Chapter 13

Angela knew that if Dean was there, he would have made some comment about her entrance being like Batman's. Not that she didn't like the superhero, she just wasn't up for the comic relief. Her thoughts were already dark because she basically said no to him and Sam coming along and taking Jo with her. The reasons she gave were flimsy and she knew they would gripe… well Sam would understand.

Sam knew that she knew Crowley though she never mentioned him by name. There was a reason for that just like there was a reason she didn't want them with her. Angela knew that they would back her up and to the end. She didn't doubt that and hell she was willing to go back to the place that caused her so much misery to save Dean. Yet she also knew that the made her vulnerable. The other side knew her habits well such as her risking her life to save one child when the whole world needed saving. Oh they knew her track record well. They knew that if they poked at something near and dear it would have instant reaction.

Jo was in that category too so it really didn't make sense to bring her along. Angela could see it in Dean's eyes when she gave him and Sam her excuse. If she were completely honest it was fear. Yeah she had been scared before but this was sheer terror. It was the thought that if something were to happen and Crowley saw right through her and even correctly hinted at her feelings for Sam… it was enough to send sheer panic. She was surprised she hadn't hyperventilated when she considered it and that was with Sam sitting right next to her.

Jo and Dean and everybody else would be good pressure points but Sam had her heart and that was something she was terrified of: someone getting hurt because of the depth of her feelings and what that person could make her feel. That was scary and Dean knew that… or did he? Jo she loved like a little sister and yes she was going to admit that. She was hooked into that one by Jo and she made plans to make an announcement in front of the boys but she didn't say when or where. It was the one thing she had on Jo.

The other reason Angela didn't want them there was because knowing Crowley, he would reveal everything she had been doing in terms of learning the finer arts of deal making. She told Sam as much as she dared but as far as Dean knew, she had done more or less an independent study in the whole thing. Sam she could see understood better the shades of grey. Dean was still in that realm of black and white and even though they were close and he would defend her like he would Sam but she was loathed to admit that there were times she wasn't exactly sure where she stood with him. She knew he would help her if she asked but…

Crowley was the kind of being to apply the pressure on the beliefs and questioning everything you knew. Angela had that disappointing and painful bombshell when she was younger, her Great Depression, and smaller recessions in later years, so she was used to. The boys weren't. She was aware that by not telling Dean everything like she told Sam, it was saying something about her trust and faith in him. It was fear that ruled that since she had been burned so many times before for revealing that side of her. She should know better since Dean had shown he could listen as necessary.

In the end she went with Jo because she didn't judge. Jo had witnessed a few things back when she was younger. She grew up in the life and learned early on that there was such a good thing as a good monster. Ellen accepted her like another daughter… much like Bobby.

The plan she conceived was about the realm of grade-A crazy. Yet she had been under more difficult circumstances and some were not stories the boys would want to here. They still wanted to break the Old Man's neck. She wouldn't have been able to do it without her chakram and Jo's ability to throw a knife.

Now standing there in the flickering room, feeling like there were strobe lights everywhere, Angela looked at Crowley and said, "Still trying to get on up on me Crowley?"

Crowley looked at Angela and gave a slight smile, "Oh you know how much I love playing with you Sweetheart. Someone seemed to think that you wouldn't come." He looked at Ciane with a slight glance even though the lights were flickering.

Angela took in the Oracle on the ground. Jo was in her place and she noticed Cary's position. This all hinged on how far Cary was willing to go in terms of undermining Crowley. She replied, "I'm sure you told her that I am like a bad penny… I always turn up."

Crowley chuckled, "That you do. So now that you're here, perhaps you are willing to do a trade?"

"For what? The tablet for her? What's the point?" Angela raised her brow as she took in the four demons that were there as muscle. That wouldn't be a problem. She had a few tricks up her sleeves and it would buy Jo the time she needed to get the Oracle and get out.

"Oh now don't be that way. You and I both know that you value life more than what is written on that lab of rock. Besides aren't you just a little curious?"

"No," Angela replied in a flat tone.

"No as in not curious or…"

"I mean no either way. No dice Crowley." Angela held her arms loosely at her side. She didn't have Absolution but she had her chakram and there was Jo's knife throwing skill. That was thing that she couldn't help be proud of… like an older sister would be.

"Now you know that's not fair love."

"It is plenty fair," Angela replied. She glanced briefly at Ciane and maneuvered slowly to a different position.

