A/N: Alright my readers. I'm sorry for being a day late to update. Feel free to be annoyed with not sticking to my word. I just didn't feel comfortable to give you guys a shorter half assed chapter. The idea just did not settle well subconsciously. So I took the chance and just posted this today. I'm happy with the outcome.
Anyways…I want to say thanks to those that favorite and followed this story! An extra special shout out to those that reviewed! As always your reviews make my day and I couldn't wait to get back to work on this chapter. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and views of the last chapter or the story altogether. Also those of you who have said wonderful things about my writing, you know who you are, thank you so much! I really an thankful to know my writing has improved to a stage where readers enjoy what I write!
A question came up in one of the reviews…"is clary on the bad side or is she faking it?" Well I would say that in this story as one reviewer termed it clary is essentially 'brainwashed' though faking it would make things a lot more interesting. So she is on the bad side but doesn't even know it. If that made any sense...:)
Anyways I think I've kept you all waiting long enough. Here's chapter 11! Enjoy!
) Chapter 11 (
The group returned to New York and walked up to the apartment building where Clary lived. Jace and Alec walked into the lobby while Isabelle stayed back with Simon out on the street. He turned to her, "Let me know what Jocelyn thinks."
She hugged him, "Do you have to go on your own? We can help you know."
He sighed kissing her forehead, "No Izzy it's better this way. You need to go with the others and sort out the problem with the shadowhunters. Leave finding out where Clary is to me."
She sighed hugging him tighter, "Jace is not going to like this idea. Even if he doesn't say it out loud I can tell that he's itching to slip away and find Clary."
"It may not be my place to say anything but you and I know that Clary isn't one to warm up to people easily. The fact that for the past week they have spent almost every minute together must mean something right."
"I guess."
"So what's his deal? I'm sure if someone kidnapped you I would personally be out to kill the bastard."
She shook her head, "He's letting the past hold him back."
"As in…"
"His family was murdered almost twelve years ago…Clary killed his parents."
Simon let her go crossing his arms, "That's it."
She raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean that's it. The girl he's basically fallen for killed his parents. I mean the look on her face at the ball spoke volumes."
"At the ball?"
Isabelle rubbed her temple, "Jonathon showed up at the ball just after the Clave sentenced his sister to life in the Silent City. Then he spilled the truth of Clary's past in front of everyone."
Simon wasn't surprised that her own flesh and blood would out her to the Clave. From what little he was told about Jonathon he could conclude the guy was just an ass with a big ego, "Okay so then what happened?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. Jace walked out right after it happened and I…"
Simon held a hand up cutting her off, "He walked out on Clary."
Isabelle nodded. The simple gesture was all Simon needed to direct him to the lobby. She turned, "Simon! What…where are you going?"
He kept his long, steady stride as he walked up the stone steps not breaking his gaze from the glass doors, "To knock some sense into the idiot."
Isabelle quickly caught up to him, "Wait! Why?"
He stopped in front of the doors and turned around to face the girl, "He turned his back on her Izzy."
"I know."
Simon shook his head, "I'm sure at that moment she needed someone to stand by her to deal with Jonathon. And you followed him. Clary sees you as a best friend Isabelle and you turned your back on her."
Isabelle dropped her head, "I'm sorry."
He narrowed his gaze, "Why are you apologizing to me."
She threw her hands up frustrated, "I don't know Simon! I don't even know! You don't think I haven't thought about this. It pisses me off every time that I think about it!"
There was a long moment of dead silence as they stared at each other. Then Simon sighed, "Do you believe it?"
"Believe what?"
"That Clary killed his parents."
She rubbed her temple, "I don't want too, but the look on Clary's face…she was destroyed. It was like the only thing that kept her sane was the simple fact that no one knew."
He leaned his back against the door putting his hands into the pockets of his pants, "Well I don't think she did it."
"You sound so sure."
XxXx
Clary opened her eyes pressing a hand to her forehead as she gazed up at the ceiling of her bedroom. After several minutes she got up from the bed and moved to sit by the large window.
