Sam and Dean were leaving in the morning. When they thought that I was asleep, they had the conversation that I had been waiting for.

Dean stared it.

"What are you looking like that for? You look like I ran over your puppy."

"Dean, you know that Lily wants to come with us," Sam said, quietly.

"No. Lily wants to hunt with us. There's a difference."

"What, that she wants in on the action?"

"She wants to kill, that's what. She wants to help us kill monsters. Not just come along for the fun of it, not for the ride. She wants to prove herself."

"Can you blame her? She's just as curious as we are about what she can do. She'll be safe. This case is just a normal haunting, there would be no harm in bringing her. The thing's already dead. I mean, Dad started taking us on cases before we were half her age. You were flying solo by sixteen."

"We are not Dad, Sammy. We can't bring her into this."

"Dean, she was born into this. You heard Cas. She's meant to be a hero any way. Sooner or later, she will be one," Sam said.

"Is that what we are? Heroes? We don't live the life of heroes. We stop the apocalypse, and do we even get a friggin thank you? No. Heroes live the life. Us? We see all kinds of awful shit and end up either drunk or dead. She shouldn't want to be like us. We're broken, Sammy. I don't want her to be."

There was a bit of a pause.

"Have you been dreaming about... Hell, lately? Or anything bad?"

Sam asked, seeming to suddenly make a connection.

"Lately? No, thank god," Dean replied, thrown off guard and a little curious.

"Me neither. See, I should be having all kinds of... Issues with what happened in the pit, but I haven't. Not since Lily showed up. And you haven't been drinking as much. I've noticed," Sam replied.

"And you're saying that's her?" Dean asked, using the voice that he usually reserved for surprising acceptance.

"Yeah. Dean, with her, it's like we're... Less broken."

"Is she doing that on purpose?" Dean asked.

"I don't think so. I talked to Cas, and she shouldn't be able to do those kinds of things. They just seem to happen subconsciously."

There was an even longer silence. I was starting to get tired, as I noticed my eyelids drooping.

"I just want her to be safe. Just for a little longer. At least from Crowley," Dean replied.

"We can't keep her safe forever," Sam reminded gently.

"But remember the demon that we met two weeks ago? Crowley wants her, Sam. But her can't get her here. We've warded this place up more than Fort Knox. She won't have that if we go on the road. He'll find her, and then it'll only be a matter of time. We can't keep him away out there. She'll have to stay here. A least a little longer, until he cools down. I'm gonna head up now. You should too. We're leaving bright and early."

Dean's footsteps echoed around the house, as he checked the locks on the doors, and climbed up the stairs, crashing into bed.

Sam sighed heavily, then got up and checked the locks again, heading to bed as well.

They would say goodbye in the morning, and then be gone again. With them, the chance to sleep without nightmares. I had a lot I wanted to do, but all I could manage was to fall asleep, listening to the soft sounds of the house settling, as I faded.

"Tell them."

A scream. The image of a woman.

"Tell them, Lily."

Another scream, this one long into the darkness that is everywhere.

A million hands reaching for me, reaching out to touch me.

"Tell them. I know that you want to know who she is."

Another flash of the woman, smiling.

I don't recognize her, but I know she's my mother.

"Tell them. Make Castiel tell you."

The voice is Crowley's.

"Tell them. Tell them. Tell them." The chant starts with him, but with each repeat, another voice joins.

"Tell them. Tell them. Tell them."

The voices call out names, so many names. Too many names. Angel names.

"Tell them. Tell them. Tell them. Tell them." The voices grow louder, in both chaos and volume, screaming now, like the tortured souls that they are.

"TELL THEM. TELL THEM. TELL THEM."

The noise is everywhere, in my head, screaming, my ears muted to everything but the moaning cries, the angel names, the angel names, THE ANGEL NAMES-

I snapped awake, and it all stopped, the lost echoes of names circling in my head.

I waited for my own scream, but it never came, as it never did after these nightmares.

My breath came deep, filling my lungs with the cold, fresh night air.

