Supernatural Fan Fiction ❯ Angels and Demons: A Supernatural Fanfic ❯ The End Is Here ( Chapter 10 )

10. The End Is Here

Bobby's place 7:56 P.M.

Sam and Dean sat at Bobby's kitchen table, drinking beer. Grace, Ruby, and Rachel were in the living room watching CSI and Castiel and Bobby were in Bobby's office researching some omens and searching the news for signs. Even though Dean wasn't all that big on emotional speeches, he knew that he needed to tell Sam his real feelings. Taking a deep breath as he sat his beer down, he spoke.

“Listen Sam, you're my little brother and I'm supposed to protect you. That's my job. I'm your big brother. It's always been like this. My whole life, I've always defined myself as your older brother. But you're a man now, and I can't protect you from all the monsters anymore. I can't tell you what to do; I can't make you listen to me. You're not that little boy that needs someone to watch out for him. You're a man now, and that means I have to let you go. No matter what you decide though, always know this. I love you Sammy, and nothing is ever going to change that. Even though I don't like it, there isn't any other way. So Sam, I'll let you say “Yes” to Lucifer. I won't try to stop you. I'll fight by your side till all of this is over.”

Sam took a sip of his beer and smiled at Dean. “Thanks bro, it means a lot. I never wanted you to be mad at me for my decision. I'll always be your brother Dean, and I'll always love you. I wish there was something else we could do, but there isn't. Dean, once I say yes, you have to promise me you won't try to bring me back.” Dean nodded. “We're out of options. And it looks like we're out of time.”

Dean looked over at the doorway as everyone walked into the room. Their expressions were serious, somber, and grave. Dean knew that whatever they had to say, it probably wasn't good news. “What's with the long faces guys?” He asked. Grace and Ruby took their seats beside Sam and Dean. Bobby grabbed a chair and sat down. Castiel and Rachel stood behind him. “We know where Lucifer is. All day Castiel and I have been monitoring various news channels and websites online and there's a whole host of bad omens and signs that are all pointing to Detroit.” Bobby murmured solemnly.

“Okay. So that means…..”

“The end is here. We're all going to die.” Castiel mumbled. Dean and Sam looked at him, surprise on their faces.

“Thanks for the pep talk Castiel. Way to be a pessimist.” Dean said. Castiel sighed, looking tired. Rachel rolled her eyes and spoke. “Listen Dean, we're not pessimists, we're just optimists with experience. Experience tells us that this probably won't end well. Castiel is right; he and I will probably die. Lucifer hates angels, which is stupid when you think about it because that makes him a hypocrite. But anyway, if Sam wants to be Lucifer's vessel, then he's going to need demon blood.”

“Well alright. I guess we have to find some demons then. How much time do we have?” Dean asked curiously. He looked at Castiel, who looked at Rachel, who looked at Bobby.

“The most time we can give you is about 5 hours. We need to be in Detroit by tomorrow afternoon.”

“Well then, I guess we'd better get moving. Come on guys; let's have one last hunt before we find the devil.” Dean and everyone else got up and packed what they would need. After that, they split up and tracked down demons. They brought them all back to an abandoned farm house a few miles away from Bobby's place. Once they had gotten 3 dozen Sam went inside and drained them all, exorcising the demons once he was done with them. By then it was time for them to go. Sam, Ruby, and Bobby all left in Bobby's vehicle and Dean, Grace, Castiel and Rachel all piled into Dean's car. On the way to Detroit the conversation was muted and quiet, tension filled. Ruby and Sam sat in the back of Bobby's car, texting each other for most of the trip. Bobby rolled his eyes and sighed, turning up the old country music he was listening to. In Dean's car Metallica was playing. Grace and Dean were talking quietly. Looking back at the two angels, Dean's eyes widened. “Hey Grace, check it out, they're asleep back there. I thought angels didn't have to sleep.”

Grace looked back and laughed quietly. “They don't have to, but I guess they wanted to. Look at them, they're so cute.”

Dean smiled wryly. “Poor guy, that's probably as close as they've ever gotten. I wonder if they've made it to second base yet.”

