1.18 Something Wicked

Dean (voiceover): Previously on Supernatural...
All scenes from 1.01 Pilot until otherwise noted.
Childhood home from Lawrence, Kansas, at night.
22 YEARS AGO
Screen goes to a negative image of the house, before it goes to black.
Mary: Sammy!
Mary runs up the stairs, and then into Sam's nursery. The picture flashes to black and white.
Screen goes to black.
John gives baby Sam to Dean.
John: Take your brother outside as fast as you can! Go!
John looks back.
THEIR MOTHER MYSTERIOUSLY DIED
From 1.02 Wendigo, Sam, crying, looking down at Jessica's gravestone.
From 1.03 Dead in the Water, Dean turns to face the army toys that Sam has focused on.
NOW TWO BROTHERS...
Dean (voiceover): Dad's on a hunting trip.
Sam yanks Dean backwards into the hotel room.
At first, it's a negative image. In Sam's apartment, Dean speaks to Sam and Jess.
Dean: And he hasn't been home in a few days.
Sam, in his apartment, looking at Dean.
...ARE ON A QUEST TO FIND THEIR FATHER
Sheriff throws John's journal down on the interrogation table in front of Dean.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): This is Dad's book.
Sheriff is opening the pages to show Dean.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): I think he wants us to pick up
From 1.03 Dead in the Water, Lucas playing, and being pulled into the lake.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): where he left off. You know,
From 1.02 Wendigo, Dean talking with Sam.
Dean: -saving people.
A flash of light, then Dean shooting Constance through the Impala window. A closer look at Dean, as he is coming over to the Impala.
From 1.06 Skin, Sam swinging at Shapeshifter Dean, as he ducks backwards.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): Hunting
Possessed car coming at the boys on the bridge.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): things.
From 1.09 Home, Sam is grabbed and thrown backwards by the poltergeist.
Dean (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): The family business.
From 1.05 Bloody Mary, Dean smashing the mirror to save Sam.
From 1.02 Wendigo, Sam talking with Dean.
Sam: I gotta find Dad.
Sam is shining a flashlight on a map.
Sam (voiceover from 1.02 Wendigo): It's the only thing I can think about.
Impala driving down a road in the evening, one headlight out after crashing through Constance's house.
Screen goes to black.

Fitchburg, Wisconsin

Bethany (voiceover): Now I lay me down to sleep.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
Scene fades in. A blue two story house in a suburban neighborhood.
Bethany (voiceover): I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Thy angels watch me through the night,

INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE
A little girl is kneeling by her bed. Her dad, Miles Tarnower, is leaning against her doorjamb.
Bethany: and keep me safe til morning light. Amen.
Miles: Amen.
Bethany reaches for her covers, and climbs in. She looks up solemnly at her dad.
Miles: Night Monkey-Puss.
Dad leans over to kiss her on her forehead.
Bethany: Daddy, is Mommy coming home?
Miles's gaze turns to a photo of the four of them - Dad, Mom, Mary, Bethany - smiling, happy. He returns his attention to his youngest.
Miles: No, honey. She's spending the night at the hospital with your sister.
The girl drops her head sadly.
Miles: Hey.
He playfully runs a finger down her nose.
Miles: You sleep tight now.
Bethany smiles at him and lays back down. Miles turns off the light, and closes the door.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
Scene of the upper story of the house, with a nearby tree. The wind blows.

INT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
A tree branch is blown against the window several times. Bethany is sitting in bed, afraid, looking at her sister's empty bed. She looks over at the tree branch moving against the window, before looking back at the teddy bear on sister's bed. She gathers her courage, races to the window and pulls the curtain sheers across, then hides back under the covers. The scratching tree branch turns into a long spindly fingered hand and the window is pulled open. The pretty blue starry wind chime is blown, as the wind enters through the window. Bethany is wide-eyed and terrified under the covers. A shadow approaches the bed, as whispers are heard. A clawed hand is placed on her shoulder; she is turned and sees someone in a hood, only their mouth and chin visible. The skin is deeply wrinkled, the mouth opens, and a bright light is emitted. Bethany screams.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - NIGHT
Bethany's bedroom window is seen, with the tree outside it. Her scream echoes. Leaves blow in the wind.

EXT. IMPALA - DAY
"Rock Bottom" by UFO plays while Sam and Dean are on their way to Fitchburg. The Impala cruises down a country road.

SOMETHING WICKED

Dean (voiceover): Yeah. But you probably missed somethin', that's what.

INT. IMPALA - DAY
Sam: Dude, I ran LexisNexis, local police reports, newspapers. I couldn't find a single red flag. Are you sure you got the coordinates right?
Dean: Yeah, I double checked. It's Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Dad wouldn't have sent us coordinates if it wasn't important, Sammy.
Sam: (getting frustrated) Well, I'm telling you I looked, and all I could find was a big steamy pile of nothing. If Dad's sending us hunting for something, I don't know what.

Music:

Seventeen a nature's queen Know what I mean

Dean: Well maybe he's going to meet us there.
Sam: Yeah.
Sam gives a sarcastic laugh.
Sam: 'Cause he's been so easy to find up to this point.

Music:

Twenty one, a long one And you can see the numbers run

Dean: You're a real smart ass you know that?

Music:

Now you look so peaceful

Dean: Don't worry, I'm sure there's something in Fitchburg worth killing.

Music:

Lying' there asleep

Sam: Yeah? What makes you so sure?
Dean: Well, because I'm the oldest, which means I'm always right.

Music:

With the wings of God above you

Sam: No it doesn't.

Music:

Before the spirits meet

Dean: Yeah, it totally does.
Dean glances at Sammy then looks back at the road with a little grin.

Music:

Rock bottom, rock bottom

EXT. IMPALA - DAY
The Impala cruises down a two lane highway.

