A/N: It took a while to get here, but ... here it is. No, it's not the final chapter, at a guess, maybe two or three to go before I wrap this up. Thanks for sticking with this story, and here's hoping this messes with your head some. :D

Disclaimer: It is with deep regret that the nothing within the Supernatural-universe belongs to me. This story, the guardians, and the characters of Finn, Caleb, Gabe and Gideon (and all other miscellaneous characters) do belong to me. I've taken to stamping my name on the arses, and while they don't appreciate that too much, it's a hell of a lot of fun for me!

Through The Never

Chapter Twenty-One

Sam leaned against a beautifully smooth charcoal-coloured tree and watched Dean pace in front of Raja. His brother would stop suddenly, gesticulate wildly then resume his pacing. All the while the griffin sat unmoving, passive almost... if you disregarded his talons that were sunk deep into the earth.

Sam looked up when he was cast in shadow. "Hey, Asrai."

He will get nothing from her guardian.

"No?"

Like he would get nothing from me where you are concerned.

Sam smiled at the phoenix. "Could you ask Raja?"

I would not disrespect him in such a way. The bond between Griffin and Raja is as sacred as the bond between you and I, Phoenix. If he is silent on the matter then it is for a reason.

"He's angry at her, Asrai," Sam said, "more angry than I've ever seen him. If he's being stubborn because–"

This has nothing to do with anger or stubbornness. He is her guardian, do you not understand?

Sam gave the phoenix a smile. "I've a feeling there's a lesson coming," he said as he ran his hand gently down Asrai's wing.

You are learning, Phoenix. Asrai lowered her head. He is her guardian as she is his. One cannot exist without the other.

Sam frowned. "But... Ankou died and I'm still here–"

You are the Phoenix. Asrai cocked her head. Do you not know the griffins' history?

Sam shook his head. "There're no books on it and Raja won't speak of it."

"Sam!"

Sam looked up to his brother's voice.

"Will you and your bird stop chit-chatting and give me some help here?"

Sam pushed from the tree. "I'll try, but Asrai does her own thing," Sam told his brother as he walked over. "Hey Raja."

Phoenix.

Dean glared at Raja. "You talk to him?"

Raja lowered his head. He makes no demands of me.

"Raja," Sam started, waiting until the griffin turned to look at him. "Are you worried?"

I am always worried where Griffin is concerned.

Sam nodded. "I understand. Can you tell us if she's safe?"

She has not been safe since she entered the Garden. All of you know this.

Sam looked up as Gabe and Bobby jogged through the treeline.

"Nothing," Gabe said.

Sam knew the look on Gabe's face well; he'd worn fear and worry often where Dean was concerned. "We'll find her Gabe," Sam told him, hoping he sounded more confident than he felt.

"There's nothing, Sam," Gabe said. "No… no… nothing."

Dean pushed past Sam and went straight to Bobby. "You're a tracker–"

"I ain't a miracle worker, boy," Bobby said. "There's nothing there. No footprints, no loose leaf-litter, no broken or bent twigs or branches. Nada. It's like she weren't even here." Bobby glanced at Gabe. "Sorry, son."

Gabe ignored Bobby and strode over to Raja. "Raja, please, if there's anything you can tell me, I'm begging you."

Raja lowered his head, cocked it left then right as he studied Gabe. I am her guardian as she is mine, Wolf. As it has been since the beginning of time, as it will be until the end.

"What the hell's that mean?" Dean demanded.

Sam was sure he could hear the bones in Raja's neck cracking as the griffin turned his head and focused on Dean. It means, Slayer, that my destiny is as entwined with hers as hers is with mine. As it was foretold.

Sam frowned as he stepped closer to the griffin. "And... your fate is, too." Sam cocked his head then opened his mouth–

Yes, Phoenix. Raja interrupted then closed his eyes and settled on the ground.

"Raja! Raja!" Dean yelled, but the griffin wouldn't be drawn further.

"Conversation's over, I reckon," Bobby muttered.

Dean's jaw set. "You listen to me, Raja–"

Do not interfere with him, Slayer. Peluda lowered his head, stopping Dean from getting close to the griffin.

Dean glared at the dragon. "I'll damn well–"

Would you allow another to make demands of me? Would you permit that disrespect?

"I want to know where–"

I understand your concerns, Slayer, Peluda's voice softened and he snorted gently, but she is not the only one in danger.

