The Silent Burden, Part Three

Ok this is the sequel of a sequel lol
It picks up right where Second Chances left off, cuz I feel that its easier to
keep up with the story that way.

The first part is more POVs then anything. Kinda gets you a inside
look as to what everyones thinking, just kinda came out that way.

I still lay claim to my craziness and the story, so please respect the wish
people



Prologue
----------------
Part one


They drove in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, not knowing what
to expect. Dean could see Ryans hands were gripping the steering wheel
tightly, letting go, then grasping it harder. She had been quiet since they
left the hospital, shutting him out, and for the first time, he couldn't get
a reading on her. He noticed how she was biting her bottom lip, a habit
she had since they were kids, and he knew, if he pushed her too hard,
to get her to open up, she would just push him away more. She always
tried to be tough, to be strong in front of him and Sam, while growing up,
but he knew it was just a front, for their sake. Deep down, she was still
that scared little 8 year old girl he had grown to care about.

So, where we going exactly?

It's a cabin, not far from here. We'll be safe there, not to many people
know about it.

They drove for another twenty minutes, when Ryan turned onto a side
road. Dean could hear the gravel under the car's tires, as she slowly
pulled into the driveway. Looking out the window, Dean could see a two
story log cabin. He noticed that the front porch wrapped all around the
house, and there was a ramp leading off to the side, that lead to the
front door, blending into the front entrance of the house. There was a
lake off to the left of the house, and he could make out a small deck
protruding from the back yard. If the circumstances were different,
Dean would have thought this is what normal would look like.
He watch her hesitantly get out of the car, scanning the grounds,
searching for something that wasn't visible to him, but seen only to
her.

Ryan had come around to his side of the car, opening the door for
him, watching him slowly make his way into his wheelchair. He was
still having trouble getting around, but they hoped after some time
and bedrest, they could restart his therapy. Dean could see a old pickup
truck in the driveway, near the garage, wondering if it belong to the
owner of the cabin. Ryan helped him up the walkway, when a tall,
muscular man came out, greeting them. He looked like he was in his
late twenties, early thirties, sandy blonde hair, and alittle too happy
to see Ryan. He smiled, walking over hugging her, who return his
hug, alittle more then Dean cared for. She could hear Dean behind
her, clearing his throat, like she could forget he was behind her,
watching.

Dean, this is Jake, Jake my friend Dean.. Jake's been nice enough
to get the place ready

Nice to meet you Dean

He said extending his hand towards Dean, who shook it, trying to size
him up, to see what it was that Ryan could possible see in him. He
seemed honestly concerned for her, and if the situation were different,
Dean might have seen himself calling him a friend. But there was
something off about him that Dean couldn't quite place his finger on,
making him skeptical of him.

Everything you asked for is ready, but are you sure you want to
do this, Ryan? I'm mean, considering, everything, that happened......
I don’t think you should be alone......

She won't be alone, Jake. I'll be here for her

He had no clue what they was talking about, but if anyone but if anyone
was going to be there for Ryan, he see to it it was him. He heard her
thank him, stating she would be fine. Watching him leave, Ryan unlocked
the front door, exposing an oversized living room. He could see a
fireplace in the far corner of the room, and four large picture windows,
that overlooked the valley below, surrounded by the mountains. He
also saw her demeanor instantly change when she stepped into the
cabin. For a second, he thought he heard her let out a deep breath,
and the color slowly draining from her face. When she saw him staring,
she quickly turned her head, making her way over to the couch, placing
their bags on it.

He recalled Jake's last sentence, how he was worried about her staying
here. What had happen here, that had left her so terrified, that she shut
even him out. What secret was she hiding, and why couldn't she tell him,
after everything that had taken place, why couldn't she trust him with
this. During the drive, Dean could feel a coldness slowly spread through
the air, like she wasn't even there, just the shell of her was.

He asked her just how good of a friend this Jake was, he didn't
remember her ever mentioning him on the trip up. He wanted her to
talk, about nothing in particular, the weather, this place, the emptiness
he saw wash over her,anything. The feeling he had in the car had
returned, only stronger.

