Malec Tales Series 1: The Nephilim and the Warlock- Chapter Eight- Kill The Beasts!
Tessa Pov- "Magnus what's wrong… tell me what happened."
I didn't understand. Alec and Magnus looked so happy when I left them dancing in the ballroom. Now Magnus was sitting on the balcony floor, hugging his knees and hiding his face in them.
He was crying. I could tell by the way his shoulders were shaking. Magnus never let's anyone see him cry. Not even me.
Magnus looked up, trying to sniff away his tears but it didn't help. His eyes were bloodshot, his lip quivering. I don't think I've ever seen him like this before.
Sitting in front of him, I reached out and started rubbing his back. "Calm down and tell me what happened."
"Asmodious showed up today and decided to change the rules of the curse. He cursed Alec as well and said that if he rejected my confession or was still here when the witchlight goes out, then his soul will be taken too. I didn't want to risk it so I set Alec free. I know I'm trading your lives for his but I just couldn't let Alec die if there was still a chance to save him."
"So Alec is leaving? You didn't confess your feelings for him?"
He shook his head no, once again hiding his face in his knees. "If he rejected my confession he would be trapped here. I couldn't risk that possibility."
I nodded in understanding. "Maybe Alec will realize he wants to be with you and he will come back. He has a week to change his mind."
Magnus shook his head no. "Asmodious gave me twenty-four hours to make Alec fall in love with me. There are only twenty hours left. It's over now Tessa. We are all going to die and it's going to be my fault. I'm so sorry."
The shock of the time cut subsided as I watched Magnus put his face in his hands and wail loudly. He was eating himself up inside because he couldn't save us. It doesn't help that he's heartbroken over Alec leaving.
Shushing him softly I pulled him close and wrapped my arms tightly around him.
"It will be okay Magnus. Everything… everything will be alright."
He cried harder, now hiding his face in the crook of my neck. It wasn't going to be alright. We were all going to die and there was nothing any of us could do about it.
Still, I held Magnus tight and supported him while he cried. Just like he has done for me so many times.
Alec Pov- I sat on my bed looking over the room that was supposed to be my prison, one more time.
Magnus set me free. He told me I could go home to my family. What spired his change of heart all of a sudden?
We were having so much fun dancing and joking together. It was the most fun I have ever had in my life and it made me forget everything about the outside world.
The thought of that scared me a bit. How could I so easily forget about Isabelle and Jace? How could I even think for a moment that being here was better than being home?
It was a shocking thought that crossed my mind as Magnus and I danced together. While looking in his eyes I thought how wonderful it would be to stay like this forever.
No Shadowhunter duties, no becoming Inquisitor, no chasing after Isabelle and Jace to keep them out of trouble. Just Magnus and I together in a moment of pure perfection.
"I'm such a fool" I sighed, glancing over at the journal sitting on my bed. I still haven't figured out all the secrets of this journal. Worst of all, it's become clear that the Clave is hiding something. My father is hiding something from me.
Magnus says that it's impossible that the Clave doesn't know about Downworlders. Nephilim never skip the chance to brag about winning so why did they keep the war under wraps?
I remember the voice that appeared in my dream while Catarina was healing me. It told me that I needed to get up and fight. That another war was coming and I needed to learn from my kinds past mistakes.
How could another war be coming? Besides the Clave, no one else knows about them.
"Enough thinking about this. I need to get home" I sighed, standing up again.
Mom and Dad must be wondering where the heck I've been. Maybe Jace and Isabelle tried to tell them but knowing my parents they wouldn't believe it. At least, dad would pretend not to believe it.
I packed the journal and a few other books, hoping Magnus wouldn't mind me taking them. He gave me a whole library so I'm sure taking a few of those books wouldn't be a problem.
Once I had my weapons and books packed, I took a deep breath and left the room. As I walked down the hallway, a tightening feeling twisted in my gut. Why was I feeling this way? I can finally go home, so why?
Everyone was gathered by the front door, all wearing somber faces. All but Raphael, Ragnor and Simon. Ragnor's face was void of any emotion. Raphael looked angry while Simon just seemed upset and if I didn't know any better… scared.
He looked at me frowning before turning away and hugging Raphael, hiding his face in his neck. To my surprise Raphael wrapped his arms back around Simon and ran one hand through his hair in a soothing manner.