"He's right," Bobby said. "We need to find your boy, Dean."

"And Finn?" Gabe shook his head. "You just want to... leave her?"

She is not alone, Wolf. Mingan nuzzled at Gabe. She has her guardian as you have yours.

Gabe scratched behind Mingan's ear. "I know that, Mingan. But she's not here with her guardian."

But they are always with one another, no matter how far apart they may be.

Gabe sighed. "She's my sister and I promised Gideon–"

The Lion understands sacrifice better than most.

Dean drew his sword. "She's not dead you son of–"

"Back off." Gabe's sword was instantly in his hand, Mingan growling over his shoulder. "I don't care how pissed you are, don't you ever draw your sword on Mingan again."

"All right, all right," Bobby said evenly, stepping between the two men. "Enough with the in-fighting. You think that bastard doesn't want this? Us at each others throats? Distracted?" He shook his head at them. "What's wrong with you? Big picture, ya idjits." He focused on Dean. "We're here to get your boy – that's your big picture. You know it, Finn knows it, we all do. Focus on the objective: savin' Caleb." Bobby raised his hand when Dean opened his mouth. "Hear me out, son. She's a mother, she thinks different. Nothin's too crazy an idea if it'll get her to her boy. Ain't no excuse for her shit, and I'll be havin' a talk with her, just wait and see. Now whether she's gone off on her own or she's been taken, it ain't no nevermind right now because it's stoppin' us in our tracks and got us bickerin' like little girls–"

"Bobby–" Sam interrupted.

"My turn to speak," Bobby said calmly. "You need to listen to me, both of you." His gaze flicked between Sam and Dean. "All the... royal this, royal that... it don't count for shit. Not here. In here, you are who you are, and you two are hunters. That. Is. Who. You. Are. Don't matter if you don't like it. It's the truth. You're on a hunt, boys." He motioned to Asrai and Peluda. "You just upgraded your weapons." He nodded to Dean. "Time to go get your son."

" Finn–"

"Dean, son, you need to adjust your thinking and take her out of the equation for now. She's part of the big picture. We'll catch up with her soon enough. You mark my words."

"She's not dead, Dean," Sam said, "she's not even injured."

"You can't know that," Gabe snapped.

"Yeah, I can. Raja just told us. Their fate is entwined." Sam pointed to the griffin. "Not a scratch. Dean, in Kumari Kandam, Asrai was unwell when she was away from me." Sam nodded, but it was more to himself than to his brother as the puzzle pieces shifted together. "Every realm we passed through tested all of us, tied us closer to our guardians." Sam looked at Asrai. "And in the Garden more than ever."

Asrai was cleaning under her wing. It was very clear.

"Here, now, we're tied more to them, them to us, than ever before," Sam told Dean.

Dean raised his eyes to Peluda. As it has always been, Slayer.

"Like when we fought Baba Yaga, Dean," Sam said, patting Raja on the shoulder. "It was you that day in the field... in your battle armour."

Raja's eyes remained closed. Vengeance was delivered.

Sam stroked Raja's feathers. "Finn's vengeance was wrapped up in yours, and yours in hers," Sam said. "Baba Yaga destroyed the griffins?" he asked quietly.

"With our help," Gabe said. "Ancients destroyed the griffins."

"As much as that sucks on every level," Dean said, "now's not the time for a history lesson."

Agreed, Slayer. Raja opened his eyes. On your way.

Dean's jaw set. "If you're fine, then she's close."

Bobby put his hand on Dean's shoulder. "As much as you want to look for Finn, think about what it is she'd want. Stay the course, Dean. Caleb is our objective."

"And Finn?"

"Finn has Raja. I'm guessin' he won't be comin' with us."

That is correct. Kubera took his place at Bobby's side. He will await her return.

"So she's coming back," Sam said. "That's–"

I do not know if she will return, only that he will wait. We must move on. The longer the child stays with the Destroyer of Worlds, the more he surrenders.

"Destroyer of Worlds?" Bobby frowned at the hippogryph.

Is that not his purpose? Kubera stamped his hooves. To control the realms, first they must be destroyed. How else do you subjugate a people? A race?

"He wants all the realms?" Sam asked incredulously.

Why stop at one when he can have them all. Kubera focussed his attention on Dean. And his weapon will be the soul made true.

"Stop talking in fucking riddles," Dean growled.

