A/N: "SHADOW" was AMAZING.

O.O.O.O.O.O.O.

Chapter Twenty-Five – Link

Amy quickly pushed pass the glass door and ran outside. She darted from the back porch and ran toward the trees. She stopped for a moment and placed her hands on her hips. Her hand went to her trembling lips. The tears were freely flowing now. She let it all out. A small desperate cry escaped her mouth as her entire body continued to shake.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Younger Dean and Amy ran inside the teenagers' bedroom. The angry brother slammed his door shut while Younger Amy was trying to approach her friend comfortingly. The young man threw his hands in the air and paced the room. His eyes fell upon his younger brother's bed.

He fell apart again. Younger Dean bit his lip and Younger Amy ran into his arms. He didn't realize how much she forced herself into him. Her arms wrapped around his waist while his wrapped around her shoulders. She cried onto his shoulder. His head leaned against hers. The two teens held each other so tight it was unsure of whether or not they could breathe.

Younger Amy cried while Younger Dean was trying to bottle everything up.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

John went into his room and slammed the door closed. Dean, Sam, and Missouri could hear it lock.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Dean and Sam looked at each other sadly. They had no idea what to do.

Missouri had gone into the kitchen.

He shook his head furiously. Dean gritted, "What the hell do we do now?"

Sam shook his head.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Sam slid opened the glass doors. He heard Amy yelling.

"Why won't you help me! Why can't you say anything!" she was screaming. Amy was yelling at the tree in front of her.

"Amy!" Sam called worriedly.

He ran over to his friend and Amy whirled around to face him. Her face and eyes were red.

Amy ran into his arms and she rambled: "I should be able to help. I should know where Sammy is. It's my job to take care of the two of you – past, future, present – whatever…" her lips were trembling. "We should find him. He should be okay. We can't get back home until we have Sammy back. We have to get him back…"

"Sshhh…" Sam comforted. He quickly wrapped his arms around her. Amy buried her face into his hoodie. She gasped as she cried.

He let her cry. He didn't question why she had yelled at the tree before.

Unbeknownst to Sam, the ghost of his dead mother was watching the heartbreaking embrace.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Dean stared through the glass as he watched his brother comfort Amy.

Missouri appeared beside him.

"Why aren't you out there, boy?" she whispered.

"Sam's better with that," he returned flatly.

"You care about the girl, don't you?"

"Yes, but right now it's irrelevant…get Rod over here…we have to find Sammy…"

"1997-Sam Winchester is not your concern," Missouri reminded. "You're the oldest. You have to see that you three return to the future safely."

"There's no way we could leave like this…we can't leave until we fix things…" Dean muttered, eyes still on Sam and Amy. "And whatever time and place…Sam Winchester will ALWAYS be my concern."

Missouri shook her head. "You have to get your priorities straightened out, kid."

"I know what's important," Dean snapped. He stared at the psychic angrily. "Stop preaching to me – we have a major issue going on. Back to La-La-Land again?"

"Dean Winchester," Missouri snapped in a motherly-tone. "Your responsibility is to your brother and Amy. No one can blame you for wanting to take care of the 1997ers." Dean turned his head again and was about to open his mouth but Missouri said: "Yeah, I know, of course now you're obligated to help…just keep a clear head…if you worry too much or plan too much, we won't get Sammy back and you three can't go home."

"So what do you want me to do exactly?" Dean mocked.

Missouri sighed and shook her head. "You're here for a reason, boy. Figure it out. 'Cause whether or not we have Sammy…you can't get home till something gets through to that thick head of yours."

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Sam continued to knock on his father's door. He had heard one: "Not now." That was it.

"Dad!" Sam called again. No response. Again.

He sighed and bit the inside of his lip.

Dad, just talk to me…

He knocked again. Harder.

No response.

He shook his head. Between now and 2005…you never change, do you…

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Amy was upstairs in the bonus room. Her eyes were focused for a moment on the photo of Mary. The young professor took a deep breath as she dropped a maroon pillow onto the floor.

She ensured the window was closed and the door was shut tight with a blanket rolled beneath the crack.

No distraction…

There was an impulsive knocking on the door. This extremely annoyed her.

"PSYCHIC AT WORK – COME BACK IN FIVE!" Amy called as she rubbed her forehead.

"Amy!" Dean called behind the door.

Amy took in a deep breath and walked over to the door. She removed the blanket from the floor with a foot and unlocked the door.

She met face to face with Dean who quickly poked his head into the room.

"What are you doing?"

Amy put her hands on her hips and said, "I need total concentration. I'm gonna do my best to find Sammy."

