"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." – Mahatma Gandhi
Chapter 5
As Clary and Jonathan were eating breakfast on Monday morning, ahead of heading in to the Academy in Alicante, a fire message arrived for them.
Jonathan took it and read it quickly.
"What does it say?" Jocelyn asked.
"It's from the Academy, from Edward Longford," Jonathan began. "He's asked Clary and me to bring overnight bags with us into Alicante today."
"So I guess they're sending you out on a mini trip again," Jocelyn mused. "I use to love those, they were definitely my favourite part of my training."
As Shadowhunters who studied at the Academy in Alicante grew older and more advanced they were sent out to various Institutes from time to time, when an opportunity arose to attend to demon activity in the area. They usually spent a couple of days in the city they were sent to, getting a taste of the region in which the Institute was located and to learn about the various Downworlder activity in the area. As their training progressed it was important for them to actually practice what they had learned. Shadowhunters who lived and trained at Institutes had the opportunity to be involved in attending to demon activity frequently, so those in Idris were given opportunities when possible.
"I haven't been sent out in ages," Clary remarked. "It's about time. We'd better run up and pack Jon, or we'll be late in getting to Alicante."
The two of them finished their food and raced off, Jocelyn calling instructions after them, reminding them to pack certain things. They both knew what they needed, but Jocelyn liked to have input.
Not too long later they were both dressed in gear, with weapons strapped about their persons, each carrying a packed bag. They kissed Jocelyn, Luke and Valentina goodbye, grinned at the usual 'be safe and we'll see you when you get back' and they were on their way.
At the Academy Jonathan and Clary went straight over to Edward Longford, one of their instructors, ready to receive further information.
"I'll let you both know where you're headed in a minute," Edward promised. "There are three others going with you, so I'll just wait for them."
Only a minute or so later Isabelle, Jace and Alec joined Clary, Jonathan and Edward.
"We've decided to send the five of you to the New York Institute for two days," Edward told them. "You'll leave via the Portal in the Gard and arrive in the New York Institute via the Portal there. Amatis Graymark will be waiting for you and will be in charge of your activities while you're there. Alec, as the eldest of you, will be in charge, so to speak, while you're there. If any important decisions need to be made, he will make the final call. Are you all clear?"
"Are we being sent out to attend to anything in particular?" Alec asked seriously, already taking on the role of 'eldest and in charge'.
"No, just to deal with some demons in the area," Edward told them. "I'll head over to The Gard with you to the Portal now and you'll be in New York soon."
They walked towards the Gard, the Lightwood siblings walking together, apparently talking animatedly.
Clary and Jonathan walked behind, holding their bags.
"How much do you want to bet that Mum sent Edward a fire message, dropping a hint or two that he should send us out with the Lightwoods," Jon teased.
"She wouldn't do that, but it is a funny coincidence," Clary allowed. "And not the worst thing in the world. It could be fun you know."
At the Gard they were taken to the Portal where Alec, who had been to the New York Institute once before, visualised their destination and they all stepped into the Portal together.
They tumbled out into the Library of the New York Institute, where a woman with brown, greying hair, and blue eyes was waiting for them.
"Aunt Amatis," Clary said brightly, standing up and brushing herself off.
"Clary, Jonathan, surely you're not old enough for them to be sending you to me," Amatis said, her eyes twinkling. "And who else do we have? Alec Lightwood, I've met you before. This must be your sister Isabelle, and you must be Jace Herondale."
"Did my good looks give me away?" Jace asked impishly.
"Don't bother answering him," Isabelle said blithely. "It only encourages him."
"Yes, enough chit chat," Amatis agreed. "I'll show you all to your rooms, you can leave your things, and then we'll meet back here to discuss your activities for the day."
The New York Institute's building, like all Institutes, was located in an old church, which was hidden from the mundane world by glamours. It was enormous, filled with many rooms and could accommodate hundreds of Shadowhunters if need be. At the current time it was quite empty and each of the five visiting from Idris was given their own room to stay in, all next to one another in a line.
Back in the library Amatis began to speak to them.
"New York is a vast and diverse area," she began. "We have a wide variety and largely dispersed Downworlder population here. Magnus Bane, the High Warlock of Brooklyn, is the most notable warlock in the area. There is a vampire coven, based in the Hotel Dumort, led by Camille Belcourt, an ancient and devious vampire. Her second in command, Raphael Santiago is the Children of the Night's current representative on the Council."
"Do you have good relationships with these key Downworlders?" Jonathan asked. "They would be good assets if they were kept onside."
"Magnus Bane, like most warlocks, will do most things for a price," Amatis answered. "He's quite eccentric, and fairly good humoured and has a now long history of helping the Nephilim. Camille is a different story. Over the decades she has been known to be cooperative, but usually only when it suits her purposes. These days I don't have much to do with her. The Accords are intact and the Children of the Night in the area, as far as we can tell, are keeping in line with the requirements of them."
The five young Shadowhunters nodded, all listening carefully to make sure they retained the relevant information about the Shadow World of the city they were in.
