Two days later Devery drove away from the walls of Vega, the truck she had been loaned by the city roaring under her foot. It was in much better condition than Miles's old truck had been. She smiled softly at the thought of the old beater and how Miles had taught her how to drive in it.
A laugh bubbled up at the memory of how she had nearly killed both of them by accidently stomping on the gas instead of the brake, nearly wrapping them around a tree. She had turned into a much better driver since then, but the memory never failed to make her laugh.
A more recent memory of this truck made her frown.
The Council of Vega had been both astonished by her appearance within their walls, and outraged with Michael for failing to tell them about her until she was preparing to leave once again.
Councilor Thorne had been the most outspoken, calling Devery a "threat of unknown proportions and unspeakable possibilities."
Devery scoffed and shook her head. The petty jealousies of the auburn haired woman had almost derailed the trip entirely until Michael had stepped in and assure the Council that Devery had the skills and the powers to protect herself.
Devery had been half tempted to use her powers on the Council and turn them all to molten piles of slag, but a raised brow and a purse of the lips from Michael had kept her powers in check. She had seen his wry smile, hidden behind his hand, and had bit her own lip, knowing he was just as frustrated as she was by the childish actions of the Council.
They had fought Michael over giving her supplies and the truck, but in the end he had informed them that Devery would be going after Gabriel in an attempt to either turn him from his violent and deadly path or to kill him.
Devery secretly thought that the Council hoped she would perish in the attempt, they all seemed a little too eager for war with the archangel for her tastes. Councilor Whele in particular seemed bloodthirsty regarding Gabriel, and had worn a grim smile when Michael and Devery had announced her plans.
The sun was slowly setting as Devery drove, painting the sky purple like a bruise, reminding Devery of the times that she and Miles would lie out in the summer, watching the sun set and the stars come out.
Lightning flashed in the distance and Devery sighed, the last thing she wanted was to drive into a storm, but it looked like she couldn't avoid it. Thunder rumbled through the air, seeming to shake the earth. Dark clouds had been forming for hours but Devery had been so lost in thought she had barely noticed them until she was driving into the storm.
The clouds opened and the storm let loose with an unearthly howl, wind lashing the truck so fiercely that Devery skidded side to side and the rain pounded into the windshield so hard Devery couldn't see three inches down the front of the truck.
"Shit!" she muttered and wrenched the wheel, fighting to keep the truck on the road. The wind screamed and the rain pounded around her as she inched down the road, squinting through the glass, praying she wouldn't wreck.
The sky darkened further as she crept along, her knuckles white from gripping the wheel. Hail had begun bouncing off the metal hood of the truck and Devery was considering pulling to the side of the road.
She had no idea if it was better to just plow through the storm or sit and wait it out. In the desert these storms could last for hours…but it had already been hours. She was getting close to Gabriel's aerie, if she pulled over now she could become a target for attack, even in this weather.
Keep moving-it'll keep you alive. It was what Miles had told her and it was what she was going to do now.
As the rain slackened Devery sighed in relief and pressed down on the gas, speeding forward through the wind and rain. She could see the aerie looming ahead, looking ominously lit by flashes of lightning.
The truck began to whine and shudder, the wheel jerking in Devery's hands and she cursed, yanking the truck to the side of the road as smoke began pouring from under the hood. She sat staring frustrated at the smoke for a moment before leaping out of the truck, throwing the hood open and coughing as smoke billowed out.
The wind and rain buffeted her, slamming her against the metal of the truck bruising her skin, and Devery cursed. She quickly made her way back to the bed of the truck and grabbed her bags, hauling them over her shoulders before walking down the road away from the truck.
Within moments she was soaked by the rain and had been pummeled by the wind so hard that she was leaning sideways as she walked into the wind. As she approached the base of the aerie she was shivering, her hands trembling as she began to climb the rock walls.
When she reached a small opening in the rock she climbed in, wriggling her hips to clear her bags until she spilled out onto the floor, gasping with exertion.
