FLASHBACK

ST. MARY'S CONVENT - 1972

Azazel kneels before the altar, the bloody bodies of the nuns sprawled around him. One is splayed out on the altar, facing him in a reverse-crucifixion pose. He speaks towards this one during the following.

"Father, look... I'm not exactly the praying type, but still... I made the sacrifice. I got you a bagful of nuns. So, uh... can you hear me? Can you whisper through the door?" Azazel Says

"I'm here, my son" Lucifer Says

"It's so good to hear your voice, Padre. I have been searching for you for so long. You have no idea. The others have lost faith. Dickless heathens. But not me." Azazel Says

"You've done well." Lucifer Says

"So, uh... how do I bust you out?" Azazel Says

"Lilith." Lucifer Says

"Lilith? Father, she's... trapped neck-deep in the pit. It won't be easy." Azazel Says

"Lilith. Lilith can break the seals." Lucifer Says

"Yeah, okay. But what do I do?" Azazel Says

"You must find me a child. A very special child." Lucifer Says

"What do you mean? What child?" Azazel Says as his eyes flash yellow

__________________________________

MOTEL ROOM

Sam is doing research on his laptop. Ruby stands in the background.

"You got to be kidding me." Sam Says

"What?" Ruby Says

"Get this. St. Mary's -- abandoned in '72 after a priest disemboweled eight nuns." Sam Says

"What's black and white and red all over?" Ruby Says

"That's not funny, The priest said it wasn't his fault. He said a demon made him do it. And that he even remembered the demon's name." Sam Says

"Yeah?" Ruby Says

"Azazel." Sam Says

"Wow. So, Lilith, Yellow-Eyes -- all the A-listers are paying visits. Certainly gives the joint credibility." Ruby Says

"As a place where the final seal goes down." Sam Says

"Well, it's good enough for me. Let's pack up Nurse Betty and hit the road." Ruby Says

"Hey, maybe, um... look." Sam Says

"What?" Ruby Says

"M-maybe we can find another demon." Sam Says

"Sam, no. That blubbery "don't hurt me" crap -- it's just an act. She's playing you." Ruby Says

"I'm not so sure." Sam Says

"Even if she's not, there's still a hell-bitch snoozing in there. I mean, come on. It's not like you haven't done this before, right?" Ruby Says

Sam manhandles Cindy down the steps and out to the car. She's struggling, pleading with him. He's trying very hard to ignore this.

"No. Please don't. Just listen to me, okay? My name is Cindy McClellan. I'm a nurse in the NICU over at Enfield Memorial. I have a husband named Matthew, okay? We've been married six years. He's got to be worried sick about me. And I don't even know who you are, and I'm not gonna tell anybody anything. Please just let me go." Cindy Says

Sam opens the trunk, she starts screaming.

"No! No! Please, no! Please" Cindy Says

Sam shoves her in the trunk and shuts it

"Help!"  Cindy Says as Sam leans on the trunk breathing heavily

ANGELIC GREENROOM

Dean is frustrated. He pokes at one of the numerous figurines on one of the many mantlepieces and tips it deliberately to the ground. It shatters with a crash just as Castiel appears behind him. He turns around, looking slightly guilty.

"You asked to see me?" Castiel Asks

"Yeah, listen, I, uh, I-I need something." Dean Says

"Anything you wish." Castiel Says

"I need you to take me to see Sam." Dean Says

"Why?" Castiel Says

"There's something I got to talk to him about." Dean Says

"What's that?" Castiel Says

"The B.M. I took this morning. What's it to you? Just make it snappy." Dean Says

"I don't think that's wise." Castiel Says

"Well, I didn't ask you for your opinion." Dean Says

"Have you forgotten what happened the last time you met?" Castiel Says

"No. That's the whole point. Listen, I'm gonna do whatever you mooks want, okay? I just need to tie up this one thing. Five minutes -- that's all I need." Dean Says

"No." Castiel Says

"What do you mean, no? Are you saying that I'm trapped here?" Dean Says

"You can go wherever you want." Castiel Says

"Super. I want to go see Sam." Dean Says

"Except there." Castiel Says

"I want to take a walk." Dean Says

"Fine. I'll go with you." Castiel Says

"Alone." Dean Says

"No." Castiel Says

"You know what? Screw this noise. I'm out of here." Dean Says As He heads for the door.

"Through what door?" Castiel Says

Dean turns to face him, frowning. When he turns back, the door has been replaced by a smooth wall. He turns back to face Castiel, who has also disappeared.

