Beginnings: Danielle Archer Danielle, behind you! Rae called, hurling her seperah blade inches from Danielle s head and sinking it into the ravener s dark head. Sticky liquid began to flow from its wound, staining the polished wooden floors black as it disappeared.
Thanks, she nodded, returning her attention to her sketchbook. She grasped the think black pen tightly, making long swooping marks with her hand as she completed the sketch. Satisfied, she lifted the pen from the paper, and immediately a beautiful brown bow and arrow appeared in front of her. Quickly, she slid the book in her leather satchel and grabbed the bow and arrow. By now, the second ravener had recovered from the blow from the wood beam, and was furiously approaching the two girls, snaking its alligator-like body across the dusty floor. Rae was closest to it, and it reared up on its back legs before springing towards the younger girl s heart. Danielle drew back the bow, and deftly sunk the arrow into the ravener s neck. It howled angrily as the arrow pierced its neck, but still continued to swing its massive scorpion tail in its signature death move.
However, the arrow managed to slow it down; just enough for Rae to roll out of the demons reach and reclaim her blade. The ravener screeched in frustration as its tail slashed through empty air. However, its scream was cut short as another arrow stuck into its stomach, opening a long cut that gushed black liquid until the ravener disappeared from sight.
Take that ugly! Rae cried gleefully, her frizzy light brown hair bouncing. She slid Samandiriel back into its sheath.
Danielle couldn t help but roll her eyes. All new shadowhunters were like Rae; cocky and excited for every kill. Almost the polar opposite of her brother Xander, who had been all business from the beginning. Still she congratulated her warmly.
Good job Rae, Danielle smiled, watching as her bow and arrow dissipated into a flurry of small white sparks. Rae put her hands on her hips, lifting her chin smugly. Would you expect anything less from Xander Clearfoot s sister? She smiled again, but stopped abruptly. Rae where is Xander? I haven t seen him today, and he s usually the one leading these fights. Rae paused for a moment as if trying to remember, and then looked up. Oh, he s on a date with Madeline at the roller rink tonight, then they re gonna grab pizza at Pizza Hut right afterwards. I could go for some pizza, wanna grab some? I ll buy. Thanks but I m good, I have some left over noodle soup at home. So good. Why don t you stop by? There s plenty of noodles to go around. And if you re really not in the mood for noodles I think there s some cold pizza in the fridge. Rae offered temptingly.
Danielle considered for a moment, but before she could answer her stomach produced a deep, low rumble. Hah well I guess that s that I ll stop by. The two girls shared a quick laugh, and then casually strolled out of the abandoned bowling alley towards the apartment Rae and Xander shared.
Oo0oO Danielle lounged on the white sofa, admiring the only slightly obscured view of the bay. I swear ray, you and Xander have the best view in all of So. Cal. I ll admit I m jealous. Rae laughed, walking over from the kitchen carrying a bowl of hot soup. Gingerly, she took the seat opposite Danielle, and began carefully sipping the broth. Ah, nothing like warm soup. You re bowl s on the counter if you still want it. Danielle rose from her seat, crossing the apartment s short walk to the kitchen and retrieved her bowl. It was filled to the top with golden liquid, the surface broken only by the occasional baby carrot or meat chunk. She carefully picked up the bowl by its rim, and went to rejoin Rae on the sofa. As they ate their soup, they spoke small talk: about recent demon appearances, life, and Xander s new girlfriend (which had surprised them both considering Xander s intolerance for mundanes). They spoke until the sun set below the horizon, and their soup bowls were long since finished.
Well, I guess I should be headed home. It s already late and I could really go for a shower. Danielle said, scratching a bit dried blood off her forearm.
Really? Can t you stay? Rae pleaded, clasping her hands together.
Maybe another time. Sorry. Thanks for letting me stay over again. It s no problem, like I always tell you. Anyways, see you tomorrow. Oh and if you pass Xander on your way out be sure to tell him I ate thee rest of his soup. Oo0oO The bus pulled to a gradual stop in front of the waiting place, idling just long enough for one passenger to get off before speeding away towards its next stop. Danielle snorted; the driver for Bus Route B was always a bitch, especially on Mondays. Regardless, she calmly strolled down the sidewalk, eyes alert for demons, downworlders, or muggers. Tonight the familiar walk home was empty of anything but the occasional car, and Danielle made it home without any disturbance.
