Arýza Chapter 2: Part II, an American McGee's Alice + Supernatural Crossover fanfic

Title: Arýza

Rated for:Language, mentions of abuse, sex, insanity - This chapter rated M

Genre:Angst, Hurt, Adventure, Suspense

Fandom/Universe: America McGee's Alice / Supernatural

Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester and OC's.

Pairings: Dean/OC, OC/Hatter, OC/Cheshire Cat

Spoilers/Warning: none yet

Disclaimer:Supernatural and all related characters are copyright Eric Kripke, Kripke Enterprises & The CW Network. Alice belongs to American McGee, EA and Rogue Entertainment. No infringement intended.

Summary: There is a purpose and a reason for everything…She was never just a girl, not when the angels watched over her and Underland was in her blood.

Status: In-progress and this chapter has been considerably helped by deanstheman who helped me get through a bout of writers block and thankfully aided in the much needed scene you are about to read. I know we would both like to know what you guys think, so please leave a review.

Bobby can't find anything on the girl Castiel put in the boys care. He's done a nation-wide search and nothing comes up after her stint in foster care. No records of any kind. The file on the fire wasn't easy to get and reading through it is no better. He can see the signs- recognize the supernatural hand at work when everyone else blamed it on a mythical arsonist. No one ever answered 'why', what this family did to deserve their deaths and no one cared when it was all over.

He's followed the trail of her family back toEngland. It was the only path left to explore when her family in the states all turned up dead. Everyone on the Dad's side- and there weren't many of those to start with, an uncle and aunt- no children. No other close ties, not even a damn godparent to step in and take the girl …

Bobby exhales heavily, pushes away from the old desk and starts to pace through the house. He's waiting on a contact- a good friend from 'across the pond'. It seems the information Bobby's asking for isn't so easy to find and he's been getting a bit of this and a bit of that in the past four months.

He knows the Mom – Alena was born in the sates; everything about her is in a thick file sitting on his desk. He knows her Mother – Alexa, came to the states on a student visa and stayed. Made a nice life for herself and a family… But all Bobby's gotten on the grandmother- all anyone can tell him is that she died a few years ago.

There's something else, something that ties Arýza to the boys and Bobby's going to find out what.

"Damn files."

And wonders why the hell does it have to take so long?

Dean has had enough of her silence. They've been in town a week and not once has Arýza stepped foot outside the hotel room. Sam has tried talking to her but there's only so much one person can say without receiving a response. He hasn't given up but she is stubborn too and nothing is going to change her mind.

When Castiel arrives Arýza doesn't move nor does she speak to him. The angel watches her in silence for over an hour, standing at the foot of the bed like a statue. It's enough to drive anyone crazy and Dean has never claimed to be a saint.

"I get it." He sits at the foot of the bed she's claimed but doesn't let herself sleep in for more than a few minutes at a time. She doesn't move from her curled up position at the headboard, doesn't look at him either and he can see that she is tired. "I wouldn't want to come back." Hell, he's avoided going 'home' for years because of… of what they lost. Green eyes fall on the flowered bedspread just thinking of how much she has to hate being so close to where it's all started, where her family died-

"Please."

Dean barely hears it, the soft whisper of her voice and looks up. The silvery-green eyes shimmer and the dusky lips tremble just a little. She looks very much the fragile girl they first came across.

"Don't make me go there." She hasn't been back, hasn't seen any of it since the day Cas saved her from the fire. She doesn't want to go and she shouldn't have to see what's left of her life-the life that had been hers and a promise of what could have been. It isn't fair and her Mother had always pointed out life would never be fair, especially when it was worth living.

He can see the fear in her eyes; they shine bright in the dim light of the hotel room. Dean wants to say she doesn't have to step foot on that property, wants to tell her they'll leave town- screw the angels…

Dean knows they can't. Castiel wants her in that house, wants her to re-live the torment of that night because she isn't 'whole'. Cas' words exactly and Dean still doesn't understand what the hell they mean. The angels have something planned, a reason for the things they do and ask of them. Its all any of them do; fight against the angels and what they think God wants of them.