"Sam should be doing that – he has the new power, remember?" Dean grinned.

"Look," Amy tilted her head to the side. "Sam has concentrated and meditated many times before…and it's never helped…before he had Jessica to tell him where the danger is…but Jessica is not here." She sighed. "So, I'm going to stay in here and totally focus on where Sammy is."

"Amy-"

"Nope, I'm doing this."

He moved fast on her. Dean grabbed her waist as he pushed pass the door and closed it with his foot. His lips pressed against hers roughly. Amy's eyes closed as she wrapped her hands around the back of his neck.

He kissed her desperately. Dean cocked his head to the side and continued to kiss her. Amy felt her back being pressed against the wall. His tongue slipped in quickly into her mouth and Amy was not going to protest.

All worry, frustration, guilt and fear seemed to erupt into their kiss. They completely forgot what was happening around them. They didn't care they were in 1997. They didn't process the fact that Sammy had been kidnapped by two Tempters.

The only thing they cared about was each other.

His grip was tight around her waist. His fingers were gently caressing the small amount of her stomach since Amy's white sweater was raised slightly. Amy was beginning to feel light-headed – Dean too. But they continued.

Dean's lips moved from her lips to her cheek. Then her jaw. Then her neck. Amy opened her eyes slowly as she wrapped her arms around his back. He kissed her more gently now. Not rough or passionate. Gentle. Sweet.

Amy didn't realize that Dean had her pinned to the wall and that she was two inches from the floor.

He held her tight against him. Dean's face moved from her neck and he faced her again. Their lips and cheeks were slightly red and flushed. Amy licked her lips and Dean took a slow breath.

She gave him a small smile. "If you're trying to help me concentrate – you're doing a terrible job at it."

He smiled the way he usually did – the smile that could win a million girls over.

Their foreheads touched.

You're scared…Amy realized. You'll never admit it. But you're scared. Her empathic abilities were kicking in full mode this time. She felt everything he was feeling. You'll always want to protect Sam. No matter what. You're dedicated to the life you lead – but more devoted to your family.

The moment was perfect.

Except Amy remembered what Tobias had told her: "He will hunt for the rest of his life. Even after he takes his revenge. Is that the man you want? Someone who will break your heart over and over and over again?"

Dean has to be devoted to this life. Amy assured herself. She was lost in Dean's hazel eyes. But the ache in her stomach reminded her: Dean hunts for a reason. Something bad killed his mother. Something bad is still after his family. His father and brother are in danger.

Amy gave Dean a weak-fake smile. She hid the doubt growing within.

She had told Tobias: "You have to take the bad in with the good."

Dean's worth it, she told herself, Sam too. I grew up with these guys. Things will be fine.

Things will be just fine…

Her eyes were more focused on his now. Amy touched Dean's face softly. Her thumb slowly stroked his brow.

It'll be okay…Amy thought. There's a reason I'm a part of the Winchester's lives. Coincidence that their childhood friend would turn out to be psychic too? No way… She paused in her thoughts. Dean and I will make it. Sure, we haven't 'defined' things yet. It's not the time for that. The time will come. I'm not worried…

Dean kissed her again.

I'm not worried…

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Sam rubbed his head as he sat down at the dining room table. What plan could be made now? He pondered the subject repeatedly. First: There was no way of finding exactly where Sammy was. Second: If they did know the location, Jezebel and Tobias would detect them coming and they would be ready.

Third: I'm the worst psychic.

He rested his hands on the table. It was noon now. Young Sam Winchester had been missing for more than twelve hours now.

He turned. Sam heard a door open.

John Winchester, looking worn in his flannel shirt, came out from his bedroom. He emerged from the dim light and apeared half-dead.

His father approached him and Sam watched John sit across from him at the table.

"Any bright ideas?" John asked gruffly, eyes on the table.

Sam shook his head. "No." He bit his lip.

"Where's Dean?"

"Upstairs, checking on Amy…" Sam explained. "She's trying to meditate and see if she can find Sam."

John nodded slowly. He rested his hands on the table – similar to the way Sam did it.

"Sam…" John muttered slowly.

The way he said his name but Sam say more respectfully: "Sir?"

He took in a deep breath. Finally, his dark eyes met his son's. John said gently, "I apologize, son. The way I raised you…I just…now that I think about it…I just wanted you boys to have a safe childhood. I'm sorry I didn't give you the life you wa-wanted…" He was beginning to choke up.

