A/N: Here's a chapter for you guys to ponder over before Christmas. It gives you an insight to my 'insight' I guess, well its pretty much what is going on in my story, pieces are starting to unravel bit by bit, so be patient. I have nearly completed this story, which I wrote 7 chapters out in little over one week, now just editing at the moment, yes I have no life, but you already knew that, so in the next few days, I'll be spitting out chapters every other day okay? Okay so happy Holidays to you all, and I hope you guys enjoy! Thanks to the awesome reviewers...you guys are truly amazing. So you can guess what I want for Christmas...heaps and heaps of REVIEWS!! Please Santa?? *pout*
Disclaimer: Normal disclaimers still apply so I do NOT own anything Cassandra Clare owns TMI
City of Jewels
--- 13. The City of Jewels ---
The lost city lay beneath layers and layers of gravel and thick marble rock encrusted walls that housed the most sacred jewels of Lake Lyn. It was forgotten by many of those oblivious to its existence; worshipped by the few that were damned to spend the rest of eternity, and hidden right underneath the Hall of Accords.
It was a realm where the most devilish creatures wandered around freely; where the damned could call home, all the while being feigned by jewels. Now, it was no longer forgotten and reignited for battleship.
Today was a simple reincarnation of Valentines reign on Idris two years ago, when he challenged the clave and summoned the Angel Raziel for his own victory. The Mortal Instruments were snatched up by him once again and used for his own selfish reasons by stripping children of their gifts, while these pretty jewels sucked away the immortal powers from Downworlders.
It was one of the many talents Valentine ensued along with falling allegiance to these things he called The Soul Source.
Demons swooped down from all corners hissing and snarling ready to attack the first person they saw. The colorful glow from the many crystals and jewels set the demons alight, making them seem less intimidating.
Clary and Jocelyn watched helplessly on the sidelines as Jace and Sebastian fought hand in hand to fight off the demons. Sebastian scowling every time a minute was spent wrestling with the demons and not with Jace. It was a mere distraction for the two but they endured for the most part—happy to be fighting.
"Once I kill these filthy parasites, you'll be next Wayland!" Sebastian growled while slicing another demon in half.
It looked like every time a demon was lacerated by the sharp edges of Sebastian's seraph blade, their body would reform.
Jace chuckled breathlessly, "Looks like that could take awhile, you seem to be doing a lousy job," He taunted as if noting the fact that not one of these demons were dying by his hand.
Sebastian scowled, "Don't be too sure of yourself, you might miss what's coming to you Wayland," he said and his blade came crashing down toward Jace's face as the fluorescent light whipped through the air. He missed his face by inches only cutting a few strands of his golden hair.
Jace was now crouching low as he swiped his leg across Sebastian's feet knocking him to the ground. Sebastian scurried to his feet in pure anger.
"Miss, as in being the key word, right?" Jace was smirking in triumph making Sebastian furious.
A demon came swooshing between the two and both swords sliced the demon in pieces in an instant. These things were multiplying and making it impossible for Jace or Sebastian to kill them. Mallaertach was an exception as the finest edges of the black and silver weapon sliced through these creatures; making it harder for them to reform.
Clary turned her head toward her mother with pleading eyes. "Mom, I can't just sit here and do nothing. I have to help him." Clary begged for permission from her mother.
It was an old habit she was use to as if she never let go of her mothers disciplinary orders. Jocelyn's expression was mixed with a little guilt, but concern washed over her once she thought of her daughter fighting amongst the crazy Demons, but more over guilt for the fact that she'll be restricting her from her fate, her natural instinct to become a Shadowhunter.
Jocelyn took a moment to consider this. "You're right; we can't sit here and do nothing." Jocelyn agreed making Clary's request easier than she thought.
Her eyes did a double take, as if she just realized what her mother suggested. "Wait, you mean we as in, you'll help us fight?" Clary asked incredulously slightly hinting that it was impossible for her mother to do. Jocelyn glared at her as if realizing exactly what she was thinking.
"Clary, I'm not that old am I? And besides, I'm sure I remember how to handle a filthy demon or two. I was quite the Shadowhunter in my day, and I sure knew how to give a good ass whooping. So we'll be fine." She assured her as if it was a piece of cake.
Clary chuckled lightly cupping her petite hands over her mouth while her mother looked at her expectantly.
"What's so funny?" Jocelyn asked curiously. Clary pursed her lips together in an attempt to conceal her laughter.
"Did you just say ass whooping?" Jocelyn nodded.
