Endless Road to Rediscover

Part 2: Wendigo

Chapter 5: I'll Make Sure You're Alright Too

When Dean pulled into the ranger's cabin of the Uncompahgre National Forest, Sam was asleep, head lolling on the bench seat and looking completely at peace. Dean gently shoved him and Sam's eyes opened.

"Where 're we?" Sam slurred, blinking away the sleep.

"We're here."

Sam frowned, sitting up from where he was curled against the car door. "Where is here?"

Sam apparently had a sassy side that was slowly coming out as he grew accustomed to Dean.

"Our next hunt."

Sam perked up at that, eyes focusing on the forest around them and the small ranger's cabin they were parked in front of.

Honestly, Dean wasn't sure if this was a hunt, it might very well not be. In fact, Dean wasn't sure what he was doing. Looking for his dad? To do what? Yell at him for leaving? Dump a kid with his dad when he very well knew how shitty of a dad John was? Wrenching the car door open, Dean stalked away from the car barely registering the worried look on Sam's face as the kid scurried to keep up.

The cabin was small, the front entrance letting out a small ding as a bell was rung up in the corner of the door. There was a rack of pamphlets and a small table with a textured map of the forest in the center of the room. Dean glanced around the room while Sam stepped over to the map.

"You two aren't looking to camp here, are you?"

Dean looked up at the ranger who had entered the room.

"No." Dean replied. "We're here-"

The ranger cut him off, "For that Hailey girl, you two must be friends with her family."

Sam blinked owlishly. Dean smiled and gave a nod.

"Yeah, Hailey, she sent us up here, Ranger…" Dean stepped closer and peered at the man's name tag, "Wilkinson."

"Her brother isn't due back till the 24th, they're not missing. Tell her to quit worrying."

Dean shrugged, "Yeah, well, she's quite a pistol. You know, it might help if I could show her that back country permit, ease her fears seeing his return date."

The ranger gave a knowing nod and headed back to get it. When he was gone, Sam looked at him in confusion.

"I thought we were hunting?"

Dean gave him a smile, "We are."

Dean wasn't entirely sure why he was pursuing this as if it was a hunt, usually he was all for taking the most direct route, just head to the friggin' coordinates and see what his dad was being a pain in the ass for. But one of the most important things he'd learned in hunting was to follow your gut instincts, and some part of Dean was telling him that there was something happening in Blackwater ridge.

They had gone to the house of the girl Hailey using the address on the back country permit, signed in the name of Thomas Collins, brother of Hailey.

"Sam, stay here."

"But-"

"Just stay here, alright?"

Sam lowered his gaze, not arguing but obviously hurt by being left behind. Dean felt bad and reached out a hand, ruffling Sam's hair. The teen ducked away from the offending hand, a small smile creeping onto his face.

"You're kind of a little young looking to be a park ranger."

Sam's face lit with understanding and he seemed less upset as Dean walked toward the door.

He knocked and a pretty looking girl with sharp blue eyes opened the door. Dean didn't balk under her gaze but he was surprised by the serious expression on her face. He smiled.

"Hi, I'm a park ranger, I'm here about your brother."

"What happened to Tommy?"

Dean's smile slipped at her urgent tone. "Nothing, just trying to clear up some things up, you mind if I come in?"

Hailey considered him for a moment, glancing back out at the car.

"Who's in the car?"

Dean turned to look back at where Sam was.

"He's my brother, just me and him since our parents passed. I take him with me sometimes."

Upon hearing this Hailey's expression softened and she proceeded to invite both of them in. Apparently Hailey and her two brothers were on their own too. Tommy hadn't sent them his usual daily call and they were worried. As the story progressed, Dean's worry grew as did his certainty that this was a case.

"That's why Ben and I are going to go up there tomorrow, we're going to find Tommy and bring him home."

Dean had been pondering on speaking with the ranger on preventing people on going up on Blackwater ridge, maybe head up there himself in a few days once he'd gotten a better idea what he would be facing.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

Hailey raised a brow.

"Look, when was his last video call, maybe I can go up and check out the area to see how he's doing. You shouldn't bring your brother up there."

Hailey didn't reply for a moment. "I'll show you the call."

Hailey graciously gave them a copy, one which Dean had brought with them back to the motel room he had checked out.

Dean was currently seated at the motel desk in the room, looking through the video on the computer.

"Dean, I don't understand, what are we hunting?"

Dean turned from where he was watching the video, he had just gone through it for the third time, something told him that there was some kind of clue in it. Sam was seated on the bed, watching tv. The kid had been quiet ever since they'd made it into Lost Creek. Dean was pretty sure it was his fault, everything concerning his father made him angry and Sam was finely attuned to other people's emotions, again another trait Dean assumed was from the orphanage where knowing when someone is mad can save you from being beat. And yes, Dean had noticed Sam's initial flinches and other certain tells that pointed to both verbal and physical abuse.

"Well, that's part of the process really."

When Sam's head tilted to the side, eyes still filled with confusion and curiosity, Dean let some of the tense emotions that had been storming in him since getting nearby to where his dad might or might not be settle.

