Chapter 5

I can't sense the Malachi.

"She has a name Cas. Use it," Dean muttered automatically.

In the meantime both Sam and Bobby latched onto the fact that the angel said that he couldn't sense her. They both asked, "What do you mean?"

Castiel looked at the three hunters and repeated himself, "I can't sense her."

Sam looked at Bobby and replied, "You're gonna have to elaborate here, Cas. Is she in troube?"

"I can't say. Only that I was cut off." Castiel shuffled on his feet uneasily. He was uncomfortable about the whole thing in the first place.

"Well… she's done it before," Dean pointed out. He recalled when Castiel mentioned it back when he was a douchebag after being angel reamed to Bible camp. "She probably didn't want anyone to interfere with her indecent exposure."

"Dude, still on with that?"

Castiel frowned a little at that. He didn't understand what was going on but he was certain that the Winchesters would be concerned about Angela. "She didn't cut me off," he said.

Dean looked at Castiel with a raised brow. "What do you mean? There's a difference?"

"Generally there is."

Dean nodded, "But?"

Castiel had been looking around and at the same time trying to reach out to his charge. He had it down to where she wouldn't know if he was tapping in. That was the original purpose. He had to be careful since it went both ways and he had no idea the extent of that connection. He looked at the three hunters, "But considering it's been broken before… I am concerned."

"Whaddaya mean broken before?" Bobby eyed the situation, not sure about what they were talking about. It wasn't like they gave chapter and verse and there were bound to be things that were forgotten about. He looked at the Winchesters and asked, "What is he talking about?"

Sam glanced at Dean before saying, "Well when…"

"Numerous times before," Castiel replied. He looked around as if to ascertain a threat was nearby. "The worst was when she was in a state of limbo." He didn't appear to notice the look that Sam and Dean shared when he mentioned that.

"That I get since that whole thing with Kess," Bobby commented. "But what makes you certain that something is wrong Feathers?"

"One minute I was checking on her and then it was gone."

Dean knew that they all tended to overreact and half the time or most of the time it was nothing serious. They all knew it since they received the look and a bit of the cold shoulder at some point. He wasn't going to deny that they might be overreacting this time around but still they had to be cautious. "Now Cas… She's done this before and I'm not gonna name times and such but she was hanging out with Gus and Jo."

Sam looked at his brother. He was a little surprised to see his brother be so calm about it but even he knew that when it came to Angela doing anything that didn't directly involve them, if they jumped to the wrong conclusion, it led to awkward silences and cold shoulders. Still it was a bit unusual but even he was a little skeptical about the whole thing. She had cut Castiel off before… at least from what he was getting. He was willing to concede that if she had done it before and hadn't realized it. It could be one of those times.

Still he was a little worried. Turning away from where Dean was talking to the angel along with Bobby, Sam fished out his cell phone. He sifted through his contact list looking for Kesset's number. Sam knew that Castiel's powers were failing and there was the possibility that his connection may have been fading. It was a possibility even though Sam got the feeling that it might not be the case.

I felt him die, Sam. And then he was put back together and I didn't even sense it. I don't know why.

She had told him what it was like after they got back from the storage unit and saw to Bobby. He remembered how deep in thought she was while trying to come up with a means of fixing Bobby. She was in the process of burning herself out when he asked her what was on her mind… when he was hiding from Dean like a coward.

He was about to dial a number when it rang. Checking the number, Sam frowned and answered, "Hello?"

I see you're glad to hear from me. I can see why Angie likes to make unexpected calls.

Sam's lip twitched as he recognized the teasing tones of Augusta. She used the same tone when she approached him to help with hers and Jo's girl's night out. It was different from the soothing ones she had used when Angela accidentally killed herself. "Just unexpected from you," he replied.

I can see why she likes you.

Sam couldn't help but give a slight smile. As far as he knew, Augusta was only referring to Angela like having the ability to mess with him and Dean and occasionally extend it to Bobby. More than likely that was what it was. "Very funny Gus. Is there any reason why you would be calling?"

Just calling to see if Angie made it back yet. I know how she likes to speed and assuming she left shortly after we did… she would have been there by now.

Sam looked back to see Dean talking to Castiel. Bobby was trying to keep Cerebus and Lilah apart. "No she's not here. She said she would before tonight."

