Chapter Text
Standing on opposite ends of the scorched plains, two figures slowly turned to face one another. On one end was Lucifer, the current King of Edom.
At the other end was Alec, dressed in battle gear designed to protect him, and infused with angelic powers worthy of Raziel. He had dropped to one knee with his head down, and was actively reciting a prayer to Magnus, the image of his beloved’s gold cat eyes clear in his mind. His thoughts were also with Raziel, who hadn’t initiated any communication with him since earlier in the battle.
But somehow, that wasn’t of concern to Alec at the moment.
When he was on active duty at the New York Institute, Alec was used to going into battle on his own on blind faith, with only his stele, runes, and his bow and quiver on his back. Besides, Raziel did say that he risked weakening his reserves with every attempt at contact; this would actually not be very strategic of him to do so.
Alec took a deep breath, as he readied himself for what lay ahead. Despite having battled many of Lucifer’s foot soldiers, he knew that the battle had only just begun.
Both Lucifer and Alec stared at one another for what seemed the longest time. Alec kept up his stoic gaze. This was the easy part, as he, Jace, and Isabelle had practiced their poker faces while growing up and training at the NY Institute. They had each successfully managed to intimidate their opponents with such an expression.
However, this was Lucifer, and it would take more than a stoic expression to faze him…
Lucifer made the first move, throwing a fireball at Alec. Alec easily threw out a counterstrike, and the two met in the middle, dissolving both energies at their core in an instant.
Stalemate.
Alec glowered upon witnessing the fireball fizzling out.
Across the plain, Lucifer’s facial expression seemed to evoke similar disgruntlement.
Good, Alec thought faintly.
At least he wasn’t the only one who was frustrated…
To Alec’s dismay, the ends of Lucifer’s mouth curled up into a slight smile. “Good, I always did love a challenge,” he said, smirking. “This is going to be fun.”
___________
It turned out that was the last moment to pause and reflect upon things, or even to relax, as Lucifer started glowing a bright green, his magic sparking in all directions.
He looked unstable, and dangerous.
Alec gulped. Was this just part of the intimidation factor, or was Lucifer about to unleash something really abhorrent upon him?
Suddenly a deep calm settled within his bones, as something clicked in the back of Alec’s head. He felt something within his soul activate, even as the very essence of himself seem to recede slightly, as if taking a backseat.
I got this, the feeling seemed to insinuate from within him, as a force greater than anything he had ever felt rose to prominence.
So now there were two beings facing each other, both glowing and infused with great power.
It was hard to say who attacked first. Everything happened in slow motion, at least in Alec's mind.
Mostly likely, it was Lucifer who attacked first, to see what he was dealing with.
Then again, it could have been Alec who initiated. During his training as a Shadowhunter, he was always taught that sometimes a good offensive campaign was potentially one of the proactive ways to steer the outcome toward the eventual defeat an opponent by means of intimidation; if one’s opponent perceived they couldn't handle the rush or have a good chance of victory, then they would most likely tend to turn around and run, or just outright surrender.
Now this at times would be at odds with common sense, as one would be flinging oneself straight into the fire.
But it was within the Shadowhunters' creed to live and die for the missions to which they were assigned.
Either way, many things happened simultaneously –
Just as surges of green flares blasted from Lucifer’s core, some unknown force burst forth from Alec. The power was so intense that Alec all but passed out, the defensive magic surging forward with flares of purple and gold, the sounds akin to that of a rushing train assailed his ears.
Attack, the word crossed Alec’s mind, as blast after blast surged forward to meet or deflect the opposing blasts by Lucifer.
Somehow his senses knew when a blast was imminent, countering it with an equally formidable defense. He would then be thrown back a few miles upon doing this, but his wings would then open up, stopping him from going any further.
The battle went back and forth like this for a long time, with the two throwing magic and fire at one another. They took to the skies, tumbling through the air. Alec definitely had an advantage with flying due to his angelic wings, which aided him with flying precisely. Lucifer merely levitated, and hovered about. But he was much faster with throwing blast after blast, thus Alec needed to expend his energies toward dodging and striking back.
The first time Alec sized up a shot and initiated a blast, Lucifer instantly disappeared from view, resulting in a miss. Alec just stared in dismay, his stomach plummeting. He didn’t have the power to evade blasts that way; how could he even think of getting the upper hand?
