It's that time again. New chapter time! Please enjoy.

Cindy.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Dominican Hospital-Thirty minutes later

Dean paced the waiting area, his mind still in the back of the ambulance where he had helped to keep his baby brother alive long enough to reach the hospital and Dr. Heely. He didn't notice the worried glances cast his way as he had more important things to think about. The color of Sam's skin, the angry bruises that encircled his neck, the blueness of his lips, the way he jerked with every chest compression. Dean would never forget the feeling of having Sam there at his fingertips but still so lost to him. He had wanted so badly to take Sam into his arms and hug him close and never let go, but he had continued to pump his baby brother's chest to keep the precious life blood flowing through his veins, delivering the oxygen his battered body needed to survive.

A gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder stopped Dean's frantic pacing and he turned anguished eyes on his father, seeing the same anguish reflected back at him. With that look, Dean lost all semblance of stoicism and collapsed into John's arms, relishing the strong embrace that enfolded him as he sobbed into his father's neck. He followed dutifully as John led him to a chair and gently pushed him down before taking the seat next to him. Daniel sat on the other side and the three Winchester men sat in silence, Dean's sobs having slowed to occasional hiccups. Caleb, Joshua and Bobby sat in seats opposite their fellow hunters, worry etched in the lines of their faces. Yes, Sam had finally been found, but they still didn't truly have him back. Not until they heard that their beloved boy would survive would any of the men really feel that they had gotten him back. All they could do now was wait for Dr. Heely to come and tell them if they should be celebrating or grieving.

"Dad? How do you think Sammy got all the way to where he was found from that warehouse? The shape he was in, how did he get anywhere at all?" Daniel's tired voice queried, breaking the silence that had settled over the hunters.

"I don't know Daniel. You saw how torn up his hands and knees were. I think he crawled at least part of the way," John replied, rubbing a hand over his scruffy face.

Dean sat forward and turned to John. "Dad…it's nearly two miles from the warehouse to Jordan Road, and the terrain isn't exactly smooth and easy. Do you really think Sam got that far on foot?" he asked, doubt in his voice.

"The extent of your little brother's strength never ceases to amaze me boys. The way he was scratched up and the way he was leaning against that boulder before he was laid out flat on the ground tells me that he made it to the road and leant against the rock, maybe to rest. He must have collapsed at that point, his body no longer able to stay conscious. I think Sammy's will to live got him that far," John answered, his voice filled with awe.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Sam's Journey

Long, dark lashes fluttered against pale cheeks before soft hazel eyes appeared as Sam awoke, moaning softly as he attempted to move on the cold concrete floor. He flinched slightly as Trenton Wilcox's lifeless face came into focus, the man's cold, dead eyes frozen in a shocked stare. Sam had no way of knowing how long he had been unconscious, but he knew that if he wanted to get back to his family he had to get moving. Wilcox wouldn't be dead for long if the tattoo that decorated his chest truly was a sign that he had had the binding ritual performed on him like his father. The steady throb on Sam's chest where Wilcox had bitten him convinced Sam that his captor truly would soon be alive again. Once that happened, he would hunt Sam down, never stopping until he had finished what he had started or was taken out himself, a silver dagger piercing his tattoo and heart.

Sam summoned every ounce of strength he could muster and slowly, gingerly he pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. He worked his bare, burnt feet under him and grasping the countertop of the cabinets, he pulled himself up, immediately resting his forehead on the counter to ease the vertigo that swept over him. A few deep breaths later and Sam was able to open his eyes and stand, ignoring the pain in his feet as best he could. He thought for a moment about trying to find his clothes but then remembered they had been cut from him. What Wilcox had done with them Sam had no idea, but he decided to not spend one more minute than he had to in this hell hole and pushed off the counter, steadying himself before taking his first step toward the door to freedom.

Sam made it to the door and opened it slowly, not sure of what may be on the other side. He groaned softly when he saw the steep set of stairs leading upward. Grasping tightly onto the handrail, Sam dragged himself slowly up the stairs, his shoulder scraping against the wall as his body refused to remain completely upright. Sam finally reached the top of the stairs and pushed the door at the top open. Once through he closed it again, just like he'd done below. He staggered across the floor, grabbing onto whatever he could to keep from falling. After opening one more door Sam found himself outside, the cool air wafting over him. Sam sucked in as much air as his damaged throat allowed, reveling in the fresh scents that replaced the staleness of the air he was used to these past days.

