Protect and Follow

By: MusketeerAdventure

Summary: This takes place during the episodes Heir of Salvation, Mouth of the Damned; The Narrow Gate and A Bitter Truth. Alex finds he has an unexpected gift to add to his arsenal as the "chosen one" – Noma fears it; Pete is the grateful one; Michael searches for his faith in Mallory - the journey to and in New Delphi is fraught with unexpected revelations; and hope is plentiful – for the moment – until it isn't.

Here's hoping you enjoy those missing moments and thoughts of our characters during the episode A Bitter Truth. Please review; as reviews make me smile! Thank you.

Chapter Five: Uncertainty

Sleep was a good thing and he relished it – needed it. But lately sleep or rest of any kind had been an allusive thing – hit or miss; taken in small chunks – even while standing.

They had all been running on fumes; adrenaline and luck. So the chance to be still, drift – to loosen his muscles; and have a moment of peace was bliss. The fact that they had a bed to lie on was a bonus. That the mattress was soft; the sheets relatively clean; and the springs comfortable added to his content – which led to actual slumber. Slumber that began even and deep; but quickly descended into something else.

He should have known better – that in his sleep, he would not find peace or rest at all. Instead – as soon as he went under – into that silent space of nothingness; he could sense its presence. It reached out to him – called him by name and chased him down.

The brightness of it was deceptive; the heat of it scorching and it bore down on him – bringing with it a malevolent darkness instead of joyful goodness.

He tried to run – to get away; hide – but the thing after him was so dazzling that it lit the way and left nowhere for him to conceal himself. Everything around him was in shadow – except that thing – whispering to him to let him in; open his mind; and become its vessel. "Home", it hissed at him - curling around him – pleading to be let in. That thing wanted to come home – inside of him.

His mind reeled with the unknowns of his life. What had he done to deserve this? Who had he wronged – or hurt in such a way that would bring this menace – no this curse, down on him?

Then it was there hovering above him; and he couldn't move – could not even summon enough courage to scream. He felt fear so strong it paralyzed him. If only he could at least look away. Maybe if he did not see it coming it would leave him be – turn to someone else – seep through their pours and let him alone.

"Yes, choose someone else", he prayed; but watched instead as it floated slowly toward him; pounced - invaded his body and consumed him; destroyed him from within, with its fire and heat – leaving him with nothing of who he was, where he belonged or what his future might hold.

Pete bolted straight up; breathing hard – grabbed at his throat and could feel that thing invading his body – obliterating his mind and damaging his soul. For a moment he could not think where he was. The dream held onto him – causing his heart to race and his mouth to go dry.

He took a tentative look around the room, and wondered if what he was having was a memory; a dream or a premonition. It felt so real. As real as the bed he sat on – soft; comfortable – with a pillow no less.

He squint his eyes, and could see that the room was dark, with neon lights straining from the large opening above him – giving everything around him an otherworldly glow -a glow that reminded him of the brightly lit monster that devoured him in his dreams.

Pete swallowed down a remnant of fear and shuddered despite the heat in the room. He swiped sweat from his brow; and could feel the dampness in his hair as it stuck to the sides of his face. He rubbed at his eyes and tried to concentrate.

The last thing he remembered before laying down to rest was Alex – beaming with confidence; holding up the golden key above his head – Noma in his arms; with a man he did not know, standing perplexed and uncertain behind them. He could still hear the noise of the damned and insane muffled behind the iron clad door of the asylum – now a distant worry. Alex had made it out. They couldn't hurt him now.

Pete smiled slightly to himself in the dark remembering that moment. He had never been so glad to see anybody in his life – that he could remember that is. No one meant as much to him as Alex – the chosen one no less – who had saved him from the life of an eight ball. And from what he could see of the eight balls here in New Delphi, that was a good thing; and he was glad of it.

