Chapter 17

"So you really are not normal?"

Angela looked at Alex and gave a chuckle, "It's okay to call me a freak. I've been called worse."

Alex looked at the ground and frowned. "I can't imagine anyone calling you names. You're a nice person. Not human completely but still a nice person."

Angela looked at the boy. If only you knew kiddo. She gave a smile and stood up. She knew that it would be pointless to try to escape at this point, she had to start making plans for when they came for them. She walked around their cell and noted the wooden walls which were probably reinforced. The door reminded her too much of the dungeons in the English castles she once visited. The peephole had bars across it and she was willing to bet that they were iron and probably treated. She took a chance and peered out.

"Got any ideas?"

Angela kept pacing and surveying the room. "Not at the moment but I'm working on it." If it had been demons, she would have found the means to draw a couple of devil's traps and go from there. Since these guys were human, that was another story. She could try to use some of her telekinetic abilities to create a distraction but there was the chance of someone getting smart and distracting her with a knock to the head.

It seemed like nothing was going to do when an idea came to her. She had no idea how she knew this but if she did it right, maybe there could be some answers. Before she could do anything, there was the distinct clunk of a door and the sound of a key being turned. Angela stood back, putting herself between the newcomer and Alex who had stood up ready to defend himself as well. The door opened and there stood a single man who looked like he was ready to bolt.

Liam had overheard the conversation between the Master and Bob. Apparently the boy had been captured along with the 'bitch' that caused trouble the day before. He knew now that he had to act. He had called the number on the card those two agents left behind but got nothing but their boss telling him in a gruff voice to let his agents conduct their investigation. He knew that now wasn't the time to try to convince the others to fight against the Master especially after McKenna but eventually he would have to try to rally them into standing against the Master and upholding their oaths as Freemasons. So he set off towards the lodge where all the 'special events' were held. It was there that he heard about the boy and the woman. He also overheard some troubling news regarding the order. That disturbed him more since he knew members of the order to be the most stringent in upholding their vows.

So he set off towards the holding area with the intent to see for himself the situation and maybe offer some advice. Getting the key was no problem since he was considered one of the more trustworthy members. He had to laugh at that one since he was actually about to embark on a WIP plan to get the kid out of there and stop the Master from doing whatever it was he was planning. He managed to avoid any of the other guards that would have been watching the prisoners and stole to the door.

It took several minutes to find the right key to unlock the door. When he opened it, he didn't expect to see the woman standing guard over the boy. She looked ready to fight even though her wrists were restrained. He managed to say, "I'm here to help."

The woman replied, "That's a good line. How many times have you tried that?"

It didn't surprise Liam that she didn't trust him. He was wearing his Mason's pin and he was sure that she saw it. Masons probably wouldn't be on the top of her list. Still he had to reach out and try. He replied, "I'm not one of those brothers. I was sent to investigate. Believe it or not there are some of us that disapprove of this."

"Yeah sure."

Liam looked at the boy who was staying behind the woman. He could tell right off that the boy was intelligent and knew when to move and when to stay put. It seemed as if every time Liam moved to take a look, the kid moved to hide behind the woman and she in turn moved to prevent him from getting a better look. He gave up presently and focused on the woman, "I know you have no reason to trust me."

"You probably have that one right," the woman replied as she held her bound hands forward.

Liam had to admit that even though they were bound, she looked intimidating. Liam also noticed that they were reddened badly, as if she got rope burn. He pulled out a knife and flipped it open. He didn't expect the woman to kick it out of his hand. He glared at the woman even though her reasoning was perfectly logical. "I'm trying to help here. I can cut the bindings so you have a chance."

The woman raised a brow at him. Liam waited for her to make some decision while keeping an eye out for any sign of the other brothers. The woman then said, "Don't cut them. If you did, they will suspect."

"But you can fight your way out. I've… heard of what you did to one of Taylor's men," Liam replied as he looked at the woman as if she were crazy. If she could fight, she could get out and it wouldn't be hard with the kid. "I can give you some time to get out."

"That is all well and good but it needs to be ended now," the woman replied, "Get them all in one place. Otherwise…" She made a slight gesture behind her.

Looking at her, Liam thought the woman looked a bit sad when she said it. It was as if she had little hope that it would succeed or maybe she felt bad for not seizing the opportunity when it came up. Liam had no clue but this woman was going to stand firm by her decision. He then nodded, "There are other brothers who are against this. I will do what I can; try to find your friends." He then picked up the knife and held it out to her. "At least take this for an advantage."

