EPILOGUE
10 years later…
"And that's it kiddo."
The child gaped in awe. "Whoa…that was a lot of monsters. Did they eat anybody?"
Sam shrugged, unsure of how to answer. "Eh… a few. But they all came back to life and forgot about the whole thing."
"What? Please? How can you forget you were eaten by a monster? I know I won't."
"A spell was placed over all who were there, making sure they had no memory of what happened."
"Well that stinks. I would want to remember."
"No, I don't think you would."
The child smiled, "Yeah I would. That would be so cool to tell my class I was eaten by a monster."
"Come on, sweetie. Back in bed." Sam proceeded to tuck the girl back under the covers. "I'd keep that quiet. Saying you were eaten by a monster may be a calling card for bullies."
"Bullies don't scare me. I can kick their butt."
Sam rolled his eyes. "Oh Dean, buddy you have a job on your hands."
He looked up and above the white headboard was a wooden plaque. Engraved on the plaque were the words "Home is where you make it." He smiled thinking back to the day when Dean fawned over the house, lamenting the fact they never had a proper one when growing up. He was proud of his brother coming back to the same house and buying it, starting a new life and creating a family. His words to him echoed like a fading memory.
"Sam?" the child piped. "I'm glad you're here."
"I am too cuddlebug. I miss you guys."
"Why can't you stay here forever?"
"Because I can't. I have a job to do, and part of that is keeping you and your parents, and your grandparents safe; so you can live, and be happy. Because I love you."
"I wish you can visit more."
"Don't worry about that sweetheart. If you need me, all you have to do is call me."
"How do I do that?"
"Just say my name. That's it and I'll hear your call."
"Really? That's it?"
"That's it."
A floorboard creaked from the hallway and the door opened. "Samantha?" In walked in Dean. He was ten years older, his hair was a tad longer, and he bore a five-o-clock shadow. The years of being a mechanic/professional car body builder were etched into the lines of his face. "Honey, I thought you were in bed…who…who were you talking to?"
"I was talking to Sam daddy."
"Scamp? I thought I put that dog outside. Is he under the bed?" He got down on all fours and looked under the four-poster.
The child giggled. "No daddy, not Scamp. His name is Sam."
Dean paused, leering at his daughter intensely. "Sam?" His voice quivered. "What do you mean? Who?"
"He's my friend. He comes to visit me sometimes."
"You mean your imaginary friend named Sam?"
"Nope. He's right there," she pointed to over by the window.
Dean looked, and immediately he heard the cadence of fluttering wings. He ran to the window, hoping…no, praying he would see him. In the black of night, he saw nothing. The moon shone bright, illuminating him in a euphoric glow. His hope faded, yet he suddenly felt consumed by the feeling of peace. Somehow he couldn't see him, but he could feel that his brother was nearby. His eyes brimmed with tears and he continued looking out, encased in peace.
Dean made sure his daughter was tucked in and asleep again before he went back downstairs. Maddie was preparing for bed upstairs and he didn't want to disturb her. She had been a little cranky lately and it was hard not to stumble on a trigger, and so he went downstairs to the garage where he tucked in his Baby every night as well.
Every so often since Sam had left him, he would venture down to the garage for a few minutes of "alone time" as he called in. Instead of working on the car, he prayed to his brother. He had heard that prayers were the phone lines to the angel radio and he hoped that his brother had his ears on. It came as a small comfort, as one way for him to communicate with his brother. Only it was always a one-way street. Sam never answered the call and he didn't know what to make of it. He grabbed a handful of wrenches and began to place them inside the drawers of the red toolbox. He stopped at the last wrench and said out loud:
"Sammy, it's your brother calling. Was that you up in my kid's room? If so, please, please say something. I want to see you. You've missed a whole lot down here and I think it's time to catch up. Sam looks a lot like her mom. She's smart like her mom, but she has my badass moves. You should see her in karate. Will definitely give the boys something to talk about. I think it would be nice for her to properly meet her uncle."
He paused, "Mom and Dad are doing great. They really like that cushy life you gave them. I'm sure if you're checking in on them, you know that Dad finally made retirement. It's not suiting him very well. We gotta give him some things to fix so he can dial back the grumpiness. I don't know if you're still around or if you're alive really, but, um, give me a sign, give me anything to let me know you're doing okay. I gotta know man."
There was a soft flutter of wings and a quiet voice sounded behind him, "Hey Dean."
Dean whirled around holding the wrench, alarmed. "Sam?"
Sam stepped forward out of the shadows. "It's me."
"Jesus," Dean yelled, startled.
"Shhh, keep your voice down. Maddie's trying to sleep upstairs. Her hormones have been driving her crazy with the new addition and all."
Dean straightened up, lowering the wrench, surprised for a whole new reason. "Say again?"
"Oh crap, I wasn't supposed to say anything," Sam replied. "Sorry I was too excited."
"Holy shit, are you serious?"
"Yes, but keep it on the downlow. She was going to tell you later."
Dean took a seat on his workbench, unable to keep his wobbly knees from shaking. Not only has Sam finally shown up after all these years, but now he and his wife are expecting another. He was both excited and annoyed simultaneously. Too bad he gave up hard liquor a long time ago.
"I know what you need," Sam snapped his fingers and two cold beer cans appeared in his hand. He walked over and gave one to his big brother who took a long swig. He cracked one open for himself but didn't take a sip and took a seat next to Dean on the workbench.
"So you've been visiting my kid at night?"
