July 2nd, 2038
Devery rose early the next morning out of years of habit, wrapping a sheet from the bed around her as she walked to the terrace, looking out at the city below her. People rushed about in the markets, buying and selling, on their way to work, with children and in groups.
Walking to the kitchen she opened the refrigerator and shook her head in awe at the amount of food. She hadn't seen this much food in years. Reaching in she pulled out a carafe of juice and poured out a glass, sipping on it while she waited for her toast, pondering what it was that Michael had in store for her.
As she finished her toast and bowl of fresh fruit, she dug through her bag, searching out the cleanest clothes she had. Sniffing a shirt she shrugged, it didn't smell any worse than the one she had been wearing yesterday and Michael hadn't seemed to notice.
Shrugging on her sports bra, she tugged the shirt on over her head and then shimmied into her jeans, frowning when her foot caught in one of the many holes, ripping it wider. "Friggen piece of crap" she muttered, rearranging her foot.
She quickly pulled on her boots, grabbing an apple from the bowl on the counter before strapping on her weapons and making her way to the elevator. Biting into the apple, she crunched happily as it lifted the few floors to Michaels.
The doors dinged open and she stepped out, looking around warily in the still darkened interior. Apparently Michael wasn't an early riser. Sighing, Devery walked softly through the halls until she came to the library, pushing the door open, peering inside to see if Michael was inside.
Seeing that the room was empty she went in, turning the light on and walking slowly around the room, inspecting the spines of the books. She pulled down the scroll that Michael had shown her the day before and unrolled it, weighing down the corners on the table.
Standing over it she peered down at it, frowning. Her fingers traced over the words on the page, trying to understand them. Closing her eyes she reached for her powers and focused, letting every thought drop away.
As she opened her eyes she breathed slowly, meditatively, and the words on the page began to make sense. She read slowly, the prophecy was complicated and twisted, the language complex and archaic.
"Who the hell are you?"
Devery looked up and found a woman glaring at her. The woman in question was wearing nothing but a sheet, her long tanned limbs poking out gracefully, her full lips turned down in an artful frown.
Devery raised a brow, "I'm sure my answer is less interesting than yours is." She grinned as the woman flushed and pulled the sheet tighter around herself.
"You shouldn't be here. I don't know how you got into the archangel's quarters, but I assure you, you are leaving."
Devery stood up from the table and smirked, "I'm here because Michael invited me. Probably not why he invited you, but hey, we all have our uses."
The other woman flushed scarlet and took a step forward, her fist clenching.
"Becca, Devery that is enough."
Michael stepped around the other woman, Becca, and grabbed her arm, pulling her back. Becca glared up at him until Michael stared her down firmly.
"Becca, Devery is here at my invitation. It's time for you to leave."
Becca frowned deeply at him, angry lines around her mouth. She turned on her heel and marched away, but not before giving Devery an ugly look.
Devery leaned against the table and raised a brow at Michael, "Real charmer you've got there."
Michael frowned at her, "Rebecca is a Consul of the city and deserves respect from both of us."
Devery's brows shot up at his admission. A consul of the city sleeping with the archangel? What a mess. Michael stared at her, his expression solemn. He tilted his head to the side and frowned, "Can I expect your discretion in this matter?" he asked.
Devery sighed and nodded, "It's not my business, I just came here like you asked. My apologies for any problems I created for you."
Michael nodded sharply, "Thank you."
Devery nodded, "I took another look at the prophecy scroll you showed me yesterday. I was able to read it myself today, and it makes sense, or at least as much sense as these prophecies can." She shook her head, "I don't think the Chosen One will necessarily be turned to darkness by one event or person. I think it would be a series of events, like…I don't know…"
She shook her head, frustrated, searching for the right word.
Michael frowned, "Like dominoes."
Devery nodded, "Exactly. With just the right push, it could happen." She sighed, "The worst part is, we won't know what events could trigger him. We have to protect him."
Michael strode over and stared down at the scroll, studying it. After a moment he nodded, "We need to figure out a way to protect him." He looked up at her, "The first way to do that is for you to meet him."
Devery raised a brow, "I thought you didn't trust me enough for that."
Michael sighed and ran a hand over his hair, "I think after handling Becca and figuring this out, you've proved your discretion and your intelligence. I can trust that you won't reveal his identity and will be smart about your interactions with him."
Devery smiled faintly, "Well I'm glad you think so highly of me." She stood up from the table sighing, "What is it you wanted from me today, really?" she asked.
Michael gave her an appraising look and then nodded, "I want to test your abilities with weapons. If you have trained as long as you say, you should be able to fight with any number of weapons and hold your own against me."
Devery smiled faintly, "And where would you like me to demonstrate my abilities?"
