Author's Note: Watch out for alternating POVs here. I do that a lot as you've seen, and most of the time I think I do it pretty well, but there's one spot that might get a little confusing. If it does, sorry about that. Also, cookies to anyone who figures out what the name Faeihertth means. Also, thanks to my lone reviewer. Lol. I was wondering if anyone other than you was reading, but the number of people faving me says someone is. So thanks to you all. But I wouldn't mind... if you wanted to click that button...

The next day Sam and Dean were dogged by staff and residents all wanting to congratulate them on a job well done. Sherry and baby were doing great and she was being released from the hospital late that afternoon. The first half of the day flew by. They had just left an Angels group meeting when they ran into Faye.

"Hey you two."

"Hi Faye, what's up?"

"Bonnie wants to see you in her office now."

The brothers felt unease beginning to creep on them. "Sounds urgent." Dean joked.

Faye didn't smile. "Seemed like it." With that, she walked off.

Dean looked at his brother. "Do you think they're on to us?"

Sam had a worried frown. "No. If it was that, wouldn't she have just called the cops?"

"Right." Dean bit his lip. "Guess we better go find out."

Together they walked cautiously up to Bonnie's office, keeping an eye out for police in case they had indeed been caught. They'd barely knocked when the door swung open. There stood a very angry looking Bonnie. Having only seen her all smiles, this brought them back. They both stared unsure what was going on.

"You two!" she barked. Taking in their wide eyed expressions, she struggled not to smile. "You have a visitor."

She motioned for them to enter and they do so nervously. The door clicked quietly shut and they stood facing the large desk. There was a brown haired woman seated with her back to them. Bonnie walked forward and stood in front of the desk, the woman now across from her. Finally she allowed herself to smile warmly. "There's someone here we'd like you to meet." The woman turned and smiled. Sherry. And in her arms a new baby wrapped in a Noah's Ark blanket.

Stunned, the brothers stood quiet for a moment. Sherry laughed and stood, joining them.

Dean looked at her like she would fall apart any minute. "What are you doing here? I mean, shouldn't you be resting?"

The smile grew into a grin. "I had a baby Rob, I didn't break my back." Sam stifled a chuckle.

"Uh. Right."

She shook her head in a sort of fond exasperation. "I have someone who wanted to see you." She carefully moved the baby forward. "Meet Nathaniel Lee Johnson." She held the infant out. "Here, hold him."

Dean looked freaked out. "What? No, I can't. I - "

"You helped me bring him into this world," she said with a breezy laugh, "take him."

She placed the baby up against his chest and his arms reflexively came up to wrap around the boy. Sam watched in awe as a change come over Dean. Within seconds of accepting the child, he wore a gentle expression and handled Nathan like a pro.

Dean himself was awestruck. He ran a finger gently over a chubby cheek and smiled. He hadn't held a baby in so long. Not since Sammy. Warm memories came back to him. The baby opened large blue eyes to take in this stranger now holding him.

"Hey little guy." he said softly. The baby cooed and latched onto Dean's finger. He laughed at the strong grip. "Tough one aren't you?" Nathan continued to watch the man for a few moments before drifting back to sleep feeling safe. Dean tossed a look over to Sam. "Cute, eh Sammy?"

Sam, who's eyes were suspiciously bright, swallowed the lump in his throat and answered. "Yeah."

Dean was too involved with the infant to notice his brothers plight. Inside Sam felt his heart breaking. His chest was tight with emotion as he watched his brother with the baby. So gentle and natural. This was a side of Dean he'd seen before, but it was usually with older kids. He could remember times when he was young his brother had been this way with him. But now, faced with the perfect match next to him, he found all he wanted to do was run. Just get away so he didn't have to stare at the hard truth. He would never be an uncle. Dean would never be a father. And that was what hurt the most, because damnit Dean would make a damn good father. A man any kid would be proud to call dad. He deserved it. After everything he'd been through he had a right to be happy. To have a family of his own. The gravity of the deal hanging over them sat bitter and burning in Sam's gut. No way, he thought watching his brother cradle the baby, no way in hell am I letting anyone take that from him. Come hell or high water, he was going to find a way to break this deal.

