Chronicles of Absolution: Memory Resolved

Chapter 1

Then

… Some of you know her has the Blood Knight, others the Queen of Vengeance but mostly known as the Malachi…

… She twirled it around in her hand and replied, "The order is ancient. Tradition dictates we learn all forms besides using salt rounds and silver bullets. Even you know that some things require a blade every now and then."

… "Why else would I ask the Seer to interfere on your behalf?" Isis gave a tolerant smile. "The Centurion has done its duty for centuries as the Seer said they would. However the more finer points of the Old Religion evade their grasp such as the nature of champions."

… At least Sam had a grip on her that said he wasn't going to let her go so easily. That was something he liked and he figured that Sam would want her company more to ease his mind…

… The blood that fuels pit beasts amplifies instincts. The alpha's alpha is human but he has the blood of a pit beast running through his veins… The young pup is touching his mate… The alpha's alpha is starting to acknowledge his feelings. I can smell them on him and they get stronger when he holds her…

… The alpha is her alpha's mate. Just not formally yet…

… Because the alpha is not a true pup. He protects her like a pup because she looks like a pup but deep down it's because she is his mate and he is hers.

He has never done that when children touch her. The daughter of Wosret that was returned remembers well his actions.

Because she was a true pup. The alpha is not…

… "You mess with her… you mess with me and my brother."

… When it was revealed that they were after all three pieces, they panicked and not to mention it seems that an old adversary decided to come out."

"Wait," Dean interceded, "There are three?"

"Yes. The staff, the heart and the eye," Akira replied. She knew that the next part was really going to get them going. "And Angie knows where all three are."

… Sam shrugged his shoulders at that. "Just… I know she'll be okay. We can't predict for everything but we can be prepared." He paused as they continued to stare at him. He wasn't sure how he was going to explain it without giving away his real feelings. "Look, I think something's up and the sooner we find out what it is, the better chance we have at making sure they don't know about her."

… "I said I thought it was Absolution," Damion spat back. "The only reason was because the Winchesters were there."

"Not what I heard," Lenya taunted. She moved over to look at a mirror that she had been told would be useful. "Which is why we are using those stupid rogues."

… It was no secret in most circles that Sam Winchester was the one that broke the final seal… It was celestial that was keeping the Winchesters hidden. There was no other explanation. So other means had to be used. It just happened to be luck that the Winchesters popped up in Alliance, Nebraska. Of course the story behind that had Lenya excited at the possibilities. She wanted to know herself if it was true. So that was the reason for the rogues…

… . Lucifer wanted her found as much as Sam Winchester. The most obvious was because she wielded Absolution and was supposedly heaven's greatest weapon that walked the earth and all that other flowery shit that was supposed to impress scholars centuries from now. Plus the bitch was said to have the ability to kill just about anything with her blade; a formidable foe indeed.

… "Keys and the old way to guide to the next. Of course to make it potent, I need something else from you." He held his hand out.

"Right." Angela pulled out a small vial filled with blood. "It is binding Niccolo. Once it is done there will only be a few who can unlock the others."

… "It's… been an experience with her being a little girl." Sam looked down and clasped his hands together. He tapped his thumbs together. "And that is a problem."

"I fail to see how. You and your brother have taken good care of her and it's obvious how she feels being around you."

Sam continued to tap his thumbs together. "It's a problem because she's a little girl and… it's not right."

… "And maybe you're thinking about it too hard." It was bold and blunt but Akira figured Sam wouldn't appreciate anything less. "Just enjoy spending time with her when this is over. Then maybe talk about it. At least she likes you."

… "Had enough?"

"Only when I add to that scar on your ugly face."

It was an effective trigger as Lenya's features molded into an ugly look. Without mercy, she clenched the injured wing and delivered a left cross to the right side of Kesset's face. She kept punching Kesset in the face while clenching tighter and tighter on his injured wing. He dared to mention that monstrosity that she was forced to wear on her beautiful meat suit? He was going to pay for that and she was going to make him beg.

Kesset grunted from the combined attack on his face and wing. He tried backing away but nearly choked himself with the collar. With his arms pinned, he only had what was left of his wings and his legs. So he stepped forward and struck out with his foot in the most powerful kick he could muster and took a chance with both wings and sent Lenya flying back.