He's been kind enough to keep a look on the place for me,
that’s all, just a friend

Recomposing herself, she shook her head slightly, trying to clear
her mind, trying to stay focus. There were two bedrooms in the
back, she gave him the larger one, so he would have more room
to move about. Right next to his room, was a built in gym, that they
could use to continue his therapy.

See if we can get you back on track

Dean noticed how the house was specifically modifed, to suit his needs
in the wheelchair, making him ask why the place was wheelchair
accessible, if the owner in one also. She didn't answer right away,
chosing her words carefully, then saying how the cabin had been
remodeled a couple years ago. She explained how after the her
accident, she hadcome up here, to hide from everything, everyone.
Dean saw the look in her eyes, lost somewhere in the past, a place
she wouldn’t let him in. He wondered why the owner would let her come
up here, whenever she wanted to, why he didn't mind. Dean could
see the sadness starting to overwhelm her when she answered.

No, he won't He wont mind at all

She claimed to be tired, stating how it had been a long day, that they
should go to bed, making him joke with her, that would be find with
him. He wanted to break the walls that were slowly building up around
them. He saw a small smile starting to form over her face, but it didn't
erase the saddness that filled her eyes. He could feel the seclusion
between them forming, slowly increasing. He had felt closer to her,
in the past few months, then he had when they were kids, but now,
she became someone he barely recognized. She was slowly retreating
inside herself, keeping him an arm's length away. She walked over,
taking off his shoes and socks when reaching down, his hand gingerly
stroking her cheek, trying to cautionsly get her to open up

Ryan, who owns this place

He couldn't erase the look she had, when he asked eariler. The terror that
had spread across her face, how she was taken aback.

She closed her eyes, flashbacks of happier times flooding her mind. When
she was younger, when her parents were alive.

She knelted there for awhile, before she answered, and he could see a
flicker of pain flash thru her eyes, but with a blink of an eye, it was
gone.

She knew he was just trying to help, but she knew no one could. John
had tried so many years before, and for awhile the pain did cease,
but now, being here, it was all coming back.

My dad left it to me, a long time ago, after he died

He let her lead him back to the bedroom, shutting the door behind him,
while he climbed into bed.

You can't help me Dean, you can't. I won't let it happen again

Since they go hand and hand so to speak, and they were to long
for on post, heres the second Half


Prologue
-------------
Part Two




Feeling his eyelids starting to close, John eased the truck towards the exit
he knew so well. Sam was asleep in the passenger seat of the truck, the
humming of its motor was too calming to ignore. John saw the motel off
in the distance, deciding it was best to stop and get some well deserved
rest. They had been driving for nearly eight hours, following a new lead
he had found, sending him back to where he had just ventured.The
Messeen leader was destroyed, but he knew there would be others,
from different circles of the cult, that would be secretively hunting them.
They were slowly trying to pick them off, one by one. They wanted Sam,
to control him, to try an turn him. Dean and Ryan were just complications
that were meant to be overcome. And to destroy John Winchester in the
process would be their greatest accomplishment.

Pulling into the dimly lit parking lot, John reached over, gently shaking
Sam out of his deep sleep. Sam stirred alittle, but didn't open his eyes,
truth be told, he was tired, drained. The last couple of months had taken
its toll on him. All he wanted was to sleep, to finally get one night of
peaceful sleep. But the relentless arm of his father shaking him,
wouldn't allow him this simple pleasure. Hopeing his father would
evidently leave him alone, Sam curved his body, shifting his shoulder
and back, to where it was facing the eldest Winchester. Sam heard
the truck door open, then felt the shudder it sent thru the rest of the
truck, as his father shut the driver's side door. The next thing Sam
heard was his own door opening, causing him to lurch forward
unexpectedly, but landing in his father's arms.

The last time his father had carried him, Sam was six years old. Dean
and him were playing in the backyard, when Sam tripped and scraped his
knees on the concrete patio. He unthinkingly screamed out in pain, causing
their father to come running out to see what was wrong. Picking him up in
his arms, carrying him into the kitchen, placing him on the counter, surveying
the damage to his young son's knees. Sam had stopped crying the minute
his dad's arm wrapped around him, making him feel safe and loved. Sitting
there, Sam watched him clean his wounds, telling him that he was fine,
but saw his brother standing behind their dad, knowing he would feel the
wrath of him clumsiness. John slowly lowered him to the ground, telling
him he needed to stay inside now, to go the the living room and watch tv.
He also remembered how their father scolded Dean for letting him fall,
for not watching over him.

