Chapter 26 The Hunt part 3
'Arrète! C'est ici L'empire de la Mort.' (Stop! This is the empire of the dead.)
The sign above their heads read.
Magnus had portaled them directly in front of the Catacombs' entry way, bypassing the museum, pillard corridors and long lines of tourist filling the streets above.
"This is as far as we can portal," said Magnus as he looked around him, taking in the well lit tunnel, the lamps placed intermittently along the walls casting a beautiful yellow glow over the thousands of human skulls neatly lining the walls. "We'll have to travel the rest of the way on foot."
It was well known that one needed to be familiar with the place that they were portaling to. And despite having attended a few crazy parties in the Catacombs himself many many years ago, Magnus didn't want to risk running into any problems by attempting to portal them further in. He figured that starting from the beginning with a map in hand would be their safest bet. Navigating Duduael's Inbetween was already going to be troublesome enough, starting their treacherous journey by getting lost in the Catacombs, would definitely not be a reassuring sign.
Pausing, they all watched quietly as a small group of tourist, chatting lively, walked pass them, completely ignorant of the presence.
"Are we all set?" Asked Magnus as Jace and the others checked their gears and weapons one last time, just wanting to make sure that they had everything that they needed.
The sun had already been high in the sky by the time they'd left his apartment, having spent a few hours after Jace had woken up to prepare themselves, drawing the necessary runes and even brewing a few potions. And so Magnus was itching to get moving, his fingers twitching somewhat impatiently at his sides.
"We're all set," Jace confirmed, the others voicing their eagerness to get going as well.
"Good..." Magnus gave them one final look. "Then let's go get my mate back."
And with that, the group started forward through the tunnels, the ominous statement passing over their heads and disappearing behind them. Magnus was leading the way, a look of determination etched in his face. The plan was simply. They would make their way through the Catacombs until they got to the border of the mortal realm, crossing into the Inbetween. From there, they would be able to track Alec's exact location, killing anything that got in their way.
As Magnus quietly made his way through the tunnels, still passing a few tourist here and there, his best friend, Ragnor and Alec's little band of misfits, as his mate liked to call them, following closely at his back, he couldn't help but think about everything that Jace had told them that morning.
The morning had indeed been very emotional one for the warlock. The information Jace had given them, though some of it expected, had been a slap in the face for Magnus. And once again, he'd found himself unable to contain his anger. Though to be fair, most of it was aimed at himself...
Clary was still sitting on the chaise lounge, gently combing her fingers through Jace's hair, when his eyes slowly began to flutter open.
"Alec..." Jace's voice sounded, his face twisting in confusion. "Hold on. I'm here. I'll..." It was obvious that he'd been dreaming and didn't know where he was, his eyes shifting around the room before finally focusing on Clary. Realizing that he was still in Magnus' London apartment, he moved urgently to get up off the couch. "We have to..."
"Shhh. Calm down," Clary soothed, pushing at his chest to keep him from getting up. "Take it easy. Guys," she called out, looking around the room franticly for the others. "He's awake." The relief in her voice was palpable.
The others were by the couch in an instant. Jace was bursting at the seams.
"You're ok. Take it easy," Clary told him, gripping one of his hands.
Jace took several calming breathes. "I'm fine," he assured her after a moment, managing to calm himself down a bit. He then slowly sat up, bringing his free hand up to rub at his forehead.
"How are you feeling?" Asked Ragnor as he allowed his magic to scan Jace, just to be sure that he was indeed alright.
"I'm fine," Jace rasped. "Just...my head.."
Ragnor allowed his magic to heal Jace's headache before conjuring him a glass of water. "Here."
Jace accepted the water, drinking the entire glass in one go before Clary took the now empty glass from him and placed it on the side table.
Magnus' voice was like a calming force a sea of chaos. "Where is he?" He asked simply, prompting Jace and the others to quickly turn their attentions to him. His voice seemed to stop time itself. Everyone was holding their breathes.
Jace didn't hesitate. "Duduael," said the still visibly shaken shadowhunter, causing the room to breathe once again, all of them gasping at the revelation. Even Magnus himself.
Though the warlock didn't really know why. This was just a confirmation of what he'd already suspected. Many question ran through Magnus' mind: Was Azazel helping them? And what exactly did Jace mean when he said Duduael? Did he mean in the realm itself? Because that wasn't possible, they had already checked.
Magnus' brows knitted together for a moment before smoothing out again in realization. It didn't matter. Whether in Dudueal or within the it's gates, they now knew where to begin their search.
"Magnus..." It was Jace, calling back the warlock's attention. He paused for a moment as if to make sure that Magnus would not miss his next words. "He also said that Camille is involved. She's working with Jonathan."
A sharp breath left Magnus at that. Camille?
