:P Well, its that time again. Time for a new Three Brothers story! This is a prequel to The Lost Son so the boys are younger.

Daniel-17 years old
Dean-16 years old
Sam-12 years old

While out in the wilderness on a training mission, the hunters find out that it isn't always the biggest and strongest that will save the day. Hurt/limp Dean and Danny...hurt/limp Sam...worried John/Caleb/Joshua.

Disclaimer: If you recognize them from the show then I don't own them. If you don't...they're all mine!

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Moving Mountains

John stuffed the last of the supplies into the back of his truck before slamming the tailgate shut with a loud bang. He glanced over as Caleb strolled up to the curb and gazed into the back of the truck.

“You better not have forgotten the coffee, old man,” the younger hunter said as he perused the boxes.

“It’s there, Caleb…don’t worry,” John said with a grin as he shook his head and stepped up onto the sidewalk.

“Just checking, Johnny,” Caleb replied.

John started toward the small house he and his boys had been living in for the past two months, the man looking over his shoulder and grinning as he watched Caleb climb into the bed of the truck and begin rummaging through the boxes. John continued to the house, eager to be on the road. There were just three things he had to check on before that could happen. He ascended the stairs to the porch and stepped through the front door, the screen door slamming shut behind him as he made his way to the stairs leading up to the second floor. He glanced up the stairs and smiled as he heard the sound of his son’s voices rising with laughter as they prepared for their trip. John reined in his smile and put on his sternest face as he squared his shoulders.

“Boys! We leave in five! Get a move on!” he shouted up the stairs.

“Yes, sir! We’re ready!” Dean’s voice called from above.

“Then get your butts down here!” John called, the man chuckling as he listened to his boys rush around upstairs in obvious panic.

John moved into the livingroom to wait for his sons and took a seat on the sofa. A few moments later he was rewarded with the sound of footsteps hurrying down the stairs. He looked up as Sam came rushing into the livingroom, his backpack slung over one shoulder. Sam came to a halt and he smiled warmly when his eyes met his father’s.

“Hey, Dad,” the twelve year old said as he moved further into the room.

“Sammy…you have everything?” John asked, the tall man standing and walking up to his youngest.

Sam nodded as he gazed up at his father. “Yes. My sleeping bag’s already in the truck and I have two changes of clothes, my compass and knife in my backpack,” the boy answered eagerly.

John reached out and ruffled Sam’s unruly hair and smiled warmly. “That’s good. What about books?” he asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

“What?” Sam queried in return as his hazel eyes rose to meet his fathers.

“Did you sneak books in? This isn’t a pleasure trip, Sam. We’re going up there to train, not to lay around and read,” John said sternly.

“I…uh…” Sam stammered, his eyes dropping to the floor.

“Sam…I told you, essentials only,” John said as he took hold of Sam’s arm and turned him around.

“’m sorry. I just thought that at night…”

“You’ll be too tired to read at the end of the day. You’ll need to get as much sleep as you possibly can,” John interrupted as he unzipped Sam’s backpack.

Sam bit at his bottom lip as John rummaged in his pack, his eyes catching sight of his brothers as they came down the stairs, packs and sleeping bags in hand. The two elder boys stopped, their gazes moving from Sam’s sullen, stricken face to their father.

“Uh…Dad…we’re ready,” Daniel said, the eldest brother moving forward in the hopes of offering his baby brother support.

John looked up with dark eyes and nodded toward the door. “Go out and get your stuff in the truck. Sam and I will be out in a minute,” John said, the man turning his attention back to Sam’s pack and fully expecting his sons to obey without question.

“Yes, sir,” the boys said, both looking at Sam apologetically before turning and walking out the front door.

John looked up when the screen door slammed then turned Sam back around. He held two books in his hands as he gazed down at his youngest son’s upturned face. His heart clenched as he was suddenly struck with how much his baby reminded him of his beloved Mary. His inquisitive nature and love of books. His intelligence and quest for knowledge. The innocence in his eyes. John looked down at the books then back up at his son. He reached down and took Sam’s hand then placed one of the books in his hand. Sam looked at the book in his hand then looked up at his father with confusion.

“I…what are you doing?” the boy asked softly.

“One half hour per night, Sammy. That’s how long you can read before you have to hit the hay. You can read on the trip up and the trip back if you want, but once we get to camp, its work time,” John replied, giving the boy a quick wink.

“Thanks, Dad,” Sam said as he tugged the book next to his body.

John smiled down at the small boy then turned him toward the door. “We need to get on the road. Josh is already at the camp and we have a three hour drive ahead of us,” he said as he followed Sam out the door.

Sam looked up as he hit the bottom step and smiled when he saw his brothers waiting for him near the back of John’s truck. Caleb stood nearby, the hunter leant up against his own rig. John and Sam approached the three hunters and once Sam’s backpack was stowed in the back of John’s truck, they were ready to go.

“I’ll ride with Caleb, if that’s okay,” Dean said as he gazed up at his father.

“That’s fine with me,” John said in reply.

Dean nodded then turned to his younger brother. “Don’t talk their ears off, kiddo,” he said as he ruffled Sam’s hair.

Sam shook his brother off and lightly slugged Dean’s arm. “I don’t talk that much, Dean. Shut up!” he cried before sticking out his tongue at the older boy.

Dean laughed then turned to join Caleb who had already gotten into his SUV. He turned around and watched as first Sam, then Daniel climbed into the passenger side of John’s truck. John was making his way around the truck when the sound of Dean’s voice stopped him.

“You drive carefully, Dad,” Dean called, his green eyes moving away from his father and settling on the two other occupants of the truck.

John nodded and smiled as he opened the driver’s door. “I will, Dean. You and Caleb be careful too,” he answered.

“We will. See you up there,” Dean said.

John turned away and stepped up into his truck. The engine roared to life a few moments later then the large truck pulled away from the curb and headed down the street. Dean slid into the passenger seat of Caleb’s rig and slammed the door shut. He turned to Caleb and nodded as he engaged his seatbelt. “Let’s hit it, Caleb,” he said with a grin.

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Sam straightened and stretched his arms high above his head. He’d just packed in his fifth armload of firewood and he was worn out. The cabin that he and his family were sharing had a large fireplace at one end and just looking at the shabby walls was enough to know that they would need the heat. Sam looked down and blew out an exhausted breath before bending over and piling the load of wood onto the stack he had made with the previous four loads. He slid the last piece of wood into place then straightened again. He looked around the room and sighed heavily. This would be their home for the next week or so. No electricity, no running water, cracked windows and walls. They’d lived in worse. Sam shook his head and moved across the room toward the door. He stepped out onto the porch then bounded down the steps and ran up to his brothers.

“Hey, squirt…where you been?” Dean queried as he reached out and tugged his baby brother to his side.

“Been bringing in firewood while you’ve been looking at that Playboy you snuck into your duffel,” Sam said with a snort.

Dean pulled away and stared down at his little brother. “Wh…I…no I wasn’t!” he cried indignantly. “You know, Sammy…you’re quite the smartass for such a little kid!”

“Better to be a smartass than a dumbass,” Sam said with a grin, the boy nearly busting out laughing at the look of shock on Dean’s face.

“Hey…better not let Dad hear you talking like that, little man,” Daniel said as he lightly slugged his brother on the arm.

Sam gazed up at his eldest brother and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, Danny,” he whispered.

Daniel shook his head and reached out to ruffle his baby brother’s hair. “Don’t worry about it, kiddo,” he said affectionately.

“Boys!” John’s voice boomed, prompting the three brothers to swiftly turn and face the direction that the Winchester patriarch was calling from.

“Yeah, Dad!?” Daniel called back as he moved toward his father.

John strolled quickly towards his boys and stopped just in front of his eldest son. “I’ve set up a training course in the woods due east. I want you and Dean to take this map and follow it. You have two hours. We have an early morning, so get it done and get back here so you can get to bed,” John instructed as he handed a folded piece of paper to Daniel.

Sam moved forward and gazed up at his father. “What about me, Dad? Aren’t I going with them?” he asked with wide hazel eyes.

John looked down into his youngest son’s upturned face and smiled. “Not this time, Sammy…”

“But, Dad…you said we were coming up here for training. You said I would be training too,” Sam cried.

“Not when it’s dark, kiddo…it’s to dangerous,” Dean said, the older boy reaching out to squeeze Sam’s shoulder.

Sam turned to his brother and stared up at him. “I’m not a little kid, Dean!” he snapped before turning back to his father. “Dad…I can do this. Please let me go with them,” he pleaded.

“Son, you’ll get plenty of training, but not tonight. This is for Daniel and Dean,” John explained.

“You always say that. You don’t think I can do anything…none of you do!” Sam cried.

Daniel reached out and grasped his baby brother’s shoulder. He gently turned him then crouched down until he was eye level with the smaller boy. “Sammy…I get it, okay. You want to be doing what Dean and I are doing, but you’re not quite ready yet to be out there in the dark. Dean and I have been training at home for this. You’ll get your chance…when you’re a little older…and a little bigger,” the eldest brother said, his heart clenching at the look in his baby brother’s eyes.

Sam gazed at his brother with wet, wide eyes. “I’ve been training too. I’ve been shooting, and I know how to use the compass and Dad’s been teaching me tracking. I know I’m small, but I can do this,” he said.

“Sam…this isn’t up for discussion,” John said sternly as he turned his son back around. “You are not going with your brothers and that’s final.”

“But, Dad…”

“No buts, Sam. I want you to go in and get the fire going then I want you to eat something before you go to bed. Believe me, you’re going to need the rest for tomorrow,” John said, his dark eyes staring down at the boy and leaving no room for anymore arguments.

Sam’s shoulders sagged and he dropped his eyes to the ground at his feet. “Yes, sir,” he said, his voice filled with defeat. The boy dragged his feet as he made his way slowly back to the rundown cabin then looked over his shoulder before climbing the steps and disappearing into the cabin. Once Sam was behind the closed door, John turned to his other two sons, the man clearing his throat to get the two teenagers attention when he saw that they were still watching the cabin door.

“Boys…he’s fine. I need your minds on the training mission. Get your packs and get moving and remember…two hours,” he said.

“Yes, sir,” the boys said in unison before moving to the truck to remove their packs. Once they had everything they needed, they headed toward the trees, both boys thrumming with excitement at their first solo training mission.
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Sam closed the door behind himself and dropped his chin to his chest. He took a deep breath then moved toward the woodpile and pulled several pieces of wood into his arms. He moved back across the room to the fireplace and dropped the armful of wood to the floor. He felt a sudden burning in his eyes and wiped at them with the back of his hand.

“Suck it up, ya big baby,” he whispered to himself as he moved to the window and looked outside.

