The Start

The man walked through the cool city streets slowly; he was not concentrating on where he went, but this was not a problem as there seemed to be no one wandering at the late hour. The man glanced at the silver device in his hand, it let out quiet beeps as he followed the directions. He used his free hand to sense any bodies in the near vicinity. He found a larger cluster of heat a little way off from where he was and judging by the arrows on the device, that was where he needed to head.

The walking was hurting his feet due to his ridiculous (but extremely fashionable and chic) boots and he sighed at the constant throb in his feet. Normally he would have manipulated the air currents so he could fly, but alas, he was far too tired to do that. Searching duty always took it out of him, but Jocelyn and Luke needed their rest and none of the others were old enough to go. This meant he got stuck with the job.

The device beeped more frequently and the left arrow flashed, he turned down the alley and continued his journey. He was a corner away from the heat and he could now separate the previously on large lump into three different people. He needed to observe them before he was sure they were of his kind and thus, he had to fly.

He took a moment to rest before he rose into the late night sky, he clambered onto the top of the building and crawled across the roof. The sensor was buzzing wildly and he turned it off as he peered over the edge of the building.

He could hear their whispers, his eyes were drawn immediately to the standing golden boy. He seemed to give off a faint shimmer, even in the dim alley light – that was the biggest hint that this boy may be one of his kind. He obviously worked out, he also gave off a wave of confidence and from the tense way he held himself, he was in an argument. He heard the golden one said something that Magnus could not hear and it took him a moment to see the girl who was also stood up, in a defensive pose – they were stood so their bodies were facing the alley wall, almost side by side. She had inky black hair that seemed to blend into the darkness, but then, what little light there was, made her porcelain skin shine. If the boy were gold then she was silver, almost his opposite.

He heard their harsh tones but not the specific words they were hurling at each other, but it seemed like they were in agreement about something and thus, he inferred there was a third member – which would make sense as he had found three heat blobs.

It was not until the final person stood from their spot on the floor, did he notice the person was there. This final figure was taller than both the other two and just as muscular and male as the first. He had the same inky black hair and milk white skin as the girl, he spoke quieter than the others and so the man found himself levitating down so he could hear them.

"It was my fault and you know it." The boy with inky black hair said, "I caused it, not either of you and you both know it."

"Alec," The girl soothed, her voice was as soft as velvet and so full of concern, "You shouldn't blame yourself. No matter what you believe it wasn't your fault…"

"Don't try your compulsion on me, Isabelle." The dark haired boy, Alec, replied, warning in his deep voice.

"She's right though. It wasn't your fault." The golden boy responded, "And, I don't have charmspeak to try to convince you."

"Jace…" Alec turned his head to the blonde.

"Eurgh, we actually agreed on something, metal boy." The girl called Isabelle said. Her tone implied it was a rare occurrence.

"We agree on more than you think." Jace – though the man liked to refer to him as Goldilocks – told her. "And, one of those things is thatwe both have a deep concern for our big brother."

Alec sighed, "Maybe you should leave me alone. It would safer if you did."

"Pushing us away isn't going to help." Jace argued.

"I can't believe you even suggested that." Isabelle gasped, the hurt clear in her tone. "We're trying to help you, Alec, we love you."

"And, I love you both, which is why I don't want to hurt you." Alec argued, "Please, let me go one alone."

"And you'll what?" Isabelle asked, "Live like a homeless person? Move in with some mundie guy that you could never tell about your or our powers? Run away from everything all over again because you can't get over your trust issues? Run away because you don't believe we love you and want to help? Alec, as your sister, I refuse to let you live like that, they'll be a way to get through this." Izzy shouted, her voice was full of anger, love and weariness – like they had had this argument before.

The man had had enough, he dropped to the floor gracefully, he landed in a bow, saving Alec from a response, the three teenagers turned to him with different variations of shock. The man flipped his hair from his eyes and shot them a devilish smile.

"As interesting as your conversation is, I believe I have the perfect solution to your problem." The man told them.

It was the girl who spoke first, from this level he could see her eyes were brown like a deer's, she had gracefully angled cheekbones, full lips and she was tall and slim with elegant curves. When she spoke, her voice was melodic: "Who are you?"

