Chapter 12

I'd say it was your turn.

Sam shook his head and grimaced slightly from the pain in his shoulders. He had heard the voice and knew whose voice it was but it wasn't hers. He sat up and looked around. Standing straight and still he saw Angela and she was looking at the Peña but it wasn't her. In an instant he knew; it was the goddess Mictecacihuatl talking.

He watched as she stood there looking in the direction of Peña with a look that could probably melt lead. Sam had only seen that look once and that was when she first mentioned the Old Man. It never appeared again even though she said that she wanted to rip the guy's head off times afterwards. He watched as she leapt forward and with a hard palm thrust, she sent Peña flying through the air and she landed effectively between the guy and where Robbie had fallen.

Peña retaliated once he realized that the goddess was no longer under his control. He used his abilities and powers to take on Angela who was hosting the goddess. It was fair to say that he was in over his head since his moves didn't work like he wanted. So he went with the last resort and that was with hand to hand.

Sam managed to sit up even though his shoulders were killing him. He had grasped Absolution in his free hand and used it as a bit of leverage. He felt the pulse that could have been mistaken for annoyance but chose to ignore it. Besides the, whole battle thing wasn't over just yet.

Apparently Peña had a few tricks up his sleeve and managed to summon spirits to make life hell for them at the moment. Sam was feeling weary and he noticed that Dean was trying to help Robbie since they had their own problems. At least he had Absolution and then there were the warriors. He vaguely heard Robbie tell Dean to say something and he heard his brother ramble something out in a language that he was certain Dean wasn't fluent in.

The warriors began attacking the spirits that had manifested and that actually made things easier. However as with the Winchester luck, which was sometimes on par with Murphy's Law, it seemed that whatever could go wrong actually did. Sam ended up finding himself in the position of being used as leverage and it was more like using him as a human shield and a threat that if Angela didn't back off then the worse would happen. He felt the grip that was tightening on his neck and felt something sharp poke into his back.

Sam tried not to struggle too much but managed to get a look at Angela. He had ended up dropping Absolution when he had been grabbed from behind and was using both hands to keep his air from being cut off. He just looked at her and wondered if the goddess cared at all. As far as he knew she was more concerned about dead people. His Angela though cared about the living.

It was rather sudden when Angela moved and Sam swore he could see the shadowy outline of Mictecacihuatl. The next thing he heard was a scream and he was released. He looked to see Angela looking a little shocked and holding he bloody chakram but it was gone as she looked at their guy. Sam looked up and saw Peña with a bloody stump that he was grabbing. The rest of the arm was on the ground.

Sam was a bit shocked at that. Normally he knew Angela left her enemies alive and often times someone else decided their fate. Joseph met an explosive end and Lykos and Alanna were imprisoned somewhere wherever the gods sentences them. He was surprised she did anything like that. She wasn't alone however and he was surprised at the sight.

Peña had stopped screaming when he realized that he wasn't alone with the Malachi. She was looking at him with a grim expression and her amber orbs were glowing as she held the bloody weapon that he had missed. Next to her was Mictecacihuatl herself and she was standing with the Malachi. The goddess reached over and touched the Malachi on the shoulder.

Angela reacted the moment she saw the danger threat to Sam. Ever since she joined up with the Winchesters, Rule Number One was to look after both of them but ever since Milagro, it changed. She still saw red when either of them was threatened but for Sam it was so much more. She took control and leapt forward feeling like she did when she fought in a war or two. She had eyes only for Peña and struck like a snake would.

The touch on her shoulder told her that Mictecacihuatl was free and fully corporeal like Satet and Hapi. Her muttered incantation had finished what she started. As soon as she knew the goddess had been freed from the binding, she told her to jump in and she could have justice. The goddess hadn't wanted to at first but she insisted. While she had been on the slab, she debated on whether or not to allow it but decided on doing it. The way she saw it, it wasn't the goddess' fault since she had been bound and when the goddess was inside of her… she saw a few things…

"Angie?"

Angela looked back at Peña when she heard Sam's voice. She couldn't look at him just yet. She had to finish this. She touched the goddess' hand, which was a bit creepy since it was bone, and looked at the offender. She said, "You know there is one thing that is consistent when it comes to bound things. It's like an abused dog; they turn on their masters."

At that moment Mictecacihuatl was at Peña's side. The goddess gripped the guy even though he was trying to laude to her. She was ignoring him and she looked at him. It was hard to see the expression since her appearance was that of a skeleton. Her expression looked cold and expressionless as she looked at him.

Peña seemed to realize that he was in trouble. He looked at Angela and said, "Please. Do something."

Angela looked at the man. She was well aware of the whole road of best intentions but what he did… She wasn't judge or jury. The best she could do was appeal to the goddess to be lenient. She replied, "What is it that you want me to do?"

