Chapter One
Homecoming
Police car lights flicked in the night as Sam made his way through a back alley behind a Chinese restaurant. It smelled of seafood and piss. The black walls that separated the food joint and a hotel were narrow in size and happened to glisten as though it was damp. Sam didn't want to know, he avoided his shoulders from touching it at all costs. A sunken Garth Fitzgerald had turned a corner to meet up with him. Sam jumped and relaxed as he realized it was only his friend.
Garth was out of breath and panted with his arm across his chest, his sharp teeth were exposed and had retracted as his breathing returned to normal. "That was a close one, Sam."
"I don't think they saw me." Sam was about to lean his back against the wall and revoked from doing so. "Garth, did the cops get a good look at your face?"
Garth shook his head. "I don't think so. They probably got a sneak peek of my back, a lot of good that'll do." He jokingly chuckled.
They rushed out the other side of the alley to a busy lit street with traffic in the middle of Austin, Texas. They walked together down the sidewalk where everyone around them went about their normal lives talking about their ordinary days to each other or conversing on the cellphone. Sam and Garth glanced at each other though no words came out. Garth had a quirky grimace displayed on his face and Sam gave in to his surroundings as he slowly became calm. He felt they were now out of the clear.
Sam had never in his life seen or heard of a massive werewolf pack in his life up until this last case. Even with the busy street it seemed that no one had noticed the puff of smoke a few blocks down where Garth had set the hideout along with body evidence on fire. Anyone could plainly see it from above and the sirens still called faintly in the terror of what had to be done. It was as if nothing surprised the normal daily lives of people anymore.
In the clear they stopped for some food at a market before returning to the Chevrolet Impala in an empty parking lot of a motel that Sam stayed at. It was nice to get away from the noisy city outside. Sam took a bite of his chicken garden salad and Garth munched on raw ground beef. Sam felt a little uneasy as Garth scarfed down his meat like a wild animal. He'd been around Garth before after his friend turned werewolf. He would eat raw meat around him many times and Sam was still not used to it. Sam had seen enough for one night and couldn't finish half of his salad.
"Well," Garth said after sucking the meat juice off his shaking fingers. "It has been fun chasing and killing of three rabid werewolves and being hunted down by an entire police squad Sam. I must say it's exhilarating."
"I could've gotten you killed. There was no telling their numbers once we were inside that place." Sam stashed his salad up and paced it on the dashboard seeing the hideout vividly in his mind again. The blood stains on the rustic metal walls of innocent people getting their hearts ripped opened from the flesh of their chests was enough to make him sick after just eating. "Thank you for coming to help. I couldn't have done it without you."
"I'm always happy to help a Winchester out, it was my pleasure to bait those sons of a bitches. They give us good werewolves a bad rep."
Sam started up the ignition then shifted the car in reverse and then in drive. They were on their way to the bus station. Garth always being a blunt person was withholding a few questions about Dean from Sam. He thought carefully as he didn't want to trigger him. Everyone who was close to the Winchester's knew about Dean's death and what Sam went through having his brother's funeral privately.
"Hey Sam," Garth said biting down on his lip hoping Sam wouldn't mind talking about Dean. "I really wanted to give my condolences to you in person about what happened to Dean."
Sam stopped at a red light. At first, he felt perplexed at the thought of his brother Dean being gone. It had only been a month, but it felt as though it happened yesterday or that it didn't happen at all. He had his days and nights of denial. He swallowed as his hand slipped off the wheel, his face somber. "Thanks Garth."
The rest of the twenty-minute ride was in silence. Upon arrival at the bus station Garth didn't get up from his seat immediately. "You can come stay with my family? The house has plenty of space and the kids won't be a bother since they spend most of their time in the basement now."
Sam exhaled loudly. "No, thanks. But I'll be okay." That was a lie.
"Are you sure man? It'll beat going back to an empty bunker." Garth offered but felt a notion of remorse after the words came out.
Sam shuddered. "No, I'm not going back to the bunker." It was home for him and Dean. nothing could make it feel right going back. Mostly because he didn't want to go back. "I'm headed to Sioux Falls. I need to pick up Miracle from Jody's. I don't know where we'll be going afterward. I just need time to find a way out of this life. I can't do it anymore."
Jody is a police sheriff he and Dean came across whom later became a great friend/hunter. She lost those close to her like them, a husband and a son. She was someone Sam trusted wholeheartedly and was like a second mother.
"You mean a normal life? A life away from hunting monsters?"
Dean once had a deep conversation with Garth once about Sam. He remembered being told that Dean wished for different lives for himself and Sam. A life that wasn't written by Chuck or any other powerful cosmic being. Garth was ecstatic to hear that Sam possibly considered the choice of getting out while he still can.
Sam glanced over locking his eyes on his friend. He nodded his head courteously but feeling sunken as he huffed.
