Disclaimer- None of these characters or ideas are mine (though I'd buy Jace from C.C for some serious cash). Only original characters that you've probably never heard the name of, belong to me. And even then, they own me more than the other way around. *__*

Hey. This is my first FanFic, ever. I just wanted to make sure everyone knew this before they read what comes out of my head. Enjoy.

THE CITY OF NUMBERED DAYS

And counted Secrets

The City of Numbered Days. I had come here, because I had been called upon, but that didn't mean I wasn't ecstatic when my mission there was fulfilled. I ran my hand through my golden locks, a force of habit. Smirking, I thought of my next destination. I had waited a long time for this rendezvous. I wondered, vaguely, if he would be surprised to meet me.

"Ow!" Clary whined, as Jace rolled his eyes.

"You're doing it wrong, Clary. Like this." he said, and then demonstrated.

Clary had been training for about a week and a half now, and her whole body was bruised from head to toe. She had been through so much exercise and training that her body just wanted to collapse. Jace was not a lenient teacher, and she knew this was a good thing, but why was he hurting her so much?

Her sigh was loud and breathy.

"Can we take a break?" she asked, but didn't wait for an answer, before she stomped over to her water bottle. She gulped down half the contents in record time.

"Clary." Jace groaned in frustration," If you don't practice, you won't get better."

She took a second to just look at him. Even when her body was protesting in pain, her eyes were only devoid of it when they were on him. She took in his amber eyes, that could flare to gold in seconds. She took in his curly golden hair, which curled at the nape of his neck, and the impatient set of his mouth. Mine, she thought involuntarily, and then blushed.

Jace's face went to confusion at the sight of the red hue that was taking over Clary's face.

"What?" he said, looking at her as if she had lost her mind.

"Nothing." she said, turning back to her water. She and Jace had been together almost two weeks. She would have never thought she could be so completely happy, but what you think and what you get are to separate things entirely. They had hardly spent any time apart, except for the rare times when her mother thought it was important she spend time with her or Simon without Jace capturing her complete attention. The training had been a downside to all the time they had spent together, because it took away from mundane past-times, but Clary found that the training made her happy in a weird, unexplained way.

"Look, do you want to call it quits for today? We could watch a movie…" Jace asked, looking partially embarrassed as he asked this. He was the first to admit he had never been in a serious relationship, and didn't know much about them. But, seeing as how he loved her, he was willing to do anything.

Clary grinned," That would be awesome."

She picked up her things from against the wall, and they headed towards the kitchen, where they knew Alec and Isabelle would be. Their parents, Maryse and Robert Lightwood, had been drawn away by matters unknown to any of them, and had left Alec in charge. Clary and Jace walked quietly to the kitchen, hand in hand, just enjoying each other's company.

"Hey, Alec. Isabelle." Jace said as they entered, drawing away from Clary to ravage the fridge.

Alec was the oldest of everyone in the Institue at that time. He had dark, messy hair, and feautures that were almost feminine. He had started out with a fierce crush on Jace, but with some time he had managed to get over it. And the fact that he had a new boyfriend didn't hurt the healing either. Isabelle, Alec's younger sister, had long, waist length hair that shined no matter the circumstance. She was almost to perfect, and repelled dirt and grime even in the brutalest of fights. She had also taken a liking in Simon, Clary's best friend and confidant.

"There's nothing in there." Isabelle said, from her post in front of the oven. That sent warnings through Jace's mind. Isabelle and ovens were signs of immediate danger in the form of inedible, possibly toxic, excuses for food.

"Please don't tell me you're attempting to cook." Jace groaned.

Isabelle glared at him, and he took a hasty step back.

"Listen, either you eat what I make, or you go get take out. No more choices." she muttered.

Jace's eyes nearly flew out of their sockets, he rolled them so hard.

"Take out it is, then." he grinned.

Alec sighed," Why do you bait her about her cooking? You know she's only doing it, because…"

He trailed of, glancing at Isabelle, a look of grief passing over him. Then there was tension, Clary thought.

Isabelle had started to act more maternal around them time of their brother's passing. Maxwell Lightwood, known to them all as just Max. He had been killed by Sebastian, the henchman, and son of Valentine. Just the name brought shivers to Clary. They had all tried to forget, but who could forget completely, when a loved one dies?

"Well, it could be because every time I eat anything she makes, I find food poisoning a breath away." Jace said, and she knew it was to lighten the mood.

Alec smiled weakly," Then I suppose takeout is the only other option."

Isabelle growled menacingly from where she stood. It wasn't a grief stricken growl, so Clary ignored it as she sat at the table.

"Fine, then." Izzy said, and turned back to the stove, gathered whatever she had been making, and sent it flying into the trash can, which was located all the way across the kitchen. With perfect aim, of course. Isabelle made up for her lack of cooking ability by being a wonderful Shadowhunter. She was no housewife by far, but she wasn't a damsel in distress either.

