A/N - Here is the next chapter. Once again, this is really just a novelization of the Supernatural series, either like it or you don't. I like to write situations that make me laugh. So naturally my stories have many situations that make me laugh my ass off. Thank you to anyone that reads this. Finally, I don't own anything from Supernatural.
35 -111. The coordinates Dad left for us landed in the middle of a huge forest. What Dad had found out there had yet to be determined. Hopefully more answers rather than questions. The drive out to Blackwater Ridge wasn't the worst we had ever made. Somehow I had even managed to pull the front seat without a fight. After leaving Palo Alto, Sam requested the back so he could stretch out and take a nap. Could hardly blame him, going through everything he had over the past week. I couldn't help but smile to myself. Our small family was back together again. Plus, it would be a hell of a lot safer hunting with Sam back on the team. A ruffle in the back seat pulled me from my thoughts. Turning to the back, Sam was sitting up, with his head nestled in his hands. He looked pale and frightened, possibly from another bad dream. Over the past week Sam had been having recurring nightmares of Jessica's death.
"You okay?", Dean asked, concerned. Sam glanced around the car taking in his surroundings.
"Yeah, I'm fine…", Sam whispered. My chest felt heavy, I know what Sam has been going through is hard on him. Dean pressed on.
"Another nightmare?", he asked. Sam cleared his throat rather than answering. Basically a lie by omission. "You wanna drive for a while?" Sam laughed at the question. Hell I wanna drive.
"Dean, your whole life you never once asked me that.", Sam responded with a half smile.
"Just thought you might want to . Never mind.", Dean smirked. If I were Sam I sure as hell would have taken the offer. Dean never makes offers like that. I took no hesitation in putting my two cents in.
"Dean, I would love to drive. How about we pull over, I'll drive, maybe pick the tunes? I feel like that would cheer Sam up.", I said half-seriously. Didn't hurt to try. Dean made a loud obnoxious laugh at my proposal.
"Sorry little brother. There is no way I am letting you get behind the wheel of my baby", he answered. Crossing my arms, I turned in my seat away from him. What an asshole.
"Guys, I know you're worried about me.", Sam began. "I get it, and thank you, but I'm perfectly okay." Sam leaned forward and grabbed the map out of the front seat. "Alright, where are we?", he muttered to himself while studying the map. Looking out at the passing landscape, I deduced we were in the middle of bumble fuck nowhere. In all directions passed only two notable objects. Roads and trees. Three if you include asshole Dean munching on a breakfast burrito.
"We are just outside of Grand Junction.", Dean answered, overhearing Sam. So we are pretty damn close to the coordinates that Dad left for us. After a few moments of studying, Sam spoke up again.
"You know what? Maybe we shouldn't have left Stanford so soon.", Sam whispered. Throwing my arm over the seat, I looked at him. How am I going to approach this?
"Sammy,", I started. "We looked everywhere for the past week. Couldn't find a thing. I think if we wanna find the thing that killed Jess-"
"We gotta find Dad first.", Sam finished my sentence. We had been having this conversation the entire trip to Colorado. I tried hard to be patient, Sam is going through a lot right now.
"Dad disappearing and this thing showing up again after twenty years, it's no coincidence.", Dean spoke up. Dean had a point. All of this happening at once was uncanny. It left so many more questions for us. "Dad will have answers. He'll know what to do."
"These coordinates he left us.", Sam said. "This Blackwater Ridge… There's nothing there. It's just woods."
"Well I could have told you that. I don't think I have seen anything apart from trees for the past sixty miles. We are in the middle of nowhere", I joked.
"Exactly", Sam exclaimed. "Why is he sending us to the middle of nowhere. I shrugged and turned my attention back out the window. A lone metal sign posted on the road read 'Welcome to Lost Creek Colorado National Forest.' Finally, something to see that isn't a tree.
We eventually came to a ranger station laid on the outskirts of the forest. Inside it was decorated with maps and pamphlets for the surrounding attractions and landscapes. I even managed to buy me a map of Blackwater Ridge for two bucks. Something to go in the ol' album if this drive turned out to be a waste of time. Sam studied a large 3D map of the national forest, all the while explaining the land to an uninterested Dean.
"So Blackwater Ridge is pretty remote…", He explained. "It's cut off by these canyons here, rough terrain, dense forest, abandoned silver and gold mines all over the place." I made sure to ignore the 'Do Not Touch' sign and ran my fingers over the scaled map. A loud laugh caused Sam and I to turn our attention away from the map. Dean was standing next to a framed photo with a big stupid grin on his face.
"Dude, check out the size of this big freaking bear.", he laughed. I rolled my eyes into the back of my head. What an idiot. Sam continued his demographic lesson.
"And a dozen or more grizzlies in the area. It's no nature hike, that's for sure.", he finished.
"Maybe we can make Dean fight a bear. Y'know? See who comes out on top.", I teased. This quip got me a smirk from Dean. A voice coming from behind us caused us to whip around. Behind us stood a forest ranger, with a badge that read "Ranger Wilkinson".
"You boys aren't planning on going out near Blackwater Ridge by any chance?", he asked. Without skipping a beat, Sam hit him with bullshitery.
"Oh, no, sir. We're environmental study majors from UC Boulder, just working on a paper.", Sam said, awkwardly laughing. Glancing at Dean, we unanimously raised a fist to show Boulder pride.
"Recycle, man.", Dean said confidently
"Bullshit.", Wilkinson stated. So he is no stranger to the art of bullshitery. "You're friends with that Haley girl, right?" I quickly shot a glance at Dean and stepped forward.
"Yes sir, we are, Ranger-", I leaned forward and made a show of reading his name tag. "Wilkinson." Maybe we can pull a lead out of this guy.
"Well, I'll tell you exactly what I told her. Her brother filled out a backcountry permit saying he wouldn't be back from Blackwater until the twenty-fourth, so it's not exactly a missing persons now, is it?", Wilkinson sneered. Dean shook his head in agreement. I wasn't exactly sold. Family members do have a right to concern. "You tell that girl to quit worrying, I'm sure her brother's just fine."
"We will.", Dean stepped in. "Well that Haley girl's quite a pistol huh?"
"That's putting it mildly.", the ranger stated. He shot me a glare when I chuckled to myself. I silently hoped she had tore his ass a new one. "Something funny?", he asked.
"Oh no. It's pretty easy to picture Haley tearing into someone when she doesn't get her way. But you can't blame her for being concerned over her brother. Family is family.", I responded. The ranger huffed.
"Well, maybe she should have shown more concern when he signed the consents to hiking through Blackwater Ridge. We can't be held liable.", he sniffed. What an unempathetic jackass.
"Actually, you know what would help us is if I could show her a copy of that backcountry permit.", Dean stated. "You know, so she could see her brother's return date." Ranger Wilkinson eyed Dean for a moment, before nodding his head and turning towards the office to make a copy. Good job, Dean.
The ranger returned with our copy and politely told us to get the hell out of his station. Obtaining what we came for, we gladly obliged. Exiting the station, Dean held the copy up like it was gold. If looks could kill, Sam would have murdered Dean.
"What, are you cruising for a hookup or something?", Sam asked in disbelief. Honestly it wouldn't be the first time Dean attempted something along those lines. Dean gave him a confused look.