Credit:

Starring JARED PADALECKI

She drives past the sign for Fitchberg, pop. 20,501, and a billboard "A place to call home" Fitchburg, Wisconsin. The camera pans to a closeup of the Fitchberg population sign.

EXT. FITCHBURG MAIN STREET - DAY
Shop & Go Variety and Glasow's Lunch can be seen in the background. Dean crosses to the road to Sam, holding two coffees. Sam leans against the Impala staring ahead. Cars are driving by on the road behind them.

Credit:

JENSEN ACKLES

Dean hands Sam a coffee.
Dean: Well... the waitress thinks the local Freemasons

Credit:

Guest Starring JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN

Dean: are up to something sneaky but, uh, other than that

Credit:

COLBY PAUL

Dean: nobody's heard about anything weird going on.
Sam: Dean, you got the time?

Credit:

RIDGE CANIPE

Dean looks at his watch.
Dean: Ten after four.

Credit:

VENUS TERZO

Sam nods.
Dean: Why?
Sam: What's wrong with this picture?
Sam indicating with his head toward the playground he's been watching. Dean turns to look. It is deserted, only one child climbing around. A woman sits on a park bench reading a magazine.

Credit:

Producer PETER JOHNSON

Dean: School's out isn't it?
Sam: Yeah.
Sam is sad, thoughtful.
Sam: So where is everybody? This place should be crawling with kids right now.

EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
Dean approaches woman on bench.

Credit:

Supervising Producer PHIL SGRICCIA

Dean: Sure is quiet out here.
Woman: Yeah, it's a shame.
Dean: Why's that?
Woman: You know, kids getting sick. It's a terrible thing.
Dean: How many?
Woman: Just five or six, but serious. Hospital serious. A lot of parents are getting pretty anxious. They think it's catching.
Dean: Hmm.
They both watch the little girl playing by herself.

INVESTIGATING

EXT. DANE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DAY
A shot of an ambulance parked next to the stairs for the front door. A man in a white doctor's coat walks by. Impala is parked in the foreground.

INT. DANE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL - DAY

Credit:

Co-Executive Producer KIM MANNERS

Sam and Dean enter and approach the reception desk. Murmur of voices can be heard.
Sam: Dude! Dude! I am not using this ID.
Sam shows Dean the ID.
Dean: Why not?

Credit:

Executive Producer McG

Sam: Because it says 'Bikini Inspector' on it?
Dean grins.
Dean: Don't worry. She won't look that close, all right?

Credit:

Produced by CYRUS YAVNEH

Dean: Hell, she won't even ask to see it. It's all about confidence Sammy.
He spins Sam to face the desk and keeps walking. The receptionist looks up and smiles.
Sam: Hi. I'm, uh, Doctor Jerry Caplin, Center for Disease Control.
Sam puts his ID away in his jacket.
Receptionist: Can I see some ID?
Further down the corridor Dean sniggers. Sam throws Dean a dirty look, before smiling at the receptionist.
Sam: Yeah of course.
Sam reaches back into his pocket, quickly flashing the ID, holding his thumb over part of it.
Sam: Now

Credit:

Created by ERIC KRIPKE

Sam: could you direct me to the pediatrics ward please?

Credit:

Written by DANIEL KNAUF

Receptionist: Okay, just go down that hall, turn left, and up the stairs.
She smiles at Sam. Sam approaches a grinning Dean, giving major bitchface.
Dean gives him a wide grin, arms open wide.
Dean: See. Told you it'll work.
Sam glares at Dean and shakes his head irritably.

Credit:

Directed by WHITNEY RANSICK

Sam: Follow me. It's upstairs.
Sam walks on, leaving Dean to smirk and follow him.

INT. HOSPITAL, UPSTAIRS - DAY
Sam and Dean walk down the corridor. Dean looks into a room he starts to pass, then stops. An old evil looking woman sitting in a wheelchair slowly turns her head to look at him, her eyes completely white. An inverted cross hangs on her wall. She turns her head back.
Sam: Dean.
Sam motions for Dean to come on. Dean follows Sam, glancing back toward the room.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY
Several people are sitting in chairs.
Dean (voiceover): Well, thanks for seeing us, Dr. Hydecker.
The doctor, followed by Dean and Sam, enter the waiting room.
Dr. Hydecker: Well I'm glad you guys are here. I was just about to call the CDC myself. How'd you find out anyway?
Dean: Oh some GP, I forget his name, he called Atlanta and, uh, he must've beat you to the punch.
Sam: So you say you got six cases so far?
They stop in front of a glass wall, looking in at the kids in isolation.
Dr. Hydecker: Yeah, yeah, five weeks. At first we thought it was garden variety bacterial pneumonia. Not that newsworthy. But now...
Sam: Now what?
Dr. Hydecker: The kids aren't responding to antibiotics. Their white cell counts keep going down. Their immune systems just aren't doing their job. It's like their bodies are... wearing out.
Nurse: Excuse me, Dr Hydecker.
Sam: (to Dr. Hydecker) You ever see anything like this before?
The nurse hands the doctor some forms to look over and sign.
Dr. Hydecker: Never this severe.
Nurse: And the way it spreads... that's a new one for me.
Sam: What do you mean?
Nurse: It works its way through families. But only the children, one sibling after another.
Dean: You mind if we interview a few of the kids?
Nurse: They're not conscious.
Surprise on Sam and Dean's faces.
Sam: None of them?
Nurse: No.
Dean: Can we, uh, talk to the parents?
Doctor sighs.
Dr. Hydecker: If you think it'll help.
Dean: Yeah. Who was your most recent admission?

