Brother's Role

by Nicol Leoraine

Chapter 5

They left the Impala parked in the same place it was the day before, only this time they had a benefit of knowing where they're going. Though Dean was smaller, he sure didn't had trouble keeping up with Sam, but maybe it was more for the fact that this time they weren' t running after some ghost, but quietly, almost carefully walking through the forest, their memory the only map needed.

The silence was stretching between the two brothers, each lost in their own thoughts, each hoping that they would just wake up in the motel room, with both of them in their respectable ages. Not that Sam had something to complain about. It would be much harder for him to deal with Dean if his brother wasn't only wearing the younger body but also the mind of a nine year old child. Luckily, Dean was acting almost normally, though Sam had to push back a grin when he thought that maybe Dean' s body just decided to take the form that Dean' s actions called for. Because sometimes Dean acted right at the age of nine.

''What the hell is so funny?'' Dean growled and Sam looked back, almost startled when he didn' t find his brother. Then he looked down and put on his best 'I don't know what the hell are you talking about' face. Dean obviously didn't accept it, if the frown and the unintelligible muttering was anything to go by.

Dean's mood didn't improve much by the time they reached the familiar clearing, though they both let out a surprised gasp. The place where only yesterday was a hollow ground, now decorated a rather greenish grass. They looked at each other, as if to assure themselves that their memories weren't false. Finally Dean shrugged, turning away from the ground where they found the bodies, instead he walked toward the small place with the charred grass where they burned the bones, which were now resting several feet's farther, right where the trees started.

He was trying to concentrate, to find the disturbing feeling that enveloped him yesterday, but the only thing he felt right now was the fear and doubts about the future. Dean shook his head in frustration, for a moment looking up at the sky as if asking 'Why me?' But the only reply he got was his brother's hand squeezing his shoulder, giving his silent support.

The cabin was only partially hidden by the trees, obscure and almost unseen. Without question, Dean started walking toward it and almost instinctively reached for his gun that he had hidden beneath his shirt. He ignored the exasperated sigh from Sam and shrugged of the frown his brother was surely wearing.

''Chill, Sammy. Dad taught me shooting when I was seven. In nine I already handled most of our armour''

Sam snorted.

''Now that's just what I wanted to know. Really Dean, do you realise what could've happened if some cop pulled us over the curb and found that gun on you?''

''Now tell me Sammy, why the hell would a cop search some kid?'' Dean asked with a grin, then quickly raised his hand, dismissing the whole conversation, signalling Sam to stop. They were almost standing at the cabin's door and while there was no sign of life, no car and no sound, Dean could swear he saw a movement behind one of the windows.

''What?'' Sam asked, all business now and Dean pointed the gun at the said window, but want as might , there was no motion now.

''I think someone's home,'' he said in low voice and somehow grumpily gave the gun to Sam.

''It really won' t look good if I go knocking on that door with a gun,'' Dean acquiesced when Sam looked at him a little surprised. ''Just keep it handy. I don' t know what use I am like this,'' the last was uttered in silent voice but Sam still heard it. Dean didn' t give him any time to reply, when he boldly walked at the front porch, and not waiting for his brother to follow, he knocked on the door.

xxx

''Damn,'' Sam muttered and quickly followed his brother. For a moment it looked like there was no one at home, but then they heard a screeching of the floor and the doors opened.

''Well, you took your time, boys. I was waiting for you the whole morning.'' The woman in her fifties spoke with a smile as the door opened wider and she waved at them, inviting them inside. The Winchester brothers glanced at each other, surprised as well as wary of the welcome.

''Uhm, I am sorry Madam... but what the heck are you talking about?'' Dean asked heatedly, not moving a muscle to accept the invitation.

''Dean,'' Sam hissed and threw the woman an apologetic smile. ''I'm sorry, my brother isn't in his skin today.''

''Damn right I'm not Sammy,'' Dean muttered and this time felt his brothers fingers warningly jab into his ribs. He scowled, but refrained from any more comments. Instead he gave the woman a studious once over. She was high, but then Dean realised that in his current state everyone looked much bigger than he was used to. Still, she and Sam were looking eye to eye, so she was probably a little higher than Dean was few days ago. Her long brown hair was freely falling on her shoulders and the equally brown eyes sparkled with amusement.

''Well, will you come in or do you want to stay outside and holler, because me and my old bones are going to the couch.'' Not waiting for an answer, the woman simply turned and vanished inside the house, leaving the two brothers frowning at the front porch.

''I don' t like this,'' Dean muttered and walked inside, only to be stopped by a hand on his shoulder. Annoyed, he looked up at his brother.

''What?'' he asked.

''I'm going first,'' Sam said in a non debatable voice and followed the woman to one of the rooms, his hand still protectively clutching Dean's shoulder. Stunned by the sudden protectiveness, Dean didn't protest only silently moved with his brother.

The cooperativeness didn' t last long though.

''Dude, let go off me,'' Dean shrugged off the hand the instant they reached the living room. The woman was nowhere to be seen and they had a chance to look around the room. The furniture was old but cared for, there were no dust bunnies on the shelves, but the air had this strange smell, like when you open a book that was closed for too long. Dean couldn' t put his finger on it, but the whole house felt ancient.

