Author's Note: Hey guys! So what do we think of Bella and Judson? Yay or Nay? Neither will be making an appearance in this chapter, but will be back VERRRRY soon. Love you guys! Please review and let me know what you think!
"Bobby I don't know where else to look. I've gone through every book in your library… Every stop we make Sam or I dig through the local library. I just… We've gotta be missing something, right?"
"I don't know darlin. I'm going to be honest with you here, this isn't something any of us know a lot about. Truth is, well. There might not be nothing we can do Em."
I looked down and swallowed. Feeling the weight of Bobby's statement as it sank into my gut.
"No… there's gotta be something." I mumbled as I turned around and stared at my brother who was sitting in the living room watching TV. Carefree… as if his trip to hell isn't getting closer by the day. I looked down and went back to melting the metal into bullets, Bobby was next to me with the colt in pieces. Trying to figure out just what makes it tick hard enough to kill a demon.
"I'm sure we'll find something soon darlin, stop worrying yourself to death. It won't help."
"Yeah… sleepless nights. Counting down the days and hours. That's healthy right?" I asked sarcastically.
"I don't mean to be rude here kid, but you're looking a little pale in the face… thinner than the last time I saw you. Its not a good look."
"Gee Bobby thanks, I guess I'll withdraw my application for the Miss America Pageant this year." I rolled my eyes.
"Smartass." He grumbled shoving me slightly, I pushed him back and giggled.
"Hey" Sam said coming through the door.
"Hey, what's up?" Dean called walking into the kitchen.
"Might've found some omens in Ohio. Dry lightning, barometric-pressure drop."
"Well, that's thrilling." I sighed.
"Plus, some guy blows his head off in a church and another goes postal in a hobby shop before the cops take him out. Might be demonic omens."
"Or it could just be a suicide and a psycho scrapbooker." I told him… We don't have time for a hunt. We've got to find a way to save Dean.
"Yeah, but it's our best lead since Lincoln."
"Where in Ohio?" Dean asked.
"Elizabethville. It's a half-dead factory town in the rust belt."
"There's got to be a demon or two in South Beach." Dean groaned.
"Sorry, Hef. Maybe next time." I winked at him.
"How's it going, Bobby?" Sam asked him pointing down at the colt.
"Slow."
"Eh, I tell you, it's a little sad seeing the Colt like that." Dean said.
"Well, the only thing it's good for now is figuring out what makes it tick."
"So what makes it tick?" Sam asked. Bobby looked up to him VERY unamused. Sam stepped back and held up his hands, trying not to laugh. I bit my lip and Dean snickered.
"So, if we want to go check out these omens in Ohio... you think you can have that thing ready by this afternoon?" Dean asked, Bobby turned and stared at him.
"Well, it won't kill demons by then, but I can promise it'll kill you."
I laughed out loud and Dean tapped the back of my head.
"All right, come on, we're wasting the daylight." Dean said pulling me up out of my chair like I was a little kid.
"De! Put me down!" I whined.
"C'mon Sam, lets toss her in the trunk, it'll be a nice peaceful ride!" Dean cheered as he carried me out the door. Sam following behind laughing.
"Hey! You three run into anything — anything — you call me." Bobby yelled after us. I waved goodbye to him and he winked at me. Silently telling me he'll keep looking.
Dean pretended to toss me in the trunk for a few minutes before finally tossing me in the seat between him and Sam.
"Asshole." I groaned trying to fix my ruffled hair, Sam reached over and ruffled it again. I shot him the death glare as Dean pulled out and cranked some BOC.
It took us 6 hours to reach Elizabethville, we quickly changed into more appropriate attire and made our way over to the church where the most recent death took place.
"There's not much left for the insurance company. It was a suicide - I saw it myself." Father Gil said as he led us into the church.
"Well, this shouldn't take long, then." Dean said with a smile.
"That's where Andy did it. It's the first time I'd seen him in weeks. He used to come every Sunday."
"When did he stop?" I asked.
"Probably about ... two months ago? Right around the time everything else started to change."
"Change how?" Sam asked.
"Oh, let's just say this used to be a town ... you could be proud of. People ... cared about each other. Andy sang in the choir, and then one day, he just ... wasn't Andy anymore. It was like he was ..."
"Possessed?"
"You could say that. Gambled away his money, cheated on his wife, destroyed his business. Yes, like a switch had flipped."
"Father, did you know the man who killed those folks in the hobby shop?"
"Sure, Tony Perkins. Good man."
"Would you say that his personality suddenly changed one day, too? "
"I never thought about it that way, but... yes. about the same time as Andy — about two months ago."
"Well, thank you, Father. Appreciate your time." Dean said ending the conversation and leading us out the door.
"Two months ago, we open up the devil's gate, all of a sudden this town turns into Margaritaville? It's no coincidence." I said softly so that the father wouldn't overhear us. We went back to the hotel and Sam went to get us a room, just as he caught up and led us down the hall I spotted a familiar face.
"De… don't we know him?" I said pointing to the man in a sweat suit and fedora, cause ya know. That's stylish… Dumbass.
"Richie." Dean called, sure enough he looked up. "I don't believe it."
"Hey, Dean... Winchester, right? And the girl… Emily?"
"Yeah." Dean said, I smiled uncomfortably and went to stand closer to Sam. He shot me a sideways glance, I did my best to avoid eye contact and hide my discomfort. Guys a fucking perv.
Just as the thought crossed my mind some tall blonde skank came out of his room and held out her hand.
"This is my sister, uh, Cheryl."
"Hey." She said with a smile to Dean.
"Cheryl." Dean nodded wide eyed. Richie handed her some cash and she walked away, Dean and Richie both watched that ass till it turned around the corner.
"Well, you know... stepsister." Richie winked.
"Come on in. This is my brother, Sam." Dean said waving Richie over. Great. Sam opened the door all the way and moved to one side of the room. I positioned myself between Sam and the wall. Richie far away.
