Chapter 9

"I don't want to hear any arguing," Storm stated as she crossed her arms over his chest and stared at Dean who was sitting on the bed pouting.

"She's right bro," Sam agreed. "It's hospital policy, so deal with it."

Dean growled as he got up and plopped into the wheelchair Storm was standing behind. He didn't see the smirks on Storm and Sam's faces as they waited for the nurse to return. Breeze had gone to move Storm's car around to the entrance to pick them up. The wait wasn't long, and the nurse brought back the discharge paperwork to give to Dean and pushed the wheelchair from the room with the others following.

They found Breeze waiting at the curb and Storm opened the backdoor for Dean to get in. They thanked the nurse and Sam got in front with Breeze and Storm got in back with Dean. She sat behind Sam so he could move the seat all the way back to give him room. Her car was not as roomy as the Impala.

"Okay, Sammy, wanna give me the directions to where we're going?" Breeze asked as she started the car.

"No problem. Head for the main road and go right to the interstate," Sam told her. "We'll be heading north toward Sioux Falls."

"You guys okay back there?" Breeze asked Dean and Storm.

"We're fine," Storm replied as she hugged Dean tightly to her side, happy he was alive and back with them.

"Let us know if you need to stop," Sam told them, smiling as he looked in back.

"We will," said Dean in a raspy voice. He sighed, letting Storm baby him and snuggled into her warm body and drew in her smell that he knew so well. He thought about their father and started going through what they knew and tried to work out how they could get him back. He felt Storm rub his back like she knew what he was feeling and was trying to sooth him.

"You okay Babe?" Storm asked as she kissed his cheek.

"Yeah, just thinking," Dean mumbled back snuggling into her neck.

"Your father?"

"Yeah."

"The angel who was possessing him, I've met him before."

"Hold on, what?" Dean asked raising his head to look at Storm.

"He was the one that saved you before when you were dying from being electrocuted."

"Yeah, I remember that vaguely."

"Why is he still possessing your father?"

"I don't know."

"I talked to Bobby and he's going to do some research and hopefully he'll have something for us when we get there," Sam offered from the front seat. He had been listening to Dean and Storm talk and wanted Dean to know he was thinking about their Dad too.

"Good to know."

"Does things like this happen a lot?" Breeze asked looking over at Sam. "I mean getting possessed like that?"

"No, this is unusual. We deal with monsters most of the time," Sam told her.

"I know you're worried about your Dad too, Sammy. Do you think the angel will harm him?"

"I don't think so. I didn't get that feeling."

"Any idea about this angel? Who it might be?"

"No. Storm, did you by chance get the name of the angel when it possessed you?"

"Hold up!" Breeze demanded quickly looking in back and jerked back around to look at the road. "Sis, you were possessed by an angel?"

"Oh, yeah, long story I'll have to tell you when we have some time."

"You guys are full of surprises, and I hope to join in on those adventures now. If you let me," she said looking to Sam.

"I'd like that; I'd like that very much," Sam replied taking her hand and bringing it to his lips to gently kiss it. "I just don't want to put you in danger."

"I can take care of myself.," Breeze insisted. "I had an older brother growing up and my Dad who made sure no one would take advantage of me and trained me to protect myself."

"But you've never had any dealings with the supernatural, Bree. That's a whole new ballgame."

"And I expect you to teach me everything."

"Wow, that's a tall order, but I'll do my best."

"We can do it together," Storm offered from the back. "I already asked Sam to train me too."

"Hey, what am I chopped liver?" Dean complained in a whiny voice.

"No offense honey, but I don't think you'll be tough enough on me, considering our relationship. I thought Sam would be a better choice."

"Does that mean Dean should be training me?" Breeze questioned, arching her eyebrow and glancing sideways at Sam.

"What if we both do it?" Sam compromised not wanting to have any tension between them.

"Well, I guess that might work?" Storm finally agreed once she thought about it. "Okay Bree, you good with that?"

"I'm good with anything. I just want to learn and get caught up with you."

"It's settled then," Storm stated. "How about finding some music for us to listen too?"

"On it," Sam nodded reaching for the radio and turning it on. He started flipping through the stations until finding one that was to his liking.

Everyone settled back and let the music fill the interior of the car as they continued their journey to Sioux Falls.

spn

It was midafternoon when Storm pulled onto the road for the salvage yard. Dean was in the passenger seat giving directions while Sam and Breeze were in the back napping. She took in all the bleakness of the surroundings that were around and her eyes widened when she pulled through the gate of the salvage yard and followed the driveway around to the two-story house and parked.

"Wake up back there," Dean growled at the two in back. "We're here."

"I'm up," Sam slurred sitting up and wiping his face of the drool that was running from the corner of his mouth. "Bree, we're here."

"Yep, not asleep," Breeze announced to anyone listening. She set up and felt the wet spot on the side of her head and grimaced, looking accusingly at Sam.

