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saiacross · 3 months

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Chapter 26 The Past, The Present, & The Lost : 8,854 : Series

This Work is part of an overarching story that can be read as a one-shot with little overlapping information from other chapters.

⬅ Bonus Chapter 5: Surprise!💜 Chapter 27: TBD ➡ Master List

Dean, Sam, and Y/N attend an Apple Festival in Nappanee, Indiana while they try to figure out who or what is taking the teens in the area. Just as it seems they have hit a dead end a woman rushes in panicking that her son, Ben, has gone missing. Lisa of course doesn't remember Dean or Sam in the slightest. However, Y/N knows who she is. Now Y/N must navigate this unexpected obstacle with Dean while trying to save Ben. But what about Sam?

*** = the start of this song. My Demons by Starset https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSvOTw8UH6s

Nappanee, Indiana Apple Festival

The quaint streets of Nappanee, Indiana, were alive with the vibrant energy of the annual Apple Festival. Sam, Dean, and Y/N navigated the bustling crowd in their FBI suits, a comical juxtaposition against the festive backdrop. As Sam approached a stall to purchase a bundle of apples, Y/N couldn't contain her excitement, her eyes dancing with anticipation.

Dean, however, seemed less enthused, an air of skepticism clouding his features. Y/N shot him an amused glance, her smile widening. "Come on, Dean! It's a festival! Live a little," she urged, her tone playful.

Dean grunted, “Yeah, nothing says excitement like a town obsessed with apples.”

Sam returned, a small bundle of apples in hand, and handed one to Y/N. "Gotta admit, Dean, even FBI agents don’t scowl THAT much," Sam teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Dean shot Sam a glare, but Sam was no longer paying attention and was now handing Y/N one of the fresh apples.

Y/N took a bite of the juicy apple, savoring the crisp sweetness as Dean expressed his aversion to the healthy snack.

"Sorry, I've never been a fan of apples. Too healthy for my taste," Dean quipped, earning a chuckle and scoff from Sam, who seized the opportunity to mention Nappanee's famed apple pies.

"Hey, Y/N, isn't Nappanee famous for their apple pies?" Sam inquired, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Y/N, unaware of the playful banter, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I read their pies have won first place in regional competitions for the last several years."

Dean's disinterest in apples took a sudden turn as the prospect of apple pie emerged. "Apple pie, huh? Now you're talking my language," Dean exclaimed, his eyes scanning the festival grounds for any sign of a booth selling the coveted dessert.

A man with a pie caught Dean's attention, and without hesitation, he set off in pursuit, eager to indulge in the renowned apple pies of Nappanee.

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Dean stood there, a slice of pie in one hand and a fork in the other, lost in a world of delicious delight. The blissful groans that escaped him with each savory bite were a symphony of indulgence that left Sam and Y/N exchanging uneasy glances. The public display of Dean's pleasure bordered on discomfort for the onlookers.

Y/N leaned in and whispered to Sam, "Those aren't sounds that should be made in public."

Sam nodded in agreement, his discomfort mirroring Y/N's. Unable to endure the spectacle any longer, Sam called out to his pie-loving brother, "Uh Dean, man, you're scaring the kids. Besides, we got a job to do here.”

Dean rolled his eyes as he turned away from the two in order to finish his indulgence in peace. The sweet aroma of the award-winning apple pie lingered in the air, even as the trio prepared to tackle their next job.

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Dean tossed his plate into the trash with a satisfied thud, dusting off his jacket from the remnants of pie crumbs. Wiping his hands with a napkin, he turned to the business at hand. "So what are we dealing with here?" he asked, his tone now serious.

Sam took a deep breath, walking alongside his brother as he began to explain, "Well, that's the thing. We don't know. We've been researching most of the drive up here but couldn't narrow down what it could be. Just that it's snatching teens without any obvious rhyme or reason."

Dean furrowed his brow, considering the possibilities. "So it could be anything. Vamp, Wolf, Shifter."

Sam nodded, continuing to provide details, "Three boys and two girls. Day and night. No bodies were found. The only connection is that they're all around 14 years old."

"Alright then, We talk to the victims' families and see what they have to say." Dean offered.

Just as the trio were about to head back to the car, a distressed woman's voice cut through the shuffling of the crowd, calling out, "Excuse me, officer!" The familiarity of the voice caused Dean and Sam to spin on their heels, though Y/N wasn't as quick on the draw. The woman approached a nearby on-duty police officer, her desperation evident in her voice as she pleaded, "Please, Officer, my son, Ben. I can't find him. He's 14, brown hair. He's wearing a leather jacket, and..."

The officer attempted to calm the frantic woman, who continued to spew notable details about her missing son. Y/N observed the scene, noting the guys' strange behavior. It was Sam who finally asked, "Dean, is that..."

Dean hadn't blinked the entire time, as if fearing that doing so would make him wake up from a bad dream. Swallowing hard, he whispered, "Lisa."

Y/N's head snapped between Dean and Sam. She had heard that name before, but only once and mostly by mistake. The air around them thickened with tension and unspoken history.

Y/N's voice held skepticism as she looked to Dean and asked, "Wait, you mean Lisa LISA?" She then turned to Sam and questioned, "Like THE Lisa?" Sam simply nodded as his eyes darted between Lisa, Y/N, and Dean, capturing the unspoken tension in the air. Meanwhile, a young boy, fitting the description of Lisa's son, approached her and the officer. Without hesitation, Lisa enveloped Ben in a tight hug, relief washing over her.

As the officer left the pair with a smile, Lisa hugged Ben once more, then looked up over his shoulder, noticing the trio standing and watching. With a warm smile, Lisa directed Ben toward Dean, Sam, and Y/N.

Panic crept into Dean's voice as he uttered, "Sammy..." but Sam cut him off, whispering, "Yeah, I see it." Both brothers tensed up as Lisa and Ben approached.

Just moments before the encounter, Y/N muttered, "Well, this is about to be awkward."

