Dean was quiet most of the car ride. He stared out the window, half-listening to Sam's excited questions and the Horsemen's answers. He ignored any concerned glances thrown his way and barely engaged attempts to talk. Any snarky comments kept mostly to himself.

For their part, War and Famine didn't pressure him. A lot happened that night, there was more adjusting yet to come. They were not going to let him withdraw, no. But they would pace things carefully. Avoid overwhelming him further.

Trust was a fragile thing, after all.

"What are we going to do for school?" Sam was a tad concerned. He enjoyed learning and had dreamt of attending college one day.

"Don't worry about that, kiddo. We'll ask Pest if he's willing to teach you all the boring stuff. I think you two might get along."

"It's not that boring!" He protested while Dean snorted with a faint smile. Sam shot him a bitchface before returning to the conversation. "But really? You think we'd get along?"

War enjoyed watching the brothers' interactions, it wasn't that different from how he and Pest interacted. "Oh, yeah. You both clearly love learning. Pest will appreciate that. But, keep in mind, our baby brother can be a tough one. He will challenge the both of you to make sure you understand the material."

Knowing he was going to get challenging material made Sam a little nervous, but he was determined to try. "I'll do my best at it!"

"That's the spirit!"

Dean quietly huffed. "Fun…" Schooling and research had never been a fondness of his. Even with the Horsemen there was no escape!

Famine pulled into War's driveway. The cabin was large and hung off a small cliff. Below the cliff was a mostly flat area that served as the backyard. One could easily get to it through the stairs or one could climb down the steep, rocky, hill if they were brave enough. War's cabin had three main floors with the middle one acting as the entrance from the driveway. Trees surrounded most of the area and covered the mountain War and his neighbors lived on. There weren't many neighbors, War had mentioned, so scarcely would they be bothered.

Dean honestly wasn't sure what he expected the Horseman of War's house to be like, but this wasn't it. However, he wasn't complaining. It was homey - miles above those dingy motel rooms. He liked it.

"This will be your room." The room, located on the middle-floor, was small but not uncomfortably so. Its walls were the same warm cherry stain as the rest of the house. The bed, a twin-sized mattress with black-curved metal frames, faced the door from its corner. A small desk stood next to it. There was a window above that desk, draped in fiery orange curtains.

"Sam's is across from yours. We can worry about unpacking in the morning," War placed the bag of Dean's things next to the closet. "For now, you should get cleaned up and ready for bed, alright?"

"Alright…" Dean gathered up his pajamas. War showed him the bathroom then left him alone.

It was nice and clean with a 18" 30x60 tub-shower. ...Along with toy boats and gladiator ducks around the edges of the tub which Dean found odd. Why did a Horseman own bath toys? Shrugging, he decided it wasn't important, merely glad the tub was not infested or stained for once.

While Dean cleaned up, War checked on Famine, who had finished tucking Sam into bed. "Everything fine here?"

Famine nodded, quietly shutting the door. "He settled back into sleep just fine… These two had a long night, they'll need their sleep." He pointed to the bathroom with the cane. "Just make sure that one eats something before bed."

"I will. I'll make something quick for him."

"Good," Famine made his way to the door. A considerable limp in his step. War hoped his brother had a soul or some sort of essence to quickly eat before driving. The last thing they needed was Famine's strength heavily waning on the road... "I'll return tomorrow afternoon to start briefing Sam on his powers. I assume you plan to do the same for Dean?"

"Yeah. After they eat and get settled in more," War considered Dean's training. There were plenty of animals in the woods to test his abilities on and Pest had a few in his lab he could spare. Humans and other supernatural beings would come next. Training with weapons and pyromancies would happen in between all that. "But speaking of eating..."

"I have souls in my car." Famine assured with a tired smile. "No need to worry."

War relaxed, "Good, good. That's good. Uh, when should we introduce them to Pest?"

"I'll contact Pest tonight but we can give them a few days. Let the boys get comfortable and let Pest set something up."

