Lore of the Lake
The Winchester's left the cabin early the next morning with a very disenchanted Dean. He was upset and confused about the case that had centered around his friend.
"You were both heroes," John explained.
"What good does it do when the people don't even know they were saved?" Dean demanded to know.
"That is when you are a true hero, you both worked in the shadows and did the job that needed to be done; the job that nobody else would or could do. And that my son is the definition of a true hero," John finished smiling at his eldest.
Sam was about to question what they were talking about but decide it best to stay out of the current conversation. So he began a new one, "where are we going now Dad?"
"Northeast; I've gotten wind of a lake monster," he said with an eerie hint in his voice.
"We've never ever found any of these lake monsters to be real," Dean reminded him.
"You're right but often there is something sinister in the area and that is what we are going to solve," John said smiling. "Now get some sleep and I'll let you drive later."
Dean motored into the small town stopping at the local bait shop so John could grab a map and some information. Sam sat up and stretched in the backseat. "Are we here?"
"Yep, I'm afraid so," Dean responded looking at the surroundings.
After what seemed like an eternity John came back out with a bag of groceries. "Okay follow this main road for a mile and then we are looking for Waterside Way," John said as he slid into the passenger seat.
"Please tell me it's not another rustic cabin?" Dean begged.
"Sorry to disappoint you kid," John said as Dean groaned. "But this time we'll be right on the lake."
They passed Lakeside Lane and then Dean turned onto Waterside Way as he rolled his eyes. "Who named these streets?" Dean said in a tone that portrayed a bit of teasing.
"I bet they have a welcome wagon too," Sam said joining in on his brother's mockery.
"That's enough boys," John snapped without much behind it. "We're in cabin 12,"John said pointing to the right. "Hey these cabins are usually booked a year in advance. You have spent your summer in the woods and now lakeside; this is what normal people do for summer vacation guys so enjoy it."
"Except that everybody has fled because of the lake monster so there is nobody normal left," Dean chimed in.
John let Dean's comment go as they pulled up to the small space provided for cabin 12. "Let's unload and then we'll go over the plan and expectations," John told the boys.
An hour and two sandwiches later John had the boys on the couch waiting for his lecture of the day.
"Okay believe it or not this is a vacation spot for these parts, the lake is very popular for swimming, boating and fishing during the summer. Earlier in the season there was a disappearance of a local girl her body later washed up near a swimming area. The autopsy showed that she had drowned which her family found hard to believe as she was a champion swimmer. Then a week later it happened again this time to two boys who were boating but had been seen in the water swimming. Since then a total of 10 people have disappeared and drown. The man in the store pointed me to this book," John held up a book of local legends and lore, "there is a Native American legend that says every 113 years the lake will rise up and take those who have no respect for it, and guess what this year is?"
Both boys moaned out in unison "113."
"That is correct. Now of course nobody is alive from the last round but stories abound about over 50 people dying before the summer ended and the carnage stopped. Now in modern times with word getting out much faster the count has been kept to 10 so far, but you know people as well as I do and know they will return to the water sooner than later, so we need to figure out all the details and then how to stop it before more people end up in the morgue."
"So what is the story here?" Dean asked.
"Apparently the legend goes that the tribe that lived here prior was the victim of white settlers. They came in and took over the area surrounding the lake despite promises that they would stay away from here. It got heated and it has been said many members of the tribe were forced to basically walk off that cliff over there into the water," John explained.
"But why didn't they swim?" Sam asked.
"Because their hands and feet were tied," John said with a sigh.
"So to avenge their deaths swimmers mysteriously drown," Dean added.
"It was thought that as many as 70 members of the tribe were killed but others put at only 35 or so, there are no real statistics. But more and more people believe this legend was made up and that the Natives did leave the area. The tribe that was supposedly involved in this claims they relocated 50 miles to the west and the story is purely fabricated. Either way something happened here 226 years ago and this is really only the second go around; which isn't much for us to go on. I want to make it clear boys that you are not to go into that water. I know it is hot and miserable but if I catch either one of you with even a toe in the lake there will be major trouble."
Both boys nodded neither wanting to risk being a statistic regardless of the heat.
That night Sam was moaning in his sleep. Dean edged his way over there and tried to soothe his younger brother but nothing seemed to help as the nightmare only seemed to progress.
Sam was sleeping in his crib but something woke him up as he looked he could only focus on the stranger with yellow eyes. He wasn't scared and didn't even cry it wasn't until he saw flames that fear ran through his little body. Then he jumped ahead and the yellow eyes were inside a ball that was bouncing behind him chasing him through the woods. He was running as fast as he could calling out for John and Dean but nobody seemed to hear him. The ball was gaining on him and suddenly the yellow eyes were in front of him and they knew his name. Sam screamed out and sat straight up. He was met with both his father and Dean hovering over his bed. Sam reached out and allowed John to swallow him up in his arms. Dean went back to his bed and sat down waiting to hear what Sam had to say.
"I just couldn't get away Daddy and you and Dean didn't come," Sam said in the midst of sobs.
"We are here now; both of us Sammy and you are very safe. You know I won't let anything happen to you and neither will Dean," John assured.
