Lift me Up [2/?]
To my surprise, I didn't have to do all that much to this chapter in order to make it ready for actual posting. I hope you enjoy.
Lift me Up [chapter 1]
Title: Lift me Up
Show: Supernatural
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Hurt/Comfort
Characters: Dean, Sam and Bobby
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Supernatural
Summary: The boys have to face Dean's deal, one year left to live and a lot of demons to kill. Enter a creature until now only rumor, which will change Dean's life forever. -Originally written at a friend's prompt, before season 3 started-
Dean rolled his shoulders switching his grip on the steering wheel as the Impala tore down a deserted back road. He’d been driving since Sam had stopped to get them something to snack on, it was now well after midnight, and Sam was quietly sleeping beside him. Dean had toyed with the idea of stopping for the night, but wasn’t in too much of a rush to let himself fall back to sleep. He might have originally thought there was nothing worse than dreaming about his mother and the night of the fire. But there was so much in his life Dean really didn’t want to remember.
He’d experienced that strange sense of calm again, shortly after leaving the convenience store. Although this time he was distrustful of it, which made him want to laugh out loud. This was his own mind and body, and he didn’t know what to think at the moment. Shaking his head, Dean’s foot pressed down harder on the gas as he fingers gripped the wheel harder.
-It’s okay…-
-Yeah sure- Dean thought sarcastically, speeding up even more.
-Not sure about you, but I’d rather not die-
Dean’s eyes shot over to Sam, surprised to see his brother looked sound asleep. Although he knew he wouldn’t find anything Dean’s eyes searched the rear view mirror, but the backseat and the road behind them were both empty. Easing off the gas, Dean flexed his hands, and ran through a short list of possible of creatures he and Sam could have missed when searching the house for Janice’s lock of hair.
-I’d be happy to explain if you want to know-
This time there was no mistaking the fact that the voice had come from inside his own head, Dean looking accusingly at the mirror again, directly into his own eyes, seeing nothing out of the ordinary.
-I hide really well- the voice said proudly, and Dean was sure if there had been a face attached it would have been smiling. -I like to smile- the voice confirmed.
“What the fuck?!” the words burst from Dean’s mouth before he could stop himself, and he immediately felt Sam shift on the bench beside him.
“Dean?” he asked voice soundly heavy with sleep, “What is it?”
“Nothing Sammy,” he assured.
“It’s Sam,” his brother returned sitting up a little straighter while stretching as best he could. “Where are we?” he asked blinking away the sleep from his eyes.
-Middle of nowhere!- the voice laughed in his head, which was a little scary since that was what Dean had intended to say. -I’m up here, I know what you’re thinking-
Dean found himself glaring at the road, “Probably about half way to Amarillo.”
-Not nearly as much fun-
“We’re going to stop for the night,” Sam didn’t make that a question, as he sat straighter in his seat.
“Night’s half over,” Dean tossed out with a shrug, trying to keep his focus on the road, and his brother. Not the distracting voice humming in his head, “What’s the point?”
Sam looked at him directly, “The point is you need to sleep too.”
That was the last thing Dean wanted to do, he wasn’t entirely convinced that this wasn’t all a dream right now. “Not tired,” he said after a beat, fingers flexing around the wheel.
“Dean, are you alright?” Sam asked carefully.
-If you don’t want to draw attention, you’re going about this the wrong way- the voice pointed out cheerfully.
-Fuck off- Dean growled internally, still unable to believe he was doing this.
-I think I grasp what that word means…- he sounded thrilled like a child having finally completed a puzzle. -And I don’t think it’s possible, though I suppose I could give it a try…- happy laughter filled Dean’s head.
“Fine,” he sighed rather gruffly, and then quickly added before Sam could speak, “I’ll stop at the next motel.”
Sam was silent for a moment, and Dean could feel his eyes watching intently. He cursed internally not wanting his brother to worry, or start asking questions Dean wasn’t about to answer. -Nothing to worry about Sammy, I’m just hearing voices- he thought darkly.
-Not plural- his uninvited guest pointed out -I’m just one!-
Dean couldn’t fight back his sigh; -You’re not helping- he thought pointedly rolling his shoulders again while he tried to settle into a more comfortable position. Dean felt his up bringing left him in the unique position of being better able to handle this new situation. Although he didn’t think much of having a voice speaking to him in his head, he felt pretty sure it wasn’t a demon, or anything evil in nature.
-You want to guess?-
Dean didn’t want to dignify that with an answer.
Sam shifted in his seat, “Dean, is there something on your mind?”
-More like in it!- the voice laughed gleefully.
-Did he ask you?- Dean threw back immediately, briefly shaking his head, “I’m alright Sammy,” he told his brother gruffly casting a brief glance his way.
“If you say so,” Sam replied sounding less than convinced but clearly willing to let it drop for a while. “Here’s a motel,” he said after a beat.
Dean slowed the Impala and pulled into the parking lot near to the front desk, they got out without saying a word. And thankfully Dean’s uninvited guest was quiet as he walked into the office. Glancing around for signs of the owner Dean felt Sam’s shoulder brush lightly against his. It was a subtle gesture easily mistaken for Sam having not realized Dean had stopped. The older Winchester new better, it was Sam’s way of letting his brother know he had his back for whatever it was he might be dealing with. As much a Dean appreciated the gestured he wasn’t about to own up to what had just happened, the last thing he wanted to do was give Sam something more to be worried about.
“Can I help you gentlemen,” a worn voice asked coming from a room behind the front desk. A moment later the owner of the inn appeared, and older man dressed in rumpled pajamas rubbing sleep from his eyes as he moved to the desk.
“We’d like a room for the night,” Sam said politely.
The man gave them both an appraising look before glancing pointedly at the wall clock, “Not much of the night left.” His lips tugged up in a slight smile as he pulled out a book and pen, “One queen or two doubles?” he inquired with a raised eyebrow.
-Well at least he didn’t just assume- Dean thought dryly, and surprisingly could feel the curiosity of his guest well up in the back of his mind. -Never mind you- he warned and refocused his attention on the old man, “Two doubles.”
“Alright, I’ll put you in room two, I just need to see your credit card and sign here please.” He placed the book before them and indicated with the pen where he needed the signature. Dean pulled out his wallet searching for his credit card and without hesitation signed the alias into the book. The man turned to a pegboard several keys hanging from it with plastic numbers attached to the ring. “Here you are,” he said passing the key over to Dean, “Enjoy your night, check out is usually at eleven, but considering how late you got it, just come by whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” Sam said in his most sincere voice, Dean just nodded his thanks and turned back towards the door.
They quickly retrieved their bags from the back seat of the Impala and headed to their room, Dean unlocked the door and switched on the light as he stepped aside to let Sammy through. It wasn’t a bad looking room, on par with several of the nicer places they had found in their travels. Obviously the motel found enough business to maintain itself. Dean tossed his duffel down immediately on the bed closest to the door and looked up to his brother, “Do you want the shower first?”
“No go ahead, I’ve already slept some, I’m going to see if I get a wireless signal and do a little more research,” Sam was already digging his laptop out of its case and settling down on his own bed as he turned it on.
Taking his duffel with him Dean walked into the bathroom and closed the door tightly behind him. He stopped the minute he was in front of the mirror, watching his reflection searching for anything that might make him look as different as he felt. But apparently having a voice in his head didn’t have to manifest itself in any other forms.
-I could you know- the voice pointed out sounding pleased, -But now just doesn’t feel like the right time-
Dean stared harder at his reflection, -I’m personally hoping for never, it’s bad enough having a peanut gallery in the form of a little brother. But at least him I can shut up-
-I’m just trying to learn- Dean could hardly believe it but it actually sounded like the voice was pouting.
-Is that what’s been going on with my dreams…- Dean moved over to the shower and got the water running before stripping off his clothes. -I’d prefer if you stay away from my memories-
There was overwhelming curiosity in the voice, -Are they all so bad you’d rather not remember them?-
Stepping under the spray, Dean ducked his head and propped himself up with both his hands, allowing the hot water to pound on his still protesting shoulders. -I don’t particularly enjoy reliving them. And the fact that I’m getting so comfortable with all this is getting a little disturbing-
-You’re strong, seen much, and know even more. I like to learn- he was conversational, friendly.
-Somehow I get the feeling you’ve been around far longer than I have- Dean began washing his short hair. -I find it hard to believe there’s anything I could teach you- he still hadn’t come up with any serious ideas of what the creature was, but he had every intention of looking in his father’s journal, hopefully there had been some mention made there.
-I’d tell you if you just asked, although I still think guessing is more fun-
Dean took a moment to try and shut off his thinking, just focus on finishing his shower, in the hopes that he might find a little peace before the conversation started up again. His life was about to get a lot more tricky, he wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to balance all this. Conversations he couldn’t tune out and working his ass off to keep Sam from noticing anything wasn’t quite right. Dean stepped out of the shower and immediately began toweling off, before opening his duffel and pulling out a pair of sweats and a t-shirt to sleep in.
