Chapter 12

Dean felt naked without some sort of weapon to use against the fuglies that came their way. He half expected demons but it turned out that these things were mad werewolves and not the kind that he was used to. They were full on huge and hairy animals. He could say that he was lucky that some decided not to change but the odds weren't good anyway. They were outnumbered and he didn't have a damn thing to work with.

He looked around while trying not to provoke a chase from one that appeared to be very hungry for a weapon. "Cas, do you happen to have a spare whatever hidden in that tax accountant getup of yours?"

A clink on the ground had him look and Dean looked down to see what looked ridiculously like a toothpick though it was a pretty good sized knife. To Dean though, it was begging for the word suicide since you would have to get in close. He picked it up and managed to dodge the furry beast and get to his feet. "Come on Cas. My gun will be more helpful here."

Castiel was busy trying to knockout the various werewolves. The ones that couldn't be saved, he killed. He hadn't anticipated these creatures but he did anticipate the possibility of resistance. There were too many for him and Dean to fight off alone even with the weapons that Angela had packed him with to bring. He turned to toss Dean the first thing that he could pull out of his coat.

Dean did the best he could until he was pounced upon by a werewolf. He was pinned by the beast and he could feel the weight stifling his airflow. If the jaws and bad breath didn't finish him, the weight most certainly would. He tried using his toothpick on its foot but it yelped and nearly snapped at his hand and he was giving a glob of drool near his head. All he could see was a set of teeth that made Angela's fangs look like kitty canines. "Cas!"

The next thing Dean saw was the wolf man flying off him and he heard a yelp of pain and the sickening crack of bones. Dean looked to see the thing lying on its side. The others that were remaining stared at the source. Dean looked to see Castiel with his blue eyes blazing as he stared at the others that were staring back. Dean scrambled back to get to his feet while the angel was giving the stare down.

The remaining werewolf shifter things stepped back and then decided to turn around and leave. Dean managed to stand up and watch them leave. He then glanced at the angel and managed to get out, "Damn Cas."

Castiel looked at Dean and pulled out the Taurus that was Dean's and handed it to him. He looked a bit uncomfortable holding it. "I believe that you wanted this."

Dean took the Taurus and checked the load. At least he had a gun and he had the standard ammo for a hunting job. Looking at the angel he said, "Thanks." He cocked his weapon and added, "Now let's find Sam and Hibah."

Nothing more was said as the pair made their way through the maze of hallways. Dean thought that he was in a fun house and figured Sam must have felt the same way when that demon bitch Lenya made him trapeze around to find him. It certainly would be her game and this reeked of her and he would know. He had played it down in the pit. The distinct advantage was that he had an ass kicking angel and couple of weapons he knew how to use. Now he just needed to find his brother and Ninja and get the hell out.

It was disconcerting when they didn't come across anything else. Dean was certain that there were other things hidden there. He kept glancing over at Castiel to check and the non-reaction from the angel was troublesome. Something wasn't right here. He could feel it in his gut and something wasn't right with Sam. Well it was going haywire anyway since he couldn't see where his brother was. Dean held his gun in a ready position and looked around.

"Dean."

Dean looked up and hurried to where Castiel was. He looked to see what the angel was staring at and almost freaked out. He felt his eyes widen at the stretch of hallway littered with bodies, blood and some were people waking up. "What happened here?"

"The Malachi."

Dean knew that she had gone extreme before when they had to hold out against those freaks that poisoned Sam. He just didn't think about it then but seeing it. He could tell that she had to have used her blade to do it. He had seen her move when she practiced and she was fast and deadly. "Angie did all this?"

"It is part of the plan." Castiel took one last look and looked around. He then turned away from the carnage and headed in another direction.

"Wait shouldn't we follow?"

"The Malachi is following a different hunt," Castiel replied. He paused a moment to make a turn down a hall and towards a door.

"Different hunt? Cas, this is a rescue op, she wouldn't be hunting."

Castiel turned to look at Dean. He studied the hunter and then replied, "She is hunting the one responsible in order to retrieve the Jewel. You are to find your brother. That is why I am here." He turned and continued.

"Cas, that sounds like revenge and that isn't in Angie's vocabulary."

"The Malachi knows things and has done things that you have yet to see, Dean. She is a soldier for the greater good."

