CHAPTER THIRTY

Zak

When we made it back to the house, Daniel was still there and informed me that the 'minions' had been more of a nuisance than an actual threat. Apparently, the dark fae that appeared weren't fond of Cehtlenn and had just come out of obligation. Add to that that my reputation preceded me, and most of them were too worried about pissing me off, either because they didn't want to die or ruin their chances of asking for a favor in the future, that they were all too happy to negotiate. Which, thanks to Daniel and Gwyn, had amounted to: 'he won't retaliate because of this' and there was still a chance that I'd agree to work with them in the future.

"However, I neglected to include Gwyn and me in the deal." He'd added with a conspiratorial smile. Which I took to mean he'd taken attendance, and even though I probably wouldn't take him up on his implied retaliation offer, knowing he would be willing to help me in the future was kind of a nice feeling.

Now, it was late night three days later and we were back at the decrepit warehouse where Dean and Sam first arrived. I stood, with Brian, next to an old forklift a bit off to the side from the group and watched, with a twinge of regret, as the two said their goodbyes to the mages and Tori. Albeit, Dean was as annoying as Aaron and I'd wanted to punch him in the face on more than one occasion, he was still a good guy. Sam was apt and creative with magic and both were the kind of men you knew would have your back no matter the circumstance. They would've fit in well here.

It's why I still didn't understand why they'd chosen to leave. Our 'realm', or whatever, seemed to be a lot kinder to their 'business' than theirs. I'd also heard Dean and Aaron talking about being roommates, so when Sam turned down my offer to be his mentor, I was genuinely surprised when he told me it was because they weren't staying, and when I'd asked him why he'd clammed up and changed the subject.

"You know, you're not so bad for a witch." I heard Dean say, a smile in his voice, as he hugged Tori.

"Zak,"

Sam's voice broke my thoughts. I looked up to find him standing in front of me, smiling, hand outstretched.

"It's been good working with you."

I uncrossed my arms, smiled back and shook his hand, "Same to you, it's…"

"Yeah, you're not too bad for a grouchy know it all." Dean interjected as he let go of Tori.

I ignored him and the snort laugh Tori was failing to contain, "As I was saying, it's been refreshing to work with someone who could keep up and wasn't afraid of me."

Sam chuckled, "Glad I could be of service." And dropped my hand.

"Eh," Dean waved his hand dismissively as he sauntered over with a grin, "you're not so scary. Your syrup addiction is though," he extended his hand, "you should probably cut back on that. All that sugar's not good for you."

I arched an eyebrow while Sam gave him a confused face. "Big words from the guy who ate two quarter pounders and half a meat-lover's pizza in one sitting." I retorted and shook his hand.

"Hey, that is meat. You need that shit to survive." He dropped my hand and jabbed a finger at my chest.

I glanced at Sam who just shook his head and smirked. The corner of my mouth tipped up in a small smile, "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Ahem," Brian, who was back in glamour and had been standing politely behind me, stepped forward and extended his hand to Sam. "I've also enjoyed working with you, Sam Winchester. You make a fine witch."

"Heh, thanks, and uh, you too." He shrugged, "I wish it had been under different circumstances, but hey, now I can check 'partner up with Druid and Fae god to save the world' off my bucket list." He chuckled and moved to the side so Dean could get in.

"Dean." Brian inclined his head.

"Brian." Dean nodded politely and sighed, "Well, you're definitely not my favorite creature, but you're not the worst either. So, I guess it was nice working with you." And, to my surprise, extended his hand.

Brian looked just as surprised as I did as he shook his hand, "Likewise."

Dean nodded again, then followed Sam to the center of the space as Brian followed close behind and looked between the two of them.

"Are you ready?"

"As we'll ever be." Dean replied.

Brian nodded. As he began the incantation, elegant blue tendrils of magic began to flow from his fingertips as he drew the delicately complex array that formed behind the Winchesters.

"Cover your eyes!" He ordered, and I threw my arm over my face seconds before there was a rush of wind and a blinding flash of white light.

"Christ! Thanks for the heads up!" Dean shouted.

When I opened my eyes there was a large, shining circle that looked like rippling water, in front of the warehouse's loading door.

Dean took a deep breath, "Well guys, thanks for a good time."

Sam smiled, "Yeah, this is definitely a job we won't forget."

Then with a heavy sigh and a final wave, they disappeared into the portal.

"Alas, you will." Brian said, just loud enough for me to hear.

"You wiped their memories?"

He looked at me and frowned, "It would be cruel to let them remember such contentment. Besides," he looked back at the fading portal, "they've got work to do."