The New Addition
Hi everyone! I'm alive! I just finished this one-shot idea I had. At this point, Rafael has lived with Magnus, Alec, and Max (and Chairman) for a few months now, so he's perfectly fine calling them Papa and Dad and little brother. I wanted to write something about Rafael and Max and those demon temptation lessons that Max apparently has (The Land That I Lost). Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters, the lore, or published stories involving them. All rights go to Cassandra Clare.
Temptation
"Why?" Rafael asked with a scowl, eyes staring daggers at his Papa. In the back corner of the living room, far enough away from Max and his numerous toys, Magnus carefully poured dark sand-like powder in a pattern and lit candles. The cylinders of hardened wax were black and sinister looking, and the flames flickering on the wicks seemed to hiss at the boy's voice. Rafael watched with hard eyes as Magnus finished pouring the sand into the shape of a pentagram, stepping back to admire/double check his work.
Rafael hated the pentagram. He hated it because he knew what it meant. Living in the Shadow Market, he had seen and experienced many Downworld practices and spells. He grew up around it and had more first-hand accounts than most Shadowhunters his age, and probably most older ones. He'd seen vampires drink blood from animals, and people, both willingly and unwillingly, bargaining for blood and being burned in the sun when they lost track of time. He'd seen werewolves Turn and fight each other, tearing each other limb from limb in a bloody and gruesome mess, fighting for dominance of the pack or to protect their loved ones. He'd seen warlocks of all shapes and sizes, some simply selling charms and potions, some performing tricks for profit and admiration, some charging for advanced services to willing patrons. He'd rarely seen faeries, but those who were there were charming and scary and used their beauty to trick and steal from others. Even the old fairy lady who loved the orphaned kids, who told them stories and gave them food, she still made Rafael uneasy to an extent. He'd also seen magic, both from faeries and warlocks.
Rafael didn't outright hate magic. During his life in the Shadow Market he unconsciously learned that magic itself is not evil. He'd seen magic used to help people, and he'd seen it used to hurt people, just as he'd seen Shadowhunters use their skills and runes for good and bad. However, magic didn't make Rafael upset or uncomfortable. In fact, Rafael usually adored any type of magic he saw. There were all types of magic in the Shadow Market, and he used to hide and watch it being performed at any chance he got. It was always so cool, and Rafael secretly wished he could do magic too. He wanted to make objects fly around. He wanted to create cool fireworks or images in thin air.
There were many types of magic that he loved, but he loved his Papa's magic best.
It was colorful and warm and fun and cool. It was the first magic he had experienced that welcomed him, the first magic he'd ever truly felt cast a spell around or on his person. Whenever he could watch his Papa work, he did, fascinated by the way he cast certain spells or mixed potions. Sometimes he even asked to help and, depending on what Magnus was working on, Magnus would let him stay and explain what he was doing to the curious Shadowhunter boy. He taught Rafael about potions, about spells, about little tricks to use to test the potion and its effects, about how to tell identical looking potions apart without danger. He let Rafael read though some of his spell books, with their secrets and ingredients and instructions. He even taught Rafael a couple magic tricks, which Rafael was ecstatic to learn he could do magic of his own. He wasn't great at it yet, but he practiced as often as he could. And he loved the magic.
But this thing Papa was going to do with his magic, Rafael hated it. He'd seen it a couple time in the Shadow Market, while hiding or spying. Every time someone drew that symbol, some monster, demon, would appear. And Rafael hated demons. They were ugly, and mean, and twisted, and being near one made the skin on his back go cold and feel gross. He saw one accidently get out once, and though he was very young, he still remembered the screams and the fear and the blood. It had hurt people before it had been sent away again, but that image stayed in Rafael's mind. He hated demons with a passion, because they were evil, that much Rafael knew. And every week, like clockwork, his Papa summoned a demon in their home, and Rafael hated it.