Lenya looked at Kesset, impressed that he had managed to fight back. She was still pissed though. He was going to be punished. She walked over to a darkened corner and grabbed her favorite thing when it came to brute force. "I like what you did just now but you still are going to be punished and give me what I want."

"Not… going… to… happen," Kesset breathed as he tried to work through the pain. He may have damaged his already injured wing more.

"We'll see." Lenya came close and took a swing.

… "Point taken but then again you've never been held by a demon, have you?"

Kesset said nothing to that. He felt his throat convulse more out of frustration at his current predicament. It was true that he had never been held by a demon. He had been manhandled by his fellow guards when he started his training but this was different.

"Of course you haven't. But I bet your fellow guards had a good time with you." At the look Kesset was shooting her she curled her lips into a smile that was more predatory. "Oh I am aware that you would have had a harder time than most."

… "You know that the realm of dreams is where one can communicate. Whether or not your target comes… Not for me to say. Am I done here?"

… I can't forget what I saw in the mountains in Russia. It was a harsh reminder of what could happen when power goes to the head. It's what I fear sometimes when I look at Absolution. I jumped into the challenges to determine my worthiness without weighing the consequences. And I remember like it was yesterday…

… Cesare picked up the disk and examined it. He picked up the second key and looked at them side by side. "Well this is my brother's work." He examined them after putting on a pair of glasses to inspect the carvings. "Well I can tell you that you have two of five blood keys."

… "Blood keys are an ancient concept and probably the most powerful key next to the machinations of the Gauntlet and a few dozen other spells. They fit into a lock specifically designed for it but the key won't work unless it is unlocked and by someone related to the blood used to make the seal in the first place."

… "Everyone has a weakness of sorts. You found his." The stranger came into view to review someone the Winchesters knew sort of well. Akira wasn't at all surprised. "Though I am curious as to yours."

… "Consider it as a step towards regaining what you lost. And maybe a step away from what you detest about yourself." The stranger looked at her and then added, "Think about it."

The memory ended and the key returned to its normal state. It had Cesare thumb his chin where his beard had started growing. "Interesting choice and in some way all connected. Of course she would make you think for it."

… "Too late for that, Sammy. We have you both and there is someone who would like to meet her."

… Castiel contemplated on what happened in that warehouse. He looked at Bobby, "There are factions that have been pursuing the Malachi for years. They… chase rumors about her."

… "The demon's name is Lenya. Beyond a name, the only thing that I know is that this demon loves to torture."

Bobby mused on it a bit. "Any idea how the hell Angie would meet her?"

"In hell."

… They are after Angie!

… "That's right. You won't do anything. Tell Sam Winchester we want to trade."

… "I nots… go… with you!" Angela struggled hard and delivered a well-placed kick to a sensitive region on her captor. She was dropped instantly and started running to hide and was immediately chased but was caught up in a pair of arms and warm light. She only caught a glimpse of Bobby and Castiel keeping the bad men away and reached out to them before they were gone. "Cas! Papa!"

Now

The Impala tore down the highway. It was late at night so there was no fear of highway patrol getting in the way. It allowed for Dean to put his foot on the gas and give his sweetheart her head. His features were set into a grim expression.

"Dean."

"Not now."

"Dean. Slow down. We don't need cops up our ass."

Dean shot a look at his brother who he was sure was possessed and by something that wasn't the general makeup of Sam Winchester. "Hey I know you're just on edge as me. In fact this whole damn thing has me ready to raise hell."

"Calm down."

"I am calm, Sam." Dean gripped the wheel tighter. He did ease up a little on the gas. "My problem is why the hell are you so damn calm? Angie has been gone a week."

Sam swallowed slightly. "I know that… and this is the first we have heard of where she was at." He may have appeared calm on the outside but inside he was a mess. His anxiety levels were near to bursting with worry about Angela's wellbeing.

They had barely managed to escape Loretta's trap she had sprung on them. Akira was the one that actually went crazy on them. She was clearly pissed and Sam suspected her hormones were out of whack but it worked and he made sure that she wasn't hurt. Whatever she did, it enabled them to escape and with the master builder in tow but they still gave chase.

