*-*-*-*-*-*SlightlyEvilMagnusUniverse*-*-*-*-*-*
You Can't Go Home Again
(But Really, If that's 'Home' Why would you want to?)
3rd story-SEM Verse
Oooh Crap…
Simon's secrets out, now he has some explaining to do…
So…what IS the truth?
What the hell IS a Gwir-Dyst, and how in the world did a born hunter of the supernatural end up a detective in the City with the biggest population of Supernatural's in existence?
Is he working some kind of angle or is the truth more complicated than that?
Meanwhile the case is solved…now for the cleanup…So…how do you spin 'A demon masqueraded as an angel and tried to trick a desperate man into raising hell on earth' into something explainable to a normal human public?
Also Izzy meets someone truly bewitching
To top things off, Alec is recovering from his close call and having trouble separating his memories from his dreams…
What is real?
And why does he keep getting flashes of hauntingly beautiful golden eyes?
Notes:
Alright so, these first three stories kinda work as a trilogy, this is the aftermath of the last two … we have a LOT to cover here:
Tons of Saphael (they take over the entire first three chapters, I'm not even sorry…they deserve it…). We have the first meeting of Clary and Izzy, we have the aftermath of the whole Demon in Angel's clothing thing, meeting Divya and figuring out what to do with Raj.
Honestly the Malec will be a bit light in this one (Don't worry it's still there), sorry but they've had the last two stories and will take up much of the rest of the series as well, they can take a bit of a back seat every once in a while.
As you can see we have a lot to cover here, it may seem a bit jumpy but I think the way I have it planned it'll work out pretty well…
Also this one (After we get past Simon's…well…past- that is going to be totally different from the bit we got in canon…FYI it's not gonna be a super happy background- sorry, but it's necessary for the character and to establish exactly WHY the Supernaturals are so very suspicious of Gwir-Dyst) will stay a fair bit lighter than the other two, I think after the excitement and drama of the last one we can use a bit of fluff and humor,
Right?
Kay, enough of my yammering, let's see where this one ends up
Chapter 1-
Tell Me A Secret
*~********~*~********~* Simon-Simon-Simon-Simon-Simon *~********~*~********~*Woah! What the hell was that?!
Simon startled at the loud booming sound, feeling the ground beneath him quake with the shockwave.
Okay, he was trying to stay out of it, knowing both that Magnus and Raphael were far more prepared to handle a demonic threat and that if he went in they would either have to try to explain everything or he'd have to try to tell them he's a Gwir-dyst and they just flat out did NOT have time to deal with that drama on top of everything else.
Nonetheless that was a BAD sound, he couldn't just stand out here doing nothing, he had to see if there was any way he could help.
He slipped up the steps, checking his gun, quietly opening the door, making his way into the building, scanning what at one point seemed to be some kind of lobby. The rattling sound seemed to emanate from the top floor, so that's probably where the biggest part of the action was happening, but not all of it.
Up on the landing between the third and second floor he could hear some kind of a scuffle; no part of which sounded human. Growling, hissing, yelping and snarling filled the air.
The building was supposed to be abandoned but who the hell knows what all was involved in this demon summoning thing? H-
His thoughts are cut off by a loud, sickening thump of something heavy hitting the stone floor. He whirled to face the sound, eyes widening at the bizarre creature lying prone on the ground.
It was about four feet long, body shaped similar to a coyote or some type of wild dog, only it was hairless, an odd greenish black, and the skin looked almost leathery, like the hide of a rhino. The creature had long limbs, sharp claws and an elongated vaguely crocodilian like snout filled with long, jagged teeth…
Oh man…PLEASE let that thing be dead…
He cautiously moved closer, gun held at the ready, looking for any signs of life. It didn't appear to be breathing, mouth hanging open wide, long, bizarre forked tongue lolling out; its blood red eyes were open, lifeless.
