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Chapter Four

"Bring him back?" Dean asked breathlessly.

"Sure," Gabriel said. "You say you need Sam, we'll get you Sam."

Dean's mind reeled. The thought of having his brother back made him feel the first glimpse of happiness in over two years. No sooner than he recognized the lightness in his chest for what it was, it evaporated.

"We can't. That would be cruel. Sam gave up everything to be with Lucifer. We can't tear them apart now." It took a lot for Dean to say it. He wanted Sam back more than anything. He hated the thought of him in Hell forever, but he had to respect his brother's choices. Sam had chosen Hell and Lucifer.

"Boy, are you dumb," Gabriel said. "We don't need to tear them apart. We can bring them both back, With Michael out of the picture, Lucifer is free to roam again. We don't even need to worry about that pesky apocalypse, as your brother tamed him."

Dean's eyes widened and his heart sped as the realization reached him. He could have Sam back. They could be together again. Things would finally be right.

"You just need to hand over those pretty keys and I'll pop down and grab our brothers."

Dean's hand moved to his pocket, but Bobby cleared his throat, drawing Dean's attention. "What?" he asked.

Bobby looked uncomfortable. "I'm playing Devil's advocate here, but should we really do this?"

"Why wouldn't we?" Dean asked, as far as he was concerned this was the answer to their prayers.

"Because Sam chose Lucifer and Hell."

"Yes, Bobby, Hell," Dean said. "I don't know about you, but the idea of Sam spending forever there isn't exactly a nice thought. You might not want him back, but I do."

"I want him back!" Bobby bristled. "But I'm thinking of what he wants. Besides, Hell for Sam and Lucifer isn't what it was like for you. Cas, tell him what you told me."

Dean turned to Castiel. "Well?"

"Lucifer is in command over the Cage. It may be called a cage, but that doesn't mean Sam is behind bars. The Cage is whatever Lucifer wants it to be, and with Sam in mind, it wouldn't be a bad place."

"What my brother is trying to say is that Sam and Lucifer could be attending a county fair right now, riding on the tilt-a-whirl and eating cotton candy. Whatever Lucifer wants, he gets, and that goes for the Cage too."

Dean tried to wrap his mind around that. When he'd imagined Sam in the Cage, it was always some version of the Hell he'd experienced. He knew Sam wouldn't have suffered the torture he had, but he figured it was still not a nice place to be. The Cage under Lucifer's command sounded like...

"It's their Heaven," Castiel said. "Whatever they want it to be."

This revelation threw a wrench into the works slightly. Dean wanted his brother back, and that had been an easy choice when he thought Sam was in his Hell, but the thought of dragging him out of some kind of Heaven wasn't tempting. It seemed cruel. Cruel enough to stop him? He wasn't sure.

"And we'd be dragging him back to this nightmare of a world," Bobby said. "mid-battle, facing a monster none of us have seen before, and one that we have no idea how to kill. It just doesn't seem right."

Dean rubbed at the back of his neck and said the words he knew would reveal to Bobby just how much he had changed from the man he'd once known, "Right or not, we're doing this. I'm bringing my brother back." He turned to Gabriel. "What do I have to do?"

"You, cupcake, nothing but hand over the rings. This is an angel mission, I'm afraid. It's more than a matter of opening the cage and shouting down for them to come out with their hands up. Someone has to go down there and retrieve them."

Dean put his hand in his pocket and brought out the rings. He weighed them in his palm for a moment, reluctant to give them up. He had to hand them over though; they were the only thing that would bring his brother back. Gabriel stretched out a hand, and Dean let the rings fall onto his palm.

"Okay then," Gabriel said cheerfully. "A quick dive into Hell coming up. You know, never done anything like this before." He looked excited at the prospect.

"So, what happens now?" Bobby asked. "You just fly down there and scoop them up?"

Gabriel tapped his foot. "In a word, no. I'll have to get their agreement. I can't drag them out of there kicking and screaming. Lucifer's wrath would be devastating to the planet."

"You've got to get their permission?" Dean asked.

