Chapter 8

The ghosts were gone and that meant that the people were safe. Angela though wanted to take one more look around. It wasn't that she didn't trust that they had been salted and burned. She was just still feeling a little jittery and the chill down her spine… And she was well aware of what she did in there. It was a part of the job yes but she got the feeling that it said a lot more and to the people that mattered most. The last thing she wanted to do was to muddy a talk between the three of them.

It felt cowardly but the excuse of patrolling and checking the floors worked for her to leave and collect her thoughts. She walked through the halls and found one where she could be alone to collect her thoughts. She ran a hand through her hair and massaged her temple.

You are a unique individual. You are an alpha.

"Yeah right," she muttered to herself. "Alphas are the progenitors of their kind."

Not that kind of alpha. You are a natural leader.

"I am no leader."

Why do you think people flock to your banner?

"Because they are fools to trust in me."

"You know you do have an annoying way of putting yourself down. I can't tell you how many times that just…"

Angela looked up and saw one of the few people that she really didn't like. She sighed and narrowed her eyes at the visitor. "Now I know that something is up otherwise you wouldn't be showing me your sorry ass. What do you want Ares?"

Ares gave a wry grin and chuckled. "Seems to me you've stepped up with the foul language. I like that in my warrior queen."

"And we went through this. I'm not your queen." Angela crossed her arms over her chest. Leaning against the wall was giving blatant disrespect for the Grecian god of war but it didn't faze her a bit. Hell she spit in the face of an angel once and still kicked his ass. "And I am still pissed at what you did at River Pass."

"I merely told you it was familiar. Not my fault you didn't remember. Though maybe I should have considered that War would have made you forget. Only for him to get a fresh look at your reaction." Ares had started pacing back and forth in front of her. There wasn't much room sine it was a hallway but that didn't make a difference. "And maybe because I heard about this shindig."

"Bullshit," Angela countered, "You only come around when it is something or particular importance. Like when you told me what I could do in terms of alternatives."

"Well you got me on that one. But you do know that there are multiple things about you that are considered important to me?" Ares gave a pointed look at Angela that turned into a mocking inquisitive look.

"Like what?"

"Like the fact that you just exemplified one of your unique talents and in an impressive way," Ares replied in his nonchalant manner. "By the way I knew that you could do it. I expected a demon being put in his place but a ghost… incredible."

Angela cleared her throat at that. She started pacing since it would hide her feelings on that. "Yeah and I yanked a kid ghost off me and treated him like I would an adult."

"But that's not the reason you're hiding from this."

"It is part of it." Angela lowered her arms and paced. She glanced at the god of war knowing that it would be futile to lie to him. She could lie to him if she wished but she had no desire to and she was tired. "I'm not ready for this. I haven't really used my powers…"

"You wanna amend that?" Ares raised his brow at her. When she looked at him, he continued, "After all your last…"

Angela raised her brow in return. "You've been spying on me?"

"I keep an eye on all who hold my interest. Besides I've had a longstanding arrangement with Ishtar." Ares looked at Angela after he purposely dropped that bombshell. "Oh I've known about Ishtar's quest for that particular demon. I offered aid…"

"Let me guess, she accepted when you promised her that she would be your warrior queen," Angela interrupted sarcastically. And she actually liked the millennia old woman.

"Actually no," Ares admitted, "She is like you. Stubborn to a fault almost. Wanted nothing to do with me. She said that the demon was her own burden." He frowned like it was confusing and it was on some level. "I like it. Reminds me of you and I told her you were the same as her."

"You talked to her?"

"She called me. You know cell phones are an amazing thing you mortals have even if they are strange."

"Ares."

"Yes I talked to her. I told her that you would most likely do whatever it took to keep the demon away from that which you value." Ares shrugged his shoulders since that was nothing new to him. "Nothing new there. Didn't expect you to…"

Angela narrowed her eyes, not believing the god of war one bit. She stopped pacing and stood to stare at him with that gaze that Sam declared he hated. "Ares, I know you. The only reason you've ever shown up is if it is related to the Apocalypse or something related to me and usually its after something I've done or I need to know. What is it?"

