Chapter 10

-April 1984-

'Without sacrifice there will not be salvation'

Elizabeth knocked against the door and turned the door knob quietly, opening the door to Jeremiah's room.

Her brother was at the far end of his room, sitting at the desk. Books were piled up at both sides on the floor and he was intently concentrating on the manuscript in front of him. He hadn't heard her enter.

'Jeremiah?' called out Elizabeth softly.

He looked up at his sister smiling and beckoned her in. Jeremiah had the same colouring as his sister: dark straight hair, the light complexion of their British mother but in the last months he had started to fill out, overtaking Elizabeth in height by close to 10in and showing the promise of the man he was to become.

'Have you finally got those rascals to sleep?'

'Dean was easy. After the first page of his bedtime story he was snoring but Sammy is teething, so it was quite a battle'

Elizabeth flopped onto the sofa opposite the desk leaning back into the soft cushions, stretching out her legs and closing her eyes.

'I came to see what you've been up to these last days.'

He knew that behind that innocent remark was a major fishing expedition and hated to be secretive with his sister but she would never support his plan.

'Dean keeps asking for you. 'Elizabeth continued 'It seems you are the only one who can build a decent sand castle.'

Jeremiah watched as a tiny smile formed on his sister's face as she remembered Dean's adamant claims about her short comings in the sand pit department. He turned his attention back to the text in front of him, sighed after a few seconds and closed the book.

'Well you did always struggle with certain concepts in structural engineering'

Within a few seconds of his off hand remark a pillow hit him square in the face.

'Oouff!…Nothing wrong with your aim though' he chuckled throwing the pillow back at his sister who was grinning broadly at him.

'So, what are you reading?' Elizabeth wasn't going to back down easily.

'Just something Dad wanted me to translate. I'm nearly finished so you can tell Dean tomorrow to get his shovel and bucket ready for an afternoon of castle building.'

Elizabeth knew that her brother was not going to share. She had seen that look on his face too many times. There were other ways of finding out what he was hiding. She sighed softly, changing the topic.

'I think I may have to ask Melee for advice on a teething tincture if Sammy doesn't settle soon'

'Mh, has she warmed to Sammy yet or does she still avoid him?' asked her brother.

Something in his voice made Elizabeth sit up and observe Jeremiah's concern in his face.

'No, she refuses to have anything to do with him, but will not tell me why. She practically dotes on Dean who laps up the attention.'

Their Hoodoo nanny Melee had always been fiercely protective of both her charges and to see her treat Sammy Winchester in this way did not bode well. Jeremiah felt it was a confirmation of the suspicions his father and grandfather had about Sammy.

'Lizzie, do me a favour, don't get too attached to the boys. They will soon go back to Uncle John'

Elizabeth burst out in a warm laugh 'Ah, too late Jere …I'm hopelessly in love with them. And, I don't think Uncle John will ever come back for them either. It's been more than six weeks since he has visited the boys and his last phone call is over two weeks ago. He is somewhere in Northern California looking for work'

Jeremiah got up from his desk and walked over to the sofa, pushing his sister's legs aside to sit down next to her. Elizabeth sat up, tucking her legs under and faced her brother. The mood in the room had suddenly changed and Elizabeth felt goose bumps running up her arms.

'What is it, Jere? You've been quiet lately, hiding in your room pouring over those books and I'm worried!' She reached out for her brother's hand to hold onto. Jeremiah closed his fingers around her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

'Lizzie, I shouldn't be telling you this…Dad would have my hide if he knew…but he and Granddad are closing in on the demon and I'm afraid where it's all going to end'

The distress in Jeremiah's voice scared Elizabeth.

'So, that's why they have been cooped up in the library all week long.' Elizabeth shuddered 'What are they planning?'

Jeremiah withdrew his hand from his sister's grasp and shook his head gently.

'I cannot tell you but know that I'm looking out for you and the boys. Be ready and be prepared to take the boys away at a moments notice. You know where we keep the emergency funds?'