Grace rolled her eyes, half tempted to say something but remembering she had promised Rachel not to. Biting her tongue, she turned around and turned the music up a bit, humming to the song that was playing.

Castiel and Rachel were sprawled out in the back. He was lying across the seat, taking up most of it, and Rachel was lying on his chest. They were both completely out of it, Castiel's mouth gaping open as he snored softly and Rachel breathing soundlessly. For most of the trip they slept, oblivious to the loud rock music playing and Grace and Dean singing at the top of their lungs, speeding down the highway with the windows down. Even when they stopped for gas and food, Castiel and Rachel slept right through it. Coming out of the convenience store, Dean tossed Grace the keys. She looked at him, utterly shocked. “Dean, you want me to drive?”

“Of course, I trust you. Besides, I want to eat my pie.” Dean said grinning. They headed back to the car and met Bobby, Sam, and Ruby before they got on the road again. Sam looked from Dean to Grace, balking. “Dude, you're letting her drive the car? You barely let me drive it!” Sam exclaimed incredulously. Ruby and Bobby looked just as surprised as Sam sounded. Grace flashed them a smile and got into the driver's seat. Dean looked at Sam and shrugged. “What's hers is mine and vice versa. Come on Sam, you know how this relationship stuff goes.” He got into the passengers seat and they drove off.

Bobby, Ruby, and Sam got back into his car and they followed them. “I can't believe he's letting Grace drive his car, the car.” Sam mumbled. Bobby let out a sigh and grumbled, “Well Sam, in case you haven't noticed, he's in love with her. I don't know why you're so surprised. You know that Castiel and Rachel are together right?”

“What? Really?” Sam said shocked. Ruby laughed and Bobby groaned. “Good God Sam, where the hell have you been for the last three months?” Bobby grumbled. Ruby laughed. “Wow Sam. You seriously didn't know?”

Sam looked mildly offended. “How long has this been going on?” He exclaimed. “Oh, about two months.” Ruby replied. Sam still looked completely dumbfounded. Bobby and Ruby had a good laugh about it for a few minutes. After that, Sam called Dean.

“Dude, did you know that Rachel and Castiel are together?” Sam asked. He heard laughing, both Dean and Grace's.

“Yeah dude. I knew. I found out weeks ago. You're just now connecting the dots? Took you long enough.” Dean said once he had managed to stop laughing.

“How did you find out? And why can I hear Grace laughing? Am I on speaker? I've told you not to do that Dean!”

“Jeez, chill Sam. Grace told me. Yeah you're on speaker, but it's funny.” Dean said.

“So wait, I'm the only one who didn't know?”

“Yeah, pretty much. But hey, you never know anything anyway.”

“Thanks Dean.” Sam mumbled. They got through talking and he hung up. A few hours later they reached Detroit. By this time Castiel and Rachel had awakened, everyone stopped a few miles from their destination they pulled over in a Denny's parking lot and everyone got out to say their goodbyes.

The first one to speak to Sam was Bobby. Hugging him, he murmured, “You fight hard out there Sam.”

“Yeah, I will. Take care of yourself Bobby.” Sam said. Castiel was next. “I hope you don't get offended but I'm not going with you. I remember what happened last time. If not for God interfering, Rachel and I would be dead. I pray that you accomplish what you have set out to do. It was an honor to know you Sam Winchester.” Castiel offered Sam his hand. Sam, looking flabbergasted, shook it, murmuring how happy he was to have gotten to meet Castiel. Rachel was next.

“Sam…….I……I don't know what to say…..” she whispered, her deep brown eyes becoming cesspools of shimmering tears.

Sam, whose eyes were also misting up, hugged her. After a moment of stiffness, she hugged him back. “You don't have to say anything. You've been a good friend. You had faith in me when I didn't even believe in myself. I never got to thank you for watching over Dean and me our whole lives. Once I'm gone, promise me you'll take care of him.”

“Of course I will. You're a good mortal Sam, a good man. I wish it didn't have to end like this.” Rachel murmured softly. Grace was next.

