Chapter 7

Wosret walked through the courtyard at a brisk pace. Normally she would have stopped to have looked at the fountain since it had been created with an artistic design in mind. She liked to watch the water spill from it and it reminded her of the preciousness of water particularly in her pantheon's home region. This time though, she didn't have the time to do so. There really was never enough time these days; not within the past few months.

Even though her daughter had been hidden with the Malachi, Wosret had been working tirelessly to divert attention away from the mortal realm. There were still those old windbag gods that feared the Halflings especially those of the god lineage. True there had been some that had been able to survive but even then they met suspicious ends if they weren't careful. She knew though that her daughter would be safe.

Now it was near the time in which she could present her daughter and place her under the protection of the guard and finish raising her within Karnak. The others would leave her alone since she was an adult and at the age that protects those with a drop of god blood. The problem was that even though she would be nine by midnight, the issue of returning her would be the sticking point since she would be most vulnerable.

Wosret wandered through the corridors of the palace looking for someone. She needed help and she knew who could help but the danger is spies. She glanced at the children that were playing in the courtyard as she crossed the verandah and gave a slightly sad smile as she pressed a hand to her abdomen.

It had been the hardest thing she had to do giving her up so young. Wosret knew that she would never have the close bond that she was certain would have formed between her daughter and the woman who was like a sister. Still she loved her daughter, enough to make sure that she was alive rather than dead at the hands of those self-righteous bastards and she was with the best people she knew.

She wandered through the eastern wing until she came to her rooms. She needed time to think since she hadn't been able to find who she needed to find. The usual servants had been not at their usual work. It was like they had been replaced at the last moment. It had made her cautious even though there hadn't been serious activity within the last month. It was all confusing as she took a breathing leaning against the wall and looked around the room that was hers.

"The last time we were together in this room… It was the best in my life."

Wosret looked up and into the corner from where the familiar voice came. She saw the familiar silhouette and gave a slight smile but it was laced with worry, "It was the best for me as well."

Walking forward, Wosret looked at her visitor as he stepped out of the shadows to look at her. He was giving a gentle smile that was for her alone. His hazel greens were glittering like she knew them. She had seen him in many forms but the eyes were the same. It was a quirk of his kind. Not being able to resist, she grabbed him in a hug, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I've missed you," she whispered.

"I've missed you too."

Wosret stayed in the hug before breaking it to look at him again. She took a breath hardly believing he came here. Normally he stayed away from such places… except when he came to see her. She said, "What are you doing here Gabriel?"

Gabriel looked at the goddess that stole his heart when they first met. "I came to see you."

Wosret made a slight sound. He had made the same sort of response before when they first met. She was a young goddess, the human equivalent of a twenty year old and it was her presentation to the other gods. It was basically a sign stating that she was ripe for breeding and that was a big thing since she was not any god but a warrior princess. That meant she would be courted by all the gods of war and warriors and a few of the other patron gods of other things.

She had no idea Gabriel was an angel since he presented himself as Loki, the Trickster of the Norse pantheon. She knew that he was different from the other gods. She knew he wasn't a god. She found that out when she managed to escape from the party and hide for an hour or so. She just happened to pick the place that he decided was a good hiding place.

He had been lounging on one of the window settees looking comfortable and she had thought that he was asleep when she came. She learned differently when he asked her something when his eyes were closed. They talked then for some time and that was when she discovered that he was not a god but an angel. It had been the first time she used her abilities in a practical setting rather than practice. Since then, they had met and talked and she lost her heart to him.

Looking at him now, she saw that much hadn't changed for him which was kind of silly to think so. They had been together when they had been able to. She replied, "Still using the same pickup line?"

Gabriel gave a smirk, "Still works doesn't it?" He took a step forward to get close to her. His eyed were lowered in a seductive manner.

Wosret took in his expression and replied, "It always has. It has since the day we first met."

"My finest moment. Cat always said I needed to get a better one but it's a special pick up line. It got me you." Gabriel smiled and gently touched the goddess' cheek.

"Have you been to see her?"

"I watch out for Cat," Gabriel replied as he took in the worried expression. He knew the reason for that look Wosret was giving. "She will do what she has to."