"We will move outside the city walls to avoid scrutiny. I will bring the Chosen One with us as part of my guard, and you will be able to meet him without any prying eyes from within the city."
Devery raised a brow, "What excuse will you give for leaving the city? Surely they won't want you leaving."
"I come and go as I please. I don't answer to the Council. If I take a guard with me, it is at my discretion."
"Riiight" Devery stared at him skeptically, worried that the Council would catch word of their trip from Becca and they would be thwarted before they ever left. Michael nodded sharply, waving at her to follow him.
They walked down the hallway and to a different elevator, taking it down to the streets. Michael walked rapidly, turning down side streets in a twisting maze until Devery was thoroughly lost. He finally came to a halt outside a grand building, holding up a hand, motioning for her to wait.
"Stay here. I'll return with the Chosen One."
Devery nodded and waited in the shadows as Michael strode across the streets and into the building. She watched the people walking by, making sure that none of them glanced too closely at where she stood in the shadows or paid her undue attention.
The guards outside the building didn't seem to notice her, but her training urged her to retreat. Sinking farther back into the alley she leaned against a dumpster, peering over the edge at the doors of the building, waiting.
When the doors burst open and Michael came out followed closely by a man around her age, she breathed a sigh of relief. As they approached the alley she could see that the man had light blonde hair and blue eyes, a firmly muscled body, and a square jaw.
The firm set to his jaw loosened when he saw familiar faces on the street, smiling and waving politely. It made him seem younger Devery thought, and the lines on his face seemed less severe. Michael strode into the alley and led them deeper in where prying eyes wouldn't be able to see them.
He turned and stepped between Devery and the young man, glancing between them.
"Devery, this is Alex Lannon. He is a highly regarded member of the AngelCorp."
Devery smirked and extended her hand, shaking Alex's firmly when he took it. "Pleasure Alex."
He nodded, "Same Devery. Michael has been uncharacteristically tight lipped about why we're meeting."
Michael frowned, "We'll wait until we're out of the city for that." Alex and Devery nodded and followed when he began to walk quickly, leading them to a Jeep at the city walls. The guards asked no questions of the archangel, simply opening the gates.
Michael drove for nearly twenty minutes before he stopped at an abandoned, burnt and ruined town. Alex and Devery followed him out of the Jeep and into the deserted streets, looking around warily.
Devery knew that places like this were perfect hidey-holes for 8-balls. They could be ambushed at any moment.
"Are you sure about this location Michael? 8-balls could be hiding here."
Michael nodded, "I'm aware. I scouted it last night."
Devery raised a brow and smirked softly, "I didn't think you had time."
Michael glared at her and she smothered a laugh, turning away. Alex glanced between them, brow furrowing in confusion.
"Why are we here Michael? I'm supposed to be protecting Lady Riesen." Alex looked particularly disgruntled to be pulled away from that task.
Michael frowned, "Alex, you have far more pressing concerns. You need to decipher the tattoos and find a way to your destiny as the Chosen One."
Alex stared in shock at Michael. He looked over at Devery, his eyes narrowing, and then back at Michael.
"Why are you talking about this in front of her?" he demanded.
Michael sighed, "Because she's going to help protect you. She has very important information regarding Gabriel, and what his plans for you are." He looked over at Devery, "Would you like to explain?" he asked politely.
Devery smiled, "Of course." She turned to Alex and pushed a strand of hair back from her face. "I was recently held captive by Gabriel. During that time we came to an understanding of one another. I've been killing his 8-balls for years, and trying to kill him, and he's been trying to kill you. Until we met and spoke, neither of us understood why the other was doing what they were doing."
Alex frowned, "Why were you trying to kill him? Other than the obvious."
Devery chuckled softly, "Well, it's a long story. But suffice it to say that when Gabriel made his choice to destroy humanity, he changed my life forever. My entire family was killed, and I was orphaned at the age of 4. Luckily for me, a man by the name of Miles saved me and raised me. He trained me on how to survive, fight, and what it meant to be a warrior."
She shook her head, "I'm not just a soldier, I'm a Knight of Heaven. It means that I'm predestined to save humanity, and in this case, right the balance of Heaven. I have to protect you from Gabriel, and distasteful as I might find it, try to find a way to help Gabriel back to a righteous path."
Alex laughed bitterly, "You must be joking! He destroyed our world, killed billions of people and you think he deserves saving?" He stared at Devery incredulously.
Devery raised a hand, "It's not my job to pass judgment on what he's done. As much as I would like to kill him, and as hard as I've tried to do it in the past…it's not what is required of me, and I've learned that the hard way. It's nearly gotten me killed more than a few times, and even more recently when he held me captive, I realized what Miles told me was true; I have to not hold hate and anger in my heart."