Then something is wrong.

"Gus…" Sam paused. He didn't want to be accusatory about anything since this was one of Angela's friends. "I'm not… I'm not trying to be insensitive or anything but… this isn't the first time she's kind of gone off on her own."

I know but… It doesn't feel right. I may be not able to see things like you can…

"Calm down Gus." Sam glanced behind him. He didn't want to get Dean excited if there wasn't a reason for him to be. "I'm not saying that you're wrong. Just… she has gone off before… sort of." He felt like he was being interrogated but he understood where Augusta was coming from and could tell that she cared about Angela.

Since she started traveling with you?

Sam had to think about that and sheepishly replied, "Not really."

Sam honestly… what do you think?

Sam sighed a little and looked at nothing in particular. While he had been pretty calm the whole day he couldn't shake a feeling of unease. It was like something was off even though things appeared normal. He didn't want to say something if it was nothing but… He looked over and looked at Castiel who was looking agitated. "Everything feels off. I can't put my finger on it but… Something isn't right Gus and Cas is here and says he's cut off."

And do you believe him?

It sounded like a trick question to ask. The question sort of made one tick off the pros and cons of the angel. After all Castiel was the one that set him loose from the bunker and set him on the path to seek out Ruby. But he also got Dean to the convent to try and stop him and ended up getting exploded into oblivion. Taking it into account… "Cas has no reason to lie."

Sam… what do you think? What do you feel?

Sam sighed and nodded, "I don't think everything's okay." He paused a bit before adding, "Gus, I could be wrong. I've… been wrong before and I've screwed up big time with regards to Angie. I'm not sure I'm the best choice to…"

I understand. I do. Just… nothing feels right and I just want you to keep an eye out. If I am wrong, then have Angie call and prove me wrong.

Sam nodded even though he couldn't see her. "I will. Gus… try not to worry."

I can't help it. She's like a mother to me.

Sam heard the tone of Augusta's voice. He could understand the feeling but it was somewhat different. "You have my word."

I know. And Sam?

"Yeah?"

Don't doubt your feelings. They are more accurate than you think.

Sam listened as the phone hung up and clapped his phone shut. He turned to go back to Dean when he came face to face with Kesset and ended up taking a couple of steps backwards. "What the hell, Kess?"

Kesset looked around and then at Sam who was looking at him like he was nuts. "My apologies. My landings are still a bit off."

Sam still had a raised brow as he straightened out. "Thought your wings were healed."

"They are," Kesset replied as he looked at his wings. He adjusted them to inspect them, flexing them. "But like human limbs, they need to be rehabilitated. Strength training."

Sam could concede that. It wasn't the first time that the young guard dropped in on them in his humanoid state or his bird state. It had been funny on a couple of occasions since Dean got a face full of feathers and beak and adamantly demanded that they never speak of it again. "I get that. Uh Kess… why the drop in?"

Kesset finished checking his wings to make sure nothing was out of the ordinary when he noticed Castiel. Sam watched as the guard's reddish brown eyes locked onto the angel's blue ones and they seemed to communicate silently before Kesset said, "I got a call. The celestial said there was a problem."

Dean interjected, "Don't get hysterical Kess. Cas said that he had been cut off from Angie."

"I see." Kesset almost seemed to sniff around as he jerked his head to inspect the area around him. He looked at Castiel, "When?"

"An hour ago."

"An hour? Cas…" Dean looked at the angel like he was going crazy.

"I had to make sure," Castiel explained while continuing to stare a Kesset. His eyes locked onto the young guard and narrowed slightly. "With my powers failing I had to make sure that it was not a result of that."

Sam frowned at that. "Wait. I thought this guardian-charge bond thing was strong."

"It usually is." Kesset twitched his head while still staring at Castiel. "But sometimes changes can be mistaken for harmless things especially if the connection has been broken because of death." He gestured at Castiel, "In this case, the celestial's supposition is not wrong. I can't sense the princess either. It is not good since the connection helps to locate the charge if there is any danger. Though it could be that it is purposely shut off."

"You thinking Angie did it on her end?"

Kesset broke contact with Castiel and looked at Dean and then Bobby and Sam. "It is possible. From my understanding Castiel dampened the effects for what she had felt. Perhaps it did more. Has anyone tried contacting her?"

