Hi guys! Guess who's back? This is the sequel to my story Hell, Born and Raised. Although it is not necessary to read HBR to understand this one because I try to explain things that happened in that story, it wouldn't hurt to read it. But obviously, if you just want to read this and have any questions, I'd be happy to explain.

Second order of business. For those that were with me for the entirety or for most of HBR, my updating tended to be pretty sporadic. I had planned to write this story to completion before posting it, but I realized, HBR was 62 chapters long. I have no doubt in my mind that this story will end up being the same length or even longer and by the time I finish writing this to completion, y'all would've totally forgotten about HBR. I already have a good pile up of chapters done and I hope to not leave you with no updates for months. So, bear with me.

Anywhoo, I hope you enjoy!

CHAPTER ONE

Sam and Dean were lying on the floor of the cage, both bloody and beaten, constantly wishing for some sort of respite.

Dean didn't think his plan through. He didn't realize just how cramped the cage would be. No room to even try to escape to. He had expected something huge, a monstrous thing taking up the majority of the lower crevices of Hell. If he had to guess, in reality, it was no bigger than his bedroom at the bunker.

Then again, it was a cage after all. Not necessarily supposed to be roomy.

But, none of that mattered, because Michael and Lucifer were pissed, to put it mildly.

They wasted no time in showing the Winchester brother's just how much this whole experience was gonna suck.

Sam wasn't pissed at his brother for getting them into this mess. Every couple of hours Lucifer would bend down, take a break from the constant physical abuse he was doing to him to ask if Sam blamed his brother for the situation they were in.

Each time Dean would look over, guilt ridden eyes finding his brothers to make sure his answer hadn't changed yet because each time, Sam would tell Lucifer to shove it where the sun shines.

How could Sam blame Dean for this? Dean did the right thing. With both of them being possessed by Michael and Lucifer, there was no way either of them could've stayed up there on Earth. Dean had his chance, and at the right moment, grabbed his baby brother by the shoulder and pulled himself and Sam down into the cage.

It was the right thing. The Winchester's spent so much of their lives damning souls to Hell, it was only right that they did something to keep those they hadn't damned safe.

Dean thought pretty much constantly about the state Earth was in right now. He hoped that their sacrifice would mean something, that they had left the world better than when they had been in it.

The torture had been no picnic. Dean currently was holding his out of socket shoulder, hoping to alleviate some of the pain. Add to that two black eyes, a broken nose, and deep gashes covering any bare skin. Sam was doing just as bad with a broken leg, which was also sporting a gash from the middle of his thigh down to his knee cap along with a bloodied lip, broken collar bone, and two cracked ribs.

Sam was wheezing, no doubt one of those ribs had punctured a lung.

And this was one of the milder days.

Dean looked as Michael approached him, grabbing him by his dislocated shoulder and hauling him towards him so they were nose to nose.

"This didn't have to happen like this Dean. All you had to do was behave yourself long enough to allow me to destroy my brother and you would've been treated like royalty." Michael said, his free hand moving to a particularly nasty open wound on his stomach which he proceeded to shove his fist into.

Dean's eyes widened in pain, but he refused to make a noise. "You've been telling us the same shit for- the past 100 years. Can't you get some new material?" He managed to get out, trying to hold on to as much of his sarcasm as he could before Michael grabbed onto what Dean would assume was his large intestine and yanked. "Just- heal us already. Start- new." He ground out, lip twitching in anger.

Michael turned to Lucifer, removing his hand, who was taking a break in a corner of the cage who perked up at the mention of healing. "You hear that, brother? Dean wants us to start new."

Lucifer snickered, sauntering over. "Well, if that's what he wants, we'll just have to give it to the little cowboy."

Michael lifted his fingers and Dean's face instantly relaxed at the thought of being healed. That is, until Michael snapped, and Dean's insides felt like they were on fire.

"Dean!" Sam yelled, trying to lunge towards his screaming brother but was stopped by Lucifer's foot stomping down on his chest. Sam inhaled sharply, his broken rib digging deeper into his lung.

They were both in excruciating pain, both wanting to help the other when they couldn't even help themselves. It had been ten months of this.

Ten months of Sam watching Lucifer and Michael take a majority of their frustrations out on Dean since he had been the one to send them down here.

Ten months of getting wailed on by two pissed off Archangels.

Ten months of constant physical and emotional abuse.

And then, Lucifer and Michael both turned to the center of the cage, their bodies blocking the boy's view.

Lucifer's lips curled into a scowl as he took in the intruders. "Well if it isn't my two favorite muppets. Castiel, right? And Crowley, well, only you would be stupid enough to show yourself here."

"We're here for Sam and Dean." Cas stated, hand clutching his angel blade that was out and ready for a fight.