INT. HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - DAY
Miles sits on a chair against the wall. Sam and Dean stand in front of him.
Miles: I should get back to my girls.
Sam: We understand that, and we really appreciate you talking to us. Now you say Mary's the oldest?
Miles: Thirteen.
Sam: Okay. And she came down with it first, right? And then...
Miles: Bethany, the next night.
Sam: Within 24 hours?
Miles: I-I guess. Look, I- I already went through all this with the doctor.
Dean: Right. Just a few more questions if you don't mind. Um, how do you think they caught pneumonia? Were they out in the cold, anything like that?
Miles: No. We-we think it was an open window.
Dean: Both times?
Miles: The first time... I-I don't-I don't really remember, but the-the second time for sure. And, uh, I know I closed it before I put Bethany to bed.
Sam: So you think she opened it?
Miles: It's a second story window, no ledge. No one else could have.
Sam nods his head. Dean and Sam are thoughtful.

INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - DAY
Dean and Sam walk back down the corridor.
Sam: You know this might not be anything supernatural. It might just be pneumonia.
Dean: Maybe. Or maybe somethin' opened that window. I don't know man, look, Dad sent us down here for a reason. I think we might be barking up the right tree.
Sam: I'll tell you one thing.
Sam stops. Dean turns to face him.
Dean: What?
Sam: That guy we just talked to? I'm betting it'll be a while before he goes home.
Dean considers Sam's words, and heads out. Sam follows.

EXT. SUBURBAN HOUSE - DAY
The Impala is parked out front. A minivan drives by.

FLASHBACK

INT. BETHANY'S BEDROOM - DAY
Sam checks the room with UV light while Dean checks the room with an EMF meter.
Sam: You got anything over there?
Dean: Nah, nothin'.
Sam sighs, drops his hand.
Sam: Yeah, me neither.
They keep checking. Sam moves to the window.
Sam: Hey Dean?
Sam opens the window.
Dean: Yeah?
Sam scoffs, staring at the windowsill.
Sam: You were right. It's not pneumonia.
Dean turns off the EMF meter as he comes over and they stare at a handprint rotted into the wood.
Sam: It's rotted.
Dean leans over for a closer look.
Sam: What the hell leaves a handprint like that?
A closeup of Dean, staring at the handprint. Scene fades out.

FLASHBACK - INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Scene fades in. Whole scene is tinged sepia. Young Dean (around 10-11) is staring at a photo of the same handprint. John comes out of the bedroom, loading his sawn off shotgun.
John: All right.
John cocks his gun, before leaning it down against the dresser, close to the bedroom door. He then takes his duffle to the table.
John: You know the drill, Dean. Anybody calls, you don't pick up. If it's me, I'll ring once, and then call back. You got that?
Young Dean: Mm-hmm. Don't answer the phone unless it rings once first.
John: Come on, dude, look alive. This stuff's important.
John picks up his duffle, grabs the papers, and heads over to continue to pack.
Young Dean: I know, it's just... we've gone over it like... a million times and you know I'm not stupid.
John: I know you're not, but it only takes one mistake, you got that?
Young Dean nods his head. John continues gathering his things off the kitchen counter.
John: Alright, if I'm not back Sunday night...?
Young Dean: Call Pastor Jim.
John grabs his duffel, ready to go. He sighs.
John: Lock the doors, the windows, close the shades. And most important...
Young Dean: Watch out for Sammy.
Both turn to look at Young Sammy, sprawled on the chair watching cartoons on TV.
Young Dean: I know.
John: Alright. If something tries to bust in?
Young Dean: Shoot first, ask questions later.
John is proud, and he grabs Dean's shoulder.
John: That's my man.
John and Young Dean step away, and the camera focuses on Young Sammy.
A shot of the TV show Thundercats plays.
Lion-O: What's up Jaga?
Jaga: Come closer, Lion-O.
John opens the motel door, nods to Young Dean, and leaves. Young Dean grabs the door, and shuts and locks it behind his dad, before looking back at his younger brother. A camera shot of Young Sammy, and then a close up shot of Young Dean.
Dean (voiceover): I know why Dad sent us here.
Scene fades out.

INT. BETHANY'S BEDROOM - DAY
Scene fades in. Dean stands up from window, looking a little sick.
Dean: He's faced this thing before.
Sam looks with puzzlement at Dean.
Dean: He wants us to finish the job.
Dean drops his head, to look down at the window again. The screen goes to black.

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
Neon light reads 2400 Court Motel. Roads are wet. The Impala pulls up to a motel office with a vacancy sign, and they get out. Sam is holding Dad's journal.
Sam: So what the hell is a shtriga?
Dean: It's... kinda like a witch I think. I don't know much about 'em.
Dean heads for the trunk. Sam meets him there.
Sam: Well I've never heard of it. And it's not in Dad's journal.
Dean's messing with the duffel bag, pulling out a credit card.
Dean: Dad hunted one in Fort Douglas, Wisconsin, about 16, 17 years ago. You were there. You don't remember?
Sam: No.
Dean: And I guess he caught wind that the thing's in Fitchburg now and kicked us the coordinates.
Sam: So wait, this...
Dean: Shtriga.
Sam: Right. You think it's the same one Dad hunted before?
Dean closes the trunk, and starts for the motel reception. Sam follows Dean, wondering what's up.
Dean: Yeah, maybe.
Sam: But if Dad went after it, why is it still breathing air?
Dean: Cause it got away.
Sam: Got away?
Dean turns to face Sam.
Dean: Yeah, Sammy, it happens.
Sam: Not very often.
Dean: Well I don't know what to tell ya, I mean maybe Dad didn't have his Wheaties that morning.
Dean turns away. Sam's still wondering what else Dean's not saying.
Sam: What else do you remember?
Dean: (defensively) Nothin'. I was a kid all right?
Dean enters reception.

