A/N: Wow, I didn't expect all these positive reviews on that last chapter. I though I messed it all up, heh. Well, anyways, this chapter should be great. I hope you like it, cause I'm really working my ass off on getting all the facts right & thank God I've finished season four. –BUT- my connection has been seriously getting on my nerves.

Disclaimer: I own: Mara, Mia, Melanie, Max, Amelia (my Amelia, not Jimmy's wife) and the Plot. All others go to Eric Kripke & L.J. Smith.

Chapter Ten:

Mara's POV:

I sucked in a sharp intake of breath through my teeth, resisting the urge to bend down and rest my head on my knees as Bobby worked the anti-possession tattoo on my shoulder. He was pretty upset when I'd told him that I've lost the charm necklace he gave me, but can you blame me; I was road-tripping on foot! So he figured the best way to keep me anti-demon was to get a nice tattoo on the shoulder, of which idea Mia had agreed with enthusiasm. I had used that time to tell Bobby what happened ever since…well, I left.

I took careful steps on the burned out floor boards, scanning the ash-colored walls as I called with desperate hope. "Mother? Please…please answer me." My voice cracked, still choking on the still yet fresh scent of smoke, and I disappeared with the sirens of the fire trucks just outside.

"Jazmin, I'm sorry." I heard Mia murmur behind me. But I stepped away as she tried to put her arm on my shoulder. I didn't look at her; I didn't blame her…and I had no right but to blame myself. It was an accident; I kept chanting in my head.

And still, she put her hand on my shoulder and led me to the door, where at the porch steps stood a crowd of officers and fire men. I lowered my gaze to the ground, forcing my mind to go blank as an attempt to hide my thoughts from Mia. She doesn't need to know 'anything' now, anything.

I seemed to zone out through everything; the police, the questioning…everything. It wasn't until they pulled a stretcher through the front door that I'd woken up. I saw the black bag, with the body inside; my mother's body. My vision blurred for a second before I quickly blinked away the tears and wiped them off my face with my sleeve.

But why? Why did that happen? And why to me? Isn't it enough that I can never be normal but I now have to suffer this. It was too much to bare-

"But Amelia wouldn't want you hurting yourself in any way, sweetheart; you know that." Mia interrupted as she stroked my head. I just stared up at her plainly, trying my best not to let my face give off any emotions. "And I'll always be here with you." She added, trying to smile through her sadness.

That's when I had the idea; I could simply say I didn't want any 'protection' and maybe the angels would leave me alone. I'd live and survive my own way; I don't need anyone's help. I stepped away from beneath Mia's hand and huffed, clearing my throat before I started. "I don't want your protection, Mia."

When I'd glanced up at her, she was utterly confused; one delicate brow shot upward. She also seemed…hurt. "What are you saying? Do you realize-"

"Yes, I do realize I won't be protected. I know my life must value something for the man upstairs, but at this very moment, it values nothing to me. I'd rather try and make it worth something or die, so I want you to leave me alone." I forced the words through my teeth, twisting my anger into them as I looked at her with defiance and confidence that I've never felt before.

Then I had realized that this was probably the first decision that I have made on my own that'll affect 'my' life.

Her voice came, cold and chocked. "As you wish."

A cold breeze blew by, and every inch of skin raised goose bumps on my body. I looked up, and Mia wasn't there. Not now, not ever again. And after all that, something still felt wrong.

I blinked as I recalled this piece of memory. Long time it was, two years. It was just one of the few memories that I remembered easily, and I wish I hadn't at times. But it was my own first step of becoming me, a person, rather than a locked up science project.

"There, nice 'n good." Bobby murmured as he placed an ice pack on my yet still burning shoulder, breaking me out of my reverie. I let out a tensed sigh as I reached to fasten the pack to my skin, adjusting the rolled up fabric with the other hand to keep it away from the tattoo. "Now, you stop gettin' yourself into trouble and be careful out there."

