Amelia's POV

"Welp Ill turn around now" I muttered before moving to stand next to Jace, Clary, and Simon

"There is a lot of gear here, what did they do rob a tech shop?" Simon asked, Jace, ignored him and started to click on one of the screens. An image of the front of the institute was enlarged it appeared to be live footage from what was going on outside. I took a step closer so I could take a better look, as two policemen arrived at the entrance.

"So this cold-blooded killer is going to help us" Simon question leaning in, Jace ignored him again but Clary turned to answer Simon.

"He's not a killer. He is protecting us" She answered at that I gave an agitated noise

"Well specifically, you two though I know your sister has fighting skills. Its sort of our thing" Jace said giving me a sideways nod which I returned with a small smile.

"We thank you," I said appreciatively, Simon turned shot me a glare which I shrugged of

"Your thing? You guys have a thing" Simon sputtered. Oh, so that's it he was jealous of this shadowhunter dude with the blond hero hair, my smile widened.

"He means a shadowhunter thing Si" I cut in placing a mocking hand on Simons shoulder which he swept away.

"That's what they do protecting humans from demons" My sister added trying to reassure her best friend.

"Demons, right. That makes perfect sense" 

"Shut up Simon" I whispered into his ear, he was exaggerating he should be thankful for they did help us. Though I guess they did seem rather suspicious. Ignoring me he continued.

"Cause there are demons running all around New York," He said with an air of bravado

"That is the first correct thing you've said all day" Jace retorted still clicking on the screen. I coughed covering up a laugh which I knew Simon would hate me for but he still shot me a dirty glare. When suddenly the audio on the video played out it was the voices of The NYPD.

"Won't they find us?" Clary questioned staring at the two men

"No, our wards will deter them, the NYPD will do their typical mundie thing for a few hours and then the area will be clear" Jace retorted and true to his word the policemen were giving up.

"What is going on?" I heard a deep questioning voice behind my turned to see Alec standing behind us looking at Simon suspiciously he gave me a quick nod of acknowledgment before turning to Jace.

"Why is there a mundane in the Institute? He asked his voiced laced with mild disgust at the term mundane, Jace sighed looking exasperated before answering.

"A Circle member followed him to get to Clary and Amelia"

"A Circle rune, just like the guys who took my mother" Clary continued I noticed that she said my instead of our mother and frowned, and Alec noticed too because his expression darkened with a look of confusion.

"What exactly is a Circle member and why are they trying to kill us?" Simon cut in his brown eyes fleeting between the four of us behind his glasses.

"All we know is a long time ago the Circle led a revolt, a lot of shadowhunters got killed, including my father," He said his voice strained at the last bit his expression unclear I felt a twinge of sympathy for the blond.

"And since the revolt we've been forbidden to even hear about the Circle" Tilting his head slightly in Jace's direction who intently avoided his friend gaze.

"But, how is that even possible? It's your history" Clary said, I rolled my eyes before saying.

"Don't question their rules" I muttered but Alec heard me and gave a quick smile before returning to his original expression.

"Says the girl who didn't know that she and her sister are Shadowhunters" Jace scoffed before turning to walk away.

"Yeah. Yeah, you're right. And now the only person who knows the truth is missing, so I don't care about your rules or whats forbidden, There's got to be someone out there who can tell us why they've taken my mother" I frowned at her little outburst trying to ignore the fact that again she said her mother, not ours. Instead, I walked behind Jace and Alec towards the machine where Izzy was typing away.

"There is, you two coming?" He said before turning to move to the other side of the room 

"Yeah," Clary and I said in unison as we both including Simon started to follow him, but Jace wasn't having any of it as he put his arm out blocking the brunette from coming.

"No, no, no. Not you."

"Hey, we are a package deal." Clary protested glaring and Jace

"Yeah" Simon chimed in renewed confidence I rolled my eyes.

"There are runes all over the training room floor that would kill your mundie boyfriend" Jace informed them

"He is not my-"

"I'm not like-" They both said Simon ears were pink I let out a low laugh as Jace turned questioningly to look at Simon amusement apparent on his face.

"Were, uh, just friends." Simon sputtered out nodding

"Best friends," Clary said turning to smile at the nerd. Ouch low burn Simon straight to the friend zone.

"Pretty sure he doesn't care about what type of friendship you have" I cut in my voice bored Jace flashed me a smirk before turning back towards the two of them. I heard a stifled laugh somewhere behind I turned slightly, to find Alec trying to compose his featured to a serious expression. I turned back a small smile on my lips. Ignoring me Simon continued with a new air of confidence.

"Yeah, and I'm tough. I can handle runes. So, uh, bring on the runes" He said slapping Jace's arm which was obviously painful since he was now shaking is hand smile slipping up but still intact. Jace looked like he was about to laugh his expression full of mild amusement.

"What exactly are runes," Simon asked his confidence wavering and I couldn't help but smile.

