A/N: Hello dear readers! A big thank you to everyone who reviewed the story, or PMed, or followed/faved it!

An even bigger thank you to Harliquinn for her time and help with this story :) It wouldn't be the same without her! I will leave for my summer vacation in a couple of days and I'm not sure what the internet access will be like where I'm going, so the next chapter could be posted anywhere between 10-20 of August.

Enjoy and please review :)

Chapter 5

Try to Run, Try to Hide, Break on Through to the Other Side

Title credit: Lyrics from the song Break On Through (to the other side), by The Doors

"Damn it, Ace... What have you done?"

Amber let out a soft chuckle, lips trembling, unable to contain the tears that continued to slide down her cheeks.

"What had to be done," she said with a quivering smile, her voice laced with both relief and anguish. "God, I can't believe I almost lost you!"

"You don't understand," Kyle said, his hands leaving her face as he rose to his feet. His eyes, filled with fear, searched hers. "If he finds you..."

"We're going back, alright? We'll bring you back home with us. A rift will open soon, and we'll pass through. He won't get his hands on you or us," Amber did her best to reassure not only him but herself as well. Her voice came out full of determination and certainty, despite her feeling neither.

"Don't mean to interrupt..." Claire's voice cut through the charged atmosphere. "Glad to see you, Kyle," she interjected a bit awkwardly, her gaze shifting between the reunited pair. "But we need to move!"

"Right, yeah. C'mon," Amber said, making her way toward the exit.

"No, no, no!" Kyle's arm gripped Amber's forearm, halting her. "Where are we going?"

"We need to get to the rift," Amber said. "And we need to hurry!"

"What if he's out there?" Kyle asked, his eyes darting around as if expecting danger to materialize at any moment. Alarm etched deep lines on his face. "Do you still have your powers?"

Claire's head snapped in their direction upon hearing Kyle's question, her eyes widening with concern. "Still? What do you mean 'still'?"

Amber's gaze shifted from Claire to Kyle, her expression revealing a deep weariness. "They're depleting. Rapidly. I used most of what I have left to heal you. I still have some remaining, but I need it to maintain contact with Jack on the other side..."

"Depleting?" Claire asked, bewildered.

"Yeah... This place... This place sucks supernatural powers out of you. The more you stay here the worse it is. The more you use them the faster they're gone. I have nothing left. All the demons that came through with Lucifer have none left. It's like we're all humans again," Kyle said in a clipped tone, his voice reflecting his exhaustion and a hint of bitterness. His gaze barely left Amber, disbelief and gratitude warring in his tired eyes. He couldn't believe she was actually here, standing so close to him. That she came for him. That she risked everything for him. That she put herself in this kind of danger for him. In this moment he wanted to strangle her, to hold her close, to yell at her, to kiss her and make love to her all at the same time.

"What about his powers?" Amber asked, her voice filled with a sliver of hope, her eyes searching his face.

"Weaker, but still there," Kyle answered gravely, his gaze growing darker and distant.

Amber could sense his fear, his hesitation, and the haunting pain that still lingered in his mind despite her healing touch. This hole in the ground, where they threw him to rot to death, had been his only refuge. Her stomach churned as she empathized with his intense suffering and desperation. Turning to face him, she reached out, gently clasping his face and guiding it to meet her gaze. Her hands felt the rough texture of his short, dirty beard, sticky with dried blood and grime. Her eyes locked with his, and when she spoke, her voice emerged unwavering, masking the fear that gnawed at her own soul.

"Look, if we just stay here, he'll come for us. Sooner or later, he will. We need to at least try. We need to get to the rift, Kyle. Now. C'mon! We didn't make it this far to give up without a fight!"

Kyle's eyes fluttered closed momentarily, his weary face reflecting the internal battle he waged against his own demons. He drew in a shaky breath, mustering the last remnants of strength. Though the memories of his torture at Lucifer's hands still haunted him, he knew he couldn't let Amber fall into his clutches. No, he would get her home. He didn't dare to hope that he would make it there as well, but he would make damn sure Amber did.

"You're right. Let's go," he agreed quietly.