"C'mere."

Sam hopped up from the bed, flicking the tv off.

"Like I said, research is a big part of hunting. The two main things you need to be able to do for a hunt to be successful is first, figure out what you're hunting, second, figure out how to kill it."

Turning toward the computer in front of him, Dean sensed Sam come up behind him and look over his shoulder.

"Right now I'm just trying to figure out if this is something we would even hunt."

"Oh." Sam said.

Dean restarted the video for Sam's benefit and stared with bleary eyes at the screen. He hadn't been sleeping well lately, maybe logging a couple hours every night. It was telling.

"What was that?"

Dean startled at Sam's sudden outburst. He stopped the video.

"Go back a few seconds, by frame."

Dean did and then he saw what Sam had. It passed in three frames and was only a mere shadow. Dean frowned, because that was friggin' fast, unnaturally fast. Sam looked at Dean as though he expected Dean to have all the answers.

"Was that a monster?"

Dean looked at Sam and then at the screen, clicking the mouse to go back through the three frames.

"I don't know." He said honestly.

Turning he looked at the time, it was just past seven.

"What do we do now?"

Dean was running through the whole case in his head, evidence was building in the monster factor, however they just didn't have enough information.

"Research."

Dean closed the video and pulled up a browser window on the computer. Strangely enough the motel had wi-fi. Dean got up from the chair and indicated for Sam to sit down. Now he got to introduce Sam to the horror that was research.

Sam sat down and frowned as he looked up at Dean for further instructions. Dean couldn't help the evil grin that grew on his face. It was time for introducing Sam to the monstrosity called research.

"Well, I'm going to leave you to research while I go and pick us up something."

"Wait, how?"

Dean was already at the door, pulling his jacket on.

"Oh, you'll figure it out. Besides I already told you everything you need to know."

Dean pulled the door open about to head out. He hesitated though, worry churning in his gut at leaving Sam alone in the motel. It was ridiculous, his dad had left him in the motel room all the time from the time he was eight, Sam was fourteen.

Sam was already hunched over the computer, fingers flying.

"Sam?" Dean called out.

Sam turned a smile on his face and that look again, the look that made Dean feel like he was important, like he hung the moon and all the stars in the sky.

"You keep a coat on okay, and socks, and don't forget to take your meds."

Sam was beaming. Dean wasn't sure he should leave, anything could happen.

"And, don't answer the door. And don't-"

"I'll be alright." Sam said.

Dean had the keys in his hand and his jacket on. He nodded, still hesitating in the doorway.

"Well, you better bitch or I'm going to have to kick your ass."

Sam smiled. "I will, jerk." He said softly.

Dean shut the door and headed to the local bar. The local bar ended up turning up a name, a Mr. Shaw, the only survivor of the 'bear' attacks. Dean walked out at ten with an address and about eighty bucks from the few who were willing to play pool.

Dean stopped by a fast food place and picked up some food. When he got back to the motel he found Sam slumped over the desk, fast asleep.

Throwing the food on one of the beds, Dean stripped his jacket off and then headed over to Sam. The kid must have been tired because he didn't stir when Dean shook his shoulder. Glancing at the computer Dean saw an article on the survivor, Shaw.

Dean couldn't help the pleased smile that came onto his face, it seemed Sam had been more than successful on his research.

Gently picking Sam up, Dean watched as Sam made a funny snorting sound and leaned into Dean. He arranged Sam on the bed, tucking him in before he went over to Sam's duffel which he'd picked up and looking through to make sure Sam had taken his meds. Dean was turning into a mother hen.

Dean sighed and dug into the hamburger he'd gotten for himself. He was seated on his bed, absentmindedly watching Sam sleep. It had nearly been a month since he'd picked Sam up from the orphanage. For probably the millionth time, Dean wondered why, why his dad had done this. Having Sam around was nice, was this John's way of segueing onto Dean a partner in hunting? He'd always feared that his dad saw death as the only option in defeating the demon. Was this John replacing himself? Did John even care enough to make sure Dean wouldn't be alone?

Sam let out a soft snuffle and rolled over in his sleep so his mouth was hanging open, drool beginning its slow escape out of Sam's mouth and onto the pillow and freedom. Dean couldn't help the chuckle that escaped, Sam looked like a kid. Sam was a kid, Dean was struck by that sudden realization. Dean had been thinking of himself and his dad the whole time when here was a kid who was under his protection, who was essentially his, he should be thinking about what was best for Sam. And shit, when did Dean start thinking of this kid as his, since when did he care so much about this kid?

Dean got up from the bed and threw the burger wrapper away. Looking down at Sam he couldn't help the seed of fond affection that sprouted and was continuing to grow the more he got to know Sam. Leaning forward he tucked the blanket back around Sam and went to his own bed. He needed sleep, and then tomorrow they would talk to Mr. Shaw.

