Alright people! Stay with me here. Things might not turn out the way you want or expect, but trust me. It will turn out fine in the end. I know what I'm doing. I've just been busy doing extra credit work so I don't fail Economics. I'm a little spent from trying to write a report on the ever exciting topic of rising gas prices... hehe, sarcasm... I'm getting off topic. So, as I was saying, I'm already working on the next chapter. It's nearly complete so it won't be long before it's up. Without further delay... please enjoy and review!
Clary has landed in a new and different world... but it's not anything like she expected it to be. She finds herself surrounded by strange and new people. With a war brewing, will Clary manage to finish her training or will she end up caught up in a battle of angelic proportions? Who will survive is the demons decide to start their war? Just what is Nordic up to with his games? And will Clary ever see Jace again? Read on to find out...
Chapter 23
The first thing I notice after the blinding light is that everything is dark. That must mean that it must be night or something like that. I don't know if night is something that occurs in this world, but I'm just assuming that it does.
When I look around I can see that I'm on a field of grass. This is something I definitely didn't expect to see. Grass in a world where creatures of death and destruction exist.
I stand and turn in a full circle. I'm in a large grass field. I make a face then decide to head to the north. Might as well start walking and see where I end up. As far as I can tell there really isn't any life from where I'm standing.
Nordic did say there are humans in this world, but I haven't seen any so far. I keep walking. When I look up there are stars. It looks normal as far as I can tell. I don't know what this place is supposed to look like so I don't know if what I'm seeing is what it's meant to be.
As I'm walking the silence is broken by a single terrified scream. I turn in the direction of the scream and wait. It comes again after a few more seconds of waiting. Then others join it. I run in that direction. Those screams sound human. The only things in this supposed demon world that should be making them scream like that are the demons themselves.
I run faster than what I think is humanly possible. Maybe it's one of those new powers Nordic was talking about. I come to a small hill and stop at the top.
When I look down I see a group of at least seven humans being surrounded by a demons. I feel a fire burning in my chest. Those damn demons must think they're so great being able to terrorize these humans. I'll teach them a lesson they'll never forget.
I pull out my knife, since I don't have my seraph blade anymore, and run down the side of the hill. I pick up pace then jump up and down onto a demon. I plunge the blade deep into its skull. I twist and pull out the blade. I turn to another demon.
They all eventually turn to me when that demon growls at me and I don't flinch. Even demons have egos. Go figure.
I cut my hand and drench the blade in it. I slash at the demons. Each of them earning death or a new scar on their bodies. Soon enough they scatter. Then I feel a dark presence behind me. I turn in time to see a huge claw come down on me. I throw myself out of the way before it can hit me. I quickly turn over and move onto my feet.
When I look up I see a huge demon. It has to be at least ten feet tall with bulging muscles. This is a demon that works with strength. I can tell just by looking at it. But when it was attacking me it was moving really fast. I was barely able to get out of the way. That means I'm dealing with something even more dangerous than before.
My vision gets a bit blurry at that moment. I remember I'm still bleeding from my hand. I grab my stele and draw the rune on my hand. The wound heals quickly.
The demon sees me do this and it's black eyes narrow. "Shadow hunter? What are you doing in this world?"
I stick the stele back in my belt and flex my hands. "It doesn't concern you."
"Shadow hunters aren't welcome in this world!" the demon bellows.
I take this opportunity to strike. My fist connects with the demon's stomach. To my surprise, my strength actually works. The demon is thrown back a few yards. I look at my fist then a small smile pulls at my lips. I just need to work on controlling my strength.
Then I run over to the demon just as it is about to get up. I bring my fist down on its head, crushing it. The crunching sound is familiar. It's the sound of bone being crushed. I pull back and watch as the demon lies there in a heap of broken bones.
My body starts to feel the effects of using so much blood to fight the demons from before as well as fighting this demon. I stumble a little before I manage to turn around to look at the humans that were being attacked. They watch me carefully as if I'm going to attack them.
I take a deep breath and walk steadily toward them. I look at each of them. None of them are any older than me. Probably taller. Damn it! I lift my chin. "I'm not going to hurt you."
"You mean that?" one asks.
I take another breath before responding. "I think it would defeat the whole purpose of me being here if I did… tell me, how often do demons attack?"
