Disclaimer: Still happily playing in the CW-sandbox with characters from Eric Kripke's Supernatural. All OCs are mine.

Chapter 32

Isabeau sneaked down the stairs. She did her best not to look at her hands that were still swirling with blue patterns; pulsing in and out of intensity. She could hear the rest of the house talking in the kitchen. Probably about her. Reaching the bottom step she closed her eyes and counted to ten. You can do this, Iz, you know you can. They're just people. They've seen you through many changes. Andrea will be on your side. Sam is in there. The thoughts ran through her mind. Taking a deep breath she opened her eyes.

"There she is," Bobby exclaimed, raising his beer towards Isabeau.

Shit. Her courage fled through the basement and the blue flared with intensity as her grip tightened on the bannister. I can't. It was too much too soon and she swiftly turned around to run back the way she came but strong arms circled around her and she breathed in Sam's familiar scent and relaxed into him.

"Everything will be okay," he whispered into her hair. His warm hand on her back sent shivers down her spine and she felt safe. "Come," he led her to the table. Nobody said anything at first as they all tried not to stare. Sam placed her coffee down in front of her and she reached out to pick it up while dark blue lines twirled around her fingers on display.

The coffee warmed her up and eased her mind. Breathing in the deep aroma, she closed her eyes for a moment, relaxing into the familiarity.

"Is dit seer?" ("Does it hurt?") Andrea asked next to her. She turned her head and looked at her friend. A small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she shook her head.

"Nee, dit kielie net 'n bietjie. Dis meer freaky om dit te sien, maar ek voel dit nie eintlik nie." ("No, it's just a little tickling. It's freakier to see it, but I don't really feel it.")

"Kan ek daaraan vat?" ("Can I touch it?") Her friend reached out hesitantly.

Isabeau cleared her throat as she pulled up her long sleeves for Andrea to see. An audible gasp was heard from everyone but 's hand hovered for a moment above Isabeau's arm before she gently rubbed a finger over the swirly lines. The hunters tensed and Dean was about to say something when Andrea giggled, watching the lines respond to her finger. It was as if they were alive. Everywhere she traced them, the glow intensified for a moment before continuing on their original flow. Isabeau watched too, mesmerised.

"Dit lyk amper soos slangetjies," ("It almost looks like little snakes,") Isabeau said as Andrea chased the lines up her arm to where they disappeared under her sleeve.

"Dis so cool, ek gaan kry sommer more 'n blou tattoo," ("It's so cool, I'm going to get a blue tattoo tomorrow.")

Everyone listened to their conversation but only Pieter understood and smiled. Though, at the word 'tattoo', Dean cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, what was that?" he asked, leaning forward.

Isabeau realised they didn't understand a word of that and quickly translated for them what was said.

"It's not a bad idea," Dean said, looking between the three South Africans. "You should all get the anti-possession tattoo."

"Like the one you guys have?" Isabeau asked.

"Yes," Sam smiled at her. "We can go tomorrow. We know a guy in town."

Isabeau shifted uncomfortably on her chair, biting her lip. The blue lines intensified and she looked down at her mug.

"Iz?" Sam asked, noticing the change.

"I don't like needles," she pouted.

"It's not painful," Dean said, "besides, it's better than being possessed."

Pleading, she looked at Sam. Would he understand? She didn't feel like arguing about it. She was still freaked out and somewhat tired. At least there was coffee. Nelle, in the meantime, had finished the last touches on dinner and was just about ready to dish up. Adam quickly helped set the table since everyone was already seated and soon they shared a lovely evening meal together.

As the evening drew to a close, Bobby excused himself, picked up a book he's been reading and headed to his room. Sam disappeared for a brief moment only to return with a stack of large, old dusty books, other hunters' journals and of course, their father's journal right on top. "What's this?" Dean asked, looking at his brother.

"Research," Sam said dryly as he sat down next to Isabeau, draping his arm around her shoulders and waiting for her to snuggle into him. Which she did. They fit so easily together, like two peas in a pod.

"Do we have a hunt?" Dean frowned as he took their dad's journal. He's been itching for days, thinking about the open road, letting Baby run and killing some monsters. But he felt a bit torn up about leaving Nelle at home and leaving for a day or two. Yet, he couldn't shake the itch. Closing his eyes for a second, he shifted the thought to the back of his mind.