Kubera's gaze never faltered from Dean's. Your son crossed the veil, Slayer. A soul never meant to walk this earth. He turned his attention to Sam. You interfered, Phoenix. You started this. You brought the Slayer and Griffin together when they should have remained strangers. You brought this down on us all. It was your actions that unbound a soul from the Neverworld–

Enough! Asrai shot forward and slashed her claws at Kubera.

The hippogryph reared, striking its front hooves at the phoenix. The time for truth is now, little bird!

Without warning, Raja leapt from his position and slammed to the ground between Asrai and Kubera.

"Whoa..." Bobby whispered.

Raja's tail swished behind him as he glared between the two guardians. Is it truth you want? His talons were dug deep into the earth as he stared down at Kubera. The Ancients rode the backs of your ancestors. Our cousins, our cousins! He swung his head to Asrai. And your ancestors were poor guardians of the magic – do better! Raja scanned those in the clearing. The dragons had been decimated but they took in the last of the griffins, gave them sanctuary, protection. Their actions put them at risk of annihilation but they would not permit our extinction! Their honour has never been in question! Raja focussed on Kubera. The dragons and griffins have been bound for millennia, cousin. The child was foretold!

"And it's the child we need to find," Bobby said with as much calm as he could muster. Standing amid three very pissed off guardians–all of whom towered over him–was a precarious place to be, but they needed to get their asses in gear. "Raja, I'm real sorry about what happened to your ancestors, and I'm more than happy you got your revenge. Wish I coulda helped you with it, truth be told." He nodded to the griffin. "We'll leave you to wait for Finn."

Raja lowered his face to Bobby's. Singer. The griffin turned gracefully and retook his position at the forest's edge and closed his eyes.

"Kubera, Asrai," Bobby said. "You can take up your argument another time. We need to get moving. Kubera," Bobby intoned, waiting until the hippogryph looked at him. "Another time."

As you wish, Singer.

"Dean, Gabe, put your swords away," Bobby said then went to Dean. "Focus on your boy. Finn will catch up, and I'm guessing probably on our way to get Caleb."

"You can't know that," Dean said as he waited until Gabe resheathed his sword before putting his own away.

"No, son, I can't, but we're in the Garden of Eden," Bobby gave Dean a small smile. "Have a little faith."

Peluda lowered his head to Dean and Bobby. I believe it was the Little Slayer controlling the flying creatures.

Dean's brow knitted together. "And..." He raised his eyes to Peluda. "If Caleb was controlling them, then he could see them, right?"

It is possible, Slayer. Peluda rose gently into the air and scanned the Garden before settling on the ground. There is an outcropping to the north. Asrai and I will follow from the air.

"The air?" Sam asked.

The path is too narrow for us to follow on foot, Peluda said. We will follow from the air.

"Then it's sorted," Bobby said. "Time's a wastin'. Let's hit the trail, Kubera."

Dean went and stood before Raja. "If something happens to Finn. You won't see me coming."

Raja opened one eye and regarded Dean. If something happens to Griffin, your vengeance will be wasted, Slayer. Still you do not understand.

"C'mon Dean," Sam said softly, turning his brother away from Raja. "Let's go get Caleb."

Dean shrugged away from Sam. "Leave me the hell alone," he said and stormed after Bobby.

Sam glanced at Gabe. "Fun times."

"Yeah, should be a real treat." Gabe went to Raja. "Watch out for her as best you can please, Raja."He patted the griffin on its shoulder. "If you can, tell her I love her."

Stay vigilant, Wolf.

"You too, Raja, you too." Gabe hesitated then turned away from Raja. "Come on, Sam."

Sam stopped at the edge of the clearing and turned back. "Raja?"

I pray we meet again, too, Phoenix.

Sam nodded. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

And you, Phoenix. Battle well, battle hard.

Sam opened his mouth then shook his head, turned, and followed Gabe into the forest.

Finn pressed against the rock at her back; her sword was on the far side of the clearing, but her hands were still tied, and the only way to her weapon was past the thing posing as Dean. "Who the hell are you?"

"It's me, Finn," Imposter-Dean said. "I don't know who... or how there's another one of me running around here, but that thing that was with you is a fake. I– "

"Who's to say you're not the fake?"

Imposter-Dean cocked his head, his brows knitting together. "You're not surprised..." He took a step towards her. "What the hell's going on, Finn? One minute I'm chasing you then I wake up buried under some bushes, and when I finally catch up with you, there's another me."

