Chapter Three: Shadowhunters
Ne quid nemis.
Nothing in excess.
X.x.X.x.X
Ally sat on the Brooklyn bridge, staring down at the river. Her feet hung over the edge, kicking just like she had when she had been little, sitting in her father's lab. It was almost morning, the sky still dark, but the navy blue beginning to soften with the morning mist.
Ally looked down at the riverbank, through the mist, to see someone walking along. He was tall, with fair skin and golden, curly hair shockingly similar to her own. He was walking slowly but purposefully, something glittering at her waist. Ally realized the thing glittering at his waist was a seraph blade.
He's a Shadowhunter, she realized, frowning. From somewhere outside her, she felt another thought push its way inside her mind, similar to the way the Silent Brother's words would. His name is Jace, this ethereal thought told her. His name is Jace Wayland.
Ally frowned, leaning closer to watch. Several large, ominous shadows were slowly surrounding Jace. As they closed in, he drew his blade, and the seraph blade glowed as he whispered the angel's name. The demon's closed in on him then, and Ally watched as they fought.
The battle was short, brief. One of the demon's grabbed Jace from behind, slamming him into the concrete. His head, instead of bouncing like she expected, just smashed into the ground. She could hear the bones crunch, and knew he wouldn't survive it.
But as if the demon's weren't sure, they took an axe to his chest, and Ally screamed, and screamed and screamed, but there was nothing she could do.
Hesitantly, the demon's pulled away. He didn't move, his body turned into a bloody, shining mess. The sun began to rising over the horizon, and the demons melded into the shadows, disappearing. The clouds were stained blood red with its light.
He was dead. Ally stared down at him, gasping for breath, the tears streaming down her cheeks in rivers.
She sat straight up in bed, sobbing, clutching the blankets to her chest. She was crying, and gasping, trying to breathe in between sobs.
With a shock, she realized it had all been a dream. And then she knew it was much, much more than that.
X.x.X.x.X
"Jeremiah! Jeremiah!" Ally screamed, slamming her fist on his office door.
The door swung open, and Ally stumbled, feeling hysterical. She was in her pajamas, her hair a rats nest, her cheeks flushed red and stained with tear-streaks.
What's wrong? Jeremiah asked, moving to wrap her in an embrace. She clung to him, trying to calm herself down.
"I saw it. I saw it all. Oh my God, I saw it."
Jeremiah took her head between his hands, holding it still, making her look into his eyeless face. You saw what?
"Jace. Jace Wayland. I saw him die."
Jeremiah grabbed her wrist then, dragging her down the hall. "Where are we going?" Ally asked, stumbling along behind Brother Jeremiah. "What's going to happen?"
We are going to speak to Brother Malec. When will he die?
"What? I don't know. I don't - " Ally cut herself off, frowning. "Wait. This morning." She swallowed hard. "Right before sunrise." She could feel a sob rising in her throat, but she pushed it back. Crying right now would do her no good. "What time is it?"
It is early, still. We have time. But as if to contradict his own statement, Brother Jeremiah continued to drag her down the hall, running toward Brother Malec's office.
X.x.X.x.X
Brother Malec looked down at her from behind his desk, his expression grave. His fingers were steepled beneath his chin, and he was frowning. You say it was demons?
"Yes. At the Brooklyn Bridge." Ally's voice began to rise with panic, and she was starting to cry again. "I don't know how many, there was just so many of them, and I couldn't do anything -"
Brother Jeremiah cut her off. It hasn't happened yet. You are doing something now, and it will save his life.
Brother Malec nodded, still looking grave. It was not comforting in the slightest. I will notify the Clave. He said, looking in the direction of Brother Jeremiah. He turned his face towards Ally, and his expression lightened slightly. Ally breathed a sigh of relief.
I would suggest you go back and try to get some more sleep, Alexandria. I will wake you with the news in the morning.
Ally nodded, swallowing, and left the room, Jeremiah on her heels. He shut the door behind them.
"I don't know how he expects me to sleep after that. I don't know if I ever want to sleep again," Ally whispered, reaching out for Brother Jeremiah's hand. He threaded his fingers in hers, squeezing comfortingly. Ally smiled, sadly.
