Best Laid Plans (8/11) - Mag 7/SPN/SV
This is the sequel to Ghost Town which should be read first.
Title: Best Laid Plans (8/11)
Author: strangevisitor7
Beta: Lyl_Devil and Pen37
Rated: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent 7, Smallville, Supernatural
Characters: Sam and Dean Winchester; Chloe Sullivan; The Seven: Chris Larabee, Buck Wilmington, Vin Tanner, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, JD Dunne; OMC - Mathew Tanner; Eventually - Sam/Chloe
Disclaimer: The characters you know and love all belong to their respective creators. Mathew Tanner is mine
Chapter Summary: Everyone is in Four Corners as the Winchesters prepare to send the ghosts to the hereafter. Buck isn't ready to go and Chloe fights to keep the Ghosts around.
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11: Epilogue
JD, Josiah, Vin, Chris, Buck, Nathan & Ezra
banner by scrollgirl
Best Laid Plans: Chapter 8
Sam, Chloe and Mathew emerged from the car to see Dean and five of the ghosts headed their way. Sam exchanged a glance with Chloe that suggested they were both relived that Chris was not with the group.
“You okay, Dean?” Sam asked as the two groups met in the middle of main street. “You look awful.” He reached up to examine the bruising that was so prominent on his brother’s face.
Dean smacked his hand away. “I’m fine. Larabee’s been making himself scarce.” He looked over at Mathew. “Nice stunt. Almost got me killed.”
“Dean, believe me if I thought that Chris was dangerous I would have never gone through with his plan.”
“His plan, of course. It didn’t occur to you that the psychotic ghost might not want to move on," Dean growled.
“Chris ain’t psychotic,” Buck said. “He’s just a little out of sorts.”
Dean snorted.
“We all agreed to Chris’ plan,” Nathan insisted. “None of us want to leave this place.”
“No more plans. We won’t be fooled again so you better get used to the idea that your ghost days are over,” Dean said before turning to his brother. “Did you find anything?”
“I think we found what we need to move them along.” Sam reached into his jacket and produced the leather pouch. He explained the contents to Dean. “Plus this,” Sam said indicating the wooden box that Chloe held.
“That the same box Mathew wouldn’t let us burn last time?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Why am I not surprised,” Dean grumbled. “So now what?”
“First, we need to destroy the box which should undo whatever protections might be floating around and then we burn it and the pouch,” Sam said as he reached to take the container from Chloe. As he touched the box, his hands began to shake as a vision crashed into him.
Sam toppled over onto Chloe who slipped under one arm as Dean dropped his gun to grab his brother from the other side. “Sam! Sammy!” Dean yelled as the younger Winchester fell to the ground.
Chloe was pinned against Sam and could fell the wave of tension coursing through his body. “What’s happening? Is it Chris? Is he attacking him?”
Dean ignored her as he waited for the vision to pass. Sam was gasping for breath unable to respond to his brother’s entreaties.
“Chris ain’t doing this, ma’am,” Josiah said. “I ‘spect he’s having a vision.”
The elder Winchester glared up at the preacher. “What do you know about it?”
“Seen similar behavior before with some of the Indian tribes I knew.” The preacher studied the brothers. Dean’s lack of denial told him he was right.
“Maybe Sam’s visions have something to do with your dreams,” Josiah said as he looked to Mathew. “They might be connected.”
“What dreams?” Dean demanded of Tanner.
Before Mathew could answer, Sam drew their attention to him as the vision passed. He was sitting on the ground trying to regain his composure. When he was ready, Dean and Chloe helped him to his feet.
“You okay?”
Sam gave a small nodded and winced. “Monster headache though.”
“Wait,” said Chloe as she dug through her bag and pulled out a small white bottle. “Will these help?”
“Thanks.” Sam dry swallowed the headache tablets. “We should really think about keeping some of this stuff around,” he joked as Chloe rewarded him with a small smile.
“What did you see?” Dean asked, impatient for a report.
“Vin, pretty much the same as before.”
“You’re having visions about Vin?” Mathew asked. “Because that’s who I’ve been dreaming about.”
“Does this mean that Vin’s coming?” JD asked excitedly. “Because we’ve been waiting such a long time - ”
“JD,” Buck hissed the younger man into silence.
“Most likely means that the time has come for us to join him,” Josiah suggested. The other ghosts remained quiet believing that the preacher had spoken the truth.
“What about Vin?” Chloe asked. “What was he doing in the vision?”