"Someone surprised you, huh? You, Dean Winchester."

"That's right, Finn. I wasn't expecting anyone but us here. And if I hadn't been chasing after you..." He stopped and took a deep breath. "Forget it. Look, all that matters now is we have to beat them to Caleb."

"Is that right? Do you think I'm going to let you anywhere near my son?"

"Our son, Finn."

"You're not his father."

Imposter-Dean's jaw set. "Caleb is my son."

"Like hell he is," Finn spat, "I know what you are. You may have fooled me once, but not again."

His eyes narrowed as he studied her and he finally motioned at her with his sword. "Up."

Finn got slowly to her feet and Imposter-Dean directed her towards a path past her sword. "You'll have to pick it up yourself," Finn told him.

He gave her a small smile, hooked his foot under the sword under and flicked it up, grabbing it by the handle. "The magic doesn't work here, Finn." He put her sword at his back. "When I know you're not going to kill me, I'll give it back." He pointed. "That way."

Finn headed down a path thick with towering trees; she blinked as her vision adjusted to the murk then glanced over her shoulder. This Dean was watching her, his sword held ready. He claimed he was the 'real' Dean, but she was pretty sure that the other Dean would claim the same.

"Tell me how there's two of me." He motioned over her shoulder. "Watch your head."

Finn turned, ducking a low branch. "You know exactly how it happened," Finn said as she searched her memories for something, anything, that would give her a clue as to how she could figure out which Dean was which.

"Nope," he said. "But I'm guessing it has something to do with when you got stuck here. Take the path to the right."

Finn turned onto a path, much narrower and thick with scrub, that disappeared into darkness.

"Keep going," he said, "it'll get light soon enough."

"Fine." She stepped warily down the trail; it didn't matter which Dean she was with, both were searching for Caleb, both would move heaven and earth to find him – one, because he was Caleb's father, the other, because... because...

"Keep moving, Finn–"

"Where is he," she angered as she turned to him. "Or are you saving him for later?"

"Him? Finn, what..." The colour drained from this Dean's face. "There's another Caleb here?"

"You know damn well–"

"I don't know anything," he yelled, his hand gripping his sword tight. Finn watched as he forced his shoulders to relax, but his hold on the sword never loosened.

"If you saw the other Dean, as you call him, why didn't you challenge him, huh? The real Dean would have–"

"I am the real Dean." There was nothing but exasperation in his voice. He looked at her openly. "Know your enemy, Finn."

"Uh huh. That why you left him with Sam?"

"Sammy can look after himself."

Finn laughed. "That's another mistake. Dean wouldn't–"

"Sam will figure it out. He's got Asrai with him, too." He stepped toward her. "This way you're safe and Sam, Gabe and Bobby can watch that asshole."

"Or, that asshole will kill Sam, Gabe and Bobby."

He grinned a grin that was pure Dean. "Really, Finn?"

"Why is Peluda with him and not with you? Answer me that."

"Because," he motioned for her to turn and keep walking. "Me and Peluda have a plan."

"Which is?"

"Surprise."

Finn stepped over a fallen log. "I don't like surprises."

"Sure you do. You're just pissed that you're tied up and I've got your sword. You love your sword, but you should be carrying two. I told you not to leave your other one with Raja. Keep going."

Finn could see a pinprick of light coming from about a hundred yards ahead of her, but escape... no, that wasn't an option. She needed to stay with this Dean then kill him when he wasn't expecting it. "How long were you following us?"

"Wasn't."

She turned to a tap on her shoulder. "What?"

"Finn... is there another Caleb here?" he whispered.

She studied him as best she could in the dim light, but... she just couldn't tell one Dean from the other. "Why?"

"Because…" He ran a hand through his hair just as her Dean would. "It'd be an abomination, Finn. Think about it: in here." He shook his head. "If you can't tell this is me, Finn... what if we take the wrong Caleb home? What if we leave our Caleb here? What if–"

Finn turned her back on him and kept walking.

"Finn... please."

She turned back. "Tell me something only me and Dean would know. Something a fake Dean wouldn't."

He said nothing.

"Didn't think so," she said and continued down the path.

"How can I? If he's me, then he'd know everything I do, right? Right, Finn?"

"You tell me."

"God you're infuriating!"

"Then you're in for a real treat," she muttered, stopping when she got to the light. "Where to now, genius?"

