Second Life in the Shadows

Second Life in the Shadows is a short story based on Shadowhunters by Cassandra Clare and It: Chapter Two by Andrés Musschietti. In fact, it's part of a series of short stories that are written by Vederklauw and 8Nightfall11. The original language of this story is Dutch. 
== The story ==
=== Prologue ===
Adrian could smell their fear, he knew the teenagers who'd attacked him were closeby. There was also a sense of hopelessness in the air, although he couldn't say why. But one thing was sure: they should be afraid of him. After a long quest, he came upon an abandoned stone building, not too far away from the Derry church. Using the shadows, he came ever closer and closer. When he reached the door, he used his power, broke the door and burst inside.
'How can it... You are dead!' John's scream was immediately shut when Adrian bared his canine teeth and without hesitation, he lunged himself at the boy who had been directly responsible for his death. He bit and he scratched, and soon the room was full of terror and blood. Two nights ago, John "Webby" had been more than able to beat Adrian to pulp, but now the tables were turned. Mad with bloodthirst he bit John, whose threats soon became a scream of pain.
'Let him go!' A new voice made Adrian turn his head, and he saw the boy who had began to insult him and his boyfriend. Immediately Adrian's focus was shifted, and the prepared to attack the teenager, when suddenly a brilliant blue light caught him. Hissing and scratching, but unable to do anything, he felt how the air took him away from his would-be revenge.
=== Chapter 1 ===
Don was out for a walk on a winter night in the woods not far from the track. It had been a few months since Adrian had died at the hands of others and he had still a very difficult time because of it. After all they had been together for years, first as friends but later as lovers.
The homophobes were meanwhile be send to a prison by a judge, partly because of his witness, but that didn't take away the oppressive feeling. Several of his friends and acquaintances had referred him to a help center, were he could talk and vent. He had used it twice so far. This was the second time. 
The help center was located a few miles away near the track and near the woods. It was quietly located so that people could talk in peace without hearing the buzz of cars nearby. The only sounds you could hear were the river in the forest and the animals nearby. The nature ruled there. His own car stood nearby, but he didn't feel the need to go there. He wanted to think. First of all he would like to leave Derry. The demonic presence who had haunted him all of his live was still there. Luckily he could rely on his friends. His thoughts were interrupted when he felt that he was being watched. But it was not a demon. 
Suddenly a rising fog appeared, winter fog that you usually saw when night fell. His hackles stood on end. He knew it were no demons but rather an aura described in old legends and myths, those from the Shadowhunters. Warriors who shared blood with angels. 
He saw shadows in the fog and suddenly he heart noises, sounds of people who were fighting demons. The echoes of swords followed by a shade of a bow and bright glowing light, in turn followed by a thurd in flesh. Don saw immediatly back the demon who had bitten his already mortally wounded lover in the ribs and felt that his eyes were rolling away. His mind went dark, his head spun. And at the last moment before he lost his consciousness completely, he saw a familiar face. 
Adrian, he thought, but it couldn't be Adrian. He was dead. Was it Don's time now? But then he felt two arms around him, who were holding him up. This wasn't a dream..."You're dead", he whispered. Adrian smiled. "Once". He thought he was seeing illusions, but then he saw Adrian's familiar build and face, followed by shouts from a group of not one but five Shadowhunters. Suddenly the shouts became clear: "Jace, get this man out of here, the demons are still near !" "Adrian give me a hand will you?" informed the man who was called Jace. Then a young man with blue eyes and black hair appeared, in Don's sight. "Simon, Isabelle, Clary" he shouted "help me with killing the rest of the demons off". "The good man is surrounded!" Exclaimed Clary. It was all too much for Don and he fainted. 
When he woke up he found himself laying on a soft surface. it was a soft blanket. Above him he saw a blue sky, covered with here and there a cloud. So that was it; he must have passed out, on his way to his car. But who put that blanket under him? "So you are finally awake", sounded it. A man with glasses and curly hair was looking to him. "Shall i call Adrian for you?" "That can't be". "Adrian is dead". Adrian then appeared behind the man, who also let know that his name was Simon."You have dead and death", chuckled Adrian. Don became even more confused, "I don't understand". He wanted to starting asking questions, but lost consciousness again. 
The next time he woke up, he was laying in a bed. "Surely, you are not the first mundane*** who enters this domain unwanted", said a voice. It was the man with the glasses again, Don sighted and dropped himself on the bed again. "Can someone explain me, what the hell is going on here?!" "Am I dead?" "Is this... the afterlife?" "I have experience with being dead", the man with the glasses said - Don remembered, that his name was Simon. A little further in the infirmary stood the girl with red hair, and the blond boy with Adrian between them. They were talking. 
=== Chapter 2 ===
When he saw Don was awake again, Adrian immediately stepped towards him, ready to answer questions. "How can it be that you're still alive after those homophobes got you?" Adrian went to sit on the bed and began to explain. "Vampire blood." "After I was thrown off the bridge and the demon bit me, a vampire came to investigate and couldn't resist the temptation to create his own offspring." "But the demon... he tore your heart out of you!" exclaimed Don. "Demons of fear can make seem things different." "He bit me, an that ensured I wouldn't survive." "You didn't see it, but I was bitten, and Simon and Clary found me later." 
"What about your funeral?" "I was right there." "Were you ever allowed to take a look in the coffin?" Adrian asked sarcastically. When he began to think of it, Don had to admit he indeed hadn't. "No." Simon walked towards the bed. "It is a long story, but for now, get some rest and get better." The red-haired girl followed suit and introduced herself as Clary. "It will take some time before you're the old one again", she said. "You've been through hell and back." 
