Chapter 10

Angela writhed on the ground. Her neck was burning. Her insides were burning. Whatever Lucifer or Michael was doing… it was really doing this whole feedback thing to the extreme. She curled onto herself and whispered, "Protect Sam… please."

"I don't know how you managed it."

Angela closed her eyes and winced from the sting. Her neck was throbbing and she couldn't get over the fact she saw something. Giving a low moan she rolled to get to her hands and feet. She knew that it was Michael there. She decided to ignore him and focus on what was going on. Was she finally going crazy?

Michael looked at her. He had been impressed she held out as long as she had. What was even more impressive was what she did to the hell hound. He thought they had it turned against her but it seemed that he was wrong. Not only that, she managed to turn it into a human hence the animal instincts were no longer under their control. He expressed it but found that she was ignoring him. His features contorted into a snarl and he gave a kick to her abdomen, "Did you hear what I said?"

Angela felt the kick but she was still on her hands and knees. It also made the image flash before her. She saw it and gasped, not sure of what she was seeing. She felt another kick and it hit square in the ribs. It forced her to touch her forehead to the ground. She said, "Stop."

"I'll stop when I want," Michael replied as he kicked her again. He then grabbed her from behind and threw her across the clearing.

Angela saw the ground coming towards her and she hit the dirt or rather mud. She gritted her teeth as she saw another image. Her eyes widened and she muttered, "Stop Sam… Bobby." She closed her eyes as her neck throbbed. "Stop it…"

"I told you," Michael said as he advanced. "I will," he gave a kick to her abdomen, "stop when I say so." He gave a final kick that had her collapse. He put a foot to her shoulder and pushed to roll her over.

Angela heard Michael distinctly but the pain was blocking out what he was saying. All she was focusing on was what she was seeing. It wasn't from a previous memory. It was like it was happening right then and there. There was something that wasn't right but… The dull throbbing got worse. It felt like someone was going to pull out her esophagus or her whole neck. It didn't even register that Michael had grabbed her by the hair and was hauling her to her feet but she only made it to her knees and she was forced to look at Michael but she really wasn't seeing him.

"So you've finally broke. Maybe you're not the sister we thought you to be." Michael looked down at her face. He saw that she was not really looking at him but she could hear him. "Worthless sack." He drew back his free hand to deliver a blow to the face.

Angela's vision cleared slightly as she focused on what was going on. She felt the pain in her head from her hair being grabbed. She saw Michael looking at her with scorn and his fist was drawn back. She couldn't comprehend what he was doing but she knew he was going to do something and her instincts were saying that it threatened her survival.

I'm trying to survive.

What? Angela mused as she heard the voice in her heard. She had no idea what was going on but she had to focus on the threat that was in front of her right then and now. She tried but it was fuzzy. All she could do was what came as instinct. She let out a breath as she closed her eyes and thought one thought, Safe.

Michael was fed up with her. He couldn't understand how she managed to overcome her challenges and now she was ignoring him. Feedback be damned. He released his arm and aimed straight for her head. He didn't care if he killed her. They could always bring her back. They did the same with Sam while he was alone. He was just wanted her to do what she had been born to do. He increased his power in the punch. It never made it to its target.

Michael was sure that he hit something. His fist had stopped but he wasn't feeling flesh. It was like hitting a rock wall. The impact was so hard that it caused a plume of smoke to rise. Michael frowned as he waited for the dust to settle and he took a step back when he saw what it was that stopped his attack. "What the…"

Angela moaned slightly and opened her eyes. She saw the dust flying around and saw Michael stepping back in surprise at the body that was standing in front of her. Her eyes quivered as her neck throbbed and muttered softly, "Safe."

"And you will always be safe with me, Angie. You don't have to be afraid with me," the newcomer said.

Angela slowly blinked and nodded. Despite the throbbing, she managed to get to her hands and knees. "Always… and forever."

Michael looked at what he was seeing. Then it turned into a smirk, "So you figured it out."