"Pretty much. I don't see that being a problem though. After all, you Winchesters are all about sacrificing yourself for each other."

Dean didn't like the sound of the sacrifice part, but coward that he was, he didn't ask. If it got Sam back, it was worth it.

Gabriel cracked his knuckles and grinned. "Best get on with it then. Any preference on where we pop them out?"

"The closer the better," Dean said, impatient now the time of reunion was upon them.

"But not too close," Bobby said. "I don't want my house tilting into the hole in the ground. How about you go out by the back woods?"

Gabriel nodded. "Got it, no home destruction. Who's coming with me?"

"I am," Dean said immediately.

"I think me and Cas should hang back here," Bobby said. "We don't want to overwhelm them."

Gabriel nodded. "We'll be right back."

Dean followed him out of the house and across the yard toward the woods that bordered Bobby's land.

"Can I ask you something, Deano?" Gabriel asked, sounding more amiable than he had since he'd found Dean in his motel.

"I'm an Aquarius," Dean said.

Gabriel chucked. "Yes, you are. But that wasn't what I was going to ask."

"What do you want to know?"

"You've had the rings all this time, and you've been half killing yourself because you didn't have your brother with you, so why didn't you open the Cage yourself?"

"Because I didn't know the magic words," Dean said quickly. "I wasn't there when Sam or Lucifer took the dive, so I didn't hear what they said to open it."

"And you couldn't have found out some other way." Gabriel said skeptically.

"I don't think Bobby's got any books on how to open a direct passage to the Cage."

That was half of the truth. Dean didn't know the words and he doubted Bobby's library would have given him the answer, but he could have found out if he really wanted to. The reason he didn't open the Cage and go in himself was because he wasn't sure Sam would have wanted him. He'd left Dean behind to be with Lucifer. If he'd wanted him there too, he would have asked.

He would never admit that shameful doubt to Gabriel though, so he merely sped his pace toward the woods.

Gabriel caught his arm halfway across the grass clearing. "This should be far enough away to satisfy Mr. Singer."

Dean nodded. His heart was racing in his chest. He was close now, so close to seeing Sam again.

Gabriel tossed the rings down onto the grass and rolled his shoulders. "Here goes nothing." He chanted words in what Dean recognized as Enochian and a swirling vortex appeared where the rings had lain. Gabriel stepped up to the edge and balanced on the balls of his feet like a diver on the board.

"Wish me luck!" he shouted over the roar of the portal, and then he stretched his arms out in front of him and dived gracefully into the pit.


Sam leaned back on his elbows and enjoyed the sensation of the sinking sun's warmth on his face. It was late, at least Lucifer had decided it should be late now, and things were winding down for the day. Not that the cage really had days. It was endless. Lucifer ensured that there was a constant 'daily' sunrise and sunset to mark the time for Sam, though.

At the moment, Lucifer was standing on the shore with the waves crashing around his ankles. Sam was enjoying the view, but missing Lucifer's absence at his side. It was always that way for him; Lucifer could never be close enough to him.

As if he had heard Sam's thought, Lucifer turned and smiled. With long strides, he made his way back to Sam and dropped down on the sand beside him. He leaned in close and their lips met in a chaste kiss. Lucifer smiled against him, and Sam sighed contentedly.

"Are you happy?" Lucifer asked.

Sam leaned back. "Where did that come from?"

Lucifer toyed with a thread on the white shirt he was wearing. "Yesterday was an important day, Sam. I waited for you to mention it, but you didn't, and I didn't want to push."

"It was?"

Lucifer smiled indulgently. "It was. Yesterday was the anniversary of you coming to me here."

Sam sat up, his mind taking in the information. He lost track of time here; it was easy to do. Though he hadn't marked the days he'd been in the cage, it felt like he'd been there an eternity.

"So, are you happy?" Lucifer asked.

Sam considered the question carefully. His immediate response was to reassure Lucifer that he was happy, but they had sworn never to lie to one another, and he wanted to answer honestly.

