Thank you for all your kindness! My back is doing well and I'm taking it easy but working again for over a week now. I hope this chapter isn't out of character, especially the end. Sometimes things get away from me. Hope you enjoy.

Standard Disclaimer applies!

He felt weak, but not as weak as he made the other man believe. Actually, the cool bath had given him back some his ability to think. Now, that he had let himself be dragged back to the bed and the stranger had dressed him again, He knew he had to grap the opportunity head on as soon as it presented itself. And he didn't have to wait very long. As soon as the older man leaned forward, he pulled his fist back and rammed it into the handsome face. Taking only a second to see him fall to the ground, he jumped up and stepped over him, making his way out of the room.

Dizzy and off balance, he tried to run as fast as he could, knowing his kidnapper was going to follow him soon. He couldn't understand why the two strangers held him against his will. What had he done to them? He didn't even know them. All he wanted was to be left alone, so he could finally be united with the woman he loved.

His head was spinning, making it difficult to think, yet he knew, he had to find Rebekah, she was waiting for him. He was her only hope. Without him, she would never be able to return and he couldn't let this happen. He had to save her, if he just wouldn't be so tired. It was so difficult to continue, while is legs felt like rubber and his vision was too blurry to see exactly where he was going. Still, giving up wasn't an option and so he and continued on.

"Sam, please stop!"

He heard the voice of his tormentor behind him, but it made him run with even more determination. He stumbled on until he heard the other voice, the one that sweetly beckoned him, the voice of the woman that meant the world to him.

My sweet beloved, come to me."

He stopped and looked ahead, his vision suddenly clearing as he stood still and finally he could see her, Rebekah, the one he belonged to and that would belong to him in only a short moment. Her hands were stretched out for him and her eyes locked onto his.

Again she called to him, "Come to me now, my love."

His eyes still focused on her, he followed her call and stepped forward to end his longing and finally be with her. His hands now also reaching out, he felt her fingers touch his and the intensity of the connection hit him with all its might. He felt like he was lifted up and whirled through the air, as the brightness and heat of the light surrounding him took his breath away and blinded him. He experienced a sensation of weightlessness, that made him wish he could always be like this. Yet as fast as it had begun, it ended and the light faded into an all concluding black, that left no room to feel anything.

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The two older Winchester men moved forward the second the youngest member of their family stepped into the road. Their movements in total sync, both almost flew toward the road in a desperate attempt to prevent a tragedy from happening.

The breaks of the newer model red Ford Mustang convertible were squealing and the car swerved as the driver tried to avoid the figure that just stepped into his path. Yet to no avail, because the next thing the father and brother witnessed, was the vehicle colliding with Sam, tossing him in the air like a rag doll and making his body do a flip before it impacted with the hood and window of the still skidding vehicle. It remained there for a moment, before the Ford came to a sudden halt and made the limp body slide of the front and onto the asphalt.

Being nailed to the ground by the shock of the event, both man stared first at the crushed figure before of them, then to the woman still standing in the middle of the road. There was a satisfied look on her face and an eerie laugh came from her throat before she disappeared into nothingness.

It was as if Rebekah's disappearance released the bonds, that held them tied to the spot. Dean was the first to be at his brother's side, jumping forward and sliding on his knees. The panic enveloping him, made it almost impossible to think. His emotions all over the place, he tried to determine, if he should even touch the body before him. Instinctively he knew, there was no way his brother could have survived this.

John, although not much better off, finally found enough strength and felt for a pulse at his youngest son's neck.

He let out a gasp of relieved surprise, "He is alive!"

Dean looked at him without understanding, his face pale and his eyes clouded with tears. The older man put his hands on his shoulders and gently shook him.

"Sam is alive!" He repeated, realizing his older son was still in shock.

This time the words broke through and Dean came slowly back to live. Having to assure himself, he moved his hand to the carotid artery on his brother's neck. The movement underneath his fingers was thready and weak but at least it was there, turning his dark despair into a ray of hope.

Taking in Sam's appearance, he noted the younger man was lying on his abdomen, his head turned to the left. Blood was pooling on the road from a head wound hidden from view. His eyes were closed and a gurgling and whistling sound was audible with every one of his labored breaths as at the same time frothy looking blood appeared on his lips.

The younger man's right arm was positioned at an odd angle beside his body. Pieces of bone were visible through a large wound on his forearm. His right leg was stretched out, while the left was bent at a slight forward angle, indicating another fracture somewhere above the knee, but at least this one wasn't compounded.

"This wasn't my fault, he ran right into my car!"

The errate voice of the driver, drew Dean away from his assessment. Looking up, he saw the man standing beside his father.

"I know it wasn't." John replied absentmindedly, more concerned with his son than the question whose fault the accident was.

