Chapter 8
Angela leaned against the wall of the bathroom and ran a hand through her hair. She had been horrid with the boys in that reaction display. She knew that it was a bad idea to have had Hibah there and she had been regretting it since they got back. She was the one that usually freely interpreted her jobs and she did that by taking Hibah everywhere with her and in so doing Alistair had his scent on her or he knew about it before hand.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had failed before and now she nearly did it again. She was supposed to protect Hibah and she put her in danger. She put her in danger anyway since she knew Alistair and he knew here. There was history between them… a lot of history. There was also Dean.
She knew that Dean had gone to Alistair in the pit. She knew what the demon was about and what he got off on. He thrived on making the righteous suffer and he had a way of… Lenya was the apprentice and yet a master in her own right. That she had her way with Dean, it rankled her to think about it. And she was the one that wanted Dean to talk to her about it. She knew as well as he did the number that place did to a person.
With her temples pounding, Angela closed her eyes as she leaned against the wall and rubbed her head. She was working herself into a frenzy but it seriously forced the issue of her ability to be a protector. She was used to protecting adults and she screwed that up royally several times over and there were plenty of people to remind her of all those times. Azazel was the best topside but Alistair was the king overall.
Why me? Why did you pick me Wosret?
Because she knew that you wouldn't refuse.
Yeah and look at the track record. People I care about dead and by the hand of the very things I swore to protect them from.
And that worked out so well.
And yet even the best made plans can fail in times of need. Forces beyond control at work; I even told Sam sort of about that. He knows me dealing with failure is one of my bigger faults. It's beyond my control…
Keep telling yourself that and maybe one day you'll believe it. It will be a cold day in… well you get the picture.
It's beyond my control…
Please. You just jump in because you have a bleeding heart.
I can still help make this work.
And they rely on you too much. They expect you to know everything.
Angela paused in her mind argument and slowly opened her eyes. She realized that she had slid towards the ground. She was squatting and leaning against the wall. She looked up at the ceiling and felt the glare of the light reflect off of her eyes. She took a moment to study the ceiling and think a few things through.
Standing up, she turned on the hot water in the sink and then cranked on the shower's hot water. Dean may get on her case later but that was a moot point now. She knew that Hibah was in good hands. The baby had taken a liking to Sam especially and she also liked Dean and they wouldn't let anything happen to her.
The steam began to fill the room as she turned to face the mirror in the bathroom. Reaching into her jeans' pocket, she pulled out her pocket knife and gave a wry look at it. She flipped the blade out and without hesitation she pricked her finger and made the blood ooze. With swift practice she drew on the walls with blood. When that was done she drew on the mirror by writing on the steam. It was followed by more markings with the blood on her finger.
Over the water still pouring, Angela stared at her handiwork and took a breath. She then began chanting the spell chant. She could have used Enochian but that would have been a beacon and she didn't need that even with Hibah hidden from the angels. Besides who she wanted to talk to was not an angel. She continued the spell chant until the end and hesitated for just a fraction of a second. She then said in the language she knew her contact would hear, "I am here and calling you."
There was no reply. The only sound was the water from the shower and the faucet. The water was cooling down but the sigils she had drawn were there still. It was an interesting quirk once a spell chant for this type of communication was issued. It was a messier version with all the blood but she wasn't going to take any chances.
When she didn't get a response, she replied in the language again, "I am here and calling you. I summon thee the heart of the Nile."
This time there was a response and it wasn't what she expected. Angela listened to it and frowned slightly. She looked upwards as if that would help in hearing what she was hearing.
And who is this that summons the heart of the Nile?
"Shifa', Malachi of Absolution."
That name is not known.
Angela pursed her lips. She glanced at the door for a moment and then up at the sky. She replied, "Shifa', the warrior princess of Satet and Hapi, Princess of the Nile."
It has been long time since we last spoke.
Angela recognized the voice then and there. She narrowed her eyes and replied, "I called the Heart of the Nile… not you whoever you are."
This is the second time you have appealed to forces. I am curious as to why.
"It's called asking for help," Angela replied, letting the sarcasm leak through slightly. This was the second time that someone answered the phone that wasn't the intended recipient. She was certain that this was a setup of sorts but the endgame was still eluding her.
