Chapter Text
SUPERNATURAL
EPISODE #1519
“Turn the Page”
TEASER
FADE IN:
1
STOCK FOOTAGE MONTAGE
We see various wide shots of world cities, accompanied by COMPLETE SILENCE. New York’s Times Square empty. Large train stations without a soul in sight. An empty children’s playground. A beach populated only by towels and umbrellas.
BIRD’S EYE STREET VIEW straight down on a BANKED-UP HIGHWAY. Cars abandoned mid-traffic jam. Match cut to--
2
EXT. EILEEN’S CAR – HIGHWAY – DAY
A RED CAR moving across a (relatively empty) highway. A few vehicles around it have crashed into each other.
WIDE SHOT. It’s EILEEN’S 1971 PLYMOUTH VALIANT, with SAM WINCHESTER and JACK KLINE inside. We follow the car as it zooms along the road.
Audio fades in-- static on a car radio.
3
INT. EILEEN’S CAR – HIGHWAY – DAY
ON SAM-- an echo of his father-- his face is grim, HANDS CLENCHED TIGHT around the wheel of the car.
Jack eyes him nervously. He reaches for the RADIO DIAL--
SAM
Won’t get anything out here.
Jack pauses, hesitant. Like he’s trying not to spook a horse. Eyes go up to Sam, then back to the road. He lowers his arm, leans back in his seat.
JACK
Are our phones out of range, too?
SAM
(tight)
No. My calls went through. He’s just not picking up.
Jack knows better than to ask why Dean might not be picking up.
JACK
Why would Billie do this, Sam?
Sam is almost clinically detached as he speaks.
SAM
I don’t know, Jack. I don’t know why we escaped it, either. Maybe it’s something to do with you. But Dean-- Billie’s never liked Dean. Thinks he cheats death too often, or something.
(composure slipping)
We shouldn’t have left him.
JACK
(utterly certain)
Cas wouldn’t let him die.
SAM
Maybe Cas didn’t get a choice.
On that grim note, Jack turns to look out the side window.
In the SIDE MIRROR, we (and Jack) see a crashed vehicle-- ON FIRE-- behind Eileen’s car.
Back to Jack and Sam. Jack seems to debate internally before--
JACK
Sam, there is... something.
SAM
Something? Something like what?
JACK
What you said about Billie, about how maybe she couldn’t touch us because I was here. When I was in the silo... I touched a weed by accident, and it... shriveled up. It died.
SAM
Wait, what? Like-- like Death? Like you’re some sort of reaper?
JACK
I don’t know what it was. I couldn’t control it.
Sam finally looks away from the road to Jack-- but suddenly, a ROCK SONG RINGTONE plays out loudly and breaks the moment. Both of them look down to--
THE PHONE in Jack’s lap, lit up with DEAN WINCHESTER’s name.
Sam SNATCHES it out of Jack’s lap, and slams the receive call button immediately. He holds it up to his ear.
SAM
Dean? Dean??
We see Sam’s face go through a complex series of emotions. First relief, then fear, then a thin veneer of composure.
SAM (CONT’D)
Yeah. Yeah, we’re-- Jack’s here. He’s okay. What about Cas?
Silence. Sam’s mouth tightens again. Back to survival mode.
SAM (CONT’D)
Yeah, we’re on our way.
On Sam, listening to the phone for a beat. Jack looks on from beside him, wide-eyed and desperate for information.
SAM (CONT’D)
No, they’re all gone. Everyone, every single person but us. I can’t believe it.
(a scared younger brother again)
Dean... what are we going to do?
On Sam, listening again... and then, a grim smile.
SAM (CONT’D)
Yeah. We’ll be right there. Three hours, maybe less.
Jack, looking forward, suddenly turns to Sam with alarm. Sam hangs up, THROWS THE PHONE INTO THE BACK SEAT, and abruptly HARD TURNS THE WHEEL--
And the car goes FLYING WILDLY off-road, in order to avoid--
A HUGE STEEL CLUSTERFUCK of crashed and burning vehicles.
4
EXT. EILEEN’S CAR – HIGHWAY – DAY
CAMERA PANS slowly up over the edge of the FLAMING CLUSTERFUCK, and then, over the top of the flames-- we see EILEEN’S CAR, skidding to a halt.
5
INT. EILEEN’S CAR – HIGHWAY – DAY
Sam and Jack breathe deeply, staring at the shitstorm in front of them. Only now fully grasping the extent of what Chuck has done.
JACK
Do we... go around?
SAM
I don’t think we have a choice.
Sam YANKS the gear stick into reverse and BACKS UP EILEEN’S CAR. Then he turns the wheel (and car) around, driving off-road.
6
EXT. EILEEN’S CAR – HIGHWAY – DAY
AERIAL of EILEEN’S CAR. Driving away from the highway full of crashed cars, into a wide field.
BLACKOUT.
END OF TEASER
ACT ONE
7
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – CROW’S NEST/LIBRARY – NIGHT
Sam and Jack BURST IN THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. Sam runs three steps at a time down the entrance staircase of the Bunker, and races across the war room.
As Sam crosses the threshold of the library--
SAM
Dean?
We see Dean, head in hands. Half-empty bottle of whiskey beside him at the table. He looks absolutely wrecked-- red rimmed eyes, the works, but he manages to rise to his feet when he sees his brother.
DEAN
(hoarsely)
Heya, Sammy.
Sam steps forward and hugs his brother tightly (in a shot not dissimilar to the hug in 4.01 LAZARUS RISING).
Dean smiles slightly... and then claps his brother on the back and steps back. He sees Jack off-camera.
DEAN
Hey, kid. Glad to see you’re okay.
We see Jack looking at THE HANDPRINT on Dean’s jacket.
JACK
Dean, what happened to Cas?
Dean looks at Sam, briefly, but Sam is no help-- he wants to know as much as Jack. Dean looks away, unwilling to tell the full truth right now.
DEAN
(slowly)
He... he saved me.
(with more resolve)
Billie was coming after us, and Cas summoned the Empty. It took her... and it took him. Cas is gone.
JACK
I don’t understand.
DEAN
Yeah, well. That makes two of us.
SAM
So, if Chuck was the one who made everyone disappear--
DEAN
Maybe Billie, or the Empty-- maybe they could have stopped him. Maybe we could have made a deal. But I thought it was her. And now... everyone is gone.
JACK
We’ll get them back.
DEAN
(belligerent drunk)
Yeah? What makes you so sure?
JACK
I have faith. Cas taught me faith.
DEAN
In what, God? In case you haven’t noticed, God’s gone full-on Thanos.
JACK
No, not in God. In you.
He clearly means both the Winchesters here, but this still cuts Dean far too close to home. While Dean struggles with his composure--
SAM
He’s right, Dean. We’ve taken on bad guys before.
DEAN
(angrily)
Bad guys, maybe. But God? We’ve got nothing, Sam, no allies--
JACK
We’ve got each other. And Cas--
His voice breaks for the first time, and the Winchesters realize that this loss has affected Jack far more deeply than he’s let on.
JACK (CONT’D)
--Cas wouldn’t want us to give up.
Dean looks away again. Then, oddly, we get a small smile-- he’s remembered a scene from long ago.
DEAN
You know, back when it was just a regular old apocalypse, Cas was the first one to give up. Said we should just start drinking.
He allows himself a dry chuckle, but there’s no humor in it-- only bitterness.
Meanwhile, Sam is thinking back too-- remembering everything that went down with Michael and Lucifer.
DEAN (CONT’D)
I don’t know if we can do this. But-- you’re right. I won’t let his sacrifice be for nothing.
SAM
(slowly)
What if we just... give Chuck what he wants? You, me, death match. One of us has to die, but he brings everyone back.
DEAN
You think I haven’t--
A beat as Dean pauses, and restrains himself from an outburst.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(carefully controlling the volume of his voice)
You think I didn’t ask? When I realized what he’d done, I begged. I screamed, hell, I prayed to him. On my knees, and everything. Told him I’d give him anything he wanted. Let you kill me. Just as long as--
(a beat again, as he swallows)
Just as long as everyone else got to live.
SAM
What did he say?
DEAN
He didn’t answer. I think he wants to watch. Son of a bitch has the popcorn out. He’s watchin’ us right now, Sam, and he’ll keep watchin’ us-- and anything we think of, any plan we come up with, he’ll know about it and he’ll take it away from us. How do we beat that?
JACK
I have an idea.
SAM
(nonplussed)
You do?
JACK
(simply)
Yes. What makes Dean turn off a television?
Dean and Sam exchange a look. Unsure where this is going.
JACK (CONT’D)
(to Dean)
Dean, what did you say about Dr. Sexy season ten?
DEAN
Uhh... There was too much yappin’, and not enough action. I dunno, it was boring.
JACK
(grinning)
Exactly!