"Please." Arýza blinks but that doesn't keep the single tear from rolling down her cheek. She ducks her head and refuses to look up, an inky swatch of hair falling over her eyes. Her small hand wipes at her cheek, like Dean can't tell why.

Dean frowns. He knows why she hides her tears, how stupidly she thinks they make her weak and Dean has enough of her silent suffering. Screw the angels and their obscure reasons for shoving people where they want them. He's across the small distance, a rough hand wiping her cheek and the comforting warmth of his arm around her. Arýza draws in a deep breath, her small hands clenched on the lapels of his shirt hiding her face in his chest. There's that familiar scent she can't remember but she feels comfortable with him. She'd rather hide, just forget everything but how this right now feels…

"Shh, it's alright." Dean murmurs running a hand through her hair. There's an awkward moment, when he's trying to pat her back and offer some sort of assurance for something he has no control of. They both know it and still want to defy the puppeteers. He feels protective of her, its strange- it really makes no sense and yet it is. There has always been something else between them and by the looks he's been getting from Sam lately means faking ignorance is so not working anymore.

"It isn't fair." Arýza shakes her head, both arms wrap around his shoulders and she holds on as if that will change what she has to do.

"No." Dean agrees pulling back just enough to look at her. He silently studies her face, the unnatural paleness of her skin has begun to gain some color in the time she's been with them. She's no longer skin and bones- Dean can feel the soft curves of her body pressed against him and his eyes rest on the slightly parted lips. The desire has always been there; to kiss her and Dean has denied himself. Arýza isn't like the other women he's dealt with and left behind when the sun rises. He doesn't want to do that with her but he can't give her anything else and is it fair?

Arýza tugs him towards her tentatively and Dean offers no resistance. His touch is light, their lips brushing softly-testing the other and when neither protests Dean finally let's himself taste her.

There's the barest hint of berries on his tongue and he smiles, draws back to watch her eyes flutter open and the silvery-green shade seems just a little darker. Arýza blushes, bright pink stains her cheeks and she can't look at Dean. Her eyes fall to his mouth and pause. He's kissed her… he has kissed her and she likes it. She tugs on his shoulder, drawing him near again and he doesn't resist.

The soft pressure of her lips and the tentative touch of her tongue -Dean is just a little surprised she has kissed him. He doesn't hesitate to draw her onto his lap and Arýza seems not to notice the change. She likes the feel of him, how she feels… with Dean.

It's another hotel room and Dean knows Sam could return and baby brother won't be happy to walk in on them. He pulls away from her, hand smoothing an inky strand out of her eyes. He glances at the door, still closed then looks at her again. He tells her she's beautiful and kisses her once more, feels the soft curves of her body press into his and shakes his head.

"Rýz…"

She sighs in annoyance at the name and her silvery-green eyes narrow slightly. Something about the sound of it evokes a sense of melancholy she would rather do without.

"Arýza." He corrects and chuckles. She smacks his arm lightly and there's just the hint of a smile on her dusky lips- just a little forced and he ignores it. He can't help kissing her again, likes the taste of her. He presses his lips harder against hers, tongue roving into her mouth, still gentle but more urgently than before.

Arýza moans softly, her fear and trepidation of what Castiel wants her to face melting with Dean's touch and she's losing herself in the feel of him. His arms around her, his body pressed against hers, his mouth devouring hers. She has spent the last four years alone, running from her past and avoiding people at all cost, knowing she has to hide but… he feels good. Dean feels warm and firm and safe.

'Familiar.'

Dean's hands run over her hips, moving up the curve of her waist, fingers hooking under the fabric of her t-shirt. She knows this is only the beginning, just the very edge of something-

"What?" Her voice is husky, just a whisper and she's looking at him, brow slightly furrowed – confused when he hesitates.

