Chapter 2

She was lying face down on the ground after rolling off of the dumpster. Ruby looked ready to kill and she was. She grabbed her by the hair and lifted her head to expose her neck. The knife was ready to…

Sam looked off in the distance with a bit of a pensive expression on his face as he waited for Ruby outside the abandoned house they were using as a base. He leaned against the car that Ruby had and just lapsed into thought like a vicious cycle. He was still thinking about what had happened last night. Some of it was about the fight with Dean and the words he said but mostly it was about what he had seem Ruby almost do.

He had just left Dean and was exiting the motel to meet up with Ruby when he saw them. Angela was on the ground and down for the count. She was barely moving. It was like she had been stabbed again. It certainly didn't help when Ruby grabbed Angela by the back of the head and pulled out her knife. That he couldn't allow.

Sam knew that she had come to stop him. There was no other reason for her to be there. As to what she and Ruby had been doing outside… He knew that they didn't like each other. It was only a matter of time before either one of them started it, and it would be a fight to the death. The only thing was that he needed both of them.

It surprised him to admit that he needed both. The obvious with Ruby was that she gave him what he needed to be strong enough to kill Lilith. Angela… He couldn't quite name the why but all he knew was that he needed her. Even if she had been a part of the whole 'intervention', and he thought that she was clear; she had a surprised look like he did and Bobby restrained her, he wasn't angry at her like he was with Dean.

I'm not going to boss you Sam. You know I don't do that unless it involves daily chores. I emphasize it because I know I'm not one to get on the high horse and can only speak from experience.

In Sam's mind she never did try to boss him or call the shots as he pointed out to Dean. True there were some situations where she did take the wheel but not in a controlling way. She gave him the length of leash to make his decisions.

It is only when you fall that you learn that you can fly.

Sam felt his lip twitch slightly. He thought about last night and what he had seen. Could it be that she went back on her own saying and turned it into the 'do as I say, not as I do' thing? The vague thought that Dean bullied her into coming was a possibility even if it was a ridiculous notion. There was also the possibility that she jumped on the wagon of 'drug intervention'. He wasn't doing this for kicks. He was doing it to end it, make something good of it and so she didn't have to.

A whine caught his attention and he looked at the source. He couldn't believe that the dog was still around. He tried to shoo her away but she tagged along. He didn't get it since both dogs were very affectionate towards Angela. Sasha should have gone after Ruby for that and as a matter of fact Cerebus should have done the same thing too.

Sasha looked up at Sam and gave a slight whine. She was sitting at his feet and looking up. She had stayed by his side even though she would have liked to have torn the demon to shreds. She didn't like that demon. There was something up with the one that her alpha's alpha was keeping company with and she didn't like it. Still she would stay and protect him when needed. She looked up at Sam with soulful eyes.

"Why are you even sticking around?"

Sasha's whine told Sam that she was basically telling him because she wanted to. At least that was what he was thinking of. He really was being done in by the look the dog was giving him. It never occurred to him how similar the look was to the one he used with his brother and Angela. He sighed and reached down to rub Sasha on the head. He was grateful to have her around. It was comforting even though it was lonely still.

He knew that Ruby was behind him when Sasha let out a low growl from her chest. At least one thing was certain, it was like having Angela around since it was clear that the pup didn't like Ruby one bit and wasn't afraid to let it be known. It was followed with Ruby asking, "Sam? Your head in the game here?"

Sam swallowed a bit. Now that he was actually starting in on the plan, he had some apprehensions about it. He wished he wasn't doing this alone. He swallowed it though and replied to Ruby, "I'm good. Let's go."

Ruby looked at Sam and tried not to make a face at the low growl that the mutt gave. She still couldn't believe that Sam hadn't gotten rid of the damn thing. It never occurred to her that it was going to follow no matter what. She just gritted her teeth and bore with it. She asked, "You okay?" She couldn't afford having Sam going in halfcocked.

Sam turned to look at Ruby. He took in the healing bruises; another reminder of the fact that he was working with the very person that tried to kill Angela. He didn't like it and knew that Angela didn't like it when Ruby was around but did the best she could. "I just said I was," he replied feeling annoyed that Ruby was even asking.