"Hey. How you doing?" He said shaking Sam's hand. "Emily, nice to see you again." He said making very brief eye contact, which I was thankful for. I nodded.
"Not too bad. How do you guys know each other? Sam asked.
"You were in school." Dean said.
"It was that succubus, in Canarsie right?" Richie asked.
"Yeah, yeah."
"Oh, man. You should have seen the rack on this broad. Freakin' tragedy when I had to gank her."
"Whoa, whoa. Wait. Who killed her? If I remember, your ass was toast until I showed up." Dean said pulling out of his suit jacket and tie.
"Oh, I forgot what a comedian this guy was. Huh Emily?"
"Yeah. He's down right hilarious." I said uncomfortably. Sam looked at me odd again, this time he caught my eyes and when I tried to look away he pulled my face back.
"What's wrong?" He whispered. I waved him off.
"I'll tell you later." I whispered back.
"Richie, Richie, know what? I told you then and I'll tell you again — you're not cut out for this job. You're gonna get yourself killed." Dean said, but Richie answered his phone instead of answering Dean.
"Talk to me." He said. "FYI Winchester- Words hurt…. Yeah… No, its not a good time babe, Later."
"So you find anything in this town, anyway?" Dean asked.
"Ah, no. I got nothing… Oh, wait a minute. You mean as in demons and whatnot?"
"Yeah." Sam sighed.
"No, I got nothing."
"Typical. What about your sister back there?"
"Oh, honestly? She definitely had the devil in her, but she wasn't no demon, you know what I'm saying?" Richie laughed and nodded to Dean. Dean didn't react this time. I was slightly impressed. "Right. Seriously. Church guy, hobby-shop guy — they were lunch meat by the time I got there. Hey maybe they were possessed, but I can't prove it."
"Yeah, that's where we are, too. You know, let's just say that demons are possessing people in this town. You know, raising hell—" Sam started.
"Yeah, but why would a demon blow his brains out?" Dean asked.
"Well, for fun? You know he wrecks one body, moves to another. You know, like taking a stolen car for a joyride." Richie answered.
"Anybody else left in the town that fits the profile — you know, nice guy turned douche, still breathing?"
"There's Trotter."
"Who's that?" Sam asked.
"Well, he used to be head of the Rotary Club. And then people say he turned bastard all of a sudden? Brought in the gambling, the hookers. ... Ah, he practically owns this whole town."
"Know where we could find him?"
"Oh, he'll be at his bar in a few hours."
"Well then so will we." Dean smiled.
"Alright man, I just might see ya there." Richie winked before leaving.
"Man.." Dean laughed. "That guy sure is something."
"Yeah. Something." I mumbled.
"I'm hitting the shower, you two behave while I'm gone." Dean said. Sam rolled his eyes and I moved to start digging through my bag. Sam waited till Dean closed the door and the water turned on to come over and sit on my bags.
"Sammy! C'mon… I need a new shirt." I said pushing at him, but I was no match for his size.
"Not until you tell me what the hell that was all about, I mean. The guy's kinda trashy but he seemed harmless."
"Well then I'm sure he is." I said not meeting Sam's gaze and trying to dig into my bag underneath him.
"Emily. Talk to me… you froze when that guy came anywhere near you. What don't Dean and I know?"
"Sam… Its nothing."
"Well its enough to make you uncomfortable around the guy so its something. Talk to me Em… you're starting to worry me. Did he do something to you?"
I stayed silent and tried to walk away, but he quickly jumped up and grabbed my arm.
"Emily you tell me right now! Did that guy touch you?!"
"No! Sam.. No. He didn't… he just."
"Just what?"
"When we wrapped up the case with the succubus Dean invited him over for a few beers. Of course you know me, I thought it was cool to hang out with Dean and all his buddies so we sat around and I pretended to know half of what they were talking about. Then… Dean left the room for a few minutes. And. He just… started talking to me, and I thought it was cool that he was interested in my life and stuff, ya know? That he treated me like an actual hunter. But… then he started hitting on me. I mean the guys got like 15 years on me? Gross… So. Dean came back in the room and I was suddenly too tired to stay up. So I went to bed. Sorta. I mainly laid there and waited for the guy to leave and Dean to come to bed."
"So what you just never told Dean? He didn't catch on that something happened?"
"No. And we left town the next day so I never brought it up. I didn't want to be a burden about it. He seemed to really like the guy."
"Emily you have to tell him, that's not okay!"
"Sam no! It'll just ruffle Dean's feathers and I don't want to do that right now… Okay? Please. I'm just… I'm tired. I'm ready to end this case, and I just want to go back to finding a way to save his ass. Please. Just let it go."
"If he even looks at you sideways, you tell me!" Sam huffed angrily.
"Okay. I promise."
Sam pulled me against him protectively and turned his head towards the door.
"Don't bother… he's not worth it." I mumbled knowing what he was thinking.
"I mean it Emily. One look… he's dead."
"Okay." I chuckled and squeezed him like a teddy bear.
A few hours later we pulled up to the bar… well. More like the town hot spot. It was packed.
"I thought you said this was some boarded-up factory town." Dean said looking at the women around him. All dressed like skanks with their tits hanging out.
"It is. At least, it's supposed to be." Sam said looking around as well.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's do some research." Dean said excitedly following a small group of women with his eyes. As we walked a woman sitting in a parked car caught Dean's attention. She motioned for him to come over and he quickly obliged.
"Sam…" I sighed pointing at Dean. Sam rolled his eyes and reached over, pulling Dean back by the collar of his shirt.
When we walked in I instantly spotted Richie, as did Dean. He made a beeline for him and Sam and I followed, I shot Sam a pointed look. He rolled his eyes. Pleeeease. Don't let him make a scene.
