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 25 – Coming Together
"I thought you said he was fine!" Dean glared at Charlie and Nick as he struggled to his feet. He would have fallen if Nick hadn't placed a steadying hand on him.
"He was a little warm when I checked on him; I thought the fever reducer I gave him would help with the fever while I worked on you." Charlie stated without apology. The Indian met Dean's glare without flinching.
Nick stepped between the two men and sighed. "Look, no one's blaming anyone right?" Nick looked at Charlie before turning to Dean "Right?"
Dean sat back down on the bed; the room was spinning in front of him. He clenched his fist as he realized he'd have to rely on the other two men to make sure Sam was taken care of. Damn it—this whole thing was spinning out of control—his control and that was something Dean Winchester couldn't tolerate.
A hand on his shoulder brought him back from his self introspection. "Dean, you need to rest and get better. Sam is going to need care for some time I think. Don't worry; you'll get your turn." Nick smiled softly, understanding in his blue eyes as he turned towards Charlie.
"Sponge bath or should I fill the tub?" Nick wasn't sure which would be better. Of course, a hospital would be best but he knew it was out of the question for now.
"Sponge bath I think—I was hoping I wouldn't have to reopen the wounds, but I don't think we have any choice. We can place ice around him as well to cool him." Charlie replied as he turned back to his patient.
"Whoa, don't take this the wrong way, but do you know what you're doing Charlie?" Dean asked as he made to rise once more from the bed. He moved unsteadily towards Sam, wincing as a strong hand grabbed him and helped him down to sit beside his brother.
"Yes, I was not only trained in the ways of medicine by my great great grandfather, but I also am a trained paramedic. It's sort of a requirement for the job around here." Charlie remarked without rancor.
Dean studied Sam's sweat soaked face and grimaced when he saw the infected claw marks on his little brother's side. The stitches should have been coming out soon but now it looked like they'd have to start all over again. Dean started when he heard his name on Sam's lips.
"No Dean, please don't go—can't touch him—can't see me—Dean no!" Sam mumbled in his fevered sleep.
"Shhh Sammy, I'm here. Open your eyes and you'll see me." Dean reached down and firmly grasped Sam's hand in his own. "Can you feel this? I'm not leaving you Sam, not now—not ever."
Nick returned with a bowl of cool water and some wash cloths. He placed the bowl beside Dean, knowing he would want to help. "I've got some antibiotics in my med kit—will they help?" Nick asked Charlie.
"No, I have all the herbs and medicines we'll need. But he might feel more comfortable in his own clothing…" Charlie pulled his knife and gently cut through the leather belt holding the breech cloth in place. He pulled the cloth away from Sam's body and placed a clean towel across Sam's hips. "I'll need to re-open and clean the wounds. Then after we get him cleaned up, we can put his own clothes on.
Nick nodded and headed out towards the Impala. "I'll bring in both of their bags. I'm sure Dean is going to want to change as well."
Dean had blocked out the exchange, concentrating on cooling his brother's body. He gently wiped the sweat from Sam's face and neck. He smiled as Sam leaned into his touch, even unconscious he sought relief from him. "Well you really did a good job this time Sammy; but don't worry we'll have you fixed up in no time. You just rest and let us do the work this time."
Charlie left for a moment and returned with his own first aid kit. "Can you hold him steady while I remove the stitches?"
Dean nodded as he placed his hands on Sam's shoulders. His own body protested the movement, but he wasn't going to fail his brother now. He'd sleep once he knew Sam was on the mend and not before. "Just do it."
Charlie removed the stitches as gently as he could, but Sam still writhed on the bed from the pain. Dean had all he could do to keep Sam still. Nick returned and stood on the other side to help keep the fevered hunter still. Finally, after a few moments Charlie had finished.
"It doesn't look too bad, I think I can just clean the wounds out and then I'll add a poultice to aid with the healing. I'm going to leave the wounds open for now so we can re-apply the poultice. With luck, we won't need to stitch the wounds again." Charlie began to work while Dean and Nick once more held the fevered hunter to the bed.
Half way through the procedure Sam's eyes opened. "Dean—hurts!" Sam whispered, his unfocused eyes trying to find the one person who could make the pain go away.
"I know Sammy, but we have to clean the wounds out. It won't be long and then we'll give you something for the pain ok?" Dean winced as Sam gripped his arm tighter, trying to ride out the pain. "That's it Sam, just breathe through it…"
Charlie wiped his hands on a towel and looked over at Nick. "Do you think you can finish applying the poultice? Just spread this on the wounds and then put a bandage on it. I want to brew the tea we'll need. Dean try to keep him awake for just a bit longer." Charlie placed a hand on Dean's shoulder for a brief moment before leaving the room.
