Flashback is in Italic.
Benjamin POV
Sitting in his office listening to the crackling fire, Benjamin rests his head in his hands. He ignores all the papers lying around him because something else occupies his mind. Something which refuses to leave; Dean's skills and improvements. It leaves him unable to focus on anything else. No matter how much he tries. He takes a deep breath and shakes his head. His chest aches with the strain because of his latest training session. It just barely refrains from burning with every breath he takes. He's getting older making it difficult to keep up with the younger generations.
He looks at the desk and his eyes fall on the half-written report he needs to give Immy. The report correlates with the matter which occupies his mind. It makes it even more annoying. He's just not sure how to write it down. There's too much which he wants to write down.
Too much. Too many details. It'll make the report confusing. It's the last thing he wants. He sighs. Dean's gotten better with hand-to-hand combat. A skill which was already well underway but only got better with the training he got. As for Dean's blade work, this has also gotten much better. A skill which he's also shown much skill in. It just needed a lot of fine-tuning to meet their standards.
Early on it was already obvious Dean's handled blades before but never real seraph blades. Well, except for a few times. With this training, Dean has gotten the Seraph blades well under control. Especially for someone his age. It all means Dean's a strong shadowhunter even if he's still got room for some improvement. All in all, he is pleased with the results his training has shown. It moves his mind back to events of a few days ago when he visited Immy in her office.
His eyes repeatedly move to the chest which stands to the side of the room. H's been doing it for a while now. It looks like a chest in which commissioned pieces are typically delivered. However, he can only vaguely remember when someone ordered a commission in such a size these chests were used. It was not in recent times. It's been something in the deepest parts of his memories where he's seen these chests.
"Ben, what's going on?"
"What do you mean?"
He turns his head towards Immy who's frowning at him. Her chin rests on her knuckles while her elbows rest on the desk. And her eyes, they're boring into him. He's lucky he's gotten so much experience with these looks. Otherwise, he'd be scuffling on the chair.
"You didn't listen to me when I talked to you just yet."
"What did you say?"
"Oh, you gotta be kidding me, Ben!"
He laughs nervously. He knows why she reacted this way. He knows. She narrows her eyes at him. Looking to the side, he knows what he's got to do.
"Could you repeat yourself? I'll listen from now on and explain myself later."
"You'd better. As for what I said: I'm looking forward to picking some missions to send Dean on in the coming months. Well, after you gave your approval that is."
"Oh, that's good to know you're thinking about this already. I'm sure you can send him on a mission in a weeks' time."
"Oh, you can give me the needed approval soon then?"
He looks Immy in her eyes. The doubts clearly visible in her eyes just like in the tapping of her finger on the table. It resounds loudly through the room. He waits to see if it disappear on its own and it does only to be replaced by another look. One he knows too well; Immy's planning something with or without his report. He shrugs and grimaces. Only way thing to do for him.
Again.
"Yes, in a few days. Just two more training sessions and then I'll write you that report. Not that it'll stop you from sending him on a mission."
"No, it won't. It's just to appease the clave should they ever go through the records."
"Oh, so it's just for show?"
"Yes, what'd you think?"
He laughs. This is the Immy he remembers from before. She always did her duty but also ensured Stefan had everything he needed. And she'd never cave under pressure.
Ever.
And now, she's doing the same for Dean. She's ensuring he gets some field training for which he still has to pass a test. Well, he needs to pass it to be able to go on his own with a small group. As of this time, he'll always have a trainer with him. She won't let him leave her sight without having passed this test. All for his safety, of course. Not for her reassurance.
He tilts his head as a realization comes to him. She's growing fond of Dean. A grin comes over his face. Oh, she is. She's protecting him. Taking care of him. Oh, Immy. It's good to see her back to herself after all these years. She's always been so caring for those under her care. Even if she could be extremely strict with them. He shakes his head and turns his eyes back to Immy.
Immy's looking at him as if he's grown a second head. He smiles easily at her. And he knows what she means. His report's only to get Dean on the training scouting missions. Nothing more and nothing less. In the meantime, he can teach Dean a lot about scouting which he regrets he hasn't done yet. However, what Dean actually needs soon is field practice. It's the only thing which can give him the experience he needs to actually pass the test. He shakes his head before finally responding to her question.
