Chapter 9
Angela thought that she was going to buy the farm as she looked up at the thing that came upon her. She immediately abandoned the idea of shooting it. Out of the yetis she had seen that day, this one had to be the largest one by far and she wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
It approached her, looking at her and it felt like it was looking into her eyes; like it was trying to see into her soul. It was something she usually did when it came to her trying to see if her contacts were telling the truth. Normally she responded as if it were a challenge. At the moment she was feeling too tired and the cold wasn't helping.
She looked up at the yeti and studied the creature. The sketches she had made were fairly good but didn't quite catch the almost mountain cat appearance of the face nor the musculature of the body. She had been right when she mentioned that the shape would have been similar to a gorilla's but she could also see where it wouldn't quite fit.
Apes in general could stand on two legs but not for long periods of time and they did that side waddle thing. This yeti walked just as well as walking on all fours. It probably preferred all fours to enable it to move faster. It was no small wonder why there were really no good photographs of the yeti and given the region and the local superstitions of the people in the villages, it would have been difficult to secure one.
Looking at it an amusing though crossed Angela's mind. Sam ain't got nothing on this Sasquatch. She didn't laugh however but merely stared up at the beast. She didn't know what she was going to do except shoot it. Observing it though, it didn't seem to want to attack. She also noticed a faint set of scars, like it had been in a major fight with something going across its left eye.
In her experience when it came to wild animals, the ones with the scars spoke of battle experience. You had to be wary with them since age was working for and against them depending on how you look at it. This one looked fairly old and it seemed to have a wizened look about it and the hair looked whiter than mommy yeti.
The yeti in turn stared at Angela. It seemed puzzled that she wasn't cowering in fear or anything like that. For a long time it stared at her giving this strange rumble of a hum. Well it was breathing but it was a rumble and Angela suspected that it was meant to be slightly intimidating. The long pause was unnerving but Angela was willing to wait since she had nothing better to do. She couldn't help but say, "So are you going to eat me or not? I can wait out here all day you know." She indicated the tree to show that she was not going anywhere.
The yeti didn't respond. It was still for a few more seconds before it started forward suddenly. Angela didn't cower though. She wrapped her fingers around her gun and was ready to lift it. It turned out to be unnecessary though. The yeti had actually grabbed the fallen tree and focused its strength and slowly lifted it.
It lifted it up enough for Angela to use the small burst of adrenaline to pulled her legs out from underneath and be free. She watched as the yeti set the tree down where it had fallen as she sat on the ground. It gave a slight huff as if to take a breather from the heavy lifting and stood back a ways and looked at her.
Angela moved her legs to make sure they were all right. They were sore and she might have some bruising and minor abrasions but they weren't broken and she could move and walk. She looked up at the yeti. So the stories were true about how they occasionally helped a lost traveler. That was interesting. She was sure that the princess would be interested in getting her account on her encounter with a yeti.
Looking at the yeti, Angela wondered if it would understand her. It seemed to when she sarcastically asked it what it wanted to do. It was better than saying nothing. She looked it in the eye and said, "Thanks."
Slowly Angela stood up and put weight on her legs. They were sore and it was tempting to grab a stick for support but she could walk it off and she could go faster without one. She brushed the snow off of her jacket and her pants but she could still feel the numbing cold. She needed to get moving if she was going to get to a decent area for pick up. She picked up the gun and tucked it into her jacket making sure that the yeti saw that she wasn't going to hurt it.
The yeti didn't move but seemed to be watching her with interest. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes at that. Most creatures of the supernatural, the ones that could talk like demons, were interested in her and not in the way Dean would look at a hot girl. It all went back to what it was she was supposed to do and blah, blah on that. The yeti though seemed to be doing that judgment stare and Angela figured that it was still trying to figure out what to do with her. Well it could do that but she needed to get going.
Looking in all directions, Angela managed to orientate herself in the direction she had come from when she took off running. She glanced once more at the yeti and said, "Thanks for getting the tree off. I'll leave you alone now." She started walking, trying to pace her steps since the snow was deep in that area.
The yeti just watched as the human started walking. He understood her intentions through the tone of voice if not the actual words. He could tell that she was a good person and that she wouldn't be sending the hunters after him. There was no need since the mother and the youngling were dead. He had found their remains when he picked up the trail.
