Chapter 15

"You know that this is probably one of the worst ideas ever."

"Don't remind me. I came up with it." Sam stared out the passenger window of the Impala deep in thought. He was thinking about what they were going to do once they got there and if the damned warlock had everything ready.

"Not wrong on that one," Dean commented as he kept his eyes on the road. "I mean walking in and…"

"It's the only thing I could think of." Sam was aware that he was starting to sound very defensive about the whole thing but… This was his fault since he didn't fight hard enough. Absently he rubbed where he had been stabbed still feeling the dull throb. "I can't let her down again Dean."

"She's in a four year old body with a similar mindset Sam," Dean replied, "She's gonna love ya no matter what."

"But it doesn't feel right." Sam wasn't sure how he was going to say what he felt about the whole thing. He just went with what he knew to be true. "Especially with the way I let her down… again."

Dean frowned at that. Normally he would be over Sam since his brother always seemed to open the door to getting ragged on but the way his brother said that… it was different. "Well… you did let her down with the demon thing but this… that's on us."

Sam didn't say anything but looked out the window. Dean was wrong. This was on him. He made a promise. That morning when she was feeling better and he was looking out the window, he made a promise to her. It was a silent one but he made it all the same. He cared about her… actually it was more than that but that was what he was going to define it as for now. He continued to rub his side since it was throbbing a bit. He felt a weight on his shoulder and found it to be Cerebus' head. He reached up and started rubbing the base of the ears gently.

Dean glanced over to see his brother rubbing Cerebus' ears. He didn't like that they were going to walk in and Sam was going to offer himself up. It went against everything that they were against. They were both tired of being played by the angels and demons and he was willing to fight. He really disliked the fact that he was supposed to be Michael's meat suit and Sam was Lucifer's. This was probably not one of the stupidest but it ranked up there with those that were stupid and they were going through it anyway. And it wasn't because Sam had a change of heart. It was for their girl.

Noticing that Sam was rubbing his side, Dean had to ask, "You okay?"

Sam made a slight face when he hit a tender spot. "I'm fine."

"Uh-huh."

"I'm fine, Dean." Sam looked at his brother with a look that clearly said that he wasn't going to say anything else and for him to stop pestering him. It still hurt but that was nothing to the anxiety he was trying to keep in check. The only way that it would be gone was to get Angela and go somewhere safe the last couple of weeks. Then she would be her normal size and…

Dean blinked at his brother's expression. It was similar and worthy of being one that Angela would give if she was annoyed or upset. He noticed the dog looking at him and he gave Cerebus a look. He went back to the business of driving. "Alright then."

"Dean…"

"I get it Sam."

Sam looked at Dean with a slight look of panic. He was lucky that Dean didn't see it but he couldn't help but wonder if his brother figured it out. He decided to test that, "I'm just focusing on getting her back."

"And I get that. Hell, I'd do the same though I'm inclined to make the bitch suffer. I got a score to settle with her."

"You and me both."

"Which why we're doing this together."

Sam was able to breathe a bit and nodded. "Right."

"Okay so we get there, march in and demand she gives us back Angie." Dean nodded twitching his lip as he made a turn. It was a laughable plan but… "That's going to go over real well. You really think that it's gonna work?" He looked at Sam and noted that his brother was looking forward and in his thinking mode.

"It has to Dean." Sam felt his mouth twist into a grimace. "Nick will keep her out of trouble and get Kess free. Kess will get her out and we get out."

"It's a lot to be counting on Kess. Angie said it herself that he was hurt." Dean glanced at Sam and then at the road. "Now I know she can't tell the difference on scale one to ten but… We have to face the possibility that Kess might not be able to give a hand."

Sam knew that too. Bobby had told them what happened when they were away. He was actually grateful to Setna the cat for bringing her out of it. If she was able to feel or see or whatever something that bad… It was a long shot but he also had to trust in Kesset. He knew that the guard would give his life to protect hers. He didn't want it to come to that but he knew Kesset wouldn't let anything happen to her. There were others he trusted as well. "I know. Which is why I asked Nick to be back up."

