Chapter 10

"Are you certain that this is what it is?"

"I am sure Edward," Angela replied in a somber voice as she stood in the middle of the room. She looked at Edward but also glanced at the other elders sitting around. She didn't quite expect it but she sort of did. The last time she actually was in a formal setting solo in front of elders was a very long time ago. The whole business with the Grigori didn't count much even though they were a tribe and they were Hunters.

Looking at the group, she explained, "I have reason to believe that Luke "Strong Bear" Taylor… is possessed and not by a demon."

"How can you be certain? Do you have knowledge?"

Angela looked at the group. She expected that and in all honesty she would have done the same if she was in their position. She replied, "There are ways to tell. Strong Bear is possessed by the spirit of a Kanontsistóntie's."

The silence was deafening followed by the murmuring of the elders as they conferred with each other. She was well aware that she was receiving an honor since it was not traditional for women to stand in the presence of warriors. Yet she was addressed as such when she came in after she left Chuck's place, confident that he would be okay while she took care of the other matter. She had been introduced as a warrior and it gave her standing with the elderly men.

Finally one spoke to Edward and he looked at Angela and said, "You know this for certain Medicine Woman?"

The use of the name the Cheyenne and other tribes had given her was not done to be an embarrassment to her. It was a formal means of addressing her and recognizing her status within the tribe. It was not at all unusual to come across that in other contexts. Angela knew that they were showing her respect and were asking her to give her evidence. She replied, "Yes. The Kanontsistóntie's while typically a monster of sorts does have a spirit form. It is distinguishable by the eyes when it reveals itself. The eyes of anger and death."

It was a bit flowery on her end but it was all part and parcel of presenting and being respectful. It was part of the reason why she was straightforward with the boys since she had pretty much lived on that stuff growing up and then going through the hunting business. Looking at the elders and Edward, she continued, "It is my opinion that this is real. I have seen various kinds of possession and… if it had been a demon, there would have been a different reaction altogether."

"You refer to the wrath of the spirits that threaten a seer."

"Yes."

"So we should have seen something from you."

Angela blinked at that. She really wasn't used to being referred to as the earthbound angel and she was very insistent about not being an angel even though her talents suggested that they were on par with an angel. She knew she was no archangel and she was just damned lucky when it came to the Grigori. It wasn't the time to actually argue semantics since it would be pointless. She replied, "I would have sensed that it was a demon. I have come across many and would be able to recognize it."

"It doesn't make sense," one of the elders spoke. "The Kanontsistóntie's arises when a husband kills his unfaithful wife. Snowbird was anything but that."

"There is the possibility that because she had died, Strong Bear believes that she left him and in essence could be considered a betrayal. It is an unusual circumstance but it could explain why it is a spirit and not a monster," Angela offered. "There is also the fact that the son is terrified. He tries to be a warrior but it can be seen that he is frightened."

It was very much like when she had to appear before the council when she appealed on behalf of Dean. The major difference was that it felt more comfortable in front of the elders and part of it was because she actually liked conversing in council within the various bands and tribes. The times may have changed since they were gathered in the living room of one of the elders rather than a shelter associated with the Cheyenne but still it was very much the same with the smell of the herbs and wood smoke that seemed to cling to the house.

The elders discussed and nodded. It was sign to Angela that they were taking this seriously and it was a serious matter. In certain cases the Kanontsistóntie's, or Flying Head, was known to rise from the grave of the dead woman and terrorize the children of the couple until it was ganked. The terror took on many forms and from the looks of things, it played on the Native American low tolerance of alcohol.

She didn't want to say anything but when Strong Bear grabbed her, she could smell the alcohol. He may have been clean shaven and the like but she could pick up the smell. It was her first clue along with the eyes. Initial suspicion was a Japanese drinking spirit but the more she pieced things together and did her research, she knew what they were dealing with. The problem was that she really had no idea of what to do to kill the thing. When in doubt, she used Absolution since it pretty much killed everything with the exception of ghosts and spirits. That was a different matter entirely.

It was startling to find Edward had stood up and was in front of her. It was akin to being ambushed by Castiel but it was less disturbing even if it violated the personal space thing a bit. She said nothing but let Edward speak, "This is a discussion for council."

