Dean woke up in the early hours of the morning.

John turned the light on and placed a boxed breakfast for each of them on the motel table.

Dean rolled over to reach for his phone but his hand brushed something fuzzy. He sat up and snorted loudly. A stuffed skunk had been placed in the spot that his phone had been in. "Very funny." He picked the skunk up to throw it across the room and into the trashcan. He inhaled sharply and jumped out of bed. "Son of a bitch!"

John didn't say anything.

Dean had gotten a handful of the swamp slime when he squeezed the skunk. "Damn skunks." He growled in frustration as the goo had spread down his arm. He gagged as he picked the skunk up off the ground and dropped it into the trashcan.

John sipped his coffee as he listened to Dean grumbling loudly from the bathroom.

Dean returned to the main room after washing the vile substance away. He sat down to eat and swore when the fork slipped from his hand. He switched hands and ate lefthanded. He grumbled as he ate. "Damn kids."

John finished up his breakfast and discarded the trash. "Finish up. We are going back to that house to make sure everything is good."

Dean looked at the time. It was early where they were which meant it would be even early in Sioux Falls. He had a particular best friend and two kids he needed to talk to.

John knocked on the older couple's door. He heard shuffling and stepped back as the door opened. "We would like to do one last sweep to make sure your problem is gone for good."

The man nodded. He thanked John and went to wake up his wife.

Dean caught up with John and looked down into the well. "So why did a witch settle here? It's not like a wide open swamp." He looked toward the house. "You haven't seen the wife, have you?"

"No." John said.

"You don't think….." Dean squinted his eyes. The lights were on in the house and he saw the man's shadow followed by a shorter shadow. Maybe the old lady wasn't a swamp witch and they hadn't torched the old guy's wife the night before. He lowered the drone back down the well. He saw remnants of the vines but they were shriveled and drying up. He looked at the shells on the floor of the well and got John's attention. "Were those at that house in the swamp?"

"Yes." John said.

Dean kind of wanted to grab one but he wasn't going to get anywhere near the dreaded swamp slime.

John stood up and gave a short wave to the elderly couple. "From what we can see, she is gone."

"What about those kids?" The man asked.

John rubbed his head. "We didn't see any sign of them but no more kids will get drawn into the well."

"We will have it filled up within the week." The woman said. "Those poor souls."

Dean pulled the drone out of the well once they were back inside the house. He packed it into it's container and carried it back to the car. "Where now?"

John scratched his chin. "Bobby's friend."

Dean drove behind John for an hour before John needed fuel. He filled up baby and leaned against her door. He called Caleb first. "Being a bit of a little bitch, aren't you?"

Caleb laughed. "I'd say we are even."

"How?" Dean asked.

"What do you mean how?" Caleb asked with a snort.

"Filling a skunk with that stuff. That is a low blow." Dean said.

Caleb grinned. "I had some help."

"From who?" Dean asked with narrowed eyes.

"Your family is easily turned against you." Caleb said.

"Kate." Dean growled. "I'm going to call her."

Kate opened her eyes when her phone vibrated against her desk. She sat up and answered it.

"Katelyn." Dean said, evenly.

"Hi." Kate squeaked.

"Siding with Caleb is bad enough but using your teleporting ability is serious." Dean said.

Kate kicked Taylor's bed. "Dean, I didn't teleport."

"Zip, zap, fly, what ever you want to call it." Dean said.

Kate swallowed. "You've got to believe me. I'm being framed."

Dean shut his gas tank and took a seat in the car. "You cannot seriously claim you had no part in this."

Kate bounced on her toes. "I didn't! Caleb lied."

"Pranks are fine. Just know that payback sucks." Dean said.

Kate whined. "This time I really didn't do it."

Dean shut the car door. "Who then?"

"Dad." Kate hissed.

Dean saw John walk out of the gas station. "Maybe he used the slime but you gave him the skunk."

"He had two of them." Kate said.

Dean didn't believe her. "Taylor, do you have anything to say before I come home and kick both of your butts?"

Taylor rubbed his eyes. "We didn't do anything. Use your hunting skills and figure it out."