Michael scoffed. "You don't say? We thought you were here for us." Cas scrunched his brows, confused, but Michael plowed forward, "Too bad. Sam and Dean belong down here, with us. They made their bed."

Crowley shoved his hands in his pockets. "As much as I hate to say it, we need those two flannel wrapped lumberjacks topside."

Dean froze. Last time he saw Cas, he had exploded. "Cas get outta here! Don't be stupid!" Dean pleaded, managing to maneuver himself to be in Castiel's eye sight. Before he could shout out another plea, Lucifer waved his hand and Dean's lungs were gone.

Cas's brows drew together at the sound of Dean gasping for air. "We aren't leaving here without them."

Lucifer gestured widely. "Well then, pull up a bunk, brother! Which of you would like the top?"

In response, Cas merely glanced behind him where there now stood angels and demons wall to wall.

"If you think we're afraid of some low-level angels and demons, you are terribly mistaken." Michael said, not seeming fazed.

Cas shrugged, the gesture looking odd on the angel. "All we need is a moment."

And then all hell broke loose.

Angels and demons charged forward, tackling the two Archangels while Cas and Crowley dove behind them, seizing an opportunity when they were distracted.

Light was flashing all around, bright white and orange illuminating the otherwise dark cage.

"Cas-" Dean wheezed as his best friend knelt down next to him, his hand immediately finding the very familiar spot on his shoulder.

"We are getting you out of here. Both of you." Cas promised, hazarding a glance behind him to see his fellow angels begin to be destroyed one by one. "Crowley, we must go."

Crowley was in a similar position by Sam. With a firm grip on each of their shoulders, they were gone, leaving sounds of angel and demon screams echoing behind them.

…..

Dear Sam and Dean,

Since I know that someday, somehow, you guys will get out of that cage, I figured it would be easier to write everything down for you guys rather than trying to tell you.

It's been two days since you both left and I'm still pissed at you.

I'm pissed you guys are down in that godforsaken cage.

I'm pissed we couldn't find another way.

I'm pissed you felt the need to sacrifice yourselves.

Things just feel off around here without you two. You had become just a big part of our lives that now that you're gone, it feels silly to go back to our lives we had before you guys came along.

We're all still at the Bunker. I don't think anyone wants to be the first to leave.

Allison and Tim are still here. When she first found out, Allison blamed herself profusely. She thought if she would've researched a little faster, it would've made a difference. I told her she was wrong. I think they both feel obligated to stay. Personally, I wish they'd just go. They aren't a part of this family.

I hear your mom crying at night, calling out for you. She even prays to Castiel to go and rescue you both. He says he's not strong enough to do that. He's looking into teaming up with Crowley which we all strongly advised against. It's amazing how human he seems. He acts like he's just as heartbroken about the situation as we are.

I just feel bad for Mary. She just got you boys back and here she is, without you again.

John spends his nights drinking. He refuses to drink anything besides alcohol. He feels like he failed you both. He thinks that if he would've tried harder, you'd both still be here.

I don't know who was more delusional.

You two for thinking we could function normally without you.

Or us for thinking there was another way to save you.

I've had nightmares every night. All ending the same way; with both of you dead.

-Jo

…

It's been two months now and I guess you can say things have gotten a little better.

Tim and Allison left about a month and a half ago. Tim claimed he wanted to go back to his normal job, in his normal town, with his normal daily tasks. None of which included reading books about angels and demons.

My mom went back to the roadhouse. The bar needed its owner and with Ash there running it by himself, it was a miracle that it was still standing when my mom got back.

John and Mary left yesterday to go to Lawrence. The couple wanted some part of their past lives back and what better way to do that than to move back to your hometown?

They still seem sad. But at least John stopped the heavy drinking.

Bobby and I are still here. It seemed cruel to make him stay here by himself. I couldn't go back to the Roadhouse and bus tables. It felt like I was disrespecting your memory to just go back to how things were. So, I stayed back, much to my mom's dismay, to help Bobby with whatever he needed. Most of the time it was research but if there was ever a local case, we'd go do it ourselves. I try to kill as many evil sons of bitches as I can.

Every night I try to find a way to save you both and every night I come up empty. We haven't seen Cas in a month. Last we heard him and Crowley had a plan and were working on it. I hope he doesn't get himself killed.

-Jo

…

Ten months later, and a lot has changed.

First, Mary and John got a dog. Named it Poughkeepsie in your honor.

Second, my mom is dead.

God, writing it makes it feel even more real.

She was out on a hunt with a hunter named Garth when they were ambushed by vampires. By what Garth told me, there was more than twenty. He did all he could, but he turned his back for one second and the next thing he knew, my mom was lying on the ground with her throat ripped open.

That was two months ago.

I'm still with Bobby. The thought of stepping into that bar made me physically sick. Ash is running it. From what I hear, he's doing a good job.

