Children of the Wild Ones

[reticentric]

Chapter One

It was late in the afternoon when Dean Winchester and his brother Sam finally made their way back to Bobby Singer’s Salvage Yard, smelling of smoke and sterile household chemicals; things they’d used to make a bomb to blow up a building belonging to Niveus Pharmaceuticals. Domestic terrorism wasn’t a part of their day job but sometimes you had to get down and dirty to do what was right. In their case blowing up a warehouse filled with a demon virus that would infect every man, woman and child it was given to far outweighed any moral code they had on the matter.

Dean could remember quite clearly what that fucken virus had done about three years ago when unleashed in the small town of Rivergrove, Oregon. It had turned most of the townspeople into raged filled crazies that would rip your face off in an instant and wear it to the Prom or something equally disturbing. Except back then it had spread through the blood and this being a super batch, who the hell knew how it got cooking once it got going?

But that was old news thanks to him and Sam doing what they did best. They’d even managed to save a few of the employees before they were ripped apart.

He still hated Crowley and wanted to gank the bastard but his info had been top shelf. On Pestilence’s orders Brady had been cooking up the Croatoan virus as some sort of fake cure to the sudden swine flu epidemic. Too bad he hadn’t monologue’d about that like every other villain before they killed him. Anyway though Pestilence was gone, Brady was a spot on the concrete and the virus was burnt to a crisp. Now all they had to worry about Lucifer.

Man, it sounded so easy when put like that. At least they knew what his master plan was a.k.a kill every single human on the planet because of his massive daddy issues. Asshole.

Heading straight for Bobby’s booze and pouring himself a glass, Dean let the alcohol burn his throat as he chugged it without stopping. He shivered and glanced to where Sam was slouched in a chair in front of Bobby’s desk, lost in thought and staring into space. Dean would bet money that his brother was thinking about the devil and all the fucked up shit they’d been through in the past few days.

Getting murdered and going to Heaven; getting to see Pam and Ash again while Zachariah screwed with their memories of his mother.

Killing the Whore of Babylon in a town led astray.

And then of course there was the biggie-him deciding that saying yes to Michael was the only way for them to get out of their fucked up situation. Looking back on it he could realize how crazy and desperate he’d been but man, at the time it had been so simple. Easy really. Because Dean never really cared about himself and his welfare when there were more important things at stake like the fate of the entire world. Besides Michael had promised not to leave him a drooling bag of bones and he’d believed him for whatever reason. Probably because the asshole was totally the type to possess and run without even buying him dinner first. But either way he was going to do it and hope for the best.

Saying yes to Michael would always be the better option, especially when plan B was Sam trying to control Lucifer.

Dean just hadn’t expected everyone in his life to be so against it. Cas had beat the shit out of him and lost faith in him while Sam and Bobby had locked him up in the panic room. And yeah he got their anger but he’d just been trying to do what was right. He was always trying to do what was right.

The angels resurrecting Adam Milligan however changed the entire game. It made him even more determined to let Michael slip underneath his skin. The kid was a dick but he was their half brother and family would always mean something to him.

Things hadn’t gone according to plan however in the beautiful room for anyone really. Dean said yes but managed to kill Zachariah and escape with Sam by the skin of his teeth before his holiness descended. He still wasn’t sure how that had worked out. Everything had been shaking and the ringing in his ears had been almost deafening; the brightness of Michael’s very essence making the hair on the back of his neck stand straight. There had been an electric shock and then Adam simply disappeared before their very eyes like a dissipating fog.

No Michael in sight with a dead corporate angel douche slumped in the corner. Man it had felt amazing to finally shut Zachariah up. To watch him burn out of his vessel and feel it flow through his body like a comet shooting cross the sky.

At least he and Sam were back on good footing though, not that there was any doubt about that. Going up against Pagan Gods and surviving tended to bring a family together.

Smoothing a hand across his face, Dean trudged over to the lumpy couch and sat down with a low groan. It would be mere minutes before they were back researching how to kill Lucifer-an endless task probably-but for now everyone was just sitting quietly. That’s how he knew it was serious of course because usually Bobby never stopped muttering and wheeling about…so much crankier since losing the use of his legs. Which yeah. Too bad they couldn’t fix that. Too bad Cas couldn’t.

