Queenie: Okay, my lovelies, here is the Shadowhunter/PJO crossover I mentioned in my other story updates. I decided to use the TV show instead of the books, and I hope you like what I've got so far.
For all my life none of it has been normal. Actually the moment I was conceived things would never be normal for me. I mean, when you're the daughter of a Greek god and woman, who has clear sight and the ability of foresight, it'd be impossible to be normal, right? I know it sounds kind of farfetched, but it's all true. I am a daughter of Hephaestus the god of forges. Give me a slab of metal, and I can make you anything you'd want. A weapon, a sculpture, etc. Being what I am does have perks, but it also spells out danger, which is why when I came of age, I was sent to a place safe for others like me. I was sent after my adoptive brother Myron who is a son of Hecate.
We spent some summers, sometimes full years at Camp Half-blood where we were taught how to fight and survive. But before even being placed amongst my fellow half-bloods, Myron and I were surrounded by the supernatural. The world is crawling with creatures you might not ever believe. There is more than just the Greek myths running around. I grew up in a world of demons and hunters in the dark before I even went to join my own kind. It was a world I was more comfortable in than the one Myron and I pretended to be in when we attended school with the Mundanes.
I did have human friends who I love dearly, but every time we get together to enjoy the other's company, I feel as if Myron and I are just putting on a show. The same show we have to show to the rest of the world to appear normal. However, I had a feeling that someday things would be different. Soon the truth would come out, and there would be no hiding it again afterwards.
"When do you think Clary will be done with her interview?" I asked as I sat with Simon and Myron.
Today the day of Clary's 18th birthday, she had an interview at the Brooklyn Academy of Art. It was a pretty big deal since she's going for the advanced program. I know she really wanted to make it, and for her sake, I hope she did. It'd really put a damper on her birthday if she wasn't accepted.
"Considering the time, I'd say soon." Myron said as he looked to his watch.
He then returned to typing away on his laptop to probably finish that report he was doing for his paranormal history class. Myron was a few years older than the rest of us, and was attending his second year at his college. He was in his own advanced program, and with his grades and the hours he was taking, he was on the path to graduate early. I myself was trying to get into a polytechnic school to earn an engineering degree or two in mechanics and such.
"Like now." Myron added.
I blinked in confusion then looked with Simon to see Clary entering the café. I smiled at her as I waved, but then I noticed her turned down expression. I'm guessing the interview didn't go well. I wasn't the only one to answer.
"Give me the names of the professors," Simon began. "And I—I will end them."
Clary and I exchanged a glance before looking at Simon in disbelief. He wasn't even a fan of the sight of blood, so hearing him say something like that was hard to believe. Not to mention I'd be more worried he'd get himself hurt than those professors.
"I was thinking about a scathing email to the dean." Simon explained.
"That's probably best." Myron said as he turned off his laptop and closed it. "Wouldn't want you overexerting yourself."
Simon threw Myron a look that Myron ignored as he took a sip from his cup. I just chuckled then nudged Clary as she was sitting beside me while placing her bag between us.
"In all seriousness, we can take revenge for you if you want." I said.
"Don't bother." Clary said as she set an envelope on the table.
Simon blinked before picking up the letter. The second he looked at the front, he grinned while looking at Clary.
"What?" He asked then showed the letter to Myron.
Myron read the front before he chuckled as he looked up at Clary who was starting to smile, which had me suspicious.
"Well played." He said then turned the letter towards me to read.
When I saw "congratulations" stamped across it, I smiled brightly as I turned to look at Clary.
"Clary, congrats!" I said hugging her.
Clary giggled thanking me as she hugged me in return. I'm so happy for her. Now she could continue to go after her dream.
"But the sad face?" Simon spoke up. "Really?"
"Sometimes you've just got to set the mood, right, Clary?" I asked her.
"That's right." She said nodding.
Simon shook his head in amusement at the pair of us before sharing a fist bump with Clary.