Okay…it's dead…
But listening to the snarling, hissing ruckus above it was not alone…
Oh great…an entire pack of terrifying demonic lizard/dog things…
Crap…maybe he should have just stayed outside…
Mayb-
His thoughts are once again cut off by a sharp yelping sound from above, followed by a crack and the groan of metal giving way. He glances up, then leaps out of the way as a second hellhound like beasts crashes to the floor on top of the section of wrought iron guardrail.
Man it's a knockdown drag out fight up there.
Someone is being attacked by these things. They took out two, but it sounds like there's quite a few more still up there. It has to be Magnus, Alec or Raphael. Alec is his partner and his friend and without a doubt one of the best detectives he's ever met, but he SO doesn't see him going head to head with a vicious pack of hellhounds. He can still hear the sounds from the top floor, and he doesn't see any flashes of Magic from the landing…it must be Raphael fighting those devil/croc/dog things- no way in hell he's leaving him to face them alone…
He just hopes these things aren't immune to bullets
He spotted the beginning of the stairs, rushing up the first flight. The sounds of the fight intensify; panting, yelping, snarling and hissing.
He hears something smacking into the wall hard, and a sharp yelp…
Sounds like one more down, but then he hears a surprised, startled yell and the unmistakable sound of a body hitting the floor. He rushes up the stairs, whirling round the last landing, heart hammering, before nearly stuttering to a stop at the sight before him.
Three of the creatures are circling, snapping their jaws. The biggest of the creatures is standing directly on a body, feet planted firmly on the persons shoulders, leaning in, mouth opening wide, teeth glinting in the light, slobber dripping,
"Hey! Get off him you slobbering, creepy whatever the hell you are!" he shouts, raising his gun firing off four shots in rapid succession, each shot finding its mark, the beasts crumpling to the floor…
Oh thank god, they're not immune,
He startles when the biggest creature seems to begin moving, raising his gun again, but breathes a sigh of relief when he realizes it's actually Raphael pushing the dead thing off.
He moves forward, holstering his gun, looking him over worriedly,
"Are you alright Raphael?"
Raphael seems frozen…looking at him in shock, like he's trying to process what just happened. His sharp gaze flickers from Simon over to the creatures than back, something seemingly clicking.
His gaze zeros in on him,
Oh crap…
He tilts his head, moving into a defensive crouch, giving a low hiss, eyes cold and dangerous, suddenly looking every bit the predator he'd heard of in hushed whispers…
"Gwir-dyst" he growls
Simon blinks, heart stuttering, eyes wide, taking a hesitant step back, swallowing, putting his hands up placatingly, being sure not to make any sudden movements, not wanting to seem in any way a threat…
"Okay, so…I can totally explain."
He made that hissing sound again; Simon took another cautious step back, swallowing, trying to get his voice to work.
Damn Raphael could be scary as hell when he wanted to be,
"O-okay…s-so the thing about it is t…" he trailed off; eyes catching on something slumped against the wall in the corner of the landing,
A body…
His heart stops…
It's Alec…
Oh god…they were too late…
He begins moving over towards Alec; a deadly, vicious, hissing growl like sound brings him up short. He turns back to Raphael, shaking his head, taking a shuttering breath, gesturing vaguely towards Alec. Something flickers in his expression, it doesn't soften, but it's something. He shakes his head slightly,
"He is not dead, just unconscious, it's a spell, he'll be fine." Raphael bites out, in a cold, clipped tone.
Simon breathes a sigh of relief, nodding quickly,
"Oh thank god… what kind of spell? Did h-"
"A memory spell- he saw far too much, it could have damaged him…well…unless of course he's ALSO a Gwir-dyst…though if he is he's a hell of an actor…" Raphael stood up smoothly, giving a deceptively casual shrug,
"Though I suppose the same can be said for you…I must admit you definitely had me fooled."
