Chapter 10

Gabriel looked around the area. It was an alleyway that shielded him from view and provided a good source of protection. Also he was not in the mood to be overly friendly and he didn't want any innocent bystanders to get caught in the crossfire. He was essentially pissed and he was pissed because it was for certain that his Cat had been taken and by those renegade bastards.

They were like annoying cockroaches; they just didn't seem to go away. They would go into hiding and then at the worst possible moment they sprang up. He could count the times that the bastards pursued her but under the guise of something else and often she didn't know it. Those times he watched out for her and it took a lot of restraint to now cause the mayhem that he was tempted to do this time.

He didn't blame her at all. It wasn't her fault that she was a prisoner now. The fault was his since he was her guardian angel. He went beyond the call of duty on this to make sure she was mostly out of harm's way. Even after their falling out he was there… and she knew somehow and she still loved him. This made it feel like his love of her was cheap and it pissed him off. He was with Kesset in literally pounding the pavement. It had to take his younger brother to keep him from doing anything that would get noticed by humans in general. Not that they would notice… actually they would attribute it to a natural disaster like Pompeii or something like it.

Gabriel looked around and feeling his patience worn thin and took it out on his contact when they arrived, "You're late."

Castiel took in his brother's rigid form. He felt unease himself and all thoughts of their previous discussion was forgotten. Kesset was right in that their main concern was finding Angela. The frustrating thing was that they couldn't and he was certain that these renegades knew how to do it. "I was doing what you asked."

"You're the fast one." Normally it would have been teasing but Gabriel was agitated. It was unfair to pick on his brother but given the circumstances…

"I did as you asked."

"And took your sweet time with it." Gabriel knew that he was being the ass he could be. It was fueled by his anxiety since he knew something was wrong the moment his connection had been cut. He felt it a bit more because he had been connected to her since she was a little girl… before they actually met.

The first time he saw her was probably when she was five or six. He was in his own corner of the world that he carved out for himself and he wound up in Italy. And he liked it since he was familiar with Carnivale de Venezia. It was actually during that festival he saw her with her mother. She was a happy little thing looking at the masks with fascination.

Later he learned that she was introduced to her father but she was not told that. As it turned out it was to be a yearly journey for them so her father could see his daughter and her mother. That day though Gabriel remembered: she had run into him chasing after some troublesome boys who took her mask. He tripped the boys to get it back but she ran into him and fell down.

It was her eyes that held his interest. There wasn't anyone in the world with her color eyes. They were not natural in most respects those golden orbs. If he didn't know better, he would have sworn that she was harboring an angel. She was a little angel but then a human one. The moment they touched, he knew that there was something about her; that there things she would be involved with that would essentially have the lauds and praises sung about her. It was at that moment he decided to watch over her and it was a good thing too since a couple of months later she almost got into trouble if he hadn't been there.

The truth was, their bond ran deep. He had been there almost her entire life. The longer the duration, the more severe effects could occur. He knew how it felt when she died that first time. It was like ripping out your grace… Not that he would but it was like cutting a hole in him and he didn't like it but it reflected his feelings for her.

Castiel looked at his brother and contemplated what to say. "I spoke with the Centurion. They were… not forthcoming."

"They wouldn't… especially if it involves her." Gabriel sighed and turned to look at Castiel. "Sorry lil bro. Just…"

"I know."

That simple statement said much. Both knew the implications behind the guardian charge bond. It was just news to Castiel since he was only aware of his own involvement. "Your reaction is to be expected. You share a deeper bond with her than both Kesset and I. It is why I volunteered for this," the angel said to his brother.

Gabriel looked at Castiel. "Don't sell yours short Cassy. We both sensed it when that dick Raphael smote you."

Castiel twisted his head in that confused manner, like he was trying to understand the implications of what was going on. He nodded and finally said, "The Centurion did say that their activity is pretty normal."

"Well they are cockroaches." Gabriel waved his hand at Castiel when he realized that his brother was going to say something about his assessment. "Okay… so they won't be any help and I figured so. I just hope Kess is helping out."

"I don't agree that staying with the Winchesters will help. His kind are not well adapted to dealing with something like this."

"Better them than alone Cassy. You know that." Gabriel started pacing while trying to think. This time the renegades got the drop on them and did a job of it. "He's a good kid but I know that was the first time he actually helped kill a human."

"First blood."

"Yep and not a good combination with the situation with Cat."

"Your demeanor indicates as such."

