Devery climbed slowly back down the mountain, every limb on fire, agonizing pain lighting up her cells, her nerve endings screaming in misery as she slipped and stumbled down the rocky cliffs, her breaths coming in ragged gasps.
The sky had lightened to a murky grey as the sun slowly rose, the rain slackening to a light drizzle that cooled her skin only slightly and soaked into her clothes, making her shiver harder. Stumbling through the forest she peered nervously over her shoulder at the sound of branches snapping behind her, eyes widening at the sight of a pair of yellow eyes peering at her from the brush.
A wolf stepped out of the brush, nose low to the ground, watching her. She stepped back carefully, her hands drifting towards her swords. She didn't want to kill this beautiful creature, but every instinct within her screamed to fight.
Long tense moments passed as the wolf and Devery stared each other down, neither moving, deep assessment in both their eyes. Finally the wolf stepped forward, moving slowly, cautiously, and Devery watched it, her hand on the grip of her sword, anxiously waiting to see what was going to happen.
The wolf brushed against her leg, lifting its head to sniff her hand once before it let out a soft rumble in the back of its throat, loping away quickly, leaving Devery to turn quickly and stare after it in amazement.
Her grip on her sword loosened and the blood rushed back to it, making her palm ache as she slowly continued back to the bunker, dazed wonder filling her. She had never experienced anything like this, had never seen a wild animal act like that.
What the hell was happening?
Shoving open the doors to the bunker she slammed them shut behind her and locked them securely before stumbling to her bathroom, slowly shedding her clothes as she went, shivering in pain as her skin was met with the cold air.
Turning on the hot water she stepped under the stream and shuddered, her body in shock from the lightning strike. As her power flowed through her, her eyes slid shut, her limbs shaking violently until she slid to the floor, nearly unconscious.
Relief spread through her veins like cool water, easing the trembling in her limbs until only her fingers spasmed infrequently. Devery's eyes slid open slowly, the water slapping against her face, rousing her.
Her head lay against the wall of the shower, the cool tile warming under her skin. Slow shuddering breaths ached out of her chest, her legs trembling as she stood slowly. Gradually she washed her body, her limbs aching so badly she could barely move without tears coming to her eyes.
Eventually the hot water cooled and her muscles felt limp, aching and weak. Turning off the water she wrapped a towel slowly around her body, her wet hair hanging down her back. A wet trail of footprints on the concrete followed her to her bedroom where she dropped her towel and crawled into her bed, exhaustion overwhelming her.
Her sleep was deep, unyielding, and dreamless.
As the sky began to lighten a truck pulled away from an abandoned group of buildings, the walls of Vega just barely visible in the distance. Alex drove confidently, one hand on the wheel, the other wrapped around Noma's fingers, their hands entwined.
They shared a smile as he drove away from the city and into the desert, leaving everything he had ever known behind.
It had been easier than she had thought to convince him to leave Vega behind. When Michael had come to his rooms, trying to convince him that she was going to harm him and the people of Vega, it had taken little convincing that what she was really doing with Lucifer was taking out the real threat; the higher angels—the ones who had started everything that had undone his world.
They would go to Mallory, and they would change everything. Squeezing his hand gently she leaned her head against the window and closed her eyes, drowsiness overwhelming her.
Alex watched her for a moment, a smile on his lips, before turning his attention back to the road. He hadn't ever felt truly at home in Vega, hadn't ever felt at home anywhere. The only time he had felt happy, he had come to realize, was when he was with Noma.
She had always been by his side, loving him, protecting him, guiding him gently, and kicking his ass when he needed it. Him falling in love with Claire had been a momentary distraction, a whirlwind of illicit romance, and now that she was gone, it was like the shades had been lifted from his eyes, allowing him to see the woman who had always been there.
His eyes darted over to Noma's abdomen, still flat, where his child was growing slowly, and he wondered what it would look like. Boy, or a girl? Would it be an angel? He smiled softly at the thought and gazed down the road as the sky lightened, turning an orangey-pink, looking like a sherbert ice cream cone.
Settling deeper into his seat he sighed tiredly and watched the seemingly endless desert flash by, drawing him closer to Mallory.