Once Magnus finished pouring the sand, he turned to look at Rafael. He was dressed rather plainly for him, in a pair of black glittery skinny jeans, a silk button down shirt a deep shade of purple, and boots with silver buckles and chains. He had been wearing one of dad's jackets, but took it off before starting to draw the pentagram on the ground. His cool cat eyes were calm and understanding, but it was clear he was a bit tired of the question Rafael had asked. After all, this was the fifth time within the last half hour Rafael had demanded an explanation. And each time, Magnus was patient, understanding, and reassuring. Rafael, stubborn as ever though, refused to accept his Papa's explanations.
"You know why Rafael, it's time for Max's temptation training," Magnus explained again. He kept his tone soft, but not patronizing. He didn't shield stuff like this from his son, he didn't need nor want to. This was the world where his children lived, and learning about and experiencing it at such a young age was only natural, just like teaching them how to speak and read. There were certain things about their world, the much darker things, that Alec and Magnus did shelter their kids from, but only until they were older. However, stuff like this, demons, "bad" magic, the possibility to use it for evil purposes, that was only natural to teach. After all, if they didn't teach their children about the dangers when they were young, what greater risk would they face as adults? Alec and Magnus wanted to raise their sons best, and raise them to be loving, caring, kind, and wanting to do the right thing.
No one was immune to making poor decisions, and temptation is strong. And Magnus knew that for warlocks, the temptation to follow an evil path was just as great as anyone else's. The only major difference was that while most people were tempted by figurative demons, warlocks were tempted by real demons. Rafael crossed his arms again, his hard-brown eyes boring into Magnus'.
"Why?" he asked again, more anger and frustration in his voice. For a moment, Magnus had to fight down a laugh. Rafael's stance and attitude reminded him so much of Alexander. Their newest addition did seem to take up many of Alec's mannerisms naturally, despite insisting that he wanted to be just like Magnus. They were both stubborn, deeply devoted to their loved ones, and extremely protective. In fact, Rafael's stance and expression resembled a miniature reflection of the look Alec had given Magnus many times before. It was reserved for when Magnus did something that was a risk to his safety or wellbeing, which all things considered didn't happen much these days. Rafael had that same attitude, especially about his baby brother.
"Because Max is a warlock, and when he grows up, he may have to summon or interact with demons one day. Most warlocks do." Magnus walked over to the boy as he spoke, kneeling to his level. "And when demons are summoned, you know what they want to do, don't you?"
"Get out, hurt people." Rafael said through gritted teeth. Magnus nodded, eyes grim but a small smile on his face.
"Yes. Many warlocks who are not experienced at summoning demons not only have to worry about keeping them from getting free, but from being tricked or convinced by the demon to let them go themselves."
"Then just don't summon them." Magnus sighed heavily. He wished explanations like that were that simple. Unfortunately, over the course of his very long life, Magnus knew that it wasn't that easy. And a question's curiosity could never truly be sated.
"It's not that simple Rafael," his Papa said. "Demons still come into this world even if they aren't summoned. And when that happens, they don't always just try to hurt people, but try to make people hurt other people. They can be very tricky. You and Max are going to grow up in a world of fighting demons. Your dad and I want to make sure that you don't get tricked into helping them, or accidently get hurt by them. You know that demons are bad, and so does Max, but the earlier he learns that and the more comfortable he is with summoning them, the less difficult time he'll have when he starts doing it in the future. And the better chances that the demon won't end up tricking him or someone else near him. He'll be stronger than the demon, like you."
"Why?" Rafael asked angrily, still stubbornly refusing to listen to what his Papa said. He did trust Papa to keep him and Max safe, he knew Dad would not let anything happen either, but they were always taught about risk. If there was danger to hurt someone, why do it in the first place? In some corner of his mind, though, Rafael knew what his Papa said made sense. It was like Rafael and his Shadowhunter training. Even though he was young, his dad would often show him how to hold small knives or his arrows so he would know how to handle them safely when he started his more advanced training. That still didn't mean Rafael had to like it.