Sam was still relaxed on his bed when Dean came out of the bathroom his laptop perched on his thighs as his fingers flew across the keyboard. There was a furrow to his brow that told Dean Sammy was looking at something interesting. No doubt he’d gathered more information about the demons they’d be hunting in Texas. He just hoped whatever it was his brother had found it was good news. After the day he’d had Dean didn’t think he wanted to take anything but. “Bathroom’s all yours,” he announced scrubbing the small towel over his head a couple more times before finally letting it settle around his shoulders.
“Did you leave me any hot water?” Sam asked not looking away from the screen.
“A little, I think…” he replied sardonically taking a seat on his own bed dropping the bag on the floor beside his feet.
Sam shook his head, his finger scrolling down a page on the screen for a few seconds more before he finally looked up at Dean. “It’s odd, I would have expected a wide range of attacks, different targets…” he trailed off for a moment his eyes flickering back to the screen. “But all the articles and news reads like its just one demon, I don’t know Bobby’s contact, but if he trusts him then I’m sure there are more than one.”
“So you think they’re working together?” that was an unsettling thought, demons assisting one another. Dean had always thought such ‘help’ was beyond demons, everything about them screamed that they’d be far more cut throat.
“That’s looking like a definite possibility,” Sam shrugged getting to his feet, as he made his way towards the bathroom. “Means it’ll be more dangerous,” he stopped in the doorway and looked back over his shoulder to Dean.
“We’ll figure something out when we meet up with Bobby,” he assured.
Sam hesitated his finger having reached in to switch on the light, but he remained on the threshold eyes staring at nothing. “I don’t like flying blind…” he said softly as though talking more to himself than Dean.
“What? You’d rather be having visions again?” they didn’t honestly know for sure if Sam was free of them.
“I don’t know…” he said with a sigh, “I guess anything can be a gift or a curse depending on how you look at it.”
“You’ll forgive me if I say, so long as you’re not waking screaming after seeing someone’s death, that I think it’s a good thing.” For the first time Dean actually thought he might know how Sam felt not knowing everything about himself, unable to understand what exactly was going on. Unlike his brother Dean hadn’t been born into it, or if he had, the voice had taken its own sweet time in making its presence known. But any insights he might have right now, Dean wasn’t in a position to be sharing.
Sam shrugged again, not making his opinion on the situation very clear, instead he just walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Dean reached down into his duffel for his father’s journal; he knew the pages of the journal nearly as well as the back of his hand. Though not everything was covered in the journal there was a fair chance John might have written something.
-You’re not going to ask me?- again there was a distinct feeling that the voice was pouting, that notion alone was almost enough to have Dean laughing hysterically.
Dean continued to flip through the journal, he was positive he’d memorized all of it since John had left it behind. But that had never stopped him from looking through it again. -How would I know you’re telling the truth?- Dean returned after a beat, pausing on one page to read a short passage John had made, his handwriting quick and sloppy as he’d rushed to get it done.
-I’m truthful!- was the defensive reply.
Dean stopped what he was doing and looked up, though there was nothing to see in the room. -Are you sulking?- he asked feeling oddly amused.
-Read your book. See if you can guess- there was no mistaking the emotions in those thoughts, the voice was sulking.
His eyes continued to scan the room for several long minutes, trying without much success to wrap his mind around what was happening. Finally Dean returned his attention to the journal, his hazel eyes catching sight of a small entry, one that had been made with more care.
Is’nah: A benevolent creature, or spirit, having never actually seen one, I can’t actually say for sure. Some claim it possess no corporal form others that it can attain any form it wishes. I’ve come across a great many rumors, of symbiotic creatures possessing a host, living off the host, learning from it. It isn’t clear at all what Is’nah might bring to this relationship, nor how many of them exist or where they come from. Jim was the first to mention their existence to me, a point in a long argument that not all supernatural creatures are evil.
I intend to hold judgment on Is’nah until I can see one with my own eyes.
Dean put the journal down on the bed, and leaned back against the headboard. “Is that what you are?” he asked quietly, -Is’nah?-
Immediately Dean felt the sulking awareness in the back of his mind perk up excitement quivering through it. -I’ve been called such- he agreed once more amused.
-You were in the house?- Dean wasn’t positive, but it was after he’d fallen through the floor that he’d started experiencing those vivid dreams of his past.
-Harder to live off spirits than humans- Is’nah informed blandly, -I liked you, you were a surprise-
Shaking his head slightly, Dean couldn’t keep the sarcastic smirk from pulling free, -Have you had other hosts before?-
-Maybe…I focus on the present- the voice giggled.
“But can’t help digging into my past…” Dean muttered dryly.
-You’re harder to read, so many walls, great fortifications, a maze. I like puzzles- Is’nah commented and Dean could have sworn he felt something poking at his mind.
-I’m a game to you?- he felt indignant at the very thought.
Again with the happy laughter -Don’t even really let your guard down when you sleep, but I can puzzle you out, see your past, more deeply feel your thoughts-
“I’d really rather you didn’t…”
“Didn’t what?” Sam asked walking out of the bathroom hair damp, dressed in similar clothes as Dean.
Dean didn’t jump at the unexpected intrusion just turned his head towards Sam, “Just thinking out loud,” he replied simply, and quickly made a move towards changing the subject. “You have any idea what demon we’re dealing with? The one leading the others?”
Sam took a seat on his own bed and pulled out the laptop again, “The targets seem to mostly be women, girls around the age of twenty. There have been other attacks that don’t follow that pattern, but I’d imagine if one demon is leading all the rest he doesn’t have complete control. But girls have been taken from all the locations.”
“Any bodies found?” Dean seriously hoped so, for the girls sakes along with the family, he didn’t really want to consider what a demon would do with girls. Though he was sure it wouldn’t be pleasant and death would in turn be a blessing.
His brother shook his head, a look of disgust clear in his eyes, “Nothing yet at least.”
Dean drew in a breath, “This isn’t going to be pretty.”
“When is it ever?” Sam returned grimly.
“When all those involved are just as evil,” he sighed putting the journal back in his duffel before pulling back the covers on his bed.
“Do you want me to drive in the morning?” Sam asked also settling back under the covers of his bed.
Dean shifted in search of a more comfortable position, “We’ll play it by ear.” He wasn’t exactly in a rush to go to sleep, not really wanting to see what Is’nah would pull out of his memories this time. The thought that in sleep he was defenseless to this creature was more than a little unsettling.
-I will leave you alone tonight- Is’nah spoke then, sounding more than a little disappointed. -I have a long time to learn about you- the excitement returned almost immediately.
-I wouldn’t count on that if I were you- was Dean’s last morbid thought before he closed his eyes and let sleep slowly take him.
---SPN---
Dean woke calmly the next morning with no memories of what he had dreamed of during the night, it felt so normal he could almost forget there was an uninvited passenger ridding in the back of his mind. Shifting on the somewhat worn mattress Dean didn’t feel quite ready to get out of bed. The room was quiet and he could hear the soft sounds of Sam breathing, he’d half expected to wake and see the bed empty. And truth be told he was a little disappointed not to have a hot cup of coffee waiting for him.
-Your normal dreams are weird-
The moment of peace was broken in under a second, as Dean could just about picture the disgruntled childlike face that the words portrayed. Rolling onto his back Dean looked up at the ceiling trying to decide what if anything he wanted to say in reply.
-Your memories are far more interesting than the girls you dream about naturally- Is’nah continued to pout.
-Says you, I happen to enjoy them-
-But you didn’t even remember them!- he protested.
Dean pushed himself up with a sigh -Mine is a mixed up life, I should remember those and not the memories you seem to interested in living-
-The memories are real, they’re you, I want to know you-
-Those dreams can be just as real as any memory- Dean smiled to himself remembering some of his more vivid dreams as he got to his feet and walked into the bathroom.
-Not the same!- Is’nah protested.
“Deal,” Dean told his reflection flatly.
-You’re no fun-
Dean smirked at that, and quickly finished in the bathroom. When he walked out Sam was sitting up in bed one finger rubbing the sleep from his eye, “Morning,” he said shifting to the edge of his bed.
“It’s actually getting dangerously close to afternoon,” Dean commented glancing at the clock on the wall.
“Better hit the road then,” from sleep to wake in under three minutes, it was the Winchester way; you never knew when you’d need to pick up and leave. Sam was in and out of the bathroom in less and they were soon walking out the door.
Unlocking the Impala Dean passed the room key over to Sam so he could return it to the office, as Dean got the motor running. He wasn’t honestly sure how he’d feel this morning, after just yesterday realizing that he was sharing his head with another creature. Oddly enough he was coming to accept the madness of it all as easily as he accepted his way of life, and the fact that it would never be a normal one.
Sam climbed in without a word just settled back in his seat as Dean pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the highway. He reached across the seat fingers searching more than his eyes as he felt around for one of his cassette tapes. “Why don’t you let me do that, so you don’t crash and kill us both,” Sam suggested evenly taking the box onto his lap.
“Metalica,” Dean requested refocusing his attention on the road. Within seconds the music was blaring from the speakers, Sam tentatively reached out a hand for the volume controls but Dean smacked it aside drumming the beat contentedly on the steering wheel.
-Your music makes it hard to think- Is’nah pointed out, in a tone that almost felt polite, as though he was informing Dean of something he didn’t know himself.
-That’s the whole point- Dean drawled continuing to drum.