Sam grimaced as he recalled the memory. “He was shot in the head and the other six were gathered round. He was holding the box. I don’t remember if that detail was in the other visions.”
Dean watched the ghosts as Sam told his story. If it were possible they all went a little pale. “Buck, you recognize the scene he described?”
“Well, I’m not sure,” he stammered looking to his companions for guidance.
They knew something and they weren’t going to share, increasing Dean’s irritation. He turned to Mathew. “Are your dreams the same?”
He shook his head. “I dream of the day they all died and Vin is angry because I’ve done something wrong. I assumed it was guilt over burning the objects, but now…” the lawyer shrugged. “I don’t know. I do think Sam's vision might be - "
“Really, does it matter who dreamed what?" Ezra interrupted.
Mathew realized that the gambler was not about to let him share their group shame and he decided to let the opportunity to tell the Winchesters about Vin's suicide pass out of respect to his friends.
"Can we please just get on with what you came here to do?” Ezra said as he removed his red jacket. “I don’t suppose I will need this in Hell.”
“Now wait a minute, Ez,” Buck said. “You and Josiah may be ready to go but I ain’t in any rush.”
“I am not ready to go but I do recognize when it is time to fold my hand,” the gambler said. “And Buck must I remind you again it is Ez-ra. You’d think after all these years you could remember that.”
Buck smiled with a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Just thought after all these years you’d finally learned to loosen up about that.”
“Yeah, Ez. What’s the big deal?” JD teased.
“I don’t know, John. Why don’t you tell me why it matters to you?” Ezra replied.
The light hearted banter was tinged with an edge of finality that weighed heavily on the entire group.
Confusion creased Chloe’s brow as she thought about what Ezra had first said. “You aren’t really going to Hell? You were just kidding right? I mean you guys did a lot of good for this town and that just doesn’t seem right.”
The ghosts didn’t answer but from their body language it was clear that they believed that was their fate.
“Sam?” She turned her question to the hunter.
“We don’t really know what happens when we banish ghosts,” he admitted. “Most are vengeful spirits that need to be put down and their destination seems fairly obvious.”
“But not these guys?” Chloe pushed. She understood that Chris might be dangerous but the others didn’t deserve that fate.
“That’s not for us to decide,” Dean said. “We need to make sure people are safe here and now.”
“Well that’s not good enough.” The challenge clear in her stance.
“Listen sweetheart, they may seem nice now but spirits don’t stay that way. Believe me I know,” he said as he rubbed his neck; a reminder that just a short time ago he’d been the recipient of Chris’ turn toward the dark.
Chloe took a step toward him. “I’m not about to help condemn these men to Hell. They don’t deserve that. I think -,”
“You don’t get to think. This ain’t your problem,” Dean responded as he closed the distance between them. “Now, run along back to your newspaper.”
Sam wedged himself between them. “Knock it off, Dean,” he said as he pushed his brother back and turning to Chloe he continued. “Let’s just calm down. I thought you understood; Chris tried to kill Dean.”
“So, just banish Chris,” she said.
“No,” Josiah said quietly. “We appreciate what you trying to do, ma’am but if we go, we all go together. It’s time.”
“Let the lady speak, Josiah,” Buck said. “I think she’s the only sane one around here. Why is everyone in such a dang gone rush to go - down there?" He finished with a wave toward the ground.
Mathew stayed out of the discussion but he was pleased to see that Chloe had switched sides without any prompting from him. He wished Chris would appear and prove that he wasn’t the crazy vengeful spirit that Dean described.
“Besides, Sam, you promised me that I could interview the guys about their life in the old west before you finished the ritual,” the reporter reminded him.
Dean eyed his brother. “Sam, you didn’t?”
He sent Dean a half smile. “She was very insistent.”
Buck laughed. “I told you I liked this girl. What do you want to know, darlin’? I’m ready to talk you ear off.”
“I find that I am happy to postpone our journey as well. If Miss Sullivan wishes to learn more, I agree that we should give her that opportunity,” Ezra said as he pulled his coat back on, pleased that their demise appeared to be delayed.
“I think that we should head to saloon so that I can take some notes,” she said. “And speaking of names, Ezra please, call me Chloe.”
Ezra acknowledged her request with a tip of his hat.
“Now wait a minute,” Dean started but was stopped by a look from Sam.
Chloe studied the Winchesters who’d begun a silent staring contest and smiled when she recognized that Sam was winning.