Something tells me Simon being upset is more than just me leaving the castle.
"Do you have everything you need" Magnus's voice came from the stairs.
I turned around to look at him and frowned seeing his face. It was completely blank of any emotion, just like when we first met.
Seeing that face felt wrong. I wanted to drop my things, run to him, and cup his face in my hands; begging him to smile at me.
Magnus's smile could light up the whole world. It's so vibrant and beautiful. A part of me knew that getting a smile from Magnus was something I shouldn't take for granted. He was so broken and it was such a rare thing.
"Yeah… I took a few books. I hope you don't mind. If you do then I will give them back but I figured since I can't use the library anymore…"
I just closed my mouth, having no idea why I was rambling on.
Magnus shook his head. "It's alright Alec. If I could I would let you take the whole library with you. Maybe you can come get a little at a time to take home."
I nodded at that. "I mostly want to come see you."
That made Magnus smile but it was sad. Why was the idea of him being sad making my insides turn? It felt like I had a knife in my gut and it was twisting with every second I stood here.
"I have a request in exchange for your freedom Alec."
This confused me. "What is it?"
His smile got even sadder if that was even possible. "I want you to live life the way you want to live it. Don't listen to your father and don't stay in one place. Travel the world and see as much as you can. See it all for me okay?"
I just nodded, not having the words to answer him properly.
Tessa walked down the stairs but Magnus didn't budge. He stayed where he stood, now wearing that blank expression again.
Tessa wrapped her arms around my neck, standing on her tip toes so she could hug me properly. "It was an honor getting to know you Alec. Thanks for telling me that the Herondale bloodline isn't dead. I never knew if my children were killed after the war."
I hugged her tight. "Thanks for helping me with the journal" I whispered in her ear.
She held me tighter before letting me go and wiping away a tear. I smiled at her before looking at everyone else. "I'll see you all soon."
Raphael rolled his eyes, no longer holding Simon. Now he just had his arm around his waist. "Not likely" he seethed coldly.
I frowned at him confused but Magnus didn't give me time to ask.
"You should head out Alec. It's almost dark and the demons will come out once the sun is completely down. You don't have a big window of time."
He was right. We had a pretty early dinner that started around six. Now It was seven and the sun was almost gone, making it twilight.
I nodded putting my bag over my shoulder and pulling out a seraph blade just incase. "I'll see you all soon," I said again; not really sure why I felt the need to stress it. Maybe it's what Raphael said.
Taking a calming breath, I turned away from everyone and went to the big double doors, pushing them open and walking outside.
I was so ready to leave this place yesterday. Hell, I left this place terrified that I was about to be killed. It's hard to believe what a day can do.
In just one day Magnus and I bonded. We read books, he gave me a fucking library for angels sakes, we played in the snow and shared a great dinner together.
How can I go from hating someone with everything I have, to not wanting to ever leave them again?
Well, I guess I never really hated Magnus. Hate isn't the word at all. I was frustrated with him that's for sure. He locked up the two people I love above all else and then he didn't let me say goodbye when I took their place. He wouldn't let me eat dinner and almost burned me to a crisp for touching his stuff.
He was a complete asshole who never gave me the benefit of the doubt because I was a Shadowhunter and he didn't trust me as far as he could throw me.
Even so, on the rare occasion that he smiled, it made me feel good that I could make it happen. When he laughed, his face lit up and I got little butterflies in my chest and stomach.
When he did talk about the war, the sadness in his eyes made me want to pull him close and hold him until he felt better, if he ever could feel better.
What kind of feelings are these?
I stopped outside of the castle, looking at the now closed doors one more time.
"Don't look back Alec. Your family needs you. You'll see Magnus again soon."
I tried to convince myself, but that feeling of dread wouldn't go away. Especially when it came to seeing Magnus again. Every time I thought that, the dread got worse.
Even so, I turned back around and kept walking, leaving thoughts of Magnus and Downworlders behind for now.
The shocked look of Isabelle and Jace's faces when I walked in the door was priceless. There eyes were practically popping out and mouths wide open.
"Aren't you two supposed to be in New York for a mission" I scolded, feeling good about being able to play the big brother role once again.
Tears came to Isabelle's eyes as she threw herself at me, hugging me tightly and crying into the coat Magnus gave me.
