Center of the Sun

Chapter 35. A New Dawn

Birds flying high

You know how I feel

Sun in the sky

You know how I feel

Breeze driftin' on by

You know how I feel

It's a new dawn

It's a new day

It's a new life

For me

And I'm feeling good

~Feeling Good

City streets and city lights could not compare to the thriving life in the way it shimmered in the sun. How many years had it been since Magnus could walk into the day like walking onto a stage? He carried very little of the weight that had once kept him underground, and felt his soul freeing from the bonds that held it. His eyes burned with the brightness of the day, and his skin tingled in the warmth. Alec had allowed him to take his time dressing, and he had selected carefully for his Prince; dressing to suit the man of his affections, and proudly taking up the side of his lover.

Alec had stolen little glances as Magnus dressed, while he spoke with the men who held his Kingdom together. He cared very little of the thoughts that crossed their minds when Magnus teased their Prince into blushes more crimson than the blood pulsing through their veins. Madame Lightwood had always kept good men around her grandson, and even now their disgust was more of the innocent image of their beloved Alec-not his preference in men. Hodge had been the one exception, but even she would have never known his true intentions. Deep down, the hatred of those who did not fit in had begun with the King before him, and his own obsession with the world Adolf Hitler tried to create. The war had sparked the idea, but it had been one single man to start the motion. He had book upon book of a time more primitive than their own, but no less savage. Hitler's idea of a perfect person came with blue eyes and blonde hair, but not the Fallen King; his came with ebon strands and ocean eyes. Somewhere, in his Hell the men around Alec wondered if the King smiled knowing Alec was to be handed his empire.

"I will have to leave you with Jem for a little while, if you don't mind," Alec stated as he opened the car door for Magnus, who looked at him through the lenses of his aviators. Alec's eyes were covered by dark glasses, but they were not as fabulous as Magnus'. Magnus liked seeing his Prince so relaxed, but he felt empty without Alec's beautiful blue eyes. However, seeing him in a leather jacket with a plain black tee, and jeans that were full in the legs-Alexander seemed a different person. He was a reflection of what Magnus had found in the ash, but stronger. He seemed sure of himself, and before Magnus slipped into the seat he lowered his glasses enough to look over the top of the frames.

"Just so long as you promise to come back," Magnus grinned, leaning into the door that separated them, touching the side of Alec's face. The Prince was relieved to know Magnus wouldn't question him, nor did he try and make him stay. Perhaps, even he knew there were still greater things that needed his attention, but neither of them were ready to bring it up. The world was waiting...

"They are right, Isabelle," Jem spoke while perched in the oversized bed looking paler than he ever had before. When Isabelle brushed her fingers over his arm she was taken back at how cold his skin was. "There is not a cure. It's not their fault. There is just nothing they can do." He didn't know when he had started crying, but when the long oversized sleeve of the hospital gown came to wipe his tears he sucked in a breath. Isabelle's heart broke. She hated to see him so defeated, but before she continued she felt the touch of another and it pulled her back in.

Camille stood over the shoulder of her lover, and brushed her warm fingers over the bare skin of Isabelle's arm as she tried to warm her again. She herself had known of the illness only in whispers through the Underground, but her only true first hand experience was when William died. She had known only of symptoms through watching him, and of what Magnus told her. When Jem came to the Underground it was with Will's blood on his hands, and the condemned look in his eyes of an outcast. Jem had been cast aside so quickly he came with nothing, and for weeks he said so little Camille worried he had lost his voice. She had taken him in, washed the dirt and tears from his face while breathing purpose into him again.

'We need you down here, as much as they,' her words were soft, and only for him, for there was nothing careful about this woman. She was hard and course-calloused by abuse, and more deadly than all the Kings Horses and all the Kings Men combined.

No one had known of Jem's illness, and he was so good about hiding it he had almost been able to time his attacks-soothe them while his violin distracted the stress on his lungs. He had not found a cure, but prolonged it with settling his fears, and calming his mind. It was rumored he had won the affections of the French professor, and in that they had worked together on a cure. However, it was too late, and when Camille saw him with Will the day he died she knew a great part of Jem went with him.

"There has to be a cure, Jem. What about a transplant? I've heard of that before. Can't we just suck all your blood out, and put someone else's in it?" With that Jem laughed, and it was musical, almost childlike. His entire face lit up with the sound, and he stopped fidgeting with the tissue in his hand. Isabelle was so cute sometimes, and that moment made him forget how dire the situation was. He had given up a long time ago, but not without the desire to live. He didn't want death, nor did he accept it. However, Jean-Luc and he had spent months searching, working, and failing to find a cure. He knew that if Jean-Luc could not do it; it could not be done. The Frenchman was one of the few that knew of his illness.