We finally heard from Castiel yesterday and he has a plan. He managed to convince half of the angels to help him free you two and with Crowley's help, he thinks they have enough man power to rescue you guys. I don't want to believe it or hope or whatever, but maybe…

I wish I could help.

-Jo

…

It has only been a day since I talked to Cas but I'm starting to get anxious. If he could really get you back, wouldn't you be back already?

But what if he did succeed? What would you guys think? Would you blame yourselves for my mom's death? Would you walk around here with memories of Hell plaguing your every waking moment?

Or would you be the same? Would you understand that my mom was a hunter, her timeline had been short since day one? Would you guys stick around?

There's too many possibilities. Too many 'what if's'. There's really only one way to know.

Someone's knocking at the door. Is that Castiel telling us that he failed? Or is it a hunter seeking refuge for a night? I don't know why I'm writing this down.

-Jo

…

It's been five minutes, and you guys are back.

-Jo

….

"Sam, Dean, you need to wake up. We have to get you back to the bunker."

"I don't know why we didn't just zap them there."

"Because I didn't want to overwhelm anybody."

"Whole lot of good that did."

Dean groaned as he slowly pried open his eyes. "God, I'm awake. Will you two just shut up?"

Cas and Crowley shared a look, but complied as Sam stirred on the motel bed next to Dean's.

They both sat up and locked eyes. "Dude, what the hell?" Dean asked.

"I don't know."

"No seriously, what the hell? Are we back? Or are we hallucinating?" Dean repeated, glancing between Cas and Crowley.

Cas stepped forward. "I can assure you both that you are indeed back."

Dean put his hand up to hide his mouth to where only Sam could see it. "Isn't that exactly what a hallucination would say?" He whispered, shooting Cas a side eye.

Sam nodded, while Crowley sighed. "Do you not recall the whole rescue mission? Surely you both remember everything."

Sam thought about it, and now that they mentioned it, he did. But still, he was hesitant. "That could've been some type of torture Michael and Lucifer thought up. Plus, Cas, didn't you die?"

"Exactly. It wouldn't be the first time they used some type of Jedi mind trick on us. Give us a taste of freedom and then just as we start to enjoy it they pull the rug out from under us." Dean added, eyeing the pair with skepticism.

Castiel sighed with exasperation, "I believe God brought me back. Just-" he paused, collecting his thoughts. "Let us get you back to the bunker. Then maybe you'll believe us."

Sam and Dean seemed uncertain but figured, what the hell? What was the worst that could happen?

…..

Bobby looked up from the map he currently had laid out to the upper floor where someone was knocking at their door.

He glanced over at Jo who was sitting at a table in the library, pouring over her journal. After grabbing his gun he kept stashed in a holster taped to the underside of the table he was at, he headed up the stairs, his pistol raised. The knocking persisted and Bobby quickly opened the door mid-knock hoping to catch the potential threat off guard.

And then he just about dropped his gun and his jaw.

"Hey Bobby. Long time no see." Dean offered, seeing his freaked out look as the Winchester brothers walked forward only to have holy water thrown in their face.

Sam simply just wiped his face while Dean sizzled next to him, trying to wipe his face clean with his shirt. "Dammit Bobby it's us!"

"I can't say I miss that." Sam chuckled, shaking his head.

Bobby held up the flask sheepishly. "Just checkin."

"Bobby, who is it?" Jo asked, slowly ascending the stairs only to stop at the top.

"Hey Jo." Dean grinned right before she barreled into both brothers, squeezing them tight as if she were afraid if she let go, they'd be gone.

Cas then came up behind them, ushering them all inside so the door could be shut.

Once all hugs were given out and the rescue mission explained, they all went to the library and sat down.

"So," Sam began, looking around. "What'd we miss?"

Jo just slid her journal across the table. "I think you'd better read this."

…

Jo could tell as soon as Dean got to the part about her mom because his eyes drew together and his hand, which had been resting on the table as he stood looking over Sam's shoulder, was now clenched in a fist. Sam however, didn't even blink an eye.

When they had finished, Dean lifted his gaze to Jo, pure sorrow shining in his green eyes. "Jo, I'm so sorry." He walked over and enveloped her in a hug, wondering if things would've been different if he'd been there and knowing that they would've been.

"Don't." She said, shaking her head that was pressed against his chest. "Don't blame yourself or wonder what if."

Dean wanted to deny it, but he had been just thinking that. When they pulled away, he turned to Bobby. "So, our parents? They're in Lawrence?"

Bobby nodded. "Occasionally they go out on a hunt but nothing too long, don't wanna leave the dog with the neighbor boy longer than they have to."

"Please tell me they don't let that damn dog in my car." Dean groaned.