SAM
What, you want us to bore Chuck so much he stops paying attention?
JACK
That, or he intervenes. Cas once said--
(another beat, then with a touch more reverence)
Cas once said that being a part of this family was finding happiness in the small things. Because there was always going to be another fight, there was always going to be something tearing us apart, but if-- if I focused on the moments in between those conflicts, I would see the love that was there.
Dean is quietly poleaxed by this comment. Sam, meanwhile, is starting to catch on.
SAM
Right-- we were always on the move. Always something to fight, or--
(glancing at Dean)
Some secret between us.
JACK
But now there’s nothing left to create conflict...
SAM
(rising excitement)
He’ll get bored. And then he’ll have to change it up.
JACK
What do you think, Dean?
DEAN
(jolted back to the conversation)
Uh-- yeah. May as well try it. Hit the books, watch some old movies. Chuck’ll be fed up in no time.
Sam goes to the cupboard and draws out THREE WHISKEY GLASSES.
He comes back to the table and pours a sliver of alcohol from Dean’s WHISKEY DECANTER into each glass, before raising one for himself.
Dean looks at him, confused.
SAM
I figured we’d... do a toast. You know, for...
Fire in Dean’s eyes. Something in him rebels at the notion of a farewell.
DEAN
(loudly)
No, no. I’ll heat up some pizza from the freezer, and then we’re putting on a movie. We’re not moping. We sit around depressed, and Chuck gets what he wants.
Jack and Sam pointedly do not mention Dean’s state when they arrived.
JACK
(with a softer version of his trademark smile)
Sounds good. I’m in.
Jack raises his own glass in toast, and the three CLINK their glasses together.
8
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – THE DEAN CAVE – NIGHT
CLOSE ON A RECORD NEEDLE, and Sam’s hand-- he is putting a record on an old, expensive-looking record player.
MUSIC CUE: “THE GREAT PRETENDER” by THE PLATTERS, COVER VERSION (think Alan Freed (1956) or Roy Orbison (1962)).
WIDE SHOT that reveals the full glory of THE DEAN CAVE-- since we’ve last seen it, A PLAID COUCH has been added between the two armchairs, and additional HUNTER PARAPHERNALIA hangs on the walls. Dean and Jack are walking around the FOOSBALL TABLE.
MUSIC (V.O.)
Oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Pretending that I’m doing well
Dean and Jack each take up a side of the foosball table-- Dean GRINS, clearly excited for the match.
ON SAM, holding a beer. Smile not quite making it.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
My need is such I pretend too much
I’m lonely, but no-one can tell
JUMP CUT. Jack, Dean and Sam in front of the television-- the latter two are sitting in the armchairs on each side of the couch. Jack knocks over his POPCORN AND COKE when something on screen happens-- food and drink spills across the couch and floor. He looks up, mortified, but Sam just laughs and Dean smiles.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Adrift in a world of my own
JUMP CUTS. Jack, then Sam, falling asleep on the couch and armchair respectively, as the light of the television dims.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
I’ve played the game, but to my real shame
You’ve left me to grieve all alone
Dean remains awake. He picks up his WHISKEY TUMBLER and gets up from his armchair, shuffling out of the room.
9
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – CORRIDORS – NIGHT
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Dean walks down the corridors of the Bunker, dragging a hand absently along the walls. The camera lingers as Dean’s hand passes and we see a SCRATCH in the walls where Billie dragged her scythe in 15.18 DESPAIR.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
Dean comes up to the DOOR OF CASTIEL’S ROOM. There’s a moment of obvious tension. He doesn’t go in.
CROSSFADE TO:
10
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – GALLEY – DAY
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Oh-oh, yes, I’m the great pretender
Dean’s head, turning back around and grinning. WIDEN to reveal Dean with a FRYING PAN full of pancakes. He flips them on to Sam and Jack’s plates with a spatula.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
ON SAM, laughing at a joke Dean makes. Then he looks down at the STACK OF PANCAKES on his plate. His smile falters.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Pretending that you’re still around
Sam looks back towards the stovetop. His expression is distant. Beside him, Dean and Jack talk to each other-- oblivious to Sam’s internal struggle.
CROSSFADE TO:
11
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – LIBRARY – DAY
ON JACK, in the library with a ROW OF CANDLES in front of him.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Too real is this feeling of make-believe
Jack extends his hand out to the flames, and they go out-- but then his face falls. No matter how he tries, he can’t bring them back.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Too real when I feel what my heart can’t conceal
CLOSE ON JACK. Terrified. Not knowing what he might be becoming. Not knowing what he might be capable of doing... or who he might hurt in the process.
CROSSFADE TO:
12
INT. GROCERY STORE – LEBANON – DAY
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Yes, I’m the great pretender
Just laughin’ and gay like a clown
The boys are inside a grocery store aisle-- empty of other people, but fully stocked with breakfast goods. Sam throws various items haphazardly into a shopping cart. Dean raises his eyebrows at Jack when Sam isn’t looking, and throws in a SUGARY COOKIE CEREAL.
Jack smiles-- but it’s a delicate, muted thing. Nothing like the typical Jack smile we have come to know and love.
13
EXT. GROCERY STORE – LEBANON – DAY
TRACKING SHOT of the boys, as they drag HEAVY BAGS out of the grocery store, stuffed full of supplies.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
I seem to be what I’m not, you see
I’m wearing my heart like a crown
Continue tracking as they walk to their car-- careful framing and focus reveals very little of what’s around them, but we do see a few abandoned shopping carts.
They walk to THE IMPALA and start piling the bags in the trunk and back seats.
MUSIC (V.O.) (CONT’D)
Pretending that you’re--
Still around
WIDE SHOT, HIGH ANGLE on the boys getting into the car, and slamming the doors shut.
CAMERA PANS OUT as music ends and the Impala drives off, TO REVEAL--
A scene of apocalyptic devastation-- THE MAIN STREET OF LEBANON, empty of people. A few cars crashed into sidewalks and shop windows. One has collided with a fire hydrant, which is still spraying water up and flooding the street. Shopping carts, handbags, bikes and strollers lie abandoned on sidewalks. A POST-APOCALYPTIC WORLD.
FADE TO BLACK.
END MUSIC CUE.
FADE UP ON:
14
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – CASTIEL’S ROOM – DAY
Jack is sitting on CASTIEL’S BED, looking defeated. He holds out his hand, as though about to cast magic. Frowning deeply in concentration. But nothing happens.
A KNOCK at the door interrupts his thoughts, and he quickly lowers his arm.
JACK
Come in.
On Dean, opening the door, looking apprehensive.
DEAN
Hey. I-- Sam wanted your advice with what to make for dinner. And you... weren’t in your usual haunts. So...
He trails off. The ‘I thought you might be here’ goes unspoken.
JACK
(softly)
It’s been a month, Dean.
DEAN
I know.
Giving himself permission to enter, Dean closes the door gently shut behind him. Sits down on the bed beside Jack. Hands clasped together. A long moment stretches out, and then Dean speaks.
DEAN (CONT’D)
I’m sorry I couldn’t protect him.
(a beat)
Protect you.
JACK
I’m still here.
DEAN
You nearly weren’t. All because I was too friggin’ blind to see what was right in front of me.
JACK
What do you mean?
DEAN
I thought all that mattered was getting free. That no matter what I screwed up, if we managed to kill him-- we could fix it. While he was pulling the strings, he’d just keep taking everything from us anyway. So I-- I was a dick. To you, to Cas. And I thought I was doing the right thing.
JACK
You were doing the right thing.
DEAN
Don’t you say that. If I... if we’d lost you, there wouldn’t have been a point.
Dean looks away, unable to face him.
Jack is stunned by this statement. He reaches out to gently touch Dean’s forearm.
JACK
I forgive you, Dean.
DEAN
(bitterly)
You shouldn’t.
JACK
Cas--
DEAN
Cas shouldn’t forgive me either. Idiot should’ve let me die and saved himself.
JACK
(calm in the face of this outburst)
You know that’s not how any of this works.
DEAN
I get that much. I guess life was never going to be fair, what with Vizzini running the place.
JACK
Vizzini?
DEAN
Wow, we never showed you--? Huh. Short, angry, talkative guy. Thinks he’s smarter than he is. Chuck, with less hair.
JACK
Well, that’s not his true form.
DEAN
Yeah? What does he look like?
A pause, as Jack frowns. Ponders how to describe the face of God to a human.
JACK
I suppose he’s... older. Uglier. Blindingly white.
DEAN
Figures.
A tense beat. Dean runs his left hand over the perfectly made coverlet. Tightens his grip into a fist that clenches the material under his hand.
DEAN (CONT’D)
I know Sam said that he hadn’t found anything that could get him out, but...
JACK
I haven’t found anything either, Dean. I’m sorry. And while Chuck’s at full power--
DEAN
(moody)
Yeah, I know, I know.
