And here we are for the next chapter! A thanks to Kather-Swine(not quite, sorry! I did consider doing that, but I decided to take a different approach) mywarisalreadywon( Aww thank you! I really appreciate hearing that, and I'll do my best to live up to that!) DeerTopus C. VonZenHousen (don't worry, I've got it all planned out, I've done my best to incorporate it. Although it may not be here for a bit, that doesn't mean they won't be here at all!) and Air Guitar Pixie( Virtual hug for you! I really enjoy reading the reviews and don't worry, why would one sleep when one could write? Let's just say I've been keeping up with my writing, and there won't be a shortage of chapters anytime soon! Okay you probably want to stop reading this and get to the chapter, long answer I know) for reviewing! A thanks as well to those who have followed and favorited! Now let us continue shall we, this ship won't sail it self! (or will it?) ;)

Absorbed with the sounds of the ocean and his ship, it took Dean a moment before he heard something else that caused him to open his eyes. Slowly, the pirate turned his head to look at Castiel.

"Son of a bitch," Dean whispered with wide eyes at the sound of the former sailor snoring softly, his hair covering his closed eyes while his chin was tucked into his chest. Unable to stop himself, Dean chuckled quietly, trying to hold in his usual loud laughter.

And for a while Dean allowed it to remain that way. A beautiful night sky rested above them while the ocean and the Impala sang together; joined with Castiel's snoring.

Never had Dean felt so at home.

Heavy eyelids slowly opened as Castiel began to wake up. He kept himself curled up as his eyes opened, confusion settling in at first. The first thing that came into sight was the familiar iron bars. It took a moment of looking around for Castiel to realize that he was back in his cell, minus one bench, curled up on the floor. The former sailor had started to raise himself while looking around, his forearms supporting him when he began to rise at first. But at the recognition of his surroundings, Castiel dropped himself back onto the floor completely.

Rolling onto his back, Castiel stared up at the ceiling that was the color of shadows; just like the rest of the pirate ship. Subconsciously the former sailor's hands curled into fists, memories of last night flashing before him. But then his hands unclenched as he remembered falling asleep, and Castiel could feel the color rushing to his face.

Of course he hadn't meant to fall asleep, but he had been so tired, so done with trying. The energy had been pulled out of him when he sat down on the steps, and Castiel almost flinched as he remembered almost crying. And Dean had been watching the whole time! Then the pirate had started talking to Castiel, but he was just so tired. With the ocean playing in the background, and Dean's voice being so soft, the former sailor had easily been lulled into sleep atop the stairs.

Castiel groaned, wrapping an arm around his face and covering his eyes. What a child, having a breakdown like that, even begging! Not only did his cheeks burn with embarrassment, but with shame.

A Novak never begs, a voice that wasn't his own growled in his head. A small shiver passed through Castiel's body at the sound of that voice. Slowly Castiel lifted his arm off of his face, eyes blinking several times.

There was no need to delve into that past right now, he thought to himself; one breakdown was all that he wanted to go through aboard this awful ship.

At the mention of the Impala, Castiel managed to sit up, his abdomen still sore from the blow Dean landed. Scooting over to the wall, Castiel leaned against the familiar dark wooden boards. His eyes glanced around the room that he's observed over a hundred times, trying to find something new that he somehow didn't notice before.

Nine Days Previous

Gabriel's eyes stared at the vibrant blue sky above him. An arm draped over his forehead, the older brother lay on the bottom of the lifeboat. For awhile he had rowed, the idea of getting Castiel out motivating him to row for as long as he had.

But as the morning sky greeted him, so did the exhaustion. His arms screamed from the constant pulling they had accomplished, and his back sore from his time sitting on one of the benches. The water constantly rocking the boat annoyed Gabriel, but he also found it slightly soothing once he had stretched out on the bottom of the lifeboat.

Closing his eyes, Gabriel immediately thought of his little brother, Castiel hugging his knees as he sat in the brig. But at first it wasn't just Castiel, it was a younger, smaller Cassie. The little boy that Gabriel had watched over and cared for for years; the vision almost broke the elder brother's heart.

His thoughts were interrupted though as the water rocking the boat seemed to pick up, getting rougher and larger. Curiosity bubbling inside of him, Gabriel raised himself from his previous relaxed position, despite his body's protest.

Golden eyes grew wide at the sight of the Royal Navy ship, the Vessel, heading towards his small boat. He could just barely make out the sound of human chatter, the distant ringing of the bell that came from the mighty ship. Gabriel wanted to give a shout of joy, he was saved! And more importantly, he could get Castiel back.

Once the Vessel had reached his own tiny lifeboat, he painfully rowed to the wooden boards that jutted out, forming a ladder to climb up. He ignored the staring eyes that looked down upon him over the railing as he gradually scaled the ladder. Reaching the very top, a calloused hand reached out and helped pull him onto the deck. Immediately the elder brother collapsed, leaning back against the railing. Closing his eyes, the brother took a moment to breath; he had made it.

"Gabriel?" a familiar voice spoke into his ear, the person crouching down near the tired man.

