August 1995
Alicante, Idris, Imogen POV
Sitting in her chair, Imogen waits for the two guards to return from their errand. She taps the armrest silently with her forefinger while looking at the assembly. Everyone's talking to each other. The sounds of their conversations echo loudly through the room. It is a deafening sound which makes it difficult for her to listen to their conversations. Nevertheless, she can hear those close to her talking about the boy and their opinion of him. Right now, they're already in a heated discussion about whether or not to train the boy.
A throat scraping reaches her ears and she turns her head. Ben stands before her with a deceivingly calm smile. She would have believed it if she didn't know him better. He's up to something and she'll be one of his targets if she doesn't stop him anytime soon. Narrowing her eyes, she glares at Ben refusing to speak just yet. After some time, Ben speaks up.
"What'd you think about training Dean?"
"It would be a good thing to do considering his obvious strength. And he's also the only one who's seen the Mortal Cup in years. If he stays we might be able to recover it."
"Yes, yes, the Mortal Cup. Is that the only thing which caught your attention? He's really powerful and needs to learn how to use his powers. He'll be dangerous if he's left on his own."
"I know that. But who'll be his guardian? If we train him someone will need to be appointed as such for we can't leave him on his own nor is family available to take him in. I don't consider his age in this matter but more the fact I doubt he'll take his training seriously if left to his own devices."
Ben laughs which is barely audible in the deafening ruckus of the room. She turns her head away from him. She's got no idea what's so funny in his opinion or why he'd even need to laugh. Nevertheless, his next words don't escape her attention.
"Oh, I could tell that. But then not taking his training seriously will be the least of our worries."
"Yes, at the very least. He'll be causing us troubles all the time as he wants to return to his family. I doubt he'll let anything stop him. He was way too obvious about it. I just hope - but am not certain it is a justified hope - that this loyalty to his family will be transferred to us if we train him."
The door opens with a soft crackling sound before Ben has a chance to respond. She turns her head in the direction of the door, watching as the two guards she sent with the boy enter the room. Following them with her eyes, she waits for them to sit among the assembly. She mentions for Ben to sit among the assembly once more. Only once everyone sits, does she turn her attention to the whole assembly.
"Now that everyone's gathered, I think it's time for all of us to discuss what we'll do with the boy. Something I've heard you've all been doing already."
Just as she finishes speaking, shouting breaks out in the room. Everyone's talking at the same time. The volume's more deafening than it was before. Closing her eyes for a moment, she bites back a harsh response. She is well aware it won't have the results she wants it to have. Once she opens her eyes again, she focuses on listening to what's being screamed.
"I say we let him return to his family. He clearly doesn't want to be here so why should we keep him here then."
"No! We can't let him go home. He has to be trained. You've all heard what he can do."
"And? What will it do if we force him to stay here? He wants to be with his family again."
"It'll do a lot. We've got to train him. You've got to realize that. It's too dangerous to not train him."
"You think that'll work, Consul? What of his family?"
"What of them? He can't be allowed to be in contact with them at all in any way. Once he joins us, he'll have to cut off all contact with the mundane world. You know our traditions."
"And that'll work? I doubt he'll accept it. He wants to return to his family. I'm sure he'll do all he can to be reunited. Anything we'll do he'll fight against."
"He won't."
"Why's that?"
"Because I'll make sure of it."
Imogen sighs and blocks out the remainder of the conversations going on. So far, she's only been able to follow one conversation sufficiently because of the deafening volume the voices make together. The longer the volume remains, the more she wants to intervene. However, she's more than aware she's got to give the people more time to work through it. Even if she finds them all annoying at this time. She doesn't understand why they couldn't discuss this like civilized people at a normal volume. After waiting for another ten minutes, she's finally had enough.
"Quiet!"
All eyes turn to her while the conversations are abruptly stopped. Some - who sit close to her - have an amused twinkle in their eyes while others are wide open. A few mouths are also wide open. She suspects they are in shock but can't be certain. With the eyes on her, an eerie silence falls over the room. Breathing echoes loudly through the room. Glaring at everyone present, she waits for her actions to truly sink in before she'll consider speaking up.
The eerie silence lasts a few minutes during which people shift nervously on their chairs. She keeps her face impassive while secretly smiling brightly. They should know it never works for everyone to speak at the same time when one wants to make a decision. But while she's aware of this, she knows the coming discussion won't take as much time as she suspected. The earlier discussions will have made sure of it.
