Okay, so I thought I'd go ahead and do another update tonight. I felt I had to get on with the action. Hope you like it, and don't forget to reveiw!

Chapter 5:

Dean was rummaging through the cabin. "Dammit, I can't believe that Davy fricken Crockett didn't have any fucking rope!" He screamed. But there was none to be found. His mind switched to another resort and he stormed into one of the bedrooms and started tearing the sheets and blankets off the bed. As he swung them around the dust and stale smell of the years swirled around him. It was enough to gag him, but he kept going. Finally after he tied enough together that he thought would reach Sam he headed back out. But as he reached the front door he stopped. The door was now closed and in front stood something that looked like a man, but Dean knew better. He could tell a demon from man anytime. He began chastising himself mentally for not bringing a damn weapon with him. Stupid! He dropped the makeshift rope and prepared himself to fight. But the demon simply stood still, staring at him with red eyes. Dean's eyes scanned the room for anything he could use as a weapon. Anything that would buy him time to escape and get Sam. But before he could do anything the demon suddenly lunged at him, with lightening speed. He had Dean by the throat and up against the wall before he could even let a gasp escape. It's eyes were fire red, glowing now. It's breath foul as it hissed, "I've been waiting hunter." It then pulled out a large silver knife and forcefully shoved it into Dean's side. It's hold on Dean's throat was so tight he could not even scream. It removed the knife and then effortlessly threw Dean across the room, sending him slamming into the bookshelves against the opposite wall. Dean's last vision was that of the demon over him again, smiling in victory. Sammy, I hope you're okay, was his last thought before the darkness took him.

Dean awoke laying on a hard table. Cautiously he opened his eyes. He was back in the basement on one of the torture tables and the room was fully bright, though he couldn't see where the light was coming from. Damn his side hurt. He shifted slightly and was surprised to find that he wasn't tied down.

"No need to tie you down hunter, you won't escape." The demon said, reading his mind. He walked towards Dean holding a small grail that was filled with blood. "Yes, this is your blood. I needed it as an offering."

"If you needed blood you coulda just pricked my finger you bastard." Dean said sarcastically, all the while the wheels in his mind were turning, trying to think of an escape.

"You cannot escape me." The demon smiled. "I know what you are thinking. But you are going no where. I intend for you to be my sacrifice tonight hunter." He placed a hand on Dean's wound, making him shrink back from the pain. "But first I intend to have a little fun."

Dean groaned. He didn't think it was going to be any fun for him.

Sam waited another five minutes, screaming for Dean again at least fifty times. Something was wrong. He didn't need his special feelings to tell him that. "I gotta get out of here." He said to himself. He wished he had a weapon. Right about now he was wishing he was like his brother. How ironic he thought. He always thought Dean was over paranoid, always carrying back up weapons in his boots, or pockets, and anywhere else he could hide them. If only he had done that on this trip. Then suddenly a light bulb went off in his head and he reached deep down into his jacket pocket and found the knife. It was small and it definitely wouldn't kill anything, but it might help. Maybe.

Taking a deep breath he headed towards wherever the tunnel led. As he walked he kept his eyes scanning, trying to be alert and not get caught off guard. What the hell had happened to Dean? Their lives had never been easy, but these last couple months just kept getting worse. And Dean. His admission to Sam had taken him completely off guard. He didn't even know how to respond to his brother. He knew Dean had some kind of martyr complex when it came to him. He knew his brother would give his life anytime for him and felt a responsibility for him. He also knew Dean was the one who had been his care giver all his life, not their Dad. But he never realized how deep rooted his sense of responsibility was. Sam never asked Dean about the night their mom died. It was too sensitive of a subject. And he tried not to ask too much about before she died. He just didn't know what to make of Dean's admission. He couldn't allow his brother to keep feeling this way. If that had been their mom there's no way in hell she could be mad at Dean. Dean was the best brother in the whole world. And he shouldn't be tied to Sam in this way. It wasn't fair, and it wasn't right. Sam decided that it wasn't their mother Dean saw. No way. He may not of known his mother, but no mother could be mad at a son like Dean. Never. And when this was all over he was going to set Dean straight about what it meant to be brothers. They were equal, and Sam was as much responsible for Dean as Dean was Sam.

About fifteen later Sam reached the end of the tunnel. There in front of him was a door. No way it's unlocked, Sam thought. With a slight tremor in his hand he turned the knob. It opened with only a slight creak. Sam stepped through, knife held out in front. As he stepped into the room his feet stepped on something and he heard a loud crack. He scanned the floor with his flashlight and was shocked. The room was littered with bones. Human bones. Suddenly a light shone in the middle of the room and a figure appeared. It was a young girl. Beautiful. She smiled at Sam. "Do not be afraid. I'm not here to hurt you."

"Who are you?" Sam asked.

