Chap. 31 - Bonfire

Then:

I hadn't even realized we had left the circle. Images flashed quickly through my mind as I connected the dots. My worst nightmare coming to life, reliving so many emotions that my voice cracked, "No, stop...put me down."

Bobby opened the door and carried me upstairs with a strength I didn't even realize he had. Time stood still as nothing had changed before the fire had burned down the house. I stared at Sam's crib. "Bobby don't go. Please Bobby, anything but this."

With the utmost care, he placed me in Sam's crib. "Sorry son, but you must confront this nightmare to heal. Remember this, The Phoenix will rise from the ashes." I watched Bobby blinked back the tears, and he leaned down and kissed my forehead. He whispered again in a gruff voice, "The Phoenix will rise, son. I know you can handle this. You've got this."

I never wanted to see my old house again. Once it was home, but now it's a painful reminder of everything that I had lost. I couldn't even imagine that I would fit in Sam's baby crib. The fear was overwhelming.

"Bobby what are you doing. God, no. Bobby please, stop. Don't leave me here. Bobby. Please come back!"

Now: Bobby

I stumbled as I left him behind. My heart split in two. Knowledge, a powerful thing, I'm desperate to keep my information a secret. John's single focus served a purpose, never realizing that Dean's life wasn't the only one at risk. Never thought, John could ignore all the evidence right under his nose. Unfortunately, this placed it squarely on my shoulders to follow through on the hard-hitting decisions.

Dean, our salvation from evil too horrifying to consider. Our sacrificial lamb offered up in exchange for our freedom. I never thought I would believe in fate, risking trials destined to prove all of us worthy. Only through death, would the phoenix rise from the ashes.

Caleb, Jim, and John returned feeling bone-weary without recognizing the true nature of the trials. A spiritual ritual that tethers the mind with the physical uniting the four elements to its perspective person. If John hadn't been so depleted, almost broken, he would have bucked for all he was worth. But I knew he would survive. He finally noticed, he has two sons at risk.

John always assumed that Dean would survive. But watching Dean dying and being helpless to stop it, maybe the blinders are off. I hope so.

What is the essence of life? So many questions that most will never explore as they focus on surviving in the physical world. Imagine Jim's astonishment if we ever had this conversation. I'm not known as a religious man. Many never explore their faith or beliefs. A person's soul is normally fed by the spiritual side; but does that mean you're limited by faith or religion? The four elements represented in the skirmishes. Did anyone other than me; realize the connection to the Element they had to battle? The design of the trial had more at stake than saving Dean.

They couldn't breathe or flourish without their particular Element. Caleb loves the ocean, but does he understand why water tugs at his soul? John and earth fit together. Jim saves souls through the words he utters, so he has a natural connection to air. You can almost see him flying away. You can imagine him flying away.

God, I'll miss them. But it's the only way. Someone has to die tonight and I've had a good life. John's boys, a gift I never expected. I hadn't meant to connect to Dean so much, but he has a special soul. He has to live. Dean's screams remind me that he's dying. It's almost time.

"Bobby it's time."

Catching my breath, "I understand that as our connection grows, I'll trade my life for his. Someone had to die tonight, and I'm willing to make that sacrifice."

"I'm afraid, that decision isn't yours to make, at least not yet. First, Dean must be deemed worthy. Perhaps it would be best if we terminate all of you."

"Honor your agreement It's time. Exchange my life so the boy can live."

"As the fire cleanse his soul," she stepped forward and held out her hand.

I grasp it, praying it will free me from my nightmares. I wish the final Element didn't have to be so painful. Tonight Dean would burn to death literally, but I know he will pass the test...he's got to be alright. It can't be for naught. The part I never shared with anyone, that Dean would die alone tonight. If we hadn't tried the trials, he would have died anyway. How do you choose between death and death? But one version had a chance of life. So I did it. I bullied everyone until they agreed, and none understood their sacrifice. John wouldn't even notice it at first. None of them would. After tonight, Dean would never be alone. Our connection would transcend the normal boundaries and ties.

Oh, John freaked out with the thought of Sam turning non-human. But Dean wouldn't...couldn't be normal ever again. The cost of Dean being a firstborn and caught by that she-devil. I couldn't even imagine the price of a pending invasion. Luck overrode chance as she never realized the power of the host that she had captured. Dean's destiny wouldn't be the birth of a few baby monsters; he could rebuild their entire race. A dying race. So keeping Dean out of her clutches meant everything for our entire world's survival. Only hearing his voice could bring me to the edge of despair.

Merlin spoke, "Has the boy passed the ritual?"

I held my breath and waited for their answer. They had to say, yes. I hated feeling as if I was split into two. One part impatient for their answers and the other half wishing to eliminate Dean's fears before his death. Instead of them responding, I heard his voice as he pleaded for his life.

