The Supernatural mummy chapter 4

*** Now ***

Dean was standing in front of Sam, arms crossed on his chest, his stance clearly conveying he would murder anyone trying to touch his brother. Sam was looking really ill-at-ease, sheepish not even covering just how miserable he looked. It would have been funny, in any other circumstances, to see Dean, trying to hide Sam. Who was almost one head taller than him; the smaller one ready for a fight while the giant one seemed to try to fold in on himself and disappear.

After Cas, the ass, had unhelpfully told Uriel that the mummy had thanked Sam for saving him from the Undead shit had hit the fan. Dean had thought of taking flight but the battle had stopped just then and Uriel wasn't the only one who had heard the revelation. Some other Madjai, who had been rushing to them, had been privy to it too.

They had been promptly escorted to Zachariah's house where a meeting was being organized to talk about the aftermath of the battle. Dean had tried to find an ally in Cas but the little shit had been all stony face and business like.

So here they were, people giving the evil eye to Sam. And even if Dean did agree his brother had been a moron, there was no way he was letting anyone harm him. Whatever Sam was to do, Dean would stand by his side, because that's what family was for. And what about Bella? She had visibly sided with Lucifer to save herself! That was far worse! But no-one seemed to care.

"Hey Ruby tricked him into it!" finally snarled Dean.

"That doesn't justify anything! That freak set Lucifer free and now the whole world is in danger!" snapped Gordon.

He was looking pretty murderous, ready to pounce on Sam and skin him.

"You're just worried for your sorry ass!" replied Dean.

"You're not the one with a walking flesh eating corpse after you!" spat Gordon.

They glared at each other until Anna cleared her throat. She turned to Castiel, and gently rested her hand on his shoulder. He simply stared at the hand then at her, his head barely tilt on the side.

"You said Lucifer kissed Sam but nothing happened right?"

Castiel gave a curt nod.

"Is there an order in which Lucifer has to consume us?" wondered Crowley, composed as ever.

He really had a knack for survival. He knew when to fight, when to run and was pretty clever. If one guy was going to make it, Dean would bet on him. He didn't lose time on blaming Sam, it was a fact he had no control over and so it didn't concern him. On the other hand you could bet he wouldn't think twice of throwing another person in Lucifer's path to get to safety. Dean didn't trust him one bit. But at least now the conversation was more productive than everyone growling at Sam.

"But isn't he supposed to only need the four who opened the chest?" asked Sam, trying to be useful.

"What and he kissed you out of thanks?" said Dean, ironically, "he seemed pretty surprised you didn't start turning into a corpse to me"

"The four will make him whole again maybe he needs Sam for something else," pondered Zachariah, we will have to research it."

Sam was going to open his mouth but Dean sent him a dirty look. Sam obediently shut up, even if he looked distressed. There was no way they mentioned Bobby. If things turned nasty he was their only ally. Those people seemed to have digested Sam's mistake but that didn't mean they couldn't change their mind. Better be safe than sorry.

"Can I help you?" requested Sam, "I truly wish to help you stop Lucifer."

"Yeah now that your ass is on the line too," groused Gordon.

"Hey! We volunteered to help before knowing that!" hissed Dean.

He would have to keep an eye on Gordon, he was dangerous.

"Out of guilt I bet."

Sam put his hand on Dean before he could start a fight and Castiel stepped in front of Gordon, his eyes meeting Dean's unblinkingly. That made Dean angrier; he wanted to punch that face until his blue eyes were too puffy to be seen and that full mouth bloody. He stormed out of the place, making sure Sam was following him. There was no need staying here any longer, they had research to do.

oooo

Sam briefly glanced up to where Dean leaned on the wall. Armed to the teeth Dean stood guard as Sam poured over the Madjai's books. Even if he thought Dean was being a bit paranoid, he didn't say so, abiding to his older brother's demand and keeping his back to a wall. He knew just how powerless Dean felt right now. He couldn't help research because he couldn't speak Egyptian to save his life, as proven by his first encounter with Lucifer. So for the moment, there was nothing Dean could do to protect him.

Even since their mum's death Sam had been Dean's responsibility. Sam didn't really remember it all, but as far as his memory went Dean had been his mother, father and brother. He knew all the sacrifices he had made for him, just how far he was willing to go for him. Sometimes it scared him. Sometimes it also reminded him of just how alike they were, even if Sam believed himself a bit less codependent. Barely.

