Soft viola music filled the garden that night. Famine rode his horse, Varpu, around the looping stone path. Something Famine often did to relax and think. The soft clopping of Varpu's hooves against stone, the flowing stream, the viola, and the soft silver light of the moon never failed to sooth the Horseman.

He was considering what Sam and Dean needed to know for the apocalypse. More specifically, what to do about the demon blood abilities Sam would soon possess. Well, he already possessed them, Famine could sense the power…and the demon blood craving. They were weak and therefore not an issue. However, Famine preferred Sam be prepared to handle them and the addiction as soon as possible. To be able to control the intense hunger that threatened to consume him.

Famine knew well… Not simply because he was hunger's embodiment, but because of his own reliance on souls and life essences.

He feared Sam's famemancy might create a vicious loop - one similar to his own. Constantly hungry, never sated, at risk of falling to it. A feeling of shame forever attempting to drown him…

He did not want to see him torn apart by it. So, Famine decided he would trigger it early. Give Sam more time to get used to - and control - it.

Plus, it aided the Horsemen in their plans. If Sam was strong in his abilities and mind, he could resist Lucifer long enough to seal him away again. Similar for Dean and Michael.

How they would seal them away…there were a few options. The most reliable one involved the boys sacrificing themselves and jumping into the cage with the Archangels. Famine despised the idea. Such an awful fate to suffer.

They must consider all their options first.

For now, Famine needed to prepare.

Time to do a little demon hunting.

The mall was as busy as you'd expect it to be on a Wednesday. Decently busy but not crowded. Which was fine for the Horsemen but a bit nerve wracking for the boys. Rarely, if ever, had they been in a mall. Most of their shopping was done in those small local or middle-of-nowhere shops, gas stations, or liquor stores. The last more for John. There were also the bars and run-down looking food joins if one counted those as shopping.

That said, malls were not something the boys were used to.

"Alright, remember our names we told you cubs?"

Dean nodded, "Valac and Sorrel Skotádi. We're supposed to use Skotádi, too." Valac was War's human name while Sorrel was Famine's. Skotádi was what the Horsemen used as a family last name. Greek for "darkness", Pestilence was feeling spiteful and War thought it was hilarious.

This, and to mitigate suspicion, meant Sam and Dean now used it.

"Good! Let's get shopping!"

Regular clothes were their first priority. The boys picked out a few plain color shirts and a few designed ones. Dean was pleased to get an AC-DC and Metallica T-shirt. War encouraged him to get a fur-lined hoodie he was eyeing. It was brown with copper-red fur. A lot like one War had worn during their first meeting.

Sam got shirts themed around his favorite superheros and books. He also found a few scarves he liked.

Jeans made up the majority of their pants.

War dragged them to sports section next. For training and general outside time. And, should they ever want to get into sports proper, they'd be mostly covered. That did appeal to them. John used to throw footballs with Dean, yes, but that was before Azazel. Dean missed those times.

Sam seemed particularly interested in tennis and soccer.

"I should have a big enough ball you could kick around if you want to try that first?" War offered.

"Sure!"

Famine regarded him curiously. "Didn't you have a basketball net?"

"Gave it to a neighbor. I wasn't using it."

They checked out a book and game store before leaving. Sam got a small dog plushie and a few books, Dean some comic books and the Legend of Zelda II for the NES. War unsurprisingly had an NES along with the first LoZ.

They were more surprised the Horsemen allowed them to get all this stuff. Famine just told them money was not a worry. They managed over the eons.

No more credit card forgery… Dean thought. No more worrying about getting caught…

Four days later, Dean was playing the Legend of Zelda while Sam watched and absentmindedly drew. No training that day. War said they did a lot throughout the week so it was only fair they got a break. Plus, Sundays were rotations days.

They had already picked out what clothes to bring and were free to do whatever. Dean found himself getting into LoZ easily. It wasn't the first time he had played a video game - going to arcades whenever he could. Typically with Sam so neither were alone. Especially should John return. John knowing they were in public never went down well…

But to own a home console? That was awesome! No more relying on change nor worrying about their auras hurting someone. Still, there was a feel to arcades and using those machines that couldn't be emulated on an NES. Nevertheless Dean was still content with it.

Sam, meanwhile, found he quite enjoyed drawing. He wasn't good at it yet, but that was expected. Drawing was soothing. Letting his creative energy flow out onto the paper...he could explore whatever he wanted to! A nice break from the stresses of reality.

He was also waiting for his turn to play the NES. Or play one of the multiplayer games with Dean.

By the time Famine arrived, Sam and Dean had moved outside. It was cold, given it was mid-February and Colorado, but they had warm clothes. Plus, kicking a ball around did generate some heat.

