Chapter 14

Dean Winchester gives us Anna by midnight or we hurl him back to damnation.

Angela felt like hitting something. Certainly pacing around outside the barn they were shacked up in was a little helpful but very little. She had warned Uriel and she figured that the others would get it by now that she meant what she said. If they so much as threaten her boys, she was done. As much as she was making life difficult by drawing the battle lines and creating two fronts she had to battle it out, she was not going to give up her boys or Hibah for the sake of the bigger picture. Castiel sort of got that which was why he warned her about them after Hibah and to hide her angel half from his brothers.

At least Hibah was now safe. The baby seemed to grasp that the situation was serious and seemed to know when to be quiet and when to make her noises. Angela was inclined to think that it was possibly the fact that Hibah's accelerated growth was kicking in and the mind was growing faster than the body. She really didn't know and was astute to know that it was going to be a learn as you go kind of thing. At the current moment Hibah was asleep in her laundry basket carrier and she was protected by Cerebus. She had summoned the mutt the moment they got there.

Anna was fascinated by her hell hound. She had heard that they were vicious but had never heard of one switching sides. Angela took the time to explain how the mutt took to following her around and essentially became his master. Anna thought it was interesting and petted the hell hound but didn't bother to detract him from his duty when he was told to be the babysitter. She was impressed that he followed Angela's command like he would an alpha.

Then people went their separate ways and Angela found herself out here. She was pacing in an effort to try and figure out her next move. She couldn't call to Castiel since he would be following his orders to terminate Anna. Uriel wouldn't be that far behind so she seriously needed to consider her vantage points regarding that dick with wings. It seemed to make her more angry the more she thought about it.

The moment Sam Winchester is no longer useful…

In a fit of anger Angela turned on her heel. She spotted something that looked like a ball but being that it was an old farm place, more likely it was something metal. Still it looked a good size and it did look appealing. Putting strength into her legs she walked at a fast pace and gave the object a good hard kick. Her posture was like the kicker of the special teams for football.

It was a large can and it was empty but it had good lift. In fact she could make out its flight path as it heading out to the middle of nowhere. She watched it, not feeling one ounce better… well maybe a little. It felt good to hit something.

"Nice kick."

Angela turned to see Sam leaning against the barn wall and he was watching her. She replied, "I'm out of practice." She started pacing again but it was less ferocious than before. She paused a moment and said, "It was a good kick."

Sam gave a slight smile as he stood up straight. He knew that things were not okay in her mind. He had seen how much control it took not to overreact to what the angels were saying over angel radio. He had followed her out of the barn and waited while she walked it out remembering a time when the roles were reversed. "I guess you may have played football at some point?"

Angela stopped pacing and looked at Sam. She replied, "Maybe. It just felt good."

"Because of the ultimatum," Sam said more as a statement than a question.

"Yes. I don't have to remind you about Uriel and what he said… what I said." Angela paused a moment and looked at the ground. She then looked off in the distance where she had kicked the can. "I meant what I said to Uriel. I won't let them come after you or Dean and Hibah…"

"It will be worse than hell to pay," Sam finished. He wasn't stupid in that he could see the motherly instincts that raised its head in regards to Hibah.

"Hibah is a gift," Angela replied. She gave a smile, unaware that it was the same one she made when describing grace's power. "Life is a gift. How people choose to live it is what makes it what it is to them."

Sam watched Angela and her expression. It was rather strange but having Hibah around and then that whole thing with finding Anna's grace… It seemed to put her at some peace. He couldn't really put it into words. "Is that why you are a firm believer in choices?"

"Mostly." Angela looked around checking to see if she picked up on any angel mojo or even demon scents. Sherlock said her range was dismal even though she thought it pretty good. Still there was room for improvement. "I take it that Anna is holding up well."

Sam shrugged his shoulders. "Probably. Dean's nearby and Cerebus is on baby duty." He studied her thoughtful expression. "You don't think this is going to end well do you?"

Angela looked at Sam in response. "There is always a chance. I once heard that luck is preparation and preparation meets the opportunity. I think that could apply in this case here. It's just a matter of being prepared."

"How Angie? How do you go against an angel?"

"I did it before. I made Uriel cry if that makes you feel better." She gave a slight smile but sobered when Sam refused to smile at that. It was a difficult situation. Sighing, she said, "I know Dean wanted something that could kill an angel and I know of two weapons in existence that can do it. One is like Anna said; there is no way to get it within a short time frame."

