Dream Weaver

Chapter Nine

Co-written by Sendintheclowns

Sam found himself approaching the porch. His body was heaving in the midst of an emotional break down and the scary part was he had no clue as to why.

Taking a calming breath, he slowly lowered himself down on the steps of the porch. As he sat down he noticed that his big brother was just a few steps away.

Concern creased his brother's handsome face. "Sammy, please wake up."

Sam wiped the tears away. "I'm back Dean. What the hell happened?"

The tension left Dean's body as Sam spoke. His big brother took a seat next to Sam, his shoulder touching Sam's. It felt reassuring to have Dean so close.

"Sam while I was making you some tea, you must have fallen asleep again. I was only gone a few minutes but when I came out you were in the middle of the yard having a conversation with..."

Dean fell silent, and Sam could feel his brother tense next to him, not wanting to go on.

"Dean, I don't remember anything. I know this is hard but uh, who was I having a conversation with?" Sam's shoulder bumped his brother willing him to speak.

"Mom. In your dream state you were having a conversation with Mom. And I think, God this is hard...I think she was encouraging you to make another suicide attempt." Dean stood up and started to pace.

Sam nodded and took another calming breath. "Yeah, well it fits with the other dreams and thoughts I've had. This demon knows how to push my buttons."

"And I'm gonna kill the son-of- a- bitch! Damn it no one messes with our family like this. How dare it take your memories of the women in your life and twist them like that! One of your dreams... you mentioned Madison wanting you to end it. That's just so off the reservation, I don't ...."

"Dean, it's okay man. Bobby is gonna figure this out, in the meantime, just keep me awake. And please stop pacing, all that movement is not helping my head." Sam gave Dean a small smile and it was returned.

Sam knew this was hard on Dean, it was probably harder on him than Sam. His big brother always had a mission to protect Sam. The feelings of being helpless had to be wearing him down.

"Well Sam, let's get you back on that bench and oh, yeah...I have your tea up there but it's probably cold now." Dean bent down and gently helped Sam to his feet.

Sam normally would have hated the mother hen routine but if it kept Dean's mind busy, he could live with it.

Once Dean deposited Sam back on the bench, he reached for the tea. "I should warm this up."

Sam took it from his hands. "It's fine Dean, I don't mind. Just stay with me, okay?"

"Sure." Dean sat down next to Sam, his foot bouncing with nervous energy.

Sam knew he needed to keep Dean's mind preoccupied or his brother's nervous energy was going to drive him mad.

"So Dean, do you think that the dream demon staged an attack at the woods to distract us?" Sam watched as Dean stilled in thought.

"Probably, shit, I hadn't thought of this but there's probably a real werewolf still lose in Arkansas." Dean sat up from his slumped position on the bench.

"Yeah, but Dean, people are safe for now. The moon phase has changed." Sam hated the fact that the dream demon had derailed not only his life but their hunt. That meant innocent people were still at risk.

Dean nodded in agreement. "Yeah for now. We need to do some research after we kill the demon. Bobby said there has been reports of an Ozark Devil myth in that area. Might not be a myth."

Sam sighed. "Knowing our luck, it'll be the Ozark Devil and it'll be a bitch to kill."

"Yep, it's just part of being a Winchester."

-0-

Bobby approached the front door with both hope and dread. He'd found what he thought was a sure fire way to kill the dream demon but it had its risks and it would definitely not be a pleasant experience for Sam.

He could hear the boys talking. It was a light argument over the best way to kill a creature that they knew little about. Dean was arguing that fire power was the best bet, while Sam was all for beheading and burning.

Sam's voice was more quiet than normal and Bobby knew the boy was exhausted. It's what this damn dream demon did. It drains its victim dry, both physically and mentally. It was a miracle and a testament to Sam's strength that the boy had lasted as long as he had, most victims had succumbed to the demon within twenty four hours.

Demons either fed until the victim was dead or mentally scrambled for the rest of their lives.

That was not an option here, not when it was Sam. The boy was like a son to him, just like Dean. The boy's were pains in his ass, but worth all the trouble they brought.

As much as he hated to interrupt the boys' discussion, he knew that the sooner they started on the cleansing ritual, the sooner Sam would be able to heal.