INT. MOTEL RECEPTION - NIGHT
Dean rings the bell twice. Michael, around 10-12, comes from the back room where a younger boy named Asher sits watching TV. He gives a put-upon sigh.
Michael: A king or two queens?
Dean glances back at Sam.
Dean: Two queens.
Michael follows his look. Sam is looking at some papers, but looks up towards the motel. Michael snickers under his breath, raising his eyebrows.
Michael: Yeah I'll bet.
Dean: What'd you say?
Michael: Nice car.
Michael smiles. Dean gives him a look. Joanna enters, smiling at them both.
Joanna: Hi.
Dean: Hi.
Joanna: Checking in?
Dean: Yeah.
Joanna: (to Michael) Uh, do me a favor, go get your brother some dinner.
Michael: I'm helping a guest.
She gives him a look and he grimaces and turns to go. Dean smirks at him. Michael raises his eyebrows while speaking to his mother.
Michael: Two queens.
Dean gives a fake laugh.
Dean: Funny kid.
Joanna: Oh, yeah. He thinks so. Will that be cash or credit?
Dean: Do you take MasterCard?
She nods.
Joanna: Mm-hmm.
Dean: Perfect. Here you go.
Joanna pushes the form for Dean to fill out. Dean glances up and watches through the door as the Michael pours a glass of milk for Asher.

FLASHBACK - INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Colors are muted throughout scene. Young Dean pours Young Sammy a glass of milk. Young Sam sits at the table.
Young Sam: When's Dad gonna get back?
Young Dean grabs a pot from the camp stove.
Young Dean: Tomorrow.
Young Sam: When?
Young Dean pours from the pot into a bowl.
Young Dean: I dunno. He usually comes in late though. Now, eat your dinner.
Young Sam: I'm sick of scabetti-ohs.
Young Dean: Well- You're the one who wanted 'em!
Young Sam: I want Lucky Charms!
Young Dean: There's no more Lucky Charms.
Young Sam: I saw the box!
Young Dean: Okay, maybe there is, but there's only enough left for one bowl and I haven't had any yet.
Sammy gives puppy dog eyes. Dean sighs, dumps out the contents of Sam's bowl in the trash and thumps the cereal box with a clean bowl on the table instead. Dean sighs again, before standing back, watching Sammy. Sammy reaches into the box and grabs the toy. He holds it toward Dean.
Young Sam: D'you want the prize?

INT. MOTEL RECEPTION - DAY
Joanna: Sir?
Joanna is holding out his card. Dean gives himself a shake, coming out of his memories, and then a smile.
Dean: Thanks.
She hands over his receipt for Dean to sign. He signs.

Shtriga

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Sam is on the laptop on his bed. The site is Paranormal Watch.
Sam: Well... you were right.
Sam chuckles, scratching his head.
Sam: It wasn't very easy to find... but you were right.
Dean is pouring coffee, with a pile of books in front of him.
Sam: Shtriga is a kind of witch. They're Albanian, but legends about 'em date back to Ancient Rome. They feed off of spiritus vitae.
Dean is surrounded by books on the counter.
Dean: Spiri-what?
Sam: Vitae. It's Latin, translates to 'breath of life'. Kinda like your life force or essence.
Dean: Didn't the doctor say the kids' bodies were wearing out?
Sam: It's a thought. You know, she takes your vitality, maybe your immunity goes to hell. Pneumonia takes hold. Anyway, shtrigas can feed off anyone but they prefer-
Dean: Children.
Sam: Yeah. Probably because they have stronger life force. And get this. Shtrigas are '...invulnerable to all weapons devised by God and man.'
Dean drops his pencil and walks around the bar to his duffel.
Dean: No, that's not right. She's vulnerable when she feeds.
Sam: What?
Dean pulls out a small book.
Dean: If you catch her when she's eating, you can blast her with consecrated wrought iron. Ahhh... buckshots or rounds I think.
Dean walks back to the bar.
Sam: How do you know that?
Dean: Dad told me. I remember.
Dean is flipping through pages. Sam is nodding slowly, wondering about this information.
Sam: Oh.
Sam huffs.
Sam: So uh... anything else Dad mighta mentioned?
Dean: No, that's it.
Sam keeps staring at Dean. Dean looks back up.
Dean: What?
Sam: Nothin'.
Sam stands up and walks over to the coffee maker to get his own cup.
Sam: Okay. So, assuming we can kill it when it eats, we still gotta find the thing first, which ain't gonna be a cakewalk. Shtrigas take on a human disguise when they're not hunting.
Dean: What kind of human disguise?
Sam: Historically, something innocuous. Could be anything, but it's usually a feeble old woman, which may be how the whole, "witches-as-old-crones" legend got started.
Sam is pouring his own coffee. Dean thinks of something. He crosses the room.
Dean: Hang on.
Sam: What?
Dean grabs a map.
Dean: Check this out. I marked down all the addresses of the victims. Now these are the houses that have been hit so far, and dead center?
Sam: The hospital.
Dean: The hospital. When we were there, I saw a patient, an old woman.
Sam: An old person huh?
Dean: Yeah.
Sam: In a hospital? Phew.
Sam turns away, shaking his head and sniggering.
Sam: Better call the Coast Guard.
Dean: Well listen, smart-ass, she had an inverted cross hanging on her wall.
Sam looks up, serious. Dean raises an eyebrow at him.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
Floor cleaner is working. Camera pans up and down the hall. Dean and Sam walk down a hallway, quickly ducking back when they see Dr. Hydecker.
Nurse: Good night, Dr. Hydecker.
Dr. Hydecker: See you tomorrow, Betty.
Nurse: Try to get some sleep.
Dean and Sam have their backs turned until Hydecker passes, then continue on to the old woman's room, 237. Dean draws his gun. Sam opens the door. Dean takes the front to sneak in, Sam hanging back. After Sam carefully shuts the door, he draws his gun as well. The woman is in her wheelchair facing toward the corner. She seems to be sleeping. Sam nods to Dean. Dean slowly leans in closer and closer to her face. Suddenly, she turns her head toward Dean.
Crone: Who the hell are you?!
Dean freaks, leaping back against a wall cabinet, pulling his gun up. Sam pulls his gun up as well.
Crone: Who's there? You trying to steal my stuff?
Sam turns on the light. Her eyes have cataracts.
Crone: (grumbling to herself) They're always stealing around here.
Sam: No! Ah, ma'am, we're maintenance. We're sorry. Ah, we thought you were sleeping.
Dean is trying to get over his fright.
Crone: Ahhh, nonsense. I was sleeping with my peepers open.
Dean looks down at the old lady. Sam rolls his eyes at Dean. She laughs, then gestures at the wall.
Crone: And fix that crucifix, would ya? I've asked four damn times already!
Sam gives her a look of "huh". Dean, still looking slightly freaked out, moves the crucifix and it swings the right way up. Dean and Sam exchange a look. She is not the shtriga.