"The name's Magnus Bane." He grinned, he turned to Alec, "I overheard your predicament and I have a solution."

"A solution?" Alec asked, Magnus didn't have time to really study him but he saw the resemblance to Isabelle – they had the same cheekbones (though Alec's were more masculine, as was his jaw), similar lip shapes and the same inky black hair and pale skin. Only Alec's eyes were a beautiful blue and not brown like Isabelle's. He was beautiful and Magnus intended to spend more time observing him later.

"Yes, blue eyes. From what I heard, I gathered that you all possess some kind of ability." He saw the fear in their eyes and saw how they started to think of ways to excuse it. "I don't think your freaks because there are a lot of people just like you, myself being included in that. Three of us have set up a community for others with these powers, we call it, Project I.D.R.I.S – The International Department of Refuge for Inept Superheroes. We offer refuge to rest for people like us as well as, training and a new way of life. It would great if you came along, I think we could really help you-"

"By the Angel, you're serious?" Jace cut him off, his blonde eyebrows were raised. This boy did not look like the other two, he was golden and he glowed like Christmas lights.

"Yes." Magnus replied, "This is a legitimate thing."

"It seems a little shady." Isabelle agreed. "And, I don't mean that offensively because I love your boots."

"None taken, these boots are awesome. Project I.D.R.I.S is real, admittedly it is small as there are only three mentors, myself, Jocelyn and Luke, and then we have a grand total of seven members – including us three mentors. It started up not long ago and I've been there for two months but it's real and it's a great help." Magnus said.

"What's your power then?" Jace asked.

"I'm an air bender." Magnus replied, then to prove his claim he manipulated the air around him so he floated. The three looked at him in awe.

"And there are four other people like us?" Isabelle asked.

"Yes." Magnus replied.

"What do they do?"

"You'll have to ask them." Magnus smirked, "And, to do that…"

"We'll have to join you." Jace finished.

"Precisely." Magnus laughed. "Look, from what I heard you need help and that's what I'm offering you. It's your call as to whether you take it or not."

"May we discuss this?" Izzy asked, Magnus felt the compulsion in her voice and resisted.

"You don't want to keep trying to charm me, Isabelle." Magnus warned, "It won't work." Isabelle looked guiltily at her feet. "I'll be up, call me when you've decided."

And with that he flew up into the air.

Alec raised his eyebrows only slightly at the flamboyant man's equally flamboyant exit. Somehow it suited him and intrigued him. Alec was not oblivious to his reactions and the way he was attracted to the air-bender. There was something to the way his caramel skin seemed to glow in the dim alley light – and not the way Jace's did as a result of his power, no this man's skin glowed for a different reason – he was also undeniably attractive with his lips and elegant nose and cheekbones, his almond shaped eyes that were an unexpected bright green. And, then he had spoken and, gods, Alec would be lying if he hadn't wanted to melt when he heard it.

He snapped out of his reverie by the looks on his siblings' faces.

"So, what do you think?" Jace asked.

"Keep it down, Jace, he can hear you from up there." Isabelle whispered.

"What do you think?" Jace repeated, this time he was barely audible.

"Better." Izzy smiled, "I would trust him, he's wearing so many of my favourite designers."

"I think we shouldn't, he might be crazy." Jace argued.

"No one with that taste is crazy, I can assure you." Izzy answered. "What about you Alec?"

Alec pressed his lips together as he thought. On the one hand, the man could be lying and could kidnap them, though Alec and his siblings could easily take him in a fight, plus, he is very attractive, his brain cut in. If the Project I.D.R.I.S business was not real, he would think of a plan to escape however, if it was real, Alec might actually have a nice and, dare he think, safe future instead of the tragic future waiting for him at this current moment.

His inner debate was soon over, with the new realisation and he cleared his throat to speak. "Personally, I'm going to believe him."

"What?" Jace yelled, forgetting about whispering. At the same time Izzy let out a cheer. "That's only because you think he's cute."

"What?" Alec blushed.

"Don't deny it, you were blushing." Jace shot him a you-cannot-fool-me-look.

"Feel free to do what you want Jace, but I'm going with Alec." Izzy shot a smile at her eldest brother and he attempted a smile back, though it looked more like a grimace.

