"Be careful who you trust, the devil was once an angel." – Unknown
Chapter 24
"I want to you to come and hang out in my world. You could see my band play, or listen to my friend's awful poetry at the local coffee house. Hell, I could even take you to a movie, or we could have a Star Wars marathon!" Simon said enthusiastically to Clary. "Can't you come and stay wherever you stayed last time you came to New York and turned my life upside down?"
"Well, maybe," Clary mused. "I mean, of course I want to, but we don't usually get to decide where the Academy sends us out on assignments. The last place we went was to New York."
It was Sunday, two days after the ball, where Simon had surprised Clary, and the others, by showing up, along with Magnus Bane. They were at the Lightwood Manor, sitting out on their terrace and eating lunch with the younger occupants of the house.
"But there is always plenty of demonic activity there, it's a huge area," Alec surprisingly supplied. "They probably wouldn't let us go tomorrow, or any time next week, but maybe once we've been back at the Academy for a little while they'll send us out. I'll be eighteen at the end of next week too, so that might help sway them."
"That would be fun," Isabelle added. "We could go to Pandemonium again!"
"Because that worked so well the first time," Jace said sarcastically.
"Well sure, we got into some trouble, but we'll be better prepared this time, and it did seem to be a good place to keep an eye on Downworlders, and demons," Isabelle reasoned.
"Well then, who should suggest it?" Clary asked. "If I do they'll probably say no, for any number of reasons, including Simon, and the possibility of me getting into trouble."
"Well Isabelle had better not ask for the same reasons," Jace teased. "They probably won't like it coming from me either, not after I became your accomplice and fellow Angel blood child. It had better be Alec, or Jon, or maybe both of them."
"And don't do it today, they might think it was my idea," Simon added. "I have to leave today with Magnus for New York. Ask some time next week, when they won't be busy thinking of the disturbance I create in your lives."
"There's a way you could not be a disturbance," Isabelle began, but stopped when Clary kicked her.
"How's that?" Simon asked, curiosity piqued.
Isabelle looked helplessly at Clary who didn't know what to say either.
"Isabelle, that's not a nice thing to suggest, even if he's a mundane," Alec said inexplicably. "That wouldn't be any kind of life for him here as a servant."
"Alec!" Isabelle exclaimed, abhorred. "I wasn't suggesting someone hire him as a servant."
"Oh, you weren't?" Alec said innocently. "Oh well, my mistake. Seeing as you won't be a servant here in Alicante, Simon, what job will you do in your world? Do they train you at your school for your career?"
"Hardly," Simon scoffed. "School is just the precursory torture before the real learning starts. We have to go to college, and we pick a major there, and that's what we pursue a career in. I guess I'll go, I mean, it's not like my band is going to take off and make me famous."
Isabelle and Clary shared a look of relief. For some unknown reason Alec had managed to steer Simon away from the unnamed topic of Ascension.
Once the food was all gone Isabelle stood and said, "Would you like to come to the stables and see my horse, Simon?"
"That's not all she's going to show him," Jace snickered to Alec, who just shook his head. Isabelle threw both of them a seething look and stalked across the lawn, black hair billowing out behind her, and her lightweight, long red jacket flowing in the wind. Simon scampered quickly after her, more than happy to spend time around Isabelle's many charms.
"It will never work," Jace muttered disapprovingly, ignoring the elbow Clary jammed into his ribs.
"But you both want it to, and think it can, don't you?" Alec questioned. "Isabelle was going to suggest Ascension, wasn't she?"
"Yes," Clary answered firmly. "Thanks for distracting him though, I don't want to talk to him about it before we look into it further."
"That's the only sensible idea surrounding the whole situation," Alec told her. "Jon, Jace, back me up. Ascension was stopped because it was too risky, and the power of creating new Shadowhunters was too enticing for some, hence the allure of the Cup."
"I really doubt they'd consider allowing Simon to Ascend, and that would be assuming he was even a suitable candidate," Jon agreed, though reluctantly.
"And you don't even know if he'd want to," Jace added hopefully, earning a glare from Clary this time. "Okay, of course he would. We already know he thinks this is much cooler than his video games."
"Maybe if Magnus was on our side about it that would help," Clary suggested brightly. "And I'm sure he could be persuaded to be, after all, it would get Simon out of his hair, and I bet he'd be all for that. We should also get him on our side for our trip to New York."
"I bet Alec would have no trouble gaining Magnus's support," Jace said far too innocently. "He seems very taken with you."
"Well I can't help that, can I?" Alec said irritably.
"Yes, but you didn't need to let him talk to you for most of Friday evening," Jace continued to needle.