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
The camera pans from the neon sign of vacancy to show the motel's owner's rooms. The wind is blowing hard.

INT. MOTEL - NIGHT
The camera pans across Asher and Michael sleeping in twin beds, and onto the window. The Shtriga's arm appears and slides the window open, with whispering being heard. The screen goes black.

EXT. MOTEL - DAY
The Impala pulls up to the motel parking lot and Sam and Dean get out. Sam is laughing.
Sam: "I was sleeping with my peepers open?" Hahahaha.
Dean: I almost smoked that old girl, I swear. It's not funny.
They head for their room. Sam is still sniggering, shaking his head. He puts the key in the lock to open the door.
Sam: Oh man, you shoulda seen your face, Dean.
Dean: Oh yeah, laugh it off. Now we're back to square one.
Dean sees Michael sitting on a bench in front of the office looking forlorn.
Dean: Hang on.
Dean heads over to Michael. Sam turns to see what Dean's doing. Sam pulls the key and follows Dean instead. Dean, as he arrives, squats down next to Michael as he addresses the boy. Sam squats as well.
Dean: Hey, what's wrong?
Michael: My brother's sick.
Dean: The little guy?
Michael nods sadly.
Michael: Pneumonia. He's in the hospital. It's my fault.
Dean: Ah c'mon, how?
Michael sniffs.
Michael: I shoulda made sure the window was latched. He wouldn't've got pneumonia if the window was latched.
Dean looks away for a moment. Sam watches him, frowning thoughtfully.
Dean: Listen to me. I can promise you, that this is not your fault. Okay?
Michael looks teary eyed at Dean.
Michael: It's my job to look after him.
Sam looks back and forth from Dean to the kid. His mother hurries out of the motel toward her car.
Joanna: Michael.
Michael stands up and walks over to his mom as she packs the van. Dean and Sam stand up.
Joanna: I want you to turn on the no vacancy sign while I'm gone. I've got Denise covering room service so don't bother with any of the rooms.
Michael: I'm going with you.
Joanna: Not now, Michael.
Michael: But I gotta see Asher!
Dean: Hey, Michael.
Dean and Sam walk over.
Dean: Hey. I know how you feel - hey, I'm a big brother too - but you gotta go easy on your Mom right now, okay?
Joanna drops her handbag in her haste.
Joanna: Dammit!
Sam: I got it.
Sam picks it up and hands it to her.
Sam: Here.
Joanna: Thanks.
Dean: Hey listen, you're in no condition to drive. Why don't you let me give you a lift to the hospital?
Joanna: No, I couldn't possibly...
Dean: No, it's no trouble. I insist.
Joanna hands Dean her keys.
Joanna: Thanks.
She turns to Michael, putting an arm around him and kissing his head.
Joanna: Be good.
She climbs into the shotgun seat. Dean closes the door, looks at Michael, then talks low to Sam.
Dean: We're gonna kill this thing. I want it dead, you hear me?
Dean walks on around to the driver's side. Sam looks after Dean, concerned.

PLAN OF ATTACK

EXT. LIBRARY - DAY
A big tree stands outside a brick building. The sign out front says, "A.W. STOWE PUBLIC LIBRARY Mon - Fri 9-4 Sat - Sun 12-4" Several people are around, talking indistinguishable.

