Chapter 12
The sun came up as usual. The sun always arose as it did. It was a sign that things continued as they did since the beginning of time. Angela watched it rise and the darkness fade. She liked to watch the sun come up because it reminded her that life always found a way to continue despite the things that happened to mar it. In a way the great star was like a beacon of hope.
Angela sat on the ledge with her pack beside her, her legs dangling as she stared at the sun rising. She watched as the evening shadows fell as the rays stretched forth their light. She marveled at how poetry could make such a thing sound so beautiful. It caused her to look at her wrists, the undersides where her tattoos were.
She hadn't been able to look at them closely before and she brushed it off when she told Sam that she had no idea where they came from. Yet she had an inkling of where they came from. She didn't tell anyone that she had felt the burns when she did whatever she did regarding the essential seal, like it was being etched into her skin and much like when her chakra tattoo had been applied. There was a sense of permanence to them just like the royal seal on her hand and of course her mark on her shoulder.
I look like one of those old lady biker bitches.
Angela gave a slight smile as she examined her tattoos. The ones on her wrists were ancient in their design. They were like the knot that hid the sigils of her angels but they had rune-like sigils within the bands. They were old but they felt like they should be familiar. As she gazed at her tattoos, she could see the active running of her veins.
It will take some time for it to be completely purged from your system.
That was what Castiel had told her about his gift of angel blood. She knew that was a given. It was like anything consumed by a body, human or otherwise. What went in eventually came out but it took time for it to come out. With alcohol it was the liver and pretty much that worked for about anything else. It purged the body of toxins but blood really wasn't a toxin for her. So it was going to be a bit different. Just one more thing in the grand scheme of things; the story of her life.
Sighing, she looked up and reflected on what happened the night before. She knew that Sam couldn't throw her that hard enough. Even if he were a wrestler, he couldn't seriously hurt her. For the most part most humans couldn't break a bone; it would have to take something like a car and that broke a bone in her hand. She gave a wry smile at the memory of setting it right in front of the boys like it was nothing. Then it was followed by an argument of split versus the ER and a cast. Sam won that one.
The thing about being clipped on the jaw and then the hit to the back of the head, it shouldn't have affected her like it did. She wondered if it had something to do with her impromptu fall out of the window but even then she had the presence of enough sense to slow her rate of descent to the point where it was like being pushed hard into the ground. Absently she rubbed her tattoos and thought about it some more. In fact it was like her mind was clear but her body wasn't. It probably had something to do with the angel blood in her system but she managed to get that under control and it felt different. It was like when… She remembered now and wondered…
Leaning over, she reached into her bag and pulled out the book Liam got her and opened it. Ever since she sort of acknowledged that she was a healer, she had been reading the book and learning a few things. She remembered the exact words of what she had said when she threw her chakram. Looking through her book, she found a few things and she wasn't sure if she liked it or not. True she couldn't change things and someone could point out that she technically did since she was no longer susceptible to the more devastating effects of adamantium silver. It didn't mean that she had to like it.
She found the spell she had used and raised her brow. She had remembered reading it over while she had been recuperating. It was interesting how she recalled it when she needed it. It wasn't like she had photographic memory even though she could remember particular incidents with astonishing detail. It was something to think on and practice a little. There was no doubt that she did need to practice. Her natural abilities as a dhampir were in full capacity if that flying ax and her talking to Dean was anything to go by.
Securing her pack and making sure Absolution was in its poster tube carrier; it was better than walking around with it like a crazy person, she stood up and looked down. Like she did back in the days of old London or old Europe in general, she jumped down by levels until she hit the ground floor and started walking. She needed to check up on a few things since Bobby said that he would promise to get it back to the salvage yard. Besides it was a nice day for a walk to clear the head and think some other things through though she did do a bit too much of that at times… like Sam.
"You know I have to admit you're getting pretty slick there with the powers."
Angela glanced at her walking companion, "Nothing that a little reading won't cure. I take it that you enjoyed the show Ruby?"
Ruby looked at Angela with a slight look of surprise. Generally it was an insult or a violent lashing out when they met. That was the usual formula. She kept that hidden and said, "I enjoy a good show of power when a person finally realizes how handy it can be."
Angela made a slight scoffing noise, "Really. I'm surprised you were able to stand it considering the source."