The group of five left the infirmary and Don was alone with Adrian, who began to tell about the Shadowhunters. Simon and Clary already introduced themselves. The guy with the blond hair was Jace, the guy with black hair and blue eyes was Alec and the black-haired girl's name was Isabelle. Jace was their adopted brother. The next morning, Don already felt better, but he was still somewhat in shock because of what had happened. Adrian had stayed with him the whole night but was asleep right now. Vampires were creatures of the night after all. Soft knocking on the doors to the infirmary and Don said: "Come in." 
It were Jace and Clary. The first, to Don's big surprise, had a beautiful female falcon sitting on his shoulder. Clary explained it was time for Don to get a tour of the Institute. "They expect me in Derry to talk about... what happened", said Don. "That can be taken care of in a matter of seconds", Clary assured him. "Now, get out of that bed of yours."Groaning, Don pulled himself to his feet and did let escort him out of the infirmary. After a few steps in the Instiute he was impressed by the building, which made the church of Derry look small. "I don't understand", he said when they made a turn. "A building that big must attract a lot of people, right?" "You must have been noticed long ago". "Hide charms, new boy" Jace grinned as the falcon snuggled her head against his cheek. "Don't call me new boy" said Don. "Alright" Jace sighed. Clary continued: "We are not with a lot of Shadowhunters." "A few years ago there was a massive war*** between the Shadowhunters, and since then we are with even lesser than before". 
Jace continued: "It is time that we explain everything to you, so that your questions can be answered." "To start with: all legends and myths you have ever heard about are true." "Things that you thought about as your imagination, are true." "You have the sight now, what means that you can see through every hide spell ever created." Don was amazed. "How is this even possible?" "There are only two options", said Clary. "Either you come from a lost line of Shadowhunters, or you must always have been sensitive for the supernatural." "This was the case with your friend Adrian." 
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Adrian had woken up and right now, he was thinking about how he first met the Shadowhunters and how he had become a vampire. He remembered how in pain and confused he was, right after he had arisen from the ground, with canine teeth and all. It had been Simon who brought him back, partly because he had been a vampire himself****. During his first days at the Institute, Adrian had been full of guilt and self-hate. His death on the bridge and in the river had repeatedly played in his head. No one did try to change that. 
"They are locked up, you know", said Simon, who just walked in the room. "What's more: they won't forget your visit very soon." Adrian grinned. "It isn't the assault." "It's Don." "He has no magical powers." "No demonic nor angelic blood". "He was never supposed to know about this but... what if it's too much?" Is this the Adrian who was mentioned on the funeral? The lively, cheerful, active Adrian? 
Adrian didn't know, but Simon smiled and continued: "Maybe he will discover it one day." "Maybe he will be confused, initially, but in the end, he will be glad he found you again." "That's what happened to me, you know." "I once was a mundane with angelic blood, but more or less Clary forced me into her world when she discovered her heritage." "I too was confused and angry, but after all that I was glad she did... and shared it with me." "I became a vampire***, and a Shadowhunter after that****." Adrian's memories went back and he smiled; of course Simon was right. 
=== Chapter 3 ===
Dons tour around the Institute was now finished, and he made his way to dining room with Clary and Jace. When he got their he saw that Alec and Isabelle were already their, they were serving them selves some food, it was spaghetti. "Hello new one" said Isabelle smiling. "The spaghetti is great". "If i could have made it, then"... "Then our guest would surely get food poisoning, and he would have to stay for days in the infirmary", Alec said . Then Alec said to Don: "You are save here" "Save?!" "Your people had just to go through a civil war*** !!" Don said angry. Alec's face twisted a bid for a moment. "Sit and eat". "We can talk after that."
Don took a sit , and to his surprise he saw that the group of five Shadowhunters was increased to a group of twenty Shadowhunters. Alec saw him looking and said that most of this new Shadowhunters had ascended. This called up even more questions, for Don. Alec explained that they had suffered massive losses, during the civil war*** and that they had started to recruit**** new people so that the numbers could start to build up again. Isabelle went further and tolled Don how that war*** was started, and to who they had fought back then. 
After Isabelle's story he looked once more around in the room and his eyes rested on a sixteen-year-old teenager with pointed ears and beautiful silver-white wings that lay folded on the boy's back. He wanted just to ask who the boy was, when Adrian came in to enjoy the others. Adrian took a seat next to him, where Don looked to Adrian. 
Adrian followed the graze of his lover, and informed that the boy's name was Ash, Clary's cousin and adopted son. Clary saw them look and explained to them that Ash was only two years with them, after he was escaped from the Seelie queen, Ash his biological mother. When Don took a better look, he saw that Ash wasn't alone, he was holding a toddler from around the two years old. Jace answered his unspoken question."That is Dawn, my daughter with Clary." The meal in the dinning room came to an end, and everyone started to go back to their rooms. Adrian took Don with him to his room that was given to him when Adrian for the first time arrived at the Institute. A few minutes later they arrived. 
The room was only a few feed from the dinning room. There was a wardrobe, some chairs and a large fourposter bed. The windows were tapped off. "Against the sunlight" Adrian said. For the first time, he sounded a bid wishfull. "It is an old habit." "In the beginning I couldn't even walk in the sun." Dons heart fellt small. How would it feel for him? 