"How are they?" Famine inquired as War lead him to the backyard.

"Fine, from what I can tell. Just been playing games with each other. Dean's been more open, but something is still bothering him. Other than the obvious."

"Has he still not been sleeping well?"

"I think he's having nightmares. I felt him getting agitated while checking on them. I've tried speaking to him about it but he brushes off most of my concerns. Shuts down and all…" War watched the boys with a deep frown. "I've tried offering to watch a movie or something with him to at least take his mind off it… But that's had mixed results."

Famine hummed. Shutting down and pushing others away wasn't going to help him. "His coolness, though not healthy, is to be expected. We simply need to be patient with him. Give him his space but not let him withdraw. I will see what I can do for him while they're with me."

Sam noticed Famine and waved, before moving closer, "Are we leaving now?"

"Not yet. You boys can continue playing for a little longer."

Sam grinned and nodded, getting Dean's attention by kicking the ball back to him. Dean continued to side-eye Famine.

War took notice of this. "I think you scare Dean."

"I can tell," He sighed, looking away. Fingers stemmed into the cane. "I tend to have that effect on most, don't I?"

"Most know who you are," War pointed out. "You demand respect more than Pest and I, even if not verbally. You and Death never took shit from people. And, well...soul eating isn't the most comforting thing to many."

Famine could agree with that. He wasn't fond of blatant disrespect without cause. He didn't like wasting time on pointlessness and stupidity, and would make such things known. Demons and angels both liked pushing these lines and often paid the price for it. Typically, by getting eaten. Deities weren't any better but they didn't go out of their way to pester the Horsemen. Usually.

"So, uh, we going to tell them about their roles in the apocalypse? Or, well, our plan for it?"

"We're going to have that discussion sometime this week. I've been stocking up on demon blood for Sam. I'll be introducing him to it after they're separated."

"I assume we'll be separating them soon?"

"Preferably. It'll be easier for me to help him through the hunger. Next rotation to me will be a good time."

"Sounds good." War agreed, he wasn't as equipped to handled what was to come. He would help Sam where he could - helped Famine with soul-eating through the eons. There were sure to be similarities. But Sam was a growing child - the outbursts potentially worse than Famine's were.

The Horsemen moved on to other topics while Sam and Dean continued to play.

Famine lived in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Or it was where one of his homes were. The Horsemen had homes all around the world since their jobs saw them moving around. There was a chance the boys could travel with them at some point.

"We're here," Famine announced, pulling into the driveway. His home was…almost what the boys expected from the Horseman of Famine. It was a grey stone thatched cottage. The roof was a dark blue-grey and there appeared to be two floors. The house was situated near a flowing stream and the land surrounding it was mostly flat land with a few hills and a small forest near the stream. Two horses wandered the fields.

"Are those your horses?" Sam asked.

"One is mine, the other is Death's. Varpu and Guifi. I'll introduce them to you both tomorrow, if you'd like?"

"I'd like that!"

"Sure, I guess…"

Though most of the trip was cut short by teleportation, they still had a few hours of driving time. It was mostly dark by the time they got there.

Sam settled into drawing in the kitchen, wanting to ask more questions while Famine started dinner. Dean sat in the living room, trying to relax by reading a comic book. It was easier said than done. He found himself unfocused and trying to tune into Sam and Famine's conversations. He wasn't sure why. It was a habit, he supposed. Even if there was nothing to worry about. They were safe…

Dean ended up moving to the dining room to be closer to Sam.

Most of the conversation was about the Horsemen's horses and horse riding. Dean wondered what War's horse, Flint, looked like. Perhaps he'd get to ride Flint?

It was the third day with Famine they found out he ate souls. The boys had gotten ready to go horse riding when a bright light filtered through Famine's door. It made a strange sound, too. They asked what happened as soon as he walked out.

He sighed and gestured to his office. "I was going to tell you boys about this later but I guess now's as good a time as any. That light was a soul. A human soul."

Dean narrowed his eyes. "What were you doing with a soul?"

"Eating it," The boys froze and stared at Famine. "I have to eat souls and other life essences to sustain myself. Lest I grow too weak to even care for myself."

Dean grit his teeth while Sam shifted uncomfortably. "What, you can't eat something else!? We've seen you eat normal foods!"

"Unfortunately, no. Your "normal" foods provide very little sustenance for me to use. And it's not just human souls - demonic essence, angel grace, and certain supernatural souls can work-"

"Then use them! Not some random human!"

Famine fixed Dean with a stern gaze, it made him fall silent but his glare persisted. "Human souls give the most power. I can't simply rely on one source. Heaven and Hell would throw a fit if I only ate them. And there aren't enough supernatural in this world to eat without causing damage to the balance. I already have to take care when gathering food because of it. Human or not, I need to eat."