At the thought of his friend Dean frowned and tapped his fingers on his denim clad knees. He had no idea where the angel was or if he was even okay. He was trying to be optimistic but things never tended to work out well for them or their friends. And Cas had just, put himself on the line again for them-for him-like his own safety didn’t matter. He’d walked into that warehouse like a goddamn boss and cleared the room of angels in under a minute. He was a nerdy little asshole sometimes but he fought like a one man army for their pitiful little cause. And Dean hated that their last conversation had been about Cas losing faith in him. That he figured it was better to take on the other angels instead of watching him fail.

Dean was going to find him though. He didn’t care if he had to scourge the planet five times over or kick in the Heavenly gates, he was going to find him and thank him. Because yeah there was just no damn way he could give up on Castiel when Castiel-even battered and bruised and reprogrammed-had never given up on him. He owed him that and so much more.

It was hard for him to depend on anyone besides Sam and Bobby but somehow Castiel had joined his place within those hallowed ranks. And it wasn’t even the pulling him out of Hell thing though yeah that got him major bonus points. It was everything that came after. It was this freaken celestial being going against his entire family because he felt this silly little human had some good ideas worth paying attention to. It was knowing that Cas had seem him at his literal worst and yet still saw something good in him afterwards.

It was because Cas was Cas and he just couldn’t let him down.

So they would find a way to nut punch Lucifer out of existence and then find Castiel.

“We should have stopped for something to eat.” Sam said, finally breaking the silence. “No offence Bobby but I’m really not in the mood for more beans and rice.”

Bobby grunted in response. “Sorry the accommodations aren’t up to par. I left my chef’s hat upstairs.”

Sam cracked a smile and stood, strolling into the kitchen to look in the fridge. “Maybe I’ll just fry an egg. Hey Dean, you want one?”

Dean sighed; he wasn’t too hungry but he’d eat anyway. “Yeah sure.” He rolled his aching shoulders, reaching back to rub at the pressure between them. He didn’t remember getting hurt but he supposed it could have happened when icing Zachariah tossed him into the wall. “So the Crotes virus is toast. Now we just gotta figure out a way to stop Lucifer before he kills a bunch of people.”

Bobby wheeled from around his desk. “Easier said than done. I’ve been combin’ these damn books since the asshole showed up and haven’t found diddly squat.”

Dean wasn’t surprised. “Yeah well he is the devil. And it did take another Archangel back in the day to clip his wings. Unless Michael shows up wearing Adam we’re probably all screwed.” Man he hoped that didn’t happen. He’d never forgive himself.

“Oh ye of absolutely no faith.” A voice said, one belonging to Crowley from where he stood fixing himself a glass of Scotch. “Do you lot always whine this much? However do you manage to get anything done?”

“What the hell do you want?” Bobby snapped at him. “If you’re expectin’ a pat on the back for telling us about Niveus I got a newsflash for ya, you ain’t getting one.”

“Come now Robert. I told you about Niveus out of the goodness of my black heart.” Crowley mused. “And well, a planet overrun with the Croatoan infected would have just been bad for business.”

“What do you want?” Dean inquired, his jaw twitching in irritation. “Niveus is gone.”

“Oh yes I know. Lovely work by the way.” The demon grinned. “I am here gentlemen to impart a bit of interesting information that I have just been made privy to. And trust me, you’re gonna wanna hear this.”

Sam came to stand in the doorway, frying pan and fork in his hands. “Hear what?”

Crowley took a slow sip of his beverage. “Lucifer. He’s dead.”

Dean blinked. “What? What the hell are you talking about?”

Crowley looked at him. “It seems our fearless demonic leader was cut down a few days ago in Muncie. Some of his little stooges are quite upset about it. Me? I’m throwing a keger and you’re all invited. Clothing optional.”

Sam’s mouth opened and closed for a minute. “But…wait. Muncie, Indiana? Isn’t that where that hotel was with all the Gods and stuff?” His eyes found Dean’s. “Do you think Gabriel really did it? You think he killed the devil?”

