Chronicles of Absolution: Souls Ameliorated

Chapter 1

Then

… She struggled to take deep breaths and watched as the owner of the voice gave a malicious smile, the hatred plain in her eyes. Finally Angela managed to let out one word, "Mary?"

… "You do have the choice to tell them but be aware that such revelations always have consequences that are not always foreseen," Apkallu replied…

… Ramos listened grinning. This was going to be good. It was partially mingled in jealousy. He replied, "Sounds like you're wondering if she'll take your place in your brother's life." This was going to be a profitable night…

… "I once said that when people find out things about me, I am either still a fellow hunter or become the hunted…"

… He saw her face looking sad and defiant at the same time. She also looked broken and he could see the blood from a cut on her lip. She was looking at someone and he turned to take a look. What he saw had him shocked. He saw his mother but her eyes were full of hatred…

… "Too little, too late," Mary replied in a voice that was tinged with darkness. She paced back and forth in front of Angela still looking at her with intense hatred. "You were supposed to be my friend. You were supposed to protect me and my family. In the end, you betrayed me."

… Yellow Eyes smiled and said, "You can't save them all no matter what you try."

… "So Angie, did you think that you could just hand over Sam like that?"

Angela frowned in confusion as she subtly jiggled her wrists. She was almost free. She looked up at Dean and asked, "What are you talking about? Why would I do that?"

Dean pointed at her and nearly shouted, "Don't lie to me little blood bitch. You used Dad to get to Sam. Why don't you just admit it?"

… Angela noticed that there was a flicker in Dean. Something must have connected but it was quickly gone. Hell she tried. She shrugged her shoulders, "Let's face it, you are right Dean, I'm not human and I'll never be. You want to protect Sam, then kill me and keep at it with the search for Yellow Eyes. Use Absolution to do it." She walked forward until the tip touched her chest. "Just keep thinking that you are ridding the world of something evil and it will be fine."

Dean was shocked at that revelation. She killed because it was necessary. Yet she set the demon free that was after Sam. Thoughts warred within his mind as he stood there with the tip of her sword pressed to her chest. The next thing he heard was the crash of a door and Sam's voice, "Dean!"

… "You're right Sam. This arrangement is over." Dean glared at Angela and his brother and walked out of the building leaving everyone else in there…

… I decided that separation would be best for now. You and your brother are adept at keeping each other out of trouble and you don't need me bringing you more. I will stick by what I promised your father and keep an eye on you both just not how we had been going. Maybe if things work out we could try again. Like I said before, working in a team has been good for me. Besides families shouldn't fight…

… He peered around the edge expecting to see someone in a suit and was surprised at what he saw.

"Hi Bobby."

Now

It was busy in the diner. Folks were bent over their cups of coffee and/or plates of food at the counter. Some were having amicable conversations at the tables and booths. It was overall a pleasant atmosphere. One could even say that it was normal.

Sam looked around. It was just like any other diner that he and Dean had been hitting while staying under the radar and doing their job but it fell flat. It had been ever since that day they left Hudson behind. Since then they managed to put a spirit that had been haunting the highway once a year to rest, learned that a priest was playing an angel, a girl demon riding his ass, a trickster and of course Madison. Then they made it out to Hollywood for that job. Yeah they did their job but it still bothered Sam that not once had he and Dean talked about the possibility of calling Angela and asking for her to come back.

To be honest, he never took the opportunity especially after he hooked up with Madison and when he wormed it out of Bobby that she had been there to help exorcise Meg from him… Dean had the warning look and to be honest Sam didn't have the heart. He had been working the candle at both ends. Where he tried to show Dean, he had been talking with Angela. True to her word, she was available when he called but it really wasn't the same as her being there.

Sam speared a piece of the short stack that he had ordered and took a bite remembering the time she actually made pancakes and to tease Dean, she made it into a face with fruit. Of course she got him too by making his look like a clown and told him to conquer his fear by eating it. He gave a slight smile at the memory. It was encouraging to try again on his campaign to get her back.

"Haven't seen that look in a while."

Sam snapped out of his thoughts to realize that his brother was actually talking to him. He replied in what Dean would consider the lamest answer ever, "What?"

Dean was enjoying a mouthful of bacon when he noticed his brother actually eating for once and enjoying it. The smile was something to see especially since Sam was still moping over Madison. When Sam gave his lame ass answer, he decided to let it slide and said, "Been a while since you voluntarily revealed the pearly whites."

