The Guard Changed at Dawn

Chapter 24

Dean drove up to Onida's house and parked. He and Caleb climbed from the car, and together they walked around the SUV assessing at the damage.

Joshua stepped from the rear seat and came up beside them. "You'll never be able to rent a vehicle in the state of Washington again," he observed.

Dean barked out a laugh.

Max grinned. "Yeah, they're going to see you coming and put up the closed sign."

"I think they'll put your picture in the Rentals Weekly Newsletter and tell everyone else not to rent to you either," Cheyton remarked.

Caleb couldn't help it, he started laughing.

The door above them opened and Onida stepped out. Seeing burned out holes in the roof of the vehicle below, her eyes widened and she started down the steps.

"Stop!" Caleb called. "Don't come down here. We'll come up and explain."

Though she was curious, Onida nodded and stepped back inside her home.

Looking at Dean, he said, "We're masked. If she comes down, the witches will wonder why and know we're here."

"Then let's get inside," Dean said.

Sam stood at the large glass windows in the lodge's spacious living room staring out into the darkness. They'd finished their meal of burgers and fries an hour ago, and James, Ryker and JT were watching LOTR: The Return of the King. Ryker declared it was appropriate, as they would be fighting in the forest in a few short hours.

"The others reach their destination all right?" Adam asked, coming up to stand beside Sam.

"Yes," Sam said. "Joshua said they were being targeted by objects that resembled balls of magma. They burned right through the car. Caleb had everyone put on their masking pouches and Dean slammed on the brakes. The witches couldn't see where they were and kept pelting the road ahead. Once the flaming balls got far enough ahead, he was able to drive on to Onida's without any additional issues."

Adam nodded. "Clever."

Sam gave the other man a sideways look. "You say that like you're surprised."

"Maybe." Glancing at Sam, he said, "Everything I've ever heard about Dean Winchester and Caleb Reeves has had to do with their prowess in the field of battle, not their cleverness."

"Don't you believe men so skilled and efficient in battle would by necessity be smart and clever?"

"Maybe," Adam said thoughtfully. "I suppose I didn't give it much thought."

Sam thought about whether he wanted to engage with Adam before saying, "You're saying it was easy to dismiss us as uncouth men relegated to fighting evil on the edges of society because we didn't fit anywhere else?"

Adam had the grace to flush. "Not everyone, exactly."

"But Dean and Caleb. You realize that Caleb was a successful architect who started his own very profitable firm at twenty-two before devoting himself full time to the Brotherhood."

Slowly Adam nodded. After a moment, he said, "I didn't understand why Joshua would be involved in the Brotherhood. For the most part it was filled with men who were, in my eyes, the lower dregs of society. Why would he do it? His father, I thought. His father made him, and then he couldn't get out."

"People aren't conscripted into the Brotherhood for life, you know," Sam stated. "People leave when they want, or retire. Most are involved for life because they believe in helping and protecting people."

"I suppose most of the men I've met supported my presumptions."

Sam glanced over and asked, "How many have you met?"

"A few," Adam equivocated.

Sam knew Adam was again referring to Dean and Caleb, and his irritation rose. Maybe it was time to set the record straight. "When a person encounters the supernatural, something normal people don't believe exists, it isolates them. How can they make sense of the unexplainable? They search for someone, anyone who can help them understand. Often, they find us. I'm not going to lie and say there aren't those whom you would describe as edge-of-society people involved in the Brotherhood. I was one of those people for a lot of years.

"When our mother was killed by a demon, my father lost it. He dropped out of society and tried to find someone to help him understand. He found the Brotherhood. He hunted all sorts of creatures that menaced and killed innocent people, and he dragged me and Dean along with him." Looking up at Adam, Sam continued, "Dean became my dad at five years old. He raised me, kept up whatever slum my dad had us in; he was budgeting for our household by the time he was eight. He helped me with my homework as well as did his own, all the while being my dad's backup when he got old enough to hold up the weight of a gun." He looked back out into the darkness. "That's why now Dean works so hard to make sure other hunters have decent food, medical attention, and housing so that they don't have to live in rundown or abandoned homes, trailers that are falling apart around their ears, things that we often had to endure growing up. He even started a corporate card for hunters," Sam stated. "While Dean encourages all members of the Brotherhood to have balance in their lives, if a man or woman chooses to hunt full time, they receive a credit card to pay for their needs. There's even a medical plan, and if someone's wounds may draw suspicion from the local hospitals, we've compiled a network of doctors across the country who can help. Dean's son Ben heads that group and keeps them organized and available. Joshua, me, Caleb, and Dean invested our own money in a Vanguard money market account that pays the bills."

Adam shook his head. "I had no idea."

"There's a lot more to the Brotherhood than meets the eye. Most of the members work regular jobs; cops, University Professors, Lawyers, small business owners…"

"Public Relations Firms," Adam added.

Sam nodded.

They stood in silence for several minutes before Adam said, "You need someone to step in and take on the rescue of the children tomorrow." Looking to Sam, he said, "I'll do it. I'd like to help."

"I don't know," Sam said. "You're not in the Brotherhood."

"Neither is Joseph, Samuel, or the young people that helped you today."

Sam inclined his head at the correctness of Adam's statement. "I won't lie, we need someone who can handle themselves to lead the team into the caves to rescue any children that may be alive, but I'm not the one you need to talk to."

"Dean," Adam said.

"I'll stand with you when you ask, but if he says no, I'm backing him," Sam stated.

"Then let's hope he says yes," Adam said.

"There," Onida said, taking her hand away from Max's head. "You're good. You just needed your blood pressure stabilized a bit."

"You sure he's all right?" Joshua asked.

"Definitely," Onida said, smiling. "Everyone is fine."

Dean nodded and climbed to his feet. "Okay, we should…"

"Before you go," Onida said, "Can you take a look at the canvas?"

Dean grimaced. He really didn't want to see something creepy written on it, hands pressing against it, or claws, like JT had seen.

"Please," Onida said, holding out a hand to usher him onto the balcony.

She wanted to talk with him, so Dean nodded. "Okay. Caleb, can you get everyone into the car? We need to get back to the others, get some sleep."