"How could we stay in New York when you were trapped with a monster? Why would you give yourself up like that Alec? Just because you don't think you're needed here doesn't make it true!"
"It was between the two of you and myself. The world needs the two of you way more then it will ever need me. It was a sacrifice I would make a hundred times over. Also, that 'monsters' name is Magnus and he's nothing of the sort."
Jace and Isabelle both looked shocked by that last comment.
"You're kidding right," Jace asked raising an eyebrow. "The guy threw me in the air, locked us up, and then threw us in a portal without giving us the chance to talk you out of your foolish choice to give yourself up. His eyes were hard and lifeless. Everything about him screamed monster."
I sighed knowing nothing I say will get through to these two. They wouldn't understand that Magnus was torn apart by war and had all the trust ripped out of him. They wouldn't see a man who does everything in his power to please everyone around him. To protect everything around him because it's all he has.
I understand. The lengths you go to, to protect the ones you love. The feeling of being around a group of people yet still feeling so alone. Everyone around you looking down on you, expecting something out of you that you can't or don't want to give them. I understand Magnus all too well.
"Alexander! Where in the angels name have you been" my father yelled walking in the living room. I looked over at him frowning, wondering what I should say.
It seems I didn't need to say anything. Jace was already on it.
"He got out of that warlocks clutches no thanks to you!"
Father sighed, shaking his head. "You got your Parabatai and sister playing your Downworlder games now Alec. I'm not too happy about it. The fact that you are here though means you've given up on this game and are ready to be serious, I hope."
I just stared at him, not going to argue with him. I would definitely have a talk with him tomorrow but I was too tired to hash it all out tonight.
"I'm going to bed. Please no one disturb me" I sighed, turning away and going to my room. Once there, I locked the door and changed into pajama pants and a old T-shirt. The thought that Magnus would complain about how awful it looked made me smile a bit.
Every little thing was making me think of Magnus and it was crazy. We had one good day together. One day! The rest were just us picking fights with one another. How can just one day change how I feel about someone?
How do I feel about Magnus?
I closed my eyes tight, not wanting to think about that. It doesn't matter how I may have felt about Magnus. I'm a Shadowhunter and have my own duties to uphold and life to live.
Live life the way you want to live it. Don't listen to your father and don't stay in one place. Travel the world and see as much as you can. See it all for me okay?
Magnus's words made me open my eyes again. See the world? How amazing would that be to go do the things I have always wanted to do. Being locked away in that castle taught me that life is short. You never know what's going to happen. I need to stop wasting my life away trying to please everyone else. Tomorrow I tell my father that I'm leaving Idris.
With that thought in mind, I once again closed my eyes and this time drifted off to sleep.
I stood on top of the Eiffel Tower taking in the amazing view of Paris. Paris was the first place on my traveling bucket list and everything about it was as perfect as I imagined it would be.
"Have you ever seen anything so amazing?"
Strong arms wrapped around my waist and I leaned into warmth as a chin fell on top of my shoulder. Magnus smiled looking over everything, taking it all in.
"It's changed a lot since I last visited but it's all still beautiful."
I nodded leaning into him some more making him turn his head and kiss my temple. I laughed, turning to look in his eyes happily.
"I'm so glad I got to see this with you."
He smiled back at me, looking back in my eyes. "So am I. This wouldn't be as amazing without you."
He leaned in closer and I closed my eyes leaning in to give him a kiss. My heart raced at the thought of it but after a few minutes, the excitement fell. My lips were met with empty space.
When I opened my eyes Magnus was gone. I looked around but he was nowhere to be seen.
"Magnus? Magnus, where did you go?"
The sound of chilling laughter filled he air and I looked up seeing a man standing on top of the Eiffel Tower. He was terrifying with pale skin pulled over bony cheeks, catlike eyes, and a barbwire crown around his head.
A body laid limp in his arms. It took me a moment to realize it was Magnus. My eyes widened in horror as he grabbed him by the arm and dangled him off the side of the tower.
"No don't! Stop" I yelled, not knowing what to do. This demon was obviously high level and I didn't have any weapons. Why didn't I bring any weapons?!
The demon snickered before saying "oops" and letting Magnus go. He fell fast and I gasped running to be under him to catch him. I reached up my arms and the moment Magnus landed in them, he turned into dust.
The dust sunk to the ground and I fell with it onto my knees.