"They give Shadowhunters our demon-fighting powers," A sweet voice said. Simon and I turned to see Izzy up and done from the computers. now standing with a stele which glowed softly as she ran it over one of her runes. I remembered her showing it to me earlier it was one of the basic ones the rune for angelic power it now shone red as her silver stele ran over it.

"So hot," Simon said obviously staring at Isabelle. Jace cleared his throat anger flashing in his eyes, as he glared at Simon.

"The rune" Simon sputtered 

"Sure Simon sure" I retorted smiling at the embarrassed look on Simon's face, Isabelle let out a musical laugh.

"Don't worry, Clary Ill watch over the best friend" Isabelle said swaying over too Simon I raised one eyebrow and Jace who shrugged.

"In fact, I was about to make breakfast" She smiled and Simon was completely entranced

Jace sucked in air through his teeth before saying 

"On second thought the runes might be less lethal" I laughed and I could see Alec smiling behind his sister.

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that, Please excuse my brothers lack of manners" She smiled

"Brother?" I muttered questioningly while Alec and Isabelle looked mildly alike Jace was far off with his blonde hair and blue eyes

"This is Alec," She said pointing behind her before stretching out her hand too Simon

"And I'm Isabelle," she said her voice changed slightly to a more seductive tone not catching the hint Simon shook her hand 

"Lewis. Simon, Simon Lewis. Two first names, am I still talking" He stuttered I leaned in to whisper in his ear 

"Yes, and you were supposed to kiss her hand not shake it" but Isabelle seemed charmed as she was now giggling.

"See best friend safe and sound here," Jace said looking at Clary

"Jace, if anything happens to him-" She started but I cut her off 

"The only thing that might happen is him walking out with a new, hot shadowhunter girlfriend" I reassured her

Completely oblivious to what I just said "Go on Ill be fine, I think" Simon laughed nervously still staring at Izzy, Clary shot him an uneasy look before turning reluctantly to follow Jace up the stairs

"Where are we going?" I asked as I followed them

"Training room" Jace responded curtly before turning to whisper something to Simon

"Hey, uh don't eat the food. Dangerous" I heard him mutter that to Simon who now looked taken aback 

"Jace, coming?" Clary asked as she walked away from us

"Yeah, I'm coming"  He answered before turning to leave Simon still gaping at the blond I grinned before running up the stairs to catch up with Clary. We started to approach a wide room with walls of glass two people were training at the center of it. A woman with curling brown hair was holding a sort of training staff swinging it at a blonde man. He was shirtless muscular his hair dirty blonde and raggedly cut, his beard full.

He had two chakrams in each hand preparing for the swing of the bo staff blocking it. 

"That's Hodge Starkweather, our weapons trainer" Jace informed us. I watched as he swiftly got up after being kicked by the women brandishing his blades.

"And more important for us a former Circle member" Jace added his voice serious

"What how do you trust him after he joined up with the Circle?" I asked my tone hushed as I watched the grinning man as he taunted the woman who swung her staff again.

"Keyword former, after the uprising. Hodge repented and he was sent to live and work here to make amends" He continued as suddenly Hodge exploded into action his face red and growling as he swung his blade again to block another hit kicking out with his foot.

"But he's forbidden to ever leave the Institute," Jace added suddenly growing silent as we all watched as the weapons clanged against each other, wood clashing with metal, and the sound echoed around the room. With a last grunt, Hodge bought his chakrams down cut straight through the wooden staff rending it useless.

The women looked down at the staff in shock the stared up at the trainer who cocked an eyebrow, seeming slightly stunned himself at the pieces of wood now strewn on the floor. The women left the training room still looking disgruntled. Jace, Clary, and I started to approach Hodge who was now pulling on a shirt over his runed chest.

As he approached as his gaze focused on me and Clary a look of confusion and then joy before he spoke

"Celine? Jocelyn?" He asked his gaze on me than at my sister

"No um, I'm Amelia and she is Clary Jocelyn Fray is our mother. Who is Celine?" I asked, a look of confusion spread on his face he wasn't bad looking if you liked the gruff or ragged look.

"I don't remember Joceyln having 2 children. Jocelyn Fairchild and Celine Herondale were my two best friends including Stephen who was married to Celine. You girls look a lot like them it's uncanny" He whispered the last part his voice hesitant I frowned I never heard of a woman named Celine I don't understand how I looked like her. 

"Our mother has been kidnapped by someone named Valentine and his men" Clary cut in casting a look at Jace who continued.

"By the circle, Hodge" He added a look of shock passed Hodges featured 

"But that's impossible," Hodge said before his one turned bitter with hate

"Valentine's dead and the Circle died with him" BeforeHodge could continue started to choke the rune on his neck burning an angry red color, I whirled around turning to Jace m tone laced with concern at the poor man who looked in terrible pain.

"What's happening? Is he all right" I asked my tone hurried as I turned back to look at Hodge who let out a disgruntled noise of pain. but it was brief as his expression turned neutral he started to speak again.