He had found the human after checking to see that the mother was dead. He saw her lying at the bottom of the ravine and she wasn't moving. He was impressed that the human was able to take down an adult of his people. They were tough to kill and it usually took a group of hunters to do it. There was only one here.
When he found her, he saw that she had been caught underneath a fallen tree. From the looks of things, she had been there quite some time. He cursed himself but he had been hunting in his territory when he heard the familiar roars of the mother and that was after he had spotted the human going through the trail. She had been interesting but she stuck to the trails. The mother liked to pick them away from them so she was safe and he was hungry. So he left. Like anything that hunted, he needed to sustain himself but when he heard the roars that meant the mother was on the kill.
They changed their tune however as he got closer. He realized that someone was making her angry by putting up a fight. It made him go faster but his age had a way of creeping up on him. He made it to the place and he found the youngling eventually. He paused to sniff around and was able to smell the silver. It was then that he knew it was a hunter.
The damage though was extensive. Some he knew was caused by the mother but others… That was something else altogether. He remembered a few of the elders back in his homeland that could do that type of damage with their minds. It was an equalizer should they come across one of the rogues of his people like the mother. He didn't think that there were any humans there in that land that could do such a thing.
He followed the trail and marveled at the amount of damage the mother had caused. He knew it was somewhat justified since the hunter had killed her youngling. Mothers tended to be overprotective and vindictive should their young be threatened. He took his time since he was able to detect the scent of the hunter and found that it was the human that he had seen earlier. He found it strange that it should be able to survive the beating that it took. It was even more surprising when he found her.
Watching her, he concluded that she was no ordinary human. She was different and had the capability to kill one of his kind. Yet she seemed to be able to see the difference between friend and foe. She didn't try to kill him even after he helped her out. She gave a slight nod of thanks and started walking. A part of him said that he should take her but old habits dictated that he keep his distance. Seeing that the human was able to walk albeit a bit slow from the tree, he would leave her alone. He turned to head back to his territory.
He bounded through the forest and down the familiar paths that he had staked as his own. He could technically expand his territory but he would keep it the same for now. He was deep and far away from where he left the human when he stopped sudden. Something or someone was there. He stopped and sniffed and turned around. He then spotted what it was and immediately made a kneeling motion.
Being someone who resided over things of nature and of course providing the means for a dynasty to exist was a trying job and that was not even mentioning the duties of acting as a go between as a member of the council. The latest case had been a bit of a doozey since the one that they had called before them had never been in the presence of the council before.
Amaterasu took her duties seriously. The people of Japan referred to her as the sun goddess and of the universe and they believed that their emperor was a direct descendant of her. She still thought that her greatest accomplishment was teaching weaving and raising silkworms along with the rice fields. Her greatest duty was to bring light to the world since when she went into hiding and that allowed the Ancients to have their way. Now she was on the council along with six other essential gods and goddesses that carried out the law set forth by their father, the Creator.
It was somewhat normal except for the fact that she sat at her place to hear the reasoning for a call for intervention when in fact the council would have apprehended the Halfling anyway for daring to harm one of the chosen ones. When she heard the name of chosen one that would have been harmed, she took interest. She knew that Isis would have token interest as well since it did involve one of her children.
That was settled and now Amaterasu was taking care of her other duties. She walked through the gardens that were a pride and joy at the temple she claimed for her own. One of her servants came up bearing a sealed notice. She knew what those meant and that meant she had to turn her full attention to it.
It could have been her brother the storm god wreaking havoc again but it wasn't this time. It had to do with one of her beloved creatures. She read the report carefully before making rash decisions. Yes it was right to execute them if they were harming the Creator's humans and she didn't blame humans who killed in self defense… especially this one. She could hardly believe that they were there in that part of the world. Being a goddess didn't mean that she was omniscient and the demons have their ways of preventing the gods from seeing what they were up to.
The yeti were her special creatures. They were the first line of defense to the temple that was her sanctuary. They also roamed the regions of the mountains near where they were born. Each one of the originals she had raised herself and she taught them. They grew up and multiplied but unfortunately there were evil influences. Some turned to eating humans after tasting first blood and some were captured by the demons.
She hadn't wanted them to be hunted but the ones that tasted first blood and hadn't repented, she regretfully declared them to be rogues. Whenever one of her beloved creatures were harmed, she was quick to defend them. In turn they served her and carried out their orders with great loyalty. They were wonderful creatures.