Sam shook his head and looked at the room in general. Everyone looked at him expectedly and he cleared his throat, leaning forward a bit. "So I…uh…earlier I had a look in Bobby's archives for what there is pertaining to Djinns specifically." Placing his hand on top of the stack, he sighed. "These are the only volumes that speak in detail about them. Which, looking at the vast information on other supernatural things out there, is sadly not nearly enough, but we have to start somewhere. While Dean and I have met one or two over the years, we really don't know enough. I thought that maybe, if we each take a book, and look for information on Djinn, we can help Isabeau better understand what is happening to her. It will also give you guys, who've never hunted before, a better understanding of what we do when we hunt or have to research something that is a potential threat."

Slipping his arm around her shoulders, he gave her a light squeeze. "This doesn't mean that she's a threat though, but she is what she is and we cannot change that." He kissed the side of her head and whispered into her hair. "Never forget that I love you more every day." She leaned into him, relaxed. There was no safer place in the world where she'd rather be.

Dean flipped through the familiar worn out pages while rolling his eyes. He knew what a Djinn was and shuddered, remembering his own experience. A rather unpleasant memory.

Pieter excused himself and quickly went to fetch two laptops in the study. He was all for research but electronically only. He placed one down on the table while he opened the other one on his lap, getting comfortable next to Andrea.

Sam just shook his head, smiling. While he loved research online, he loved the smell of books more. The weight of it in his hands, the paper between his fingers, the fact that they don't need electricity to work. Besides, all the best information came from the ones hunters wrote down themselves.

Sam opened his book and for a moment he appeared to be deep in thought. "I know we might not find anything other than what we already know, but we can always compare notes with other hunters." He caught the determined glint in Dean's eye and they stared at each other for a moment before Sam concluded his little speech. "So look for anything and everything but keep your focus on the creature called 'DJINN'," he spelled it out.

"Are there any other kinds?" Pieter asked, confused.

"Well, yes, you get the Genie from Aladdin's stories and also the Jinn from Islamic legends. While they appear to be similar, I don't think they are. It might be offshoots from the original species and yet I think they are a class on their own," he smiled at Pieter before opening the book on his lap.

Reluctantly Dean picked up a copy and started turning pages. Leaning into him, Nelle gave him a one-arm hug before getting her own book. Adam lifted an eyebrow, not sure what to make of all this, he sighed and reached for the second laptop.

It was quiet for a little while as everyone got engrossed in their reading until Andrea looked up and gasped. "Ag nee, wat nou?" ("Oh no, what now?") Isabeau asked without looking up.

"Look, the blue, it's almost completely gone." Andrea pointed excitedly to Isabeau's arm and Sam turned to her to see that it indeed was so, even the ones on her neck and face had all but faded.

"I think I might have something, listen to this, guys," she excitedly tapped on her book.

"What did you find?" Sam asked curiously while knowing full well that he might already know the answer.

She cleared her throat and then read from the page, "When djinn accesses their powers, their eyes will glow blue and their arms will be engulfed in a blue smokeless flame. They feed on human blood and can poison their victims with a touch, which causes reality-altering hallucinations and can be used either to kill their victims quickly or to leave victims in a coma-like state while the djinn feeds on their blood over a long period of time." Looking up from the page, she swallowed hard and shook her head. "I'm so sorry, Iz."

"So does it mean you are actively using your powers now?" Adam asked, confused.

"No!" Isabeau cried out in horror, looking from one to the other, "I'm not using anything, I don't even know what's happening," she growled annoyed.

"It's okay, Adam is just confused," Sam rubbed her shoulders and pulled her closer to his side while eyeing his half-brother. "Come on guys, she's not a danger to any of us, let's just try to help her," he pleaded.

"I'm merely speculating, but what if the markings only appear when your djinn gets hungry?" Rowena asked, closing her book and putting it down on the table in front of her. "Does hunger not make you anxious, which is just another form of fear? And aren't they not just negative emotions?"

"You might have a point there, Rowena," Sam said, looking at Isabeau. "It's not so long since we've eaten and then came here, which could be just enough time for them to disappear." She nodded in dazed confirmation, "So there you go, Djinn-you was just hungry. Aryana did say you wouldn't need to feed like a normal Djinn. Perhaps your body is craving natural food like fruits and vegetables in order to survive."