"Our brother will appreciate the heads up. He's already got Euthalia to take care of. This should work just fine."

"Then it's settled. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, War."

"Goodnight, Famine." War let Famine out then sighed to himself. The future would be interesting for them all. He was concerned about Heaven and Hell's reaction to them taking in the "True Vessels", but at the same time, he did not give a shit what They thought. They could shove it for all he cared. Plus, the Horsemen reveled in any chance they got to spite the Two Sides.

And these boys needed a good home.

Did They even consider this possibility? Did They account for these powers? War doubted it. Polemomancy and famemancy were rare things. Chances were They didn't realize the Winchester or Campbell lines had them - or didn't care. I wonder whose line carried what…? Was it both or only one? He supposed it didn't matter.

A part of Dean wanted to relax in the warm water knowing that he wasn't being rushed, but he still didn't feel comfortable in a Horseman's house nor sitting around. It did not feel right to him. He wasn't sure he wanted it to. I don't deserve comfort…

He slowly stepped out of the bathroom, planning on getting to his room and sleeping, when he spotted War leaning against the wall.

"All cleaned up?" Dean nodded and War smiled. "Good. Do you want something to eat before you head to bed? I don't know if you've eaten in a while." John often "forgot" to feed the boys…deeming hunts more important and telling them to get over it. …Well, that and his hatred for his sons… The boys rationed what they could - if John didn't eat everything first.

"I ate yesterday. I'll be fine." Dean tried to ignore how his hunger made itself known at the mention of food.

War shook his head and motioned Dean to follow. "No, come on. I'll make you a sandwich or some cereal. I'm not letting you go without food."

"What about Sammy?"

"Sam is already asleep and we didn't want to wake him. But you'll both be getting breakfast and regular meals from now on." War gestured at an island stool and the regular table. "Sit where you please."

Dean hesitated before choosing to sit at the table. The kitchen was nice. Clean, homey, like the rest of the house. Or what he'd seen of it.

"So, what sounds better to you: a sandwich or cereal?"

He silently considered the options. Not like War would let him bail. "…A sandwich is fine."

"Alright. Let's see here…" War checked his fridge and cabinets. Still have a good variety... Need more milk and cheese… and peanut butter. "You can have a grilled cheese, ham and turkey, chicken, tuna, some other combination of those… No PB&J, though, I'm out of peanut butter. Unless you want some toast with jam or jelly?"

"Ham and turkey are good…"

"Cheese?"

"Sure."

War pulled out the cheese, ham and turkey. "Any condiments?"

"…Mustard?"

"You got it." He grabbed the mustard then took out the bread - Need more bread, too - and got to work.

Dean sat quietly. Only taking his eyes off War for a moment to take in more of the house. The sandwich was soon placed in front of him. Dean looked over his sandwich, a little distrustful despite watching War make it. He gave into his hunger and took a bite, chewing slowly.

War leaned against the island. "It good?" Dean swallowed and nodded. "Good!"

Dean had visibly relaxed by the time he was done and brushed his teeth. He admitted to himself this was better than nothing. A stable home and regular food sounded great! Regardless, the apprehension remained. The phrase "too good to be true" echoing in his mind... Sure, the Horseman had been honest thus far but there had to be something more.

Dean got into bed himself.

"Have a good sleep, kiddo. We've got a busy day tomorrow."

"Alright."

War shut off the lights and closed the door, leaving Dean to stare at the wall. He stayed like that for a while before tiredness finally won out. Pulling him into an uneasy sleep.

Sam awoke that morning. Confused before last night resurfaced. Right, they were being housed by the Horsemen of the Apocalypse now! A strange notion, but it beat their original situation any day. The bed was actually comfortable! And warm. Sam didn't want to leave it, but a lovely smell reminded he hadn't eaten the day before.

"I see little cub number 3 has gotten up early," War mused, adding some diced ham to a skillet. "Sleep good?"

"Yeah…" Sam yawned and rubbed his eyes. "The bed is comfy." He sniffed the air and peered at the sizzling skillet.