"Thanks, guys." Clary said smiling at all of us. "You know, it's weird. They kind of liked my assigned work, but they flipped out over the drawings for our graphic novel."
She gestured to the sketches on her sketch book of symbols and demons. I exchanged a glance with Myron. Both of us have noticed that Clary has been drawing more and more of that world she's supposed to have forgotten. However, it seems as if the memories are resurfacing. We'd have to inform him before things get too out of hand.
"You're welcome." Simon said grinning while not noticing mine of Myron's bothered looks.
"This day will go down in history as the greatest eighteenth I've ever had." Clary said smiling.
She looked to me so I smiled as well as the waitress brought over more coffee and some biscotti. I didn't want her thinking something was up. I wanted her happy today. I don't have many friends—not counting the ones at Camp Half-blood—, but Clary is one of the dearest ones I have, so I want her happy and safe for as long as possible. Though I did feel horrible about keeping these things from her.
"Which is why the four of us are celebrating tonight." Simon said gesturing to the four of us. "Yes, with Maurine after our show."
Honestly I'd prefer it just be the four of us. I mean, Maurine is a very nice person, but I'm not good with people. The three with me being an exception. I've just known them too long to be uncomfortable. I just prefer the company of machines to people. People are just too complicated. Way more than machines, so I tend to keep away from them if possible. So I guess you can say my social skills are terrible.
"Absolutely." Clary said.
"Yeah, it sounds like fun." Myron said as he stood. "And I would love to continue this conversation, but I have classes to attend. I'll meet you all for the show."
He put his laptop in his bag before putting the strap on his shoulder. He pushed this coffee and biscotti towards me, which I took. I could never turn down extra food, and I live off coffee. Myron pat Simon on the shoulder in farewell before coming around the table to place a brotherly kiss on top my head.
"Ah, Clary, before I forget." He said as he went over to her. "I've got a present for you."
He dug inside his bag for a moment before holding out a slim black box out to Clary. It had a violet ribbon decorating it, and I'm proud to say I picked it out.
"Oh, Myron, you didn't have to get me anything." Clary said though accepted the box.
"I didn't get you a present because I had to, but because I wanted to." Myron said. "That's what friends do."
Clary smiled at him with her cheeks tinted slightly pink. I almost giggled while knowing Clary had a crush on Myron.
"Thank-you." Clary said then opened the box.
She gasped seeing the beautiful silver bracelet inside the box. It's actually some of my own handy work. Myron asked me to make it for Clary. Even paid me for my services. And by pay me I mean, he did all my chores for the last week, and will be doing them for another two. It was better than getting paid cash.
But the bracelet was well done if I do say so myself. I made sure to put some fine detail into each charm and made sure it was the exact design Myron wanted with a few my own added creations thrown in. Myron then spelled the bracelet so it'll help Clary if she's ever in danger, and we're not around or until we can reach her.
"It's beautiful." Clary said as she looked up. "I can't say thank-you enough, Myron."
"It's not that big of a deal." Myron said while taking it from the box. "But you can repay me by promising me to never take it off."
He said this seriously while looking into her eyes as he gently put it around her right wrist. As Clary promised, I noticed the bothered look on Simon's face. Oh dear. I know Simon happens to love Clary, which makes me feel bad when I feel happy when Clary blushes around or gets closer to Myron. But I just want my brother happy and with a girl who will love him. And I feel like Clary is that person. But then again I don't want Simon sad. I feel torn.
"Happy Birthday, Clary." Myron said hugging her.
He then told the rest of us goodbye as he left, and to end the tension I cleared my throat while changing the subject.
"So Maurine's joining us tonight, huh?" I asked while trying to smile.
"Uh, yeah." Simon said as he nodded. "I hope that's okay. I know how you are around too many people."
I could tell he was sincere as he said this, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if he told Maurine they'd hang out another night if it made me feel better.