All the while Bobby and Dean were talking, Jo was watching Sam. It's not what he was doing. It's what he wasn't. The Sam she knew would've offered words of condolences on her mother's death or would be asking about his parents or at least look engaged in the conversation.

This Sam didn't do any of that. He sat there, just watching everyone as if he was at a play. Detached. Unemotional.

And Jo knew, something was wrong.

While Jo was coming to this revelation, Cas was watching Dean with scrunched brows and worried eyes.

"What happened to Raphael? Zachariah?" Dean asked, remembering that right before he got possessed, they had thrown Mary into Heaven's prison and had been torturing him.

"Both dead." Cas stated plainly. "After you and Sam went to the cage, Heaven didn't agree with the methods they used. No one felt safe just locking them up."

Dean nodded, satisfied. "Good."

…

Four hours later, John, Mary, and their golden retriever puppy were at their door step and even Dean had to admit, it was a cute dog. The parents were so overwhelmed with emotions that nobody spoke, both just embracing their children and convincing themselves they were back. Back and safe.

They spent hours catching up. Mary's hair had gotten longer, Jo learned how to throw knives effectively, Bobby got a new baseball hat, and John put a fresh coat of wax on the Impala.

After everyone felt thoroughly caught up, the excitement of the day's events started to catch up to everyone and they were all ready to turn in. John and Mary retired first, then Bobby, and then Sam, leaving just Dean, Jo, and Castiel left at the table.

"Can I ask you both a question?" She asked tentatively, not wanting to ruin the homecoming.

Cas and Dean shared a look, sensing something was up. "What's wrong, Jo?" Dean asked, green eyes focused on her.

Jo took a deep breath before she leaned in, lowering her voice while the two men on the opposite side of the table got closer. "Have you guys noticed anything weird about Sam?"

Dean's brows scrunched in confusion. "Weird? Weird how?"

"He just seemed detached tonight."

"Well he is newly human, he didn't really get a lot of time before Lucifer rode him to get used to it. I'm sure it's nothing." Dean dismissed, waving his hand.

Jo chewed her lip, not convinced.

"You also need to remember, being in the cage for ten months is no small feat. It must be a big adjustment to be back." Cas pointed out.

"Yeah, I guess." Jo nodded and then turned to Dean. "How are you doing?"

Two sets of prying eyes landed on him who immediately tried to retreat into his chair. "I'm fine. Just, a lot to process, ya know? Things aren't exactly the same as we left it."

After a few moments, Cas bid them goodbye, saying he needed to see how many of his brothers were lost earlier.

"I know your dying to ask. What Hell was like."

Jo looked up in surprised, Dean's eyes looking haunted. She cleared her throat. "I'm not gonna lie, yeah. I'm curious. But, only because I want to try to help."

A few tense moments passed before Dean took a steadying breath.

"It wasn't ten months you know." He began, his voice gruff. "I mean, it was ten months up here. But, I don't know how to explain it. Down there, time's different. Ten months is really 100 years." Jo couldn't help but feel her throat tighten at that statement. "I didn't think Hell could get worse. And then it did. It hadn't been my first trip down there and I don't know, it wasn't what I was used to." He paused, shaking his head and smiling bitterly. "Yeah at least Sam and I were together but that just made it ten times worse to see him literally laying two feet from me, bloody and broken and just… not be able to do a damn thing about it. It was infuriating. That-." He cut himself off.

"Lucifer and Michael never got bored. They never got tired. Only one would take a break at a time. So even if you weren't the one being physically tortured right then, it didn't matter. Because another type of torture was going on at having to watch your brother be tortured by the damn devil." He paused, blinking fast and avoiding eye contact. "I can feel it Jo, I'm not the same demon I was when I left. It feels like how I was three years ago, before you all came into our lives. The darkness is trying to creep back in, control me. But I won't let it. I promise. I won't, I can't, go back to being that demon."

Jo nodded, reaching across the table and putting her hand over his. "You have people here who want to help. Don't forget that."

Dean managed a strained smile but said nothing else.

The two sat in silence for a few moments before Jo stood up. "Well, I'm gonna call it. I'll see you tomorrow." She couldn't help but smile slightly, because she would. Ten hours ago, she wouldn't have been able to say that. Maybe things will start turning in their favor.

Dean would be okay. Sam was fine. Everything had worked out. It can only go up from here.

Five days after Jo thought that, she would realize just how wrong she was.

…..

TBC

Alrighty! So, there's chapter one. I know it was super dialogue heavy but really, what else can you expect from a first chapter? Please leave a review and let me know what you thought! For those joining me for another story, is there anything you want to see out of this story that you didn't get from the first one? Leave a review and make my week. Don't worry, you'll be finding out soon enough what new threat(s) the brothers will be dealing with this story.