Dean raised his brow at that. "You asked the he-witch?"

"Warlock."

"You know what the hell I mean. Sam, the past couple of months you've been all over the board." Dean pulled up to where they were going to stop and then hoof it in. "You are a bigger bitch than usual when I swear and then she does. You go nuts when she's sick and that whole thing with Jesse. Then when she went missing you called Cary and I know you want nothing more than to gank the guy. Now you're being nice to a he-witch?" Dean looked at his brother.

Sam sat in the car looking at his hands and then up at the building. From where they sat, it looked like an old warehouse. That was the place that Nick said they were holed up in. He was well aware that this plan was full of holes and he was dealing with people that he just didn't like on principle or in the case of Nick…

Dean sighed when Sam didn't say anything and started to get out. He stopped when Sam said something but it was not in English. He recognized it as the language that Kesset used sometimes when he was frustrated. "What?"

Sam was aware that he muttered what he truly felt and in a language his brother wasn't familiar with. It was actually a phrase that he had heard Angela say when he stayed with her. She was cooking that day and was reciting poetry. It was something he found she did when she was truly relaxed and he actually liked that. He asked her what she was saying and she explained. She even recited the line she just said and he kept it in memory. The whole poem was about finding peace with the things and people around you; it was thought provoking. He had recited the line knowing Dean wouldn't understand it but it made him feel better a tiny bit. He wasn't going to repeat it again and replied, "Just something. Let's go."

Dean wasn't satisfied with that but he was going to have to deal with it. He walked to the trunk while Sam let out Cerebus and got the guns out. He even took the demon-killing knife just in case. In the meantime Sam rubbed Cerebus down and said, "Okay, boy… do your thing."

Cerebus gave a bark of agreement and took off running. Sam watched as the dog took off running. Cerebus ran behind a car and nothing came out the other end. Sam knew he went into full hell hound mode and would be able to get in an out. The only sticking point would be if the demons saw him. That was a risk they had to take.

Once the dog was gone, Sam looked at Dean and got the nod. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed a number. He waited for the person on the other end to pick it up. As soon as he was connected he said, "We're here and we're going in." He pushed the button to disconnect and looked at Dean, "Let's go."

The brothers walked towards the building each taking breaths to calm the nerves that threatened. They didn't knock but walked in cautiously. Both held their guns ready to bring up in case they ran into trouble. Dean led the way with Sam at his back as they always did, each checking their corners. They didn't see Cerebus but that dog was somewhere in there and doing what he was supposed to do.

It was too quiet as they made their way through. Dean wasn't beginning to like this and was going to tell Sam so when he felt a gun barrel press against the back of his head. It was followed by, "You really need to work on your sneaking around."

Dean rolled his eyes to hide his relief while Sam glared and said, "Not in the mood Nick."

Nick clicked his tongue on his teeth, "And I'm being honest here. I thought it was one of those assholes Lenya keeps around because they amuse her."

"Alright fine," Dean waved to calm things down. He didn't want to have a fight starting before they even got a chance to get to Lenya and show the bitch what she had coming to her. "Look we're here so where is Angie? Is she okay?" He narrowed his eyes to warn Nick that he wasn't in the mood for his teasing.

"She's safe as can be and our other man is on board." Nick looked around to make sure they were not going to be seen. "You know that this is foolish right?"

"Like we have a choice," Sam muttered as he looked around. He looked at Nick and added, "Let's get this done. Take us to her."

Nick nodded and glanced at Dean, "Alright, this way."

Nick led the way through the building that appeared more like a maze. Dean started getting that uneasy feeling again and Sam was getting that feeling too. They had little choice but to follow Nick's lead since he knew the place better than they did. It was another hole that they had to work with and it wasn't making things feel any better.

It seemed like they were being led in circles and Dean was about ready to demand that Nick stop fooling around when the warlock paused outside a door. He looked at the brothers and said, "Through here. Once in, get her and get out. Queen bitch is distracted right now. I'll take care of the rest."