"Of course, it's fine." I said. "I like Maurine."
I just have trouble having conversations with her while not coming off as weird. Though I think Maurine has come to understand my quirks when it comes to being around people.
"Speaking of Maurine." Clary said as she absently played with her new accessory. "What's the deal between you and Maurine?"
She asked Simon this while smiling as he paused in bringing his coffee up to his lips.
"What deal?" Simon asked. "We sing together."
Clary looked at him in disbelief as she set down the biscotti she was about to take a bite out of.
"You seriously don't know she's been crushing on you this whole time?" Clary asked.
Simon looked at her in surprise before looking to me as if he wanted me to confirm what Clary was saying.
"She does like you." I said. "I mean it's obvious to even me, and I don't understand people like at all."
Clary gestured to me in a "ya see?" fashion as she looked to Simon who was already shaking his head in denial.
"No, no." Simon said.
"Simon, how can someone as smart and perceptive as you not realize the person sitting right there is in love with you?" Clary asked.
I sighed wishing Clary hadn't asked that. It wasn't as if she had room to talk, and I didn't want Simon upset again.
"Guarantee I'm not the only smart, perceptive person to make that mistake." He said while indeed looking bothered.
Though he did have a point. He didn't notice Maurine's feelings him, Clary didn't realize his feelings for her, and Myron didn't realize Clary's feelings for him. It's like a love square almost. A love square of not so smart, smart and perceptive people. I'm glad I don't have to deal with such things. Not like any guy out there would want to date me anyway, and I'm horrible with people, so I should be safe from such romantic drama. I shook my head picking up my latte to take a drink when I noticed Clary seemed to be staring at hers really hard. I exchanged a look with Simon who seemed to notice the same thing before we looked back to Clary.
"That's a latte." He informed her as he pointed at her drink.
I nearly reached over the table to smack his arm since I'm sure Clary knew what she was drinking.
"But I could have sworn I had a biscotti." Clary said looking confused.
"Maybe you ate it really fast and didn't notice." Simon said. "Happens to me all the time. When I'm happy. When I'm sad."
"Me too." I said honestly.
Just lay some food in front of me when I working on something else I usually have it eaten before I even realized someone had left it for me in the first place. What can I say? We half-bloods can eat a lot. Clary snorted at both of us as she shook her head, but I'm sure she's used to my large appetite.
"Here." I said giving her the biscotti Myron left behind. "I need to watch how much I eat anyway, so you can have the one Myron left me."
"Thank-you." Clary said. "But I think you're the last person who has to worry about her weight. I mean, I remember you once eating nearly a whole tub of ice cream, a whole pizza and a half, and a whole lot more junk food all in one night. And you didn't gain even a pound."
I shrugged my shoulders since it wasn't my fault I had the high metabolism I did. Though it only works so well because I also work out often.
"And I thank-you both for not judging me for that." I said sincerely.
Clary and Simon laughed as Clary hugged my arm while placing her head on my shoulder.
"Oh, Mona, we could never judge you for how much you eat." Clary said still giggling. "Though I'm so glad we don't have to feed you all the time."
"Yeah, we'd go broke." Simon joked.
I playfully rolled my eyes at them then noticed the time, and I knew I had to get going as well.
"Well, I have to go too." I said. "I need to speak to my dad about tonight. I'll see you both later. Clary, I'll be sure to meet you at your house with your present."
"Okay." Clary said smiling.
I kissed her cheek then hugged Simon before collecting my things. I left the café while putting my leather jacket on. I then adjusted my bag properly as I started walking down the street.
I walked into the apartment I shared with Myron and our adoptive father. Well, he was here some of the time, but most of the time he was in one of his many hiding places. He said it was safer for us the less he was around even if he wanted to be with us since he likes keeping us close.
"Dad." I called out. "Are you here?"
I frowned guessing he wasn't here. He probably already left. Probably wouldn't be seeing him for a few days if I'm lucky. I then heard footsteps coming from the kitchen, which had me turning around. I smiled when seeing him walking around the corner.
