Roswell Fanatics

Hi guys! You're wonderful. All of you. Thanks so much for reading and all the replies!

garcia88- Yeah Alex is in a pretty bad place right now. He's hurting in a bad way and I guess you say things you really shouldn't when you're hurt.
alexceasar- Thanks! Yup Alex was harsh
Nubantu- Thank you!
VanilCoke- Yep. That just happened. hah. Thanks for reading!
Twilighteyes- You're welcome! And thank you! haha. Yeah Alex was really harsh and said a lot of mean things. As for Max, I think the entire group was kind of just in shock. I wouldn't imagine as an alien you'd expect one of your own to become demon possesed. The thing about Liz is, she'd been shutting herself off from the group since she'd made the deal. They really hardly even know her anymore. As for Tess, I'm going the 'raised by Nasedo' really only wants to be loved route. Doesn't mean she aint coniving and manipulative, but Max and Alex decided to forgive her and so the rest followed suit. Yeah Sam and Ava will have problems of their own soon enough. Thanks again!
foreverdreamer- Haha. Nope, not wrong. Alex said some mean shit, but it was out of hurt and pain. Doesn't make it right, but it makes him human. Thanks for reading!
pandas2001- Thanks!
justlistenforever- Aww, thank you so much! Thats so sweet! Yeah Liz is kinda dealing with a shit-ton.
ZansLove- I know Alex kinda went nuts. Dean...is Dean. He has his own reason's for wanting to stay away from Liz which we'll kind of explore in a bit. But he can't help but care about her and want her to be safe. Yes, Sam's got a lot of esplainin to do.
o0IceBubbles0o- The demon spoke a lot of truth. The darkest and deepest things we ourselves don't want to think twisted and made to sound in the worst way. Thanks so much!

OKay guys, on we go!


Chapter Eleven


Sam opened the door to his hotel room with a guilty expression on his face. He tried to smile as he saw Ava sitting next to Liz on the couch, curled up watching TV. Dean was lying across his bed, watching the show from there.

“Hey.”

“Hey” Ava said smiling. “That was a long drive.”

“Yeah, sorry.”

“We’ve been waiting on you to talk about what happened. Yesterday, that obviously wasn’t Lilith.” Ava said, shutting the TV off.

Dean sat up. “Do you remember her name?” he asked Liz.

She shook her head.

“I can try to look it up…I’ll call Bobby, see if he can get anything. I’ll need everything you remember about it though, Liz.” Sam said.

“The question is, why did she posses Liz’s friend like that? What was the point?” Ava asked.

“The point was another seal.” Castiel’s voice startled them from the door way.

“Cas. I thought you said this wasn’t about the seals?” Dean frowned.

“At the time we didn’t realize the importance. We didn’t realize who we could trust. It’s not safe to talk about it here. Let’s go somewhere else. There are things…unfortunate things that need to be discussed.” He said in his signature monotone voice.

“That sounds like a barrel of monkeys.” Dean scoffed.

“The rock formation?” Ava offered.

“No.” Liz spoke, surprisingly firm. “I’m not going back there. We can go to the quarry.”

“As you wish.” Castiel nodded and, as usual, slipping away when no one was looking.

“God you’d think the guy could figure out how to use a door.” Ava grumbled. “So what’s the deal? Unfortunate things…kind of vague, everything seems to be a bit unfortunate at this point.”

Dean shrugged. “You never really know with Cas. Or any angel for that matter.”

“Cryptic is their specialty.” Sam said, handing Ava her coat. “Let’s just see what he wants. We’ll figure out the rest after. I’ll go start the car.”

“Here Sam.” Liz tossed her keys. “Start mine up for me.”

“Alright, cool.”

Sam and Ava disappeared out the door while Liz and Dean pulled their boots on slowly.

“Hey, so…I never said thanks for…you know.” Liz said, lighting a cigarette as soon as they got outside.

“Don’t mention it. You know, those things’ll kill you.” He teased, referring to the lit stick between her fingers. She’d been smoking like a chimney since the day at the rock formation.

Liz took a long drag and blew out slowly, away from Dean. “Right. As opposed to all the other things that aren’t gunning for my six right now.” She scoffed.

He stared at her, his head cocked slightly. “You’re right. You are spending too much time with me.”

She smirked in response, climbing in her driver’s seat as Dean got in with Sam.

“Why did we take two cars?” Dean asked, slamming the door shut as they arrived at the quarry.

“Cause you wont let me smoke in yours.” Liz answered dryly, snuffing the butt out with her boot.

“Damn right. Ruins my interior.”

“And” Liz added. “Cause my car is sexy.”

Dean scoffed. “Debatable.”

Liz pshawed and turn to face him. “Come on, your car would so want to do my car.”

“Hah!”

“I mean, it’s a little rough around the edges… but after a good paint job and a little work under the hood…you’re car would practically be drooling.”

“Sure.”

“Alright children, that’s enough.” Ava scolded as she climbed out after Liz, smiling slyly at her tall companion.

“So we wait for Cas then?” Sam asked using Dean’s nick name for their personal angel.

“You won’t have to wait long.” Liz said, pointing at Castiel who was standing behind Sam.

“Jesus…I really hate when you do that.” Sam puffed.

“Guilty Pleasure.” Castiel stated.

“So what’s the deal? You tell us no seal, but there is a seal? You tell us Lilith’s here, but she’s not? You’re supposed to be on our side, Cas.”

“I am on your side. But it seems as though…unfortunately there are some who are not.” He answered

“Yeah well obviously…” Ava rolled her eyes.

“My sister is dead.” Cas spoke quickly.

“Wha…some one killed an angel?” Sam remarked.

“Yes. Several.”

“And it has something to do with the demons in Roswell?”

“Not exactly. I’m sorry to inform you, but Uriel is also dead.” Castiel said somberly.

“What?” Liz said, shocked.

“Who killed him?” Sam asked.

“I did.” Castiel responded.

“Wha…why?”

“It was never a secret, Uriel’s distaste for humans. It seems he and Lilith had a common goal, in wanting to set Lucifer free. He defied orders. He betrayed us all. He was recruiting my brothers and sisters to his side, and when they said no, he killed them.”

Everyone was stunned into silence. How could an angel…a name that automatically proclaimed righteousness, have turned against them? Uriel, no matter how unpleasant he could be, was supposed to be a good guy. It was too important…too hard a fight, too big a price for there to be any margin of mistrust, any chance of mistake or betrayal.

“But…” Liz interrupted, her voice shaky and unsure. “But…Uriel…he pulled me out to fight. Why would he pull me out to fight Lilith if he is working with her?” she questioned.

“Because you are a Seal.” A soft voice answered.

Dean’s head whipped around to the familiar voice. Familiar pale skin, familiar red hair, familiar haunting eyes.

“Anna.”

“Hello Dean.” The angel smiled nervously.

“How…”

“It’s a long story.”

Ava grabbed both Liz’s and Sam’s hands. She was standing in between them. “Is that the same Anna that…”

“Uh huh.” Sam answered.

“Sam. Good to see you.” Anna nodded. “Sorry it’s under these circumstances. Castiel will explain…Dean, I think we should talk in private.”

The grown man could only nod and follow, the other three staring after him as they walked 50 feet away and began whispering.

“The reason I was so apprehensive about Uriel pulling you was because of the amount of time you had been.” Castiel began.

“Yeah you said that already, I get it.” Liz spoke firmly.

Castiel sighed. “When a soul spends that much time in hell…eventually, that soul turns into a Demon.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean!” Ava yelled.

“It means that your friend wasn’t that far away at all from…” Anna interrupted, with a sober Dean tagging along.

“From…” Liz trailed off, her heart hammering in her chest and a large lump forming in her throat.

“The turning of a martyr into a demon. That’s the seal. It was Mara’s job. Mara pretty much always gets what she wants.” Anna added.

“Wha—Martyr? I’m not a…”

“You sacrificed yourself, your life for something you believed in. For someone you loved. That’s a powerful thing. Something so powerful, the will of a Martyr is hardly ever broken. That’s why it’s so important. That’s why they chose you.” Anna explained.

Liz shook her head. “I was just a kid…”

“That’s why you received such vigorous training in Hell. Mara was to oversee your training. Uriel was to pull you out, and then, Mara would continue here on earth. Which is why she probably started with your friends. It was familiar for you.” Castiel finished. “You see, when a soul becomes a demon, their first task, their test is to learn to possess and kill. Possession would have taken another 500 years or so and they didn’t have the time, so Lilith convinced Uriel to pull you out.”

“You would have lived normally if you had been able to resist temptation.” Anna looked down.

“Resisted…Isabel? That was a test?” Liz wheezed her breath leaving her by the minute.

“One person dead won’t complete the process. But it will fuel the fire. The ability to kill will become easier and soon, you’ll desire it, you’ll thirst for it. After some time you’ll become a demon and the seal will be broken.” The female angel added with a hint of sadness. Dean looked away.

“So you’re saying the more Liz kills the closer she is to becoming a demon?” Ava asked.

“We would never let that happen.”

“What the hell is THAT supposed to mean?” Ava shouted.

“I think I’m gonna be sick…” Liz wheezed.

“It means that we would remove the problem before it escalated.” Castiel stuttered out.

“What!?” Sam shouted.

“No.” Dean reaffirmed. Anna rested a hand on his arm.

“If it were up to our bosses she would have already been gone. We’ve bought her time. Another slip and…Dean…we can’t let this happen…I know this is hard and I know it’s not fair. If she kills again I need your word you’ll be on our side. This is not something we can let Lilith have.” Anna pleaded.

“Oh come off it.” Ava spat.

“I have to get out of here…” The small brunette gripped at her chest and stumbled backwards.

“No, Liz…”

Liz was already stalking toward her car, Ava chasing after her.

“If Liz turns into a demon she’ll be too powerful to stop!” Anna pleaded at Dean, pulling his attention away from Liz. “No one will be able to stop her. You have to listen, Dean, you have to understand. If…if I meant anything to you…you’ll do this. I can’t fail. You promised, Dean.”

“I…”

“Liz! Liz come back!!!” Ava screamed, left in the dust of Liz’s mustang.

“Dean. You don’t know how sorry we are to bring this upon you. We sincerely hope we do not have to take action, you have to know that.” Castiel added.

“How do we get out of this?” Dean strangled out.

“Mara will be a constant problem. She’ll be relentless. Take her out. The deal expires when Lilith does. When Lilith is dead Liz is no longer at risk. Be careful, Dean.” Castiel warned, before he and Anna disappeared.

“She’s gone.” Sam panted, as he and Ava ran back.

“We have to go after her.” Ava said, pulling the two to the Impala they drove at 100 all the way back to the motel but the mustang was no where in the parking lot. All of Liz’s belongings were missing from the room, the only thing she left; a note for the three.

“Ava; don’t bother, I wont be a problem. Love you always. I’m sorry. Sam; take care of my girl. Listen to your brother. Dean; do what you have to, I wont hold it against you. Thanks for everything I imagined.” Ava read. It was signed with her first initial. She was long gone by that point. “Fuck.”

“Where would she have gone?” Sam asked.

“I can think of a couple places.” Ava said, throwing clothes in her suitcase.

“Hold on…we need to have a plan.” Dean said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“Have a plan my ass!” Ava yelled. “She’s not a demon yet, Dean she’s still Liz! God! What the fuck is wrong with you!?”

“I’m not saying she is!” Dean countered.

“Liz has been nothing but nice to you and done nothing but watch your back and you’re ready to hand her over! I know you’re not blind, I know you see that for whatever godforsaken reason, she likes you and you just stood their and let your little girlfriend berate her and make her feel like shit! Like you were ready to just hand her over cause you are so much mightier and righteous!” Ava poked Dean in the chest as she screamed. “I don’t know what the fuck your problem is but here’s the plan, Deano. I’m finding Liz, and I’m using your car to do it. If you want to be in your car, that’s up to you. If you even suggest handing her over no matter what she does so help me god I will remove your testicles and shove em so far down your throat they’ll be in the right place again by default!”

Ava had backed Dean all the way across the room and given him a final push, his mouth was open but he had no words.

“You’ve got five minutes before that Impala is leaving.” She shouted before slamming the door behind her.


************************************************************************

The trio sat in complete silence in the car as they had for the past couple days. Not even Dean’s radio was playing, though his hands were sweaty and nervous from the silence. Ava sat staring straight ahead, her knuckles white around the steering wheel. He never let anyone other than Sam or his Dad drive the Impala, but when he had tried to take over at a rest stop, Ava had socked him in the face. He stared at Ava’s face for a couple minutes, trying to get her to look over, but she wouldn’t relent.

“Ava.” He tried again. “Ava…where are we going?”

No answer.

Sam offered no help, just stared off into space from the backseat.

“Ava!” Dean yelled. “Look, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean for it to sound like I was gonna give her up, of course I’m not gonna let anything happen to Liz!”

“Damn right.” Ava muttered.

“It caught me off guard, okay? Seeing Anna…and that whole shit with Uriel going darkside…and now Liz might be turning too…I was confused, alright? I should have said something but I didn’t. My bad.” Dean explained.

“Chyea.”

Dean sighed. “Look…I do care about Liz. I promise we’re going to do everything possible. I’m not going to let them take her. You have my word on that.”

Ava finally softened and turn her head to look at Dean. “Swear on your Mom. And your car.”

“Ava…” Dean rolled his eyes.

“Your MOM and your CAR, Dean!” She yelled.

“Fine, I swear on my Mom and my Car…I won’t let anything happen to her.” Dean promised.

“Okay. Good.” Ava smiled, as Sam chuckled. “We’re going to Massachusetts.”

“What’s in Massachusetts?” Sam asked.

“Liz was a Harvard Grad. She lived in this shitty little apartment that’s since been condemned. No one lives there anymore but they haven’t torn it down yet, I called ahead. It was the same apartment she was in when she died….” Ava added. “She didn’t know anyone in Cambrige. Didn’t make a whole lot of friends.”

“Why would she go there?”

“Just a hunch.”

Ava ignored their glares, for the most part. Rolling her eyes she explained. “I’m searching for her. Sometimes I can feel her…like…her aura, her presence. It’s how they found us at the hotel. It’s strongest in this area, so I figured.”

“Wait, but you’ve been driving everywhere….we go east then we turn north, we go south then we turn west. How do you know for sure? Weren’t you tracking her then?” Sam asked.

“She’s been throwing me off.” Ava answered. “Liz is…man she’s strong. Stronger than I remember and she doesn’t want me to find her so she’s been trying to throw her signal other places. But…I’m still the pure bred alien, here. I’m still up on her, no matter what she picked up in hell. This is where she is, I’m sure of it.”

“That’s good. Tracking must come in handy” Sam complimented.

“Yeah well it only works if you’ve got some alien hoo-doo, so…not too handy. Now shut up and let me drive.” She demanded. And the boys did just that.

Oh, Hi. Just wanted to pop in with the next part, and say, thank you guys so much! Everytime I read one of your guys' replies it literally makes my entire day better. So thanks!

alexceasar-I know how you feel. hah. Anna has her own agenda and will do what she needs to. Thanks!
lizandzachfan- Haha...yeah I figured there wouldn't be too many Anna fans.
garcia88- yeah I'm kinda putting Liz through the wringer. She's going through stuff too, maybe not feeling too good about herself. Thanks for reading!
Soopke- Aww, thanks. You reply as much as you want. I eat it up. I don't know if there will be a Dean/Anna definitely together type thing, but Dean does have feelings for Anna, which may interfere with something else thats developing. You'll see why, in this chapter, he tries so hard to give Liz the brush off all the time. Thank you so much!
Synera- Well, you know, I aim to please. Yeah, Dean was sweet that night. I think that no matter how much he tries to keep Liz at arms length, he's not heartless and deep down he likes to take care of things. As for Pod Squad...maybe a little more. They still have a little part to play.
forever dreamer- Oh, thank you. Haha...thats funny, I didn't like Anna at all on the show. Can you tell? Yeah, again Anna's got her own agenda. Not necessarily an evil agenda, but an agenda all her own. Dean meant it, he cares for Liz, but you know when you build someone up and put them on this pedestal? Everyone else seems to fall short. Thats kind of how Dean sees Anna. Thank you for reading, and you don't have to wait anymore!
Twilighteyes- Aww...you're welcome, and Thank YOU! Oh, Anna. She'd better stay away from dark alley's. I feel like she might get jumped by all my readers. hah. Yeah Dean...stupid guy syndrome, what can he say? Thanks for reading, and replying!
Maiqu- I was never an Anna fan, either. I resisted the urge to yell at her on screen during the last season. Thanks!
VanilCoke- Thanks!