Caleb nodded. Turning, he opened the door to let Joshua, Max and Cheyton out of the house, then he looked back at Onida. Meeting her eyes, he said, "Tomorrow."

Onida gave him a decisive nod as he closed the door.

Dean stepped onto the balcony. Pulling in a bracing breath, he looked at the canvas. The entire surface was black except for two dark blackish-red drops of blood running down the center. Before they could roll off the end, they disappeared into the canvas only to reappear at the top and run downward again. "Okay," he murmured. "And I thought today just couldn't get any creepier."

"Tell me," Onida said.

He did so, and when he finished, Onida motioned for them to return to the house. It was only after she closed the door that she said, "Are you sure you want to take over the canvas? I've been practicing on using the canvas as a portal, like Sam and James speculated I could. I've actually burned trees and hit trunks with energy." Motioning for him to follow her into the kitchen, she murmured, "I can collapse the barrier myself while Joshua and Ryker bring up the Triad barrier."

"But you can't control the Triad barrier," Dean said. "I'm not even sure how to do that myself."

Onida sighed and sat down. "Okay. Basically, you need to abandon the physical world's constants of what you can and can't do. The closest analogy I could make is pretending the canvas is a dream world and you can do almost anything you want."

"Like…?"

"Like make the wall bigger, like intertwine threads of color, like make a hole in the barrier disappear."

"And you do that by … thinking it?"

"Think, then will," Onida said. "Your will becomes more in the metaphysical world than in the real world. Everything is molecules shifting and banging against one other. That chair you're sitting on isn't really solid. But the molecules are vibrating at such a high rate, that the chair feels real and supports your weight." She leaned forward, her expression focused. "Think of the canvas as the portal to a dream; anything can happen in a dream. You just need to use the Triad magic to make it happen."

Dean nodded, though he really didn't understand what she was talking about. This would, by necessity, need to be a case of on-the-job training. Studying the woman before him, he asked, "Are you sure you really want to go into the forest tomorrow?"

"More than anything." Onida looked back at the canvas. "I've fought these witches for decades, they've taken a lot from me. I want them gone, and would love to deal out some hurt as they go." She turned back to Dean in enough time to see the expression on his face. "Why? What's wrong?"

Dean sighed and told her about Sarah, her desire to get to the other children, and the possibility of her being at the barrier. "The Triad containment is smaller than the Yakama barrier. If she's there trying to get out…"

"She'll be set free," Onida finished softly.

Dean nodded. "The only two people she's interacted with are JT and Joshua. JT is needed on the east side of the forest to help activate the Triad barrier when the old barrier goes down. That leaves Joshua."

"Good," Onida said. "He'll be great."

"Except," Dean interjected, "He was supposed to lead the team heading into the caves to rescue the children. While they probably won't need to fight, we need someone who can handle themselves if a fight comes."

Onida watched him for a long moment, then said, "You want me to lead the rescue."

Dean leaned forward. "There isn't anyone else."

"What about Joseph?"

"He'll be on the ridge to activate the medicine pouches once they're dropped over the caves."

Onida grimaced. "Samuel?"

"He'll also be on the ridge top with the kids who helped today. They're young and his responsibility. When the barrier goes down, the witches should come out of the caves to see what's going on. The kids will drop the medicine bags and Joseph will do his thing to prevent the witches from going back inside and using any captive children as hostages."

Onida slumped in her chair. "Yeah, I see. All right, I'll lead the rescue."

"Thank you," Dean said, "and I'm sorry about offering you the chance to fight, only to ask you to be somewhere else."

Onida smiled. "I was looking forward to the fight, but this isn't about me. It's about getting those children free and ending the witches. I can deal." Straightening and resuming her no-nonsense demeanor, she said, "If you're going to take over the canvas at dawn, I'll need to bring the canvas to the forest. Joseph is going to drive me so I can continue pouring in energy."

Dean frowned. "You said the witches were at their weakest in the morning. Why would you need to pour in energy then? What's your usual morning routine?"

"Usually I monitor the canvas most closely between one and four-thirty in the morning. After that I check it every fifteen minutes to half an hour until dawn. Then I check the barrier from top to bottom, making sure there aren't any openings, holes or breaks. If there are, I fix it then usually I go to bed."

"And that's been your pattern even since we've been here?"

Onida nodded.

"Then don't do anything different. If you do, they'll know something's up. Will they know you're bringing the canvas to me?"

"I don't know; I don't think so."

Dean stood and walked out to the balcony doors. "They know the canvas is here. It's why they attacked you when they broke free. You and the canvas are one."

Onida followed him, bewildered. "I'm not following."

"How did the witches know to come here years ago? Did they sense the canvas psychically?"

"Guardians have lived here for generations."

"Way to hold up a come-get-me sign," Dean muttered.

Eyes narrowed, Onida explained tersely, "The canvas is tied to the meadow and the forest. This is the best place to see the entire circle."

"But if you're seeing it metaphysically, why do you need to be right here? Is the canvas somehow tied to this place? Can it be moved?"

"I don't know!" Onida exclaimed, rising and pacing the kitchen. "It's always been here, has to stay here."

"But why does it have to stay here?"

"It's tied to the ground." Caleb stepped into the kitchen and gave Dean a pointed look. "You were taking a long time."

Dean ignored Caleb's last statement and focused on the first. "What do you mean, it's tied to the ground?"

"I felt it the first time I came here; I just didn't understand. This place is a geophysical anomaly." When all he got were blanks stares, he explained, "A geophysical anomaly is due to chemicals or magnetism in the rocks and overlying ground strata; the earth's crust and the tectonic plates below align due to earthquakes. Due to the high mineralization of the topography, this area is a high magnetic zone. That's why the boys heard buzzing when they were at the meadow. We thought it might have been the witches communicating, but it wasn't. After a rain, the wet crystals in the ground water heighten the magnetics creating a buzzing sound." He looked at Onida. "It rained this morning, didn't it?

"We often have pre-dawn rain here," Onida said.

"When I was outside just now I felt the buzzing." When Onida frowned, he smiled. "Do you ever go outside to the meadow?"

Onida shook her head.

"Then you wouldn't have heard it. We heard it in the forest as well." Caleb looked at Dean. "The ground was wet, remember? You used that moisture to repel the witch."