"Does that also mean this will be our last time seeing each other again?"
Sam could hear the heartbreak in Garth's voice. Sam nodded once more. "It's likely this will be the last time you see and ever hear from me again Garth. I want to try and live a life away from this. Monsters and everything. I need normal, hell, I crave for it right now."
Garth was pretending not to feel offended. If anything, he put himself in Sam's shoes for a moment. He'd feel the same way when he fantasied his family being murdered by hunters. After his vision he couldn't blame Sam. Garth would kill himself if he ever found his family dead.
"I get it Sam, I really do." Garth inhaled quietly. "You can always reach out to me if ever you change your mind. Take care of yourself man."
"Goodbye Garth, and you too." Said Sam. He was eager to get back out on the road.
Garth shook Sam's hand tightly before stepping out of the vehicle. Before entering the bus station Garth looked over his back as Sam drove away. Hoping, maybe, he could see Sam again someday.
Sam put on some Heavy Metal tunes and drove all the way to Sioux Falls, South Dakota all night and made it by noon. The time he had arrived, Sam wanted to book a motel room and sleep. However, he drove over to Jody's first to get the dog, Miracle, so he could swiftly be on his way out of town, or even out of the country. Sleep could wait. Sam drowsily got out of the car shutting the door behind him.
Jody peaked out of the first front window she could get to. She made haste to the front door unlocking it and ran out to Sam. "I didn't expect to see you this soon. Is everything alright? You look exhausted Sam."
"I haven't had any sleep in a day. How are you, Jody?" Sam asked.
"Nervous about my girls, as always" Jody worked a smile to her face. "Kaia and Claire just took off to New Orleans, and Alex is moving out of state."
"They will be fine. They know how to take care of themselves." Sam reassured Jody.
"You need to come inside and rest." Jody was trying to convince Sam. "Miracle has been an angel and I'm also not ready to say goodbye to him quite yet. Please."
Sam caved in. "Give me three hours of sleep and please promise to wake me up before night falls."
Jody agreed bringing Sam into her home. Sam sat on the couch in the living room and Miracle came jogging in with a whimper greeting him. "Hey buddy." Sam Caressed his fingers through the Doodles fur. "I missed you boy."
Jody offered to get Sam some half-caffeinated coffee, however by the time she came back with a cup for Sam from the kitchen he had passed out. Miracle curled up next to Sam for the remainder of his nap.
When Sam came to the lights were dimmer than it was earlier. He stretched and sat up on the couch. Miracle made a noise as he lifted his head from Sam's chest. Sam looked behind him to see that the world outside was pitch black. He grunted rubbing his eyes and stretched one more time.
"Jody?"
Sam got up from the couch and found her setting the table in the dinning room. "Hey Sam," she said in a perked-up way. "Do you feel rested now?"
"Yes, but Jody it's nighttime." Sam tried to hide the annoyance in his tone with Jody.
"I tried to wake you up, twice Sam." Jody retorted to the almost hostile tone in Sam's voice. "Twice."
Sam tried to recollect any memory while he slept. He shook his head. "What time is it?"
"It's eight o'clock. You slept for nine hours. Don't tell me otherwise, you looked like you needed it." Jody placed a bowl of mashed potatoes in the center of the table.
Sam scratched an itch behind his neck and darted after Jody to the kitchen and helped her with setting food she cooked on the table. Everything was full of starches and even though everything smelled good it twisted his stomach in a sickened direction. Still, Jody convinced him to stay and eat a little dinner. Sam had half of a meatloaf, with garlic bread and a fruit salad.
Jody asked how the werewolf case went in Texas and Sam described how he and Garth found two different family ties of werewolves in both Dallas and Austin, Texas. They had to go back and forth as one family had nothing to do with the citizens getting their hearts ripped out.
"Miracle and I should be heading out by now. Dinner was very good Jody." Sam tugged at his jacket sleeves pulling them down below his wrists.
Jody asked Sam if he was going to be okay and gave him some of her leftovers for the road. Sam politely took the food. "It's hard, but I'm taking it one step at a time. I keep thinking everyday that he'll come back. This time it's different. I feel as though I've lost Dean forever, and he won't come back this time."
Jody rubbed Sam's shoulder. "I know the feeling all too well. Just know you're not alone. You have so many of us that care about you. If you ever need anything, call, or knock on my door again. Make sure when you do come around, bring Miracle. I love that dog."
Sam smiled and hugged Jody before leaving the house with Miracle by his side. Ham and his dog traveled up to Marshall, Minnesota until Sam had to pull over. His eyes had watered to the point where he almost got himself and another driver in an accident. He became so oblivious to the world and his driving it could've cost both of their lives. A large 'honk' woke him up as Sam shifted the Impala into the wrong lane and he pulled the car over just in time. He halted the car on the side of the road to calm down against the steering wheel and reflect on the situation. He needed more rest. Miracle licked Sam's cheek. Sam hugged the dog in return. He wiped his face, and with his vision better he drove a few blocks into town and pulled into a motel that thankfully was dog friendly.