He pointed to an almost invisible break in the trees. "There."

Finn moved forward and ducked under some low hanging branches and into a clearing. She frowned, looking around. This was where–

"No..." Dean said. "He should be here..."

"He who?"

"Raja. Raja should be here." He turned in circles, looked into the air. "Where the hell is he? He was supposed to wait."

"Uh huh."

This Dean studied her. "Sit," he said, and pointed to a spot in the middle of the clearing, waiting until she did before he began studying the dirt. "It doesn't make sense," he said quietly as he moved from track to track.

"'Course it does," Finn told him.

"Then explain it to me."

"Raja's gone with the real Dean."

"Raja wouldn't leave you," Dean said. "He's your guardian."

"Peluda's not with you," she countered.

"I told you Peluda and I have a plan. I ordered him to go."

"Dean doesn't order Peluda around." This was the fake Dean, no doubt in her mind now. Her Dean had far too much respect for Peluda to order the dragon to do anything. "You just keep making mistakes, don't you?"

"Don't hit a woman, don't hit a woman," this Dean muttered. He looked into her eyes. "He wouldn't go, that's why I ordered him." His eyes narrowed. "But Raja wouldn't leave you. No way, and not in the Garden." He moved quickly, putting his sword to her throat. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Really?" Finn said, trying to stay calm. "Accusing me of being a fake? That's your plan?" She winced when he flicked his sword and cut her jaw.

"Tell me where Finn is now and I'll kill you quick," he menaced.

Finn stared into his eyes. "You captured me, arsehole."

This Dean smiled; she didn't like it. "That's right," he said, slowly inching the sword into her neck. "So let's find out what you know, bitch."

Abiel roared as he kicked the cauldron across the room. They were alive! All of them were alive! He marched across the room and flung open one of the cages. Reaching inside, he grabbed the cowering rat-creature and tore it apart, its squeal cut short. He wrenched open another cage, another, another and another. By the time he was done, a pile of dismembered animal corpses lay at his feet. He'd retained enough control not to kill all of the animals, he'd still need some to perform rituals... rituals he now needed because that...that monstrous child hadn't done as he'd been ordered. Well, he'd fix that.

Abiel stormed down the corridor to the boy's cell. Caleb was in the same position; strewn awkwardly across the bed, his head propped against the wall. His eyes were vacant and drool slid down his chin.

Grabbing the boy by the shoulders, Abiel shook him hard. "Silas! Silas! You wake up, boy!" He slapped Caleb again and again when he got no response. "You want to play games with me, boy?"

Abiel threw Caleb down on the bed then ripped the boy's shirt open. "Let's play then." He spat on Caleb's chest then smeared the saliva over the boy. Taking his dagger, he began carving into the boy's chest as he whispered...

Caleb looked around at his feathered brothers and sisters. Family. He wanted family more than anything. But his mother had been murdered and his father hated him... Caleb frowned as an image rose in his mind: a man, staring at him from the other side of metal bars. We're coming, Caleb. Me and your Mom are coming. We have never stopped looking for you.

But that was a lie. His mother was dead and apart from his father, no one–

We're coming, baby. This voice was a lady's, and the sound of it made Caleb's heart hurt. Daddy needs to show us how to get to you.

Daddy? The man from before rose again, only this time, there was a dragon at his back.

The dragon... he remembered the dragon. 'Little Slayer', it had said. A roar sounded deep in the back of his mind and Caleb winced. As if sensing his pain, the wolf-birds closest to him, nuzzled and licked at his feathers. Caleb settled down to sleep with his brothers and sisters, but the wolf-birds began pushing at him, whimpering as their ministrations increased.

The animals were beginning to panic. Caleb could feel their fear as if it were his own. What was happening to them? He closed his eyes and reached out to his family as pain seared through his chest.

He opened his mouth and screamed...

"You tell me where Finn is or I'll bleed you slowly," this Dean said.

Finn looked into the man's eyes; she believed him. "I'm Finn." She winced as he twisted the tip of the sword a little deeper. "You kidnapped me, remember?"

"If there's two of me, and two of Caleb, then there's two of you. So you tell me where Finn is, or so help me, I'll tear you to pieces." A cold smile rose to his lips. "And I've a feeling killing an abomination like you in the Garden would be okay with the Big Guy Upstairs." The smile dropped from his lips. "Start talking."