The beams from the sun were slowly seeping through the curtains,
sending strands of light on Sam's face. Opening his eyes, he slowly
rubbed the sleep out of them, and began to stretch his sore limbs.
He gave the layout of his new living quarters a once over. Off to his
left was a small desk that was in shambles. It was covered with a
dozen or so old newspapers, empty coffee cups, stacks of papers,
maps, and some paperback books on cults. He could see his duffle
bag lying next to the desk, along with his dad's. From the looks of
the room, knowing how their father worked, John had been here
before, probably just keeping the room till he was ready to move
on.

Their Dad was never one for tyding up, and Sam could see the pile of
clothes, landing wherever they were dropped. In many aspects, Dean
and their father were very much alike. Turning to his right, he could see
the outline of his dad's body, with one arm draped over the side of the
bed. Yawning, Sam decided to take a shower and to call Dean to see how
things were going. And despite that it had only been two days since he had
last spoke to his brother, things were different now. He didn't want the
distance that had come between them so many years before, to return.

John heard his youngest son stirring within the small room, the bathroom
door closing, then water running. There was a time when Sam and him
wouldn't be able to stay in the same room for long, before one of them
was going for the other's throat. But things between them had improved,
causing a slight smile to form on his lips. His only concern was trying to
keep both his sons safe. The danger that they had always chased after
had temporarily stopped. He hated that he had to leave Dean again. But
now, the guilt didn't burn a hole in his soul like before. His only concern
was of leaving Dean with Ryan.

He knew she would protect him, she had proven that, but she was getting
close to him, and John knew Dean was starting to not only trust her more,
but to also care for her. He didn't want to place Dean in any danger, and if
his son had fallen for Ryan, he knew that it would only cause them both
harm. Ryan's demons were to close to the surface, and John knew Dean
wasn't in any shape to fight them off. John was able to ward them off,
after her sister had died, but this time, he wasn’t sure if he could do it
again.

She had asked him once why everyone she loved was dying around
her, he didn’t have the answer then, nor did he have it now. He knew
the pain she was carry with her, he himself had carried it after Mary died.
It was an ache that just wouldn't go away, sometimes growing stronger,
as the nights got lonelier. He knew the only way he could protect his son,
was to have to expose Ryans past to them, which would send her
spiraling deeper then before.




Ok lay it on me, what ya think.....

Good job I really like it.

Looks like I'm gonna enjoy this one too. Great start. Update soon.

Wow! That's great. I'm all intrigued again! Love your stories!

amazing...postively riveting...some of your best work by far...okay, that's three compliments so that means i fulfilled my end of the bargain! lmao

It is really good! John and Sam bonding a little...dean getting a little jealous and secrets...my god...cant wait for more....

I just really enjoy your stories immensely. This one has just started and already I'm into it. Can't wait for the next update. This is already making for a great trilogy!

Great keep going.

Woohoo! I like it! Keep going, please!!!

Ok finallygot this chapter to where I like it
so here ya go






Nearly a week had gone by, and Dean's concern had intensified, Ryan
had stopped sleeping, midway thru the week. Dean heard her screams
the previous nights, always scared, and confused when she woke up.
He tried constantly to console her, but everytime she would say it was
nothing. Her strength was draining more and more, and he couldnt
recall the last time she had eaten anything. No matter what he tried,
he even tried begging, but to no prevail, she always kept him at bay,
just out of reach. He'd made out the name Nikki, when sleep did
overtake her, and wondered if she was reliving the events of that day,
that took her sister's life.

She avoided his eyes, never making contact, but still longing for the
tenderness. When she talked to him, which was very rarely, her voice
sounded cold, dead like. He would find her sitting on the deck that was
overlooking the lake, staring off in the distance. She would sit there for
hours, never moving, her breathing getting more shallow with each she
took. She had lost the sparkle in her eyes, the one he had fallen for,
even as a kid, there was something that always drew him to her. She
would get dizzy, waving off his concern, stating how she had just
stood up too fast. Blaming the night air, anything, but the truth.