"It just doesn't seem fair that I put this on her," Wosret replied as she turned to glance at the open window. She could make out the outlines of the buildings outside the palace. Karnak was home to hundreds of people both human and non-human who chose to live in the sanctuaries rather than the world going by. Once she and her warrior sister had lived there together. "She has enough problems."

"Cat can handle herself. She wouldn't refuse you because you are a sister to her. Few people have been ever able to make it that far," Gabriel replied as he rubbed her upper arms with his hands. "It is how she is since… then."

Wosret nodded. She was well aware about that part of her sister's history. It made her feel lucky that she even had her parents. She looked up at the angel and replied, "And you still have watched over her since."

"Well I have a little help in that area."

Wosret smiled and looked down. As much as she would have liked to have continued this conversation, she had to know more about what was going on. She sighed and grasped gently Gabriel's elbows. "Gabe, why are you here?"

"I know about her," Gabriel replied without hesitation. "I know about who lives with my Cat and her dumb and dumberer." He made a slight face that was coupled with his signature smirk as he thought about how witty he sounded.

"Must you be so insulting?" Wosret looked at the angel incredulously even though she was pretty much used to it.

"Part of my charm, princess." Gabriel took in the look that followed and relented in his usual fashion, "Alright. They aren't dumb… at least Deano isn't. Sam is another story but he'll get there. At least Cat is the patient one."

"I know that she cares for them."

"Maybe so but going deeper, it's pretty evident that she has a thing for Sammy boy. Thing is I am happy for her finally opening her heart but amused and frustrated at the silly stupid dance they are doing." Gabriel wasn't going to waste his time being eloquent. He would leave that to his Cat when she tried to make a point. "I know about Hibah."

Wosret couldn't help but smile. "She gave her that name?"

"From what I was able to get from an old friend who knows Cat well. Takes a bit of talent to swallow his comments but he's good. He said that she was given the name Hibah and she has been flourishing under Cat's care." Gabriel tightened his grip gently on Wosret's arms. "I know Cat. She's not going to let anything happen to her."

"I know that. I fear though that with the rumors…"

"What rumors?" Gabriel became alert. He was good but even some things had been known to slip beneath his radar and feelers. He was super sensitive when it came to his Cat and anything related to her even if he liked messing with them.

Wosret noted the change and didn't hold back, "There are rumors that demons may have broken into Carpathia."

"Carpathia?"

"You do know that it is the maximum security prison created by the gods, don't you?" Wosret couldn't help but ask since she noted Gabriel's slightly puzzled expression. It wasn't like it was a secret being kept from the angels. She was well aware that they liked to pay a visit to the sanctuaries. Hell Gabriel was here and had met her here countless times. He should know this.

"I know," Gabriel replied as he continued to frown while mulling over in his head certain thoughts and facts. "Was there anything about why they decided to break in?" He looked at Wosret with an intense expression.

"No because at the moment everyone is concerned that they got in." Wosret frowned in return. She could see where this was leading and it looked like it could spell trouble. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking that it was used as a means of getting someone out."

"But that is impossible. No one has been ever able to escape. Just attempting to climb the wall alone brings rather nasty results," Wosret replied. She didn't doubt the angel but she could hardly believe that it could be broken out of. "Besides even if they somehow manage to breach the wall, there are the wolves and their handlers to get past along with the barriers and those wolves are bred from the 'unholy' union of a hellhound and a wolf."

Gabriel knew all this. He had seen it for himself and it wasn't a pretty sight. The Wild Wolves were a force to be reckoned with and would even put his Cat's Cerebus through the ringer. "Unless it was planned and by someone high up the pay grade."

"What?"

"It's not impossible Wosret. At the pay grade of say Lilith, there are means of finding out how the tricks work at the sanctuaries; most specifically Carpathia." Gabriel looked at Wosret as the understanding began to dawn on her face. "Someone wanted a prisoner out. Has there been a full bed check?"

"Not that I know of and the only people who would know are of the other side," Wosret replied, referring to the gods that didn't want Hibah alive.

Gabriel at first thoughts wanted to zip out of there and then go give a piece of his mind. However, he knew that there was often a larger plan at work. He couldn't shake that it had something to do with Hibah but she was almost nine. Anyone capturing her would have hell to pay since her powers would be at their fullest and if he knew his Cat, she would know how to use them. The only other option would be his Cat. "Then Hibah is the pawn in this. The bigger target is someone else."

"You thinking they want to go after the gods?"