"Hey you're the healer and even us demons know not to fuck with you guys, especially the powerful ones," Ruby pointed out. At the look Angela gave her she added in her usual fashion, "Oh don't worry you're not one of those healers. And even if you were, you and I both know that you would be a scared little bitch to touch them."
"You're right on that account."
"What?"
Angela was well aware she stunned Ruby. It was a highlight of her day if she happened to interact with the demon. She loved making Ruby question her sanity when she pulled something out of left field like that. She repeated, "You're right. I would be scared to use it. So it's a good thing that I'm not one of those more powerful ones. Just a crazy dhampir who knows how to talk to the spirit realm without the use of an Ouija board."
Ruby eyed Angela suspiciously and replied, "Yes…"
"Don't even bother Ruby. We both know that your best comebacks are when I'm in a bitchy mood and I'm not," Angela countered. She gave a slight grin that was almost saucy.
"Well at least you aren't the train wreck you were a few days ago. God it was nearly impossible to work with Sam."
"He has a gentle nature," Angela replied with a shrug, reminding Ruby of the description she had attributed to Sam when she offered a means of saving Dean and that was a few hours before the hell hounds came for him. Inwardly she felt a little pleased since that meant Sam hadn't turned all cold blooded on her; not that he would but she had been around humans long enough.
"You are a pain in the ass."
"As you are in mine."
Ruby gave an exasperated shake of her head as she looked at Angela. "So are you going to do what you set out to do and track Lilith and kill the bitch?"
"You know it and probably before you are finished with whatever you are planning with Sam," Angela replied. At Ruby's startled look, she leaned in close and added, "I know you are up to something Ruby. You always are. The only reason you are still standing is because I am giving Sam the benefit of the doubt in his judgment of you. Don't think I don't know what is going on. I was on that path myself."
"And you chickened out," Ruby gulped out.
"I still have a conscience," Angela corrected. She looked at Ruby in the eye and her orbs flickered. "Remember what I can do and if you so much as harm Sam or Dean…" She left the threat hanging in the air. She then turned down to where she was heading and walked away.
Ruby watched with a surprised look. It was usual to be threatened but this time she knew that Angela meant it. That meant that things were almost ready. Absolution would be prepared for this fight and it would be an interesting show.
Angela continued walking and took care of outstanding business. She met Bobby and the boys outside of the main part of town. She grinned at Bobby and said, "You have some timing old man."
"And yer the same idjit girl that showed up and decided to stay," Bobby groused. He gave a gentle smile, relieved that his girl was okay more or less. He didn't know what she was thinking but he was satisfied that she was back to her healthy look and that might have a few surprises thanks to a surprise visit from Isis. He handed her a soda and wen to hand a couple of bottles to the boys.
"Soda?" Dean looked at Bobby with a raised brow.
"You boys are driving ain't ya? Besides the only one that can drink and drive is Angie." Bobby handed the drinks over.
"Thanks Bobby. If you hadn't shown up when you did…" Sam took a sip from his bottle. He held it in his hands and seemed to stare off into space a bit as he thought about the events of last night and what had been said.
"You'd have done the same for me, more than once," Bobby interrupted, "And it looked like Angie was doing just fine. Weren't ya?"
"Parlor tricks," Angela replied, oversimplifying what had happened. She took a tentative sniff of the soda and then handed it back to Bobby. No way was she going to provide entertainment.
Bobby took back the soda realizing his mistake. He looked at the boys. "Of course you could've just picked up a phone. Only took one call to find out Agent Nick Monroe wasn't real." He watched as the boys stood quietly and Angela just put her bag into the car quietly. "You boys gonna be okay?"
"Yeah, fine," Sam replied a little quickly.
"Yeah, good," Dean added.
"Alright. See ya." Bobby gave a nod towards Angela to indicate that her bike had been taken care of and it would be at the salvage yard if she needed it. "You know, those sirens are nasty things. If it got to you, that's not reason to feel bad." He then got into Lonelle Chevelle and drove away. They would be okay though he wasn't too sure about Angela. He had noticed her expression as he said that and it had him thinking.
In the meantime the trio was getting into the Impala. Dean asked Sam if he was going to say good-bye to Cara. Sam replied that he wasn't interested. It ended up with Dean teasing his brother about loving and leaving. It was a moment of levity but the awkwardness from before was still there. Sam was the one that spoke first, "Dean, you know I didn't mean the things I said back there, right? That was just the siren's spell talking?"