"Oh, Richie. Look at you." Dean called over, taking in his bright orange shiny shirt. This guy dresses almost as disgusting as he acts.
"Hey." Richie said reaching out and Shaking Dean's hand.
"Bringing satin back?"
"Oh, you like this? Try Thai silk — Canal Street. You'd have to pay $300 for threads like these, easy. Cost to me — forget about it!"
"How much is "forget about it"?" Sam asked.
"Ah, forget about it. That's Trotter over there. He sits there all night. Can't touch him." Richie said pointing to a bald man in all black, surrounded by what appears to be his entourage.
"So, what do we do now?" I asked.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm gonna do a little investigating with that bartender." Dean smiled, I turned to find a very attractive woman in all red behind the bar.
"Easy. Me and her, we got a little ... somethin'-somethin' lined up for later." Richie said catching his arm.
"Yeah, right." Dean said rolling his eyes.
"Stings, don't it? All right. I got to hit the head, release the hostages. Be back in a few."
I rolled my eyes and groaned in disgust.
"No way he gets a girl like that. I mean, look at her. You could fit that ass on a nickel." Dean said admiring the bartender again.
"You think so?" A voice called catching our attention, it was the Father.
"Oh!" Dean laughed. "Sorry, Padre."
"Knew you three would find your way here. They all do."
"No offense, but what are you doing here, Father?" I asked confused as he tipped his glass of whiskey.
"Like it or not, you go where your flock is."
The bartender walked over and poured him another round.
"Plus, the clergy drinks for free." She winked.
"True, and a certain bartender owes me a confession."
"Not in this lifetime, Father."
He smiled and tipped his glass, finishing it off.
"I better see your butt on Sunday." He pointed and told her, turning to Dean. "Nickel or no Nickel." He said before leaving. I chuckled.
"What can I get you?" She asked smiling.
"What's your specialty?" Dean asked coyly.
"I make a mean hurricane."
"I guess we'll see about that."
She grinned before leaving to make Dean's drink. I rolled my eyes at his cheesy game.
"You drink hurricanes?" Sam asked laughing.
"I do now."
I looked around the bar, taking in our surroundings, going back and forth from Trotter, to the pool tables, to the skanks at the table in the corner. Back to the pool tables… whoa. Wait. This guys' new… Gun.
"Hey." I said slapping Dean the chest. "Gun!" I said pointing to the man who quickly raised it and shot someone point blank in the head. Everyone screamed and Trotter stood, his henchmen surrounding him. The man aimed the gun at himself and Dean moved to tackle him. I ran over and watched as slam splashed holy water on him… no reaction. No demon.
"What are you doing?! …He slept with my wife. That bastard slept with my wife!" He man cried.
"Somebody call 911!" I hollered out, the bartender quickly complied.
An hour later the place was crawling with cops everywhere. Making me very nervous. Dean's still on the top of the FBI's wanted list.
"Too many cops here. I say we roll." Sam said speaking my thoughts.
"I'm with Sam."
"Just be cool. Poor jerk. Only thing possessing him was a sixer of Pabst." Dean told us, swinging an arm over me.
"So, what's the deal, then? People in this town getting possessed or not?" I asked.
"I don't know. Maybe it is just what it is — town full of scumbags."
"Yeah. Maybe." Sam said.
"You boys ready for your mug shots?" A voice called behind us, I spun to see a cop and tensed. Oh shit… "The photographer's gonna be here in a few, and ... take your picture for the local paper."
"Be an honor, Officer. What a thrill!" Dean said relieved as he squeezed my shoulders, releasing the tension.
"Yep, time to go." Sam said as the officer walked away.
"Wait a second. Wait a second." Dean called out.
"What now?" I said annoyed and ready to leave.
"Where's Richie?"
"I don't know! We'll call him from the motel! Lets go…" I pushed. Dean finally moved towards the door and we hauled ass back to the motel.
"Man I've called him 4 times… he's not answering. I'm gonna go knock on his door." Dean groaned.
"Dean I'm sure he's fine. He probably chased some tail back to her place." Sam told him.
"Yeah, he seems more concerned with getting laid then finding Demons anyways." I added.
"Em, you know the guy's a mess. We're gonna have to keep an eye on him."
"I'm not a babysitter Dean! Neither are you."
"Just, lock the door behind me. I'll be back." Dean groaned before leaving.
"Maybe if you told him what happened he wouldn't be so worried about the guy."
"Sam. Not the time." I said feeling a massive headache breaking its way through. I put my head in my hands and rubbed my temples.
"Why don't you pop an aspirin and take hot shower… your eyes are doing it again." He said getting quieter as he went.
"Great." I moaned. Rubbing my eyes.
"Just relax kiddo, here…" He came over and rubbed my back. Handing me an aspirin.
"Thanks Sammy." I smiled weakly and took his advice, grabbing a stiff white motel towel and my coconut body wash. I pulled up my hair since I had just washed it last night. The water took forever to warm up… but when it finally did I stood beneath it with the water running down my back and shoulders. It felt good… even with crappy water pressure just having the heat felt nice.
I stood there for a while, waiting for tension headache to fade away, but it never fully did. It just dulled. So I decided to get out and go to bed. Hoping that would fix it. When I stepped out Dean had brought back food from his run to check on Richie.
"So is he okay?" I asked sitting down and picking at my chicken strips.
"Don't know. He's not in his room… you're probably right. I'll call in the morning."
"I'm sure he's fine Dean." Sam said encouragingly, biting into his food.
"You feel okay kiddo?" Dean asked me.
"I just have a headache… I think I'm gonna go to bed."
"Emily you barely ate."
"I know, I'm sorry. I'm just not hungry. I'll eat a big breakfast. I promise."
Dean stared at me concerned for a moment.
"You know there was time where you could even out do me when it came to eating… you've barely eaten for the last few weeks. Your clothes are looser. I'm serious. You need to eat."