You seek help from the Heart of the Nile? Why?
"Well that is for me to know and for the Heart to find out," Angela countered in her difficult fashion. She paused and looked up at the ceiling and added, "How come is it that every time I try to make a call someone else picks up the phone?"
Why bother at all? You are more than capable of handling whatever comes your way.
"Great another delusional soul," Angela replied as she gave a slight eye roll. "Look, I just need help and I want some advice from the person I am trying to call. You people seem to have funny ideas about me and quite frankly I am tired of it being assumed that I will get the job done." She had spoken calmly like she was doing her dealings with Cary and it had taken a lot not to shout since that would bring Sam and Dean bursting in.
What help do you need when you have two people who would do anything to help you? Are you that afraid?
Angela would have normally retorted right away. The response had her pause a moment. Whoever it was that answered the phone was as good as she was at hitting the nail on the head. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She did have two people who would help her if she asked for it and she did ask for it in a roundabout way from Sam before they even arrived. Hell she even asked Ruby for help by taking Anna to a secure location.
The problem was that she was afraid. She was afraid of the demon that she hadn't seen in… she wasn't even sure how many years; at least a century. She never talked about it with anyone with the exception of Gabriel but even then she withheld from him and he was the one that went to hell to rescue her. She was afraid of Alistair but not of what he was but what he had done and could do to what was hers. She had been afraid before and she hated the feeling. It made her feel weak and she did everything she could not to show it.
Sighing Angela looked upwards and said, "I do have help but I need advice about what to do with what I am asked to do. Protection is not my best thing."
Those that have lived would say otherwise.
"And try telling that to the people that mattered the most. I did everything to prepare and even then… but you can't save them all."
And yet the smallest thing makes all the difference. You were chosen for a reason with your current charge and it is up to you how you want to carry it out.
"You have an annoying habit of repeating things I tell others but I see your point. I just don't want anything to happen to my gift." Angela was aware that she was referring to Hibah as hers even though she was Wosret's. She knew Dean had a point with her taking in things after naming them and it was always with something that appealed to her better nature… if she had one.
Only from what I have observed. Castiel speaks highly of you.
"He would though I think some things might be an embellishment," Angela replied. She looked at her reflection again. She sighed knowing that she had just needed to get everything off her chest and it had been a shock to see Alistair again. Now she felt that she could pick up the reigns again and do what she had to do in order to protect Hibah and protect Anna. She knew the demon well having played his game before.
She could also figure out what to do about Hibah's angel abilities. The Angel Air trick worked like a charm but it made Hibah a target. She was going to have to teach the baby a few things but only when she got older. As of the moment she could think of other things to do. Giving a slight smile, she added, "Thanks for the advice but I think next time you should let who the phone call is for answer. I can understand if she couldn't talk because of the current situation."
How else am I going to have an opportunity to speak to the Malachi of Absolution, the warrior princess?
Angela gave a slight chuckle as she put her hand on the mirror. "Good-bye" She ran her hand through the steamed glass and broke the sigils. Whoever this person was, they were pretty good with the advice but awfully nosy. At least she made sure that she couldn't be found and her tattoo helped a little in that regard with the exception of her guardians.
Feeling better now that her headache was gone, she made ready to face the boys again. She took a deep breath and was about to open the door when she heard Sam talking through the door. She really had the ears of a bat and she was guilty of shameless and shameful eavesdropping. She knew better than anyone that eavesdroppers never hear any good of themselves or they don't get the whole picture and it causes problems.
Listening, she could make out Sam's gentle timbre telling Dean more about what happened with him and Ruby. It was like he told her about Ruby and how he insisted upon her giving her blonde meat suit back to its owner and how she recycled used parts. No wonder she caught the stench of death around the hell bitch that was so faint that she didn't make an issue of it. Then Sam went in to how he was a crappy student learning his new tricks. It was nothing new to her but she was hearing things that Sam didn't bother to tell or didn't want to tell her and it bothered her.
Shutting off the water she quietly opened the door just as Sam described that those two did. She was no stranger hearing about it since occasionally Dean regaled her with tales of his sexcapades. To hear it from Sam… it was different and it added to the feelings of being bothered by it. At least it wasn't too awkward since Dean was saying, "Too much information."