"Good to hear. Making some omelettes for you and your brother."

"They smell good."

"Glad ya think so," War brought the first one to Sam. "You go ahead and eat."

"Thanks!" Sam smiled, eagerly cutting into his food.

"Don't mention it. What do ya want to drink with that? And no, I'm not giving you coffee."

He mockingly pouted gaining a snort from War. "Fine... Do you have orange juice?"

War checked the fridge and pulled out a carton of orange juice, holding it up. "Sure do. This what you want?"

"Yes, please," War poured him a glass and handed it to him. "Thanks, again."

War nodded with a smile and returned start the other two omelettes.

Dean had not entered the kitchen by the time they were cooked. Which, sure, was not long - omelettes took about 3-5 minutes each - but War opted to check on him. Likely the later sleeper of the two. Besides, the boys might not gotten a good night's rest in a while. What, with the hunts and moving around... War was fine letting him sleep in some. Though, they still had a busy day ahead.

Dean was awake. However, his night was plagued by a nightmare, coupled with briefly forgetting where he was, the morning started with confusion and panic. Dean peaked out the door, checking for danger. The familiar cherry wood and smell of eggs slowly reminding him of where he was. Still, War rounding the corner made him freeze.

"So, cub number 2 is awake. Sleep well?"

Dean pressed his lips together. Right, Horsemen. "I slept alright…" He lied, half-shrugging.

War raised an eyebrow, sensing the lie but didn't push. "If you say so… Come on, I made some omelettes for breakfast. Your brother is already eating."

Dean perked up and dashed past War. "Sammy!" He ran over and pulled Sam into a hug.

"Dean! We got breakfast!" Sam grinned as Dean let him go. "It's really good." He continued eating.

Relief flooded Dean and he gave his brother a smile. The omelettes did look good...and he was hungry. With a conceded sigh, he joined Sam at the table. War gave the boys some space before asking if Dean wanted something to drink. Like, Sam, no coffee, which did annoy Dean. He settled for coke.

War sat down and continued observing the brothers, "How's your meal, cub 2?"

Dean glanced at War for a second before returning to his food. "It's good."

"Good," War offered a small smile and focused on eating. "Famine will be coming by this afternoon."

"Are we going to learn about our powers today?" Sam asked.

"Yes. We will mostly be briefing you on what to expect. But first, we're going to get your things unpacked and see if either of you need new clothes." He explained then added: "Some of which will be going to Famine's since we'll be rotating you."

"When will we be going to Famine's house?"

He thought about that then shrugged. "In about a week maybe. We haven't discussed the rotation in depth. That's another thing to do today…"

Sam nodded, seeming satisfied with the temporary answer and returned to his breakfast. Dean just quietly listened. He wondered what Famine's house was like but also wasn't in a rush to find out. Famine unnerved him more than War did. At least War seemed easy going…but his eyes, forever burning like a furnace, and the tendency to watch them... While Famine's eyes were more soothing, his sternness and ability to sense desire off-put Dean. Yes, Famine was kind to them so far, but he was clearly a "no bullshit" type.

However, there was something more...he simply couldn't place it.

He supposed he'd just have to wait and get used to it.

War made a face at what clothes the boys had. They did not have a lot. Quite a few were too small, some were John's old shirts, and what they had that worked? There wasn't enough to last a week even if War tried to be on top of laundry! They definitely could not split this. ...And that didn't mention how some were stained and torn beyond saving...

"Yeah…we're gonna need to get you cubs new clothes. We'll go shopping tomorrow," War picked up the unsalvageable and walked off. "To the trash with these! Y'all can put away the remaining ones."

Sam and Dean looked at each other. They did not realize it was that bad. Sam shrugged and smiled which Dean returned. At least they would get new ones.

Famine arrived a while later. "How are the boys doing so far?"

"Settling in well enough. Dean doesn't exactly trust me yet but Sam seems to have gotten comfortable a lot quicker than expected," To be fair, War was not entirely sure how he expected Sam to react. "They need new clothes. They barely have anything. Told them we'll go shopping tomorrow."