Sam bit at his bottom lip as he watched his older brothers walk toward the trees, the boy swallowing against the lump in his throat as the teenagers disappeared into the dark forest a few moments later. He felt a surge of fear ripple through him as he thought of his brothers out in the woods alone. He knew his father would not have set up an easy course for his brothers to follow, but then he also knew that the man would not put his sons in any undue danger either. Sam watched John stroll over to the smaller cabin where Caleb and Joshua were staying and disappear inside. He heaved a heavy sigh then got to work on the fire. A few minutes later the fire was roaring in the fireplace and the cabin was warming up nicely.

Sam watched the fire dancing behind the fire screen for a few minutes then turned toward the boxes that had been packed in from the truck. He gazed at the boxes, but turned away immediately as he didn’t have much of an appetite anymore. His disappointment at being left out of the night training coupled with his worry for his brothers left him feeling a bit nauseous so he figured the best thing for him to do would be to turn in for the night. Even the thought of lying down and reading a few chapters of his book didn’t appeal to him. Sam picked up his backpack and dug his sleep clothes out. After shedding his shirts and jeans, he pulled on his sleepwear then picked his sleeping bag up from the floor and spread it out on the floor near the fireplace.

Sam went to the boxes and found the water they had brought then retrieved his toothbrush and toothpaste from his pack. He went out onto the porch and brushed his teeth then rinsed his mouth and toothbrush with the water. He glanced at the area where his brothers had disappeared into the woods and sent up a silent prayer, asking whomever to keep them safe. He turned and re-entered the cabin then set his water, toothbrush and toothpaste on a small table near the fireplace. He climbed into his sleeping bag then reached for his jacket. He balled the jacket up to use as a pillow then rested his head upon it. He closed his eyes and willed his breathing to slow and within minutes, the boy was sound asleep.

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John bid goodnight to his friends before stepping from their small cabin into the chilled mountain air. He glanced toward the woods and wondered how his sons were doing then turned his attention to the other cabin. He took a deep breath as he looked at the cabin. He really didn’t want to face Sam yet. He understood why the boy was upset and hated that he had put the defeated look on his face, but he knew that Sam was not ready for night training yet. Daniel and Dean had been training for this and it was their first solo test. If Sam were there, they would be more focused on their baby brother than the training and that could lead to someone getting hurt. John sighed then began to walk toward the cabin. As much as he didn’t want to see that look in his baby’s eyes again, he knew he had to talk to Sam and try to make him understand why he had to stay behind.

John went up the steps and crossed the small porch then pushed open the door and stepped into the warm cabin. He fully expected to find Sam sitting on the rundown sofa and reading his book, but when he closed the door his attention was drawn to the fireplace and he smiled warmly at the image of his peacefully sleeping son. The cabin was illuminated only by the burning logs in the fireplace and the warm glow of the flames lit upon Sam’s young face, making him look even younger than his twelve years. John stepped quietly across the room and knelt down next to his son. He reached down and tugged the sleeping bag up further around Sam’s shoulders then brushed his fingers tenderly over the sleeping boy’s cheek.

“I’m sorry, Sammy,” John whispered as he continued to watch Sam sleep. “I know how much you want to be just like your brothers, but it scares me so badly sometimes.”

John watched Sam for a few more minutes then pushed up from the floor. He walked to the boxes that had been placed along the opposite wall and found the one that held the two lanterns he had brought. He pulled one out and within moments had it lit. He carried it to the sofa and sunk down onto the musty smelling cushions. He’d give Daniel and Dean another half hour and then he would take the other path to the training course he had set up. He had faith that his boys would do well, but the father in him couldn’t help but worry. He would just sneak out and check on them then return to the cabin before they got back. John settled back on the couch and crossed one leg over his knee. He appeared to be relaxed and calm, but inside he was a bundle of nerves. The only way he would be able to fully relax would be when he had all three of his sons back in the cabin and under his watchful eye.

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Sam watched as his brothers got further and further up the path and away from him. He hurried as fast as he could, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t keep up with his taller, faster brothers. He called out to them to wait up for him, but the teenagers still pulled further ahead. Soon, Sam lost sight of his brothers altogether and a sudden rush of fear washed over him. He picked up his speed, his feet suddenly slipping on the rocky path and nearly bringing him to his knees. Sam righted himself and hurried ahead. He was at almost a full run when he stumbled out of the trees and into a small clearing. He pulled up to a stop when he saw his brothers standing near the edge of a drop off, the two teenagers peering over the edge and speaking quietly to one another.

Sam called out to his brothers, but a sudden rumbling drowned out his words before they had a chance to reach their ears. The earth began to tremble beneath his feet, the movement violent enough to knock him from his feet. His terrified eyes remained glued to his brothers as he attempted to regain his footing by grabbing hold of tree branches the hung close to him. Sam pulled himself up and started toward his brothers, the rocking of the earth making the going very difficult. Dean and Daniel turned toward their brother, each holding onto the other to keep from falling to the ground. Suddenly, a large crack sounded over the rumbling and the earth beneath the elder boy’s feet gave way, sending both over the edge of the drop off and into the abyss below. Sam screamed out and rushed forward, the boy amazingly keeping on his feet. Just as he reached the spot where his brothers had been standing, the earth suddenly stopped shaking and the forest was plunged into an eerie silence.

“Dean! Danny!” Sam screamed as he dropped to his knees and crawled to the edge of the drop off.

He reached the edge and peered over the rim, his heart clenching in his chest when nothing but dirt and rock and mangled trees met his desperate eyes.

“Nonononono,” he chanted as he dropped his legs over the edge and began to shimmy down the treacherous cliff.

Sam slowly made his way down the slope, his hazel eyes scanning the rubble in search of any sign of his brothers. All he saw was destruction. He stopped and gazed around helplessly as realization that the odds of his brothers surviving their fall was pretty much nil. He dropped to his knees, his hands falling limply to his sides as tears streamed down his dusty cheeks.

“No!” he cried softly, his eyes taking in the devastation with shock. Suddenly overcome with paralyzing grief, Sam could not stop the scream that tore from his raw throat.

“NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

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:o Oh my! A cliffie right off the bat! Just couldn't help myself. So, what do you think? Should I continue? Please let me know.

Cindy

A/N~~I just want to mention that I had this story mapped out long before the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I held off posting for a while. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and all of the people affected by this terrible event.

Silly girl, of course you should continue. Very interesting start to your story. Waiting patiently for the next installment. I have no doubt it will be another good one. Love the three brothers.......... :lol: I even forgive you for the evil cliffy.

Cookie

ooo yay I love these kinds of stories, especially the 3 brother stories :). Yes, you should continue :D.

:o Ok, you got me hooked again. :) :clap

Ok, Cindy I read this earlier this morning and am now just able to reply....great start. Should you continue...Hell Yeah! Love Daniel, he's awesome! Poor Sam, John should take advantage of Sam's desire now before he grows out of it. I hope the last part was a dream, if not Dean, Daniel....NOOOO. You are extremely evil for the cliffie, you know that don't you?

But of course continue there are never enough flashbacks...love John and the youngsters.

OOooo a new story :cheer

Great start Dean and Danny in the woods ....

Was Sam dreaming? was it a vision? or did that actually happen?

Hmmmmmmmm

Bad Cindy Bad Bad Cindy giving us a cliffy on the first update :D

Steffs

Great Start! And already a cliffy--can't wait to see where you take this! :hi5

:) Thank you guys. Glad you are liking the story so far. Just wanted to let you know that I am working on the next chapter, but the going is slow. I've been sick for about a week and found out yesterday I have pneumonia. I just really haven't had the energy to do much writing. Now that I'm on some good drugs, I'm starting to feel better and I can actually breathe. I was starting to see black dots and that's when I decided it may be time to go to the doctor! Go figure. Anyway, I will try to have an update for you in the next few days. Thanks for understanding. Love you all!

Cindy

Yea, another 3 brothers story!

:cheer Go Cindy! Go Cindy! Go Cindy! :cheer

Hope you feel better soon!

Beth

Poor you *Hands over Chicken Soup*

Yeah pneumonia does sneak up on you....take care of yourself we'll be waiting.

*Bounces expectantly*

:D

Steffs

Greta story o far. Love it

Can't wait till you add some more

:P Thanks for being patient guys. This crap has really been putting me through the wringer! I think I need Jared to come take care of me for a bit. You, know...massage my achy muscles...give me mouth to mouth when I can't breathe. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...oh, sorry...have to get that image out of my head! :blink: Okay, I'm back. Anyway...here is the next chapter.

Cindy
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John trudged through the trees, a look of anger mixed with worry on his handsome face. He cast a quick glance to his right and took in his middle son’s pain etched face. On the other side of Dean, Daniel too was looking at the injured teenager. He glanced up and met his father’s dark eyes then quickly looked away. John shook his head and turned his eyes away from his sons. He tightened his grip around Dean’s torso when the boy stumbled on the darkened path and took a deep breath when he felt Daniel tighten his hold too. The three hunters continued down the path in silence until John couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. He found a downed tree and steered his sons off the path then along with Daniel, he eased Dean down upon the log. Daniel sat down next to his brother as he nervously watched his father pace, the elder hunters dark eyes glowing eerily in the moonlight each time he glanced over at his sons. Finally, John stopped pacing and turned to his sons. He bit at his lip as he stared down at the two scared teenagers then crossed his arms over his chest.

“So, I want you to tell me where exactly in my instructions did it say that it would be a good idea for you to climb a tree and then fall out of the tree!” the man snapped, his gaze shifting from one boy to the other before finally settling on his eldest.

Daniel swallowed as he stood to face his father, the boy looking over his shoulder at Dean’s upturned face before once again turning to John. “Sir…I…we thought…um…we thought we could finish the test faster if we climbed the tree and scouted out the route from above,” the boy said nervously. He glanced back at Dean and saw the pain on the younger teen’s face and felt his stomach knot. He turned back to John and dropped his eyes. “It’s my fault, Dad. I told Dean that we should climb the tree,” he said softly.

“That’s not true!” Dean suddenly shouted from where he sat on the downed tree. “Dad…he’s lying! It was my idea!”

“Dean…shut up!” Daniel hissed through clenched teeth as he continued to watch his father.

“No, Danny! Stop lying!” Dean cried as he attempted to stand, but pain lanced through his side and he dropped back down onto the log with a short gasp.

John rushed forward and dropped to a crouch in front of his son. “Dean…” he started as he reached out and took the teenagers arm.

“I’m fine, Dad…I think I just bruised my ribs,” Dean said as he wrapped his arm around his side.

John sat before his middle son for a few more moments then stood and began to pace again. He stopped finally and ran his hand over his face then up through his hair. “So, it seems each of you wants to take blame for your stupidity,” he said as he turned to face his boys. “Fine. Once we get home, you’re both grounded for a month. Straight to and from school. No hanging out with friends, no phone calls…nothing. You’ll be running extra miles everyday after school,” the angry man said evenly.