She shook her head, "I will defend you against him Alex, and I'll train you to kill him if absolutely necessary, but you need to know that there is something he fears." She looked to Michael who was regarding her with an interested expression, but made no move to stop her from revealing the information regarding the prophecy.
Turning back to Alex she squared her shoulders, "There is another part of the prophecy regarding you. If certain terrible things happen to you, your heart could fall to darkness, and all of humanity and heaven would be in peril. Gabriel fears this, more than he fears God failing to return."
Alex frowned, "What sort of terrible things would make me turn from my own people?" he asked.
Devery shook her head, "I don't know, it's a prophecy so it's sketchy on the details. Suffice it to say that I'm not going to let that happen. But you also have to take caution and distance yourself from those that could hurt you."
Alex snorted and gave her an incredulous look, rolling his eyes. "Right, I should just start ignoring my friends. That will work."
Michael stepped forward, "Alex, she's not saying that. She's saying that you should be careful with those that could hurt you. Those that are perhaps promised to others." He raised his brows, giving Alex a significant look.
Alex flushed and turned away, his fists clenching.
Devery lifted her chin and raised a brow at Michael in question. He shook his head, refusing to answer.
Alex turned back and his expression was defiant, "Claire would never betray me. Don't ever suggest it again."
"Claire Riesen?!" Devery yelped, staring at him in disbelief. "You're sleeping with Claire Riesen? Are you stupid?" she exclaimed.
Alex turned on her and lunged forward, "We love each other! Do you have a problem with that?" he shouted.
Devery shook her head, "This is exactly the problem! You're a V-2!" She swung to Michael and threw up a hand, "Please tell me you don't support this!"
Michael sighed, "I'm not his father. He's a man. He can make his own foolish decisions."
Devery sighed and shook her head, "Apparently." Running a hand over her face she smirked and sighed deeply. "Whatever." Looking up at Alex she frowned at him, "Listen, just…just be careful okay? Don't get her pregnant, and be discrete."
Alex glared at her, "I know."
Michael stepped forward to stand between them, "Perhaps now we can train. Spread out."
Devery nodded and jogged away from the men, clearing a distance of fifty feet. Alex put the same between he and Michael and the angel nodded, pleased. He spread his wings and shot up into the sky, circling overhead.
Devery crouched on the ground, waiting. The sun was bright in the sky, but she looked at the ground, watching for Michael's shadow. When it passed she lifted her gun—filled with blanks—and fired. She smiled in satisfaction as he dropped lower, the rounds hitting him.
When he dropped out of the sky, falling within eyesight, she fired again, hitting his torso squarely. Michael grunted and dropped to the ground, using his wings to buffet her with large puffs of air.
Bowing her head, she holstered her gun and drew her sword, turning to the side until the wind died. When it had passed she danced forward, lifting her sword to test Michael's defenses. He quickly lifted his wings and created a barrier that was impossible to get past.
She frowned and whirled past him, turning and slashing at his exposed back. Michael spun and whipped a wing back, knocking her away. Devery grunted as it knocked into her and sent her reeling, nearly knocking the sword out of her hand.
Gripping it tighter, she crouched low and feigned injury, waiting for Michael to approach. As he came closer, she lunged up, tossing the handful of sand she had gathered into his eyes. He cursed and stumbled back, momentarily blinded.
Devery lunged forward, kicking him in the chest, robbing him of air. Her left hook in the jaw sent him flat onto his back. She quickly circled him and grabbed his hair, jerking his head up and brought her sword to his throat.
"Now would be when I behead you" she panted.
Michael's chest heaved from exertion. He was in pain, surprised, and embarrassed. It had been a very long time since anyone had defeated him.
"Very good" he gasped.
Devery nodded and released his hair, patting him on the shoulder. Sheathing her sword, she walked to face him and studied his face, smiling after a moment. "You'll have a nasty shiner" she quipped.
Michael sighed and stood, brushing sand out of his hair and off his face, "Yes, thank you."
Devery smiled, "Well, you wanted to know what I could do."
Michael's lips twitched in a hint of a smile, "I suppose I did." He waved a hand, "Why don't you train with Alex."
Devery laughed, "Tired already?" she joked. To her surprise Michael actually smiled, quick as lightning, but still a smile.
"It's not every day I fight a Knight of Heaven."
Devery grinned, "Well, don't feel bad. I kicked your brother's ass too. He didn't like it much either."
Michael paused and turned to look at her, raising a brow. Devery smiled at him, nodding. He shook his head, "Don't hurt Alex."
Devery laughed and shook her head, smiling deviously. "I'll try."
She strode over to Alex and unsheathed one of her swords, tossing it to him. Alex looked at her in surprise and caught it clumsily. She smirked and lunged at him, shaking her head when he barely got his sword up in time.