Lisa, undeterred, approached Y/N with open arms, reaching in for a hug as she stepped past Sam and Dean, saying, "Alice! What are you doing here?"

Y/N smiled warmly and returned the hug, replying, "Lisa! How nice to see you again!" The air crackled with the unspoken complexities.

Ben, standing next to his mother, greeted Y/N, "Hi Ms. Cooper."

Y/N smiled warmly at Ben and replied, "Hello, Ben. It's been a while. Hope you're still doing well in school?"

Ben nodded and said, "Well, none of the teachers are as cool as you were, but I'm getting by."

Lisa wrapped one arm around Ben and added, "Ben here is top of his class now, thanks to you."

Y/N chuckled modestly, dismissing the compliment, "Ah, I was just a sub."

Meanwhile, Sam's eyes continuously darted between Y/N, Lisa, and Dean, as though he were awaiting Dean's head to explode from the brewing tension. Suddenly, Lisa looked up at Sam and Dean, and asked, "So who do you have with you today?"

Dean, attempting to act normal, reached for his badge and introduced himself with forced professionalism, "I'm Agent Swift, and this is my partner, Agent Crue. We're FBI, here investigating the missing children reports."

Lisa continued to gaze at Dean, a playful quirk on her lips as she asked, "FBI? And how does a substitute middle school teacher know a couple of FBI agents?" Dean began to answer, but his words seemed to get caught in his throat as their eyes locked in a momentary, unspoken exchange. The air was thick with tension.

For Y/N, time seemed to freeze, torn between the past and the present. Her heart ached to witness the interaction between Dean and Lisa. Could she do it? Could she put Dean's happiness before her own feelings? The life he once had with them. What was she to do or say? She knew about Lisa. About Her and Dean, about Dean's time living with them, his connection to Ben, and what Dean gave up to protect them. Watching them now though broke her heart. Could she do it? If it meant Dean had it all back, Lisa and Ben…

Before Y/N could fully process her thoughts, her mouth acted on its own accord. The words spilled out in a rush, "Sam here is actually my boyfriend." Y/N took a step closer to Sam, leaning into his side and wrapping her arm around him. She continued, "He and Dean here knew that I wanted to see the Apple festival, so they let me tag along. You know, as long as I didn't get in the way." Y/N shot Lisa and Ben a friendly smile. Sam responded by wrapping his arm around Y/N, subtly squeezing her shoulder for reassurance.

Hearing Y/N's unexpected revelation, Dean's brows furrowed with concern, and his eyes sought Y/N's for a moment. He sensed something significant had transpired but the specifics remained elusive.

As Y/N finished her statement, Sam interjected with a calm demeanor, "Um, actually, we overheard you telling the officer that you lost track of Ben here for a bit. If you don't mind, my partner here would like to go over a few things with you, just as a precautionary measure, of course."

Lisa, though visibly relieved to have found her son, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, of course, sure."

Dean's eyes shot up to Sam, registering the unspoken apology in his brother's expression. The weight of the situation pressed on Dean's shoulders.

Y/N then cleared her throat, breaking the moment's tension. "Awesome, well, I need to find something to drink. Come find us when you're finished, alright? And maybe we can hang out later."

With that, Y/N gently tugged Sam away from the group. As she passed Dean, she gave his arm a reassuring pat, a silent assurance that they would navigate this delicate situation together. Y/N then turned, offering a warm smile to Lisa and Ben, before fading into the bustling crowd of the Apple Festival. The air hung heavy with unresolved emotions, leaving everyone wrestling with their thoughts and the unspoken complexities of the situation.

As Y/N and Sam navigated through the lively crowd, Y/N's thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions and the weight of her decision. Sam's concern mirrored in his eyes as he gently squeezed Y/N's hand, seeking reassurance.

"You sure about this, Y/N?" Sam asked, his voice a steady anchor amid uncertainty.

Y/N took a shaky breath, the weight of her words evident. "Not really, Sam. But what's done is done. Let's just get through this investigation and deal with whatever comes next."

Sam nodded, understanding the sacrifice she was making. The forced smile Y/N offered failed to mask the turmoil beneath the surface of Sam’s gaze.

Meanwhile, back with Dean, Lisa, and Ben, an unspoken tension lingered. Dean's discomfort was evident as Lisa's gaze was filled with curious longing. Ben, caught up in the festival's joy, remained blissfully unaware.

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It was much later in the evening, well past dark by the time Dean had returned to the small 2 bedroom Air B&B they had rented for the duration of the investigation. Due to the festival, all the hotels and motels had been booked up, not that Y/N minded having a bit more room than normal and no neighbors on the other side of the wall.

The door clicked shut behind Dean, the room's silence a stark contrast to the festival's liveliness still echoing outside. Sam sat at the table, his eyes shifting between his laptop screen and the hallway. He glanced up at Dean's entrance, then quickly scanned the corridor for Y/N's presence.

Dean dropped a couple of bags of food on the table with a casual, "Hey," his tone holding a touch of weariness. Sam took a moment, seizing the opportunity, and inquired, "So?"

Dean's confusion was palpable as he echoed Sam's question, "So?"

An exasperated sigh escaped Sam. "So, how did it go? With Lisa?"

Dean's body tensed slightly, a reflexive glance toward the hallway betraying his unease. "Well, she doesn't remember a thing but..." Dean's words trailed off, and before he could finish.

Sam jumped in with an impish grin, "But she's still into you."

Dean's smitten smile surfaced, tinged with a hint of grittiness. "Yeah," he murmured softly, almost to himself, a mix of emotions flickering in his eyes before he added, "She's..." He paused, lost momentarily in thought. "She's doing good."

Their conversation hung in the air, charged with unsaid words and unspoken emotions.

As Y/N entered the room, Sam and Dean's attention shifted, noting her choice of attire and the subtle, inviting aura she exuded. The purple tank top and short sleep shorts painted a picture that had both Sam and Dean shooting a brief glance at each other, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken intentions.