Okay, on with it!


Chapter Twelve


The building was only 5 stories located a couple blocks outside of the small college town. It had been closed ever since they had discovered Liz’s body and couldn’t discover a cause or a killer.. She was only one of three inhabitants at the time, the other two leaving shortly after. It was due for a remodel in 2010 in order to turn it into low income housing for the area. The windows had been boarded up, the door chained and the power long since shut off.

“You planning on going up there?” a boy asked, watching the trio as they stood at the base of the steps.

“Maybe.” Ava responded.

“I wouldn’t. It’s haunted. This girl was murdered up there a couple years ago and they never caught her killer. Now she’s back for revenge.” He said, wide eyed.

“Really. How do you know?” Sam cocked an eyebrow.

“People have been hearing some weird noises up there for the past week. No one has the balls to go up. I went yesterday, but I only got to the third floor. She lived on the top floor.” He clarified.

“Well, thanks kid, we’ll take our chances.” Dean ushered the boy along, ignoring his protest. “Doors locked. We’ll have to go up the fire escape.”

Ava gave him an ‘uh, hello?’ look. “What’s the point of having your own personal ET if she can’t work a little of that freaky alien voodoo, huh Dean?” Ava teased, waving her hand over the lock. It opened with a pop.

Dean nodded, impressed. “Alright, so it’s kind of cool. Let’s go. Hey can you do that on government buildings?”

“Mmhmm.” Ava nodded.

“Sweet.”

The three walked ominously up the flights of stairs. Coming to the top, Ava glanced around before deciding on a door.

“This was hers.” She nodded, knocking three times. “Liz! Its Aves open up!”

“You think she’ll answer?” Sam asked, peering down the hall. Something about the building gave him the creeps.

“Probably not. Thought I’d try. Liz, I’m coming in. Dean and Sam are with me, okay? I’ll count to three. One…two…three.” She swung the door open and was rewarded with more darkness.

Where the windows were supposed to be there where slivers of light peering through. One of those slivers illuminated a nose, a cheekbone, and one golden brown eye. They shuffled in cautiously, Ava standing with her hands on her hips.

“Oh, cornball. Tell me you haven’t been sitting in the dark for an entire week.”

A quiet raspy voice answered her. “I haven’t been sitting in the dark all week.”

“Funny, Liz.” Ava snapped and the lights in the apartment illuminated at once, causing everyone to flinch.

“God, Ave.” Liz said, hiding her eyes.

“That bewitched chick can kiss my ass.” She smiled.

“Woah…” Sam spun, taking inventory of the room.

The walls were covered in writing. Spells, more like. Protection spells to be exact. No space was left blank on the walls. The door jam’s were all lined with salt. Liz tossed a can at Sam.

“What’s this?” He said, opening the lid.

“Salt. You effed up my line. Fix it.” Liz said coldly, pointing to the door they had come in threw which was now askew and broken.

“You know…salt doesn’t work on higher level demons.” Dean explained.

“Yeah that’s why that’s there.” Liz said, pointing at the ceiling. A devil’s trap had been intricately drawn on the ceiling where they stood. “That’s how I know you’re you. If you can get past it.”

Dean took a step out of range and Liz nodded. “You’re locked up like Fort Knox. Nothings getting in here.” He said, impressed.

“Yep.” Liz nodded. Throwing off her blanket she revealed another sort of trap. “Nothing’s getting out either.”

“You…”

“Trapped myself in? Yeah. It’s targeted specifically to my DNA, of course. You can come and go as you please.”

Sam shook his head. “Impressive.”

“Yeah. I took the same lessons you did how’d you pick up all this stuff?” Ava said, crossing her arms in front of her.

Liz held up a leather bound journal. “Grandma Claudia was a passive aggressive type. She didn’t want to squash the bugs…just trap them. I supposed this is as humane as it gets. The DNA specified cage was my own doing. Little bit of science, little bit of dark magic.” She shrugged. She had a good 20 feet of walking room, the trap was made to include the bathroom. There was a blanket and pillow spread across the floor along side a couple bags of beef jerky and potato chips.

“Seriously Liz? Beef Jerky and Jalapeno Chips? This is going to do nothing for your figure.” Ava teased.

Liz sighed. “What are you doing here, Ava? I told you not to come.”

“Yeah well I’m a shitty listener. The question is…what are YOU doing here? We’ve got demon ass to kick, remember?”

“I remember a lot of things, Aves. Especially the part where Dean’s friends threatened to smite my ass.”

“Eh what the hell do they know.” Ava waved her hand.

“I mean really it’s more of a guideline.” Sam smiled.

“Yeah well. If it’s all the same to you guys I think I’ll stay right here.” She answered coolly.

“And do what? Await doom?” Ava laughed.

“Well. Yes. The way I see it, If I can keep myself locked in and everything else locked out the seal can’t be broken. If not, if somehow the seal gets broken…then at least this thing will buy some time.” Liz shrugged.

“Well…” Dean said, speaking for the first time. “None of that’s any good, cause we kinda need your help. And you’re not doing anyone any good locked up here.”

“You don’t need my help. Ava can do just as much as I can, probably better.”

“What the fuck is this Liz.” Ava shook her head, annoyed. “This is not you. You don’t give up like this….its just…”

Dean opened his mouth to say something but thought better of it. “Hey…” he said, turning to Sam and Ava. “Could you guys leave us alone for a minute?”

Ava nodded. “Lizzie, we’re gonna go get you some real people food and be right back, okay? Play nice with the big oaf. He feels bad.” She called as they started down the stairs.

Dean walked slowly passed her own trap and slumped down next to her on the wall. She scooted over a couple inches away from him. He laughed. “What you think I’m gonna hurt you or you’re gonna hurt me?”

“The jury’s still out on that.” She answered.

He chuckled softly. “Glad to see your sense of humor hasn’t changed.”

“Dean you know as well as I do…I’m a liability. You can’t afford to have me make a mistake.” Liz reminded.

“If I can’t afford a mistake it’s because I can’t have anyone taking you away. I’m not going to give them an excuse.” He said seriously. “Look I stand by what I said. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I killed someone, Dean! That’s wrong no matter which way you swing it!”

“Yeah but you also saved how many lives in the process? Who knows what Mara would have done if you chose Alex or Maria. Gone on to the next person? Ava? Max?”

“What does it matter? Alex hates me. I fucked everything up. And now…I may or may not go on a killing rampage and turn into a fucking demon. Are you going to exorcise me, Dean? You gonna be the one to do it?”

“Damn right I am. But that’s not going to happen. I’m not gonna let that happen.” Dean promised again.

“What if you can’t stop it? What if it’s inevitable? What if it’s…”

“What, your destiny?” Dean laughed. “Destiny is just a word, Liz. It doesn’t happen as long as we don’t let it happen. And it won’t. You’re stronger than you think.”

Liz chuckled sadly. “I wasn’t so strong in hell. I broke so fast they decided to make a seal out of me. I just…I can’t hurt people anymore…I’m so tired of hurting people. I don’t want to be the bad guy.” She cried.

“You’re not the bad guy.” He said firmly.

“Not yet. But god…I knew it as soon as I got out. I felt something was wrong. It was in how everyone looked at me…how you look at me…like I’m going to turn evil any second…I knew I was never going to get normal or happy ever again.”

“No, Liz…” Dean ran his hand over his face. “I…I treated you that way because…because I was scared. But not for the reason you think.”

She frowned and stared at him.

“I never told you my side. My story. You know the basics…I was tortured and then I starting giving it out in stead of getting it, that much you know. What….what you don’t know…what no one knows is that…Look, the reason…the reason I stayed away…you were my first, okay?” Dean stammered out

“Your first?” Liz looked perplexed.

“The first person I tortured. The first soul. You were the first.”

Liz’s mouth turned into the shape of an O.

“And the thing was…I didn’t just…I didn’t just like it. I, I realllly liked it. I really really liked it…it…excited me.” Dean finished, unwilling to meet Liz’s confused stare. Only when he glanced down at himself did she get it.

“Oh.” She said suddenly. After a minute a smile erupted and then a quick giggle.

Dean turned, red faced and gave her his most serious stare. “Don’t you laugh. It is NOT funny.”

“Sorry!” She hid her smile behind her hand and tried her best to calm down.

“Look…when I got out I thought I could just leave all that behind. I just wanted to forget. I was an evil sonofabitch down there and I did not want that to follow me but it did. I thought I could ignore it but…”

“But there I was reminding you every day.” Liz finished for him.

“It wasn’t your fault.” Dean corrected. “I made my own choices and I chose to run. I chose to try and ignore it but the fact is, I can’t ignore it. I was wrong to treat you like that and I’m sorry. It was never your fault. In fact…in spite of it all I envied you for being so… for wanting to face your demon head on when the truth is I’ve been running away from Lilith for a while now because she scares the shit out of me.” He cringed.

“She scares me too.” Liz admitted.

“Yeah. But you’re strong enough to face her. I know you are…I know you have it in you. If I wasn’t so busy running from you and running from myself I probably could’ve picked up some of that strength by now.” Dean admitted.

Liz sighed. “So this is the part where you ask me to leave my rut I’ve made for myself.”

Dean thought for a moment. “This is the part where I ask you to help me finish this thing. I think…I know we need you for this. And I have faith in you.”

“That was a moving speech.” Ava laughed from the door, wiping a pretend tear from her eye. Sam leaned against the door jam, smiling widely.

“So what’s the verdict, Parker. You in?” Sam asked.

“Please, Lizzie! Come on, how can you resist that face!” Ava said, pointing at Dean’s visage.

“Yeah Lizzie.” Dean teased. “How can you resist this face?”

“Well I dunno…” Liz said rolling her eyes. “I suppose I’ll need some help getting me outta this thing.”

The young boy stared from the street in wonder at the building as he watched the shadows dance across the window. Maybe there was no ghost after all, he thought. He shook his head and took one last glance at the window. One shadow, two, three…and a fourth…but weren’t there only three peop…

An uncharacteristic high pitched squeal erupted from the top of the building, the boys eyes widened and he took off like a bat out of hell down the street.

Ghosts scared the crap out of him.

forever dreamer- Why thank you! yes. you are the minority, but you can stay. Ruby is...well, Ruby. Thanks, and I'm glad you liked it.
Garcia88- Yeah Dean did well. He did well slowly, but at least it got done. Thanks for reading!
Maiqu- Ugh Seriously. Defiling the back seat. unacceptable. Haha. Thanks for reading.
alexceasar- Ha ha. I appreciate that you found it funny. I laughed when I wrote it, I wont lie. But I mean, it is hell, right? You had me cracking up, "who cares what flavor it is." Oh, my god. Anyway, thanks for reading!
Synera- Yeahp shes a smart cookie that Liz parker. Thanks, I'm so glad you liked it.
Twilighteyes- Aww thanks! Step by step, right?
Behrstars- Thanks!

Alright on we go! Thanks everyone for reading!

Chapter Thirteen


“By the way, Liz.” Ava spun in her seat in the Impala to face Liz. “Where did you stash the Mustang?”

“Ohio.” She answered. “A storage unit in your name.”

“God, just giving up and giving in, huh? I don’t want your suicide gifts, Parker.” Ava said seriously.

“Fine, I’m taking it back then.”

“Fine.”

“Fine.” Liz ended. She looked down at Dean who was currently napping in the back seat with his head in her lap. “So what’s the plan?”

“Take out Mara.” Sam answered. “She’s gunning for you to be gunning so we’ve got to shut her down.”

Ava raised her eyebrows. “Impressive Mr. Winchester.”

He smiled and bowed as well as you can while driving an Impala. “Why thank you Ms…” he stopped, frowning for a moment. “Ava what’s your last name?”

“Oh…well…see I kind of…don’t have one.” Ava smiled, guiltily.

“You don’t have a last name?” Sam asked shocked.

“Well…you know, it wasn’t exactly printed outside my pod, alright? You’re lucky I know my first! It’s better than Tess Harding.” She mumbled.

“Got that right.” Liz added from the peanut gallery.

“So what do you normally go by?” Sam asked.

“Different things each time.” She answered honestly.

“I think we should give you an official last name.” Liz spoke up. “You could be Ava Elliott Thompson. We can call you Ava ET!” she giggled.

“Funny.” Ava rolled her eyes.

“Okay…what about the girl from Species…” Sam offered.

“Sil? You want my last name to be Sil? Why don’t we just change the first name to window while we’re at it.” Ava pouted.

Sam laughed. “Okay not the best idea. What about Ellen Ripley? Sigourney Weaver’s character from Alien? Or that chick from Starship Troopers, Flores?”

Ava shrugged at both.

“Dean, what do you think?” Sam asked, peering into the rearview.

Dean spoke without opening his eyes. “Is Flores Denise Richard’s character or the feisty Red-heads?”

“Dizzy Flores…the feisty red head.” Sam answered

“Go with the Red head. She was hot.”

“Ava Flores.” She tried it out. “Doesn’t suck.”

“I kinda like it…” Liz smiled.

“Alright then. Ms. Flores, consider yourself named.” Sam smiled.

“Lizzy you gotta get a new last name too, then. You can’t be Liz Parker anymore.” Ava pleaded.

“Yeah, but Elizabeth Ripley sounds like a Jane Austen character.” Liz countered.

“So…no alien name? Guys help me think of something.”

“What’s wrong with Parker?” Liz asked, offended.

“Nothing, but we can’t go around calling you Liz Parker, seeing as Liz Parker passed away three years ago, now can we. What’s your mother’s Maiden name?” the blonde girl inquired.

“Stevenson.”

“Bleh. Nope. Okay…what else?”

“Well…my Grandma Claudia’s maiden name was Martin.”

“Elizabeth Martin…Beth Martin…not bad?.” Ava smiled. “Guys what do you think?”

“Sounds good.” Sam nodded. “Dean?”

Dean made no move to open his eyes once again. “Chick named Martin dated Jimmy Page for 13 years. Charlotte Martin. French Model. Doesn’t suck.”

“Okay.” Liz succeeded. “Elizabeth Martin it is.”

“Epic. Now just give me three minutes alone with your ID and some other falsified documents and I’ll make it all kinds of official.” Ava nodded.

“You can do that?” Sam cocked his head.

“Hell yeah. I make em better than the actual government does. Anything you want. Social Security cards, Birth certificates, ID’s, Passports, Badges. Even better, Liz used to mojo her way into the mainframes of any computer system we wanted and make it official.” She boasted.

Dean smiled, his eyes still closed, fighting consciousness.

“This Alien thing gets better and better every day.”


************************************************************************

They pulled into the closest motel just as the sun was setting. Ava threw a chunk of cash over to Dean and asked him to get her and Liz a room which he did, walking back to the car with two keys in hand he threw the one in his right hand over to Ava and disappeared into his own room. The girls walked into their own rooms and threw their duffels on their respective beds.

“Ugh I’m exhausted…we’ve been driving for two days straight.” Liz complained, peeling her outer layers off.

“Well sister, no one made you drive all the way to freakin Massachusetts.”

“Yes but why did we have to come all the way back to Roswell?”

“Cause Mara’s still here, far as we know. Tomorrow…much much later tomorrow, we’ll come up with a plan of attack…Mara’ll be dust, we’ll move on to Lilith. Hey, is she bugging you now even?” Ava asked lying flat on her back, her eyes closed.

“Is who bugging me now?” Liz asked from the bathroom preparing her shower. The door was left open so she could talk to Ava.

“Mara. The lovely Angel duo warned us that she’d be on you like white on rice.”

“Sometimes…never when I’m awake. Always when I’m sleeping.” Liz confessed.

“Yeah we noticed you twitching up a storm in the back. Dean had to wake you a couple times from the backseat. Speaking of Dean in the backseat…what was that little cuddle fest going on back there?” Ava smiled slyly, not bothering to raise her head and see Liz’s eyebrow cocked at her.

“What cuddle fest?”

“I mean…dude looked pretty comfy with his head in your lap. And he practically professed his undying love for you. ‘Liz…I need you!’” Ava mimicked.

“He did not profess his undying love for me, Ava.” She rolled her eyes, adjusting the temperature of the shower and stripping away the last of her road dusty outfit.

“Sure he didn’t.”

“Dean was just being nice. Trying to make me feel like less of a fuck up and more of a human being. It was just a gesture, Aves, he doesn’t love me.”

“I’m not buying it, Parker. I think he likes you.”

“He felt bad. That’s all. Everything he said was only to get me to come with you guys. Not that it wasn’t really nice of him and all.” She shook her head.

“Oh come on! You’re not seriously thinking he made all that up to trick you into coming with us!”

“Everybody decent?” Speak of the devil, as Dean and Sam stuck their heads through the front door.