Okay yeah…he kind of deserved that, but still it hurt,
He sighed, shaking his head,
"He's not, Alec is totally human…he doesn't know about any of this, and for his sanity I'd never tell him. H-he'll be okay? Really?"
"Yes, Magnus knows what he's doing."
Simon nodded, moving forward,
"Okay, we need to get him to the hospital so he can be checked out a-"
"I said he's fine." Raphael snapped
Simon bristled a bit at that,
He felt bad but Alec's health concerns FAR outweighed Raphael's anger.
"Yes, I realize that, and I am sure Magnus DOES…but memory spells are tricky as hell, even when done by the most experienced practitioners, especially when combined with traumatic events or concussions and the like. I can see the bruise on his temple from here, as well as the start of a pretty good knot.
We need to get out of here and have him checked out.
I know Magnus is good, but Alec is MY partner and he needs to be checked by a doctor. I'll tell you everything, answer all your questions, but I will only do it after I know my partner is safe and unharmed- and you can hiss and growl and intimidate all you want but it's not going to do a damn bit of good."
Raphael quirked his eyebrow at the tone, Simon just shrugged,
"I think I know a bit more about spells than a Gwir-dyst."
Simon gave a slightly sarcastic flailing wave,
"I'm sure you do, but that doesn't change the fact that my partner we kidnapped by some psychopath trying to summon a demon who planned to use him for a sacrifice. They had him for nearly two hours; I don't know what happened to him in that time, neither do you. We have no idea what all he went through, we have no idea if they drugged him, if he has a concussion, if anything's broken or anything else.
So I will say it again; we need to get him out of here and get him to a hospital. He needs to be checked out by actual medical professionals, and unless I'm mistaken that does not apply to either you OR Magnus."
Raphael gave a huffing, mirthless laugh,
"There is n-" he's cut off by a thundering, earth shaking, sonic boom, much louder than the last sound. The entire building rocks to its very foundation, he hears the sound of glass shattering echoing throughout the building.
He and Raphael both startle, looking up towards the top floor,
"What the hell was that?" Simon asks, looking over at him,
"That is Magnus…the demon was trying to open a door to Calon tywyll, basically hell. That cannot happen, Magnus will not let it- he'll bring this entire building down before that, and he's really not playing around.
We need to get out of here." he says, turning, pulling Alec up, situating him against his shoulder, wincing slightly,
Simon rolls his eyes, huffing faintly,
"Exactly what I've BEEN saying..." he groused, moving forward, going to slip under Alec's other shoulder,
Raphael glared, baring his fangs,
"I've got it." he snapped,
Simon scoffed,
"Oh come off it; Alec is my partner, you are hurt, and as we speak there is a knockdown drag out fight between a demon trying to raise hell on earth and one of the most powerful supernatural beings in existence going on four flights above our heads. This is NOT the time for this huffy, pissy, overly macho 'I can do it myself' crap.
I get that you're mad, and you can bitch at me all you want after we get out of here and to a safe distance, but right now we need to get out of here, you need help, and I'm your only option, so suck it up and deal."
He didn't wait for a reply, just moved back to Alec's side, slipping Alec's arm around his shoulders, beginning to move towards the stairs, Raphael falling into step.
He could practically hear him fuming,
Ah crap…
Yeah, he's definitely gonna regret that later…
Probably not the smartest move, purposefully antagonizing one of the most feared Vampires in the country, but hopefully saving his life would be enough to buy him time to explain…
Raphael was one thing, but if he told The High Warlock Of Brooklyn Simon was a Gwir-dyst he'd be screwed…
Best case scenario he'd have to leave town, uproot his life and start all over again…
Worst…
Well, he wasn't going there…
Compared to a pissed off Magnus ready for a fight one little demon and a pack of hellhounds seemed like nothing.
*~********~*~********~* Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael-Raphael *~********~*~********~*How the hell did he not see it?
He was with him all day yesterday…he'd talked, they'd shared, he'd been more open with Simon than anyone in a long time. He really thought it was real, that the guy genuinely liked him…
That there was really something between them…
How could he be so damn stupid?