"Dean. Can we not do this right now?" I sighed letting my head fall to the table. I'm so sick of having this discussion! Emily you're not eating! Emily you're not sleeping! Emily are you okay? Emily how are you feeling… just FUCK! Excuse me for being a little stressed out and preoccupied at the moment.
"Well when's a good time for you then, huh? When is it a good time for me to be worried about you. I'm so sorry its an inconvenience but I care. I'm always going to care. Suck it up buttercup."
"How about when you're not here to worry anymore?" I shot back, he looked away from me.
"Yeah. Thought so. I'm going to bed." I got up and walked away. Popping in my headphones to fall asleep with.
(Dean's POV)
I watched her put in her headphones and lay down in the bed. Just like that… she used to never walk away. She used to hate it when we fought. She used to stay up and not be able to sleep cause she couldn't stand us being mad at each other… now she just walks away from me. I don't know what to do anymore… I don't know how to push hard enough without pushing too hard.
When did this become so difficult? When did I lose my little Emily?
"Dean." Sam's voice pulled me out of my thoughts.
"What?"
"You think you could have done that a little less aggressively?"
"Dammit Sam. I don't know what you want me to do? I mean are you okay with her not eating?! Barely sleeping? I mean you see her every day just like me! Doesn't it drive you crazy watching her down spiral like this?"
"Of course it does. Dean it breaks my heart… but unlike you I understand where it all comes from. I understand how she feels. I'm dealing in my own way and as much as I hate it I have to let her deal in hers. Pushing her won't help this time… it just won't. You'll just lose her for the time you have left."
"Whatever…" I groaned, stabbing my fork back into my food.
"You know she doesn't like Richie."
"What?" I asked surprised.
"Richie. He makes her uncomfortable."
"Oh whatever. He's harmless."
"Well she doesn't feel that way Dean." He paused and looked over at her sleeping on the bed. "He made a pass at her last time you worked with him."
"Yeah. I know."
"Wait. You know? Then how is the guy still breathing?" Sam asked me confused. I chuckled.
"I asked him to hit on her. I wanted to see what she'd do. I set the whole thing up, he was never gonna actually do anything."
"Dean. Why the hell would you do that to her?" Sam asked me angrily.
"Whoa man chill… She started paying attention to boys all of a sudden. Everywhere she went she was looking at them and they were looking at her and I didn't like it. Thought maybe I could scare her off of em for a couple more years."
"Well I guess that didn't work." Sam sighed.
"Nope. Apparently just made her scared of Richie." I laughed. That's hilarious that anyone, especially Em would be scared of him.
"So he's really not a douche then?"
"No man, not at all. He's actually hilarious when you sit down and talk with him."
"Well you should tell Emily. Because she can't stand to be around him. She practically hid behind me when you invited him over."
"Hm. Guess I didn't notice." I shrugged. I guess she had been a little quieter than usual.
"Alright, I'm going to bed… you should too. You wanna share with her or what?"
"Yeah I will. Night Sammy."
"Night." He said standing and going to get ready for bed in the bathroom. I sipped my beer and stared at the bed with my sleeping sister in it. I just. I don't know what else to do with her. I'm not used to her fighting me like this. I'm not used to her pushing me away. I hate it. All of it. I just want her to trust me again… but I guess I also understand why she won't. I've made the ultimate betrayal in her mind. I just wish she knew I did this for her and Sammy… for them to live. To have a chance at life. I couldn't let him die. I just couldn't.
I climbed into bed and laid on my back, staring up at the dark ceiling. The bed next to me shifted, and an unconscious Emily slid next to me, nuzzling her head into my shoulder. I could hear her music still playing… Don't Fear The Reaper. At least my good taste in music rubbed off on her. I reached over and shut off her ipod, pulling the headphones off and sliding them onto the night stand, letting her nuzzle against my body heat. Her hands were freezing. Like her blood wasn't circulating enough, a side effect of being exhausted I'm sure.
As are the dark circles permanently placed under her eyes these days.
The dullness in her skin.
The lack of spark in her eyes.
I miss her. I miss seeing my Emily, happy, confident, and ready to take on anything…. What have I done to this poor girl.
I ran my hand along the side of her face, noticing her forehead start to wrinkle in discomfort. It didn't help, it only wrinkled more. As if she was in pain.
"Noo…Mmmm." She moaned in her sleep.
"Shhh." I whispered, hoping it would calm her, but it didn't. Her forehead began to slightly shine in the dark room, a sheen of sweat covering her.
"Noo.. Please." She cried. God please… let them stop. All of these nightmares that keep her awake. I just want them to go away. To let her rest.
"Emily babygirl… its okay." I whispered. "Shhh."
She stilled for a moment, but they must have hit her with a vengeance because she cried out, begging for someone to stop. I have no idea what she sees… what she's feeling. What scares her so much.
"Emily its okay, you're okay." I tried to tell her, pushing her hair back and wrapping her against me, but the tighter I held the more she pulled away, as if someone in her dreams was restraining her.
"Dean, is she having another one?" Sam asked groggily.
"Yeah, she's fine. I got her." I said, but he sat up and flipped on the light.
"Emily, wake up babygirl… its okay." I said sitting up and shaking her gently.
"No! NO! Please stop! Stop it!" She cried out. "You're hurting him! Pleeease!" She sobbed until they became whispers.
"Emily! C'mon babygirl wake up. I'm here. Its okay." I said shaking her a little harder.
"Sam, get me some cold water." I told him, he came back with a small cup, I took it and poured some into my hands. Hate to do this to you kiddo, but… I gotta wake you up. I splashed the cold water against her face and she flew upwards, gasping for air like she had been drowning.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Calm down kiddo. Its just us." I said grabbing her shoulders, Sam sat in front of her, steadying her so she didn't fall out of the bed.
"De-d-d-dean. The-they are c-c-c-oming." She sobbed. Frantically looking around the room.