“Hey Sam, good luck okay? I don't envy what you're about to do and I wish I could go with you, but well…….” She looked over at Dean and glared, crossing her arms. Dean met her glare and smiled. “I made her promise not to go with us.” He said, finishing her sentence. Sam nodded in understanding and he and Grace shared a short hug. Dean was next.

“Come on guys, let's give them a moment alone.” Bobby said. They left the brothers alone.

Sam and Dean looked at each other, for a few seconds, not saying anything. Dean cleared his throat. “Okay, look, we're not going to waste any time with the mushy emotional crap. We're not girls.”

Sam sniffed, tears welling over his eyes and pouring down his cheeks. “I love you Dean. I don't want to die.” He sobbed, hugging Dean. Dean took a shaky breath and hugged him back. “Dammit Sammy. I know you don't want to die. I love you too. It's not too late you know. We can come up with another plan, think of something else.”

“No Dean, I can't. I would if I could, but no one else will do this.” Sam said crying. Dean just hugged him harder. After a few moments they let go of each other. “Wipe away your tears. You don't want your girlfriend to think you're a pussy.” Dean mumbled, wiping away his own tears, composing himself.

“Jerk.” Sam said, laughing shakily as he wiped his eyes.

“Bitch.” Dean replied, patting him on the back and walking over to where everyone else stood. “Okay Ruby, he's all yours. You two have approximately five minutes. Not enough time for a quickie, but more than enough time for a kiss.” Dean said.

“Screw you Dean.” she mumbled, walking over to where Sam stood.

“Hey Ruby” Sam said.

“Hey Sam.” Ruby replied.

“I don't blame you for not going with me. Take care of yourself after I'm gone. I love you.”

“Oh Sam, I know. I love you too. I wish there was something I could do. I'm going to miss you. A lot.” She kissed him.

“Ugh. Look at those two, making out over there.” Dean mumbled, turning away. Bobby rolled his eyes, Grace laughed, Castiel stood there quietly and Rachel blushed, looking at the ground.

“Hey Dean, there's something I need to discuss with you before you and Sam leave…” Rachel murmured quietly.

“Um, okay, what is it?” He asked.

She looked a little nervous as she looked up at him. “Well, you're not going to like it, but it has to do with your soul…”

Dean rolled his eyes and snorted. “Oh great, I knew this was coming. Look Rachel, I'm not a good guy. I don't deserve to be saved. I know you talked to Sam about this, and it's great that he believed you and the whole salvation thing or whatever, but I'm not interested.”

“It's not about whether you're worthy or not Dean, the point is that you mortals have a choice in the matter. I know you don't have any faith, I know you're broken inside, I know half of the things I say you don't believe, I know you blame yourself for a lot of things that you had no control over. I feel your sadness, your loss, your anger. I know there's times when you hated the fact that I was around because I made you feel guilty. I know there's times when you don't like me…..”

“Rachel…I….” Dean stammered. She held up a hand to stop him.

“Look, this isn't about your feelings or mine. I'm just the messenger, the witness. I know what you suffered in Hell. I've heard your dreams, seen the fear in your eyes, felt your hopelessness and torment. I want to help save you from that if I can. No one's perfect Dean, salvation wasn't meant for perfect beings. I don't know whether I'll ever see you again after today. I don't worry about Sam because he's already believed, but I worry about you. Dean, you realize that if Lucifer kills you that neither Castiel nor I can bring you back this time. He'll kill us before that even happens. I know you don't want to go to Hell again and that's why I want to tell you how to be saved. Think of it this way. If something does happen to Sam and you today, at least this way you'll both be in the same place. You don't ever want to lose him again right?”

Dean shook his head. Rachel gave him a few moments to consider her offer. She could tell he was debating on what to do. He sighed and looked over at Sam. After a moment, looking back at Rachel, he gave in. “Alright Rachel, tell me, what must I do to be saved?”

Lucifer's Apartment 1:45 P.M.

Sam and Dean barged into the door of Lucifer's apartment. Two demons rushed toward them, armed with guns. Sam looked at them, his eyes flashing, and they instantly vaporized. Dean looked over at Sam, utterly shocked. The copious amount of demon blood that his brother had drunk obviously increased his powers exponentially. He hadn't heard Sam utter a word. Out of the corner of his eye he saw movement. Hearing clapping, the brothers turned and saw Lucifer standing there, looking utterly amused and not at all surprised. He flashed them a knowing grin and laughed maniacally.

