Young Max stood in the center of the crossroads, holding a small wooden box. Looking inside it, she made sure everything was inside. A picture of her, dirt from a graveyard and a bone of a black cat. Dean didn't know where she was, he didn't know what she was thinking of doing. Second thought flooded Max's mind, was she really going to do this? Was she really going to my a deal with a demon? Looking down at the hole she dug, in the center of the crossroads then to her watch.
"Twelve hours left," Max said quietly. "I can't let you die, Dad. I'm sorry, but you're needed here, to save people with Sammy." Her mind was made up. She shut her eyes, quickly placed the box in the hole and covered it with dirt. She exhaled and opened her eyes, realizing what she had done. "No turning back now," she said sadly.
"Far from turning back, my dear," a voice said form behind. Max turned around and starred at the Demon in front of her. He was well dressed, black suit, purple tie, and had a Scottish Accent. "Max Marilynn Winchester. Why would a young girl like you want to make a deal? How old are you, twelve?"
"You know why," Max stood her ground, but deep inside, she was so terrified that she felt her soul freeze stiff. "I want to_"
"Save your daddy, Dean," he finished for her. He started to walk around Max, looking at her. Debating whether or not he wanted her soul. "What would you give to me, if I were to make the deal?"
"Break my dad's contract, let me spend 24 hours with him, then you can have all of me," Max offered. Her voice shook and broke. Her body trembled, knees were wobbly and she was too scared to move. "It's what Families do, especially my family. Sacrificing ourselves for each other."
"Twelve hours, then," he proposed.
"What?"
"I'll give you twelve hours with him, that's when he is scheduled to die. Take it or leave it."
"Only if you honor it, only if he lives."
"Do you know who you are talking to? You are talking to the King of the Crossroads. When I saw your name pop up, I had to come myself. A young Winchester making a deal. Do you know how much your soul is worth? The Devil himself would want to tear your soul apart over and over again."
"Such an honor."
"It is. And I will honor my side of the bargain, only if we have a deal, Ms. Winchester."
Max stood thinking everything through. Twelve hours wasn't going to be enough time. But it was better than nothing. Better than living the rest of her life without her father. Her mind was made up, she built up what confidence she had, stood up straight and looked at the eyes of the Demon.
"Yes," Max said, her voice was strong and unafraid, though deep down inside, she was screaming no. "For my dad."
The King smiled, he slowly walked towards her, but Max stood her ground. "Alright, Young Winchester. I'll break your Daddy's contract, and you have twelve hours with him, starting," he placed his hand on the back of her head and pulled it towards his. He smiled as his lips touched hers, and the deal was made. He pulled away, smiling, watching as a single tear ran down Max's face. "Now."
Max opened her eyes, looking around of the demon, but he was long gone. "Twelve hours. My last twelve hours on Earth." Max smiled, her dad was going to live. She looked up towards the stars and figured out what to do first.
Max quickly made her way towards Bobby's house, running as fast as she could. She wasn't going to tell Dean what she had done. Then he would want to strike another deal to save her. Max wasn't going to let that happen.
Bobby's appeared in the distance, smiling at the house, she used all her strength to get there as fast as she could. Busting through the door and saw her father sitting at the table with her uncles. "Hi, Dad," Max greeted proudly.
"Hey, shrimp, where have you been," Sam was the first to greet her.
"Just went for a quick walk," Max lied. She looked over towards Dean, he walk looking at her with a sad face. "I have an idea." The three remained quiet so she can speak. Both Bobby and Sam hoped that it was a plan to save her dad. "Remember when we used to pulled over to the side of the road in the middle of nowhere and watch the stars?" Dean smiled, he knew what she was going to suggest. "I found a great spot out there. I want to watch the stars for a couple hours, with everybody."
Bobby frowned, upset that it wasn't a plan at all. "Max, we only have less than twelve hours to save Dean. We need all the time we have left."
"Please, Bobby? What if the plan doesn't work? I want us to spend as much time together as we possibly could."
I think it's a great idea," Dean said. Max ran over to Dean and hugged him. Then she quickly gathered a few bottles of beer for the tree and a couple cans of pepsi for herself. Max was going to make the most out of the twelve hours she has.