"That is my weapon over their" pointing to a shiny dagger against the wall. "I can't do a thing with it, but I scared John to death with my vampire teeth." "So you really went to see them?" Don asked bewildered. "After what he and his friends, did done to you?!" "He deserved it" Adrian said on a harsh tone, that surprised Don. Don hadn't expected that his friend had took revenge, on his assaillents. Adrian said that he hadn't kill them with his vampire powers, but that he had thought about it. "I was so lost, so confused after my transformation." 
"I was stopped at the last minute by Magnus Bane, an very powerful warlock, who is over the 400 years old." "He was nearby on a walk with Alec, his husband** and their two adopted children****. " "They had to pull me off with two from my attackers, I was so lost and mad from bloodthirst." "So that is the reason why they didn't react during my witnessing at the trial", Don said. "I thought already that they were so strangely calm". "But they are locked up now, aren't they?" "Under lock and key" confirmed Don. Then Don understand how much had changed for Adrian. He was no longer an ordinary person, he was a vampire, and had lived for several months with supernatural human beings, only know from fairy tales. 
He had still the feeling that he was dreaming and that he would soon wake up, like noting had happened. But Don knew it was real, somehow he was glad that he got Adrian back. After all he had never come to terms with Adrian's death, but somehow Dons heart had filled him with hope and warmth. He was given a second chance with Adrian and he wasn't going to wasted it. 
Adrian had disappeared for a moment after a closet, and Don went to look for him, he then saw that Adrian had a bottle full of blood. Don wanted to ask were the blood came from, but Adrian answered with a smile. "It is animal blood, I don't like human blood". "But I almost drank human blood, the first night after I became a vampire, like you know." Don was a little shocked first, but he knew that blood would keep his friend alive. "Think of me as a vampire bat, like most bats are", Adrian grinned. "A completely harmless animal." 
Don smiled broadly. Suddenly they heart a knock on their door. Don answered the door and Alec appeared. "Hi to you two." "Don starting from tomorrow, you will train together with the Shadowhunters, just like Adrian does" said Alec. "You are not a Shadowhunter like us, but it is important for both of you, that you can defend yourself, in battel against demons." "I don't know if I am able to do that", Don said. "I don't like to fight". "They also need me to start up a group in Derry...to stop sensless violence, against people like us." Assuming their was also senseless violaece against Shadowhunters. Alec seemed to understand it. "You have to made you decision soon". "Once you come in contact with the Shadow world, you will never be able to get away again from it." "You'll have nowhere to run." "What do you mean with nowhere to run?" Don asked. "As soon as you know about the Shadow world", Adrian said, "demons will come after you too." "They will do everything to get rid of you once you know the truth." "And then there's the Shadowhunters' government." "They observe everyone closely." "It's of the greatest importance that our existence is kept a secret, so we can do our job properly", Alec added. Don thought he got it. "You can still start the group you spoke about earlier." " I will get a group of Shadowhunters to guide you and protect you against demons." "But after that, you won't be able to return to the mundane world." 
"You can also do many things without fighting", Adrian offered. "Not every Shadowhunter does." Don considered the idea and sighed. "I won't regret this?" Adrian smiled and shook his head. "You can count on me." "Take some time to overthink it", said Alec. "We don't want to pressure you." "But remember: the decision must come quickly." Don said he got it, and Alec wished him a good night and left. It was the two of them again. "Did you have to make the same choice when you became a vampire?" "Alas, I had to." "I had to options: either join a vampire clan or help the Shadowhunters." "And by doing so, I thought there would be a chance, no matter how small, that I could find you again." This filled Don's heart with love and gratitude. "And now you've found me again." 
=== Chapter 4 ===
Meanwhile in the Institute the silence fell in. It was late and most of the Shadowhunters were sleeping, except the ones who were on night patrol. In the hall of the Institute, Ash watched Dawn playing with here favorite toys. He didn't feel the need to go to bed. He didn't even feel tired yet. So he was calm when Alec entered the hall. "I have a small mission for you." He explained everything in a few words, and why it was so important that Don would work together with the Shadowhunters, but that Don at the same time had to do other things too. "You can count on me", Ash said. Alec smiled and left, but pointed out that Ash had to go to bed and Dawn too. 
Ash did know that, because he would travel alongside Adrian and the others to protect Don, so the man could get his business done. Clary and Simon would also travel with them on this short mission. It was important for all of them that Don would stay alive. Clary entered the hall and asked if he was ready for this mission. Ash nodded and took Dawn with here so that the toddler could go to bed. 
The next morning Adrian and Don were almost litterally thrown out of their bed by Jace, who had got the task to escort them to the training room, so that they could learn some basics before they went out on mission. Even Jace's beautiful falcon helped to wake them up, by making lots of noise. "I don't see why I must prepare myself", Don grumbled. "I get an escort, right?" "You have to be prepared", Jace said. "Demons are lurking everywhere and it is important that you can defend yourself when the escort can't protect you." Adrian gave a little growl at Jace, because they were both laying on the cold floor now. Jace laughed. "Get dressed, I will be waiting outside in the hallway." 
Adrian took a breakfast of cold blood and put just like Don his clothes on. They hurried themselves to the dining room, so that Don could eat. Jace followed with Imala his falcon, who was flying in the air. Breakfast was not very extensive, but nutritious. And even better: Isabelle hadn't made it. Don started to believe that the Shadowhunter with her black hair and scornful look loved to mix poisons. When breakfast was finished, Simon and Clary left the room and came back in black leathery uniforms. They had also one for Adrian. Don didn't know what he saw. "And all your T-shirts, caps and rainbow coats?" Adrian looked a bid embarrassed. "I couldn't pick them up from my house you know." "I am undead, remember?" "Isabele will buy new clothes for me." "And on missions you have to be discrete", added Simon. "This black uniform is perfect for that", Clary said. "It protects against claws, teeth and poison from demons." "And above all, it helps you to go up in your environment, especially at night." "It is the middle of the day", said Don. "Besides, how can Adrian go out without".... Don paused. "Adrian got some of my blood, mixed with his favorite animal blood", reported Clary. 