Elizabeth nodded anxiously at her brother.

'Take them to the ranch in Wyoming and wait for word from me. If I don't make it, find Uncle John, tell him all and I mean it. And above all, don't tell the Circle where you are' Jeremiah looked at his sister holding her eyes locked in a quiet battle of wills until she dropped her gaze in acceptance of his wishes.

The crying of an infant broke the stillness of the room and Elizabeth turned her head in direction of the noise.

'Sammy, he's woken up…'

Her heart was in turmoil and her feet refused to move unable to leave her brother behind carrying this heavy burden alone. Jeremiah stood up from the sofa turning towards the desk when Elizabeth jumped up, grabbing his arm to stop him. He shifted to face her just as Elizabeth circled her arms around his neck drawing him close for a hug. Jeremiah squeezed his eyes shut briefly relaxing into the comfort of his sister's love before breaking the embrace. Sammy had notched up the crying to outright wailing.

He watched as his sister left the room shutting the door after her before returning to the desk and the manuscript.

******

The slamming of a car door startled Elizabeth awake. She stood up gently from the rocking chair trying not to wake Sammy who had finally fallen asleep in her arms. Carefully Elizabeth placed him in his cot, tucking his blanket in and sliding the cot side up. Sammy stirred but soon relaxed back to sleep.

Curiosity made Elizabeth head to the window and peer into the darkness but there was nothing to be seen. She looked at the clock on the mantelpiece. It was nearly three am in the morning and Dean would be up in a few more hours. Elizabeth sighed softly but she couldn't think of sleeping unable to forget her brother's words from a few hours ago. Leaving the boy's room on her way to her bedroom next door, she heard voices drift up from the living room below. Carefully she tiptoed down the stairs passing by the closed doors of the living room and headed next door into the dining room. In the dark room she quietly walked up to the sliding doors dividing the living room from the dining room pressing her ear against them.

Besides her father's and grandfather's voices she could hear another man's voice unfamiliar to her.

'Matt, you are sure the details match…a fire in the nursery killing the mother and the infant's age of 6 month?'

'Yes, Ed. I spoke to the fire chief in Guthrie. The town is pretty shaken up by the incident.'

'We now have a total of five confirmed nursery fires of which two we know to be connected to a demon visit. There are eight towns with demonic omens and violent deaths from 10 years ago left on our list.' summarized Robert with a tense voice.

'There is no doubt in my mind that the Demon is planning something with these children and it cannot be good!' Edward Campbell walked across the room to his desk.

'I've been reading in the old St. John manuscripts, looking for clues to why the demon

seeks out the children. Yesterday in an old French text from the middle ages I found a

reference that during the time of the plague a demon recruited children who had special

gifts, using them in the Battle against the forces of Good. Some of the children's

Mother's had been burned at the stake as witches.'

'The St. John's always believed that the inquisitors were Demons working at eradicating

certain family lines' agreed Robert.

'Although the plan of the Demon at this time is unclear I fear we have only one option if

we are to prevent him using the children for his purpose' sorrow echoed in Edward

Campbell's voice.

'No, father, there has to be another way…' Robert's voice shook with dismay.

'Jeremiah and Elizabeth can never know about this, especially Elizabeth. She loves those

boys and it would break her heart. I fear I would loose her'

'Believe me son; it's not an easy decision. I have sent a message to the Circle asking for

advice but if they concur then we will seek these children out and kill them.'

Elizabeth stepped back from the doors in shock not trusting herself to thrust the doors

open and scream at her father and grandfather in anger. Fear gripped her heart when she

thought of sweet Sammy and his fate decided upon by his own family. Was this what

Jeremiah had been hiding from her? Waves of nausea hit Elizabeth and she sank to the

floor, leaning against the wall with her thoughts racing.

'I need to talk to Jeremiah, she thought, there must be another way because he would

never agree to this. Asking her to take the boys and flee to Wyoming started to make

sense' Elizabeth slowly stood up steadying herself on the chair closest to her.