Michael tossed open Alex's door, his knuckles sore from pounding on the wood. Tumbling forward, he froze when he saw the barren room, the bed sheets still rumpled, a pillow tossed on the floor, and a lonely sock lying in the corner.
Alex was gone.
Like a thief in the night, he had stolen away, or rather, he had been stolen away, and Michael was certain he knew by whom.
Noma.
Fury burned in him, flaring hot like a flame, and then turning icy as his mind worked faster than the speed of light, computing all the possible outcomes his actions could have. Clenching his jaw in frustration, his eyes blazed with anger as he strode out of the room, jacket flapping behind him.
Storming up to his apartment, he stood on his balcony, glaring out at the city, anger and fear warring within him. He feared leaving the city behind, the occupants were barely able to defend themselves, and the 8-balls were likely to attack the city if he left it unprotected.
But he couldn't leave Alex to Noma and Lucifer's scheming; he wouldn't come away from it whole, neither would humanity for that matter. Shaking his head in frustration, he spread his wings and leapt from the balcony, wings flapping powerfully, carrying him to Mallory.
The truck rumbled to a halt, a trail of dust following behind it for fifty feet as the engine ticked, cooling off. Alex smiled as Noma stirred, making a soft sleepy noise and brushing hair out of her face to smile at him.
"We're here," Alex murmured, indicating the empty town and the burnt remains of the church before them. They quickly exited the truck and Alex unloaded their few bags, glancing around the barren, eerie town, his lips turned down.
Noma reached out and took his hand in hers, giving him a reassuring smile when he turned to look at her. Tugging on his hand, she led him into the house nearest the ruined church, flipping on the lights as she kicked the door shut behind them.
Alex looked around at the house that had once been someone's home and his stomach flip flopped uncomfortably. A quilt lay across the back of the couch, both obviously well worn and lived in, the hard wood floors dusty and scuffed, and piles of books lay scattered around the room.
The carpet under the coffee table was stained with blood, sending a chill up Alex's spine.
"What happened to everyone who lived here?" Alex asked softly, glancing around the room, his brow furrowed.
"They moved on," Noma murmured simply, shrugging a shoulder as she rustled through the cabinets for something to eat. Grabbing a box of crackers down she pulled the box open and began snacking, her stomach rumbling happily.
Alex stepped into the room, laying his hands on the counter by her hips, trapping her easily, his chin resting on her shoulder. "Are you feeling okay?" he asked softly.
Noma sighed and nodded, chewing her cracker before swallowing, "Just a little hungry. Baby needs food," she murmured, smiling weakly at him over her shoulder. In truth, she was just hungry, but Alex didn't need to know that, he only needed to know what Lucifer wanted him to know.
She turned in his arms and smiled softly, wrapping her arms around his waist, "We should go to the church, there's someone who wants to meet you," she murmured. Alex's eyes widened slightly but he nodded, his expression solemn.
They walked quickly to the ruins of the church where Noma kicked aside debris to reveal a charred but still functioning metal handle in the floor. Alex crouched and wrenched the secret door open, revealing a set of stairs that descended into darkness.
Noma stepped down the stairs and a moment later torches along the wall blazed to life, illuminating the way, leading them deeper into the earth. Alex looked around in amazement as the stairwell opened up into an enormous well-lit room.
In the center of the room was a pit filled with a black substance that undulated in the glow of the torches, looking as though it held some ancient creature that was restless for release. Alex watched with wide eyes as Noma approached the blackness and knelt before it, her wings spreading, a white glow surrounding them.
A soft whispering sound began to fill the room, as quiet as a breeze in the branches of trees, growing slowly louder until it was practically a shout, though the words were still incomprehensible.
Abruptly the voice ceased and the room went silent, the blackness within the pit stilling, looking as though it was concrete.
Alex, I've been waiting so long to meet you, I'm so pleased to finally make your acquaintance.
Alex spun around, searching for the source of the voice in his head, but saw no one, only Noma, kneeling in front of the blackness.
"Where are you?" he demanded, looking around in suspicion.
Lucifer's voice was warm, filled with good humor and encouragement as he spoke to Alex's mind.
