Note: Quotes are from David Guetta's "She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)". Instead of inspiring me, this one I found after I'd written the fic, but it seemed so wonderfully apt I had to include it. The video is awesome: youtube URL and watch?v=PVzljDmoPVs

The Hunter and the Hunted

Chapter 7 – A Shot in the Dark

A shot in the dark
A past lost in space
Where do I start?
The past and the chase

Dean gave Castiel his hand to squeeze as the former angel hissed and winced through his wounds being disinfected and stitched. It was something he would get used to if he wanted to keep hunting with the Winchesters. Dean was quite proud of how neatly he could stitch a wound now. Like a new mother showing off her first piece of knitted baby wear he would brandish his handiwork to anyone nearby. That was usually Sam, and Sam would usually grimace.

Sam was doing the honours while Dean filled him in on their trip to purgatory. He delicately skirted around Castiel's withdrawal but recounted in glorious detail all the creatures they came across and the bloody ways they died. His story only stuttered to a halt on meeting the Hunt.

"And the last thing I remember was that dick's hand on my head. Cas, you're going to have to take over here. Don't spare the detail… please, I need to know".

Castiel looked at him with wary eyes, as if he could warn Dean away with a glance. But this was Dean Winchester, he would not be so easily dissuaded. "Very well… after he claimed you the Master told me to run. The Hunt chased me… you hunted me".

He went on to recall his captivity and rescue, then the final fight with Dean. Castiel truthfully told him he knew nothing of Dean's actions with the Hunt on earth. But he carefully refrained from mentioning seeing Dean with another's blood spattered down his front… He didn't need to add to the weight of the guilt Dean was already labouring under.

The former angel pointed at the bruises blooming across his face. "After you did this I knocked you down. Sam's ritual must have taken us then. The Master tried to stop it… I think Sam defeated him, I heard him scream and die. And I screamed at… it is hard to describe in human terms, the connection, and the hole where my grace used be… burning, pulling, and your knife pushing into my side. I just…"

"I'm glad it's over". Dean finished for him.

The two still had their hands entwined, though Sam had finished cleaning Castiel up and was currently packing away the first aid kit. It seemingly went unnoticed.

"I'm sorry Cas. Will you-"

"It wasn't you, you don't-"

"Dammit Cas, let me just say this ok?" The harsh tone left Dean's voice as he went on. "Whether I knew it or not, I did those things. My sword cut you, my fists bruised your face… I need to be forgiven Cas. Will you forgive me?"

"Of course I forgive you Dean, you didn't need to ask". Castiel looked at Dean with the same expression he used in the barn all those years ago when they first met. A moment of confusion… What's the matter?... And then a moment of realisation… You don't think you deserve to be saved? The former angel was clearly trying to understand why Dean needed to be forgiven. And then he found his answer.

"Good… that's good. I forgive you too Cas, you know that? I forgive you for everything". He wasn't going to make a list, from the leviathans, to Sam's wall and the drugs. It was all forgiven. "So lets just draw a line here and now. We're going to leave all our crap on the other side of it and let the past be the past ok? There'll be a new start from here on out. Hell it might be a shot in the dark, but we can at least try".

Dean hadn't had a good track record with new starts… Lisa and Ben came to the fore of his mind before he pushed them back down again. Still, he was determined this one would work.

"I would like that". Castiel gave Dean a small smile and squeezed his hand before letting go. It was only then Dean realised their hands had been held the whole time. He was so caught up in his speech it had slipped his notice. Castiel probably didn't realise the significance… that it was just a hand given to ease his pain. Or maybe he did realise and held on to ease another kind of pain. One they both suffered.

Regardless, Dean was glad Sam hadn't witnessed their chick flick moment. He had gone to pack away the first aid kit, and happily he returned with three beers.

The bottles hissed as Sam sat down and removed their tops. "I was just thinking, there are some big lakes around here and I know you used to love fishing. There's nothing to eat in the cabin, so why don't we go catch something? We can run into town and pick some gear up".