INT. LIBRARY - DAY and HOSPITAL - DAY, alternating
A girl pulls a book off the shelf. The camera pans around to show that Sam sits at a microfiche machine. He picks up his cellphone. It rings once.
Dean (voiceover): (whispers) Hey.
Sam: Hey. How's the kid?
Dean is off to the side of Asher's room, his back to Asher. Joanna is with Asher. A nurse is also with Asher.
Dean: He's not good. Where you at?
Sam (voiceover): At the library.
Sam: I've been trying to find out as much as I can about this Shtriga.
Dean: Yeah, what do you got?
Sam (voiceover): Well,
Sam: bad news. I started with, uh, Fort Douglas around the time you said Dad was there?
Dean: And?
Sam: Same deal. Before that, there was, uh, there was Ogdenville,
Sam (voiceover): before that... North Haverbrook, and Brockway.
Sam huffs.
Sam (voiceover): Every 15 to 20 years it hits a new town.
Sam is shaking his head.
Sam: Dean, this thing is just getting started in Fitchburg.
Sam (voiceover): In all these other places, it goes on for months. Dozens of kids, before the shtriga finally moves on.
Sam: The kids just... languish in comas, and then they die.
Dean: How far back's this thing go?
Sam: Ah, I don't know. The earliest mention I could find is this place called, "Black River Falls" back in the 1890s.
Sam huffs.
Sam: Talk about a horror show...
Sam flips to the next page on the microfiche.
Sam: Whoa.
Dean: Sam?
Sam (voiceover): Hold on...
Sam: I'm looking at a photograph right now of a bunch of doctors standing around a kid's bed. One of the doctors...
Sam makes the image bigger.
Sam: is Hydecker.
Dean: And?
Sam: And... this picture was taken in 1893.
Dean: You sure?
Dean's face just turned deadly.
Sam (voiceover): Yeah.
Sam: Yeah absolutely.
Dean hangs up and slowly turns to watch Hydecker sitting on Asher's bed, rubbing Asher's forehead. Dean stalks around the room, watching the doctor. The doctor stands up, holding Joanna's arm in comfort.
Dr. Hydecker: Don't worry. Your son's in good hands. I'm going to take care of him.
Dr. Hydecker moves toward Dean standing in the doorway. Dean looks ready to slit his throat.
Dr. Hydecker: So what's the CDC come up with so far?
Dean: Well, we're still working on a few theories. You'll know something as soon as we do.
Dr. Hydecker: Well, nothing's more important to me than these kids.
Dean: Hmm.
Dr. Hydecker: Just let me know if I can help.
Dean: I'll do that.
The doctor leaves, and Dean is feeling furious.
Sam (voiceover): We shoulda thought of this before.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Sam is pacing.
Sam: A doctor's a perfect disguise. You're trusted, you can control the whole thing.
Dean stands up, throws off his jacket, pacing agitatedly.
Dean: Huh. That son of a bitch.
Sam leans against the kitchen counter.
Sam: I'm surprised you didn't draw on him right there.
Dean: Yeah, well, first of all, I'm not going to open fire in a friggin' pediatrics ward.
Sam huffs.
Sam: Good call.
Dean: Second, wouldn't have done any good, 'cause the bastard's bullet proof unless he's chowing down on somethin'. And third... I wasn't packing, which is probably a really good thing 'cause I probably would have just burned a clip in him off of principle alone.
Sam: You're getting wise in your old age, Dean.
Dean: Damn right. 'Cause now I know how we're going to get it.
Dean walks over to the bar, and leans across it to talk with Sam.
Sam: What do you mean?
Dean: Shtriga, works through siblings right?
Sam: Right.
Dean: Well last night...
Sam: It went after Asher.
Dean: So I'm thinking tonight it's probably gonna come after Michael.
Sam: Then we gotta get him outta here.
Dean: No. No, that would blow the whole deal.
Sam is confused.
Sam: What?
Dean: Yeah.
Sam: Dean, you wanna use the kid as bait?
Dean gives him a look meaning yes. Sam walks forward, upset.
Sam: Are you nuts? No! Forget it. That's outta the question.
They are facing off against one another over the bar.
Dean: It's not out of the question! Sam, it's the only way. If this thing disappears, it could be years before we get another chance!
Sam: Michael's a kid. And I'm not going to dangle him in front of that thing like a worm on a hook!
Dean: Dad did not send me here to walk away.
Sam: Send YOU here? He didn't send you here - he sent us here.
Dean turns away, walking away from Sam.
Dean: This isn't about you, Sam. All right? I'm the one who screwed up. It's my fault. There's no telling how many kids have gotten hurt because of me.
Pain on Dean's features.
Sam: What are you saying, Dean? How is it your fault?
Dean is wrestling with memories. Long pause. Sam gives out a long sigh.
Sam: Dean. You've been hiding something from the get-go.
Dean walks slowly over to the bed, and sits.
Sam: Since when does Dad bail on a hunt? Since when does he let something get away? Now talk to me, man. Tell me what's going on.
Dean is sitting on a bed, remembering, in pain. He finally starts talking.
Dean: Fort Douglas, Wisconsin.

DEAN'S FAULT

FLASHBACK - INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Dean (voiceover): It was... our third night in this crap room and I was climbing the walls, man. I needed to get some air.
The colors are muted. Young Dean sits watching black and white TV. He turns it off and goes to the front door, looking back at Young Sammy asleep in the other room before he leaves.

FLASHBACK - EXT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Young Dean locks the door behind him. He heads over to play arcade games in reception. Scene fades out.

FLASHBACK - INT. RECEPTION - NIGHT
Scene fades in. Young Dean is playing Andro-Rhino. The owner comes out to the room, drying his hands on a towel.
Owner: Kid.
Young Dean looks over.
Owner: We're closin' up.
Young Dean goes back to finishing his game.

FLASHBACK - EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
Young Dean returns to the room, glancing around the parking lot.

