The Guard Changed at Dawn

Chapter 13

For dinner that night, Caleb suggested they split up, and Dean agreed. They'd already incited some talk, as Onida had relayed. People were wondering whether a new logging company was moving in, and speculating about what impact that would have on the local economy. Since Onida's place was small, she invited Joshua, Sam, Caleb and Dean over for dinner. However, Dean really wanted a burger and opted for eating at the Edge of Town Diner, a decision with which James was totally on board. Max and Ryker were both interested in exploring more Native American cuisine, and JT decided to return with them to Gode Spiser.

At the diner, Dean sat across from James in one of the booths. Both were studying the menu, trying to decide which burger option was the best.

"I think I'll have the moose burger," James stated.

"Moose?" Dean squinted at the menu, trying to bring the small print into focus. Juliet had suggested he get readers, but he wasn't ready to openly take that step. He hadn't told her about the pair he'd stashed at work so he could read the shop invoices.

James smiled and pointed the item out on his father's menu.

Dean wrinkled his nose. "Not happening."

A waitress walked up and said, "What can I get for you?"

Dean put the menu down and asked, "What's your most popular burger that isn't moose?"

The waitress laughed. "We have a bacon chili burger with melted mozzarella and a touch of cayenne pepper, served with hand cut fries. Truckers arrange their routes to stop here, it's so good."

"That's what I'll have with a beer."

"PBR?"

Dean grinned and nodded.

James had been looking at his menu, but instead of going with moose, he said, "I'll have what he's having."

The waitress picked up the menus and said, "I'll be back with some waters and your beers."

James sat back and spread his arms across the rear back of the booth seat. "How did the containment area look?"

"We spotted the medicine bags, but they're very well concealed. We wouldn't have seen them without Onida's map. The forest looks pretty dense, though it's difficult to see in from the edges. It may open up when we go inside, but we're probably looking at close quarters fighting."

"What about the buzzing Max and Ryker heard around the edges of the field behind Onida's house?"

"We didn't hear anything, but we were right under the medicine bags. They may stay clear of those."

"How many did you check out?"

"Two. There was about a half hour hike between them."

"I'd like to know more about how they work," James stated. They sat in silence for a minute or two before he said abruptly, "I like her."

"Onida?"

"Yeah. She'd be good for Uncle Caleb."

Dean smiled but didn't respond. He didn't want to call more attention to Caleb and Onida's attraction, and he didn't want it to become a distraction.

Their waitress returned and put their beers along with a couple glasses of water on the table and left.

James watched his father a moment, then said, "I'm not going to get my MBA."

Dean's eyes went from casual to focused in an instant. "Come again?"

"I changed my mind. I'm going for my Master's, just in something else."

Dean leaned forward, his elbows on the table. "You sure about this? You've wanted your MBA since you were in middle school."

"I know. After this hunt we'll sit down and talk…" he trailed off as a man came and stood beside their table.

Dean glanced up. Though he'd never met the man before, he knew who he was. "Hello Chief Adcox." Rising, he held out a hand. "I'm Dean Winchester."

The Chief of the Yakama Indian Reservation studied Dean for a moment, then took his hand.

Dean motioned for James to move, and James slid out of his side of the booth. He came over to where Dean had been sitting and scooted in that side all the way to the wall.

Dean motioned for Samuel Adcox to sit on the side James had vacated as he resumed his own seat. "This is my son James," he said. "What can we do for you, Chief?"

"I met two of your people yesterday afternoon. You're not here for any lumber project," Samuel stated.

Dean eyed the man for a second, then agreed. "No, we're not."

"You've been to see Onida Skogstad."

Again, Dean nodded. "You get around."

"I do. I like to know what's happening on my reservation." He eyed Dean, sizing him up, then took the plunge. "You're going to kill them, aren't you?"

Dean had been taking the Chief's measure just as intently as Samuel Adcox had been taking his. This man had been here with Onida for decades, he knew the lay of the land. He decided to go for candor. "Yes."

Samuel held Dean's eyes for a moment, then leaned back in the booth and nodded. "Do you know how?" he asked.

"Not fully, but we have a good idea."

"Lore has it the chiefs and warriors of this tribe attempted to kill them for generations, but warrior after warrior fell in the battles. That's when the elders came up with the solution to contain them. A woman gifted in energy manipulation and energy transference helped the medicine man of the day create the medicine bags that make up the containment area. She then monitored the area, making sure the witches didn't escape." He sighed. "That's the way we've kept the threat at bay for the last one hundred and thirty years."

Just then the waitress returned with Dean and James' burgers and put the plates on the table. "Want a burger, Chief?" she asked.

"Join us," Dean said.

Samuel's lips quirked slightly and he nodded at the other two plates. "Sign me up, Nancy."

"Comin' right up!"

"Don't wait for me, gentlemen," Samuel urged. "Get to eating those chili burgers while they're hot."

James dug in and took a huge bite. Chewing, he mumbled, "This is amazing."

Samuel chuckled and watched as Dean took a large bite.

Though a chili burger wasn't the neatest thing to eat on a first meeting with the chief of an entire Indian nation, Dean savored the delicious mouthful. Swallowing, he wiped his mouth with a napkin, saying, "Why does anyone go to Gode Spiser?"

"You got me," Samuel said. "I like good, old fashioned truck stop cuisine."

"No Pemmican for you, huh?" Dean asked humorously.

Samuel made a face. "Only at Tribal Council meetings."

