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9.2 The Virus

Sam unlocked the door as Dean practically pushed me through it. “Did you guys get to a phone?” He asked as he shut the door behind us. “Roadblock.” Me and Dean both said. “I’m gunna have a word. Doc’s inside.”

“All right.” The Sergeant said before walking away.

“What’s going on out there, guys?” Sam asked turning back towards us.

“I feel like Chuck Heston in ‘The Omega Man’ Sarge is the only sane person we could find. What are we dealing with? Do you know?” Dean asked as I rain my hands through my hair. “Yeah, Doc thinks it’s a virus.” Sam added.

“Okay, great. Wanna add anything Carmen?” Dean asked seeing me staring at the wall.

“What happen?”

“The crazy people blocking the road wanted m-my necklace. I just don’t get what's so special about it.” I said picking at my nails. “Why your necklace?” He asked as I shrugged, “Cause we please change the subject,” 

“Okay well I think the Doc’s right.” Sam said, “And I think the infected are trying to infect others with blood-to-blood contact. Oh but it gets better, the virus leaves traces of sulfur in the blood.”

“A demonic virus?” Dean and I asked.

“More like demonic germ warfare. At least it explains why I’ve been having visions.” 

“It’s like a biblical plague.” Dean said making me scuff, “Great I’m gonna go work on the arch.” I muttered.

“Yeah. You don’t know how right you are, Dean. I’ve been pouring through Dad’s journal. I found something about the Roanoke colony. Dad always had a theory about ‘CROATOAN’. He thought it was a demon’s name, sometimes known as Daeva or Reshef a demon of plague and pestilence.” Sam informed.

“Well, that’s terrific. Why here? Why now?”

“I have no idea.” Sam admitted, “Great,” I muttered. “But, I mean who knows how far this thing can spread? We’ve got to get out of here. We’ve got to warn people.” Sam added.

“They’ve got one. In here.” Sarge Mark yelled.

“What do you mean?” Dean asked as we met up with him.

“The wife, she’s infected.” Sam informed.

“We’ve got to take care of this. We can’t just leave her in there. My neighbors -- they were strong. The longer we wait, the stronger she’ll get.” Mark said as Dean immediately went for his gun. 

“Dean!” I called running after him.

💽

“You’re gonna kill Beverly Tanner?”

“Doctor, could there be any treatment? Some kind of cure for this?” Sam asked as the doctor didn’t answer. “Can you cure it?” Dean repeated.

“For god sake, I don’t even know what ‘It” is.” She said.

“Told you it’s a matter of time before she breaks through.” The Sarge said.

“Just leave her in there you can’t shoot her like an animal.” The nurse said.

“Brother, sister.” Dean said walking towards to door as we both followed. I stood behind Sam as he, Dean, and the Sarge got ready. He glanced at me before unlocking and throwing the door open.

"Mark. What are you doing? Mark, it's them. They locked me in here. They tried to kill me, they're infected, not me. Please, Mark." She started pleading. "You've known me all your life. Please."

"Are you sure she's one of them?" Dean asked Sam. He slowly nodded, "Yeah." And I watched as Dean shot the woman.

💽

The three of us we going through our weapons as me and Sam glanced up at each other before here some glass shattering.

"You're clean, you're okay." The Doc said as we rushed in.

"Why are we staying here? Please, let's just go,"

"We can't, cause those things are everywhere," Dean spoke up.

"Oh, god. Why is this happening?" The nurse said.

"She's right about one thing. We can't stay here. We've got to get out of here, get to the Roadhouse, somewhere let people know what's coming." I said towards my brothers.

"That's a good point. 'Night Of The Living Dead' didn't exactly end pretty." Dean said.

"Lots of up here are good with rifles. Even with all your hardware, we're easy targets. So, unless you've got some explosives…" The Sarge said.

I glanced around the room seeing a few bottles and right next to them was Salem. "We could always make some." I said walking over towards the cabinet.

"Hey! Let me in, let me in, please!"

"It's Duane Tanner." The Sarge said as Sam and Dean kept me behind them.

He went and unlocked the door. "Oh, thank god." Duane breathed out. "Duane you okay?" Sarge asked as they both walked into the waiting area.