"Yeah I've heard that but she's also a person," Dean countered as he stopped with the angel as they got to a door. "She would make sure me and Sam are okay and make sure Ninja is out of harm's way. She wouldn't leave that." He motioned in the general direction where they left behind the trail of bodies.

"The Jewel is precious to the Malachi."

"And stop with that. What is the Jewel?"

"The one you call Hibah is the Jewel of the Nile," Castiel explained more for Dean's benefit. "That is what the Malachi is hunting for." He looked at Dean for a moment and added, "She is looking for her and will…"

"I get it," Dean replied. He totally did since he remembered distinctly how Angela freaked with a simple robbery that turned out okay. Maybe he and Sam didn't see a big deal since Hibah knew the rules and for the most part followed them but he could see that maybe Angela was afraid that something would slip and that one of them gods would send someone after Hibah. She was that good at hiding it and it was a wonder Sam didn't pick up on it or maybe he did and was following that don't ask, don't tell thing he was trying lately. "If anyone can find Ninja, Angie can and she is full blown mom on that."

"I don't understand that phrase."

"Don't worry about it Cas. It's like when Sam got seriously hurt, meaning I get it. I almost feel sorry for the other guy," Dean explained. He would have said more but as they walked into the room, they were set upon by… was this a joke? Just looking at the thing had him raise his brow probably

Dean looked ahead and saw an empty hall but it was stone. He noted that there were some strange patterns on the walls and then looked at the floor. He thought it was Angela's bad idea of a joke as he came to certain conclusions. He looked straight ahead and then at the angel and asked, "Are you sure Sam is this way?"

"Yes." Castiel then touched Dean and they were on the other side of this mess. He then continued forward looking around. That was when a fist came out and hit the angel square in the face.

Dean looked over to see the bastard that had knocked him out looking pleased with himself. He scowled and said, "Cheap shot."

The demon looked at Dean and replied, "Hardly that. I just love sticking it to little Cassy here. Been a long time hasn't it? I'm surprised you are even here. Maybe we should have warded against angels."

Castiel looked up from where he had fallen and gave a sort of glare at the demon. "Not long enough Alighieri."

"Wait Cas, you know this guy?"

"Course he does. He was a little smaller way back when but just could hit where it counted," Alighieri replied. He let his eyes show red to indicate his demon status. He grinned as his eyes never left the angel. "Always quick to anger and seems to me he still hasn't let that go. Now why would that be? Certainly not for you Dean."

"Yeah well the day Cas shows emotion is the day I get out of dodge," Dean commented. "No offense Cas."

"None taken," Castiel replied as he stood up and looked at the demon. "What is their game here Alighieri?"

Alighieri gave a warning tsk. He had been wondering how long it would be for Dean to break out. It wasn't like the door was locked and bolted tight. That was the product of Dean's imagination. That room certainly was fun to create and boy it had been entertaining to watch Dean react to nothing or move in his sleep. His boss did a number on him. He looked at the pair and reply, "Oh the usual. They want to play with their favorite toy."

"You mean Angie," Dean clarified. That had been obvious, at least he thought so but they took Hibah. "What about…"

"The godling?" Alighieri blew a slight raspberry at that. "True she would have been valuable but considering how well protected she is from all sides… the risk outweighed the reward even though she would have made a fine addition. Nope. The brat doesn't mean anything except for what she can do for use and not even know it."

"So you are after the Malachi."

"Finishing what was started Cassy. Didn't she tell you about that? The whole thing about friend against friend? And of course don't forget Alistair and Lenya," Alighieri replied while looking at the angel and the hunter like they were idiots. "No? Well I guess that's a wrap."

"Stand down Alighieri," Castiel countered. He had his hand out in a slight defensive posture, ready to attack if necessary. "Release Sam."

"Sammy? No cause you see, where would the fun be in that? After all it is rare to see a plan that is conceived by your precious Malachi in full action. Let me guess, she sent you to retrieve the Brothers Grimm and get them out while she seeks out the brat. That's fine with me but I'm not sure how long Sammy can hold out."

"What are you talking about? Where's Sam?"

Castiel saw Dean grow angry and tried to stop him, "Dean wait."