"They got him!" Jack's enthusiastic exclamation reverberated through the room, breaking the tense atmosphere and capturing everyone's attention. Despite their predicament, Jack couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction knowing they had made it this far. Kyle was safe, reunited with Amber, and Rowena had figured out how to make a new rift to get them back. Maybe this could have a happy ending after all.

Jody let out a relieved sigh, her shoulders sagging. Despite being furious with the girls for their reckless actions, she couldn't deny the relief that washed over her knowing they had managed to find Kyle. Perhaps this chaotic mess would bring out something positive too. Sam sat on the couch, his body hunched forward, his face tense. His eyes glanced up at Jack and he let out a small breath. They were one step closer to rescuing the girls and, hopefully, seeing Kyle coming back as well.

Dean, who had been restlessly pacing the room, froze in his tracks as Jack's words echoed. His eyes darted between Sam and Jody, his features etched with concern. He took a deep, steadying breath, fighting to keep a level head. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so helpless and afraid, with so many variables completely out of his control.

Castiel maintained his even countenance as he observed everyone from where he stood, near Jack. While he shared the collective sense of relief that they were making progress, a cloud of apprehension loomed in his eyes. He couldn't shake the thought that countless things could still go wrong within the next hour. He couldn't help but run through all possible scenarios in his head, and most of them didn't have a happy ending. His attention shifted to Jack, a newcomer to their world, their family. He had no idea what the upcoming hours would bring or how they would handle things with him. He knew, though, that Jack's actions, along with the girls', couldn't be left unaddressed. The angel's expression turned pensive as these thoughts sank in. Choosing to concentrate on the present, he extended a hand and gave Jack's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, earning a soft smile from the young Nephilim.

Rowena's eyebrows arched at that from where she stood elegantly near the table. "Neve' thought I'd see the day the bunch of you would be so pleased about saving a demon," she said with a taunting smirk.

"Are we ready with the spell?" Jody asked the witch. Her voice was even, but her red-rimmed eyes betrayed the state she was in. Rowena glanced at the woman and could tell that, despite her efforts, she was close to tears.

"We'll be in a bit… As ready as we can, that is, in this bleedin' muddle of a situation. I can't even begin to tell you how messy it is. An' 'messy' is not a bonnie idea when it comes to magic. Especially magic as volatile as this," the witch answered, her tone lacing with annoyance.

"Amber and her friends did a bloody braw job. It's pure amazin' how they even got this far with all this without dying an agonizing death," Rowena continued, "But they ain't real witches and that's still a stinkin' job when it comes to high magic, intricate spells like this. You hunters... You keep thinkin' you can do everythin' by yerselves... And then I have to clean up yer messes..."

Tuning out Rowena's mumbled complaints, Jody focused on the fact that they were finally ready to open the rift. Sam and Dean exchanged meaningful looks, their eyes speaking volumes. They both understood that they now owed Rowena a great deal after this, and that realization didn't sit well with either of them. However, if it meant ensuring Amber and Claire's safe return home, they were willing to pay any price.

"Are they heading back?" Dean asked, his voice hoarse from a parched throat.

"Yes," Jack confirmed quietly.

"And now we wait," Sam mumbled, his head dropping to rest on the back of the couch. His eyes closed, shutting out the world around him.

It was twenty minutes later, and they had barely made it out of the woods when they sensed it—a hot breeze carrying a putrid stench of sulfur. Amber felt a tingling sensation in her spine, a familiar sign that danger was drawing near. The three teenagers instinctively drew closer together, their pace quickening. As they ascended the winding dirt path that had led them into the woods, a second gust of scorching wind whipped around them, stirring up a suffocating cloud of dirt that engulfed them. Coughing and struggling to see through the murky haze, they heard a sinister chuckle echoing from all directions.

"He's close," Kyle confirmed the girls' suspicion.

Amber and Claire swallowed hard but remained silent, pushing forward as fast as their limited visibility allowed. Claire shrugged her backpack off one shoulder and rummaged through it, retrieving a demon blade and a small ax, which she handed to Kyle. Amber took out her own blade, while Claire tightly gripped her gun in her left hand and her archangel blade in her right.

When a black screeching figure darted a few feet ahead of them, Claire muttered, "More of those? Seriously?"

"At least they're easy to kill," Kyle commented in a clipped tone.