I will sit with you, help you go to sleep.
"Thanks, Jeremiah," Ally said softly. "You're a hero."
X.x.X.x.X
Ally lay in her bed, all snuggled beneath the covers. Jeremiah sat beside her, his hand still wrapped in hers. Inside her mind, he was projecting one of the most beautiful pieces of music she had ever heard.
It was one of the lesser known talents of the Silent Brothers, the ability to not only project thoughts, but images, memories, even sounds, into another's mind. It made Ally feel special that she was one of the few who knew such a secret.
It was a beautiful, lovely secret to know. Her eyes were closed, and she hummed along softly to the music until she drifted off to sleep.
X.x.X.x.X
"They want me to do what?" Ally hissed, staring in shock up at the Brothers. She stood on the Speaking Stars within the Council room, the Brothers - Jeremiah, Malec, Shiloh, Nathaniel, and several others - at their seats above her.
The Clave has requested your presence at the Institute, Brother Malec, the unofficial leader, repeated. You have been invaluable so far into their investigation, and they wish to make further use of your talents.
"But why do I have to leave? Can't I stay here? It's not like I'm not going to get anymore dreams."
They are more than just dreams, Alexandria. They are visions of the future. Prophecies. Do not take them so lightly.
"I don't really care. My point is still the same. Why do I have to leave the Silent City?"
It will allow them to respond more quickly when needed. Your vision of Jace was just in time - he nearly died. They do not want to cut it so close next time.
Ally frowned, clenching her fists at her side. "I don't want to go," she pleaded weakly.
I agree. I do not believe it would be safe for her to leave the City, Brother Shiloh added.
I second that, Brother Jeremiah said, nodding, looking down at Ally in concern. She offered him a weak smile in return, but it reassured neither of them.
It does not matter what you would prefer, Brother Malec continued, voice neutral. He was never angry, even when it seemed like it. He had long, long ago mastered his emotions. He was the oldest Brother's still left alive after Valentine's massacre. The Clave requires her services. We will send a guard with her, to protect her. A daughter of the Angels has been left in our care. It would be irresponsible not to safeguard such a blessing.
The other Brothers nodded, murmuring their agreement in the brain-voice way they did.
I will go with her, Brother Jeremiah volunteered. She is my student.
Very well, Brother Malec agreed.
"So I'm going?" Ally asked, feeling desperate. "I don't have a choice, do I?"
You always have a choice, Brother Malec reminded her. However, you would not like the other option.
Ally sighed, lowering her head. "Fine. I'll go pack my bags."
X.x.X.x.X
Brother Jeremiah held the door of the carriage open, offering her a hand to help her step down. She took it, pulling her backpack over her shoulder as she stepped down onto the sidewalk in front of the Institute.
She swallowed hard, feeling extremely frightened. She hadn't left the Silent City before. Ever. This would be her first time out in the world since she was eight years old, and her memories of it were far from pleasant.
Brother Jeremiah set a hand on her shoulder, comforting her. It will be alright. I will not let anything hurt you.
As they walked up the steps to the Institute, the doors burst open, Maryse and Robert Lightwood standing there. "Hurry in," they said, glancing up at the sky. "It's going to rain."
Ally and Jeremiah were just inside the house as the rain began to pour down. Robert shut the door behind them.
"We've been expecting you," Maryse said, smiling. "May I take your bags?"
Ally frowned, feeling uncomfortable. She handed the Shadowhunter woman her backpack though, and her and Jeremiah followed Robert down the hallway.
As they walked, Robert talked about the Institute. He talked about it's history, pointed out rooms (such as the kitchen and weapons room) until they reached a room with rather large, elegantly carved wooden doors. "This is the library. If you two would make yourselves comfortable, I will gather the others."
Ally nodded, following Jeremiah into the room. It was small, compared to the Archives of the Silent City, but it was still magnificent in its own way. Ally smiled hesitantly, taking a seat on one of the leather chairs. Brother Jeremiah moved to stand just beside her, completely silent as always.
As they waited, 4 teenagers shuffled into the room, Robert and Maryse behind them.
