Hi everyone! Chapter 3! It's a bit longer than the previous chapters. Lots of things to explain here. Thanks for sticking with the story so far! Again, Cassandra Clare owns all the rights to The Mortal Instruments and characters. I merely have an overactive imagination.
Hodge stood inside of his warm office, skimming the pages of a large book. He hummed to himself softly, underlining words and making various notes in the margins of the book he was reading, when all of a sudden, a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"You think a man who lived as long as you wouldn't need to learn anything more," a voice said beside him.
Hodge chuckled, not looking up from the pages he was reading. He already knew who it was. He finished scribbling and turned his face to the speaker with amusement in his eyes. "A man can always learn more, Jace."
Hodge certainly was an elderly man, but always carried himself with poise, and had vast amount of knowledge of almost every subject. Although he never intended to be a teacher, everyone considered him as a great mentor.
"Does learning include destroying literature?" Jace asked with his eyebrow raised, motioning to the words written along the margin.
"I didn't know you were a defender of the written word," Hodge said with a smirk.
"I am a man of many endearing qualities," Jace said with a slight smile, his hazel eyes dancing. "A defender, a fighter, a lover –"
"A burden, some might say." Another voice cut him off before he could finish. Jace turned his blonde head slightly, looking across the room to another young man, sitting in an armchair, lazily flipping through a small paperback.
"But an awfully good looking burden at that," Jace countered. He smiled at his companion, who seemed to be frustrated. "What have you got there, Alec?" He nodded toward the book in his hand.
Alec ran his hand through his jet-black hair and sighed. "Just more notes from the Clave," making the last word sound like it left a bitter taste in its mouth. "Completely useless if you ask me. Honestly, we barely know anything."
Jace grinned and leaned his body against the table, crossing his arms. "I beg to differ. I always know what I'm doing."
"That doesn't always mean you should do it," Hodge said raising one eyebrow.
Alec refused to join in the conversation and continued to complain. "I am nearly 23 years old. I am tired doing errands for them without them telling us why." With that last note, he threw the book on a table beside him, nearly knocking the reading lamp over. Hodge peered over his reading glasses, looking at Alec's frustrated face.
"You know exactly what we are doing and why, Alec. Your parents are part of the council that put this action into place." Hodge put his pencil down and stood up straight. "Or need I remind you again of your duties?" Beside him, Jace smirked at his irritated companion. Everyone knew not to test Hodge when it came to the council, or in other words, the Clave. Before Alec could reply with a comeback, the entrance of Hodge's office opened and another person entered, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floor slicing through the conversation. No one could ignore when Isabelle Lightwood walked in.
"I come bearing gifts!" She exclaimed, holding up a paper bag and a tray of steaming coffee. She walked towards the three men, her raven black hair swishing behind her.
"Took you long enough, sister," Alec said. As soon as the paper bag landed on the table, he reached in and grabbed a bagel and one of the styrofoam cups, barely uttering a thank you.
"Well, what's gotten into him?" She asked Jace and Hodge.
Jace reached into the bag and started to eat, savouring the cream cheese. "Thanks for this, Izzy. Some of us were starting to get cranky."
"I was simply reminding him about his duties," Hodge said, taking a sip of the warm beverage. "Something, I think, that must happen every once in a while." Jace moved from the table, and in two strides, he sat down beside Alec, giving him an annoyed look because he knew that Hodge was going to start telling one of his stories. Izzy sat on a chair at the table and glared at her brother, thinking the same thoughts as Jace.
"We are Shadowhunters. We are Nephelim, descendents of the angels. We have a duty - " Hodge started. But was cut off by Isabelle's voice.
"Yes, we know, Hodge," she said chuckling into her bagel. "We have a duty to protect mundane humans from demons and alike. We have skills and weapons that only Shadowhunters can posses."
"But you sometimes forget that Shadowhunters also have rules they need to obey. Dura lex, sed lex," Hodge said in Latin, narrowing his eyes at the three in front of him, like a professor to his students.
"The law is hard, but it is the law," Jace replied instantly.
Hodge nodded. "Exactly. We are bound to the law and the Clave upholds the law. And the law states that our race is sworn to protect the weak from the evil." Hodge took another sip of his coffee, almost waiting if was going to be interrupted. "Almost 100 years ago, there was a Shadowhunter who thought that our laws and our duties were not fit for our race. His name was Sebastian Morgenstern." He looked at the three young individuals in front of him, making eye contact, and their faces showed interest in what he was saying. The history of Shadowhunters always held their attention, despite their initial reaction.