"You're the quetzal princess. The Lady will listen to you. You can explain what I have been trying to do for the people she watches over." Peña was visibly scared and he held his arm. It had been severed just above the elbow. He had no power now that the goddess was free. "It is what you do."

Angela made a slight motion of her head. She knew that she was being watched by Sam, Dean and Robbie. Castiel and Seraph she wasn't concerned about since they knew it was in her hands and they weren't in a position to judge. She was silent for a time and barely noticed the spirits that had flitted into the room. She replied, "I can't do anything except appeal for fair trial."

Mictecacihuatl didn't look at Angela but replied, "It is reasonable but I am so not inclined."

"Wait. You can't. The old laws say that I get a trial."

Angela watched as the goddess put her hand on Peña. That is what they said but there was also the clause or exception to the rule. She knew that Mictecacihuatl was taking it and she knew why. She replied, "You know the thing about binding and controlling a god? They always are aware of what they are being made to do. Like a spirit who is made to go against their will… it pisses them off."

Nothing more was said as Mictecacihuatl took a hold of Peña. The guy winced from the pain as she held fast to him. It was clear that she was angry. Peña tried appealing to her, "My lady, I was only protecting that which was the resting place of the dead. I was doing it for you." He whimpered as he said it.

Mictecacihuatl studied the old priest and then glanced at Angela who was watching. There was nothing discernible on her face but the Malachi said, "It is not in my hands but I do ask that the goddess have consideration."

Mictecacihuatl looked at Angela. She replied, "The Malachi's wishes will be considered."

Angela got a good look. It was all she could hope for, a consideration. She knew that the goddess was going to do what she wanted and there was nothing she could do. She was surprised when the skull floated towards her and the goddess gave a nod. Angela held onto as the goddess disappeared with Peña and the spirits left and the warriors went back into their place. She stayed there for a moment before she straightened up and said, "Let's go. We have to return this."

The night was still young and everything seemed right. The stone had been returned to the altar and the guardians bowed in thanks and the old hermit said that things would be made right. In the grand scheme of things justice had been served but it didn't really feel like it since the two deaths were suspicious circumstances and no suspects. The good news was that the land was being inspected more and there were some delays in the project.

Angela was walking in from the diner from where she had grabbed a bite to eat. She hadn't really spoken to either of the boys about what happened and they didn't ask questions. At least the scrolls would be safe under Robbie Silva's care. The woman had immediately adopted a 'don't ask and don't tell' policy unless she met up with other hunters. Angela had been agreeable to it and gave a pat on her shoulder after giving her cell number.

It had been fun to pet the scorpion and see the looks that appeared on her boys' faces. Dean looked like he was ready to swallow a fish and she suspected that he had seen Robbie do that before. Sam though looked ready to swing at the scorpion if it hurt her. It was just another fun thing to do since she learned how to play with dangerous creatures and she showed a great deal of respect for them. She petted the scorpion and put it on the windowsill and walked away. She needed some time to think about things and she was grateful that the boys were respectful of that. She knew that it was taking a great deal of Sam's patience and she loved him all the more for it.

She was taking a bite of diner food when she heard, "You still think that you can control a situation, don't you?"

Angela put down the fork that was now empty and turned to see Uriel standing in her room. She figured that he would turn up. Castiel was still one of his partners in the garrison they served in. She replied, "I like to think that every possible avenue that can be explored is done."

"And yet you severed a man's arm in the heat of battle," Uriel countered as he approached Angela. "A far cry from the attitude you had when we first met."

"You never have seen me in battle. Gettysburg was not a pretty sight considering that there were other forces in the Confederate army." Angela bent and took a fry from her meal and popped it into her mouth. "I know you've seen battle. I'm sure the people of Sodom and Gomorrah would say so."

Uriel made a slight clearing of his throat. It didn't sit well that she knew he was the one that destroyed those cities. How she knew, he was at a loss and he wasn't about to ask. He knew she was intelligent and Castiel's favorite. He recovered though, "Still you claim a peaceful nature and yet you indulge in the bloodthirsty antics of your kind."

"And here I was thinking that you would be proud of me for not indulging in sucking blood," Angela drawled out in sarcasm. Her eyes flickered in response and, unknown to her, there was a faint hue that appeared around her hands. "Seems to me that there is room on both sides for hypocrisy."

"Indeed since you are an abomination. Your kind are not supposed to be of the healers."

"Same song, different verse," Angela replied. "I've heard it before and yet it is here to stay. There is no changing that." She paused a moment to take a few steps. She didn't let her back face the angel since she trusted him as much as she trusted Ruby. "What do you care anyway about the way things turned out? You know as well as I that I have no say as to what the gods do."