"Hey,” Y/N greeted casually, "OOOh Tacos!" she exclaimed, her voice peaking with excitement, Her voice, though upbeat, carried an unusual tone while her eyes remained fixed on the bags, avoiding any direct contact with Sam or Dean. This raised an invisible alarm in the minds of both brothers.

Dean, sensing the tension, cleared his throat, breaking the brief silence. "Uh, yeah. It was the only place that didn't have apples spewing from the seams, so I hope that's alright." His attempt at lightening the mood conveyed uncertainty, mirroring the unspoken concerns lingering in the room.

"Smells good, at least," Y/N remarked, her focus on unwrapping the food. Only then did she look up at Dean, her eyes intentionally avoiding direct contact as she asked, "So, Ben good?" She took a bite of a taco, maintaining a facade of casualness.

Dean, caught off guard by Y/N's question, stumbled over his words momentarily. The internal struggle between his head and heart played out on his face. Sam's throat clearing acted as a subtle cue, giving Dean the nudge he needed to regain control.

"Huh, well, actually, seems like Ben might have seen something after all," Dean explained, his tone carrying a hint of uncertainty.

The revelation brought both Sam and Y/N to a pause.

Dean continued, "Apparently, Ben was browsing some booth by the tree line of the woods when he thought he heard something snarl, but when he looked around, there were no dogs or other animals. Since then, he was feeling like something was watching him up until we got back to their hotel room."

Sam shot Dean a concerned glance, silently questioning him.

Dean continued, "We sat down to do some questioning, the usual stuff until Ben asked about wild animal attacks in the area."

Sam was the first to speak, questioning, "Wild animals? Why?"

Dean shifted in his stance as he explained, "I think he saw whatever this thing is we’re hunting. He didn’t want to worry his mom, but as soon as she left the room to get some water, he spilled the beans."

Y/N, intrigued, interjected, "What did you tell him?"

Dean chuckled in surprise, "Well, what could I tell him? I said that wild animal attacks had been on the rise, probably a wolf, but we would take care of it."

Sam, still processing the information, asked, "And Ben believed you? Or you think he knows or remembers?"

Dean shook his head and sighed, "Remember? Nah. Actually, I'm not sure he believed me. As a matter of fact, he said he was only trusting me because Ms. Alice Cooper here was my friend, and he trusts her."

Y/N nodded in agreement, stating, "He's a good kid."

Y/N dusted her hands off, clearing any food crumbs, and then declared, "Alright, so we’ll check out the woods in the morning. I’m gonna get some sleep." She leaned in to give Sam a kiss on the cheek, whispering, "Night," before turning to Dean and repeating the gesture. With a swaying of her hips and tails, Y/N turned to walk back down the hall.

Both guys instinctively turned their heads to watch her departure, anticipation hanging in the air as they waited to see which room Y/N would enter. Right for Sam’s room, left for Dean’s room; straight ahead led to the bathroom. Without hesitation, Y/N glided around the doorway and right into Sam’s room.

Sam couldn’t help but smirk at his silent victory, the anticipation of tonight's events playing out across his face. Dean, on the other hand, turned his gaze straight ahead, leaning onto the table with one hand while running the other down his face with a heavy sigh.

"Sorry, man," Sam offered a consoling remark.

Dean shook his head, dismissing the apology. "Nah, it's fine." The weariness in his voice hinted at the complexity of the situation.

Sam leaned back in his chair, studying Dean's expression. The weariness, the conflict, it was all there. "Dean," Sam began, his voice soft but earnest, "if it's too much, if you want to step back—"

Dean interrupted with a half-smile, "Sammy, it's not that. Just... you know how it is. Complicated."

"Yeah," Sam agreed, his eyes reflecting understanding. "But Y/N, she seems to be handling it well."

Dean sighed, a mixture of frustration and admiration in his tone. "Yeah, she's something else. Handles the crazy life we lead better than I ever could."

The two brothers sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared history and the complexities of their relationships hanging in the air. Finally, Dean pushed himself away from the table, standing up. "Let's get some sleep. Tomorrow's another day of hunting."

Sam only nodded.

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The next morning, the trio gathered in the kitchen; Y/N was already sipping on a cup of coffee at the table with Sam when Dean joined them. As Dean walked through the doorway, rubbing his temples and trying to shake off the fatigue, Sam asked, "You good, Dean?" noticing the tension in Dean's demeanor.

Dean flashed a tight smile and in his rough morning voice, just said, "Peachy," as he made his way to the fresh coffee.

The quiet morning was abruptly shattered by a loud banging, echoing through the small house. A familiar and frantic voice called out from the front door.

Sam, Y/N, and Dean all froze, their eyes locking onto each other, their expressions mirroring a mix of concern and confusion.

"Alice! Dean! Help!? Please!?" Lisa's urgent plea sent a shiver down their spines, instantly jolting Sam and Dean into action. Y/N, though was closest to the door, sprang up, setting her coffee down, and dashed to swing it open.

Y/N's heart raced with alarm as she hastily opened the door, allowing Lisa to rush in. "Lisa, what's wrong?" Y/N's voice trembled slightly, concern etched on her face.

Before Lisa could say a word, she spotted Dean and sidestepped Y/N to approach him, "Dean! It's Ben! He was taken..." Lisa's words trembled, her voice tinged with fear and desperation. Her eyes pleaded for help, filled with raw panic.

"Lisa, calm down." Dean's voice was firm but laced with concern, his eyes searching hers for answers as he placed a hand on either shoulder to steady her.

Sam's brows furrowed in alarm, his mind racing to piece together the situation. "Taken? How? When?"

"Lisa, calm down. Breathe!" Dean's voice was firm but laced with concern as he placed a hand on either shoulder to steady her.

Sam's brows furrowed in alarm, his mind racing to piece together the situation. "Taken? How? When?" Sam questioned, his eyes searching for any details that could provide a clue.

Lisa's gaze shifted from Dean to his brother over his shoulder before she began to recount the terrifying encounter.

