A/N: So, when I first uploaded this one, I was kind of in a hurry. So I've gone back and split it up into chapters for easier reading.
This one gives a first look into Ace's past a bit, and tells a bit about what makes her the way she is. It's dark, and violent in some places.
So if you can't handle things like abuse, or violence toward a child, proceed at your own risk. :/
Wing, North Dakota
"Dammit Ace! Get back here!"
"Dean it's fine! I can see, just hold on a sec."
"No! I can't fit in there, and you're not going alone!"
"It'll be okay. I've got the shotgun. I'll scream if something happens, kay?"
I didn't hear what he said to that, because I was already creeping off around the corner. The tunnel had to lead somewhere, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was in here.
My flashlight beam bobbed as I dodged obstacles, climbing over rocks and bending past pillars of treated cedar. We were inside an old mine shaft, hunting down a banshee. Nested up in some tiny backwater in North Dakota.
At least I'd convinced Dean to go visit Bobby when we were done. I smiled at the thought, that would be interesting. Bobby had threatened to pull a gun on Dean last time we were there. This visit should prove to be fun.
Ahead of me there was a clatter of rocks. I ducked behind a pillar, clicking my flashlight off, and breathed slowly through my mouth. A scraping told me that something was working it's way toward me and I held my breath, heart pounding.
"Ace?" I nearly jumped at the sound of my name, whispered from the direction of the perceived threat.
"Sam?" I rasped, clicking my flashlight to life and peering around the pillar. He grinned at me from his hands and knees.
"C'mon, the tunnel widens out up here. Dean's waiting." he said, gesturing behind him with his head. I smiled and started toward him, when his eyes widened and he gasped. I spun around, losing my balance and toppling to the floor.
The banshee reared up in front of me, it's body reminiscent of a beautiful woman, with seared, blackened eyes and long, skinless, bone-clawed fingers. It struck forward as I started to struggle away, and sank It's claws into my shoulders.
I screamed, and realized my mistake a moment too late. The banshee opened a gaping maw, lined with razor edged teeth, and I felt my scream and my breath being drawn into it's mouth, taking my strength with it. I tried to turn away, tried to crawl back toward Sam, but my body wouldn't move.
Sam gave a shout and a blast of rocksalt hit the banshee square in the face, silencing my scream as it's hold on me was broken. My body collapsed, my vision blackened around the edges, and I struggled to move away from the creature, floundering uselessly. I couldn't breathe right, my diaphragm jumping erratically, making me gasp unevenly.
Above me I could see a fight ensuing, Sam lunging across me and slashing at the banshee with an iron blade. He caught it across the chest and deep violet blood spilled over the stones. The banshee shrieked, falling back, and Sam jabbed at it, catching a lucky shot and impaling it in the chest, right where the heart should have been.
It crumbled into dust, and the knife landed tip first in the pile left behind. But Sam didn't notice, he was bending over me, grabbing me up in his arms, brushing my hair back from my face.
"Ace? Say something!" he murmured anxiously, staring into my foggy, colorless eyes. There was a build up of pressure in my chest, and it had my whole body aching.
"H...urts..." I breathed, managing to reach up and grab hold of his shirt sleeve.
"Where? Where does it hurt, Ace?" he asked, maneuvering around so he could get us both out of the cramped tunnel.
"Ever...where..." I whispered, clenching my eyes shut against a throb of pain and curling my fist in his shirt fabric.
"Stay awake Ace! C'mon, open your eyes!" he coaxed, when my grip started to loosen.
"S'mmy...m'tired..." I breathed and he gave me a jolting shake that had me crying out and wide awake.
"No, you stay with me." he ordered, finally standing straight and practically jogging.
"Dean!" he yelped with relief, and I bit my lip. Dean. He would be pissed.
"Ace?!" the older Winchester barked, and I flinched, inhaling sharply through my teeth.
"D'n...m'sorry...I din' m'n tuh..." he silenced me with a hand on my cheek, and I gazed blearily up at him.
"It's okay. You'll be alright. Don't freak out, okay?" he said softly, though a little gruffly
"Here Sam, give'er to me. You go run and get the car started." he said, trading Sam a shotgun and the keys for me. Sam gave a quick nod and took off at a sprint. Dean hefted me easily, and for a moment I was grateful I was almost a foot and a half shorter than him.
"We don't feed you enough..." he commented at my meager hundred and fifteen pounds. I sighed, resting my cheek on his collarbone, my arm around his neck.
"M'fine..." I breathed, and started to drift off.
"Yeah...Girls aren't supposed to be heavy anyway." he joked, and I smiled as darkness swallowed my world.
I woke alone, in a bed, and immediately was wide awake. Although still a little hazy.
"D'n?" I breathed, and felt the bed shift behind me. I rolled over to see him watching me with concern. I sighed in relief and reached out to him. He helped me over to him and I settled against his side, my arm around his waist and my head on his chest. I felt myself falling right back to sleep and sighed.
"Th'nks D'n..." I mumbled and he chuckled.
"You got it kiddo." He replied, carding his fingers through my hair softly.