"Not a lot. Just a few times here and there, checking in. She's beautiful Dean."
"Yeah, she is a little asskicker for sure," he said. "How come you haven't answered any of my calls? You could've been dead for all I knew."
"There were a few times I almost did. Things are much quieter now than they were before, but there are still a few bad eggs. Whatever psychics that were left, we have caught and trying to purge their power. We're trying to revive them to who they were before the demon turned them. It hasn't been easy, but we're making progress. Two of them are somewhat normal now."
"So that's your job? Hunting down psychics?"
"Not only. Caroline has been running things in top shape upstairs, keeping order. Angels like order and authority. They have a hard time if there are no rules. I think she's doing a stellar job."
"Stellar? Alright professor."
"Yes, stellar," Sam lightly laughed, "Read a book every now and then other than Busty Asian Beauties."
"Dude, that would be cramping my style," he exclaimed, and then said quietly, "Don't tell my wife about that."
"No problem, I've heard about a couple of your fights. She can hold her own."
"So what now? We have a beer and you go off back into the battle?" Dean asked.
"The battle never ended for me Dean. I do what I need to do to keep you guys safe."
"And how is that fair?"
"It's not, but –"
"I want you home Sam. I pray all the time for you to come home. See what all we've done here. Get to know your neice instead of creepily coming into her bedroom at night to tell her stories. Actually be there for her school plays, her soccer matches, her science fair…you're missing out man."
Sam looked down to the floor and hung his head. Dean could see in his brother's face that he wanted to be with his family so badly instead of carrying on the brutal torch.
"I do. I want to so bad, but I can't leave my garrison fending off Hell's forces by themselves. There's still a job to do."
"Actually Sam, you can have it if you want," sounded a voice from over in the corner. Sam and Dean leapt up from the bench and Sam jumped in front of his brother protectively.
It was Caroline. She appeared the exact same as Dean last saw her, only dressed in a white suite with a burgundy v-neck undershirt. Her eyes shined bright in the dim lighting.
"Caroline, what are you doing here?"
"I came here to check on you both and I couldn't help overhear the conversation." She turned to her commander, "Sam, I know the hardship you have faced these past few years and what you have done for the better good. I also know that even after everything you have done, you still yearn to be with your family, to have that life you talked about."
"It's for the best of everyone."
"Not everyone," she disagreed. "Something miraculous has happened Sam. Our Father came home."
"What? God? Back in Heaven?"
"Yes," she smiled. "And he sent me here with a message. He is very proud of your accomplishment and what you have done. You have sacrificed everything just so he can come back to a rich and stable home."
Dean was dumbfounded, his expression mirroring his brother's. God had returned?
Caroline continued, "He also wanted you to know that he intends to grant your wish. You've done your job well and now it's time for you to go home."
"What does that mean?" Sam was nearly trembling, unsure.
"It means I can extract your power and you can be free of this life," she answered. "Now before you get too excited, I can't withdraw Lucifer's Grace. That'll be a part of you until the day you perish and then you'll be reunited with us again. It's still your choice Sam, if you want it."
Sam was breathless. "So you're saying you can clip my wings and I can be with my family again? And no demon or monster or angel can come after us? Can he promise that?"
"I will make a solemn vow to you that, even if I have to post myself each and every day outside your house, you will be free of this life. I owe you that."
Dean turned to his brother, speechless. Could this be true? Could this be real? He could tell the choice to make was difficult for Sam. He had fought every day almost to keep the forces of Hell at bay and the battle was not over. But this could be his last shot?
Sam peered at her with a stern expression. "No, I can't. I can't leave just yet when you need me."
Her smile deepened. "He figured you would say that. He also told me to tell you "tough". The battle will go on with or without you. The chance of victory is not currently at stake. Our people will take care of Heaven, will take care of you and your family. It's time for you to rest now Sam. Find joy and happiness in any way you can. It will be hard, but Dean will have a couple of cold ones for you at the end of the day. Am I right Dean?"
Dean jerked upward at her call. "You bet!"
Caroline approached her friend of many years, her confident, and former commander.
"Oh, and what about my parents?"
"I already undid your memory spell. They remember everything. They're on their way here right now to see you."
Sam looked to her with apprehensive eyes. "Are you sure?"
"I'm confident you are. Call me if you need me and I'll come running."
He closed his eyes just as she gently pressed her index and middle finger to his forehead. The garage was cascaded in a blinding light. The light faded and Dean blinked the spots out of his eyes several times. He found that he was alone. He spun around searching for any semblance of angel hoodoo, but found none.
The doorbell rang.
He ran inside and opened the front door. There was Sam appearing a bit disheveled and breathless. He seemed confused at first and said shakily, "Hey Dean. This is a weird feeling for me."
Dean rushed forward and embraced his brother. He was warm and a bit wet from the rain. They broke apart. Sam shrugged, "I don't really know where to go from here."
"Well, let's get out of the rain for starters," he led his brother inside.
"I am so hungry," Sam exclaimed. "Damn, I am starving!"
"Good, I'll whip you up a burger and we'll call it a night. Tomorrow, we start."
"Start what?"
"Your new life."
Sam huffed and closed the front door, for the first time at peace. And that's what they did…they lived.
End.
A/N: That's it folks. It's been an interesting six year journey and I hope you all have enjoyed. I will be updating "Fallen's Sword" very soon as my goal is to finish all my incomplete works before posting new fiction. See you soon!