The last thing she remembered was leaving the parlor with her brother and then nothing. She was growing frustrated with the routine episodes of being perfectly normal and then darkness. Only to then wake up to a burning sensation as if her mind was washed out with hot bleach.
A soft knock came from the door before it opened revealing Sarah. "My lady." She bowed, "How do you feel?"
"I'm well Sarah. Do tell me what does my father want now?"
The woman stood upright, "You assume so quickly."
Clary smirked, "Well since his arrival all he has ever done is summon me like his pet dog." She turned her gaze back to the scene outside. Then caught sight of Jonathon walking across the hillside to then disappear into the forest surrounding the mansion.
Sarah cleared her throat, "Actually, Sir Verlac wishes to see you."
Clary raised an eyebrow, "Oh really."
"Yes, he vaguely mentioned the two of you would start training today."
"Training?" Clary crossed her arms, "Sarah how long have I been unconscious?"
"About two days."
She sighed and stood up, "I guess I don't have a choice do I."
The older woman motioned to the closet, "Would you like to get changed into something more comfortable?"
Clary glanced down to find herself still wearing the navy blue gown she wore that night. The once smooth fabric was now wrinkled yet the strings tying her into the corset remained firm. Following Sarah she was relieved of the large gown and allowed to wear a more comfortable outfit. Given the option of choice she changed into a pair of black slacks and a long sleeve button down blouse. Before walking out of the room she walked over to the nightstand to pick up her stele and a few small weapons.
Clary finally felt like her self as she silently walked down the corridor, content for once as she wore a pair of emerald flat shoes. She loathed the heels Sarah constantly made her wear with those obnoxious gowns. The sound that came from the despicable shoes made her feel vulnerable announcing her presence to the world. However, in flats she could easily sneak up on really anyone and enemies wouldn't even realize what killed them.
Sebastian stood in the east drawing room by the glass doors that led out to the grounds. As Clary neared she spoke, "You summoned me."
He turned at the sound of her voice, "Yes I did. Glad to see you are awake, ready to begin training?"
She smiled slightly, "Considering I willingly obliged to come down I believe I am ready."
They walked side by side to the training grounds in silence but as they drew near he began, "So they tell me you're quite special."
She focused her gaze down to the ground and clasped her hands behind her back, "I guess."
Once they entered the clearing he stopped, "What you don't think you are?"
She continued walking a few feet forward stopping to glance into the forest up ahead. The corner of her lip tilted up slightly, "You could say that."
"Lets find out shall we."
Her forehead scrunched, "Pardon." She turned to see a long piece of metal heading straight to her face. Quickly she dropped down into a low crouch balancing her weight forward onto the balls of her feet. Slivers of red fell floating across her face—strands of her hair. Feeling a strong presence approaching from behind she dove into a forward roll. Now several feet away from the onslaught she stood up taking a fighting stance and found herself alone in the clearing.
Not breaking the stance she pivoted around taking in a panoramic view of her surroundings. She smirked, "I guess we're beyond the basics." After several minutes of no action she began to pick apart her situation. This Sebastian, wasn't the average shadowhunter. No he appears to be another of her father's experiments, but from what she remembered she was the last one—unless he came before her.
The rustling of leaves perked her hearing that she reached into her back pocket for the stele. Quickly she rolled up the sleeve of her shirt and carved the simple shape on the inside of her left arm. The complete rune lit up with a white glow that began channeling her supernatural energy to her auditory and visual apparatuses. In seconds her visual field became highly defined and she could now pick up the slightest sounds. It was only then she heard the snapping of several branches several yards away. Judging from the way the sound arrived to her ears she determined his position to be leveled with the ground, and just inside the edge of the forest. Channeling her energy into her surroundings she enhanced her ability to sense an individuals presence without having to physically see them. Which led her to accurately conclude that he was directly behind her, more precisely positioned in her blind spot.
If she turned even the slightest bit she would be opening her self up to a direct attack. Even if she is aware of his location he still has the upper hand with his cloaking ability. Yes, in a sense he was invisible which wouldn't matter were he not positioned in a spot where she can't sense or see him. The only thing on her side was the auditory sounds continuously entering her ears.