Dean turned the idea over in his head. It was true, he did enjoy fishing. He rarely had a chance to enjoy it though. Down time was hard to come by and when they did manage to snatch any Sam would always protest at spending it 'standing on one spot staring at a dirty pond' as he used to put it. Dean was always quick to point out Sam didn't like it because he only caught old boots when their dad taught them to fish. It would be nice to relax at water's edge after the frantic fight for life they had endured in purgatory. On the other hand he would kill for a burger, and if they relied on what they caught there would probably be nothing but boots on the menu.

"Ok, lets do it. On one condition - we grab a burger in town. I don't think we'll be feeding the five thousand with our catch. Certainly not with you on our team". He sent a smirk in Sam's direction.

"That sounds like fighting talk. A beer says I catch more than you do".

"You're on. Get your coat".

Dean's reunion with the Impala was almost as moving as his reunion with Sam. He ran a hand lovingly along her hood and spent long enough checking her over that Sam asked whether he was done groping the car. At least he hadn't douched her up this time. After ensuring Baby was still in one piece Dean got in and started her up. He let out an almost obscene moan as the Impala's engine started purring. Then he eased on to the gas in pure ecstasy and they were away.

It didn't take long for them to acquire their fishing gear (or a burger). Whitefish Montana had a few shops dedicated to fishing with several lakes nearby. They headed for Beaver Lake all the while arguing in the car about who would catch what. It was friendly sibling banter, and Castiel sometimes found himself caught in the crossfire. Dean insisted he would teach the former angel to fish and said that he would end up with a hook stuck in his backside if he listened to Sam. Sam fought back with an anecdote about the time they ended up in the ER with Dean and a hook through his lip after an accident. Their dad had been neither pleased nor amused at his fish impression.

As they set up in a quiet spot by the lake Dean took a moment to sit and appreciate the calm. He closed his eyes and took in the fresh air. There was no scent of blood or decay and bird song filtered through the trees instead of unearthly shrieks and roars. The sound of water lapping at the shore could easily have lulled him to sleep, but then the sound of Sam fumbling through the fishing tackle met his ears. Dean was quick to get his hands off it and set up Sam's rod for him. Then Dean took his own gear over to his seat and started explaining everything to Castiel who stood listening patiently at his shoulder.

Dean picked up a hook and looked out over the lake. With Castiel standing there it was so reminiscent of another time… another dream. We need to talk. A few words were exchanged, then a piece of paper, and the soft glow of an angel's presence died from the lake. Perhaps that was the moment things really started to go downhill. Castiel had tried to tip him off and had his ass dragged back to heaven instead. He was back to being a good little soldier after that. If only the angel had managed to tell them… There was no glow over the lake at Castiel's presence now. Instead of a strained urgency the former angel spoke with interest and curiosity. Dean cast off a couple of times and then relinquished his rod and seat to Castiel, he stood watching and offering guidance.

"How are you doing there Sammy? Got any boots yet?" Dean shouted with glee.

"You'll be laughing on the other side of your face when I land Jaws over here!"

Castiel did well for a first timer; he caught a little fish and decided to throw it back. Then he returned the rod to Dean, saying he felt tired and sore. The former angel sat in the grass to watch. Wordlessly he laid back, eyes drifting to the clouds above rather than the pristine surface of the lake. Dean stretched and sat back, rod held firmly in his hands, patiently waiting for a bite. He glanced over at Sam, who was playing with his line, no doubt getting frustrated. Why had he suggested fishing if he hated it so much? It didn't take long for Dean to realise Sam must have proposed fishing to make him happy. He made a mental note to return the favour. They would go to a museum or something else nerdy Sam liked. But for now he was going to relax and enjoy the day, just as Sam had intended.

"It's really good to be back. There's nothing like a visit to another dimension to make you appreciate life's little joys"

Sam looked up at Dean as if wondering what little joys they ever had in their life. "Like what?"

"Sitting here with you… us driving along with Baby and Metallica turned up to eleven… watching the stars in the middle of nowhere. You know, there were no stars in purgatory, I missed them, and you too of course. Our lives might suck most of the time, but we do have our moments".