"Then that's what we will do."

"And Pest? Did he agree to school them?"

"He did, albeit slightly disgruntled," Famine chuckled, recalling his conversation with Pestilence. "He just needs a bit of time to put things together."

War snorted, not surprised the added task annoyed Pest. They all had their work cut out for them. "Fair enough. The kids are in Dean's room. Where do you plan to teach Sam?"

"Outside for now. Plants are a good start as any."

The lower floor was majorly dedicated to sparring. A wide assortment of weapons lined the walls and standing racks held more. There were targets of varying shapes and sizes, including dummies and punching bags. A resting bench took up most of the wall behind the stairs. A radio rested on the bench and a chest sat between two racks. The only non-training related things down there were a meat freezer and the laundry machines in a connecting room.

Dean thought the Impala or seasoned hunters had a lot of weapons… Granted, War had more melee weapons than ranged ones. Probably found close-quarters more fun.

He couldn't help but wonder if War had more hidden away.

War pointed to the resting bench. "Sit if you want. We're not going to be doing too much right now."

"Will we be training with all these?"

"Hmm? Ah, sort of," War shrugged then grabbed a booklet from the chest. "I do want you to try a variety of weapons. But we'll mostly focus on what you click with. Which is also why I want you to look through this." He handed the booklet to Dean.

It was on different weapon types and their basic movesets.

"Look through that later and see if any speak to you. That will be what we try first."

"Okay. I can do that."

"Good. Now, your abilities. We've already told you its name is polemomancy. While it is war manipulation, an advanced type of wrath manipulation, there is more. You have noticed you can control fire to some extent, correct?"

Dean nodded, looking at his hands. "Yeah…but I mostly set weapons on fire. Anything else just happens."

"Do you have any control over the weapons?"

"Not when I'm stressed or angry, which is when it normally happens. I can't usually get it to work when I'm calm."

War hummed and nodded. "Not surprising, but that's something we're gonna work on. A polemomancer your age should have training but, well…"

"Not like I asked for this… Why do me and Sam have these powers anyway? Dad didn't have them, and, as far as we know, mom didn't either! Was this that Yellow-Eyed bastard's doing, too!?" Red flashed in his eyes with the rise in his voice. The question had plagued him for years. The Yellow-Eyed demon was always the one to blame for his family's problems and perhaps now he could get concrete answers.

War took a deep breath. How best to explain this... "No, this wasn't Azazel's doing."

"Azazel?"

"Yeah, that's the Yellow-Eyed demon's name. He was doing something else - which we'll explain later," War added before Dean could ask. "Polemomancy and famemancy are genetic and they tend to…lie dormant, so to speak. Skip genes, if you've heard of those?" Dean shook his head so War continued. "They basically skip generations. However, it can be inconsistent. We're not sure why exactly. Since, sometimes, these abilities manifest generation after generation then suddenly go dormant. That's what happened with you boys. Or, at least, that's most likely. The only other explanation is a witch cursed your parents before you were born. This has happened and there has been occasions where it was a mix of both. But, for now, we believe it to be genetic."

"Alright…" Dean nodded; still a little confused but he understood the gist of it. "But which side of the family did we get them from?"

"We honestly don't know, kiddo. Both could've come from one side or both could've been carrying one each. It's something we'll have to look into later - probably with Pest's help - if you cubs want to."

Dean looked back at his hands. He supposed he was curious; no doubt Sam would be more so. At least he had an answer. He just wished they stayed dormant…

War observed him for a moment. He wanted to help Dean get over this emotional turmoil and self-worth issues. However, that was going to be a slow process. Dean saw himself as a monster and responsible for Sam's protection and War doubted that would change any time soon. Yes, separating them probably would help elevate feeling responsible for Sam - once the tension and worry passed - but the self-worth issues would linger. The most War could do was work with him to curb most of them. He sighed and ran his aura over Dean, creating a soothing effect.

Dean jumped. "What was that?"

