Hey it's me again with your next update. I know they aren't regular but I am trying and this chapter was a bitch to write so I hope you like it! Go forth and fear no darkness!

Castiel

Castiel

Castiel

CAS!

Castiel abruptly opened his eye at the sound of his name being shouted out. He was lying on a surprisingly warm and comfortable floor. He winced at the white light that suddenly filled his vision, blinking a few times so his eyes could adjust. Once his vision cleared up he looked around for the source of the voice and stopped when he saw a bearded man in quite modern clothes, smiling at him. Castiel frowned and sat up slowly, never taking his eyes off the man. For some reason he felt safe and welcome in this man's presence.

"Who are you?" Damn it hurt to speak, like his voice had not been used for years. Strange.

"I am God. And I have come to tell you that your time of rest is over. You must be sent back to save the Righteous Man from Lucifer's clutches." Castiel jerked to his feet, immediately straightening his posture.

"Father? I…what…where have you-?" Castiel stuttered.

"The questions you ask now are not of importance at the moment. This is not about me. This is about Dean Winchester and you." God interrupted, no impatience in his voice or features. Just kindness and understanding. Castiel's breath sped up as he heard the name of his hunter.

"What about him...where is he?" Cas asked urgently. It felt like he hadn't seen Dean in a millennia. He missed him. However he did not like the way God's facial expression changed to solemn as soon as Castiel mentioned Dean himself. For some reason, he was beginning to feel nervous. God walked forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It has been many a year since you died. Your partner is in the deepest pits of hell. He made a deal a year ago with a demon to bring his brother back to life after he was killed by a soldier. Needless to say, he could not find a way to harmlessly go back on the deal. It played out and he was killed by a hellhound. He does not belong down there Castiel. He is the Righteous Man and you must return him to Earth safely. There is work for him to do."

Castiel, who was growing more anxious by the minute, began to shake. "He died? Why was I not awoken sooner? I could've prevented this!" he shouted, clenching his fists, feeling the urge to smite every demon in that godforsaken place.

"Castiel, you could've done nothing," God placated, conveying calm through his words. "This was meant to happen. I cannot tell you why yet as I do not want to alter your future, but you must understand that you are not at fault here. All you must do travel through hell, free him from Alistair's clutches and bring him back. Stay with him as his guardian angel and lover again. Help him on his path that will soon be laid out before him. Make sure he does not stray Castiel. The fate of the world is in his hands, therefore yours. Go forth and good luck my child."

Castiel could not say anything else as God disappeared in a bright light. He felt his world shift and suddenly he was floating in front of his partner. "DEAN!" he yelled, relief evident in his voice. But his joy at seeing his partner was short-lived after he saw his condition. He was hooked to an upright table, blood covering every inch of his body. His hair was matted with sweat and his face had aged considerably. Castiel could not dwell on the fact that his lover had grown to be a very handsome man. He had more important matters at hand. He surged forward and used his grace to free him from his hooks, healing him as he went. Knowing he was fighting against the clock, he left a few minor injuries, in favour of lifting Dean in his arms and carrying him bridal style out of his dark cage. Hearing the demons closing in on them for the first time, he clenched his eyes shut and felt his body go weightless as he flew through his enemies and up towards his home. Earth.

It was then, when Dean woke up suddenly, gasping in huge lungful's of air. Fresh air. He groaned as he felt his body getting used to being used again as he slowly moved to sit up. Looking around, he saw trees that once stood high and mighty, now lying dead on the floor as if blown sideways by a huge explosion, centring from his position. A water bottle was conveniently placed beside his right leg and he quickly grabbed it, unscrewed the cap and took huge gulps of the water, letting out a satisfied sigh as the water cooled his burning throat and quenched his thirst. Not wanting to move, he lay back down again and smiled as a cool breeze passed over him. It was great to feel alive again. To feel natural heat and the breeze that soothes the burn. To breathe an air that was not tainted with smoke and ancient evil. Dean suddenly felt the need to cry before he heard someone lay next to him.

His eyes shot open and he quickly shifted his head to look at the weirdo who decided it was alright to lay next to a random guy. But when his eyes met a familiar blue, his world stopped. His face may be older, his body well built and longer but there was no denying the name that belonged to the man. To the angel. His angel. "C-Cas?" he breathed, praying to God he was not dreaming.

Cas reached out to intertwine his fingers with Deans, never breaking eye contact and whispered back, "Hello Dean."