"Now that everyone has already discussed the boy's situation, let's vote. Raise your hand if you agree with keeping the boy among us."
She looks around the room at the hands being raised. Counting them in her head, it becomes quickly clear to her what the majority wants; keeping the boy among them. A few heads can be seen turning to those who have raised their hands. What expressions grow on their faces, she can't tell due to the distance between them. She glances at Harvey who is grinning from ear to ear. Turning her head away from him, she looks back at the room.
"Well, it appears nearly everyone agrees. That leaves another matter to be determined. Who will be the boy's guardian?"
"Well Imogen, why won't you be his guardian. You know quite a lot about him already."
"I think, Harvey, you're forgetting how much work I've got to do."
"Oh really? But you've aides to help you with that. If you delegate more to them then you've got more than enough time to take care of him."
"Wouldn't the boy profit from a male example? I can't provide that."
"Oh, but a trainer can do that for him. You're just looking for excuses."
"Our Consul has a point there, inquisitor Herondale. You might be the best person to take care of the boy. I know many here wouldn't have a problem with it but we recognize you are the best person for the job."
"Oh really? Then why didn't you take him on, Benjamin?"
"Because as I told you, you're the best person for the job. Admit it, you know best how to handle him."
"And what makes you think I'm the best, mister Riverchild?"
"Well that's easy, you have experience with difficult youths and can respond quickly to any problems he might cause. It'll make sure the problem's quickly contained. We'd have to contact you to handle some of the problems he might cause."
She glares at Ben disguising it by glancing at the room. She doesn't appreciate his words even though in the back of her mind she's not at all surprised. His words make sense even if she doesn't like the implications. Out of the corner of her eyes, she sees many heads nodding in agreement to Ben's words. She bites her lips realizing she's losing this battle if she hasn't lost it already. No matter her problems, she'll be his guardian. Just as she realizes this, Harvey speaks up.
"Raise your hand if you deem inquisitor Herondale to be the best person to be the boy's guardian."
She turns her glare towards Harvey for a moment before her attention strays to the assembly. Once more, the raised hands are in the majority. In comparison to earlier, she counts more raised hands than before. However this time, no heads turn to the raised hands. Inside her mind, she growls but outwardly keeps an impassive face, refusing to show her displeasure. These hands just confirm the realization she has had. And there is no confusion or anything from those disagreeing with the majority.
"Well, it seems this a battle I've lost before I was even aware of it starting. So, Consul, what would you have me do with the boy besides training him?"
"Well, I'd say you prepare for the induction into our society and ensure he's well educated. And while you're at it see what you can learn of his past."
"Of course, Consul. I will see to it."
Her eyes narrow, staring Harvy into his eyes. What Harvey just said, she already thought of herself. He hasn't given her any information she didn't already know. Everything she's told is to be expected in this situation. Harvey looks at her calmly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth but never really forming. Turning her head away, she meets Ben's eyes. Ben's looking at her with a tilted head. She can just imagine the twinkle in his eyes promising a new scheme of his being crafted. She ignores it for now and stands up. Without looking back, she leaves the room.
August 1995
Dean POV
Sitting in the room once more, Dean crosses his arms in front of his chest. He has tried to get out of the room but with this time little success. Each time he managed to get out, he's pushed back into the room by the guards who are now stationed outside. How's he to get back to his family if he can't even get out of this fucking room? He's got no idea and can imagine dad's disappointment once he learns about his failure. He's got no other option but to continue trying to escape. He can't show himself to his dad otherwise. And if he's being honest, he'll find a way to escape eventually.
Placing his elbow on his legs, he lets his head fall into his hands. He just doesn't know how to escape anymore. He tried everything. The only way out is blocked. His breathing increases to the point where it feels as if he's suffocating. His heart beats hard into his chest. It's as if it's beating against his ribs trying to break them. He tries to take a deep breath but is unable to do so. He reaches for his neck to pull the hands choking him off. As he touches his neck, nothing's there except his own hands. His arms begin to tremble and his mouth starts to silently clatter.