What the hell just happened?!
"It's too late to save him Shadowhunter! He's already dead" the demon yelled before vanishing, his laugh echoing in the air.
I stared up at the empty sky before looking back down at the dust scattered on the ground. This dust was Magnus? No it couldn't be Magnus. That would mean he was really dead. It would mean that I would never be able to see his smiling face again.
"No. Magnus no" I cried, clenching the dust in my hands. This couldn't be happening. We were so happy a second ago. We were together and happy like we were meant to be, so why did this have to happen?
"Magnus… please don't go. I love…"
My eyes shot open, cold sweat dripping down my face. I shook with chills as I sat up in bed, staring off into space.
What was that dream and more importantly… what was I about to say?
I love.
Those words hung in the air as I remembered the dream. Who was that man and why did he do that to Magnus? Was this dream like the last one? Was it trying to tell me something?
I love…
What did that mean? What was I starting to say?
Shaking my head, I grabbed my witchlight and lit it up. There's no way I can go to sleep after having a dream like that.
Grabbing my bag, I pulled out all the books I brought with me, including the journal. I set the other books aside and put the journal on my lap, running my fingers against the smooth leather cover.
The Clave was hiding so many secrets and I was the only person who knew anything about it. It's not like I can go to anyone for help with this. It's not like they would ever believe me. Isabelle and Jace might but there isn't much just the three of us can do.
"What would you do," I asked, looking down at the journal again. What would M.B do in this kind of situation? Who even was M.B anyway?
Tessa made it sound like he died in war but she was also so cryptic about it. I don't understand what she was trying to tell me.
Still wondering what the mysterious author would do, I opened the journal and read a passage in hope for some inspiration on what to do next.
January, 29th, 1816
Today Tessa used her power to change into another, to get us into the Nephilim archives. I used a glamour to get in undetected, but I needed her angel blood to be able to open the doors.
The plan originally was to have Will and James sneak in and get the inside dirt for us but sadly my only Nephilim allies have fallen. James told me to give up and save the rest of my kind and I plan too.
I have a castle conjured up in the middle of the woods completely glamoured away from the Nephilims eye. It's our last stitch effort to stay alive but I couldn't retreat without trying one more time to win.
I thought that if I got the Nephilim's secrets, it would somehow give us a fighting chance.
Ragnor told me it would be pointless and for once in my long life, I think I should have listened to him. There was nothing on the Clave or weaknesses they may have. The most I found was their Mortal Sword but even that was guarded by angelic runes.
What we did find was a ton of information on us. They knew every weakness possible for every type of Downworlder. Even for warlocks and only a hand full of people knew how to weaken us.
Either there was a rat among us or they got the help of a Greater Demon. Nephilim were all about their all powerful angel, so the thought of them turning to a demon for help seems almost unthinkable.
Almost.
Nothing is impossible. If there were a group of Shadowhunters that wanted us gone desperately enough to call upon a demon, I wouldn't doubt that they would do it.
The real question is how? It would have had to be a really powerful demon. A creature with the same level of powers as one of the kings of hell.
The Nephilim couldn't possibly have the guts or power to do that… right?
I don't know what to believe anymore. All I know is that my last effort to win this war has failed.
I have failed.
What is the point in trying anymore? What's the point in anything? Tessa keep's telling me that I did everything I could and everyone is grateful for my effort.
What is there to be grateful about? They lost all their friends, family, and loved ones.
Raphael was so distraught over losing all his clan that he turned a mundane. A young man named Simon Lewis. He's at the castle now but I don't know how to help him and neither does Raphael. He was the youngest in his clan, he doesn't know how to help new fledglings.
Everything is falling apart and Tessa keep's telling me to just be happy that I'm still alive.
How can I be alive when I don't have a life to live?
It's all too late.
I have to write a letter of surrender after I finish writing this. It's all over once that letter is sent. A treaty will be formed and the Shadowhunters will be the ones who decide what goes in it.
The only demands I plan to make are that the rest of our kind be left alone. Let's hope they have enough respect to let us have at least that.
This may be the last time I write in here. I'm ready for this war to be over and this journal just feels like a horrible reminder of it.
I once again find myself wondering if anyone will ever read this. Will there be someone out there who remembers me?
I can only dream.
January, 29th, 1816 – Magnus Bane.
