Ancient Words: Chapter 11 - "The Fox and the Hen House"
Title/Chapter: Ancient Words - Ch. 11 “The Fox and the Hen House”
Author: Supernatural Mommy
Characters: Sam, Dean, OFC, OMC (child), OMC ; no pairings
Spoilers: None really, unless you've not seen Season one, to Nightmare
Warnings: P-13 now, R overall for adult themes. This chapter some religious references: Overall rated for language, violence (including non-con acts depicted with OC's and torture) hurt/comfort, religious references (seriously, this story uses lots of religious references, so if that bothers you, please don't read) I will try to label each chapter appropriately
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em *pity*, but new characters are my own creation.
Summary: Dean meets a new 'friend'; Bobby speaks with his friends
Author's Notes: Sequel to Look Into His Eyes. Please read through my author's notes Here (from first chapter) and Here (Chapter listing and summary with some minor plot spoilers) if you need more information, explanations, etc.
Chapter 11 - The Fox and the Hen House
When awareness flooded his body, there was no denying it.
No.
Not when his back and chest felt like someone had taken a jackhammer and driven it full-force into him. He groaned. His body wouldn’t obey his commands to move, though. So he focused instead on opening heavy eyelids.
There. He could do that. He blinked and looked around. Seeing a tall shape at the foot of the bed, his first thought was his brother was here.
Then everything came rushing back.
He about choked on the dread and uncertainty.
“Who are you?” The figure stood to their full height and moved closer. As he moved into the light, Dean blinked again. He snapped his mouth closed.
“Hello. I found you at the Carver house and called for assistance.” The piercing eyes looked almost colorless they were so opaque. But not clear, and not white. Weird. He studied the man and blinked again. He looked familiar. He could have sworn...
“What was your name again?” Dean raised an eyebrow at that smirk. That looked familiar too.
“You can call me Mike.” Those eyes twinkled and Dean really felt like he couldn’t breath. ‘Cause there was no way his dreams, or hallucination, or whatever it was could be reincarnated into some huge dude who resembled a freakin’ Adonis.
The man leaned forward and with a grin whispered in Dean’s ear.
“Not an Adonis, human. Just a visitor from your dreams.” He leaned back and Dean’s wide eyes followed him. The man’s raised eyebrow mocked him. “You are not yet strong enough to leave here.”
It was as if he knew the direction of his thoughts. And that just plain sucked. If he didn’t feel almost bonelessly weak Dean might have argued the...man? Or Angel’s? Statement. As it was, he was so weak he couldn’t even cross his arms and attempt to look annoyed. Which he was.
This was insane. He had seen lots of supernatural things...but angels? No way. He studied the thing beside him, and those eyes pierced him right back - looked like they were looking into his soul. He blinked.
This was not possible. Things like this just didn’t happen. And right now, he really didn’t want to be thinking about angels and divine interference...he needed to get to his brother.
“I need to get out of here. And what are you doing here?” “Mike’s” eyes sparkled and a huge grin lit up his face, much to Dean’s disgust. Then he gentled his expression and looked solemnly at him. Glanced towards the door and then back again.
“I said I would be near. So I am. And you may not leave...yet. You must heal first or you will be of no use to your brother and friends.” He looked almost divinely down on Dean and leaned slightly forward. “You must be strong to be of use in the battle to come.”
“Why’re you talking in riddles, Mikey? I mean, come on....do some of that holy mojo stuff and make me magically better and then I can go and kick some bad guy...butt.” The man’s eyebrow raised and mouth quirked at the nickname. And a full grin followed Dean’s little speech.
“The “holy mojo” is not possible right now. You must be rested and healed naturally for now. He wishes it...” At the “he”, the angel looked up meaningfully. “Do not worry. Your time to fight is not yet upon us. When it is time, you will be ready.”
Whatever Dean might have come up to combat that statement was stopped upon the arrival of a Doctor.
“Mr. Richards. You are a lucky, lucky man. We still haven’t been able to contact the Carvers. You were staying there, right?” At Dean’s nod he went on, oblivious to the panic Dean was actually feeling at this point. “Mr. Ale here was just walking by when he noticed the door open and he ...how did you say it, sir? Felt like something told you to just check it out?”
Mike nodded sagely, eyeing Dean.