"And the other?"

"Absolution."

Sam had to blink at that. "What?"

Angela let out her breath slowly. It was one of the secrets that she kept about Absolution. Very few people knew exactly all the capabilities of the soul blade. She was one of them. The maker and the soul itself also knew and who knew better than the one who was the soul? She repeated, "Absolution. The blade not only can kill just about anything including demons. It can kill angels as well."

Sam opened and closed his mouth a little. It was a little hard to digest this. "You mean to say that at any time you could literally stick it to the angels?"

"Surprising how one thing has so much power and it chose someone like me," Angela replied. She studied Sam's reaction to it and felt it was owed to Sam an explanation why she never gave all the details about her sword. "It is one of the few things I keep a secret Sam. Not even the angels know about it. They think it is a blade of a 'righteous' warrior."

"Why keep it a secret from us?" Sam frowned as he tried to understand.

"Knowledge truly is power, Sam," Angela replied. She was aware she sounded a bit sad when she said it. It was one of the few things that was a driving wedge between her and her strays. "To have a blade that can kill just about anything on both sides… It's like being stuck in the middle."

Sam didn't miss the sad tone. It was the weight of burden that she had been carrying for centuries and still she made the time for both his and Dean's problems. On top of that she took in Hibah to raised and protect and to protect Anna from being killed. It was a wonder she hadn't cracked under the strain. He knew she was selfless but this was another way of putting it into perspective. Yeah it was annoying when she did stuff like wait until know to tell them about another tool in the arsenal.

"Up until now there were only three people who know what I just told you. Me, the maker and Absolution herself. Maybe it was a denial thing because my history with Cas and maybe I was still a bit gullible about the nature of angels. Even after I found out what dicks they can be… I never raised a blade against them."

"But you are willing to do it now?"

"It's going to sound a little weird but I am willing to go against anyone who tries to take what is mine. You, Dean and Hibah are mine." She paused, feeling that she may have dug herself into a hole of awkwardness. She then added, "It's no different how far you and Dean would go for each other. Just… worded different."

"I think you forgot to include yourself in that equation." When Sam noticed the slight look, he explained, "Me and Dean are willing to go far for you too."

Angela gave a smile like she would when talking to a friend and they understood because they shared experiences. "Old habits, Sam." She sighed as she looked off in the distance and put her hands on her hips. She had an idea in the works but she had little idea if it would work. "In all honesty, we are screwed if we try to take on both sides. Even if I had Absolution out for the fight, the chances are low. If only I knew who took her grace."

"Can't you scry for it?"

Angela looked at Sam with a raised brow. She was surprised he even suggested it and he was trying. "Scry?"

"Yeah. I mean I am assuming you know what kind of energy an angel's grace gives. You were touching the oak earlier."

Normally Angela would tease Sam about jumping to conclusions. It was one of her teaching methods and was actually how Sherlock boned her up on her deduction capabilities. She used it on both boys and got a few laughs out of when they were right and she challenged them to the point that they thought they were mistaken. Given the situation however, there was little to no time to mess around. She replied, "I do know a bit about an angel's grace. The reason why Anna was highly suggestive and I was willing to go hunt for it without you narrowing down the search corridor is…"

"Because of the healing thing," Sam finished as he put the puzzle pieces together. "Like the Morton House. You picking up on the whole energy thing."

"Yes. Healers, and this is a piss poor thought out theory, are sensitive to angelic grace because it is pure energy and creation and healers… heal."

"I get it," Sam replied. "So any ideas how to find it or who took it?"

"I'm drawing a blank but I have a suspicion but…"

"You're not sure," Sam finished. He reached out with a hand and touched her shoulder. "Hey it's okay."

"It's a kind thing for you to say Sam, but I feel like I should know more. I feel like I am two steps behind of the whole thing." Angela put a hand over Sam's, content to feel his support. "Fifty miles in second gear," she muttered.

Sam didn't say anything right away. It was a lot for her to process. Two people to protect, one and angel and the other half an angel and half god, and it seemed like she felt like she had bitten off more than she could chew. Finally he said, "And I know you're the only one that can process things at fifty miles per hour. It's usually me and Dean that have to catch up."

Angela couldn't help but chuckle. That was usually the case when she got excited about a finding. She would ramble on and the boys spent the time trying to slow her down. "Usually is the case. Thanks Sam."