"Dean—cccoolldd" Sam stuttered as his body shivered. He tried to sit up, but Dean placed a hand on his shoulder keeping him in place.
"It's the fever Sam, you've developed an infection. Serves you right, walking into a trap with nothing more than a walking stick. What were you thinking?" Dean had started to tease, but couldn't keep the frustration from his voice as he tried to distract Sam.
"Had a plan—Soaring Eagle—played Trojan horse—I was—horse…" Sam gasped as another pain shot through his body.
"When you get better Sam, I'm so going to kick your ass for that stunt. You let the shade possess you and then hoped the demon wouldn't find out? I know you were injured and had to be running on empty, you could have been killed. Even for us that's desperate Sam…" Dean watched as Sam blinked, his eyes filling with tears for a moment. "Aw Sam, I'm sorry—look we can talk about this when you're feeling better."
"Ssorry Dean—my turn—had to take risk." Sam started to close his eyes, another groan of pain escaping his lips as Nick continued to apply the poultice to his wounds.
Dean patted Sam gently on the face. "No sleeping just yet Sam. You need to take your medicine." Dean watched as his little brother struggled back awake. His eyes dull and full of pain; he realized Sam was taking what he said the wrong way. He didn't mean to make Sam feel guilty, but what would he have done if Sam had died?
"Look Sammy, you did great ok—seriously dude, you and your Geronimo side kick managed to save the day. I just—I can't lose you Sammy…" Dean placed his forehead against his brother's sweaty brow. His eyes were begging his little brother to understand the feelings behind the words.
A soft cough at his elbow caused Dean to jerk up. He gasped as the motion not only caused his muscles to cramp up again, but the room also began to spin alarmingly. He gripped the side of the bed and closed his eyes, willing everything to settle.
"Dean?" Sam asked, his hand gripping his forearm to steady him. Dean gritted his teeth against the pain the touch caused his burnt arm. He had to assure Sam he was fine or his little brother would never rest.
"I'm fine Sammy, just a little tired. Now how about we get you to drink your medicine and then we'll both get some rest ok little brother?" Dean watched as Sam stared at him for a moment trying to determine the truth before he finally nodded.
Dean took the cup from Charlie. Nick had finished with the bandages and moved to help hold Sam up on the bed. Sam grimaced a few times, but managed to drink the liquid down, his eyes once more drifting closed. Dean couldn't resist pulling his brother close for a moment and whispered into his ear. "You fight Sam and you come back to me or I'll follow you straight into hell if I have to and drag your ass back."
As Sam was lowered to the bed, his eyes opened once more. A look of disgust was on his face as he wrinkled his nose. "Dude—you smell like—a dead skunk!" Sam whispered as his eyes finally closed; a soft smile on his lips.
Dean smiled for a moment before he remarked "Everybody's a comedian today! Laugh it up Sam; at least I didn't have to drink mine…"
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Nick stretched sore muscles as he rose once more to replace the ice around Sam. The young hunter's temperature was better, but it was still too high for comfort. He watched as his friend moaned softly in his sleep, becoming restless for a moment before settling down once more. "That's it Sam, just rest." Nick said softly.
"S'he alright?" Dean's voice croaked from the other bed.
"Yes Dean, the fevers going down slowly. Do you need anything?" Nick asked, as he gazed at the bleery eyes of the oldest of the Winchester boys.
"Naw…m'kay" Dean mumbled as his eyes drifted closed once more.
Nick shook his head. Even as sick as Dean was, he still managed to check on his little brother. He had no doubt the stubborn man would get up and try to take care of Sam if he felt it was needed. "Both of you are so stubborn—let's hope it helps you both recover quicker."
Charlie had retired soon after he had finished caring for the two wounded men. Nick had insisted on checking his ribs and was gratified to find they were not broken but just badly bruised. He helped the park ranger put some strange healing salve on his back and side. It wasn't as smelly as the stuff he'd used on Dean, but Nick made short work of washing his hands afterwards. He never could figure out why things that made you feel better, had to either smell or taste like crap.
Sitting back down in the chair he'd placed between the two beds, he lay his head back and closed his eyes. He'd sent his watch alarm to wake him every hour to check on his charges. But even though he wasn't injured—his own energy levels were dwindling. His hand rested on the shot gun in his lap and he'd made sure everything was locked up tight. It was the best he could do, he only hoped it would be enough as his eyes began to close as exhaustion finally overtook him.
A gentle hand on his shoulder made Nick start, the gun automatically coming up to aim at whoever had disturbed him. He blinked for a moment before lowering the gun, "Jeez Charlie, you could have gotten your ass shot full of rock salt!"
Charlie smiled before moving further into the room. "Good thing I'm not much into scalping—yours would have been easy pickin's." The park ranger moved slowly towards the beds, checking on the two brothers before turning back to Nick.