I nodded, flashing an apologetic smile as I got up and removed the pack to glance down at my shoulder. As I had expected, the skin around the tattoo fixed up immediately; just if it had been drawn for a long while then. I rolled down my sleeve and patted over my shoulder lightly, looking up at Bobby who seemed rather gruff…as he always is.

I wanted to tell him it was going to be fine; but I couldn't even believe it myself. Just thinking of the fact that the end of the world might be only months ahead if we don't move now –literally-…It's very disturbing and yet very sad. So I didn't smile, I didn't do any familiar gesture a human would be familiar with; I did an old Greek gesture he'd taught me once. I'd clawed my hand over my heart and pushed it outward, and with so, removing evil from the heart.

I could've sworn I saw him smile, yet his thoughts were busy, wild, scattered here and there. He imitated my gesture shortly and turned to gather his tools. Bobby isn't my first option as a person to skim through their mind, because his mind is like a freaking maze. It's complicated, and scary, and full of things that I don't want to know and things I'd be rather delightful to know.

I shook my head and turned to speed down the stairs, almost bumping into Mia but we both stepped on either side in the same moment. I smiled and nodded, but then I quickly asked. "How are Mels and Max?"

She nodded, adding a weak smile as she scratched the back of her head. "Well, you know Max's probably accepted that already, due to how he is; but Melanie…well, she never actually saw, well not technically saw, something supernatural but you, me, Cas and Max. So she's pretty much still in shock."

I nodded in understanding, "You want me to talk to her?"

She shook her, sighing heavily but then she smiled a bit. "Max's with her, glued to her side."

She started moving past me but I turned and held her shoulder, "What about you, Mia? Are –you- okay?" I asked, biting my lip then looking down, and I still heard her every movement.

"Um, yeah. Definitely." She nodded, and then she took a few steps back. "I'll go talk to- Castiel. Later." I waited until her footsteps vanished through the door frame before looking up and sighing heavily, my hands fisting at my side for a brief moment.

"What was that?" I heard Dean's muffled voice behind me; he was probably packing 'provisions' for the trip. I turned and shrugged, letting my eyes wander around for a short second before settling on the old floor boards again.

"Mara…" His tone was warning, and curious. I clicked my tongue in annoyance and shook my head, looking up at him with a firm frown on my face. "Nothing, Dean. It's nothing."

He lifted his brow curiously as he took a bite from his burger.

"Hey, why are you so curious anyways? We've got to stop Armageddon from starting; so let's put personal issues aside." I grumbled, reaching my hand to place it over the side of my neck; shifting my weight repeatedly.

"Point for you; but I'll know what's going on, sweetheart." Dean snickered and turned away, making his way to the kitchen again. I huffed in frustration; some times he can be…such a pain in the ass.

"Dean's being a pain in the ass, huh? This expression is what I see when Dean's done harassing someone." Sam said as he jogged down the stairs. I rolled my eyes and chuckled yet darkly.

"But ignore it; I mean, cheer up. We aren't only to stop a seal, but we get to meet your father too." He said, changing his tone into an optimistic one, the 'on the bright side' one. But at this very moment, I didn't know if meeting Damonhas a bright side. But then, I nodded and flashed my fakest smile ever. I'd grown to develop very convincing acting abilities.

He smiled back lightly and patted my shoulder, and again he frowned as something occurred to his mind. "But Mara, you didn't tell me you were headed to Mystic Falls…That town is vampire infested, and all hunters know that. Hell, Dean's been there with Dad once; and he surely didn't like it."

I considered what he said for a moment. Mom didn't tell me it was infested.She just mentioned that it's his hometown, where he lived a century and so ago. But vampire infested, maybe keeping that seal unbroken would be hard. "I didn't know it was, well, vampire infested as you say. I just knew it's his hometown."

It was now when I had that thought again, that Mom kept something from me. I sighed and shook my head.

"Well, we ought to be careful there anyways." He said, shrugging. "I was thinking we should fly there, we'd be there in no time and-.." He leaned closer to whisper, "Dean won't be with us to freak out on the plane."