Dean nodded slowly. "So the buzzing…"

"A magnetic anomaly." Caleb looked to Onida. "People don't realize it because they don't go into the forest. Max, Ryker and JT were probably the first people to go down to the field, and they heard the buzzing."

"So the original creators of the barrier knew about this," Dean stated.

"I don't know how, but generations ago a very brilliant medicine man and someone as gifted as Onida were able to tap into the magnetic anomaly and create the barrier." Looking to Onida, he said, "You were born with a very special gift; you can tap into the magnetics and use them to contain the witches."

Onida shook her head. It was interesting that something that seemed so magical before had a very real scientific explanation.

"But does the canvas have to be here," Dean asked, "or can we move it? Is it still as effective four miles from here, or does it need to be right here in this very spot?"

Caleb frowned. "Without a Magnetic Anomaly Detector, I can't be sure of where the magnetic vortex is, but I'd hazard a guess that it's right here," he pointed towards the ground, "right where the house was built."

Dean slumped. "Then there goes our plan."

"Not necessarily," Caleb said. "The medicine man chose this spot because his partner in crime was gifted at manipulating energy. He or she could control the canvas best from this spot. You're the one taking over the canvas, not Onida, and you're not using metaphysics, but alchemy. So being away from here shouldn't affect you're taking over the canvas."

"Okay, that settles that," Dean said, "but it still doesn't tell us how to move the canvas without the witches finding out."

"If the canvas is made from minerals in the earth, why not get another canvas," Joshua suggested as he walked into the kitchen. "Paint on a thick layer of minerals and have Onida infuse a bit of her energy into it before we remove the real canvas." Looking at Dean, he said, "It's rude to have us all waiting in the car if you plan on having a long conversation up here."

Dean grimaced. "Sorry. It was longer than I thought it would be."

"Question," Caleb said, "if Onida makes a realistic fake canvas, then won't it create a dual portal to the barrier?"

All three men looked at Onida.

"I don't know!" Onida exclaimed. "This is uncharted territory."

"The obvious solution would be to have someone here to destroy the fake once Dean takes control of the real canvas," Joshua stated.

Dean groaned. "Can we not bring the whole world into this hunt?"

"What about Mary?" Joshua suggested, ignoring Dean. "She knows about the hunt, she's helped with research, and this is just setting fire to a canvas."

"There's always a danger that a witch could get out and come back here," Caleb said.

"Time delayed magic," Max said. Everyone turned and stared in his direction. Shrugging, he stepped into the kitchen followed by Cheyton. "We got bored."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Time delayed magic?"

Caleb nodded, smiling. "Like a time delayed fuse."

"Yeah. We create a time delayed incendiary spell to torch the canvas at the right time," Max stated. "Time it to the sunrise."

"Onida can make one from her store of minerals, right?" Cheyton asked, looking from one adult to the other. "Right?"

Onida laughed and walked out, returning a few minutes later with a large canvas. "So, let's get some minerals and make a duplicate canvas."

Dean, Joshua, Max and Cheyton went down the long front steps while Caleb lingered just inside the door.

"How do you plan on getting to the meet site?" Caleb asked. "I can swing by here in the morning."

"Joseph is picking me up. We'll meet up with Samuel, Joshua and the kids from today. They'll drop me and Joshua near the ranger station where JT and Max entered the forest."

"What? Why are you going there?"

"Someone needs to lead the rescue of the children. With Joshua watching the barrier for Sarah, that leaves me. When Samuel and his team drop the medicine pouches over the caves and Joseph activates the barrier, I'll go in and bring out the children."

Caleb sighed. "But you wanted to fight."

"The kids are more important than me getting revenge. Really, it's okay. After tomorrow, I can go on a hunt with you and you can show me something else I can pummel."

Caleb chuckled softly. "It's a date. Get some rest. Tomorrow will change a lot of things."

"I look forward to it," Onida said. Smiling, she slowly closed the door.

When Caleb got into the car, Dean started the engine and drove to the main road and turned left.

"I'd like to go to the clinic," Joshua said.

Dean glanced at the other man in the rearview mirror. "You sure? We've got a big day tomorrow."

Joshua nodded. "I haven't been in to see the boy since this afternoon. I don't want him thinking I abandoned him. Doctor Etsitty goes off duty at ten. I'll have her contact Samuel and she can take me to where we'll be staying. And I'm not needed in as strenuous a position as before. Giving a little boy some comfort is well worth a small shortage of sleep."

"Yeah, okay," Dean said. "You know, if Sarah does show and after you secure her, you'll be needed to help with the other children."

Joshua smiled. "I know. I'll be ready."

They drove in silence until they reached the Clinic, and Joshua climbed out. "I'll see you later," he said, and closed the door.

Turning, he walked into the clinic to an unknown receptionist. "Joshua Sawyer for Doctor Etsitty or Doctor Collins," he said. After a moment he was buzzed through and walked down the long corridor. He could feel his body dragging after the chaos of the day, and wanted nothing more than to give one special little boy a hug and sit in his chair.

Doctor Collins opened the door before Joshua got there and smiled. "I'm so glad you're here. I think our young friend believes you've forgotten him."

Joshua smiled and walked through. On the bed the little boy was turning the pages of a book, his teddies tucked on his lap. As though sensing Joshua, he looked up. Eyes widening, a huge smile appeared on his face as he scrambled out of bed and raced across the room and into Joshua's arms.

"Back," the boy breathed, clinging to Joshua's neck. "Back."

"Yes," Joshua murmured, inhaling the sweet smell of a child. "Back." Walking to the bed with the child in his arms, he sat in his chair, tucking the boy onto his lap. "What have you been doing today?" he asked. Leaning forward, he picked up the book; Doctor Seuss's Fox in Socks. "Oh, this is a wonderful story," Joshua said, opening the book. "Shall we read it together?"

The boy merely leaned back against Joshua, one arm still tucked around the man's neck. He held out the other hand, quirking his fingers.

"Of course," Joshua said. Leaning forward without letting the child go, he retrieved the two teddy bears. Tucking them against the boy's chest, he said, "Everyone needs a story tonight." He gave each of the teddies a pat on the head, and started to read. Truthfully, he didn't know if he'd be able to let this little one go.