Bobby slowly swung the screen door open not wanting to spook the boys. Both of the younger hunters swiveled around and watched as Bobby stepped out onto the porch.

Dean spoke first. "Did you find something Bobby?"

Sam was quiet and pale. His eyes were intently studying Bobby, waiting for his answer.

Bobby walked over to the railing across from the boys and leaned against it. "Well, yeah, I think I did find an answer to our problem."

"Good, what do we need to do to kill the son-of-a-bitch?" Dean replied anger lacing his voice.

"Well, the problem is this particular demon bonds itself to its victim, it literally becomes part of the victim. He's basically got his hooks in Sam." Bobby paused and he let the boys soak up the information.

It was Dean's turn to become pale and quiet. Bobby could tell that he was struggling with the thought of the demon being bonded to his brother.

Sam's face was blank as he spoke. "But you said you had an answer to this Bobby?"

Bobby cleared his throat and spoke. "Yeah, in the 1970's there was an outbreak of people literally dying from nightmares in Barbados. A witch doctor there realized it was the work of a demon. He came up with a cleansing potion and ritual to rid the victims of the demon. Killing the demon."

Dean seemed to perk up with this information. "So can you get a hold of the ritual and potion?"

Bobby sighed. "Yeah, it seems there was an American reporter there during this time documenting the culture. The article he wrote had the Latin prayer and the ingredients to the potion. He watched the rituals and was mesmerized at how it worked. This reporter watched as the witch doctor mumbled words of Latin and the victims drank the potion. He reported that shortly after the ritual started, the victim would convulse and fall to the floor. A black slug that had the consistency of tar, was expelled from the victims mouth."

Dean's eyes lit up. "The demon was expelled."

"Yep, that's what I'm betting. When we saw the demon's true form it was a black blob like substance."

Bobby's attention drifted over to Sam, knowing that the facts that were presented couldn't be comforting to him.

The boy's face continued to be blank but his right hand was rubbing against his leg nervously. In a quiet voice he spoke. "So we just do the prayer and the ritual and my body will expel the demon?"

"Uh, yeah, but Sam you have to know that some victims aspirated as they vomited up the entity or suffered from brain trauma from the convulsions themselves. Most victims suffered from violent convulsions. It's not gonna be pleasant."

Bobby wasn't surprised when Dean stood, punching the outer wall of the house. Dean seemed oblivious to the pain he had inflicted on himself. "Damn it, there has to be another way. We just need to search longer."

Bobby held out his hands in a placating manner. "I could search longer, I could, but there is a risk with that too. Most victims are normally dead or permanently damaged within twenty four hours. Sam has been lucky he's lasted so longer, we're definitely working on borrowed time."

Sam slowly stood, wincing a bit as he reached his full height. Bobby watched as the younger brother made his way to Dean. He slowly raised his uninjured arm and placed a hand on his older brother's arm.

"Dean, I'm barely holding on. I don't want to end up in a mental institution, with this thing feeding on me for the rest of my life. It has to end now, and if Bobby is confident this will work then I'm willing to take the risks that are involved." Sam's tone was quiet but firm.

Dean sagged in a defeated manner under his brother's touch. "I don't want to lose you."

Sam smiled. "You won't. I can handle this, and I know that you and Bobby have my back."

Bobby hoped with all he was worth that Sam was right and that the kid was strong enough to make it through this because if he didn't well it would mean the end to the Winchesters. Both of them. Dean would never make it without his brother.

-0-

They had worked all afternoon on clearing out the guest room, and Dean was beat. They had removed all the furniture so that there were no dangers to Sam if he went into violent convulsions. The mattresses were off of the two twin beds and left on the floor to cushion Sam if he did succumb to the convulsions.

Dean kept hoping against the odds, that his brother would be the lucky one. He hoped that Sam would be strong enough to expel the demon without any ill effects. It was a pipe dream at best but Dean's sanity depending on the chance that it would happen that way.

It also helped and unnerved him at how calm his little brother was. Sam had taken the news in his stride and was now doing what he did best, checking over Bobby's research as Bobby helped Dean clean out the room.

Dean has insisted that Sam use the laptop to do his checking so that the boy could stay within eyes sight. Sam had agreed and was now perched on the floor in the hall way outside the guest room. It had to be uncomfortable sitting on the hard floor with his brother's bruising but the kid hadn't complained once.

