Chapter 11

It was down to the final matches of elimination for the semifinals. So at the moment a break was going on while the lineup for the matches was determined. The warriors that were eliminated had gathered in the stands and were waiting for the lineup. The remaining warriors and their seconds were on the floor taking a moment to breathe and walk off minor injuries.

"Hey. That's a little cold."

Angela couldn't help but chuckle as she finished rubbing the salve into the red welt under the ribs of Sam's left. She had noticed him favoring his left after that last bout and figured that the kick Gaia had given him was a lot harder than he made it seem. Gaia probably figured that would wear Sam down but he persevered and he got her by giving a combination that more often ended up knocking him on his ass.

As soon as the break was called, she made a slight motion and led him to an area where there were no prying eyes and asked him to show her his ribs. Surprisingly he didn't resist and lifted his shirt to show her the red welt that was starting to form. She reached into the pouch at her waist and pulled out one of her salves and set about applying it.

Sam flinched at the initial contact because the welt was painful. The kick really hurt and he was sure that a rib or two was bruised as well. He didn't quit though and it wasn't because of some macho crap about getting his ass handed to him by a girl. He had his ass handed to him plenty of times by Angela as well as his brother. He didn't quit because he didn't want to let her down.

It was hard to put into words but Sam felt that it wasn't a simple owing to Angela. In fact most people would question that logic since she didn't get him out of a fight but rather forced him into a series of fights that so far he had been lucky or something and won all of them. It was the fact that she put more time and energy into training him and Dean in between their cases and working on her big project of trying to break Dean's deal.

True she implied that she didn't want to be embarrassed by him getting beaten black and blue on his first time out but Sam wasn't fooled. She did it for whatever reason she wanted to call it and she didn't have to be his drill sergeant but she did it. He didn't want what she taught him to go to waste. Of course that meant taking the hits and keeping going. Now he was reaping the consequences. After the initial soreness, he felt it dulling as Angela kept rubbing the salve in.

"I see that the cold died. Feeling better?"

Sam looked down as Angela applied a little more salve onto her hands to rub on the welt. He looked around as he felt the soreness die down. "Yeah, a little. What is that?"

Angela finished rubbing in the salve and then rubbed her hands together to rub in the salve. She corked the salve and held it a moment while motioning that Sam could put down his shirt. She twisted her lips in a manner that indicated that she wasn't sure if it was a good idea to mention it but she decided to anyway. "Wild yam."

Sam gave an incredulous look at her. "Seriously?"

"Well it's my own concoction to reduce swelling and pain for bruises and sore muscles but one of the main ingredients is wild yam," Angela replied with a slight oh well shrug as she put it back into her pouch. "No I haven't taught that one to Dean yet. You have some idea to the methods of my madness." She gave a slight smile.

"And your madness is enough to drive anyone insane," Sam replied, teasing her while he rubbed his side after rolling down his shirt.

"Part of my charm. You sure you're okay?"

Sam noticed the slight concern flicker in her eyes. He felt sore all over but the one giving him the most trouble was fine now. "Yeah, I'm sure." He took a deep breath and it felt good. He had been on edge as he observed the other warriors go through their matches. Some tried to use dirty tricks on their opponents and quite a few used their other talents. "I never thought I'd make it this far."

"You did good. I think those punks are starting to see what they should have been taught," Angela replied.

It had been nerve wracking to watch Sam fight up to three of the Chaser punks that jumped him. She was right that they were going all out and using their abilities. She had never trained Sam to counter them because she couldn't use her own against him. However when she lectured him on the possibility of them using talents to make it seem like he was fighting people he was close to, it clicked since the past few weeks proved it to be so. That last one, he didn't hold back though she suspected it was because he couldn't see her face.

Yet she had every confidence he could overcome the handicaps. She was certain he had seen an illusion during one of his matches because he paused a moment. It almost cost him the match but he snapped out of it long enough to beat his opponent and he offered them a hand up. Angela always knew that despite the situations he and Dean were thrust into, they both had a sense of honor and good sportsmanship. She saw that when she watched Sam play soccer one year as a kid.

"I guess it would be pretty cool if I won this thing huh?"

Angela couldn't help but smile. She trained him so he could survive the hits. She never considered the possibility of winning. "It could be," she replied, "And it would probably give Dean something to talk about for a while."

"Well I guess there are three of those guys left right? I guess that was better than trying to take them all on at once." Sam leaned against the wall of the corner that they were hiding to take a breather. The throbbing from his left was dull enough now to be ignored.

