"Michael's in no condition to fight and it's not in my power to bring Gabriel back..."
"Dad?"
The voice made everyone turn quickly, especially Lucifer.
"Gabriel?" he asked, dumbfounded.
The Archangel raised his eyebrows and looked at Chuck.
"Wow, you really did give him brains didn't you pops?" he asked sarcastically.
Chuck grinned and opened his arms.
"Great to see you, son." he greeted warmly.
Letting his guard down for probably the first time in a thousand years, Gabriel relaxed into a hug from his Father.
"Great to see you too, dad." he spoke honestly, knowing there was no need to hide anything from Chuck.
"I - I er...thought you said it wasn't in your power to bring Gabriel back...?" Dean asked, completely confused.
"Yes - Gabriel coming back was his choice, and it is not in my power to take away anyone's free will - they have to chose what to do, and Gabriel has chosen to return to me and help...something I am most happy about son - your power will certainly aid in the fight." Chuck answered.
"Buuutt...I thought Gabriel was dead?" Sam asked gently, not wanting to sound offensive.
Lucifer looked down...he genuinly did feel guilty...
"Pfftt, Luci never killed me!" Gabriel laughed, earning a grin from Chuck.
Now Lucifer shot his head up.
"But - I stabbed you with your blade..."
Gabriel now laughed hard and shook his head.
"Noooo, you moron - like you said, I learned all my tricks from you. Obviously I knew that you'd figure I'd do the double act and would try to kill me...so I reversed it. I was the one you were talking to, and my stunt double, fabricated from the pagan Gods' leftovers, was the one you stabbed...duh."
Dean grinned.
"That's genius!" he praised.
"You can't take the trick out of the trickster." Gabrel laughed good humouredly.
Then he sighed.
"Alright, dad, back to being serious. I heard your call, and have answered it. Of course I will fight Aunt Amara in any way I have to...your my Father and I love you, so I would always do as you asked. But, you're not just my Father, you are also my God, and it's important everyone remembers that - so, I will of course follow you to the end." he stated, falling into a slight, but meaningful bow.
Chuck breathed out, touched.
"Thank you son. I mean it. Come, let us go think of a plan - I would like to hear your suggestions very much - your trickster powers you favour will come in very hand, I think." he smiled, placing his hand on Gabriel's shoulder.
So, they all made their way to the main room with the table in.