"Oh, nothing. Just me seeing more into something which isn't there."
"Obviously."
"Yeah, if you say so."
"You said it first. But Ben, now's the time for you to explain yourself; what were you looking at?"
"Before? The chests you have standing to the side of the room."
"Yes, and?"
"Well, I know they're used for delivering large commission. But have you made such a commission? I don't remember hearing anything about it."
"Of course, you wouldn't hear about it as it doesn't concern you what I commission from the Iron Sisters."
So she did commission something. But is it really something so large as to require these chests? And besides, he should have heard about it.
"Oh, but I would have. You know it, Immy. Every large commission creates rumors. Yours wouldn't be any different."
"But there are ways to keep it quiet, aren't there."
"If you got the means, yes. What'd you do?"
"Oh, nothing really important. I just made sure no one knows about it. There some people who I don't want to learn about this."
"Yeah, can imagine that but could you tell me? I won't tell anyone."
Immy raises an eyebrow. He laughs nervously and scratches the back of his head.
"Really? You won't tell anyone."
"I give you my word."
"You'd better keep it or you won't like the consequences."
"Got it. And well, I assume the commission isn't for yourself, right?"
"Not exactly. One or two are new ones for me but the majority is for Dean."
"Oh, then it concerns me as you put me in charge of his training."
"It doesn't. These are similar blades to the ones you have Dean use for practice. So there's no need for you to train Dean with them."
"Mhh, alright. When are you giving them to him?"
"One day."
"But what day?"
"I don't know. Once he's finally getting some field training I think. I don't want those blades you two use for practice to be taken into the field. We need those as a backup."
"Makes sense. Mind if I take a look at those blades?"
"By all means, if you can't stop yourself."
"I can't."
He smiles. Well, he can stop himself. He's just too interested in knowing what's with those blades. And in how far they are different from the ones he uses for training. If they're anything similar then they'll be very powerful blades. And if there are differences then he needs to know. It's the only way for him to properly prepare Dean for the time he finally uses them.
Standing up, he walks towards the chest and opens the lit. Inside lie multiple blades. All of them are carefully folded in silk. Carefully lifting one, he unfolds the silk wrapping and takes the blade into his hand. Closing his eyes, he feels for the power inside the blade. He knows most can't do it but he's discovered he can feel the power inside the blades. It's come in handy when checking out new blades as well as finding Dean suitable blades.
Once he feels the power within the blades his eyes shoot open. It's just what he felt within the blades he's using to train Dean. How much work has been done to make these? He imagines a lot. This couldn't have been easy. None of these blades have been made in a very long time. He won't be surprised if no one knows how they are made.
He smiles at the memory. He was pleasantly surprised by it. And with the passing of days, he has gotten quite used to the idea of more blades out there. He can also understand Immy's insistence on having backups now. Dean won't be able to pick spares whenever he needs to do so. He shakes his head; he's got to get back to the report he's got to write. Picking up the quill, he decides to just finish it. Everything else comes afterward. He'll have more time to think about everything.
As such for the next twenty minutes, he spends his time writing the report. Once he's finished he stretches himself out. He feels his muscles pulling tightly in his arms and back. Relaxing, he looks at the report before him. He considers rewriting it for only a few seconds before he shakes his head and quickly sends the report to Immy. Before he can get any ideas.
Having done that, he leans back in his chair and looks at the ceiling. His mind moves back to Dean once more. This time, nothing's holding him back from his thoughts. Dean's a kind young man with a bright future ahead of him. He can be a bit challenging at times but it's no bother at all. At least to him. He also knows Dean can get plenty of jobs among the shadowhunters in the future. Any job he wants actually. He'll do what he can to assist Dean at that time. Just as he expects Immy will do.
And considering Dean's future, there's something he's got to do; find him a good match. It'll aid him in the future. And it's also expected for him to have a match arranged for him considering who his guardian is. Well, it'll only be a matter if he's willing to accept the match. He won't force anything on Dean. At the same time, he also knows it'll be something tying Dean to them. But who will be a good match? There are a few names which come to his mind. One of them being Issy.