The four left Bobby's house and started to walk into the field. They stopped at this old broken down car, rusting away in the middle of the field. Max climb on top of it and Dean followed her. Sam and Bobby stay on the ground and watched the stars. Dean wrapped his arm around his daughter, and she held his hand. Like they used to when she was younger. Both enjoying the time they spent, laughing about the embarrassing storied they told. It was perfect, for Dean and for Max.
Ten hours left.
"Okay, Ruby said that Lilith is the on holding your contract," Sam said to Dean.
"So, we have to find Lilith and kill her," Dean asked, looking skeptical to Sam's plan. "Then I'm free?"
"That's what Ruby said."
"I can't believe we're trusting a Demon," Bobby spoke up. Dean agreed, which only cause Sam to roll his eyes. "I mean, what if she stabs up in the back when we're not expecting it?"
"It's the best chance we have. Max, come on. Help me out here," Sam turned to Max, hoping for support.
Max looked at the three, waiting for an answer. Sudden pressure on her shoulders, like the fate of the world was in her hands. "It's worth a shot really. We shouldn't waste time arguing. Like I said before, if none of this works then we're screwed. I just want all of us to spend time with each other and not fight." The three looked at Max, not satisfied with her answer.
"What happened to you," Sam asked her. Max gave him a confused look. "I mean, yesterday, you were all up for killing any demon that walked in your path, but now…I don't know. It's like you don't want to fight."
"Max, what's wrong," Dean asked. Max looked into his eyes, and they demanded truth. But she couldn't tell them what she did, she couldn't tell him the truth.
"I…I just…" Max had to quickly think of something, and fast. "I don't want us to fight and argue all the time. Plans never go accordingly, Demons are always one step ahead of us. And if we fail, then we just wasted all that time arguing over something that didn't work. Instead of spending whatever time we had with each other. I'm not giving up, but I'm looking at the reality of it." Max looked up at, tears in her eyes, she hated lying to them, but she had too. "I think, we should go with Sam's plan. Ruby and her blade is the best shot we have."
Sam looked at Dean, then back to Max. Dean starred at Max, he knew something was wrong with his daughter, and he was going to find out when they're alone. "Alright. Come up with a plan, and quick." Dean stood up and grabbed his coat.
"Where are you going," Bobby asked.
"Food, I'm starving. Coming Max?"
"Dude, it's almost three in the morning," Sam pointed out.
"I am going to spend my last hours chowing down of bacon cheese burgers and grease. And there's places open all night. Let's go Max." Dean grab Max's bag and carried it to the car for her. She followed closely behind.
Max got into the Impala, watched Dean start it. Listening to the roar of the engine. It wasn't just a car, it was home. Their only home. The only home they knew, and spent most of their lives in. Max watched as the trees and dark homes went past them. She accidently kicked something, and looked to see was it was. It was Dean's box of cassette tapes. His music that he played over and over again. Smiling, she looked through them, looking at each one. Reading the titles of songs on tape.
Dean looked over and saw what she was doing. "You know what's in there, why are you looking at them all of a sudden?"
She continued pulling out we tape and reading the music. "Nothing. Just looking at them. I miss looking at these, since Sammy got me my Ipod you know."
Dean didn't ask anymore and just continued driving. He found an open diner near a truck stop. He and Max went in and seated themselves, waiting for a waitress to take their orders.
"The usual," Dean asked. Max nodded, patiently waiting for the waitress to walk over. Before she can asked, Dean placed the order. "Two bacon cheeseburgers, with two pepsis." The waitress wrote it down, and walked away smiling. Dean's smile disappeared and he looked towards his daughter. "Alright, Max, what's really going on?"
Max jumped at the sudden interrogation. "Nothing."
"You're lying."
"Dad."
"Max, come on. I'm your father, I can tell when something is up with you. Now, tell me the truth. Why are you giving up all of a sudden?"
"I'm not giving up, I told you that. I just want to spend time with you, that's all."
"That's lie too. The whole facing reality crap, that's giving up. That's not you Max, you always fought for something and never gave up before. Why are you now?"
"Dad, I don't want to fight. It's really all we do. And I never said I was giving up! Plans never go as planned_"
"Don't give me that crap! Tell me what really going on!"