One of them, a boy, steps forward. He has long dirty blonde hair and hazel eyes. "Demons attack us humans whenever they get the chance. This world is filled with them and our kind are only able to survive because of our ingenuity."
I nod then cross my arms. "Right… well, be careful."
Just as I'm about to turn to walk away. The boy rushes forward and grabs my arm. "Wait. It's too dangerous to go out there by yourself. I can tell you're strong, but there are demons stronger than the ones you just defeated. Trust me. You don't want to go up against them."
I look down at his hand on my arm. He releases me immediately. I turn back to the boy. "Believe it or not I'm not afraid of what I might see out there. It might not be the wisest way to think, but it's how I am. You should get to where you're heading before you get attacked by more demons."
One girl moves forward and clenches her hands together. She has long black hair and deep blue eyes. "Please. Come with us. Even if you're not afraid we are. We don't really stand a chance against more than one demon. Please. We'll pay you if we must."
My instincts tell me not to trust them, but another part of me is telling me to go with them. They can get me to human civilization. If I don't then I might be stuck out here longer than I need to be. I have another world to go back to.
I step forward. "Alright. I don't need to be paid. I don't need it."
They nod. The boy holds out his hand. "My name is Jake. This is Jacinda."
I nod. "Clary."
Before the others can tell me their name I feel a sharp pain travel up my arm. I look down at the hand I'm hold then at Jake. He smiles widely. "Wow. Shadow hunters really are too confident for their own good. To shake the hand of a demon is quite bold."
"You're a demon?" I ask, not really interested.
Jake tilts his head at my tone. "Aren't you scared?"
"Not really," I bite my lip then spit the blood at his face.
Jace releases me and cries out in pain as my angel blood burns his jaw. I turn to Jacinda. She looks at Jake in horror as she realizes that Jake is actually a human. "I didn't know. I swear. I swear it."
The others in the group stare at me with demonic eyes. I turn to Jacinda. "Have you recently joined this group?"
Jacinda nods. "Actually, just a few moments before you. I was walking through the field when they appeared. Not long after the demons pounced. I thought it was strange that they barely reacted."
So Jacinda must have been the person I heard screaming before. The others joined in the cries of fear to put on a show for Jacinda. That's a show of teamwork. I guess the demons in this world are a lot more intelligent than the ones from where I'm from. Or maybe the demons that go into my world are just really stupid demons from a world other than this one.
When I turn my attention back to Jacinda I notice she's crying. I sigh and look at the other demons. "I'm going to need you to step back. I'll take care of them then you're going to take me to wherever you were heading before this mess happened."
Jacinda nods then moves behind me. I get a warm feeling from her. I can trust her. I turn back to the other demons as they morph back into their demon forms. They all sneer and snarl. I roll my neck. "Come on then. Let's get this over with."
A while later I'm panting hard and watch as the demons lying on the ground completely destroyed. The sky is already starting to lighten up. It must have been really late when I got here. I turn to look at Jacinda. She rushes over to me as I begin to sway. "Let me help you."
I let her drape my arm over her shoulder. She's surprisingly strong for her size. Then again so am I. I shouldn't really be talking. Jacinda takes me away from the pile of dead demons to an area that seems relatively safe. She sets me down so I can rest a bit.
I stare at the sky. "This is going to take me forever."
"Pardon?" Jacinda tilts her head.
I shake my head and continue to stare at the sky. I sigh and let my eyes drift shut for a moment as I gather my thoughts. Then I open my eyes and sit up. "Jacinda, is there anything particularly bad about this world? I know it's going to have something to do with demons, but anything?"
Jacinda looks down and thinks for a moment before sadness crosses her face. "Yes… for a while a war has been brewing between different demon clans and legions. It's only a matter of time before the fighting breaks out. We humans will be caught in the middle of it and we will most likely be destroyed."
My face lights up with understanding. I get it. So he sent me here, not because it's overflowing with demons, but because of the dire situation this world is in. I think I read somewhere that there were multiple worlds where demons exist.
I sit up straight and look Jacinda straight in the eye. "I'm going to do everything in my power to help stop this from happening. If I can't, then I'll help to stop it. I will fight if I have to."