"That's the guy that I…" Dean said clicking his tongue.

"Yeah."

"Who else is in here?" Duane asked.

"Hey, whoa, whoa, whoa. Easy there, chief." Dean said pulling him back. "Hey, Doc, give Duane a good once-over, would you?" 

"Pam?" The Doc called as we walked into the office.

"Who are you?"

"Never mind who I am. Doc," Dean insisted.

"Yeah, okay." She said going through a cabinet.

"Duane where you been?" Sarge asked as Duane sat on the table. "I was on a fishing trip up by Roslyn. I came back this afternoon. I saw Roger McGill being dragged out of his house by people we know." He started. "They started cutting him with knives. I ran. I've been hiding in the woods ever since. Has anybody seen my mom and dad?"

"Awkward," Dean whispered towards us as I harshly elbowed his side.

"You're bleeding." Doc said glancing around.

"Where did you get that?"

"I was running. I must have tripped."

"Tie him up. There's rope in there." Dean said. "Wait-" He protested standing up as Dean clocked his gun and pointed it at him. "Sit down!"

"Sorry, Duane. He's right. We've got to be careful." Sarge said before walking out. "Careful? About what?"

"Did they bleed on you?" Dean asked.

"No. What the hell?! No!"

"Doc,is there any way to know for sure? Like a test or something?" I asked.

"I've studied Beverly's blood work backwards and forwards-"

"My mom?"

"-It took three hours for the virus to incubate. Sulfur didn't appear in the blood until then, so, no, there would be no way of knowing. Not until after Duane...turns."

"Guys, I've got to talk with you. Now," Sam whispered as I nodded walking out.

"This is my vision, Dean. It's happening,"

"Yeah, I figured,”

“You can’t kill him, not yet,”

“Not until we know for sure he’s infected or not.” I added. “I think we’re pretty damn sure,” Dean replied.”Guy shows up out of nowhere, cut on his leg, his whole family is infected.” He added. “We should keep him tied up, and we should wait and see,” Sam stated.

“For him to hulk out, infect somebody else? No, thanks, can’t take that chance.” Dean said as he went to walk away. Sam and I stopped him, “Look, man. I’m not happy about this, but it’s a tough job, and you know that.” Dean said looking between us. “It’s supposed to be tough, Dean, we’re supposed to struggle with this.”

“What does that buy us?”

“A clear conscience, or one.”

“It’s too late for that.” He muttered before going to walk away, but Sam stopped him again. “What the hell has happened to you?” He asked pushing him back.

“What?”

“You might kill an innocent man, and you don’t even care. You don’t act like yourself anymore, Dean. Hell you’re acting like one of those things out there.” Sam said as Dean shoved him to the other side of the room. “Dean,” I said grabbing is arm oly for him to shove me away. “Hey.” I called seeing him shutting the door. Sam came up beside me and tried it, but it was locked. “Open the damn door. Dean!” He said as I started looking around for another way out. “Don’t do it, Dean! Don’t!”

💽

Dean didn’t kill Duane, he let us out and we were now making the explosives making sure to keep our eyes on him. “It’s been over four hours. Duane’s blood is still clean I don’t think he’s infected. I’d like to untie him, if that’s all right.” The Doc informed. We exchanged looks as I nodded, “Sure, yeah,”

“You know I’m gonna ask you why.” Sam said breaking the silences.

“Yeah. I know.”

“So, why didn’t you do it?” I asked softly glancing up. He cleared his throat, “We need more alcohol.” He said as Sam and I exchanged a look before both going to get more alcohol.

Sam went to get the alcohol as I checked up with Pam. “How are you holding up, Pam?” I asked softly before leaning against the cabinet next to Sam. “Good. It will all be over soon.” I heard her mumble as I look back over towards her, seeing her lock the door. “In fact...I've been waiting for this the whole time.”

“For what?” Sam asked as I raised an eyebrow.

“To get you alone, you two alone.” She then lunged towards me as Sam threw me behind him. He didn’t realize how hard he threw me so I got thrown into a storage cabinet. While she had thrown him to the ground, ‘Come on Carmen now is not the time to freeze up!’ I thought as I started going through drawers. Something on the wall caught my eye, the fire excitghuter. I grabbed it and slammed it into her as Dean kicked the door in and shot her.

