Chapter 5

Humans in general were fascinating and baffling creatures. Kesset had no quarrel with them and personally thought that they had every right to exist with the things that they had either forgotten or were born not knowing. He was well aware that there were some out there that thought humans to be weak and fleshy things that didn't deserve the time of day. Certainly some of the celestials, especially the one that attempted to bend the warrior princess to his will thought that considering what he had done.

A low moaning sound caught Kesset's attention. He looked down to find a very large dog looking at him with a pointed look, the same one he had been giving him all week. He peered at the creature in curiosity since dogs were not a major thing of reverence at Karnak. He mused, "You are a strange creature."

I am Cerebus. Master of the pups of this pack and revered master of the pit.

Kesset twisted his head in a puzzled fashion but he understood what the animal was saying completely. He responded in like fashion since it was only polite, It is an honor to meet a distinguished beast. You serve the warrior princess?

I serve the alpha of this pack.

Kesset studied the hellhound that was looking at him with a pointed look. He was very familiar with that look considering his own abilities and heritage. He realized that he may have to speak and learn what the hellhound was referring to. He replied, My apologies but your alpha is the warrior princess.

Some have called the alpha that but she is the alpha. Cerebus moved his head as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. It certainly was to him and he didn't understand why the visitor for the past week didn't get that.

Kesset nodded in agreement at that. He had heard much of his princess from her sister and the way she was able to take command. It had him wonder about his own father. Tentatively he reached out to rub the dog on the head. Out loud he said, "I am Kesset, son of Setna and chosen member of the Royal Guard to protect the princess."

The alpha does not need protecting. She would not be alpha if it was so.

Kesset made a slight nod to that. He was not fluent in the peculiarities of pack behavior but he knew enough from communicating with the animals that they had a certain understanding of the world that was almost childlike but often in most cases a better understanding and were direct and to the point of being well… being simple rather than complicated. He explained, "Where I am from, we have warriors to protect our royalty or alphas. They are important and there are many who like to try and harm them."

Understood winged warrior. The ones from the same sky do the same.

Kesset continued to rub the dog's head when Bobby came back from whatever he was doing with the cat on his lap and almost grumbling about it. He commented, "You should be honored. The cat has chosen you to fulfill his needs."

"Blow it out your rear bird boy," Bobby grumbled.

Kesset looked at Bobby and asked, "Blow what?"

Bobby rolled his eyes. "Never mind. Clueless feather boy from Karnak," he muttered as he went to his desk. "So you were sent to look after Angie? Don't think that's gonna fly."

Kesset sat on the couch where he had been instructed to sit and looked at the grizzled hunter and the animals that were there. He raised his brow, not fully understanding much but he thought to make his position clear, "The princess has little choice since I was asked by her mother."

"Her mother's been dead for four hundred years," Bobby groused knowing exactly what the boy meant. He just decided to be difficult about it.

"The Lady Satet has been the warrior princess' mother since she was adopted into the family," Kesset replied with patience. "The warrior princess was brought to Karnak after a terrible ordeal within the underworld. She was trained and accepted to the royal family hence milady is her mother and the lord is her father." He looked at the grizzled hunter and added, "Is that too complicated?"

"It ain't complicated dumbass. You come in here saying you are her guardian when I know damn fool well that she has an angel literally on her shoulder," Bobby groused. Even after hearing the story from Kesset, he still was wary about the whole thing. He kept repeating himself to make the boy mess up but he was like Castiel; he was clueless at times and while back then it would have been amusing, now it was just plain annoying.

"The celestials have their reasons as do the lord and lady," Kesset offered.

"And can't you leave the poor girl alone? For all I know your meddling has made her the way she is," Bobby countered as he poured himself a glass of whiskey. It didn't really make the pain go away but it certainly made him feel better about the whole thing. He downed his first glass and poured another while he petted Setna who was regarding the situation out of boredom and Cerebus had taken position in between like a mediator.

"Absolution means many things to different people," Kesset offered in a quiet tone. He sat on the couch and folded his hands together. If he didn't show himself to be a threat then it would make things better. He discovered his whole week there that the grizzled hunter was protective of the princess and her closest companions. "It does sound cold with some of the meanings but as a daughter to the lord and lady of the warrior royalty, she is very much loved."