I had to think about this. There was one thing that was obvious to me. I should not tell them. That was what Crowley wanted. I didn't want to ask Cas myself, either though. I didn't want to confront him, if he didn't want to tell me.

But, at the same time, not knowing was driving me insane.

Not to mention, if I told now, I would have to confess that I'd known that Cas knew for a month before I told on him. That would seriously hurt my trust points.

But, these dreams were my undoing. I couldn't sleep (which was, coincidentally, one of my favorite things to do). Not even the presence of the boys could keep them away any more, apparently.

There was only one thing left to do.

It was part of my plan, anyway. Just moving it ahead a little bit.

I had to go after Crowley myself.

Now. Before I lost my conviction.

The only way to summon a demon that I knew of was at a crossroads.

So what if Crowley wasn't the demon to show up?

He would be, if he wanted me out of the safety of Bobby's property so badly. I had to go at least that far, to keep away from the house. Not to mention how Bobby had threatened to skin me alive if I ever summoned something on his land. If the demon wasn't Crowley, then I would just exorcise it and keep on going until it was him.

But it would be him. It had to be.

The nearest crossroads was only a mile away.

I got what I needed, my angel blade concealed, and the stuff for the spell, and hit the road, taking my car and leaving the house as quietly as the mouse under Bobby's fridge.

Bone from a black cat. Graveyard dirt. Photograph of myself. The ingredients for the summoning had practically called to me. While they all had been in Bobby's house, they were nearly hidden, located in the most random places, away from the normal spell supplies. Through even that, I had found them with little trouble, not even quite looking.

They were just waiting for me.

These ingredients had caused everyone in the house strife and tragedy, and they were not anxious to see their results repeated.

It wasn't long before I pulled to the side of the road, and parked the car, putting everything together in a small box before opening the door and slamming it behind me.

The dirt of the center of the road felt cool and dry in my hands, the air chilled in the absence of sun.

The moon shone above, and I could tell that it was full without looking, its light illuminating the dusty road, stretching out in every direction as far as the eye could see.

When the hole was deep enough, I stood back and took a deep breath.

I was going to do it.

I was going to kill Crowley and finally be safe, finally prove myself.

I looked one final time at the picture of me in the box, a copy of the photo that Bobby had used to make my driver's license.

Closing the lid, I carefully placed the box in the ground, and used my shoes to kick the dusty earth back into the hole.

There was nothing left to do but hope.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

I jumped when he spoke, because I hadn't felt him coming. I should have been able to tell that he was there from more than a mile away. Should have seen him before I felt him there.

But I didn't.

It shocked me, the warm breath against my ear, someone so close to me that I could smell their cologne. The demon must have been incredibly powerful to have flown under the radar.

"I've been waiting," I said to the darkness around me.

There came a soft laugh from the dealer.

"I know."

He stepped around me into the moonlight, and for a moment, I wondered if he even was a demon at all. I certainly couldn't see his true form. Taller than me by quite a bit, he might have beaten out Dean, but not Sam, still what looked like an older teenager, maybe eighteen, wearing somewhat odd formal clothes. Lean and graceful, he stood with a posture that was straight and relaxed, and had dark hair that was a little bit long. He had elegant features, high cheekbones and delicate lips, although his eyes were the most stunning. They were a pure gold, deep and metallic, reflecting the light of the moon, shining with... Amusement?

Decidedly not Crowley.

"King of the Crossroads. Pleased to meet you, Lily. What can I do for you today?" He asked, using a soft British accent.

"Where's Crowley?" I asked, straight to the point.

"Busy. Your problems can't ruin all of our lives, dear. He sent me to look after you."

"And you are?" I asked, curious as to just who Crowley could trust.

"Jack. Like I said before, I'm rather important among demons. A King. You should feel quite fortunate to have me of all people assigned to your case," he said, with full confidence.

I thought about asking for a last name, but decided that it might be rude, considering some demons didn't have one at all.

"I thought that Crowley was the King of the Crossroads?" I asked, wondering why he hadn't shown.

"He was, a while ago. When he took the throne of hell, he promoted me. I never wanted the job. King of anything makes more enemies than the title's worth," he seemed so normal, just any guy who might have randomly struck up conversation.