A freaking Gwir-dyst.
No wonder he seemed so damn sweet and kind and compassionate- should have known it was too good to be true. It must be some kind of cover; he had to be working on something. That had to be it…
He didn't know what, but that's the only explanation he can think of for a born hunter of supernatural beings working as a detective in the city with the largest population of Supernaturals in the country, arguably the world…
No way it's just a coincidence.
He had to be playing some kind of long game; ingratiating himself, getting close to them, finding out what he can…getting information or who knows what else…
God, he was so stupid…
He fell for it, hook, line and sinker.
Just like Luke and all the other's down at the station;
Hell worse than them-
THEY didn't spend an entire day trying to get up the courage to ask him out…
He must have got a great laugh- one of the most feared, infamous vampires in the country practically tripping over himself; flirting, pouring his heart out…
God he was so stupid…
Whatever…at least he figured it out before he got in too deep. One stupid misstep, Magnus was the only one that would know, he'll get over it.
He should have known it was too good to be true…
They'd taken Alec to the hospital, got him admitted, the doctors looked him over, telling them he should be fine but they want to keep him overnight and tomorrow to make sure everything is alright.
Now he didn't really know what to do. A Gwir-dyst within the BPD was unbelievably dangerous, no way he could leave it how it was, but there was on real protocol for this kind of thing…he'd have to ask Magnus a-
"Thank you for helping Alec." Simon says softly
Raphael just shrugged, noncommittally,
Simon sighed,
"A-and I'm sorry I snapped at you, I ju-"
"I don't really care to listen to any more lies. As I said you fooled me. I would say I'm impressed, as generally that is quite difficult; but as in the past hour I have fought a demon, had said demon claw my leg open before nearly throwing me through a window six stories up, then was nearly eaten alive-so to speak-by a pack of ravenous Madfall-ci I'm really not in the mood to praise someone for managing to deceive me."
Simon shook his head,
"Raphael, I-I wasn't trying to deceive you, I j-"
He scoffed, whirling to face him,
"Pretended to be a clueless, normal human? Tried to make me care…pretended that…you know what? It doesn't matter what you were doing, what you were working on or why you were doing it; it's done.
Once I tell Magnus H-"
Simon shook his head quickly,
"Please don't tell h-"
Raphael gave a harsh, disbelieving laugh,
"Are you kidding me? Unlike you I wasn't lying; Magnus is my best friend, my family- why the hell would you think I would keep something like this from him?
Really, why shouldn't I tell? Dios, I can't believe I didn't see it, I didn't notice anything! Not so much as a hint! Here I am tripping over myself, trying to get up the nerve to ask you on a date a-"
"You were?"
"That doesn't really matter now!"
Simon shrugs,
"I would have said yes."
Raphael scoffs, shaking his head
"Why, so you could get a clear shot at me?"
Simon shook his head quickly, eyes wide
"No! Nothing like that- just because I really like you...t-that's all…" he trails off, glancing away, brushing his hair back,
Raphael falters somewhat, feels his resolve soften, before shaking it away in disbelief.
"This is ridiculous. I'm feeling empathetic, getting tongue tied and flustered and I don't DO that! That has never happened to me, not in over a century of existence. So why is it happening with you?" He pauses, glaring, tilting his head, looking Simon over suspiciously,
"Is that some bizarre, unknown Gwir-dyst power? Some extra way to mask what you are?"
Simon blinks, glancing up, quickly shaking his head,
"No, no powers- well…nothing like that. I'm a bit quicker than a regular human and have faster reflexes…at least I do when my innate clumsiness and awkwardness doesn't get in the way… and I can see you guys without totally losing it… but that's it. "
Raphael tilted his head, listening for any signs of deception, but found none.
"So why am I feeling like this around you?"