Ava slammed the bathroom door shut with her powers as she watched Liz jump behind the shower curtain.

“Not so much, but now we’re good.” Ava smiled, rising from the bed.

“Sorry. Dean’s going on a food run. What are you in the mood for?”

“Uh…I’m down for whatever. Lizzie!” Ava shouted “What do you want for dinner?”

Ava shoved her ear against the door to hear Liz’s reply, but it was lost in the sound of the water running.

“What?”

More muffled shouting.

“Can’t hear you!” Ava shouted back into the door.

The door opened a crack just then and Ava stumbled a bit. Liz’s head poked out of the crack, trying her best to stay behind the door.

“I said” She spoke clearly. “I could go for some chinese.”

“Ah. Noted. Kay, back in you go.” Ava ushered.

“I saw a teriyaki joint driving in. I’ll be back in 15.” Dean said, scooting out the door.

When all that was left around the girl’s hotel room was empty boxes, Dean retired to his own bed. Unable to sleep after many attempts he finally turned on the tv hoping the sounds of Three’s Company would lull him into slumber. A knock at the door made him turn away from the tube as he rolled out of bed to answer the door.

“Did you forget your ke—.”

It wasn’t Sam that stood on the other side of the door. Instead it was an annoyed brown haired girl. Liz was tapping her foot angrily and glaring.

“What?” Dean said, contemplating if he had done something for her to get made at.

“I just got kicked out of my own room to facilitate them having sex!”

“What?!” He peered his head around the corner.

“Apparently my sleep deprivation means nothing to them and bumping uglies is far more important. Would you mind if I crashed here?” She asked, then, pulling out the charm. “I brought a movie.”

“Yeah sure.” Dean said, widening the door so she could get through. “You know, I’ve never seen my brother be this sexually active in my entire life. Maybe I should give him the talk.”

Liz smiled. “This is pretty normal for Ava. When she falls she falls hard.”

“So what movie did you get?” Dean asked, repositioning himself on his bed. He was already in his sleep wear, boxers and a tee shirt.

“I dunno just some old western out of their little rental place. I think it has Clint Eastwood in it.” Liz sat cross legged on the corner of Dean’s bed. Sam’s was covered in his duffel and the weapons duffel as well as his lap top.

“You can scoot back, you know. I’m not going to bite you.” Dean assured Liz.

She grinned wickedly and scooted herself back against the pillows and headboard, her exposed legs stretched out in front of her. “Not unless I ask, right?”

Dean laughed and shook his head pushing play on the remote. A couple minutes into the movie there was a muffled thumping against the opposite wall.

Dean and Liz both looked at each other simultaneously.

“Do you hear tha—.”

Liz was interrupted by the sound of a muffled moan.

“Oh gross…” She said scrunching her face.

Dean jumped from the bed. “I can’t listen to that, that’s disgusting. Let’s get out of here.” He said, pulling on a pair of jeans.

Liz looked down at her own outfit, a tank top and some pajama short she always slept in. “Uh…I can’t go anywhere…I don’t have any clothes!”

Dean thought quickly on his feet, tossing her one of his tee shirts and after consideration a pair of smaller jeans he had. “As long as you can turn them back the way you found them…”

She smiled before pulling them on. “Of course I can.” With a wave of the hand the waist fit perfectly. Instead of fixing the hem as well she simply rolled them a couple times and then threw her flip flops on. “Alright where to?”

A louder groan was heard.

Dean shuddered. “Anywhere but here.”

Hey guys, Thanks for reading and for replying!

Forever dreamer- Thanks! Dean does get a little taste of his own medicine, doesn't he.
Garcia88- Thank you! Oh, they'll figure something out.
Twilighteyes- Aw, thanks! Max and the others might still have a role to play.
Maiqu- I'm glad, thanks!
Synera- Yep, turn about is fair play...or however that goes. Thank you for reading!
Behrstars- Oh, good. Thanks for reading!

Okay, here we go!




Chapter Fourteen


“So what’s there to do in Roswell?”

Liz grimaced.

“Nothing, huh?” Dean shook his head.

She laughed. “Not really. When I was a teenager we used to have parties at the old soap factory. Or go see a movie or go bowling or something cliché like that.”

“What did you do for fun in college.” Dean asked

“Mmm…sneak into pubs. Most of my time in Cambridge when I wasn’t studying was spend doing research. I had to cram a lifetime of knowledge in four years. Oh I’ve got it.” Liz said, suddenly.

“What?”

“How do you feel about pool?”


Three games later Dean looked at Liz in shock as she sunk her second to last ball.

“You’re good.” He stated. She smirked, smiling before scratching on the Eight ball.

“You’re better.” She said.

He shrugged and sank the Eight ball. “This is how I make a living. I have to be better. Remind me not to play you for money…you might snake me out of it one day. Who taught you?”

“My dad. You?”

“Dad taught us the basics. Took a lot of bar fights and drinks to get the hang of the scam, but you play enough, you watch people enough, you pick up what you need to.”

“Would you have tried to scam me if you’d seen me in a bar?” Liz asked innocently.

“Depends.”

“On?”

Dean smirked. “Where are you?”

“College town. I’m 21 in Cambridge in a Pub downtown.”

“You drinking?”

“Nursing a beer.”

“You got money?”

“Loads.”

“No.” He said finally.

“No?” She asked perplexed. The younger her would have been a good mark, even she had seen that.

“Nope. I wouldn’t try and scam you. I’d scam your boyfriend, though.”

“My boyfriend?!”

“Mmhmm. Scam him right out of that stupid polo he was probably wearing.”

“I never had a boyfriend in college. Most certainly not one wearing a polo.” Liz laughed.

Dean chuckled staring sideways at the brunette as she leaned against the pool table and took a swig off her beer. “You’re different.” He said, pointing over to her.

“Different how?”

“Happy is a good look.”

“Mmmmm” She scrunched her nose.

Dean laughed.

“It’s weird. When I got out I had to remind myself who I was. What my life was like, who was in it, how I felt about it. Now it’s…easier. Almost like it was before…without the whole…”

“Yeah.” Dean nodded.

“But it’s harder too. Because everyday I remember more and more…but everyday I…its like” Liz fought to explain. “It’s like there’s two sides to me. Like a battle going on. As one side gets stronger, so does the other side.”

“I have to ask you this because I have to know.” Dean interrupted. “I have to know because this whole thing depends on me…I need to know if you think you’re strong enough to fight it. I need to know if YOU believe you can do it.”

Liz sat down in a booth and stared at the table. Dean slid into the other side studying her face. She closed and opened her mouth several times before she was able to get anything out.

“Ever since I was young…I’ve had to be the strong one. The calm to Maria’s storm. The rock that Max needed to depend on. My dad needed me to be strong enough to get to Harvard. My mom needed me to be strong enough to help my dad with the business. I…I never wanted any of those things. Not really. I can’t really be mad about it because it made me who I am. But…there comes a point where you look at your life and you think…what’s enough? When is it enough? When can I stop pretending? Why isn’t it okay for me to be weak, just once? I don’t know what’s going to happen. I can only wish for a day where I don’t have to be something to anybody. Where I can just be human and make mistakes. Today isn’t that day. Dean, I will fight it. I’ll be strong out of necessity. I will win. I can do it…because I HAVE to do it…because I don’t have any other option.”

“I mean…a simple ‘Yes’ would have sufficed.” Dean teased causing Liz to roll her eyes. “But seriously. I have a plan.”

Liz raised her eyebrows. “You do?”

“Ava’s not going to like it. Sam’s not going to like it. Hell…I don’t even like it but it’s the best I got.”

“I’m listening.”

“Mara’s looking for you. She’s in your ear yappin at you to go all ‘All work and no play make jane a dull girl’, right? So we give her an opportunity she can’t refuse. She wants you to kill. We give her what she needs to make it happen. You…a gun…and someone you hate.” He finished.

“You want me to be in a room with a weapon with someone I hate? Dean, did you not hear any part of Anna’s ‘I’ll will Smite you’ speech?”

“Look I know, it’s risky…but it’s also perfect. We lay the trap…she shows up. Poof. You said it yourself…you HAVE to be strong enough to resist.” Dean finished.

“Look even if we did set this up…who on earth would we get to agree to this?” Liz asked.

“Well…who do you hate most in the world?” Dean smiled, knowing the answer already.

Liz’s eyes went wide. “No. No way. Dean! There’s no way! Even if she agreed, I’m not even sure I’m strong enough to resist that!”

“C’mon, it’s perfect! She steals your boyfriend, lies to your face, tries to kill your best friend and was essentially the reason you spent so long in hell! Liz this is too good for Mara to pass up you know it.”

“Dean…I don’t know…”

“But I do. This is how we get Mara. Look we’ll do it somewhere safe, I’ll be there the whole time.” Dean reached over and grabbed one of Liz’s hands. “I’m not going to let you kill her. I’m not going to let anything happen. Do you trust me?”

Liz sighed, trying to ignore the way Dean’s puppy dog eyes made her insides turn to mush. “I never thought I’d see the day where I would be fighting NOT to kill Tess Harding.”

“Yes!” Dean laughed victoriously.

“Yeah yeah, I’ll do it. But YOU have to convince Ava.” Liz stated quickly, rising from her seat and waltzing out of the bar.

Dean deflated at once, sighing loudly.

“Fuck my life.


************************************************************************

It was easier to convince Ava then they had originally thought, even Sam was a harder sell. Turned out the blonde wasn’t too fond of her duplicate either. Now all they had to do was convince the pod squad…or more specifically Max and Tess.

Liz shook outside the door, accompanied by her three companions. Dean raised his arm to knock and the door was answered by Max seconds later. They had called before hand to let them know they were coming.

Max looked tired, sad, and wary. The group trudged in, Liz following slowly behind. Max grabbed her by the arm and held her back.

“Liz…”

“What?” she jumped.

Max looked down and leaned in close, almost whispering. “I just…want you to know. I…I know you didn’t want to do what you had to do. I don’t blame you. And…I know this will be difficult, but just know…look we all lost something that day. You included. I…understand.”

Liz nodded her head. It was difficult for him, she could obviously tell. The girl he once loved had killed his sister. Although he knew why Liz had done it, he couldn’t help but be hurt.

“Thanks Max.”

He followed him then in the common room where the rest of the pod squad minus Alex waited.

“Maria, Michael? What are you guys doing here?” Liz asked.

“We didn’t know what to expect.” Max answered.

Liz nodded, slightly wounded by the back handed remark.

“Look we all kind of have an idea of what’s going on.” Dean spoke, taking charge. “We can’t afford a mistake like last time, so if you all don’t mind we’d just like to do a little test.” He finished, him and Sam both fishing out flasks.

“What kind of tes—.” Michael was answered with a face full of water.

The four pod squaders looked puzzled, as their various parts were now wet.

“It’s holy water.” Dean answered for them, screwing the cap back on. “Make sure you’re not possessed.”

“And you had to ruin my shirt for that?” Maria asked, wiping some of the moisture away.

“Trust me, it was necessary. And…to make sure you stay that way…” Sam led, bringing out necklaces from his backpack. “These’ll keep you un-possessed. I brought one for your friend Alex too, but.”

“We’ll make sure he gets it.” Max said.

“Here” Dean tossed a small vial of water at him. “Make sure Alex is really Alex.”

Max caught it with ease and nodded.

“So was that it? Make sure that none of you had to off anyone else?” Michael spoke gruffly.

“Michael!” Maria scolded.

“No,” Liz spoke, trying her best to ignore foot in mouth Guerin. “Actually we came to ask a favor. From Tess.”

Tess’ head shot up perplexed. “Me?”

“Look here’s the deal.” Ava spoke up, wanting to get down to business. “Mara was the demon that possessed Isabel. She wants to turn Liz into a big bad demon machine. We can’t let that happen. So we need to kill her. Dean’s got a knife to do it, but problem is, Demon’s ain’t so easy to find. So we need to make a trap.”

“Mara wants Liz to kill. That’s how she turns people into demons. She’ll be relentless until she gets what she wants.” Sam added.

“It not a big secret that you and my girl here aren’t exactly best buds. So here’s the plan. We put you,” Ava pointed to Tess. “In a room with her” At Liz next. “Maybe throw in a weapon or two and wait for Mara to show up.”

Silence.

Uncomfortable heavy silence until Tess shoots out of her seat.

“Are you CRAZY! You want me to be in a room with her and just let her try to kill me!” Tess screamed.

“NO one is going to kill anyone. I’ll make sure of that.” Dean said authoritatively.

“But there’s a chance, right? A chance that Liz could kill Tess.” Max asked.

“More than a chance, bub….my girl is stronger than all you chumps put together!”

“Ava!” Liz scolded. “Not. Helping.”

“Sorry.” Ava shrugged.

“Look…I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t trust Dean, Sam and Ava to make sure no one was going to get hurt. I can’t lie to you and tell you that this isn’t dangerous, and I’m sorry that you guys had to be dragged into this as well, that wasn’t ever my intention. But this is where we are and trust me when I say this is our only option. Yes, Tess might be in some danger, but I couldn’t forgive myself if we didn’t do this and god forbid Mara went after someone who wasn’t protected, like our parents, or your children…” Liz said somberly.

“What is that a threat?” Tess scoffed.

“No.” Dean answered. “But it is a possibility. These are DEMONS. They’re not above hurting children or anything else in life. She will do whatever it takes to make this happen and most likely, she’ll use you all as pawns. We have to stop Mara. If you want your lives to stay safe I’m thinking you have one option just like we do.”

Ava sat across from Tess and stared into her dupes eyes, so alike but so foreign to her own. “You OWE her this much, Tess.” She said, referring to Liz.

“Wait a min—.”

“No she’s right.” Tess said, looking at her shoes. “I’ll do it.

“Tess, think about this…” Max pleaded.

“I have.” Her icy blue eyes met Liz’s warm brown. “I want to do this.”

Hey Guys! Sorry if I've been a little sporadic about updates, I try to make it every week, but I know I'm off a couple days every now and again. Thanks for reading and Let me know what you think about this new part!

Lizandzachfan- Thanks!
roswellian love- Liz is always kind of way too easy on Tess, isn't she? If I were Mara, Tess and Liz's relationship would be my jackpot too. Oh, Sammy...he's just a ticking time bomb. Thanks for reading!
alexceasar- very true, risky for all parts involved. Thanks!
forever dreamer- Good! That was my intent. haha, thanks so much! glad you liked it!
garcia88- Oh, thanks! Thank you for reading, hope you like whats coming.
Twilighteyes- I think Max tries to fight his asshole tendancies. Good on him. You want Tess hurt? Join the club, friend. Thanks for reading! (And no, its never too soon to bump!)
Maiqu- Glad you liked it! Thanks, and hope you like this part too.
Detzer84- Welcome back? Thank you so much, you're always so sweet. Glad you like whats happened so far. Trust, we've got miles and miles to go.

Okay, on with it!




Chapter Fifteen


The group had dispersed into teams to plan the best route possible, they would need somewhere spacious but still a building. They would need to have plausible hiding spaces and a trap strong enough to hold Mara.

Liz sat, her head over a book trying to figure out how to make the smartest and strongest trap.

“Hey” A voice said suddenly beside her.

“Maria.” Liz turned her head.

“I just wanted to talk to you…everything happened so fast the other day…”

“Yeah, I know.” Liz nodded. Suddenly she felt herself encompassed by a pair of familiar arms. Slowly she let her own arms encircle Maria as well

“I missed you so much.” Maria said, tears pooling in her eyes.

Liz pulled away and nodded. “I missed you too.”

“I want you to know,” Maria said seriously. “It is not your fault what happened, okay? None of us blame you.”

Liz rolled her eyes. “You sure about that? Last time I checked, Alex blames me”

“Alex doesn’t know anything right now. He’s confused, but he’ll come around and he’ll realize that it was just a horrible tragedy and none of it was your fault.” Maria reasoned. “Look, I think out of everyone Alex blames himself. What he should feel is lucky. I can’t believe all that time that…you…”

“Yeah.” Liz nodded.

“I have to tell you something. Liz, when you died…I was…Lizzie, I love Alex, I do! But…you’re my best friend. You’re like my sister and when you died I didn’t know what to do…I was so lost and I just wanted you back…but I wasn’t strong enough to find out why. I could barely fathom that you were gone let alone the reason behind it. So…I didn’t do anything about it and that was my fault and I’m a horrible best friend and..”

“Maria I don’t blame you and it isn’t your fault.” Liz soothed.