I bent down trying to catch my breath that was just knocked out of me. “She bled on him.” I heard the Sarge said, making me glance up. “He’s got the virus.”

💽

“Doctor, check his wound again, would you?” Dean said pacing around as I sat next to Sam on the table as Sarge and Duane watched. “Doctor?” He repeated. 

“What does she need to examine him for? You saw what happened, she was in the room with him.” Sarge said as I bite my tongue. “Did her blood actually enter your wound?” The Doctor asked.

“Come on, of course it did!” Sarge snapped.

“We don’t know that for sure,” Dean snapped back.

“We can’t take a chance. You know what we have to do.”

“Nobody is shooting my brother!”

“He’s not gonna be your brother much longer. You said it yourself,” Duane said. “Nobody’s shooting anyone!” I snapped. “He was gonna shoot me!”

“Yeah and if you don’t shut the hell up I might just do it myself!” I snapped back standing up, “Now all three of you shut up or I’m gonna kick all your asses!” I said in a huff.

“Carmen, they’re right. I’m infected. Just give me the gun, and I’ll do it myself.” Sam spoke up getting everyone’s attention. “I’m sorry but do I need to start slapping you upside the head?” I remarked. “Carmen, I’m not gonna become one of those things.” He said. “Sam, we’ve still got some time!” Dean said.

“Time for what?” Sarge asked making me and Dean to look at him. “I understand he’s your brother, and I’m sorry I am, but I’ve got to take care of this.” He said. “You make a single move, you’ll be dead before you hit the ground, you understand me? Do I make myself clear?”

“What are we supposed to do!?”

Dean looked down before getting something and throwing it towards him. “Get the hell out of here, that’s what. Take my car. You’ve got the explosives. There’s an arsenal in there. You two go with him. You got enough firepower to handle anything now.”

“What about you?”

“Dean, no. No. Go with them this is your only chance.” Sam said.

“You’re not gonna get rid of me that easy.”

“Carmen?” I heard him asked as I looked up, sighing. “No Carmen you have to-”

“Sam,” I said softly cutting him off.

“No, he’s right, man. Come with us.” Sarge said and noticed me and Dean had the same look. “Okay, it’s your funeral.” he said before him Duane and the Doctor slowly left as Salem peered around the corner. “I’m sorry, thanks for everything, marshalls.” Doc said as Salem came over towards me.

“Oh, actually, we’re not really marshals,”

“Um...oh,” Doc stuttered as Dean shut the door behind her and locked it. I put Salem on the counter top and jumped up next to him. “I wish we had a deck of cards, or a foosball table, or something.” Dean said said before walking over towards Sam. “Guys, don’t do this. Just get the hell out of here.”

“No way.”

“Give me my gun and leave.”

“For the last time, Sammy, no.” Dean said as he turned away as Sam slammed his hand on the table. “This is the dumbest thing you two have ever done.”

“He’s done dummer,” I said chuckling, “Remember that waitress in Tampa?” Dean shifered,”Why’d you have to bring that up,”

“Guy’s, I’m sick it’s over for me. It doesn’t have to be for you, both of you.” He said getting choked up.”No, you can keep going.”

“Who says I want to?”

“What?” Sam and I  asked as Dean pulled his gun out and sat down on the desk. “I’m tired, guys. I’m tired of this job...this life...this weight on my shoulders, man. I’m tired of it.”

“So, what? So, you’re just gonna give up? I mean, you’re just gonna lay down and die? Look, Dean, I know this stuff with Dad had --” Sam started. “You’re wrong. It’s not about Dad. I mean, part of it is, sure --” Dean said cutting him only for Sam to cut him off again. “Then, what is it about?” Sam asked as we heard footsteps approaching and a knock on the door. Dean got up and slowly reached and unlocked the door. “You better come see this.” Do said as he opened the door.

Once outside we noticed the town was empty, no one, no cars, nothing. “There’s no one, not anywhere. They’ve all just vanished.” Doc said as I pulled Salem closer seeing the word ‘CROATOAN’ carved on a pole.