When he pulled his hands away from his face – he felt Alex's jacket fall from his chest and pulled it back close to feel its security. If anything happened to Alex – what would become of him? Could he survive here in New Delphi? What of Vega? Could he find his way there?

He trembled as relief of Alex's return and the horror of his dream collided to make his blood run cold; and his heart beat fast with anxiety. What was to come next? What was going to happen to them?

Julian had seemed pleased with Alex's triumph and had given them this space to rest, eat and think. When they had reached their assigned quarters above the "market", everyone had found a bunk – collapsed – and succumbed to exhaustion.

It had taken him a minute – but finally adrenaline left his body and he had fallen into a dream state full of bright monsters – trying to force their way into his body and take over his mind.

He flopped back down to the bed and took in a shuddered breath – threw his arm over his eyes and fought to keep the tears at bay. He was going to lose his mind if he wasn't careful. If he didn't watch out, the asylum would be his new home; and thoughts of a future would be mute at best.

"Are you okay?" Alex called out to Pete in the near darkness. Neon lights flickered on and off in tandem with the night life of trade and commerce in full force on the floor of the "market".

Pete startled at the unexpected sound of Alex's voice and pulled his arm away from his eyes. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you", he whispered in deference to the others in the room.

Alex threw his legs over the side of his bunk and shrugged his shoulders. "You didn't wake me. I couldn't sleep."

As Pete's eyes adjusted to the on again – off again illumination of New Delphi – he could make out Noma asleep on the bunk to his right; General Riesen to his left; and Alex – with his blue aura outlining his body – perched on the bunk across from him – studying him with a concerned look.

Pete sat up; looked over at his friend; and stared back – gripping the jacket now at his stomach, remembering what it felt like to wait helplessly outside the asylum doors – uncertain if Alex would survive the challenge and in turn save his life again.

He reluctantly loosened his grip; sighed and released it – tossing the jacket over to Alex in one swift motion.

"What's wrong Pete?" Alex insisted – catching his jacket and putting it on in one fluid motion – effectively covering the markings on his arms that taunted him every second with their mystery he could not solve.

Pete thought to say many things, but instead voiced aloud, "Nothing. Just glad you're alive is all."

They looked across the room at each other and smiled – a pause of camaraderie shared between them. After some moments of silence, with only the sounds of heavy breathing from their sleeping companions – Pete spoke up and in a hushed voice asked, "Would you tell me something about you; of Vega?"

Alex raised an eyebrow and wondered about the request. Pete was obviously troubled about something – his interrupted sleep a huge clue. But hell – who wasn't troubled. Trouble was what they lived and breathed right now.

He didn't usually like to talk about himself – his life - which had more downs than ups; but if it would help Pete, he would give it a try. The kid looked about ready to jump out of his skin; and he knew that feeling well. A long time ago, someone had sat with him; and shared his life story – and it did help.

It took so long for Alex to reply that Pete thought maybe he shouldn't have asked. Then out of the quiet Alex asked, "You sure you want to hear this stuff?" Pete nodded and settled back to listen.

So Alex sat with his back to the wall and talked about growing up in Vega – abandoned by his father – left to fend for himself on the streets as a V1. He talked of how it was hard being alone – tired all the time from hunger; and being afraid. Then he met Michael – who watched over him; saved his life and taught him how to survive. He spoke of joining the military; being a part of the angel core and falling in love with Clair Riesen.

When he spoke of love Alex could hear Pete laughing in the dark; and chuckled with him. "She is the best of me Pete. If being the chosen one means anything, I want it to mean that she will be safe."

Then he spoke of Jeep and inheriting the markings; of the war –and how he was determined to put an end to it.

As he talked, Noma woke to Alex telling his story. She kept her breathing even and steady; not wanting to interrupt. She took in the tenor of his voice – the honesty there and let it wash over her. To hear him speak of his childhood; hardships; love for Claire and Michael and his disappointments was a revelation to her.