"My name is Angela. I mean you no harm. I am simply trapped here. I know who and what you are Sam Winchester. I do not want you to fall to the same fate I have. I want to help you get to your brother and get out."

"What happened to you?" Sam was skeptical, but he figured he didn't have a choice except to listen to her. For the moment. "What is this place."

"This is a gateway. A door to the area in between worlds. This is where evil easily comes and goes. This is where evil celebrates, and this is where evil kills to appease thier god. And this is where good people die. " She cast her sad eyes down. "I was brought here by a vision years ago. I thought I was helping, just as you thought. But when I got here I found I was wrong. I was misled, just as you and your brother. The demon took my life to appease his god." She looked back to Sam. "He wants your brother Sam. He already has him. You need to get to him before he kills him and he is also trapped here."

"So you're telling me this demon kills people that do good?"

"Not only kills them Sam, but destroys their soul first."

"What is it?"

"I do not know."

"How do I kill it?" Sam asked.

"I do not know."

Sam was frustrated. He was so mad he could have screamed and ran his fist through a wall. Why didn't his damn visions ever kick on when they fuckin' needed them!

"Don't blame yourself Sam. It's not your fault."

"Why Dean? I mean, if he took you because you're psychic, why not me instead?"

"Because young Sam. Dean's actions stem from his heart. His actions are pure and unselfish. " She put up a hand to silence Sam when he began to protest. "I do not mean you are not a good person. But Sam, you have never denied you don't want this life. You are only here for vengence. This is not your choice, and not your destiny. Your gift helps people yes. And you enjoy helping people, but you don't want it. But your brother is different. This is his life. He does not do it for vengence like you or your father. He does it simply to save people. To save people from the pain he and life he has lived. He wants no one in this world to end up like his family. He wants to rid the world of the chaos that has destroyed your family. And he wants nothing more than to keep you and your father alive, and together. His actions are purely unselfish. He is also mentally and physically stronger than most humans. This has made him nothing but a target to this demon. This demon's intentions are to rid the world of people like your brother."

Sam's eyes were swelling with tears. She was right. He was hating himself right now. Dean was a fuckin' superhero and now he was going to pay the price? Not if Sam could help. No way in hell was Sam going to let his brother die and end up like this. "Where is he and how do I get to him?"

Angela motioned to her right at another door. "This door will lead you back up to the cabin. Your bag of weapons is inside. The demon has Dean in the basement. Hurry Sam."

"Thank you Angela." Sam said. But before leaving he said, "How do we help you move on?"

She shook her head. "There is nothing you can do for me Sam. You must get your brother and get out of here. The two of you are needed in the world. Go. Fulfill your destiny."

Sam nodded and took off running. He flew up the set of stairs and through yet another door and ended up in one of the bedrooms. Slowing down a little he cautiously made his way to the living room. Just as Angela had said their bags were there. The room was mess, Sam noticed. It looked like there had been a fight. Next to his bag was a tangled mess of bed sheets and blankets tied together. Sam let a small smile cross his lips. Dean must've been planning on using that to get him out. Well, now it's my turn big brother, I'm getting you out. Grabbing whatever weapons he could hold and stash on him, he headed to the basement. God help whatever was down there, because he was ready to kill.

Dean thought he heard footsteps. But his mind was so fuzzy he couldn't be sure. Damn that thing had beat the hell outta him. Of course he had fought back, but it was to no avail. As strong as he was, he was no match for something with super powers. He tried to take a deep breath, but he hissed in pain. He knew he must've broken a couple of ribs. His entire body had been thrown across the room and every inch of it had hit something. He didn't think there was a part of his body that wouldn't be bruised. He blinked his eyes. The blood dripping from his head was getting annoying, but he didn't feel like using the energy to wipe it away. Then suddenly he thought again of Sam. If that fuckin' demon hurt him, Dean would do more than send it back to hell. Willing himself, he made it to a seated position. Then suddenly he heard it again. Footsteps. Very subtle, and almost too soft to hear. Dean rolled his eyes. He didn't think he was ready for another round. As he mentally prepared himself for another beating he suddenly heard most unexpected thing. He heard his name.

"Dean!" Sam ran to his brother dropping to the ground before him, taking in the site of all of his injuries. "Can you move?" He asked.

Dean nodded. "You okay?"

Letting out a sight of frustration Sam said, "Yeah. Let's worry about me later okay? We gotta get out of here now Dean."

"Sounds like a good plan to me." Dean began to struggle to stand, not getting far without Sam's help. "I can make it Sam." He said.

"Don't start Dean. We need to get outta here. We don't have time to play the macho game, got it? Now put your arm around me."

Dean didn't argue this time. He was starting to feel like he couldn't breathe and he knew he wouldn't be able to walk far. But he knew he needed to get Sammy as far away as possible so he was determined to make it as long his could. He willed himself to.