Simon gave a confused, slightly exasperated, shrug
"Dude, I have no clue! I work with a ton of Supernaturals, have for years. None of them 'react' to me, except to laugh when said awkwardness kicks in."
Raphael glared, suspiciously,
"I don't believe you…I'll ask Magnus what he knows about Gwir-dyst."
He shook his head again,
"Please don't…And I-I wasn't lying either…please, just give me a chance to explain, i-"
"What could you explain?! You lied to me, pretended to be something you're not, tried to trick me into liking you, into letting my guard down-"
"I didn't! I wasn't doing any of that-"
"Yes y-"
"No I didn't…and you were lying too! You pretended to be human-"
Raphael gave a disbelieving sound, eyes wide,
"Of course I did! I thought YOU were human! Humans do not know about vampires actually existing, for most the knowledge would break them- not really something you just casually bring up in conversation!"
Simon scoffed, quirking his eyebrow,
"Oh and being a Gwir-dyst IS?!
What the hell was I supposed to say?
Hey I'm Simon; I'm one of those things that have mercilessly and relentlessly hunted down supernatural beings since pretty much the beginning of written history, but it's cool, I'm totally not THAT kind of gwir-dyst?" he gestured animatedly,
In spite of himself he had to fight down a bit of a laugh at that-
Yeah, that probably wouldn't have gone over too well…
He caught himself, shaking his head,
"Stop trying to be cute, I'm not falling for the act."
Simon gave an aggravated groan, and a flailing wave,
"WHAT ACT!? I'm not acting! I'm not trying to be 'cute', I'm not trying to trick you or lull you into trusting me or whatever else;
I'm just telling you the truth.
You think this has been hard for you? Thinking you have to keep being a vamp a secret? How the hell do you think it is for me?!
I have to keep MY secret, AND yours AND Magnus's and cover for Magnus around Alec because dude SO does not have the subtlety thing down and act like I don't know what all is going on and I don't see the Magic freaking sparking off of Magnus that like, literally filled the entire interrogation room, and pretend I don't know why every other officer and criminal in the precinct looks like they want to run for the hills when he comes in the precinct, gawking like idiots.
I am surrounded by Supernaturals ALL the freaking time and I have to pretend I don't see everything; I don't see the magic or the claws or all the rest of it. I have to pretend I don't know when the criminal I'm trying to arrest is an ogre or demon or has some kind of powers and I have to try to act like I don't see it while trying to keep Alec safe from it and it is insane and exhausting and do you REALLY think I just keep it a secret because I think it's funny or exciting or whatever the hell else to have a secret?!
I'm not keeping it a secret because I want to! I suck at being subtle and deception; I HATE it! I hate having to lie to everyone I care about and never being able to be really honest with anyone.
I can't be honest with humans because they don't know about the supernatural and I can't be honest with Supernatural's because they think I'm just a normal human and if they find out the truth they'll probably try to kill me because they think I'm gonna kill them and, god damn it!
I'm NOT naturally a dishonest person but it's the only way I can have any kind of a life whatsoever.
I'm sorry I lied to you, okay? I'm sorry I have to lie to Alec, I'm sorry I have to lie to Luke, and Magnus and everyone else…
I really am and I wish there was another way, I really do…but there's not.
There's no casual way to bring up the fact that you're a born hunter of all things supernatural- at least not one that doesn't seem like a threat or that puts Supernaturals immediately on the defensive." He paused, shaking his head, swallowing faintly, giving a kind of hopeless gesture, eyes near forlorn and slightly teary,
"I mean, look at you; yesterday everything was great, y-you were even thinking of asking me out…not an hour ago I saved your life…
And now you're looking at me like you want to kill me.
