An ending, finally!

Chapter 15

Sam Winchester never felt more like himself than in that one pure instant. The instant that assured him the Winchester strength triumphed over what seemed like yet another insurmountable catastrophe. Dean smiled at his younger brother, not only proud of the supreme defeat but ecstatic at the man's returned capable and confident demeanour.

"You did it, Sammy. You beat the devil. Again."

"No Dean," Sam, positive this was the ultimate victory, concurred without a single doubt, it wasn't won alone. "We both did." He turned the ignition and flung the gear into reverse. "Without you….If you didn't join me in this one and work all that out, we'd either be still in there or I'd be still drawing blood to get us out." He glanced at his older brother. "If anything it was all you."

"You had it right the first time," As Dean spoke the words, he couldn't help inflict his own thigh with a subtle pinch. Just to make sure they were actually well and truly back in the magnificent beauty of their often complained about reality. "It was us."

Sam let out a chuckle as he veered back onto the winding road, "And to think all it took was a few punches."

"More than a few," the older Winchester countered, "You really let him have it. I've never seen you punch that hard or that fast."

Sam didn't remember nor did he care. In no way did he worry because in no way did he feel a single ounce of concern or remorse towards any part of the devil. That bastard deserved all he could give and more, real or in-his-head-real; whatever. That thing was evil personified. Whatever it took.

"So what I still don't get is that if he was all in my head, how did you get in there with me?"

"That," Dean answered shifting in his seat, "I have no idea about." Unwinding his window and turning up the volume of the current cassette crackling in the stereo, he added, "But it wasn't fun. Maybe Bobby will know something."

Bobby didn't know a damn thing. This was a hard one, he concluded and felt inclined to leave it there. Just happy to have the boys back and seemingly all okay.

That was, until he returned his gaze to Dean. Dean wanted answers and he especially wanted a definition of this flying thing that kept moving things about in the motel rooms they frequented.

"That, I can help you with." He pointed a finger in the air. Sam took a seat on his bed leaning back against the headboard while Dean remained standing. "You guys were gone a long time and after I fixed the Impala the thing returned."

"Okay." Dean waited not so patiently. It would be good if they could end this thing quickly so they could all go out for a steak and a beer.

"It is a demon. Myth has it that it is a demon called 'Choronzon'." Bobby took his own seat on the unsteady kitchen chair. "This demon is thought to be a resident of the abyss and can change shape, apparently often in the form of a dust devil - which might explain the odd black smoke. The thing I found fascinating is that it is thought to be linked to one's ego." He looked at Sam, as did Dean. "From what I researched, I think it may have come from you Sam and your search for some sort of divine help or mental assistance from yourself to help with the visions…or like I just said; your own ego."

"So, is it gone now?" Dean Winchester was confused, but that wasn't unusual when he came across these kinds of theories. Instead of delving in any deeper, he first wanted to know if he needed to.

"If I have the timing right, the thing disappeared into thin air probably the very second you guys beat down the devil."

"Great!" Sam exclaimed, already feeling another bout of relief. He looked at Dean, raised his eyebrows optimistically and smiled.

"Does this sound like our kind of luck?" Dean frowned, contradicting his own wants and dashing a little of Sam's hope. "It all sounds too neat, too …wrapped up in a bow."

"You know what?" Bobby stood up and stepped over to the kettle. "Maybe just be cautious for a little while longer, be aware, keep your eyes open. It seems logical to me. I mean feel free to do your own research on this thing, see if you come up with anything different, but it makes complete sense. I think this is over Dean. I really do."

"Me too." Sam enthused, feeling it within himself. "For all we know this thing could be what started the visions in the first place and not the wall." He checked with Bobby who after a little consideration, nodded and shrugged a maybe. "It is probably all connected somehow."

Dean Winchester looked over at his little brother, who now lost his slump, lost his fear, lost his shirt. Who sat there hopeful, strong and assured. Even if this thing wasn't gone for good, they beat the devil for God's sake. Surely, they could beat whatever else came their way too. Especially some black smoke that moved some towels, drawers and curtains. That was a mere hour's work for them now they knew what they were up against.

Sam waltzed over to the kitchen and took out three cups from the overhead cupboard.

Dean couldn't help but smile. Sam was back. The real Sam was back. His brother, who had overcome more than he should have and lived through too many of those torturous visions was really back. There were so many things Dean couldn't understand, so many answers he would never receive but if he understood anything, he understood that his Sam was standing right next to their surrogate father who was happy to be right there beside him.

Which in itself was something worth celebrating.

"Then, guys…" Dean smiled, "Turn off the kettle. Let's go out and drink the good stuff!"

THE END.