That had me laughing; Sam once told me about a phantom traveler demon they hunted…on a plane. Dean was terrified at the moment it was mentioned, and I could've sworn I saw his neck go red. And that was the only way I could actually harass Dean.

I saw Sam shake his head with a rather proud smile out of the corner of my eyes. I guess he had a right to be triumphant; I hadn't been all jumpy and chirpy since I've been told we'd be heading to Virginia…I was; what's the word…scared? Nervous? Anticipating?

"So, what did you find on that doppelganger?" I asked as I stepped beside him towards the living room and grabbing the book Sam was reading. I scanned withered pages with my head tilted as he started speaking.

"It's a curse; and werewolves are involved. You know, the werewolf gene ones, the ones born with it." He said, and my eyes shot to look at him, to watch his expression. I kept my gaze attentive as he went on, "The legend says that vampires used to walk free in the sun and the werewolves changed whenever they wanted. But a curse was done, sealed with a moonstone. Now vampires burn in the sun and werewolves only change on a full moon."

"Wait," I asked, interrupting him for a short moment. "I thought you said vampires didn't burn in the sun; just weakened." I tilted my head confused.

"Well, I've got a theory on that. Maybe there are only a few vampires who are able to shield themselves from the spell; partially because they are still weakened by the sun. And these are the vampires we hunt, which is why we think they're extinct when the most abundant ones are very inconspicuous." He said, seeming thoughtful as he offered his theory.

"If that's your theory, Sammy, then we stick with this until it's all clarified." Dean said as he entering the room, shrugging on his jacket as he did. I sighed and put down the book, looking at Sam. "So, did you book? Or are we booking there?"

"Book? Book what? You ain't flyin', are you?" Dean asked, his eyes shifting nervously between both of us. I pressed my fist against my lips to keep from laughing and swallowed. Sam replied with a shaky tone, "Oh yes, Dean. We're flying to Virginia; you don't happen to mind driving us off to the airport in Sioux Falls?"

"Um, no. As long as you are the ones riding the flying metal bird, not me." He said, shrugging lightly as he turned to the door, probably to hide his face. Sam laughed silently and I pressed my hand harder against my lips. He looked at me over his shoulder, "Where's Mia, by the way?"

My laughter drowned out ever so slowly as I pursed my lips, tilting my head. "She said she'll go talk to Castiel." I nodded as I spoke.

"Okay, well, we're off in 10 minutes." He said, "So get ready." Dean left the room, and we heard the front door click open and shut as I kept track on the his steps, feet crunching against the pebbles, as he walked to the Impala. I looked back at Sam, who was already in process of packing; and it seemed he packed anything his hand caught.

I sped to the couch, grabbing my backpack, which actually weighed something now. Mia lent me some of her clothes and I was able to stuff a few of Bobby's books into it; well, with his permission of course. I slung it over my shoulder with ease and leaned against the armrest as Sam zipped his duffel, slinging it over his shoulder as well.

"Sam, how are we ever going to take weapons to an airport; more to that, ride a plane with them." I questioned now, realizing it just this very moment.

He smirked, seeming triumphant. "I didn't miss that, well…as far as I know; undercover FBI can take weapons with them where ever, even on a plane."

I lifted my brows in amusement, "Nice one, Sam." He smirked smugly as both of us started making our way to the door.

Sam was driving a rental car that we've taken from the airport. I stayed quiet in the passenger's seat; too quiet. So Mystic Falls seemed to be only a few miles away, and so is this so-called my father. I stared ahead through the windshield and out at the dark and rather foggy road ahead of us, motionless.

"Mara, one movement; I'm begging. Give me one sign to show that you're alive." Sam said in a rather playful tone. I shot him a glare through the rearview mirror, maintaining my sculptured position into the seat. He chuckled and stayed silent again.

I decided to finally speak; "So, tell me about this Petrova doppelganger girl." I asked, because I really wanted to know. I mean, what could be so special about her that her death would break a seal?