Cheyton directed Dean to the Yakama Spiritual Retreat Lodge. When they drove up, he said, "Grandpa went and collected your duffels from the hotel. They're inside. I hope you don't mind."

"No, tell him thanks," Dean said.

Another pairs of headlights shone along the front of the lodge and Samuel drove up in his van. Cheyton jumped from the SUV and waved as he jogged around to the passenger's side of his grandfather's van and climbed in.

Samuel leaned out his open window and said, "I'll be back here at five."

Dean nodded and held up a hand in farewell.

Max got out of the backseat and said, "I'll save you some food," before shutting the rear door and jogging up the front steps.

Caleb didn't move to get out yet. He looked over at Dean and said, "You promised Onida could fight."

"I said she could, but promised is a whole 'nother story."

"You said she could fight, get payback."

Dean shifted so he was facing Caleb. "She's the only one available to rescue the children. JT's Triad need to be on the west side, us on the east, Ryker and Joshua activating the Triad barrier. We're already taking a gamble with Joshua taking our blood and activating the trap without our being there."

"Joshua has activated Triad magic away from us on hunts before. He's done it from much further away than a couple miles around a forest."

"I know. And while he can be away from us and still activate the Triad barrier, he needs to be near the Yakama barrier if Sarah's there. She's only interacted with JT and Joshua. It has to be him."

Caleb sighed. "Yeah, I get it." Opening the door, he climbed out and waited for Dean to join him as they went up the stairs. "She was just looking forward to it."

Dean nodded but didn't say anything. Truthfully, there was nothing he could say, because they were both right.

When they stepped inside, they got their first look at the large Yakama lodge.

"Wow, this is amazing architecture," Caleb commented. "Check out the cathedral ceiling."

"Where's the food?" Dean asked.

"Heathen," Caleb remarked with a smile.

"I haven't eaten in… I can't remember when I've eaten," Dean said.

Sam walked up. "I saved you both a burger, though it wasn't easy. Come on."

He led them both to a huge kitchen with tiled walls, a massive stove and a center island lined with stools. Dean took a seat and poured himself a glass of Tiswin beer. Though it was more like juice than beer, it was as close as he was going to get to a real brew till after tomorrow.

Sam put a warmed burger in front of him and Caleb. He waited until they'd taken a few bites before he told Dean, "Adam wants to speak with you."

Dean looked up. Swallowing, he asked, "Why?"

Sam shrugged, but did so in a manner that had Dean's eyes narrowing. A telltale sign Sam was lying was the elaborately nonchalant shrug.

"Why?" he asked again.

Just then Adam walked in, and Sam said, "I'll leave it to him."

Dean glared at Sam, then looked over at Adam, his brow quirking in question. He took another bite, though he had a feeling his appetite was going to fly away. Damn, it was a really good burger.

Adam met Dean's eye, straight and direct. "I want to help you with the children tomorrow."

"You're doing that," Dean remarked. "That's why you're here."

"You know exactly what I mean, so let's not be willfully indirect," Adam stated.

Dean's face revealed nothing, though Sam knew he was irritated.

"You need someone to go into the caves and rescue the children there. Joshua is needed elsewhere, and I am volunteering to go in his place. I'm not a member of the Brotherhood, but neither is Joseph or Samuel, or any of the others who helped you put up medicine bags today."

Dean's eyes darted to Sam, who merely sat down and propped his chin in his palm. It was obvious Sam thought Adam's suggestion was a good one.

"I am an expert in Line Fighting as well as Ninjutsu. I can fight off any attempts to hurt the children and get them to safety."

Dean regarded Adam for several moments before saying, "No."

Caleb glanced in Dean's direction, then resumed eating his burger. Sam merely watched Dean, but he didn't say anything. He knew his brother, and Dean wasn't done negotiating. Adam would have to work to win this.

Adam stared at Dean a moment, then slowly pulled out a chair and sat down.

Sam covered a smile. Caleb looked more interested than he had a moment before.

"Explain, please," Adam asked.

"Explain what?" Dean remarked, taking a drink of his juice. "I think no was pretty clear."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "Explain why you would turn down a perfectly good fighter when you've been looking for someone to come in and help."

Dean's eyes shifted to Sam again, and Sam merely shrugged. "The post is already filled."

"With whom?"

"Onida."

Sam's eyes shot to Dean then to Caleb, who remained focused on his meal.

"All right," Adam said. "But there's more to it than that. Again, I ask you to explain."

Dean placed his burger on his plate, picked up a napkin and carefully wiped his hands. Finally, he looked at Adam and said evenly, "Because you don't understand the Brotherhood. Because you don't understand the honor, dedication and sacrifice each member willing gives to save people in the shadows, not expecting a reward or even a thank you, and most often getting neither. They do it because it's right, because they have compassion, because they can. We don't dress nice or live in fancy houses because we can't afford to. But all that we do have we give to a world that doesn't even know we exist. Because you look down on who we are."

The silence in the kitchen was so powerful, a pin dropping would shatter anyone's composure. Caleb was staring at Dean, fierce pride in his gaze. Sam had never heard their work described so eloquently and yet so simply.

Adam's gaze remained focused on Dean until he finally nodded. "You're right. I didn't understand the Brotherhood. I knew you fought things most people don't believe exist, I knew you put your lives on the line. But still I made judgments on who you were and how you live by sight and not full knowledge. I wondered why Joshua would associate with such people, especially after you offered him and Esme up in exchange for an antidote for Caleb, essentially binding Joshua to a coven in which he had no interest in joining. People who trade others weren't worth my respect. Even though Joshua explained the circumstance of that time, and that you didn't know Nadine would ask for him to be bound, I still hated that you did it, that you weighed Caleb's worth as more valuable than Joshua's. Time doesn't often soften wounds, and time didn't soften my judgments, even after seeing you through the years." Swallowing, Adam continued, "However, in just a day you've torn my preconceptions and judgments to dust. I cannot hide behind the veil of distance any longer. You save people; you put your lives on the line. That dedication earns my respect, and deserves it even more. I'm sorry."

Dean regarded Adam for a long time. Finally he said simply, "Thank you. I would appreciate your help tomorrow."