"I tried to strike a Deal," Max blurted out, surprising Dean and actually got him to shut up. "Okay, there! I tried to strike a deal with a Crossroad Demon. To save your life."
"What!? Why would you do something stupid like that!? What the Hell, Max!?"
"I wasn't thinking! I know I did something stupid, but I don't want you to go! You can't leave me!" Max looked at her father, she knew he was angry, even more than ever. "Anyway, it didn't work. So, there."
"Why would you even think of doing that, Max? Just why?"
"To save you. First mom, and now you, I can't have you go away on me too. I…I don't know what I would do?"
"That's stupid of you!"
"I know. But, it didn't work so be glad. All I want to do, is to spend time with you. Sam's plan may work, but…"
"Thing's never go as planned," Dean finished her sentence for her. Max slowly nodded. Dean finally understood. "So why didn't it work?"
"They only gave me twelve hours with you. That wasn't enough time, I said no and asked for five years. No deal, then he vanished. That's why I was gone earlier. I didn't want you, or the other two to know. I'm sorry, dad. I'm sorry I lied. But, you would do the same too, if it were me going to Hell." Dean saw her tears, he believed Max's lies. He fell for it, and Max couldn't believe it. She hated herself for it. Truly hated herself. But she had too.
"You're right. I would do the same. I would do it over and over again to try and save you. But come on, you're only twelve. You still have a lot to live for."
"No I wouldn't, you and mom would be gone."
"You'll have Sam and Bobby."
"When you took me in, you said you would never leave me. You swore on Mom's grave that you would protect me with your life and you would never leave me."
"Max…"
"Dad, can we please just stop arguing. Please?"
Dean nodded, looking at the sandwiches that were placed in front of them. He wondered when they were brought over to them, and how loud they got. But he didn't care, he understood why Max was acting weird. He understood all of it. The two took their time eating, the awkwardness slowly went away after their fight. They began talking again, talking about past hunt, good memories, and crazy moments. They even ordered a whole pie and shared it. Max's final meal was a good one. She did her best not to cry, but a few tear escaped. Same with Dean, he shed a few tears as well. Thinking that this was his last meal as well. The two left the diner, satisfied and full. It was the most the eaten in day.
Max rolled down her window on the way back to Bobby's. Letting her long hair blow freely. Enjoying every moment in the Impala, listening to loud music with her father. Soon, they were singing along together. The sun began to rise, they made it to Bobby's and the four watched it together. Slowly feeling its warmth, savoring it. Max's final sunrise was a great one. She only wished she could see the sunset. After, they began to plan their move. Hopefully this time, THEY will be one step ahead of Lilith.
One hour left
Max's final time riding in the Impala with Dean and Sam. Remembering back when she and Sam used to sit in the back together. When Max slept, she would lean on her uncle, and he would cover her with his jacket. All the times they play Patty Cake and Jacob's Ladder together, until Max lost the string but blamed it on Sam.
They Bobby's around five, speeding toward Illinois to meet Ruby. She found out that Lilith is in a body of a young girl. When they got there, they quickly set a trap while Ruby went to lore Lilith to an empty the empty house where the Winchesters were at.
Max sat on the ground, waiting, enjoying her last can of pepsi. Dean began to get jittery, and so did Max. Sam was the only one who remained calm. Max started to get even more scared, but she reminded herself that it was for Dean. She did it for her father.
Dean looked at his watch and began to panic, "Fifteen minutes left, where the Hell is she?"
They all heard a howling in the distance, scaring them. Soon, Ruby broke through the doors telling that the plan didn't work. The three quickly placed salt at all doors and windows.
"This won't keep them out forever," Sam shouted.
"I'm sorry, I thought we outsmarted her," Ruby said. But, she was way ahead of us. "I'm sorry, Sam. I'm sorry." Dean looked over at Ruby and said her give a slight smile towards him.
"Sam, that's not Ruby, that's Lilith," Dean shouted. Suddenly, Lilith used her powers and slammed the three of them to the walls. Dean and Sam on the same wall, and Max was across the room from them. Dean grunted, "I should've figured it out sooner."