Angela stood slowly breathing heavily. She turned her gaze towards Michael as she adjusted her stance. "I have no idea what you are talking about but I know one thing and that I am not giving up." She glanced at the newcomer and gave a nod before stepping forward. She grasped his hand and gave a squeeze. "I'm here now… and you will pay for what you've done to Cerebus."

Michael watched as she assumed a battle stance. He was surprised that she had no clue what was going on. She was just going with it. He looked at her partner. He was certainly a sight better than the real one that Lucifer was surely beating up right about now. "You really don't know what you've done?"

Angela glanced at her partner and then at Michael and shrugged, "Nope but I'm gonna use it. At least he understands. Right Sam?"

"I always understand," Sam replied. He assumed a battle stance similar to hers.

Michael blinked at the pair. The real Sam would never assume that stance. It was highly doubtful that he would know it. This one though… He grinned and replied, "Fine. After all I'm not the one you should be worried about. And it's not like you're going to be able to get out of here."

Angela panted but was still grinning, "Maybe but I intend to give what you and Lucifer deserve."

The clash that followed produced more dirt and dust flying. Angela growled as she about faced to look at Michael who was sporting the beginnings of a bruise. Sam was behind her like a defensive shield and looked barely scratched. In fact he looked a bit cocky to Michael. It was similar to the expression that Angela was wearing. He touched his lip and felt the blood that was dripping. "Not bad. Of course since you defeated Uriel. And without your precious Absolution and chakram."

Angela grinned, "But the real power is behind the one that wields them." She adjusted her stance, falling back onto one of the ancient fighting techniques she had learned. "So this is just fine."

Michael huffed with a slight grin at that. He remembered this. He grinned even more when Angela twitched like she had been shocked and pressed a hand to her neck. That was his chance and he charged forward. Got under Sam's defense and landed a punch and pinned her against a tree. He gave a backhand when he sensed Sam coming to her rescue. He held her in a chokehold against the tree. "Still taken down when your other half is injured and from the looks of things…" He made a sweeping motion so she could see what was going on where the other noise was coming from.

Angela blinked as she saw Cerebus defending Sam and Adam but he had taken heavy blows and Sam was getting the brunt of the hits. Adam was trying but the way his arm was looking. She gritted her teeth in anger and clamped a hand on the offending hand. She closed her eyes and concentrated. She concentrated using the techniques that Shiva had taught her as well as Master Ru.

Michael had been paying too much attention to what she watching to realize what was happening. It was only when he saw Sam getting to his feet and standing there doing nothing that something was going on. He turned and saw a light starting to form and illuminate Angela and the wind seemed to pick up. What was this?

Angela knew that she could only get so far with brute strength. Her early days training with Gabriel taught her that when he taught her how to fight against angels. It was why he taught her Enochian fighting techniques and spells. It caught the attention of Shiva and he watched her until she saved his beloved wife and then he taught her more. Master Ru taught her the basics that enabled her to master what Shiva taught her.

It's all about what makes you Cat. You are a healer but not just any healer.

Angela focused what Gabriel had always been insistent upon and tapped into that part that she said was ridiculous for one of her kind. She could feel the power flowing through the tattoos on the undersides of her wrists and at the base of her spine. She opened her eyes and squeezed on the offending hand. She narrowed her eyes at Michael and pulled the hand away from her throat. With extra force, she shoved the archangel away.

It was enough to push the archangel away but not enough to knock him over. Yet, Michael felt it and stared at her as she seemed to float on the ground while walking towards him. The wind seemed to pick up and the light emanating from her tattoos seemed to highlight her hair. He glanced over at Sam who was standing there, waiting for her to join him. He wiped his lip, "So you're finally coming out to play. Excellent."

Angela didn't have time for this. She kept her gaze averted towards where her Sam was. She lifted a hand and muttered a spell chant. It sent Michael flying off to the side and causing trees to crash. She kept walking in the direction she was heading into and said, "I am not here for your amusement you dick with wings."

