Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters. I and am not making any money on this…I'm just having fun!

Dark Shadow

Chapter 9 – Finding Sam, Again

Dean looked at the sleeping form of his brother in the seat beside him. He shuddered as he remembered the sight of Sam unconscious on the park bench. For a moment, he thought he'd lost him; the form on the wooden seat was so still and cold to his touch. His heart didn't start beating again until he felt the flutter beneath his searching fingers on Sam's neck. It had taken both him and Nick to get his lanky brother to the car.

Of course, it solved the problem of drugging Sam. So far they had been on the road for more than four hours and his brother hadn't stirred. Reaching his hand over, he once again checked to make sure his brother was still with him. Smiling at the feeling of a steady pulse, Dean turned his attention back to the road. With luck, his brother would remain oblivious to his surroundings for just a little longer. They would be at Shades State National Park within a couple of hours give or take.

He looked back and smiled as he saw the old mustang with Nick following behind him. Their friend had already called ahead to let Charlie know they were on their way. The park ranger had insisted there was plenty of room at his cabin for them to stay with him. While he didn't like the idea of trusting a complete stranger, the tired hunter had to admit it made sense to stay inside the park. He just hoped Sam would see it that way.

A soft groan brought Dean from his musings and alerted him to his brother's regaining consciousness. "Hey there Sleeping Beauty!"

Confused hazel eyes slid open and focused on Dean before his brother turned his gaze to the view outside the window. Dean noticed the slight hitch in Sam's breathing as he brother sat up straighter in the seat. He could tell by the rigid shoulders, his sibling was less than pleased with being in the car. So much for his baby brother sleeping until they arrived; but then Sam never did things the easy way. Bracing himself for a showdown, Dean clenched the wheel a little tighter and pushed down on the accelerator. The sooner they got to their destination, the less time Sam would have to brood.

"Before we argue again, at least tell me how you're feeling. You know this Rip Van Winkle thing you have going is getting a little scary Sam." Risking a glance at his brother's profile, he figured the light approach was not going to work this time. Sam looked royally pissed and in a way, Dean couldn't blame him. He was glad now they hadn't drugged his brother. Sam would never have forgiven him.

Sam swallowed but continued to gaze outside the window, ignoring his older brother. The slight tremor in his little brother's large hands didn't go unnoticed by the eldest Winchester. Guessing it was all the answer he was going to get regarding Sam's current health status, he tried once more to reach out to his silent sibling.

"Fine, I get it ok—you're mad at me. But according to Nick, this is the only way to save you Sam. If you'd get your head out of your ass, you'd see this is slowly killing you." Strong fingers curled tighter around the steering wheel as he tried to keep his own temper in check.

Sam finally turned to look at his brother and Dean sucked in a breath at the emotion he saw in the depths of his brother's eyes. It wasn't anger, but fear—his little brother was afraid. "Aw Sammy, this is going to be ok. We'll figure out a way to fix this."

"How? It's not like I can just snap my fingers and be whole again Dean. Besides, I'm still not sure I want to go through with this. I mean, what happens if—if when this is over—what if I'm no longer—me?" Sam swallowed as he turned to look out the window again.

Dean didn't answer.

ooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam looked out over the forest. Dean was coming, he could sense it—or maybe he was sensing himself, he couldn't be sure. This was so weird and almost too hard to accept. He felt like Sam Winchester, and yet he wasn't. Not entirely. He trusted Soaring Eagle for some reason that he couldn't explain. Maybe it was because not to believe him would be worse. It would mean he would no longer be the man he was and worse, he wouldn't be able to help his brother.

His thoughts turning to his big brother, Sam began to pace once more. He should be feeling relieved and yet as the time grew closer to meeting Dean, his anxiety grew. How would the he react? Remembering the time with the vampires and Gordon, he shuddered as he remembered how his brother felt about Supernatural things. "We kill them—they're evil." While he thought his brother had changed his mind about everything unnatural being evil, he still knew deep down Dean hated anything supernatural. His father's training and the life they lived had taught him nothing else.

Would his older brother believe Soaring Eagle and help him or would he try to kill the supernatural being he had become? If they couldn't reverse this, would Dean hate him for the unholy being he had become? Tears gathered in his eyes and slowly ran down his cheeks as he realized for him, the only option was to somehow be reunited with his living self. Otherwise, he would be adrift—the one thing that anchored him and kept him from giving up would be walking out of his life, probably for good. Turning to walk back into the cave, he wished Soaring Eagle was still here.

The Medicine Man had left a while ago, claiming he needed to prepare the site for the purification ceremony. Sam didn't like the sound of it. From the little he had been told, it was going to be difficult, and dangerous. Especially if his body had been weakened as much as the old Indian had suggested it might be. Hell, he wasn't sure he wanted to even go through with it—if this ceremony caused his death; maybe he should be strong enough to walk away. At least Dean would have a part of him, no matter how impossible it would be for him to go on. His brother would still have some part of Sam Winchester there to guard his back. Maybe Soaring Eagle had it wrong, maybe he and his living double could survive this way.