Adam nodded and stood. "You have it," and he walked out of the kitchen.

Caleb and Sam waited for Dean to speak, and when he merely picked up his burger and started eating again, Caleb grinned and stood. "I'm going to call Onida. She's back in the game." He walked out of the kitchen, still fishing for his cell.

Sam watched as Dean ate methodically through his burger. Finally, he said, "You aren't going to say anything?"

Dean shrugged. "He's probably a great fighter. Anyone would be stupid to turn down the offer."

"But you did turn it down," Sam pointed out.

"Did I …" Dean said, smiling.

Sam chuckled. "You planned on letting him help all along."

"I wanted the chance to change his mind about the Brotherhood, and I wanted to know if we'd been able to make an impression on him."

"Sounds like he has," Sam said. "What he said about Joshua and the coven…"

Dean nodded and gave a small sigh. "He's right. I traded Josh for Caleb that day. Of course, the circumstances were that Joshua would join a coven or Caleb would die. But Adam is Joshua's best friend. He sides with Joshua."

"And you with Caleb."

Dean gave Sam a slight smile. "Always, though I'd fight to the death for Josh as well."

Sam smiled and stood. "I think I'll go stake out a room. Wanna share?"

Nodding, Dean said, "Of course."

Sam chuckled softly and walked out of the kitchen.

A while later, after The Return of the King had concluded and some dessert was eaten, Dean stood in the living room alongside Caleb.

"We're down to the wire and we're ready. Caleb's going over the plan one more time, and by mid-day tomorrow I expect we'll all be at The Edge of Town Diner enjoying burgers and fries."

There was a tittering of laughter.

Dean dropped into a chair as Caleb remained standing. "As Dean said; you know the plan, but we're going over it again. If there are questions about anything, ask. This is a complicated hunt with people in a lot of different places. Watch out for each other." Caleb looked around the room, took a breath, and continued. "Dawn is when the witches are most vulnerable. The Yakama barrier will collapse when Onida relinquishes control of the canvas. Dawn is at precisely seven-twenty-two in the morning. The Triad spell needs to be activated the moment that barrier collapses, which means you both," he looked at Ryker and Joshua, the latter of whom had arrived at the lodge just twenty minutes prior, "need to have your preparations in place to start activating the trap the moment the old barrier goes down."

Ryker nodded. "We'll know the old barrier goes down when you tap the radio."

Joshua looked to Ryker. "Do you remember when Max did the protection circle years ago, then added the Triad symbol without realizing what he was doing?"

"I was eighteen," Max defended. "And it made for one helluva protection circle."

"My point," Joshua stated, staring Max back down, "is that this spell is a combination of Yakama activation of the medicine pouches with the Triad spell on top. Keep your focus and you'll be fine."

Ryker nodded.

"We'll all feel it the moment the Triad barrier goes up. We double time it through the old entrapment arena, enter the new trap and take down the witches. Everyone will be armed with grenades, and will pack two guns; one with pyrite bullets, one with regular rounds. Keep your pyrite back-up clips within easy reach; you'll need them. Each team will also be armed with spell pouches, a shotgun, a tranquilizer gun and a battle axe. We hope to take the witches by surprise. But in case they use the older kids to patrol or attack us like last time, take them out with a sleeping potion or a tranquilizer dart. Don't think about it, act decisively. The kids will be all right, and we'll retrieve them after the witches are dead. If boxed into a corner, taking the witch's head is a surefire way to stop them with one swing. Then quickly burn the body so they can't regenerate."

"I have the spell bags left from our last excursion," Joshua said. "I'll divide those up between your teams."

Caleb nodded, then looked to Adam. "You're now in charge of the rescue efforts. You'll be armed with the sleeping potions, but you'll also have a tranq gun. If some of the children in the caves are hostile and you need to act fast, use the gun."

Adam nodded.

"Once the Yakama barrier goes down, we're confident the witches will sense it and exit the caves they've been trapped in for a hundred and forty years. The moment they leave, Samuel and the young people will drop medicine pouches strengthened with Triad magic from the ridge top in front of the caves. Joseph will activate the pouches, and Dean will extend the Triad wall, preventing the witches from re-entering. You'll come in from the east, making your way along the ridge to the first cave. Clear it, and move on. After Samuel and the tribe members place their medicine pouches, they'll vacate the ridge and drive down to the east, and aide in your rescue efforts. Triage where needed, but getting them out is the priority."

"You said there was a map of the caves where the witches were located," Adam asked.

JT nodded. He pulled the map from his duffle and handed it to Adam. "I marked the caves that had witches. The last one is where I heard the cry."

Adam glanced up. "A child."

"We think so," Max interjected. "But you'll need to check all the caves."

"The potion mixture we used to detect the witches signaled at something large to avoid highlighting wildlife." JT looked at Max. "It wouldn't have detected children."

"I'll start with the ones closer to the outer barrier. When Samuel, Joseph and the others come, we'll move down the line checking every cave." Adam looked at Caleb. "Agreed?"

Caleb nodded. "The ridge is a long stretch of ground. I would suggest setting up relay points where the children can be passed from person to person, saving the rescuers from running repeatedly up and down the ridgeline. It will conserve strength."

"Good idea," Adam said. Looking to Dean, he said, "I thought Odette and Doctor Collins could set up a triage base near Joshua. After he's taken care of Sarah, if she's there, he can organize the children with an eye to those who may be more volatile. They'll need to be contained for the safety of the others as well as people on the res and in the towns."

"What are you thinking by way of containment?" Dean asked.

"Joshua's sleeping potion," Adam said. "While I'm not a fan of sedating children, we simply don't know enough about those who are changing to help them right now. Until we can get them into a locked ward, sleeping is the best option."

"What are Odette's thoughts on the anomalies in Sarah's blood?" Sam asked.

"She hasn't had a lot of time to analyze them yet," Adam stated. "She's reviewing them in conjunction with your research on the treatment for the boy who escaped the witches back in nineteen-eighteen." Looking to Dean and Caleb, then back to Sam, he said, "We'll do everything we can to help them."

Sam nodded.

