Fairytales are Real Part 8: Death's Labyrinth

[landahoymateys]

Once the trio was back on the road, Castiel explained to the brother's how he had escaped Heaven. “But now I'm being hunted by my own people and, what's more is, Lucifer is more powerful than anyone can comprehend. He will most definitely defeat Michael now. I don't know what to do anymore. I think I need to find my father.”


Dean scrunched his eyebrows, “Your father? I thought he was dead.”

Cas shook his head,“No, he is just retired.”

Dean raised an eyebrow at that, “So, what? he just ran away and left your brothers to try and kill each other?”

Cas sighed, “No, it's more like he disappeared. No one really knows where he went to.”

“And so you're going to find him?” Dean knew he was being snippy with Cas and he didn't deserved it, seeing as he'd saved their life, he'd saved Dean's life more than once. Castiel was frowning and Dean could tell he'd upset him but he couldn't bring himself to apologize. So, the three of them just rode in silence. They weren't quite sure where they were going, but they were sure they'd know when they found it.

The boys decided to stop to gather supplies in a nearby town. As Sam and Cas went to gather food and water, Dean decided to stop for a drink at the local tavern. When he sat at the bar, he saw a familiar figure. “Bobby? Is that you?” The man's head snapped up and he squinted. Dean moved into the seat beside him. “What are you doing here, Bobby?”

The older man sighed, “Once you bounced out of town, Lucifer's army came knocking. He got word that Michael had found his righteous man. He destroyed the town and killed all the townspeople he came across. People tried to flee; most of them didn't make it. Ellen and Jo ... they uh ...” Bobby got choked up and didn't finish his sentence.

Dean patted his shoulder, “I'm real sorry, man. They were really great.”

“Yeah.” Bobby took a long gulp of his drink.

Dean brought Bobby with him to meet up with Castiel and Sam. Castiel frowned, “Dean, you brought company on our runaway?”

Dean grunted at him, “This is Bobby, he was a friend of mine back in Heaven. He said after we left, Lucifer cleared the floor of your kingdom ... I'm real sorry,” he added as an afterthought, remembering that he was supposed to feel sympathetic that his friend's kingdom had been destroyed, even if he was no longer welcome there.

Castiel looked at the ground, unable to face anyone in his grief, especially not Dean. “So, now what?” Sam asked. “We made Lucifer stronger, he's destroyed Heaven and everyone's after us. What are we supposed to do now?”

“You did what now?” Bobby demanded.

Sam looked at the ground, apologetically, “I'm so sorry, we didn't know. It was my fault ...” Dean tried to protest, “No Dean, it is my fault. I killed Lilith, making Lucifer stronger.”

Bobby shook his head, “You idjits!”

“Yea well, now we gotta clean up our mess. We made Lucifer this way, so we gotta take care of him,” Dean declared.

“You want to kill Lucifer? Well you boys are even bigger idjits than I thought you'd be ... but I may be able to help.” Bobby opened his pack to pull out an old book. He opened it to a bookmarked page. “This here is the colt.” He showed them a picture of a sword with intricate writing on it. “It's a mystical weapon created by a man named Samuel Colt. It's said to be able to kill any creature. You could probably kill Lucifer with that.”

Sam furrowed his brows reading the text on the page, “It says here that only a truly worthy warrior can free the sword and use it for his bidding, one that is willing to sacrifice himself for the good of all.” Sam looked up at Dean, his eyes wide. “Dean, if you wield this sword it will probably kill you.”

Dean took the book from Sam, “Yea, well, we'd have to find it first.”

“Let me do it, Dean,” Sam declared suddenly.

Dean growled at his brother, “NO.”

“But, Dean ... Listen ...”

“I said no, Sammy! I'm not going to let you sacrifice yourself like that.”

Bobby and Castiel watched the interaction in silence, until Castiel put his hand on Dean's shoulder. “Dean, perhaps this is the best option. If Sam can wield that sword and defeat Lucifer, he can free the Kingdom of Heaven from his possible tyranny.”

Dean turned to glare at Cas, “Hey, Dean, come on. Don't take it out on Cas. He's right. You've got to let me do this. If I kill Lucifer, Heaven can be free, I can redeem myself, and maybe, just maybe, get my happily ever after.”

Dean clenched his jaw. “I don't want you sacrificing yourself, Sammy. We'll think of something else.”