"Damn it." Dean Says

ROAD

Ruby is driving. Sam is in the passenger seat staring at his cell phone, which displays "1 new voicemail from: Dean". He isn't playing it. Cindy screams in the trunk.

"What are you -- a 12-year-old girl? Just play it already." Ruby Says

"Mind your own business." Sam Says

"Let me out! Let me out!" Cindy Says thumping on the roof of the trunk

"God, I wish she would just shut up." Sam Says

"Well, that can be arranged. I don't get it. All the demons you cut with the knife -- what do you think happens to the host? How is this any different?" Ruby Says

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" Sam Says

"I know that you're having a tough time here, Sam, but we're in the final lap here. Now is not the time to grow a persqueeter." Ruby Says

"Would you drop the friggin' attitude? I'm about to bleed and drink an innocent woman. While she watches." Sam Says

"And save the world as a result." Ruby Says

"I don't know. I-I just... I'm starting to think... maybe Dean was right." Sam Says

"About what?" Ruby Asks

"About everything." Sam Says

"We're gonna see this through, right, Sam? Sam?" Ruby Says

"Let me out! Let me out!" Cindy Screams

ANGELIC GREENROOM

Dean is attempting to break through a wall with a pedestal. He has smashed through to the foundations, but when he pauses, the wall repairs itself. He throws the pedestal to the floor.

"Son of a bitch." Dean Says

"Quit hurling feces like a howler monkey, would you? It's unbecoming." Zachariah Says

"Let me out of here." Dean Says

"Like I told you, too dangerous out there. Demons on the prowl." Zachariah Says

"I've been getting my ass kicked all year. Now you're sweating my safety? You're lying. I want to see my brother." Dean Says

"That's... ill-advised." Zachariah Says

"You know, I am so sick of your crap riddles and your smug, fat face. What the hell is going on, huh? Why can't I see Sam? And how am I gonna ice Lilith?" Dean Says

"You're not. ...Going to ice Lilith." Zachariah Says

"What?" Dean Says

"Lilith's going to break the final seal. Fait accompli at this point. Train's left the station." Zachariah Says

"But me and Sam, we can stop...You don't want to stop it, do you?" Dean Says

"Nope. Never did. The end is nigh. The apocalypse is coming, kiddo, to a theater near you." Zachariah Says

"What was all that crap about saving seals?" Dean Says

"Our grunts on the ground -- we couldn't just tell them the whole truth. We'd have a full-scale rebellion on our hands. I mean, think about it. Would we really let 65 seals get broken unless senior management wanted it that way?" Zachariah Says

"But why?" Dean Says

"Why not? The apocalypse? Poor name, bad marketing -- puts people off. When all it is is Ali/Foreman. On a... slightly larger scale. And we like our chances. When our side wins -- and we will -- it's paradise on earth. Now, what's not to like about that?" Zachariah Says

"What happens to all the people during your little pissing contest?" Dean Asks

"Well... you can't make an omelet without cracking a few eggs. In this case... truckloads of eggs, but you get the picture. Look... it happens. This isn't the first planetary enema we've delivered." Zachariah Says

He notices Dean eyeing a statue on a mantelpiece

"Uh, no, Dean. Probably shouldn't try to bash my skull in with that thing. Wouldn't end up too pleasant for you." Zachariah Says

"What about Sam? He won't go quietly. He'll stop Lilith." Dean Says

"Sam... has a part to play. A very important part. He may need a little nudging in the right direction, but I'll make sure he plays it." Zachariah Says

"What does that mean? What are you gonna do to him?" Dean Says

"Sam, Sam, Sam. Marcia, Marcia, Marcia. Forget about him, would you? You have larger concerns. Why do you think I'm confiding in you? You're still vital, Dean. We weren't lying about your destiny. Just... omitted a few pertinent details. But nothing's changed. You are chosen. You will stop it. Just... not Lilith, or the apocalypse. That's all." Zachariah Says

"Which means?" Dean Says

"Lucifer. You're going to stop Lucifer. You're our own little Russell Crowe, complete with surly attitude. And when it's over... and when you've won... your rewards will be... unimaginable. Peace, happiness... two virgins and seventy sluts.
Trust me -- one day, we'll look back on this and laugh." Zachariah Says as he points to the Micheal Picture

"Tell me something. Where's God in all this?" Dean Asks

"God? God has left the building." Zachariah Says

_________________________________

ST. MARYS

A night guard is patrolling the abandoned corridors, seemingly alone; Lilith, wearing a white sleeveless gown and the same host we saw in her last appearance, is suddenly behind him. She smiles innocently.

