Chapter 10

Sam opened his eyes. Everything felt sore but it was better than it was yesterday. His eyes were gritty from sleep and he brushed it away as he sat up to look around. He saw David asleep against a tree with the rifle at the ready. He had no doubt that the man would spring into action the moment something threatening came by. At least he could move and wasn't hindered by the bandage that Angela had applied the night before.

Looking around, he noticed that she wasn't there. Forcing down the panic that arose, Sam got to his feet and looked around. There were no signs of intruders and if there were, he would have been woken up. He did find a set of footprints that led from the camp and deciding to be foolish, he followed but after he picked up something that could be used as a weapon.

He followed the footprints into the forest and then began the systematic way of tracking as he had been taught growing up. He followed them and managed to find her sitting on a rock and she was staring. He looked at what she was staring at and noticed the wolf looking back. He couldn't tell if the animal was going to attack or not given the posture but the situation didn't look life threatening. So he stayed back.

"A curious sight isn't it?"

Sam whirled to come face to face with the old hag that they had met before. He held his makeshift weapon up and ready to strike if necessary. "What do you want?"

Haida smiled in a bemused fashion at the young man before her. "It isn't about what I want now is it?"

Sam frowned at the response, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that my wants, my desires, have no place here but yours and those of your brother do." Haida moved her head to better study Sam. "The desire to prove one's self as well as extract revenge for past wrongs runs in the family. Like father… like son."

"What do you know about my father?" Sam didn't want to touch on what the hag mentioned about his desires for revenge and to prove he was as good a hunter as Dean; to end this before it began… Instead he was opting for playing on the father card even though that was sensitive territory too considering the circumstances of his death.

"I know that he sought the demon that killed your mother; a hunter who should've known better than to make a deal with the likes of him." Haida's voice was gravelly as she gave her reply. At the look Sam was giving her she continued as she walked a little bit away, "I know many things young man and perhaps it is cruel to say that you and your brother's lives were doomed to the life they hold now since before you were born."

"You can't possibly know that," Sam replied. He had lowered his weapon and followed the hag after making sure that Angela was okay with the wolf and it looked like nothing serious was going to happen.

"Oh it is possible. You should know considering the company you keep. A strong healer and yet application like a novice." Haida stared over the landscape as she stood on the swell she sought out. "Self-loathing is usually the culprit."

Sam looked down slightly trying to find words to say. The only thing he could come up with was, "Why are you here?"

"As I said when we met, it was a curious sight to find a creature half in shadow, half in light fighting to save humans and for reasons beyond the fact of innocence. A monster of monsters."

"She's not that." Sam looked at the old hag, trying to keep his temper in. It was a mistake to think that he could tangle with a hag but he didn't care. "She's not a monster."

"Something you cling to I'm sure." Haida looked at the young hunter. Much she could see and curious that this should occur now. Fate or coincidence, she could never decide, but she could see that there was purpose to this.

"Do you even understand her?"

"Irrelevant to me but stranger things have happened. The Halfling born to be an instrument of the Creator; an earthbound angel who wields the blade that will lift the burdens of many…" Haida couldn't help but laugh at that. "But you don't me to tell you what you already know no, do you?"

Sam looked at the woman. He thought in the beginning she was a crazy old bat and nothing so far had changed that. Yet he was wary of her since she did seem to know things that they would certainly never tell about. "We know quite a bit about things and she tells us when she is ready to. We respect that."

"I know you do."

Sam felt like he was being looked at like he had no clothes on. "So what do you want to tell me?"

Haida turned a questioning eye towards Sam. He looked contrite and she knew that appearances could be deceiving. Yet she could tell that he wasn't just humoring her. He was considering other reasons why. She then gave a slow smile and replied, "You have a good heart Hunter. A testament to those before you. The instincts that served you well in watching your brother need to be extended towards the hawk."

"Who?"

"Names are pretty but useless and you know who the hawk is. It's all in the eyes. Use those instincts." Haida chuckled while Sam bristled a bit. "This is not a battle that you can fight in. The hawk needs to see in order to understand. Mortal enemies become allies and abominations will rally behind her when they are called. Can you be strong enough to catch her if she falls?"

Sam could venture a guess that the old hag meant that this was a case he and Dean couldn't be a part of. The night before, there was a discussion of vision quests and that there were two kids up there that were going through it. He wasn't sure about that. The other part sounded like what was to come. The question was obvious. He replied, "She's family. We look after each other."