-I did as you asked last night- he pointed out slowly, almost tentatively.
Dean’s fingers halted in their movement, -You’re point?-
-I want to explore!-
-If you weren’t already in there I’d be telling you my mind’s off limits- Dean glanced briefly towards Sam, feeling like this conversation he was having right under his brother’s nose should have been noticeable in some way. He was glad that wasn’t the case but it didn’t make him any less paranoid about Sammy finding out.
-But I am here, and I like it. Nice and cozy, a little warped but then so am I-
-I take offense to the terms ‘nice’ and ‘cozy’ were you not witness to my dreams last night?- Dean still didn’t remember them but going off experience he knew they’d be shocking to most. He had no idea what it took to shock an Is’nah.
Through the corner of one eye Dean caught Sam looking over a map, and he turned his head briefly to regard his brother and distract himself from unwelcome voices in his head.
-I told you, I’m just one!-
-Whatever-
“What is it Sam?” Dean asked breaking the verbal silence between them, Metalica still playing strong over the speakers.
“Just trying to figure out how far out we are,” he replied his index finger trailing along one of the roads on the map. “In theory we should be there by tomorrow morning, if we drive straight through the night.”
“I hate theory,” Dean muttered, running a hand down his face.
-I like it- Is’nah announced excitedly.
-I don’t recall asking you-
-Verbally no, but your thoughts wander further than you notice- the voice giggled in that childlike manner Dean could see himself really coming to hate.
He repressed a sigh, -Is there anything you can do besides bother me?-
-Lots of things!- excitement flowed through Dean’s ever nerve, -But I don’t know you well enough yet…-
-If that was an attempt to go pawing through my memories forget it, they’re still off limits-
-I want to learn!!- Dean nearly winced at the wine in Is’nah’s voice.
-I think you may have chosen the wrong person for that-
Is’nah giggled, it wasn’t playful this time like a child, but rather unsettling -I don’t think so-
Dean’s cell phone ringing brought him back completely focused on the car and road before him. Digging through his pockets Dean found the singing device and tossed it towards Sam, feeling the last thing he needed right now was another voice speaking to him while he was driving. Besides he was fairly sure it was Bobby and Sam would definitely have something to discuss with the old hunter.
“Afternoon Bobby,” Sam greeted, not questioning Dean about handing over the phone, “About a day out.” Dean could hear Bobby’s gruff voice over the music as Sam reached forward to turn it down but it wasn’t enough for his words to be clear. “You noticed the pattern in the attacks…” Sam trailed off listening to Bobby’s reply. “I have a feeling one of the demon’s is leading the rest.”
There was a long pause and Dean watched as Sam’s face grew very grim, “The thought crossed my mind but I was really hoping that wasn’t the case.” Dean didn’t need to hear what Bobby had suggested to know what had been said. There was a very distinct possibility that the girls had been taken so they could be impregnated. The worst part was, if it was true any of the girls still living and carrying these abominations would have to be killed. Chances were though that they’d lost their minds in the face of such horrors.
Sam was absently nodding as he listened to what Bobby was saying, “No,” he replied after a moment, “Nothing like that, at least not yet.”
-Are you feeling left out?- Is’nah asked pleasantly.
Dean blinked -What?-
-Do you feel left out of the conversation, I don’t mind talking-
-So I’ve noticed- Dean thought dryly, -I’ll be fine-
“Alright, if something comes up…” Sam trailed off again, “Right,” he hung up the phone. “Bobby’s there just waiting for us,” Sam informed.
A slight smirked pulled at the corner of Dean’s lips as his foot pressed harder on the gas, and the Impala responded immediately. “Let’s not keep him waiting for too long,” the roar of the engine and Metalica returned to its original volume filled the Impala as Dean tore down the road.
---SPN---
Dean glanced over at Sam, whose hand had strayed to his forehead for the third time in fifteen minutes; it was a classic sign of an impending headache, or worse yet a vision. They were still a ways outside of Amarillo, But Sam had told him this was where the motel Bobby was staying at was. Sure enough within five minutes Dean caught sight of Bobby’s truck parked in front of a run down motel. Pulling into the parking lot along side the old pickup Dean put the Impala into park and turned to look at Sam.
“You alright?” he asked.
Sam looked up pulling hand away from his forehead before looking over at his brother, “Yeah just a headache…”
He accepted that, if he felt the need to pry and did, pushing for more information, Sam would do the same to him, which he definitely didn’t want. Pulling the keys from the ignition Dean opened the door and got out looking towards the door to Bobby’s room, within seconds of them pulling up the older hunter was exiting the room, a welcoming expression on his gruff warn face.
“Took you long enough,” he said by way of greeting.
“Nice to see you too Bobby,” Dean replied shaking the older hunter’s hand. The sound of the passenger’s door opening brought Dean’s attention back to the Impala and his brother, wondering what was taking him so long.
Sam’s eyes were pinched tightly shut as he gasped in pain and pitched forward his jean clad knees slamming into the pavement, “Sammy!” Dean called rushing to his brother’s side Bobby right on his heels.
“Dean…” Sam managed as Dean caught him tightly in his arms, the younger Winchester didn’t go limp in Dean’s arms it was almost like he began to convulse as his mind and body fought against the vision he was being made to bear witness too.
“C’mon Sammy talk to me,” Dean spoke gently into his brother’s ear holding him close as Bobby knelt next to them watching with a calm expression though his eyes betrayed his concern. He’d often wondered if Sam could make the visions easier for himself if he were to relax and give into them. He knew that was easier said than done, though.
Sam’s gasping breaths shook Dean from his thoughts, and he felt Bobby lean in closer, instinctively his grip tightened on his brother. “C’mon let’s get him inside out of the heat,” Bobby instructed reaching out to take Sam’s other side so between the two of them they could haul Sam to his feet.
Nodding in agreement Dean shifted his grip on his brother, and hefted Sam up, “C’mon bitch, you’ve dealt with worse,” he said quietly into Sam’s hear.
“Jerk…” his brother’s voice was strained, but it was enough to put Dean’s mind a little more at ease. Once inside Bobby’s room Dean helped lay his brother down on the second bed. Sam put up no fight when they moved to lay him out on the bed, by this time he hardly seemed conscious at all. Bobby immediately took hold of Sam’s wrist timing his pulse, as Dean sat down beside his brother’s head.
“Sammy?” he called softly.
“This is the first vision he’s had since…” Bobby trailed off, not needing to say the rest, and he continued to check Sam over. Dean simply nodded in reply.
-He’ll be alright- Is’nah spoke up for the first time in hours, having been blissfully silent in the back of Dean’s mind.
-What makes you so sure?- he wanted to believe it, had no reason to think that anything bad was going to happen to Sammy, nothing ever had before. But then again Sam had never lost consciousness because of a vision before.
-I doubt you’d accept trust me?- Is’nah attempted.
Dean shrugged, with a dismissive shake of his head, -Doesn’t matter- he wanted his attention focused on Sam.
“Dean?” the tone of Bobby’s voice broke through Dean’s thoughts and it sounded to him like his name had been said more than once. It wasn’t until after he blinked that he realized Bobby had a hand firmly on his shoulder. It was only his trust of the older hunter that had kept him from breaking the man’s hand on contact. “You with me?” he asked after a moment of looking the older Winchester in the eyes.
“Yeah…” Dean returned slowly, “I’d just been really hoping he’d seen the last of those visions.”
Bobby got up from his side of the bed and moved deeper into the room taking one of the two chairs at the round table, leaving Dean with the one that would give a clear shot to the bed. “You can’t have really thought the death of the Yellow Eyed Demon would mean the end of the vision.”
“No, but I could hope,” he conceded, eyes watching the slow rise and fall of Sam’s chest. Before the visions had changed from nightmares that he’d wake screaming from to waking visions of death Dean couldn’t remember a time where his brother lost consciousness. It was making him more than a little worried.
“Right, well until he wakes up and tells us what he saw, why don’t I show you what I think we’re up against,” Bobby reached for a folder resting on the far side of the table. He began pulling out sheets of paper, “I’d reached the same conclusion as Sam, that one demon’s leading the rest, but we’ve got at least five other acting somewhat independently.”
Dean reached for a map that was among the papers and turned it towards himself, studying the markings. -It’s a pattern- Is’nah pointed out happily -I like patterns, they’re everywhere if you look for them…-
-Thank you for that- Dean tried to push the voice aside feeling that Is’nah had a lot more to say, though perhaps that wasn’t the right word, impart? Dean shook his head to clear away such thoughts and received the distinct impression that Is’nah was pouting at him, which was both odd, and almost made him want to apologize.
“These are what? Locations of attacks?” Dean asked Bobby indicating the different colored dots covering certain portions of the map.
“Yeah,” Bobby pointed with his index finger, “Unexplained fires,” he indicated the first sires of dots, Dean’s expression became grim. “Possessions, brutal murders,” the second and third, “Possible Hell Hounds…”
“It’s a pentagram,” Dean breathed looking from the map to Bobby’s scruffy face to Sam’s sleeping form on the bed.
“More or less,” the older hunter agreed, “The disappearances of the girls have been happening over these counties and even across the state lines, anywhere where other demonic activity has been found. There’s enough distance and explainable events that the police, although interested shouldn’t get in our way.”