"Who Em? Who's coming?" Sam asked her gently.
"I-I-I… I can he-hear the b-b-barking." She sobbed. Dammit… hellhounds. I'd be lying if I said I didn't hear them barking in my nightmares too… but she shouldn't be the one facing these. This should be my burden. Not hers.
"No, no sweetheart. They're not coming. We're safe. Dean's okay, look." Sam said grabbing her face and turning her towards me. "See, he's okay. You're okay… its just a dream. It's over Em."
"N-n-nooo… they're gon-gonna find us!" She said, taking in short shallow breaths.
"No, babygirl. We're okay. Look at me." I said pulling her towards me but she pulled away.
"No! They- they want you!... R-R-uby… sh-she's ba-bad." I shot Sam a look, he looked back at me concerned, confused. I knew this bitch was bad news.
"Kiddo calm down. Slow breaths… okay? We are okay. I promise."
"I-I- I want to go, c-can we le-leave?" She asked between breaths.
"No sweetheart, we gotta finish the case." Sam told her softly, pulling her in, she didn't fight him…
"S-s-am." She cried.
"Yeah Em, I'm here." He told her soothingly.
"Th-they're gon-gonna take him a-a-away. I-I can't sa-a-a-ve hi-him." She sobbed against him.
I can't watch this… I can't. Do this. THIS… the nightmares, the panic attacks. THIS. Is on me… and I hate it. I shut my eyes and pinched the bridge of my nose. Trying to think of a way to stop these, to help her.
"Emily you gotta breathe." Sam whispered to her, sitting her up, I leaned her backwards against my arm and the headboard.
"Slow breaths kiddo, slow down."
She shook her head no.
"C'mon kiddo. You can do it… one breath. Long and slow." I whispered.
She struggled for a minute but finally got one, and then two… and as she started to calm down Sam looked at me, eyes full of pity, before moving back to his own bed and turning off the light. I pulled Emily against me and slumped us back down into the bed, wrapping her in the blankets against me. She hiccupped until her body finally wore out and she fell asleep… I stayed up for a while. Making sure she wouldn't have another one, not that there's much I can do to stop them right now, but… part of me hopes just being here, holding her. That it will help for now. It was always enough before… why can't it be enough now?
(EMILY'S POV)
The next morning was quiet… I vaguely remembered waking up screaming about the hellhounds. Seeing Ruby there. Laughing. I see them so often, its almost like a normal thing now. I thought I was hiding it pretty well, but I guess the cats out of the bag now.
Dean barely looked at me, when he did his face was smothered in guilt. Which was even worse than the nightmares. I just wish it would all go away. Why can't we just run away? Just get away from all the demons, the monsters, the people… everything. I just wanna run away. Dean left to get coffee, I curled up on the couch, turning on the TV for mindless distraction. But it doesn't help.
"Em." Sam said coming up behind me, startling me. "Sorry kiddo, didn't mean to scare you."
"No, no its okay." I told him.
"We need to talk."
"About?"
"Last night… Em you said you saw Ruby? What did you see?"
I sighed heavily. I don't want to think about it.
"We're in this house… fighting, Ruby? I guess. That's how it seems at least. And… hell hounds. They're trying to get in, and Ruby, She just.. lets them in. They just rip him to shreds." I said ending in whispers, feeling tears sting my eyes again at the thought. My Dean… my brother.
"How many times have you had this same dream."
"… A few. Since we met Ruby. Its always the exact same place. Everytime I try something different… but I can never save him in time. They just. Kill him." I choked slightly. "Sam… his screams. I can hear them all night in my head."
"Emily sweetheart, why didn't you tell me?" Sam said kneeling in front of me.
"Because. What good would that do? What can you do to stop them? Nothing… Why put that on anyone else? I mean Dean can hardly look at me. That's what I didn't want. I'm so sick of you two being worried about me and not focusing on finding a way to get Dean out of this. I don't want to be a distraction."
"Emily, you and I are trying our best every day to save him. But you can't keep this stuff to yourself. You said you'd talk to us. We need you to mean it. You can't hide this stuff from us."
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"Its okay, just… don't hide this stuff. Tell us."
"Okay. Can we get off the subject now?"
"Yeah, yeah… so do you really think Ruby is trouble?"
"I don't know Sam…"
"Well. Lets just keep you away from her for now, okay?"
"Fine by me."
The door opened, catching our attention. It was Dean. He walked in, set down the coffee, and brought me over a water bottle. He smiled slightly. I grabbed his arm and pulled him down to sit next to me. I just… need to hear his heartbeat. Need to know that he's still here. He didn't resist or question me at all, he just opened his arms and grabbed the remote, and turned up some Jerry Springer. We spent the next few hours laughing at trashy individuals doing fake fist fights and flashing their boobs for beads. It was nice, it was easy… it was much needed.
Sam suggested we head to the bar for lunch, he wanted to drop in on Trotter again.
"How many times i got to tell Richie, he's gonna get himself in trouble?" Dean sighed as he dialed his number again.
"Dean, you're assuming he's missing. I mean, maybe he just bailed." I said.
"He's a moron. I mean, he's a sweet moron, but he's not a coward. He wouldn't just bail. I got to go find him."
"All right. Meanwhile I think I'm gonna trail this Trotter guy." Sam spoke up.
"Yeah?"
"Yeah. I don't know. Something about the way he looked at me last night. Maybe there is something going on here. Em you going with Me or Dean?"
"Sorry De, I'm with Sammy on this one." I said kissing his cheek and getting up.
"Alright, you keep your phone on you, if I call, you answer."
"Sir yes sir." I said giving a salute before following Sam out the door.
"So where we headed Sammy?"
"Trotter's business office. See what he's hiding."