"It... It was huge and came out of nowhere. Like it fell from the sky right in front of us, and then, it just snatched Ben up with one hand and took off. I-I tried to stop it, but..." Lisa's voice trailed off, her trembling hands clasped together.

Dean pulled her into a comforting hug, whispering reassurances. "We'll find him. I promise." Dean's determination echoed in his words.

Meanwhile, Sam and Y/N were already in motion, pulling out the weapon bags and loading them up. Sam inquired about the creature's direction, "Did you see which way it went?"

Lisa nodded, wiping away tears as she pulled away from Dean. "Yeah, that tree line near the booths. We were walking around there for our morning walk."

That's when Lisa heard the sound of a gun being racked. Her eyes widened as she watched Y/N hand the gun to Dean, who seemed to handle it with familiarity. Y/N, in the meantime, picked up a shotgun from the bed and began loading it with shells. The unexpected sight left Lisa shocked, confused, and concerned.

"Uh, Alice, what are you..." Lisa began, but Y/N quickly cut her off, a sense of urgency in her tone, "I will explain later. For now, just take us to that spot. We have to be quick."

Hesitantly, Lisa nodded her head, uncertainty etched across her face. She led the group out the door, anxiety lingering in the air. The weight of the situation pressed on them as they moved with purpose, the urgency reflected in every step. The unknown threat had become more than just a mysterious entity; it was a tangible danger that demanded immediate action.

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The group followed Lisa through the quiet morning streets, the air heavy with tension. Y/N kept a watchful eye on their surroundings, all her fox senses on high alert for any signs of danger. Dean gripped his gun tightly, his jaw set with determination, while Sam carried the shotgun, ready for whatever awaited them.

As they approached the tree line near the booths, Lisa pointed to the spot where the incident occurred. It was a serene area, now tainted by the fear that gripped their hearts. The group spread out, scanning the surroundings for any clues.

Y/N’s eyes focused on the tree line, "Which way did it go, Lisa?"

Lisa pointed in the direction, her hand trembling. "That way. Toward the deeper woods."

Sam looked to Y/N and motioned with a jolt of his head towards the trees. “Y/N?”

Y/N nodded in response before she took the lead.

Sam then turned to Dean before looking toward Lisa, “Stay close.”

The group entered the woods, the foliage casting dappled shadows on their path. The sense of urgency heightened with each step. As they delved deeper, the woods seemed to close in around them, the silence broken only by the rustle of leaves and the occasional creaking of branches.

As they ventured deeper, the sounds of the forest seemed to hush, creating an eerie silence. Y/N held up her hand, signaling the others to stop. Lisa gripped Dean's arm, her eyes wide with fear. The group surveyed their surroundings, searching for any sign of Ben.

Then, through the shadows, they spotted him. Ben lay on the ground, unconscious, his eyes closed and a faint bruise on his forehead. Relief washed over Lisa as she rushed to his side, calling his name. Y/N and the Winchesters approached cautiously, their eyes scanning the area for any potential threat.

However, the sense of relief was short-lived. A sinister laughter echoed through the woods, sending shivers down their spines. The air became thick with malevolence as a colossal figure emerged from the shadows.

Standing before them was a grotesque amalgamation of nightmare and reality. A hunched forward, 7-foot-tall, lengthy form was covered in black dead tree bark, adorned with a layer of white and green moss. Its deer skull head, complete with antlers, turned slowly, revealing small yellow beads as eyes that gleamed with an otherworldly malevolence. With every breath, it emitted a snarl, sending a chill down their spines.

Dean's grip tightened on his weapon, his jaw clenched. "What the hell is that thing?"

Y/N's eyes narrowed, her instincts warning her of imminent danger. "I don't know.”

As the creature stepped forward, a low growl emanated from its monstrous form. Ben, seemingly abandoned on the ground, was revealed as bait, a pawn in a deadly game.

"It was a trap," Sam warned, his eyes fixed on the creature.

As the Wechuge let out a horrid howl that seemed to echo through the very fabric of the woods, the air filled with tension. Dean's eyes widened, locking onto the monstrous creature before them. Without a moment's hesitation, he barked at Y/N, "Y/N, get Ben and Lisa out of here. Now!"

Y/N hesitated, torn between the instinct to stay and fight and the responsibility to ensure the safety of Lisa and Ben. Dean's urgent voice cut through her internal conflict. "Go, Y/N!" he yelled, a mixture of command and concern in his tone.

Sam, too, added his voice to the chorus of urgency. "Dean's right. Get them out of here. We'll handle this."

With a determined nod, Y/N swung Ben effortlessly over her shoulder, utilizing her Kitsune strength. Lisa, still visibly shaken, was grasped firmly by the hand. Without another word, Y/N turned on her heels and sprinted back towards the town, going as fast as she could without losing Lisa along the way.

The distant sounds of gunfire, the beast’s snarls, and Dean and Sam's resolute battle cries lingered in the air as Y/N led Lisa and the unconscious Ben through the dense foliage. The urgency of their retreat heightened as another eerie howl pierced the silence, signaling the ongoing struggle behind them.

Breaking through the dense woods and emerging into the park, Y/N, Lisa, and Ben found themselves in the early morning stillness. The park seemed deserted, with no sign of the chaos that unfolded in the woods just moments ago. As they approached the street where the Impala was parked, Lisa suddenly broke free from Y/N's grasp, her eyes filled with confusion and fear.

"What is happening around here? What was that thing?" Lisa fired off her questions, her voice filled with urgency and panic. "And why did Dean and Sam call you Y/N? Just who are you, people!?"

Y/N, realizing the need to provide some answers, attempted to calm Lisa down. "Lisa, I know this is a lot to take in, but we need to get away from here first. It's not safe." She took a step closer to Lisa.

Lisa, however, was not easily appeased. "No, I need answers now! I saw that thing, and it took Ben. What kind of danger are we in?"