John finally got Sam settled back down and motioned for Dean to follow him into the living room. This cabin was a step up from the rustic setting of the last one. This one had 2 bedrooms a full bathroom, large living room and a fully equipped kitchen. With the bedroom door shut John sat down on the couch with a very concerned look on his face.
"Dean I'm worried," John admitted.
This took Dean by surprise because no matter how difficult John found things he rarely shared his concerns with anybody especially Dean. "I've been trying to get a hold of a friend of mine to help me figure this out but so far no luck," John said speaking of Missouri Mosley back in Kansas.
"Who do the yellow eyes belong to Dad?" Dean asked.
"The demon that killed your mother," John choked out
.
Dean knew a demon was responsible for his mother's death but beyond that he had been kept in the dark.
"So this yellow-eyed demon that Sam is dreaming about is Mom's killer?"
"I think so, I mean keep in mind that this is research and theory strung together but I'm pretty confident it is all tied together."
Dean figured his father had more than that but elected to keep quiet. "What does this demon want with Sammy? Is that who he wanted when Mom…."
"I don't know I have no idea what the damn thing wants. I'm sorry Dean go to bed and just let me know if anything weird happens with Sam or if his nightmares continue," John said throwing an apologetic look his son's way.
That night John tossed and turned himself finally falling into a troubled sleep; now it seemed to be his turn to dream. He found himself once again in Sam's nursery this time however instead of finding Mary on the ceiling he saw a shadowy figure of a man with yellow eyes holding Sam. John reached out to his baby and both demon and Sam disappeared into thin air. Later in the night in another dream Stella was peering into her crystal ball telling John he needed to beware of all that was around him.
"It is so vital that you keep young Sam safe and ensure your values become his. You have no idea Mr. Winchester how critical this is to the world," she said her gaze unwavering.
"How can one boy be that important?" John asked.
"Evil centers around him and it is crucial that you enforce the good that this world holds and how imperative it is to help others and do the right thing for the right reasons. You have to promise that no matter what it takes you will raise this boy with these intentions," Stella said imploring him to commit himself right then.
"Of course but you need to tell me why; I need answers," John begged.
"I can give you the answers you seek," she promised as John got closer ready for the information.
But just as Stella was ready to share her information an unseen force hurled her into the wall and she looked just as John had found her not long ago. John sat straight up in bed gasping for breath. He had to get a hold of Missouri and soon.
The next day John sat the boys down with several books on local legends and many more articles from the paper. He then resumed his effort to speak with Missouri as he ran around town interviewing the townsfolk.
Fear was stabbing at John's heart as he just knew something must have happened to Missouri and he was afraid it was something resembling what had happened to Stella. John sat in the hot car sweat dripping down the side of his face as he once again dialed that familiar number but this time there was a hello waiting for him.
"Missouri? Missouri is that you?" John asked excitedly.
"Of course it's me, is this John Winchester?" she asked.
"Oh, sorry yeah it is. I've been trying to get a hold of you for days, weeks actually," John explained.
"Tell me about it, this damn phone company has been nothing but a nuisance. First a truck hit the pole and knocked out my service and it took them nearly a week to get the wires back up then their computer went crazy and said I was past due on my bill so they cut me off only an hour after they restored my service. I may be a lot of things but I pay my bills on time and in full. Then I went to my sisters for several days since her back went out again and when I get home I discover I once again have no service. I'm about to curse them all, but what is it you need sweetie?" she finally asked.
So John poured out everything that had happened including the dreams both he and Sam had suffered through. After he was done the silence on the other end caused some uneasiness.
"Wow that was quite a load to dump on me all at once. Stella's dead?" she asked her voice rising.
"I'm sorry but yeah she is, I think somebody or something killed her because they were afraid she would tell me something," John said.
"I don't know that she had any facts about your situation, I don't think anybody does. Is there any way you can come see me John. I need you and Sam in person to do an accurate reading," she asked.
"Maybe me but I'm not comfortable about Sam knowing details."
"I can understand that honey but if you want answers sometimes you have to give a little to get some."
"I'm on a case right now, but maybe as soon as we're done I can come by."
"You are always on a case you are going to kill yourself with all that running around you do. How are those boys? You know I haven't seen them since they were little, they wouldn't even know me would they?"
"No probably not, but you know how crazy our life is."
"That I do. Now call me before you come by to make sure I'm around, who knows what my crazy sister might do to cause me more grief. Of course can't rely on the damn phone company either," she added.
The next day John told the boys he was off to the other side of the lake to do some more fact finding. "You guys just hang out and go over the information you gathered yesterday. We'll go out to eat when I get back; just remember do not under any circumstances go in that water," he said shaking his finger at his sons. "Don't test me on this guys, I mean it."
The boys nodded and followed John outside to wave goodbye. "It's so hot, here we are lakeside and we can't even swim," Sam complained.
"Yeah, I need to find a girl with a pool," Dean replied.
The boys lounged around throwing rocks at each other and walking down the road to see what was down that way. When they came back to they noticed some kids jumping off the dock in front of their cabin. Sam looked back at his brother but Dean nodded no.
"If that lake doesn't kill us Dad will," Dean said.