“Yes it is! God, you deserved better…but instead I was just selfish and I’m so sorry. And then when you came out and made us forget…this is so stupid…I…I felt jealous of Alex because you saved him. I thought when Isabe—Mara had me that you wouldn’t let anything happen to Alex, so I thought it would be me. And I just figured…you know, I deserved it. I didn’t save you like I should have and this was my punishment.”

“Maria that’s ridiculous!” Liz almost laughed. “Ria…if it had been you in Alex’s position I would have done the same exact thing. You know that. And Maria…I wasn’t going to let Mara hurt you.”

Maria nodded. “I never thanked you, for…you saved my life.”

Liz shrugged. “I’d do it again, no matter what. You know that.”

Maria pulled the girl into another hug. “I should know that. I’m so sorry, Lizzie. I love you.”

“You too, Ria.”

The blonde girl laughed and wiped her eyes glancing over at where Dean, Ava and Sam sat over a map of Roswell with Max and Michael.

“Isn’t it weird?” Maria asked

“What?”

“Ava…and Tess they look so much alike…but You and Ava are so close.”

“And Tess and I hate each other? Yeah I know it’s weird.” Liz smiled. “But Ava’s nothing like Tess. I’ve never seen her that way for some reason. It’s easy for me to differentiate.”

Maria nodded. “So Ava and Sam are together and you and Dean are…”

“Just friends.” Liz rolled her eyes.

“Mmhmm. Sure.”

“Oh god, not you too.” Liz hit her head with her hand and groaned.

“Hey, I can’t blame you, girl. I mean, even if you regretted it the day after…Tell me you have something to regret with that boy.” Maria nudged.

Liz shook her head. “Nothing has ever or will ever happen. Dean doesn’t feel that way.”

Maria frowned and then cocked an eyebrow. “You, me, the other room. Let’s go.”

Liz groaned as she was pulled into the other room. Maria shut the door behind them.

“DEAN doesn’t feel that way…but you do?” Maria placed her hands on her hips.

Liz’s shoulders sunk like a teenager who’s parent was trying to have the sex talk with them. “I don’t know. No?”

“Okay, Parker…what’s really going on?” Maria placed her hands on her hips. “I’ve seen that look before. I know what’s up. Who is she?”

“Maria its not…”

“Liz! I haven’t gotten to be the meddlesome best friend in years. Don’t deny me this pleasure.”

Liz grunted. “I don’t know. I…just…he’s really good to us even if he tries to hide it. He cares about what he does. He protects Sam better than any sibling I’ve ever seen. He’s strong, loyal, smart. He tells the stupidest jokes and he’s a chauvinist pig. He loves his damn car way too much and you cannot talk to the guy if the television is on but…”

“But you totally love him”

“No! No…I…no.”

“Okay…you don’t totally love him.” Maria laughed. “So what’s the problem?”

“The problem is….Maria I remind him of the worst time in his life! Every time he looks at me I remind him of Hell. He constantly has to worry about if I’m going to go dark side even if he says he trusts me. And then…there’s this girl.”

“Oy. Here we go.”

“Her name is Anna and she’s an angel. Well…technically she’s an angel turned human turned angel again.”

“Huh?” Maria’s face scrunched.

“Long story. In short, Dean and Her hooked up when she was human, then she had to become an angel again so technically they can’t be together.” Liz explained.

“So? What’s the problem?”

“The problem is she’s a FREAKING ANGEL and I’m practically a demon in training! Why on God’s green earth would Dean want to be with someone like me? I represent everything he hates and is trying to desperately get away from. She represents good and light and rainbows and kittens and shiny shit!” Liz whispered as loud as she could.

“Oookay….honey breathe!” Maria held in her laughter. “Listen, I think you might be a bit wrong about how Dean sees you.”

Liz shot Maria a look. “You and Ava are planning this, aren’t you…”

“What?! No. But if Ava said something too then obviously…” Maria eluded.

“Obviously nothing.” Liz said firmly. “There isn’t anything going on with Dean and I. He doesn’t ‘look’ at me a certain way, he doesn’t ‘think’ about me a certain way and he most certainly does not ‘like’ me in that certain way. Period. End of Sentence.”

“Okay, okay, I surrender, General!” Maria held her arms up and walked backward out of the room. “God forbid any demon cross your wrath, Mara doesn’t stand a chance!”

“You’re damn right!” Ava said from the table as the group looked up to see them walking out. Ava was smiling at Liz in a knowing way.

Liz narrowed her eyes. “Were you listening?”

“Duh.” Ava rolled her eyes. “And let me just say…I freakin told you so!”

Maria laughed as Liz let out a large groan and stalked off to her book. Ava reached up for a high five which Maria gladly gave her.

The four boys looked at each other, each hoping one of them would have the answer.

Michael finally shrugged before turning back to the map.

“Chicks, man.”


************************************************************************

Big black letters painted on the side of the building could never cause so much dread.

Liz stood at the base of it, her neck craned to see the top where the words “Area 51” were written.

In 1947 when the crash happened the entire town of Roswell erupted in Alien Madness. Every building on every block was now sporting some sort of Alien paraphernalia. Roswell had gone from quiet New Mexico town to giant tourist trap in one week straight and every resident was trying to make a buck. Restaurants, gift stores, even talks of a theme park. But as the interest in the phenomenon died down and more and more people bought the weather balloon hoax, business started to suffer, save from the few establishments such as the UFO museum, Crashdown Café, and the annual Crash Festival. In the mid 70’s in a last ditch effort to boost tourism profit they jumped on the Studio 54 bandwagon and tried to create something of their own. A Roswell hotspot, alien themed of course, where all your nightly urges would come true. The waitresses would be Alien’s dressed in skin tight lycra suits, the bartenders shirtless victims. Celebrities from all over the world would come and ‘party like an alien’ only as one could in the 70’s.

Area 51 had had a good opening and even the couple years to follow were thick with business. But as the other attractions, novelty soon wore off. Finally, its fate was sealed when one of the bartenders, on a coke fueled rampage, shot and killed 10 club-goers and took all the money in the tills before riding into a face off with Roswell PD. It ended badly and so Area 51 closed its doors for good. The building located a stone’s throw from the actual town of Roswell was soon deserted, no one able to purchase such a place and make any efforts to turn it around. No one wanting to drudge up old memories.

She shook her head at the sign and walked toward the large metal double doors. She was off balance. She didn’t have the usual weight of her nine in the gun holster that usual sat hidden by her jacket. She had taken to carrying one ever since New York out of habit and it had become somewhat of a comfort. Of course in light of the recent happenings at the pod chamber she had gotten rid of it, and was now only carrying a hunting knife about six inches in length. But, she reminded herself, it wasn’t like she needed a weapon anyways.

After a bit of alien persuasion she swung the doors open coughing through the cloud of 20 year old dust that flew through the air.

“Ugh.” Liz remarked, covering her nose to escape the smell of vomit and sex. Lingering effects of old alcohol and body odor leaking through her attempts. “Sick…”

The owner in his haste to leave hadn’t bothered to clean up any of the decorations, and so the floor was still scuffed from dancer’s stilettos and cocktail waitresses roller skates. Several disco balls hung from the ceiling and one lone stage light bulb hung in the middle of the room. The walls were covered in tacky neon and gauzy curtains and various Mod décor still littered the place. Liz was sure if she looked hard enough she could probably fight an 8 ball somewhere around or at least maybe some X.

But that wasn’t what she came for so instead she walked around the club, checking for places to hide Ava and Dean and Sam. A place to put a devil’s trap, entrances and exit’s, everything they would need to set up. She was crouched behind the bar when she heard someone walk in.

“Oh my god…it’s like the 70’s threw up in here!”

“Tess?” Liz poked her head up from the bar.

“Hi. I just thought I should come take a look at the place. Get a lay of the land and all.” Tess nervously waved.

“Uhh…okay.” Liz nodded and resumed what she was doing, trying to figure out how to work the fuse box located behind the bar.

“So…you sure you’ll be able to resist?” Tess asked, perching herself cautiously on a chair shaped like a captain’s seat.

“Resist what?”

“You know…killing me.”

Liz shot up again from behind the bar. “What?”

Tess rolled her eyes. “It’s not like it’s a big secret. You and I have never gotten along.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to kill you Tess.” Liz said, crossing her arms.

“Okay. That’s good. Because…I mean, you should know. Even if you don’t like me, a child should never grow up without his mother. Zan needs me.”

Liz raised her eyebrow. “You named your baby Zan?”

‘Does Ava know?’ Was what Liz was really thinking.

“Well yeah. I mean, it is his father’s real name.” Tess reasoned. “Just, we’re a family. Me, Zan and Max. We’re happy. I’ve never seen Max so happy. And just…”

Liz lost her patience, walking around the bar and leaning against it. “Tess, what’s this really about?”

Tess stared at her shoes. “I, just…you can’t blame me for being cautious. Max loved you for half his life. And you’ve never really showed any interest in anyone else…well…besides Sean Deluca way back when…so…”

It dawned on Liz, what Tess was getting at. “You’re worried that I’ll go after Max?”

“Well…yeah.”

A chortle erupted from Liz’s gut. “Tess…Max and I were ages ago….literally.”

“Well…I know…but you were so close and I mean…you’ve never…”

“I dated guys in Cambridge, Tess.” Liz stated.

“You did?”

“Well…” Liz turned red. “Not so much dated as…took care of some things I wanted to take care of before I died…but…yes. Look, I’m not going to say I didn’t love Max or that I didn’t still care for him when all this stuff happened…but… I was a different person then. A lot’s happened and a lot has changed. Even if I was the type of person to go after someone’s husband, which I’m not, I’m sure at this point in our lives, Max and I wouldn’t really be compatible.”

“Oh.” Tess realized, pleased at Liz’s discovery. “So you’re not…”

“A man-stealing home-wrecker? No, Tess. Not every girl is.” Liz spat.

Tess smiled, not catching Liz’s jab and sighed in relief. “Oh good.”

“Yeap. So if you don’t mind…” Liz signaled, noting that she had work to do.

“Oh, yeah, sorry.” Tess nodded and rose from her seated position. “Oh wait, one more thing.”

Liz tried to keep her patience in check. “What.”

“I just wanted to say…and I know it doesn’t mean much. I’m sorry about everything with Alex.”

Liz’s hand tightened on the bar, her knuckles turning white.

“Look, Nasedo made the deal and the plan and at the time I was just going along with it. I never meant to—.”

“I really don’t want to hear your excuses, Tess.” Liz said through her teeth.

“I know you don’t but I really feel like I should explain at least. I meant it’s kind of my fault you went to hell.” Tess said nonchalantly.

Liz irked. “Kind of?”

“Well…uhm…yeah?” Tess watched as Liz’s face went ghostly white. Every muscle in her body seemed to clench as beads of sweat formed on her brow. “Liz are you okay?”

“It was kind of your fault?” The brunette answered, a large vein appearing on her forehead.

“Look, Liz, there’s no reason to get so upset. It was wrong of me to lie…but I mean, everyone forgave me. Alex forgave me, Max forgave me…I mean, it was the real test in our relationship, his forgiveness. I knew then that he really loved me.” Tess explained.

Liz seethed, her head tilting with every whisper she heard, every devil’s advocate telling her to release her anger and pain on this small girl. “No.” She said, suddenly, hoping to quiet her attackers. “No…I wont do it.”

Tess’s eyes narrowed. “Liz…do…you need me to get you someone? Or something?”

Liz’s eyes seemed almost black when they looked back up at Tess. She simply shook her head no.

Tess’s eyes widened when she realized what was happening. “Look at the time.” She said, nervously. “I’m just gonna go.” Turning directly on her heel she spun toward the exit. The large metal doors closed tightly before she could get to them. She pushed hard on them; they wouldn’t budge. She tried again with her powers…nothing worked.

Turning slowly, she spotted Liz standing 20 feet from her, her palm outstretched. “Ava was right. I am stronger than you.”

Tess’s eyes showed immediate fear. “What are you doing? Liz, let me out!”

Liz tried to shake out of her haze, “Shut up!” She shouted, “Leave me alone! Tess…get out of here!” she pleaded with the alien queen.

Tess tried the doors again, but they were still stuck. “I can’t!!”

Liz clutched at her head. “LEAVE ME ALONE!”

“Oh, but what’s the fun in that?” A cool voice whispered in her ear. Liz turned sharply to her left and noted the arrival of a new person. Her black eyes showed her true self, though she was wearing the body of an older woman. She looked in her early 40’s, in shape and dressed business appropriate. She reminded Liz of Congresswoman Whitaker, in that she exuded power, a don’t-fuck-with-me kind of attitude.

“Mara.”

“Oh my god…” Tess said in fright and awe.

Mara rolled her eyes. “Not quite, honey. But if all goes as planned who knows? You might get to see him soon enough.”

“Tess, you have to get out of here.” Liz pleaded.

“Yes Tess, you have to get out of here! Before Lizzie goes ape shit on your ass and gives you the punishment you deserve.” Mara teased.

“Leave us alone, Mara.” Liz said calmly.

“Sweetie, can’t you see what I’m doing for you here? I’m giving you a gift! No more pain, no more heart ache. No more rejection and uncertainty. You can join me and my brothers and sisters and we can set our true king free and live forever however we wish! The possibilities are endless! And it all starts…” Mara slid behind Liz and pointed her at Tess. “With justice.”

“Justice?”

“She got away with killing Alex and never had to pay for it. She lives in her cushy home with her husband and child and SUV and lives with no consequences, with no punishment. You, however faced plenty of punishment, Liz. Years and years of being punished for something that you didn’t do.”

“No, Liz, please!” Tess screamed, running for the side exit.

Liz extended her hand and Tess whiplashed back and flew through the air, colliding hard with the mirrored wall above the bar. With a thump she landed on the ground and groaned as shards fell around her.

Mara squealed with delight. “That’s it, doesn’t that feel good!?”

Liz smiled, her eyes vacant and stepped forward, Mara following her every footstep. With another wave, Tess flew up on her feet and back into a wall.

“That’s it…make her feel every little thing you felt. Did she tell you about how Alex died? About how she made his brain fry? You remember what that feels like, don’t you? Like your insides are being micro-waved. Make her feel that, Lizzie. Make her feel your pain.” Mara shouted.

“Ahhh!” Tess shouted, plastered against the wall, her face scrunching in agony.

Liz’s outstretched arm was taut with power, Mara reached up to lower it.

“Now’s the time, Liz.” She reached into Liz’s boot and pulled out the hunting knife Liz kept. “Now’s the time to end her life and begin your journey with your new family.” Mara placed the handle of the knife into Liz’s hand and pushed her toward the struggling alien.

Liz walked slowly one foot in front of the other, her eyes glazed over, staring diligently at Tess’s form on the wall.

“Do what you’ve wanted to do since Tess first got to Roswell, Liz. End it. She must pay for her sins. This isn’t senseless…This is Justice Liz!” Mara yelled.

Liz closed in with every step finally being able to reach out and touch the blonde girl. She lifted her arm slowly, bringing the knife to her neck and holding.

Mara pulsed with excitement. “Yes, Liz. One pass of that knife and its over. You’ll be on your way to joining us! To joining our family. After this it’ll be so easy, like second nature. You’ll be giving justice for those who can’t take it themselves! This is your Destiny, Liz!”

Liz froze, her knife pressed to Tess, brown eye to blue. Her mouth curled up in a slight smile. She lowered her arm and Tess slid to the floor.

“On second thought.” Liz spoke with conviction. She turned to see Mara cock her head. “Destiny is really, really played out.”

Tess crossed her arms and smiled smugly behind Liz, who was pocketing her knife.

“Liz.” Mara spoke with clear definition. “Tess needs to pay. Kill her. Now.”

Liz frowned as if thinking. “Yeah…I don’t think I will.” She shook her head. “And there isn’t anything you can do about it, you crazy manipulative bitch.”

Liz nodded her head up and Mara’s eye’s followed. On the ceiling in white paint, a trap. Mara tried to step past it but was nearly thrown back at the invisible barrier.

“Yeah.” Liz nodded. “You see, I come from a line of expert trap builders. You’re not getting out of that anytime soon.”

Mara growled.

“Guys, you can come out now!” Liz shouted. As if appearing from nowhere Ava, Sam and Dean ran out, Sam and Dean running around with canisters of salt, lining the doorways and making a definite circle around Mara.

“That was quite the mind warp.” Tess nodded.

Ava brushed invisible dirt off her shoulder. “Mmm. I almost broke a sweat.” She smiled at Mara who was standing with her arms crossed.

Sam opened one of the side doors and in filtered Max, Michael and Maria. Tess ran immediately to Max.

“Are you okay?” Max asked, concerned.