"Dad." I said.
My adoptive father—Magnus Bane—grinned at me in response as he opened up his arms to me. I hurried towards him while wrapping my arms around him. He hugged me while resting his chin on top my head.
"Desdemona." He said using my full name. "I had a feeling you needed to see me today."
I pulled back smiling at him still while glad he was here because I need to speak with him. And thinking about it had my smile dropping slightly.
"It's Clary." I said. "I think she's starting to regain some of her lost memories. She keeps drawing runes and monsters."
Magnus brushed my hair back from my face while giving me a tender look he only shows Myron and me when we're troubled.
"It was only a matter of time, my sweet Mona." He said. "She won't be able to regain them completely as long as her memories are kept from her. But all magic fades eventually. All you can do is be there for her when it's time she learns the truth."
I nodded knowing that was true, but being in this kind of world was dangerous. It wasn't something I'd wish on someone like Clary. Or even Simon. They'd be safer away from it.
"Cheer up, Desdemona." Magnus said tapping my nose. "Aren't you going out with your friends tonight? You shouldn't look so down."
I smiled for him as he placed a kiss on my forehead. Magnus might be an immortal warlock and have no true relation to me, but he is my father in my mind. He was there for me since I was born, and raised me in place of my true parents. I loved him dearly, and being near him brings me happiness.
"If you want, come to Pandemonium tonight after you and Myron are done with your friends." Magnus said. "We will spend time together as a family."
I nodded liking the sound of that. While Pandemonium is open to Mundanes and Downworlders alike, it is a place where Myron and I can be more ourselves. Many there know our true connection to Magnus, so we don't have to hide or pretend we don't know each other. It's also one of the few places I can handle large crowds since most of the people there aren't really people. I feel comfortable around Downworlders than people since I sometimes feel as I have a stronger connection to them than actual people.
"Now, you should go get ready." He said. "I will see you later tonight, sweet one."
"Okay, Dad." I said. "I love you."
"And I love you." He replied.
He kissed my forehead one last time before shooing me off towards my room. I walked into my room that was honestly just one big mess. I had finished and unfinished projects laying around of weapons and even sculptures. Then there were large blueprints and sketches of projects I want to build either laying on my work desk or pinned to my walls. My room actually looked more like a workshop with a random bed in the corner and a closet and bathroom attached to it. I loved it this way though, and it meant I could work in the comfort of my own room.
I went to my closet wondering what to wear. I didn't want to overdo it since Maurine and Simon weren't playing anywhere too fancy. However, if I'm going to Pandemonium later I'll need something a bit flashier. I looked through some of my clothes while shaking my head at each one. This would take a while. I hate picking out clothes since I'm horrible at it. I mean, I've gotten better over the years thanks to Magnus's guidance, but I still don't enjoy it. I sighed already feeling aggravated.
After finally picking out an outfit, I headed out for Clary's place. I had picked a cropped backless black top that hugged my chest. Since it stopped above my bellybutton a tattoo could be seen on my torso. It looked like an odd runic symbol that Myron's sister Rhea had created through magic and studying different religious cultures to find strong protective symbols.
This symbol masked my scent and kept me hidden from the kind of monsters that like to hunt half-bloods down for a snack. I put a leather jacket over it, and had it partially zipped up to cover more since I knew Jocelyn would not approve of my shirt. I then had on black leather pants and ankle boots with three inch heels that were decorated with spikes on the back. I then had a few assorted rings on my fingers.
It might be a bit much for where Simon's show is going to be, but it'd work for Pandemonium. In fact, it wasn't as flashy as something Magnus would usually dress me in. However, something I always keep with me no matter what I'm wearing is golden circlet that was wrapped around my upper arm. It had been a gift from my older brother Charles Beckendorf around the time I first came to camp. It was really two dual swords twisted together to look like a circlet. But when activated they return to their rightful size and shape, so I can fight with them.