"Well well well, what do we have here?"
Devery sighed and looked up, rolling her eyes at the sight of Gabriel standing over her, his wings hovering open, a smirk on his lips.
"Missed me that much, eh love?" he taunted.
Devery groaned and rolled to her feet, "Like an oozing sore" she muttered.
Gabriel's smirk flickered for a moment before he laughed softly. "The feeling is quite mutual love."
Devery ran a hand through her wet hair, scraping it back from her face and sighed. "Trust me I wouldn't be here unless it was important."
Gabriel raised a brow, scoffing. "I threatened to kill you, what could possibly be important enough to bring you back?" he demanded.
"Saving the Chosen One from the darkness that resides within him and dwells around him." Devery raised a brow, regarding Gabriel smugly. She knew she had him when he hesitated, not immediately making a sarcastic remark back. "I came here to show you that I want to help you. I was given my powers for a reason, and I want you to respect that and help me."
She stepped forward and stared up at him, her eyes serious "Help me Gabriel."
His eyes darkened and his clenched, "Why should I trust you?" he demanded. "Tell me why I shouldn't just lock you back up right now" he growled.
Devery sighed and ran a hand over her face, "If that's what it takes to get you to trust me, then fine Gabriel, lock me up." She stared up at him, her insides turning to ice as she waited for him to speak.
His eyes were stony as he stared down at her, his jaw tight. Finally he nodded, "Follow me." Devery nodded and followed him through the aerie, her clothes dripping on the stone floors. She ignored the hostile looks from the 8-balls and the occasional human and followed closely behind Gabriel until he came to a stop at a large door.
He pulled a key from a pocket and unlocked the door, shoving it open and stepping aside, waving a hand, ushering Devery in. She peered around the room, raising a brow at the lush furnishings.
Turning to Gabriel as she dropped her bags she smirked, "I thought you were locking me up?" she asked softly.
He smirked back and held up the key, pointing to the door, "It locks from the outside love, you are being locked up."
Devery raised a brow but nodded, "Certainly not like before." She backed away and shrugged out of her jacket, tossing the wet garment onto a chair. Her boots followed and she grabbed her belt, unbuckling her swords and guns from her waist, tossing them on the table.
"Can I get something to eat?" she asked over her shoulder. When she was met with silence she turned and rolled her eyes; Gabriel had left, shutting the door behind him, probably locking it. "Fucker" she muttered, turning back to her bags to find a dry change of clothing.
She stripped off her clothes and tossed them aside shivering in the damp air as she pulled her clothes out of her bags, shaking them out. Tugging on dry jeans, she grabbed a v-neck sweater and wandered over to the bookshelves lining the walls, examining the books.
Most seemed to be in foreign languages, but a few were in English. She pulled a richly embossed leather bound book and flipped it open, skimming through it absently. A knock at the door startled her and she quickly pulled her shirt on before calling out for whoever it was to enter.
Nadia pushed the door open and lifted a tray full of food, smiling at her, "You requested food?" Devery nodded and watched her cautiously as she stepped into the room and set the tray on the table.
Nadia brushed her long blonde hair back and smiled at Devery, "You can eat here tonight, but Gabriel expects you to dine with him from now on."
Devery's brows shot up and she smirked faintly, "Mmm, does he? Well, why don't you invite him to join me tonight."
Nadia tucked her hands behind her back and nodded, "He's holding court at the moment, but I'll inform him of your invitation." She smiled and walked out of the room and Devery could hear the door latch behind her.
Devery couldn't understand for the life of her why humans had chosen to ally themselves with Gabriel, but what was even more mystifying was why Nadia chose to be kind to her at all. Whether Gabriel directed her to do so or the other woman chose to be polite and kind, Devery was automatically suspicious of her easygoing demeanor.
She slowly folded her clothes and slid them into the drawers of the huge teak dresser, her stomach grumbling for the food that lay on the table, but Devery ignored it for the moment. She wanted to settle in to her room and peek into all of the corners before she ate something.
