Flashback is in italic.

March 1996

As he steps out of the institute, Dean looks around. He wants to see who will be members of his team this evening. One person he knows will not be there; Noah. It's something he appreciates. And ever since the events of last month, they have been separated from each other. They don't so much as cross each other in the hallways now. It has made his life so much easier. Oh, so much. No more looking over his shoulder. No more annoying sabotage attempts. A smile tugs on his lips as he thinks about this.

"What's so funny, Dean?"

"Just thinking about the last few weeks."

"The absence of Noah, you mean?"

"Definitely."

As he says this, he looks around. He finally notices who will be part of his team. Mostly familiar faces but also a few new ones. Those new ones are older than most but not by much. They will most likely handle the actual hunt or more dangerous things while scouting. He shrugs. Well, no matter, he will observe them. It will allow him to see how they do things. And allow him to gain experience in their way of hunting. He knows how he and dad have hunted. He hasn't gotten much experience with their manner of hunting. It's something he's been mostly kept out of. Just like nearly everyone here.

"So, do you think things will be more interesting tonight than during our last scoutings?"

"Maybe. Were they boring then?"

"No, but they were also not interesting. I had too much time to think about the lessons. And I shouldn't have time for that."

"No one should."

"You're right about that, Dean. Does anyone know where we're going tonight?"

Dean tilts his head as he waits for someone else to respond.

"I heard something about a neighboring village. Why I've got no idea. We're not active outside of cities."

"Maybe we'll be in the future. I've heard some things about that."

"Yeah, when? When you were eavesdropping on others?"

"And if I was. What's the problem with that?"

"Nothing."

Dean snickers silently as he sees Kyle's repentant look. His bickering with Sasha didn't end as he wanted it to. Laughter breaks out around him. Others don't hide their amusement at all. He shakes his head as he finally decides to join in on this topic.

"Well, to get back to the topic of our conversation, it might be a good thing. There are a lot of things that happen in villages."

"Yeah, you've said so before, Dean. Care to tell us what's out there?"

"No, you'll have to figure it out by yourself."

"Ahh, come on! Anything. Share, share, share."

"Keep it together, you idiot. How old are you anyway?"

Dean smiles as Sasha and Kyle begin to wrestle with each other. Within moments they're on the ground. And their wrestling continues. He raises an eyebrow before turning to those who are not interested in this act.

"So, what do you think about our previous scouting missions?"

"As was said before, they're boring and simple."

"Yeah, simple. I hope for a better challenge. We only ever needed to keep an eye on them as they moved around. They didn't even make strange moves. Well, except for a few."

"Yeah, those were hunting innocent people. People who didn't even seem to recognize the danger they were in."

"Yeah, alright those were interesting alright. But overall it has been boring."

"So true."

"Enough of that. Does anyone have any interesting stories about their sibling's hunts? … No? … Dean, you've got some from your previous life among mundanes?"

"None I'm willing to share. All I'll say is do read up on legends."

"Why?"

"Because they contain the truth. Or as much as people could understand it. And they also contain methods for dealing with them."

"The mundanes you mean."

"Who else do you think he means?"

"Yeah, you're right. Who else?"

"Well, it's … something to do once I finish my coursework."

"You and your coursework, Derek. Completely melted to each other."

"Yeah, yeah. Melted. You just try to escape it every chance you've got."

"So what?"

A door opens and closes behind them. He hears the air moving with it. At this, he turns around and sees an older shadowhunter has shown up. He doesn't know the name. And he doesn't recognize the face. And considering this one isn't from around here, he isn't surprised.

"So who's that?"

"No idea though I've seen him before."

"Dean, you know something?"

He turns to Kyle and immediately wants to wipe the smirk off his face. His eyes narrow as he clenches his fists.

"Why would I know something?"

"Because Isobel's your mentor. That's why."

"And that's why?"

"Yes!"

"Well, she hasn't said anything about this person. So no, I don't know anything about them."

"And what has she told then?"

"Only that some people are coming from Canada as well as the east and west coast."

"Ah, so that's why they're here."

"Good to know but not something which will answer our question."

"Quiet! They're about to say something. Look!"

Dean turns around as an elbow hits his side. Before them, the older shadowhunters have lined up. So Sasha is right. They're about to say something. Hopefully, they'll figure out now why they're here.

"Good to see you all. We will be doing some dangerous hunting or in your case scouting. It is the reason why you gained this assignment. And why we're here. The trainers believe you can do this. So stay safe and have a good hunt."

Something is missing. They turn around and begin to move away. If none will say it then they'll just form groups in the size they like to. Only a voice breaks the silence. It stops them in their tracks.

"Are we being split into groups?"

The blond-haired woman turns around with a sheepish expression. She scratches her head before speaking up.

"Thanks for reminding me. Yes, you'll be split into groups. One of us will accompany you. And as I failed to inform you, you can make your groups. Please ensure you're making groups of three people."

Dean looks around. As she was speaking everyone must have made their groups. It's the only reason why all the groups are already formed. Sasha and Derek motion for him to join them. He smiles and quickly does so. It is just the group he was waiting for. And secretly hoped for. They will work together best. So, now it's waiting for the last one to join them. It does not take much time before the entire group is together. Then they quickly leave the institute grounds.