The voices next door had stopped and a light in the hallway indicated that the visitor was

leaving. Shortly after Elizabeth heard the soft noises of the front door locking and her

father's and grandfather's steps on the stairs going to their bedrooms.

She waited for another half an hour before following them up the stairs and heading

straight to Jeremiah's room.

******

'I have come as you have asked'

Jeremiah stood alone in the dark field a half mile away from the house, arms stretched

out in front of him and his head tilted slightly back, looking up to the sky.

'Raphael, I am here waiting for you'

The air around him started to move, stirring up a few dry leaves. Jeremiah braced himself

knowing what was to follow. Although he had endured previous conversations with

Raphael, he never got used to the uncomfortable tingling in his body when the air filled

with electrical static.

'Raphael, help me stop Azazel' he called out.

'Do you give yourself freely to me, Jeremiah?'

Raphael's voice reverberated through every cell of Jeremiah's body.

'My sister and the Winchester boys will be safe?' countered Jeremiah

'As you trust in the Lord, your Father, so you must trust in me'

Jeremiah's nose started to bleed and the pounding in his head was becoming fierce.

Defiantly he held on questioning Raphael further.

'Your plan to bind Azazel will remove the need to kill all the children he has tainted?'

'Yes' Raphael's voice thundered and blood started to trickle from Jeremiah's ears.

'It is time…are you willing to be my vessel?'

Jeremiah closed his eyes and he saw Elizabeth's smiling face appear in front of him,

wishing she would understand the choice he was making now. He filled his heart with

love for his sister before he spoke:

'I'm willing to serve'

A blinding light surrounded Jeremiah engulfing him completely and fading after a few

seconds.

Raphael stood quietly in the dark field adjusting to his new vessel. He lifted his right

hand, holding it up in front of his face, moving the individual fingers, stretching and

flexing the joints.

This young and strong body would do nicely for his purpose. A slow smile appeared on

his face. It amazed him again and again how easily these humans could be manipulated.

His let his gaze take in the surroundings only to see empty fields around him. He was

aware that the powerful protection spell on the family home would not even let him see

or enter the property. Otherwise it would have been easy to take the child and

complete his task but there were other ways of achieving his aim.

Raphael started to walk towards the road suddenly vanishing into thin air.

*******

Jeremiah's room was dark and quiet. Slowly Elizabeth edged towards her brother's bed,

softly calling his name. It was never a good idea to sneak up on a trained Hunter. She

reached the end of Jeremiah's bed and felt for him gently running her hands over the

quilt. It took a few seconds for her to comprehend and she sought out the bedside lamp

switching in on. The light instantly illuminated the room and confirmed to Elizabeth that

Jeremiah's bed was empty. Her brother was gone!

Elizabeth drew in a deep breath letting her gaze fall onto the desk where various books had been left by her brother. She stepped up to the desk and opened the top book which was an old manuscript in Aramaic, a language she wasn't familiar with. Jeremiah had shown the aptitude for the ancient languages whereas Elizabeth bested him with her knowledge of science, herbs and familiarity of Hoodoo spells. She found a small marker two thirds in the book with a piece of paper full of her brother's handwriting. She folded the paper up and tucked it away in her pocket. A quick searching of the desk failed to locate Jeremiah's diary which he must have put away in its usual hiding place.

Elizabeth smiled wondering if her brother knew that she had found his secret hiding place last year as she knelt down on the floor next to his desk. Her fingers quickly found the slightly elevated floorboard, her nails digging into the wood and lifting the board up. She removed the leather bound diary and the St. John medallion before replacing the floor board. The gold Medallion felt heavy in her hand, the intricate detail mesmerizing her. It had belonged to her mother and always went to the oldest child and as Jeremiah had beaten her by 5 minutes out of the womb it had been passed down to him on his 16th Birthday. She slipped the chain over her head and tucked the Medallion out of sight under her sweater.