Only one of the walls had a window and it was so high in the wall that she couldn't reach it even if she climbed the bookshelf. The ceiling had to be nearly twenty feet high and the book shelf reached only half way; the window was at least another eight feet above her reach.
What she did find at the top of the bookshelf were books that were written in the same archaic language that the scrolls both Gabriel and Michael had shown her. Pulling them out she flipped one open and began skimming through the pages, raising a brow at the illustrations.
The door creaked open and Devery's head snapped up to see Gabriel stride in. He cast about the room for her, a look of annoyance and confusion passing over his face. Devery smirked and chuckled softly.
Gabriel turned toward the sound and ran a hand over his mouth, hiding a smirk. "Clever little monkey aren't you?" he murmured.
Devery nodded and grabbed the books she had found, tucking them into her waistband before climbing down. She set the books on a lower shelf and brushed her knees and hands off; the upper shelves had been covered in dust.
"You don't know how to stay out of anything, do you?" Gabriel demanded.
"It's not in my nature" Devery replied easily, sinking down in a chair at the table, pulling the tray of food towards her. The plates of food were by now cold, but she was so hungry she didn't mind.
Gabriel settled himself across from her and sighed, smirking faintly. "Nor is it in mine. Perhaps that's why I'm so intrigued by you."
Devery smiled as she sipped on the wine and shrugged, "Or maybe it's because I kicked your ass" she offered as she set the wine aside, reaching for the food. She watched as Gabriel's smirk slipped, annoyance creeping into his face.
Good.
She wanted to push him.
She wasn't going to always be polite and she certainly wasn't his friend.
He needed to remember that.
Nadia quietly entered the room and set a tray of food and wine in front of Gabriel before backing out just as quietly.
"I'd hardly say you kicked my ass. You fought well, I'll give you that." Gabriel mockingly toasted her with a glass of wine, his grin wry.
Devery raised hers and smiled sweetly, "Well, I'm healed, rested, and no longer starving. Would you care to find out who is better? We can even wait till tomorrow to give you a night's rest" she offered, her voice saccharine sweet.
Gabriel scowled at her, tossing back his wine. "Infuriating woman." He picked up a handful of grapes and ignored her soft laugh, leaning back and propping his boots on the table.
Devery rolled her eyes and pushed her empty tray aside, standing. She sauntered around the table and shoved his feet off the table, grinning when he nearly fell out of his chair before he moved, almost supernaturally fast, and righted himself to his feet, glaring down at her.
"Do. Not. Test. Me." He growled at her.
Devery laughed and reached for his wine glass, tossing back the contents before pouring another glass and holding it out to him. Gabriel glared at her and she smirked, tossing it in his face before sweeping her foot out, knocking his out from under him as she punched him hard in the sternum, beating the air from his lungs.
Before Gabriel had a chance to react she was on top of him, a knife from the small of her back at his throat, the sharp blade nicking his skin. Devery leaned in and whispered, "I'd be happy to continue kicking your ass if you'd like, or maybe you can just take my word for it."
Gabriel blinked the wine out of his eyes and stared up at her, stunned. Her long black hair hung around them in a curtain and her eyes were bright with excitement, burning with fierceness that he had seen when he had held her prisoner before, burning to be set free.
Now she held him, her knife at his throat, and he knew instinctively from the way she had moved, lightning fast, that she would beat him. It frightened him and aroused him. It was like lightning itself…he yearned to reach out and touch it, to see what it felt like in his hands.
His hands moved without thinking, one to her waist, pulling her more firmly against him, the other winding into her hair and he saw the startled look on her face as he leaned up, intent on her. Her eyes grew wide as she realized what he was about to do, but it was too late, his lips were on hers.
Gabriel thought she tasted like wine and honey and something uniquely her…something sharp and bitter that was so appealing he ran his tongue softly across her bottom lip.
Pain flared across his collarbone and he rolled away, cursing.
Devery held up her knife, panting, glaring at him. "What the fuck Gabriel!?" she hissed.