He had been the one to leave to become an archeologist. It had all come crashing down with Jess' death and Dean coming back for him. Now with their dad dead, they only had each other. It was great, but bad at the same time. They were both ready to do very very stupid things for one-other and that couldn't do. That's why Ruby had appealed to him so much; she had offered a way out. A pang of regret twisted Sam's gut, too bad it had ended up badly, he had liked her. That didn't stop Sam from wishing he and his brother could find people to love, people that would be enough, if one of them was to die, for the other to keep going.

That didn't mean he wanted to leave Dean, or that he didn't care for the deep bond they shared. Not at all. On the contrary, it was because he cared he wanted things to change. That's why he was currently having a hard time concentrating on his reading. He knew Dean was beyond pissed, certainly feeling very betrayed. He had been telling Sam from the beginning that Ruby was fishy, Sam had been so hopeful they could slowly develop a new healthier relationship he hadn't listened.

"Dean…" Sam started.

As usual Dean sighed heavily, shaking his head. He never wanted to talk about his feelings. Sam always had to force the matter.

"We are not talking about it," Dean deadpanned.

"Come on. You can't pretend it didn't happen. I fucked up, I should have listened to you. I'm sorry I didn't and woke Lucifer. Please… tell me everything is ok between us," he asked earnestly.

"Sam, we're not girls," complained Dean.

He tried to act the part, always having to be the man, to be in control. Sam was one of the only person he could relaxed with, but then he was also the person Dean always refused to show his weak side if he could help it. Being the older brother, the protector, the caretaker made him believed he had to be strong for both of them. Dad had made sure to drill that into his brain, making him a good soldier with one purpose: keeping Sam safe.

"We're good," Dean added, smiling softly, with the small cringe at his eyes, his big brother's smile.

Which translated into: you are my brother; I will always stand by you. I might want to kick your ass badly right now but it will pass, don't worry your dumb head about it. That was all Sam needed to know. Feeling slightly better, he went back to his research, hoping to fix the mess he started. It was the least he could do to redeem himself.

A knock made them both start, Dean cocked his gun. Sam let his hand slide at his own gun, hidden behind the book. Castiel entered the room and Sam couldn't help to notice how his brother suddenly got tenser but slightly lowered the gun in trust. The Madjai was holding a cat in his arm, the pet purring loudly as Castiel's hand mechanically caressed its fur.

"Dean," he greeted, his blue-eyes locking on Dean's face, then he added "Sam," his eyes didn't move from the older Winchester's form.

"What do you want?" asked Dean a little sharply.

"Dean," repeated Castiel, this time the name sounding more like a sigh than a greeting.

Those two had a strange relationship that was for sure. Castiel bypassed Dean and entered the room, Dean didn't move, not even as he reached Sam and gave him the cat. Sam gratefully took the buddle of fur, a very obedient pet that settled on his side immediately. The Madjai then he pulled a book out of his uniform, giving it to Sam. It was a wonder Dean hadn't even stressed at seeing Castiel reach in the fold of his robes. With any other person Sam was pretty sure he would have feared he was pulling a gun out.

"I'm the guard on duty," announced Castiel just as he left, his gaze lingering on Dean once again.

"That's all you have to say?" growled Dean, following Castiel out and slamming the door shut.

Sam was left to his reading and pondering about Dean's actions. It was a bit strange to say the least. He would have to keep an eye on those two. Dean usually only clicked with women that easily, it was worth investigating. But for the moment he had more pressing things to attend to.

oooooo

Dean followed Cas outside the latter simply stood straight as a rod, his senses sharp even as he stared at Dean in that peculiar way of his. Dean was fuming.

"Why did you tell them?" he demanded.

"Because it was important," calmly replied Cas.

"Awesome now everyone blames him!"

Dean lifted his arms toward the sky in exasperation. He had believed Cas was on their side. Geez the guy had saved his ass, had put up with anything Dean threw his way… had seemed to get him pretty fast, even if he seemed to not get him at all at the same time. They had thought together, counting on each other's strength and Dean had saved his ass too. That had to mean something right?

"He is indeed responsible," said Cas matter of factly, his head tilting a bit, only sign of his puzzlement.

