Blackwater Ridge Lost Creek, Colorado
It is nighttime in the lost creek campgrounds and there are two tents, Brad and Gary are playing handheld video games in one. The young man in the other tent ;Tom Collins; is making a video on his cell phone for his sister Hayley, 'Something' flicks past his tent too fast to identify.
"Hey Haley we're still out near Blackwater Ridge, we're fine keeping safe so don't worry okay? Talk to you tomorrow." Tom sends the message then takes out a book to read Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces when he hears Brad scream and then not one minute later Gary. Tom quickly shuts off his lamp and shuts up. There were shadows outside the tent moving so fast they appeared and disappeared before Tom could even look at them. Silence falls and Tom is quietly panting, then something slashes the tent open and-
"Ahhh!"
Sam is dressed in a suit and tie carrying a bouquet of assorted roses, he slowly makes his way to a gravestone marked 'JESSICA LEE MOORE', 'BELOVED DAUGHTER' there's a small picture of a smiling JESS leaning on the stone with a teddy bear and a small crucifix.
"I, uh… you always said roses were, were lame, so I brought you, uh Jess…oh God" Sam is grief stricken and trying to choke back the tears threatening to spill over. He kneels to set the flowers down.
"I should have protected you I should have told you the truth" Sam leans the flowers in front of the crucifix and a dirt covered hand shoots out and grabs Sam by the wrist.
Sam wakes up with a start he's panting and there is a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead which he wipes off. He's on the couch in the living room of the manor. He remembers last night crashing here. He had protested to just going straight to the coordinates that their dad had given them but both Dean and Adam thought it was best to go back home for the night and go in the morning. They arrived late last night and Sam knowing he didn't have a room and having absolutely no energy trudged to the couch and plopped down on it. Then after a mumbled good night from his brothers, after making sure he was okay, and only after Sam shut them out they left, and Sam quietly cried himself to sleep.
The first thing Sam notices is that he's covered in a small blue blanket with a S.W stitched in the corner, he remembers when Grams knitted it for him when Sam was little. The second thing Sam notices is a faint sizzling and the smell of something fried as the smell drifted into the living room. The smell was overwhelming and Sam's stomach grumbled and he realized how hungry he was, the smell was also very familiar and it caused a wave of nostalgia to wash over him making him remember slightly happier times when on those rare occasions his family including John sat at the breakfast table and Grams made everyone breakfast. Of course since it wasn't Grams in the kitchen Sam knew it was definitely Adam, the chef of the family, out of the three of them he was the one to always help Grams in the kitchen. He had a natural talent for cooking Grams used to say. Sam slowly stood up, folded the blanket and hung it on the back of the couch. He walked slowly towards the kitchen. He stopped at the doorway and smiled at what he saw, Adam had his back turned towards him frying something in a pan Sam couldn't see but assumed was bacon. He had a white chef's hat on that he always wore when cooking for the family. Sam cleared his throat and Adam turned around spilling some bacon grease on him.
"Oww!"
"Oh man sorry I didn't mean to startle you" Sam apologized frowning
"s' okay" Adam said with a reassuring smile on his face, the smile fell for a second and then came back only this one was more hesitant. "So how'd you sleep" Adam asked concern evident in his voice.
"I slept fine" Sam replied not quite looking at Adam. Adam caught the lie but decided not to push it, knowing it would end badly, and so decided to change the subject.
"So I made breakfast" Adam said signaling to the table which had pancakes in a tall stack that looked like it might tip over, bowls of sliced fruit and a plate of bacon.
"The coffee is in the pot" said Adam nodding towards the coffee maker on the counter.
"Thanks" said Sam, he went to the cupboard where he remembers the cups used to be, and after pouring himself some coffee sat at the table. He drank it black, and grimaced.
"You sure you don't want some sugar or creamer?" asked Adam putting the last of the bacon on the big plate in the middle of the table.
"No, thanks I'm good" replied Sam grabbing three pancakes and some sliced strawberries from a bowl, then putting some syrup on top,
"Okay" said Adam not too sure about that statement, he took off his hat and put on the chair opposite Sam, then sat down next to him.
"So where's Dean?" asked Sam wanting to say something, not to just avoid a certain subject, but also because he just wanted to make pleasant conversation with his baby brother.
"Well, seeing as it's only 7:30 we shouldn't expect Dean for another half hour at least" replied Adam as he took four pancakes with a dab of butter and then started drowning them in syrup.
"Right… you know if you keep up with all the syrup and sugar you'll get a cavity. Sam said grinning and looking at the drenched pancakes.
Adam grinned purposefully showing his white teeth. "My teeth are perfect, besides why start now?"
Sam was about to respond when Dean bounced in to the kitchen clad in boxers and gray sleep shirt, his hair was all tousled clearly just got out of bed. He sat down in the seat across Sam after putting Adam's chef hat on the counter.
