Hunter of The Shadows
Chapter 18
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For Phx and Sendintheclowns, in thanks for all their help, and our mutual love of Winchester Wolf Snuggles.
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"Gotta say," Dean's at the counter, pouring coffee, "not one of my greatest moments, freefalling from a sheer rock face." He shudders dramatically. "Damn near pissed myself!"
Sam snorts loudly.
"You can come clean ya know. Weren't exactly a picnic for me, watching it happen and all, so I guess you could be forgiven." But the youngster's barely holding back a grin. "Least you were in wolf form huh? No change of underwear needed."
"Dude. Please." Dean turns and raises an eyebrow at him rather pointedly.
His intonation suggests he is way too cool for that.
And Sam just shakes his head, laughing softly.
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Back again...
It was dark.
Wherever I was, it was really damn dark.
Not only that, but it was close quarters, like I'd been shut in someone's wardrobe, with the added bonus of various sized coat hangers poking and prodding me with every attempted move.
I soon gave up trying and just lay still. Hurt too damn much to move anyhow.
Oh yeah, and someone had apparently dropped a heavy suitcase on me from a great height, because the damn thing felt like it was crushing the shit outta me.
Had no idea what the hell happened, but I think there was some kind of evil pixie inside my head, trying to chisel its way out.
Little bastard!
But worse than that, I was gradually beginning to realise that my legs hurt. All four of them.
In fact, they didn't just hurt…
Pain was building up, like it'd been saving itself especially for me when I awoke. It turned from aching purple, to angry red, and pretty soon I was all the way through the entire spectrum, and arriving at white hot agony.
My head began to spin, slowly at first, then increasing in speed, like a fairground ride, the kind that has you screaming with fear, and then spraying the occupants of the next car with your own vomit.
Speaking of which.
Noooo… can't… I didn't know which way was up, and, though, technically I couldn't choke to death on my own puke, it wasn't a concept I was particularly anxious to experience.
Dean? A scrabbling noise from above had my ears twitching. Dean, can you hear me?
Huh? I knew that voice, but my head was so fuzzy with pain, I couldn't identify it.
Tobius! I think I found Dean! I can hear him!
Tobius… know that name. Pieces of a puzzle were starting to appear, but didn't seem all that inclined to fit together. Or is that just me? Hmm... not sure... who am I again?
Over here! Tobius, quickly… he don't sound too good.
Calm yourself young Sam. He might be injured but he won't die, not unless there's silver in these mountains.
I got the impression there was a joke in there somewhere.
Could there be? Sam's thoughts sounded genuinely scared, but Tobius just laughed softly.
Not to my knowledge, young pup.
And wham! Those pieces of puzzle slammed together, revealing its secrets. Tobius, and Sam… I was falling away, tumbling into darkness, leaving them behind…
Sammy! You ok? my mind called out weakly. I noticed with relief that my legs were going numb, the pain gradually subsiding. Unfortunately, it meant that the pounding in my head grew louder.
M'fine… It sounded like Sam was straining, physically exerting himself, and I felt my surroundings shift slightly. Almost… hold on Dean, we're gonna get you out of there.
Uh… that's great Sammy. I thought right back at him rather tiredly. You wanna tell me exactly where there is?
Damnit… this rock's too heavy.
Let me try.
Their voices were swimming together by now, and I couldn't tell one from the other. That feeling of being back on the fairground ride was sweeping over me once again, just as a shaft of dim light broke through from overhead.
It was then that I realised I was buried alive, one of my biggest all time fears, and I couldn't hold back any longer.
I heaved violently, bile flooding my mouth and spilling over. And it hurt, so damn much. My gut felt like it was caught in a vice, and my head spun round in time to each pulsing movement. Didn't help I could taste blood in there somewhere.
So busy upchucking, I didn't notice I'd been uncovered until a large hand swept gently over my ears, accompanied by a voice softened in sympathy.
"Easy my son. You're going to be ok."
Now that my tomb had been dismantled, I could see Tobius and Sam, both in human form, staring down at me with a good deal of concern. I was lying on my side, front legs sprawled out and bent at awkward angles.
Yep. They were broken all right. No doubt about it. And by the feel of things so were my rear legs.
Hey guys. I managed, tongue hanging out in a feeble grin. Fancy running into you two... all the way up here.
"Don't you mean down here?" Tobius muttered, still running a hand over me, checking for other injuries.
Whatever.
I raised my head a little with a tiny, embarrassing whimper, only to look over and find my lower half still buried in rock. My eyes widened, but I somehow managed to keep my cool for Sam's sake. No sense in the both of us freaking out. The kid had been mostly silent since uncovering me, and I could see he was in shock.
