Chapter 16
"We should have anticipated this."
Shocked, Sam looked up from where he was cradling Dean's head in his lap. His eyes burned with unshed tears as he lashed out at the orbs.
"What?! You mean you knew that I didn't have the strength to help my brother? And you led us to believe this would work?'
"You do have the strength. However, when your brother became aware that it was creating a drain on you, he took matters into his own hands and used all of the energy at once to keep you from harming yourself. He didn't know how to hold enough back, and there wasn't enough time for us to intercede or warn you."
At the orb's explanation, Sam was assailed by intense guilt and anger. Dammit, Dean! He looked down at his brother's lifeless body and suddenly his head snapped back up towards the orbs. "Wait! You said I do have the strength. Is he ― does that mean ―can I still help him?"
It was Bobby's turn to look incredulous at Sam's question. Jesus, Sam, don't you do this to yourself. But the hunter was surprised when the orbs quickly allayed his concern.
"It is possible. He is very weak, but he still has some life force left. It is not evident by human measure, but something remains of your brother. You will need to do this quickly though, as it will dissipate within minutes.
Sam's eyes went wide; hope clear in his face and voice. "Anything, I'll do anything. Just tell me what to do."
"As before, stand and hold out your palms."
Sam gently, and somewhat reluctantly, lifted Dean's limp body from his lap and laid him on the floor. He stood, taking a deep breath, and did as the orbs directed. They hovered above his upturned palms and begin to pulse and grow, nearly fusing together into one large glowing mass.
Bobby stood nearby, wide eyed as he watched the process. He was scared for both of the boys, but hopeful this would bring Dean back. He wouldn't allow himself any other emotion at this point. Sam had found a way to bring Dean back from certain death before, so Bobby wasn't going to question it this time. Come on kiddo. I know you can do this.
"You have learned how to channel your powers. Use the energy like you did during the battle. As long as Dean still retains even a small amount, he will be a receptacle for your
gift. We can lend you energy, but you must channel it."
Sam nodded slightly and closed his eyes. Once again he heard and felt the buzzing in his head. It was much louder this time. He wasn't sure if it was because his emotions ran so high, or the orbs were feeding him more, but he felt very strong suddenly.
"It will be faster and more effective if you make direct contact with your brother. Touch him. It is safe to do so."
Sam took another deep breath and kneeled beside Dean. The surface of his own skin crackled with energy as he gingerly brought his hand to rest on his brother's chest. A thin, electric blue aura surrounded the two of them and Sam could feel the transfer of energy into Dean. He watched his brother for a sign of life, but he hadn't moved. His disappointment momentarily broke the connection.
"You must concentrate. It will take much more to bring him back. Do not worry. Have faith."
Have faith. He heard Dean's voice in his head; telling Layla how Sam felt: Apparently, my brother here has belief enough for the both of us. And he did. With renewed resolve, Sam sent his energy to Dean. The blue aura reappeared. He vaguely heard Bobby encouraging him.
"That's it Sam! I've got your back, just stay with it."
Time seemed to stand still. It could have been minutes, or hours, that he had kneeled there with his hand on Dean's chest, basking in the blue light, feeling the prickly tingling and cracking of the pure energy exchange. It felt good, and he wasn't going to let go until he saw Dean's hazel green eyes open and heard him complain about him invading his personal space. That is, Sam hadn't planned on letting go. But the room tilted strangely and he suddenly felt weak. He could hear Bobby's concerned voice from what seemed like a long distance, calling his name. He swayed, yet never broke contact with Dean. But the aura faded and the buzzing stopped. He tried to stay upright, to no avail. He was spent, his strength gone. In the deepest recesses of his mind he felt sheer panic. No! Dean! Sam fell into a heap beside his brother, unmoving, his hand still connected to Dean like a lifeline.
"Sam!" Bobby was beside the boys instantly, feeling Sam's neck for a pulse. Relieved when he found a steady, strong beat, he turned his attention to Dean. Tears formed in Bobby's eyes when he found a strong pulse on the older brother as well. He let out a shuddering breath and laid his hand on Sam's head.
"My god, Sam, you did it. You brought Dean back to us."