Ally immediately recognized one of them as Jace Wayland. Her eyes widened, and she felt her chest tighten. He was living, physical proof that the things she had seen in her dreams were real. She had known that, but she hadn't believed it until now.
He cocked his head at her. "What? Do I have something on my face?" He scowled at her. "What are you staring at?"
Ally turned her head away, blushing in embarrassment.
Maryse frowned at Jace. "Don't be rude," she scolded. "This is the girl who saved your life."
Jace snorted. "Whatever. I would have been fine."
Alec frowned. "No you wouldn't have, Jace. There were eight of them, and you were on the ground when we got to you. You're lucky they didn't smash your brains."
Ally cleared her throat, catching their attention.
"You were walking down the riverbank, West, towards the horizon. You had a seraph blade on your waist. As the demons bled out of the shadows, you drew the blade and whispered its name." Everyone in the room was staring at her, a mildly frightened look in their eyes. "The one in front of you attacked first. He was carrying a sword. Then they all attacked at the same time, and one of them caught you from behind in a chokehold. If the Clave hadn't gotten there in time -"
"Stop it, just stop it," the shorter girl snapped. "We were there. We know." Her voice was unsteady, and her hands were shaking. Jace reached over to grab her hand.
"I'm okay, Clary." He stared over at Ally, looking thoughtful. "She was just making her point."
Clary rolled her eyes, but fell silent.
Maryse nodded. "Everyone, this Alexandria. She was kind enough to come stay with us for a while during our investigation of the rogue warlock -"
"Michael," Ally cut in. "His name is Michael."
Maryse frowned. "Did you remember?"
Ally shook her head. "No, I... I had a vision."
Maryse licked her lips, nervously, turning to Robert. "You'd best prepare a briefing for the Clave. I'll finish explaining things here." Robert nodded, and left the room. "Anyways," Maryse continued, "This is Alec, Isabelle, Jace and Clary," Maryse introduced, pointing to them in turn. ally nodded in greeting to each of them. "Ally is here to help us."
"How?" Isabelle asked. "Is she a Shadowhunter?"
Ally is a mundane, Brother Jeremiah stated, shocking everyone in the room with his sudden presence. Apparently, Ally mused, everyone had forgotten he was here. However, Jeremiah continued, She has been touched by an Angel. He fell silent then, as if that explained everything.
Alec quirked an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"
Every so often, humans are blessed by the Angels. Because of this, they can see the Shadow world. They are -
Jace cut him off, scowling. "You mean she has the Sight. So what?"
Jeremiah sighed, and it made Jace flinch. Ally is much more than just a mundane.
"What do you mean, Brother Jeremiah?" Maryse asked, looking curiously at Ally.
"He means," Ally interjected, "that because of the Angels presence, I have these visions, these prophecies."
She is what the Archives have referred to as a Daughter of the Angels, Jeremiah added, nodding at her. Ally grinned.
"So what? She's still useless," Jace growled. Ally flinched, her smile falling.
Ally knows more about the Shadow World than you do, boy, Jeremiah said, and his voice was tense, heightened with anger.
Jace blinked, taken aback.
"I've trained for 9 years in your ways," Ally defended. "I know almost all the runes by heart. I can mix every potion and healing tonic the Silent Brothers can. I can cure demon poisoning, stop death, I'm fluent in latin. I know almost every detail of Shadowhunter history, and the majority of all myths, lore and the other stories. I can identify every demon just by its appearance. So don't you dare call me useless," Ally hissed.
Jace scoffed. "But you're still a mundane, right? You can't touch a seraph blade, or use a stele. You can't use any of those runes, and when you're face to face with a Greater Demon being able to speak latin isn't going to do you any good." Jace got to his face, sneering "You see? Useless," he spat at her. "She's just going to drag us down Maryse."
Before anyone could say anything, though, Jace had stormed out of the room, leaving everyone behind him shocked.
Maryse swallowed, hard. "I am very sorry, Brother Jeremiah, Ally. I don't know what came over him."
He is a fool, Maryse. That is not your fault, Jeremiah said, his expression unreadable.
Clary frowned. "He's not a fool," she mumbled.
Isabelle laughed. "Really, Clary? You're going to defend him after that outburst?"
Clary shrugged.