"Since our race is an angel-human hybrid, Sebastian believed that we should be above demons, above mankind and above the law – anyone's law. He wanted that Shadowhunters ruled the earth so everyone living recognized that we were the elite race. He truly believed we had this privilege." Hodge emphasized this last sentence with hollowness in his voice. "Because of this, he made many Shadowhunters drink demon blood. This allowed them to be stronger, but cursed them as well. This demon blood stripped them from all heavenly powers, and they instead became warriors of the dark. He wanted to lead his army against the Clave to destroy them, so he could implement his dictatorship. And he almost succeeded." Hodge sat down in front of the book he was reading earlier and flipped back a few pages. "Idris, our Shadowhunter country, was a warzone."
"But the Clave had inside sources that told them about his plan. They were able to bring together Shadowhunters across the world, including warlocks, to fight for their survival. They were able to bring the army down, but it cost them many lives." He turned the book towards the three individuals. On the left page was a map of the world, various countries coloured in to signify where Shadowhunters existed. The map was almost coloured in completely. The page on the right showed an identical map, only this time, there was significantly less countries coloured; only a few parts in North and South America, Europe and Asia were highlighted. Hodge stared at the maps and continued on, his voice echoing the pains of the past.
"The Clave needed to create a preemptive measure to ensure the survival of Shadowhunters. So many lives were lost, that the Clave was worried that we would have very little help against any dark forces in the future. After the war, with the help of the angel Raziel and the strongest warlocks, they sent most of the next few generation of Shadowhunters into the human world to lead very normal, very mundane lives. Others stayed behind in Idris to continue on to rebuild the country. Without them knowing, the Clave would watch the hidden Shadowhunters from afar, ensuring their survival and health. They were basically hiding in plain sight."
Alec laughed softly and Jace turned to look at his warrior friend. He seemed to be shaking his head, and Jace realized Alec was trying to imagine living a human life instead of Shadowhunter one. Alec grew up with a bow and arrow, and Jace tried to picture a soccer ball and video games in his hands instead. He glanced at Isabelle and tried to picture her going on dates and shopping, instead of fighting demons, and he had to suppress a smile. Finally, Jace tried to picture himself as a mundane as well, watching movies and falling in love, but couldn't see himself other than a warrior. Jace's only goal in life was to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. Hodge's voice broke his thoughts as he continued on with his story.
"Then, when the time was right, the Clave would send them back to Idris to be trained. The Clave put my family in charge to be the ones to find any Shadowhunters that were still in hiding. My whole life has been dedicated to find soldiers like you." He smiled at the three in front of him.
"Oh Hodge, you know that no other Shadowhunters are like us," Jace said, lightening up the mood. "No one our age is more trained or more skilled."
"Well, you were lucky to be one of the ones born in Idris. You had everything a young Shadowhunter could need or want. But I must admit, I knew you three were the most talented and capable ones of your ages. So when you all were ready, I requested you come with me on this mission to find the last remaining few that are still living here." Hodge closed the book and dusted off the cover.
"Well, we all know that I am the most talented." Jace said with a smile, placing a hand on his chest.
"And the most arrogant," Isabelle said, laughing out loud. "But I think Hodge just needed us to protect him, that's why he brought us." They knew very well that Hodge was more of a teacher than a fighter, but he was able to handle weapons as well as the rest of them if he needed to.
"And to show the new Shadowhunters what it's like to really be a true Nephilim," Jace added. His face remained smiling, but anxiousness started to bubble up inside of him, anticipating meeting another Shadowhunter, other than the Lightwood siblings. He was also unsure if this someone could really be trained to be as one after leaving a normal, human life.
"I still don't think how we," Alec motioned to himself, Jace and Isabelle. "Are supposed to convince these mundanes that they are Shadowhunters when none of them have even been exposed to our world." Jace smiled at the young man beside him. He was no longer surprised that Alec could almost feel his thoughts.
"You are logical and smart, Alec. We need that in order to convince them that they are one of us. Once we find them and bring them back to Idris, the Shadowhunters will be the resilient race it was once before. From the news back home, it seems that our country has almost reached the original population. Also," Hodge added excitedly. "I've just gotten word in London that they found the last four that were living there, all brothers and sisters, and they are being sent back to Idris now. Thankfully, we only have one here in Seattle that left to find. It should be easy enough for us."