Immediately she stripped off her jacket and jeans, gratefully stepping into a long, warm shower. After about 10 minutes she turned the water off, hoping Mr. Jones wouldn t mind her using up all the hot water. Slowly, she brushed her wet hair free of tangles, wrapping herself in her white robe and heading to the kitchen for a late snack.
As she entered the kitchen, however, she noticed a small, bundled scroll sitting simply in the center of her dining room table. Danielle, frowned, she had been sure the note hadn t been there when she came home. Suddenly cautious, she approached the table and untied the note, letting it unroll on the table as she read it.
Dear Danielle Archer,
The Council of the Clave requests your immediate presence in Idris for a most pressing emergency. For matters of secrecy, the details of the emergency will be given to you in strictly person by some of the Clave s highest members. Since you are a more special case among those who fight demons, you will be escorted into Idris by a senior shadowhunter Mr. Lucas Wells. You are to meet him at your local portal at the home of the warlock Mr. Darrius Night at 6:00 a.m. sharp tomorrow morning. Bring only that which is absolutely essential to you. We apologize for such terse instructions, but it is essential of your full cooperation, and that you tell no one of this summons. Sincerely,
The Clave Danielle put down the letter, thoroughly anxious and surprised. Many years ago, she had made an agreement with the Clave to work with shadowhunters in their fight against demons, and follow the Clave s laws if in turn the Clave gave her the sight left her alone. So a surprise letter from the Clave was the last thing she wanted. Taking a deep breath, Danielle walked away from the table and went to bed. She had a long day ahead of her.
Oo0oO Danielle sat erect in the small waiting room, twirling strands of her long brown hair. She had only seen Idris and the Clave once before, many years ago when she was much younger. Unsurprisingly, neither the city nor the prospect of seeing the Clave was less daunting the second time, possibly even more daunting now as she waited. Everything since she had awoken that morning had flashed by in a blur; from the journey to Darrius s home to her arrival into the City of Glass. She had been anxious to discover the details behind her summons, only to discover that she must wait for the arrival of another shadowhunter before addressing the council.
She was still fidgeting when the heavy door opened and a young male shadowhunter strolled into the room. He looked about Danielle s age, possibly a bit older, with long golden hair that fell just above his eyebrows and his deep golden eyes. He was dressed casually in a plain black shirt and jeans, and on his back he carried a simple backpack. He paused slightly when he saw her. You re Danielle? Yes and you re? Jace, just Jace. Jace looked closely at her. You re not a shadowhunter, but you can obviously see me. Who or what are you? Danielle answered honestly, having just enough time to explain her power and deal with the clave before the door opened and the reopening of the door by the shadowhunter who had brought her to Idris peered in. Jace Wayland, Danielle Archer, the council will see you now. Oo0oO The two teenagers stood before the Clave, both awkwardly waiting in front of the large congregation of esteemed and honored shadowhunters. The hall that they now stood in was grand in both design and size, with a red velvet carpet lining the floor and massive ceiling-to-floor windows that looked out over all of Idris. Perhaps the grandest part of the hall, though, was the enormous raised podium behind which the council members sat, each of them carefully observing the two. After what seemed like a lifetime of silence, an elder male near the center of the semicircle spoke.
Danielle Archer and Jace Wayland, you have been summoned from your home cities for an incredibly pressing emergency. I assure you, your long travels have not been wasted. He paused and took a slow breath. We have recently discovered a portal, not the ones that you re used to, but an interdimensional portal that is linked to a universe parallel to ours. We are unaware of the cause of the portal s initial opening, but ever since then we have been receiving distress messages from it. Through the portal there is an alternate Earth, and that Earth is being plagued with an evil that they believe will soon consume their universe. If assistance is not given, their universe will perish. Why does it matter if they perish? Jace asked, crossing his arms across his chest, if they can t defend themselves when evil comes, then it deserves to be destroyed. A different council member, a slender woman with long blonde hair, shook her head. You do not understand. Once the evil has consumed their universe, we believe it will spread to several parallel universes, including ours. If we do not defeat it there then it will grow in power, and when it comes to our universe we may not be able to stop it. Jace lowered his eyes to the ground.