“I think we should still try and find this weapon though.” Sam was undeterred.

“Fine. Where is it supposed to be?”

Bobby finally spoke up, “It's rumored to be in the farthest reaches of the Kingdom of Heaven, in the magical forest but it has guardians. Four great enchanters that you'll have to face if you want the Colt.”

***

The group decided to stay the night in town, thinking that they had a long ride ahead of them so they might as well get a comfortable night's sleep. Once he was assured that everyone should be asleep, Dean snuck out into the night. He was getting ready to mount Impala when something pushed him from behind. They rolled around for a moment until Dean was pinned to the ground, with either hand held beside his head by his captor. He looked up to see the bright blue eyes of his friend and a stern expression across his face. “Where do you think you're going, Dean?”

“Let go of me Cas!” He tried to buck Cas off of him with his hips, but Castiel only wrapped his leg's around him more tightly, securing him to the floor and bringing their groins into contact.

“No.” His voice was harsh and demanding, and for the first time, Dean remembered that the man above him, his best friend, was actually royalty. He was born to lead and Dean was only a blacksmith's son. “You were going to Michael. You were going to sacrifice yourself so that your brother wouldn't have to. But I won't let you, Dean. I told you, Dean, I gave up everything for you. I have nothing else. I can't lose you too.” He released Dean's hands and brought his own hand to stroke Dean's cheek with the back of his palm. The touch brought shivers down Dean's spine and he remembered their closeness of a few nights ago, when he'd held Castiel close and given him so much while taking everything from him. He looked up into his friend's face to see the devastated expression there, tears were rolling down his cheeks and his eyes were red and puffy. His hair was sticking up all over and he had some dirt caked on his cheek from the scuffle. He continued to stroke Dean's cheek furiously, like he was petting an animal to force it to love him. Dean found the analogy to be quite fitting.

“Cas, I ...” Dean had no words for how he was feeling or for how much he betrayed his friend, his brother, Bobby ... He just wanted it to be all over. He knew how much he was hurting Castiel, he knew how much he'd sacrificed, how much Dean himself had taken, but he couldn't possibly know how much seeing Dean in Michael's clutches would kill him. Castiel leaned down and placed a soft kiss to Dean's lips, followed directly by another and another. He was pecking at him like a bird, placing messy kisses all over his face, each time coming up for a second and then swooping down again. Dean's own face was covered in Castiel's tears now too.

Dean brought his own hands down to Cas' sides, rubbing them soothingly. He didn't really know how to comfort a lover. He'd been with a couple of girls before back home but he'd always left before anything got too serious and he'd never even dreamed of being with a man before. The thought was unheard of in his town of Lawrence. He wondered distantly if it was something common for angels but he lost the thought when Cas started nibbling on his earlobe, whispering into his ear, “I love you, Dean Winchester. I love you so much. I've loved you since I saved you from that monster. I love you. You were so broken, but I held you in my arms, I held your soul in my hands and I knew that I would always love you.” Cas' tears were wetting the hairs around Dean's ear. “I love you so much that it hurts sometimes. When Michael had me in his dungeon and I thought I'd die there, all I could think about was how I'd never see you again. And then when I did get to see you and Lucifer had almost killed you, I was so upset, so devastated and angry that I just wanted to kiss you. And that thought scared me so much, I was afraid you could never return my feelings.” Dean brought his hand under Castiel's shirt so it was directly on the skin of his back; there he started rubbing soothing circles into his skin, encouraging him to continue. “And so, I punched you. I thought if I could be angry at you, then I would ... but I couldn't stay mad at you, I love you too much. Punching you just made me want to kiss you more. And then afterwards, when you held me ...” Castiel pulled up from his ear and looked into his eyes. He wasn't crying anymore, but his eyes were still shiny with unshed tears. “That was the best night of my life and I thought it was all worth it, giving up everything. I would do it all over again, just for you, Dean. So don't tell me you'll just give your life away like that. Your life means more to me than anything. So, if you think you can just go and throw it away like that, just go and give it to Michael ... well I'll ...” Castiel was starting to get red in the face from his anger and Dean pulled his hands back, bracing them on the ground, expecting a punch. “I'll kill you myself.” Castiel finished his declaration by leaning down and biting Dean's lower lip. Dean was so surprised he let out a whimper. Cas ground their hips together, causing Dean a dizzy sensation before standing and walking away.