"Even when we're heavily outnumbered?" Amber asked quietly, as the settling dirt gradually unveiled a dozen lurking creatures surrounding them.

"Shit," Kyle uttered under his breath, assessing the situation and quickly briefing the girls, "They're not very smart. They usually attack in small groups of three or four, while the rest lurk in wait. Problem is, if they manage to wound their prey, then the whole pack will attack and try to grab a bite."

Amber and Claire offered determined nods, to show their understanding, their hands tightening around their weapons. The three of them quickly formed a tight circle, back to back, just as the girls had done when they first encountered these menacing creatures. Kyle seamlessly joined their defensive formation, adding his strength to theirs. The air crackled with tension as the four creatures lunged forward, their eyes glinting with predatory hunger.

Claire took aim and shot down one creature, then targeted another. It howled in pain, but remained standing. Amber and Kyle swiftly moved in, their short blades slashing through the air. Amber and Kyle swiftly struck the remaining two with their short blades as they closed in. Kyle's ax delivered fatal blows to both of them, while Claire decapitated the last one with her archangel blade.

Before the severed head thudded against the ground, three more creatures emerged from the shadows, their grotesque forms contorted with malice. Simultaneously, three additional figures appeared on the fringes, their snarls and drool hinting at the savage hunger driving them forward.

Claire, conserving her ammunition, lunged forward and struck the nearest creature with her archangel blade. Frustration surged within Amber as she struggled to find an opportunity to contribute. Her demon blade demanded close quarters, and the creatures' razor-sharp claws posed a threat that couldn't be taken lightly. Kyle focused intensely on inflicting as much damage as possible with his ax, working as fast as he could.

Amber seized an opportunity and stabbed one of the approaching creatures in the ribs as it tried to get Kyle from the side. The creature emitted a bone-chilling screech that sent shivers down Amber's spine. This time, the tingling sensation that coursed through her was far more intense than she had ever experienced. A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as she momentarily faltered, casting a quick glance over her shoulder.

In that split second, her eyes caught sight of tall, human-like figures emerging from the distance. A searing pain suddenly erupted through her body, tearing through her nerves and causing her to convulse with its unbearable intensity. Her gaze shifted to her arm, where her leather jacket had been torn to shreds, revealing three deep and bleeding gashes that marred her skin from below her shoulder to her elbow. The excruciating agony threatened to overwhelm her, but there was no time to dwell on it, as the rest of the creatures attacked from all directions, relentlessly attempting to reach her, the scent of her blood drawing them to her.

Kyle, his mind racing with adrenaline, maneuvered Amber into a protective stance between himself and Claire. The two of them battled the relentless onslaught of attacking creatures, while keeping Amber away from them. Amber's eyes darted around in panic, feeling helpless as her friends fought for all of their lives, the searing pain of her wounds intensifying with each passing second. She sensed her body attempting to heal the wounds, but nothing happened. Fear seized her as she mentally reached out to Jack, seeking a lifeline amidst the chaos.

"Are you guys ready to open it?" she urgently transmitted her message through their telepathic connection.

"Just about. Rowena says she'll be able to initiate the spell in ten minutes or so," Jack responded. "Are you ok? What's happening?"

Amber scanned her surroundings, a glimmer of hope emerging as she realized they were not far from their destination. If they could just fend off these monsters and make a final sprint without any further unexpected obstacles, they'd make it there in time. However, with her wounds bleeding and the looming figures in the distance, she truly doubted their chances.

Choosing not to risk wasting precious moments in reply, Amber shifted her focus to Kyle, who was battling the last remaining creature. Just as he turned, his eyes filled with concern for her, Amber cut him off before he could utter a single word.

"We've got company. And we need to run! Now!"

Kyle and Claire both pivoted their attention towards the direction indicated by Amber's gesture, exchanging a brief glance.

"Can you even run in your condition? You're bleeding! Like… a lot!" Claire inquired, her voice trembling as she struggled to maintain composure.

"I'll manage. We have ten minutes. Let's go," Amber managed to grit out through clenched teeth.

The three of them bolted forward, Claire leading the way, Amber close behind, and Kyle deliberately positioning himself right behind her, prepared to carry her if necessary. His gaze kept darting backward, fixated on the encroaching figures in the distance, a sinking feeling settling in his gut as he recognized their pursuers.