Fortunately, it seemed like that type of magic took a lot out of Lucifer, as it took him awhile to reappear following such an action. Then his next few moves would consist of physically dodging, along with other actions not involving magic. Once Alec figured that to be one of Lucifer’s patterns, he was able to better strategize his moves, using that time to try to exert damage any way he could.
They fought their way across the horizon, making their way toward the mountainous cliffs.
In a fit of strength, Lucifer aggressively charged Alec, throwing a fireball directly at him.
Alec, unprepared for such an assault, attempted to deflect but even the angelic magic was not able to completely ward this off, as this attack was at too close range. The fireball slammed into his chest, knocking the breath out of him, as he was knocked backwards into the mountain itself. He found himself lodged deep inside the mountain, stunned and disoriented. However, he managed to free himself.
As he was doing this, his senses picked up on Lucifer advancing forward to investigate the damage (and to see if that had done Alec in or not), and launched a fireball back at him, effectively slamming him in his chest, and sending him flying backward, heading toward the ground.
Lucifer did a barrel roll as he fell, tucking his head under as he ended up hitting the ground a semi-soft landing.
Keeping his eye on him, Alec stood behind a rock formation from where he stood, calling for his bow and arrows to come forth. Having them in his hands, he took careful aim, and shot several magicked arrows in succession. Lucifer, having seen Alec get in formation, threw up a force field. Alec’s magicked arrow tips, courtesy of Raziel, were able to pierce through the force field, and caused Lucifer to wince. Even though the arrows did not pierce Lucifer’s skin directly, the magicked tips did absorb some of Lucifer’s magic, weakening him slightly to an extent. Lucifer’s eyes widened as he realized the purpose of the arrows, and he quickly darted out of harm’s way.
During that time when Lucifer was retreating, he managed to see where Alec was hiding. A large blast of green launched itself directly at where Alec had stationed himself. The rock exploded in all directions, but Alec had already leapt out of the way. His wings flung out in an effort to support him, but he was already in freefall as he fell off the mountain. However, they did manage to stabilize his descent upon approaching the ground.
He managed to stand upright as he faced Lucifer. Then the assault started once again, blast upon blast. Alec noticed that Lucifer was quicker now with deflecting.
Every time Alec thought he had a sure thing, he was always incredibly close, but Lucifer would manage to evade them with a flourish of his hand.
Gah, this was frustrating.
He knew he would miss here and there, but to miss out on a majority of them??
Next to them, the area started to get singed with flames due to the amount of fighting that was occurring.
Just then, Lucifer shimmied…and the image of Magnus reappeared.
Alec nearly stumbled, choking slightly.
"You know, I should have retained this image to begin with. Even as I am limited with my powers at the moment, I see now that this is apparently one of your weaknesses," he said, his voice turning more dulcet, sounding more like the warlock.
In that moment, that was all Lucifer needed to get the advantage -- he grabbed hold of Alec in his clutches yet again.
They both fell to the ground. Alec was pinned and could not budge, no matter how hard he tried to wrestle free.
Raziel, he thought desperately. I need your help. Raziel…
But all he felt in response were sparks in the back of his head, as if something was attempting to connect, but failing –
The connection, he realized. It was flickering --- his worst nightmare to date --!
Then he realized, that’s what Lucifer had done, when he directed the blast at his hand earlier on. Apparently he had interfered with his ability to communicate with Raziel!
Alec – was, with all intent and purposes, now completely alone down here.
Lucifer’s face was very close to his, and Alec could feel his smugness radiate upon him. He tried not to look at Lucifer directly; the gold cat eyes crinkled evilly from a face he loved. It was supposed to represent everything that made him feel safe...
But that was so far from the truth now, given the situation...
This was made more apparent, as Lucifer dug his nails into Alec's wrists, making him cry out in pain.
"Wow, you are really at my mercy right now, aren't you," Lucifer (Magnus) mused. "Why, I suppose I could do anything that I wanted to, with you. I believe I can say with almost utmost certainty, that you do find this body extremely attractive..."
Lucifer's eyes roved over Alec's body.
Alec's eyes widened, as he felt a cold sweat break out upon his forehead. There was truth in that statement, he realized in horror. Since he couldn't move right now, or contact anyone -- he was really stuck.
He was completely at the mercy of Lucifer --
Lucifer (Magnus) furrowed his brows just then, as if in contemplation.
"No, no no," he said, as if talking to himself. "Unlike some of the other denizens, and one particular individual that I shall not name since I despise him so much -- I do have willpower and a brain designed for higher functions other than to indulge in that."