Dean wasn't sure if Castiel expected him to follow, or if he was testing him to see if he'd go to see Michael. But, as it was, Dean couldn't get up from his spot on the ground.

***

The morning the group, affectionately self-proclaimed by Dean, 'Team Free Will', took off for the forest, Dean's amulet burned against his chest. He hadn't thought of the amulet since the fight with Azazel and it was strange that it would suddenly make itself known to him now. He remembered what Pam had said about the amulet, how it would guide him to his destiny if he allowed it, did that mean they were on the right track? Was he supposed to just let his brother sacrifice himself for the greater good? As much as he wanted to defeat Lucifer, find his own fairytale, and quite possibly save the world, he could not justify saving the world if it meant sacrificing his own brother. He was just a little kid when their father left and Dean became his whole life; his father, his mother, his only living relative. He raised that kid and he would not just sit around and watch him kill himself. But, he was also very aware of the fact that he could not go to Michael. He was very set to go to Michael last night and sacrifice himself so that his brother would not have to, but after Castiel's intervention the night before he knew that was no longer an option. The last time the amulet burned it had given him the strength to defeat Azazel, or at least he liked to think it did, maybe now it would give him the strength to make a decision and see it through.

And so, the foursome rode through the nights. For the most part they were quiet. Occasionally Sam would go on about the stories and monsters he'd read about and Bobby would call him an idjit and tell him what monsters were really like. The whole time, Castiel would never look or speak to Dean. Occasionally when someone addressed him he would respond, but for the most part both Dean and Cas stayed silent.

Just before coming to the forest, the group stopped for more supplies in town outside of the forest. They weren't sure how long they'd be in the forest or the trials they'd undergo within the forest, and so they needed to be fully stocked. Once inside the town, the group split up to gather supplies more quickly. While looking after the horses, an old man in a cloak approached Dean. His cloak was a pale gray and he moved as a shadow. He came upon Dean without warning, startling him. He held out a long boney hand, wrinkled with age, “It's good to meet you, Dean Winchester.”

Dean immediately drew his knife on the unknown man, flipping his hood. He revealed an old man with black hair slicked back wearing the clothes of a wanderer. The man put up his hands in peace. “Who are you? And how do you know my name?!” Dean demanded as he pointed his sword to the stranger's chin.

The stranger smirked, “I mean you no harm, Dean. I was under the impression that you were looking for me.”

Dean narrowed his eyes, “And who are you?”

The old man waved his hand, and repeated as if was his own name;

“I am as I've always been,

the start the end,

all things succumb to me as they once begun.

Ancient as time,

the planets, the earth, the creatures, even gods

fall before me.

I am the final note to the sweetest melody.

I am but a dear friend to

the old and weak,

and a bitter enemy

to the young at heart.

In the end I always come.

But you, Dean Winchester, may call me Death.”

He held out a hand to shake Dean's and Dean grimaced, stepping back. “Death,? As in the Death?”

The old man smiled sadly, “I have but many names, Death is the most common. I heard you were looking for my brothers and I, searching for the Colt?”

Dean gaped “You're the guardian of the Colt?”

“My brother's and I have been charged with guarding the weapon for the past several centuries.” He gave Dean a side look, “I understand you want to use it to defeat Lucifer.”

Dean glared, “Well that was the plan.”

“Good.” Death pulled a silver ring off of his finger and held it out to Dean. Dean stared at it cautiously. “If you hope to release the Colt then you will need this. But you will have to face my three brothers as well. Each of them has a ring and you'll need to collect them all to unleash the colt. To defeat them, you will have to call them each by their real name. And no, before you ask, I cannot just tell you their names. That would defeat the purpose.”

Dean scrunched his nose, “I don't understand, why are you giving me this?”

“To free the Colt of course! Oh, don't give me that look. I am tired, Dean. I don't want to guard that stupid weapon anymore. I have been alive for millennia, Dean. I am as old as some gods and they've assigned me to guard some stupid knife like a babysitter? Now I am giving you this ring, but in exchange you must promise me that you will do anything in your power to free the kingdom from the brothers, Michael and Lucifer.”

Dean glared at him, “Fine.”

