The Art of Survival

Chapter 4: Farewell

The sound of wood striking wood echoes loudly in the early morning quiet. The force of Izzy's blow reverberates up Alec's arms and he grunts with the effort of deflecting the strike. He throws the attack out wide and takes a step back, moves outside of her striking range and resets his center of balance.

Just a few weeks ago this sparring session would have been a cake walk. Now though, he can feel the way his movements falter, the lag between reaction times. He's worked his whole life to hone his abilities to dagger sharpness and every fraction of a second response delay is a vicious reminder of just how close he came to dying. He feels the strain of recently healed injuries with every strike and parry. His body aches, muscles burning from exertion as he forces them to relearn movements that should be second nature.

He supposes it's a grounding sort of pain though, nothing like the agony he'd woken to after plummeting to what he was certain was going to be his death. This pain tells him that he's healing. It helps him center his focus, helps him keep track of areas he knows are weakest, pushes him to rebuild lost strength and endurance. That he has full range of motion at all is still something of a miracle. He's honestly just grateful to be alive.

Alec is a soldier first and foremost, has lived his life by the expression 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger'. This is no different. He'll tackle this like he does everything else, with stubborn determination and a scowl. The sooner he can get his body to obey the sooner they can leave in search of answers, find a way to get home to the people they left behind.

Alec ducks as his sister lunges at him again. He falls into a crouch, hooks a foot around her ankle and yanks. The maneuver is less graceful than he would like but still achieves its desired effect.

Izzy hits the ground with a loud, satisfying 'oof'.

She rolls quickly to the side, springs back to her feet seconds before Alec's staff impacts the sand where she'd landed. It throws up little plumes of ochre dusts.

Better. Alec thinks. It's the first time he's taken her feet out from under her since they started these sparing sessions.

Panting from exertion, they circle each other slowly, assessing for any possible openings.

"You sure you're good Hermano?"

He nods, expression carefully neutral. He is sore but that's never stopped him before. He's not going to injure himself, knows better than to push himself too far. He's aware of his limits and just how far past them he can go before he does more harm than good. He needs to be back in fighting form as soon as possible though. Knows it only a matter of time before their reprieve in this peaceful village comes to an end. "Yeah. Let's go again."

Isabelle flashes him a sharp grin, strikes out once more, pushes his defense hard. She forces him back several paces. He scowls when he realizes his heels are just inches from the crude practice circle they've drawn. It's the third time this morning.

The goal of today's sparring session is to knock one another out of the ring and Alec is frustrated by how many times Izzy's nearly sent him sprawling across the line. He knows, logically, that his injuries were more extensive than hers, that his healing process is going to take longer. He knows he's not at his best. He also knows that Izzy is a force to be reckoned with, she's handed him his ass plenty of times in training before this. Still, the number of times she's done it today rankles.

Alec sets his jaw and blocks another series of blows, determined to get in a few god hits before the temperature forces them back indoors.

Gehenna has no real night cycle. It's always oppressively hot. Especially during mid-day when both suns beat down from their apex, casting shimmering heatwaves across the sand. Alec and Izzy had quickly given up trying to wear what was left of their reinforced gear, instead opting for the donated clothing the village had scraped together for them. But even with the lighter clothing they still find themselves hiding indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

Despite the early hour the heat is already stifling. Alec can feel rivulets of sweat trailing down between his shoulder blades. It soaks into the waistband of the gauzy, tapered pants he's wearing, makes the light material cling to him like an uncomfortable second skin. He abandoned the sleeveless tunic of the same material almost as soon as they'd started their sparring session. It doesn't help with the heat but at least there's less fabric to stick to him this way.

Izzy had groused about how unfair it was she couldn't do the same. He'd threatened to leave when she jokingly told him it wouldn't matter because 'Gehenna doesn't have laws against indecent exposure big brother'. In the end she'd managed to knot her flowing tunic into a reasonable crop top that wouldn't tangle around her thighs and hamper her movements. Alec finds himself wishing she'd left it lose. Maybe it would give him the edge he needs.