"I think we need stronger antibiotics for Samuel. The tea isn't lowering his fever fast enough. I have called a doctor friend of mine in town and he has agreed to give us what we need—no questions asked. I thought I'd go in and pick up the medicine and some supplies…" Charlie remarked as he rung out the wash cloth and once again bathed Sam's fevered body with the cool water.
Nick stood up and stretched. "No—I should go."
Charlie's eyebrow was raised; his face suddenly impassive as he moved closer. "You can trust me Nick, I won't betray these men."
Nick shook his head "You don't understand Charlie—you're the medic here. I can do basic first aid, but if something goes wrong…"
Charlie considered his response before a smile graced his lips once again. "You do have a point Nick. Ok, I will give you directions and a list of what we need. But you must be careful. We don't know how far the evil one has been driven…"
Nick looked at Sam and Dean, his eyes glinting in the soft light. "Don't worry Charlie, I'll be armed and I won't fail…"
Less than a half hour later Nick found himself driving his car and heading out of the park towards town; a bottle of holy water and one of Dean's shot guns at his side just in case. He wondered once again what had happened to Soaring Eagle. The Shade hadn't been seen since the run in with the demon. He only hoped the ancient Indian had managed to find the peace he rightfully deserved.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
It was too hot. Sam tried to find some place cool, but his body felt like it was burning from the inside. He struggled to open his eyes, but they refused to budge. He heard soft murmurs of voices and even felt the cooling touch as a wet cloth embraced his heated skin. But he was too weak to break through; his mind tumbled back into the darkness and the waiting nightmares.
Sam shook his head as his father appeared in front of him. "Sammy, you failed…you had the chance to kill the son of a bitch and you failed. You're mother would be ashamed of you and I'm sure Jess can't understand your weakness either."
"I knew I never should have brought you with me on the hunt. All you do is question, you never follow orders. Hell, you even had Dean questioning my orders. Because of you, I had to sell my soul to the bastard to save my good son."
"No Dad…please" Sam mumbled.
"You're not going…" Dean said softly, looking away to hide the disappointment and pain.
"The interview is in like ten hours…" Sam replied, purposely looking down to avoid his brother's gaze.
"Ok…whatever…I'll take you home."
"Maybe I can meet up with you later huh?" Sam leaned into the car, trying to ignore the pain he saw in his brother's eyes.
"Sorry Dean…shouldn't have left you…" The memories continued to surge forth as he began to twist on the bed.
"You were so desperate to be normal. How could you leave her alone; to die? You dreamt it would happen!" Bloody Mary screamed at Sam as he fell to the floor, blood running down his cheeks.
"JESS NO!" Sam cried out, unaware of the arms trying to calm him.
"Do not tell me how I feel! This demon killed your mother, killed your girlfriend. You begged me to be a part of this hunt. If you had killed the damn thing when you had a chance, none of this would've happened. I should have never taken you along…" John's face was filled with rage and loathing.
"Dad—can't kill you—still have colt…" Tears streamed down the devastated hunters face.
"Let me get this straight—the Shade, who is supposed to be a part of Sam, brought him out here with no protection not to mention no coat or basic supplies. What the hell was he thinking!"
"God no Dean—don't leave me!" Sam cried out, the loss a physical pain as he struggled.
"Serves you right, walking into a trap with nothing more than a walking stick. What were you thinking?"
"Sorry Dean…" Sam fought the hands trying to hold him, he had to find Dean, had to fix things so his brother wouldn't leave him again. But he couldn't break free of the darkness now holding him captive.
"He's right, this is all my fault. Why can't I do anything right? I know, because I'm the one with the screwed up emotions and the evil freaky powers…" Echoes of the time Dean had rejected his shade self in favor of his live self fortified his feelings of loss.
Sam thoughts continued to spiral out of control. The emotions he'd kept pent up for so long finally breaking free. He didn't want them, he wouldn't accept them again—he had been free before the ceremony. Why had he agreed to go through with it—the pain was unbearable as he shuddered from the impact of what had been done to him.
They're all dead…Mom, Jess, Dad, Pastor Jim, Caleb, Madison…all gone because of me…" Sam whimpered as the emotions finally overwhelmed him and dragging him further into the darkness that had haunted him since he was six months old. He never heard the voice calling to him, his mind too tired to accept the life line being thrown.
"SAMMY, you fight this you hear me—please Sam—don't go…" Dean's voice was swallowed by the overriding noise of the self doubt, fear and self loathing that now ruled Sam's mind.
TBC
Raven524: Well hopefully the quicker updates are making my previous lapse a little easier to accept. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews; I will be getting back to each of you shortly. I love hearing from everyone!