“Well...lucky for you, Mr. Richards. Mr. Ale here, he called for help as soon as he saw you lying there and started putting pressure on your wound. Probably saved your life right there.” The doctor nodded, beaming happily at his good Samaritan. “Who knows how long you would have been there until the Carvers showed up.”
The doctor shook his head, proud of all the good in the world. Dean stared at him, completely disinterested in hearing how close to death he had been.
“When can I get outta here, Doctor?” Short and to the point. The doctor’s eyes swung back to meet his, wide and unblinking.
“Mr. Richards. We had to dig a bullet out of your back. And while no major organs were damaged we need to keep an eye on you for a few days to make sure no infection sets in. It’s probably going to be hard to move for a while since some of your muscles were damaged as well.” Dean stared at the doctor. That wasn’t going to happen. A few days was NOT going to happen while his brother and the Carvers, Andy too probably, were God knew where. A glance at Mike’s face told him the angel knew exactly where his thoughts were straying.
“Doctor Lavon, I had a chance to talk with Mr. Richards for a few minutes. I doubt you could keep him here for long.” An easy grin and gentle attitude had Mike steering the doctor into the kind of conversation Dean wanted to hear. Well, almost. “Maybe a day. By then this one would be climbing the walls. What do you say?”
The doctor glanced over at Dean and then back at Mike. Dean narrowed his eyes as the doctor seemed to agree to Mike’s terms. Since when was this guy his keeper? Mike’s eyes flashed over to meet Dean’s and then rested again on the doctor.
Their quiet conversation continued out into the hallway. The angel dude was back a minute later. And Dean was glaring at him when he dared look at him.
“I am an adult. More than capable of making my own decisions. And I’ll leave when I decide to.” With a bit of concentration he was able to cross his arms belligerently and glare. And he did NOT wince in pain or have trouble breathing doing that. No, he didn’t. Whatever.
He studied the being.
“I believe you need these to go very far, am I correct?” Mike’s eyes twinkled as if he had just told Dean a wonderful joke.
Dean glared at him.
Mike mischievously dangled the Impala’s keys just out of reach and then dropped them into his pocket, patting the fabric there, before sitting beside the bed.
“Dude, I don’t care who you are. If you think saving my life makes you the keeper of my keys, you are so wrong. Those are mine...and you are so not driving my baby.” He was livid and tensed as Mike appraised him. Then the angel’s head fell back and a loud laugh echoed in the room.
“Get some rest, little one. Soon it will be time for you to go.” Mike leaned back in the chair, a ghost of a smile still lingering on his lips. Dean was not amused.
All he could think about was Sam...was he okay? Man...he hated being stuck here - not knowing. He looked up, a dangerous glint to his eyes. He might be stuck, but it was time to get a few things straight.
“Who do you think you’re calling little one, dude?”
***************************************
Sam woke to study Bobby. Judging by the bright tendrils of light that wisped through the loose boards here, it was the next morning. Sam shuddered, wondering just how long of a “reprieve” they had.
He was angry at the word. Since he couldn’t really let any of the anger out of his system right now, he directed it towards that little concussion-induced angel he had seen.
While he wanted to blame it all on a concussion and call it done. A part of him wanted desperately to believe the thing was real. Because that would mean Dean really would be okay. ‘Cause everyone knew angels didn’t lie - right?
He wanted Dean here so bad he could taste it. Didn’t know if the fear he felt was due to a freakin’ head injury or just ‘cause he was a sissy. Didn’t really care. He worked really hard to shove it away, instead studying Bobby’s gently sleeping form.
He wondered what he was dreaming about; he looked so peaceful.
***********************************
Bobby’s dreams were nothing new.
His angel was there. Everything was right with the world.
He looked up at Jalmari and studied the angel’s face. He was pretty. His face looked like it shouldn’t be real. And his eyes were so clear, so bright. He loved looking into his eyes. It didn’t make him scared. It didn’t hurt.
Not like it did when everything was real.
Jalmari suddenly tensed and looked down at Bobby. His smile was soft, sweet.
If only he could stay here, where it was safe.
Bobby sighed.
***********************************
“You cannot stay here, little one. You know that, yes?” Jalmari studied his young charge, understanding the direction of his thoughts even while he had to challenge them. He spared a glance toward Heaven and then again studied the little one in his care.