“Ah, well what have we here? It's the Winchester brothers. Bravo Sammy boy, you destroyed those demons without saying a word. You must have drunk an awful lot of demon blood for that. I already know about your plan to say “Yes” to me by the way. I'm not interested. I also know about Dean trying to trap me with the four horseman's rings. You can't stop me you know. Nothing you do will work. It's too late. The end is here and no matter what you have planned, it's all in vain.” He let loose another spine chilling cackle.

Dean and Sam exchanged nervous glances.

“This is going to be a problem. But hey, at least you don't have to be this bastard's vessel anymore. You heard him Sam, he doesn't want you.” Dean muttered.

Sam shook his head. “I think I can change his mind. I know this isn't the best plan, but it's all we've got. I want to go through with it Dean.” Sam said quietly.

Dean felt a flash of irritation but sighed. Judging by his brother's determined expression, there was no changing his mind. Dean grimly nodded and turned back to Lucifer.

Lucifer stopped laughing and looked at Sam. “So, you want to fight me do you? A battle is not in your best interest Sam Winchester. It would be pointless for a mortal such as you to fight a supreme being like me. Still, the idea is not completely unintriguing…..”

A bright light suddenly filled the room and Dean had to close his eyes to keep from going blind. He hit his knees as an ear piercing sound erupted from an unknown source. Glass shattered and flew everywhere. The walls shook and Dean vaguely wondered whether he would end up blind and deaf by the time it was all over. Then, as quickly as it had begun, it stopped. Dean opened his eyes and scrambled to his feet. Looking up he saw Sam standing in the middle of the room.

Or the man who used to be Sam. Dean knew that his brother had never had that cold of a smile or those hard, calculating, evil eyes. As he looked into the eyes of the Devil, Dean knew with a sinking feeling that Sam wasn't Sam anymore. While Lucifer possessed his mortal body, Sam was probably stuck in the back of the evil angel's mind screaming.

Oh. Fuck. Dean thought despairingly, flinching as Sam's green eyes turned yellow. Dean pulled out the rings, threw them on the wall, muttered a soft chant, and the trap opened. Lucifer turned toward the trap and began walking toward it. Dean smiled, feeling a measure of hope.

Come on Sammy, I know you can beat him. You're strong enough to get the control back, I know you are. Come on Sam, I believe in you.

Lucifer walked to the edge of the pit and swayed for a moment. Then he turned back to Dean and smiled, pure and utter evil lighting his face and features. With a snap of his fingers the trap closed. He surveyed Dean like a cat does a mouse right before it strikes. “You're brother is gone Dean. You can't save him or the world, and you definitely can't beat me. Take one last good look.”

Dean felt rage boil up inside of him as he looked at his brother's possessed body, all of the past memories of him flashing through Dean's mind. He took a step toward Lucifer, blinked, and then the devil was gone. Dean stood there for a few moments, utter emptiness and despair engulfing him and filling the space in his heart where Sam used to be. Picking up the rings from the floor he walked out the door, halfway between shock and apathy. Rachel had been right, he was broken, and he knew for certain that if he didn't get Sam back he would never be whole again.

“We have to think of something else. It can't end like this. I have to get Sam back.” Dean said with finality, talking with the gang at a roadside diner. Castiel and Bobby exchanged glances. “No offense Dean, but right now, it seems pretty hopeless.” Castiel muttered. Bobby nodded and added, “Yeah, Sam is long gone by now. There's no way he could still be in Lucifer's head and if he is he's probably so messed up that it would be best that we didn't bring him back.”

Dean looked at them and glared, biting back a few curse words, feeling rage build inside him again. He was just about to say something he was certain he was going to regret when Ruby spoke up.

“Don't worry Dean; I'll help you get Sam back. I'm not giving up on him yet. He's a fighter. I love him just as much as you do, if not more, and I'll do whatever it takes to save him, even if it kills me.”

