Chapter 13

If you really knew me then you would have tried harder… Lucifer.

There were a lot of things that Angela wanted to say to the devil. Some of it related to the current situation and others that would seem outright ridiculous but then again how often did one converse with the one responsible for the fall of about half of the heavenly host? Also she had a few things to say since she knew that Sam was Lucifer's vessel and she felt that whatever force had brought him here was doing it to piss her off and tempt fate.

"I do know you though I am surprised that you brought my vessel right to me," Lucifer replied with the suave grin. He then said patronizing, "Well done, my pretty."

Angela snorted at that, "I am not nor shall I ever be your pretty." She paused to look at the expression that looked confused but deep down she knew that it wasn't so. Not with Lucifer. "And like I would ever bring Sam to you."

Lucifer smiled at Angela, amused at her. He motioned to the side and out came his demons holding onto Master Ru and Delilah and a few senior Alchemists that remained. "Well, can't say I didn't try. So you've made it and now you're here to claim your prize. Here."

Angela didn't move. She didn't trust Lucifer to just let them go like that. Too many years being put into that position instilled it and she held fast to it. She looked at the Alchemists and didn't expect much in terms of reaction. Most of them didn't do that. Master Ru was especially noteworthy of this.

"What's the matter? You won."

Angela shifted her gaze from the Alchemists to Lucifer. "And somehow I have a difficult time believing that. Considering it is you."

Lucifer gave a slight pout but he was still giving that grin of his that made Angela want to slap it off. It sounded funny in her head but it was the best way to describe it. And she really did want to kick his ass. Lucifer looked at her still pouting and asked, "Is that the way you treat someone who is willing to consider your offer?"

Angela didn't react and couldn't do anything about it since Sam heard it and asked her, "Angie, what is he talking about?"

Sam's question brought a look of surprise and delight to Lucifer's face. He looked at Sam and then Angela and noted her posture. He could tell that she was trying hard not to react. He asked her, "So… you never told Sam about our little nighttime conversations? After the first time you interrupted us?"

Angela didn't want to say anything but to say nothing would invite other accusations that could be a twisting of the truth. Yet she knew that Lucifer didn't need to twist anything. He could just come out and say it. Defiantly she stood there with a narrowed look at Lucifer.

Lucifer for his part smiled in satisfaction, "So you haven't told him that one. Well my little pretty, now is your chance to tell him." He started pacing in front of her and the other Alchemist. "In fact why not just tell everyone who you said should take Sam's place?"

The way how it sounded made it seem like Angela was callous and uncaring of people around her. Sam knew though that it wasn't her but even he had to acknowledge that she had to be tough to make hard decisions. But to decide if someone should take the place of another… He looked at her along with the Alchemists.

Angela was well aware of the faces looking at her. She couldn't deny it. It was still something she was willing to gamble with. And she knew what the reaction was going to be. She might as well come out and say it. Sam wouldn't appreciate anything less. "Me."

Sam blinked at what she had said. It really shouldn't have surprised him that she would do that. He couldn't help but feel the indignation that she would do something like this as if she didn't mean anything but deep down he knew that she didn't see it that way. She would tell him that she had considered them all and that this was a better choice. It sucked but it was better. He still hated it though.

He held back anything that would start a fight as he approached her. "Angie… is it… Is what he said true?"

Angela looked at Sam. She could see he was trying very hard not to lash out at her in the heat of the moment. It was his right to since essentially it could be seen as her throwing aside her word that she would be more considerate. She was rash on occasion but this one she had given thought and it had no good outlook and had learned long ago that most things ended up being that way. It was one of those times she actually followed her advice and it sucked royally. And the honest truth was that she was doing for both Winchesters. She sensed that Dean wouldn't care to raise a killing blow against his brother; this was an alternative… much like other things. Looking at Sam, she replied, "I asked Lucifer to consider me as a vessel."

It wasn't denial; Sam knew that. Yet it didn't feel like an affirmation. Knowing her though… "Why?" It was the simplest question and it opened the door for her to say a lot or just enough. Sam looked at her, his expression asking her to explain.

"Because… I can," Angela offered, knowing that it was not the whole truth. She looked at Sam after making sure Lucifer wasn't going to try anything. She continued, "I can because of what I am."

"Oh you had me surprised. The whole craving for power thing," Lucifer drawled.

Angela's eyes snapped with anger as she pointed a warning finger at the devil, "That was Lenya talking as well as that hell bitch Ruby."