"What do you mean?", he asked.
"The coordinates point to Blackwater Ridge, so what are we waiting for? Let's just go find Dad. I mean, why even talk to this girl?", Sam snapped. For whatever reason, he was very hostile about taking our time with this job.
"Sammy, we don't even know why Dad sent us here. Maybe we should find out what we are walking into before we walk into it.", I stated. Dean had yet to speak. In fact, he looked at Sam like he was insane. After a moment of silence, Sam glanced between Dean and I.
"What?", he exclaimed when no one spoke again.
"Since when are you all shoot first, ask questions later?", Dean asked. In all honesty, he had a point…
"Yeah", I agreed. "Usually Dean is the one who acts before he thinks." That honest shot earned me a smack to the back of the head.
"Since now.", Sam responded bluntly. Making his point, he opened the Impala door and got in without another word. Giving Dean a shrug, I opened the driver and climbed into the back. This is going to be a hike from hell.
The address posted on the consent was an area nearby the national forest. Despite Sam's protests, we arrived and immediately made our way to the front door to introduce ourselves. Fortunately for us, Dean had printed off a few fake 'Lost Creek Trail' ranger IDs. Walking up to the Collins' front door, Dean reached up to knock on it. Sam stood behind us, uninterested. After a few moments, a young brunette answered the door. Dean immediately sprung into action.
"You must be Haley Collins.", Dean started. "I'm Dean, this is Sam and Riley. We're… We're rangers with the park service. Ranger Wilkinson sent us over. He wanted us to ask a few questions about your brother Tommy." Haley didn't seem impressed. We aren't exactly dressed like park rangers.
"Lemme see some ID.", She demanded. Damn. I like this girl. Dean pulled out his fake ID and held it up to the screen door. After studying it for a second, Haley opened the screen door. "Come on in."
"Thanks.", Dean said with a smile. Ugh, he was trying to flirt with her. As the door opened, Haley must have noticed the Impala.
"That yours?", she asked, gesturing towards the car. This caused us to turn in unison.
"Yeah.", Dean replied. Surprisingly, that is all he replied. Dean loves to talk about the Impala.
"Nice car.", She complimented. With that she turned on her heel and walked further into the house. Piling in behind her, Dean quickly twisted around to mouth 'nice car' to us. Rolling my eyes, I allowed him to stay in la la land. What a jackass. Reaching into my pocket, I grabbed the newest fake ID in my possession. I had forgot to check what stupid picture Dean had put on my ID. Looking at the ID, I felt my eyes bulge from my head. Dean's dumbass gave our IDs fake names and told Haley our real names. Fortunately she didn't notice… I don't think she did at least. The picture wasn't bad at all… The name… 'Bobby Vinson', not a good fit for me… Dean does this shit on purpose. Haley led us into the kitchen, where we crowded around the kitchen table. A guy younger than me sat off in the corner, keeping to himself. After a bit of small talk and introductions, we started prodding a bit more on Blackwater Ridge.
"So if Tommy's not due back for a while, how do you know something's wrong?", Sam questioned. Haley sat down and set a bowl of snacks on the table before answering.
"He checks in every day by cell. He emails, photos, stupid little videos… We haven't heard anything in over three days now.", Haley answered. I couldn't exactly blame her for being concerned about her brother if that was the case. I would be worried too if mine went missing.
"Well, maybe he can't get cell reception.", Sam challenged.
"He's got a satellite phone, too.", Haley defended. Damn.
"Could it be he's just having fun and forgot to check in?", Dean chimed in. Insensitive as usual. The young guy we had been introduced to as Ben, abruptly stood up at that comment.
"He wouldn't do that!", Ben growled. Smooth Dean, smooth.
"He's your brother.", I said to Ben. "Of course he wouldn't." This seemed to simmer down Ben a bit. At least to the point he sat back down and looked away. "Do you think you could show us the pictures he sent you?" I asked Haley. Haley paused before nodding and exiting the room to grab her laptop. Shooting dean the stink eye, he rolled his eyes at me. He needs to keep his comments to himself. Returning to the kitchen, Haley opened her laptop and pulled up pictures.
"That's Tommy.", she said, showing a picture of a young man inside a tent. Clicking on another picture in the album a video pulled up onto the screen. Tommy was again sitting inside the tent and appeared to holding the camera to his face. Clicking 'play', Tommy began to speak.
"Hey Haley, day six, we're still out near Blackwater Ridge. We're fine, keeping safe, so don't worry, okay? Talk to you tomorrow.", Tommy said to the camera. He was all smiles. There was nothing on the video that stood out to me.
"Well, we'll find your brother.", Dean promised. "We're heading out to Blackwater Ridge first thing." Haley raised an eyebrow.
"Then maybe I'll see you there.", she responded. Interesting. "Look, I can't sit around here anymore. So I hired a guy. I'm heading out in the morning and I'm going to find Tommy myself."
"I think I know how you feel.", Dean whispered. I couldn't tell if Dean was trying to give her bedroom eyes or not… Shit, I hope not. We don't have time for this.
"Hey, do you mind forwarding these to me?", Sam suddenly asked. Did he notice something I didn't? Haley nodded in response and started the process of forwarding the multiple videos and pictures.
Originally we had decided to discuss our next move at the hotel. Dean, however, has other plans… He wanted to drink. That was how we found ourselves at a sketchy bar on the edge of the national forest. When we entered the bar, Dean and Sam waltzed in like they owned it, no questions asked. I attempted to follow suit and was asked to show my license by the greasy bouncer. Not feeling like arguing with the man, I simply told him I was twenty years old. This got me an 'underage' stamp on the back of my had… As well as hell from my brothers. Sitting at one of the tables, Dean immediately ordered himself a beer, while Sam began talking game.
"So…", he started "Blackwater Ridge doesn't get a lot of traffic. Local campers, mostly. But still, this past April, two hikers went missing out there. They were never found." Sam began pulling out prints of the many articles we had researched prior to arrival.
"Any go missing before then?", I asked. Meanwhile, I had begun the daunting task of rubbing off my 'underage' brand. This shit wasn't coming off. No Michelob Ultras for me I suppose. Sam continued speaking.
"Yeah.", Sam said, placing the article in the middle of the table. "In 1892, eight different people all vanished in the same year. Authorities said it was a grizzly attack. And again in 1959 and again before that in 1936." Dean made no haste in snatching up the article and reading it. The article was called, The Lost Creek Gazette.
"Grizzly Bear Attacks!", Dean read the headline of the article. He continued reading aloud with me silently reading over his shoulder. "Up to eight hikers vanish in lost creek area. Hikers disappearance baffle authorities'." I eventually got bored of reading over his shoulder and relaxed back into my seat. Sam in the meantime had opened his laptop and continued speaking.
"Every twenty-three years, just like clockwork. Okay. Watch this. Here's a clincher. I downloaded Tommy's video to the laptop. Check this out." Sam spun the computer to where me and Dean could see the screen. It was paused on the video from earlier, of course. Tommy still had that goofy smile and was surrounded by the tent draping. Sam reached around the screen and tapped the 'right' arrow key three separate times. This moved the video forward three frames. Within the three frames I could see an ominous shadow move behind Tommy. Wow. What on Earth could move that quickly.