“Yes, sir,” both boys said in unison.

John watched his boys for a few more moments then stepped forward and helped Dean to his feet. “Come on. I want to get a good look at those ribs then you boys need to eat and get to bed. We have a long day ahead of us and you’re going to need your sleep,” he said as he started down the path again.

The three finished their trek in silence and pushed through the trees into the clearing where their two cabins stood. They passed by Caleb and Joshua’s cabin and were halfway to their own when a terrified scream cut through the night halting the hunters in their tracks. A second later they were running toward their cabin, Daniel all but dragging Dean along as the screaming continued. John burst through the door first, followed closely by Daniel and Dean. The man was already on his knees next to his youngest son and was pulling him up and shaking him when Daniel and Dean pulled up behind him.

“NOOOOOOO!!!” Sam screamed, his eyes flying open as John gave him a rough shake.

“Sammy! Wake up, son!” John cried as he turned Sam so he could fully see his face.

Sam stared at his father with wide, glassy eyes and for a moment, John thought the boy couldn’t see him, but then Sam lunged forward and wrapped his arms around his fathers middle and held on for dear life. “We have to help them, Dad! We have to get them out!” he cried, his words muffled against John’s chest.

John pushed Sam away and held him at arms length and looked into his terrified eyes. “Help who, Sammy? Get who out of where?” he asked softly.

Sam gazed up into his father’s face and John could tell the boy was still somewhere else and not in his sleeping bag in front of the dying fire. “Dean and Danny…they…the earthquake, Dad. You felt it, right? They went over the edge…” the boy started, his voice rising as hysterics started to over take him.

Daniel moved around John and knelt down, easing his brother down with him. He reached out and took Sam’s face in his hands then turned him until their eyes met. “Sammy…we’re right here. Dean and I are right here. We’re fine. It was just a dream,” he said as he leaned in so that his face was the only thing Sam could see.

Daniel watched as Sam’s pupils dilated and comprehension washed over his face. “Danny?” the boy queried, his trembling hands reaching up and grasping Daniel’s wrists.

“Yeah…it’s me, kiddo. Dean and I are fine. There was no earthquake,” Daniel answered with a warm smile.

“Dean?” Sam said softly, his hazel widening hopefully.

“Right here, squirt,” Dean said, the teen holding in a hiss as he reached for his baby brother.

Sam turned toward his brother’s voice and smiled as he met the teens green eyes. “Dean…you…I…I thought you and Danny were…”

“We’re not, Sammy. We’re fine. You just had a bad dream, that’s all,” Dean interrupted, the teen unable to hold in a soft gasp when he moved closer to his little brother.

Sam pulled back and looked down, his eyes widening when he saw Dean holding his ribs protectively. “Dean? You’re hurt,” he said as he looked back up into his brother’s eyes.

“Oh, its okay. I fell out of a tree,” Dean said absently. “It’s a long story,” he added when Sam opened his mouth to speak.

“You okay now, Sam?” John asked as he drew his son’s attention back to himself.

“I…uh…yeah. It just…it was so real,” Sam answered, his voice still a little shaky.

John reached out and rested his hand on his baby’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Look, kiddo…I’ve had a few of those kinds of dreams myself. You swear it really happened, but it was just that…a dream. Your brothers are fine…we’re all fine,” he said comfortingly.

Sam gazed up at his father and nodded. “Okay, Dad. I’m okay,” he said softly.

“Okay then, why don’t you get back to sleep. I need to take a look at Dean’s ribs then your brothers will be turning in too. They will be getting up extra early in the morning,” John said with a smirk.

Sam looked at his brothers then shifted back down into his sleeping bag. He pulled the bag up high enough to where all that could be seen was his mop of unkempt brown hair. John and Daniel helped Dean up and that was when the three Winchesters noticed Caleb and Joshua standing just inside the doorway.

“Hey…didn’t hear you two come in,” Dean said as he was eased down onto the sofa.

Caleb shrugged his shoulders and glanced down at the mound that was Sam then looked back up at his friends. “Half pint okay?” he asked with a hint of concern.

“Yeah…just had a nightmare. Thought the boys were caught in an earthquake,” John answered as he began his examination of his middle son.

“Huh. What about Ace there? What happened?” Caleb queried.

“Oh, the boys decided to change my instructions a bit and clumsy here fell out of a tree. Don’t feel any cracks or breaks, so I think he got away with just some bruising,” John answered before standing up and turning toward his friends.

“A tree huh? That’s pretty talented, Dean,” Joshua said with a chuckle.

“Shut up,” Dean whispered as he leaned back against the sofa back.

John rustled around in one of the boxes for a few moments then made his way back to the sofa and his waiting son. He held a large first aid kit in his hand and set it down on the sofa before kneeling down on the floor in front of Dean.

“Shirts off,” he instructed as he opened the first aid kit and pulled out a large roll of medical wrap.

Dean pulled off his button down then gingerly pulled his tee shirt over his head. He held his arms up while John tightly wrapped his ribs, the father not wanting to take any chances just in case. He finished with his ministrations then patted Dean on his knee. He stood and took the first aid kit back and placed it in the box then went to another box and pulled out a box of granola bars. He opened the box and tossed his sons two each then took one for himself. The boys were not too happy with their dinner, but both knew better than to argue with their father about it. As they began to eat, John moved over to the other two hunters to discuss the plans for the next day. Once Daniel and Dean were done eating, they pulled their sleeping bags out from the corner where they had stuck them and laid them out on either side of Sam. They climbed into their bags without a word, both knowing they would be awakened quite early to begin their punishment for straying from John’s instructions. Both boys were asleep within minutes.

John finished finalizing plans for the next days training then bid his friends goodnight before closing the door behind them and making his way to the woodpile Sam had made earlier in the evening. He placed several more logs on the fire then moved over to the sofa and laid down. His dark eyes flitted over the room then came to a rest on his sleeping sons. He smiled and shook his head, not a bit surprised at how his two eldest sons had arranged themselves around the youngest in an obvious display of protectiveness. He watched his boys for a few moments longer then closed his eyes as he crossed his arms over his chest and a few minutes later, he was asleep.

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“Dad?”

John looked up from his journal and turned his dark eyes onto his youngest son. He closed the journal and set his pencil down next to it on the flimsy kitchen table. “Yes, Sam?” he queried as he took in the serious look on his baby’s face.

“Uh…I…um…” Sam stammered, his feet shuffling on the dirty wooden floor.

“Sam…spit it out. We’re moving out just as soon as your brothers get done doing the dishes down at the creek,” John said impatiently.

“I…I don’t think we should go on the hike today. I…”

“What? Why not?” John asked as he leaned forward in his chair.

“M-my dream…it wasn’t the first one and…and I think something’s gonna happen,” Sam replied nervously, his large hazel eyes staring pleadingly into his father’s dark ones.

John sighed and rubbed his hand over his scruffy face. “Sammy…it was just a dream. Nothing is going to happen,” he answered, the man reaching out to place his hand on the young boy’s shoulder.

“But, Dad…”

“Sam…it was just a dream. I know it scared you, but that’s all it was. You and your brothers will be perfectly safe,” John interrupted.

“Dad…I’ve had more than one dream about…about an earthquake. It’s not even like they’re dreams. I think…I…”

“What? You think they’re premonitions? You think you’re psychic?” John asked incredulously as he gazed at his son.

“No…its not that, Dad. They were just so real and I…”

“Sammy…I understand, okay? But kiddo…there’s no reason to believe there’s going to be an earthquake. As far as I know, there’s no fault line anywhere close to here. You need to stop worrying and get ready to go,” John said as he stood and gently squeezed Sam’s shoulder.

“But, Dad…”

“No buts, Sam. Get your gear together. You wanted to be included in this training…now move,” John said, his voice leaving no room for arguments.

“Yes, sir,” Sam murmured as he turned and shuffled across the floor.

John shook his head as he watched his youngest. “Earthquake,” he whispered under his breath as he began to fill his own pack.

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Sam followed behind Dean, his legs moving as quickly as they could to keep up with his brother as the older boy hurried through the forest. He could hear Daniel behind him, the eldest sibling choosing to bring up the rear so that he could keep his eye on both of his little brothers and Sam felt comfort knowing that his brothers were there to watch over him. John had sent the three boys off on their own, giving them a map and instructions. He had given the two older boys strict instructions to not let Sam out of their sight for even a second, not that either boy needed to be told that. It was what they did. It was who they were. Take care of each other…take care of Sammy. Nothing else mattered. Not really. Not in their eyes.

The three brothers trekked through the woods, following John’s map to the letter for sometime before Daniel called for the two younger boys to stop. Dean and Sam waited for their brother to catch up and watched as he knelt down and spread the map on the path at his feet.

“What’s up, doc?” Dean queried as he stood over his brother and gazed down at the map.

Daniel looked up and shook his head. “See this?” he asked as he pointed at a circled area of the map.

Dean leaned down and squinted at the small dot on the map then looked at his brother questioningly. “Yeah…what about it?” he asked, the middle brother making room when Sam decided to take a look at the map himself.

“It’s a cave,” Sam said before gazing up at his brother.

“Okay…it’s a cave. What about it?” Dean queried, his green eyes once more moving to the eldest sibling.

“Dad circled it. He must want us to check it out. It should be about a half mile up the trail,” Daniel answered as he stood and brushed the dirt from his knees.

“Oh crap…I suppose we’re gonna have to climb,” Dean groused as he absently wrapped an arm across his still sore ribs.

“If you’re hurting too much, you can wait for Sam and me,” Daniel said sympathetically.

“No way, man. Dad’ll have my a…my butt if I don’t go with you,” Dean shot, the boy pulling his arm away from his side and straightening.

“You sure you’re okay, Dean?” Sam asked as he gazed up at his brother.

“I’m fine, squirt,” Dean said as he ruffled Sam’s hair playfully.

Sam shook his brother off and stepped away. “Sheesh, Dean…will you stop it? I’m not a little kid anymore,” he cried indignantly.

“You look little to me,” Dean said with a chuckle.

“Deeeaaan…”

“You two stop! Dean, stop teasing him,” Daniel said, the eldest boy shaking his head as he started up the trail.

Sam followed behind Daniel, the boy turning and sticking out his tongue at Dean as he passed him on the path. Dean reached out and softly slugged Sam’s arm before he too followed down the path. Twenty minutes later, the three boys came to a stop and looked up the incline that came into view as they pushed through the thick trees.

“That’s it,” Daniel said as his eyes surveyed the cave that opened up about 100 feet up the incline.

“Ah, that’s not too bad,” Dean said, his gaze already scoping out the best path to take up the hill.

“Uh…guys…do we really have to go up there?” Sam asked as he stared up at the cave nervously.

“Why, Sammy…you scared?” Dean asked, the teen giving the smaller boy a gentle nudge.

