Chapter 11: Rituals and Banishment

Dean shimmered, appearing in hell. He frowned and realized that he had been off his mark and tried again. When he appeared this time he was right where he wanted to be. His appearance seemed to shock the two before they realized exactly who was standing before them. The brunette gave them a smile and walked closer to the two.

"So I was told you both agreed to help me."

Lucifer and Michael both nodded.

"Yes. We've agreed to what was asked of us." Michael said. "We were told to give you these first to prove that we are telling you the truth."

Dean took the two rolls of paper and read over them. It was just as Chuck had said. Both of the archangel had signed the contracts in blood and Grace. They were bound to their contracts. Grinning like a loon he rolled them both up and tucked the papers into his inner jacket pocket.

"So you both know the plan right?"

"We are going to go back in time once we leave and then head to the location of your choosing to get our vessels and perform the ritual." Lucifer said. "I must say that I never expected this from you Dean Winchester. From your brother maybe."

Dean's eyes flashed black. "Can't help it. I embraced the little demon inside me."

Michael flinched at that. "So you didn't take the cure."

"Nope. I like being this way. So now who wants to go first?" Dean asked rolling up his sleeves with a smile. "I warn you it may hurt a lot."

Lucifer and Michael turned to look at each other. With a small smile Michael motioned for his younger brother to go first. Lucifer cocked his head at that giving the eldest an odd look. When the shorter blonde motioned to the Cage, Lucifer understood his brother's choice. Lucifer had been down here longer and thus Michael was letting him out first.

Nodding Lucifer stepped up to the bars of the Cage. He watched as the hunter's hand slipped through the bars and and gripped onto his shoulder tightly. The devil could feel the ripple of the Nephilim's power surge through him and he was shocked by the strength of it. As Dean began to pull him forward he felt a burning sensation rip through him and he couldn't help but scream. It felt like he was being burned, torn apart, drowned, and crushed all at once. It stopped as suddenly as it started and he was aware of Michael screaming his name.

"I'm..." He couldn't find the will to finish his sentence, to busy on focusing on fighting off the echos of the pain he had felt.

There was a warmth that filled, angelic healing. Lucifer looked up, not realizing that he had been laying on the ground, and found the eldest Winchester looking at him questioningly. He gave the hunter a shaky nod and he was left sitting on the hard stone while the hunter reached into the Cage once more. Dean's hand closed over Michael's shoulder and he pulled the First Born through the bars of the Cage sending him into screams. Lucifer winced. If he had screamed the same way Michael was then he could see why his brother had been worried.

Dean released the archangel and he fell to the ground struggling to catch his breath. "Are you and Adam both okay in there?" The Nephilim asked, running a hand over the panting angel.

"Yeah. I had him wrapped in my Grace. He didn't feel anything. I think I scared him though." Michael admitted. "Who taught you to heal?"

"No one." The brunette admitted. "I just focus on what I want done and I just do it somehow."

Michael turned to look at Lucifer, who was staring at the hunter. He was stronger then they thought he'd be. He had no training but he was able to control his power with no effort and pure precision. Maybe once things were settled once more they could train him properly. Right now they had more important things to do. Standing Lucifer was pleased to find that he was pain free and there was no ill effects from Dean using his power. Going over to the two he helped pull Michael to his feet.

"Are you well?" Lucifer asked, trying not to show too much concern.

"I'm fine. I didn't expect such pain." Michael admitted. "Now we should go. We have much to do. I would rather not face Gabriel's wrath any time soon."

"He'll be unconcious for twenty four hours. Which is why we need to head for this date and time." Dean said handing Michael a piece of paper with an address, date, and time on it. "Can we do it?"

Showing the paper to Lucifer he nodded. "Yes we can. Lucifer will have to be the one to transport you back. You are still my true vessel. I would rather not risk it."

Dean nodded and Lucifer clasped a hand on his shoulder and they were gone. When they appeared in the warehouse Lucifer blinked when he came face to face with Sam Winchester, who was locked in a small cell. The hunter fell back, staring at him with horror. His horror struck green eyes turned to glare at his brother.