Often Jem thought of his professor and he wondered, even now, what had become of him. He would lay in bed while the Underground slept the day away, and wish he could surface to find the Frenchman standing just where he had left him. He could see him in the lecture hall with his glorious hair falling over his face while words of wisdom and experience beyond his years left his lips like a sigh. After Will had died, it made him miss China so much. But even that had somehow been replaced by another affection—he was home wherever the Frenchman was.

Jem had worked so hard, that he never noticed much more than his studies. He worked through his classes, worked after with Will, and then each night would sneak away to secretly meet Jean-Luc to work on a cure. He knew his Professor didn't approve of William, but he never told him otherwise. Instead he encouraged the affection, and gave him hope there was a chance Will would survive; and in that hope, he would too.

"There has to be something," Isabelle continued her pleading, but finally fell silent when she noticed Jem was smiling. It was beautiful when he did, and a great big part of her knew that she loved him as much as Alec. "What?"

"It will work out," came his little reply, and he wrapped his thin arms around her neck while Camille touched his back.

"Besides," Camille stated in her dry, yet deadly tone, "I refuse to let you go." It was her way of letting him know she cared, but beyond that Camille was far too rough around the edges to ever allow anyone that close. Jem was surprised she had let Isabelle in at all, but the memory of Isabelle at the hospital let him know that they needed each other as much as one would need the air to breathe.

A careful knock came at the door, and when the massive oak parted, flowers came first with balloons not far behind. Alec stepped through the door with a small smile on his face, and Magnus was not far behind him. However, of the two, he was the one a bit more animated. Jem loved seeing Magnus so free, and how beautiful he was when he smiled. It was clear he was rested, and they both were glowing with their affections. Jem felt his chest tighten in his heart looking at Magnus now, and remembering how he had once looked. Their first meeting had not been one of his favorite memories, but looking at Magnus now made him realize how much had changed.

Magnus was the first to take Jem into his embrace after he sat down the lunch Alec had brought, but traded places when Alec's arms were free from the flowers. He let the Prince have his time with Jem, and took the time to close in on Camille. A kiss came with her embrace, and his long fingers smoothed down the back of her hair while they lived in each other's security. They were both safe, and it was over was it not? She had found love, and he had won back his Prince. However, when she lifted ruby red lips to question him, Magnus shook his head. They had not spoken of it, he and Alec, but it was coming. He would not let the sun set on another day of silence. Their relationship was one thing, but what would become of the Underground?

Jem's whole body could fit against Alec's chest, and he felt almost as if he could be lost there. His eyes closed when Alec squeezed him, and all the anger they had shared melted away. It was clear Alec had worried about him, and Isabelle had told Jem that Alec had visited while he was sleeping. Ultimately he was here because of the Lightwoods, and his health was centered to sustain his life a little longer. He felt safe with Alec, and somewhere knew that he would always have a home. Jem had not the chance to think of China, but did often wonder if his mother was still living. He wondered if the news of his 'death' had upset her, or if she had grown to expect it. Suddenly, he felt guilty, but when Alec pulled away enough to clasp both arms he truly felt horrible.

"Jem I…" Alec started, but was quickly interrupted.

"Alec, I'm sorry. Your home. Your grandmother's beautiful house is gone because of me." The guilt was almost comical because it was clear Jem had worried of this on his own death bed. His self sacrifice was enough to make the Prince feel as though he owed Jem the world. However, Alec was puzzled by Jem's admission, and furrowed his brow in question.

"How is that even possible? And it's not gone. The fire was contained, only a few rooms were destroyed, nothing important." With that, Alec perched on the side of the bed, knowing that wasn't enough for Jem. He would forever feel guilty until it was all explained.

"I was attacked by Mr. Starkweather, and I fought him back. I had him beat and when I turned to leave, that is when the attack started. I pulled the candles down. They went over the bed. Alec, I'm so sorry. I'll repay everything. I'll work until everything is restored." Sometime during the conversation, both Camille and Isabelle left. They had been there most of the night, and were eager to go home to clean up. The room was much quieter, yet seemed smaller without them. Magnus, who had perched against the distant wall, listened quietly, not wanting to interrupt.

"You…you saw Hodge? Did he make it out?" Alec asked, but before Jem could answer he followed the silver gaze of his companion to where Magnus stood. Did Magnus want Jem to tell? If so, why had he not done so himself?

Magnus' gaze was level, and looked just as dangerous as it always had. However, it held little protest, and with a small dip of his head he urged Jem to answer Alec.

