Chapter 10
Dean was ready to rip out a few lungs since they were laughing at Sam. No one messed with Sam and got away with it. That was the rule in general when it concerned Sam. However he knew better than to start a ruckus in the middle of territory that was clearly Angela's and she wasn't there to tell him that what he had in mind was an idiotic way of dealing with ridicule. Well he didn't have to have her there. He saw how she stood ignoring everyone else and focused on Sam and the guy he was fighting.
The gesture she did by running two fingers down Sam's forehead was a puzzle to him but he figured it was a gesture of good luck. However he was certain that there were some deep seated reasons that she was refusing to explore or wasn't acknowledging or like he suspected, she didn't have the first damn clue. To Dean it didn't seem too out of place since all the other warriors said nothing or made brief nods of acknowledgement. So maybe it was a good luck thing.
Dean relaxed a little when the crowd stopped laughing and Sam actually turned to fight. As much as he wanted to watch, he knew he had a job to do. He knew what Sam was capable of even though it took him forever to really show it with Angela around. He diverted his attention to see if anything was out of the ordinary.
Bobby was looking around the ring while trying to keep Dean from picking a fight. He couldn't stop Dean from saying a few choice words to a nearby spectator. At least it didn't turn into a fist fight since the guy Dean spoke to was rather a wuss and he cowered quickly under Dean's stare. At least Dean was nice to the guy by telling him that Sam would show him.
Bobby glanced around just as Dean was doing. So far nothing was out of place. At least nothing that he could see in this circus. He was beginning to wonder if they were worrying for nothing until he caught sight of Dean staring off in the distance. He leaned over so that only Dan could hear, "What do ya see?"
Dean had been looking around when he spotted someone that he recognized. He knew what Angela said about this place being neutral but did that mean they had to be here? He knew Bobby was waiting for an answer so he replied, "Just someone that I need to have a word with."
"Ya need a hand?" Bobby had no idea who Dean saw. In this place it could be anything and anyone could be here. He had wanted to scoff at the clause that it was neutral territory but he understood the reasoning.
"No I got this Bobby. Just keep an eye out. Let me know how Sam does," Dean replied as he started moving towards the aisles. He could see who he wanted to see make his way through the crowd as if to slip away. He had him in his sights though. "I got it."
Bobby watched Dean slip away. Whoever it was Bobby hoped that it wasn't someone that would convince Dean to do something stupid like another crossroads deal. He sighed and turned his attention back to scanning the crowds and occasionally glancing at the ring. Sam had won and was standing by Angela. At least one of his boys was thinking with his head.
Dean meanwhile started making his way towards the one he saw. It was easy to tail him once they were in the corridors and away from the crowd. It was not hard to do but that didn't mean he was good at it. Still he was sure that he had sufficient distance so that he could hide if the guy he was after decided to look behind him and that happened to be the case at one point.
Dean waited until he was sure that the guy was turned back around before peeping out of the room he slipped into. He peered into the corridor to find it empty. He muttered in a heated whisper, "Sonofabitch."
"That would be right if you really did lose me. Then again you never really had me. Did ya?"
Dean turned to face the demon asshole that taunted him in that rat maze. He glared at him and said, "I should exorcise your demon ass right now whoever you are."
"That sounds like what you told Carla when you summoned her."
Dean nearly froze. This douche knew the demon bitch that he made the deal with? He shouldn't have been surprised since demons had a grapevine just like humans but it sent a momentary panic down his spine. He suspected that Angela's initial looking for the boss demon of the crossroads tipped interested parties and now… He got a grip though and said in a controlled voice, "So what if I did? It's what I do to hell bitches like you."
"With Carla you didn't just like you aren't going to do to me now. You know that sometimes you have to keep us hell bitches around otherwise what do you have to fight for?"
Dean glared at the demon. He was just as annoying as he was when he handed him the sword that turned out to be the Orion blade. He didn't gank the bastard because he figured that Angela had gained the demon's cooperation somehow and it was probably out of fear of her. He had noticed that on the few hunts that involved demons and the way they reacted when she came onto the scene. The funny thing was that they were never like that before Cold Oak so Dean figured that was the turning point. It was a benefit but it also had him worried. He hadn't forgotten that doppelganger. He finally managed to reply, "Plenty. Whatever arrangements are done are for convenience only."
"Keep telling yourself that Dean. You and I know that you don't believe it. You have one mindset and that is to kill us or exorcise us and move on. Talking to the likes of us is a new experience for you and one you don't like at all… unlike someone close to you."