Dean took a thick, hot fry and put it in his mouth. When he could, he asked, "Does Onida monitor the containment field alone?"

Samuel nodded. "She's the one with the gifts. I'm here to add support if needed." Watching Dean take another bite, he waited a moment then asked, "When are you going into the forest?"

Dean finished chewing his bite before saying, "Tomorrow morning."

James glanced at his father, then nodded and took another bite of his burger.

"This the fight?"

Dean shook his head. "Only if needed." He lowered his voice a bit and continued, "We know they're metaphysical in nature, and that manifests as moving very fast and the appearance of flying. We don't know how their metaphysical nature will take to weapons, but I'm guessing they'll have little effect. Most witches heal from bullet wounds, knives, swords, salt, holy water, other human weapons. We're banking on severing their heads being a better way to kill them."

"And if that isn't?"

Nancy walked up with Samuel's plate and set it down in front of him. "You gents all right for a bit?"

James nodded. "This is amazing."

Dean echoed that sentiment, and Nancy grinned before leaving them in peace once more.

"If cutting off their heads doesn't work, we'll figure out something else," Dean stated.

"I want in on this fight," Samuel declared. "I may not be as young as you folks, but I'm good with a knife and a rifle. I can help."

Dean considered the chief's request carefully. Hunts were easier with fewer people to keep track of. Already he was working with seven other men, eight people if he included Onida. Bringing in someone else new, someone he hadn't seen in action, was a risk. Then again, if he'd lived with a tremendous evil for decades, he'd demand to be in on the hunt as well. He could put Samuel on the ridge with Joshua and Ryker. More eyes on the witches would be mean covering the teams on the ground more efficiently. Nodding, he held out a hand and shook the Chief's calloused one. "You'd be welcome."

Samuel nodded, picked up his burger and took a bite. "Damn," he mumbled, chewing slowly. "This is the best greasy spoon chili burger I've ever tasted."

James grinned. "So, tell us more about the reservation."

Onida placed wild turkey and stuffing on the table, along with flat bread, greens, a corn and rice dish, and a pitcher of iced tea.

"Looks amazing," Sam said.

Joshua nodded. "We appreciate you're inviting us for dinner."

"It's been a long time since I had anyone over for a meal," Onida said with a smile. "I'm discovering how much I've missed it."

"This looks good," Caleb said, eyeing the tabletop.

Onida sat down. "Dean couldn't come?"

"He really needed a greasy burger," Caleb said with a smile.

"If Dean doesn't get a burger or a cheeseburger every couple of days, he implodes," Sam confirmed with a laugh.

"The more for us," Onida said. She picked up a serving plate and passed it to Joshua.

Soon, everyone's plates were piled with turkey and their glasses were full.

"You start to work on the canvas at midnight?" Joshua asked.

"I used to start around eight or nine in the evening, arrange my supplies for the start of the watch. Now, I mostly need to monitor the canvas all day, every day," Onida said. "When I began the search for someone to help, they eventually grew suspicious that I was up to something. When they sensed Caleb in their metaphysical enclosure a few days ago, they knew I'd brought someone new to help contain them. They've been even more active since then, using all their skills to try and escape."

"And that keeps you here, monitoring the canvas," Joshua said.

Onida nodded.

Sam frowned. "You haven't had a break for…"

"In the early days I used to go out into the community to help with events and speak at the schools. For the last several years I've needed to remain here to watch. As far as vacations, I've never had one. Being the Yaotlapializtli means the job is twenty-four/seven."

"Man, that's rough," Sam said, though he was totally familiar with what that was like. For years he and Dean had hunted where the danger took them, regardless of holidays, with no days off, weekends or summers.

"I look forward to the fight being over, but I'm also terrified," Onida confessed. "This is all I've ever done in my life. I know there's a whole wide world out there to explore, but I'm almost afraid to leave here."

Caleb nodded. "It's like that when you spend all your time on one job."

"You've done this all your life too, haven't you?"

"Since I was about fourteen. Not as long as Dean. He's been hunting since he was eight or nine. Sam pretty much as long."

"Dean's the king as far as years on the job," Sam interjected. "Dean didn't let me start as young as he had to, and I took time away for college."

"I went to college as well, though I hunted on the weekends," Caleb said. "The only one who didn't leave was Dean."

Onida nodded, but didn't pursue the topic. She felt the energy of sorrow and didn't want the men to have to converse about a topic they found difficult.

The conversation lulled a bit into surface talk about the reservation as the diners focused more on eating. Eventually Joshua said, "I am familiar with most of the herbs you use in your work. What makes them more effective in binding the witches to the trap?"

"Me," Onida said with a smile. "I infuse the medicine bags with my energy, and that stirs the molecular structure of the herbs and infuses them with a different, enhanced energy. They become metaphysical steel, so to speak."

"Like magic," Joshua said.

Onida nodded. "Yes."

"I don't understand how it binds the witches, though," Sam said. "They have magic too."

"I don't know the whole structure behind the choice of herbs and medicinal spices, behind how the medicine man of that era and the first Yaotlapialistli made the medicine bags," Onida said. "Those were constructed a few generations ago. My training was in how to maintain it."

"They must have used some of the witches' blood, hair or skin probably obtained during a battle at some time," Sam said, looking to Joshua. "That would make the binding creature specific, wouldn't it?"

Joshua nodded. "It would. Using ancient alchemy to enhance the herbs and for someone trained in manipulating and extending their own energy, it would be a pretty powerful entrapment."