"What do you want me to say?" Finn asked, edging back. "You tell me how I can convince you I'm the so-called real Finn, and I'll see what I can do."

"Let me explain something to you, bitch. I'm here to get to my son, and I'll kill anyone who gets in my way. I don't care who it is. And if that means I have to cut bits and pieces from you to get my answers, we'll... more fun for me." He inched the sword a little deeper. "No one is keeping me from my son."

While hatred burned bright from this Dean's eyes, Finn could see the pain behind it, could feel the pain bubbling just below the surface of the words. It was real, and it was eating him up inside. "It's you, isn't it?" she whispered.

A laugh grazed from him. "Nice try." He slammed his boot down on her left foot.

Finn yelled as her bones crunched beneath his heel. She fell on her side, tears leaking from her eyes as her foot exploded in pain. Broken. He broke it. She yelped as he yanked her back into a sitting position.

"I'm just starting, bitch," he seethed. "Where's Finn!"

Finn took a shuddering breath; this couldn't be her Dean. It couldn't. "Fuck you." She went to headbutt him, but he saw it coming and slapped her to the ground. "I'll kill you," she panted, pushing to her knees. "You're not Dean," she spat.

"You're not Finn." He backhanded her. "Where is she!"

Finn turned her gaze back to the man; he was breathing hard and there was nothing but hate in his eyes. "You're going to have to kill me, 'cause I'm not telling you shit!"

He smiled. "You're not getting off that easy." He resheathed his sword and pulled his dagger from its sheath. "You're going to tell me where Finn is," he said. "And trust me, bitch, I know how to get answers." He crouched, putting the tip of the blade beneath her eye. "I've been schooled by the best Hell had to offer. And once I'm done with you, I'll kill that other Dean and I'll kill the thing that's Caleb." He nicked the skin just below her eye. "Where is she!"

Finn stared into this Dean's eyes. "Kneeling in front you, you prick."

"Wrong answer."

He raised the dagger and Finn closed her eyes...

"Where to now, boy?" Bobby asked as Peluda and Asrai dropped gracefully into the clearing.

"Peluda, how close are we?" Dean asked.

You should make the outcropping before the sun sets.

Dean looked to the sky. "An hour north, then."

"What is it?" Sam asked when his brother frowned, scanning the clearing then the sky. "Dean?" Dean motioned him over, taking his arm and pulling him to the far side of the clearing. "What's wrong?"

Dean ran a hand through his hair. "Something's not right, Sammy," his brother whispered. "Raja ..." he shook his head. "Look, he gets pissed with me all the time, I'm used to it. But Finn?" He shook his head. "No way. And ..."

"What, Dean?" Sam asked, his gut tightening.

"Is it just me or are the guardians acting... weird?"

"You know they can hear us, right?" Sam said. "This conversation isn't private." Sam watched as his brother glanced at the guardians then stepped closer to him. "It needs to be, Sammy," he whispered. "You said we're closer to them here than anywhere else."

"Yeah. They can hear what we say and what we think. Like we can hear them."

"That's just it, Sammy. Raja said he couldn't hear Finn. He didn't know where she was." He grabbed Sam's arm and pulled him into the treeline.

"Boys!" Bobby called.

"We're not going far," Dean said. "Just need some privacy."

Dean pulled Sam twenty feet into the treeline and turned to him.

"Dean," Sam said patiently, "they'll still hear us. What the hell's going on with you?"

"Me? What the hell's going on with you? What the hell's going on with all of you? We just leave Finn? How the hell does that make any sense? Sammy..."

"What, Dean? Tell me what's wrong."

"I'm... I'm scared, Sammy. Something's so fucking wrong with this whole thing, and I should know what it is but I can't figure it out!"

"Easy, Dean, easy. We'll sort it out–"

"You don't understand," Dean said, exasperation rife in his voice. "We're running out of time, I can feel it. Not just for Caleb, but for Finn, too. We have to go back."

"Dean–"

"We've never left anyone behind, Sammy. And we do it now?"

Sam frowned and cocked his head; that wasn't right. "We've left people beh–" Sam turned as Asrai shrieked. "Asrai!" He took two steps then the canopy overhead exploded.

Sam threw himself to the ground, raising his arms to protect his head as a blood-soaked Raja tumbled through the trees, ripping the tops off trees and snapping branches.

Sam screamed as the griffin slammed into his brother.

To be continued...