"Every thousand years a doppelganger is born, a Petrova doppelganger. Those doppelgangers are used in the ritual of breaking the curse, her blood is spilled on a sacrifice stone along with something to do with a witch, a vampire and a werewolf." He replied; clearly concentrated on the road ahead of him. "Not to mention that they needed the moonstone too."

"And if either breaks the curse..?" I asked.

"If vampires break it, werewolves stay cursed forever; and vice versa." He nodded his reply.

"That's what I thought..." I grumbled & sighed; sitting back into the seat with frustration as my head buzzing. Under stress and nervousness, indecision and indecision..! For the first time in my rather short life now; I was headed to meet him, for the first time of my life.

But again, Sam's voice broke me away from my little self-conversation.

"Mara...Can you- Can you see this? Who's that crazy guy..?" Sam stopped the car in front of the body which seemed as confused as I was. I leaned closer to the dashboard and peeked, eyes widening and jaw dropping in utter shock as I murmured breathlessly, starring at the young man lying in the middle of the road, gazing aimlessly at the sky.

"This is a bad joke; this is a very, very bad joke…"

Dean's POV:

I drove rather silently, undecided between weather I should turn on the stereo or leave it like that. I was relieved to have that i-thing whatever Sam put in her removed from my baby; I like my car vintage, just the way she is. I tapped the stirring wheel as I drove, sometimes even whistling.

Mia was silent, the usual. I didn't stress her for the speech. But I knew once we were close enough that she'd have to say something because she was silent, but restless as well. Toying with this, toying with that..I don't know much of Angels yet but this is not normal, not even for a human.

I felt my phone buzz, and I knew it was Sammy. I made him swear to tell me when they landed, just to make sure they were okay. Sue me, I hate planes! I didn't lift a finger to check it and kept driving full speed, on hope to get to Cicero by midnight.

I was thinking what exactly I should Lisa…and Ben as well. As far as I know, I had no idea what seal are we dealing with…or how is it going to be broken. Because Mia never spoke about it, she never told me what the seal was.

I glanced aside now to find her asleep. I resisted the urge to reach out and swipe her hair away from her face, just to get a better glance. She was short, not much, but short. She had one explosive personality for a little short one like herself. Yeah, I know much in a very short time because I take my time to study someone…

I huffed in boredom as I realized I couldn't turn on the stereo now, nevertheless sing or so. So I decided to check on Sammy & Mara, make sure they were fine. I reached for the phone from my jacket's pocket and flipped it open as I rested the hand holding it on the stirring wheel. I glanced from the road to the phone repeatedly as I flipped through the contacts. I pressed the small green button and put the phone to my ears, listening to it as it rang.

"Hey, it's Sam. I'm not here right now; leave a message and I'll be sure to call you back." I heard Sam's voice and pulled the phone away from my ear for moment before placing it back to say the message. "Sammy, tell me you're okay. And you better call back when you listen to this."

I flipped the phone shut and placed back into my pocket, hitting the stirring wheel quietly as I looked around nonchalant. I laid eyes back on the road until I heard Mia's voice, still tinged with weak & tired yet concerned. "He didn't call?"

I glanced at here shortly before looking back to the road ahead, grumbling slightly. "He did, but I didn't answer."

"Eh, you what? Why?" She sighed as she pushed her hair back, raising it into a high messy ponytail. I sulked further into the chair; maybe I should've answered the phone when he called first time.

"Yeah, yeah...sorry." I murmured so quiet as I glared straight ahead at the road. I glanced at her, only to find here starring ahead with a frown clearly carved on her face. I lifted both brows, "What is it?"

"Mara's blocking me out of her mind..." She said quietly.

"How? Didn't you say your heads were connected?" I asked, scrunching up my nose in confusion.

"Well, I'm not her official protector now. She can most definitely do anything now." She answered me in a rather irritated tone, sighing in frustration. I nodded quietly, but then I curiously blurted. "What happened back there at Bobby's? You seemed to be on a red line when you both talked."