Bobby had been hearing the same thing for nearly a week. The boy had camped out on his couch in that same position and it had him wondering if he ever got any sleep. It seemed a little late to be wary since the kid was already in his house but he still was going through the myriad of tests to make sure he was okay before letting him know what he wanted to know. It wouldn't help anyway since he didn't have a clue except that his girl said she was between places and within easy reach of the boys. It was cryptic as usual but it was better than nothing.

Kesset sensed that he was not being trusted further until he proved himself. While frustrating since it interfered with his duty, he understood where the humans that protected her were coming from. If he were in their place, he'd do the same and certainly his father had done that as well even against the ones that he once called friends. He sighed at that.

He had been too young to remember when his father had been killed by the assassins but his mother did and he could remember the mixture of pride, sorrow and contempt. The contempt was easy since it was against those that dared to say his father was a traitor. Once she had even blamed the warrior princess for what had happened but Kesset didn't once believe that about the princess. Even as he saw her stand up to the celestials and nearly physically broken, he knew she gave everything to convince his father to stop. Only a callous person wouldn't have tried that hard.

Bobby looked at the boy. He replied, "I suppose it goes through in many different ways." He adjusted his position. "I guess you aren't too bad but understand why."

"I understand Bobby Singer," Kesset interrupted softly. "You are spoken much by the Lady, the guardian of the walking dead. She believes you to be a good man and I am inclined to follow that."

"Do you have an original thought in that brain of yours?"

"I happen to agree with her," Kesset replied with a shrug. He wasn't a mindless drone as the insult implied. There was just a specific hierarchy that was followed and most of the Guard was content with their lot. "There are plenty within the Guard who don't like the princess and blame her for the loss of Setna, the one who trained them."

Bobby knew that there were some folks out there that didn't like his girl and it was hard to fathom why since he only had what he knew. The person in the books, that was old and a different time then. He offered, "Sounds like he was a nice guy."

"He was my father," Kesset let pop out. "He was the one who chose to explore the darker half of his powers to protect the princess from the yellow-eyed demon Azazel. That demon came for her and threatened to take her back to the underworld."

Bobby stared at the boy before nodding, "Finally a complete answer from ya."

Kesset looked up and frowned at that, "I have been honest the entire time."

"You've told me stuff but never a complete story about you." Bobby took in the confused look and explained, "Most folks come looking for Angie and claim that they have been sent by someone else and it is bullshit for the most part. I learned to pick out the honest ones with a little help from these two." He gestured towards the cat who was blinking sleepily like he was annoyed his nap was interrupted and Cerebus who lifted his head, his tags clinking.

"You are a man of knowledge, Bobby Singer," Kesset acknowledged with a nod. "I do not mean to upset you or your people but I was asked since dark times are ahead."

"Tell me about it and I got a miserable old bat trying to fix things so they don't get to be worse."

"Why would a bat be miserable? They are fascinating creatures even though they don't exist at Karnak."

Bobby grumbled a bit at that. It was that sort of funny when Castiel didn't understand Dean being sarcastic about God being on a tortilla. Still annoying but a little bit funny and it did help with relieving the tension that being caught in the middle of the Apocalypse was doing to everyone. He replied, "I meant Angie. She's the miserable old bat."

Before Kesset had a chance to piece things together, the phone rang. Bobby looked at the caller ID and said, "Speak of the devil. Hello, Angie?"

Hi Bobby, are things okay over there?

"You might be saying that," Bobby replied as he glanced over to find Kesset rubbing faces with Setna. It would have been cute if the kid was five but he found it a little strange. Then again he was guilty of cuddling the thing at night so what was he to complain about?

Is there something wrong? Do I need to come home?

"No ya idjit," Bobby groused, "I told ya to keep at it with those two idjits. I'm fine but you try living without the use of yer legs."

I did. In hell and it was a cruel torture.

"Ya rally have to hit the sore spot don't ya?"

You know I don't mean it like that.

Bobby sighed when he heard the quiet tone. There was also the faintest hint of tears. That was another thing that he noticed when she stayed with him before he kicked her out. Occasionally a tear or two would drop and like the boys, he couldn't stand it when she cried. He said in a softer tone, "I know ya don't. Yer just trying to make us understand and the only way how is through experience. I'm fine Angie. Really I am."

Are you sure?

"Do I have to repeat myself? Have you grown deaf?"

No but… you mean as much to me as the boys do. Would it help if I said I think of you as a father?

"Cheeky idjit," Bobby groused but feeling pleased all the same. "I get it. So have ya talked to either of them?" He cleared his throat to indicate that the sentimental moment was over and he would rather not grow lady parts.