FLASHBACK - INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Young Dean opens the door, lets himself in, locks the door, and sees a light from the lamp coming from Young Sammy's room, along with some strange whispers. He moves closer, pushing the bedroom door open slowly and sees the shtriga leaning over Young Sammy. Young Dean reaches for the shotgun John left by the bedroom door but the shtriga hears him pull the hammer back and rears up, growling.
Young Dean hesitates, terrified. As he does John bursts through the front door, gun raised.
John: (shouting) Get out of the way!
Young Dean ducks and John shoots the shtriga multiple times with his handgun. The shtriga jumps through the bedroom window, glass shattering. John continues to shoot at the shtriga until he empties the clip. John rushes to Young Sammy's bed, dropping the gun, and pulls him close, cradling him.
John: Sammy. Sammy. Sammy. You okay?
Young Sammy is confused and sleepy, looking up at Dad who's looking down at him.
Young Sam: Dad, what's going on?
Young Dean cautiously peers around the corner at them.
John: You all right?
Dean puts the shotgun down. John holds Young Sammy close, knowing he almost lost his youngest. He then turns to demand an explanation of Young Dean, who is walking into the room.
John: What happened?
Young Dean: (hesitating) I-I just went out.
John is disbelieving.
John: What?
Dean is guilty, and knows it.
Young Dean: Ju-just for a second. I'm sorry.
John is furious.
John: I told you not to leave this room. I told you not to let him outta your sight!
Young Dean watches sadly as John turns to cradle Young Sammy. Scene fades out.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Scene fades in. Dean is sad, his voice cracking occasionally.
Dean: Dad just... grabbed us and booked. Dropped us off at Pastor Jim's about three hours away. By the time he got back to... Fort Douglas the shtriga had disappeared. It was- it was just gone. It never surfaced until now.
Dean half laughed.
Dean: You know, Dad never... spoke about it again. I didn't ask. But he, ah... he looked at me different, you know? Which was worse. Not that I blame him. He gave me an order and I didn't listen. I almost got you killed.
Sam is sitting on the bed next to Dean.
Sam: (softly) You were just a kid.
Dean: Don't... Don't.... Dad knew this was unfinished business for me. He sent me here to finish it.
Sam shakes his head. He doesn't like using Michael.
Sam: But using Michael? I don't know Dean. I mean... how 'bout one of us hides under the cover? You know, we'll be the bait.
Dean: No, it won't work. It's gotta get close enough to feed - it'll see us. Believe me, I don't like it, but it's gotta be the kid.
Dean stands up, and takes several steps. This pains him.
Michael (voiceover): You're crazy!

INT. MOTEL RECEPTION - DAY
Michael is holding the phone handle up.
Michael: Just - go away or I'm calling the cops!
Dean is leaning across the counter to try to talk with Michael. Sam is standing behind Dean, allowing him to take point.
Dean: Hang on a second. Just listen to me. You have to believe me, okay? This thing came through the window and it attacked your brother.
Michael's eyes flicker from Dean to Sam and back.
Dean: Now I've seen it. I know what it looks like. 'Cause it attacked my brother once too.
Dean indicates Sam with his head. Michael is slowly hanging up the phone. He's hesitant.
Michael: This thing... is it... like... it has this long... black robe?
Michael's face is frightened and disgusted.
Dean: You saw it last night, didn't ya?
Michael: I thought I was having a nightmare.
Dean: I'd give anything not to tell you this... but sometimes nightmares are real.
Michael: So... why are you telling me?
Dean: Because we need your help.
Michael: M-my help?
Dean: We can kill it. Me and him,
Dean motions with his head toward Sam.
Dean: it's what we do. But we can't do it without you.
Michael: W-what? No!
Dean: Michael, listen to me. This thing hurt Asher. And it's gonna keep hurting kids unless we stop it, do you understand me?
Michael stares at Dean, terrified. He shakes his head slightly in a 'no'.
Dean (voiceover): Well that went

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Dean: crappy. Now what?
Dean is pacing. Sam is sitting on the unmade bed.
Sam: What'd you expect? You can't ask an adult to do something like that, much less a kid.
There's a knock at the door. Both look over at the door. Dean opens it to see Michael.
Michael: If you kill it... will Asher get better?
Dean looks back at Sam, who's standing but remains quiet. Dean looks back at Michael.
Dean: Honestly? We don't know.
Michael thinks.
Michael: You said you're a big brother.
Dean nods.
Dean: Yeah.
Michael: You'd take care of your little brother? You'd do... anything for him?
Dean: Yeah I would.
Sam hears this, and knows it to be true.
Michael: Me too.
Michael nods. A pause.
Michael: I'll help.
Dean turns to face Sam, who nods. They have a chance to kill it. Dean turns to face Michael once more. The screen goes black.

EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT
The red "Sorry No Vacancy" light is lit. The camera pans to the owner's rooms of the motel.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sam is watching the security feed on his laptop in the next room. Dean completes hooking up a video camera in the corner of the room, staring into the lens. Michael is behind him in bed.
Dean: (to Michael) This camera has night vision on it so we'll be able to see ya as clear as day.

INT. MICHAEL'S ROOM - NIGHT
Dean lifts his voice.
Dean: (to Sam) Are we good?

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sam: A hair to the right.
Dean adjusts the camera.
Sam: There, there.
Michael: What do I do?

INT. MICHAEL'S ROOM - NIGHT
Dean walks around and sits on Michael's bed.
Dean: You just... stay under the covers.
Michael: And, if it shows up?
Dean: Well, we'll be right in the next room. We're gonna come in with guns. So, as soon as we do, you roll off this bed and you crawl under it.
Michael: What if you shoot me?
Dean chuckles.
Dean: We won't shoot you. We're good shots. We're not going to fire until you're clear, ok?
Michael nods tentatively.
Dean: Have you heard a gunshot before?
Michael: Like... in the movies?
Dean: It's gonna be a lot louder than in the movies. So, I want you to stay under the bed, cover your ears, do not come out until we say so. You understand?
Michael nods slowly, looking scared.
Dean: Michael, you sure you wanna do this? You don't have to. It's okay, I won't be mad.
Michael: No, I'm okay. Just don't shoot me.
Dean: We're not going to let anything happen to you. Promise.

EXT. OWNER ROOMS - NIGHT
A shot of the owner's part of the motel. The wind is blowing.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sam and Dean sit watching the security camera feed. Sam is holding up the earphones to one ear to listen.
Dean: What time is it?
Sam checks his watch.
Sam: Three. You sure these iron rounds are gonna work?
Dean: Consecrated iron rounds. And yeah, it's what Dad used last time.
Sam: Hey Dean, I'm sorry.
Dean, confused, looks over at Sam.
Dean: For what?
Sam sighs.
Sam: You know. I've really given you a lot of crap, for always following Dad's orders. But I know why you do it.
Dean looks back at the monitor.
Dean: Oh, God. Kill me now.
Sam laughs softly, looking at Dean. They sit in silence for a moment. There is movement outside the window.
Dean: Wait, look.
Dean leans forward. Sam lays the headphones down.