Michael pushed himself up. He looked in the direction he had flown. He could see the trail of destruction caused by that one move. He winced from the blow and looked down to see the glow of his grace peeking through the wound that had been created from the blow. It shocked him that she managed to do that and without a weapon. He looked in the direction he had come and felt the slight stirrings of fear. What had he done?

Angela continued walking through the forest. She really hadn't wanted it to come to this but she was all out of options that didn't go into the fact that she had learned things that bordered on magic, powers, whatever you wanted to call it. What she had shown Sam and Dean so far was a picnic compared to what she could do and what she knew. And she prided herself on being responsible in the use of her abilities. But some of it was different. She could feel it.

It all has to come from the heart. That is your greatest gift… and secret.

I always said it was your gift and greatest weapon. My regret is that my death is leaving you alone to deal…

Wosret had said that Gabriel had bound the powers tied to her healer gifts when she was young. At first she wasn't interested in finding out but now… she was afraid of what lurked beneath what she had always been able to do. And yet she needed it. She needed it if she was going to find a way out and she needed to especially after what she had seen.

She wasn't sure but something was wrong. Sam was in it and he was chasing after Bobby like he was going to kill him. It didn't look right since Sam was here with her. It had to be something else and yet… She pressed on ahead in the direction that she knew where Sam was. The throbbing in her neck got worse as she neared but she didn't waver. Her gaze became hardened.

"I am always with you," Sam said next to her as he walked with the same and grime determination. "Just as you are always with me. Remember that if nothing else."

Angela said nothing. Right now the battle was in front of her. She would fight.

"You will not harm him."

Lucifer stared at the man that was looking at him with rage and defiance. He raised his brow, not certain what was going on. He had been about to punish Sam when he was tackled and it was preceded by snarls and growls that were vaguely familiar. Now he was staring at a bare chested man that was very well in shape with dark hair that was similar to Sam's haircut but much more messy and good looking. He had no idea where he came from and wondered if his pretty was playing again. Then again she hadn't since she had been captured.

Sam looked at the man that just tackled Lucifer and blinked. He didn't expect that and Adam was in the same situation as he was. The only explanation he could think of was that it was one of Angela's acquaintances from the past that she managed to conjure up. It made sense but from the look of things Lucifer was thoroughly confused as well and it was clear when the fallen angel asked, "And who are you?"

"The one you tried to get to turn on my alpha."

Sam's head lifted a moment when he heard that. He watched as the devil looked at the newcomer with a narrowed look. It was clear that the response didn't give him what he wanted. The man that appeared sidestepped a blow that would have killed him and gave a low growl that was sort of like a rumble in the chest and growled out, "You will unhand the alpha's alpha."

Lucifer watched the man that dodged the attack easily and was behaving in a manner that was better suited for an animal. He was confused at this and his ability to sense was confusing him. He now knew who it was but… "Cerebus."

Sam blinked at that. That guy was Cerebus? A thousand questions came to mind but the one most prominent was how in the hell a hellhound turned into a human. It was like one of those really cheesy monster movies or something or even a bad joke. Sam knew that he was bound to lose his mind some time in this place but this seemed to take the cake in this instance. A hellhound as a human? Yeah that was a ticket to the loony bin.

Cerebus stood with a narrowed look at Lucifer. His fists were clenched and was ready to fight if he needed to. He looked at Lucifer and said, "You attempted to corrupt my purpose once more you miscreant. That I will not allow."

Lucifer chuckled at that, "And becoming human is a part of that?" He laughed at him and continued, "That is laughable."

"The greatest secret that sets me apart from the others," Cerebus replied with a slight grin. "And why the alpha knows the hounds probably better than your pit beasts."

Sam watched the conversation unfold. He muttered to himself, "Definitely Cerebus. Sounds just like him and that's something he'd totally say." He wasn't exactly sure of that since he wasn't the one that could talk to animals. Angela was the one that did that but she had gave a couple of examples. Mostly it was when she was little.

