Disclaimer: Don't know, don't own, don't sue….

Author's Note: I'm really getting on with this story…even if this chapter doesn't seem like it. I've gotten it written through most of the next chapter, and I think I'll be done in 12 entire chapters….don't quote me on it. I don't know what it is, but my reviewers seem to have dwindled significantly…maybe with my next fic (which, by the way, is already partially written) it will get better. Also, I have the beginnings of a short sequel to this written, let me know if you want it posted when this is finally finished…on with the story….

Chapter Nine: Back from the edge…

The trio stood at the front door of the old mansion. Sam had unlocked the gate because Micah was afraid to touch it. He couldn't believe how brave Micah was to come here. She'd told him horrible stories about all that Sarea's spirit had put her through, and he could understand why this was so difficult for her. Of course, he was scared, too. He couldn't imagine losing his big brother.

"Okay, let's go," Dean said. He grabbed the doorknob, but stops when he feels a hand on his arm. He turns to look down at Micah.

"Hold on, let me see it," Micah says, stepping in front of him. The boys watch her closely as she grabs hold of the knob. Dean's heart jumps as her eyes close tight.

For a moment, there's silence, but the she begins to lightly shake and tears stream down her face. It's all Dean can do not to pull her away from the door. But, the brothers stand, watching as she comes out of her trance, blinking back and wiping at tears.

"What was it?" Sam asks. He can see that this has already drained some of the energy from her.

"The last boy who disappeared. He was an aspiring reporter, went to the local high school. He was young, really young," she sighs as the last few tears roll down her cheeks.

"Are you going to be okay?" Dean asks, placing his hands on her shoulders. She nods, but he's not sure if he should believe her. "Okay, but the minute you want out, just let me know."

Micah nods again and Dean turns to the door, swinging it open. Sam has the duffel of supplies slung over his shoulder, and enters first. Dean moved to follow his younger brother, when Micah gripped his hand. He could feel he fear emanating off of her.

"What? What is it?" he asks worriedly, looking down into her bright, fearfully wide eyes.

"I'm just scared," she breathes, looking around him into the large entry way.

"It's okay. I promise you, I'm not going to leave your side," he reassures, leading her into the house.

"This place is huge," Sam calls to the pair, standing in the center of the large entry room.

The walls, of a dark wood, span several feet up to meet the high ceiling. Furniture sits in the position it was left when the last of Sarea's servants walked out, covered in thick dust and spider webs. Dean feels Micah shiver. It has gotten colder - and darker - since they've entered the massive structure.

"Where do we start?" Micah inquires, turning to both of them.

"The hallway where she was last seen," Dean suggests, looking about, uneasiness evident on his face. He doesn't like being here any more than Micah. "Tell me that you've been here before, Micah. Say that your parents brought you here to look around when you were younger."

"As a matter of fact, they did," Micah smirks, some sort of new found confidence behind her words. "It's up here." Never letting go of Dean's hand, she pulls him to the left of the room, up one side of the winding, grand staircase.

The brothers share a look as they're dragged up the stairs. They've both noticed that, once again, it's gotten darker and colder. It seems to be a trend every time they accomplish something new on their mission.

At the top of the stairs, Micah stops. The other two stop as well, hearing it, too. From the hallway in front of them, a smell is radiating out at them - the smell of rotting flesh. Not just rotting, but burning.

"Micah, welcome home," an eerie, disembodied voice calls from the dark hallway.

At her side, Dean sees sparkling tears roll down her cheeks. "What's wrong? What is it?" he asks, cradling her in his strong arms.

"That voice," she sobs. "It's my mother."

Dean and Sam stare at the small girl in front of them. "It's not your mother," Sam states firmly. "Sarea took your mother, remember? This is only Sarea trying to trick you."

"Sam's right, don't think about it, just move. Which hallway is it?" Placing his hands on each side of her face, turning her to face him. "Micah, where do we need to go?"

Her eyes are caught with his for a moment, before she raises her arm. "That way," she whispers, pointing down the hall directly in front of them, where the voice is coming from.

"Okay," he breathes heavily. Dean understands that this is the point at which he has to find the lesser evil. He must now go alone down that hallway, realizing that Micah can't do it. Lightly, he kisses her lips, then turns to his brother. Sam hands over the bag of weapons and supplies. "I'll be back," he says to the two of them.

Micah is too shocked to move or speak, feeling Sam's hand on her arms, holding her back as Dean jogs down the dark, abandoned corridor.

"No!" she finally screams when Dean is out of sight. She collapses into Sam's arms, tears streaming down her face and her body shaking with sobs.

"Shh. Let it go. He'll be back soon. Dean's strong, strong and brilliant. He'll be fine," Sam whispers in her ear, crumpling to the floor with her cradled in his arms. Even he couldn't believe what he was saying, knowing that Dean had just put his life on the line in a major way.

Quieting, Micah looks up into Sam's blue-green eyes, "He swore he wouldn't leave my side."