He paused, looking like he was deep in thought. "Ah, right, there he is, my precious nephew in your memories -- ah, how heartbreaking it was -- to think he had to leave without you..." Lucifer (Magnus) crooned condescendingly in Magnus’s voice.
He then sighed.
“This was a lot of fun, I’ll admit,” Lucifer (Magnus) said blithely. “But I’m tired of games. So I’m just going to give it to you straight. As flattered as I am that the Angels sent you to fight me, seriously, you do not have a place or right to be here. You were only here because my nephew decided to take you on as his fiancé. A mortal, no less. He could have had anyone - a succubus, a Queen of Hell, other Greater Demons. Then again, that would have been more for the challenge and sexual fulfillment than anything else. Greater demons love the submission of power more than anything, and especially from a human or human half-ling with a will to potentially break. Then again, he was with Lillith all this time while you two were apart, and who knows what she "convinced" him to do. I mean, of course I know it. But you certainly don't. And you would never really know for sure, would you?"
As Lucifer (Magnus) was speaking, certain images had started to billow out, coalescing within Alec's mind. It was the image of Magnus wearing a gold crown atop his head --and nothing else-- with his eyes impossibly wide and fiery, no cat eyes pupils visible, in the middle of depraved and unspeakable acts, his hands tightly gripping at a firm backside.
Then a screech, undeniably female, came forth. Then they came faster, as movements increased. As Magnus started to howl within those visions and in time with these movements, something within Alec stared to tear, as his heart grew desperate.
Don't believe this, don't believe any of this happened! his brain screamed. Then he remembered the confrontation he had witnessed between them, right before Lillith was killed...
With all his might, he pushed all those images out of his head. That wasn't Magnus, that wasn't Magnus, he chanted silently.
He lifted his eyes to face Lucifer, whose eyes were gleaming with superiority.
"Shut up," Alec managed to growl, behind gritted teeth. "You can't fool me, I know you are putting those images in my head, Lucifer. Nothing happened between them. Even if it had, Magnus was under your control, he would not have consented on his own!"
Lucifer (Magnus) then rolled his eyes after a short time, as he huffed.
"Eh, you're right," he conceded. "Wow you are smarter than I thought you would be."
He made a face of distaste, as Alec's shoulders sagged in relief. He was a bit taken aback by the Greater Demon's quick refute.
"I couldn't stand Lillith, as much as I needed to play her for as long as I could. I even think she was starting to empathize with him, of all beings. That's why I had to turn on her, using the most humiliating thing I could think of. And even then, she fought like crazy, despite being tortured day in day out. It was such a relief to do away with her for good..."
To hear this being said in Magnus's voice, all flippant and without remorse, was slowly eating away at Alec's resolve. This was horrible to hear, even if it was about one of their worst enemies...
Lucifer's expression changed, as he seemed more contemplative yet again.
"To this day I will never understand why that boy continually decides to put himself in situations where he would risk his own heart.”
“So as you probably figured out by now, Besides having my fun torturing you, this is really all to bait my nephew into coming back down again. I was able to rule the Kingdom due to our shared heritage, however, I also managed to clip a small part of his soul to anchor him here. He doesn’t realize this but I retain some semblance of control over him that way. I’ve let everyone think that our ties are severed but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I just chose to remain quiet…”
"Now, you are probably wondering where you fit into all of this. Well, nothing that a good temporary memory wipe can't fix-- the only memory you would retain would be that your honorable, loving fiance attacked you and exiled you back topside. Then he took the Kingdom for himself, took his liberties with Lillith and enjoyed every single moment of it. I mean, how could the person who you love the most, even do such a thing to you?”
His voice was scathing. Alec knew it wasn’t true – no, it wasn’t! Yet, now there was an extra voice in his head, which was saying, “That’s right, how could he – of all people – have done all of that? Now that’s betrayal..”
Alec shut his eyes tightly. “Lies!” he yelled desperately, attempting to thrwart Lucifer’s attempt to brainwash him. “I know that didn’t happen, stop putting thoughts in my head!”
“Ahh, so it’s already happening,” Lucifer mused. “Good.”
“You would remain captive, until he arrives. Then that’s where the fun would begin. My nephew wouldn’t know in advance that he would be facing his biggest nightmare.”
Lucifer paused, and then continued. “As would you…”
He trailed off, sounding mysterious, his eyes never leaving Alec’s face.