Dean was quiet as he worked through the previous day and the current morning. "Dad." He looked at his hand. It still had residue on it. Would John help Caleb with a prank if they were still hunting? Surely, he would think about that. "If you are lying to me I'll count it as a serious lie."

Kate crossed her heart. "I promise I didn't do anything this time. Caleb set us up as retribution to putting it on his truck."

Dean considered Kate's story. "How did you get the skunk here?"

"I didn't! Dad bought more than one." Kate said.

Dean drummed his fingers on his steering wheel. "I will call you once I am done with my investigation."

(Caleb's house)

April noticed Caleb looked a little giddy.

Caleb told her about the pranks.

"Oh you didn't do that!" April said in response to him framing the kids.

"I used an opportunity that was handed to me. I said to fill his boots. John just planted a stuffed animal instead." Caleb said.

April playfully shoved him. "You are setting a bad example."

Caleb tapped the side of his head. "I'm showing how to use your skills to dig yourself out of a situation."

April was amused. "I want no part in this."

"No, you are off limits." Caleb said. He picked Lauren up when her eyes opened. He felt like he was missing so much while he was at work. He kissed her head and spoke softly to her.

April melted when he did that. Lauren already had him wrapped around her finger.

Caleb handed Lauren off to April and kissed April as well. He checked on the boys and made his way out to his truck to go to work.

(Stanford)

Jess had gotten a little jumpy. She thought she saw a few weird things while on campus but she wasn't as observant as Sam was. She didn't really hang out with anyone besides Sam. It was possible that she just saw demons everywhere due to her life being saturated with them. She woke up earlier than she usually would. She sat up. Sam wasn't beside her. She heard a faint sound and crept down the hallway. She didn't see anything but the spare room's door was cracked. She took a deep breath and worked up the nerve to open the door a bit more. She turned on the light and heard something move behind her. She swung her choice of weapon and felt it connect with whatever was behind her.

Sam grunted and grabbed his stomach.

Jess's eyes grew wide. "Oh god, Sam I'm so sorry."

Sam slid down the wall. "It's okay."

Jess knelt beside him. "Sammy, I'm sorry."

Sam caught his breath. "Are you okay?"

"Yes. I got scared. I thought something was in the house." Jess said.

Sam straightened his back and dropped his hand from his stomach. "It is just me."

Jess frowned. "I know that now. I saw this room was open and it usually isn't. I thought…"

"Milo smacked one of his toys under the door. He was making noises so I woke up and opened the door for him. Then I went to get a snack." Sam said.

Jess buried her face in his shoulder. "I didn't mean to hit you."

Sam had her help him to stand. "What did you hit me with?"

Jess held up a small bat she had gotten on a school trip when she was younger.

Sam rubbed his stomach. "I wonder if I have Louisville slugger imprinted on me." He saw her face and hugged her. "I'm not angry. So much for you staying safe and me handling the scary stuff though."

Jess sighed. "You weren't there."

"And I spooked you." He pulled up his shirt. "Look, I'm fine."

Jess still felt bad.

"You did what I would want you to do if you couldn't stay safe. You reacted quickly. Don't be mad at yourself." Sam said. He wiped a tear from her eye. "That's not going to do much against a demon."

Jess shot him a look. "You'd be in bad shape had I picked up a knife."

Sam pulled her into the bed with him. "Are you out of sorts?"

"I keep thinking I see demon signs." Jess said.

"Show me. I think I start seeing them when things are going too well." Sam said.

Jess shifted so that her head was in the crook of his arm. "Announce yourself next time."

Sam smiled. "I will. You've got a hell of an arm."

Jess lifted her arm up to show him her bicep. "I should probably workout more." She gasped and startled. "Milo!"

Sam moved Milo from atop Jess's feet. "We are going to do something so that you aren't so tense."

Jess scooped Milo into her arms. "Does it involve exorcisms?"

Sam squeezed her. "No. I can look around campus for demon signs but after class we are going to have a nice meal and not think about demons."

Jess wasn't sure she could shut that part of her brain off. She felt like she was in a scary movie and the creepy music had started to play. "That sounds great, babe."