"We also have access to the Seelie Court, through Turtle Pond in Central Park. You must step backwards into the reflection of the moon on the pond and from there you will find the path to the court of the Seelie Queen. I'm not sharing this information with you so that you will do this of course. As you know the Fair Folk are very cunning and we only get involved with them when strictly necessary," Amatis warned. "There is also a werewolf pack in New York, currently led by Alaric Davis. They're based out of an abandoned police precinct in Chinatown. Additionally the Praetor Lupus is located out on Long Island. The Praetor don't like to interact much with The Clave, so we don't have much to do with them, but we're aware of their presence."
"Is there anything in particular you want us to be doing, regarding these Downworlders?" Alec asked. "You've supplied us with substantial background information, so I was wondering to what end you it is to be used for?"
"You should be relatively unknown in the area, so it would be good if you could try and use that to your advantage when hanging around Downworlder spots, to see if you can pick up any useful information," Amatis told them. "There's a diner, called Taki's, not too far from here, where any who know of the Shadow World are welcome, I believe even the odd mundane can be found there on occasion. Visiting there would be a good starting place for you. From there, it's up to you. This evening you'll be patrolling for any demon activity. I know cell phones aren't used in Idris, as the demon towers in Alicante render them useless, but we find them quite useful. You'll each be supplied with a cell while you're here, in case I need to reach you, or you need to reach me."
Amatis handed them each the mentioned cell phones, which they stored about their persons.
"Any questions?" Amatis asked.
"Does anyone else find this room rather gloomy?" Jace asked drolly.
"Alright, out, off you go. I don't care if you stick together, or split up into a group of three and two, but please don't end up alone," Amatis warned. "I know you're all very capable Shadowhunters, but I really don't want to have to explain to the Inquisitor, or my brother, that one, some or all of you are dead. So please be careful, and try not to alienate anyone."
"She said that for your benefit," Jonathan told Jace with a snicker.
"I see my reputation precedes me," Jace said with a satisfied grin. "Come on, let's get going. I'm in the mood to kill several dozen demons."
They headed out into the streets of Manhattan, excited by the prospect of being let loose in a new city, with minimal guidelines for what they were to do for the day.
"So, are we heading for this Taki's Diner?" Isabelle asked.
"I think we should head straight for that hotel, there's nothing I love more than disturbing a nest of sleeping vamps," Jace said sarcastically.
Alec let Jace's remark slide, for which Clary was grateful, and said, "We'll head to Taki's as Amatis suggested. It's practically lunch time so we might as well get some food while we scope out the general situation."
They started off on foot, glamours concealing them from the mundanes. They were all wearing black gear and were Marked, and they didn't need to stand out or attract attention.
Alec led the way, with Jace on one side and Jonathan on the other.
Clary fell into step besides Isabelle.
"Look at them, leading the way like the great he-men they think they are," Isabelle sniffed. "It's not like they have any more idea of where they're going than we do, they just think they get to lead the way because they're guys. All Alec did was look at a map to find the place, I could have done that just as easily."
"Letting them lead the way seems to be a small price to pay to keep their egos intact," Clary said with a grin.
"Jace's ego could stand to be taken down a peg or two," Isabelle said firmly.
"You three have such a different dynamic to Jon and me," Clary mused. "If a stranger heard you talk they'd think you didn't like each other. Of course I know better, but it's kind of hard to understand at times."
"We'd all die for each other, and we know that, and that's the most important thing," Isabelle told her. "By nature we're fighters, and I think that just translates into our relationships. We've always been this way I guess, so I don't really think much about it. Jace is this way with everyone, but Alec is quieter in social settings, usually letting Jace take the lead. Alec is only his real self when he's truly comfortable with who he's with."
"And you?" Clary asked.
"You know me, what you see it what you get," Isabelle said with a laugh. "I do what I want, when I want, and I enjoy myself."
"I know there's more to you than that," Clary said suddenly serious. "Sure, you like to have fun, but I've watched you at the Academy, you're a brilliant fighter and the way you use your whip is impressive. You can't be that dedicated to what we do without having a little more depth to you, even if you conceal it from most people."
Isabelle looked a little taken aback and was silent for a minute or two.
"You're not what I expected you to be," she said eventually. "And I think I like that."
Clary flashed her a genuine smile and then said, "Look, there's the diner. I hadn't realised it until now, but I'm actually quite hungry."
They followed the boys into the diner, all the way to the table the boys settled on.
Jace and Alec slid into one seat of the booth, and Jonathan the other. Clary was sure her brother was angling for Isabelle to sit next to him, so she obligingly slid in next to Jace.
"Interesting menu," Jace commented. "A blood smoothie anyone? Or perhaps some raw fish?"
"Please tell me there is other food," Isabelle said fervently.
"Plenty, Iz," Alec promised. "Besides, anything would be better than your cooking."
He and Jace shared a boyish grin, while Isabelle scowled darkly.