But why are you telling all this to us? Shouldn t you be rounding up a bunch of shadowhunters to go and defeat it? Danielle asked.
There was a silence from the members of the clave, and Danielle saw some of them nervously exchange glances. A third council member, a tall thin man, stood up. The portal is incredibly fragile, and takes massive amounts of energy to open, so we only have one shot at sending help through, and even then we aren t entirely sure. We received information that other universes are also sending their best help- So what you mean is, you guys have no idea how long the portal will stay open, and just in case you want to send shadowhunters you can afford to lose. Is that it? Jace demanded, anger coating his words.
His words were met again with silence, before the first member spoke again. I will not lie and say you are wrong, Jace Wayland, but you two are also our two best. Jace Wayland, you have killed more demons than almost any other shadowhunter. You are brave, strong, and skillful. Danielle Archer, I am aware of the deal the Clave made with you in return for your assistance. But the Clave needs your ability of bringing drawings to life to stop the rising evil. Besides that, you are among the greatest demon-fighters we have seen. The man took another breath. I will not force either of you to go through with this mission, but I will insist highly that you do, and promise that the reward for successfully completing this mission will be great. He looked back and forth between Danielle and Jace, his eyes expectant.
I m in, Danielle declared, stepping forward We have to save both our universes at any cost. Murmurs of approval swept through the council, and then all eyes turned to Jace. He hesitated, and then locked eyes with Danielle. She could see the confliction on his face, choosing between staying and upsetting the Clave or leaving and risk never returning. I m in. he said, stepping forward to stand beside Danielle.
The elder council member nodded, Thank you Danielle and Jace. From now on you two will fight side by side as partners, and treat each other as equal warriors from our universe. When you reach the other Earth you will meet a team of others who you must also fight beside as you re equals. The Clave wishes you the best of luck, and may the angel bless your path.
With that, a scrawny shadowhunter off to the side of the podium opened a round swirling portal of every color Danielle had seen and some never seen before. After exchanging a quick glance, Danielle and Jace stepped through the portal and into the unknown beyond.
Thanks, she nodded, returning her attention to her sketchbook. She grasped the think black pen tightly, making long swooping marks with her hand as she completed the sketch. Satisfied, she lifted the pen from the paper, and immediately a beautiful brown bow and arrow appeared in front of her. Quickly, she slid the book in her leather satchel and grabbed the bow and arrow. By now, the second ravener had recovered from the blow from the wood beam, and was furiously approaching the two girls, snaking its alligator-like body across the dusty floor. Rae was closest to it, and it reared up on its back legs before springing towards the younger girl s heart. Danielle drew back the bow, and deftly sunk the arrow into the ravener s neck. It howled angrily as the arrow pierced its neck, but still continued to swing its massive scorpion tail in its signature death move.
However, the arrow managed to slow it down; just enough for Rae to roll out of the demons reach and reclaim her blade. The ravener screeched in frustration as its tail slashed through empty air. However, its scream was cut short as another arrow stuck into its stomach, opening a long cut that gushed black liquid until the ravener disappeared from sight.
Take that ugly! Rae cried gleefully, her frizzy light brown hair bouncing. She slid Samandiriel back into its sheath.
Danielle couldn t help but roll her eyes. All new shadowhunters were like Rae; cocky and excited for every kill. Almost the polar opposite of her brother Xander, who had been all business from the beginning. Still she congratulated her warmly.
Good job Rae, Danielle smiled, watching as her bow and arrow dissipated into a flurry of small white sparks. Rae put her hands on her hips, lifting her chin smugly. Would you expect anything less from Xander Clearfoot s sister? She smiled again, but stopped abruptly. Rae where is Xander? I haven t seen him today, and he s usually the one leading these fights. Rae paused for a moment as if trying to remember, and then looked up. Oh, he s on a date with Madeline at the roller rink tonight, then they re gonna grab pizza at Pizza Hut right afterwards. I could go for some pizza, wanna grab some? I ll buy. Thanks but I m good, I have some left over noodle soup at home. So good. Why don t you stop by? There s plenty of noodles to go around. And if you re really not in the mood for noodles I think there s some cold pizza in the fridge. Rae offered temptingly.