"'s ok Rafe," a small voice said from the middle of the living room. The other two turned to see the little blue boy sitting in front of the couch, toys strewn all around him. He was currently playing with a little pirate ship that rolled around and had a little cloth sail. "'m Shadowhunter! An' Papa keeps safe. You protec' too."
Magnus smiled softly at that declaration. Even as young as he was, Max was bright. Always had been. Max knew that this was dangerous, that demons were dangerous, but he knew that he was safe. It was why he didn't usually pay demons any attention anymore during his temptation lessons. He'd usually play with his toys or just flat out tell the demon to stop being mean (which usually resulted in the demon either pouting or making a face resembling that shocked Pikachu meme Simon was so fond of). And since Rafael had come into the picture, Max had been doubly defiant of the demons, outright telling them that he and his brother were Shadowhunters, and one day they were stop them from doing bad things, just like their dads. Just last week when a demon offered Max free toys for life if he helped it escape, Max flat out said quote: "you out, brother an' me send you away."
"You see, Rafael," Magnus said, turning back to the elder son. "Max knows that I'll keep him safe. We do this to make sure that Max determines that for himself, and isn't scared of them when he's older and may have to work with them." Rafael still gave a huff at the answer, but was interrupted before he could argue.
"Papa! Time!" Magnus turned as he heard the clock begin to chime. The usual time when Max's temptation started. Magnus rose, turning to go back to the pentagram for the summoning, but he felt a small, firm grip on his robe sleeve. Rafael stared up at him with hard eyes now tinged with fear. His hand gripped the sleeve, harder and stronger than most kids, almost desperate. Tension kept his small body still. Silently, he flicked his eyes towards his baby brother, then to the direction of the summoning area, then back up to Magnus' own eyes. Magnus completely understood.
"If you want, you can stay Rafael," Magnus reassured softly, brushing a gentle hand through the Hispanic boy's hair. "In fact, Max may like you playing with him during this time. What do you say, blueberry?" Rafael saw Max's little face light up in joy, and little pops of sparkles began to appear around him. Rafael had learned that young warlock magic, at least his brother's, seemed to respond to his emotions. The little blue boy began to wave his pirate ship in the air, excitedly showing it off. A couple of the other toys behind him started to float too.
"Raf'el! Stay! Play pirates!" Max looked at his big brother with big blue eyes. They were so happy, so pleading, so excited at the prospect of play. Without a word, Rafael let go of his Papa's arm and walked to his little brother. Sitting down across from him, he reached to take the pirate ship, only for Max to snatch it away, giggling mischievously. Rafael grinned and tried to snatch the ship from the younger boy, purposefully letting Max keep it from him.
Rafael played with Max, laughing and giggling, but he was still alert. Though his attention was on his brother, he could see and hear his Papa on the other side of the room. He saw a light come from the spot where the sand was, and he felt the change in the air. He heard the hissing and sick popping of the demon trapped in the pentagram, just a few feet away from his baby brother. The air reeked of sulfur and something rotten, like Max's dirty diapers but worse. The hairs on Rafael's arms stood up, feeling the presence of danger. Slowly, subtly, while his brother chattered away about a game to play, Rafael glanced at the demon.
It was big, almost as tall as Papa. It had nasty tentacles that oozed and dripped black liquid. Its suckers pushed against the invisible wall the pentagram made. The tentacles then attached to a body resembling a person, with a torso and arms and head. The skin was a gross grey/green shade. It didn't have ears or nose, and its eyes were just empty black holes on its face. There was some sort of drool coming from its mouth as he spoke to Magnus, saying something about how it was unfair that it was always the one summoned for these lessons, and how Max should be moving onto tougher, more dangerous demons since he seemed to be "doing so well" as Magnus stated. Rafael scowled at that, knowing that the demon was trying to trick his dad to somehow get them hurt. However, Magnus just brushed the demon off, quipping that the demon should be honored, since a warlock's summoning training dummy was uncommon. Rafael giggled a little, hearing the mocking tone in his Papa's voice.