Dean knew who it was the demon was referring to but that didn't mean that he had to let the demon ass know it. He responded as he would normally, "Yeah I know Sam likes talking with the hell bitch Ruby…"
"Don't play dumb Dean," the demon replied. "You know damned well that I refer to her. I'm sure she's mentioned a few of her more lucrative days and maybe a fairly recent conversation with Ruby."
Dean knew that demons tended to twist the truth in a manner that made the lie seem plausible. Hell that bastard Rhagos did that to him and he took it out on her and of course that demon bitch with his deal… He tried hard to rein in his temper. He replied, "She tells me what I need to know and I don't push."
"Really? So you've never wondered how she was able to make a seemingly innocuous object into a deadly weapon so it could mirror Absolution's abilities? That my friend is something that is not found in any hunter's school book."
Dean had wondered that and figured it was in that category of really, really old stuff that she knew and only used mainly as a last resort. Still if she did talk to demons like Ruby, she had her reasons for it. It changed nothing since it was sort of like cops having their stoolies to give them info when nothing else works. Dad would probably have a fit but then again Dad worked with her and she wasn't the poster girl for hunters being that she was half vamp. If it was something like the demon was implying, then she had her reason for not saying anything and if anything it was shame. He replied, "And what business is that of yours?"
"Oh not any of mine but there is an interested party. You see he's heard some very interesting things about this one that is close to you."
In that moment Dean recalled the warning Haley had given him. She had told him to not let her chase the demon and explained why. Yet the only course she seemed to be pursuing was the hearing. That was what she had been working on when they were driving down to this place. His big brother defenses went on high alert and it shocked him that it was those instincts he used for Sam that flared for her. Maybe Haley had a point about what they talked about. He had to be cautious, "What about?"
"Dean, Dean, Dean. You should know the answer to that one."
"I have an idea but I like to hear it from the side that wants to know." Dean instinctively put his hand down to where he kept his gun. It wasn't the Colt but it was packed with iron rounds and would hurt like hell for the demon.
"Don't even think about it Dean," the demon warned. "I know that you know that this is neutral territory. Tensions are high and if anything that could be considered treachery occurs, it will be all out war between the heads. Three against three."
"Considering your nature, I would think you'd want that to happen," Dean replied. He didn't drop his hand but kept it close to his gun. He was well aware the precarious situation they were in. It was double for Sam and Angela since they were the ones that were on the ring floor and being watched by everyone.
"That is true but we aren't stupid either. Believe it or not Dean we want the tournament to return to what it originally was even the fight to the death part."
"Funny I didn't think you would understand the concept of honor."
"And you do? Oh sure maybe daddy John taught his sons that since after all he was a Marine and there is that whole spiel about Marines and… what is their motto? Oh Semper Fidelis. That's right," the demon replied in mocking tones.
Dean thought he was past the mocking of his father who was long dead and maybe he followed orders because he wanted Dad's approval but this was just not… He gritted his teeth and let out a sigh. Then he replied, "At least my brother and I understand it."
"Keep telling yourself that Dean." The demon looked towards the window that overlooked the ring. He could hear the cheers going on. At least Sam had a chance.
"So are you done mocking me or are you going to tell me something important, like who is trying to sabotage this shindig," Dean replied in rough tones as he brought his temper under control. At least she would be proud of him since she was always commenting on his impulsive nature.
"That answer I don't have. What I do have is a message for your friend. The boss has an interest in her."
"So you say assphat."
"Name calling doesn't get the results that you want."
"Yeah well neither does playing these stupid riddle games your kind always likes doing," Dean retorted.
The demon chuckled, "Well Carla does like doing that with her clients. She does like you though which is probably why she even considered giving you a deal. Be thankful the boss didn't turn her into a meat soup."
"Like I am supposed to be grateful that the bitch that made the contract isn't dead. That's really a deal sweetener," Dean replied in a sarcastic manner, "Now what does your boss want with Angie?"
"So you are on a nickname basis? You must be really close. Then again that was implied when she busted in demanding what I knew and left me with this." The demon then lifted his sleeve to reveal the scar that was left behind.
"Angie does what she wants," Dean replied.
"But only if it is to benefit you or your brother Sam. Never once has she demanded anything just for herself. Then again no person is that selfless."
Dean kept up the glare. It was starting to feel like a permanent fixture on his face but he was pissed. He replied, "Maybe she is and for her own damn reasons. Now what is the message?"
