about it."

After the time amount Selaphiel set up expires, Cas and Ellen, along with Michael and Lucifer proceed to hear what the youngest archangel has discovered.

"So, what's all the fuss about" Lucifer inquires.

"I believe I found a way to take out the keep's force field" Selaphiel reports.

"How" Cas demands to know.

Selaphiel directs their attention to a map of the area: "This is our target, the Olukhay keep, protected by some kind of energy shield. About several clicks west, our satellite network has pinpointed a small Olukhay encampment, completely isolated."

"What does that have to do with our mission here" Lucifer shows mistrust in his younger brother's reason.

"Well don't you think it's strange that the Olukhays simply decided to place a small camp in the proximity of a heavily fortified stronghold?"

"You're right" Ellen approves. "It makes no sense. Why would they do that?"

"That I thought as well" Selaphiel goes on. "So I put Grogan here" - points to a male angel also present in the tent – "to run a full tactical analysis of that small settlement."

"What have you learned" the general asks.

Selaphiel opens his mouth to answer but realizes that it is too complicated: "Why don't you do the honors Grogan."

"I ran a full analysis set on that camp. Nothing struck me as out of the ordinary until I saw the electromagnetic readings. They were off the chart." Grogan displays the isolated imperial settlement on a computer, on an EM spectrum; it shows the camp covered in an intense green color. "That green color is the elevated EM field that envelops the Olukhay settlement."

Cas and the others notice that a part of the intense green extends beyond the image as if travelling to another location on the map. When they ask an explanation, Grogan minimizes the map, action which shows that the small camp and the fortified keep are connected via the same green color that marks high electromagnetic readings.

"OK, so what does that mean" Ellen is curious.

"Think about it" Selaphiel steps in. "EM fields mean energy. Or in the Olukhays' case, magic, right? What if the keep's force field has a generator, located inside that camp? And it's pretty reasonable to believe so. I mean that settlement is hidden, away from any enemy who might consider attacking the keep, it can be easily defended because of the rough and narrow terrain and it can charge the force field at any moment."

"So you're saying that somewhere inside that camp lies the generator that powers the keep's shield" Cas tries to understand.

"Exactly. We find it … destroy it … sayonara force field."

"Who's to say that that camp isn't protected by a shield as well" Lucifer again displays doubt.

"I don't think so" Grogan interferes. "The readings of the EM field around the camp fluctuate while those that cover the keep are stable. Which shows a clear, one way, power transfer. I believe that proves the difference and the fact that the camp is not force field protected."

"Can the camp be infiltrated" the general inquires. Lucifer sighs and shakes his head, realizing what Cas is thinking. It frustrates him that he cannot do anything about it and angers him even more that the other angels blindly listen to Cas.

"Satellite images show a lot of activity there but yes, I believe a small group can get inside and plant some charges" Selaphiel confesses.

"Good. Ellen, Michael … this is your objective. Gather how many soldiers you need, infiltrate the small settlement, find the shield generator and destroy it. Try to avoid a high enemy death toll."

"Will do Cas" the female angel says.

"In the mean time, Selaphiel and I will prepare another assault attempt on the keep. However, I want our forces to be concealed from enemy sight. As soon as Michael and Ellen signal us that the generator is down, and just after the force field collapses, we open fire with everything we have at the keep."

"Surprise attack" Selaphiel is impressed. "They won't even see it coming."

"Hopefully will bring down very quickly whatever defense they can muster" Cas admits. "We are in no shape for a large scale battle like yesterday. All right. Let's get to work. Dismissed!"

The plan is set into motion. While Cas and Selaphiel gather what is left of the angelic strike force for the assault, Ellen, Michael, Lucifer and 4 other soldiers approach the small Olukhay camp. It is made up of a few tents gathered upon a hill. Despite this simplistic scenery, the place is roamed by dozens of imperial troopers. Somewhere in the center lies a pedestal upon which is placed what appears to be a crystal ball.

"That must be the generator" Michael says, studying the enemy target with his magnified vision.

"There's too many of them" Ellen declares. "We'll need a distraction!"

"Right" the oldest archangel agrees. "Renel" he calls for one of the other angels. "At my signal, start firing at the camp."

"What are you insane" Lucifer objects. "They'll be giving away their position. We'll lose the element of surprise."

Michael ignores him: "Ellen, you got the C4?"

"Right here."

"Good. You and Lucifer follow me."

"Where" the devil asks.

"Just do what I say."

In the mean time, the contingent led by Cas and Selaphiel assemble and get into attack positions. Crouched and concealed, the two leaders are staring at the Olukhay keep, using binoculars.

"Man I hope this works" Selaphiel expresses.