"Good morning!" he said groggily.
"Morning" Sam and Adam returned.
"We weren't expecting you for awhile" said Adam as he chewed a strip of bacon.
"Yeah well the smell finally got to me and my stomach won the battle over sleep so…" Dean trailed off as he grabbed five strips of bacon and three pancakes with his hands. "So what were we talking about?" Dean mumbled around a mouthful of bacon
"Adam and his addiction to sugar" Sam said easily grinning slyly at his baby brother.
"It's not an addiction, it's a lifestyle choice" Adam returned grinning back at Sam.
"A very unhealthy lifestyle choice" Dean said over his shoulder as he poured himself a cup of coffee at the counter.
"Says Mr. Five strips of bacon" Adam returned as Dean sat back down, Dean opted not to answer instead just drank heavily from his cup. Sam watched his brothers with amusement; it was a much needed distraction from the aching in his heart which reminded him… "Hey guys shouldn't we go out to dad's coordinates?" Sam wondered, he was impatient to find their dad.
"Don't worry we'll leave right after breakfast". Dean said in pacifying tone. Sam nodded "okay the sooner the better." After finishing their breakfast, they got dressed and headed out in the Impala. The drive to Colorado from was a long one and to make it worse it was quiet and awkward. After they left the city they took all the highways and back roads to Colorado. After about an hour in the car of just Sam staring out the window and Adam just reading from the Book of Shadows because he insisted that it could help and that they should learn as much as they can about witchcraft and themselves, Dean had enough.
"So… Sam you all right?" Dean asked uncertainly. Sam didn't respond so Dean tried again "Sammy you in there?" Dean asked reaching his right hand over to shake Sam's shoulder.
"It's Sam" Sam said dejected startling Dean.
"Oh so you were listening" Dean said grinning and reaching back. A few beats passed and Dean did something unexpected.
"So Sam you want to drive?" now that caught Sam's attention. He gave a short bark of laughter.
"Dean in your whole life, you never asked me that once." Sam looked at Dean incredulously
"Just thought you might want to. Never mind"
"Look man you're worried about me I get it thank you, but I'm perfectly okay"
"Yeah I bet" Came a distinct grumble from the back seat. Sam turned to glare at Adam and Dean glanced back for a second with a smirk.
"So bookworm what you reading about?" Dean asked
"Nothing much just skimming, there's so much information on just about everything it's overwhelming"
"Nerd"
"Jerk"
Sam interrupted the banter with a question "Anything 'bout us?"
"Nothing we already don't know."
"Well don't you two worry when we find dad we'll ask him" Dean said smiling reassuringly
"What makes you think he'll know anything about this?"
"Well we might not have noticed anything up with Grams but I'm sure dad did, he'll probably have some answers for us, about the whole witch thing and what's going on with the thing that killed mom showing up after twenty years"
"It's weird, man" Sam said pulling out a map of Colorado.
"What is?" asked Adam leaning in between the front seats, having put the book aside.
"These coordinates he left us. This Blackwater Ridge, Colorado"
"What about it?" asks Dean glancing towards Sam.
"It's just woods, there's nothing there. Why would he send us to the middle of nowhere" Sam puts the map down as they pass a sign that reads: "WELCOME to LOST CREEK Colorado National Forest.
Ext. Ranger Station-Day
Sam and Adam are looking at a 3D map of the national forest paying close attention to the Blacwater Ridge region. "It's cut off by these canyons here, rough terrain, dense forest, abandoned silver and gold mines everywhere" Sam explains to Dean as Adam stares thoughtfully at the map
"You guys check out this freaking bear Adam and Sam walk over to where Dean is looking at a picture of a man standing behind a much larger bear.
"Damn Boo-Boo got big" commented Adam looking at the picture appraisingly, which causes a snigger to come from Dean and smirk to cross Sam's face. "He's spent way too much time with you" Dean was about to protest but Sam cut him off "it's no nature hike that's for sure". All three brothers startle and turn around as they hadn't noticed the Ranger behind them.
"You boys aren't planning on going out near Blackwater Ridge by any chance?"
"Oh no sir we're environmental study majors from UC Boulder, just working on a paper" Sam and Adam laugh a little as Dean raises his fist.
"Recycle, man"
"Bull" Sam's eyes flicker to Dean, who tenses slightly but unnoticed.
"You're friends with that Haley girl, right?" Adam being the quickest on his feet responds first
"Yes we are Ranger…Wilkinson" Adam says glancing at the Rangers name tag. Sam and Dean relax a little quietly thanking their baby brother.
"Well I will tell you exactly what we 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 person now, is it?" Adam shakes his head.
"You three tell that girl to quit worrying, I'm sure her brother's just fine."
