An alternate universe (commonly called an AU) or alternate reality occurs when accepted reality (or canon) is altered. There are a number of forms of AU. Characters may actually move into a universe that is separate from their own, they may find themselves in a reality constructed by a powerful being or induced by a drug, or find their own universe altered by time travel. It occurs both in the Show, and in [[Fanfiction]].
==Episodes Featuring Alternate Universes, Altered Reality or Alternate Timelines==
If a story is generally complaint with the major events, the introduction of a sexual relationship between characters - whether it's [[Wincest]], or [[Dean/Castiel]] or Gabriel/Balthazar, is not considered to make a story an AU.
Some stories may be set in a totally different universe (eg Sam, Dean and Castiel are professional bullriders or FBI agents). These stories more closely resemble original fiction in that the characters share little in common, other than their names and some personality traits, with their canonical versions. These stories are more common in [[RPF AU|RPF]] fics.In [[RPF AU]] stories are essentially original fiction, where the major characters are named, and occasionally very loosely based, on real people.
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