"It will. We just have to have faith … have to be strong" Cas admits. After he utters these words, he notices on one of the fortress' walls an imperial soldier looking back at him with some sort of a spyglass. Then, the latter begins to point his finger toward the celestials' direction, as if trying to expose their presence to his kind. "I think we've been made" the general states worryingly.

Michael, Ellen and Lucifer stealthily circle the camp and reach behind it. Taking cover beyond a tree line, they get ready to take action.

"Now what" the devil asks his brother.

The oldest archangel uses his wrist comm: "Now Renel!" The latter and the other three angel soldiers begin to fire at the Olukhay encampment. The imperials guarding it, who are mostly archers with the same kind of explosive arrows, quickly rush to respond in force.

At this very moment, Michael lifts his hand, displaying deep concentration. At one point, a multitude of small sparks exit his palm and head toward Renel's position. When they arrive there, the light fragments morph into the appearance of angelic soldiers, giving the Olukhays the impression that they are attacked by a large enemy group. All the imperials inside the camp focus on the firefight, leaving the generator completely unattended.

"Very nice Michael" Ellen is impressed.

"Come on" the oldest archangel urges. "We don't have much time."

The three take advantage of the Olukhays' distraction and proceed unbothered to the crystal ball. Ellen plants the charges and as soon as she is done, they rapidly leave the settlement.

Meanwhile, Cas and Selaphiel are still waiting for the destruction of the shield generator, which will bring down the imperial keep's impenetrable force field. All of a sudden, loud noises are heard from inside the stronghold. When the celestials set their view to determine the source, they see what can only be described as large energy bursts, launched similar to high-arcing mortar bombs, heading straight their way. Realizing their nature and purpose, Cas yells: "Fall back!"

The general has every right to call the retreat. The energy bursts are extremely volatile and very destructive, producing massive damages among the angels' ranks.

Back at the small camp, Michael, Ellen and Lucifer return to Renel and the others, finding themselves under constant fire. However, the female angel is forced to take cover in a separate location, several feet away from her team mates.

"Michael" Cas calls in from the comm station. "We're under heavy fire and are suffering damages. The Olukhays inside the keep are firing some sort of plasma bursts at us. We need the force field down now!"

"Copy that Cas" Ellen states, having heard her leader's sitrep. She takes out the detonator, intending to set the C4 charges off. Unfortunately, she unexpectedly hesitates and freezes. What she experienced the day before, the flashbacks with Cas' death, somehow initiated a mental block that is currently preventing her from detonating the charges. The basis for this disorder lies in a unique form of posttraumatic stress. Somewhere deep in her subconscious, she is unwilling to make decisions that will lead to deaths, associating it with the image of Castiel's death at the hand of her wrong choices.

"Ellen, what are you waiting for" Michael roars. "Pull the damn switch!"

With the force fields still active, the angels cannot attack the Olukhay keep, becoming easy targets for the imperials' mystical bombardment. Again, Cas finds himself witnessing the death of many of his brothers and sisters, which engulfs him in grievance.

"Guys we're getting slaughtered over here" Selaphiel communicates to the other archangels. "What's the hold up on that generator?"

"Stand by" Michael responds. "Ellen, detonate those blasted charges NOW!"

Just like before, Ellen has no reaction. Her mind keeps replaying Cas' death over and over again as she sinks into a catatonic state.

Enraged, Michael makes his way to her location, followed of course, by Lucifer. While reaching there, they are immediately targeted by the Olukhay archers.

The two archangels safely reach Ellen's cover position. The oldest one, extremely furious, plucks the detonator from her hand while yelling: "What the hell is wrong with you?" But when he tries to set off the C4 charges, nothing happens. The explosives fail to respond to the detonator. The reason for this is because an Olukhay mage rendered the charges placed on the generator inoperable. Michael and Lucifer exchange concerned looks, realizing what happened.

Before the oldest archangel can reprimand Ellen some more, Cas' voice is heard from his communicator: "Michael, the shield … disable it now!" However, Michael knows that there is little they can do to attempt to destroy the generator again.

"Ah screw this" Lucifer spits, deciding to take matters into his own hands. He starts charging toward the imperial settlement.

"Lucifer, get back here! That's an order" Michael shouts annoyed yet his little brother ignores him. Olukhay swordsmen intercept the devil but with just one wave of his hand, he pushes them out of his way and continues advancing toward their camp. The explosions created by the arrows that land near him do not even slow him down. In return, Lucifer fires small orbs of light at the Olukhay archers that discharge on impact.

Meanwhile, the plasma bursts continue to decimate Cas' strike force, even though the angels are retreating. Selaphiel tries to create force fields of his own to cover his siblings' fall back.