He's quick to abandon the thought though. Fighting an opponent with a handicap isn't going to do him any favors. Besides, his sister can fight in six in heels and bodycon—he thinks that's what they're called—dresses, he doubts some flowy fabric is really going to hinder her abilities.

Alec grunts again as Izzy dodges his attack. He puts too much weight behind it, overbalances, his own momentum works against him and he knows he just handed her the win. When Izzy brings her staff back in a low sweeping counterstrike he's too slow to avoid it. He can't rebalance before the hit connects. The wood catches his calves and sends him sprawling backwards with an indignant squawk. He sighs, throws both hands up in defeat. It's starting to get too hot to continue anyway.

"You win, I quit." He mutters grouchily. "At least tell me you didn't go easy on me this time."

Isabelle scoffs, extends a hand to help him up. "Of course not. That would defeat the purpose of these exercises." She replies breezily. She's grinning far more cheerfully than Alec thinks the situation warrants.

They pause to say a quick goodbye to the small crowd of children who have gathered to watch them train before making their way back towards Merek's home.

Not for the first time Alec thinks the situation they've found themselves in is startlingly surreal. Kala, Merek and the other villagers of Jurak look like the demons that have been pouring through the rifts to earth, yet they have been nothing but hospitable and friendly towards the stranded shadowhunters. Many of them have welcomed the Nephilim without a shred of hesitation, excited to ask them questions and learn more about where they come from. The children are exceptionally curious. They've taken to following them around any time they venture outside to spar or lend help around the village.

They're like starstruck recruits, vying for attention and constantly trying to one-up each other in the hopes of impressing them. It's admittedly rather cute and Alec finds himself growing attached to the people here. He's not sure what he's going to do when he returns home and has to face their kin at the end of a blade.

In their short time here, they've also learned a lot about how Gehenna functions. The villagers have been eager to exchange information, to teach them.

The Outer Towns, like Jurak—villages and settlements that dot the open expanse of land on the outskirts of the Putrid Wastes—survive through a bartering system set up between their towns. Few dare make the treacherous journey across the desolate desert and those that do very rarely return. Trading with each other for goods and services their own towns can't produce or procure is the best solution.

Merek and Kala are two of a scant few Outer Town dwellers that have access to magic, which makes Jurak a central hub for commerce and provides the town with the first pick of goods in exchange for their services. Logistically speaking, Alec has to admit that it's a very efficient system. It also fosters feelings of camaraderie and loyalty between settlements that are otherwise segregated by hours, sometimes days, of travel time between them.

He wonders often what would cause such a seemingly peaceful people to pour through the rifts the way they have. Every time he tries to ask though the question is met with fear and unease. He's concluded that it has something to do with the greater demon who rules the realm. He's stopped pressing for answers. He doesn't want to make their hosts uncomfortable or bring trouble their way.

While the Outer Towns seem to be mostly left alone by the Prince of Hell it's clear that his influence is still felt even way out here. Just because he doesn't bother with them often doesn't mean he's blind to what goes on. Doesn't mean he won't rain his wrath down upon them for any perceived slight or provocation.

Alec is honestly surprised they've gone this long without running into trouble.

He and Izzy have agreed to go to Aurum to look for answers once they've both fully recovered from their injuries. It's going to have to be enough for now.

OXOXOXOXO

Alec groans, sinks down onto his cot, a bone-deep ache washing through him. It saps the last of his waning energy.

The room he and Izzy have been given is cramped, though not uncomfortably so. Flat walls are carved from the same dull yellow-brown stone as the rest of the house, modest in its simplicity. It lacks any kind of unnecessary decoration or adornments. There are two tiny windows carved high in parallel walls, gauzy cream colored curtains fluttering in a warm breeze. Bright bars of sunlight spill through to illuminate the little room in tones of pale gold and yellow.

