Shu walked up to the roof. She climbed up onto the ledge. Hadn't someone else stood up here recently?
The skies were full of clouds as the sunset painted the world purples, reds, oranges, and yellows.
She held her arms out, seeing the entire city below her. The wind blew through her, and she took a deep breath, the cool, fresh air sweeping into her bones.
She stood on her toes and then fell forward. Gravity took her, yet she felt weightless. The breeze barely fazed her as she fell through the air. There was a slight bit of fear tugging at her, but it was quickly transformed into excitement.
Below her, a pool of water laid on the ground beneath her, reflecting the sky above. As she fell through, she seamlessly dropped into the reflection of the sky, suddenly far from the ground and flying down through the clouds that had been far above before.
As she fell through the emptiness of the sky, she felt at home and free. It had been a long time since she'd flown, been free of solid ground. She'd never felt so lightweight, unburdened by the feelings in her chest that had felt so heavy.
Her wings were there, she felt them. She could soar wherever she wanted, feel weightless and in control. She felt the wind flow gently against her skin, blocking out all other sounds.
Then, she let herself fall.
She flew down, until she smashed through the water below into the sea. The wind was gone, replaced by the current, and the sound around her was muffled further. She could still breathe through the liquid, and her wings worked just as well, serving the same purpose of propelling her forward.
Now the pressure of the water pressed her from all around, but it felt comforting as well, as though it was supporting her, as nice as a hug. She let the water swallow her, protect her, empower her. The pain in her chest felt crushed within the water surrounding it, beaten down and defeated within her as opposed to being lifted away by the sky.
Either way, she felt supported, free to let go of everything because she was in her element. In the open sky and the deep depths.
"Shu."
She sighed, releasing a small stream of bubbles out of her mouth.
She didn't like when she had to leave the quiet of the water, by her own choice or when something came up. And right now, the water felt like the only thing keeping her stable. She couldn't fly through the sky, so this was the closest thing she was going to get to that state of pure relaxation.
All immortals need a break from the world sometimes, or a way to pass the endless years, so meditation was an essential skill to master. Some liked to be active, maybe running for Vampires and Werewolves, or practicing to strengthen magic for Warlocks.
Pure angels and demons didn't need such techniques. Even with their immortality, they couldn't ever get bored. Shu figured it was because they held no mundane blood within them. There was a reason that out of all experiments that the demons had worked with, only the daughter of the mundane survived.
She pulled her head above water, hearing and feeling the air around her as opposed to the water. "Yes?"
"I just wanted to see how you were doing."
"I'm fine, Charon."
"You know, people really overuse that lie. I'm beginning to think that the words 'I'm fine' have literally no meaning in this world. Or does 'I'm fine' actually mean something else? English is hard. I'm more used to Latin, so I guess 'Fine' doesn't mean something good, it means something bad. Is that it?"
"I suppose so."
He moved to sit next to the bathtub. After thousands of years of knowing each other, plus their former relationship, they'd long since gotten over being shy about their bodies, with each other at the least.
"I know you're not okay. The agony rune, I heard what you were shouting. Some of the things were mixed in from Magnus's perspective, some of them applying to both of you, but I know you. I know what you saw. Magnus can't be doing much better, so the two of you can't just be fine."
"I'm…numb. The pain…I've adjusted. I don't know. It feels like I can keep it in control."
"I told you you were strong."
"But I'm not carefree. I fear what happens when I attempt to face all that I am holding back. I am warding off the pain, but that doesn't get rid of it. It's a natural cycle that none of mundane nature can escape. Even, in rare cases, those without mundane can suffer such symptoms."
"Keep your spirits high. If not for your sake, for your brother's. Don't just blow over everything, obviously, but don't drown in despair, either."
"I know. I'll try."
"I'm right here if you need me, you know."
"I know. Thank you. For giving me all of it back."
"I guess it just made all of this worse, huh?"
"It gave me some good to go along with the bad. I understand why you did what you did. You had no choice but to do as your master, my 'father,' commanded, you still don't. I get it. In the end, you're just a victim of circumstance."
"I didn't fall in love because I was told to, not once I actually had. And I'm sorry for using his face. For still using his face."
"It's okay. I guess…in a way, you've helped me. Even immortals have limited memories. I would've long since forgotten his face, his voice, his smiles, his laughs, everything. I wouldn't know anything about him, wouldn't be able to see the first man who showed me kindness when I wanted to look for strength. Having the second keeping his memory alive comes in handy, I suppose."
"Yeah."
A moment of silence settled between them, before Shu felt a tug on her soul bond, the chain still attached to her wrist and going all the way out the door. It took a lot of emotional practice to reestablish a soul bond, and since she and Magnus had long since learned how to lengthen and shorten the soul bond with ease, they both silently agreed that they could use some time before they were ready for that.