Dean glanced back over at Sam and noticed how tense he'd become. Frowning he asked, "You okay?" He seemed to shake himself.

"I'm fine."

Dean wasn't convinced, but for now whatever funk Sam had been in was gone, so he let it go. It was with some reluctance he turned to Sam. "Here."

"Huh?"

Sam was genuinely confused, which made him snicker. "The baby dufus. It's your turn to hold him."

"Oh, I uh -"

"Go on, he won't bite."

Sherry showed Sam how to hold the baby as he awkwardly took him from Dean. He sat back with an amused smirk as he watched Sam get a lesson in Baby 101.

The smile faded as he noticed he felt a little empty handing Nathan over. He'd never admit it to anyone, but it had felt right holding the kid. No matter what he might say or the impression he was sure he gave off, he really did want kids. A wife. A family of his own. Now with his checkout time fast approaching -

He tried to shake the feeling off. What good did it do to linger on the things he couldn't have? He'd made the deal and he would do it again. He couldn't give up Sam. Sam. Watching Sam smile down at the baby with a big goofy grin made his heart ache. He was going to miss him. He knew Sam was going to miss him too. He hated what this was doing to both of them, but he'd done what he had to do. Someday Sam would understand that, and he hoped he could forgive him. He was so mad at him for not fighting. It wasn't that he wanted to leave. He had to know that. Had to accept it.

Sam's laugh as the now awake infant tried to grab his nose made Dean ache anew. This was another thing he was going to hate to miss. Sammy's kids. He'd have some someday, he was sure. Once the pain of his loss eased, Sam would find a nice girl, settle down, get a job. Have a dog and 2.5 kids. A normal life. After everything he'd been through he deserved that.

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It wasn't long before Bonnie announced it was time for mom and baby to go. They had to make the rounds and get them both off to rest. Sherry hugged both of them goodbye and then they were alone in the hall. Dean broke the silence first.

"He's a lucky kid."

"Yeah he is." He answered following after Dean who'd started walking without him. He fell into step next to him. "Bonnie did a good job setting us up."

Dean snorted annoyed. "The woman has no tact."

Sam laughed. "This coming from you?"

Dean glowered. "I'm serious man. I thought Hendrickson was waiting to take us away or something."

Sam nodded. He'd been thinking the same thing.

"So about tomorrow night," Dean began, "are we all set?"

"Yep. Since we aren't sure what it is or what will kill it, we cover all the bases. Holy water, exorcism rituals, salt, consecrated iron round, kerosene -"

"The kitchen sink?" Dean interrupted.

Sam chuckled. "Just about. You call Bobby back and tell him the plan?"

"Not yet. I'm going to call later and fill him in. All we have to do is load up and wait." Dean grinned. "We're good to go."

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A short time later he had just hung up with Bobby while Sam started gathering their supplies. They wanted to be ready to move as soon as this ugly showed itself. They didn't expect it to pop up till tomorrow night, but being prepared never hurt. Bobby wasn't thrilled they were going in blind, had suggested they wait for him to come in case they needed help, but Dean assured him they were taking every precaution. He reluctantly left it at that, but asked that they check in after. Some nasty sobs had climbed out of that gate, and it was hard to tell what this thing was. If it was one of those, they might be in for a rough night. If they were late, he was coming anyway. Dean agreed.

He looked over at Sam and smirked as he watched his brother loading an impressive array into a duffel. They'd gone out for lunch and parked the car in a secluded area. 'You got enough gear in there Sammy?'

Sam gave him a look. "Covering the bases right?'

He nodded as Sam finished and zipped the bag. "'Kay, then. Let's get back. Tomorrow night we bag us a nasty." He stretched his upper body. 'Man, I'll be glad to get back on the road and back to normal.'

