What?! A double-update?! Think of it as a reward for being so awesome. Thanks, guys!

~ THEMESONGS ~

One Foot ~ Fun.

Beat the Devil's Tattoo ~ Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

.M.I.W.

19. Sentiment

Well, I had been going to the Church of Talto, until I realized way too late that this whole showdown was going on in another building.

…

I know, my intelligence knows no bounds.

I was pretty much booking it at this point – I had been for about ten or so blocks. The weird part was I didn't feel tired. At all. I felt incredibly light, like I could never get tired. Maybe my adrenaline-enhancer-stuff had kicked in without me knowing, and I didn't even realize the difference.

No, no, no. After such a long time of not dealing with it, I'd recognize it.

I knew Claire, Isabelle, Alec, Maia, and Jordan were finding their own way. I probably should have waited for them, told them where to go, but my mind was a whir of action rather than emotion. I could only focus on me getting to the destination. Any amount of pause was a threat to me breaking down. And that just couldn't happen.

I darted around another street corner, ducking past the mundanes that couldn't see me. I was numb to everything, my thoughts on overdrive. Come on, Verdantia, focus. It's just another fight. You know how it'll go down.

Yeah…

Fighting through a throng of girls wrapped tightly in scanty clubbing dresses and tiaras (one of them had a sash that announced she was twenty-one), I passed another block, and realized I was only getting closer to the church.

And then I saw it.

I skidded to a stop just past a luxury apartment building under construction, managing to tangle my legs. Instead of falling on my face, though, I used the momentum to spin, just like I was dancing. My foot landed hard on the pavement, my stance spread and ready for action.

And then I found myself standing in front of the heavy front gates. The only barrier from me and my own personal Hell.

My heart was racing, but not from fear. No, it was only from the run. My breathing wasn't even that labored.

The world was quiet around me. There wasn't a hint of anything sinister happening. It was just an average night. The weather was pretty mild for summer in New York, and that was… strangely that.

It was weird. I thought there would be something more… dramatic. Profound.

But there wasn't. It was just me: Madison Verdantia, seventeen years old, a lover of music and Pizza Rolls…

Standing outside of a church.

About to die.

And that didn't scare me.

I walked straight up to the narrow gates that were my only barrier, and inspected them. My brows shot up in surprise when I saw a hole torn into the barriers. I slowly stepped through.

I wasn't scared.

My steps started to increase in speed until I was jogging, running, sprinting. I opened the doors to the huge building and ran into the lobby –

"Madison."

I stopped short, my boots sliding along the tile lobby floor.

Sitting at the reception desk (how I didn't notice him, I have no clue) was a young man sharply dressed in a dark tailored suit. He was tall and lean, silvery blonde hair styled like he was a model for GQ. He could've been a model even, except for the pallor of his skin, which was tinged with purple because of the ichor running through his visibly black veins. His head was bowed as if he were praying, but that would be impossible. It rose when he knew I was looking at him, and I met two black eyes that knew no remorse or humanity.

Belial.

"Here to see me off?" I asked. "As nice as the sentiment is, I can't really believe you're here."

"I suppose," he said calmly, rising from the rolling chair he'd been sitting in. He walked around the desk towards me, his hands folded behind his back. "Sentiment has never been one of my most defining characteristics."

"Could've fooled me," I retorted.

He arched a silvery blonde eyebrow as he came closer to my side. I felt myself stiffen up automatically, and took in a deep breath to try and dispel the nervousness. Demons have that effect on people, regardless of how badass you are.

"We both know how impossible that is." Belial stated blandly, his eyes slowly raking up and down my body. I squared my shoulders.

"What do you want?" I demanded.

"In your words, to see you off."

"Yeah, well take a good look." I narrowed my eyes in disgust, slowly trying to walk around him and towards an elevator. "Because this whole human thing isn't going to be mine for long now, is it?"

There was no emotion in his eyes. "Quite right."

Fucking bastard.

I stormed past him, jamming in the 'up' arrow of the elevator. My heart was racing as I had to stand there and wait for it to come, slowly leaking adrenaline through my veins.

It wasn't coming.

I jammed the button again, and realized there was no light turning on. I risked a glance over at Belial, seeing him watching me. He looked like he was almost about to smile.

I sighed and began to start walking, setting a brisk pace towards the end of the hall where I could see a door leading to some stairs. It wasn't that long until I heard another set of footsteps shadowing mine.

"Why don't you get lost?" I asked. "It's not like this is the last time you're going to see me, and I'd actually like a little time to myself."

I had walked the length of the hallway, stopping short when the heavy-looking door blocked my way. I arched my eyebrow for a split second before hiking my foot back and kicking the sonofabitch down. It swung off its hinges with ease and banged against the wall, the noise echoing throughout the huge room.

I stormed in, reaching back for Sandalphon as I scanned the area. It was dark, cold, empty, and not stairs. I heard a gentle sloshing of water creating waves. A pool. Right.

There was a languid sigh from behind me, "Do you even know where you're going?"