Ally sighed, turning to Maryse. "If I'm not welcome here, I will go. I don't want to be here either."
Maryse sighed. "No, Ally, we need you to stay. I am sorry for our lack of hospitality, but you are staying."
Ally shrugged, frowning.
Alec shot her a comforting smile. "Don't worry. He's just a grump sometimes."
Ally smiled gratefully at him. "Thanks."
Alec laughed. "No problem."
Maryse smiled slightly. "Alec, would you please escort Brother Jeremiah to his room? Isabelle, can you please take Ally to hers?"
"Yes, mother," Alec said, moving to his feet and shooting Ally a wink.
Ally blushed, looking away. Isabelle got to her feet, and Ally followed her out of the room.
X.x.X.x.X
"Your room is right next to Brother Jeremiah's," Isabelle explained, gesturing to the door that conjoined the two rooms. "That door bridges the two rooms. The Silent City requested it because of security reasons," Isabelle explained at Ally's questioning look.
Ally moved to the bed, where her backpack had been set. She began to pull her clothes out of it, unpacking. The backpack is small, so not much fits into it. Ally pulls her dagger out of it first, securing it to her waistband. Isabelle flopped down onto the bed, feet propped up on the endboard, watching Ally unpack.
"Nice blade," Isabelle commented. "Is it silver?"
Ally nodded, taking her gun and holster out next. "Yes, and it's been blessed too."
Isabelle whistled. "The Silent City takes pretty good care of you, don't they?"
Ally smiled wistfully. "They're my family."
Isabelle quirked an eyebrow, watching as Ally secured the gun holster to the headboard, the holster unlatched, the gun safety off.
"Is the gun really that useful?" Isabelle asked. "I mean, can it really kill demons or anything."
Ally shook her head. "The bullets are silver, so they'll hurt a werewolf, but -" Ally cut herself off, frowning nervously. "The gun's really most effective against Shadowhunters," she mumbled, hoping Isabelle wouldn't hear.
Isabelle shot up straight, looking incredulously at Ally. "And what the hell would you need that for?" She snapped.
Ally sighed. "When Valentine attacked the Silent City, he killed my friends. He killed my family." Ally tipped her head back, showing the thin scar along the base of her throat. "He nearly killed me."
Isabelle looked distinctly uncomfortable.
"You weren't there, so I don't expect you to understand, but I will never be that defenseless again. Even the Shadowhunters can be dangerous," Ally said defensively.
They both remained silent as Ally removed two sets of clothing and a set of pajamas from the backpack, hanging them up in the wardrobe. Ally set her backpack in the bathroom, because the rest it held was toiletries. "There," Ally said, feeling nervous. "All done."
Isabelle blinked, frowning. "Is that all you brought?"
"It's all I own, actually."
Isabelle snorted. "You're kidding, right?"
"No. Ne quid nimis - nothing in excess. It's one of the principles the Silent Brothers live by."
"But you're not a Silent Brother. You're a teenage girl," Isabelle pointed out, looking appalled that a human could live with so little amount of things.
Ally shrugged. "I was raised by them, though. So while I'm not a Shadowhunter by blood, I am in my head."
Isabelle scowled. "That doesn't make any sense. You're just a mundane."
"Really? So mundanes are fluent in latin, know almost every single rune in the Graybook, and have ample knowledge of the Shadow world?"
Isabelle got to her feet, rolling her eyes. "Whatever. So you have the Sight. You're smart. That doesn't mean anything. You still can't hunt demons, you still can't use runes. You're still just as useless. Jace was right." With that, Isabelle stalked out of the room, leaving Ally by herself.
Ally slumped down to the floor, hands cradled in her lamp.
Brother Jeremiah stepped in then, looking down at her. She gave him a sad smile. "I know what you're going to say. Don't. She's right. All I can do is mix a few healing potions and polish weapons."
And when that healing potion will save a Shadowhunter's life, then she will understand just how valuable your knowledge is, Brother Jeremiah commented. Now get up. You are stronger than this. A few words will not knock you down.
Ally rolled her eyes, pushing herself to her feet. "Fine, fine. Now get out of my room. I'm going to bed."
Very well. I will be here if you need me.