The woman took the knife and nodded. She then said, "Find your support because the cavalry will need it."

Alex was not an expert at fighting but somehow he got the impression that the decision Angela made to not escape now was a bad one. The guy that gave her the knife offered to help them escape but she said no. It sounded crazy to him and he asked, "Why didn't you take the chance Angie?"

Angela finished hiding the knife where she could reach it but no one would suspect. She looked at the boy and saw that he was confused. How could she explain that at the moment the offer was made, she had gotten a vision of it failing? It was hard enough telling the boy exactly what she was but she didn't really mention that sometimes when she touched things, she could see. What she had told their potential rescuer was something she made up on the spot. She looked at Alex and replied, "If we run now, they will chase us and chase you. You would never be free of it."

Alex thought about it for a moment. Some of it actually made some sense but still he felt that a chance was being wasted. He ignored the fact that Angela had more years of tactical experience than him and most of what he knew was the product of exercises that Nebi and Kahaega put him through. He asked, "So you're saying that by staying here, the ones who are responsible will be taken care of?"

"That and Sam and Dean are on their way."

Alex widened his eyes, "And how do you know that?"

Angela wondered that herself. She had only been with them a few months. How could she honestly say that she knew they would come? Could she truly say that she knew them even though she had watched from the shadows before actually working with them? She looked at the boy looking at her and said, "I know them."

"That's a lot of faith you have." Alex then walked over to a corner to huddle for a moment to think. Within a few moments he was asleep, still exhausted from the sedatives.

Angela looked at the boy with a sad smile. Perhaps it was a poor choice of words but she knew that Sam and Dean never left a job unfinished. She couldn't say that they would come for her except for the fact that they never left a man behind that they worked with. Yet she could feel it that they were coming. She couldn't explain it but she knew that they were coming. Maybe that was enough for now. She stood watch over the boy, keeping an eye on the door.

"He understands some things and others he is learning."

Angela turned to see the Apkallu standing there. It surprised her that she didn't hear the rustle of wings like the last time. She covered for it by saying, "That is usually the way of it with teenagers." She would have crossed her arms but that was impossible given the state of her arms.

Apkallu looked at Angela with a tolerant look. He walked about the cell room taking in everything. It surprised him how cruel humans could be to each other especially their prisoners. Looking at Angela, she could see that she was protecting him still even though she was limited in her range of movement and obviously in pain from the ropes. The goddess was certainly right about her favorite daughter. He said, "Some things he knows are not typical of a teenager. Just as some of the things you know are not necessarily a product of faith."

Angela frowned slightly. "You mean my visions?"

Apkallu nodded, "A rare gift as you may have heard."

"Something like that and I would rather do without," Angela replied as she started pacing while at the same time keeping herself between the Apkallu and the door and the boy. "Haven't I had enough already?"

Apkallu shook his head slightly. The goddess had warned him that she would try to question that which was a part of her and try to bargain to get released from it. He replied, "You cannot deny that which is within you, what you were born with."

Angela rolled her eyes. It was more of the destiny crap that she tried to avoid. She replied, "Thing is such power often corrupts. I've seen it quite a bit. Heck I even nearly died in one case involving that so you really think I should rejoice that I was probably born with it?"

Apkallu chuckled a little before sobering. He liked this daughter of the goddess. He had heard her story and had understood her feelings about certain things. "Not rejoice but you do have respect for that. Few have that."

"And good does that do me now? Right now I am trying to figure out a way to break free and prevent the gate from being open. I denied a chance to escape because I saw that it would end in failure and I didn't want innocent blood on my hands."

"No one does yet you know as well as many that sometimes casualties happen." Apkallu looked at Alex who was dozing in the corner. "Melchizedek was a king and kings often have to lead troops into battle. In some ways it is a blessing that old memories are useful in the current situation."

Angela frowned a bit and then followed the Apkallu's gaze towards Alex. It couldn't be could it? She had heard stories and legends but of course that was one of the times that the princess tried to interest her in history. At the time she had barely paid attention and told her that kind of thing was nothing more than a fairy tale. Now… she looked back at the Apkallu. "The kid is an old soul?"

Apkallu nodded, "Melchizedek's actually. When the House of Gold was established, it was decreed that Melchizedek would return every thousand years. The reasoning for that is because the human soul needs time to rest and I am sure you are familiar with a particular verse in the Bible… something about a thousand years being a day."