Gabriel couldn't help but chuckle. It made him feel a little better about the whole thing but not by much. He shuffled on his feet. "Still the kid will be okay with them."

"What do you suggest we do?"

Gabriel looked at his younger brother. Even when they were fledglings, before he skipped out, Castiel followed his lead. He never pegged the angel to be a follower since he had taken the initiative before. "We can't sense her because they probably have ward where they stashed her and she cut us off."

"I agree. Considering the situation…"

"Tell me about it."

Both angels shared a look. They knew that her cutting them off was her way of protecting them. Maybe she sensed that it was a setup geared for them and by them, the Winchesters and she didn't want them to get caught. It was a stupid means of protection but that was her. It occurred to Gabriel that it was her way of letting them know that it was a setup but he wasn't going to hold his breath. He could but that was beside the point.

Gabriel paced slightly in a circle. "The Centurion is useless unless we tap those that actually would be willing to help."

"Not Akira."

"And why not?"

Castiel shot a look at Gabriel. "Not advisable."

Gabriel raised his brow. Normally he would have pestered for details but it seemed that he didn't need to; he understood that something was up. It wasn't like the princess of vamps was able to do anything like leave school on short notice without anybody noticing. "Well there are others."

"Perhaps those that are not of our side."

Gabriel looked at Castiel. Comparing both of them, Castiel was the one that pretty much toed the line. The only exceptions were because of his position with their charge. Gabriel would jump in no matter what. He frolicked with the pagans and was willing to jump in the fight. His first reaction was to find another renegade, demand information, and then smite him and when he caught up with them, go in guns blazing. It was reckless but that was him. He had always been the first to defend his younger brother from the others. So when Castiel made his suggestion, he raised his brow and asked, "You do realize what you just suggested."

"Yes and it is known that Angela has consorted with others for information."

"You make it sound like she seduced them. That is so wrong."

Castiel looked at Gabriel with a slight look of confusion. He knew the meaning of the word he had used to describe the relations between Angela and the demons and such. Gabriel's reaction was similar to Dean's so he was aware that there was a reference that he missed. "I am being serious, Gabriel. There are demons she has consulted as well as those that are not of the Centurion," he countered.

"And I buy that but who would know best?"

Castiel looked to the side and thought about it. He then looked at Gabriel, "The demon Cary."

"And you would be right except I should warn you the princess' suitor came up with the same idea," Kesset interrupted. He looked at the angels as they stared back at him.

Gabriel was quicker to react that, "Sammy boy actually suggested it?"

Kesset moved his head like he was curious about something. "More than that. He summoned the demon."

Gabriel nodded, very impressed. He could tell that this was going to be rather interesting and hopefully push further things that needed to be said. "I'm impressed."

"You would be considering he gave the demon a few mementos." Kesset eyed Gabriel and then glanced at Castiel. "I am concerned and so should you."

Castiel took a couple of steps forward. "Concerned about what? Has Sam taken demon blood again?"

Kesset didn't say anything but Gabriel watched the expression on the young guard's face. He was technically the eldest of all three and hence should be more responsible in terms of the duties the three of them had with regards to their charge. However, Gabriel was inclined to loosely interpret things while still operating within the specific rules of the supernatural as well as the rules he adopted when he went into his private witness protection program. He learned a few things and one was to read people. His brow raised up slightly as he came to certain realizations, "No. Sammy wouldn't do anything like that. Considering that he keeps Cat in mind."

Castiel raised his brow. "And you know this how?"

Gabriel shot a look at the younger angel, "Please. You'd have to be completely blind not to see that." He looked back towards Kesset and asked, "So what did Sammy do? I'm assuming that he asked the worm to help out."

"Yes but you should be concerned," Kesset replied. He shuffled on his feet slightly. "Because Sam took off with the demon."

Gabriel and Castiel glanced at each other before looking at Kesset. This was possibly a problem for them but an idea was starting to form in the archangel's mind. He knew that meddling could spell disaster but knowing the Winchesters… He asked Kesset, "What happened specifically?"

"Sam left after the demon said the only way to find a hunter was to use one."

"This is bad," Castiel said. "There are those that know Angela and not the kind that should be released."

"Maybe," Gabriel replied as he put a finger to his chin thoughtfully.

"Gabriel." Castiel looked at his brother with a firm look. He seriously hoped that his brother wasn't going to do anything that would result in disaster for both Angela and the Winchesters.