“No…yes…I don’t know,” Sam answered softly.

Daniel turned and kneeled down in front of his baby brother. He placed his hands on Sam’s shoulders and smiled reassuringly. “Sam…is it your dream? Is that what you’re afraid of?” he asked.

Sam swallowed as he looked up at the cave. “I just…what if there really is an earthquake? What if…”

“Sammy,” Dean said as he moved into his brothers line of sight. “Don’t worry. There isn’t going to be an earthquake. We’ll be fine. Besides…it doesn’t even look that deep,” he continued as he saw the fear still in his baby brother’s eyes.

“I don’t what I’d do…if you guys…if something happened to you,” Sam whispered, his wide eyes gazing at first one brother then the other.

“Nothing is going to happen. Dad wouldn’t send us up there if he didn’t think it was perfectly safe,” Daniel said as he gave Sam’s shoulders another soft squeeze.

Sam bit at his lower lip then nodded at his brother. “Okay…okay,” he said softly before slowly turning and making his way toward the incline.

Dean and Daniel looked at each other, a small amount of worry darkening their green eyes then they hurried after Sam and together the three brothers started the short climb up the rocky hill. Ten minutes later they pulled themselves onto the rocky ledge that stood just outside the opening of the cave. The three brothers reached into their packs and each pulled out a flashlight then together, they stepped into the cave.

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John sat on a large rock that protruded from the earth and bit hungrily into the turkey sandwich that he had packed into his bag before leaving the cabin. Joshua and Caleb sat on the other side of the trail, the two hunters eating their own lunches and gazing at the eldest hunter.

“So, Johnny,” Caleb said around a mouthful of roastbeef on rye. “You think the boys have found the cave yet?”

John swallowed as he set his sandwich down and looked at the watch around his wrist. He gazed around their surroundings then up at the clear, blue sky. “Yeah…they should be there by now I’d think…unless they’ve been doing more horsing around then scouting,” he answered gruffly.

Joshua chuckled then finished off his sandwich. He reached into his pack and pulled out a bottle of water, twisted off the cap and took a long swallow. “How was Sammy this morning? Still freaked out about his dream?” he asked before taking another long drink.

“Yeah. He said he’s had more than one dream about earthquakes. He really thinks there could be one coming,” John said with a shake of his head.

“He’s had more of these dreams?” Caleb asked, the youngest of the three straightening, his eyes staring at John intently.

“So he says,” John answered, his dark eyes moving to his younger friend, his eyebrows furrowed. “You aren’t actually giving his dreams credence are you, Caleb?”

“No…not really, but…”

“But what?” John interrupted.

“It’s not unheard of, John. Sam could be…sensitive to such things. Who knows,” Caleb answered.

“Sam isn’t a psychic, Caleb, so just stop. They’re just dreams…nothing more than his nerves getting the better of him,” John snapped.

“John…” Caleb started, his words cut off by Joshua’s harsh voice.

“Quiet! You hear that?” the large man asked as he stood from the log he and Caleb were sitting upon.

“Hear what?” John queried, his eyes narrowing as he suddenly heard a low rumble, from where he couldn’t determine.

“What the hell is that?” Caleb asked as he too stood and cocked his head, the hairs on the back of his neck rising as he realized the normal sounds of the forest had suddenly stopped, leaving only the deep rumble that seemed to come from the ground itself.

“I don’t…” John started, his dark eyes widening as the earth suddenly began to shake, ever so slightly at first, but gaining in intensity until the shaking was so violent it nearly threw him to the ground.

“Son of a bitch! Earthquake!” Joshua screamed above the deafening rumble, the tall hunter grabbing hold of a nearby tree to keep from falling to the earth.

John tried to move, but the violent shaking finally took him down and he hit the ground hard. “John!” Caleb shouted, his blue eyes meeting his friends wide, dark ones.

“My boys! We have to get to my boys!” John screamed, his face as white as a ghost as absolute terror washed over him.

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Ah, John...someday you'll learn to listen to your baby boy! So, I hope that was worth the wait. Please let me know what you think. Your comments really keep me going and let me know if I'm on the right track or not.

Now...would someone call Jared? I need some chicken soup and a lot of TLC!

Take care~~Cindy

Oh wow! Sam was right after all about the earthquake. I'm really into this story :D. Awesome update!

hehe, I'll call Jared for ya...right after he stops by my house :P.

Yupp...Worth the wait. That family needs to start listening to the youngest member. Can't wait to read more.

Hope you're feeling better. I'll make you a deal. I will bring Jared right to your doorstep with some nice hot chicken soup, right after I help him make it. Sorry, but it might take us a few days. lol ;)

Great update. Some day John will learn....

"Ohhhh Jeeeeenson you gotta stop the 'research' and call Jared. Cindy needs some chicken soup taking over."

S'okay Cind my boy is on it.

How come John never errs on the side of caution. Even if he didn't fully believe Sam he could have waited a day and set the boys a task nearer camp. Tsk Tsk will that man never learn....sigh.

Lovin' the danger and hurt Dean, oh yeah delicious and methinks there might be some more hurting Winchesters around soon. :D

Steffs

great work my little physic sammmy!!!!!!!!!!
EARTHQUAKE!!! stand uder a doorway!! get in a bath!! lol
update soon :cheer

Cindy, wow great update. Sam owes John a great big I told you so.

You take care. I do love the updates, but not at the expense of your health. :stir here's some mojo for you. I know, I know it's not Jared and his chicken soup, but I hope it helps.

Holy crap! Earthquake. Sammy was right. Hmmm, maybe one of these days someone in their family is going to listen to him when he has these dreams. Now they are all in trouble.

Update again soon! Please!

Beth

EARTHQUAKE!!!!!! :blink: :blink: Wow, mother nature throwing a tantrum and our boys are right in the middle :D

Sounds like a normal day for our boys ;)

Great job! :hi5

Come back. We miss you and this story. Hope all is well.

:blink: Wow...has it been that long? Oh my. So sorry. This crap I've got is really kicking my butt! The whole thing has flared up again, but I'm hanging in there. I hope this chapter makes up for the wait. Thanks for sticking with me and for the concern you've all shown. Anyway...here goes.

Cindy
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Sam glanced warily around the cave then moved his gaze back to his two brothers as they investigated the darkened areas of the small cavern. The young boy’s stomach tightened with worry as the images from his nightmare played through his mind again. When he’d first found out about this training mission, he’d been so excited, but then the dreams had begun. At first, and right up until last night, he’d thought they were just that…dreams. But then, in his last nightmare, his brothers had perished, just like that. One second they’d been there trying to stay on their feet and the next second, they were gone. Sam could no longer convince himself that his dreams were just figments of his imagination. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his dreams were more like premonitions of horrible events to come. The fact that the most terrifying dream had come on the eve of he and his brother’s big day gave Sam even more reason to be worried.

“Hey…Sammy…you with us?” Dean called from across the cave, his voice echoing off the rocky walls, causing the younger boy to startle.

“Uh…yeah…I…” Sam stammered as he made his way toward his brothers.

“You’re thinking about your dream again aren’t you, kiddo?” Daniel queried, the eldest brother watching the boy with concern.

Sam dropped his eyes and bit at his lower lip before gazing back up into his brother’s eyes. He remained silent, the boy afraid that he’d be teased by his brothers for still being scared. Daniel moved forward and reached out to cup the back of Sam’s neck. He smiled warmly as he leaned down so he could see into the younger boy’s eyes.

“It’s okay, Sammy. I’ve been scared shi…silly by dreams before. When Dad’s been on hunts and left us home, I’d have horrible dreams about things happening to him. It’s normal,” Daniel said as he gazed into Sam’s wide, hazel eyes.

“I…I couldn’t stop you guys from…from going over the edge and…and…”

“Hey…we’re here. We’re fine, Sammy,” Dean said as he nudged his baby brother on his shoulder.

Sam gazed up at his brother and smiled. “I guess I’m being stupid, huh?” he said with an embarrassed shrug.

“No…you’re not stupid, Sammy. Nothing stupid about worrying about your family,” Daniel answered before reaching up to ruffle the boy’s hair.

“Thanks, guys,” Sam said softly as he gave his brothers a shy smile.

“Come on, lets see what else Dad set up for us,” Dean said as he eased Sam around and fell in behind him as Daniel straightened and took the lead.

The boys headed deeper into the cave, the beams from their flashlights bouncing off the rock walls as they searched for and recorded in a notebook the small, subtle signs that John and the other hunters had left for them to find. This was a test that none of them intended to fail. They continued to search further into the cave until they came to the end of the line. They came up against a solid wall and decided to take a break before heading back to the front of the cave. They sat and talked for a few minutes before Daniel stood from the spot on the floor he had chosen to sit on and motioned for his brothers to follow. They started to move carefully toward the mouth of the cave when all of the sudden, Daniel halted and held up his hand. Sam and Dean stopped behind him and eyed him curiously.

“What, Danny? What’s going on?” Dean asked as he instinctively grasped Sam’s shoulders and pulled him closer.

Daniel looked over his shoulder and minutely shook his head. “Do you feel that?” he asked softly before reaching out and planting his hand on the cave wall.

“Feel what?” Sam queried as he too reached out to touch the rock wall. Sam frowned when he felt a steady vibration beneath his fingers and suddenly the boy’s stomach dropped. “We…we have to get out of here,” he whispered urgently as he grabbed Daniel’s arm and began to tug him toward the front of the cave.

“Sammy…calm down. It’s okay,” Dean said, his green eyes meeting Daniels and seeing a minute amount of fear reflected back at him.

“No…no…we have to get out! We have to get out!” Sam cried, his voice rising as he tugged more urgently at Daniel’s arm.

“Okay…we’re go…” Daniel started, but his words were cut off as the rocks beneath his feet suddenly lurched without warning and nearly threw him to the ground.

“Oh God! It’s happening…it’s happening!” Sam screamed, the terrified boy’s hazel eyes wide as he stared at his brothers.

Daniel grabbed both Dean and Sam and pushed them in front of him then continued to push them forward as the ground began to shake more violently. Small rocks and dirt began to rain down upon the brothers as they rushed ahead, their calls and yells drowned out by the deafening rumble that continued to grow. Daniel cried out as a large rock slammed into his shoulder then bounced away, but the teen didn’t slow his pace as he pushed his younger brothers towards escape. Finally, the boys could see the faint glow of light that signaled they were close to the opening of the cave and they quickened their pace as much as the shaking ground allowed.

Daniel knew they only had two more bends in the narrow path until they came to the cavern and the mouth of the cave. His one and only thought was to get his brothers out of the cave and to the relative safety of the outdoors. The light grew brighter and he knew they were close, but suddenly, the ground gave a huge, violent jerk and instantly, the cave came down around the brothers and when the trembling finally ceased and the dust settled, silence reigned in the once wide open cave.