Hopefully I wouldn't need to fight tonight. But something inside me was telling me something bad was going to happen, which had me a bit sick at my stomach. Half-bloods have strong instincts. Strong enough that they warn us of danger before it even comes. It's almost like foresight except we don't see the danger—not while we're awake at least, though sometimes we do when sleeping in our dreams. We just feel it so strongly we know it's coming, and the stronger the feeling the more and danger and the less time to prepare for it. I came out of my thoughts when I heard someone call my name.
"Mona?"
I jumped then turned my head to see Dot standing in front of me as she opened the door to the store below Clary and Jocelyn's apartment. I hadn't even realized I had just stopped outside the door.
"Are you okay?" Dot asked looking worried.
Dot's been an old friend of Magnus's since before I was born, and I kind of saw her as an older sister. And she's always treated me kindly in return.
"Yeah." I said. "Just a lot on my mind. Something keeps telling that…that something is going to happen tonight, and I guess it just has me on edge."
Dot frowned, and I'm sure she thought the same as me. Clary becoming an adult is going to change things, and it might not bring just good things.
"Have you told Magnus about this?" Dot asked.
"I told him Clary was subconsciously remembering things, and he could tell it bothered me." I said. "But I didn't want to bother him with what I'm feeling. He has enough to worry about."
Dot sighed while reaching out to place her hands on my shoulders, so I'd look at her directly.
"You know as well as I do he's never too busy for his children." Dot said. "He needs to know, Mona. Especially since none of us are sure if you're like your moth—!"
"I'm not like my mom!" I cut her off quickly.
I then bit my lip because I hadn't meant to snap at Dot. She didn't mean to upset me. My mom is just a touchy subject.
"I'm sorry." I said.
Dot shook her head then gave me a hug, which brought a bit of comfort to me.
"It's okay." She said as she pulled back. "I understand. I know it scares you, Mona. However, we can't ignore your feelings. They are stronger than even Myron's and he has the gift of true magic. If your instincts are predicting future danger even if just hours in advance, Magnus needs to know, so he can help you if you ever…if you ever gain the same abilities as your mother."
I frowned though nodded my head. I couldn't argue with her though I am certain I couldn't be like my mother. I couldn't have the gift of foresight. I mean, Luke Castellan's mother had the same gifts, but Luke hadn't gained them. And that was became they were gifts from Apollo, and I highly doubted he gave me the same ones. I am the daughter of another god after all. Besides, there's already an oracle in place.
"Well, I don't want you worrying yourself about it too much tonight." Dot said. "You're still young and need to enjoy yourself. Now come on in. Simon just got here, so I'm sure he and Clary are about to leave."
Dot welcomed me inside then made sure to shut the door tight behind us while locking the door. I went up to the loft while letting myself in since Jocelyn always told me her home was my home. I walked in seeing Jocelyn, Luke, Simon, and Clary. Luke saw me first while offering me a smile.
"Hey, Dez." He said using one of my rare nicknames.
"Hey, Luke." I greeted in return as I walked over to the group.
I set Clary's birthday present on the counter next to the spray paint I'm sure Luke had gotten her.
"You're present, Madame." I said giving a mock bow.
Clary smiled while opening the bag to reach inside. She pulled out a stone sculpture I had worked on, and gasped as she looked at it. It was a sculpture of a satyr playing reedpipes, and I had made it were the stone curled outwards in tendrils to have small, very detailed flowers growing around it.
"It's amazing." She said as she ran her fingers around the details.
I worked so hard on it you could almost count the hairs on the satyr's hairy legs and the rings on his curled horns. I also made sure the reedpipes looked like the real thing meaning it had the correct amount of finger holes and amount of reeds. It was nearly a foot tall, and I could have gone for taller. But then it would have been harder to transport.
