Title: Desolation Road

Author: Speed Cochrane

Rating: PG13 - M (depending on my mood LOL)

Fandom: Supernatural

Spoilers: Major spoilers for 'No Rest for the Wicked' & 'Lazarus Rising' (4.01 premiere) So don't read if you don't want to know any details from the premiere.

Characters: Sam Winchester, Dean Winchester, Bobby Singer,

Disclaimer: As much as I sincerely wish I owned at least one of these characters, I don't so if you sue, it'll be a waste of time.

Summary: Sam is still dealing with Dean's death two years later. As his nightmares become more and more intense, it's clear that they're not just ordinary nightmares.

A/N: This is Challenge #4 for the FCG.

Criteria

Topic: Summertime.

Must be: 1,000-8,000 words in length (can be multiple chapters).
Must Include: The film "Iron Man" that's still in theatres now.
Must be rated: MA or lower. .
Must Include the line: "I'm really starting to adjust to..."

Chapter 2

He lifted his head, questioning in his mind as to the origin of the noise. He sighed when he saw the door wide open, banging against the sides of the motel. The dusted breeze entered the room, scratching at Sam's eyes. All that was missing was a tumbleweed.

As he gently closed the door, he started to wonder how it managed to open itself on its own. The wind, after all, was coming from outside, not inside. Anxiety formed all around him. He'd forgotten to lock the door. Nervously, he turned around to investigate the interior of his room when his eyes fell upon a figure standing near the old television set, back turned.

Startled, Sam quickly grabbed for the .45 caliber pistol lying underneath his damp pillow.

"Don't be afraid Sam," the figure stated casually.

Sam eyed it suspiciously. "Who are you?"

"I realize I must have interrupted a very important sleep… at 2:30 in the afternoon, but it was urgent that I find you," the male voice explained calmly.

Sam paused slightly. "Castiel?"

The figure smiled. He turned to Sam gracefully and nodded. It was difficult to describe what or who he looked like exactly because frankly, he looked like everyone. He was not so much a compilation from every person on the planet but he was innocuous enough to be unrecognizable.

"I see you've heard of me," he answered.

Sam squinted, still suspicious. "You could say that," he started, "I'm guessing you're the one responsible for whatever's going on. I mean that's why you've been looking for me, right?"

The man tilted his head to the side like an inquisitive puppy, completely innocent from the accusatory transgression but curious as to what it entailed.

"And what exactly is going on?"

Sam frowned. He was tired of being played by self-important supernatural beings. They thought all humans were stupid and insignificant and the lot that didn't want to rip Sam to shreds liked to patronize him with games. Why couldn't he ever have a normal conversation?

"I started having these weirdass dreams the exact time you dropped into town and I don't believe in coincidences," he explained cautiously.

"You Winchesters don't believe in much do you," Castiel offered, amused. "Except of course what you can prove. Though I'll admit, it's much easier speaking with you. I didn't get this far with your brother."

Sam's eyes widened. Did he just hear what he thought he heard?

"You spoke to Dean?" Sam questioned forcefully, almost offended.

"Attempted to," the handsome creature amended. "You'd think spending the rest of his days in the bowels down below would make him a little more open."

Sam knew demons lied and alternatively twisted the truth but he wasn't completely sure that the being before him was even a demon. He also wasn't prepared to up and believe him straight away.

Castiel moved his left shoulder in a graceful circle and flexed his back muscles, causing a light cracking sound. "I'm really starting to adjust to this form. The human body is an impressive piece of biological technology."

Sam's brow lifted. That was the first time he'd ever heard someone say that, especially coming from something so obviously not of this world.

"So you've been there," Sam observed, "to Hell I mean."

"Besides Dean, I wasn't exactly the most popular guest there," he responded, the amusement still twinkling in his eyes. "But then, you've seen it too. In your dreams. Sorry, I didn't exactly leave you with the best impression. I stirred up the waters, so-to-speak. It should be back to normal by now."

Sam slowly placed the gun onto the dresser and sat down in the chair. He didn't feel threatened, but curious now.

"So what do you need me for?" he asked.

"I need you to go back to dream land and talk some sense into him," Castiel responded with a great seriousness.

The young Winchester stared the being in the eye for a moment, sizing him up. Even if he did go back and manage to find Dean, there's no telling what would happen. He didn't know if Dean had already become so far gone to even speak to and who's to say Dean would even believe it was him? So many questions were placed on Sam's head, including the most pressing one…

"What do you want with Dean?"

Castiel stared right back at Sam. "My orders are to help him."

"Help him how?" Sam retorted, still getting the feeling that the conversation wasn't moving as fluidly as one would hope.

"I tried to find some way through your laws to explain the situation. But the simplest answer is, he doesn't belong in Hell and he has work to do. I won't bore you with the gory details. He may not listen to me but there's a good chance he'll at least get through a conversation with you. That's why I've made it so you can go there."

"Right," Sam started, "but if I'm going to talk to him, I'm going to need more than 'he has work to do'. I don't know who you are or who you're working for and that doesn't exactly make for a good negotiation. I'm just sayin', give me something to work with here. You laid all of this stuff on the table and you expect me to just up and go on a whild goose chase for you."

Castiel offered an understanding nod and pulled out a chair. He gently sat down and sighed. He seemed troubled and confused by how Sam reacted but he remained patient.

"There just isn't time for a big explanation, Sam," he explained. "There's a very delicate window here, and-

"Two years seems like a hell of a lot of time to wait before doing something about it," interrupted Sam, angrily.

"Then let's stop wasting time."

TBC...