Disclaimer: I still don't own Supernatural or its characters and am not making any money on this…I'm still just having fun!

Heart of the Protector

Chapter 12 – Final Goodbye

Dean ran as fast as his body would let him towards the sound of the gun shots. He had heard more shots as well as the angry growl of a bear. As Dean ran, Sam's vision flashed through his mind. "Oh God, Sam…please let this vision be a nightmare!"

As Dean got closer to the clearing he almost stumbled as the scent of blood hit him. He picked up speed, forgetting about his own injuries as his need to get to Sam increased with each step. Dean stopped as he entered the clearing, his mind refusing to believe what he saw. In front of him were the remains of the hunter that had shot him earlier; or what was left of him…it was hard to tell from the shredded remains.

Dean growled as his eyes moved towards the bear's latest victim…"Sammy!"

Without stopping to think, Dean launched himself towards the bear; his only thought to stop the bear from hurting his brother any worse than he had already. Dean locked his jaws around the neck of the bear and hung on as the bear tried to reach him. Dean knew if the bear got him under his paws that would be the end of it. As the bear bucked and heaved Dean off of it, Dean regrouped and continued to attack.

Sam opened his eyes slowly; he figured from the pain in his body that he must still be alive. Hearing the bear close by, he looked in amazement at the gray wolf that was attacking the bear. "Dean" Sam whispered as he watched the wolf continually place himself between Sam and the bear. Sam knew that Dean was no match for the bear…he had to do something before it was too late.

Sam saw the rifle laying a few feet from him. He crawled over to the rifle and reaching into his pocket, pulled out another round and loaded it. He knew that he would only get one more shot at this. Gathering his strength, Sam stood and faced the demon bear once more; he took aim and fired. The bear roared and fell to the ground as the bullet pierced its heart. Sam moved quickly and using the machete decapitated the bear before it could recover.

Sam stood back and looked for his brother, he cried in alarm when he saw Dean a short distance away; he lay on the ground unmoving. "Dean" Sam shouted as he moved as quickly as his injured body would allow him. Sam didn't feel his own wounds; all he could think about was his brother. "Oh God Dean…you can't be dead…please, can you hear me?" Sam cried as he cradled the wolf's head in his lap.

Sam could see the wound on the wolf's shoulder; it looked like it was infected. Sam reached into his pocket and pulling out the holy water, he gently cleaned the wound using a torn piece of his undershirt. He quickly ran his hand over the rest of the wolf's body, checking for any other injury and finding none, he sighed with relief. At least for now, Dean seemed to be hurt, but alive.

Sam gently laid Dean's head back onto the ground as he searched for his back pack. He spotted it at the edge of the clearing…so close and yet so far away. He had no choice; he needed to get the lighter fluid and matches so he could finish the job. Sam tried to stand, but found that his body would not obey his commands. He sat back down, his head falling dejectedly to his chest. Sam could feel the tears of frustration fall from his eyes as he realized that once again he wasn't able to finish the task by himself…he needed help.

As if sensing Sam's distress, the wolf raised its head and licked Sam's hand. Sam looked into the green eyes of his brother, reading the comfort there. "Dean…I can't do it, I'm sorry…but I can't get the back pack and finish the job." Sam patted the wolf's head; starting to giggle at the ridiculous situation they were in…here he sat next to a decapitated bear, in the middle of the woods, petting his brother on the head like a stray puppy.

Dean watched as his brother began to giggle while petting his head. He looked at Sam with concerned eyes, the kid must be losing it…especially if he thought that Dean was going to sit here and let him treat him like a stray dog. Dean shook his head and stood, the pain in his shoulder seemed to be a little less for some reason.

He looked at Sam for a moment, worried about the labored breathing and pale skin. He could see the blood flowing from the wounds that the bear had made with his claws, but the bigger concern was the obvious bullet wound in Sam's side. "Damn that hunter…he died too easy!" Dean thought as he paced around Sam. Looking at the decapitated bear, Dean knew that they still need to burn the bones.

Dean headed across the clearing and grabbed the handle on Sam's back pack; he began to drag it back towards Sam. Sam might not be able to get to the back pack, but Dean could bring it to him. He just hoped that Sam could stay awake long enough to finish the job. "Damn, this sucks big time!" Dean growled, wishing he could talk to his little brother. Worse yet, how was he going to take care of him? He needed immediate medical attention, but Dean couldn't help in his current condition.

Sam watched as Dean dragged the back pack towards him. "That's it Dean, just a little further…ok, thanks!" Sam reached in and grabbed the lighter fluid and matches. He stood once more, fighting the dizziness that threatened to topple him at any moment. He could see Dean staying right beside him, as if he was trying to give Sam the strength to finish. Sam managed to cover the bear with lighter fluid, but the matches were proving to be difficult. His hands were shaking so badly, that he couldn't get them to light.

"I know, I should have brought a lighter!" Sam sighed as he saw the wolf pacing impatiently beside him. Finally, he got the match lit and threw it on the bear's remains. As the carcass burned, Sam began to chant the purification rite. As he finished, he looked at Dean. "I know, the rite probably was a little overkill, but I just wanted to make sure it was gone."

Sam could almost hear the exasperated sigh coming from his brother. "Come on Dean, let's get out of here." Sam took a few faltering steps towards the edge of the woods before he fell to his knees. The pain of his wounds causing him to groan as he fell the rest of the way to the ground and remained silent.

Dean grabbed Sam's arm gently and rolled him over. He licked his brother's face, hoping to wake him, but Sam remained unconscious. "Damn it Sammy, don't do this to me…wake up!" Dean growled, knowing that Sam couldn't understand him.

Sam groaned, some part of him hearing the growling near him. He opened his eyes again, afraid for the moment that the bear had somehow come back to life. As his eyes focused, he saw the head of the gray wolf looking at him. "Aw Dean…don't worry…as soon as the nymph finds you, she will reverse the transformation…she promised to do it…I just wish…" Sam fought trying to stay awake. "Dean, I know you never like to hear this, but you have been the best big brother. You've always been there for me, even now when you have your own…issues…you came and backed me up." Sam coughed, holding his chest as he felt himself slipping away.

The wolf placed his head on Sam's chest, his eyes even with Sam's own, trying to give Sam the will to continue. Sam reached up and patted Dean's head. "Well, I always wanted a dog for a pet, funny how things worked out." Sam laughed as Dean shook his head and growled. "Hey, it could have been worse…she could have turned you into a rat!"

Sam coughed again, this time weaker as his body began to shut down. "I'm sorry Dean, I know I said I would never leave you…but I don't think I can…its getting hard to breathe…Dean, you have to…have to move on…not your fault…understand…not.." Sam's eyes closed as his breathing became shallow.

Dean watched in horror as he watched his brother's life begin to fade in front of him. This couldn't be happening, not like this! Dean continued to gently push at his brother, willing him to wake up. Suddenly Dean's heart stopped…Sam wasn't breathing!

Dean did the only thing he could do in his current form, he raised his head and howled, his pain carrying throughout the forest.

TBC

Raven524: This seems like the best place to end this story…unless of course you all think there is more to tell! Drop me a line and let me know what you think!