(Dean and John)

Dean didn't mind being on the road at all. He could live behind baby's wheel. He had gotten a speeding ticket or two, or six, since he started driving. It was one of those things that John didn't condone but didn't get angry about as long as he wasn't being reckless. Truthfully, John had a lead foot too and did his best not to be a hypocrite.

John spoke to Bobby's friend while he was driving. He was puzzled with her situation. Bobby trusted her though.

At a rest area on the outside of town, Dean pulled his car beside John's truck. He grabbed coffee and went back to lean against the car. "I have a question."

John shut his truck door. "What is it?"

"Did you stab me in the back?" Dean asked.

John smirked.

"A skunk. You bought a damn skunk?" Dean asked.

John shrugged. "I figured it would come in handy."

"I was set on strangling both Kate and Taylor." Dean said.

"They didn't help." John said.

"You framed them." Dean said with a snort.

"Caleb framed them." John said, opening his toolbox.

"I have been a good and loyal son and you turn on me in the worst way." Dean said. He was amused with the joy on John's face.

"I'm reminding you how it feels so you don't repeat any of your other mistakes." John said.

Dean shook his head. "This isn't a life lesson. This was cruel."

John tossed him a notebook. "Your hand is fine now."

Dean scratched at his palm. He blew air through his nose. "I knew Caleb wasn't smart enough to plan that."

"He wanted me to fill your boots." John said.

Dean's head snapped up to look at John. "I'm going to kill him."

John shut his toolbox and positioned his gun in the back of his pants. "Wait until after we figure out what is going on over here."

Dean squinted his eyes as he read a page that John showed him. "Look me in the eyes and tell me we are not going to run into a dragon."

John didn't meet his eyes. "I don't know."

"There are no flying dragons. People would see them. Maybe in fairyland but this is the middle of a big city." Dean said.

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself?" John asked.

Dean handed the notebook back to John. "I have come to grips with a lot of stuff lately. I mean, we have two kids with super powers. Angels are real. Dragons though?"

"Well we wont know if we are going to stand here all day talking about your feelings about them." John said.

Dean grunted and stepped back. "Lead the way." The college they arrived at looked like a place Sam would like to go. It had historic buildings like Stanford did. He followed John up a set of stairs and into the foyer of a large building. He could hear talking that sounded like a lecture being given on something he wasn't interested in.

"Her office is back here." John said.

Upon entering the office, Dean was struck by the thought that he knew why she and Bobby were friends. Floor to ceiling books and artifacts. If Karen hadn't returned from Heaven, he thought that the entire house would eventually be swallowed by lore.

A woman that introduced herself as Dr. Visyak welcomed them into the office. "I'm so glad you made it. Here, these are the photos that I have gathered."

John sat in a chair opposite her desk and looked through the photos. They were taken from a security camera and not very clear. Two different missing people were seen in the photos so it was likely that Dr. Visyak was on the right track.

"So you think dragons are picking people up and taking them to a castle somewhere?" Dean asked.

Dr. Visyak smiled brightly. "Perhaps not the dragon that you are thinking of. All myths have a shred of truth in them. I have something that this type of creature may want and that is why I think they have settled here, or around my house." She grabbed her coat and tilted her head toward the door. "I have more at home."

The professor's house was far grander than John or Dean imagined.

"They must pay you well." Dean said, looking around at the glass cases that held different artifacts.

Dr. Visyak hung her coat on a hook. "They do but most of this has been years of hard work and investing."

Dean leaned over to look at a strange blob.

Dr. Visyak cleared her throat. "That is a shrunken head."

Dean stepped away from the case. He started to ask why she had a head but the look on John's face told him not to.

Dr. Visyak opened a heavy set of doors. "Not all of my collection is on display." She turned on a massive screen and used a remote to switch between images. "As you can see, these people have returned several times and seem to be trying to figure out how to get into the house."

John agreed with her assumption. "How long has this been happening?"

Dr. Visyak sighed. "I aquired a new item a few months ago. Shortly after, I started to notice that things weren't quite normal around here."

"Like co-eds being found burnt to a crisp?" Dean asked.