"Don't worry, I didn't get on this ship just to see your lovely face and faint from its beauty, Inias." Gabriel managed to croak from his dry throat, smiling as he heard Inias laugh and almost could imagine the sailor rolling his eyes. At the thought of his dry throat, Gabriel cracked an eye open to look at the familiar face.

"You got any water perhaps? I don't know how you all manage to do this whole sailing thing without getting parched," realizing that he could go on, Gabriel ended his sentence and continued to stare at his friend with his one golden eye. Inias nodded, and quickly passed the elder Novak a canteen.

Once Gabriel had his fill he gratefully handed the now lighter canteen back to its owner, and used the railing for support as he stood up. The curious onlookers had dispersed once they realized that it was Gabriel, although he could hear the buzzing of chatter among them, theories or ideas entering their talks as to why the head of the guard was out at sea.

Inias stayed by his side, watching to make sure Gabriel didn't fall or collapse again. At the sight of his friend's worry a smile was pulled from his lips. Gabriel rested a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Where's Zachariah?"

"Right here, Mr. Novak," a voice called from his side. With a turn Gabriel's eyes met with Zachariah's cold, calculating cold blue eyes. Blue eyes that were so different from Gabriel's little brother, eyes that could never comfort somebody. But Gabriel knew this, he knew that Zachariah was a man who is full of nothing but arrogance, calculations, and worst of all was the man that he admired, the one he would carry out orders for without a doubt.

Swallowing his burning hatred for the man, Gabriel walked up to the Royal Navy captain.

"Captain," Gabriel gritted out, trying to contain the anger that was beginning to seep through.

"Gabriel, always nice to see a familiar face out here. Although, I don't remember you being quite the seafaring type," a cat-like smile appeared on Zachariah's face, and immediately a small shiver ran down Gabriel's spine. But he remained cool, matching Zachariah's fake smile with his own smirk.

"Well sorry if staying in the same place in the middle of nowhere doesn't sound so appealing," Gabriel countered before his eyebrows drew together.

"Anyways, I didn't come out here on choice. I got info for your little crusade to catch Dean Winchester," out of the corner of his eyes he could see Inias raise his eyebrows slightly, and Zachariah's eyes immediately lit up. But the captain crossed his arms, looking around the ship.

"And just how did you acquire this information?" The older man inquired, his attention now back on Gabriel.

"Because I was just on that blasted ship along with my little brother," Gabriel stated, watching as both Inias and Zachariah's eyebrows were raised and their eyes were wide with surprise.

"How'd you get out?"

"Where's Castiel?" Both of the seafaring men asked, and Zachariah cast an annoyed glance at Inias, who blushed slightly and lowered his head to stare at his interesting shoes.

"How'd you get out?" Zachariah asked again once he locked eyes with Gabriel once more.

"Because of Castiel, he managed to get us out of the brig, and then gave himself up so I could sneak out. So now here I am, and I have an idea where they and my little brother are headed."

Gabriel almost felt disgusted with the look in Zachariah's eyes, but he remained collected, his eyes hard and determined. Noticing this, Zachariah cleared his throat.

"Well then, I believe we're on the same team again Gabriel. Synergy at its finest," the captain smiled, while Gabriel narrowed his eyes ever so slightly.

"So it seems," he muttered, and Zachariah reached out with one of his arms. Together the two shook, both of their grips forceful and tight. Maybe it was an amicable gesture, but the two both knew that there would never be such a thing as friendship between them.

We're on our way, Gabriel thought as the two made their way to the captain's quarters.

Dean groaned as a knock at the door woke him from his short-lived slumber. He watched with half-opened eyes as the door opened, letting in more of the morning sky into his office.

"Winchester," the familiar voice of Balthazar greeted him as the captain rubbed at his face, trying to rid the sleep from his eyes.

"Yeah Bal what is it?" Dean asked groggily, yearning to close his eyes again. Glancing up at the quiet first mate, he realized that Balthazar had a smirk on his face.

"Did I interrupt your beauty sleep, damsel?" the first mate teased. Dean sat up straighter, narrowing his eyes with an obvious glint of annoyance shining in his green eyes.

"You play a terrible hero," Dean muttered, trying to hold back a yawn that was forcing itself up his throat. He tried to ignore the playfulness that still shone in Balthazar's eyes that made him want to smile, his friend seemed to never be completely serious.

"That's your own opinion," Balthazar countered, "but sadly I didn't come here to point out that my damsel in distress is lacking in beauty sleep. We've reached Sioux Falls, so whenever you want to come out we'll be ready." Dean nodded and Balthazar began to walk back towards the door, but a thought crossed Dean's mind and he caught his first mate's attention.

"You tried to help Castiel out last night, didn't you?" honestly Dean wasn't angered, after all he had still won, but he was just curious if his theory was true. Balthazar turned around, one of his dazzling smiles plastered on his face.

"Now what would ever make you think that I would try to level the playing field?" His first mate inquired innocently, although the look in his eyes told otherwise. Shaking his head, Dean grinned at his friend with eyes that were now awake and vibrant.

"Okay, just checking. Get everyone organized, keep a couple on deck to watch the ship. I'll be out in a few."

