Disclaimer: Winchesters, no-ot mine.

A/N: Well, I finally got this chapter finished. (finally quit trying to fix it, actually.) I am beginning to realize why I have never finished a long story before... because it's difficult. hehe. I am really enjoying the aspect of people reading this little tale and "urging" me on. This chapter, as the previous two before it, was a bugger. Good news, I was able to get my plot bugs worked out and the next chapter is almost complete. Yay! Hope you enjoy this update, there are some new twists coming up and probably a few typos lurking about. Read with caution. lol Hope your new year has started off well. ;0)

How To Save A Life, Chapter 12

Dean staggered back, as if from a powerful blow. Sam grabbed at him to keep him from falling.

"What?! Cas., did Dad know about our, our supposed destiny? Is that part of the vital information? Did he know about the Apocalyptic Duel they wanted us to fight? Is that why he told me I would have to kill Sam, if I couldn't save him. Is that what he was talking about? The end? Is it Cas? Did he know? You tell me..." Dean's tirade trickled into a hoarse whisper at the end.

The angel stepped closer to the distraught young man. His face was somber as he answered. "He knew."

Sam stumbled a little, almost pulling his brother down, eliciting a pained groan from him. He righted himself, steadying Dean, mumbling apologetically. "Sorry. Sorry. You okay?" Dean nodded silently.

The small amulet bounced against the t-shirt clad chest, catching Castiel's eye. He ruthlessly ignored it.

Sam turned back to Castiel. "He knew?" He asked in a small voice, before scrutinizing his brother closely, his "been to Hell and back, literally" brother. "Dad knew." He whispered in shock. Noticing Dean's eyes were starting to look a little glassy, Sam put a hand on his shoulder trying to provide unobtrusive support and comfort.

Dean offered Sam a sad smirk, before turning back to the quiet angel. "So, uh.." He sighed wearily. "Dad knew." He chewed on his lip for a moment and then continued. "He, uh... Is that the reason he traded his life for mine? So the big fight scene could go on as scheduled? Huh Cas? Cause you changed that didn't you?"

Castiel looked away from the accusing stare of the Winchester brothers. He really hated this, this emotional stuff that kept trying to leech onto him. His eyes met the other occupant of the room, the silent elder hunter, whose stare was just as emotionally charged as the brothers. Pacing toward the windows, he attempted to erase the swirling tenseness he was feeling, to remain detached. He tried to block the barrage of hurt and brokenness blanketing the room. Ever since he had met the Winchesters; starting with the patriarch, these feelings, these emotions, kept trying to invade his very essence. He was an angel. He was able to dispense justice or mercy without bias. Shaking his head in dismay he admitted, he had been able to do that before meeting them. Dean especially, as much as he tried to hide them, the depth of his feelings were unfathomable. Castiel wasn't sure how he was able to cope with the constant maelstrom of it. Closing his eyes, he worked at pulling in the calm glow of his waning grace. Finally, he felt able to face them again and turned back. In a grave voice he spoke. "Your father knew many things... he was able to... piece certain... information together." Castiel took a step back from the brothers and then continued. "He did not trade his life for this reason that you assume. He knew ... more..."

Dean's tense voice snapped. "More? Could you for once just tell us what you mean and not beat around the bush? Just this once?"

Castiel pursed his lips, eyes squinting. "There are some things I may not share, I am endeavoring to share as much as possible without breaking my oath." His eyes were drawn to the small amulet again. The light caught the dull gold and caused it to shine seductively. Castiel couldn't seem to tear his gaze away from it. Lately, whenever he saw it, he had this intense urge to abscond with it. He wasn't sure why he felt such longing for it. It was just some cheap gift that Sam had given to his brother long ago. The only value it held was sentimental. It was a strange phenomenon, as an angel he had never before desired any material items. Whatever was causing it, he needed to put a stop to this distressing temptation.

A noisily cleared throat brought him back to the present. After a slight hesitation, he recalled where he had left off and continued. "John gave his... soul for you because he understood that only you had the ability to protect Sam and he was aware of your unique... situation, Dean."

Dean interrupted incredulously. "He knew about the freakin' angel blood too?"

The angel ignored the outburst. "He was, aware of how much Hell desired to have you."

Sam looked stunned. "What do you mean? Hell wanted Dean? Why?"

Bobby spoke out, in a gruff voice. "Hell wanted the one human with the freakin' angel blood. You stupid angels put a great big target on his back right from the start. Didn't ya?" He was leaning forward in his chair, his hands curled into tight fists.