Lucifer enters the premises of the imperial small camp and repels enemy soldiers by casting bright lights from his palm. They blind all Olukhays that approach the devil. Upon reaching the pedestal where the crystal ball generator is placed, Lucifer is confronted by the mage. The latter attempts to knock the archangel down with an energy attack but due to the celestial's formidable powers, it backfires. With no obstacle standing between him and the generator, Lucifer smashes it with a well placed leg kick.

A silver-transparent dome envelops the Olukhay stronghold after which disappears. Everyone clearly understands that the force field has fallen. Unfortunately, the celestial force that was meant to seize the keep has suffered heavy losses and is unable to complete its mission.

The Olukhays that were defending the imperial camp against the angels now rush to the generator pedestal. They find it shattered and Lucifer standing next to the pieces. The fallen archangel throws them a despising glance before taking off from the ground, flying away. Michael, Ellen and the other 4 angels take advantage of the Olukhays' distraction and retreat.

In the mean time, the imperials inside the keep continue to fire plasma bursts at the retreating angels. Despite the distance, these attacks prove to have long range capabilities. Extremely frustrated about this, Cas steps in the direction of an incoming strike, uses his powers to capture it and to send it back from where it came. Through this action, he manages to destroy a guard tower.

Just then, all eyes are directed toward the skies above the keep where a silhouette appears. Cas and the other angels recognize that it is Lucifer. The fallen archangel gazes at the Olukhay fortress below. The plasma attacks are delivered by 5 mages with staffs. After seeing his fallen brothers and sisters, the devil is overwhelmed by rage. "Pathetic murderous abortions" he curses the imperials, filled with anger.

The Olukhays inside the keep curiously stare at the archangel, unaware of what to do.

Suddenly, Lucifer clenches his fist which begins to glow. Then he points it below, at the keep, and releases dozens of light waves that destroy everything in their path. His powerful bombardment completely devastates the imperial stronghold and eradicates all forms of life. The Olukhays do not stand the slightest chance of survival, unable to escape the wrath of the morning star. Even Cas is amazed at Lucifer's formidable fire power.

To deliver the finishing blow, the fallen archangel lifts his hands and creates between his palms a light that grows larger and larger. When it gains a considerable form, he launches it at the keep, which sets off a tremendous explosion upon impact. The angels in the area cover their vessels' eyes. When the dust clears off, Cas and Selaphiel discover the keep completely wiped off the surface of the dimension. While they are in awe, Lucifer raises his chin, displaying satisfaction at the death of his enemies.

Present moment...

In the command tent, Cas is still trying to figure out why is Michael so upset with Ellen

"Well" Michael says, looking at the female angel with demanding eyes. "Are you just going to stand there and say nothing?"

Ellen knows why she froze and almost compromised the mission but revealing it is out of the question. If she does, she will certainly be suspended until her problem is settled and she does not desire that. She wants to keep fighting, she wants to be there for Cas, not wishing to let him down when he needs her the most. Therefore she will remain silent.

"Give me a freaking answer" Michael shouts.

"That is enough Michael" Cas interferes, seeing Ellen visibly uncomfortable. "She is not the only one who made mistakes. No one is perfect. Now we don't have time for blames. We should pack up and return to our blockade line."

"Castiel, you don't understand. She…"

"Dismissed Michael. Get to work. Lucifer and Selaphiel will help you."

The oldest archangel relinquishes his anger, finds his inner balance and calmly leaves the tent. His two younger brothers follow him.

Alone with the general, Ellen tries to apologize: "Cas, I'm sorry … I just…" However, she is interrupted by him who immediately embraces her.

"It is all right" he assures her. "You don't have to utter a word. I'm here for you."

Though still bothered by what happened with her, Ellen finds the warmth of his arms very consoling. She sinks into them, trying to ignore all her worries. Yet she knows that this recent problem of hers will not disappear so easily.

Meanwhile, somewhere outside the tent, Michael and Lucifer cross sights. They both realize that despite what transpired on this mission, despite the fact that they are working together, reconciliation between them is impossible. In fact, they stand on the brink of fighting every time they want to say something to one another.

On board the Celestius, Adriel is in his quarters, going over some reports. He looks at the telephone which reminds him of Tilia and his promise that he will try to improve their relationship. However, his desire to fix his error and prove himself in front of Cas is greater so he returns his view to the reports.

Castiel continues to hold Ellen in his arms. Even if she did something wrong, he cannot find it in himself to even think about being mad at her. She represents his balance, his guiding light and the last thing he would do is push her away in such dark times, when everything seems so frail…

The next episode will come out before the sixth of January or on the very day. After that, there may be a hellatus of a couple of weeks which will allow me to write the other episodes until the mid-season finale. Cheers!