"We will, that Haley Girl is quite the pistol" said Dean
"That's putting it mildly" responded Ranger Wilkinson
"You know what might help convince her is if I could show her a copy of that backcountry permit. You know, so she could see her brother's return date. The Ranger eyes Dean who raises his eyebrows. The Winchesters exit the Ranger station, Dean is holding a piece of paper and laughing.
"What, are you cruising for a hookup or something?" asks Sam
"What do you mean?" asks Dean confused.
"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?" They stop on opposite sides of the car, Adam standing next to Dean but not getting in yet.
"I don't know maybe we should know what we're walking into before we actually walk into it?" a pause where both Adam and Dean glare at Sam with a look of concern.
"What?" Dean is about to answer but Adam beats him to it yet again.
"Since when are you all shoot first ask questions later?"
"Since now." Sam responds getting in the passenger seat. Dean and Adam exchange a meaningful look before getting in themselves.
Collins House
The Winchesters stand outside Haley's door; Haley opens it and is greeted by Dean.
"You must be Haley Collins. I'm Dean, these are Sam and Adam" Dean said gesturing toward his brothers respectively. "We're ah; we're rangers with Park Service. Ranger Wilkinson sent us over. He wanted to ask a few questions about your brother Tommy." Haley eyed the three men suspiciously; she thought these three look way too young to be rangers. She hesitates before speaking
"Lemme see some ID" Dean Pulls out one of his fake ID's with 'Samuel Cole' written on it and holds it against the screen door. After a moment of Haley scrutinizing the ID she opens the door. Haley spots the Impala "That yours?" "Yeah" Sam and Adam look back at the Impala. "Nice car" Haley leads the boys into the kitchen Dean turns back to mouth something at Sam and Adam causing them to simultaneously roll their eyes. They walk into the kitchen and see Ben Collins Haley and Tommy's younger brother.
"So if Tommy's not due back for a while, how do you know something's wrong?" asks Sam. Haley sets a bowl she places on the table.
"He checks in every day by cell. He emails, photos, stupid little videos-we haven't heard anything in over three days now"
"Well maybe he can't get cell reception" Adam pipes up. Haley shakes her head in response
"He's got satellite phone, too."
"Could it be he's just having fun and forgot to check in?" Dean asked
"He wouldn't do that." Ben says angrily and looks up at Dean, Dean eyes Ben who looks away. Haley puts down more food on the table.
"Our parents are gone. It's just my two brothers and me. We all keep pretty close tabs on each other"
"Can I see the pictures he sent you?" Sam asks
"Yeah" Haley pulls up pictures and points at Tommy "That's Tommy". Haley pulls up another picture, then the video of Tommy "Hey Haley, day six, we're still out near Blackwater Ridge" Adam comes to stand next to Sam and watch the video, while Dean stands back and observes his brothers. Sam and Adam are watching the video intently and Sam sees the shadow flick past Tommy as he speaks to Haley. Sam feels Adam nudge his foot telling Sam that he saw it as well.
Dean turns to speak to Haley "Well we'll find your brother. We're heading out to Blackwater Ridge first thing."
"Then maybe I'll see you there. Look, I can't just sit around here anymore. So I hired a guy. I'm heading out in the morning, and I'm gonna find Tommy myself."
"I think I know how you feel" Dean glanced back at Sam and Adam. Just the thought of anything bad happening to his baby brothers makes Deans stomach turn.
"Hey do you mind forwarding these to me?" asks Sam
"Sure"
Bar
The Winchesters are seated at a table. Sam is talking "So, 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 opens John's journal.
"Any before that?" inquires Dean.
Sam pulls out newspaper articles and hands them to Dean and Adam.
"Yeah, in 1982, eight different people all vanished in the same year. Authorities said it was a grizzly attack."
Dean and Adam read the Headline in the Lost Creek Gazette. Sam pulls out his laptop
"And again in 1959 and again before that in 1936." Sam opens the laptop to Tommy's video
"Every 23 years?" asks Adam
"Yep, just like clockwork. Here Dean you need to see this" Sam goes through three frames on the video and Dean sees the shadow that his brothers previously saw.
"Do that again." Sam repeats the frames. "That's three frames. That's a fraction of a second. Whatever that thing is, it can move." Dean reaches over and hits Sam.
"Yeah"
"Also there's one more thing." Sam hands over another newspaper article
"In 59' one camper survived this supposed grizzly attack. Just a kid, Barely crawled out of the woods alive"
"Is there a name?" asks Adam.
Shaw House Night
Mr. Shaw talks to the Winchester brothers as he leads them into his house and pauses to take a drag from his cigarette.
"… Look ranger, I don't know why you're asking me about this. It's public record. I was a kid. My parents were attacked by a-" Sam interrupts " grizzly? That's what attacked them?" Shaw takes another puff of his cigarette and nods.