Castiel sighed, a little of the repressed emotions seeping unheeded, into his voice as he answered. "Yes."

Sam released his brother, taking a step to tower menacingly over the slight angel. "You knew all of this? You knew and you let my brother get hurt over and over? You let me follow Ruby around like a stupid needy puppy? You let us stumble around in the dark, when you had answers? Do you even care about anything but being a stupid auto-man?" He was so angry he was shaking, wanting nothing more than to punch something or someone. Mostly this emotionless angel sitting here acting like nothing touched him. He felt a tug on his arm, bringing him out of his reverie. He turned to see his pale worn-out looking brother leaning forward grasping his arm, about to nose plant on the floor. Quickly he stepped back and caught Dean, letting him lean on him. He was determined to stay standing, Sam understood this.

Dean gave him the "I'm the big brother let me handle this look", before letting out a shuddering breath and cradling his aching ribs a little tighter.

Sam huffed, in frustration and not a little admiration of his brother's stubborn stamina. Giving a slight nod he agreed, keeping a strong arm around him.

Dean resolutely pushed the pain and nausea back. He met Castiel's bland expression, asking in a grim voice. "So, why did they make the deal with Dad if they wanted me so much?"

Castiel replied solemnly. "They had ... other plans. If you were to go willingly to Hell, so much the better for them. They wanted Sam and you. They believed if Sam had lived when he was taken, they would win. If he died, they win. When you traded your soul, you gave yourself without coercion. You went as a sacrifice. Pure love into the depths of Hell. That power is rare, it is the most powerful force in the universe and they wanted it. That is why no one would make a deal with Sam, when he tried to get you back. They hoped your giving yourself for him, the .... despair he felt, would help drive him to their side in the end. Dean." He spoke harshly, emphasizing his point. "... We fought to rescue you. Hell lost its unbreakable grip on you, when... you broke. Your strength was in your fierce love, but even love as strong as yours, can only survive in Hell so long. Hell was not meant to house love, only hate. Lucifer in his pride sought to break you, losing what he greatly desired. You breaking, was not your fault. In the end, you were saved. We triumphed. You came out of Hell, with part of that love still intact and it began to be restored as soon as you were with your family again. Never doubt that you will be stronger in the end." As he finished, his eyes took on that unfocused look that he usually got right before he disappeared.

Dean yelled in frustration. "No! No you don't Cas. You need to stay here and finish answering some questions. You cannot leave yet. Don't you leave." By the end of his demands he was swaying dizzily and clutching desperately at Sam with one hand and his aching ribs with the other.

Castiel pursed his lips, eyes squinting in contemplation. Finally he refocused on the angry hunter, face smoothing out in that curious blankness he usually wore and gave a sharp nod in acquiescence.

Sam, with a firm grip on his flagging brother, wordlessly guided him to the sofa and eased him down.

Dean sighed in relief, gaze never wavering from the angel. "Good. That's good Cas. We need a little more information." He rested back against the old sofa, cradling his side as Sam sank down next to him. Dean rubbed at his pounding head, it matched the steadily throbbing ribs in rhythm. He knew his ability to hide his dwindling strength was rapidly disappearing, but he wasn't giving up yet. They were going to get information out of Cas., even if Sammy had to do the talking.

Sam studied his brother. He could see he was almost at the end of his amazingly dogged endurance. He realized Dean wanted him to take the lead, do the talking for awhile. Sam consented, turning back to the others. He explained about the demon bikers, the fight, briefly mentioned Anna, told how Dean had angel-jacked them back to the hotel and then finished with the little he knew about Anna in the Impala. Through it all silence reigned in the room. Sam couldn't tell if Castiel was listening or zoned out.

"Well Cas? Care to add to?" Dean's voice sounded rough, like it was fading out, just like its owner.

Castiel cocked his head, giving them a serious look before answering. "I will have to find out how Anna was able to communicate with you and why. I... am not sure as to what she is referring to, when she mentioned... the Gathering." He paused, seeming to loose focus again. That annoying amulet was still drawing his gaze. He really must deal with this. Maybe Dean would lend it to him temporarily...

Dean interrupted his musings. "And? Keep going. How did I do the angel poofing thing and who are the "Ancients" ?"

Castiel brought his gaze back to the seated brothers. "I have explained to you about the powers and how you might have them and then loose them before everything... settles. Although I am at a loss as to how you managed the angelic way of moving about. It is a unique gift, usually only given to... a special branch of the heavenly host." He stared intently at Dean for a moment and then continued. "The ancients are, were the first Angels created by our Father. They are older than the earth. I was not aware that any of them were still roaming around down here. They must know about the prophecy... about you being "The One"." He gave the boys a level look. Eyes wide, almost worried. "What if they are aware of what your father figured out?"