"So…"

"You must leave. Such is the way of things."

Angela raised a brow at that and studied the elderly man and the other elders. She wasn't sure that was a good thing. "Why must I leave?"

"We know what needs to be done but as an outsider you cannot be a part of it." Edward knew that this was going to be difficult to digest and he noticed the look of suspicion on her face. "There is a way but part of it must be done in secret."

"Then what do I do? I can't just barge in and grab Charlie to get him away. Might piss the thing off and…"

"It is a ritual that is only known to the elders for a reason. We need to prepare but there are also things that we need," Edward replied. He could see the thoughts plowing through her mind as she inwardly debated the wisdom in this.

It was hardly an ideal situation and to say that she had been in them before was a bit of an understatement. The more memorable circumstances involved the fact that she was forced to do nothing until the time was needed. The waiting was a killer but a good lesson on patience but it was really hard when kids were involved since the urge was great to just jump in. Still Angela knew that there was a purpose to this even thought her instincts were screaming otherwise.

"It is difficult for you to understand. This we know but in order for you to help, we need to do this alone." Edward looked at her and could see that she wanted to argue but she held her tongue. "You will be needed. The spirits have made that clear but as a warrior, you know that one must be prepared for what is to come."

Angela knew there was no arguing here. She nodded, "I understand."

Edward smiled at her, "As much as you can."

Angela said no more as she gave a nod of respect to the elders and Edward. She left the house with Edward escorting her out. Once they were outside she turned to Edward and said, "I hope that this doesn't take too long."

"What is needed to be done will take time. It is old Cheyenne magic."

"I understand Edward. What is it that you need me to do?"

Edward paused and studied Angela. She was determined to do what she had to do even though it was hard to just stay still. Yet she was willing to put some trust in this and it said a lot. He remembered the last time they had met. He was just a boy but she made an impact on him and the tribe. The elders then had been telling the stories of her as they had been told since the last days of riding the plains and then she made new stories.

Snowbird had the gift like he did of communing with the spirits. She predicted that the angel of the earth would come again in the fight against darkness. She said that the angel would be for the People and fight for them. Edward had listened to the stories she would tell Charlie. It had been a surprise to hear that Angela had come for the boy but he knew that it was for a purpose.

"Edward… what do you need me to do?"

Edward looked at her and replied, "You need to prepare a sign to call. Plus there is the matter of someone else that needs you." At the look she gave, he said, "They depend upon you Medicine Woman. You need to help them see."

Angela raised her brow at that. Being enigmatic was something that came with the territory in this job. She was used to dishing it out because she had to unless they needed to be told straight and that was usually the case with things like planning a major battle. When it came back to her it was a wakeup call to how it sounded from the other person's end. This coming from Edward was not clear to her since her thoughts were on other matters. Still she accepted it and nodded before leaving the house with Sasha and started walking down the street. When she was sufficient distance away she pulled out her hands free set and put it on and dialed a number.

Hello.

"Bobby. I need your help."

Well that's a fine way to say hello. Especially since you thought it wasn't necessary to tell me how the boys were doing.

Angela sighed a bit, "Sorry about that but I was a little concerned with the fact that one brother needed to have paperwork for tonsillitis surgery and then one catching a throat cold…"

Ya still could have picked up the phone.

"I know. I'm sorry but I do need your help."

What about?

Angela sighed a little trying to figure out what to do and replied, "What do you know about a Kanontsistóntie's aka a Flying Head?" She paused as she heard Bobby muse at the other end. She continued walking down the street.

I take it you know what it is so ya want to know about killing it.

"Just what's involved," Angela replied honestly.

Well you're out of luck there. Apparently there is some preparation involved but one component is secret. Requires a council of elders and that's it. Whatever they do enables the chosen warrior to fight and kill it. No details there.

"Thought so," Angela replied and hummed a little.

I take it that you found something.

"Just what you told me. Thank you Bobby. I just wanted to see if you were able to come up with something different. You're the guy that knows how to get things," she replied with a slight smile on her face knowing that it would get a reaction.

Don't try that with me young lady.

"You know you like it old fart. Thanks Bobby."

Now I know I have to be worried. You're up to something and the boys have no clue. What are ya up to?

"Nothing too dangerous."