Caleb looked from person to person. "Are there any questions?" When no one spoke, he nodded. "Be careful, watch each other's backs, and tomorrow's feast is on me." There was a spattering of laughter. "We're out of here at five. Get some sleep."

Everyone rose, and Max, Ryker, JT and James headed for the stairs. Adam moved over to Joshua and they spoke for a couple moments, before Joshua went for the stairs.

Dean grimaced at what he was about to do, but he felt it needed to be done. "Adam."

Caleb watched Dean a moment, then followed Sam up to the second floor bedrooms.

Adam walked over to Dean, an eyebrow quirked.

"I wanted say that I didn't know about Nadine's plan when I went to get help for Caleb. I thought the coven would take responsibility for the spell Agatha Hennings, their coven leader, used on a member of the Brotherhood that would end his life. I was wrong. Instead she sought to further her own power by conscripting Joshua into the coven. The deal on the table was Joshua joins or Caleb dies. Nadine wouldn't have helped otherwise, and I couldn't let Caleb die." Dean eyed Adam, who hadn't made a move. "When Nadine demanded Joshua take the coven mark, I didn't object. There was a history there at the time that I hadn't gotten past."

"You mean when Joshua allowed Caleb to get beaten when he was fifteen."

Dean froze. "He told you."

Adam nodded. Sighing, he sat down in an armchair near the large fireplace. Several years before, Joshua had confided that piece of information, but also much of how he'd been torn between what his father wanted of him and that of his mother. Joshua wanted the love and approval of his father, but didn't want to disappoint his mother either. It was an untenable position to be placed in as a child. It was a situation that had taken years for Joshua to be at peace with.

Dean stood for a moment, before moving to the second chair and sitting opposite the other man. "I might not have been in the Josh fan club at the time, but I would never have allowed him to take the mark if I thought he was in danger."

Adam studied Dean and knew he was being sincere. "And where does Joshua stand now?"

"I think you know, but maybe some things need saying out loud to soften the hurts of the past," Dean said, echoing Adam's words earlier. "Joshua is a valued member of the Brotherhood, a vital member of my Triad, and someone I am very glad to call my friend."

For several moments only the crackling of the fire broke the silence of the room as Dean and Adam relaxed near the fireplace. Finally, Adam said, "Nadine should have helped Caleb back then, she should have accepted responsibility for Agatha putting another human being in danger with coven magic and knowledge. It would have been the crown jewel in her reign as coven leader. Instead, she chose a low path, and the members haven't forgotten it." He looked up at Dean. "Nadine is a good leader, but not a loved leader. In fact, I did not tell her why I was coming to Washington. She would have insisted I use my American Indian heritage to gain knowledge from the Yakama to increase her power; our coven's power."

Dean sat up immediately and leaned forward. "You're not in danger are you?"

Adam smiled. This was the Dean Winchester Joshua had tried to tell him about, the one who jumped first to protect others without thinking that his own mission might be in danger. "I'm fine. My wife is a paragon of equivocation on my whereabouts, and though Odette is a talented and valued member of the coven, she doesn't speak to anyone, much less Nadine. Nadine tried storming that stone castle years ago and failed. We're safe."

Dean leaned back. "Well, if there's anything I can do to give you a better cover while you're here, let me know."

Adam had a rare opportunity, one he couldn't resist. He'd never seen a creative Winchester plan in action. Curious, he asked, "What would you propose?"

"The bird flu has ravaged students at the local high school. A sick Canadian goose illegally immigrated to the United States, and it's been chaos for innocents Washingtonians ever since."

Adam laughed.

"Not good enough?" Dean asked. "I could think of something else."

Adam rose and held out a hand. "No need. But thank you."

Dean stood and clasped the other man's hand firmly. "See you in the morning."

It was a particularly dark morning when two SUVs and one van drove away from the lodge. No one was sleepy or tired; instead they were wired and ready. Each wore their masking spell bags and were confident the witches couldn't detect where they were heading. Samuel's van led the processional through the dark, wet streets to the forest. They were over halfway there when another car pulled in behind the SUVs: Joseph and Onida.

Within all too short a time they reached the crux in the road where they would part ways. All the vehicles stopped. Caleb climbed out from behind the wheel of the second SUV while Dean climbed out of the first.

Joshua stepped from the second vehicle and joined the pair. "Well, this is where I get off."

"I'll signal you when Dean takes over the canvas and the barrier falls," Caleb said.

"One tap," Joshua repeated with a nod.

Dean stepped forward and said, "If the girl's there, she's a threat. Don't take any chances. We'll get help for her later."

Joshua smiled. "I'll be careful, and I'll wait for your signal." Turning, he went over to Joseph's car. Onida climbed out and he gave her a smile as he climbed in. Pulling open the back door, she dragged the canvas from inside and gave the door a push shut. Soon the car and van disappeared down the right road.

Onida walked to the front SUV, and Caleb hefted the canvas into the rear section. Turning, he jogged back to his vehicle where Max was now behind the wheel. Looking at the four young men inside, he said, "Watch yourselves. That's an order." Ryker gave Caleb a solemn salute while JT, Max and James nodded. Turning, he went to the other car and disappeared inside.

Dean stepped closer to the driver's window and leaned inside. Meeting each young man's gaze, he said simply, "Watch your asses." It felt lonely walking away from his kids in the darkness of morning. He slid behind the wheel of his SUV and looked at Caleb and Sam. "Let's get this done."

The two vehicles drove down the left road for two miles, then Max peeled off to the left, heading to the west side of the forest while Dean went right. Dean felt the loss of being parted from his sons. Usually when he hunted with JT or James, they were together. Now they were on their own, and he hated it.

Soon he turned onto the familiar dirt road and slowed his speed as they approached the dirt lot near the edge of the containment area. After another ten minutes, the SUV rolled to a stop and everyone climbed out.

Onida stood near the car door and looked around. It was strange, being here so early in the morning; it was strange being here at all. She'd gone out so rarely over the last four or five years, that she almost felt the world was an alien place to her now. Checking her watch, she saw that it was nearly six-thirty. They had time to get set up and for her to give Dean some additional instruction on using the canvas.

Dean, Caleb and Sam checked their weapons, the backup clips in their pockets, and made sure their backpacks were full of Joshua's medicine bags and additional clips.