"Don't lie, my pretty. You and I both know that you can't win this without get… a little helping hand." Lucifer chuckled as he continued to pace in front of the senior Alchemists. "After all you are known for going above and beyond the call of duty; doing whatever it takes. Wasn't that the whole point with your slayers?"

"Noble intentions that were twisted because of guilt and anger," she replied, "And one that I regret and am still paying for."

"Oh yes. I heard. Little Carter was recruited and became head of his group. Got the drop on you. Kidnapped and tortured you." Lucifer paused to look at her. He was still smirking but he was also mocking concern. "How was it going down memory lane?"

"It was torture."

"Ah but you remember all the fun you had with my now dead favorite Alistair. He was a good one. But so is Lenya." Lucifer gave a shrug of his shoulders. "So please tell me that is why you offered to take Sam's place. It's the power right?"

Angela looked at Lucifer with a look of pure loathing. "No," she said firmly. She adjusted her stance since she had the urge to want to kick the devil's ass completely. "That is not why I asked to be considered but you and I both know that it is possible."

"Please," Lucifer scoffed as he strode towards her and shoved Sam out of the way. "You have always fought against the darker, your darker nature and look at the results you've had. Blood on your hands so where does being the nice guy get you?"

"I'm aware of what I've d…"

"You want to be my vessel because you know deep down you'll have the power to fix things. Isn't that what you want?"

Angela started to grow agitated at the devil circling her. Something was off about the whole thing and she didn't like the fact that Sam had to watch what she went through internally every day. He didn't need to see her problems. "You are being ridiculous."

"Please. You of all people should know that there is a unique characteristic to your kind and your full blooded kin. It's all in the blood is the saying you use," Lucifer said as he mocked her by pretending to think about it before giving her the answer.

Angela looked sharply at Lucifer and took a step back. It seemed to encourage him and he stepped closer into her personal space. She didn't like where this was going and stepped back more. She tried to stay firm but it was difficult when you felt your personal space was being violated. "That statement is said because it is the truly mostly."

"Oh my little pretty you really just like arguing semantics now do you? Don't get that your silver tongue is not going to get you out of this?" Lucifer took another step forward.

Angela took another step back. "But even you should know that what is said is just as binding. Like I said, I asked you to consider me."

"And I ask you why," Lucifer countered. He stopped advancing and gestured towards Sam, "I'm sure Sam would like to know. Why are you willing to house me and quite possibly be killed by his brother? Sacrificial knife perhaps?"

Angela glanced at Sam and then at Lucifer. She tried again, "I asked to be considered so that you'd leave Sam alone. And for the fact that you deserve to stay locked in that cage." It was sheer bravado on her end. She was fast losing ground and she knew Sam was not going to let this go so easily. She knew him well. It had been a strong statement but it sounded weak in her ears.

And it sounded weak to Lucifer since he gave that knowing grin, "Bold words but we both know that there is more to it than that."

"No. Just doing what is right and if it takes this sucky choice then…"

Lucifer shook his head while wearing that grin of his. "You are persistent. Makes me wonder if you truly are the one I have heard about through the whispers. The legendary princess that is capable of making a decision and sometimes without any thought to consequences."

"Now I know you have been told crap." Angela saw that this was going to go downhill. She was going to do what she could to stave off disaster. But even she could see that it probably spell doom in terms of her relationship with the brothers and Sam especially.

Maybe it is for the best.

But even you know that is not what you want.

The internal monologue was the same one she had danced to since she started working with the Winchesters and even more so when she realized the depth of her feelings for Sam. It was the driving force that kept her from saying what she wanted to say but she felt was right because of the things she had done, will done and what she was. It was enough to drive the sanest person crazy.

Trying to keep that bravado up, she continued, "I made those decisions because it was the best I could do with what I had. And it sucked. Plain and simple." She made a slicing motion to emphasize her point. "And not a day goes by that I think of how I could have done it differently. If it looks hard ass it is because there was little to no choice."

It was always painful to justify yourself especially when you were certain that you were guilty and deserved the worst fate possible. Angela knew that all too well and had her bouts of depression when she thought about it long enough. Yet in the end she rallied once she convinced herself that she had done the right thing. Later when it was brought up, it stung but didn't beat her down; she took it and like her friend Mac said, like a soldier.

Lucifer took in her posture and couldn't help but laugh at her. "You are really full of bull shit my pretty. Always trying to convince yourself and others." He tsked at her as he turned to look around. "You dance around, giving an answer but not the answer."

