August 25, 2016 New York Institute

"Clary, come on. We gotta go".

"Simon, I think Jace can help us".

"What? Come on. How do we know this Mick Jagger-looking guy is even gonna try-".

"Si, we really do not have time for this right now. If we want to find Jocelyn" Nick spoke up "If Jace can help in any way then I'm staying with him and so is little red. You have a choice to make little brother because I'm not going to play around here when there's a life on the line. So, you can either stay with us or go home".

Jace knew there was a reason he liked Nick "He's right mundane. We do not have the time" He said as sirens wailed in the distance.

"What-".

Clary sighed "Come on, Simon let's go" She pulled Simon inside with her.

Jace began burning a rune into his skin.

Simon looked disturbed at what he was seeing.

"I know. Trust me" Clary reassured.

"He's, like, burning himself" Simon whispered over to Clary and before Simon registered what was happening Jace grabbed his hand causing Simon to panic "Buddy, what's going on, man? I'm not your type, man".

"Oh do shut up, Si. You're not exactly his type either. The Institute is hidden under a glamour therefore you cannot see it for what it truly is. Mundanes are blind to reality and only see what they want to see. Everything you've heard about monsters, about nightmares, legends whispered around campfires...All the stories are true" He explained.

"I don't even. Where are we? What the hell? Clary, Nicky is there a war going on that I don't know about?" He asked as he looked around his new surroundings in awe.

"There is now" Jace replied.

"I think my mother is at the centre of it" Clary added.

"You coming?"

"Yeah".

"What is this place? There's a lot of gear in here. What'd they do, rob a tech shop? So this cold-blooded killer is gonna help us?"

"He's not a killer. He's protecting us".

"Specifically, you. It's sort of their thing" Said Nick.

"Their thing? You guys have a thing?" Simon continued.

"Mhmm," Nicky hummed in reply.

Clary spoke up "Nicky means a Shadowhunter thing. That's what they do, protecting humans from demons".

"Demons, right. That makes perfect sense, 'cause there are demons running all around New York.

"That is the first correct thing you've said all day".

"What is going on? Why is there another mundane in the Institute?" Alec interrupted.

Nicky had enough and placed a finger on Alec's lip "Oh, hush angel face. Jace already told you, I'm not a mundane" He then removed his finger and turned to Isabelle before Alec could get a word in edge way "A Circle member followed Simon to get to Clary".

"Will someone just tell me what's going on here" Simon said frustrated.

"Simon, you're my brother in everything but blood. But can you please give it a rest and just listen to what we're trying to tell you. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. You don't even know it but, there is a world hidden within your own. A world full of monsters wearing human disguises and angels who are riddled with scars that fight demons. You're not in your world Simon any more. You're in ours. You're a mundane Simon. You do not have the resources required to defend yourself. Which means you could be killed or befall a fate that is worse than death. And if you still choose to remain then you're either very brave or very foolish Si".

Simon closed his mouth as his face drained of colour.

"Was that necessary?" Clary scolded Nick.

"Nick does have a point, Clary. If the mundane wants to stay then on his own head be it. But, at least now you can't say we didn't warn him" Jace spoke up in Nick's defence.

Alec pressed his lips together to avoid smiling as he helped Jace bring up the surveillance system, two cops were shown on the monitor, both trying to get inside of the institute.

"Mundane police. They shouldn't cause a problem to us. Am I right Alec?" Nick asked as he glanced at the dark haired Shadowhunter. His eyes seemed to look right into Alec's soul. The feelings that the young man provoked in him were strange and somewhat alien to him that he was going to pretend didn't exist yet his body betrayed him as Alec felt a shiver run down his spine as Nick practically purred his name out loud. "No" He said, a little breathless "Our wards will deter them".

Isabelle grinned having noticed her brother's weird reaction to Nicky and made a mental note to bring it up to her brother in future.

"And the NYPD will do their typical mundane thing for a few hours and then the area will be clear" Jace clarified.

"That guy had a Circle rune, just like the guys that took my mother" Clary announced.

"What exactly is a Circle member and why are they trying to kill us? All we know is a long time ago the Circle led a revolt".

"A lot of Shadowhunters got killed including my father. And since the revolt we've been forbidden to even hear about the Circle".

"But, how is that even possible? It's your history".

"Says the girl who didn't know she was a Shadowhunter?"

"Yeah, you're right. And now the only person who knows the truth is missing, so I don't care about your rules or what's forbidden, I'm There's got to be someone out there who can tell us why they've taken my mother".

"There is".

"You coming?".

"Yeah".