"I did...but I hope those words don't replay themselves." Her mother reminded her and her mouth twitched up to smile.
Clary shook her head in mock horror. "Kudos." She said patting her mother on the shoulder and stumbled to find her feet.
She helped her mother up and noticed her clutching her hand on her stomach.
"Mom, what's wrong?" She asked worryingly. Jocelyn smiled half-heartedly, as her cheeks seemed to be flushed. She shook her head.
"Nothing, just feeling a little light headed. I think all the kicking that boy did is catching up to me I guess." Clary felt a twinge of pain as she shuddered at the memory of what Sebastian had done to her mother. She sighed.
"I thought the rune would've helped, did you want me to trace one over your ribs just in case?" Jocelyn shook her head.
"No, I'll be fine," she assured her while resting her arm on Clary's shoulder. She nodded and took her mothers' words for what they were.
"Here, take this. I think I know where Valentine put Jace's weapons." Clary said handing her seraph blade to her mother. "—and mom? Please be careful!" she said finally before kissing her on the cheeks.
Clary turned on her heels and started to retreat, but was knocked out from something heavier than a ton of bricks. The impact it made on her sent her crashing to the ground. Fuzzy stars danced around the back of her eyelids as her breath was knocked right out from under her. After many protesting and cussing, Clary was shocked to see what had fallen on her. It was Simon.
"Clary? You okay?" Simon asked in a frantic panic, slapping her face to stay awake. She yelped.
"I will be once you get off me, you idiot!" She choked and slapped him back.
"Oh right, sorry." He said apologetically. Simon, as fast as vampire speed allowed him; shuffled off of her and pulled her up to her feet. She felt lightheaded but recovered soon after.
"Simon, what the hell?!" Clary shrieked while patting her clothes down ridding herself of soil and what not. Just then a high pitch scream sounded near the marble rock wall catching both Clary's and Simon's attention. Clary furrowed her eyebrows as a body came crashing toward the ground appearing right out of the rock face.
It was Isabelle.
In an instant Simon caught Isabelle gracefully and cradled her in his arms. "Hmph!"
Her eyes fell on him as she smiled impishly as if staring down at her prince charming. "Nice catch," She trilled while blowing strands of hair out of her face. He chuckled and placed her down gently.
"Nice landing," Simon said as he slid his arms around her waist protectively. Clary bemused.
"Well, I wouldn't say the same for you, you nearly killed me" Clary retorted with a death glare. She watched Simon in awe as he held Isabelle lovingly and got distracted. Wait am I missing something..? Oh my god…Izzy and Simon? Simon and Izzy? My Simon is dating Isabelle? Well isn't that just so dandy? She silently thought. A slight twinge of jealousy tugged at her annoyingly but thought better of it, why does that bother me? He's just Simon. She shook her thoughts aside and focused her attention on Simon.
"Simon? Do you mind telling me why the hell you are here?!" She yelled ferociously. It was over dramatic of her, but she was mad all of a sudden and took it out on her best friend. I think it was the grudge she still held over him for telling Jace what she didn't want to.
Isabelle rolled her eyes. "Don't be such a drama queen Clary, we're simply here to help…well help you in particular." She said in Simon's defense. It was becoming a habit of hers lately.
"From what?" Clary snapped.
"Well, for starters, your personal hygiene." Isabelle wrinkled her nose at her, "—but more over your strange gift you have with runes." Isabelle said teasingly but was cut off with two more body's slamming between them crashing to the floor.
Magnus; landing atop of Alec in a strange position. "Ouch! You landed on my crutch!" Alec groaned in pain. Magnus rolled his eyes. "Wouldn't be the first time," he chuckled earning him a playful punch in the arm.
Clary rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in exasperation.
"Great, you're all here, that's just freaking great!" Clary said with a hint of anger.
Magnus jumped up pulling Alec along with him. "Well, we couldn't let you have all the fun, now could we?" Magnus said winking his cat eyes toward her.
"Look out!" Isabelle screamed pointing toward Magnus. He turned to see a demon hovering over him, but before he could do anything the demon faltered to the ground while ichor splashed across Magnus' jacket. Alec stood there with his sword in his hand winking at Magnus. His boyfriend was slightly impressed sporting a grin.
"Nice save my sweets, but I couldn't say the same about my poor Valentino." Magnus pouted as he wiped filth off his deep blue designer jacket.
"Sorry?" Alec said as his icy blue eyes stared at him apologetically. But before he could say anything further, the ichor that was spilled on the floor dispersed, and the same demon appeared right in front of him. He slashed his weapon at it again and again but to no avail. When he finally learned that the thing wouldn't die he grew frustrated.