"Hey I'm coming clean here," Sam replied.
"Yeah but now I feel dirty," Dean replied. He then noticed Angela looking at the both of them with an expression that he had no idea what it held. He gave a slight tap to Sam but it was unnecessary.
Sam had seen her and clammed up. The look on her face was indiscernible and he couldn't tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing. It was the look that he once told her to stop giving. The only thing she said was, "Whatever it is, I probably don't want to know."
"You're mad."
"I have no idea what you are talking about," Angela replied as she went about cleaning everything up. It was habit and one she was adamant about doing no matter what. "Whatever you want to say go ahead."
Sam huffed as he gave her a look. At least Dean was in the bathroom for this one but that didn't mean that he didn't have ears. He muttered, "You are mad."
Angela said nothing at first as she gave a cursory glance and noticed that the baby wasn't there. She then heard noises in the bathroom and realized that Dean had her and was probably making her giggle and laugh. It eased her tension somewhat. She finally replied, "And what makes you think so?"
"Because that's the second time you've field stripped and packed up your suture kit," Sam pointed out. He knew that something was on her mind. The look she shot both him and Dean when she came out of the bathroom indicated as such. It was the one that had something to say but you couldn't tell what.
"What can I say I'm very thorough, especially with medical supplies," Angela replied as she finished the kit and packed it up. She then pulled out her pen and drew on the table in the invisible ink. The demon could be watching the place but she could make it harder to pinpoint specifics. It didn't matter if the demon already knew the specifics like Ruby.
Sam recognized this tactic and judged accordingly. If he attempted to touch her in the wrong way, he would end up in a headlock or pinned to the ground. Yet he was frustrated because she was upset over something and it was like trying to pick off barnacles to get to the center of it. Most of the time it was easy since usually it was to things done in the moment. Since she had been upset before they had been interrupted then it looked like she might have overheard a few things… it was difficult. He held his temper in check and replied, "You know that's not the reason for that. Can you just stop?" He took the risk and gently grasped her upper arm.
Angela felt him grab her and she stopped. She was finished anyway but her own temper was not spent. Still she had more control and didn't grab Sam in a headlock like he would Dean. She didn't move but managed to say, "I'm busy Sam. If Ruby gives a call then we have to be ready."
Sam knew the singsong tone was meant to convey that she wasn't in the mood. Well he wasn't either. "Bullshit. Is this about Ruby?"
Angela narrowed her eyes as she turned fully to face Sam, "No it's not about her. I said I trusted her enough didn't I?"
"Yeah and I know that you two don't like each other…"
"Let's see you like someone who tried to kill you," she retorted back as she crossed her arms. "And don't you go telling me about Kaye either."
"Then what is your problem, Angie?" Sam paused at the look he was getting from her. She was doing it again and he found that it agitated him more. "And stop looking at me like that."
"I can't help this look," Angela replied pointing at her expression.
"Well I don't like it," Sam replied realizing that it sounded childish. "I hate it when you hide what you're thinking."
"Would you rather I destroy the room with my mojo?" Angela had asked the question in a sarcastic and patronizing manner. Truly she thought that Sam was making a fuss over nothing with her facial expressions. "Because I can do that if you want to know what I'm feeling."
"I don't mean that and you know it. You…" Sam paused knowing that he was walking into a similar situation again. He did this when he was concerned and it came out wrong. He braced himself for the retort when he continued, "You don't talk about anything but prefer to let things stew. It's like… being a child."
"And here I was thinking that lashing out was childish," Angela retorted.
Sam paused a moment and then asked, "What is really bothering you? What Dean said earlier?"
"That? I get it that it was a bad idea and if you want the honest truth, going solo and hiding in a hole is sounding better at the moment," Angela replied in a blunt manner. "Dean's comments and questions only served to make me think about it and let's face it, I'm out of practice with babies so sue me."
Sam wasn't getting it. So she wasn't upset about that. Then it occurred to him that she may have overheard more than he thought. "Is this about me and Ruby together?"
"Oh please," Angela replied, covering up the fact that she had been a tiny bit upset over that. She didn't even flinch when he and Madison hooked up because all that mattered was that he was happy. Besides, it wasn't like she had any claim over him except on the family level and she let that be known and that was her fault. "It's your business what you do with your time. I don't need a censor."