Clary and Simon went to follow Jace when he stopped them.

"No, no, no" Jace pulled a hand on Simon's shoulder "Not you".

"Hey, we're a package deal" Clary protested.

"There are runes all over the training room floor that would kill your mundie boyfriend".

"Simon's not my – I'm not, like we're, uh, just friends".

"Best friends" Simon butted in "I'm tough. I can handle runes. So, uh, bring on the runes. What exactly are runes?".

"My sweet naive little brother," Nick sighed and explained "They give Shadowhunters their demon-fighting powers. You can't handle them. You're macho bravado will end up getting you killed or worse someone else. Whether or not Jace is lying. Do you really want to risk it? Why don't you show him Isabelle. It's not like he can see mine".

"My pleasure" Isabelle give him a flirtatious smile and used her stele to activate her Angelic Power rune.

"So hot".

Jace cleared his throat glaring at Simon.

Nick rolled his eyes and slapped Simon on the back of the head.

"Hey! What was that for?".

"You know what that was for. Si, her brother is standing right there and you're leering at his sister. You're lucky its me and not him" He replied and then turned to Jace and Alec who were both smirking "You're welcome".

"Don't worry, Clary. I'll watch over the best friend. In fact, I was about to make breakfast".

"On second thought, the runes might be less lethal".

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that. Please excuse my brother's lack of manners. This is Alec and I'm Isabelle".

"Lewis. Simon, Simon Lewis. Two first names. Am I still talking? See? Best friend's safe and sound here".

Isabelle giggles.

"Jace, if anything happens to him".

"Go on, I'll be fine. I think" He chuckles.

"Where are we going?"

"Training room".

Jace grabs Simon shoulder and leans in "Hey, uh... don't eat the food. Dangerous"

"I guess that just leaves me and you," Nick said with a Cheshire Cat grin.

"You said you're not mundane and I know you're not a fellow Shadowhunter so that begs the question what exactly are you?" Alec asked "Isabella and I tried to do a background check on you, but we cannot gain access to any of your records. It's restricted to only Shadowhunters with top security clearance. The Clave would not go to so much trouble to protect your identity. Unless they believed you to be a great asset"

Nick raised one perfect shaped eyebrow "Now where would be the fun if I out rightly told you. You're smart Alec. I'm sure you can figure it out evidently" He teased as he started to walk away when something unexpected happened. Alec grabbed his arm at the crook of his elbow to stop Nick from leaving and with a dramatic sigh said, "Fine, but just tell me this. Why are you under the Clave's protection?".

Amusement twinkled in Nick's eyes and played with the corners of his mouth as he leaned forward and dropped his voice to a whisper "I'm not under the Clave's protection, Alec…The Clave is under my protection or at least will be".

"What-" Alec tried for coherency, but failed miserably.

He shivered slightly as he felt Nick's warm breath on the back of his neck. Nick's eyes gleamed with mischief as he trailed one finger across his jawline and smiled as Alec drew in a breath. "Alright, I'll give you a clue. I am the link. Think of me as the middle ground, the unrealized power, both protector and protected, working with both Shadowhunters and Downworlders, connected to both sides. Thus, keeping the balance and natural order of things" He pulled back and smiled faintly "You already know what I am. You just don't realize it yet" And with that said Nick left Alec to contemplate and recompose himself.

Later

Nick texted his mother and sister telling them that he was safe and was staying with Simon as they were busy with the band. He had just had sent the text when he heard Jace trying to calm Clary down.

Nick went to see what all the commotion was about.

Clary added "You might be some kind of emotionless G.I. Joe, but..."

"What is a G.I. Joe?".

"A soldier who doesn't understand human emotions, who doesn't know what it's like to lose someone, to lose your own mother".

"You're right. I never knew my mother".

Clary stammers "I didn't know. That's precisely my point. You don't know anything about this. You don't know about me, you don't know about my life..."

Nick catches up with them and adds "And in the Shadow World, no training and no plan gets you killed".

Clary sighs.

"Okay, so what do we know. I need caught up to speed" Nick asked looking to both of them for an explanation on what was going on.

"Valentine is back and wants the Cup, and for some reason he thinks my mother has it".

"Could she?" He questioned "Have the Cup?".

"I don't know" Clary admitted.

Nick spoke up "I think based on what we know so far that there's a pretty good chance that she could have it".

"Clary, you know about runes. You've drawn them. You... you know something. Think, please".

"I've tried, Jace, okay? It's just this empty blackness".

Nick ran a hand over his face and sighed "You know what this means don't you. Clary's memory has been wiped".