Seeing as how all the Gods except Kali were slaughtered he didn’t know who else could have done it. “Looks like.” Pause. “Crowley you sure this information is legit?”

Crowley nodded seriously. “Cross my heart. Satan is no more. He won’t be missed.”

Sam’s brows narrowed in obvious thought. “Tha-that would be beyond amazing but how are we supposed to know for sure? I mean it’s not like we can ask another demon or something. The only one he had any interaction with was Meg, and the less we see of her after what happened to Jo and Ellen the better.”

Dean stroked his chin. “We could try shouting for Gabriel.”

“Or you could summon him.” Crowley cut in. “Seriously you boys need to study more. You’re useless.”

“And how exactly does one summon an Archangel?” Bobby asked testily.

“The same way you summon a regular angel.” Crowley snapped his fingers and a piece of ratty parchment appeared on Bobby’s desk. “There. Don’t say I never gave you anything.”

Dean wasn’t convinced. “Why are you still helping us anyway?”

The demon waved a hand. “It’s no secret I wasn’t a fan of Lucifer or his big plans. I would have done anything to get rid of him and remain on this lovely little piece of rock. You three primary color challenged imbeciles just happened to get the job done. So…” He strolled over to a book shelf. “Consider this a freebie.”

Sighing, Bobby plucked up the paper and gave it the once over. “I’ve got most of this stuff in the pantry. Well, let’s summon us an Archangel.”

Eggs forgotten, Sam fetched the ingredients that were needed while Dean drew symbols in chalk on the table. They put everything together in a large gold challis-and where had Bobby gotten a challis-before exchanging glances and lighting it all on fire. A plume of smoke puffed up to the ceiling and seconds later there was Gabriel, leaning against the wall near the kitchen, snacking on a bag of Skittles.

“Sam and Dean Winchester…oh goodie.” He arched a brow at Crowley. “Is this some weird interspecies party or something? Because I gotta tell ya if I had known I would have brought Kali.”

Dean shook his head. “We thought you died you son of a bitch. What? You couldn’t even pop in to tell us you were okay?”

Gabriel shrugged idly. “Didn’t know you cared. Besides I was busy. That business with Lucifer got Kali all hot and bothered and well, I would have been an idiot to walk away from that. Girl loves her destruction; what’re ya gonna do?”

Sam ignored him. “Did you do? Did you kill Lucifer?”

For the first time since that warehouse and the holy fire Dean noticed Gabriel drop the act, his expression becoming open and just a tiny bit vulnerable. “It was either him or me,” he replied. “Luckily he’d forgotten some of my better tricks.”

Sam looked like a kid at Christmas over the news. “So he-he’s gone? I don’t have to worry anymore. Everyone is safe.”

Dean couldn’t resist going over and slapping his shoulder. He hadn’t seen his brother this happy in a very long time. “You’re free, Sammy.”

Sam grinned cheerfully. “Oh. Sorry Gabriel. I mean-well I know that wasn’t easy for you. He was your brother.”

Gabriel popped another Skittle into his mouth. “He was…and I loved him. But let’s face it. He was like about fifty cards short of a full deck. Yeah I’ve beamed people aboard an alien space ship but even I would never boil the planet.”

Bobby shut the book on his lap closed. “So if the devil wasn’t yanking Pestilence’s chain anymore, why was he still going to release the Croatoan virus?”

“Well you did kill one of his brethren. And as you clearly discovered with Lucifer, beings of immeasurable power are not above petty revenge plots.” Crowley explained; matter of fact. “Maybe he just wanted to stick it to you like you stuck it to War.”

Dean scratched at the back of his neck because that did make sense. Also it was possible that Pestilence had been given orders to keep things going no matter what. “Alright so, the devil is dead and the Crote virus is gone.” Folding his arms over his chest, he wet his lips. “So does that mean we’ve won?”

Sam nodded. “Seems like it. Until the next hunt comes along I mean. But…yeah.” He got that look like he wanted a group hug or something, so Dean stealthily wandered over to where Bobby sat. “It’s finally over.”