"How fast in real time is that?", I asked Sam. Glancing at Dean, he was still staring intently at the video frames.
"Three frames.", Sam said. "That's a fraction of a second. Whatever that thing is, it can move." I nodded in agreement. This might be a challenge to take a picture of. Dean suddenly reached across the table and slapped Sam on the shoulder.
"Told you something weird was going on!", Dean said with a smirk.
"Yeah", Sam said half-heartedly. Closing his laptop, he put it in his bag and pulled out another newspaper article. "I got one more thing. In '59 one camper survived this supposed grizzly attack. Just a kid. Barely crawled out of woods alive." This caught Dean's attention.
"Is there a name?", he asked. The article was about a young boy named Shaw. And his road to recovery after a bear broke into his cabin and killed his parents. Well… Here is going to be another person for us to piss off with our insensitive questions.
It was about eight at night when we pulled up to Mr. Shaw's house. He was not the easiest man to find. Fortunately, the amount of personal information that can be found on the internet is astonishing. Within a few Google searches we were able to find Shaw's children's colleges, his late wife's obituary, and of course his location. For whatever reason, he chose to move out into the forest. It seemed pretty isolated, given his history one would expect him to stay as far out of the woods as possible. Knocking on the door, we waiting for the old man to answer. I couldn't help but shift uncomfortably on my feet. Being out here in the middle of the woods was a nightmare. Shaw answered the door with a puzzled smile. The plume of cigarette smoke that followed him outside made me cough.
"Hi Mr. Shaw. I'm Sam and these are my partners, we are rangers.", Sam introduced. "We were hoping to ask you a few questions about what happened that night when you were a child." Shaw gave us a questioning look, before stepping back to allow us in the house. We followed him into his living room and sat on the couch. His living room was covered with mounted animals. Ranging from bucks, to bobcats, to even grizzly bear. It was a typical mountain man's home… Well as I would stereotype one at least. Taking a puff of his cigarette, Shaw spoke.
"Look, ranger, I don't know why you're asking me about this.", Shaw said. "It's public record. I was a kid. My parents got mauled by a-"
"Grizzly?", Sam intervened. "That's what attacked them?" Shaw took another drag from his cigarette and nodded.
"How about everyone else that went missing that year? Do you think those were bear attacks too?" I asked. "Or even the people that went missing this year. Same thing?" Shaw didn't answer. He seemed to be in deep thought.
"If we knew what we were dealing with, we might be able to stop it.", Dean said leaning forward. This caught Shaw's attention, looking up he shook his head.
"I seriously doubt that.", Shaw said sadly. "Anyways, I don't see what difference it would make." Shaw plopped down in the recliner and continued. "You wouldn't believe me. Nobody ever did."
"Mr. Shaw, what did you see?", Sam asked. Again, Shaw paused before answering. Shaw winced, as calling back the memories caused him great pain.
"Nothing…", he whispered. "It moved too fast to see. It hid too well. I heard it, though. A roar. Like no man or animal I ever heard." Shaw shook the horrible memories out of his head.
"It came at night?", Sam clarified, receiving a nod from Shaw. "Got inside your tent?"
"It got inside our cabin.", Shaw emphasized. "I was sleeping in front of the fireplace when it came in. It didn't smash a window or break the door. It unlocked it. Do you know of a bear that could ever do something like that? I didn't even wake up till I heard my parents screaming."
"It killed them?", Sam asked.
"Dragged them off into the night.", Shaw said shaking his head. "Why it left me alive… I've been asking myself that ever since… It did leave me this, though." Shaw's hand traveled to his shirt collar and pulled it down. My jaw dropped and eyebrows raised at the sight. Shaw had three long claw marks travelling down his left collar bone. It sent shivers up my spine… What are we dealing with, exactly? Maybe a succubus? Nah, story doesn't match up for that. "There's something evil in those woods. It was some sort of demon.", Shaw finished, bowing his head.
"Mr. Shaw?", I asked leaning forward. "Even after what you have been through… Why do you choose to live in solitude in the woods? If it were me, I would have gotten as far away from here as possible." Shaw gave me a smile.
"Son, I've already been through hell. I don't think there is anything else out there that could scare me as much as that thing did.", he answered. "I was raised in these woods. Even after something like that happened, it didn't feel right to up and leave 'em." Wasn't a bad answer I suppose. My ass would have hit the border immediately. Thanking Mr. Shaw, we made our leave. The leads he had given us left us with much to think about… As well as much to prepare for.
Back in the hotel, I shoved everything I would need tomorrow into my backpack. Camera? Check. Water? Check. Candy? Double check. Dean bought me a one and a half pound bag of sour patch kids from the store. I was in absolute bliss. Dean had already passed out in the bed next to me. Sam was currently in the shower. So for a few moments I had the room to myself, more or less. Despite the stressful day tomorrow, Dean's chest rises and falls with his rest. Gotta give props to the guy, he can sleep through anything with little regard to the circumstances. The three of us had deduced that whatever was stalking about BlackWater wasn't a spirit or demon. It had to be something more concrete… Something that couldn't just phase through walls or disapparate. Whatever it was, we would have to wait until tomorrow. Sam on the other hand, he was ready to go tonight. For some reason he was ready to fuck all and go out and kill the son of a bitch tonight. Rather than think strategically, he would rather go in guns blazing. It was very out of character… Very uncaring. He saw Haley and her brothers more as a hindrance, instead of people in need of help.
I twisted my body to the shower when Sam kicked the door open, towel wrapped around his waist. He padded into the main room and fell back onto the couch. Looking up at me, he must have seen the concern on my face.
"What's wrong?", he asked. Scooting to the end of the bed, I sat toe to toe with him. Sam had always been more willing to let me in.
"No… I'm supposed to ask that, Sam.", I said sternly. "You're ready to just blast through everything without a second thought. Does this have to do with Dad or… Jess…?" Sam winced at the mention of his girlfriend. Sam looked at me for a long time before speaking.
"Do you want me to sleep on the couch tonight?", he said, avoiding the subject. My shoulders slumped at the response. So much for letting me in. I pressed on.
"You used to talk to me about everything.", I spoke. Dean, fortunately, continued to snooze beside us. "I thought me and you were the only people in our family we considered to have any sanity. What's wro-"
"Do you want me to sleep on the couch or not.", Sam snapped. I was taken aback. What the hell?
"Sleep outside for all I care, jackass.", I retorted. In a huff, I crawled back into bed and hit the lights. The last thing I saw before the room went dark was Sam staring at me blankly. Asshole.
That morning we stopped by the ranger station to sign the consents to camp a few days in BlackWater Ridge. We didn't exactly need them while at BlackWater, but more so the rangers would open the gate to let us in. It would be easier than breaking in, work smarter not harder. I had immediately grabbed shotgun when we got into the car. Sam wasn't going to fight me on it, he knew I was still pissed at him from last night.
It took us about thirty minutes to get to BlackWater, as well as through the gates into it. When we pulled in, Haley was already there. Along with her younger brother and an older man. The trio had hiking boots, shorts, and backpacks chock full of supplies. The older guy was inspecting a shotgun, only halting to glance at our arrival. Well hell, we definitely did not fit the part of rangers. We were in pants and jackets, a few sore thumbs. We crawled out of the car, only for Dean to announce his presence.