Clary remained absolutely still concentrating on the sudden silence that fell in the clearing. He was the predator waiting for its prey to make the first move. While slipping the stele into her back pocket she turned about forty-five degrees to her left and for a split second could sense Sebastian. Then she heard him shift disappearing off her radar causing her to smirk. It appeared he was trying to remain in her blind spot. Turning back to the right sure enough she sensed him for a moment and then heard him move. She reached into the front pocket wrapping her hand around the hilt of the dagger. In the next second she turned a full 180 and then just as quickly flipped back around throwing the dagger. Her earlier assumption was correct as he did plan on remaining in her blind spot as long as possible but what he did not expect was for her to catch on.
Clary was rewarded with a curse and the appearance of the man. The shock of being found out caused him to drop the cloak making him visible. She smiled while Sebastian glared at her intensely. I mean who wouldn't after having their shoulder impaled with a dagger.
The pair remained still for several seconds before she reached for a second dagger and sent it flying. Expecting the second metal object he took several steps to the left dodging the object with ease and attacked.
Clary watched the long metal weapon reappear directed to her head for the second time. The high acuity of her line of vision quickly caught sight of glimmer reflecting off an object creeping out of his coat pocket. She smirked and bent over backwards feeling the cool metal float inches over her torso. Time appeared to freeze as she caught sight of her eyes reflected onto the sword passing her face.
She stood upright again taking her stance when suddenly a blur of black brushed past her on the left. Wasting no time she struck out catching hold of the green crystal.
Moments later the source of movement stopped several feet in front of her. Sebastian stood passively with a long sword in his left hand. "You know. For a second I actually thought that first swing was going to hit you."
Clary smirked, "Nice try. I suggest that next time we spar, you keep your distance."
"Oh."
She smirked, "Of course I mean you wouldn't want to lose this." She held out the green stele by the tips of her fingers. Her smirk grew as he innately reached for his coat pocket, which was closely followed by a glare.
Shrugging she casually tossed the stele back to its rightful owned, "I guess I am special."
Pocketing the stele back into his coat he began, "Wouldn't expect anything less from Valentine's progeny."
Again. Turning she began to make her way back to the mansion. Several moments later she sensed him walking next to her, "You appear offended Clarissa."
She kept her gaze forward, "Do I. Well you just reminded me that no one respects me for who I truly am. They simply identify me as another one of my father's successful creations. You are no different from anyone else."
He grabbed her hand, "Clarissa."
She forcefully pulled her hand away as she faced him, "Understand this. You try to test my ability again…" She smirked, "I'll make sure to send your remains home in a match box."
He narrowed his gaze, "You may be Valentines daughter but you don't have the strength to follow through with your own bluff."
She raised her eyebrow, "Oh. Well." She took her own stele placing the tip on his chest. "One rune and your heart will cease to beat forever."
Clary was ready to lash out if he dared speak another word but wasn't expecting to be pulled towards him closing the distance between them and having his lips pressed against hers.
XxXx
The trio walked up to the door of Clary's apartment. Not to long after Isabelle knocked, did the door open. The woman that stood before them had a different presence than the woman they saw at the ball several weeks earlier. Jocelyn's ivory complexion was now washed out and tainted with dark circles under her sullen eyes. The curtain of flaming red hair was tied back into a high ponytail with a few stray strands framing her face.
The gaze on them was murderous which softened as she recognized the individuals before her, "Hello. Do tell me, what brings you to this side of the city."
Isabelle quietly cleared her throat, "We discovered a few pieces of information when searching the Claves records."
Jocelyn nodded in understanding and stepped to the side, "Come in."
After shutting the door she motioned the group to take a seat. She brought over a dining chair for herself, "So you've come to me. Shouldn't you be taking this to the Clave elder."
Isabelle clasped her hands together, "The thing is. What little we have found wont be of any use them. Well because only you would know the truth."
"I see."
Alec stepped into the conversation, "The first being Jonathon…"
The woman raised her eyebrow, "Go on."