My corporeal body is not…ready. I am, still here. What matters Chosen One, is that you are here, where you are welcome, needed, and useful. Here, with my beloved Noma, you will find your home, your sanctuary, your family. We are here for you, to help you complete your mission, to cleanse the earth of higher angels and become the leader you are meant to be.
"Aren't you a higher angel?" Alex asked ruefully, his brows lifting in mild humor. A low chuckle filled Alex's mind.
You are intelligent young one. I am indeed a higher angel, one of the highest. But I am different than my brothers and sisters; I never believed that the lower angels should be enslaved and maltreated as they were, and still are. I never believed that humanity should be forgotten and abandoned by a willful and ignorant father…
Lucifer's voice grew steely and cold and Alex felt a shiver run up his spine at the hate in his voice. "What do you want from me?" he murmured, crossing his arms over his chest, pacing slowly, casting his gaze towards Noma and the darkness.
What I want from you Alex, is quite simple; I want you to be happy. Because of this, Noma and I will help you do whatever is necessary to free humanity from the filth of the dogs of heaven. We will aid you in your path, Chosen One.
Alex stilled behind Noma, staring down at her in intense concentration, his brow furrowed deeply. "Is it safe for Noma? With the baby?" he murmured, settling a hand onto her shoulder. She remained still as a statue beneath his hand, barely breathing, her gaze locked on the blackness below her.
She will be fine. Angels are far more resilient than humans when it comes to childbirth. Noma is a warrior, she will handle everything quite well, I assure you.
Alex nodded slowly and squeezed Noma's shoulder gently, "Then we should get started," he murmured. Noma stirred beneath his hand, taking a deep breath and blinking rapidly. She stood slowly, her wings receding as she lifted a hand to steady herself, grabbing onto Alex's arm.
What can I give you Alex? What do you need?
Alex peered into the darkness, pondering that question.
What could Lucifer give him?
Michael landed softly in the abandoned streets of Mallory, the silence of the town haunting. The last time he had been here…he shook his head and adjusted the collar of his jacket, striding towards the remains of the church, knowing it had to be where Noma had taken Alex.
When the charred floor of the church abruptly moved and lifted, giving way to allow Noma and Alex to walk forth, he paused, momentarily stunned. He had known that they were together, but still, seeing them together, it hurt him deeply.
When Alex and Noma caught sight of him, the air itself seemed to grow still, all of them assessing each other like deer caught in the headlights. Michael was the first to move, stepping forward slowly, cautiously.
Without realizing it his hand reached out in supplication towards Alex, his expression soft, pleading, "Alex, please, come with me," he called.
Alex shook his head, "I can't do that Michael," he called back, frowning.
"Why not?" Michael asked, his question more of an appeal.
Noma stepped forward, blocking Alex from Michael's sightline. She frowned sternly at him, "Because he wants to be here Michael. He doesn't want to be in Vega anymore. He wants to be here, with me, where our child will be safe."
Michael stumbled backwards. Child…they were having a child? His chest felt like it was going to burst it was so painful at the thought. Half human and angel children were abominations…how could Noma allow this?
Shaking his head slowly he inhaled sharply, "No…you…can't. Noma…it's an abomination," he murmured. "This, it will be catastrophic, you know that," he called louder this time.
"I don't know that Michael. Alex is the Chosen One, he's not just some human. Our child will change everything," she replied angrily.
Yes brother, the child will change everything. It will save both heaven and earth and give us all the freedom we need.
Michael's spine stiffened like he had been electrocuted, "Lucifer," he hissed, looking around wildly for his brother.
Indeed. I have to thank you for not destroying my body as you were commanded. You have given me the opportunity to rise again, and to bring Alex into my loving embrace.
"You stole him! You've both tricked him!" Michael shouted, his anger boiling over rapidly.
"Michael, no."
Alex stepped around Noma, shaking his head. "I want to be here. I want to be with Noma, and Lucifer. He's only ever told me the truth, and he's promised to help me rid the world of the dogs of heaven, and the higher angels who have killed so many." His eyes were dark, nearly black, and Michael knew he was nearly lost to the influence of Lucifer.
"Release Alex, Lucifer. Let him go," Michael pleaded.