"Last time I try to be nice to you people." she muttered, as she sat beside Clary with a frown.

Jace hopped up, " Well, Clary and I will get the takeout."

Alec smirked," You two would never come back. You'd start making out, and forget what you were even supposed to be doing."

Clary blushed, but Jace had a retort already in his arsenal, as always.

"And what about you and Magnus? I would think you'd avoid all subjects that have anything to do with making out, considering…"

Clary and Isabelle both giggled, which turned into chuckles, which in turn turned to outright laugher. Alec's pale face went from eggshell white, to beet red in the course of a few seconds.

"Jace!" he gasped, as if surprised that something like that would ever leave Jace's mouth. He should know better though, having lived with him almost half his life. Magnus happened to be Alec's boyfriend, and they almost spent every waking moment together. When Alec wasn't at Magnus', then Magnus was at the Institute. They were a cute couple, even with their obvious differences.

"Sorry, you left yourself open for it." Jace smirked, tipping his head back to take a sip from Clary's water bottle.

Alec humphed for a second, before Clary stood.

"Well, I suppose that means we're all going to get the takeout."

Isabelle shrugged," Sounds like a plan."

"So, have you seen Simon?" Isabelle asked, trying to be casual, as Jace and Alec walked a bit ahead, talking about weapons.

Clary resisted the urge to be snappy. Isabelle's like to Simon was on and off again, and even sometimes unapparent, but it had become even more evident with his turn to the undead. Both her and Maia had been crowding him, and not leaving much room for Clary. The only thing that gave her any satisfaction is the fact that Simon had yet to choose between either of the girls, and it didn't seem like he would be any time soon.

"Not lately. Why?" she responded, reigning in the sarcasm she knew would probably get her a glare from Isabelle.

"No reason." Isabelle shrugged, and looked ahead.

Clary sighed," Look, Isabelle, I--"

She was disrupted by a yell from Jace. It seemed to be a few Forsaken. Clary and Isabelle ran to catch up to the boys. What they found when they got around the corner made Clary wince. There was a boy, no older than twelve, unconscious in a demon's arms. There was no telling how long he had been that way, but Clary noticed he had transparent, fairy wings, which happened to flutter weakly. On opposite sides of the demon carrying the boy, there were three other Forsaken.

"And this seems to be the perfect time for Clary to try out her training." Jace said, perfectly calm. He lived for the hunt, the challenge. There was little that could scare a reaction beyond amusement out of him.

Clary stepped forward, drawing her weapon from her jean loop. Jace had told her to go nowhere without it, and it seemed she was capable of following directions.

She said the name of her seraph blade, quietly," Caserynth."

She leapt into action, ignoring the protest of her body. She even smiled a little as she took on her first serious fight since the start of her training.

"You were great Clary." Jace said, as they sat and ate their take out.

Clary grinned widely. Her first battle had gone without incident. She had killed the three Forsaken with very little help from Jace, and saved the little fairy boy. He'd been very quiet, and seeming ready to go home. They had escorted him to the Seelie Court, and made it back before Clary's favorite Chinese resturaunt could close.

Isabelle nodded," I'm impressed. You've only been training two weeks, and you're already using a seraph blade like you were born with it in your hand."

Clary blinked," I wouldn't go that far."

Jace shook his head," Honestly, you were wonderful. I only had to kill one Forsaken."

Clary nodded, picking at her food, with a small smile. Then she thought of Simon…She had barely seen him this whole two weeks. She would've loved to share this milestone in her life with him.

"Um, excuse me, I'll be back." she said, getting up from the table and going to call Simon.

It only took two rings.

"Hello?" said his voice from the other end of the line.

"Simon! Guess what." Clary said, with excitement.

He sounded surprised,' What?"

"I just killed three demons myself! It seems as if the training is paying off…"

She trailed off, because he wasn't saying anything, and there was no breathing from his side. And then Clary remembered he didn't breath. He was a vampire. The walking undead. Breathing wasn't something he needed to do.

"That's great Clary! But, how come I haven't seen you? I've tried calling…" he said, sounding hurt.

"I'm sorry. It's just, this whole training thing is really giving me the blues over here." Clary said. She sat on on one of the antique rug, and was surprised when she heard Church's lazy meow next to her. She ran her fingers through his soft fur.

"I guess I understand."

"And," Clary continued," I didn't' think you'd be interested, seeing as how you and Maia…"

Maia and Simon had been spending extended amounts of time together, and that might have been the reason Isabelle was questioning Clary about whether she'd seen Simon or not. Both girls had a thing for Simon.

"Clary, don't be ridiculous." Simon said with a little laugh," I want to spend time with you, no matter how it seems to you."

She smiled a little," Thanks Simon."

"Of course. Listen, Eric is having a poetry reading, and I was wondering if you wanted to come." he asked.

Not this again.

"We've been through this Simon. No more bad poetry, courtesy of Eric. How about a anime party? You and me, and no bad poetry." Clary suggested.

