(Disclaimer: Don't own anything Supernatural related; the following story and the characters of Finn and Caleb belong to me)
Through the Never.
Chapter Seven.
Bobby woke early. The sun was just starting to peek over the horizon as he sat up and stretched; smiling as he breathed in the sweet smells that seemed to linger over this realm. Sam, Dean and Gabe were still asleep; the dragon, phoenix and griffin resting nearby…but Finn was missing. He pushed his blanket from him and stood, slipping his boots on as he scanned the surroundings; maybe she'd had to go…yeah, he needed to take a piss as well. He walked quietly into the wooded area, trying to find a tree he didn't feel guilty about peeing on.
He made his way back to camp as Dean started to rouse; the boy sat up quickly and looked at Bobby.
"Where's Finn?" he asked.
Bobby shrugged "She wasn't here when I woke"
Dean got up and strode to the griffin "Raja…where's Finn?" he asked urgently.
"Here" she said as she walked back into the clearing with what looked like some kind of fruit "Breakfast"
Dean strode over to her, his relief at seeing her turning to annoyance "You don't go anywhere alone. Understand?"
Sam sat up and rubbed at his face "Did I hear someone say breakfast?"
"Understand Finn?" said Dean, anger now tingeing his voice.
"Relax, Dean. I wasn't far…just grabbing us some food is all" she kissed him and smiled 'Morning"
"Yeah, morning" he said "Do you understand, Finn? A simple 'yes, Dean' will do"
She rolled her eyes "Yes, Dean' " and she walked past him to the fire.
Dean grabbed her arm "Finn…" he looked at Sam and Bobby who were watching him, amused smiles on their faces "Come here" she put the fruit on the ground and he dragged her into the tree-line.
"Hey, calm down" said Finn.
"I will not calm down! You stay near me all the time! No going off on your own! No sneaking away! Nothing. Fuck me, Finn!" he shook his head "How am I supposed to protect you if I don't know where you are?"
"Dean…" she started.
"Jesus Christ! You don't even have your swords with you! We aren't camping, Finn! There are people out there that are going to try and stop us!" he began to pace in front of her "Not to mention that Abiel prick will do anything to make sure we don't get to Caleb! Start fucking thinking!"
"Don't you start yelling at me" said Finn "I think I can go pick fruit without getting hijacked by…"
"You stay where I can see you at all times. This is not debateable. I will get us to Caleb but you do as I say" he interrupted, staring hard at her.
"Are you ordering me, Supreme Royal?" she asked, her anger rising as his did.
"You want rules? You got 'em. You stay near me all the time. You don't go off on your own. I…" he shook his head "you just don't"
She saluted him "Yes, sir" and turned abruptly and stormed back to camp.
"Oh I am gonna kick your ass" he muttered as he followed her but as he walked into the camp, Bobby stepped in front of him.
"You need to calm down, son" he said "There's a griffin, dragon and phoenix here. Do you think they'd have let her go off alone if they thought she was in any danger?"
Dean glared at him "Bobby, you might know a lot about almost everything. But here? You don't know shit" and he pushed past him.
Finn was crouched near the dwindling fire, peeling the fruit and mumbling under her breath. Sam was sitting next to her, eating the fruit almost as fast as she could peel it; laughing to himself as he watched his brother and Finn. Dean walked over, smacked Sam across the back of the head and started packing up his and Finn's gear.
Slayer, you must calm yourself before we enter the realm of the Valkries.
Dean grabbed his bag and went to Peluda, slinging it over the dragons muscular shoulders "She needs to start thinking, Peluda" he whispered "This isn't some hunt we're on. We're crossing three realms and none of the people in them want us to do this"
What they want and what we do are two different things, Slayer. But there are unspoken rules when entering the home of another race.
"Of course there is" said Dean; unable to keep the anger from his voice as he watched Finn
If you carry your anger into this realm, they will sense it and use it against you. You must enter their home without fear and without doubt.
Dean turned as he heard Raja's voice in his head You are the leader of your people. You represent them. If they see any sign of weakness, especially that in the King of another realm; they will see an opportunity for …expansion.