"I began training as Yaotlapialistli when I was three," Onida said. "I was trained in pulling energy into my body, in using energy to heal, and in transforming energy from a benign form to either an explosive form or a more solid form."

"Solid, like?" Caleb asked.

"Like a knife," Onida said.

"Seriously?"

"That's how I fought off the witches when they escaped decades ago," Onida said softly. "They were strong, but I was stronger. I survived that battle, and they're back in their cage."

Sam turned to Joshua. "Has your coven done anything like what was done here?"

Joshua gave a slight shrug. "I don't fully understand what the ancient Yakama have done, so can't make an adequate comparison."

As Joshua and Sam continued their conversation about the methods of the coven and what they'd learned so far about the Yakama containment, Caleb looked to Onida and said, "You've been doing this a long time. When we take down these witches, what are your plans?"

Onida shook her head a little and said, "Truthfully? I don't know. I haven't really thought much past ending them. I waited and watched for several years for a new guardian to be born, but there was no one. That's when I realized the witches and the Yaotlapialistli needed to end with me." Leaning into the table, she cupped her chin in her hand. "The reservation is changing. The younger generations aren't as enamored of the res and the simplicity of life here. They want the excitement of the city; they want technology and great paying jobs, nice homes and theaters. Here, life is straightforward and complete, with family and community being first in the hearts of the Yakama. But we're in a new era, and if there are to be no more guardians, then the Tah-tah-kle'-ah need to end with me. Only then will future generations of Yakama be protected."

Caleb nodded. "You don't know us well, but we'll get it done. Then you'll have the rest of your life to explore the world, or fully enjoy the world of the Yakama."

"I'd like to explore outside the res." Onida smiled. "There's a whole world out there, and I think I'd like to meet it."

"There's a lot out there to see," Caleb said.

"You've traveled?"

"Some. My dad insisted I see more than Kentucky, Alabama and New York. I grew up in New York City, but spent a lot of time on Pastor Jim's farm in Kentucky. I told you about Pastor Jim, how he helped get me out of the mental institution and brought Mac to me. Deuce lives there now with his family. I went to college at Auburn in Alabama, and now I live near Louisville in Kentucky, near Deuce, Sam and Joshua."

"Deuce?" Onida questioned.

"Dean," Caleb clarified.

Onida decided not to ask why Caleb called Dean Deuce. She sensed there was a history there Caleb wasn't ready to share. "What was your major in college?"

"I graduated with a degree in Architecture. After college, I started my own company; Tri-Corp. I worked it for several years before selling it."

"You sold your dream company?" Onida exclaimed softly. "Why?"

"I had another job to do."

"The Brotherhood."

Caleb nodded. "But I still consult with Tri-Corp from time to time, keep my hand in."

Onida smiled, then noticed that Sam and Joshua had finished their conversation and Sam was gathering his dishes. Standing, she said, "Keep your forks, gentlemen. I've got Prickly Pear Ice Cream and Peach Bread Pudding for dessert!"

JT tasted his Pemmican and wrinkled his nose slightly. Somehow the lean meats, nuts and dried fruits weren't as great in real life as they were in Max's imagination. Now he was wishing he'd gone with James and their father to have a burger.

"If you don't like it, get something else," Max suggested, digging into his own Pemmican and savoring the taste. "I could add more dried fruit and nuts to this, maybe a little wine," he muttered to himself, taking another bite. "Yes, definitely some wine."

JT pushed the plate away and flagged down their waitress. "I'd like this," he pointed at the Svinekoteletter, which was braised pork chops served with potatoes and fried onions and beans.

"Sure thing, hun," Andrea said. Leaning over, she confided, "I don't like the Pemmican either." Giving him a wide smile, she headed to the kitchen to put in his order.

"You seriously think people in New York will eat that?" JT asked, watching Max dissect the unappealing mound of lean meat and fruit.

"I don't think it's bad," Ryker stated.

"You had a bite," JT muttered. "And you ordered Pine Nut Catfish."

Ryker shrugged. "Parrain really liked it last night, and it looked good," he remarked, eyeing JT's uneaten Pemmican.

Max sat back and took another bite. "It's about textures and nuances of taste. I need to work on enhancing the meat without diminishing the flavor of the dried fruit. Right now, the fruit is overwhelming the taste of the meats. There needs to be balance. And I need to consider a better presentation. I think my customers will find it a novelty. But I won't add it to the regular menu."

JT laughed. "I knew it!"

"Again, it's a novelty," Max stated.

JT shook his head and shared a smile with Ryker.

"What do you think about that buzzing we heard today?" Ryker asked.

Max took a sip of water before saying, "Uncle Caleb thinks it may be the way they communicate."

"Our research shows they mimic language to draw in victims, so it stands to reason they'd have their own means of communication. It's interesting that their language may be more of a buzzing than how owls communicate," Ryker said.

"Owls don't use any buzzes?" JT asked.

Ryker shook his head. "I looked it up this afternoon. An owl hoots, screeches, barks or growls. There's nothing about their buzzing."

Max frowned. "Then why the buzzing? They're humanish in appearance, according to the lore. But they're associated with owls. Why? Why owls when nothing they do is like owls?"

"We haven't seen one, so we don't know that their appearance isn't more owl-like," Ryker reasoned. "The lore indicated they have talons."