Sam snorted. "Our version of normal is jacked." Dean gave a one shoulder shrug. "But yeah, I will too." Sam didn't want to admit it, but just like Dean he also got cagey when in the same place for too long. It used to make Jess nuts. He'd always want to be on the move, doing something. Itchy feet she'd teased once. He'd smiled abashed. He guessed that was true. This life, it got to you. Being on the move so often, it felt odd to just be. Even if it was just going out with friends a few times a week, a movie, something to keep the wanderlust satisfied. Jess had chalked it up to his lively spirit. He smiled bitterly. She'd had no idea.

Dean noticed the change in him and gave him an odd look. "Sam."

Sam broke from his dark thoughts. "Yeah?"

"You okay?" Dean was giving him his patented big brother I'm worried about you look.

He smiled slightly. "Yeah man, I'm fine. Why?" Hey, Dean wasn't the only one who could deflect.

Dean caught on to this, but chose to let it slide. "Nothin'. If you're done, we should hit it. We have a shift and then a little time to go over last minute details." Sam nodded.

They'd made a tentative plan for tomorrow night, but both knew they needed more. They'd done as much recon as they could online and at the library. Schematics of the buildings layout gave them a good idea of access points, where security was most likely to be, where the security cameras where and most importantly, the weak spots. They'd need to get in and get out without being seen, then blend in. An event this big? It wouldn't be easy. Sam stowed the bags back in the trunk and they returned to the center for their last shift.

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They snuck out later that night and went to the Ruben building, where the ceremony would take place. As it turned out, sneaking in was easier than they'd expected. Catering was already getting deliveries for tomorrow nights dinner. They simply crept up behind the delivery personnel and then followed them in the back door like they belonged there. Inside they split up, taking in the interior layout. Sam found the hall where the event was to take place and made a mental note of where the podium was placed and where the guest of honor would most likely enter and exit. With luck they could get in tomorrow the same way they had tonight. But if not, they'd have to hack the keypad system and on this model, that might be tricky. Even for someone as good as Dean. It was encrypted and they'd need a pass code.

Sam was sneaking back downstairs when he caught sight of Dean talking to a dark haired woman. A chef he'd guess by the outfit. She was smiling and laughing, his brother was grinning like a cat who'd just eaten a Canary. He shook his head. Typical.

Sam slipped down the stairs and caught Dean's eye with a reproachful look. His brother's eyes met his and he received an imperceptible nod. Dean finished his conversation with the woman handing him a slip of paper. No doubt with her number on it. He winked and walked off as she smiled. They joined back up at the door and walked into the night, swinging the corner to the back alley where they'd parked.

"What the hell Dean?"

"Look," Dean cut him off, "I know what you're going to say."

"Oh do you?"

"Yeah, but you're wrong."

"Really?"

"Yep. I wasn't hooking up while you were doing recon."

Sam raised a skeptical brow and his eyes fell on the pocket his brother had just stuffed the number into.

Dean grinned slightly. "Okay, I did, but not for why you think." He held up a small key card between his fingers.

Sam drew in a surprised breath and looked at him. "You got her key card." The wait staff had all access to the back areas they wanted to use as the staff often had to use those same routes to bus parties. "Now we can use it to get in without needing to hack the door or use a pass code."

"Yahtzee." Said Dean.

Sam grinned. "Smooth."

His brother smiled wider and gave him a shrug. "Of course, I am the awesome older brother."

He laughed.

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The next day they finished their shifts for what they hoped would be the last time. They would miss the people here, but were glad to finally be done with this hunt. It would be over tonight. They broke out their suits, Dean joked this hunt was shaping up like a James Bond movie. And Sam couldn't help but agree. They would dress like the wait staff in the outfits they'd snagged while checking the building, then change once they had cleared the check points.

Everything went going according to plan. They'd gotten in, changed, seated and eaten. Now they were waiting. It was an hour and 45 minutes into the ceremony and no sign of Mr. Freak. Dean was getting restless and both were on edge.

