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Title: The World Has Moved On (5/?) (part one)

Author: phar_ahkmenrah (halfblood alchemist)

Genre/Pairing: Dean/Castiel, AU

Rating: NC-17 (for strong sexual content, blood and gore, violence and language)

Spoilers: None (AU)

Wordcount: WIP

Warnings: This fic will be riddled with strong sexual scenes, violent deaths, torture, graphic imagery, and scary scenes. Far far future fic, modeled after "the Gunslinger" series by Stephen King. NOT A CROSSOVER! (Has similar concept as the Supernatural series, but different presentation. *Character parallels, concept parallel etc*)

Summary: As a great author once said, too many years long since passed, "The world has moved on…". Two brothers find themselves travelling across the lands of a world that time forgot, travelling to avenge the destruction of their village, and the death of their family and friends. On their journey they discover their destiny lies in the secret profession of their late father and find their world turned upside down when they discover a dark force is threatening to destroy mankind. Left to stop this devastation from wiping out their whole world alone, they find allegiance in the unlikeliest of partners:  a young, inexperienced mage, renegade from his clan and rebellious to their arrogant, narrow-minded ways. This rag-tag trio of heroes holds the fate of the world in their hands… if they can face the truth.

~*~

Chapter Five

Dean shifted in his sleep, sighing softly as he made himself more comfortable. The early morning sun barely peeked into the sky; the air above them stained deep blues and pinks from the impending daybreak. Bird calls broke the otherwise silent morning calm, the dawn breaking slowly from the misty horizon.

A sudden snuffling ruffled Dean's hair, disturbing his sleep. Almost automatically, Dean's hand came up, swatting the nuisance away drowsily. "No Impala… It's too early…" Dean muttered, turning back over to drift back to sleep.

Instead, the snuffling persisted, this time firmer, more insistent. Dean groaned, pushing the nose away again. "I said, no!" He growled, turning over to face the antagonizing equine.

But it wasn't Impala. Instead, the white mare stooped over the prone man, sniffing him curiously as she nickered quietly. Dean stared at her confused for a moment, before smiling.  "Aye… Iofiel, I am sorry; I did not mean to shun you, girl." Dean laughed, sitting up.

Iofiel looked rather indignant and tossed her mane haughtily before trotting back over to her master. The young mage tended to the fire quietly, and the absence of
Samuel lead Dean to understand the two were collaborating on the morning meal; Castiel to cook while Sam hunted the fowl of the land.

Dean caught sight of a small smirk on the corners of the mage's mouth, and he laughed. "Oh I see then, Cas. You have sent your horse to commit your dirty work of waking me, is that it?"

Castiel shrugged, tossing the white mare a piece of feed before standing and grabbing more kindling for the fire. "I admit to no such thing, Deanolo. You single me out for such a terrible plot, why? It is through the heart, my friend…. straight through!" he said with an air of dramatics, his appearance overly abashed by this.

Dean laughed, rolling his shoulder gently to test the tight muscles. "And I myself admit to no such accusations, Cas. For after all, you have done such a marvelous job of tending to my wounds, I could not offend any such caretaker. I have not the skills to mend my own person!"

Castiel's appearance took on a smug façade, as he turned back to Dean. "Speaking of such wounds, I must check them. Sit." He ordered. When Dean had done so, he knelt behind him and pulled the bandage back gently from the healing wound.

Castiel smiled, touching the scar gently before applying a thin layer of poultice to the skin and re-covering it. "it is knitting well. It will not be long before you are able to remove the bandage. How is your form?" he asked, leaning back slightly.

Dean shrugged, turning to face him. "I believe I can move with much better ease now, Cas; although I will not test the weight of my sword just yet. "

Castiel nodded in agreement, helping Dean pull his tunic on over the bulky cover.
"Indeed, that is a wise choice. However, you seem to be well enough to partake in other activities… like tending the camp." He said mischievously, handing Dean a sack of camp supplies.

Dean groaned, taking the sack. "Tending" the camp meant cleaning the area of their debris so as not to disturb the environment. He always had bestowed this task on Sam, but now seeing as he was the invalid, he would take on the menial labor. "You are fortunate that I am in a forgiving mood, Castiel."

Castiel smirked, returning his attention to the fire. "Oh, dear. You have used my full name. I am frightened." His response dripped with sarcasm.
Dean smiled, going about his camp duties. The air fell into companionable silence, broken only by the crackling of the now roaring fire.