The fires of Edom ignited in his eyes. She's dead. His hands were white knuckled at his sides and his jaw ticked as he gritted his teeth, no doubt shaving off a layer of the enamel. He was personally going to drive a stake through that bitch's hate filled heart with his bare hands.
Magnus moved away from the couch, the others watching him as he began pacing back and forth, furiously. He practically had steam coming out from his ears. How could he not have seen this coming? This was what he got for being too soft with his enemies. He knew better than to leave people who've crossed him alive. Well, not anymore.
Still, the more Magnus thought about it, the more something wasn't adding up. Even with how crazy she was, Camille had always been one for self preservation first before anything else. Why would she risk it all by going after what was his, even after all of his warnings? Why would she dare touch his mate? She must have known that she would be signing her death warrant by doing this. Unless...
Magnus suddenly stopped pacing.
Turning back to Jace, "Did he say anything else?" Asked Magnus, his voice eerily quiet.
"Not much," said Jace. "The connection got cut off before he could explain things further. But, he did say that this wasn't just about him, that it was also about you. He said that you were in danger. He wanted me to warn you." As Jace spoke, he was starting to look better and better with every second that ticked by, the color slowly coming back into his face. "What's going on, Magnus?"
Did this mean that Camille was working with Lilith? That would make sense. She wouldn't have made such a play unless she was certain that she had a winning hand.
Magnus was once again pulled into his thoughts, completely ignoring Jace's question. Everything really was connected to him. Everything that was happening to Alec was because of him. It was all his fault. Perhaps even Jonathan wouldn't have gone this far if it wasn't for him? If Alec hadden met him then... No. The selfish side of Magnus would not allow him to think like that; to wallow in self pity. Alec belonged with him. Alec was his...was always meant to be his, and nothing or no one one was going to change that. Jonathan was already messed up way before he came along.
"Magnus?" This time it was Izzy, cutting into the warlock's thoughts. "What's going on? What are you thinking?" They all knew that Camille was Magnus' ex. It was customary for Institutes to keep files on the Down worlders in their city, least of all someone as powerful as Magnus Bane. Plus, they would have been stupid not to investigate the man who was to be their brother's mate...beyond the whole prince of hell situation of course.
Izzy took a few steps towards Magnus. "What did my brother mean that this isn't just about him? What aren't you telling us?" Her brows drew together as she searched Magnus' face for answers. "Why do I get the feeling that Camille's involvement in all of this isn't just a case of a disgruntled ex out for revenge?"
They were all starring at him now, waiting for his explanation. When Magnus' eyes met Ragnor's, his friend simply nodded in encouragement, giving him a look that told him that it was up to him what he wanted to tell the others, and that he had his support either way.
Magnus sighed tiredly, scrubbing a hand through his hair. "It's not important right now."
"Magnus..." Izzy started, but Magnus was quick to cut her off.
"Look, Isabelle. I promise you that if there was something that I thought you needed to know, I would've told you." It really wasn't the he didn't trust them, but now was not the time to bring up the situation with Lilith. It would only create further panic and complicate the situation even more. Which they did not need right now. "Let's just focus on getting Alexander back first. Camille being in the picture doesn't change anything."
"Are you sure about that?" Izzy raised one of her perfectly sculpted eyebrows. It was clear what she was implying. Magnus had no doubt that the others were all thinking the same thing as well. Would Camille's involvement cloud his judgment? Moreover, whereas Jonathan was not after Alec's life, the same couldn't exactly be said about Camille. This was no longer just about stopping a forced mating for the shadowhunters, which of course would be no less devastating, but this was also now about Alec's life. The threat had increased.
"If she hurts Alec..."
"She won't," Magnus assured, not allowing Izzy to finish her statement.
The look in Magnus' eyes left no room for dispute, his killing intent clear. Izzy could only press her lips together, deciding not to bother pressing the issue any further. Whatever Magnus was hiding, they would deal with later. What mattered right now was getting to Alec.
"So what's our next move?" Asked Simon, already knowing that it was a stupid question. Of course they were...
"We're going to Paris," said Izzy. "It's time to get my brother back."
Alec couldn't stop the tears as they continued to spill down his cheeks. And inbetween those tears, came sporadic bursts of laughter.
He'd made contact with Jace. They were trying to rescue him.
Alec scolded himself at that thought. Why was he surprised? Of course they were trying to rescue him. But then, Jace's nose was bleeding. He was hurt. And he couldn't make contact with him again. How was Jace even able to make contact with him like that in the first place? And was he alright? He knew Jace was still alive, but still...
It was all too overwhelming.
Alec couldn't help but to once again bemoan how useless he was. He wanted to rip everything apart. Grabbing one of the pillows on the bed, he squeezed it as if it was Jonathan's neck. He then ripped the pillow apart, sending the cotton filling flying everywhere, repeating the action two more times before finally managing to calm himself back down.