"Maybe what we think of as buzzing, is actually an owl-like screech." JT looked over his shoulder to see if their waitress was returning before he continued. "Owls screeches in short bursts. What if the witches' voices have a lower cadence and volume. Would that sound like a hum?"

"You're suggesting their communication is a low level, continuous screech," Ryker mused.

"It's possible. Maybe we can look up a site that gives owl sounds online," Max said.

"Or maybe the buzzing isn't the witches at all," JT suggested. "It was only speculation. Could be their presence in the woods makes the insects go crazy, and that's why there's so much buzzing."

"Too much speculation and not enough hard data," Ryker stated. "We need more research."

"I'd like to know why two witches from each coven is always running around during the day," Max interjected. "Yeah, I get they're attacking the cage. But could they be doing something else too? We've got pretty solid circumstantial evidence that they use natural energy. Could they also be absorbing the energy of the sun and relaying it back to their coven members in the cave?"

Ryker's eyebrows rose. "That's an interesting idea. If they are absorbing sun energy, that would make them more difficult to kill even during the day."

Their waitress returned and placed JT's Svinekoteletter down on the table. "You gents set?" she asked, and when they assured her they were, she walked off.

"Again, this is all speculation," Max said.

"But not out of the realm of possibility, speculation," JT stated. "We should tell Uncle Caleb, at least about the buzzing. He heard it through the canvas, so he may have a different take."

"You think Uncle Caleb likes Onida?" Max asked.

JT's looked surprise. "What? Why would you ask that?"

Max shrugged. "He didn't come to either briefing yesterday. That's not like him at all."

JT eyed both Max and Ryker, the later of whom was concentrating on his meal. "Uncle Caleb wouldn't put anything before a hunt. Whether he likes Onida or doesn't isn't something for us to gossip about. Let's focus on the hunt, on the food, and on getting some Native American memorabilia before we leave."

Max eyed his friend, then nodded. "Yeah, your right. When or where are we ever going to get authentic Yakama blankets again?"

"I think I'd like a genuine pair of moccasins," Ryker stated, and smiled.

JT took a bite of his pork chops and nodded. Yup, this was much better than Pemmican.

Dean and James were the first back at the Inn that night. Dean had told Samuel Adcox to meet them at ten the next morning. If the witches were the strongest six to seven hours after sunset, then maybe they were at their weakest six to seven hours after sunrise. That meant they needed to be in place around noon, with their weakest time being between one and two in the afternoon.

Dean stepped inside his and Sam's room and shrugged out of his jacket, tossing it on the bed. He was exhausted. He hadn't gotten any sleep last night, and had only managed a couple hours this afternoon. All he wanted was a long shower and bed.

There was a knock on the door.

With a sigh, he opened it to find James outside. "Hey, kiddo. What's up?"

James stepped inside and shrugged. "Just didn't feel like sitting in my room alone. Can I hang here and watch TV? I'll keep quiet so you can get some sleep."

Dean smiled. "Yeah, sure. Take your Uncle Sam's bed. I'm heading in for a shower. There's coffee ready for brewing and some M&Ms if you're hungry."

"Dad, we just ate dinner."

"That's dinner, chocolate is chocolate," Dean said, smiling. Picking up his sweats, he went into the bathroom and started the shower. He needed a long, hot shower if he was to get a good night's sleep. Stepping under the spray, he let the hot water pound away his body's aches and tension. This hunt would have been simpler without JT, James, Max and Ryker. He, Caleb and Sam were a well-oiled machine. They knew where to move, when to go, where each other was in the field. Now he needed to integrate the others into a hunt that was difficult and dangerous. He would rather have all his kids safe and sound, but that wasn't the job, now, was it? With a sigh, he wondered why Pastor Jim said they were all needed.

Getting no answers from the water, he stepped out and dried off. When he returned to the main room, James was watching an old episode of Magnum P.I. on the retro channel. After climbing into bed, he said, "Night, son."

James gave him a smile. "Night, dad."

.

James had fallen asleep when he heard the hotel room door open. Yawning, he sat up as Sam came inside.

"Hey," Sam said quietly, seeing Dean asleep in the bed by the door. "Keeping your old man company?"

James chuckled softly. "Naw. Just wasn't feeling the empty room vibe." He started to get up when Sam waved at him to stay. "What time is it?"

"Around eleven." Sam shrugged out of his jacket and tossed it on a chair.

"JT back?"

"Think so," Sam said. He walked over to Dean's bed and leaned over his sleeping brother, listening to his deep, even breaths. Smiling, he said, "You want to bunk here tonight while I go bed down with JT?"

James glanced over at his father, then gave his uncle a smile. "Yeah."

Sam grabbed his dop kit and headed for the door. "I'll be back in a minute with your things." Slipping out, he went next door and got James' duffle, then handed it through the door to his nephew. "Sleep tight," he whispered.

"Night, Uncle Sam." After pushing the door closed, James went into the bathroom, brushed his teeth and changed into his sweats.

Back in the darkened room, he slipped into the bed. His eyes were just sliding shut when he heard his dad murmured, "Night, Jimmy."

It was just after eight in the morning when Dean walked across the street to the Edge of Town Diner. He'd slept well last night and felt ready to take on the witches. Other than his own bed next to Juliet, he slept better in rundown motels than anywhere else. Long years of practice and the sounds of trucks on the road were familiar and soothing.