"What kind of idiot runs around in his underwear anyway? He has to be strung out on drugs!"

After everything he watched his brother go through over the last few days, the words of the middle aged man made something snap in Dean. He jumped up and was at the man's throat before John could stop him. Clenching his fist, he stopped in mid throw and deflated, his face void of the anger it was marked with just moments before. Letting go of the man, he looked at his father for a brief moment, before turning to attend to his brother again.

John just pushed the man to the side, then went down on his knees to join Dean at Sam's side.

Afraid to move him, the two hunter monitored the unconscious kid, making sure his airway remained open. Both had tears in there eyes and it was only a small relief, when the sounds of sirens could be heard in the distance.

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The ambulance arrived at the local hospital just a few seconds before the Impala. For once Dean had relinquished the wheel to his father, which now gave him the freedom to jump out before the car came to a complete standstill. He ran after the gurney that wheeled his brother into the emergency room, only to be stopped by a male nurse, who vaguely reminded the young hunter of slightly smaller version of the hulk. Desperate to see his brother, he tried to push by the man, but he stood tall without moving, obviously used to family members attempting to enter the treatment area.

"Sorry, you can't get in there, but the doctor will let you know what's going on as soon as possible"

He put his hand on the others shoulder, his touch and voice amazingly gentle for a man of his size.

Feeling the need to continue to push, Dean found his attempts in vain as he was taken by the arm and lead to to seating area across the hall. He was sitting in one of the ugly green plastic chairs before he knew what was happening. Deflated he let his head hang down, too overwhelmed to do anything but sit there.

This was how John found his oldest a few minutes later. Knowing he would have to fill out papers, he walked over to the reception and requested the forms. Filling them out in a hurry, he almost threw them at the receptionist after he finished, before he joined his son and quietly put an arm around his shoulder. There was nothing he could say to make things better, but he hoped Dean would take comfort in the contact. Together they waited, caught between hope and despair.

It was only a few minutes later, when a voice drew them out of their thoughts.

"Mr. Watson?"

Both men shot up from their seats, looking at the woman in front of them with fear and anticipation. Both knew, that it was too soon for the doctor to bring good news.

Seeing the expression in the men's faces, she continued, "I'm Talia Sikes, director of the nursing department. I know this is kind of unusual, but Dr. Sonksen asked me to talk to you. He is too busy trying to stabilize your son..." Looking at Dean, she added, ...and brother."

There was a very small sigh from the two hunters, if the doctor was too busy to talk to them because he was trying to help Sam, it at least meant, the injured boy was still alive.

"Why don't we sit down?" Talia pointed at the chair and waited until the two were seated before she herself sat down.

She took a breath to compose herself. After all, this wasn't something she did every day.

"Sam's injuries are more serious, than what we can deal with here. We called for a chopper to air lift him to a trauma center approximately 100 miles away. Dr. Sonksen felt this is his only chance."

"Do what ever it takes, I want my son to get the best care possible." John swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I have to tell you though, there is a big chance he will not survive the flight in his condition." She explained.

The two men looked at each other, neither needing to express his feelings. It was Dean who found his voice first, "What if you keep him here?"

The nurse was visibly shaken but regained her composure within seconds, "He wouldn't survive until morning. I'm sorry, I wish, I had better news for you."

The silence following her words was oppressing, as each man tried to come to terms with his feelings.

"Can we see him, before they take him to the chopper?" the younger hunter asked without making eye contact.

"Certainly, I will make arrangements and then come and take you to him!" the nurse said, while she stood up, happy to have a valid excuse to finish the conversation.

She left the two Winchesters with their heads hanging, neither able to look at the other for fear he would loose the fight with own emotions, if seeing the others written in his face.

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It took twenty minutes before Nurse Sikes came back and quietly lead them into a treatment room, that looked more than a little bit messy. A janitor in dark purple scrubs was sweeping the floor that was littered with empty packages. The blood splatters on the equipment tray and the floor made Dean pale even more, if this was possible, mainly because he realized it was his brother's blood that had been spilled here.

Two nurses in black flight suits were busy getting the youngest Winchester ready for the transport. An older man in green scrubs was standing beside the young man, listening to his chest. He looked up as the two older hunter stepped closer.

"I'm Dr. Mark Sonksen, I treated Sam." He gave them a slight smile, that was an attempt to sooth them, rather then a message of good news.

Dean actually had to turn away after taking an initial look at his brother, while John just stood there, quietly taking in his appearance. His youngest boy was connected to a ventilator, that steadily pushed air into him through a tube running down his throat. Several IV lines were running into a port right below his left clavicle. His chest was littered with bruises and even to John's eyes the distension of his abdomen was undeniable. In addition there was a tube inserted into each side of the rib cage, both of which were draining red liquid. His right arm was wrapped up in thick gauze and stabilized with a brace, as were both his legs.