And though she knew he cared for her, he had never spoken to her of such things. He only shared with her his relentless drive to kill Gabriel and end this war. A twinge of jealousy sparked in her heart for the briefest of moments; and she let it go. After all, Alex had saved Pete from a horrifying existence as a roaming eight ball. It was only right that he give something of himself.

She settled deeper down into her pillow to listen.

Pete attended to every word of Alex's story and interrupted only once with nervous laughter when he spoke of love. In his mind's eye he could see all that Alex described and wondered at such a life - to love and be loved – to have a home; to rise above such hardship; and to be a real live hero. What could be better?

When Alex fell silent the room felt charged and alive with his story. Pete breathed in and whispered, "I have no place to call home", and looked down at his hands frowning. "Do you think Vega could be my home too?" Once the words were out of his mouth, he wasn't sure why he asked – only sensing that New Delphi held nothing good for him.

Alex stared over at his friend and promised, "Where ever I go Pete – you are welcome."

Suddenly Alex was on his feet. He looked down from their perch onto the "market" of New Delphi and watched the interactions – still amazed at the intelligence of the eight balls, and the apparent harmony between them and humans. There was no outward hatred here as in Vega – only commerce; trade and teamwork. How was it even possible?

He couldn't help it. He still felt there was something not quite right about this; but was glad he had been able to convince Julian to help them to join Vega in the fight against Gabriel. Gabriel's down fall was all that mattered.

But as he looked down among the bustling crowd of life below – he could feel that Julian was holding something back. What was this key he had risked his life for? What did it open? What if he could find Julian's secret? Perhaps he could use it as leverage.

Pete rose to stand beside his friend, curious as to his sudden pensive mood. He could tell that Alex was on to something and wanted to act on it. "What are you thinking?" he asked a little nervously, as he looked down on New Delphi. Watching the activity below sent a chill running down his spine. Being here in this place frightened him beyond once being an eight ball.

Alex smiled widely at Pete – his eyes bright with mischief, "Let's go take a look around – shall we?" and he moved toward the door.

Pete stood frozen in place. Hearing those words gave him a sense of dread. "I don't know Alex. That might not be such a good idea. Julian asked us to wait – he might not like us poking around."

Alex turned back to Pete and winked, "We're guests here Pete, not prisoners. Why not take a friendly tour? Besides, he's hiding something – I know it." He moved behind Pete; placed his hands on his back and pushed him toward and then out the door. Alex yelled over his shoulder, "Noma – keep an on the General. Pete and I are going for a walk on the town."

Noma sat up with a pout and a disapproving frown. She was busted. Alex knew all along she had been awake – listening the whole time. She threw her pillow in his direction – aiming for his head – and missing miserably. "Don't do anything stupid Alex", she called after him; wondering if it was even worth giving the warning.

Alex reached behind his head and caught the pillow deftly; threw it back to her and laughed, "Of course not. See you soon." Alex turned and followed an apprehensive Pete out the door.

Michael unfurled his wings; left his feet and took flight. The force of the atmosphere met him head on – giving him a brief sensation of suffocation – and then freedom. He spun toward the heavens and relished the heat of the sun on his face.

He always loved that moment of lifting off and taking to the skies. Here above it all is where he felt most at peace – poised amidst the miracle of God's creations.

If he could not fly – breeze through the clouds; dip, dive or look down on the earth – he would die. Father's gift of flight was exhilarating; and he hoped to never lose it.

Once over Mallory – he veered away from the town and Laurel – and did not look back. He had found something good there – found his faith and above all knew his Father had not truly left him. But now it was time to move on; time to find Alex and set things right.

Noma had contacted him days ago – she and Alex could be anywhere by now – but he would head to their last location; and see if he could gather some clue as to where they were headed.

As the wind caressed his face and bore him up- so did his spirits lift. Below him from this vantage point – the earth looked unscathed – pristine – almost as beautiful as the day it was created; untouched by the devastation of the Extermination Wars.