Sam was scared out of his mind. Dean was putting almost all of his weight onto him, and he didn't think Dean even realized it. This sight of his brother made him sick. If it was him, he didn't think he'd even be conscious. But Angela had said it too, Dean was strong. Stronger than he even knew. Slowly they made their way up the stairs. "You doing all right Dean?"

"Yeah." Dean replied, but he was barely able to get it out. The climb was taking away his breath. Finally after what seemed like hours they made it to the top. Sam allowed Dean to lean against the wall to catch his breath.

Dean let his chin fall to his shoulders and closed his eyes, trying to breathe deep.
He felt Sam place his hands on his shoulders. "Dean, stay with me please."

"I'm good Sam. Let's go." Dean said and opened his eyes, only to see the demon standing behind Sam. "Look out!"

Sam's eyes widened as he was grabbed by the shoulders and thrown across the room. He landed with a hard thud by the front door, and lay there stunned.

"You son of bitch!" Dean screamed. And from somewhere deep inside he mustered up the strength to save his brother.

"I know Sam is your weakness Dean. It would kill you to watch him die, destroy you. That is your greatest fear. And now your fear will become reality."

"Fuck you!" Dean screamed and dived for the bag Sam had dropped. He grabbed the first thing he touched and pulled out holy water. Opening the cap as fast as he could he threw the water at the beast. It hissed and howled loudly shrinking back. Then it disappeared. Dean crawled to Sam grabbing his little brother shaking him. "Sam are you okay?"

Sam blinked his eyes a couple of times, shaking off the stunned feeling. In front of him Dean, bloodied and battered was worrying about him. Once again he had saved Sam's ass, even though he could barely stand. "I'm not the one hurt." He stood, grabbed their bags and helped Dean up again. "Let's get the hell outta here."

Dean was swaying on his feet and barely able to walk but said, "I'm right there with you little brother."

Sam feared the demon would return and stop their escape, but they made it out the front door and were on their way to freedom. Or so he thought.

Sam had to give Dean credit. They were making good speed. Even though Dean's breathing was loud enough to scare away a bear, he was haulin' ass. Of course, no matter how fast they went, they were at least a day into these woods, and there was no hope of getting out any faster. And unfortunately he had discovered he lost the compass, so he wasn't quite sure how well he could find their way back. He hadn't told his brother that yet though. For now it seemed they were on the right path. Every few steps Sam looked over his shoulder, but the demon had not made a reappearance. At first, he had thought maybe he couldn't leave the confines of the cabin and that gave him some hope. But then he remembered Dean's earlier encounter with it on the trail, and any hope for a safe escape burned out quickly.

Sam stole a quick glance at his brother. They had been on the move for twenty minutes now. Dean was struggling more with ever step. Sam decided no matter the risk, they needed to stop. He needed to really check Dean's injuries, and he needed to stop the blood flow from his head wound. Not to mention his head hurt from hitting the front door, and he needed a second to let the pounding ease. He stopped and dropped the bag, making sure to keep his gun close. Dean stopped, leaned against a tree and looked at his brother with concern.

With a raspy voice he asked, "Something wrong Sam. You hear something?"

Sam let out a sarcastic huff, "No Dean." He pulled the first aid kit out of their bag and walked to Dean. "Sit down, we need to take care of your head."

Dean conceded, his head was hurting pretty bad. "Yeah, but make it quick. Who knows when that thing will show up again. Hand me the gun." When Sam looked at him with that question look he said, "You patch me up, I'll keep watch."

Sam nodded. He swallowed hard and kept the shudder from coming over him as he sat and really looked at Dean for the first time. His brother was in bad shape. The gash above his head needed stitches, but the butterfly bandages would have to do. Trying not to think of the pain it would cause, he took the disinfectant and just through it onto the cut. Dean winced, but said nothing. He hurriedly placed the bandages over the cut. He also noticed the blood on the side of his shirt. He lifted it up and winced at the knife wound. He did the same with that wound as he had Dean's head. "What else is hurt?" he asked. "How bad are you?"

"It's okay. Nothin' a few days in bed wouldn't heal. We gotta get going Sam." Dean responded.

Sam regarded him for a moment. Dean's face was bruised, his neck was beginning to show bruises and red welts. His face was slightly flushed and his breathing was shallow and quick. "Dean, I need to know how bad you are. I gotta know how fast we can move, or not. If we need to make a stand here, tell me now." Dean only nodded. Sam took that as a good sign, whether it was or not. He placed a hand on the back of Dean's head and found a rather large lump forming. Pulling down the back of his jacket slightly, Sam saw abrasions that started at the nape of the neck, and he assumed they went down his back. His wrists were chaffed from the ropes. He made his way to his sides and Dean could not quiet the groan of pain. "Probably broken." Sam whispered. Dean laughed slightly. "How about your legs?" Sam asked as he moved down.