Dean knows he should stop, get up, take a long walk, but her fingers are soft as they trace a line down his jaw and he finds he can't pull away. He's been thinking about this for months now but has so far managed to curb his impulses. She tilts her head and reaches her lips towards his just a little hesitant.

Dean feels the light brush of her lips against his -she's kissing him again and Dean feels her hands trail down his shoulders and over his chest; he likes the feel of her touch and the gentle circles she's tracing over the cotton. He's taken aback by the intensity of his feelings for this strange, wisp of a girl in his arms, and pulls her closer, giving in. Their tongues swirl together, finally - too long denied.

Arýza breaks away from him when his fingers curl into the hem of her top, pulling it upwards. She lifts her arms in the air and allows him to slip it over her head; does the same with his before pressing up against him once more. Her breath catches at the feel of his skin on hers.

"You sure?" he manages to whisper, green eyes questioning silvery-green ones half lidded with desire. Dean knows Sam could return at any moment and stops his roving hands, breathing into her mouth as he rests his forehead against hers.

She nods, half listening to what he's asking because for the first time since she started to run there's something else alive in her; gone is her fear, the constant worry and the anxiety she has lived with. All Arýza wants… is this. She wants his touch, she wants to feel the heat of his body and hear that raspy sound he's making in her ear as his breath quickens. She knows where this is headed. She doesn't want to think past the moment, to what is coming and revels in the light touch of his hands on her skin. For now Arýza acts on instinct, her hands run down his chest and his muscled arms pull her hips up onto his lap so she's straddling him. He kisses her harder, hands roaming up her smooth back to unclasp her bra. His skillful tongue leaves her mouth and trails down her neck, flicking its way across her collarbone. She catches her breath and pauses just a moment- a flicker of apprehension as he gently pulls down the strap. His fingers skim lightly over her following with his tongue and Arýza arches backwards when he reaches her breast, finds her left nipple and rolls it in his mouth teasing it gently with his teeth.

She grinds her hips against him, likes the feel of him, the bulge in his jeans between her thighs. His hands and his tongue never stop moving and he makes a throaty sound when she rubs hard against him, her lips finding his neck at the same time.

Arýza leans back, her arms around Dean's shoulders and he lays her on the bed. He threads his fingers through her hair, whispers her name again and forgets about the door keeping the world at bay. Dean feels her hands trail down his shoulders and over his chest; likes the feel of her touch and the gentle circles she's tracing over his skin. She utters catlike moans in response to the hungry kisses Dean places all over her body and she gasps and squirms as Dean licks his tongue to her navel.

Arýza shifts and Dean runs his hand down her jean clad thigh. She doesn't protest when he tugs her lower on the bed, feels his weight gently press her into the mattress. Her fingers run through his short hair and Dean feels a slight chill ghost over him at the simple touch. His tongue glides over hers, caressing and she utters a soft moan. Arýza's small hand splays on his chest, nips his lip and Dean can't help the groan caught in his throat for the playfulness.

She is trapped in his arms and there is nowhere Arýza wants to go. There's something so right about them together … she's not pretending there isn't something here.

Dean takes her bottom lip, teeth gently biting down and she feels the lightning tremor flutter through her. He leaves a trail of butterfly kisses along her jaw down to her neck. His fingers are still twined in her hair and Dean tugs firmly drawing a gasp from her as Arýza arches beneath him. He licks at the fluttering pulse and draws back enough to watch her try and regulate her breathing.

"…pixie…" he murmurs when the silvery-green eyes focus on him. There's the slight furrowing of her brow and an almost smile ghosting her full lips. "…beautiful pixie…"

It's the first time he's said so to her face, first time saying it out loud and it fits. His eyes meet hers, the trace of a smirk on his lips and Arýza slides her hand down his chest. She can feel the warmth of his skin- the touch of her hands is tentative, her eyes slide away from his and Dean grazes his teeth on her warm skin, biting gently at her jaw.

His hands easily grasp her hips, fingers quickly unzip her jeans and she lifts up to let him slide them down. She sits up as Dean pulls the dark blue lace past her feet and reaches for his belt. He moves to help and seconds later Dean is completely naked and moving back over her, lips seeking hers out again as his hand runs up the smooth length of her bare thigh.