There was something with Cas that made Dean's blood boil. The dude was so understanding and non-judging it was refreshing. It made Dean open up without meaning to, which frightened him a bit. But Cas was also far too much a good soldier, always ready to obey any order send his way. Dean admired that, he had been the same with his dad, but he resented it too, especially since it reminded him of how sometimes he should have said no to his dad. In fact the dude was so contradictory Dean ended up having mixed feelings about him: wanting to befriend him or wanting to beat the crap out of him.

"Ruby's responsible!" argued Dean.

He aggressively entered Cas' personal space but that didn't seem to faze the other. After all Cas wasn't one to really notice the lack of privacy, he was always a bit too close to Dean. But he had to feel the animosity coming in wave from Dean.

"Dean," Cas' voice commanded he listened, "now that we know your brother is also a target, we can protect him."

Dean nearly yelled it was his job protecting Sammy and that Cas should have minded his own business but Lucifer was way out of his league and he knew it. Cas did have some points, even if Dean was still pissed he had put Sam in a bad situation. That didn't mean he had to admit it. He still felt betrayed; he had trusted the guy a bit too easily, drawn by his strange personality, and that was what he got. He was as pissed: at himself for trusting, at Cas for not knowing it and putting Sam on the line.

"Yeah nice job protecting Andy," he snorted.

He knew he was being rather unfair but didn't give a damn. It felt far too reliving to project all his anger on Cas. Strangely enough he knew the guy could take it all and wouldn't leave him behind for it.

"He was already lost."

"You didn't even fucking try!"

"I was trying to save those who could be, Dean. That is my duty. And I don't answer to you," he replied, his voice clipped.

"You lot seriously think it's ok to sacrifice people for this don't you? Attacking the boat then the camp, letting innocent people fucking die!"

Cas' eyes narrowed slightly and his gaze, until now always glued to Dean, lowered just barely. But he didn't have time to form an answer as another voice replied for him.

"To prevent Lucifer from destroying the world? Of course!" Uriel said adamantly, "if I was asked to erase a town to stop him I would gladly do it."

Dean glanced at Cas, the latter was looking at Uriel without saying a word, without showing a sign of agreement or disagreement. Fuck him!

"I'm so happy to hear that," mumbled Dean ironically.

Without looking back he returned inside, making a show of slamming the door shut. He still noticed how Uriel began to talk at Cas as if reproaching him something, how Cas nodded but still argued softly, exasperating Uriel.

oooooo

As the camp wasn't safe anymore and didn't have the books they needed, it had been decided to move to Cairo. Sam was glad to be able to leave the Madjai's village. He felt constricted in it, feeling everyone's gaze on him. Even if they didn't necessarily blame him, Sam couldn't help but feel they did. After all he had a hard time living with himself. If only he hadn't been so blind.

Dean was happy too, that's where Bobby worked and lived; they could make a hasty retreat to his place if the need arose. Sam had to admit it was a reassuring thought even if he feared facing Bobby. It was stupid really, Bobby was their surrogate father and would understand. But Sam couldn't shake the feeling he was going to disappoint him.

To cloud the issue and avoid detection, they were to travel in small groups. Anna, Castiel and Uriel were to watch over Sam and Crowley, Dean tagging along of course. An another group was with Brady and Gordon, a relief as the latter still looked ready to skin Sam each time he saw him. Two more group played decoy, the one with Zachariah, aimed to reach Cairo as fast as possible to start researching how to kill Lucifer and why he wanted Sam.

They kept in touch with the falcons, Cas receiving updates and orders regularly. He still had that strange habit to stare at Dean all the time, even thought Dean wasn't one of the mummy's snacks. He did it with a focus that was sometimes scary. But Dean allowed it and that puzzled Sam a great deal. So of course he had to poke the subject, if only to keep his mind off other problems.

"Doesn't that bug you?" he whispered to Dean, their camels trotting next to each other.

"The guy's a bit strange and kinda out-worldly if you ask me but you get used to it," replied Dean, shrugging, "and it's fun to confuse him," he added.

Sam could recognize the mirth in his eyes. It was the one he had whenever he played the evil big brother and mercilessly tricked Sam. He had seen Dean take on the role of the big brother with someone else only once, Jo. But this wasn't it, Cas truly amused him but Dean didn't feel like protecting the guy as he would a brother. Maybe because he had witnessed firsthand that Cas could kick his ass without much effort.

