A/N: Sorry about the delay everyone. I seem to have missed my weekly posting. But hopefully you all are still with me. This chapter was supposed to have a little more action to it, but it just didn't go with the flow, so that will be coming up in the next chapter.

So, hope you enjoy this one, and please let me know what you think. Good or bad; still want to hear from you:)

Chapter 3

Sam spun around and demanded, "Who are you?" The response he got was that of a little girl's giggle.

"We aren't going to leave." Sam said.

"I can make you" the little girl's voice said.

Sam's eyes scanned the room. He could feel the static getting stronger, the room practically vibrating with it. Not to mention how cold it had suddenly become.

"Why are you here?" he asked.

"I want to play. Will you play with me?"

"Is that what you were doing with my brother in the spa?"

"I don't like him." The little girl said. "I don't want to play with him. I want to play with you."

And that sent a chill down Sam's spine. While his eyes continued to scan he began to make his way to his duffel. He was hoping to get to the thermal camera Bobby had given them as a present a couple of weeks ago. If the ghost wouldn't show herself willingly he could still find her.

"What's your name?" he asked again.

The girl giggled. "I have many."

Sam was still inching his way to the bag. Many names huh? Well that didn't sound good. Could this be a demon?

"Why won't you show yourself?"

Again she giggled. And then out of the corner of his eye he caught her. He spun and saw the little girl materialize. She looked around eleven or twelve years old. Long blonde hair, wearing an old fashioned type white dress with a pink ribbon tied around the middle.

Sam was just about to the bag when in the blink of an eye the girl went from across to the room to directly in front of him.

"Don't you want to play with me?"

Sam stumbled back in surprise. Damn. She had effectively put herself between him and the bag.

The girl smiled and stepped closer. "You're not like the others." She turned her face down and pouted. "They were no fun." Then she looked directly at Sam and smiled. "You're just like me."

Sam was about to say something when there was a knock on the door and he heard his brother's voice.

"Hey Sammy you dressed?"

The girl looked towards the door and scowled, then vanished. Sam immediately felt the shift in the atmosphere. The temperature was back to normal and the static feeling had lessened to almost nothing.

"Sammy!" Dean called from the other side of the door.

"Yeah!" Sam called out and opened the door.

Dean immediately gave him a concerned look. "What?"

"What what?" Sam asked back.

Dean rolled his eyes. "Don't give me that. What happened?"

"Why do you ask that?"

Dean sighed and ground his teeth. "Cause I've known you your entire life Sam. I know when something's wrong. Cut the crap." Dean pushed his way into the room and looked around.

"I had a visitor." Sam said. As Dean went for Sam's bag, probably to pull out the emf Sam said, "it's gone now."

"How do you know?"

Sam shrugged. "I can feel it."

Dean looked at him warily. "You can feel it?" he asked, almost disbelievingly.

"Yeah. I can't explain it. I can just...feel it okay?" Sam was getting a little tired of that weird look Dean was giving him.

"Chill out Sammy. You say it's gone, it's gone." He looked Sam up and down. "You okay?"

Sam nodded. "She didn't hurt me. She just...talked."

"She?"

"It's a little girl all right. Kept saying she wanted to play. That's it." Sam bit his lip to keep himself from repeating what the ghost said. He couldn't get her last words out of his head. What did she mean he was like her? He didn't like the sound of that.

"You sure you're okay?" Dean asked, noticing that Sam was somewhere else.

That snapped Sam out of his thoughts. "Huh? Yeah, yeah I'm fine. But I'm not the one who almost drowned. Are you okay?"

Dean shrugged. "Can't get the taste of chlorine outta my mouth, but I'm fine."

Sam doubted that. Dean's voice sounded a little raspy. But Sam knew better than to push it. "Yeah, okay. Then why don't we get some sleep. I'll dive into the research first thing in the morning."