"Man where is he?" Whispered Dean.

"I don't know, maybe he changed his mind. This place is pretty crowded."

"Or maybe he's just not interested in Mr. Long-winded." Dean groused.

Sam rolled his eyes, but silently agreed there should really be an acceptance speech limit. Dinner had been the highlight. Dean had scarfed down all of his, except the Caviar. He'd been disgusted when Sam told him what it was and shoved his plate away. They'd taken a table close to the guest of honor and were lucky to be with only one tight lipped companion. Which was fine with them. The both sat at attention when it appeared he was nearing the end of his dialogue.

"In conclusion," Said Barlow, "I want to say the things I've done have been the most rewarding of my life and I'd like to thank you all for sharing it with me."

There was applause and some stood. The award was handed over and the boys kept their eyes on the man. He was about to depart the stage. If the freak was here, he'd be making his move. The man walked off and both of them followed. They blended with other departing dignitaries and tried to get close, yet stay unnoticed. When the pack thinned out as he went a different way to the back, they had their chance. They darted after. It was when they saw him walking down the corridor surrounded by security they frowned in confusion. Huh. What the heck? There was no one, just the same guards the boys had noted earlier. Maybe they got it wrong, maybe it wasn't coming.

Dean froze as he saw something on the lower corner of the wall the party was approaching. "Sam."

He pointed and Sam followed to see a red mark near the floor above the molding just slightly. Blood. A bloody hand print.

The group rounded the next corner as they picked up their pace. It was here. A cry broke the stillness and they began to run. Sam and Dean rounded the corner to a horrific scene. Blood coated the walls of the lower back exit corridor. Two guards, the ones stationed throughout the building, lay dead in gore. Another guard, Barlow's security chief, lay against the wall with a broken neck. Another was hanging, suspended at the throat by a hand attached to a tall figure. Taller than Sam, 6' 7". A black dress shirt and slacks, a long dark duster jacket hanging open. His hair was also long and dark, raven black, falling down to his mid-waist. They couldn't see much from this angle, but he appeared human. However the inhuman strength as the man he held kicked and struggled six inches off the ground said otherwise.

They were about to advance, guns drawn when the loud crack reached them, the gagging and kicking stopped. The body of the guard dropped to the floor and was kicked to the side by the dark figure.

"Now," It said advancing on a terrified Barlow, who's knees gave out as he stood trembling. "Where were we?"

The last guard backed up and stepped in front of Barlow, putting himself between the man and the creature, eyes bugged out in fear. His gun shaking, held in front of him like a shield. "Stay back!" He shouted. "I'm warning you."

The creature smiled and in his calm voice said, "My, you are rude. So many interruptions." He stepped forward and the guard fired repeatedly. Smoke filled the hall briefly, but the thing still stood. It laughed as if bored with the situation. "Come now, I tire of games."

What happened next took them all by surprise. The creatures hand shot up like lightening before the boys could get off a shot and tore a hole in the man's chest. Blood spattered, some hitting the now screaming Barlow. The hand yanked back, letting the body fall. It turned toward Sam and Dean, clawed hand dripping blood and inside the fist clenched a heart. It's black eyes glittered as it smiled. Then it began to open it's mouth. All three men watched, transfixed in horror as the jaws distended grotesquely, mouth opening wide as the face distorted. No longer human looking, but a true nightmare. Rows of razored fangs gleamed as saliva dropped from each point. The beast shoved the organ into it's mouth and devoured it. Black tongue darting out to lick up the blood from it's hand. The face once more took on a human appearance and gave a wicked grin.

Stained teeth, a flex of clawed hands. "Well then," It said, "I had expected to have a dignitary for dinner." It cast an amused glance sideways at the scrambling Barlow, crawling backward down the hall, his eyes wide. "But it seems you are intent to interrupt my meal. No matter. Two good doing hunters will do just as nicely."