The sudden shift in Jack's expression to a storm of worry, like dark clouds gathering before a tempest, didn't go unnoticed by Castiel.

"What's going on, Jack?" the angel inquired, brow creasing with concern.

"I... I don't know," Jack answered hesitantly.

Dean, having heard the quiet interaction, immediately approached them, his face ominous, piercing eyes locked onto Jack, demanding answers.

"Hey! Enough with the lies and secrets! Are you seriously trying to keep things from us right now? What the hell is going on?" Dean's voice thundered through the room, cracking like lightning, making Jack take a small step closer to Castiel.

"I'm not lying. Castiel can confirm it, I'm not," Jack managed to force the words out, his voice laced with defensiveness, his body tense as he faced Dean's seething anger. He couldn't entirely blame the man, given everything that had come to light about him, Amber, and Claire. Yet, this time, he was telling the truth.

"Amber asked me if we were ready for the spell, and she sounded afraid and frantic. It got me worried, but she never answered about what's going on..."

"She didn't answer?" Dean asked, his anger crumbling, morphing into a sinking feeling of worry. His legs wavered and he took a step back, leaning against the dining table for support. "Why wouldn't she answer?"

Jack's mind raced, torn between honoring Amber's plea to not reveal anything about her weakening powers and the truth demanded by Dean's words. Deciding there was no space for further lies or omissions, Jack spoke again.

"I... can't know for sure, but she did mention that her powers felt off. Like they didn't work as well over there, and she didn't want to overuse them. So she said not to attempt to contact her unless it's an emergency," Jack said in a hushed tone. "That's probably why she didn't answer. I think she's trying to ensure she has enough power to keep contact with us until the rift is open."

Dean rested his hand on the table. After a moment of heavy silence, he pounded his fist against it, attempting to vent his anxiety and gut-wrenching fear. The fact that Amber had her powers was the sole thing that somewhat eased his dread, but not anymore. He couldn't stomach how insanely reckless his little sister had acted. As much as he tried to understand her feelings for Kyle, he couldn't comprehend how she would jeopardize her safety and life so thoughtlessly. He brought his hand to rub his forehead, remaining silent. All he could do was wait and hope for the best. Jody approached Dean with measured steps, her hand gently gripping his shoulder, offering the reassurance she craved herself.

"Can't you feel her?" Sam asked Jack, his voice strained, his words caught in his throat.

"Feel her?" Jack questioned, unsure of what Sam was referring to.

"Like she could feel Kyle? Can't you sense if her energy is still there?" Sam asked, the word 'alive' echoing within his thoughts but never spoken out loud.

Jack caught the unspoken sentiment and swallowed nervously. "I can't. Kyle had a trace of Amber's grace within him. Their..." Jack hesitated, realizing he couldn't disclose everything about Kyle's connection to Amber. Not only because it was deeply personal, but also because it held little relevance to the current situation.

"Their connection" he stumbled, his cheeks reddening slightly, "transferred some of Amber's grace to Kyle. That's how they were linked, and she could sense him even across realms. Amber and I don't share that kind of connection, so I can't feel her. Not her or anyone else in a different world." His words hung in the air, a testament to their limitations and the vast void that separated them from Amber.

Sam nodded, his understanding washing over him like a tide of memories. He vividly recalled the conversations he had shared with Amber, her recounting of Kyle's fascination with her blood from their very first encounter. He also knew Kyle and his sister had had sex, which was what Jack was alluding to. And now, Jack's explanation made sense. In the weird way so many things in their world made sense.

Castiel stood in quiet observation, absorbing the unfolding scene before him. He refrained from intervening, content to witness the remarkable progress they had all made. Just a few weeks ago, Jack would have crumbled in the face of Dean's mere glare, let alone withstand and answer to one of his outbursts. The shift was undeniable. Jack had grown bolder, sharing his thoughts and insights not only with Cas and Amber but also with Sam and Dean. And the brothers, the weight of their worry, anger, fear, and disappointment encompassed not only the girls but extended to Jack as well. Amidst the chaos and fear that surrounded them, Castiel realized with a sense of clarity that Jack had become a part of their chosen family, with all the complexities and responsibilities that entailed.