“Nothing that can’t be fixed.” Tess smiled, noting the scratches she had and sore back. “Liz, I thought we were supposed to be acting? The mirror was a bit much, don’t you think?”

Liz smiled smugly. “I was really really in character.” She shrugged.

“Entrances are all salted.” Sam reported back to the group.

“No body outside.” Dean said. “Don’t tell me you’re too cocky for an entourage? Even Lilith has her goons. Oh wait, you are one of Lilith’s goons.”

Mara rolled her eyes. “Is this you’re little plan? Trap me in here and then what? Bore me to death?”

“We were thinking something a little more permanent.” Liz crossed her arms.

“Ohh yeah I love the smell of revenge in the morning.” Mara inhaled. “Especially off you, dear. You forget. Killing is killing and in case you’ve forgotten…heaven forbids it!” the demon mocked.

“Who said I was going to kill anyone?” Liz asked.

“Well we all know Sammy doesn’t have the huevos to take me down. And that little exorcism incantation? It’s elementary. A tickle in my throat, darling.” Mara smiled.

“Yeah we’ll see about that.” Sam said suddenly, bringing his hand up and closing his eyes.

Mara’s head lurched forward as if spitting out a furball. The floor around her turned to smoke and the blackness began to raise out of her mouth. Sam shook with concentration, as Mara tried to keep herself together. It was a standoff, he’d gain some and then she would. He almost had her finished before Mara pulled herself almost all the way in. A line of blood dripped down from Sam’s nose, as the color drained from his face. Mara gained confidence, smiling.

“When you gonna learn, Lizzie, you’ll never be rid of me.” She taunted.

Liz tightened her hand around the handle of her blade and stalked toward a grinning Mara.

“No, Liz!” Ava shouted, but Dean was the one to catch her. Getting in front of her he shielded Mara from Liz’s sight and whispered in her ear.

“Turn around.”

Liz turned on a dime and Dean spun the opposite way, his own knife shining in his hand. Liz squeezed her eyes shut but nothing could be done about her ears. She heard Dean and Mara in a scuffle, everyone else powerless to help out of lack of knowledge. A couple moments and a few worrisome grunts later and she saw Ava’s face fall into relief. Slowly she turned around, Dean stood behind Mara, forcing his knife into her spine. Mara jerked a few times and a light that resembled electricity stuttered across her body. The black smoke poured from her and into the ground and Liz knew that she was dead for good.

Dean pulled the knife out of the now vacant body and let it slump to the ground.

“Its over,” He said, walking out of the circle.

Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief. Ava ran to Sam’s side and began wiping the blood from his nose, helping him to sit down.

The pod squad collected into a group, mourning the loss of one of their own, happy at the avenged death. Worried about the body that now lay lifeless in the middle of the room.

Dean walked over to Liz and exhaled, offering the frozen girl a hug. Liz leaned into the embrace, still stoic.

“She can’t touch you anymore, Liz. She’s dead.” Dean clarified.

“I didn’t kill anyone.” Liz said, quietly.

“What?”

“I didn’t kill anyone!!!” She said, louder. A smile broke out across her face a mile wide.

It was infectious and Dean smiled back, nodding. “Yeah…you did good.”

She squealed and flung herself at Dean who caught her one armed with ease. Dean laughed a little and Ava and Sam smiled widely. Dean set Liz down on her feet.

“I mean, I really, really wanted to…but then I just didn’t!” Liz said, thinking back over the events.

“What’d I tell ya?” Dean nodded.

“Glad you could restrain yourself.” Tess rolled her eyes.

“Well, you did have it coming.” Liz shrugged, unable to hold the serious face for long.

“Okay, this is definite cause for celebration.” Ava said, hugging Liz herself. “What do you guys got in the form of a bar around here?”

“No.” Liz stated seriously. “Let’s just….let’s get out of town, huh? As soon as possible?”

Maria frowned, looking hurt.

“This doesn’t have anything to do with you,” Liz rested a hand on Maria’s arm and pulled the girl into a hug. “I just need to get out of this town.”

“I understand.” Maria nodded. “Just…call, would ya? Let me know you’re safe.”

“Of course.” Liz pulled back and nodded her head at Michael.

He smiled uncomfortably. “Well…an eye for an eye and all that. So…sorry we were such dicks. Thanks for taking care of that thing.”

Liz nodded. “Anytime, Michael. Take care of my girl, would ya?”

He nodded. Max and Tess came to stand in front of Liz.

“Liz…” Max started, his usual pensive face on.

“Look, Max. Everything that’s…there’s no use hashing out any old shit. You both should know I don’t have any regrets. I really hope you two have a happy life together.” She said.

“I hope the same for you Liz. I just want you to be happy.” Max said.

“Thanks.” Liz smiled. “Listen, could you just tell Alex.” She said to the whole group. “Tell him I’m sorry, again? And that…my door’s always open, or rather my phone’s always on okay?”

“He’ll come around, sweetie.” Maria gave one last hug to the girl before the four of them filed out, ready to be rid of all the supernatural things that were beyond their world.

With a wave of the hand Ava cleaned up all the evidence around the room and turned the body into dust. It was unfortunate that the woman had died, but such was their life. They avoided casualties as they could, but unfortunately sometimes it was inevitable. After the scene was clear they walked off down the road back toward town where the impala was waiting, each of them feeling a bit lighter.

Hi.

Excuse #1(Where I've been): Vegas. And working. And Lazy. I'm sorry. Really. I'm really sorry.

As penance, (I'm not even Catholic), Here's two parts. Forgiven?

Well, here's more bad news. I'm moving, tomorrow. And the new house doesn't have internet set up. And probably wont until October. So...when I return, and I will return, I will offer two more parts. Because I feel bad. Also, I will write like a mad fool on my computer while I suffer thru no internet/no cable life. Promise.

In anycase. Thank you so much to those who replied and read the last part! I'm glad you guys liked it, and can't thank you all enough for being so loyal and leaving feedback and even paying attention to my little story in the first place.

The following people are amazing:
garcia88- Thank you thank you!
alexceasar- Thanks!
Twilighteyes- Imagine the scene with Tess getting beat up again, this time with more blood. Does that help? Just a little? Its hard to be and stay mad at someone you know is going to be a regular part of your life. As for Max...well...he's a dumb boy.
forever dreamer- I know, I'm super infuriating! Thank you for saying such nice things!
Maiqu- Hah. Never has a song been more fitting. One witch down, one to go.
ZansLove- I'll try to come back sooner? Thank you for reading!

So here's this, then its back to the packing for me. Enjoy!

Chapter Sixteen


The door shut with a click behind them, they had all piled into one hotel room. Ava and Liz fell backwards onto one of the beds and faced each other.

Ava grinned widely at Liz. “I can’t believe we pulled it off!”

“This was only a small part of your battle.” Castiel’s voice caused Liz and Ava to shoot up.

“God I hate it when you do that.” Ava complained, scowling at Castiel and Anna who stood beside him.

“Cas, Anna? What’s up?” Dean asked.

“Bearing more good news?” Liz bit, not a big fan of either angels.

“Just another warning.” Anna answered. “Cutting it close, don’t you think, Dean?”

“Wha— We just killed Mara! Everything went as planned.” Dean said.

“Tell that to the legion of angel’s waiting outside ready to pounce. She almost killed twice today! Their trigger finger is itching already, Dean, they don’t need any excuses.”

“She is sitting RIGHT HERE!” Liz said, jumping up, interrupting Anna. “And you know what? SHE is sick of this shit. You guys want me so bad?”

Liz flung the door of the motel open and screamed into the air. “COME AND GET IT. I’M RIGHT HERE, MOTHER FUCKERS!”

“Liz!” Ava shouted, pulling the girl away from the door and closing it quickly, as if heaven would charge down at once.

“What?!” Liz shouted back. “I’m sick of this! I didn’t do anything wrong…in fact, I just helped take care of a pretty big fucking thorn in your side and all you guys have to say is watch it? Well FUCK you!” Liz stood in Anna’s unchanging face. “We’re doing the best goddamn job we can and all this Beware, and don’t go dark side, shit isn’t really doing anyone good. I get it, alright? No killing for me. I’m aware, thank you. But unless you have something a little bit more ardent to the task at hand, AKA, killing Lilith and stopping the apocalypse then I suggest you stay the fuck out of my way.”

The door to the bathroom shook with force as Liz slammed it behind her.

Liz’s three companions stared slack jawed at the door, surprised and impressed by the girl’s outburst.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Anna said, unaffected, before disappearing.

“I apologize if we’ve made problems for you.” Castiel said, stiffly. “Anna is passionate for the cause now more than ever. I hope Liz doesn’t misunderstand our concern for ungratefulness. Please relay we are indeed in awe of her strength.”

“Got it Cas. But we’re taking tonight off. Why don’t you guys come back later when you have something on Lilith.” Dean clarified, opening the door. Cas walked through it and nodded to the rest of the occupants in the room. As soon as Dean closed the door behind him, Liz reappeared, looking sheepish.

“Sorry…” She said. “I just…sorry.”

“Hey, it’s understandable, girl.” Ava said slinging her arm around Liz. “Are you ready to get the fuck outta here or what?”

Liz nodded. “I could really use that drink, too.”


************************************************************************


Liz rubbed her eyes adjusting them to the dark of the room. It was the first night she’d slept without nightmares. There were always nightmares. And now that there weren’t, she guessed as she read the clock, her body didn’t know what to do. It was 3:04 in the morning. They’d gotten in from the bar at 1:30 and crashed straight away. Liz turned in her bed toward Ava expecting to see the girl passed out in her own bed, but she was gone.

She turned toward the door and jumped in surprise as she saw Ava standing silently, staring out the window into the cold dark night. The girl’s face was stoic, off in a far away land.

“Hey…” Liz said, sleep still lacing her voice.

Ava made no movements.

“What are you doing up?” Liz asked.

“Has Sam been acting weird, lately?” She responded.

Liz thought for a moment, “Uhh I’m not sure. I don’t think I’d be a good judge of character on that one. Why?”

“It’s nothing.” The blonde said, finally turning away from the window.

“Ava, what is it?” Liz asked concerned.

Ava sighed. “Sometimes Sam leaves in the middle of the night after he thinks everyone’s gone to bed. He doesn’t get back until early morning.”

Liz scrunched her face in thought. “That’s weird. Have you asked him about it?”

Ava shrugged. “Once. He said he just likes to drive.”

“Maybe he does.”

“Yeah.” Ava said dejectedly, looking out of the window once again. “Maybe.”




Chapter Seventeen


It had been a week since they had gotten rid of Mara and the group was slowly making their way back north east. Not really driving anywhere with determination, they were waiting on Castiel to come up with something for them. Something, anything on Lilith.

She was the next obstacle, and they had to figure out a way to kill her.

Liz had mentioned something about North Carolina, said that Duke University had a good paranormal studies program and a couple of professors might have a clue where to look and which texts to study. The research thing had normally worked out in the past, so Dean was generally driving in that direction. They pulled into a small town around 120 miles from Durham and decided to rest for the night.

Dean came out of the shower just as he saw Sam pulling the impala keys out from Dean’s jacket. Dean raised his eyebrows and Sam was a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. He pulled his pants on slowly, one leg at a time.

“Going somewhere with my car, Sammy?”

“Just on a drive. There’s a diner across the street, a bar just two blocks down. You don’t need it for anything.” He replied.

“Yeah well. Neither do you.”

“Dean, I’m just going on a drive to clear my he—.”

“Bullshit, Sam!”

“What are you going to do? You going to stop me? Going to forbid me from leaving the hotel room?” Sam challenged.

“God…who the hell are you?”

“I’m trying to win this fight, Dean. I’m proactively doing something, unlike you who just sits on his ass waiting for the clues to fall in his lap.”

“Yeah well excuse me for having value’s. Value’s that clearly state you don’t break bread with Demons.” Dean picked up his jacket and threw it over onto the chair. He slumped onto the bed and put his head in his hands to quell the headache that had just formed.

Sam stood with his arms at his side at the front door. “What do you want me to say, Dean? We both know I’m going to go anyways.”

“I’m sure as hell not going to give you my blessing. Just get out of here. I don’t feel like looking at you right now.”

Sam nodded tight lipped and spun on his heel, storming out the door. He almost ran into Liz, who had her hand up ready to knock.

“Woah.” Liz said, turning sideways to avoid the steaming younger brother. “Where’s he going?”

“On a drive.” Dean answered. “You hungry?” He asked, rising from his seated position.

“Just about to ask you that.”

“Ava?” Dean inquired.

“Taking a nap. Says she’s not.”

“Alright. That diner across the street okay with you?”

“Yeah. Sounds good.” Liz smiled, wanting to ask what had happened with the two brothers, but not wanting to pry.

Dean pulled a shirt over his head and slid his shoes back on. Grabbing his jacket, he put one hand on the small of Liz’s back and shut the door and locked it with his other.

“Alright then, let’s go.”

After a burger, a jack-laced coke and a piece of the diner’s Pie, Dean and Liz decided to have a beer or two before returning to the room. After a couple games of pool and some well polished beers later the pair returned to Dean’s doorstep.

“You know, I’m not the least bit tired.” Liz admitted.

“Yeah me neither.” Dean reciprocated.

“Do you want to…watch a movie or something? See what’s on the tube?” She offered.

“Yeah sounds good.” Dean nodded.

“Cool. I’m just gonna check on Ava really fast and then…”

“Kay.” Dean said opening the door and disappearing inside. Liz turned her own key in her own door, whispering to herself.

“What’s on the tube? Could I be any hokier?” Liz opened the door to an empty room. “Hmm.” She shrugged. Maybe Ava had decided to get something to eat after all.

She returned to Dean’s room and told him as such. He nodded and flipped the TV and began to surf.

Liz flopped herself onto the bed and squinted to view the small tv. “Oh wait, stop there!”

“What?” Dean turned the TV back.

“Law and Order: SVU.”

“Law and what?” Dean asked confused.

Liz’s eyebrows raised. “You’ve never seen Law and Order?”

“No.”

“Well…it’s basically like a cop show….but they also show the trial part. So they solve the case, and then take it to trial. This is one of its spin-off’s, Special Victim’s Unit. They deal with Sex crimes and crimes with kids involved.”

“Huh.” Dean took a moment to watch the screen. “The chick’s kind of hot.”

Liz smiled but rolled her eyes. “That’s Detective Olivia Benson. She and that guy, Detective Stabler, have been partners forever.”

“So he’s hit it?”

“No, actually. Although…if I were Olivia I would have at least tried when he got divorced from his wife.” Liz answered.

Dean cocked an eyebrow. “Really? That guy? Isn’t he a bit old for you?”

“Elliot Stabler?” Liz said. “he’s only like…forty-something. That’s not bad.”

“Whatever.” Dean responded. “Wonder why he hasn’t sealed the deal. That Olivia chick is hot.”

“So you’ve said. And I don’t know…maybe because they’re partners and it would complicate things?”

“So? If they’re professional’s they should be able to handle it.” Dean reasoned.

“So you think its okay for people who work together to have sex.” Liz stated.

Dean shrugged. “Yeah why not. If they both understand each other and it doesn’t get in the way of the job. Why, don’t you?”

Liz thought for a moment. “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it, ever. I mean the only place I’ve ever worked was the Crashdown. And the only guys that worked there were Michael, Jose and my dad.”

“Ahh.” Dean nodded. “I guess I wouldn’t know either, really. The only females I’ve ever worked with…well…I really haven’t ever worked with females.”

“What about that lady and her daughter…the one your dad knew?”

“Ellen and Jo? Well…Ellen’s Ellen. And…Jo…she's kind of still a kid.”

“Hmm.” Liz nodded. They took that as the end of the conversation and concentrated on the show. Right after it had finished another one started and Dean made no move to change the channel. Half way into the second episode Liz heard a car pull up and a door slam. Seconds later Dean heard his engine driving in and another door slam.

A couple of angry footsteps later they saw two blurs run past the window.

“Stay the fuck away from me!”

Liz heard being shouted and frowned. “Was that Ava?”

Dean nodded and they both rose. A second later they heard glass breaking.

“Oh shit.” Liz said, as they both rose up and ran for the door. Liz was the first in her hotel room, Dean in right after her. Ava was standing across the room, firing mad, another glass in her hand. Sam was standing near the door, glass shards in the wall by his head.

“Ava, please, baby let me explain!” Sam pleaded.

“I said get the HELL out!” she shouted, ready to throw the next glass.

“Ava, What is going on?” Liz shouted.

“I followed Sam after he left, right to another motel. Walked in on him and some brunette chick!” Ava explained.

Liz gasped. “What?!”

Dean simply shook his head.

“Nothing happened!” Sam said.