He remembered it like it was yesterday. It was one of the times she was playing a game of sorts with that bear Dean got her. To anyone it looked like a four year doing what they did including thinking animals talked only to them. It was a rare instant when she asked him a questions and told him word for word what Cerebus said. It had him speechless for a moment but he remembered it. Sighing he turned back to Cerebus facing off with Lucifer. He wasn't able to do anything since he was still restrained but…

Sam's eyes widened when he saw something appear in Lucifer's hand. He recognized it and shouted, "Cerebus, look out!"

Cerebus heard Sam and his eyes narrowed. With a spring in his legs, he leapt away from the swipe of the blade that Lucifer attempted. He landed on the balls of his feet and looked at Lucifer. His eyes widened slightly as he recognized the blade. "How dare you!"

Lucifer swung the blade with a flourish to reveal what it was. "Oh this? I borrowed it. Can't have her getting an advantage."

Even Sam got angry. He knew the blade well too. "Give it back!" He couldn't help but shout since that was her blade. He didn't understand how Lucifer could handle it. He was rewarded by being jerked around. He felt the hooks tear at him and it was painful. It was added to it by a jolt of electricity and he couldn't help but cry out since it seemed to strike his nerves.

Cerebus growled as he watched Sam get punished for what he said. He looked at Lucifer and growled out, "Stop it you fiend!"

"I will when I feel like it. Now…" Lucifer looked at Cerebus. "What to do with you…"

Cerebus moved before Lucifer could do anything. He dodged the attack and headed towards Sam. He managed to grab the chains and yank them free. He knew it was painful for Sam and Adam but at least they could control it now. He landed in front of them as they landed on the ground. He faced Lucifer and adjusted his stance. His fists were raised to fight. It was not what he was used to but he was familiar with brawling and scuffling and he did take down demons.

"Impressive," Lucifer commented. He gave an approving nod. He would let the hellhound get away with the chain breaking if only to see what else he could do in this form. "I guess I will have to use the one thing that can kill most anything."

"Absolution is not yours," Cerebus roared. "It belongs to her. The one chosen to wield it."

"But I don't need to be chosen to use it," Lucifer replied grinning. "And I'm going to use it to take it out of your asses." He twirled the blade and dared Cerebus to attack. "Of course suppressing the soul within helps though I doubt she's in the mood to talk. You'd be surprised at how weak soul weapons are."

Cerebus roared in anger as he launched himself forward. He lashed out with a series of punches and kicks. They would have made a martial arts artist proud at the execution. It was courtesy of his creator should this happen and he was built for combat. He would get the blade back. He managed to land a couple of hits that drew blood from the fallen angel. It was during one volley that he caught a blow to his side by the blade. It drew blood and had him groan.

Pushing back allowed him to take a couple of breaths. But Lucifer didn't let up. He charged forward and went on the offensive and started swinging. Cerebus was forced on defense and managed to block a few blows but he also took a couple and they stung. Lucifer was right in that the soul didn't need to present in the blade to give the sting it did. He looked at the slice on his forearm at the bright red that was showing through. He looked up to see Lucifer charging at him. He didn't have time to set up for defense and went purely on instinct.

It was a good tactic but it left him open and Lucifer was going in for the kill. Cerebus saw the blade coming towards him and then it was stopped. He blinked and saw Sam holding onto a length of chain and the end was wrapped around Lucifer's wrist. He didn't expect that from Sam, but the punishment was obvious as Lucifer yanked and Sam flew forward and was held in a chokehold and with the blade next to Sam's neck.

"Now this is interesting. You see before Sam never used to fight this much before. I'm guessing this is a plan. Right, Sam?" Lucifer ran his hand on Sam's neck, taking care to touch the scar on Sam's neck.