"My aura. All us Horsemen have them and so do you. They're very important in controlling our powers," War smiled gently. "How about we continue our briefing? You've got a lot to learn."

"Yeah, sure. But your aura was soothing? And you said you counter my powers last night?"

"I did. Along with increasing tension and causing fights, we can do the opposite - albeit with more difficulty. Comes in handy, as you can guess. You'll be learning how to do that, too. But first: control. We'll be using the animals in the forest for that."

"Unlike polemomancy and viromancy, famine manipulation does not have a true name," Famine told Sam. "Though, some use famemancy or peníamancy. Fames being Latin and penía being Greek for famine. You may use whichever sounds best to you."

"Famemancy sounds more obvious. Is polemo Latin or Greek?"

"It's Greek. Pólemos is the Greek word for war."

Sam hummed, fascinated by the different names different languages had. "Then penía would be more consistent…"

Famine chuckled at his fascination. "That it would be. As I said: it is up to you."

"What's viro then and what's the Latin word for war?"

"Viro is just virus, and "bellum" is war in Latin. If you must know, "nósos" is disease is Greek and some do call it nosomancy," Famine filled in with a patient smile. "But, while I know languages are fun to learn, we should get back on track, Sam."

"Oh, right. Okay."

"Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time for languages later," He chuckled. knowing Pest will want to teach the boys other languages. "Now then, polemomancy and famemancy are genetic in origin - usually. Which should be how you and your brother got yours."

"But dad didn't have them and we don't think mom did either…"

"That's because they can lie dormant and skip generations. We don't exactly know why but we assume it might be environmental in one way or another. War and I also don't know which line gave what, but that's not important right now. What's important is that you learn what to expect from your powers and how to use them."

Sam nodded, understanding, and continued listening intently.

"For one, you can do more than just intensify feelings of desire to the point of frenzy and rot foods, crops and other plants…" Famine made a patch of grass wither and brown, "but you can also quell those desires and breathe life back into those plants." Sam watched in awe as the patch of grass became a healthy green again. "Some famemancers even have a level of animal control. Typically, with insects," Four locusts flew around Famine. They hovered in front of Sam before flying off. "And environmental control, such as the ability to cause droughts."

"I'll be learning all this?" Sam asked in wonder. There was so much more to this than he realized! It scared and excited him.

"Mostly, yes. We'll be starting slow, of course, and work our way up eventually," Famine assured him. "Now let's practice a bit with the plant life then we'll rest."

"Okay!"

War and Dean passed by. Sam and Dean waved at each other. Famine noticed Dean seemed a bit more relaxed around War.

He smiled with a hum and returned to teaching Sam.

Famine had decided to cook that night. Corn, mash potatoes, and fried chicken, a simple but tasty meal. War had helped while the boys cleaned up, mostly in setting up the table.

During dinner, the Horsemen told them about Pestilence and the weekly rotations. Along with confirming they would go to the mall the next day.

Sam, though eager to learn from Pest, expressed concern over socializing. Famine assured him they could go to parks and other places if they wanted to. Albeit with caution.

War told them a few stories about the Horsemen's lives. How they came into being. Death was first. The eldest.

"Even big bro wasn't sure what called him into existence, other than perhaps as response to the Light and Darkness' existence." War shrugged, it was not something of concern to them. Death existed and that was fact. "The Light and Dark had a beginning, will have an end, Death represents that end. He was Endings."

Sam frowned, "Not the Empty?"

"That thing is true nothingness." War refrained from squirming. The Empty unsettled the Horsemen all. "It doesn't represent much beyond that. A mere resting place for entities such as myself and Famine..."

Famine grit his teeth, "We know little of It, nor do we desire to know more. But even the Dark is something."

"I came after Death," War continued, telling about the Fight between Light and Dark. The chaos Their Fight wrought on what Order there was. "I am not just War, wasn't always known as War. I am Chaos. Was known as Chaos for a while..." He laughed, short, mirthless, "Quite a loud beginning. Damn disorienting, too... I think I tried attacking Death..." His eyes were distant, almost disassociated from the moment. "But what can I say? When your introduction to existence was a Fight between family...you think you're supposed to be fighting and-"

Famine carefully placed a hand on his shoulder, drawing him back. "Brother... War. Enough. Death understood your confusion, did he not? I do not remember him holding much against you."