Every so often, Dean's attention landed on the stoic mage before him, before he would shake himself from his diversion to remind himself that his duty still loomed incomplete. But that did not stop his recurring distraction.

Castiel looked far too serene for such a situation that both knew they were simply disregarding for the moment. Dean knew that they would be unable to put it off for long, considering. But at the moment, they were simply companions on the trail. If they could keep this mindset for as long as possible, they were comfortable.

Besides… Dean did not want to admit this, but he felt rather comfortable around the mage… much more comfortable than he normally would allow himself for others. Sam was one thing… this was entirely new. He felt… strange. Dean had no words to really describe his emotions on the situation, but a change in atmosphere saved him the trouble of muddling through them.

Sam reined Gabriel into the camp, jumping down from the saddle with his successful catch. Two large pheasants and a prairie rabbit for each of them to indulge in. Sam smiled, laying the birds and jackrabbits out to be cleaned. "I must say, your horse brings much luck to the hunt!" he laughed, pulling another small purse from his hip. Inside held a small handful of wild figs, ripe and sweet, and he distributed the treats between the three of them before grabbing his flint knife and whetting it quickly.

Castiel grinned, plucking the nearest pheasant expertly. "I am surprised. He normally saps the fortune from those around him, what with his temperament. He must take a shining to you, Samuel."

Sam shrugged, laying one of the jackrabbits on its side. He ran two cuts around the base of each hind leg, pulling the skin off quickly. Suddenly, he jerked forward, and whipped around to see Gabriel nudging him playfully, whickering to him. Sam smiled and ran a hand down his light blaze before returning his attention to the kill before him. "Gabriel, I sense you seek attention. Why not play with Impala or Iofiel?"

Gabriel looked a bit put off, but nonetheless, tossed his head flippantly and trotted over to the other two equines, grazing lazily.

Dean laughed, sitting down finally after his duties were complete, snatching the fig up and rubbing the dirt from the soft skin. "It appears that Gabriel has rejected your friendship, Sam. It is impossible for you to keep any under your belt, though so I do not see this as any sort of surprise." Dean jested, shoving Sam's shoulder playfully.

Sam glared at Dean, flicking a piece of fur in his direction. "As if you could speak. Your only friends are you horse and your bread!"

Castiel raised his eyebrows, looking between the two brothers. "I thank the Father for my lack of siblings. If this is how they behave, I would rather drown."

Dean returned his attention to the mage, smirking. "This is our form of affection. Nothing short of manly!"

Sam snorted into his fist, receiving a blow to the back of the head. "OW!" he griped, flinging the bloody entrails in retaliation.

Castiel sighed, standing up. "Enough you two, you act as nothing more than children! But… If you really must fight however, I must side with Samuel on this one."

Dean stared, shocked as Sam quietly cheered his small victory against his elder brother. Castiel merely ignored the look Dean shot him, sitting down once again.

"You must be joking, Cas! How could you side with the enemy, against me of all?" Dean said, feigning the wounded one.

Castiel didn't say anything, watching with amusement as Dean's unwatched fig quickly disappeared from its spot, via Gabriel. "If only to irk you, Dean. Otherwise, I find no reason to side with any on such an argument."

Dean blinked for a moment before shrugging the statement off. He reached down to grab the fig, only to find the spot empty. "What…?"

"I may have failed to mention that Gabriel has an incessant sweet tooth. Do not leave your treats unattended around him, lest they surely go missing." Castiel added, as Sam laughed heartily, biting noticeably into his own fruit to spite the irate
Dean.

"BLOODY HORSE!" Dean raged, glaring over his shoulder at the prancing equine. Impala and Iofiel both whinnied to Gabriel as if to cheer him on.

"Now who is one against the world, Dean?" Sam hooted, flint knife and jackrabbit forgotten in his mirth.

Dean only glared at Castiel, who looked far too smug for his liking. "I despise you…" he seethed, glaring at Castiel.

This time, Castiel returned the look, leaning over the fire to sneer at Dean. "Once again, Dean, I am none to trifle with."

"I could easily best you to prove your mistake!"

Castiel turned his eyes skyward, sighing. "With your knitting wound, I dare not tempt it. However, there are ways to prove one wrong…" he muttered, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a look of utter mischief crossed his eyes. "How are you to ride?"