"Lead the way…"
I followed Sam down the street for a few blocks. Getting into the office building was as easy as opening the door and following the sound of voices. I gotta say I was kinda surprised this place wasn't guarded. We rounded to corner and Sam put out his hand to stop me, then he jumped as his phone began to vibrate.
"Dean?" He answered hushed. "Yeah, hey I can't talk right now… Yeah no she's fine, we're fine. Meet you at the bar in 20 minutes okay?"
He hung up the pohne and stood watch as we waited for Trotter and his goons to make their way out of the office, Sam pushed us up against the wall as they walked past the hallway we were ducking in. When the coast was clear he grabbed my arm and led me into the office.
"Emily, go check the closet." He said as he started rummaging through the desk. I ran over, pushing coats out of the way, trying to find some sort of hidden safe in the back, but I was coming up empty handed. The sound of a fight breaking out caught my attention and I turned to see Sam fight with one of Trotter's henchmen, winning. I moved forward and pulled my gun, but someone came up behind me. I could feel the barrel of a gun being pressed against the back of my neck.
"What are you doing here?" A deep voice asked. Sam stood slowly. His arms raised in surrender.
"Just… take it easy." He said out of breath.
"I think maybe you know." I growled.
"Yeah? Well, I think I'm calling the cops! "
"Wait… the cops?" I asked confused. I swapped glances with Sam, who was also confused.
"Breaking and entering, assault — you're in a peck of trouble, my friend."
"Uh, wh-, uh ... I think I could probably explain it—" Sam fumbled his words, I caught his eye and winked twice. He nodded, I turned and knocked the gun from the man, who I now know is Trotter, and raised mine.
"All right, back up! Get back." I said, pointing the gun between him and his henchman.
"Money's in the safe! Take it and go." He called with his hands raised.
"I don't want your money. I just got to be sure." Sam called, splashing them with holy water. They looked as confused as we did minutes ago.
"What kind of psycho are you?" Trotter called.
"Oh, god. Uh ... I'm sorry. Heh ... I ... think this was just a minor misunderstanding?... Yeah, okay, ummm ... How 'bout I just ... i just leave, 'cause ..." Sam stuttered, he pulled the gun out of my hands. I backed away slowly.
"I'll take these." He said nervously emptying the bullets out of the gun and laying it down.
"Okay, I'll, uh, I'll leave this for, uh ... you, uh ... Have a nice day?"
We high tailed it, completely embarrassed, damn near jogging back to the bar.
"Smooth move ex-lax." I said out of breath.
"Shut up… you thought they were demons too." He said shoving me.
"Come on… we gotta get Dean."
(Dean's POV)
I followed Casey into her parent's house. Letting her think she has me fooled.
"Make yourself comfortable." She said kissing me.
"Oh, I forgot to mention ... Richie was a friend of mine. When I realized I could track the GPS in his cellphone, I swung by earlier. Give him a proper burial. It's better than rotting in some skank's basement."
Casey launched herself at me, but was stopped. I smiled.
"Oops." I said kneeling down and revealing the devil's trap under the rug. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Isn't that a buzz kill? Sorry, sister, but you're going back to where you came from."
"I don't think so." I laughed.
"Spiritus immunde, undolara. Pasonitote ..." I began reading from the exorcism in the book.
She closed her eyes, and a breeze began to blow through the room.
"Spiritus immunde, undo—" The pages flying out of my book stopped me. Son of a bitch… Casey looks up with a grin as the floor begins to crack, the bricks leading down to and around the basement began to crumble and the door caved in. Shit!
"What are you laughing at, bitch? You're still trapped." I told her.
"So are you... bitch."
I turned, lighting some candles and trying to find a way through the rubble.
"Lose something?" She asked sarcastically.
"All you demons have such smart mouths."
"It's a gift."
"Yeah, well. Let's see if you're smiling when I send your ass back to Hell."
"Without your little exorcism book? Hey, go ahead."
"Spiritus immunde ... un, guh ..." FUCK!
"Having a little trouble there, sport?"
Spiritus immunde, undolare, Pasonitote…" DAMMIT!
"Nice try, but I think ... you just ordered a pizza. Guess you should have paid more attention in Latin class."
"Hey, I don't know what you're smiling about. You're not going anywhere."
"And, apparently, neither are you."
"Yeah, but I got somebody coming for me, and, uh... they did pay attention in class.
"Oh, right — Sam and Emily. Everyone says he's the brains of the outfit, and she's the tag along. The beloved babysister."
"Everyone?" I asked curiously.
"Sure. You Winchester boys are famous. Not Lohan famous, but, you know..."
"Well, that's ... flattering. I'll be sure to let Sam know when he gets here."
"If he shows up first." She caught my surprised look. "What, you thought I was flying solo? You shouldn't underestimate, Dean, it might be the death of you… You can give me hard eyes all you want, but the fact remains, we just have to wait and see who shows up first- The cavalry ... or the Indians."
I rolled my eyes and moved to the opening in the room, hoping that my phone can get a signal.
"Why don't you relax?" Casey called out, getting comfortable on the rug in the floor.
"Why don't you kiss my ass?"
"Why, Dean, you're a poet. I had no idea. Look, we won't have any effect on the outcome of this. We might as well be civil."
"Civil, huh? Killing Richie — that was, that was civil? The guy was harmless."
"That knife he pulled on me? Didn't look so harmless."
"Ah, a knife wouldn't hurt you."
"No, but it would damage this body. And Casey has such a fine body, I wouldn't want to see it ripped."
"A demon with a heart. Wow." I laughed. "Well, you know, there's a bunch of dead people in town that might disagree with you."
"Hey, I didn't pull any triggers."
"Yeah? You did something."
"You want to know what I did — what I really did? I had lunch."
"Lunch?" I asked confused… I hope she isn't fixing to go into a spill about eating people's guts.
"Me and Trotter. He had a cheeseburger, I had a salad, and I just pointed out the money that could be made with a few businesses that cater to harmless vice. So Trotter built it, and, man, did they come. Supposedly God-fearing folk, waist-deep in booze, sex, gambling. I barely lifted a finger."