“Isn’t it going to be fun, you are going to be the leading protagonist in what’s about to come…”
Alec bristled. He didn’t like the sound of that…
“Well,” Alec said. “What if I refuse to go along with it?”
Before Alec could react, there was a searing pain that seemed to suffocate his insides, squeezing his head incessantly.
“You will have no choice, Nephilim,” Lucifer growled. “You’ll see how that plays out. As for my nephew, I plan to lure him down here by telling him you’re in trouble. He would come down for you. I might even use my powers of persuasion to do so. But that might not be at all necessary. Just the mention of you might be the only thing I need to persuade him. Riiight?”
His gold cat eyes fixated upon Alec’s. “Of course I would come, to save my beloved,” he said mockingly. Alec inadvertently winced, and he saw Lucifer’s mouth twist in delight.
No no no no, Alec thought desperately. This was a trap. Of course Magnus would come if he, Alec, was in trouble....
He shuddered involuntarily. I-I need to tell him not to come, he thought in desperation. But he knew that thought was futile, as there was no way to communicate with him right now.
“What he doesn’t know is that he’s pretty much walking into his own demise. But he gets to witness yours first,” the image of Magnus, standing in front of him, declared vehemently. “Well, that is, if he doesn’t do it by his own hand himself–”
Then Alec realized with horror, what Lucifer was insinuating. Somehow, they were going to be tricked, to fight against each other!
His death would release his power, free to be claimed. Obviously, I would then absorb as the victor. In essence, that would make me the supreme being across the different dimensions of Hell...
Alec realized his mind was growing foggy, and he was already forgetting parts of what Lucifer had just said. Desperately he fought against it. You need to remember, Alec. Lucifer is pitting the both of you against each other, but he really wants the both of you dead.
You can't forget about this, Alec. You... just c-can't ---
“It’s time to sleep now, fiancé…” The dulcet sounding voice, along the sweet looking gold cat eyes were back once again. Angel, it looked and sounded so much like Magnus –
…but it isn’t, it isn’t!
“ I’m going to take such good care of you…darling…”
OOF.
Alec suddenly felt like his head was in a vice, with the rest of his body unable to move. Then Lucifer’s mouth was on his, the taste of metal, sulfur, and the enveloping dread of absolute evil infiltrating his senses. Another flash of searing pain flooded through his head again, as if something was ripping through the skin by his temple and face.
Alec screamed involuntarily, as he wrenched his face away. His gaze fell upon the individual facing him. There was no love in that expression. There was only disgust, along with a smile that chilled Alec to the very bone.
The grip upon his wrists had already cut through his skin, and he already knew they were bleeding...
SUBMIT. TO. ME. the dark voice said in a monotone inside of his head. Over and over and over again.
The skin continued to tear, and Alec continued to scream. The being above him cackled evilly.
Alec knew he could see him breaking. At that point, all common sense and reasonable brain function appeared to leave Alec's mental faculties --
"M-M-Magnus," Alec murmured, as he grew more and more faint. He couldn't even tell what was real anymore.
It was just all too much...
... How could you do this to me, Magnus? We love each other. Why are you hurting me?
The conniving grin upon a face deemed way too familiar and trustworthy lingered and swam before his eyes. Then blackness consumed him –
…
…
Magnus…!
…
…
___________
Magnus’s loft – Brooklyn, New York
It was a regular afternoon, and everyone was over at Magnus’s, about to have tea. At that moment, Magnus had excused himself to saunter into the kitchen to get his Japanese iron tea kettle, which had been steeping his favorite, Japanese Hibiscus Ginger tea, for the last few minutes.
These days, he preferred to brew it the Mundane way, as opposed to just conjuring it up.
Actually, he had found himself doing a lot of things the Mundane way ever since he came back from Edom, as it reminded him of Alec.
Alec, who was not even in the same dimension as him, fighting a war he wasn’t meant to fight.
After all, Magnus thought ruefully, he was the only one who held enough power to go to Edom to seal the rift that Jonathan had created. But, no, it had literally broken Alec when Magnus had attempted to leave, triggering the protective spells within the rings that Magnus had procured for them, upon pledging eternal love to each other during their impromptu engagement. Then that had also led to the whole world literally coming to a halt, as fate intercepted things – visions assailing Clary’s mind, including the gift of the Alliance Rune, along with delivering a prophecy from the Angels, meant for both Magnus and Alec.
He still hadn’t wanted Alec to come with him, even then – due to the threat level alone, given that Edom was just not safe for Nephilim. Alec would always have a target on his back in Edom, from every Edomai’s perspective, since he was Nephilim.
