Chapter 8

"So did she kick your ass for pestering her?"

Sam looked at Dean and gave a look of annoyance even though it was pretty dark. "She's sleeping it off."

"She would if she kicked your ass. Seriously Sam what was so important that you had to bother her?"

Sam could think of several things to say to that. What was in his mind the most was the spontaneous hug that Angela had given him when he gave her the ceramic mug. It was a cheap one and it had some sort of Indian pattern on it but it spoke volumes to her.

He had guessed right that she felt ashamed of that aspect of her kind since it was like a clear sign that she wasn't all human. While it wasn't a complete solution, it helped in that she could get what she needed and she could feel… safe. He wasn't sure if that was the right word but that seemed to fit what she needed.

It took a little persuasion on his part but at least she tried. It took about five minutes for her to pour a serving into the mug. It took another five and Sam saying that he would go into the bathroom for her to drink. Before she did though, she stopped him from leaving. He had to admit that it took a lot of courage for her to take the mug and in front of him down the whole amount. When she was done, he took the mug and washed it out for her.

Her coloring improved a little in that one mug and the shadows receded a little. In the time it took him to wash out the mug, she had hidden the bag of blood in the fridge in her room. He filled the mug with water and she downed it quickly while giving him a look of thanks. Afterwards he told her that he and Dean were heading out to the mine and suggested that she turn in.

In return, she suggested searching the mining shanty settlement near the back roads. That was where he and Dean were now. They were looking around for signs of what could be a graveyard. Dean had the EMF out and they were picking up traces of EMF. It wasn't the usual stuff they could rule out. It was honest to goodness EMF. So they did have a ghost walking around but that didn't explain the hairs.

Sam knew that Dean was waiting for a reply and he said, "Just wanted to make sure a few things were clear. Angie kind of mumbled a little bit before saying she was turning in."

Dean looked at Sam. His brother knew something and he stole a glance. Sam was persistent when he found something of interest and if it concerned those that mattered, he was worse than a bull dog. He was like the hell mutt. "And what was that?"

"Possible place where the stiff is buried and where the graveyard was. In the early days shanties were often what began towns like these and miners would live in them."

"Okay geek boy, did Angie say anything about a graveyard?"

"Said that it should be around here and to look for headstones," Sam replied as he flashed his light around. Something caught his attention and he started walking towards it.

Dean was still looking around when Sam replied. He found a lot of broken rocks but nothing written on them or anything. It was like the forest was taking back this part of the mine. He looked up to find Sam nowhere in sight. "Sam? Sammy?"

Dean started looking around for any signs of his brother. It was impossible for his freakishly huge brother to get lost out there. He tried to keep the panic from rising. He signed his soul over to save his brother and now his pain in the ass little brother was getting into trouble. He flashed his light around as he walked in a direction. He heard a slight noise and turned. Where the hell was Sam?

"Dean."

Dean jumped visibly as Sam's hand touched his shoulder. He whirled to face his brother who was holding something in his hand and in reaction gave Sam a head slap. He pointed his finger at Sam and said, "Don't ever do that again. Where the hell have you been?"

Sam was rubbing his head where Dean slapped him. He scowled a little as he replied, "I was looking and I think I found something." He motioned for Dean to follow.

Dean gave a slight eye roll. Of course Sam would be on the case but he knew better than to wander off like he did. He didn't doubt that Sam could take care of himself but they didn't know what they were dealing with. He followed Sam through the brush until they came to what looked like a cave. "What the hell?"

"Yeah," Sam agreed. He handed Dean what he was holding, "I found these right over there." He pointed where he found them.

Dean studied the hairs. They were the same like the ones that Sam had picked up earlier. Ghosts didn't leave hairs behind. They were probably dealing with something else. He looked at the entrance and shined his light over the entrance. "So what are we looking at here?"

Sam looked at it and replied, "Maybe a secondary entrance into the mine. It would make sense if the mine expanded. Just in case of a cave in or accidents."

"So like a back door?"

"Yeah. I'm thinking our two missing cops are in there."

The alarm bells went off in Dean's mind. "I don't know Sam."

Sam looked at his brother. He would have responded when a sound came from the cave. It sounded like voices. He motioned towards the entrance after bumping Dean. "Hear that?"