She concentrated on his therapy, pushing him to his limits. His walking
was getting better, not needing the support of the bars as much, but
still needing help in keeping his balance.He was making good progress,
but it was hurting him more with each session.The pain that never
escaped her attention before, had suddenly become unseen.

"It doesn't look like you suffered any setbacks, so I don't see why
you can't ease up on the bars, and let your legs take more of your
weight."

"Well, it may not look like it, but the pain in my back says otherwise.
This can't be normal."

"The pain you're feeling is normal, Dean. Right now, I think you should
be happy to feel anything."

Trying to side-step her, Dean asked, "So, this Jake fella. You two seem to ......have a connection."

"He's just a friend, Dean. I met him a couple of years ago, before....."
Ryan stopped short, before finishing the sentence.

Dean knew what she was going to say, letting it slide. He knew the loss
she felt, the pain that festered in one's soul, slowly but steadily burning
a hole in it.

"Well, if you ask me, he seems to want more, than just friends.
Trust me, seen that look before. Hell Ive given that look before."

"Yes, he wanted more, but at the time, I wasn't interested."

Laughing, Dean replied, "Shot 'em down, that's my girl, Ry."

Dean saw a smile sneak its way across her face, before walking behind
him. "Let's try it again. I want you to turn around, and we'll have you
make your way back."

And just like that, she was gone again, retreating inside herself.

Sam had called earlier in the week, to check up on him and see how
things were going with his therapy, when Dean let it accidently slip to
his brother about his concern. Sam wouldn't let it go after that. He kept
pumping Dean, till he gave in, telling him everything that had transpired
in the last week. Sam had tried to convince Dean that maybe the ordeal
of the past couple of weeks had just caught up to her, that she
needed time to deal with it. Deep down, Sam knew that wasn't true.
Ryan had been through worse things in her life, that this shouldn't be
affecting her the way it was.

Trying to change the subject, Dean asked, "So, hows the hunting going?
You and Dad still playing nice with one another?"

"Yea, we're fine. Thought we had a lead in Jonestown, but it didn't pan
out." Sam replied.

Fact was, he was happy it didn't, he enjoyed the time he was spending
with their dad, catching up, trying to fill the void that was missing from
the previous years spent apart. Sam felt a little guilty tho, knowing it
took their father away from Dean, time he also needed. It was Dean
who had eventually insisted that he go along, to help out. Sam knew the
real reason Dean wanted him to go, he wanted to do things his way,
without the constant butting in from Sam or their dad. To have to rely
on either of them, to show any signs of weakness in their eyes, would
surely destroy the proud Dean Winchester.

Therapy was the one time Dean saw his chance to get through to Ryan.
She had let her guard down once or twice during the latest session. He
never thought in a million years that their roles would become reversed,
that she would become his protector. Somehow it happened, but now the
roles were shifting yet again, and Dean knew she was slowly losing it, from
what, he just didn't know. Dean could recall only once that he had seen
true fear in Ryans eyes.

She was eight years old, Dean was nine, when she didn't go to school for
three days, and wasn't on the Winchesters front doorstep, making Dean
wonder. Dean and Sam made their way over to her house, but when
her step-father answered the door drunk, saying how she wasn't home,
Dean knew something was wrong. Making his way to the back of the house,
with Sam on his heels, Dean found an open window, in which both boys
crawled through. Making his way down the small hallway, Dean could hear
a faint crying sound coming from a nearby closet. The door was being held
closed by a kitchen chair resting underneath the lock, and when Dean
removed the chair, he could hear something inside shuffling. When he
opened the door, Ryan was curled up in a ball, scared half to death. It took
him twenty minutes to convince her to come out. They made it back
to their house in record time, explaining to their dad what had taken place, sending John into a rage. It was then that Dean realized that she had
been in the closet for those three days. It was another two days before
her step-parents even noticed Ryan was gone, and if not for her step-mother
stepping between them, Dean thought his father was going to kill the man.

She had the same look in her eyes now that she had then. When he got to
the end of the bars, Ryan was there waiting for him, like always, but not
really there. Dean saw his chance, slowly reaching out with one arm,
quickly wrapping it around her waist, pulling her in closer. She was caught offguard, trying to break free, when she felt him shifting his weight. She was pinned between him and the bar, his hold on her waist tightening just
enough so she couldn't escape, his other arm on the bar holding it firmly,
boxing her in.