Jacinda's eyes widen. Then her expression returns to normal. "I'm sorry to say that we humans really don't stand a chance against Saplings. Even you."
My interest is peaked at the mention of Saplings. "What exactly are Saplings?"
Jacinda's face is covered in anger for Saplings. "They're creatures like no others. I don't know if you can necessarily call them demons or not, but they are the worst kind of monster out there. They're enormous. The smallest of them is the size of a mountain. Their power is enough to level an entire city on their own. I've lost many friends to a Sapling once. They're too strong and the demons will use them in their war. Seeds take too much enjoyment in watching war not to take some part in it."
So the Seeds will be taking part of this war. I wonder if that includes Nordic. Maybe he doesn't want this war to take place considering he sent me to this world… then again he could have completely different motives.
I groan then fall onto my back again. "Damn it! Why does my life have to be so complicated? Jacinda?"
Jacinda perks up at the mention of her name. "Yes?"
"Where were you heading before you were attacked by the demons?" I ask.
Jacinda smiles softly. "I was going home. There is a human village not too far from here. It's one of the largest in the world."
I nod slowly then make up my mind. "I want you to take me there. I want to do whatever it takes to help you and the humans in this world. I think that's what I'm supposed to do."
Jacinda watches me for a few seconds before speaking. "I don't see how one person can make that much of a difference. I've seen how strong you are, but do you really think it's enough to defeat a Sapling. They are quite powerful."
This time a small smile plays on my lips at the thought of fighting a Sapling. "Despite how I look and what you saw, there is more to me than that. I'm much more powerful. Even I don't know just how powerful, but there is more to me than that. I just need time to get to know myself better."
Jacinda tilts her head in confusion. "You're a bit strange, aren't you?"
"Yes," I sigh up with a grunt then move to my feet.
When I sway slightly Jacinda comes to my side and drapes my arm around her shoulder again. "Very well. I'll take you to my village, but you need to talk to the chief. He will decide whether or not you will be allowed to stay in the village."
I nod. "That's doable."
Jacinda smiles then leads me in the direction of the village. "You'll love it there. It's very large and the people there are so kind. It's our shared grief in the past that brings us so close. Some may think it's depressing, but it's a common ground we share. Everyone has lost someone to demons. It might be difficult to accept someone out of the blue for them though."
I lower my head and stare at the ground. "I lost someone to demons."
"Oh… I'm sorry," Jacinda lowers her head as well.
I smirk. "Don't be."
Jacinda gives me a curious expression, but then snaps her head forward and a smile breaks out across her face. "There it is. My home village. It's beautiful, isn't it?"
When I look forward I see the huge village. Whoa. I've never seen something like this before. Sure there are cities that are bigger, but they're made using machinery and advanced technology. From what I can see this is a pretty primitive place. I'm impressed.
"Not bad," is all I say.
Jacinda beams then leads me down the slight incline towards the village. I'm feeling pretty exhausted at this point. I would love to get into a bed for some much needed rest. That's if I'm allowed to stay in this village. Hopefully Jacinda will be on my side.
Once we're close enough I can see guards standing at the entrance of the village. There's a huge wall surrounding it. It didn't look this big from the distance, but that must have just been an illusion of the distance.
When we get closer the guards see us and they rush forward. One of them sees Jacinda and breaks out into a loving smile. "Jacinda! You made it! I can't believe it."
Jacinda returns the smile. "It was nothing, but luck. Of course if it weren't for this girl I wouldn't have made it out alive."
The guard turns to me and his expression hardens a bit. "Are you sure she's not a demon in disguise?"
Jacinda shakes her head and smiles at me. "I'm sure. She actually saved me from some people who were demons in disguise. Trust me, Troy. This girl is incredibly. She took down an entire flock of demons all on her own. You should have seen it. Honestly."
Troy rubs his chin then turns to the other guard. "Trent, come here. Bring the rope."
I take a moment to look at Troy. He has light brown hair and crystal blue eyes. He's actually pretty well toned. Nothing over the top. It's not that impressive. Of course I'm biased. I will always think Jace has the best body.
My body tenses at the thought of Jace. I close my eyes and take a deep breath to calm myself. "Clary?"
I open my eyes to Jacinda's concerned gaze. I try for a smile. "Sorry. I was just thinking about someone I left behind."