"Then…"
"And I don't need my ears to be protected," Angela interrupted continuing her rant. She then turned her back towards Sam to take a moment and breathe.
It finally occurred to Sam what she was talking about. "You're mad because I didn't tell you about that?"
Angela paused a moment. She didn't want to shout at Sam. In fact the whole conversation, she had barely raised her voice except in condescending fashion. She disliked shouting in general and strove to make her point in a calm manner and in so doing she made it difficult to even get into a shouting match since she schooled herself in subdued reactions. She didn't turn around but replied, "You told me everything in cliffs notes."
Sam sighed, "I didn't tell you details. Why do you even care?"
Angela turned at that and looked at Sam in the eye. "I gave you chapter and verse regarding Sacha. That was a memory Sam and I didn't hold back. I don't hold back when you or Dean ask me about my life before and I tell you if I'm not ready to talk about it."
Sam knew that was true. She did give a vivid detail of the vamp that she took the risk to trust. Yet he didn't understand where she was going with this. He had told her what happened and so what if he left out a few details. The reasons were his own and he figured she didn't need to know. "Well not all of us can download memories like you."
"That's not the point Sam," Angela replied. She paused a moment and chewed her lip before looking at him again. "There is a reason why I take promises seriously. My word is all I have and what is worth more than gold when I deal in the things I do. It's why Wosret gave me Hibah. To break a promise is like telling a lie."
Sam took a moment to take in what she was saying. There were still some noises coming from the bathroom. At least Dean wasn't being nosy about it and it seemed that Hibah was keeping him occupied. He looked at Angela who looked like her anger had thoroughly burnt out now. He just stared.
"You asked me to be careful. I still do that," Angela reminded him. "You trusted me with me using my abilities on you."
Sam understood. It was about trust and honesty. It baffled him since Dean was a bit disgusted about him and Ruby together and yet she was more upset over the fact that he didn't tell her. "I didn't think you needed to know all the details…"
"I don't need protecting from that," Angela replied. "Believe me hearing Dean's exploits and I learned to tune it out." She paused a moment to study Sam's expression. It was going to hurt to say it but in all honest truth it didn't matter since as far as his feelings for her went, it was familial and that was it. It was a small piece but she was willing to take it. "I don't really care if you and Ruby get it on since that is none of my business in terms of details but… I just don't like being treated like I was china. Yes I have my own issues but I've always said that I will eventually say something about it."
It really was baffling to Sam but then it made sense and he remembered that she saw the world differently. She had seen people she knew and associated with live, grow old, and die and she was still looking like she was in her twenties. "I'm not saying that you're weak but I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to make you remember anything you didn't want to."
It was simple but it was the truth. When he related what happened over the summer, he left out parts because he was well aware that she had experiences in dealing with demons. He knew that she and Ruby were mortal enemies in some sort of weird stalemate or ceasefire. He didn't want to put her through any emotional trauma as it could be put. He didn't doubt that she was tough but he figured that she didn't need the excess crap coming from him and Dean.
Angela could see what Sam was getting at. It was an attempt at kindness on his part. She had mentioned a few heavy things that had been on her plate and how much they had bothered her. She could see that he was trying to be nice to her on that end. He just didn't see that from her end it was like a slap in the face regarding trust and honesty. Giving a sort of smile, she replied, "I think I understand and I appreciate it."
Sam felt the tension leave his shoulders. In that simple sentence it was clear that she had forgiven him. He still had to say it though, "I'm sorry about that."
"I get it Sam. Just… at least give me a clue."
She wasn't asking for chapter and verse. That Sam could get. She was concerned and that was her and he had been open with her about everything when they talked. "Okay."
"Finally. I was getting bored playing water piggies with Hibah. Oh by the way, Angie did you know she's like you with the healing mojo?"
Both Sam and Angela looked at each other. Eavesdropping was a talent shared on all sides. They looked at each other silently and agreed. Angela then turned to Dean and went to take the baby and said, "No but I can see your shoulder's doing better."
A/N: Patch up work and Angie gets mad at Sammy and it's not what you think. Keep watching for more Jewel of the Nile...
