Hello again. This story is a throw back :) it takes place mid-season two. I'm still working on my something lost series, but this is a little something i came up with and decided to post :) enjoy.

THE EVERLASTING PEACE

Chapter 1

He ran, his steps painfully slow in the unnatural snow. The weatherman had called it a freak storm, but he knew better. This storm was supernatural and had a mind of its own. The mountain seemed to know what the hunter was thinking, anticipate his every move, stopping him at every turn. There was more here than met the eye, he knew that now, and he also knew it was impossible to fight. A strong wind blew with the hunter's thoughts, pushing him down into the ever deepening snow. He had to get back to the cabin, had to get to safety. He could wait it out, wait until morning, maybe then he could hike down through the storm.

As if in response another gust of wind swept over the mountain, blowing ice and snow into the hunter's face. He dropped to his knees, pulling up his jacket against the painful onslaught of winter. But the winds continued to grow, howling in the night like a wolf howls at the moon. The storm was crying out in triumph, beating the hunter down, burring him faster than he thought possible.

Reality suddenly dawned on the hunter— he was being buried alive. He tried to push himself up but the heavy snow on his back weighted him down. He clawed frantically at the snow building around him, entombing him. He screamed out for help, but his voice died on the icy winds now forcing their way down his throat, burning his lungs. The hunter's last conscious thought was of Bobby Singer— he hoped the other hunter wouldn't sent anyone out to look for him. Because, Jefferson knew anyone who set foot on this mountain would never find their way back off.

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"Tell me again, Sam, why we're leaving nice, warm Arizona and heading to middle of nowhere Colorado?"

"Bobby called. He said a friend of his went up to check out a hunt and hasn't been heard from since. He asked if we could look into it since we were in the area."

"We are not in the area."

"Dean." Sam gave him the eye, letting him know whining wasn't going to get him anywhere.

"Fine. What's the hunt?"

"Uh, Bobby wasn't really sure. There's a particular area out near Red Feather Lakes, a mountain called Many Thunders Mountain. People have gone missing there for years, but the number has been steadily rising."

"Maybe they're just crappy hikers, Sam."

"That's what most people thought, except there's one bit of information that sticks out. Hikers have gone missing all year round, but the few bodies found had all frozen to death."

"So, it's a mountain."

"The mountain doesn't have permafrost. In summer months there's no snow on it at all."

"I still don't think it's supernatural, Sam."

"Dean, one of Bobby's contacts thought enough of this to check it out. Jefferson isn't some run of the mill hunter, he's one of the best."

"What did he think it was?"

"Uh, he had no real solid leads. Though he thought it was most likely some kind of demon. Fits the M.O. Whenever the hikers go missing there's always weird weather patterns."

"So basically we got squat. What makes you think we're not gonna turn into popsicles?"

"I said demon, not squat. I found a exorcism that should cleanse the whole area. Plus, I've got some extra protection for us and the cabin."

"Cabin."

"There's a fully stocked cabin. Jefferson rented it and Bobby said it's paid till the end of the month."

"Why does this sound too easy to be true? And why wouldn't Jefferson have been this prepared?"

"Like I said, he wasn't exactly sure what was going on so he headed out there to do more research. He called Bobby with what he'd learned, and they both agreed it was a demon. That was five days in, and the last time Bobby heard from him."

"That's why you don't hunt alone."

"He wasn't hunting. He was gonna head back down and get more supplies, and another hunter. He was supposed to be on his way back. When Bobby didn't hear from him he called us."

"Lucky us. I'm changing my phone number."

They drove the rest of the way in silence, Sam researching, Dean lost in thought. He couldn't focus on the hunt anymore, couldn't focus on anything. All he could think about, the only thing he could see was his father's body as the doctors called time of death. It wasn't real, it couldn't be— John Winchester did not die. Dean knew there was more to the story, knew something else had happened, but he just couldn't place it. The doctors called it survivor's guilt, but Dean knew they were wrong.

He had been in a coma. Hell, the doctors had even told Sam the chances of him waking up were slim. So why, then, had his healthy father dropped dead no more than twenty minutes after he had woken? Sam told him to let it go, to move on, but Dean knew he would never be able to. His family was falling away from him, slipping through his hands, and Dean was terrified he would lose Sam, too.

His brother was psychic, that much was certain, and all the other 'special kids' had either died or become murderers. But the worst part of all, was the Yellow Eyed Demon seemed to know exactly what was going on. Dean wasn't prepared to battle the Demon, and he was afraid he never would be. After all, the thing had killed both his parents and Sam's girlfriend— it was only a matter of time until it came for Sam.

"It's the next exit."

"What?" Dean asked, turning to Sam. He hadn't realized just how long he had been driving.

"Next exit."

"Oh, ok."

"Are you alright?" Sam asked, turning to face his brother. Dean looked away, knowing Sam was sporting his puppy-dog look.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

"You've been quiet is all."

