Author's Note: Hello loves, and welcome back to Reincarnation. I hope you enjoyed the story so far. Sorry it's not fast paced as of yet, it's going to be a slow burn story. Disclaimer time! I do NOT own anything related to Resident Evil: characters; timelines, etc. I only own my OC, and all rights belong to Capcom.
Ellie kept quiet as she carried the groceries into the kitchen, not wanting to have any more tension between herself and her brother. She didn't mean to go at it with Mia, but lately, it's been too much between the move, helping to take care of Rosemary, and trying to act "normal", as Ethan would like to say.
She reached the counter, and began to pull the various items out while trying to keep her cool. Ellie knew who it was behind her, feeling a clairvoyance within herself as she felt his presence. She took a deep breath, letting it out through her nose before she cocked her head slightly to the left.
"Ellie -"
"Ethan, please, not you too."
"What's gotten into you two? You never used to fight like this. Is it because of the money? You know me and Mia can -"
"Ethan, it's never been about the money. You know that, it's just been …"
"What? Come on, we hardly talk anymore."
"That's the problem - we never talk anymore." Ellie answered, taking the loaf of bread and placing it behind her. She didn't want this, not tonight; too much drama was never her forte, especially family drama.
"Ellie, you know that's not true."
"Yes it is. You and I know ever since Mia had Rosemary, she's been acting more angry about everything. Her negative energy courses through this house like a tidal wave. You never know what her mood is going to be like." Ellie retorted, rolling her eyes in annoyance at her brother's ignorance.
"Ellie, you know what Mia and I've been through. It's been a rough go for quite some time, and we're working on ourselves. I know you're still trying to work on yourself as well." Ethan reasoned, knowing that his sister could be hard to reason sometimes.
"Don't even go there, Ethan. Don't. You know how much I love you and Mia, but sometimes -"
"Is everything alright, sweetheart?" Mia's voice rang in the kitchen, making Ellie bite her tongue hard to the point of almost tasting blood. Of all people, Ellie did NOT want to go at it with Mia again, not tonight.
"It's alright, sweetheart. Ellie was going to help with dinner." Ethan cooed, trying to defuse the tension already in the household.
"I can handle dinner myself. Why don't you make yourself useful, and put Rose to bed? I'll let you know when it's ready." Mia sneered, looking at Ellie with contempt in her eyes.
"Sure, no problem." Ellie answered curtly, briskly putting down the remaining groceries as she rounded the island to pick up Rose from Mia's embrace.
The look she gave Ellie was disturbing to say the least. Her eyes gleaming at her with a hint of mischief, almost like she was toying with the young woman. A small but noticeable smirk scattered across her lips, making Ellie avert her eyes immediately. She knew Mia could be vindictive at times, but she knew something was off. Her demeanor wasn't what it used to be three years ago, but then again, she knew that people changed over time. However, not to this degree; Mia had gone from being an easy going, bubbly persona to a more concealed psyche in a matter of months.
Ellie carefully plucked Rosemary from Mia's hold, cradling the babe against her chest with a gentle touch any mother should always give their child. She looked at Mia with alarm, heart pounding heavily in her breast, a dreadful feeling enveloping her being.
"Be mindful of bringing Rose to bed, Ellie. And I ask one thing - NO. Tricks. Am I clear?" Mia instructed, watching the young woman like a hawk ready to devour its prey.
But Ellie could hear the threat within her command. She knew that Mia hated when she did anything in relation to her magic.
"Of course, I understand." Ellie answered, voice wavering only a slight octave higher than normal. She cradled the babe to her chest, carefully avoiding Mia or bumping into anything as she slowly made her way out of the kitchen and out of sight from the couple.
Ethan watched as his sister made her way out, feeling a sadness brew within him. She was always so full of light, positivity and glee; but as of late, she and Mia have been at each other's throat just as much as he was with his wife. Of course, Rosemary was only three months old, and it didn't help that he begged Ellie to help him with watching over their daughter while they got settled in their new home.
"Don't you think you're a little hard on her, Mia? I mean, come on, she's just trying to help." Ethan questioned, grabbing the remaining items out of the bag and setting them on the counter.
"She needs to learn how things work in our house, Ethan. She can't act like a teenager on a rebellious streak, especially if she's going to help with our child." Mia sneered, briskly making her way to the fridge as she opened its door for tonight's meal.
"And she does. She's been helping out with us ever since the move. You know that. We don't have to pay for a daycare -"
"No, we have to pay her instead."
"Mia, please. Be reasonable."
"Why can't you see it, Ethan?! All she does is take up our food, our money, our home, and you're okay with it?!"
"Really, Mia? You were the one who begged Ellie to help out, as well as Chris. And besides, you've always given her credit for helping out around the house, especially with her mag-"
"Don't you dare say it, Ethan. Don't say that word. You and I both know that witchcraft is nothing but a sin, a crime in the eyes of those on this side of the world."
"Mia, please! It's not like Ellie is going to cast a spell on Rose, or do some stupid shit like that. She's just having fun, and, to be honest, it's only harmless."
"For you, but not for me or Rose! I want her to stop it, Ethan! I want her to act like a normal woman and not some goddamn freak!"
"I want her to act like a normal woman and not some goddamn freak!" The voice of Mia reached up the second story of the house, her shrill voice making Ellie cringe in shame.
She stood at the top of the stairs, cradling little Rosemary in her arms while keeping herself to the shadows of the hallway. Ellie knew what they were arguing about; it made her feel self conscious about herself. It wasn't her fault, being born with these "gifts" as she called them, not that anyone would listen to her. Despite being a grown twenty five year old woman, she felt like a child being scolded for playing with fire.