Dean stared at him for a moment, before the meaning sank in. "I am well enough to support myself on the saddle… why? Are you suggesting what I think you are?"

Castiel smirked, sitting back. "It is only fair. We could settle this dispute at once, with no harm befalling the other; after all we are working together on this."

Sam raised his hands in surrender, backing out of the conversation. "I will resist this challenge; after all the camp needs someone to watch it."

Dean and Castiel both paid no heed; both simply stood together, staring the other down. Castiel clicked his tongue, summoning Iofiel, while Dean motioned to Impala. Both horses came obediently.

Castiel smiled, resting a hand on Iofiel's neck. "I will give you time to saddle Impala. We race… "he paused, looking around their environment. Off in the distance, the rise of distant foot hills caught his eye. "… to those foot hills. Winner receives bragging rights; the other receives camp duty for two weeks. Agreed?"

Dean looked to where Castiel gestured, squinting. "That must be well over a league!"

Castiel raised a hand, staying his further comments. "Are we agreed?" he repeated, extending his hand to Dean.

Dean smirked, taking it in good faith. "Indeed, we are agreed. However…" he added, lifting the blanket and saddle to Impala's back, fastening them quickly. "… I must warn you fairly that Impala is impossible to beat in cross country!"

Cas smiled, mounting Iofiel bare-back as per usual for the two. "And I say… you have no idea who you are up against. Those cumbersome accessories will only slow Impala. But, if it is what makes you happy I cannot deny your comforts." Once he was seated, Castiel removed his robe, leaving him only in his boots, leggings and tunic. He pulled at the half-glove gauntlets to secure them and nodded to Dean.
"When you are ready…"

Dean smirked over at him, gripping the reins tightly. "No, no. I insist, you first…"

Sam had already had enough of their banter groaned audibly. "JUST GO ALREADY!"

Like a shot, both riders were off, galloping full speed across the country side. Hoof beats thundered across the landscape, dirt flying from the horses' trek.

Dean smirked, seeing Castiel's equine merely neck and neck with Impala. "I see your horse has good pace! See if she can catch up!" Dean jeered, spurring Impala onward. Impala gunned his speed, pulling ahead of the white mare easily.

He looked over his shoulder to see Castiel hovering over the horse's back, the only support he used to ride Iofiel being his knees clamped firmly at her sides. He gripped her mane, his seat upon her back light but controlled. He had to admit that it was rather impressive. They moved as one entity, whilst he fully controlled Impala's trek, using the reins to guide the horse. However, he was still winning at this point, and he smiled smugly, turning his attention to the lagging rider. "YOU SEE?" he shouted to him, grinning like a fool. "IMPALA IS NO MATCH IN A RACE!"
Castiel grinned, leaning down. He whispered something to Iofiel, the horse's ears perking up at his words.

Dean smiled and turned his attention back to the trek before him. The fields splayed before them, the rise of distant mountains foggy against the background as the foothills slowly eased closer. If this pace kept up, Dean could easily beat Castiel by a landslide. He felt rather confident.

That is, until his confidence hit a wall at the next turn of events. Suddenly the sound of impending hoof beats drawing nearer caught his attention, and he tensed. He turned just in time to see Castiel and Iofiel, rider and horse, pass Dean as if he merely strolled by his horse's side. Dean's jaw fell open as Castiel turned, balancing on one knee upon Iofiel's back to salute him. "CATCH ME, OH GREAT HUNTER OF THE PLAINS PEOPLE!!" Castiel laughed, pulling ahead of Dean quickly.

Dean shook his head, spurring Impala onward. The chase in full swing, he spurred Impala further, the black mustang giving his all to try and catch up with Iofiel. But it was near impossible.

Iofiel flowed over the landscape like water, hooves barely beating the ground before her stride continued, putting great distance between them.

As they rode the sun finally broke the horizon completely, bathing the landscape in golden light. It was stunning. Dean nearly lost concentration, his attention locked on the elegant rider before him. Sunlight glinted off of Iofiel's white fur, the two nearly angelic as they rode together. It was more than he could say for his own riding partnership with Impala. Castiel barely guided the white mare, letting their bond control their moves. Stunning.

"CANYON!" Cas suddenly shouted over his shoulder, veering off violently in his course. It took Dean a moment to realize what he meant, when he saw it. A large canyon that neither had noticed before suddenly spread before them, gaping mouth ready to swallow them into dark depths. Dean pulled the reins harshly, Impala's hooves scraping dirt as he tried to stop his advance. It did no good, the only course of action being to follow the rider before him.