“So what you just tripped and fell into bed?” Ava shouted.

“We were clothed!” Sam reasoned.

“Yeah, from the waist up I’m sure!”

“No…just please Ava, just let me explain! Its not like that with me and Ruby.”

“Oh so the slut has a name!”

“Ava maybe she didn’t know?” Liz reasoned.

“Oh no she knew my name just fine. I shoulda kicked her ass just like I’m gonna kick yours!” the next glass flew with precision and all three ducked.

“This is none of my business. I’m getting out of here.” Dean backed out of the door and disappeared.

A door slammed and Liz turned to realize Ava had retreated into the bathroom.

“Sam, maybe you should go.” Liz stood in front of Sam as he was about to follow Ava.

“I just have to get her to hear me out, Liz, I swear it isn’t like it sounds.” Sam said.

“Yeah well it sounds pretty fucking bad, Sam, and right now she doesn’t want to talk to you, so you need to respect that and get out.” Liz stood firm with her hands on her hips.

“Fine, I’ll leave. But I’m sitting right outside that door. All night until she lets me explain. You hear that Aves? I’ll be out there until you hear me out!” He shouted.

“Alright, that’s enough drama tonight Sam,” Liz pushed Sam out of the door and closed it in his face. She then watched out of the window as he slid dejectedly to the floor and sat just as he said he would.

“Ava?” Liz knocked on the door. “He’s gone, sweetie you can come out.”

After a minute or two a red faced Ava stormed out of the room and began throwing her things into her duffel.

“I have to get out of here.” She said, determined.

“Ava lets just talk about this.”

“Talk about what? How I only date assholes?”

“Sweetie, we can’t go anywhere tonight. We don’t even have a car.” Liz said.

“Yeah we do. I stole one. It’s sitting out front.” Ava admitted.

Liz pressed her lips together. “Okay…”

“You coming or not?” Ava asked.

“Ava, you know we can’t leave.”

“Why the hell not. We don’t need them.” Ava spoke firmly.

“Look…let’s just get some sleep. Tomorrow morning we can decide if we want to stay or if we want to arrange some sort of public transportation to get us up to my car, okay?”

“Figures. You’ll rob a convenience store but you wont ride shot gun in a hot car.” Ava rolled her eyes.

Liz smiled. “Girls gotta have her standards. Look, Aves, I know you’re pissed. You have every right to be. It’s late. And I think we both just need a good nights sleep before we make any long term decisions, okay?” The brunette slowly wrapped her arms around the blonde girl, who had yet to shed any tears.

“Alright fine. We’ll wait until morning.” Ava answered, before crawling into bed. Liz crawled in behind her, throwing an arm around the girl.

“I thought he was a good guy, Liz. I just wanted him to be a good guy.” Ava admitted, her voice cracking.

“I know, Aves. I know.”

I'm baaaacccckkkk!

If any humans still want to read this, thanks for being so patient and sticking it out. I officially have internet and cable at my house. WIN!

Mel1307- Thank you!
forever dreamer- Yeah I try to get to Vegas as much as possible. Anna...I'm having trouble deciding what to do with our over zealous angel friend. Thanks for reading and for replying!
garcia88- Sam is forever digging himself in deeper and deeper. I know, I'm working on it! Thanks!
Maiqu- I love Castiel more and more every day. Thanks!
singerchic4- Thanks so much! Sam definitely has to hit rock bottom first before he can change.
alexceasar- Thank you!
Zanslove- Ava is a little blinded by her feelings for Sam...any other guy and she woulda changed him into a smurf by now. Thank you so much!

I think I've kept you waiting long enough.


Chapter Eighteen


The next morning the sun came up but was hidden by the clouds. Liz didn’t hear the sound of rain so she chose to take that as a good sign that it wasn’t raining and they wouldn’t have to get soaked waiting for a bus if Ava decided she wanted to go.

Liz had made a choice that she wouldn’t let her best friend leave alone if she decided to leave the boys. Even though Sam had definitely wronged her friend she couldn’t help but wonder how they would defeat Lilith if they weren’t working together. Liz knew Ava supported her need to get rid of Lilith, but Dean understood it. He understood because he, too, knew what it was like to suffer at her hands. And he knew the suffering that would befall the earth were Lilith ever successful. She couldn’t let that happen.

Liz got out of bed and went to look out the window. Sure enough, it wasn’t raining and sure enough, true to his word Sam sat in the exact same position Liz had last seen him in, albeit, much more tired.

“He still out there?” Ava asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

“Yup.”

“I don’t want to talk to him.” She confessed.

“I know.” Liz said.

Ava paused before walking over to discreetly check on him. “He probably hasn’t slept at all.”

“Nope.”

“I’m probably going to end up talking to him aren’t I?”

“Probably.”

“I should probably let him explain."

“Probably.”

Ava sighed. “Parker why you always gotta push me so hard.” She said, pulling a sweat shirt over her head.

“What?” Liz asked, confused.

“Alright! Alright! I’ll talk to him, stop pressuring me.” Ava pulled on her shoes and opened the door. “Wish me luck.” She whispered.

Liz shook her head and crossed her fingers.

Ava smiled at her before walking out the door. “You have five minutes. We’re walking.” She said to Sam before turning on her heel and swiftly walking away. Sam scrambled up to follow her, running to catch up after she shouted, “4 minutes, 45 seconds!”

Liz careened her head around the jam to watch Sam chase after Ava. “She’s talking to him?” Dean’s voice said from the next door over. He was dressed and had food in his hands. “Breakfast.” He said.

“Nope. But she’s letting him talk to her. He gets five minutes…well, four now.” Liz explained.

“Ahh.” Liz motioned for Dean to follow her inside and he set the take out bag on the small table. “So what’s the deal with this Ruby chick, anyways? Did you know about it?”

Dean shrugged, biting into his breakfast burrito. “Ruby’s a demon who has it for my brother. I don’t know what they’re doing. I know they fooled around once, but Sam says they’ve been working on his…whatever the fuck it is he’s been doing exorcising demons like they’re cheesy poofs. I don’t like it. But Sammy doesn’t exactly seem to care what I think these days.”

“What’s wrong with his ability if it gets rid of demons?” Liz asked.

“The problem is it’s too close to demonic powers to begin with. The reason he has them to begin with is because of something Azazel did to him when he was a baby. And every day that his power gets stronger it means he’s doing something more and more and I have no clue what it is. Frankly, I don’t want to know, but as long as he’s doing it he’s slipping further and further away.”

“Oh. So Ruby…she’s a demon. You think he and her are still…”

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. I mean, at first, yeah. But Sam’s not really the type to cheat. Although, I wouldn’t be the expert on Sammy these days.”

“It was still wrong of him to lie and sneak off like that.” Liz said.

“Yeah. I warned him. Truth is it’s the longest I’ve ever seen him be with someone other than Jess, and I barely knew her for a day. I don’t know. Sam’s my brother and I have to watch out for him no matter what. I feel for your friend but I’m also worried about how this is going to affect the hunt.” Dean confessed.

“Yeah, me too. We’ll figure something out.” Liz nodded as she took another bite of her waffle.

Just then Ava walked back into the door, and Dean watched a Sam shaped shadow walk past the room.

“Sam’s going to take a shower.” Ava answered Dean’s unasked question. Dean nodded and rose from his chair.

“We’re not leaving.” Ava said to Liz. “Everything’s not okay, but…we’re not leaving.”

Liz nodded her head. “Okay. If that’s what you want, honey.”

Ava nodded. “I’m gonna get some more sleep. Are those waffles?” she said, walking past Liz and stealing a bite.

“I’m gonna go get packed.” Dean pointed to his own room. “We should probably get into Durham today. Go visit the library, talk to those professors.”

Liz nodded and shut the door behind him. “You sure you’re kosher with this Aves?”

Ava nodded. “He said she’s just helping him with his powers. He said he told her about me as soon as this thing began and that nothing has happened. He still won’t tell me how she helps him. He said he lied because he was afraid that I would feel like his brother did and not want to be with him.”

“And how do you feel?” Liz asked.

Ava shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean, if it’s going to help kill Lilith. It’s not that far from your situation, Liz.”

Liz pursed her lips together, choosing not to comment. “Alright.” She said, wiping her mouth and closing the take out box. “I’m going to get a shower and then get packed. Dean said he wants to get on the road.”

She walked past Ava and went straight into the washroom, taking a few extra moments, trying to ignore the sense of dread she had inside her.


************************************************************************


“Okay, its weird them fighting like this.”

Liz found Dean at one of the computer centers in Duke’s library.

“Did she say anything to you?”

“Not really. Did Sam say anything to you?”

“We haven’t talked since he left last night.” Dean answered.

“Geez.” Liz plopped down in the seat next to him. Glancing back over to where Sam was huddled over a book, every once in a while is head would raise and he would stare at Ava, while she was standing 50 feet away, trying to look like she was reading a book.

“How did the talk with the professors go?”

“The first two were pretty helpful.” Liz answered pulling out a piece of paper. “Gave me a list of texts we should read up on. The second has lectures until 5. And then word is he usually books it to his car to get the fuck out of here. Sounds like a bit of a closet case. This guy might be our guy. He might know something.”

“Alright so we catch him before he leaves?”

“Or we catch him at home.” Liz suggested.

“We’ll need to hack into the school’s personnel files.” Dean said.

“Done and done. Daniel Lutz, 1423 Pine St. Single, no children.”

Dean nodded over his profile. “Okay. Look at this, he studied in seminary.”

“Right. He was going to be a priest. And then for some reason, last minute he drops out and switches majors.” Liz explains.

“Yeah he might have something we can use after all.”

“What are we going to do about them?” Liz nodded her head toward Sam and Ava.

Dean shrugged, not bothering to look over. “I give em a week before they’re at it like bunnies.”

“Is that a good thing?”

“Maybe. Liz, no matter what’s happened, my brother cares a bout Ava. That much I can see. He says he’s gonna stay away from Ruby for as long as he can. That’s a good thing. Whatever asshole thing he does, he cares about her.” Dean explained.

“Well. He better watch his asshole with my best friend.”

Dean smirked back at Liz.

“Come on,” Liz said, standing up. “Its four forty-five. Let’s beat this guy home.”




Chapter Nineteen


Professor Lutz was a tall man. He rested about 3 inches above Sam, and was bone thin. Awkwardly he got out of his car, struggled with his bag, and then began to fly up his walk way.

“Professor Lutz!” Liz said, getting out of the car.

He froze and then continued on, pretending not to hear her.

“Liz!” Ava scolded. “Don’t you think we should have some sort of cover? FBI or something?”

Liz gave her an as-if look. “You think that guy is going to want to talk to the FBI? I’ll be back. You guys can sit here.”

“No, I’m coming with you.” Dean said, already closing his car door. They left Ava in the back seat, Sam switching from looking straight ahead, to looking over his shoulder at Ava from the front.

Liz got to the door and knocked. “Professor? My name’s Elizabeth Martin, if we could just have a minute of your time?”

The door creaked open and revealed a white line of salt across the door jam. “Can we come in?” Liz asked.

“If you can.” He answered.

The pair pushed the door open and stepped over the salt line. Inside was a fortress. Bobby’s house had nothing on this guy, Iron barred windows, salt across every one. The back of the door was locked up like a house in the ghetto. Professor Lutz sad in a chair, holding a black book and his rosary, next to him a cup of what could really only be holy water if this guy really knew what he was talking about.

“Professor, Hi. We just were wondering if we could ask you some questions?” Liz asked gingerly.

“About what?”

“Look, we’re doing a study on Demons. Lucifer especially. Uhm…we’re doing a paper on…on if someone were trying to break him out of his prison? How would we stop it?”

Professor Lutz only kind of giggled. “Well someone would have to break the seals for that.”

“Yes.”

Daniel Lutz’s eyes narrowed. “Someone would have to break 66 of the holy seals to set Lucifer free.”

Liz nodded. “Exactly.”

“You’re not students.” He said suddenly. “Who are you?”

Liz looked to Dean, exasperated. Dean shrugged and then nodded.

“The truth is someone is breaking the seals. A demon called Lilith.”

“Lucifer’s first.” Lutz answered, his eyes wide and glossy.

“What?”

“Lucifer’s first. When Lucifer was cast he started creating demons. Lilith was his first. She is also the only person that can set him free.”

“Oh. Look, we don’t need anything from you. We’re just trying to stop Lilith.”

“Stop Lilith? You might as well try to stop the second coming. There’s not a recorded way to kill her yet!” He answered, rising from his chair. “You must get out of here. If you’re after Lilith she’s got eyes on you. Which means she’s seen you come here. You’ve put me at great risk.”

“Listen, we only need advice on where to look. If you could give us anything like…texts we would need or…” Liz trailed off.

“I’ve fought to stay away from demons for a long time.”

Dean scrunched his face. “Dude, you specialize in paranormal studies, an emphasis on the church and the occult!”

“Look all we’re asking for is to be pointed in the right direction. After that we’re out of your hair, I promise.” Liz pleaded.

Lutz thought for a moment before walking into another room. Slowly following him they came into a library. “This book,” He said, handing over a worn leatherback. “Carries all the seals. Describes each one.”

“I didn’t think this existed.”

“It exists, but you have to know how to read it. This one. Weapons against demons. Exorcism’s. It talks about weapons as old as this earth. This book is all about Lucifer and his fall. That’s all I have that would be of use. I pray for your sake and ours that you do not fail. Now please leave my home.”


************************************************************************


“Okay.” Liz said, throwing the leather bound book to the table. “It’s been weeks and I can’t make heads or tails of this damn book.”

“You’ll get it.” Dean said, reading his own book.

“Why do you get to read the book written in simple latin and I have to read this thing in god knows what.”

“Because.” Dean answered.

“Because?”

“Because. You’re the brain. Side’s Sammy and he’s been off his game for a while.”

“Yeah…what’s with Sam? He looks like he’s got the flu all the time. I’d thought he’d be all blissed out since Ava let him into her good graces again.” Liz asked.

Dean pressed his lips together. “I think it has something to do with his not seeing Ruby lately.”

“You think? What, like…withdrawls?” She asked.

“Maybe. I don’t have a damn clue what they were doing in there. Me and Bobby are just hoping that he quits whatever he was doing and gets better. Maybe that’s wishful thinking but so far Ava’s been keeping him from it.”

“You really think he’s addicted?” Liz wondered.

“I really don’t know what to think at this point.”


************************************************************************


“What did you want to be…when you were a kid?”

Sam furrowed his eyebrows. “What do you mean?”

Ava looked at her boyfriend, her hand linked with his. His palm was clammy. His skin translucent. He didn’t look well enough to be walking. Let alone to see a movie but she had wanted to go and so he sucked it up.

“Before….you know…I know you didn’t want to be like your dad all your life. You said you went to college.”

“A lawyer. I was a couple days away from my bar exam when Dean picked me up.”

“Oh.” Ava said. “Wow.”

“What about you?”

She shrugged. “I dunno. Nothing really. Just alive most of the time.”

“What?!” Sam laughed.

“We grew up thinking we were these people from this other planet…which…well we are. I was supposed to be this queen, Zan was my king but it wasn’t like that. He always thought of me as a…best friend type I guess. But Lonnie and Rath…that was it for them. We were royalty. And Lonnie had her hand on Zan more than he liked to admit. So we never really looked at anything else. Always how to get home and start our real lives.”

“Hmm.” Sam thought, his step faltering on a raised part of sidewalk.

“You okay?”

“Just dizzy…I need…I need to sit down for a sec.” Sammy answered as Ava led him into the alley way.

“Sam? Tell me what you need, you’re really freakin me out, okay?”

“I need…I—.”

“He needs me.” A voice answered from the end of the alley.

“Ruby?”

“What the hell are you doing here!”

“I’ve been following you guys for weeks. Watching Sam do this to himself. It’s making him sick. He’ll die if he doesn’t let me help him.” Ruby explained. “If you care about him, you’ll let me help him.”

Ava looked from Ruby to Sam, who’s eyes were pleading at her. Desire, desperation…but something else. Fear?

Ava nodded her head. “Okay…do what you have to.” Her eyes widened in shock as she watched Ruby remove the knife from her ankle.

Hi Guys! Thanks for reading the last part. I'm going to do my best to keep em coming at least one a week. Thanks again!


Chapter Twenty


The door to the motel room flew open and shocked the hell out of Dean and Liz, their noses still buried in books.

“What the hell?”

Ava flew in, panting and out of breath looking like she had just seen a ghost.

“Ava what’s wrong?” Liz asked, catching the blonde who was frantically pointing at the door.

“Where’s Sam?” Dean demanded.

