Chapter 12: Bittersweet Reunion

Part 1

He didn't know how long he'd been hanging there, there seemed to be a lot of that going on. He wasn't blindfolded but as far as he could tell, he was underground. There was no windows or lights which meant that he had no concept of time. The only reason he knew he'd been there for a while was the fact that he'd lost all feeling in his dislocated shoulder and the other had been burning for hours now.

No one had come in since he had woken up here and he wasn't sure if that was good or bad. The only thing he could be thankful for was that he was in more or less good shape, he may even be able to put up a fight. But his thoughts were weighed down by a lot more guilt then relief over his condition.

His job is to protect people from the supernatural, to kill all the evil sons of bitches that decide to mess with his race. And so far this hunt had yielded nothing but failure. He had failed to save the girl the first night they were hear, and then he had been captured and let two more people be murdered.

He shivered thinking about the scene that was playing when he had been present, he didn't even want to think about what had happened after he left. But he knew what the outcome had been.

Shit…so much for a hunter, I think I should officially be categorized in the hunted section…

But the thing that worried him most was Sam. He hadn't talked to his brother before this had all played out, he didn't even know if Sammy was ok.

What the hell am I thinking…of course he's not ok. He's probably driving himself crazy if he knows I'm missing. Again…great move Dean. Sorry Sammy, I didn't mean for this to happen. I should listen to you more often.

He would never admit it out loud, but he had lost count of the number of times Sam had saved his ass. Just being backup all the time had changed the outcome of hunts so many times it made Dean dizzy thinking about it. When he was hunting with his brother there was always the 'what ifs' in his head and different scenarios would play. Most often the scenarios would revolve around "what if Sammy hadn't been there?"

So knowing that, he also knew that it was the same for Sam. And right now, assuming his brother knew these things had him, Sam would be pacing, researching, and driving around like crazy.

Oh and you can't forget the guilt tripping…that kid can brood himself into tomorrow…

Hanging by his arms, his feet never touching the ground, was starting to exhaust him. Unconsciously he had been using his arms to lift himself ever so slightly to relieve some stress on his shoulders. He had been doing it for hours and only just noticed.

Well that explains the stupid cramps…good one Dean. Come on…

He hung there for a while longer before finally his eyes began to close and his arms went limp, he swung slightly as his arms straightened. As he lost consciousness he couldn't help but think about what was going to happen to him and fear washed over him before he became numb to the world.

Dean was suddenly awoken when he heard a large door opening, the sound coming from behind and above him, thus proving that he was underground or in some kind of basement at least. He began to open his eyes to identify the new character in this highly twisted story known as his life. But as his eyelids opened, a light was flicked on, sending shards of pain through his eyes, in reaction he quickly clamped the lids shut.

Sam's eyes burned from the invading light, making him shut his eyes as soon as the light was turned on. Everything then went quiet while they let their eyes adjust, the person who had entered standing silently at the top of the stairs. That's when Sam noticed another breathing pattern besides his own. This person's breaths sounded strained, much like Sam's were and the sounds the air made triggered recognition. Suddenly he needed his eyes open, he needed to see Dean, just to know that he was still alive.

Heels could be heard clicking down the stairs, slowly descending and approaching the two men hanging from the ceiling, completely vulnerable. She walked close enough to be in the taller boy's line of sight, and slightly off to the side of the shorter man's.

Sam's eyes adjusted first and he slowly opened the lids. Before he could search out his brother to make sure he was there, his heart stopped and his eyes filled with tears. His breath hitched and he looked through the tears to make sure of what he had seen.

Then she spoke, "Hello Sam." An evil grin spreading across her face as her eyes turned black.

And his heart broke, a tear freeing itself and sliding down his cheek.

Dean had just opened his eyes and saw his baby brother hanging across from him. He smiled just knowing that Sam was alive and now he wasn't alone anymore. But overall, as Dean searched his brother's body for injuries, he didn't look so good. His body was shivering uncontrollably and a sickly grey tinge had settled into his skin. His big brother eyes did their visual check, scanning for the source of the problem.

There it was, he could only see the hilt that so closely resembled the one that he held firmly while sleeping. It was stuck in his baby brother's lower back, the incision it had created leaking blood onto the floor. The dripping drew his attention and he saw the small, but growing, pool of blood on the floor under Sam's feet.