"That is another reason why I don't live with a clan", Adrian explained. "If it becomes known what happens when you drink the blood of those two***, well, you can be sure a whole clan of vampires will come after them." "Their blood?" Don asked. Jace answered his question. "Clary and I have extra angel blood***, because Valentine experimented on us when we were still in our mothers' wombs." "Our daughter has also extra angel blood, inherited from us", said Clary to complete Jace's sentence. "Just when you think you have heard everything", Don muttered. "Okay let's go." "How do we get in Derry?" 
Clary opened a gate with her stele and despite Adrian's assurances that it would be completely safe, Don felt that he would throw up when he went to the gate for the first time and came out of it ad the other side. Clary, Adrian and Simon followed him, and soon Ash arrived too. "I don't understand", Ash said, looking around at the trees and shrubs that surrounded them. "Why do you have to talk about love between men?" "Can't mundanes bear anything at all?" "Some of them can't", Don said, shivering. Simon putt a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. "You go first", Simon said. "We will follow", added Clary. 
Don went ahead of the Shadowhunters, after this he entered the building where the meeting and the foundation of this new LGTB+ group would take place. For a moment he looked a bid scared around him, but then felt a soft push from Adrian. He entered the building, the room he entered was large and warm. Shortly after that he saw people sitting there, he joined them so they could start to discuss and found this new group. Meanwhile Clary, Simon Ash and Adrian were surrounding the building from the shadows. 
They knew Don was safe, surrounded by people who had helped and supported him through a difficult time, the past few months. However, it would be a matter of luck that demons attracted by the smell of Shadowhunters wouldn't come to screw everything up. Demons didn't make a difference between mundane people or Shadowhunters. But demons were attracted to the Shadowhunters like a magnet. Clary, who was on one side of the building, became aware of the fact that Simon was breading faster, while being all the way to the other side of the building. She hurried herself all the way back to Simon, so they could fight the threat off, together. Clary soon found him and before she could ask him what was wrong Simon whispered: "There is a vampire nearby." "Not a daylighter that's for sure, but I don't know where he is." "A vampire?" "The one who brought Adrian back?" Clary asked. "It is probably him", answered Simon 
"I can say that almost for sure", Ash added. "I still smell some blood of Adrian's in his bloodstream." "All right, take all in positions", Clary said. "We have to stop this vampire, before he comes even closer to the building." The group of four people started to circle around the vampire, where Ash showed were the vampire was. "How can he move in full sun?", Ash wondered. "He hides deep inside the forest, were he has a lot of shadow." Clary said. "But the shadow protects him only temporary." "We are going to hunt him down, so that he is forced to go back further", Simon said . After a few minutes hunting him down, the fearful vampire came in Adrian's sight. "There he goes", called Adrian out. "He started to attack" shouted Clary. "Get ready to immobilise him, if it is necessary." "Clary, borrow me you strenght!", Simon shouted. 
Adrian and Ash knew immediately that Clary and Simon would use their combined powers of their parabatai bond**** to act faster. A moment later Simon and Clary flew towards the feral vampire, and Ash and Adrian followed. The parabarai**** were able to capture him, so that Ash and Adrian could deliver him the final blow with the stake. Adrian stood trembling on his legs, and looked like he could fell over any moment. "What is wrong with him?" Ash questioned confused. "He killed his vampire father", explained Simon. "When your vampire mother or vampire father dies, that is always heavy***, even if you didn't get along." Adrian shook himself, like he was waking up from a bad dream. "All the demons from the night of my death are now dead themselves, or are looked up... I don't have to look for revenge anymore." Clary nodded in agreement, and tossed him a bag of animal blood so Adrian could recover faster from the blow. "Well done everyone" complimented Clary the others. "We are going back to the building, demons can still attack". Simon just nodded. 
In the meantime, Don wasn't even slightly aware of what had happened. The gathering was over and with the new LGBT+ group on the brink of getting started, he was sure many people could get the help they deserved. He bid goodbye to the people and went back outside, where Clary, Ash, Simon and Adrian were waiting for him. After a short explanation of what had happened, Don frowned. "You killed the person thanks to whom I got Adrian back?" "He was a feral vampire", Simon explained. "His clan wouldn't have been willing to take him back in, neither would we." It seemed somewhat strange that even these supernatural beings could have different grades of being mentally healthy or completely mad. The thought made him feel relieved and fearful at the same time.
"Valentine was a real psychopath*** and he was a Shadowhunter", Clary said. Don nodded. Every Shadowhunter in the Institute had been talking about Valentine. Alec had told him about the civil war*** and that there had not been just one, but two kind of feral Shadowhunters. First Valentine and later on Sebastian***, who had been Valentine's son, Clary's brother and Ash's father.
"You got everything alright with the mundanes?" informed Clary. Don nodded, and then Simon said: "Let's go back right now, then." Clary opened a Portal for the second time and in almost no time, they were back in the gardens of the Institute. 
=== Chapter 5 ===
Isabelle, Jace and Alec were waiting for them. Clary tolled them how the mission did went. When Clary was done speaking, Isabelle responded that they were lucky that they had only been attacked by a feral vampire, and not by hundreds of demons. "I am glad that it is over", Don grunted. "To speak there...that was difficult enough." "But you did something good", Clary said. "You deserve a break." "You too Adrian", Jace said. "Go take a shower, after that Alec expects both of you in the classroom for a lesson about what happened the past few months." 
