CHAPTER NINE
It was growing dark by the time Sam had come up with an idea. He blamed his tired and fractured mind for not realized it sooner.
Getting to his feet, he brushed the grass from his jeans and stared at the camp. This was a dream right? Gabriel's dream sure but a dream nonetheless.
'This is a dream. – But it's also Hell'
He ignored Lucifer's voice in his head. – This was a dream and last time he'd used the dream root and had been trapped in that psycho's dream, he'd been able to wield some control. Sure he'd had his psychic powers then, but it had to be worth a try. If he could incorporate himself into Gabriel's dreamscape, make himself a part of this thing then he could talk to the man without freaking him out. Try to convince him that this was just a dream and that he needed to wake up.
All he had to do is concentrate, like he had last time. Closing his eyes he focused his mind. Picturing himself as part of this world. He opened his eyes and glance down. He was still in his own cloths. Soldiers were still strolling past him blind to his presence.
Sam groaned unsure what to do now; he ran his hand through his hair again and closed his eyes.
"You! – Hey, soldier!" a deep booming voice yelled.
Sam's eyes shot open to watch the man he'd seen with Gabriel earlier marching determinedly towards him.
"What are you standing there for private?" the man snapped, stopping in front of the hunter.
"Huh, I…" the indifferent look on the soldiers face had Sam's mind snapping into place. He instantly straightened his back and shoulders and met the man with the same subservient stare he'd given his father most of his life. "Nothing, Sir."
"So I can see. – What to explain why you're not with the other men?"
"I – Huh…" Sam stuttered. "I… got lost Sir."
The sergeant looked unimpressed but just a tad amused. He glanced at the wide open field. "Lost?"
Sam blushed. "Yes, Sir."
The Sergeant shook his head. "Replacement right?"
Sam nodded unsure if that was the right response but going on instinct as he always did.
"Come with me."
Sam started to follow when the Sergeant stopped, turning to stared questioningly at Sam. "You planning on leaving that there private?"
Sam turned to see a kit bag resting on the ground. Blushing again he rushed back to retrieve it. "Sorry Sergeant." He murmured.
The large man laughed and headed off towards one of the tents.
Trick sat in a large tent with his comrades and friends staring up at the portable screen. John Wayne was marching around the set in his usual Don't-mess-with-me-I'm-the-hero way that made every man envious.
Trick was relaxed finally. He'd pushed the hallucination out of his mind. Everything was back to normal. Scott was murmuring on about his winnings, Rogers kept turning around to shush him. All in all it was a welcome retreat from the chaos that awaited them. Any day now they'd be back on the road, marching hours at a time to face the enemy.
"Hey, Trick… I owe you some money don't I?"
Trick shrugged. "You always owe me money buddy."
"Not anymore." Scott announced handing over the notes.
Trick stared down at the cash with wide eyes surprise. "Wow… you really cleaned up."
"What can I say, it's my lucky day." Scott laughed and was subsequently shushed.
The men heard the flap to the tent move but no one turned to see who entered. No one but Trick. The Sergeant stepped inside and Trick moved to turn his attention back to the screen when the figure behind him made him pause. His eyes widened further and his mouth fell open.
He dreaded it but he'd made up his mind that he was going to have to see the doc, cause he wasn't going to put his friends lives at risk if he really was going crazy.
"Trick?" the Sergeant said, breaking though his turmoil.
"Sir?" He moved to stand but was waved back in place.
The Sergeant turned to the hallucination. "Trick, this is Winchester, he one of the new replacements, keep an eye on him will you. I found him standing in the fields, he seems a little…. Confused." The large man said with too much humour in his voice.
Trick nodded. "Yes, Sir." His gaze fell on Winchester; he could have sworn the guy hadn't been real. Scott hadn't seen him, but here he was watching Trick with a strange stare, as if they knew each other.
And the worst part was? Trick felt it too.