“No Dean, I said anything. Yes, that means letting your brother sacrifice himself. You must promise me. Then, when the kingdom is free, you will work to restore it to it's former glory.”

Dean gritted his teeth, there was no way he would allow Sam to sacrifice himself but he needed the ring. “I promise.” Death handed his ring over to Dean.

***

When the others returned from gathering supplies, Dean showed them the ring and explained what Death had told him. Dean could see the excitement rolling off of Sam. “Dean you know what this means, right? Death is on our side! And he's given us everything we need to know to defeat Lucifer! I'm sure with mine and Bobby's knowledge we can defeat the other enchanters easily.”

Castiel took the ring from Dean and examined it carefully, “It is authentic. If you still plan to go about your crazy plan to kill Lucifer, good luck to you. But I, have a father to find.” He handed the ring back to Dean and spared him a short glance. “Now, if you would lend me your amulet Dean.”

Dean scrunched his face and growled, “No.”

Castiel glared at him. Bobby asked, “What the hell do you need that for?”

“It's a magical amulet, produced in my father's kingdom by my father himself. It still holds his magical signature; it should help me to locate him.” Castiel was looking at Bobby and steadfastly avoiding Dean's stare. “I need your amulet, Dean.” he said as he stared directly at Sam.

“Fine.” Dean took the amulet from his neck and passed it to Cas, as it passed through their hands it flared up, burning more heated than it ever had before. Dean pulled back his hand, startled. Castiel stared at the amulet for a long while before taking it and putting it around his neck. A moment later, Castiel was gone.

Sam looked at his brother, eyebrows raised. “What was that about?”

Dean just grunted, “Let's get out of here.”

***

Dean thought the forest was a complicated maze, but when they made it to the center and found an actual labyrinth he was left in shock. “What the hell is this?”

Sam chewed on his lip. “I think the sword is stashed within it.”

Bobby shook his head. “I don't like the look of that.”

“Come on gang, let's shake a leg.” Dean led the group into the mist of the maze. The walls of it were at least 15 feet high and made of pure ivy. It was hard to tell if the structure was manmade or purely natural. Normally, his straight answer would be that it could only be manmade but the natural trees growing within the walls would have him questioning that response. He branded his sword as he stepped through the gold-lined entrance, his brother and Bobby moving to do the same.

The path immediately split into three different paths. “Okay, we should probably do this systematically. We don't want to get lost and we want to cover all our bases,” Sam said thoughtfully. He stooped down to examine each pathway, checking for any signs that might lead to the accurate path.

“Shouldn't we split up? I mean there are three paths, three of us ...” Dean suggested.

Sam glared back at him, “That is a very dumb idea. In stories whenever a group splits up someone always dies.”

“It's the truth,” Bobby agreed.

“Fine,” Dean bellowed. “Then I say we go down the middle.” Before anyone could protest Dean walked right passed Sam's knelt figure and travelled down the middle passageway. They walked for several hundred feet till they come to a turn. When they made the turn, something flew low, striking at Dean's head. Dean let out a low yelp and ducked, bringing his sword to defend his head. Bobby ducked behind a large bush muttering something along the lines of “Oh hell” and Sam used his own sword to block his head. The two brothers searched the sky for the intruder but saw nothing. They heard a squawking noise and felt a swoosh of air displacement as the creature flings itself at them again. Dean felt as though his skin was being lifted from its frame even though he hadn't left his spot. “Sam!” Dean yelled out in a panic.

“I think it's a Sylph!” Sam said after a pause. He, too, looked like he was suffering from an invisible vacuum sucking him in. “They're invisible creatures, they covet beauty.”

Dean glared, “How the hell am I supposed to defeat something invisible?” He swung his sword around furiously, trying to catch at the creature.

“Well, they were very vain ... maybe we could trick it?” Before Sam could formulate an idea Dean was rummaging through the pack, pulling out a large piece of mirrored glass. “Great idea ,Dean!” Sam encouraged.

Dean placed the glass before him and stepped back, holding out his blade. He heard the loud squawk again and then scratching on the mirror. He swung the blade towards the glass and it came into contact with a solid mass. There was a loud cry and blood splattered onto the mirror. Dean cleaned off the mirror with the cloth of his tunic and replaced it in his pack. “Good idea, Sam.” He nodded at his brother who still looked shocked. Bobby emerged from his hiding place, looking rather shaken.