Another pause, this time even more awkward. Dean and Jack, distant on the bed. Unclear on where they stand-- on how much comfort to give each other.
JACK
Can I ask you something?
DEAN
Shoot.
JACK
Why doesn’t Cas have much stuff in here? I thought there might be something I could... remember him by. But it’s like he never lived here at all.
The observation pains Dean, and Jack notices his discomfort.
JACK (CONT’D)
I’m sorry. You don’t have to--
DEAN
No, it’s fine. I s’pose Cas never moved in properly. He was always flying off somewhere, doing something, and I-- well, I figured he liked it that way.
(simmering in self-hatred)
It’s not like I ever made it clear that this was his home.
JACK
Where else would his home be?
DEAN
Heaven, I guess.
Dean snorts in disbelief, and then his composure cracks. He rubs his hand over his face to hide it.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(heart-wrenched)
Dumbass keeps getting himself killed, huh?
There’s a beat as Jack considers hugging him, then thinks better of it.
JACK
I’m sorry I can’t fix it. My powers...
Dean looks up, determined not to let Jack sink into guilt alongside him.
DEAN
None of that is your fault. It’s on me. And on Chuck, most of all.
JACK
But--
DEAN
(a hint of the old playfulness)
No buts, kid. Come on, let’s go make sure Sam hasn’t accidentally set the library on fire.
He stands to his feet, and Jack follows his example immediately. Then--
A BUZZING from Dean’s pocket. Dean exchanges a look of surprise with Jack, and whips out his phone.
CLOSE ON DEAN’S PHONE, with the words ‘CAS CALLING’ on screen.
Dean stares in stunned silence for a moment, before hitting receive and putting it on speaker.
DEAN
Cas?
LUCIFER (AS CASTIEL)
Dean? I’m here. I’m hurt-- can you let me in?
Dean continues to stare at the phone in shock as Castiel’s voice plays out. Shares a brief look of astonishment with Jack. Then--
He flings the door open, and races out through the corridors--
15
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – LIBRARY – DAY
--through the library and war room, past a confused Sam who looks up from his open book--
SAM
Dean?
16
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – CROW’S NEST/ENTRANCE – DAY
--and up the staircase, flinging himself at the door which he opens to reveal--
LUCIFER, wearing his old meat suit NICK. He’s leaning casually against the entrance alcove, looking amused.
LUCIFER
(in a mockery of Castiel)
Hello, Dean.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT ONE
ACT TWO
17
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – CROW’S NEST/ENTRANCE – DAY
Horrified, Dean SLAMS the BUNKER DOOR in Lucifer’s face. Too late-- Lucifer’s reappeared behind Dean.
LUCIFER
Now, is that any way to treat an old friend?
He flicks his index finger, and Dean levitates over the balcony-- his body hovers for a moment, then goes CRASHING DOWN INTO THE WAR TABLE below.
WIDE SHOT of Dean, sprawled on the table-- Sam yells out and runs from the library, but Jack is closer-- he gets to Dean’s side and leans over him.
JACK
Dean?
ON DEAN, groaning. He sits up, clutching the edge of the shoulder he landed on-- injured there, but otherwise okay.
Sam reaches the archway of the war room, and he and Jack stare up at the balcony. Lucifer smiles back. Malevolent, evil, and a total dick.
LUCIFER
Oh, all my favorites are here. Sammy, how I missed you--
Sam looks like he’s woken to a nightmare.
LUCIFER (CONT’D)
--and the prodigal son. How are you, Jackie-boy?
Jack stares. Not so much horrified as openly perplexed.
JACK
You’re dead. You were in the Empty.
Lucifer vanishes and REAPPEARS RIGHT BESIDE SAM in the library archway. Jack has to swivel around to face him as he walks down the steps. Dean sits up on the table next to Jack, wincing with pain.
LUCIFER
Uh... yeah, not so much. See, after Pop snapped everyone away, things got real boring on His favorite show. No fighting, no melodrama...
(over his shoulder, to Sam)
...no sexual tension-- what’s the point if there’s no fun?
SAM
(filled with loathing)
So he dragged you out of the Empty to keep things interesting.
LUCIFER
(in a mockery of adoration)
See. This is why Sammy is my favorite. Always so smart.
Dean gets himself off the table, advancing towards Lucifer. Still holding his injured shoulder with one hand.
DEAN
I thought even Chuck couldn’t touch the Empty.
LUCIFER
Well, to tell you the truth, guys, the Empty has been a total bitch recently.
(to Jack)
Apparently, someone blew up all over her, and between that and killing Death-- she’s just not as powerful as she used to be. And we all thought she was a major hard-ass before.
(to Dean)
Let’s just say even the savants of the Rack could learn some things from her methods.
JACK
(quietly)
You don’t have to play into Chuck’s game.
LUCIFER
Oh, save it, Scrappy-Doo. You know in the Empty, they make you play out a fun montage of your life’s regrets. And the thing is, I don’t have regrets. I don’t do regrets. But you, son... well, I saw a lot of you. Pushing you too hard, pushing you away, but mostly, just...
(with a nonchalant shrug)
Not killing you when I had the chance.
Lucifer flicks his hand in Jack’s direction-- but Jack doesn’t move.
Dean and Sam look back and forth between them.
LUCIFER
(perplexed)
Huh.
MICHAEL (O.C.)
You really thought it would work?
All in the war room turn and look up towards to the balcony once again-- to see MICHAEL, in Adam Milligan’s vessel. RIGHTEOUSLY IRRITATED.
LUCIFER
Oh great. What are you doing here?
MICHAEL
Same thing we all are. Playing out Dad’s little games for His entertainment. What did you think would happen here, brother? You’d manage to kill Jack, and then Dad would welcome you back with open arms?
LUCIFER
(yes)
No.
MICHAEL
You know, all those years ago-- right before the Winchesters sent us to the Cage-- you were trying to talk me into rebelling against His plan.
(almost regretful)
Turns out you were right. But not for the right reasons.
LUCIFER
(sneering)
You want us to team up? I always thought you’d look good in a Blue Power Ranger suit.
MICHAEL
No. No deals, no alliances. I know you’re too far gone for that. First chance you get, you’ll stab us in the back.
LUCIFER
Yeah okay. You caught me. But what’s your endgame here? All this, and you’re just going to go through with what Pops wanted? Cain and Abel round three thousand and twenty-nine? I suppose we never got that Biblical Apocalypse, but seems a bit pointless with nobody on Earth left to appreciate it.
A beat of silence. Michael is uncharacteristically hesitant. He looks away while reminiscing-- something wistful and serious in his gaze.
MICHAEL
(quietly)
Do you remember when we’d play together in the Garden? We’d make a tent woven from our grace, cloak ourselves from Dad. He knew where we were, but not what we were doing. And we trusted each other not to tell Dad how we did it.
(rueful fondness, looking back at Lucifer)
All of Creation, and that’s one of my fondest memories.
LUCIFER
You’re not very good at the whole seduce-me-to-your-side thing, Mikey. That was always more my gig. Doesn’t suit you.
MICHAEL
I’m not trying to win you over. I’m trying to explain why you’ll lose.
LUCIFER
(genuine apprehension now)
What do you mean?
MICHAEL
Somewhere along the way, we forgot how to trust each other. But humanity-- the Winchesters. They had faith in each other, even when they lost faith in our Father. Maybe we should have believed in them instead.
For the first time since Michael entered, Lucifer looks at Dean and Jack. But where’s--
And then, SAM STABS LUCIFER THROUGH with an ARCHANGEL BLADE. A BEAM OF GRACE-LIGHT RADIATES OUT from his chest.
Sam steps back from Lucifer, as he TOPPLES OVER, the ARCHANGEL BLADE still lodged in his back.
MICHAEL (CONT’D)
(regretful as he watches)
Forgive me, brother.
On Jack and Dean, as the light fades away. Dean lowers his arm from where he has been shielding his eyes.
HUGE BLACK WINGS are etched on the floor on either side of Nick’s body.
SAM
I can’t believe that worked.
MICHAEL
I wasn’t sure it would. But if we could cloak our presence from Dad... I’d never tried it on Lucifer before. I’d always been too proud for subterfuge.
(drily)
Incredible how a few centuries trapped in the Cage will change your priorities.
DEAN
(finally speaking up)
What the hell just happened?!
MICHAEL
(exasperated)
I gave your brother the archangel blade, and told him to kill Lucifer when the time was right. Obviously, I had to be invisible, or Lucifer would see me.
DEAN
You told him--?
MICHAEL
When my brother was monologuing.
(to Sam, approvingly)
You did well. I am glad that acting as the weapon of my will was enough to allow a human to kill an archangel. I was not certain you would succeed, but old magic like that is almost always metaphorical.