Dean heard the voices. They sounded human and from the looks of it, there were more than one. However there was no way to be sure about what else was in there. Yet knowing Sam, they weren't going to leave innocents behind. "Yeah. You might be right. Our missing cops could be in there."

"We going in?"

Dean sighed. He wanted to be cautious on this since Angela was out of the game for the moment. He could admit that she was back up and she had been there whenever they went into unknown territory. Then again he and Sam had been doing this before the three of them hooked up. They could handle this. Plus they wouldn't just leave people in there if they could help them. He pulled out his gun. "Alright. Lock and load Sam."

Sam made a slight face as he checked the shotgun that he had brought along. They were full of salt rounds but the handgun tucked in his jacket had iron and silver rounds and Dean had iron rounds. So they were covered and Dean did the usual and took the lead. They entered the cave and began to follow the sound of the voices.

"I hope this works out Sam. The last thing we need is to get caught with our pants down," Dean whispered as he flashed his light around to see the tunnel they were in.

"They're civilians. Remember what Dad said about them," Sam replied. It was probably a fine time to quote their father but that was one thing that Sam took to heart. They may have fought but he did listen to Dad and there were some things that he refused to bend on. They were going to rescue those guys.

"Right Sam," Dean agreed. "You're right."

Charlie checked on Towers. He hadn't moved from where they dropped him and he was getting worried. At least he wasn't coughing too much. He figured that maybe Towers was conserving his energy by staying where he was. That was pretty smart. "Hey, you doing all right?"

Towers opened his eyes slowly to look at Charlie. He felt like shit but he would hang in there. He replied, "Doing fine."

Charlie knew that Towers was putting on a brave face. They were cops after all and it wouldn't do to put Stanley and Rick in more of a frightened outlook. They were already spooked and they had adapted more of us versus them mentality. It wasn't that Charlie trusted them; he was more willing to believe that they would sell them out if it meant survival. "That's good."

Towers gave a slight nod and then whispered, "Think of something Boss?"

Charlie looked around. He fingered the piece of bone that he found. It looked like it was something from the slop they were fed. He could sharpen it and make a shank. "Working on it. Here's some water." He offered the small cup of water he had brought over.

Towers accepted it and took a sip. The water felt good going down his parched throat. He lifted his head towards the bars. He had been observing the only way in and out. Unfortunately the ideas he kept coming up required more than one person and he was in the same mindset as Charlie. The others had been there too long and could betray them. "Where do you think we are?"

"So you have any idea where exactly we are?"

"One guess is the mine but I'm not sure. Maybe near the shanty town on the backside," Charlie replied. "The only way to know is if we had a map."

Towers chuckled. "You know the only map that is accurate is what Prince Ellis has and you know he ain't right in his mind. Probably chasing skirts or something." He chuckled a little at the unflattering description of the current Ellis.

"You know that is a load of hogwash," Charlie replied. He gave a slight grin. He knew the rumors but he knew better. Michael Ellis was just one of those hermit types and he suspected it had something to do with the closing of the mine. The rumors were started by people who had too much time on their hands.

A noise sounded then and the jailer came up. He peered into the cage and motioned to the other that accompanied them. He pointed to Stanley and the crazy coot and said, "You. Come."

Charlie watched as Stanley trembled in fear as they stood up. Stanley murmured the word 'no' and he took it to mean that their turn was up. From the looks of things, they were to be fought together to they were to be pit against each other. Either way they were going to be beat up. "Looks like they are looking for entertainment."

"At least we are getting a break," Towers replied.

"Very funny." Charlie watched as the crazy coot looked a little happy at the prospect of a fight or a beating. Charlie couldn't figure him out. It could prove to be worth the effort but somehow Charlie had the feeling that he wouldn't last long enough the longer he stayed here.

Meanwhile Stanley was looking at the crazy coot with a puzzled frown. He always thought that the guy had a few marbles lost. He wondered what happened to the kid that came before Deputy Russ. They took him out and he didn't come back. It was unusual since the kid was in pretty good health. It wasn't like they were going to kill him. As far as he could tell it was one of the strays that wandered through the town.

"Keep moving."

Stanley kept his head down. He had seen them before. He didn't know what they were but he had seen plenty the first time he was lucid enough to get a good look. He hated to think about what they would do to him if he couldn't fight anymore.