Ciane watched the warrior princess. She knew it was her even though she didn't look like the one she left behind. She was the same height and everything but there were subtle differences even she could notice like the eyes. The eyes were not blue but like amber fire and she was thinner but it was easy to see that she was athletic and well trained. Her walk though was creepy, like she had the intent to seduce but there was something predatory behind it. It was… disturbing and yet she was reassured that the warrior princess was there to help her. She watched as she came to a position between her and the demon.

"Your definition of fair runs along mine," Crowley said in reply. His men were moving into position. "Fair is simply insuring that you have an advantage in the grand scheme of things. You would do well to remember that."

"It's all in the language," Angela replied, knowing full well what Crowley meant. That was one of the reasons why she didn't go for having Sam or Dean as backup. "But sometimes giving it straight up works best. So as I said before… no dice on a trade. But I will take her." She motioned towards Ciane.

Crowley gave a scowl that looked more like he was sucking on a really sour lemon. "I don't think you remember completely the rules love. Something you want for something I want. That's how it goes. You still have a debt for a… past negotiation." He threw that last bit trying to see if she brought the moose or Dean along. That would give plenty of opportunity to be a distraction and was something that he needed.

"There is no debt," Angela clarified. "I am taking the Oracle and in exchange I will give you another day in this existence. Your choice and most who've met me know that it's the most valuable currency out there."

"And I suppose that to seal it is nothing but your word that you will do what you aim to give," Crowley replied. He was just playing now to buy some time.

"And like a few others, my word is most trusting as you can see," Angela replied. She motioned towards Cary to indicate that he was still standing and not exorcised or worse run through with a demon killing blade.

Crowley growled slightly. He was outmaneuvered there. She was one that kept her word and she knew how to argue semantics like nobody's business. He could top that with a threat of killing and maiming and that… "That still leaves me with nothing and what I want is in that Oracle's pretty little head."

"And what benefit will that bring?"

"Oh just some information. Nothing I don't already know from the first part but what the Oracle has… now I would love to see what it has to say about you." Crowley paused a moment to take in her look. "Don't look so stunned. You are part of the family. Only makes sense if it's about you. You are after all Absolution, the warrior princess who was declared of the warrior royalty."

"Are you going somewhere with this or are you just going to repeat the been there, done that routine?"

"Don't tell me you're not interested in what the missing piece says?" Crowley was incredulous with disbelief at the thought. Mostly it was because she demanded the whole story be told up front before agreeing to anything especially like their little arrangement.

Angela looked at Crowley. She was curious but for the most part, she didn't care. She actually didn't want to know how much further her life would be screwed up. It was already screwed since she was half human and in love with a human who will more likely never see her more than a sister. So in all truth… she just didn't care what it said. She cared more that there were two forces who wanted it and more likely would raise holy hell with it. She replied, "I'm not interested in what it says. I haven't even looked at," and shrugged her shoulders.

"I don't believe you."

"Believe what you want Crowley but I aim to take the Oracle and leave."

"Then I am sorry love but I can't let you take her," Crowley replied.

Angela was ready for the attack. She had seen them slunk while she and Crowley were talking and of course Jo was at her spot. She proved her worth by sticking a demon that tried to sneak up on her with the knife that Angela gave her. It stunned everyone and Angela took the moment to free Ciane, the only indication being that her eyes flickered for a moment.

"Get them."

Angela pulled Ciane to her feet and delivered a back kick to the demon's gut. In a follow through move, she brought the other leg up and over in a twist to hit him in the head. At the same time she pulled her chakram out to use as a weapon. It was a good thing since once of the demons came and started swinging a piece of piping.

Jo in the meantime swung down from her hiding spot to retrieve the knife. She ducked under a punch and with an upward thrust she stabbed the demon, killing it. She looked at Ciane and asked, "You all right?"

Ciane had been surprised to see the demon die from the knife wound in the back but was even more surprised when she saw the warrior princess' eyes. They glowed. Ciane knew there were few beings that could do that and they were often considered abominations and the like and they were hunted. She never thought to see one risk their life for her and one that was spoken of in prophecy! She looked at the girl who looked similar to the other one and said, "I'm fine."

Jo nodded. She would accept that for now. She pulled out another knife and handed it to Ciane. "Here. Use it to kill them."

Ciane had never heard of such a thing but she was willing to accept anything on faith at the moment. She blocked a demon and delivered a punch. She was glad to be able to escape. She caught sight of Cary and her eyes narrowed in hate and she charged him and swung. She caught him on his arm only to have it gripped by his hand. She tried to get free until she was yanked close like he was going to break her neck. She struggled and managed to stick him in his side. He grunted from the pain and he said, "I told you she'd come."

