SUPERNATURAL

THE PARCAEX RITUAL

Chapter 12

"Okay, so where do we start looking?" Dean asked, stopping outside a busy local bar in Idaho Springs.

"Well, I guess we should just ask around."

"Oh great. This is gonna be fun."

They opened the car doors and walked inside, and when they saw the amount of people inside, they knew that it would be extremely unlikely that anyone would remember the name of this particular person they were searching for.

"Well," Dean patted Sam on the shoulder, "I'm going to go and ask the bar tender over there a few questions, and you go across the street and check the local directories."

"You think he actually lives here?"

"Well, we'll find out where he's staying at least. If he's here we have to find him."

Dean pushed through the crowd and up to the bar, sitting himself in one of the stools up front as Sam exited and crossed the street to begin a blind search through the town directories.

A mid-aged man approached Dean from behind the counter, "Can I get you something?"

"Just one beer, thanks."

"Sure, here you go."

"Thanks. Hey," Dean began, "Have you ever heard of a man named Mathew Walker?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh, nothing really, he's an old friend of mine. My brother and I were travelling through the town so we thought we'd catch up with the old guy."

"Sorry, but I've never heard of-"

"Dean?" A voice called, "Dean is that you?"

A woman of the same age entered through the back doors and Dean was shocked to see who it was.

"Ellen?"

"Oh my god! Dean! What happened? Last I heard you'd been dragged off by hell-hounds!"

"Yeah well, I'm back thanks to Sammy."

"That's great to hear. Where is Sam, anyway?"

"Oh, he's over the road, searching through local phone books, but anyway," he stopped, "What are you doing here!"

"Oh well, I figured since the roadhouse was burnt down and I was put out of business, I'd better pick myself up. And the only thing I've ever been any good at was serving drinks, so I thought I'd settle in somewhere and get myself a job."

"Ah, well good for you, Ellen!"

"Yeah, though I miss Jo, and I haven't heard from her for a while now. Have you seen her?"

"Actually, that's half the reason why we're in –"

"Ellen!" the male tender called, "Could you take care of the bar for me, I'm going out for a minute."

"Sure thing, Walter! Sorry, give me a second, Dean."

"No problem."

She went out the back and brought in a few bottles of alcohol, serving them to a few guys waiting at the counter, before she came back to Dean.

"How does it feel, working with other people?" Dean asked.

"Oh, well this was the only place that was willing to take me in, everywhere else was full. But how I would love to still have the roadhouse. It was home to me, had been for a very long time. And to have it burn down like that, it breaks my heart."

"I'm sorry, Ellen. Actually," Dean started slowly, "Have you ever thought about re-building the road-house?"

"I have," she nodded, "But I've never been able to get the manpower to do it. It's a shame. But anyway, what was this about Jo?"

Dean sighed, "I have some bad news, Ellen."

"Oh no, what's happened?"

"Its Jo, she's been taken."

"By what?"

"Actually, it's not a what this time, it's a who."

"Oh my god, how do you know about this?"

"Jo called Sam, and told him that there was something important that she had to tell him. We went to her bar in Oklahoma, but it was a complete mess and she wasn't there when we arrived. But she left us a small message. She was trying to tell us who had taken her."

"Oh my god, that's terrible! We must find her! If anything happens to her… I don't know how I could live with that!"

"Well that's why we're in town. We're looking for her capturer. Ellen," Dean asked, "Have you ever heard of a man named Mathew Walker?"

"Actually, yes. He used to stop by the roadhouse every few months. But he kept to himself, always in a corner searching through his notes, as many hunters did when they passed through."

"Well, he's also got something of great value to us, and we must find it quickly."

"Why, what's happened?"

"There's not much time to explain. Have you seen him around here lately?"

"No, I-"

A high-pitched scream pierced their ears, and instantly Dean left Ellen and sprinted through the doors to see Sam standing over a young girls' body, a stab wound in her chest emitting blood, a hatred etched into Sams face.