"You really think so?" She asked, looking up at him. She really hoped it would be the only needed explanation but who was she kidding? Her life is more complicated now. Oh how she missed the simplicity of a couple of weeks ago.

"I strongly believe so," he smiled.

"It's a big leap of faith you've got there Sammy, we simply cannot rely on that. We need more information but not tonight," Dean said as he stood up and stretched out his limbs. Holding his hand out for Nelle, he waited until she stood next to him. "We're off to bed and will be seeing you guys in the morning. We'll be leaving for that tattoo parlour after breakfast."

'Good nights' were heard all around as the pair disappeared upstairs. One by one the others also dispersed to bed. Rowena switched off the main lights as she left the room, leaving Isabeau and Sam alone in the semi-darkened room. The faint light of a lamp in the corner of the room cast an eerie glow around them. Sam pulled her closer and she nestled into his side. His body was so warm and she felt safe. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the distinct scent of sandalwood, old books and something else that was so uniquely Sam.

The room seemed warmer since they've been left alone and oddly electrified with expectations. Isabeau could feel the rise and fall of Sam's breathing next to her. His body was turned towards her and she could feel his heartbeat through his clothes.

"I have an idea," he whispered somewhere above her hair. She turned her head up to face him. His lips were so inviting and she could feel his warm breath on her cheeks. Leaning closer, brushed her lips over his. He hummed against her mouth and smiled. "That's not a bad thought," he chuckled, "but it's not quite what I had in mind."

"Shht," she whispered as she closed her eyes and suddenly shifted her weight, straddling him. His heart hammered against her chest as she sought out his mouth again. The kiss became heated and she parted her lips, granting him access to explore her mouth. Their tongues duelled for dominance and Sam's hands slipped under her shirt, rubbing up and down her warm skin.

She moaned against him, her back arching when his large hands gripped her hips firmly, his fingers digging into her soft flesh. Running her hands up the side of his muscular arms, she grabbed his hair, tugging at the long strands while grinding down on the bulge forming in his pants.

"Wait wait, hang on," Sam panted as his hands came up to the back of her neck, his thumbs sliding over her warm swollen lips. "While I would love to do this and take you right here and now, on the couch and not care about who could be coming downstairs, I know you wanted to wait," he cupped her face, half out of breath. "I love you enough to wait." Sam leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Nodding, she slid off his lap and brought her knees up under her chin. "Sorry," she barely whispered, looking at the carpet.

Standing up, he adjusted his constricting pants and held out his hand for her to take. "Don't be. I know how things can get in the heat of the moment. But this is not how I want us to go about it." She took his hand and stood up from the couch. "I wanted to suggest that we visit the dream world, but perhaps it's not the right time?"

Isabeau bit her lip and looked up into his hazelnut eyes. "I don't know what came over me just now, Sam, but I'd very much like to go to the dream world too. You have no idea how much I miss it."

"So let's do that then. But maybe upstairs will be better?"

She nodded and Sam quickly switched off the last light in the room before they ascended to their room.

Not wasting any time, they prepared for bed and soon lay together, holding hands. Isabeau looked at him expectantly. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I am," Sam smiled at her. "There's no place I'd rather be." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles softly. "I trust you completely."

"Okay," she let out a breath she's been holding, wrapped her other hand around the amulet and closed her eyes. Knowing that sleep would take her soon, she focussed on the dream world and repeated the word in her mind until she fell asleep.

Sam held his breath. He had no idea if this would even work. He was still aware of the soft mattress conforming to his body, her body heat next to him. He gave her hand one last squeeze before he shut his eyes and the next moment he felt a cool breeze on his face. Before opening his eyes, he knew it must be morning because it was no longer dark in the room. Sighing, he slowly opened his eyes.

Though there was light around him, it was clear they were not in their room anymore, even though the mattress was ever so soft against his body and there she was, staring back at him with her beautiful blue eyes. Her cheek softly pressed into the pillow. Their hands were still entwined while her other hand clasped around the amulet.

She smiled at him and as the crushing weight of the world on his shoulders fell away, he knew for certain they were not in Kansas anymore. Well, South Dakota, but whatever. Looking up, he noticed low hanging branches from a Willow tree and when he pushed himself up, he could see far over the lake towards the waterfall in the distance. Sam breathed in the fresh air as a slight breeze played through his hair.