The coot was laughing in anticipation. He started on his crazy ramblings. "Oh what a joy. Is it this time a boy?"

The growls were not reassuring. Stanley though managed to glance around and he noticed a young woman huddled in a corner. She was holding something but watching. She flashed him a look of pity before turning away. It was like she was afraid of something.

Stanley felt a hand on his shoulder, telling him to stop. He did but not before he noticed that they were near the entrance that was near the old shanty town. If he bided his time, he could escape. However his captors were pausing and looking around. Something was up.

The something appeared in the form of two guys entering. The two escorting him and the coot changed into those horrible things and charged forth. He shouted a warning but it wasn't needed. The two guys took out the things and they were dead after they fell into one of those weird tunnels they dug. Stanley said, "Thank you."

The shorter one said, "No problem."

The taller one asked, "There any others."

Stanley normally would have said no and left them to their fate. However since they were to be rescued, he might as well get his partner and the deputy out. He pointed the way they came, "That way. There is a cage."

The tall one replied his thanks and pointed out that the way was clear. The pair took off down the corridor. Stanley didn't waste any time getting out. He raced out of the cavern and looked around. He knew the area well and started down the trail towards the road. Something hit him from behind and he hit the dirt. The next thing he felt was excruciating pain like his limbs being torn off. He looked up and saw the ghost of Mad Eye Garrison. The next thing he saw was black.

It was slow going but they made good time. At least Dean thought so. It was sheer luck that he and Sam found a couple of survivors. The things that were holding them charged them both and they took them out but they disappeared and they couldn't see the bodies. That didn't matter and they told the spooked kid to get out.

Now they were going to find the others. It was easy to follow the way to it but the lack of guards was a bit disturbing. Something didn't seem right and it was screaming loud in Dean's brain. That was superseded by the fact that they found the others. "Sam, the key."

Sam looked around for something to open the gate. He found something that looked like a key and held it out to Dean. "Here, take this."

Dean frowned at the key and shrugged his shoulders. One of the people in there stood up and asked, "Who are you?"

Dean replied, "Just your friendly neighborhood…"

"Dean."

Dean scowled at Sam who was keeping a lookout. He turned back to the guy, "Dean. We're here to get you out."

"Deputy Charlie Russ."

Dean nodded in acknowledgement. He finally managed to open the cage door and opened it. He helped the deputy haul up the other one who was lying on the ground. Dean fished out a spare gun and handed it to the deputy just in case and motioned for them to follow them out.

Sam glanced back as the prisoners were being let out. Like Dean he had a bad feeling that this wasn't over. It had seemed too easy that they killed the two that were escorting the other two to wherever they going. He took the rear as Dean led them out of the cavern. It looked like they were home free until something huge appeared in the entrance. It threw something at them.

"Run!"

Dean shouted for them to run. There was hardly any place to go except down the way that they saw the other two heading down. He took the lead and started running through the tunnels. It was slow going because they had an injured man but Dean was going to be damned if they leave him behind. He could hear Sam popping off rounds when he thought he had a clear shot.

"We gotta get out of here."

Dean turned towards the guy who was panicking and said, "We will."

"No we won't. Not with me slowing you guys down."

Dean replied, "We'll get you all out."

The injured guy shook his head and took the gun from his partner. The other guy decided to take off and Dean frowned in frustration. There was one guy that was probably going to end up dead. The injured guy looked at him and said, "I'll buy you some time."

At that moment there were some roars. It was obvious even to Dean that there was more than the three they encountered. The growls were getting closer. What the hell were they dealing with? He looked at Sam and they shared a look. Sam removed his handgun and handed it to the deputy. Dean looked at the injured guy, "Are you sure?"

"Someone needs to make it out."

"You're a dumbass Towers."

"Yeah well Nancy is worried sick about you, Boss."

It was decided then. The injured guy Towers pushed his partner away and coughing up blood he pushed the others away. He stood ready to face the things. Dean knew that they had to go. They weren't even too far when they heard rounds going off and roars of a whole bunch of animals. Dean swallowed convulsively as well as Sam as they looked at each other.

They made their way through the maze and ended up in a place where they had to pick the way. Without a map they were lost. Dean cursed, "Dammit. Which way?"