"And you're going to use this… project-slash-research analysis theory to convince this person? Do you even know if this is the right guy?" Alec raised an eyebrow, questioning Hodge's methods.
"The Clave has given me enough information, so I am sure that she is the one we looking for." Hodge noted the very small smile Jace and Isabel had on their faces when he emphasized the next Shadowhunter would be a girl. Alec's expression remained doubtful. "I've viewed her from afar. I've seen her work, and like you Alec, she is very logical. But she is also very passionate, and diligent." Hodge paused for a moment. "And I have convinced her to come see us. She will be coming in tomorrow."
Hodge noticed the surprised reaction from the three Shadowhunters, and before they could protest, he continued on. "You know that there is something deep down inside of you that sets you apart from the rest of the world. That fire inside, that need to do something more with your life, that is inside all Shadowhunters. I know that if she meets all of you, she will start to feel it too."
"So you think," Isabelle said, swallowing the last bite of her bagel. "That your student Clarissa will actually join us?"
Hodge's mouth twitched into a slight smile. "I'm absolutely sure she will."
Clary woke up, blinking her eyes slowly, trying to recount what happened last night. Out of habit, she reached up and touched her temple slightly. She remembered going down to the bookstore, eating pizza, and all of a sudden a sharp pain. She inhaled deeply and mentally scolded herself for not remembering to take her pills. She rolled over to her side and reached over to check her phone. 3 missed calls and 4 text messages from Simon, and 1 email. She smiled to herself and viewed her messages.
Simon: I tried calling. Are you up for breakfast? I could use a stack of pancakes. Your headache kept me up all night.
Simon: Just kidding. Hope you're okay. Text me when you wake up. I want to tell you the new band name we came up with.
Clary rolled her eyes and continued to read.
Simon: Well, since you're not going to pick up your phone, I'm just going to tell you. We named ourselves "The Last Bite" – it's witty, right? Everyone saves the last bite of their favourite food.
Simon: Okay, I just called again. Wow, that headache really knocked you out. You never sleep past 10:30am.
Clary's eyes flew open and saw that the time on her phone was nearly 11:30am. She sat up, amazed at herself for sleeping in so late, but also disappointed she didn't start her day earlier. She never wasted a morning, even if it was a weekday with no school. She checked her email hastily, that feeling of forgetting something rising to the surface.
From: Hodge Starkweather
Dear Clary,
This is just a friendly reminder that we have our meeting today at 12:30pm in my office to go over our project. I hope to see you soon.
Hodge
"Oh my god!" Clary exclaimed to no one in particular. "That was today? How could I forget? God, Clary, you're such a spazz!" She jumped up out of bed, and quickly ran to the bathroom and texted Simon.
Clary: Sorry! Can't do breakfast today. Have some errands I need to run for Luke.
Her phone buzzed almost immediately.
Simon: It's already lunch! You sure you're okay? Do you need help today? You had a pretty bad one last night.
Clary read her text message and bit her lip. She wanted to tell Simon what she was doing, but she couldn't let him on it – not just yet. Not until she was sure what she was getting herself into. She quickly brushed her teeth, combed her hair into a high ponytail and rushed back into her room to find whatever was clean. Right now, her priority was making sure she had a cup of coffee in her hand before she headed back to Churchill College. She would not be able to function properly without caffeine running through her system. She found a pair of faded jeans and a forest green t-shirt, grabbed a black cardigan and stuffed it in her messenger bag, along with her laptop and sketchpad. She grabbed her phoned and replied to Simon.
Clary: Nah, I'm good! I'm headed to school to check out this job opportunity first.
There. That wasn't a total lie. She bounded down the steps from her room and into the kitchen.
Simon: A job, here in the city? Wow, what did that headache do to you?
Clary: Haha. I need to cover all my options. It's probably nothing.
Simon: Debbie downer.
Clary: I'm just calling it like I see it, Lewis. I gotta go, I'm running late. I'll catch ya later?
Simone: Sure, band practice will be around 8:30. Or whenever Jordan decides to stop trying to beat me at COD. See ya, text me later.