"Sam?" Dean questioned, bending down to check the wound, and placing two fingers on the side of her neck, checking for a pulse.

She was dead.

"What happened?"

"She was a demon, Dean. I had to take care of her."

Dean looked at Sam strangely, there was something highly suspicious about this, "How do you know?"

"She snuck up on me, and I saw her eyes, they were black, demon black."

Dean looked down at the body, "But Sam, that knife wouldn't have killed a demon."

"Well, it did," Sam replied, "She's dead, you see?"

"Yeah I can see that."

"Do you really think I'd kill an innocent girl?"

Dean sighed, placing a hand on Sams' shoulder, "Sam, take the car and check us into the closest hotel. I'll meet up with you there."

Sam nodded and took off, many people staring in his direction as he walked. Dean re-entered the bar as many people had abandoned their drinks to take a look at the commotion outside.

"What was all that?" Ellen asked him curiously as he sat down again.

"I have no idea, but according to Sam, that girl outside was a demon, and he stuck a knife in her."

"In a public place? That's not like Sam."

"I know, it's like he was a completely different person. But he wasn't possessed. Not only did he have those amulets that Bobby gave us last time he was taken, but I touched him with a hand wet with holy water. It was actually Sam."

"Has he been acting like that lately? Because if you remember, your father warned you that something like this might happen."

"Yes, I know. Well, actually," Dean hushed his voice, "Those visions have returned, just like when yellow-eyes was still breathing."

"But you killed him! Yellow-eyes is dead!"

"I know, I don't get it either. When Dad said those things about Sammy, I was sure that he meant what the demon had 'planned' for Sam and those other children."

"You should keep a closer eye on him, Dean. He may be dangerous."

"Trust me, Ellen, I won't let him out of my sight."

"Where's he taken off to?" She asked.

"I sent him to check us into the nearest hotel. Where would that be?"

"Well, there's the one a few blocks up that I used to stay, it's the only one in the area. It's right next to my apartment."

"Wow, Ellen, it's so strange to see you on the streets."

"Yeah..." She replied, "I really miss the road-house. It meant everything to me."

Dean bowed his head and thought for a moment, "Ellen," he said sincerely, "When we finish this job, I swear to you that the first thing we'll be doing is re-building the roadhouse for you."

"Oh, Dean! You really don't have to do that," she said, but he could see in her eyes that she greatly desired this.

"No, Ellen. I insist. Re-building the roadhouse for you would be a great honour. You've done a lot for our family, and this is the way we're going to repay it to you."

She almost had tears in her eyes, "I can't thank you enough. Now go on, you must go check up on your brother. But Dean," she held him back, "Be careful."

"Thanks, Ellen."

Dean followed the street up two blocks until he came to a large building, which he knew at first sight that this was the motel that Ellen had told him about. He looked around for the Impala but couldn't see it. There must be a car-park around the back or something, he thought.

He walked in the doors, and up to the front counter, "Hey, my brother just came by here, what room is he in?"

"I'm sorry, but nobody has come through here all night. You must be mistaken."

Dean didn't say another word, but he ran through the doors and looked up and down the streets. Where the hell had he gone! This isn't a good sign.

He pulled out his mobile and dialled Sams' mobile number. "Sorry, this mobile service is unavailable. The subject you are trying to call either does not exist or is switched off."

Sam doesn't turn his phone off, especially when he's alone. Dean knew that something was wrong. He dialled another phone and waited for the dial tone.

"Hello?"

"Bobby!"

"Dean? What is it?"

"Bobby, it's Sam, he's missing."

"Missing? Why, what's happened?"

"I don't know, Bobby, but I found him outside standing over a dead body. He claimed it was a demon, but I don't know."

"Dean, there's nothing you can do at the moment. Was he possessed did you know?"

"No, no he wasn't, and that's why I'm so afraid."

"Dean, find somewhere to stay and wait. If he doesn't come back I'll be down there as soon as I can."

"Thanks Bobby."

"Anytime, Dean. Call me if you see him."