Sam stumbled away from the building, looking around, trying to decide the best direction to head. He decided to go away from the road, wanting to avoid Wilcox possibly finding him when he awoke. Sam made his way to the back of the small warehouse and began his trek through the thick underbrush and trees. Branches reached out to scratch at his skin, but Sam didn't slow his already painfully slow pace, needing to put as much distance between himself and the man who wanted him dead. Rocks cut into his already injured feet and Sam hissed in pain as a particularly sharp rock jabbed dead center into the burn on his right foot. He stumbled, his hands reaching out before him, but he was unable to stop his descent as he crashed to the ground, crying out as his knees made violent contact with the rough, rocky dirt.

Sam sat back on his heels, his hands planted firmly on the ground as he bowed his head. It was at this time that he noticed a tingling, numb sensation in his arm. He suddenly remembered dumping over a container in Wilcox's kitchen and the weird sensation as something dusted over his arm. He looked at his right arm and noticed a strange white residue covering most of his forearm. He brushed at the dust with his left hand, wary of the tingling the dust created. Finally feeling that he had at least some strength back in his legs, Sam pushed to his feet again and resumed his trek.

Sam concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other as he forged on, the need to escape strong, the need to see his family again even stronger. He pushed on for what seemed like hours, falling several times as his steadily weakening limbs repeatedly gave out beneath him. He began to feel a continuing constriction in his chest as breathing became more and more difficult. Although he had been hiking non-stop toward an unknown destination, Sam's heart rate felt like it was slowing down rather than speeding up and Sam feared what the meant. Despite his weakness and difficulty in breathing, Sam pushed on, crying out in relief when what appeared to be a road came into view.

Sam hurried forward, his eyes moving up the short incline to the road. He yelped in pain as his foot caught in the thick undergrowth and he pitched forward, crashing face first to the ground, his teeth slamming painfully together as his chin hit. Tears of pain and frustration spilled from his eyes as he tried to get to his feet, a quick grunt escaping him as his arms gave way and he hit the ground again. Sam closed his eyes and began to shiver as his sweat soaked body began to cool as a swift breeze began to blow over him. For several minutes Sam lay there, exhaustion and pain keeping him immobile. A strange lethargy seeped into him and Sam knew that if he had any chance of rescue he had to reach the road.

Despite the nearly paralyzing effects of his reduced heart rate and breathing, plus the numbness that had spread from his arm to the rest of his body, Sam somehow found the strength to get to his hands and knees. Unable to gain his feet, the exhausted teenager started to crawl toward the incline, the rocky, unforgiving ground tearing at the skin of his palms and knees. He dragged himself up the incline, nearly on his stomach now. With a cry of relief, Sam made it to the edge of the road. A small boulder sat a few feet away and he crawled to it then propped his back against it, collapsing back in sheer exhaustion.

Sam cried tears of despair as he gazed around, every inch of his body screaming in agony. In every direction there was nothing but darkness and the boy deflated as he realized he would most likely not be found on this dark and deserted road. He reached forward with his left hand as he tried to pull away from the rock but all strength had left him and he listed to the side, sliding painfully along the boulder before falling onto his side, his left arm flat out on before him on the ground, palm up and fingers slightly curled. His right arm dropped over his stomach and his hand came to rest on the ground, curling to his chest.

Sam tried to sit up but what strength he had left after his journey seeped from him as his body felt as if it were shutting down. Tears streamed from his eyes as his mouth gaped open, his lungs seemingly unable to draw in air.

"I'm sorry Daddy. I tried to get back to you. I tried to hold on…" the fading boy thought sadly.

Sam's eyes closed as his oxygen deprived body gave in to the darkness that pulled at him. He drifted away as the faces of his family flitted through his mind and Sam knew that he would not be waking up again.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

All three Winchester men paced the waiting room, still waiting on word about Sam. Detective Casey had come and gone, having gotten directions to the warehouse where Sam had been held. Bobby, Joshua and Caleb sat in chairs, watching their friends warily, fearing the men were on the brink of breaking. If word of Sam didn't arrive soon, they were afraid the men would tear the hospital apart. The three men looked on with relief when they spied Dr. Heely hurrying their way and they rose to stand with the Winchesters, eager to hear what the man had to say. John and his boys descended on the poor doctor as he neared, their faces expectant, their movements frantic.

"How's Sammy doc? Is he okay?" Dean cried, his voice quaking with emotion.

"Why don't we move to a private room where we can talk without prying ears," Dr. Heely suggested, his eyes moving around the waiting room.

"Please Dr. Heely, we just need to know if Sammy's okay," Daniel pled as he grasped the doctor's arm.

"I understand Daniel. Sam is holding his own right now, but that's all I'm going to say until we find some place more private. I've been informed that the media has gotten word of Sam's abduction and rescue and are in the hospital. I want to protect Sam's privacy as much as possible," Dr. Heely explained, moving toward a hallway, glancing back to make sure the six men were following.