Dean didn't listen and started walking towards the demon. "Now listen you candy ass, you're gonna tell me where my brother is or I will…"

The next thing Dean knew he was flung aside and pinned to the wall. Alighieri looked at him and held his hand out to warn the angel back. "You will do nothing since you can't. Stand down Cassy or I'll churn his insides into pulp. Then no one will be left to help poor Sam. Of course he shouldn't have too much trouble. He is a Champion and no doubt he's gone against what he is playing with."

"Sonofabitch," Dean grunted out. He could see that he was dangling a bit off the ground but he really couldn't move. It was uncomfortable and he knew it could get worse if the demon chose it. "What did you do to Sam?"

"Puppy patrol."

Dean looked at the demon, not quite sure what was going on. The look on the demon wasn't that awe inspiring either. He looked at Castiel who glanced at him before the demon came at him with a tackle and pushed the angel into the stone wall. Dean grunted and tried to get free but it was near impossible and he repeated, "Sonofabitch!"


"Oh sorry about the puppy's manners. Sometimes he gets a little over eager."

Sam propped himself up after he tripped on the floor. His door had been opened and he ran out and in the direction that Lykos went into, thinking that it was the way out. He ended up in another room and one of those Lupei had come out. He knew he was outgunned on this one and figured that the best way was to run. He ended up tripping and falling hard on the stone ground and cursed but thankful that Dean wasn't there to make a comment on him being on Bambi legs or something.

He had turned to try and crawl to his feet and that was when he noticed her. He was in shock, not thinking that he would ever see her again. Not after that strange case or cases. "Katherine?"

Katherine clapped her hands in delight, "Oh you do remember me Sammy. One of my favorite customers."

Sam managed to get to his feet, his eyes never leaving the demon or her 'pet'. "I'm not one of your customers."

"Oh I always call people that have experienced my magic my customers even if they didn't buy. It's good for business and I get referrals." Katherine gave a slight motion like it was no big deal. "So how can I help you Sam? I mean I know Tippy here is supposed to play with you but I can make it a little more fun on your end but not too much."

Sam looked at the demon like she was nuts. She was in charge of the thing and she wanted to even things out but not too much and the thing still goes after him… It was rather bewildering. "And why would you do this? Aren't you under orders or something? Most demons your type usually have one job and that is to make a deal."

"Well I am hoping we could come to a deal," Katherine replied. She nibbled at a manicured nail. "You get something to play with Tippy here and I get another soul for my collection. Well actually it is for the punishment division specifically Alistair…"

"Meaning you want to piss Angie off," Sam replied coming to the conclusion relatively quick. This demon wasn't like the other ones even if she didn't make sense most of the time. Her ability to blab was as natural as breathing.

"Alistair wants to do that. Something about touching her heart and soul. It's all that gooey stuff that I don't get but he understands. It has something to do with you and your brother. The kid is gravy but that is what he says." Katherine buffed her nails, not overly concerned about Sam escaping or trying anything stupid. At least that is what it appeared to be.

"So this whole thing is like that maze crap Lenya did a year ago? A test for Angie?" Sam felt his temper start to rise. He hadn't liked it then and he didn't like it now that these demons were trying to do something and make Angela into something that he knew she wasn't at heart.

"Something like that," Katherine replied absently. "So do you want to deal or not deal? I got all night for this since it will take a lot of luck for your brother to make his way down here and that is if he figures out the purpose of his room."

"What did you do to him?"

"Have fun with him."

"What did you do?" Sam started advancing. His anger was getting the best of him and he didn't take into account the fact that Tippy could rip him to shreds.

Katherine looked up and her eyes turned demon red and watched as Sam flew back and his back hit the ground. She watched him grunt and struggle to get up. She had him pinned. She glared at him and her voice warped slightly, "I did nothing. Everything that happens in that place is what the target makes of it. Your dreams twisted into nightmares and nightmares coming to life. Everything appears as reality when it is all an illusion of hopes, dreams and worst fears. All designed for one purpose: to break the heart and soul."

Sam looked up at the demon. He had never seen that before. The warped voice was something to be wary of since he had heard that tone of voice once and that was from Angela. He felt his throat convulse as he struggled against his bonds. "So your grand plan is to make me and Dean suffer to get to Angie."

Katherine twisted her head much like Sam would in that curious puppy fashion. She kneeled beside him and stroked his locks. "Oh Sammy, you cannot see what lies ahead when the sun is dark and the moon is dead."

"Fine time for quoting Lord of the Rings," Sam muttered.