It was a while later when Jonathan came back carrying a tray of food. The alpha paused inside of the doorway, glancing around the room at the new mess. However, he didn't say anything about it, moving instead to arrange the food on the small dinning table still set up at one side of the room.
"How are you feeling?" He asked as he bent to pick up the chair Alec must have knocked over, making his way over to the bed when he was finished. "I brought a few of your favorites."
Alec didn't respond, completely ignoring him as he buried himself even further into the blankets, not caring at all about the cotton filling from the pillows flying everywhere.
"Still mad at me I see," Jonathan sighed as he sat down next to him on the bed. He raised one of his hands, hesitating for a moment before reaching out to remove a few pieces of cotton stuck in Alec's hair. Alec tensed for a moment but allowed him.
"Come eat something," Jonathan beseeched. "You'll feel better."
Alec wanted to say that he would 'feel better' if he left him the hell alone. But, for some reason, he just couldn't find it himself to lash out anymore. He suddenly felt drained, both physically and emotionally. Since his abduction, he'd never felt more hopeless and afraid. There was really nothing he could do. This realization made him truly physically ill. He didn't know which was worse, having no hope, or having it only for it to be snatched away from you. That feeling of dread when he'd realized that he'd been going around in circles... then that burst of relief when he felt Jace through their bond... He wanted to hold on to that feeling so bad; the promise that Jace, that Magnus, the promise that they would find him. It was all he could do to keep it together and not fall apart.
In the end, he decided to allow Jonathan help him get out of the bed, guiding him to the table, his survival instincts pushing him to eat something, to at least keep his strength up so that when the time came he would be able to help fight his way out of there.
"Don't worry," said Jonathan as he sat beside Alec, pouring him a glass of juice. "Just a little while longer. It's almost over. Then, we'll go wherever you want. I know how much you hate being cooped up like this. Believe me, I hate it too. After we complete our mating bond, we'll travel the world. Promise. How does that sound, hmm?"
Jonathan smiled as if he could see everything in his mind's eye. And perhaps he could. "We won't have to hide anymore. Your family, the Clave, they won't have any choice but to accept us. Everything will work out. You'll see."
Alec could only think that this person was crazy. He prayed to the Angel Raziel that whatever Jace and the others were planning to do, that they worked fast.
"Just a few more days," Jonathan lamented, still smiling at Alec.
Little did he know that his time was already running out.
"I still can't believe you brought that thing with you," said Jace, watching as the small feline followed closely behind Magnus, walking with it's head held high and it's tail waving from side to side. "Such an arrogant little thing, isn't he?" He'd never seen anyone look more proud just walking, not even Magnus. And the warlock was one of the most arrogant persons he'd ever met. He hadn't even notice the small ball of fur following them through the portal, or even when they'd first arrived at the Catacomb's entrance. The thing just popped up out of nowhere.
Magnus glanced behind him down at his 'little friend', a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Don't worry about him," he smirked. "The Chairman can take care of himself." He went silent for a moment, then, "Oh, and I wouldn't refer to him as a thing again if I were you."
"And why's that?" Jace scoffed, rolling his eyes. Then using a high pitched baby voice to talk, "Are you going to get mad and scratch my eyes out little kitty?" He chuckled as he looked down at Chairman.
Magnus only gave him an indecipherable look in response.
They'd been walking for a while now, having already spent well over a day navigating the Catacombs, stopping to eat and rest a few times along the way, gradually leaving all signs of tourists and the mundane world behind. Even the garish arrangements of human bones had now disappeared, leaving nothing but the bare dirt tunnels for them traverse. Both Jace and Izzy had taken out their witch lights after passing the last of the mundane lights, using the luminescent stones to light their way.
"What do you think's happening back at the Institute?" Asked Izzy as she quickened her steps, moving away from Simon and Clary to walk next to Jace, who was walking ahead of them alongside Magnus.
"Who knows," said Jace, giving her a sidelong glance. "But I doubt their making things easy for the Clave. You know how stubborn your parents can be."
"That's true," Izzy admitted, thinking about how stubborn her parents have been with the whole Magnus situation, or any other situation for that matter, especially her mother. Still, she couldn't help but worry about them. She wished that she could send them a message to let them know that they were doing alright and that they had a lead on Alec. She knew that they would be beyond worried, especially now that she and the others were missing as well. Unfortunately, she couldn't risk it, not with the Clave in charge. If they used the Soul Sword on her parents, then they would definitely be screwed.
"How much longer do you think?" Simon asked, the question directed at Clary. "I think it's time for another rest break. My feet are killing me," the beta whined, almost squeaking when a few mice flittered out of their way.
Clary, who had been studying one of the runes in the book she'd found back in Alacante's Armory, not able to put the thing down even for moment, excitedly sharing her discoveries with the others every now and then, looked up from the book at Simon.
"How can you even walk without falling on your face?" Simon asked. But Clary simply shrugged, her gaze shifting towards Magnus.
