26th August, 2016 New York Institute
"I still don't understand. How can Shadowhunters be better than...than what you people call mundanes?".
"You're joking right, Clary? Not offence, but Mundies die awfully easily. If we didn't protect them. Humans would have gone extinct a long time ago, considering they're one species away from being on the bottom of the food chain".
Clary whipped round to Nick "You're right. Humans. You protect humans. Then, why was Simon left alone all alone in the van?" She then turned to the Shadowhunters "Great job, guys. You rock".
"That's not fair, Clary" Nick snapped at her.
Isabelle added "Nicky warn Simon that something like this might happen? You're not the only one who's worried about him".
Alec decided to stir the pot and added "There is some truth to the idea that human beings should have a modicum of common sense".
"Alec, not now" Isabelle reprimand her brother.
"Look, they won't do anything to Simon. They just wanted to draw you out. They want the Cup, and they think you have it" Jace said trying to reassure Clary.
"But why do they think that? Why does anyone think that? What, my mom lies to me my entire life except, about this magic cup, I hid on, like, the planet Bongo, but don't tell anyone" She said sarcastically and then sighs "What am I supposed to do now?".
"We have to report to the Clave" Alec said taking the lead.
"Great" Said Jace who is less keen to inform the Clave.
"They have to know we've learned about Valentine".
"What, that he's my father? Great. Fine. Tell them. What good does that do Simon?".
"Clary, it's all connected. The vamps want the Cup" Jace said trying to make Clary understand.
"Why? It makes new Shadowhunters".
"Valentine wants to create an army loyal to himself. The problem is very few survive the transition. It takes special strength and resilience to survive the process" Said Nick.
"Plus, it controls demons" Said Isabelle.
"They'll propose a trade. Simon for the Cup" Jace told her.
"So, vampires will trade Simon for the Cup and Valentine will trade my mother for the Cup. Either way, I lose someone I love. What if I just toss it up in the air and let them fight it out among themselves?".
"Tread carefully, you're talking about genocide, Clary. Whilst you were born to protect the humans. I was born to keep the balance and natural order of things. If necessary I will declare war against any who threaten to tip the scales in their favour and upset the natural order on a global scale be it friend or foe".
Isabelle's eyes widened as realization dawned on her "Nicky's not implying what I think he is-".
"I am, and this is not the time or place to talk freely about such things. Too many listening ears who are not privy to information that is way above their pay grade so to speak" Nick told her as he carded a hand through his hair and sighed "Listen we're getting off topic here. We need a plan" He said hoping to divert the topic of conversation.
"Nicky's right" Clary said turning to Jace "I put my trust in you. Now, I need you to put your trust in me.
I can't turn into what you are overnight,"
"And no one expects you, too. You were raised as a mundane. It's going to take time, time I'm afraid we don't have, but remember little red. You're not in this alone. We'll find Simon together" Nick said clasping hands with Clary.
Clary smiled in appreciation.
They entered the ops room.
"Look at all this stuff, these screens. I mean, can any of this help me find Simon".
"Most computer stations are for monitoring demon activity, researching for missions take place. The vamps that took Simon were are locals. I suspect that they're holding Simon as a hostage at the Hotel DuMort, down in Gansevoort Street" Nick told Clary.
"And we came back here? Why? We have to go there. Let's go, now. Come on".
"Not so fast, Clary. It's not as simple as that".
"We need a Clave resolution for that" Said Alec.
"We can't declare war on the vamps all by ourselves" Isabelle told Clary
"And we can't react without considering our options. Downworlders are slaves to their impulses. We're not".
"Alec, you can't just jump on all the Downworlders".
"Oh, that's right. Seelies have their charms, apparently" Alec teased his sister.
"Right" Jace was smirking devilishly.
"Seelies?" Clary asked confused.
"Like faeries. The Fair Folk" He then clarified "Add pixies, nixies, elves... anybody half-angel, half-demon. It's pretty much a catch-all term".
"Izzy can tell you all about them. She's got a thing" Alec
"Can you blame her? Who doesn't like a bit of spice" Nick winked at Isabella with a wide mischievous grin.
Isabelle smiled back "We've all got our things, don't we?" She said playful.
Nick snorted and rolled his eyes "You can say that again".
Alec's smile dropped and inadvertently, his gazed flickered to Nick which of course Isabelle noticed, but thankfully knew better than to comment on her brother's slip up.
"Okay, I can't listen to this. Simon's been kidnapped by vampires. I guess I'll just take care of it myself" She said walking off.
"Clary, you're gonna get yourself killed".
"Clary!" Nick shouted causing Clary to freeze in her tracks. "Getting yourself killed will not help you or Simon or your mother. We need to work together. You're not a one woman army, Clary".
