A'N: Honestly, I can keep on saying I'm sorry, but, I think that gets a little tiring. But, I really am sorry for these waits. Hopefully, I'll be able to get into the full swing of things. Also, there is a poll on my profile and I would really love it if you all would go and check it out! Also, this chapter is inspired by the episode Asylum in season 1, but, I made my own little version of it. Without further ado, here is the next chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Supernatural.
Tensions at the cabin were not over the top, but, it was something that was so palpable. Most of it was coming from Alex and Natalie. Both of them, whenever they were in the same room, would simply ignore each other. Not one word would be passed between them. Alex kept quiet for various reasons. She still didn't know how she felt about Natalie and the whole situation that happened a few days ago. Second, Alex was simply grieving. Keeping quiet was her own way of coping from this. Much like how Natalie has dealt with the events that happened to her over the years. And Natalie simply didn't want to bother Alex. If Alex really did hate and blame Natalie for what happened, Natalie didn't want to initiate anything else. She was giving Alex space.
The only person that Alex really had conversations with, was Dean. Alex found that whenever she talked with him, she felt, at ease. Plus, it was really easy to make up a conversation with him. Dean was someone who just simply went along with it. He wasn't the only person she switched words with. Clara and Marina were good at holding small talk and Alex finally got to really meet Caden. Although, she was dragged deeper into all of this "supernatural" stuff after learning he was an angel. That wasn't exactly something she was expecting to hear, but, she wasn't as shocked by it. After all, this was coming after the event of learning that monsters are real. Angels were good. At least, that's what she initially thought. Dean's whole rant about what the angels have done in the past really changed Alex's view on them.
"They really sound like absolute dicks."
But, Caden was different and from what she was able to gather from the others, he was there with Natalie and helped get her out. Seems like a nice angel in her book. Alex was coming to the end of her stay here. She was almost completely healed and staying her any longer isn't exactly an option for her. She already had to call her work and take off a few days and her boss has no problem with that. Since, she had just lost her uncle, which was the talk of the town at the moment, much to her dismay. It was a subject that was finally brought up, even though it made almost everyone uncomfortable.
...
"What exactly are you going to do?"
Alex looked up at Dean, who was sitting across from her at the table. Her eyes moved around to Bobby, Sam and Natalie, who were all standing towards the back of the room. "I have to go back to Omaha."
Dean gave her a cautious look. "Are you sure that's what you wanna do?"
Alex shrugged. "What else is there for me to do? I can't just up and disappear. I have friends down in Omaha who are probably worried sick about me right now." Alex lowered her gaze, realizing that she had failed to call any of them and let them know that she was safe and alive.
"Yeah, but..." Dean paused and looked back at Bobby, who gave Dean a small shake of the head.
"What?" Alex asked, having seen the silent interaction.
Dean licked at his lips before turning back to her. "The problem is that, we don't know exactly what the Leviathan's full motives are. And they've already seen your face and they know who you are."
"What, you think that they might come back after me?"
"It's a possibility."
"Why?" Alex questioned. "I don't know anything about what my uncle was looking for. I'll have nothing to tell them."
"By the way these things act, they don't care." Dean answered. "They're basically just killing machines, doing whatever the hell they want."
"Well then, I'll take my chances. I need to go down there and...settle some things. Sell the house. I can't just not go back."
"Well." Bobby finally spoke up and walked over towards the table. "At least, let one of us stick around with you, just in case."
Alex shook her head, calmly declining the offer. "Thanks, but, I don't need to have people watching me every day."
"We don't feel comfortable with you just being there in Omaha on your own." Bobby added.
"I don't know what to say then. You guys don't have to be worried about me. I'll be fine. Hopefully." Alex's voice lowered towards the end.
Dean pursed his lips into a thin line, Alex was stubborn and just the kind of attitude he's been able to encounter from being around her for a few days, he knew nothing was going to change her mind. Alex seemed like the kind of person who, when her mind is made up that's the end of it. But, when Dean turned to the others, they honestly didn't know what to say. They couldn't force Alex to do something she didn't want to and they weren't going to hold her against her will. The only thing that they could do was to let her go.
Dean turned back to Alex, eyes casted down in thought and then he slowly nodded his head. "Okay."
Alex looked up at Dean, surprised. "You're actually going to let me do it."
"It doesn't mean we like it, but, we owe it to you. Just, let us give you one of our numbers and if, anything happens, you call us."
"Like if a Leviathan comes for me and tries to kill me."
Dean paused for a moment, his eyes moving around the room, before he finally nodded. "Yeah. Like that, because, that would be really bad."
Alex exhaled and rested her arms over her chest. "Deal."
….
Alex would be lying if she said that she wasn't relieved. When Bobby suggested that one of them should stay behind with her, she actually kinda panicked a little. Despite the fact that these people have helped her, she still didn't know them hardly at all. To have them snooping around, watching her every move...it was kinda creepy. And Alex would've probably felt less safe with them around like that. But, the fact that she was going back home was both relieving and bitter. Being able to lie in her bed again and walk around in the familiarity of Omaha was a comforting thought. But, knowing that her uncle was no longer there and she would have to deal with the funeral and settling his estate and selling the house. It was all too much to really plan out in the moment. Alex just knows that once she gets there, she's going to take a day for her to rest and recuperate from all she had experienced and learned.
Everyone's stay at the cabin was eventually over. Natalie had to explain to Marina and Clara that it would be best if they stayed here for...well, she didn't know exactly for how long. The Leviathans have no idea about this cabin and Clara has so many aliases, it would take them a while to figure it out. At least, that's what Natalie was hoping for. However, this information was not received lightly by Marina. She couldn't stay in Barnes, she had a job back home that she needed to attend to.
"Well, tough shit. You need to stay here."
Natalie didn't have the time or energy to argue with her sister. Her safety was more important to than her nursing job. Clara's eventual stepping in was able to convince Marina to listen and to make her feel better, Clara had called Ethan, telling him to bring Emily to Barnes. Hopefully, that would help calm her sister down. Either way, Natalie didn't like the thought of leaving them behind, but, this cabin was practically out in the middle of nowhere. Much like the one in Montana. They'll be fine.
Then there was the matter of Caden. Common sense, Natalie wasn't going to just leave him here with Clara and Marina. That would just create an all new sense of awkwardness for the three of them. And no doubt, Natalie would be getting frequent calls from Clara and Marina about it. After speaking with Caden and making arrangements with Bobby and the boys, they all agreed that Caden would go with them to the cabin. Even though the angel replied that he had a place that he could go to.
That was a little curious to Natalie, but, she didn't question the matter any further. He was still fairly weak and Natalie was adamant that Caden come back with them. Then, after he was fully healed, he could flutter about and do what he wanted. But, Natalie ensured that there was a way for her to communicate with him. Bobby was able to get Caden his own phone and that was one of the most amusing things Natalie ever had to do. Teach an angel how to use a cell phone. It was only the basics, how to dial a number and how to answer a call. Natalie will always remember the look on Caden's face when he first attempted all of this. She only wish she had been able to photograph it somehow.