“It will soon be time to join Sam and be strong.” He waited a beat. “You should remember your special words, child. They will help you, even when they can’t protect you fully.”
Bobby looked up at him, brown eyes so soulfully sad. The angel’s breath caught. Too innocent, Lord, too innocent.
“Why? Jalmari, why this be?” A lone tear ran down the boy’s face
“The evil, child, the evil wants you, needs you so it can be stronger.” The boy looked away, a level of understanding on his face Jalmari wished fervently would not be. “It wants Sam as well.”
There.
He knew that would bring the child’s attention back.
“Why?” Simple question. But, ah, what kind of answer to give. Jalmari whispered in his mind, a prayer much like many of Bobby’s. One simple word. Help.
“The evil seeks a special person like Sam to make him stronger. Sometimes evil does not truly understand what it seeks.” Jalmari did not elaborate. The boy’s sister was one of the special people too. His mouth thinned. He could not speak of Annie with her brother.
The angel sighed, looking once again to the heavens with closed eyes. Lord, why? He is so young.
“Sam?” The boy’s simple question opened Jalmari’s eyes and brought his head back down. His eyes found the child.
“It will be okay little one.” Please God let it be so. “The evil does not understand - its enemies are held too close. And they will destroy him. Together.”
Bobby squinted his eyes at the angel. Brightened.
“Bobby help? And Sam?” He understood? Jalmari knitted his eyes together.
“Yes, little one. It is your destiny. The innocents and the protectors, hunters and holy...all will become one to destroy true evil.” He would not be allowed to discuss this further.
Instead, he drew the boy close to him.
“It is time, little one.” Bobby turned to meet his eyes, piercing him with those intense brown eyes. “You must return. You must help Sam. Stay hidden.”
He could not add that soon it would not matter.
Sam and the little one would be found, and the true battle would begin. The battle was just starting now, testing ground. Soon enough, the terms would be set and the consequences...the consequences would not be avoided.
But the ending was still unclear.
He prayed the humans caught in this battle would all survive. But his prayers felt heavy and he knew, he just knew it might not be possible.
He cocked his head to the side, leaving small thoughts behind.
“You must return now, little one. Hurry! Tell Sam you both must be hidden. Now, child!”
****************************************
Bobby’s eyes jerked open, meeting Sam’s with such intensity it rocked him.
“Bobby?”
“Sa’. Hi’!” Bobby looked around, and started to cover Sam with some of the straw. He stopped for a second and concentrated. Sam watched him, studied him. “Hide...we hide now!”
Sam’s eyes widened. He hadn’t heard Bobby speak so clearly before.
He moved closer to Bobby, huddling him closer.
“Okay, little man...you got spidey senses going on there too or something?” While he was muttering softly to the boy his hand was gently pulling straw on top of them both, hopefully hiding them under a blanket of the course straw. He hugged Bobby close when he had pulled as much of it on them as he easily could.
His senses sharpened and settled on the knife satisfyingly within reach on his thigh. And he heard it then. A noise. Very slight. He might have missed it had they not both been listening intently.
Footsteps, outside. Just outside.
They stopped.
And then the door to their little coop opened with a loud whine and growl. The door was heavy and banged against the wall with a thud that echoed, ricocheting off of Sam’s already pounding head. He winced, holding still.
“Whatever, Larkin. Like they aren’t trying to get the hell out of your little fun house.” The footsteps sounded softly against the straw on the floor and the stepped first one way and then another. “Lucky kids, I sure don’t want to be around him now, that’s for sure.”
The man made a shuffling motion like he was turning on his heel. Then the door closed and the footsteps faded into the distance outside.
So, their escape hadn’t gone unnoticed for long. And Larkin was mad. Well, that sucked. Sam considered the man’s words. He was glad he and Bobby were safe, for now at least.
He pulled Bobby closer.
“You and me against the world, little man. Gotta find a way out of this, don’t we?” Bobby nodded into his chest and burrowed. Sam winced, his wound there hurting, but he still pulled Bobby even closer.
Poor kid.
His eyes narrowed...they would find a way out of this. . .
He looked at the downy brown hair on Bobby’s head, shifting the straw around a little to make out the little guy. He pulled him hard against him, trying to stem the trembling that radiated from the little man.
He needed to keep him safe. And they needed to find the others. He just hoped they would all be okay. He had a horrible “feeling” kind of feeling that they were heading into something bad.