"Then help me, Nicky. While we consider other options, my best friend and your brother is suffering".
Nick leaned forward and placed his hands on the opposite sides of the table and hung his head "I know. They made the first move, we're gonna take care of this ourselves. What they did was a big no-no, they broke the Accords, but I'm telling you right now that this is a bad idea. And I'm sure that angel face will agree with me" He said raising his head and gestured over to Alec "But frankly I do not have a better one. If we stay here and wait for the Clave to decide on how to proceed, then we might lose Simon. At least if we rescue Simon, then we don't have to worry about handing over the Mortal Cup to the vamps" He then sighed "The worst thing that can happen if we succeed is that the Clave will give us a lecture and then they'll be glad we did it".
"Hard to argue with that," Said Isabelle.
Alec just looked frustrated, "Even if we went ahead, I don't see how we get out of here without having to explain where we're going. We need weapons, and we can't let anyone see us get them.
"I know where to get what we need".
"I'll drive" Offered Nick.
Later in the cemetery
"Whose grave is it?" Asked Alec.
Isabelle sighs "Mary Milligan, born January 10th, 1802. Died, January 10th, 1878".
"All right, Alec, let's go".
"Wait, what are we looking for?" Asked Clary.
"I thought that would be obvious sis, a cache of weapons" Nick said rubbing his hands eagerly.
"They're stashed here with Mrs. Milligan" Added Jace.
"Why are there Shadowhunter weapons in a churchyard?" Questioned Clary.
"Because all of the ancient religions recognized demons. Or at least they used to".
"They forgot about the threat because we've been here to protect them" Said Alec "Typical mundane failure of imagination".
"Are you saying we did too good a job?" Isabelle said frustrated with her brother "You just can't let up, can you?".
"You know what? Alec and Nick, why don't you two go check out by the angel?" Said Jace quickly defusing the two siblings.
"We couldn't gear up at the Institute, but we know our ancestors left a cache around here some place. We'll find it".
"I always wondered where my dad was buried" Clary sighs "I used to wish he was still alive. Be careful what you wish for".
"This isn't your fault".
"This is all my fault" Said Clary blaming herself.
Isabelle cell phone beeps "Excellent. He's home. I'm outta here".
"Wait, aren't you coming with us?" Clary asks.
"Oh, I wouldn't miss it for the world, but I gotta find out how to get into the vampires' lair".
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do".
"Jace... over here" Alec calls.
"Yeah, coming" Jace shouts back.
"Are you gonna be all right?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm just, um...".
Nick comes over and places an around her shoulder "Needs a minute. Don't worry Clary, whatever happens I've got you covered".
Clary takes a deep breath and nods "I know".
Jace walks over to Alec "Yeah?"
"We're crossing a line into vamp territory".
"That's the point. Come on, Alec, cheer up. It's going to be fun" He pats his parabatai on the shoulder.
"Damn it, Jace, just... think this through. You don't even like this guy. This isn't about the mundane, this is about Clary. What, are you so desperate to get laid that you'll risk killing us?" Alec ridiculed Jace.
"Wow, um, there's so much in that that was wrong, I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear it" He said trying to remain calm after the low blow from Alec.
Jace went to leave when Alec stopped him "That's the problem. You're not listening. Not to this or anything else I've said tonight. You don't even know this girl. Why do you trust her?".
"Is this about her being Valentine's daughter? Haven't we been through this? Alec, look at me. You can trust her, or not. I don't care. That's not my business. But if you don't trust me...".
"Jace! Alec! I think we've found it!" Shouts Clary.
"Mary Milligan!" Nick announced "Beloved servant? Who wants that on a headstone?".
"Someone who is in service to a cause greater than themselves" Replies Alec as they all gather around the grave.
"At least she is now" Jace takes out his stele "Abracadabra".
"Wait, you people actually say that?".
Nick snickers "I doubt it".
"No, Clary, we don't" He uses his stele and traces around the rune.
They move the lid back revealing a large box filled with weapons that they raid.
"Whoa! Where's Mrs. Milligan?" Questions Clary as she lifts a seraph blade.
Nick reaches in a lifts out an ebony dagger that's made from Ebony Ingot which has the appearance of a glass-like volcanic substance "Ohh, aren't you beautiful" He cooed.
Clary giggles "I think Nicky's in love".
"Don't touch that. You don't know how to use it. What, like at Pandemonium when we killed those demons?
"If I recall correctly Nick was the one killing demons. You just stood there and...".
"Alec. I'm gonna show her the right way to use it. Do you see what you need in here?".
"No. There's no bow here. I need one. I have to rune some arrows. That's back at the Institute. I gotta go" Alec told him using the excuse to leave.