"You are too angry Dean," the demon teased, "But I know that you are going to continue toying with the idea of shooting me until I tell you." The demon assumed a serious posture and continued, "So here's the deal: the boss says to tell your friend that he is watching and is rooting for her. Don't ask me what he means but that's the message. Happy now?"
Dean wasn't sure if it was a trick or some sort of fluke. That was the message? There had to be more to it and it probably had to do with Angela's reaction. The only way to find out was to give it to her. He replied, "Fine. I'll tell her… whatever the hell it means."
"Good. You better get back to your post Dean. After all heads can start to clash since they all know a thing or two about politics." The demon was gone in a flash leaving Dean alone in the room.
Dean took a couple of breaths to steady his breathing. He had nearly lost his temper but he kept it. At the moment though he was stuck with an enigmatic message and the suggestion that he should be looking at one of the heads of the six families rather than an outside party. It was something that he needed a drink for… and some pie.
Lady Davenport looked down at the ring feigning a look of interest. Since there was no betting allowed, she was bored with the whole thing. Now if it had been hosted at her home, then it would be interesting. There was no reason to not have a little bit of gambling since it was a test of skill and to see who was the best at what they could do. However it was little Hakim's party and it was his rules as per the agreement when the six families scattered as the knowledge of the world expanded.
She had watched the first bout which was some low level warrior that supposedly dealt with a nasty bunch of werewolves or something and a newcomer. He was rather young and tall with a shaggy mop of hair and the clothes he was wearing sparked interest.
From her vantage point, Lady Davenport could make out the design patterns on the cuffs of the newcomer's shirt. She hadn't seen symbols like that in a long time and she was certain that the others hadn't either. They were an honor and could only be conferred to a warrior by another who received the same patterns. Who would have given this newcomer that honor?
Peering down, she watched as Absolution approached the newcomer and spoke to him. Then she saw the movement Absolution made on the newcomer's forehead. So that was Absolution's pupil? Lady Davenport let out a slow smile. So maybe Hakim was right in asking Absolution in playing the role of Satet considering that goddess' reputation. It certainly would fit since she saw the manner in which Absolution gave that gesture to the newcomer. She put a finger to her chin and gave deep consideration to what she had just seen. Like any businessman, she looked for what could be seen as a great potential for profit.
It was amusing to watch the newcomer run away. It was downright hilarious since she had seen smaller men than that giant actually stand up to taller men and take them on. This was supposed to be a reflection of Absolution's teaching ability. What did she teach her student? To run away like a coward? She should be embarrassed at the whole thing and yet when Lady Davenport looked, she could see that Absolution wasn't embarrassed. Rather she was focused on the fight and watching everything when her pupil did a complete turnaround and started defending himself.
Lady Davenport watched the newcomer with great interest. She could tell that he had that brawling form about him but it was tempered by the finesse in his movements. Who could have thought that a giant of a man could learn a thing or two about finesse in hand to hand combat? Lady Davenport was surprised when the newcomer defeated his opponent and offered to help him up. So Absolution taught him etiquette as well. This certainly was interesting.
Lady Davenport looked over at no one in particular but leaned towards Yi Xiang who was watching with interest and said, "I think this newcomer has potential. Certainly he has the appropriate manner."
Yi Xiang glanced at Lady Davenport with a stern look. She only gave the briefest of nods in order to save face and keep a polite air. She was not one to judge but she suspected that Lady Davenport was one who didn't want this to happen. The woman put up opposition and often made snide remarks about warriors and people that were essentially good. She turned her focus to the bout that was starting.
Yi Xiang knew the warriors and then decided to observe Absolution with her pupil. The boy fought well after he got over his initial fear. Yi Xiang could see some of Absolution in his movements but they were mostly his own. She gave a slight nod at the realization that Absolution worked with her pupil's natural movements as well as fighting style. It was a shame that the boy's older brother was not participating. She was curious how Absolution worked with him.
Lady Davenport knew that Yi Xiang wouldn't respond. The woman never said anything unless it was worth saying. Most people knew how to interpret the stoic look that she wore like she did clothes since the woman said nothing and when she contributed to any meeting, she always did it through an intermediary. The woman was frustrating. She shrugged her shoulders and adjusted herself in her seat.
"I do agree with your assessment that the boy has potential. However I think the real test will come if he goes against say Lykos or Theodor," Zahir replied as he flashed his charming smile. "However it is a pity that his master will not be competing. It would be most interesting though to see Absolution and her pupil go against the best paired team."
"But as it stands, it is one or the other," Hakim replied reminding Zahir the rules. There was an exception but he didn't want to bring it up. It could put an unnecessary burden on Absolution. Besides there was no guarantee that they would even make it that far.