"I gave you the truth."

"No," Lucifer replied in a firm tone that was enough to scare someone that was made of tough stuff. He pointed at her, "You gave an answer but not the truth. It's all you ever do and you are content with it, using to push people away…"

Angela listened to Lucifer starting to find the conversation a little peculiar. It wasn't like previous conversations and it sounded like she was arguing with herself but in a different form. She studied the scene and tried not to give away her confusion as she gave her answers. She noticed that Sam was looking a little confused too.

It was out of left field when Lucifer moved lightning fast, considering what he was, and had Sam in his hold. Before she could react, Lucifer said, "I can't have him then neither can you," and snapped Sam's neck.

Sam jerked wide awake and found himself falling. He landed on the floor with a thump with his legs still on the couch where he had been sleeping. He gasped as he struggled with the blanket that was wrapped around his legs and ended up landing completely on the floor. "Crap."

"Mmm keep it down Sammy. Having a good time here," Dean's voice sleepily sounded through the darkness.

Sam twisted since he was still tangled in the blanket and saw his brother was asleep in the chair that helped him to breathe. He heaved a sigh and turned his attention to trying to get his legs free without waking his brother. He managed to get himself free and that was after Cerebus came and nosed him to see if he was okay in his hell hound/dog way.

Finally free of the blanket, Sam paused since it felt he had gone ten rounds with a demon really and took a breath. He rubbed Cerebus' head to reassure the hell mutt as he stared up at the ceiling. It was a really disturbing dream he had. At least he thought it was.

When he felt able, he got up and made his way to the kitchen. A beer would have been nice but it didn't have that much of an appeal. Plus he got the idea that if he did that, he would regret it later if he did manage to get back to sleep. Instead, he got a glass of water and took a sip. It was better than nothing and he wanted to save the last of the juice concoction Angela made for Dean. He took another sip and stood in the kitchen staring out the window thinking about his rather strange dream that sort of turned into a nightmare.

"I can see how this could be a common occurrence for you."

Sam almost choked on his water and refrained from shouting, "Fuck Kess. What the hell?"

Kesset looked at Sam and made sure he wasn't suffering from choking on water before replying, "Patrol."

"And does that include sneaking up on me?"

Kesset raised his brow in confusion, "I don't sneak. If a mission requires stealth, I execute stealth maneuvers but I never sneak."

Sam knew the distinction would be lost on the Avian. Sometimes Kesset was more like Castiel and other times he seemed to grasp the nuances of being human fairly well. It was a vast improvement over Castiel who was clueless no matter how you tried to explain it. He let it go as he set the glass on the counter and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Patrol," Kesset repeated as he rotated his shoulders. For the sake of the tight space, he suppressed his wings but ever since he had gotten used to having them out, it felt like they were getting cramped. "The princess asked for me to keep…"

"Right," Sam interrupted when he remembered, "But why are you here now. In the kitchen?"

"I require sustenance," Kesset answered in a matter of fact tone as he scanned the room. Finding what he needed, he walked over to the refrigerator and opened it. He pulled out a slab of raw meat, a steak. "The elder has been keeping a stock. For some odd reason he didn't like the fact that I was taking care of his rodent problem."

Sam got the picture and made a slight face. On one hand it made sense since birds of prey ate smaller birds and rodents. On the other… it did sound pretty gross since he viewed the Avian as near human as possible. "I think I get it Kess," he offered. He watched as the Avian pulled out a knife and started slicing the steak into strips. When it was obvious that Kesset was going to swallow the strip raw, he asked, "Aren't you going to cook it?"

"Why?"

Sam was beginning to understand why Bobby would have a problem with Kesset dealing with the rodent problem that was pretty much now nonexistent. "Um… most people actually cook their meat first before eating it."

"I'm not human."

"Right." Sam wondered if this was how it was for Dean when he spent time with the angel when they were separated. "But for the most part you appear human. And humans don't eat meat raw."

Kesset looked at Sam and considered what he had said. It started to make sense now why Bobby would scold him for holding dead rats like they were a delicacy. "I see your point. If it makes you feel better I will endeavor to be more human. Though it doesn't quite taste the same."

Sam gave a slight smile at that. Kesset sounded like a little kid but he knew the Avian was only doing it to make others feel comfortable. He said, "Only if you are around humans. When you're by yourself or with others used to it… go to town."