"Magnus..." Clary started.
"Soon," Magnus replied, cutting her off, having already heard Simon's question. "Just..." The warlock suddenly paused, stopping abruptly in his tracks, the action causing the others to stop as well.
"What... What is it?" Simon whispered as they all looked around suspiciously.
"Shhh," Magnus held up one of his hands, the rings on his fingers catching the light from Jace and Izzy's witch lights. He then exchanged a cryptic look with Ragnor before shifting his gaze back to the others. "Be on your guard. Looks like we'll be having some company soon." He could sense that there was a small nest of demons not too far ahead of them, and unfortunately there wasn't another path that they could take.
The shadowhunters' hands immediately went to their weapons.
Jace and Izzy put away their witch lights, dousing the tunnel in darkness. They then, along with Simon and Clary, activated the night vision runes that they'd drawn on ahead of time for the mission.
Ragnor quickly mumbled a few words. The warlock obviously casting a spell that would allow him see in the dark as well. While Magnus on the other hand, only needed to drop his glamour, his cat like eyes already possessing the ability.
Magnus knew that they were going to be facing off against demons on this mission, but, he'd honestly hoped that they'd at least get across the border first. Nevertheless, still leading the group, he stalked forward with the others following closely behind him, Ragnor bringing up the rear. The other warlock walked with his back turned, ready, in case they were attacked from behind. Everyone moved more cautiously now, their eyes scanning in every direction, all conversations now halted.
"Get ready," Magnus whispered a while later, the shadowhunters' sensors going off as well, vibrating lightly inside their pockets.
Most of the tunnels they've walked through thus far had been fairly spacious, allowing up five people to walk side by side comfortably, some sections even more. And luckily for them, this tunnel in particular wasn't much different, the high ceiling and wide walls availing them enough room to fight without any problem. Not that fighting in tight spaces would have been an issue for them, but, it would have made things a bit more difficult.
However, as they moved forward, the tunnel suddenly began widening. It opened up into a large cavern at the end, indicating that there was either another cross road or turn up ahead. It was there in the large space that what looked like a nest of Palpis demons were nestled together, their bodies tangled and wrapped around each other like snakes in a giant mating ball.
What happened next could only be described as a truly epic display in the art of combat and team work.
Red flames of magic burst fourth, lighting up Magnus' palms as he rushed forward. The warlock moved with speed and grace, his steps as light as falling leaves in autumn, hitting the surface of water. He sent one fireball after another into the nest, sending the demons scattering in all directions, the one who'd taken the brunt of the hits bursting into flames before disappearing, leaving nothing but ash and it's unbearable stench behind.
Ragnor and the others didn't hesitate as they too went into attack mode, the group spreading out into a circular formation, making sure that each other's back was protected.
Jace and Izzy once again lit up their witch lights, holding the stones in one hand while they held their weapons in the other, the heavenly light sending the demons scattering like common cockroaches in all directions.
The large greenish, caterpillar like creatures began scaling the walls and ceiling, clinging to the shadows as they began to attack.
"Ithuriel!" Jace's seraph blade instantly lit up at the mention of the angel's name, the glow of the blade lighting up his face as he launched himself at one of the demons scuttering towards them.
Izzy's whip, like the swirling lines inked into her skin, slid down her wrist like a snake, untangling itself from her body. The whip lashed out with a simple wave of her hand, slicing through the air like a bolt of lightning as it wrapped around the head of the unlucky demon that had caught her sight. The creature had managed to climb the walls, reaching the ceiling, and was about to launch itself at them from above, it's sharp teeth bared and oozing slime. With one hard tug at the whip, Izzy managed to pull it down into the circle.
Not ones to be left out, Clary pulled out the twin blades that had been secured at her back, slashing through the stomach of the demon that Izzy had just dropped at their feet. Simon began knocking arrows in his bow, sending few flying into it's over sized head, both of them finishing it off.
Ragnor handled the fourth demon with a few fireballs while Magnus finished off the last one who, funnily enough, actually tried to scamper away.
It was a bit of an over kill really.
"Is everyone alright?" Jace asked as they all gathered back together, checking each other over for any injuries.
"We're all fine," Clary replied as Jace pulled her towards him, checking her over again before pulling her into a hug.
"Yeah, we're all good here," Izzy replied as well. "Barely broke a sweat." The alpha also moved automatically to check her mate over. Just needing that extra bit of reassurance.
Ragnor did a quick, but thorough perimeter check before joining the group as well. "All clear."
Magnus nodded, "Good. Then let's go."
And with that, the group once again started their journey, turning left at the bend in the road.
They were definitely getting closer.
The border wasn't something visible to the mundane eyes. However, those with the sight could see it clearly.