"Simon joined us in Idris and brought to our attention the possibility that Jonathon may have altered with the minds of the shadowhunters."
She glanced down at her hands, "No he did tamper with them."
"You were aware of this all along."
She looked up to the young adults before her, "Yes. I did."
Isabelle began, "Why didn't you mention it before."
"Because there is nothing we can do to fix it. So long as Jonathon has control over them we have no way of reaching them. Once he's in your mind he wont leave until he wants to."
"Simon brought up that Clary made a rune to protect an individual against his ability."
Jocelyn nodded, "You're correct. When we left Idris Clary set to work on continuing to expand her ability to create runes. The collection she fashioned over the years is quite remarkable but the one you are talking about is the fleur de lis."
Isabelle tilted her head slightly at the name. "It sounds familiar. I've heard of that one before it sounds really familiar." Then it hit her.
XxXx
Pain exploded in her mind and roughly shoved him away. Fighting against the pain she forced her eyes open as her hands held her head, "What the hell is your problem!"
He had a smug look on his face, which only infuriated her and was it not for the set of hands restraining her the man in front of her would have been dead in seconds.
She heard her brother's calm voice whisper in her ear, "It's alright Clary."
"Leave me alone." The pain grew that she crumpled to her knees still holding her head.
"Come Clary." Jonathon knelt down next to her and placed an arm behind her back and slipped the other under her knees lifting her up.
Valentine stepped into the clearing approaching the group, "Son take your sister inside. Make sure she is not a lost cause."
Jonathon nodded and disappeared with Clary in his arms.
Valentine turned to the remaining individual, "You wasted no time to fulfill your task."
He shrugged, "You said so yourself. The sooner we found out the better correct."
Valentine moved to return to the mansion, "Yes. It appears we have a bigger problem on our hands."
Sebastian walked in step next to the older man, "What would that problem be exactly?"
"The bond that exists between her and the Herondale's boy is quite strong. I seemed to have underestimated the power of the rune, she is not only tied to him physically, but also spiritually."
"Tied?"
"The angel whose blood runs through her veins presented a rune to my daughter before departing into the afterlife. The rune if executed correctly binds two shadowhunters in a permanent bond. This bond ties them physically allowing the ability to tap into each other's energy pools. However, should the pair express feelings for each other beyond those of partnership their souls become inner twined."
"So you're implying that the other one is tied with her in this manner."
Valentine nodded. "The spiritual connection has its down sides as essentially now they are one in the same. By trying to claim her you were forcing that bond to break and had it broken both would have died."
"Then why didn't she?"
"The rune her brother placed to reconfigure her mind resulted in memories of her life beyond this mansion to be suppressed. She may not remember the connection but the bond is still aware whom it links together. The pain she experienced was partly due to the strain on the bond but most of all it was her mind fighting to take back control. It appears that exposing her to relations to her suppressed memories caused the rune to degrade."
"How do you know it's the rune and not the bond? We can't afford her to die."
Valentine smirked, "I've seen it before…it's the rune. How else was Jocelyn going to love her son."
A/N: Dear god! That was kind of tough. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
As always reviews are awesome! They drag me on to finish writing for all of you amazing readers by having a way to turn my difficult day into one with a nice ending. Feel free to give any thoughts, questions, or feedback.
Again sorry for being a day late but this week was really difficult. It started off with lacking sleep, to having an anxiety attack in my morning lecture to figuring out that I'm the only one in the apartment that has an awkward sleeping pattern and finally discovering I'm addicted to coffee. *Sigh* One thing led to the next and it all snowballed out of control. So I'm not late because I just forgot it's just everything seems to be out against me.
Anyone out there who also writes and is always harassed by school knows what it means to want to write instead of studying. So the next update will be sometime next weekend. My goal once again is Friday but no later than the end of the weekend. Midterms are coming up and its high time I get down to studying. So please don't punish this story because of its delayed updates its primarily my fault.
Well enough of me talking! Till next time! Have a great week everyone!
Edited: October 13, 2012