''I hope you won't mind some lemonade, boys. Why don' t you get comfortable? I presume you'll want to hear what I have to tell you. Well, any questions?'' she asked with a smile as Dean reluctantly sit down at the couch, Sam easing down next to him.

''Who are you would be a good start,'' Dean uttered, the cold glass feeling good against his palm.

''I'm Susan Stockhart,'' the woman provided, looking slightly surprised that they didn' t already know and Sam thought they made another mistake when they came here, without looking for more info about Amely Stockhart and her relatives.

''And Amely was your...''

''Sister,'' she added when Sam didn't seem to continue. ''Boys, I would've thought you'll be a little more prepared,'' she said in a slight reprimand and Sam blushed.

''We were otherwise occupied,'' he muttered.

''Yeah, like trying to figure out what the hell happened to me.'' Dean growled, not at all feeling guilty for lack of research. Susan looked at him, the corner of her mouth twitching in amusement or slight irritation – Sam wasn't sure which.

''Well, if I had doubts about which one of you was rejuvenated, I don't have them any more. What's your name, boy?''

''Dean. And I ceased to be a boy when I turned eighteen, which was ten years ago. Looks like you didn't do your research either. By the way, this is my kid brother Sam,'' he said with a provocative grin. Sam would've smacked him, but was too curious to hear the reply.

Susan laughed and gave him an acquiescing nod.

''Touché. To tell the truth, I didn' t know who will be the one for the job. I just knew there will be someone.''

The brothers looked at each other with a frown, before both asking their question:

''What job?''

Susan leaned deeper against the soft couch and took a sip from the lemonade, as if dragging the time, thinking about the reply. Maybe she was just trying to decide what to tell them, or trying to think of a way to how to tell them, Dean wasn't sure, but he didn't like it.

''Does this have something with the Denim's family?'' Sam asked impatiently. His reply was a half shrug.

''Partially, yes.'' Seeing the frustration grow in both boys, she put her drink away and cleared her throat. ''I don't really know where to start. The fact is that all that bad things happened while I was away. I came back only few days before my sister died and she didn't tell me everything.''

''What has your sister to do with Dean turning into a kid?'' Sam asked and ignored the glare from his brother.

''You should know that my sister was a powerful witch in her days, but the last few years, she was losing her strength in the fight with cancer. Before you ask – my sister was doing only white magic. However she wanted to help solving the disappearance of that family, she couldn't.''

''But she did something else,'' Dean uttered in half question. Susan nodded.

''She knew someone will help the family to cross the river and put them in peace. But she was afraid of what will Joe Hannings do when that happens.''

''Hannings is dead and probably burning in hell,'' Sam said with a frown. ''We made a research and there were no other sightings, not a sign that he's still there.''

''They will be. I can already feel that something is coming and it will be bad – if you won't stop it.''

Dean let out a frustrated sigh. They were talking about everything but him and although he wasn't one to dwell in self pity, he couldn't stop feeling like a victim.

''Still – what does this have to do with me? If you wanted our help, asking would be a much better way than turning me into a kid. I can't very well help anyone if I am like this.''

''That's where you're wrong, Dean,'' Susan said with a gentle smile. ''You should probably know that Hannings first victim was the boy. The parents were just sort of a inconvenience. Something that needed to be get rid off.''

''That doesn't make sense,'' Sam quipped in. ''They were all killed on the road, when they were moving out of the town. Why attack them like that? In the car?''

''You're right, they were moving. But did you ask why they were leaving?''

''There was a reason behind it different than a better job offer, or place to rise the kids?''

''I believe that Hannings was trying to get the boy before that awful thing happened.''

''You mean get him like – kill him? Or...'' Dean didn't finish, his face crumpled in disgust.

''I'm not really sure. Personally, I don't think old Hannings was interested in the boy for that reason. No, I think he wanted the boy for something else. Maybe he just reminded him of his own son.''

''Hannings had a son!'' Dean didn't know if he could be surprised anymore. This whole gig seemed to get out of control even before they arrived in the town.

''I'm afraid I can't tell you much more about it, you'll need to do some research. I just know that Hannings had a son, who died under some weird circumstance. That was twenty years ago. As far as my knowledge goes, the Denim's boy looked quite similar to his son.''

''And how can you know this?'' Sam inquired, getting a little suspicious that the woman was telling them only what she wanted. But it was still more than they knew.

''Me and my sister grew up here, and old Joe Hannings wasn't a crazy loner then. I knew his boy, Calum was his name if I remember correctly. I also saw the photograph of the Denim's boy. They could've been brothers for all I know. Light hair, a little longer. Green eyes and both looked younger than they respective age. Truth to be told, your brother resembles them in some aspects.''

At that comment both Susan and Sam looked at Dean, who blinked, feeling suddenly self conscious.

''So what?'' he growled and Sam let out an exasperated sigh, before looking back at Susan with accusation.

''That's the reason why you turned him into a kid? Because he looks like the boy Hannings killed? You want to make him another victim!'' The last came out as an angry shout and Sam felt Dean's hand on his arm, as if trying to calm him down. But he ignored it and get off the couch, towering above the woman.