The space is sparsely furnished. Two small beds, a table between them and a sturdy old trunk that holds the siblings' meagre belongings—steles, weapons, a couple changes of clothes the villagers scraped together for them.

It's been just over 2 weeks since Alec woke up to Isabelle telling him about their rescue and the ongoing healing process has been taxing. The deeper wounds are mended, fractured bones and organs knit back together, made whole once more. His wings are, thank the Angel, still functional, but it will take a while for him to regain full aerial mobility. He'll have to rebuild his stamina for flight as well. A rainbow of bruises still mottle his skin, and his sparring sessions with Izzy leave him feeling wrung out and exhausted.

He remembers how helpless he'd felt laying in that bed while they'd applied healing poultices and pushed unfamiliar magic into his bones, trying to repair injuries that should have killed him.

Merek had explained it to him but he still can't wrap his brain around it.

Apparently, his body had started trying to repair itself almost as soon as he'd hit the ground. Or, rather, traces of magic—demonic magic—had pulled him far enough away from the brink of death that the healer had time to find him and bring him to Jurak. It's yet another thing to tuck away for later contemplation because if he thinks about it now the dam is going to break and he's likely to fall apart completely. He's good at compartmentalizing, at locking away the things that he simply can't deal with in order to focus on the things he needs to.

Alec knows he's lucky to be alive, nevermind on his way to a full recovery, but his limited stamina and easy exhaustion make him feel antsy and unsettled. His missing connection with Jace also leaves him feeling restless, bordering on anxious desperation. He anchor is gone. He feels like his soul has been hollowed out, pieces of it scraped away and left to bleed like an open wound. It simultaneous feels exactly like Jace dying and yet nothing like it at all. He knows the bond is still there, the rune still stark black against his skin, but he can't feel it.

And God, Magnus.

He mises Magnus, missed him even before he was dragged into this hell realm. The acute ache of being separated from him settles heavy behind his ribcage. His heart clenches painfully at the thought of his husband waking up to find him missing and untraceable. Magnus has lost so many people in his life and Alec can't be another one of them. He made a promise to the warlock, to stand by his side, always, and he can't break it. He didn't fight his way through bigoted Clave members, a genocidal madman and three greater demons to lose Magnus now. He will find a way home. He has to. There simply isn't another option.

The worst of it, though, is when Alec tries to sleep. He's plagued by nightmares. In some it's getting home to find everyone he loves dead and gone. In others he and Izzy never make it home, they die here before anyone can find them, their loved ones left to mourn, never knowing what happened to them. One particularly vivid nightmare involved being caught by the horrible creatures in the Putrid Wastes and being turning into one of the undead monstrosities, cursed to forever roam Gehenna as a mindless beast. A sick twisted parody of the immortality he's been secretly searching for.

Alec swallows thickly, scrapes sweaty hair back from his face in a gesture of frustration and pinches the bridge of his nose. He clenches his free hand—fingernails carving bloody crescents into his palm—as feelings of uselessness well up inside him. He's going to suffocate under it if they can't find answers soon.

He feels stretched thin and unbalanced, like he has a live current running through him despite his fatigue. The contradictory sensations make him want to crawl out of his own skin. He needs to do something.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Izzy's voice breaks him out of his spiral. Her expression is soft and worried.

Alec catches the way she fidgets with her bracelet, the cool metal snake glinting sharply in the sunlight streaming into their room. It's a nervous tell that she's never quite been able to kick and Alec suddenly feels guilty for worrying her on top of everything else. He shakes his head and sighs. Forces his hand to uncurl, laces his fingers together in his lap. "I just…" He worries his lower lip between his teeth, searches for a way to describe how he feels. Izzy is counting on him to help her figure out a way out of this, how is he supposed to tell her that he feels one misstep away from shattering apart at the seams?

"I know." Her dark eyes are sad as she studies an empty spot on the ceiling, features pinched from her own feelings of frustration and restlessness.

