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 14 – Together We Stand

Sam was standing on the top of a ridge, looking down into the bowl shaped valley below him. His eyes widened as he saw a lone tree, stripped of all its branches standing in the center of the valley. There was something bound to the tree, but Sam couldn't see who or what it was from his vantage point.

Looking around him, he saw a small path, probably an animal trail leading down the ridge to the floor below. He winced as small pebbles of shale rolled down the hill ahead of him, the sound loud in his ears as he grabbed what he could to keep himself from an uncontrolled slide down the hill. After a few more close calls, he breathed a sigh of relief as his feet finally touched solid ground.

Pausing behind a boulder, he peered out once more. His hunter senses alert to danger as he tried to make out the figure hanging loosely from the make-shift pole. His breath quickened as he recognized not so much the figure, but the leather coat cast off to the side. "Dean!" Sam whispered his heart pounding as he realized his brother had to be the one tied to the dead tree.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Sam crept forward; his eyes scanning the surrounding terrain for any threat. But none appeared. Moving quicker now, he finally reached the tree, his heart in his throat as trembling fingers reached out to feel for signs of life. But before he could touch the unconscious form before him a soft laugh sounded to his right.

Swinging around and placing his own body between Dean and the threat, Sam pulled out the bottle containing holy water. "Show yourself!"

"I knew you'd come Sammy. I knew you'd want one last moment with your big brother before he moved on—too bad it took you so long, sneaking around. He's almost gone and it's all your fault. If you had come with me quietly none of this would have been necessary." The yellow eyed demon stepped from the shadow of a nearby boulder.

Sam swallowed, glancing back at the still figure trying to find some sign of life. "Let him go and I'll go with you."

"Ah—you see there's the rub. I can't—he's already too far gone. Besides, you have nothing to offer. You can't fight me in your weakened state, my plan to divide and conquer worked like a charm. Take away all those nasty feelings and your psychic abilities; all that's left is the part I need. And you played into my plans perfectly. I knew you'd never go through with the ceremony. Now I have you and I'm rid of him. All in all a perfect day!" The demon advanced towards Sam, his eyes glowing.

"I won't go with you unless you release him, unharmed!" Sam pulled the bottle up, ready to attack. He knew it wouldn't stop the bastard for long, but maybe it would give him time to get Dean down and out of here.

"You think a little holy water will work on something like me? Come on Sammy, use that brain of yours. You and your brother fought the good fight, but now the time has come for you to give in. You've lost and I've won—oh look, your brother wants to say goodbye."

Sam turned and saw his brother's dull green eyes looking at him. A small smile formed on his blood soaked lips as he tried to talk. "Sammmmyyy"

"No Dean, you can't give up!" Sam cried as he moved closer, pulling out his knife he cut the chords holding his big brother to the tree. As Dean's body fell into his arms, he pulled him close, refusing to let him go.

"Don't let him—don't let him win Sammy—Sammy I want you to know—to know—I…" Dean's eyes closed as his body shuddered. A final gasp escaping before silence took his voice.

"Oh my God, Dean--NO!"

Sam's head jerked up, his breathing coming in gasps as he tried to rid his mind of the vision. Even as a Shade, the feelings and emotions threatened to disable him. His mind was on fire and he swore he could feel himself shivering from the effects. Pushing himself to his feet, Sam tried to move. But the past few days had taken too much from him. He fell back to the earth, his eyes closing, his last thought "I have to get back—have to warn Dean."

A lone eagle circled the sky overhead, its soft cry floating on the wind as it continued to watch the fallen figure.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sam moaned as he tossed on the bed. His sweat soaked body in stark contrast to the shivers consuming him. As he floated in the darkness, close enough to wake, but not yet wanting to face the task ahead—a shiver of fear lanced through him. He couldn't understand why, but suddenly he knew he had to wake, he had to find…

"GAH! SAM!" Sam sat up, knocking the wet rag from his forehead as he tried to get his bearings. Something was wrong with the Shade, he couldn't explain it, but he knew it.

