PART ONE – ANNA
Chapter Two – A Step Ahead
It wasn't exactly a traditional possession. Even if Anna hadn't been far too damaged to take consistent control, she was tired, her spirit was battered and worn and she had no desire to face the world every hour of every day. She was happier letting Layla keep control as much as possible. Sometimes she slept in the back of her vessel's mind, basking in the glow of the woman's gentle, steady faith as her powers slowly, carefully demolished the cancer inside her. When she was awake they talked and planned.
Anna had heard a lot over angel-radio about the Winchesters' history, and she called up every scrap of information, every rumor and every clue to piece together a more or less accurate account of what was going to happen and, more importantly, how to change it for the better.
She kept no secrets from her vessel; Layla didn't seem to need protecting, remarkably adapt at taking everything in stride. The woman's optimism balanced out Anna's recent outbreak of fatalism, and between the two of them they managed a plan that could change everything- if it worked.
It has to work, the determination echoed through Layla's mind, soothing the stirrings of nervousness that tried to surface as she stepped out of her car in front of a church in Blue Earth, Minnesota.
It wasn't a huge place, but it was beautiful: old but well-kept with massive stained glass windows on each side. The door was unlocked and they slipped inside quietly. The familiarity of a place of worship warmed them both, making it easier to focus, and when the pastor standing at the front of the church looked up, Layla managed a smile that didn't shake.
"Good morning. Can I help you?" the pastor asked in amiable tones as he stepped around the pulpit.
"Pastor Jim?"
"Yes?"
There really wasn't time to dance around the subject. "I know you're aware that there are monsters on this earth. There's a demon after the Winchesters, and I'm afraid it's going to try to kill you to get to them." His body language changed in an instant. Shock slid quickly into wariness; he looked poised to bolt. "I'm here to keep that from happening," she assured.
"Who are you?"
"Layla Rourke. I'm… just someone who met Dean and Sam a few months back. But-" Layla felt tingling heat across her shoulder blades as Anna let loose her grace enough to stretch out her wings, showing the shadow to the stunned pastor. "I'm also the vessel of an angel, Anna." It wasn't her first name, but Anna was the one she'd chosen to keep, the one that mattered.
"Angel," Jim echoed faintly, staring.
"Surprise." She offered an understanding smile. "There aren't many running around on earth right now. Not supposed to interfere, you know? But, well, with all the demons involved, Anna thought it'd be best to even out the odds a little." That was true, if not the whole truth. It was easier just to skip the whole explanation about time travel if they could manage without it. "Do you know anything about devil's traps?"