Epilogue
From his position on the floor, Joshua looked on with sorrow and compassion at Dean's first few waking seconds. "He will never be the same."
"No, he won't," the General spoke, and Joshua saw the smile that lit the General's eyes. "It will make him better."
"He will feel even more like an outsider than before," Joshua observed. There was no hint of malice or condemnation in his words, just empathy for his charge.
"Only until he finds his way home."
"Things will never be the same between him and Sam again."
"As it should be. Sam cannot be his god if he is to fulfill his purpose."
"He will have new challenges now."
"Yes." And for the first time in that conversation, Joshua heard the sadness in the General's voice. "But they are consequences of his own making."
"You could…" Joshua's words were cut off by a look from the General.
"Free will," the General reminded the angel, who nodded in understanding. The General knelt by His downed soldier and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
Joshua immediately felt his strength return and the burns heal. He glanced at his hands and saw scars in the shape of the chains on the palms of his hands. He opened and closed his hands a few times now that feeling had been restored to them. He looked up at his General who was smiling at him.
Nodding at His angel's hands, he said, "Scars are reminders of both victories and failures. Joys and sorrows. They encourage and serve as a motivation to do better." The General looked lovingly at his man-child. "He will have new scars as well due to decisions he made of his own volition. I would not want to take away his chance to heal and change - to become stronger. They are bound by time, and as such, I will deal with him - in time."
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Another A/N - Just like Generals, this story is a reaction to what has occured on the show and is not necessarily going anywhere at this time. As such, it is a one-shot. Thanks again and I hope you enjoyed.