The trio continued on their path, finding minimal resistance as they went until they come to a large clearing. Blocking the only exist was a large beast with a body that looked humanoid but too extremely large and the head of a bull with a large snout and huge sharp horns that reached out past the walls of the maze. “Well, well, well. You've made it very far indeed I see.”

Dean frowned, pushing his bottom lip out, “You must be one of the brothers.” He wasn't sure how he knew, as the creature before him clearly wasn't a man and Death had been disguised as a man. This creature, enchanter, just radiated a magical presence. Dean could tell what it was without knowing.

“That's right, Dean Winchester. So, I'm assuming you know the deal then? How you must solve my riddle.” The creature smiled and it was so inhuman it made Dean grimace. “Let's get down to business, shall we?

I cause men to see red,

children and women see but only

the poisoned remnants of my work.

I cause brothers to turn their backs on one another,

I've formed great countries and tore them down.

The greatest men owe me and fall to me,

I cause men to lose their minds

and shed their skin and blood.

All men fear me,

and wish for my leave

but invite me into their homes

when they're the most needy and desperate.

I take from the smallest and give to the richest.

I am always a harsh word away.”

He smiled at Dean playfully. “I bet you can't guess my name.” The man was wrapped in a red tunic and he had symbols carved into his flesh with a blade. He wore his own large sword at his waist, and Dean could tell even before his words that he was a warrior.

“Okay, let's think about this for a moment, Dean.” Sam started taking out his book, like he was expecting to find the answers in there, and Bobby came to sit beside him to help.

Dean continued to turn the words over in his head; red, blood, fallen, death ... He could tell the words all spoke of destruction. He was clearly a warrior of destruction. Chaos? No. His words implied order and deals as well as destruction. It was clearly a power that could create as much as it took away, even if its main power was to take. Dean bit his lip and, when the blood from the cut rushed into his mouth, a sudden thought came to him, how could he not see it before? “You are War.” He announced with confidence.

Sam looked at him in horror, clearly shocked that he had used their only guess without consulting him first.

The creature smiled again, “So many have fallen to me, not even knowing what I am. I've been charged to guard this gate when I've caused entire empires to fall as well as built them.” He pulled the ring from his finger and tossed it to the ground. Without another word the figure disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Dean crouched down to retrieve the ring and dropped it into his pocket. Sam was ogling at his brother, “How did you know that?”

“Oh, come on, Sam. Wasn't it obvious?” Sam dropped the subject, clearly not wanting to let on that he wasn't as quick as his brother to come up with the answer.

They continued down the path with a renewed vigor after their accomplishment. They continued to follow their instinct, and Dean even let Sam lead the way for awhile. A few times they had to double back because they'd come to a dead end or went in a circle. Eventually they came to another clearing and their second obstacle was upon them.

This enchanter was also disguised as a minotaur (Sam had explained the mythology to Dean after their last encounter. Apparently minotaurs were known for being protectors of labyrinths and liking riddles. Dean thought this was just a little too put together to not be the enchanters trying to tease them). His appearance was older than that of his brother, and he was hunched over with a cane, which was an odd appearance for a creature that was half bull. The creature coughed deeply, bringing a hand to his mouth and his eyes rolled back into his head. He pulled a handkerchief from the pocket of his black tunic and wiped his bull mouth with it. “Ah, I see you've made it alright. Dean, Sam, old man who's traveling with them. Sam, you're looking well, well fed I suspect?” Dean shivered at the enchanter's voice. How he knew about Sam's problem, he wasn't sure, but Dean was certain that was what the enchanter was talking about. Thankfully Sam hadn't had any monster related urges lately and had been clean for some time. Dean couldn't help but wonder if that had to do with Castiel, and if so, he was supremely thankful. He felt bad thinking about how him and Cas had left off. He knew Castiel was pissed at him for trying to go to Michael, but he never meant to hurt him. He hadn't known how Castiel had felt, and once he did Cas had never given him the opportunity to respond. He wondered if he'd ever get another chance.

“You bastard, how about we quit the cute stuff and get on with it? We want your ring, you've got to give us a riddle, we'll figure out who the hell you are, and you'll disappear in a puff a smoke.”