After discussing it with Bobby, it was decided that Caden would ride back to the cabin with him, in Natalie's car. Though, she couldn't help, but, laugh at Bobby's expense when she saw the look on his face. Bobby hardly even knew the angel, strengthening the notion that Bobby still didn't trust him too well. And now, he had to share a car with him for a long drive back to Montana. Not exactly something that Bobby was expecting, but, he will suffer through it. Natalie decided to ride back with Sam and Dean. Before they headed out to Montana though, they were going to take Alex back down to Omaha. Natalie and Alex sitting in the backseat together, that ought to be a real joy for everyone.
After all the bags were packed up in the car and Natalie exchanged some last words with Clara and Marina, the six occupants left the cabin. About, three hours into the drive, the two cars split up in opposite directions. Bobby wanted to try and make it to Montana in one drive, Natalie doubted he would be able to. The remaining three hours for the occupants in the Impala was quite uncomfortable and quiet. Sam and Dean, more than on one occasion, would look into the rearview mirror, at Alex and Natalie, noticing that neither of them would look at each other.
They both had this look on their faces, as if, they wanted to say something to each other, but, didn't have the courage too. Dean decided to break the silence by playing music, which did nothing, other than fill the car with noise.
Natalie merely shook her head and leaned against the window. She just wanted to be in Omaha already so Alex can be at home. Kind of made Natalie feel more like a bitch. Essentially, it sounded like she just wanted to kick Alex out of the car and have Dean drive away as fast as he can. And that's not what she wanted, it was just...so awkward.
The two hours came to a slow and painful end, when the Impala entered a highway that went around downtown Omaha. Alex was directing Dean exactly which exit he needed to take and from then on, time really flew by. The next thing Natalie knew, the Impala came to a slow and easy halt. Leaning her head away from the window, she looked out of the car windows, seeing that they were in some neighborhood. And to the right, there were a series of apartment complexes. They were actually rather nice.
"You sure you're gonna be okay?" Dean asked, his eyes scanning over the neighborhood street.
Alex had been staring at her apartment, when it suddenly hit her that she was back at home and it all felt so different. The normal world she knew was gone and there was an emptiness that she knew was the absence of her uncle.
"Yeah." Alex barely whispered an answer.
Sam caught onto this and he turned back towards her. "You sure you don't want us to stay here?"
Alex shook her head, finally pulling her gaze away from her apartment. "No, I'll be fine." She quickly assured them. Grabbing her jacket from the seat, Alex offered them, even Natalie, a small smile. "Thanks for driving me here."
Dean gave her a small shrug. "It was no problem."
Alex's smile broadened for only a second as she opened the car door and stepped out. She paused on the sidewalk, her eyes moving over the beige colored building and then moved to the side at the row of houses towards the left. Well, I guess it's good to be back.
Natalie watched the scene quietly with the boys and as Alex began to walk towards the apartment building, Natalie felt a surge rush through her body. "Hold on." Natalie opened the door and quickly stepped out, feeling her ribs pulsating, but, it didn't stop her though.
Walking around the car, Natalie stepped onto the sidewalk and walked until she was just a few feet behind Alex. "Hey. Alex." Natalie spoke, her hands fiddling with the zipper on her sweater.
Alex paused and slowly turned to look at Natalie. With her eyes staring at her, Natalie, took a few small steps closer.
"Listen..."
Natalie was perplexed at what she was doing here, standing in front of Alex. She had no idea what to say to her. Right here, staring at Alex's tired and heavy eyes, her shoulders were slumping as if she had a physical weight hanging on her. All Natalie could think of was the fact that, she did this to Alex. Natalie mentally recalled the story of Alex's parents and could only imagine what that must have done to Alex. And now, Natalie had to live with the fact that she took another family member away from her.
But, Natalie couldn't just let Alex go when the only interaction they had was the smile she gave her in the car. Natalie needed to say something before they left Omaha.
"I know that you probably hate me and that you hold me fully responsible for what happened. And you're right. All of this...is my fault. And if I had known that the Leviathan was going to track me, I would have never come down here."
Alex's gaze dropped, her mood visibly changing once Natalie began to pick at the topic.
"I really didn't want any of this to happen. I didn't think it…" Natalie couldn't finish the sentence before her own gaze fell and her head hung down. "Alex, I just–I am really, really, sorry for what happened. For..." Natalie shook her head. "For everything."
Alex pursed her lips together and then licked her lips, feeling how dry they were. This was the first time she and Natalie had actually had somewhat of a decent conversation. And after having time to begin her adjustment, Alex knew that she needed to be a bigger person, but, she didn't know if she had the stomach to actually give full forgiveness.
Clearing her throat, Alex looked up and saw how broken and guilt ridden Natalie was. No doubt in Alex's mind this whole situation has been eating away at Natalie since they came to the cabin. Part of her was glad that Natalie felt that way, because, a part of Alex did hold Natalie responsible. But, Alex knew, deep down, it wasn't Natalie's fault. It was just hard for Alex to actually agree with it.
"You know…" Alex finally spoke. "I remember telling you that I wished something big happened…you know, because my life was so slow." Alex paused and huffed out a laugh. "I never thought that this would be the case. You know, with my uncle being...gone and finding out that monsters are real. It all just kinda got thrown in my face. But, I do need to thank you."
Natalie looked up at Alex with her brows furrowed deeply.
"You know, if you hadn't come to the house that night, I would very likely be dead right now. So, thank you."
Natalie couldn't help, but, scoff at Alex's apology. "Why are you thanking me? I couldn't help your uncle...I shouldn't be thanked."
Alex smiled broadly and let out a wet laugh. "Just take the damn gratitude. Because it's honest." The demand was not harsh and it didn't hold any kind of anger to it. Her tone was actually, light, like she was trying to make some kind of joke to lighten the mood between them.
Natalie could sense it and she smiled and nodded, showing her own gratitude through silent gestures. But, Natalie couldn't bring herself to say, you're welcome. She didn't think it would be right if she did.
Alex's smile didn't diminish and as she looked past Natalie and towards the car, she could see Dean and Sam looking at them. "I think the boys are waiting for you. You guys have a long drive ahead of you."
Natalie nodded and quickly wiped at her eyes. "Yeah, we do." She said looked up at Alex.
"Take care of yourself Natalie."
The genuine care in Alex's voice was astonishing to Natalie. It was something that Natalie could help, but, admire about her. No doubt, inside, Alex was probably a storm of rage, grief, sadness and yet, right now, she was doing whatever she could to make their farewell light. Natalie gave her all the credit.
"You too, Alex."
Alex gave Natalie a single nod as she turned and walked up the pathway towards the building. Natalie remained in place, watching, silently, as Alex ascended the building steps and finally disappeared into her apartment. Natalie could feel an immense weight lift off of her and she bent over slightly, her arm pressing against her ribs as she took in a breath.
"Nad?" Sam had rolled down the window when he saw Natalie's body slumping in it's posture. "You okay?"