Ruby studied Sam and noted the expression. Okay maybe she went too far in attempting to kill Absolution but she had been threatening it since day one; they both did. Besides the bitch attacked first and was going for the kill. Still she could try to be nice and it wasn't a good idea to mention Absolution just yet. "Look, I know hand-holding really isn't my thing? But still, Dean was wrong, saying what he said to you."

Sam leaned on the car and replied, "No, he was right to say it. I mean, I don't blame him, after what I did." He looked down and away as he thought about it. It had him wondering if Angela felt the same way with Dean's stance on monsters and such.

"Well after we're done, you guys will patch things up. You always do," Ruby replied. She put a hand to her side and felt the throb. "Then we can go back to being enemies and try to kill each other."

"That's not funny," Sam shot back.

"Please Sam. You knew the score when she walked back into your life, even before then. It's an issue between us."

"You tried to kill her before this was over."

"Well I'm sorry Sam but you can't expect me to play nice when I get into a fight." Ruby motioned with her arms to hide the pain she was in. "Besides she started it."

Sam peered at Ruby with an intense look, "She wouldn't unless you gave a good reason for her to. Don't think I haven't been noticing you both goading each other." He stared long and hard at Ruby as if he were trying to get her to be sorry for what she had done.

"And that was mild compared to other things," Ruby said, completely stretching the truth. "It was bound to happen. One of us would crack and it looks like she did first. Talk about strength."

Sam nearly glared at Ruby. There had to be a good reason why Angela would attack first, longstanding hatred aside. He didn't believe that it was on a whim that Ruby made it out to be thought the injuries indicated they were much more. "She's stronger than you think."

Ruby resisted making a rude sound since at that moment she heard Sasha give a warning growl. She changed directions, "Like I said after we're done, you guys will patch things up."

"You're talking like I got an 'after'," Sam said. He still hadn't let go of what had been implied about Angela. "I don't think so."

"Don't say that."

"It's true. I can feel it inside me, Ruby. I've changed. For good. There's no going back now." Sam tried to make it sound like it was a done deal. Maybe it was. He made his bed and now he had to lie in it.

Everyone has choices to make. The main thing is whether or not you can make the choice and still be able to live with it even if it haunts you.

Sam wasn't sure if he could live with what he had done. It made him wish he had asked Angela for details about any choice she made. Heck even the 'what would you do if you were in my position' question would have helped. His regret was that he didn't and now… He felt the power inside. It was hard to describe it but it was there. He did have to grow up some time. Maybe this was it. But he couldn't help but feel like he should reach out.

Ruby watched as Sam thought about things. This was going to be a pain in the ass since it was made clear to her that Sam had some ties that could still pull him back. She also didn't like seeing him this moody. "Sam…"

Sam had been internally debating with himself. He also had been doing some reading in between jobs. The WWAD question was before him and he knew somewhat what she would say and what she would do. He looked at Ruby and said abruptly, "Look. I know what I gotta do, it's okay."

"Really Sam?"

"I'm just saying… Dean's better off as far away from me as possible. Anyways, it doesn't matter. Let's just get this done with." Sam opened the door to the car and moved the seat to let Sasha in. There was no point to telling her to go away since she would probably chase them down the highway.

Ruby watched as Sam let the mutt in and then got in himself. She really didn't want the thing there since there was always the possibility of it screwing the pooch. Still Sam had been adamant about it staying so she figured that she would have to bear with it. She got in and said, "You better not shed beast."

Sasha gave a low growl. Sam just rubbed his face. This was going to be an ordeal and probably more trouble than it was worth. It was small comfort that Sasha put her head on his shoulder as if to say that she shared his pain. "Just go Ruby."

Ruby started the car. "Alright but I still say you should leave it here."

"She'll just chase us."

Tell me about it. This has Absolution written all over it. Ruby said nothing more as she turned the care towards the place where Lilith's demon gourmet chef was hiding out. Even when she was essentially defeated, the bitch still had a way of dogging her steps figuratively and literally. She was definitely going to kill her.

You might want to think twice about that bitch.

Ruby did her best not to react. You broke it off bitch.

And I told you off before this. Your fault that this is war.

Ruby glanced at Sam who had lapsed into thoughtful silence. He wasn't even paying attention to what was going on around him at the moment. The mutt was looking at her and occasionally gave a low growl from her throat. And what makes you think that you're gonna win. I kicked your ass.