I guess I don't have to explain it. He thinks a bit sardonically. They both miss their family fiercely and he knows that Izzy is as good at waiting around as he is. That is to say, not at all. Being stuck here with nothing to do but train and perform menial tasks around the village is getting to them both.

Their quiet conversation is interrupted by the sudden sound of a commotion near the center of town. Alec can hear a low rumble of voices, shouting, the cry of a frightened child.

Izzy is already up and reaching for her stele.

Alec's body throbs in protests as he drags himself to his feet after her, snatches his weapons from the storage trunk and makes for the town square at a jog.

As they draw closer he can hear more raised voices and smell the barest hints of the sickly sulfur stench he recognizes from the demon that had dragged them through the rift. It makes him shudder involuntarily. He quickens his pace but comes up short at the scene unfolding before him.

The townspeople are huddled together near the town square, having poured from their homes to confront a rather scraggly looking woman dressed in fine clothes. The vibrantly colored silks look out of place on her pallid gray body and make her appear even more gaunt and pale. But what draws the shadowhunter's attention are the four large white demons that flank her.

They appear non-threatening, for all that a creature like that can, simply hovering there and waiting patiently for orders. The sight of them makes Alec's skin crawl and his mouth go dry. He tightens his grip on his bow.

He assaulted again by the memory of being trapped by the creature's terrifying strength, held immobile as he was stolen from his home and then dropped to what had almost been his death. He remembers watching Izzy plumet, unconscious, through the sky and the intense feeling of panic that had gripped him in his mad dash to catch her.

Alec claws his way free of the immobilizing memories, refocuses on the crowd and the demon who has started speaking.

"I am here on behalf of our king," the woman proclaims, her tone haughty. Her beady eyes rake over the gathered crowd with disgust. It's clear she thinks very little of the people here and has no interest in hiding it.

There's a murmur from the villagers before one of the children pushes their way out in front of the tightly pressed group of adults. Alec recognizes her as little Ehrana, a girl that has taken a particular liking to Izzy. She likes to pick flowers for his sister any time she goes out to collect herbs with her mother. She's a fierce little thing, he's not surprised she gravitates towards Isabelle. They both have a determined fire inside them.

"Why?"

"Ehrana, get back here!" The child's mother yanks her back swiftly, presses her daughter behind her once more.

The demon smirks cruelly, a flash of sharp white teeth. "Because he wants the Nephilim that you have been protecting. I have been instructed to deliver them. Anyone who thinks to hide or shelter them will be given to the Eblis for punishment, followed by conscription," she says, waving her hands out in a sweeping gesture towards the deceptively docile demons at her sides. She's gleeful in her proclamation, like she's taking joy in bringing fear and unrest to this small, peaceful town.

Alec can't suppress the feeling of protectiveness that wells up inside him. These people have come to mean something to him and he's not going to let his presence here be the reason they face a greater demon's wrath. Before he can speak up Merek strides to the front of the crowd, draws up to his full height and effectively pulls the attention of the king's messenger to himself.

The square grows quiet as everyone holds their breath in anticipation. The mention of Gehenna's ruler sends an obvious ripple of fear through the town. These people are not fighters. They are crafter, scavengers, healers, but not fighters. They've never faced anything more deadly than the little dear-like creatures they hunt for food. Attempting to fend off the Eblis demons will result in slaughter, even with Alec and Izzy helping. They might be able to take one down on their own, but that would leave the other three free to decimate the down.

"What is the meaning of this Sahasha?" Merek's voice is strong when he speaks but Alec doesn't miss the way his hands shake where they're clenched behind his back.

Sahasha sneers at the healer. It's impossible to miss the history between them, the hatred she directs his way. "As I said, I'm here on behalf of our king. You know better that to question his decree. Where are they?"

Merek shakes his head sadly. Alec hopes he isn't going to try lying to her on their behalf.

"Why would you do this Sahasha? Why would you betray us like this?"

"Me? Betray you?!" She shrieks angrily, takes a threatening step forward. Beside her the Eblis demons flutter their many tentacles in response to her anger. "You betrayed me first! This whole retched town did!"