"Whoa there little brother, take it easy." Dean tried to gently push Sam back into the bed. His green eyes filled with concern as he reached to get the cloth from the floor.

"You don't understand Dean, something's wrong—I can feel it!" Sam pushed his brother's hand aside and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He felt the room tilt as he tried to get to his feet, but he locked his knees refusing to give in.

"Sammy, you're going to fall over. You need to rest…" Dean grabbed Sam's arm, steadying him as he tried to reason with his stubborn sibling.

Sam turned and looked at Dean. He could tell his older brother was in mother hen mode, but now wasn't the time for this. He couldn't explain it, but he felt like time was running out and worse, something was wrong. "Where's the Shade?" Sam asked as he moved to get his clothes from his bag.

Dean stepped back, exasperated but heartened by his brother's ability to move unassisted. "He's gone Sam—he—he ah heard me—and well, I guess I said some things I shouldn't have, but I didn't know you were—I mean he was there."

Sam turned before entering the bathroom. "We have to find him Dean—we have to do the ceremony now. I can't explain it, but if we don't do it soon—it will be too late."

Sam shook his head as he entered the bathroom and started the shower. This was so screwed up. A few hours ago he didn't believe the Shade was a part of him, and yet now after nearly freezing to death in the woods, he realized it was the only explanation. The missing memories, the lack of certain feelings—hell even the freaky visions. All of them were a part of what made him Sam Winchester. To deny it had been stupid and now Sam realized dangerous. If the demon wanted him this way, there had to be reason.

As the warm water flowed over his shivering form, he began to feel some of the energy flow back into his body. He couldn't explain it, but he was feeling a little stronger, not as tired as before. Quickly toweling off and getting into his clothes he looked in the mirror and grimaced. The dark circles under his eyes and the paleness of his skin wasn't going to convince Dean he was fit to hunt.

But he had to help find the Shade. If he was feeling stronger, it meant the Shade must be getting weaker. It only made sense. And if the Shade was getting weaker, how were they going to be able to complete the ceremony? He had studied Indian Religious ceremonies at Stanford for one semester and knew the ritual for purification and what probably would be similar to a Vision Quest would be taxing for a healthy person.

Right now, he was far from being one hundred percent. And worse, his big overprotective brother knew it. Once Dean found out what would be involved, would he let Sam go through with it? A sharp knock at the door brought him from his musings.

"Sammy, you ok in there?" Sam smiled at the worried tone in his brother's voice. He would just have to convince Dean this was the right thing to do. Opening the door, he stepped out into the bedroom, a new resolve strengthening him farther as he finally figured out his next move.

"Dean, is Soaring Eagle still around? I think we need to talk to him…" Sam walked out of the room, smiling as Dean trailed behind him.

"How should I know—I'm not the ghost whisperer in the family. You'll have to ask Nick. He and Charlie are outside on a log communing." Dean shuddered as he caught up with his little brother. He didn't understand the mumbo jumbo Nick had talked about and he rarely prayed. He just didn't believe in the higher power stuff. So when they had asked him to join in with the healing prayers for Sam, he had politely declined.

"You know Dean, a little meditation wouldn't hurt you once in a while…"

"Yeah, well I figure one Haley Joel in the family is enough. Besides, meditation is boring—no girls—did I tell you about my dream the other night, now she was hot…" Dean smirked as he saw his little brother's eyes roll. It felt good to yank his chain, if only for a moment.

"Come on Dean…" Sam called as he walked out the door to join their friends.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Dean had just spent the last few hours watching his younger brother suffer through whatever it was that was affecting him. At one point, he had even considered taking Sam to the hospital. But Nick had come in with some kind of herbal tea which seemed to bring Sam's fever down to a manageable level.

Now his brother was walking outside as if he hadn't been at deaths door just a few moments before. He knew his brother was far from well, he could see the slight tremors in his brother's large hands and the slight stager as he moved from the room. But he also saw the rigid set of his brother's shoulders and knew it meant only one thing. Sam had made his mind up to do something and neither heaven or hell would be able to convince him to stop.