"Dominance, you mean" said Dean "Say it like it is Raja"
The griffin bowed his head If they believe the ruler of a race is weak, unsure of himself…what do you think they will make of his people?
"Easy pickings" said Dean with a sigh.
Yes. You walk proud and strong into their realm and you make sure they know you and your people are a force to be reckoned with.
Dean leaned back against the dragon and looked at the griffin "Raja, what happened to the griffins? I don't mean Shiaz, Jenur and Rotupu…I mean the rest of them"
Raja lifted his head to the skies; he didn't answer for a long time and Dean waited him out. We underestimated the fear our kind instilled in some. He turned his eyes slowly to Dean's Ignorance is a powerful weapon, Slayer.
Dean waited for more of an explanation but the griffin had settled himself on the ground and was watching Finn intently. He pushed himself from Peluda and walked over to where everyone was sitting and gorging on the fruit Finn had collected. She turned to him "I need to wash my hands…do I have your permission?" she asked.
Dean rolled his eyes at her "Come with me"
"Yes sir" she said as she followed him into the surrounding woodland.
He pulled up far enough away so that the others wouldn't hear their conversation and turned to her "Finn…"
"What?" she asked angrily.
"Do you have to argue with me about everything?"
"Only about ridiculous things" she said as she picked a purple fruit from a nearby tree, peeling it as she leaned back against the orange-barked trunk.
"I'm being ridiculous? You were the one that took off on your own!" he said with exasperation.
"Well, believe it or not, I've managed just fine the last 1500 years! I don't need rules! I'm not a fucking child, Dean"
"Then stop acting like one!" he replied; his anger boiling over "And if you've managed fine for the last 1500 years…" he shook his head "screw this" he turned and walked away then stopped and turned back "We get Caleb back and you can do the next 1500 years by yourself…that's what you really meant right?" he turned and stormed off.
"SHIT!" yelled Finn and threw the fruit at the tree opposite her. They were fighting and they hadn't even left the realm. She turned and punched the tree again and again; finally resting her forehead against its trunk as she took deep breaths. She had to fix this before it got any further out of hand. She hadn't meant that at all…she didn't want to go one day without Dean, let alone 1500 years. She sighed, and that just sounded needy…great. She closed her eyes, she had to focus, they were about to go into a realm that was not only dangerous it was cursed. They'd be playing right into….she stopped when she heard Dean returning. A smile touching her lips as she felt his arms go round her and soft kisses on the back of her neck "I didn't mean that" she whispered.
"I know" he whispered back in between kissing and biting her neck gently "Me either"
She moaned softly "I'm sorry" she said as she pushed back against him.
He laughed softly "If you do that we'll never get to Quivira. Now come on" he turned her round and kissed her "Lets go get our son"
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Caleb was sitting on his bed, his hands resting in his lap as he waited for lessons to begin. He'd risen early; waking as the indigo rays filtered over the distant mountains and through his barred-window. He knew the rules; so he'd tidied his sparse room and sat on his bed to wait. He didn't mark the wall for that day; he had no need anymore. His Mamma had explained to him that this was where he was supposed to be; that this was what he was supposed to be doing. And even though he knew his Mamma was gone, he always listened to her. She loved him and she would never tell him to do something that was bad. She was a good Mamma. The best Mamma in the world. He closed his eyes, squeezing them shut to stop the tears that threatened to spill onto his cheeks. He would not cry. He would be brave…strong. Just like his Daddy.
He cocked his head as he saw his father's face rise into his mind, smiling at him. He saw his mouth moving, words forming but there was no sound. He strained to hear the words…make meaning of them. But he could hear nothing and he wanted to hear his Daddy's voice.
"Please Daddy" his voice a whispered plea to the man he'd loved long before he'd met.
He could hear the sound of boots echoing down the hallway that led to his room and his heart started to beat furiously in his little chest. He needed to hear what his Daddy had to say before the man came.
"Daddy…please" he whispered again, an urgent cry for understanding floating from his lips and to his mind; the scar on his cheek, the one he shared with his father, flaring painfully.