She feels his touch- like a brand on her fair skin and the cool air from the a/c adds to the shiver coursing through her body that has nothing to do with being cold and everything to do with him. Dean pushes her knees apart gently, unable to hold back a lustful moan at the sight before him. He looks back up at her face, notices how beautiful she is and unafraid. She's giving herself to him completely and he knows how much it means for her to do that, how much it takes for her to trust like this. Her inky locks are splayed on the floral bedspread beneath her and Dean can tell from her expression she wants this; the need is there, in her silvery-green eyes. Dean pauses, wonders at how she could ever deserve the cards she's been dealt…

Arýza tenses at the first touch of Dean's warm hand on her hip, feels the light caress of his fingers as they glide down her thigh and holds her breath. His lips find the rapid pulse and bites down gently. He likes the sound she makes, a breathy moan and she tilts her head to give him better access. She gasps again at his touch, curls her body towards him, her small hand wrapped around his wrist. The gentle touch becomes firm, slides up and down- Arýza curls her fingers over Dean's chest, runs her short nails up his arm. Her breathy voice murmurs past his ear, a desire for more. Dean lays a trail of hot kisses down her neck and leaves a light mark on her collarbone. He continues lower, hand grasping her thigh as his tongue flicks at her navel.

"Dean?"

He likes the breathless tone of her soft voice, wants to hear it again and ventures towards the warmth nestled between her thighs. With the first touch of his tongue Arýza arches off the bed, hands curled into the floral bedspread. He makes a slow circle before pressing a kiss to her and Arýza breathes his name once more. She feels him dip inside, the touch of his tongue sending ripples through her body and Dean skims his cheek along her thigh.

Her hand runs through his short hair, graspy and needy, and he knows there's no turning back now, there never was... Dean moves leisurely, dips inside her again, tasting her. Arýza squirms, feels her body tense up with Dean's touch, unaware of her breathy sighs and pants. Dean gently suckles at her, feels her legs tremble, small hands grasp at his shoulders and back. She says please, over and over and Dean makes his way up her body to settle between her legs, barely pressing his tip against her wetness. She gasps and he feels her nails in his back as he pushes in slowly and she lets out a long, drawn out moan. Dean rests his forehead on her shoulder, revels in the tight fit of her warmth. He pauses, waiting for her to respond and feels her thighs slide up his sides. Dean kisses her neck, takes hold of her waist and feels her pushing upwards, letting him know she wants more.

He pulls back out and in again, faster this time, and presses another kiss to her lips as he does so. His hands squeeze her thighs; he nibbles her earlobe and her neck but never stops moving his hips. Arýza bucks against him, meets his thrusts with a hunger of her own he was unaware she was capable of and he picks up the pace, works into a steady rhythm.

It's his name she pants; soft, breathy moans and Arýza arches her back as fiery bliss spreads throughout her body. She doesn't expect anything could feel so good. She has one hand fisted in the bedspread beneath her and the fingers of the other are digging into the taut skin at the back of Dean's neck.

Her breathy voice as she calls his name and the way her head tips back, her mouth partly open in pleasure and longing, makes him pump into her harder, his strong hands gripping her thighs and pulling her small frame towards him with every forward thrust of his hips.

She's close now, he can tell, and he leans down to crush his lips against hers once more, wanting to feel her breath, the intimacy of a deep kiss when she finally goes over the edge. Dean is not disappointed and Arýza gasps and bites his lower lip as she tenses and clenches around him, a hot wetness caressing his inner thighs as he continues to move in and out.

"Rýza…" he breathes into her ear, and for the first time since she met him almost five months ago, she doesn't mind his use of her childhood nickname. Her arms clutch him tightly as she gains her release, a pleasant tingling spreading through her. Arýza feels Dean press his whole body against her and everything else in the world disappears – past, present, and future. There is only Dean Winchester; on her, in her, all around her.