Before Y/N could respond, a haunting howl resonated through the air, much closer than before. The realization that the creature was near sent shivers down their spines. Y/N's eyes widened, and she reached for Lisa's arm, urgency in her voice. "We need to move. Now."

Just as Y/N reached for Lisa's arm, the Creature emerged from the tree line, soaring through the air with menacing grace. Its monstrous form landed with a deafening thud, shaking the ground beneath. In the chaos, Lisa was knocked away, tumbling to the ground.

The impact caused Y/N to lose her footing, and her grip on Ben slipped. The two crashed to the ground, disoriented and vulnerable. Before Y/N could fully regain her balance, the Creature moved with unnatural speed, pinning her against the side of a nearby vehicle. The sheer force of the creature crushed the car, leaving Y/N trapped and defenseless.

Metal groaned and screeched as the Creature’s claws pierced the vehicle, leaving Y/N exposed and bleeding from the gash on her side. Desperation filled her eyes as she struggled against the creature's immense strength, but it was futile.

The Creature, towering over Y/N, leaned in with a low and ominous snarl. Its deer skull head tilted to the side, small yellow beads of eyes locking onto Y/N's. The air thickened with fear, death, and horror as the creature studied its prey.

Y/N, trapped and wounded, stared back into the abyss of the Creature's eyes. Her blood ran cold as the realization of her dire situation set in. The Creature's presence was an embodiment of terror, and Y/N could feel the weight of impending doom hanging in the air. As the creature loomed over her, the world seemed to hold its breath, suspended in a moment of relentless dread.

Y/N could feel the creature’s killing intent bearing down on her, a suffocating pressure that left her powerless against the creature's grasp. The monstrous being slowly began to open its mouth, ready to consume her in a horrifying display of its deadly intent. The moment seemed to stretch into eternity, and Y/N knew she wasn't strong enough to break free no less defeat it.

However, just as the creature’s fang grazed Y/N’s neck, a woman's enchanting voice echoed through the air, halting the creature in its tracks. "Not yet, my pet. We still need her alive, for now."

Y/N's eyes darted around, trying to identify the source of the mysterious voice, but she couldn't discern anyone nearby. The creature, obedient to the unseen speaker, slowly began to pull away, allowing Y/N a gasp of relief.

In the nick of time, Dean and Sam burst through the tree line, panting and breathless from their frantic pursuit of the monstrous creature. They stopped in their tracks, pistols raised, aiming at the towering creature. The brothers' eyes locked onto the creature, determination etched across their faces as they prepared for the impending confrontation.

The Creature, having turned to face the brothers, unleashed a horrifying screech that cut through the air. Sam and Dean, taken off guard, instinctively covered their ears, wincing at the piercing sound. In the disorienting aftermath, the Creature released Y/N from its crushing grasp, allowing her to slide down the side of the damaged car, clutching her injured side.

Taking advantage of the distraction, the creature swiftly lunged for Ben, scooping him up once again, and with a powerful leap, disappeared into the woods. By the time Sam and Dean regained their senses, the Creature was already gone.

Dean, recovering from the deafening screech, scanned the surroundings for any trace of the Wechuge. Panic filled the air as he spotted Lisa lying on the ground. Fear and urgency in his voice, he shouted, "Lisa!" Sprinting past Y/N and towards her, he knelt beside her, his hands trembling as he tried to assess her condition. "Stay with me, Lisa."

Y/N winced, her breaths shallow and labored as she gripped her side. Sam, quick to react, rushed to her side. "Y/N! Hold on, are you okay?" he asked urgently, his eyes searching hers for signs of distress.

The tension in the air was thick as Y/N, grimacing in pain, interrupted Sam's attempts to help her. "I'll be fine, but he took Ben," her voice held a determined edge despite the obvious agony. Sam, concern etched across his face, gently assisted Y/N to her feet, allowing her to lean against the damaged car.

Suddenly, Dean's furious expression loomed before Y/N. He was seething, and his anger was palpable. "What the hell? How could you let this happen? You had one job!" Dean's words cut through the air like a whip, each syllable loaded with frustration. Y/N tried to respond, but Dean's anger drowned out any attempt at explanation.

She was supposed to keep Lisa and Ben safe and she failed. Ben was now in the hands of that monster because of Y/N. Y/N was taken aback as Dean pushed her against the car she had once been pined to as he yelled at her.

As Dean continued his heated tirade, Y/N's eyes shifted over his shoulder to where Lisa, now awake, observed the confrontation. Sam, seeing the escalating tension, reached out to intervene, placing a hand on Dean's shoulder in an attempt to pull him away from Y/N. However, Dean brushed off Sam's attempt, storming away with Lisa.

Sam, torn between following them and addressing Y/N's condition, hesitated. Before he could make a decision, Y/N stopped him by grabbing his arm. "Sam, wait," she pleaded, her voice strained. Y/N removed her hand from her side, revealing the alarming amount of blood that had pooled in her hands.

Concern flashed across Sam's face. "Y/N, we need to get you help. This can't wait," he insisted.

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Hours later, Sam is pacing the shared living area back at the small house they were renting with his phone pressed to his ear. "Yeah, thanks, Garth. See you soon." He hung up, scratching the back of his head as he contemplated their next move.

Slowly, Sam walked down the hall towards his bedroom. As he entered, he saw Y/N lying on his bed. She looks up, curiosity in her eyes. "Who was that on the phone?"

Sam tossed the phone onto the bed, "I called in some backup with you injured and Dean not thinking straight We'll need all the help we can get. So, Cass is rounding up Garth, Jody, Donna, and Charlie and bringing them here."

Y/N winces as she tries to sit up, determination in her gaze.

Sam quickly approaches her bedside, gently easing her back down. "You shouldn't be moving. You'll pop those stitches."

Y/N sighs, frustration evident in her expression as she lays back down. "I hate feeling helpless."

Sam leans down to kiss Y/N's forehead, his lips lingering for a moment. As he pulls away, he whispers, "Let me heal you."