Sam gave a smile as he released her shoulder. "I know you'll think of something. I'm going to check on Hibah okay?"

"Just don't wake her," Angela warned wagging her forefinger. "I finally started working out her routine and if we do have a plan… I'd rather have her sleep through it." As an afterthought Angela reached into her pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper. "Here, if you draw this somewhere out of the way and put her basket there, Cerebus can do the rest and he can pack a powerful punch." She rubbed her forearm slightly.

Sam nodded, "Alright. You're okay?"

"Yeah."

The fog rose from the field as the night wore on. The sounds of the night filled Angela's ears as she looked across the landscaping. Her plan was not by all means perfect but it would help and maybe give a big screw you to Alistair.

"I suppose I should be amazed that you are even working with me on this."

Angela turned to see Ruby looking like a petulant child. She crossed her arms and gave a tolerant look at the demon. "Not really since we knew the score when we agreed to this armistice. I'm just better at keeping it in."

"Don't flatter yourself," Ruby shot back. "You think you're pretty smart talking to me inside my head. Do you think that Sam or Dean are not going to notice how unnatural that is?"

"They already find it unnatural that we were sitting next to each other in the Impala and no one tried to kill each other," Angela replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. She adjusted her position to shift the weight on her feet. "I'm more surprised that they didn't pick up on our subtle communication in the cabin when I told you to go and get Anna out."

"More like ordering me. Still think you're in command of your armies, General?"

Angela looked at the demon and raised her brow. Most would consider that a low blow since she was a general… well sort of. She wasn't even sure she would call it that since it was in a time when women did serve in the military yet and the stint as a nurse overseas didn't count either. Well she would say that. Most of her cover jobs were that anyway; they were covers since her major job at the time involved the supernatural. Besides the times she actually did lead, she did it behind the scenes and made the CO look good even if he was a straight up pansy. She looked at Ruby and replied, "Old habits Ruby. Besides I didn't hear you come up with any ideas at the time. I just went with what I had at the moment."

"And look how that worked out."

"Pretty well I'd say," Angela replied giving a thoughtful shrug. "There may be the complication of the missing grace…"

"That is the problem. You know as well as I that going up against those two is pretty much suicide," Ruby replied. "I don't know about you but I'm all about living to fight another day and I would think that is what you'd want for Sam too."

Angela gave a hard look at Ruby. She knew that she couldn't overreact around this demon. She didn't trust her but she had her uses. She would give a little and Ruby would give a little and the both knew that the other would see it as being used no matter what. Their common interest in the equation was Sam. Angela knew what Ruby meant when she told Sam that he knew how to tone up his abilities and while she wasn't a fan, she was letting him make the choice. She could teach him if he wanted but the result was going to be different as well as the means.

She was more about keeping Sam true to himself. The path Ruby wanted, she knew that road since she had been on paths similar. Hell she was on right now letting Ruby in her little circle. She replied, "Don't talk to me about living today and fighting tomorrow. If anything the only thing you know about is self-preservation."

"And don't presume you know me."

"Right back at ya," Angela taunted.

Ruby glared trying to figure out a means of hitting back one more time but she was coming up with nothing. Besides there was a reason they were having this clandestine meeting. Hell if dumbass Dean knew he would be blowing a head gasket. She crossed her arms and said, "Fine. So what kind of plan, if any, do you have?"

"Since you know how much I love working with you, I was thinking we'd get a plan together to bring all the players into one place," Angela replied, not in the mood to spin the wheels even though it would have been fun to do it to Ruby.

Ruby raised her brow suspiciously. "I'm listening."

"Hey your idea."

"Whatever."

Angela knew she had Ruby's attention. It was something that Ruby had said about it being like Godzilla and Mothra with the angels and demons. Most people didn't know this but some of the more cataclysmic disasters that had happened in Earth's history were the result of angels and demons duking it out. Of course she didn't want to shoot for that since that was just plain… well too much fun probably for Ruby. What she wanted was to get a chance to even the scoreboard a little.

Looking at Ruby, Angela knew that she was going to have to make a pretty good case to the demon. Ruby was all about self-preservation. "Look, the only way there is going to be some measure of peace around here is getting Stella her groove back."

"Nice plan but major problem: someone took it, Genius."

"An angel took it," Angela supplied.

"And how do you know that?"