"Hey," he said, turning his head to look at her stretching out and stifling a yawn.

"Hey," she giggled as she sat up too and crawled to his side for warmth and comfort.

"It worked," he breathed out. "I can't believe it fucking worked."

Isabeau smiled up at him, "Mmm," she nodded against his chest as he protectively wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "It's good to be back and look, everything is the same as when I was here with Aryana."

"Why is there a bed under the Willow, Iz?" Sam asked, looking up again as the branches swayed above them.

Turning towards the trunk, she placed her hand against the wood. "Aryana touched the Willow here before she spoke an Irish blessing and disappeared. I was in a hurry to return to you but knowing magic doesn't work in the cabin, the library was too far and I didn't want to sleep on the grass so I conjured up the bed. It's silly, I know. Let me fix that," she crawled past him to climb off the bed on the other side.

"You don't have to do away with it, but perhaps…," he also stood up from the bed to stretch his limbs. It felt like he'd been asleep for hours. Looking around, he noticed the cabin, still in the same place, "what if you just change it to something else instead? Like a hammock or a loveseat that looks out over the lake. Then we can make use of it whenever we are here, outside the cabin."

Smiling up at him, she turned back towards the bed and waved her arm over it in wide circles, thinking about a loveseat swing with soft cushions. Something like a mini twister formed from the motion her arm made, expanding over the bed until all you could see was a swirling wind, engulfing everything inside the haze. But it only took mere seconds and soon the wind dissipated and all that was left was a lovely dark brown farmhouse porch swing, overlooking the lake. Large enough for both of them, complete with throw pillows and a couple of blankets, so they can snuggle up while swaying in the breeze.

"Better?" she asked, looking over her shoulder at him.

"It will do," he winked as he joined her and they sat down, looking at a couple of geese swimming past. It was so peaceful, looking out over the lake, swinging back and forth. With the faint thunder of the waterfall in the distance and forest noises in the back, Sam wrapped his arms around her and placed a loving kiss on the side of her head.

"How long should we stay?" He asked, regulating the motion of the swing with one foot on the ground while the other was tucked underneath him.

"I actually don't know how we will be able to tell. Aryana warned me that time moves differently here. Do you think a mechanical clock will work or something that can be powered by nature? We already know technology is useless here."

"What about an hourglass filled with sand? It's perhaps the best way to keep track of our time here. As we get used to being here again, perhaps we can have different hourglasses. Some for 2 or 3 hours, others for longer. I just don't want a repeat of last time."

"Oh Sam, you're so clever. Why haven't I thought of that?"

He laughed into her hair, "I knew you needed me for something," and then he abruptly stood up from the swing. "But come on lazy bones, let's go see if the library is still there and maybe there'll be time to read up a little."

"But Sam, I wanted to just chill," she pouted, grabbing his arm, trying to pull him back to the swing. However, he pulled her towards him instead. He was, after all, still taller and stronger than her. For a moment she let him hold her, feel his heart beating against her, and she rested her head against his shoulder. They were free, they were home. She loved that they could be there again, by choice. Pulling back a little, "Come on," he said, playfully smacking her on the bum before stepping away, just out of reach, "I'll race you to the library."

"Fine," she laughed, "I'll give you a minute head start," she shouted and giggled as he grinned before he took off sprinting into the distance.

Rolling her eyes she briefly looked at the ground, pointing with her finger next to the swing, thinking about a large gold framed hourglass within four spiral spindles, complete with top and bottom caps. Within seconds, the hourglass appeared, filled with white sand that already started trickling slowly from the top half to the bottom.

Thinking for a moment, she thought they might need more than one in different locations that were linked together, so closing her eyes briefly, she thought of the library, remembering astonishing detail about the kitchen and bedroom, and she envisioned the same hourglass in each location. She waited a moment longer and hoped it worked. It would be pointless if they were out of sync.

Trusting her gut, she looked between the path where Sam had disappeared and the forest. An idea formed in the back of her mind and without really thinking about it, she put her fingers in her mouth and whistled twice. Lowering her hand, she stared at her fingers, as if seeing them for the first time, not sure why she did that. She'd never been able to whistle through her fingers before.