DEAN
Wait, I thought I was the Michael Sword. Why did you give your blade to Sam?
Michael exchanges a look with Sam. There’s some shared history there, history Dean doesn’t have access to and never will.
MICHAEL
It was his right. And based on Adam’s memories, it seemed Sam was the more trustworthy of the two of you.
DEAN
Gee, thanks. He still in there with you?
MICHAEL
(with a truly human sadness)
No. He’s gone, I’m sorry to say.
(rancidly bitter now)
Seems like my Father only saw fit to bring back the characters He thought mattered. Which brings me to--
Michael turns to face Jack, and Sam and Dean follow his gaze. Jack is confused.
JACK
Me?
MICHAEL
You. You have to know you weren’t part of the plan.
JACK
I wasn’t?
MICHAEL
No. Well, my Father let Lucifer create a Nephilim. I think He wanted an all-powerful evil for the Winchesters to face off against-- but then, as always, Castiel managed to surprise Him. You all did.
DEAN
We took Jack in.
MICHAEL
You loved him. I think my Father’s weakness has always been accounting for love. He tried to twist it, time and time again-- with all of us. But if we know His weakness, then we can find a way to defeat Him.
DEAN
(incredulous)
Really? We going full ‘Fifth Element’?
Michael fixes Dean with a stern look. Doesn’t have the patience for his attitude.
MICHAEL
(deadly serious)
Castiel was meant to die in the attempt to save you from Hell. He was meant to die in a barn soon after. He was meant to die again, and again, and again, and yet it never stuck. I always wondered why-- why he was the exception to the rule. No matter what I did, my subordinates could never pin him down long enough to squash him.
DEAN
Chuck was the one who kept bringing him back to life. During your Apocalypse, at least.
MICHAEL
Yes. I think he was interesting to my Father, at first. Even I was fascinated by him. What a curious thing he was, the one element moving so radically against what everyone planned for. What everyone wanted.
Dean’s expression is completely closed off. The gravity of Michael’s statements about Castiel are hitting him, but he doesn’t let on a thing. Jack, meanwhile, looks back and forth between Michael and Dean-- confused.
JACK
I don’t understand. What does Cas have to do with this?
MICHAEL
(to Jack)
Everything. He’s why you’re still with us-- and why you have a chance to win.
SAM
(connecting the dots)
Chuck can’t touch Jack?
MICHAEL
Something like that. Whatever Jack is right now, Chuck is afraid of him. It’s why He sent Lucifer and I here-- why He told both of us to kill Jack. When I detected Lucifer’s presence on Earth, I realized what Chuck had done. Doubled His chances of success-- or at least, a good show.
(scornfully)
My Father is a coward.
JACK
But I don’t know how to use my powers.
Dean holds a hand out and walks forward towards Michael and Jack, frowning. Suspicious of this new information.
DEAN
Wait, wait. I thought you didn’t have powers?
JACK
It’s... complicated.
DEAN
Then uncomplicate it for us.
JACK
Whatever happened with that bomb, and with the Empty-- it’s like it turned me into some sort of vacuum.
MICHAEL
Not dissimilar to a black hole.
JACK
I think I can take energy from anything, but... I’m just a vessel for holding it. I can’t use it.
Jack is utterly defeated. Dean, on the other hand, is looking excited for the first time.
DEAN
(hopeful)
But if the spinach is there, we just work out how to open the can, and... Popeye’s our uncle. How hard can it be?
JACK
(miserable)
I’ve tried. Every day, every night, I’ve tried. But I can’t do it. It’s not like my grace. Imagine if you had all of Rowena’s magic, but didn’t know a single spell.
DEAN
How much power do you have? Enough to kill Chuck? Is that why he’s scared?
MICHAEL
No. The amount of grace it would take to rival Him is inconceivable. Even myself and Lucifer combined would not be enough.
DEAN
There has to be a way.
Michael stares at the wall for a moment, as though making eye-contact with someone else in the room entirely.
MICHAEL
Someone else might know one. But...
(with a grimace)
But I imagine Dad is listening in right now, so there’s no point contemplating it.
DEAN
I thought you could hide yourself from him?
MICHAEL
Only when He’s not paying attention.
Off Dean and Jack, looking from Michael to each other-- as though debating wordlessly whether to trust their new guest.
On Sam-- speaking up for the first time in a while. Frustrated.
SAM
How can we know Chuck didn’t send you too? Write you into this story? How can you know?
MICHAEL
I’m certain that my thoughts, my motivations... aren’t what He would write. He would have had me kill Lucifer myself-- and kill Jack, for that matter.
DEAN
And now?
MICHAEL
(to Dean, extremely intense)
I want the same as you. Revenge. That’s what He’s made us into. What could either of us possibly want more than that?
Dean struggles to parse Michael’s significant, meaning-laden expression.
JACK
What do we do now? Keep watching movies, and hope he gets bored again?
Michael stares down at Nick’s body.
MICHAEL
Well, first, I imagine we should burn this vessel.
CLOSE ON NICK’S BODY. His eyes burned out of his skull.
MICHAEL (CONT’D)
(then, with a small, soft smile)
However, I could be amenable to viewing recorded entertainment features. Adam told me about a movie with a talking polar bear he said reminded him of me. I’d like to watch that one, if you have it.
Sam and Dean exchange a baffled look. A talking polar bear???
CUT TO:
18
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – THE DEAN CAVE – NIGHT
The boys are watching movies again. Jack and Sam share the couch, and Dean and Michael are in the armchairs on either side. Michael is next to Jack, and keeps looking at him rather than the film. Sam is reading a book of lore, and seems relatively content.
JACK
There aren’t any more movies?
SAM
I think they made a TV show?
DEAN
It’s a book series. Wait, you’ve never read it? Thought it would have been right up your alley.
SAM
And what, it was up yours?
DEAN
(defensive)
I like fantasy!
MICHAEL
I enjoyed it.
DEAN
Nah, it’s not even a good adaptation. Let’s get ‘Lord of the Rings’ going, that’s bound to kill a few hours.
Sam puts down his book on a side table.
SAM
(prissily)
I’ll get it. You have no idea how to navigate my laptop files, I don’t want you messing something up.
DEAN
Maybe if you weren’t such a control freak--
Dean notices Michael looking at them curiously and remembers they have company.
DEAN (CONT’D)
--but far be it for me to stand between a man and alone time with his computer. I’m going to get dinner sorted. Jack, wanna come help?
MICHAEL
I’ll help.
DEAN
(uncertain)
Uh... sure.
There’s a moment of tense silence. Nobody has quite forgotten that Michael was once their adversary... and that Dean is the Michael Sword.
JACK
I’ll help, too.
DEAN
(relieved)
Sure, great. Many hands, and all.
MICHAEL
Technically I have several hands.
DEAN
(under his breath)
Just perfect.
19
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – GALLEY – NIGHT
Dean enters the kitchen first, switching on the light. Michael and Jack enter after him. Dean turns back to Michael, scowling slightly. He points at him, and then indicates the fridge.
DEAN
You, take the vegetables from that fridge and cut them up. Uh, start with the pumpkin. Jack, you take the onions.
JACK
Okay.
TIGHT ON DEAN, tracking him around the kitchen. He drags a pot over to the sink and fills it with water.
On Michael, attempting to open the fridge-- only to have several things fall out on to him, which he barely manages to catch.
JACK
Um, here. Let me help.
Back on Dean, who lifts up the full pot from the sink and sets it on the stovetop. He grimaces as he does so, visibly in pain. He rolls his injured shoulder.
MICHAEL (O.C.)
You’re injured.
Dean flinches. He addresses Michael without turning around, choosing instead to concentrate on lighting the stove.
DEAN
Yeah, your asshole brother threw me through a table.
On Michael, surveying Dean. Considering him.
A FLASH OF GRACE-LIGHT--
And Dean WHIRLS around back to face Michael, staring. Shocked. And angry.
DEAN
What the hell??
MICHAEL
I healed you.
DEAN
Yeah, thanks, Sherlock, I gathered that much. But I didn’t friggin’ ask you to.
MICHAEL
(a thought occurring to him)
Ah, of course. My apologies. I had forgotten the Winchester tendency to endure pain as a point of pride.
A beat, as Dean once again holds himself back from an outburst.
DEAN
It’s about consent. Thought you halo freaks were big on that crap. Just... ask, next time.
MICHAEL
That seems counterproductive if you intend to say no.
DEAN
Christ, it’s like dealing with C--
He stops himself. A VERY delicate beat, where it feels like the chips could fall anywhere. Then--
DEAN (CONT’D)
Look, no wand-waving unless we’re under attack or I say so, alright? That’s an order.
A beat, and then Michael gives a single nod.
Jack, standing in the corner with an armful of vegetables, finally BREATHES OUT. He walks over to the main counter and lets the vegetables fall on to it. Next to him, Michael examines the pile of vegetables. A strategist uncertain of which move to make next.