He watched as Sam moved to sit beside Nick and Charlie. He felt a slight chill in the air and wondered. "Sammy?" he called softly, hoping maybe he was sensing the Shade.

Nick looked up and shook his head. "Sorry Dean, he's not here—but Soaring Eagle thinks there might be a way to find him."

Dean looked around and cleared his throat. "Ah—Soaring Eagle—what do we have to do to fix this?" He felt silly talking to the air. But then talking to his car earlier had to also rank right up there with the totally weird. He moved to take a seat beside Sam and would have fallen if his brother hadn't reached over to steady him.

A soft mist had formed in front of Dean and was beginning to take shape. His eyes blinked as an Indian appeared in full dress. It was like something from an old B movie. Shaking his head, he looked at Nick who was smirking at his reaction.

"Don't worry Dean, it's not your eyes—Soaring Eagle can become corporeal for short periods of time. Just like the Shade of that woman, remember?" Nick smiled at Soaring Eagle and motioned for him to join them.

"Yeah, but man, he needs to learn about personal space!" Dean tried to quell the racing of his heart as he watched the old Indian sit cross legged in front of them.

"We don't have much time. I sense Samuel has grown too weak to travel on his own. But it is possible that we may summon him. There is a part of the ritual where Sam here should be able to reach out and call to his spirit. If we can do it in time, he should be able to respond." Soaring Eagle paused and waited. He sensed the young man in front of him was ready to take the journey. But he was still concerned about the Shade's state of mind.

"What if he doesn't want to come?" Dean asked quietly, his own fears reflected in Soaring Eagles dark eyes.

"Then both will die." Soaring Eagle said without hesitation.

Sam cleared his throat and addressed the Indian. "I know some of the ceremony you speak of, the purification or sweat lodge portion normally takes a number of days to complete. Not to mention the Vision Quest itself. As I understand that could take four days…"

Soaring Eagle smiled. This one was special, he could feel it. "For most, yes—but I sense a pureness within you—and acceptance that many who begin this journey do not have. I believe you will be able to complete the journey sooner Samuel."

"So what's involved in this ceremony anyway?" Dean piped up, not liking the sound of things so far. He knew his brother was strong, but he also wasn't in prime condition either. "I mean, what kind of risk is there to Sam—aren't most people who do this ritual in good physical condition?"

Soaring Eagle nodded and held up his hand before Sam could speak. "It is true, there will be more risk for your brother. However, which is better Dean? Should Sam not try, death is certain. If he tries and fails, he will die—but what if he tries and succeeds?"

"Yeah I get it—'Do or Do not…there is no try'. I get the Yoda lesson here. But this is Sam, are you sure there isn't another way?" Dean jumped as he felt his little brother jab him in the ribs.

"I can do this Dean. You have to let me do it. You told me it would be my decision once we had all the facts. Well we have them and I've decided to do the ceremony." Sam glanced at Dean and smiled softly. He knew his brother's biggest fear was to be alone. "I won't leave you Dean, I promise." Sam said softly.

Dean sighed. "Fine, but I'm going to be with you. The demon is still out there and you need someone to guard your back."

Soaring Eagle shook his head sadly. "I am sorry Dean, but this is a journey Samuel must take on his own. You may be with him in the sweat lodge, but once Sam starts up the mountain—no one may follow."

"Great, so all the demon has to do is wait at the top of the mountain…" Dean stood fists clenched as he realized Sam would be unprotected. There was no way he was going to let his little brother out of his sight.

"No Dean, the demon won't be able to go there. Soaring Eagle has already prepared the area—it's holy ground." Nick remarked as he stood and placed a calming hand on his friends shoulder. He could feel the tension beneath his hand and could only guess at how scared Dean was for his brother. But he knew Sam would have to take the risk or end up dying.

Soaring Eagle's form began to flicker slightly. "I must go ahead and finish the preparations. Do not worry, I will be there to protect your brother from the demon. But you must get him there before the Sun reaches its height. Your brother's journey must begin before the sun rises tomorrow. Samuel, remember no food or water must pass your lips until the ceremony is finished—you understand?"