As they're scouting, Dean watches the elder shadowhunter closely. He knows there is something. He thought so before. He just can't put his finger on it. All who are here are around his age. They've been scouting for years now. Or so they told him. He's only been doing it for a while but has gotten many praises. He attributes it to his years of hunting with his dad. But all this doesn't explain the presence of the older shadowhunters at all.

As they move around, the older shadowhunter, whose name he hasn't gotten yet, lets them take steadily more control of the hunt. And also keeps asking them annoying simple questions. Everyone answers them but they share looks of utter frustration with each other. He knows why as he shares their feelings. They just want this to be over.

Soon, they find their target and manage to keep an eye on him. Their target moves around for a while before turning into a corner. A scream pierces the air. Seconds before they're able to turn the corner themselves. Dean runs forward with everyone following on his heels. As he turns into the corner of the alley, he sees their target assaulting a young girl. The girl's trembling on the ground. His blade slips into his hands as he sprints forward.

"Michael!"

The blade springs to life. Behind him, he hears others doing the same. And before he's aware of it, he's already attacking their target. The others quickly join him. Together, they push their target off and away from the young girl. Before long, Sasha manages to land the killing blow. Their target drops to the ground lifelessly. Dean pants and looks around. It's then he realizes he's broken their assignment. They were to scout and not hunt. And where was the older one? It's his job to do this, not theirs. He glances around and finds the older one who's smiling. He frowns.

"Good job. You've seen how quickly a simple scouting mission can turn into an actual hunt. Remember that because it happens too often for everyone's liking. You've done well."

No one says anything. He glances around and sees the same look being returned to him. One of confusion but a refusal to point out the mistake. They'll enjoy it while it lasts. And refuse to betray each other. He glances at the alley and sees the young girl has disappeared. He shrugs, hoping she'll forget about this soon

"What did we just kill?"

"What do you think, Sasha?"

"An Eidolon."

"You're right. So let's continue with our scouting."

Dean nods and refuses to speak up once more. He's quick to follow after the older one. The next two hours are spent on scouting. Except for one time, when they're allowed - and even urged - to hunt once more. Once they're back at the institute, they're all panting even more. They form up in front of the older shadowhunters quickly once more. All the while Dean's wondering what's going on.

"I'm sure you knew something was going on. And indeed there was. You've all been tested to see if you're able to hunt in groups. At the end of your training, passing another test will allow you to hunt alone or in duos. But for now, I'm pleased to tell you that you've all passed this test."

"Why wasn't anyone told about this?"

Yes, the question which has been on Dean's mind also. And luckily for him, or maybe unluckily, someone beat him to it.

"Because it is not shared with you at all. And only done once we've got enough of you ready to take it. Tomorrow another group will face the test. Let's hope they'll pass also."

Noah POV

Noah looks at the ceiling of his room. His head lies on the pillows cradled in his hand. The sun streams on his face from the window on his right side. He pulls a hand from behind his head and places it on his head. He strokes his head as his mind returns to what he just saw.

He stands on top of the stairs and watches a group return from a night of hunting. He carefully looks to see what their state is. One face catches his attention. It is also the reason for him being here. He clenches his fists. The intruder has come back unscattered once more. All others are surrounding him and talking animatedly. He can't hear the words but their faces. Their smiles. Their happy looks. They tell him more than enough.

Noah grinds his teeth. They're trusting him. Why? Is it because of the same feeling he's had? It must be. He narrows his eyes. He'll figure out how the intruder is doing this. He walks a bit to the side as the first group moves up the stairs. He hides in the shadow. Just as he's been trained to do. He waits. And waits.

Cheering sounds throughout the hall. He carefully glances around the corner. Two shadowhunters stand on the stairs and are giving a speech. He ignores the words and only focuses on what he's seeing. They're all cheering with the intruder in the middle. A smile breaks on his face when he sees the intruder's face. It's completely red and sour. Good. He's not supposed to enjoy himself. It'll ensure he'll leave earlier. And none will be endangered by his actions anymore. He always worries when the intruder hunts with others. This time no one was injured. Thankfully. But the past few times; it were only cuts and bruises but still…it proves just how dangerous the intruder is to everyone here.

But right now, people have begun to walk up the stairs in happiness. They're all gathering around the intruder. They're still around him and speak excitedly to him. His nails bite into his skin as he sees this. They're still not seeing the danger the intruder is. Will they ever see it?

A crash sounds in the background. It is what finally pulls him away from his thoughts. He listens but can't hear whatever is going on. There seems to be some problem but the words make no sense to him. Noah shakes his head. It's not important. What's important right now is the way the people react to the intruder earlier. It was what he's seen these past few weeks. Well, not exactly; it's become worse. They're all trusting him too much. Way too much.

Though for one thing, he's glad. They've not praised his skills. Or if they have and he hasn't heard it. But he knows they've been praising his skills ever since he passed those tests. Always. Anytime they return. He just can't hear it anymore. He firsts his hands into his hair and pulls on them.