"I swore a vow never to speak of what we did. This is the Clave's way of making sure I keep that vow" His rune was now smoking slightly even a look of dicomfort passed over my sister's face as she started to speak directing her words at Jace.

"We can't torture him, Jace. Is there anyone else we can ask?" Jace shook his head a grim expression set on his face.

"If the Circle really is back and they've taken Jocelyn" Hodge toke a deep breath before continuing

"Our leader..our leader of the Circle was Valentine Morgenstern" He winced as the rune started to burn again pausing we all leaned forward about to stop a look of discomfort passing over Jace's features when Hodge placed his hand out to stop us all.

"We thought he wanted to protect humans, like Shadowhunters. But we never realized the lengths in which Valentine was willing to go, the people he was willing to sacrifice" He inhaled sharply as the rune seared and smoked.

"Most of humanity would die if we carried out Valentine's plan"

"But I.. I still don't understand, how does our mother relate to any of this," I asked frowning at the man as he started to answer a sigh escaping his lips

"Jocelyn was a member of the Circle as well," He said his voice softening slightly at the edge but that didn't soften the blow of the impact of his words. How could my sweet kind mother do anything so evil that would kill most of humanity? I looked at Clary whos expression mirrored mine it was filled with shock and astonishment at his words.

"No it's impossible" I whispered looking intently at the floor before looking up at Hodge glaring at his sympathetic blue eyes willing his expression to give away his lie.

"I can't believe it. Our mother, she-" Clary stammered for now even Jace looked taken aback at the news.

"The important thing is that Jocelyn left the Circle and so none of this even matters because Valentine died in a fire years ago" At that he let out a pained groan the rune now shining as he shrunk back. I lurched forward Jac next to me trying to steady the man.

"Hodge. Hodge" Jace his voice alarmed as the Hodge held on to the blonde shadowhunter I put a hand on his back before speaking.

"We cant ask you to do this," I said my voice low even Clary's eyes were tear-filled as she stared at the pained man her eyes now flicking to Jace.

"Amelia, we don't have a choice you understand that Hodge, right?" Jace directed his words at his trainer who looked up.

"Jace is right" He stammered panting as he looked at both me and my sister.

"Valentine nearly destroyed the Shadow World and humanity along with it. If he'd gotten the Cup-" Clary cut him off

"Wait didn't our mother say she hid something from someone, if its this Cup-" Jace cut in Hodge still leaning heavily on his shoulder I was standing near them ready to help at any given moment still intent on hearing the rest.

"Clary, the Mortal cup is the most important object in The Shadow World. Whoever possesses it can create more Shaowhunters"

"And in the wrong hands control demons" Hodge continued as Clary let out a startled gasp my hands were now fidgeting at the bracelet around my wrist, focusing on what Hodge had to say.

"If Jocelyn hid the Cup from Valentine, then she's in more danger than you can possibly imagine" I breath hitched at his words when suddenly he let out a scream of pain his circle rune now red, bright, and burning. I sprung forward trying to steady the falling blonde as he yelped in pain.

"Hodge" Jace exclaimed as his trainer fell to the ground trying to crawl back up towards one of the coaches, my hands were next to Jace's trying to steady Hodge was now panting hard.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" I whispered into his ear and to my shock, he smiled slightly before whispering 

"You are just like her," he said before turning back to Clary

"Your mother was only trying to protect you, and now you must protect her. Stop Valentine before he destroys us all" At that I lurched my hand away as if burned before rushing away tears of shock burning the back at my eyes as Clary too left the room in a hurry. I took a turn away from Clary as I heard Jace yell after her.  I rushed away my backpack still slung on my shoulder taking a last I stopped leaning on the stone wall.

The pressure at the back of my eyes gone as I reached into my bag drawing out my sketchbook flipping to the earlier page where I had drawn Dot earlier her eyes sparkling slightly. Something clicked at the back of my head we knew Dot she was always there as me and Clary grew up a close friend of our mother. Surely she knew were mom would hide this 'Mortal Cup' and I can get out of this.

Clary seems pretty happy with the Shadowhunters who will hopefully teach her the needed skills but I could just leave they wouldn't notice. I threw the sketchbook back inside my bag before jumping ton my feet. I scanned for an exit that leads outside finally catching a view of what seemed to be the back exit I started to make my way towards it.

Where would I look for Dot? Maybe back at the apartment? Or no maybe her shop? Or maybe th-

I walked distractedly into something hard  well someone tilting my head up I caught a glimpse of raven hair and groaned inwardly

"And where in the world are you heading?" I sharp, and suspicious voice asked. Does this man have any other expression other than serious and suspicious? I thought before looking up to meet the gaze of a not so happy Shadowhunter.

Welp that was a big bomb Hodge just dropped. Does anyone know what he is suggesting? I thought I did pretty good with this chapter but what do you guys think? Do I need to improve anything? Did you enjoy the story? If you did just vote and comment it only takes a second of your time :)