"Why did Gabriel attack humanity?" Devery asked Miles, peering up at him from the ground where she sat sharpening a knife. It was an odd pastime for a 7 year old, but times being what they were, Miles insisted she know how to handle a blade.

Miles frowned at her, "I've told you this before, why do you ask again?" he asked softly.

Devery shrugged, a small, childish gesture as she continued sharpening the knife. "I just want to hear the story again I guess."

Miles sighed softly, understanding flooding him. She wanted to hear about her family, not just the story of Gabriel. After a moment he nodded, "Very well."

Miles lifted his sword and began smoothing out the edge, keeping his hands busy as he spoke. "Seven years ago everything changed. The world was filled with chaos; war, terrorism, racism, violence, hate, famine, environmental change." He frowned sadly at Devery, "Things you probably don't understand."

He sighed and continued, "Humanity was killing each other, destroying itself."

He frowned deeply and sighed, his hands stilling on his sword. "You were just four years old when the angels invaded. Gabriel had betrayed humanity."

"I still had friends; survivors who passed me word of what was happening in the outside world. I learned that the Archangel Gabriel had betrayed humanity by releasing the dogs of Heaven, sending them to possess humans and make war against us."

Miles sheathed his sword in a sharp movement, his jaw tightening. "Millions of humans have died. Those who were supposed to protect and love us turned on us."

Devery played with the knife absently as she looked up at him, "What's going to happen to Gabriel?"

Miles sighed, "I don't know. Humans are fighting him; I've seen the destruction on my supply runs. Things will get worse before they get better."

Devery nodded thoughtfully before her face moved firmly into belligerent anger, "I hope he dies for hurting my family."

Miles sighed sadly and shook his head, "I understand Devery, but that's not what we're going to do if we ever meet him. We're going to show him God's mercy and love."

Devery frowned deeply, "Why?" she demanded.

Miles smiled softly, explaining faith and love to a 7 year old was hard, harder than he had been prepared for. "Because, God told us to love our enemies, to treat them like our friends and neighbors. We should try to turn his heart from hate and back to love. By showing him love, we may be able to save him."

Devery frowned, "I can't ever do that."

Miles sighed and reached out, brushing her hair back, "You'll see how to someday."

Rock shifted and dust settled slowly as the stars faded in the sky, the light of the sun stealing into the horizon.

Devery shifted in the rubble that surrounded her and groaned, pain shooting through her knee. She tried to peer down but a large piece of stone was lying on top of her left leg, crushing it to the ground.

"Ohhh god…shit!" she whimpered, tears springing to her eyes when she tried to shift it off.

"Don't move, your knee is crushed, trying to move is going to make it worse."

Devery looked up in surprise; Alex stood over her, Noma behind him, gun in hand, guarding their backs. Alex crouched over her and grasped the stone, straining to lift it off her knee, sweat running down his face, leaving streak marks in the dirt that had smudged on his cheeks.

After a moment he stopped and the stone sank back onto Devery's knee, sending a shot of hot pain through it. Devery cried out in pain, fingers digging into the ground. Alex gave her a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry, it's heavier than I thought."

Devery shook her head, gritting her teeth, "Just get it off."

Noma holstered her gun and came to join them, "Let me help."

She and Alex grabbed the stone and after a nod from Alex, lifted the stone slowly off her knee. Devery groaned as her knee was freed, the pain nearly blinding. Noma grabbed her arm and lifted her to her feet, keeping a hand on her as her knee gave out.

"Shit, I won't be able to walk on this" Devery muttered, leaning on Noma heavily.

Noma shook her head, "It's fine, I'll help you. You saved us."

"Give me a moment and I can heal myself" Devery murmured, her breaths coming in short pained pants. Noma shook her head again, a look of frustration appearing on her face.

"We can't linger. Anyone who survived that blast will be coming this way and will be after us."

Alex gave Noma a sharp look, "Noms, we can give her a second to heal herself. We'll move faster if she's not hurt." He turned to Devery, "Can we help you in anyway?" he asked softly.

Devery shook her head, smiling faintly, "I just need to concentrate. Give me a minute." Alex nodded and she leaned against Noma, closing her eyes. The pain she felt was not just in her knee, her whole body had been hurt by debris and falling rock, including a blow to the head.