"I'm glad you made a friend Dean," he chuckled.

"Don't patronize me, bitch," growled Dean, eyes twinkling.

"Jerk," replied Sam, following their usual script.

Dean hadn't denied Cas was his friend. A miracle. Yet he had ended the conversation. Puzzling indeed. Maybe Sam shouldn't worry about Dean, it seemed he was able to make real links with other people too. Or maybe it had taken Sam involuntarily betraying him to allow him to open up to someone else. That made Sam sad, but if it was what it took to allow them in the long term to be happy, then the whole ordeal with Ruby had been worth it.

Sam had to cling to that thought. After losing Jess he hadn't been able to get close to a girl in years. And when he had finally found someone that seemed strong enough to deal with their harsh lives… it had all been a lie. If Dean had huge trust issues, Sam was slowly getting there too.

They settled for the night, close by together. To keep the smaller fire possible yet still benefit from it, they slept by pair; one close to the fire, the other right behind. Dean had let the fire side to Sam, knowing how cold he could get. Sam had let him, knowing how Dean loved to dot over him. Anna slept by Crowley's side, Cas was paired with Uriel. The latter was currently on guard duty.

Dean yawned burying deeper into his covers. He muttered about creepy Madjai staring at the back of his head and Sam couldn't help laughing.

"He's counting your freckles," he teased.

"Bitch."

"Jerk."

With a small smile Sam closed his eyes and let sleep claim him. Hours later he was on the verge of totally waking up, sensing Dean was trashing in the bed next to his. But a familiar presence settled next to his brother and Sam let sleep drag him back, knowing Dean would be taken care of.

ooooo

Dean woke up with a start, eyes snapping open, breath labored. His hands were clutched white around his covers. For a moment he was disoriented. The hand that had gently shook him awake and then rested on his shoulder retreated.

"Dean"

The call of his name was soft, a whisper really, calm and strong, appeasing. Dean's hold on the gun under the pillow lessened. A bad dream, it was only a bad dream. Dean still checked on Sam's sleeping form, his snoring soft and peaceful. Just a nightmare.

"Dean," this time it was more demanding, calling for attention.

"Yeah?" he grunted, his voice a bit hoarse.

"We will keep your brother safe," assured Cas.

His gaze was like a blanket on Dean's sweating form, the certainty in his voice steeling Dean's nerves. As Cas's falcon, Rachel, came to rest on his shoulder, Dean could for one brief moment picture the wings were Cas'. He rolled his eyes at his own stupidity; that had to come from his mother always telling him an angel watched over him.

"That must be nice to have so much faith," he mumbled.

"I do doubt you know," murmured Cas.

His attention left Dean to settle on the hands on his lap. His voice was still rough and deep, yet less gravelly as if the water run gentler, rocking fewer stones in its path. Visibly Dean wasn't the only one feeling he could open up in their burgeoning relationship.

"I do mind people dying Dean, but I feel we have no other choices in our current situation. Lucifer cannot be allowed to regenerate."

"Yeah I get that," Dean cleared his throat, "want me to take the guard?"

He didn't want to continue this conversation. Earlier he had been kind of an ass about that and well... he had no idea how to appologize. Not that he wanted to. But... well. Never mind. This was such a girly moment. Urg.

"No"

Dean settled back into his blankets, his gaze on Sam's messy hair, as if keeping him in sight would prevent something from happening to him. He didn't say anything as Cas didn't move from the side of his bedding. He wouldn't admit it under torture, but the Madjai's presence was soothing. He was grateful he stayed close. It was nice having someone taking care of him.

Dean always took it upon himself to watch over other. Especially Sam, as he had been raised to since their mother's death. He had taken care of Dad too, always his good little soldier, always there with a meal when Dad came back from a hunt, always there to comfort him clumsily when he felt his distress even if the man never showed it. It wasn't really the same with Bobby, but Bobby was like his dad, Dean was too busy keeping a strong front and trying to make him proud to let him take care of him. It was different with Cas, the guy had just started without asking him and Dean had had no choice but let him do it.

ooooo

"Ellen?" exclaimed Sam, surprised.