After Noah has pulled his hands from his hard, he narrows his eyes. All this has to change. They need to understand the danger the intruder poses. And their praises might be one way to do it. Just like keeping a much closer eye on him. He sighs. There's one time, he can't do this; when the intruder's with Issy. He'll accept it to give him a false sense of security. But he'll find a way to change their perception of his skills. He will. And going on a hunt with him could do it. And for that, no one can know what he's planning. He'll lay low for now while still keeping an eye on the intruder. And any opportunity he gets to discredit him, he'll use.

Dean POV

Dean leans back against the chair and places his hands behind his back. He looks up at the ceiling and closes his eyes. He's got to be careful right now. None can find out what he's planning to do. And he's been biding his time long enough. None will look too closely at him now. They'll just assume it's a letter to Imogen. And that he's a bit strange in sending it. He can live with that.

He pushes himself upwards and looks around. Just to be sure. He can't be too careful right now. Even if he accepts the risks of being a bit ridiculed he won't let himself be discovered. It's the line he draws. As he looks around, he can't find anyone. At least close to him. They're far enough that he'll risk it. They can't see what or to whom he writes.

He shrugs and picks up the pen. He quickly writes a message and reads it over afterward. Dean bites his lips at what he reads. No, this letter cannot do. He crumbles it in his hands and throws it to the side. Then he picks up a new piece of paper and rewrites it. This process repeats itself two more times. Then he's finally satisfied with the result. He ruffles around as he looks for an envelope but can't find one. He growls.

"What's upset you? Or more importantly, what are you doing?"

Dean looks in the direction of the voice. His nails dig into his skin once he gets the person. Noah! Just who he needed. Noah walks toward him at a leisurely pace. Still Noah's far enough away to allow him enough time to hide everything. Or so he believes. He quickly moves around and picks up the discarded papers. Those he pushes into his pocket. The others he quickly grabs off the table. He looks around and finds a bag. There he puts those pieces in.

"Well, anything to say for yourself?"

"Nothing important. I was just writing some notes. Nothing of interest to you."

"Nothing? I saw you putting something in that bag. What's that."

"My notes. What else?"

"Those weren't notes. Or since when do you crumble your notes into hops?"

"Always."

"Liar."

"I'm not lying."

"You are. Don't even think to deny it."

Noah walks closer to him and reaches for the bag. Dean moves back and holds the back out of his reach. Noah moves forward quickly. In a moment of inattention, Noah pulls the bag out of his hand. He holds it upside down and shakes it. Everything falls out with a loud clinging. He moves forward and quickly grabs some things out of the pile. Noah won't get his fingers on them. He holds them tightly in his hands. It's then he sees Noah grabbing one of his discarded drafts. Noah unfurls it and strokes the paper smoothly before reading it.

Dean wants to snatch the draft out of Noah's hands but knows he can't. And to stop himself, he bites his lips and presses his nails deeper into his skin. They prickle sharply. He ignores it. And he also doesn't look at Noah. It'll be too much of a temptation to intervene. He knows this won't end well. At all. A feeling which is confirmed once Noah looks up. A furious expression on his face. Just like the past few times they've fought with each other.

"What. Do. You. Think. You're. Doing!"

"I've got no idea what you're talking about."

"You do know. And know it quite well."

"Still have no idea what you mean."

"This letter! If you're so desperate to return to your family then you should just leave. And never return."

"I don't know what's your problem with it."

"Are you stupid? You're not supposed to be sharing information with some Mundanes."

"Those Mundanes are my family! So they're not some Mundanes."

"You're just like I thought."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're a threat to us and your place isn't among us. It's never been. This is just more proof."

"Yeah, proof. What does it prove? That I've written to my family? Yes, indeed. But who said I'd send it."

"I know you will do that. Don't think to deny it."

"I won't have to because who else will think to do that?"

Noah glares at him and clenches the paper in his hand. Dean's heartskips a beat. He waits for whatever reactions he'll receive next. He doesn't have to wait long.

"Agrr, you're right but don't think I'll forget it. I'll show everyone the danger you're to them."

"Who says I'm the danger? You're the only one to even remotely think that."

Noah glares at him which he returns. They keep glaring at each other for a while. Dean's unwilling to break the stare because he refuses to show any weakness. He waits for Noah to give up. A door closes in the background but he ignores it. Most likely someone who wants to study.

Noah grabs a piece of paper from his desk. He unfurls it before he begins to read it. Dean's nails dig even deeper into his skin. They prickle sharply. He bites his lips. This won't end well. A feeling which is confirmed once Noah looks up.

"What do you. Think. You're. Doing!"

"I've got no idea what you're talking about."

"This letter! You're so desperate to return to your family then go! And don't turn back. I've always known your place wasn't among us."

"You're not the one to decide that."

"Well, you don't want to be here. And more importantly, you're a danger and intruder."

Then Noah seems to find it enough as he throws the draft at him. Noah turns around and storms away without saying anything more. A door slams loudly shut. Dean's convinced he sees dust flying around in the library after the slam.