Inherit the Light

"Papa!"

Jack smiled as he watched as Angela set down her daughter and the little girl charged to hug her father. That was another good thing he could do. He could finally earn his forgiveness.

He had felt the despair from Sam and Dean when they realized that everyone in the world was gone, including Angela. It had been a bit of a shock since Chuck had always claimed her to be a favorite. Instead, he punished the Winchesters by taking her away along with Jess. That had been devastating to Sam.

Jack didn't like seeing what was happening to Sam. It was close to what it was like when she left to go and find Dean when Michael took over him. Yet, this time it was different. It had Jack wonder if it was like when their father lost their mother. He didn't know how to express his feelings about the loss of his own mother. He was glad that he got to see her even if it was in heaven.

With the world empty of people, it gave Jack time to think. He thought about everything. The things he had done, with and without his soul. The guilt he still felt regarding Mary.

I've done a lot of things, Jack. Terrible things that haunt me still. Things that I can't bear to speak of to Sam and Dean. I carry it with me every day and I hope that each day I can do something right.

He remembered Angela, his adoptive mother, telling him that at one point. It was when he was realizing that he had gotten his soul back. All he wanted was the Winchester's forgiveness, Dean especially. She sensed it and tried to help.

Jack smiled at the memory. He looked at all the people that he had brought back. He was understanding what the Winchesters, Castiel, and Angela had been trying to tell him. Each had done it in their own way, and it shaped who he was today.

"It's been a long time since I've seen that smile."

Jack smiled at Angela, "I think it's because I finally understand what you meant. How… precious life is. Chuck didn't really see that."

"I'm glad… and proud of you." Angela then chuckled and gestured at her person, "Was this outfit your idea?"

Jack gave his adorable smile. "It is how I see you every day," he finally said. "No matter what. And… it suits you."

Angela smiled at him and like always pulled him into a hug. It had always been like that. Jack had never felt as welcomed as he did with her. From day one, she accepted him. That had never changed even after everything that had happened when he lost his soul. Even then, she let Jess near him. He will always be grateful for that.

"You're leaving aren't you?"

Jack looked at her. She always seemed to know. Sometimes she explained how, other times… "How do you know, Mother?"

"Something told me," she replied with a shrug and a smile. "Not everything I know is because of what I am. More of… who I am."

Jack frowned a bit as he tried to understand, "Because… you're… Mother." He looked at her.

"You could say that."

"And you're not angry?"

"Why should I be?"

"You, Sam and Dean… you raised me. Castiel raised me." Jack looked at her.

"And you are doing what every parent hopes for their child: to find their way," she replied with a smile. "I am not angry. A little sad, but proud."

"I am not going to interfere. That was Chuck's mistake."

"And you don't need to tell me. I know you'll do the right thing," she said.

Jack looked at her as she smiled at him before walking towards the Winchesters. No expectations, just… Jack knew he would never understand everything about her. She was different from most people. He liked to think that his mother was like her, but that wasn't exactly true since he got to meet her.

He watched as Sam pulled Angela into a hug along with his daughter. As he did, he felt happy seeing that. It helped to make sense why Angela said what she said and did things the way she did. She understood, and now he did, how precious life was and how the small moments made the difference. He looked around before walking towards the Winchesters. It would be hard telling them he was not going home with them, but they would understand.

Jack felt at peace. He had given them the one thing that they deserved. They were finally free.

A/N: Jack brought everyone back, including the one who had been like a mother to him. They are free. Tag to Inherit the Earth.