"What the hell have you done Dean?! You released Lucifer and Michael? Are you insane?!" Sam snapped. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"

Dean turned away from his brother and to the two archangels. "Come on. The next room over has what you were promised. Once we get you nice and comfy in your new vessels then we can begin."

Sam reached out through the bars and grabbed his brother's arm. "DEAN!"

Dean looked up at his brother, his eyes black. "I'm not deaf anymore Sam. I can hear just fine."

"Then tell me why you're doing this!" Sam pleaded.

"Like I said before Sammy." Dean said pulling away from his brother. "I'm doing this because I love you and all I want is for you to be happy. This is the only way. Someday you'll thank me for this."

Turning Dean lead the two archangels into the next room leaving Sam alone with Fergus and Castiel. Castiel was watching Sam with sad eyes but hadn't said anything other then a whispered apology after locking him in the cell. Sam threw himself down on the camp bed and glared at the door the three had gone through. He should have known something wasn't right when Dean began talking sappy about love and family. He could only hope that Dean had been wrong and that Gabriel would wake up before they did whatever to him.

"Sam."

Sam turned his glare to Castiel. "I'm mad at you."

The angel nodded. "I know."

"I thought you were my friend Cas."

Castiel gave him a small smile. "I am. What we are doing is not a bad thing Sam. We are doing this because it will make both you and Gabriel very happy. It's what you both deserve. Do you honestly think I would let this happen if any harm was going to come to you?"

"You are still doing this without asking either of us if we want whatever this is." Sam said looking down. "I'm not sure I an forgive you for kidnaping me and knocking Gabe out."

Castiel sighed. "Dean is already prepared for you to hate him. We did not spend all of our days going over the book. We spent most of it preparing for this. Dean and I most likely will not be allowed to return home with Gabriel and yourself. We've made peace with this Sam. All I ask is that you try not to make this harder then it needs to be."

A bright light and loud ringing noise came from the next room over and it drew the hunter's attention. "What are they doing?"

"Michael is getting a new vessel. One that was made just for him. Lucifer's vessel had been adjusted so that he can remain in the form he is currently in. Neither yourself or Dean are needed to be their vessels anymore." Castiel said softly. "Adam is also undergoing a change as well so that he can remain with his mates."

Sam turned back to the dark haired angel. "His mates?"

"Yes. Lucifer and Michael have become mates and they managed to find a third person that allows them to become a perfect fit. A Tri-Bond. It's not an uncommon thing." The angel said as the door opened and Adam walked out followed closely by Lucifer, in the repaired body of his former vessel Nick, and Michael, who was in a tall vessel with black hair and sea green eyes. Dean came out a few minutes later with a grin.

"Again I can't thank you enough for this Dean." Michael said, reaching out and shaking his hand. "I don't know how you managed to convince our Father to do this but I am glad you did."

Dean shook his head. "You can thank me by doing what I asked for please."

Sam stood, his whole body tense as they looked his way.

Lucifer frowned and looked back at Dean. "He seems upset."

The hunter shrugged. "Considering that I knocked out his mate, abducted him, and am getting you to do this with asking him them yes. He's a bit upset."

"So you've explained nothing to him then? That seems a bit dark even for me."

The Nephilim glared at him. "You're the Devil for crying out loud. You set the bar for unmoral remember? Bite me."

"Not any more. I'm back to being an archangel remember?" Lucifer said, reaching out to lock his fingers with Adam's while Michael sent him a smile. "I've seen the error of my ways and have finally found forgiveness for what I've done. Now I just need to make amends."

"Starting with helping Gabriel keep the happiness he's found." Michael said. "I think giving our Little Brother one more apology won't hurt. Then the three of us can go home."

Lucifer nodded. "Dean, I know it's a lot to ask but, do you mind getting your brother set up while Michael and I begin the ritual? We won't need him till the last part."

The eldest Winchester nodded. "Yeah. I've got this handled. You guys go ahead."

Adam hesitated. "Anything I can do to help?"

"Normally I would say yes but not this time. Go ahead with them. Cas you go too. I need a moment with Sammy."