"It's none of your business and as she told you, we can put our personal matters aside till we figure out how to stop the end of the world." She snapped back quickly and I shut my mouth, clashing teeth against each other quietly.

We stayed silent now, very silent until I finally saw an uplifting sign. Cicero was only 100 Km away. I stepped my foot further down onto the gas pedal as I drove, holding the stirring wheel tightly with white knuckles.

"Mia, do me a favor and tell me about the seal we're dealing with." I said quietly, finally breaking the long silence.

"You won't like it." She muttered.

"I didn't like hell." I replied smartly as I glanced to her shortly, lifting my brows in patience.

"6 mothers and their youngest child should…" Her voice faltered, trailing off into the nothing. My brain ran wild with possibilities when I knew it was only word to complete this sentence.

"Should die? Six mothers & their youngest child?" I growled through my teeth.

"Yes, they should die." She replied with a defiant tone, almost emotionless. It bothered me. I knew there was a possibility that she knew Lisa & Ben. I frowned deeply, staring ahead.

"And how many have died until now?" I asked, trying to maintain a calm appearance.

"Four, each." She said quietly, probably upset about the fact.

"Four? And the Angels are..?" I snapped rudely.

"Doing their best to try to stop it!" She defended quickly, turning her torso fully to glare at me. I breathed heavily through my nose, ignoring her as I looked ahead at the dark road. She sighed in frustration. I felt cold wind blow by me, and turned to check the window just to see that Mia…disappeared.

I blinked for a short moment before curling my lips over my teeth angrily, slamming my hand to the stirring wheel as I speeded down the highway full speed. So I've lost my lead, "Super!"

My phone buzzed again and I reached for it quickly this time, hopeful. It wasn't a message from Sam though, it was from Mia. She sent an address with a short note. "Meet me there." I lifted both brows and studied the address before shutting my phone and putting it back into my pocket.

It wasn't too long that I'd taken to cross the borders to Cicero. My stomach grumbled aloud, and I longed to stop for a snack. But I had to get there fast, the sooner, the safer, the better. I kept chanting that verse in my wild head, breathing heavily as I followed the instruction Mia had sent.

Finally, after rounding a corner, I saw Mia standing behind a light pole, or rather leaning against it. I parked the car quietly and glanced up at her as I got out of the Impala; she was pinching the bridge of her nose with utter annoyance. But she spoke up, her hand moving to gesture to a house only a couple of feet away. "Get them & let's go."

I glanced towards the house she gestured to, lifting my brow as I looked down at her. "That's not the house."

"Yes it is; they moved. Or so I've been told." She replied, head still lowered down. I glanced back at the house, hesitative.

"And then what?" I asked. "Where do we stay? A motel?" I crossed my arms over my chest, waiting for her reply and trying not to be smug. She lifted her head and huffed aloud, "No Dean, we're staying in 'my' house. Cicero happens to be my hometown."

I snapped my mouth shut and looked around briefly before sighing heavily. I let my arms fall to my side as I walked to the house slowly, Mia's silent steps following behind me. I went up the porch steps quietly and knocked twice on the door.

I heard quick small steps and felt the corners of my lips pull up lightly as I guessed who might be running to the door. I heard a familiar small voice behind the door, "Who's knockin'?"

"Open up, Ben. It's Dean..." I said quietly, waiting as I heard the lock click quickly. The door swung open and little arms were wrapped around my waist. I smiled and ruffled Ben's hair lightly, "Hey there, buddy!"

He pulled back and smiled up at me brightly, "Where've you been, Dean? You've promised to call & visit!" He scowled at me lightly and crossed his arms over his small chest. I sighed and nodded, "I know; I had some issues. I'm sorry. Where's Lisa?"

"Right here." I heard her voice and snapped my head up to watch her making her way to me, wiping her hand in a kitchen towel and placing it on the backrest of a chair. Her hair was scattered around her hair in a not so messy way. I raked my eyes over her, top to bottom. Worn out jeans and random shirt; same ol' Lisa. She smiled in amusement, "Dean Winchester, good to see you again."