They were meeting in his and Sam's room at ten, since the room at the end of the building had the biggest kitchen area. They would leave for the forest area at eleven, hike in and be in place by noon. Dean wanted Ryker, Joshua and Samuel on the ridge well before they were in the forest. He didn't know how much activity there would be on the grounds, though Caleb said he'd sensed four. Despite Onida saying the witches were quiet or in a resting state during the day, it appeared that witches were on the grounds during the daylight hours. They attacked the barrier, apparently hoping to weaken the boundary so that by nightfall it would be ready to collapse if she wasn't on her guard.

Stepping into the diner, Dean sat at the counter and waited for Judy to come over with what he hoped was a strong cup of coffee. Luckily, he only waited a minute before she was pouring him a cup of java.

"You do to-go orders?" he asked.

"This is a truck stop diner, Sweetie," Judy said. "We'd be dead if we didn't do to-go. What's on the menu?"

"Eggs, ham and hash browns for me right now," Dean said, his mouth watering, "and seven of the same to go."

"Make that six to-go," Sam said, coming in and sitting next to his brother.

"Make that six," Dean said with a smile.

"You want coffees with those orders?" At Dean's nod, she said, "I'll pour those before you leave." She snagged another coffee cup, poured, and put it down in front of Sam. "Be right back!"

"You sleep well?" Dean asked.

Sam nodded, taking a sip of the hot coffee. It was a hardy black and could stand on its own. He snagged a creamer and poured it in before taking another drink. "Jimmy was almost asleep when I got back, so I left him there and bedded down with JT. He still out?"

Dean nodded. "College kids. They'll sleep until noon if you let them."

Sam laughed. "What's on the agenda?"

"We'll meet at ten, go over the plan for confronting the witches, then head over to the containment area." He took a deep swallow of coffee before saying, "The Tribal Chief paid me a visit at the diner last night. He wants in on the hunt."

"You say yes?"

"Yeah. He's been dealing with this for over four decades. In his shoes, I'd want in on the kill too. He'll be on the ridge with Ryker and Joshua. It makes sense; one spotter for each group. If they can keep sighted on us, hopefully they can put a bullet in the witches before they attack."

"That's good."

"Did Joshua get enough insight from Onida to make the bullets stronger?"

"I think so. There's a lot of what she does that isn't transferable because she uses her own energy to supplement the herbs."

"Her own energy, huh?" Dean frowned thoughtfully. "You mean she uses what's inside her to make the cage stronger?"

"Yeah. It's like the witches and the Yakama are all intertwined somehow. Looks like the witches use energy from the earth and the sun with their potions to kill and menace the Yakama. The Yakama, after finding out they couldn't kill the witches, devise a clever way to trap and contain them. They have a person who is gifted in manipulating energy and using energy fields. That person, along with the medicine man, make the trap. Then somehow throughout the generations, another person with abilities to manipulate energy is born, maybe through a certain genetic line. Those gifted continue the fight, like Onida. She's trained in manipulating energy and energy fields. She can even heal people."

"Yeah, she healed Caleb's blocks when we got here."

"If the witches use energy, it makes sense that Onida would be able to use her own energy in ways that would counter the witches."

Dean took another swallow of coffee thinking about how energy worked, all types of energy. "Would Triad power work instead?"

Sam looked up. "Oh, I don't know. Interesting idea. Should we try it?"

"Not yet, not today," Dean said slowly. "So far we're basing all our battle plans on supposition and lore. We need to know what the witches are really capable of. The only way to do that is to confront them."

Judy walked up and put steaming plates of eggs and the fixing in front of each man. "Chow down, gentlemen. You're to-go orders will be up in twenty."

"Make that twenty-five?" Sam asked, planning on eating slowly and savoring each and every bite.

"You got it," Judy said.

"Thanks, Judy," Dean said.

Sam dug in and hummed his approval. He didn't eat like this very often any more, and he was going to enjoy it today.

Dean gave his brother an amused look and dug into his own meal. "Gotta love truck stop cuisine," he remarked.

"Amen to that."

Dean drove the SUV with Samuel Adcox in the front seat beside him. Behind him sat JT and Sam. Caleb was driving the other car carrying Joshua, Ryker, Max and James. Onida had opted to stay at home and monitor the canvas. She said that was the best way she could help.

.

Two hours earlier…

By ten, everyone was gathered in Dean and Sam's room enjoying a hot breakfast and bracing cups of caffeine. Dean had forgotten to get a meal for Samuel Adcox until he saw him drive into the Inn parking lot through the diner's front window. Quickly he'd placed another order and was able to meet the Yakama Chief as he and Sam were crossing the street, their arms full of breakfast meals and coffee.

As the breakfast things were cleared, Dean nodded to Caleb to lead the briefing.

"You all know we're heading into the forest in pairs. For the spotters, Joshua, you'll cover me and JT; Ryker, you've got Sam and Max; Samuel, you'll cover Dean and Jimmy. Keep your rifles primed and ready to fire. I don't think we'll have to go looking for these witches; they'll come for us. Dean and James will take center position. Me and JT will take the left flank, Sam and Max the right. Each team stays within ten yards of the other, that way we're on hand to give aide if it's needed. Keep your eyes open and your senses alert. Me, Sam or James should be able to sense them before they get too close." Looking to Joshua, Ryker and Samuel, he said, "These witches move fast, but they have to materialize to strike a blow. If you can get a shot off when they do, we'll have an even better chance of taking them down." He nodded for Joshua to take over.