Dean shifted his gaze to the ghosts. Right before Chris had taken him down, there’d been a moment when he’d been pleased to find that the ghosts had survived. He hated to admit it, but Chloe did have a point and he found was reluctant to send the town’s heroes to Hell. It hadn’t occurred to him that they might be headed there. Give him a clear cut evil every time; this gray area shit was driving him crazy.
Sighing he nodded and waved them toward the saloon. “Fine, take your hour.”
“Now yer talkin’,” Buck whooped as he clapped Dean on the back causing the mortal to stumble forward. “Oops sorry there. Don’t know my own strength.”
Dean looked back at the big man ready to be mad but found himself smiling when confronted by Buck’s sincerity and enthusiasm. He was starting to feel conflicted again about what had to be done.
“Does this mean you’re interested in resuming our poker game?” Ezra asked as he witnessed Dean’s positive response to Buck. It seemed that the tide was turning back in their favor and the gambler was not above using any means necessary to win Dean back over to their side.
Dean hesitated and then shook his head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.” He needed to stay focused on the job and resuming friendships with any of the ghosts would just muddy the already gray waters.
“If you change you mind,” Ezra said as he produced a deck of cards, “You know where to find me.” He headed toward the saloon with JD, Nathan and Josiah following close behind.
Buck approached Chloe and with a gallant sweep of his hat he drawled, “May I escort you the saloon, darlin’?”
Chloe, smiling at Buck’s shameless flirtations, nodded.
Dean watched his brother’s face tighten as Chloe walked away. He shifted his gaze to see the blond laughing and walking close to the gunfighter. Shaking his head Dean realized that Sam had it bad if he was jealous of a spirit. “He may be a ghost but I think he’s winning this competition,” Dean teased.
“What are you talking about, Dean?” Sam said. “I’m not interested in Chloe.”
“Of course you are,” he scoffed. “You better step it up because Buck’s got it all over you when it comes to that chick.”
“You’re being ridiculous. He’s not even a real man,” Sam said gesturing at the two as they entered the saloon.
“So, you are jealous.”
“Can we not talk about my love life now?”
Title: Best Laid Plans (8/11)
Author: strangevisitor7
Beta: Lyl_Devil and Pen37
Rated: PG
Fandom: The Magnificent 7, Smallville, Supernatural
Characters: Sam and Dean Winchester; Chloe Sullivan; The Seven: Chris Larabee, Buck Wilmington, Vin Tanner, Ezra Standish, Nathan Jackson, Josiah Sanchez, JD Dunne; OMC - Mathew Tanner; Eventually - Sam/Chloe
Disclaimer: The characters you know and love all belong to their respective creators. Mathew Tanner is mine
Chapter Summary: Everyone is in Four Corners as the Winchesters prepare to send the ghosts to the hereafter. Buck isn't ready to go and Chloe fights to keep the Ghosts around.
Chapter List:
Chapter 1; Chapter 2; Chapter 3; Chapter 4; Chapter 5; Chapter 6; Chapter 7; Chapter 8; Chapter 9; Chapter 10; Chapter 11: Epilogue
JD, Josiah, Vin, Chris, Buck, Nathan & Ezra
banner by scrollgirl
Best Laid Plans: Chapter 8
Sam, Chloe and Mathew emerged from the car to see Dean and five of the ghosts headed their way. Sam exchanged a glance with Chloe that suggested they were both relived that Chris was not with the group.
“You okay, Dean?” Sam asked as the two groups met in the middle of main street. “You look awful.” He reached up to examine the bruising that was so prominent on his brother’s face.
Dean smacked his hand away. “I’m fine. Larabee’s been making himself scarce.” He looked over at Mathew. “Nice stunt. Almost got me killed.”
“Dean, believe me if I thought that Chris was dangerous I would have never gone through with his plan.”
“His plan, of course. It didn’t occur to you that the psychotic ghost might not want to move on," Dean growled.
“Chris ain’t psychotic,” Buck said. “He’s just a little out of sorts.”
Dean snorted.
“We all agreed to Chris’ plan,” Nathan insisted. “None of us want to leave this place.”
“No more plans. We won’t be fooled again so you better get used to the idea that your ghost days are over,” Dean said before turning to his brother. “Did you find anything?”
“I think we found what we need to move them along.” Sam reached into his jacket and produced the leather pouch. He explained the contents to Dean. “Plus this,” Sam said indicating the wooden box that Chloe held.