After switching off the table lamp, Elizabeth left her brother's room and crept back to her bedroom to read the diary. She had left the light on over the fish tank which filled the room with a soft glow. Her eyes identified the small envelop placed on her bedside table the moment she stepped into the room.

Hastily she ripped the envelop open and removed the letter which was in Jeremiah's handwriting.

Dear Lizzie,

I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the truth as I fear you would have stopped me. The time has come for me to serve as many of our family have done in the past. The Archangel Raphael assures me that he can stop the Demon without having to harm the children and Sammy.

Until we meet again,

Love always, Jeremiah

Tears filled Elizabeth's eyes on reading her brother's letter. She knew that she would not see him again as the vessel seldom survives for long once the angel leaves them. The minutes passed while she sat on her bed grieving for her brother. Finally she wiped her eyes, blew her nose and directed her attention to Jeremiah's diary.

Elizabeth opened up at the last entry her brother had made dated that day and started to read fighting her weariness to focus on her brother's neat writing.

She was walking up the gentle slope towards the imposing Cathedral, a soft breeze playing with her hair and birds chirping in the trees. Elizabeth recognized the gothic styled building she had visited few years ago with her father when they had visited Washington. This was different though as she was all alone. She pushed the heavy doors open and was welcomed by the coolness of the Cathedral with the sunlight streaming in through the stained glass windows. The peacefulness of the church wrapped around her and she sat down in one of the pews. She noticed a man appearing to her left dressed in the ceremonial robes for Mass and turned her head to face him. Try as she would her eyes were unable to focus and she couldn't make out his features. Panic overcame her and she willed herself to wake up out of this dream.

'Your brother is walking a treacherous path' a soft voice echoed through the Cathedral.

With a start Elizabeth's eyes snapped open to see the familiar surroundings of her room and the sun's first rays falling through the windows. Elizabeth was sure that she had been dreaming although she couldn't recall ever experiencing a dream of such clarity. She felt the heavy St. John medallion against her chest and pulled on the chain to lift it up only to gasp in surprise at the warm glow it was emitting.

******

Edward and Robert Campbell who had only managed to sleep for a few hours looked up when the door of the library swung open and Elizabeth marched in. Her body language signaled clearly that she would not be fobbed off when she slammed the manuscript, Jeremiah's diary and his letter on the table in front of the men.

'This secrecy has to stop. I am part of this family, have been trained as a Hunter and still you will not respect me. Now my brother is lost to me and for what cause, I still don't fully comprehend.'

Robert's eyes flew over Jeremiah's note in front of him. Realization hit him hard what his son had done.

'Oh my God….he has become Raphael's vessel!'

'Yes, it appears he has been talking to Raphael for a few weeks now and when it became clear that you both planned to kill the children associated with the demon he searched for a way without bloodshed of innocents…a way Raphael promised to show him'

Elizabeth pushed the old manuscript in front of her grandfather.

'I have read his translation of the old text. It's an Aramaic incantation to bind Azazel as it was described in the Old Testament.

'He believes the incantation will work and offered himself to Raphael who plans to corner the Yellow Eyed Demon to perform the ritual.'

Elizabeth took a deep breath watching her father bury his head in his hands in shock and her grandfather's face turn ashen.

'I doubt Raphael's sincerity and need you to read the manuscript, make sure he got it right'

'It is not for us to doubt the Lord's Angels, child' her grandfather reminded sternly.

'I have my reasons' she reached for the Medallion under her sweater and pulled it out for her father and grandfather to see that it was glowing.

Before Robert and Edward were able to respond to the revelation of Nathanial's visitation the door to the library opened and Melee walked in closely followed by a tall blond man.

'Not now, Amelia, we're busy…' Edward fell silent when he recognized the young man of the St. John family walking into the room. Kieran St. John, the First son of the Circle had sent his own son Andrew to Lawrence.