Jacinda's eyes soften. "Oh. Was it someone very important to you?"
"Very," I nod, sadly.
Troy walks over to me with the rope in hand. "Put your hands behind your back."
Jacinda gives Troy a look. "Really, Troy? She saved my life. She doesn't deserve to be treated like a criminal."
I smirk at the irony. "It's okay, Jacinda. He's only being cautious. I would do the exact same thing if the roles were reversed."
Jacinda doesn't look happy about it, but she lets me go so Troy can tie my hands behind my back. He does it tightly. Not tight enough for me not to escape, but tight enough. Troy grabs onto the ropes and places his other hand on my shoulder. "Start walking. Don't make any sudden moves. If I see you try to make a run for it I will strike you down. Is that clear?"
"Transparent," I arch an eyebrow.
Troy nods then pushes me forward gently. Jacinda stays by my side. "Just tell me if he starts holding you too hard. I will personally give him a good punishment."
I shake my head. "That's alright. I'm able to take a lot of pain if you can believe it. Eve if I was in pain, I wouldn't show it. It's all the years of practice."
"Practice?" Jacinda tilts her head questioningly.
I nod and look straight ahead as the gates open. "That's right. Practice."
Jacinda nods, accepting that as an answer for now. The gates open and I'm pushed forward. I walk at a leisurely pace. This seems to be a very nice place. The people look at ease for the most part. I can see a ghost of fear as they see me. I look around just taking in all the sights.
Finally, we get to a large building at the center of the village. It looks like an official place with a dais where I assume some business takes place. I look up to see a panel of five people speaking to one man in front of them. He looks to be nothing more than a merchant. Or, at least, that's what he could be. I can't really tell.
When we get closer I can see that the man is speaking in particular to the man sitting in the middle seat of the five on the dais. "Thank you for your time, chief. These compromises are sure to help my family and my farm."
The chief nods with a kind smile. "Of course. Please enjoy the rest of you day."
I take in the chief. He looks like he's in his early forties. Salt and pepper hair with old grey eyes. Troy leads me up onto the dais as Jacinda stays by my side. Troy keeps me moving until I'm just a few feet from the chief. "Chief Tomas. Jacinda was found by this person out in the field. She claims to have saved her. How shall we deal with her?"
Chief Tomas looks into my eyes. "What is your name?"
"Clary," I answer.
Chief Tomas nods then stares into my eyes. "I'm going to ask you some questions. Depending on how you answer I will decide on whether or not I allow you to stay in this village. Is that understood?"
I nod once.
"Very well," Chief Tomas sits forward and places his interlaced fingers on the table in front of him. "Why were you wandering the fields at such a late time?"
I think about that for a second. "It was really unplanned. I'm new to this world."
Chief Tomas's brows furrow. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I'm not from this world," I restate.
Chief Tomas's eyebrows go up into his hairline. "Are you from one of the other worlds?"
I nod. "Yes."
Everyone's eyes widen. Even Jacinda takes in a breath with her surprise. Chief Tomas stands and takes a closer look at me. "You are from another world? Why would you come to a place where it is overrun with demons and on the verge of war?"
The corner of my lip tugs upward, but I manage to keep a straight face. "How ironic… it wasn't really my choice to come here. It was more like I was dumped here for some training. I didn't come here because I wanted to. It was decided for me."
Chief Tomas eyes me carefully. "What kind of training and who brought you here?"
I decide to put off the second question for as long as possible. "Well, I'm here to learn how to control my powers. They're new and if I don't get there situated soon then I won't be able to save my world from its impending doom."
"What powers?" Chief Tomas clasps his hands behind his back.
"For one…" I rip the ropes from around my rips. "My strength appears to have been enhanced. I also move a lot faster than I did before. So far, that's all I really know about my powers. Learning about my powers and to control them is why I'm here. Life or death situations apparently make it easier to do so."
Troy pulls out a sword and holds it near my throat. "I warned you-"
"Calm down, Troy," Jacinda snaps then walks to my with a smile.
I arch an eyebrow then turn back to Chief Tomas. "I promise I have no intention of hurting you or anyone in this village. In fact, I wish to offer my services. I want to help fight the demons. I know the humans have a very low chance of survival if this war is to take place. I know I can make a difference if you let me help."