"Aww come on they look like they are safe and having a great time. Dad won't be back for a while anyway," Sam tried.
"You heard what he said Sam, I don't know about you but I have been on a roll and don't want any part of Dad's angry side."
"Wus," Sam replied.
"I'm sorry what?" Dean asked as he turned to see the kids splashing completely unaware of the danger.
Sam had moved to the edge of the dock looking wantonly at the water. Dean sighed, shrugged his shoulders and shoved his little brother in the clear, cold water. He then took his shoes off and dove after him.
The boys joined the group and were having a great time playing in the water. The time flew by and all remained safe. The other kids were called out of the water by a woman who had pulled up in a car and got out bidding farewell to the Winchester boys. Dean looked up at the sky and realized it was getting late.
"We better get out; Dad will be coming home soon." Dean said.
"Yeah you're probably right, now that we're alone I'm getting a weird feeling," Sam said.
Dean felt something brush up against his leg and looked down hoping against all the odds that he would see a fish, but what his eyes were met with was a very long shadow. Sam was near the dock and Dean swam as fast as he could and help shove Sam up onto the safety that it provided.
"Whoa what's the rush?" Sam asked. But as he looked down all he could see were long shadows swimming all around his brother. "Dean grab my hand," he screamed.
Dean had his fingers trying to hold onto the dock while Sam was tugging on his other hand. "I won't let you go, I promise," Sam yelled pulling back with all his weight.
But something had Dean by the legs and was pulling very hard and he knew Sam was no match for this supernatural shark that wanted him below. Dean felt his hand slip from Sam's and could hear his brother scream for help. Suddenly the water filled his ears and he saw that the shadows were shaped very much like people and two of them had him by the legs. As hard as he fought he was no position to win this battle. His lungs were beginning to burn and he once again found himself wishing he had listened to his father. He would gladly take any punishment John had if could just get out of this dilemma in one piece. Just as he was about to release what air was left in his lungs he noticed that something had been tossed into the water; he had no idea what it was but the entities that were holding him down lost their grasp on him. Dean kicked and surfaced taking in air as quickly as he could. He could see Sam dumping table salt into the water but it quickly had run out and Dean was on his way under again, but before the water closed over his head another hand grabbed him from above and it was much too large to be Sam's. John tugged and pulled with all his might as Sam had run to the car to retrieve some rock salt from the trunk. The tug of war continued as Sam skidded down the dock tossing handful after handful in the water. Finally John tugged and Dean popped up for good and climbed up on the deck.
John lay on his back totally spent from his efforts. The boys just sat and tried to catch their own breath. "You both better get your asses into the cabin right now," John said in between heavy breaths.
"I think your roll just stopped," Sam said as they made their way back to the cabin.
"Yours too," Dean spit out.
They rinsed off and changed clothes draping their wet ones over the shower rod.
"What's he doing?" Dean asked.
"Walking back and forth and mumbling," Sam said as he peeked out the window.
"We are so dead, this is going to be worse than when he caught me smoking, worse than when we got busted at the Experiment Station," Dean stammered.
"Worse than that?" Sam asked with deep concern.
"Yeah dummy, we nearly died this time. I think that's worse than disobeying a rule or two."
"I can't handle it Dean, I mean that nearly killed me."
"Oh don't be so dramatic, you were the one that wanted to get in the water so badly."
"Yeah but you pushed me."
Before Dean could respond the door flew open revealing John who was still breathing rather heavily. "I'm still not calm enough for this so somebody start telling me what the hell you were doing."
Both boys started at once making John even more upset. He finally just put his hand up and it worked just like a mute button with boys giving him instantaneous quiet.
"Were you somehow thrown into the water by say, some kind of natural disaster or some 250 pound bully?"
Both boys said no.
"So you were just in there for the fun of it?"
Both boys nodded yes.
"So no good reasons, no excuses, just complete disobedience?"
Again both boys nodded yes.
"Okay you remember what I promised you then?"
Another yes.
After a horrible nights sleep the morning brought throbbing and stiffness bad enough that neither wanted to move much less get out of bed. But as the light poured in the window they knew that the time had come and they had to get up. Dean rose first grimacing as he went. He gave a quick smile to his little brother and assured him it wasn't so bad, but Sam knew it was a lie. Dean stood up and stretched and did feel a bit better as his blood started moving. He had to agree with his earlier predication that this would be the worst ever, because it sure felt like it. The force was so intense and the duration…Dean thought John would never stop. This one would have to go down in history that's for sure.
Sam inched his way up but fell back with a cry. "Oh come on you got it easier than I did Sammy, you can do it," Dean said as he held his hand out for his brother in an effort to help lift him from the bed. When he finally got Sam standing up Dean went in search of the first aid kit to find some aspirin. As he entered the living room he saw John sitting at the table reading.
"Aspirin and two glasses of water are by the sink," John stated without making eye contact with his son.
"Thanks," Dean answered.
"As soon as it kicks in you boys need to get cleaned up and eat your breakfast so you can hit the books at the library, finding trouble there should be a bit more difficult," John said unsympathetically.