Noma's eyes darkened and her hand went to the knife at the small of her back, her motions small, surreptitious.
I cannot do that Michael. Alex is here of his own will, and we are going to free humanity. We will bring them peace.
"Liar, deceiver!" Michael hissed.
Noma lunged at him, her bright white wings spread, carrying her through the air with a rush, the buffet of air pummeling Michael back moments before Noma collided with him. Her blade moved like lightning, slicing across his chest, bicep, and his thigh as he rolled, trying to escape.
His blood left a trail across the sand, splattering in bright red drops as he sprang to his feet, throwing his elbow into Noma's face, his wings expanding to force her back. He felt a sharp line of pain down his back as her blade scored him and a moment later he launched himself into the air, fleeing as fast as he could.
Looking back over his shoulder he saw Noma flap her wings but remain on the ground, peering up at him angrily, her knife stained with his blood.
Turning away, he flew harder, carrying himself away from Mallory.
It was time to find Devery and his brother.
Gabriel sat chest deep in a swirling tub of hot water, head reclined, feeling the snow drift down onto his face.
It had been nearly five days since he had left what remained of Los Angeles to come here, one of his old haunts, a ski resort in the mountains, and when it had begun to snow, he had decided to stay and make it his new home.
He tried to push all thoughts of Vega and Devery out of his mind, but here in the silence of the mountains it was hard to keep his mind from drifting where it wanted to go. He kept picturing the look of agonized anger on Devery's face when they were at Jonas's house, when he had kissed her, when his whole world had fallen apart, yet again.
Reaching up he ran a wet hand through his damp hair, brushing it back from his face. It was pleasant to have his sister here with him, though her occasional comments on his reasoning for abandoning Vega and not fighting for Devery were driving him more than a little crazy.
Standing slowly he stepped out of the hot tub and onto the snow covered wooden deck, barely flinching at the bite of the cold snow beneath his feet and the freezing air against his hot, naked skin. Steam rose from his tanned skin, clouding the glass of the door leading into his bedroom.
As he stepped inside he grabbed a towel from the bed and wiped off his face, holding onto it as he walked into the bathroom to shower.
The ski resort had been in poor condition, but Uriel and he had been able to get the power and water back on within just a day. A day after that they had stocked it with food and had cleaned it from top to bottom, making it habitable once more.
As the cooler water sluiced over his skin Gabriel scrubbed the scent of chlorine away, feeling fresher, more relaxed. A few minutes later he shut off the water and wrapped a towel around his waist, brushing his hair back from his face as he stepped into his bedroom.
"G-Gabriel…."
He spun in surprise at the sound of his brother's voice and stared in amazement at his brother. Michael was leaning heavily against the glass door leading out to the patio, his face flushed and streaked with blood, his shirt and jacket torn in multiple places.
"What the hell happened?" Gabriel demanded, striding forward to grab his brother by the arm and haul him to the bed, forcing him to sit.
"N-Noma…and Lucifer…" he whispered, barely able to keep his eyes open. His fever blazed so hotly he felt like he was going to burn into a crisp from the inside out.
Gabriel heaved an annoyed sigh and shook his head, "I told you that you shouldn't trust that little wench. She betrayed you once…"he murmured in frustration, tugging at Michael's jacket, trying to get it off his limp body.
"She…has corrupted…Alex," Michael whispered, his eyes drifting closed. His heart thumped weakly within his chest and his eyes rolled back in his head as he collapsed backwards, his body going limp.
Gabriel cursed and released his brother, stepping back to shake his head in exasperation. Pulling the towel at his waist aside he went to his dresser and yanked it open, grabbing a pair of soft cotton pants and a blue sweater, dressing quickly.
Throwing open the bedroom door he leaned out the frame and bellowed for his sister, "URIEL!" before leaning back in and striding back to Michael, wrestling him out of his jacket and tossing it aside.
A moment later he heard the light footsteps of Uriel behind him, and then her startled gasp. "What has happened?" she demanded.
"Lucifer. And Noma. And apparently Alex." Gabriel shook his head and waved a hand, motioning her forward to help him. Uriel quickly scurried forward and helped him remove Michael's clothing, both of them wincing at his wounds—streaked with red angry lines and smelling faintly of pus, they were clearly infected.