Impala compensated, dirt flying as he rode along the lip of the canyon following the white mare. Dean kept his eyes locked on the rider before him; daring not to look beyond his vantage point to the gaping hole which he rode mere inches from.  He shook his head in wonder. It was as if Castiel did not even know the canyon was there; attention on the ride to keep his connection with Iofiel.

Dean knew there was no way to cross the canyon easily. His only option would be to spot a narrower portion before Castiel did to make the leap. And luck would be on his side.

Dean spotted the narrowest stretch, and gauged it quickly. Yes, Impala would be able to make the jump easily. He'd warn Castiel of it after the fact so as to gain the upper hand on the leap and pull ahead in the race. Dean changed course, moving away from the canyon before turning back and urging Impala on at full speed.

Impala hit the edge, making the leap. He easily breeched the gap, landing with a loud clatter of hooves on the hard dirt below. Castiel had not noticed, still riding on.

"CASTIEL!" Dean shouted, catching the young mage's attention.

The mage turned to see Dean safely on the other side, and he smirked. He too veered off from the canyon and turned back, Iofiel pausing slightly. He eyed the canyon for a moment, a silence filling the air.

Dean realized too late what the mage's plan was. He would cross at that point… much further down the length of the ravine, where the canyon stretched far too wide for any creature to cross. His eyes widened at the realization, as he began waving his arms frantically. "NO! THE RAVINE IS TOO WIDE!" he shouted, hoping to stop the mage. It was in vain.

Castiel suddenly spurred Iofiel on, the horse charging the gap at full speed. His face masked determined, headed straight for the massive crack in the earth.

Dean's heart stopped in his chest. Iofiel didn't even have a good starting distance for her jump, and Castiel thought she could make it? It was mad! They would both be killed by the fall! It was too much to bear.

Time seemed to slow as Iofiel hit the ledge and made her leap. Dean's eyes trained on the concentration of the mage's façade, the horse flying through the air.

Suddenly, Castiel released his grip on her mane, his arms extended to either side, war cry filling the very air that froze in this moment of truth.

Description
Title: The World Has Moved On (5/?) (part one)

Author: phar_ahkmenrah (halfblood alchemist)

Genre/Pairing: Dean/Castiel, AU

Rating: NC-17 (for strong sexual content, blood and gore, violence and language)

Spoilers: None (AU)

Wordcount: WIP

Warnings: This fic will be riddled with strong sexual scenes, violent deaths, torture, graphic imagery, and scary scenes. Far far future fic, modeled after "the Gunslinger" series by Stephen King. NOT A CROSSOVER! (Has similar concept as the Supernatural series, but different presentation. *Character parallels, concept parallel etc*)

Summary: As a great author once said, too many years long since passed, "The world has moved on…". Two brothers find themselves travelling across the lands of a world that time forgot, travelling to avenge the destruction of their village, and the death of their family and friends. On their journey they discover their destiny lies in the secret profession of their late father and find their world turned upside down when they discover a dark force is threatening to destroy mankind. Left to stop this devastation from wiping out their whole world alone, they find allegiance in the unlikeliest of partners:  a young, inexperienced mage, renegade from his clan and rebellious to their arrogant, narrow-minded ways. This rag-tag trio of heroes holds the fate of the world in their hands… if they can face the truth.

~*~

Chapter Five

Dean shifted in his sleep, sighing softly as he made himself more comfortable. The early morning sun barely peeked into the sky; the air above them stained deep blues and pinks from the impending daybreak. Bird calls broke the otherwise silent morning calm, the dawn breaking slowly from the misty horizon.

A sudden snuffling ruffled Dean's hair, disturbing his sleep. Almost automatically, Dean's hand came up, swatting the nuisance away drowsily. "No Impala… It's too early…" Dean muttered, turning back over to drift back to sleep.

Instead, the snuffling persisted, this time firmer, more insistent. Dean groaned, pushing the nose away again. "I said, no!" He growled, turning over to face the antagonizing equine.

But it wasn't Impala. Instead, the white mare stooped over the prone man, sniffing him curiously as she nickered quietly. Dean stared at her confused for a moment, before smiling.  "Aye… Iofiel, I am sorry; I did not mean to shun you, girl." Dean laughed, sitting up.