"Angels above." Jace sighed as he squeezed his eyes shut. After a moment he relented, "Fine, I'll come with you…" then he added after a pause, "But, only so I can say 'I told you so' if it all goes wrong."

"You do that." Izzy rolled her eyes. "So do we call Magnus or… does he appear again?"

"One way to find out." Alec said as he looked up into the night sky, "Magnus?"

"Yes." Magnus voice sounded from behind them, they turned around to meet his quizzical expression. He was biting his bottom lip, "You've decided?"

"Yes." Izzy smiled.

"We're coming with you." Jace half-groaned, half-sighed.

Magnus smiled, slowly and met Alec's blue eyes. He winked and said, "Awesome. This way then…"

It took them ten minutes to reach Project I.D.R.I.S' headquarters, an old and abandoned church amongst the modern buildings. Along the way, Magnus had told them that they called their headquarters 'The Institute' and that though it looked like it was an abandoned cathedral, it was only a disguised designed cleverly by one of the members – the reason it was veiled was so the humans did not see it, though Magnus and the others helped the humans, they were not ready to show themselves for fear of the public's reaction. Alec could understand this, with his sexuality. And, though his siblings both knew and accepted this, he did not want others to know for fear of how people would treat him.

Now, stood outside the old cathedral, Alec thought it could have been disguised better, the old architecture of the stone really contrasted the sleek metal of the surrounding buildings, but oddly it fitted in.

"The cathedral has been here a long, long time. That's why the humans don't bat an eyelid at it, they'd find it stranger if we masked it as a contemporary building." Magnus explained as he slipped past the rusty iron gate. Police tape hung from the gate and railings and some was caught in the dead looking bushes.

"It's uh… very welcoming…" Izzy said as she followed their leader. Her brothers behind her.

"Yes. The police tape is a nice touch." Jace remarked sarcastically.

Magnus made no comment and instead headed for the huge cathedral door, he pushed it open and let the other three in. Inside the headquarters was no more welcoming. It was literally a cathedral, at the far end was a fancy glass window with an organ and tall candelabras were at the end of all the pews and the flames danced almost happily. Alec sucked in a breath.

Magnus shot him a look. "Not a fan of fire?"

"You could say that…" Alec answered cautiously.

"I can deal with that." Magnus smiled, he clapped his hands together and all the flames went out instantly, plunging the room into darkness.

"How did you do that?" Izzy asked from somewhere in the dark.

"It's simple, fire needs oxygen to live." Magnus shrugged, but none of the Lightwoods saw. "I took that away and it died." Magnus swore he heard one of them gulp loudly.

"Wow." Isabelle said.

"The elevator is this way." Magnus called and led them towards the light in the corner of the room.

Soon they were all bundled into the elevator and on the way up to meet the other people with power – Alec was not sure what to think of them as. The ride was awkward, or at least it was for Alec as his siblings had pushed him to the side and then Magnus was pressed up next to him. Alec could feel his warmth even through his thick jumper, he tried not to blush.

After a few moments the elevator came to a halt and the doors opened, Izzy and Jace were the first two out, leaving Alec and Magnus pressed against each other for a little while longer. Alec bolted into the corridor, Magnus followed.

"JOCELYN!" Magnus shouted, "LUKE!

They waited a second before they heard the soft patter of footsteps and a short girl appeared from around the corner. The lamp behind her caught her fiery red hair and made it seemed to glow, her eyebrows was furrowed in a scowl and her green eyes were dark.

"You ruined my painting." She grumbled, looking at Magnus.

"Clary, behave, we have guests. Where is your mother and why are you awake, it's two in the morning?"

"I felt inspired." The girl shrugged, she adjusted the paint-covered shirt she was wearing, "Luke's asleep and Mum's in her office."

"Thanks, biscuit." Magnus smiled, "Run along."

"No, I want to meet these guests." The red-head told Magnus, then she shoved the taller out of the way and introduced herself, "I'm Clarissa but everyone calls me Clary."

"I'm Jace, these are my adoptive siblings Alec and Icky." Jace shot her a charming smile, to which Clary stared blankly at.

"I'm Isabelle, not icky, though I prefer Izzy." Isabelle told her, "Ignore him, please."