Dean sighed, Sam was right. He needed to know how bad he was. This wasn't the time to be his regular self, not if Sam's life depended on it too. "Right knee." He said quietly. "I don't think anything's tore or broken, but I wrenched it the wrong way. Listen Sam, I'm basically beat to hell, all right. In all honestly it hurts to breathe." He saw how Sam noticably stiffened. Dean shook his head. "But I don't think making a stand here is the best idea. I've seen this thing up close and personal Sammy, and I don't want another play date. Last one wasn't too fun." he let a small sarcastic laugh escape his lips, as his thoughts wandered back to the basement, "We gotta move. If I start slowing you down, then go. Leave me. I'll catch up later."

Sam stood quickly, anger crossing his face, "Yeah sure, I'll just go off and leave you here to die! Real fuckin' smart thing to say Dean." Sam began to pace. "Sometimes, I can't believe you. You're not a freakin' super hero Dean or a martyr, even though I'm sure your twisted brain may think so. You are in fact my brother. My blood. I will not leave you here, got it! If we are gonna fight then we fight together. " He bent down and got into Dean's face, remembering the things Angela had said. With a stern voice full of emotion he said, "And if we're gonna die, we're gonna die together."

Dean looked at his little brother. Oh hell, who was he kidding, the kid wasn't little anymore. He had become a man. And as much as Dean loved to rag on him, he was a force of his own to be reckoned with. And right now Dean didn't want to go up against that force. Sam looked as if he was ready to take on the world. And no way in hell was he not going to stand beside his brother and watch his back. The demon was right about one thing, Sam was his weakness. But if it meant Dean ended up in his grave before the day was done, he would make sure Sam made it out alive.

"Let's get as far as we can." He looked at his brother and sighed. Me and bright ideas, he thought, sorry Sam. Out loud he said, "Well find a place to make our stand."

Sam smiled, not a happy smile, but a smile of relief. For now his brother was allowing him to take charge. He figured it had to be his injuries messing with his brain, especially after his brother had admitted to not wanting another 'play date' with demon. But it would probably be the last time in his lifetime he would be allowed to be the strong one, and Sam was going to make sure he didn't blow it.

"Looks like we have a long night ahead of us." He said, bending down to help Dean up.

Dean slugged along behind Sam and when he turned back with worry Dean tried to asuage his guilt, "Just keeping a look out behind us Sam." His brother said nothing, just kept going. Dean didn't think he was going to last. Every inch of his body screamed out in pain with every step. His vision was beginning to blur. Could things get any worse? he asked himself. Then suddenly, the sound of a low growl reminded him to never ask that question again.

The boys abruptly stopped. Both alert, moving in slow circles. They heard it again, this time amplified. Deep growls, almost like a dog, but not quite. At first it was coming from in front of them, then they heard another one, from behind.

"Shit." Dean whispered moving closer to Sam.

"What is it?" Sam asked, even knowing it was a stupid question.
The bushes in front of them began to move. "Looks like we're about to find out." Dean answered.

Suddenly what they could only describe as some kind of dog was before them. Well, it was almost a dog. If a dog was taller, bigger, and had red eyes and giant fangs. This thing was huge. It had shiny black short fur that was slicked to it's body. It's eyes glowed like fire. It's back was arched and it moved slowly, yet aggressively toward the boys. As both boys raised their guns to shoot, another noise came from behind and Dean turned to see another demon dog coming.

"Okay Sam, I say on three we shoot. Aim good bro."

Sam swallowed hard, "Gotcha."

Dean cocked the gun, and so did Sam. But the dogs were too fast. They were on the boys in the blink of an eye. The first one hit Sam, knocking the gun out of his hands. He screamed in pain as the claws hit his chest. But luckily for him he was prepared, and just as it's jaws were starting to bite down into his left arm, he pulled a gun out of his jacket and fired. The beast yelped and flew backwards. Sam rolled to his side just in time to see the other dog ram his brother to the ground, the gun falling away. Dean screamed in pain as he hit the ground. Sam raised his gun to fire again, but then realized that not only did his brother scream, but so did the beast. And just as quick as they had landed the beast fell limply to the side, Dean's knife sticking out of it's chest. Sam smiled. Leave it to Dean. But his smile quickly faded as he realized his brother wasn't making an effort to get up. He crawled quickly to him.

"Dean, you okay?"

Dean didn't move. Instead he was struggling to take in a breath. The fall had knocked the wind out of him. Sam carefully pulled him up letting his brother lean on him for support. Slowly he began to breathe normally. Both boys let their gazes fall to the demon dogs.

"So what else do you think we have to look forward to?" Dean asked.

"I really hate to find out." Sam replied.

-TBC-