Dean watched and Michael took Adam's other hand and began pulling his two mates along. Lucifer had a soft smile playing on his lips as his blue eyes were locked on the other two. Castiel followed them at a bit slower pace. When he got to the door the angel turned back to his mate, sending worry along their bond. Smiling he sent back a wave of comfort and love before giving him a small shove. He just needed a minute alone with his brother one last time. Once the door shut behind Castiel, Dean turned back to Sam, who was glaring at him again.

"Do you remember the night you died?" Dean asked softly. "I do. It hurt so bad knowing that I failed to save you. I felt the same thing when you jumped into the Cage. I guess you felt the same thing with that crazy groundhog day that Gabe put you through and then watching those hell hounds rip me apart right in front of you."

Sam's glare didn't lessen. "What does that have to do with anything?"

Dean sighed. "Nothing Sammy. Don't worry about it." He threw a bag into the cell at his feet. "Strip and then put that on. And don't make me come in there and do it myself."

Looking at the bag Sam thought back to what Castiel said about not making this harder on them. "Why should I?"

"Because I want to spend my last few minutes with you pretending that you don't hate me." Dean said softly. "Now hurry up. They're waiting for us."

With a sigh Sam stripped completely, dropping his clothes to the floor and opened the bag. He pulled out a simple piece of long linen that was designed to wrap around his waist. He gave Dean an odd look and he just shrugged. Knowing he had no other choice Sam put it on. His glare returned when his brother held out the handcuffs. He put his hands through the bars and let his brother cuff him once more. With a sad smile Dean opened the door and let him out, pulling him into a hug.

"I love you Sammy."

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Gabriel sat up slowly and his gold eyes sought the clock. He let out out sigh of relief, he'd only been out twelve hours. He smiled to himself; he had managed to kick his Grace into a healing state before he'd passed out. Getting up he noticed the card on the table. Opening it he found inside an address in Dean's hand writing. Crushing the card in his hand he appeared in his weapons room and grabbed his sword and a spare archangel blade. Feeling safer now that he was armed he spread his wings and flew to the address.

When he landed he wasn't surprised to find that it was an abandoned mill. He idly wondered if Dean had gotten the idea from Crowley. Shaking his head he slipped through the shadows, carefully making his way inside. Gabriel froze the minute he set foot in the building. The amount of Grace in there shouldn't have been possible. Castiel was there, as was Dean and another seraph that he didn't recognize. What froze him was that he could feel both Michael and Lucifer in there. He spit out a curse as he remembered what Dean had said about being able to walk through walls. That idiot had released them!

Heading deeper into the building he found a room where it was obvious that someone had been making a vessel, but for what? The next room was large and held a small cell it. Gabriel's heart flew into his throat when he saw the familiar clothes laying on the ground. Taking a moment, he looked them over, relieved to find no blood on them. A sudden surge of Grace had him looking up at the door and the end of the room. It seemed like everyone was in there.

He rushed to the door and calmed himself before slowly pulling it open a crack. Gabriel's jaw dropped as he noticed a ritual circle. Michael was on one side and Lucifer was on the other. He saw a young man with blonde hair standing next to Castiel, both of whom were staring at the circle. His gold eyes went to the circle and his heart nearly stopped when he saw Sam floating there unconscious as tendrils of Lucifer and Michael's combined Grace slipped in and out of his mate's nearly nude body. Opening the door he pulled out his archangel blade and swung it at Lucifer's unprotected back.

His blade slammed into another blade and Gabriel glared at the person protecting his older brother. "Get out of my way Dean."

Dean shoved him back, his eyes turning black and the translucent wings appearing behind him once more. "How much longer?"

"Six minutes." The blonde next to Castiel called out.

"Thanks Adam." Dean said slipping into a crouch. "We have six minutes to play Gabriel. Let's make it a good fight."

"Get out of the way Dean!" Gabriel snapped.

Dean lunged and caught the archangel by the waist sending them tumbling back into the other room. "CAS! THE DOOR!"

Gabriel caught a glimpse of Cas appearing by the door and slamming it shut before it began glowing with sealing sigils. There was no way in now. Twisting Gabriel released his wings, using them as leverage to throw the Nephilim off him. Getting to his feet he glared at the hunter.

"After everything I did for you this is how you repay me Dean?" Gabriel asked. "You kidnap Sam and give him to the those two! You know what they did to me and yet you willingly give your brother to them? How can you trust them knowing what they are capable of?!"