A flying head is not 'nothing too dangerous'. Where are Sam and Dean?

"Busy on another case. I got this Bobby. It is something I found and taking care of. It's one of those things… about… me."

Bobby could be heard harrumphing on the other end. Angela also heard him grousing to Cerebus and felt her lip twitch. The hell mutt and Bobby got on well together and no doubt it made it difficult when Christian came by with his trainees. She continued, "Bobby. It will be all right. I am just trying to give a little boy his father back."

Alright but it better be something that simple or yer gonna have some explaining to do.

"I promise."

The conversation ended and Angela kept walking down the street. She looked at Sasha who was walking without the leash but being a well-heeled dog. She made a face at the look the dog was giving her when her phone rang. She answered it by tapping the ear piece on the hands free set and said, "Hello?"

Angie, you still in town?

"You know I am Dean," she replied. "Don't tell me you think I'm crazy now. You did that already and I have nothing to report."

Never mind that. We need to talk.

Dean…

She heard Sam starting to pipe up and she guessed that it had something to do with Dean's plan getting out of town. Something must have happened since Dean didn't get serious for nothing. She said in a tone that would placate him, "Okay. What do you want to talk about?" When Dean didn't answer right away, she said, "Meet me at the diner in town."

Dean didn't like how this was playing out. Chuck so far hadn't been wrong about everything they had encountered. The first concern was to get him and Sam out of town. He was right in that they were far from ready from a death match with Lilith but his girl didn't see it that way and stayed behind.

It was the first time they actually disagreed and refused to play along. What was worse was that Sam seemed miffed that she was staying and he wasn't and it had nothing to do with the fact that she was going to be along with nothing but a dog for company until the next day. It was because she was going after Lilith and he wasn't; Dean didn't care that she was going to be just gathering info. He knew her better than that but he couldn't really make her do anything.

He hated driving away and leaving her behind but she had to be reasonable and mentioned rule number one. If anything she knew that would get him to do anything besides her giving her puppy eyes or some sort of coercion/threat given in good humor. That's why he was upset; she always seemed to make so much damned sense and she would do anything for him and Sam including getting up close and personal with Lilith.

It certainly didn't get any better when they were stopped by the cops on the way out because the only way out of town was out because the damned bridge was out. It started to feel like the world was going against him as he reluctantly turned around to head back into town. The only thing that helped was the fact that she was there, which was why he dialed her number and demanded that they talk. Yeah he may have sounded brash with it but it was serious.

She certainly seemed to know that and said that she would meet them at the diner in town. She certainly delivered on that; she always did. She was standing outside the place with Sasha sitting beside her and looking alert. As soon as they pulled up Sasha walked up and jumped into the car as soon as Dean got out and jumped into her spot in the back.

Mutt is trained too well, Dean though to himself as he shut the door, leaving the window cracked for the pup. He looked at Angela who shrugged her shoulders and waited for them. Once he was within earshot, he muttered, "Not a word."

"Wasn't gonna say anything until the discussion," Angela replied as she followed them in. She paused a moment to check her phone and followed them in towards the table they chose, taking the seat with her back to the wall and effectively between the brothers.

If silence could be deafening, it certainly was the case while they looked at the menus. Dean took the opportunity to look at the pages Chuck wrote again. A glance over at Angela told him that she was doing that whole patient thing again and he was starting to feel the need to squirm. As it were, she pointed out something on the menu to Sam and suggested that he might like that; it sounded so normal that it was very out of place.

Taking initiative, Dean looked at his brother and Angela and said, 'You know this could be a good thing. I mean if this is what puts us on the path to Lilith, then all we gotta do is get off the path."

Sam looked at Dean, willing to bite on this, "How do you mean?"

"It's a blueprint of what not to do," Dean answered, "I mean, if the pages say that we go left…"

"Then we go right," Sam finished figuring out what Dean was getting at.

"Exactly. We get off book, we never make it to the end. It's opposite day." Dean paused to take in his brother's expression. It looked like Sam was going to buy his idea. "So it says that we get into a fight, so no fighting. No research for you."

"No bacon cheeseburger for you," Sam countered to remind his brother that this was going to be a two way street.

Dean paused. It was like his legs were being cut out from under him. Yet Sam was right on this. "No problem. I'll order something else."