Issy? He knows her plans for her future. He isn't opposed to it but wants to do what he can to keep her with the family. Her talents will be more beneficial for everyone if she stays close. Dean might just be the opportunity he needs to achieve this. He's a sweet kid who will get along perfectly with Issy once they get to know one another. If he can set them up that is.
He smiles. Two problems are solved with one solution. If it works out. He shrugs. Time will tell but he'll do what he can to see it become true.
V1: Sitting in his office, Benjamin rests his hands in his hands. He ignores the papers lying on the desk. At this time, he has something more important to do. He just came here from his training with Dean. His eyes fall on the half-written report he needs to give Immy. Everything from the past few sessions has been written down. All that's left to do is add today's session to it.
He sighs. No matter how much he tries he just can't get anything written down. His mind's too focused on today's events. Dean's shown much improvement over the last few days. He's nearly as skilled as some of his year. His training has paid off. All he lacks is experience with Seraph Blades in real situations. Something he's certain can be gained by sending him on missions.
A smile breaks over his face while he shakes his head. He's not certain Immy will approve of it just yet. She's been a bit protective of him as of late. Ever since their honored Consul visited. He's not sure what's happened but something has to have happened. And no matter how much he tried she refused to talk about it.
So how to solve it? Dean's a strong shadowhunter already and will be a legend once he's gotten the necessary experience. He's got to find a way to convince Immy as Dean needs it. Just writing the report won't solve anything. Nor is sending Consul Cartblossom a message. She won't appreciate it nor will Dean. He's convinced the Consul struck a nerve with Dean.
All he's got is finding an institute which offers Dean a place. It might solve it as Immy knows where Dean will be. And maybe he can even get Dean to aid him in convincing Immy. So which institute would do? One in the States for certain but which one?
One institute comes to his mind repeatedly. The Sioux Falls institute. It's under his son's management so it'll settle a lot of concerns Immy might have. Thinking about this moves his mind back to a few days ago.
"Ben, what's in the chest you brought with you?"
"The blades the Iron Sisters prepared for Dean."
"What blades? I know you're using some rare blades for him but this?"
"Well, considering how our normal blades explode in his hands I've been advised to give him specially crafted blades."
"You've commissioned them?"
"No, these are just some test blades so he can choose those designs he prefers."
"Mhh, well I'll go over it with him. And Ben, I'll order the commission of his blades, not you."
"Of course, Immy. Of course."
December 1995
Imogen POV
She looks at the door and taps her fingers on her desk. Brother Jeremiah is late. He send her a message he would be here five minutes ago. So what's keeping him? Some other matter they need to attend to or what? She does not like it because he should have told her if he was going to be late. It is not as if she could have gotten any work done with this time. She looks up when she hears a knock on the door. Has he finally arrived? Only one way to find out.
"Enter!"
The door opens and brother Jeremiah steps inside the room. She lifts an eyebrow at him. His 'eyes' are not on her but she knows he noticed her reaction.
[I'm sorry for being late. Something important just came up.]
"Not something worrying, I hope."
[Oh, no. Just someone insisting on needing to see me for some information when it could have waited until after our meeting.]
"Of course. Do sit down."
She motions with her hand to the chair in front of her desk. Brother Jeremiah walks to the chair and sits down. He places his hand on his lap. She, in turn, places her hand in front of her on the desk.
"So what have you discovered about the hunters I told you about?"
[Shouldn't we wait for Silvia to arrive?]
"We can fill her in later. I'm curious to know what you've discovered."
[Not much, I'm afraid. We did discover they've been active for a very long time. We've got no idea how long. And well, it doesn't appear to be a healthy profession as many die young. And those who survive to older ages…well…better not talk about them.]
"Why isn't it a healthy profession?"
She asks it though she's got her suspicions about what the answer will be. They can't have access to their healthcare. And who knows what cures they've discovered? Many of their wounds can't be treated in mundane hospitals.
[I suspect you know why.]
"I admit I've got my suspicions but I'm not sure how right they'll be."
[Well, it's obvious they don't go to the mundane hospitals often so we don't have many records of them. And even then the records of the mundane hospitals leave things to wish for. Not that they can be blamed.]
"I can imagine. I hope our liaison has found something more about that."
[I hope so too. However, there's something I haven't mentioned yet. Those hunters don't seem to have any organization with which they work.]