"I'm not letting go till you talk to me, Ry. What's going on with you?"

Dean noticed how tired she looked, exhaustion setting in, hoping he could
use that to his advantage. He reached his other hand up, slowly placing
it on her cheek, turning her head till their eyes met briefly.

"Nothing Dean, really." she lied, lowering her eyes. She couldn't even look
him in the eyes. How could she tell him the truth, she thought. If she did,
she would lose him. Dean then pulled her in so close, that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her face, his heart beating in sync with hers. Her
heart nearly dropped, when she heard him whisper softly, in her ear.

"Ry, talk to me."

She could feel his lips slowly tracing the curve of her neck. Turning her
head slightly to the side, she closed her eyes, a small moan escaping
her lips. His hand around her waist gradually relinguishing its hold on her,
slowly working its way way up her back. She felt his lips brush hers, and
the fear of losing him overwhelmed her. A wave of images flooded her
mind, her parents, the fire, her sister, all dead. Because of her. Dean's face
formed slowly before her, grimacing in pain, the same way Nikki looked
before she died. Bringing her hand up to his chest, she pushed him away, suddenly.

"No, .....we cant...I can't.........." Ryan cried out.


Dean wasn’t expecting her to break free suddenly, causing him to lose
his footing. As he stumbled backwards, reaching out his arm, he could feel
the tips of his fingers brush along the sides of the bars. He tried to wrap his
other arm around her waist for support and stop his descent, but instead
he pulled her down with him, sending them both hurtling to the ground.
The impact sent a surge of pain through his back, only to be met by another
jolt when Ryan came crashing on top of him, the brunt of her weight landing
on his chest and stomach. He could feel the air being forced out of his lungs.

Ryan saw the pain in his eyes when he opened them, guilt and shame
replaced the pain she felt from her shoulder. Just then Dean's phone
rang. Reaching for it after four rings, she screamed into it.

"What!" she was frantically trying to adjust her weight, so that she
wasn't hurting him, when she heard Sam's voice.

"Ryan? Whats wrong?" Sam could hear the tension and fear in her voice.

"I'll call you back Sam, Dean's hurt." Without letting Sam respond, she
closed the phone, flinging it to her side.



There ya have it, you know the deal, be gentle

what person in their right mind, refuses to kiss a man, as gorgeous as Dean Winchester. I mean, ugh, and then to make him fall...lemme just remind everyone that i told ya'll she was evil...not worthy of my dean. That's all i'm gonna say...

As for the author of this blessed piece of fiction:

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day....j/k....i'm running out of good song quotes...uh...Dont you know that you're my hero? Uh..yeah you're just gonna have to run with that one...it's really early here. You know i like ya...and think your stuff rocks so...that's all that matters, eh?

I love how tender Dean was being with "Ry". It's frustrating that she's being so closed off to Dean. We're used to Dean being that way, right? I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next. I'm really, really loving this story. And again, I like how slowly Dean's recovery is unfolding. Very realistic.

Ok...that's evil!!!! ACK!

I agree, the interaction is great. Soooo detailed!

Post SOON!!!!

Okie heres the next chapter if it starts to drag, well
you know what they say, Its always calm before the storm

Chapter 3
---------------

Sam looked down at his phone, not knowing what to think. He tried to
call her back, but all he got was Dean's voicemail. Panic was starting
to take shape, as he tried Dean's phone again. Pacing back and forth,
he once again received his brother's voicemail. Standing by the small
desk, Sam grabbed the corners, trying to relax. With a sudden thrust
of his forearm, he cleared the desk with one swipe, sending
everything crashing to the ground.

"What the hell? Sam, whats wrong?" John asked, seeing Sam standing
over the mess.

"I don't know, somethings wrong with Dean, she said Dean was hurt.
She wasn't making any sense." Sam was pacing back and forth faster
now, and John thought he was going to make a permament path in
the cheap, shag carpet.


With three broad steps, John covered half the distance of the room,
to where he was standing in front of Sam. Placing his hand on
Sam's shoulder, "Calm down, and tell me what happened, everything."