Angela had raised her brow as she listened to this conversation. It was very much like another time that this same attempt had been happened. She put her menu down and folded her hands, "That does sound like a good plan…"

"But," Sam prompted since he picked up the hitch in her tone.

"But," Angela picked up with a slight motion of her head, "Have you considered the possibility that what is written in the end will actually happen?"

Both looked at her like she might have been crazy. Dean asked, "Are you trying to be funny or have you really decided to mess with us?" He ignored the look that Sam was giving him, not caring that he was in the position of actually hurting her feelings and quite possibly pissing his brother off for hurting her feelings.

"Take it that way if you wish," Angela replied as she motioned with her hands before folding them together. "All I'm saying is that in my experience the end result that is written that is that accurate will happen. You can't change it per se. The path to get there… open season."

"So you're saying that this idea of opposite day is going to lead us to Lilith anyway?" Sam looked at her trying to make sense of what she was saying.

"It's a possibility," Angela replied. "Like I said, my own experience and if you had read up on the challenge I gave you…" She left the end hanging to make a point. She looked at her nails to contemplate them. "Sometimes fighting it too hard puts you on the path you wish to avoid," she added in a low voice.

At that moment the waitress came up. There was no point in questioning her now so Dean turned and asked what was good. There was something off about the way Angela spoke and it was odd. It was about as odd as how she knew about the meat suit Lilith was wearing now. Something was going on and she wasn't telling and for what reason certainly had to do with her stupid self-imposed job of protecting him and Sam by deliberately withholding things or operating in secret to protect them.

"Well, if you like burgers, Oprah's girlfriend said we have the best bacon cheeseburgers in the country," the waitress answered Dean's query.

Sam chuckled a bit at that and said, "I'll just have the Cobb salad, please." He glanced at Dean to put him to the test about this opposite day thing.

Dean felt like he was getting a tooth pulled as he said, "I'll have the veggie tofu burger."

The waitress took their orders and turned towards Angela, "And what about you hon?"

Angela looked at the menu and tapped her fingers on the table. She looked up and said, "The fruit salad, please and a slice of the cobbler."

If the waitress thought that the food choice was strange, she didn't say anything. Instead she just took the order and the menus. She had learned not to ask questions but she was struck by the politeness of the woman that seemed rather old fashioned for the times but pleasant.

In the meantime, Sam was trying hard not to laugh at the fact that Dean actually ordered a tofu burger. It also hid his concern that all Angela was eating was fruit and pie. She had to be starving and yet… It was something to talk about later as he said, "This is ridiculous."

"Lilith is ridiculous?" Dean looked at his brother, also deeply aware and concerned at Angela's food choice.

"The idea of me hooking up with her is," Sam clarified, not noticing the twitch on Angela's features which had nothing to do with it being ridiculous and funny but of something else.

Dean noticed it but being nice kept that off the discussion table, "Right. Because something like that could never happen."

Sam took a moment to look at his brother. He probably shouldn't say anything but… "Dean, for the first time, we have warning that Lilith is close. So, we've got the jump on her. If we know when she's coming, we know where… This is an opportunity."

Dean was ready to argue but he paused and changed course, "It frustrates me when you say such reckless things."

"Well it frustrates me when you'd rather hide than fight," Sam countered.

"It is not hiding Sam," Angela cut in calmly. She didn't look at either of them but down at her hands. She tapped them on the table and continued, "Lilith… is not the run of the mill demon. She is the First."

Nothing more was said as the waitress brought their food. Angela listened as Dean pointed out that they had to pick their battles and this opportunity is was not one they could win. It wasn't one that either of them could win but it was within her means but she wasn't going to say that. It was bad enough that she could tell that Sam wasn't happy with that and the wheels were turning in his head meaning he had a plan.

Calmly she ate her fruit, clearly starving but it was the only thing that she could stomach at the moment. The tension was relieved only slightly as Dean's tofu burger turned out to be the bacon cheeseburger. The look on his face as it was taken away was priceless but also a clear indicator that what they were going to attempt was not going to work. She muttered, "Telling ya… not going to work."

A/N: Well the boys can't get out and Angie is warning them but they aren't really listening. Keep watching for more Will You Be My Angel...