"Should've stayed sharp Dean."
"How long have you been in her? Where's Ruby?"
"For some time. I like it. It's all grown up and pretty. And, I sent Ruby far away," Lilith smiled, then looked towards Sam. "Hi, Sam. I always wanted to meet you. I wanted to kill you from the beginning, and enjoy doing so."
"You stay the Hell away from him and just take me," Dean demanded.
Lilith laughed at Dean. "Oh, I'm not here for you, not anymore." Lilith smiled at his confusion. She released Max from her powers. "Come here, Maxie."
Dean and Sam watched as Max walked slowly towards them, guilty. Her head was down, she was crying. Now they knew. "Max?"
"I'm sorry, Dad."
"MAX!? WHAT DID YOU DO?!" Dean shouted with all the air he had in his lungs and use whatever strength he had to try and get free.
"Go on, Maxie. Tell them your good-byes. You have a couple minutes to spare," Lilith said. She walked away from them to enjoy her front row ticket.
Max got up the courage to look at her father. He was furious as was Sam. Their faces were red, but also broken. Especially Dean, he was the one that was lied to the most. "I'm sorry."
"Max, what did you do," Sam asked.
"I made the deal. My soul, to save his," Max explained.
"Why!?" Dean shouted. "Why, Max!?"
"You are a far better hunter than I will ever be. I'm only in the way."
"Max_"
"The world needs you. You and Sam, way before me, were saving people and hunting things. The family business was never for me. I was only here to save your ass, like I always do." Max started to cry when she heard the Hell Hounds rustling outside the doors. Time was short, she need to tell them good-bye.
"Sammy, look after Dad. Promise me, that you won't bring me back, no matter what." Max watched as Sam began to cry. His only niece, was dying for them. "I love you, Sammy, you were the best uncle anyone can ever ask for. And don't' forget the pie for Dad."
"Maxie, don't. Please," Sam cried. "Max, we love you, don't do this."
She ignored her uncle's pleads and moved towards her father, who was already crying. Broken, he daughter, his pride and joy, was saving him again, for the final time. "Daddy_"
"Max, don't. Please. Don't go," Dean cried.
"Daddy, you have to promise, swear to never bring me back. Ever. No more deals. And don't die, because I won't be there to save you again."
"Maxie. Maxie. Don't, don't please. I love you."
"I love you, too, daddy. These last hours, they were great. It was the greatest time in my life. Thank you, for everything, for taking me in and risking everything for me and Sammy. And tell Bobby, I love him too." She took off her necklace and placed it in Dean's hand. It was her most precious gift that she received from her dad. He made it for her when she was young and never went anywhere without it. "Keep it. Please," Max said before she moved towards Sam and tried to hug him, but it was impossible, since they were still against the wall. Then she moved back to Dean. She stayed with him longer than Sam.
"I love you, Maxie," Dean repeated over and over again. Praying that this was all a dream, and Maxie will be there when he wakes up.
"I love you too, daddy."
"Time to go. Fetch, boy," Lilith said.
The doors flew open, and the growling grew louder and closer. Max moved away from her family, taking one last look at them. They were broken, shattered. They were going to watch her die, and there was nothing they can do. This was their Hell. They watched as Max raised her arms up, closed her eyes, accepting Death. Then watched as Max was getting thrown across the room. The heard Max's screams of pain and terror. Watched as her blood was spilling onto the ground. Then, it was over. Lilith was gone, and so was the Hell Hound. Leaving a broken Dean and Sam alone in the room, with the lifeless body of Max.
"Max…" Dean said quietly, breaking the silence and moving towards her. "Max…" He saw her dead eyes, starring into nothing. But throughout her tortures and shredded body, Max's face looked calm. Dean lifter her body into his lap, and cried. Screaming to God to trade places with her. Sam took off his jacket, and placed it on Max, crying along with His brother.
A few hours later
Bobby slowly got out of his car, and made his way to Dean and Sam. They were standing over a body that was wrapped in a white bed sheet and was ready to be buried. Bobby thought it was all a lie on his drive over. He prayed that Max would greet him and say they succeeded. His prayers weren't answered. And it wasn't a dream. Young Max was wrapped in the bed sheet. His adopted niece. And he loved her like one. Looking after her when she was little, teaching her how to fix up cars.