Y/N closes her eyes, contemplating Sam's offer. With a shaky voice, she says, "I want to, but it doesn't feel right."

Sam lifts his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb rubbing gently against her skin. He maneuvers to lay down next to her, his voice sincere as he says, "You don't need to worry about Dean. He's just... having a hard time right now."

Y/N sounds like she's trying to fight back tears as she confesses, "Sam, I messed up so badly. And worst yet, I feel like I'm not being fair to you."

Sam scoffs amusingly, brushing a strand of hair from Y/N's face. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm not going anywhere," he reassures her.

Y/N opens her eyes, meeting Sam's gaze. There's gratitude in her expression as she whispers, "Thank you."

Sam leaned in, and just moments before their lips could meet, the sound of the front door opening and closing interrupted the intimate moment. Y/N and Sam froze in place, their eyes locking in shared frustration. Sam looked at Y/N and said, "I'll be right back," before he got up and headed for the shared living area.

"Dean?" Sam called out, spotting his older brother who seemed preoccupied with gathering things into one of their weapons bags. Concern etched Sam's face as he asked, "Dean? What the hell, man? I've been calling you for hours!"

Dean, however, ignored Sam's inquiry and continued his task, dismissing his brother's presence. Frustration built in Sam as he questioned, "Where have you been, and what were you doing?"

Finally, Dean answered, "I took Lisa back to her hotel."

A crease formed in Sam's brow as he put a hand on Dean's arm, urging him to stop and look at him. "That was three hours ago, Dean."

Dean pulled his arm from his brother's grip, irritation evident in his voice. "And? What, you my mother now?"

Sam stumbled on his words, attempting to keep his voice low so Y/N couldn't hear as he addressed the elephant in the room. "Dean, you weren't... with Lisa, right? Because Y/N..."

That's when Dean erupted with anger, spinning around on his heels to confront Sam. He yelled, "Oh, come off it, Sammy! We both know she is way more your girlfriend than she ever was mine. I’m just the damn extra for when you can't keep going. And as for what Lisa and I do together, it’s none of your damn business."

Sam was fighting to hold his tongue and not yell back, his frustration reaching a boiling point. His eyes shifted just behind Dean, causing his older brother to turn around and see what had captured Sam's attention. As Dean turned, he found Y/N standing there, and she looked furious.

Without a word, Y/N approached Dean and delivered a resounding slap across his face. "Never have I ever given you any reason to think that," she asserted. Dean and Sam both stood stunned by her sudden action as Y/N walked out of the house, slamming the door behind her.

Sam swallowed hard, shaking his head at Dean in disapproval, before turning to follow Y/N. However, his path was instantly blocked by the arrival of Castiel and the group of hunters he brought with him. Startled, Sam muttered under his breath, "Damnit, Cass," before side-stepping the angel and heading out the door. Sadly, Sam had already lost sight of Y/N.

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Sam stood in the middle of the shared living area, typing away on his phone as he paced. Charlie, engrossed in her computer work, glanced up at the unsettled younger Winchester. She commented, "So, you think Dean will stay with Lisa this time?"

Sam stopped in his tracks, lowering his phone but avoiding eye contact with Charlie. The possibility that Dean might choose Lisa over Y/N hadn't crossed his mind. Charlie continued, "Even if he doesn't, I don't see how he could make it up to Y/N. I mean, your brother is a real piece of work, but even this seems like..."

Sam interrupted, "Charlie! Can we, uh, just stick to the case, please?"

Charlie nodded awkwardly, her eyes returning to her screen. She remarked, "Well, I don't know what else to say, Sam. Everything here points to a Wechuge."

Sam asked, "A what?"

Charlie proceeded to explain, “You know the Wendigo right? The Algonquian people believed it to be an evil spirit that possessed humans and caused an insatiable hunger for human flesh. Well, The Wechuge is a similar being that appears in the legends of the Athabaskan people. It too is cannibalistic; however, it is characterized as enlightened with ancestral insights.

Sam looked to Charlie confused, “Enlightened with ancestral insights?”

Charlie looks back to her screen and begins reading “It is said to be a person who has been possessed by the power of one of the Ancient Giant Spirit Animals. The people believed that one could become Wechuge by breaking a taboo and becoming "too strong". Whatever the means. But they had a lot of taboos like a person having a photo taken with a flash, listening to music made with a stretched string, or…. eating meat with fly eggs in it. Yuck who would Want to do that? Anyways they say it’s a curse or a punishment.”

Sam asked, "Any way to kill it?"

Charlie responded, "Being thrown on a campfire and kept there overnight." She then looked up at Sam to continue, "But, Sam, while I'm, like, 110% sure this thing is a Wechuge, there's still something strange about it."

Sam looked at Charlie with concern and asked, "What do you mean?" She replied, "Well, all accounts of the creature describe it as normal human size, and the way you describe it, that thing is normal human-sized."

Sam sighed and said, "Yeah, that’s probably the witch's doing. Dean and I ran into her in the woods right after Y/N ran off with Lisa and Ben. The... Wechuge chased after them, and before we could stop it, this woman got in our way." Sam paused for a moment, as though the memory of the incident was painful to recall.

“Sam?” Charlie called out Sam's name in concern.

"We assumed she’s a witch anyway. She... warned Dean that he was going to lose Lisa and Ben because of Y/N. She seems to be using them to get to us."

Charlie sat back in her seat, taking in the explanation, and said, "Woah, that is some extra evil shit."

“Yeah..” Sam's voice was almost a whisper as he agreed with Charlie.

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Y/N sat on the small bridge that arched over the tranquil creek, the gentle murmur of water providing a soothing backdrop. The wind rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees, adding to the serene atmosphere. Leaning against the railing, Y/N gazed down at the flowing water that meandered toward a wide river in the distance.

In the peaceful quiet, she couldn't escape the weight of recent events. Y/N sighed, her voice breaking the stillness as she spoke to the empty air, "Shouldn't you be helping the others?"