But of course Alec had decided to come, anyway. And – it really wasn’t that unpredictable that the chain of events would have occurred this way, given everything that happened.
If it meant saving the world, then yes, Alec would see it as his mission to take on. Just like Magnus had saw it as his mission to close the rift, even if it meant leaving the only world he had felt safe in.
He shook his head. They were both much more similar than most people realized, he thought, his mouth quirking up at the corners.
Magnus sighed inwardly. Ever since that first attempt at communication between him and Raziel, he hadn’t felt any more signals from Raziel or Alec. He couldn’t help wishing for more. He missed Alec so much….
Magnus’s glance fell upon the Alliance Rune on his hand, feeling surges of affection flow through him upon the sight of it. That was what connected him to Alec. Please be safe, my love, he thought desperately, attempting to send the thoughts to him. I need you back here with me.
He waited in anticipation for Alec’s response, or at the very least the emotions which accompanied it, like the response he received last time they did this.
The Alliance Rune didn’t spark up, only remaining grey. Magnus frowned, as uncomfortable stirrings started up in his gut. Wait…That wasn’t right.
Something was wrong --
WE.HAVE.A.PROBLEM, the words flashed in the back of Magnus’s head, even before he realized what was happening.
Stunned, he froze in mid-step. Raziel? he thought.
His heart dropped. With an opener like that, it couldn’t be good…
“Magnus, what is it, dear brother?” Tatsuo was in front of him, looking at him inquisitively. Without looking at him, Magnus brought a finger to his lips, signalling to Tatsuo to wait. Tatsuo continued to look puzzled, but didn’t say anything further, his eyes still focused upon his brother.
Magnus gestured for Tatsuo to follow him back. Wordlessly, he did. Magnus led Tatsuo into the living room, where Isabelle and Catarina were both chatting.
They both looked up when they arrived.
Isabelle was instantly aware that something was wrong. “Guys..?” she asked hesitantly.
Tatsuo gestured toward Magnus, who had a stilted, anxious expression upon his face. Magnus slowly held up his hand, showing the now defunct Alliance rune, his face pale. Tatsuo gasped, as Catarina and Isabelle looked at one another, confusion mirrored upon each of their faces.
“M-Magnus?” Tatsuo whispered fearfully. “W-What does that mean?”
Magnus did not respond, as he looked to be in a catatonic trance at the moment. The last time that rune had been gray, he had seen it on Alec, and that was when the connection had been severed.
For it to be severed, this time, it would mean that something happened to Alec…
..No!...
Magnus Bane, the voice started up again. Magnus stilled, a move that was not lost upon the others. Now all eyes were fixated upon him.
"...Y-Yes, Raziel," Magnus whispered aloud.
I'm afraid that the situation has been compromised.. Apparently there was an oversight that we hadn't anticipated. All communication has been cut off. Even I no longer have a connection with the Chosen.
Magnus's blood ran cold upon hearing those words.
In fact, there seems to be some resistance with even this communication with you, which shouldn't be, since you received our Grace. And ---
Magnus wasn't sure how he knew, but suddenly it felt like something was effectively shut down.
His eyes widened.
"Raziel," he whispered aloud. Tatsuo, Catarina, and Isabelle all looked horrified. "Raziel! Talk to me! What happened to Alexander?"
He heard static in his head, which slowly grew to a deafening cacophony of disorganized sounds. He nearly collapsed, his hands flying to his ears.
Tatsuo, Catarina, and Isabelle were instantly at his side, clutching at his arms.
Then there was a lone cry, so heart shattering that tears rushed into Magnus's eyes and heart.
Alec!
Nephew... the voice emerged simultaneously, in a taunting manner.
Magnus inhaled sharply. No, his brain screamed. No! He started to thrash about, even as his brother and his two friends attempted to hold him in their arms to calm him down.
"WHAT DID YOU DO? WHAT DO YOU NEED WITH HIM?" Magnus was shouting senselessly, even as his heart grew more and more desperate.
I…don’t, actually, the voice said wryly. There was a tinge of sardonic playfulness, which made Magnus's blood boil as much as it made his heart drop. Which is why you need to consider what I say to you very, very carefully. As I see it, Raziel took something of mine –
What! Magnus was incensed. I was never yours. I --.
Suddenly Magnus felt a slight tug, from somewhere deep inside, and his vision nearly whited out. Somewhere far away, a quiet gasp could be heard.