"Relax Cassy." Gabriel looked at Castiel with a look that said that he should stop looking at him like he was incompetent. "I'm saying take Sam to one of the most dangerous hunters out there since they would probably kill him on sight." He looked at Kesset and said, "Kess, stay with Sam. I know Dean won't be far behind. Help Sam a little but do your guardian thing." He looked at Castiel and said, "And we're just gonna have to sit back and watch and give a hand."

"I don't like this."

"Hey, I don't either but thems the rules."

Dean felt like hitting something. He couldn't believe he didn't see this coming and Kesset warned him. Maybe he should have put the keys somewhere only he knew. He knew that Sam was way too Zen for his own liking. He really wanted to hit something. He really wanted to hit his brother a good one and probably across the face. He really thought that Sam wouldn't pull this running off again and especially in his girl's car.

Kesset had told him he should be concerned about Sam. Maybe he should have paid more attention to what his brother was going through. He honestly thought that his brother being a bigger bitch than usual would end once their girl was her normal size. But he hadn't failed to see how Sam would occasionally stand near her and say something that made her flush or blink like she was confused about what just happened. He also noticed how she would resist getting a scared look on her face but he saw the faint hints of it; it was attention being shown beyond what had previously been shown and she had no idea what to do with it.

Dean wasn't sure what he was going to do. He had the GPS in Sam's phone that helped but his brother was on the move and he had a head start. He couldn't rely on Kesset since he didn't have any orders or the bond thing that Bobby mentioned between him and him and Sam. Then again the kid did take any threat to him and Sam just as seriously and there was Castiel. Dean adjusted his speed to avoid any cops lurking around.

He should have questioned Sam more when he came back in from his 'walk'. His brother looked calmer but there was still that uneasy look that had Dean wary. Not wanting to get into another argument that would add to an already strained relationship, Dean let it pass and filled Sam in on what Bobby was going to do including what he learned about Kesset since the kid went out for a walk that Dean hoped wasn't pounding the pavement.

Sam made his move at night. He picked a moment when Dean would be sound asleep even though they both had been trained to wake at a moment's notice. He took the keys to the Camaro; Kesset told them that he had the vehicle moved to avoid it getting impounded. It was the roar of the car's engine that woke Dean. Normally something like that wouldn't have since with the crappy motels they had stayed in over the years the sounds of trucks and cars enabled them to tune it out.

It didn't take long for Dean to ascertain that Sam was gone. A quick survey revealed that he had taken Absolution and the chakram but he left Lilah behind. It was an odd move but then again there was Cerebus and Sam could easily summon the hell on four legs. So he packed up their gear, Lilah and set out to follow his brother, after he checked the GPS, grateful he picked up a few things from Angela.

It vaguely occurred to him that Sam may have fiddled with the GPS when he wasn't looking but he was hoping that wasn't the case. As he drove, he dialed Sam's number. "Come on Sam. Answer the damn thing."

This is Sam. Leave a message.

Dean was ready to curse and throw his phone but he didn't. "Dammit Sam. We're in this together."

A slight moan caught his attention. Dean looked towards the passenger side where Lilah was sitting. The large dog was looking out the window, the tip of her nose sticking out the window. He really didn't get why Sam didn't take the dog and voiced it, "Why didn't Sam take you?"

"Because I would have deal with that mutt."

The sudden growl and the appearance of an annoying and familiar person had Dean pull abruptly to the side of the road. He put a hand on Lilah's collar though he doubted that he had the strength to hold the large dog back. She was growling up a storm much like Sasha did when she was showing how pissed she was at Uriel, the dick. Once the Impala was at a firm stop, he turned and looked at the backseat and demanded, "There better be a good reason why you showed up you fucking little worm."

Cary looked at Dean with a bemused look but a wary expression at the dog. He had been called many names before by various people. Dean was no exception but it was a first that he had a Wilder dog with him and Cary was well aware how those things operated. Still he was aware that he may have inadvertently caused some problems and being the 'nice' guy he was, he was going to bring Dean up to speed. That and he had a few certain feathered dicks that threatened to make life miserable. That was nothing though compared to the wrath that would come if he pissed her off.

Seeing that Dean had pulled his gun on him, Cary raised his hands saying, "Easy there Ace. I don't need you to be like your stick up his ass brother."

"Considering that you are pretty high on the shit list I'd say screw you." Dean held his Taurus up and aimed right at the demon's heart. It wasn't the Colt but he had salted iron rounds loaded and he knew it would hurt like a bitch. "Now what the fuck are you doing here? I didn't summon you."