Angela nodded. When she was growing up there was the whole thing about going to church and of course catechism and the like. She memorized verses and often used them to drive the nuns and the priests crazy since she could make logical arguments with them. Her antics had amused her mother who had little love for the Church and their condemnation of anything unnatural. Angela looked at the boy and it started to make sense why some things he seemed wise in and others it was like a child learning it and trying to understand. She looked at Apkallu and asked, "So the imparting of knowledge from you doesn't apply here?"

"No since his soul already knows. Actually the whole line instinctively knows but full knowledge must be received. In terms of the boy, I suspect he has been dreaming things and deep down he knows things but can't explain them… much like you."

Angela gave a wry look at the sage. It was true there were some things that had happened and she brushed them off as a fluke. Sam's tattoos for one and that she did while dream walking. Then with this, even though it was new to her, she felt she understood it more so than the newest members of Melchizedek's order. She then had a thought, "Will the boy be told what he is?"

Apkallu knew that question would come up. "You could tell him. He's a little upset about the circumstances but he trusts you. He will listen."

Angela replied, "Thing is that it's not fair. He should finish at least high school more or less normal." She then chuckled. She remembered having this conversation with John Winchester when he brought up Sam wanting to go to college.

"I saw the letter. A full ride to Stanford," John said with pride evident in his voice.

Angela was not fooled though. With John it was always the mission. She said, "But you want him to stay in the family business. It's about the yellow eyed demon."

"It's not safe Angie. What I've found out…"

"It's not fair to keep him from making the choices he wants. That is how people learn and grow. He wants a life that is his."

"I'll… think about it."

Angela looked at the sage and said, "I am going to guess that he's going to find out today what is going on. When that happens, the best I can do is make sure he gets back to the order and if I have to, raise hell to do it." She stood fast in her determined way. "Can you at least tell me what these rogue Masons want to do with the Plain of Shar-On?"

Apkallu nodded. The girl was not ready to completely assume the mantle she was chosen for but her role as a Champion for humanity; she was that through and through. The old sage could see the selflessness that was most desirable in the old days but now that was coupled by the ability to balance the wants with the needs. She was a warrior. It was in the blood. He replied, "I will tell you. The Plain of Shar-On…"

Bob and Taylor eyed the knight of the order warily as they went down to the prison cell. Everything was all set for the opening of the gates. All that was needed was the heir of Melchizedek. Nebi maintained a stoic composure as he led the way down. He knew that he was committing a grievous error, virtually abandoning his oath but he knew that these Masons would not stop unless they had what they wanted. This way, the boy would continue to be safe and no longer persecuted. The only problem that lay before them was the woman, the half breed.

Stopping at the door, Nebi peered in. He could make out shadows along the walls. He motioned for Bob to unlock the door and for Taylor to be ready. He pulled out his staff, ready to strike her but when the door opened, she stood there, staring at him with an intense look but also a little pale and she seemed to be flushed as if with fever. Nebi was surprised that she didn't launch an attack but then he noticed that her wrists were not looking too good. He figured that was preventing her from doing anything rash… not that she would with the boy around. He said, "They are ready. Are you going to come quietly?"

Angela gave Nebi a dirty look and replied, "Rhetorical nonsense."

"Would you risk the heir?"

Angela glanced at Alex who was on his feet and hiding behind her. She knew that he was confused about Nebi's actions. Even she was not sure of his intentions save for the fact that he betrayed his vows. She locked onto Alex's eyes as if to ask a silent question. When she got a nod from the boy, she turned back and said, "We will come but your men better behave. Those that don't, usually end up missing something."

Nebi motioned for Bob and Taylor to grab Angela and he stepped forward. Once she was secure, he grabbed her chin and held it. "When the time comes, I shall truly enjoy ridding the world of another one of you half breeds. You are an abomination."

"Wouldn't be the first time I've heard that," Angela replied. She then allowed herself to be led out of the cell.

Nebi watched them leave and then turned to Alex who was looking at him and he said, "Come young master." He then gave Alex a none too gentle shove out the door.

Alex followed through the halls. He watched as his guardian was led to the main room. When he had woken up, she looked a little feverish and was sweating. She also was very pale, like a ghost or something. He wondered if something had happened while he had been asleep. When he stood to ask her if she was okay, he thought he heard whispers and he looked around. When he looked back he saw that his guardian had resumed her normal posture of putting herself between him and the door. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had happened while he was asleep and when he asked if she was okay, she said that she had a plan but that it required him to play along. He agreed and now he was trudging along with Nebi. He asked, "Why are you doing this Nebi? Why did you kidnap me with these people?"