It took her some long moments of concentration to push aside the pain, dulling it, slowing her breathing and steadying her heartbeat until she was in a trancelike state. She focused her powers on her larger injuries; her knee was one of the more pressing ones, her head the other.

Distantly she felt herself nearly crumple to the ground as her knee repaired itself, tendons knitting back together, bone fractures weaving together again, and bruising and swelling reducing.

As she came out of her trance she felt the pounding in her head from the blow she had received lessening, but knew she would have a headache later from using her powers so extensively.

She released Noma's arm and smiled gratefully at her, "I'm sorry if I hurt you, and I'm sorry for keeping us, but I can walk freely now. Thank you for your help." Noma's eyes widened as Devery stepped away and leaned down to gather her fallen sword, sheathing it smoothly.

"We should go" Alex murmured, hardly surprised by Devery after what he had seen in Vega.

Devery and Noma nodded, following him out of the ruined room, gathering up supplies as they went. When they exited the aerie the sun had risen, the heat of the desert just beginning to ripple up from the sand.

They set out quickly, putting as much distance between themselves and the ruined aerie as they could. By midday Devery could feel her knee throbbing and was taking the rear position in their trio, cursing their lack of a vehicle.

She missed her motorcycle.

Alex glanced back and saw Devery struggling, but remaining silent and felt a sting of pity; she had been at the aerie because she had been trying to reason with Gabriel and turn his heart. She seemed very different from the last time they had been together; he wondered if her time with Gabriel had been that awful.

Glancing ahead he saw a clearing in the trees and made for it, setting his pack down against a tree when both women had entered the clearing after him. Noma gave him a questioning look and he jerked his chin to Devery.

"We should rest" he commanded.

Devery's jaw tightened, she hated feeling weak, but she knew she needed the time for her body to rest, and her head was pounding. Nodding, she sank to the ground gratefully and pulled her water canteen out, sipping slowly, rationing it.

Her pack contained only a single canteen of water and few sticks of jerky, and she knew Noma and Alex weren't much better off. Wherever they were going, it had better be close, or they weren't going to last long.

"Where are we going Alex?" Devery murmured, glancing over at where he and Noma sat together. He and Noma ceased murmuring and he looked over at her, frowning faintly.

"New Delphi."

Devery's brows shot up, "Are you sure about that?" she asked warily, "I've heard some things about their leader…I wouldn't want to go there without a lot more firepower."

Noma leaned forward, frowning, "What have you heard?" she demanded.

Devery sighed, "I've heard that he works with the 8-balls, that all are welcome there, and that he has access to a lot of weapons. I've gone by there a few times, disguised of course, to get more guns when I've been travelling. The people there aren't exactly friendly."

Alex shrugged, "I'm not looking for friends."

"That's fine…just remember what you just escaped from, and that if people know who you are in New Delphi, they'll want something from you." Devery hoped Alex would heed her warning.

Alex nodded, "I understand. You two rest, I'll stand guard." He stood and went to stand on the edge of the clearing, hand on his gun.

Devery eyed him for a moment before turning to Noma, "Where is Michael?" she demanded.

Noma frowned and shook her head, "Michael murdered people in Vega. He turned on Alex and almost killed him. He ran and left us all behind."

Shock rippled through Devery at Noma's words. That was not the Michael she had known, for however briefly. "I don't understand…what happened?" she murmured.

"One of the Councilors was experimenting on angels within the city, studying them…and she was discovered by Michael."

Devery looked up sharply at Noma, "She? You mean Becca Thorne."

Noma nodded.

"I never liked that woman" Devery murmured, her lip curling in disgust.

"What she did was torture. Michael killed her in a rage, and when the guard came, he killed them. Alex tried to stop him and Michael nearly killed him." Noma's voice was filled with hurt as she told the story. "If Gabriel hadn't come to Vega, none of it would have happened."

Devery looked up, frowning, "What do you mean?" she demanded.

"Gabriel surrendered himself, demanding to speak with Michael. He told Michael he hadn't been able to speak with the man who had been taken by Becca, sending Michael to go find him. Gabriel broke free while Michael was killing…and very nearly killed Claire."

Devery felt something twist inside her, in the region of her chest. Her fingers knotted in the sparse grass and she asked softly, "Is Claire alright?"