"Of course," Dean nodded in reply like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Me too."
"Okay… So we're good?"
"Yeah we're good." Dean got in on his side of the Impala and saw that Angela was sitting in the back calmly like she was a wealthy old lady (tongue in cheek on that one) going on a car ride. He knew he had to say something but he couldn't quite say it yet. "You good back there Angie?"
"Comfortable."
Dean watched her through the rearview mirror and then glanced at Sam. They both knew that there was more to it but neither were willing to say anything. Dean started the engine and drove off.
"Thought you gave up smoking."
Angela let out a puff of air and held the cigarette between her fingers. She looked at her visitor and raised her brow and replied, "When did I ever start? Why the late night Dean?"
Dean stood near Angela as she leaned against the Impala holding her cigarette. He shuffled his feet a bit trying to figure out what to say since he was as adverse to chick flick moments as she was to blue cheese dressing. "You always do some sort of vice when something's on your mind though I have yet to see you fornicate," he finally said with a slight smirk at the last part.
"Wow. You used another big word. I need to put that up on the refrigerator," Angela teased. "Maybe I should put in to have you receive an honorary degree."
"Laugh it up Angie," Dean responded in his usual fashion. Inwardly it always pleased him when she teased him about knowing something like that. He sobered though and added, "Seriously though… is the siren thing still bothering you?"
Angela studied Dean and found that he was clearly distress even though he was making a show of it to be the tough guy. Damn the stigmata that guys had to show they were macho. She took in a breath and replied, "I am a bit. More at myself for not recognizing who it was."
"Not recognizing…" Dean frowned in confusion.
"That siren and I have met before Dean. A long time ago. It was the reason why my friend Jason ended up in our time," Angela explained. She gave a flick of her cigarette and put it in her mouth. She inhaled the smell, thankful that she used actual leaves. Tobacco smell was a pleasant one. "She was a bitch then as she was now."
"It sort of explains why it seemed to know you though it was creepy how it seemed obsessed with you."
"I'm surprised you actually noticed," Angela countered with a slightly raised brow. She finished her cigarette and put it out. It had done its job and Dean was right in that she only indulged when something was on her mind. There were probably alternatives to dealing but her idea of an alternative was more likely not as healthy as smoking. "It had a pretty strong hold on you."
"But I could see and hear things," Dean replied. He looked at his feet and then said, "I heard you Angie. You were telling me to stop."
Angela didn't answer right away but glanced down at her hands. She pressed her fingertips together and tapped them. "I'm surprised I was able to reach you. You gave me a good clip on the jaw."
Dean recognized her tactics immediately. She wasn't as transparent as Sam was but she had tendencies he had picked up on after paying attention. He figured, ever since she admitted her feelings for Sam, that she needed to be watched out for. He gave her a longer leash than he would Sam since he knew the consequences but he still watched. "Don't be like that Angie. You… reminded me what my job was."
"The thing is Dean, is it a job?"
"What kind of question is that?"
Angela gave a slight shrug of her shoulder as she looked at Dean. She didn't say anything but prompted him to think about it a little. Sometimes words didn't help in trying to get a point across.
Dean studied her expression and asked, "You think that I see Sam as a duty job?"
"Do you? You were prepared to kill him," Angela replied as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Sam's my brother and that was the siren talking…"
"Was it really?" Angela took a step forward and looked Dean in the eye. Most people thought it scary when she did that since it generally meant that she was issuing a challenge. This time though it was gentle but there was a firm quality to it. "Describe what you were thinking and feeling."
Dean couldn't believe that she was asking him that. He knew well enough that there was a point to all of this; that she wouldn't have brought it up unless… "Is this about what I said to you and about you?" He had no idea how much she may have heard of his conversation with Sam since she had been thrown out a window. It did bother him that she was taking to heart the things he said.
Angela could see that he was getting distressed over this. She decided to help out a bit. "The reason I asked that Dean is because there is a purpose to it."
"Oh God, you really think I meant it."
"Dean, calm down," Angela motioned with her hands in a placating manner. "I know you didn't mean it entirely." She motioned for Dean to be quiet since it was obvious that he was going to interrupt her. "What I mean by that is the extent of a siren's power and just about anything that works like that. The siren's power is as only effective as what it has to work with."
"So you're saying that I harbor feelings to kill Sam?"
