Dean POV

Dean reads through another incredibly boring chapter in his geometry book. It's even more boring than the Latin one or the chemistry one. And that's saying something. The book on shadow world biology - which he also needs to study alongside chemistry - is more interesting. Way more. Why oh why did he have to take Latin as the foreign language elective. He would have preferred to continue with Spanish. Or any other fucking language.

He bangs his head on the desk when he feels his eyes beginning to drop. He can't focus but he's got to finish this. He's finally off the remedial lessons so he's on track with those his age here in the shadow world. Well except for the shadow world biology course but he doesn't mind this. It's just too interesting to be upset it's remedial. He'll be missing it by the end of this month when he's finally gotten rid of all remedial courses. His eyes continue to drop so he bangs his head again. Hopefully, that'll wake him up. Knocking on his door finally pulls the exhaustion from him.

"Dean, can I come in for a moment?"

"Yes!"

He lifts his head off the desk and quickly clears away the worst of the mess. She shouldn't see this. The door opens behind him and closes soon after. Once he stops, he shakes his head. Since when's he interested in making a good impression on her? He wants attention off his back and this isn't the way to do it. He's not compliant even though he appreciates and enjoys all he's learning here. And he wants to be seen as compliant but not in this way.

He turns around. Imogen's looking at him with amusement. A scowl immediately grows on his face. He's not liking this and watches Imogen carefully. He wants to know why she's here but doesn't speak up. It does not take long before she sighs and a strange look crosses her face. It almost looks as if she's reluctant or uncomfortable but he's not sure. He can't place it. Also, since when does she even know these emotions?

"Sit down, Dean. We need to talk and I'm afraid I don't have good news for you. But first, I'd like to know how your lessons are going."

"Did something happen to my family?"

As he asks, he's only then becoming aware he's standing. Slowly sitting down, he waits for an answer as a stone drops in his stomach. Dread grows inside him. He bites his lips while wondering what's happened to his family. He clenches his fists to stop himself from responding emotionally anymore.

"No, nothing's happened to your mundane family. You don't need to worry about them. What I'm here for is something to do with your training. We'll talk about it later because as I said, I'd like to know how your lessons are going."

"Why'd you ask? Don't you get reports from the school?"

"Yes, of course, I get reports from the Central College but I want to hear what you're thinking about it."

"Not much."

"And what's that not much?"

"Well if you want to know; it's going alright. I've got some additional remedial work to do but otherwise, I'm on track."

"More remedial work? I thought you said earlier that you were nearly done with them. Thus you shouldn't be having any of those anymore."

"Well yes, I said that. It's just that I've got to finish some more work - which no one told me about in the first place - for some unknown subject I've never had before."

"And you couldn't have told me?"

"No, as I didn't know it myself. No one told me I had to do this until yesterday. It came as a complete surprise."

"And you couldn't have told me that yesterday?"

He bites his lips. What's her fucking problem? He's not about to answer her at all. She can stick it in her ass. Imogene lifts an eyebrow. Dean growls.

"Why'd you ask?"

"Because I wouldn't have given you so much work then. And I would have given you more time to study."

"Well, I'm managing."

"Alright then. I think I know which subject you mean. How do you find it?"

"Highly interesting. I've learned a lot from it. Why isn't it more common knowledge?"

"As in, why isn't it known by the mundanes?"

"Yeah, the hunters need this information to protect people and kill monsters."

"It's because it only affects us Shadowhunters as the mundanes don't see much of what's taught in this subject. That included the hunters you talk about. They don't know what to do with it and it could create more problems than it's worth. Also, they're not monsters, just downworlders. Remember that!"

"Yeah, if you say so. I just need to see proof they're not monsters. Maybe then I'll change my opinion."

"Just keep your mind open to the things you see."

"I will. So tell me, what's this thing you wanted to talk about?"

"You'd better do that. As for what I'm here for it's the next step in the training of a shadowhunter."

"And that is?"

Does he have to pull it out of her mouth? Why can't she just tell him? He's got no idea what she's talking about. None at all. Imogen's looking at him with a raised eyebrow. Does she think he knows? Well, he doesn't.