"No, no. You're right. He didn't. He was patient, he always was... Somehow knew what to do." War remembered the calmness within Death, a calmness he hadn't recalled feeling anywhere else at that time - what with the Fight and the Empty's increasing agitation. Death was, if he remembered correctly, still stressed, but he did his best to help War.

"I was next." Famine said, sensing the boy's wariness at War's shift. "The Empty's hunger for quiet, the Light's need to create, the Darkness' desire for what once was, even Chaos' itch for...something I still cannot quite place," A glance toward War, who seemed surprised, "I was in this limbo of awareness for a while. I'm not entirely sure the Darkness wasn't trying to interfere with me. But something wanted me away while the Universe tried pulling me in. I finally came to while She was distracted by His creating of the archangels."

"Didn't Death drag you in?"

"I remember Death being of the first things I saw, and hunger... I was about as confused as you might have been."

"At least you didn't try eating Death," War chuckled, "or me."

Famine grinned small, "Yes, well... I was quite out of it."

"Was it really that loud?" Sam asked, concerned and staring between them with rapt attention. Dean appeared rather horrified. "The fighting?"

"For a place as quiet as it was? Very. Sure it's noisy now a' days, but it was different with Order and Universe shifting around..." War hummed, then snorted, "I think Pest was the only one not disoriented."

"Oh, he was. But he was trying to study every inch of creation around him." Famine huffed, amused, "He came in after the Dark was sealed away and the Light was free to create as He wished. But you'll have to ask our youngest brother if you want more details."

The boys nodded, they likely would. How much more about the Universe was there? The Empty, the Dark and the Light... It was so new to them.

"Where is Death anyway?" Dean frowned, wondering if they might meet him.

"Heaven locked him away out of fear." Famine sighed, bitterness dripped from the words. "They were "uncertain" about his - and even all of our - loyalties. We did not see ourselves as loyal to anyone beside each other. They didn't like that."

"Fear and as a way of controlling the rest of us though blackmail. They never particularly liked us anyway." War scoffed, glaring at his hands. "We try not to bring too much attention to ourselves as a result. We're not sure how much power they have over Death's coffin..."

Sam was upset, he always thought angels were pure and benevolent. Watching over and protecting people. Now though... To threaten a family like this...?

Dean, meanwhile, thought the idea of purely benevolent and protective beings was too good to be true. He didn't realize they were this dickish.

"Will you get to see him again?" Sam spoke up, voice small but hopeful.

The Horsemen shared a glance. They knew they would see Death again. If their plans for the apocalypse goes right, they could get a proper reunion.

"We expect to see Death again when the apocalypse comes…" Famine started, wondering how much he should give away. He settled on being fairly vague, "However, that will be a while away. We will go over it later. There are some important things you boys will need to know about it, but you needn't worry over it right now."

It was Sam and Dean's turn to share a look. Famine had been honest with them so far, but it did little to ease the concern. The apocalypse wasn't something to brush off.

War switched the discussion to lighter topics. "So, cubs, do you have any games you like playing?"

War ended up introducing the boys to Risk. Which made Famine roll his eyes in amusement.

"Of course…"

"What? It's a fun game!"

"So saith the Horseman of War…"

War scoffed in mock offence.

"But, while I hope you have fun with your games, I must be off."

War came over and offered a hug. Randomly pulling Famine into one caused him pain and he did not particularly like being hugged unannounced. Famine smiled and accepted it.

"See you tomorrow, brother."

"Of course. Goodnight, War. And goodnight to you boys."

"Bye!" Sam waved.

"Bye." Dean muttered with a smaller wave.

War turned back to the brothers and clapped his hands together. "Alrighty. We'll do two or three games then off to bed. Sound good?"