"Oh just a random thought."

"Must've been a good one since I've never seen you smile like that since…" Dean trailed off uncertain as to whether or not it was a good idea to mention Madison's name. He rolled his food in his mouth to cover and took a swallow. A pull of coffee also was a good cover.

"It's okay Dean. It was just something I remembered." Sam wasn't sure if that was a sure track to follow. Still it was a start and he would have to make up his mind sooner or later.

"Really? What?"

Sam cringed inwardly that Dean was being persistent in this line of questioning. He really didn't want to get into an argument this early in the morning and over the one meal that could determine the mood of the day. He couldn't ignore it either since that was walking into a field of landmines. Well he might as well get it over with. "Just remembering devouring my fear of clowns."

Dean remembered that well. He saw that it was a set up to another one of Sam's pleas to at least call her. So far he had resisted. It wasn't that he didn't want to call her because hell he was spoiled on her food and he wasn't really angry with her. In fact the initial rage had gone long ago and he still was angry that she kept something important like knowing Dad from him. He was confused still and he felt guilty about putting her in that position. He wasn't sure if he could face her so he kept up the façade that he was pissed at her. It took considerable effort as he put on his bland face and was helped by the fact that he dwelt on the anger he did feel. "I see."

Sam saw that Dean was going to retreat into that don't want to talk about it mode and he had enough. He took a stand and began, "Dean, it's been what… almost three months. Are you telling me you're still pissed?"

"I don't want to talk about it Sam."

"Well we got to talk about it Dean. Believe it or not this… whatever this is… it's not helping and is just like you bitching over a love tap on the Impala."

"That was not a love tap and you know it Sam," Dean pointed out. He really didn't want to get into this discussion. "And my answer is still the same… no. She wanted out and if she wants back in she has to be the one to call."

"Right," Sam replied clearly annoyed. He had almost finished his breakfast so it wouldn't matter if he left his plate on the table. "She has to call when she overheard everything you said the day she left. And she has been trying to get back in. She came back didn't she?" He then got up and let out a sigh, "Look I don't want to fight about this but whatever you have a beef with… you have to deal with it." Sam looked like he was about to say more but he gave up and turned to leave.

"Sam."

Sam stopped and turned around. He looked at his brother and waited.

Dean for his part knew that Sam was right but he wasn't ready to deal with it. He said, "Maybe just not now." It was not much but it was something in Dean's mind and he hoped Sam understood that as he waited for his brother's response.

Sam saw that it was a start. It was an honest response from Dean. He nodded, "Alright. I'm going to take a walk and maybe call Bobby. See if he has a case for us."

Dean let his brother go. He finished his breakfast though he seemed to have lost his appetite. Yet he was not one to waste good food even though he could admit that her cooking was better. He remembered that breakfast and that was when she convinced a diner cook to let her try her hand. How she did it, Dean could only guess at the time. He remembered how for once he actually went health fetish like Sam though he had the most laughs when she presented the clown.

Dean could honestly admit that having her around made things less bad. And Sam was right: she came back. She came back to help when Sam was possessed. She knew how to break the binding and she held Sam while Bobby did it. And he was sure that he saw her in San Francisco on the werewolf case. He had no proof of that but he was certain. He finished his breakfast and thought about what to do. He didn't notice that the whole conversation had been watched by a nondescript shadow near the back of the diner and that he signaled two others that were near the exit.

Sam walked towards the Impala and leaned against the car as he pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. He waited patiently until the person on the end picked up. He said, "It's me."

No shit Sam. This must be a record for you. A whole day before calling me.

Sam couldn't help but chuckle. The jokes had started coming back a few weeks ago and were a sign that things were getting better on her end. He could also pick up the sounds in the background. He asked, "Keep it coming. Sounds like you're busy. Did I call at a bad time?"

Nope. Just taking care of a little business.

"Business?"

Nothing to get your boxers in a twist over. So what did you need?

"Just checking to see how you were doing," Sam gave a slight roll of his eyes knowing that he should tell the whole truth or she would pester him over it. He continued, "And to let you know that I tried talking to Dean about…"

Don't worry about it Sam. Don't let this get between you. When he's ready… he'll say so. Part of picking your battles is knowing when to push and when to let it stew.