Bobby cleared his throat noisily. "What would that be, that John figured out?"

Castiel stilled, as every pair of eyes in the room was concentrated on him. "The information in the journal?"

Dean chuckled wearily. "Uh, yeah Cas. Still working on getting that little tidbit out of you. Think you could share with the rest of the class?"

The angel frowned intently. "It is information that could have a great impact on this war..." He paused for a moment as though to gather his thoughts. "It has to do with "The Three" who will come together. They are tied together, inexplicably linked in a way that has never before happened."

"Yeah Cas. We know about "The Three". Do you know if, if... I am part of this?" Sam asked tentatively.

He answered quietly. "Yes Sam. Your father was not aware of this aspect, but you and Dean are part of this. There is one other that must come together to form the alliance. He is yet unknown to me." Turning his head to look away, he added. "Your father also found that Lucifer had the potential to give up Sam as a vessel, if certain events were to take place, in turn causing him to attempt to amass a deadly army the likes of which this earth has never before seen."

"Lucifer will give me up? I might not have him after me anymore?" Sam asked in wonder.

Castiel head dipped in answer. His eyes widened as though in surprise and then he was gone.

The three hunters sat quietly, stunned at the abrupt departure.

Sam finally growled in frustration. "Stupid angel's always leaving before he finishes sharing all the information we need."

"Heh." Bobby agreed. "All them angels are good for is bringin' frustration everywhere they go.

"You think he's okay? I mean he looked a little, uh startled right before he poofed."

Bobby grunted. "Startled? You can read angel emotions now? Just enjoy the good news that Lucifer might not want ya anymore. Huh?"

With a smirk Sam conceded the point. "Yeah, that is really good news. Really good." With a sigh he continued. "It just gets old having to depend on angels and whoever. You know? I'm getting real tired of everyone trying to act like dad with their stupid "need to know" way of doing things. Like we're not old enough to handle all of the facts or something."

Bobby snorted. "Yeah, we really got to find a way to get our own intel."

Sam agreed and then realized they had had no input from his brother. He glanced back to his curiously quiet brother, to see that Dean appeared to be asleep or unconscious. As if he felt Sam's gaze, he opened his eyes, blinking sluggishly. He stared blearily at them a moment, then his eyes suddenly rolled back, head flopping onto Sam's shoulder.

Before Sam could panic, Bobby was at his side competently checking Dean over. "I think he's okay Boy, just ran out of steam." He offered reassuringly.

Letting out a relieved breath, the young hunter carefully pulled his brother down until his head was resting on his lap. He gave Dean's shoulder a gentle pat. Hearing a muffled snort he looked up to see the elder hunter with one hand covering the lower half of his bearded face and a twinkle in his eyes.

"I just..." Sam tried to explain.

Bobby uncovered his mouth, it was lifted in a half smile. "Boy, I was just thinking about what your brother would say, waking up in your lap like that."

Sam's face crinkled up as he tried to justify his actions. "I, I just need to..."

Bobby interrupted the sputtering, his expression softer. "You idjit. I get it."

Sam huffed, letting some of the tension ooze out. A pillow smacked him in the head. He looked up with a confused expression, from the faded flattened pillow to the raised eyebrows of their friend.

"Wha?"

"You might want to make use of that before your brother wakes up."

"Oh." Sam understood and quickly scrunched the pillow under Dean's head. Yeah, that made it a little less chick-flicky if his brother woke up with his head in Sam's lap. Oh well, he really didn't care, he just needed his brother close for awhile. He heard Bobby shuffling around and then he was there with a wet cloth and first aid kit.

"Let's get you two cleaned up and then into bed. Nothin' more to do tonight." He mumbled as he set about washing the dried blood off Dean's face and then Sam's, like they were a couple of two year olds, accident prone two year olds.

He grinned as Booby washed, causing him to grumble all the more. "Thanks Bobby for..."

"Naw... Hush." Bobby held up a hand, flapping it in Sam's direction. "You know I hate sappy stuff almost as much as your brother."

Sam's grin widened impossibly, dimples slashing deeply. Dean snuffled and cuddled sleepily into the pillow, one hand curled around Sam's knee. He patted Dean's shoulder again. With the crazy life they led, sometimes you just had to appreciate the little things.

TBC~Thank you for reading and reviewing. Reviews are like hugs, delightfully comforting. ;0)