Danielle considered for a moment, but before she could answer her stomach produced a deep, low rumble. Hah well I guess that s that I ll stop by. The two girls shared a quick laugh, and then casually strolled out of the abandoned bowling alley towards the apartment Rae and Xander shared.
Oo0oO Danielle lounged on the white sofa, admiring the only slightly obscured view of the bay. I swear ray, you and Xander have the best view in all of So. Cal. I ll admit I m jealous. Rae laughed, walking over from the kitchen carrying a bowl of hot soup. Gingerly, she took the seat opposite Danielle, and began carefully sipping the broth. Ah, nothing like warm soup. You re bowl s on the counter if you still want it. Danielle rose from her seat, crossing the apartment s short walk to the kitchen and retrieved her bowl. It was filled to the top with golden liquid, the surface broken only by the occasional baby carrot or meat chunk. She carefully picked up the bowl by its rim, and went to rejoin Rae on the sofa. As they ate their soup, they spoke small talk: about recent demon appearances, life, and Xander s new girlfriend (which had surprised them both considering Xander s intolerance for mundanes). They spoke until the sun set below the horizon, and their soup bowls were long since finished.
Well, I guess I should be headed home. It s already late and I could really go for a shower. Danielle said, scratching a bit dried blood off her forearm.
Really? Can t you stay? Rae pleaded, clasping her hands together.
Maybe another time. Sorry. Thanks for letting me stay over again. It s no problem, like I always tell you. Anyways, see you tomorrow. Oh and if you pass Xander on your way out be sure to tell him I ate thee rest of his soup. Oo0oO The bus pulled to a gradual stop in front of the waiting place, idling just long enough for one passenger to get off before speeding away towards its next stop. Danielle snorted; the driver for Bus Route B was always a bitch, especially on Mondays. Regardless, she calmly strolled down the sidewalk, eyes alert for demons, downworlders, or muggers. Tonight the familiar walk home was empty of anything but the occasional car, and Danielle made it home without any disturbance.
Immediately she stripped off her jacket and jeans, gratefully stepping into a long, warm shower. After about 10 minutes she turned the water off, hoping Mr. Jones wouldn t mind her using up all the hot water. Slowly, she brushed her wet hair free of tangles, wrapping herself in her white robe and heading to the kitchen for a late snack.
As she entered the kitchen, however, she noticed a small, bundled scroll sitting simply in the center of her dining room table. Danielle, frowned, she had been sure the note hadn t been there when she came home. Suddenly cautious, she approached the table and untied the note, letting it unroll on the table as she read it.
Dear Danielle Archer,
The Council of the Clave requests your immediate presence in Idris for a most pressing emergency. For matters of secrecy, the details of the emergency will be given to you in strictly person by some of the Clave s highest members. Since you are a more special case among those who fight demons, you will be escorted into Idris by a senior shadowhunter Mr. Lucas Wells. You are to meet him at your local portal at the home of the warlock Mr. Darrius Night at 6:00 a.m. sharp tomorrow morning. Bring only that which is absolutely essential to you. We apologize for such terse instructions, but it is essential of your full cooperation, and that you tell no one of this summons. Sincerely,
The Clave Danielle put down the letter, thoroughly anxious and surprised. Many years ago, she had made an agreement with the Clave to work with shadowhunters in their fight against demons, and follow the Clave s laws if in turn the Clave gave her the sight left her alone. So a surprise letter from the Clave was the last thing she wanted. Taking a deep breath, Danielle walked away from the table and went to bed. She had a long day ahead of her.
Oo0oO Danielle sat erect in the small waiting room, twirling strands of her long brown hair. She had only seen Idris and the Clave once before, many years ago when she was much younger. Unsurprisingly, neither the city nor the prospect of seeing the Clave was less daunting the second time, possibly even more daunting now as she waited. Everything since she had awoken that morning had flashed by in a blur; from the journey to Darrius s home to her arrival into the City of Glass. She had been anxious to discover the details behind her summons, only to discover that she must wait for the arrival of another shadowhunter before addressing the council.