Smoke filled the room, "Bobby, you have to get me out of here. The room, its on fire. Please, don't leave me. God, I'm scared. My worst nightmare, you know how much I pretend fires don't freak me out, but this house. Please, you've got to get me out of here." Dean's scream ripped right through me.

For a moment, I forgot I wasn't close to him and my hand automatically reached for the door planning to shove him out of the room. In shock, I felt my hand burn as though I tried to turn the doorknob. The room spun, and I couldn't catch my breath as I collapsed no longer sure of my surroundings. Before I surrendered to the darkness, I tried once more to convince them, "No, you promised to take me. Show yourselves. It can't end like this. Bastard's...you promised."

"Bobby, I can't see, where are you?" I didn't recognize the voice that answered.

"I find it interesting, outwardly there isn't anything remarkable about you. But you instill a hidden desire for people to attempt the impossible to protect you."

Dean turned attempted to put a visual with the voice, "What? Protect me from what? God, are you wrong. I'm nothing special. Now, if you met my brother, he would fit the bill. But I'm expendable otherwise; my Dad wouldn't have left me alone.

"Dean, explain why four men have struggled to risk their souls to save you? Caleb, a stranger, but he gave everything he had to keep you safe."

"I don't understand."

"Yes, you do. Look inward, search your soul. You know that if you fail...if they fail all will perish."

"No, if you're going to execute someone, take me."

My boy, a sacrifice must be made. To save a life, another must be lost. I think you are worthy. But I'm not cruel, I'll allow you to say your final goodbyes. But only one of you will leave this place.

"No, I demand that you send Bobby back. I willingly sacrifice my life."

"I'm afraid my child, the choice is out of your hands. Tonight the votes will be cast and, one of you will be no more."

"No, I forbid it." Dean coughs as the smoke fills his lungs and, he continues to fight to express himself. He passes out, never hearing the stranger's final words.

"Dean, rest as the burdens you must bear on your shoulders will be heavy. Perhaps there is a way to delay the sacrifice, but I make no promises. Yes, my boy, you have touched my heart. I didn't think it would be possible. You remind me of Arthur, I think he would have liked you. Rest, for I'm afraid the pain you will endure will overwhelm the best of us."

The smell of smoke overwhelmed me. The crib crumbled into ashes. I blinked back the tears. I'd had left him to die. I loved him more than he ever realized, yet I had allowed them to slaughter him. Now, I find myself returned to the crime scene when it no longer mattered.

"Take me instead. Take me." I clenched my fists as my shoulders trembled. The fog began to drift into the room. Then I heard the sweetish sound.

"Bobby...where are we? I can't see."

"Grab my hand, boy. We're surrounded by fog. I can tell you one thing, we ain't in Kansas anymore."

"Bobby, I don't remember how I got here. We need to leave, it's not safe. Are you even real?"

"I do not care if he has passed the trial. It is too dangerous. Kill them all. To save the universe, we must sacrifice the few. Otherwise, they will destroy everything we ever cared about. We can not risk it."

She snapped her fingers, and the four voices became silent. "For now, We will watch to see what happens. Funny how each time someone raised the choice to kill Dean Winchester, someone always vetoed against it. Ask yourselves, Why someone always voted to spare his life? Something about this one feels different."

A simple command, "I'd advise that you listen to her."

"Merlin," a threatening tone, "What do you know? Riddles are your form of communication, but you always leave us to pick up the pieces. You never deal with the consequences. Last time..."

"Enough," as his voice vibrated throughout the space. Silence hung in the fog. "Dean Winchester, come here."

Together we stepped forward, yet unable to see anything through the thick fog. A voice sent shivers down our spines.

"For out of the ashes, the phoenix will rise to save the lands from their greed. If you kill this boy, you slaughter yourselves. Pain consumes him, but love binds him to everyone he touches. They cannot ignore their heart. Why?"

"Merlin, for so many centuries, you left us to fin for ourselves. Alone we had to interpret the word. Traditions required noble lineage which, we followed to the letter of the law only for it to cost us everything. Yet you believe this insignificant boy will fulfill the prophecy?"

"Enough!" The fog thinned, and she turned towards him. "Merlin, do you believe this boy to be worthy?"

"Long have I lived, waiting for my friend Arthur to be reborn. I believed it would be Arthur that would be uniting us in this quest, but this boy has a pearl of wisdom that can not be denied. I see hope in the blackest hour. If we fail, it will be because you doubt me now. Yes, we lost other worlds. Yes, love ones have fallen. Yet I see strength in his pain. He fumbles but follows his heart. It is pure, and his devotion to saving others never falters. Boy, come here and kneel."

To my surprise, Dean obeyed without stumbling. He knelt in front of Merlin. I wondered if he could see?

"How can I help, serve when I can't even see. I don't understand?" replied Dean.

But I did. Dean remained frozen like a statue and silent; I assumed he was in a trance. I tried to step forward, but I couldn't move. So I yelled. But nothing came out. Then Merlin's eyes focused on me.