You tell me; how should I have handled it?" he finished softly, with a kind of dejected shrug,
Well, hell…when he puts it like that…
They both startled at the trill of his phone, he pulls it out, seeing Magnus's info on the screen, Simon's standing close enough he sees it too. He seems to deflate even more, wrapping his arms around himself, glancing down,
"J-just do whatever you want…" he said quietly, slumping against the side of the building, rubbing at his eyes,
Raphael took a deep steadying breath, lifting the phone to his ear,
"Hey Mag's…"
"Okay we're good- hell didn't raise, demons back in Calon tywyll and bonus, the building's still standing…well the top of it is kind of on fire, but other than that we're good. Did you find Simon?"
He nodded faintly, taking a deep breath,
"Yeah I found him…" he saw Simon tense up, breath stopping,
"He'd just got to the building when I got to the lobby, we took Alec to the hospital to get checked out, they're keeping him overnight, but he should be released sometime the next day. I know with your spell it wasn't really necessary but I couldn't very well explain that to a human." Simon's head pops up, eyes wide, mouth open in shock,
Raphael shrugs, continuing with the conversation, giving a convincing chuckle,
"Why exactly is the building on fire?
You just had to make a scene didn't you?"
Magnus laughed,
"What can I say? We needed a way to cover it, this'll buy us time. I'm going to be busy for a while- Raj actually came back and helped. We have a lot to straighten out, I'll call you when it's all dealt with but it might not be till sometime tomorrow- it really is quite the mess."
He shrugged,
"That's fine Mag's. Let me know if you need anything else tonight, otherwise I expect the entire story tomorrow."
"Of course darling…thank you for your help tonight, you really should get home and rest, have a bite…it will help you heal."
He nodded,
"I know, I'm planning on it…have a good night, I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night Darling…thank you again."
"Of course, anything you need Mag's. That's what family's for." He finished, hanging up,
Simon shook his head in amazement,
"Y-you didn't tell him, w-?"
Raphael stopped him, holding up a finger,
"I did not tell him yet.
You tell me everything; do not leave anything out…one lie, one half truth or exclusion and I tell Magnus AND Luke."
Simon gasped, giving a bright, relieved smile,
"Oh thank you so much! You're amazing!" he exclaimed, darting forward, hugging him tightly, before freezing, then scrambling back, blushing brilliantly, awkwardly pushing his hair back,
"Uh…s-sorry dude…"
Raphael blinked a couple times, before shaking his head in bewilderment, stepping back faintly, gesturing towards Simon's car
"This really isn't the place for it, and I have a feeling it may be a rather long conversation. My apartment is a few blocks away, in the Sunset Sky rise- and before you point it out, yes, I see the irony, so did Magnus."
Simon swallowed, blanching slightly,
"T-that's the nest of the entire Brooklyn Vampire clan, isn't it?"
Raphael shrugged,
"Like I said, it is my home…are you going to come with me, or not?"
He swallowed again,
"H-how do I know this isn't some kind of trap?"
Raphael gave a bit of a sharp smile,
"You don't."
Something flickered across his expression, he took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders, meeting Raphael's gaze head on, giving a faint nod.
"I am asking you to trust me…suppose I can't do that without showing you the same consideration.
What's the address?"
Raphael shook his head, giving a bit of a surprised huff of a laugh, climbing into the passenger seat.
Okay…the gwir-dyst thing was almost certainly a deal breaker, but he'd be lying if he said this brave, feisty, snarky characteristic wasn't appealing as hell…
In spite of everything he was now more curious about the young detective than ever…
He tried to tramp down the faint giddy flicker of something in his chest, directing him towards the apartment.
*~********~*~********~* _End Of Chapter Notes_ *~********~*~********~*Okay, I know Magnus maybe should have asked about Alec but I figure he did the spell to knock him out, surely if something was wrong he'd of done one to fix it too. he asked about Simon because all he knew was that the guy was coming to the building-
Figured if the building is on fire he wants to be sure Simon isn't somewhere inside.
As I said this one'll be pretty Saphael heavy I love Malec but Saphael tends to sneak up and steal my heart.
Anyways, what do you think so far?
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