Rummaging through the cupboards, she found her reliable coffee tumbler that was able to survive being dropped several times, and poured the hot black liquid from the coffee machine. She looked around the kitchen and she knew Luke was already in the bookstore. She was about to step out of the house, but stopped herself. She knew she should at least say hi to him before she disappeared for the day. He was always so worried after she had terrible headaches. Taking her first sip, she felt warmth run through her body and she made her way to the backroom and to the front of the bookstore.
There, she found Luke entertaining several customers near the cash register. She quickly walked up to him and smiled, telling him mentally that she was fine and not to worry. But as soon as Luke saw her, he quickly wished his customers well on their way and approached Clary with a concerned look in his eye.
"Hey, Clary. You're up late," Luke said, coming around the cash register. "That headache really knocked you out, huh?"
"Yeah, I know," she said. "But I'm fine. Really. I just wanted to say hi and let you know I'll be out most of the day." She shifted her messenger bag on her shoulder and hoped he wouldn't ask too many questions.
"Are you sure you're up to go out? I'm sure Simon won't mind if you decided to stay home and help me out here for today."
"But I would mind," Clary emphasized, giving him a halfway hug. Luke feigned a hurt expression.
"You spent hours here when you were younger!"
"Yeah, and then I realized how amazing the outside world was," Clary said smiling broadly, making her way towards the door. "I'll be at Simon's band practice later. Don't worry about dinner!" She moved to the side for a few customers who entered Luke's bookstore.
"Okay, Clary," Luke said, coming up behind her and opening the door for her. "Be safe. Don't come home too late. And maybe bring a thesaurus with you. Simon needs to figure out better band names." Clary laughed in agreement and turned the corner, walking towards the train station. She glanced at her phone, and realized she still had about half an hour to get to the school, which allowed her to buy something to eat. As soon as she had a breakfast sandwich in her hand, she reached inside her bag, pulled out two pills and downed them with her coffee. She did not need to have another headache episode today.
The train station was only a few blocks down the street, and she walked at an unrushed pace, taking in the beauty of her neighbourhood. Seattle in late spring made people seem happier. Perhaps it was the warmer weather, or maybe it was just the general excitement of the nearing summer season. While Seattle was known for it's dreary and rainy weather, no one could deny that when day was clear and warm, it made the city look beautiful.
The street Clary was walking on was lined with several stores, all with apartments on top, which were inhabited by the same people she recognized since she lived with Luke. She put her ear buds in, and hit shuffle on her playlist, pretending that she was a world of her own. During simple moments like walking down the street, she was often lost in her own fantasy, dreaming of far off places and characters that only existed in books. Maybe Seattle was a hidden, magical city, and she was its protector. Or maybe, Seattle was in ruins and she was sent to save the last few people before the city was attacked again. She smiled at the man loading boxes into his truck, and imagined that maybe he was a spy sent to infiltrate her every move. Perhaps it was her upbringing in a bookstore that fostered her imagination, but she always seemed like the world was too ordinary. She itched to find something more to her life, but always felt a little guilty for wanting to leave Luke and Simon behind. But when she found Hodge, or perhaps when Hodge found her, she couldn't pass up the opportunity to be part of a study that literally explored a whole new world.
What felt like a few short minutes, she found herself at the train station and being so lost in her thoughts, nearly knocked into the person in front of her as she made her way to enter the platform. She flashed her train pass at the attendant near the entrance and walked through the gates. She only had to wait a few moments before the train stopped in front of her and opened up its automatic doors. . She had no idea what to expect from Hodge, but she knew that she would be disappointed if their efforts would yield nothing but wasted time and effort. She clutched her bag as the train started to move, and she turned up the volume to her music, as if trying to drown her nervous thoughts.
The train ride and the walk to the college from the station was quicker than she anticipated, for she found herself at the double doors of Hodge's office. The end of the semester was nearly upon the students, and there were very few individuals on campus. The secretary's desk was empty, Clary noticed, as she walked past by it to get to Hodge's office. But once she stood at the double doors, she hesitated to knock. She checked her watch – there was still 5 minutes left. She replayed the initial meeting with Hodge, over and over again, and tried to find a reason why he would lie to her about this world of Shadowhunters, but she couldn't sense anything wrong. After all, he only wanted her help in finding more information. In truth, the whole idea of a new race was odd, even borderline crazy. But, then again, maybe it was just research. Doctors still were trying to find out how come humans couldn't access 100% of their brain. Astronauts and scientist are still trying to locate other planets and systems in the space. Perhaps Hodge was a professor who simply believed in something more. She finally, stopped playing Devil's Advocate, and she inhaled a sharp breath and raised her fist to the door. But they opened before she even made contact.