Something really, really bad.
Author: Supernatural Mommy
Characters: Sam, Dean, OFC, OMC (child), OMC ; no pairings
Spoilers: None really, unless you've not seen Season one, to Nightmare
Warnings: P-13 now, R overall for adult themes. This chapter some religious references: Overall rated for language, violence (including non-con acts depicted with OC's and torture) hurt/comfort, religious references (seriously, this story uses lots of religious references, so if that bothers you, please don't read) I will try to label each chapter appropriately
Disclaimer: I don't own 'em *pity*, but new characters are my own creation.
Summary: Dean meets a new 'friend'; Bobby speaks with his friends
Author's Notes: Sequel to Look Into His Eyes. Please read through my author's notes Here (from first chapter) and Here (Chapter listing and summary with some minor plot spoilers) if you need more information, explanations, etc.
Chapter 11 - The Fox and the Hen House
When awareness flooded his body, there was no denying it.
No.
Not when his back and chest felt like someone had taken a jackhammer and driven it full-force into him. He groaned. His body wouldn’t obey his commands to move, though. So he focused instead on opening heavy eyelids.
There. He could do that. He blinked and looked around. Seeing a tall shape at the foot of the bed, his first thought was his brother was here.
Then everything came rushing back.
He about choked on the dread and uncertainty.
“Who are you?” The figure stood to their full height and moved closer. As he moved into the light, Dean blinked again. He snapped his mouth closed.
“Hello. I found you at the Carver house and called for assistance.” The piercing eyes looked almost colorless they were so opaque. But not clear, and not white. Weird. He studied the man and blinked again. He looked familiar. He could have sworn...
“What was your name again?” Dean raised an eyebrow at that smirk. That looked familiar too.
“You can call me Mike.” Those eyes twinkled and Dean really felt like he couldn’t breath. ‘Cause there was no way his dreams, or hallucination, or whatever it was could be reincarnated into some huge dude who resembled a freakin’ Adonis.
The man leaned forward and with a grin whispered in Dean’s ear.
“Not an Adonis, human. Just a visitor from your dreams.” He leaned back and Dean’s wide eyes followed him. The man’s raised eyebrow mocked him. “You are not yet strong enough to leave here.”
It was as if he knew the direction of his thoughts. And that just plain sucked. If he didn’t feel almost bonelessly weak Dean might have argued the...man? Or Angel’s? Statement. As it was, he was so weak he couldn’t even cross his arms and attempt to look annoyed. Which he was.
This was insane. He had seen lots of supernatural things...but angels? No way. He studied the thing beside him, and those eyes pierced him right back - looked like they were looking into his soul. He blinked.
This was not possible. Things like this just didn’t happen. And right now, he really didn’t want to be thinking about angels and divine interference...he needed to get to his brother.
“I need to get out of here. And what are you doing here?” “Mike’s” eyes sparkled and a huge grin lit up his face, much to Dean’s disgust. Then he gentled his expression and looked solemnly at him. Glanced towards the door and then back again.
“I said I would be near. So I am. And you may not leave...yet. You must heal first or you will be of no use to your brother and friends.” He looked almost divinely down on Dean and leaned slightly forward. “You must be strong to be of use in the battle to come.”
“Why’re you talking in riddles, Mikey? I mean, come on....do some of that holy mojo stuff and make me magically better and then I can go and kick some bad guy...butt.” The man’s eyebrow raised and mouth quirked at the nickname. And a full grin followed Dean’s little speech.
“The “holy mojo” is not possible right now. You must be rested and healed naturally for now. He wishes it...” At the “he”, the angel looked up meaningfully. “Do not worry. Your time to fight is not yet upon us. When it is time, you will be ready.”
Whatever Dean might have come up to combat that statement was stopped upon the arrival of a Doctor.
“Mr. Richards. You are a lucky, lucky man. We still haven’t been able to contact the Carvers. You were staying there, right?” At Dean’s nod he went on, oblivious to the panic Dean was actually feeling at this point. “Mr. Ale here was just walking by when he noticed the door open and he ...how did you say it, sir? Felt like something told you to just check it out?”
Mike nodded sagely, eyeing Dean.