Natalie slowly turned around and began to walk back towards the car. "Yeah. Let's just go." She opened the car door and, gingerly, slid into the back seat. Once the door was closed, Natalie immediately laid down on the seat. "Are you going for a straight shot for Montana?"
Dean put the car into drive and took off down the road. "Probably not. We don't need you staying cooped up in a car for too long. We'll stop at a motel and let you rest."
"Okay, well..." Natalie groaned as she shifted her body in the seat. "Wake me up when we stop."
Natalie closed her eyes and could feel that she was starting to fall asleep fairly quickly. The sudden weight of something soft was placed on top of her and she quickly opened her eyes. Sam was gently placing his over her. Realizing that she was looking at her, Sam only gave a small smile, which Natalie replied with her own. Pulling her arm out from under the jacket, she took a hold of Sam's hand as he was pulling his arm back. Their hands remained entwined, small assuring squeeze came from both ends and they both remained in that position. That is, until, Natalie quickly fell asleep, to which, Sam gently placed her arm back over her chest.
Sam remained in his position though, slightly turned in his seat and his eyes were still on Natalie, even when she slipped into sleep mode. "You think she'll be okay?"
Dean gave Sam a quick look as he turned out of the neighborhood. "Who? Alex or Nad?"
"Both."
Dean's hand tightening around the wheel, even he wasn't too sure what to answer. "I'm not sure. But, hopefully, they'll both get through it."
Sam finally turned fully around in his seat, facing the front. "I hope so too."
One Week Later
Natalie's eyes slowly opened at the sound of a door opening and closing. Her eyes scanned around her room until they landed on the door, which slightly opened. She could see a shadow from the bottom of the door that was being created by the light Bobby most likely left on. Pulling the covers away from her body, wincing at her still tender ribs, she tiptoed over to the door and quietly pulled it open.
Standing near the front door, Caden was finishing up with buttoning his coat. Where is he off to? Natalie pulled the door open and slipped out. Standing behind him, she crossed her arms over her chest. "Where are you going?"
Caden froze, his fingers still holding one of the coat buttons as he slowly turned around. "Just...need to do a few things."
"Really?" Natalie raised a brow. "Because I know you can't afford to be sneaking off, especially, with someone in your situation."
Caden lowered his arms until they rested at his side.
"So, where are you going?" Natalie questioned.
"I have a location set up for myself and I was going to go there."
Natalie felt her face loosen and the scowl in her expression released. "Oh. Then you don't have to be sneaking off like this."
Caden's lips cinched slightly to the side. "I know."
Natalie's brows furrowed slightly. "How about you take me to this place?"
"What?"
"Yeah." Natalie shrugged. "Let me see it. That way I know where you'll be staying most of the time. And I could try and remember the location, incase I need to find you."
Caden was hesitant, it was a strange thing to read true emotion on his face. With Castiel, Natalie had already met him during his emotional experience while down here on Earth. But, with Caden, she was starting to see small cracks decorating this angelic armor. It was amusing to see him either surprised or confused. And it was something that she found herself getting used to, fairly easily.
"I suppose it's now or never." Caden walked forward to Natalie and reached up to touch her forehead.
Pulling his hand away, Natalie was finally able to take in her surroundings. They were standing in the middle of a room, obviously. It was barely lit and it looked completely trashed. In the sense of, this place hadn't been lived in for a while. Caden didn't have to tell her that it was an abandoned house.
"Nice." Natalie commented. "So, this is where you're going to be staying for much of the time."
"Yes." Caden followed his answer with a single stoic nod.
Natalie walked over to a worn down couch and her fingers ran over the fabric. "How did you find this place? Or, better question, why did you think this place would be a keen choice?"
"He didn't choose it."
Natalie turned abruptly at the sound of a woman's voice and she saw her walk out from one of the adjacent rooms. Natalie took a moment to assess the young woman. Shoulder length brown hair, shoulders that were set up to present a high manner. If Natalie didn't know any better, she embodied an angel.
"And this is?" Natalie asked as she turned back to Caden.
Caden motioned over at her. "This is Sarah. She's the one who helped me escape heaven."
Natalie raised her brows. "Oh. Right." She turned to look at Sarah, who made her way to the center of the room, closer to them. "You're little break out buddy." Natalie finished with a small smile, but, it was only met with Sarah's stern stare.
"Well, uh, it's nice to meet you." Natalie slowly stuck her hand out toward the angel. And it seemed a little odd to her. She never shook hands with Caden or Castiel upon first meeting them. So, this was a first for her.
Sarah stared at the hand that was hanging in mid-air, contemplating on whether to just deny the greeting. Instead, she raised her hand and took a hold of Natalie's. As she did so, Sarah tugged Natalie's towards her and pressed her other hand against her ribs.
Natalie, at first, was about to pull back, but, the sudden warmth that spread throughout her chest and torso stopped her from doing so. The irritating soreness that she had been experience for the past week, slowly melted away. When Sarah finally pulled away, Natalie couldn't help, but, run her hand across her ribs.
"Thanks." Natalie finally said.
"Caden was the one who asked me to do it." Sarah said, disregarding the gratitude Natalie showed.
And it was something that Natalie could notice almost too easily. Judging by the way Sarah was looking at her and her whole attitude, she didn't seem to be a big fan of Natalie. Of course, Natalie couldn't really think of a real reason. But, she was an angel and angels usually tended to not like her or Sam and Dean. "So, is this place going to do the job? I mean, will he actually be okay staying here?" Natalie asked Sarah, since she was the one who picked it out.
Sarah crossed her arms over her chest and allowed her eyes to roam around the room. "It should give us some time. But, I don't know how long it would last."
Now, Natalie was confused. "Wait, why is that? Isn't this place warded from angels? Doesn't that mean they won't be able to find you?"
Caden gave a small shrug. "That all depends. Sarah is still able to return to heaven. None of the angels know that she was the one who helped break me out. If they find out, they are bound to find where I am."
"And what happens if they do find you?" Natalie asked, almost afraid to here the answer.
"Most likely they will take me back and lock me away again. If not, then...it will be worse."
The mentioning of heaven only seemed to spark something in Natalie. With Castiel being gone, what exactly was going on up there? "What is the whole situation in Heaven right now? I mean, with Cas not being there, I bet there is a whole lot of confusion going on."
"It's no better than before." Sarah spoke up. "There are a few angels who are trying to win the prize of leading Heaven."
That was something that Natalie was not hoping to hear. "Does that mean another civil war?" Honestly, the last thing that needed to happen was another civil war turning angels crazy.
"Most likely." Sarah's answer was truthful, she wasn't going to soften the truth, no matter what kind of reaction it might bring.
Natalie nodded and sat down on the arm of the couch. "Who are the angels that are trying to gain this leadership?"
"There's Daniel. He's the one who has been gaining a lot more steam. He's one of the most well known angels and has the bigger influence. And then you have...Naomi. And then Yael."
"Are any of them worthy of taking the job?"
Sarah's eyes narrowed faintly. "No one is worthy, aside, from God."