"I knew you were here!" Hodge said, greeting her with a smile. Clary, with a look of surprise on her face, lowered her hand from the knocking position and quickly smiled back.
"Hello, Hodge," she said. Her heart was racing, now from excitement more than nervousness. Hodge stepped aside, and she entered his large office, once again surrounded by endless books. But this time, they were not alone. In the corner, by the large map, stood two individuals, a girl and boy, with similar dark hair, both staring at her. Clary gulped and felt the nervousness start to creep up again. Hodge stood beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder and looked in the same direction.
"Well now, don't be rude," he said to the pair in the corner, almost in a fatherly tone. Clary looked up at Hodge with questioning eyes. She racked her brain thinking if mentioned other people would be here today. But she calmed herself as she saw the two individuals approach her out of the corner of her eyes. She surveyed them quickly. The boy, with an angled chin and blue eyes wore a serious expression on his face. His long sleeve shirt hugged his lean body, and she noticed that black tattoos were on his neck. She looked at the girl beside him – his sister? Who had the same facial structure and eye colour, but noticed she stood at least 4 inches taller than the boy, due to the knee high, high heeled leather boots she was wearing. She was curvaceous, and the tight long sleeve top flattered her immensely and made Clary feel very underdressed. "Clarissa," Hodge said, bringing her back to reality. "This is Alexander and Isabelle Lightwood."
"Its just Clary." The habit of correction spilled out of Clary's mouth, and she internally hit herself. She must have sounded so rude, correcting Hodge. But all worries disappeared as soon as Isabelle Lightwood smiled.
"And it's just Izzy," she said, extending a hand. Clary took it and was surprised at how firm her grasp was. "Nice to meet you, Clary."
"Nice to meet you too," she responded genuinely, feeling relieved that the girl didn't seem to put off by a newcomer. They dropped their hands and both turned to look at the boy, who was still wearing a serious expression on his face. "Oh god, Alec. I apologize for my brother's dramatic behaviour," Isabelle said. Clary smiled, hoping to break the tension.
"I guess I didn't get the memo to wear all black too?" Clary asked, quickly. Alec looked taken aback, and glanced at his sister next to him and quickly looked at himself. From head to toe, him and his sister were both dressed in all black – black jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Isabelle laughed out loud.
"I told you to wear something else for once!" She said, still laughing. Clary chuckled nervously, but Alec's face didn't change. He was silent as his sister laughed, and he looked at Clary without blinking.
"Once they come up with a darker shade than black, I will start wearing it," Alec said with a solemn expression. Clary realized how serious he was, and forced herself to hold back her laughter. Apparently, he wasn't one to make jokes. Isabelle didn't take it too seriously, and rolled her eyes at her brother.
"Well, it's good to finally have another female around here. I was getting terribly bored with just having boys as companions," Isabelle said fondly. But then she narrowed her eyes behind Clary. "They can be dreadful."
The red head turned around to find another person in the room, sitting coolly in a large armchair in the corner of Hodge's office. He sat with his back straight, his leg crossed over the other, and one hand supporting his head, as if he was watching a rerun of a television show. He stood up, and Clary's eyes widened, wondered how she missed him at all. His whole being demanded her full attention.
"Well, I wouldn't imagine you disliked it that much," he said smoothly, looking at Isabelle, past Clary. "After all, I am a much better dresser than Alec." He approached Clary in a few strides. He opened his mouth to introduce himself, but was interrupted.
"But not by much," Clary said, and tried to hold back the surprise in her face. Did I really just say that to a stranger? Shesearched her mind trying to find out where that comment came from. The blonde raised one eyebrow and looked at her for a split second, and then his clothing - dark blue jeans and dark long sleeve Henley - and back at Clary, who was blushing in the slightest.
"Well, maybe I should wear red next time," he replied unfazed looking back up at Clary. "Jace Herondale," he said finally introducing himself, reaching out his hand.
"Red looks better on me," Clary said, half smiling and shaking Jace's hand. Did I just do it again? "Clary Fray. Nice to meet you." She made direct eye contact and noticed his chiseled face and defining jaw line. His dark coloured attire accentuated his pale face, his messy blonde hair, and his striking amber eyes. From the corner of his eye, Isabelle gave a favorable look towards Jace, and he noticed that Alec's serious expression was broken with the tiniest smile. A playful smirk played on Jace's lips and he locked eyes with the girl in front of him. They seemed to hold on to each other a little bit longer than a usual handshake.