Sam started to explain how Ryan took Dean up to a cabin in the
woods, where they would be safe. Then things just begin to
unravel. Ryan was distant, and wasn't really herself. And
today, when he called, she started screaming, how he
had an accident and she didn't mean to hurt him. He could
see his father's expression change, his eyes fill with alarm,
with the sheer mention of the cabin.


"Sam, listen to me. I need you to be sure, she took him to a cabin, in
the woods?" John asked, hoping it wasn't the same place, she wouldn't
go back there.

"She said no one would find them there. That's what you wanted, right?
Some secluded place where they would be safe."

"You need to get to the cabin, make sure Dean's ok, Sam. Tonight."
John wasn't wasting any time, he needed to know that while trying to
protect his eldest son from the cult, he hadn't sentenced him to a far
greater danger. Why would she take him there, after what had
taken place, so many years ago, he thought.


Back at the cabin, Ryan was able to get Dean standing up. He was
fighting her all the way, constantly glaring at her. She could feel the
anger radiate from him, anger directed at her now. She had pushed
him away, more then just physical pain, but a deeper pain, one that
made her feel ashamed. She was supposed to protect him, tend
to his injuries, not cause him any more pain. Maybe John was right,
maybe she was letting her personal feelings cloud her judgement.
She could see the pain spreading across his face, as she lead him
into the bedroom, gently lowering him onto the bed. Reaching into
her bag, she took out a small vial, inserted the needle, and withdrew
some of the liquid. Wiping down his arm, she slowly inserted the
needle into his arm, feeling him flinch when the needle pricked his
skin.

"What is that?" Dean asked, venting his anger towards her.

"Something for the pain, Im sorry Dean. The last thing I ever wanted
to do was cause you any pain, Im so sorry."

She only hoped that this didn't have any side effects and affect
his therapy. He had already suffered enough, to be this close,
and suffer a relapse by her hands, would be to hard to bare.

"Ryaan," Dean slurred her name, he could feel the drug taking affect
sooner then he hoped. He wanted to know why.

Walking back into the gym, Ryan found Deans phone, calling Sam,
leaning up against the cabin wall.

"Dean?" Sam asked before he heard the voice on the other end.

"No, its Ryan, Sam. Deans asleep. I had to give him something for
the pain. He .....he fell during therapy."

"Is he ok, Ryan, what happened?"

"Sam.. get here........I can't..... do this .....please.... need to hurry....."
Ryan collapsed to the floor, exhaustion finally overtaking her. The
expression on Dean's face before he fell, still fresh in her mind,
the look of disgust and anger in his eyes directed at her, was the
last memory she had before caving into the abyss that awaited her.

Sam heard the phone crashing to the floor, "Ryan!"

John started getting Sam's belongings, throwing them on the bed.
John had nearly all of his stuff packed, when Sam looked up, still
reeling from Ryan's last statement.

"Your going back tonight Sam. You need to get Dean out of that
house, away from her."

Sam knew his Dad was worried, but to think Ryan would intentionally
hurt his brother, after everything, was too far fetched for Sam to
believe.

"Dad, Dean's not in danger from Ryan."

John took a deep breath before turning to face his youngest
son, "You don't know the whole truth, Sam. About Ryan, her past,
that damn cabin," Shaking his head, John continue, "She should have
never gone back there... with him, she knew better."

"What about her past? And how does it affect us?" Sam had always
felt there was a deeper connection between her and his father that
either had let on. They were keeping something from them.

"Because she's cursed, always has been. Her parents, her sister.....
and now maybe Dean."

John tried to shake the images running through his head. To lose
Dean now, would break him, it would destroy Sam. He couldn't
let it happen,
he wouldn't.

Sam wasn't sure if he heard his dad right or not, but he couldn't
fathom what he was hearing. Ryan, who he had called his friend
since the age of 5, couldn't be cursed .

"Ryan's parents, her real parents, were killed there when she
was 7. It was the same cult that attacked you boys. She grew
up in Cooper Point, in that cabin. The Messeen had established
a strong hold in her home town, and when her parents came
across the cult activity, they exposed it. There was a huge
controversary that soon followed, and the town turn against them,
forcing them to leave. For revenge, they placed a curse on the
family. There was a fire at the cabin, that trapped her parents,
and had Ryan not been sleeping over a friends house, she would
have been died that night also. When she was placed in foster care,
they must have lost track of her, until now. Returning to the cabin,
she placed not only her life in danger, but now your brothers."