''Sammy,'' Dean get up too, hoping to sound in command, but instead it came out more like a whine. Dean cursed silently and grabbed Sam's sleeve, finally getting his attention. All the while, Susan was just calmly sitting in her chair and waiting.

''Chill out, Sam,'' Dean said when Sam looked at him but he didn't get the reply he craved for.

''No, Dean. I can't chill when some stranger turns my older brother into a kid. I can't chill when said stranger wants you to play a damned bait!''

''Sam! Will you just shut up and listen for a moment?'' Dean all but shouted, ignoring the way his voice sounded. For the first time from the morning he woke up, he felt angry. Not at Susan or Amely Stockhart, not even at Hannings. He was angry with his brother Sam. ''Whatever I look like, I am not a kid! I can take care of myself. I was taking care of you from when I was five. Hell, I knew how to shoot before you learned to walk. When I was nine, dad trusted me with your life. I think I can handle this.''

''What if I can't?'' Sam whispered. ''I am not dad, Dean. I am not capable of risking your life, not when you're like this.'' It was surprising to hear that from his younger brother, but then Dean wasn't the one to pour his heart out.

''I know,'' Dean said slowly, realising that despite the fact that Dean's mind was intact, his brother didn't think of him as a protector anymore. Suddenly, Dean became the one protected and he didn't know if he should hate it or be grateful.

While the two brothers stared at each other, Susan cleared her throat, startling them.

''I didn't finish my story, boys and even though I really love to see you two getting along, you need to know more to be able to help.''

This time she get a glare from both brothers, but Sam seemed to forget why he lashed out in the first place, or he simply ignored it for the sake of the case. Dean didn't question it, just sit down, pulling Sam back to the couch.

''Before we will help you with anything, I need to know what had you done to my brother.''

''When my sister felt that she was losing her battle with the illness, she cast a protective spell. It had to be activated when the bones of the family were found and buried properly. She knew Hannings won't make his appearance while they were still here.''

''A protective spell? But who did it protect?''

''And how can a protective spell create negative reaction?''

''It's supposed to protect this place... the people of this town, the children. What happened to your brother wasn't a negative effect. I'm not sure if Amely knew what will happen once the spell is activated, or if it was written specifically for Dean. Anything is possible. Now though we must work with what we have. And I can tell you one thing. Your brother won't get back his old body until this thing is finished.''

xxx

It was a good half an hour later when the two brothers left the cabin. They had more informations than they even hoped for when they started out this morning, but it didn't mean that they were more prepared for what happened.

''I should talk with the sheriff,'' Sam thought out loud, trying to come up with some plan. Anything that didn't involve Dean being the bait. But even as he thought about what he'll ask the sheriff, what weapons or what threat they're really facing, he knew that there was virtually nothing that would stop Dean from getting off and trying to lure Hannings out to the open. But the last he could do was prepare for it and take every possible measures to keep him safe and alive. No matter how old Dean stayed.

''Good luck. I think you'll get more info from that waitress. Hey, maybe you could take her up on that offer for a movie, watcha say?'' Dean said sarcastically, feeling downbeat. He didn't mind being the bait, what worried him was the fact he didn't had a choice. Someone decided for him, without him and for Dean Winchester, that just wasn't acceptable. Whatever reasons, he should've had a choice.

He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts when he bumped into Sam.

''Sammy, what the-''

''How far is our car, Dean?'' Sam asked, frowning at their surroundings. Dean looked around and for the first time realised they were not on the trail.

''Dunno. We should've been there already,'' he replied, puzzled. ''Did you get off the trail?'' he asked, only slightly accusing. Sam was walking ahead of him and Dean simply followed, for the first time in so many years too lost in his thoughts to pay attention. He cursed himself. This wasn't the best place to get lost, not when there was an angry spirit looking for small boys. They weren't prepared for an attack.

''I didn't!'' Sam answered his question, his frown growing deeper. He knew he was following the track and didn't understood how they could've get lost. But it looked like that was what happened. They were lost.

''Just great,'' Dean grumbled, exasperated. He was about to turn and try to track their steps back toward the cabin, or at least get back on the trail, when he froze. It was like a breeze. Gentle, whispering in his ears. But the breeze was too hot against his exposed neck and suddenly the whispers became clearer and the breeze changed into something much more powerful. It sent shivers through his body, and cold fear gripped his heart. He couldn't speak, couldn't call out and warn his brother.

''I've got you.''

The voice whispered right into his left ear and before Dean could react, his body was hauled up onto unseen shoulders and taken away from Sam. And as he was taken away, all he could hear was the frantic call of his brother.

TO BE CONTINUED

A/N: Okay, sorry for the poor grammar, I didn't had time to look this through, just put it up as I wrote it, cause I don't have much time right now. If there's someone willing to beta me, I would be really grateful though;-)

As for the story, there should be a little more action now. I'm not really sure how long this will be. I can finish it in two chapters or write another five, depends on your reviews and my muse grin

You know that was a hint to send me a review, right?