"So have you."

"Dean. Look man, if you need to talk—."

"I'm fine, Sammy."

"Yeah, sure. You're all kinds of fine."

"Do we really have to do this now?"

"Then when? When you're bleeding to death? After you've run into god knows what without thinking? Ever since Dad you've been more reckless. It's like you don't care anymore."

"This exit?" Dean asked after a moment, schooling his features.

He wasn't going to rise to the bait. Sam had been trying to get him to 'talk' for the last few months about his feelings, and he didn't seem to be able to get it through his shaggy head that Dean wanted to be left alone. He didn't want to talk about what had happened to anyone— especially Sam. Dean could get through this on his own, he had to get through this on his own. He was strong, he was a Winchester. Besides, the last thing he wanted to do was burden his little brother. Sam had enough to worry about, he didn't need any more weight on his shoulders.

His father's final words still echoed through Dean's head and heart every time he looked at Sam. If he didn't save him, he was going to have to kill him. Why would Dad do that to him? All his life Dean had been told one thing and one thing only, to look out for Sammy. And now, after all that, after facing down the Yellow Eyed Demon, Dean was being told to kill him. It didn't make sense and it wasn't fair. Had his dad done something? Checked out early and saved his son so he didn't have to face the reality of killing Sam? It wasn't fair, and as much as Dean wished it wasn't true, he knew otherwise. Dad wouldn't have been strong enough to kill Sammy, but what made the older man think he would be?

Dean followed Sam's occasional directions. They made their way further and further into the forest, leaving civilization behind with each sharp turn and roughly paved road. It was beautiful, Dean had to admit that. He didn't like hiking or camping, not one bit. His idea of the perfect place was a cheap motel with a strip club on one side, and a bar on the other. That being said, he did enjoy the peacefulness of the mountains— normally that is. Lately though, he preferred noise, preferred the crowd, because then he didn't have to think of the mess his life had become.

"It should be up this road." Sam pointed to one of the dirt roads ahead.

"Lovely." Dean mumbled, taking the road Sam indicated. After about ten more minutes of driving they arrived at the cabin.

Dean had to admit, it didn't look half bad. It looked fairly knew, a wrap around porch and two chimneys clearly visible. "Not half bad."

"Yeah. Used to be pretty popular place to rent."

"Used to be?"

"Well, since word got out about the disappearances people have stopped coming. I think we're the only occupied cabin up here."

"Lucky us. At least there won't be anyone out here to get in our way."

"Yeah." Sam answered tentatively, staring at the cabin.

"What?" Dean asked, knowing that look. It was the 'uh oh, I have a bad feeling look.'

"Huh, nothing."

"You look awfully worried for nothing."

"It's just. Doesn't it seem a little quiet to you?"

Dean's heart rate picked up a bit when he scanned the area around him. Sam was right, there was nothing at all. "Maybe they're all sleeping for the winter." Dean offered, as he made his way to the trunk, his hunting senses taking over. There was definitely something supernatural going on here. He grabbed the weapons bag and his bag before heading up the porch steps and waiting for his brother. Sam grabbed his own things, opening the door to their newest home.

It wasn't half bad. It was cleaner than most places they stayed, hell it even had that weird 'homey' feel. "Nice."

"Bobby said it's fully stocked, too. Plus there's a full bathroom with hot water and a second fireplace in the bedroom. The place has a generator for electricity and there's a few weeks of fuel in the shed off the back of the cabin."

"Pretty sweet." Dean scanned the room one more time before throwing his bags on the floor, dropping onto the sofa and putting his feet up on the coffee table. "Wait, there's no TV."

"Oh man, you might have to read one of those things we call books."

"Ha, ha aren't you funny all the sudden." Dean pushed off the sofa, making his way to the bedroom. There were two large beds in the room, each covered with thick quilts. Even if this job didn't turn out, at least they had better accommodation than normal.

"No internet for you though, Geek-boy." Dean smirked, coming back into the main room. Sam was already in the kitchen, moving pots and pans before filling the kettle with water and putting it on the stove.

"I know. After Bobby called I went to the library and printed off as much information as I could."

"You're such a girl."

"You'll be thanking me after whatever we're hunting tries to eat you."

"Dude, not gonna happen."

"Really, Dean? Cause that always happens."

"No it doesn't. Not always. I mean, more often than not no. Shut up." Dean finished, disappearing into the bathroom and shutting the door.

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Sam smirked, watching his older brother search for a comeback before retreating to the bathroom. It felt so good getting the last word sometimes. The brunette turned back to the kitchen searching the cupboards until he found the instant coffee and a couple of mugs. The place was very well stocked, there was even some chicken and beef in the freezer. They probably wouldn't touch it since neither of them had a clue how to cook, but it was a nice touch none the less. He was used to fridges full of beers and take-out containers, normal food was a welcome change.