As the hour wore on, Rafael began to forget about the demon. It wasn't making much noise other than the occasional whimper and growl. Max didn't even seem to notice it, too engrossed in the game and toys. Rafael did keep glancing back every minute or so to make sure the demon was still there and unable to get to his brother. It was instinct. Demons were evil, they wanted to hurt people, wanted to hurt his Papa and Dad and brother, and Rafael wouldn't let that happen. Rafael knew his Papa was strong, he knew that he could keep the demon from hurting them. However, he still knew that demons were tricky, and always looked for a way out. It was one of the first things he learned from viewing Max's temptation lessons.
As the hour nearly ended, the three (four) of them heard the door lock click. Max and Rafael both eagerly looked towards the door. Their dad was home.
Alec was still dressed in his gear for the day, but it wasn't dirty. He was dressed in black, leather, with knives and Seraph blades practically dripping off him. He still had on his quiver, and his jacket was draped across his arm that held his bow. His hair looked messier and he looked tired, but other than that he was fine. As he entered the apartment, Chairman Meow ran out from where he was hiding and rubbed up against his boots, already purring. The Chairman seemed to prefer Alec more than the rest of them, much to Magnus' chagrin.
"Daddy!" Max cried, throwing his toys down and running (stumbling) towards Alec. Alec smiled widely and kneeled in time to grab Max and lift him up, placing the little blue boy close to his chest. Rafael stood and made his way over as well, waiting patiently for his own hug as Max squeezed their dad and gave him a kiss. Magnus turned from his task and grinned at the sight.
"Hello, Alexander," the older warlock said. "How was your day?"
"Long," Alec said as he set down Max. He gave Rafael a big hug, holding him close. Rafael gripped him hard, squeezing with all his might. He was always relieved when his dad came home.
Once the hugs were finished, Alec made his way to the couch, carefully stepping around and over the toys littering the surrounding floor. With tired movements, Alec set down his jacket and bow, unstrapping his quiver and setting it at the foot of the couch. Max knew not to play with the arrows, and knew he would get in trouble for playing with it (he'd lose a blueberry, and he did NOT like losing his blueberries). After setting the items down, Alec made his way to Magnus, wrapping his arms around the man and holding him close, placing a kiss on his shoulder. Magnus turned and wrapped his arms around Alec, placing a soft kiss on his tired Shadowhunter's forehead, reaching to stroke his hair.
"How long?" Magnus asked kindly, his tone sweet and tinged with sympathy.
"Dealing with bigoted Clave representatives long," Alec said with a groan. "They insisted that though the efficiency of the New York Institute was "better than more," it was unethical for one of their head members to be living so far away with Downworlders. They insisted that all Shadowhunters should live away from corruption and stick to their own. One of them even insisted that it'll break the spell that you have on me and free me from your control."
"Well, they do have a point. I do have you under a spell of sorts." Magnus said this with a humorous tone, but the insult in his voice was evident to Alec. "I hope you put them in their place."
"I tried to be the diplomat. It took me all I had not to punch those bas-" Alec stopped, glancing towards the couch, where Max was putting on Alec's jacket while Rafael watched and smiled. "Those jerks in the faces. I had to stop Izzy from cooking them a 'special meal' and had to stop Jace from trying to punch them for me."
"You have had a long day indeed, darling," Magnus cooed softly, stroking Alec's hair. "Come on, let's get you out of those clothes and into bed. You need a nap."
"No, I don't," Alec said stubbornly, which almost sounded like a whine. Then he let out a large yawn, and Magnus laughed.
"Yes, you do. Come along, you're taking a nap. Then once you're rested, we'll go to dinner."
"What about me?" the demon in the pentagram hissed. "Do I get a reward for my help? I'm craving Indian food."
"You get nothing, and stay there until I come back," Magnus demanded, nearly dragging Alec towards the hall to their room. "Rafael, look after your brother." Rafael nodded.