Don wasn't happy with that, he had never be good in history class, not as good as Adrian was. Half an hour later Jace brought them to the classroom, were they both took a seat. Alec started to tell that after the civil war***a Cold Peace** was started, which had lead to the fact that the Clave** was split in two. This had happened under the influence from a few conservative Shadowhunter who refused to break the Cold Peace**with the fairies. Don tried to follow but he had dealt with a lot of conservatism in the past few months. He simply couldn't keep attention. It was frustrating and it made him angry too. The victory he had had earlier couldn't take it away. "Are you alright?" Alec asked. Don muttered some excuses and left the room. He had had enough from this kind of information. "What is going on with him?" Alec asked Adrian. "I was killed by conservatives, remember?" "Do you think Don had it easy back in Derry?" "He only knew people who were against him." Adrian shook his had and said: "I must go to him, excuse me." 
Alec nodded and he let Adrian go. "I had a similar experience with the other Shadowhunters, when they found out that Magnus and I were together."*** said Alec to Adrian. He nodded and Adrian left to look for Don. After a few minutes of searching Adrian found Don in the greenhouse, where plants from Idris were growing. Adrian walked to him and asked if he was alright. Don said he wasn't and said to that it would take a while before he could hear Alec's story further. The two lovers stayed in the greenhouse, until Don was completly calmed down.
"You look like you haven't slept in months," noted Adrian."Shall we go to our room?" The two of them walked to the dark room, as soon as the door was closed after them, Don kissed Adrian and put his hands around his face. "I missed you so much", Don wispered. "Me too", wispered Adrian back, and hugged Don. A moment later he froze and stepped back. "I can't... I...", and he showed Don his sharp vampire fangs, in the light of the room. "S-Sorry, Don stuttered. A minute later Don heard that Adrian was looting his fridge with animal blood. Shortly after it Adrian appeared again, looking much better. Shortly after it, Adrian suggested that they would go to the training room, were the Shadowhunters were. Don agreed. 
=== Chapter 6 ===
When they arrived they saw that the others were busy with training. "Are both of you finally here?" A disapproving voice came from corner of the room. It was Isabelle's voice. "If you two are late again next time, I will grab you both by your scurfs ." 
The others laughed. Jace appeared and started to teach them the basics of self-defense. Imala watched over her master, and made sounds whenever someone was distracted from Jace' lessons. A few moments later, everyone was split up in small groups, to practice basic self-defense. Since Adrian had got more training in the past few months, Don got placed with a Shadowhunter named Andrés. It soon became clear that Don wasn't that good in self-defense. In a few moments Andrés had brought him down several times. "Again?" grinned the boy at some point. Don turned his head, but he saw from the corner of his eye, that the young boy was receiving an applause from his friends. Don picked up quickly his stick from the ground and mowed Andrés feet from under him. Don thought to himself that he would never let make anyone fun out of him. 
"I am a starter now", Don said to the boy, "but I will on your level, soon enough." This stopped the laughing of Andrés' supporters. Shortly after that they were fighting again with their sticks, and no one said a thing. Everything was all concentration. Jace and Isabelle were watching in amusement, followed by Alec a few moments later. "I think", said Jace, "that your history lessons have to wait a bit longer." "I already understood that", muttered Alec. "He has been through a lot this past few months." Clary, Ash and Simon appeared after Clary had put Dawn in bed and Simon had put Livi in bed. Shortly after they also started to train.Clary was practicing with Ash and Simon with Jace. And so it went on and on until the late afternoon. Afterwards Adrian took Don aside for a while. It had been seven-two in Andrés' advance. This was better than when other starters did it. 
"Maybe I took some of his pride down", muttered Don. "He is not a bad guy", Jace said. "I was just like him when I was younger." There fell a quiet silence between the two of them, until Adrian said: "I am sorry for... this afternoon." "You know, I didn't mean to scare you off."
After a quick look to make sure no one was watching, Don gave him a kiss. "Remember where we were." Then he left the training room, while Adrian just smiled and followed his partner. In their room, it had become cosy and warm and in a matter of minutes, they enjoyed each other's physical presence. It had been long ago since their last time and although Adrian was now a vampire, his heart didn't beat anymore and his body was cold, none of that had ever changed his needs. Don caressed his partner like they had done so many times before. When they finished, Don let himself fall on the sheets. He felt as if his heart would burst out of his body. Soon after it they fell asleep, side by side. 
The next morning, when it was time for breakfast, an angry Isabelle awaited them in the dining room. "Where have you been yesterday evening?" "Or did you inaugurate your new place?" Adrian gave a quick look at Don, and Isabelle put her hands before her mouth. "Good God, it is really true!" Don gave her a furious look, but it only made her laugh louder. Don wanted to say something but Adrian grabbed him by his collar and lead him to the table, saying he shouldn't care. Isabelle laughed even louder behind them. "Or do you honestly think she and Simon don't go every night...?" That made Don smile. "And they only have one child?" "Shadowhunters, who could ever understand them?" Adrian said. 
Breakfast went easy and the atmosphere was actually nice. Isabelle, with great effort, didn't bother anyone and Andrés didn't look angry at Don anymore for beating him twice. Don enjoyed it. In fact, he felt home with the Shadowhunters. It was a feeling he had never had whilst living among mundanes. They would get again a day of training and this would go on for a few more days until they had more knowledge about defending themselves. Only then Don would join the hunters' missions. 