"An honest answer and will suffice for now. Perhaps it will change in the future," the old woman replied. She moved to an open spot to prepare to go. "The future is uncertain even when there are certain things. Look to the dreamer young Hunter. She will be your guide and the coyote of a brother will help."

Sam blinked a bit at that. The whole conversation up until that point was teasing and poking at secrets. Now it was a straightforward revelation and an extension of a hint. "Dreamer? Coyote?"

"The hawk is not the only one who needs to see. They wait up here. The coyote found your brother. The dreamer will find you. And now I must go."

Sam would have liked to have chased after the old woman but didn't. He did manage to say, "Wait. So we sit by and let Angie do what she has to?" He frowned as he said it and winced when he felt the tug on his injuries.

Haida turned and looked at Sam, "The vision quest is personal. Those on the outside can only look in and sees the obvious. The meaning will not. Accompany the hawk if you must but always be aware." She waited to see if he had more questions. When he didn't she gave a pat on his shoulder and turned to leave. She only paused but didn't turn to look. Only her head moved as she said, "A word of caution: walk your path carefully for none are more dangerous than the paths where your eyes are wide shut."

Sam would have liked to have said more but couldn't since she had shifted and left. He blinked as if to make sure that he wasn't dreaming or anything like that. It was very real and some of it he wasn't quite sure but he was certain that the hag said Dean was all right. It was some relief but it wouldn't be until he saw with his own eyes.

"What are you doing out of camp Sam?"

Sam turned to see Angela looking at him with a slight frown. He looked around and then replied, "Um… looking for you?"

Angela studied him for a moment and glanced behind him. "Okay then." She then turned and started walking back to camp.

"Angie, did I do something to piss you off?"

"No. Everything's okay," Angela replied as she stopped to look at Sam. She leaned close and said, "I know she was here."

"And you're not…" Sam made a gesture with his arms and became aware that his shoulders weren't sore. He focused back on the conversation.

"Why? Haida may be a pain in the ass with the enigmatic sayings but she has some wisdom if it could be called that." Angela looked at Sam and noted his healed shoulders. "She certainly saved me the trouble of using my mojo."

"Yeah about that…"

"Sam, don't look this gift horse in the mouth too closely. I am well aware that there may be ulterior motives at play but not in the way one traditionally thinks." Angela could see that there was confusion on Sam's face. She had come to a couple of conclusions while she had been out that morning and encountered the wolf that she had met the day before. It was going to be a bit difficult to explain but she thought she could and prayed that Sam would get it. She looked down a moment before looking up and said, "I believe she is a neutral being, neither good nor evil. They are the epitome of that area of grey. Sounds weird I know but it's…"

"One of those things that you handle with care," Sam finished. He got that he wasn't totally on the old hag's side but she wasn't against her either.

"Exactly," she replied softly. "I believe she is an observer and she can come out when she wants and does what she does. I wouldn't try to cross her though since I suspect that she had more than a parlor trick on healing up her sleeves and shifting."

"You got that right," Sam agreed. He followed as Angela turned to head back to camp. "So um… not that I was spying or anything but what were you doing with that wolf?"

Angela gave a slight smile and replied, "Petting it. We had an interesting conversation."

"Now you're teasing me."

"Well I was petting her. She followed me and probably is curious. Probably because a werewolf bit me."

"Oh."

"I know crazy day and a crazy case."

They made it back to camp where David was looking impatient at the delay. He held the rifle looking annoyed and asked them if they were going to head out soon. Angela made a comment about patience being a virtue. Sam wisely stayed out of it since this was her gig and he suspected that she was testing the waters before picking up a scent or something and deciding to go. It was no surprise when she pulled out his gun from where she had it tucked and handed it to him. They started up the mountain with Angela in the lead.

When they came to a clearing, Angela called for a halt and signaled to Sam that she was going to scout. He pulled out his gun to look around and David held the rifle. He had no idea that the sheriff was low on patience and growled that he was scouting when a rustle caught their attention. They brought their guns up and Sam looked around. The rustling got louder and David cocked the rifle. Sam whipped around and pointed only to hear his brother's voice and he was saying, "Whoa there Sam. It's me," and out stepped Dean.

"Dean," Sam said. "You all right?"