Dean narrowed his eyes and looked at Sam. His brother wasn't acting right. He was holding back something, Dean knew him too well not to notice. But he was tired of arguing. That's all they seemed to be doing for the last couple of weeks, and it wasn't how he wanted to spend his last days with his little brother.

"Yeah, you're right. I'm gonna take the room next door. Leave your door open. And for God sakes Sam, if you get another visitor yell for me. Okay?"

"Yes sir captain sir." Sam said and saluted. Trying to lighten the mood.

Dean smiled lightly. "G'night."

"Night."

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The next morning Dean found himself awake at a way too early hour. The bedside clock glowed red numbers showing six thirty. He sighed and rolled over. He was still tired, but he knew he wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. He needed something to drink. His throat was starting to get that raw burning feeling and he had a slight headache. The after effects of almost drowning.

Dean shook he head as he forced himself out of bed. "I couldn't even get one lousy night of relaxation." he mumbled to himself.

After shrugging into some sweats and a t-shirt he made his way to the kitchen. He stopped in surprise when he saw Sam already hunched over the laptop.

"When you said first thing in the morning, you really meant it."

Sam's head snapped up. "Yeah well...I kinda want to get this done and get out of here." Sam said. "Why are you up so early?"

Dean shrugged. "Couldn't force myself back to sleep. It's too quiet around here."

Sam nodded. "Yeah, I noticed that. I mean, I know we're out here in the country and all, but have you noticed there's like no sound?"

Dean stood still for a minute and listened. It was eerily quiet. No sounds of the world and no sounds of nature either. "Hmh, that is weird."

"It's not right is what it is." Sam said. Then with a disgusted sigh he practically slammed the laptop shut.

Dean made his way further into the kitchen and began making coffee.

"Maybe you should drink something besides coffee." Sam suggested. "You know, for your throat and all."

"M' fine Sam."

Sam snorted. "Yeah, your voice sounds perfectly normal Dean. Raspy's a good sound for you. You should keep it up."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah smart ass. What crawled up your shorts today? Something happen you're not telling me about?"

Sam shook his head. "I just can't shake this feeling is all. I'm sorry."

Dean brought his coffee and sat next to his brother. He shook his head. Sam looked like he hadn't slept at all. He was definitely giving raccoons a run for their money on black eye circles. This had to stop. Dean didn't sacrifice himself so his brother could run himself to the ground along with Dean himself.

Taking a deep breath and bracing himself for an emotional moment, he reached out and patted Sam's leg. "What's going on Sammy?"

Sam kicked at the table leg. "I can't find crap out about this place. I've searched back as far as the town records go. There's nothing."

"I'm not talking about that Sam. What's wrong with you?"

Sam hesitated. There was a lot wrong. But nothing he wanted to share just yet. So instead, he dodged what his brother was trying to do. He was a Winchester after all. And no one was better than them at brushing off a serious emotional conversation.

"Nothing man. I'm just frustrated. I'm gonna go shower. Why don't you look in the medicine cabinet see if there's something for your throat. If not, we can go into town later and get something. I'll be quick." Without giving Dean time to respond, Sam quickly left the room.

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Dean decided to let it go for now. He knew something was going on with Sam. It had been going on now for weeks. But Dean sensed that something else was happening, and that something else was this case. Ever since they got here Sam had been acting strange. Talking about vibes and feeling things. Of course his little brother was psychic. But even with the visions before, Sam never acted like this. He never used to talk about feeling things.

Sam's ability always did freak Dean out. Not that he thought his brother was a freak, just that his visions and connection to the demon scared Dean. He worried so much about Sam. And Dean had secretly been hoping that now with the demon dead maybe Sam's abilities would disappear. But something was telling Dean that was just wishful thinking. He was beginning to think that maybe his brother's abilities were changing or growing. Sam had said that Ava's powers had grown. Would Sam's too even though the demon was gone? What did that make his brother?