As Bobby and Dean finished up, both plopping down on the hard floor in the now empty room in exhaustion, Sam spoke up from the hall way.

"Bobby, are you sure that you have all of the herbs we need?" Sam's voice was business like, in research mode.

"Read them off to me again?" Bobby replied.

"Anise, it is a herb used to ward off bad dreams and it's needed in this potion. They also suggest using it to ward off dream demons by placing it in your pillow at night." Sam paused waiting for Bobby's answer.

"Yeah, I have that. You might want to use it for awhile, until your body is on the mend from this attack."

Dean felt the anger bubble in him. "It'd been nice to have had this stupid herb in the first place."

Sam sighed. "Dean, we can't ward off everything, you know that. Don't play the blame game, this isn't anyone's fault but the damn demon's."

Dean swallowed hard. "Yeah, I know."

Sam gave him a smile and continued. "The next one listed is bay, which is used to heal, purify, protect, and strengthen. I just hope that it doesn't interfere with my stupid powers."

Dean could see the concern in both Sam and Bobby's face. "Why Sammy? What could this stuff do to you?"

Sam shrugged and looked away. It was Bobby that finally spoke.

"Well Bay is a powerful herb. I do have it but I use it very sparingly. It can be used to break hexes, remove family curses, exorcise demons and poltergeists, and guard against lightning. But it also can be used to facilitate psychic powers and induce prophetic dream visions. So technically it could make Sam's visions worse." Bobby studied his hands, and appeared deep in thought.

Dean could feel his stomach cramp up at the thought of Sam suffering anymore than he already did from the demon powers within him. "Do we have to use this bay stuff?"

Bobby took his hat off and scratched his head. "Yeah, I wouldn't want to leave it out, we'd risk this not working and hurting Sam. My hope is that we're using such a small amount of bay that it won't affect Sam's powers."

Sam shuffled around on the floor and Dean could see he was trying to get comfortable. His little brother finally stilled and spoke. "We'll just deal with it if it happens. I don't think we have any other option. So let's move on, the next one on the list is... dill."

Dean let out a nervous chuckle. "As in dill pickles?"

Bobby joined in on the nervous laughter. "Yeah, that kind of dill. I have lots of that one, it's easy to come by."

Dean nodded. "What's it used for besides pickles?"

Sam smiled. "It's not powerful but it is a protection against lower level demons. I think that's why Dad never bothered with it much. But mixed with other stuff, it can be quite effective. Many people use it to make protection amulets."

"Huh, who knew? Pickles and demons." Dean was happy to find a way to add a little humor to the conversation it seemed to relax his brother.

Sam let out a fake huff. "Well if we could move on, we'll also need some myrrh."

Dean smirked. "Like that stuff they brought baby Jesus?"

Bobby took his hat off and hit Dean with it. "Damn it boy, yes. Do you always have to be a smartass?"

Dean could see the spark of amusement in both Bobby and Sam's eyes. "Ow, and yeah I live to be a smartass. Just ask Sammy!"

"Sorry Bobby, he can't help it. He was born that way." Sam paused. "If I can continue, myrrh is used in rituals to banish evil."

Bobby placed his cap back on. "And I have it."

Sam nodded and continued to read from the laptop. "There is one last one that we need. Valerian."

Dean perked up at the mention of that herb. He knew that one. "Isn't that one used for love potions? Don't tell me we'll have a love sick Sammy on our hands after this is done?"

Dean was happy to see Sam give him the bitch face. It meant he'd hit a bulls eye with that comment. His brother was now turning a nice shade of pink. Embarrassing the kid was always fun.

Bobby was snickering from his spot on the floor and Dean couldn't help but join in.

Sam's pale features became more of a crimson color as he huffed at them. "Yeah, laugh it up. Just wait, I'll get you back Dean."

Dean smirked. "I'm sure you will Sammy."

That remark was met with the finger. Sam glared back down at the laptop. "Besides love potions, it is also used to make sleep potions and purifications. Do we have some Bobby?"

Bobby shuffled in his spot trying to gain composure. "Yeah kid, we have it. In fact, because of that ingredient some victims fall into a deep sleep after the ritual."

"Well Sam could use some good sleep once this is all over." Dean started to pick himself up off the floor.