But as the fear grew, the words of the demon returned making Sam fight the fear away. If the demon was happy about this, then he had to do whatever he needed to do to correct it. He had to find a way to correct this so he could save his brother. Sam stopped, his breath catching in his throat as he realized Dean had no idea the yellow eyed demon was involved. He had to find a way to warn him, before the bastard made good on his earlier threat. For some reason, the demon thought his current living self was more vulnerable to him and his brother was a threat to what he wanted.

"I have to warn him!" Sam said suddenly as he turned to exit the cave. He jumped as the figure of Soaring Eagle appeared in front of him.

"Your brother will be here soon. I have spoken to my grandson, he has told me they will be staying with him at his cabin. Do not fear, as long as he remains within the cabin, the evil one cannot harm him. We should leave now to be there when they arrive. I sense time grows short and the evil in the forest is impatient." Soaring Eagle turned to leave the cave.

"Wait! You can sense the demon?" Sam asked as he followed the ancient Indian into the forest. He was still amazed as he saw the frost lying on the ground and yet felt warm. It was just another piece of evidence that he was no longer among the living. He turned as Soaring Eagle continued to speak, pausing for a moment on the trail they had been following.

"You can too young one, but you refuse to use your abilities. You fear them because you believe they come from the dark one." Soaring Eagle turned and pulled his knife from the sheath at his waist. He handed the knife to Sam and watched as the young man turned it in his hands, confusion on his face.

"Tell me young one, is the knife good or evil?" Soaring Eagle waited, watching as Sam continued to puzzle it through.

"It's not the same…" Sam began as he handed the blade back to the Medicine Man.

"What if I told you it has spilled innocent blood? In fact, it was made for the sole purpose of taking life. Does that make it good or evil Samuel?" Soaring Eagle continued to stare at his young charge, waiting for him to make the connection.

"It's just a tool; the person who spilled the blood used it for an evil purpose." Sam paused, a small grin on his face as he continued. "I understand what you're trying to say Soaring Eagle, but what if I'm not strong enough to make sure my abilities are used for good? What if I make the wrong choice?" Sam finished softly, voicing his greatest fear.

"That is why you have your brother Dean. He is your guide as well as your protector young Samuel. Both of you together are a force for good, I have seen this. Together you can do great good—or great evil. The choices you both make are what will determine the outcome." Soaring Eagle turned to leave again, but paused as he heard a soft voice behind him.

"But what if we make the wrong choice?"

Soaring Eagle turned, wanting to soothe the troubled spirit he felt within the boy. He himself had made a wrong choice, a choice that while made with the best intentions for his people, created the problem before him. He looked upward and saw the great eagle soaring over the trees; it paused briefly in its flight, staring at the Indian before gracefully soaring off into the distance.

"Then you will do everything in your power to correct it, as will I young one—as will I."

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean pulled up in front of the cabin and sighed as he turned off the car. Sam had refused to talk to him after their last exchange. Of course, he didn't blame him. He was scared, but Sam must be terrified. This whole split personality thing was a hard pill to swallow. If the situation were reversed, he wasn't sure he would be sitting here either.

"Come on Sammy; let's see what's going on. I promise we'll take it slow. I'm not going to let anything hurt you." Dean placed his hand on Sam's shoulder and was surprised to feel it shuddering under his touch.

"Sammy?" Dean gently reached over and turned his brother's face towards him. He could see the track of tears down the pale face. Knowing it would look a little weird, but also sensing his brother needed it, Dean pulled him into a tight hug. He traced small circles on his brother's lower back as he slowly rocked back and forth. He hadn't done this since Sam was a small child, but he remembered it had worked to soothe his fears.

"M'sorry" Sam mumbled into Dean's shoulder, taking a hitching breath as he tried to get himself under control.

"It's ok Sammy. We're going to fix this." Dean watched as Sam pushed himself up and wiped the evidence from his face. The fear however remained in his brother's hazel eyes, fear and what looked like hopelessness. It was clear Sam didn't believe this could be fixed and Dean was at a loss on how to convince him. It was another example of the change in his brother. The old Sammy would have never given in this easily. As hard as it was to deal with his stubborn streak, Dean wished it would surface right now. He had a feeling it was the only thing that would save his little brother.

A light tapping on the window caused Dean to jump as he realized they had yet to leave the car. He turned and was met with the concerned eyes of Nick. "Come on Sam, time to get to the bottom of this. Besides, if we hang out here much longer, they might get the wrong idea about us." Dean winked as he patted Sam once more on the shoulder and opened his door.