Dean wasn't worried anymore about Sam going dark side. He never in his heart thought he would. And he didn't think that in his heart, their father did either. He was sure that the demon once had plans to use him. That maybe the demon would try to control him or brainwash him. But his brother was too full of good to ever truly be evil. But that didn't stop Dean from worrying about what could possibly be happening to Sam. What if his abilities did continue to grow? Would his brother be able to handle that? And if that did happen, he would have to work twice as hard to make sure no one would find out about it. He wasn't going to be around in a year. He had to make sure no one, especially other hunters, found out. With everything that had happened with the demon and the other evil sons of bitches that were let out of that gate, there weren't many people besides Bobby and Ellen who would be understanding towards Sam.

Dean was going to have to get to the bottom of this. He couldn't handle leaving Sam knowing that he was leaving him vulnerable. Dean nodded and tapped the table with determination. He was going to find out what was going on with his brother weather Sam liked it or not.

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Sam stood in the shower for the second time in less than twelve hours. He was feeling so frustrated he wanted to put his fist through the wall. He had been researching for at least two hours before Dean came in. And there was nothing. Not one damn thing to be found out about this house, the land, or anything near it. There just wasn't crap out there. No deaths, no grave yards, not crap! And not only that, but he was pretty sure something happened after he fell asleep last night.

He didn't quite remember it. Actually all he could recall was a feeling. Just as he fell asleep he felt a cool air wash over him, and he could have sworn he felt something touch his forehead. But when he opened his eyes there was nothing there. He couldn't sense anything either. He even got out of bed and did an emf sweep, but it showed nothing. He wasn't sure what was happening. Ever since he had walked into this house he began feeling weird. It was like all of his senses were on super alert. He didn't understand it. Ever since the demon died he hadn't had an inkling of his abilities. And now it was like they were coming at him full force.

He had to admit to himself that it was kind of scaring him. He knew Dean felt something was off. His big brother could always see through the curtain he tried to put up. But for some reason he was just as scared to tell Dean what was happening. He knew in his heart it was unreasonable. Dean wouldn't think Sam came back wrong or different. That's what his heart said, but his mind kept telling him something else. What if he did come back different? What if dying and coming back was making it easier for him to turn evil?

He let out a frustrated growl. He had to quit worrying about himself right now. Due to giving his word to his friend, him and Dean were going to finish this case. He just wanted to get it done as quickly as they could. Then after, he was going to make Dean take a break. And he was going to completely emerge himself into finding a way to break Dean's deal. Whatever was going on with him could wait until he knew everything else was fixed.

Almost an hour later Sam emerged from the bedroom. He didn't realize he had been in there so long. He let his thinking get carried away. But it was time to get down to business. He went in search of Dean.

He didn't find his brother in the kitchen so he went to the bedroom Dean was staying in. He wasn't there either.

"Dean! Hey Dean, where are you?" He called out. The eerie silence was the only answer he received.

After searching the house and finding no sign of Dean he stepped out onto the back porch.

"Dean! You out here!"

Sam suddenly got a real bad feeling. Those vibrations were starting up again. Even outside the static was making his arm hair raise. Without hesitation he ran back into the house to get a weapon. He knew in his gut his brother wasn't in the house. He was outside somewhere.

As he was running back through the house he stopped cold at the sound of a giggle.

"He doesn't want to play. He's no fun" the little girl said.

"Leave him alone!" Sam shouted.

The only response he received was another giggle that sent a chill down his spine. Without hesitation Sam barreled through the house and out the back door. Two acres and dozens of out buildings lay in front of him. He had no idea where Dean could be. He'd just have to pick a building and go one by one. As he ran through the yard he felt something. A pull was the only way he could describe it. With no doubt in his mind, he knew Dean was in the barn. He picked up speed, his legs pushing as fast as they could go.

"Dean!" he shouted as he neared the building. Without caution, he grabbed the large door and swung it open.

"Dean!"

He entered just in time to see his brother, obviously startled by Sam's overzealous entrance, loose his footing on the ladder he was climbing up to the unused hay loft.