Chief Tomas seems to really be considering this. "I don't know. You're a stranger to all of us. What would make us think you're trust worthy?"
I look down and bite my lip. "Demons ruined my life. They killed my mother and took my father. I was thrown into this world because my world is being threatened by a powerful demon. Everyone I love and care for will be hurt if I don't do something… if I can help your world then I can help mine. That's all I want. To make sure those dear to me don't get hurt."
Chief Tomas is silent for a moment. Jacinda is sad. Troy has even lowered his sword and watches me with sympathy. Chief Tomas suddenly nods and smiles. He moves forward and places his hand on my shoulder. "It would be an honor to have you fight by our side. You are welcome into the village."
I lift my head and try to smile, but I just can't. After saying all that I can't help, but feel really depressed. I just summaries everything that's been happening to me lately. Sure I left out a few details, but that doesn't make the pain go away. If I don't do something soon someone I care for with get hurt. I couldn't stand to go through that pain again. Like with Jocelyn.
Jacinda places her hand gently on my shoulder. "You can come stay with me if you like. I have plenty of space."
I nod then turn to Troy. "You would be more threatening with that sword if it held at a bit more of an angle. Thrusting the sword into another's throat is more efficient and quicker than just slicing it. Just some advice."
Troy looks a little shocked. Jacinda takes my arm and leads me down the dais. It's not two seconds before Troy falls into place next to me. "How do you know that?"
I look up at the sky and sigh. "Let's just say I know from experience."
Troy frowns slightly. "What situation would you need to be put in where you would learn something like that? Is killing something that is common in your world?"
I keep staring at the sky as I respond. "Death is common in every world. I'm just assuming that. What I'm saying is that I've had a pretty messed up life, if you didn't hear. I've done things I'm not so proud of. My past isn't perfect, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's made me who I am now. Better. Stronger."
Troy nods and looks at me with respect. "So, you must be a skilled fighter if you were able to travel through the field and survive by yourself. That place is infested with demons at night."
"You could say that," I look down at my hands.
Jacinda hooks her arms with mine. "You should have seen it, Troy. She was amazing. With one hit she threw a demon three times her size at least five yards away. I've never seen anyone do that. Not to mention how she took down all those other demons with a single blade. And-"
Troy looks at Jacinda worriedly. "What is it, Jacinda?"
Jacinda turns to me with a curious expression. "Why did you cut your hand? Before you started fighting those demons, I remember you cutting your hand. Why?"
I sigh. I might as well. "My blood is like acid to demons. That's why."
"How is that possible?" Troy frowns.
I sigh again. "It's a long and complicated story that I really don't want to go into. But to make a long story short, I'm an angel hybrid."
They both stare at me in awe. Jacinda leans forward then backs away quickly when I see her. "You're really an angel?"
"Half, yes," I nod.
Troy moves in front of me to stop me. "Okay, you're definitely not telling us everything. You really expect us to believe you are an angel. Even if you are only half angel, you're still an angel and angels have a lot of power. How does someone like you end up with power like that?"
I make a face. "Not by choice."
Jacinda takes my arm. "Come on. We're nearly at my home. I'll let you get settled in before I take you on a tour of the village."
"Okay," I sigh.
As we're walking through town I can see many people look at my with distrust and worry. I would be suspicious too if someone just randomly came into my home town without explanation. I'm going to need to earn their trust if I'm going to get anywhere in this world. I need to do it quick too.
Suddenly there is a huge gust of wind that blows through the street. I lift a hand to keep the dust from getting into my eyes. I turn my head slightly as the wind gets stronger.
Then I feel an immense power hit me. I gasp as it hits me and constricts my lungs. I fall to my knees, clutching my chest. Jacinda drops to her knees and grabs my shoulders. "Clary? Clary! What's wrong?"
I look up and my eyes widen. The person in black grins viciously and moves at a speed faster than I can see. He grabs me by the throat and throws me against a wall. I grab onto the hand. "Wha- what are you-"
"Doing?" he finishes for me.
I glare. "You son of a-"
The hand around my throat tightens. "Now, now. That's no way to speak to someone who's going to do you a favor, now is it?"
I sneer. "Go to hell, Nordic!"