A soft flutter of wings announced Castiel's arrival. The angel appeared beside her, his expression as stoic as ever. "Sam told me everything that happened, I thought you could use the company." His eyes scanned Y/N briefly before settling on the blood seeping through her shirt. In his usual monotone voice, Castiel remarked, “You re-opened your wound, I can heal you.”

Y/N didn't protest as Castiel approached. He placed his hand on her shoulder, the warm glow emanating from his touch signaling the healing process. The wound on her side gradually faded. Once the process was complete, Castiel withdrew his hand, and Y/N, without looking at him, simply uttered, "Thank you."

Y/N turned her gaze away from the flowing water, focusing on the distant horizon as she asked, "How are the others doing?" Her voice held a hint of apprehension, revealing her fear of the answer she might receive.

Castiel, without hesitation, responded, "Sam and Charlie are at the house, doing research. Dean and the others are out trying to set a trap for it in the forest."

"A trap?" Y/N questioned, her brow furrowing with curiosity.

Castiel nodded and provided further explanation, "Yes. Since we don't know what it is, the hope is that we can trap it until we figure out how to kill it."

There was a momentary silence between them before Castiel broached a more delicate topic, his voice filled with concern, "Y/N, what Dean said back there..."

"Don't!" Y/N cut him off sharply, her tone firm and pleading. "Cass, just don't."

Despite her warning, Castiel pressed on, "Y/N, I understand what Dean said wasn't right. But you still have Sam, who is currently split between worrying about you and Lisa and Ben. So, if we could just return for him..."

Y/N's voice remained restrained, a struggle to keep her emotions in check as she responded to Castiel's attempt to convince her to go back. "Cass, you know those two better than anyone. So, you should know that they will always choose each other over anything or anyone else."

Castiel's brow furrowed with realization, and he asked, "You are concerned that if Dean leaves, so will Sam."

Hearing the words spoken aloud caused Y/N to bite her bottom lip, a desperate attempt to contain the tears threatening to spill. "Those two have never let anything come between them. They have literally died and gone to hell and back for one another. Even if... even if they did part, they always find each other again."

Castiel sensed the deep hurt and fear in Y/N's words. "Don't get me wrong, I love each one as an individual, and I don't want to believe that Sam is that shallow. But if it came down to it, how could I come between them?" Y/N's grip on the bridge's railing tightened, her knuckles turning white as it became the anchor grounding her at that moment.

Finally, Castiel began to speak, his words attempting to reassure Y/N. However, mid-sentence, he froze in place, staring off towards the ground, a sudden change in his demeanor.

Y/N turned to Castiel as soon as he fell silent, sensing a shift in his demeanor. Urgency and apprehension painted her features as she asked, fully alert, "Cass, what is it? What are they saying?"

Castiel's expression remained somber as he met Y/N's eyes. "It's Dean. They've encountered the creature. They're leading it to the traps, but it has Ben." His gaze lingered on Y/N, delivering the news with a heavy weight.

Hearing those words sent a sharp jolt of pain through Y/N. The worry for Ben, the fear for Dean.

Castiel looked to Y/N and continued, "Dean is calling for you."

Y/N nodded, her resolve firm, knowing they needed her help. But before she approached Castiel to leave, she couldn't help but express her inner turmoil. "Castiel, I need you to do me a favor, though." Her voice carried a mix of vulnerability and determination, an unspoken plea for understanding. The use of his full name underscored the gravity of her request.

Castiel, attuned to the subtle shifts in emotions, nodded in agreement, his concern evident. "What is it?" he inquired, ready to assist in any way possible.

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The forest echoed with the pounding footsteps of Sam and Dean as they pursued the creature through the dense woods. The urgency in their movements mirrored the heightened tension in the air. The creature, bearing Ben unconscious in its jaws, surged ahead, unaware of the trap that awaited it.

In a clearing, a radiant light emerged from the ground, outlining a pentagram that blended symbols from various cultures, a testament to Charlie's resourcefulness. The light dissipated, leaving the branded mark beneath the creature's feet. Hunters hidden in the shadows materialized around the perimeter of the pentagram, prepared for the imminent confrontation.

The creature, now confined within the invisible barrier, began to thrash violently, its strength evident even within the magical confines. Weapons were drawn, and the hunters tensed, uncertain of what would happen next. Donna voiced the collective uncertainty, "Now what?"

Charlie looked to Dean, her expression revealing a mix of concern and uncertainty. "I'm not sure how long it will be able to hold the Wechuge if it keeps that up," she admitted, the gravity of the situation apparent. As if responding to her words, a crack appeared in the barrier, visible only when the creature's attacks sent shockwaves through the otherwise imperceptible wall. The precariousness of the situation hung in the air, and the hunters braced themselves for whatever would happen next.

Dean's frustration flared, and he barked at Castiel, "Cass! Where are you!?" The tension in the forest was thick, the creature thrashing against the magical barrier as if it sensed the impending confrontation.

Castiel appeared between the brothers startling them and answering with his usual monotone, "Hello, Dean." Dean's eyes darted between Castiel and the creature, suspicion evident in his gaze. "Where the hell have you been and where is Y/N?”

Castiel hesitated, a deviation from his usual composed demeanor. Sensing something amiss, Sam asked, Cass?”

A brief pause hung in the air before Castiel spoke, "Y/N asked me to drop her off further in the forest to prepare." Sam shot Dean a concerned glance, and the creature's relentless assault on the barrier underscored the urgency of the situation.

Dean's impatience flared, "Cut the crap, Cass! This is no time for games man!"

Castiel's demeanor, however, shifted from his usual composed self, hinting at an unspoken truth. Sam was about to voice his unease when Castiel continued, "She also asked me to pass along a message to both of you."

The crackling energy of the magical barrier and the creature's relentless attacks heightened the tension.

Suddenly Dean and Sam's blood both ran cold and the color drained from their faces, they didn't know why but hearing Castiel's words brought a sense of dread upon them.