It was a reasonable thought and the three hunters looked at each other. The last time they talked to her was the day before when Dean scolded her or rather attempted to scold her. It was Dean who admitted that they hadn't thought of that and didn't have a reason to, "Alright you made a point Kess but we really didn't have a reason to and we trust Angie."

"True. But what of now?"

There was an awkward silence before Bobby groused, "Well then let's find out and then you can all be idjits about it." He pulled out his cell phone and flipped it open and dialed the number.

This is Angela. You know what to do.

The day was fast ending and Kesset felt pressed for time and patience. He didn't like being the one that was in the middle and wondered if the princess ever felt the same. He looked around the chosen area and sighed and glanced at his watch. He was fascinated by the thing and still was grasping the concept of time but he kind of liked it as much as he liked Kate trying to explain things to him.

"You know there are better places to talk to me, kiddo. But I guess landings are still a bit off."

Kesset turned to see Gabriel smirking at him. "Perhaps one should learn to be more careful when it comes to best intentions." He narrowed his eyes slightly and he felt his wings shuffle slightly. "Your little spell still is in effect."

"Insurance, kiddo." Gabriel smirked and looked at Kesset and his expression sobered slightly. "I'm already in hot water as it is and if you were to run your mouth dumb and dumberer would have figured things out."

Kesset still had a narrowed look on Gabriel. He understood the reason why. "And I still disagree with your methods. I dislike it when Dean tells me to stop swearing and I suspect that Sam has a hint of understanding."

"Highly doubt it," Gabriel brushed it off. "But you've been doing good staying away. Seems like you have a friend."

"And we are not here to talk about me."

"Kesset is right. Though I do not understand why you are here," Castiel's gruff tones entered. He stepped forward to face off with Gabriel and nearly glared. "Gabriel."

"Castiel," Gabriel countered with similar mocking tones that he had used previously. "Still searching for Daddy? Warned ya before it ain't worth your time."

"At least I am doing something."

Kesset knew that having two angels together that were more or less upset with each other was asking for trouble. He was hoping though that they would set it aside long enough for the one thing they all had in common. He interjected, "Stop, both of you."

Gabriel took a look at Kesset before saying, "Alright Cassy. Looks like the kid is getting upset."

"What you did…"

"I did what I thought was best and I'm not the one that is blind to it."

Kesset rubbed his forehead. He almost wished that his wing was broken again just so he could hide for recovery. "Enough, both of you. Can you just… chill?"

"I'm impressed kiddo," Gabriel replied with approval. "Dean-o been teaching you more expressions? You've picked up more than Cassy here."

Castiel didn't say anything and it was a good thing since Kesset spread his wings in his agitation and growled at both angels. "Can you stop it for two minutes? This is not about settling scores but a concern."

Gabriel was impressed by Kesset's assertion. He always knew that a leader was hidden behind that cute boyish look. He was still smirking but nodded his approval He glanced at his younger brother who was still glaring at him but more of less was willing to listen. "Alright, Kid. You made your point. So what is it that you've brought us here for?"

Kesset looked at the archangel, "The princess."

Gabriel nodded, "You mean because she disappeared off all of our radar." He took a couple of steps forward and looked around. "Have you eliminated the possibility that she doesn't want us to know every little detail of her life?"

"It is a concern, Gabriel." Castiel took a couple of steps forward. He was still talking to the back of his older brother but he knew he was being heard out. "It was not like when she cut me off before. It was different."

"I know the feeling Cassy," Gabriel replied as he turned on his feet to look at his brother. "I was there when she first died and believe me, that wasn't anything serious."

"Something isn't right," Castiel insisted. "When Angela cut me off, it was because she was angry. This was different."

Gabriel studied his brother. He knew Castiel was not one for deception. He couldn't carry it out without giving himself away. And there was no way that he would make up anything that serious with regards to their charge. He then glanced at Kesset who was giving a firm look and a slight nod. "Listen Cassy, I know we all sensed it but you know as well as I that she is constantly evolving. Her abilities are getting stronger whether she likes it or not. Did you consider that it was a simple flip of the switch?"

"Gabriel," Castiel intoned with a look.