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Awareness came slowly and along with that awareness came pain. Sharp, agonizing pain. Sam moaned as he peeled his eyelids open and tried to turn his head, but found he was unable to move more than a few inches as something was lying atop him. Something he couldn’t see in the dusty darkness. Sam attempted to push what was atop him off by pressing his shoulder up, but a pained groan met his ringing ears and he immediately stopped when he realized that what lay upon him was warm and soft…and groaning. Sam let out a sharp cry when a sharp pain pierced his left side as he tried to turn to see who lay atop him. His first thought was broken ribs, but he pushed the thought aside. He had to free himself despite the pain so that he could check on his brothers.

Sam lay partly on his right side with his right arm pinned partially behind and beneath him. His face was flush with the dirt floor, his cheek pressing painfully into the rough ground. When he realized he wouldn’t be able to free himself by trying to ease his top half out from under his brother, he next decided to free his legs then work himself free without hurting himself or his brother further. Sam winced as he worked to pull his feet free, then his lower legs. Slowly, but surely, he was able to free his legs then began the painstaking task of pulling the rest of his hurting body from beneath the still body above him. After what seemed like an eternity, Sam finally pulled the rest of his body free and collapsed in near exhaustion to the dirt floor.

Sam didn’t allow himself much time to rest, the need to check on his brothers heavy on his mind. He wrapped his right arm around his left side, his right shoulder letting him know that it had not escaped injury then rolled to his knees. He dropped his body over his knees, his head hanging down as he took as deep of breaths as his ribs would allow before straightening and taking a look to his right. Daniel was sprawled on his stomach on the ground, his face covered with blood, his lower legs buried in fallen rocks. Sam reached out and placed a shaky hand on his back and sighed softly when he felt the gentle rise and fall of his brother’s breathing.

Next, Sam moved his gaze a little to his left and found Dean unconscious, the middle brother lying on his side, his right arm raised up over his head, hiding his face. Sam rolled forward onto his knees again and carefully crawled the few feet to his brother. He coughed as dust clogged his lungs, the boy wincing as the movement jarred his injured ribs. When his coughing subsided, Sam eased behind Dean and reached out his free hand, his fingers finding the pulse point in the older boy’s neck. He breathed a sigh of relief when he felt a strong pulse.

Sam looked up then glanced around, the boy glad that he had the light from at least two of their flashlights to illuminate his surroundings a bit. He sucked in a breath at the destruction he was able to make out, his hazel eyes particularly searching out a way of escaping the cave. His stomach dropped as all that met his eyes was rock, rock and more rock. He swallowed against the fear as he realized they were well and truly trapped. Sam sat for a moment, his eyes stinging as tears welled, but a soft moan from Dean was all it took to break through his fear. He leaned forward and softly tapped on Dean’s cheek, his soft, hoarse voice urging his brother awake.

“Dean…wake up. Wake up…please,” he pleaded, his fingers going from tapping to gently caressing his brother’s cheek.

Dean groaned as he slowly rolled to his back, his green eyes flittering open and gazing dazedly up into his baby brother’s face. “S’my?” Dean whispered hoarsely, his eyes slowly coming into focus.

“Yeah…Dean, are you okay? Where are you hurt?” Sam replied, his hands already beginning to move over his brother’s body.

“Uh…m’ back…knee. Head hurts,” the middle brother answered weakly.

“Um…okay. Where on your back?” Sam asked worriedly as he placed a hand on Dean’s shoulder.

Dean lifted his hand and placed it on Sam’s knee and smiled up at his brother. “It’s okay, Sammy….nothin’ broken…just bruised I think,” he said when he saw the fear in his baby brother’s eyes.

“You sure?” Sam asked, the worry only lifting a tiny bit.

“’m sure. How’s Danny?” Dean answered as he lifted his head slightly, his eyes searching the near darkness.

“Uh…he’s unconscious. He’s breathing…got a cut on his head,” Sam answered as he turned to look over his shoulder at his eldest brother.

“Okay…help me up. Gotta check on him,” Dean said as he tried to sit up, the teen hissing as the movement sent spikes of pain through his lower back.

“Just…don’t move. I’ll check him,” Sam said as he gently pushed his hand against Dean’s chest.

“Sammy…you hurt? You’re bleeding,” Dean asked, his green eyes scanning Sam’s face with concern.

Sam reached up and touched his forehead, his fingers coming away coated with blood. “Huh…uh…I guess my head hurts a little, but I’m okay,” he said before easing around and crawling to his eldest brother’s side.

He fingered the blossoming bruise on Daniel’s temple and winced at the deep gash that was still slowly oozing blood. Daniel moaned then mumbled something incoherent, but the teenager did not awaken at his brother’s ministrations. Sam looked over at Dean who had somehow eased himself onto his side then up onto one elbow.

“He has a pretty good bump on his temple. He may have a concussion,” Sam said worriedly as he turned his attention back onto his eldest brother.

“Uh…okay. Any other injuries that you can see?” Dean said, his eyes watching intently as Sam moved his hands over Daniel’s body.

“I…I can’t tell. His legs are buried in the rocks…they could be hurt. I don’t know, Dean,” Sam answered, his voice rising as he was on the verge of panic.

“It’s okay, Sammy…calm down. Can you get the rocks off of him?” Dean called as he pushed himself up into a sitting position, the teen holding in a hiss as pain once more flared in his back.

“Uh…I think so…maybe. I’ll try,” Sam replied.

Sam moved down Daniel’s body then began to pull the rocks from the unconscious teens legs. It took awhile, and Sam was sweating profusely, but finally he was able to free his brother’s legs. He carefully felt down both legs and was relieved to find that while the legs were probably badly bruised, they didn’t appear to have any breaks. Of course, that didn’t mean there couldn’t be injuries that Sam couldn’t feel, but there were no bones protruding from the skin, so at least there wasn’t infection to worry about.

“His legs feel okay, but I don’t know for sure,” Sam called to Dean.

“Okay. That’s good. Uh…can we get out of here?” Dean called back, the teen taking several deep breaths to ease the pain in his back.

“I don’t know. The opening looks completely blocked,” Sam replied as he glanced over at his brother. “Uh…I can try to get a better look.”

Sam began to push to his feet, but when he saw a slight shiver run through Daniel’s prone body, he shrugged off his backpack then he gingerly pulled his jacket off and draped it over the teen’s back. He reached out and retrieved one of the working flashlights and dusted off the lens before he pushed to his feet, the boy unable to hold in the hiss as his ribs complained.

“Sammy? You okay,” Dean’s worried voice sounded and Sam turned to look over his shoulder.

“I’m fine, Dean. Nothing to worry about,” he answered before carefully making his way through the debris to where the opening of the cave had been.

Sam stopped at the large wall of fallen rock and shone his flashlight up before slowly sweeping it over the obstruction. His heart sank as it appeared they were absolutely stuck. He started to turn back toward his brothers when something caught his eye and he turned back around and lowered his flashlight.

“What is it, Sam?” Dean queried from his spot on the cave floor.

“I see light,” Sam called back, his neck straining as he looked up toward the ceiling of the cave. “I…I think I can get up there and maybe move some rock. I can go for help,” Sam said.

“No, Sammy…it’s too dangerous,” Dean protested, his voice tinged with worry.

“Dean…you’re hurt and Danny’s…he’s out. You both need help. I’m the only one…” Sam started.

“I said no! We don’t know what’s out there…”

“Dean! We don’t have time for this! I’m small enough! I can get through…I only need a little opening,” Sam cried, his hand tightening around his side.

“Do you think I don’t see how you’re favoring your side, Sammy? You’re hurt too!” Dean shouted.

“But I can walk!”

“Dad and the others will come, Sammy. We just have to wait!”

“We don’t know that, Dean! They may not know we’re here. I have to find them. Danny’s hurt bad…I have to try…I have to try!”

“Sammy…”

“Dean…I’m not some helpless little kid. I can do this. I have to do this,” Sam pleaded.

Dean stared at his brother, his stomach in knots at the thought of Sam out there…alone. His attention was drawn to Daniel when the older boy groaned and he knew at that moment that Sam was right. He, despite being only twelve years old and small for his age, was their only hope at the moment. He looked back up into the expectant eyes of his little brother and nodded.

“Fine…but if it looks too bad out there, you don’t go any further. Deal?” Dean said haltingly.

Sam licked his dry lips and nodded. He headed back toward his brothers and knelt down between them. He grabbed his backpack and began to rummage through it. He pulled out the three bottles of water that he had and set them down next to a rock near Daniel’s head.

“I’ve got three waters left and some granola bars in my pack,” Sam started, the boy halting when Dean shook his head. “What?”

“No…you need the water, Sammy…and the food,” Dean said.

“You and Danny need it more. I’ll be fine,” Sam replied.

“You ain’t going without any water and food…period,” Dean hissed.

Sam rolled his eyes, but nodded his agreement. “I’ll take one water and one granola bar,” he said softly.

“Sammy…”

“Dean, I’ll be fine. Stop worrying,” Sam interrupted.

“That’ll never happen, kiddo,” Dean said as he attempted to scoot his body toward Daniel, the teen hissing as the movement jarred his back.

“Dean…be careful. Let me help you,” Sam said as he stood and moved to his brother’s side.

“I…I just want to get next to Danny,” Dean said tightly.

“Okay…I’ll help you,” Sam replied.

Sam moved behind Dean and grasped him under his shoulders. The effort hurt him more than he’d let his brother know, but together the brothers were able to ease Dean next to Daniel’s side. A fine sheen of perspiration covered Dean’s forehead and his face had paled considerably at the pain the move had caused him, but he kept his discomfort to himself as he watched his baby brother stuff one bottle of water and one granola bar down the front of his shirt. Sam moved his pack and the remaining bottles of water next to Dean then turned his attention to his eldest brother. He watched Daniel for a few moments then pushed to his feet. He looked down into Dean’s upturned face and smiled slightly.

“Sammy…are you sure…”

“Yeah…I’m sure. I kinda feel like this is my fault. Like if I…”

“Whoa…wait a minute. How can this possibly be your fault?” Dean asked incredulously.

“If I had tried harder to convince Dad. If I had made him listen…we…we wouldn’t be here,” Sam cried softly.

“Sammy…no way. This is not your fault in any way. Just…just stop. You could’ve talked ‘til your head exploded and Dad still would’ve brushed you off. You know Dad…cold, hard evidence,” Dean said with a slight grin.

“Yeah…I guess you’re right,” Sam said softly.

“Damn straight I’m right,” Dean answered.

Sam smiled then turned to look over his shoulder at the pile of rocks that blocked the entrance. He turned back and looked down at Dean. “Uh…I better get going. It’s gonna take some time to move enough rocks to get through,” he said sheepishly.