Castiel then continued, “She loves you both very much.”

Castiel looked to Dean, “And she understands.”

Castiel then looked to Sam, “Sam,” there was a pause in Castiel's words before he finished, “Sam please forgive her.” The weight of those words settled heavily in the forest, The air grew thick with the ominous revelation. The brothers exchanged a troubled look, grappling with the unsettling foreboding surrounding Y/N's message

***

Suddenly, a blurred figure dashed from the treetops, a streak of motion over Sam and Dean's heads. They barely caught a glimpse of the figure before it violently crashed into the Wechuge. The creature roared in pain, dropping Ben from its jaws as it tumbled to the ground, colliding with the far side of the magical barrier.

Amidst the chaos, a feral and furious Y/N emerged. Her eyes glowed a haunting, brilliant red with horizontal pupils, and her fangs and claws were fully extended. Tails swayed erratically behind her, fox ears alert, and small whisker-like markings streaked across her cheeks. Hairs stood on end all over her body, giving her an otherworldly and menacing appearance. Below her lay Ben's unconscious form, as if Y/N were a protective fox, shielding her pup.

The sight sent chills through the onlookers, who had never witnessed Y/N in such a primal and fearsome state. Castiel, the only one familiar with this transformation, watched with concern.

Dean's eyes remained fixed on the feral Y/N, his mouth slightly agape as he struggled to comprehend the sight before him. He managed to utter a single word, "Cass?"

Sam, equally shocked, couldn't take his eyes off Y/N either. His voice trembled as he asked, "Y/N?"

As the loud moment passed, and everyone regained their senses, Sam took a hesitant step forward, his concern etched across his face. However, Castiel intercepted him, grabbing his arm to hold him back “Sam. Don't. I can't guarantee she will recognize you right now.” Sam's eyes, though, remained fixated on Y/N, his worry intensifying.

Dean, not one to stay silent, demanded answers. "Cass, what happened?"

Castiel deliberated on whether to disclose the truth, but Y/N hadn't forbidden him from revealing her nature. He finally spoke, "What you see now is closer to Y/N's true form. The appearance you're familiar with is a result of self-restraining."

Sam turned to Castiel, perplexed. "You don't seem fazed by this. Have you seen her like this before?"

Castiel nodded solemnly. "Yes, but I would estimate that what you're witnessing is only about 90% of her power released."

The revelation left both Dean and Sam in stunned silence. Their gaze oscillated between Castiel and the formidable Y/N, standing before them in her primal state.

As if time had resumed its relentless march, the Wechuge shifted its weight, assuming a predatory stance as it prepared to attack. Y/N, driven by her primal instincts, mirrored the movement, readying herself for a one-on-one confrontation. Her determination echoed in her eyes as she resolved to face the threat alone, safeguarding the others and ensuring Ben's safety for Dean to return him to Lisa.

With another deafening roar, the Wechuge charged forward. Y/N crouched lower, anchoring herself to the ground, a powerful leap propelling her headlong into the creature. Despite the vast difference in size, Y/N's agility and strength sent the Wechuge hurtling through the air, initiating a ferocious mid-air clash between the two formidable adversaries.

The clash unfolded into an all-out brawl between monsters, the forest echoing with the sounds of snarls, roars, and the collision of titanic forces. Y/N, fueled by a primal determination, grappled with the Wechuge, each vying for dominance in this fierce battle.

It was only when Y/N released a cry of pain from the Wechuge digging its teeth into her shoulder did the hunters suddenly snapped out of their daze and drew their weapons on the Wechuge, carefully taking shots only when certain that Y/N wouldn't be caught in the crossfire. Sam and Dean seized the opportunity to move closer to Ben, their focus divided between the ongoing skirmish and the unconscious boy.

Y/N's relentless efforts pushed the Wechuge further into the dense forest, away from the vulnerable Ben, as the hunters continued their attempts to weaken the formidable creature.

As the chaos unfolded in the forest, the malevolent force controlling the Wechuge decided to escalate the confrontation. The witch, hidden in the shadows, emerged, her presence commanding and ominous. With a wave of her hand, she directed the Wechuge to seize Y/N, a sinister plan unfolding that Y/N, lost in her feral state, failed to grasp.

The Wechuge swiftly retreated into the depths of the forest. Y/N, oblivious to the danger, followed the creature, driven by her feral instincts to confront the perceived threat. Sam and Dean, however, understood the implications of the witch's directive. They exchanged a grave glance before bolting into action, determined to catch up with Y/N and the Wechuge.

Dean's voice echoed through the forest as he yelled, “Cass protect Ben!”, the urgency in his tone revealing the gravity of the situation.

The brothers raced through the dense foliage, chasing after the elusive figures disappearing into the heart of the woods. Each step brought them closer to the unknown, the tension building with every stride.

The pursuit reached a harrowing climax when Y/N's distressed cry for help pierced through the forest. Sam and Dean, hearts pounding, arrived at a somber scene: a cliff overhanging a roaring river. The ground was marked by freshly dug claws, an ominous sign of the struggle that had unfolded. Yet, Y/N was nowhere to be found.

Breathless and uncertain, Dean and Sam stood at the cliff's edge, their eyes scanning the turbulent river below. The realization dawned upon them that Y/N ensnared in the clutches of the Wechuge and the witch's dark magic, had tumbled off the edge into the rushing waters. The brothers faced an unsettling truth, left with the daunting uncertainty of what to do next. The forest held an eerie silence as if mourning the loss of one of its own.

To Be Continued..

This is the Female Reader-Insert Version of my Story, please consider taking a look at the Original with my OFC Saia.

Please comment & 💜

@snowayumi @soxysarah92

#supernatural #fanfic #supernatural fanfic #castiel #Dean x OFC x Sam #dean winchester #Fluff #Sam Winchester #Hurt/Comfort #Reader-Insert #supernatural smut #Illness #Self-Insert #Angst #Kitsune #injuries #Dean x Reader X Sam

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