Disclaimer: I still do not own Supernatural

Well, here it is - just as promised. Here is the final chapter of Band on the Run. And it's short just like I said. I want to take a minute and thank all of you for reading the story and coming back for more. The story comes full circle and no there are no plans for a sequel (sorry). Although I do have a head-canon as to how the plot for the rest of the season would end and I'm going to post it on my livejournal soon (if you want to check it out - you can find the address on my profile). I'll leave you to your reading and, again, thank you.

A week had passed and still the angel had not awoken. In fact, Castiel barely twitched in his slumber and the brothers felt like they had no other choice but to wait it out along with him. Until a case appeared in the form of an email from the thought to be long dead conspiracy theorist, Frank Deveraux.

Dean shook his head as talked to his brother. "I don't know Sam...could be nothing."

"Dean it's never really nothing. Not with us."

"Ghost e-mail?"

"Shut up – I'm serious."

After hashing out the details, they came up with a simple, straightforward plan - painting sigils throughout the house to protect Castiel from all that were looking for him. And neither of them trusted Bobby enough to stay watch - though the spirit was adamant about pleading his case.

"I'm still me - I can watch Cas!"

"You're a friggin' ghost first of all," Dean said, "And second, yeah you could - but think about it Bobby - after everything he'd pulled, can you really trust yourself around him? I mean, if there is any one reason as to why you died, he's Patient Zero. It started with him."

And so it was with a heavy heart that the brothers piled into their car and drove off, hopeful that the house would still be standing and their friend would be ready to help the cause when they returned.

He was sitting under his favorite tree, arms behind his head and his head facing up towards the sun. All was in total silence and he couldn't even remember the last time he was able to enjoy it. No prayers. No Lucifer. Nothing...until the sound of fluttering wings. He opened one eye and before him was his older brother.

"Joshua," he said, rising to his feet.

"Castiel - I am glad to see that you are healing so well from your ordeal."

Castiel felt a smile form on his face, his first true one in ages. "Yes, I am feeling better."

"That is good, Castiel," Joshua said, now smiling too, "You deserve no less."

Castiel licked his lips and took a few tentative steps forward when Joshua spoke again.

"Would you mind if I remained with you for a time? I do so love a beautiful garden and this one is truly remarkable!"

"Of, of course Joshua," Castiel said sincerely, "I would be honored."

Joshua took a seat in the sun and Castiel returned to his tree. Joshua smiled at his brother and hummed an old Enochian chant that filled Castiel with a warmth he hadn't felt since his youth. Everything was fine. Everything was beautiful once again. He was free. The chanting became louder and it began repeating itself. Castiel looked to his side and Joshua was no longer there. The Word became clearer and clearer.

Prophet.

The Prophet.

Find the Prophet.

Go to him. Protect him.

It was time.

And Castiel woke up to sound of crackling thunder.