"That's it?"
"You don't get it. All you got to do is nudge humans in the right direction. Some whiskey here, a hooker there, and they'll walk right into hell with big, fat smiles on their faces. Your kind is corrupt, Dean. Weak… Our will's stronger. That's why we'll win."
"And that's how it ends? All of it?"
"No. That's how it begins."
"So, demons take over. I thought the meek shall inherit the earth."
"Oh, according to your Bible." I looked at her oddly. "It's only a book, Dean."
"Not everyone would agree. Emily and Sam wouldn't.
"Because it's God's book? Do you believe in God, Dean? I'd be surprised if you did."
"I don't know. I'd like to."
"Well, I don't see how you and your God, have done such a bang-up job. War, genocide — it's only getting worse. I mean, this past century, you people racked up a body count that amazed even us. It's our turn now, and we're gonna do it right this time."
A noise caught my attention and I looked up towards the grate in the top of the room.
"Don't be hopeful, Dean. You're not delivered. It's only the wind."
"You know, you're piling it pretty high there, sweetheart. I'm not sure I'm buying."
"Why would I lie?"
"Demons lie."
"Some do. Some are true believers."
"Believers in what?"
"What, you think humans have an exclusive on a higher power?"
"You have a god?" I asked shocked.
"Sure. His name's Lucifer."
"You mean the Devil?" I scoffed.
"Your word, not ours. Lucifer actually means "light bringer." Look it up. Once he was the most beautiful of all God's angels, But God demanded that he bow down before Man, and when he refused, God banished him. Tell me, Dean. How do you like bowing before lesser creatures?"
"Lucifer's really real?" If he's real… if he's an angel… what else is real? What else is out there.
"Well, no one's actually seen him, but they say that he made us into what we are, and they say that he'll return."
"Oh, yeah? And, uh, you believe that?"
"I've got faith."
"Mmm." I mused… still stuck on the thought that the devil might be real.
"So, you see? Is my kind really all that different than yours?"
"Well, except that, uh, demons are evil."
"…and humans are such a lovable bunch… Dick Cheney."
"He one of yours" I asked hopeful.
"Not yet. Let's just say he's got a parking spot reserved for him downstairs."
"Hey, speaking of downstairs ... what's it like down there?" I asked hesitantly. Not sure if I really want to know the answer to the question that I couldn't stop myself from asking. Without Sam or Emily here… I can actually think about what this means for me… talk about it realistically. I know there's no saving me.
"What, Hell?"
"Yeah."
"That's right. You booked a one-way ticket with that deal. You're not gonna like it, Dean. And, um, judging from the trouble you've caused, I don't think you'll be getting the presidential suite."
"So not all its cracked up to be then?"
"No, it's a pit of despair. Why do you think we want to come here?" She said sadly. I felt my soul being crushed just a little.
"So I guess I should enjoy myself while I can then huh?"
"Yeah. I guess you should… cling to the ones you love. Because when you see them again it won't be in the way you want. They'll just be used to torture you more."
"Well. That sounds exciting." I sighed.
"Kind of funny, don't you think? You and me sitting here like a couple of regular folk."
"Yeah, it's hilarious, you know, in that ... apocalyptic sort of way."
"You're all right, Dean. The others don't describe you that way. But, you know, you're — you're likable."
"A demon likes me… Sorry, I don't know how to respond to that."
"You could say thanks." She paused… "That deal you made to save Sam — a lot of others would mock you for it, think it was weak or stupid. I don't."
"It's been kind of liberating, actually. Y'know, what's the point in worrying about a future, when you don't have one?"
"You don't have to lie to me… I know you worry about them."
"Yeah well. Always have always will I guess."
"Still, a year left. You're not scared?"
"Nah."
"Not even a little?"
"Of course not." I lied.
(EMILY'S POV)
"Sam… I called Bobby. He's on his way."
"Good. Lets see if we can narrow down where Dean might be before he gets here. Did he say the colt is working?"
"Yeah, actually it is… Hey Sam?"
"Yeah?"
"You know… if the colts working. Maybe we could uh."
"Yeah. I know. Use it on the demon, try break the deal. Way ahead of ya kiddo."
"Think it'll work?"
"I think it worked with that Evan guy. Dean trapped her, she broke the deal. No harm no foul. Maybe we can do the same."
I felt it. Hope. Swell up in my chest. I want this… so. SO bad.
(DEAN'S POV)
Casey stretched out, laying in the floor… her hot body extending and raising slightly off the ground. I just can't help but look… Damn. Demons sure can pick em.
"Why, Dean, if I didn't know better, I'd say that was lust in your eyes." She smiled. "Well, it would be one way to spend the time ... but I don't think you'd respect me in the morning."
"That's okay. I mean, hey, I barely respect you now… Hey, can I ask you a question?"
"I'm an open book."
"So, the gate opened. The demon army was let out. What now, huh? I'm not seeing a big, honking plan here."
"Honestly, there was a plan. Azazel was a tyrant, but ... he held us all together."
"Azazel?"
"What, you think his friends just called him "yellow eyes"? He had a name. After you did him in, it all fell apart."
"Sorry about that." I said with a grin. "So, what? No chain of command?"
"There was. It was Sam… Or Emily. But really Sam was supposed to be the grand pooh-bah and lead the big army, but ... he hasn't exactly stepped up to the plate, has he? And even though Emily's fire has been lit… she doesn't know what the hell to do with it. So I don't see her stepping up to the plate anytime soon anyways. Honestly I never understood why he even bothered with her. He had the children he needed… its like she was his little experiment. A twist in the game. But. Neither of them seems to be interested in taking over."
"Thank God for that."