The worst was when he looked up to his brother's sweat soaked face. His eyes were glassy, blood loss kicking in but also something else. Then he heard something that drew his attention elsewhere.

'Hello Sam."

Oh god…that voice…where do I know that from!?

Craning his neck to get a view of the speaker, his eyes widened when he found her.

Oh shit…Sammy…oh god…

Sarah…

Part 2

He looked back to his brother when her gaze was fixed on Sam, smiling cruelly, knowingly. What he saw broke his heart. If it weren't for his trained eyes he would have missed the tear that tracked through the sweat on the younger's cheek.

Sam couldn't believe it, how could this have happened? He hadn't seen her in so long at yet there she was. How had anything found her?

I tried to warn you…I'm so sorry Sarah! I'm sorry…

She approached him, sauntering over to his prone body as his eyes followed her. His broken eyes. Her dead eyes. As much anger filled him, it didn't compare to the sadness that welled inside of him. Now he had truly hurt everyone he had ever cared about, and he was sick of doing it.

Dean on the other hand could barely hold his anger. How could these sick bastards do this to his brother? And how the hell did anybody find out about Sam and Sarah, it happened a while ago and the only reason Dean remembered her was because for the short time Sam had been with her, he had been truly happy.

But now whatever happiness or smile that came along with the mention of Sarah would be replaced by guilt and painful memories. Once again they had been robbed of any memories to cherish. The same had happened when John had been possessed, both boys had flinched every time they saw him after that, they had just been really good at hiding it.

Sam fought to keep his emotions in check and wasn't totally failing. If he had failed he would have broken into sobs for the second time in 24 hours, but now he limited himself to one tear and hitched breathing. He was exhausted and nauseous, he knew the knife was still in his back, grating against his lowest rib, making him cringe every time he moved.

Sarah came closer to Sam, practically pressing against him. She smiled at him, loving the pain she saw in his eyes, this was going exactly as planned. She lifted her hand and cupped his cheek, looking up at him lovingly. As I final touch she returned her eyes to the normal green and brown.

He knew that this wasn't Sarah but he couldn't help the feelings he had when she had appeared. He had expected to be over this by now, but the second she walked in everything cam back, all the comfort, honesty, happiness and even the hidden love he had for her.

So when she held his face and looked at him with Sarah's eyes, his reaction shocked him. Anger filled him, rage towards the demon wearing her face. This demon had messed with someone he loved and for that it would pay dearly, he could guarantee it.

As the anger surged forward the demon took a step back, suddenly afraid for a moment of what he would do. She had been told all about him, that's why she was here, the whole point she had summoned those things.

Dean watched as his brother's face contorted in rage and the muscles in his arms bunched, ready to lift him in order to attack.

Just as Sam went to lift his legs he felt something loosen and the next thing he knew, his feet were on the floor, his arms falling to his sides. The shackles that had bound him hanging from the ceiling, the lock holding them closed lying on the floor, smoking.

He didn't waste time wondering what the hell he just did and instead lunged at Sarah grabbing her around the waist and pulling her to the ground. He raised his fist to punch her once he had her pinned, but she just smiled at him and removed the hand that had been on his arm.

With lightening quickness she reached behind him and grabbed the hilt of the knife, giving it a tug out and then plunging it back into him with enough force to jerk him forward. His arm dropped to the ground and he slumped over, trying to catch his breath while wishing he had the release to scream or moan or anything.

Dean had been watching the whole time, his mouth hanging open. The locks had started to steam when Sam had turned red with anger and when he silently snarled they burst open, sending him to the ground. Dean stared at the lock, then looked back to his brother, almost scared of the look on his brother's face. If it weren't for the fact that he was incapable of doing so, he would have felt sorry for the demon who was going to take the brunt of Sam's anger.

But when Sam lunged forward and grabbed Sarah around the waist he knew Sam was making a mistake. If Sam hurt this demon then he was going to hurt Sarah, and he knew that Sam wouldn't handle that very well on top of everything else.

Another reason he knew this was a mistake was the knife. And that mistake screwed Sam over when she used it against him again. Dean began to struggle furiously, wanting desperately to help Sam. He needed to protect his brother. So he did the only thing he knew he could.

Sammy…Sam you ok man?

Sam was on all fours, his head hanging while he panted. Sarah had pulled herself out from under him and was now standing beside him, looking rather smug. But her attitude faltered when Sam lifted his head to look at his brother for the first time, determination mixing with the pain in his eyes as the two men looked at each other and Sam nodded.