Adrian joint sometimes some missions during the day and night, but he went less than before on missions because Adrian prefered to stay with Don. Somehow Don felled that he wasn't a person who liked go on missions, to kill demons off... He dind't liked the idea. Beside he hadn't supernatural powers. "Isn't their a way to make me useful without fighting?"... he tried. 
"According to Alec, their was a time when mundanes helped the Schadowhunters to run the Institutes and did go on mission with the hunters", admitted Adrian. "But that time has passed". "Their is a bigger need for fully trained Shadowhunters." "Beacause of the past civil war***" Don completed Adrian's sentence. Adrian nodded. 
"We have to go to training", Adrian said. Don did just follow him. Back in the training room, Don had to train with Ash for the first time, a Shadowhunter who was part elf. Adrian trained with Jace, and Alec with Simon and Isabelle with Clary. 
=== Chapter 7 ===
Clary enjoyed it to train with Isabelle. She had been on the sideline for some time after the birth of here daughter and Isabelle had gone through the same thing after the birth of here son. The two of them trained know very hard, to get on their old level so soon as possible. It wasn't easy to combine Shadowhunting with motherhood. 
Most of the time went to training, or hunting demons down, both woman did their very best to look after the children and divide their time. Their husbands did also their very best so that they could care together for their children. Clary liked to that the new Shadowhunters fast adapted to their new lives in the Shadow world. 
Many newcomers descended from Shadowhunters or had the sight, but their were also a few who had tragic backgrounds. Then you had Don and Adrian who had a rouge time, but they weren't alone. She saw it as a task to take care of the new recruits if they had a painful past, so they could feel them welcome in their world. 
"Be not to bitter about the past", she always told them about here own father. But not all recruits would become a Shadowhunter, although they saw the Shadow world as their home. Their had been a Sunil, who had interruped his training on the old Academy. No one knew what had happened to him after that, but at some point he was seen again in one of the other institutes, were he became one of the people who started to giving lessons to new Shadowhunters on the new opened academy since the Clave was split**. He lived now on Luke's farm who was chosen to become the new academy**.
Luke was also Clary's stepfather after Jocelyn, Clary's mother had remarried*** him. It was thanks to Luke that the young man had started as teacher. Then Clary remembered something. She had heard this morning than Don didn't saw himself as a warrior. He had given his lovers killers, the punishment they deserved, and he had just found a new LGTB+ group. Don was a good speaker, she was certain of that. Clary paused here training and approached a surprised Don. "You said that you didn't saw yourself as a fighter", said Clary. "That is true said Don." 
"I may have a solution for you." "You can become a teacher on the new academy** on my stepfathers farm**. " "But you have to figure out what kind of subject you want to teach". "They are looking for an extra teacher their". When Don heard this and enormous weight felled of his shoulder. He was happy with this change. He felt him so much better, he would be able to help this people, who were almost family to him now, without having to fight. Adrian was also happy when he heard this.
After all Adrian had always knew that Don wasn't a fighter, but more intellectual. When Clary saw how happy Don was, she promised that she would contact here stepfather so fast as possible. After all, there were a lot of procedures were they had to take care for, before someone could start teaching ad the academy. In the meanntime, Don had to train further Clary added, so he could get the basic skills to defend himself. Adrian stepped in. "But then... Then he will not staying here, will he?" Adrian asked. "If he is ad the academy and I stay here ad the Institute then..."Never heard of commute Ade?" Don asked teasing. Clary left them, so they could talk about it. When she went back to Isabelle, she noticed that Isabelle had followed their conversation from the start. 
"Will they stay here on the Institute or will they go living on the academy?" Isabelle asked. "I think they will figure that out", Clary smiled. Isabelle smiled back and they left to check on their children as a break. 
A few months had passed since Clary had promised to call her stepfather, and tol him about Don. The process for hiring Don as teacher on the academy was almost complete. Meanwhile they had found a solution for Adrian to. He would stay on the academy, so long as Don was teaching there. 
A few other things had changed to. Adrian had become better in fighting, the Shadowhunters used and he felt himself more free to go on missions alongside the Shadowhunters, now that Don could find better his way in the Shadow world. He didn't miss his old live in Derry, although he kept contact with his mundane friends or members of the group, all of them just thought he had moved. That wasn't at least completely a lie. 
Adrian would start to work as a guard on the academy, together with a group of Shadowhunters who were part of the security forces their. But he would combine that with missions in the real-world. Both lovers were looking forward to start living on the academy. 
Don would teach about the mundane world, and his history, so that young Shadowhunters would understand the mundane world better. On the other hand it was also recognition to the mundane students. It was also important that the Clave-in-excile** could work better with the mundanes in the future. And yet, every now and then, he still had the feeling he had always had in Derry, a place of hate and rottenness. There was something that made him fear nothing would change, but he clung to the hope it would. Just a few days before he would move to the Academy, he noticed the blond boy named Ash was watching him. "You need something?" Don asked as friendly as possible. He had begun to like the boy - who wasn't completely a boy.
"Do you think of Derry sometimes?" Don immediately felt awkward at that question, but he stepped forwards. "I do". "Derry will always be a rotten, corrupted place for me, whatever changes have been made." "I don't think the feeling will ever fade." He sighed and Ash nodded. 
"Let me tell something about my history." "I have been through something similar, although it wasn't homophobes." "I was a hostage for the Unseelie king for years." "I have blood from Shadowhunters, faeries and demons." "Even my mother, the Seelie Queen, wanted to use me." "I ultimately escaped but that was not before I got rid of the only person who was truly loyal to me..." He fell silent, and Don shivered, but then he decided he was used to such stories from the Shadowworld.
