A/N: Hi everyone! I'm brand new here to and I've honestly had this idea in my head for a while. I hope it meets expectations. A couple of things really quickly. (AND SLIGHT SPOILERS FOR COHF) 1. Simon is a shadowhunter off the bat in this story. 2. Jonathon has already graduated from Shadowhunting School, so he's a full time shadowhunter. 3. I'm looking for an editor, if this story blows up the way I hope, so if you are interested, let me know. Please enjoy!
The scorching stream of the shower hit Clary's back, burning true and hot. With a sigh, she sank further into the water's way, soaking her red tresses. Without any doubt, this was her favorite time of the day. In the early morning, when her parents and Jonathon were sleeping, and the golden light seeping through the window and cut through the steam of the shower, she felt the most at peace. Slowly, it woke her from her sleepy state. Clambering out and reaching for a towel, she felt the anxiety and unease pierce her once calm demeanor.
Today was her last day in the house. After lunch, they would hoist her gigantic suitcase into Luke's beat up truck and drive her ten hours to her new boarding school: Alicante Prestige Shadowhunter Academy. The world's most renowned school for the Nephilim. She remembered the day she received the letter in early spring, beckoning her to join.
Clarissa Fairchild,
In light of recent reports of progress sent to the Academy, we would like to formally extend an invitation to join the senior class for this up and coming school year. We are more than happy to add that this year's tuition would be covered by the Hodge Starkweather Raven Scholarship, in which you have met the requirements above and beyond.
Clary had stopped reading there, her mind numb with shock and joy. Alicante Prestige was a complete dream. She had grown up wanting to go, after her visit with her parents when she was eight years old. The towering building with incredible stained-glass windows and sprawling gardens spoke to her heart. When she grew older she had accepted that sometimes dreams just wouldn't be feasible. So she went to the closest school, New York Institute of Shadowhunters, and honed her skills to perfection. Within the past year, her ability to create new runes had emerged, and she spent her time split between training, demon hunting, and with her nose stuck firmly in her sketchbook. Apparently, her dedication to her work as a shadowhunter had paid off.
Wringing out her hair with a towel, she wiped the fog away from the mirror with one hand and stared back at her reflection. Cherry red hair, stuck in wet strands to her face. Dusting of freckles atop her small nose. High cheekbones; the blue shadows under her eyes from the sleepless night before. Wide emerald green eyes, framed with dark lashes, that once again reminded her of how nervous she was. She sighed again.
"Suck it up," she spoke to the mirror. "You've wanted this for most of your life. You can't back out now because you're a little freaked." The person in the mirror nodded resolutely, and she marched out of the bathroom. Straight into another person. She jumped backwards with a yelp.
"Jesus Christ, Clary," her brother mumbled, eyes still narrow with sleep. He was in a t-shirt and pajama pants, running his hands over his face and through his white-blond hair. "Aren't shadowhunters supposed to have more awareness? I swear I surprise you more often than any demon ever will."
Clary shrugged. "Sorry, preoccupied." His eyes softened, and he pulled her in for a hug.
"It'll be fine," He murmured into the crown of her head. "You're going to go to that fancy pants academy and kick some major ass. You know that. Stop psyching yourself out. I'm only a call away. Say one word and I'll drive down to visit you. " His words sunk into her skin like a warm blanket. She could always count on him to make her feel sane. Her big brother had faith in her. She squeezed him and straightened up.
"I'll miss kicking your ass every day." She smiled cheekily at him. He snorted and ducked into the bathroom.
"If you took all the hot water, it's your ass that will be kicked," he declared. "Thoroughly and painstakingly kicked, I tell you." The door closed behind him with a soft click. Clary chuckled, and although the nervousness was gone, she felt an ache of sadness go through her. No more brother-sister banter while she was away. She shook her head and shuffled back to her room to complete her packing.
.oOOOOOOOOOOo.
"Clary." Her eyes were shut and she was fading back into consciousness. Who was that? They were definitely annoying, that's for sure. "Clary," the voice insisted, now accompanied by a shake of her shoulder. "You need to wake up, we're here." She sat up slowly, blinking her eyes against the harsh light of the streetlamp shining through the car window. Wincing, she rubbed her sore neck.
"Christ," She yawned. "Remind me why we didn't portal here?"
"Because it's ridiculously expensive and Luke has a perfectly working truck right here?" Her mother looked amused. Luke chuckled.
"Mom, I can make a fu—freaking portal," Clary caught herself on the curse. Her mother looked sharply at her. Clary drank the sight of her parents in. Jocelyn with her messy bun, pencils sticking all over the place, green eyes the same shade as Clary's but seemingly softer. Luke with his scratchy stubble and strong jaw, kind eyes shining towards his family. He wasn't her real father, but she thought the world of him. Another pang of sadness rolled through her chest. She was going to miss them so much.
"Watch your mouth," her mother lectured. Jonathon snickered next to her, earning him a kick in the shin. "And you know you can't portal unless you send in a formal request to the Clave. God knows when they would approve that." She shook her head in frustration, a couple pieces of hair falling out of her bun.
"Come on everyone, hop out," Luke swung open the truck door and headed to the back to wrangle Clary's suitcase out. "Good lord, child," He panted. "Did you literally pack boulders?"