I did and… Sam moved on but I found him. I'll try again.

The tone didn't sound right and Bobby suspected that maybe either she was in trouble or Sam was in trouble and she just didn't want him to worry. That was logical but also maddening. Then maybe again she took care of it. He would go with it for now since it was up to her how to fix this rift or try to get the boys to fix it. "Alright. Where are you?"

Canterbury, Oklahoma. I got a nice place that is actually better than it looks. It's fine and I'm working on the… case.

It was too peppy and it had Bobby suspicious. He glanced at Kesset who seemed to be engaged in a serious conversation with Cerebus and Setna though none of them was speaking per se. They seemed to be in an intense discussion. He had no idea that they were discussing the 'alpha' and her alpha along with the fact that they hadn't mated yet and it probably was a good thing at the moment. He said, "Alright Angie. Be careful ya hear and call when you make some progress."

That I can promise Bobby and… thank you for everything.

"Stop that before ya make me grow lady parts," he groused while hearing her laugh at him. He liked her laugh and it was good to hear it when it wasn't strained. "Take care of yourself Angie." He waited until she said her good bye and hung up to find Kesset still in a deep conversation with the animals. He said, "You three better not be up to something."

Cerebus looked at Bobby and said, The elder gets suspicious.

Kesset looked at Bobby and replied, He cares about the princess.

More likely he caught your incessant need to comment on the alpha and her alpha bearing pups when they haven't even stopped sniffing each other's butts long enough to consider it. Setna blinked blearily at them before getting up and stretching. He started walking towards Bobby. They'll get there and before this year is up… in terms of mating.

Kesset looked at Cerebus and then up at Bobby. He had no idea about the older hunter's thoughts and abilities to understand animal speak so he became stammering and it was unlike him. "Uh…"

"I don't wanna know but I can tell you where your princess is. Just leave her alone."

Dean couldn't explain it but he felt that something was off. It could be that he had a bad feeling about the job he was working or he was feeling down because he didn't even have a slice of his beloved pie. There was the slight hint that it had to do with his brother Sam but he dismissed it since he was certain that Sam was fine. His brother always said he was fine and he wasn't going to start worrying about it now.

He turned to his side and got a face full of fur. He muttered angrily before remembering that he had allowed Sasha to join him on the bed. He had given into the puppy eyes and they were just as lethal as Sam's version. It had Dean wonder slightly if there was some unknown force that was geared towards making him unable to resist the puppy eyes. He would have gladly said that Angela couldn't have resisted either but she had managed to the few instances he had seen Sam throw them at her.

Looking at the pup who made a slight whining sound, Dean rubbed her fur in a rough way much like how he used to do it with Sam when they were kids. He wasn't overly fond of dogs and no one could blame him considering that he was made into a hell hound chew toy and those things were vicious. He had yet to see Sasha in action and he had hints of Cerebus but he didn't count since he was a hell hound anyway.

Dean continued to pet Sasha but she just continued to stare straight ahead. Dean didn't get it but his petting her seemed to soothe her and him if he wanted to be honest about the whole thing. "What's gotten into you mutt?"

Sasha stared at the wall. She was thinking about her pack. Something wasn't right. She could smell it but not identify it. She did her best to be a good pup but she couldn't shake the feeling and it made her extra vigilante in keeping guard. She gave a low moan.

Dean looked at the dog and sighed. It had been the weirdest week even though it was a bit fun sort of. Sasha had acted almost anxious like something was coming but nothing was there. Then there was Castiel showing up and Dean had fun teaching him about the intricacies of sex and pie. He thought perhaps that she was sick from the pie but that was like three days ago.

He got out of bed to pace around and noticed that Sasha had turned to watch him but her expression was stern. Even that puppy look she threw up was not visible. He asked, "What's wrong with you? And I'm talking to a dog."

The alpha has met danger. That is why it doesn't smell right.

Dean rolled his eyes slightly and walked around the room. He found a piece of leftover pie on the table and decided to take a bite. He managed to find a plastic fork and started digging in. There was nothing like pie.

The alpha has seen danger. Must protect the beta.

Dean stared at Sasha and started rambling. They had come across a job and Dean was trying something new. It was weird but the local sheriff seemed to buy it. Sasha was part of the K9 unit for the FBI; Dean had bullshitted his way through the whole thing and managed a convincing story. It certainly kept Sasha close since she was for all intents and purposes his partner. "Well we have a case Sasha and you can have practice though I doubt you need it."