So you guys gonna get me outta here? I'm hungry.
Food was actually the last thing on my mind, especially after emptying my gut less than a few minutes ago, but it seemed to keep Sam calm. Though he was still staring at me, eyes dark with worry and guilt.
Hey Sammy, my mind whispered softly, and I extended my snout, gently nudging against him. You with me kiddo? This ain't your fault, ok? I'm gonna be fine kiddo.
Ok, I wasn't walking out of here until I was fully healed, but heal I would. As soon as my back legs were freed up.
Sam tried so hard to smile, mouth trembling as he gazed down at me, but I could see the tears forming.
Hey. It's all right. Werewolf remember? Great powers of rejuvenation and all that?
Tobius spoke up, voice almost apologetic.
"You have some quite severe internal injuries, Dean. But they'll clear up soon enough so long as you stay still." He shifted his weight a little, then indicated the huge pile of rock burying my legs. "But we're going to need help with this."
Tobius ruffled my fur gently with a small smile, then turned to Sam.
"I'm going to find Gerald. This should be no problem for a big brute like him." He smiled kindly at his distraught grandson. "I want you to take care of Dean for me, ok? Make sure he doesn't move. Try and get him to eat something if you can; feeding will help speed up the healing process."
Sam, still silent, nodded his head jerkily.
I-I c-can do th-that.
Tobius squeezed the back of the kid's neck gently.
I know you can.
He turned, changed, and was gone, leaping away into the starlit night.
Sam leaned over me, running a hand through my fur. It felt nice, comforting, taking my mind off the pain for a while. But then, Sammy's always had the knack.
You in any pain?
I snorted softly, about to deliver some throw away, tough-guy remark, but the look on his face made me swallow the lie. The look that said he could see right through me.
A little… yeah… a lot in fact.
And this was just what I was afraid of. A break down, panic and fear pulling down the shades and exposing all the raw emotion underneath.
Only it wasn't as I suspected.
It was me.
I was the one breaking, the pain, finally off the leash, pounding through my body.
And as I began to whimper and whine softly, Sam was the one who remained stoic and calm.
It's ok Dean. Tobius'll be back before we know it. Just take it easy and breathe. Breathe with me… nice… deep… and slow. That's it, just relax…
Kid was some kind of miracle worker. I could feel the pain receding into the background as a dull throb. Not perfect, but definitely an improvement.
It was hard to stay awake, with Sammy's soft voice in my head. His hand was stroking my ears, lulling me into an almost dreamlike state, and I huffed softly through my snout in contentment, eyelids sliding slowly to half-mast, then finally closed.
Thhhaannkksss Sssaammmyyy…
I'm just glad you're safe, dude...
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When I woke up, my head wasn't nearly so fuzzy and my front legs were only lightly throbbing. I shifted my muzzle, realised Sam was missing, and began running my gaze over the surrounding area.
Sam? You here somewhere, kiddo? Sammy!
I was breathing in short, sharp pants, panic building up again… suppoing there'd been another rockslide... supposing Sammy was caught in it this time...
S'ok Dean. I was just getting some food.
Sam appeared, in wolf form, something large dangling from his mouth. It was so large in fact, Sam's front paws were tangling with it, almost tripping the young werewolf as he bounded clumsily over the fallen rocks, then dropped it beside me.
I stared hard at it. From my position on the ground, lying on my side, I could swear it was a…
Sammy? Please don't tell me that's a skunk.
He fidgeted nervously.
Ok. It's not a skunk. Sam blinked. It's a big fucking skunk.
I growled menacingly, not that I was much of a threat, what with being trapped beneath like a ton of rock.
Dude! I'm not eating skunk. There's gotta be some kind of werewolf lore against it, or something. I mean… it's just not cool!
Sam gazed down, imploring me to understand.
It was all I could find nearby. Sorry dude. I didn't wanna leave you for too long.
But there was something else going on here. Another shift, like the one I felt when Gerald was talking about sending his unborn child to college. A change, something was different…
I suddenly realised what it was, and my heart damn near melted.
Sam had killed. Sam had hunted, taken that dreaded final step, and killed.
And he'd done it for me.
Even now, unaware of what was running through my mind, Sam was pushing the fresh kill towards me with his nose, but I could see how hungry the scent of fresh blood made him.
You have some too kiddo. I gazed up at him, from my helpless position beneath the rubble.
C'mon Dean, his mind whispered gently yet insistently, eat up. You need it more than I do right now. I can always get more.