"If you know, then why ask the question?" Ares posited the question returning the stare back. He liked that she wasn't afraid to come out and say what was on her mind. There was a reason for that and it was because of her personality. "You know as well as I that your greatest power is not in those that are characteristic of your people."

Angela stared back at the god. She knew what he meant and she knew what the answer was before she asked the question. It was just one that had to be asked. It wasn't that she didn't know; she did know. She just… it needed to be laid out in front of her. "You mean because I'm… a healer."

"Still having trouble accepting that I see."

"Killers are not meant to be healers, Ares. I am a killer." She pointed at herself to make a point. "They are born, not made but… not me." She shook her head at that.

"And what of Liam and dear Fiona? They're healers too and you don't see them moping and what? You don't think they're killers? Liam is a guardian of your precious school and a werewolf." Ares stood more like a school teacher waiting for the answer. He knew that she needed to think a little. He continued though, "This is a repetitive dance you do and I for one am tired of it. You need to accept who you are and be that person."

"I do. I know I am Absolution and what I have to do." She stood feeling a little defiant and like she was compelled to defend every action she had taken so far. "But that doesn't mean that I'm going to be some dick with wings' doormat."

"Not really what I was asking but it's good that you know what you are here for. At least with regards to the big picture." He gave a slight shrug just to be an ass about things. "And don't get me wrong, you are doing a good job though asking Lucifer to consider you as his vessel… not really the brightest you've ever done."

"But it is possible and is all about what Absolution stands for," she spate back as she crossed her arms with a slight petulant look.

"But you and I both know that there is more to it and I really don't want to talk about it," Ares replied, "What I really want to talk about is the fact that you have what even the most brilliant of leaders crave. Dictators too but we all know how that sentiment goes. Not to mention that part of you that you just love hiding."

Angela said nothing as she stared at the god of war. She knew what he was talking about. She had been stalling and hoping that he would just go away but she knew better. She knew that he wouldn't give up so easily and wouldn't leave until he made a point. That was his way and in a twisted way she appreciated that from him.

Ares knew he had her attention. He had it all the time. He just liked pressing her buttons until she admitted it to herself and out loud. Call it a cruel type of therapy but like the other gods who reveled in war and were patrons of the warriors and champions that defended mortals he understood the importance of people like her and he was pleased that one would humble themselves so much though the self-deprecation was really annoying since she was not like that. Call it a human thing.

Looking at her he saw he had her attention and she wasn't going to speak. He continued, "I know you think that you shouldn't have the power of healers but even the other gods know that they are born and not made. You were born that way and there is no changing that. Not even after you went through the change into your magnificent self." He paused while she snorted at that compliment. He truly thought she was magnificent.

"You would think a freak of nature is magnificent."

"Only the ones that truly exemplify the warrior spirit. And you even convinced two hunters to be just like you," Ares added, "It is still talked about how Sam Winchester was chosen despite the prearranged pairing by Hapi himself and how he defeated Lycan."

Angela was silent on that account. She had been there and occasionally she got a letter from Akira telling her that the stories were circulating again. She had only intended it so that Sam wouldn't have to walk around looking over his shoulder because of a few punks. Then that and then… She shook her head slightly as she stared back at Ares not saying anything.

Ares watched her. He knew she was remembering and thinking about things. Time to cut to the chase, "Oh yes. If he had been in my time he would have made an excellent warriors. What I could have built…"

"And that wouldn't have happened if I were around. And it won't now."

Ares took in the firm look he was getting. It wasn't the same look he had seen before; that territorial business vampires got when a family member was threatened. This was something different and was related to… "Too bad then. Anyway… the point is that you are magnificent. You are a warrior. You are a healer and you are an alpha."

"Not you too," Angela muttered.

"Oh it is so my warrior queen," Ares taunted slightly while laying down the truth. "You are an alpha in the sense of the word. You can command others and they follow willingly. They are drawn to you. Makes sense how the Winchesters have stuck around."

"They have free will," Angela protested. "And they asked me to stay."

"Really?"

Angela shuffled on her feet. She really hated it when Ares nitpicked at things about her. He made it into an art form. Then when he poked fun at you at social gatherings… it was nearly unbearable. And they were considering that she should be paired with him! When did her life become so fucking complicated? Rubbing the back of her neck she replied, "I only came in to help them. They asked me to stay."