In the morning they woke up early and headed over to Mr. Shaws place, an old cabin just a little ways from human habitation. The old man was home, old watery eyes surveying them with suspicion before he wearily stepped away and into the poorly lit home. The story was short and horrifying, but it solidified the case and gave Dean some very important information. They walked out and Dean knew they needed to head up to Blackwater Ridge that day.

When they came to the trail head though, there Hailey was defiant blue eyes sharply taking in the Impala. Dean was out of the Impala in a flash, headed up to her.

"What are you doing?"

Hailey glared at him. "Getting my brother."

"You can't do that."

A man stepped out from a car, geared up with a gun and everything.

"I think they can, Mr.-"

"Park Ranger to you, sir." Dean turned back to Hailey. "Don't go up there, especially not with your brother."

"We're going whether you want us to or not."

Dean floundered, he had planned on heading up by himself, possibly not today. Sam still wasn't feeling completely better and he was thinking that what they were dealing with, now defined as corporeal, could be something quite dangerous like a skin walker or black dog. But he couldn't let these people head into possible danger.

"Fine, I'll go with you."

They argued but soon enough Sam and Dean were plodding down the path along with the others, Dean hefting both of their bags. The time passed uneventfully, the pace decent but not fast, the guide Roy being macho and facing off with Dean. Then they made it to the campsite.

Hailey screamed. The tents were shredded, an ample amount of blood congealing in the places it was spread about the campground. Sam paled and Dean felt a hand reach out to clutch at his jacket sleeve.

"Dean." It was quiet and fear filled.

Dean stepped quickly to the side, Hailey screaming out her brother's name while the guide inspected the remains of the tents.

His whole attention was on Sam, whose breathing-which had been labored on the hike-was starting to quicken.

Terrified eyes looked up to meet his and Dean steeled himself, making sure that his own fear and doubts didn't show through.

"Dean?" It was a little more panicked.

"Hey, it's fine. You're fine. Okay, as long as I'm around, nothing is going to hurt you."

Sam seemed to calm down some, both hands gripped onto Dean's jacket as Dean helped hold him up. Dean quickly ruffled Sam's hair and smiled reassuringly.

There was a scream and shout, a man's voice reverberating through the forest. Everyone ran towards it. Nothing was there though. When they returned to the campsite all of their stuff had been stolen. And then it clicked for Dean, he knew exactly what this was and suddenly skinwalkers and black dogs seemed like puppies and kittens. Wendigoes were incredibly dangerous opponents, this many people and only one hunter-the odds were not good.

"Everybody!" Dean yelled, knowing he needed to gain control of the situation fast.

"We need to stay here, okay. We leave now we'll be traveling by night and I can guarantee you that none of us will live."

"Really? A bear is going to do that?"

"It's not a bear." Dean said calmly, the last thing he needed to be dealing with right now was a guy who though he knew it all.

"Really?"

"You ever seen a bear steal packs like that? Mimic a human voice?"

The tension was nearly palpable and Dean could feel Sam standing right beside him.

"We're going to make a circle around the camp and everyone is going to stay in that circle. We stay and we're safe."

Dean turned to Sam and handed him the salt from the bag which he had kept on him.

"You know what to do." He said softly.

Sam nodded his head and began making the circle.

"You're magic circle is going to keep us safe?" Roy scoffed at Dean.

"Yes." Dean replied tersely.

"I'm not going to wait for this thing to track me down. I'm taking Hailey and her brother back."

Dean tried to argue and get them to stay but it didn't work. Dean made Sam stay and went chasing after them. Roy died, body strung up in a tree and Hailey for once was listening to Dean. They headed back to camp, plan to stay the night and head back in the daylight when it would be safer.

Dean hunched down against the tree, Sam curling up next to him under one of the sleeping bags not splattered with blood and torn open. Dean told himself he allowed Sam cuddling up to him since it was cold and he didn't want to deal with a sick Sam again.

"Dean?" Sam whispered.

Dean's arm was slung around Sam and Sam was pressed into his side. Dean let out a soft grunt of response.

"How do you know about Wendigoes?"

Dean had given them all the talk, describing the transformation of a man into a monster. The Cree Indian word describing the hundred year old cannibals who set aside their humanity to survive.

"It's kind of part of being a hunter." Dean replied, head leaned back against the tree and trying to get some sleep.

"Have you even killed one before?" There was a quality to Sam's tone that Dean couldn't quite place, it made him frown because it was a kind of distress, one he hadn't recognized yet.

"Well, yeah. Part of being a hunter, like I said."

"Oh." Sam replied. There was a beat of silence. "You're dad made sure you were alright?"

Dean stiffened, painful feelings sweeping through him at the thought of his father and then a second later he realized the tone of Sam, it was worry and fear. Sam was scared for Dean.

"Yeah," Dean said quietly, squeezing Sam gently and running a hand through his hair.

"Just like I'll make sure you're alright." Dean continued.

"I'll make sure you're alright too, Dean."

Sam didn't say anything else but Dean could feel the kid press closer, minutes later dropping off to sleep with breaths deepening and body going completely lax. Dean followed, allowing sleep to claim him.