"I know this looks bad Gabe but I am doing this for you and Sam!" Dean said, holding his blade at ready. "I know what I'm doing."

Gabriel let out a growl. "Family doesn't do this! Do you remember telling me that?"

"I also remember you saying that sometimes we need to hurt those we love to save them." Dean said standing a bit straighter. "This is one of those times. I will not regret my actions."

"I will never forgive you for this Dean. I will not forgive you for betraying Sam and me like this. As soon as I get my mate back I doubt either of us will want to see you again."

Gabriel swung at Dean with his blade and the hunter ducked. Without thinking about it the angel threw a punch and it caught Dean right in the jaw, splitting his lip. The hunter was knocked on his ass as the angel held nothing back. Dean reached up and wiped away the blood. He started laughing and got to his feet.

Dean picked up the blade he dropped and pointed it Gabriel. "I guess that this is the end of our relationship then Gabe. Just so you know...I'm going to miss you and Sammy. Good bye Dad."

Gabriel frowned but then turned when he felt the sudden rush of Grace. It started building and building until finally it seems to reach it's peak. The Grace suddenly dissipated slightly before stabilizing. The seals on the door came down. With Dean forgotten, Gabriel rushed into the room, his blade drawn. He stopped short at the sight of Michael and Lucifer steading a now fully awake Sam.

His blade fell from his numb fingers as he took the sight of the large bronze wings that were coming from his mate's back. He rushed over and wrapped his arms around his mate, barely paying attention as his brothers backed away to give them room. Gabriel was shocked to realize the other Grace he was sensing was coming from Sam.

"Sam. Are you-"

"I'm okay." Sam said, sounding tired. "They made me into an archangel. I'm not human anymore. I'm like you."

Gabriel turned to look at his brothers. "I don't understand."

Lucifer smiled. "Our gift to you. Now you won't have to worry about old age claiming him. We did this with our Father's permission. A lot has happened Little Brother. My punishment is over. Michael and I are free. I can return to heaven with my mates. You don't have to hide anymore."

"Mates?" Gabriel asked numbly.

Michael nodded. "Lucifer, Adam, and I. We're mates. We did this for you Gabriel. We want you to be happy. Dean wanted to turn Sam into a Nephilim but there can be only one at a time so Father said that he would let Sam become an archangel as long as Dean continued to be a hunter."

Gabriel turned back to Sam who was grinning at him. "Sam I...I don't know what to say. I thought...I was so scared but now..."

"I'm okay." Sam said softly, he was so tired from the change. "We just have Dean to thank for this. Along with your brothers."

That had Gabriel's head snapping up having forgotten about Dean. He turned to look for the hunter but realized that he was no where to be seen. Taking a moment he realized that not only was Dean missing but so was Castiel. They both must have fled when the seal came down and Gabriel was checking on Sam. With a heavy heart he recalled what he said to Dean.

"I don't think we'll get the chance to thank Dean or Castiel." Gabriel said softly. "They both left. I told Dean...I didn't know... I was so scared and angry that..."

Sam picked up on what happened and he pulled Gabriel tight to his chest. "It's okay. Dean knows you didn't mean it Gabe. They'll come back once they think we've cooled down."

Michael stepped forward. "Take him home Little Brother. Your mate needs his rest. We'll stop by tomorrow to check you if you'll allow us."

Gabriel nodded. "Michael...Lucifer...Thank you. I'm not saying that I forgive you. It'll take a long time before I am ready to do that but..."

"Later Little One." Lucifer said softly. "For now go home. You've both been through a lot. Tomorrow we will talk."

Gabriel nodded and heard the rustling of wings, signifying their departure. Gabriel held tightly onto Sam, not wanting to believe that this was real. He wouldn't lose his mate. His brothers were free and wanted to be in his life. He'd just banished his adopted son and his mate had gone with him. Sam sent wave after wave of love and reassurance to him. Dean and Castiel wouldn't be gone long. Just a few days at most. Then they could go back to being a family once more. Nodding into his mate's chest Gabriel opened his wings and returned them home to heal and wait for their family to be whole once more.