"But you and I both know that you have other reasons. You took them under your protection didn't you?"

Angela glared at Ares and crossed her arms over her chest. "Don't go there. I already did what you asked completing the favor for Hibah." She paused and took a breath mostly to calm herself down. She felt like she wanted to make things explode and break. "What do you want from me? I'm doing what I can for this fucking Apocalypse while trying to make things right between two brothers that love each other and still pussy foot around each other for reasons I don't know why."

"And why are you trying so hard? Surely you would have learned your lesson by now. Setna was a good example."

Angela growled and shoved Ares hard until he collided with the wall. He merely laughed at her and dusted himself off. "Well now there is the warrior princess we all know." He straightened up and his expression became somber. "Know this: you are coming into things that maybe should have been worked on centuries before but for whatever reason you are tapping into them now. You best figure out why that is so."

Angela huffed a bit and felt like her lungs were being strangled as Ares walked away. She growled more at the fact that she felt Ares was goading her and all he was doing was pointing out things and in an annoying fashion. "I've always been able to use them. I prefer not to."

"Then why the change? Why suddenly use them when previously you haven't?"

Ares stood there and studied her when she refused to answer. He noticed her subtle shifts of nervousness like she was trying to hide something. He thought about what they had been talking about previously and started putting pieces together. He prompted, "Would it have something to do with the fact that you only use them if a certain Winchester is in trouble."

"I react when any of my strays are in trouble," she retorted a little too quickly.

That told Ares what he needed to know. Sure he suspected it but this was the first time it was clearly laid out. He grinned and replied, "Well I'll be. My princess is grown up."

"I am not your princess."

"Whatever. But I understand."

Angela didn't like that she was feeling very uncomfortable with the situation. "Can you not be an ass for once?"

"Where's the fun in that?" Ares raised his arms in a questioning gesture. He noted her reaction and while lesser gods would have exploited it, he knew where to draw the line… especially since he didn't want to deal with certain gods and goddess that could be easily offended. He held up his hand in a placating gesture, "Alright, fine. My point is, I'm here because you started on a path that there is no turning back though I think you know that. Honest opinion is that you should explain a few things I know honesty is your thing so… And another thing…"

Angela stiffened when Ares got close. She could have struck the god and had done so with others but she didn't. Instead she listened to what the god whispered in her ear.

"So everything going okay with you?"

Angela turned to see Dean looking at her much like he would if she were four years old and she got her hand caught in the cookie jar. She looked at the elder Winchester and automatically her eyes searched for Sam. She picked out Kesset but…

Dean noticed she was searching and raised his hand while closing his eyes to exhibit his patience, "Relax. Sam's not here. He's with those two guys and hell on four legs." He watched as she relaxed slightly and asked, "What's wrong Angie? You've been all over the board and some of it I know is because Becky touched Sam."

"Ah…"

"I know a jealousy spat when I see one. And I've had practice watching Sam." He gave a slight smile.

Angela wasn't really amused but she wasn't put out either. She merely stared at Dean. She knew that she was that transparent with him and he knew her secret. So what he said was the truth.

Dean knew she wasn't in the mood and his smile dropped. "Angie, what's wrong?"

Angela looked down at nothing and then asked, "Is it really worth it… considering everything that we anticipate of this job?"

"Why the hell you asking that?" Dean felt the need to ask since this was most unusual from her. Granted that being a hunter sucked at times and theirs especially since they had the Apocalypse hanging over their heads. He liked to think that if she and Sam found some happiness, then it was okay. It was rare for hunters and it wasn't like they had to dance around the secret of hunting things. They both knew the job so that wouldn't be a strain between them. No this was something else. "Why are you asking?"

Angela sighed. Maybe it was a bad idea to say something like that. She really had to stop letting Ares dropping harsh realities bother her so much. Sure she could act like a tough girl at times but… "Just that… Ares came by."

"When?"

"When I was double checking the place. And I'm sorry about that. I just had to be sure. The whole place had me feeling like I was back in the Morton house again."

"Was it that bad?" Dean could afford to lay off a little. It wasn't like she was being a malicious bitch. She was the one that did things that make them seem like grade-A douchebags.