"Yeah, I guess so. And I missed you too". He looked up with an expression that told Dean he was about to get serious. "I appreciate what you've done for me. I just want you to know that. You practically raised me, and you've always been there… I know I seem ungrateful sometimes. I know you must see me fighting to get out from under your shadow, but it's not like that, not really. No matter what happens you'll always be my big brother, and I wouldn't have it any other way".

"Hey… what's brought this on? Of course I'll always be your big brother. You can't get away from my shadow that easily, even if you do tower over me now. But seriously, I've got your back Sammy, no matter what comes our way. It was always my job to look out for you, and I always will, but I won't be watching over you, I'll be standing at your side. It's us against the world right?"

"I guess I just really missed you. The Impala's far too quiet and empty without you there for starters… and us against the world?" Sam gave a slight laugh. "The world won't know what's hit it".

"And neither will this fish". Dean felt a pull at his line and started reeling it in.

The flopping, thrashing fish landed on the ground at Dean's feet. It was a good size, one they could make a meal of. Dean looked to his brother with a grin. "I believe you owe me a beer".

"Hey, we're not finished yet!" Sam cast his line while Dean saw to his catch and put it on ice

They kept fishing until they had one each for dinner. Both brothers caught a big one, but Sam managed to land a few more little ones than Dean. Of course Dean insisted the little ones didn't count, only the fish they could eat. Looking over his shoulder Dean was tempted to throw Castiel's fish at him. But the former angel was dozing lightly in the grass, and after everything they had been through Dean didn't have the heart to wake him. Instead they started packing everything away, and when it came time to leave Dean gently shook Castiel's shoulder.

Tiredness was also weighing on Dean heavily. He was tempted to hit the hay the moment they got in. But the thrill of being back was keeping him awake. And there was some part of him that feared he would wake in the bleak wasteland of purgatory if he closed his eyes… He almost had to pinch himself continually to make sure this wasn't a cruel dream.

Back at the cabin they prepared their catch and sat down in front of the TV to eat. Sam turned it off and insisted they engage in conversation like civilised people. Dean's beer almost ran out of his nose laughing at that one. Despite having a lot of Dr Sexy to catch up on he relented and they talked. They reminisced for many an hour, continuing long after they had finished their meal. The brothers recalled times from their childhood, both before and after that fateful fire in the nursery. Dean came up with several embarrassing stories about Sam. That was the benefit of being the older brother, he said - he could remember all the hilarious things Sam did… like running around naked, while Sam had no dirt on him. Sam turned red and pretended to protest, he was clearly enjoying their trip down memory lane, and it was good to hear the cabin filled with laughter for once. Sam countered with stories of how he wrecked dates for Dean - there was the benefit in being the little brother. There was the time he hid under the bed when Dean brought a girl back to their motel room. Sam jumped out and scared them just as they were about to lock lips, and then he insisted they all sit and watch cartoons together.

Castiel had stories of his own, he recalled some of Uriel's better jokes… turns out he really was the funniest angel in the garrison. Then he told them of Gabriel's antics in heaven. Apparently he was one for tricks long before he became the Trickster. Eventually they were all laughed out, the food and warmth combined to make them drowsy. Then Dean made a move to clean up, but Sam told him to sit back down and watch TV while he handled it. Dean wasn't going to protest, so he switched the TV on… Sam must have really missed him; he practically snatched the plates out of Dean's hand. And all the while they talked Dean noticed Sam's eyes on him, it was as if he was drinking Dean in, as if he was scared Dean would disappear into the ether. Well, he was back now, and he wasn't going anywhere. They could get back to being a family again, all three of them. Though he fought to watch the TV – it had been so long since he'd seen anything – Dean felt his eyes closing of their own accord. They would flutter open in protest, but they soon closed again, and eventually he drifted off…

When he opened his eyes Dean noticed it was dark outside. The TV had been turned off and there was a head of thick, black hair pressing into the side of his face. It seemed Castiel had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Dean eased himself out from under the former angel and gently shook him awake once again.

