Hey Raphael, what would you have done differently in the apocalypse if you could go back and do it again? Also, why are you so mean to the poor narrator? :P
“That would depend on a great many factors, my friend,” Raphael says. He walks slowly along the treeline behind the bunker, relishing the cool grass on his bare feet. “At what point in the Apocalypse would I find myself? Before Lucifer and Michael’s showdown? Before Lucifer kills Gabriel? Before Samuel breaks the last seal and frees Lucifer? Before Dean Winchester makes his deal? Or perhaps where it all began–before Azazel force-fed demon blood to an infant Samuel?
“There are so many places along the path where events could have been altered. So many forks in the road that have led us here today. Who is to say I would be capable of altering our destination by traveling a different way?
“But for the sake of speculation, let us assume I find myself returned to the moment Castiel raises Dean Winchester from Hell. Knowing what I do now, I would do everything differently. My first priority would be to keep the Winchesters safe from Heaven’s manipulations. And to do that, I would need Gabriel. They didn’t necessarily trust one another back then, but they did know each other. And Gabriel is proficient in creating secure pocket dimensions.
“Then, I would work on reminding Michael of our purpose. It would not be easy–I did not have much influence on him even then. He was so lost without–”
Raphael cuts off abruptly. Realization dawns on him, and he shakes his head. A deep, rolling laugh echoes through the woods.
“Actually, none of that would be necessary. Assuming I replace my past-self when I travel back in time,” he gives a devious grin, “then I would find myself in possession of one Chuck Shurley–Prophet and Father-in-hiding. And after I slapped Him sober, He and I would sit down for a long overdue chat.
“As to your second question–I am sure I have no idea what you mean,” he says in a tone of pure innocence. “Your friend was clearly in need of a muse, and I have experience with writers. Sometimes, they just need a little encouragement.”