His question went unanswered as he felt his feet being yanked out from underneath. He hit the dirt hard and it jarred him. He heard Sam call his name but he was paying attention to the thing that was grabbing him. He barely got a glimpse before it struck him across the face. It dazed him and he turned in time to see Sam get hit from behind by that crazy coot. He tried to get up but was hit across the back of his head and he saw black.

The water rippled across the lake with a quiet murmur. It was peaceful and the sun was shining down its warmth. It was a gentle warmth as she remembered from before but this place was different. Angela opened her eyes and gazed upon the lake from the chair that she was sitting in. She glanced around and spotted a house or rather a cabin.

She was in the dream realm. It had been a while since she ventured into that place in an active state. Most of her dreams were the kind that disappeared by morning and all that was left was a bare trace. This was active and that meant that she would remember it completely. Since that was the case, she could summon Morpheus and have a conversation with him or she might see his sister the queen since she seemed to have taken a liking to her. More the merrier.

She stretched slowly and luxuriously, becoming aware that she had something on her lap. She glanced down and saw that it was Setna. So the cat traveled with her as well. It was not typical but it had happened before. She lifted the kitten and held it out of habit as she stood up and looked around. She didn't know this place but it felt comfortable.

It was probably the first time since Darby that she felt comfortable in her sleep. More likely the cause was because she listened to her body under Sam's gentle persistence and gave in to what it needed. She recalled the gesture Sam made by giving her the mug and gave a slight smile. While it had been difficult to pour it in front of him, it was even harder for her to drink it in front of him. She figured though that if she was going to be a part of the team, he and Dean had to see it. It was being honest with them.

She did feel better afterwards and she could feel her body perk up a little. She was going to have to consume the whole bag he stole from the center and she didn't look forward to it but the look on Sam's face when he told her not to hurt herself like that… it made a difference.

"So this is what you dream of?"

"Looks like something a pansy like you would conjure up."

Angela gave a slight smile. She recognized the voices. She just hoped that they wouldn't be in familiar images. She turned to face them and said, "I look for peace and it appears in different forms. You know how complex the mind is."

Monster Slayer and Child of the Water looked at Angela. They knew she had ventured into the dream realm and wanted to say hello. They had tried the last couple of times but they realized she wasn't in tune with the realm like when she practiced with them under Morpheus' direction. They also had something to say to her. Child of the Water was the one to reply, "Yes we do and some of the things your mind comes up with is… interesting."

"Yeah if you count the fact that you often dream of yourself fighting against a shadowy blob," Monster Slayer entered.

Angela twisted her features into a grin. Dealing with the warrior brothers was like talking to Sam and Dean. At least this time they were in the appearance as the lore and stories described them as. She replied, "Yeah and that's because the thing I am always fighting is unknown."

Child of the Water had seen those dreams. He could recognize what it was and it was the unknown but a specific kind of unknown and one that he was certain would eventually reveal itself in due time. However they had business to attend to. He replied, "You may be right but your dreams are your own and only you can ever know the complete meaning."

"I'll drink to that if that were possible," Angela replied in a joke. "So did you come here to say hello or am I being paranoid in guessing that you have something to tell me?"

Child of the Water had a guilty look and Monster Slayer looked like he would rather be patrolling the gates than dealing with a sensitive issue. Child of the Water replied, "We wanted to say hello but we were asked to bring you a message."

"I see. What is it?"

"It is in regards to your hearing. A date has been set and…"

Angela would have liked to hear what the younger brother had to say but something was bothering her. She put a hand to her head and rubbed it vigorously. There was a pulse in her head and she wondered if this was normal. The dream world was protected by certain rules that governed its existence as there were rules for the real world and the other worlds. They could be bent however as long as they didn't disturb the natural order. It was complicated but that was what made it possible for Angela to do what she could do in the dream world.

At this moment she was feeling pain. It was extreme pain and she could see shadows and dim lights. She did see two forms clearly though. They were very familiar and they both cried out in pain. Her response was to shut her eyes as it felt like she was feeling their pain. She had to get out. She muttered something and there was a flash of light.

Angela opened her eyes and looked around. She looked at her watch and found that it was early morning. She frowned in confusion but she remembered the pain and the image was burned into her mind. She whispered, "Sam, Dean."

A/N: The boys go to investigate and get into trouble. Angie gets a vision or does she sense their pain? Find out next time on Pack of Strays...