Iofiel looked rather indignant and tossed her mane haughtily before trotting back over to her master. The young mage tended to the fire quietly, and the absence of
Samuel lead Dean to understand the two were collaborating on the morning meal; Castiel to cook while Sam hunted the fowl of the land.

Dean caught sight of a small smirk on the corners of the mage's mouth, and he laughed. "Oh I see then, Cas. You have sent your horse to commit your dirty work of waking me, is that it?"

Castiel shrugged, tossing the white mare a piece of feed before standing and grabbing more kindling for the fire. "I admit to no such thing, Deanolo. You single me out for such a terrible plot, why? It is through the heart, my friend…. straight through!" he said with an air of dramatics, his appearance overly abashed by this.

Dean laughed, rolling his shoulder gently to test the tight muscles. "And I myself admit to no such accusations, Cas. For after all, you have done such a marvelous job of tending to my wounds, I could not offend any such caretaker. I have not the skills to mend my own person!"

Castiel's appearance took on a smug façade, as he turned back to Dean. "Speaking of such wounds, I must check them. Sit." He ordered. When Dean had done so, he knelt behind him and pulled the bandage back gently from the healing wound.

Castiel smiled, touching the scar gently before applying a thin layer of poultice to the skin and re-covering it. "it is knitting well. It will not be long before you are able to remove the bandage. How is your form?" he asked, leaning back slightly.

Dean shrugged, turning to face him. "I believe I can move with much better ease now, Cas; although I will not test the weight of my sword just yet. "

Castiel nodded in agreement, helping Dean pull his tunic on over the bulky cover.
"Indeed, that is a wise choice. However, you seem to be well enough to partake in other activities… like tending the camp." He said mischievously, handing Dean a sack of camp supplies.

Dean groaned, taking the sack. "Tending" the camp meant cleaning the area of their debris so as not to disturb the environment. He always had bestowed this task on Sam, but now seeing as he was the invalid, he would take on the menial labor. "You are fortunate that I am in a forgiving mood, Castiel."

Castiel smirked, returning his attention to the fire. "Oh, dear. You have used my full name. I am frightened." His response dripped with sarcasm.
Dean smiled, going about his camp duties. The air fell into companionable silence, broken only by the crackling of the now roaring fire.

Every so often, Dean's attention landed on the stoic mage before him, before he would shake himself from his diversion to remind himself that his duty still loomed incomplete. But that did not stop his recurring distraction.

Castiel looked far too serene for such a situation that both knew they were simply disregarding for the moment. Dean knew that they would be unable to put it off for long, considering. But at the moment, they were simply companions on the trail. If they could keep this mindset for as long as possible, they were comfortable.

Besides… Dean did not want to admit this, but he felt rather comfortable around the mage… much more comfortable than he normally would allow himself for others. Sam was one thing… this was entirely new. He felt… strange. Dean had no words to really describe his emotions on the situation, but a change in atmosphere saved him the trouble of muddling through them.

Sam reined Gabriel into the camp, jumping down from the saddle with his successful catch. Two large pheasants and a prairie rabbit for each of them to indulge in. Sam smiled, laying the birds and jackrabbits out to be cleaned. "I must say, your horse brings much luck to the hunt!" he laughed, pulling another small purse from his hip. Inside held a small handful of wild figs, ripe and sweet, and he distributed the treats between the three of them before grabbing his flint knife and whetting it quickly.

Castiel grinned, plucking the nearest pheasant expertly. "I am surprised. He normally saps the fortune from those around him, what with his temperament. He must take a shining to you, Samuel."

Sam shrugged, laying one of the jackrabbits on its side. He ran two cuts around the base of each hind leg, pulling the skin off quickly. Suddenly, he jerked forward, and whipped around to see Gabriel nudging him playfully, whickering to him. Sam smiled and ran a hand down his light blaze before returning his attention to the kill before him. "Gabriel, I sense you seek attention. Why not play with Impala or Iofiel?"

Gabriel looked a bit put off, but nonetheless, tossed his head flippantly and trotted over to the other two equines, grazing lazily.

Dean laughed, sitting down finally after his duties were complete, snatching the fig up and rubbing the dirt from the soft skin. "It appears that Gabriel has rejected your friendship, Sam. It is impossible for you to keep any under your belt, though so I do not see this as any sort of surprise." Dean jested, shoving Sam's shoulder playfully.