Sam walked into the motel lobby and asked for a two bed motel room out of habit. He could faintly smell mold from the air conditioner and everything from the walls to the furniture was an old medium to dark rustic. The manager lifted her brow at Sam, she had to still be in high school. "Aren't you alone sir?"
Sam bit his lip looking at her name tag 'Cassidy'. He looked the girl in the face, her brown eyes full of confusion and lethargy. Sam remained calm and polite even though he felt impatient with her. "I have my dog." The girl did not look amused. Sam continued. "I need a two bedroom please, Cassidy." If she would to be snarky again with him, Sam will likely lose it and argue his way to her.
Cassidy popped a piece of gum into her mouth and passed a card key to Sam after he paid for the room. Miracle followed closely behind his owner. That's one thing about Miracle that Sam loved, the dog didn't need a leash. Miracle always stayed with him even during easy distractions. Sam opened the door to his room and like the lobby everything was made of wood. He was happy that there wasn't a mold smell though. Sam set up his laptop on a desk and immediately left it crossing to the bathroom. Miracle pounced on one of the beds made of blue linen and wool fabric watching his master leave the room.
Sam saw an unshaved and sunken face when he looked in the mirror, he slid his jacket off from his shoulders exposing a grey flannel shirt he wore beneath. The circles under his eyes were the worst as it made him look deathly ill. Yes, he thought of himself as a very attractive man, but as he kept staring back at himself, he realized just how unhealthy he appeared. His face was hollow as if he hadn't eaten in months. He knew it was the stress and sleepless nights over the loss of Dean. He hadn't been exercising or eating as much as he should and thought that was his fault. He took a long refreshing shower and then took his dog outside to pee after putting on a new pair of clean clothes.
Sam thought about returning to his laptop when they got back in, instead he dug out a journal he had bought a week before Dean died. Dean teased him about it of course. But Sam wanted to document new information as they were living freely without Chuck making up their lives for them. It was in a way writing a story that belonged to just himself. Sam relaxed on one of the beds turning the lamp on his nightstand on. Miracle jumped up on the bed and curled up into a ball next to his master's feet.
He gazed over to the other bed beside his. Sam imagined Dean being there. That in the morning Dean would wake him up in a weird way Sam never liked but missed it now. Dean would prank him by putting an object in his ear or mouth, then took a picture of it. If only he could live through one more humorous plot Dean concocted he'd take it.
Sam opened the journal up, skipping a few pages with pen in mouth and picked it up with his hand placing the tip to a blank page and started to write "Sam Winchester's Journal Entry":
'Last Entry
Dec 19th, 2020,
Today marks a month since Dean left. I napped through most of today, but if I'm being honest today has been the toughest. I kept myself together excellently some days. I feel a relapse coming. Later tonight I almost got myself and another killed. If I hadn't pulled the Impala back in my lane on time it would've been a head on collision.
I'm not getting better, because every time when I feel it does, I'm caught in the headlights of a downward spiral I can't crawl out of. I keep expecting that in a few months or years to come Dean would find me, the same way how the both of us came back from death and found each other. I pray to God everyday for Dean to come back. I'll even pray to Castiel, even though I know he is dead and in the empty.
Wherever Dean is I just hope he's happy. I can't continue this hunting life without him. Garth who also knew my brother helped me hunt down werewolves yesterday. I said my final goodbyes to him because everything that reminds me of hunting monsters and with himself being a werewolf and close friend to Dean…
I can't do it anymore. I can't do life anymore.
I can't write in this stupid journal no more. This is my last entry. When I come across a fireplace, I know I'll throw this in there if it's lit.'
Sam closed the journal and tossed it aside on the nightstand. He laid there in silence staring at his laptop on the desk across the room. His instinct would be to check for a new case. He didn't want to. There was that itch on the back of his neck, an impulse he always felt when checking for new cases. He didn't want to give in, but Sam did. He got up and that was when Miracle growled and barked.
A sound like flapping wings is what Sam heard next. He knew all too well that Angels made that noise. Sam whipped around to be met face to face with someone he never thought he'd seen again.
"Ca-Cas?" Escaped from Sam's mouth. There he was standing right in front of him, it was Castiel.
Castiel had an unfaded look about him. Sam remembered the time meeting the 'Angel of the Lord' he looked just like that. He wore the black suit along with a blue tie and wore a tan trench coat. It was his trademark and how Sam knew him best. Castiel's face lit up seeing Sam's blissful expression.
"Castiel? How are you alive?"