"She's alive. She's pregnant with Alex's child. She's fine."

Noma's voice was flat this time, trying to disguise her emotions.

Devery nodded, understanding. She had seen the way Alex and Noma looked at each other.

They sank into a melancholic silence, each of the women contemplating their own thoughts. Devery leaned back, pillowing her head against her pack. Exhaustion from excessive use of her powers quickly caught up with her and she slipped into a doze, the sun warming her pleasantly.

A short time later Noma shook her awake, "Come on, we're moving out." They moved out under the cover of the falling dusk, the trees around them casting long shadows.

Devery flipped her hood up, keeping her gaze low, listening to the conversation between Noma and Alex.

"It's a bad idea to go to New Delphi Alex. It's not safe!"

"Where else should we go? Back to Vega? They want us dead there."

Noma let out a low noise of frustration before striding ahead, leaving Alex to walk in between her and Devery. Alex eventually slowed and came to walk beside Devery, glancing over at her, frowning softly.

"I suppose you think it's a bad idea to go to New Delphi too?" he asked softly.

Devery shrugged gently, "Vega doesn't have an air force, so where did that airplane come from that bombed the aerie?" she asked, pushing her hood back so he could see her face. Alex frowned deeply, letting her words sink in.

A look of understanding crossed his face. "Helena" he murmured.

Devery nodded, "So Vega and Helena are working together to take out Gabriel." She glanced over at him, "Did anyone in Vega know you were coming to Gabriel?" she asked softly, pointedly.

Alex's shoulders stiffened and after a moment he nodded, "Claire. I left her a letter."

Devery nodded sharply, "Then she probably figured out where you were and had the aerie bombed, trying to take out Gabriel."

Alex scowled, shaking his head, "No. She wouldn't, she knew Noma came with me."

Devery lifted a brow, "And you think that would stop her?" she demanded.

Alex grunted and glared at her, "Claire wouldn't hurt us."

Devery lifted a hand, "You know her better than I, of course, but perhaps what you need to ask yourself is this; what wouldn't Claire do to protect Vega?"

Alex flinched and looked away, blanching. He strode away, tension in every line of his face.

Devery sighed, worried that the first small domino had been set into place on the path to darkness for Alex's heart.

By nightfall they were all exhausted, even those who had rested earlier in the day. They were closing in on the remains of a town, but Alex refused to take them any closer until daybreak. For now they huddled together under the trees and slept in shifts, uneasy, weary, and scared.

When dawn came and they snuck cautiously into town they discovered a truck by the road, still in good condition. Noma searched for keys while Alex and Devery scouted the road ahead, keeping a close eye out for any threats.

When the truck roared to life Devery felt like cheering; her feet were sore and blistered and her injured knee ached constantly. She climbed into the bed of the truck and lay back, closing her eyes as they bumped along, slowly falling asleep.

"I told you we shouldn't stop!" Noma shouted.

"Well we needed gas and supplies! How was I supposed to know this place was overrun?" demanded Alex.

Devery sighed and sat up in the bed of the truck, her guns already unholstered and swinging up to sight on their targets. 8-balls were running at the slowly moving truck, shouting at Alex, who was hanging from the window, shooting.

She grinned and shook her head, kid was crazy.

Lifting her own weapons she began to fire, precise, steady shots that left her targets with large gaping wounds in their heads. When the truck came to a halt a few hundred feet later there were no moving targets remaining.

Devery holstered her guns and jumped from the bed of the truck.

"Where are you going?" demanded Alex.

She ignored him and walked between the bodies, glancing over them, her heart saddened at the sight of so many fallen innocents. She had never relished in taking the lives of 8-balls, because it meant that more humans had been lost to the war with angels without ever having the chance at redemption.

A low groan caught her ear and she turned, unsheathing her sword. An 8-ball was struggling to rise, the bullet having caught him in his shoulder, not his head. A shot from Alex then…she didn't miss.

As she lifted her sword to strike his head from his shoulders Alex darted in front of her, lifting his hands, his face panicked, "Stop!"

She quickly averted her blade, anger boiling in her veins. "Alex, what the hell?" she demanded.

He gave her a sheepish look, "I'm sorry, but…I think I can expel the 8-ball. Let me try."