"A time for you to spend at an institute."

"What? I don't understand. What institute and why?"

"I can imagine you don't understand. I haven't spoken about it with you before. Has Benjamin ever told you about the next parts in your training?"

"I'm not sure. He told me something about a few tests I'll have to take. One of them pretty soon but he didn't say when exactly. Or what's it about. Oh and he also said something about interning at an institute and traveling across the world once my training's over. Never anything about moving to an institute outside of an internship. You're the first one to mention it. So why'd you ask?"

"It's true that those who grow up here in Idris intern at an institute once they're older. They will also live there for a while. Though it's normally only done with the acceptance of their family and once they're nearly finished with the necessary training."

"Yes, and? What's got that to do with me? I doubt I've finished the necessary training."

"No, you're right you haven't finished it yet. It's got to do with you as I yesterday received a visit from Consul Cartblossom and…"

"What did he want from me this time?"

He clenches his firsts. Did that man have to involve himself in matters which don't concern him once more? He got the impression from her voice that she also wasn't too happy to see him. He hopes he's right but wonders why she wasn't happy to see him? And she didn't even answer his question about his training.

"He wanted to send you to an institute outside of the USA. I managed to prevent that and came to a compromise with him. And thus I…"

"Oh, so you're only here to tell me about it? Don't I get a say into it?"

Why doesn't she just talk to him? Is it too much to ask? He would have played along and potentially used it to his advantage. If there was an opportunity to return to his family, he would have used it. He snorts. Oh, that's obviously why she didn't involve him in the decision. She must know especially after his last failed attempt.

He turns back towards Imogen. She's looking at him in confusion. At the same time, she also seems to be intrigued. Most likely by his reaction as he's glaring at her at this time. Clenching his fists once, he takes a deep breath. Just as he's about to speak up, Imogene beats him to it.

"If you'd only let me finish speaking then you'd know what I wanted to say."

He nods and bites back another retort. Too much occupies his mind so he'll listen for now. However, he won't be quiet afterward.

"So as I was saying; and thus I wanted to know if you agree with my decision or have another option for me which you'd prefer."

"What's your decision then? And are there other options?"

"I intend to send you to the Sioux Falls Institute. The New York and Los Angeles institutes are also viable options. Or maybe you got other ideas."

Sioux Falls? His eyes widen. Bobby! He smiles for a second before controlling himself. She's looking at him with a strange look which he can't truly place. But it's a great thing if she's still willing to do it afterward. He can flee to Bobby who'll see him back with his family. And he doesn't have to hurry. Bobby won't be going there. It'll make everything so easy. He frowns when a thought strikes him. Could she know about Bobby? Does she want to test him? He bites his lips before finally speaking up.

"Do I have to make a decision?"

As he speaks, he's not happy with making this decision. It's too much as if he's accepting his 'place' among them. And he won't do that. He bites his lips before looking at Imogen once more. She's looking at him patiently.

"A decision has to be made by someone. As it affects you directly and I know how much you dislike to be kept out of the loop so I urge you to make a decision you can live with."

"Mhh. Are there other options also?"

"Why yes, I said that before. Have you read where all the institutes are? It'll give you an idea of what the options are."

"I believe it was part of one of my lessons. So what shall I do?"

"I'll leave it entirely up to you."

"You don't have any advice for me? What are your preferences?"

"I already gave you my preferences. As for advice, I'll tell you to listen to your heart. And don't make it before you're sure. You can't have any regrets afterward."

"Then let me think for a moment."

Imogen nods. He looks up towards the ceiling and knows institutes are in nearly every large city. It means there are more than enough options he can use. Sioux Falls remains his preference if he's got to make a decision which he doesn't want to do. At the same time, he can't make it too obvious. So what to do?

"Why did you offer Los Angeles and New York?"

"I didn't. Harvey did."

"Then why Sioux Falls then?"

"Because Benjamin's son and daughter-in-law run this institute. It means I know you'll be well off with people whom I trust."

"Why does that matter?"

"Because I'm responsible for you and I won't skirt my responsibility."