What looked like a plain dirt wall to others, to those with the sight, it almost looked like one of Magnus' portals, shimmering like the surface of a crystal lake. Except unlike Magnus' portals, which acted as a doorway, leading people to their desired destination, this was much more like a shield, a ward, created to keep the demons on the other side in. Also, one could clearly see what was on the other side; more tunnels. They continued on as far as the eyes could see, branching off into different directions.
The group walked through the wards, the power emanating from it sending shivers up their spines and causing the hairs on their bodies to stand on end.
Once on the other side, Jace's entire demeanor seemed to change, the dark shadow that had been a constant over the shadowhunter's face, suddenly brightening up.
"He's here. Alec's here," Jace exclaimed, "I can feel him." His voice cracked as he spoke. There was no time to waste. The shadowhunter took out Alec's stele from inside his pants pocket, the pen like instrument wrapped with a strip of fabric from one of Alec's t-shirts.
Magnus and the others all watched him with bated breath as he closed his eyes in deep concentration.
This was it. Magnus could feel his heart racing as he allowed the tiniest bit of relief pour in. They were finally on the right track. Nothing was going to stand in his way.
"Which way?" Asked the warlock, barely able to wait for Jace to open his eyes.
Jace turned around, pointing to the furthest tunnel left of them. "That way."
Magnus said nothing. He simply started forward, his feet moving of their own volition as the others quickly followed after him. Jace rushed to walk ahead of him; he was the one doing the tracking after all.
Things were very different on this side of the wards. The dirt walls surrounding them looked a lot darker, almost black, compared to the light brown walls on the other side. It also felt different to the touch. It had a much more waxy, wet, clay like texture in contrast to the loose, sand like texture of the previous.
And then there was the air. It smelt different. The air was thick and heavy. It took a moment for one to adjust to, and would no doubt be very difficult for the average mundane to breath for a long period of time. If one had to describe it, they could say that it smelled of sulphur. Or as Simon had so eloquently noted...
"It smells like burnt fireworks down here."
"Really?" Ragnor drawled, smiling lightly at Simon's distressed expression. "Smells like a refreshing garden to me. Now the dungeons in Edom..." he paused when the beta met his eyes. "The stench in that place could make the strongest willed man want to cut off his own nose. Perhaps I could arrange a visit for you one day."
Simon shook his head vehemently as he quickened his steps. "No thank you." The warlock had expressed his utmost annoyance with the young beta's endless chatter. However, as Simon had stated in response to the warlock's complaints at the time: he couldn't help it, he talked a lot when he got nervous. And this place definitely made him nervous.
Another thing that they'd also noticed, was the lack of rats. Since crossing the border, they hadn't seen a single one, whereas before, the disgusting little vermin were scuttling about everywhere.
And lastly, the most notable difference thus far: there were way more twists and turns; a ridiculous amount. It was really quite dizzying.
Everyone kept their guards up with their weapons in hand, ready to defend themselves at a moment's notice, expecting an attack at the turn of every corner. And considering where they were, they didn't have to wait for very long.
"Watch out!"
It was Clary. Upon reaching yet another fork in the road of what felt like a diabolical maze game created by Lucifer himself (and perhaps it was) to torture people, the red headed beta had spotted a shadow moving quickly towards them from the left tunnel just as they'd turned to enter the right.
Ragnor, who was at her back, immediately turned on his heels, having caught sight of it as well. Drawing in a deep breath, the warlock pulled magic from deep within himself, sending fourth a huge fire ball from his hands. The others watched as the demon was engulfed in flames, screeching as it disappeared leaving on ashes.
"What the hell was that?" Ask Izzy, her whip at the ready in case there was another attack.
"I'm not sure," replied Ragnor. "It didn't really seem like the right time to stop and ask it questions."
"Be on alert everyone," said Magnus, rolling his eyes at his best friend's antics. "We'll be having a lot more encounters from now on."
Magnus had no idea how right he was. The rest of their journey was plagued with one attack after another. Which, although annoying, Magnus had expected them. What he didn't expect however, is what happened on the third and final day into their journey.
After a half day of walking, the group had decided to stop and rest for a little while. After refuelling (eating, drinking), Magnus and Ragnor had volunteered to watch over the group while the others rested.
The truth was, Magnus couldn't sleep even if he'd wanted to. And Ragnor wasn't about to leave him alone. It was during these brief periods of rest, of not having anything to occupy his time, that his mind went crazy. They were so close now, Magnus could feel it. He wished that he could just charge ahead. Needing to stop and rest, not to mention how long it was taking for them to find Alec in the mess of a maze that was the Inbetween, was driving him crazy. But, he knew that that wouldn't be very smart, they needed to tread carefully if they were going to be successful. Even with replenishing potions, the body still needs at least an hour rest to be alert and in maximum working capacity.
"How are you holding up?" Asked Ragnor as the two of them sat not too far from each other, leaning back against one of the tunnel walls. Magnus had conjured a few sleeping bags for them, encouraging the others to rest proper, despite only using his for a place to sit himself.