Noma strode over, a skeptical look on her face, "Alex, who do you want to try this?" she asked.

Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair, "It just…feels right. I think I can this time."

Devery rolled her eyes, sheathing her sword; "It just feels right" she scoffed, shaking her head. "Fine, but don't get killed" she muttered.

Alex sighed, nodding, "It wouldn't be me who died" he murmured. Turning to the 8-ball he lifted his hands, rolling up his sleeves before reaching out and laying his hands on the young man's arms.

When he began to speak, neither Noma nor Devery could understand him. His chanting grew louder until he was shouting and the 8-ball thrashed, trying to free himself. Suddenly it flinched and went limp, collapsing to the ground.

Alex released his arms and his eyes focused; he looked up at Noma hesitantly, "Did it work?" he asked softly. She knelt and put a hand to the man's pulse, her gaze darkening after a moment.

"You certainly expelled it."

Alex rocked back on his heels and shook his head, "Same as last time" he muttered, a dark look on his face.

"In a world of 8-balls, you just became the most dangerous man alive" Noma murmured.

Devery stepped forward, placing a hand on Alex's shoulder, "Listen, we need supplies. The town is just ahead. Come with me and we'll stock up. Noma can guard the truck, okay?" she offered softly.

Noma opened her mouth to protest and Devery gave her a sharp look, cutting her off. Alex nodded and stood, following after Devery. They walked in silence for some time until he finally spoke.

"The last time I tried that…Claire's mom was possessed."

Devery's eyes slid shut at the revelation. Of course. Of course this world had taken her mother from her.

"It worked…but her soul and body were so damaged that she died after just a few moments. Claire witnessed it all."

Devery struggled not to swear, her hands tightening into fists. Alex fell silent and she sighed, "Alex, I'm sorry. You shouldn't have had this life. You shouldn't have to try to save everyone. It's not fair."

Alex glanced over at her, a sad smile on his face and his eyes were fathomless, endless pools of sorrow. "Seems like you haven't had much choice about your life either. You have to save someone who destroyed your life, that's a harder life than mine."

Devery sighed and shrugged, "I try not to think about it. But when I do, I think about this; we've all made choices to get where we are, and Gabriel made some very poor ones. So have humans, and at this point, so have I."

She looked contemplatively at Alex for a moment before continuing, "Miles told me in a letter that God directed him on his missions, but eventually, he stopped hearing the voice, and the other Knights dwindled until it was just him. I have to wonder why that happened. Did God think that our order wasn't doing enough good so that he let it die out until I was born?"

She shrugged, "I don't have any good answers Alex, but what I do know is that your markings hold answers to some questions. I have the ability to help not just you, but humanity and Gabriel—if he'll accept my help. We have to try, because this is turning into a zero sum game, and humanity will lose on Gabriel's terms."

Shaking her head she sighed, "We have to change the way we do things. Otherwise all we're doing is killing ourselves. We're giving Gabriel exactly what he wants; a world without humanity."

Alex frowned, contemplating her words.

They continued on in silence, entering the small convenience store and stealing supplies, moving quickly and without alerting any nearby 8-balls to their presence. When both of their packs were full they skulked away, keeping to the shadows and side streets, senses alert for attack.

As they rounded the bend towards the truck Devery's brow furrowed; Noma's wings were spread and she was standing over someone, gun pointed at them. She nudged Alex, "Someone found us" she hissed.

He tensed and looked where she was pointing, his jaw tightening at the sight. He nodded and made a hand motion for her to circle around the other side of the truck. Devery nodded, drawing her gun and jogging away on light feet.

Alex jogged over to Noma, his own gun drawn and the trio converged.

Noma looked up as she stepped aside, revealing the 8-ball he had evicted…who was now just a young man…alive and well.

Alex blanched and stumbled back, gaping at the young man. "Wha—how?" he demanded, turning to Noma.

Giving him an exasperated look she holstered her gun, "Do I look like I know?" she muttered. Devery stepped forward and knelt by the scared looking young man, her gun still in her hand. He flinched back, a soft gasp escaping him. "P-please, don't hurt me" he whimpered.

Devery lifted a hand, "I'm not going to hurt you" she murmured, "I just want to see your eyes." The young man nodded eagerly and opened his eyes wide, revealing plain blue eyes. Devery looked up at Alex and Noma, "He's human. Whatever you did, it worked."