"Then how do they find their targets?"
[I do not know. Maybe through newspapers or rumors? It could truly be a million different ways.]
"I know. Not that I'm happy about it."
A knocking on the door resounds through the room. She turns her eyes to the door completely ignoring brother Jeremiah. Has Silvia arrived? If it's the case then she's early. She hasn't expected her to arrive for about half an hour. She smiles. Then they'll have plenty of time to discuss their findings and come up with a plan.
"Enter!"
The door slowly creaks open and Silvia walks into the room. Her eyes trail through the room. Imogen waits for her to notice them as Silvia is too focused on everything else at this time. Once Silva focuses on them, she nods to her. Then she motions for Silvia to sit down. Silvia smiles and nods in return. Silvia walks to the unoccupied chair and sits down. Only then does Silvia speak up.
"Good afternoon, Inquisitor Herondale, Brother Jeremiah."
"Good afternoon too, Silvia. Brother Jeremiah, would you care to share what you've told me with Silvia."
[Of course, inquisitor. We discovered the hunters have been active for a long time but without any real organization directing them. And those hunters don't seem to have a long life expectancy.]
"Ours isn't too long either."
[I know but theirs is even worse.]
"Mhh, I suspected as much. Inquisitor, I've looked into some names you gave me and also the hunters in general. Most seem to be unemployed and rely on often less than legal means to make money. And well, they should be given credit for how good they are at hiding. It's taken us quite some work as well as trouble to get all the information we sought."
"Mhh, so they've gotten criminal records."
She turns her head to the side. Silvia's apologetic look told her enough before her words did. As for those records, it doesn't mean anything good. At the same time, it's also not truly surprising. Before she can get more lost in her thoughts Silvia speaks up.
"Not really, they're just not easy to find in any records of employment. Some even rarely pop up which means they must be using fake IDs. For what reason, we've got no idea."
[I have a suspicion why they'd do that? They're getting too many questions they can't answer or in trouble with authorities. Those IDs mean they can disappear whenever there's a need for it.]
"Indeed, I suspected as much."
"So it'll be difficult to make contact with them. We've gotten treaties with the mundane world so it's better than those hunters don't cause us any problems there."
"You mean to bring them into the shadow world?"
"Not in the way we live in it. Just in a way to keep an eye on them and give them work to do which we're unable to attend to."
"Yes, it'll ensure they won't break the accords that way. And another thing I discovered is that they tend to avoid the cities in which we operate like the plague."
"Thus we need to send people to the towns and such to determine what needs to be done there. It'll give us a good picture of what's been going on behind our backs. And we'll know how to work with them."
[It would be advisable to have some of our own checking those places out. We can't rely on the hunters to do our job for us.]
"Maybe, brother Jeremiah, but we don't have the people to keep a sufficient eye on those places at all times."
"What are you saying, Silvia?"
"We could make use of the hunters if we get them on our side. They could keep an eye on things in those places while we only come in if it's severe enough to warrant it."
[And how do you plan on doing that? They won't easily tell us things just because we tell them to do so. From what we've uncovered they seem highly independent. They'll resist any control which they'll see us as."
"I know that. What they'll need is to be given something in return. If we can arrange it, I think we could ensure they'll have similar advantages as we do."
"You plan on seeing them get paid for hunting?"
"Among other things, yes."
She tilts her head before nodding. She knows there might be other things to offer but to whom? This brings up another matter. Someone will need to inform the other hunters about it. It's got to be a hunter so they'll need someone. But who? Frowning, she speaks up.
"It could work but for that, we'll need an in on the hunters."
[Your charge?]
"No, he won't help us. Some of the things I've learned I practically had to pull out of his teeth. He isn't willing to talk about them. I get the feeling he sees it as some sort of betrayal. But Silvia, do you think your plan can work?"
"Yes, it can. From my research, I've discovered some of the hunters are veterans. I suspect it has helped them survive as well as others. That's the best point of entry I can find because there aren't any other viable ones."
"So you've got a name. You know who to approach?"
"Yes, I do."
"Good, I think you can mention the pay but we won't supply them with weapons. That's for them to do by themselves. And they'll have to report wherever they're hunting. It'll give us an idea of how big the problems are there."