INT. MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Michael is propped up in bed, eyes wide open. The shadow of the shtriga moves across the window, tapping on the glass. The window slides open. Michael watches, scared.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
On the monitor, the window is sliding open. Carefully Dean and Sam pick up their guns.

INT. MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The shtriga is inside Michael's room.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sam adjusts his grip on his gun.
Sam: Now?
Dean: Not yet.

INT. MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Michael's uncomfortable, and really nervous. The shtriga moves closer.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Sam and Dean are watching the monitor; the shtriga is halfway to Michael. The feed starts to react to the shtriga, going fuzzy. It's almost to Michael. Sam's getting antsy, Dean is deadly serious.

INT. MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The shtriga moves closer, sniffing. Michael is terrified.

INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
On the monitor, the shtriga leans closer down to Michael. The wind blows the curtain. Sam is wanting to move; Dean is deadly still, watching and waiting.

INT. MICHAEL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
The shtriga is over Michael now. Michael's really nervous, pressing back against his pillow, whimpering. The shtriga grabs Michael's arms, and opens its mouth, starting to draw Michael's energy. Dean and Sam burst in.
Sam: Hey!
Dean: Michael, down!
Michael rolls off and under the bed and Sam and Dean open fire, shooting the shtriga multiple times each. It falls to the ground.
Dean: Mike, you all right?
Michael: Yeah.
Dean: Just sit tight.
Dean approaches the shtriga, gun at the ready. The wind howls. There is no movement, and Dean looks over the bullet holes in the body. He relaxes slightly and glances at Sam. Sam relaxes slightly as well. The shtriga suddenly rises, grabs Dean by the throat.
Sam: Dean!
It throws Dean against the wall. Sam aims his gun, but the shtriga moves too fast, knocking out the gun out of Sam's hands. It throws Sam to the wall; he hits the low bed, and the shtriga comes on him, choking him. Sam tries desperately to reach for a gun, but it's too far away. It forces Sam's mouth open. The shtriga begins drawing his energy and Sam stills and starts going grey and wrinkly, helpless.
Dean: Hey!
The shtriga looks up and Dean shoots it between the eyes. He falls backwards with a moan as Sam lies gasping for breath.
Dean: You okay, little brother?
Sam unsteadily holds up two thumbs-up. Michael scoots to the edge of the bed, trying to see. They both pull themselves to their feet and look to the shtriga. The energy the shtriga stole begins to escape from its mouth. Dean raises his gun, shooting it three more times at point blank range, to Sam's surprise. More energy escapes. The shtriga falls in on itself, disintegrating.
Michael peeks up from the side of the bed.
Dean: It's okay, Michael, you can come on out.
Michael comes to stand beside them, smiling tentatively. Michael looks at Sam, who smiles back. Michael then looks to Dean. Dean places his hand on Michael's shoulder and smiles. Dean looks down at his finished work, with a slight smile. Energy smokes out of it. The screen goes black.

EXT. MOTEL - DAY
Dean carries out a duffel to load into the trunk. Sam is packing the Impala ready to head out. Joanna comes out of the back of reception, looking around.
Dean: Hey, Joanna. How's Asher doing?
Dean and Sam step over to talk with Joanna.
Joanna: Have you seen Michael?
Michael runs up.
Michael: Mom! Mom!
Joanna: Hey!
Joanna hugs Michael.
Michael: How's Ash?
Joanna: I got some good news. Your brother's gonna be fine.
Michael grins.
Michael: Really?
Joanna: Yeah. Really. No one can explain it. It's a... it's a miracle.
Dean glances back at Sam and they share a look.
Joanna: (to Dean and Sam) They're going to keep him in overnight for observation, but after that he's coming home.
Dean: That's great.
Sam: How are all the other kids doin'?
Joanna: Good. Real good. A bunch of them should be checking out in a few days. Dr. Travis says the ward's going to be like a ghost town.
Sam: Dr. Travis? What about Dr. Hydecker?
Joanna: Oh he wasn't in today. Must'a been sick or something.
Dean has a slight smile, his eyes sliding over to Michael.
Dean: Yeah. Yeah must have.
Joanna: (to Michael) So, did anything happen while I was gone?
Michael eyes glance briefly at Dean. Michael nods.
Michael: Nah, same old stuff.
Joanna: (whispers) Okay. You can go see Ash.
Michael's excited.
Michael: Now?
Joanna: Only if you want to.
Michael looks to Dean who motions with his head to go. Michael runs to the car. Joanna laughs.
Joanna: I, ah, better get going before he hotwires the car and drives himself.
Smiling goodbye, she leaves. Sam and Dean smile back. They give each other looks before they turn back to the Impala.
Sam: It's too bad.
Dean slams the trunk. Sam heads for shotgun, Dean for the driver's side.
Dean: Oh, they'll be fine.
Sam stops, leaning against the hood to talk. Dean stops as well.
Sam: That's not what I meant. I meant Michael. He'll always know there are things out there in the dark - he'll never be the same, you know?
Dean contemplates that. Sam inhales.
Sam: Sometimes I wish that...
Sam chuckles.
Dean: What...?
Sam: I wish I could have that kinda innocence.
Sam smiles slightly. They watch Joanna and Michael drive away. "Road to Nowhere" by Ozzy Osbourne starts to play. Dean looks down before facing Sam.
Dean: If it means anything, sometimes I wish you could too.

Music:

I was looking back on my life

Dean climbs in the driver's seat, closes the door and starts the engine. Sam climbs in, closing the door.

Music:

And all the things I've done to me

The Impala backs up.

Music:

I'm still looking for the answers

The Impala pulls out of the motel parking lot and back onto the freeway.

Music:

I'm still searching for the key The Road to Nowhere leads to me