"Exactly. Police think that it is a serial arsonist but I think differently." She landed on an image of an old manuscript. "I believe we are dealing with a sort of demi dragon."

Dean crossed his arms but looked at the screen. "So, are we looking for an iguana or something?"

John lightly kicked his foot. "Do you think the people in those photos are…. Demi…. Dragons."

"There are accounts of a tribe or sect of people who were said to have the ability to control winged creatures. They stayed to themselves and only dispatched the creatures if they were under attack. These accounts were found in Greek literature. Drakon was the name of the people. It is believed that outsiders began calling the creatures dragons. Not much is known about what happened to the Drakons. I personally think that an army took them out. Let's jump to the medieval times. Reports of humans with jagged teeth and breath of fire started to pop up in England. The word dragon comes up again and it may be that the surviving villagers fled and settled in England." Dr. Visyak explained.

John rocked back on his heels. "So did they wreak havoc?"

"Yes, they did. They robbed and murdered many people. Charred bodies were found in forests and caves. There is a single account that is supposedly from one of the Drakons. I have no way of proving it but the scroll was found deep in a cave. It had been protected from air and greedy hands. These people could be dragon/human hybrids."

Dean furrowed his eyebrows. "How the…. Was the dragon the mom or dad?"

John smacked his head.

Dean rubbed his head. "A hybrid is a human and a creature right?"

"It can be. It may be that they wanted the power of their creature and found a way to gain a few of the powers." Dr. Visyak said. She shut the screen off and lead them down a long hallway. "I got the scroll and the item at the same time. This is why I believe that they want it."

Dean blinked rapidly as light flooded his vision. Behind a glass wall was a large boulder with a sword in the center of it. "Is that Excalibur?"

Dr. Visyak smiled. "No. Of course not. It is the sword of Bruncvik. It is the last of its kind and I paid a pretty penny for it."

Dean pressed his hand against the glass. "What do you want us to do?"

"Remove it from the stone, slay the creatures that have been terrorizing my city and take the sword to wherever it is that you take items to keep them safe." Dr. Visyak said.

John cleared his throat. "Where is that?"

"Bobby told me about a place that you have. He said it was well warded. I am afraid even the most expensive security system is going to fail eventually." Dr. Visyak said. She opened the door and allowed them to go inside.

Dean grabbed the handle of the sword and pulled upwards. The sword did not budge. "Huh, just give me a minute."

John didn't say anything as Dean nearly burst a blood vessel in his eye from pulling on the sword.

"It appears to be held in place by magic." Dr. Visyak said.

John already had a plan. "Taylor."

Dean wiped his face with his shirt. "What about him?"

"He could break the bonds of the rock." John said.

Dr Visyak held her hands up in front of her. "Bobby told me that you have two remarkable children but did not tell me what type of abilities that they have. I don't need to know. I can busy myself upstairs."

John made the phone call to Kate and waited for her and Taylor to arrive. He appreciated the privacy that the woman was giving them.

Kate purposefully landed right behind Dean and grinned when he jumped.

"Cas does that. You don't need to." Dean said. He showed Taylor the rock. "Do your thing and loosen that up."

Taylor touched the rock. "We just need to get it out, right?"

Dean put a hand on the back of his neck. "If you so much as think about grabbing it I will end you."

Taylor scoffed but focused his energy at the rock. He could feel something shifting but the spell was making it more difficult for him to manage. He hissed and clinched his jaw. "Grab it!"

Dean jumped on the rock and yanked the sword out just as a wave of electricity knocked him backwards.

Kate gasped and checked on Dean. "What was that?"

Taylor groaned. "I couldn't hold it back."

Dean got up and grinned. He had the sword in his hand. He looked down at his left hand. "Oh, shit."

Kate grabbed his hand. "Oh my god, Dean."

Dean pulled his hand back. "You aren't healing this."

Kate was dumbfounded. "Why?"

Dean wrapped part of his shirt around his thumb. "I got this from pulling a freaking sword from a freaking stone." He tilted the sword in his good hand. "She ain't Excalibur but she's pretty."