"No…he did not. He was unable. He died in that fire." Jem didn't give Magnus away, but he watched as Alec's skin came to life with a shiver, and the Prince turned a look to Magnus who did nothing but wink. A great relief washed over Alec, and he felt his heart flutter in his chest. Was it too morbid to want to celebrate the fallen? He felt as though he could laugh, and cry all at the same time. However, he refused to do either, and this was what would set him apart from any other ruler before him. His enemy was dead, but it was still a life lost. "I'm sorry, Alec." In that Alec's attention broke free from his thoughts, and his ice colored eyes met Jem's once more.

"For what? For doing what you could? You are a hero, Jem. And your sacrifice will not go unnoticed. I was a total jackass to you, but still you stayed to fight my war. I'm proud and honored to call you my friend, and I made arrangements for you to finish school. However, I can make arrangements for you to go home if you wish, but I've also got a team searching the entire globe for a cure. I have sent out hundreds of letters requesting the best physicians, and a reward for any research that has to deal with your illness." With that Alec touched Jem's leg over the covers. His white haired friend seemed to be glowing warm, and his smile was brilliant—humble, yet beautiful.

"Alec, I don't know what to say," Jem was speechless, and beyond pleased. "School starts for the summer course next week. Will I be able to join then?" The tissue that had been forgotten on his lap came to dab at his eyes. When Alec gave a nod, he threw his arms around the Prince's shoulders as he buried his smile into his neck. "Thank you." Jem was a fighter, a true warrior simply caught in the middle of a war that was not his own, yet somewhere he had become the very heart of it, and with his success Alec knew it would inspire a nation. A lot had to change in his nation, but Alec never felt more certain he had started in the right place.

Magnus, who had been so quiet there perched on the wall with his thumbs in his coat's pockets, felt his heart race. He fought tears, and was successful as he didn't want his eyeliner ruined. Yet, when Jem smiled like that; the sort that filled his entire face, Magnus couldn't help but feel as though somewhere, William could see it too.

Thank you…

"Mr. Lightwood," came a voice from the door, the man to whom it belonged looked as important as they came. His black suit fitted tightly around his body, and the glasses he wore to shield his eyes reminded Magnus of a man at poker table who gambled on cards. "Its time." Alec looked up and gave a nod. He ran a hand through Jem's hair to smooth it back from his face before he stood to join the man. With that, Magnus pressed away from the wall in fear Alec would leave without saying good-bye. So badly he wanted to question his lover where he was going, and why he couldn't go too. However, Magnus knew he needed to let that temptation go. Alec wasn't leaving for good—despite his perfectly good reason to.

"I'll be back," Alec whispered as he stopped before the shadow of the man he loved, and brought a hand to clasp around Magnus' hips to pull him in. There was a dangerous look in Magnus' eyes that made him seem wild, but it wasn't the sort of threat he feared for his own life; it was that of a promise he would be hunted down if he didn't come back. He could read Magnus' longing to go too, but this was one place he could not follow him—not yet. "Hey…" Alec soothed as he cupped Magnus' face, "I promise I won't be long. Just…" With a small coil of his lips he canted his head to the television set hanging on the wall, "Why don't you watch for me?" With that, Alec brushed his thumb over Magnus' lips before kissing him tenderly before he departed.

Magnus was devastated to let him go, and wanted to fall to his knees to beg him to come back. Yet, something in the way Alec had mentioned the television, he wondered if perhaps it was time he learned to live without Alec just a little. He turned from the door to join Jem, and opened up the lunch that was still waiting patiently for them.

In the short distance between the hospital and Parliament, Alexander Lightwood was transformed. His clothes were but a memory as they were replaced by a fine suit that made him appear older and much larger. Greedy fingers ran through his hair while products were applied with hands that were not his own. Men and women alike buzzed around him while they moved through the great halls of what was now his to rule. Not far behind them, the dangerous click of his mother's heels were hardly missed.

"Make sure his teeth are white." Much of Maryse had returned with the rise to power, and though the news of her mother's estate had upset her, she had not the time to dwell. "Alexander, stand up straight." He wasn't until she said that, but with a deep breath he made sure to push his nerves away.

Alec had become a marionette again, but this time he felt his structure sound—his footing secure. He knew what he wanted, and what he must do to achieve it. He knew of his place now, and took it all in while taking a deep breath.

"There isn't time to be nervous Alec, stop it. Your sister could do it." Was that supposed to help? His mother could be so cold, but he almost found it comforting to know she was herself again. He hated to see her cry, and when she broke down on him at Isabelle's bedside it struck him with a very real fear.

"I'm not nervous," Alec spoke in a soft-spoken reply. While an assistant powdered his face, he wanted to cough. He could easily choke on all the over scented people standing in one room, but strangely enough, it made him miss Magnus. Alec wished he could have brought his love with him, but even he could no longer kid himself like that. The world wasn't ready for someone as young as he to be crowned, nor was it ready for Magnus Bane. Yet, he had a plan. It was a good plan, and even thinking of it now made his heart sour even while his hands shook with nerves.