💽

“Well, it’s been five hours, and your blood’s still clean. I don’t understand it, but I think you dodged a bullet.” Doc said as Sam sat on the bed and I stood next to him. “But I was exposed, how could I not be infected?” He asked as I slapped his head, “Don’t jinx it say thanks and let’s get the hell out of here.” I said.

The Doc chuckle, “I don’t know, but you’re just not. I mean, when you compare it with the Tanner samples -- What the hell?” She said turning back to the microscope.

“What?”

“Their blood -- there’s no trace of the virus. No sulfur. Nothing.” She said as I looked down bitting my lip.

Me and my brothers watched as Duane and the Sarge packed up a truck. “The Sarge and I are getting the hell out of here. Heading south, you should come.” He said to the Doc. “I’d better get over to Sidewinder, get the authorities up here. If they’ll believe me. Take care.” She said waving towards them as they waved back and then towards us.

“What about him?” Dean asked.

“He’s gonna be fine. No signs of infection.” She said before going back inside as the truck drove away. Dean turned towards Sam, “Hey, man, don’t look at me. I’ve got no clue.” Sam said.

“I swear, I’m gonna lose sleep over this one. I mean, why here? Why now? Where the hell did everybody go? It’s not like they just freaking melted.” Dean said walking over to the driver’s side.

“Why was I immune?” Sam muttered.

“Yeah, you know what? That’s a good question. You know I’m already starting to feel like this is the one that got away.” He said opening his door. I nodded before pushing off the car, “All good questions why don’t we talk about over some breakfast..lunch..dinner, or whatever we find first.” I said getting into the Impala as Sam did t and with that we left.

💽

3rd person

“Do you mind pulling over up ahead there?” Duane asked,.

“All right.” Sarge said pulling over. “I’ve got to make a call.” Duane said

‘No phone out here.”

“I got it covered.” He replied pulling something out. “What the hell is that?” Sarge asked as he slit his throat and held a bowl up to it. Once it had enough he placed his hand in and started letting the blood fall in a swirl pattern. “I don’t have the necklace, but it’s safe around her neck...It’s over you’ll be pleased.  I don’t think any more tests are necessary. The winchester boy -- definitely immune as expected...yes, of course. Nothing left behind.” He said slowly looking over at the dead Sargents body as his eyes turned black.

💽

It was already mid-day as the Winchesters stood by a fence. Drinking beers as Carmen and Sam sat on the large fence. “So, last night -- you want to tell me what the hell you were talking about?” Sam spoke up.

“What do you mean?”

Carmen whipped her mouth with the back of her hand, “Don’t play stupid, stupid,” She teased nugging his shoulder.

“What we mean is you said you were tired of the job and that it wasn’t just because of Dad.” Sam remined. “Forget it.” He simply replied.  “No, we can’t no way.” Sam said. “Come on man, I thought we both were gonna die. You can’t hold that over me.”

“Nah, you can’t pull that crap with me, dude. You’re talking.” I protested.

“And what if I don’t?”

“Carm and I will have to keep asking you till you do,” Sam said. “Or we’re throwing you into the water,” She added smirking.

Dean scoffed before turning so his back was facing the water, “I don’t know, man. I just think maybe we ought...go to the Grand Canyon.” He said as his two younger siblings gave him a confused look. “What?” They both said. “Yeah, you know, all this driving back and forth across the country -- Do you know I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon? Or we could go to T.J. or Hollywood -- see if we could bang Lindsay Lohan.” He exclaimed.

“You’re not making any sense.” She said tilting her head to the side.

“I just think we should take a break from all this.Why do we got to get stuck with all the responsibility? You know, why can’t we live life a little bit?” He explained. “Why are you saying all this?” Sam asked.

He stayed silent turning away as Sam and Carmen pushed off the fence, “No, no, no, no, no. Dean, you’re our brother, all right? So, whatever weight you’re carrying, let us help a little bit.” Sam said.

“I can’t. I promised.”

“Who?”

“Dad.”

“What are you talking about?” Carmen asked crossing her arms. “Right before Dad died..he told me something. He told me something about you.” He said looking at Sam. “What? Dean, what did he tell you?”