"Son, if you plan on meeting women and showing them that scar as a means of wooing them, I don't think a grown man claiming to have pulled a sword from a stone will have the effect you think it will." John said.

Dean narrowed his eyes. "It is true though."

Dr. Visyak ran down the hallway. "We have company."

Dean ran up behind her, followed by John. He swung the sword just as someone broke through the window.

There was a total of seven of the odd creatures. John knocked one out and shot another.

Kate and Taylor traded looks.

Dean saw the creatures start to slip and gather to one side of the room. He met eyes with Kate and quickly got rid of them.

Kate grinned at John. "Look how helpful I am! I didn't even jump into the fight."

Dr. Visyak was wide eyed.

Kate cringed.

"Your secret is safe with me." She looked outside. "Please get that somewhere safe so no more of those things show up."

"Do you need help with the bodies?" Taylor asked.

John needed to act quickly. "Dean, take Kate."

Kate yanked Dean with her to the bunker. "So much better than driving."

Dean found an open box with warding on it. He placed the sword inside and locked the box before locking the room it was in.

Kate rolled her eyes. "At least let me sew your thumb up."

Dean followed her to the infirmary. He messaged John to ask if they needed to zap back.

Taylor was told to dig a hole in the backyard. He moved the bodies with John's help and threw them into the deep hole. He reached out and touched a stick, letting embers from on the end of it. Once the flames built, he dropped the stick into the hole.

Dr. Visyak thanked them. "May I ask, are you…"

"Human?" Taylor asked. "I ask myself that every day."

John cleared his throat. "He is human but has abilities."

"That is fascinating." Dr. Visyak said.

Kate returned with Dean. She had glued the pad of his thumb and wrapped it neatly.

"Both of you can head home." John said.

Kate frowned. "You don't want me to make sure there aren't more of those things?"

"I think they are all gone." Dr. Visyak said pointedly.

Kate caught something out of the corner of her eye and went over to it. "Can you tell me about this one real quick?"

John was mildly annoyed. He and the boys checked on the fire pit and covered it with dirt once all of the bodies were sufficiently burned. It seemed that the fire that came from Taylor burned hotter than normal fire.

"You know, most people who find out about us get their memories wiped." Kate said, looking Dr. Visyak in the eyes. "However, I think it won't be necessary this time."

Dr. Visyak raised an eyebrow. "How have you reached this decision?"

Kate swallowed. "You aren't human either."

Dr. Visyak looked alarmed for a moment but relaxed. "I have a few upgrades like you do. I do not harm others."

"Us either. I'd imagine you have aged very well." Kate said. She shook the woman's hand as the guys returned. "That was really interesting. Thanks for showing me."

John didn't miss Kate's expression although she hid it quickly. He didn't know how but he could tell when she was thinking about something or hiding it. It was the smallest change in her face or posture. He didn't need to think as hard with Taylor.

Kate hopped on the hood of the impala. "Can't we just ride back?"

"Nope." Dean said, shooing her off the hood. "You have school tomorrow."

"It is basically the last day already." Kate said.

John tidied up the things he removed from his tool box. "Katelyn, a word."

Kate's face fell. She followed him to the passenger side of his truck and swallowed hard.

"What did you talk to her about?" John asked.

Kate's mouth dropped open. "Well I was going to tell you anyway but look me dead in the eyes and explain how you knew we talked about something."

John raised an eyebrow.

"She's not totally human either." Kate said.

John bristled.

"Relax. She isn't malicious. You should know by now that not all non-human people are bad." Kate said. "She is old but looks great."

"Did you read her?" John asked.

"Not exactly. I'm just observant as well. Plus, I can just tell she isn't the base model of human." Kate said. "Bobby trusts her."

John rubbed his head and turned to announce that it was time for everyone to leave. He saw Kate talking to Dean and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I know because I know."

Kate sidestepped around Dean. "You need to come to grips with the fact that you have abilities."

John snorted. It was obvious that Kate had ran to Dean to point out the new evidence she thought she had found. She was predictable in that way. "Both of you head home. Dean and I will be around once we get there."