From up here, the grass was greener – the oceans bluer – the trees lusher and the snowcapped mountains perfect. From here – God's gift to man was without blemish.

Michael reveled in the sight – and looked to the heavens – his home – lost to him now for such a long time; but the memory of it still in his heart – never to be forgotten. Home – maybe he would live to see it again. Maybe if he could help Alex regain a semblance of peace here on earth – he could go back home and rest.

He was more determined than ever now. His moment of wandering and indecision was over. Alex was the key; he would find him and not leave his side again. He had learned much from Laurel. He would confess to Alex his mistakes – ask forgiveness for his betrayal and die for him if need be.

"I hear you Father", he spoke aloud scanning the azure, blue sky. Laurel had given him the gift of sacrifice and truth; and now he would live it. Nothing would stop him from fulfilling God's will.

Decelerating to earth – he could sense Noma's last location here in this place; and where there was Noma, Alex would not be far. He dove low and searched the area and there on the road Alex's jeep stood out amongst the dust and dried earth.

Here – down below the clouds – the earth did not look so welcoming. The ground was hard; and kicked up arid dust when he effortlessly landed. The tepid air tickled his throat and made his mouth dry like cotton.

He moved toward the jeep; saw no recent signs of occupation and was drawn inexplicitly to the knife left behind in the carriage. He held the knife in his hand and was drawn back to that moment decades ago when he had given this to Alex. It had been a gift – for protection and to seal a bond.

Only he had broken that bond, even then. He placed the knife in his pocket – vowing to give it to Alex again. This time he would not break his promises.

As Michael turned to ready himself for flight; and find Alex – he instead found himself face to face with his brother. Gabriel stood still in his path – wings unfurled; watching him and then met his gaze, determined to make Michael look away first.

Alex and Pete walked the "market" floor of New Delphi – eyes wide with anticipation. Here in this underground bunker – the sounds were deafening. The beck and call of trade and barter bounced off the walls, sending shock waves of noise from one end of the "market" to the other.

The neon lights overhead lit the area at half-mast; the only clue that outside it must be night.

The sight of the continuous back and forth of trade was exciting; loud and crowded. So many people – so many possessed – side by side without being fearful or suspicious. The togetherness was unnerving to Alex and the anxiety in his eyes and the cautious way he walked was not lost on Pete.

He scanned the area himself and if Alex didn't trust this utopia – then neither would he.

As they walked along the floor, the heat of the open space was almost unbearable. Bodies were packed close – pushing, pulling; and unyielding. Alex and Pete smiled and laughed nervously together – the atmosphere heady enough to make them giddy with misgiving and uneasiness -the danger of it all making their eyes bright and hearts beat fast.

Pete felt an ache of memory stab him behind his left eye; and could not understand it. He led the way through the "streets" and corridors; and was unclear how he knew which way to go – what way to turn; which alley traded food and which weapons stand sold what hardware.

He kept the worry to himself. Alex didn't seem to notice that fear gripped at his lungs and caused his head to ache.

What did this mean? Who exactly was he?

He looked toward Alex and then had no doubts. He did not know who he was before – but right now, at this moment he was Alex's friend; and for this moment it was enough.

Alex then stopped in his tracks and held his arm out for Pete to stop with him. Up ahead was Julian and his personal guard of eight balls; marching through the melee at a determined pace. He and Pete looked to each other and took off quickly to follow.

"I wonder where he's going in such a hurry?", he put to Pete as they rushed through the crowd to catch up. They tried to follow as unobtrusively as possible – stopped to look at wares along the way; feigned interest in weaponry and even talked prices.

But in the end, they lost him as he descended down a dark tunnel further below the compound.

Alex and Pete stood undecided outside the tunnel. Alex itched to make his way below ground; and wondered where the passageway led to. What secret was Julian hiding so far underground? Was this the leverage he needed to secure Julian's loyalty to Vega? Should he push the envelope and follow now?