He heard the key turn in the lock; the slow but determined wrenching of the metal and he willed an answer….something …from his father; and as the door swung open slowly; he opened his eyes, his fathers…
"NO, Caleb!" resonating through his mind.
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Their bags had been packed and loaded onto the mythical beasts that would accompany the five Ancients…(well four Ancients and one mortal) into the realm of the 'Valkries'. There was a nervousness that sat in the pit of all but two of the people. Dean and Finn had vanquished any doubts about going to 'Quivira'; it was the way to their son and while they were wary, their determination over-rode everything else.
"Okay, Bobby" started Gabe "You have to remember that as far as the 'Valkries' are concerned, you're an Ancient. It's probably best if you leave the talking to the rest of us"
Bobby nodded "What if I'm asked something specific about this realm or its history?"
"I'll make sure all questions are directed to either me or Finn" said Dean "Now, me and Finn will go through first, Peluda and Raja either side of us. Sammy you next then Gabe. Bobby you last. That'll show them our chain of command"
"Keep your swords and shields with you at all times. Not only for defence but it'll show them who we are. Bobby you…."
We must wait
"Wait for what, Raja?" asked Finn.
For two more who will travel with us
"Two more?" queried Dean 'Raja…if we take anyone else with us, it won't be seen as a rescue mission but an offensive"
They are necessary and will not be seen as an act of war on your part. Patience, Slayer.
Finn looked at her watch "We're expected in half an hour, Raja. The last thing we want to do is piss them off by being late. It'll only make them think we're not taking this seriously…"
They will be here in moments, Griffin. Patience.
"Peluda?" asked Dean.
Raja is correct. We wait. There are more than one set of rules we must follow here.
All five turned suddenly and drew their swords as they heard the sound of movement through the woodland that surrounded them.
One has arrived. Lower your weapons.
They lowered their swords but held tight to them as they heard the sound nearing; the sound of breaking branches and soft chuffing getting ever closer. The bush broke open in front of them and their grips tightened on their blades as a howl ripped through the early morning stillness.
"Lord Almighty…" whispered Bobby "That's the biggest damn wolf I have ever seen" he glanced at Dean "Crapping in my pants is a sign of fear right?"
Dean laughed softly "Don't make yourself its first meal, Bobby"
Gabe smiled and stepped forward as he re-sheathed his sword. He walked purposefully towards the wolf and it lowered its head; cocking it left and right as it studied Gabe. The wolf stood easily six foot at its forequarters, its powerful muscles tensing under silver and black fur. Its golden eyes never left Gabe's.
Gabe turned; a smile splitting his face "This is Mingan" he grinned again "Seems I have my own guardian" the wolf raised its head and howled again; the sound echoing over the realm as it was joined by those of Peluda, Raja and Ankou.
"So, I'm guessing Bobby's having a friend to travel with as well" said Dean.
His guardian will arrive shortly, Slayer. All must travel with a guardian...it is required.
"How can I have a guardian?" asked Bobby.
The phoenix turned its head to Booby All those within the realm have guardians. Your arrival was destined…as was your guardian.
"It better not be a freakin' unicorn…" muttered Bobby "Pansy-assed animals"
Unicorns are sacred beasts. They are not, as you say….pansy-assed.
Bobby looked at Ankou "Sorry…but they belong in little girls rooms"
Finn smiled "What are you doing in little girl's rooms Bobby?"
Bobby rolled his eyes "Very funny, Finn"
They looked up as a shriek pierced the air; a ruffling of wings on the wind as the beast landed in front of Bobby; towering over the man as it snapped its wings open with a thunderous clap.
"Bobby, this is…" started Finn.
"Kubera" said Bobby as he stared at the Hippogryph "You're my guardian"
We have been awaiting your arrival, Singer.
"Then we better get moving" said Bobby with a grin. He had a freakin' Hippogryph and not some pansy-assed unicorn. He was happy…and relieved.
Finn turned her head as she heard Dean take a sharp intake of breath; putting his fingers to the scar on his cheek "Dean?"