Kate scrunched her nose but yanked herself and Taylor back to Bobby's house.

Dean leaned against the impala. "I see why older Kate is avoiding you."

John was tired and didn't want to argue with Dean about how he knew stuff.

"I am on the same page and I am just using hunting skills." Dean said.

John waved him off. "Head home."

Dean gave him a thumbs up with his injured thumb. He turned on baby's engine and settled into his seat. He had time to visit Kim before he got back to Sioux Falls. What would a few extra hours hurt?

(Two days later)

Kate stepped through the doors of her school and took a deep breath. "Oh, how I missed school breaks."

Hannah pulled a pair of gloves over her fingers. "Two weeks of freedom!"

Kate skipped over to the high school. She stood next to her mural and let Hannah snap a photo.

"It looks so cool!" Hannah said. She had helped Kate finish it the day before and she couldn't believe that it looked as good as it did.

Kate grunted as someone ran by her and pushed down on her head. It was a light push but she whirled around.

A boy from Taylor's team grinned. "Looks good baby Winchester."

Kate stomped her foot. "What did you call me?"

He stopped. "That is your name."

Kate waited for Taylor to walk out of the school before pouncing on him. "Do I have a nickname that you didn't tell me about?"

Taylor froze. "Oh, crap."

Kate jabbed him in the ribs. "Explain!"

Taylor rolled her off his back. "Well, uh… a few…. a few months ago the guys were talking and you came up. Smith couldn't remember your name so he called you the baby Winchester. It stuck. Look, I'm sorry."

Kate shook him. "You didn't think to tell them my name?"

"I did but it stuck. You aren't the only one. I don't think they call anyone by their real name." Taylor defended himself.

"I'm not a baby." Kate said.

"You are the baby of the family." Taylor said as he blocked her hand from slapping him.

"They don't even know I exist." Hannah said. "If you are the little sister of their star player, you might have more protection and privileges next year."

Kate's shoulders slumped. "I don't need anymore protection. Dean is enough. At this rate I will never be able to look at a guy."

"I know most of the guys here. You don't want to date any of them." Taylor said. He held his arm out for Hailey as she approached them. "Hailey found the only one that wasn't an asshat."

Kate rolled her eyes. "He didn't defend my honor when the football team gave me a nickname and now claims he is the only decent guy around."

Hailey smiled. "It is a cute nickname."

Kate acted like she was pulling a knife from her chest. "Betrayed by my own people."

"I assumed he would say something." Hailey said, looking up at Taylor. "Anyways, my parents said you could come over to my house tomorrow night. We are having pasta and both of my parents are off work."

Taylor shrugged. "I'll ask my wardens if I am allowed out."

Kate took Hannah's arm and linked it in hers. "If we don't get out of here we will wind up being cringey like them."

Taylor walked Hailey over to her mom's car. He said hi to her mom and held her door until she got in. "I'll talk to my dad about tomorrow."

(The next day)

John arrived early in the morning but Dean showed up at Bobby's house in the afternoon. He was refreshed and felt good.

Kate looked out the window. She had to time everything just right or her previous days of plotting would go to waste. She kept her head down and acted like she normally did.

Caleb stopped by with the boys to give April some time to rest. He flicked Taylor's ear and told him he still owed him an ass kicking.

Kate quietly made her way down the stairs and outside. She knew once Dean saw her, he would need to talk to her. It had nothing to do with the prank but he had mentioned something the day before.

Dean clapped Caleb on the back with more force than he needed. He smirked when Caleb winced. "Kate. Hey, I need to talk to you."

Caleb gave Taylor an odd look but got a shrug in return.

Kate followed Dean inside. She sat down on the couch and took a deep breath. "I haven't seen any demon signs. I read both Sam and Jess and didn't see anything. Jess may be jumpy because nothing has happened in a while."

Dean nodded. "How are they doing?"

"Good, I think." Kate said. She filled Dean in on what she knew and saw his face relax slightly. He would worry about Sam well into their old age. It was a decent conversation and met Kate's need to keep Dean busy for a few minutes.

Dean left Kate to get a drink in the kitchen.