Alec's cheeks reddened and Clary took pity on him.
"Magnus Bane is a very important warlock, and Alec's father needs his support for the Council and as an ally. Alec can't be rude to him, and I'm sure he was just trying to be obliging by entertaining Magnus," Clary reasoned. "It was nice of him, seeing as we were all having fun with one another."
Alec gave her a small smile of thanks and relief.
"I like her more and more. Maybe she can teach you some civility," Alec taunted Jace.
Jace just chuckled and shook his head. "Perhaps you should escort Simon back into Alicante this afternoon to Magnus, just to be helpful," Jace suggested.
"Sure," Alec said easily, surprising them. "If it will help. I'm sure Isabelle will want to go, and the Angel knows someone needs to keep an eye on her."
"You make that sound so sinister," Clary said disapprovingly. "Couldn't she just really like him?"
"Oh, she could, but she'll still walk all over his heart in her high heeled boots," Jace said with a dark chuckle. "Clary, look at Simon. You know he's not equipped to play on the same level as someone like Isabelle."
"Maybe I should go and hang out with them," Clary mused, looking a little concerned.
"I'm sure he's fine, for now," Jace said reassuringly.
Jon looked a little uncomfortable at the topic, but sat silently by.
"You might not like what you find right now," Alec added. "If I know Isabelle, like I think I do, you had best stay away from the stables."
"Oh you two!" Clary huffed, standing. "Simon is first and foremost my friend and I'm going to spend as much time with him as I can before he leaves. If Isabelle is really interested in him then my interruption won't matter, and if she's just toying with him hopefully I can put a stop to it before she shreds his heart."
Clary walked briskly across the lawn and into the stables, with Jace watching her petite form grow ever smaller in the distance.
"What do you guys think of Aline?" Jon asked thoughtfully, interrupting Jace and Alec's various thoughts. "She's pretty, smart, lives in Alicante. Is she dating anyone at the moment, or do you think I have a shot?"
Jace and Alec shared a look before Jace said, "I don't know about that. She and I hooked up once, but she didn't seem terribly interested. I got the feeling there was someone else."
"Probably not worth your time," Alec agreed.
Jon sighed heavily and said, "I really wished more people our age lived in Idris. I can't wait until I'm eighteen and I get to spend some time travelling to various Institutes."
"Yeah, I bet there are plenty of girls who'd happily get it on with the great hero Valentine's son," Jace teased. "So long as I wasn't around that is."
Jon punched Jace in the arm and said, "Remember, you're dating my sister. It doesn't matter if all girls love you, because now they're all off limits and will have to learn not to look at you, which suits me rather well. Alec and I will finally have a decent chance getting a girl without you as constant competition."
Alec looked a little uncomfortable with this, but just said, "Yeah." He didn't enjoy living a lie and having his sexual preference remain a secret from most and thus having to navigate discussions like this. But the alternative of living an honest life, out in the open seemed worse, because he would probably be shunned and misunderstood. Those who knew didn't even know emphatically, Clary and Jace had merely implied they knew, and he was sure Isabelle knew. They all respected him by not talking about it explicitly, although they could not stop themselves from making the odd suggestive comment, particularly about Magnus. It was very difficult to attempt to explore what he wanted while having to conceal everything from his family and friends.
Alec was actually quite pleased about the thought of a trip to New York, away from the watchful eyes of his parents. Maybe there he would be able to have a chance to see if he was interested in what Magnus had to offer. All that remained was to enlist permission for the trip, some time in the next week. He would have to wait to explore Institutes across until Jace was ready to leave the Academy, but maybe he would be able to make short trips on his own to somewhere like New York, if things panned out. Jon wouldn't be eighteen until the New Year, so he wouldn't be able to volunteer to tag along for a little while yet.
"Look, here comes Clary with Simon and Isabelle," Jon said.
"Simon's hair looks distinctly rumpled," Jace commented wickedly.
"Our sister, ladies and gentlemen," Alec announced ruefully.
"Some guys have all the luck," Jon muttered so forlornly that it was comical.
"I think we should all do something before Simon needs to leave," Clary told them. "Any suggestions?"
"Strip poker," Jace deadpanned.
"Oh no, not again," Isabelle said firmly. "I wouldn't mind, except for the fact that no one stands a chance against your poker face. We'll all be naked before you know it."
"That's okay," Jace said innocently.
"Not without alcohol it's not," Alec said firmly.
"Is this how you guys have fun?" Simon asked, his eyes wide.
"Just at parties," Isabelle said blithely. "When the alcohol flows and we're not focused on fighting."
"We could play sober poker, without stripping," Clary suggested.