Still in a daze, a rustling in the trees drew her attention. Within moments, a large brilliant white majestical creature stepped through the tree line, resembling a horse with a long silver, spiralled horn in the center of its forehead. Its head held high and proud. The white pelt had an ethereal glow and there was a shimmer surrounding it. As if in a dream, the creature trotted closer. The massive head, which was quite easily as big as half of Isabeau's body, lowered only inches from her face while the sweet scent of jasmine and fresh earth after a rain storm filled her senses.

"Beautiful," she breathed out, wanting to touch it but so afraid it was only a vision and would dissolve once she reached out.

Don't be afraid, little one, a musical voice echoed in her mind. Isabeau's eyes grew wide. Turning around, she looked for the person speaking but of course, why would she think there was anyone else other than her and a talking Unicorn?

"You're talking to me? In my head?" She frowned, feeling silly to ask such stupid questions. The large head nodded while the front hooves pawed at the ground.

You called me, remember?

"I…uhm…the whistle?" The large head bobbed again while the intensely deep purple eyes followed Isabeau's every move.

"I've never done that before, you know, whistle through my fingers," she looked towards the path Sam had taken.

I can take you to him. There is a shortcut through the forest, the voice echoed again. It was surreal to hear the creature speak to her this way.

"I've never been on a horse's back before, well, uhm, Unicorn. I'm sorry this is…uhm, yeah. And why are we speaking English?"

We are not speaking English. Don't you know that you can speak and understand all animal languages, young one? The creature slightly turned its head. Its jewel-like eyes sparkled.

Oh yes, Aryana did mention… she thought about it, not realising she actually answered the Unicorn in her head.

I will not let you fall, simply hold on to my mane and swing your legs onto my back.

Shaking her head in disbelief, Isabeau eyed the height difference between them. She grabbed a handful of mane, placed her other hand up against the body of the unicorn and jumped up. Well, who was she kidding? She's never had good upper body strength before.

She pulled on the mane and tried to lift herself off the ground and for a moment she was halfway between horseback and ground, feeling her feet dangle below the stomach but she simply didn't have the strength to keep her composure and swing her leg up. Her arms cramped and she gasped. Nope, not gonna work, she huffed as she slid back down to the ground.

The Unicorn snorted. I was sure it would work but oh well, let me kneel and you can try again.

Isabeau stood back, watching in amazement as the intelligent creature knelt down. Turning the massive head, the violet eyes stared straight at her, sparkling with a strange glint in them. Its upper lip curled back, revealing a set of white glistening teeth. Did you just laugh at me? Isabeau huffed.

Shall we try again? It echoed with a slight hint of a smile. Growling, she lifted her head up and stepped forward. There was a significant difference from before. Grabbing onto the mane, she simply slid her leg over the back, almost like crawling over a large king-size bed. The muscles rippled beneath her thighs and she could feel the tremendous power of the creature below her.

Hold on tight and don't look down, press down with your knees against my sides. You won't hurt me and I won't let you fall.

Isabeau closed her eyes and did as she was told. The massive body rocked beneath her as the Unicorn pushed up. The ground was further away now and the tree branches much closer. Her fingers tightened around the white mane and she was sure she was pulling too hard but she couldn't help it. Her heart hammered in her throat and her breathing sped up. Don't look down, don't look down, she chanted, while also trying not to scream.

You can open your eyes now.

Isabeau could almost detect a hint of a mocking smile in that statement. This was not a cartoon drawing, it was a real animal. Well, as real as the dream world was concerned.

"Okay, I'm good, we can go now," she all but whispered, all the while looking out into the forest before them. Things looked much different from up there.

Don't be scared, I'm going to trot for a bit and depending on the density of the undergrowth, we might gallop a bit too. Just keep pressing your thighs into my sides and you will be fine.

Well, there wasn't quite enough time for Isabeau to respond before the creature took off through the woods. Not understanding the first thing about horse riding, it felt as if her bum won't make the trip at all. Every trot, as the Unicorn had called it, left her bumping up and down its back, and boy, did she feel every single one of them, like her seat bones stuck right into the animal's back, or were it the back muscles that pushed against her seat bones? Whichever way, it was not pleasant. and since there were no stirrups or saddle, there was nothing to soften the blow to her backside.