He peered down at his chest and cursed at the sight of his own blood, she had cut him! He glared up at her, "What was that for?" he demanded.
Devery stared at him incredulously, "Are you fucking kidding me?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide. "You kissed me without my permission! You assaulted me!" she gestured between them with the knife and Gabriel glared at it.
Gabriel scoffed, "I didn't assault you! You're the one who hit me and held a knife to my throat. I simply kissed you. If I recall you kissed me back." He grinned suggestively at her and laughed when she made a noise of disgust and turned away.
"Like hell Gabriel. Get out."
Gabriel shrugged and ran a hand through his wine soaked hair, pushing the damp strands back out of his face. He stepped close to her, "I'd be happy to see if you can kick my ass tomorrow. Sweet dreams love" he murmured in her ear before stepping away, laughing softly.
Devery gritted her teeth as the door opened and closed her nerves on edge. When the lock clicked into place she let out a shout and turned, throwing her knife at the door, the blade burrowing in a good three inches.
She paced around the room, drinking the wine that Gabriel had left behind, shaking her head. She hadn't kissed him back….and if she had it had been purely instinct.
It had been years…years…since she had been intimate. Her body would have responded to a kiss from a goddamn monkey.
Running a hand over her face, she shook her head. She needed to drink some water and go to bed if she wanted to be fresh for tomorrow.
She was going to wipe that shit eating grin from Gabriel's face and leave him humiliated in front of his "court" as Nadia had called it.
Scoffing, Devery stripped off her clothes and her bra, slipping on a tank top before sliding beneath the covers of the bed. She stared up at the frescoed ceiling until her wine dazed brain slowly fell asleep.
The next morning Devery rose early, snacking on the remaining bread and sucking down nearly a pitcher of water, trying to clear the fuzz from her head. She dressed in the same style clothes she had worn while sparring with Michael and Alex, except this time she tucked small knives at her ankles, wrists, and the small of her back.
She had just finished adjusting her thigh holsters and the swords at her waist when the door opened, revealing a scowling 8-ball. Devery smiled at him wryly, "Is his highness ready?" she asked glibly.
The 8-ball scowled at her and stalked out of the room, "Follow me" he snarled. Devery grinned and sauntered after him, pleased she could make Gabriel's lackeys uncomfortable. She hoped she could do the same with Gabriel.
They walked through the twisting hallways until the 8-ball stopped them in a large room that took Devery's breath away. The walls were striated rock in different shades of pink, red, brown and black, and the ceiling had a perfectly circular hole cut into it.
Sunlight streamed in through the hole, reflecting off the glitter in the rocks, casting a warm glow through the room that touched Devery's skin, making it ripple pleasantly.
Devery's eyes widened as Gabriel descended, the sun suddenly blackening and a gust of wind came rushing through the hole in the ceiling. Gabriel smirked at her as he lowered his wings, his hair in disarray.
A single sword hung from his hip and it swayed as he sauntered forward, smirking at her. Devery's cheeks flashed hotly at the look he gave her and she itched to slap him.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked politely, tilting his head to smile at her.
Devery rolled her eyes, "Like a rock. Thanks."
Gabriel smirked, "Good, I wouldn't want anything preventing you from attempting to kick my ass." He grinned, watching the annoyance flicker on her face as she shifted angrily. Her fingers grasped the hilts of her swords, her knuckles white.
Devery grinned tightly, "Don't you worry, there's nothing that could stop me." She whipped her blades free and launched herself at him, baring her teeth at him in a snarl as his sword whirled out to slam against hers with a clang.
Gabriel grinned and shoved her back, his sword swirling to meet hers over and over again, their feet dancing in a strange pattern around the room. Devery spun and slashed, leaving a long cut across the back of Gabriel's armor.
He hissed in anger and spun, glaring at her, his sword lashing and spinning, knocking one of her swords from her hand, sending it scattering across the floor. Devery growled in frustration and lashed out, pivoting on her foot to slam a roundhouse kick into his ribs, sending him reeling back, gasping for air.