“Well...lucky for you, Mr. Richards. Mr. Ale here, he called for help as soon as he saw you lying there and started putting pressure on your wound. Probably saved your life right there.” The doctor nodded, beaming happily at his good Samaritan. “Who knows how long you would have been there until the Carvers showed up.”
The doctor shook his head, proud of all the good in the world. Dean stared at him, completely disinterested in hearing how close to death he had been.
“When can I get outta here, Doctor?” Short and to the point. The doctor’s eyes swung back to meet his, wide and unblinking.
“Mr. Richards. We had to dig a bullet out of your back. And while no major organs were damaged we need to keep an eye on you for a few days to make sure no infection sets in. It’s probably going to be hard to move for a while since some of your muscles were damaged as well.” Dean stared at the doctor. That wasn’t going to happen. A few days was NOT going to happen while his brother and the Carvers, Andy too probably, were God knew where. A glance at Mike’s face told him the angel knew exactly where his thoughts were straying.
“Doctor Lavon, I had a chance to talk with Mr. Richards for a few minutes. I doubt you could keep him here for long.” An easy grin and gentle attitude had Mike steering the doctor into the kind of conversation Dean wanted to hear. Well, almost. “Maybe a day. By then this one would be climbing the walls. What do you say?”
The doctor glanced over at Dean and then back at Mike. Dean narrowed his eyes as the doctor seemed to agree to Mike’s terms. Since when was this guy his keeper? Mike’s eyes flashed over to meet Dean’s and then rested again on the doctor.
Their quiet conversation continued out into the hallway. The angel dude was back a minute later. And Dean was glaring at him when he dared look at him.
“I am an adult. More than capable of making my own decisions. And I’ll leave when I decide to.” With a bit of concentration he was able to cross his arms belligerently and glare. And he did NOT wince in pain or have trouble breathing doing that. No, he didn’t. Whatever.
He studied the being.
“I believe you need these to go very far, am I correct?” Mike’s eyes twinkled as if he had just told Dean a wonderful joke.
Dean glared at him.
Mike mischievously dangled the Impala’s keys just out of reach and then dropped them into his pocket, patting the fabric there, before sitting beside the bed.
“Dude, I don’t care who you are. If you think saving my life makes you the keeper of my keys, you are so wrong. Those are mine...and you are so not driving my baby.” He was livid and tensed as Mike appraised him. Then the angel’s head fell back and a loud laugh echoed in the room.
“Get some rest, little one. Soon it will be time for you to go.” Mike leaned back in the chair, a ghost of a smile still lingering on his lips. Dean was not amused.
All he could think about was Sam...was he okay? Man...he hated being stuck here - not knowing. He looked up, a dangerous glint to his eyes. He might be stuck, but it was time to get a few things straight.
“Who do you think you’re calling little one, dude?”
***************************************
Sam woke to study Bobby. Judging by the bright tendrils of light that wisped through the loose boards here, it was the next morning. Sam shuddered, wondering just how long of a “reprieve” they had.
He was angry at the word. Since he couldn’t really let any of the anger out of his system right now, he directed it towards that little concussion-induced angel he had seen.
While he wanted to blame it all on a concussion and call it done. A part of him wanted desperately to believe the thing was real. Because that would mean Dean really would be okay. ‘Cause everyone knew angels didn’t lie - right?
He wanted Dean here so bad he could taste it. Didn’t know if the fear he felt was due to a freakin’ head injury or just ‘cause he was a sissy. Didn’t really care. He worked really hard to shove it away, instead studying Bobby’s gently sleeping form.
He wondered what he was dreaming about; he looked so peaceful.
***********************************
Bobby’s dreams were nothing new.
His angel was there. Everything was right with the world.
He looked up at Jalmari and studied the angel’s face. He was pretty. His face looked like it shouldn’t be real. And his eyes were so clear, so bright. He loved looking into his eyes. It didn’t make him scared. It didn’t hurt.
Not like it did when everything was real.
Jalmari suddenly tensed and looked down at Bobby. His smile was soft, sweet.
If only he could stay here, where it was safe.
Bobby sighed.
***********************************
“You cannot stay here, little one. You know that, yes?” Jalmari studied his young charge, understanding the direction of his thoughts even while he had to challenge them. He spared a glance toward Heaven and then again studied the little one in his care.
“It will soon be time to join Sam and be strong.” He waited a beat. “You should remember your special words, child. They will help you, even when they can’t protect you fully.”