"Grace is pure creative energy. Think about your friends in Pontiac," Angela supplied. When she was sure that it was dawning on Ruby, she continued, "Look a demon like Alistair can touch it and not sweat if he knows what he is doing but grace in general is like drawing moths to a flame when concerning the angels. One of them has it."

"And your plan is to drag them here and get it back?"

"That's the plan," Angela replied in a mock show of enthusiasm.

"And what about Alistair and his posse?" Ruby was intrigued but she got the feeling that a lot was going to be asked of her on this one. She could admit that she was willing in the case of Sam or Angela even though the latter and she were like oil and water. They ended up with the same goals but just different ways of seeing it.

"That's where you come in."

"Should've known," Ruby deadpanned. "So you want me to burn the hex bag so he can find me and then I convince him that I will hand over the angel. That is the plan right?" She then decided to get cute and she mocked Angela, "Oh wait, I forgot, you won't let me do anything like that. After all the famous Malachi of Absolution is the guardian."

Angela was slightly amused at the display. "Actually I want you to do that. No sense in me making the deal since Alistair would more likely just jerk me around and he has other things in mind." Angela cleared her throat and shuffled her feet slightly.

"You mean the thing that you have being guarded by the hell bitch." Ruby shook her head more in exasperation. "You just have to make things harder on everybody. When are you going to get that you can't save everybody no matter what? I would have thought that you'd learn that by the time Mary came around and then Blondie…"

The punch was unexpected and it caught Ruby across the jaw. That was a long time in coming and she rubbed the area where the fist collided with her face and rotated her jaw. She looked at Angela to find her giving a hard look that showed very little but said a whole lot. "I guess you have learned."

"That discussion will not be had again," Angela warned in response. "Both sides know I have a Halfling in my care and that is a bonus besides Anna. I don't like it any more than the next person but if we are to get Anna's grace, we need to be realistic in what we have." Angela sighed, "I need you to convince Alistair to come. Don't worry about the angels. On my end Uriel would just love to put me in my place."

"Do you always make this many friends?"

"You should see my enemies," Angela replied, picking up on Ruby's sarcasm. She glanced around before reverting her gaze back to the demon. "Can you do this?"

"I convinced you to put me on a longer leash."

"I would say that my trusting Sam has you in this position," Angela corrected.

"Whatever," Ruby countered, knowing that Angela would put everything into perspective so that there were no illusions about their arrangement. "So I take care of the demons and you take care of the angels. Sounds like my kind of party."

Angela watched as Ruby started towards the barn. She may have Ruby on a short leash that was made longer just a bit by the circumstances but she knew the demon's tendencies. She could count on Ruby to pull off selling them out. Now she just had to make it so one of the angels would show up demanding Anna be given up and Hibah destroyed. She watched as the demon disappeared before saying, "Are you sure about this?"

Anna came out from her hiding space. She walked to stand beside Angela and looked in the direction that Ruby had gone. "I'm sure. How were you able to figure it out that an angel took my grace?"

"All you feathered asses smell alike," Angela teased in a rough joke. She sobered though and said, "New quirk. When I touched the tree… I sensed the grace's power but something else."

"You've touched grace before," Anna said more as a statement than a question.

"Once or twice," Angela admitted. She crossed her arms, "If you want my honest opinion, I don't like the idea. I'm sure Dean had words to say about it."

Anna actually blushed at that. "Um… he didn't like it and he said something about you going crazy to use Hibah as bait along with me."

Angela caught the stammering tones. She had a suspicion about what went on between her and Dean and she didn't care. She replied, "I know. I feel dirty about it. Hibah is mine and I am responsible for her. Still I know a few tricks…"

"And you have Cerebus. He hasn't moved since you gave him the order to stay and earlier I noticed that Sam was drawing something on the ground and he put her basket there."

"A bit of comfort but not complete reassurance," Angela admitted. She sighed, "The sooner we get your grace back, the better. I'm guessing that Dean is doing his part. He'll be the pain in the ass he can be."

"He'll make Uriel ripe for an ass kicking."

"Tell me about it."

Both women shared a laugh as they started back towards the barn. Time to get to business and pray that it works. Angela kept her thoughts to herself that were mostly about worry for Hibah.

A/N: A Sam/Angie moment and it looks like a plan is being put into motion with Angie holding all the cards. What does she have up her sleeves? Find out next time on Jewel of the Nile...