Dean looked at Ruby, amazed. “Um, thanks, I think.” He muttered. Grace spoke up next. “And I'll help you too. Sam is a good guy, and even though he's made some bad choices, that doesn't mean we should give up on him. Count me in on the rescue operation.” She said, smiling confidently as her eyes sparkled in anticipation. Everyone turned to Rachel. She was the only one who hadn't said anything.

Rachel looked torn, her gaze traveling from Dean to Castiel and back. She sighed despondently but murmured, “Well, I guess I'll help Sam too. We have to have faith in something, someone. I believe in Sam. From the very beginning the odds have been stacked against him but he always came out alright in the end. I can't give up on him now. I won't give up. I have faith in him and I believe we can still save him. Even if I die, it will be worth it in the end if we can defeat Lucifer and save Sam.”

“Thanks Rachel, it means a lot.” Dean murmured appreciatively. She nodded demurely, giving him a small, care worn smile. He looked over at Castiel and Bobby. “So, what will it be? Are you two buzz kills going to help us or not?” Bobby groaned in aggravation and Castiel looked over at Rachel.

“Well, I said I would rather die with you than any other way. I care about you too much to let you go through with this without me, so I might as well come along. Maybe it isn't too late for things to change.” He said quietly, grabbing her hand. Rachel smiled, looking relieved. Grace and Ruby couldn't help but grin and Dean sat across from the two angels, smirking. Everyone looked at Bobby.

“Well, what will it be? Are you in or out Bobby?” Dean asked. Bobby looked uncomfortable as he felt everyone's gazes bore into him.

“Oh hell, if this doesn't kill me then the whiskey will. Of course I'm coming along you idiot.” He grumbled, looking over at Dean's hopeful face. His eyes lit up and Bobby couldn't help but smile.

“Alright, so it's settled then. We're all going to try and save Sam. The only problem is knowing where he went to.” Dean said.

“Well, Michael and Lucifer will have to fight sometime, more than likely tomorrow. I don't know where though…” Castiel said thoughtfully. For a few moments no one said anything, trying to think of where the coming battle would be. Dean looked curiously at Rachel, noticing her somber expression light up and her eyes begin to sparkle.

“I think I know where the fight is going to be.” She murmured softly, her voice carrying an undercurrent of excitement. Everyone looked at her and Dean nodded for her to continue.

“Well, okay, here's what I think. You'd have to go back to the place where all of this began, and that's Lawrence, Kansas. It would have to be some place secluded; a place without a lot of foot traffic or humans, and the perfect place would be the cemetery on the outskirts of the town.” Rachel blushed, squirming the slightest bit as everyone told her what a good idea it was. To make sure, she called up Heather. After a few minutes she got her answer. Rachel allowed herself to smile as she hung up, telling everyone that she was absolutely and utterly right. With their next move in mind, everyone set out for Lawrence, Kansas.

Lawrence, Kansas 3:57 P.M.

“I don't want to fight you brother.” Lucifer said, staring at Adam, the man that his brother Michael was currently possessing. Michael glared at him. “We don't have a choice. You know that. This is where it ends.”

Lucifer rolled his eyes and snorted. “Oh please, don't you see that this is just a test from our father, God, Michael? You see, Father created me, so he must want the devil to exist. You know what He's trying to do, don't you? He's pitted us against one another. He wants to create strife between us and cause you to destroy me because he still hasn't forgiven me for wanting power. We don't have to fight like this Michael. You and I are brothers and we can end this war that has gone on for countless centuries if you will join me.”

Michael clenched his teeth. “Your serpent's tongue can't fool me Lucifer. You were always a bad son. You never listened to Father. Nothing you say will dissuade me from my mission. I am sorry brother, but I have to destroy you.” They melded into battle stances and prepared to fight, but Def Lepard's “Rock of Ages” broke their concentration. They looked over and saw Dean Winchester's impala pull up. Michael rolled his eyes in irritation and Lucifer hissed in displeasure. Dean got out, along with Grace, Ruby, Bobby, Castiel, and Rachel. Walking over to where the two Archangels stood they stopped a few feet away from them, weapons in hand. The two demon women held daggers, Bobby a shotgun, Castiel reached into his coat pocket, Rachel had her sword and Dean held nothing. “I want to talk to Sam.” He said.