Grinding her teeth she thought conversation should be in order. Well, anything to get her mind off her unfortunate seating arrangements. "So, you're a unicorn?" she started.

You are correct.

"Do you have a name, or can I make one up for you?"

Nightshade Blue. I was born under a full blue moon.

"I love the moon," Isabeau mused as they trotted along. Where low hanging branches blocked the path, she simply waved her hand and they lifted like a curtain before them and closed again behind them when they passed. "And it's a pretty name, Nightshade Blue. I like it. Do you have siblings?"

There is but one unicorn born every thousand years. I've been waiting for you for a very long time.

"Whoa, only one? That's insane!" Isabeau gasped. "So wait, no…that can't be right, how could you have waited for me?"

You were to be born, young one, according to the prophecy.

"Uhm, prophecy? What prophecy?"

The large head bobbed up and down and let out a low snort just as they reached a clearing. Suddenly a strange grey fog came rolling through the underbrush in thick clouds, surrounding Nightshade and lapping up the points of her toes, disappearing them inside the haze. Soon the fog was so thick she could barely see her hand before her face, let alone the head of the unicorn.

ooOoo

Sam was jogging some distance away when the strangest feeling rippled through him. He abruptly stopped and stared back towards the cabin. Something was wrong. He didn't know what but he knew Isabeau was in trouble. Concerned, he turned around and ran back the way he came and soon he found himself running through the forest, way off the path he initially took. He didn't know why or how, just that she was somewhere inside the forest. Closing his eyes, he relied on his gut to guide him to her.

Flashes of lights appeared behind his eyes and the strangest case of deja vu washed over him. He grabbed onto his head as images flashed through his mind along with Isabeau's voice vibrating through the fog, causing him to trip twice as he stumbled nearly blind through the dense forest. His head pulsed beneath his fingertips and he crinched.

ooOoo

Emerging from the fog, beings made themselves known to Isabeau and Nightshade snorted.

Don't interact with them, they can't harm you here.

But Isabeau would have none of this nonsense. This was her dream world and she had complete control here.

LEAVE, it echoed around her.

YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE, another voice whispered. Deep and dark.

She didn't like their threatening tone.

"I'm sorry but this is my forest and my dream world, you have no business here," she called out to them, whoever they were. "Enough with this foggy bullshit, reveal yourselves!"

No, don't make contact with them, the Unicorn urged her, but it was far too late.

The beings rose up through the fog and like phantoms they swept past her, trying to scare her off the back of the unicorn. Instinctively she wanted to reach out and shoo them away, like flies at the dinner table but the large body shifted to the left, keeping her out of reach of their daring attempts.

ooOoo

WITCH, DEMON, ABOMINATION

It echoed all around Sam before the most dreadful headache took hold of him and he crumbled to the ground, screaming.

Through the pain he watched a thick grey fog surround him. Squinting he could just make out the most magnificent horse he's ever seen in his life, standing tall and proud and when it turned its massive head, he noticed a impressive long horn protruding from his forehead and beyond that, Isabeau, sitting like a queen on its back.

But they were not alone. Strange beings surrounded them and something familiar about it tugged at the back of his mind.

He strained against the pain and tried to get up but a familiar dreaded feeling washed over him as he helplessly watched Isabeau shoving the creatures away from her with her palms facing out. A force, unlike anything he felt since fighting against the angels and demons, pulsed from her very being, pushing the dark fog back.

He could feel the phantom-like creatures quiver in fear as they responded negatively against her, coming with strength and power but her eyes glowed blue and her skin erupted in swirling markings before a brilliant blinding light emanated from within her and shone out into the trees, shimmering over everything. The power rolled off her like waves.

The fog dissipated and the beings disappeared. Isabeau lowered her arms. What was that? She wondered as she looked all around her before noticing Sam on the ground.

"Sam!" she called out, sliding off the back of the Unicorn, running towards him. She cradled him in her arms, crying. "Talk to me, what's wrong?" Looking up, tears spilled over her cheeks while she rocked him against her. "Nightshade, please, can you help him? What did they do to him?"

Nightshade bent over Sam's sleeping form and a low rumble could be heard. Glitter from the horn on its head fell down over Sam's body and he nudged Isabeau with his head.

I have caused him to sleep, dear one. There is nothing you can do for him now. Best take him home and let sleep take its course for now. All will become clear soon.