"I still feel connected to that place", Ash continued. "I was born and raised there." "Everyone did as I pleased, but then I realized it was just a spell." "The King had taken care that everyone would be perfectly loyal to me." "I killed the only person that could resist the spell." "Except for Clary and Jace." "Due to their blood, you understand?"
"But... How did you get rid of the spell?" Don asked, and that made Ash smile. "Magnus and Alec." "It was really painful, but they helped me a lot." "Then I had to get rid of Janus from Thule**." "He was immune, you know." 
"Do you think of Faerie a lot?" Again Ash nodded. "Almost every day." "It was a harsh place, but I was raised there, and that's something one doesn't forget." "But I have found a truer family since Clary and Jace adopted me as their own, when they already had Dawn." "Although they are in fact my aunt and uncle." "I lost much, but I gained much." 
"And I got Adrian back", Don muttered. "But the thought that I would have gotten over the attack one day annd start again with another man... It just seems so weird." 
"That's exactly what happened to me." "I don't have anyone left from my past." "You do". "Are you greatful for that?" Don nodded, Ash smiled and said that was exactly what he wanted to see. He turned around, ready to go, but Don called him back. "How long do you live with Jace and Clary now?" "Two years?" But, then you should be eighteen, and you only seem sixteen." 
"That, Don", said Ash amused, "is because faeries age very slowly." "Half-faeries as well have that privilege." "That's why we live so long." That was the moment he began to fly and Don saw his beautiful, silver-white wings with gold tips.
=== Epilogue ===
They enjoyed the snow surrounding the Academy, Don and Adrian together. It had been a few days since they began to live here. Thinking about their old lives and the live they had now, they enjoyed their winter walk. And it was good. 
===Extra: "Goodbye, dear mother"===
Silently, Adrian looked at the clothes that were neatly laid on his bed. Isabelle had kept her promise and bought several clothes he liked to wear. At least, before he had become a vampire. After months of wearing black and dark grey, it felt quite strange to see all these colorful shirts, rainbow caps and even a bunch of new rings. Not that he ever lost his old ones. He literally rose out of the grave with them still shining on his fingers. He had been looking forward to this moment, when he could finally start to dress fashionable and lively again. But for some reason, he needed time to get adjusted to it. There had been so many things to adjust to.
Although he had been a vampire when he was "buried" near the Derry church - still a strange idea - at that moment he was still recovering from his transformation. No one had been allowed to take a look in the coffin designed by the undertaker who, in fact, had been Simon Lewis. All of the Mellon family had been present at the funeral. Many inhabitants of Derry had either looked at them with pity or complete ignorance, according to Simon. With the homophobic teens in jail and the demon who had been haunting Derry for so long now gone, the town finally had the potential to become a better place. But it would take time, Adrian knew, and it upset him. Many people in Derry admired him and thinking he was dead - which was at least partly true - they were now busy running an advocacy group for LGBTQ+ people. Don had given the final edge to get that all started. Adrian wished he could have helped him, but he would never be able to fully return to the living. Besides, he had matters to do which were at least as important. And it were those matters that finally pushed him to take off his grey pair of trousers and his leather jacket and to trade them in for some more colorful clothes.
Portland, Oregon, March 2017
It was a sunny day when Adrian walked down the streets of Portland. The snow was almost gone, but it was still cold, which gave him the perfect excuse to wrap a scarf around his neck and wear a bonnet. Not that the cold bothered him that much, but all of his family lived here and he didn't want them to see him. At least, not all of them. When he finally reached the house, he hesitated for a few moments, but then took his courage and rang the bell. Her mouth literally fell open when se opened the door and she went bleak. "Mother..." Adrian said.
"You... you're dead", he gasped. "God... this can't be true. Is... is this a dream or something? Or are you just a joke?" Adrian asked her the exact same question he had asked Don when he had discovered his boyfriend had returned from death. "Were you ever allowed to look into the coffin?" He hoped that would let her think and, maybe, come to the conclusion that he had survived the attack and was never buried. But her eyes got something curious. "I feel... something strange around you. Oh my God, come in. Quickly!" As soon as the door was shut  she embraced him. Totally confused, it took Adrian a few seconds to embrace her back. He smelled her blood, felt it pumping in her veins, but he was not hungry.
"Are you one of them?" she gasped. She fell silent and continued. "I know it might seem strange, but there have been people like you during all of my life. People I thought were dead, and then they suddenly appeared again. Your father thought I was going mad, but I certainly knew there was nothing wrong with me. And now you are here. They found your body, but that wasn't you, right?" Adrian became even more confused. Could this be an eidolon demon*** who had taken her shape? Maybe the demon from Derry wasn't dead? But no, this was certainly his mother, the woman who had worn him in her womb.
"You have the Sight", he muttered. "You can see things other people cannot see. I could neither, but now I can." Should he tell her about all those mystical creatures, like werewolves and faeries and vampires? How would she react to that? He decided not to. She already seemed so distressed. "You are one of those people who come back from the dead, aren't you?" she asked. "Oh my boy, I have been hoping my entire life there would be people like me, but I never expected you to be one of them."
"They take care of me", he reassured her. "It's safe where I live now." Suddenly, she burst out in tears, and he patted her on the shoulders. "Oh my boy..." She looked at him, at his green winter jacket, his face, his ringed fingers. "Will you come back? Most of the people I saw returning only were visible for a short time, but you... will you come back?" At that moment, Adrian's heart almost broke. How could he continue to meet her, knowing that telling her about his life with the Shadowhunters would be too much for her to take? What about her safety? But, there were vampires in Oregon. Maybe he could ask them to keep a watching eye over her.