"You guys got room for three more?", he yelled with a smirk. Haley rolled her eyes and gave us a condescending look.
"Wait.", she sneered. "You want to come with us?" I trotted my way around the group, the older man kept his eyes on me the entire time. He didn't seem pleased with my being here. I shot him a wink for good measure. He scoffed and turned to Haley.
"Who are these guys?", he asked Haley, peeling his eyes at me. I don't know what this guy's damage is towards me, but shit!
"Apparently this is all the park service could muster up for the search and rescue.", Haley said sarcastically. The older man shifted on his feet in annoyance.
"You're rangers?", he asked. He looked between the three of us before shaking his head.
"You know it. I'm Riley, and this is Dean and Sam.", I introduced. "Who are you?" This guy did not want any part in speaking to me.
"Name's Roy.", he said… And didn't add anymore information. Last name, profession, nada.
"Nice to meet you Mr. Roy.", I said with a bow.
"Just Roy.", he hissed. This is fun. This guy had a lot of buttons to push, and I liked to push buttons.
"So 'rangers', you're hiking out in biker boots and jeans?", Haley asked. She made a good point. Dean glanced down at his clothes and laughed. He continued past the group to begin walking down the trail.
"Well, sweetheart, I don't do shorts.", Dean responded with a smile. This comment, of course, caught Roy's attention.
"What, you think this is funny?", Roy asked angrily. "It's dangerous backcountry out there. Her brother might be hurt." Turning his head, Dean spoke.
"Believe me.", he said. "I know how dangerous it can be. We just wanna help them find their brother, that's all." Dean continued moving past Sam and I towards the trail. Shrugging at Roy, I turned to follow my brothers… This will be an interesting hike, that's for sure.
Within the first five minutes of the hike, Roy took it upon himself to take the lead. I made sure to follow closely behind. I probably asked him every animal question in the book. Granted, he took it in stride and answered… Correctly, I assume. At one point he turned on me and asked what kind of ranger I was. To which I replied a 'ranger in training'. This answer only pissed him off even more. It was a fun game between Roy and I.
"So Mr. Roy, you said you did a little hunting?", I asked, skipping ahead to walk next to him. This earned me a sigh from Roy.
"Yeah, more than a little.", he answered simply.
"Well… What kind of animals do you hunt?", I prodded.
"Mostly buck, sometimes bear.", he responded. I picked up the pace to pass Roy.
"Has Bambi or Yogi ever tried to hunt you back?", I teased. The next thing I knew, Roy grabbed me by the collar and roughly pulled me over to his side. I quickly grabbed his forearm and attempted to pull him off me. I could feel my heart bruising my ribs while Roy glared deep into my eyes. In an instance, Dean had his hand on Roy's shoulder.
"Whatcha doing, Roy?", Dean calmly asked. Roy scoffed, releasing me. I made no haste in stepping behind Dean. This guy is Crazy. Leaning over, Roy grabbed a large stick. He pointed it in front of where I had been walking. Following the stick, my eyes landed on an armed bear trap. Holy shit, that would have been a whole leg down the drain. Rearing back, Roy jabbed the bear trap, activating it. The trapped slammed it's jaws together, effectively crushing the stick to pieces.
"You should watch where you're stepping, junior ranger.", he mocked. Glaring at him, I gave him a nod. I suppose I had that coming for antagonizing him. Dropping what was left of the stick, Roy turned to continue his lead.
"It's a bear trap", Dean stated the obvious. I rolled my eyes and continued. Behind me, Haley caught up to speak with Dean. She didn't look happy at all. I paused a moment, eying Dean to see if he wanted back up. Dean gave me an expression that basically said 'keep moving.' I guess that means he is going to let her in on some of the details. Speeding ahead, I could barely overhear Haley bitch at Dean about the fact that we 'didn't pack any provisions.' I tried my best to stay within earshot, however the crunch of leaves being stomped on drowned out most of their conversation. Of the few words I was able to make out of their conversation involved our father, confirming my suspicion. After a few minutes, Dean calling out my name caused me to turn around.
"Riley!", He called. "Hand me the provisions." That was my que. Unzipping my backpack, I grabbed the bag of sour patch kids and opened it for Dean. He took a handful of them and continued his hike. Zipping back the contents, I threw my backpack over my shoulder and followed suit. Perhaps I can find other ways to bother Mr. Roy.
The rest of the day drug by slowly. It was about six in the afternoon, daylight was beginning to run out.
"This is it. BlackWater Ridge.", Roy announced. The weight of the forest was crushing. I took a seat on a nearby log and listened… Nothing.
"What coordinates are we at?", Sam asked. Roy pulled his GPS from his pocket and read the coordinates aloud.
"Thirty-five and minus one-eleven.", he answered. Well here we are. Dean pulled Sam over to the log and knelt beside me.
"You hear that?", he asked. It was hard not to hear. The silence was deafening.
"Yeah.", Sam whispered. "Not even crickets."
"I'm gonna go take a look around.", Roy said after a few moments. Shit, he was going to get himself killed. We still don't have a clue about what we are dealing with. Running off alone could mean certain death.
"Mr. Roy, you shouldn't go off by yourself.", I advised. He snorted at me.
"Kid, don't worry about me. You're probably worse off than anyone else here.", he snapped. Wow, that was harsh. Giving his shotgun a shake, Roy turned and continued along the trail. I hadn't moved yet. I know I'm not as athletic as my brothers, but I've never considered myself a hindrance. A pat on the shoulder and push forward by Dean got my ass in gear.
"Alright, everybody stays together. Let's go.", he commanded. The further we pushed forward, the more at unease everyone got.
A good thirty minutes, we had arrived at a large rock. Roy had pushed on ahead out of view. At this point finding Tommy wasn't looking so hot. However, the morale of Ben and Haley shined through, despite the odds. I don't blame them, if my brothers went missing, I would be determined too. A call brought me from my thoughts.
"Haley! Over here!", Roy screamed. Everyone broke out into a sprint through the forest. Limbs smacked my face as we dodged through the trail, chasing after Roy's voice. Eventually, the trail broke into an opening containing a campsite. I could feel my heart drop into the pit of my stomach when we cleared into the campsite.
"Oh my god…", Haley murmured, her hand covering her mouth. The campsite was absolutely destroyed. The tent had been torn open and the supplies were strewn out about the campsite. Spatters of blood were all over the tent. It looked like a crime scene.
"Looks like a grizzly.", Roy said. What an ass. Everyone dropped their backpacks and began investigating the ruined campsite. The tent was bloody ribbons, nothing left. Haley abruptly stormed off the campsite and began calling for her brother.
"Tommy!", she called. Sam was hot on her heels and followed her into the thicket. Dean glanced back at me.
"Go get them.", I commanded. "I'll watch Ben and Roy." With a nod, Dean turned and jogged after Sam and Haley. A scoff sounded off behind me causing me to whirl around.
"I think it's more of me watching after you, twinkle toes.", Roy sneered. "Maybe you should sit down before you get hurt." What the fuck. Again with this shit?
"Do you have a problem with me Roy?", I asked. He seemed relieved that I finally didn't call him 'Mr.' "I know I've annoyed you a bit, but you've been an absolute prick to me."
