Disclaimer: Don't know, don't own, don't sue…
Author's Note: First of all, understand that this originally started as the rest of Chapter 10, but I realized that it would be better all on its own. So it starts right where the last chapter left off. Second, thanks to all my wonderful reviewers who've stuck with me through this process….only this one and a final chapter to go! Last, no one has really told me whether or not they'd like to see the sequel that I've started…I won't post it if everyone thinks that this is enough. Now, enjoy the story…
Chapter Eleven: Heart of a Hero…
"You swore - you swore to me that you've let them go," Micah sobs as Sarea painfully drags her into the massive room.
"You should know better than to trust someone like me," Sarea smiles wickedly, forcing Sam and Dean back into the room as well. "Besides, I'm not going to kill you, Micah. You're all that's left of our powerful little family. But you do have something I want."
"What do you want from her?" Dean growls, standing up straight now.
"I swear to God, there's nothing that I have," Micah pleads.
"Oh, yes there is. You just don't know it." Reaching the center of the room, Sarea tosses Micah to the floor, where she sits, legs tucked under her - gravelling. "You've got it, and I need it." Turning to face the young trio, Sarea notices that something's not right.
Micah looks intently at Dean, frightened. He answers with a quick wink and a cocky smirk. "You'll never get it. You're nothing but an angry spirit. I've been dealing with shit like you since I was eight. You think that because you can control what goes on-" he's cut off by a silencing glare from Sarea.
"Where is he?" she seethes, treading toward the older Winchester brother.
"Where is who?" Dean feigns innocence. Behind the now furious spirit, Micah stands, fire behind her bright eyes.
"The young one - Sam. Where has he gone?" the increasingly transparent woman fumes. Neither Dean nor Micah answer. "You'll tell me where your brother went, or the girl dies."
"You can't kill me," Micah grins confidently. "Who would keep the family alive? You gave up any hope of room for error when you killed my parents."
Sarea turns, knowing that Micah's right. "You may be correct, but I can kill your love here - no questions asked," she states firmly, a sickening smile crossing her pale features. She stretches a hand toward Dean, and he lets out a cry, doubling over in pain.
"No!" Micah screams, fear in her eyes.
"Give me the other boy!"
"I - I don't know where he is," she answers truthfully. "I swear to you. Let Dean go and I'll give you whatever you want from me."
"Ah, yes. Well, if I can't have one, I might as well take the other." For a long moment, Sarea looks at Dean with her cold, dead eyes. "I want his heart."
"What? But I don't-"
"You underestimate youself, doesn't she, Dean? You've stolen it, Micah…the heart of a hero." Dean looks up at Sarea and then to Micah, his hazel-green eyes betraying him. "Tell her! Tell her how she's taken it from you!"
Micah looks at this boy - no, this man - whose fate she holds in her small hands. "Dean, I-"
Behind her, Micah hears something erupt into flames. Before she can turn, Sam grabs her arm, pushing her toward the door. Sarea's face twists into a melting look of fear and torment.
"Micah, go!" Sam yells, heading for his brother.
Without thinking, she takes off running, somehow knowing to trust that Sam will get Dean out.
Her petite legs and feet carry her as fast as they can down the corridor, the fire from the ballroom lighting her way.
At the top of the staircase, she turns, only to see Sam behind her, Dean leaning on him for support, but both of them running for dear life.
"Go, Micah!" Sam yells again, catching up to her.
She turns, flying down the staircase. She can hear the echo of their footsteps in the entryway even as the staircase is engulfed in flames.
Even when they reach the outside, they keep running, until they are safe outside the gate. In front of the black Impala, Sam and Dean collapse to the ground.
Tears in her eyes, Micah watches the mansion burn from outside the gate. She can hear the screams now - not only Sarea's but all the others', too.
Her body shivers from cold, and for the first time, she realizes that it's nearly night. There are no stars because of the ominous clouds overhead.
"You all right?" Dean's voice comes behind her, his hand on her shoulder.
"Better now," she replies, leaning back into his embrace. "Best I've been in 21 years."
"Sammy called the fire department, they're on their way," he says softly, resting his chin atop her head. She nods, transfixed by the flames. "Come on, let's go home."
Agreeing, she turns, taking his hand and walking slowly toward the car.
A/N: Okay, here's the second to last chapter. Hope you enjoyed it! It's not my best writing, but part of me is proud of it. Let me know what you think and I'll get that final chapter up as soon as possible!