Dean watched as Nick headed to the door. A moment later it was answered by a young man who was obviously of Indian decent. The park ranger had long jet black hair, and dark eyes that seemed to see right through you. Dean shuddered slightly as those dark eyes met his own. This was not someone to have as an enemy.

"I am Charlie, welcome to my home. I have put the two brothers in the first room over there." The park ranger pointed to a large room with two beds just off the main room. "Nick, the futon in the office over there can be converted into a bed. I hope you will find it comfortable."

"I'm sure we'll be just fine Charlie." Nick noticed Sam's slight stumble as he entered the cabin. "Sam why don't you and Dean get settled and rest up a bit. I think I'm going to try to find Soaring Eagle so we can get some answers, ok?"

"No, Nick. Sam can rest, but I'm coming with you." Dean said as he quickly dumped their bags into the room. He guided Sam to the bed furthest from the door, his brow furrowed in concern as he watch him slide down onto the bed without complaint. As he pulled up the covers, Dean wondered if maybe Nick was right. He couldn't leave Sam unprotected and his brother obviously wasn't in any shape to fight. Sighing, he went back out into the room and looked at Nick.

"Fine, but you don't agree to anything. You find out what happened and how we correct this, but the final decision is up to Sam." Dean waited to make sure Nick understood.

Nick hid his smile as Dean agreed to him meeting with Soaring Eagle. He had forgotten for a moment how much the oldest Winchester liked to be in control. Hunting on his own for so long, Nick wasn't used to having to check with anyone before taking action. But he understood and nodded his agreement. "I'll just gather the facts Dean. If I can, I'll bring him back here so we can all discuss the best course of action. But remember Dean, I really don't think Sam will have much choice here…"

"I won't force Sam to do something against his will Nick. It has to be Sam's choice! I know my brother and he will make the right one. I just can't do it to him, not after everything else that's happened." Dean looked back at the room, pulling his lower lip between his teeth. He just hoped it wouldn't come to forcing his brother because the fallout would be impossible to live with.

"Fine Dean, but I need to leave now. Charlie says he told his grandfather he would bring me to a clearing not far from here once we arrived." Nick grabbed a small back pack as he turned to leave.

"You will find food in the kitchen, help yourselves. Do not fear; this cabin is protected against evil. You and your brother will be safe here until we return." Charlie nodded briefly before following Nick out into the afternoon light.

Dean watched the two men as they disappeared into the forest. He couldn't explain it, but everything in him was screaming they were in danger. Deciding not to rely on Indian magic alone, he would add a few protection charms of his own. When it came to protecting his little brother, there was no such thing as too much protection.

ooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam and Soaring Eagle had been sitting in a small clearing for the past hour. The old Indian had been chanting in his own language while burning a mixture of herbs. He blew the smoke in each direction before returning to the center. Sam marveled at the calm way the Indian went through the ritual. Even when facing the demon, the Medicine Man's demeanor had remained calm. He only wished he could find a small measure of that peace right now.

His emotions were surging beneath the surface. Anger, fear, hatred, all of them fighting for control—pushing for release; it was getting harder and harder to remain calm. He began to pace the protective circle Soaring Eagle had created, everything within him shouting for him to leave and find Dean. He needed his big brother to tell him everything would be ok. Sam stopped as Soaring Eagle's head rose up and looked into the distance to his left.

"They are coming Samuel. You will soon be with your brother, just hold on a little longer." Soaring Eagle said in a calming voice.

Sam wrapped his arms around himself, trying to quell the chill running through his body. He knew it was impossible for him to feel cold, and yet he couldn't seem to stop the shaking. Suddenly he paused, his eyes searching the darkened forest as his ears heard the sound of approaching footsteps. His eyes looked at Soaring Eagle, the question in them almost too painful to see.

"No Samuel, Dean is not with them. It is the one you call Nick and my grandson. We need to discuss with them what needs to be done first. Your brother and your living self are conflicted. I asked Charlie to bring your friend here in the hope we could get him to convince the others of the right course of action." Soaring Eagle remained seated, his legs crossed as he calmly waited for their visitors.

"What do you mean convince them? What haven't you told me?" Sam demanded, anger surfacing easily as he approached the Indian. His fists clenched and unclenched as he fought the urge to smash his fist into the man's face. But before he could follow through, he heard a soft gasp behind him.

"Sam? Oh my god! Then it is true!" Nick exclaimed.

TBC

Raven524: Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all! I finally found a few moments to sneak in this update, one more day and then hopefully the holiday frenzy will calm down. Thanks to all of you who have been reading and responding to this story and all my other flights of fancy over the past year. I've put in a good word to Santa for each and every one of you! Although, somehow I don't think he'll be able to place a Sam or Dean under your trees! giggles But I did try! winks