Lwazi had been listening to the whole conversation. It was probably a bad idea to mention this but maybe he could relay a message to Haley and she could explain. He had the thought that if the champion and his trainer or partner were to go in a teamed match, and in particular Absolution and Sam, it could reveal who had the motive to sabotage the tournament. A majority of heads agreed that Absolution is one of the best and she had the ability to unify the warriors. She would be the prime target besides the head.
Lwazi was curious if Absolution was aware of that possibility. He had heard of her ability to plan battles and strategy. He had heard about the near conflict in Greece and what she had done there. In fact when he got in contact with Haley again, he asked about what happened with her life and ended up hearing about Absolution and what she did. Haley emphasized admiration for Absolution but then her tone changed when she mentioned the brother of her pupil, Dean Winchester.
He had a chance to observe the elder brother and saw that while he was not refined, he essentially had a good heart. He could also tell that something weighed him down and it was similar to what weighed Haley down. He often did say that common experiences bonded people but he suspected something else between his granddaughter and the hunter. It would be interesting but he was going to have a talk with the hunter before he left for home.
Since the heads were talking about Absolution and her possibility in sharing a match with her pupil, he realized he had to say something. Reluctantly he said, "There is a possibility. I am sure you are all aware of it, especially you Hakim."
Hakim knew exactly what Lwazi was talking about. He hoped to stave it off and replied, "That is if there was the remote possibility that her pupil succeeds in becoming the champion."
"I would think that he would, considering the newcomer has the sacred sigils sewn onto that thing he is wearing," Lady Davenport replied. "Surely you all have noticed it." She pretended to look shocked at their lack of attention.
"What does that have to do with anything?" Lwazi asked hoping to see what the woman was getting at.
"Please Lwazi. Any of you should know that those sigils can only be conferred upon one by someone who has received them," Lady Davenport replied. "Someone obviously thinks the human boy is worthy of them and I think that is a good indication for a certain outcome."
"You should know though that nothing is certain. It is a test of skill and experience. It is a long way from the early days to stem the bloodshed that ran through this world," Hakim countered. He hadn't failed to notice the sigils on Sam's tunic. He also knew that they were powerful because it had been made by the hand of the one that gave it to him.
"So you are saying that there is no chance he would make it," Lady Davenport countered as she made the appropriate gesture since the match was coming to a conclusion. "I find that hard to believe."
"Perhaps it is because some have the sense to know that nothing is certain except by those that are granted that ability," Yi Xiang finally spoke. "If it is determined that the boy wins this tournament then it was meant to be. We should respect that."
"I agree," Hakim replied. He was grateful that Yi Xiang spoke when she did. She had informed him of her support. "Let us finish this day and we can speak of this more later." He sat and looked forward and the others took his lead.
The observation post that had been selected was well out of sight and provided the perfect place to see what was going on. It had been centuries since she felt this excited about anything even remotely related to the Akhet. She sat on the beam and peered down at the spectacle below.
"Are you enjoying yourself my love?"
"Most assuredly. It's been centuries since the tournament has been hosted in near perfect format. I can't wait to see the exhibition. I love seeing the warriors sort of reenact how we first met and their wild stories of our personalities."
Her companion chuckled. "Mortals do have a way of telling stories but then again some things are true. All stories are based on some truth."
She laughed. "So what do you think of the fighters so far my dear Hapi?"
Hapi leaned over to look at the next bout. He had seen the first and was rather impressed with what he saw. He replied, "Well I know most of them Satet but there is one that I think will prove to be a warrior in the truest sense of the word."
"Really? Who is it?"
Hapi sat next to Satet and pointed out who caught his eye, "The one with the sigils of the emissary's kind."
Satet peered to look at the one. Hapi had a talent of sensing out which warriors could bring about a change in the course of the world. It was how he found her. They both were worshiped for the Nile and he sought her out and challenged her to a duel. It ended up how they fell in love and became the patrons of the tournament. Now he was certain he found another. She looked at the one and asked, "That one?"
"Yes and the one who taught him as well as his brother," Hapi replied. "The three of them are important for what's to come and they will feel as if the burden is too much to bear. There will be trials on all levels."
"Very astute of you Hapi," Satet replied "I am curious about Absolution. She was asked to be me so to speak. Perhaps she will be successful in rallying forces to bring back what this tournament once meant."
"I hope you are right my love."
A/N: Dean talks to another demon, intrigue occurs and gods are enjoying the show. What next? Find out next time on Warrior's Honor...