This only made Natalie rolled her eyes. "Well, God hasn't been home in a while. So, just tell who you think would be best."
"I don't know."
"Okay." Natalie switched her gazes between Sarah and Caden. "Then who's side are you two on?"
Caden shook his head. "None. At the moment."
"If anything, Caden needs to stay away from all that's going on in Heaven. No doubt, Daniel would be the one to send out angels looking for him."
"Why?" Natalie asked.
"Daniel has been spreading word that Caden was in on Castiel's plan to open Purgatory. And that the slaughtering Castiel unleashed in Heaven is Caden's fault as well."
Natalie was rendered speechless at this. The way that Sarah described it sounded like how it goes in politics. There's always someone saying something damaging about another person and it becomes a vicious cyclone. "But, he didn't know. That's a lie."
"Right now, the other angels are desperate and confused. They are looking for someone to lead them on the right path and...that means believing anything they hear. Especially, if it is coming from someone like Daniel."
"I don't believe this. Is there anything that we can do to help?"
"No." Caden was quick to let down Natalie's offer. "If anything, I want you to stay out of this. You've already had enough trouble with the angels. You don't need anymore...now that the Leviathan's are out."
"Yeah."
Caden looked over at Sarah and gave her a nod. "Let Sarah take you back. Don't want Sam or Dean waking up to you being gone."
Natalie silently looked over at Caden and opened her mouth to say something, when Sarah placed her hand on Natalie's shoulder and she was back in the front yard of the cabin. Natalie looked over at the house and then to Sarah, who was standing behind her.
Sarah then began to guide Natalie over to the porch steps and they both took them one at a time. "You will make sure that he's okay, right?" Natalie asked.
"Caden is my brother. Of course I will." Sarah answered as they both stopped and turned to each other.
"I've just seen angels betray each other and I don't want that happening to him. In fact, I don't want anything bad to happen to him."
At this, Sarah merely nodded and she seemed totally unfazed by Natalie's genuine care for the angel. "You really care for him."
"He's my friend. He's saved my life several times and helped us when we needed it. I think he's proven himself to gain my trust."
Sarah could see some redeeming qualities in Natalie. Actually, she began to understand why Caden trusted her to so much. They both were the same in the loyalty aspect. And from what she heard about the Winchester's, it was the same thing. Maybe they are the right choices. But, for Caden's sake, Sarah hopes that all of this doesn't detonate before the right time. "Goodbye Natalie."
Sarah's departure was quick and it left Natalie standing on the porch alone. "Great." Natalie said to herself. "Another angel to join our group.
Natalie flipped through the various newspaper clippings that Dean had printed out and switched her gaze back and forth from the computer screen to the articles. They were currently in Ohio, after finding a potential case that involved an asylum. A few strange deaths that happened over the span of ten years caught a lot of people's attention. And just recently, about a few weeks ago, there was another one. That was right up their alley. Plus, Natalie was glad that they managed to find a job. It was something that could keep her occupied.
Especially after her little conversation with Caden and Sarah, Natalie was consistently worried about him. This angel Daniel sounded he could be a real problem, that is if he does actually find Caden and that is all depending on whether he finds out that Sarah helped him get out. Also, Natalie has yet to tell Dean and Sam about what she had found out. But, this job came up all of a sudden and Natalie decided to pull off telling them until they got done.
Sam and Dean went out to get some information on the deaths and to talk with a young woman, who was with the woman who died recently. Natalie chose to stay behind and to figure out what else she could dig up about this asylum. As she read through the articles online, she was jotting down quick notes on one of the printed out articles.
The door to the motel room opened and Natalie gazed up momentarily, seeing Sam and Dean walk in. "That took you guys a little longer than expected." Natalie looked back down at the paper as she finished up the sentence.
"Well, Sam and I went to the asylum."
Natalie looked up and gave Dean a look. "Without me."
"We just wanted to see if we could gather anything from there."
"And did you?"
"Well, we got an EMF spike, but, tell us what you found first." Sam and Dean both walked over and sat down at the table with Natalie.
"Okay, well, the asylum opened in 1905 and it was one of the best places to send people who were mentally disturbed. Well, at least, that's what people thought."
"What's the catch?" Sam asked.
"The asylum was closed in 1966 and apparently, the asylum had many lawsuits placed against them. It was reported that the patients were being abused and not getting proper treatment."
"We're there any deaths at the asylum." Dean asked.
Natalie raised her brows in questioning. "You mean amongst the patients?"
Dean gave a slight eye roll and nodded his head. "Well, any deaths that might not pertain to the patients."
"Uh, well, there have been a group of nurses that were found dead at the asylum. And it's always females...no males. And then one thing that caught my attention was the disappearance of a nurse that worked at the asylum from 59' to 61'. Apparently, it was reported at the time, that she had been doing her rounds and went into the lower section of the hospital and she was never seen. They never found her."
Dean hummed to himself. "What was her name?"
Natalie turned back to the computer and scrolled down the page a few times. "Her name was Mary Winston."
"And they never found her."
"They didn't find a body. No one really heard from her again. Although, one of the doctors kind of, supported the claim that she left her job and skipped town."
Sam furrowed his brows. "Why would she do that?"
"I have no idea. But, the explanation was given much thought and after a while, people didn't seem to question it. But, the case remained open and unsolved."
"Who was the doctor?"
"Dr. James Peterson. And, unfortunately and perhaps, ironically, he was killed just a few years after the incident."
Both brothers raised their brows at this.
"Yeah, he was killed by one of his patients. Apparently the person, went off and stabbed him to death. Though, it was probably a very just act since Dr. Peterson is allegedly one of the faculty members that was exposed of being abusive to his patients."
"That explains a lot actually."
Natalie closed the laptop and placed the papers on top of it. "Okay, now it's your turn. What did you find out?"
"Everything you said is right." Dean confirmed. "We went to the police and gained the location of this young woman who was at the asylum when this recent murder took place. She said that she saw a woman and she identified it as Mary Winston. Everyone in this town knows about her."
"Okay, so, Mary is haunting the asylum. But, why would she be the one killing these people?"
Sam shrugged. "If her spirit has been here for over fifty years, that's enough time for her to go vengeful. She probably wants justice for whatever happened to her."
Natalie nodded at Sam, but, pursed her lips into a thin line. "But, I wanna know what happened to her. Clearly, she didn't skip town, someone killed her. And for some reason, I'm betting that it was Dr. Peterson."
"What would make you say that?" Dean asked. "I mean, maybe, it was one of the patients that got loose and went on a rampage maybe."
"I don't know. What would a patient be doing in the lower levels of the hospital? I'm not talking about the main floor. This asylum has an entire tunnel system that runs beneath it. Back when it was originally built, this asylum had different buildings that were connected by this secret tunnel. They were eventually torn during in late 69', but, the tunnel is still there. No one, except the faculty, had access to it."
Dean went quiet as he took in the information. "Okay, let's say that you're right and Dr. Peterson did kill her, what was his motive? I mean this man was a freaking doctor."
"I think there is one person who can tell us."
"Who?"