“That the same box Mathew wouldn’t let us burn last time?”
“Yeah, it is.”
“Why am I not surprised,” Dean grumbled. “So now what?”
“First, we need to destroy the box which should undo whatever protections might be floating around and then we burn it and the pouch,” Sam said as he reached to take the container from Chloe. As he touched the box, his hands began to shake as a vision crashed into him.
Sam toppled over onto Chloe who slipped under one arm as Dean dropped his gun to grab his brother from the other side. “Sam! Sammy!” Dean yelled as the younger Winchester fell to the ground.
Chloe was pinned against Sam and could fell the wave of tension coursing through his body. “What’s happening? Is it Chris? Is he attacking him?”
Dean ignored her as he waited for the vision to pass. Sam was gasping for breath unable to respond to his brother’s entreaties.
“Chris ain’t doing this, ma’am,” Josiah said. “I ‘spect he’s having a vision.”
The elder Winchester glared up at the preacher. “What do you know about it?”
“Seen similar behavior before with some of the Indian tribes I knew.” The preacher studied the brothers. Dean’s lack of denial told him he was right.
“Maybe Sam’s visions have something to do with your dreams,” Josiah said as he looked to Mathew. “They might be connected.”
“What dreams?” Dean demanded of Tanner.
Before Mathew could answer, Sam drew their attention to him as the vision passed. He was sitting on the ground trying to regain his composure. When he was ready, Dean and Chloe helped him to his feet.
“You okay?”
Sam gave a small nodded and winced. “Monster headache though.”
“Wait,” said Chloe as she dug through her bag and pulled out a small white bottle. “Will these help?”
“Thanks.” Sam dry swallowed the headache tablets. “We should really think about keeping some of this stuff around,” he joked as Chloe rewarded him with a small smile.
“What did you see?” Dean asked, impatient for a report.
“Vin, pretty much the same as before.”
“You’re having visions about Vin?” Mathew asked. “Because that’s who I’ve been dreaming about.”
“Does this mean that Vin’s coming?” JD asked excitedly. “Because we’ve been waiting such a long time - ”
“JD,” Buck hissed the younger man into silence.
“Most likely means that the time has come for us to join him,” Josiah suggested. The other ghosts remained quiet believing that the preacher had spoken the truth.
“What about Vin?” Chloe asked. “What was he doing in the vision?”
Sam grimaced as he recalled the memory. “He was shot in the head and the other six were gathered round. He was holding the box. I don’t remember if that detail was in the other visions.”
Dean watched the ghosts as Sam told his story. If it were possible they all went a little pale. “Buck, you recognize the scene he described?”
“Well, I’m not sure,” he stammered looking to his companions for guidance.
They knew something and they weren’t going to share, increasing Dean’s irritation. He turned to Mathew. “Are your dreams the same?”
He shook his head. “I dream of the day they all died and Vin is angry because I’ve done something wrong. I assumed it was guilt over burning the objects, but now…” the lawyer shrugged. “I don’t know. I do think Sam's vision might be - "
“Really, does it matter who dreamed what?" Ezra interrupted.
Mathew realized that the gambler was not about to let him share their group shame and he decided to let the opportunity to tell the Winchesters about Vin's suicide pass out of respect to his friends.
"Can we please just get on with what you came here to do?” Ezra said as he removed his red jacket. “I don’t suppose I will need this in Hell.”
“Now wait a minute, Ez,” Buck said. “You and Josiah may be ready to go but I ain’t in any rush.”
“I am not ready to go but I do recognize when it is time to fold my hand,” the gambler said. “And Buck must I remind you again it is Ez-ra. You’d think after all these years you could remember that.”
Buck smiled with a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Just thought after all these years you’d finally learned to loosen up about that.”
“Yeah, Ez. What’s the big deal?” JD teased.
“I don’t know, John. Why don’t you tell me why it matters to you?” Ezra replied.
The light hearted banter was tinged with an edge of finality that weighed heavily on the entire group.
Confusion creased Chloe’s brow as she thought about what Ezra had first said. “You aren’t really going to Hell? You were just kidding right? I mean you guys did a lot of good for this town and that just doesn’t seem right.”
The ghosts didn’t answer but from their body language it was clear that they believed that was their fate.
“Sam?” She turned her question to the hunter.
“We don’t really know what happens when we banish ghosts,” he admitted. “Most are vengeful spirits that need to be put down and their destination seems fairly obvious.”