"Any chance they're coming to help?" Claire asked, her breaths ragged as the three of them pushed forward, sprinting towards the spot where the rift was supposed to tear open.

"Not a chance in hell," Kyle ground out through gritted teeth. "Demons..."

"At least they don't have their powers, right?" Claire retorted.

"No, but Lucifer does. And if they're on their way, so is he," Kyle said grimly.

Amber's head began to spin, her surroundings swirling into a dizzying blur. They had been running for their lives for what felt like an eternity, every passing second draining her strength. Yet, she didn't dare to slow down. The desolate expanse that marked their point of entry into this world lay ahead giving her hope. As her coordination faltered, her feet stumbled, threatening to give way beneath her. Kyle reached out and steadied her before she tumbled to the ground.

"Hey, hey! Are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he surveyed her pallid face, etched with exhaustion.

"I've seen better days," Amber managed to utter, her words strained and breathless.

"We made it!" Claire exclaimed triumphantly.

Amber closed her eyes, plunging herself into a brief moment of respite, as she reached out to Jack with every ounce of mental strength. Silence greeted her, punctuated only by Kyle's sudden protective grip, pulling her away from imminent danger, and Claire's sharp intake of breath as she closed in beside trepidation, Amber opened her eyes, her gaze meeting a sight that sent chills cascading down her spine. Jack's voice reverberated in her mind, sending her stomach plummeting and her breath catching in her throat. Just a stone's throw away loomed the towering figure of Lucifer, his features twisted into a sadistic smile, his eyes brimming with cruel amusement.

"Jack, stop! Don't open it! We're here, but so is Lucifer," Amber urgently sent to the other nephilim.

"Long time no see, Amber!" His voice dripped with a chilling mix of anticipation and disdain. "Ah, you've brought the blondie along as well! And look at that, you've managed to make my dear pal good as new. How thoughtful of you! Now, I can relish breaking him into tiny little pieces all over again." his tone dripped with ominous excitement and cutting sarcasm. His eyes glimmered with a seething hatred and a wild thirst for revenge.

Amber could practically taste his desire to tear them apart, but she also understood that he yearned for an escape from this realm. It was a glimmer of hope, a fleeting opportunity to gain some precious time. But time for what? How could they possibly open the rift with him lurking so close? The weight of Dean and Sam's worries bore down on her, amplifying her own fear and guilt. Her heart hammered against her ribs as she found it harder and harder to breathe.

"What's up, Amber? Feeling a bit trapped, are we? Don't you worry, I'll make sure we have lots and lots of fun together. I'll even keep you alive long enough to see me play with your friends, too!"

Kyle felt the blood drain from his face at the mere thought of Amber in Lucifer's hands, and himself helpless, incapable of helping her. He gripped his weapons tighter and glanced at Claire, wondering how long they would be able to fend him off. The sound of running steps drew their attention to the demons closing in on them from seemingly every direction.

Claire's knuckles whitened as she raised her archangel blade. Deep within her, she knew the odds were stacked against them, but she'd be damned if she didn't die fighting.

It was then that the earth beneath them began to shake. A deep tremor that reverberated through their bones. Amber's widened eyes scanned their surroundings, her heart hammering in her chest. The air crackled, and her suspicions were confirmed as a rift of shimmering light materialized just a few steps behind them.

Lucifer's malevolent grin widened, his eyes ablaze. "Now, you're spoiling me! I get to kill your friends, torture you, and take you back home as my slave? Is it Christmas already?" His voice dripped with venomous amusement.

Amber was completely thrown off balance by this sudden twist of fate. visualizing a brighter resolution to their perilous adventure. She had poured countless hours into weaving visions of her and Kyle together, her loved ones safe and basking in happiness. She craved a well-deserved, damn happy ending, given the tormented life she had endured. Yet, it seemed that fate reveled in denying her even that sliver of solace.