There were things that should have made him unhappy, such as the absence of his brother. Sam wasn't sure how much time had passed on earth. More than once, he had wondered if his brother was even still alive. So much time could have passed that he could have gone naturally, or if he stayed a hunter he could have been taken before his time. He missed Dean with a longing that was almost painful, but he had made peace with the fact he would never see him again. It was the sacrifice demanded of him when he chose to be with Lucifer.

"I am happy," he said. "I am happy with you."

"But?" Lucifer probed, knowing Sam was hiding something.

"I miss my brother," he admitted.

"Do you regret your choice to be here?"

"Never," Sam said immediately. "I love Dean, I truly do, but it's not the same. I know Dean can live without me, but I couldn't live without you. Do you regret my choice?"

Lucifer traced a hand over Sam's face, smoothing his furrowed brow.

"Never. I would never regret you being here for me. My only fear is that you would come to regret it. I cannot explain the joy I felt seeing you again after my fall. Knowing you sacrificed everything you held dear to be with me again is an expression of love beyond words. I wish I could repay it. There was so much I wanted to give you, so much I wanted to show you, but circumstances were against us."

"You've shown me plenty," Sam said. "You've taught me so much. You shared everything. You taught me everything. You've given me so much."

"Except the one thing you truly need," Lucifer said. "Your family."

Sam sighed and pushed his hair out of his eyes. "I miss them, all of them: Dean and Bobby and Cas. But here I'm at peace. I never had that on earth. I was always out of my element there. I've done terrible things, but none of that matters here. There is only you and me."

Lucifer leaned over him, and Sam allowed himself to be pushed back to lie on the sand. Lucifer's mouth moved against him, trailing down his throat and across his collarbone. Sam relaxed into his touch, and his eyes slid closed.

Suddenly, there was a thudding sound, and Lucifer froze. Sam's eyes snapped open in time to see Lucifer jump to his feet and stand protectively in front of him with his arms spread wide, his angel blade in his hand.

Sam sprung to his feet and stood behind Lucifer, his every sense on alert. This had never happened before. No one had come into the cage. No one could come into the cage. The demons all congregated in the other levels of Hell.

"Hey, bro, nice digs."

Sam relaxed infinitesimally. He knew that voice, though why Gabriel would have come to them here he didn't know. Lucifer did not relax. He remained standing with his arms extended.

"Gabriel," he said stiffly.

Sam peered around Lucifer's shoulder and saw Gabriel kicking off his shoes and wiggling his toes. "I love the sand," he said. "Really, Lucifer, great craftsmanship."

"What are you doing here?" Sam asked.

"I came for a visit. Did you miss me?"

"Not remotely." Sam had no affection for Gabriel. He had done too much damage in Sam's life for him to ever be able to ingratiate himself.

"Why are you here?" Lucifer asked.

Gabriel sighed dramatically. "I come with tidings."

Sam's throat tightened. The last time Gabriel had come with 'tidings' it had been the news that Michael was coming for Lucifer. Sam wasn't stupid enough to think that this time things were going to be good. Something big had to have happened for Gabriel to make the journey.

"Is it..." Sam cleared his throat. "Is it Dean?" For all his thoughts of acceptance minutes ago, now faced with the possibility of Dean's death he wasn't sure he could bear it.

"It is and it isn't," Gabriel said, easing none of Sam's fear. "He's alive if that's what you're worried about."

Sam exhaled in a rush. "But he's not okay?"

"None of us are," Gabriel said.

"Speak plainly or don't speak at all," Lucifer snapped.

Gabriel became solemn. "Michael is dead."

Lucifer drew in a sharp breath. His shoulders stiffened and he stood up straight. "How?" Sam could hear the pain in his voice.

Sam stepped around Lucifer's open arms and laid a hand on his shoulder in a silent show of support. He didn't give a crap about Michael's death personally, in fact, he wanted to punch the air, but Lucifer was hurting, and his pain was Sam's. If Lucifer felt even a fraction of bond to Michael that Sam felt to Dean then his pain had to be immeasurable.

"Raphael slayed him."