As he pulled up to the local library John turned to his sons and said, "I want anything and everything you can find on the lakes history and any local legends. I will pick you up when the library closes."
Dean wrinkled up his nose as he already knew closing was at 5:00 and it was now 9:00. He opened his door and gingerly climbed out as did Sam. "Oh and boys," John called out, "don't disappoint me."
"Great we have to kill the next 8 hours," Dean complained.
"At least it's air conditioned," Sam said.
That seemed to mollify Dean for a moment. "Well you do what you do best nerd," Dean said as he headed to the magazine rack.
Two hours later Dean had looked through all the car magazines he could find and was half past boredom. Sam came over and said he hadn't found out anything that they didn't already know.
"So now what do we do?" Dean asked.
"I need more aspirin," Sam said as he sat down next to his brother.
"Why are you asking me?"
"Because you are so much more used to being in this position than I am," Sam said with a smirk.
Dean gave a smart ass look but then pulled out a baggie with several of the magic little pills. After consuming the pain relievers the boys dozed off at a back table catching up on some of their lost zzzz's from the previous night. As Dean began to come around he saw a man emerge from a door in the corner. When the coast was clear he made his way in that direction and peered inside. What he found was a stairs leading down where he could just see the tops of shelves. He looked at the front of the door and didn't see any no admittance signs so he walked half way down and saw a woman sitting at a table.
"Excuse me can you tell me what's down here?" Dean asked.
"Sure it's got old newspapers and books that aren't allowed to be in the regular circulation. You have to wear gloves with some of the stuff, but the really old stuff is in that locked room over there. If you want to see that the librarian has to get it out and sit with you. I don't think you are even allowed to touch the pages, the librarian has to do it," the woman said.
"Wow you know a lot about this stuff," Dean commented.
"I've done a lot of research about the legends around here, not a good history."
"What can you tell me?"
"Just stories, like the haunted lake."
"Tell me all about it," Dean encouraged.
The woman confirmed their current research but also told him that she had heard of a journal that was locked in the room that nobody was allowed to look at. "Now that is something I want to read, but they deny its existence," she said.
"Then how do you know it exists?"
"A college buddy of mine worked here one summer and was in there. He moved a few things around and there it was but before he could get past the first page he was told that was private property and only stored here."
"Whose was it?"
"I have no idea, I don't even know if it's still in there."
Dean gazed at the lock on the door and knew with the proper tools he could get in. He left the woman sitting there and headed back upstairs to see if by chance Sam had a lock pick in the back pack that he always dragged around. As he began to rummage in the bag Sam woke up and while wiping the drool off of his face he turned and asked Dean what he was doing.
"Do you have a lock pick in here?"
"Yeah at the bottom," Sam answered as he stretched. "What for?"
"We may have the answers we need, it's just that they are secured," Dean responded.
Dean caught Sam up with what he had learned and it was only moments later the woman Dean had spoken to came through the door and wished Dean luck on his future endeavors. The boys crept down the stairs and with Sam keeping watch Dean began to work on the lock.
"Got it," Dean finally declared.
"It's about time," Sam countered. "Good thing this isn't a popular place."
"Shut up and come help me find this book," Dean hissed.
"What about keeping watch?"
"By the time you let me know I'll already be busted so hurry up and help me. If we get caught let me handle it."
"It's all yours," Sam said.
The two carefully maneuvered around the small room looking for the rumored journal. Everything in there was old and it seemed to take forever before Sam called out. "Hey I think I have it."
"Let me see it," Dean said reaching for it.
"Be careful it might fall apart," Sam snapped at his brother.
Sam put it on the table and carefully opened it back up to the place he had been.
What does one do when they have a horrendous secret and don't know who should be told if anyone at all. I blame my grandfather for this dilemma as he is the one who has cast off his guilt on me. If an effort to carry less fault across the veil he has told me a story I hoped was nothing but a farce but I fear that is not the case. The more I examine the more I fear that his final words held the truth.
"We need to get to this to Dad," Dean said.
"Maybe we should copy it so we can put it back," Sam suggested.
The boys went back upstairs but realized the only copier was in full view of the librarian at the front desk.
"We can't do it, she'll see us," Dean whispered. "We'll have to take it and then bring it back later."
"I don't think Dad will approve of us stealing," Sam said.
"I don't think we have much of a choice little brother," Dean replied.
Dean went back downstairs and looked around for anything else that might help and did find an old guide that had maps from the era they were investigating so he grabbed that too. He then closed the door and made sure it was locked and headed back upstairs where the boys slid the documents into Sam's backpack and waited for closing time.
It was finally 5:00 and the boys stepped outside to wait for John. Dean blew out a mouthful of air and patted the backpack knowing it was their ticket to redemption. John arrived and both boys skittered down the stairs momentarily forgetting their discomfort.
"Any luck guys?" John asked.
"I think we found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," Dean said excitedly.
"Oh really, well I'm looking forward to partaking in that find."