Sam glared at Dean, flicking a piece of fur in his direction. "As if you could speak. Your only friends are you horse and your bread!"

Castiel raised his eyebrows, looking between the two brothers. "I thank the Father for my lack of siblings. If this is how they behave, I would rather drown."

Dean returned his attention to the mage, smirking. "This is our form of affection. Nothing short of manly!"

Sam snorted into his fist, receiving a blow to the back of the head. "OW!" he griped, flinging the bloody entrails in retaliation.

Castiel sighed, standing up. "Enough you two, you act as nothing more than children! But… If you really must fight however, I must side with Samuel on this one."

Dean stared, shocked as Sam quietly cheered his small victory against his elder brother. Castiel merely ignored the look Dean shot him, sitting down once again.

"You must be joking, Cas! How could you side with the enemy, against me of all?" Dean said, feigning the wounded one.

Castiel didn't say anything, watching with amusement as Dean's unwatched fig quickly disappeared from its spot, via Gabriel. "If only to irk you, Dean. Otherwise, I find no reason to side with any on such an argument."

Dean blinked for a moment before shrugging the statement off. He reached down to grab the fig, only to find the spot empty. "What…?"

"I may have failed to mention that Gabriel has an incessant sweet tooth. Do not leave your treats unattended around him, lest they surely go missing." Castiel added, as Sam laughed heartily, biting noticeably into his own fruit to spite the irate
Dean.

"BLOODY HORSE!" Dean raged, glaring over his shoulder at the prancing equine. Impala and Iofiel both whinnied to Gabriel as if to cheer him on.

"Now who is one against the world, Dean?" Sam hooted, flint knife and jackrabbit forgotten in his mirth.

Dean only glared at Castiel, who looked far too smug for his liking. "I despise you…" he seethed, glaring at Castiel.

This time, Castiel returned the look, leaning over the fire to sneer at Dean. "Once again, Dean, I am none to trifle with."

"I could easily best you to prove your mistake!"

Castiel turned his eyes skyward, sighing. "With your knitting wound, I dare not tempt it. However, there are ways to prove one wrong…" he muttered, his voice trailing off. Suddenly, a look of utter mischief crossed his eyes. "How are you to ride?"

Dean stared at him for a moment, before the meaning sank in. "I am well enough to support myself on the saddle… why? Are you suggesting what I think you are?"

Castiel smirked, sitting back. "It is only fair. We could settle this dispute at once, with no harm befalling the other; after all we are working together on this."

Sam raised his hands in surrender, backing out of the conversation. "I will resist this challenge; after all the camp needs someone to watch it."

Dean and Castiel both paid no heed; both simply stood together, staring the other down. Castiel clicked his tongue, summoning Iofiel, while Dean motioned to Impala. Both horses came obediently.

Castiel smiled, resting a hand on Iofiel's neck. "I will give you time to saddle Impala. We race… "he paused, looking around their environment. Off in the distance, the rise of distant foot hills caught his eye. "… to those foot hills. Winner receives bragging rights; the other receives camp duty for two weeks. Agreed?"

Dean looked to where Castiel gestured, squinting. "That must be well over a league!"

Castiel raised a hand, staying his further comments. "Are we agreed?" he repeated, extending his hand to Dean.

Dean smirked, taking it in good faith. "Indeed, we are agreed. However…" he added, lifting the blanket and saddle to Impala's back, fastening them quickly. "… I must warn you fairly that Impala is impossible to beat in cross country!"

Cas smiled, mounting Iofiel bare-back as per usual for the two. "And I say… you have no idea who you are up against. Those cumbersome accessories will only slow Impala. But, if it is what makes you happy I cannot deny your comforts." Once he was seated, Castiel removed his robe, leaving him only in his boots, leggings and tunic. He pulled at the half-glove gauntlets to secure them and nodded to Dean.
"When you are ready…"

Dean smirked over at him, gripping the reins tightly. "No, no. I insist, you first…"

Sam had already had enough of their banter groaned audibly. "JUST GO ALREADY!"

Like a shot, both riders were off, galloping full speed across the country side. Hoof beats thundered across the landscape, dirt flying from the horses' trek.

Dean smirked, seeing Castiel's equine merely neck and neck with Impala. "I see your horse has good pace! See if she can catch up!" Dean jeered, spurring Impala onward. Impala gunned his speed, pulling ahead of the white mare easily.