MAGNUS…!
Wait, was that Tatsuo’s voice ---?
A sudden shot of warmth seemed to pierce through the fog, and Magnus’s vision cleared again. Magnus realized that Tatsuo was gripping his arm firmly as he shook him, slightly. He looked up, Tatsuo’s eyes were gold, blindingly so. Concern and warmth radiated through him, edged with fury.
My brother is not your property –!
Ah, the voice crooned. If it isn’t the long lost little brother. My little dreamwalker, so that was just a preview back then of how far you had come, when you entered the dream. Now your power seems much greater. You should feel proud of yourself.
But alas, I speak the truth. When your brother walked into that Pentagram created within the obsidian rock, he allowed for our souls to mingle as he agreed to share control of the Kingdom. Raziel hadn’t known about that little tidbit; he thought that he could completely free him from my control. As it was, he managed to extricate most of it. A small part remains with me here in Edom. Your brother will never be at his full strength as long as that is the case, and he will always be vulnerable to me when I call for him.
But that being said, it’s time to put the cards on the table, so to speak. Nephew, I hold your lover the Nephilim Alec Lightwood, captive. You are requested to come in person, so that I might consider sparing him --
This is STILL a game to you, trying to use him as a pawn to lure me back, Magnus thought furiously. However, he felt somewhat defeated. He had no idea that Lucifer had retained part of his soul, to the point where it could affect him like that!
There was a snort.
Semantics, the voice said dryly.
Magnus felt his anger grow. There was a tap on his arm, and he turned again to face Tatsuo, who gave him a placating look. Then he felt his brother’s anger being directed toward their common nemesis.
Don’t threaten my brother, Lucifer, Tatsuo thought angrily. And he didn’t agree to anything, you made him think he wanted to.
But, Magnus – we’re family. Now the voice sounded almost pleading, as if wanting to placate Magnus, while completely ignoring Tatsuo.
Magnus winced at the utter insincerity behind those words. Did Lucifer think he could fool Magnus with that?
Stop sounding like my father, Magnus thought darkly. As what I seemed to recall from the vibe I felt, you never cared much for him or me, or about anything else other than yourself.
There was a pause. Then the voice came forth again.
Well, I won’t refute that. I’ll add to that by saying that I currently have the advantage, since I have your darling Alexander. He is my bargaining chip in all of this.
Perhaps you wish to just ignore what I am saying.
Well, I can assure you that wouldn’t be wise at all. Just remember, you were the only one here who cared about sealing the rift between worlds, in order to keep the demons in their rightful place. As long as you were here, no one dared challenge that. Granted, I hadn’t any reason to upset the current state of things, especially when we were still ruling the Kingdom together. I feel I have been rather magnanimous in keeping to the status quo, in light of recent events. I have kept my Demon Army within the Realm.
However, if need be, as the remaining member of the Imperial bloodline, I reserve the right to revoke that at any time. I don’t think I need to clarify what that might mean.
Magnus froze as those words washed over him. Lucifer would do it, too, he thought, gritting his teeth. What did he care for the safety of Earth and its inhabitants? He was a soulless creature, in all ways imaginable. Lucifer wouldn’t hesitate to open rift after rift topside, sending forth demon messengers wreaking all sorts of destruction, and threatening the lives of those he loved – all to get Magnus’s attention.
Well, not to say that he wouldn’t do it, whether Magnus agreed with him or not. However, saving Alec was paramount. He could worry about the other situation later…
Anyway, that is the deal I propose. Think about it for a few days, if you must. But not for too long. Remember, I do have Alec Lightwood down here, and he did put up an impressive fight. But my patience has worn thin.
Trust me when I say that I will not be merciful toward him in any way –
Echoes of a scream reverberated in the distance. Magnus gritted his teeth.
Somehow, he was hurting Alexander!
The presence around him seemed to dissipate, and Magnus knew that Lucifer had terminated the connection. Magnus was so stressed, he realized he had drawn blood by biting the inner part of his cheek.
Oof.
Flares of anger and frustration flowed through his veins, as his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He could hear faint, crackling sounds, popping rapidly, as pressure built up behind his eyes.