She was still fidgeting when the heavy door opened and a young male shadowhunter strolled into the room. He looked about Danielle s age, possibly a bit older, with long golden hair that fell just above his eyebrows and his deep golden eyes. He was dressed casually in a plain black shirt and jeans, and on his back he carried a simple backpack. He paused slightly when he saw her. You re Danielle? Yes and you re? Jace, just Jace. Jace looked closely at her. You re not a shadowhunter, but you can obviously see me. Who or what are you? Danielle answered honestly, having just enough time to explain her power and deal with the clave before the door opened and the reopening of the door by the shadowhunter who had brought her to Idris peered in. Jace Wayland, Danielle Archer, the council will see you now. Oo0oO The two teenagers stood before the Clave, both awkwardly waiting in front of the large congregation of esteemed and honored shadowhunters. The hall that they now stood in was grand in both design and size, with a red velvet carpet lining the floor and massive ceiling-to-floor windows that looked out over all of Idris. Perhaps the grandest part of the hall, though, was the enormous raised podium behind which the council members sat, each of them carefully observing the two. After what seemed like a lifetime of silence, an elder male near the center of the semicircle spoke.
Danielle Archer and Jace Wayland, you have been summoned from your home cities for an incredibly pressing emergency. I assure you, your long travels have not been wasted. He paused and took a slow breath. We have recently discovered a portal, not the ones that you re used to, but an interdimensional portal that is linked to a universe parallel to ours. We are unaware of the cause of the portal s initial opening, but ever since then we have been receiving distress messages from it. Through the portal there is an alternate Earth, and that Earth is being plagued with an evil that they believe will soon consume their universe. If assistance is not given, their universe will perish. Why does it matter if they perish? Jace asked, crossing his arms across his chest, if they can t defend themselves when evil comes, then it deserves to be destroyed. A different council member, a slender woman with long blonde hair, shook her head. You do not understand. Once the evil has consumed their universe, we believe it will spread to several parallel universes, including ours. If we do not defeat it there then it will grow in power, and when it comes to our universe we may not be able to stop it. Jace lowered his eyes to the ground.
But why are you telling all this to us? Shouldn t you be rounding up a bunch of shadowhunters to go and defeat it? Danielle asked.
There was a silence from the members of the clave, and Danielle saw some of them nervously exchange glances. A third council member, a tall thin man, stood up. The portal is incredibly fragile, and takes massive amounts of energy to open, so we only have one shot at sending help through, and even then we aren t entirely sure. We received information that other universes are also sending their best help- So what you mean is, you guys have no idea how long the portal will stay open, and just in case you want to send shadowhunters you can afford to lose. Is that it? Jace demanded, anger coating his words.
His words were met again with silence, before the first member spoke again. I will not lie and say you are wrong, Jace Wayland, but you two are also our two best. Jace Wayland, you have killed more demons than almost any other shadowhunter. You are brave, strong, and skillful. Danielle Archer, I am aware of the deal the Clave made with you in return for your assistance. But the Clave needs your ability of bringing drawings to life to stop the rising evil. Besides that, you are among the greatest demon-fighters we have seen. The man took another breath. I will not force either of you to go through with this mission, but I will insist highly that you do, and promise that the reward for successfully completing this mission will be great. He looked back and forth between Danielle and Jace, his eyes expectant.
I m in, Danielle declared, stepping forward We have to save both our universes at any cost. Murmurs of approval swept through the council, and then all eyes turned to Jace. He hesitated, and then locked eyes with Danielle. She could see the confliction on his face, choosing between staying and upsetting the Clave or leaving and risk never returning. I m in. he said, stepping forward to stand beside Danielle.
The elder council member nodded, Thank you Danielle and Jace. From now on you two will fight side by side as partners, and treat each other as equal warriors from our universe. When you reach the other Earth you will meet a team of others who you must also fight beside as you re equals. The Clave wishes you the best of luck, and may the angel bless your path.
With that, a scrawny shadowhunter off to the side of the podium opened a round swirling portal of every color Danielle had seen and some never seen before. After exchanging a quick glance, Danielle and Jace stepped through the portal and into the unknown beyond.
Dreamheart12: So there s my chapter! Thanks so much to all the readers and please don t forget to comment and review!