"Why don't you rest for a bit as well? I'll watch over you," Ragnor encouraged him. "Maybe wake the little chatterbox up later to keep me company." He looked over at Simon, who looked especially small with how tightly Izzy had wrapped herself around him.
A small smile pulled at Magnus' lips as he looked over at them as well, Clary and Jace in a similar position. He sighed as he scratched the back of Chairman meow's, who'd cuddled up beside him, head, his smile fading. "I'm good, Ragnor." Seeing the others with their mates, he couldn't help but feel a small pang of jealousy in his heart. Soon, he told himself. Alec would be back in his arms and he was never going to let him out of his sight ever again. Not if he could help it.
The two warlocks made light conversation to keep themselves occupied, making sure to avoid any mention of Lilith or the situation back in Edom, not wanting to risk the others overhearing them.
It was little over two hours later when they started their journey again with renewed energy.
"It's been a while since we've encountered any demons," Ragnor noted from his place at the back of the group. "What do you think?" The question directed at Magnus, the warlock walking in front alongside Jace.
Magnus thought for a moment. "Hmm. I'm not sure. But down let your guard down." He'd also noticed the sudden peacefulness of their journey.
The further in they traveled, the stronger Jace felt the pull of the parabatai bond. Everyone's shoulders sat tense despite the hopeful feeling slowly permeating the air. They were definitely getting closer now.
It was then that things took a dangerous turn.
Sensing a threat not too far ahead of them, Magnus once again stopped in his tracks. And this time, he wasn't the only one who had sensed it. Chairman meow's, who had been strolling along proudly, entire demeanor changed. The cat suddenly puffed out it's fur, it's spine curving upwards as he raised himself up on his legs, hissing as if a rival animal had dared to cross into it's territory.
They all shared a look of apprehension as Magnus took a breath, letting himself get a better read on the situation.
"How bad is it?" Whispered Ragnor as they all gathered closer together, their eyes shifting quickly to scan their surroundings.
"Definitely not Palpis demons," said Magnus, reaching out with his magic, ever so careful not to alert the demons to their presence.
Although shadowhunters had the ability to sense the presence of demons to some extent; a tight feeling in their chest, the smell of sulphur or the hairs on their body standing on end; that ability was no where near as strong as that of a warlock. And definitely not as strong as Magnus'. The alpha warlock was the son of one of the most powerful prince's of hell after all. Hence why shadohunters used sensors when hunting. But even that wasn't without it's faults. Distance being one of them.
After only a few beats, Magnus focused determined eyes back at the others. Stating simply, "Raum brood mother. And it's not alone."
"Shit," Jace groaned. Raum brood mothers were definitely not the easiest demons to kill. Not only were they able to regenerate their flesh, organs and limbs quickly, but they were able to wield magic as well; capable of forming pentagrams and portals.
This was going to take some effort.
Both shadowhunters and warlocks once again went into battle mode. They had no other choice but to face whatever was ahead of them head on.
"Leave the brood mother to me," said Magnus, a ferocious look in his eyes. "Just keep the rest off my back when the time comes." Even as he said this, a thought was playing in the back of his mind; Brood mothers didn't just leave their lairs like that. And it took someone powerful to employ one.
Whispering a few words, Magnus waved his hand, casting a cloaking spell on the group, rendering all of them invisible. At least temporarily. The spell would buy them a bit of time to get close enough to the horde for a surprise attack.
Jace and Izzy put out their witch lights, the four shadowhunters once again activating their night vision runes. Ragnor, again cast the same spell as before, whilst Magnus simply dropped his glamour.
With Jace and Magnus still leading the group, it didn't take long before the first demon came into view.
There, hunched over in the middle of the pitch black tunnel, slick, gray tentacles hanging down limply, was a Raum demon. The large humanoid creature almost appeared to be sleeping before it lifted it's head, it's large black, pupil-less, toad-like eyes scanning it's surroundings as if sensing their presence. That however, was impossible. As the spell Magnus had cast, was not one easily penetrable.
Soon, one demon grew into two, then four, which then multiplied into well over a dozen more the further their gazes travelled. They even spotted a Drevak demon in the mix, the large maggot like creature scuttling off down another tunnel branching off to their right, another crossroad seemingly up ahead. This made it difficult for them to tell just how many demons there were. And although the Raum brood mother wasn't readily visible, Magnus was still able sense it's presence.
Without a moment's hesitation, the group charged forward.
There was no other way. Aside from the fact that Magnus couldn't keep them cloaked for long, once they dispatched the first demon, their presence would most certainly be known and the others would intern attack.
Going for the maximum damage possible, both Magnus and Ragnor pooled their magic together. The two formed a giant fireball between them, sending the blazing fury of a thousand suns into the dark tunnel, lighting the whole tunnel up like a roaring inferno. The shadowhunters were almost frozen stiff in awe, watching the carnage as Magnus swiftly threw up a blast shield in front of them, protecting them from the fire.