"That's because I don't think you belong out here.", he stated bluntly. "Them other two, they seem to be built for this kinda thing… I wouldn't call them rangers… But they can handle this. You. You're gonna get yourself killed, or someone else. You seem to be the oddball with them other two."
"You don't know me.", I hissed. "Is that why you've been such a dick to me? Cause I guarantee I can handle myself just fine with the shit I've been through." He openly laughed at me. I didn't bother to respond, stomping over to the other side of the campsite I continued my search. Hell, even people that don't know my family notice how badly I stand out. After a few awkward filled minutes, Sam, Dean, and Haley returned to the campsite. I simply continued my search off to the side. Eventually, Sam approached me. I didn't pay him any mind.
"Hey.", he whispered. He was treading lightly after our small spat last night. "You alright? You've been pretty quiet since we got back. Roy didn't say any shit to you, did he? I'll talk to him if you need me to." I couldn't help the audible groan that escaped my mouth.
"Sam, I don't need you or Dean fighting my battles.", I said agitated. Sam raised his eyebrows.
"So something did happen.", he concluded. Damn it, Sam.
"Sam.", I began. "Don't worry about me… I have it handled. You know my mouth is too big to let someone walk all over me." I gave him a smile that seemed to tide him over.
"Don't I know that.", he laughed. After a moment, he spoke again. "About last night… I've bee-" Suddenly a scream echoed through the campsite, effectively ruining our moment.
"Help! Help!", the voice screamed. It sounded scared and in pain… And somewhat… forged. Roy sped off into the forest, waving his shotgun around like it was his dick. Grabbing my backpack, I slung it over my shoulder and moved as fast as I could. The voice continued to call for help. "Help! Somebody!" Eventually we got to where we believed the voice was coming from… And found nothing. I felt at unease, like we had been duped.
"It seemed like it was coming from around here, didn't it?", Haley asked. Everyone looked around skeptical… No more yelling… Nothing was here.
"Everyone back to camp!", Sam commanded. Obeying, we turned tail and sprinted back to camp. The ruffage pulled at my pant legs, I couldn't help but feel that this thing was herding us like sheep. Arriving back to the campsite, the first thing we realized was everyone's bags had been stolen.
"Our packs!", Haley yelled. They were nowhere to be found. Fortunately for me, mine was still slung over my shoulder… My precious camera was safe. Sitting on a log, Roy sighed.
"So much for my GPS and my satellite phone.", he complained. Ben and Haley shifted anxiously. Damn, three people to protect is a hell of a handicap.
"It's smart. It wants to cut us off so we can't call for help.", Sam growled. What the hell is it. Surely by now Sam has some sort of idea.
"You mean someone…", Roy sneered. "Some nut job out there just stole all of our gear." Sam ignored him and stomped over to me and Dean.
"We need to speak…", he hissed. "In private." Pulling ourselves a ways from the campsite Sam demanded for Dean to hand over Dad's journal. Flipping through the journal, Sam jabbed a finger on the page and turned it for us to see. "Alright, check this out." I knew Sam had an idea of what we were up against. Sam had the page turned to a demonic stick figure drawing, it was labeled, 'wendigo'. Surrounding the drawing was more information, locations, weaknesses, methods of killing, etc… Briefly reading through the opened journal, Dean spoke up.
"Come on, Sam. Wendigos are in the Minnesota woods or northern Michigan.", Dean countered. "I've never even heard of one this far west."
"Well…", I spoke. "He has a point. Look at the facts. The claw marks, how it can mimic human voices. Hell, they are known for living in mines, and BlackWater is full of them." I threw up my arms to emphasize my statement.
"Great.", Dean sighed, pulling out his pistol. "Well then this is useless." Unfortunately he was right. The only known weakness of wendigos is fire." Sam shoved the journal back into Dean's arms and stomped past him back towards the camp.
"We gotta get these people back to safety.", Sam growled at us before marching into the camp. Marching into camp, Sam barked a command at the group. "Alright, listen up! It's time to go. Things have gotten… More complicated." God, he was being such a damn hothead. I'm sure Roy would take receiving orders from Sam well.
"What!?", Haley snapped. This girl wasn't leaving these woods without a body, that's for sure. Stepping forward, Roy spoke while shaking his head.
"Don't worry.", Roy huffed. Whatever's out there, I think I can handle it." What a cocky son of a bitch.
"It's not me I'm worried about. If you shoot this thing, you're just gonna piss it off. We have to leave. Now.", Sam demanded. Yep, Roy didn't handle taking orders well, like I predicted. Emotions were on the verge on running high, especially with two dominating personalities trying to take control of the situation.
"One, you're talking nonsense.", Roy began. "Two, you're in no place to give anybody orders." The two were edging closer to each other. Dean noticed as well. Stepping in between them he spoke up.
"Relax.", he commanded. The two continued looking at each other, brushing him aside. I had no idea what to do.
"We never should have let you come out here in the first placed, alright?", Sam argued. "I'm trying to protect you!" Roy quickly stepped around Dean and got into Sam's face.
"Would you back hell up, Roy.", I demanded. He was only escalating the situation. Damn I would expect this out of Dean. Our group won't be able to hold itself together if Dean and Sam start diving head first into situations.
"Shut the fuck up, kid!", Roy roared at me. I was taken aback, from the look on Dean's face he was as well. I suppose we still aren't friends, Roy and I. Roy turned his focus back to Sam. "You protect me? I was hunting these woods when your mommy was still kissing you good night."
"Yeah?", Sam retorted. His face was contorted in anger. "It's a damn near perfect hunter. It's smarter than you, and it's gonna hunt you down and eat you alive unless we get your stupid sorry ass out of here." Roy openly laughed in his face.
"You know you're crazy, right?", Roy laughed. Sam closed the distance between them and spoke.
"Yeah?", He growled. "You ever hunt a wen-" My heart dropped, before Dean interrupted. Closing the gap, Dean shoved Sam to the side.
"Chill out!", he hissed at Sam. Looking from me to Dean, Sam shook his head.
"Stop. Stop it.", Haley commanded, clearly having enough of the squabble. "Everybody just stop. Look. Tommy might still be alive. And I'm not leaving here without him." Just as I expected, she wasn't going anywhere. I am starting to like this girl more and more. She is kinda like Dean, honestly. There was a long awkward moment, before anyone spoke up.
"It's getting late.", Dean said, of course. "This thing is a good hunter in the day, but an unbelievable hunter at night. We'll never beat it, not in the dark. We need to settle in and protect ourselves."
"How?", Haley asked. That earned a smirk from Dean. He's going to start on his Anasazi bullshit. Regardless, hopefully this works. I do not want to be stuck in the woods at night, especially with a wendigo hunting us.
We utilized the ruined campground and fortified it into our own piece of salvation. More or less. Roy had built a campfire, while Dean continued to draw Anasazi symbols around the campsite. I had made my way next to Sam and found a comfortable piece of dirt to lay back on. Looking over to Sam, he was looking in every direction but me. Maybe he was ashamed of his most recent outburst and didn't want to talk about it? A voice from the campfire caused me to turn my attention to it.
"One more time, that's…", Haley began. Dean had attempted to explain everything multiple times, however it seemed to be going over Ben and Haley's heads. Roy just plain didn't want to hear any of it. It was 'bullshit' if I remember correctly.