John had spent the day alone in the cabin trying to come to terms with terror he had come upon yesterday. The scene made laps around his brain throughout the entire night as he could see Dean going under the water, his face showing the total fear of one who was dying and was completely aware of it and John knew his face had mirrored the very same image. He had been too close, so very close to losing his son, something he would never be able to endure. His anger had yet to recede completely he found even as the boys climbed into the car. Why could they not just follow his orders and know they were for the best? Did they not trust him, not believe him? John knew his response was unforgiving border lining on abusive, but by God they had to remember how close they were to a place where John could not help them, if nothing else they had to learn this wasn't a game; it was real with real consequences. He didn't have time to spare their feelings when he was trying to spare their lives, and his sanity.
John had made dinner and it was waiting for them as they walked through the door.
"Pigs in a blanket and macaroni and cheese," Sam said excitedly.
John's small concession to his sons was making one of their favorite meals. "We'll eat and then check out this amazing new information you came up with," John said.
As the boy's devoured the meal in front of them John once again revisited the previous evening. He saw his actions in vivid detail; actions he hated but felt were an absolute necessity despite his misgivings. Dean was just too brave and fool hardy for his own well being. Somehow he still clung to the image that he was immortal even though he had absolutely no right to.
After Sam had stumbled out of the room the tears falling in rapid succession John found he didn't even have to ask Dean to step up as the boy quickly approached prepared for what he knew was to come.
John could see his eldest son tense and knew that he would really have to work to drive the point home. "I know I expect a lot of you son, but we all have a job to do and today you didn't bother to do your job," whack as the belt found its mark with intensity, "you put yourself and your brother in mortal danger," whack "danger you knew was real but ignored anyway," whack "I just can't understand why you so blatantly disregard my orders knowing nothing good can come from your decisions," whack "I need to be able to count on you in every situation," whack "you need to learn the difference between courage and stupidity," whack "I am so tired of having to do this Dean," whack "I need you to step up and be the man and partner that I must have," whack "I don't want to have to do this again," whack " understand?" whack.
Dean just remained in position until he heard John step back. He had been fighting tears as sixteen year olds don't cry but they found their way from his eyes down his cheeks and were threatening to fall from his chin. At that point he wasn't sure if they were from the physical discomfort or the words that his father had said. He had a feeling he was going to carry both around for quite a while.
Dean retreated to his bedroom and John sat down hating himself but hoping that at the very least he may have saved his sons from a future incident.
"That was great," Sam said with the gratuity only a growing boy could have over a basic meal.
John snapped out of his trance and smiled at his youngest son. "How are you boys feeling?" he asked with a hint of sympathy.
Sam quickly digressed to a saddened state and said he hadn't been too comfortable all day. Dean merely shrugged.
"Still the tough guy?" John asked.
"I'm okay," Dean whispered.
John knew that he was far from okay and decided to speak with him privately.
"Sam can you go read in your room for a minute so I can speak with your brother?" John asked.
Sam looked concerned but nodded and went to the bedroom.
"Dean I think we need to talk about last night," John began as Dean focused on his now empty plate. "I'm sure you aren't too happy with me right now, I mean there I was demanding you be an adult as I was treating you like a child. I know how difficult it is being your age in between childhood and adulthood and with the additional tasks that our lives bring you have done an amazing job helping me. I know you're mad at me and that's okay because I'm still not too thrilled with you, but please remember there is nothing more important to me than you and your brother."
Dean had avoided John's gaze and remained quiet but now looked up at his father. "I'm not mad it's just that sometimes it seems as if we aren't the most important. That hunting is all you can think about and Sam and I come in second."
John shifted in his chair causing Dean to flinch. John closed his eyes and shook his head, thinking so this is where their relationship stood; Dean finally speaking his mind but afraid that John's reaction would be physical. "Son I'm sorry, you are probably right at times but only to a degree. Our lives are unfair and have been for twelve years but don't you ever think that I don't love you and your brother. I know I'm harsh and demanding, but I don't see any other way to be when it comes to this lifestyle. What do you want me to do differently? What would impact you in negative enough way that you would curb your inappropriate behavior?"
Dean sat there unsure what to say or do. What was his dad asking him exactly? "Dad I don't want you to change anything, I mean I haven't had much in the way of consistency in my life except for your discipline."
John thought about that for a moment and sat back looking at his son.
Dean took a breath and continued, "I mean I'm okay with your discipline, it suits me," Dean said thinking he'd take it any day as opposed to being holed up in the house or losing driving privileges. "But Sammy takes it pretty hard so maybe only in certain circumstances would it be good for him."
John smiled at his son's words, always turning things to protect his little brother. "Dean right now I am so proud of you. But I have to ask if last night was all for naught or did you actually learn something from it?"
"I learned that you are a very strong man with a lot of stamina and that I don't care to feel that sting for a very long time to come."
"Then see that you don't son, see that you don't."
They called Sam back out and cleaned up the dinner dishes so they could study the new information the boys had brought back.
As they cleaned up Dean described the conversation that he had with the woman and how they gained access to the storage closet.
"So you stole the book?" John asked.
"I kinda had to, but I'll return it," Dean promised.
"I guess sometimes we have to do what we have to do," John surmised. "So let's see what we have here."