"Dad," Sam whispered. "The only childhood I wanted was one that included Mom. But she's gone. She'll always be gone. You had no choice but to train and teach Dean and I about what happened. How do you think we would have felt if years later, in our teens, Dean and I found out that something paranormal killed Mom?" He stared at his father sadly. "If anything, I'm glad we turned out this way. I've thought about what it would have been like if you kept us in the dark…reminded Dean that he had just been in shock during the fire…we couldn't grow up like that. We had to learn. We had to train." Sam tilted his head to the side. "We have to hunt."

John raised his hands to his mouth slowly. He took in a loud breath. "I'm sorry, Sammy…" the old man replied. "I just…the idea of losing my fourteen-year-ol-" he choked out a sob. "I just…I can't…I'm not losing my boys…" John met Sam's gaze. "Future or not – I'm not losing you boys."

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Her head rested gently on the pillow. Amy straightened her body in a perfect line. One hand rested on her abs while the other was tight in Dean's grip. He sat Indian-style beside her. His presence brought comfort to her.

She looked up at him one final time.

Dean whispered, "Its okay. Just concentrate. I'm here."

She nodded slowly. Amy closed her eyes.

Slow breaths…deep breaths…

Her chest rose and fell slowly.

I have to link to Tobias…Tobias…dark hair…dark eyes…wonderful smile…

Dean watched as Amy became dead silent. Even her breathing was quiet.

Please let this work, Amy begged herself, let me link…dear God…if you're really there…help me…

Tobias…Tobias…Tobias…

Her mind focused on the way she felt when she had linked to Tobias the earlier night.

He saved me by the bar…he saved me from being raped… Amy took a deeper breath. He saved me by untying me…

Tobias…Tobias…Tobias…

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Younger Sam and Tobias were alone in the basement. The teenager ate a sandwich that the Tempter had prepared for him. He hated the idea of allowing himself to eat because Tobias had made the food himself – but Young Sammy was starving.

Tobias leaned against the wall with his eyes peering out the small window. He could see a small patch of grass and the street.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Tobias…where are you…I'm looking for you…Tobias…Tobias…

Dean slowly stroked Amy's hand with his finger. Concentrate Amy, Dean thought, I know you can do this…

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Missouri joined Sam and John at the table. They were talking quietly amongst themselves when Younger Dean and Amy left the bedroom.

The three adults watched the teens walk hand in hand from the bedroom. Younger Amy's eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were still slightly pink. Younger Dean looked more collected now.

"So…" Younger Dean asked. "How do we get my brother back…"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

"Tobias…" Amy whispered aloud. Dean was actually surprised she talked out loud. "Tobias…Tobias…Tobias…"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

He squinted out the window. Tobias didn't understand. Had he seen something? No. He had felt something.

Amy…Tobias thought. She's trying to link…

Tobias understood Amy was relatively weak in this type of area. Her psychic abilities were not meant for this capacity. Stretching out her mind and connecting with others. This wasn't her skill, but Tobias could feel how desperate she was.

It would be easy for him to stop the connection right there. Completely blow her off. Amy would fail.

But she would try again.

Tobias sighed. He figured it would be easier to help her out.

He closed his eyes.

Amy…

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Amy frowned. Dean watched this expression with a questionable glance.

Tobias…Amy thought again. She repeated the name more loudly in her head.

"Amy…" his voice spoke in her head.

Yes, I did it! Amy thought at first. But she continued to communicate telepathically: "Tobias…"

"I heard you…"

"Tell me Sammy's okay…"

"You underestimate how weak your powers can be," he laughed at her. "But you're strong too…due mostly to will than psychic skill."

"Is he okay?" Amy asked firmly.

"He's eating now, he's fine," Tobias explained. "But I worry about Jezebel…"

"Tobias," she pleaded, "please…let Sammy go. He doesn't deserve this. He's only fourteen. Please…I believe we came back for a reason…we can help you and your sister…"

"No one can help us."

"Yes, we can…" She paused. "You believed before…please…don't let another innocent die…"

"Amy…"

"Yes?"

"I'm not sure I can…Jezebel…she's my sister…my flesh, my blood-"

"And Sammy might as well be MY brother, so you know how I feel…no one has to die…"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Younger Dean was slowly making his way up the stairs. He could see the closed door to the bonus room.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

"Tobias, please…" Amy begged. "It can't be like this. Let Sammy go. We can all help each other. Dean didn't know you were helping me – otherwise he WOULDN'T have hit you. Please. You can still trust me. I'm sorry things turned out badly at the hotel…"

He didn't response. Fear struck within her. Had he broke the connection?