Bobby looked up at him, brown eyes so soulfully sad. The angel’s breath caught. Too innocent, Lord, too innocent.
“Why? Jalmari, why this be?” A lone tear ran down the boy’s face
“The evil, child, the evil wants you, needs you so it can be stronger.” The boy looked away, a level of understanding on his face Jalmari wished fervently would not be. “It wants Sam as well.”
There.
He knew that would bring the child’s attention back.
“Why?” Simple question. But, ah, what kind of answer to give. Jalmari whispered in his mind, a prayer much like many of Bobby’s. One simple word. Help.
“The evil seeks a special person like Sam to make him stronger. Sometimes evil does not truly understand what it seeks.” Jalmari did not elaborate. The boy’s sister was one of the special people too. His mouth thinned. He could not speak of Annie with her brother.
The angel sighed, looking once again to the heavens with closed eyes. Lord, why? He is so young.
“Sam?” The boy’s simple question opened Jalmari’s eyes and brought his head back down. His eyes found the child.
“It will be okay little one.” Please God let it be so. “The evil does not understand - its enemies are held too close. And they will destroy him. Together.”
Bobby squinted his eyes at the angel. Brightened.
“Bobby help? And Sam?” He understood? Jalmari knitted his eyes together.
“Yes, little one. It is your destiny. The innocents and the protectors, hunters and holy...all will become one to destroy true evil.” He would not be allowed to discuss this further.
Instead, he drew the boy close to him.
“It is time, little one.” Bobby turned to meet his eyes, piercing him with those intense brown eyes. “You must return. You must help Sam. Stay hidden.”
He could not add that soon it would not matter.
Sam and the little one would be found, and the true battle would begin. The battle was just starting now, testing ground. Soon enough, the terms would be set and the consequences...the consequences would not be avoided.
But the ending was still unclear.
He prayed the humans caught in this battle would all survive. But his prayers felt heavy and he knew, he just knew it might not be possible.
He cocked his head to the side, leaving small thoughts behind.
“You must return now, little one. Hurry! Tell Sam you both must be hidden. Now, child!”
****************************************
Bobby’s eyes jerked open, meeting Sam’s with such intensity it rocked him.
“Bobby?”
“Sa’. Hi’!” Bobby looked around, and started to cover Sam with some of the straw. He stopped for a second and concentrated. Sam watched him, studied him. “Hide...we hide now!”
Sam’s eyes widened. He hadn’t heard Bobby speak so clearly before.
He moved closer to Bobby, huddling him closer.
“Okay, little man...you got spidey senses going on there too or something?” While he was muttering softly to the boy his hand was gently pulling straw on top of them both, hopefully hiding them under a blanket of the course straw. He hugged Bobby close when he had pulled as much of it on them as he easily could.
His senses sharpened and settled on the knife satisfyingly within reach on his thigh. And he heard it then. A noise. Very slight. He might have missed it had they not both been listening intently.
Footsteps, outside. Just outside.
They stopped.
And then the door to their little coop opened with a loud whine and growl. The door was heavy and banged against the wall with a thud that echoed, ricocheting off of Sam’s already pounding head. He winced, holding still.
“Whatever, Larkin. Like they aren’t trying to get the hell out of your little fun house.” The footsteps sounded softly against the straw on the floor and the stepped first one way and then another. “Lucky kids, I sure don’t want to be around him now, that’s for sure.”
The man made a shuffling motion like he was turning on his heel. Then the door closed and the footsteps faded into the distance outside.
So, their escape hadn’t gone unnoticed for long. And Larkin was mad. Well, that sucked. Sam considered the man’s words. He was glad he and Bobby were safe, for now at least.
He pulled Bobby closer.
“You and me against the world, little man. Gotta find a way out of this, don’t we?” Bobby nodded into his chest and burrowed. Sam winced, his wound there hurting, but he still pulled Bobby even closer.
Poor kid.
His eyes narrowed...they would find a way out of this. . .
He looked at the downy brown hair on Bobby’s head, shifting the straw around a little to make out the little guy. He pulled him hard against him, trying to stem the trembling that radiated from the little man.
He needed to keep him safe. And they needed to find the others. He just hoped they would all be okay. He had a horrible “feeling” kind of feeling that they were heading into something bad.
Something really, really bad.