"Why won't these fucking things die already?" Alec fumed as his weapon came crashing down on the demon. Magnus rolled his eyes and stunned the thing with his fire fingers and the creature fell limp to the floor. He blew his fingers as a silent gesture of triumph.
"Wait, what did you just do?" Alec asked in awe.
Magnus shrugged. "I just stunned him; they're allergic to fire." He said a little bored. Alec threw his hands up just like Clary had done earlier.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me earlier? Instead, you have me wasting my energy on the stupid thing," Alec fumed. Magnus chuckled,
"I liked the entertainment, and you look cute when you're angry by the way." Alec rolled his eyes and slid his stele back into his belt.
Isabelle noticed two blonde boys fighting a few meters away from them and shoved Magnus out of the way.
"Wait is that Sebastian?" Isabelle interrupted and all eyes fell on the boy fighting the demons. "And Jace…?" Alec realized in an instant.
Isabelle pulled out her whip as her eyes glared at the boy who killed her little brother. She stormed off toward him but got pulled back from Simon.
"Izzy, don't! It's not worth it," Simon said.
"To hell it is, he killed my little brother, and he's going to pay!" Isabelle said suddenly furious. She yanked out of Simons grasp and descended toward Sebastian. Magnus stepped in her way.
"That wouldn't be a wise choice, Isabelle. He has greater demon blood in him, let Jace deal with him."
"He might need help!" She cried.
"I doubt it Izzy, this is Jace we're talking about, and besides, the best thing to do right now, is to get rid of these creatures, then we'll deal with him later." Alec interrupted.
"Ugh! Fine, but if that sorry for an excuse of a bastard is still standing, I get first dibs!" Isabelle shrieked but got distracted as a Demon came swooping toward her.
And so Isabelle, Alec and Magnus, suddenly got caught in all the madness and they all started defending themselves. Clary thought it was a bit strange that not one of them had headed for her, but just shrugged it off as coincidental. Simon decided to hide behind Clary in all this madness. It was doing wonders for him he realized. Jocelyn had fought a few demons of her own but felt too exhausted to cary on, so she stood off by Clary too, happy to be near her.
--- 0o0o00o0o0o0o ---
A rumble sounded in the distance and both Clary, Jocelyn and Simon turned toward the strange noise. Two wolf-like beasts appeared from the nearest entrance both transforming into their human forms. It was Maia and Luke. Jocelyn; standing a few feet away recognized them in an instant. She gasped.
"Lucian…?" Jocelyn scurried to his side to greet him with open arms, her fears and worries faltered as she stared in those big blue eyes. She felt safe and guarded. Clary on the other hand froze in her place.
"Oh great, now this is just one big happy reunion! Why don't we bring out the pot of tea?" Clary muttered to herself sarcastically.
"You bought tea?" Simon whispered as his vampire hearing picked it up as if she were talking to him, but Clary just rolled her eyes.
"Ugh! Shut up Simon."
Luke kissed the side of Jocelyn's hair. "You're alright? Oh God I was so worried." Luke said as he caressed his wife tenderly.
"I'm okay, now that you're here." She said lovingly and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. He kissed her on the lips and held her to his chest. In an instant Luke recognized Clary. His eyebrows met into a frown.
"Clary, what are you doing here?" Luke said falling into his new role as her 'father.'
She flinched as her head shrunk into her shoulders. "I can explain," she said as she pursed her lips noticing how angry Luke seemed.
Jocelyn interrupted and placed her hand on his arm gently, her eyes pleading.
"Can we talk about this later? I don't think I'm in the mood for disciplinary issues, I just want to focus on getting out of here," Jocelyn said. He nodded rubbing her cheeks soothingly.
"Sure," he agreed. Clary smiled and mouthed the words, thank you mom and Jocelyn shook her head. "Doesn't mean you're completely off the hook, either," she said and Clary nodded.
Maia appeared behind them as she took a step closer to the huddled group. Simon was the first to notice her.
"Maia?" Simon said a few seconds later. She smiled impishly.
"Hey Simon!" She greeted with a subtle wave. Clary felt a little light headed and rubbed her fingers on her temple. She felt nauseous and her legs felt like jelly. She had this feeling before. It was when Valentine took over her. She tried to shake it off.
"Nice to see you Maia," she said a little strangely cold. It was knew to her ears, but she thought nothing of it just yet.