Shu stood, stepping out of the bathtub and using her magic to dry herself instantly, as well as a glow overtaking her body before a black dress appeared on her. It covered her entire chest, as she wasn't one to show off that part of her body, but it was sleeveless and hugged her figure down to her hips before the silken fabric flowed down to the ground loosely. It almost seemed to float, as though she were still underwater.
She wasn't much of a dress wearer, but it felt elegant and smooth, like her dreams of flying and swimming. In its own way, it kept her grounded while also free, same as the experiences. She kept her feet barefoot as well, since she was still at home, and it also helped her relax. Magnus was going through his own phase (sequences, yea).
"What's up?" Charon asked.
"Downworlders are revolting. Shadowhunters have been found killed by all species, and recently, one was apparently found killed by a Warlock. In all cases, no matter who the Downworlder was that killed the Shadowhunter, they were all distinctly carved of their runes. The skin containing any runes was sliced off, leaving numerous patches of…well, unpleasant gore. The Clave is demanding that we hand over DNA samples to be cleared. Magnus is slightly upset by Alec blindly following orders. I'll handle this. No coming out, Chare."
She walked out of her bathroom and then out of her bedroom into the main area. "I've already been updated on the situation, Alexander. Here, a hair. Let your Shadowhunters have a party with it."
She handed it over, though not untampered with, as the Clave finding out about her angelic blood wouldn't be fun, placing it in a little envelope that Alec had brought.
"Magnus. Shadowhunters are being slaughtered. I'm just asking for a strand of hair. Let's not be overdramatic."
"Well…" Magnus said, clearly on edge. "I wouldn't wanna be overdramatic."
He plucked a hair from his head as Alec opened another of the small envelopes. Magnus slowly put it in, as though he were making a trade with a devil and was not happy about it.
"Thank you," Alec said, moving to hug him.
"Get out," Magnus snapped.
"What? Magnus, come on…"
Magnus snapped his magic to life and waved his fingers, the door opening behind him. Alec looked down before reluctantly walking past and out the door.
Shu looked between the two of them and rushed after Alec down the hallway, closing the door of the apartment behind her (the soul bond lengthening along with her). "Alexander. Alexander!"
She managed to stop him in the hall as he turned back. "I'm sorry about that. He's just…on edge, you know? He's having one of those days. Don't hold it against him. These attacks on Shadowhunters, all the recent events, the fact that we're still working on reforming the soul bond so that we aren't stuck with these things are our wrists…" She held up her wrist to make a point. "It's just…getting to us. I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's fine. I get it. Things are hectic, and asking you for DNA samples just seems rude, and I should trust him, trust both of you. I don't wanna make it seem like I'm looking down on you, or anything-"
"The DNA samples are just for safety's sake. And if we've got nothing to hide, they shouldn't mean anything. We're all on edge. We just all need a moment to take a long break and breathe, but obviously there'll never be enough time to do so. Just…find this murderer soon. We Downworlders have been looked to as heathens for things like this that…yeah. Remember when people were burnt at the stake and hunted as witches? Downworlders. If the suspicion of Downworlders goes too much further, well…a lot of people aren't going to be happy. Uh, anyway. I shouldn't hold you up longer. Sorry."
"Nothing to be sorry about. We could all use a pep talk once in a while."
"Right. I'll see ya later."
He nodded. "Bye."
When there was a knock at the door, Magnus waved his hand for it to open.
"How'd you know it was me?" Dot asked, smiling as she walked in.
"My powers are wild and beyond understanding," Magnus said, refilling his glass.
"And we saw you crossing the street outside," Shu added, waving the door closed behind her.
"So, have you come to talk us into spitting into a cup for a Clave?"
"You kidding me?" Dot deadpanned. "Look, I'm all for stopping those murders, but when the DNA brigade came knocking, I portaled out. I had that shop in Salem. This isn't my first witch hunt."
"I'll drink to that." He looked to the glass in his hand. "Oops. I suppose I already am."
She rolled something together between her palms and held out a bottle. "So…came by to bring you these."
Shu stood and snatched up the small bottle she offered. "Dragonfly wings?"
"I thought it might help. From when Magnus lost his powers. After being blasted by that Greater Demon…"
Shu and Magnus shared a look. That must've been how Valentine explained his power loss to Dot. Maybe that's the story he used to get her to teach him magic again, explaining his sudden decency at it.
Magnus swallowed and nodded. "A disturbing ordeal."
Shu walked over and put them onto the shelf, while Magnus paced back around the room in thought of what had actually happened.
Dot put her hand on her hip while she studied Magnus. "Whiskey rocks. Your heartache drink."
"Not always."
"It's me, Mag. I've known you for centuries. Pour me one. Talk. Or not. Either way, you should never drink alone. And Shu doesn't seem to have a glass."
"I have had one shot!" She protested. "And I am already done for the night. I'm going to bed. Good night."
She walked off, the soul bond once again lengthening for her, as she plopped down on her bed.
"Alec Lightwood…no wonder you're a mess. Mortals are always trouble, you know that."