'Good Morning, Edward' and inclining his head towards the younger Campbell 'Robert…and…' He looked straight at a surprised Elizabeth who was still holding the glowing medallion in her right hand, only to hesitate briefly before continuing: '…First daughter of the Circle. I have arrived to offer guidance and support as commanded by my father. ..and it seems not a moment too soon'

Robert got up from the table to shake the young man's hand.

'Andrew, good to see you. It has been too long' He turned to Elizabeth who had hastily hidden the Medallion under her sweater again. 'You remember my daughter Elizabeth'

Andrew St. John walked up to Elizabeth who held out her hand in greeting. They had first met over 10 years ago in England when Robert had taken his children to meet the St. John family. Elizabeth had barely been 8 years old and of little interest to her 18 year old cousin.

'Cousin Andrew, we meet again. Can I arrange some refreshments for you after your long flight?'

Elizabeth was anxious to leave the room away from this handsome though intense man but he would not release her hand while closely inspecting her.

'There has not been a First daughter for over 50 years. My father will be delighted that his sister's child was chosen' then finally letting Elizabeth's hand go he turned to the two men. 'I take it the situation is much more grim than your message led us to believe Edward.'

'Yes, there have been some more developments we have just become aware of. Please sit down. Amelia prepare coffee and a simple breakfast for us.' and noticing Elizabeth turning to leave the room he added: 'No, Elizabeth you will stay. You wanted to be part of this and it seems you have gotten your wish!'

*****

The afternoon sun was warm on Elizabeth's face while she sat on the porch watching Dean run around the garden fighting imaginary foes. At her feet Sammy had fallen asleep on the play rug sucking his thumb and holding on tight to his little stuffed animal.

The discussion in the morning had not gone well. Andrew St. John listen to Robert and Edward's conclusions drawn from the last ten years of gathering information on demonic omens, unusual deaths and recent nursery fires linking all to the Yellow Eyed Demon.

He presented information learned by the members of the Circle who researched the lore on the Yellow Eyed Demon. In conclusion, St. John agreed that removing the children from the equation seemed to be the only option. Elizabeth's pleas fell on deaf ears and earned her a cold reminder to consider the greater picture from her grandfather. Her father couldn't look her in the eyes when she refused to back down.

On the topic of Jeremiah and his sacrifice into service of Raphael none of the men could be impressed by the anxiety Elizabeth displayed as the family purpose had always been one of service to the Lord. No greater honour could be thought of as to become a vessel on a mission for the Father. When Elizabeth countered that Nathanial had misgivings her grandfather pushed her concerns aside, explaining that she must have misinterpreted his message. St. John remained quiet keeping his counsel to himself on the matter but promised Elizabeth to review the original manuscript and translation. Doubting the pure motives of an angel, an Archangel in this case was unheard of but to question the veracity of the First daughter's claim was just as troubling to St. John.

Elizabeth felt her thoughts drift and leaned back into the cushions of the whicker chair.

Suddenly she was back in the Washington National Cathedral standing at a small altar in front of St. Mary's Chapel at the rear of the church. She could hear the boy's choir practicing in the chancel for Evensong with the melodious 'Kyrie eleison' echoing through the church. Elizabeth waited for a minute but there was no sign of Nathanial. She reached over to place a candle on the little stand using the neighboring candle to light it. Just as she had positioned her candle in a free spot a voice tore through her with urgency:

'Leave, my child'

Elizabeth awoke disorientated with the sound of blood rushing in her ears. She saw that Sammy had rolled over but was still fast asleep. Her next concern was Dean who was nowhere to be seen.

She jumped up rushing to the stairs calling out his name:

'Dean?……Dean where are you?….Come on, it's time for a snack. Let's see what Melee has made for you.'

Usually the promise of food would make the little boy come out of his hiding place but not today.