Sam listened to her voice. It sounded cheery but he was no fool. He could hear that she was disappointed though she would never say so. He didn't miss her warning though. Thing was that it was frustrating working like this. At this rate he would need something that would force the two of them together and work it out. It was something to think about as he replied, "Alright Angie. So you are okay?"

Don't be a worrywart. Look I took a peek at Bobby's charts and there's a simple salt and burn in Tennessee.

"And I should call Bobby for details but aren't you in Sioux Falls?"

He heard her laughter but it was a little forced. Sam knew she wasn't going to tell him and yet he was always tempted to ask and he did. It was somewhat of a ritual now. "I get it. The less I know the better."

Nature of what I do. Take care of yourself.

"You too," Sam replied and waited until he heard the click of her hanging up. It was the same. If it wasn't her being the listener, she was the job giver. He seriously was considering a forced meeting or something. Maybe he should just wait for something to fall into his lap. He then dialed Bobby's number unaware that he was being watched by two people.

It was all a matter of balance. One false step and it was short drop and a sudden stop… wait that was if you got hung. Here it was more like if you step on a crack you'll fall and break your back. It was one of those ridiculous sayings that inevitably meant that if you weren't careful, you would suffer the consequences and they usually held some grain of truth.

One foot forward, toes pointed out. Stretch out through the leg. It was ingrained into the muscles and it only became stronger with each step, each element. Bend down forward, hands touching the surface. Raise one leg up, then the other and then lower into a split. Center weight on the hands for balance.

A sound was coming across the way. Multiple footsteps meaning multiple bogeys. Keep focus on balance. The key was to not let them know that you were on to them. One foot down, the other up with toes pointed and then down. Slowly move to standing position. Balance on one foot and rotate to opposite end with hands out for balance. Keep the stretch through the leg as balance is kept and slowly walk forward one foot at a time. The footsteps were moving faster. Wait for it…

The first sprang out from behind a junk pile and flew towards her. Angela dropped down on the balance beam she had been working on, straddling it and allowing herself to grab the staff that was nearby. She avoided the swoop and recovered by pushing herself up to jump to a standing position on the beam and backed into a defensive stance.

Two more sprang out in addition to the first and started towards her. Angela reacted by moving and twirling her staff. Maintaining her balance was crucial until she wanted to get off the beam. She struck with her staff hard hearing the grunts as it struck. As they attacked, she gave them a smack while she twirled on the beam all the while maintaining her balance.

One had the idea to grab a staff and jump on the beam with her. Angela grinned at the prospect and backed to give her opponent room and swooped in for the kill. The staffs clashed together, the clunks resounding. That wasn't all of it though. While she had one on the beam, the others tried to get her off balance by attacking while she was fighting. She was ready and used her agility to drop and jump when needed.

At one point her cell phone rang. She couldn't help but grin since it was just another challenge. Before starting, she had put a hands free unit in her ear just in case someone wanted something. It was ringing now so she flipped it on to receive the call. She had an idea of who it might be since there were only two people who would definitely call this number and a few others who would call it if it were an actually emergency for a job. "Hello?"

It's me.

"No shit Sam. This must be a record for you. A whole day before calling me." Angela was aware of pleasure that it was Sam. After going back to her old life, she found that she had missed the company and was surprised that Sam had taken up her offer of him calling her. She actually looked forward to the calls even though they weren't frequent and that was fine. It was a supplement to the times she was actually able to get out there and check and make sure that they were okay.

The conversations were stiff at first but eventually she was able to bring herself to tease Sam just as she did now. They started out simple and unintentional and then a little bit forced. Now the words could flow easily even though she had to force some of her jokes a little.

Keep it coming. Sounds like you're busy. Did I call at a bad time?

Angela paused a moment to twirl her staff to block a move. She followed through with a strike on the end. That allowed her to hit an attacker in the face with the butt end of the staff. She was aware that all the noise was filtering through but it was fine. She replied, "Nope. Just taking care of a little business."

Business?

Angela grinned as she put her hands on the beam and did a spin kick to knock her opponent down. She watched as the attack fell over backwards and his back hit the beam and he fell off. He was replaced by another. By this time she had a total of five… well now four attacking her. "Nothing to get your boxers in a twist over. So what did you need?"

The conversation followed with Sam giving his reasons for calling. Angela didn't really have that much hope that Dean would actually cave to Sam's pleading. She didn't blame him either and harbored the idea that his anger was hate. She could buy it since she remembered what the demon had said. She didn't let that cloud her concentration as she took out another attacker.