"The other people that went missing that year, those bear attacks too?" Dean asks slightly accusatory. Shaw hesitates and pauses. "What about all the people that went missing this year? Same thing?" another pause
"We knew what we were dealing with here we might be able to stop it." Adam says
"I seriously doubt that. Anyways, I don't see what difference it would make." Shaw sits down. "You wouldn't believe me. Nobody ever did." Sam sits down across from him. "Mr. Shaw what did you see?" Shaw pauses.
"Nothing, it moved too fast to see. It hid too well. I heard it, though. A roar, like no man or animal I ever heard"
"It came at night?" Sam asks. Shaw nods
"Got inside your tent?"
"It got inside our cabin. 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 do something like that? I didn't even wake up till I heard my parents screaming."
"It killed them?"
"Dragged them off into the night". Shaw shakes his head eyes darkening obviously talking about what happened is a touchy subject for him. Sam gives him a moment to compose himself. Suddenly Shaw looks up and reaches for his collar. "Did leave me this though." Shaw pulls down his collar to reveal three scarred over claw marks on his neck going down to his upper chest. The three brothers stare at them.
"There's something evil in those woods. It was some kind of demon."
Motel Nighttime
The Charmed Ones walk down the corridor of the motel they're staying at.
"Spirits and demons don't have to unlock doors. If they want inside, they just go through the walls." Dean says reasoning what it is that they're hunting.
"So it's probably something else something corporeal." Sam says
"Corporeal? Excuse me professor." Dean mocks.
"Shut up, so what do you guys think?"
"The claws, the speed that it moves… could be a skinwalker, maybe a black dog." Adam adds thoughtfully. His brothers nod.
"Well whatever it is it's corporeal, which means we can kill it." Dean says
Parking Lot Nighttime
Dean and Adam open the trunk of the Impala Dean props up the trunk's lid with a shotgun. He moves the Book of Shadows off the top of the weapon box andstarts giving weapons to Adam who places them in a duffel after checking that they're operational. Sam leans in next to Adam.
"We cannot let that Haley girl go out there." Sam says looking at his brothers.
"Oh yeah? What we gonna tell her? That she can't go into the woods because of a big scary monster?" Dean says sarcastically
"Yeah." Sam states simply as if it's the most obvious thing in the world. As if choreographed both of Sam's brothers turn to him simultaneously. It would have been hilarious in any other scenario, but both Dean and Adam are staring at Sam with a mix of incredulity and something along the lines of disappointment. Dean is the first to speak.
"Her brother's missing, Sam. She is not gonna just sit this out. Now we go with her, we protect her, and we keep our eyes peeled for our fuzzy predator friend." Adam picks up the duffel.
"What finding dad's not enough for you two?" Sam slams the weapons box shut, then the trunk.
"Now we gotta babysit too?" Sam stares at his siblings, switching glances between Dean and Adam. He can see anger and disappointment in Dean's emerald green eyes and in contrast he can see hurt and sadness in Adam's baby blues. Sam narrows his eyes
"What?"
"Nothing." Says Dean before turning quickly around. Adam thrust's the duffel into Sam's arms before turning around and falling instep with his oldest brother. Sam stares after them.
Forest Daytime
Roy, talks to Haley (Who is wearing shorts) and Ben while checking a shotgun. They're all carrying full backpacks.
"I'll tell you again, I don't think Ben should come." Roy says
"Roy-" Haley says
"Look you're paying me good money to keep everybody safe. I think Ben's safest at home." Roy interrupts. The Impala rolls up. Roy, Haley, and Ben stare. Haley shakes her head. The brothers get out the car. Sam opens the back door of the Impala and pulls out the duffel bag.
"You guys got room for three more?" Dean asks
"Wait, you want to come with us?"
"Who are these guys?" Roy asks annoyed
"Apparently this is all the park service could muster up for the search and rescue." Sam heads past everyone and Adam follows close behind.
"You're rangers?" Roy asks skeptically
"That's right." Dean says nonchalantly flashing a grin.
"And you're hiking out in biker boots and jeans?" Haley asks incredulously
Dean looks at his attire. "Well sweetheart, I don't do shorts." Dean heads past Haley.
"What, you think this is funny? It's dangerous back country out there." Roy says angrily. Her brother might be hurt. Sam and Adam turn back.
"Believe me I know how dangerous it can be. We just wanna help them find their brother, that's all." Dean says sincerely, then he heads past his brothers.
Mine Daytime
A mine shaft lets light in. Tom and Gary are hanging by their wrists from the ceiling. There are corpses littering the floor. Growling is heard and a tall skinny shape approaches Gary. Tom closes his eyes tightly as Gary yells.