Chapter 5

They all waited for a few tense seconds. The growl was moving now. It seemed to be moving closer to the mouth of the cave. Sam and Dean knew that they were dealing with a bear. And they could now hear what seemed to be smaller footsteps following. It was most likely a mama and her cubs.

"I think we're dealing with a grizzly or a black bear and her cubs." Dean whispered and the rest nodded. They had all kind of deduced that much from what they had been hearing.

The grizzly appeared in the mouth of the cave a few seconds later. Sam and Dean fired, shooting above the grizzly's head. The sounds of the shots startled the bear and she and her cubs took off, running in the opposite direction. They didn't want to be responsible for making two bear cubs orphans.

The Winchesters and the agents waited for a while before they left the cave. They finally decided that the coast was clear, and they could all leave safely.

Sam and Dean helped all but Abby and Ellie to their feet. Sam then bent down and scooped Abby up into his arms. And Dean did the same with Ellie.

"Okay, we're ready." Dean sighed. "That is as close as I ever want to be to a bear."

Ellie was very surprised to be carried by Dean. "I can walk."

Dean shook his head. "Sam said you have a really bad sprain."

Ellie nodded. "But still…."

The elder Winchester shook his head again. "You're light…compared to Sasquatch over there." He said, talking about Sam. "I've carried Sam plenty of times."

The group was surprised by the actions of the Winchesters. They figured that after the storm the brothers would just leave.

"We thank you, so much for what you've done. But…" Vance started.

"…we can handle it from here." Gibbs finished. "But thank you."

"Yeah, I mean…." Abby said. She had been so surprised when Sam had reached down and scooped her up, she couldn't say anything. "…I can walk. You don't have to…"

"Your ankle is broken, Abby." Sam retorted. "You don't need to be putting any pressure on it."

"Judging from the map we got at the ranger station. There's a cabin about a quarter of a mile from here. We can get you there." Dean stated. "Maybe you could get phone reception. Maybe there's a tower close by or something. Anyway…."

"Guys," Tony started. "This is just…above and beyond. Thank you."

"You've been a good friend, Tony." Dean replied. "We're glad to return the favor."

Sam nodded. "And it's nice to finally meet everybody."

They all started the slow journey to the cabin. They had to stop a few times for everybody to rest and to see if they could get any phone reception. But they finally make it. The Winchesters deposited Abby and Ellie on the couches in the living room.

"Thank you, so much." Abby said to Sam, getting him in one of her bear hugs before he could straighten up after depositing her on the couch.

"You're welcome." Sam said, breathless, as he stood up and pushed his hair back.

"Thank you, Dean." Ellie said after the elder Winchester had put her down on the couch. "That really…that was so nice. Thank you, again."

Dean nodded. "You're welcome, Ellie." He turned around looking for the kitchen. "I'll see if there's any ice. Be right back." He said, then he disappeared into the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with two bags of ice, as Gibbs and the rest of the team got settled down in the chairs in the living room area. It felt very nice to be sitting again. The trek had been hard on them all.

"It looks like you all are set on food and supplies." Dean said as he handed an ice pack to Sam for Abby and then, gently, put the other pack on Ellie's ankle. He watched Sam disappear into the kitchen a moment later. Sam came back with his arms full. He had water for them all.

"You need ice for that knee, DiNozzo?" Dean asked as he watched his friend favoring his knee.

Tony shook his head. "They've got all the teamwork, togetherness crap they're getting out of me this weekend. I'm gonna sit in this chair, watch football and drink beer." Tony had seen the big screen TV when he first came in. Now, he was just looking for the remote.

Sam and Dean both smiled.

"Well, on that note…" Dean replied. "…we'll be heading out."

Tony stood to his feet. He hugged his friends. "Be careful, look after each other."

Both Sam and Dean nodded and a moment later, they were gone.

EPILOGUE to follow: I think a conversation amongst the group is in order.