"Alright. So it's more to keep a close eye on me right? I don't know them so I won't trust them."

"You don't like it?"

"Maybe your continuing supervision is what I don't like."

"I won't know more than is typically reported about trainees if that puts your mind at ease."

"I'm not so sure about that."

"Well, you don't want to go to Sioux Falls? What institutes are you thinking about?"

"Oh, no, no-no. I'm perfectly happy going there as I've got not much of a choice."

He glares at her while internally smiling. There, he hasn't made it too obvious. She won't get suspicious now. And he'll only have to ensure she'll send him there. Imogen's looking at him with confusion. He frowns. What's she confused about? He's got not much time to think about it before she speaks up.

"You do have a choice."

"Really? Doesn't feel like it. All I get to choose is where I'm being sent. And then I don't even have much to choose from."

"Maybe for you, that's the case but it's also the case for me. I don't feel it is the right time for you to go to an institute but have no choice in that matter. As such, we need to come to a decision. One way or the other."

So what will he do now? He doesn't want to make a decision but apparently, he must. So he'll have to figure something out. Sioux Falls might be the best for him and give her a measure of false safety. Yes, he'll do that. He's certain now it won't be seen as easily accepted. But first, there's one thing he needs to know.

"Benjamin's also coming, right?"

"I think so but I can ask."

"Of course, thanks."

"I'll gladly ask him if it puts you at ease."

Hopefully, he won't come. He doesn't need more eyes. The new people he'll meet he can fool but Benjamin will be too difficult. He didn't need it but he needed to ask. Imogen's eyes burn into his own. He balls his fists to stop himself from fidgeting. A hesitant smile grows on his face. Despite everything, her eyes trail to his hands before she speaks up.

"So, you'll go to the Sioux Falls Institute?"

"Yes, I'll go there. It's what you wanted me to do."

"Of course. However, it needs to feel good to you too. Else, you shouldn't promise me to go there."

"Oh, it feels good to me, don't worry about that."

"Alright."

Imogen nods to him and he nods to her as silence falls between them. Neither speaks but also neither makes any motion to leave or for the other to leave. They've reached a stalemate.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Isobel POV

She pulls out a spring and places it next to all the other pieces coming from the gun on the desk before her. She then pulls out the next piece and does the same. She needs to figure out how this works and where to place appropriate runes so they can use it. And she also needs to figure out what the appropriate runes are. So far, no mundane weapons have proven to be useful to them and she wants to change that. It'll hopefully make their work much easier.

Once she has the entire gun dismantled she looks at the pieces before her. She needs to figure it all out because there is no one she'll allow to do this. But before she can do all, she needs to figure out how this works. She now knows how it's constructed but it would be so much better if she had construction information. However, she hasn't been able to find it anywhere. This leaves testing to be the only way left. So, she's got to put it back together. She sighs and shakes her head. Why, oh why after pulling it apart. Once she's gotten this and the runes figured out, she'll start with her modifications.

She smiles as she tests the pieces before her to figure out their function. It's better to do this now that's it apart. She can later put it back together. Some pieces' functions are easier to figure out than others. Most pieces take a while to figure out. A knock on the door has her turning her head around towards the door. Before she's gotten the chance to answer, the door opens. She shivers as the old wind from the hallways enters this room and glares at the figure entering the room.

"Ah, Issy, I already thought I could find you here when you weren't in your rooms, the library, or the training rooms. It's quite a nice temperature you've got here, you're doing?"

"Hello, grandpa. Yes, the temperature's my doing. I like to work in a comfortable temperature. Thanks for bringing in the cold by the way. And I wish you didn't know me so well."

"Knowing you is my job, young lady."

"Yes, yes, your job."

She shakes her head and smiles. Grandpa never changes. He's always been so good at sticking his nose in all things which don't concern him. Especially when it concerns how she conducts herself. Nevertheless, she knows he means well. She's always been able to get his advice when something was bothering her. She watches as he walks to her workstation. He looks at it for a moment before turning towards her.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Yes, you are."

"Should I come back later then?"