Lucifer looked at them and laughed. “He's not here Dean.” Michael snickered. “You idiots don't know what you're getting into. It would be in your best interests to leave.”

“I wasn't talking to you Dickface. It's Sam I'm after. All I want is five minutes of your time. Sam, can you hear me?” Dean said. Michael glared at him furiously. “Why you impertinent mortal. I'll kill you for that.” He snarled, taking a step towards him.

“Hey ass-butt!” Castiel yelled. Michael diverted his attention from Dean, caught of guard at the remark, and Castiel threw a bottle at Michael's vessel. It shattered as it hit him and consumed his mortal flesh in holy fire. After screaming in agony for a few minutes he dissipated.

Everyone looked at Castiel. Dean's team looked shocked and even Lucifer looked a little flabbergasted. “Ass-butt? Really Cas?” Dean muttered. Ruby and Grace giggled.

Castiel gulped nervously. “It isn't much time, but you got your five minutes.” He said.

“Castiel! Did you just mazultof my brother with Holy Fire?” Lucifer hissed furiously.

“Um, n-no…” Castiel stammered, taking a step back.

“No one dicks with Michael but me.” Lucifer barked. He snapped his fingers and Castiel's meat suit exploded. Then, before anyone could move, Lucifer grabbed Dean and threw him into his car, shattering the windshield. He sauntered over to where Dean lay, about to grab him again, when 3 shots of rock salt where fired in his back. Lucifer turned toward Bobby, glaring, and with a flick of his wrist broke Bobby's neck. He hit the ground with a sickening thud. Grace and Ruby rushed him but they were unsuccessful too. Lucifer punched Ruby so hard that she flew ten feet away and hit the ground, unconscious. Before Grace could react the evil angel whipped around and kicked her so hard in the back that her spinal chord snapped. It didn't kill her, but it rendered her immobile. Lucifer regarded her with distain for a moment and kicked her away dismally with his foot. He narrowly missed a round house kick that Rachel had aimed at his face. Grabbing her ankle he twisted it, shattering it and breaking her leg. Ignoring her scream of agony he grabbed her by the front of her shirt and threw her. Hitting a nearby tree and getting the air knocked out of her, she slumped limply against the bark.

He grabbed Dean and began punching him in the face, but even with his face getting turned into hamburger meat, Dean still wouldn't shut up.

“Come on Sam. I know you can hear me. Fight it Sam, you're strong enough to end this. I believe in you. Fight for you Sam, fight for me, fight for our friends and family. You can't let it end like this. I love you Sammy, and I'm never giving up on you.” Another punch to his jaw silenced him momentarily.

“How many times to I have to say this you simpering moron, he can't hear you!” Lucifer screeched in irritation, punching Dean so hard that the bones began to distort themselves. Out of the corner of his eye, a gleam of sunlight off of the impala distracted him, and for a moment Sam Winchester took control, reliving all of his memories with Dean. In less than a second Sam had control back over his body, ignoring the screeching that Lucifer was making in the back of his mind. Pulling the rings out of Dean's jacket and wincing as his brother lay there unconscious, his face beaten and bloody, he tossed the rings on the ground and murmured the chant to open the trap.

An enormous hole opened up in the earth, fire consuming the edges, wails of agony coming up from its immeasurable depths. Sam knew what he had to do. Taking one last look at everyone he had come to love, seeing their mangled and broken bodies, he swore in his heart that this was the best for everyone. Walking to the edge he took a deep breath and prepared to let himself fall. For the last time Sam assured himself that he was doing the right thing. Looking at his brother Dean, he let the tears fall, praying with all his might that his older brother would be okay. He was just about to throw himself in when Michael appeared.

He looked mad and glared at Sam, but was then surprised to find that the mortal had gained back control of his body. He could still sense Lucifer in him though. “I am sorry Sam Winchester. I have no desire to destroy you, but the evil being inside you cannot be allowed to remain.” He grabbed Sam by his shirt collar.