Dean hung up, looking up the street again before entering the motel again and asking the front counter for a room. He payed the money and checked into room fourteen. After he dumped his things he sat on his bed and buried his face in his hands.

"Come on, Sammy," he whispered to himself, "Where are you?"

He lay down and stared at the ceiling, breathing deeply. He prayed to the gods that Sam was okay, and that what he feared most was not coming true.

It was no more than ten minutes before Dean heard the loud grumble of the Impala appear outside, and he sprinted down the stairs to see Sam walk through the motel doors, a grave expression on his face.

"Sammy! Where've you been?"

Sam looked at him, "I just went for a drive," he said, "I thought you would be a while."

Dean looked him up and down and said, "Okay," before leading him up to the room.

"What has come over you lately?" Dean asked, "What was with that girl outside the bar? You don't attack someone with a thousand witnesses! We already have the feds on our tail and we didn't need this."

"Well, sorry, but I saw her and freaked out. It could have been much worse, Dean."

"Worse? What's worse than the whole town thinking there's a murderer amongst them now? It most likely drew Walkers' attention, and if he finds out that we're in town looking for him that won't be a good thing. That's if he's here at all."

"Well, Dean. Let's put this behind us and keep looking for him. Who knows what he's doing to Jo at this moment."

"Okay, we will. But lets get some rest. In the meantime, excuse me because I've got to make a phone call."

He stood up and walked into the bathroom, pulling out his mobile and dialling Bobby's phone again.

"Dean? That was quick."

"He's back, Bobby. But there is definitely something different about him. I don't know what it is, but there is something I assure you."

"Has he still got those amulets I gave you two?"

"Yeah, he does, but I told you before, I don't think that it's a demon."

"Then what the hell is it?"

"I don't know, Bobby. But it's something big, that much I do know."

"Remember what your father told you?"

"Yes! Why does everybody keep bringing that up! Yes, dad warned me that if something like this happened that Sam would have to die. Its like you're all just waiting to see if I will actually do it!"

"But that's the thing, Dean. Will you?"

Dean stood in silence. "I don't know, Bobby. I don't think I could."

"Well that's a good thing. Killing your own family isn't exactly something to brag about being able to do. But in the end, you may have no choice."

"Bobby, I won't kill Sam. I just can't," Dean sighed, "I need a favour."

"Sure, what is it?"

"First, where are you?"

"Well, I'm in Missouri, I just picked up my car, and I'm headed to Wyoming."

"You reckon you could stop by Idaho Springs on your way?"

"Okay, sure thing. Just watch yourself Dean."

"I will Bobby. Thanks again."

"That's what I'm here for."

"Sam. I have a job for you."

It was a deep, booming voice, echoing through his mind.

"I've been waiting for you for a long time. So you're going to do something for me."

"What is it?"

He whispered something so soft that even Sam could barely hear him, but Sam gasped when he heard it.

"That's right," the voice said, "And when you do that, I want you to come to me. You know where I'll be."

"I won't let you down."

"Good."

When morning came and Dean woke up, he turned quickly to make sure that Sam was still there, and a wave of relief swept over him as he saw his brother sleeping comfortably in his bed.

"Sammy," he called, "Wake up."

Sam rolled over and opened his eyes, "Already?"

"Damn right already, we've got some searching to do."

"Come on, Dean. There's no way we're going to find him here, and we don't even know that he's in the damn town!"

"Yes, of course we know. Lucifer said that this is where he is, and that's where he's gonna be."

"But that was in the future, Dean. You saw it days before Lucifer was even unleashed! It's not going to happen until -"

"Until what?" Dean asked, "Until you turn against your family and go dark side?"

"You know I would never do that, Dean."

"How do I know that? How do you know that? What if you couldn't control it? What if it took you over and you were helpless to stop it?"

Sam shook his head and reached down, grabbing his bag. Turning to Dean he asked, "Come on, are we going to find this guy or what?"

He walked out the door and Dean watched him until he was out of sight. There was something very strange going on here, and he knew it.