On MICHAEL, who stares at A PUMPKIN.
THE PUMPKIN stares back at him.
He hesitantly picks up a SHARP, LARGE KNIFE from the countertop, and stabs into it.
JACK
Not like that. You have to cut the skin off.
He shows Michael how to do it with his own knife. Michael picks up on Jack’s technique.
MICHAEL
(pensive)
It is strangely satisfying to dismember these food ingredients, knowing they will be ultimately used for a greater purpose.
Jack and Dean share a look. Not touching that with a ten-foot pole.
DEAN
I guess you’re technically Jack’s uncle, huh?
MICHAEL
Technically. I am sorry that you had Lucifer for a father.
JACK
Well, I’m sorry you had Chuck for a dad.
MICHAEL
Perhaps we all have disappointing fathers in common.
DEAN
(defensive)
Hey! Don’t compare my dad to those megalomaniacs!
MICHAEL
I have spent enough time in Adam’s mind to qualify John Winchester as ‘disappointing’.
DEAN
Adam didn’t-- you don’t know what he was like.
MICHAEL
And I suspect you’ve never let anyone know what he was like.
Dean is struck by this, horrified that Michael knows-- or has guessed-- how bad things got.
MICHAEL (CONT’D)
I, of all people, know what it’s like to realize your father isn’t what you thought he was.
Dean struggles with how to reply to this. Jack senses his distress and makes an aborted move towards him. He doesn’t touch him though-- Dean is still too volatile.
JACK
Dean?
DEAN
(to Michael)
Don’t act like you know him, or me, just because you think we’re similar or whatever.
MICHAEL
(pensive again)
Perhaps I don’t know you. After all, everything we think we are was written by Chuck. Can we claim to truly know ourselves outside of him?
DEAN
Yeah, alright Morpheus. Just focus on chopping the vegetables, would you?
CHUCK (O.C.)
You guys making enough for me?
Dean tips over the POT he’s cooking with-- water goes FLYING EVERYWHERE. Jack drops his KNIFE. Only Michael seems relatively unfazed.
ANGLE ON CHUCK, casually leaning in the doorway of the kitchen. Wearing Dean’s DEAD GUY ROBE. Looking like he’s made himself very much at home.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
20
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – GALLEY – NIGHT
We pick up where we left off, with Dean and Jack looking horrified, Chuck looking smug, and Michael looking tired but not surprised.
MICHAEL
(wearily)
Hello, Father.
CHUCK
Hi, son. You know, I was interested in where your character arc was going, but I have to say all this--
He gestures dismissively to the kitchen--
CHUCK (CONT’D)
--‘Modern Family’ stuff just isn’t my jam.
Jack picks up his knife, while Dean grabs an OLD KITCHEN MALLET from the rack of kitchen implements without taking his eyes off Chuck.
CHUCK (CONT’D)
Oh, please, guys. What are you going to do, beat me to death? Me? God? The Almighty?
DEAN
Someone wise once told me that everything dies, Chuck. Even you.
CHUCK
Well, mayyyybe. But it sure isn’t going to be today.
DEAN
(under his breath)
Jack--
JACK
(frantic whisper)
I’m trying, Dean--
CHUCK
Mm, no. I don’t know what weird nonsense you cooked up with that soul bomb, but Jack here couldn’t use that energy if he tried.
MICHAEL
You did this?
CHUCK
Yeah, pretty clever of me actually. A few last minute edits. See, I couldn’t stop the Empty’s screw-ups of my lore... and I can’t kill Jack myself now he’s been infused with the Empty’s power. But I can stop Jack from using that power.
On Dean and Jack. Realizing they just lost the best hope they had.
CHUCK (CONT’D)
Honestly, it’s more fun this way. Really forces me to get my creative juices flowing. They say you should write with restrictions, and I guess Jack here is the writing constraint I have to work around.
Dean advances on Chuck, wielding the mallet.
DEAN
Jack’s not a writing constraint. He’s a person. He’s our son.
CHUCK
(whatever, Dean)
Michael’s my son but you don’t see me getting all telenovela about it. Speaking of which--
Chuck conjures an ARCHANGEL BLADE, and walks over to his son. Michael looks terrified-- he backs up into some open cabinets, which spill plates and cutlery over him-- various items crash to the ground, some of the plates breaking as they do--
CHUCK (CONT’D)
--Really was getting sick and tired of you dragging my name through the mud. I mean, comparing me to John Winchester? That’s a low blow.
ON CHUCK, advancing on Michael, looking bored and twirling the ARCHANGEL BLADE.
ON MICHAEL, slumped against the open cabinet--
CHUCK (CONT’D)
Sorry, son. You were always kinda boring, and I need a teensy bit more hopelessness around here.
Chuck raises the blade-- but then suddenly the blade VANISHES--
Chuck frowns, perplexed, as--
ROWENA (O.C.)
Don’t worry, dear. Performance issues seem to run in the family. Manete!
Chuck whirls around to see ROWENA MACLEOD and Sam standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Rowena’s hands are STRETCHED OUT, eyes GLOWING PURPLE.
ROWENA (CONT’D)
Manete!
She casts PURPLE WAVES OF MAGIC.
On Chuck-- thrown off-balance, but otherwise unharmed.
CHUCK
(genuinely pissed off now)
You? How?
ROWENA
I’m the Queen of Hell. But even if I wasn’t-- you really think as soon as I learned God existed, I wasn’t going to have a contingency so you couldn’t wipe me off the board?
CHUCK
(frantic)
You shouldn’t have that power. How the hell did I miss you?
ROWENA
Honestly, dear, I think you just forgot I existed. Which I’m grateful for, by the way. But as for the power, well--
She turns to Jack, and smiles. Jack is surprised but delighted to see her.
ROWENA (CONT’D)
--That’s all Jack, here. I’m just channeling his power to counteract yours.
CHUCK
(furious)
You can ‘counteract’ me all you like-- it doesn’t change a thing. Don’t forget, it’s not just me in here. I’m The Light and The Darkness now. You could have the power of all the archangels and Jack, and you still couldn’t kill me.
SAM
(triumphant)
But you can’t kill us either, can you?
Dean looks quizzically at Sam-- clearly, he hasn’t been filled in on whatever Sam is talking about. Meanwhile, Chuck is startled by Sam’s confidence.
SAM (CONT’D)
Archangel blades? That’s not like you. You’d just smite Michael where he stood. But you didn’t, because you’re worried if you use the power required to do that, Jack will absorb it. And if he absorbs enough, maybe he can kill you.
CHUCK
(scoffing)
That’s ridiculous. I’m God.
SAM
Prove me wrong.
A beat, as everyone waits for the bluff to be called. But then Chuck just LAUGHS--
CHUCK
Oh, alright. You know, this is why I love you guys! Always surprising me. But this changes nothing-- there’s not enough power in the world to kill me. So, you go ahead and sit here, slowly running out of options. And I’ll watch you die, one by one, and then I’ll finally be able to move on. You know, the story of Sam and Dean has consumed my existence for a stupidly long time, but I think watching you die like this-- it’ll be closure for me. Cathartic.
SAM
You’re sick.
CHUCK
Takes one to know one, Sam.
Chuck crosses his arms. Looks around at the last characters left in his story, then nods. An artist satisfied with his work.
CHUCK (CONT’D)
Well, I think I’m going to go take a hard-earned vacation in the tropics while you guys flounder.
DEAN
You’re just... leaving? That’s it?
CHUCK
Yeah. Don’t wait on me, Estragon.
With that reference (which clearly goes over Dean’s head)-- he VANISHES. The four men and Rowena look at each other, uncertain of what to do next.
DEAN
Son of a bitch.
CUT TO:
21
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – LIBRARY – NIGHT
We see Rowena sitting in one of the library chairs like it’s her new throne, while the men are scattered around her at the table. Michael hangs back in a corner.
SAM
So, there’s no way you can trap him, or-- bring people back using Jack’s power?
ROWENA
As I’ve explained, dear, it’s a delicate situation. Even if I were a conduit powerful enough to control the current... Jack doesn’t have the voltage, so to speak.
SAM
He doesn’t?
ROWENA
No. The wee boy’s powerful, but he’s no God.
SAM
So what can we do?
ROWENA
Ordinarily I’d suggest finding a way to juice him up... If there were angels around, we could drain them, but if Lucifer’s grace wasn’t enough to charge up the battery--
MICHAEL
(somberly)
He said all of the archangels and Jack wouldn’t be enough.
Rowena takes a moment to consider Michael, giving him a critical once-over.
ROWENA
So serious. Gabriel was much more fun.
Sam and Dean make grossed out faces. Michael, however, doesn’t react-- he doesn’t get the reference (or chooses not to).