She was confused, why would he nod? Maybe it was just a silent understanding thing that she would never really understand between brothers. Her family wasn't built on trust and love, more like loyalty and fear.

Sam, you sure you're ok? You don't look so good! Just take it easy…and you know that if you hurt her you're gonna hurt Sarah right?

Sam again nodded but left his head droop in shame and exhaustion.

Oh god I almost hurt Sarah…how could I?

Dean noticed the shame in his posture and quickly countered the thoughts that he wasn't aloud access to.

Sam, this is not your fault! These demons are tricky bastards and will use everything you have against you!

He waited for the nod again and hen continued.

Hey Sam, you're gonna have to get that knife out, it could infect you with something. It's gonna hurt but you need to do it. I mean come on…you got a weapon at your finger tips! Dean tried his humour to lighten the moment and thankfully he received a small smile and appreciative glance before Sam reached behind his back to find the blade.

As his fingers closed around the hilt he winced, then sought out his brother's eyes for comfort and strength. When he found them his courage took over and he quickly and carefully drew the knife from his flesh. He gritted his teeth in pain and once again began to pant.

Dean flinched in sympathy but didn't break eye contact, they both needed it. When the knife was free Sam slowly raised himself to his feet and put on his game face. Then a small smile was delivered to the older hunter before Sam again was filled with his anger, the only thing he had to use against this demon besides the knife.

But really the knife was useless, he wasn't about to stab Sarah. He only hoped that if he used it as a threat, the demon would believe him.

"What are you going to do Sammy? Are you gonna kill me? I mean that is what you're good at right…hurting people you love and killing everyone around you?" Sarah spoke with a smile on her face, seeing right through whatever lie he was going to weave with the knife.

No…that wasn't me. It's always one of you…do you think that maybe this obsession you all have with me is a little unhealthy?

He just wished he could have voiced that one. Instead he just dropped the knife knowing it would be completely useless now and stood before her. His anger was obvious and so was his frustration at the fact that he had nothing to use against her.

Dean continued to struggle, hoping that he'd get free and be able to help his younger brother. But to no avail, his chances would not come loose no matter how hard he tried.

Damn…it's times like these I wish I had spoon bending powers!

Sam flicked his eyes towards his brother as a small smirk appeared on his face. Sarah saw it and the look ad again wondered about what was going on. Before with the knife there seemed to be some kind of conversation going on. Sam nodding a lot and Dean giving him looks of confidence and then a smirk which was countered with a small smile…

"You can hear him can't you Sam? That's a pretty cool trick psychic boy. I'm guessing this only just started…you look tired Sam are you ok?" She mocked as Sam's anger began to give way to his body.

He was swaying slightly, the blood still flowing and soaking through his clothes and down his pants. His boots and socks were filled with the warm fluid and there was a small pool of it again at his feet. You could have tracked his every move judging on where the drops and puddles were.

Dean saw Sam starting to buckle and reached out to him.

Sammy just hold on! Wait I'm coming alright?

But Sam's eyes were already beginning to blink rapidly, his hand had gone to his back to try to stem the blood flow. He couldn't help it as his legs slumped down and he was once again on his knees. He could feel bruises begin to form where his knees kept connecting with the ground

"What's wrong? You really don't look so good! But don't worry baby we'll make you all better I promise." She walked forward and couched in front of him. "You're not going to die Sam so don't worry about that. I can't let that happen, you mean too much to us." She leaned forward and whispered into his face. "And I love you."

She leaned closer and kissed him, using her hands to keep him from falling. He was losing his grip on everything but the one thing he knew was that this wasn't right. The last time he had kissed her it had felt right, like they were meant to be together and he still believed that. But this was wrong.

This wasn't the same person and as much as wanted to hear those three words come out of her mouth, he didn't want it like this. Again the tears collected, this time more than one spilled over. His mouth opened as she retreated and looked at him with Sarah's eyes.

"I love you Sarah" He couldn't say them but the message was obvious when his lips formed the words.

Part 3

Dean could only look on as the second woman his little brother loved was slowly being torn apart. The demon destroying her image in Sam's eyes and in his heart. He knew from what his father had told him that demonic possession was painful and that you were aware of everything as it was happening.

This was probably also tearing Sarah up knowing what Sam was going through, what this demon was making her do to him. He had never been more heart sick for Sam than he was now, Dean had only ever loved two women in his life, one had died, and the other he had left for the same reason Sam had left Sarah.