“Sammy…be careful,” Dean said, his voice tinged with worry.

“I will be,” Sam answered before moving carefully to the base of the rocks.

Sam leaned over and braced his hands on the rocks then began to climb to the top of the blockage. He slipped a few times, jarring his ribs and eliciting sharp cries of pain. He assured Dean that he was fine when his brother called out for him then continued until he reached the top. He tested several large rocks until he found one that was fairly loose. He pulled at the rock until it came loose and rolled loudly down the rock pile. Light from outdoors streamed through the small opening the rocks absence left and Sam sighed with relief when he realized that there was less space between he and the outdoors than he had thought. Sam ignored the pain in his side and continued to pull the rocks away until he felt he had a big enough opening to fit through. He looked over to where his brothers were, his hazel eyes meeting Dean’s green ones then he smiled.

“Sam,” Dean called, his eyes filled with worry and fear.

“I’ll be okay, Dean…I promise. I’ll bring Dad and the others back and we’ll get you and Danny out of here,” Sam replied, his voice shaking as his own fear threatened to overwhelm him.

Dean bit at his lower lip then nodded. “You got your knife?” he called, the teen steeling himself against the fear.

“Yeah…I got it,” Sam replied.

“Okay…just…just be careful, Sammy…please…”

“I will…take care of Danny.”

“You know I will. You better get moving…it’ll be getting dark soon,” Dean said.

“Okay…uh…bye. I…I love you,” Sam called.

“Bye, Sammy.”

Sam gave his brother one last glance then began to ease himself through the small opening he had created. Dean watched, his stomach clenching as Sam hissed in pain as he squeezed himself through the hole. The teen nearly burst out crying when Sam disappeared onto the other side of the cave opening, his fear climbing as he thought of Sam out in the forest alone and nearly defenseless, save for a small hunting knife. He reigned in his fears knowing it would do no good for any of them. Sam was trained by the best and Dean just had to have faith that the kid would find their dad with no problems. Dean turned his attention to his older brother knowing that the rest was out of his hands now. He felt weak and useless, but he knew Daniel needed him. If he couldn’t help his younger brother, he’d damn sure make sure to help his older one.

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:evil Dean's hurt...Danny's unconscious...Sam's hurt, but focused on saving his brothers. Hmmm...just another day in the Winchester neighborhood. Please let me know what you think.

Cindy

EEEK Thank goodness there was a small hole to the outside cause being tapped in the dark will do things to your mind. Lets hope that Sam can find his Dad quickly but I have a feeling its not going to be that simple <_<

Really enjoying this Cindy and please take care of yourself.

Steffs

Thanks for the update and sorry to hear you are still not feeling 100%. Loving brave little Sammy. Something tells me his little rescue mission is not going to be so easy. And I am sure Daniel is going to be more then a little upset when he finds out Sam left. Great story. Hope all gets better for you. Looking forward to more.

Cookie

Wow, even when you're not well you write amazing updates. There's just one little problem, I need more, please.

You take care and update when you are feeling better.

Sorry you're not feeling well, but another amazing update in the books.

Yikes, they're all hurt with Sam striking off on his own to rescue his brothers. Somehow I don't think that will go as smooth as it could.

John, John, John....when are you ever going to learn that you need to listen to what Sam has to say. Seems like your boys would be a lot safer if you had a little bit of open mindedness.

Feel better soon and update when you can.

Beth

p.s. :huh: Is it time to update yet?

aw man...all of them hurt and Sammy having to go for help...this just keeps getting better and better :D. I hope you're feeling better :) and we're really looking forward to an update soon!

:D Thank you all for your wonderful comments and for sticking with me, even though it's taking me so long to get the chapters up. Real life has really been getting in the way lately and its ticking me off! :lol: Anyway, I do have the next chapter for you. I hope you enjoy.

Cindy

P.S.~~Thank you all for your concern with my health. I am feeling much better now, the pneumonia is all gone. I just have this nagging cough that won't go away, but it too is getting better each day. Thanks again...you are all so great!

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Dean watched as Sam disappeared through the hole that the twelve year old had dug in the rock barrier separating the siblings from the outside world and swallowed deeply as absolute panic suddenly washed over him. He tried to call out to his baby brother…tried to yell for him to come back, but he couldn’t find his voice. He could barely breathe as the reality of the situation slammed into him. Sam was out there alone, completely vulnerable to the elements and whatever other dangers the earthquake had left in it’s wake. He had let his brother go with hardly a fight and now all he could see was everything that could go wrong. He could see everything that could happen to the small boy and he was more terrified than he had ever been in his entire life. A soft groan beside him brought his attention to the other thing that had his heart beating at a frantic pace…his injured older brother.

Dean shook thoughts of Sam falling into bottomless crevices and being crushed by marauding boulders from his mind and turned his attention to the brother that he could help at the immediate moment. He scooted as best he could closer to Daniel’s side, biting back the cries of pain that wanted to escape his lips, and rested his hand on his brother’s back. He peered closely at what he could see of Daniel’s face and watched for any sign that the older boy would awaken. He felt a sudden wave of loneliness wash over him and instantly wanted his brother awake. He gently patted Daniel’s back and leaned over as far as his throbbing back allowed.

“Danny…hey, big brother…wake up,” he coaxed as he continued to pat Daniel’s back.

Daniel groaned again and even moved his limbs slightly, but then he stilled and to Dean’s dismay, he remained unconscious. Dean straightened and watched his brother worriedly. The longer Daniel stayed out, the worse off he could be. There were concussions and internal injuries to worry about and Dean was nearly overcome with the enormous responsibility he found himself under. He felt an errant tear well in his eye and spill down his cheek. All the teen could think about was that he could very possibly watch his older brother die before help arrived and that he may very well never see his beloved baby brother again. He reached out and once again began to softly rub Daniel’s back.

“Wake up, Danny…please wake up. I don’t want to be alone,” he pleaded softly as the tears continued to fall.

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John, Caleb and Joshua hurried through the forest in the direction they thought the cave to be, the two younger men finding it hard to keep up with the adrenaline driven father. They’d been going for quite some time when suddenly John stopped and frantically looked around at the devastated landscape and brushed a shaky hand through his disheveled hair.

“Johnny? What’s wrong?” Caleb queried as he stepped up beside his friend.

John turned frustrated and fearful eyes to his friend and let out a shaky breath. “I don’t recognize anything. I…I don’t know which way to go. Everything looks different now. My boys…I have to find my boys and I have no idea how to do that,” he answered forlornly.

“Hey…John,” Joshua said as he came up to John’s other side. “We’ll find them. We’re going in the right direction. I’m sure of it.”

John turned and surveyed the surrounding area and shook his head. “How do you know? The earthquake destroyed landmarks. The compass is broken. My boys could be hurt or…or…oh God…this is my fault! They could be d-dead and it’s my fault!” he cried as he brought his hand up and brushed it over his face.

“How is this your fault? You can control mother nature?” Caleb queried, the younger man moving in front of his friend to make sure he would be seen.

John took a shaky breath and rolled his head back slightly before bringing his gaze back to his comrade. “I didn’t listen to Sammy. He begged me to cancel the training and I ignored him. He dreamed this would happen and I just laughed it off.”

Joshua grasped John’s arm and pulled his friend around to meet his gaze. “John, how could you possibly know that Sam’s dreams were premonitions and not just dreams? You had no way of knowing. It’s not your fault,” the tall man said.

“He was so sure that it was more than a dream. He tried so hard to make me listen to him and I…he’s just a kid. Why would I listen to him?” John cried hoarsely. “God, Josh. He was so scared that his brothers were going to die…what if…what if…”

“Johnny, stop. The boys are going to be fine. We’ll find them,” Joshua said, his hand tightening around his friend’s arm.

John glanced at his friend and nodded. “Yeah…yeah, you’re right. Let’s go,” he said before he started to quickly make his way over the terrain in search of his missing sons.

Caleb and Joshua looked at each other before they hurried after their friend, both men praying that they would find the three boys, safe and in one piece.

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Sam pulled through the small hole he had created and carefully began to climb down the other side of the rocky hill created by the earthquake. He looked up toward the hole as he eased down toward the ground, the young boy having a nearly overwhelming urge to climb back up and go to his brothers. He wasn’t normally skittish, but being out in the woods by himself after what he’d just been through had him feeling less than brave at the moment. He shook his head and continued to climb down, determination to get his brothers help driving him to push the fear aside. He couldn’t afford to breakdown. There was way too much at stake. He may be just twelve years old, but that wasn’t going to stop him from finding his father and leading him and the others back to where his brothers were trapped.

Sam finally reached the bottom and collapsed to the ground. He wrapped his arm around his side, the pain slicing through him making it difficult for him to breath. He let his head drop to the ground as he waited for the pain to subside a bit. After a few minutes, he slowly sat up and took as deep a breath as he could before dragging himself to his feet. He had another hill to climb down before he could begin his search for help and his brothers needed him to get moving. He walked to the edge of the hill, peered over and took another deep breath. He dropped to his butt and started to scoot over the edge, the boy deciding that would be the quickest and safest way down the hill. He stopped several times to rest and let the pain in his side ease, but he finally made it to the bottom of the second hill.

Sam reached into his shirt and pulled out one of the bottles of water. He opened the bottle and took a small drink before recapping it and shoving back into his shirt. He glanced around, trying to decide which direction he should go. Without knowing exactly where his father and friends had gone, he had to figure out where the most likely place to start should be. Finally, he decided to head east. He had heard his father speaking to Caleb and Joshua about possibly skirting the small lake that lay five miles from their cabins and Sam knew that the lake was east of the path he and his brothers had taken to the cabin. With that being his only clue as to which direction to head, Sam wasted no more time and headed in the direction he believed the lake to be. The boy was unaware of the presence that followed him down the path, matching him stride for stride as it kept to the cover of the underbrush.

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Dean awakened to throbbing pain in his back and immediately cursed himself for falling asleep. He straightened his body and hissed as the throbbing pain turned into stabbing pain. He squeezed his eyes shut and breathed through the pain, the teen relieved to at least feel some relief from the pain in his head. After a few minutes, the pain subsided and he was able to open his eyes without feeling like passing out. He immediately turned his attention to Daniel and sucked in a startled breath when he saw dazed green eyes staring back at him.

“Danny? Hey,” he said as he reached out and gently patted the older boy’s back.

Daniel blinked up at his brother and licked his dry lips. “y’k?”

Dean let out a relieved breath when he heard his brother’s voice. “I’ve been better, but I’m fine,” he answered as he inched closer to Daniel’s side.