Arýza feels each thrusts of his hips, the sensations flowing through her while Dean pumps into her a few more times before he finds his own release. He cups a hand around her face and his eyes meet hers as he spills himself inside her, both quivering with satisfied pleasure.

Their breaths mingle; soft pants and she can feel the beat of his heart against hers. Her lips slowly pull into a smile, silvery-green eyes flutter closed and Dean presses another kiss to her already swollen lips. He has it now, a moment of peace, a quiet he can feel deep in his bones and all with the girl in his arms- this girl… She's nothing like he's ever expected to find, let alone have. But there's something… she is his. Dean is certain and it scares him. He's never had something just his.

'Mine.'

It feels right. The way it's supposed to be and that makes no sense but deep down there's that little burning ember of happiness coming to life. He wants that 'apple pie' life so badly but it's never been more than a picture he's kept out of reach. Nice enough to look at, wonder 'what if'… but never a remote possibility of being a reality.

But this girl… a random, wandering vagabond he knows nothing about makes him weak in the knees with the lightest touch of her fingers skimming over his jaw.

"Mine." His breath flutters over her parted lips as Dean kisses her once more, a tender touch -

"Hey-."

Dean's green eyes flash annoyance at the door his little brother has just barged through without bothering to knock. Sammy pauses- stands inside with that scared rabbit expression in his hazel eyes and it's almost enough to make Dean laugh. Arýza's squeak of alarm jerks Sam out of his shock. His gaze traveling the length of them-

"Oh jeez!" Sam quickly turns away, swipes his hand over his eyes but the image of his brother and – "Arýza! Uh, umm-." Sam jerks his head back towards the door and yanks it open stepping out into the hall quickly. Embarrassed doesn't begin to encompass what just happened-

'Once, just once…' Sam scowls at the ugly brown wall though it doesn't erase the image of his brother on top of Arýza from his mind. Again, Dean has left him with an image Sam could do without. He shakes his head and sighs, just a little frustrated. So many women, too many… and his brother has to use Arýza?

Disappointment has Sam walking down the hall; the bag of food in his hand, a little bit of enticement he hoped would get her talking to him, is relegated to the trash bin.

Dean has one regret, only one and that is that he didn't barricade the door- or, at least called Sam to stay away. His annoyance gives way to concern as Arýza hides her face in his chest. He calls her name softly, kisses her shoulder but she won't look at him. The shy young woman is back, quiet and withdrawn just observing life as it happens all around her… Dean doesn't mind so much, her quiet is comfortable, unobtrusive and peaceful in a way.

"Hey," Dean tugs at an inky lock and gets a glimpse of the silvery-green eyes that only moments ago had gazed at him with desire. "I should've made sure it was closed..."

Arýza's gaze flicks to the door Sam has walked out of; she feels her face burn with embarrassment- what he's seen and what he must think. Her eyes close and she sighs until Dean shifts his weight. Her soft hiss stills Dean and he gently unhooks her leg from his waist. His touch becomes a caress, green eyes warm and bright in the dim room. Her hand touches his jaw, fingers lightly skimming over his face; pleased to see the haunted look has been banished from his beautiful eyes. Arýza warms at the touch of his lips on hers, slips her arms around his neck and relaxes into his embrace.

"…pixie…" he murmurs and this time she smiles. It's a rare sight, just like her laugh…

They stand on the sidewalk, both men at her side while Arýza clutches the cold metal gate in her small hand. The house hasn't changed- no one lives in it, no one has bothered to fix it up. The façade is still white and that's all that is the same. The ground floor has boards covering the windows, black smudges stain the wood and the front door is just a cheap piece of plywood nailed in place.

This had been her home once, her family had been happy, Arýza had entertained friends, gone to games…

Sam looks around, notes the eerie silence- no dogs barking at all and the street is dark. He frowns, wonders where all the concerned citizens were the night Arýza's family was burned to death. Did no one call for help? Did no one notice the flames and the smoke…

"I'm here." Dean's touch is light, hands resting on her shoulders and the warmth of his body along her back. He reaches around her and opens the rusted gate. It screeches loudly and yet not one person looks out to see what's going on.