He looked to Pete – who stared back at him – intent to follow his lead, but decided that he needed Noma for this little recognizance. Though his friend was willing; he lacked the stealth to pull off true spying.

Alex pulled Pete aside and yelled above the cacophony of noise, "Let's head back to the others."

Pete nodded and followed along – looking back briefly toward the tunnel Julian disappeared into and frowned with worry. Things were starting to happen, and his stomach flipped and churned with unease.

When they finally reached their room – Pete grabbed Alex's arm just as he was about to open the door; and halted his move to enter. Something weighed on him deeply. Perhaps it was his dream earlier that spoke to him of losing himself – or maybe it was the sinister danger he knew existed here in New Delphi and within Julian – but there was something he had to say before it was too late and he never got a chance to say things that needed to be said.

Alex stared down at him and waited – sensing Pete had something important to say; and didn't want to rush him.

"No matter what happens today Alex, I want you to know that I think of you as my friend." As a show of his sincerity, he offered his hand and waited. Surprised at the formality of it all, Alex reached for Pete's hand and with a firm grip – shook it with genuine affection; grabbed his shoulder and smiled. "And you mine buddy", he confirmed.

Pete smiled back slightly and pushed his way past Alex into the room, where the others stood waiting to hear of their nocturnal tour of New Delphi.

As they made their way overland to the underground bunker – Michael couldn't help but notice the changes in his brother. He seemed more harried; tense – on the edge of sanity; perhaps even a little more irrational than he remembered.

But much had happened during his self-imposed exile. His sister was dead; the aerie destroyed and the markings out of reach – Gabriel's quest for Father's return becoming more and more fraught with obstacles. Maybe a touch of irrationality was to be expected from Gabriel; but he could not let that stop him.

Although Gabriel did not agree with his plan to rescue Alex this way – he was by his side anyway – determined to not let him go alone into New Delphi. He marveled at his brother's unwavering love for him even though they differed on many fronts; and was grateful for his help.

No matter their differences; no matter their many losses – Gabriel always moved to protect him. And even though he threatened to kill his brother if he so much as harmed Alex – he was not sure that if the opportunity presented itself- he could bring himself to do it.

He would have to find another way to deal with Gabriel once Alex was safe – preferably without hurting him.

Michael could not deny it – he loved his brother. If it were not for this; were it not for the sake of humanity; and Alex's safety – he would do anything for him – forsake all; lay down his life. Gabriel had done as much for him on many occasions.

But things had changed. Gabriel had changed – circumstances had left them on opposite sides of this battle; and yet – be it for his own reasons – his brother was here today with him, ready to fight his way into the lion's den to help him rescue the chosen one.

He listened carefully and heard nothing from Noma – hoping this meant something good. Without a doubt Alex was alive – for he would know it if that were not the case.

Now suddenly outside the underground fortress – standing alongside Gabriel – Michael could not help admitting to himself that it felt really good to be on the same side as his brother. Good to have a common purpose – to know without hesitation Gabriel had his back, and would not let him down. They had always been a formidable team – Father's best.

Michael looked to his brother and Gabriel smiled confidently back at him. He laughed and the mirth went straight to his eyes, "So serious brother", he teased, "remember, together we are unstoppable."

Michael bowed his head – his arrogance having been tempered in Mallory and sighed with exasperation, "Don't underestimate this enemy Gabriel; Julian has kept New Delphi sequestered for twenty-five years."

Gabriel rolled his eyes; unsheathed his weapons and held them at his side, "Do you want to do this or not Michael?"

Michael brought his eyebrows together in concentration and nodded in the affirmative, "Just be careful", he insisted. Gabriel nodded back – left his feet and called back, "Then follow me brother – I know the way."

Michael watched as his brother soared without effort over the compound and veered toward their destination admiring his strength and fearlessness. Following his lead, he took flight.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed these missing moments and thoughts of the characters during this episode. Please review as your thoughts and comments mean a great deal. Thank you!