'Just what I need: a game of hide and seek' grumbled Elizabeth as she carefully scooped up Sammy and walked upstairs to his cot where she could leave him safely before searching for Dean. On the way she passed by her brother's room when she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. She stopped and slowly pushed open Jeremiah's bedroom door only to find Dean kneeling on the floor with Jeremiah's gun box open and holding the old Palmer carbine in his little hands.

'Whoa, Dean, please put the rifle down' She lay Sammy who was starting to wake up down on the floor in the hallway and entered the room slowly.

How Dean had found the gun box which was securely stowed under Jeremiah's bed and locked was a mystery to Elizabeth. She just hoped Jeremiah had removed all the cartridges from the chamber.

Dean looked up at Elizabeth, holding onto the rifle with the determination of a five year old that will not be parted from his favourite toy.

'Mine, the man said it was mine. We have to bring it'

'What man, Dean?' asked Elizabeth slowly reaching over for the rifle. Dean frowned, thinking hard and then smiled proudly: 'A nice man…'

His little hands let the rifle go and Elizabeth quickly secured it.

'So, young man enough adventures for today. Bath, now' she pointed out of the room in the direction of the bath at the end of the corridor. Dean picked himself up from the floor and ran out towards the bathroom barely missing his little brother who had pulled himself into a sitting position.

Left alone in her brother's room Elizabeth looked around as if any moment Nathanial might step out from the shadows.

'Okay then, the gun comes with us' Holding onto the rifle, she closed up the gun box but not before pocketing a handful of cartridges.

Elizabeth had finished bathing the boys while Melee had set the dining room table with the children's dinner. Andrew St. John, her father and grandfather had spent the afternoon in the library planning for the next few days. Melee had brought them some sandwiches but was told that no one was to disturb them again tonight. She relayed the message to Elizabeth and then left for the kitchen lamenting the evil descending upon the Campbell family.

Sammy began scooping up his spaghetti with his little hands with more of it falling on the floor than making it into his mouth. Dean had finished the spaghetti and was now eating the meatballs. He would always leave his favourite part of the meal till last.

Elizabeth smiled at the boys but in her heart she knew that this idyll was coming to an end. She would have to run away with the boys, hiding from her family and the Yellow Eyed Demon hoping that Jeremiah was right and none of the infants had to be sacrificed.

The phone rang in the living room and Elizabeth quickly jumped up to answer it.

'Campbell residence, Elizabeth speaking'

'Hi, Lizzie! How are you? How are my boys?' John Winchester's voice made Elizabeth's heart beat faster with excitement.

'Oh, John, thank God you're phoning. I need to talk to you' She quickly peaked around to see if the ringing of the phone had caught the attention of her father or grandfather but the door to the library remained closed.

'What's the matter? Are the boys alright?'

'Yes Uncle John, please don't be alarmed it's just…the boys are missing you terribly especially Dean so I thought I'd drive them to you for a visit next weekend. Where are you?'

'I'm in Morgan Hill just east of San Jose. But Lizzie that's an awfully long drive to California just for a weekend although I do miss the boys'

'No it suits me fine. I have a girl friend that lives in Fresno who has been bugging me to come and visit. I'll drop the boys with you for the weekend and pick them up afterwards. Give me the phone number of where you are staying and I'll ring you with the details.'

Elizabeth scribbled down the phone number on a piece of paper next to the phone and tucked the note into her jeans pocket.

'I'll talk to you again tomorrow. Bye' and she rang off before John Winchester had time to change his mind.

The rest of the evening was filled with preparations for her departure. Fortunately both boys had settled quickly after a story and Elizabeth had packed their few belongings in a canvas bag waiting at the door of the nursery. Her own bag was packed equally fast with the money of the emergency fund hidden in the lining. She chose her brother's car a Jeep Cherokee which would outperform her little Japanese import. Her brother kept all his camping gear in the boot, so Elizabeth needed only to load water and food for her and the boys. While gathering her supplies in the kitchen she had been sprung by Melee who wordlessly handed her a hex bag for protection. The Hoodoo priestess had always had a sixth sense about her charges. Holding hands she prayed over Elizabeth and after a brief but fierce hug returned to her room downstairs.