"Her name is Lauren Gibson and she used to work as an assistant at the hospital. She is the only living faculty member of that asylum."
"Okay. How about you go check on Lauren? Sam and I will get ready."
Natalie walked into the public library where she learned Lauren was currently working. She couldn't help but think that it was a little amusing. She went from an assistant in a asylum to working at a library. Of course, if Natalie had worked at that asylum when it was in operation, she probably wouldn't have wanted to work in any kind of hospital after that.
Standing near the front entrance, Natalie slowly looked around the location, seeing small groups of people that were occupying various sections of the building. Natalie finally saw a few women working at the main desk and she recognized one of them as being Lauren.
Walking over to the desk, Natalie made sure to have her badge ready. "Excuse me, Mrs. Gibson?"
An elderly woman looked up at her, a smile brightened her features. "Yes, dear."
Natalie held up her badge and offered a thin smile. "I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about your time at the asylum."
Lauren's smile immediately fell and that cheery mood she greeted Natalie with, was gone. And Natalie was able to spot it too easily. "I am not sure." Lauren slowly shook her head.
But, Natalie needed to get information on Mary and Lauren was the only person you might have something useful. "I promise it won't take long." Natalie quickly assured.
Lauren continued to grow hesitant and she looked back at her other co-workers, who were all sporting genuine concerned looks for her. Finally, she nodded her head and guided Natalie over to a section of the library where they could talk in private. "What is it that you would like to know?"
Natalie took a seat across from her and placed her badge back into her pocket. "I was wondering if you could tell me what you know about the disappearance of Mary Winston."
"Why? What does that have to do with what happened recently?"
Natalie faltered in her words, trying to find a convincing explanation. "My partners and I just want to try and clear a few things up. And it all starts with her disappearance." Lauren nodded for her to continue. "If I am correct, you worked at the asylum for a few years."
"More than a few years." She gently corrected. "I started working there when I was twenty one, as an assistant. And, I won't lie to you, it wasn't exactly the best place to be working at."
"Why is that?"
"Well, the patients there were not exactly...taken care of by the doctors. Simple procedures were done horrendously, they weren't socialized properly with other patients. It was hell from what I remember."
"I'm sorry to hear about that. And Mary was a nurse there."
"One of the best. She was one of most kindest individuals I have ever met. Especially in that place. She always wanted to help others, especially, those who were mentally disturbed. People who were like that, back then, were often sent away by their families to live in asylums or hospitals. Mary was the kind of nurse who tried to make every patient feel at home."
Okay, so she was a really nice person. Natalie smiled and nodded. "What was her affiliation with Dr. Peterson?"
Lauren's mood visibly changed at the mention of his name. "Well, they worked closely together. They weren't lovers or anything, they just always had the same rounds."
"I read somewhere that it was said that Dr. Peterson wasn't exactly a good doctor."
"You mean the accusations of him not treating the patients well."
Natalie nodded.
Lauren sighed sadly. "Yes, that's true. I never personally witnessed it. But, I am fairly certain that Mary did at one point. I don't know when, but, it couldn't have been long. She wouldn't have tolerated that."
"When was the last time you saw her?"
"The day she disappeared. I was working at the front desk and she came over to me, said that she was gonna head down to the tunnels. Nurses usually had to go down there for more supplies or to find the doctors. And that was the last time I saw her. When the police came, I told them that she had gone down to the tunnels and they went down there...they didn't find her. Nothing. No trace. After a while, the investigation went cold and they stopped. They had no idea where she was."
"And what did you do after her disappearance?"
Lauren ran a hand down her face and blew out a breath. "I stayed at the asylum for about a year or so. Things at the place started to get worse. The treatments were becoming more harsh. But, I had this experience."
"And what was it?" Natalie saw Lauren immediately shake her head and Natalie couldn't afford to let this information slide. "You can tell me."
"You're going to think I'm crazy. I've never told this to anyone."
"I'm not going to ridicule you. Believe me, I've had some crazy things happen to me in the past."
Natalie's reassurance seemed to do the trick, since Lauren nodded. "I saw her. One day, when I went down into the tunnels. She was there, just...she was so real. But, I could see bruising around her neck and while I was looking at her, I saw it."
Natalie tilted her head to the side. "Saw what?"
"I don't know whether you want to call it a vision or what, but, I saw what happened to her. It was in quick successions. But, Dr. Peterson killed her, because, she threatened to expose what he was doing and all of the malpractice. And he wasn't having that. So...he killed her."
Natalie leaned back in her chair and huffed out in realization. "Killed her so that she could keep quiet. Did you happen to see what he did with her body?"
"He put her through the crematorium. Patients were passing away frequently at that time and the bodies would be taken down to be burned. No one would've thought anything of it."
"And you never told anyone about this. No one?"
"I would've sounded like a crazy person." Lauren let out a painful laugh. "After I saw that, I snuck into Dr. Peterson's office and I found a pendant that Mary wore all the time, in his desk. I didn't take it and I didn't say anything. I, honestly, didn't know what to do. I thought that if I said anything...something would happen to me. Then after he died, I just kept my mouth shut. I thought there was no point in saying anything. But, I wished I had."
"Well, you can't keep second guessing it. You did what you thought was the best choice, especially, in your circumstances."
"I don't always feel that way." Lauren stood up from her chair without warning and offered Natalie an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, but, I need to get back to work."
"Of course." Natalie followed in suit and rose to her feet. "Thank you for your time."
"Thank you for listening."
"Oh, Ms. Lauren?" Natalie quickly said, before Lauren left. "I was wondering, could you tell me what happened with Dr. Peterson's body? After he was killed."
"His body was cremated, which is what he had stated in his will. No family members were there to witness it."
Natalie nodded."Thank you."
Natalie watched Lauren return to the front desk and then turned around, pulled her phone out of her pocket and dialed out Sam's number. After a few rings, she heard the click and then Sam's voice.
"Nad, you're on."
"Hey, so I just finished talking with Ms. Gibson and apparently, Dr. Peterson was the one that killed Mary."
"Then I guess I owe you a round at the bar, Nad." Dean's voice cut through. "What was the reasoning?"
"Apparently, Mary knew about how he treated his patients and she was going to report him and the entire hospital for malpractice. When she confronted him, he killed her in order to keep her quiet. And then, he sent her body into the hospital crematorium."
"What the hell? How did this woman know all of this?"
"Uh, she said that she had some kind of...vision or I don't how to explain it, but, she was able to see what happened and I don't think she was lying."
"Okay, so, Mary is still tied to the hospital in some way."
"It has to do with a pendant. Lauren said that she found it in his office when she went snooping around. I guess he kept it as a souvenir."
"This guy sounds really twisted. So, we find the pendant and then we burn it."
Natalie bit down on her lip and went quiet. There was something about this that seemed to cut and dry. "I just..."
"What Nad?"
"I just don't think Mary is the one causing these deaths. From what I gathered from Lauren, she was someone who could never harm anyone."
"Nad, she's been trapped in that place for the past fifty plus years, by now, her spirit should have gone vengeful. " Dean reminded.