"Well!" Hodge's voice rang throughout the room, causing Clary and Jace to drop their hands immediately. "Since we're all acquainted, why don't we finally get to business?" The four individuals silently nodded, and they sat down at a round table in another corner of Hodge's room. Clary sat down, Jace to her right, Alec to her left, and Isabelle and Hodge in front of her.
"Clary, you've just met the three other members of the team," Hodge began. "They have been helping me with research for almost a year now, but I believe it was time to bring another person on board. A different set of eyes if you will." Jace, Isabelle and Alec looked at each other, secrets playing in their eyes, anticipating Clary's reaction.
Clary tried to focus on Hodge, willing her eyes to look forward at the elder man in front of her. But she could not ignore the presence of Jace beside her. Her breath hitched as he shifted in his seat, unconsciously leaning his body closer to her. She wanted to instinctively lean closer to him as well, but she remained glued tightly in her seat. She was still in disbelief that she made those remarks to Alec and most especially to Jace, but she was almost pleased with herself at how inhibited she spoke. The tiniest flame seemed to spark a brilliant confidence inside of her, and it was slowly starting to burn any form of nervousness.
"… learned much about these Shadowhunters?" Clary only picked up the last half of what Hodge was saying.
Clary cleared her throat. "I tried to search for some information online, but I found nothing that even relates to this type of topic." She was about to continue, when she heard a snicker coming from the left of her. Alec suppressed a chuckle. So he was capable of laughing, Clary thought.
"Searching the Internet," Alec said, with a bemused expression on his face. "Rich."
Clary's face turned into a small scowl. What was wrong with getting a headstart? But it seemed that she was the only one who didn't understand an inside joke, as all of them had the softest smile on their faces.
"Clary, these type of things are not found in the archives of the Internet or in the vast libraries of the world. But Shadowhunters have existed far longer than we know," Hodge explained. "Jace, Isabelle and Alec are my best… researchers." Clary noticed the slight pause in his voice, but let it slide. "But you must first learn where the Shadowhunters came from, before we decide on where you want to go."
"Oh here we go," Isabelle started.
"Another history lesson," Jace finished. Clary looked at him, a blush creeping upon her face. She turned her focus back on Hodge and listened intently.
"The argument of whether God and Devil really exist is something that is as old as time. But let's believe that they do exist. And in that sense, the idea of demons and angels also exist." Clary raised an eyebrow. She didn't have a religious background, but she didn't interrupt what Hodge was saying. "The human race is a delicate one, their world often hanging in the balance of good and evil. Now, for the sake of argument, let's say that evil can take different kinds of forms and shapes."
Clary narrowed her eyes. "Like, murderers or serial killers?" But somehow, she knew that wasn't what Hodge was referring to.
"Somewhat. Clary, do you believe in a higher being?" Clary seemed taken aback by the question, and chose her words carefully.
"I believe," she said slowly. "That there has to be something more than just us – like, human beings." She reflected upon her survival of a severe car cash. "I believe that there is something, or someone, that looks out for us. I'm not sure if it's God or fate, or what have you. But there are some instances in this world that are unexplainable that it can only be chalked up to a third party looking after us." Clary said these words with sincerity and determination in her eyes that everyone looked at her intently.
"We believe in that too," Hodge said with a look of achievement across his face. I go back to my point about evil in different forms. Hypothetically speaking, since there is a greater good, we can say there is also a greater evil. Demons, perhaps?" Hodge paused, surveying Clary's quizzical expression. "Demons that can walk among the human race undetected and they often create chaos. And since humans don't have the capacity to defend themselves against this type of anarchy, they need a certain type of protection. That third party, you speak of."
"Shadowhunters," she said in a matter of fact tone. Her eyes lit up. "You're talking about Shadowhunters… The ones who hunt in the shadows."
"The ones who hunt the shadows," Jace said correcting her, but holding an impressed look on his face.
Hodge looked impressed as well. "Yes! Exactly! Shadowhunters were created to protect the human race from demons. Now you're catching on."