"And yet your word is sought," Uriel countered. He took the moment to close the distance between them and look her in the eye. "You have much influence over those you meet. Even the Winchesters listen to you."

Angela raised her brow. Her eyes were narrowed as well. This wasn't the first time someone had appealed to her standing with people. She replied, "I will tell you this Uriel: I may be many things and the Winchesters may have attitudes that are not to your liking but one thing that stands is that I will not be your instrument to instruct obedience. I will not play Judas for you. I give my opinion but I do not tell them what to do."

Uriel sneered at her, "Your arrogance is not tolerable."

"To you and a few others maybe, but if my arrogance is the measure of how you treat those you want to carry out plans, then I will take that as a compliment," Angela replied not perturbed by the sneer.

"Take it as you will, Malachi," Uriel countered as he spat her title out, "but know that your defiance will not always be shielded."

"And I've heard that since the day I walked away… well took a break from this bullshit," Angela replied. She finally turned around and headed back towards the table. She popped some more food into her mouth. She finished chewing and added, "I've always faced things alone since I was literally thrown to the wolves to a… vacation that seemed like an eternity."

"Ah yes, your time spent in hell. You would know about that very well." Uriel let a smirk that was mingled with a sneer on his face. He took a step forward. "Tell me: how much of that experience have you shared with Dean?"

Angela had expected that. This was simply unfinished business from the aftermath of Samhain. She looked at the angel without a hint of emotion and replied, "I share when the timing is right."

"Ashamed is what you should be. You allowed yourself to be caught and violated…"

"Ashamed of being caught, yes. After all I trusted the intel I was given but alas I was led into a trap," Angela interrupted with a slight air intent on being infuriating in nature. She was ready to forget food but since she had a second helping of bugs earlier that evening and had fun watching her boys eat them, her hunger was making itself known. Still she knew how to control it to the point where she was stern as stone. "As for violation, I felt that way with the blood games but more so I felt betrayed and I don't think telling me that it was part of the whole trial by fire crap."

"Your arrogance was what got you caught. The same arrogance that allowed you to fail in your eyes with the mother of the Winchesters and the pretty little blonde name Jessica," Uriel countered fully intending to bring the guilt factor down on her. "It could be safe to say that it was the same arrogance that sent your precious Dean to hell."

It was tempting to strike Uriel. She had done it before and while it had been a tough fight, she had a perverse pleasure in knowing that she could kick an angel's ass like there was no tomorrow. Instead she felt her jaw muscles twitch as she looked back intently at Uriel. The urge was there but she damped it down.

Was it arrogance on her part that got Mary and Jess killed? Not really. It was blaming her shortcomings but looking back, she did what she could. She had the feelers out there and she was there to watch out for Jess. Luck involved preparation and opportunity. The same could be said for Dean. She knew the score in the way things were done with the Old Religion and she even was willing to take a step in the dark places at the cost of her own soul. No it wasn't arrogance. They were events that she prepared for but even the best laid plans didn't always pan out. She did tell Sam that her biggest problem was dealing with failure.

Don't you set yourself up for failure with high standards?

Yeah I do Sam. I feel I have to try so hard because I've failed myself and let myself become vulnerable. It was a weighty revelation in that moment for Angela but she realized that there were things she couldn't control. Maybe it was that will of God thing or… Looking at Uriel she replied, "Who isn't arrogant when they are young and haven't experienced the world Uriel? As to your accusations, I resent them. If anyone is arrogant, it is you for presuming much about me."

Uriel glared at her and had raised a hand when it was stopped by another. "Uriel."

Castiel looked ready to take on his brother as he let the full intensity of his blue eyes gaze upon Uriel. He held to the offending wrist firmly. He didn't spare a glance at Angela but he could tell that she was all right.

"Swooping down like a savior, Castiel," Uriel replied as he tugged but felt the firm grip of the other angel. "You have grown soft brother. She is nothing more than a mud monkey given a special position."

"You have overstepped your boundaries," Castiel replied firmly. His face didn't show much but his intention was clear. "The Malachi is my charge. What she has done has been in accordance."

Angela said nothing even though what Castiel said was complete bullshit. Well not all of it was since she did do with what had been written. This though was a show of Castiel's authority. She wasn't going to hide behind him but she got the point that he was protecting her. As it were, it looked like a standoff.

Uriel knew that Castiel was right. Besides, their superiors had given specific orders regarding her. He replied, "Maybe so but you and both know that she is nothing but a mud monkey to serve one purpose."

"You blaspheme," Castiel replied.

"Honest truth Castiel," Uriel replied as he yanked his hand free. He took a step back and added, "Don't treat her like you would others Castiel. She may be the chosen one but deep down she will be nothing more than a cursed abomination of a mud monkey." With a flap of feathers he was gone.

