Dean rubbed his temples, lightly groaning into the dark room. He could hear Sam moaning…again. It had been two months since their trip to Hades, but it seemed to still be fresh for Sam. It hurt to watch his brother everyday, he knew Sam was hiding something and yet…a part of Dean was hesitant to ask. Sam's dreams, in the past, had been connected to the yellow eyed demon…but it was dead now, so what was this?

Sighing heavily, Dean sat up in his bed and turned to face his younger brother. Sam was sweating, squirming, and furrowing his brow in concentration. Yet as if sensing Dean's questioning glance, Sam opened his eyes slightly. They both looked at each other in silence; the memory flashed into Dean's mind—as if he needed to be reminded of that day…that day in Hades…

o-o-o-o-o-o

(Two Months Ago:)

Dean was standing in front of the eerie symbol, wondering what it stood for when he noticed a warm feeling. Glancing to the side, he noticed flames crawling up the ancient wood. In moments the barn was ablaze, choking on smoke he frantically turned to look at Sam…but he wasn't there.

"Sam!? Sammy, the building's going up! Where the hell are you!? SAM!" Dean yelled, a familiar feeling of panic creeping up his spine.

Dean was gasping for air, he wanted to keep looking for his little brother…but the flames…they seemed to push him back. What kind of flames did that? The intense heat was beginning to become unbearable. Despite his urge to go searching for Sam, Dean had to get out. Breaking a fragile wooden door, which thankfully led outside, he ran out coughing and gasping for fresh air. But he was met with a puzzling and slightly creepy sight, Sam standing in the field behind the barn. How the hell had he gotten out so fast?

Dean ran over to Sam, stopping a few feet away. Something seemed wrong, Sam's clothes were singed and still smoking…but that wasn't what scared Dean. No, it was the look Sam had on his face…like he'd been to hell and back. Dean felt Sam studying him, putting on a small grin he stepped closer to his younger brother.

"Well, that was fun. Not demonic pit bulls, but I'll settle for it," Dean said sarcastically, relieved when Sam broke into a grin.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Sam had been dreaming about Hades again…about that moment in the barn when the other Dean said he'd never forget him. It still hurt Sam to think that his other reality brother was still in that hell. But when he'd heard his Dean sigh out loud, Sam opened his eyes. He was met with the same questioning stare that his older brother seemed to wear all the time now. He wanted so much to tell Dean what had happened, but he was afraid Dean would laugh and call him crazy.

Sam couldn't control the flood of emotion, and to his fury, tears began to slip down his face. He felt Dean pat his shoulder, speaking in soothing tones. Sam needed to get away…he needed to get some fresh air. Kicking the sheets away, he pushed past Dean and went outside of the motel room.

The air was cool on Sam's burning skin as he took deep breaths, trying to fight the fresh wave of tears. Moments later the sky opened up and light drops of rain began to fall, running down Sam's face and erasing the tears. He could hear Dean come up next to him, silently waiting for Sam to come back in.

"Hey Sam, unless you didn't notice… it's raining and you don't have a shirt on," Dean whispered with a stiff half-grin, breaking his silence.

"Dean…not now…please," Sam murmured, looking at the dark clouds.

Sam couldn't tell Dean, not right now. If he could just forget…then he could leave all of it behind and never have to mention it to Dean. Yet, the screams of dying hunters still echoed in his ears…

Sam noticed Dean studying his face, as if he could spot what was wrong with Sam. Dean gripped his little brother's bare arm and led him back into the motel room, wearing a stern face. Sam glanced back once more. He could feel it in his bones…something bad was about to happen, worse than Hades…

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

AN:

This is the sequel to "Welcome to Hades". You're not obligated to read the first one, but it would help explain a few things that'll happen in this story. This is fic is slightly shorter, but hopefully the storyline makes up for it.

General FYI:

Usually, whenever you see an italicized section it'll be a flashback, or memory. If that shifts, I will let you know.

Also, not sure if I mentioned it in the first story, but these two fan fictions were my first forays into the realm of fic writing—so parts of it might still be a little rough. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy this story! It was certainly fun to write. :)