The next thing she knew, Ciane was flung backwards and she collided with Jo and they landed on the ground. It put them close to the exit. Jo grunted from the impact and looked up. She saw Angela blocking blows and swinging her chakram like a sword. Jo had her eyes wide open when she saw Angela take a backhand and blocked the second strike and used the guy as a shield, making him hit his own guys. "Where did you learn to do that?"

Angela heard the question as she released her demon and replied, "Years of practice." She was cut off when she was grabbed by the throat and rammed into a wall. She countered by giving a knee and a kick to the gut. "That I learned from the Winchesters."

It ended up with the demons closing in. Angela was protecting Jo and Ciane as they were being backed towards the wall. Jo realized that they were near the exit but if they ran now, they would be overrun. She looked at Ciane who was holding her knife and then at Angela who had her hands up and ready to take them all on. "Got a Plan B?"

Angela felt her lip twitch at Jo's question. She looked at the four demons closing in. Cary had scampered off and she didn't blame him. Ciane had given him a nice stab wound. More likely he would seek her out later. Right now she had Crowley who was coming up from behind as his minions were closing in. She had one option to buy escape time and she knew the result was not going to make the boys happy at all.

Putting her chakram back on her belt, Angela backed into the basic stance. It was one thing that she had learned from Satet and Onigen just reinforced it with the Dragon form. Kata was considered a means of focusing the mind to hone to a single goal. Moving her arms, she began the basic moves while at the same time churning her focus. She had a surprise that Satet had told she should only use if she found no other way but Onigen taught her a few things too and Dean had seen what she did to the flower pots.

The movements put Crowley and his men off guard. They had been expecting her to attack but she didn't. Instead she was doing something… was she dancing? Crowley had no idea what she was doing and it had him halt in his tracks. Even his men were watching. He watched as her movements sped up but still maintained the flow of focus. Her eyes were locked onto his and it started making him feel uncomfortable. Something was mesmerizing about this and he couldn't help but admire her posture but something was off. Finally discovering that she was about to do something, Crowley shouted, "Get her!"

Angela knew the moment was there. As soon as they started charging, she did a swooping motion and unleashed her telekinetic ability. It sprayed the demons aside leaving only Crowley there. He looked pissed at the fact that his men were bested by her. She shouted, "Go Jo! Get out!"

Jo obeyed and pulled Ciane with her just as some of the demons got to their feet and charged again. Jo cast a glance back to see Angela give her battle cry and leap forward into battle. She was buying them time to escape and Jo felt… She turned to pay attention to one demon that got in their way to bar their exit. She stepped forward to take on the challenge.

It was hard going and Jo thought that they would fail when she noticed a flash of electricity hit the air. She knew it had nothing to do with the lights she had knocked out earlier. She looked up from her place on the ground to find the demon over her, ready to kill her when he was blasted back by something. Jo blinked as she caught the whiff of charred flesh and looked around.

Angela was on her knees and the demons were on the ground. Crowley was looking at the newcomer who was standing in the middle of the room. Jo blinked at the guy who actually made the bad biker boy look good wearing a black leather vest, black pants and boots. On his wrists were those leather gauntlets and his hair was curly in that good looking messy way. He could give Sam a run for his money with that look.

The guy was looking at the demon with an annoyed look. It changed to affection when they lighted on Angela. Jo thought something was hinky and would have said something but Ciane groaned, "It's Ares."

Jo knew that it was a bad idea to mess with a god. They couldn't leave Angela there though but the most important thing to do was to get the Oracle out. She looked at Ciane who was clutching her side. There was no blood so it might be bruised ribs. She looked back at Angela who was still on her knees as Ares walked forward and his hands were glowing.

Making the decision, she helped Ciane to her feet and they left the building. She hated to think of what happened in there and what the Winchesters would think. She knew that they liked Angela and she wondered how Sam would take it. She wasn't a blind idiot. Pushing it aside, she helped/tugged Ciane in the direction of the Impala. She was surprised that the boys listened to Angela's instructions in the first place and figured that they wouldn't want to face Angela's wrath.

Dean asked, "Where is she?"

Jo knew who he was talking about. It was Ciane that replied, "He has her. Ares has her."

Ares was not normally patient but he was willing to wait until the tablet showed up again on the radar. Even more he was willing to wait until his warrior princess showed up. It was why he sent his best enforcer to find her and the tablet. He didn't care if the time and place difference confused them. He would be one step closer to seeing her and finding out what was on that tablet.