"You met Bobby briefly at the hospital, so you won't be surprised. Oh, and remember don't touch anything in the house, assume it's loaded or can be dangerous."

"That doesn't sound ominous at all," Storm retorted as she got out. She looked over the weather-beaten two-story house thinking it could use a little TLC to bring it back to life. There was nothing peeling off or fall off of it at least, it just needed some cosmetic updates. She liked the swing on one end of the porch, thinking it was a warming touch.

They headed up the steps and Dean knocked loudly on the door and waited for it to be answered. Noises and locks being thrown could be heard from the other side of the door before it was opened.

"Boys, see you finally made it. Lasses, come on in," Bobby greeted them as he moved to allow them entrance.

Dean and Sam let the girls go in first and then followed guiding them toward the living room. Storm and Breeze whispered to each other when they saw all the books stacked everywhere and some strange looking items scattered here and there. They were curious about all they were seeing but were polite enough to not ask yet.

"Any one care for something to drink?" Bobby asked them.

"Sounds good, let me get them," Sam offered motioning for Breeze to have a seat on the couch. He headed into the kitchen and came back with four bottles of water and handed them out.

"How are you feeling son?" Bobby asked Dean once they settled on the couch.

"I'm fine. Docs are still scratching their heads at my full recovery. I got out of there before they could run more tests trying to find out how it happened."

"Did you find anything that might help us find our Dad?" Sam asked squeezed in beside Breeze.

"I'm still searching through the books I have on angels, it's not an easy task."

"Why?" Storm asked. "Because there's not that many?"

"Just the opposite; because there's too many. I have shelves on the topic."

"Oh," Storm nodded as she bit her lower lip.

"You know, there is one thing we could do," Bobby offered.

"What is that Bobby?" Dean asked.

"Someone could pray to him and see if he answers."

All eyes turned to Storm who was mulling over what Bobby said and stilled when she felt their stares. She looked to each face not sure what she missed.

"Is something wrong?" she asked cautiously.

"Stormy, you said the angel spoke to you, that he knew you."

"Yes, and…"

"What if you prayed to him to see if he would come here?"

"Pray?"

"You know that could work," Sam offered. "He did seem friendly toward you."

"Well, I guess I could try it," Storm said. "I don't think he would hurt anything or anyone."

"We've got time now, but why don't we try it outside?" Dean suggested.

"Is there anything special I need to do?" Storm asked as she let Dean help her up.

"I wouldn't think so."

"But I don't even know the angel's name, so how do I, you know, make sure I'm praying to the right one?"

"Sammy? Any idea?" Dean asked him.

"Ummm…Maybe say the one possessing John Winchester?" Sam shrugged. "I don't know."

"You can do it Babe," Dean assured her as he led everyone out onto the deck where there was more room. They formed a large semi-circle around Storm, giving her space.

Storm looked to each one and shook her arms to loosen her body and she took a deep breath. She went over what to say in her head, trying to word it right. She closed her eyes and placed her palms together before starting.

"I'm sorry I don't know your true name, but I am praying to the angel who possessed me and is now possessing John Winchester. We would like to talk to you. John's sons are here with me. If you could come here to Singer Salvage yard in Sioux Falls, please…I would really appreciate it." Storm waited a moment before opening one eye and looking around. "Maybe I didn't…" Storm started but startled when a large man appeared in the yard by the steps.

John stood still for a moment and let his gaze wander before slowly turning to cast his eyes to Storm.

"Yes child, you wanted to speak with me?" he asked.

"Ummm…Yes, I mean…"

"We wanted to talk to you," Dean butted in and stepped to Storm to look at his father. "Why are you still possessing our Dad? Are you hurting him?"

John looked at Dean with a steely, strong stare as he shifted his head slightly as if to get a better look at him. It made Dean fidget and glance at the others as he fidgeted where he stood.

"Why did you possess him?" Sam asked giving Dean a stern look to be quiet.

"Your father prayed for a miracle for you, Dean. He knew you were dying and was willing to do anything to save you."

Dean looked away, as he pinched his lips into a tight line with the news. He couldn't help the guilt he felt thinking he didn't deserve his father's sacrifice.

"I answered his prayers and told him I could heal you. All he had to do was say yes, and that's what he did. I kept my word and healed you Dean Winchester."

"Where did you go afterwards?" Sam questioned.

"I decided to check out some of the world while I was here on earth. It has been a very long time since I set foot on this planet."

"Are you going to let our father go?" Dean asked.

"Can I ask your name?" Storm inquired, wanting to know who they were dealing with.

"Of course, my child. I am called Michael."

"Michael," Bobby whispered realizing who they were talking to. He had been reading what he could about angels and Michael was an archangel who was a leader among the angels. Being an archangel, he was more powerful than lower ranking angels he had read about. He was a warrior of the Lord and was the one who put Lucifer in the Cage.

"Okay, Mikey, are you going to let our Dad go?" Dean asked again.

"Dean, you shouldn't disrespect him," Bobby cautioned him in a quiet voice.