Kate shuffled outside. She saw Caleb and Taylor and approached them.

Taylor heard her voice in his head and offered a half hug.

Kate sniffled.

Caleb looked at both of the kids. "He didn't…"

Kate nodded.

Caleb clinched his fist. "Over a prank?"

Kate shook her head. "No. He doesn't believe that I didn't use my abilities without permission."

Caleb was shocked. He made a beeline for the house and opened the door.

Dean heard his name in a strained tone and went to see what Caleb wanted.

Caleb shoved his shoulder. "It was a prank."

Dean blinked. "The skunk? Yeah, I know."

"Why did Kate still catch hell over it?" Caleb asked.

Dean blinked again. He narrowed his eyes and looked over Caleb's shoulder. "Did she say she got in trouble for that?"

"She came outside like a beaten dog." Caleb said.

Dean downed the last of his drink. "She played you."

Caleb whirled around and saw Kate sitting on the hood of the car. "You weren't mad at her?"

Dean put his glass on the coffee table. "No."

Caleb let Dean step through the doorway. "Why would she tell me that you were?"

John walked out after Dean. "So that you would feel bad and possibly punch Dean."

Kate met eyes with John and slid off the hood of the car. She peaked over Caleb's truck and gave them a sheepish grin.

Caleb sat down in one of the rocking chairs. "What the hell?"

John sat as well. "You challenged her."

Caleb put a hand to his chest. "Dammit I felt awful."

Kate sauntered up to the porch and batted her eyelashes. "It is good to know you have my back."

Caleb scoffed. "Not anymore."

Kate motioned to Ian. "Before you plan revenge, just know that I can easily turn your kids against you."

Caleb shook his head and looked at Dean. "I don't know how you deal with her."

"He loves me and gives me hugs." Kate said.

"Go inside and do homework or whatever." Dean said as he gently pushed Kate.

Kate rolled her eyes. "Buzzkill."

Homework for Kate and Taylor was an easy affair. They were both smart and had gotten into a groove that allowed them to spend the minimum amount of time on each subject before the papers were quickly whisked away to a folder to return to school the next day.

Karen busied herself with preparing food for dinner. She also found her groove and her days were easy.

Kate skipped down the steps and placed a book on the table. She whirled around and called Taylor down to discuss something with her. Dean was outside showing Caleb's kids the drone. Bobby was in his office working away at some type of lore or another.

Taylor leaned across the table. "Alright, show me."

Karen listened to the two kids talk. She wasn't nosey but caught a few key words that pulled her attention. "I hope you aren't planning anything."

Kate put her hand over her heart. "I'm offended that you would think so. We are deciding on symbols we could hide to protect people on a larger scale."

Karen looked over Kate's shoulder.

Kate leaned back. "Scouts honor. You wouldn't rat us out though, right?"

Karen dried her hands. "Don't be too sure of that."

"You are the motherly figure who is supposed to have our backs." Taylor said.

"I will gladly have your backs as long as you aren't doing something dangerous." Karen said with a soft smile.

"We have a running theory that you are too kind to do such a thing." Kate said.

Karen went back to slicing vegetables. "You two are good kids and wouldn't put me in that position."

Taylor cleared his throat. "May I test a theory?"

Karen chuckled but nodded her head.

Taylor scooted his chair back and loudly said, "God Karen I already said no. Leave me alone."

Kate's shoulders shot up to her ears.

Taylor jumped behind Karen as Bobby showed up in the doorway to the kitchen. "Tell him, quick."

Karen was amused. "He was testing a theory."

Taylor saw the look on Bobby's face. "She said I could."

"What theory was this?" Bobby asked.

"Uh, I just wanted to see what would happen." Taylor said.

"Son, you are playing a dangerous game." Bobby said, evenly.

Kate got up to hug Bobby. "We love and respect Karen. She crushed our dreams that she wouldn't blindly have our backs. She has boundaries."

Bobby shook his head. "Idjits." He looked at Taylor. "Come over here."

Taylor sidestepped. "Why?"

Bobby slowly blinked.

Taylor tentatively walked over to him and got a smack to the back of his head. "It wasn't serious."