The old beast grinned, “Have it your way, Dean, so touchy today. Could it be you're starved for someone's attention?” Dean practically growled at him and probably would have swung his sword at him if Sam didn't hold him back. The old man was chuckling then, “Oh good, hold the dufus of. Now then, let's see ...

No one sees me,

but everyone knows me.

I am light as air,

but sharp as any sword.

I come from nothing and

bring down great armies.

No man can overcome me,

I'm painful to meet.

The poor and weak know me well.

I strip bare before you,

but you'll fall before me.”

Dean couldn't help but tell that his riddle almost seemed like a threat. This one seemed significantly harder than the last and he glanced at Sam for help. “What? No brilliant ideas like the last one?” Bobby piped up. Dean shook his head. “Ok, well, with the description and how he kept trying to manipulate you, it seems like we're dealing with an emotion or a feeling.” Bobby ventured to guess.

Sam shook his head in assent, “Yeah, and did you notice how he kept alluding to eating?”

Dean frowned, “So ... what? You think we're dealing with hunger?”s

Bobby grimaced, “I think it's a bit stronger than that, I think we're dealing with famine.”

Dean chuckled, “What's the difference?”

“Well, one makes you want a sandwich, the other brings down armies.”

Dean stood to face the enchanter, confident in their combined guess. “You're famine.”

The enchanter smiled, “Ahh, should've known it would be the Winchesters that finally got to me.” He slipped his ring from his finger and tossed it to Dean. Dean caught it just as Famine too disappeared in a puff of black smoke.

The trio was buzzed now that they had three of the guards down and only one to go. They charged through the maze, hacking through creatures and overgrown plants that got in their way. It wasn't long at all until they got to the final clearing. They weren't sure whether it was because the final guard really was easy to find or because they had gained perceptibility as their journey went on. The sun was also hanging low in the sky by this point, and night would soon fall. If they didn't make it out of the labyrinth before night break they would have to stay the night within its walls, which could potentially be very dangerous. They'd never make it out in the dark, even if they had marked the trail on the way in.

Once the final clearing was in sight, the trio began to run to their goal. They were all suddenly struck with pains, Dean in his stomach which he clutched as he doubled over, Sam in his head which he tore at his hair to rid himself of, and Bobby in his legs which suddenly gave out beneath him. Bobby tried to move forward and was unable, he tried to drag himself by his hands but it was arduous and he soon grew tired. Sam tried to hold his head, to rub it, to hit it, anything to make the pain diminish, but each trial failed and he was left a blubbering mess. Dean, who'd doubled over onto the ground, shielding his stomach, tried to crawl towards the clearing, and then began to roll when that took too long. Eventually he made it into the largest clearing. He could see the sword up ahead but its path was blocked by the last guard. The final enchanter looked just as his brothers but was clothed in a white tunic. He had boils up his skin, and snot hanging from his nose. He spoke in a raspy voice, “Something the matter, Dean?”

Dean sneered, “You look sickly.”

The creature laughed at Dean, spitting mucus in his path, “Well there's the pot calling the kettle black, eh? I suppose you wish to solve my riddle at a chance to free your brother and surrogate father. Because, if you don't, they'll die of their injuries.” Although he looked quite menacing, Dean was quite determined when he heard the cries of his little brother and the grunts of his friend. “Well, let's get along then. Shall we? Won't be able to use help from your genius little brother and the experienced old man this time, eh?

I am always giving,

but no one ever invites me 'round.

Once you have me you share kindly.

I am ruler of a kingdom,

man's greatest downfall.

The strongest and weakest have fallen to me.

I cause grown men to weep,

women to see spots,

children to go to fits.

I'm strong for my size

and witty and undefeated.”

Dean thought long and hard, there were so many things he could be! Great men fall to many things, as all of his brothers had made the same claim ... He's an uninvited guest ... well many things are unwanted, including the ailment that was now befalling him. As if to make his point valid, his stomach pains shot up his spine and clouded his mind with supreme agony momentarily. Dean tried to get a grip, to focus his thoughts, if Castiel were here he could probably heal them. No illness this enchanter caused to them could be a match for an angel ... Ah! That was it ... an uninvited guest, that you share kindly, fits and spots, stronger than his size ... he had to be sickness itself, it would explain the appearance and the disease plaguing his companions and him ... “I believe that you are Pestilence.”

The enchanter huffed, “Lucky guess.” He disappeared in a white fog and his ring clattered to the ground after him.