JACK
What if we keep waiting? Maybe Chuck will keep sending things to fight us, and I’ll slowly get enough power--
MICHAEL
I told you, it won’t be enough. Besides, I think Chuck learned enough about Jack’s new powers to not try something like that again.
DEAN
So, what, we just give up?
MICHAEL
(eyeing Dean)
I never said that. You still haven’t learned.
DEAN
(combative)
Learned what?
MICHAEL
To pay more attention to what isn’t said. How do you think Rowena’s plan escaped Chuck’s notice?
Dean frowns. What the hell is he talking about?
DEAN
Wait, you two teamed up on this?
MICHAEL
When my Father resurrected me, I took a tour. I was looking for-- something. Anything, anyone. It only took a moment to scour the mortal and ethereal planes-- but I found nothing.
Michael turns aside to Rowena, allowing her to fill in the other side of the story.
ROWENA
Michael hopping all over the place left a cosmic vapor trail. One I’d only ever seen from archangels. So I took a risk, and I summoned him.
SAM
He could have killed you.
ROWENA
Don’t you lecture me. You Winchesters don’t understand the finer points of politics. I knew if there was a powerful being who had been summoned, there was a chance that being could be turned against Chuck-- if they weren’t enemies already.
Sam makes a face. Still displeased with her answer.
ROWENA (CONT’D)
And I was right! Michael told me that Chuck had sent him to kill Jack, and I realized the boy must be something that Chuck himself couldn’t touch. So, I told him if he could keep the Big Man distracted, I’d do my best to work with whatever nightmare you lot had gotten yourselves into.
DEAN
Yeah, I still don’t get how Chuck didn’t notice you. Isn’t he like, omni-- something?
SAM
Omniscient?
DEAN
Whatever.
MICHAEL
No, He isn’t. He has a limited attention span. And why would He look for something He didn’t expect to be there? Especially if something else was commanding His full attention. For example, if I was loudly discussing what a bad father He had been.
SAM
That... works?
MICHAEL
As I said, I know my Father. His weakness lies in arrogance. In ignoring what doesn’t interest Him, because He never thinks it could be important. That’s how I knew He wouldn’t be watching my movements, when Lucifer was busy torturing the three of you.
DEAN
Look, I’m happy we’re all still alive or whatever, but Chuck was right. How does this help? We’re no closer to stopping him, no closer to bringing back-- everyone. And now Chuck knows everything. All our cards are on the table.
SAM
But Dean, now that we know about Jack, now that Rowena can use Jack against him-- he can’t do anything to stop us. There will be a way. We’ll find one.
ROWENA
That reminds me. Come with me, Jack, Michael-- I want to use you two to set up some wards around the place.
MICHAEL
(bemused)
Me?
ROWENA
Yes you, dear. I’m going to use grace from both of you to stop Chuck from entering here without exerting a significant amount of power.
SAM
Michael’s grace because it’s connected to God’s, and Jack’s because it’s been merged with the Empty’s energies?
Rowena beams at Sam, pleased that someone understands.
ROWENA
Exactly. Alright, we’re going to start in the dungeons--
She takes Michael and Jack out of the library. Sam and Dean are left alone together.
SAM
I don’t get why you’re not more hopeful. We’ve got Chuck on a back foot.
DEAN
Maybe I’m just not as optimistic as the rest of you.
SAM
(quietly)
We’re going to bring them all back.
DEAN
Yeah? All of them, huh? You sure of that? ’Cos from where I’m standing, God is the only one with power over the Empty right now, and if we kill him...
SAM
Cas always comes back, Dean.
(smiling, fond)
Didn’t he... just annoy his way out, last time?
Dean can’t indulge in this right now. He can’t let himself hope, but he can’t let himself give up either.
DEAN
It’s different this time.
SAM
Why is it? You never really explained what happened.
DEAN
There was... a deal, he made, to bring back Jack. He never told us about it, until... it doesn’t matter. He made a deal, Sam. I don’t think the Empty is going to let go that easily this time.
SAM
(exasperated)
Then we find a way to break the deal. When we made a deal with Billie to break out of that facility in Colorado, Cas broke the deal for us. We’re just returning the favor.
DEAN
(gaining resolve, but still unsure)
Yeah. Yeah, you’re right.
SAM
(mollified)
Of course I am.
Sam moves across the room, and clasps DEAN’S SHOULDER briefly as he brushes past him. Dean still looks conflicted. Doesn’t meet his eyes.
Sam goes across to the library shelves, and starts scanning for a certain book.
SAM (CONT’D)
I was going to look into some of our spell books to see if there’s anything Rowena can work with. You could look into researching the lore on the Empty?
DEAN
(angrily)
I already looked through everything we have on the Empty. There’s nothing.
SAM
Maybe if--
DEAN
Look, I can’t look at any more books right now. I think I’m gonna-- work on Baby, or something.
SAM
(quietly)
Okay. Just-- don’t leave the Bunker, yeah? We can’t afford to drift too far from Jack’s protection.
DEAN
(frustrated)
I know, Sam.
Dean gets up and moves away, shuffling out of the library towards the garage. Sam watches him go-- worried about him, but still unable to place exactly what’s so off about his reaction.
MID SHOT from the center of the table, with the war room archway in the background. We see Sam flicking through pages of the books--
A short series of JUMP CUTS show time is passing, as piles of books appear and disappear around him at the table. Sam’s posture gets worse and worse as the night goes on, and he looks like he might nod off once or twice. But he forces himself to stay awake and keep searching for anything that could help.
22
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – LIBRARY – DAY
MID SHOT ON SAM, clearly VERY TIRED-- red eyes, yawning. A few bottles of whiskey and glasses are still on the table from when the boys made a toast. Rowena enters from the archway that leads to the war room, and looks at him in horror.
ROWENA
Dear boy, were you really up all night?
SAM
(amused)
What, and you weren’t?
ROWENA
Well, yes, but... we had to complete the warding.
SAM
And where are Michael and Jack now? You send them to bed?
ROWENA
(rolling her eyes)
Apparently, they “don’t need sleep”. Jack wanted to show Michael ‘The Office’, so I imagine they’ll be occupied for a while.
Sam chuckles at the image of two cosmic beings amused by such a mundane activity.
ROWENA (CONT’D)
What about Dean?
SAM
I don’t know. Still in the garage, I think. He doesn’t seem to be dealing well with...
Sam trails off, looking back towards the bedrooms.
ROWENA
Ah, yes. I had noticed everyone’s favorite canary was missing from the coal mine.
Sam grimaces at that metaphor. He turns back to Rowena with a melancholy smile.
SAM
I lost someone important, too.
ROWENA
(taken aback, but delighted at the prospect of gossip)
Oh? You found a special someone, Samuel? Tell me everything. A name, to start.
SAM
(very in love)
Eileen.
ROWENA
(approvingly)
A strong Gaelic name.
SAM
She was... is. She is strong. She’s a firecracker, and she doesn’t take crap from anyone.
(chuckling)
Especially not me.
ROWENA
I like her already.
SAM
(bitter)
Apparently, Chuck didn’t like her enough to keep around.
ROWENA
Chuck has no taste. I mean, imagine ignoring me for you two blethering idiots.
SAM
You have a point.
ROWENA
I always do. Although I will say, beating God at his own game might just give me the fearsome reputation I need to finally bring Hell into line.
SAM
The demons were still giving you trouble?
ROWENA
They’re demons. I think I underestimated how slimy some of them really were. Might even have felt a wee drop of sympathy for Fergus.
Sam chuckles and shakes his head.
SAM
It is the end of the world, after all.
ROWENA
I’ll drink to that. Pour me a glass of Scotch, will you? I want to hear more about this Eileen.
SAM
It’s-- the middle of the morning!
ROWENA
No better time for a Scotch.
Sam laughs... and pours Rowena a drink.
23
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – THE DEAN CAVE – DAY
Michael and Jack are playing at the FOOSBALL TABLE.
CLOSE ON THE PLASTIC PLAYERS, and THE BALL being knocked back and forth as Michael and Jack twirl the handles around.
We get various shots of both of them as the game continues. Eventually, Michael cracks A SMILE.
MICHAEL
I won a goal.
JACK
You got one goal, but I have three, so I’m still winning.
MICHAEL
You have had far more time to adjust to this field of battle.
Jack fetches the ball from the goal area, and then places it back in the center of the table. They continue playing the game.
JACK
You know I met the other you, from the other world. You’re nothing like him.
MICHAEL
(a statement of pure fact)
I used to be a lot more murderous.
JACK
Still. I was afraid you’d turn on us.
MICHAEL
I have something to protect now.
JACK
Yes. You’re much more like Cas.
MICHAEL
(amused)
A few years ago I would have struck you down for such an insult.
JACK
And now?
MICHAEL
I understand you mean it as a compliment.