No. Demon. Exorcise him.

"That exorcism won't work by the way. I've come prepared. I've had this vessel for some time, and I don't plan on giving it up now," as he spoke, he rolled up his sleeve and showed a dark mark on his arm. "Binding charm."

He was one step ahead. But while he wasn't paying attention, I had crept closer, and now had my knife ready in my hand, the cool metal weight just as it always had been. This was what I had practiced for.

"Just makes sending you back to hell that much easier," I said, stabbing him in the heart, the blade going in to the hilt, my wrist pushing it in with a bit of a twist and letting go, as I stumbled back a step.

He smiled.

"Oh, that's quite good. You're even better than he said you would be," he said, pulling the knife out and studying it. It left no mark, but was covered in his blood.

I stepped back, almost in shock. He should not have been able to live through that. Demon or no. An angel couldn't even live through that.

He wiped off the blood on the sole of his boot.

"Although, I must say, terribly forward."

"Can't blame a girl for trying," I responded with a smirk, searching for anything to say through my surprise.

"But I can lay blame for failing. Congratulations, you have officially not killed your first demon," he joked.

"Thanks, it means a lot," I replied, sarcastically. I realized that I now had very few chances of getting to Crowley now, without making a deal.

"Should we get down to business, then, or do I have to try shooting you next?" I asked. I hadn't brought the Colt. It had been locked up in the vault under Bobby's bed, so I hadn't wanted to risk trying to get it. I cursed myself for it now.

"And why would you do a thing like that? I'm only here to help," he replied, putting his hands in his pockets and tilting his head to the side, curiously.

"Help? With what? Transportation to hell?" I asked cynically.

"If that's what you want. But I get the feeling that you're hoping for more than a new cab." He stood back and looked at me for a moment, almost appraisingly.

"You want your parent's names, and a crack at Crowley as well, yes?" He asked, immediately somehow seeing what I was going to ask for.

"For my soul, naturally," I replied, agreeing. It was a good thing that the demon had showed up in such a great vessel. All deals were sealed with a kiss.

"That's where I'm afraid you're wrong. And such a pity too. You do have such a darling soul. I'd have loved to claim it." His face was a little sad, but more mischievous.

"And exactly why can't I?" I asked, just a bit ticked off. Just my luck.

"An expert as I am with souls, I'm afraid that yours is not yours to give," Jack replied, smiling with almost melancholy, really regretting not being able to take it.

"What do you mean?" I asked, incredulous.

"Your father has sealed off your soul to prevent you from selling it to Hell. Terribly sorry about that, but it wasn't my idea," he replied.

I sighed.

"Great. And I'm willing to bet that you're not gonna let go of that information for free." I grumbled.

"Nothing is ever free. But you can get it for a... different price," he replied, slightly mysterious, his bright, golden eyes finding mine. I knew that it was stupid, but what was worse than giving away your soul? And I could at least find out what it was before making the deal.

"What kind of price?" I asked.

"Well, I won't even mention your first option, because then, I daresay that Sam and Dean really would kill me," his smirk widened, and I caught the sense that I really, really didn't want to know what that choice was.

"But your next package is much more affordable. You see, I'm bound to Crowley with a contract similar to the one that you wished to make with me. The difference is that he's not as- kind as I am, and I have had quite enough with serving him. If you wish, you must learn how to break my contract with him and free me," he said.

"And you'll hold up your end of the bargain if I do?" I asked, carefully.

"Well, I can't guarantee a shot at Crowley just yet, but I'm not sure that you would want one just now, seeing as you can't even kill me. As for your parents, that can be easily arranged."

I liked this deal so far, so there had to be a catch.

"How long do I have?" I asked.

"As long as you like, if I have your word that you will solve it eventually," he replied, simply.

"And if I don't ever, or give up?" I asked.

"Good question. Well, I can't have your soul, so I suppose that you'll have to take my place for the rest of eternity. As Crowley's second in command." I would have to complete the task, then.

"How difficult will it be?" I asked.

"No idea. Part of the adventure. Oh, and no help on this one, or I'll consider our deal broken. Sam and Dean will have to sit out."