"Never better," Dean replied as he rotated his shoulder. It was less sore than yesterday but he still needed attention to it. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. Just a scratch," Sam replied motioning to his head even though Dean could see it. It really wasn't the time to explain that the old hag had a hand in patching him up. "Angie found me."

"That's my girl," Dean replied feeling victorious. He never doubted that Angela would come. "So did she scold you?"

"You really want to ask that now?"

They were about to get into a brotherly banter and were ignoring the conversation between Laurel, David and Samuel when something burst through. The shockwave on the ground was enough to knock everyone over. It was huge but in the shape of a man and it dwarfed Sam's Sasquatch frame. It was dressed in armor and had a sword and shield.

"Whoa, dungeons and dragons," Dean said as he clambered to his feet. He didn't notice that his shoulder started to bleed again. "He's taller than you Sam."

"Not funny," Sam and Samuel answered at the same time.

The 'man' turned to look at them. He was wearing a helm that looked demon-like or maybe like a dragon. The slits for eyes allowed for two glowing orbs to show through. It looked at the startled people and gripped its sword, which didn't look friendly, and rotated it. The shield glistened with what appeared to be blood and the thing took a step forward when a shot rang out.

Eyes turned towards David holding the smoking rifle. He had gotten to his feet and pulled out the rifle and took a shot. He glared at it and realized that it wasn't bringing it down quickly. He shot at it again and it was joined by Sam shooting at it. They continued and Dean picked up a few rocks to throw them. Nothing seemed to phase this thing and it would have brought its huge sword down had it not been stopped at the wrist and it was totally out of left field.

Angela didn't like leaving the group to scout but she had seen something and while not threatening, she sensed that it warranted her attention. She went ahead into the brush leaving Sam with David. They wouldn't quibble and as she walked into the brush, she could pick up faint rustling consistent of people approaching. The air carried scents towards her and her lip curled in recognition of two. The third was interesting but nonthreatening.

She continued through the brush disturbing as little as possible. She paused and looked around. Something felt a bit different but it wasn't like it was evil. It wasn't the old hag since two helpings of that woman left a big impression and one she wasn't going to forget anytime soon. This was nothing like that. It was calm… almost like a refugee in a sea of chaos.

The girl was sitting on a boulder in a posture like those New Age gurus. Her back was facing Angela when she approached. Everything about the girl was perfectly still; the girl could have been a statue. While there was no threat apparent, Angela didn't drop her guard but she didn't draw a weapon. She would prefer to save that for last.

"And the hawk arrives."

Angela paused for a moment. She stood behind the girl and looked at her back. She replied, "I am not sure what you are talking about."

"And with the hawk comes the wolf."

Angela would have said something but there was a rustling to which she quickly turned to look. She saw the wolf that she had seen earlier. She blinked slowly and advanced towards the animal and kneeled in front of the animal and made a slight clicking with her tongue. She gave a smile when the wolf nuzzled her hand. She didn't see that the girl had turned to watch and what she was seeing was a wolf nuzzling the wing of the hawk.

Angela petted the wolf and gently rubbed the ears before saying, "You were expecting me." She turned to look at the girl who was watching her.

Sequoia looked at Angela as her true form became clear. She had seen the hawk and wolf together just like her dream. Now she could see the face of the hawk. She replied, "Yes. I was waiting for the hawk and the wolf."

Angela gave a nod, "Alright."

"You don't believe me, do you?"

Angela stood up and the wolf came to stand beside her. "It isn't that I don't believe you. It's just that in my experience when I am sent on a mission… most often it screws with me."

"One can't always understand the purpose of the higher powers," Sequoia replied as she stood up. She jumped off her rock so she was on the dirt ground with her. "You were given the choice and you made it."

"I'll agree to that," Angela replied with and expression that would make Castiel proud. "I've made a lot of choices and some… Some I wish could have gone differently."

Sequoia looked at Angela and walked forward. She was surprised at the height of the woman; she was tall, graceful and beautiful. This was the one she had been waiting for. "And would you take a different route if given the chance?"

Angela looked at the girl. She had heard this question before from others. There were times that she even asked that of herself. She never really spoken of it to anyone but she had begun to doubt the feasibility of remaining with the boys. When she went after the essential, it had been easy to get back into the old habits of flying solo.

Then there was the siren case. She knew that they left her behind because of her injury but she had also hurt them both. Even though things were somewhat okay between her and them, she could sense that there was something there. Then there were her feelings for Sam.