Angela observed Sam's movements to gauge his injuries. She had felt every blow as if it had been delivered to her and those punks didn't go easy at all on him. Sam was right. There were three of them left. Two had been eliminated and both by Sam so that left three including the punk who started the whole mess. "Well you might get lucky and one gets eliminated by one of the others."

"Might though considering the luck Dean and I have…" Sam shrugged his shoulders. "Truth be told I would rather go after that Lykos."

Angela didn't fail to notice that Lykos and Lycan were still in the game. Lycan she expected since he was better than his brother and Lykos she suspected he was doing it to make a point to her. He still hated her and she despised him. At least Lycan saw the truth with his brother but it still made her sad. Now Sam wanted to go after Lykos; how much more trouble could she cause? She looked down making a slight face. "Don't get into that mentality Sam. Don't let vengeance get into it."

"And just what am I supposed to get into?"

"Just focus on getting through it. Don't let anger rule."

"Sounds like good advice considering the crap we've been through." Sam didn't mean for it to come out so sarcastic since it was common sense in a fight. Then again there was nothing but revenge in regards to Yellow Eyes.

Angela couldn't help but give a slight smile. Yeah she was one to talk considering her vendetta with Azazel. Even if she could justify it as trying to right a wrong, she couldn't deny that she added getting revenge for Mary's death. "I agree but remember what I told you. You remember when I used the whip?"

How could Sam forget considering Dean went on for days about that even though he went through the same thing? He gave a short sigh and felt like a berated child. "Yes. I remember."

"What did I say?"

"Never attack in anger. Anger leads to haste and haste leads you to the grave," Sam recited. He had questioned the logic at first since this was supposed to not be a fight to the death. Yet as they continued, he realized that she was not just training for this but for their life on the road when they got back to hunting.

Angela knew he was thinking about that and nodded, "I'm pissed with Lykos but to sink to his level and let myself be baited by his snide comments, it makes me no better than him. Of course it sounds hypocritical when I say that I don't take kindly when people who mean a lot to me are harmed but… You kind of understand?"

Sam didn't understand completely but he could see where she was coming from. "I guess then if I get Lykos, I'll show him what you taught me."

"That's all that can be asked," Angela replied. She then heard the call. "Looks like they are ready to start. Is there a weapon you want to use?"

"Weapon?"

"Semifinals and on, the use of weapons is allowed." Angela gave a slight frown wondering if he had forgotten that.

Sam did forget. He was more focused on not getting his ass beaten black and blue at the time and that little detail escaped him. He had no idea what to do now. He could continue on with just his hands and feet but there was the possibility that his opponents were going to use weapons that could leave a lasting impression like a sword. He was at a loss for words and not sure what to say. The absurd idea of asking to borrow her sword crossed his mind but he couldn't do that. Everyone knew what her sword looked like and that was probably against the rules.

Angela solved the problem by walking off for a moment, leaving Sam standing there. She was back in a short time carrying a staff. She glanced at her waist and with a fluid motion she yanked off a piece of the sash that made her belt. It was crimson red and contrasted nicely with the color of her outfit. She tore the sash in two and wrapped one piece at each end. She handed it to Sam saying, "There. Now you have a weapon." She looked in the direction of the ring and tugged on Sam's sleeve. "Come on."

Sam followed still trying to wonder where she had found a staff at such short notice. He didn't question it but instead followed Angela back to the ring. He saw that the remaining warriors had gotten their weapons and were doing mock swings and the like. He watched as he saw Lykos wielding a rather big and serrated blade and teasing his brother with it. He was so busy that he bumped into someone and he hastened to apologize, "Sorry, excuse me."

The warrior that he bumped into turned sharply and gripped his staff in a firm grip. She glared slightly but it was gone as she stared at Sam, her blue green eyes scrutinizing him until Angela came back trying to find him. The warrior hastened to apologize, "I apologize if I startled you. I guess it is the excitement of the day."

Sam studied the warrior as she let go of his staff after she studied the colors at the end. She was certainly a warrior and less muscular than that one called Gaia. Her hair was pitch black and shoulder length like Angela's. Standing next to Angela they could pass for sisters except the stranger was much darker in skin tone. He replied, "It is no trouble. I ran into you."

Angela said nothing but allowed Sam and the stranger to speak. She had observed the girl during her matches and recognized several styles that she hadn't seen in centuries. She was good and had potential to win as well and her conduct was becoming of someone of honor. She finally said, "May you fight well and with honor."