He knew what it felt like to have to leave someone. But he didn't know what it felt like to see the love of your life burn on the ceiling above you and then have to leave the woman you fall in love with only to have her come back like this.

He couldn't help his brother. This emotional battle went beyond what Dean could repair. Sarah would be the one who would have to fix the broken heart Dean knew Sam was suffering from. He only hoped that before this was all over, whether any of them survived or not, Sam and Sarah would be able to talk together, tell each other everything they needed to say.

If they didn't then Sam would remain broken, everything happening creating new cracks in his glass heart.

Sam continued to sway, the only thing keeping him up was Sarah's grasp on his head. But she let go of him, shredding his heart, and fell forward. He landed with a soft thud and lay still, his open eyes searching the room for his brother.

Dean was barely holding it together, he felt so useless and nothing he could do would help Sam. His brother was lying on the floor slowly bleeding out, his heart a million jagged pieces and all Dean could do was watch it all happen. His rage continued to build and he knew he had to find someway of distracting her from his brother or getting him the help he needed, or he would die.

Dean looked up at Sarah as her eyes flicked up to his. They were once again a bottomless void and he shuddered while looking into them. He didn't know how to convey his message, he couldn't speak and he couldn't make any hand motions so he did something he would never normally do.

He looked at her pleadingly, flicking his eyes in between his brother and their captor, trying to make her understand that Sam needed help. He felt humiliated that he was showing these emotions willingly to this demon but he had no choice.

A smirk spread across her face and she stood momentarily, just soaking up the look Dean was giving her, making her feel extremely powerful. Then she finally leaned down and lightly lifted Sam's shirt to get a better look at the wound.

The edges were bright red and his back was now covered in blood that was dry, drying or fresh. It needed to be cleaned and stitched otherwise Sam would most certainly get an infection. Blood loss was definitely taking a toll on his body, shudders spreading through his system.

Sam felt nauseous, everything was catching up with him and he was so tired. He just wanted to close his eyes and sleep. He hadn't slept since that first night he had gained his new ability, and the ability alone was exhausting him. But now on top of that he had missed two days worth of sleep, the only rest he'd gotten was drug induced and didn't count and to top it all off his body was giving out.

Sarah gave Sam a quick once over to determine whether or not he would have the strength to get up or move around. When she was satisfied that that wasn't an option for the young hunter, she stood and shot Dean a warning look before turning and climbing the stairs out of the room.

Dean watched after her, he wasn't sure if she was just going to leave Sam like that or if she was going to help him. His gaze quickly shifted to his brother, making sure that each next breath came. After a few minutes he heard the door opening again and Sarah re-entered with a bag under her arm.

She walked straight to Sam and kneeled down, placing the bag beside her. She quickly pulled out some swabs and towels to clean up the dried and oozing blood so she could actually see what she was doing. When she had done that, she checked out the wound completely. It didn't look so good, but with stitches and cleaning it should end up leaving a scar and not much else.

The blood was considerably slower now as the wound was trying to stem the flow. Sarah wiped away what was left of the blood before cleaning out the incision. Sam would shiver or shrink away every once in a while when the pain went over his current limit, but other than that he stayed completely still.

When she took out a suture kit and began working on that, his hands lightly clenched against the floor. He was trying to keep himself under control but it was becoming increasingly difficult. He was getting more and more exhausted and knew he would pass out soon. But for now he was happy with looking at his brother and pretending nothing else was there.

Dean had returned his gaze to Sam's when Sarah had come back in and hadn't broken eye contact yet.

Don't worry Sammy, you're gonna be alright ok? I promise we're going to get out of this. Just hold on little brother, I know it hurts but she's almost done.

Sam could only blink in response and each time he did it was harder to lift the heavy lids. After about 10 more blinks he couldn't do it anymore and let his eyes relax. He could hear his brother begin to struggle again.

Sammy! Sammy, come on little brother, stay awake! Stay with me Sam!

The strength of emotion in that one thought alone sent Sam's already exhausted mind reeling into the dark. Maybe he would finally get some sleep, maybe his brain would be too tired to create more nightmares for him. Maybe when he woke up he'd be lying in a crappy bed next to a nightstand that was next to another crappy bed containing the one thing in his life that truly mattered.

Maybe this was all a nightmare.

Please…