"Anasazi symbols.", Dean answered. "It's for protection. The wendigo can't cross over them." Roy's chuckling echoed through the campsite. Dean didn't put up with it. "Nobody likes a skeptic, Roy." Standing up, Dean made his way over to the edge of the campsite where Sam and I sat. "You wanna tell me what's going on in that freaky head of yours?", Dean asked, addressing Sam.
"Dean…", Sam began. He was quickly interrupted by Dean.
"No, your not fine.", Dean snapped, predicting what Sam would say. "You're like a powder keg, it's not like you. I'm supposed to be the belligerent one, remember?" Dean stole the words right out of my mouth.
"Well?", I asked. We had Sam cornered, might as well take advantage of it. There was a long pause before Sam spoke. He simply ignored our questions.
"Dad's not here.", Sam sighed. "I mean, that much we know for sure, right? He would have left us a message, a sign, right?" Sam seemed to have forgotten the amount of secrets Dad kept from us. Whether it be due to 'he's our father', or that 'we don't need to know until we are older.'
"I suppose he's not.", I agreed. "By now we would have found something." Turning to Dean, I looked to see if he had any ideas about Dad.
"Hell, I don't think Dad's ever been to Lost Creek.", Dean mumbled. Sitting forward, Sam spoke.
"Then let's get these people back to town and let's hit the road. Go find Dad. I mean why are we still even here?", Sam exclaimed.
"It doesn't feel right to leave.", I whispered. "We haven't finished the job. This thing has been killing people for decades. That will continue if we just bail." Dean quickly reached into his coat pocket and whipped out Dad's journal.
"Riley is right.", he said. I couldn't help but smirk. It was nice to get some sort of props from my brother every so often. "This journal is why. This is Dad's single most valuable possession. Everything he knows about every evil thing is in here. And he's passed it on to us. I think he wants us to pick up where he left off. You know, saving people, hunting things. The family business." Dean tapped on the journal to emphasize his statement.
"That makes no sense.", Sam muttered, shaking his head. "Why doesn't he just… call us? Why doesn't he… Tell us what he wants, tell us where he is." Sam looked like he had a mixture of emotions within him - anger, sadness, frustration.
"Come on, Sam", I laughed. "You know that keeping us in the know isn't Dad's forte." Sam gave me a small smile.
"The way I see it, Dad's giving us a job to do. And I intend to do it.", Dean said crossing his arms. Typical dean, always jumping to follow orders… Even if we aren't sure if Dad is giving the orders. Despite that, I understand where he is coming from. Family is family, Dad is missing and we need to find him.
"Dean… No. I gotta find Dad. I gotta find Jessica's killer.", Sam whispered. He was pretty stuck on her… Granted, I can't blame him. "It's the only thing I can think about." I honestly didn't know what to say… For once. Looking over to Dean, I waited for him to speak.
"Okay, alright Sam. We'll find them, I promise. Listen to me.", Dean said. I couldn't help but feel like I had been thrusted out of this conversation. The Sam and Dean duo was making its appearance. Maybe I'm just an attention hog… "You've gotta prepare yourself. I mean, this search could take a while, and all that anger, you can't keep it burning over the long haul. It's gonna kill you. You gotta have patience, man." It was clear from the look on Sam's face that he was beginning to feel more at ease. Hell, he wouldn't even let me talk to him about shit like this, why the hell are those two so much closer? Sam speaking brought me from my internal conundrum.
"How do you two do it? I mean, how does Dad do it?", Sam whispered. I assume he means deal with this shit, while finding the strength to continue on.
"Well for one, them.", Dean said, motioning to Ben and Haley behind him. They sat around the campfire looking tired and worried. Not exactly shocking. Dean spoke again, bringing our attention back to him. "I'll tell you what else helps. Killing as many evil sons of bitches as I possibly can." This earned a smile from Sam. I suppose if their closeness can help Sam feel better, I can overlook my jealousy from time to time. A voice rang out through the forest.
"Help me! Please!", it called. Dean pulled his gun from his coat and made his way into the center of camp. "Help!"
"The wendigo is trying to play us. It wants us to run out into the forest like dumbasses.", I said. Sam waved the flashlight through the forest, however, he was unable to find anything.
"He's right.", Dean agreed. "Everyone just stay put."
"Inside the magic circle?", Roy mocked. God, he was such a pain in the ass.
"Shut up, Roy!", I snapped. "If you want to run out into the dark, feel free." The calls for help seemed to echo all around us. If looks could kill, Roy would have murdered me. Pointing his gun in my general direction he spoke.
"You expect me to buy into this bullshit? Maybe we should both go into the woods and see what is out there.", he hissed. I froze, staring at his gun. Is he crazy?
"Watch where you point that thing, Roy.", Dean called out. He was busy turning in circles to pinpoint the sound. A growl resonating in the woods caused us all to cringe. It was inhuman.
"Okay, that's no grizzly.", Roy murdered to himself. Maybe he was finally grasping the gravity of the situation. Haley rushed over to Ben and cupped his face.
"It's okay.", she said. He looked pretty freaked out. "You'll be alright, I promise." The brush rustling next to the camp caused Haley to scream. Well shit. Rustling behind me caused me to whirl around, I could barely make out a tall thin figure making its way back into the forest. A gunshot sounding off next to me caused me to fall onto my ass. What the hell was that!? A second shot helped me realize that Roy's dumbass was firing his shotgun.
"I hit it!", Roy announced. Without a second glance, Roy disappeared into the woods. My heart sank… He was going to die… Summoning all of my courage, I raced out of the circle. Roy was a real asshole, but no one deserves to be eaten alive by a wendigo. Ducking and weaving through low hanging limbs, I stayed on Roy's tail. I eventually caught up to Roy at a large tree. He was standing at the base looking up into its dark branches. "It's over here! It's in the tree!", he yelled. Roy turned on his heel to see who followed him, scowling when he realized it was me. Before I could do a thing, a dark figure climbed down the tree and quickly twisted Roy's neck. I couldn't stop the scream that came from my mouth. Before his corpse could hit the ground, Roy's body was yanked up into the tree and out of view. Backing up, I could only stare in shock up into the tree. He was gone… Movement behind me brought me from my search. My brothers had arrived behind me. Sam looked in all directions with his flashlight.
"Roy!", Dean called into the tree. I silently shook my head.
"He's gone.", I whispered.
"Fuck!", Dean hissed. "Come on, let's get back to the others." With that simple command, once again we were making our way back to the campsite within the protective circle. I didn't dare turn to look behind me in fear of the wendigo chasing behind me. Our crashing through the forest camouflaged any noise the monster might make while in chase of us. Breaking into the clearing of the campsite, we found Ben and Haley huddled together in wait. The looks of fear was all too familiar when it came to the average-joes dealing with the Supernatural. What if they don't make it out alive… I quickly shook the thought from my head. I had to trust in my brothers… And myself.