The report had her wondering and it made her ashamed that she hadn't noticed her creatures in that part of the world. When she read the list, she could understand why. Akiyama was her especial favorite and among the first that were created. He would try to keep things from grabbing the attention of the hunters. She would go to him and find out what happened.
The snow was clean and beautiful but then again Amaterasu could appreciate the beauty of nature. It was her light that allowed life to flourish. She blended in well with the snowy background with her white hair and white kimono. The only bit of color was red and blue in a design on the sleeves that betrayed one of the forms she assumed. Her hair was pulled into one of the hairstyles of the old court and contained a hairpin. She took in a breath and looked around the wilderness that was like other places but also unique to its region. At least her creatures were placed in a thriving environment.
The goddess knew he was around and she was aware of what he would do to the hunter that had to kill Kimi and her offspring. She knew who the hunter was and knew then that what was done was a result of defense. She would not hold that against her. She would confirm it once she found him.
She spotted him coming through the forest and smiled. He was as she remembered and he would remember her. She waited until he was close enough to appear in front of him. She looked up at him and smiled. He responded by kneeling to her. She said in the old language, "Rise Akiyama."
Akiyama rose and kept his head bowed respectfully. "It has been a long time my lady. I would have called but we had made a home here."
Amaterasu replied, "I know. What has happened was brought to my attention. I am sorry about Kimi."
"Kimi dishonored us by turning on the humans. We were fine and occasionally help a lost one find their way back. The strange human did what was necessary."
"So I have heard," Amaterasu replied. She had heard the note of approval in Akiyama's voice and saw that he approved. "How many were transported here."
"A whole hunting party. The others are back in the mountains. We became divided and so those still honorable tried to keep the rogues in check. My mate died in one exchange against Kimi. Kimi was the more vicious. I am glad the human stopped her."
"How did she do that?"
"The human is not like any I have ever seen, my lady. She has the power of some of the elders in the villages in the mountains and she survived the beating Kimi gave her. I set her free from a tree that had her pinned. She could have killed me if she thought me dangerous but she didn't."
Amaterasu nodded as she listened. That would happen. "You left her?"
"She didn't seem to expect anything and our people give a helping hand and then return to the mountains per how you taught us. She had the scent of two others on her; human and she was going back to them."
"You have done well Akiyama. You have always honored your people. Now I must ask you to do something that may be a bit uncomfortable for you but it is important. That human is important; a great warrior." Amaterasu knew she was laying it on thick but she had to make the point across to her favorite yeti.
"You wish me to follow and make sure she isn't harmed."
"You always knew the request before I ask."
Akiyama bowed and replied, "Then is will be done."
"You both realize that a snowstorm is expected to come in tonight," Georgia said as she stood looking at the men staring at her with looks that could melt lead if they were that cruel.
She had come to the inn at their request. She figured that they managed to narrow the search corridor and they wanted her input. She was right when Sam pulled out a map marked with circles and one line of the trail.
She studied it and recognized the locations of where the missing hikers were last seen and where the remains were found. At that point Dean asked her about securing transport to get up to where Sam had pointed out where their friend would be. She explained to them that a search takes hours and that they were still covering a lot of ground.
They didn't seem to care at that point. They wanted to get out there and find Angela. She had to admit that while they wanted to go out with a storm approaching was stupid, she had to admire the devotion to her friend. She especially noticed how Sam was driven and she thought that maybe whatever happened between the three of them was done and over with and focused on the search.
"Yeah you told us but we have to go out and try at least," Dean replied. "She could be hurt. The horse did come back without her. She could have fallen off."
It was probably unlikely but they did have to look at the possibility that maybe the horse spooked and she did fall off. That meant she could have hit her head and that meant possible concussion and disorientation. There were other possibilities and the main one was freezing to death which was the ultimate worst case scenario in Dean's book.
Georgia could see where Dean was coming from and she noticed that Sam was waiting to see what she would say. It also looked like he wanted to say something but he was restraining himself. She couldn't really stop them but only warn them of the possible dangers especially since the temperature had been dropping to prepare for the storm. She acknowledged, "That is a possibility. If we were to conduct an official search, I couldn't in good conscience risk it but if you were to go out and maybe an off duty ranger went with… it could be alright. Mind you though I think it is very foolish and risky."