"And you can't just target the "bad" ones…" Sam said, recalling previous discussions.

Famine's gaze softened and he shook his head. "No. I cannot. Because it is not that simple."

Dean glared at the ground; his fists clenched in his lap. Wanting to argue further but unable to think of a retort. Famine gave them time to mull it over.

A pressing thought entered Sam's mind and he looked back at Famine. His voice shaky and quiet. "Will…will I have to eat souls?"

Dean bristled. It was bad enough having to live with one soul-eater but for his own brother to become one? Luckily, Famine shook his head.

"No. You won't have to eat souls or demonic essence… However…" He supposed now was a good time, "you will need to drink demon blood."

"What- why!?" Both shouted. Famine sighed and sat down.

"I suppose it's time to explain what we meant about the apocalypse. I wanted War to be here for this but life clearly had other plans."

They glanced at each other before giving their full attention. Famine carefully launched into an explanation about Azazel's purpose. Or, at least, what the Horsemen knew of it. "We do not know everything Azazel is doing, but we are aware he has allegedly been tasked by Lucifer himself to seek a special child to become the Archangel's True Vessel. Or we've been told. We know only certain individuals may host an Archangel - anyone unfit for the task would burn up. Azazel has been feeding children his blood for this reason."

"It's not just Sam? And why the demon blood?"

"Is there a pattern?"

"Blood holds special properties… I can account for the fact it has a connection to one's soul. I have tried it, though it is a weak connection. It is why demon blood is dark and an angel's is lighter than regular human blood. Drinking their blood can grant power. Demon blood is no exception but it is much stronger. Especially should that blood be introduced early. As with six-month old children… Creating "special children" makes it more likely for Lucifer to get his Vessel. Which isn't to say it couldn't backfire in some way…

"As for patterns? We're…uncertain. There are rumors that Azazel made pacts with the mothers beforehand and that's why some of the mothers died like yours did. But we have little confirmation on it and, quite frankly, we don't wish to ask Azazel. But, perhaps, you boys might figure that out later on."

Sam and Dean were, put simply, disturbed. Was Sam to be Lucifer's Vessel? Neither wanted that… And the thought their mom made a demon deal with the Yellow-Eyed bastard…it sickened them to know Azazel had his hands in their family's business for so long.

"You said this could backfire on Lucifer…?" Sam asked hopefully. "How?"

"Well…if the Vessel is too strong, they could overpower Lucifer's influence. Retain control just long enough to seal him away once again. And the same goes for Michael's Vessel..." Famine's gaze fell on Dean. "Michael also needs a True Vessel. And you, Dean, have Heaven's interest. There's a little more to your family than you realize and, while we're uncertain about the other children, there is a reason for Sam. However, I will not go into detail about that, yet, for you boys have had enough dumped on you. I will say this: your training is very important to our plan to halt the apocalypse. We only need it to go on long enough for Death to be freed, since his freedom is tied with the seals, unfortunately. But we will tell you more about that later."

Here they thought their lives couldn't get flipped on its head... They were, at least, grateful for Famine's honesty. Even if he still withheld.

The boys weren't sure if they wanted the rest now or later. It was all foreboding.

Dean wanted to know more about what his family had to do with this. How much had been fucked from the start? His teeth ground together. Patience was not his virtue but War and Famine have proven trustworthy. So far, anyway. At least they weren't being overly vague. He despised the thought of Sam having to drink demon blood. Azazel being at fault made it worse.

Dean felt his blood run hot with the knowledge Azazel screwed with other families. Doing the same to those mothers as he did theirs.

He wanted that bastard dead more than ever. And he wasn't even able to track him down.

Sam was afraid. What if he couldn't resist Lucifer in the end? And what did drinking demon blood even entail? He wasn't exactly fond of the thought of drinking it anyhow. Why were he and Dean certain to be Vessels? Would they meet the other special children? Many questions but few answers...he itched to know them now.

Could he eat Azazel? A sick sort of revenge…the demon's work coming back to bite him...literally.

Famine did not react to that craving. Opting to remain quiet while they ruminated. But as the red in Dean's eyes brightened, he decided to break the silence. "I understand this must be stressful on you boys…but rest assured more answers will come. And…perhaps one day, you can find Azazel and deal with him as you see fit. But not now. It is too soon and we cannot interfere with him just yet."

"And why not?"

"Because then we may have to deal with Hell…and possibly Heaven." As if we won't anyway… "They want the apocalypse to go through. We are already taking risks training you both. Our dislike of them is known and they will gladly grab at anything that can be used against us. You are better off waiting until you are stronger and older to seek him out. It will make things easier."