Sam watches the hesitant steps Arýza takes on the path leading towards her house, notes the protective stance his brother has taken at her side and holds his tongue. He'll talk to Dean later, when they're done with whatever Cas needs accomplished at the shell of Arýza's old house.

One step, then two and Arýza stops on the path leading up to the porch refusing to go any further. Silvery-green eyes wander over the front yard, the weeds running wild and her Mother's flowers… but she can see it again. She feels the heat of the flames, can see where the windows burst and the glass melted, it's the echo of the-

"You're not alone." Dean's voice is a reassuring whisper by her ear. Her short gasping breaths calm just a little. Sam steps onto the overgrown grass, hazel eyes scanning the lot while his brother comforts their pixie. She trembles like a leaf in his brothers arms, more than ready to leave and they haven't even reached the door yet.

"I can't be here." She won't look at the house anymore, cant and hides in Dean's arms. He's solid and real- nothing else should exits aside from that for now. She doesn't listen to the soft words Dean whispers to her, only wants the comfort of his voice and breathes deep of the oil and leather scent uniquely his.

Up on the porch Castiel watches as Dean offers her some comfort. What awaits the young woman inside the burned out house will not be an easy task. Arýza needs to go inside the house but she is ready to bolt. He can feel her panic, the desire to run is overwhelming and he cannot allow her to run any longer. It is time for her to face the darkness, the part of herself she denies and pushes down so far into her being it can only lash out in dreams. The blue eyes watch the pair intently; Dean cares for her, Castiel never had any doubts as to that. He offers her comfort, protects her even though he has his own pain to deal with, his own tormented dreams- memories that drive him to drink trying to forget. It doesn't help, not any of it and Castiel is amazed by the capacity they have for compassion in the face of all they've suffered.

Dean looks up, follows the finger Sam points and finds the familiar trench coat and their angel on her front porch. In the next instant Cas appears on the path, directly behind Arýza, his hand on her shoulder. Dean glares at the angel but before he can say anything they are both gone. Dean is left holding air and a moment later both men hear Arýza's voice echo from inside the house. Neither likes the sound of fear in the muffled words.

"Why?" her eyes shine with tears as Arýza questions her angel.

Castiel doesn't move, he stands as still as a statue the same as when he visited the day before. Then Arýza did not speak to him, wouldn't look at the angel. He studies her as he did before and wonders at the changes in the young woman she has become. She is overwhelmed by fear, it blinds her to anything else- to the strength he knows she possess but he also feels her despair and sees her eyes wander over the charred walls…

Arýza is poised to flee, it's the only thing she can think of and glances past the angel standing in her way. The door is there, right there behind the angel forcing her to his will. Her eyes burn with unshed tears and she sniffles but when Castiel takes a step towards her Arýza backs away from him. She has no option but for the archway that leads into the family room. It's the only exit- exactly where Castiel wants her to go and Arýza rushes through the empty doorway. Castiel's blue eyes lower slightly, feels the rush of panic that sweeps her followed by fear. The angel ignores the boards torn off in front of the house, ignores the Winchesters' heavy footsteps as they approach. Dean is angry and Sam, both men concerned for the young woman he's left in their care the past five months. The angel focuses instead on the young woman he saved five years before and has tried to keep safe in the time that followed. Now he listens to the soft pleas he is powerless to aid.

Arýza heads first to the boarded windows; ignores the faded wall paper, the smudges of black and the mold. She pulls on the board, even braces her foot on the wall and pushes.

"Come on!" Arýza yells but the board won't budge and she's left with splinters. "Please, please, please!" she sobs and just as quickly swipes the tears from her eyes. She turns, surveying the room and immediately stops. On the opposite side of the wrecked room rests an ornate mirror. It's out of place in the abandoned house and her instinct is to step away only the wall stops her retreat. She stares at it, the elaborate frame, gilded in gold and silver leaf, shining as though there were lights in the room. Her reflection is crystal clear- not a speck of dust and that should be strange. It's the cold she notices when her breath streams in a puff in front of her face.