My mother always said writing down your thoughts may help to ease your pain and help you see the silver lining in a difficult situation so it is with that in mind that I pour my problems out to paper. As my grandfather lay dying he came to admit a deed which caused him to carry guilt as a daily routine for the remainder of his years. He was young back then and new to the area when a beautiful body of water was found nearby. It held a freshness that gave all who partook in its wealth a rejuvenating look on life. The water was a gift with the fish it gave so readily, the water that allowed no ones thirst to go unanswered and the cool offering it had on a hot summers day. There were few that lived near the lake; a small tribe of natives who had no issues with sharing the lakes wealth along a very small settlement of whites who also took only what they needed. For many many years the groups got along well and made fine neighbors. But that atmosphere was shattered when a new group headed by a man named Edgar Tipton and his followers found this utopia. My grandfather had been traveling alone when Edgar invited him to come along as his group went in search for a new place to build their dwellings and set up a town. Eager to settle down and have a place to call his own Grandfather Emmet gladly joined the group. All went well until they stumbled upon the lake and its inhabitants it became clear almost immediately that the peace that had been shared would be shattered as Edgar's true colors rose to the surface as he wanted to lay claim to the entire area. At first it was only words and empty threats that were handed out but soon it became much more.
The next several pages held just random thoughts and nothing pertinent to the story but finally they found what they were looking for.
Not long after arriving the arguments began and the bullying started. Edgar wanted the land no matter what it took to get it. Soon people began to get hurt and some disappeared, his threats continued and after several children vanished the native people decided that the only response would be violence and they would not allow Edgar to force them into creating bloodshed so being adept at the nomadic life they gathered their belongings and searched for happiness elsewhere. With their flight that left the small white settlement behind and they were not so willing to give up as peacefully. The violence began only one thing differed the first group didn't foresee what a ruthless and violent man Mr. Tipton truly was.
According to my grandfather one night several men from their camp snuck over to the small cabins and systematically shot every adult male in the household. They then tied up the remaining family members over 30 in all and marched them to the lake where they bound their legs. He laughed as he told them he could let them go but he was going to do them a favor as they probably wouldn't survive the winter without any men, he would just end their lives that very night.
As my Grandfather Emmet stood by each woman, boy and girl were thrown into the lake. Edgar apparently believing each would count as a sacrifice to the body of water and grant the new group nothing but health and prosperity.
"So they drove out some and killed everybody else?" Sam asked in horror.
"Wait there's a bit more right here," John said.
There had been one man who had stood up as the first groups leader, he was seen as weak by Edgar and instead of killing him he was merely beaten and taken to the lake to watch the horror unfold in front of him. After each hostage succumbed to the lake he was then shot and tossed aside into a small cave-like structure. Then Edgar and followers took over the entire area and vowed to keep it as long as they were alive.
"Is there anymore?" Dean asked breathlessly.
John thumbed through the pages very carefully a smile eventually erupted on his lips. "Yeah Edgar ended up dying something about not being able to keep food down. Perhaps a waterborne illness," John said.
"So what do we do, why is lake angry now?" Dean asked.
"I don't know why the time frame is what it is," John admitted.
"It sounds like Emmet was more of a witness than anything," Sam added.
"Yeah I don't think he partook in the violence but he didn't do anything to stop it and that is where his guilt lies. Dad do you think Emmet could be behind all this?" Dean asked.
"I have no idea, let's look at the map you brought and see if we can find this cave and figure out where the bodies went in," John said.
The best they could figure is that the cave was just around the lake a bit not far from where they were staying.
"Do you think that guy is the key, the guy that they made watch. Maybe he is angry and since the lake took his friends and family he takes others," Dean suggested.
"Good theory," John said.
Sam not to be outdone chimed in, "it could be Emmet maybe he still feels guilty about not doing anything and in an effort to strike out he is doing it now instead of when he should of."
"Could be, I think I'll be taking this journal to bed with me and tomorrow if you two are up for it we can see if this cave is still in existence," John said stretching and yawning his fatigue showing through.
The boys took the hint and got ready for bed themselves. "So is Dad still really mad at us?" Sam asked.
"A little, he was just worried that's all," Dean said quietly.
"Do you think we can solve this? I mean if we don't it doesn't happen all that often so it's not that big of a deal. I mean why do we always have to do something can't we just live our own lives?" Sam said pulling his shirt off.
"Don't say that Sam, the lake nearly killed me. Every death has an impact and if we can stop it then that's what we need to do. Just think how different our lives would be if mom hadn't died, then say what we do isn't important," Dean snapped. "We know how to help and if we don't we are as guilty as the ones causing the problems."
The following day the Winchester's three had turned the map every which way and had finally found what they were looking for; well at least the general direction of it. John kept checking the map trying to compare the old to the modern as the boys walked ahead in full brotherly behavior each picking on the other.
"Quit Dean," Sam snapped as Dean had thrown a crab apple from a nearby tree at him.
Sam reacted by tossing a clump of dirt at his older brother. John just kept walking ignoring their actions for the moment when he seemed to recall something. The boys oblivious continued to walk and aggravate each other.
"Okay guys," John said as he jogged up to them, "I just remembered that I promised to call and check on somebody. You two locate the cave and remember how to get to it, but do not attempt to go inside if you find it. I'm sure it is unstable and I don't want a repeat of the lake incident. Just knowing where it is will help me a lot. Am I understood no repeat of earlier actions?" John repeated looking at each of his sons.