Michael scores again. Jack smiles at him, and lets go of the handles-- he has finished the game. Michael mimics his actions. Following Jack’s lead.
JACK
We should make breakfast for the others. It’s what Cas would do.
MICHAEL
(frowning)
I’m even worse at cooking than I am at this simulated sporting game.
JACK
You don’t have to be perfect at something instantly. You just have to keep trying until you get it right.
(nodding to the table)
Just like foosball.
MICHAEL
(still unconvinced)
Isn’t Dean in charge of providing the food in this domicile?
JACK
Dean’s the best at it, but we all help. That’s what being a family is.
A beat, as Jack frowns-- remembering that Dean has seemed out of it recently.
JACK (CONT’D)
And Dean doesn’t know how to ask for help.
MICHAEL
Very well. If you believe this is the right thing to do, I will attempt to-- help.
JACK
(utter, winning sincerity)
Thank you. For helping us. And for killing Lucifer.
MICHAEL
Sam Winchester did that. I merely gave him the means.
JACK
You know what I mean.
(a confession)
Whenever I lose my powers, I’m always so afraid for them. When I realized Lucifer could be brought back from the Empty... I’ve always felt like I’m looking over my shoulder, waiting for him to show up.
MICHAEL
(confused)
When you realized he could be brought back... when was this?
JACK
When Nick-- his vessel-- when Nick tried to bring him back. He almost succeeded.
MICHAEL
So, it is possible to bring back someone from the Empty.
JACK
(slowly, dawning realization)
There was a spell that opened a portal there-- but it had to use my blood, it could only work with the blood of a Nephilim who was the son of--
(wide-eyed hope)
Would it work for-- would it work for Cas??
MICHAEL
Whether or not it works to bring Castiel back, if there’s a spell we can use to access the Empty--
(a slight smile.)
I think I might have an idea.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
24
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – GARAGE – DAY
CLOSE ON DEAN, working frantically working under the hood of THE IMPALA. He looks sweaty and exhausted. Various mechanical objects and car-care products are strewn around the garage.
MICHAEL (O.C.)
I don’t see the point of servicing this vehicle. It is already running at optimum efficiency.
Dean jumps, and bangs his head on the hood as he does so.
DEAN
(to himself)
...Friggin’ angels.
He sighs, and puts down his wrench on the concrete floor. After stretching, and making Michael wait as long as possible, he finally turns around.
DEAN (CONT’D)
Can I help you with something, or do you just like to watch?
MICHAEL
Initially I was asked to call you for breakfast.
DEAN
What, it’s morning already?
MICHAEL
Half-past ten. I understand it must be hard to keep track inside this place. The lack of windows... something about it is not dissimilar to the Cage.
DEAN
(irritated)
We can’t all pony up for stained glass and Teenage Mutant Ninja paintings.
MICHAEL
Teenage Mutant...?
DEAN
You know, Leonardo, Michelangelo... Never mind. Fine, I’ll come down in a bit. Just need to finish this first.
MICHAEL
There was something else I wanted to discuss with you.
DEAN
Hurry it up, then.
MICHAEL
Castiel.
Dean stiffens. Glowering at Michael for daring to speak his name.
DEAN
What. About. Him.
MICHAEL
(calmly)
We might be able to rescue him. We might be able to stop my Father.
A beat, as Dean absorbs this-- and he immediately starts ADVANCING ON MICHAEL.
DEAN
Might be?? Listen here--
MICHAEL
Nick brought back Lucifer. That spell could work as way of reaching Castiel. Reaching the Empty. But I need you to make it work, and you need me.
DEAN
What the hell are you asking?
MICHAEL
I need you to be my vessel.
Dean laughs, unable to believe it’s once again come to this.
MICHAEL (CONT’D)
I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t--
DEAN
(furious)
Yeah, I took a version of you at his word before, and you know how that ended up? It ended up with my s-- with Jack soulless, and a bunch of people I cared about lying dead in my living room. So forgive me if I don’t fall for the same trick twice.
(to himself)
Man, I knew we shouldn’t trust you. You’ll never change.
MICHAEL
(infinitely patient)
I have changed.
DEAN
And why the hell should I believe that?
MICHAEL
Because I know you have too. I can feel your emotions, Dean. My Father doesn’t understand what drives us. But we do.
Dean is thrown by this. He can’t bring himself to piece together the entirety of what Michael is hinting at, but he understands enough.
DEAN
(hesitant)
So, your plan... will it work?
MICHAEL
That really depends on you.
DEAN
You can’t be serious.
MICHAEL
Of course, it depends on Rowena’s spell work, too, and Jack. But I believe in their capabilities.
DEAN
Way to insult a guy.
MICHAEL
You lack faith.
DEAN
Big surprise, with God the way he is.
MICHAEL
You lack faith in yourself.
DEAN
Jesus. Can we spare the Dr. Phil session for now? Just give me the lowdown.
MICHAEL
I will explain all of it, to everyone. But before I asked anything, before I gave anyone hope, I wanted to ask your permission... as the plan requires use of your vessel.
DEAN
(incredulous)
My permission?
Michael isn’t fazed by Dean’s reaction at all. The two of them stare at each other for a long moment. Dean’s scans Michael’s eyes for understanding. Then he scoffs.
DEAN (CONT’D)
(darkly)
You wanna know something? I begged Chuck to bring him back. I would have given him anything he wanted. So yeah, I’ll be your meatsuit, if it means stopping him. If it means we have any chance of undoing what he’s done. Hell, I’d say yes even if it was just for Cas.
Michael accepts all of this with a single, solemn nod.
MICHAEL
(with a sense of finality)
Then this just might work.
CUT TO:
25
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – CROW’S NEST – DAY
Sam, Jack and Rowena are sitting around eating breakfast – EGGS, BACON, SAUSAGES, THE WORKS, piled high on the war room table.
Dean and Michael enter from the garage-adjacent alcove.
SAM
Man, I was worried I’d have to reheat your stuff. We really should get a microwave-- I mean, way the world is, we could basically just walk into a store and take one.
Sam suddenly notices Dean’s serious expression.
SAM (CONT’D)
What’s wrong?
DEAN
Michael has a plan.
All eyes turn to Michael. Rowena’s fork hovers in the air, stilled. Jack stops eating mid-chew.
MICHAEL
We can beat Him.
A beat, as various players absorb the gravity and confidence of Michael’s statement.
SAM
How?
MICHAEL
Jack doesn’t have enough power to beat my Father, and there isn’t enough power on Earth for him to absorb that could possibly make a difference.
ROWENA
But...?
MICHAEL
But. There is one place that has enough power to make a difference, that wasn’t affected by my Father’s mass-erasure. The same place my brother was resurrected from.
SAM
(excited realization)
The Empty.
MICHAEL
If we can find a way for Jack to absorb all that power-- all the souls, yes, but more to the point-- all of the angelic grace and demonic miasma stored in stasis--
SAM
Miasma?
MICHAEL
Demonic beings gain power from Hell, just as angels gain power from Heaven. It is a parasitic haze that consumes a soul-- a perverse reflection of angelic grace.
JACK
How many angels and demons are in there?
MICHAEL
Enough, I’d imagine.
Dean, quiet until now, speaks up.
DEAN
You know, last time someone tried to absorb a bunch of souls and become God, it didn’t end so well. Why would this be any different?
MICHAEL
Jack will hold true. I have faith.
SAM
(angrily)
Faith? Come on. You’ve gotta give us something more than that.
MICHAEL
(finally testy)
If you have a better idea on how to defeat my Father, I would like to hear it.
ROWENA
Dean has a point. I don’t know if Jack can control that much power, much less little old me.
MICHAEL
You won’t need to. All we need is for my Father to be scared enough to try something. He tries something big, Jack absorbs His power, and the second Jack’s influence eclipses His...
SAM
Jack becomes God?
MICHAEL
In theory.
ROWENA
All well and good, but how do we get to the Empty in the first place? I’ve never heard of anything that could open a rift to that place.
MICHAEL
That’s where you come in.
ROWENA
Me?
MICHAEL
I need you to modify an existing spell. Specifically, the one Lucifer’s vessel used to try and summon him back from the Empty.
SAM
(remembering)
Nick’s spell-- but I thought that would only work on Lucifer?
MICHAEL
Hence the need for modification. But it should be close enough-- we have the blood of a Nephilim, and we are trying to bring back the angel he considers a father.
ROWENA
Even if we can get the portal open--
MICHAEL
It is all I will need. With Dean as my vessel, I will be powerful enough to tear through and face the Empty myself. The Empty is weaker than it used to be.
SAM
Dean as your--
He turns on Dean, fury and betrayal written on his face.
SAM (CONT’D)
You agreed to this?! After everything? After last time?
DEAN
Yeah, Sam. I did.
SAM
But Dean--
DEAN
(resolved)
This is somethin’ I gotta do.