The stranger accepted and looked at Sam and said, "And may you fight well." She gave a warrior grip and moved away towards the edge of the ring.

Sam frowned and leaned to ask, "You know her Angie?"

Angela watched the stranger walk. The gait, the posture; it was all very familiar. She had her suspicions and the tournament was open to all comers. Most would not recognize her even if they knew her name. Still she had to be sure. She replied, "I'm not sure. Come on. The first match is starting."


Lykos was eager for his next match. He dispatched Theodor with ease. Well the drunkard did put up a good fight with that war hammer and his war cry was deafening on his ears. In fact he almost lost when he was distracted and received the clout with the hammer. It was his agile body that allowed him to spring into action and retaliate.

Since it was the semifinals, he was allowed to use all his talents. He glanced over and saw that boy named Sam watching. He was holding onto a staff and looking a little anxious. Well he would show him what he had to be anxious about. Lykos maneuvered as the drunk Theodor took another swing at him. He caught a glimpse of his brother who had a hard and stern look.

Lycan was always the one who fought without his talents. Lykos believed in using every advantage in battle. His thinking was if you had the power you should use it to keep the advantage. Lykos was forever trying to get his brother to see his way but no. He was under the spell of the bitch Absolution; the one who would one day be his. Lykos glanced over at the boy. He would show him what he truly was up against.

Theodor stood ready to strike. He charged at Lykos. Lykos returned the charge by charging at Theodor. At the last moment, he sprung and he felt his teeth elongate and he felt the strength of his race fill his muscles. He wouldn't change completely just yet. He would save that for the boy and later when they weren't in neutral territory.

Theodor may be considered a drunk by most but he was a warrior. He commanded respect from many and he had a soft spot for Absolution. Out of all the warriors, she was the only one who truly appreciated his bad jokes and was a willing participant in any drinking contest he proposed with his malt mead. He hadn't been thrill when he had been assigned to Lykos but he accepted it with grace.

It started out well with Theodor using his hammer against Lykos' blade. Now Lykos was using his powers born of his race. To buy time, he let out his war cry. It had the desired effect of making Lykos back off. He was on his feet and wielding his hammer. He said, "So you try to gain an advantage Lykos?"

Lykos was recovering from the war cry and he glared at Theodor, his eyes flickering like glowing orbs. He replied, "Oh I have been waiting for this part since this whole thing began." He charged again and this time he didn't let up; not until he had Theodor pinned to the ground and with a few nasty slices from his blade.

Theodor had stumbled out of the ring still bearing dignity for a drunkard. Lykos gave a sneer in the direction of Absolution who looked like she wanted to go after the drunk to treat his injuries. He was surprised when she glared at him and her eyes flickered. Her so called pupil glared at him as well. He couldn't wait until he got to him, if that was a possibility.

The official then called his brother's name and he crossed his arms in boredom. Lycan was predictable. Then the official called, "Wosret."

Lykos frowned and looked sharply to see a tall and well-muscled woman walked forward. Her posture was straight and tall and hair jet black. She wore the black ochre designed in Egyptian design. She wore a simple pendant around her neck. Her shoulders were bare and it looked like she was wearing one of those sports bras that women liked. She wore gauntlets on her wrists and pants with boots. What interested him was what was hanging on her waist at the belt.

Lykos watched as she walked up to her starting marker. As she did, she put her hands to her belt and yanked what was in it out. In her hands were sai which she twirled in her hand. They were elegant looking but it was obvious even to Lykos of their deadly intent. It surprised him that his brother responded by withdrawing his sword. Lykos watched as when the word was given and the speed in which the girl attacked was astounding as she countered and struck against Lycan's blade until she was able to give a strike of her own.

Glancing over he noticed Absolution observing intently. He saw that she seemed to come to a realization about something. She knew something but he couldn't figure it out. Her pupil just appeared to watch in an observing manner. He turned to watch as the two combatants fought.


"It seems that I missed something."

Satet had been watching the crowds while the warriors were given a break. She had spotted the tall boy with his trainer. She watched them interact with a familiarity that she found to be a bringer of a fond memory. She smiled as she watched them especially the woman who treated the boy's injuries. She remembered those days.

Satet had respect for mortals and their ability to survive, to persevere even when things were dire. She was not one to foresee things but she could see that the boy was meant to suffer through trials. She had also observed his brother when he returned to the stands. He was connected as well as the old man. For a time, she observed the brother as he looked down at the ring and appeared to search for his brother.