Devery lunged after him, spinning her sword around and slamming the pommel in her closed fist into his face—once, twice, three times—until blood flowed from his nose, a cut on his cheek, and over his eye.
Gabriel swore and swung his sword at her as she lifted her fist to hit him a fourth time, forcing her to dance back, barely avoiding a slash to the belly. Gabriel lunged after her, his sword a blur, and Devery panted, her own sword meeting his blow for blow, her arms beginning to burn with exertion.
A moment later their blades crossed and she found herself locked in a battle of strength against someone who outweighed her by at least fifty pounds and had eons of sword fighting experience. Devery grunted and felt sweat running down her brow as she struggled against Gabriel, battling for every inch.
Gabriel bared his teeth at her in a semblance of a grin, "I'm waiting for you to kick my ass" he taunted breathlessly. He slammed his forehead forward, smashing into her nose, and Devery heard something crunch as her face blossomed with pain.
Devery hissed out her breath sharply as blood ran down her face and leaned in harder, slipping her knife out from her left sheath and in a smooth, fast movement slashed Gabriel's bicep and then down across his thigh, sending him reeling back.
Gabriel groaned and switched his sword from his injured arm, his wounded leg dragging slightly. Devery grinned and lunged after him, twirling the knife in her hand. Gabriel twirled his sword out and hacked at her repeatedly, eyes widening when she dropped to her knees, throwing herself between his legs and sliding away.
As she slid between Gabriel's legs Devery slammed her knife into his wounded thigh, the blade sinking in to the hilt. She rose to her feet behind him and slammed a foot into his back, knocking him to his knees, grabbing his hair and yanking his head up, her sword going to his throat.
Devery leaned in, panting in Gabriel's ear as she grinned. "Consider your ass kicked." She shoved his shoulder, sending him face first into the ground as she sauntered away, leaning over to grab her sword that he had knocked from her hand.
As she sheathed her sword she heard a noise behind her and half turned, eyes widening. Gabriel had launched himself at her, wings spread, her knife in his hand. His fist connected with her jaw, sending her reeling back and a moment later he had her pinned against the wall, the blade at her throat.
"Never turn your back on an enemy unless you're sure they're dead" he snarled. Blood streamed from his numerous wounds and his eyes were wild, giving him a crazed, hungry appearance.
Devery struggled through the pounding pain in her head, "I didn't think we were enemies anymore" she murmured, reaching up to push the knife away from her throat. Her dark brown eyes met his bright blue ones as she pried her knife from his fingers and sheathed it.
Gabriel's wings fluttered and then sank, disappearing after a moment, exhaustion etched on his face. "I suppose not…" he sighed and stepped back, staggering as his leg buckled. Devery grabbed his arm and ignored his attempt to shake her off.
She slung his arm around her shoulder and grasped his waist, rolling her eyes as he tried to shake her off again, "Leave me alone woman!" he demanded.
Devery glared up at him, "Would you shut the fuck up?" she ground out, dragging him out of the room, "Jesus you're a pain in the ass" she muttered, guiding him through the halls. She peered down the halls, wondering where his lackeys were.
"You're going the wrong way" Gabriel commented lightly.
Devery paused and sighed deeply closing her eyes, counting to three internally so she didn't drop him on his ass and walk away….or kick him in the head. "Okay, which way should I go?" she asked softly.
Gabriel pointed left, "Take this hallway and then the hallway to the right and we'll be back at my rooms."
Devery nodded and pulled his arm tighter around her shoulder, leading them down the halls. An 8-ball stepped out ahead of them and ran up to them, raising a gun at Devery.
"Release him now!" the woman demanded.
Devery rolled her eyes, "He'll collapse if I do."
Gabriel lifted a hand, "JoJo, it's fine. Our guest is helping me. You can go."
The woman glared at Devery, her eyes pulsing darkly, and then nodded. Devery watched her stalk away before readjusting her grip on Gabriel's waist and dragging him down the hall.