"Not you or the family," Gabriel replied as he glanced out the window. Due to the power of the sanctuary and the gods running it, the sky assumed whatever took to fancy. For the most part it mimicked the 24 hour day. "It's someone else that they have a beef with and they have since they first caught wind of her."

"You mean…"

"Yes. This is to get to Cat," Gabriel replied. He started pacing a little agitatedly. This was not the way he wanted things to go down. "Are there any enemies of Cat that would be in Carpathia?"

"Most likely all of them," Wosret replied. She didn't know for sure but she could name a couple. "The one that tried to kill her last year, the Venator. Serving a life sentence and hard labor."

"Not him. That guy is like the equivalent of death row inmates," Gabriel reasoned. "He was judged not only for attempted murder but murder of various others like Cat of all the species. His partner gave him up and is serving a lighter sentence."

"Most of them would know her. Maybe one or two fought her but if it is as you suspect, then you are looking for someone that she would have fought and they lost. It would be someone of extreme hatred especially if it is Alistair and Lenya laying the ground rules," Wosret replied. She looked at Gabriel even though his back was towards her. "Gabe, this person would use anyone and anything to break her… including harming… our daughter."

Gabriel knew that. In fact as soon as Wosret said it, one name came to mind. He knew who it was that Alistair would have broken out. This one would have a vendetta against the Winchesters as well and combined with Hibah… He turned to look at Wosret but said nothing. He started walked towards the window to depart.

"Gabe, don't do anything foolish."

"I can't promise that Wosret. Not when both of my girls are in danger." With that he was gone leaving Wosret in her room.


"Nice digs right Sammy?"

Sam was looking out the window of the room that they were staying in. It was a very old fashioned bed and breakfast place. It reminded him of the house in Heber Springs except this time the rooms were in the house. It was one of those old money houses that had been converted into a motel. It had some of that old colonial furniture that looked nice and was reasonably priced. So far the day had been fun for Hibah but Angela had been quiet and it bothered him. It bothered him to the pint that he almost didn't hear his brother. He did manage to say, "Uh, yeah. Angie knows how to pick them. It's nice."

Dean noticed the chopped phrasing and could tell something was on his little brother's mind. He replied, "Yeah I know. So what gives?"

"What do you mean?"

"Come on Sam, I know that you are thinking about how quiet Angie was this afternoon." At the look Sam gave him Dean resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Yeah he would notice that. He watched over Angela like he did Sam because she was still a baby when it came to serious emotional stuff. Besides he learned her tells especially if it was something that she either couldn't or wouldn't tell them if it was serious. "I noticed it too. I'm just less obvious about it."

Sam made a slight face at Dean and replied, "Okay fine. Yeah Angie was a little off after she came back from the restroom."

"No doubt from the condition of the place."

"I'm being serious here Dean. She doesn't get that way unless something or someone is bothering her," Sam pointed out.

"What you think Ruby?" Dean frowned a little bit at that. "I know Angie would love to gank her ass but they have this weird truce going on and I think it has to do with something personal."

"Yeah for them. Ruby tried to kill Angie before."

No stupid. It is over you. Dean kept that thought to himself though since there was no point in agitating Sam and revealing something that he was still being the dumb college boy over. Instead he said, "No shit Sherlock."

"Maybe it is Lenya or even Alistair," Sam pointed out. "I mean Lenya had been tormenting Angie for… x amount of years and Alistair… some history there. The point is that it has to be something big." He took a deep breath and continued, "You and I both know that Hibah will be officially an adult by midnight and that means her real mother will come for her."

"So you're saying that she's going into a slump like on her birthday?" Dean looked at Sam to verify that. It would certainly explain quite a bit but even Dean knew that Sam was only trying to convince himself of that. They both knew their girl and that it usually was a deeper thing. "That makes sense since she loves Ninja. I can only imagine when it actually happens. Good thing the kid knows."

"Like that's going to help," Sam deadpanned. He was going to say something else but the knock at the door stopped him. He paused in his conversation and went to open it. Outside was the old lady who ran the place and she was holding some blankets. "Can I help you?"

"Just some warm blankets and to let you know that the downstairs parlor is open. There are cookies," she replied and gave a slight smile. "And pie."