Dean rubbed at his brow, a long sigh escaping him, “They wouldn’t even know where to begin looking.” Although some of their necessary materials inevitably came from law enforcement, Dean had never been much of a fan. Not now especially that he was on the FBI’s most wanted list, though he kept in mind several names of men who’d stayed under the radar for many long years. -Not that I need that many…just one will do- Dean thought dryly.
Surprisingly enough Is’nah didn’t seem to have any comment to make on that.
“I’ve been looking into the missing girls were looking at upwards of twenty, and the disappearances are going further a field,” Bobby pointed out, leafing through a number of similar papers, all with names and faces of the missing girls. “Almost seems like the bugger knows what he’s doing, doesn’t want to draw too much attention to himself.”
“Any running similarities with the girls?” Dean wondered aloud looking over the papers that Bobby passed his way.
“They’re all athletic, and around the age of twenty, but that’s about where the similarities end, the demon’s been covering all races and nationalities it can get is claws on.” Bobby leaned back in his seat crossing his arms over his barrel chest. “It’s actually kind of smart, the less of a pattern the police have to go on, the more confused they are.”
“So what’s your plan now?” Dean asked twisting in his seat, to watch the older hunter as Bobby went to grab them both a drink.
Passing the beer across to Dean, as he popped the cap off his own, “I’ve set a few devil’s traps around the area, figure we can check them soon as Sam’s back with us.”
Dean had to laugh at that, imagining little wire traps positioned in ‘less’ than obvious places for the demons to get caught in. “You make it sound so much like regular hunting when you put it like that,” he took a pull on his beer before pushing himself to his feet and stepping over to Sam’s sleeping form.
Bobby barked a laugh, “The way you boys were raised it basically is.”
“With so many demons have you considered how you want to take them all down?” they’d have to split up at least at times in order to level the playing field a little. The Question was did they take out the demons working under the main? Or remove the leader first. Neither plan was perfect; the girls were constantly at risk and more like them so long as the demon was in control. On the other hand if they took out the leader, the other demons might scatter, and this was far too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“I’ve got a few ideas,” Bobby nodded.
-Hey- Is’nah piped up.
“Most important thing is not to loose any of them,” the older hunter continued.
-Dean!- there was a distinct whine to the voice.
Dean attempted to push the voice aside wanting to remained focused on what he and Bobby were discussing not what Is’nah wanted to add to the conversation. “You really think we’re likely to get them all in one sweep?” Dean though that was wishful thinking on any of their parts
A smirk touched Bobby’s face, “Not much else we can do but try.”
-Will you listen to me now?- Is’nah asked impatiently.
-What?- Dean returned exasperated, his hazel eyes focusing on his brother’s expressionless face.
-He’s awake now- the voice pointed out, tone tentative, -I just thought you’d like to know- Dean didn’t want the guilt that washed over him to show to Is’nah but he knew the minute he’d felt it the voice had experienced it too. -You’re forgiven!- Is’nah chirped happily.
Dean rolled his eyes, “Dean?” Bobby’s voice cut through his thoughts causing the younger hunter to look up, wondering how long he’d been sitting here distracted.
“I just thought of a way we could find the demon behind all this,” Dean began keeping his voice low as though not wanting to wake his brother but knowing Sam would be listening intently.
“Oh?” Bobby leaned back against the wall arms folded eyebrow raised, his tone was skeptical and he had every right to be.
“You say the demon prefers athletic women,” his eyes briefly flickered to Sam’s face, “I say we dress Sammy in drag and wait for him to be nabbed, he’d make an excellent girl.” Sam’s fist swung for Dean’s side immediately, but the older Winchester had been expecting it. Dean caught his brother’s wrist easily, “Nice to see you’re back with us Sammy.”
Sam yanked his hand free of his brother’s grasp, “It’s Sam,” he corrected on impulse as he pushed himself up, brown eyes looking around the motel room.
Bobby chuckled, “You don’t like you brother’s plan?” it was a rhetorical question as Bobby continued to smile from his position against the wall, “I have to admit it could work.”
“No drag,” Sam returned adamantly, “It’s bad enough what’s happening to those girls.”
“So that’s what you’re vision was about?” Dean asked expression and tone becoming serious.
Sam shifted on the bed swinging his legs over the edge as he pulled both hands through his long brown hair. “It was…about a lot…” he breathed at first.
“Can you tell us anything?” Bobby inquired.
“It’s as bad as I thought,” Sam informed, “The demon’s impregnating the girls, I’ve no idea how many of them are alive right now.” His brown eyes glanced between them before his head ducked attention focusing on the floor, “But more than a few have died.”
Dean studied his brother’s face noting his pale complexion, “There’s more isn’t there?”
Sam shook his head, “I can’t make sense of it, its just flashes.”
“But they’d been getting clearer,” Dean said, not meaning to let the exasperation show.
“I don’t control them,” Sam said defensively, pulling a hand through his hair.
“Hey easy,” Dean held up his hands defensively, deciding to switch his focus, “How’re you feeling?”
Sam sat in silence for a moment both elbows resting on knees and his hands tangled tightly in his hair. “I’m fine…” he pushed out finally, and it sounded distinctly like he was trying to convince himself.
Dean tilted his head trying without much luck to catch sight of his brother’s eyes, “Dude you passed out,” he waited for a second to see if the significance of that would sink in but Sam said nothing, didn’t even look up. “A vision’s never done that to you.”
“Come more than close!” Sam barked clearly wanting the conversation to end.
“You forget I’ve experienced it?” Dean shot back immediately, he’d thought his head was going to explode, but his consciousness had remained firmly planted. “This was different, talk to me.”
The silence in the room was tense until Bobby chose to break it, “You boy’s have anything to eat yet today?” Bobby asked pushing himself away from the wall.
“No,” Dean answered for the both of them keeping his eyes on Sam as his brother slowly looked up to the older hunter.
“You feel up to some food?” the question was directed toward Sam who was still looking very pale. “I’ve got some devil’s traps to check when we’re done.” The younger Winchester nodded his head pushing himself to his feet. Bobby turned to walk over to a small table by the door and retrieved the keys to his room and truck.
Dean remained close to his brother’s side keeping a watchful eye on him as Sam slowly followed him from the room. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Dean asked quietly, as they climbed into the Impala.
Sam pushed a sigh passed his lips, “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said firmly brown eyes studying Dean’s profile as they followed Bobby through the streets of the small community. “Should I be asking you that question?”
“Can’t imagine why,” Dean shot back quickly, “I’m not the one having visions, that’s your department.”
-But you’ve got me!- Is’nah was more than happy to point out.
-I’d like that to stay between the two of us- Dean explained dryly.
“Never mind…” Sam shook his head, face turning towards the window.
-He doesn’t know does he?-
-Now you suddenly want to be talking to me?- Dean was positive that if Is’nah possessed a corporal form his little nose would have been in the air.
Dean rolled his eyes -You’ve never hesitated to speak before-
-Maybe there’s only so many times I can be ignored or told to shut up-
-I highly doubt that- Dean returned.
Bobby pulled into the parking lot of a small diner ahead of him, and for the moment Dean let the matter drop, knowing instinctively that Is’nah was not about to ‘stop’ speaking to him. Given his time to sulk no doubt he’d come around.
-I don’t sulk!-
Dean had to fight the urge to laugh out loud, -There’s something distinctly sulky about that-
Pulling the Impala alongside Bobby’s truck Dean put it into park and climbed out, “How close is the nearest trap?” he asked easily.
“About two miles east of here,” Bobby replied walking into the diner.
“Did you bait them with anything?” Sam asked innocently.
Bobby just shook his head at that, taking the first empty table that they came too and sat down. Dean fell back subtly ushering Sam in before him, while he took the edge eyes scanning the diner, sighting the exits and people as he’d been trained to do. As much as they’d relied on these small often privately owned diners for their meals throughout their young lives Dean knew they could often be a resting place of local police. He couldn’t be positive what the chances were that someone this far down the line would know his face at a glance, but he never liked to take a chance.
-You could always grow a beard…- Is’nah offered.
-I knew it wouldn’t take long for you to come around- Dean could hardly believe the thought. Shouldn’t he have been thrilled this strange voice didn’t want to speak to him any more? That his life wasn’t going to get any weirder? He shrugged internally; there really wasn’t much he could do about it at the moment.
Dean looked up to see a young man coming round with a full pot of steaming coffee, which he politely offered to each of them before placing a menu at each of their elbows. His hazel eyes scanned up and down the diner behind the counter and as far into the kitchen as he could see, but nowhere did he see any attractive women.
“That’s just wrong…” he breathed quietly.
Bobby laughed out right clearly having no problem guessing at Dean’s disappointment, and Sam managed to follow a moment latter his elbow connecting with Dean’s side. “Thought I’d take you somewhere you could remain focused,” Bobby explained good-naturedly
“Bobby, did I try to kill you in a former life?” he figured it had to be something as bad as that to warrant such treatment. But the older hunter merely laughed, Sam joining him some color having finally returned to his face.
Thanks for reading, I'll post chapter three tomorrow.