Daniel rolled his upper body slightly and stared up at his brother. His eyes seemed clearer, but Dean could clearly see the pain the eyes held. The elder brother rolled more onto his side and somehow pulled himself up to a halfway sitting position, amazing his younger brother with his strength and willpower. Dean reached over and helped Daniel ease back against the rock wall, both boys collapsing back and breathing hard at the strain the movement caused them. Daniel turned his head and Dean’s stomach dropped as he knew what was coming next. Daniel turned back toward him, his green eyes wide as he stared over Dean’s shoulder to the other side of the cave. His eyes soon met Dean’s and the pain the younger brother had seen before was replaced with fear.

“Wh’s S’my?” Daniel slurred, the older boy lifting a shaky hand and grasping Dean’s arm.

Dean bit at his lip as he watched his brother’s face fall. “Danny…”

“D’n…where’s S’my?” Daniel asked, his voice tinged with desperation.

“He…he went for help,” Dean finally answered, his heart pounding wildly in his chest.

“What!?” Daniel cried, the grogginess all but gone as the teen stared at his brother in shock.

“You were unconscious and I…my back…I…” Dean stammered helplessly.

“You let him go? Alone?” Daniel cried, his hand tightening around the younger boy’s arm. “He’s just a little kid, Dean!”

“I know…I know. Danny…he wouldn’t listen. He said he needed to find Dad. There was an opening in the rocks and he…he said he had to find help. What could I do?” Dean cried in reply, his green eyes pleading with his brother to understand.

Daniel gazed at his brother and nearly cried at the devastation he saw in the younger boy’s eyes. His heart broke for the burden that Dean carried with the decision he had to have made to allow their little brother to go for help alone. He squeezed Dean’s arm and gave the younger boy a small smile.

“It’s okay…he’ll be okay…”

“I’m sorry…I’m so sorry,” Dean sobbed suddenly, tears spilling down his cheeks at his brother’s forgiveness. “If anything happens to him…”

“Dean…you have nothing to be sorry for. Sam’ll be fine…he was trained by the best,” Daniel said comfortingly.

“But he’s so little and…he was hurt, Danny,” Dean said in reply.

“What? How bad?” Daniel said with sudden concern.

“Uh…his head was bleeding, but not bad. He was holding his side. Tried to make it so I couldn’t see, but I could tell he was hurting,” Dean answered.

“How was his eyes? Was he breathing okay?” Daniel asked hurriedly.

“I couldn’t see his eyes…it was too dark, but his breathing sounded okay,” Dean said.

Daniel turned his eyes away from his brother and leaned his throbbing head against the rock wall behind him. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths. “Okay…his breathing was fine so he should be okay. He’ll be okay,” the teen said, sounding almost like he was trying to convince himself.

Dean gazed over at Daniel with concern. He knew his brother was hurting, more so than himself and he felt helpless to do anything about it. He had a first aid kit in his backpack with painkillers, but if Daniel was concussed, he couldn’t chance giving him anything. The older boy would just have to tough it out until help arrived. Dean had to believe that they would be found soon, that Sam would find their father and lead he and the others to the cave. Dean was sure that John would already be searching for them, he just didn’t know if the man would assume they had been in the cave when the earthquake hit. Dean knew that Sam would do everything in his power to find John, but he still had an uneasy feeling that his little brother was hurt worse than he let on.

Dean reached forward and grabbed the backpack that Sam had left and pulled a bottle of water out. He nudged Daniel’s arm then opened the bottle and handed it to the older boy. Daniel smiled appreciatively before taking a drink of the cool water. He sighed as the liquid made its way down his parched throat then he handed the water back to Dean. Dean took a swallow then capped the water and placed it on the ground beside him. He glanced up at the hole that Sam had crawled through and bit at his lower lip. He tore his eyes away when he felt a soft nudge on his arm. He turned back to Daniel who was eyeing him with concern.

“Dean…you couldn’t have stopped him. You know how stubborn the little dork can be. Gives Dad a run for his money,” Daniel said, the teen knowing exactly what was going through his younger brother’s head.

“If anything happens to him, Danny…I’ll never forgive myself. I could have stopped him…”

“No, you couldn’t have. With you and I hurt, there’s no way Sam would have stayed if there was a way he could go for help. You know he’s probably blaming himself anyway,” Daniel said.

“Yeah…he is. Says he should have made Dad listen to him,” Dean said in reply.

“See…no way you were going to stop him when he’s blaming himself for what’s happened,” Daniel said.

Dean nodded his head before resting it back against the rock. Daniel did the same, the older boy letting his eyes fall shut for a moment as pain rocked through his head. He couldn’t let Dean know how much pain he was in. He had to be strong, had to hold it together even though inside he was terrified for them both, but more so for his youngest brother. He couldn’t protect Sam right now and it killed him to think of his baby brother out in the woods alone, carrying the responsibility of saving them on his young shoulders. Daniel looked up toward the ceiling of the cave and sent up a silent prayer to keep his baby brother safe. He rolled his head and glanced at his younger brother and smiled when Dean turned and looked at him.

“We’re gonna get out of here aren’t we?” Dean asked softly.

“Yeah…we’re gonna get out of here,” Daniel replied as he tilted his head and rested on his brother’s shoulder.

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Sam hurried on through the woods as fast as he tired legs and aching ribs would allow. He was desperate to get back to his brothers, but he couldn’t do that until he found his father. He broke through a stand of trees and found another path that ran along the edge of a short drop off. He stopped at the edge of the drop off and gazed over to the bottom. It was a short, gentle slope, but Sam wasn’t sure if his ribs could take another climb, no matter how short. He decided to follow the path a ways and hopefully it would curve east again. Sam had just started down the path when he sensed that he was not alone. He stopped and looked into the thick underbrush on the side of the path. He reached inside his jacket pocket and unsheathed his hunting knife the pulled it out in front of him.

Sam continued to watch the forest and listen for any sign that he was being stalked, but after a few minutes he began to think he had just been imagining things. He shook his head and started down the path again. Suddenly, a loud hissing growl sounded and before Sam had any time to think, a flash of fur sprang from the trees and slammed into his body, the momentum sending he and his attacker over the edge of the slope behind him. Sam screamed out in pain and fear as he tumbled head over heel down the hill, the animal hissing and spitting as it too was bounced against the rocks that protruded from the earth.

Sam came to a jarring halt as his body hit the bottom of the hill, the boy screaming out as his already injured ribs took the brunt of the landing. Dark spots danced before his eyes as he tried to move, but something heavy was keeping him firmly pressed to the ground. Sam started violently as he remembered his attacker and he blinked his eyes several times in an attempt to clear his vision. He opened his eyes and peered down at his torso. There, lying limp and apparently dead atop him, was a large mountain lion, Sam’s hunting knife protruding from its bloodied neck. Sam swallowed against the pain and tried to push the animal away, but it outweighed him by at least thirty pounds and there was no way, in his weakened state he could move it.

Sam attempted to wriggle free from the animal, his muddled mind going back to just a short time ago to when he had to do the same thing to free himself from under his oldest brother. He was able to move a few inches, but sudden and excruciating pain tore through his side and Sam’s vision darkened as wave after wave of agony washed over him. Sam fought to stay conscious, the boy knowing he couldn’t let himself pass out if he was going to help his brothers, but his exhausted and injured body simply had other plans. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he began to lose his battle and his last conscious thought before darkness took him was of how he had failed his brothers for the second time that day.

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:blink: Well crap...it seems I've left you all with yet another cliffy. I'm evil...that's a given, but this is particularly evil...even for me! :rolleyes: So, let me know what you think and I'll start working on getting our boys the help they need. Take care all.

Cindy

oh yeah it wouldn't be a good story unless it had a cliffy :D. I'm so anxious to find out what happens next :). Poor Sammy just can't get a break from the bad stuff. Great update hun! and I'm glad to hear you're feeling better!

OMG you are so mean lol.

I'm loving this fic just like the 2 that proceeded it.

I cant wait till the next update....

Claire

xXx

You are so evil Cindy! :bonk Great update! :clap

So as you can see, we all love your stories, this one included. Poor Sammy can't catch a break and Dean and Danny are sick with worry. Not to mention Papa John. Can't wait to see where this story goes. Come back soon....... :)

Cookie

Well I'm glad you're feeling better, because....WHAT WHERE THINKING LEAVING US HANGING LIKE THAT? :lol: You know with the way you write you don't have to leave us with a cliffie to get us to come back,<_<, we'd come back anyway, :D .

Another wonderful update. Yay, for Sammy getting the lion, but :( for the lion pinning him.

You? Leave us with a cliffy? *snicker* It wouldn't be a story from you without one.

Well this is a fine mess they are all in. Sammy's trapped underneath a giant kitty and Danny and Dean are trapped in a cave. Meanwhile, John and the gang can't find said cave and have no idea that the youngest is on his own. Yikes!

Great update. Glad you're feeling better. Keep the updates rolling!!

Beth

Robin had better watch out she has rival for the Cliffy Queen title lol

Ooooooh lots of hurt Winchester, yummy, *Shoot did I just type that out loud*

John is blaming himself

Dean is blaming himself

Sammy is blaming himself

and

Oh so is Daniel


Must be a Winchester party!!!

Great Update full of suspense and danger

Oh and did I mention hurting Winchesters.

Steffs

:P Wow, you guys are so awesome! Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I'm glad you are enjoying the story and hope you continue to do so. I have the next chapter ready for you. It's not quite as long, but a lot happens, so I hope that makes up for it. We have more hurt Dean/Danny and of course Sam, with some freaked John thrown in for good measure. So, anyway...on with the story.

Cindy
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John stopped and scanned his surroundings, frustration showing plainly on his face. The landscape had changed so much that it was nearly impossible to get his bearings straight. He realized that his emotions were playing a role in his inability to find his sons and he tried as hard as he could to rein them in. He had to keep a level head and trust his instincts and so far he had been going on panic and adrenaline. He glanced over to see Caleb gazing around with the same level of frustration. He pulled his cell phone from his jeans and flipped it open. He held it up and panned it around before slamming it shut again and stuffing it in his pocket.

“Damnit!” he shouted as he raised his hands and brushed them through his disheveled hair.

“John,” Joshua said as he stepped up to his friend’s side. “You need to calm down, man.”

John turned incredulous eyes to the man and huffed as he pushed past him. He spun around and turned on his friend, his eyes sparking with anger. “Calm down!? You want me to calm down! Do you not understand the situation here, Josh? My sons are out there…somewhere! They could be hurt! They could be dead!” he screamed, his entire body trembling as his emotions boiled over.

Joshua took a step back and held his hands up in a placating manner. He stared at his friend, his heart going out the man. “Johnny, you know how much I care about those kids. I understand the situation, but I’ll say it again. You have to calm down. You’re not helping yourself or your boys,” he said consolingly.

John gazed at his friend then dropped his gaze to the ground. “God…what are we going to do?” he cried despondently as he lifted his eyes to Joshua’s face again.

“We keep looking for that cave, that’s what we do,” Joshua answered as he grasped John’s arm.