"You need to be quicker" she ordered. She pulled back and waved a hand to her hips and her shoulders, "Look here for movement indicating when your opponent is going to move. I'm going to be too fast for you normally, but I'll slow down to train you."
Alex nodded and she began again, slowing down her moves. She trained him as Miles had trained her, ruthlessly, painfully, and until they were both exhausted. When Alex was drenched in sweat she nodded and stepped back, lowering her sword.
Sheathing hers, she held her hand out for her other sword, taking it back and sheathing it. "I'll get you one commissioned. You need to know how to use all manner of weapons." Turning to Michael she frowned softly, "Is there an armory in the city that I can get one?" she asked.
Michael shook his head, "You won't be able to. I can. Let me know what you need."
Devery sighed, "This isn't going to be easy if I'm constantly having to go through you for everything."
Michael nodded, "There are those on the Council that are aware of Alex's identity. We may be able to introduce you as someone I trust who has been chosen to guard him."
"That would make all of our lives easier. Would I be able to leave the city?" Devery asked.
"Why would you need to?" Michael asked suspiciously.
"The place I lived, it is still well stocked with weapons. I could go there and bring some here for us."
Michael shook his head, "You should keep that as a secondary home. Life is uncertain."
Devery stared at him for a moment, unease sneaking through her, but nodded. "I'd like to try and find Gabriel's aerie again. I want to try and talk to him again."
Michael shook his head sharply, his face stormy, "Absolutely not."
"So I should be a prisoner here too? Michael, if we can reassure him that the thing he fears isn't going to happen, he might stop attacking Vega and become an ally. That's what we want."
Michael continued to shake his head, looking frustrated. "No."
Devery paced, glaring at him. "Michael. Do you think you could stop me? I already proved I can beat you. It's also my calling to do this. My calling from Heaven. From your Father."
Michael's jaw tightened. He hated that she was blackmailing him with his loyalty to his Father. He narrowed his eyes at her. "Fine. But I will come with you."
Devery shook her head, "No. He'll never trust me with you there."
Michael made a noise of frustration and threw up his hands, "Fine. Fine. Go."
Devery nodded and smiled faintly. "Thank you."
Michael barely acknowledged her, nodding sharply. He waved to the Jeep, motioning for her and Alex to get in.
The drive back to Vega was painfully quiet.
Devery and Michael rode the elevator up together, still silent. The doors opened on her floor and Michael's hand shot out, holding them open as she stepped out. He leaned forward, staring at her intently.
"When are you leaving?" he demanded quietly.
She sighed, running a hand over her sweaty hair. Frowning, she contemplated a shower and meal. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her of the light breakfast that had been hours ago now.
"In the morning if possible. I need to get my supplies together, wash my clothing somewhere, and eat a meal."
Michael frowned, "Can I convince you to wait? I would like the Council to meet you and have them approve of your status as a guard for Alex and myself. It would only take a day, possibly two. You would have the time to gather supplies and food, and your clothes would be cleaned for you."
Devery sighed; there was an appeal to what Michael said. She hadn't had time to rest since getting to Vega. It would be nice to have another day or so before getting back on the road. She nodded, "Alright. I can wait."
Michael nodded, "Thank you." His expression softened, "For this morning, and for training. I can tell you will be good for Alex, and myself."
Devery's brows rose, "You're welcome. I'm happy to finally be around other people. It's been a long time. Most of the time they were trying to kill me."
Michael shook his head, "And now you want to go see Gabriel. Who most likely only wants the same."
Devery smirked, "Maybe I'm crazy."
Michael's lips curved into a ghost of a smile, "Maybe. Good afternoon Devery."
Devery waved as the doors of the elevator slid shut, leaving her in the cool interior of the apartment. She walked to the kitchen and began rooting through the fridge until she had put together something to eat.
When her stomach was no longer rumbling, she took a shower, still amazed to have hot water at the flip of a switch. Wrapping a towel around herself, she walked out to her terrace and leaned against the railing, looking out at the desert.
Running her fingers through her wet hair she wondered what she would say to Gabriel when she saw him again. It would have to be good to convince him that they should be allies. And that he shouldn't kill her.
Sighing, she wondered if it was even possible. Gabriel was power mad. She had seen that. Why even bother?
Because she couldn't live with the blood of millions more humans on her hands if she didn't try…and she knew there would be more if she did nothing.
"Damned if you do, damned if you don't" she murmured, turning away from the terrace, shaking her head.
AN: Hey guys! Sorry this took a little longer to update! I kinda hit a wall for awhile and needed some space to figure out what was happening and where we were going. So I think I know where we're going. Again, I'm working on four stories right now, so I'm a little scattered right now, so please, forgive me! I hope you are enjoying the story so far, thank you all for following/liking! Please review, I would love to know what you think! Reviews fuel the writing! Thank you!