The boys tensed as they heard shouting, someone had undoubtedly heard the commotion and was coming to see what was going on. The creature would certainly kill anyone who stumbled into this. There was only one thing they could do. They had to get it outside away from civilians. Dean drew his elbow up and drove it into the fire alarm. The glass broke and the sirens sounded.

It smiled. "Clever prey."

He turned to Sam who nodded. Both drew their guns up and fired, not knowing if it would hurt the thing. It staggered back enough for both of them to rush past, but did nothing else.

"Damn!" Dean shouted. "I guess we can check iron off the list."

Sam was panting as they swung the corner to the stairs. "Yeah, silver too." So much for the careful research that said those were the best bet.

"We need to get it back to the alley. Try plan B."

Plan B was trying to trick it into the Devil's Trap they'd painted and hidden beneath a dumpster, then trying everything else they'd prepared. Rocksalt, holy water, exorcism. One had to work.

Reaching the back door, it banged open as they rushed out and headed for the alley. Both slid to a stop at what met them.

"What kept you?" The creature asked.

Somehow it had gotten in front of them and beat them here. This thing was fast. And smart. It had them standing off on the wrong end of the alleyway. The car and dumpster lay beyond him.

"Damnit." Dean said, "couldn't make it easy for us."

"Now what?" Sam asked. It advanced a step, they backed up two, both tense.

"Okay," Dean said, eyes never leaving the creature. "Here's what we do. I'm going to distract it, you get past him and get to the trunk."

Sam's brow wrinkled. "Distract it how? The stuff we're packing doesn't work remember?"

"I do have one last thing on me." He pulled out a flask of holy water.

"And if that doesn't work?"

"Run fast, Sammy." Dean said as he launched toward the thing.

"Shit Dean!" Sam said as he broke left and rushed forward. Dean's plan worked in that Sam got past it, but from there on it fell apart.

"Hey ugly, have a drink on me." Dean tossed the water in it's face.

Sam skidded to a halt next to the trunk and opened it quickly. Fingers nimbly going for the sawed off.

The figured laughed again and Dean drew back. "Water? That's the best you have Hunter?"

"Guess we can check that off." He muttered.

"Dean!" Both creature and brother looked up as Sam called out, lifting the shotgun. Dean dropped to his belly as Sam fired. The salt tore flesh and clothes, but the thing was unaffected.

Dean rolled away and stood. "Oh come on!"

"Young man, you should show more respect. I'm not some rank armature." It smiled. "Unlike present company."

"Why you..." Dean started in anger when a weak voice called out.

"Dean."

Dean looked back to Sam and found his little brother pale as the thing they were fighting. Oh crap. Not now. "Sam!" Dean watched helplessly as his brother collapsed.

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Sam was already digging for another weapon after the salt failed, when he felt a stabbing pain in his head. His vision went fuzzy as he doubled over the open trunk in pain. Ugh! Oh God no! Please not now. It was one of Sam's worst fears, a vision was coming and his brother needed him. No. No. He couldn't do this now. But like it or not, it was coming, hard and fast. Sam could tell it was going to be a bad one. "Ah!" He gasped. He had to warn Dean. "De -"

Blood dripped from his nose and everything felt hot and painful. "Dean." He tried once more. It barely came out more than a whimper. He knew it was too late. Please, not now. I can't... have to help him... Pain exploded in his brain and he fell as his knees gave out.

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"No!" Dean shouted. He needed to get to Sam, but this bastard was in his way. "Get the hell out of my way." He growled.

It grinned again. Dean wanted nothing more than to knock it off it's face. "Afraid I can't do that. I have strict dinner plans."

"I hate to disappoint," Dean said as they danced around each other, "but I'll be killing you and helping my brother. Maybe you shoulda ordered Chinese."

The smile held as it lunged, Dean crouched and rolled, barely avoiding a brush with sharp claws. He felt a stinging in his shoulder. He glance down and saw blood welling through shredded fabric. Damn this thing was fast. He need to get to the Impala for a weapon. Screw that, he just needed to get to Sam.