"Well, how are you gonna get back in the Institute?" Jace argued.
"I'll go in the back".
"I'll go with him" Volunteered Nick.
"Okay, good. Go. I can finish up here".
Alec sighs as guilt rose in his chest "Hey... I understand what we need to do. And I trust you, parabatai...but don't ever doubt me. No matter what I said".
"It's already forgotten. I'll see you at dawn" He said offering his hand to Alec.
Alec grabbed it "At dawn" He turned to Nick "Come on, we need to get going".
Nick nodded and swiftly followed Alec.
Back at the institute
Whilst Alec was busy with his arrows.
Nick practised with his new weapon. He gave a few experimental swifts under the watchful eye of Alec.
"Alec…" Hodge entered the weapons area slash training room "Nick…Didn't know you two were here".
Alec guilty tried to conceal what he was doing and stammered at being caught red-handed "Yeah, no, I, we uh..."
"What Alec means Hodge is that he was just showing me how to rune arrows for educational purposes" He lied without breaking a sweat "And then he was going to teach me how to use single handed weapons in order to defend myself".
Hodge smirks into his mug "You maybe a good liar Nick, but I've known Alec since he was a little kid" He turned to Alec "Don't tell me. I don't wanna have to report either of you".
"It's just that, you know, Clary is...".
Nick cleared his throat interrupting Alec.
"That girl is Valentine's..." Hodge grunted as the rune on his neck seared. He groaned and then exhaled "The monster's daughter. There must be some reason why the roaches are coming out of the woodwork again, right?".
Hodge sets his mug down and stands in front of Nick and repositioned his hand for a better grip. "Now, hold the dagger up. It's much easier to swing downwards, and if you keep it up in front of you, you can use if defensively".
"Right, got it".
"Also, balance is key, so watch your footwork. Keep your center of mass low and your feet spread apart. Otherwise, you'll lose your balance and trip".
Nick nodded and did as he was instructed "Thanks, Hodge".
"I'll leave you, two to it" He said holding up his mug to them as he turned around and began to walk away.
"Hodge?" Alec calls "Thank you, I appreciate you keeping quiet about this".
"You remind me of me, Alec" He inhales "A loyal friend standing in the shadow of the chosen one".
Alec scoffs at the remark.
Hodge clasps the back of Alec's neck "Hey... Don't make the same mistakes I did. Look where it got me".
At The Hotel DuMort.
"Izzy. I got your text. Where are we exactly?".
"It's an old meatpacker's service entrance. If we go back there, we come up into the basement of the Hotel DuMort. Perfect, right? We distract the vamps, Clary and Jace have time to find Simon".
"Okay" Alec tells her and turns to Nick "Stay behind us. And if a vampire does get right up on you. Make sure you nail them through the heart".
"Got it" Nick replies.
"Okay? Alec, it was hard work interrogating Meliorn to get this intel" She huffed.
"Great job, Izzy" Alec said mockingly and then adds "You have faerie dust on your dress".
Nick mused with a thoughtful look "Fun and effective, nice work Isabelle" He complimented.
Isabelle peaked up "See, Alec at least Nicky can appreciate the effort I've gone too".
"I hate being the distraction" Alec complained to no one in particular.
"I don't and I know that Nicky certainly doesn't. You know, you'd be a lot happier if you weren't so freaking repressed" She told her brother who continued ignore her "Alec? Hello?".
Alec rolled his eyes in response.
"I wonder whose blood the vamps sniff out first. Yours or mine?" Questioned Nick.
"It depends on whether demigod blood appeals stronger to them than angel blood".
"We'll try and keep them off you as much as we can" Isabelle reassured.
Nick took a deep breath to calm his nerves "Who knows maybe putting myself in a life or death situation with the night children might be the right motivation I need to awaken the slumbering warrior within".
"I'd love to see that. I've never had the privilege of witnessing an unclaimed demigod awaken" She then turned her attention back to Alec "You're really not gonna talk to me, are you?".
"That's because you have no idea what you're talking about" He told his sister.
"But I do. You're hiding from yourself, not me. You have feelings, whether you like 'em or not, Alec" Argued Isabelle.
"This is not the time or the place, Izzy" Said Alec grabbing onto the ladder.
"I don't know. Looks pretty smooth so far".
"Whoa! Wait a minute Isabelle. I'd rather not see up your dress. I value my life" He said getting in front of her.
Isabelle chuckled "Oh, go on then".
Nick climbed up the laddered followed by Isabelle.
"This must be the way" Isabelle opened the door revealing their position intentional to the vampires.
The night children growl at them and move forward to attack as Isabella and Alec barricade the door.
"Well, not that smooth. Any day now".
"Yeah, if you hold the door still, it might be a lot easier".