*****

At the break of dawn Elizabeth rose, quietly collecting the boys from their beds and moving down the back stairs to the waiting Jeep. Sammy continued to sleep in her arms stirring a little and Dean followed her tightly holding on to Elizabeth's hand.

'Where are we going Lizzie?' Dean enquired rubbing sleep from his eyes and yawning.

'Shhh, sweetheart. Everybody is still asleep.' Elizabeth looked over to her father's bedroom door but there was no movement. 'I thought we'd go on a road trip. Won't that be fun'

She arrived at the car and placed both boys in the back, Sammy in his infant seat and Dean next to him. She had just fastened the seatbelts when I voice made her jump.

'Going somewhere, Elizabeth?'

Andrew St John stepped out of the shadows of the garage his travel bag slung over his shoulder and walking towards Elizabeth who had turned to face him.

'Just taking the boys for a drive and a pick nick to the park in town'

'Right' came the dry reply while he looked past her at the bags, supplies and camping gear in the back of the car. Elizabeth lifted her chin trying to stare him down but gasped when St. John held up the road map with the high lighted route to San Jose waving it back and forth in her face.

'Damn,' Elizabeth bit her bottom lip while feverishly thinking of an explanation for the map. None came to her that would convince the young man standing in front of her.

'Let's make it easier for you' her cousin finally broke the silence.

'I spoke yesterday to my father on the phone and advised him of your status as Daughter of the first Circle to which he commanded me to serve and protect you. Where you go, I go'

He crossed his arms in front of his chest waiting for Elizabeth's response which he knew was coming.

'I can perfectly well look after myself, thank you' she retorted and proceeded to open the door of the Jeep. St. John reached out and grabbed her by the shoulders.

'Listen, Elizabeth, what ever you are planning, having me around can only be of benefit to you.'

Elizabeth closed her eyes briefly and then resigned herself to the inevitable.

'Okay, get in and I'll explain while we are driving.'

Andrew St John listen to Elizabeth's plan to bring the boys to John Winchester and tell him the details of his wife's death, the connection to Sammy and the involvement of demons.

'Winchester has no knowledge of the Supernatural, no training as a Hunter…are you sure this is the wisest choice? You have grown up into this life -he hasn't. He may not take it well'

'You don't know Uncle John. As an ex marine he knows how to handle himself and he loves these boys. He would do anything to protect them. I'm sure of it.'

'Where are we meeting your uncle John?' St. John's voice echoed with skepticism.

'In Morgan Hill just East to San Jose. I'll phone him for his address once we are closer'

'San Jose?' there was concern in St. John's voice. 'Your father has been tracking demonic omens in the region around San Jose. We had decided last night that we would head out that way and try to locate the demon, see it we can stop it before …' his voice dropped unwilling to say out loud 'killing the infants' He took a deep breath.

'Your dad is driving over to Elkin's place today to borrow the Colt and then they will be heading over to California.'

'John and the Demon in the same area…you don't think the Demon is after John?'

Insecurity gripped Elizabeth and she looked across to St. John who was frowning.

'No, it doesn't make sense. We are missing pieces of the puzzle and should proceed with care.' he cautioned.

Late afternoon the next day the Jeep was approaching Morgan Hill. The boys had been real troupers and with regular little breaks coped well with the long trip. St. John had driven through the night while Elizabeth slept fitfully worrying about what lay ahead and

part of her hoped that Nathanial would appear during her sleep to reassure her.

They had contacted the boy's father earlier that day and received directions to the motel he was staying at. After their last rest stop two hours out of Morgan Hill, Elizabeth finally confessed to Dean that they were meeting his dad. Dean had been beaming while squirming in his seat for the last one hundred miles and even Sammy had picked up on the excitement, waving his little fists about.

Elizabeth had become quieter as they approached the town and St. John began to worry.

'What's the matter Elizabeth?'