"Yes sir," they each offered though John wasn't totally convinced. "If I suspect you even peered inside Dean you will not be driving for 6 months and Sam, well Sam you won't be sitting for 6 months," John said thinking what each would hate the most.
Both gulped made their promises and the group went their separate ways.
"Do you think he was serious?" Sam asked.
"Hell yeah, when does John Winchester joke about a punishment?" Dean responded.
After some serious wandering the boys came across what could possibly be construed as a small cave-like dwelling. It was barely an opening on the side of a small hill.
"Do you think that's it?" Sam asked.
Dean who was turning the map every which way and looking near and far sighed saying it might be with the emphasis on might.
"Let me take a look," Sam volunteered.
"No, you can't have already forgotten what Dad said?" Dean said looking at his brother in disbelief.
"Just a peek, he'll never know," Sam continued as he tried to get a better look inside the tear in the earth.
Dean looked up in time to see Sam who was lying prone to attempt entry to the forbidden cave. "What the hell are you doing?" Dean yelled.
He quickly dropped down and grabbed his younger brother by the ankles and began to extricate him from possible danger.
"What are you doing?" an exasperated Sam asked.
"Saving you from the painful realization that Dad finds out about everything."
"But I saw something, maybe bones," Sam said with the anger rising in his face.
"Great I'm sure it will be there when we come back with Dad," Dean countered.
"I can't believe you did that, since when are you Mr. Goody two shoes?"
"Since I got my license, now let's find some landmarks so we can get back here later."
The boys marked a trail and headed back to the cabin as John who had been ever so close and had nearly come out of his boots when Sam pulled his little stunt; confirming that Dean was indeed maturing into the partner that he had hoped for.
The following day Dean proudly led the way back to the cave leaving out the fact that Sam had attempted entry on their earlier trek. John also believed this to be the site where the leader of the doomed group was thrown. As they got to the small entrance John inhaled deeply as he saw it was now blocked by rocks and other debris.
"You two didn't cause this did you? Was it like this yesterday?" John demanded watching how each boy reacted.
"No it wasn't like that yesterday when we got here or when we left, I swear Dad," Dean stated.
Sam just stared at the ground.
"Sam did you go in there?" John asked.
Sam was frozen unable to formulate a recognizable word. "I guess I have my answer then," John said.
"He just peeked but I wouldn't let him go any further," Dean interrupted. "So should we dig it out?"
"No it is too unstable just like I feared," John said as he continued to glare at his guilty son. "Sam we are not done with this conversation. Dean you start here on the side and Sam you there. I think this was all connected, there were underground waterways that carved out small caves all around here."
All three were busy digging but it was John who first saw the bones. He slowed down and carefully examined the remains. The boys came over and assisted uncovering dirt cautiously as they unearthed the skeleton. Dean gasped as he found the skull, "Dad does it say if the man was shot in the head?"
John had made photocopies of the diary so they could take it with them in the field. He began to flip through and saw it was mentioned that Edgar had launched a second blow to the man's heart, the first being the deaths his family and friends the second being a bullet. John told the boys to put the bones outside the hole and keep digging. Sam gave a sulky look at the added work but quickly swallowed as John was not amused.
"There's more here than meets the eye, something in this story is missing," John said with a sigh as he looked around grateful that the area continued to remain unpopulated.
"Who is the guy with the bashed skull?" Sam asked as he spit dirt out from his mouth.
"That is the mystery," John answered.
After the boys placed the major portion of remains outside of the hole Dean was toeing the dirt with his boot and discovered he and Sam were not alone in that opening. "Dad there's more bones in here I think."
And sure enough another complete skeleton had been under the first. It appeared to be from the same era as the first. "How's the skull?" John asked as he made another pile of bones.
"Intact but this rib is only partially here and there are bits of shattered bone," Dean said handing the part up to his father.
"What the hell?" John said to nobody. "This would probably be the one shot in the heart so who is the first guy?"
"Sam what is in your back pocket?" Dean asked when Sam climbed out of the hole.
"It's a piece of fabric it was next to the first guy's skull."
"Give it to me son," John demanded holding his hand out. "It looks like a very much like a moth eaten eye patch." John quickly began turning pages in the copied journal until he found what he was looking for; a sketch of Edgar Tipton complete with an eye patch.
"So this is Edgar Tipton?" Sam asked mouth agape.
"So it seems," Dean said confused as ever.
"I thought he got sick and died?" Sam asked.
"Maybe he was sick and fell bashing his head in," Dean suggested.
"Or somebody helped him get to the other side," John added.
"So now what do we do?" asked Sam.
"Good question son and I don't really know for sure. We could salt and burn but will that stop the unrest? Maybe the groups leader being reunited with his followers in death will calm everything down, maybe making Edgar disappear forever is the answer, but I really don't know."
"What if we put the bones in the water with the victims? The leader will be back with his crowd and they can have all the revenge on Edgar that they want and leave the civilians alone," Dean suggested.