He looked over his shoulder to see Castiel hovering over the horse's back, the only support he used to ride Iofiel being his knees clamped firmly at her sides. He gripped her mane, his seat upon her back light but controlled. He had to admit that it was rather impressive. They moved as one entity, whilst he fully controlled Impala's trek, using the reins to guide the horse. However, he was still winning at this point, and he smiled smugly, turning his attention to the lagging rider. "YOU SEE?" he shouted to him, grinning like a fool. "IMPALA IS NO MATCH IN A RACE!"
Castiel grinned, leaning down. He whispered something to Iofiel, the horse's ears perking up at his words.

Dean smiled and turned his attention back to the trek before him. The fields splayed before them, the rise of distant mountains foggy against the background as the foothills slowly eased closer. If this pace kept up, Dean could easily beat Castiel by a landslide. He felt rather confident.

That is, until his confidence hit a wall at the next turn of events. Suddenly the sound of impending hoof beats drawing nearer caught his attention, and he tensed. He turned just in time to see Castiel and Iofiel, rider and horse, pass Dean as if he merely strolled by his horse's side. Dean's jaw fell open as Castiel turned, balancing on one knee upon Iofiel's back to salute him. "CATCH ME, OH GREAT HUNTER OF THE PLAINS PEOPLE!!" Castiel laughed, pulling ahead of Dean quickly.

Dean shook his head, spurring Impala onward. The chase in full swing, he spurred Impala further, the black mustang giving his all to try and catch up with Iofiel. But it was near impossible.

Iofiel flowed over the landscape like water, hooves barely beating the ground before her stride continued, putting great distance between them.

As they rode the sun finally broke the horizon completely, bathing the landscape in golden light. It was stunning. Dean nearly lost concentration, his attention locked on the elegant rider before him. Sunlight glinted off of Iofiel's white fur, the two nearly angelic as they rode together. It was more than he could say for his own riding partnership with Impala. Castiel barely guided the white mare, letting their bond control their moves. Stunning.

"CANYON!" Cas suddenly shouted over his shoulder, veering off violently in his course. It took Dean a moment to realize what he meant, when he saw it. A large canyon that neither had noticed before suddenly spread before them, gaping mouth ready to swallow them into dark depths. Dean pulled the reins harshly, Impala's hooves scraping dirt as he tried to stop his advance. It did no good, the only course of action being to follow the rider before him.

Impala compensated, dirt flying as he rode along the lip of the canyon following the white mare. Dean kept his eyes locked on the rider before him; daring not to look beyond his vantage point to the gaping hole which he rode mere inches from.  He shook his head in wonder. It was as if Castiel did not even know the canyon was there; attention on the ride to keep his connection with Iofiel.

Dean knew there was no way to cross the canyon easily. His only option would be to spot a narrower portion before Castiel did to make the leap. And luck would be on his side.

Dean spotted the narrowest stretch, and gauged it quickly. Yes, Impala would be able to make the jump easily. He'd warn Castiel of it after the fact so as to gain the upper hand on the leap and pull ahead in the race. Dean changed course, moving away from the canyon before turning back and urging Impala on at full speed.

Impala hit the edge, making the leap. He easily breeched the gap, landing with a loud clatter of hooves on the hard dirt below. Castiel had not noticed, still riding on.

"CASTIEL!" Dean shouted, catching the young mage's attention.

The mage turned to see Dean safely on the other side, and he smirked. He too veered off from the canyon and turned back, Iofiel pausing slightly. He eyed the canyon for a moment, a silence filling the air.

Dean realized too late what the mage's plan was. He would cross at that point… much further down the length of the ravine, where the canyon stretched far too wide for any creature to cross. His eyes widened at the realization, as he began waving his arms frantically. "NO! THE RAVINE IS TOO WIDE!" he shouted, hoping to stop the mage. It was in vain.

Castiel suddenly spurred Iofiel on, the horse charging the gap at full speed. His face masked determined, headed straight for the massive crack in the earth.

Dean's heart stopped in his chest. Iofiel didn't even have a good starting distance for her jump, and Castiel thought she could make it? It was mad! They would both be killed by the fall! It was too much to bear.

Time seemed to slow as Iofiel hit the ledge and made her leap. Dean's eyes trained on the concentration of the mage's façade, the horse flying through the air.

Suddenly, Castiel released his grip on her mane, his arms extended to either side, war cry filling the very air that froze in this moment of truth.