"Come on, lets get you to bed". He looked around the room over his shoulder. "I bet Sam's already turned in".

Castiel rolled over with a moan of protest.

"Alright then… stop here, but don't complain when you've got a crick in your neck tomorrow morning". Who was he kidding? They had practically been sleeping on rocks in purgatory, the lumpy old sofa probably felt like the softest feather bed right now.

Dean took off Castiel's shoes and lifted his legs up onto the sofa. Then he piled a couple of cushions under the former angel's head and ferreted out an old blanket to throw over him. Finally he could go to his own bunk.

Shedding his own shoes Dean sat down on the side of his bed and looked over to where Sam should be lying asleep. He wasn't there.

"Sam? Sammy?" No answer.

Dean put his shoes back on and looked around the cabin… there was no sign of him. The remnants of the ritual lay about the basement floor, but there was no Sam. Dean cursed under his breath, had he gone for a walk at this hour? Surely he would have let them know? Dean pushed the door open and strode outside. Baby was right where they had left her… he hadn't gone for a drive. Dean walked around the cabin's perimeter shouting for his brother to no avail. As he made his way back to the door Castiel opened it. The former angel clutched at the blanket wrapped around his shoulders and looked out blearily.

Castiel rubbed sleep from his eyes and blinked at Dean. "I heard you shouting, is there a problem?"

"Yeah, Sam's gone missing, I can't find him". An old frantic, familiar worry was starting to take hold of Dean's heart.

They went back inside, Castiel dropped the blanket and Dean ran a hand over his face. "If he was leaving he would have let us know. And why would he leave? We just got back together! Something must have taken him…"

"Dean, over here". Castiel waved him over to the sink.

Sitting tucked under a plate was a piece of paper with a single word on it: 'Sorry'.

Dean snatched it up. "Sorry? What does he mean 'Sorry'? Has he run out on us? Shit… did the stupid son of a bitch make a deal?"

Dropping the piece of paper Dean shot down to the basement, Castiel following close behind. He circled the symbols on the ground warily, as if it was a snake about to strike at him. The daubed blood had dried long ago, but he wasn't going to risk going too close and getting zapped back to purgatory or summoning a demon or whatever…

"Cas, what do you know about this?" He noticed the former angel had wandered off to one side. "Cas?"

Castiel bent to pick something up, and on seeing what it was Dean rushed over to bat it out of his hand. "Don't touch that! Do you know what that is?"

"Of course I do. It holds echoes of me, and shadows of him". Castiel gave Dean a frown and then looked back down to the amulet that had scooted across the floor. "But they are just echoes and shadows…"

He retrieved the amulet and turned it over in his hand. "It is empty now, it is safe".

Castiel held it out to Dean, returning the amulet to its real owner. "Empty? Your grace isn't there? Lucifer's gone?"

"Yes… and with Sam missing I fear what this means". He gave Dean a wide eyed look of alarm.

"You think whatever he did set Lucifer free?" Dean's fist tightly closed on the amulet. It was the conclusion he had come to as well, though every fibre of his being was searching for another answer. He was silently begging for Castiel to come up with something else.

"I believe it is referred to as 'Occam's razor'? Both Sam and the amulet's contents are missing… Lucifer must have taken him, together with whatever remnants of my grace remained". Castiel put a regretful hand to Dean's shoulder. "I would give anything for it to be otherwise, but… I cannot see it".

Dean closed his eyes and felt the amulet dig in to his palm. "Oh Sam… you didn't have to do this. You should have left me down there".

Castiel squeezed his shoulder. "We'll get him back Dean. We'll find him".

-oOo-

I can't compete with the she-wolf who has brought me to my knees
What do you see in those yellow eyes?

Slowly she opened her eyes, the bed of leaves beneath her crunched as her limbs moved and stretched.

Voxifera felt like she had been asleep for far too long. It took her a moment to realise there was a hand in her own, holding on gently but firmly. She looked to her side, seeking the owner of the hand she gripped. And there her eyes met Tala's.