Dean looked over to Onida and murmured, "There's a fifteen, twenty minute hike in. How heavy is the canvas?"

"Pretty heavy."

He nodded and leaned back into the car, emerging a moment later with a twenty foot length of rope. Looking to Caleb, he said, "Strap me up."

Sam went to fetch the canvas while Dean handed Caleb his backpack. When Sam returned, Caleb had the rope knotted and was arranging it into a sturdy harness.

"This is going to be heavy," Caleb said.

Dean merely nodded and waited for the canvas to be placed in the harness. A moment later he made an involuntary, "Ooof."

"You good?" Sam asked.

Dean shifted a bit, then nodded. "Yeah, it's not that far."

Caleb picked up Dean's backpack while Sam hefted his own and shouldered the battle axe. To Onida, he held out another gun.

Holding up her hands, Onida said, "No, thank you. I'll be fine."

Sam regarded her for a moment before nodding. She'd already come out on top with two witches. She could take care of herself.

With Onida in the lead, Dean walking the middle and Sam and Caleb in the rear to watch the canvas and their sixes, the four started their hike to the forest.

Joshua climbed from Joseph's car and stood near the small Ranger station. He was cold, and wished his jacket was thicker. Pulling his duffle from the back seat, he walked over to where Adam and Samuel were standing.

"The trail that leads to the ridges is just past the station," Samuel was saying.

Adam peered into the darkness. "I'm going to scout it out," and he took off jogging around the building.

Samuel took stock of Joshua and said, "I'll be right back."

Some of the young adults from the day before were milling around near Samuel's van, stretching their legs, while others stayed warm inside.

Joshua studied the area to find a place to work his spell. He wanted to be near the barrier, but he wasn't sure what would happen when it collapsed. Would there be any blowback? He couldn't take the chance on having his potions disrupted. Walking close, he looked around until he saw a rock that was fairly flat, and nodded. It would be perfect. Moving over, he started unpacking his supplies.

Adam walked over, his breath making puffs of condensation on the air.

"You see the trail head?" Joshua asked.

"Yes. The one JT and Max used is wider. I'll take the smaller trail that heads up to the ridge."

Joshua nodded.

Adam looked around. "How close are you to this invisible barrier?"

"It's right up there," Joshua said. They walked about fifteen yards to the right and he pointed up into a large tree.

Adam squinted upward a moment, then said, "The medicine pouch?"

"Yes. Those are positioned around the forest. They keep the witches inside."

Adam whistled. "That's some powerful magic."

Joshua smiled and walked back to his supplies. "I'll set up here so I can be close if Sarah comes to the barrier."

Samuel approached with a coat in his hands. "Here," he said to Joshua. "This is quite a bit warmer than the one you're wearing."

Taking the coat, Joshua smiled and said, "Thank you, Samuel."

The Chief of the Yakama people nodded. "I'm going to take everyone up to the ridge now. After you're signal we'll wait fifteen minutes, then drop the bags."

Adam frowned. "Isn't there a way to make sure all the witches leave the caves? What if one is sealed in with the children?"

"We can't cover every single contingency," Joshua said. "The premise is sound; witches who've been confined to a cave for one hundred and forty years, who've fought to get out for that long will step outside when the barrier goes down, if only out of curiosity and surprise. The reason we need someone on rescue duty who can fight is in case one does stay inside, or somehow got back in before the wall was erected."

Adam nodded slowly. "Then I want more of your face melting spell bags. I want to be prepared."

"You heard about those?" Joshua smiled.

"Ryker was very impressed and entertained," Adam noted.

The sound of trucks distracted them, and in a couple minutes two large panel trucks and an old fashioned ambulance came slowly around the corner of the forest and into the small dirt lot.

"Doctor Etsitty and Odette," Adam said, heading over. When the trucks parked, he walked up to the driver's door of the first truck and opened it, helping Doctor Etsitty from the cab. "Welcome."

"Thank you," Doctor Etsitty said as she looked around. When she spotted Samuel Adcox, she walked forward. "Chief."

"Maska, thank you for coming out into the wilds of the forest this early."

Doctor Etsitty chuckled softly. "We'll get set up right in front of the ranger station."

Odette walked over and stood beside Adam.

"That would be ideal," Samuel said. "It will give you access to water, more towels and blankets if you need them."

Nodding, Maska and Odette walked back to the trucks and started overseeing the removal of equipment and triage tents. Andrew, Hinto, Lonan, William, Nayati and Cheyton joined them in unloading the medical supplies.

"Nayati wanted to help, so he'll stay here with you," Samuel said to Joshua. "Please, watch out for my grandson."

"You have my word," Joshua said.

Samuel nodded his thanks. "Then I guess it's time to head to the ridge. We'll be in place in a half hour." Looking to Adam, he said, "Once the bags are dropped and activated, we'll be back here to help with any children found."

"Thank you," Adam said.

Samuel called the young men and motioned towards the van. Once all the young people were back inside, the van backed up, made a right turn around the ranger station and disappeared down the dirt road.

Adam watched the empty space for a moment, before saying to Joshua, "I guess I'll help get the mobile clinic set up," and walked away.

Joshua watched the activity for a moment, then checked his watch. It was close to seven in the morning. "Crunch time," he murmured, and he bent down to finish arranging his supplies and make Adam's spell bags.

Max parked the SUV and stared out the windshield for a moment.

"Are we getting out?" James asked to break the silence.

"We are," JT agreed, opening the passenger door and stepping out into the frosty morning.

James exited the back seat and shivered. "It's almost seven. We need to get in place."

"What do you think we're doing?" Max declared absently, arming himself with his guns and slinging his backpack over his shoulders.

Ryker walked to the edge of the forest and started setting up his ingredients for the spell.

JT joined him, swiping at his damp hair, moist from the early morning mist. "You need anything?"

Shaking his head, Ryker said, "I got this covered. Once I've set up, I'll tap Parrain and Dean."

JT put Ryker's pack down. "Your pack is behind you. The tranquilizer gun is yours, and Max has the axe."

Ryker nodded.

JT walked back to the SUV and pulled his own backpack from the front seat. Slinging it over his shoulders, he looked at Max and James. "You both ready?"