"Howdy." Lilith Says

"Lady, this is private property. You're not supposed to be here." Guard Says

"But I'm here for mass. And so are you." Lilith Says
As Her eyes go white the Guard screams in agony

ANGELIC GREENROOM

Dean is attempting to call Sam again. He dials the phone, but hears only static. Castiel appears behind him.

"You can't reach him, Dean. You're outside your coverage zone." Castiel Says

"What are you gonna do to Sam?" Dean Asks

"Nothing. He's gonna do it to himself." Castiel Says

"What's that supposed to mean?, Oh, right, right. Got to toe the company line. Why are you here, Cas?" Dean Says

"We've been through much together, you and I. And I just wanted to say, I'm sorry it ended like this." Castiel Says

"Sorry?" Dean Says

He punches Castiel, who hardly flinches. Dean flexes his hand in pain.

"It's Armageddon, Cas. You need a bigger word than "sorry." Dean Says

"Try to understand—this is long foretold. This is your..." Castiel Says

"Destiny? Don't give me that "holy" crap. Destiny, God's plan... It's all a bunch of lies, you poor, stupid son of a bitch! It's just a way for your bosses to keep me and keep you in line! You know what's real? People, families -- that's real. And you're gonna watch them all burn?" Dean Says

"What is so worth saving? I see nothing but pain here. I see inside you. I see your guilt, your anger, confusion. In paradise, all is forgiven. You'll be at peace. Even with Sam." Castiel Says

"You can take your peace... and shove it up your lily-white ass. 'Cause I'll take the pain and the guilt. I'll even take Sam as is. It's a lot better than being some Stepford bitch in paradise. This is simple, Cas! No more crap about being a good soldier. There is a right and there is a wrong here, and you know it." Dean Says

Castiel Turns Away

"Look at me!, He grabs Castiel's shoulder and turns Castiel back to face him, You know it! You were gonna help me once, weren't you? You were gonna warn me about all this, before they dragged you back to Bible camp. Help me -- now. Please." Dean Says

"What would you have me do?" Castiel Says

"Get me to Sam. We can stop this before it's too late." Dean Says

"I do that, we will all be hunted. We'll all be killed." Castiel Says

"If there is anything worth dying for... this is it.
You spineless......soulless son of a bitch. What do you care about dying? You're already dead. We're done." Dean Says

"Dean —" Castiel Says

"We're done!" Dean Says

Dean turns to look behind him, but Castiel has disappeared.

ROAD

Sam stands before a sign that reads, ST. CONVENT - 2 miles. Ruby is a few paces behind him, by the car. We can still faintly hear Cindy pounding and screaming in the trunk.

"Sam, it's time. Are we doing this or not?" Ruby Says

"Give me a minute to think." Sam Says

"Sam—" Ruby Says

"Give me a damn minute, Ruby!" Sam Says

"Better think fast." Ruby Says

Sam surreptitiously pulls his cell phone from his pocket and presses a button.

"First unheard message."

"Listen to me, you bloodsucking freak. Dad always said I'd either have to save you or kill you. Well, I'm giving you fair warning. I'm done trying to save you. You're a monster, Sam -- a vampire. You're not you anymore. And there's no going back."

Ruby smirks behind his back. Close to tears, Sam slowly lowers the phone and shuts it off.

"Do it." Sam Says

"Thank god." Ruby Says As She opens the trunk

"No!" Cindy screams and struggles

_________________________________

ANGELIC GREEN ROOM

Dean is pacing. He pauses in front of the platter of hamburgers and considers. He takes one. Suddenly Castiel appears behind him, grabs him by the shoulder, and shoves him against the wall, pressing a hand over his mouth and drawing the knife. A moment passes while they stare at each other, then Dean nods slightly. Castiel lets him go. He draws the knife across his forearm and takes the blood with his other hand, smearing it on the wall to form the angel banishing sigil. Zachariah appears.

"Castiel! Would you mind explaining just what the hell you're doing?" Zachariah Says

Castiel finishes drawing and slams his hand in the center of the sigil. In a violent flash of white light, Zachariah vanishes.

"He won't be gone long. We have to find Sam now." Castiel Says

"Where is he?" Dean Says

"I don't know. But I know who does. We have to stop him, Dean, from killing Lilith." Castiel Says

"But Lilith's gonna break the final seal." Dean Says

"Lilith is the final seal. She dies, the end begins." Castiel Says