Another murmur ripples through the crowd, expressions of confusion paint the townspeople's faces as they glance to each other questioningly.

Merek takes an unconscious step back at the vehemence of Sahasha's words, clearly startled by her open hostility. "What are you talking about child? Kala and I did everything we could to save your mother, you know that. We gave you food and shelter after your father was killed. We gave you tasks and responsibilities just like every other person here. We never treated you any differently."

Sahasha scoffs, her voice cold. She seems emboldened by his confusion. "You treated me like a servant! You made me do the things nobody else wanted! Don't think I don't know what you all think of me. The things you whisper when I'm not around!" As her voice grows in volume the Eblis grow in agitation. They sway side to side, their chittering noises making the hair on the back of Alec's neck stand on end. He tenses, shifts his center, falls into a fighting stance. He draws and arrow, ready to fire should the need arise.

He feels a sense of calm come over him as he assesses the demon and her minions. A clear threat gives him something to do, something to focus on. If he's concentrating on finding her weakness, on analyzing different scenarios of how this is going to play out then he's not paying attention to how tired he is, how much his joints and muscles ache. He can compartmentalize the pain and fatigue.

If they kill Sahasha it's possible the Eblis will be too disoriented to attack without clear direction, but alternately, it could enrage them, make them more dangerous. Alec doesn't know enough about these demons to predict their reaction. It's a calculated risk he hopes he doesn't have to take. He aims, breathes, waits.

Alec can't imagine these people being cruel to anyone, but clearly this demon feels wronged by them for some reason. He can see the situation quickly starting to spiral out of control as the crowd's questioning mumbles begin to turn to anger at the accusations. He glances at Izzy. She nods at him in confirmation, no hesitation, no concern for her own safety. They've been planning to go to Aurum anyway. They're just…expediting their travel plans.

"Hey!" All eyes turned on Alec. He lowers his bow, shoulders the weapon. He and Isabelle step forward with their hands raised in a gesture of surrender. "You came here for us. Here we are. Leave the rest of the village out of this."

Dark eyes rake over them, narrow in distaste, but the sneer is soon replaced by a triumphant smile. "Well…you don't look like much." She shrugs. "But it is not my place to question my king. Come along."

"No!" It's Ehrana again, once more having wiggled free of her mother's hold. "You can't have them!" She snatches a dark orange smokerock off the ground and throws it at one of the Eblis demons. The small projectile bounces harmlessly off the creature's thick hide but it succeeds in drawing its attention. It shrieks at the girl, thick tentacles shivering angrily as it sways.

Ehrana tilts her chin defiantly, goes for another rock. Izzy is faster. She darts in front of the little girl, kneels before her and whispers to her quietly. Alec can't hear what's being said but he watches as Ehrana hugs his sister fiercely before she nods and steps back. She scrubs her tiny knuckles across her eyes and stands tall despite the tears streaming down her cheeks. His heart aches for the girl and for his sister.

Turning his attention back on the pale demon, Sahasha, he speaks evenly, tone calm despite the turmoil roiling inside him. "We'll come with you. Can we have a few minutes to gather our things?"

Sahasha rolls her eyes and waves her hand at them. It's a clear dismissal. "If you must. Do be quick."

Alec smiles tightly at Merek, nods his head in the direction of their home.

The healer opens and closes his mouth several times but isn't able to find the words he's searching for. Really, there are no words that need to be spoken. His long fingers clench at his sides and Alec knows the man wants to deny Sahasha's demands, knows that handing them over to Mammon goes against everything in him as a leader and a healer. He also knows that Merek understands that to do anything else will result in the destruction of his town, the murder of his people.

"It's ok."

Finally, Merek nods sharply, silent apology in his silver eyes.

They're silent as they make their way back to Merek's small house, none of them speak until Alec and Izzy have changed into the patrol gear and strapped their weapons into place.