Nick went over to help them as Isabelle used Alec's seraph blade to cut a pipe down and wedge it in the door.
"When you're right, you're right".
"How long do you think we have to distract them for?" Asked Nick
"Ten more minutes".
"Ten minutes? Are you kidding? We're liquid lunch in five" Said Alec preparing his bow and arrow.
"So let's distract them".
"So let's distract them"
"You better get ready" Warned Isabelle as the vampires dislodged the pipe.
They hissed, snarled and growled at them.
Alec and Isabella attack first.
When one of the vampire's fell to the ground at Isabelle's feet. Nick took the opportunity to end him.
"This is fun".
"Keep coming, boys"
"You Shadowhunters are really something else….you know that?" Nick panted.
Once Alec, Isabella and Nick had taken care of the vampires they joined up with Jace and Clary.
When they found Simon. Raphael had a dagger held against his throat.
"That's not gonna do any good" Warned Jace.
"Listen to him, Clary Fairchild. Put it away. I've had more than enough of your friend for one day. I'd love to cut his throat. Don't give me a reason".
"Put it away!".
Nick made his way to the front. He was pissed and that was an understatement. "I would highly advise against it".
"You have no power or influence over the children of the night. Until you're awakened. You're powerless and right now at your weakest. Camille has ordered a hit out on your life. She wants to take you out whilst your not much of a threat to her. Every vampire in New York will be out for your blood. Those Shadowhunters won't be able to protect you".
Nick raised an eyebrow and drawled "You see that is where you're wrong, Child of Hecate? I'm far from being powerless, my time will come and soon. You see what you don't know is that my father is one of the big three. That means when I do awaken I will have greater power than all the unclaimed demigods here in this dimension. And I'll let you in on a little secret. It comes to no surprise that Camille has ordered a hit out on me. That was a big mistaken considering my father holds dominion over the dead. Do you think that the night children would be spared from his wrath?" He buffed.
Isabellle's eyes widened and mouth "Wow".
Both Alec and Jace looked at one another not expecting this.
Whilst both Clary and Simon just looked confused.
Raphael face instantaneously fell "You're the Son of Hades".
Nick stared at Raphael coldly and stated calmly "One and only" He then crossed his arms "Since Simon is none the worse for wear. I'm willing to forgive your transgression against Simon and turn a blind eye. If you let him go now. You have my word that the Shadowhunters will not harm you. We will leave with the mundane and forget what happened here. Camille will be dealt with. She is not doing the Night children any favours by breaking the accords. I believe it is a time for a change in leadership don't you?".
Jace stood beside Nick "You heard him".
Raphael seemed to mull it over and then released his hold on Simon "Take him and go" He pointed to the corridor behind him.
"I don't know how to thank you" Said Simon
"Don't thank me. You mean nothing. This is about Valentine and the chaos he can bring" He said baring his fangs at Simon and then turned to Nick "Remember who your friends are".
Nick smiled and offered his hand to Raphael "Allies no matter how unlikely should always be welcomed especially in times of war. Let there be no bad blood between us. I'm Nick by the way".
Raphael accepted his hand and shook "Raphael".
Nick turned to the Shadowhunters "Come on let's go. We've overstayed our welcome".
When they got outside
Isabelle grinned and praised Nick "You were brilliant back there Nicky. You're tongue is just as powerful as a weapon".
Nick smiled sheepishly as his face instantly flushing "It was nothing-"
"Don't be so modest. You're going to make a great mediator and leader one day".
Simon let out a trembling breath "Hey, shouldn't we get the hell out of here?".
"Why, Simon?" Asked Jace.
"They're right downstairs"
"Let them come after us" Said with indifference "They'll just turn into a bunch of fried eggs out here. I thought you said you watch movies".
"Demons and vampires cannot stand the direct force of sunlight, Si" Nick explained.
Nick followed Jace, Alec and Isabelle upstairs giving Clary and Simon some privacy.
"Well... no accounting for taste" Said Isabelle reapplying her lip gloss.
"Yeah, you should talk" Alec replied.
Isabelle refused to be provoke and turned to Nick and smiled "What do you see in my brother?" She asked a genuine question.
Nick smiled softly gazing over at Alec "I tell you the same thing I told Jace when I first noticed the way he looked at Clary. The heart wants what it wants. There's no logic to these things. You meet someone and you fall in love and that's that. There's nothing worse than loving someone that doesn't love you back. It's like reaching for a star. You know you'll never reach it, but you just got to keep trying. Alec is trying to reach out to Jace whilst Jace and Simon are both trying to reach out to Clary" He shakes his head "Talk about star-crossed lovers".
"Just listen to me for one second..."
"Alec, stop!"
Isabelle sighed "You can say that again".