Helplessly she smiled… "I found you".

-oOo-

The thrill of the kill
You feel, as a sin

Although Lucifer had relinquished control Sam could feel him there, a dark presence in the corner of his mind, threatening to overshadow all else. All he could do was lock on to Dean. Take solace in his brother… take these last good memories and store them for the torturous time to come. Sam would run from every neck broken by his hands. Lucifer might delight in the killing and the destruction of humanity, but Sam would hide in memories. He would fish with his brother while Lucifer took the world apart. Unless Lucifer made him watch… unless Lucifer forced him to feel the blood on his hands. He would not be able to endure it, would Lucifer enjoy keeping his cracked broken mind, twisted by sin? The devil said he wanted Sam to be happy, but that was impossible, he would never be happy being ridden by Lucifer… maybe one day Lucifer would tire of making him happy. Maybe he would settle for making him scream.

As Sam washed their plates and listened to the sound of the television in the background his mind stumbled over his last words. What was he going to say to Dean before he left? It had been playing on him the whole day, but only now did he let the thought consume him. How was he going to say goodbye to Dean without saying goodbye?

He took a towel and dried the plates, placing the now clean pots on the side. Then Sam turned to his brother and the former angel. He couldn't help but smile at the sight before him. Both were fast asleep, and Castiel was curled into Dean, head resting on his shoulder. Sam took out his phone and got a picture of them. He wasn't sure what for… Lucifer probably wasn't going to let him browse through the photos on his phone. It just felt like the thing a brother would do.

"It's time" Sam heard at the back of his mind. He went to turn the television off, and then he stood before the sleeping pair. Sam fought with himself over whether to wake them up or not. If he woke them what would he say? Maybe it was better to leave them be… The presence at the back of his mind grew and pushed against his waking consciousness. He didn't have long. He had to say something!

His limbs were growing leaden, but Sam made it back over to the sink. He had managed to grab a piece of paper and a pen. One word made it out before his hand seized up. He only had enough of his own will to tuck the paper safely under a plate, and then Lucifer smothered him. "Time's up".

Sam was reduced to watching through his own eyes as Lucifer strode over to Dean and Castiel. He towered over them, casting a shadow over their slight breathing forms, loose with the comfort of sleep. For a moment Sam feared what Lucifer was going to do. But then the devil's voice rang out through his mind…

"I keep my word Sam. They are safe. I am just giving you one last look at your brother and your friend. One last memory… There is much work ahead of us, I will not lie and tell you it won't be bloody. Our paradise is one that will be wrought through destruction. God had the luxury of a blank canvas, but we must wipe this one clean before we can create our own masterpiece. Do not be disheartened, at the end there will be paradise… a world free of humanity, and Satan saw that it was good".

And then, between one blink and the next, Sam was gone. Trapped in his own mind Sam despaired. He had let the devil in through the back door and now it had taken him over completely. He wasn't naive enough to think being entwined with a monster wouldn't change him. He could try to hide as best he could but there was a creeping corruption that would surely infect him. How could he watch while his own hands took the world apart piece by piece? In the end he would become the monster he was always meant to be…

The earth rejects me, foul and changed,
the wind refuses me, unsightly and maimed.
My voice is corrupted, my tongue unwind,
my pulse is mercurial sickened, it slows.

My heart it ceases, my breath undrawn.
My eyes forever focused on the sanguine metal dawn.

Note: And so we finish on those hauntingly beautiful words from Thief II. Thank you all who have read and reviewed, I hope you enjoyed it :) If you want to know what happens next, the final part of this verse is in progress. I've got three chapters in the bag so far, but it's going to be a long one so I won't try estimating when it'll be done. I did moonlight on a coda to 8x23 (dear God, the feels! Ack!), it'll be going up right after this. Then it's nose back to the angsty grindstone, I promise ;)

Feel free to add me on Twitter/Tumblr, I'm Amynion on both. There's no such thing as too many Supernatural fans on my dash (and once in a while I could use a poke to keep me writing!) :D