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I don't know how much time had passed when I caught Tobius and Gerald's scent. Sammy had curled himself around me, thick, bushy tail wrapping my belly, his neck pillowing my head, keeping me still, but so snug and warm I couldn't bring myself to mind too much.
They're here. Sam snuffled, gently nipping at one of my ears when I grunted in agreement. You ok?
M'fine. It's nice out here, ya know? Stars, wolf skin rug, pile of heavy-assed rocks crushing my legs…
Dean! Sam growled low in his throat, and shifted, dislodging my head. S'not funny!
Unclench dude… But that worried look in Sam's eyes warned me off saying anything too smart-assed. I'm ok Sam. Once I'm free I'll be able to heal properly. Just chill kiddo.
Tobius was silent as always, but I could hear Gerald huffing and panting away like an old man, suggesting he was in bear form. But someone else was here.
Josey? I lifted my head and sniffed the air just as the unlikely trio moved into my line of sight. You shouldn't be out here in your condition!
I was caught on the nasty end of a searing female glare, and would have scrambled away if not for Sam's weight against me. Oh yeah, and the small rock garden. How could I have forgotten?
I'm pregnant, not an invalid. She admonished. I felt certain if Josey had been in human form right then, she'd have been wagging a finger at me.
Whereas Gerald was huge, stocky and wide, Josey was petite and slender. Well, at least compared to her husband, but then I guess a sumo wrestler would've looked downright anorexic next to him.
That started me off chuckling. What the hell would junior look like?
Oh God! Stop thinking it! No… stop!
I could feel Sam grinning, his breath hot against my neck as he panted softly.
Josey glared at the both of us this time, but I felt the undercurrent of humour in her tone as she scolded away.
Let me make it quite clear that any references to Goldilocks, porridge or anything else you two performing dogs come up with, will be swiftly rewarded with another ton of rock. She growled loudly, and rose up onto her hind legs. This time on both your heads.
It only made it harder of course when she planted both paws on her hips, and I'm telling you, there just ain't no sight funnier than an indignant bear.
Even Gerald snorted.
Sam's tail thumped lightly against my belly in his own amusement.
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Ok. After three…
Tobius was back in human form and pressing all his weight against a particularly stubborn boulder. I couldn't see Josey and Gerald, but I could hear them puffing and grunting as they worked to free me.
A slight shift in the rock above me signified progress, but the pain that spiked through my rear legs wasn't encouraging. Shock was really digging its claws in, and I started shivering.
Just breathe through it, Dean. Sam curled round me tighter than ever, his soft fur tickling my snout. We'll soon have you out of here.
I don't remember much after that, apart from the flash of Tobius' concerned face, sweat dripping from his chin, Sam whispering to me in my head when I could no longer respond, and the muffled tumble of rocks and pebbles.
The slow spin into oblivion was more than welcome, and with a soft whine, I gladly let the darkness take me.
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Warmth.
It felt good, safe, surrounding and holding me in a cocoon of pain-free comfort.
I knew the moment before opening my eyes that I was back in human form. My brain had run a scan for damage and happily came back with nothing to report. Clearly I'd healed well.
Frankly, it was just a relief to wake up without that god awful weight resting on my legs.
I shifted slightly as the room came into focus, a soft orange glow from the fire place illuminating Sam's soft silky fur and deep glowing eyes. I was lying on a pile of pillows and cushions on the floor, swaddled in layer upon layer of blankets. The kid had been resting with his muzzle on my chest, staring into the dancing flames, but now he sat up, eager and worried all at the same time.
Dean. How dya feel, dude?
Sam shuffled up on his belly and haunches, pressing little doggy snuffles against my cheek, then buried his snout in my neck. I couldn't help but frown at the display of affection. Sure, it wasn't that unusual for Sam, but it was the edge of desperation behind it that niggled at me.
God I was so scared. All my fault. I'm so sorry, Dean. All my fault. Sorrysorrysorry…
He whined unhappily into my ear.
I had my answer.
"Hey! Kiddo, I'm fine." I reached up and rubbed a hand over the soft fur at the back of his head, scratching lightly at his ears. "It's all ok now. No harm done."
His warm furry body was quivering, and I could feel his guilt and pain.
It's NOT ok. None of this is ok. First I make you mad, then I nearly get you killed…
"Sammy…"
…no wonder you want to get rid of me. I don't blame you for wanting to send me away!
"What!?" I couldn't believe my ears. The kid had some serious guilt issues.
You're right. I do owe you. I'll go to college, get out of your life. You'll be safer without me around to screw things up…
He just babbled on and on, until I'd had enough. 'Bout time this guilt train was cancelled due to bad weather.