He shakes his head, flopping down on the bed with a bounce. He takes calm breaths for as much as he's able to do. After an eternity, his breathing calms down. His eyes feel as if stones are pulling on them. He closes them while his thoughts whirl around. He doesn't want to disappoint his dad but is convinced he will. Biting back his tears, he clenches his eyes closed.
A door locks in the background. The sound of which sounds far away to him. Nevertheless, he looks up and sighs, only now realizing his eyes were closed. A wall is right in front of his eyes. His back feels incredibly stiff. He stretches, feeling his muscles protest at the movement. At this time, the fact someone opened the door reaches his awareness. He frowns because the door hasn't been opened since his last escape attempt. But who was it?
Sitting up, his frown increases even more as his body protests increase. Was he asleep? He must have been. It's the only explanation for his muscles protesting so much. Especially, as he was laying on the bed in an awkward position. He shakes his head and looks around the room. His eyes widen when he sees the inquisitor standing inside the room. She is leaning with her back against the door. Her arms are crossed in front of her chest while she looks at him with raised eyebrows.
"Did you have a good nap, boy?"
"What's it to you if I had a nap? Stay out of my business."
"Of course, it's something to me. Are you incapable of normal conversations?"
"Only with people like you. What do you want now? Another torture session or you've got more stupid questions for me?"
The inquisitor sighs while staring at him. He meets the stare dead on. He won't be intimidated. And now, she's got nothing which will force him to tell the truth. So he won't give her anything. When their staring contest has lasted for a while, she narrows her eyes before speaking up.
"Watch your tone, boy. I won't tolerate any crude language or behavior."
"You can't tell me what not to do."
"Oh, but I can and you'll know soon enough. I didn't come here to fight with you; I've come to inform you about the Clave's decision."
"What Clave? And how can they decide for me? You're not my dad."
He frowns for a moment before it changes into a glare. She won't make any decisions about him. He won't allow it. Only dad can make decisions. She'll get the message soon enough. He'll make sure of it. The inquisitor tilts her head and increases her frown. She still makes eye contact with him. He glares back refusing to be intimidated by this.
"You've been before them already if you just use your brain. And they can make decisions about you as you've proven to be a shadowhunter. Your father doesn't hold any authority over you here except if he were a shadowhunter. So tell me, is your father like us?"
"I'm not like you nor's my dad. You're just making up something elusive to manipulate me."
He has to fight to keep his face in a glare. Who's he even convincing? Not himself. Most likely not the inquisitor. Too many strange things have been happening to him as of late so he's gotten at least a tiny bit intrigued by their conviction. Nevertheless, he's got to fight back. He can't become weak. The inquisitor, - he refuses to use her name even if he could just remember it - narrows her eyes, glowering at him, and puts her hands in her side.
"Oh, we both know you are one of us. No one's manipulating you. The sooner you'll accept it, the better it'll be for you. As for the decision the clave made; you'll be trained as a shadowhunter and be under my care until you'll reach your maturity."
"What! What're you talking about? You're insane. I won't be trained by the likes of you, bitch."
"Oh, but you will be. You do not have a choice in this matter. I'll ensure you'll receive training. You'll be happy to know I won't personally train you; I've got too much work to do. I'll assign you a trainer of my choice."
"You'll see how much of a choice I have."
"And you'll learn this resistance is doomed to fail. I hope you'll behave yourself better than this in the future. I won't condone such behavior. I doubt your family will disagree with me. If you don't behave, I'll find the harshest trainer possible."
"Bring it on, I'm not afraid. You can't command me to do anything. You're nothing to me except my jailor. And what my family thinks is of no concern to you."
He glares at her, pushing the growing pit in his stomach to the farthest corners of his mind. It's been growing ever since they started talking. He bites his lips and shakes his head. He's got to escape and not dwell on these things. It'll serve him in no way whatsoever. Looking around, he searches for a way out of the room when her voice breaks his stupor.
"Oh, but it's got everything to do with me as I'm your guardian as of right now."
"What! Who appointed you? I didn't nor would my dad ever do that."
"The Clave appointed me as is their right to do in your situation. You've got no guardians who we acknowledge. As such, a guardian will be appointed at the Clave's discretion. So you're in my care now."
"We'll see about that. I'll get back to my family. Just wait for it."
"I'd like to see you try and fail. I don't think you'll be having any contact with them from now on. Any attempts to escape are doomed to fail. The sooner you'll accept it the better it'll be."