Gabriel snorted. “I’d love to stay and chat-actually no I wouldn’t. I’d love to be neck deep in chocolate sauce and porn stars so I’m heading to Vegas, baby!”

“Wait.” Dean lifted a hand before he could pop away. “One more thing. Heal Bobby first.”

“Ex-squeeze me?” Gabriel inquired, drawing the words out. “Why would I do that?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do. He lost his legs fighting in a war your dick bag family helped start.” Dean raised his voice a little, for all the good it would accomplish. “Now you’ve never had trouble bending reality or whatever so I’m gonna go out on a limb and say being an Archangel means Heaven’s little rules don’t apply to you. That you can heal him.”

Gabriel chomped on more candy. “I could. In fact I could probably turn him into a woman with huge cans if I wanted to.”

Bobby made a face. “No thanks, I’m pretty enough. Legs would be good though. Workin’ ones.”

Dean hated the thought of begging to Gabriel of all people but he’d do it for Bobby because Bobby had done a lot for him and Sam. “C’mon man, please? We’ll owe you one.”

Chuckling, Gabriel made his bag of Skittles disappear. “No offense but you guys aren’t exactly rolling in anything I’d want. Especially since I can just conjure whatever I need. Now…I would love to help but there is an adult movie out there calling my name.”

Seeing red, Dean balled his hands into tight fists. Hitting him would only break his knuckles if he was lucky but honestly he wanted to give it a shot. Really what was the harm in giving Bobby back the use of his legs? What was the harm in doing something right for a change? Was it against his jackass code or something? Did he only intervene in situations where he could bring someone down a peg or where his own stupid life was at stake?

“Fuck you.” Dean said through clenched teeth. “So you do one good deed and then revert back to a psychotic Trickster that drops innocent people into black holes? Is healing someone beneath you or some shit? Really how long would it take to come the fuck over here, lay hands on…” He put his hand on Bobby’s shoulder and squeezed hard. “…and fucken heal him?!”

Suddenly Bobby gasped loudly and tensed like he had been struck by a bolt of lightning, his face flushing dark red. His eyes were wide when they came back into focus, and he waved away questions of if he was okay. “I’m fine ya idgits. Just a case of static electricity.”

“Bobby.” Sam whispered. “Your leg.”

Bobby looked down to where he was wiggling his right leg. “What the hell?” Reaching down with shaking hands, he jerked the metal stirrups of the chair out of the way and slowly stood. “Son of a bitch.”

Sam’s big puppy dog eyes fixed on the Archangel. “You did it. You were just being a dick about it but you did it.”

Gabriel pressed his lips together. “Actually no. I didn’t. Dean did.”

Dean snickered. “Seriously? Is this a new game you got going on?”

Gabriel whistled. “I don’t know how I missed it before but then again you’ve always had sparks of grace in ya, Deano thanks to Castiel. Guess they kept me from putting two and two together at the hotel but now it’s so clear.”

“What’s clear? And I’ve got Cas’ grace in me?”

“Don’t look so scandalized. How else was he gonna get those bow legs of yours to stay on?”

“Okay filing that away for later. What else are you going on about?”

“You my dear are brimming with Michael’s grace.”

The room got so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone looked at everyone else but no one seemed to know what to say. And then Dean huffed in derision. “That’s not possible.”

Gabriel hunched his shoulders. “But it is. You did just heal your grouchy father figure.”

“Dean. What if he’s right?” Sam grabbed his bicep and shook him a little. “Technically you did say yes to Michael. Remember?”

“But we got out of there before he showed up.” Dean reminded him. “He’s most likely running around in Adam, unfortunately.”

“Wrong! Pretty sure your illegitimate brother is back up in Heaven.” Gabriel exclaimed. “You have Michael’s grace. You have his powers. Hell you’ve probably even got wings hidden beneath your broad shoulders. How you happen to have all that with no Michael in sight? I dunno. Call me when you figure that out.”

And then he was gone.

“Fuck!” Dean cursed. “Gabriel get back here! Gabriel!”