"I know, it's the case with almost all of the ghosts that we've encountered. I just feel like this time it's different."
"Okay, then if Mary isn't causing the death's, who is?"
"I don't know. I want to say Dr. Peterson, but, his body was cremated and I don't know whether he has anything at that asylum that was worth sticking too."
"Okay, well, Sam and I just got done with packing what we need. We'll be there in a few minutes then we'll head out to the asylum."
"Okay. See you soon."
Natalie walked up to the dilapidated building that was being overgrown with weeds and vines. The windows had all been boarded up from the inside and the finishing on the outer walls were beyond chipped and weathered. Just from the outer appearance, if this building could talk, Natalie only imagined what it had to say. But, the sun has disappeared and they needed to get this done.
"Nad. We got the doors open." Dean called out.
Natalie made her way over to the main doors and waited, allowing Sam and Dean to slip into the building through a decent sized opening. Once Dean was in, he held the door open and motioned for Natalie to come through, which she did.
The three hunters remained near the door as they looked ahead, not able to see anything. This whole place was the perfect example of someplace where light never touches. They pulled out their flashlights, switched them on and then proceeded to walk down the short hallway.
"This place is beyond dark. It's like no light has shined through those windows for years." Dean quietly commented, his voice bounced off the bear, worn down walls.
They made it out of the front hallway and found themselves standing in, what looked like, the front desk. There were hallways on each ends of the front area that led to where the patients stayed. Natalie looked down to her right, her light flashing down the dark hallway, hitting abandoned wheelchairs and random medical tables.
Turning back to the front desk, Natalie sauntered over to the area and found piles upon piles of papers. They were stacked every and some were even scattered on the entire floor. Reaching for one of the folders and upon opening it, she found it to be a record of patients. She scanned over the information, names of the patients, their age and their medical diagnosis.
"These are all patient records." She finally said. "It literally looks like they just left, without even taking anything."
"I'm surprised that they haven't torn this place down. I mean, if I had the choice, I probably would."
"I think they decided to keep it up for historical purposes." Natalie shrugged and then gave a disdained scoff at the end. "Like that has done any good for them."
"Alright, well, where should we try and look first?"
"Well, I read that the tunnel system got blocked off and that the entryways were boarded up. We're gonna have to find some alternate routes."
"Let's try up on the second floor, see if there might been an elevator shaft we might be able to climb down."
The three hunters tore themselves away from the front desk and walked up the main staircase, their shoes scraped against the leaves and abandoned papers that littered the floor. Their flashlights shined on dirtied white walls and casted shadows when their lights came across various objects. There was only one word that was swirling around Natalie's mind, creepy. Of course, she's been to places that are, probably, a lot more worse. But, there was always something about abandoned hospitals that always freaked her out, even when she was a little kid.
Reaching the top of the steps, they found themselves standing in the middle of a massive hallway. One that seemed to stretch on and on in both directions. They looked down the left and then the right, trying to figure out which way they should take first.
"Maybe we should split up." Natalie offered as she already began to walk down the right end of the hallway.
Dean quickly took a hold of her arm. "I don't think that's a good idea."
"We can't waste any time. We split up, we'll be able to cover more ground. You two go that way and I'll head down this way. Shout out if you find anything." Natalie's tone made it final, which Dean and Sam both, reluctantly, agreed.
A single assuring nod was all the boys received from Natalie before she turned away from them and began to walk down the hall. It's so damn dark. Natalie pursed her lips together at the thought and her eyes took a quick survey of the empty darkness around her. There was something so eerie about this place. Not one single light source from outside could stream in through those windows. They were so tightly boarded up, nothing could get through.
And the place was so quiet. Aside from the scraping of their shoes against the ground, everything around them was so mute. The slightest noise sounded so loud because of the echo it created in these empty hallways. But, Natalie couldn't help but think about all of the teenagers who snuck in here. Why in the world would they do that? This place is creepy enough as it is, but, of course, teenagers do stupid things. Unfortunately, in this case, it got most of them killed.
That only made Natalie think back on what she had learned from Lauren. Mary was a capable nurse here at the asylum, who probably was the only decent faculty member at this facility. Yes, she was murdered and it remained unsolved for half a century, but, still, putting the blame on Mary for all these killings, it didn't sit right with Natalie. Although it was about ninety percent that it was Mary, Natalie couldn't push away this gut instinct that maybe they had this all wrong.
From the other end of the hallway, Natalie could hear the soft muffled voices of Sam and Dean and it helped to bring her out of her mental deduction and questioning. Every single door led to rooms that were either empty or filled with old medical equipment. Patients living in these rooms and knowing the malpractice that went on here, sent a deep chill down Natalie's spine. The idea of what this place looked and sounded like while it was still running was a disturbing thought for her.
Natalie's adrenaline shot up when she heard a noise coming from the end of her side of the hallway. She turned her body straight, the flashlight blaring down the dark hallway. Taking careful steps, Natalie slowly raised her shotgun in front of her, taking a loose aim while keeping her light steady.
Moving her light into the rooms on her sight side, Natalie was only met with more empty rooms. Stepping halfway into each room, only served to her that there was nothing there. But, the noise happened against, further down the hallway, causing Natalie's head to snap towards that direction. Moving her aim and light straight again, she took bigger steps towards the source, occasionally turning to peer through the various open doors.
More than halfway down the hallway, Natalie stopped when she came a room-room 425 to be exact. Staring in, there was something that was appealing to her. It was like she had to go in there. Tightening her grip around her gun, Natalie blew out a quiet breath as she slowly walked into the room. She could have easily called for Sam and Dean over, but, that thought didn't even occur to her.
The first thing she noticed was that this room was bigger than any of the other patient rooms. One wall was almost entirely covered in windows and there was an empty bed spring in the corner, with the mattress next to it on the ground. Walking over to one of the windows, Natalie raised her arm up and wiped away the dirt with the sleeve of her coat. She was immediately greeted with the view of the town in the distance. The multiple sources of light created a huge cluster of brightness.
Natalie breathed out and her eyes instantly focused on the fact that her breaths were collecting in clouds of smoke in front of her eyes. She slowly stepped away from the window, letting out more breaths, which only kept condensing. Lifting her flashlight up, Natalie turned around and let out a sharp gasp at what she saw. A woman was standing in front of her, eyes darkened and neck covered in deep bruises. She recognized her as being Mary.
Natalie raised her gun in an aim and stepped backwards when the floor gave out beneath her feet. Natalie could feel her body fall through a giant hole as her finger pressed against the trigger, sending off a loud blast, before the weapon fell out of her hand. Natalie was falling in complete darkness, aside from the beam of light that was moving around viciously. A tight grip secured around her ankle and suddenly, she was done falling. Natalie felt her body stop in mid-air and she quickly looked around her, seeing nothing except her flashlight lying on the ground...above her?
It had to take Natalie a few seconds to reorient herself to realize that she was hanging by her feet. She was upside down and her arms hung loosely above her head. For just a few moments, Natalie remained still, her body swinging back and forth from the rope that was wrapped around her ankle. She tried to get her eyes to focus in this pitch darkness, but, it was no use. Natalie was hanging by her leg, in the dark and she has no idea where exactly she is.