"I know it wasn't so you are still standing. Don't let me hear you talk like that again." Bobby said.

Taylor rubbed his head. "You know I wouldn't do that."

"I don't know Bobby, you might as well whip him." Kate said. "Looks like he's testing boundaries."

Taylor glared at Kate. "Don't give him any ideas."

"Help her with dinner and stop being a pain in the ass." Bobby said with a slight chuckle.

Taylor washed his hands and asked Karen what he should do. "I saw my life pass before my eyes."

Karen patted his arm and handed him a package of meat to cut up. "His father was abusive to his mother. I'd say it is a sore spot for him to hear someone speak like that to me."

Taylor opened the package. "I would never."

Kate sat on the end of the table closest to the stove. "He moves quick when he wants to."

Karen stifled a laugh. "You both make living here very entertaining."

"When we came to talk you out of Heaven, what did you expect?" Taylor asked.

Karen let out a slow breath. "Honestly, I had no idea what to expect."

"You love us though." Kate said.

"Of course," Karen said, "I wouldn't have it any other way."

(Outside)

Andy was wide eyed as the drone zipped over his head. He had never seen such a thing.

Ian was equally as amazed.

"Don't worry about them telling people. What teacher is going to believe that he saw a real drone and not just a show?" Caleb asked.

"I won't tell." Andy said. "Can I fly it?"

Dean sat down so Andy could sit with him. He kept his hands next to Andy's and gently guided him. "We have to be careful."

Caleb liked the drone too but the boys were awestruck. "So, this is how you saw the gunk?"

Dean laughed. "Yeah. Dad made me go down there to get some of it though."

"Kate has to cool off or she will see something coming. How do you feel about turning this back around on your dad?" Caleb asked.

Dean froze. "I don't know if that is legal."

"Frame Kate." Caleb said.

"He'd know." Dean said. "You've got my attention though."

John had lightened up a lot over the years. Dean was fine joking around with him but a prank might be too far. He'd probably laugh but there was a small chance that he'd kill both of them and Dean didn't think April would be too happy if her husband didn't come home.

"I'd go as far as to say we should consult Kate." Caleb said.

Andy tilted his head. "You know when me and Owen play and you tell us we look like we are about to make a bad choice? You look like that."

Caleb scooped him up. "We aren't doing anything tonight."

Andy was good at keeping secrets. He wouldn't tell anyone as long as he didn't somehow get into trouble. If he did, he would tell everyone what really happened. He loved his dad but there was a line that couldn't be crossed.

(Inside)

Bobby washed up and made his way to the kitchen. "It smells amazing."

Karen kissed his cheek. "It is one of your favorites."

Dean sent Caleb and the boys off and stepped inside. He flicked Kate's head as he walked by her. "What are we having?"

"Stew." Taylor said.

Dean took a bowl and at down. "Tell me about school."

Kate shrugged. "It is mindless monotony."

Dean looked to Taylor. "How about you, without the big words?"

"I agree with her but it isn't bad. Hey, Hailey asked me to have dinner with them tomorrow at her house." Taylor said.

Dean didn't have a problem with that. "That's fine."

Everyone was in high spirits and chatted through dinner.

Taylor was looking forward to seeing Hailey.

After dishes were washed and put away, Kate went upstairs to shower and get ready for bed. She closed the door and turned the water on. As she went to step into the shower she was hit by a vision. She doubled over and sunk down to her knees. The vision was fast and mostly a feeling. She grabbed her stomach and steadied her breath. For a moment she felt like she was falling from the sky. She had the feeling that people got on the first big drop of a rollercoaster. She was fine right after the feeling stopped. Her heart rate was high and she felt shaky. She went to Dean after her shower.

Dean told her to have a seat on his bed. "What's up?"

"I think I had a vision. I just felt like I was falling off of something high up." Kate said.

Dean soothed her. "Thanks for telling me. How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. It just scared me and I don't know why it happened." Kate said.

Dean talked her through it until he thought she was safe to go to sleep. He continued to think about it after she left his room. He called John. "Older Kate said there would be ups and downs. Does this mean we are headed for a down?"