"No, stay. We'll talk about whatever you're here for now."

You won't leave me alone, remains unsaid. She knows he'll be waiting outside this room or at least somewhere close by for her to finish. He'll be waiting for the first opportunity to talk to her. So it's better to get this done quickly. Then she can go back to her job. And besides, he's always been there for her whenever she needed it. She needs to return the favor to him.

"If you don't mind."

"I don't. So why are you here?"

"You know about my new job?"

"Maybe, I can't remember what it was exactly. Why do you ask?"

"Because it's part of the reason I'm here now. So what have you heard?"

"Something about you personally training someone. Since when that's done? And why?"

"When there are special circumstances which you'll learn about at a later time. I was deemed to be the best available trainer."

"Alright, but you've still not told me why you're here."

"I'm here because my trainee will be coming to this institute at the insistence of our Consul. He'll need someone to guide him here."

"And you intend for me to do that?"

"If you don't mind."

"And if I do?"

She's not looking forward to playing babysitter for this new arrival. She's got enough work to do with her research in weapons and her training. All more important than guide some new arrival. She can't use this distraction. She can't. She looks at her grandfather who gives her a hard look.

"Then I'd urge you to reconsider. I don't know anyone who could do this as well as you."

"Flattery won't help you, grandfather. It won't."

"Isn't there anything I can do to change your mind?"

"Well?…"

What could she ask for? No interruptions? No annoying arrival? Or maybe not too much work added to her own? She scratches the back of her head. The first and last are things she could ask for. The second isn't anything her grandfather got much influence over. So she could let it go or try anyway? She scratches her head once more and nods. Yes, she'll try. There's nothing to lose anyway.

"Yes, Issy. What's on your mind?"

"Could you make sure I won't get any more work added to my current load and no more interruptions while I'm working? I'll mentor him outside of those times if I've got to. There are others he can ask when I'm busy. Oh, and could you ensure he won't be annoying?"

"You've got a workload already?"

"Yes, my training and the research I'm doing."

"What research? Has it anything to do with this thing in front of you?"

"What do you think? Of course, it's got to do with this gun in front of me."

Her grandfather hums and picks up one of the pieces. She reaches out with a hand. Despite trying to, she fails to stop him. His arm passes by her hand by inches. She grounds her teeth as her grandfather examines the before him. He'd better not mess anything up. It takes a bit before grandfather turns towards her with steel eyes.

"Who gave you this?"

"A friend."

"And why? What do you think you'll achieve with this?"

"Because I wanted to see one and you'll learn more if I'm successful."

"Issy!"

"What?"

Her grandfather finally puts the piece down and places his hands on her shoulder. He looks her in her eyes and squeezes her shoulders. She frowns wondering what's gotten into him this time. She wanted to tell him more but isn't sure she'll succeed. She doesn't want to give him hope only for it to be destroyed later.

"You know now one's ever been able to adapt mundane weapons for our use, right?"

"Yes, so?"

"Well, I don't want you to be disappointed when your efforts turn out to be wasted."

"Who says I'm trying to adapt it?"

"No one but I know you, Issy. This' what you're trying to do."

Her grandfather looks at her sternly. She presses her lips together and looks away. She just hates how he knows her so well. And how she's unable to keep him out of it. She knows he's just trying to prevent her from being disappointed but she's got to do this.

She's got to. No one tries it anymore and it needs to be done. She clenches her fists tightly and feels her nails biting into her palms.

"Well, I'll prove them all wrong. I'll get this working."

"Alright, if you want to try. Know it'll give you the praise of everyone if you succeed."

"And maybe get me accepted into the ranks of the Sisters."

"Yes, the Sisters. You've told me about it more than once. But as for your requests; I think I can fulfill two easily and think the last also won't be a problem. I'll even make sure there's time for you to work on your project."

"Really? Thanks, grandfather. You're the best."

"I know I am."