What was more, Don got his life partner back and was happy with that, vampire or not. Wouldn't it be fair for his mother to have her son again, less or more? Goodbye, dear mother. He could encanto*** her, make her believe he was dead after all. But knowing what he knew now, that seemed just... cruel. "You're my mother", he said firmly, remembering Don had told him his love for Adrian would never fade. "That means that I will always come back."
==Thanks==
After two earlier fanfics about Adrian Mellon and Don Hagarty, I thought I would be done with these two. But that turned out to be utterly wrong. The mere thought of combining their story with the Shadowhunter shorts written by Nightfall and me went through my head until I just had to get started. We decided to give it a go and as always, I am grateful to Night for helping me the whole time. 
Furthermore, I want to express how happy I am I got this chance to continue Adrian and Don's story. After all, they deserved better and that's why we gave it to them. 
== Character list ==
* Alexander "Alec" Gideon Lightwood-Bane** (Shadowhunter) : Is the son of Maryse Lightwood and Robert Lightwood. He has a couragous catacter, but is sometime a littel blunty. He don't like change but is an excelent leader. He is married with warlock Magnus Bane**. They have togheter two adopted childeren. He is the Parabatai from Jace.
* Adrian Mellon (daylighter vampire): He was once human but got killed by homophobes. After his change the Shadowhunters took him in. He is very friendly and full of love to others, especially to his partner Don.
* Ash Morgenstern (part elf, part Shadowhunter): Is the son of the Seelie queen and Jonatan/Sebastian Morgenstern**. He had previous a somewhat darker character, because he is used in the past by many people because he had a loyalty spell ** around him. Since the spell is broken (see Ash's Journey: Search to Freedom for more information) he had finalty the change to develop a lovely personality. He has a good bond with Dawn, Jace and Clary's daughter.
* Clarissa "Clary" Adele Fairchild (Shadowhunter): Is the daughter of Jocelyn Fairchild and Valentine Morgenstern, she is very stubborn and sarcastic because she has been overprotected by here mother for years, for family and friends she goes to extreme lengths what leads to the fact that she brings herself and others in danger. Clary has extra angel blood*** that she granted when Valentine putted dried angel blood in the water and food*** from here mother, when here mother was pregnant form here. She has a blood connection with Jace although they are not related, and with the angel Ithuriël were the blood came from. This extra angel blood gived Clary with the power to draw and use new runes. She is the mother of Dawn and the Parabatai from Simon
* Dawn Fairchild-Herondale (Shadowhunter, mentioned in the short story): Is the daughter of Jace Herondale and Clary Fairchild, she has just as here parents extra angel blood. In this story she is a toddler who start to discover the world more and more, she has a good bond with Ash and her parents.
* Don Hagarty (human): Is a young man who accidentally discovered the Shadowworld, were he met Adrian, now vampire, again. He is very lovely to everyone and very kind to others and Adrian. He is still looking for his way in the Shadowworld further, and became a teacher on the new academy** for Shadowhunters.
* Isabelle "Izzy" Lightwood (Shadowhunter): is the daughter of Maryse Lightwood and Robert Lightwood. She is the younger sister from Alec. She has a lot of confidence in here skills, she is somewhat vain and a little narcistic and sometimes insecure. She has sometimes some tantrums, but is very loyal to here family and friends. She is also Livi's mother.
* Imala (female falcon, mentioned in the short story): Is the second falcon of Jace in this story, in the books the falcon that Jace once had, got killed by Valentine***. She is a lovely animal who stands always on the lookout for her master and helps to protect the group.
* Jonatan Christopher "Jace" Lightwood-Herondale (Shadowhunter): is the son of Stéphen Herondale and Céline Herondale, he has always been very self-relevant and independent, has a strong self-control. He is sarcastic when he hides his insecurity. Jace is otherwise very arrogant, self-centered and overconfident. But he had always a strong moral core. He started to change when he met Clary. He has extra angel blood***, he granted it when Valentine putted dry angel blood***in his mother food and drinks, while his mother was pregnant from him. He shares a blood connection with Clary, although they aren't related and the angel Ithurïel, were the blood came from. This extra blood has given him extra gifts like agility and speed and many others that plays a role in fights. He is the father from Dawn and the Parabatai from Alec
* Levi Lightwood-Lewis (Shadowhunter, mentioned in the short story): is the son of Simon Lewis-Lovelance and Isabelle Lightwood, in this story he is a toddler who gets to learn more about the world.
* Magnus Lightwood-Bane **(warlock, mentioned in the short story): is the son of Asmodeus and and unknown mother***. He is married** to Alec Lightwood. They have together two adopted children****
* Simon Lewis-Lovelannce (Ascended**** to Shadowhunter): is the son of Elaine Lewis and Levi Lewis senior. Simon is somewhat sarcastic, a nerd, brave, ironic, loyal. He is always willing to sacrifice himself for others. He is the Parabatai from Clary and the father of Livi junior
Spoilers from: The Dark Artifices**
Spoilers from: The original series: The Mortal Instruments***
Spoilers from: Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy****
== Other story's writen by 8Nightfall11 and Vederklauw (Dutch) ==
* Twee huwelijken om nooit te vergeten (Two weddings to Rememeber)
*Ash'reis zoektocht naar vrijheid (Ash's Journey: Search to Freedom)
*De bendenwereld sluipt binnen (The Downworld creeps in)
*Kinderen der Engelen (Childeren of the Angels)