Angela rubbed her upper arms more out of reaction to what she said since it brought back that memory. "Just the chill. They had been there a long time and… it appeared after you roasted Leticia." She saw the look and continued, "And as I said before, you couldn't have known. Even I would have made a similar mistake."

"You don't have to be so nice about things."

"But it is the truth. You know that I 'tell it straight' to you."

Dean made a slight face at that since he essentially said that as much. He nodded, "Yeah you do. Still Angie…"

"Just what I did. I mean the whole actually being like the old hag herself."

Dean knew what she had meant by that. He had seen for himself the way she charged in there and just demanded that they stop. And it looked like it worked there. He just had to be stupid enough to move and give the impression that he was going to attack. "Well it was pretty impressive. I didn't think that you going all bossy nag would work on ghosts."

"I didn't either." Angela gave a slight smile as she shuffled her feet. "I just… It felt like I was disciplining unruly children and nothing like when I had to referee you and Sam." She chuckled as she remembered those times since it was funny when Dean tried to boss her and he was in his ten year old body and she was in her teens and she was taller than he was.

Dean chuckled at that since he thought it was pretty funny himself. "Well it was impressive and…" He sobered quickly and continued, "What you did… It was I don't know… awesome and it makes me want to know what else you can do."

"I don't think I want to be showing them too often. It attracts the wrong sort." Angela cleared her throat. "And I kind of… I don't like using them and it has more to do with my time in hell."

Dean nodded at that. He didn't need her to go into detail since she told him about her time in hell and he just had to imagine his time and maybe it was ten times worse for her. "And I get it but… now it's like you just go with it."

"It's… it's like first instincts. Even with skills honed to do specific things and they are first reaction," Angela paused as she thought about how to word it. She then continued, "Instincts are what we fall back on when we are on our last leg. What I did, just walking in there… I had no logic to it. No plan."

"It looked like you did."

"I know but… when I sensed you were in trouble, I called for Cerebus to help the two fan boys and came up myself. There was no logic to that." Angela looked downward with a puzzled frown on her face. She knew what she did and what it felt like but it was still strange to her and she still didn't like what Ares told her. "I looked in the room, saw the boys and then… I just did it. I didn't know if it would work but it felt right. You get those?"

"Plenty though not the way you do it," Dean admitted. "One time I was chasing a chupracabra and I had everything by the book to go after it but… something told me to do it differently." He shifted on his feet to study her. It dawned on him that there was more to her line of questioning and thoughts than meets the eye. For once he wished he was quick on the draw like Sam. Sam would have figured out something was up or nag at him to just listen and that sometimes it wasn't what she said but what she didn't say that was important. "Like you said we all have it… and I think you went with first reaction. Am I right?"

"Maybe." Angela shuffled on her feet. "I do have a habit of reacting badly when people I care about are hurt… or worse." She cleared her throat. She wasn't overly proud that she gave herself away so much because her heart ran deep. She liked to think that she had a kind heart but it was hard to keep it from being overshadowed by how she saw herself because of the things she had done.

"And if you didn't… me and Sam would have had worse ten times over countless times," Dean countered. "And it ain't your fault about me and Sam dying. You hear me."

"I hear ya. You're screaming at me," Angela teased. She appreciated Dean's blunt honesty. "Just that… I fear that what is instinct might not be distinguishable with the urge to defend what is mine and…"

"You're not going to be a crazy assed Fallen. Not ever," Dean affirmed. He pointed at her emphasize his point. "Not on our watch."

"You're sweet."

"Sweet is for kids." Dean made a slight noise since he was a little uncomfortable with the term of affection since it made him feel like he was ten years old again. He looked at her and continued, "Angie, you're not gonna scare us away with this. Not even Sam."

Angela stared at Dean as he turned to walk away and leave her with her thoughts. She hadn't really voiced it but Dean picked up on it. She wanted to believe it fully but she was hesitant and she knew that they would only take so much of it. She leaned against the wall and bumped the back of her head against it. Some fucking hunter I am.

A/N: Well the ghosts are gone but there are a few things to tie up and Ares pays a visit. Stay tuned for next time on There a Hunter in the House?...