Lift me Up [chapter 3]
Lift me Up [chapter 1]
Title: Lift me Up
Show: Supernatural
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Hurt/Comfort
Characters: Dean, Sam and Bobby
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters from Supernatural
Summary: The boys have to face Dean's deal, one year left to live and a lot of demons to kill. Enter a creature until now only rumor, which will change Dean's life forever. -Originally written at a friend's prompt, before season 3 started-
Dean rolled his shoulders switching his grip on the steering wheel as the Impala tore down a deserted back road. He’d been driving since Sam had stopped to get them something to snack on, it was now well after midnight, and Sam was quietly sleeping beside him. Dean had toyed with the idea of stopping for the night, but wasn’t in too much of a rush to let himself fall back to sleep. He might have originally thought there was nothing worse than dreaming about his mother and the night of the fire. But there was so much in his life Dean really didn’t want to remember.
He’d experienced that strange sense of calm again, shortly after leaving the convenience store. Although this time he was distrustful of it, which made him want to laugh out loud. This was his own mind and body, and he didn’t know what to think at the moment. Shaking his head, Dean’s foot pressed down harder on the gas as he fingers gripped the wheel harder.
-It’s okay…-
-Yeah sure- Dean thought sarcastically, speeding up even more.
-Not sure about you, but I’d rather not die-
Dean’s eyes shot over to Sam, surprised to see his brother looked sound asleep. Although he knew he wouldn’t find anything Dean’s eyes searched the rear view mirror, but the backseat and the road behind them were both empty. Easing off the gas, Dean flexed his hands, and ran through a short list of possible of creatures he and Sam could have missed when searching the house for Janice’s lock of hair.
-I’d be happy to explain if you want to know-
This time there was no mistaking the fact that the voice had come from inside his own head, Dean looking accusingly at the mirror again, directly into his own eyes, seeing nothing out of the ordinary.
-I hide really well- the voice said proudly, and Dean was sure if there had been a face attached it would have been smiling. -I like to smile- the voice confirmed.
“What the fuck?!” the words burst from Dean’s mouth before he could stop himself, and he immediately felt Sam shift on the bench beside him.
“Dean?” he asked voice soundly heavy with sleep, “What is it?”
“Nothing Sammy,” he assured.
“It’s Sam,” his brother returned sitting up a little straighter while stretching as best he could. “Where are we?” he asked blinking away the sleep from his eyes.
-Middle of nowhere!- the voice laughed in his head, which was a little scary since that was what Dean had intended to say. -I’m up here, I know what you’re thinking-
Dean found himself glaring at the road, “Probably about half way to Amarillo.”
-Not nearly as much fun-
“We’re going to stop for the night,” Sam didn’t make that a question, as he sat straighter in his seat.
“Night’s half over,” Dean tossed out with a shrug, trying to keep his focus on the road, and his brother. Not the distracting voice humming in his head, “What’s the point?”
Sam looked at him directly, “The point is you need to sleep too.”
That was the last thing Dean wanted to do, he wasn’t entirely convinced that this wasn’t all a dream right now. “Not tired,” he said after a beat, fingers flexing around the wheel.
“Dean, are you alright?” Sam asked carefully.
-If you don’t want to draw attention, you’re going about this the wrong way- the voice pointed out cheerfully.
-Fuck off- Dean growled internally, still unable to believe he was doing this.
-I think I grasp what that word means…- he sounded thrilled like a child having finally completed a puzzle. -And I don’t think it’s possible, though I suppose I could give it a try…- happy laughter filled Dean’s head.
“Fine,” he sighed rather gruffly, and then quickly added before Sam could speak, “I’ll stop at the next motel.”
Sam was silent for a moment, and Dean could feel his eyes watching intently. He cursed internally not wanting his brother to worry, or start asking questions Dean wasn’t about to answer. -Nothing to worry about Sammy, I’m just hearing voices- he thought darkly.
-Not plural- his uninvited guest pointed out -I’m just one!-
Dean couldn’t fight back his sigh; -You’re not helping- he thought pointedly rolling his shoulders again while he tried to settle into a more comfortable position. Dean felt his up bringing left him in the unique position of being better able to handle this new situation. Although he didn’t think much of having a voice speaking to him in his head, he felt pretty sure it wasn’t a demon, or anything evil in nature.
-You want to guess?-
Dean didn’t want to dignify that with an answer.
Sam shifted in his seat, “Dean, is there something on your mind?”
-More like in it!- the voice laughed gleefully.
-Did he ask you?- Dean threw back immediately, briefly shaking his head, “I’m alright Sammy,” he told his brother gruffly casting a brief glance his way.
“If you say so,” Sam replied sounding less than convinced but clearly willing to let it drop for a while. “Here’s a motel,” he said after a beat.
Dean slowed the Impala and pulled into the parking lot near to the front desk, they got out without saying a word. And thankfully Dean’s uninvited guest was quiet as he walked into the office. Glancing around for signs of the owner Dean felt Sam’s shoulder brush lightly against his. It was a subtle gesture easily mistaken for Sam having not realized Dean had stopped. The older Winchester new better, it was Sam’s way of letting his brother know he had his back for whatever it was he might be dealing with. As much a Dean appreciated the gestured he wasn’t about to own up to what had just happened, the last thing he wanted to do was give Sam something more to be worried about.
“Can I help you gentlemen,” a worn voice asked coming from a room behind the front desk. A moment later the owner of the inn appeared, and older man dressed in rumpled pajamas rubbing sleep from his eyes as he moved to the desk.
“We’d like a room for the night,” Sam said politely.
The man gave them both an appraising look before glancing pointedly at the wall clock, “Not much of the night left.” His lips tugged up in a slight smile as he pulled out a book and pen, “One queen or two doubles?” he inquired with a raised eyebrow.
-Well at least he didn’t just assume- Dean thought dryly, and surprisingly could feel the curiosity of his guest well up in the back of his mind. -Never mind you- he warned and refocused his attention on the old man, “Two doubles.”
“Alright, I’ll put you in room two, I just need to see your credit card and sign here please.” He placed the book before them and indicated with the pen where he needed the signature. Dean pulled out his wallet searching for his credit card and without hesitation signed the alias into the book. The man turned to a pegboard several keys hanging from it with plastic numbers attached to the ring. “Here you are,” he said passing the key over to Dean, “Enjoy your night, check out is usually at eleven, but considering how late you got it, just come by whenever you’re ready.”
“Thank you,” Sam said in his most sincere voice, Dean just nodded his thanks and turned back towards the door.
They quickly retrieved their bags from the back seat of the Impala and headed to their room, Dean unlocked the door and switched on the light as he stepped aside to let Sammy through. It wasn’t a bad looking room, on par with several of the nicer places they had found in their travels. Obviously the motel found enough business to maintain itself. Dean tossed his duffel down immediately on the bed closest to the door and looked up to his brother, “Do you want the shower first?”
“No go ahead, I’ve already slept some, I’m going to see if I get a wireless signal and do a little more research,” Sam was already digging his laptop out of its case and settling down on his own bed as he turned it on.
Taking his duffel with him Dean walked into the bathroom and closed the door tightly behind him. He stopped the minute he was in front of the mirror, watching his reflection searching for anything that might make him look as different as he felt. But apparently having a voice in his head didn’t have to manifest itself in any other forms.
-I could you know- the voice pointed out sounding pleased, -But now just doesn’t feel like the right time-
Dean stared harder at his reflection, -I’m personally hoping for never, it’s bad enough having a peanut gallery in the form of a little brother. But at least him I can shut up-
-I’m just trying to learn- Dean could hardly believe it but it actually sounded like the voice was pouting.
-Is that what’s been going on with my dreams…- Dean moved over to the shower and got the water running before stripping off his clothes. -I’d prefer if you stay away from my memories-
There was overwhelming curiosity in the voice, -Are they all so bad you’d rather not remember them?-
Stepping under the spray, Dean ducked his head and propped himself up with both his hands, allowing the hot water to pound on his still protesting shoulders. -I don’t particularly enjoy reliving them. And the fact that I’m getting so comfortable with all this is getting a little disturbing-
-You’re strong, seen much, and know even more. I like to learn- he was conversational, friendly.
-Somehow I get the feeling you’ve been around far longer than I have- Dean began washing his short hair. -I find it hard to believe there’s anything I could teach you- he still hadn’t come up with any serious ideas of what the creature was, but he had every intention of looking in his father’s journal, hopefully there had been some mention made there.
-I’d tell you if you just asked, although I still think guessing is more fun-
Dean took a moment to try and shut off his thinking, just focus on finishing his shower, in the hopes that he might find a little peace before the conversation started up again. His life was about to get a lot more tricky, he wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to balance all this. Conversations he couldn’t tune out and working his ass off to keep Sam from noticing anything wasn’t quite right. Dean stepped out of the shower and immediately began toweling off, before opening his duffel and pulling out a pair of sweats and a t-shirt to sleep in.
Sam was still relaxed on his bed when Dean came out of the bathroom his laptop perched on his thighs as his fingers flew across the keyboard. There was a furrow to his brow that told Dean Sammy was looking at something interesting. No doubt he’d gathered more information about the demons they’d be hunting in Texas. He just hoped whatever it was his brother had found it was good news. After the day he’d had Dean didn’t think he wanted to take anything but. “Bathroom’s all yours,” he announced scrubbing the small towel over his head a couple more times before finally letting it settle around his shoulders.