"Oh God!" Sam yelled as he watched Dean fall, landing with a loud thud. Sam heard the air escape Dean in a loud whoosh and the emf Dean was carrying crashed next to him.

Sam ran to Dean's side, dropping to his knees. He couldn't hide the relief he felt when he found that his brother was still conscious. He had however, had the wind knocked out of him something fierce and finding it very difficult to catch his breath.

Sam instantly put a hand behind Dean's neck and tilted his head slightly, while putting his other hand on Dean's chest rubbing lightly.

"Go slow man. Short breaths at first." Sam coaxed.

Dean coughed and finally managed a lung full of air. "What the hell Sam!" He tried to shout, but his voice didn't get that loud.

"I'm so sorry Dean."

Dean shrugged off Sam's hands and got himself into a seated position. He rolled his shoulders and stretched his neck, grimacing a little. He was definitely going to be very sore in a few hours, but at least nothing was broken.

"Geez dude," Dean said, "maybe try knocking next time."

"I'm sorry man. I didn't mean to scare you." Sam apologized.

Dean rolled his eyes and quickly tried to save face. "Please. You didn't scare me Sam. You just...startled me. I was just taking another step up when Hurricane Sammy blew in. Lost my footing is all."

Sam chuckled. "Yeah right. Whatever Dean." He stood and wiped the dirt of the knees of his pants. He reached a hand out and helped his brother up. "Well, you damn sure scared me. That was a pretty hard fall. You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine Sam. Probably be a little black and blue tomorrow." Dean laughed. When Sam just gave him a curious look Dean said, "I was just thinking that karma sure hasn't been on my side since we got here."

Sam nodded in agreement but said nothing. Something was out to get his brother all right, but it sure wasn't karma. Taking a deep breath Sam wiped the image of Dean falling out of his mind. He was fine. The ghost lied.

"It was just playing with me." Sam said.

"What?" Dean asked.

"The ghost. She...It...whatever, came to me in the house. Made it sound like you were hurt."

Dean nodded. "So that's why you came rushing in like a mad man huh?"

"Yeah."

Dean smirked. "So how come she keeps having nice friendly conversations with you, but I get nearly drowned in a spa? Think she has a crush on you Sammy?"

"Shut up. I don't know why she keeps talking to me. But it's obvious that it's more than just a haunting. She communicates, and likes to play games. We gotta find out who she is Dean, and fast."

"Point taken." Dean said while reaching up and rubbing his neck.

"What were you doing out here anyway?" Sam asked.

"Just thought I'd look around the place while you in the shower. I came in here and heard something up there." Dean motioned to the empty hay loft. "Was about to check it. But since you're here, you can go on up."

"Why me?" Sam asked.

Dean put a hand on his back and limped to the side of the ladder, obviously exaggerating. "I'm injured Sammy. And it's your fault. So come on. Up you go."

Sam was about to mumble something not very nice when he got that vibe again. The static began to pick up quickly, and the vibrations he felt earlier began humming loudly in his ears. He was instantly on alert.

Dean noticed Sam stiffening. The change in his brother's demeanor and became alert. "What?" he hissed.

"She's here." Sam said.

"How do you know that?" Dean asked, his eyes scanning but seeing nothing.

"I told you, I can feel it."

Dean quickly bent and picked up his fallen emf meter. But when he went to turn it on, nothing happened. "Damnit! It's broken."

He turned back towards his brother to see Sam raising the shotgun towards the corner of the barn.

Dean looked to where he was aiming but saw nothing.

"What?" He asked Sam.

Sam shook his head. "I thought I saw something."

They both stood silently for a minute. Both scanning the barn, waiting for something to happen. The silence was so overwhelming they could hear each other's breaths. The barn door creaked as the wind blew it open, causing them both to jump slightly. But there was nothing else.

Suddenly Dean saw Sam relax his stance and lowered the gun. "What?"

"It's gone." Sam said.

