Thank you FlyingFerret! :) Aye, pie it is! *laughs* Thank you, it's much appreciated that you like the chapter!

Thank you williewildcat! ;) I'm the same - whenever I think of Alastair, I always hear his lisp also!! And thank you for following the story!!

Here's the next update!!

CHAPTER TEN

The three of us watched, as the two hench-demons seemingly stood watch whilst Alastair removed his straight razor from his jacket pocket and began to carve into Ruby's flesh. Her muffled screams blocked out Sam's strangled cry of horror and it seemed as though Sam meant to start forward. I hastily grabbed hold of his wrist and easily held him back, throwing him a warning look.

"Samuel! Stay put! You will not help our cause through running wanton into the fray!" I hissed at him, angrily.

Sam grumbled angrily at me, but at least he stayed put - for now. I stared at him until I knew that he really wasn't going to be reckless and run to Ruby's side too early. When I was satisfied he really wouldn't, I dropped my hold on him, but would always be aware of Sam just in case. I wouldn't put it past him to try and make a break for it - after all, that's what I would be tempted to do, should Castiel himself be out there, not Ruby.

I gripped my katana tighter, shifting slightly - my legs, my arms, my wings were starting to cramp. I briefly considered stretching my wings, and almost followed through, but squashed down the compulsion at the last minute. I didn't think it wise to do that at the moment.

It was as though my sudden surge of power alerted Alastair to our presence - for he looked up, and over in our general direction. Although he couldn't see us, he could definitely now sense us.

"I know you're out there, angel!" he lisped out, menacingly.

"What's he talking about? There's no angel here!" Dean hissed out at Sam.

"Step forward, o warrior of God! I have so longed to get my hands upon one of your number, seeing as this worthless piece of demon flesh is worthless!" he said, straightening up to look over in general direction properly.

"Only if you promise to keep this between you and me, Al!" I called back.

"Jenna, what the hell are you DOING?" Sam hissed, in panic.

"Deal, angel. Now step forwards and face me!" he called back.

"You CAN'T, Jenna! He'll kill you!" Dean said, attempting to pull me back when I rose.

"No, he won't. He can't!" I said, before stepping out into the moonlight to face Alastair bravely.

Alastair grinned when he saw me, before he beckoned me forward. I complied, stopping within five feet of him, and meeting his gaze head on.

"Tell me your name, warrior!" the demon said.

"Does it matter so very much to you, Al?" I asked.

"You know mine! I merely wish to know yours. It is only common decency!" he said, closing the distance between us.

I held up a hand, planting it in his chest and stopping him where he stood. A brief flare of white broke the gloom, and he stepped back, with a cry.

"Keep back, demon!" I said, warningly. "Or I will do worse next time!"

Alastair gave me a curious half bow, of assent, before I spoke again.

"You asked me my name. It's Shekinah, not that it makes much difference to you, other than you will be screaming it when I send you back to Hell!" I snarled.

"Brave words for a little one!" he said.

At 5'8" I could hardly be called small, but next to the taller demon, I was small.

"Size does not matter to me. After all, at the end of the day, I am older than you, Al!" I said. "I think I may even be older than Castiel!"

"Enough! I have important business to conclude!" Alastair said, and I watched him stride over to Ruby's side.

I shadowed his movements, reaching Ruby's other side at the same time as Alastair did. Ruby flinched away from me, but still I looked down tenderly on the demon.

"Be still, demon, I am not here to smite you, but to reclaim you. Be still!" I commanded again, before laying a hand on Ruby's arm.

I turned to face Alastair, giving him a level look, before saying - "You cannot touch the child, while I am holding her, offering her my protection. She remains safe, for I have orders ... "

"Your orders mean shit to me, Shekinah! Unhand her!" Alastair snarled, not daring to touch her, while my hand still rested upon her.

"Leave them both, Alastair! It's me you want, isn't it?" Dean said, striding forward, arms outstretched as though offering the demon a hug. "You said I had potential, didn't you? So c'mon! Reclaim what is yours! Leave Jenna and Ruby out if this! Or should I too call you Shekinah?"

"Shekinah is fine! Now step back! This fight is not yours!" I said, pointing at Dean with my free hand.

"Your angel commands will not work - not now, Jen - Shekinah! I know what I'm doing!" Dean said, striding forward to square up to Alastair. "What are you waiting for Al? It's me you want isn't it?"

"I was hoping to have some fun with your angel there, but you'll do in a pinch!" Alastair said as he turned from Ruby with little interest.

"DEAN! I command you to step away!" I said, letting go of Ruby and turning my katana onto Dean.