The better part of the night was spent tossing and turning at every noise that sounded off outside of the circle. At some point however, I was able to pass out. A ray of sunshine breaking through the thick forestry made its way to my face, effectively drawing me from my sleep. Sitting up, I examined my surroundings. Fortunately, everyone was in camp, this brushed away my fear of the wendigo possibly stealing someone away in the night. Ben was sound asleep on the ground next to one of the torn tents. Haley and Dean were whispering quietly to each other next to him. I'm sure she still had many questions about the problem at hand. Last night, we found it in our best interest to fully explain everything that was going on. Including the wendigo and how it lead to Roy's death. A voice behind me caused me to turn my torso.
"Sleep well?", Sam asked. Sam sat with his back against a tree stump, in his hands was Dad's journal.
"No.", I answered, cringing at the crick in my back. Hell, sleeping on the dirt is the worst. I'm never going to bitch about hotels again. I crawled to the tree stump and laid back against it with Sam. "What are we going to do now? How are we going to save these people?", I asked.
"We'll figure it out.", Sam sighed. "It's our job, right?" I couldn't help but smile at his change in attitude. Sure it was a half-assed one. But it showed me his head was getting back into the game. Quickly, Sam rocked himself into a standing position and began to make his way over to Dean and Haley. Not wanting to miss out on the game plan, I crawled after him.
"Hey.", he called, catching their attention. "So, we've got half a chance of in the daylight. And I for one want to kill this evil son of a bitch." Dean's pep talk to Sam last night sure did give him a kick in the ass.
"Well, hell, you know I'm in.", Dean laughed. Flipping open Dad's journal, Sam showed us the page studying the wendigo. Sam wasted no time in beginning his history lesson, mainly to Haley.
"'Wendigo' is a Cree Indian word. It means 'evil that devours'", Sam explained, quoting from Dad's journal. Dean jumped in to continue the explanation, no doubt to impress Haley.
"They're hundreds of years old. Each one was once a man. Sometimes an Indian, or other times a frontiersman, or a miner, or hunter.", Dean said. Poor Haley looked like her mind had been blown wide open.
"How does someone turn into one of those things?", Haley asked. Good question.
"Well.", I began. Dean didn't look happy that I was butting in. "The story never changes. Said Indian, frontiersman, miner, or hunter, finds himself in a tough spot some winter. Either cut off from supplies, or a bad crop haul from earlier months. In the end he becomes a cannibal to survive, eating other members of his tribe or camp."
"Like the Donner Party.", a sleepy voice came from behind us. Ben had finally stirred and tuned into our conversation. Sam continued his lesson.
"Cultures from all over the world believe that eating human flesh gives a person certain abilities. Speed, strength, immortality.", he continued. "If you eat enough of it, over years, you become this less than human thing. You're always hungry."
"So if that's true, how can tommy still be alive?", Haley suddenly asked. The fire in her eyes showed that she was not going to take an excuse for an answer.
"You're not going to like it.", Dean muttered. He looked from Sam to me. No way in hell was I going to tell her. It was his girlfriend, not mine. Sensing our dismay, Haley demanded an answer.
"Tell me.", she said sternly. Shaking his head, Dean fessed up.
"More than anything, a wendigo knows how to last long winters without food.", he started. "It hibernates for years at a time, but when it's awake it keeps it's victims alive. It stores them, so it can feed whenever it wants. If your brother's alive, it's keeping him somewhere dark, hidden, and safe. We gotta track it back there."
"Honestly, it probably comes out of hibernation once every twenty or so years. The fact your brother was around when it came out is pretty crummy luck.", I stated bluntly. Dean smacked the back of my head in repercussion. I forget to think before I speak sometimes. Haley simply blew off my comment and continued.
"And how do we stop it?", she asked.
"Well, guns are useless, so are knives.", Dean said. Holding up a can of lighter fluid, a beer bottle, and a white cloth he had found in the ruined camp, he quickly fashioned it into a makeshift Molotov cocktail. "We gotta torch the sucker.", he finished with a sneer.
Our trek through the woods wasn't exactly a difficult one, at least when it came to finding traces of where the wendigo had gone off to. The wendigo had left many of the trees with bloody claw marks. We simply had to follow the trail and we would find us a wendigo. Maybe it was marking its territory? Hell no. This was much too obvious. It wanted us to find it.
After walking a mile or so through the forest an audible growl was heard within the forest. We quickly formed a circle facing all directions, and laid in wait. Where is it? A scream from behind me caused me to whirl around. Haley barreled into me taking us both to the ground. Pulling ourselves together, I was eventually able to glance over to the tree which she had been standing under. At the base of the tree laid Roy's corpse. I suppose the wendigo dropped it from the tree as a message. Carefully, Dean slid over to Roy and took a look at him.
"His neck is broke.", Dean deduced. The thought sent shivers down my spine. Starting at the base of the tree, I brought my gaze up the trunk and into the many branches. They swung menacingly in the breeze. Another deep growl brought me from my search. "Okay, run, run, run, go, go!", Dean demanded. Without a second thought, I grabbed Haley's hand and we sped off. Once again, the wendigo was herding us through the forest. Taking a glance behind us, Ben had fallen, with my brothers lagging behind us to pick him up. Rounding a large tree, Haley and I stopped short. In front of us in all his flesh stood the wendigo. He had patches of long strands of white hair coming from the top of his head. His skin was like leather. I could feel his red eyes piercing through me. My legs felt like jelly simply standing in front of him. He actually looked like Gollum, from that Lord of the Rings movie. Damn. Of all times not to have my camera in my hand. Shoving Haley back, I took my backpack off and swung it at the monster. It landed a solid hit, but it didn't even phase him. Haley screeched from behind me as the monster stood tall over me. My heart sunk. This was it. I was going to die. A simple back hand from it rendered me to the ground with everything going black.
Dirt and leaves scratching up my back brought me back from the darkness. What the hell happened? I could feel something had a tight cold grip on my ankle and was dragging me through the forest. Unfortunately, my blurred vision prevented me from investigating any further. After a minute of shaking my head and blinking multiple times, my breath hitched when I remembered the past events. The wendigo had me by my ankle and an unconscious Haley over its shoulders. God, I need to think fast. What would my brothers do!? The wendigo had yet to notice my regain of consciousness, so I had that in my favor. The wendigo seemed to think he was safe, so he wasn't making any hesitation in moving through the forest quietly. Sliding my hand into my bag dragging behind me, I found the sour patch kids Dean had given me. One by one I began throwing them behind me. A little Hansel and Gretel action should get my brothers on our trail.
After a while, we came to one of the abandoned mines in the forest. I suppose this is where the wendigo had made his home. Entering the mines caused a drastic change in landscape. Going from soft grass and leaves to dirt and rocks was hell on my back. It took every fiber in my being not to groan. After twenty minutes or so of dragging, I felt I was at my breaking point. The cuts on my back were so deep it was unreal. Fortunately for me, the wendigo had arrived at his holding area. Feigning unconsciousness, I let the wendigo tie my wrists and hoist me into the air. My eyes were closed, but I could sense the wendigo was in my face… And I could smell it. After a while, footsteps leaving the room… And then nothing. It was safe to open my eyes again. It took a minute for them to adjust, but Haley and I were found to be in an empty dungeon within the mines, hung from the rafters.
I attempted to escape for thirty minutes before giving up. There was no way out… It's either my brothers save me at this point, or I get eaten. Swinging back and forth caused me to just spin in circles like an idiot. So it's probably better to just wait.