They had reached their meeting point, the great library of the Museum of antiquities. They knew they would run into Ellen eventually since she was sort of its caretaker… but they hadn't been ready to learn she had ties with the Madjai. Which explained why Jo had "accidently" burnt their Hamunaptra map when they had showed it to her.

Sam was puzzled to say the least, waiting for an explanation. Dean merely crossed his arms on his chest, chin jutting out.

"Don't look at me like that boy," chastised Ellen.

On cue Dean suddenly looked almost sheepish, yet didn't change his posture. Sam hid a smile. Sometimes he wondered if that's how Dean would act with their mother. Ellen's face softened and she shook her head in endearment. Sam fidgeted slightly, his nostrils flaring under his stress.

"My husband was a Madjai, so to honor his memory we still help them when they need it. This Museum of antiquities is open to them for their research. I want you to know boys that I know perfectly well you didn't mean to wreck havoc, it just follow you everywhere," she assured, pushing toward them two beers.

"Thanks," said Dean, taking a huge gulp from the bottle.

Even if he wouldn't say it, it was clear the "thank" wasn't for the alcohol. Sam briefly took Ellen's hand in his as his way to show gratitude, his eyes almost watering at receiving pardon so easily. Dean huffed at that display and Sam ignored him.

"Thank you Ellen," he said, voice cracking slightly.

"It's ok Sam, we will find a way to send Lucifer back where he belongs," she assured, closing her fingers on his.

"If you don't mind, I would like to join the researches, help as much as I can," requested Sam.

"Of course dear. Zachariah and his men are already looking up your case and how to kill Lucifer. They have been at it for a few days already," informed Ellen.

Sam hastily finished his bottle and stood up to take his leave. Dean gave him a look that clearly told him to be careful. Sam merely nodded, showing Dean he was armed. With long strides he was on his way, nerves asking him to do something, anything to help.

oooooo

Hours later found Dean bored to the death. Cas was nowhere to be seen. He had left them as soon as they arrived, Rachel, his falcon, had brought him a message. Anna and Cas had gone to meet with the Madjai already there. Crowley had gone God knows where. Sam was, of course, reading and so that left Dean to clean his perfectly clean guns. After a while that became really dull.

"Ya know if Zach and co found anything interesting?" asked Dean, rocking his chair.

"For the last time Dean," mumbled Ellen, looking on the verge of strangling him, "I don't know, but I'm sure we will know soon, kid."

Dean nodded, looking grim. Ellen lifted a delicate eyebrow, sensing there was definitely something off. She leaned on her legs, catching Dean's worried eyes.

"We don't really trust them," he admitted, flicking dust from under his fingernails.

"You think they will hurt Sam?" she wondered, obviously concerned, "I don't really know that Zachariah, I admit I don't particularly like him, but you are on the same side aren't you?"

"I suppose but there is something not right with them. It's just a gut feeling you know?"

"Your dad always said you had good intuition," agreed Ellen, "let's go see how they are faring?"

"I tried that earlier," mumbled Dean, pouting.

He had been kicked out because his pacing was driving them nuts. Ellen rolled her eyes at him. Together they made their way to the room where all the intellectuals had gathered. As they neared it, sounds of shuffles could be heard. Dean rushed forward to reach the commotion as fast as possible, fear tightening his stomach. Sammy! Ellen was hot on his heels. They hurried down the corridor only to see Uriel come out of one of the rooms.

"Come with me," he ordered.

"What for? Where is Sam?"

"Your brother is researching how to undo what he started. You are to come with me," insisted Uriel, walking toward Dean visibly intending to drag him if necessary.

"Whoa whoa, wait a sec here, where's Cas?"

"Castiel," corrected Uriel, his eyes flashing for a second, "he is… being put back into the right path."

Dean took a step back noticing how Uriel's knuckles were bruised, traces of blood on them. That didn't look good. He was ready to bolt, he would be more useful to Sam uncaught, but Uriel was on him before he could so much as turn.

"You dickless asshole!" hissed Dean.

He was strong! If Dean was used to holding his own, to fight, this dude was just an expert. Just like Cas it was as if he had been born a fighter. In minutes he had Dean pinned to the floor, powerless. Wincing as a fist knocked him out cold, his last thought was a prayer to whoever listen that Sam would be safe.

To be continued

Feedback is more than welcome by the way. Thanks to those who already gave it, it means a lot.