Cerebus saw the movement and Sam's body twitch in pain and fear. What had Lucifer done to him? Thinking about the possibilities made Cerebus mad. He now understood better why Kesset was so adamant when Angela went missing. It had to be a human thing to completely understand. And he understood that he needed to protect Sam. He growled and bared his teeth.

"Down, puppy. You don't want to accidentally hurt Sam now would you?"

Cerebus didn't have to answer since Sam reacted and gave a hard elbow and dropped. It left Cerebus open to deliver an attack and he kicked the blade away. He followed through with a one-two punch combination. "I don't obey you!"

Lucifer stepped back. He looked at Cerebus. He was impressed at this and pulled out the chakram. He looked at it and tossed it away. He decided to not play anymore. "So I guess I'll have to punish you for being a bad dog." He held up his hand.

Cerebus felt his feet lift and he struggled. He found him and Sam suspended in air. Sam was still sporting the chains through his body. He looked at Lucifer and continued to struggle until something felt like it was punching through his gut and churning his insides. He gritted his teeth until he felt the coppery tang of blood in his mouth. He opened his jaw and felt it come out. He heard Sam making the same sounds but it seemed to be much more painful for the younger Winchester.

"As you can see Sam is my favorite and will be the only reason she responds. I doubt she'll respond for you," Lucifer replied as he walked towards Cerebus with his hand raised. He twisted his hand.

Cerebus grunted in pain and let out a yelp. It felt like his insides were being churned up. He wrapped his arms around his middle to try and ease it. Then he felt something pry his limbs apart and he heard Lucifer say that he was going to feel everything like Sam was. Cerebus winced and closed an eye as it increased even more. He was not going to fail the alpha.

Lucifer was grinning. He was ignoring Adam for the time being since he wasn't going to be much trouble. He watched Cerebus and Sam struggle. He was impressed by the hellhound but good things must come to an end. He would crush this hellhound and continue his fun with Sam. He twisted his wrist to increase it.

Sam curled in on himself as the pain increased. He looked over at Cerebus who was spread eagled and going through the same thing. At least Adam wasn't in too much pain. Lucifer's attention was diverted away from him and that was okay in his book. Now he had to think of something but it was hard with all the pain coursing through his body. He closed his eyes and called out, "Angie… stay away."

"She won't Sam. I want her here. That is if Michael didn't cause too much damage."

"Like this?"

Sam blinked as he saw Lucifer fly hard and fast through the air as he hit a tree, knocking it over. He shifted to see… His eyes widened in surprise. "Angie."

"Stillabunt."

Sam felt himself falling when he realized that he was dropping. He was surprised when he didn't hit the ground but was instead caught by Angela, but not his. He looked at the one that only came when the situation was dire. She smiled at him, "Always and forever, Sam."

Sam felt himself being set on his feet and he looked over to see Angela kneeling by Cerebus, patting his shoulder and saying that he did what he was supposed to do. He blinked when he also saw a double of himself and was ready to fight but was held back by the Angela that caught him. He looked at her and she shook her head and said, "That is not the one that haunts your nightmares. It's you."

It was crazy but it turned the tide since Lucifer stood up and looked at them. He was grinning since it seemed like he had been expecting it. It certainly was implied when he said, "Now the party is getting started. Do you remember everything now my sweet?"

Sam knew that Angela disliked being given a pet name if it came from someone she despised. She literally punched or slapped Crowley for calling her his sweetheart and she loathed Lucifer and Michael. So it was no surprise when she turned her gaze towards Lucifer and replied, "I am not yours."

That seemed to cause Lucifer to pause. What it was, Sam had no clue and from this point on he didn't think that it mattered since Lucifer was ready to lay on the hurt. That caused his double and the two Angelas to back into a fighting stance and Cerebus was back on his feet. He held his breath until an unknown signal caused all parties to charge.

A/N: Seems like Angela has tapped into what Gabriel suppressed so long ago and things are starting to pick up. Stay tuned for more on Let the Games Get Bloody...