An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Ever wonder how different things would’ve gone had Amara brought back John instead of Mary?
Ever wonder what it would look like to have the boys confront their traumas head-on?
Ever wonder what a slow-burn destiel would’ve looked like in the wake of John’s return? How Cas would’ve interacted with John? How John would’ve interacted with him?
Our Old Heroes
by AdelaClancy
In which Amara doesn't bring back Mary, she brings back John Winchester.
Dean is uncertain what Amara's meaning is when she brings John back, and struggles with coming to terms with the new family dynamic. Sam tries harder to keep the peace than he used to, and Cas does not get along with John at all- though he tries. Testosterone is at an all-time high as these four men struggle to coexist in the hunting world with very different ideologies.
We explore just how much the brothers have changed in the ten years without their father's guidance, the trauma they still haven't resolved, and the feelings that Dean and Cas hold for one another despite the very real and new barrier that is John.
This story begins 12x01 and ends around 13x06
Each chapter takes place within a canon episode. Some plot points are kept, and others are warped based on how differently John’s interference would make things.
I try to keep things as in-character as is possible, and really explore these dynamics throughout this alternate-canon season 12.