The oldest Winchester finally took the last few steps toward his son and tenderly stroked the pale face. His first instinct had been to pull his hand through the thick head of hair, yet the thick bandages wrapped around his head prevented him from doing so.

"How is he ?" His voice only a whisper but it was enough to draw his oldest back to his brother's side, now looking his sibling over with the same distress, that could be found in his father's eyes just moments before.

"He has severe internal injuries, the extent of which only surgery can reveal. Both of his lungs collapsed due to bleeding into the chest cavity but we were able to stabilize them for right now. We have no idea how extensive his head injury is, right now his pupils are sluggish and unequal but at least both are reactive to light. I didn't feel we had the time for a scan, He needs to get proper treatment as soon as possible, although, even that might not be enough to save him."

"Doctor, he is ready for transfer!" one of the flight nurses interrupted his speech.

"Alright, let's take him out." the physician ordered.

"Stop, please, I just need a minute!" Dean pleaded, never taking his eyes of his brother.

Instinct told him to deny the request but the look in the younger man's eyes let him decide against his better judgment. This kid needed the time to say his goodbye to a brother he night not see again in this life. So he just nodded and stepped back, quietly talking to the two nurses.

Dean stroked his fingers down the younger man's cheek, his lower lip quivering as he tried to hold the sobs in, that threatened to escape him. "Don't leave me Sammy, please, don't leave me." Unable to hold back any longer, he broke down and walked away as tears streamed down his face.

Looking at his youngest one last time, John fell back into military mode, hoping his words would convince the baby of the family to hold on, "You are not going to die, do you understand me? You are not going to die, that's an order, son!"

With that he walked back to the waiting area, where Dean stood with his back to him, staring out the window. The older man silently drew him into his arms, padding his back with his large hands.

"He is going to be ok, Dean. He is a Winchester."

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The two man made the drive to the trauma center under two hours. Neither of them was speaking throughout the whole journey. As they walked up to the hospital triage desk, both of them had difficulty to hide the shaking of their hands. The dark haired nurse waved at them to sit down, but either man declined, too anxious to find out, if their youngest had survived the trip or not.

"John Watson, my son Sam was brought in per chopper a while ago."

"Ah, yes, let me see here!" the women typed something into the computer, then looked up at them, "He is in surgery right now. Why don't I call someone to show you up there."

The relief, that flooded Dean made him gasp. Sam was still alive. They were operating on him, that had to mean, there was hope. After seeing his brother in the treatment room several hours earlier, he had shut down his emotions. Too afraid to hope, he had in typical Winchester manner pushed them into the deepest corner of his consciousness, keeping constant pressure on it, to not let them resurface again. As he exchanged a glance with the oldest Winchester, he could tell his father had taken up the same defense mechanism and only now allowed himself to let some of them surface again. He felt John's hand squeeze his shoulder in quiet reassurance.

"You were right, dad, he is a Winchester." For the first time since the accident, there was an ever so small smile on his face. Just maybe there was a chance for Sammy after all.

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When the two men entered the surgical waiting area, they were unaware of how long the wait would be. And maybe this was more of a blessing, because when they looked back at the last six hours of waiting, neither one could understand how he made it through it. Even the endless questions from Dean to anyone walking by the widely open door, didn't yield any results. Although being desperate for answers himself, John was almost glad, when his exhausted older child finally lost the fight and fell into a restless sleep on the cushioned couch. The ferocity with which the young man latched on to each passerby, made him fear eventually security would be called and throw them out. Even his attempts to calm him were fruitless, it seemed, that the influence, he usually exceeded over Dean, were wiped out, when his 'protective older brother instincts' kicked into full gear.

The oldest Winchester kept watch, wishing he could take the nightmares away, that were plaguing the younger man. He wished he could go back in time and prevent to what happened to Sam, yet he also realized, the only way to really make a difference, would be to prevent their mother from going up in flames. But how he would have done that, he had no idea, after all, at the time he had no idea that anything supernatural actually existed. Like most people, he thought those were just stories and legends, made up for entertainment and to scare little children.

The only thing that might have worked, was also the one thing he couldn't imagine he ever would have done. He was sure, even Mary, given the choice between being killed by a demon or giving birth to Sam, would have not given it a second thought. Her second child completed the longing, that had started to blossom in her, when she had first learned she was pregnant with Dean.

John smiled, when he thought back at the look on his wife's face, when she took her first look at the wrapped up bundle in his arms. It had reflected her feelings so clearly, he didn't need to hear her words, when she said, "John, we are complete now."

