Title: Shadow Play
Author: Cindy Ryan
Notes and summary: see part one

Excitedly, Sam searched for the spell he needed, praying it was there.
Once he found it, he stood and placed the journal next to Daniel's computer.

"I think I have an idea that might work… but nobody's going to like it."

Daniel closed the screen of his laptop and met the younger man's gaze. "This is going to include a ritual isn't it?"

Sam nodded as he motioned to John's journal. "Complicated one."

"Aren't they always," Daniel muttered as the studied the spell. "No human sacrifices?"

Sam grinned slightly as he shook his head. The more he thought about it the more he was sure this was going to work. His brother was going to be free to live a full and happy life. "Nope, just my blood."

Daniel felt a headache forming. "Of course."

"I'm going to need your help," Sam stated as he grabbed a piece of paper and began to copy the down the things he'd need.

Daniel didn't know why but he felt a kinship toward the youth.
Their strange worlds completely different, yet very similar.

"You have it," Jackson replied firmly. "What can I do?"

The dragon butted its head against the small opening, causing part of the ceiling to crumble and fall.

Dean ducked and dove to the side. He missed the larger rocks but the majority of the small ones still pummeled him.

Dean coughed as rock dust swarmed around him. As he struggled to his feet, something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention.

Fire flew through the small opening and Dean scrambled for the object he saw, hoping he'd reach it before the demon changed her mind.
Dean grasped the handle of the sword and yanked it out of the gravel. He scrambled to his feet in time to face the dragon that had finally broken through.

Sam began to explain his plan to Daniel, outlining the spell and what it would do.

Daniel rubbed the bridge of his nose before looking back at Sam. "Didn't you tell me that part of your brother's deal was not to make an attempt to break it?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah."

Daniel really didn't like the cold knot that was beginning to form in the pit of his stomach. "You also told me that you'd die the instant they realized you were trying to break the deal."

When Sam didn't say anything, Daniel shot his new friend a glare. "You're not planning on living through this, are you?"

The intercom beeped, saving Sam from having to answer.

"Dr. Jackson we have an incoming video feed from Colonel Carter."

"Can you patch it through here?" Daniel asked after standing and activating the intercom.

"Yes, Sir. It'll just take a few minutes… and the video will be sluggish."

"I remember. Let me know as soon as it's ready."

Sam moved toward the door. "I'm going to go sit with Dean."

Daniel shook his head. "No, stay. This may concern you. She was studying the device you found."

Sam nodded and retook his seat.