"I don't understand that reference but may I presume that you are giving permission to, as you say, be myself when I am around those comfortable with my eating raw meat?"

"Yeah." Sam wasn't going to try to go into an elaborate explanation since that would probably confuse the Avian more or it would go into a discussion on other human nuances. The nice thing about trying to explain to Kesset about being human was the fact that he could get technical about it. There was almost a scientific tone to the conversations and it had Dean wondering what the hell they were talking about at times.

Kesset accepted it and went to where Bobby kept the pots and pans and pulled out a serviceable one and started up the stove. It had Sam say, "Uh, you might…"

"The princess stated that as long as I clean up I am welcome to use it. Though I think she made that stipulation with you in mind."

"You mean she doesn't mind you eating a rodent in front of her?" It was blunt but Sam found it worked better when talking to the Avian.

Kesset turned to look at Sam as he put his strips of meat into the pain. "No." He turned back to what he was doing and reached for the seasoning. "She would have seen my father."

"Oh."

It felt like an awkward silence but Kesset wasn't bothered by it. It was just a fact. He focused on added the acceptable flavor he liked on cooked meat. It made it easier to swallow though he did like jerky. That was different. He turned to see Sam standing there looking not sure of what to do. "What is it?"

"Just watching. You look like you've had practice," Sam offered as he gestured towards the frying meat.

"Had to. Cooked meat doesn't have the same taste. Kate showed me."

"Kate?"

"Yes."

"Okay."

It was still strange to hear that Kesset had a girl and a human one. Also she wasn't freaked out that he wasn't human. Still Sam was actually happy for the Avian. From what he gathered, Kesset had few good moments in his life and he deserved it. For him though, he wanted to move forward but it had him scared and after that dream…

"You had a bad dream."

Sam looked up at the Avian who had speared a cooked strip on his knife was prepared to eat it off the knife. He looked like those badasses that liked to show off how tough they were but Sam knew better. It was just odd to see. "Uh yeah. Kess, don't you want a plate?"

"No," the Avian replied after looking at the arrangement. "Unless you want me to."

"No, just asking." Sam took a breath and cleared his throat. He glanced in the direction where Dean was sleeping, amazed that the smell of cooking red meat hadn't woken him up. He looked back at the Avian who was picking pieces off the speared piece. He decided to go with it and got back to the topic, "I actually had a strange dream really."

"What about?" Kesset swallowed the piece he had been chewing. He was well aware that talking while chewing food was rude and gross. It was a lament of the princess when she spoke to Dean about it. So he would respect that. He looked at Sam as he picked a napkin up and wiped his face to make sure he was presentable.

"Well… It was a dream. Angie was in it… at that castle she went to. And I was there but…"

"Something wrong?"

"It felt real. Like I was there." Sam frowned since it sounded weird to him. He had dream walked before and that shit was as real as it could get but you could also shape reality. He had that firsthand experience a year ago. This though felt different. "I mean I was talking with Angie and I touched her and it felt real."

"Touched as in holding hands or how Dean implies?"

Sam shot a look at the Avian. Sometimes Kesset had a wicked sense of humor and it was often difficult to tell if he meant to be funny or not. Seeing though that he was looking for clarification, Sam relented and explained, "Well hand holding kind of thing. And the castle was taken over by Lucifer and his demons and we were fighting to take it back."

Kesset listened with interest as Sam described the dream that rapidly turned into a nightmare. When Sam got to the part where Angela was facing herself and Lucifer, his interest turned up more and noted the confusion on Sam's face as he said, "And she's still thinking about Carter. She's not pissed at what he did but sad… like it's her fault for his making the choice."

"She did have a hand in his training."

"Yeah and she showed me and Dean a thing or two but we aren't trying to torture her." Sam rubbed his forehead to think. "And then Lucifer asking her the real reason she offered to be his vessel. Thing is I know her. Kess… does she want… to… end it?"

Kesset looked at the younger Winchester. The distress was clear on his face that if the princess were to do something with the end result of dying… that was devastation. Listening to Sam's description, he could see where that line of reasoning would sound logical. But there was another reason and while Kesset was not obliged to keep it from Sam, he did it out of respect but he didn't want to see his other commander go down the wrong path. "The princess only does what she does to relieve burdens from others because she cares," he offered. "Am I right?"

A/N: Whoa looks like Lucifer wanted to make Angie miserable. WTH though? Was it a dream? Stay tuned for the conclusion of Asked and Answered...