She had once said that vampires shouldn't fall in love with humans. Sometimes she still felt that to be true and even so in her case. Sticking around only seemed to bring pain. She was just tired, tired of the whole thing; the working as the Champion, the earthbound angel, the warrior princess…

"You have seen much and suffered. The ones that rule below… they tried to break you."

Angela looked at Sequoia. It was like being with Augusta again. Dean once accused her of being able to hit the heart of an issue. Augusta was able to do the same thing and it seemed that this girl could too. She blinked slowly, "I think they did. Because I don't see what I am as a gift like others but more like a curse. Almost everything I touch is ruined."

"Almost everything?"

"A few people who I met who haven't…" Angela gave a slight shake of her head. She didn't want to talk about Bobby, Ellen and Jo. It would seem like a jinx since she almost lost Ellen while she was stuck in Cold Oak.

Sequoia studied the hawk. She shook her head, "You are not broken. If it were so then the world would be different. It would be broken. You carry the burden of being the one that will fight the darkness to come as the one ache that has never gone away."

Angela felt her temper rise slightly. That was one thing that she never told. No one knew. Not even those who took her in and made her a part of their family. "What are you talking about?"

Sequoia knew that she had touched something that was sensitive. She had to come clean but show no fear. She was a Hunter. "I am a dreamer. I see things in my dreams and what I dream is about you. I have seen you since I was a little girl but always as a hawk. Some would say the eagle; the creature of wisdom and the light."

"You really believe that." Angela shook her head. She wasn't sure whether or not to curse the gods and Brendan since this seemed like another one of those tests.

"It is not a bad thing to hear the truth. You know the stories of the tribes; the kachina about the eagle is one that sums it up."

Angela had starting walking back into the forest. She turned back around and replied, "And you are of the Ojibwe tribe. In this world it is defined by prejudices."

"And you don't seem to care since your kind's mortal enemy is your friend. Or is it the poison of the bite that flows through your veins?" Sequoia studied the dhampir. She was well aware that if Angela chose to, she could attack her. She also saw the look. "As I said, you have been in my dreams. You have a gift, rare but beautiful."

"Healers are not vampires."

"And yet you do it willingly," Haida answered as she walked into the area. "I apologize young Hunter since you are on your quest," she addressed Sequoia.

"You are on time Haida. I waited for the wolf and the hawk. I have seen them."

"Of course. The dreamer would know." Haida smiled and looked at Angela.

"Okay I get it that this is supposed to mean something."

"Indeed," Haida replied. "The dreamer is young and I sense that she will only grow stronger in her abilities." She glanced at Sequoia and then back at Angela and continued, "As for you, this was meant for you to see what you are and not from your view but how others see you and to remind you about your choices."

"And there are times that I wish things turned out differently but if I had to go back, the same choices would be made except for those I truly regret."

"And do you regret choosing and accepting your role in the events to come?"

"I don't like the circumstances but I will do what I have to if it means to prevent the seals from being broken and the end of Lilith." Angela motioned with her hands. "You know I didn't ask for this but I accepted because I was the naïve idiot who believed it would make a difference. And I will stay on it. I just don't know about present arrangements."

Haida looked at Angela and then Sequoia. She would have prompted the dreamer to speak but she had been raised with a certain standard to uphold. She actually liked the manner in which Angela looked at things. To be glib was entertaining when she had certain refinement about it. She looked once more at Sequoia and the girl spoke, "You are the hawk, one of wisdom and a solitary creature but you are also a warrior."

"I think that's the same thing," Angela countered, trying to humor the girl.

"Not quite," Haida replied. "You have lived as the hawk, the solitary predator for many centuries but you also have lived like the wolf. Mortal enemies in your world but you bind them as you search for that one thing." She grinned at the look Angela gave her. "The strength of a warrior's heart is defined by the compassion he has. The wolf…"

Angela nodded in understanding. She was familiar with animism and the concepts. She would have said something when something caught her attention. She spun on her heel to look in the direction she had come. She breathed, "Sam," and took off running followed by Sequoia.

Haida watched as the pair ran off. She gave a slight smile. The hawk and the wolf were one and the same. It was now understood. It was still a long road but things have been set in motion.

A/N: Never a dull moment now is there? Well the dreamer is found and Angela seems to understand why she was given this case. Now who is it that is saving the group? We'll find out next time on A Hunter's Vision...