“Now that he’s mentioned it…” Crowley squinted at him. “You do have more sparkly bits than usual. Interesting. Well gentlemen I have to be going. Deals won’t make themselves.”

He followed Gabriel’s lead.

Sam pushed strands of dark brown hair out of his face. “Guess this means we’re back in research mode.”

Bobby was already folding up his wheelchair so that he could shove it into a corner. “I’ll go get the books I had tucked upstairs.” He was all but beaming and Dean was glad to see it; he’d never get over the old bastard wanting to eat a bullet because of that damned chair.

Watching the older man jog up the stairs, Dean picked up the half a bottle of Jack Daniels and didn’t even bother with a glass, instead drinking it straight up. He cringed at the burn and felt it settle in his empty stomach like lead. His mind was on fire with different thoughts and ideas, all of which swirled around Michael. Michael. There was no fucken way he had Michael’s mojo-it just didn’t make any sense. Angels took vessels over; they didn’t juice ‘em up and then skip town. Well unless the angel was bitch slapped back to Heaven for some reason.

What if he’s rattling around in my head just waiting for a weak moment? He thought to himself. Well surprise fuck face! Lucifer is dead and the apocalypse is over!

Dean turned to his brother. “We need Cas.”

Of course Sam didn’t disagree. “Yeah he’d probably know what was going on. We should have asked Gabriel if he knew where he was.”

Like that douche would have told them if he did. “Fat lot a good that would have done us and you know it. Dick is only out for himself.” And yet… “Gabriel you fucken prick! Get your feathery ass back here and help us find Cas!”

Silence.

Growing steadily more annoyed and angry, Dean practically screamed for the Archangel to return but he didn’t. And then Sam started giving him that sympathetic face that he always got when he could tell his brother was in pain but trying not to let it show. Dean hated that look and he hated the thought of Castiel out there somewhere, broken and hurt because of what he’d done for them. Honestly he didn’t know what he would do if they didn’t find him. And if they didn’t find him alive?

The thought caused bile to rise into his throat but he forced it back down. Puking wouldn’t help. The urge wouldn’t disappear though instead settling deep within his guts and twisting. He gasped when it became harder to breathe and doubled over, holding his stomach as his legs threatened to shake out from underneath him. He could see Sam’s mouth moving-calling his name-but he couldn’t find his voice to say anything. Just as his brother got up and reached for him, he was jerked violently backwards with such force that he nearly blacked out from the strain.

Next he was crashing down roughly onto a shiny tiled floor, knocking over something in the process. He groaned and rolled over onto his back, blinking away hazy images to stare up at bright light panels. The smell of bleach and sterile medicines drifted up his nose, and he frowned because they were so freaking strong. He coughed and sat up as his ribs gave a twinge. Apparently he’d fell onto a…wooden food tray?

It was then Dean fully realized that he wasn’t in Bobby’s study anymore. Hell he wasn’t even in Bobby’s house anymore. What the fuck, man? Judging by the white walls and smells he knew he had to be in a hospital but he didn’t wanna think of how he’d gotten there because that would mean Gabriel was right.

Gabriel was right.

Sam and Bobby were probably freaking the hell out right about now.

“Fuck.” Standing up on legs that felt like bugs were crawling under his skin, his attention immediately went to the figure stretched out on the bed. “Cas?”

Had he fucken teleported to Cas? Sure he’d been worried but…

The angel’s eyes were closed with his arms limp by his sides, an IV in one and a plastic id bracelet around the other. The covers were pulled up to his chest which rose and fell slowly but there were no machines monitoring him. He didn’t look mangled or half dead as Dean had feared, but he was paler than usual with four scratches above his left eye and a bruise on his right cheek. Not to mention the fact that he was in a spotted hospital gown kept throwing Dean off. Seriously he wasn’t even going to focus on anything else or his head might crack open.

“Cas?” He made his way to the side of the bed and touched his hand. “C’mon man, wake up. Weird as hell shit is going down and I could really use your help.”

“How did you get in here?” The door to the room opened and a confused nurse stared at him. “Visitors have to check in at the front desk.”

Dean ignored her question. “What’s wrong with him?”