John and his boys, followed closely by Bobby, Caleb and Joshua, hurried after the doctor as he made his way a short distance down the hall. The doctor stopped at a door and opened it, holding it so the men could enter the room beyond. Dr. Heely shut the door and motioned for the men to all take a seat. He seated himself then glanced at each man.

"Okay doctor, we're here. Now tell me about my son," John demanded, his dark gaze resting intently on the doctor.

"John, boys, gentlemen…I'm just going to get right to it. At the moment, Sam is in a coma. He…" the doctor started.

"What!? Sammy's in a coma? Oh my God!" Caleb cried, the other hunters too shocked to speak.

"Now…before you all get too panicked, let me just set your minds at ease. Sam's coma is mild. More like a very deep slumber. It's what his body needs to repair itself. The fact that Sam's alive at all to even be in a coma is a miracle. To tell you the truth…with everything Sam's body has been through, there is no medical explanation for him to have survived," the doctor stated, allowing the information to sink in before continuing.

"What do you mean? I mean, he was beat to hell and tortured but what else happened to my brother?" Daniel queried fearfully.

Dr. Heely sighed before starting to relay the long list of Sam's injuries. "I'll begin with Sam's physical injuries, which include a missing piece of scalp that has become infected, deep lacerations on his back, chest, abdomen and thighs, a bite penetration wound on his chest and three very serious electrical burns…"

"What? Electrical burns? Where?" Joshua queried.

"One on his left ribcage and one on the bottom of each foot. The burn on his right foot is very worrisome and we're doing everything we can to prevent the need for amputation…"

"Amputation!? What are you talking about?" Dean cried.

"The burn on Sam's right foot is quite severe. I'm not sure what was used to cause this damage, but…"

"Cattle prod. The asshole used an old cattle prod on him," Bobby uttered, muted rage burning through him.

"My God…what kind of monster is this man?" the doctor questioned, his stomach suddenly sick.

"The worst kind doc. And he ain't no man…he's a piece of shit!" Caleb commented angrily.

Dr. Heely nodded, then looking into the anguished eyes of the silent Winchester men, he continued. "An electrical burn of such severity can easily become infected and with the extent of tissue damage, even if Sam doesn't lose his foot, the scar tissue will definitely cause lasting effects. He'll most likely have a slight limp for the rest of his life."

John scrubbed a hand over his scruffy face and stared sadly at the doctor. "What else doctor? What other damage was done to my baby?"

"We're keeping a close eye on Sam's heart as any time any degree of electroshock is done, there is a chance of cardiac damage. There is also a chance of memory loss."

"So, his heart could be shot and he may not remember us?" Dean queried, his fury barely contained.

"We'll keep a close eye on his heart and if anything looks off, we'll start treating it immediately. As for the memory loss, it will most likely be temporary if there is any and it's usually sporadic. Some things the victim can remember just fine and some, not so much," Dr. Heely explained.

"So…what else doc?" Dean asked wearily.

"Sam is malnourished, dehydrated, and slightly hypothermic. He has a bacterial infection, most likely caused by drinking contaminated water. He was strangled which caused his throat to swell. He'll be on a vent until we're sure the danger of his throat closing completely has passed. Now, the unseasonably cooler weather actually helped Sam in that it kept his throat from swelling as much and helped slow his blood flow. We're hoping that this will help alleviate the chance of brain damage due to oxygen deprivation," the doctor explained.

"So, he could have brain damage?" John asked, fear restricting his breathing.

"There is that chance. Things look fairly positive right now but we won't know completely until Sam wakes up."

"Was Sammy drugged?" Bobby asked nervously.

"Sam had several different drugs in his system. Some were just mild sedatives, but there were some worrisome substances also," the doctor answered.

"Like what?" John questioned, his hands clasped tightly together.

"There was evidence that Sam was injected with insulin. Luckily, it wasn't enough to cause lasting damage but it probably made him very sick for awhile. Another drug we found is apomorphine. This can cause extreme drowsiness, chest pain, swelling in the face, tongue or throat. It can cause confusion and hallucinations, tremors and restless muscle movements. The most serious thing we found though was tetrodotoxin," Dr. Heely explained, watching with sadness as the men deflated further and further the more he spoke.

John heaved a heavy sigh and ran a shaky hand through his hair. He looked up to meet the doctor's eyes. "That's why it appeared that Sam was dead, right? Tetrodotoxin is the zombie drug," John stated.