'I don't know' she fidgeted with the Medallion, 'the closer we get the more I'm filled with dread.'

'Look, when we get to the Motel, you go in with the boys and I'll scout the surroundings. I'll join you later'

'Are we there yet' piped up Dean for the umpteenth time and Elizabeth couldn't help but break out in laughter at Dean's relentless enquiries.

'Not long anymore, my darling, not long'

The Jeep turned onto the parking lot and pulled up in front of the last unit at the back of the motel complex. The sun was standing deep on the horizon and long shadows danced across the building. Elizabeth jumped out from the car and helped Dean climb out before reaching over for Sammy.

'Daddy, daddy…!' Dean ran over towards the door, banging his little fists impatiently against it and rushing through when it opened.

'Wait, DEAN…'exasperated Elizabeth turned back to talk to St. John 'I'll be waiting here for you. Be careful'

St. John nodded and put the car in reverse, watching Elizabeth with Sammy in her arms, his nappy bag and Dean's little backpack over her shoulder walk towards the unit.

On reaching the door, she turned the doorknob and pushed it open her eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness in the room.

'John, sorry about Dean, he …' she broke off as it was deadly quiet in the room. Alarmed, Elizabeth stopped in her tracks.

'Come in and close the door Elizabeth' It was Jeremiah's voice and at the same time it wasn't.

'Raphael?' was Elizabeth's hesitant reply though she did not move further into the room.

'Where is John Winchester?'

'Not here…now come in!'

The menace in Raphael's voice was unmistakable. Carefully Elizabeth closed the door behind her and Raphael came out of the shadows into the middle of the room. He was holding Dean's hand with the little boy looking fearfully at Elizabeth. He appeared confused but also with instinctive insight knew to keep quiet.

It was difficult for Elizabeth to look at her brother knowing that he was gone, replaced by the Archangel's presence.

'Give me the infant, Elizabeth.' demanded Raphael.

'Not before you tell me what you have planned' Elizabeth pulled herself up to her full height facing Raphael with defiance.

'How dare you question me like that? I'm an Angel of the Lord' contempt dripped from his voice and he approached Elizabeth. 'Hand over the infant, now'

Instinctively Elizabeth backed away while Sammy sensing her anxiety started to cry.

'Shhh, sweetheart, it'll be alright' Elizabeth cuddled Sammy to calm him.

Raphael pulled Dean closer, releasing his hand only to grab him firmly by the neck. His fingers wrapped around the slender neck of the child while Dean tried to squirm away.

'Still,' roared Raphael and silent tears started to pool in Dean's eyes. The child froze.

'Give me the infant' continued Raphael calmly to Elizabeth, the threat to Dean's life standing unspoken in the room.

'I don't understand…'stammered Elizabeth 'you are an Angel…our Father cannot want this'

'What would you understand about what He commands?' Raphael countered in a low voice stroking Dean's neck.

'Let the boy go, please' pleaded Elizabeth her voice breaking in the end.

Raphael stretched out his hand.

'For the last time, give me the infant'

Sammy had pressed his face into Elizabeth's shoulder his little arms wrapped around her neck. Anxiously Elizabeth looked around the room but there was no way out. She was on the verge of screaming in frustration when coolness wrapped around her and a voice whispered:

'Do it'

She loudly sobbed 'Alright' and prying Sammy's hands from her neck she handed the infant over not before giving him a last kiss on his cheek and uttering softly 'I'll come for you'

Raphael released Dean in order to receive the struggling infant with both arms. Dean hesitated for a second looking at Sammy in Raphael's arms torn between staying with his brother and running across the room to Elizabeth. Raphael stepped back returning to the shadows of the room.

'Dean, hurry!' Elizabeth bent down, stretching out her arms to pull Dean into their safety before the coolness wrapped around her again. Then came the noise piercing her ear drums and a bright light erupted.

'Oh, Sammy forgive me!' was Elizabeth's last conscious thought.