Clary shook her head, trying to regain a sense of logic and reality. "Wait. If Shadowhunters are supposed to protect humans, why does this race," Clary said while holding up air quotations. "No longer exist? How am I supposed to help you find out more about this race when nothing has ever been recorded?" Her skepticism started to show. But Hodge looked completely unaffected by it. "But, like you said, this is all for the sake of argument. So you're telling me that none of this is actually real," Clary said, emphasizing the last word, leaning back against the chair she was sitting in. "Unless… What you're saying is true."
Hodge paused, looking at the girl intently. Silence hung in the air. "As the three as my witness, I can tell you that everything I just said to you is the absolute truth."
Clary stared at Hodge, but then broke eye contact and looked at Isabelle first, then Alec, and finally Jace. They wore a serious expression as if a dark secret was unraveled.
"This, all of this," Clary said slowly, straightening her posture. Suddenly, the realization what Hodge was saying was starting to sink in. "This is all… real?" The others in the room still looked at her, their faces somber. "Angels, demons, Shadowhunters?" Clary's voice was starting to sound strained. "You need to give me more information than just hypothetical situations!"
"I can only tell you more if you decide to join our team."
"And what if I decide I don't?" Clary challenged him. She brought her body forward, almost leaning against the table. Her hands rested on the edge, as if deciding whether to fight or run. "You say that you need another set of eyes for this research, but something is telling me there is more to this whole thing and you're not letting on." Her eyes darted to Alec and Isabelle, who both looked at Hodge. Clary knew she wasn't going to get answers from them. And her gaze turned to Jace quickly, and found that he was already staring at her intently, and quickly back at Hodge.
Jace looked at the fiery girl in beside him, who staring at Hodge with a blaze in her eyes. The admiration for this girl was beginning to grow and he was impressed at her deduction skills and the way she questioned everything.
Hodge leaned forward as well and spoke in a serious tone. "Clary, I won't lie to you. There is much more to this than I initially said when we first met. Even now, I can tell that your mind would be a great asset. But the rest of the information that I hold, that this team holds, will forever change the way you look at things. And I can only let you in on this information under two conditions: you will devote one hundred percent of your efforts to us, and that whatever rules are set in place, you must follow." Something in Hodge's voice resonated with Clary, and it almost startled her to agree to him so quickly, even though just moments ago she felt stunned and taken aback.
Although her gut feeling was telling her to say yes, she ignored it. She bit her lip and her mind started to race. "Can I think about it?" she asked softly. She looked around the room, as if looking for everyone's approval. She finally found Jace's eyes, and she noticed that his face was now blank. She looked at Hodge, his face still serious.
"I need to know first thing tomorrow," he said. His voice wasn't unkind, but there was a different type of man speaking to her now. One that was completely serious about this decision. "I need you here at noon. If you aren't here by then, we promise you will never hear from us again."
Clary gulped silently. "Yes sir," she said as she proceeded to collect her bag from the floor. She crouched to the floor and bit her lip.
"Just call me Hodge, dear," a smile flashing across his face. "We hope to see you." Clary kept her head down as she fished for something, anything, really, to keep her from looking at the others in the room. She stood up abruptly. She knew she needed to get out of there and get some fresh air and think. Jace, surprised by her sudden movement, stood up as well, accidentally knocking into her, causing her bag to drop on the floor.
"Oh god," Clary said feeling the embarrassment in her cheeks. "I'm so sorry." She knelt down to pick up her things and Jace came down to her level.
"No I am," Jace said. "I shouldn't have gotten in your way." He picked up her belongings that littered the floor, and handed her the white asprin bottle. Clary hastily took it and stuffed it in her back, barely mumbling a thank you. Their hands touched again, and for a fleeting moment, both their bodies surged with warmth. Jace looked at the girl in front of her and wondered if this were the last time he would see her again. She found the eyes of the three other people looking at the both her and Jace intently, and she stood up abruptly from the crouched position. Before her cheeks could turn any redder, she turned her face away from the others, preparing to leave quickly. But before she took a step, her eyes found Jace, still looking at her, and she noticed the confused look on his face. But it was only for a moment, and his face was expressionless once again. She turned on her heel and marched straight through the double doors, not looking back.
Here's hoping I can put out another chapter before the end of 2014. But I make no promises! I would TOTALLY appreciate any reviews as well! Special shoutouts to everyone who favourited and followed this story. YOU MAKE MY HEART SO FULL!
XOXO ~thatdragonlady6o4