Joshua handed Ryker and Samuel each a half box of bullets. "These are treated with protection herbs, a rock salt and holy water paste, protection sigils and coven magic. They should be very effective in slowing down the witches." He took another few boxes and passed them to each member of the teams in the field. "These bullets have also been treated. Make sure they're loaded in the gun and the extra magazines."

"Each team will have a battle axe," Caleb stated. "It's been treated on the blades with coven magic, and herbs that Onida infused with her energy. Hopefully that will give us the edge in taking off their heads."

Dean eyed each member of the team. "We don't know what will work on this enemy. If the gun doesn't work, go for the knife. It'll at least slow them down. Take their heads if you're able. Caleb said there were four witches on the grounds during the day, and Onida didn't sense more energy than that before. So let's go on the working theory that three members of each coven stays in the caves while two roam the woods. But stay alert for more."

"Things moving as fast as these witches apparently do can cause dizziness and nausea. If anyone gets disoriented, sound the call and we back out," Caleb stated emphatically. "This isn't the time for heroics. This is a fact finding, information gathering mission. Take notes, pay attention to what's happening and what the witches are doing. Every detail will be used to end them for good."

"We're leaving in," Dean checked his watch, "fifteen. Get your gear together and get suited up."

.

Now…

The two SUVs drove through the utility road entrance to the national forest. Samuel Adcox led them by the maintenance building and the ground level ranger station.

After another twenty minutes, Samuel said, "Stop here," pointing to a fork in the road.

Dean slowed down and stopped, Caleb right behind him.

"Here's where we split up. This direction," Samuel pointed to the right, "leads up to the ridges. They're outside the containment field, so we should be able to watch your backs with no interference." He pointed to the left. "You're going down that road. It'll stop in a small, flat alcove right beside the forest. Just beyond that should be where the ancient medicine man and Yaotlapialistli probably started placing the medicine bags for the trap."

"Probably?" Dean looked down the narrow road on the left.

"The topography has changed through the years. But Onida confirmed the medicine bag placement with her map."

Caleb walked up and rapped on Dean's window.

Dean rolled it down and gave Caleb the update. "This is where we split up. Samuel will lead Ryker and Joshua up to the ridge. It's outside the trap. We're going that way," and he pointed to the dirt road to their left.

Caleb craned his neck around and stared at the road. "Looks pretty rough. Should we leave the car here and go in on foot?"

Adcox leaned forward so he could see Caleb more clearly. "You'll be fine on the road for another two miles. Just drive slowly and carefully. When you hit the alcove, that's where you can leave the car. The edge of the containment area is another half mile beyond that."

"Is there any sort of barrier we need to go through to get into the containment area?" Sam asked.

Chief Adcox looked uncertain. "To be honest, I don't know. No one has ever gone into this area of the forest, not willingly, anyway. My gut says no. Children have gone missing. If there was some sort of barrier to getting inside the containment, would children be able to walk in?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"So we should be able to walk in," JT said.

"Sounds like it," Dean said. Nodding to Samuel, he said, "Good luck watching our butts."

The older man climbed out of the SUV, pulling his long distance rifle with him. "You men take care." Giving a nod, Samuel shut the door and walked to the other car.

Caleb followed behind, handing the keys off to Joshua and pulling his gear from the SUV. Max and James climbed out with their gear and headed toward Dean's car. Ryker gave the other two a small salute as Joshua turned his vehicle down the right side road. Soon they were out of sight.

Caleb held open the front passenger door for James to climb in. Rolling his eyes, James scooted over close to his father. When any vehicle was carrying a full load, as the shortest and youngest person, he always got stuck sandwiched in the front seat. Max could interpret that disgruntled expression on James' face immediately, and smirked slightly as he climbed in the back with JT and Sam. When everyone was settled, Dean put the car in gear and headed slowly down the uneven dirt road.

"This road is killing the shocks," Dean muttered as the car hit another pothole. Despite their slow speed, the SUV was bouncing from side to side on the uneven terrain.

"Good thing it's a rental," Sam replied, then grumbled, "Ouch," as his head hit the roof.

"Just a bit longer," Dean soothed as he leaned forward in his seat, his eyes on the road in a somewhat futile attempt to avoid the worst of the road craters.

"I'm getting seasick," James groaned, to the laughter of Max and JT.

"You could always get out and walk," Caleb snarked.

"Okay," James replied quickly.

"Suck it up," was Caleb's answer to that.

Finally the vehicle rounded a small bend in the road, which opened onto a small round alcove. Dean parked the car and everyone piled out.

"I don't think we would have lost much time if we'd walked," Sam commented, stretching a little before leaning into the car and pulling his duffel free.

James crawled out of the front seat, grumbling, "I would have beaten everyone here if I did."

"Grab your gear," Caleb stated, ignoring his godson. "We've got a half mile hike. Let's hit it."

Soon the six were standing near the forest's edge, armed to the teeth, with Caleb, Max and Dean each holding a twelve-inch bladed battle axe.

Sam tapped Dean on the shoulder and pointed up into the trees. There, nearly hidden by tree limbs and leaves, was a large, long medicine bag.

Dean nodded. He scanned the area as far as he could see, but didn't catch sight of a witch, a large figure, or an owl-like person in the woods.

A scratchy, double tap sounded, and Dean looked down at his radio; Ryker, Joshua and Samuel were in place.

Caleb stepped up beside JT, while Dean and James stood side by side, and Max hovered near Sam, waiting for the signal to go. Caleb held up two fingers and gestured to him and JT, to Dean and James, and to Sam and Max; they were to keep one another in sight at all times.

