#tuserzey

“I’m here, I’m here!” Christopher scrambled to a stop in front of the institute where Anna was waiting, the evening shadows thick around her. He leaned against a lamppost, trying to hide his panting. Anna raised an eyebrow.

“Are you alright, Kit?” she asked. He wasn’t sure if she was mocking him, or genuinely concerned. She looked immaculate as always, her hair slicked back with pomade as if they were about to head to the Helle Ruelle instead of patrolling for demons.

“Quite,” he huffed, straightening up. “Let’s go, shall we?” He headed off down the sidewalk. With a barked laugh, Anna followed.

As they walked the dark London streets, Christopher and Anna were silent. It seemed that this was often the case lately, whenever they were alone. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to say anything, per se; he just didn’t know what to say, or how to say it.

Where do you go, during the times I don’t see you for days? What’s been bothering you so much lately? Is it your relationship with Ariadne? The serial killer? Is it my fault, somehow? But he didn’t want to pry.

As they rounded a corner, Anna finally spoke, cutting through his thoughts. “I gotta say, I’m a little surprised.”

“Hmm? What about?”

“That you wanted to patrol with me.” She fiddled with her whip absentmindedly, peering down alleyways as they passed, searching for demons. “Ma said you specifically requested to come tonight. I thought you hated patrolling.”

“Well…” She had a point. Christopher felt distinctly out of his element here. Sure, he could fight if need be, but already he longed for his lab. When I get back, I’ll just run a few more tests on the gun, see if the new gunpowder formula is any closer…

Anna was looking at him expectantly. He cleared his throat.

“Maybe I just wanted to see you.” He adjusted his glasses and pretended to search the rooftops for demons. “You’re not really around much anymore.”

“Kit.” She sounded genuinely shocked. He turned to face her again. “I’m always happy to make time for you. You know that.”

“I just… thought maybe you had found better things to do. Or… better people to do them with.”

“Oh, dear.” Anna sighed, gazing at him for a long moment before gripping him in a fierce hug. He stood stiffly in her embrace, shocked, but relaxed slowly as a memory he had forgotten washed over him.

Christopher was sitting on the sofa, four or five years old, playing with a beaker that Henry had given him for Christmas. He held it up to the light and swirled its imaginary contents thoughtfully.

Suddenly, there was a bang somewhere in the house. Startled, Christopher dropped the beaker, which shattered on the floor. My science, he thought mournfully, and began to cry.

Anna was in the room in an instant, and when she saw what had happened she called for their parents. As their father cleaned up the mess, she pulled her small body up onto the sofa as well and pulled Christopher into her lap.

“Oh, dear,” she said, stroking his hair. “You’re okay, Kit, it’s okay.” And Christopher knew that it was; if his sister was there, it was always okay.

She broke the hug after a long moment, holding Christopher by the elbows and looking into his eyes. “There is never anyone I would rather spend time with than you, Kit.”

“Then why do I barely ever see you anymore?” As the words spilled from his mouth, Christopher wondered if he’d inhaled too many chemicals in the lab; he was never so blunt with his sister.

“I…” To his shock, Anna actually looked embarrassed. “I’m sorry. There’s been a lot going on lately, with this serial killer on the loose, and…”

“And Ariadne?” Christopher guessed. This drew a raised eyebrow from Anna.

“Well...yes. How do you know about her, exactly?”

He smiled slightly. “I know you think you’re very discreet, Anna, but I’ve known you all my life. Really, you’re quite obvious.”

She laughed, ruffling his hair. “I never could hide anything from you. She… she’s been trying really hard to win me over. To win me back. I don’t-- I’m not quite sure what to do.”

Christopher let his smile grow. “Well, I’m sure I haven’t a clue. This is not my area of expertise. If Ariadne were a bacterium, perhaps I could help.”

Anna snorted. “I won’t ask for your advice, then. But, if you’re willing to listen, it’d be nice to have someone to talk to about it.” She began walking again, and Christopher followed.

“Of course. And I shall tell you all about my failed experiments.”

“I look forward to it.” Surprisingly, she appeared to mean it. “And, Kit, I promise I will spend more time with you from now on. And the rest of the Merry Thieves as well; perhaps the four of you would like to come round for tea tomorrow?”

He remembered how he had been attacked by the demons. How much it had hurt as the Khora demon’s claw raked into his chest. How just as he had found a way to make the antidote, the chance had been taken away from him. It had been agony mixed with regret and pain. It was a time which he did not wish to remember. Everyone had always associated him with messing things up. But he had only ever wished to do something that would help all shadowhunters, not just the ones who are there now but all the ones who will replace them in future generations. The chance to prove people his worth had ripped away from him. He had felt as if he had failed. He had told Matthew and James to ask Thomas to complete the anti. 

He remembered the darkness surrounding him and the Silent Brothers constant tries to save those who had been lost to that darkness. He remembered how he had been afraid that the darkness might envelope him and he would have to leave all his friends and family. Needless to say, that the thought had been pretty depressing. 

Christopher had been elated that everyone had survived. That all those who were unconscious had got the chance to see their loved ones again. He wished he could have saved Barbara too. He had been proud of Thomas. His heart’s brother. Thomas had saved everyone. 