For me to know and you to find out.

Dean had been on the receiving end of blunt force trauma and from various people. His most recent was from Sam. He had never been on the receiving end of a serious smack from the person most capable to do it. He rubbed the back of his head, still feeling the sting of the head slap he just received and looking at the deliverer with a look of shock mingled with agitation. "What the hell?"

"I can't believe you said that to him."

"I told him the exact same thing Dad said when he bolted for Stanford and he left anyway. It was his choice," Dean retorted. His temper was up, "Much like it was your choice to not kill the hell bitch he is with the last time."

Angela looked at Dean. Her eyes were blazing as they glared at him. Her hands were on her hips. Raising a hand she pointed at him and said, "Don't you even dare make a comparison."

"You should have killed the bitch."

"And would you rather I take off to chase her down and let you two think that I ditched you?" Angela looked at Dean and saw the expressions flit across his face. Her brow raised slightly as she said, "You thought that didn't you?"

Bobby watched the pair as they stood in a face off. He had been talking himself blue to Dean about calling Sam and talking to him but Dean wasn't biting. They were in the middle of a discussion when Angela came downstairs. She looked a little better but she still had bruises on her face. He had wisely not asked questions and didn't dare entertain the idea that Sam hit her. He knew that boy; Sam would rather die than hit her like that.

As for Dean, Bobby was frustrated. He was behaving like his daddy and it pissed him off. True John Winchester loved his sons but the sonofabitch really messed up in terms of relating to his sons. He would rather push his youngest away rather than reach out to him. It was when Dean repeated what he said to Sam that Angela came to life so to speak. She marched over and slapped Dean upside the head and it was loud and shocked them all into silence.

Dean looked back at Angela. He was still pissed at the turn of events, his girl actually hit him and… "We would have gotten the hint. Besides we've gotta face the facts. Sam never wanted part of this family. He hated this life growing up. Ran away to Stanford first chance he got. He made his choice."

Angela reached over lightning quick and slapped Dean upside his head again. The sound was louder than anything else that could have made a sound. "How dare you say that," she replied. "How dare you accuse him of running away!"

"And what would you call it?"

"Being human you moron." Angela almost snorted as she said that. As it were, keeping her hands on her hips was the only way of keeping from grabbing Dean in a head lock and making him cry 'uncle'. She kept Dean's gaze and continued, "For your information, Sam didn't run away. Your bonehead of a father pushed him away and believe me I wasn't afraid to let John know that he was an asshole."

Bobby remained silent on the whole thing. It seemed that Angela was saying enough for the both of them at the moment. He just blinked and watched to make sure that the two didn't start to try and kill each other.

Dean blinked. "And what do you know about it?" He paused a moment and turned towards the window. "I'm not calling him."

"Then you're the bigger bitch than he is on his worse day."

Dean pursed his lips before turning around, "We are damn near kickoff for Armageddon. We got bigger fish at the moment."

"Fuck that," Angela said with a scowl on her face. "Nothing is more important than this… It's about family. He's your brother and he's drowning."

"Angie I tried to help him. I did."

"Really?" Angela scoffed as she gave a hard look.

Bobby finally interceded, "Then try again Dean."

"It's too late," Dean said. "It's like déjà vu all over again. I am sick and tired of chasing after him. Screw him. He can do what he wants."

Angela stared long and hard at Dean as he sat on the seat he had taken. Her temper had been steadily rising since coming down since she heard Bobby and then Dean. She was about ready to pick up and just go out and look for Sam. Even if it was the old fashioned way. Bobby looked at Dean along with her as Dean as he added, "I'm not even sure if he's still my brother anymore. If he ever was."

It must have been one of those weird moments of the universe being in sync with everything else. Bobby ended up swiping a few stacks of books and papers on the ground at the same time two bookcases and their contents crashed and there was the slight hint of broken glass as well. Dean looked up as Bobby and Angela both said, "You stupid, stupid son of a bitch." Angela ended up adding, "Better yet you are the bitch."

"You under the impression that family's supposed to make you feel good?" Bobby stared long and hard at Dean, aware that Angela was trying hard to control her temper since there were a few things rattling around. He continued, "Bake you an apple pie, maybe? They're supposed to make you miserable! That's why they're family!"