"You are too, Alec, look at you." She jerked his face forward, "Your lips are swollen, and…" Turning his neck she saw the marks and gasped, "Alec!" With that he pulled away from her touch, and covered Magnus' love bites with his fingers. The room went silent, but the woman who was powdering his face moved to start to cover his neck as well.

Alec couldn't find the right words to tell her the truth, and Maryse refused to give him the chance. She simply straightened his tie, and dusted his shoulders. Her son had grown up on her years ago, but standing before him now she could finally see what soon the rest of the world would. He was meant to be here, and was born for this. She had never felt her heart so full of pride, and when she motioned for the makeup artist to hand her the powder she took over. Alec submitted to his mother's wishes, and allowed her to cover up the bruise.

"It can pass as a bruise from the battle. That is what we will tell the newspapers." Maryse decided, and Alec fought the urge to roll his eyes. "It's so hard to think that my baby boy has grown up. Melting little green army men one day, and taking out mindless addicts with a sword the next." She smiled enough to lighten the mood, and even he felt his lips fill with the suggestion. However, he knew that this would be one of the few times they had any time together before the storm, and he had to tell her.

"I love him, Mom," spoke the Prince his voice soft spoken, but true. And it seemed as though Maryse somehow had accepted it a long time ago. There had once been a time in her life she would have thought him weak for loving, and would laugh telling him how he was too young to know love. Yet, her baby boy had been through hell and back—and still kept it all together. She was quiet at first, but when she moved her eyes to the other side of his neck her words fell like rain.

"It doesn't matter, Alec. You can't keep him, and you know it." Her whisper hurt as much as the truth did, because somewhere he did know. He would have to face the truth soon enough. It was unfair to Magnus, and would ruin them both. But he refused to think of it until her words, and when his face fell she was quick to catch his chin. "Don't, Baby." Her hand squeezed his shoulder before she pulled him against her. He was never too small to fill his mother's arms, and though growing she had never been there, Maryse had changed just like the entire world had. "It is for the best, but it doesn't mean it won't hurt. We'll get through this." She promised, before Alec felt another set of hands on him. He felt the fingers of his escorts pull him from her arms, and though he wanted to fight them—to this Alec submitted as well. It was his duty, and for the first time in his entire life he too felt compelled to take on something he had never asked for.

The hall was long and narrow; and despite everyone buzzing still around him all he could hear was his nervous breaths and pounding heart. At the end of the tunnel there was a light, and one so fierce he knew could almost wager the entire courtyard had never felt so alive beneath the spring sky. He stood in the midst of it, and was pressed before the podium like standing in the center of the sun. He felt as though every eye that looked on him now was only distant stars in the universe that they all shared, and looking out over the crowd who clapped for him, he found strength in the numbers. All of England had come out to see their future, and listen to his first public speech as if knowing they would witness a great change in the nation. Alexander Lightwood held peace like he held his heart in his hands; willing to sacrifice his own love to make sure this nation survived. Too many wrongs needed a right, and too many forgotten needed a life. He was the key, and when his trembling hands moved to either side of the podium there came a hush upon the crowd like none other. Alec blinked in the sun while looking up into the beauty, which he felt for certain, was his Grandmother's love. A small breeze shifted a few strands of his combed hair over his brow, and with that he smiled.

"The sun is shining…" Alec started, as his voice slipped into the many microphones and spilled out like a symphony over the crowd. It faltered, and he felt himself so nervous that his eyes closed for a moment before opening again on the words written before him. They had given him cards to read, but already he had lost his courage to simply conform to what was expected of him. He looked out over the crowd to see faces of every shape and color. He saw the rich stand with the poor, and the forgotten with the found. He could see women, men, and children all divided in their lives, but together now. They wanted to hear him say the words of their freedom, and the peace that was promised as badly as they wanted to fall to their knees in prayers of tomorrow. However, the crowd waited for him to continue, and when he finally did…

"Means a new day has dawned." The only separation it seemed in those who gathered was that of the shadow and those in the light. The rumors had brought the Underground above, and like Magnus, they felt as though they were stranger's to the sun. "And it means that you will no longer have to hide in the dark."

Or be afraid…

A/N: So this is not the last chapter. I'm pretty sure Ky was going to travel to WV and kill me. Lol. Thanks to her again for her awesome Beta services, and just being one hell of a cool cat. I'm gonna marry her you know? Also, go check out her fic Depths of the Heart.

There is only one more chapter left, and an epilogue. I have a feeling I'm going to be killed, but I do plan on doing a part two if you will read it. Review and tell me you will? I'll post a snippet in your inbox, and I think after this...you will want it. Mwhhahahahahaha

Thank you!