Nebi looked down at the boy. He replied, "I am doing this to ensure your survival young master. Give them what they want and you will be free."

Alex had no idea what Nebi was talking about and yet he did. There was something about his family that was important and it seemed that he was the only one who could give it to them. Thing was he had no clue. "What are you talking about Nebi?"

"You will soon enough."

Alex certainly was going to find out as he was led in a vast chamber. It was designed like those pictures of the Jewish temples he had seen. He looked around and saw maybe as many as twenty men wearing aprons. He thought they looked a bit sissy wearing them but then again he had seen the ceremonial dress that Nebi and his men wore when they inducted new knights. He looked around and saw that his guardian had been brought to stand near a seal on the ground. Alex thought she was starting to look worse since he could see her sweating as if she had a fever and she was paler, and yet she was looking at him with a look that said to trust her. He would do that.

Alex was pushed forward towards a man that looked familiar. Then it dawned on him. He said out loud, "You're Tercelli's old man!"

The Master smiled wryly and replied, "What a bright child." He then grabbed Alex's chin and said, "I'm sure your parents are missing you terribly. If you wish to see them again you better behave and do what we ask."

"I only behave for my parents. What makes you think that I'm going to do it for you?"

Nebi gave Alex a flick on the shoulder with his finger and Alex ignored it since the Master was still holding him by the chin. The Master then said, "Because your parents wouldn't slip poisonous snakes into your bed… when you were sleeping."

"I'd prefer Qumran sedatives."

The Master chuckled at Alex. "You are a defiant one."

Nebi took the moment to speak, "I have brought him as per our agreement. He will open the gates and you shall be able to get what you want. After that, you will leave him alone."

"Now I did agree to that didn't I?" The Master looked thoughtful in a mocking gesture. "Very well. You have lived up to your part and even brought in someone who will do for a possible sacrifice."

Angela then started laughing. Alex looked at her as if she had gone crazy. Maybe the fever she was under had gone to her brain. He had no clue but he was going to play along for the moment and look shocked at the proposal. Angela meanwhile was laughing and she finally managed to calm down enough to say, "I know that there are many rituals that require the use of blood but this is my body and I do have certain rules about who I let use my blood."

The Master was amused at Angela's response. Nebi had mentioned that she was different than what he had encountered. She certainly was different and definitely beautiful. There was something exotic about her even though she looked a bit ill. Then again it could be that it was humid down there in the cell and she didn't take to it very well. He walked up to her and picked up a bowl and knife just as the ritual called for and held it. He said, "I don't think you have much choice my sweet." He then drew the knife across her forearm and collected a nice pool of blood.

Alex watched in horror as the Master cut his guardian. While it was cool that she didn't flinch it still was kind of gross. The Master then came over to the seal and chanted the words he needed to. He then looked at the boy and said, "Now you say the words to open the gate."

Alex looked at the Master as if he were crazy. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Don't lie to me brat."

"He doesn't know," Angela said.

The Master looked up to see that she had knocked Taylor and Bob flat on their asses and had advanced. The Master grabbed the boy and held the knife to his throat. "Don't move."

Nebi tried to advance to grab Alex and pull him away but something hit him in the gut. He looked down to see a knife hilt protruding. He collapsed on his knees as Alex called his name. He whispered, "I'm sorry young master."

Angela had seen who had thrown the knife and went to intercept but was prevented when the Master put the blade once again to Alex's neck. Her hands were still bound and her wrists were burning. She couldn't do much but she was going to try. She said, "Let him go. If you want the gate open I can do it but I need a reassurance first."

The Master looked at Angela and said, "I'm not stupid. Only a descendant of Melchizedek or himself can open the gate. The boy can since it is time for the old one to appear."

Alex looked at Angela, his eyes asking her to do something. Angela advanced and she was told not to take another step. She then got a challenge in her eye and dared them to stop her. She started coming forward and that was when she heard the hiss of a knife through the air. She saw it come right at her.

A/N: The major battle is now about to start. Will Sam and Dean get to Angela in time to help? Will Angie actually survive the thrown knife? There are scenes inspired from a Universal picture, what film is it? Find out next time on The Order of Melchizedek...