It seemed fair enough. Although, god knows dealing with a demon wasn't exactly meant to be fair in itself.

I took a deep breath. Sam and Dean were going to kill me.

If they ever found out.

I walked closer to Jack, ready to make my decision.

"I'll do it. I'll learn what your contract is, and break it, if you tell me who my parents are, and make sure that I can eventually pay Crowley back."

He laughed softly under his breath. "Good."

We kissed.

His lips were soft and warm, and it seemed that he held on for a few moments longer than was absolutely necessary.

Or, maybe that was me.

It felt almost like a knot being pulled, something binding us together. The deal. But after that, there was a kind of careful hunger, something somehow... Wanting more.

It was strange. Normally, around demons, I could sense their presence with a revulsion in my stomach, a sick, poisoned feeling that there was something evil near. With Jack, I didn't feel anything like that, something instead cold, but bright, alive... I couldn't explain it, except with a possibility.

What if Jack wasn't a demon?

The kiss ended, and I stepped back, surveying him with the thought, noticing the smirk he still wore over his smile.

"Alright, my dear, just hold on for the ride. Everything will be clear in a few minutes. And remember, no telling anyone about our little deal."

It hit me about what I had just done, made a deal with a demon. And now I would find out who my parents were. But-

"Why don't you just tell me?" I asked, confused as to why he was watching down the road the way I had come.

"Because this is the way that I want it," he replied simply.

I could hear an engine coming up the road.

Oh, shit.

"Oh my god, they are going to murder me," I groaned.

Jack seemed to think that was very funny.

"I doubt that they'll kill you. They'll probably want to kill me more," he mused. "Just pretend that you can't see them for now."

I turned my back on the road, just as the Impala pulled up. The passenger door opened, and Dean came flying out.

"Lil, get down!" He shouted. I ducked, and a round loaded with salt whisked over my head, hitting Jack in the shoulder. He winced.

I could tell that he was acting.

Dean rushed over and took advantage of his opponent's shock, choking Jack.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" He asked.

Jack retained his composure, but vanished and appeared a few feet away, hands in the air, in a position of surrender. Dean backed up, and trained his gun on Jack's head. He didn't attempt to move closer or tackle the demon again, maybe realizing that Jack would move too quickly.

"A public service. But since you're here, I might as well tell you who her parents are," he said, making it sound like he was hoping to negotiate for his life.

"Alright then, jackass, start talking."

Sam had gotten out of the car and helped me up.

"Well, I'm not allowed to tell, you see. But Castiel knows. Ask him."

And with that, Jack vanished into thin air, leaving me with a livid pair of Winchesters.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Get in the car. We'll talk about this when we get home."

Sam drove my car, and I sat shotgun in the Impala next to a seriously pissed off Dean, still in his pajamas.

I can't say I was even surprised by the turn of events.

The ride was not held in torturous silence, as I'd hoped it might have been.

"What the hell are you thinking, Lily? You could have died."

"Yeah, but I didn't, Dean, did I? Still here. Alive and well, just so you can beat my ass for finally trying to get some information on my parents," I replied snappily, more than a little pissed that I hadn't been smart enough to deal for only the information, not the name of the person who I already knew had it.

"Is that what this little stunt is about? Lil, we were working on getting them. We would have found out eventually," Dean replied, still practically steaming.

"You gave up! You and Sam went back to hunting. You had your shot. There was nothing to find, and nothing left for me to do!"

"There's a hell of a lot more to do before you sell your soul to a demon. And that's a fact. What the hell did he mean when he said Cas knows?" Dean asked, to no one in particular.

"I'm only explaining once. Wait until we're all inside and he can't hear us. It's hard to ward something moving," I said, as we pulled into the now familiar salvage lot.

I was marched into the house and deposited in an armchair in the living room, where Bobby was waiting, looking severely angry.

Everyone else filed in, and all eyes were on me. I began by telling them how I was warding the room to keep anyone from listening. Then I waited for their cue.

"You wanna explain yourself, Lilyanna Michaels?" Dean asked.