Lucifer's brow furrowed. "I don't understand. Michael was our greatest warrior."

"It's a long story," Gabriel said. "But suffice to say, you missed a lot. I'll fill you in later. Right now, you're needed topside."

Sam's mouth dropped open. "Topside? As in go back?"

Gabriel gave him an approving nod. "Correct. Back to the land of Starbucks and air pollution. You think the earth was screwed when you left, the last two years have been... well, hell."

"Two years? That's it?" Sam asked.

"What were you expecting, twinkle toes? You know Hell time works different to earth time."

Sam shrugged. "It felt longer."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Well, I can promise that Dean's not walking with a cane. In fact, physically, he's pretty much the same."

"Let's get back to the matter at hand," Lucifer said. "Michael is dead and you want us to return to earth?"

Gabriel nodded, seeming pleased that Lucifer was catching on so quickly.

"What are you hiding, Gabriel?" Lucifer asked.

"Like I said, the last two years have been hell."

"And by that you mean?"

Gabriel cleared his throat awkwardly. "Well, you remember Daddy's first dalliances with creation?"

Sam sucked in a breath. "Leviathans?"

Gabriel tilted his head to the side and smirked. "I see it's not been all frolicking on beaches down here. Lucifer's been teaching you."

Lucifer nodded. "Everything I know."

"Well, look at you," Gabriel said. "Sam Winchester has become the new hunter's compendium. You're going to be very useful."

"You're assuming we're going to come," Lucifer said. "What makes you think I will risk Sam like that?"

Gabriel smiled. "The fact he will ask you to. His bro is in all kinds of trouble; Sam won't leave him to fight alone."

Lucifer visibly sagged, but Sam barely noticed. He was more concerned with the trouble Dean was apparently in. "What's happened to him?" he demanded.

"As of right now, nothing a shower and shave won't fix. But the Leviathans are out there, and they're coming after hunters. Dean needs you."

"That's enough," Lucifer snapped, turning away from Gabriel and looking imploringly at Sam. "We can't do this. It's not safe."

"What's the danger?" Sam asked.

"You risked everything coming here, Sam," Lucifer said. "The cage was not created for humanity. You are lucky your time through the portal didn't destroy you. We cannot risk it again."

"You're saying coming here could have killed me?" Sam asked.

"Worse. It could have destroyed your mind and soul." Lucifer said solemnly. "And leaving would put you at risk again. I cannot allow that."

Sam shook his head. "We've got no choice. If Dean needs me, I have to go."

For the first time since Sam arrived in the cage, Lucifer looked unhappy, more than that, he looked angry. "You could die!"

"I could, but I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try."

Lucifer raked a hand through his hair.

"You don't have to come," Sam said, though it hurt him to say it. "Gabriel will take me if you won't."

Gabriel nodded. "I sure will, kiddo."

Lucifer turned away from them and stared out at the ocean. After a minute's silent contemplation, he turned back to Sam. "Please don't do this."

"I have no choice, Lucifer," Sam said softly. "It's Dean."

Lucifer stepped forward and pulled Sam into a tight embrace. He gripped the back of Sam's neck and clung to him.

"It's going to be okay," Sam whispered. "I'll be fine."

Lucifer leaned back and held Sam's face in his hands. "I love you," he said heatedly.

Sam knew what Lucifer was really saying was goodbye, but he wasn't scared. He would make it through this. He had to. Dean needed him.

"Are you coming?" Sam asked him.

"Do you really need to ask?"

Sam smiled. "Thank you." He turned to Gabriel. "We're ready. What do we have to do?"

"All you have to do is hold on tight and try not to wipeout," Gabriel said lightly.

Lucifer wrapped his arms around Sam and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I won't let you go, Sam."

Sam closed his eyes and waited. He heard a sound like vast sails in the wind, and then his feet left the sand. There was a loud cracking sound, and then everything went dark.


So… Sammy and Lucifer are on their way home and all is good in the world. Kinda. Not really. Okay, things are screwy.

Until next time…

Clowns or Midgets xxx