Noah POV

Noah turns over a page in the book when the door opens and almost immediately closes with a loud bang. He looks up and glares in the direction of the door. How dare they disturb the peace of the library. He wants to study. Not be interrupted by rude people. Unfortunately, as he looks he can't see anyone. Only the hair of someone flying past and a shadow of a person. Even then he's unable to accurately see the hair. It's dark but whether it's brown or black, he's not sure. With nothing to do, he turns his attention back to the book and ignores everyone around him. No matter how loud they speak.

About twenty minutes later, he sighs and closes the book loudly. Even trying to ignore them doesn't help. If they can't speak at an acceptable level then he can't work here. Thus he'll have to listen to what they're saying. He stands up and moves towards the group. How better to listen to them by being close to them. Once he reaches a pillar, he hides behind it.

"You're sure? It's no mistake?"

"Would I be joking about something like this?"

"Well, no. But it can't be true. You've got to be mistaken."

"What've I been telling you? Of course, it's no mistake. Some new student from Idris is set to arrive any day now."

"Who's the student?"

"I don't know. They're all hush-hush about it. I've been unable to figure anything out."

"You've looked everywhere?"

"Yes, by asking officials, trainers, older Shadowhunters, guests, and who not."

"Then what'll we do? He'll be going scouting with us and we don't know how much training he's gotten."

"I'm sure he's gotten sufficient training."

"Yes, sure. Couldn't anyone tell you something about him? Or her maybe?"

"It's certainly a boy but that's all I know."

"Oh, so you know something."

"Mhh, could the Riverchilds find out more about him?"

"Oh, I'm sure it's not a matter of being able to do it but more of knowing already. They must have been informed months ago."

"Yeah, it can't be anything else. It's not as if they've only been informed recently."

"No, that's impossible."

"I know and only now do they tell us the bare minimum. You're sure there's no new and strange way of inspecting this institute?"

"Why? You've got anything to hide?"

"No, of course not."

"Yeah, and by who? The inquisitor?"

Laughter breaks out among the group. This young woman's nearly certainly got something to hide. What's it is he's not too interested in. That's for others to figure out. He just hopes it's not part of a strange inspection. But one thing's certainly strange because he hasn't heard his parents talk about a new student before. It's not strange they don't speak about it often but he should have heard something about it.

Something.

Anything at all.

When the group moves their conversation to other topics, he knows it's time for him to leave. Leaving the group behind, he walks towards the door with the cafeteria as his final destination in mind. All in the hope people will be there. He's got some questions for the residents. He's been caught completely unaware by this development and doesn't like it.

To be honest, there've been reports of travelers and new residents coming. They of course bring their children with them if they've got them. But there hasn't been any talk about students coming alone. It's just not done. None ever come alone. People always come in groups. It's just so suspicious one would ever come alone.

As he nears the door of the library, he sees another group entering and smiles. The first group to answer his questions has been found. He's quick to approach them and question them. From them, he learns even more about the 'student'. It makes everything even stranger. And it's not as if the answers convince him the 'student' is an actual student.

The same, he does with everyone else in the library. Some things are repeated by people while others have information which is different or contradicts each other. It's an intriguing but annoying puzzle. Nevertheless, it allows him to paint a nice picture of the situation. The older members and especially those who are but barely full members of the Clave helped him the most.

This 'student' seems to be a stranger who was only recently brought into their society. He's in the care of the inquisitor and has been training with someone for the whole time he's been among them. Only once, has he trained with others under his grandfather's supervision. None know who he's been training with. He seems to have had to learn everything about their society. By all means, he's a stranger who doesn't know what they've been pulled into.

What he doesn't believe are the contradicting words about the character he's been told about. There's no way he can be kind if he's been highly rude in the past. He knows he's got to give him a chance if he's an Ascendant but he doesn't have to like him. Nor that he's got make it easy for him. He'll ensure he'll fall into line. And once he arrives, he'll see how much the others distrust him. He's certain this'll happen. All that'll give him something to work with. And give some people someone else to torment behind the adults' backs.

One thing's for sure, he doesn't believe most of the words. He could be a spy or an ignorant boy who doesn't know the dangers of the job. He'll leave them hanging once it becomes tough. Just like that one person years ago. He's a danger to them and has to learn quickly to prevent himself from endangering anyone.