Stronger Than Heaven

Chapter 14

Jace looked past Simon and Isabelle to see the figure of a couple bounding down the road towards them. Though they were too far for Jace to make out clearly, he could tell they were walking towards them with intent. A strange feeling was growing in the pit of his stomach as the two people got closer and their faces became sharper.

Magnus. Jace's heart lept. The second person must be Alec... except he didn't have the same demeanour even from far away. As their faces came into full view, the four of them stepped back, shock sweeping over them. It was Magnus and... Magnus?

Two Magnuses stopped in front of them, one in a full suit from the 1800s and the other in a 21st-century blazer and ripped skinny jeans. Both had the expression of amusement mixed with worry and dread. Jace's stomach turned as he realized what this could mean.

"Where's Alec?" was the first thing that came out of his mouth. Clary, Simon, and Isabelle were too stunned to speak.

21st-century Magnus cocked his head to the side. "No 'What is going on Magnus? Why are there two of you?' or 'How did this happen, what's going to happen next?'" His tone was playful, but cautionary and told Jace everything he needed to know. This wasn't good. In fact, it could very well impact the future and the world they would come back to may not be the same world they left.

'Even a small witch light or stele could mess up the order of the Universe,' Magnus's voice prepping them right before they time travelled echoed in his head. This was much more than a small witch light or stele. The repercussions could be disastrous. Jace ignored his thoughts and gave a slight shake of his head.

"We'll have time for questions when we find Alec. I know you're worried too."

At this, the expression on 21st-century Magnus faltered. He sighed and closed his eyes. "I-I don't know where Alec is right now." He opened his eyes, worry and fear now evident in them. "I came through alone and accidentally bumped into the 1800 version of myself at the Apothecary."

"The Apothecary?" Clary spoke up. "You were there?"

"Magnus, that's exactly where we need to go," Isabelle said with urgency. "Did you see a man that could possibly look like Jace's great great grandfather?"

"Ah, Harold!" 1800-Magnus piped in. It was odd... having two Magnuses side by side. Jace blinked his eyes once and then twice, trying to adjust to the sight in front of him. "Yes, he was there."

Jace's heart fluttered. They were so close. So close to getting the answers he'd been searching for for over a year. "We need to get there, quickly, and then we can go and find Alec."

Both Magnuses nodded and said in unison, "Let's go see Harold."

-

Clary blew air out slowly through pursed lips, trying to keep her breathing steady. The corset of her gown was proving to be a constraint when trying to keep up with the speed-walking of the others. She'd guessed that almost an hour had passed... giving them four hours left to get to Harold, get the answers they needed, find Alec, and time travel back... or forward? Her mind was a mess of racing thoughts, shock, and confusion.

She kept glancing over at the two Magnuses in front of them, walking in unison towards the town centre. It was unnerving. They acted the same, talked the same, walked the same, looked the same, and essentially were the same person - only in different times of their life. It was a jarring reminder that Magnus was centuries old, having experienced the world change over again countless times. It made her feel small... insignificant, in the grand scheme of things. She assumed Simon and Isabelle were too stunned to talk as the two kept stealing glances at both Magnuses and then at each other, their eyes wide and full of questions.

But what was also alarming was Jace's casual manner through it all. He walked beside her silently, his blue and hazel eyes focused, his calm and collected demeanour never faltering. Even when 1800 Magnus and 21st century Magnus showed up, he'd only asked where Alec was. She wondered if he really was this composed and level-headed or if it was a learned coping mechanism formed a long time ago.

She knew him... but at the same time, she didn't. She felt in her heart that she knew who he was, his intent, and his soul. Yet, she couldn't remember how or what she knew or why she knew them. All she was sure of was that she felt safe with him... that she couldn't imagine being without him and she would fight like hell to keep him in her life. And they were close, so close to their happily ever after.

He gave her a sideways glance, as if feeling her energy pick up. "How are you feeling?" he asked, his voice smooth and unwavering.

She breathed. "Nervous. Anxious. Feeling like I really don't want to wear this corset anymore."

He smiled slightly and squeezed her hand. "Only a bit more time... and then we'll be home."

Home.

"We need to split up before we reach the town," 1800 Magnus said to 21st century Magnus as the smooth road began to turn into cobblestone just outside of the town centre. "I suggest I assist them to the Apothecary and you try to find Alec." 21st century Magnus hesitated, glancing at Isabelle and then at Jace. The way past Magnus said Alec's name was foreign. Of course it would be. At this moment in time, Alec's grandfather wasn't even born yet. "What's wrong? You don't trust... you?" 1800 Magnus raised his eyebrows, regarding his future self carefully.

"No, I... I do." 21st century Magnus surveyed their surroundings. They were close to the town centre and people in gowns and suits were filtering through the streets. "Just..." he paused and sighed, a wary look on his face. "Make sure you four stay at the Apothecary and stay together. As soon as I find Alec, we'll head there. And this..." he reached for the inside pocket of his blazer and pulled out the time travel device. He handed it to Simon. "Keep this safe."

"Me? Why me?" Simon stuttered, taking the device with a bit of hesitation.

"Because you have super human vampire powers that can hide this device a thousand miles away in a second," 21st century Magnus replied. "Now, my handsome past self," he turned to 1800 Magnus who gave him a cheeky smile. The interaction made Clary's brain hurt. "Keep my... our friends safe. They're going to do incredible things for you in the future."

At this, Jace nodded. "Find Alec. Be safe," he said, giving their Magnus a quick pat on the shoulder.

"One more thing." 21st century Magnus paused and, with a snap of a finger, his outfit changed to an exact match of 1800 Magnus. "It's going to be... interesting seeing some old friends." He raised his eyebrow at them before creating a portal and disappearing into it in all of two seconds, leaving behind him a gust of wind that ruffled Clary's hair.

She shook her head. "I'll never get used to that," she murmured, giving Jace an incredulous look.

"There's the Apothecary," Isabelle said matter-of-factly, turning towards the town centre.

Beside her, Clary heard Jace take a deep breath and blow it out sharply. "Let's go."