"Yeah, it is." Simon said as he looked it over with Clary. "Sometimes, Mona, I think you should try to go to the same school as Clary."
Though I appreciated the compliments, I shook my head in disagreement with Simon.
"I like making sculptures every once and a while, but I'd rather make weapons or machinery any day." I said.
My father—Hephaestus—has been known to sculpt before too. I mean, take Pandora for example. For her creation he had sculpted her out of clay, and even with his old, rough hands he had made a very beautiful masterpiece.
"Did you chisel this out?" Luke asked as he took the sculpture
"Yeah." I said. "I was just going to use clay, but decided to use a stone slab instead. I did consider marble for a while, but if you don't buff it out right, it comes out looking badly made."
Luke looked impressed as he looked at the satyr's eyes, which I had put quite some work into as well. Sometimes if you look close enough you can swear those eyes blinked at you. I actually thought about having Myron spell it to do that, but I didn't want Clary freaking out about it.
"It really is beautiful, Mona." Jocelyn said giving me a smile.
I noticed it was strained, however, and I'm sure it has to do with the fact of the runes drawn on the back of Clary's sketchbook, which Jocelyn can clearly see. Speaking of Clary, she came over to hug me tightly, which had me hugging her in return.
"I love it." Clary said as she pulled back. "It is going with all my other Mona Masterpieces."
I've actually made her something every birthday, and even when I think she'll get tired of them, she always asks for more. Or hints around she wants another one like a month—sometimes two—before her birthday to give me time to work. Even when I was away at camp she would send letters asking for one for her birthday.
"Are you ever going to ask for anything else from me on your birthday?" I asked her.
"No." Clary said shaking her head. "Until the day we have our last birthdays, I will always want a Mona Masterpiece because you rarely sculpt unless I ask you. And your sculptures are amazing."
I hummed neither agreeing with her nor disagreeing with her, which had her nudging me playfully.
"Well, ladies, we better get going before it gets too late." Simon said. "And remember after the show, we're going to Lombardi's to celebrate."
"You should come back here after." Jocelyn said while obviously trying to seem casual about the entire thing. "The city's not that safe right now."
Something must have her kind of shaken up, which just reminds me of my churning gut.
"Ah, thanks, Mom." Clary said. "But we're set."
She then looped her arm with mine to turn us around to head for the exit. She was really determined to get out of here, wasn't she?
"Yeah, we will take a rain check." Simon said as he was following before suddenly turning around, which had Clary and I turning as well. "Wait. Do I smell chicken cacciatore?"
Jocelyn smiled at Simon while standing up with her arms held out as if beckoning him take a seat and stay. Clary quickly grabbed his arm to stop him from getting pulled in by Jocelyn and her food. Though I couldn't blame him. Whatever was cooking did smell delicious. I wouldn't mind coming right back after the show to grab a bit.
"Simon, your gig." Clary reminded him.
"You're singing?" Luke asked.
"Yes, big gig." Simon said. "And by big, I mean not so."
Luke chuckled at Simon's words, which had me smiling. Jocelyn then pulled Clary into a hug, and I could see the worry in her eyes as she held her daughter.
"Uh, losing circulation, here." Clary said.
Jocelyn didn't loosen her hold a bit as she made Clary promise to have breakfast in the morning with her. As Clary was promising, Jocelyn looked at me over Clary's shoulder. I nodded my head in understand and in promise that I would look after Clary tonight. Beside me, Simon and Luke were exchanging a I'm-Watching-You gesture, which had Simon tapping his nose in an I-Got-You manner.
"Mom, mom, you've got to let me go." Clary said finally. "I'm now biologically and legally an adult."
"Yeah," Jocelyn said as she finally let go of Clary. "That's what I'm afraid of."
The three of us then left with me carrying the paint as Simon was giving Clary a piggyback ride. I smiled and laughed along with them as they talked about how tonight was going to be, but underneath the smile I had a sickening feeling something horrible was going to happen to Clary tonight.