"That's right John. It is the main ingredient in what is referred to as the Haitian zombie powder. It is a deadly neurotoxin that is most commonly acquired from the puffer fish. The powder is applied to the skin and the victim can appear to be dead. They don't have a noticeable heartbeat, their breathing is so shallow they seem to not be breathing at all and they don't respond to painful stimuli. They feel the pain, but they can't respond because they are in essence completely paralyzed. It's quite rare for someone poisoned in this way to survive. The fact that Sam did survive is absolutely amazing. With everything else that's happened to him, to have been poisoned with tetrodotoxin should have been a death sentence. I've got to say, I'm in awe of the kid," Dr. Heely stated.

"We all are doctor. He's an amazing kid," John said affectionately, his eyes bright with pride.

"That he is. Now, we took care of Sam's wounds. We bandaged the abrasions on his wrists and ankles, as well as his palms and knees. There were some tears on his back and abdomen that needed stitching. I'd sure like to know what made those wounds," the doctor said absently.

"Belt buckle. Wilcox beat Sam with a leather belt then used the belt buckle on him. The prongs on the buckle caused the tears," Joshua said hoarsly.

"How do you know this?" the doctor queried.

"He…the prick sent us videos of him torturing Sam," Daniel said softly, his head in his hands.

"Oh my God…I'm so sorry," Dr. Heely whispered, shaking his head in shock.

"Dr. Heely…there's one thing we haven't discussed…" John started, sensing the fearful looks his sons and friends cast his way.

Dr. Heely gazed at John, sure that he knew what John wanted to know, but waiting for the man to ask. John took a deep breath and raised terrified eyes to meet he doctor's kind eyes.

"Was my boy…was Sam…was he raped?" John stammered, merely mentioning the dreaded word causing bile to rise in his throat.

Dr. Heely looked at the man and his family with sympathy. What these men had been through was agonizing and this final fear was the most feared of all. Dr. Heely shook his head as he answered.

"There is no evidence that Sam was sexually assaulted. We did a complete rape exam and thankfully it appears as though he escaped that particular injustice. However, only Sam can tell us if anything happened that would leave no physical evidence," the doctor said, watching the men closely.

"You mean if Wilcox molested him?" Daniel queried.

"Yes Daniel. There wouldn't be evidence of that. We won't know if anything else happened until Sam awakens," Dr. Heely answered.

"Can we see him now?" John asked wearily, the magnitude of what Sam had endured and survived slamming into him and making it hard for him to breathe.

"He should be settled in his room now. I've put him in the critical care unit at least until we can take him off the vent and he wakes from his coma. I'll take you there now and I'll arrange for three of you to stay with him at night," Dr. Heely answered.

"Thank you doctor. For everything. We're grateful for everything you've done," John said, standing before shaking the doctor's hand.

"You're welcome John. I'm quite fond of Sam and was very distressed when I heard of his abduction. I'm going to do everything in my power to get him through this," the doctor said as he led the men to the elevators that would take them to their beloved Sam.

As the men rode the elevator up to the critical care floor, Dr. Heely turned to John, apprehensive about the answer he would receive to the question he had been waiting to ask.

"Did they find Trenton Wilcox? Is he in custody?" the doctor asked, his heart dropping into his stomach at the look on the men's faces.

"No…we don't know where he is, and until he's found, Sammy is still in danger," Dean answered.

"I'll make sure each security guard and greeter has a photo of him. I'll have extra guards on Sam's floor. That monster will not get near that boy. I promise you that John," Dr. Heely said forcefully.

"I appreciate that doctor. Sam can't go through any more at the hands of that son of a bitch," John said, casting a glance at the doctor.

Dr. Heely nodded as he led the men away from the elevators and to the CCU. Within moments they were outside Sam's room and the six hunters stared through the glass door with apprehension. Dr. Heely slid the door open and watched as the men filed into the room. He walked away, leaving the men to watch over Sam in peace.

John and his boys stepped tentatively up to the bed, their three friends staying a few feet behind. Tears spilled from the Winchester men's eyes as they took in the condition of their most precious family member. John reached for Sam's right hand and gently took it into his larger one. He sat on the seat that Bobby pushed up behind him and brought Sam's hand to his lips, kissing his fingers tenderly as tears trailed down his cheeks. He gazed at Sam's peaceful face, cringing at the sight of the vent tube protruding from Sam's mouth.

"We're here Sammy. You're safe now. You get the rest you need and wake up when you're ready. We'll be here when you open your eyes baby. We're so proud of you Sammy. We love you so much. Just…come back to us kiddo. We need you…" John said softly, his fingers brushing Sam's cheek lovingly.

The six men settled in, content to sit and watch Sam sleep. To watch Sam breathe. To watch Sam live.

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

So, I got the idea for the 'zombie drug' from a movie titled The Serpent and the Rainbow. It's based on a true story. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please be kind and rewind...oh...I mean review!!!! I will hopefully have another chapter up later tonight.

Cindy.