Bobby followed suit. And Dean watched as Sam slowly closed the laptop, readying himself to get up.

Dean leaned down and snatched the laptop, handing it off to Bobby. He then held a hand out to help Sam up from his spot on the floor.

"So Sammy, you ready to get this party started?" Dean tried to keep his tone light, even as his stomach twisted in fear for his brother.

Sam nodded. "Yeah, let's send this demon to hell."

-0-

Sam had lain down on the mattresses splayed in the empty guest room. With his eyes closed, he was concentrating on his breathing. Dean was kneeled next to him holding the cleansing potion, that definitely smelled as Dean had put it- like ass. Sam was sure it probably tasted that way too, but tried not to dwell on it.

Bobby's sure and steady voice floated above him. The Latin prayer that he was reciting almost sounded like a song as it poured from the elder hunter's lips.

Sam nerves made it hard to actually concentrate on the words that were being said. He just took comfort in the tone and Dean's presence.

About half way through the prayer, Sam would have to drink the potion and then as the prayer ended, the demon would be expelled.

Sam kept his thoughts focused on his breathing trying not to focus on the panic inside him at the thought of what was about to come. He could do this. He had to do this.

One of Dean's hands had made its way to Sam's shoulder. Sam took comfort in the touch and he was sure that it was as much a comfort for him as it was for Dean.

Dean had been on edge ever since Bobby had brought up the ritual. There were too many unknowns and Sam knew that put Dean on edge. Crap, it had him on edge.

But there was very little choice here. Either go insane or do this unpleasant, potentially fatal ritual.

Dean's voice broke through Sam's thoughts. "Sammy it's time."

Sam opened his eyes and lifted himself into a sitting position. Dean placed a hand behind Sam's neck and then guided the goblet full of the potion up to Sam's lips.

Taking a deep breath, Sam chugged the sludge down. He took a greedy breath once the atrocious liquid was gone.

Sam could feel the liquid burn as it made its way down to his stomach. His body clinched in pain and he could hear Dean whispering words of encouragement.

Once the liquid reached his stomach, the pain had become too much. He started to scratch at his stomach, trying to claw his way to the pain. Strong arms and hands stopped his assault.

Then on top of the burn, Sam felt his whole body stiffen. His muscles locked in place and he felt like a passenger in an out of control body.

The lights above burned his eyes so he closed them, and then he felt his body launch into the predicted violent convulsions. It was ten times worse than he could have ever imagined.

It felt like every muscle in his body was clinching violently. He was helpless to stop it. The only comfort he found in the out of control experience was that he knew Dean was there. He could feel his brother's hands on him and he could hear his brother's voice over the roar in his ears.

The pain and uncontrolled movements seemed to never end, but finally, his convulsions slowed. Sam tried to catch his breath.

"Sammy, are you okay?" Dean's voice was full of concern.

Sam tried to nod, or speak but he felt frozen in place. The pain was back, and this time it was even worse. He felt his body arch back against the mattresses under him. His insides were on fire.

The pain started in his stomach but it was slowly moving upwards. Sam had been in pain many times, but nothing compared to this. He tried to breathe through it but it was hard to concentrate on taking a breath when your insides were melting.

He could feel the burn reaching his throat and with that pain came a new sensation. Sam couldn't breathe. There was something blocking his air way, and it was large. It felt like he'd swallowed a grapefruit and it was now locked in his throat.

Dean's voice was frantically screaming but Sam couldn't make out the words. He felt his body being tilted on its side and then there was outside pressure against his ribs.

They had discussed using the Heimlich Maneuver if Sam's airway became blocked and Sam realized that his brother was now giving it a try. Sam just hoped it worked.

He could now feel a thick substance in his throat and then a hand inside latching on to it, pulling. The sensations of pain and choking were becoming too much. Sam fought the darkness but in the end it won.

TBC

A/N: I know I said twelve chapters but I once we actually broke it up, it was only ten. So the good news is that we only have one chapter left. I hope to have it up very soon. Real life got in the way of this one being posted and I hope that won't be an issue with ten. Thanks again to our beta BlueEyedDemonLiz, she is the best. A quick shot out to the b-day girl, Floralia, so glad you like the story. A big thanks to everyone who has reviewed! :0)