Amber was completely thrown by this turn of wasn't that she hadn't contemplated the possibility; she had steeled herself for this very moment, preparing for the worst outcomes. But her determination had led her to grasp at the shards of hope. She had tried so hard to focus on the more positive resolutions of this adventure. She had spent countless hours visualizing herself and Kyle together, her family and friends safe and happy. A god damn happy ending she so desperately wanted. And with the life she had, with everything she had to endure, she truly thought fate would cut her some slack. She deserved a happy ending. And yet she was coming to the bitter realization that she wasn't getting it.

As Dean emerged from the rift, followed by Sam and Jody, Amber's despair escalated. A scream tore from her throat, raw and anguished. "No! Go back, close it! I told you not to open it! No!" Tears cascaded down her had made peace with the prospect of her own death, and hers alone. The unfairness of it all made her sick to her stomach. She didn't want to be the reason for anyone else's suffering. And yet, Kyle had already suffered for her. And in her efforts to save him, she had inadvertently condemned the rest of her loved ones too.

"I'll come with you!" she screamed at Lucifer, her voice reverberating through the air like a battle cry, forcefully drawing his attention towards her. Ignoring Kyle's frantic yell, echoing "No!" and the urgent calls of her brothers' warning, Amber persisted. "Remember when you offered me a deal? When Jack was born? I'll take it, I'll take it now! Just take me and leave them alone, please!"

Claire, watching the scene unfolding, suddenly found herself grabbed by Jody's iron grip, the woman's fingers digging into her arm, forcefully dragging her towards the rift. She struggled to resist, but the woman, fueled by adrenaline, proved too strong for Claire. From the corner of his eye, Dean observed the two of them vanish through the rift and swiftly assessed their surroundings. Approximately twenty individuals had joined them in the scene, their collective panting breaths filling the air with a cacophony of impending danger.

"You really think that deal is still on the table? Damn it, Amber. I never thought you were that foolish. No, darlin'. From this moment forward, the only thing awaiting you in your future is suffering," he snarled, his eyes turning red as his hands ascended into the air. He hovered above the ground, his head tilting skyward as he harnessed his power.

Witnessing the sight, Amber broke down into uncontrollable sobs, just as Kyle recognized this as their only opportunity. He seized her by the waist, his arms wrapping around her with unwavering strength. Lifting her up, he bolted towards the rift, ignoring her desperate pleas to let her go. Amber vainly screamed at him struggling as much as she could in his vice grip, unwilling to abandon her brothers. Right as they leaped through the rift, Jack passed through it with Castiel trailing close behind. The angel's face etched with trepidation, yelling at Jack to stop.

Sam and Dean watched the scene unraveling before them. Their short-lived relief as their sister was taken back to safety replaced by a new surge of heart-stopping dread as Jack, who was supposed to stay behind, entered the scene.

Before Lucifer could unleash his powers, Jack unleashed a formidable blast of energy that collided with the hovering figure. The impact sent Lucifer hurtling through the air, crashing against the ground with an earth-shaking thud.

Sam and Dean ran towards the rift, their path guarded by Jack, who employed his powers to thwart the powerless demons attempting to assault them.

"You two, get back to our side! Now!" Dean yelled frantically as they ran past. He had to admit, Jack had probably saved the day, but all he cared about right now was seeing everyone safely back in their own reality and closing this damn rift.

In a fleeting moment, Jack's gaze met Castiel's, a silent exchange of urgency and purpose. Swiftly reaching the angel, Jack let Cas grab his arm and pull him back through the rift, transporting them to Bobby's dining room. As they escaped, Jack released a final, massive energy blast, unexpectedly severing the connection to the forsaken world they had left behind. As they tumbled into Bobby's dining room, the rift vanished, succumbing to Jack's immense power.

Panic surged through Amber as she desperately surveyed her surroundings, her eyes darting from one person to another, taking a mental inventory of everyone present. A rush of relief flooded over her like a tidal wave as she realized they were all there, unharmed. Yet, in the midst of her elation, an unsettling sensation gripped her, as if the ground beneath her was melting into a suffocating fog. An overpowering, disorienting ringing reverberated through her, consuming her senses, eclipsing all other sounds and thoughts. Her legs buckled beneath her, sending her tumbling to the ground like a marionette with severed strings. The impact went unnoticed in the haze that enveloped her, a thick fog that shrouded her consciousness. The frantic calls of her name, desperate and urgent, became distant whispers as complete darkness engulfed her.