"Careful, Bells, you're beginning to sound excited for my personal doomsday," I retorted dryly. I set my course for dead ahead, letting Sandalphon drop into his scabbard when I knew I was safe.

The staccato tap-tapping of Belial's probably-Prada shoes echoed behind me. After ten or so steps, my nerves were already grating. Not in the 'omg-I'm-so-terrified' kind of way. More like the familiar 'if-you-don't-shut-up-your-death-will-be-certified' kind of way.

Metatron slid out of his scabbard with a cold, metallic sliding sound. It waved gently through the air, becoming an extension of my arm, its tip grazing Belial's neck.

"You're a Greater Demon," I said, "Surely that means you can be quieter than this."

"You ought to turn left up ahead," Belial informed me.

I turned blindly in the darkness, following his instruction. I didn't slow my pace, instead gripping Metatron a little tighter. He wasn't glowing, though, which was a little disconcerting. I hardly ever had to say his name for him to come to life lately. It was like the blade knew I didn't want him to come to life yet.

Which would mean that my swords had a conscience, and that was way too upsetting to think about at the moment.

Thump.

I reeled back in surprise after running into a wall. I reached out to touch the cold, smooth barrier with my free hand, frowning as I groped for a door. See? Thinking about my swords possibly being alive, and this is what I get.

A sudden cold hand clamped down on my free one, a wiry body barely pressing against the back of mine. On instinct, I locked up.

My hand was slowly being guided to a doorknob, which I grabbed onto and twisted. A chest heaved against my back, letting out a sigh. "I'll get you to the All Mother's hive, at least." Belial said.

I jumped away from him and through the door, turning around to glare at him. "Well, if that's not too much trouble," I snarled.

I turned around to see stairs leading up, and up, and up. Geez, wasn't the elevator supposed to work in this book?

I grabbed the railing and propelled myself up half the first flight of stairs, skipping two at a time as I climbed up. "Nobody has time for the bullshit I have to put up with." I growled to myself.

As I was on the landing of the second floor, my eyes narrowed when I saw Belial already standing before me. Slowly, he held out his hand.

"There is an easier way, pet." He drawled.

I slowly walked up the last two steps, regarding his pale hand. I frowned. What was he getting at?

"I can take you there with less effort on your part," he explained.

"Oh yeah, just because you want me in top form?" I snorted. "You're so full of shit. You and I both know you can't wait until I draw my last breath –"

He grappled my arm and jerked me into his chest. I landed against him hard, sucking in a sharp breath of pain and surprise. I looked up at him, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck bristle. He wrapped his arm tightly around my waist, and the air was suddenly knocked out of my lungs.

I'd only experienced this type of 'knock-off-your-rocker' kind of disorientation before, and that was when a certain glittery vampire decided my running had been too slow.

Teleporting with Belial was definitely like that, except a lot worse.

My legs felt like jelly as soon as I felt myself stationary, having to slump against a demon to regain my bearings. I would never let myself live this one down.

"You have no idea what I am thinking as I hold you now, child," Belial's low, velvety voice growled in my ear. "Never speak of my emotion as though you know it."

Finally regaining my strength, I shoved against his chest, breaking out of his arms. I snorted, folding my arms across my chest. "Don't talk like you have any, either." I snapped.

Belial glared at me then, but reached out to wrap his finger around a strand of my hair. I tried to pull back, but his inhuman speed had him inches away from me.

"I suppose I am growing sentimental," he admitted, seemingly to himself. "I realize now I will miss this form. Hopefully your soul will not change in death."

My resolve crumbled a little at that. I was dying, and my soul already had a claim on it. "Wouldn't that be a shame?" I said, finding myself sounding a little breathless.

I ducked out of Belial's way, finding myself in a dark corridor, facing another heavy oak door.

"See you on the other side…" I looked over to the corner Belial had pushed me into, only to see that I was alone.

And in the silence, I could hear it.

The shouting.

Clary's voice, pleading, begging for another option. Another way out.

She was going to get one.

I yanked out my twin swords, their light brightening the darkness that surrounded me. Sucking in another breath, I hiked my foot back again, and jutted it forward.

.M.I.W.

BAM!

The door swung open, this time falling pretty much completely off its hinges, and breaking the tension in the room.

Time slowed down.

I felt four pairs of eyes lock on me.

I first saw Jace without his shirt on, holding a struggling Clary against his chest. Her eyes were locked on me, and she looked like she was about to shout something at me. I slowly scanned to my left, seeing an alter set. Bowing over an open glass casket was Simon, his fangs extended against the pale neck of a certain Jonathan Morgenstern.

And hovering over him, was a woman. A woman with long black hair, black eyes, and red lips that turned into an all-too-familiar half-smile. She was dressed like a spy: black slacks and a black pea coat.

Time was put back to a normal speed.

I flipped my swords and walked into the room, feeling my whole body beginning to pulse with my adrenaline. "Lilith!"

"Madi! Stop!" Clary shouted, "She's not a regular de –"

She was constricted by Jace's iron grip.