"Please," she pleaded once more. "Help me. Help us. Help yourself. And Jezebel. No one has to die…please…Tobias, I love Sammy with all my heart…he might as well be a part of my family…" She wanted to cry. "Please, dear God, Tobias…you're the only one who can help. We have three different psychics in this house and one teenager with psychic potential. We even had an ex-Tempter. And we can't do anything…help us, please…"

"Amy…" Tobias whispered gently. His answer seemed to last an eternity. "I'll do my best to help…"

Dean watched as Amy's peaceful expression turned into a wide grin. She let out a relieved sigh.

"Tobias…" Amy smiled to herself. "Thank you…so, what do we do-"

Amy's eyes shot opened suddenly. Dean worriedly dropped her hand and quickly lifted her head into his lap.

"AMY!" Dean yelled.

She was convulsing. Her body was shaking as if someone was actually rattling her small figure.

"Oh God…" Amy managed to mumble.

Her head was trembling the worst. Her entire body was vibrating.

"AMY!" Dean screamed.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Tobias' eyes were closed as he frowned with concern. "AMY!" he yelled out loud.

Younger Sam stared oddly at the man before him. The teenager backed away to beneath the staircase.

"AMY!" Tobias screamed frantically.

He understood what was happening to her.

Tobias opened his eyes and his voice boomed throughout the basement: "JEZEBEL!"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Jezebel stood in the center of the cemetery. There was a smile on her face.

"Dear PATHETIC Brother…" Jezebel told Tobias telepathically. "You were to betray me, AGAIN! I don't think so…so…you will be loyal to me or your precious Bellezza experiences a fatal headache."

"Jezebel!" Tobias fought back. "Let her go! Stop doing this!"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Dean struggled to hold Amy against his grasp.

At that moment, Younger Dean burst through the door. He stared at the terrifying sight: Amy's small body rattling in his Future self's grasp.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Sam and John turned their heads at the sound. Missouri began to rise slowly from the chair.

"Oh no-" the psychic muttered, but her head turned when she found Sam brought his hands painfully to the sides of his head.

The migraine was back with a vengeance. Sam closed his eyes and gritted his teeth together as he dropped to his knees.

"Sam!" John called, bending down to his son.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Her body began to shake. Amy tried to open her eyes fully. But her eyes only grew wide in fear.

She lost focus on Dean and Younger Dean in the room. There were dozens more people surrounding her. They were all glaring at her.

And they were all dead.

They all wore black or gray dresses and suits. Men, women, and children, with pale faces and rotting flesh were staring at her. The dead just looked at her. Some had flesh that was peeling right off the bone. The horrific apparition made Amy scream. It made Dean hold her tighter but it didn't help.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

"JEZEBEL! STOP THIS NOW!" Tobias screamed telepathically.

"Your allegiance is what I want, Brother!" Jezebel replied furiously. "If you truly are my enemy – this means you'll let the boy go – and you'll help the others – that's NOT happening…so you choose…who will die…the young boy…or both Sam and Amy"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Tobias turned his head and stared at Younger Sam in the corner, who still had no idea what was going on.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Sam yelled in pain as the migraine continued to grow.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Amy's seizure was not the only problem. Dean didn't understand why she was screaming. His Younger self was unsure of what to do – he only held her hand tight in his.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Jezebel was smiling again as she stood in the graveyard. Mind focused on the tombstones and linking to Tobias, Sam, and Amy.

"So, Brother…" Jezebel crooned. "I have the power to drive them insane and to have them killed. My hold over the both of them is strong. They underestimated how strong I could be – YOU ALL DID! So, you will choose…Sam and Amy…or little Sammy…c'mon, Brother…I can't hold 'em for long…their heads are going to explode soon…"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Tobias was still staring at Younger Sam.

No…I can't do this…

The man closed his eyes slowly. "Jezebel…my loyalties lie with you…"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

A satisfied smile crossed the Temptress' face.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Her body stopped shaking. Amy stopped screaming. Her body fell unconscious in Dean's arms.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Sam collided into the floor with his father catching his side. John stared worriedly into his Future son's sleeping face.

O.O.O.O.O.O.

Tobias turned to the frightened teenager.

Younger Sam gulped. "What's happening…"

O.O.O.O.O.O.

A/N: Hope you're all enjoying – sorry it took me a while to update! But, I do have a sad-depressing note…I am going away this weekend for a convention. This will be my last update for the weekend. I'll be able to update a new chapter possibly Wednesday. I'll update ASAP. Reviews/Feedback appreciated – I hope to read wonderful comments when I return!