“Sam….Sam…he…” Ava gasped out.

“Ava, wait!” Sam appeared at the door way, his body looked fine, better than it had in days. His face however, his mouth was covered in blood.

“Oh my go—.”

Dean drew his weapon at once and Sam shook his head. “Put the gun away I can explain.”

Ava swallowed, still allowing Liz to hold her. She looked at Liz who was still in shock from Sam’s face.

“Liz…I saw him…Ruby…he, he drank her blood.”

Dean inhaled; his face unchanging. Liz froze in place, her mouth agape from Ava’s confession.

“Ava please just come here and let me explain. Please, Aves.” Sam pleaded, wiping his face clean.

Ava pushed herself away from Liz and began pacing. “I just…I just need a minute, alright?” Ava sat herself in her chair and held her head in her hands, breathing deeply. Liz stood next to her, rubbing circles on her back.

Dean stared at Sam and then at the bed.

“Dean?” Sam asked.

“Hmm.”

“Say something.”

“Like what, Sam.”

“I don’t know that you’re disappointed in me? Yell? Scream, do something?” Sam pleaded.

“What do you want me to say, Sam? I’m not angry. You want me to be disappointed? I am. I’m just….I’m just done with this.”

Sam sighed. “This is making me stronger Dean.”

“It’s making you a demon, Sam! It’s making you into something that I would hunt. I don’t know how to make this any clearer to you.”

“And I don’t know how to make this clearer to you! I have to do this! If I don’t then how the hell are we going to kill Lilith?”

“I don’t know!” Dean shouted. “But we figure it out just like we always have. Not like this. We both know I have to be the one to do this, Sammy.”

“Dean…” Sam said annoyed. “You’re not strong enough for this.”

“What the hell, Sam.” Liz said, leaving Ava and placing her hands on her hips. “You’re addicted to demon blood and Dean isn’t strong enough?”

Sam rolled his eyes. “You don’t understand.”

“The fuck I don’t!” She shouted back. “In fact, we understand perfectly well. Dean and I are the only people who know what hell on earth would be like. And let me tell you, it isn’t something you could dream up in your worst nightmares. So what? So we don’t have a plan for Lilith yet. But Sam, real strength isn’t just taking the easy way out to get to the end, and fuck the means.”

Sam crossed his arms. “You both just don’t get it. You think I’m doing this for fun? You think I like this? That it’s easy?”

“Yeah. I do.” Liz answered. “I think it is easy. And again, Sam…I get it. I get what its like to have something calling you 24/7. You can’t escape it, it’s in your thoughts in your dreams and all you have to do to make the pain go away is answer it. I get that, thank you.”

“Look, Sam, you have a choice. You either stop this now, or…”

“Or what, Dean?” Sam challenged.

“Or I’ll find a way to make you.”

The ultimatum was laid out and the two Winchester brothers stood head to head. Ava and Liz looked on from the side chair, wondering what would come of this battle of wills.

“I’m outta here.” Sam said suddenly, grabbing his duffel and slinging it against his back.

“That’s your answer, you’re gonna run away?” Dean asked.

“Yeah, Dean. I’m going to go find Lilith and stop the apocalypse while you sit on your ass and work on a plan.”

Dean shook his head “Fuck you, you cocky bitch.”

Sam took that as a cue and walked out of the hotel. Dean exhaled, running a hand through his hair and before Liz knew it there was a phone flying against the wall.

“Liz.” Ava pulled at Liz’s arm, standing herself up. “I…have to go.”

“Have to go where, sweetie?”

“I have to go…with Sam.” She whispered.

“What?”

“Look I know this might be a big mistake and I know that it’s dangerous. And I don’t want to leave you…but Sam’s all alone and I think he needs someone other than Ruby.”

“Ava…” Liz furrowed her eyebrows. “Are you sure?”

“I…I think I might love him.” Ava answered, her face constricted.

“Oh”

“I don’t want to leave you.”

“No, Aves, it’s…its okay. If you have to do this then…you gotta do what you gotta do. We’ll be okay.” Liz answered.

“Are you sure?” Ava asked.

“I’m sure.”

“Look, is it okay if I get your car?”

Liz laughed. “One scratch and I’ll kick your ass.”

The blonde girl pulled her friend into a tight hug.

“I love you, cornball. Be safe. I’ll call okay?” Ava assured.

“Okay, okay…go.” Liz offered a small smile and watched as Ava ran out of the room after Sam.

Liz slumped in the chair, still warm from Ava’s body. Dean stood with his hands on his hips staring at the door, almost as if he expected Sam to walk back through and say, ‘just kidding.’

He sighed a final time and glanced over at the brunette, who was still trying to take everything in. “You don’t think—.”

“Sam was wrong, Dean.” Liz answered before he could ask. “I meant what I said. He’s wrong about this. He’s confused. You guys’ll work it out sooner or later.”

“Yeah” Dean said quietly, his exhaustion evident on his face.

“Look, lets just get some sleep and we’ll start again tomorrow, okay? It’s been a long day.” Liz threw back the covers on Sam’s bed and crawled in, watching as Dean did the same with his own.

“You alright without Ava?” Dean asked as they lay facing each other, two feet away.

“Ava’s a big girl. So am I. I’ll be fine.”

“She’s your best friend.”

“I’m right where I want to be, Dean. I promise.”

“Alright. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

O hai. Sorry this wasn't sooner...the week flew by faster than I thought! But here it is, the new part. Hope you like it and again, thanks so much for reading and replying to the last part.

garcia88- Thanks so much!
thetvgeneral- Thank you for reading!
Maiqu- Well, someone's gotta stand up for Dean! I'm glad you like it!
AvalonRose- Aww thanks so much, and I'm glad you decided to read it! As far as Alex and Liz...we'll see, but not any time soon I don't think.



Chapter Twenty-one


“This word here…it means destruction” Liz hovered over both the ancient book and her laptop and pointed at things to Dean. “And this one, it means demon, or evil one. We’re on the right track here.”

“Yeah…but destruction and demon in the same sentence doesn’t exactly mean Yahtzee.” Dean countered.

“Okay, but this here…it roughly translates to…to raise the old evil….I think.”

“You think?”

Liz rolled her eyes. “You wanna give this a go?”

Dean shook his head vehemently. “No, no, I’m cool.”

“That’s what I thought.” She nodded, turning her head back to the text, reading while typing fervently into the computer. “Alright. Uhm…So if we assume that the book reads in chronological order, then we would assume that the last seal would be at the end of the book, right?.”

“Hey sister, don’t look at me.” Dean laughed.

“Well. Fuck.” Liz leaned back and threw the book across the room. “I don’t know.”

“Listen, I think I got something in here.” Dean held up his book.

“Like what?”

“Talks about a wooden spear. Or dagger. Something. Supposed to be really old. Here read.” Dean put the book in Liz’s hand. She clutched the book to her and read fervently. After a moment or two her eyebrows raised and her skin turned stark white.

“This is serious shit, Dean.”

“What?”

“Look, there’s a whole bunch of lore on what happened to the tree that Jesus was crucified on.” Liz began, setting the book open on its spine.

Dean scrunched his eyes. “As in Jesus Christ?”

“No, Jesus Ramirez that works at the gas and go. Yes, Jesus Freaking Christ!” Liz screamed. “Mostly people think its bull shit, that the cross was burnt or destroyed or something like that. But some people think that some of Jesus’ not so peaceful followers took chunks of it. Whittled it into weapons. Wooden daggers. Most of them are probably lost or broken, but this talks about a Wooden Knife used to dispel demons in 100 AD. The theory is it carries the wrath of God in it, the anger of his son being unjustly killed on the cross. I think this book is talking about the last known knife.”

“And you think it might kill Lilith.” Dean nodded.

“No, Dean.” Liz shook her head. “If this thing exists it will definitely kill Lilith. It might even give Lucifer himself a run for his money.”

“Then we need to find this knife. If we find it…”

“We can kill Lilith.”

************************************************************************

The gentle hum of the engine would have lured anyone to a deep sleep, but Ava was no where near being able to rest. She and Sam had gotten into Ruby’s car and Ruby hadn’t said anything. She’d only drove. Ava tried to ignore the way Sam kept nervously shifting his gaze back to her from the front seat. She could tell even from this angle that his face was full of guilt. Sam was worried. Worried that she’d reject him, that she’d call him a freak or a monster. But Ava had never been one to be the pot and call the kettle black. She’d done some questionable shit in her life too. She’d had to resort to things that would make people cringe in order to survive, and so who was she to judge. And she knew Sam, at least, she knew his heart. He was a good guy deep down, kind and compassionate. Completely different than any of the other assholes she’d been with, not counting the whole lying and sneaking off thing.

The engine cut off in front of a motel after a couple hours. Ruby pulled the key from the ignition and pushed open her car door.

“I’m getting a room.” She said quickly before slamming her car door shut.

“Someone’s in a good mood.” Ava bit out sarcastically.

“Just ignore her.” Sam offered. “Look, Ava…”

“I’m tired, Sam.” Ava pushed the heavy car door open and stood only to be quickly followed by Sam.

“I know…I just.” Sam sighed. “I feel awful. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. It’s just…Dean has always been so stubborn. It always has to be his way he won’t see anything different.”

“I get it.” Ava nodded.

“I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t here. I know it couldn’t have been easy for you to leave…to leave Liz. I…I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say thanks, Sam.” Ava snickered.

“Thank you.” Sam smiled back. “For…being better than I deserve. No more lies from now on, Aves. I promise.”

Ava nodded and let Sam pull her into his long arms.

“You better. I know where you sleep and I will cut your balls off.”


************************************************************************


Liz watched as Dean sucked back another shot and chased it with a swig of beer and a grimace. Her face matched his for a moment.

“How many was that?”

Dean shrugged, signaling for the bartender to pour another. “I dunno. But you’re a lil behind.” He swayed a bit on his stool.

Liz shook her head and smiled a bit, mindlessly stirring the small black straw in her own Whiskey and Ginger Ale. Dean had been doing shot’s like a pro all night. Liz had stopped counting after the first 7 or so. From two seats over she hadn’t said a lot to Dean the entire night, and neither did he. They were supposed to be out celebrating, but the pair found it hard to do so.

“What the hell.” Liz said, signaling the bartender for a shot of the same thing Dean had. She sucked hers down just as he did, wiping her mouth and foregoing the chaser. “Oh lord…” She whispered, resisting the urge to cough.

“Do you miss Ava?” Dean asked suddenly, speaking a little more loudly than necessary. “I don’t miss Sam. He’s whiny. Always wants to talk about feelings and shit. Dean don’t do this…Dean don’t say that…blah fucking blah. You know what? Let him drink demon blood. Who gives a shit!”

“Shhh….Dean!” Liz scolded. “And you DO give a shit. He’s your brother and you love each other.”

“PSH! Love!” Dean grimaced. “I don’t—I don’t DO love. Thas just…You know what the thing about love…”

“Hey gorgeous can I grab you something to drink?”

A man around Liz’s age leaned on the bar next to her with a brilliant smile and baby blue eyes. Liz looked around for a moment, not realizing he was talking to her.

“Oh, me? Oh, no…thanks but—.”

“Hey man, we were having a conversation.” Dean rose from his seat and faced the offender.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you there.” The guy offered with a smile.

“Yeah well. I’m here. So you can scamper off now, Shia LaShit” Dean dismissed him with his hand.

The man looked taken aback. “Dude, my bad. I didn’t see no ring on her finger.”

This seemed to anger Dean more, he showed it by standing/swaying in front of an exasperated Liz. “Yeah well ring or not thas my girl so you can back the fuck off before I make you back the fuck off.”

“Dean!” Liz pleaded, trying to pull him away.

“Hey man, What’s your problem?”

“You wanna take this outside, punk? I’ll rock your face you little—.”

“Dean! Stop, Oh my god!” Liz cried, now in between the charging males, pushing Dean toward the door with all her strength. “Dean so help me god you get out that door or I will hoo-doo you out of it.”

“Hey, name the time and place, sucker!” Dean shouted as Liz finally got him out of the door. “Oh, woah…” He stumbled a bit, Liz catching him before he tumbled in to the wall.

“Dean, you have to try and walk….we cannot afford to get stopped by a Cop”

“Cops? We’re walking!” Dean said incredulously.

“It’s called being drunk in public, Dean, and they’ll run our info.” Liz explained.

It was a long walk back to the room Liz and Dean were sharing but eventually and amazingly they made it with no interruption, just Dean hiccupping the entire way back, most of his body weight resting on Liz with his arm around her shoulder. Once inside Dean immediately stripped down to his skivvies and dived under the covers. Liz took her time and changed into a long tee shirt. When she had finally come out of the bathroom from changing and brushing her teeth she came up to Dean’s bed and tucked him under the covers, showing him a garbage can placed right by his head on the floor.

“Night Dean.”

“Wait.” A hand shot up and grabbed her arm. “Stay with me.” He said quietly, his eyes half closed.

“I’ll be right there Dean.” Liz pointed to her own bed, mere feet away from his.

“Nnn…please? Everyone leaves…cept you. Stay with me.” Dean’s other hand reached up and pulled Liz by her waist down next to him. She considered telling him no, he was drunk and you often do things you wouldn’t normally when intoxicated, but he curled around her tightly and held her flush in a vice grip. She knew she wasn’t going anywhere so Liz pulled the covers to cover her too.

Liz could feel Dean’s nose in her hair, breathing in, breathing out. She thought he was long asleep before he spoke surprising her.

“You’re my favorite.” He confessed.

“I am?” Liz played along, knowing he would probably talk himself to sleep.

“Mmhmm.” He assured. “You’re the best Lizzie. You’re like…the hottest chick in this room.”

“I’m the only chick in this room.” Liz laughed.

“Yes you are.” His breath felt hot on her neck. “I think about you all the time.”

He laid a gentle kiss on her exposed neck and she shivered. Dean used his nose to nuzzle Liz’s shoulder, and Liz was suddenly aware of the temperature of the room rising at least 50 degrees. She froze, not willing to move even if she’d wanted to. Liz knew what Dean wanted, she thought about it plenty of times herself. But not like this.

“You’re just drunk, Dean. Go to sleep.” She said sternly, praying he’d listen.

He didn’t. He kissed her again on the outer ear and began to run his thumb up and down on her stomach. “I’m just sayin’ what I’m thinkin’.”

“Dean…” Liz pleaded, her hands holding his where they were, one above her head and one on her stomach. “Please….just go to sleep, okay? Let’s just sleep.”

“Okay baby.” He said unknowingly. But the way he continued to nuzzle his nose into the back of her neck had Liz thinking she’d be fighting him off all night. She breathed in relief when finally after a good 20 minutes his breathing evened out. It had been and would continue to be a long night.


***********************************************************************


Liz brushed her teeth vigorously. After finally lulling Dean to sleep last night, surprisingly she had fallen asleep right after and had some of the best sleep she’d ever had. The sun crept up on her and she had pried Dean’s arms off of her before stumbling into the shower. Dean still hadn’t stirred and she was showered, dressed and thinking about breakfast. He would need something greasy…hang over food. Nothing like a giant plate of waffles and some hash browns and eggs to cure you right over a hang over.

Liz spat the last of the toothpaste in to the sink, using her hand to scoop water and rinse her mouth. A groan sounded from the bed 10 feet over, Dean was awake.

“Oh my god…” he whined.

“How you feeling?” She asked, hands on hips, smirk on face.

“Like I swallowed gauze.” He swung his legs around to the floor and stood up. “Excuse me…” He said, ushering past Liz and closing the bathroom door.

Liz fought the urge to laugh as she listened to the retching noises he was making, followed by the toilet flush and the sink water spraying. Dean emerged later looking less green.

“Feel better?” She said with a smile.

One look from Dean told her he was not in the mood. “Much.”

“How much do you remember?” She asked cautiously.

“Not a lot.”

“You tried to fight some guy.”

“Yeah I remember.”

“You’re ass was drunk.” She laughed.

Dean shrugged. “He still looked like a tool.”

“Right. You hungry?” Liz asked.

“God no.” he clutched his stomach.

Liz laughed heartily and Dean winced. “Come on,” She said, throwing him pants and a shirt. “A hot greasy breakfast will make you feel better.”

He only groaned while pulling his shirt over his head.

“Hey, at least I’m not making you eat oatmeal, Puke boy.” Liz laughed.

Once Dean had gotten all the correct components to an outfit on he and Liz drove down for the nearest diner. They both ordered pancakes with eggs, hash browns, bacon, orange juice and coffee. After the initial bite of ‘I don’t think I can do this’ Dean was soon digging in like he would normally do.

“You got syrup on your face.” Dean noted, staring at Liz’s cheek.