[Indeed, we need to know what they are facing. And what's going on in the smaller places. It is the only way we can ensure the Covenant is followed.]
"Indeed, they will need to learn about the Covenant and vow to follow it."
"I do not know how well that will be accepted."
She frowns. What does Silvia mean? She knows they're independent but surely not so much. Surely, they wouldn't pass on any assistance they're offered. Silvia looks away while biting her lips. Brother Jeremiah is as usual unreadable. Just like all the Silent Brothers. She narrows her eyes not liking where this is likely going.
"They're really independent just as brother Jeremiah said. And as far as I suspect they'll have a lot of resistance to anyone dictating their actions."
"I know that but surely they wouldn't pass on the opportunity to get some assistance when needed. And only those cases which fall under the Covenant they'll be restricted to act on. Everything else is new for us so we won't halt them there."
"I know but still…"
"Who do you have in mind?"
She needs this conversation moved in a different direction. It wasn't going in any suitable direction. Whether Silvia's suspicion's true or not will be determined later on. And then they'll have a chance to figure out how to handle them.
"Robert Singer. He is the least in the field of any of those we've found. And from our investigation, he has contact with many of them. He seems to be a bit of an advisor to many of them."
"That would be a good choice. He could be an aid to us too then besides just being our contact with the hunters. Make sure you tell him of our conditions and offers."
"Of course, Inquisitor. You didn't have to tell me that."
[Do ask him about any research he's done and give him our contact information. We could work together.]
"That would be appreciated, I am sure. And you'd only want to get your hands on any new information regarding threats or whatnot."
She narrows her eyes at both. She heard Silvia's sarcasm which she does understand. Considering the information they have it will not be easily accepted. They will be suspicious most likely. Or they could use it to their advantage. At the same time, she understands the Brothers' objective. They need all the information they can get to ensure people go on hunts sufficiently informed about the threats. Glaring at them, she waits for a moment before she speaks up.
"Also from my side. Any new information on threats is useful so we can prepare for our encounters with them."
"Of course, Imogen. Of course."
Silvia moves to stand up. She motions with her hand to sit down. They are not yet done so she cannot leave. Silvia frowns while she sits down.
"How do you think they will react to not receiving weapons from us?"
"It could go multiple ways, unfortunately."
She motions with her hands for Silvia to elaborate. She wants to know Silvia's ideas even though she has her own. Most of which are not reassuring to her. They need the hunters to work with them or else too much will be at risk. Especially if the others find out about it.
"Please elaborate, Silvia."
"Well, they could accept it readably, which I highly doubt. They could also fight against it or try to make demands. And lastly, they could be indifferent to our offer. Which I sincerely hope they will not."
[I am not sure we can fulfill their demands as I am sure they want to know things they truly should not know.]
"The same things you refuse to share with us?"
[Yes, the very same.]
"Good to know then I will have another argument to make."
"I have to agree with Brother Jeremiah that we cannot truly fulfill all their demands. I doubt I have to say it but do not make promises you're not sure you can keep."
"I know that."
"Good. Then I'll leave you to your job."
"Have a nice day, Inquisitor."
[Have a nice day.]
She nods and watches them leave her office. The door closes with a soft click. She sighs and leans back. She would have liked to make better progress but some is better than none. Now she'll have to wait for Silvia to return from her meeting with mister Singer. Depending on the outcome, they can make more plans for the future. She closes her eyes for a moment. She doesn't like it but all she can do now is work with it. And also finishing her takes for today.
January 1996
Imogen POV
Loud knocking sounds through the room. Her eyes fly open and she looks around. What's the time? She's got no idea. She shakes her head. Has she truly fallen asleep? And if so for how long? She turns her head towards the window. Outside the window, she sees the setting sun. It tells her she's been asleep for a few hours at most. Not very long but still too long for her liking. She's got work to do but first, she's got to deal with this unexpected visitor.
"Enter."
The door creaks open slowly and Harvey steps into her office. She nearly groans out loud. What's it this time? She did not understand his desire to meet with Dean in person. But who is she to refuse him? She knows him too well. He would have found a way with or without her knowledge. Better to let him do it while she knows about it and while she might be able to have some measure of influence over it. And now, he's here again. But for what? Lifting an eyebrow, she speaks up.