Dean growled and looked away, stubbornly accepting that Famine had a point.

"Will Heaven and Hell come for us?" Sam asked, his voice small.

Famine sighed and lightly tapped a finger on the desk. "I cannot say for certain if they will take direct action - it is possible… At most, they will try to spy and mostly complain about this. But that's part of why we plan to ward you both soon. Hide you from angels, demons…some deities, and protect you from possessions."

"Oh… Will the warding be painful?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No. There will be a slight sting, but nothing bad. We will do the ritual soon after you meet Pestilence next week."

"Okay. What about the demon blood?

"The week after. That way, I can help you with the hunger."

Dean pulled a face at the mention of the blood. "What is that supposed to mean? "The hunger"? Can't War just keep demon blood on him for Sam?"

"I am not talking about regular hunger, Dean," Famine frowned, voice stern but gentle. "Drinking demon blood is going cause an influx of power and Sam is going to crave it. Once he has it, he cannot easily give it up without pain and weakness. It's likely to be the only thing he'll want to drink for a while."

Dean's eyes widened. "An addiction?"

Famine nodded with an apologetic look. "That will be a side effect for a few months. One I will be helping him through it."

Dean swallowed. There had to be alternatives to beating Lucifer! Anything but this…!

Sam was listening closely and picked at his pants. He wanted to stop the apocalypse, but why did it have to involve something potentially painful? Still, they didn't know of any other ways. Surely the Horsemen would've known? Unless this was the more effective route… He looked back to Famine and nodded. "Okay."

Famine returned his nodded. "Then it's settled."

Dean snapped around, bewildered. "Really?! You're just gonna accept this?!"

Sam shrugged. "It's our best bet."

"There has to be a better option!"

"It's his choice, Dean. And I'm afraid there are none. None without massive risks that could spell problems for us and the rest of the world."

"I'm not going to watch my brother become a freaking addict!"

"And he won't. I will be helping him through the first phases. He will have his hunger under control, I assure you." Famine said, an air of finality laced the words.

Dean snarled, "What if you can't?" The question fell before he could stop it. Ice pooled in his stomach. The idea he was crossing a line manifested itself. Images of how his father acted when he mouthed off... Regardless, he tried to push back the fear.

Famine pressed his mouth into a line and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. Dean was stressed and afraid for his brother. It was understandable. Famine opened his eyes, fixing Dean with a firm but gentle gaze. Sam received the same gaze. "I will. I am not going to fail you boys."

Dean relaxed only slightly, and stared at the desk. Sam lightly stemmed his fingers.

No further questions or retorts fell from the boys and the Horseman grabbed his cane, carefully standing. "Why don't you boys take the time to relax? Consider what I've said, but don't stress over it. We can go horse riding later should you wish it."

They agreed and quietly left the office. Dean entered his room and shut the door behind him. Sam grabbed his coloring book and pencils and left for the couch.

Their lives were rapidly changing. They had been given many of the answers they wanted but that led to several more questions. Dean feared what else Heaven and Hell had manipulated with his family…

The worst part of all of this? He felt like he was failing to protect Sammy. He did everything he could to keep Sam from harm. Now he couldn't. Not without risking putting his brother in further danger. That much was clear. The Horsemen were responsible for them, for Sammy, now… All Dean could do was trust them.

These bastards better hold up their promises…

Sam had more faith in the Horsemen, in Famine, to pull through. They've done so thus far. Provided a stable home life, food, new clothes, enrichment and honesty. Sometimes vague. He had confidence the Horsemen would continue helping them.

Sam was concerned about Dean, too. He understood his older brother's worries. They'd been through a lot together… But Sam hoped he wouldn't be as hard on himself anymore. That he wouldn't feel as stressed out. They'd still be there for each other, but they were in a safer situation.

He sighed and focused on coloring. He'd check on Dean later, assuming Dean didn't check on him first.

"Told them, huh?" War asked after being informed training was canceled that day.

"It felt like the right time." Famine said tiredly, watching sword shard float in the mixture. "They needed to know."

"They did. You made the right call, honestly. I doubt dumping that on them before or after training would've been the best idea. I'll swing by tomorrow, unless you want me to come over? Make sure Dean is okay?"

"I can deal with them for today," He assured. "I think it's best to let them settle first."

"Gotta let them digest it, you'd say?"

Famine could hear the smile his brother's voice. He rolled his eyes but couldn't help the slightest of smiles that graced his features. "Moron…"

War laughed. "I couldn't help it. But I agree. A day to think will do them good. I'll see you tomorrow brother. Take care."

"I'm aware…" He snored lightly. "Likewise, War."

The link was cut and Famine leaned back into his chair. He ran a hand across his face.

Now would be a good time to make some tea and check up on the boys…