"As we can be," James said.

Max and JT shared a look. "We're going to end them and save the kids," Max stated.

"We are." JT looked over to where Ryker was kneeling. "Let's go."

Samuel shut down the van at the top of the ridge. Turning, he looked at the young men and women inside. "Thank you, each of you for helping here today. We're outside the barrier and out of danger. But what we're doing here is vital to saving any children who remain alive in the caves and under the witches' control."

"We want to save the children," Poloma stated.

The others nodded.

"Then let's get in place," Samuel said. "Joseph?"

"I'm ready."

Everyone climbed from the van and started hiking along the ridge top. After four hundred yards, Samuel looked to Cheyton.

The young man nodded. He would be the first to be placed, because he would be on his own the longest. Samuel wanted someone who was steady in the anchor position.

They hiked on further and after another three hundred yards, Samuel looked to William.

"Got it," William said, patting his radio.

Two hundred yards further had Hinto remaining, and three hundred beyond was where Joseph stayed along with Etenia. A further three hundred placed Poloma, two hundred more and Lonan was left holding his medicine pouch. Four hundred more yards and Andrew stood near the ridge ledge, a medicine pouch in his hands.

"I'm going back to stay with Lonan," Samuel said. As one of the younger members of the team, Samuel wanted to give him his support. "There's a clear line of sight between us."

"I'll be fine," Andrew said. He lifted his radio. "One tap and I'll toss the bag."

Samuel nodded. "I'll see you in…" he looked at his watch, "twenty minutes."

"Till then," Andrew said. As he watched Samuel walk away, he'd never felt more alone in all his life. Moving to a nearby tree, he leaned into the strong and sturdy trunk and tried to draw strength from the decades old evergreen.

Dean's legs were starting to ache from the weight of the canvas. Who knew a piece of wood-framed material would be so heavy? Maybe it was all the decades of minerals and energy that went into it. Stopping, he shifted the weight on the ropes and took a deep breath.

"Want me to take over?" Caleb asked.

"No, it's not much further," Dean said, starting forward again.

"It's just after seven," Sam said. "Joshua and Ryker should be nearly ready."

A few minutes later Dean stopped. Caleb and Sam lifted the canvas from the harness, and Dean shifted slowly, stretching his shoulders and arms.

Pre-dawn light was filtering down through the trees, highlighting droplets of morning dew.

"Okay," Dean looked to Onida. "Tell me what you do when you put your energy into the canvas."

Caleb glanced between Onida and Dean, then moved deeper into the woods to patrol the area.

Onida went and stood in front of the canvas, which was leaning against a tree trunk. "I'm trained in using energy from my body and directing it into the canvas, so I don't know if what I do can help you with your gift. What I do is pool the energy in my body into a center mass, then I put my hand out to the canvas and push my energy down my hand and into the canvas."

Dean stared at her, then looked at the canvas. "You're right; that doesn't help."

Onida chuckled.

Sam walked up and said, "When you manipulate the silver, you focus on changing it into what you want it to be; a ring, handcuffs, rock, leaves; whatever you want it to be. James could see the Triad portion of the barrier as blue lights. Focus on pouring the silver into the canvas, then on the blue lights. That should get you to the barrier."

Dean took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah, okay."

"I'll be here if anything goes wrong," Onida said. "I can take back the canvas if necessary."

Dean didn't bother to remind her that she couldn't control the Triad barrier. She was making him feel like he had a safety net, and it was appreciated.

There were two small buzzes on their radio, and Caleb jogged over. "Ryker and Joshua are in place and ready. It's seven-nineteen. Dawn is in three minutes. Time to change the guard."

Sam looked at Dean and nodded. "You can do this."

Squaring his shoulders, Dean pulled a small flask from his jacket pocket, and popped the top. Leaning over, he splashed the canvas with the water and closed his eyes. He focused on the silver, pictured it flowing into the canvas. The ground trembled slightly, and he put his arms out slightly to steady himself. He thought he heard voices shouting, but kept his mind focused on the canvas. He wanted to see those blue lights. A wink of blue in the distance had him smiling, and he focused on bringing the silver to the blue.

Suddenly, he felt his whole body shift, and a dizzying whirl of trees whipped by at warp speed. It was a surreal feeling, like he was everywhere and nowhere at the same time. When he jerked to a halt, he gasped at the abruptness of the action, and his stomach lurched unpleasantly.

"Dean!"

Onida walked around Dean as he stood still, his eyes closed.

Sam touched the pulse at Dean's neck. Looking to Caleb, he said, "It's fast."

Caleb felt the shift in the barrier as did Onida, who whipped around and stared into the forest.

"The old barrier is down," she said.

"I feel it," Caleb stated, and he tapped his radio signaling Joshua and Ryker to raise the second barrier. Turning to Dean, he said, "Deuce?"

Suddenly Dean bent over, and his hand went to his stomach as he groaned softly.

"Deuce!" Caleb cried. "Are you all right?"

"Dean?" Sam called, leaning over and trying to get a good look at his brother's face.

Caleb looked over at Onida and asked urgently, "Did this happen to you when you connected with the canvas?"

"No," Onida said, trying to calm her heart and try not feel responsible. "My energy took over Álxayx's and I felt the warmth and energy of the wall and the medicine bags."

"Dean, get it together and start telling us what's going on!" Caleb ordered.

"Caleb," Sam growled, frowning at the other man. "Seriously?"

"Nag," Dean gasped. Pushing himself upright, he opened his eyes and nearly passed out. "What the…"

"Whoa," Caleb gasped.

"Is that right?" Sam asked. "Onida?"

Dean could hear people moving around him, but all he could see was the forest and a ring of blue lights. He'd seen the trees when he'd willed the silver to the Triad magic, but he didn't expect to keep seeing the trees.

Sam gave his brother's shoulder a squeeze. "Dean…"

"Yeah?" Dean swung an arm out and Sam caught it, and grasped his brother's forearm.

"Why are his eyes like that?" Caleb demanded.

"What's going on?" Dean asked, frowning. He knew he was standing in the clearing, but he couldn't see anything or anyone but the forest.

"Your eyes are completely white," Sam stated, "just like the canvas."

TBC