She sighed. “I’m sorry Sir but we can only give that information to next of kin. Now you really have to leave.”

Yeah, he wasn’t going anywhere. “Look I know him, okay? He’s a friend of mine and I’ve been looking for him.” Pause. “I just wanna know if he’s okay. You don’t have to give me specifics.”

She nibbled on her bottom lip. There must have been something in his voice or expression because she cleared her throat and said, “He’s in a coma but that’s all I can tell you. You really need to come back another time and maybe try to get in touch with his family. Otherwise I can’t release any information to you.”

He looked back to his friend. Angels didn’t go into comas. “I’m not leaving.”

Huffing she stormed out of the room presumably to get security.

Dragging his palms up and down his thighs, he hurried to the door and closed it, wishing there was a damn lock. Then he was back at Castiel’s bedside, removing his IV and un-tucking the sheets, throwing them to the foot of the bed. He knew he only had a few moments before the nurse and some gun toting rent a cop dude showed up to usher him outside but there was no goddamn way he was leaving Castiel. Especially not like this.

Dean threw Castiel’s arm over his neck and slipped his own arms underneath him, scooping him up into a princess carry with a low grunt. “Okay. Shit. How do I get us back to Bobby’s?”

He’d been worried about Cas before unexpectedly ending up in his hospital room. More than that he’d been sort of terrified that they would never find him again. That he was locked away in Heaven being tortured or worse, laying dead in a ditch somewhere. The feeling had overwhelmed him and the next thing he knew, bam. Literally.

So what would get him back to Sioux Falls and Singer’s Salvage Yard?

He was picturing Bobby’s living room when he heard rushed footsteps at the end of the hall. “Fuck! C’mon mojo do your thing!” Bobby’s house. Bobby’s study. Bobby’s booze? Bracing his back against the door with Castiel’s head lolling on his shoulder, he blinked with a start. “Sam. C’mon Sammy! I can see you freaking out and wondering where I am. You’re worried.”

With his brother’s floppy hair and Sasquatch physique in mind, he concentrated on Sam and how upset he had to be right now with Dean just disappearing into thin air. Bobby most likely wasn’t any better but Sam would be pacing and trying his phone-which was in his coat, which he wasn’t wearing-and then cussing up a storm when he realized that. He’d scream for Gabriel until he was hoarse before diving onto the books with calling Crowley for help in the back of his mind. The last thing Dean wanted was to cause him more anxiety especially when he was just starting to lighten up.

He had to get back to Sam.

He had to get back to Sam.

He had to…

That familiar tug erupted in his chest, quicker this time to send him hurtling through space or time or whatever just as the door jostled behind him. With his eyes open all he saw was misshapen blobs and streaks of light like from old Star Trek episodes when they would go into warp speed. It was strange and unsettling but thankfully it only lasted a second. Between one blink and the other he was in Bobby’s living room, his body feeling like dead weight to the point where he ended up driven to one knee, holding Castiel protectively against him.

“Dean!” Sam all but shrieked. He was beside him immediately grabbing his shoulders. “Oh my God! What happened? Wha-Cas? Is he okay? Are you okay?”

“Help me.” Dean rasped, motioning to the unconscious angel in his arms. “Asshole is heavier than he looks.”

Sam nodded and quickly helped him lay Castiel onto the couch. “Dean, what the hell happened? One minute you were here and then the next you just disappeared!”

“Here son.” Bobby handed him a cup of water.

Hooch would have been better but he drunk the water anyway. “Thanks. Jesus.” Pause. “I think I freaken teleported.”

Sam shoved his hands into his pockets. “To where? And you found Cas there? So Gabriel was telling the truth. You do have Michael’s grace.”

Dean sighed and covered Castiel with a blanket from the back of the sofa. “I landed in some hospital. The nurse says Cas is in a coma. I don’t know how any of it happened but hey, at least we found him.”

“Oh yeah.” His brother said with a small smile. “But um, does a coma mean he’s not an angel anymore? Wouldn’t that be an ironic twist of fate? You get grace and he loses his.”

Shit. “Guess we’ll find out when he wakes up.”