"Says the Warlock who had a fling with Mark Twain."
"What can I say? I'm a sucker for a man with a mustache."
"Me too, but only if it belongs to Freddie Mercury."
She gasped. "So that's why you dragged us to all those Queen concerts! 'We Will Rock You,' indeed."
"Oh, don't be crude. I fall in love with the soul before the sex."
"Was it my soul you fell in love with?"
He shrugged. "What we had was wonderful. That was…wow! That was almost a century ago. But that's not what I mean."
"So, find a Warlock soul to fall in love with. Then, when the Clave declares war on the Downworld, your boyfriend's not trying to hit you up for a cheek swab."
Magnus scoffed but smiled. "Okay. So if Warlocks are so divine…"
"Mm-hm?"
"Why haven't you hooked up with any…handsome magic-maker in the past six decades? Not that…anyone's counting."
"Touché. What can I say? It's hard to find a Warlock who's super hot and lives in this realm. And who's also a good dancer."
"Why, Miss Dorothea…is that a challenge?"
The gramophone had been brought out to play music, and Magnus held his hand up as he finished his drink, before he and Dot began dancing around the room to the jazzy beat.
Magnus was easily able to keep up with Dot as they did a choreographed lap around the room before heading to the balcony, jumping up on the ledge (Magnus using his magic to keep them safe). They hopped down once more, before Magnus spun Dot out and then twirled her into his arms as the song came to an end.
"My life would be a boring tragedy without you," Dot said.
"It would indeed," He said, smiling smugly.
Dot could only laugh at him. "We are so lucky that chain isn't affected by anything."
"Else this dance would've been much more interesting," He agreed.
The two of them smiled to each other, before Dot turned more nervous.
She slowly leaned in to kiss him, and he nearly let it happen, but he backed away at the last second. "I'm…sorry."
She shook her head. "Don't be."
"I'm in love with Alec."
"I-I know…"
"I just…"
"Had a moment."
"And a bottle of whiskey."
She chuckled and nodded.
"You're incredibly beautiful, Dot. And soulful, generous. But…I'm afraid I've always been a one-soul-at-a-time kinda guy."
She smiled. "Alec's lucky to have you."
Then both smiled sadly at each other, and Dot turned to walk back inside.
Shu sat at the ocean floor. She wasn't so deep down that she couldn't see the sun, but she was alone except for the wildlife.
She watched as fish swam by, big and small, white plants shifted slightly with the movement of the water.
Her hair and dress swirled around her, the only sounds the movement of the water. It was perfect for her. She was surrounded by a serenity she had never known the luxury of. With sound so muffled, it felt like she was in her own private heaven.
"It's nice here."
In a swirl of dark ink, Charon appeared, swatting away said ink when it didn't go away. "Ugh, underwater travel."
Shu laughed, bubbles streaming from her mouth, her voice coming out clear in the water. "What are you doing here?"
"Dreams are often manifested of memories. Well, normal dreams, anyway. I remember the first time I took you to see water. Being submerged had once been a means of torture for you, thrown down into the water while tied to a chair, having the wind knocked out of you, only for you to be instantly tugged back up, trying to breathe, before they shoved you back in again. Not to mention it was freezing cold and nearly caused the shutdown of major organs and-"
"Are you trying to ruin my place of comfort and security?"
"Sorry. I'm not good at mincing words."
"You can still do it though."
"No. I just take the memory of offending someone and replace it with fake ones."
She laughed and whacked him on the arm. "Cheater!"
"Congratulations. You have found the very definition of demons."
He tried for a sarcastic applause, but it was muffled by the water.
She couldn't stop laughing now, shoving him through the water, though the liquid impeded the movement.
"So, how's that manhunt for someone killing Shadowhunters going?"
"I hear they want to try and put trackers in us."
"Yeesh. And they say demons are evil. At least we kill you and put you out of your misery."
"Yeah, that's so much better."
"Better than having your every move tracked and suspicious of every little thing you do. As if Downworlders didn't have to be treated as second class citizens already. Now they're treated like criminals just because one of them's gone rogue."
"One of them?"
"Yeah. I looked into that since I know you and all your Downworlder friends don't like witch hunts and found out it was a single Seelie doing everything and making it look like the Downworlders were revolting. Clever little plan. And it was Jace's old girlfriend. Ha. Irony."
"I have to tell the others. Gotta fly."
"Don't get yourself captured. That wasn't fun."
"We'll just let the Scooby Doo club take the girl down and all the glory without us getting involved. Easy."
"I know you're careful. Just…"
"I'll be fine. But thanks for caring, Chare."
"Any time, angel."
Alec walked over to Magnus, standing out at the balcony. "Magnus, you were right. You never have to prove yourself to me. I love you."
He put his hand to Magnus's arm and pulled him closer. Magnus swallowed, moving his hand to the side of Alec's neck. "I love you, too."
With that, he kissed him, and Magnus got some much-needed peace in his haunting torment which he buried up within him.