Natalie, however, could start to feel something unfamiliar starting to creep into her mind. It was this overwhelming sense of panic and fear. She went quiet, to see if she could hear anything-there was nothing. Trapped in this endless darkness with no noise, it made Natalie feel like she was suffocating and her mind was starting to go wild. She had this sneaking sensation that something was standing right near her...watching her. That in turn, made Natalie look wildly around her, despite the fact, that she couldn't see a damn thing.
Her breathing was starting to quicken and the panic that she heard from it, made her fear escalate. Just stay calm. Natalie looked up at where her leg was being held and all she saw was more darkness. Letting her head hang back down, Natalie reached her arm up and searched her back pockets for her knife. Finding the object, she pulled it out and flipped it open. Gaining up as much strength as she could, Natalie leaned her torso up and quickly grabbed onto the rope, close to her foot. She brought the blade up and took several attempts until it was against the rope. Natalie wasted no time and began to cut the rope.
The sound of the blade cutting through the rope was made louder than it should be. With her back and arms starting to ache from trying to keep herself up, Natalie moved the blade faster and a snapping sound followed.
Natalie felt her body fall and her back made a painful impact against the ground. A small groaned slipped past her lips as she rolled to her side. Blowing a breath, Natalie could feel dust blow up in her face and she quickly reached for her flashlight. Resting on her knees, Natalie raised up the flashlight and the first thing she saw was an open door that led out into a hallway. She took a quick moment to look at the room she was in and saw that it was huge, a lot bigger than the room she was just in, before, falling through the floor.
Raising to her feet, Natalie searched the floor of the room to see if her shotgun had fallen down with her-it didn't. Most likely, it was still in the room above her. But, now, she had nothing. Only her knife was there to defend her and yet, what was that gonna do?
"Okay." Natalie breathed out and turned back towards the open door she had seen just a minute ago. Aiming her flashlight up, Natalie steadied herself as she walked over to the threshold.
Halfway out the door, Natalie moved her light towards the right and saw a long corridor and then looked to the left, only to see the same thing. As she stepped fully out from the room, it dawned on her, then, where she was.
"It's the tunnel."
Natalie couldn't help but feel some form of accomplishment. Their goal was to try and find a way down into this tunnel. Even though her route wasn't exactly what she had in mind, it got her down here.
"Okay. So. He had her pendant...in his office." Natalie looked down the right and then the left again, debating which way Dr. Peterson's office would be. In a quick manner, Natalie pulled her phone out from her pocket and went to try to call one of the boys, only to find that her connection was lost.
"Great." Natalie slid her phone back into her pocket and then turned left, thinking that she would start off going that direction.
The tunnel was probably the worst part of the building, feature wise. There were empty gurneys and oxygen tanks, lined up against walls and scattered all across the tunnel. The silence down here was a lot more disturbing than what they got up on the high levels. Natalie immediately remembered back on what Lauren had told her, about bodies being taken down this tunnel to the crematorium, daily. Natalie swore that she was having brief flashes of what that would've been like. Nurses wheeling gurneys down this tunnel with dead bodies lying on them, taking the bodies to their last destination.
Natalie slowly shook her head, to rid the images from her mind and forced herself to focus on the task in front of her. She still needed to locate Dr. Peterson's office and with the number of rooms she's already passed, Natalie was starting to doubt that it was down this side. Finally, towards the end of the hallway, Natalie came upon a room that looked like it could pass off as an office. There was a very dirty desk and a few shelves that were now housing worn down books and nearly destroyed folders and papers.
Walking in, towards the left side of the room, there was a gigantic hole in the wall that led into another room, but, Natalie was quick to disregard it. Her eyes were on the desk and that's where she bolted to. Opening the drawers, Natalie shuffled out folders and papers, keeping the image of Mary's pendant fresh in her mind. Drawer after drawer, Natalie threw out all of the contents, sifting through objects so old that she couldn't even tell what they were anymore.
On the last drawer on the right side of the desk, seemed to be the jackpot for Natalie. The only thing in there was a single leather bound journal. Natalie creased her brows as she reached down and pulled it out. Placing it down on the desk, she gently wiped away the dust and saw Dr. Peterson's name imprinted on the front cover.
Pulling off the strap, Natalie opened up the journal and skimmed through the pages and her mouth fell open. There were entries by Peterson, writing down various accounts of what he has done in this asylum. Not to the patients, but, to the various nurses that worked here. Natalie only had to count five to know that they definitely got their choice wrong in who was responsible for these deaths. And towards the middle of the journal, it was Mary's pendant, nestled between the pages.
"It's Dr. Peterson."
Natalie let out a huff when her body froze at seeing it condense in the air. Slowly looking up, Natalie could see a figure step out from the hole. A dirtied white lab coat that was covered in a decent sized blood stain. Natalie was frozen in plain fear, her eyes slowly sauntered over to the door, which was barely being illuminated by her light, which was still on Dr. Peterson.
Finally, she looked back over at him and gave a small smirk. "Is this yours? Is this why you're still attached to this place? You like killing women huh? Well aren't just a sick bastard."
A deep, devilish smirk appeared on his face.
"Nad!"
Natalie's head snapped up at the sound of Sam calling her name. Finally, they managed to find where she had fallen through, but, there was no way she was going to have them come down here. Her eyes moved back over to Peterson, who had also heard the call, but, his smirk only grew.
"Fine. You want this?" She asked, gesturing at the journal on the desk. "Then come and get it."
Natalie picked up the journal and dashed out of the room. She kept her light pointed straight ahead. Her heels pounded endlessly against the concrete floor and her chest heaved with heavy breaths that slid out her throat. The image of Mary standing in front of her, made Natalie come to a quick halt. Turning around Natalie began to run back where she had come from. That was probably a stupid idea, but, she didn't have her gun and she had no way of defending herself.
However, Peterson was come at Natalie from that end and she came a complete stop. Shit. Are they working together? Natalie backed up, knowing that she was heading back towards Mary's direction.
"Go." A garbled voice appeared behind Natalie and a hand grabbed her by the shoulder, flinging her backwards.
Natalie landed on her back and slid across the floor a few feet before coming to a stop. But, she didn't stay down for long. She was told to go and that's what she's going to do. Natalie quickly pushed herself back up to her feet and took off running. Sam and Dean's calls were becoming clearer and when she knew that she was getting close, she decided to try and call back.
"I'm here!" Natalie called out as she turned into the room where she had been hanging from her leg. Looking up through the hole she had fallen through, she could see Dean and Sam peering down, their flashlights nearly blinding her.
"Nad. You alright?"
"Just hold on."
Natalie placed the journal into her coat pocket and took a quick check to make sure she had everything. Looking back up, she could see that the rope was now in Dean's hands and she placed the flashlight in her mouth. Jumping up, Natalie grabbed the rope with both of her hands and pulled herself up until she was about halfway up the rope.