It was silent, Dean was still crying. Sam let a few tears out every now and then. They decided to say a few things, before they…well, you know.
Bobby decided to go first. "Max, you're one stupid girl. But, you made everything brighter, you know. Unexpected, cheerful spirited girl you always were. Hell isn't a place for a kind loving girl like you. You deserve to go to a better place. I'll miss you. I do already. I only hoped that you would live longer than us….I love you, Maxie. You idjit." Bobby finished and began to cry. He placed a sunflower on her body, because she told him a long time ago, that it was her favorite flower.
Sam went next, his voice broke at first, but he continued. "Hey, shrimp. I…I hope you do go to a better place. What you did, it was stupid. But brave. And that's who you are. Brave and strong, not afraid to make the right choice. You made everything better and crazier. The times we had, they were the best. I can't imagine the road now, without you. I love you and I miss you, Maxie." Sam finished up, and laid his favorite coat over her body one last time.
Dean, broken and torn apart fell to his knees next to Max. He held her hand on last time. "I…I can't. Saying goodbye to you. It's wrong. I can't believe what you did. I just can't. You know, I'm hoping that I would wake up and find you holding out a cherry pie for me. But that's not going to happen anymore…is it? I just wish…you told me the truth…but now I see why you didn't. Hell, if I was in your place, I would lie too.
"Max, you changed my life from the moment I met you. The very first time I saw you, I vowed to protect you with everything I had. I remember when, we first met, you weren't afraid or shy at all. When you mother told you that I was your dad, you jumped in my lap and just hugged me. That's a feeling I will never forget. And here we are. And you saved my ass again, like you always did. Just wait for me, Maxie. Together, we can take over Hell, you and me when I get there. Just stay strong, baby girl. And don't turn into one of those black eye bastards.
"I love you, Max. I always have, and I always will. I will think about you every day for the rest of my life. I will light a candle for you every year on your birthday. And I will sing to you. Eat an extra bacon cheeseburger and pie for you. I only wish I could see you grow into a strong powerful young woman. I love you, Maxie."
Dean's gift was the bear claw necklace he made for her years ago. It felt wrong for him to keep it, so he placed it on top of Sam's coat and Bobby's flower.
It was time. Max was a hunter, and she deserved a burial like one. Dean didn't have the heart to pour rock salt and gasoline on his daughter. Bobby had to do it. Them both Sam and Dean, lit a match each. At the same time, throwing it on Max's body. After a few second, the fire was already doing its job. And all they can do was watch and cry for Max's bravery.
Max stood in her cage, locked and cut off from whatever was going on outside. This was her Hell, hearing Dean's and Sam's cries for eternity. Until they suddenly stopped and her cage door opened. The demon that made the deal was standing there.
"Welcome to Hell, Ms. Winchester. You have a guest," he moved away and let in the Devil himself. Lucifer.
Max stood in terror as the fallen, caged angel stood before her, smiling down at her. "Max Winchester. The girl you sacrificed herself for her father. Welcome. I heard you were coming down here. I hope everything was perfect for you."
"It could be better," Max snapped.
Lucifer smiled. "And a witty young girl. Oh I hope for you to join our ranks one day. You would make an excellent soldier, what do you think Crowley?"
"She would be perfect," the crossroads demon smiled.
"Go ahead and try, you won't break me. I'm a Winchester. Raised by the best hunters in the world, taught to never give up and to stay strong. You will never break me, and I will never be one of you. I promise you that, and I always keep my promises."
Lucifer's smile disappeared. "We shall see. Your torture begins now and for all of eternity." He stood and watched as Max's soul was torn apart, piece by piece. Her screams were music to his ears. But Max never gave in. When she was whole again, she laughed that demons, knowing that they were going to fail. And whatever they did to her, Max Marilynn Winchester was never going to break.
Okay, this is only a two chapter story. What did you guys think? I know I should be working on Not a Average Teenager, but this popped into my head. Okay, need your help/opinions. Max is going to be saved, that's for sure. Should she go to Heaven? Or be placed back on Earth and to continue hunting with her family? Review or inbox me. =)