I sighed.

"Yes."

I broke down the walls that had been keeping all of the information in, and let go of everything. That Crowley had told me about Cas. Why I didn't trust him enough to ask Cas myself. How the dreams started when they were away, and always got worse, until my only hope of relief was to go hunting with them, or learn who my parents were, or both.

I told them about my dream tonight, the woman, my mother, screaming to me, a vision. Their anger softened as I told them what had happened, and the motivation behind my decision.

Finally, I stopped. Then I got criticized by everyone for resorting to demons for help. They still reached out to me, told me I should have come to them first.

There was a chilly silence for a moment before anyone else spoke.

"Did you make a deal?" Dean asked, the question of the hour. I was almost an accusation.

The lie was on my lips before I could think about it. In fact, even my thoughts jumped away. I figured that I couldn't tell even if I wanted to.

"No. I can't sell my soul. My father has it sealed off. I didn't even try before the demon told me."

"And you weren't going to try?" Sam asked.

"No. I was gonna kill whoever showed up, until it was Crowley. Then end him once and for all. I was about to gank that one before you stopped me." The angel blade was back in it's sheath by my hip. I pulled it out and laid it on the table. It hadn't been given back to me, just reappeared by my side.

"Idjit," Bobby muttered, seemingly giving up on being angry any longer.

"Looks like we got lucky for once," Dean grumbled, rubbing his hands into his face. Everyone was a bit sleepy now, looking at him to see what we should do. He look a deep breath, and looked up.

"I guess we've got to talk to Cas."

I dropped the warding, and Cas zapped in without invitation.

"Cas," Dean started, getting up and walking over to the trench-coated angel, and staring him down. Dean was still very intimidating, despite the flannel pajama pants. "You've got some explaining to do."

Cas looked a bit upset.

"I figured that this moment would come."

"Yeah? For how friggin long?"

"Dean, let me explain. Things are much worse than you understand."

"Well then start talking." Dean said, sitting back down, and watching Cas expectantly.

"I've known who Lilyanna's father was from the moment I saw her. After I entered her mind, that is. She is marked by him. It is invisible to human eyes, but is meant to keep angels from harming her, and even for them to come to her aid, should she be in need. And it took me longer to discover her mother. But from the vessels that her father has taken in recent times-"

"Cut to the chase. We're all getting a little sleepy here, pal," Dean interrupted, when he realized he was starting to drift off.

Cas sighed.

"I did not know how you would take the news, or how she would, but I assumed that it would not be taken well. I only hid this for all of your protection," Cas said, gravely.

"But who is it?" Sam asked. Cas' thoughts about how the news would be received did not seem to bode well with him.

"I'm warning you, you may not be glad to know." Cas replied.

We all just stared at him, until he sighed again.

"Very well."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"An archangel does not often take a vessel. Michael does even less than most. But when they do choose a vessel, they become very deeply bonded with both the body and mind of their host. In most cases, they function best if their thoughts can become one, as well as their bodies, although this was not the case for you, Sam. It is in fact, part of the reason why you were able to defeat the devil. He was not able to use the full extent of his power, because you were not in allegiance with him. However, it is my belief, that the last time that Michael took a vessel, they were aligned so well that Michael also loved the wife of the man who he shared a body with. I have discovered that on occasion, he took possession of this man, simply to look after his wife, and later the couple's children, to stop supernatural forces that attacked them, or grew too close for comfort. It was, I believe, on one of these occasions that Lilyanna was conceived."

My mind was racing. Other children? I had siblings? Brothers, or sisters?

Sam, Dean, and Bobby were still listening intently, though Cas had paused.

"Michael is the girl's father. The wife of his last vessel was named Mary. Lilyanna's parents are John and Mary Winchester."

And on that bombshell, we end the chapter. Thanks for all of the reading and reviewing! I know that Jack isn't in the series, but I have really enjoyed writing for him so far, so you're just going to have to deal. He's gonna be very important in the coming chapters. I think.

***Also really sorry about that weirdness that happened the last time I tried to submit this chapter. Like what the actual heck? Anyway, here it is (hopefully) fixed.