"Pull!" Natalie called out, except it sounded more like a loud groan than a word.
Regardless, Sam and Dean both began to pull the rope, at a fast rate, which Natalie was slightly surprised at. But, she was glad for it. She didn't want to stay in that hole any longer. Once she was close enough to the opening, Natalie pressed her hands against the ground, surrounding the opening and began to push herself out. Sam quickly grabbed a hold of her arm and helped her all the way out.
Natalie leaned against Sam, only enough to settle herself back on her feet. Once she did so, she pulled the flashlight out of her mouth and let out a few heavy breaths.
"What the hell happened?" Dean quickly asked.
"I, uh, I came in here because I heard something and, uh...Mary was here and I just...fell through that thing." Natalie pointed her flashlight at the opening. "The floor literally just gave out beneath me and I fell and my ankle got caught in that rope."
"Where were you though?" Sam asked, his hand was placed on her shoulder.
"I was in the tunnels and I cut myself loose and...Mary is not the one who was responsible for all the deaths here."
Sam and Dean both raised their flashlights at the same time, the light blared in Natalie's eyes and she squinted. "Who is it then?" Dean questioned.
"It's Dr. Peterson. I found his office down there and...I found this in his desk." She pulled out the journal from her jacket pocket. "This is what he's attached too. I found Mary's pendant in here and she wasn't his only victim. He wrote down all the times he had killed nurses here."
"Well then this guy is more psychotic than we originally were lead to believe." Dean commented.
"Yeah. But, we gotta burn this thing."
Dean began to lead the way out of room. "I saw a small trash can we could use to burn the thing." Sam and Natalie both followed in suit, their lights bouncing everywhere as they walked down the hallway back towards the main area.
"You sure you're okay?" Sam asked again, since last time he didn't really get a direct answer from her.
"Yeah." Natalie nodded, though it was probably too dark for Sam to notice it. "Just a little jumpy that's all."
Dean searched around the desk until he was able to locate an old waste basket. "This will do." He walked around to the front of the desk and placed it down.
Natalie walked over and went to place the journal into the basket, when a sudden force threw her back and her body made contact with the wall. Slumping to the floor, Natalie laid against her stomach as she heard Sam and Dean were getting thrown around. Grabbing her flashlight, which was lying a few feet away from her, Natalie shined it over and saw Peterson making his way over to her.
Natalie began to scoot her body away from him and her free arm began to reach for the journal, except-where was it? Natalie looked around and couldn't find the damn thing anywhere. It must've slipped out of my hand. But, where? She turned her attention back over to Peterson who quickly reached down and grabbed her by the jacket collar.
Slamming her up against the wall, his hands moved down and encircled around her neck, tightening in a vice grip. Natalie felt her throat constrict, her airway growing smaller and the air moving through was almost cut off entirely. She dropped her flashlight, hearing it crash against the ground as she moved her arms against his chest, to push him off.
A sharp blast resonated off the walls and Peterson suddenly disappeared and Natalie gasped in a breath, her hand flying up to her neck. Looking over, she saw Sam lowering the shotgun and she nodded in her thanks. But, she quickly went to finding the journal. That shot was only going to hold him off for a little bit. They had to find the journal and quickly burn it before he came back.
"I lost the journal. I fell out of my hand when he threw me." Natalie informed the brothers, who both immediately, began to search for the thing.
Natalie searched around the desk, thinking that it might have slid over there, but, she didn't find it anywhere near it. Natalie raised her flashlight to a corner section of the area and saw a huge crowd of wheelchairs stacked against each other. Running over, she searched frantically between the wheelchairs, moving a few out of the way. She finally spotted the journal sitting under one of the wheelchairs and she quickly picked it up.
"I got it!" She called out as she ran over to the wastebasket. Placing the journal into the basket, Dean quickly poured lighter fluid over it.
"Guys." Sam spoke up and they all saw Peterson walking towards them from a shorter hallway in front of them.
Natalie quickly took the lighter from Dean, flicked the lighter a few times before she finally got a flame. Looking up at Peterson, who was still advancing towards them, Natalie finally threw it into the wastebasket, which quickly erupted in flames.
Peterson stopped dead in his tracks, his face contorting into agony. His arms light up with a fiery glow that streamed like veins, which gradually made its way up his neck and soon his entire body burst into flames. Soon there was nothing but a faint dust that had dispersed in the air.
Natalie's hand reached into her pocket and pulled out the pendant. Holding it in her palm, Natalie couldn't help, but, think about what happened down there in the tunnel. Mary had helped her. Thank you. Natalie silently conveyed her thanks before tossing the pendant into the fire. If anything, at least now she could be at rest.
"Well, then." Dean finally spoke, causing Sam and Natalie to look over at him. "I think it's official that this place can probably be taken down."
"But, they want to keep it up for historical purposes." Natalie lightly argued back, to which Dean merely rolled his eyes. Even though Natalie couldn't see the act, it wasn't too hard to know that it had happened.
"Let's get out of here. I heard that there's this little thing going on in one of the bars downtown. Why don't we go and blow off some steam?"
"Sounds good to be. But, first, we need to stop at the motel."
Dean turned on his light, right in Natalie's face. "Why?"
"Because I smell like this place and I wanna wash it off." Natalie pushed Dean's arm away, effectively getting the light out of her eyes. "You two probably should as well."
"I think Sam and I don't smell that much. I mean you were down there in the tunnels. I could only imagine what that must've been like." Dean retorted.
"God, don't remind me of that."
So how did you all like it? Don't forget to check out my tumblr and come say hi if you would like too!
Review Responses:
Guest: Your review seriously made my day! The word count on this story kind of blows me away every once in a while. I never usually write this much!
Sarahmichellegellarfan1: I hope that updates will start being quicker too! I seriously have no idea why I am having such a hard time with getting these chapters done. But, I do hope you liked this one!
January Lily: Don't worry about it! I totally understand! I know what you mean about those Satalie moments, every time I get a chance to write one I take full advantage of it. I can't get enough of them. Alex is my baby, I love her so much. And I do have a a few chapters where Alex and Nad go up against a few things and those will be really fun to write. And Caden is going to be needing lots of love, especially with what I'm going to do with him! And the sequel ideas won't stop! I just want to write it so badly!
Marloweee1856: You don't have to worry about it sweetie! I completely understand. But, I am so glad that you love Alex. She is my baby and I can't wait to write more of her. And of course, I can't wait for her and Dean to develop a real relationship. FORESHADOWING! I HAD TO PUT THAT IN! The twins can't get out of my head and I really just want to put them into this series, but, we shall have to see. Yes. Caden. The fact that you have so many questions makes me really happy. I will say this, to put your mind at ease, he is not planning anything to hurt Natalie or the Winchester's. In fact, in this story, he will begin to not want to go through with it, considering the direction that Naomi will want to take it. But, this whole thing with Caden and Sarah will be the huge story arc in season eight that involves Natalie. And Sarah was an angel that I didn't want you all to fall in love with right away. So, I'm glad that you're a little skeptical about her.