Author's Note: I'm taking some creative liberties with this chapter… It's fanfiction, so why not? Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Supernatural isn't mine. I'm just another devoted fan.

SPN

Fifteen minutes later, they found themselves in a large community bathroom, where Dean took stock of Sam's injuries. How was the kid even standing? He had a severe burn on his right foot, and a bullet wound in his left leg. His torso was covered with fresh scars and minor burns from a cattle prod. His left hand had been sliced open; he had cuts on his cheek and forehead, and some ugly abrasions on his wrists and ankles. Anyone else would have been down for the count, but somehow, Sam managed to patch himself up and clean his room—all while Dean recovered from a hangover. He shouldn't be surprised. Just a few weeks ago, the kid took out three werewolves with a major stomach wound. He never ceased to amaze.

"So let me get this straight," Dean said as he helped Sam back into his shirt. "Cas healed you… Then Lucifer came to you in a dream and reversed it? So all this damage is actually from Lady What's-Her-Face?"

Sam grimaced. "Basically. Yeah. Umm… Lady Toni Bevell."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Please. That bitch is no lady. Suzy Lee—'Carmelita.' Now she's a lady." He tried to keep his tone light as he bolstered Sam for the trek to the library. It would be a long walk. "Seriously, though? All this for names, passwords, and an organizational hierarchy that doesn't even exist?"

"Yeah, well… she's not as smart as she thinks she is."

"No kidding! If she had half a brain, she would have asked nicely. You're such a fan boy, you'd have been happy to help."

"You know," Sam began timidly. "I hate to say it, but… against Lucifer… we could use her help… Or their help, anyway… The Men of Letters…"

The thought had already crossed Dean's mind. Normally, he wouldn't even consider it—those bastards shot, kidnapped, and tortured his little brother! They didn't get a free pass just because they "claimed" that Toni "went too far." But Lucifer… Sam could pull a few all-nighters, but eventually, he would have to sleep, and Dean would do anything to protect him from the devil. They had Mick Davies' phone number. Maybe they could call him and leave Toni out of it. "Why don't we just wait and see what Cas says first?"

Upon reaching the library, Dean eased Sam into a chair and fished his cell phone from his pocket. One thing's for sure… They were in over their heads, and would need back-up as soon as possible.

SPN

As it turned out, Castiel was off gallivanting with the self-proclaimed King of Hell. Since they both shared a common enemy—Lucifer—they could justify another truce, teaming up to put the devil back in his cage. Despite everything, Dean could appreciate their allegiance—especially now, with Sam in danger.

Given the urgency of the situation, Cas agreed to abandon his truck, and Crowley zapped them straight to the bunker's doorstep, where Dean quickly received them. As they made their way down the stairs into the war room, the demon graced them with a long-suffering sigh. "So, Moosey's in trouble again? Someone care to explain why this affects me?"

Cas ignored him, moving on into the library, but Dean bristled, turning to square off against his old antagonist. Crowley raised an expectant eye brow, and it was all Dean could do not to punch him in the face—or worse. "The last thing you need is Lucifer possessing his true vessel."

"Fair point," he acknowledged. "Of course, you do realize there's an easy solution, don't you? I happen to know a reaper who's very keen on casting Sam into the empty, where Lucifer will never be able to find him."

Billie.

Dean snapped, catching the demon by his coat flaps and slamming him up against the nearest pillar with a ferocity that brought to mind the Mark of Cain. "Did you just suggest killing my brother?"

Crowley huffed. "I was merely stating an option."

Dean nodded slowly. "Yeah. That's what I thought."

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Sam was staring at his coffee cup with a vacant expression when Castiel entered the library. His head ached, his wounds were throbbing, and his heart was heavy with fear and distress. He didn't even notice the angel until he was leaning in front of him, his blue eyes bright with concern. Sam flinched, looking away. "I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologize," Cas told him gently.

"I released Lucifer. I released the Darkness. I keep making the same mistakes, over and over again. I'm not… I'm not strong enough." He could say things to Cas that he could never say to his brother.

The angel watched him with a sympathetic gaze, then reached up to brush his fingers against his forehead. Sam braced himself, anticipating a flood of healing energy… but it never came. Cas furrowed his brow, trying again. Still nothing. He stood up, towering over Sam, and placed his entire hand on the hunter's head. A moment later, he recoiled, backing away with a scowl.

"Cas…?" Sam whispered.

Suddenly, they were joined by Dean and Crowley—the demon was straightening his coat, glaring at Dean behind his back. They both stopped short when they saw the angel's expression. "What's wrong?" Dean asked.

"I can't heal Sam," Cas replied, much to their horror. "It's Lucifer. He's blocking me." He glanced back at Sam, tense and wary. "He has a claim on you."

Sam's heart skipped a beat.

"No he doesn't," Dean growled.

"What kind of claim?" Crowley asked, more curious than upset—ever the crossroads demon.

"The spiritual kind…" Cas paused long enough to collect his thoughts, then explained, "Sam is Lucifer's vessel. Like it or not, they share a connection."

Dean wasn't having it. "Like hell they do."

"It's not something you can brush off, Dean," the angel chastised. "This is serious. Lucifer has a hold on your brother. I can sense it. Even as we speak, his fingers are entwined in Sam's subconscious." He glanced back at the younger hunter. "I don't understand how this happened. Angels are always attuned to their vessels, but for Lucifer to have such a powerful claim on you—one that he's never had before—you must have welcomed it."

Sam shook his head. "I didn't! I have no idea what you're talking about!"

Cas bore down on him impatiently. "Angels cannot inhabit their vessels without consent. Neither can they cling to their vessels. Not like this. You are in his grasp, Sam. He might not be able to possess you, but he can find you. He can manipulate you. He can shield you from me. He's gained access, Sam. Access only you could grant."

"Naughty boy," Crowley teased, despite his obvious apprehension.

Sam was shivering. "I swear. I didn't grant him access!"

"You didn't pray to him?" Cas demanded. "You didn't open yourself up to his influence?"

Sam's heart stopped.

"We pray to you all the time," Dean objected.

"That's not the same," the angel countered. "You're not my true vessel. It would be different if you prayed to Michael. Or if Sam prayed to Lucifer."

"It wasn't God inside your head, Sam."

No…

"It was me."

"I didn't mean to…" He dropped his gaze, unable to look at them. Any of them. Especially his brother. But he could certainly feel their eyes on him. He shuddered. "I thought I was praying to God."

"So you see, he's not with you. He's never been with you. It was always… just… me."

"Oh, Sammy," Dean whispered.

After a beat, Cas sighed. "Well, the good news is, he can't possess you. You didn't consent to that. But he can still exert dominance over you, and for all we know, he could be watching us right now. Eavesdropping. We need to break his hold on you. Immediately."

"How?" Sam asked.

Unfortunately, that was a question the angel could not answer.

SPN

I hope that made sense…

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