Sam pointed to Castiel’s chest. “He’s bleeding through his bandages. I’ll get the First Aid Kit.”

Dean eyed his little brother as he strolled into the kitchen, knowing there were things Sam wanted to say about Castiel’s condition but he was holding his tongue. He’d wait for a while and do whatever necessary to help Castiel but eventually he would starting hinting that maybe they should seek medical treatment. To be honest however Dean would rather steal IV bags from an old folks’ home than put his friend back in a hospital with a bunch of strangers prodding at him.

Balancing himself on the edge of a cushion, he gently untied Castiel’s gown and pulled it down to his waist. The knitted white bandage was slowly being stained with red. He could only guess what the doctors had thought when he’d been brought in. Victim of a cult attack maybe? Wetting his lips, Dean eased the tape off and tossed the soiled dressing into the trash. The sigils that he’d help carve into Castiel’s chest were clean and slick with medicine, the deeper ones bleeding from a few popped stitches. But thankfully there was no infection.

“Damn it, Cas. Why aren’t you healing?” He whispered, even as the answer tickled at the back of his mind. “Just wanna give me a reason to use my fancy new powers huh? Which kinda scare the shit outta me, by the way. You need to wake up so you can tell me what a dumbass I was to say yes in the first place.”

“Maybe he just needs more time.” Sam suggested helpfully. “I’m assuming his vital signs were good and everything. It could be…strain from the banishing.”

Dean itched at his scruffy cheek. “Could be.” Taking the kit from his brother, he ripped open a packet of gauze and dabbed at the bleeding symbols. “I’m gonna try to heal him.”

Bobby grumbled. “Ya think that’s wise? Healing an angel might not be the same as healing some old coot’s spine.”

True. “I gotta try. He’d do it for me.”

Sam took a step back. “Go for it. Just…don’t poop your pants or anything.”

Dean flipped him off but was thankful for the joke. He exhaled deeply, laying one hand delicately on the cuts and the other against the side of Castiel’s neck. Healing Bobby had been a fluke he’d accomplished in anger but really, he could do it again. No sweat. After teleporting halfway across the world or whatever waking Cas up should be a piece of cake. Or pie. God he was gonna eat so much pie after this…and maybe give Sam a magical haircut just because he could.

“Okay. Heal Cas.” He muttered under his breath. “Heal Cas.”

Nothing happened, not even a tingle in his fingers.

He cracked his knuckles and tried again, really focusing this time. Picturing the skin sealing back together to be flawless. Picturing Castiel opening his big blue eyes and staring at him stoically. Picturing his own relief at having his friend back safe and sound. Over and over again Dean cycled those images through his brain; hunched over Castiel’s motionless form, getting more and more annoyed when nothing happened.

“Damn it!” He gritted his teeth, cupping the sides of Castiel neck with both hands. “Wake up, dick! Wake up!”

Sam cleared his throat. “Dean. Maybe you should try again later. Give yourself a minute to rest.”

Dean shook his head. “No. I wanna do this now. I can do this. I did it before so I can do it again.” He swallowed hard and concentrated all of his senses onto Castiel, blocking out the other sounds in the room of Sam breathing and Bobby wheezing. He was going to do this or die trying. “Cas, wake up.”

“Castiel. Wake. Up.”

The light bulbs in the kitchen exploded, sending bright shards of melted glass sailing to the floor like the tail end of a meteor. The entire house started to shake violently and things tumbled from shelves. Sam and Bobby jerked in surprised but Dean just called to Castiel again, louder this time, making the fire place roar to life with angry red/yellow flames that threatened to leap from their confines. Bobby had to move or risk his pants igniting.

Sam called his name. “Dean! Dean stop!”

It fell onto deaf ears because he couldn’t stop. He wouldn’t stop until it worked. “Castiel!”

The sensation of power was like nothing Dean had ever felt before. It built in his limbs like a charged gas cloud before pouring itself into the flesh of the man he was holding. He watched through hazy lids as Castiel’s wounds vanished, his color returned and Castiel’s eyes flew open as a choked puff of air escaped his lips.

Almost instantly he was zeroing in on Dean’s face. “Dean.”

Chapter Two