"Yes?"
"Imogen, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"And that is?"
"Something concerning Dean's training."
"And what's it to you? If I remember correctly, I am his guardian. I make the decisions. Not you."
"Oh, but I advise the institutes and am thus involved in the training of every young shadowhunter. So, it's something for me. Also, I interpret the law which also means I'm involved in training them. You all know that."
"Yes, yes, Alright then, what aspect did you wish to discuss?"
"You know he needs to spend some time among his agemates, right?"
"Once, he's more skilled, yes. Certainly for a few months yet."
"And why is that?"
"Because I want him to have experienced a scouting mission with experienced shadowhunters before I let him leave Idris."
She narrows her eyes. Is he questioning her training schedule for Dean for real? She hopes not but suspects he is doing so. Or at least, intends to do so. As for his duties, they are not as large as he paints them. Families need to train their children to certain levels but are free to make their own choices regarding fieldwork. She bites her lips to stop herself from saying anything she'll regret.
"But he can do that with his agemates. Especially in preparation for his upcoming test. Have you told him about that?"
"It's none of your concern if I've told him or not. And I don't want him to do that with his agemates. They need supervision and not the chance to disregard their duties."
"Oh, but they won't."
"It's nothing you've got any influence over so don't say anything about it."
"You don't know that."
"I do know. Also, don't lie about your duties. Families are free to make their own choices regarding fieldwork until the scouting test has been passed. Then it's under their trainer's supervision. It's never anything you've got anything to say about unless it is how to work with rules which are not clear. The one I mentioned is more than clear in what it means. As such, he won't be going until I'm satisfied it's safe enough for him."
"And I didn't give you advice, I gave you an order."
"You've got no right to order me about this. So as I told you, it is too early. He needs more training before he can even go on a supervision scouting mission."
"Then ensure he gets the necessary training!"
"And that would be too much for him. He is already greatly stressed and needs time. It's another reason why I won't send him on any missions yet."
"I never noticed anything like that when we talked. Yes, he was stressed but that was due to him meeting with me."
"No, it wasn't because of that."
"Then what caused it?"
"Didn't you listen to what I said?"
"I did but I didn't see it."
"Of course not because you didn't look closely enough."
"Regardless, he needs to …"
"Did you not listen to me? I won't send him anywhere because it's too early. Even at an institute, he needs to be able to keep up with his agemates. And he can't do that right now."
"And you don't listen to the order I gave you. You know I can find other ways to get him to an institute."
Harvey! Why doesn't the man listen to her? As a Consul, he can't order her around. He said it himself; he only advises the institutes. He doesn't have this authority. However, she also knows Harvey too well. He's skilled enough to find those ways he just threatened her with. She sighs. Maybe she can influence where Harvey will send Dean to and when. It would be something because she's beginning to see it's a losing battle.
"Alright, let's say I consider this. To which institute would you send him?"
"The London institute or the Rome institute."
"No, he won't fit in there."
"Well, you could send him to Vancouver or maybe New York. He'll fit there."
"Maybe but he hasn't been in a large city often."
"That's of no importance. But if you insist; do you have any suggestions?"
Does she truly have them? She's not sure as she hasn't been thinking about it. But on the fly, what options are there? Maybe Kansas. No, people might know him there. That won't end well. Her eyes widen when one option goes through her head.
"Maybe the Sioux Falls institute?"
"Not a perfect option but if you can't find any other then it's where you should send him to."
"Alright. So if I were to do that, when would you send him there?"
"As soon as possible. Preferably within a week but no later than at the end of this month. Do you have another idea?"
"Yes, no sooner than the end of the month but preferably in at least two months. That way, I can make sure he has the necessary training."
"Two months is too long. I'll leave it if you ensure he's sent to the Sioux Fall's institute by the end of this month."
"As you wish."
Harvey smiles gleefully before nodding at her. She glares at him and watches him leave the room before she relaxes. A grin grows on her face. She still doesn't want to send Dean to an institute but Sioux Falls institute is under the Riverchild guardianship. She'll get reports from then. And as far as she knows there's no one there who he knows. More importantly, she knows them well enough for it to be safe enough for Dean to leave her sight. Lastly, it's the best way of introducing him to their work and preparing him for work in much larger cities.