Alex nodded, looking surer of himself. He leaned in towards the young man, "What's your name?" he asked roughly.

The young man swallowed hard, nodding, "Pete. What happened to me?" he asked shakily.

Alex frowned, "Where are you from Pete?"

"Missouri"

"What's the last thing you remember?"

"I was having a burger after a shitty day—my boss was being a dick about some batteries that needed to be changed."

Noma frowned, "What are you talking about? After a burger you were possessed."

Pete blanched and shook his head sharply "No, no, no, God no." He looked like he was going to be sick as he continued, "I just woke up on the road, and I saw you guys."

Noma waved a hand towards Alex, "You don't recall him evicting an angel from you?" she demanded.

Pete shook his head hard, "I'm human just like you guys!"

Devery stepped forward, "We can make New Delphi by nightfall, but we need to leave now."

Pete scrambled to his feet, "You can't leave me here! Whatever you did to me makes me your responsibility."

Devery smirked, "He's right, if he opens his mouth to someone else about what happened, they'll either kill him or hunt us down. It's better if he's with us."

Alex sighed and looked to Noma who shrugged and nodded. Devery smiled, waving a hand at Pete, "You can ride in the back with me." He nodded nervously and climbed into the bed of the truck, wincing when she heaved her pack in beside him.

Alex and Noma climbed into the front and a moment later Devery heard a groaning noise coming from the engine as it refused to start. Sighing, her head dropped back and her eyes drifted shut as she shook her head in frustration.

Of course.

Eyes flying open, she laid a hand on the bed of the truck and vaulted out, walking to the front. "Pop it" she called to Alex. When she heard the lock disengage she lifted it and coughed as smoke poured out.

"Shit" she muttered, waving a hand in front of her face, trying to see where it was coming from. A moment later flames began to appear, licking along the engine. She backed away and ran for the driver's door, yanking it open, "Get out!" she shouted at Alex.

When he protested she grabbed his arm and dragged him out, "It's on fire!" she shouted. Noma quickly followed and they gathered their supplies, pulling Pete out of the bed of the truck and down the road as the truck was consumed by flames.

"We need to move quickly, that fire is going to attract a lot of attention" Devery muttered. She headed towards the forest, ignoring Alex's protests, "If you want to stay on the road, that's fine, you'll just be dead before nightfall."

They alternated running and walking for nearly three hours, until they were all so exhausted that they had to walk. Devery's knee felt like it was on fire, and she badly needed to rest to regain some of her powers.

Night had fallen and they were leaning against the trees, taking a short break, eating some canned food and enjoying some much needed water when Devery heard movement within the trees.

Quickly unholstering her gun she stepped away from the tree, peering into the shadows. Alex frowned, "What is it?" he whispered.

She shook her head, "Not sure."

A moment later she heard the loud footsteps of multiple people and lifted her gun, aiming behind Alex, "Move!" she shouted. She didn't know how they had been flanked, but they had been and now they were coming.

They sprinted through the dark woods, tree branches slapping their faces, their hot breath steaming in the cold air. Devery panted, her knee exploding with pain, her lungs feeling like she could barely draw breaths.

Something whistled through the air and a moment later she was knocked to the ground, a surprised cry escaping her. She could feel it now, a net entrapping her, and she struggled to escape.

She could hear Alex and the others struggling similarly, and she tried to get her knives free to hack at the net, but discovered that the material was reinforced with metal, making it impossible to cut through with her knives.

Perhaps if she could free her sword…

She never got the chance, because a moment later people were hauling her to her feet and slinging her over their shoulders, carrying her through the woods. She bounced along; ineffectually trying to see who it was that had captured them.

They were dumped on a hard concrete floor and the nets were removed, leaving them huddled together, weaponless and waiting for someone to come into the cold, dank room.

"Welcome to New Delphi" Devery murmured.

Alex gave her a sharp look, "I thought you hadn't been inside" he murmured.

She shook her head, "I haven't. That doesn't mean I don't know where we are. I'm not stupid." She gave him a wry look, "Neither are you."

He sighed and nodded, he had figured out where they were the moment they had been pursued and captured. "What do you think is going to happen to us?" he murmured.