"You can't do that. Oh, wait, you can because you're just some cruel monster who enjoys seeing others suffer."
The inquisitor's eyes narrow. Her hands turn into fists, covering her hands covered in white lines. She takes a deep breath through her nose. He can just see the smoke coming from her nose. He keeps a close eye on her, prepared to defend herself if she finally shows her real face. It takes a moment before she takes a step closer to him; the steam having disappeared in the meantime.
At this time - against his will - he gulps. Maybe he shouldn't have antagonized her so much. This thought crosses his mind before he forcefully pushes it away. He shakes his head and looks at her once more glaring. He refuses to show any weakness to her. A scaled thought pulls him away from his musing moments before she speaks up.
"We're no monsters. You don't know what's truly out there. You've only seen glimpses of it so far. With our training, you'll be able to protect the world from a lot more than you'll be able to think of right now. But only if you'll accept the sacrifices you'll have to make."
"Maybe but even if I'll accept it - which's highly unlikely- you'll never replace my mother."
Her eyes calm down. A pitying look comes over her face. He growls. He does not want any pity. He wants to be left alone. He wants back to his family and nothing else. She does not react to his growl except for raising an eyebrow. She does this only seconds before speaking up.
"It's never been my intention to replace your mother. All I intend to be for you is a mentor figure."
"Alright."
A pit grows larger in his stomach while he had to pull his response out from behind his teeth. His eyes fall on the floor while refusing to say anything more. He hasn't agreed to it but also hasn't got any fucking idea what else to say now. He won't win this fight. All he has left to do is bid his time. It's the only way for him to escape.
"So I see you've accepted your future. Now you're ready to make the decision necessary to start your future in your new society."
"What decisions? I may be unable to leave - that was made clear by you - but that doesn't mean I'll cooperate with you in any way, bitch."
"You will cooperate because otherwise, I'll make the decisions for you. So what's your choice?"
"I won't do it. Never!"
"Fine, then I'll make them without you. And so you'll learn for the future, I won't tell you what those decisions are. You'll only learn about them when they become effective. In that regard, you'll be staying in this room until your new room is finished. Your training starts at the same time as you'll be moving to your new room. Or have you changed your mind?"
He glares at the inquisitor while a pit grows in his stomach. Once more. It's got to leave him be for once. He can already tell he won't like the future but refuses to give in. They're his kidnappers. He's not about to be coerced. Then he bites his lips. He'll be finding out what his new prison will look like once he's out there. Or can he influence the room he'll get? He frowns. It would allow him to better plan his escape and also make it easier.
"Well, you've got nothing to say, boy?"
He presses his lips together, unwilling to risk saying anything else. He wants to return to his family and needs to bid his time now. At the same time, he refuses to change his mind. He won't be coerced. He won't. But just as these thoughts cross his mind, he frowns. What decisions would he have to make? Maybe, … maybe if he makes them, he can set it to his liking? Would it be possible? Can he influence more than just the room he'll be getting? He hates himself for thinking this but he's convinced it's worth the risk.
"Nothing?"
"What would those decisions be?"
His voice's small as he asks his question. He looks at the floor as heat crosses his cheeks. He'll be giving in slightly on this but refuses to show how it affects him. As such, he misses the smile coming over the inquisitor's face but hears the sigh. His frown - which has left his face in the meantime - returns. Why's she so relieved he's interested in those decisions? It makes no sense. Kidnappers never give their victims a choice in anything. Except when it's not a choice. The inquisitor speaking up pulls him from his thoughts.
"When you'll start your training. When you'll receive your first rune. These are the most important ones at this present time. Everything else will be addressed when the time is right."
"Mhh, alright. I would like to have a bit of time to prepare myself. Maybe a few weeks."
"A few days is all I'll give you before you're inducted into our society. As for your training, it'll be a while before I have arranged everything. So you'll have a week at most to prepare for that."
He shrugs even if he does not like the results. At least, he tried and got an idea now what to expect. As for his new room, he didn't mention it as he suspects it'll be wherever the inquisitor lives. Hopefully, it'll be a house he can escape from easily. And what does she mean with training? He was already clear he wouldn't accept it. Besides, dad gave him the best training he could ask for; he doesn't need any other training. But he's got no say in it so he will have to wait to learn what this training entails.