Bobby and Sam were at his side immediately. “Boy, am I glad to be able to walk again,” Bobby said between deep breaths.

Sam clapped him on the back, “You did it, Dean!”

Dean put the other three enchanters' rings around Death's and they slid together, magnetized. He then took the whole thing and slipped it around the hilt of the Colt. Once he pushed it into place, the rings clenched down to create a handle for the sword. He took a step back and nodded to Sam. “Sammy, look, I trust you. I know these past couple of years on the road I've been treating you like a kid, and looking after you, but you've grown so much. Don't get me wrong, I'm still dead against this whole plan, but I want the decision to be yours.” Dean gestured to the sword, “So, if you think you can do it, then go for it, Sammy.”

Sam grabbed onto his brother hugging him tightly, “Thank you, Dean.”

When Dean tried to push his brother off he only clung tighter. “Come on Sammy, don't be such a girl.”

“Don't call me 'Sammy',” Sam muttered as he buried his face in his older brother's shoulder. He resisted the temptations to just bawl all over his brother's shirt.

Sam pulled back and stepped up to the stone. He paused before grasping the sword. “Dean, you know, if I do this I'm not coming back.” He turned to look at his brother, “I will be bound to this sword until it fulfills its destiny, and then it will take me.”

Dean nodded, “I know, Sammy.” A single tear rolled down his cheek, and he gulped in a breath to keep the tears at bay.

Sam turned back to the sword, placing a tentative hand on it. “Can you promise me something, Dean?” Dean nodded his head for him to continue but Sam couldn't see it. “When I'm gone you have to promise me you'll make things right with Cas. With his brothers gone he'll have a kingdom to clean up. He'll need you.” Sam turned to look at his brother again and there were so many warring emotions in his eyes that Dean was unsure what to say. “Promise me that no matter what this dumb fight with Cas was, that you two will work it out. Cause I know he cares about you, and you care about him despite what you say. You've never really managed to find someone worth settling down with, but I think Cas can be really good for you.” Dean nodded his head and promised his brother he would try.

Sam pulled the sword from the stone with ease and it glowed a bright white briefly, letting out the shrill noise that metal makes when it vibrates at intense speeds. It stopped just as suddenly as it started, and Sam sheathed it in his belt. Bobby nodded at Sam, a little chocked up himself, and Dean patted him on the shoulder.

The sun was starting to set; basking the maze in a soft glow. The trio was able to get back through the maze with relative ease. The vines and plants growing throughout seemed to wilt without their protectors, and all the creatures they had encountered on their way in had scattered. When they came to the entrance of the labyrinth, a familiar figure greeted them. Castiel was once again in his full armor, his wings protruding from his back in great sweeps. They seemed almost ethereal in this light, and Dean was almost certain his hand would pass right through them if he reached out.

Castiel looked up at them as they approached, and his eyes fell to the sword in Sam's scabbard. “I'd heard that you were successful. May I see it?”

Sam handed the sword to Castiel and he took it into his hands, holding it at bay with great admiration shining in his eyes. Sam cleared his throat, “You heard, Cas? Who'd you hear it from?”

“Everyone.” He handed the sword back to Sam, and then his attention turned to Dean and it was as if the others no longer existed. “You didn't go to Michael, I am glad. I expected you to try and sacrifice yourself again, but you proved me wrong. You're not the broken husk of a man I thought you to be.” Dean gawked at the older man as he reached around his neck for Dean's own amulet and pulled it over his head. He laid it around Dean's own neck, “You'll need this now.”

Dean scowled, “Don't you need it? Don't you want to find your father?” His voice was barely above a whisper, only loud enough for the two of them to hear, and Dean was sure they were having a moment but didn't want to say something stupid to ruin it.

“He does not want to be found,” Castiel said simply. “I will accompany you to try and kill my brother.” Despite the great evils his brother had committed, Castiel still sounded upset at the prospect, so Dean squeezed his shoulder (which was a difficult feat in his plate mail) and thanked him. The others looked away in embarrassment, assuming they were interrupting something private.

“How did you even find us, Cas? How do you always find us?” Dean asked in a whisper.

Castiel moved his hand so that it fit on Dean's shoulder, right above the mark that was engrained there, and Dean noticed it was a perfect fit. “I will always find you, Dean.”

***

Next