Nephilim

7

Junior Year

"I can't believe you and Mason are closer than him and Andi. Like how is that even possible? They've known each other since they were five! And how can you like him better than me? I knew you first!" Ryder talks as the group of seven walks briskly down the street, Ryder taking the lead, Mason, and Kirstin right behind him. Andi and Avery were behind them, flirting with each other, though they were both oblivious as ever. Maya and Riley were bringing up the rear and only walking with them for about two more blocks before Maya walks Riley and herself home.

"Well, Andi and I are really close, just in a different way. In a way that... basically, it's like being friends with your ex. We're close, impressively close, but we need a buffer or two. We are... too much alike. Putting us together as a duo and not expecting a fight is like lighting dynamite and expecting it not to explode. Kirstin is our buffer. Besides, you didn't even know her name until you met Avery. Which was like, a month after she met me. So suck it." Mason answers the question as the two girls in the back leave the traveling posse. His shaggy chocolate colored hair in his face as he looked around, confused as to where Kirstin was directing them. Ryder was walking backward so he definitely wasn't leading them.

"Yeah, Strawberry. Suck it." Kirstin jokes, turning to head in the opposite way of the Mason and Andi's apartments. Mason grabs her shoulder pulling her to a stop.

"Kirstin, where are you going? The apartments are this way. If we leave now we can get to Andi's before Maya gets home so we can lock her out. Have her spend some time at the Matthews."

"Well, I thought you could come over to Avery and I's house today. Happy is just down the street over here, he picks us up at Topanga's. Something about keeping face." Kirstin smiles and continues down the road, not bothering to see if they were following her. Of course, they were, but you couldn't really blame them. There were very few times where they saw Kirstin smile, even fewer times where she talks about her home life. Especially where she lives. And they were curious teenagers.

So when she stops in front of a limousine, you could say the trio's interest was peaked. Though sky-rocketing was a much better example, "A limo? Who the hell do you live with girls?" Ryder looks at them wide-eyed.

"Tony Stark." Avery and Kirstin speak in sync before the blonde turns back and adds, "He's our uncle."

Ryder's P.O.V.- Present Day

I hear a voice float through the room as my eyes open, harsh lights making them snap shut again. I try again, this time everything seems to align a little, my eyes seem to focus and I can hear clearly. I look next to me to see Kirstin and my uncle Magnus in a seemingly heated conversation. Wait... Kirstin shouldn't be in the Institute.

"I know you know of me, Kirstin. Your life revolves around the Downworld. You know the difference between the good, the bad, and the ones who mess up. Tell me, which one do you think we are?" I slowly sit up, watching as Kirstin's defensive stance falters slightly as her eyes flicker to me.

"I know that you're a warlock, your name is Magnus Bane. And I know that people will say anything to take their asses out of the line fire. And even if you are the good guys, you still kidnapped me." I stand up and move to walk towards the duo. Snorting as Kirstin gives me a questioning look.

"If by kidnapping you mean saving you from Lucifer's people, then yes, we kidnapped you." My father's voice rings from behind me, Ithuriel and him standing in the doorway. Kirstin instantly moves forward attempting to maneuver around me. I quickly grab her waist and yank her backward, before she could get close to them. She begins fighting against my hold around her waist.

"Okay, so now why don't you tell me the truth, you idiotic Shadowhunters. Or I guess I should ask your Angel, huh? Why did you tell them Angels are still loyal to Lucifer? I've spoken to Cas, so one of the two are lying and I'm nearly positive it's you." Truth. She's telling the truth. A voice in the back of my head mutters quietly.

"She's telling the truth," I add, causing everybody's gazes to seamlessly shift from their current position on Ithuriel to me.

"You can't know that for sure, Ryder. I get that she's your friend, but-" Magnus moves towards us as he speaks, but becomes stock still as Ithuriel interrupts him.

"She is right. Well, mostly. There are nine Angels left in Heaven that are still loyal to our cause. There is a small group, so far we have counted seven, that are loyal to Lucifer. That includes the two I killed in the process of getting you. Yes, Castiel was informed of the nine Angels left, but we- Anael and I- we are the only two who can leave Heaven, Castiel, Lucifer, and Lucifer's loyalists excluded."

"Then why lie? What does it matter if they think you are stopping Lucifer or working to help Angels? They would have helped you either way." Kirstin stops fighting against my hold around her waist, speaking calmly, as if we were discussing the weather.

"I am trying to stop Lucifer, just not as alone as previously believed. We need to stop him before he gets too powerful. And I figured they would be more inclined to help me if they believed I was by myself, as I nearly am on my own, it is not a complete lie. Anael is keeping surveillance on Lucifer and keeping me informed, so the field work is all dependant on me. Now on all of us." Truth. He's telling the truth. How do I even know though, he could be lying, why am I assuming he's telling the truth. But... that voice was right with Kirstin, wasn't it?

"I... I think he's telling the truth." I mutter quietly, my voice seeming impossibly loud in the quiet room.

"Okay. Come with us, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this... and yourself. And, unlike him, we'll tell you everything you need to, and want to, know." Magnus lightly pulls Kirstin out of my grip, moving toward the door, my dad and I quickly follow.