Family Remains

"Cas"

*Ashley's POV*

I was gripped tightly out of the darkness and was placed once again into the pain of the world.

I knew, I just knew, that Dean was holding me as gently as he could while as close to him as possible. I also knew he was crying. Dean Winchester doesn't cry. Sure, maybe a few tears over family stuff that he can no longer hold back, but never actually full out cried.

"Dean," my voice came out cracked and horrible sounding.

He pulled back and his watery green eyes met mine.

"Ashley!" I exclaimed.

He hugged my tightly to his chest. I wrapped my arms around his neck and close my eyes, but that was a bad idea.

It felt as if I was once again in the darkness I so badly wanted to escape, but couldn't. I pulled back quickly and scrambled to my feet.

I felt as if the walls were closing in on me. It seemed so much darker in here than last time and I didn't like it.

With wild eyes I met everyone's eyes: Sam, Dean, Cas, and then lastly, Jason's. He looked so worried at this very moment. Even in my panicked state, I knew that whatever spell he was under was no longer in place.

Without another glance, I darted past everyone and through the warehouse until I ran through the side door we came in through.

Outside was black as kohl. The full moon had disappeared behind the random dark storm clouds. Thunder suddenly rolled in the distance, making me jump.

I ran again, trying to escape the dark, but everywhere I went, it followed. I just couldn't find any light.

Crack!

Lightening lit up the night, lighting up the things around me. Nothing was familiar, I had absolutely no idea where I was. It seemed as if I turned the wrong way and left town. Left the civilization where there's light.

I kept running nevertheless. The clouds above finally opened up, letting the sky rain down. It came down hard and it came down fast. In mere seconds, I was soaked from head to feet.

Thunder boomed overhead, sending vibrations through my feet. Lightening struck, once again lighting up the area.

With the only light in sight, I followed it. I followed every lightening strike, going left, going right, never staying in one direction for too long.

"Ashley!" A powerful voice filled my ears.

Hitting the breaks, I whipped around. My hair stuck to my face, shielding my eyes from the rain but also obstructing my sight.

I quickly moved my hair out of my face and saw the one who spoke.

"Cas," I said faintly.

He stood about two yards away, hidden by shadows. Once more, lightening struck, illuminating his frame.

Without thought, I ran to him and wrapped my arms around him.

"It's ok," He said lowly in my ear.

His voice was welcoming. His voice was the feeling of being safe.

"Cas," I repeated. "Never let me get that close to Death again."

"I won't, I'm sorry," He said.

I may have died, my heart may have stopped, but my spirit didn't get a chance to actually cross over before Cas saved me. I never want to experience something like that again.

Without warning, a weird pull went through my body. I can't even explain what it exactly felt like or anything, but next thing I knew I was standing in the middle of my hotel room.

"What was that all about?" Someone behind me asked.