He barely heard the gasps which followed this, as he sensed people stepping away from him. He could feel the fear and tension in the air. However, Magnus found that he couldn’t have cared less about any of that at the moment --
Alexander was in trouble, he couldn’t help thinking. Lillith, Alexander was in trouble, and it was all because of him ---
Gentle pressure upon his forearms made him blink, tearing him from his thoughts. He looked up, into Tatsuos’s concerned, non-judgmental eyes. His brother had him in his arms. A few feet away, Magnus could see Catarina hovering over Isabelle. He could see Catarina directing golden flares of healing magic over a reddened portion of Isabelle’s forearm. Isabelle looked slightly shellshocked, her dark eyes darting looks over at Magnus, alternately flitting between his face and his hands. She had a complicated expression upon her face, which seemed like a mix of fear with confusion.
Oh. The faint crackling sounds were probably from wayward magic which had escaped his hands, and most likely Edomic red, which occurred when he was stressed or angry. Since Isabelle had been at close proximity to him before, they had probably hit her by accident…
He managed to catch her gaze. Fortunately she did not look away. He noted that the fear was no longer there, but the confusion remained.
“I-I didn’t mean to,” Magnus said haltingly. “Isabelle, you can’t think –"
Isabelle’s face then looked empathetic, and Magnus felt a weight being lifted off his chest. “Of course I knew you didn’t mean it. It just threw me when I saw the red magic pour from your hands, and it burned me because I was too close. But you have nothing to worry about. See? It’s almost healed, thanks to Catarina,” Isabelle said, showing Magnus her arm.
“Thank goodness,” Magnus breathed. That was one less thing to worry about. Now back to the situation at hand…
“Magnus?” Isabelle asked worriedly. “What is it?”
Magnus swallowed hard. How could he face her, when he was the reason why Alec’s life was in danger…
“Isabelle,” Tatsuo said. Magnus glanced at Tatsuo, grateful that he had chosen to speak at that moment. His brother was gazing at him with such concern and love.
Such soulful eyes -- eyes that were the same as his.
“Lucifer has Alexander. He offered Magnus a deal, to spare Alec’s life if Magnus returns to Edom,” Tatsuo stated.
Catarina inhaled sharply. She turned to Magnus. “But you can’t do that!” she exclaimed. “You succumbed to him, once…”
“He did,” Tatsuo agreed solemnly. “And you are right to worry. According to Lucifer, he does hold power over Magnus to an extent. A small part of his soul remained behind in Edom, which remains accessible to Lucifer. Lucifer offered Magnus a deal to free both Alec and to regain his soul. But part of that deal states that Magnus needs to return to Edom.”
“A deal?” Isabelle stated, snorting. “Well, we know how fair Greater Demons are, with regard to deals, they don’t play fair –”
Magnus winced. What a great time to be reminded of how he was nearly manipulated by Asmodeus to believe that no one cared for him, and that the last resort was to return to Edom with him. If it hadn’t been for Maryse intercepting him at that crucial moment, who knows where he would be right now –
“You’ve got that right,” Magnus muttered. He felt a warm squeeze from Tatsuo for comfort. He cleared his throat. “We definitely can’t trust him, that’s for sure.” He then swallowed hard. “However, I have no choice. Tatsuo sensed how he was able to affect me; I also need to try to get Alec back, if not for my own sake, since he is my fiancé. But for you all, and especially Maryse who was the one who set me on the right course with regard to my father.”
Magnus shuddered.
“I need to go to Edom,” he stated with as much conviction he could muster. He hoped that his voice did not give away how scared he felt. Lucifer had overpowered him once, he wasn’t at all confident about how this might turn out…
“Not without me, you’re not,” Tatsuo stated firmly.
Magnus turned to look at him in surprise.
“I am your brother,” Tatsuo stated. “I also love Alexander like a brother, too. Whatever you need to face, we will face together. I’m sure that Lucifer won’t see it as an affront; he is much more powerful than the two of us to begin with, right?”
Magnus couldn’t argue with that.
“To overcome Lucifer,” Magnus stated. “We will need to be cunning and perhaps trick him. Or offer him something that he can’t turn down. I can’t say that I know what that thing might be. But all Greater Demons are self-serving and only looking out for themselves. That is probably our only hope…”
He saw Catarina give Tatsuo a searching look. Magnus sighed. It was nearly impossible, wasn’t it…
But he had no choice. He had to go save Alec.
Suddenly there was a prickling sensation in the back of his head. The environment around him also seemed to dim significantly.
Angels above, I despise beings who think they can just disrupt communications of the Angels, Raziel’s voice muttered. Unfortunately, we have always had issues when it came to that one…
Oh, right. Lucifer. Considering his lineage…
“Raziel. You’re back,” Magnus said aloud, surprised yet relieved.