I turned to the next page, and then the next. Sure enough, the rest of the journal was completely blank.
"He really didn't write anymore?"
Turning back to the last entry, I skimmed through his words again. My eyes stopped on the words 'will there be someone out there who remembers me?'
I bit my lip staring at the page for a moment before turning the next page and grabbing my pen off my bedside table.
The tip of the pen glided across the page in the neatest writing I could manage. I looked over the words feeling kind of stupid for writing them. It's not like they can mean anything to him now.
I'll remember you.
The words were in big cursive letters in the middle of the page.
"I wish it would have helped him some how" I sighed before closing the book and standing up.
The moment I was on my feet, something clicked in my brain, the shock of it making me sit back down on the bed.
I grabbed the journal again reading and rereading the final entry over and over again. Certain words stuck out to me.
'James told me to run and save my people.'
'I made a castle in the middle of the woods.'
'Raphael turned a mundane named Simon.'
I turn back to past entries, skimming through them and sure enough, Ragnor and Catarina were also mentioned. How had I not noticed that before?
One more name stuck out to me in the final entry. I didn't notice it when I first read it but now I don't know how I missed it.
The journal didn't end with the usual M.B. Now there was a name. That name was Magnus Bane.
Magnus Bane?
Magnus?
The journal fell from my hands making it fall to the floor with a slight thump.
M.B was Magnus. Magnus was the author of the journal this entire time? I was going in circles trying to figure out who wrote it and he was right in front of me the entire time?
Tessa lied to me. She told me that the author of the journal had died. Well, she told me that the war had killed him. I assumed that meant he died.
Magnus is nothing like the man who wrote these entries. M.B was such a sweet guy and was so full of Hope for a future and love.
Could that really have been Magnus? Could the war really have changed him that much?
"I need to talk to him about this. There are so many questions I need answers to."
Even saying that, I felt hesitant on going back so soon. Magnus seemed upset by my leaving. He was cold and stoic toward me but his eyes said it all. He didn't want me to go.
"Maybe that is just my wishful thinking. Why would Magnus want me to stay?"
Sighing, I laid down on the bed throwing my arm over my eyes.
"This is all so confusing."
The sound of a bedroom door opening and closing took me out of my hectic thoughts. The noise was too far to be one of my siblings. It had to be one of my parents.
As silently as possible I got up and peeked out of my door, looking down the hall to see what was up. My father was dressed in gear and glanced around before heading down the stairs.
Where would he be going this late that makes him have to be dressed in gear?
Deciding that this couldn't be ignored, I silently slip out of my room and follow him. As he makes his way outside I have to fall to the ground a few times to avoid being seen. It seems to work because he doesn't stop walking to make sure he isn't being followed.
He finally stops in the middle of the woods where four other Shadowhunters we're there waiting. I recognized them as members of the council and close friends of my father. Jace's dad Stephen Herondale, Hodge starkweather, and Valentine Morgenstern.
Valentine lived in New York and barely ever came to Idris. Him being here was unnatural.
"I got word that your son has returned. Do you think he actually came across the castle," Hodge asked crossing his arms, looking at my father.
"I'm certain that he met the Downworlders. It's inconvenient since he already had his nose poking around in Downworlder books."
I frowned leaning against a tree and holding my breath. They were talking about the Downworlders. They were talking about me!
"Should we call him to make sure our plans aren't in danger" Stephen Herondale asked, confusing me.
What was he talking about? What plans?
My father nodded taking a bag off of his shoulder and starting to pull out some things. Leaning forward, I squinted my eyes trying to see what it was.
There were candles and a jar of some kind of ash looking substance. Usually that stuff is only needed to… to summon demons.
The only way Nephilim could know our secrets is if we have a rat among us, or if they called upon a Greater Demon.
That's what Magnus said in his journal. Could they have really gone against the rules of the angel and summoned a demon?
That's what appears to be happening right now. They set up the candles before scattering the ash around until it made a circle with a star in the middle.
The Nephilim all stood around the circle, joining hands and chanting some nonsense in another language that I didn't know.
The wind picked up fast as their chanting got louder and then stopped all together as smoke rose up in the middle of the circle.
I leaned in more trying to get a better look. A loud gasp passed my lips and I had to quickly cover my mouth and press my back against the tree to keep hidden.