“Yeah, Johnny…we keep looking until we find the squirts,” Caleb said as he stepped up to the other men.

John glanced between his friends and nodded. “Yeah…okay…we keep looking,” he said, his eyes moving past his friends to gaze out over the surrounding forest.

The three men started down the trail they’d been following when suddenly, the ground began to shake violently, surprising the hunters and knocking them off their feet. The rumbling was deafening as the men attempted to stand.

“What the hell is going on!?” Caleb hollered over the rumble.

“Aftershock!” John shouted, the eldest hunter finally making it to his feet only to be thrown into a nearby tree.

“John!” Joshua yelled as he managed to get onto his hands and knees.

“I’m okay!” John yelled back. He held onto the tree and waited for the shaking to stop. Finally, after what seemed forever, the trembling slowed then stopped altogether. Joshua and Caleb climbed to their feet and made their way to John, who was holding his shoulder as he stumbled away from the tree.

“You okay, Johnny?” Caleb asked as he eyed his friend worriedly.

“I’m fine,” he answered. “We’ve got to go!”

John stumbled down the path, his movements even more panicked than before. Caleb and Joshua glanced at each other then hurried after their friend. They didn’t say anything, but they were both thinking the same thing. If the three Winchester brothers hadn’t been hurt before, they very well could be now, and if they were hurt before, they could be hurt even worse.

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Dean awoke to a heavy weight on his shoulder. He cursed himself for falling asleep as he turned his head and found the weight to be his brother’s head. Daniel was out for the count and Dean felt a wave of panic wash over him. He turned as much as he could then lifted his hand to Daniel’s upturned face and gave it a gentle pat.

“Danny…hey…wake up,” he urged as he continued to pat his brother’s face.

Daniel’s face scrunched up as he tried to turn away from the intrusion, but Dean cupped his cheek and kept him from turning his head. Finally, groggy eyes flitted open and gazed up into Dean’s concerned ones. “D’n?” he slurred in confusion as he lifted his head from his brother’s shoulder.

“Yeah…hey, you okay?” Dean asked as he watched his brother squeeze his eyes shut.

“Uh…yeah…head hurts,” Daniel answered, the teen lifted his hand up to rub at his forehead.

Dean gazed at Daniel, worry marring his young face. “Danny…”

“It’s ‘k, Dean…just a headache,” Daniel interrupted as he dropped his hand to his lap.

“Yeah, right…just a headache,” Dean whispered, the teen leaning his head back to rest against the cave wall.

“Dean…I…I prob’ly have a concussion, but…not much we can do right now,” Daniel slurred as he lowered his head to Dean’s shoulder again.

Dean closed his eyes against the tears that were threatening then took a deep breath. Daniel was right. There was nothing either of them could do at the moment. They were trapped until someone found them. Dean’s thoughts wandered to Sam and he couldn’t stop the errant tear that managed to slip past his eyelids to trail lazily down his cheek.

“Hey, Danny?” he queried softly.

Daniel opened his eyes and glanced up at his brother. “Yeah?” he replied.

“Do you think Sammy’s found Dad yet?”

Daniel lifted his head before leaning it back against the wall, just as Dean had his moments before. “I don’ know. Kid’s stubborn…won’t give up ‘til he does,” he answered.

“Yeah…he’s a good kid,” Dean whispered. “He’s a great kid.”

“Yeah…he is,” Daniel whispered in reply.

Dean rolled his head and glanced over at his brother. Daniel felt his throat tighten at the fear and worry he read in his brother’s eyes. He reached out and laid his hand on Dean’s knee and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “He’s okay, Dean,” he said softly.

Dean bit at his lower lip and felt his eyes fill again. This time he didn’t try to stop the tears. “I’m so scared, Danny. What if…”

“Hey…don’t do that. He’s fine. He’s gonna find Dad and they’re gonna find us and then everything will be okay again. You hear me, Dean?” Daniel said, his eyes staring intently at his brother’s face.

“I he…” Dean started, but was cut off as a loud rumbling started, followed by a quick, violent shake of the ground beneath them.

The brother’s eyes widened in shock, but the shock soon turned to terror as the earth started to shake harder and rocks began to fall down from the already weakened cave ceiling.

“Dean!” Daniel screamed as he pitched his body toward his brother, ignoring the agony that ripped through his skull. He swung his arms over Dean and pulled the younger teen closer to him then leaned over and covered him with his upper body.

Dean reached up and cupped the back of Daniel’s head with both hands, hoping to protect him as best he could as the earth continued to rock. He’d learned about earthquakes and aftershocks, but had silently hoped they’d get lucky and not have to worry about anymore temblors, but of course he should have known with Winchester luck that wouldn’t happen. The brother’s held on to each other, protecting each other as best they could. Suddenly, Dean screamed out as if in agonizing pain, his hands tightening painfully around Daniel’s head.

“Dean! What’s wrong!?” Daniel shouted, trying to be heard over the rumbling.

“Oh, God! Oh, God, Danny…it hurts!” Dean screamed out and Daniel felt such panic course through him he found it hard to breathe.

As suddenly as the shaking started, it stopped, but the boys continued to hold each other for several moments as more rocks rained down upon them. Finally, they pulled apart, Daniel’s eyes immediately taking stock of his younger brother as the teen sucked in quick, panicked breaths. Daniel gasped as he saw what was causing his brother’s distress, his heart sinking as he realized there was no way he could help Dean. Dean’s lower right leg was pinned beneath a large rock and Daniel didn’t have to be a doctor to know that the bone had snapped. The angle at which the leg lay left no doubt that it was broken. Daniel looked up into his brother’s pain filled face and swallowed hard against his own panic as he saw tear tracks in the dirt on Dean’s face. He reached up and cupped the younger teen’s cheek, his thumb tenderly brushing a tear away.

“Hey…it’s not so bad, little brother. Dad’ll be here soon and he’ll get you out of here. It’s not that bad,” he said, but his heart racing in his chest contradicted the calm he tried to show for his brother.

“It…it hr’ts…so bad,” Dean gasped, his green eyes finally opening to stare pleadingly into his brothers.

“I know it does…God, Dean…I know, but it’ll be okay…I promise,” Daniel cried softly as he continued to cup Dean’s face.

Dean nodded as he squeezed his eyes closed once more. Suddenly, his eyes shot open and he reached up to painfully grab Daniel’s arm. “Danny! Oh god! Oh god!” he cried as more tears streaked down his dirty face.

“What, Dean!? What’s wrong!?” Daniel replied in near panic.

“Sammy…” Dean said softly, and suddenly Daniel knew terror like he’d never known it before.

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Sam jolted awake, his mind screaming at him to move, but his body unable to do what his brain demanded. He was shaking violently and it took a few moments for the boy to realize that it wasn’t he who was shaking, but the ground beneath him. Sudden terror filled his heart as his mind immediately went to his brothers who were still trapped in the cave. He tried to sit up, but something was holding him down. He looked down and cried out as he saw the dead mountain lion lying atop him. He reached down with both hands and desperately tried to push the animal from him, but agonizing pain ripped through him and he realized that the tumble down the hill had most likely caused more damage to his ribs. He cried out as wave after wave of pain washed over him, threatening to drown him as he lay trapped beneath the cougar.

The ground continued to shake and suddenly, Sam heard a large cracking sound then the earth under his lower legs dropped away. The mountain lion began to slip away too, it’s body sliding down over Sam’s legs before dropping to the rocky ground below. Sam began to panic as visions of his own body falling into the newly made crevice played through his mind. He looked around in near panic, trying to find anything that he could hold onto to keep from going over the edge, but there was nothing within reach. Suddenly, the ground stopped shaking, just a few weak shudders following until all went still and silent again.

Sam dropped his head to the ground and took as deep a breath as his ribs would allow. He draped an arm over his face as he was overtaken with emotions. He sobbed for several minutes until he was finally able to get himself together. His brothers didn’t have time for him to be crying. They could be hurt worse now. It was more urgent then ever to find his father and get him to his brothers. He rolled over onto his side and gasped as a new agony made itself known. He pushed to his knees and reached around his shoulder, hissing as the pressure from his fingers sent daggers of white hot pain down his back. He pulled his hand away and saw that his fingers were coated with blood. He’d felt rips in his clothing and suddenly realized that the mountain lion must have clawed him sometime during its attack.

Sam breathed through the pain then when it had finally dulled to a manageable ache, he staggered to his feet and slowly turned around. He realized immediately that he wouldn’t be going in that direction as the crack the aftershock had made was too wide and deep for him to navigate. That meant there was only one way left to go and that was right back up to where he’d been before he had taken his header down the hill. He blew out an exhausted breath then began the arduous and painful trek back up the hill. Finally, after several slips and near falls, Sam made it to the top. He stumbled to a downed tree and sat heavily upon its trunk, the boy sucking in painful breaths as he rode out the pain tearing through his damaged body. After a few minutes, he stood on shaky legs and began to walk in the same direction he had been heading before, his gait more desperate now than it had been then.

Sam continued to walk in the direction he thought the lake to be in, the boy stopping every now and then to yell out for his father and friends. He listened for any answering calls, but the forest and surrounding hills remained eerily silent. As he walked on, the blue sky began to fade as the afternoon slowly gave way to early evening. Sam began to lose hope of ever finding his father and new tears began to fall from his hazel eyes. He couldn’t give up. He wouldn’t give up…not until his brothers were saved. He walked on and came through a dense stand of trees and nearly collapsed at the sight he saw before him. Down the hill some five hundred yards or so below him was his father, Caleb and Joshua. There was one small problem though. They were headed in the opposite direction. Somehow, they had gotten turned around and were heading back towards the cabins instead of towards the cave.

Sam stumbled forward and screamed with all the might his battered body allowed. He screamed over and over until finally, when his father turned and looked up the hill, their eyes meeting and locking onto each other, Sam sank to the ground onto his knees and began to pray his thanks to whomever was listening for helping him to find the right path to the ones who could save his brothers. He nearly passed out with relief when he felt two strong hands grip his shoulders before one of those hands rose to cup his cheek. He gazed up into tired, relieved dark eyes and he smiled.

“Daddy,” he whispered in relief as he collapsed into his father’s arms and darkness took him once again.

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:cheer Yay!! Sammy found his father! What a little trouper. Dean's hurt worse now, and Danny's not doing well either. Its far from over for our beloved family, so please come back to see what happens next. Love you all!

Cindy

Yay!! Sammy found John thank god for that.

Awesome Chapter btw.

Hopefully they'll get to Dean and Danny in the next update, really loving this fic.

Claire

xXx

:cheer Yea! Way to go Sammy!

Way to go Sammy. Hopefully he will be able to lead the gang to the cave. Love the drama and suspense. Keep up the good work. Hate to see Danny and Dean left alone too long, but I am sure you have several more surprises in store for us.

Peace, Cookie