When he had woken up, Thomas had thrown his arms around Christopher and said, "It worked! Oh, thank the angel, it worked! I'm so glad you woke up." It had been a chaos. 

Everyone came and hugged him and asked how he was doing, or if he needed anything. The joy on everyone’s face was evident.  He could see the relief in everyone's face and in several others' who were talking with the rest of the injured. All those who had woken up were then shifted to the Institute’s infirmary to be kept under observation. In case, they were all not completely healed. Christopher wasn’t worried. He had confidence in his and Thomas’ work. 

Now, when he was finally home, the nostalgia he had gotten while being in the Infirmary, finally disappeared. He missed speaking to his sister. Anna had tried to be with him for as long as possible but she didn’t get much time.

As he settled into his room, he heard a knock on his door. As he turned around, Anna came in, a smile adorning her face. He felt a matching smile instantly reach his face.

“How are you feeling now?” Anna asked.  

“I feel good.” Christopher replied

“And how are you feeling about saving half of London?”

“I’m being given credit for creating the antidote, but in truth, it was Thomas who saved everyone. He completed it. I would not have woken up, if it wasn’t for him. I was unconscious, I didn’t save anyone.” Christopher told his sister his thoughts that had been plaguing him since he had woken up.

He could see Anna frowning.

“Why do you think that? Christopher, you might think that, but you did save everyone. You used your brains when no one had any hope, when no one believed that there could be any hope. You saved all of them and you saved yourself. Don’t feel as if you don’t deserve the praise you are getting. Because you do. I’m proud of you.”

Christopher felt tears gather at his eyes. He had always wanted to do something to make someone proud of him. He was glad that he had such an amazing sibling. 

Anna came towards him and hugged him.

“I’m proud of you Christopher. And never believe that you didn’t do much. You did everything. Be smug about it.”

Taglist 

@slytherclaw-lair @emma-carstairs-herondale @silent-nerd @bazsnow @an-awkward-nerds-world @cipher-dorito @oscar-fairchild @immortal-enemies @purplebass @fullwonderlanddream @mus95

Tell me if you want to be added to the taglist/ not want to be included anymore/if I forgot to put you.

The black car rolled determinedly through the Manhattan traffic, making lethargic progress, in an endless sea of cabs.

Though it has been two years since Dru had joined the academy, she has been to the New York Institute only once before. She was excited about the mission obviously but not as much as for seeing her brother again.

She and her brother Ty had gotten closer since the unfortunate events at Idris. She would be meeting him after a long time; what with their breaks never aligning.

Beside her, Thais was immersed in her book, occasionally glancing up to notice their progress on road.

Louis, on the wheel, was trying his best not to hit the cab in front of him, despite its erratic manoeuvres. He must be regretting this new American experience, Dru thought.

Of course, this miserable journey of theirs could have been avoided, if they had come through a portal. Well, hard luck for them, since portals were being regulated and they stayed within the state, unlike the centurions.

It was fifteen more minutes before they reached the gothic cathedral, which was the New York Institute. She had loved it on her first visit. Now, she observed it admiringly, captivated by the building's mystic charm.

Thais joined her behind the car, to collect all their belongings. Louis offered to carry their weapons trunk. They didn't refuse as he could get pushy, in an awkwardly polite way. It's best to let him carry on his "gentlemanly duties".

Dru followed her friend through the entrance. Thais whistled, amazed, now that they were closer.

"This place seems right up our alley, doesn't it Dru bear ?"

Dru scoffed at the new nickname. She could count on Thais to be ridiculous, irrespective of the place.

She replied to the other girl, "Oh, we're definitely watching that slasher film here. There's no other perfect setting". Dru was glad at the moment that she had a friend, who appreciated her morbid interests.

As soon as they pushed the door open to the institute, they were greeted with the sight of four shadowhunters - all in gear and immersed in a serious discussion.

Isabelle noticed them first and greeted them with a smile. She placed her hand on Simon's arm to stop him from speaking further.

Of course, the adults didn't want to traumatize them, she thought sourly.

Meanwhile, Jace and Clary rushed towards them in a coordinated manner. Clary pulled her into a hug which she returned awkwardly.

Thais Pedroso, to her right, was comparing her biceps with Jace, who was equally indulgent.

This wasn't new for them both...well, Jace had been to the academy for guest lectures before, and Thais-for reasons unknown-had declared her intention to best him in muscle building, of all things.

Dru shook her head. She must give up analyzing her friend's actions, gradually.

Soon, Isabelle and Simon joined them. Simon inquired about Beatriz and Catarina, and sincerely empathized with their travails at the academy.

After a few minutes of these formalities, Dru and Thais were shown to their room. It was a huge room with two beds in opposite corners. The two girls settled in and wondered if Louis made it into the institute.

Louis Rayhorn was from the Brussels institute. He had an easygoing and helpful attitude which should have technically made him popular...but sadly, he was also nosy and emitted an uneasy aura.

He was an able shadowhunter but an okayish companion. They were one of the only ones, who didn't mind his company. Because, Louis, for all his eccentricities, was their well-intentioned friend.