"Oh and we could spice it up by mixing it with Truth or Dare! The winner of the hand gets to pick someone to use Truth or Dare on," Isabelle added animatedly.
"Chicks," Jace muttered to Jonathan. "They always find some way to bring up that stupid game."
"Well, at least we can dare them to strip," Jon murmured back conspiratorially. "Although I would prefer not to see my sister shedding clothes, and in front of you."
"Alright, so we'll play poker meets Truth or Dare," Clary announced decidedly, throwing her boyfriend and her brother a shrivelling look. "But no unfair dares on Simon, only mundane safe things for him."
"And if you refuse a dare or don't disclose your 'truth' you have to take off a piece of clothing," Isabelle added suddenly. "Strip Truth or Dare Poker. I'm a genius."
"And there will be a cone of silence," Alec decreed. "It's a good thing Mom and Dad took Max with them to the Cartwright's today, or he'd be lurking in a corner listening in and nothing we say would be safe."
"Okay, so what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas," Simon said understandingly.
As if one person, there was a collective "What?" from the five Nephilim teenagers.
"Las Vegas? Sin City? The debauchery capital of the world?" Simon asked in disbelief. "You learn history, languages and fighting, and yet you don't know Las Vegas, Nevada."
"Nevada, that's a state in America, not to far from California. There's an Institute in Los Angeles," Isabelle said, trying to make a connection.
"Trust me, you'd all fit in very well there," Simon said drolly. "Melodrama, over the top outfits, alcohol and partying, not to mention many, many secrets. Oh, never mind."
"Let the games begin," Jace said fiendishly, causing everyone to look at him with alarm and trepidation. Maybe strip poker would have been a safer option.
"Well, there may not have been much actual stripping, but I feel like my soul has been stripped bare," Clary said to Jonathan as they rode back towards the Fairchild Manor, their afternoon of fun over. "Those Lightwoods play hardball."
"I never would have guessed Jace hated ducks so viciously," Jon replied with a chuckle. "I'm going to use that information to my advantage. Somehow I'll make sure his next birthday party has a very predominant duck theme."
"And I'll make sure your next birthday party has a very predominant loner theme," Clary warned. "Or maybe I'll just try and make sure you never get a girlfriend."
"Okay, okay, no duck torture," Jonathan quickly agreed. "I wonder, is there a dare you could give Isabelle that she'd refuse?"
"I doubt it," Clary replied. "I do think there are several 'truth' questions you could ask her that she would definitely avoid."
"Isn't that the truth," Jonathan quipped, hopping off Poseidon as they reached the stables at the Fairchild Manor. "Want to get in some sparring practice before dinner? We're back at the Academy tomorrow, so we might as well be at our sharpest."
"Sure," Clary agreed. "I'm going to change into Gear though, so I'll see you in the training room in five minutes, okay?"
While the Morgenstern siblings were training, the Lightwood siblings were accompanying Simon into Alicante where he was to meet Magnus Bane to return to New York. Simon had been granted permission by the Consul and Inquisitor to visit for the weekend only, including the Friday evening of the ball in Alicante. Magnus had taken care of altering Simon's mother's memory so that she believed her son was spending the weekend with a friend, which he in fact was.
"It must be rare for any of you to be alone in that big house," Simon mused to Isabelle as the rode, Simon bumpily sitting on a horse from the Lightwood stables. "What's Jace going to do with all that time to himself?"
"Sit up straight, heels down and use a lighter touch on the reins, you're yanking awfully on poor Sherlock's mouth," Alex instructed, ignoring Simon's question.
Simon adjusted accordingly while Isabelle answered, "It is rare, but it's also a real treat. Jace is actually a bit of a prodigy when it comes to the piano, so he'll probably spend a while playing. He doesn't like to play for people, but if you ever get the chance to hear him it's really special."
"I never would have guessed," Simon mused, intrigued.
"Don't you dare tell him I told you, or anyone else. It's not something he advertises," Isabelle warned suddenly.
"Oh I won't. It's not like Jace and I spend much time talking anyway, and I wouldn't like to earn his wrath, or more of his wrath, in the brief time we do spend together," Simon assured her.
"Good," Isabelle said emphatically. "Look, there are the gates to Alicante. Not long before you're back in your own world now. Will you miss me?"
"I'll miss this whole place," Simon answered diplomatically, aware of Alec's almost chaperone-like presence. "I really hope you guys come to New York again soon, because I doubt I'll be allowed to visit here for some time now."
"You're not wrong there," Isabelle agreed. "They'll be far too busy with the Faerie Trial to concern themselves with approving visits for you for at least the next week, even if they aren't wholly opposed to you."