Sam knew that this was his fault. Loretta spoke directly to him, implied that she was after him and he knew why. It was because he set Lucifer free. That and they were after her. She was vulnerable and he left her alone. He knew that Bobby was there and the dogs but ultimately he left her alone. This was all on him but he really couldn't afford to lose control. He had to make sure that she was okay and then… He didn't know what to do after that but, this proved he was bound to screw up one way or another with her.

Dean glanced over at his brother. Perhaps he shouldn't have been so hard on him because of how he was acting now. He knew Sam was worried and a closer look revealed that he was trying to stay strong. He was worried too. He was the older brother and it had always been his responsibility to look after his family. That started with Sam when he was a baby and when they were kids and into adulthood. Now that included Angela.

Dean knew that Angela could take care of herself. She was always telling them that she had been doing the job long before she joined them or before they were a mere thought in their parent's minds. Yet he felt responsible for her wellbeing and that was because she was essentially a baby when it came to her feelings. Then that crazy coot of a he-witch literally made her to match her emotional level and… This was hard on them both but he couldn't bring himself to go easy on Sam. He could admit that he still had resentment for Sam's treatment of her.

Where they were going, it was the first hint of hearing about Angela's whereabouts since she had been taken from the house. The bastards that had come after them went after her. How they found the place, Dean was sure Kesset didn't say anything. He believed in the kid and knew how far he would go to protect Angela from anyone and anything. When he talked to Bobby and they learned about what happened, they were all in the dark as to who took her. They knew it wasn't evil since there were no demands or anything and Castiel said something about her not being in distress though it was hard to take that at face value since she was essentially kidnapped.

They ended up searching but they couldn't ignore the whole thing with the keys. Akira graciously stated that she would look for the fourth key while they focused on finding Angela. Dean suspected that it was more of a kindness to Sam since they shared a look like friends would. It didn't matter, they, along with Bobby checked into leads including talking to people that they would rather go to hell for than talk to.

It really showed how worried and desperate Sam was when he suggested that they summon Cary and ask his input. He even performed the summoning himself much to Dean's astonishment and questioned the demon stoolie. Dean thought Sam was going to lose when Cary called him the stick up his ass Sasquatch but his brother had that eerie calm that was disturbing and the stoolie seemed to pick up on that. In the end that lead didn't quite pan out but Cary did give his word to keep an ear out for anything going on.

In the end Sean managed to find them. He explained that he had been approached by some old guy and told to give a message. Further questioning revealed that the old guy was the bastard that turned their girl into a little girl. Neither Sam nor Dean stopped to consider how he knew she was at Bobby's house or in danger. They were relieved but also wary about what they were going to find. They weren't discounting that it could be another trap since they had run into Loretta and her crew again that week. Dean knew Sam must be thinking about that too and it was affecting his ability to function.

Before, when Sam still had nightmares about his girlfriend Jess dying, he barely got enough sleep. Sometimes he had dark circles and compensated with tons of bad coffee. Sometimes Dean would wake up and hear his brother restlessly turning when he had a hard time getting to sleep. It was happening all over again only this time it seemed to be worse. Apart from having bad nights, Sam was quiet and when annoyed, he would shoot a look that gave the impression that he would do more than kick your ass. He barely ate and almost seemed like a ghost. Dean hoped that this road would lead to their girl and some peace of mind.

"I know, Dean," Sam's voice repeated softly. "And… this is my fault. I shouldn't have said anything."

Dean knew where this was heading and tried to head it off, "Hey, don't go there man. If anything it's equal blame on this one."

"I was the one that said we knew wherever that damn thing was and we left because of that. I left her alone."

"Bobby was there and hell on four legs. You know that the mutt would tear all the limbs off before the fugly acted."

"I left her alone, Dean." Sam was aware his tone sounded clipped. He rubbed his forehead trying to stave off the beginnings of a mild headache. "I fucked up again."

Dean opened his mouth slightly but nothing came out. He looked at his brother and sighed, "You didn't do anything wrong Sam. You were only doing what you thought was best. Hell even I thought the plan was a good one. I mean… we agreed that we would keep her current size quiet. Keep her safe that way and it worked for the most part."

"We should've put our foot down and sent her to Bobby's before taking on the case with Jesse." Sam rubbed his forehead again as he rested his elbow on the windowsill. He knew he was being a bit harsh in his hindsight but he got the feeling that if they hadn't gone on that case with her and found Jesse, then this could have been avoided. He should have been firmer.