Dean collected his things, shoved them in a bag and followed Sam out of the room, tossing the keys to the front desk without a word on his way out.

He got into the car with Sam and drove off, "So, where to first?"

"Well, we should still check the town for Walker, he probably is here, just keeping quiet."

"How the hell are we supposed to find him then?"

"We wait," Sam answered simply.

"Oh brilliant, another stake-out?"

"Nah, he probably wouldn't show up anyway. But there's another bar on the other side of town, and it's much less crowded than the first. Maybe we should check it out, the owners would certainly know if he'd been there or not."

"Good thinking, Sammy."

It was a small town, so it didn't take them long to get there. Closing the car doors they walked into the bar. There were very few people inside, only a few guys chatting in one corner, and a couple of loners scattered about. They walked up to the bar, "Hey," Dean smiled, "I'm Dean and this is my brother Sam, we're with the CPS, Child Protective Service, and we'd like to ask you a few questions."

"Sorry, Dean. But you've got to buy a drink if you want a seat at the bar."

Dean laughed, then reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. "Yeah, okay, just two beers thanks."

The barman reached underneath the counter and pulled up two bottles, handing one to the two of them. Dean pulled the cap from his and began drinking; Sam placed his on the counter and didn't touch it.

"So, you wanted to ask me something?"

"Yes," Sam replied, "Have you seen a man named Mathew Walker around here recently?"

"Actually yes, I have. He comes through every now and again. It was naught two weeks ago that I saw him last. Haven't heard from him since. Nice fellow though, likes a bit of friendly conversation. Why are you looking for him, is he in some kind of trouble?"

"Maybe," Dean answered, "But we're just following a few things up. Chances are he'll be let go without any fuss."

"Good, because he's not a bad man."

"Yeah, well we'll see about that," Dean muttered under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," Dean answered, handing him a small card, "Thanks for your time, and call us if you see him."

"Sure thing."

Sam and Dean exited the bar, Dean taking a last swig from his bottle before throwing it into the bin. "So what to we do now? The man hasn't been seen for two weeks, he's probably hiding."

Sam was looking through an old map of Idaho Springs, and looked down from it, "Well, let's drive around for a bit, see the town."

"See the town? What are you gay?"

"Why not?"

"Nothing. Fine, we'll drive around if that's really what you want to do."

"I was just thinking, maybe we should check it out, if there are any shady places about we'll know where to look should the time come."

"Yeah, all right. But not for long, there are a few other things that I'd like to do today."

"Well, we had better be prepared, just in case," Sam replied, pushing his right hand down into his pocket and drawing a handgun, resting it at his side so that Dean couldn't see it.

"So, where do you want to go?"

"Well, I've got an idea. Turn a right here, Dean," Sam answered, tracing his finger along the map.

"Okay, now another right, and then the second left."

Dean followed the instructions, but a prickling feeling spread up his spine. "Okay, follow this to the end and turn left."

Dean followed the road to the end, but there was no turn-off, "Sam, what-"

"Stop the car, Dean," Sam ordered, cocking the gun and holding it towards Dean, "Get out."

"Sammy, Come on, what the hell are you doing? You're not going to shoot me, are you?"

"I said get out!"

"All right!" Dean answered, placing his hands in the air and opening the door, "Take it easy!"

Sam opened his door and pulled himself out, keeping his eyes fixed on Dean and the gun at his chest, "Don't move."

There was a rasp in his voice that Dean noticed as Sam ordered him around. It just couldn't be Sam. He wouldn't do this.

Instinctively, Dean reached for his gun, but Sam was expecting it.

A loud gunshot filled the cold air with the taste of blood, and Dean dropped to the his knees supporting a large wound in his chest, losing torrents of blood by the second.

With one last, horrified look at his brother, Dean fell forward onto the ground, motionless.

Sam smiled and stepped over the body, pulling open the Impala door and stepping in. He turned the and took off, leaving Deans' body to rot in the streets of Idaho Springs.

Thanks again for reading. ^_^