"…you were supposed to change things…"

The voice is hauntingly familiar and Arýza closes her eyes against the rush of emotions it brings.

"…you've done nothing…"

The dark head bows, arms wrapped around herself and she stifles a sob.

"…they're all dead. We are in pain, Arýza…"

The tone is an exact echo, filled with disappointment, anger… Arýza looks up, right at the mirror and her image blurs under the fresh tears.

"I'm sorry." She blinks and takes a hesitant step towards the mirror, wipes the tears from her eyes and there's no difference, not a hair out place. "I'm so sorry, I didn't know, I didn't mean to run away…"

Alena's green eyes narrow, her classic features hardening and she jabs a finger at her daughter.

"You're the reason they're all suffering! Because of you!"

Arýza shakes her head, rushes towards the mirror and watches horrified at the flames licking over her brother, her Father … Silvery-green eyes flick to the burning image of her Mother. Arýza screams, horrified and almost reaches towards her.

"NO!" Dean yells. "Rýza!"

Cas takes hold of Dean's arm and keeps him back from the mirror. He refuses to let go even when Dean snarls at him to back off. Behind them Sam watches the image of the room waver. It bends and shimmers and when he's about to point this out something else takes shape in the glass. Hazel eyes narrow, but Sam can't make out the figure any clearer, all he is sure of is the man is dressed in red from the neck down. Sam thinks he can hear the clang of metal and shakes his head.

"Listen to me," Dean calls to her while struggling against the iron grip Cas has on him. "Arýza, don't touch it- just back up, away from that thing." He can see her struggle, her teeth biting into her lip and the flick of her eyes to the mirror and back at him. She's hesitating when all he wants is for her to do as he's asked of her.

"…you didn't care, we never mattered…"

"Please…" Arýza closes her eyes and tears streak down her cheeks. They were all she had, they were her world-

"…it's your fault they're burning…"

They all want something and Arýza is torn because she feels guilt. She lives and they all died and now she can make it better. She doesn't know how but she needs to try … for them.

"I'll make it better." Her voice is a hoarse whisper, words neither man can make out and Castiel watches in silence as she faces the shimmering glass. Her Mother's voice swimming in her head and the brothers, both unaware of the taunting words Underland has thrown at her…

"Baby, no!" Dean yells, lunges towards her as her hand reaches for the glass. Her fingers stop an inch from the surface and Arýza looks back. Castiel's blue eyes never waver even as Dean struggles violently and Sam moves past them to stop her.

They don't understand…

"I'm sorry."

Her words hit Dean like a brick in the gut and he flounders, loses strength and Castiel hauls him back while Sam hesitates. They can see it, and Dean shakes his head denying what he sees in her eyes- defeat … fear … weary acceptance and maybe just a little bit of relief.

"No…" he repeats and a tear rolls down her cheek. They won't understand, she knows this and the look in Dean's eyes….

"I'm sorry…"

He thinks she's given up, that nothing he said to her has made a difference and that is not true. It's because of his words, the courage he believes she possesses that Arýza needs to do as Castiel has asked. She draws in a breath, eyes closing-

"NO!" both men shout and Sam rushes towards her.

Arýza's hand presses flat on the mirror, she feels it vibrate, its soft hum getting louder and her reflected image gets brighter.

Castiel watches Arýza's form glow bright against the mirror, in the next instant the entire thing bursts into blinding light and Sam throws both arms up to shield his eyes against the glare.

"Arýza!"

Castiel stares impassively as she is gently pulled into the mirror, the light engulfing her form… its over just as quickly.

Now there are three where four once stood.

AN: If it isn't too much to ask, I'd like some feedback on this fic.

and check out deanstheman - Two Guys, A Girl, and a Ticket to Hell you wont be sorry either.