Dean led the way, followed by Sam. Nick brought up the rear. The Winchesters entered the room and it occurred to both of them that things weren't exactly how they were supposed to be. Angela was there of course but she wasn't alone. Lenya was there and it looked like she had been talking to Angela but her expression immediately brightened the moment that the Winchesters entered. "Ah so now we have everyone here."

Dean had his gun up and pointed it at Lenya. "Nah. We're here just to take back what you've taken from us."

Lenya chuckled at that, "It that all you think of little sister? A possession?" She put her hand around Angela's shoulders and she was visibly trembling.

"Let her go," Dean demanded as he leveled his weapon at the demon. Sam did the same. Neither of them expected to hear the click of a gun being cock. Dean felt his jaw clench when he realized that there was only one person behind them that had a gun and would be able to get the drop on them. "I thought you were on our side."

"Guess you were wrong," Nick replied. He looked at Lenya. "Now you have both."

Lenya giggled, "This is going to be fun."

Bobby was annoyed and bored and it was a good cover for the fact that he was worried about what was happening to Angela and that he had concerns about this plan that the boys came up with. He was also feeling worthless since he was stuck in a goddamn wheelchair for the rest of his life. He should be there with the boys providing backup and instead he was stuck here.

A slight whine caught his attention and he turned to find Sasha's poking in from the back. Bobby groused, "Don't start with the doe eyes."

Sasha whined again and nosed the grizzled hunter. Bobby growled and asked, "Did we have to bring this mutt with us?"

Akira lowered the pair of binoculars she had been peering through. She really didn't need to since she had eyesight that was as good as Angela's or any vampire's eyesight. It just helped a little in checking the perimeter. She didn't like how it looked but they were going to stick with the plan. She replied, "She's sticking with me because Angie said so."

"I know that but you could tell her to stay put."

"Really?" Akira raised her brow slightly with the tiniest of smiles on her face. "I didn't know that."

"Smartass," Bobby shot back.

"Not as bad as Angie."

"Tell me about it. Idjit girl tries to be funny when she argues technicalities." Bobby paused and thought for a moment. "But sometimes she makes a point."

Akira stared at Bobby while he spoke. She studied his expression and said rather straight-faced, "You miss her." When Bobby looked at her, she took the moment to explain what she meant, "Miss her being the way you know her." She looked at Bobby and he was looking at her like she was crazy. She shrugged her shoulders, "Just saying."

"What are ya a shrink now?"

"Just putting things into perspective. The funny thing about you and the Winchester boys is that you always like to hide behind walls. Angie does too."

"And you should know that they are there for a reason." Bobby growled a little as he adjusted his position in the van. He crossed his arms over his chest and heaved a sigh.

Akira shook her head slightly. "True but it's hard to believe someone is an ass when everything they do is opposite of that image. And some people are much ore manlier when they confront their feelings rather than hide."

"I ain't a coward. I am worried."

"And that there was honesty."

"Idjit and pain in my ass." Bobby shot a glare at Akira when she grinned at him. "Don't be doing that thing Angie does."

"Oh I highly doubt that I would be able to do that," Akira replied as she adjusted her position. She placed her right protectively over her abdomen. "I'm merely the student. You know she rescued me and that was how we first met."

"Are we gonna start talking until I grow lady parts?"

"Only to keep you from grousing at me because you are worried and more likely feeling helpless because you're stuck in a wheelchair."

"You don't know a damn thing."

Akira clicked her tongue at that. To those that knew her they knew that the click of her tongue could mean a couple of possibilities. The one that was most prevalent was that she was annoyed and could easily turn to anger. She used to do that and still did on occasion use that with her students. People who didn't know her thought that she was just reacting to the situation. "I know quite a bit such as the fact that you and the Winchesters did the one thing no one has been able to do and I for one am glad for that."

"And what is that?"

"Open up." Akira gave a slight smile as she looked out the windshield. She hummed a little before adding, "Oh she opened up to me and we became friends but with you it is different. I am almost jealous."

"I treat her like any other idjit that crosses my path. She ain't nothing special." Bobby shot a defiant look at Akira as if to dare her to challenge that. Inwardly he was pleased but it wasn't enough to ward away the helplessness he felt. "And it's not like I can do anything useful."