Dean and James nodded, and Max and Sam followed suit.

Caleb looked into the forest, and took the first step past the medicine bag. The moment he did, his senses lit up like a Christmas tree. He glanced over at Sam and saw that the Scholar was looking in his direction.

They're here, came Sam's voice in his head.

Caleb gave a sharp nod and scanned the area.

"You sense them," JT murmured, his eyes roaming the thick trees and vegetation.

"Yeah." Caleb stood close to JT, his shoulder within an inch of the younger man's back.

"I hear the buzzing," JT's eyes shot upward, then went back to the forest. "Sounds like insects."

"Must be them." He gave the young man a quick smile, "plus some insects."

A snap sounded off to their left, and Caleb slid behind JT, watching his back while JT leveled his weapon in the direction of the sound. After a minute, a small fox darted out and away into the underbrush. Caleb gave JT an "okay" pat on the arm and they continued through the forest.

Sam and Max worked their way forward slowly, their shoulders touching gently every couple of minutes. Though Sam didn't use his abilities as much as Caleb, he wasn't rusty by any means. He focused on the surrounding territory, aware of the buzzing but concentrating on a physical form. When he was at Onida's yesterday, he'd opened himself up to the canvas like Caleb had. The witches immediately began to speak about their innocence, how not to trust the keeper, that they wanted to be free. However, it all sounded empty, like practiced words with no true understanding. But Sam got a good feeling for their energy, to use Onida-speak, and he was looking for that energy in the forest.

Max tapped Sam's arm and pointed upward. A dark shape was over their heads, but Sam shook his head. It wasn't one of the witches. Max nodded and continued to move forward: battle axe at the ready, his gun a second's reach away.

Dean's eyes went to Sam, then Caleb. He and James were walking nearly back to back, moving slowly through the forest, stepping carefully to avoid undue noise. Halting, he scanned the area quickly, before looking in James' direction. Pointing a finger at his eye, he raised his brows questioningly.

James gave a sharp shake of his head. He didn't see anything. Then he pointed to his head and murmured, "I feel something."

"What?" Dean asked shortly, his gaze moving up a section of trees before returning to the ground.

"Like … someone yearning for something, like when ghosts want to escape this earth."

"Really?" Dean's eyes went to Sam and Max, then over to Caleb and JT.

James looked up at the thick leaves and branches overhead and asked, "You think Ryker can get a shot through this mess?"

"Yeah." Dean walked on a few more yards when he stiffened suddenly.

James was instantly on alert.

Eyes narrowed, Dean focused in the distant darkness, and suddenly he could see a large figure moving through the forest toward him and James. The figure was moving slow, like someone trying to run under water. "Damn!" he exclaimed. He grabbed the back of James' shirt and pulled them both back several feet.

Off to the side he heard Caleb shout, "Incoming!" at the same time Sam yelled, "Watch it!"

But Dean had already pulled his gun and in one smooth movement aimed and shot numerous times into the witch coming at him and James, hitting her square in the chest.

Caleb's eyes darted around the forest trees, trying to sense where the witch was. Glancing toward JT, he was surprised to see the younger man had lifted his gun and was now firing into what appeared to be thin air. "Johnny?" He'd been scanning the area the moment he'd felt the witch and hadn't seen anything. Now, however, he focused his attention on the place where JT was resolutely firing. While he didn't see anything, he trained his weapon in the same direction and pulled the trigger. Soon the air was filled with eerie wails and screeches.

Max made a spinning movement around Sam, wielding the battle axe, hoping to connect with the witch before she found them. He was taking a second swing when the witch suddenly became visible to Sam's right. Sam felt her darkness close by and dropped low as Max swung his axe and buried the blade deep in her chest. "Damn it," he muttered as he yanked his blade from her body. The thing was much taller than he'd anticipated. Stepping back, he firmed his grip on the handle as Sam drove his blade into her stomach. Reddish sparks flared from the knife as Sam pulled it free and the witch screeched loudly and shoved out her hands, knocking Max back several feet. Sam rose and fired his weapon directly into her body until she swung out a long arm and knocked him away.

Max scrambled to his feet and when the witch turned her head to see where Sam had landed, he quickly swung his axe and took off her head. He'd just stepped back when Sam yelled, "Behind you!" and another witch hit the young hunter from the back, pushing him face-first into the dry, leaf-ridden forest floor.

James had been staring hard into the empty place where Dean was firing his gun, trying to see the witch. He gave a startled yelp when it suddenly became visible not three feet away him and his father. Scrambling back a couple feet, he began shooting into her body. At the same time, Dean swung his axe high. However, instead of severing her head, the blade lodged at an angle in her neck as she turned away. Growling, the witch yanked the blade and tossed it aside while grabbing Dean by the neck and hoisting him high. Choking, Dean had one hand on her arm to support his throat while he reached for the knife in his belt with the other. Before he could pull the knife free, the witch screamed and arched her back. Her arms flew open and she dropped him to the ground. Screeching, she turned as James yanked the axe blade from her back. Before he could swing again, she knocked him off his feet and he flew back and landed on the ground. Dean had less than a second to see his son was okay and scrambling to his feet before he snatched up the blade and swung it high, severing the witch's head.

"Dad," James called, as he climbed to his feet and started in Dean's direction. He'd only gotten a few feet before another slammed into him front the side, taking both him and his father to the ground.