He had long coveted the knowledge and acceptance into the warrior nobility. It was his right in his mind since he was the god of war. That was a sound argument. Then he began having ideas of taking the princess as a bride. It was not unreasonable since she was a goddess and he was a god. She was trained as a warrior and had the ability to see into the hearts and souls of mortals. He was the god of war. He trained men and women and other beings into the Champions that have long protected the realm from the threat of the Ancients. It was a match made in heaven… if he wanted to make it work.

But it didn't turn out that way. The princess didn't accept and Hapi and Satet didn't wish to see him in that inner circle. So what if he may have started the vamp-wolf feud by planting the idea into the Ancients' minds when they created the two races. He made up for it by taking their best and training them to fight for mortals. He was the fricking god of war. Generals paid homage by planning their strategies even if they didn't openly acknowledge him. He was great buddies with the Norse gods. They were something else and he loved it.

So that way was barred but then there was the other. He had waited patiently for the moment to meet her. Well about three millennia give or take a century. He had been close to getting the tablet but then Artemis had to step in and then the two idiots got a hold of it and now they were in trouble, causing it or she found them. There was also the missing Oracle, which he presumed had been kept by Artemis. She is a maiden and has this thing about virtue and all that.

So after waiting, his enforcer informed him that he caught the scent of the warrior princess. That piqued his interest and he had begun preparations. Then he found out that the demons had the Oracle and that one of them had possessed one of his men. Ares was certain that it was a set up to where the location of the Oracle was but having heard enough on the fact that she would come to save the Oracle… it was too good an opportunity to pass up. So he waited and amused himself by torturing one of the demons that was supposed to be guarding the roof. He wasn't disappointed.

She came in with a landing that would have his sisters scramble with jealousy. She had a good tongue as he overheard the things she said to the demon who had the Oracle. Then the fight… it just made his blood boil with lust as he watched her kick, punch… he swore she would look just like his princess from another time only she was more… Ares couldn't put it into words just yet but he was enamored with her.

Playtime was over the moment the demon Crowley decided that she was to be killed. His rabble had jumped her even though she put up a good fight and were going to do what he had threatened his other princess a hundred times before. It was an idle threat on his part but he still made them and it kept her on her toes. Thing was no one could mess with her like that except him and maybe the toad that she kept. So he went to have some fun.

Looking at the demon Crowley, he gave that cocksure grin he was known for and said, "Now I know that you weren't thinking of doing what I thought you were doing."

Crowley stood up and looked at his suit. He scowled at the charred marks and looked at the newcomer. "This was one my best suits. Do you have any idea how expensive they are."

"Oh very, I'm sure," Ares replied, not really caring one way or another about that. He looked at the warrior princess who was catching her breath in a kneeling position. He quickly looked back at the demon, "But I don't really care. What I do care about is that you attempted to harm something that is really valuable and something that is mine."

"I don't think she'd say that, sweet thing," Crowley deadpanned in the most condescending manner he could think of. "Besides I saw her first so she's mine." He looked at the huddled figure and added, "Sorry about that. We can argue semantics later."

Ares was amused for his part and actually surprised at the gall this one had. Then again he wasn't like the ones that groveled at your feet. This one was used to giving orders and having them obeyed. He rather liked that since that meant he had a mind of his own but like all other things, he was lower on the pay scale. He looked at his princess as she slowly stood to her feet and noted the wary expression she had. He replied, "I think little can be said on that since she is mine."

"Fat chance of that."

"Don't tempt me," Ares countered. To make his threat clear he let a bit of his power show.

It seemed to work the trick since Crowley decided to back off. Even he knew better than to mess with a god. Sometimes you just steered clear. He remembered some major incidents that occurred that most people chalked off to natural disasters. He looked at his target and said, "Next time love. We still have some fun we need to get off our chests."

Ares grinned as he was left alone with her. He studied her as she stood. Her posture was slightly hunched but not in fear. No, she was never afraid to face a god or a demon. It's what made her the warrior princess. No she was prepared to defend herself even though she was near defeated moments ago. He gave a slight look, "Now is that anyway to treat the one who just saved you from getting skewered?"

"If I had a good reason to smile I would."

Ares chuckled. She was good and he liked it. "Rest assured. As much as I want the tablet I have something far of greater value." He walked around to study her and gave no indication that he would attack. "I have someone that I have been dying to meet since it became known. A being that is said to be the one to lift burdens… and yet is still the one that walked away from me before. How I searched for you… Xena."

A/N: Oh boy. Ares the god of war has entered the picture and he is after Angie. WWSD? What would Sam do? Find out next time on 'I Get That A Lot'...