Sam recollected the bunker and Dean. His brother was adamant and devastated about Cas' death. He said there was probably no way Cas could come back from escaping the empty again after it swallowed him up, and took Billie, Death, along with it.
"It's nice to see you too Sam." Castiel cocked his head and felt something wet touch his hand. He glanced and studied Miracle. "Hey dog." Castiel extended his hand out to the dog and Miracle's nose touched the tip of the Angels fingers and he sniffed them.
Castiel turned his attention back on Sam. "Sam, we need to talk."
That was more like Castiel. His tone was back to business. Sam nodded. "First, how are you out of the empty?"
The look on Castiel's face said it all. There was a lot to the story. "It was Jack," Castiel began. "He's the new God so it was easy for him to pull me out of it. But we've got a problem. It's about Amara."
Yes, Sam knew about Jack absorbing Chuck's powers as he was there on the lakefront as it happened. That was a few months ago and it was still fresh in Sam's mind. "So," Sam crossed his arms over his chest. "What about Amara?" He could feel his eye twitch.
Castiel appeared serious, his blue eyes almost bulging. "The empty dragged her soul out of Jack. She's no longer preserved inside of God where she belongs. Amara has now escaped the empty and has returned to Earth. She's out to destroy someone-,"
Sam cut Castiel off. "I'm done hunting down monsters Cas. You shouldn't be asking me to help. I'm sure you and Jack can handle it by yourselves."
Castiel clenched his jaw. "Sam, you don't understand, this is Dean's daughter that I am talking about."
Sam was thrown back and let put a faint cackle. "Cas, Dean doesn't have a daughter. He had one but she grew up fast and was a monster who tried to kill him."
"Yeah well," Castiel rolled his eyes at Sam. "I believe in what Jack has told and shown me. He is the known universe now after all."
Sam inhaled as his eyes also bulged. "This is insane."
Castiel reached into a pocket inside of his trench coat and pulled out a picture. "I went to her adoptive parents house. This is what I gathered."
"You went to?" Sam didn't finish but glared at Castiel with disapproval and took the picture from his hand. He looked down at a graduation picture of a girl no younger than the age of twenty-one or so. He was impressed to see that it appeared she was in the University of Duke's garments. He was convinced on the green eyes, smile, and light brown hair. She reminded him of Dean. She looked a lot like him.
"I thought that would be proof enough for you Sam." Castiel's voice softened. "As you can see, she and Dean's DNA are uncanny."
Sam gaped his head up from the picture. "Cas, where is she now?"
"I was hoping to find her when I stopped by the house. Apparently, she has been missing for a few days now." Castiel started to pet Miracle and the dog in return licked his hand. "This is a sweet dog, what's his name?"
"Castiel? Focus alright." Sam insisted.
"I'm sorry," Castiel looked fascinated. "It's just this is my first time back on Earth since I've been in Heaven all the time creating a new Heaven with Jack. I'm very grateful to be back."
"Okay," Sam grabbed his jacket, backpack, keys, and laptop. He whistled for Miracle to get up as he darted to the door and pulled on the knob. "Come on you too Castiel."
"Alright, and you're going to give me that picture back." Castiel called as he and Miracle followed Sam out of the motel room.
"Why?" Sam lifted his eyebrow in confusion at Castiel.
The angel responded with a shrug. He glanced back down at the photo solemnly. "Because I would like to return it to her family Sam."
"Oh, his name is Miracle by the way." Sam said outside closing the door after everyone was out. Castiel casted a bewildered look. "The dog. It's the dog's name, Cas."
Castiel smiled in awe at the dog's name. They walked to the Impala, Sam asked Castiel to drive, and the Angel gladly accepted. "So where are we going?" Castiel asked trying to open his side of the door, but it was locked, and Sam threw him the keys over the roof.
"Lebanon, Kansas." Sam replied.
Castiel caught them and opened the door. He and Sam ducked their heads in unison taking their seats. Castiel stuck the key into the ignition and started the car up. "It's too quiet." Castiel said and he turned on the radio. The Rolling Stones "Start Me Up" was playing and Sam was resenting it. "No." Sam said trying to turn it off.
Castiel slapped Sam's hand a few times. "No, Sam no, no!" Castiel exclaimed. "Shot gun doesn't make the rules. I do."
Dean had influenced Castiel is what Sam thought. Sam crossed his arms and checked to see if Miracle was in the backseat, he was and looked like he was enjoying himself with his tongue out it appeared like he was laughing at him and Castiel.
As they drove out of the motel parking lot and onto the road, Sam had forgotten that he left his journal on the nightstand.
AN: I had done some research on Miracle's whereabouts in Supernatural canon. It said he went with Sam to Texas. Though, knowing Sam I don't think he would've brought the dog with him. He wouldn't put a dog in harms way.
Thank you so much for all of the support so far and hoped you enjoyed this one. Much love. :)