The demon standing in the middle of the circle was the same one from my dream. There was no mistaking that white hair, pale skin and cat-like eyes.
All the Nephilim knelt down on one knee, bowing to the demon making him smirk at them.
"I'm shocked that you called me here. Didn't think you would have the balls to do it twice."
Valentine was the first one to look up at the demon. "Asmodeous, we demand answers. You told our ancestors that you were going to finish off the remaining Downworlders yet they are still alive. What have you been doing the last hundred years?"
The demon, Asmodeous, rolled his eyes at them. "Where is the fun in simply killing the Downworlders? Messing with them is a lot more entertaining."
"even so, you can't just leave them alive. Who knows what danger they will put our people in. We need to be protected from their heathen ways."
Asmodeous rolled his eyes again, a habit I take is one he won't be shaking any time soon.
"The curse I set on them is taking it's affect. They all only have ten hours left to live. As we speak their power becomes weaker. They wouldn't be able to harm anyone."
I covered my mouth, hiding the gasp trying to force it's way passed my lips. What was he talking about? He couldn't possibly be talking about Magnus and the others. They were going to die? That can't be true!
"You're saying that if we wanted, we could attack the remaining Downworlders and they wouldn't be able to fight against us," my father asked.
Asmodious nodded. "I don't see the point in it but yes, you would win the battle if that were to happen. They will be dead soon though."
Valentine stood up smirking down at the others. "Don't you all see? This could be our chance to get rid of the Downworlders once and for all. Why wait for a demon to kill them when we can use our own power to kill them ourselves? There's no one able to stop us."
"I wouldn't say that" Asmodious chided, looking over his nails carelessly. The others looked at him confused.
"Are you saying you would try to stop us" Hodge asked, glaring at the demon.
"Oh hell no. I would never get in the way of something like that. There is one who can stop you though. That person so happens to be ease dropping behind that tree."
I froze hearing him say that. I'm the person behind the tree.
I went to get out of there but it was too late. My arm was grabbed and I was torn away from the tree and thrown to the ground in front of the circle.
"Alexander" my father asked making me look up at him. All the Nephilim we're now standing up and watching me, including Asmodious, who was smirking evilly at me.
Glaring up at them, I got back on my feet, brushing myself off. "What is all of this? How could you call upon a demon? What did you have him do?"
Valentine looked at my father, completely ignoring me. "He knows too much Robert. We have to shut him up."
"What are you going to do, have your demon friend kill me just like he plans to kill the Downworlders?"
"Believe me child, the Downworlders will be dead long before the demon gets ahold of them. We plan on killing them with our own hands. Finish them off ourselves like our ancestors should have done centuries ago" Valentine growled.
"Finish them off after getting a demon to weaken them. That's cowardly if you ask me. That demon said that I'm the only one who can save the Downworlders. I don't know how, but you can bet that I'm going to try."
My father frowned at this. "You would defend those creatures over your own blood? Alec those demons have brainwashed you. We don't need their kind in this world."
I shook my head. "They were never a risk to us or mundanes. All they wanted was to be treated equal to us. What was so wrong about that? If you think I will just sit by and let innocent people be killed, then you don't really know me at all dad. Magnus has fought hard to save his people. I won't let that all be in vain."
My father stared at me for a long silent minute. Everything around us was dead quiet as we stare at each other. Finally, my father snapped his fingers, and the sound of it seemed to echo through out the woods.
The next thing I know, I'm on the ground, everything around me blurring and going black.
"Let's get ready for the fight. We have ten hours until the curse takes full effect. I want to kill these beasts before the demon does."
I tried to lift up my head to object. I wanted to scream that they were not going to lay a finger on those people. The words wouldn't come out though. No matter how much I opened my mouth, nothing could be heard.
"Lock him up," Valentine's voice broke through my haze. "I don't want him getting in our way."
I couldn't even feel the hands grabbing me and pulling me off the ground. Everything just went black and quiet. Only one thing left on my mind.
Magnus.
A/N: Sorry this took so long guys. I'll be honest, the reason I took so long to write this is because i wasn't very proud of my last update of It's Still Complicated. I will go more in detail when I update that story but long story short, i second guessed myself and anxiety took over.
I got over it though (for now) and I'm hoping to update a lot faster. The next chapter might be the last of this story. Either that or the one after.
Then the Mulan AU begins!