"Stop it!" I hissed sharply and sat up, grabbed his furry face with both hands, and pressed my nose to his snout. Blue-green eyes, slightly out of focus, blinked wide open merely inches from mine. Though sorely tempted to laugh at the surprise on his face, I gave him a small, rough shake instead. "Stop saying that. I want you to go for your sake. Not mine. I don't know how to persuade you, how to make you believe me."
Sam puffed through his nose, blowing a warm breath against my chin.
"You don't screw things up, Sammy. You make everything better. You make my life worth living." Gently curling an arm round him, and pulling the young wolf to my side, I forced his head down against my chest, stroking his ears as he whimpered softly. "You're the most important thing in my life, kiddo," I whispered, resting my chin on his head. "You're my son, and I love you. Always will."
Sammy seemed a little shell shocked, and I couldn't really blame him. It was more than a little out of character for me. I'd never said it to him when we were growing up, but I guess things were different now. As his father, it was allowed.
Love you too, Dean. Sam snuggled closer, tail softly thumping the carpet.
We sat there for a while, watching the fire. Sam described in detail how Tobius, Josey and Gerald had finally managed to shift the pile of rock. Apparently, Tobius carried me all the way back to the cabin, the two werebears following on behind, and Sam leading the way.
I snorted a little at the thought.
"Let me guess, you guys were singing 'Hi ho, Hi ho' right?"
Sam grinned, tongue lolling out as he panted softly.
Hardly. Besides, Gerald really can't sing in bear form.
I grimaced, remembering one drunken night after several hands of poker.
"Dude, he can't sing in human form!"
A small cough from the doorway had me glancing up to find Tobius smiling fondly at us.
"Thought you boys might be hungry by now."
He held out three large steaming bowls, a plate of buttered bread balanced on top, and a delicious meaty smell filled the room. My mouth watered, and Sam let out a guttural growl of anticipation and approval.
"Irish stew. With dumplings," Tobius grinned, and silently crossed the room to kneel beside us. "Courtesy of Josey. She and Gerald left a little while ago. They'll drop by again tomorrow to check on the patient."
Sam slipped out of my grasp, changed and grabbed up a blanket. Shyly covering his nakedness, he gratefully accepted the bowl of stew and leaned back against the couch, spoon at the ready.
"This is great! Josey's a damn genius!" I announced, digging deep into a large dumpling and scooping up a piece of lamb.
"Sure is," Sam agreed with enthusiasm, and took a large bite.
Tobius sat back beside his grandson, looking content and relaxed as he tackled his own food.
At first I thought it was just my paranoia, until I noticed Sam's eyes darting a little nervously between Tobius and me. There was an atmosphere, but I couldn't define it.
"So, Sam," began Tobius in a reasonable 'just passing the time' tone of voice. "You've made up your mind about not going to college, I take it."
Sam stopped eating and hung his head miserably, obviously expecting another row.
"Uhuh." His voice was small and shy, like a chastised child.
Tobius appeared to consider that for a moment, and his response came as a surprise.
"Fair enough, young pup." He smiled down at Sam, and gently cupped his chin. "It's your decision." His eyes flickered to me for a brief instant, before staring deep into Sam's wide blue-greens. "It's always your decision."
Point taken.
I grimaced a little in shame and carried on eating. The atmosphere eased into something more comfortable, but all the while I felt the guilt creeping in. Tobius was right. Didn't matter that my intentions were good; by giving Sam a hard time, I was making him miserable, and that was the last thing he needed.
So the decision was made. I wasn't going to bring up the whole college thing again. It was up to Sam now. Any further pushing on my part would only make things worse, and the last thing I wanted was for him to feel unloved. He'd had enough of that from John.
Sam looked up at Tobius gratefully, then turned his sad, apologetic gaze on me.
Dean…
S'ok, Sammy. He's right. I'm sorry I pushed so hard buddy.
I reached out and ruffled his hair playfully.
Though I'd never admit it out loud, that small, selfish part of me that once hoped Puppy Sam would never grow up to become Adult Wolf Sam, was whooping and high fiving silently in my head.
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Author's notes:
So, evil cliffie over. I had to put in some Dean whumpage, it only seemed right and fair. And besides, I hope you'll agree that the thought of Wolf Sam curled up around Hurt Wolf Dean is just too cute.
Don't worry fellow Sam girls. There will be plenty more trouble on the way, and you all know me and my obsession with The Limp...
Cheers for all your wonderful reviews and support.
Kind regards,
ST xxx