The screeches were deafening. Demons scrambled left and right to escape the deadly flames, those not so lucky ones instantly combusting right where they stood.
"There're so many of them," a stunned Simon whispered.
"This isn't right," said Magnus, more so to himself than in response to Simon's statement. "They shouldn't be gathered here like this." And a Raum brood mother... He had expected the occasional demon; there would always be demons who slipped through the barriers, this however... It was as if they were guarding something...guarding someone. Magnus' previous thoughts came to mind.
"What are you thinking?" Asked Ragnor.
"Isn't it obvious," said Magnus, a knowing look flashing in his eyes. "Someone must have summoned them."
Something seemed to click in Ragnor's eyes at that, the sudden change in his expression conveying that he understood exactly who Magnus was thinking of. The others could only look on curiously as now was not the time for explanations.
"Ithuriel!" Jace's seraph blade instantly lit up as Magnus dropped the shield the protecting them. And before the fires could even burn out, Magnus' fingers tips were crackling once again.
The group began culling their way through the sticky mess of ichor and ash, finishing off any wounded demons in their path.
They'd barely made it to the end of the tunnel when Ragnor's panicked filled voice roared through the darkness.
"Incoming!"
Ducking down quickly, Magnus managed to avoid the large tentacle that came sweeping at him from out of nowhere, sending a large fire ball into the accompanying demon, wounding it. Ragnor quickly finished it off.
They'd just exited the tunnel into what they had previously thought to be a crossroad. However, as it turned out, it was instead a fairly large rotunda with all of six tunnels going in various directions. And they were standing dead in the centre of it!
Bloody hell.
They were perfect targets.
Suddenly demons were coming at them from every direction. Fireballs flew left and right and arrows zoomed through the air. Izzy's whip and Jace's blade were drenched in ichor. Clary, putting away her blades, opted instead to use her stele. The redheaded beta drew one sunlight rune in her palm after another, blasting any demon unlucky enough to be caught in her sights. The swiftness with which she did this was truly amazing. Something Magnus would've greatly admired, had he the time to do so.
"We can't continue like this!" Jace sounded over the roars and screeches. They were practically back to back at this point, once again in a circular formation. Though this time without much of a choice.
Magnus looked around franticly, quickly noticing that most of the demons seemed to be coming from one tunnel in particular. "It's the Brood mother!" He yelled. From the very beginning the demon was nowhere to be seen. "She must be portaling them in. I need to find her. Cover me."
Magnus threw a fire ball at an approaching demon as he began slowly inching away from the others, heading directly into the oncoming horde.
Ragnor, having heard his words and catching sight of his movements, rushed to his side. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I need to get into that tunnel!" Magnus gritted his teeth. And even as he spoke, his magic extended into a long fiery rope, wrapping around the neck of a demon, pulling it's head clean off it's body.
Ragnor rolled his eyes in exasperation, "Well, duh. I heard you the first time. But that's not what I mean. You can't ju..." Ragnor started to explain. But just then, he spotted a Palpis demon scuttling up one of the walls in an attempt to attack them from above. Without a second's thought, he sent a fire ball in it's direction. But, he only managed to nip its leg, sending it crashing to the ground.
Chairman meow was on it in the next instance, the sneaky little ball of fluff having seemingly been missing throughout this whole ordeal. However, if the ichor covering his fur was any indicator, he had been all too busy himself. And what started out as a mere hiss from the small feline, soon turned into a vicious growl, echoing throughout the tunnel. His jaw snapped ferociously as he ripped into the demon, tearing it apart before moving on to the next one.
"What the hell is that!" It was Jace. As the shadowhunter pulled his seraph blade from the stomach of a Raum demon, barely catching his breath before whipping around to slash at another one, he caught sight of Chairman's transformation.
"Is that...Is that a freaking hell hound!?" Izzy's eyes widen and her mouth dropped open as she swung her whip, letting it coil around the neck of a demon. Even in her shocked state she still didn't lose her focus as she pulled the demon to the ground. A warriors reflexes; never corroding. Simon quickly finished it off with an arrow to the chest.
The shadowhunters were all in awe. The thing was huge! Eyes blood red and fur as dark as the night itself. A dog the size of a freaking elephant!
They all watched as Chairman mowed his way through one demon after another, leaving nothing but mangled limbs and torn flesh in his wake. The phrase, 'a bull in a china shop' came to mind. They didn't have time to admire him for long however, as the attacks kept on coming.
In that moment Magnus couldn't help but be thankful, thankful for not only having Ragnor and Chairman by his side, but the others as well. With everything happening, he really did not want to have to worry his father any further by drawing power from Edom. And despite having taken a revitalizing potion to rebuild his energy, the resistance they were currently facing, and would no doubt still face, was not one he'd ideally want to confront alone. Even if he was confident that the outcome would be in his favor, it was still good not having to take such a risk. Not when his mate's life was involved.