"You know kid that might be the answer," John said agreeing with his son's suggestion.
Thankfully the lake wasn't that far from where they were and John ever the prepared one had brought some heavy duty garbage bags in the duffle bag. They loaded the remains up each one being separated and hoped this was the plan that would work.
John took the contents from the first bag, the remains of the unknown mayor and waded out to his thighs and placed the bones in the water. He wasn't sure if this was the best method as being in the water could be dangerous, but it just didn't feel right dumping the bones. Nothing seemed to happen as John waded back to shore but once he was safely on dry land a ripple went through the entire body of the lake; it was almost appeared to be a sigh of relief. The boys saw flickers of movement dart in and around where John had just been.
"I think that's what they wanted," Sam yelled out.
"I agree," John said.
"What about Edgar's remains?" Dean asked.
John stood his ground and contemplated but before he could reach a decision waves began to lap up against the sand each bigger than the last. "It looks like high tide," Dean commented.
The waves continued to grow and reach farther and farther up the shore swallowing John's shoes and moving on to where the boys were standing. The bag containing Edgar's remains began to rock gently as it was tugged by the moving water.
"I think we have our answer," John said stepping back grabbing each boy by the arm and taking them with him.
They stood and watched the waves take the bag spilling its contents into the water which was beginning to froth and foam; before they knew it the bag was gone and the lake was in turmoil.
"That should do it huh Dad," Dean asked.
"I hope so but we better stick around a few days to be sure."
John looked out over the lake sure that their offerings had made a difference but not completely convinced that the problem was entirely solved. He wouldn't let the boys go into the water and had only put his legs in so far. The feeling of calm had an edge to it and John wasn't satisfied that this case was over.
"We need to go back to the library and see if there is any more information, something just isn't quite right," John said one evening.
Dean made his way back down the stairs to the lower level of the library. The door to the storage closet was closed and locked but Dean made light work of it already having success with it before. He looked high and low and was eventually joined by his father and brother who likewise came up empty.
"What if we don't find anymore answers?" Sam asked looking weary.
"We do the best we can and we turn over every rock in the process and we haven't done that yet," John explained.
"Maybe this will help," the woman that Dean had met in that very same room earlier said as she came into the room. "My name is Georgia and I may have a page to the journal you took earlier."
John glared at his eldest son who looked shell shocked and embarrassed at being discovered.
"It's okay I wanted you to find the journal, I had a good feeling about you. I didn't believe in the legend until the deaths began and I have felt terribly guilty the entire summer," she explained.
John introduced everybody and asked to see the final page of the journal. As he studied it Georgia continued with her explanation.
"You see Emmett was my great, great, great etc. grandfather and that is how I became aware of the journal's existence. His life took a turn that he never recovered from."
"What?" Sam asked.
"He was with Edgar when the horror began and though he didn't physically help him with what he did he also did nothing to stop it. He had to live with the guilt that he didn't help those people and it nearly killed him," she said.
"So he killed Edgar," John said looking up from the journal.
"Yes, he tried to poison him with some plants from the forest but though it made him ill it didn't kill him so one night he lured him out to the spot where the murders of so many had taken place and took the large stone that he had previously hidden there and hit him in the head. The dirt was still loose from the previous burial and in less than an hour Edgar had completely disappeared from this earth," Georgia continued.
"Why?" Sam asked.
"Because he didn't do anything when he had the chance; he allowed the carnage to happen even though he knew it was wrong. He had to carry that to his grave but before he died he shared it with someone in hopes that it would give him some release," John said.
"But he could've died if he spoke up," Sam said.
"It just killed him much slower," Georgia answered.
Sam seemed to understand what Dean had explained earlier about how important it is to do everything you can to help.
"So what does this mean?" Dean asked speaking for the first time in a while.
"It means we have more work to do," John said with a sigh.
With Georgia's help they were able to locate Emmett's grave. It was in a very old and somewhat dilapidated cemetery; weeds were overgrown and many of the headstones were cracked or completely broken.
"The first ones to the area," Georgia said looking around. "They keep talking about forming a group or committee to take care of the cemetery but so far nobody has stepped up; perhaps I should be the one," she said thoughtfully.
The group wandered around, Georgia trying to remember where her ancestor was buried. "Tell me again what you are going to do."
"We will salt his bones and then set them on fire, it should set him free. I suspect he still is stuck here in his pain. The pain he carried for not doing anything and the guilt of taking a man's life, he just hasn't been able to let go. The turmoil at the lake is fed from the anger of those who were killed and from the anger that Emmett held; it was so powerful that even after Edgar died it would not leave. We need to set it all free then there should finally be peace in this place," John said.
Finally they came across the weather beaten stone that only gave up the name of its occupant by Sam dragging a pencil across paper just showing the etching from the small monument.
The guys made light work of the dig and found the nearly rotten coffin revealing the disheveled bones of its inhabitant. "He looks a little weather beaten," Dean said as he peered into the box.
"Let's do this boy's," John said.
"Please Mr. Winchester may I? I feel he would want me to do it," Georgia asked.
"Of course," John answered giving her the salt.
As the flames died down a feeling of tranquility settled in and John knew they had gotten the job done.