Angela took a breath and said, "And I can live with that."

Castiel stared at the spot Uriel had been ready to curse. He could understand better why his charge had the propensity and desire to do it when someone was agitating to the core. It saddened him that Uriel had little respect for their father's creations but it angered him that his charge, who had nothing but goodness in her heart and soul, was to be hounded by things that were by accident of birth and situations that ended up being out of her control.

Finally he turned and looked at her. He said, "Don't ever call yourself that."

Angela heard the forceful tone and it surprised her. She replied, "Usually I insult myself Cas. You've heard me do it before."

"It is demeaning. You are not that." Castiel looked at his charge intently and held her gaze. He was aware that he had backed her into a wall and hadn't intended on that but he had to make his point clear.

"I know Cas," Angela replied as she felt the wall press into her back. The last time an angel did that, it was to make a point and it was a damned good one. She wasn't scared of Castiel even though his current behavior was making her nervous since she had never seen him act this was before. She continued, "Uriel is a dick. I know my shortcomings since I have a human body… hell I was human before the change. I do know though that with the things that have been bothering me of late, I had about as much control as I could. Some things just happened and that is the way of it. It doesn't mean that I'm not going to feel the guilt because…"

At that point Castiel had put a finger to Angela's lips to silence her. He knew she was speaking the truth and that she had realized that she was letting go of the fault in regards to Sam, Dean, their parents… the people she had met over the centuries; they had their part to play and she was starting to understand it.

He kept his finger pressed gently on her lips as he peered into her eyes. He then said, "I know. You are a beautiful thing Angela. That what makes you choose the path you want; it's what makes you beautiful."

Slowly he removed his finger and leaned in close. Angela tried not to react since this was completely out of character and yet she expected a peck on the cheek. Instead though it was gentle touch to her lips and she felt the warmth of his grace touch her.

She didn't say or do anything about it but watched as Castiel finished the kiss and stepped back. He looked at her and gave a slight nod before leaving. Angela just stood there against the wall for a full three minutes before she moved and went to use her UV pen to repel all angels except Castiel, out of habit as well as the traps and wards against demons. It kept her busy along with her now cold meal as she pondered her angel's actions.

She finally relaxed after a time and decided to read one of her favorite authors. She fished out her first edition of The Raven and fondled the book lovingly as she glanced at the dedication as well as the special message at the back. She was looking forward to reading it since it was one of the last gifts she received on her birthday. Then she heard a knock and holding her book she opened it and was surprised to see none other than Sam standing outside.

"It's a nice view."

Angela sat on the ground holding the cake that she had split with Sam and gazed over the rise. It was a nice sight. She could make out the candles lit over the graves and could make out the people that were doing justice to this day. It reminded her of the lanterns that they set upon the river for Lord Onigen. She gave a slight smile and replied, "It is."

Sam had put the cake she had split aside and was enjoying a beer from the cooler he had lugged up the rise. It had been an idea he had since he saw her face in the tomb earlier. He figured that she could use a bit cheering up and even though it was related to something that she had been reluctant to acknowledge in the first place, it worked out well. She looked happy and that produced a warm feeling in his gut and he rather liked it. He replied, "Um… I'm guessing that everything is okay now?"

Angela knew he was trying to be helpful and he was experimenting in his approach with her. She really had given her boys a merry go round with that. Dean was more consistent and she was glad of that since she was sure of her feelings for him and Sam and Dean's feelings for her but she wasn't sure of Sam's feelings for her. So far it seemed that he was content with the brother looking after sister role. She could work with that and she appreciated his gestures. She replied, "Fine now. Some things that I've always accepted have change. Amazing what new perceptions do."

"I take it that you've changed your mind about a few things," Sam replied. Absently he took a bite of cake even though he wasn't one to have a sweet tooth. He was aware that he was doing it to please her and he was fine with that.

"Indeed," Angela replied as she drew up her legs. "Life is short." She couldn't help but chuckle but was pleased that Sam did the same. "When someone hangs on too tight to something that is beyond what the best laid plans anticipate, it can lead to a slow death but when you look at it and accept it… the world changes."

"Lesson number two?"

Angela smiled as she looked at Sam. "Exactly. I guess I finally listened to my own advice."

Sam smiled and agreed, "Finally."

They both laughed as they sat on the rise watching the candlelight flicker. Angela leaned against Sam as they watched the stars and the lights. She smiled content with the fact that she accepted things that had happened. She could only look forward towards the horizon even if there were more strange than usual being shot her way.

A/N: We've come to the end and another case solved and it looks like a few surprises that people didn't see coming. Stay tuned for episode 3.06 Jewel of the Nile...