Alec feels a grim sort of determination settle through him. If he's going to face prince of hell he's going to do it with as much dignity and pride as he can muster. After everything he's been through this is not going to be his breaking point. He fought both Azazel and Lilith and survived victorious, Mammon is no going to cow him now.

Stepping up, Kala takes one of their hands in each of her own, squeezes them gently between her slender, calloused fingers. "I'm so sorry," she whispers. Her voice is thick with emotion, blue eyes glassy with guilt and unshed tears. Alec can feel the slight tremble in her hand. She doesn't cry but it's a near thing.

He shakes his head. "Don't apologize. Our presence here was never going to stay a secret, it was only a matter of time before Mammon got wind of us." He smiles at her, squeezes back in an attempt to reassure her. "Thank you for everything you've done. We wouldn't have survived without your kindness."

"I wish we could have done more," Merek says from behind his wife. His expression is stormy, guilty just like Kala's. "I know you still feel pain."

Alec hates that they should feel guilt for something they can't control but he knows that is their nature. There's very little he can do to ease their emotional burden despite how much he might want to. "You saved my life. You saved Izzy's life. We couldn't have asked for more. Just worry about taking care of yourselves and keeping your people safe," he says instead. He's not going to offer false promises he may not be able to keep.

Isabelle gives the couple a warm smile of her own, one full of gratitude and understanding. "You did so much for us, we'll never forget your kindness. May the Angel watch over you."

In any other situation the words might have sounded blasphemous, but these demons have proven themselves to be kind, and generous and good. They display a humanity and compassion that many humans don't even seem to possess. They took strangers, enemies, into their home and healed them, cared for them and treated them with kindness and respect. If anyone deserves the protection of the Angel Alec thinks it's them.

The two healers suck in sharp, shuddering breaths at the blessing, their bright eyes growing round with surprise.

"It was an honor to know you both." Merek bows his head to them, one palm splayed across his heart. "We will all miss you and wish for your safety on whatever journeys lay before you."

With another gentle squeeze of Kala's hands and return bows to Merek the shadowhunters march back out to the town square to face Sahasha.

Alec stands before the scrawny demon and fixes her with a harsh glare. Her flinch gives him a small measure of satisfaction. Clearly she's not as steadfast as she'd like them to believe. Her power is not her own, but given to her by someone else. It makes her a weak opponent, exploitable. Alec will have to keep that in mind. It could prove useful later.

Alec wraps his head of the institute persona around him like a shield, smooths his expression into a blank mask. If this demon expects cowering and begging she's going to be sorely disappointed.

"We've agreed to go with you without a fight," he begins coolly, "but we want reassurance that this town will be left alone."

Sahasha draws herself up, thin shoulders tense and hands clenched into fists at her side. Her eyes are nervous, weary. To her credit, her voice doesn't waver when she speaks. "You have agreed to come, and in exchange for your cooperation our gracious king has agreed to leave Jurak unharmed." She seems almost disappointed by this, as though she was hoping for a fight, for a reason to rain destruction down on the peaceful little town.

The clear hatred and malevolence contained in this little creature makes something ugly twist in Alec's stomach. He has a sudden, visceral desire to run her through, damn the consequences. The thought is startling and he has to force himself not to outwardly portray anything. He forcefully shoves away the dark feelings roiling inside him and nods at her. "You have a deal." He's specific in his wording. Greater demons can't break their deals, even those made by proxy, and this will offer the town some measure of protection from Mammon's wrath.

After bidding a tearful goodbye to the rest of Jurak's inhabitants Alec and Izzy turn to face the Eblis demons and their master with their heads held high. It takes everything in Alec to not turn around at Ehrana's wailing cries as they're lead from the town and pulled into the unkind embrace of the Eblis to be delivered to a greater demon like cattle.


AN: Hello all! Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out, I had some adulting to do the last couple weeks so unfortunately my writing had to sit on the back burner for a little bit. Thank you so much to everyone who is reading and reviewing, I hope you're still enjoying this adventure. Cheers!

-GPO