"Yes, I know what to expect. Don't worry, we'll be there in time to start the ceremony." Sam tried to rise, but sat back down as the world spun for a moment. He just hoped Dean didn't see his moment of weakness. Luckily his older brother's attention was on the fading Shade.

Dean watched as Soaring Eagle's form faded from sight. He looked at Nick who nodded. "He's gone. Charlie how far is this place?"

"About a 30 minute drive, but then we have to hike into the base of Demon's Peak..."

Charlie rose and headed into the cabin. "I'll grab what we'll need for the ceremony, we should leave now."

"Wait a minute—Demon's Peak? You gotta be kiddin' me!" Dean stood and looked at Nick, his mouth hanging open. No frickin' way was he going to let his little brother stand alone on top of something called Demon's Peak. Were they nuts?

"It's just a name Dean…" Nick moved towards his own car to get some additional supplies for his back pack. "It is the tallest mountain in the park and necessary for the ceremony. Besides, I told you the land has been purified and protected against evil. Sam will be fine…"

"Yeah, what's in a name right?" Dean muttered as he reached down to help Sam to his feet. "You really want to go through with this?" He asked quietly while the others were getting ready.

"I don't have much choice—I never seem to have a choice…" Sam replied softly, his eyes looking off into the distance for a moment.

"No Sam, you always have a choice. If you don't want to do this, say so now and we'll find another way." Dean grabbed Sam and waited for his brother's hazel eyes to meet his own.

Sam swallowed and gathered strength from his brother's embrace. He had to do this not only for himself, but for Dean. "It will be fine Dean; I know you'll have my back and I promise I won't leave you alone…"

Dean nodded, but knew in the end they would have to tempt fate one more time. It just wasn't fair. His brother seemed to always get the short end of the stick. "Well, I'm going to bring some things with just in case. You go rest in the car while I pack up some of our supplies."

"You know Dean, Soaring Eagle said he could repel the demon—maybe you should find out—you know while you're waiting—maybe he can give you some ideas on ways to fight the demon." Sam watched as Dean swallowed.

"Yeah, maybe—but just in case, I'm going to bring some of our stuff with. Now get in the car before you fall down. I'm not going to carry your heavy butt out of here again." Dean stalked off to pack his own bag.

As Sam moved slowly towards the Impala he smiled. He knew his big brother would not only carry him if need be, but would move heaven and hell itself to protect him. This time though, he was going to get it right. He wasn't going to put Dean at risk. This time, he would be the only one at risk and that was something he could live with.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The Shade moaned softly as he struggled back towards consciousness. Pulling himself to his feet, he turned towards the cabin. His only thought to get to Dean—he had to warn him before it was too late. The vision continued to taunt him as he walked, "Your fault" echoing in his mind until he thought he would scream.

It was his fault the ceremony hadn't taken place yet and it would certainly be his fault if the demon managed to get hold of Dean. Guilt continued to build as all his past mistakes seemed to parade in front of him. "My fault—should have killed the bastard like Dad ordered." Sam muttered to himself. His steps slowing as he fought the memories.

The face of the hunter he killed popped into his mind. "God, I should have been able to stop her!" Sam moaned, but continued to walk towards the cabin. Tears coursed down his cheeks as he realized how weak he had been. But just as he was ready to give in another voice echoed from the past.

"It's not your fault Sammy—none of it. The dreams, the nightmares, calling her name out every night—you've got to stop or it's going to kill you." Dean's voice, strong and sure sounded in his mind. Sam looked up, his eyes searching and surprised to find he was back at the ravine. It wouldn't be long before he would be back at the cabin.

"I'm coming Dean—please just don't let me be too late." Sam sobbed as he once again began to move towards the cabin and hopefully his future.

TBC

Raven524: Since I left you with a cliffy last time, I decided to update again quickly. Of course, we still have a few problems facing our brothers, but at least they all seem to be heading in the same direction for once. Of course, will everything go as planned? taps finger on chin Mwhahahahahahaha—this is Supernatural after all!