He shook his head and closed his eyes "Caleb…" he whispered.
Finn went to him, re-sheathing her sword. She put her hands to his face and lifted it "Dean…what's wrong…tell me"
"Caleb…" he said again. He could see his son's face…his battered face staring at him. His dark hair matted with what could only be blood; his hollow cheeks and sallow skin and the lost and desperate look in his muted green eyes. "Caleb…don't…listen…" he whispered. He could see his son calling his name; begging him for help but he could hear nothing but the sound of footsteps in the distance…getting closer; someone was coming for Caleb and the footsteps held the ominous overtones of an executioner.
And then he heard his son…
"Daddy…please"
And the sheer desperation held within those two words; within that tiny voice as it begged him for help was like a knife twisting in his heart. And it set alight a fury in him. His eyes snapped open "NO, CALEB!" he yelled; stumbling back as the connection with his son was ripped from him; the scar on his cheek burning deep into his face.
"DEAN!" yelled Finn as she grabbed him "Dean…look at me, baby…look at me"
He shook his head as he tried to get back to his son; his mind screaming out into nothing but blackness "No, Caleb…" he whispered.
"Dean…please" whispered Finn urgently; a deep seated fear settling in her stomach.
Dean heard the echo of Caleb's words in Finn's voice and looked into her eyes "I saw him…I heard him…" he shook his head "We have to get to him" he looked at the others "We go now. Peluda!"
"Dean…" started Finn.
Dean turned to her "I am gonna KILL that asshole" he seethed; pure fury in his voice and eyes. He sighed inwardly when he saw the look on Finn's face; she knew what he'd seen was bad, that Caleb was in more trouble than they realised. "We'll get to him, Finn. I promise you" he kissed her softly "But we do this first" he forced a smile "You're a Princess, remember. You show those Valkries the Ancients are not to be messed with" he turned to Peluda "Tell them we're coming through NOW"
Peluda bowed his head before raising it to the skies; issuing a roar that Dean had never heard before. It rose and fell, undulating as it carried on the winds; a cacophonous cadence borne from deep within the dragon. A mythical call that carried through the realms and created the pathway needed…the pathway to an secret realm.
They shielded their eyes as an iridescent light burst from the trees in front of them; pushing into the realm before sliding back in on itself and pulling apart. The sound of time and space tearing apart fractured into the realm like a thunderclap and Peluda's roar increased; shattering into this realm and the other. Announcing the arrival of the Dragon Slayer.
They took their positions; Dean and Finn flanked by Peluda and Raja; Sam and Ankou at their back, Gabe and Mingan standing behind Sam and Bobby and Kubera at the rear of the squad. An unreal assembly of man and beast united as they stood before the doorway to a realm that had refused entry to all outsiders for millennia.
Dean turned "Okay, rules. Keep your swords sheathed; do not give them a reason to attack. If I give the word, get on your guardians and wait for my signal. We defend ourselves only….unless they do something stupid. Understand?" they nodded "Good" he looked at Finn "Stay next to me no matter what"
"Don't you doubt it" said Finn.
"You too, Sammy" said Dean as he looked at his brother.
Sam nodded "No sightseeing. Got it"
"Alright, lets show these Valkries how Ancients do it" said Dean and he winked at Finn as they walked towards the portal. He took Finn's hand and they took the first step into the swirling luminous vapour; the amber mist encircling them, wispy fingers wrapping themselves around them as they were pulled forward. The haze tightened painfully around them; squeezing the air from their lungs and trying to pull their hands apart but they held fast to each other as they were propelled forward. The miasma started to heat up before a flash of burning pain enveloped them and they were pushed out of the portal.
Dean squeezed Finn's hand and she nodded slowly as they stepped forward; Peluda and Raja at their sides.
They heard Sam and Ankhou arrive behind them "Well that was unpleasant" whispered Sam.
"Yeah?" whispered Dean "Well unpleasant just took on a whole new meaning"
"Shit" muttered Sam as he stared at the tens of thousands of soldiers that surrounded them; weapons drawn and in full battle gear.
To be continued…