She was too high up to completely see with her goddess eyes and she was a young goddess compared to the others. Hapi was young as well since he was the son of Horus who was the son of Isis. However she was strong enough to see the shadow that tainted the boy's soul. It was like a burden to him and yet she could see a fire within that kept him going. She got the impression that even if he were worn down by the battles yet to come, he would persevere. It was in the middle of her observation that she heard Hapi say something. She looked at Hapi and replied, "What was missed?"

Hapi walked along the beams to kneel by his wife and comrade. He pointed down to the combatants in the ring and said, "I believe someone decided to have a little fun."

Satet looked down and followed Hapi's finger to a familiar sight. She exclaimed, "What is Wosret thinking? Surely someone would have recognized her by now."

"Well I can tell you that my favorite girl knows who she is," a snarky voice sounded.

Satet gave a wry smile and replied, "And which favorite girl do you refer to Gabriel?"

Gabriel gave a dry chuckle. He had walked into that one. It seemed that he was on a role with meeting women who would just as soon as interrogate him and bully him though he had to admit the witch was rather polite. He wondered what she saw in Dean. He looked at Satet and replied, "I refer to the one you call Absolution though I know she hates being referred to that." He looked down and observed, "Oh so Wosret decided to play too."

Hapi reacted like any father would. It wasn't that he didn't like the archangel; he was just protective of her and didn't want her hurt. He actually did like the snarky archangel since they did share in a couple of pranks and actually fought side by side during tough times. He replied, "And I supposed you encouraged her?"

Gabriel raised his hands in surrender, "No. You know as well as I that Wosret has her own way of doing things. I think that comes from Mommy. I didn't know that she was here otherwise I would have convinced her to stay out of it."

"So nice to see your concern, Gabriel. Surely Absolution appreciates it," Satet replied.

"I do my best for her," Gabriel replied. It was true since he did what he did for her when he knew that she needed it. "Look I know your concern. Wosret being down there is a big risk. If anyone knew she is your daughter and a god, that could spell trouble."

"Do you really think it would come to that?"

Gabriel shrugged his shoulders, "Wosret knows battle and how to fight and keep herself out of trouble. However given the fact that there are those who don't want this Popsicle stand to succeed, they would find leverage in the daughter if the Nile gods."

"So you think one of the heads might do something?" Hapi glanced down while his daughter was combating the warrior she had been assigned to fight.

"I wouldn't put it past them. That is up to you though. This shindig was created in your honor and for the express purpose of those days." Gabriel shrugged his shoulders as he looked down. Wosret was doing well but he was looking at the one he came to see. He added, "That is why my girl is here. She wouldn't have come otherwise."

Satet was observing her daughter as she used the weapon she had trained with most of her life. She had been trained in the manner of the Egyptians but also many other techniques of the old world such as the days of Troy and all that. While old ways, they held up well against the younger and more mortal warriors. She looked at Absolution and saw the look of observation. That would only spell something that could result in friendship or foe.

Satet then glanced over where the heads of the six families were. She noticed that Hakim, the youngest and the one hosting this tournament was looking worried and doing his best to hide it. He knew what her daughter looked like… at least that was what her eyes were telling her. The other heads were more subdued. That didn't mean that they didn't know anything. "So besides the returning to the old way being on the line, the leverage against us using our daughter is a possibility?"

"Seems like it," Gabriel replied. He didn't like seeing Wosret's parents in distress. By normal circumstances Wosret shouldn't have been born and that was out of fear that was one too many war gods. She was born anyway and kept safe in the realm between realms where Isis had dominion. He could understand their worry though his worry for his favorite girl could never match theirs. "Look I can try to talk to her and see if she can get out of it before it's too late."

"That would be the most sensible thing you have suggested since you came," Hapi replied.

"Good. I'll do it tonight."

Gabriel was gone before Hapi could say anything. He gave a sigh and went to sit by his wife. He watched as Wosret defeated her opponent and gave polite consideration to him as she had been taught. She went to go stand off to the side while another set of opponents had been called. He looked at his wife who was watching and said, "If anyone could convince her, it would be Gabriel."

"I don't think so," Satet replied. "You forget Wosret has your gift but on a more personal level. I think it won't be Gabriel but Absolution. If anything Absolution will prevent anyone from taking advantage of Wosret. They are more alike in many ways."

"I hope you are right my love," Hapi replied as he looked on. They continued to watch the matches until the finalists were selected not surprised that they boy with Absolution managed to stay in the game.


A/N: Aww a little moment between Angie and Sam. Plots start to thicken and lead on to the next chapter of Warrior's Honor...