She was actually touched that Sam was trying so hard on her behalf. He didn't have to do it but he did and she hoped that he wasn't doing it like paying a debt. She had been careful to minimize her involvement but that business with Meg was unavoidable and if she stopped to explore the reasons, she would have been stunned by them. The reasons for helping Madison… well doing what she could for the girl; those reasons would have surprised her too even though she gave the girl fairly adequate ones.

She could hear the dejected tones in Sam's voice and told him not to worry about it. She also told him to not let it affect his relationship with his brother. For some reason, preserving that sibling relationship was more important to her than trying to convince Dean that she should be hunting with them again. Maybe it was because she never had a sibling herself and to see it in others… in humans… well it was a pleasant thing to see.

Finally getting Sam to focus, she directed his attention to calling Bobby for another hunt. Actually she had mentioned it to the grizzled hunter and he did the research on it and was going to call the boys to tell them about it. As usual, she skirted around telling Sam where she was, feeling bad about it but also deeming it a necessity. She was still on Yellow Eyes' trail more than ever and she had made a few impressions with some of his lower minions.

Relieved to divert attention, she gave a laugh as she refused to answer his query. At the same time she swung her staff and winded another attacker and knocked the block off another. She was almost done putting them down. She ended the call by telling Sam to take care of himself. When that became routine, she had no idea but she found it as a means of saying good bye without saying good bye. Plus also it had the hidden meaning that Sam should watch out for his brother too.

As usual Sam replied with his own farewell and she hung up. At the same time she managed to take out the last attacker by giving multiple strikes to his body. She finished with a swing that struck the head and knocked him off the beam. Holding the staff at a ready position, she brought it close to her body and flipped off the beam. She looked at the attackers who were writhing on the ground in pain. She never held back when it counted.

Suddenly someone grabbed her from behind preventing her from using her staff. Angela knew that this kind of maneuver was sure to piss her off if he made his second move. It was best that she react now.

Releasing the staff, she reached up with her hands and grabbed her assailant with her hands. With all her strength, Angela flung him over her shoulder but he didn't release her. Instead he took her with him and she landed on his chest and stomach. She was momentarily stunned by it but was by no means finished. She took the opportunity to drive her elbow in deep where the diaphragm was. She heard the air come out in a whoosh and continued to wedge her elbow in there just to add a little insult to injury.

It was effective and the assailant released her. She flipped herself over and straddled him. Her position effectively allowed her to lock his arms and prevent him from moving. She could feel him struggle underneath and gave one of her slow predatory grins until she felt the tap. With grace, she released him and rolled off to a standing position. She backed into a fighting stance and bounced slightly on the balls of her feet. She then gave a smile and dropped her fists and said, "You're getting better. I'll admit that though I can't say much for your trainees Fang Boy."

Christian gave a tolerable smile as he got to his feet rubbing where she had hit him. He did tell her not to pull any punches and she agreed, giving it all she got. He replied, "Well I don't think they took fighting with a legendary Shadow Master seriously." He laughed as the trainees groaned while getting to their feet.

"I would hardly call me legendary," Angela replied as she went to grab a towel where her jacket was laid. She dabbed herself to wipe the sweat off and said, "Thanks for the training. I needed it and I see some promise in these ones."

"Coming from you, that is a compliment," Christian replied with a slight smile. He then barked an order to the trainees and they scrambled to comply. When they were gone he asked, "How long are you going to stay here?"

"As long as she wants Fang Boy. My house."

Angela turned to see Bobby coming around a pile of old junkers. She smiled and said, "And all I asked was for tent space in the back."

"Like I was going to do that," Bobby retorted trying to sound gruff. He covered by adding, "Well I made some iced tea. It's at the house."

"Thank you Bobby," Angela replied.

"Thank you Mr. Singer but we have to get going." Christian gave a respectful nod and disappeared to attend to his trainees leaving the pair to walk back to the house of the Singer Salvage Yard.

A/N: Welcome back folks to a new and exciting adventure of the Chronicles of Absolution. Seems like things are sort of okay but not quite. The trio has been separated and it looks like it would take a hell of a hunt to bring them back together. Will that happen? We'll see...

For those that are curious, ameliorated comes from the verb ameliorate and means to make better or tolerable. I will leave you to figure that part out. Until then see you next time on Sould Ameliorated...