"Clary? What's up?" Maia asked as if noticing that something was wrong. Clary shook her head. "I'm fine, I'm just.." she said and she nearly screamed as a migraine tugged at her brain.
"Hey mom? I'm going to get Jace's weapons; I'll be back in a second." She said interrupting their little reunion.
Jocelyn nodded. "Be careful, honey!" She said as she watched Clary scurry away.
Clary rushed out of view and ran down the narrow halls of the city leaving behind the shimmering glow of jewels. Her head felt heavier and she tried to get farther away from her loved ones but she skidded to a halt in an instant. She shook her head as an evil smug tugged at her face. Her fingers started wriggling while her black devilish eyes came into full view. She chuckled evilly as Valentine took a hold of her once again.
"Everyone is right where I want them to be," Clary mumbled to herself and chuckled under her breath. It was as evil as the smirk Valentine often had on his face as he summoned himself to the base of Clary's existence. He was back to cause havoc once again.
She disappeared further into the cave until she came to an abrupt halt. She skimmed her hand over the side of the concrete marble walls and tapped it lightly as if testing if it was hollow. She glared at the spot on the right side of the narrow walls and peeled the glamour that was feigned to the human eye.
A little open cavern hole appeared into full view as she stepped passed the threshold. She entered a place that could be passed for a tiny room. Like a concrete cell that held one steel cot, while the walls were covered with many battle items. Seraph blades and daggers decorated the room, while lanterns hung at every interval and several cloaks on what looked like pegs. Two figures stood at the edge of the cot with their backs turned toward her. One of them wore a black cloak and the other with a red one.
The one with the red cloak turned around with a smirk on their face; black hair flowing passed her shoulder while heels clutched at her feet. The other more broad and burly in comparison as both bowed their head in respect toward Clary.
"Good evening Master!" Maryse bowed as a form of greeting while Robert followed in suit. Clary nodded in recognition as she retrieved a few weapons of her own.
"Did anyone see you come in here?" Clary asked Robert. He shook his head.
"No, but thanks for the diversion, I thought we had lost you," Robert said. Clary waved her hand to stop him from talking.
"There's no need for that anymore, I don't think we'll be hearing from my dear old daughter any time soon. Why isn't Aldertree with you?" Clary noticed that Elódie Penhallow was not with them.
"You should have left him in hell Master, he betrayed us once again. He made a deal with The Seelie Court." Maryse said.
"What?! How is that possible? I gave him direct orders to follow!" Clary shrieked in complete anger.
"And he ignored them, so we killed him; along with the body he possessed…Elódie Penhallow." Robert said apologetically.
"Hmm…I should've seen that coming. Aldertree once again, failed me, it was only to be expected, I guess," Clary said as if to dismiss the matter.
"What do you want us to do now, Master?" Clary walked over to Maryse and handed her a seraph blade.
"Pangborn, I trust that you use this weapon wisely, I don't want any survivors." Maryse nodded as she swept a bow toward Clary.
"Yes, Master!" She said and disappeared out past the threshold. Robert sauntered toward Clary as she handed him a weapon of his own.
"Blackwell, I want you to take care of the warlock, he'll be more of a challenge…leave the children to Pangborn, I want him gone by sunrise." Robert nodded and retrieved the weapon from his master.
"Don't make me regret this! I don't think I can deal with another failure." Robert nodded and turned to walk away. He paused at the exit.
"What about Lucian?" He asked while glancing back at her. She created an evil smirk that only her father was capable of making.
"Lucian is mine!" She muttered and with that, Robert disappeared from the tiny little room in hopes of killing those who he was ordered to kill.
A/N:
"Holy crap! Your parents are working with Valentine?!" Simon exclaimed.
Isabelle shook her head, "They're not my parents; they're imposters." She corrected.
"And Clary…? You're an evil menace!" Simon jerked his head from Clary to Isabelle in astonishment.
"No…that would be Valentine you're referring to. " Clary corrected.
Simon bolted upright spilling all his popcorn, "I-I'm getting… popcorn," he said pointing toward the exit while disappearing in an instant blur.
Author rolls eyes. "Calm down …I'm sure it's not THAT shocking."
"More like predictable…I saw that coming…who the hell writes this? They should stick to their day job!" Sebastian muttered under his breath.
"Well, you have to admit. Pangborn and Blackwell was a shock even for me, I'd still review this, even Aldertree was a brilliant idea to bring back," Jace seemed impressed.
Author winks. "I like how you think Jace, you know, you're not so bad after all."
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