“Oh, thanks…” Liz reached with her napkin, missing completely.

Dean laughed. “Here…” He said, grabbing his own napkin, wetting it with water and wiping away the offending syrup.

Liz rolled her eyes as she let him wipe her face. “Thanks, Dad.”

“Ooo…” Dean grimaced.

“No?” Liz laughed.

“Yeah, If I’m gonna let you call me Daddy it’s gonna be in an entirely different context.”

“Oh God…” Liz rolled her eyes

Dean shrugged. “Hmm, God works too.”

“Shut up.” Liz laughed as her phone vibrated on the table.

“Hello?” She answered. “Yes, Professor Dunham thank you for getting back to me so quickly! You have…yes…you do? That’s fascinating. Really? Yes I have the book. Right. We’d love to. As soon as possible. Absolutely. Thank you so much, sir. Right. We’ll see you soon.”

“And that was…” Dean asked as Liz flipped her phone closed.

“Professor Dunham.”

Dean rolled his eyes. “Yes thank you. What did he want?”

“He thinks he knows where the knife is.” Liz said bouncing in her seat.

“Wait…hold the phone. How’d you find this guy?”

“Okay so I didn’t want anyone to know that we were looking for the knife so I sent out word that we were doing research on something else in the book. There are a ton of artifacts listed in here that I could use. Turns out this Professor Dunham used to own and study from this very book. He was planning the expedition but has never been able to go. The thing is, there are only two copies in the entire world and somehow his is missing so when he found out that we had one he offered to pay for everything. All we have to do is go with these guys and be discreet about grabbing the knife.”

“Okay, so why didn’t we just tell him what we were looking for? What if it’s not where it’s supposed to be?”

Liz pursed her lips together. “It’s gotta be there Dean. And he can’t know because when things like this are found they aren’t just given to any Joe off the street. They go straight into museums. Straight into high security Lazer alarms Indiana Jones shit museums. And I don’t know about you but I don’t think we have time to plan a heist.”

Dean nodded. “Alright. So when do we leave.”

“Well the Professor said he wanted to leave Cairo by—.”

“Wait, what?” Dean said, his face becoming white. “Cairo…as in…Egypt?”

“No, Cairo as in North Dakota. Yes Egypt where’d you think this thing would be?” Liz rolled her eyes.

“So that means…”

“We get on a plane as soon as possible.”

“Uh...yeah…I…I can’t do that.” Dean shook his head.

“Dean.” Liz rested both of her hands on the table palm down. “This is the only thing that can take Lilith out. We have to go.”

“See…” Dean started. “I’ve got a little…problem with…”

“Oh my god, are you scared of Flying?” Liz said loudly.

“No! And Shh. I’m not scared…I just don’t like it.” Dean reasoned.

“You are aren’t you?” Liz watched Dean’s face and the terror sweeping across it. “You fight demons and ghosts for a living and you can’t fly?”

“I mean…can’t we take a boat or something?” Dean asked.

“Not unless you want to get there in a month. And we don’t have a month. Come on. It’ll be fine. Let’s go pack and buy our tickets.” Liz grabbed Dean’s hand and began to pull him out of the booth.

“Ughhnnnnn” Dean whined.

“Oh stop it, you sound like Sammy.”


***********************************************************************


Ava sat on the shore wiggling her toes deep into the sand. She had only been to this ocean once before, and that was because she was following a lead in Liz’s case. A brief stop, and she was soon gone. But now she could take the time to look. To really look. Beaches on the west coast were so much different than the ones she had been to on the east. When you saw the ocean from New York, it was most likely from a dock. Or a Ferry. Never this; an untouched expanse of land with a few lifeguard towers littering the skyline. Sand that went on farther than the eye could see, hardly any rocks in sight. She liked these beaches. She loved her city, but she really liked these beaches.

“Not like I have a choice.” Ava muttered under her breath.

It was easy with Sam at first. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense, her the spunky New Yorker with a sailors mouth and him a country boy lawyer who at times was shy as a mouse, but never the less it was easy. The two fell together from the time she had blown off his brother and sat in his booth. Ava thought that the drama would always lie in Dean and Liz’s tempestuous ‘will they or wont they’ dance. Never did she think that she’d be right smack dab in the middle. Because that’s where she was.

Sam wanted to do things a certain way. Dean and Liz didn’t agree with it. Regardless of what Ava thought she was going to stand by Sam because that’s what she would want him to do for her. And who the hell was she to tell him what was wrong and right; she’d broken every law under the sun. Ava understood Sam’s need to try things his way and be apart from his brother. But, she found herself asking, did it really have to be with Ruby?

Ruby was a knock out. Ava would admit that. Deep soulful doe eyes and a smart ass attitude. She brought Sam out of his shell the same way that Ava did. But there was one thing that Ruby had that Ava didn’t. Something that Ruby could do for Sam that she couldn’t and that, is essentially was what killed her.

So here she sat. Alone on the beach thousands of miles away from her best and only friend, and her boyfriend was holed up in a hotel room with some demonic whore.

“This is fan-fucking-tastic” She spat bitterly.

“What the hell…Tess?” A male voice asked from behind her.

Ava rolled her eyes. “No.” She answered quickly. “Do I look like a conniving she-devil to you?”

Angrily she stood and turned to face the voice. He wasn’t tall; 5’8” at best. Light brown hair, or what would be if it wasn’t buzzed close to his head and a same colored goatee. His eyes held laughter but not at this moment. They were a murky grey or a dark blue, she couldn’t tell from this distance.

“You’re not Tess?” He asked, quirking his head.

“No, man. Not Tess.” She answered shortly.

His eyes widened with recognition. “Oh yeah…the other set…you’re Ava.” He stated rather than asked.

Ava’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. “Yeah. And who the hell are you?”

He almost seemed to laugh at her. “Kyle. I’m Kyle Valenti. I’m from Roswell”

“Yeah” Ava nodded. “Sheriff’s son, right? Liz’s ex.”

He looked down suddenly as if Liz’s name had burned him. “That’s me. So should I be expecting an entire invasion or is it just you?”

“Just me.” She assured. “I’m it.”

“Wow.” He said, looking around the beach. “Well…I don’t normally do this but…I’m about to do my daily meditation and yoga session. Do you want to join me?”

Ava’s brows furrowed and she resisted the urge to laugh. Then she thought of Sam and Ruby and how she’d been out here for hours.

“You know what? Why the hell not.” She smiled before following him toward his mats set out on the beach.

“Now, Ava…” Kyle started. “Have you ever heard of a man named Buddha?”

Happy Early Christmas everyone! Hope your holdiay season is wonderful!

AvalonRose- Thanks! I think any girl would want to get away after dealing with Ruby scamming on her man for any amount of time. Ava wont tell Kyle, and you'll see why in this next part.
Maiqu- I know I love Kyle too! I wanted to put him in here somewhere, but no promises on how long he'll stay.
Queen Fee- Thank you! Drunk Dean....gotta love him. I mean, I wouldn't have said no.
garcia88- Kyle and Sam in the same room? I don't know about that...haha. Thank you so much!




Chapter Twenty-Two


“You’re getting stronger. But it didn’t help that you’ve been purging for weeks,” Ruby scolded.

Sam sat on the floor, leaning against the foot of the bed. “I get it Ruby.” He said annoyed and she rolled her eyes. He finished cleaning the remnants of Ruby’s blood off her face as she slid off the bed and sat in the chair perpendicular to where Sam was seated.

“Yeah well. Even with me here we’re going to have to find you someone else. Someone stronger. You can’t go up against Lilith like this.”

“We have to find her first, Rube.” Sam lay his head back against the bed, dizzy from his last drink.

“Yeah, I got an idea about that. Here’s the deal…two birds, one stone.” Ruby stated and Sam looked at her confused. “Look Lilith is hiding out. But there are certain demons she always has close by. I’ve found her second in command. We grab the second, get Lilith’s location, use him up and then Lilith is dead.”

“Great. Where is he?”

“A little further up the coast.” Ruby said.

“Who is he?”

“Last I heard he was wearing a 16 year old high school student. Its why him and Lilith get along so easily. They both have a thing for children.” She explained.

“Alright.” Sam said, unable to be surprised at Ruby’s comment. “Let me call Ava and we’ll get out of here.”

Ruby shot him a look, hands on her hips.

“What?” Sam asked.

“Really, Sam? Don’t you think its about time to stop playing house?”

Sam frowned. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“This whole boyfriend girlfriend thing with Ava. How long is it going to last?” She asked.

“I don’t know. But I like Ava. She likes me. And for some unknown reason she’s stuck around throughout all the crazy.” He said, pointing at himself.

“Yeah but, Sam, she’s never going to get you.” The brunette explained. “Look I know how much you want normal. White picket fence and 2.5 kids. I know this was never the life you chose. But this is what you got Sam. And I hope someday you can have all that stuff…but right now there’s a war on our doorstep and your head needs to be completely in the game. Look, Ava’s a nice girl…but she doesn’t get you. Just like Dean doesn’t. She can’t understand you no matter how much you want her to. How long before you both figure that out and you both wind up more hurt because of it?”

“You’re wrong about this Ruby. I know Ava. I figured out a long time ago I was never going to get normal. Then I met her, and she kind of just… fits into this mess that is my life. Look, I know you’re just looking out for me but…I’m gonna go call her so we can get on the road, alright?” Sam finished, walking outside of the room to make his call.


************************************************************************


Dean’s knuckles were white as he gripped the armrests of his chair, listening to the flight attendant describe how to use the seat as a flotation device. Liz sat next to him, holding in her mirth. She had done everything she could to make this flight better for him, sprung for first class, gotten him some sleeping pills, told him she would pay for the headphones for the movie. Still he winced as he heard the seatbelt light come on and the plane begin to move. He exhaled sharply, deliberately.

“You’re going to be fine. Everything is going to be okay.” Liz soothed.

“Why does this damn thing have to be half way across the freaking world? Why couldn’t it have been in Connecticut. Or better yet, Mexico. Cancun or something. You can drive to freaking Cancun.” His eyes were squeezed shut, his breath escaladed as did the speed of the plane.

“Hey, hey, look at me.” Liz said, grabbing onto his hand. “I have to tell you something.”

Dean eased one eye open followed by the next.

“I remembered something the other day. My favorite Christmas. I was 8 years old and my grandma Claudia was visiting. She had just gotten back from Peru and she brought me this huge blanket that the members of the town she was visiting had made for her. It was hand made and so beautiful…I could wrap myself up in it at least five times. It was a tough year for my dad and the restaurant, so we couldn’t do Christmas presents. But that night we lit a fire in the fireplace, and my dad played his guitar and we sang. My mom made s’mores and me and my grandma sat by the fire curled up in that blanket all night long. That blanket sat on my bed long after she passed away. And every time I’d curl up in it I’d remember how it felt that night.”

Dean smiled sadly. “When I was four my mom made my dad take us with him to go tree hunting. She was crazy about that damn tree. It had to be a certain height and width…”

Liz laughed thinking about Isabel, her eyes watering.

“My dad bitched about it non-stop the entire time we were there. They bickered and fought and I remember being worried…I didn’t like my parents yelling at each other. One of the kids in my daycare, he said his dad had just moved out and wasn’t going to come back. But that night we set the tree up anyway. Lights, pop-corn…cheesy ornaments I had just made, tinsel, the whole shebang. I didn’t want to go to bed that night because I was afraid that I would wake up and one of them would be gone, just like the kid. So I snuck out in the middle of the night. And there was music playing…and there were my parents dancing. I’d never seen Dad so happy. And mom…she always glowed, no matter what. I knew then that they were going to love each other forever.” Dean shrugged. “That’s my favorite Christmas”

“Wow.” Liz whispered, her chin rested in her hand.

“So what made you remember Christmas?”

Liz shrugged. “I had to do something to distract you. We’re already in the air, by the way. You can take off your seatbelt.”

Dean chuckled and shook his head. “We might be in the air, but there isn’t a chance in hell this seatbelt is coming off.”

“Suit yourself. I’m going to have a drink and then go to sleep. We’ve got a long flight. You need me to hold your hand anymore, Tinsel boy?”

Dean looked down at his hand, still intertwined with Liz’s and quickly pulled it away. “Shut up and give me a damn Tylenol PM.”


***********************************************************************


“So Kyle.”

“Mmm.”

“What the hell are you doing in California?”

“What do you mean?” Kyle eased an eye open and uncrossed his legs.

“Well…all the other members of the I know an Alien club are conveniently stationed in Albuquerque.” Ava explained.

“Well…” Kyle looked to the ground. “I don’t know if you know this…but a couple years ago Liz passed away.”

Ava nodded. “Me and Liz stayed tight through the years.” She didn’t know that she wanted to unleash the Liz is alive and here’s why speech on Kyle just yet.

“Liz was always really good to me. Even when we were breaking up and I was being an ass…” Kyle laughed. “I…Look no offense, the aliens wreaked havoc on my life from day one. My dad lost his job because he was protecting them. Liz…Liz pretended to sleep with me to make Max follow his destiny. She didn’t ever say why…but I could always see how hurt she was. How she walked around like a kicked puppy. It only got worse after Alex’s accident. Look, she was like a Zombie. She was falling apart at the seams. If I didn’t make her go to Prom she never would have gone and even then she had to stare at Max and Tess play the happy couple all night. Liz…she gave everything for them. My dad…gave everything. We were barely making it. After graduation…they all….they all went off to school and started their lives and completely ignored this path of devastation they had left. My dad’s house was going into foreclosure. I dropped out of school and moved back home. Started working two jobs to make payments. We finally had gotten back on our feet and Dad had just gotten his job back as a deputy. But…it was four years too late and we couldn’t afford college. So…anyway…That’s when Liz died. It didn’t make any sense. I tried to look into it…but I’m just a guy. I didn’t have any pull anywhere or alien powers to back myself up. I can barely make a lightbulb explode. My dad…he couldn’t risk losing his job by getting mixed up in something.

I felt…so helpless. Then I got the summons. Alien meeting. Happening at the rock formation.” Kyle sighed, exhausted by the thought of that time in his life.

“What happened?” Ava asked, already knowing the answer.

“Alex’s accident, did Liz ever tell you about it?”

Ava nodded. “Yeah.”

“Well what she didn’t know was that….Tess did it. Tess almost…no…she did kill Alex. She was having him decode the destiny book and was mind warping him. She mind warped him so much that his brain was just….rotting away. And she’s telling us this, and Alex is just nodding. He’s looking at me. Straight at me. Because apparently Tess has already confessed to Max and Alex and they’re going to forgive her. But then I started to remember. Started to break out of the mind warp. Because that’s what she did. She mind warped me too. I was there…when Alex broke out of his. It was at the house. She tried it one last time and he crumpled to the floor and he was dead. And then she…she made me carry his body. I thought it was luggage.” Kyle winced. “I….I thought of this girl like family. My dad gave her away at her wedding! She was like a sister to me… and she made me carry my best friend’s body.”

Ava nodded.

“Maria was livid. I was…all I could do was think about Liz. She…she had just died and…she gave Tess the love of her life. She let Tess have him. And Tess kills her best friend…I….Everything that had happened…my dad losing his job, my college dreams, Maria not being able to sing, Liz dying…I can barely look at myself in the mirror anymore. I left that night. Haven’t spoken to anyone since. I’ve been hiding here. Trying to heal, find forgiveness.”

“Forgiveness? It ain’t your fault.” Ava said.

“Yeah…yeah it is. I let these things happen. See…if Liz were around…if I had been a better friend…none of this would have happened. I…don’t know.”

“Kyle…” Ava started, when her phone began to buzz loudly. “Hang on.” She said, stepping away from the blue mats.

She returned a minute later, looking forlorn. “Look, I’m really sorry. I have to go…I’m…we’re leaving town right now.”

“Oh.” Kyle nodded. “Okay. Hey, sorry for confusing you with Tess.”

“It’s alright. It happens.” Ava smiled sadly. “Listen…Thank you for…”

“For spilling my guts?” Kyle laughed.

“No…I mean, yeah. Thanks for, you know. Sharing that. Whatever.” Ava shrugged uncomfortably. “Nice to meet you Kyle Valenti. Here’s hoping you keep outta that abyss.”

“Thank you. And Ava…” Kyle added, pulling a piece of paper out of his jacket. “Look, I don’t normally give this out. You can reach me here day or night. If you ever need anything, alright? Even just to talk.”

Ava stared at the piece of white paper before shoving it into the butt pocket on her jeans. “Thanks Kyle.”

He smiled, his white teeth showing for the first time. “Anytime.” He nodded, watching the blonde walk away from the sunset.