Caleb was firing in the direction JT was firing when a witch came at him from the side, grabbed at his axe and yanked, pulling both him and the axe several feet into the air. He released his hold on the long wood handle and dropped to the ground. Pulling out his knife, he pivoted on one foot and leapt lightly into the air, ramming the blade into the witch's neck, causing her to scream in an eerily owlish manner. Without warning a loud crack sounded, and the witch fell off to the side.

Go, Josh, Caleb thought, knowing that the crack had been Joshua's Remington 700 Sendero long distance rifle connecting with the witch. He had purchase the rifle for Joshua years ago when the older man had stopped going into the field as much. Grabbing for the axe, Caleb scrambled to his feet and swung, the head going to the left while the witch's body fell to the right.

JT was still firing his weapon when a witch suddenly became visible not three feet in front of him, holding its middle. A second crack threw that one back about five feet. After screeching wildly, the witch leapt to its feet and flew full out toward JT. It got only a foot or two before its head was suddenly flying off to the right while its body fell to the left. Caleb stood over the head for half a second, before running toward JT.

Dean struggled on the ground, trying to keep the witch's talons from sinking into his neck. James, who'd flown a few feet further than his father, raced back over and drove a knife carved in sigils deep into the witch's back. Screeching loudly, she threw out an arm and knocked him back to the ground about seven yards away.

"James!" Dean shouted. He struggled to toss the witch off him when she suddenly leaned in close and sniffed at his face and neck. Squirming in order to reach the gun that had fallen beneath his back, he growled, "Ugh, enough with the touchy, feely crap."

"Guar…di…an," the witch hissed loudly, sniffing at his face. "Guar..di..an."

Dean worked his gun around to his front, grunting, "You bet your feathery ass," as he fired repeatedly into her body.

The witch screamed loudly and arched back. Before she could get another hold on him, she suddenly clutched at her throat. Dean knew Caleb's Darth Vader routine anywhere. Quickly he scrambled back. Pulling his legs into his chest, he shoved his feet into the witch's body, knocking her back a couple yards. Screeching again, she flew to her feet. Before she could get her talons into him again, another loud crack sounded, and she half wailed, half cawed loudly, stumbling back. Dean twisted around in search of the battle axe when an aborted screech had him looking back around. The witch's head abruptly wobbled and fell to the ground, James appearing behind her as her body slid down.

Dean scrambled to his feet and grinned. "Nice!"

Max shifted and squirmed, trying to dislodge the witch from his back. But its arms were tight around him like a mother holding her child. Maneuvering his right hand toward his gun, he pulled it from his waistband and held it around his left side, muzzle backward, and fired several bursts in quick succession. The witch hissed a scream and her grip loosed, allowing him to scramble quickly forward. Sam yanked Max's collar, jerking him forward and down. Leaning over him, he fired five shots directly into her head.

Max crawled to his feet and glanced back at the witch's non-existent head. "Damn, Uncle Sam. Good shot."

"Hard to miss when your four inches away," Sam said with a smile.

"You all right?" Caleb called to Sam and Max, jogging over to where Dean and James stood, JT on his heels.

"Good," James called, followed by, "Yeah," from Dean.

"Clear," Max shouted, as Sam said, "We're good."

Dean fished his knife from the leaves on the forest floor and started toward Sam when his mouth dropped open.

An eerie light appeared around the head of the witch James had just beheaded. Within moments, lights appeared around the other heads as well. Frowning, Dean stepped slowly forward.

"Dad?" James said, coming up beside his father.

Suddenly the body and head glowed, and the head slid toward the witch's body and reattached itself. Three other bodies glowed, and their heads reattached to their bodies as well.

"What the hell?" Dean exclaimed.

Sam and Max jogged over to where Dean and James stood.

The last two bodies lit up and became whole again.

Caleb's eyes widened and he knew they wouldn't be winning this round today. Urgently he shouted, "Fall back! Fall back! Fall back!"

"Run!" Sam shouted.

Dean pulled on the back of James' shirt and shoved his son back in the direction they'd come. "Run!"

Max had already grabbed JT and was pushing the younger man into an all out run, Caleb, Sam and Dean right behind.

A short burst of cracks sounded in the afternoon air and Dean knew Joshua, Ryker and Samuel were aiding their escape.

Suddenly a witch landed on his back and threw him to the ground. "No, guardian," the witch hissed. "Stay."

"I don't think so," Caleb shouted, and he lopped off her head.

Max grabbed Dean's arm and pulled him to his feet and they ran on, Caleb on their heels.

Another shot fired and a screech sounded on their rear flank.

Dean glanced over his shoulder and saw the same, odd phenomenon he had back in the woods; a witch gliding through the trees, looking like she was in slow motion. "Sam, behind you; six o'clock!" he shouted.

Sam spun and fired, and the witch appeared as she fell.

"Max!" JT shouted. "Three o'clock!"

And Max swung his battle axe, hitting another witch in the midsection, nearly cutting her in half.

"Don't stop!" Caleb shouted. "Run, run!"

A loud crack hit another witch as she appeared near James. She went down, and within another minute, everyone had run past the medicine bags and were out of the containment area.

"What the hell?" Caleb gasped, staring back into the forest.

Dean looked back and saw two witches at the containment wall, and then they vanished. Looking at the members of his team standing there, dirty, bedraggled with their weapons hanging in their hands, he shook his head and growled, "I hate it when the monsters don't die!"

TBC