He jumped back as it came at him again. This time those claws were closed like a fist and hit him in the gut like a club. The force knocked him back into the wall and then he fell to his knees. He coughed and gasped in pain. God. He was pretty sure that his ribs were broken. Just one hit... He didn't have time to recover as it was on him again. Hitting him repeatedly in the face and head. His lips split, blood flowed. He felt dizzy and his ears were ringing. Crap. Not good. He was going to pass out. No. Sam needed him, he passed out now, they both died. Hand closing around something next to him, he grasped it and swung as hard as he could, catching it under the jaw.

The piece of pipe tore a long gash in the creatures face. It growled in anger and jerked it's head back around to be met by Dean jamming the metal into it's eye. It shrieked, grabbing first for Dean's arm and twisting. The snap was followed by his own cry of pain and then it was off him, pulling at the bar of steel. Dean took this time to try and get on shaky feet, holding onto the wall to keep upright, he'd barely gone a foot toward the car when a large hand grabbed his neck from behind.

"Vermin!" It hissed as it slammed him back into the wall. His head ached, his shoulder hitting the wall with each pound was sending ricochets of agony down into his broken arm. His back was already beginning to bruise. He felt something warm and sticky sliding down his face, it smelled like copper. Suddenly it drew him forward, but instead of throwing him back into the wall again, it threw him harshly to the ground.

"I shall enjoy this. For all the trouble you've caused me, I'll kill you slow."

He was trying to move, but his damaged body refused to respond. He could barely think his head hurt so badly. His eyes were slits, blankly staring, then it went dark. His last thought was of Sam.

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Bobby raced down the street toward the alley as he spotted the Impala in the distance. The sounds of a fight drifted, one heck of one by the sound of it. Turning the corner, he ran into the alley just in time to see the Faeihertth leaning over Dean, who lay motionless on the ground. Sam lay not much further off, just as still. No. He prayed he wasn't too late. Running forward he took aim at the creature and fired.

The crossbow let the silver tipped arrow fly and it whirred home in the beasts heart. It roared, enraged and turned toward it's new opponent. Shit. Looks like the silver doesn't work. His eyes widened as it's large jaws spread showing rows of razored fangs. He fumbled with the can of lighter fluid as the Faeihertth charged forward without warning, careening into him at full speed. It took him down to the ground and he tussled with it, rolling this way and that. He used the pressure of it's body pressing down on him to help him squeeze the can. Liquid shot out and coated both of them. Kicking out with his leg, he attempted to throw it off balance so he could get to the lighter in his pocket. It worked, but only briefly as it rebounded. A large clawed fist then slammed into his head with the force of a cinder block. He went down. He could swear he heard bells ring. Lordy that hurt.

Disoriented and head pounding, he wasn't prepared when the thing picked him up and threw him down the alley. Boy did that sting. He wasn't as young as he used to be. If he lived thought this, he'd be feeling that tomorrow. The boys. Suck it up Singer, can't give up now. Groaning as he reached his arm with a possibly sprained wrist to his jeans, he dug a zippo out of his pocket. All he had to do was light this sucker... Ah crap. Wise to him now, it saw the lighter and growled with a hateful sneer as it kicked his hand. He tried futilely to hold on, but it decided to kick him in the face when he refused to let go. There was a snap as his nose broke. Blood gushed. Fuck that hurt! His eyes watered and his grip loosened. When the large foot kicked his hand this time, the lighter flew to the right and out of his reach. Not good.

He was wondering what now when the beast closed on him and yanked him up by the collar. Whiplash was a good bet as it shook him violently. He wondered if maybe his head might just pop off when all the sudden he was flying. The "Ooph!"of pain burst out of him as he hit the wall it tossed him into. His vision went in and out as the blackout tried to come on. This time he collapsed and didn't rise. Every inch of him hurt. He was trying to get his abused body to cooperate, but it didn't respond. Great, you're in trouble now Singer. Think fast.