Simon was quiet for a while, then," You are aware that rhymed, right?"

Clary couldn't help herself; she laughed. She had been missing him so much.

"What do you say?" she asked.

"Of course. How about tomorrow?"

Clary grinned," Awesome."

When she hung up, she was surprised to find Jace sitting next to her. She couldn't help the squeal that came out of her mouth. How had he gotten there, and without here noticing?

"Simon?" Jace asked, his voice totally neutral. She knew that Jace and Simon had had a rocky relationship leading all the way up until now. She also knew that some of that was her fault, but Jace didn't have any reason to be all cold with her about Simon. Simon was her friend, but Jace, he was her forever.

"Yeah. I've missed him." she said simply.

Jace sighed," I understand. I know you two were friends way before I came along."

"Then why do you seem pissed?" Clary asked, a grin forming on her face. At least he wasn't mad at her.

He turned to her with a faint smile," Doesn't mean I have to like it."

He reached his hand out to stroke her face, and this sent shivers down her spine. Then, he was kissing her. Every time is like the first time, thought Clary. So warm and wonderful. The clearing of a throat disrupted them though.

It was Alec. His smirk was gloating.

"Sorry to interrupt your make out session, but mom called. She said to prepare a guest bedroom. Someone is coming to stay with us."

Jace scowled up at Alec, and Clary giggled.

"Fine, Alec. Fine." Jace grumbled, and she knew this was admitance that Alec had been right about when Clary and Jace were let alone. They forgot there was a world outside of themselves. And a lot of kissing usually happened.

They were preparing the guest room, when Isabelle asked the question they were all wondering.

"Who's coming to stay?"

Alec shrugged, as he folded back the sheets on the bed.

"Mom didn't say. All she told me is to get a room ready, and that they'd be here tomorrow night, possibly the day after tomorrow."

"I wonder who it is." Clary said, in wonder.

"Probably some stuck up Shadowhunter who can barely handle there seraph blade." Jace said, as he watched the rest of them get the room ready. He was sitting, fiddling with his stele.

"I wonder if he'll be cute." Isabelle said with a grin, and Alec groaned.

"You don't know if it's a he." Clary reminded her.

Isabelle shrugged,' But chances are, it is a he. So, I'm wondering if this he is cute."

"What about Simon?" Clary demanded. The sarcasm and petulance was working its way into her voice.

Isabelle's eyes rolled," Excuse me for wanting to date again. Simon is great, but he's not doing a lot of choosing right now. I'm not dating the guy."

Clary had to except this as fact, even when the facts were a load of--

"Hey." Alec interrupted her thoughts," What if it's, you know, someone important?"

Jace snorted," Important how? Like the Inquisitor was? Because, if that's the kind of importance we're making this room all pretty for, then stop now."

Alec laughed a little at the memory. The Inquisitor had not been one of Jace's favorite people, yet she had turned out to be not so bad. The fact that she'd given her life for Jace was also a point to her.

"No, important like…Well Clary." Alec said, with a glance at her.

"Whaaat?" she blinked. Had she have known Alec thought this way, she'd have asked if he'd been taking his medication.

"You are important. The things you can do…" he trailed off, as they all got quiet. The thought of someone who had a power beyond what the world, even at it's weirdest, could conceive was almost horrifying. Another experiment.

Jace's face seemed to contort, as if he could hear her thoughts," I doubt anyone like that is coming."

Alec seemed to be getting into his story now," Yeah, he or she could be really powerful. And their might be a demon or something after them. That's why she or he needs protection. Why they're coming here."

Isabelle chuckled under her breath," I don't think there's anyone out there that's as strong as Jace or Clary."

Clay blushed a little. She had come to think of what she could more and more as a gift that could help her become a strong Shadowhunter.

"Well, if we're finished talking nonsense, I think we should put itching powder in the bed. Just in case it's an Inquisitor number two coming." Jace grinned.

Isabelle shook her head in disgust," Really, Jace?"

" What? It's a precaution--"

"All these years around the warlocks and witches, and all you can come up with is itching powder? Tell me it isn't so."

Jace smirked," What did you have in mind?"

Clary had to suppress a sigh. This had trouble written all over it, and there was no way Clary was going to try and get into that. Sometimes, you had to know where to draw the line, even for the love of your life.

Okay, so this is the first chapter of my first fanfiction. I origonally loved the story, so I began to write the sequel, or what I thougt the sequel would be like. I know it's not the awesomeness that Cassandra Clare writes, but I feel as if I did an alright job. I'm fully aware that I'm not the best writer out there. Probably not even close, but I do my best. I love reviews, so that I can improve my writing skills so that you all can enjoy my stories better.

I don't think I'd take well to being flamed (Please don't flame me) but if you feel I did an awful job, it's your opinion. Thanks for reading, and I'll try to update on a timely basis. Also, thanks for being awesome!!! Sayonara.