Eventually footsteps echoed through the mines. The wendigo must be coming back… Tightly closing my eyes, I waited for the inevitable. Two seconds… Five seconds… Ten seconds… Where is it. Cold hands grabbing my face caused my eyes to pop open.
"Riley!", the voice said. It was Sam's voice. "Are you okay?"
"Definitely.", I coughed. "Just help me down from here." Cutting the ropes, I fell onto my ass. Well, I guess I can't complain since they found me. Meanwhile, Dean and Ben had cut Haley down, bringing her to. Kneeling over to me, Dean whispers.
"Pretty badass with the candy trick.", he said. Couldn't help the bubble of pride that erupted through my body. Dean doesn't usually give me compliments. "So where is he?", Dean asked.
"He's gone… For now. But he could be back at any moment.", I answered. Glancing back at Haley, she was staring off at one of the other corpses hanging in the room.
"Tommy…", she whispered. Oh no. Stepping forward she reached up to cup his cheek. The second she touched his face, Tom moaned and jerked his head up. This caused all of us to jump back. "Cut him down!", Haley demanded to Sam. Sam quickly obeyed, assisting him to the ground and into a sitting position. Wrapping him tightly in her arms, Haley whispered words of comfort to Tom. "We're gonna get you home."
"Check this out.", Dean called from the corner. Apparently the wendigo stored everything he stole in this room. Dean had a couple flare guns in his hands.
"Flare guns.", Sam confirmed. "Those will work." Dean laughed and twirled the guns in a wild west fashion.
"I'm tired. My back is killing me. And I need a bath. Can we get the fuck out of here?", I groaned. Throwing my bag over my shoulder I lead the group through the mines. Not that I had any idea where I was going. Pulling my camera from my bag, I set the flash and held it for the ready. I was going to get this picture one way or another. Trekking through the mines, a growling began to echo through the mines. I guess he realized dinner escaped.
"Looks like someone's home for supper.", Dean stated, effectively stealing my thunder for that joke. Asshole.
"We'll never outrun it.", Haley said. What an optimist. This caused Dean to stop in his tracks, causing us to pause as well. Glancing back at Sam he nodded his head and spoke.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?", Dean asked. What is he thinking?
"Yeah, I think so?", Sam responded. What the hell? What's going on?
"What is he thinking? Damn." I complained. As usual they leave me out of everything.
"What are you gonna do?", Haley asked. This earned a wink from Dean, as he started walking in the opposite direction of us.
"Chow time, you freaky bastard!", Dean called. His voice carried all through the mines. "Yeah that's right, bring it on, baby, I taste good!" Oh. I guess that's what he was thinking. The second Dean turned a corner out of sight, Sam began ushering the four of us along.
"Alright, come on! Hurry!", Sam urged. We continued to follow Sam through the narrow tunnel. No idea where we were. Dean muffled voice was still audible within the mines. After a few minutes of speeding through the mines we came to an intersection where we were met with a growl. Sam pointed his flare gun at the growl, but there was nothing in view. "Get him outta here", Sam commanded to the siblings. Obeying, they turning the corner and continued on. Sam continued to point his flare gun down one of the tunnels. Nothing.
"I don't see it, Sam.", I whispered. I held my camera to my eye. Sure I want to live… But I also want this shot. A growl to our side caused us to turn in unison. There stood the wendigo, right in our faces. Seizing opportunity, I took the shot. The cavern lit up in a bright flash and the monster screeched and ran… Causing Sam to miss his shot with the flare gun… Of course.
"Damn it Riley, what the hell are you thinking.", Sam growled. Oops. Turning on our heels, we continued after the siblings. "Seriously, Riley."
"Sorry Sam, I saw a shot and had to take it.", I said with a laugh. Can't live the lives we live without partaking in guilty pleasures. Catching up to the siblings we continued on.
"Come on, hurry, hurry, hurry.", Sam ordered. Poor Tom limped as fast as he could. Eventually we came to a dead end. "Get behind me.", Sam demanded. He was a pretty wide guy, so we were all able to huddle behind him. The Wendigo took its sweet time in approaching us. It figured it had us in its grasp, so it could have a little fun. Stepping forward I snapped another picture of the beast. The flash caused it to shriek, slowing it down a few steps. Damn, I suppose this is it now.
"Hey", a call came from behind the monster. This caused the wendigo to turn and face the noise. It was Dean, coming to the rescue. Dean had his flare gun pointed at the wendigo. Without hesitation, he pulled the trigger and shot the flare into its stomach. The flare erupted and caused the wendigo to go up in flames. "Not bad, huh?", Dean said, with a smirk.
After making our way out of the mines, we were able to call for help using Roy's satellite phone, which we had found in the wendigo's holding room. We had explained to the Collins siblings the story that we were going to go by. That way no further questions would be asked. The plan was to get our story straight and blame it all on a grizzly. It only took an hour for us to be found by rangers. They brought us back to the forest entrance where we were met by two officers and a few paramedics. Fortunately for us the medics loaded Tom into the ambulance and began treating him immediately by protocol. Ben and Haley relayed the grizzly story off to the officers, which they lapped up like milk. Turning to my brothers and I, Haley spoke.
"So I don't know how to thank you.", she spoke sweetly. Dean gave her a smirk and a raised eyebrow. "Must you cheapen the moment?", she asked with a smile.
"Yeah", Dean answered with a smile. Gotta love him. One of the paramedics came up to us and lightly tapped Haley on the shoulder.
"You riding with your brother?", he asked. Nodding in confirmation, Haley turned to Ben
"Let's go.", she stated. Giving us a nod, Ben climbed into the ambulance with his brother. Stepping forward, Haley wasted no time in giving Dean a kiss on the cheek. "I hope you find your father." And with that final wish she climbed into the ambulance with her brothers and the doors were shut. After the ambulances drove off, Dean announced his thoughts on today's hunt.
"Man, I hate camping.", Dean sighed. I pulled my album out and laid it on the back of the impala. Time to put the wendigo in its perfect spot.
"Me too.", Sam replied. Labeling one of the pockets 'BlackWater Ridge', I then pulled out my camera to see which photo would go in it… Once I get it printed, of course.
"Me three.", I agreed. I flipped between the two pictures I had. The first one was pretty good. It showed the mines along with the angry expression of the wendigo. The second one had dumbass Dean in the background shielding his eyes from my flash. Effectively ruining the picture. I guess I will go with the first picture. I really need to get a camera that will print them straight away, that way I don't have to run to the nearest Walmart every time I need pictures printed.
"Guys… You know we are going to find Dad, right?", Dean asked. Hell with confidence like that it was hard to not trust in him.
"Yeah, I know.", Sam answered. "But in the meantime? I'm driving.", Sam finished with a grin. Throwing him the keys, Dean made his way to shotgun.
"What the hell, Dean? I ask to drive it's a big ass deal, Sam asks and he gets the keys.", I complained. Naturally, I was ignored. Piling into the back, we set forward to our next destination. Albeit an unknown destination. Hopefully one with much, much, much less trees and more civilization.
A/N - Again, I would like to thank anyone that takes their time to actually read this. I do this in my free time, and I rather enjoy it. If you notice any mistakes be sure to let me know. Otherwise, just don't be a jerk.