Being labeled the "black sheep" of the family, Ellie knew what it was like to be alone. Touch starved for someone to understand her; someone who knew how she felt, what she was thinking. She just wanted someone to love her for who she was, not for what she was.
Blinking back tears, Ellie looked down as she heard Rose fuss a tiny bit in her arms. She gently cooed at the tiny human, slowly rocking the babe in her embrace. It was getting late, and she knew it was only a matter of time before Mia came upstairs to check on Rose.
"Come on, little one. We don't want to keep you up any longer now. Your mother will have a fit." Ellie cooed, retreating from her hiding spot and walking down the hall to the baby's nursery.
Despite being a short walk down the green hallway, Ellie felt like it was a lifetime. Her mind wrapped up in her own thoughts, letting herself try to drown out the negative aura in the house. The young woman held the baby securely in her arms as she carefully nudged the door open to the couple's bedroom.
She looked around the large master suite, nothing in comparison to her room she has currently. Light beige wallpaper, dark earthy green and stone grey tones, hardwood flooring - whoever helped Ethan and Mia get this place really made sure they had it all. Light oak wooden furniture was carefully laid out in the room. Books, electronics, baby toys and blankets were spread out across the floor. Ellie never truly cared for the wealthier aspects in life, always content with whatever she had. She felt like maybe she was in the way of her brother's happiness. Would it have been better if she didn't accept his offer to help with Rose? She didn't know and either way, she felt like a pawn in a bigger game.
A small grunt came from Rose, snapping Ellie out of her thoughts as she looked down at the small baby. Her hair was a little dusting of light blonde, much like her father's; she already looked so much like her mother than her father. She didn't want Mia coming up thinking she was doing something to her child.
"Sssh, it's okay. Auntie will keep the monsters away." Ellie cooed as she made her way across the room to the crib, slowly and gently setting Rose on her back.
She ran her hand gently over her little tuft of hair, smiling as Rose looked up at her. Ellie felt herself smile as the baby yawned and closed her eyes. For whatever reason, even though she had no children of her own, she felt as if her own motherly instincts were suddenly awoken. Rose wasn't even hers, and Ellie felt the need to protect this little bundle of life with all costs.
"NO. TRICKS." The words from Mia echoed in her mind, making Ellie pause in thought. The young woman bit her lip standing up straight before looking behind her. She knew she shouldn't; she knew it would be a mistake on her part. It was a gamble, but one she would take. Plus, she would never hex or enchant any child. It was immoral, demeaning and callous. Her heart was full of love, and it wouldn't hurt to entertain little Rose for one moment without her parents knowing about it right? One little magic show wouldn't be too much.
She took a deep breath, looked around to make sure she was truly alone and closed her eyes. She felt her left wrist become warmer slightly, the crystal bracelets almost giving a pulsing vibration to her form. She felt the jade crystal pulse stronger, letting Ellie know she felt the right source to call upon.
"Guardian of Earth, I seek your shield. Bless this wee babe, and guard her on this night. I ask for your safety, and secure her peacefully until first morning light." Ellie chanted, feeling a slight charge in the air as she began her incantation.
The air around them charged with energy, small orbs of glowing green light appeared before her and Rose. The magic around her made her feel calm, an energy full of nautical and gentleness seep into the room like a sunroom. A pulse gusted through the room, ricocheting its force into Ellie for a brief moment. It'd been a while since she had to call upon a spell as this one, but it would be worth it, if it would protect Rose from any dark forces.
Ellie opened her eyes, pleased with herself as she looked around the room; small orbs of different green lights danced in the air, pulsing with a small ounce of life. She looked down at Rose, who was sound asleep with a small smile on her chubby face. She flourished her fingers on her hand, letting the orbs branch out and disappear as quick as they came. The woman leaned down quick, planting a small kiss on the baby's forehead before she backed away.
"Sweet dreams, little Rose." Ellie whispered as she walked toward the door, flicking the light off before she softly closed the door.
She leaned back against the door, feeling her heart race in her breast. Her hand pressed against her chest, feeling the strong beat of her palpitations. A twelve year age gap was spaced between the siblings, Ethan maybe her older brother, but he wasn't always the brightest bulb in the drawer. She almost envied her brother for the little bundle of joy he helped create. Although she wasn't the most fond of Mia, she would never do anything to cause harm or wish ill luck on their behalf. Oh, how she would love to have a family of her own someday. But for now, she let her own dreams dwindle into dust and help out her brother's family.
She made her way down the hall to the edge of the staircase, ready to turn to her room to ease her mind.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Startled, the woman stopped in her tracks, the tranquil feeling jarring out of her harshly. She furrowed her brow, letting her brain register that there were knocks at the front door. Who could be up at this hour?
She slowly made her way to the top of the stairs, weary of whoever would be at the door. She knew her incantation would ward off any evils toward the baby, but not towards her. If need be, she would not hesitate to ask the magic in her blood to help her. Were Mia or Ethan expecting company? Maybe they forgot to tell her, she wasn't too sure. Even if they were in a small and safe neighborhood, you never know who your neighbor really is.
Ellie descended down the stairs, intuition on high alert as her curiosity got the better of her. Letting her feet guide her, her steps were quiet and soft while she made her way down the last few steps and toward the large door. If someone was there, who could it be?
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The knocks grew harder, jolting Ellie out of her reverie as she pressed her hands on the smooth wooden door. One hand on the large doorknob, the other on the smooth wood; she took a deep breath, willing herself to calm down, and breathed out. She opened the door, waiting to face the person at their door at this hour.
"Hey, Ellie."
Time for the cliffhanger! Thank you for taking the time to read this story. Also available on AO3. Comments, reviews and positive criticism welcomed!