Devery shook her head, "I think someone is watching us right now, assessing if we're a threat, and if we are, they'll kill us without ever entering the room. If not, we'll get to talk to someone in charge. Maybe even Julian."

Alex's brows shot up, "That's a grim outlook."

"It's what I would do" Noma muttered.

Devery nodded, "Think tactically Alex."

Alex frowned and nodded. "So what do we do now?" he muttered looking around the sparse room.

Devery leaned back against the wall, her eyes sliding shut, "We rest. They'll come for us when they want to." She planned on resting as much as possible, her knee needed healing again.

Hours passed as they slept, talked quietly, told stories, and found pointless ways of passing the time until finally the door to the room swung open.

A tall dark haired man strode in and smiled in a gregarious manner at them, "I do hope you've all found the accommodations acceptable so far. We needed to make sure you were all safe to be among our people."

He smiled wryly, "You had a startling number of weapons with you. You might understand our hesitation."

Devery stood and smiled faintly, "Hello Julian, does this mean you're extending us a friendly welcome into New Delphi?" she asked.

Julian studied her for a moment and then stepped forward, a slight frown on his face, "Do I know you?" he asked softly.

Devery's smile grew, "I've had dealings with New Delphi, but never you directly. Your people know me." She bowed her head, "I'm Nindayaa."

Julian's eyes widened for a moment before he plastered a wide smile on, "My goodness, we have a celebrity in the house! Had I known I would have given you much better quarters. Please, come with me! All of you!" He held a hand out, smiling at all of them.

Devery turned and smiled falsely at the group, nodding, encouraging them to rise and follow her. The followed her lead, walking close behind her as she trailed behind Julian to a large well lit room, filled with comfortable seating and a well stocked bar.

Seating herself in a comfortable chair, she leaned back and crossed her foot over her other leg, giving an air of relaxation. She had healed her knee so that she would no longer be impeded if they needed to run, but she didn't think she would be able to take on all the 8-balls that resided in New Delphi with her powers if it came down to it.

Julian poured a glass of bourbon and held the decanter up, "Would you like some?" he offered her with a tight smile. Devery nodded and looked around the room, seeing if anyone else wanted one, but the others looked tense, shaking their heads.

Julian handed her a glass and sat next to her in another chair, leaning back to sip his bourbon and try to appear relaxed, smiling widely at her. After a long moment of silence he set aside his drink and leaned forward, "So, tell me Nindayaa, why are you here?" he asked.

Devery sighed and sipped her bourbon before setting hers down. "Because we need your protection. We've escaped from Gabriel's aerie, and he'll be coming for us."

Julian's brows shot up, "And why would I protect you?" he scoffed.

"Because he controls 8-balls, takes them under his command, and that is directly contrary to how you all live here in New Delphi. We're asking for your help. I'm asking for the chance to change his mind on attacking."

Julian's brow furrowed, "What makes you think you can do that?" he murmured.

Devery smiled sadly, "Because he's lost, and lost children need someone to guide them home. It's my calling to do that, no matter the consequences to myself."

Julian studied her for a moment and then shook his head, "Who are you that this is your calling?" he demanded softly.

"I'm no one." Devery smiled archly and sipped the rest of her bourbon, "Do we have your protection?" she asked softly.

Julian sighed, frustrated. "Fine." He leaned forward and snatched her arm close, pulling her sleeve up, revealing the brand-like markings covering her skin. He had seen them peeking out from her wrists and her collar, and stared at them now with wonder.

"What do they mean?" he murmured.

Devery flipped her arm in his and grabbed his wrist, wrenching it to a painful angle, a high pained shriek coming from his throat. "They mean you should leave me alone. I didn't say you could touch me."

She released him and stood, glaring down at him. "Where will we be staying?" she demanded.

At that moment a high pitched siren began blaring, red lights flashing in the room. The door to the room burst open and a pair of 8-balls burst in, guns in hand.

"Sir! We are under attack! Gabriel has come!"

Julian stood and shook out his wrist, glaring at Devery. "I know" he ground out.

AN: Okay so I hope you are all enjoying the story, we are officially into season two now, and eventually we'll diverge from the show, because it did end lol Thank you all for reading, following and favoriting. Please review!