Alec barely contained a snort at this as they were granted access into Alicante.
They headed for the stables and dismounted, with Alec handing Pickwick's reins to Isabelle.
"Here, you and Simon and take care of stabling the horses and saying your goodbyes while I find father and Magnus," Alec instructed. "I'm guessing they'll be at the Penhallows by now, or maybe in the Accords Hall, seeing as Magnus can't be in the Gard except to use the Portal. Just wait for us at the Gard, as Simon will be leaving from there."
Alec headed first for the Accords Hall, seeing as it was on the way to the Penhallow's house in Alicante. Dusk had just fallen on the fall evening and the canal streets of Alicante were lit by soft witchlight.
"Alexander," Magnus said softly, almost purring, catching Alec off guard near the Armory.
"Oh, hello," Alec said lamely. "Were you waiting for me?"
"Wouldn't you just like to know," Magnus said mysteriously.
"Yes, that's why I asked," Alec said in frustration.
"You can think whatever you like," Magnus said calmly. "The fact is I'm here and you're here, make what you will of it."
"If I were to visit New York soon, would you want to see me?" Alec asked suddenly.
"Yes," Magnus answered simply, his eyes filled with curiosity at whatever had prompted Alec's sudden question. "Why, do you have plans for a trip soon?"
"Yes, Clary and Isabelle want to come to New York again soon, and we can't let them go alone. We were actually hoping that if we run into any opposition from our parents or teachers at the Academy that we might be able to count on your support in regard to our general safety," Alec explained.
"Okay," Magnus agreed. "I'm sure you have all run into more than your fair share of trouble for the time being, so you won't be high maintenance to baby-sit. Plus, I assume those girls want to visit their pet mundane, which will make matters easier for me. The less I have to tend to his Nephilim fever the better."
"Thanks," Alec said shortly. "Now, do you know where my father is? It must be about time for you and Simon to leave, and he needs to be present for that."
"I left him at the Penhallows about ten minutes ago, and he would meet us in the museum sector of the Gard, oh about now," Magnus answered. "That's as far in as I am allowed, unaccompanied, even with my special privileges as a member of the Council."
"We have our customs," Alec replied, as they walked towards the Gard. "And our Law."
"Yes, you Nephilim are very attached to your traditions, and your Law," Magnus said a little derisively.
"Sed lex dura lex. The Law is hard, but it is the Law," Alec remarked pointedly. "Next week I will swear allegiance to the Clave, and the Covenant, and the Law will be something I officially have to uphold."
"You'll be eighteen next week," Magnus mused. "Will you be present for any of the Faerie Trial once you are of age?"
"I'm not sure yet. It depends on how long it goes for and whether or not I'm needed at the Academy," Alec answered.
"Well maybe I'll see you there," Magnus said as they entered the Gard.
"Maybe you will," Alec replied.
"You really do have the most beautiful eyes," Magnus said softly. "They take me back to a whole other time."
Alec just looked a little uncomfortable before saying, "Oh look, there's Isabelle and Simon. And my father."
Magnus watched as the features of Alec's face become expressionless, and closed off from him. He had opened up somewhat during their interaction, but at the sight of his sister and father he had retreated into a shell of reservation. It was unsurprising, but unfortunate. Magnus could see there would be a long road ahead for Alec, and if he was ever involved in Alec's life, he would have to go at his speed on that road.
Isabelle and Alec stood with their father and watched as Simon and Magnus left through the Portal, before turning and leaving with Robert to meet with Maryse and Max to return home to the Lightwood Manor. As Robert was the Inquisitor, the Lightwoods did have a place of residence inside the Gard, as was historically supplied to both the Consul and Inquisitor's families, but they spent little time there, preferring to reside in their manor. The place was barely even furnished, which accounted for their not staying there during the faerie threat. Likewise the Penhallows chose to reside in the house in Alicante that had long been in their family, instead of the space available to them in the Gard.
"Are you ready to return to the Academy?" Isabelle asked Alec as they walked behind their father.
"Well, it will be nice for things to return to normal, but they won't stay that way for long for me," Alec answered. "I'll be eighteen next week, and I won't be a student there anymore, or not a real one at least, if I stay on. I'll have other responsibilities."
"You've been training your whole life for them, you'll be fine," Isabelle said confidently. "I for one am looking forward to getting back to the Academy, and being sent out on assignments. I'm longing to kill a few demons!"
AN: So, it would appear I have some momentum, thus another update! Thanks for reading :) Hope you enjoyed this chapter - it was a little lighter, with the intent of outlining things to come.
Please review :)