"That's not possible. Is it?" Asked Clary.

Jace paced "Absolutely... if you know a warlock".

"What exactly is a warlock again?" Clary asked unsure.

"A warlock, Clary. Immortal beings, they're half-demon, half-human. Sometimes their fingers spark" Jace said in frustration.

"Dot, my mom's assistant, her hands had this purple glow when she opened the wall and my mom pushed me through and I ended up at the police station" Clary pointed out.

"Dot is a warlock, however I don't think Dot would have taken your memories. She's certainly powerful enough, but since she lives with you. They could easily be pried out of her so, I doubt she would have been the suitable choice unless she fed your memories to a demon".

"Wait you knew?" Clary asked with a look of betrayal "All this time?".

"No, not exactly. I knew without realizing it. I didn't know anything about the Shadow World until I turned eighteen. So, look at it from my point of view, Clary. I just thought I had a vivid imagination as a child and as I grew older I thought I was pretty much insane as I began peeling began the layers of reality more and more. To the point I started taking illegally prescribed anti-psychotics in secret because I was terrified of being institutionalized. You knew what my step-father was like. He hated me and any excuse to get rid of me. He would have done it in a heartbeat" He said in his own defense "Tell me this little red. Would you have believed me had I told you? That Dot has magenta eyes and taloned hands? That monsters really do exist and walk amongst you. I think not little sister. You know how the saying goes seeing is believing and unfortunately your mom temporarily blocked your sight and there was nothing I could do about it. So, instead I protected you the best I could".

Clary frowned as her eyes darted to the ground.

"I don't blame you, for feeling betrayed. I've been there remember" He said softly "What Dot pushed you though was a Portal. Only warlocks can create them".

It suddenly dawned on Clary "Wait, so you're saying if we find the real Dot, she could help us find the Cup and get my mom back?".

"Unless she's working for Valentine" Said Jace.

"Even better. She'll lead us right to him" Said Nick taking the lead "Come on let's go get Simon".

A while later

Whilst Jace was doing background research on Jocelyn Fray.

Nick took Simon to the training room to find Alec training.

Nick seeing his opportunity to bond a bit more with Alec "Hello, again. Tell me, angel face have you worked it out yet" He said circling Alec like a predator.

Alec carefully watched his move and replied "I know what you are".

Nick drew nearer to Alec "I want to hear you say it, Alec" He stepped forward closing in the gap there bodies almost touching.

"You're an unclaimed demigod, aren't you?" He questioned, almost breathless at how closer they were standing to one other.

"An unawakened one at that. Kudos to you, Alec. Didn't I tell you that you would work it out evidently" Nick then lightly pushed Alec back "Come on, let's see what you've got Shadowhunter. I could use the training. Right now I'm at my weakest due to my abilities as an unclaimed demigod being dormant, which is why I am relying on your discretion and Jace's. Until I've been awaken and have my runes as an unclaimed demigod activated. I might as well be a mundane who has the sight. As much as I hate to admit it, Alec. I'm in a position that no one likes to be in. I'm vulnerable and to survive in this world that needs to change. And I'm afraid the only one that is holding me back right now is me".

He made the first move and found himself swiftly pinned to the mat by Alec "Why did you tell Jace and I? Why put yourself in such a vulnerable position with us that you would rely on our discretion? If Valentine is alive and he finds out about you-".

Simon shifted uncomfortable at the sexual tension practically radiating from the two. "I'm just going to-" He said looking behind him "go".

They had forgotten all about Simon and didn't even notice when he left.

Nick gazed into Alec's eyes and said, "From what I've been told. He will hunting me down. And when he does capture me and he will. Valentine will most likely use me in one of his twisted experiments that will either result in my death or worse. I'll become a mindless Forsaken until someone puts me down. I suppose Jace didn't tell you".

"Tell me, what?".

"Valentine and his followers already knows about me. Two circle members spotted me at the Pandemonium nightclub and must have reported back to Valentine. The circle member that followed Simon told us that he was there to capture or kill Clary and I" He then switched their positions as he pinned Alec's wrists above his head in a rather compromising position as he straddled the Shadowhunter. "As for why I told you and Jace. Jace saved Clary's life. And he was ordered by Hodge to bring me back to the institute for questioning. Hodge thought I was dangerous. So, I in not so many words told him. Jace, then reported back to Hodge and the Clave. And as for you, Alec, what can I say. I trust you. I trust you with my life. I don't know why, but I do".

"Thank you, for trusting me" Alec said sincerely as Nick got off him and offered the Shadowhunter a hand up.

"You're welcome,".