"But complete truth. Absolution will see you suffer and all hell will break loose. The Jewel will add to it and break her down heart and soul until there is nothing left but the begging for death and revenge. A black existence that has cropped up before." Katherine studied Sam through her demon red eyes. Her voice was still slightly warped as she spoke. Slowly she stood up and looked down. She walked over to where Tippy was waiting. "Now be a good boy Sam and play with Tippy."

Sam watched her as she walked to the mad Lupei. It was growling and snarling. It was human. That much he knew. How much of it was like that mad one that they rescued in Kansas City? Was there a bit of humanity left in it?

Katherine looked at Sam and then at Tippy. Her eyes reverted back to the human ones. Her voice one again took on that lilt that spoke of dumb blonde. "I see you are thinking about Tippy, Sam. Tippy is a Lupei but you won't find one that is more loyal to the pit than her."

"Let me guess: she was one of your customers?"

"Not mine but the crossroad business was extremely profitable in the heydays of superstition and when we actually were feared and acknowledged. Tippy is from then and since then she has been very good at playing. She loves to play, don't you Tippy?"

Tippy made a low growl. The Lupei was eyeing Sam and growling. Her teeth were bared and some bits of drool were coming out. The growl became more pronounced.

"See? She is anxious to play with you Sammy. Now tell me you don't want anything to have fun with," Katherine replied after giving Tippy a pat. She walked forward a bit and looked down at Sam and watched him struggle. "Come on. Make a deal."

"Go to hell."

"Been there, done that," Katherine replied in a bored tone. "Look Tippy loves to use her claws. Don't you want a fighting chance?"

Of course Sam did but he wasn't about to barter away his soul for an advantage. Dean would kick his ass royally and Angela would most likely try to do what she had tried to do for Dean and that would be to hunt Katherine down, steal the contract and make it null and void. He couldn't do that to them. Suddenly an idea came to him. It could be a longshot but the reaction times were like almost on par with Castiel appearing out of nowhere. He looked up at her and said, "I'd rather take my chances."

Katherine sighed in a bored manner. She blew her lips and said, "Fine, have it your way." She waved her hand to take off the grip she had on Sam. "Tippy, play time."

Tippy growled and started forward slowly, keeping an eye on Sam as he managed to scoot back and sit up. He kept his eye on the Lupei and silently prayed that it would work and that they didn't think about warding against him. Moistening his lips slightly, he muttered a phrase and gave a piercing whistle.

"And what was that for?" Katherine looked at Sam thinking that he was being stupid or something.

Sam kept his eyes on the Lupei as he managed to get to the wall. His back pressed against it. It was then that he heard the telltale sound. He gave a slight smile and replied, "Just my way of evening the odds."

At the moment the Lupei sprung forward to rip Sam to shreds, she was intercepted by a large mass that tackled her and pummeled her to the ground. It was accompanied by snarls and barking as Cerebus battled with the Lupei. Their jaws were snapping and snarling as teeth were bared and attempts at bites and gouges were made.

Sam managed to get to his feet to watch the hell hound. It looked like they didn't anticipate a hell hound coming in to wreak havoc. He took a couple of breaths as he watched the two animals scuffle. It was clear though that Cerebus had the upper hand and it was evident as his large snapping jaws clamped down on Tippy's neck and squeezed. He had a couple of nasty bite wounds that were bleeding but he held on until the Lupei went still.

"Tippy!" Katherine watched as the hellhound killed the Lupei. She narrowed her eyes and they flickered to the red. She roared and the hell hound went flying through the air and smashed into the stone wall and got satisfaction at the yelping.

Sam watched and looked at the demon. She was pissed. He would have run but she was there in front of him and she batted away his hands and grabbed him by the neck. Sam felt himself being lifted and pressed into the wall and he struggled to breathe.

"Now you will die and Absolution will die slowly and painfully."

Sam struggled to breathe as he felt his air being choked off. This demon had a tight grip and he could feel her nails digging into his neck. He gasped as he felt his vision start to blacken. "D'n… Ngie…"

There was a large crash as stone collided with stone. Sam turned his head feeling the pressure back off a bit. All he could see was a plume of dust and a pile of rock.


A/N: Looks like Sammy is in trouble with Katherine and she is more than meets the eye. Who came through the hole? Find out next time on Heart and Soul...