“Michael wait! It doesn't have to end like this. Please, just hear me out!” Rachel yelled, healing her broken ankle just enough so that she could limp on it. Walking over to where the archangel stood she pulled out her sword. Michael dropped Sam and looked at Rachel curiously. “What is this Little Sister, you want to bargain with me?”

Rachel looked at him and nodded. Licking her lips she murmured, “Yes Michael, I'll make you a deal. I don't want this to end badly so here's what I propose. You can have my sword and all the power that goes with it. This way you can toss Lucifer into Hell. In return however, I want you to bring Sam back to me unharmed and restore Castiel and Bobby to the existence they had before.”

Michael's eyes narrowed. “How long will I be able to keep the Guardianship after this has transpired?”

“As long as you wish.” Rachel said somberly, handing the sword to Michael. He looked at it and smiled at Rachel. “We have a deal then. I shall do all that you ask and in return I will have the Guardian's Sword.”

Rachel nodded, murmuring the ancient words necessary to give him the power. Once that was handed over she turned her attention to healing Dean and the two demons while Michael and Sam descended into the pit. The ground closed, returning to the way it had been. Rachel healed Dean's face and brought him back to consciousness. She healed Grace's back and Ruby's minor cuts and scrapes. Once they were back to normal she walked over to Bobby. He began to stir and she healed him as well. A split second later Castiel appeared looking no worse for the wear. Everyone looked incredulously at Rachel, wondering what she had done, but then a bright light appeared and Dean saw Sam standing by the Impala.

Everyone ran over to him.

“Sammy, is that really you?” Dean asked shakily, tears forming in his eyes, almost afraid to believe that his baby brother was alive.

“Yeah dude, it's me. You're not going to get all emotional and cry like a girl are you?” he teased.

“Shut up Sam.” He grumbled, hugging him. “I thought I'd lost you.” Dean felt happiness and relief wash over him. Sending up a prayer of thanks he hugged Sam tighter, almost unwilling to believe it was real. His little brother Sam was safe and whole. The tears he cried weren't just happy ones at seeing his brother again, they were a manifestation of the complete and utter thankfulness in his heart that Sam wasn't dead and that the whole Lucifer thing was over. He smiled, realizing the faith thing wasn't so bad. He hadn't lost his brother after all, and to Dean Winchester at that moment, it was the only thing that mattered.

Sam hugged him back, letting a few tears of his own fall, looking happily at his friends. Once Dean managed to let go of him Ruby caught him in a chokehold, nearly knocking him over as she threw herself in his arms, sobbing that she was overjoyed to have him back and that she loved him more than anything else in the world. He held her for a few moments, reassuring her that he would never have to do that or ever leave her again. Once he had managed to calm her down Grace hugged him, muttering that he'd better never get so stupid an idea in his head again. She also told him how happy she was that he wasn't dead. Then Bobby gave Sam a hug, telling him how happy he was that he hadn't lost him and than he and Dean had always been like sons to him. This touched Sam, and even though he had managed to wipe away his tears up until that point, he started crying again. Rachel was next. Sam murmured quietly his thanks for her bargaining that had saved him. She whispered back that it wasn't a problem and that the world without him just wouldn't have been the same. The last person to welcome him back was Castiel. They shook hands and Castiel apologized for being so pessimistic about their fate earlier. Sam mumbled that it didn't matter. Telling him how glad he was that everything had worked out for the best in the end, Castiel let go of his hand. After that, Sam told everyone what had happened and they all looked at Rachel, demanding to know what she'd done. She explained the deal she and Michael had made, telling them that she had powers like any other angel. They all smiled happily, hugging her and telling her what a smart and wonderful person she was. As usual she got embarrassed, muttering that it was only the right thing to do. Dean looked from his brother to Rachel and spoke.

“Alright Rachel, since you saved my brother here, I'm going to use all of the money I ever won at poker or pool to give you whatever you want. Don't even think about donating it to a charity or anything. I won't do that. This is for you and you alone to decide. And you have to pick something.”

Rachel looked a little stunned and uncertain. Biting her lip in concentration for a few seconds an idea began to form inside her mind. Glancing at Castiel, she smiled and turned to Dean. “Okay Dean, I have to pick something, and I know exactly what I want to do….”