"I know that John told you that you may have to kill him to save him. Your worst fear is that he may turn into something like me and your greatest desire is for things to be back when they were black and white for you when you and Sam were close."
Dean thought about what he was going to say since that was about as creepy as a psychic. "You know that is creepy. Have you been spying on us that long or have you been doing your Jedi mind thing?"
"If you want to call it spying then guilty as charged," Angela replied giving a slight chuckle. She cleared her throat, "My point is that what you said had some truth to it. It's what you think and feel and is often strongest with unresolved issues or something that is felt deeply. It's more like what demons do. You say they lie but in reality they take the truth and twist it so that it sounds true and if you want me to say it, I would know that quite well since I did have to essentially lie when I did undercover work and sometimes the best lies are the ones that have a bit of truth to them or they lie as close to the truth as possible."
Dean thought about it some and it made sense. He didn't like the fact that he had implied he didn't trust Sam with this whole Ruby thing and the things he said about Angela. "So you're saying that what I told you was some twisted version of the truth?"
"And my question is what is truth to you, Dean?"
"Chinese fortune cookie shit," Dean muttered in frustration. "I know is that you are an annoying fortune teller that knows how to hit someone in the gut when she wants a chick flick moment… but I see your point… I think. You do know that I didn't mean…"
"Tact was never your strong point Dean. Besides I know you trust me and while words do hurt, I just remember that."
"How do you know that I trust you?"
Angela chuckled at that, "Because if you didn't, I would have been on the business end of your gun the moment I shook hands with Sam." She took a deep breath and continued, "I know I told Sam this and I think you need to hear it too and I will admit that there are things that I am not proud of and I am not ready to speak of yet but I do tell you the full story when I do mention it and I think you should know that the whole thing with the siren was just one more thing that was part of unfinished business and I have a laundry list of that with most from my darker days. If I don't give details…"
"Hey I get it, you think you have to clean up your mess but like I said before when we were talking in my dream, me and Sam are here for ya too. Two way street sister," Dean interrupted. He motioned with his hands to emphasize the point he was making.
"You know you are one of the few people to call me that."
"What?"
"Sister."
Dean frowned like it was the strangest thing but also because it should have been the most obvious to her. "That's because you are. Don't take this the wrong way but you are mine and Sam's; we're family."
Angela smiled at that. Dean was not the most eloquent of speakers but he could hit just as hard with his words as she could whether it was a good thing or a bad thing. "You're sweet," she replied as she tousled his hair and gave a kiss on the cheek.
Dean made a disgusted face that was halfhearted, "Angie that's gross."
"And you love me for it."
Dean grinned at that. She was the only one who could get away with that. He felt better about the whole thing now and he understood why she asked him the way she did. "I get what you are trying to say Angie and… I'm sorry about that but you are right. I do trust you with my life and with Sam's and I hope you trust us with yours."
Angela nodded at that. "Just forgive an old lady for wanting to keep the best thing in her life from an early grave. And that probably means that said old lady will be going after queen bitch to try and stop this from going further."
"Hey, we're with ya." Dean smiled. It was a two way street but even he knew that there were old habits that were dying a hard and painful death especially with her. They were good now and they didn't have to quite say it out loud. He could save that for Sam. He was curious though, "Angie… you were affected by the siren too right?"
"Yeah."
"So…" Dean shrugged his shoulders, not quite sure of what to say.
Angela made a knowing nod. She pursed her lips and then said, "Siren juice doesn't affect me as much but the powerful ones can elicit pheromones and you know I have a sensitive sniffer. The thing is what the siren becomes to entice me has no appeal."
"Why not?"
"Because it's not Sam."
It was simple but Dean figured that there was something more to it. He wasn't going to push but it was nice to know that he wasn't alone with the influence of the siren thing. "Oh. You know he defended you under the influence."
Angela said nothing but looked out thoughtfully. She would have said something but at that time Sam came out to join them and they lounged against the Impala having a beer and talking. Even though things were okay now, Angela sensed that it was a beginning to things that could spiral out of control and she would be caught in the middle. Looking at the brothers, she sensed that this case was the first that would test their bonds of brotherhood more severely and she could only hope that she might be there to hold the tendrils together.
A/N: Looks like Angie and Dean have a conversation about what happened. Could be a sign of things to come with their relationship? Who knows but stay tuned for 3.13 A Hunter's Vision...