Thais worried now, " What if he got into trouble or worse, lost?"

Dru frowned, " I don't think Clary and Jace would abandon him. They knew he was coming too."

The other girl continued as if Dru hadn't spoken, " Let's go explore the institute. Find the weapons room. Maybe we'll find him there"

Dru nodded. She was still in the process of figuring out her signature weapon. Maybe, a look at the extensive collections of the New York Institute would help.

They roamed two floors aimlessly before stumbling upon a metal door with seraph blades carved on it.

" Very subtle" observed Thais. She pulled the handle and let herself in. Dru followed.

At once she stepped in, she heard her friend exclaim " Oh there he is!! I'm glad you made it here intact!! "

Dru followed Thais' gaze to the back of the room.

In front of a huge wooden trunk stood two figures; Louis was facing them and beside him, she saw a blond head diving into the trunk.

Must be Jace, she thought, but then realized that there was something odd about his physique.

Louis interjected her thoughts with his " Oh hey girls!! I was about to ask Christopher here to show me to my room. If not for him, I would have been wandering cluelessly"

Dru was perplexed, Wait, Christopher!?

Just then, the blond boy pulled himself upright and turned towards them.

Dru gasped...her mind was reeling.

The boy in front of her was taller, muscular, and held himself in an unmistakable Shadowhunter gait.

But his eyes; they gave it away...he was Kit...Kit Herondale was standing before her, older but still the same.

Kit Herondale looked equally unnerved as her, his blue eyes widening in surprise. 'Dru ' he mouthed.

Dru wasn't going to let him continue. She stormed towards him.

" What are you doing here?" she asked not too politely.

Kit's face was imperceptible. He seemed to be mulling over this question. He sighed before answering " I am here to be a part of the mission, same as you Dru "

He tried to avoid her eyes while talking.

Of course, he's lying! she noted with frustration; He hasn't changed at all since then.

Suddenly a warm hand pressed against her left arm. She turned around to see Thais looking concerned.

Dru inhaled sharply. She didn't want to do this here. Not now...

She turned around abruptly and left the room, hurrying down the hallway.

She had wanted to ask Kit: Why did you leave without a farewell? Why did you lie to me about my sister?

But they got lost in the thoughts that bombarded her now...

What if Ty sees him? He's going to get hurt again...Oh, what should I do? What should I do?

In the past, she had wanted to punch Kit if she met him again...for hiding the truth from her...and later on, for abandoning her brother.

Her brother, Ty... he might be here already!!

What if he's shocked by Kit's presence?  He wouldn't know, just like her, and he won't handle such surprises well.

Maybe she could get to him before he stumbled upon Kit.

She was walking fast and unaware of where she was going until she reached the end of a hallway. There was a massive wooden door.

She was about to turn back when she heard tense whispers from behind the door.

Dru inched towards the door warily.

She heard a female voice " I am quite sure of my source"

Then, a male voice commented, " 'Something precious' huh?...the last time that was used, it turned out to be Ash Morgenstern"

It was Jace.

Clary's solemn voice added, " It won't be him again, obviously... Emma and Julian saw him stay in Thule."

Ash Morgenstern...

Dru remembered Jules and Emma talking about the Seelie Queen and Sebastian's son-after they had returned from Thule.

What does he have to do with anything now?

She was startled from her thoughts by fast-approaching footsteps.

She looked up dubiously.

Sigh...It was only Thais. Dru pulled her away from the door and into a dimly-lit corridor.

Thais looked at her with indignation. " I came looking for you, Dru!!", she said.

And continued, " By the way, are you alright? I guess you've met Christopher before...I was worried there...I've never seen you act this way"

Dru took a deep breath and looked at her friend's dark brown eyes, filled with concern.

She answered " Don't worry, I'm quite alright, Thais... Yes, I know him. And his name is Kit by the way"

"Okayy...what's really up with you and mini-Jace there?" asked her friend.

Dru wasn't ready to talk about this. She had to look for Ty anyway.

She asked instead, " Thais, do you know when the centurions would be arriving?"

Thais nodded, " Oh, I'm pretty sure they're here already. In fact, I saw a glimpse of a portal in the entrance, on my way"

By the time she could finish, they heard a loud bang from the front of the institute. They jumped in surprise and moments later, both of them were hurrying towards the foyer.

Dru exited the hallway first, only to find a huge commotion.

There was a pileup of scattered weapons, interspersed with people on the floor.

She saw Louis in the dead centre, with a couple of centurions lying beside him. He seemed to be unhurt.

None of them looked injured, only bewildered.

She suddenly realized, her brother must be in this chaos.

Before she could scan the room for him, she caught a glimpse of a flash of light and a hiss of pain.

She turned impulsively towards her left to find Ty in the corner, standing behind a pillar.

She noticed him holding someone towards the wall, away from a metal shelf that had fallen to the floor. The heavy shelf had made a substantial dent on the floor. It could have severely injured the person.

She walked towards him, only to find that Ty had pushed none other than Kit- away from the shelf's path.

Besides, Ty looked visibly anxious... Dru then noticed with dread that Kit Herondale had slumped down against the wall.