“Did you leave me any hot water?” Sam asked not looking away from the screen.
“A little, I think…” he replied sardonically taking a seat on his own bed dropping the bag on the floor beside his feet.
Sam shook his head, his finger scrolling down a page on the screen for a few seconds more before he finally looked up at Dean. “It’s odd, I would have expected a wide range of attacks, different targets…” he trailed off for a moment his eyes flickering back to the screen. “But all the articles and news reads like its just one demon, I don’t know Bobby’s contact, but if he trusts him then I’m sure there are more than one.”
“So you think they’re working together?” that was an unsettling thought, demons assisting one another. Dean had always thought such ‘help’ was beyond demons, everything about them screamed that they’d be far more cut throat.
“That’s looking like a definite possibility,” Sam shrugged getting to his feet, as he made his way towards the bathroom. “Means it’ll be more dangerous,” he stopped in the doorway and looked back over his shoulder to Dean.
“We’ll figure something out when we meet up with Bobby,” he assured.
Sam hesitated his finger having reached in to switch on the light, but he remained on the threshold eyes staring at nothing. “I don’t like flying blind…” he said softly as though talking more to himself than Dean.
“What? You’d rather be having visions again?” they didn’t honestly know for sure if Sam was free of them.
“I don’t know…” he said with a sigh, “I guess anything can be a gift or a curse depending on how you look at it.”
“You’ll forgive me if I say, so long as you’re not waking screaming after seeing someone’s death, that I think it’s a good thing.” For the first time Dean actually thought he might know how Sam felt not knowing everything about himself, unable to understand what exactly was going on. Unlike his brother Dean hadn’t been born into it, or if he had, the voice had taken its own sweet time in making its presence known. But any insights he might have right now, Dean wasn’t in a position to be sharing.
Sam shrugged again, not making his opinion on the situation very clear, instead he just walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Dean reached down into his duffel for his father’s journal; he knew the pages of the journal nearly as well as the back of his hand. Though not everything was covered in the journal there was a fair chance John might have written something.
-You’re not going to ask me?- again there was a distinct feeling that the voice was pouting, that notion alone was almost enough to have Dean laughing hysterically.
Dean continued to flip through the journal, he was positive he’d memorized all of it since John had left it behind. But that had never stopped him from looking through it again. -How would I know you’re telling the truth?- Dean returned after a beat, pausing on one page to read a short passage John had made, his handwriting quick and sloppy as he’d rushed to get it done.
-I’m truthful!- was the defensive reply.
Dean stopped what he was doing and looked up, though there was nothing to see in the room. -Are you sulking?- he asked feeling oddly amused.
-Read your book. See if you can guess- there was no mistaking the emotions in those thoughts, the voice was sulking.
His eyes continued to scan the room for several long minutes, trying without much success to wrap his mind around what was happening. Finally Dean returned his attention to the journal, his hazel eyes catching sight of a small entry, one that had been made with more care.
Is’nah: A benevolent creature, or spirit, having never actually seen one, I can’t actually say for sure. Some claim it possess no corporal form others that it can attain any form it wishes. I’ve come across a great many rumors, of symbiotic creatures possessing a host, living off the host, learning from it. It isn’t clear at all what Is’nah might bring to this relationship, nor how many of them exist or where they come from. Jim was the first to mention their existence to me, a point in a long argument that not all supernatural creatures are evil.
I intend to hold judgment on Is’nah until I can see one with my own eyes.
Dean put the journal down on the bed, and leaned back against the headboard. “Is that what you are?” he asked quietly, -Is’nah?-
Immediately Dean felt the sulking awareness in the back of his mind perk up excitement quivering through it. -I’ve been called such- he agreed once more amused.
-You were in the house?- Dean wasn’t positive, but it was after he’d fallen through the floor that he’d started experiencing those vivid dreams of his past.
-Harder to live off spirits than humans- Is’nah informed blandly, -I liked you, you were a surprise-
Shaking his head slightly, Dean couldn’t keep the sarcastic smirk from pulling free, -Have you had other hosts before?-
-Maybe…I focus on the present- the voice giggled.
“But can’t help digging into my past…” Dean muttered dryly.
-You’re harder to read, so many walls, great fortifications, a maze. I like puzzles- Is’nah commented and Dean could have sworn he felt something poking at his mind.
-I’m a game to you?- he felt indignant at the very thought.
Again with the happy laughter -Don’t even really let your guard down when you sleep, but I can puzzle you out, see your past, more deeply feel your thoughts-
“I’d really rather you didn’t…”
“Didn’t what?” Sam asked walking out of the bathroom hair damp, dressed in similar clothes as Dean.
Dean didn’t jump at the unexpected intrusion just turned his head towards Sam, “Just thinking out loud,” he replied simply, and quickly made a move towards changing the subject. “You have any idea what demon we’re dealing with? The one leading the others?”
Sam took a seat on his own bed and pulled out the laptop again, “The targets seem to mostly be women, girls around the age of twenty. There have been other attacks that don’t follow that pattern, but I’d imagine if one demon is leading all the rest he doesn’t have complete control. But girls have been taken from all the locations.”
“Any bodies found?” Dean seriously hoped so, for the girls sakes along with the family, he didn’t really want to consider what a demon would do with girls. Though he was sure it wouldn’t be pleasant and death would in turn be a blessing.
His brother shook his head, a look of disgust clear in his eyes, “Nothing yet at least.”
Dean drew in a breath, “This isn’t going to be pretty.”
“When is it ever?” Sam returned grimly.
“When all those involved are just as evil,” he sighed putting the journal back in his duffel before pulling back the covers on his bed.
“Do you want me to drive in the morning?” Sam asked also settling back under the covers of his bed.
Dean shifted in search of a more comfortable position, “We’ll play it by ear.” He wasn’t exactly in a rush to go to sleep, not really wanting to see what Is’nah would pull out of his memories this time. The thought that in sleep he was defenseless to this creature was more than a little unsettling.
-I will leave you alone tonight- Is’nah spoke then, sounding more than a little disappointed. -I have a long time to learn about you- the excitement returned almost immediately.
-I wouldn’t count on that if I were you- was Dean’s last morbid thought before he closed his eyes and let sleep slowly take him.
---SPN---
Dean woke calmly the next morning with no memories of what he had dreamed of during the night, it felt so normal he could almost forget there was an uninvited passenger ridding in the back of his mind. Shifting on the somewhat worn mattress Dean didn’t feel quite ready to get out of bed. The room was quiet and he could hear the soft sounds of Sam breathing, he’d half expected to wake and see the bed empty. And truth be told he was a little disappointed not to have a hot cup of coffee waiting for him.
-Your normal dreams are weird-
The moment of peace was broken in under a second, as Dean could just about picture the disgruntled childlike face that the words portrayed. Rolling onto his back Dean looked up at the ceiling trying to decide what if anything he wanted to say in reply.
-Your memories are far more interesting than the girls you dream about naturally- Is’nah continued to pout.
-Says you, I happen to enjoy them-
-But you didn’t even remember them!- he protested.
Dean pushed himself up with a sigh -Mine is a mixed up life, I should remember those and not the memories you seem to interested in living-
-The memories are real, they’re you, I want to know you-
-Those dreams can be just as real as any memory- Dean smiled to himself remembering some of his more vivid dreams as he got to his feet and walked into the bathroom.
-Not the same!- Is’nah protested.
“Deal,” Dean told his reflection flatly.
-You’re no fun-
Dean smirked at that, and quickly finished in the bathroom. When he walked out Sam was sitting up in bed one finger rubbing the sleep from his eye, “Morning,” he said shifting to the edge of his bed.
“It’s actually getting dangerously close to afternoon,” Dean commented glancing at the clock on the wall.
“Better hit the road then,” from sleep to wake in under three minutes, it was the Winchester way; you never knew when you’d need to pick up and leave. Sam was in and out of the bathroom in less and they were soon walking out the door.
Unlocking the Impala Dean passed the room key over to Sam so he could return it to the office, as Dean got the motor running. He wasn’t honestly sure how he’d feel this morning, after just yesterday realizing that he was sharing his head with another creature. Oddly enough he was coming to accept the madness of it all as easily as he accepted his way of life, and the fact that it would never be a normal one.
Sam climbed in without a word just settled back in his seat as Dean pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the highway. He reached across the seat fingers searching more than his eyes as he felt around for one of his cassette tapes. “Why don’t you let me do that, so you don’t crash and kill us both,” Sam suggested evenly taking the box onto his lap.
“Metalica,” Dean requested refocusing his attention on the road. Within seconds the music was blaring from the speakers, Sam tentatively reached out a hand for the volume controls but Dean smacked it aside drumming the beat contentedly on the steering wheel.
-Your music makes it hard to think- Is’nah pointed out, in a tone that almost felt polite, as though he was informing Dean of something he didn’t know himself.
-That’s the whole point- Dean drawled continuing to drum.
-I did as you asked last night- he pointed out slowly, almost tentatively.