Angela noticed the look on Dean's face. She knew what he was going to say and cut him off, "Don't you dare say what you're gonna say, Dean."

"How the hell do you even know? You don't know me."

"I know plenty," Angela replied in an even tone. Her eyes were narrowed. "I know that Sam is out there and you're here bitching instead of out there looking for him. Suck up your pride and give him a call."

"No," Dean replied. It came out quieter than he wanted but he felt like he couldn't stand against two people dead set on asking him to call his brother. "He made his choice Angie."

Angela looked at Dean. It was a stare off before Angela gave a short nod. She walked over to where her messenger back had been flung down, picked it up and slung it on her shoulder. She extended her hand and summoned her chakram and picked up Absolution off the old fashioned hat stand in the corner. She only paused when Dean asked, "Where the hell you going?"

"I'm going to find Sam. Maybe stop this before it gets beyond the point of no return." She glanced at Bobby before turning to leave.

Bobby heaved a sigh. He looked at Dean who was looking shocked that she just up and left. He said, "Dean…"

"Don't say anything."

"I will and you'll listen," Bobby countered. He took a deep breath and said, "You're a better man than your daddy was. Do us all a favor and don't be like him. Go and catch up with Angie before it's too late."

In the meantime Angela started towards the road that would lead her into town. She could have easily used her motorcycle or car or even stolen one of Bobby's junkers that was in working order but she figured that there had been enough trouble over that. Right now she was just plain angry and she needed to walk it off. It certainly was better than her nearly destroying Bobby's house with her mojo. Even though she was willing to pay for the damages, she owed Bobby that consideration. He took her in and gave her a room.

She knew that she had nearly lost her temper in there but she was upset with Dean. Some of it was justified at Sam too considering what he did. Right now though, she was pissed with Dean. It wasn't the fact that he was refusing to call Sam. It was the fact that Dean said the same words John did when Sam left to go to Stanford.

She had been on her way to pay more of a checkup visit on the Winchesters. She had heard that there was a problem with some monster or spirit… actually that was her excuse. She wanted to see how they were doing since the last she had seen them was when she heard about Sam winning an essay contest and won a prize for it.

It hadn't been hard to track the Winchesters. She could find John Winchester blindfolded. She knew the motels he picked and even though the boys were older and pretty much adults, he still had standards even though they weren't the high class version. Besides, the Impala gave them away pretty much. Basically she made it so she knew their habits to the point so that she could logically find them if she needed to.

The conversation was in full swing when she got to the door of the room. She recognized the tones of John Winchester and the indignant ones of Sam. It was pretty nasty from the words being exchanged. Sam was saying that he had a full scholarship and he was going. Then John said those fateful words and Sam was out the door.

Angela knew that John didn't want Sam to leave and it was all about a parent keeping their child safe. Hell she knew what was out there and that Sam was a potential target. Yet she knew that same parenting behavior was what was Sam's prison and to an extent Dean as well. She had to watch as Sam walked away with tears in his eyes and trying hard not to let the two most important people in his life see his pain.

She knew what Sam was about with working with Ruby. She could see his point. She also knew the consequences of such actions as well. Grunting in frustration Angela put a hand to her forehead as she walked forward. This felt like a holy mess and no pun intended. And she was stuck in the middle of this and equally to blame since her actions put others into motion just like anyone else's.

God, when did my life become so freaking complicated?

It was rhetorical and it didn't serve any purpose except to give her a bigger headache over everything. She could get some satisfaction in that she was able to send a warning to Ruby. She wasn't out of the game yet. She would track the bitch down and finish their piss match. The most important thing was that she talk to Sam.

She rubbed her head and it helped ease the throb. When she raised her head she found that she was no longer on the road to town. She was in a clearing in a forest. She raised her brow and looked around trying to ascertain where she was. She reached out with all her senses as she took tentative steps forward and looked around.

Her eyes lighted on a rock structure that was covered in moss. She looked at it and her eyes widened slightly. No it couldn't be. She couldn't be at that place. Not again. Her breathing started to become rapid as she looked wildly around.

"I told you one day you would be back."

A/N: Sam is thinking about what happened and Angie let's Dean have it and ends up somewhere that is familiar and not in the good way. Keep watching for more Descent into the Maelstrom...