"I think that'll be easy to do." Clary answered with a smile the she wiggled her paint covered hands, "I'm going to finish this painting before Magnus sucks the fun and creativity out my inspiration." Then turned on her heel and left.

"Bye!" Jace called down the hall to her.

"If you'd follow me to Jocelyn's office that would be grand." Magnus lead the way down the hall, Alec following the Izzy and then Jace. Alec was sure Magnus started swaying his hips more.

Jocelyn turned out to be a slightly taller and older version of Clary. Her slightly darker red hair was pulled back into a messy bun, she wore a woolly cardigan over her jeans and t-shirt and was sat with her feet on her desk. She put them down and stood up when Magnus and the Lightwoods walked in.

Her green eyes were widened as she studied them.

"During my search I found these three, arguing." Magnus explained.

"Oh." Jocelyn looked surprised, it was clear they did not often get new superheroes. "Well, welcome to Project I.D.R.I.S. I'm sure Magnus filled you in on what we do."

There was a snort from the corner behind where Jocelyn was sat. Jocelyn sighed, her tone grew weary and harsher, "Meredith."

There was a grumble and a girl started to appear. She looked to be about twenty, with long golden hair and mischievous grey eyes. "You didn't know I was there until I laughed!"

"You gave yourself up." Magnus glared.

"You're just too funny." Meredith laughed as she moved to Jocelyn's side.

"Meredith, get out." Jocelyn said.

"But, I want to meet the newbies." Meredith pouted.

"And you will, tomorrow." Jocelyn promised. Meredith rolled her eyes.

"Fine." She groaned. Meredith left the room grumbling under her breath and with a flick of her long blonde curls.

"Right," Jocelyn yawned, "What are you powers? We need to know if we're to help you."

Alec gulped and started fiddling with the sleeve of his jumper. Isabelle, understanding her brother's unease, cleared her throat and spoke, "I'm not sure how to describe mine. Basically I can make people do things with my voice, like a vampire can convince its prey not to be scared – except I don't sparkle and let's face it, I'm much hotter than Bella Swan, just saying. Though, I could so see myself with Edward. Or Jacob. They're both hot."

"No, I'm a Team Jacob." Jocelyn shook her head as she fiddled with the wolf charm on her wrist.

"Which is romantic and biased." Magnus added.

"Well, maybe a little. But, who wants a walking glitter monster." Jocelyn retorted playfully.

"Huh-lo, have you see me?" Magnus gestured to himself.

"You look fab, Magnus." Izzy grinned, "Plus, I always look good but I'm not sure if that's a superpower." She laughed and Jocelyn and Magnus joined in.

Alec was thankful he had such a wonderful and intuitive sister, her little ramble had given him the excuse he desperately wanted however, if he was to start a new life, he was going to start it with honesty. "I got fire."

"And, mine is not boring." Jace glared at Izzy, "I can turn into metal."

"Yes, because what's more interesting than a lump of metal?" Isabelle mused.

"Well, Alec, we'll certainly help you find your power." Jocelyn smiled, "Now, I don't know about you but I'm shattered. Magnus will you show them to the guest rooms?"

"Sure thing." Magnus smiled.

"Well, see you later on then." Jocelyn yawned.

Magnus got up and the three Lightwoods followed, they went up to the next floor which was a maze of corridors with rooms off. Magnus found three rooms and told the Lightwoods that the rooms were theirs, then he went a little down the hall to his own room.

Alec was in his own room, it was clean and comfy. Though the dark wood furniture was quite cold, it had all he needed (a bed, shelves, a dresser, a desk and an ensuite bathroom.) He climbed into his bed, after stripping off his clothes and for the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to feel safe.

W/M: Okay, I'm not sure where this idea came from but I decided the TMI characters should be superheroes.

I'm doing this fic as a collection of one shots about life as a Superhero in Project IDRS. It will be Malec-central with the other ships thrown in ever now and then. Gradually more characters will join – with superpowers, of course – and there'll probably be a bad guy.

I really hope you like this idea because I love. And, I would really appreciate you submitting different superpowers – or else I'll make them up and they'll suck. So far, we have: Fire, Charmspeak/Compulsion, Turning to Metal (I saw it on some TV show my dad watched), Invisibility and Air.

What do you think? Any superpowers to suggest?