He suddenly remembered the warm emotions flowing through him at that time, something he hadn't been able to experience since that night on November 2nd, 1983. The hurry, he had been in, to drive over to his parents-in-law and pick up Dean to let him in on the completeness. It had been a wonderful, perfect life, that lasted all but six month. And yet, he would never be willing to give this time up. For the first time he became aware, that these six month were something to be grateful for, because it was more than many other people ever got. And with everything he lost, he still had so much left. Dean and Sam were Mary's legacy. She would never really die, as long as her boys were alive.

"Oh God, please, don't take my sons, I'll give anything for them!"

He wasn't aware he had spoken the words out loud, until Dean's sleepy voice brought him out of his brooding, "Dad? What's going on? Any news on Sammy?"

Pulling himself together, he put on a neutral face, hoping his son didn't hear the words he had spoken, "Nothing yet, but that could actually be good news."

Dean gave him a doubting look but kept quiet. Sitting up, he just said, "I need some Java, you want some?"

"Sure, get a large one." John requested, happy, that his oldest found something to do, even if it was only a coffee run.

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Dean was on his way back with a large cup of black coffee in each hand. As he rounded the corner, he caught a glance of a white coat disappearing into the waiting area. Hurrying his steps, he just made it to see his father shaking hands with the graying woman in green scrubs and a white lab coat.

John waved him over, "Dean, this is Dr. Maria Gonzales, she is Sam's surgeon. Dr. Gonzales, this is my oldest son Dean."

"How is Sam?" the older brother, would have dropped the cups, if his father wouldn't have taken them from him.

"Why don't we sit down, it will be much easier to talk." the Hispanic doctor suggested.

It was clear, she was not going to say anything until they were seated, so Dean hurried and sat down, drawing John with him.

"Sam made it through the surgery, he is in recovery now." the doctor said, trying to start off with some good news.

"Good!" John stated matter of factly, knowing there was more to come.

"He is in critical condition." she admitted, "He coded twice on the table, the second time it took us 10 minutes to bring him back."

"But he is going to live, isn't he?" the older man asked, expressing the question, that Dean was unable to ask.

"I wish, I could tell you, but to be honest, it is to soon too tell. We had to cut the surgery short, leaving some of his injuries unrepaired. His condition was deteriorating too much to continue on."

"But doesn't that make things worse?" Dean finally got his voice back.

"Not necessarily. Continuing at this point, would have put him under to much stress. His heart wouldn't have been able to take it. We were able to fix most of the major injuries, the smaller ones can wait for now." She explained, hoping to take some of their anxiety away without giving false hope.

"When you say major injuries, what does that mean?"

"We repaired the damage to both of his lungs and the tear in his liver. Dr. Burnett, one of our orthopedic surgeons, reduced the compound fracture on his left arm at the same time. Sam also had a subdural hematoma, that's bleeding into the space between the surface of the brain and the skull. Dr. Abernathy, the chief of neurosurgery, evacuated it and hopefully that will be enough to control the pressure in his head."

She stopped, having to compose herself for a moment, all too aware how bad her words had to sound to the two men in front of her. If she wasn't convinced before, she was now by the reaction she received.

"Can we see Sam?" both man burst out at the same time, like it had been rehearsed.

There were no more questions at the moment. Neither man able to process any more. As she watched them, she observed the clenched jaws and the clouded eyes, the slight quiver of the younger man's lower lip and the way the older put his shaking arm around him, that brought the question up, if it was to bring the son comfort or keep the father from breaking down.

The doctor was sadly aware of the many times she had to bring bad news to families in the past. It never had been easy and many times it took all she had, but for some reason, this seemed worse then any of the other times. There was something about these men she met only a short time ago, maybe it was the air of sadness surrounding them. A sadness that didn't just come from the sudden crisis they faced. Or maybe it was the connection she felt between them. But whatever it was, right now it made her wish she was anywhere but here.

"I will have the nurse get you as soon as Sam got moved to the ICU. Now, please excuse me, I need to check on my patient." She hurried out without looking back, leaving the two Winchesters alone with their thoughts.

After sitting unmoving for a moment, Dean jumped up without warning, "I don't care what anyone says, Sam is going to live and I intent to be on his side and help him no matter how long it will take."

He looked at his father for support and was not disappointed. The expression on the older man's face told him, he wasn't ready to give up on Sam either.

"I don't know what we need to do to support your brother, but you can count me in to be on his side all the way." Remembering his past actions, he felt compelled to add, "And I promise, I will not bail out on the two of you!"

TBC

Please send me some of your wonderful reviews, or even constructive criticisms. If there are any questions about some of the medical things, please let me know, I think I explained things, but I might have missed something. Hugs, Vonnie