Disclaimer: Supernatural and its characters are the property of Eric Kripke and co. All other characters, the story idea and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This is for entertainment purposes only; no financial profit has been gained from this story. This story is not mean to infringe upon the rights of the above-mentioned establishments.
The sound of the crackling fire assailed his ears, burning a scar deep into his memory, one he knew that he would carry forever.
Sam watched the flames flicker, licking the cold night air, as they danced towards the heavens. He should be watching the upward march of free souls, spirits that would unite in the celestial dome above.
But Heaven didn't welcome the bound souls, the unfree.
Dean's spirit would never find solace. It would burn. It would howl. It would change.
It would be tormented for all time until there was nothing left but an angry coldness that not even the fires could touch.
Sam rubbed his thumb over the horned face of Dean's amulet. He choked back a sob that tried to break his resolve, and slipped the amulet over his head. As the remains of his brother continued to burn, he held onto the amulet and made himself a vow.
Sam wouldn't let his own spirit rest until he could make right what was wrong. He was bound to his duty, and he would see it through until the very end.
No matter the cost.