"You're sure?" Dean asked. "You don't feel it anymore, is that what you're saying?" Dean tried not to, but his tone was a little more sarcastic than he meant it to be.

Sam gave Dean a dirty look. "That's what I'm saying. It's fine now. Let's go, I need to get back to researching."

Sam turned and headed out of the barn. Dean hesitated a moment, watching his brother. This was getting way too weird. Dean sighed. At least if his brother's powers were growing they were helpful and not hurtful. Maybe things would be okay after all and he really didn't have anything to worry about.

Dean laughed out loud to himself. "Yeah right. When do we not have anything to worry about." he mumbled to himself. With a last glance around the barn he turned and followed his brother out. This was already looking to be a very long day.

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Four hours later Dean and Sam were seated at the kitchen table once again. Sam had fully immersed himself into the research once more. He stopped to eat lunch only because Dean threatened to knock him out if he didn't.

"Look man, give it up." Dean said, coming up to Sam and handing him a bottle of water.

"There's gotta be something man. I mean come on. This is ridiculous!" Sam exclaimed as he pushed himself back from the table. "This little girl didn't come from no where. But there's nothing. Not a mention of murders, mysterious deaths, cursed land, myths, legends, hell even local scary stories!"

Dean nodded, chewing on his lip as he thought. "Yeah. But like you said, she didn't come from no where. Ghosts don't just pick a place a random to haunt Sammy. There's a reason she's here. We just haven't found it yet."

"We've got to be missing something." Sam said. He stood from the chair and stretched, his muscles protesting after the hours of being in the same position. "What do you think?"

"Maybe she's attached to something here? Or maybe she's attached to your friend somehow? I think those are both possibilities we need to look into." Dean suggested.

"Yeah. I agree."

Dean nodded, then clapped his hands together. "Look. You're getting nothing off the internet. So I've got an idea. Why don't you head into town and check out the library. Maybe they have stuff stored that you can't get to through the internet."

Sam agreed. "It's a small town. You're probably right."

"Good." Dean said. "And while you're there you can stop by the hotel your friend is staying at and ask him some more questions. Maybe there's something he forgot to mention. Like if they picked up any antiques lately or family heirlooms."

"Yeah. He's probably a little calmer by now. Last time we talked he was so upset I couldn't get much out of him. What are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna stay here and dig around some more. There's got to be some kind of clue around."

Sam immediately shook his head. "I don't think that's such a good idea Dean."

Dean rolled his eyes. "Dude, you know how I feel about libraries. You usually chomp at the bit to get into one. So go do what you do best and let me do what I do best."

Sam snorted. "And what's that, getting your butt into trouble and kicked whenever I'm not around?"

Dean shook his head. "Sam, you are research boy, I am action man. Just go do it."

Sam had to laugh at that one. "I'm a boy and you're the man huh? Dude you're head gets any bigger and I'm going to have to tie you down before you float away."

"Laugh it up geek. But we both know it's usually me who ends up solving the case, even if my butt gets kicked." Dean could see his brother coming up with a nice insult but spoke over him. "Seriously Sam, just go find out what you can. I'll be fine."

Sam hesitated. "Dean...I don't like it. This thing seems like it's gunning for you. I think we should stick together."

"And I think we'll get more done by splitting up. I'm older so you have to listen."

Sam snorted. "Whatever. But just tell me this Dean. Does anything good ever come out of us splitting up?"

And as much as Dean wanted to come up with a nice sarcastic, or even real, answer for that one; there just wasn't anything he could say.

"Yeah, that's what I thought." Sam said.

"Whatever bitch." Dean said as he threw Sam the keys to the Impala.

"Just watch your back jerk." Sam said as he headed out.

"Yeah, well you just better watch how you treat my car!" Dean yelled as Sam walked out the door.

As Dean stood at the window and watch Sam pull away a cold chill blew across him, and from somewhere behind him there was a very evil sounding giggle.

-TBC-