"Again with God. You think this is a good thing? Now you've got chaos, a war without a front, hundreds of demons all jockeying for power, all fighting for the crown. Most of them gunning for your brother and sister. For the record, I was ready to follow Sam. Emily I wasn't sure about, but Sam. I was okay with that plan."
"Dean?!" I heard Sam's voice calling from outside.
"Looks like you win." Casey smiled.
"Sam! Em!"
"Dean?" Emily's voice called out.
"Sammy, down here! The basement caved in!"
"Dean. Hey, hold on, okay? We're coming. They're coming around the other side." He said with Bobby standing next to him.
"Who's they?"
"Emily and Father Gil. He helped us find you."
I turned to look at Casey, who's face lit up… dammit. No no no no!
"Dammit Sam go get Emily now! Its him! He's a demon!"
Sam's face flickered to fear before he darted, colt in hand. Bobby stayed behind with me.
(EMILY'S POV)
"Are you sure there's a way in over here?" I asked the Father as I shook the locked door, when I turned. Black eyes stared at me.
He grabbed me by the neck and with one hand he pushed the door open, then the basement door, and as he dragged me down, fighting the whole damn way, he moved piles of rock leading down the steps. Until finally we were in the basement.
"De!" I yelled catching a glimpse.
"Emily! You let her go! No-" Dean was flung backwards into the wall with the wave of a hand.
"Stop!" The bartender yelled. She pointed to the devil's trap. He looked at her, threw me to the side, I fell over coughing and trying to drag oxygen into my lungs. He leaned down and slammed down his fists, cracking the floor and breaking the devil's trap. Dammit… They quickly embraced and began to make out.
"Ew.." I groaned. I looked over and Dean was getting to his feet, looking as disgusted as I was at the site before him.
"You two?" He asked.
"For centuries. We've been to hell and back, literally." The father said passionately.
"Leave him be." The bartender told him softly. I was surprised. The father stepped forward and lifted Dean by his neck.
"Don't kill him. Let's just go." She begged. Wait a fucking second! Since when do demons fight FOR us instead of against us?
"Please." She pleaded. Just as I watched in shock at the hesitation on his face… gun fire went off from behind me. The Father dropped Dean as lightning ran through his body, until he collapsed to the floor, I turned to see Sam holding the colt, when I turned back Dean looked at him in shock. He moved to point it at Casey.
"Sam, wait!" Dean shouted, but Sam shot her between the eyes… her body fell next to the Father's. Sam showed no remorse. His face was angry… vicious. Dean and I swapped concerned looks, he finally stood and made his way over to us. Checking me for bruises. When he was satisfied with my current condition he walked us outside to meet with Bobby… we hauled ass back to the motel.
It was quiet the rest of the night… I asked Sam if he was okay. He said he was, I could tell that whole "feel no remorse" thing had worn off. He was beating himself up. My poor Sammy. I know I haven't made things easy on him or Dean lately… but especially Sam. He's losing his brother too. Not just me. I know he's scared too. Stressed out. I just… Wish we could go back to normal again.
But I guess we never were normal, were we?
"C'mon Em, lights out. I'm beat."
"De. I worry about him."
"I worry about both of you." Dean retorted.
"Well I worry about both of you."
"Guess its just the Winchester way huh?"
"Yeah I guess so." I said plopping down on the bed next to him.
"Em. Can I ask you something? And you answer it honestly?"
"Maybe." I whispered.
"How long have you been having nightmares about hell hounds?"
"…Since the day he came back." I sighed. Dean wrapped an arm around me, pulling me down beside him.
"Kiddo you can't let this ruin your life. I get its hard, I know you are… broken. Right now. But you gotta push to get back up and put yourself back together. I'm leaving. Okay? There's nothing we can do about it."
"Dean… don't."
"No. Listen to me for once. Stop running out on our conversations. I'm serious. Okay? I'm gonna die. Its happening Emily. So I am doing my damnedest to fix what part of you I can, but you've gotta help me. You gotta stop resisting. Emily. I can't go to hell and have my last thoughts be worrying that you won't be able to pull out of this. For me… I'm asking. Try. Please… try and get a grip on all this. Because as much as Sam wants to think he can, he can't fix it. Not this time. I need you both to accept it, and move on. So I can die in peace. Please."
I stared at him… unable to find words to respond. How… how can he ask me that? How can he expect me to just… drop it? He got his moment to be selfish when he made this deal. Well this is mine.
"No." I said firmly.
"What?" He asked, surprised.
"I said no. I won't. And if you honestly thought for one second you could get me to stop trying to save you with one little late night chat then you aren't the man that raised me. If you honestly thought your little speech was going to break me, then you don't know me at all. I'm fixing this. Sam and I, WE. Are going to fix this… I don't understand why you won't help us? Why do you want to die SO badly?"
I shook my head and pulled away, getting out of the bed.
"Emily, come back…" Dean said getting up.
"NO!" I turned and yelled to him, tears fighting their way to the surface. I swallowed the lump and shook my head, turning away from him and stalking out the door, grabbing my bag… and a little something extra on the way out.
"Emily! Stop!" Dean called after me.
"Dammit Dean! I swear if you follow me I will put a bullet in your knee cap! I just need to take a walk… so please. Go to bed. I'll be back in an hour." I said slamming the door behind me.
I half waited to hear him rip it back open, half cheered at the fact that he didn't.
Then I looked down at the item I shoved into my bag, the colt was heavy. Not only because it was a big gun, but because this is my chance. I quickly made my way out the door of the motel, pulling Dean's keys that I also snaked.
I drove to the nearest crossroads, and used one of our old photos to summon the demon. I buried he box and looked around frantically, making sure the colt was tucked into my waistband with easy access. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. Waiting…
"Come talk to me bitch." I mumbled. A female voice caused me to spin, my eyes landing on a beautiful brunette with eyes blacker than the sky above us.
"Well. I gotta admit… you're not the Winchester I was expecting."