"What does that mean? You have to tell me, please?"

Time to go, I will watch over you.

Isabeau didn't want to argue with a horse. Unicorn. Whatever. But she was not entirely happy either. Her time in the dream world didn't turn out quite the way she liked. Who were those beings? Why were they so angry with her? How did they get into her dream space in the first place? She didn't have answers and now she was forced to go back? They didn't even get to see the library this time around. Shaking her head, she frowned upon the unicorn before taking hold of the amulet.

"Fine, but we'll be back. You can bet on that."

I shall be here, dear one. Now lay down and don't worry about anything.

"You mean, we can just sleep here?"

Yes.

Shaking her head in unbelieve, Isabeau lay down next to Sam, draping her arm around him and closed her eyes.

ooOoo

Sam woke up with a start. It was still dark outside but the birds were happily chirping away in the trees and he knew dawn was imminent. Did they really just go to the dream world again? He wondered as he pulled Isabeau closer. Suddenly a sense of dread washed over him as the events of the past couple of minutes flashed before his eyes. They really were there. It wasn't just a dream. Shit.

It's been years since he's had one of those numbing headaches that always led to premonitions. But was it a premonition? He saw a unicorn and Isabeau and… He closed his eyes again, fearing the power that he had not felt in years. Not since he had come back from hell. Not since he had dealt with the devil and his goons. Except, he felt the power coming from her, not him. What did it all mean? It's been a while, but he was scared. For himself, for her. He could have lost her.

"You're awake," she touched his face and leaned up to kiss him. He didn't respond as his heart rate sped up and he relived some of it. The premonitions that he couldn't stop, the powerlessness of being too late nearly every time and the helplessness when he gave in to Ruby's unending supply of demon blood to make him stronger, faster, more powerful.

Suddenly it all came back to him. The beings, the dream. The night she got her powers back, he had a vision of sorts and he had forgotten all about it.

Trembling, he held her as close as he could, crushing her to him.

"Sam, SAM!" Isabeau called out his name, panicking when he didn't respond to her calling his name.

Sam trembled. He was scared. What if the thirst came back? What if he was turning into a killing machine again? What if Yellow Eyes was alive somewhere and would come hunting for him again? What if these beings knew and….and….

"Sam, talk to me!" he heard his name and turned his head, looking at her, his eyes dull and unfocused.

"Are you okay, Sam? Sam, look at me," but he shook his head and let her go. Getting up from the bed, he rushed to the door, swaying before he grabbed his head and fell to his knees, crying out.

Within seconds, Isabeau was by his side, holding him again.

"It's okay, Sam, everything is gonna be okay."

"It's not, Iz, you don't understand. I thought the power, the urge, the blood was gone. I was a fool. But why now, and how? How is it back? It's been five years blood free, power free. I don't want to go back to being a junkie. I can't. Not for you, not for Dean. Oh my God, Dean! He's gonna be pissed, so pissed, Iz. You don't understand what this did last time. You will never know!" He rambled on, swaying back and forth while holding his head in his hands.

"It will be okay, Sam," she whispered into his hair. "I don't know how I know, I just have a feeling. Please trust me," she said, rocking him. His body became heavy as he fell asleep again and Isabeau shifted her weight to lean against the wall.

This is how Dean found them a few minutes later. Having woken earlier to use the bathroom and hearing Isabeau calling out for Sam, before shuffling and a soft thud made him pause just outside their bedroom door. Concerned he called for them through the closed door but when there was no response, he rushed inside. His brother was sprawled out on the floor while being held at an odd angle by Isabeau. Both were fast asleep.

Dean shook his head, looked towards their bed which was clearly being slept in. He frowned. Something was off, he just didn't know what. And it bothered him not knowing. He knelt down and carefully loosened Isabeau's arms around Sam's body before he picked up his brother and placed him on the bed. Next he did the same for Isabeau.

Looking back one last time, he turned to leave when he noticed something sparkling in Sam's hair. Glitter? He slowly closed the door, shaking his head. Hoping an explanation would be heard in the morning. It was always something with Sam. With the need to relieve himself forgotten, he went back to his own room. Still slightly sleepy, he crawled back into bed and pulled Nelle closer. Her warm body was all the comfort he needed.