Sasha flipped her ears to acknowledge that she was listening. She liked going on the job with the beta. It was in line with what she was born to do. They went on the hunt. They hunted things. Now though she was not interested in the hunt even though it triggered happy thoughts.

Dean chewed on a piece of pie and eyed the dog. "Hey how about acting like I'm the boss tomorrow or something? You know, and not embarrass me in front of people?"

Sasha gave a low moan from her chest. I am the pup. I follow the alpha and those above me.

"And why do I get the feeling that you are just going to be difficult?"

Dean finished his slice of pie but he didn't feel like sleeping. Something was making Sasha anxious and in turn it was making him anxious. He got the feeling that the pup was concerned about something else and his thoughts turned again to his brother Sam. What was that pain in the ass little brother of his doing now?

He knew that Angela was tailing him so Sam should be okay right? If that was the case, why was Sasha acting like there was trouble? It was a baffling situation and Dean wasn't sure how to handle it. First instinct was to call Sam and ask if he was okay. In fact the phone was right in his hand and he was staring at it while he finished the last of his remaining pie.

Sasha looked up at Dean. He was holding the phone. He could talk to the alpha and his littermate. She gave a plaintive whine at the man.

"I said I would think about Sam," Dean repeated noting the change in demeanor of Sasha. He tried to bluff his way out, "I'm just gonna see if Angie wants to talk."

Sasha gave a bark. She was shushed quickly by Dean, "Hey you trying to wake the place up and get us kicked out? Shh."

Sasha gave a low bark as if to reassert that he was doing the right thing. Dean got up and rubbed the dog's face but also to indicate that he was the boss and she should be quiet. Technically animals weren't allowed in the room but because of Dean's snow job on that she was a K9 unit, the manager was agreeable provided she didn't make any noise.

Dean gave a sort of stern look at Sasha, "Yeah I bet you have something going on in that head of yours." He sighed and added, "I'm calling Angie alright?"

Dean hit the speed dial to call her. He may not be ready to talk to Sam but he could always find out from his girl if his little brother was okay. He just wasn't going to lay on the bullshit since she could sniff that out a mile away. He looked at Sasha who was still lying on his bed but her head was up and she looked alert.

Rolling his eyes, Dean paid attention to his phone and dialed the number he wanted. His lip almost twitched into a smile when the voice said to please listen to the music selection while his party was being reached. It was Black Sabbath's Iron Man playing and he almost wanted to laugh. Angela was always the one that was experimenting with the ringtones. It kind of made her like a little kid interested in a new toy.

Even though she was an adult and way the hell older than he was, Dean always considered Angela the baby of the family. True she had been running solo long before she met him and Sam but once she joined with them he could see her 'deficiencies' with human interactions… well now he felt like an idiot since he had seen how open she was with Ellen and Jo. Hell Jo would kick his ass if he tried to pull her hair like Angela did.

The music finished and cut to the voicemail and Dean sighed a little as he heard, This is Angela. You know the drill… and no innuendos Dean.

Dean couldn't help but chuckle. She had changed her message again. He knew her well enough to know that it was motivated by current events. Even though she didn't say it directly, she was telling him to basically stop being an ass and call his brother. She knew how to play dirty even though she claimed to play fair. He waited until the beep indicated he could leave a message and said, "Hey Angie. You're the one that wants us to talk and you don't have your phone on. Anyway I was just calling to uh check up on ya. You know big brother rights and I know what you're gonna say about that. I'm still thinking about it."

Dean paused to look at Sasha who was looking at him with that expectant look. He continued, "So I'm thinking about it but I just wanna make sure you're okay. Give me a call… please."

Dean hung up and at the look Sasha was giving him he said, "Hey I called and she didn't answer. I left a message."

Sasha just looked at Dean with a bland expression. It had Dean wondering if the mutt learned that from his girl since she certainly threw up that look when she wanted you to squirm. Sighing he put his phone down after pulling up Sam's number. He wanted to but then decided against it and left it on the table. Sighing again he looked at the door and then picked up his jacket. "Come on Sash."

Dean opened the door and motioned for Sasha to follow. She jumped off the bed and paused by the door before going out. Dean followed and started walking around. The idea of a bar sounded good but not quite. He needed a walk to think about things and maybe get some sleep.

A/N: Kesset gets to know Bobby and has an interesting conversation with Cerebus and Setna while Dean gets a bad feeling but doesn't act on it. Stay tuned for more Free and Torn Asunder...