An hour later

Alec grinned that cocky smile of his, Nick didn't know whether to slap him or kiss him as he glared at Alec who was standing across from him in a defensive position. "Alright, try again. Whenever you're ready".

"That's easy for you to say, I don't have the perks of having angel blood. I hate being so mundane. I don't know how mundanes like Simon have survived extinction for so long considering they're one species away from being on the bottom of the food chain" He complained.

"My thoughts exactly, now quit stalling" Retorted Alec.

Nick's eyes narrowed as he regarded Alec. He took a deep breath and charged at him, completely focused on the fight at hand. He threw a few punches, but none of them landed as Alec was able to dodge out of the way, making it look effortless.

"Come on, are you even trying?" Alec said trying to provoke Nick.

Nick clenched his teeth and growled in frustration. He whipped his foot out towards him, hoping to bring Alec down, but it had the opposite effort. Alec grabbed his leg and brought him down onto the mats. But, before Alec could pin him for what seemed like the hundredth time. He rolled over and jumped up.

'You are stronger than you know, braver than you believe, smarter than you think' An eerie voice said in his head.

Alec could sense the power that dwelling just underneath Nick's skin. It sent chills down his spine as a powerful aura surrounded Nick that would put fear into anyone even someone like Valentine as a new determination rose within him. His eyes ignited with cold fury. They reflected hard earned survival that unbeknownst to Alec as did the rest of his body. It seemed that all it took was a little push to transform Nick into a force to be reckoned with. Alec had to admit he never wanted to get on the wrong side of Nick.

Nick advanced on him as Alec refocused on the fight, bring his fist down towards Nick who dodged quickly and finally managed to land a few of his own.

As Alec went on the attack. Nick managed to evade and land his own counter attacks whilst on the defensive. He was doing surprisingly well after his little pep talk considering he shouldn't have been able to land any punches or kicks on Alec at all.

Nick was exhausted as he poured everything he had into his blows. Alec sensed this and ended their training session "Good job, let's call it quits for today. You've made excellent progress, you even managed to land a few hits of your own" He said with a little bit of pride on his face as he helped Nick up and tossed him over a towel.

Nick rubbed his face with the fluffy white towel and picked up a bottle of water and drained the whole bottle it within seconds and wiped his mouth. "I'll better go back freshened up. I'll see you later, Alec".

Alec nodded and watched as Nick saunter out of the room.

After sunset,

"Let's get out of here, just you, me and Nicky. We can get Dot ourselves".

"Simon, there are demons out there, okay? Actual demons with tentacles that wanna murder us. Do you know how to kill a demon?" Asked Clary.

"I'm an Internet search away" It was hard to tell whether or not Simon was joking.

"Simon, I really don't think it's that simple" She told him.

"Whoa" Said Simon looking at all the cool weapons.

"No, Izzy".

"Fifty bucks says he doesn't approve this mission".

Just then Alec walks into the training room "I don't approve of this mission".

"What a surprise" Replies Nick.

"I spoke with the Clave. They're sending Seelie scouts to search for Valentine, but they made it clear, the little girl and under no circumstances that Nick leave the premises".

Nick groaned "Here, we go".

"Hey, my name is not little girl, okay? I don't care what that Clave thing or you want, I'm going to find Dot".

"Alec, this warlock could have the answers we need. With Valentine's people out there searching for Clary, she's not safe outside alone" He said in Clary's defense.

Isabelle also backed Jace and Clary up "Jace has a point".

"Really, you too, Izzy".

"Clary might as well be my parabatai. Where ever she goes I will follow. It's as simple as that. I'm not a solider like you, Shadowhunter. A solider is told what to do, and does what he is told. I'm so much more. I'm a warrior. A warrior already knows what to do and does only what is right".

"All right since you have all the answers, where do you suggest we search?" Alec said fed up.

Nick turns to Clary who began toying with the necklace that her mother had given her. As she concentrated on the places where to look for Dot the necklaced began to glow "We should start at Dot's apartment in Greenpoint, and there's this thrift store that she..." She gasps.

"What's wrong?"

"What is it?".

"I, um..." She exhales "Weirdly, I think I know where Dot is".

"Great. I'll drive" Simon offered eager to prove his helpfulness.

"What? Unless you have, like, a Shadowhunter-mobile or something" Replied Simon.

Isabelle chuckles.

"You were kidding about the runes on the floor killing me... right?".

"Possible" Jace tell him.

Nick places a hand on his shoulder looking grave "We'll find out soon enough, it's nice knowing you, Si" He said before following the boys.

"Wait... am I gonna die?".