"Hey you know as well as I that even full grown she could charm the pants off that Zachariah if she wanted to. I mean, who can stand up to that?" Dean looked at Sam but wasn't pleased with the result. He sighed again, "Don't beat yourself up on this Sam. She wouldn't want that."

The only time I would seriously kick your ass is probably never since you would probably never give me a reason to.

But I have… and I deserve it. Sam kept his thoughts to himself and managed to reply to Dean, "I know… but it's Angie. And she's alone and vulnerable now."

"Relax," Dean offered as he adjusted his speed. He managed to speed up a little but he was going to be mindful of it. Sam was right in that they didn't need to be stopped by the cops. "When this is over, how about you and me pay the old coot that did this to her a visit? It'll make me feel better getting on asshole on my shit list."

"Maybe," Sam offered with a slight smile. There were a few on the shit list he would like to gank himself. It was one of the things he and his brother could agree on without bringing out the recent shit like his starting the Apocalypse.

"Hey you know the rule: no one messes with our girl."

"Right."

Dean was a little relieved that he seemed to have brought Sam up a little bit. He was unsure how to take this calm demeanor of Sam's when it was so clear that he wanted to just let it all out. It made him a bit uneasy since it was not really a side that Sam had shown before. It was more like something Angela would show when she was pissed or disappointed; essentially when you know you did something wrong and she wasn't actually showing it. He was uneasy and found it a little creepy. Then again maybe it was better than exploding like Angela did when she was ready to angel ream Zachariah's ass in their dad's old storage unit.

"I'm okay Dean. I just need to make sure she's okay," Sam said to reassure his brother. He was better but still worried. He needed to see her again and then… He would be glad when the spell was over and she was her normal self. Then he could make things right and…

Dean nodded, "Good. Kira will find the other key, we get Angie and…"

"Be done with this."

"You're right on that."

The drive was silent the rest of the way except for when Dean asked if they were coming up to the turn they needed to take. Sam provided directions and he took the turn and it led them into a town that looked like it belonged in the middle of nowhere. Then again that was pretty much how they rolled when it came to hunting jobs. It was a quaint place and looked like no one was in trouble or nothing was bothering this town.

Sam checked his notes that he had written down and looked for the street signs. When they got their information they were both wary but even they couldn't deny that they were going to be the first to jump to get her back. The wariness was because of the nature of the town. What they didn't realize was that they were back in the same state where they met Jesse. It was the furthest from their minds as Dean pulled up to a small, quaint house.

It felt awkward since it wasn't a job per se. But they could handle it like a job in terms of going up and asking questions. It was just going to feel weird since they were essentially asking if whoever lived there had a little girl and if they could have her back. If they didn't play their cards right then it would be assumed that they were perverts or something. It was one thing at a time and Dean was willing to let Sam lead on this since he was better with the talking and he could always show the puppy eyes.

"Hey Sam, try not to go all bad cop or anything," Dean teased as they walked up towards the door.

Sam rolled his eyes at that as they came to the door. He stared at it and gave a firm knock. "If this is a wild goose chase…"

The door opened to reveal a young woman who was frowning in confusion at them. "May I help you?"

Both Winchesters looked at each other, not sure of what to say until Dean stammered, "Uh, we were looking for someone…"

"Eww," the woman replied in disgust. She shut the door in their faces.

"Wait," Sam protested as he shot Dean a look that he really needed to work on what he said to people, ignoring his brother's response. He knocked on the door. "It's not like that. We're looking for our… little sister. We were told that she was with you."

"Go away."

Sam stood there. Dean looked ready to break down the door and he would if it were part of a job they did. He put his hand on Dean's shoulder and said, "Please. Her name is Angela." At the silence he added, "Can you at least tell us if she's okay? My name is Sam and my brother is Dean."

It was an awkward moment as they stood outside the door. It was probably five to ten minutes. Then the door opened and the woman peered at them both like she was trying to determine if they were douchebags or not. It was spoiled when a very familiar voice called out, "Sammy?"

A/N: And here we start part two and Sam and Dean are looking for little Angie. Nothing too bad but it doesn't mean things are all right. This and more next time on Memory Resolved...