Sam just stared at his father, not knowing what to believe, "But ...how.
You knew all this time, and you never said anything. How do you know
all this, what else is there you're not telling me."

John took a deep breath before continuing.

"When she figured out about the family business, she was drawn
to it. She was determined to find out everything about that night,
what happened to her parents, to get revenge. Even at 8, she was
hell on wheels. She asked me repeatedly to let her go on hunts,
to train her along with you boys, but I didn't want her to have this life,
Sam. And for awhile, I was able to distance her from it, but I knew
eventually, she would turn to it. When she left for California, with Nikki,
I thought maybe, she was over it. After Nikki died, and her accident,
she fell apart."

"You already told me, all the time you went to California, to visit her,
was because of her accident."

"Sam, the accident, was No accident. Somehow, they found
her, and her sister paid the price. I never told her, and I live with
that regret everyday. At the time, she was reeling from her accident,
Nikki's death, I didn't think she could handle it. So I trained her, taught
her everything I knew, and she was a natural. She probably knows
more then you and Dean combined. That’s how I knew you boys
would be safe with her. She would protect you both at all cost. She
knew the risk, Sam."

John stopped, looking over at Sam, who looked over at his father,
shocked.

"Sam, I know this is hard to understand, but what's important, right
now, is that you get to your brother. Being in that cabin, reliving the
past, Ryan won't be able to protect him, or herself. You need to get
them both out of there, before their presence is revealed," John
continued.

Sam took his duffle bag, tossing in into the back of the Impala,
determined to stop whatever was threatening his family now. He
wouldn't lose his brother, and for Dean's sake, and for his own,
lose Ryan. Sam knew his brother was getting closer to her, letting
her in to places even he wasn't allowed. They were leaning on each
other for support, more and more, and Sam knew all to well the
pain that came from losing someone you loved more than life itself.
He would do anything in his power to protect his brother from that
feeling, knowing it would only drive Dean more, making the hunts
more dangerous then they were already. Hunting was in his blood,
and if something happened to Ryan, if he couldn't protect her, Sam
knew he would be out for blood, never resting till it was over.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ten and a half hours later, Sam was pulling into the driveway
of the cabin. The sun was slowly making its way into the semi-dark
sky, sending a glow over the cabin that sent a slight chill up Sam's
spine. Reaching the door, Sam knocked, hoping everything was fine,
and his Dad's fears were that of a now overprotected father. Seeing
the door was ajar alittle, Sam's own fears started to play on his mind.
Pushing the door open, Sam let himself in, and felt the eerie silence
fall upon him. The quietness was louder then any noise Sam had ever
heard, making him nervous, as he made his way through the living
room. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the 9mm his Dad gave him,
wanting to be prepared, just in case. There weren't any visible signs
of an attack in the house, no reason to think anyone even knew that
they were here.

Coming upon a bedroom, Sam saw Dean lying on the bed. Running
over, he could see his brother's chest rise and fall, resting
comfortably, forcing a sigh of relief to pass over Sam's lips.

"Dean." Sam whispered, gently shaking Dean's shoulder. He saw
his brother stir, but instead of waking, he turned his head to the
side, mumbling to let him sleep for a few more minutes, putting
Sam to ease. If his brother was hurt, sleeping in would be his
last concern. Sam noticed how he seemed more drugged then
sleepy, and wondered if Dean was given something. But by who,
and where was Ryan, Sam thought.

Turning his back to Dean, trying to get a better look into the
adjoining room, Sam could just make out a figure standing
over a body. Moving closer to the door, Sam raised the gun, chest
level, aiming it at the back of the mysterious person. When he was
within distance, Sam could make out the features of the person
lying on the floor. His heart nearly dropped when he recoginized
it was Ryan.

"I suggest you turn around really slow and back away from her.
Now!"

Sam said to the person standing directly over her.

Yay!


NOW MORE!

j/k

Take your time and happy writing.

//Jackie