I didn't turn to look at her. My gaze was only on Lilith. She was scrutinizing me carefully, a sly grin cutting that half-smile. I gritted my teeth, my swords glowing brighter in a challenge.

"Oh, sweet child," Lilith cooed at me. "How I knew you would come to me. I knew you would come home!"

What the fuck?

The Greater Demon moved towards the casket. "Come, my daughter. Look at your brother!"

"Daughter…" I echoed quietly.

Lilith was already at the casket, looking down at a sick-looking Simon in disgust. He didn't have much time to react before Lilith raised her hand in order to strike him –

I unlocked.

"Don't touch him!" I shouted, making Lilith pause long enough for Simon to scramble out of her way. "Now listen here, you twisted bitch. I don't know what game you're playing, but we're going to put a stop to it. Right. Now."

"Oh, of course! You've been left in the dark for such a time, my dear." Lilith said, actually looking remorseful. "I'm so sorry for that."

I chuckled. "Are you now?"

"Of course!" She said, looking shocked at my question. "I have waited to meet you for such a time. It truly is a wonderful thing when a mother and daughter are reunited. Don't you think so?"

That was when all of my thoughts, comebacks, and plans went flying out the window. My body locked up, my mind wiped clear to become an empty canvas. All analytical was gone. The only thing left was raw emotion. Confusion, pure fear, and anger.

Such anger.

It pulled me out of my trance (which had been held for maybe three seconds or so) to me crouching a little in attack, holding out my swords. "I think you're confused," I said slowly. "You're not my mother. My mother lives in Atlanta –"

"And how proud of you she must be!" Lilith mused. "You were her little miracle, after all. Odd, isn't it? That a woman deemed infertile by so many doctors suddenly gives birth to such a beautiful, healthy child?"

Again, I felt my heart drop. Nausea rolled my stomach over. My hands started to shake.

"It would be safe to assume she had… some help, wouldn't it?" Lilith asked.

"She's lying, Madi!" Clary shouted. "She isn't your mother!"

"How would you know?" Lilith snapped at Clary, and I glanced back to see Jace hold her a little tighter.

My head was spinning as the demon walked towards me, pulling something out from behind her back.

"If – If you were my mother," I asked, "where the fuck were you?"

"That is a simple question, child." Lilith said warmly, a cold smile stretching across her features. "I thought you had died. I shouldn't have underestimated you so, though, my dear. Any child of mine is a strong, capable warrior. You were so very different from your mild-mannered family, were you not?"

She held out a large, dark object that glinted out of the corner of my eye. I looked down at it, seeing a huge revolver half the size of my arm held out to me. "What's that?" I asked dumbly.

"A gift, my daughter." Lilith said, reaching out to take one of my hands. I quickly transferred Sandalphon to my left hand, nervously gripping both seraphs in one hand. Her cold, smooth skin brushed against mine, making dread leak into my system. "As insurance to never doubt me again."

I was now holding the pistol in my hands, frowning as I looked at it. It was old, looking like it'd been used in the Civil War era. I brushed my thumb across the handle, feeling a pentagram carved in its side. Something about it felt familiar, but I couldn't place it.

"Madi!"

"Cut it out, Clary," I growled, giving her a pointed look before turning back to the conversation at hand.

"Now I love antique weaponry just as much as the next Civil War reenactor," I said to Lilith, "but I don't understand why you'd give me this. It's junk. Old. Outdated."

"This is no mere trinket, child." Lilith purred, stepping around me. "This is the Colt – a very powerful weapon. It is said to kill anything, even Greater Demons."

More confusion. "Look, I'm not one to judge people's life choices, but I have to ask. Why are you giving me this? Seeing as I'm here to kill you anyway, you kind of speed up the process with this little curveball."

"Oh, my daughter, do not pretend to be so dense, it's unbecoming. This is a sign of trust!" She cried. "With you wielding it at my side, we shall be an unstoppable –"

"I think you shouldn't be counting your eggs so fast," I said, slowly stepping away from her. "You're talking like I'm going to switch sides. As you can see, I'm rather aligned in most of my life choices, and you aren't one of them."

"Oh, but you will be!" Lilith said fervently.

"Glad to see the cockiness is hereditary," I noted, "but I'm not interested in being on any team with you. You understand, right? I just don't work with psychos."

Lilith's eyes narrowed, and I slowly stuck the gun in the hem of my pants, taking Sandalphon back in my right hand.

"Please think this through, my child." Lilith pleaded. "I would hate to have to destroy you so quickly after meeting you."

A cry of pain snapped my mouth shut, and we both whipped around to see Clary slicing Jace's chest. The ugly red Mark now had an equally hideous red gash slashed through it. Clary leapt out of the way, and I found myself grinning as Jace's eyes cleared.

He looked up at me, then Lilith, then grabbed Clary's knife.

"Kill her, Em," Jace commanded, chucking the knife at Lilith's face.

The Greater Demon dodged it narrowly, looking at me in shock.

I twirled my swords, grinning at her expression. "As you can see," I drawled, "I sort of already have a commanding officer."

.M.I.W.