SAM
Let me get this straight-- you’re going to break into the Empty, and then you’re going to find a way to bring back all those souls and put them into Jack, and then maybe we can beat God, if everything works the way Michael thinks it will.
DEAN
We’ve faced crazier odds.
SAM
(manically)
Have we?! Dean, you could end up trapped in the Empty right alongside Cas!
DEAN
Yeah, well.
(with a private smile)
If there’s anything worth dying for, this is it.
SAM
This is such crap. We’re going to make Jack into some kind of soul bomb, again?
JACK
I can make my own choices, Sam.
SAM
You’d let Dean talk you into anything! And you--
Sam stands up, and rounds on Michael.
SAM (CONT’D)
How do we know we can trust you? How do we know this isn’t some ploy to kill Jack?
And finally, Michael gives voice to what he’s been hinting at all episode--
MICHAEL
(with all the surety of Heaven in his voice)
Because I love Adam, and I would do anything to get him back.
Sam is taken aback by that. Rowena also looks a little surprised, but Jack and Dean seem to have worked out this revelation already.
Sam’s eyes fall back on Dean, who stares at him very intensely. Willing his brother to believe in this plan.
DEAN
It’ll work, Sam.
SAM
Dean...
DEAN
It will work.
SAM
I hope you’re right.
ROWENA
Samuel, let’s crack open some of these books, shall we?
SAM
I-- alright.
ROWENA
Michael, Jack I need you with me as well. We’ve got to get this right, because we’re only going to have one shot at it.
(to Dean)
And Dean?
DEAN
(surprised)
What d’you need?
ROWENA
(affectionate)
I need you to get some sleep, dove. If you’re going to do this, you’ll need your energy.
DEAN
(hazily, finally feeling the weight of exhaustion)
Yeah, I’ll... I’ll do that. Call me if you need anything.
Dean leaves, and Rowena and Sam exchange a glance as soon as he’s gone.
JACK
So if we do this... it’ll be over?
MICHAEL
If it works, you’ll be God.
Jack frowns, unsure what to make of that idea.
SAM
Well... if there’s a chance we can really do this. What are we waiting for?
(with a smile)
Time to give Chuck what he’s got coming.
CUT TO:
26
EXT. TROPICAL BEACH RESORT
CHUCK is lying in a beach resort chair. Not a care in the world. Sun-bathing. Wearing sunglasses. Holding one of those TANNING REFLECTORS. We hear a radio crackle, and Chuck frowns. Lowers his sunglasses and looks up.
WIDEN to reveal a brightly colored, faux-retro PORTABLE RADIO, on a table next to Chuck. The voices from the Bunker are coming through-- although the reception doesn’t seem to be very good.
DEAN (V.O.)
(desperate, stumbling)
If you’re... if you’re out there, Cas... if you can hear me. I’m coming. I swear, I’ll find you, and I--
Chuck looks annoyed. Sits up, leans over and cuts off Dean’s prayer, tuning the dial to another station.
ROWENA (V.O.)
Do you really think the boy can take it?
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Jack is the most powerful Nephilim ever created. His body could house the power of my Father. I would not suggest it otherwise.
ROWENA (V.O.)
Why do I get the feeling there’s a ‘but’?
A pause. Chuck squints, looking almost intrigued. Then Michael’s voice again, with less certainty than his usual commanding, regal tone.
MICHAEL (V.O.)
Jack needs to believe in himself, and his purpose. And containing the power is only half the issue-- controlling it is something else entirely.
Chuck shakes his head, almost fond. Mostly condescending.
CHUCK
Oh, Michael. You stupid, stupid boy.
He conjures an ORANGE COCKTAIL out nowhere, and begins sipping on it. Flips his sunglasses back up, lies down and goes back to sunbathing. COMPLETELY UNBOTHERED.
CUT TO:
27
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – STUDY – DAY
CLOSE ON a WITCH’S BOWL OF INGREDIENTS sitting on a table. Rowena’s hands are moving over the smoking concoction, adding flower petals and dropping in a lit match. Tilt up to reveal Sam, Rowena, Dean, Michael and Jack standing around it. A SALT CIRCLE surrounds the party. All except Michael and Dean look a little apprehensive.
ROWENA
Alright. It’s ready. Jack--
JACK
How much do you need?
ROWENA
However much you can give.
Jack looks at Rowena, and nods determinedly. Without hesitation, he takes up a SHARP KNIFE from the table and SLICES DEEP INTO HIS ARM. Sam is alarmed--
SAM
Jack--
--but Jack thrusts his arm over the bowl of ingredients, and BLOOD starts flowing fast and thick into the bowl. Rowena closes her eyes...
ROWENA
Amator hominum, qui dormiebat...
Michael looks at Dean, and Dean nods. It’s time.
THE GRACE-LIGHT OF AN ARCHANGEL spills out of Michael, and into DEAN, who LIGHTS UP WITH BLUE RADIANCE.
Sam hides his eyes from the light, while Jack stares.
The light fades, to REVEAL--
ROWENA (CONT’D)
...cuius maritus et filius vocare vobis...
--MICHAEL-AS-DEAN, with GLOWING BLUE EYES, who unfurls his wings-- casting GREAT SHADOWS against the back wall--
ROWENA (CONT’D)
...aperire tenebras, et sit in lucem!
Adam’s body CRUMPLES, and Sam rushes to catch the body as it falls.
Suddenly, A HUGE BLACK TEAR opens in the study in front of them-- the walls of the Bunker SHAKE-- they’ve torn a hole in reality that should not be opened.
Black goo begins to spill forth from the hole, as it gets wider--
And Michael-as-Dean steps forwards towards the void--
SAM
Dean!
Michael-as-Dean turns back to him, and smiles. It’s Dean. It’s the brother Sam loves.
DEAN
I’m coming back. I’m bringing him home.
And with that he STEPS INTO THE VOID--
AND DISAPPEARS, the void CLOSING BEHIND HIM.
The Bunker stops shaking, and Jack, Rowena and Sam (holding Adam’s body) are left behind.
BLACKOUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
ACT FIVE
28
INT. MEN OF LETTERS – STUDY – DAY
Jack, Rowena and Sam stare at the place where the portal was, and then at each other.
SAM
(vulnerability showing)
Do you really think this will work? I mean, it’s the Empty. It’s more powerful than Death.
JACK
I think Michael was right. We’ve just gotta believe. And I believe in Dean, and Castiel.
ROWENA
Well, I, on the other hand, am a total pessimist. I have no doubt something will go pear-shaped. But we’ll just do our best to deal with it, won’t we?
SAM
You’re right. I just hope...
Sam looks down at Adam’s face... then back at the portal. Tense.
SAM (CONT’D)
I just hope he knows what he’s doing.
CUT TO:
29
EXT. THE AXIS MUNDI – A LONG ROAD – TWILIGHT
WIDE SHOT of the IMPALA, beautiful in the twilight. The scenery is BREATHTAKING. Dusk is falling, and it is rapidly becoming night-time. It’s a wide-open road; nothing but highway asphalt, grass, and distant mountains. No animals, no people-- just Dean and his Baby.
30
INT. THE IMPALA – TWILIGHT
ON DEAN, at the wheel. His face is set with determination, and we don’t quite know whether he is Dean or Michael. Until--
We hear a familiar rustling that means an angel has just appeared.
ANGLE to reveal Michael in the passenger seat, wearing the body of JOHN WINCHESTER (YOUNGER). The scene mirrors the end of 5.22 SWAN SONG, with Michael in place of Castiel.
MUSIC CUE: A slow, quiet piano version of “CASTIEL’S THEME”. Continues over credits.
DEAN
Really?
MICHAEL
It seemed appropriate.
DEAN
How d’you figure?
MICHAEL
You’re dying, Dean.
DEAN
I thought that was the plan.
MICHAEL
Not exactly. The Empty is rejecting your soul. You’re human, so it’s trying to send you to Heaven. I need you to stay with me.
DEAN
How the hell do I stop my soul from going to Heaven?
MICHAEL
That’s up to you. You have to convince your soul.
DEAN
What, give myself a pep-talk?
MICHAEL
I’m in your mind, Dean. I see every part of you, every part of your heart. So let me ask you one question:
(a beat)
What would you rather have? Peace? Or freedom?
And with that, Michael vanishes again.
Dean grits his teeth, and slams on the breaks. The tires somehow don’t make a sound, ever as the car shudders to a halt.
ON DEAN, taking a moment to close his eyes, as though in silent prayer. He braces himself, steps out of the car, and--
31
EXT. THE AXIS MUNDI – TWILIGHT
--walks out into the field, abandoning the Impala on the road.
EXTREME WIDE SHOT. We watch as the small figure of Dean makes his way through the fields. The night grows darker, and darker.
BLACKOUT.
TO BE CONTINUED...