Akira looked at the grizzled hunter. "Blow it out your ass, Bobby. You know that's a lie. I know that." She would have said more but her phone buzzed. She checked and then flipped it open and put it on speaker. "We're here."

They just went in. Two perimeter guards taken care of.

"Just two?" Bobby frowned at the answer he was getting.

Yes. I don't like it either. Something is up.

Bobby thought for a moment and then said, "Well what do you suggest?"

Stick to the plan. I'm going in.

The phone clicked to indicate that the call was done. Akira flipped it shut and put it in her jacket pocket. She put her hand back over her abdomen and stared at the building. She couldn't believe that it had come down to this but it only proved something in her mind.

"You didn't tell him to be careful."

"He knows."

"He's your man."

"Don't need to remind me." Akira looked at Bobby. No doubt he had come across strange characters and then the behavior… It was enough to drive the parents at Roslyn crazy. It was a wonder they hadn't yet but then again it was a prestigious school. Some liberties could be taken on that note. "Chris is the captain of the guardians and has been for the last thirty or so years. He knows a few things and… we kind of came to an agreement about a few things when we started courting each other and this was one of them."

Bobby raised his brow at that. He thought that it was a bit crazy. "What that it's like jinxing each other or something?"

"Not really. Just…" Akira shrugged her shoulders. "I understood that there were things he did that he either couldn't or wouldn't talk about and I didn't push unless it affected him like the blood feud between his family and another." She looked at her hands and tapped her fingertips together for a moment. "When he met Angie, it was the worst pairing ever made."

Bobby wasn't sure where this was going but it was helping with the waiting. He did suspect that this was how he was going to get his answer and went with it. "Let me guess, she tried to kill him."

"No but that first time he thought about killing her." Akira paused, not sure if it was right in even telling this since her best friend told her in confidence. But then she figured that Bobby knew the bare bones about a few things. "You have to understand that it was a few years after she lost a very good friend. The year was 1985 or 86."

Bobby understood where that was going. He more or less knew when the boys lost their mother at the hands of a demon. He didn't know that they had already had a connection to Angela that young and through her mother. "Angie knew Mary?"

"They were friends. Good ones and from my understanding, Mary knew exactly what Angie was and didn't hold it against her." Akira cleared her throat slightly. "Any way, that was the feeling when she and Chris met. She didn't trust anyone and was merely toeing the line with the Centurion by letting him tag along."

"So did they end up fighting each other?"

"More like she insulted him and that is how he got the nickname he detests. Of course that didn't stop him from calling her Ice Queen when annoyed and Ice Bitch when he was pissed."

"They seem to get along now."

"Oh they do. Angie and Chris are like Sam and Dean. It's not quite a sibling bond but one can see it as such. Chris saved her life on that first mission; she would have died if it weren't for him. And when he had problems with his family, she helped even though she wasn't asked to. She did it willingly." Akira looked at Bobby. "If you notice, she is slow to trust and for good reason but when you've earned it, you have someone who will fight for you literally tooth and nail."

"Seen plenty of that," Bobby admitted as he recalled the whole debacle of when she made plans to snag Dean's deal and if that fell through go into hell herself to get him back. Of course there were other reasons for that and he didn't need to go into that.

"They did a lot of things together and some of it, they don't like to talk about and I respect it. Then I became involved with the guard and it went both ways." Akira looked back out through the windshield. "He trusts me and I trust him."

"Is that why you're here with me and not there?"

Akira looked at Bobby when he said that. She frowned slightly until he gestured to her hand rubbing her abdomen. She looked down and said, "Actually that was Sam. Believe it or not he can be pretty authoritative when he wants to."

Bobby chuckled since that had been what it had been like the past couple of months. "Don't I know it," he replied with a slight scoffing sound.

Akira laughed with Bobby on that one since they could agree. She turned and looked out. She felt the single buzz in her pocket from her phone. She became serious as she reached into the back. "We're on."

"About damn time."

A/N: What the hell? What is Nick doing? Is this all part of the plan? This and more on Memory Resolved...