Uriel hissed angrily, her delicate brows furrowing, "I'll get medicine," she murmured, striding away quickly. Gabriel went to the bathroom and wet one of his wash cloths in hot water, wringing it out before taking it out to wipe down his brother's wounds, the cloth quickly becoming dirtied with old blood and filth.
Uriel darted back into the room, her arms laden with medical supplies and a deep frown creased her face. Brushing aside her brother she hastily began wiping Michael's numerous wounds with antiseptic, hissing softly, "Traitorous bitch!"
"As I said," Gabriel murmured in assent, reaching out to feel for Michael's pulse, making sure that his brother wasn't in any danger. His pulse was weak and thready and his breath was shallow and irregular, his skin blazing hot.
Gabriel turned and rustled through the medical supplies that they had gathered, looking for the strongest antibiotics that they had, a deep worry gripping him. When he had found the pills he was looking for he gripped his brother's neck and lifted his head, forcing his mouth open and dropped two pills in.
Pouring water into Michael's mouth he tapped his brother's cheek until Michael swallowed reflexively, nearly choking, and the pills went neatly down his throat. Gabriel nodded in satisfaction and leaned back, relief flooding him.
They had done the best they could; now Michael's body had to fight.
Nearly two days later Michael woke after being repeatedly forced to take antibiotics and being washed in his sleep, his brother and sister taking turns in caring for his weakened body. His eyes fluttered open and he found Gabriel sitting on the bed next to him, reading War and Peace in the original Russian.
Smiling faintly he lifted a hand and nudged the book, catching Gabriel's attention. His brother turned alert eyes on him, his lips turned up faintly at the corners.
"You look like shit," he murmured.
Michael smirked faintly, "So do you. How long have I been out?" he asked faintly.
"Close to two days." Gabriel's brows drew together, "Noma did this?" he asked sharply.
Michael nodded and his face darkened with worry, "Alex has joined her and Lucifer in Mallory. I fear there is no turning him back from her side. She…." His expression grew darker still at the recollection of what had happened.
"She what?" Gabriel demanded.
Michael shook his head, "She carries his child," he whispered, distraught.
Gabriel flinched, unable to contain his reaction. Angel and human hybrids always had been and always would be abominations. The potential disaster that was the child of the Chosen One and an angel…it was catastrophic.
"You know what we must do," Gabriel murmured harshly.
Michael's eyes met his, anger and sorrow waging war there, and Gabriel stood, shaking his head. He didn't need to hear the arguments, he already knew what his brother would say. "It must happen Michael. The child cannot live. You know this better than anyone."
Michael groaned as he sat up and blanched as his wounds throbbed violently. More mementoes of his time among humanity; scars to remind him of his failures.
"I know Gabriel. That does not mean I relish the task. Nor should you."
Gabriel nodded and turned to stare out at the snow falling onto the patio, exhaustion coursing through him. He wanted nothing more than to turn his back on humanity, on the blasted Chosen One and all his damned foolish choices and stay here in his mountain retreat where it felt like nothing could touch him.
But he couldn't do that. He was at fault for making this world what it was….no matter how far he had tried to run from that fact or how deeply he had lost himself to the darkness within himself.
It was time to make amends and set right the wrongs.
"We have to find Devery," Michael sighed, sounding more tired than Gabriel felt, if possible.
Gabriel chuckled wearily.
"What?" Michael asked softly.
Gabriel shook his head and turned to face his brother with a slight smile; how to explain that his train of thought had been directly connected to the woman in question? Better to not try. "Nothing. You're right."
"Michael is right about what?" Uriel questioned from the doorway, a slight smile on her finely boned face. She smiled brightly at her brother in question, stepping lightly to the bed and sitting beside him, lifting a hand to his cheek gently.
Michael smiled tiredly, "That Gabriel and I will find Devery to help us fight Lucifer. But Uriel, Vega needs you. It needs guidance and protection. You must go," he urged.
She eyed him skeptically, "And why would they accept me?" she demanded.
Gabriel grinned, "A pretty face goes a long way," he teased.