“But not these guys?” Chloe pushed. She understood that Chris might be dangerous but the others didn’t deserve that fate.
“That’s not for us to decide,” Dean said. “We need to make sure people are safe here and now.”
“Well that’s not good enough.” The challenge clear in her stance.
“Listen sweetheart, they may seem nice now but spirits don’t stay that way. Believe me I know,” he said as he rubbed his neck; a reminder that just a short time ago he’d been the recipient of Chris’ turn toward the dark.
Chloe took a step toward him. “I’m not about to help condemn these men to Hell. They don’t deserve that. I think -,”
“You don’t get to think. This ain’t your problem,” Dean responded as he closed the distance between them. “Now, run along back to your newspaper.”
Sam wedged himself between them. “Knock it off, Dean,” he said as he pushed his brother back and turning to Chloe he continued. “Let’s just calm down. I thought you understood; Chris tried to kill Dean.”
“So, just banish Chris,” she said.
“No,” Josiah said quietly. “We appreciate what you trying to do, ma’am but if we go, we all go together. It’s time.”
“Let the lady speak, Josiah,” Buck said. “I think she’s the only sane one around here. Why is everyone in such a dang gone rush to go - down there?" He finished with a wave toward the ground.
Mathew stayed out of the discussion but he was pleased to see that Chloe had switched sides without any prompting from him. He wished Chris would appear and prove that he wasn’t the crazy vengeful spirit that Dean described.
“Besides, Sam, you promised me that I could interview the guys about their life in the old west before you finished the ritual,” the reporter reminded him.
Dean eyed his brother. “Sam, you didn’t?”
He sent Dean a half smile. “She was very insistent.”
Buck laughed. “I told you I liked this girl. What do you want to know, darlin’? I’m ready to talk you ear off.”
“I find that I am happy to postpone our journey as well. If Miss Sullivan wishes to learn more, I agree that we should give her that opportunity,” Ezra said as he pulled his coat back on, pleased that their demise appeared to be delayed.
“I think that we should head to saloon so that I can take some notes,” she said. “And speaking of names, Ezra please, call me Chloe.”
Ezra acknowledged her request with a tip of his hat.
“Now wait a minute,” Dean started but was stopped by a look from Sam.
Chloe studied the Winchesters who’d begun a silent staring contest and smiled when she recognized that Sam was winning.
Dean shifted his gaze to the ghosts. Right before Chris had taken him down, there’d been a moment when he’d been pleased to find that the ghosts had survived. He hated to admit it, but Chloe did have a point and he found was reluctant to send the town’s heroes to Hell. It hadn’t occurred to him that they might be headed there. Give him a clear cut evil every time; this gray area shit was driving him crazy.
Sighing he nodded and waved them toward the saloon. “Fine, take your hour.”
“Now yer talkin’,” Buck whooped as he clapped Dean on the back causing the mortal to stumble forward. “Oops sorry there. Don’t know my own strength.”
Dean looked back at the big man ready to be mad but found himself smiling when confronted by Buck’s sincerity and enthusiasm. He was starting to feel conflicted again about what had to be done.
“Does this mean you’re interested in resuming our poker game?” Ezra asked as he witnessed Dean’s positive response to Buck. It seemed that the tide was turning back in their favor and the gambler was not above using any means necessary to win Dean back over to their side.
Dean hesitated and then shook his head. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.” He needed to stay focused on the job and resuming friendships with any of the ghosts would just muddy the already gray waters.
“If you change you mind,” Ezra said as he produced a deck of cards, “You know where to find me.” He headed toward the saloon with JD, Nathan and Josiah following close behind.
Buck approached Chloe and with a gallant sweep of his hat he drawled, “May I escort you the saloon, darlin’?”
Chloe, smiling at Buck’s shameless flirtations, nodded.
Dean watched his brother’s face tighten as Chloe walked away. He shifted his gaze to see the blond laughing and walking close to the gunfighter. Shaking his head Dean realized that Sam had it bad if he was jealous of a spirit. “He may be a ghost but I think he’s winning this competition,” Dean teased.
“What are you talking about, Dean?” Sam said. “I’m not interested in Chloe.”
“Of course you are,” he scoffed. “You better step it up because Buck’s got it all over you when it comes to that chick.”
“You’re being ridiculous. He’s not even a real man,” Sam said gesturing at the two as they entered the saloon.
“So, you are jealous.”
“Can we not talk about my love life now?”