Dean’s fingers halted in their movement, -You’re point?-
-I want to explore!-
-If you weren’t already in there I’d be telling you my mind’s off limits- Dean glanced briefly towards Sam, feeling like this conversation he was having right under his brother’s nose should have been noticeable in some way. He was glad that wasn’t the case but it didn’t make him any less paranoid about Sammy finding out.
-But I am here, and I like it. Nice and cozy, a little warped but then so am I-
-I take offense to the terms ‘nice’ and ‘cozy’ were you not witness to my dreams last night?- Dean still didn’t remember them but going off experience he knew they’d be shocking to most. He had no idea what it took to shock an Is’nah.
Through the corner of one eye Dean caught Sam looking over a map, and he turned his head briefly to regard his brother and distract himself from unwelcome voices in his head.
-I told you, I’m just one!-
-Whatever-
“What is it Sam?” Dean asked breaking the verbal silence between them, Metalica still playing strong over the speakers.
“Just trying to figure out how far out we are,” he replied his index finger trailing along one of the roads on the map. “In theory we should be there by tomorrow morning, if we drive straight through the night.”
“I hate theory,” Dean muttered, running a hand down his face.
-I like it- Is’nah announced excitedly.
-I don’t recall asking you-
-Verbally no, but your thoughts wander further than you notice- the voice giggled in that childlike manner Dean could see himself really coming to hate.
He repressed a sigh, -Is there anything you can do besides bother me?-
-Lots of things!- excitement flowed through Dean’s ever nerve, -But I don’t know you well enough yet…-
-If that was an attempt to go pawing through my memories forget it, they’re still off limits-
-I want to learn!!- Dean nearly winced at the wine in Is’nah’s voice.
-I think you may have chosen the wrong person for that-
Is’nah giggled, it wasn’t playful this time like a child, but rather unsettling -I don’t think so-
Dean’s cell phone ringing brought him back completely focused on the car and road before him. Digging through his pockets Dean found the singing device and tossed it towards Sam, feeling the last thing he needed right now was another voice speaking to him while he was driving. Besides he was fairly sure it was Bobby and Sam would definitely have something to discuss with the old hunter.
“Afternoon Bobby,” Sam greeted, not questioning Dean about handing over the phone, “About a day out.” Dean could hear Bobby’s gruff voice over the music as Sam reached forward to turn it down but it wasn’t enough for his words to be clear. “You noticed the pattern in the attacks…” Sam trailed off listening to Bobby’s reply. “I have a feeling one of the demon’s is leading the rest.”
There was a long pause and Dean watched as Sam’s face grew very grim, “The thought crossed my mind but I was really hoping that wasn’t the case.” Dean didn’t need to hear what Bobby had suggested to know what had been said. There was a very distinct possibility that the girls had been taken so they could be impregnated. The worst part was, if it was true any of the girls still living and carrying these abominations would have to be killed. Chances were though that they’d lost their minds in the face of such horrors.
Sam was absently nodding as he listened to what Bobby was saying, “No,” he replied after a moment, “Nothing like that, at least not yet.”
-Are you feeling left out?- Is’nah asked pleasantly.
Dean blinked -What?-
-Do you feel left out of the conversation, I don’t mind talking-
-So I’ve noticed- Dean thought dryly, -I’ll be fine-
“Alright, if something comes up…” Sam trailed off again, “Right,” he hung up the phone. “Bobby’s there just waiting for us,” Sam informed.
A slight smirked pulled at the corner of Dean’s lips as his foot pressed harder on the gas, and the Impala responded immediately. “Let’s not keep him waiting for too long,” the roar of the engine and Metalica returned to its original volume filled the Impala as Dean tore down the road.
---SPN---
Dean glanced over at Sam, whose hand had strayed to his forehead for the third time in fifteen minutes; it was a classic sign of an impending headache, or worse yet a vision. They were still a ways outside of Amarillo, But Sam had told him this was where the motel Bobby was staying at was. Sure enough within five minutes Dean caught sight of Bobby’s truck parked in front of a run down motel. Pulling into the parking lot along side the old pickup Dean put the Impala into park and turned to look at Sam.
“You alright?” he asked.
Sam looked up pulling hand away from his forehead before looking over at his brother, “Yeah just a headache…”
He accepted that, if he felt the need to pry and did, pushing for more information, Sam would do the same to him, which he definitely didn’t want. Pulling the keys from the ignition Dean opened the door and got out looking towards the door to Bobby’s room, within seconds of them pulling up the older hunter was exiting the room, a welcoming expression on his gruff warn face.
“Took you long enough,” he said by way of greeting.
“Nice to see you too Bobby,” Dean replied shaking the older hunter’s hand. The sound of the passenger’s door opening brought Dean’s attention back to the Impala and his brother, wondering what was taking him so long.
Sam’s eyes were pinched tightly shut as he gasped in pain and pitched forward his jean clad knees slamming into the pavement, “Sammy!” Dean called rushing to his brother’s side Bobby right on his heels.
“Dean…” Sam managed as Dean caught him tightly in his arms, the younger Winchester didn’t go limp in Dean’s arms it was almost like he began to convulse as his mind and body fought against the vision he was being made to bear witness too.
“C’mon Sammy talk to me,” Dean spoke gently into his brother’s ear holding him close as Bobby knelt next to them watching with a calm expression though his eyes betrayed his concern. He’d often wondered if Sam could make the visions easier for himself if he were to relax and give into them. He knew that was easier said than done, though.
Sam’s gasping breaths shook Dean from his thoughts, and he felt Bobby lean in closer, instinctively his grip tightened on his brother. “C’mon let’s get him inside out of the heat,” Bobby instructed reaching out to take Sam’s other side so between the two of them they could haul Sam to his feet.
Nodding in agreement Dean shifted his grip on his brother, and hefted Sam up, “C’mon bitch, you’ve dealt with worse,” he said quietly into Sam’s hear.
“Jerk…” his brother’s voice was strained, but it was enough to put Dean’s mind a little more at ease. Once inside Bobby’s room Dean helped lay his brother down on the second bed. Sam put up no fight when they moved to lay him out on the bed, by this time he hardly seemed conscious at all. Bobby immediately took hold of Sam’s wrist timing his pulse, as Dean sat down beside his brother’s head.
“Sammy?” he called softly.
“This is the first vision he’s had since…” Bobby trailed off, not needing to say the rest, and he continued to check Sam over. Dean simply nodded in reply.
-He’ll be alright- Is’nah spoke up for the first time in hours, having been blissfully silent in the back of Dean’s mind.
-What makes you so sure?- he wanted to believe it, had no reason to think that anything bad was going to happen to Sammy, nothing ever had before. But then again Sam had never lost consciousness because of a vision before.
-I doubt you’d accept trust me?- Is’nah attempted.
Dean shrugged, with a dismissive shake of his head, -Doesn’t matter- he wanted his attention focused on Sam.
“Dean?” the tone of Bobby’s voice broke through Dean’s thoughts and it sounded to him like his name had been said more than once. It wasn’t until after he blinked that he realized Bobby had a hand firmly on his shoulder. It was only his trust of the older hunter that had kept him from breaking the man’s hand on contact. “You with me?” he asked after a moment of looking the older Winchester in the eyes.
“Yeah…” Dean returned slowly, “I’d just been really hoping he’d seen the last of those visions.”
Bobby got up from his side of the bed and moved deeper into the room taking one of the two chairs at the round table, leaving Dean with the one that would give a clear shot to the bed. “You can’t have really thought the death of the Yellow Eyed Demon would mean the end of the vision.”
“No, but I could hope,” he conceded, eyes watching the slow rise and fall of Sam’s chest. Before the visions had changed from nightmares that he’d wake screaming from to waking visions of death Dean couldn’t remember a time where his brother lost consciousness. It was making him more than a little worried.
“Right, well until he wakes up and tells us what he saw, why don’t I show you what I think we’re up against,” Bobby reached for a folder resting on the far side of the table. He began pulling out sheets of paper, “I’d reached the same conclusion as Sam, that one demon’s leading the rest, but we’ve got at least five other acting somewhat independently.”
Dean reached for a map that was among the papers and turned it towards himself, studying the markings. -It’s a pattern- Is’nah pointed out happily -I like patterns, they’re everywhere if you look for them…-
-Thank you for that- Dean tried to push the voice aside feeling that Is’nah had a lot more to say, though perhaps that wasn’t the right word, impart? Dean shook his head to clear away such thoughts and received the distinct impression that Is’nah was pouting at him, which was both odd, and almost made him want to apologize.
“These are what? Locations of attacks?” Dean asked Bobby indicating the different colored dots covering certain portions of the map.
“Yeah,” Bobby pointed with his index finger, “Unexplained fires,” he indicated the first sires of dots, Dean’s expression became grim. “Possessions, brutal murders,” the second and third, “Possible Hell Hounds…”
“It’s a pentagram,” Dean breathed looking from the map to Bobby’s scruffy face to Sam’s sleeping form on the bed.
“More or less,” the older hunter agreed, “The disappearances of the girls have been happening over these counties and even across the state lines, anywhere where other demonic activity has been found. There’s enough distance and explainable events that the police, although interested shouldn’t get in our way.”