Confirming that he understood with a nod, Balthazar winked at the pirate captain before making his way out of the captain's quarters.

Once Balthazar had made his leave, Dean leaned back into his chair. The captain began to feel the beginnings of his starvation for sleep. Between sailing and planning during the day along with Castiel's and his games at night, sleep was a rare form for Dean to take on. But as much as the pirate craved it, he was also fine with keeping things the way they were. Releasing a small breath, Dean rested his head against his left hand, his mind drifting off to his daring midnight escapades.

At the thought of his and Castiel's game, Dean smiled as he remembered how the former sailor had fallen asleep last night. Apparently he wasn't the only one aboard his ship that was tired. What surprised him more was that Castiel was such a heavy sleeper that he didn't wake up when Dean had brought him back into the brig. Then again, a lack of proper sleep could do that to anyone.

Rubbing a calloused hand over his face, Dean got up from his chair, the stiffness evident in his back. He released a sigh as he tried to rid himself of his sore back. Even Dean knew that sleeping in a chair would never be comfortable in the mornings, but he did it anyways. It was his father's chair, and somehow it felt reassuring whenever he ended up sleeping in it; as if his dad was still there.

Sure the man had his problems, but so did every other person on this planet. And Dean could never criticize his father of his faults, hurtful as they could be at times. Despite everything that man put Dean through, he just didn't have the room in his heart for hate for the man. There was already plenty of that sewn into him, hard as he tried to ignore he knew it was there.

Realizing that Dean had been standing in the exact same spot with his thoughts gradually nearing the steel trap, he quickly tried to drown out the possible release by heading towards the door. His hands clenched and tightened several times before Dean turned the doorknob and walked into the morning sky. Blinking several times, the captain tilted his hat down a bit to provide a bit of shade for his face. He noticed most of his crew on the deck, most of their attention drawn to the stretched out town that lay before them.

A wide, roaring waterfall that lay at the back of the town gave Sioux Falls its name. The water that was carried from it flowed and snaked its way across the town before pouring into the ocean. Lush, green trees and fauna caked the land, almost hiding the intricate design of houses, shops, and other buildings that were scattered about the town. It was beautiful in the daytime, but Sioux Falls truly shined at night, and quite literally. Light sources of various kinds would be spread out, along with being behind the noticeable trademark of the town. A sight that was great to behold from the sea, when one could see almost the entirety of Sioux Falls.

Admiring the view of the town, Dean walked up the steps that led to the wheel, standing next to Balthazar.

"Takes you back, doesn't it?" Dean asked, his eyes glancing over to his first mate whose eyes were focused on the approaching town. Balthazar was quiet for a moment, something that was new to Dean's ears.

"Yeah," his friend managed before clearing his throat, "Dean, it most definitely takes me back." A sincere smile formed on both their faces, memories of smaller versions of themselves floated around in both of their heads.

"You were such a moron," Dean commented, his eyes still trained on Sioux Falls.

"And you're still one," Balthazar retorted. With just another quick glance the captain could see the usual mischievous, playful glint that shone back in his first mate's eyes. Dean playfully shoved Balthazar's shoulder.

"Bring her into port," the captain ordered before making his way down the stairs and headed towards his gathered crew. Shifting their attention from the town to Dean, he waited for all eyes to be focused on him.

"Okay, we're going to be here for only a little bit so make sure you take care of whatever business you need to take care of before we leave again. Any questions?" At the sound of only whispering passing between a few, Dean clapped his hands together before singling a few of the crew.

"Charlie, Kevin, and Garth. You guys stay on ship, watch over her for me okay?" The three seemed a bit disappointed in the aspect of not getting to enter the town. But they didn't complain, only nodded before dispersing along with the rest of the crew. He would give them a moment to grab whatever they desired to bring with them.

After the crew was ready, and Balthazar brought the ship closer to the port, Dean ordered for the anchor to be dropped and soon the ship was docked parallel to the port. Casting a final glance at the Impala, Dean began to make his way off the pier and into the town, along with a gradually thinning out crew. But just as he was crossing one of the many bridges, a hand rested on his shoulder.

Dean turned to face Balthazar, who stood behind his captain.

"Just what is it you came here for, Winchester?" Dean almost wanted to share with Balthazar, one of the few he knew he could really talk to if he so desired. But the captain had no desire to share his dark tale just yet, so he just shook his head with a sad smile forming.

"Balthazar, I know you wonder more than the others as to why I left. But that's something I can't, or won't, talk about just yet. Let me conduct what I need to do here, and if I find what I seek then maybe I can finally shed some light. Just trust me for now, can you do that?" Dean looked at his first mate, whose eyes were searching Dean's.

"Always," Balthazar answered while squeezing Dean's shoulder. But quickly the first mate changed back into his usual form, a grin placed on his face. "Just don't try to do something mad like the moron that you are." Smiling back, Dean winked at the fellow pirate before turning away, throwing back an answer as he continued to cross the bridge.

"Where's all the fun in that?"

Exciting things are heading our way people, things I've been looking quite forward to honestly! Please review, follow, or favorite if you enjoyed; I always appreciate it :D Have a wonderful day and I'll see you at the next installment!