"The balance of life demands a sacrifice. A life for a life. But if you die now, the boy will not be prepared for our most dire need. But this child can not rise from the ashes unless the prophecy is honored."

"Merlin, I will give my life freely so the boy will live." Her angelic voice surrounded us, and a soft glow formed all around her.

Merlin shook his head and banged his staff on the ground. The floor trembled, and I feared that the earth would open up and swallow us whole. "No, Fredrick; you picked the last chosen one. Your blind faith in your wisdom led us all down a very dark path. It is time to make amends."

It's strange watching the one person that was the angriest, full of hate towards my boy now showing fear and trying to hide. One minute he twitched, and then he disappeared. At the same time, Dean collapsed. I rushed to his side, and he grabbed my hand. "Bobby, I can see. Where are we?"

Only Merlin and the lady remained. Merlin leaned forward, "Boy, I have high hopes for you, do not let me down. Bobby you have much to learn, come with me."

I found I couldn't ignore his command and we left them both behind. "What about Dean?"

Bobby, you have been given a reprieve, an opportunity. If you fail, the world you know will be destroyed. Death will bide its time. Dying is easy. Dean will not remember what has happened, but you must guide the others in protecting him. So little time to teach you all you must learn. Most of all, how important that you all will be forever linked. Even in death, the bond is unbreakable."

He paused and showed me a world in the sky; this universe is far away. The creature has only been deterred for a short time. For now, she is ignorant of his whereabouts. As Dean needs breath to breathe, she needs him for her race to survive.

"We have to win. Losing Dean isn't acceptable."

That is the plan. But we must expect the unexpected. It is foretold that during our darkest hour, as we fear everything is lost, a miracle from the prince will emerge victoriously. I do not see the answer to how this boy will save us all. I just know that something will change the outcome. Knowledge is your only hope. So our training will begin. Luckily, for you, no one will even be aware of the passing of time."

"I never believed I would live. What if the others don't agree with this training? How can we protect the boy then?" I scratched my head as my mind tried to process the training I had been given."

"Bobby, you underestimate your role. They won't be able to ignore your call. It has been imprinted on their very souls. Why do you think each had to pass the trial in order to live?"

"So once I send out the signal, they will just respond without even questioning their actions?"

Caleb will imagine Dean as a small child, and once he holds that child in his arms, Jim will imagine Caleb as the boy he must protect, leaving John and you to protect the first layer. The illusion will become solid. As she tries to intrude on your mind, she will lose the connection to the younger boys. If she does kill you and John, then Jim will be the next layer that she must destroy before she can reach Caleb. If all of you are killed, then Dean will be at her mercy, and all will be lost."

"After everything we have survived, I have no intention of losing Dean."

"Good, then perhaps we have chosen well. Listen for my call," he chuckled. "You will not be able to ignore it."

"Dean will live, heal."

"The phoenix has risen. In order to prepare him for his future, he will need to discover his gifts. Not at once and you four will find your bond can in given circumstances protect him until it is time. There are things I will never share, Bobby. But when all feels lost, in the darkest hour, our gift could save the many universes. For the earth is just a small part of the bigger picture. Now sleep, in the morning we will speak of things you can never share. The burden is yours to carry, but perhaps something wonderful will follow as well.

My eyes blinked, and everything turned fuzzy: but when I woke up, everyone was asleep in the house, as if the ritual had never happened. I got up and dressed. I stumbled when I saw Dean sprawled out next to Caleb sharing the same bed. Just as I had been taught, I checked the status and connected it to our bond. I needed a moment, so I cheated. I sent them all into a deep slumber. Tomorrow we could begin the next part of the training. I just needed a moment of peace. In time this would be natural, but for now, reinforcing the bond was the top priority. Otherwise, everything we had endured would have been irrelevant.

A/N: I really had trouble with this chapter. I've rewritten it so many times. Finally after watching the TV show "Merlin", part of this chapter began to flow. I'm hoping you can visualize what I've described, but I've only given hints so you can fill in the blanks with your imagination. What is so weird for me, I had a clear picture of this chapter in my head before I had started this story. I never dreamed of how difficult it would be to write.

I'm hoping since I'm no longer working at my old job, I'll have more energy to write. So I'm attempting to finish my abandoned stories. Second verse just like the first.

I will admit I'm having trouble with some of the punctuation concerning dialogue mixed with fiction. I have edited this chapter using Grammarly and Hemingway Editor. I only use the free versions. I couldn't solve all the issues it marked.

This chapter gave me fits since I was mixing characters that would talk formally with those that talk informally. So please give an example of how to correct if it really bothers you with your enjoyment of the chapter. You can always do it in a PM instead of a review. I don't mind learning, just please be kind in your corrections.

This story should wrap up in a couple of chapters. I have the roadmap of what I want to do, it is just getting it down on paper... I hope you're still enjoying the story and please review. Thanks for all that have supported me by reading and/or reviewing. Your reviews have kept me trying instead of just giving up.