The Faeihertth was almost upon him, he braced for round 3, when a crack echoed. Aching head bobbing up, he saw Dean's arm and the now spent flare gun he'd been holding drop to his side. He was shaking, panting and covered in cold sweat. Shock, Bobby thought. Gotta get to the kid.

Slowly he climbed to unsteady feet and made his way to Dean's side. He felt him jump slightly as he grabbed his arm. The boy blinked owlishly at him. Gently, he eased him up and leaned him down his side for extra support so he could sit up. A few gasps and groans later, Dean was sitting. They stared at the burning corpse.

"What are you doing here?" Dean rasped, "I thought you weren't coming until we missed check in?"

Bobby swallowed as he thought about what would have happened if he'd waited any longer. "I had a bad feeling." He continued to watch the body burn. "Looks like I was right."

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Dean awoke, head fuzzy, to the sounds of a struggle. Muffled grunts and thumps. Opening bleary eyes he can just make out the creature fighting with someone. Who was it? Sam? No. There was - a ball cap. It was Bobby. What the hell is he doing here? The creature grabbed him and shook him like a doll. It was angry and it looked like something was sticking from it's chest. An arrow.

Dean groaned as his head swam, vision momentarily dimming. He heard Bobby cry out and opened his heavy lids to see him being thrown down the alley a few feet. The old guy was catching a beating, he had to help. His body ached in protest as he tried to move, reminding him of his own recent beating. His busted ribs creaked, his eyes felt blurry. Damnit not now. He could pass out later. First he needed to help Bobby. He searched around him for his lost weapon. He had no idea where it was, when he spotted something out of the corner of his left eye. Squinting to try and sharpen his focus, the pain shot through his head, stabbing like an ice pick. God that hurts like a bitch. As the pain dulled, he tried again to make out the object. It was small and square, maybe... lighter fluid?

A loud groan brought his attention back to the fight going on mere feet from him. Bobby was trying to rise, but the beast was advancing on him. What was that in his hand? A small flame, a tiny shape. A lighter. Seeing what the hunter clutched, the beast angrily kicked it from his hand and leaned to drag him up by the collar. He hung like a rag doll as it shook him and tossed him again - this time into a wall. The man slumped forward. Shit. The old guy couldn't take much more of that. Get a grip Winchester. Bobby needs help. Eyeing the creature's clothes, Dean saw a darker patch all down the black duster it wore. Bobby had sprayed him down with lighter fluid, he just needed to finish the job. Stretching his arm back as he tried to scoot to a sitting position, his fingers hit cloth. He craned his neck to look back. Their duffle. He was close to the car then. Slowly, painfully crawling backward he reached with a shaky hand into the bag. Nearly numb and cold fingers searching out the item needed. He had to hurry. He was afraid his body was going into shock. His teeth were chattering now. The blood from his head wound was dripping into his eyes, staining his sight red. His fingers closed around the handle. Yes! Now all he had to do was aim and fire at the bastard. Which was a lot easier said than done. As he tiredly held his arm out in front of him, it shook and weaved dodgily. Come on, come on. Almost. Please let me hit it.

The crack of the flare gun filled the air along with the smell of smokey discharge. The beast looked back in surprise just as the flare nailed it in the chest. The fire instantly caught on the fuel soaked clothes and it howled in angry agony, head thrown back. The smell of burning flesh gagged Dean and he began to choke a bit. He was startled when he felt someone next to him. Bobby grabbed his arm and gently pulled him up to lean in a sitting position along his side. He didn't look too hot himself. Just how long was he out? They both watched as the creature burned and then fell to the ground.

Neither one took their eyes off it as Dean spoke. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming until we missed check in?"

"I had a bad feeling. Looks like I was right."

"Yeah." Dean said as they watched the beast die down to embers. Then it him as he suddenly remembered. One frantic thought coming through his muddled mind clearly. "Sam!"

He turned to look over the older man's shoulder at the prone form of his brother on the ground. "Sammy!" He fought Bobby's hold and assistance as they stood. He had to get to Sam, he had to make sure he was okay.