Right, as if that actually meant anything, Raziel muttered. He sounded annoyed and deflated, Magnus realized.
He found that he actually felt an urge to comfort the Angel. Then he stopped himself. What a thought to be having! he thought wryly.
In the next minute, the environment around Magnus seemed to lighten up. Well, Raziel said, sighing. The best course of action would be to deal with the situations at hand –
“I’m going to Edom, Raziel,” Magnus interjected. “Actually, Tatsuo and I are going to Edom. He volunteered.”
Next to Magnus, Tatsuo flushed. The environment appeared to lighten even further. I should have known that anyone associated with the Chosen’s fiancé would share similar attributes. That’s very magnanimous of you, young sir, Raziel said. Consider the both of you blessed. This will at least accentuate your healing if and when injuries occur.
Tatsuo blinked. “Thank you,” he said. He couldn’t believe he was actually communicating with Raziel as well.
Now, come to think of it, there is something about you. I can’t pinpoint it. But I feel like there is a role in here for you, a reason why your paths crossed when they did.
Magnus put his arm around Tatsuo and hugged his brother to him. “Of course he’s important. He’s family,” he said congenially. Warmth and love flooded through Tatsuo upon hearing that form Magnus. Then thoughts of Alec entered his mind again, along with feelings of anxiety.
“So what about Alexander?” he asked hesitantly.
Magnus suddenly felt a presence centered upon him.
Ah right. It does sound like the Chosen is in a bad way, and that is rather unfortunate. However, he has more inner strength than he realizes, along with a strategic mind – both of these should help him figure out if there’s a way to overcome the Darkness. However, this may or may not result in drastic measures. I am only telling you this now, to be prepared for this, and to trust in him. Whatever he decides to do, in order to eradicate the Darkness, will have the full support of the Angels.
Hmm, talk about being cryptic, Magnus thought wryly. But he did get the gist of things.
Trust in Alec, no matter what.
Well, that would be easy. Magnus loved him, and trusted his intuition and abilities as a leader. Considering all the mistakes that they made in the past, which nearly unraveled what they had built together – surely they would try their best to be more careful and not make the same mistakes again. Right?
The presence seemed to beam upon them both, and then dissipated once again.
Now Magnus realized that both Catarina and Isabelle were standing next to him and Tatsuo.
“That seemed pretty heavy,” Isabelle commented. “That seemed to go on for a long time.” Her brows knitted together in concern.
She stepped in, hugging both Magnus and Tatsuo tightly. As she let go, she asked, “When will you both go?”
Magnus hummed. “I’m thinking in a day or so, I think it would be best to be as prepared as we can,” he said judiciously. He looked over at Catarina. “I may need your help with some spells I plan on casting on us, my dear.”
“Of course,” Catarina said warmly. She reached over to squeeze Tatsuo’s hand. “You are a gift. I am so happy you will be there for him,” she said, her eyes glistening.
“Always,” Tatsuo responded genuinely.
_________________
Edom
A smile spread across his face. He had felt their acquiescence, to come down to Edom. He suspected as much. No way they would leave the Nephilim down here –
So, his plans would come to fruition after all, as they would never know what was coming.
An unpleasant tingle, followed by a low moan sounding suspiciously like a protest, rose up within his gut. Suddenly there was an almost painful sensation spreading through his veins.
He bristled internally. “Stop that!” he hissed. Taking his right hand, he grabbed the left hand, pausing to glance at the Enkeli/Angelic Rune located on the ulna side of the forearm. Useless, those runes – down in Edom, he thought, smirking.
Without hesitation, he focused his magic upon the right hand, and then gripped the left hand so hard, that the joints popped. Searing pain emerged as the fingers broke.
He could hear the internal screaming which followed, echoing throughout the chambers.
Eventually died down to a whimper. Then it was silent once again.
“That’s right,” he said, his voice laced with an underlying threat. “Any more protests? I can break more bones…”
Right, he was less powerful this way, as he had immersed himself into his host. It also made him a bit more vulnerable than usual. However, this would give him better control over this body when it came time to use it – and then to depose of it once he was done. He was certain that this would be the surefire way to throw his nephew off-guard enough for him to get the advantage.
He could see himself injuring his nephew just enough, yet leaving him conscious so that he could witness what would come next, of which horrific and nightmarish events would be seared into his mind, before it became his turn.
The plan was perfect. Just perfect.
His hazel eyes gleamed evilly.