Gabriel took in his brother's expression. He knew that it was serious since he sensed it too. He just wasn't going to jump the gun since he was already in hot water with his Cat. However, given the way Castiel was reacting… there was legitimate concern to be had. Even he sensed that it wasn't right when the switch was flipped off. If it hadn't been serious, Kesset wouldn't have called this meeting together. Nodding, the angel said, "Okay. Let's take a look but if Cat's okay and she gets pissed, it's on you little brother."

A few seconds and a slightly rough landing later found them at the last place they were certain their charge was at. Gabriel was smirking as he looked at the cabin like motel. This was definitely a place that his Cat would go to whether it was on the job or for a bit of fun time with the girl friends. He knew that her birthday was coming up and given what Castiel had told him about going to see the Winchesters… he figured that she was there with some friends. That certainly was indicated by the presence of her car in the parking lot. That drew his attention and he went over to inspect it while Castiel and Kesset went to check the cabin.

Gabriel noted that everything was packed and in its proper place. It was one of the things that he had a laugh about since he noticed that his Cat and Sam were the same when it came to certain things having their proper place. He gave a cursory look into the car since the top was down. There was nothing in there that suggested any foul play or anything. The next thing to do was check the trunk.

Walking around to the trunk, Gabriel ran his hand over it. He gave a slight snap and the trunk popped open. At least he didn't have to pop the lock like they do on those cop shows. That would have pissed her off. He was about to open it when he heard, "Hey."

Normally he would have smote first and asked questions later. This time though he was nice and turned to see the manager of the motel coming out. He smiled, "No harm no foul. Got keys." He pulled out a set of keys he managed to conjure up.

The manager eyed him warily and it took Gabriel a couple of minutes to sweet talk the guy and convince him that he wasn't stealing the car and that he was looking for his girlfriend. It worked and he found out that the manager was going to call the number left with the card and let them know they needed to clear out. He also managed to check the trunk. Everything was in its place, even the guns and the stuff she used to conduct her spells. He wondered if she had told Sam that one. He shut the trunk and went to join his brother and Kesset in the room.

Kesset was looking around and Castiel was looking at the door. Gabriel walked in and took a look around. The room appeared pristine looking but even he could see that something was off. "Find anything?"

Kesset looked in the bathroom, "Something isn't right in this room."

"Same here," Castiel added as he looked around the room. "There were two other women here but…

Gabriel held a hand out and put it on Castiel's shoulder and looked at the room. Even he could tell something was off. He found something by the door and frowned. Leaving his brother by the door, he walked over with a firm stride and bent over to take a look. His eyes narrowed dangerously as he reached down and picked up what was left behind. He held it up for the others to see.

Kesset ruffled his wings while Castiel huffed, "Hex bag. We are dealing with a witch then." He looked at Gabriel like he was ready to smite something.

"Think again," Gabriel replied as he held it up for them to get a better look. His finger tapped the sigil on the bag.

The reaction was instantaneous as Kesset's wings ruffled in agitation and it felt like there was a monsoon about to erupt in the room. Forget smiting, he was ready to full on destroy the whole cabin just to make a point. "Gaah. Those fiends!"

"Easy there kiddo," Gabriel motioned to calm the young guard down. Inwardly he thought that if Kesset were to take a flight now, he would hit his mark. Right now he had to calm the kid down even though he was tempted to raise hell himself since the sight made him pissed. "I know that you want to destroy everything…"

"They are a disgrace to their calling!" Kesset was full of rage and his wings started beating.

"It is their twisted logic that everything connected in our world deserves to be eliminated," Castiel interrupted. His tone was full of anger but there was a calming tone mixed in as well. "But they have a specific hatred of Angela."

"Then I will hunt them and kill them," Kesset raged. His wings rippled.

"Hold on there kiddo," Gabriel countered raising his hand. It was effective keeping the young guard subdued as well as his brother. It helped being an archangel. "Now first question is how you're gonna find them? If they were able to get this in the cabin that means they would have some way of blocking us." He didn't want to say that she probably cut them off in her usual sense of protecting them.

"Then we should ask the manager," Castiel said.

Gabriel nodded and then looked at Kesset. He got the feeling that there were was more going on here. "Agreed. Let's have a talk with management."

A/N: Looks like there might be a problem. Certainly Kess, Cas and Gabe know so. What happens next? Stay tuned for next time on To Hell and Back...