"If Isabelle was in charge of feeding us, we'd starve," Jace said in a playfully loud whisper to Clary.
"Jon and I aren't great in the kitchen either," Clary said frankly. "We can't even make eggs, but I can make spaghetti, if there are a few packets to help along the process."
"Well, Iz can't even manage that," Jace said gleefully. "Ow, Izzy!"
Isabelle looked innocently at him, batting her long lashes for effect. "Did I bump your shin, Jace? Sorry about that. If there was a rune for 'hardening up', you should probably apply one though. I mean, I'm just a teenage girl who's hopeless in the kitchen, I shouldn't be able to cause a big, brave Shadowhunter like you pain."
Jace glared at her, and she continued to smile cheerfully at him, the scene prompting Alec to start chuckling, Clary and Jonathan's laughter soon joining him.
"Are you guys ready to order?" a feminine voice asked, interrupting their antics.
They looked up to find a waitress at their table, wearing a nametag saying 'Kaelie.' It was immediately clear from her appearance that she was a faerie, for she had light green veins pulsing beneath her milk white skin, and her blonde hair had a greenish tint to it. She also had a set of sharp teeth and blue eyes with no pupils or whites, creating altogether quite a disquieting effect.
Jace flashed her his most devilishly charming smile and said, "Maybe, are you on the menu?"
Kaelie smiled flirtatiously back at him and said coyly, "Come and see me at the end of my shift, young Shadowhunter, and we'll see."
Jonathan and Clary exchanged a look, concerned that she'd immediately pinned them as Shadowhunters and wondered how that would affect their quest for information. It occurred to Clary then that their appearances, as they were, dressed in Gear and Marked, would immediately give them away to any Downworlder with eyesight. She then wondered why Amatis had thought they would be of any use in subtly acquiring information. Clary didn't see how Jace flirting with the waitress was useful either.
While Clary had been thinking Alec, Isabelle and Jace had placed their orders, Jace flirting with the faerie all the while.
"So, I haven't seen any of you around here before," Kaelie said, her eyes raking over Jace's figure. "Any plans to stick around?"
"We're just passing through, on a field trip, if you would," Jace said smoothly. "I wouldn't mind seeing more of you though."
This was said with a wicked glint in his eyes and a slightly salacious grin.
Kaelie giggled and then turned to Jon, looking bored. "What can I get you?"
Jonathan gave his order and then Kaelie turned to leave, giving Jace a last pretty smile.
"Excuse me, you didn't take my order?" Clary piped up, feeling annoyed. She had been sitting next to Jace the whole time he had been talking to the faerie, sitting between them to be precise, and Kaelie had never acknowledged her existence.
"Oh sorry, I didn't see you there," she said condescendingly.
"That's fine," Clary said stiffly. "I'd like a cup of coffee and a ham and cheese toasted sandwich, thanks."
Kaelie nodded and then turned on her heel and headed for the kitchen.
"There was no need to get annoyed with her," Jace told Clary.
"You were being nice enough for everyone here combined," Clary retorted.
"We're supposed to be trying to get information out of the Downworlders, I was taking advantage of the situation," Jace countered. "But I'm sure your strategy of sitting silently was just as good an idea."
Clary felt her cheeks redden and was about to reply rather hotly, her redheaded temper about to be on full display when Jonathan said, "Okay, so what's your plan from here, Casanova? You can't actually meet her after her shift, we have things to do, and you spending an evening on a date with a faerie is not in our plans."
"I plan to charm her into telling us whatever she can when she returns with her food," Jace told him confidently. "She's a faerie, so she has to tell some form of the truth, and it seems quite clear to me that it can be charmed out of her. And based off my abilities to charm women I'd say in twenty minutes we'll know all there is to know about the New York Downworld."
"She looks kind of like a nixie," Alec mused. "Her eyes are kind of hard to not stare at."
"So are mine," Jace said cheekily.
"I seem to have no trouble ignoring you, or your eyes, completely," Isabelle told him.
"Neither do I," Clary added firmly, sharing a grin with Isabelle.
"Have you two taken it upon yourselves to make sure Jace's ego doesn't grow to the size of Lake Lyn?" Alec asked hopefully. "If you have, all Nephilim, and all Downworlders really, owe you much thanks."
They all grinned, even Jace, who didn't seem at all perturbed by the discussion, his ego still firmly intact.
"I think I'll go and chat with our lovely waitress by the counter, give her my undivided attention," Jace decided. "I'm sure we'll be able to have a much more profitable discussion without you lot around."
Jace returned ten minutes later, Kaelie hot on his heels, carrying some of their food. She returned several times until they all had their food and drink.
"So, did you find out anything useful?" Isabelle asked eagerly, a question they had all been wanting to ask since Jace's return.
"Nothing too much, but she did tell me about an all-ages nightclub, for Downworlders and mundanes alike," Jace divulged. "It's called Pandemonium."
AN: Happy weekend :) Thanks for reading! And thanks for the reviews, favourites and follows after the last chapter :) I appreciate each and every one of them!
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