"Your father's soul is not here anymore," Michael replied.

"What did you do to him?" Dean growled as his hands clenched into fists.

"I offered him a choice that he readily took."

"What was that?" Sam asked as he took a step closer.

"I gave him the option of being reunited with his lost love, his wife. He has mourned her loss all these years and his one desire was to see her again. I took his soul to Heaven, and they are together now, and he is at peace with his true love. He told me his sons were grown and could take care of themselves now that the yellow eyed demon was dead and not a threat anymore. John Winchester said you would understand his choice and hoped you would be happy for him. I do have a letter he wrote to both of you." Michael pulled an envelope from his jacket and held it out to Dean.

"Wait, Dad killed yellow eyes?" Dean asked in surprise as he stepped close enough to snag the envelope and saw his father's handwriting on the front of it. He clenched it tightly in his hand not bothering to look at it yet.

"That he did. I believe he had a special gun that did the job."

"The Colt," Sam mumbled not realizing their father had taken it.

"Yes, that was what he called it, the Colt. I have found you two very resourceful and have been able to stop the evil in this world, even at the cost of your own lives when necessary. I have decided I am going to give you a little help so maybe it will make your job easier." Michael snapped his fingers and a cloud of smoke appeared beside him and when it cleared a man several years older than Dean stood there. He was dressed in a suit, with a trench coat over it. His hair was deep brown, and his eyes were a piercing blue. He looked like a businessman.

"Michael," the man spoke in a gravelly voice as he addressed his superior before looking to the others nearby.

"Castiel, I have an assignment for you," Michael told the angel. "You are to watch over the brothers and assist them where you can. You cannot interfere with their choices since Father gave them free will."

"Hold on," Dean complained. "We never said we wanted any help, much less from an angel."

"Dean, it might not be a bad idea," Storm suggested. "There are times that someone with powers could help you and Sam. It would give you an advantage when you're fighting the monsters of this world."

"She is right, had it not been for her the first time you were dying, you would not have survived. It was her sincerity and willingness to do anything to save you that drew me to her to help. I saw the pureness of her soul and her undying love for you. She was willing to give her own life to save yours."

Dean snorted and clenched his jaw, not liking where this conversation was going. He didn't want to relive that time in his life. It had not sunk in for either brother that their father was gone now and would not be returning.

"They don't seem pleased with my assignment," Castiel stated cocking his head and studying the two brothers and the two young women. He hadn't had many dealings with humans but could feel the pain and suffering they were going through.

"Why don't you see how things go?" Michael suggested. "There are matters that I need to attention to in Heaven. I will give you your father's body so that you may perform your ritual for someone that has passed. Castiel, I will be in contact with you from time to time to see how things are going. Maybe you will learn from these humans also."

Before anyone could say anything else, a bright white flash of light poured from John's body, blinding everyone, but Castiel and disappeared into the sky. As soon as Michael had left John's body, it collapsed slowly to the ground.

"Dad?" Dean cried out as he rushed to him and fell to his knees.

"Is he…" Sam tried to ask as he knelt with Dean by John's body.

"He's gone," Dean whispered after feeling for a pulse. He hung his head in sadness and felt the warm hands of Storm rest on his shoulders before she knelt beside him to hug him. He stuffed the envelope into his jeans back pocket not wanting to deal with it right now.

"I'm here," she mumbled softly to him.

Breeze went to Sam and did the same whispering to him as he cried in her arms.

Bobby and Castiel stood to the side eyeing each other and letting the brothers have a moment to grieve and say goodbye to their father. What had happened was a lot to digest and there were things that would need to be done. The first would be to give their father a hunter's funeral like he deserved. The second would be to decide what to do with the angel.

Bobby stepped inside and found an old sheet to wrap John's body in and the brothers carefully moved it to the basement until they could build a pyre out in the empty field beside the salvage yard. It took the rest of the afternoon and into early evening before it was complete. The brothers didn't accept the angel's offer to help but did let the girls carry the wood to the place they were building it.

Once they had it ready, everyone headed back to the house where Bobby had thrown together some dinner for them. None of the four were hungry but did try to eat a little since he went to all that trouble. When the meal was finished and the kitchen cleaned, the brothers and their girlfriends excused themselves deciding to call it an early night. Castiel settled on the couch in the living room declining Bobby's offer of a bed since he did not need to sleep.

The house grew quiet as everyone settled for the night. Castiel cocked his head slightly as he listened to the soft sobs coming from upstairs as the brothers mourned the loss of their father as their girlfriends tried to comfort them. He got a sense that neither brother would show their true feelings to others for fear of looking weak. He was unsure if he liked this assignment or not but knew there had to be a reason that Michael would give it to him. He would do his best to do a god job.


A/N: John is gone but is with Mary and now they have an angel on their side but are not too pleased with the idea. Did I surprise you? Thanks for joining me on this journey. Reviews/Comments would be great. NC