Dean rubbed at his brow, a long sigh escaping him, “They wouldn’t even know where to begin looking.” Although some of their necessary materials inevitably came from law enforcement, Dean had never been much of a fan. Not now especially that he was on the FBI’s most wanted list, though he kept in mind several names of men who’d stayed under the radar for many long years. -Not that I need that many…just one will do- Dean thought dryly.
Surprisingly enough Is’nah didn’t seem to have any comment to make on that.
“I’ve been looking into the missing girls were looking at upwards of twenty, and the disappearances are going further a field,” Bobby pointed out, leafing through a number of similar papers, all with names and faces of the missing girls. “Almost seems like the bugger knows what he’s doing, doesn’t want to draw too much attention to himself.”
“Any running similarities with the girls?” Dean wondered aloud looking over the papers that Bobby passed his way.
“They’re all athletic, and around the age of twenty, but that’s about where the similarities end, the demon’s been covering all races and nationalities it can get is claws on.” Bobby leaned back in his seat crossing his arms over his barrel chest. “It’s actually kind of smart, the less of a pattern the police have to go on, the more confused they are.”
“So what’s your plan now?” Dean asked twisting in his seat, to watch the older hunter as Bobby went to grab them both a drink.
Passing the beer across to Dean, as he popped the cap off his own, “I’ve set a few devil’s traps around the area, figure we can check them soon as Sam’s back with us.”
Dean had to laugh at that, imagining little wire traps positioned in ‘less’ than obvious places for the demons to get caught in. “You make it sound so much like regular hunting when you put it like that,” he took a pull on his beer before pushing himself to his feet and stepping over to Sam’s sleeping form.
Bobby barked a laugh, “The way you boys were raised it basically is.”
“With so many demons have you considered how you want to take them all down?” they’d have to split up at least at times in order to level the playing field a little. The Question was did they take out the demons working under the main? Or remove the leader first. Neither plan was perfect; the girls were constantly at risk and more like them so long as the demon was in control. On the other hand if they took out the leader, the other demons might scatter, and this was far too good of an opportunity to pass up.
“I’ve got a few ideas,” Bobby nodded.
-Hey- Is’nah piped up.
“Most important thing is not to loose any of them,” the older hunter continued.
-Dean!- there was a distinct whine to the voice.
Dean attempted to push the voice aside wanting to remained focused on what he and Bobby were discussing not what Is’nah wanted to add to the conversation. “You really think we’re likely to get them all in one sweep?” Dean though that was wishful thinking on any of their parts
A smirk touched Bobby’s face, “Not much else we can do but try.”
-Will you listen to me now?- Is’nah asked impatiently.
-What?- Dean returned exasperated, his hazel eyes focusing on his brother’s expressionless face.
-He’s awake now- the voice pointed out, tone tentative, -I just thought you’d like to know- Dean didn’t want the guilt that washed over him to show to Is’nah but he knew the minute he’d felt it the voice had experienced it too. -You’re forgiven!- Is’nah chirped happily.
Dean rolled his eyes, “Dean?” Bobby’s voice cut through his thoughts causing the younger hunter to look up, wondering how long he’d been sitting here distracted.
“I just thought of a way we could find the demon behind all this,” Dean began keeping his voice low as though not wanting to wake his brother but knowing Sam would be listening intently.
“Oh?” Bobby leaned back against the wall arms folded eyebrow raised, his tone was skeptical and he had every right to be.
“You say the demon prefers athletic women,” his eyes briefly flickered to Sam’s face, “I say we dress Sammy in drag and wait for him to be nabbed, he’d make an excellent girl.” Sam’s fist swung for Dean’s side immediately, but the older Winchester had been expecting it. Dean caught his brother’s wrist easily, “Nice to see you’re back with us Sammy.”
Sam yanked his hand free of his brother’s grasp, “It’s Sam,” he corrected on impulse as he pushed himself up, brown eyes looking around the motel room.
Bobby chuckled, “You don’t like you brother’s plan?” it was a rhetorical question as Bobby continued to smile from his position against the wall, “I have to admit it could work.”
“No drag,” Sam returned adamantly, “It’s bad enough what’s happening to those girls.”
“So that’s what you’re vision was about?” Dean asked expression and tone becoming serious.
Sam shifted on the bed swinging his legs over the edge as he pulled both hands through his long brown hair. “It was…about a lot…” he breathed at first.
“Can you tell us anything?” Bobby inquired.
“It’s as bad as I thought,” Sam informed, “The demon’s impregnating the girls, I’ve no idea how many of them are alive right now.” His brown eyes glanced between them before his head ducked attention focusing on the floor, “But more than a few have died.”
Dean studied his brother’s face noting his pale complexion, “There’s more isn’t there?”
Sam shook his head, “I can’t make sense of it, its just flashes.”
“But they’d been getting clearer,” Dean said, not meaning to let the exasperation show.
“I don’t control them,” Sam said defensively, pulling a hand through his hair.
“Hey easy,” Dean held up his hands defensively, deciding to switch his focus, “How’re you feeling?”
Sam sat in silence for a moment both elbows resting on knees and his hands tangled tightly in his hair. “I’m fine…” he pushed out finally, and it sounded distinctly like he was trying to convince himself.
Dean tilted his head trying without much luck to catch sight of his brother’s eyes, “Dude you passed out,” he waited for a second to see if the significance of that would sink in but Sam said nothing, didn’t even look up. “A vision’s never done that to you.”
“Come more than close!” Sam barked clearly wanting the conversation to end.
“You forget I’ve experienced it?” Dean shot back immediately, he’d thought his head was going to explode, but his consciousness had remained firmly planted. “This was different, talk to me.”
The silence in the room was tense until Bobby chose to break it, “You boy’s have anything to eat yet today?” Bobby asked pushing himself away from the wall.
“No,” Dean answered for the both of them keeping his eyes on Sam as his brother slowly looked up to the older hunter.
“You feel up to some food?” the question was directed toward Sam who was still looking very pale. “I’ve got some devil’s traps to check when we’re done.” The younger Winchester nodded his head pushing himself to his feet. Bobby turned to walk over to a small table by the door and retrieved the keys to his room and truck.
Dean remained close to his brother’s side keeping a watchful eye on him as Sam slowly followed him from the room. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Dean asked quietly, as they climbed into the Impala.
Sam pushed a sigh passed his lips, “Yeah, I’m fine,” he said firmly brown eyes studying Dean’s profile as they followed Bobby through the streets of the small community. “Should I be asking you that question?”
“Can’t imagine why,” Dean shot back quickly, “I’m not the one having visions, that’s your department.”
-But you’ve got me!- Is’nah was more than happy to point out.
-I’d like that to stay between the two of us- Dean explained dryly.
“Never mind…” Sam shook his head, face turning towards the window.
-He doesn’t know does he?-
-Now you suddenly want to be talking to me?- Dean was positive that if Is’nah possessed a corporal form his little nose would have been in the air.
Dean rolled his eyes -You’ve never hesitated to speak before-
-Maybe there’s only so many times I can be ignored or told to shut up-
-I highly doubt that- Dean returned.
Bobby pulled into the parking lot of a small diner ahead of him, and for the moment Dean let the matter drop, knowing instinctively that Is’nah was not about to ‘stop’ speaking to him. Given his time to sulk no doubt he’d come around.
-I don’t sulk!-
Dean had to fight the urge to laugh out loud, -There’s something distinctly sulky about that-
Pulling the Impala alongside Bobby’s truck Dean put it into park and climbed out, “How close is the nearest trap?” he asked easily.
“About two miles east of here,” Bobby replied walking into the diner.
“Did you bait them with anything?” Sam asked innocently.
Bobby just shook his head at that, taking the first empty table that they came too and sat down. Dean fell back subtly ushering Sam in before him, while he took the edge eyes scanning the diner, sighting the exits and people as he’d been trained to do. As much as they’d relied on these small often privately owned diners for their meals throughout their young lives Dean knew they could often be a resting place of local police. He couldn’t be positive what the chances were that someone this far down the line would know his face at a glance, but he never liked to take a chance.
-You could always grow a beard…- Is’nah offered.
-I knew it wouldn’t take long for you to come around- Dean could hardly believe the thought. Shouldn’t he have been thrilled this strange voice didn’t want to speak to him any more? That his life wasn’t going to get any weirder? He shrugged internally; there really wasn’t much he could do about it at the moment.
Dean looked up to see a young man coming round with a full pot of steaming coffee, which he politely offered to each of them before placing a menu at each of their elbows. His hazel eyes scanned up and down the diner behind the counter and as far into the kitchen as he could see, but nowhere did he see any attractive women.
“That’s just wrong…” he breathed quietly.
Bobby laughed out right clearly having no problem guessing at Dean’s disappointment, and Sam managed to follow a moment latter his elbow connecting with Dean’s side. “Thought I’d take you somewhere you could remain focused,” Bobby explained good-naturedly
“Bobby, did I try to kill you in a former life?” he figured it had to be something as bad as that to warrant such treatment. But the older hunter merely laughed, Sam joining him some color having finally returned to his face.
Thanks for reading, I'll post chapter three tomorrow.
Lift me Up [chapter 3]