"No you didn't… but Sam did."

Dean was ready to pull the trigger but he didn't. It surprised him but didn't surprise him that Sam summoned the worm in front of him. His brother did suggest bringing in Nick when they needed help and his brother always ground his teeth when the warlock came near. Still it was a shock since Dean was sure that Sam wouldn't summon a demon that he really hated unless he was desperate… what the hell was he kidding? It was because of Angela that Sam was being what he was and it had Dean worried. He looked at the demon, "Really?"

"Stick up his ass summoned me and in a devil's trap too. Proof enough?"

"Angie's done the same thing. Can't say I blame her since you sold her out to that asshat of a vamp."

Cary held up his hands in defense while narrowing his eyes, "Hey, one thing I learned and a reason why I'm still around is that you don't fuck with the vamps. Specifically the elders or progenitors. Now do you want what I know or not?"

"I don't know. Considering you're probably just here to save your ass from a beating."

Cary rolled his eyes. The Winchesters weren't stupid. Maybe emotionally overcharged at times but they weren't stupid when on the job. "Alright fine. Honestly? I don't give a rat's ass about you or your gigantor of a brother. Seriously, if Sam wants to run off for desperate measures and in the process gets screwed, his problem not mine."

"Then why the fuck are you here?" Dean narrowed his eyes and it seemed to encourage Lilah to growl more. He noticed that her eyes had taken on a glittery orb look and she looked larger than before. If she grew any bigger, he'd have a mouthful of hair.

"Because I don't want to endure the wrath of the Ice Bitch."

Dean eyed the demon as Cary stared back at him. "You're scared of her."

"You're damn right and the rest of the pit should be scared of her as well," Cary replied as he crossed his arms over his chest. "They have no idea what they are messing with when they piss her off. Believe me I know." He lifted his arm for Dean to see the scars on his arm.

"She did that to you?"

"Fuck yeah." Cary rolled down his sleeves. "It's why I became stoolie for her. Believe it or not even though we're not on the same side there are still hell's bitches that work for you. You just don't know it." He looked at the elder Winchester and raised his brow slightly. "You didn't know that did you? That there are demons that follow mostly out of fear and maybe some respect."

Dean was only aware of Cary being a stoolie. He was the only one that she summoned and often with great reluctance. He was well aware that demons lied but he couldn't help but remember what she said. She did say that demons did lie but only with what they had to work with. She said the same thing about sirens and that warning was always at the back of his mind. She had been trying to tell him something important then. "More like you're a scared little shit."

"You want my help?"

"Tell me what you told Sam and I'll consider not letting the mutt take a bite out of you." Dean gave a slight grin. "I know she's a Wilder and they really don't like you black-eyed bitches. I'm betting she could tear you nine ways from Sunday and there'd still be leftovers."

"Keep that fleabag away or you don't get nothing."

Dean wasn't relenting with the gun. After a minute of staring at the demon, he put a hand on Lilah to soothe her down a little. He knew she wasn't going to back down completely but she would keep an eye out on things. "Alright. What the hell did you tell Sam?"

"First off, he asked me if I knew anything about the renegades and their activities and I told him the truth Shorty." Cary shot Dean a look. The gun may be pointed at him but he wasn't going to take it lying down. "There was nothing going on."

"Bullshit."

"Hey, these bastards are like roaches. They're working but it is the usual crap and often they get what you hunt so no one pays them mind. It's only when they start into the grey areas that it has people getting their skirts in a bunch."

"Oh and Absolution isn't enough for that?" Dean knew that he could have said Angela's name but he didn't. Instead he went by her title and at the time it seemed right. He kept his gun pointed at the demon with a narrowed look.

"It's now white noise to those that look," Cary replied. "After all, the question is who doesn't know her." He paused a moment and looked at Dean before continuing. "Look I know you and stick in the mud are looking for her and I'm guessing the means you would use are not working."

"Didn't say that."

"Didn't have to. These guys would cover all bases since she is the one who created them and knows everything… most everything." Cary paused after giving a slight eye roll. "Look you wanna find your brother I'll tell ya he is looking for another hunter to find them. Only way."

A/N: Looks like Gabriel is the brains behind the operation and Dean is chasing after Sam again but has a nice Q&A with Cary. What will happen next? Stay tuned for next time on To Hell and Back...