As they made it into his rooms and she dumped him into an overstuffed chair she panted and wiped her face off, shaking her head, "You are fucking heavier than you look, you know that?" she muttered.
Gabriel furrowed his brow, "Fuck you" he muttered, his eyes drifting shut. Devery rolled her eyes and sank into the chair across from him, propping her feet up on the table, her eyes closing too.
Gabriel cracked an eye open and regarded her for a moment, frankly amazed that she had managed to overpower him. It lent credence to her story that she was a Knight of Heaven…that and her ability to kill people without a weapon in her hand.
Devery rubbed her jaw where Gabriel had punched her and worked it open and closed experimentally, grimacing. It wasn't broken, but it was definitely going to hurt badly in the morning.
Running her fingers over her nose she hissed and retreated; it was definitely broken. Taking a deep breath she closed her eyes and reached for the pool of power deep within her, lifting her fingers to her nose again.
Gabriel watched as a soft white glow emanated from Devery's fingers, sinking under her skin, and a moment later there was a popping noise. Devery swore and coughed, slamming a fist down on the table.
"Fuck me!" she gasped, blinking tears away.
Gabriel smirked, "What the hell was that?" he demanded.
Devery brushed her hair back and retied it, shrugging. "Just my power. I can heal myself, mostly small stuff."
"Heal me then" Gabriel commanded.
Devery narrowed her eyes at him, annoyed at his demand. "You sound like a petulant child" she murmured, shaking her head in disgust. She stood slowly and stretched, easing away the stiffness from the exertion she had put forth in their fight.
Nadia entered the room, carrying a tray full of bandages and a pitcher of water, settling it gently on the table. Gabriel glared at both women before turning his dark gaze on Devery, "Just because you were able to momentarily best me does not mean that you should feel safe."
Devery reached out and dampened a cloth, wiping her face clean of blood, taking a few moments before she chose to respond. Gabriel truly was like an angry, petulant child that demanded something they couldn't have and then threw a tantrum when they couldn't have it.
The only problem was, this child could kill her.
Sighing, she set aside her cloth and sat back in the chair across from Gabriel. She leaned forward, staring at him intensely.
"I don't know if I can heal you Gabriel. I've only tried on humans and it left me weak. I have no idea what would happen if I tried to heal an angel, let alone an archangel."
Gabriel rolled his eyes, "You're just being dramatic."
Devery slapped a hand on the table, frustrated. "Dammit Gabriel. I'm the only Knight of Heaven left! I have to use my powers to help people, not to satisfy your curiosity. I need to be strong so we can change things. I need you to help me."
She shoved the chair back and stalked to the door, pausing when Gabriel spoke.
"I didn't say you could leave!"
Devery's shoulders tightened and her hand went to her sword at her waist. She half turned, glancing at him over her shoulder, a warning in her eyes. Gabriel stared back at her, his cheeks flushed.
"I'm leaving. I'm going to bathe and relax. I'll see you for dinner."
Devery turned and walked out, leaving Gabriel to stew in impotent anger. As Nadia set about cleaning and dressing his wounds he slapped her hands away, growling at her to leave him alone. She raised a brow but did as he commanded, pulling the door shut behind her.
Gabriel had managed to clean and bandage his own wounds, his hands eventually remembering what to do. He sank back in his chair and reached for his own powers, for the angel he had been controlling within Vega's walls, and as the connection was established, smiled.
He would soon be able to control the Chosen One and ensure that the prophecy was never fulfilled.
AN: Hey everyone! Sorry this took some time to upload! I just wasn't sure where I was writing this in the context of the show, so I decided that it's around Season one episode seven "Ouroboros". As you can see, despite what Devery is offering (help, redemption, freedom, etc) Gabriel is going to be Gabriel (an ass, idiot, himself) until we move to season two when that whole redemption arc really kicked in. So I hope you enjoy this chapter and stick with the story because it's going to be fun! Thank you for reading/following/favoriting, please review!