Dean heard the word pie and almost shoved his brother aside. He did recover and say, "Thank you. We'll be down." He took the blankets and closed the door. He looked at them and felt the quality in the threads. "Well let's go down. Maybe there might be a fruit desert for you Francis."

"Jerk," Sam replied as he followed his brother. More likely Angela and Hibah would be down there. Hibah had a sweet tooth like Dean and she could eat twice as much.

The brothers made their way down the hair towards the stairs. A door had opened and it piqued their interest. Well it piqued Sam's since when he peeked in, it was a study of some sort with books and other antique like things. He wasn't interested in pie like his brother and decided to take a quick look. It wouldn't hurt and maybe he was overreacting about Angela's behavior.

Entering the room, Sam thought it was something out of those old English detective novels, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle worthy. Certainly the woodwork and the books on the shelves could attest to that. Some of them looked like they were rare editions and they were worn as if they had been used over the centuries since their publication. Sam went to one of the shelves and scanned the titles. They were all of subjects that seemed interesting and it looked like a few of the things that were related to the supernatural.

The door suddenly closed and Sam looked up. He walked over towards it and tried to pull it open. It didn't budge. He knew right away that something was up and he was stuck in there without a weapon. He didn't even have the knife. He looked around, trying to find something to break the door open, or even a window.

"Hello Sammy. Been awhile."

Sam turned to see a sight he wished he didn't have to see. "Lenya."

"Nice that you remember," Lenya replied. "Of course Deanie remembers the fun we had. He's just too modest to admit to it." She gave a sweet smile and studied the younger Winchester.

"What are you doing here? What do you want?" Sam stared at the demon to try and determine what she was going to do. He was also trying to figure out what he was going to do since he didn't have the means of actually killing her.

"Do you always ask questions to which you know the answer to?" Lenya frowned in a mocking manner as she advanced towards Sam.

Sam made a slight movement with his shoulders. Angela would often ask him the same thing and mostly it was to tease him. Coming from Lenya, it was a whole different thing. He could be cute like Dean but it didn't seem like a good idea at that moment. He went with the next best thing, "Maybe I just like hearing it straight from the horse's mouth."

"Funny. Do you tell her that too?" Lenya looked at Sam. She could see that he was weighing his options. "Then again maybe it is a joke between the both of you. Would explain quite a bit."

"What do you want?"

"Oh Sammy, you should know the answer to that," Lenya replied sounding disappointed. "Did you really think that encounter with Daddy was the only one you would ever have?"

Sam felt his eyes widen. He knew that Hibah was still at risk and he didn't really question why there was no further attack by the demons. He assumed that Angela had made arrangements about that. That was certainly his thoughts when Ares mentioned his involvement and then Castiel was working on the angel end. "Hibah. Angie."

As Sam started towards the door to try again, he found himself flung aside and he was plastered against the wall. He grunted as he felt the all too familiar pressure on his body. He couldn't even move. All he could do was turn his head and watch as Lenya advanced slowly, taking her time. He said, "Leave her alone. She's done nothing to you."

Lenya smiled a slow and predatory smile at Sam. He was always the first to defend little sister just like she would for him. It was so pathetic that only one of them saw it. She wondered how long it would be until Sammy learned the truth. "Oh Sammy, Sammy, Sammy. Do you really think that I care about the little godling? Why should I since her time is almost up anyway."

"Come on, a half god? Isn't that tempting enough?" Sam grimaced at the pressure that was pressing him to the wall.

"I'll admit," Lenya replied as she stopped when she was super close to Sam. She eyed his physique with interest. He was rather… interesting. "It is tempting. We would have tried previously but as you may have noticed, little sister tends to scare the hired help."

"Piss her off you're damn right you should be scared."

Lenya chuckled as she smiled at Sam. She was close enough that their lips almost touched. She knew that he had been in this situation before. Nothing like a little tiny reminder of what made Dean her favorite plaything. She pressed her lips to his and drew it out as long as she could, reveling at his struggling. When she pulled back she saw the look on his face. "Now tell me that you didn't like that. You certainly enjoyed Ruby."

"Bitch."

"Be nice Sammy. After all, the godling is nothing but a means to an end." She turned to look at Sam and before he could say anything, she flung him and prepared to have a little fun.


A/N: Looks like Gabe realizes what is going on and goes to help Angie but will it be too late? Looks like Lenya is having fun with Sam. Stay tuned for next time on Heart and Soul...