Sam glanced back over at the bathroom, sighing when he heard the shower turn on. Dean had been avoiding him for months. He knew his brother was in a tailspin, knew he was hurting, but he couldn't get through to him. Sam still couldn't believe their dad was gone. Even when he was in hiding he was still there, still alive somewhere. He was like a legend, going from town to town, disappearing as fast as he had arrived, living forever— invincible. But if there was one thing Sam had learned in the last year and a half, if was that no one was invincible.

A few short years ago Sam thought he could leave this all behind, that simply declaring himself free would make it so. And for a while, that held true. But then came that fateful night when Dean broke back into his life— and nothing had ever been the same. He was part of some plan the Demon responsible for killing both his mother and girlfriend had cooked up. He was psychic and there were others out there just like him, most of whom had either died or become killers. His father was dead, gone after Dean was mysteriously healed. And now his older brother, the only person he had left in the world was fading away. It was all too much, his world crashing down around him— and he was powerless to stop it.

He shook his head, chasing away the memories. He couldn't focus on the past, couldn't dwell on things he couldn't change. He had to focus on what was right in front of him, on what he had control of. He wanted to help Dean, wanted to find and destroy the Demon that destroyed his family— but he couldn't. He didn't know where to start, didn't know what to do. So instead he focused on the hunt, focused on the new normal he had become strangely accustomed to. There would be time to deal with everything else later.

He made his coffee before heading to the table and pulling out his research. He knew his brother needed time alone, time to compose himself. Sam needed it, too. He knew Dean was hurting, knew the older man needed help, but Sam needed help, too. Dean had always been his rock, his big brother, his lifeline. And if Dean fell Sam knew he would go down right along with him.

Sam was already on his second cup of coffee when Dean finally emerged from the bathroom. "Did you make me coffee?" The blonde asked, poking around the counter and cabinets.

"Depends, you save me some hot water?"

Dean just shrugged, grabbing a mug and filling it with the instant coffee and hot water. Sam sighed, that answered his question. He turned back to his reading, listening as his brother rummaged through every cupboard and drawer, searching for who knew what. But that was Dean. He had to know what was around him, had to search through everything, no matter what. It was annoying as hell. Sometimes Dean was like an overgrown labrador.

"Are you looking for something in particular?"

"No." Dean answered, his mouth full.

"What are you eating?" Sam turned away from the journal. He had been reading it a lot lately.

"Cookies."

"There's cookies."

"There were. That's what you get for not looking."

"Jerk."

"Bitch." Dean smirked, grabbing two cookies and his coffee and going to the sofa. "Think that CB radio still works?" Dean asked after a few minutes, nodding toward the old radio in the corner.

"Be kind of pointless if it didn't." Sam answered absently, still reading.

"You didn't check it?"

"Dean, do you have to mess with everything in here?"

"Yup." Dean flipped on the radio, tuning the dial until the static cleared. "Breaker, breaker nine this is Ozzie."

"Funny, Dean."

"Bobby?"

Sam looked up then. He was surprised Bobby was on the other end, but it was better than the truckers Dean normally pissed off when he got a hold of the radios.

"Yeah. Guess you boys made it ok."

"Yup. We were gonna call to check in later. I was just checking to see if this thing worked."

"Uh huh. Remember the last time, Dean. That guy still checks for you once in a while you know."

"Killjoy."

"Your phones won't work up there. This channel is me, you know emergency bands. Sam, if I were you I'd keep your brother away from the radio."

"I intend to." Sam called across the room, earning the finger from Dean.

"Be careful, Boys, Jefferson was a damn good hunter. Just— make sure you watch your backs. Over."

"We will. See ya, Bobby." Dean lowered the volume on the radio, before turning back to the sofa. "What're you doing?"

"Researching."

"Oh. Find anything new?"

"Nothing I haven't told you."

"Oh— so still demon?"

"That's what I told you."

"Ok."

Sam eyed the back of his brother's head before turning back to his research. He knew what was coming, and he knew there wasn't going to be any way to stop it. A few minutes later he heard the tapping. Sam ignored it, focusing on his research. After a few more minutes, he heard the whistling. Again, Sam ignored him, or at least he tried to. Dean had the attention span of a gnat, and when he got bored he had the overwhelming desire to let everyone in the room know it.

"Three, four, five, six."

"Dean, what are you doing?" Sam snapped, looking up from the book in front of him.

"Counting stuff. Did I interrupt you?"

Sam just raised his eyebrows, knowing Dean was annoying him on purpose. "Why don't you go check on the generator out back."

"Are you trying to get rid of me?"

"Yes."

"Fine, Samantha, have fun with your books."

Sam watched Dean's back until the door closed. He sighed, relishing the silence. He loved his brother, he really did, but Dean knew how to push his buttons.