"Angie would say the same thing," Dean replied. He could see that Georgia was still reluctant to go through with it but she gave her blessing. He glanced at Sam who took the hint and grabbed some things that they would need; the duffle with the weapons and he pulled a few of the blankets from one of the beds.
"Those are too thin," Georgia said.
"What?"
Georgia repeated, "Those are too thin if you are thinking to warm up a body. I have some thick ones in my jeep. We can use those. How are we getting up there since I am assuming the roundabout way is unacceptable to you?" She looked at Dean after Sam took her advice and put the blankets back. He was out the door with the duffle back he had grabbed after adjusting his coat against the cold.
Dean waited until Sam was out the door before replying, "The guy who lent the horse agreed to letting us borrow them if we needed them."
"That's unusual for Mr. Scout."
"He called Angie a nice young lady. Sam and me learned a while back that when someone says that about her, it means that they like her. "
Georgia nodded, "Alright so I guess we go to the Scout place. I'll call ahead so they could have the horses saddled and ready to go."
"Thanks," Dean replied as he grabbed his coat and checked for the Colt 911 he kept around.
Georgia turned to head to her jeep and make the call. She knew that it was stupid to go out now but she could understand. On the pragmatic level she was returning a favor; a life for a life since Angela saved hers. On the other hand it was helping out a friend and the two Winchesters needed someone around who knew the trails up there and she knew that if they started doing their hunting thing, they wouldn't have to worry about explaining anything to her. She got to her jeep and called the Scout residence after signing off for the night. Like she said it was better to have an off duty ranger and still be able to her job.
Dean blew into his hands and rubbed them together before starting the engine. He glanced over at Sam who was looking down at his hands and he was holding… "Sam what are you doing with that?"
Sam looked up, "Just drive Dean."
Dean would have said something but though better of it. Besides Dean was certain that Sam had probably packed Absolution in the duffle too and come to think of it, Dean would have done the same thing anyway. It was odd to find that she hadn't taken it but at least took the other weapon she was good at and it was the one that Sam was currently holding.
Dean knew that Sam had some idea how to use it. His brother explained how the god Hapi sort of downloaded it into his brain. Sam even admitted that the first time he threw it, he thought it was a fluke since it was executed perfectly and thought it was the adrenaline rush. However that wasn't the case when they had been shrunk to their mini selves and Sam threw it. So he wasn't concerned that Sam would cut himself on it but he was concerned about what Sam intended to do with it.
Sam flipped the chakram between his fingers. It spun like one of those optic illusion things with the bird and the cage between his fingers. He could easily cut himself on the sharp edge but with the knowledge still clanging around in his brain, he knew where to hold it in order to give the illusion that he was doing a dangerous trick. It certainly helped to calm his nerves down as well as the self-berating thoughts that were flowing through his mind.
True he managed to find the area where he knew she was going to be, he felt that he wasn't fast enough. It took him too long to figure it out and he was good at doing this sort of thing. Maybe it was a punishment for basically being an ass to the one person who was doing something about Dean's deal and has done nothing but helped them along the way. He sat in the car saying nothing but spinning the chakram and thinking repeating thoughts, most of them ridiculous but was associated with failure in his mind.
"Sam, we're here."
They arrived at the Scout place to find three horses saddled and ready to go. It was no surprise to Sam to find that Starkhaven was amongst the three. According to the kid Kyle, that was the only horse that could sustain his weight and height. He simply nodded and took the rein. He really hadn't been on a horse before and neither had Dean so it was somewhat comical for them to mount the animals.
Georgia was ready to go and was patient as they steadied themselves. She got the feeling that they were amateurs but they were determined. Sam got on pretty easily and she was surprised at how calm Starkhaven was. Dean was something else but he did manage to get on without falling off. She glanced at the old man and Kyle and nodded. To the boys she said, "Well let's get going."
They set off down the path that led to the wilderness area at an easy pace for the horses to prevent slippage. Sam and Dean followed Georgia since she knew the way up there. Each prayed that they wouldn't be caught off guard by the creature that Angela had identified and hoped that they wold find her soon.
A/N: So the yeti rescues the damsel in distress and looks like Amaterasu has a part. Sam and Dean start up the mountain. Will they find Angie? Stay tuned for next time on Bitterroot Resolutions...