With the three of them working together, Ragnor, Chairman and Magnus, they managed to clear a path, slowly making their way into the tunnel that they suspected the Brood mother to be hiding. They didn't even need to go very far, barely a hundreds steps, when they saw it.
Magnus had indeed been correct. There, in the middle of the tunnel, shimmering in the darkness even as demons continued to make their way out, stood a large portal.
What followed next all seemed to happen in a blur.
The tips of the Brood mother's long black tentacles began to glow, following which the portal closed in on itself, the energy it had generated pushing outward with a powerful wind. Anyone light on their feet would have collapsed under the force.
Without wasting time on pleasantries, whilst Ragnor and Chairman meow dealt with the last of the demons who had managed to make their way out of the portal before it closed, Magnus focused all of his energy on the Raum brood mother.
Without any hint of hesitation, the warlock launched a slew of vicious attacks.
Alec wasn't sure what had woken him up. In fact, he didn't even know when he'd fallen asleep. The last thing he remembered was lying in bed cuddling with one of the new pillows that Jonathan had brought him, after once again fighting with the other shadowhunter.
After showering, he'd just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep the time away, when Jonathan had shown up to pester him with his silly little love stories. And this time the alpha had been even more ridiculous. Instead of the usual talks about them traveling the world and the many places that they would visit, he went on and on about how many kids they were going to have and what those kids would be like.
Yeah right. Alec couldn't help but roll his eyes at the thought. The omega hadn't really been sleeping well lately. How could he? Well, apart from the obvious. But, about two days ago, at least he thought it was two days, he'd suddenly felt Jace's presence in their parabatai bond. It wasn't like the previous time, when Jace had contacted him, but somehow their bond felt normal again; like before he was abducted that is.
Feeling Jace's presence like that again... It had completely broken him. Alec had never been so happy and so scared before in his life. Especially knowing what it meant.
For him to he able to feel Jace's presence the way he had, the way he was still feeling him even now, it could only mean one thing... Jace was there, in the Inbetween. Jace was at the gates of Dudueal. And if Jace was here looking for him, then it also meant that Magnus was here.
Since then, Alec had become even more restless. He was worried about Jace and Magnus, and no doubt his sister and the rest of his little band of misfits, who was no doubt probably with them. He was worried about what they might face while trying to rescue him. He was worried about what Camille and the strange warlock had said about Magnus, about Edom. He hated that they were trying to use him to get to Magnus.
The whole situation had him teetering on the edge. So naturally when Jonathan had shown up to do his usual check ups, singing his usual songs of love, Alec's sleep deprived mind had lost it. The two had argued, Jonathan storming out in anger when he'd told him that he was never going to love him no matter what he did. After that, he'd pretty much collapsed into bed from exhaustion, the fight and the lack of sleep over the last few days getting the better of him. He wasn't even sure how long he'd been asleep for.
Focusing back on the present, Alec concentrated on what had woken him up. There was a stinging pain in his left shoulder. It wasn't cripplingly painful, but it felt like he'd been pricked with several small needles. That kind of phantom pain could only mean one thing; Jace. Jace had been hurt. The realization sent a chilling shiver down Alec's spine.
But, before he could dwell on it any further, the door suddenly swung opened.
"We have to get out of here. Now."
It was Jonathan. The shadowhunter entered the room like a hurricane, looking disheveled and panicked with his seraph blade in hand. He rushed over to the bed, grabbing a startled Alec's arm, pulling him up.
Yanking his arm away, Alec staggered back. "What... What's going on? Go where?"
Jonathan tried to grab Alec's arm again, but the omega moved back even further, side stepping him when his back hit the wall.
"I'll tell you everything later I promise. But we have to go right now."
"I'm not going anywhere with you until you tell me what's going on," Alec demanded. But even as he spoke, only one thought kept on echoing through his mind. Magnus. Magnus was here. His mate was here.
Something in Jonathan's eyes seemed to switch as his expression went from pleading to angered.
"We don't have time for this!" The alpha yelled. He was about to say something else, when suddenly both of them heard what sounded like a fire alarm going off, a loud beeping noise filling the room.
"Shit," Jonathan swore, a worried look overtaking his features. Then, as if he had split personalities, he went right back to pleading.
"If we don't get out of here right now..." But, Jonathan did not get to finish his sentence.
The door was again suddenly flung opened, three feral looking vampires entering the room.
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AN:Sorry this took so long guys, work/family been kicking my ass. Thankfully I'm taking a much needed vacay next month. Honestly this chapter had been written for a while now. I just haven't been able to edit it properly. It might still even need some work but, yeah... hope you guys enjoyed it. :)