"Shoes, Luke," Clary jumped out of the backseat of the truck and went to aid her stepfather. "You know how I enjoy my fifty pairs of generic black combat boots." He rolled his eyes at her and set down the suitcase. He straightened, dusting off his palms. Clary looked behind them at the looming building. It looked every bit the grandiose, gothic church she remembered from her childhood. She felt the same pull, it was almost magnetic. She belonged here.
"Alright," Her mother looked tense, but pasted on a bright smile. "Let's get you inside and settled. You look exhausted." She shot a pointed look at Jonathon and aimed it towards the luggage. He raised his hands in defeat and grabbed her suitcase, Luke pulling her duffle bag over his shoulder. Her mother grabbed her hand and guided her towards the gargantuan front doors of the Academy. As the pushed through, Clary sighed in wonder. It was absolutely stunning. Lofty ceilings with enormous witchlight chandeliers. White marble floors and intricate pillars. All around were comfortable armchairs and sofas, tables and chairs. Paintings and photographs littered the walls. A few people, presumably students, were still up at the late hour, lounging around and talking with their friends. It was soft and cozy, and immediately put Clary's nerves at ease. They headed towards the back of the front room, where there was a huge cherry wood desk that looked like it belonged in some sort of antique museum.
"Someone is supposed to meet you here," her mother mumbled. The desk was empty, save for a single bell sitting atop.
"Are you supposed to ring the bell? Seems a little… old-fashioned." Jonathon mused. He was right. New York Institute of Shadowhunters was incredibly modern in comparison. Clary swallowed, stepped forward, and tapped the bell firmly. The clear sound of the bell echoed. For a moment, there was silence and no movement. Then, as Clary went to moved forward to hit the bell again, a dark-haired woman came out from a door behind the desk.
"Hello!" The woman smiled warmly. She had beautiful blue eyes and raven hair. She turned and looked over at Luke and her mother, mouth dropping open. "By the angel, Jocelyn? Luke? It's been years!" She bustled over and threw her arms against her surprised parents.
"Maryse?" Jocelyn squeaked. "My god, you look amazing. How are you? I didn't know you transferred to Alicante." She pulled back and smiled a warm, genuine smile. Clary snuck a look at Jonathon, who look just as thrown as she did. They had never met their parent's friends.
"Yes, this will be my second year as head of Alicante Prestige," Maryse's eyes shone wide with pride. She turned to Clary with a soft smile. "Hello, you must be Clarissa. Welcome to Alicante Prestige Shadowhunter Academy. We're thrilled to have you join us for your last year in training." Clary smiled back.
"Clary, please," She corrected. "And thank you so much for this opportunity. I hope I live up to expectations." She blushed, not meaning to sound so insecure. Great.
"Of course, you will," Maryse said warmly. "I apologize, but this is where you'll have to say goodbye to your family, Clary. My daughter Isabelle will show you to the room you both will be sharing. Isabelle!" A tall, elegant, beautiful girl strode out from behind the door. Her hair was long and a shiny black, her eyes almost the color of ink. She looked like a runway model, all thin and perfect body. Her plump lips were rosy and pink, and her eyelashes were full and dark. Clary's jaw nearly hit the floor. Behind her, Jonathon made a sound halfway between a groan and a cough, and honestly, Clary couldn't blame him. She was every guys dream. Jocelyn, however, whacked her son on the back of the head.
"Behave," she hissed. He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Isabelle stopped next to Clary, seemingly oblivious to what just happened.
"Hi," She said with a smile. "I'm Isabelle, I'm a senior here. It's really nice to meet you, I look forwards to being roommates with you." She looked Clary up and down and her grin became impossibly wide. "I can't wait to do a ton of make-overs." Clary's eyes widened.
"I—" She started but was cut off by Maryse.
"Isabelle, let's go wait until Clary says goodbye to her family," She grabbed her daughter and shoed her towards the corner. "Again, Luke. Jocelyn. It was so good seeing you. You as well Jonathon, you've grown into a fine young man since the last time I saw your infant self. Clary's well cared for. You all be cautious driving back!" With that, she joined her daughter. The lump rose in Clary's throat. This was it. This was the part she was dreading.
Everyone fell into a group hug, with Clary at the center. She closed her eyes and basked in the warmth and love radiating from each of the people she loved most.
"We love you so much," Her mother whispered. Luke and Jonathon nodded. "We're so proud of you." Clary's eyes stung as she forced back tears.
"Kick some ass, my love," Luke kissed the top of her head. His spicy aftershave washed over her.
"Love you, Clare," Jonathon ruffled her hair. "Text and call me whenever, okay? I mean it. Even if you pull some girly shit—OW, okay Mom— even if you call me upset, I promise to make you laugh. I mean it." He pushed his pinkie finger to hers and laced it through. Clary held on tight, then stepped back.
"I love you guys," She put on a wobbly smile. "I'll talk to you soon." She watched as they turned around and made their way to the door. When it clanged shut behind them, she took a deep breath and turned to Isabelle.
"I'm ready. Let's go."
Alright so I know it's somewhat long, but I definitely want to get the background information out of the way! And Jace hasn't been introduced yet, but don't you fret. He'll be coming around soon enough. R&R, thanks everyone!