Uriel flipped him off casually and lifted a brow at Michael, waiting on a serious answer. Michael sighed and took her hand in his, "There is no power structure within the city now that Alex has abandoned it. The Council has been all but destroyed, and 8-balls besiege the city. They need a leader that can defeat their enemies and lead with a firm hand, but with a wise head. You've done that in Helena."
Uriel stared at him for a moment before nodding, "Fine. I'll go. But you shouldn't tax yourself so soon after waking; you need more rest before you go after this Devery." She frowned at him forcefully and Michael sighed, leaning back against the pillows, giving her a resigned look.
"We can wait no longer than dawn of tomorrow. The longer Alex remains with Lucifer and Noma, the greater the chance that he will fall completely under their sway and that Lucifer will rise, fully." Michael shook his head, "We cannot allow that Uriel, it will be Hell on earth."
Uriel nodded slowly, sorrow on her pretty face. She stood and straightened her shoulders, "I will dress for battle and fly to Vega. Good luck my brothers," she murmured before kissing each of them firmly on the cheek and departing.
The room descended into contemplative silence as Gabriel turned to stare back out the patio doors, watching as the sun set slowly. What would it be like to have a moment of true peace, he wondered?
His eyes slid shut and he imagined Devery's smiling face and her strong hand wrapped around his, walking beside him on the beach, the sound of the waves crashing, the sun and wind simultaneously bronzing and cooling their skin.
Opening his eyes he looked out at the fallen snow and wondered idly if Devery would try to kill him when she saw him next.
He certainly wouldn't blame her.
Gabriel and Michael landed softly on the ground, the fallen leaves crunching under their boots. A light dusting of snow had fallen here, lighter than in the higher mountains where they had been staying.
Gabriel had been interested to know that Michael had known the location of the bunker that Devery had grown up in for some time, but had never visited or revealed its location to him. When he had asked why, his brother had murmured, "It's her only home left. She deserves some peace."
Gabriel couldn't deny her that.
But now they stalked up to the large metal doors and as they approached, both reached for weapons when the door sprang open and a hooded figure stepped forward, brandishing a shotgun.
"You aren't welcome. Leave."
The sound of her voice was like a sucker punch straight to the gut. Gabriel inhaled sharply and fought the urge to step towards her, willing to bet that she would pull that trigger that her finger rested so easily against.
"Devery, please. We're here because we need your help," Michael pled softly.
She hesitated for a moment and then reached up to push her hood back, revealing her face, a mask of anger. "I don't want you here," she hissed, "What part of that is hard for you to understand?" she demanded angrily.
Michael sighed and stepped forward slowly, "You won't shoot me. Alex needs you. Lucifer is controlling him. Noma too." He watched her face for a moment as indecision warred there and then stepped forward more confidently, moving around her to walk into the bunker, leaving Gabriel behind.
She lifted her gaze to him, and he could see her anger flare again, her dark eyes bright with chips of rage as she studied him.
"I want nothing to do with you," she stated flatly, lowering the shotgun.
"That's too bad love, because both Heaven and Hell want you, and you're going to have to answer. It's your calling, the one your father trained you for, and without you, humanity will die. Can you live with that?" he demanded softly.
He had thought about what to say to her as they flew, and had finally come upon these words. He thought after all this time he knew her fairly well. As he watched the surprise, guilt, anger, and sorrow flit across her face, he knew he had chosen well.
After long minutes in silence she looked up at him, her jaw tight, "Fine. Come in," she murmured.
Gabriel nodded, "Thank you Devery," he murmured as he stepped forward, edging past her, their bodies barely touching as he slid past her and into the bunker. A moment later he heard the door slam shut behind him and his eyes adjusted to the interior lights.
Devery stalked past him, her shoulders tight, her body radiating anger, distrust, unhappiness.
He sighed and watched her go, regrets already filling him.
All's not fair in love and war.
AN: Hello my loves! I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to update! After my uncle passed away I took some time to sit down and plan out my stories that I'm working on and a few that I have bouncing around in my head so that I have some plots better laid out. I hope to be able to write a little more consistently after this, and that you all will enjoy what I've written! Please continue to review, I love hearing your thoughts! Thank you all for reading! The song that inspired this chapter is "Spiral" by Rebecca Clements.