I nodded, forcing a fake smile to her. "Yeah, you too Lisa. Um Lisa, can I talk to you? In private, outside? Please."

She lifted a delicate brow with confusion and nodded slowly, glancing down at Ben who was clinging to my sleeve. "Ben, go to your room. Now."

"But, Mom! Dean just came!" He whined, stomping his foot. Lisa was about to talk again but I held a finger for her to wait & knelt in front of Ben. "Hey bud, me & Lisa need to talk something in private. You can for us and we'll call you when we're done."

He nodded but then his eyes wandered off past my shoulder; where Mia, whom I almost forgotten about, was there. "And who's she?" Ben asked.

I looked up, catching a glance of Lisa's slightly infuriated expression before glancing back at Mia, who was leaning against the rails, arms crossed over her chest. She smiled a bit down at Ben, "I'm Mia; Dean's friend."

"Friend?" He looked at me amused, lifting a brow. "Just a friend?"

I shook my head & chuckled, "Yes, Ben. Just friends. Would you go to your room, now?"

He rolled his eyes and ran into the house again, leaping over the stairs to the 2nd floor. I watched him disappear then glanced to Lisa, who crossed her arms over her chest as well. I let out a long, frustrated sigh. "You want explanation of why I showed up at your doorstep at midnight with a girl suddenly? Don't worry; I don't need a place to stay."

"Good." She huffed her reply and lifted her brow, "So..?

"So you need to come with me. Now, you and Ben." I said seriously, sounding convincing as I could ever be.

"What? Leave with you? Why?" She asked disbelievingly, trying to keep her exclaim quiet as she glared at me lightly.

"Because we're trying to save you and your son's lives." Mia spoke quietly, menacingly, as she straightened up; taking a few steps so she was ahead of. Lisa looked at her with wide eyes, but then she narrowed them. "And why should I trust you?"

But then, before Mia could even reply. I heard familiar growls and heavy thuds. My eyes widened with fear that I've never had but for only two things. Lilith…and hellhounds. I looked at Mia who was looking around with a freaked out expression.

I did the first that came to mind; getting into the house and shutting the door. "Lisa! Get me a bag of salt! Bags! NOW!" I yelled as I locked the door and stood against it. Lisa nodded; her expression fearful as she ran back & past a door.

Mia was shifting everywhere, shutting every window. I watched her as I stayed held against the door, hearing the viscous familiar growls get louder by the second. "Mia, can't you zap us anywhere?" I yelled, my heart sinking when I felt their presence just behind this door.

Lisa came back running with two large sacks of salt before Mia could even reply. I didn't dare move so Mia grabbed one and instructed Lisa to put it around each entry to the house on this floor while she did the second floor. Lisa nodded with fear and hurried to work as Mia jogged upstairs quickly.

Lisa dropped the few of what was left around the door and stepped back as the vicious creatures banged against it. I held it tightly, digging my feet to the ground as I tried to maintain stability. She turned and ran to the stairs silently, but Mia was running down with Ben holding her hand tightly; eyes wide with confusion and fear.

"Mia..Take- Take them to the basement & stay there! Now!" I yelled. She hesitated and nodded shortly before she allowed Lisa to lead to a door across the room. I heard their steps over the loud growls until it disappeared into the dark entry. I held the door in its place and for the first in my life. I was praying. I was praying for them to go away.

A/N: I'm so extremely sorry for the late update; but we're back to school and I'm far too stressed to concentrate on anything in particular; so thankful I actually posted the chapter today and before the new TVD episode; which are messing up my Story Line by any means. Anyways, I hope this chapter is satisfying enough to you…and I'm soo glad to leave you people at a cliffhanger! ^^ Tho', I might take some time before I update again; but all you got to do is wait, will you?

Note: Dean's POV of the chapter isn't Beta'ed because I wan't planning to put it anyways. So excuse me for any mistakes because I was rushing into it.