"Raf'el! Look! I'm daddy!" Rafael turned to the couch and laughed. His baby brother was wearing Dad's jacket, which was far too big for him. The sleeves draped onto the couch cushions, even as Max lifted his arms to mimic Alec drawing his bow. Rafael laughed as Max poorly and adorably began to imitate their dad, stumbling occasionally on the fabric bunched around his feet. Max got off the couch, toddling over to Alec's bow and attempted to lift it. It was too heavy for the three-year-old, but he stubbornly refused to stop. He'd started babbling on about how he was going to be the best Shadowhunter, and how he'd stop all the bad demons and then become a pirate forever and ever. Rafael smiled and nodded along, carefully sitting up to make sure he could catch Max when he inevitably fell on his bottom.
That's when Rafael noticed something slimy, dripping, and black inching closer.
A shriek echoed through the apartment.
Alec and Magnus ran back into the room instantly. Alec was missing his shirt and boots and the other knives, and Magnus' robe was slightly disheveled. Magnus had his hands up, ready to cast any sort of protection spell against the intruder in the living room. Alec already had two small knives in his hands, raised and ready to strike. But he never got the chance. Instead, the two grown men lowered their hands in shock and awe at the sight before them.
In its pentagram, the demon was sniveling and clutching one of its tentacles. It nursed the newly formed tear on it, oozing ichor that was a shade darker than the rest of its slime. The wound wasn't severe, but it looked deep and painful, in the shape of a near perfect hole and gushing a modest amount of ichor. The monster shrank back into the pentagram a bit as it nursed its wound, and that's when they saw the signs. Magnus noticed another tentacle just barely outside the pentagram, and Alec noticed the trail of slime on the floor, leading from the pentagram and stopping near the couch. The slime made a nasty stain on the plush rug and filled the room with the smell of urine and rotting eggs. Both men easily put two and two together. Before them, the demon stared and hissed out in the direction of the boys, a vicious, vengeful look on its grotesque face. Then the men looked towards their sons.
Max was sitting behind his big brother, a mixture of awe and glee on his little blue face, which was not nearly purple from his flushing cheeks. He was still dressed in Alec's jacket, and he had somehow gotten Alec's bow off the couch and on the ground in front of him. There didn't appear to be any wounds or injuries on the little boy. There wasn't a trace of slime on him either. He just stared at his big brother, mesmerized.
Rafael stood between Max and the demon. His body was poised in the defensive position his dad had taught him and Max a little while back. His entire body shielded his younger brother from the grotesque being, an unmoving wall between it and him. Though he wasn't as practiced or strong as his parents, it was evident that he was using his strength to hold his stance, and it was solid. He looked unhurt. His eyes bore into the demon, fierce and cold and angry. His mouth was even curled into a sort of snarl, teeth bared, and eyes trained on the monster still glaring back at him. His gaze never wavered, and even so young, both parents could see and feel the weight of the boy's glare towards the soulless creature, daring it to challenge him.
He held an arrow in his right hand, dripping with fresh demon ichor.
After a shocked few moments, Alec and Magnus snapped back to their senses, instantly moving towards their kids. Magnus immediately banished the demon with a wave of his hand, while Alec rushed to check on the boys. Even when the demon was gone and his Dad inspected him for injuries, Rafael didn't move. He kept still staring at the slime covered spot where the demon had been. The arrow remained tight in his fist, his knuckles turning white. Rafael radiated strength and a fierce protective aura, glaring at the now empty space, as if daring it to try something sneaky again. A new yet familiar feeling surrounded the little family, one they had grown accustomed to: shock, panic, pride and overwhelming love.
"What happened here?" Alec demanded, worried out of his mind. Rafael still refused to move, but Max eagerly stood up and began bouncing excitedly.
"Was cool, dad! Raf'el saw the mean dem'n try g'eh me, and he wasso fast! He grab dad arrow and stab it! Raf protec me! Told you! Raf protec me! We fight demons t'gether!"
Alec looked at his eldest son in awe. Magnus had finally pried him out of his defensive stance and was checking him for any visible injuries himself. Rafael still glared at the empty pentagram, eyes still on fire. Slowly, with some resistance, Rafael slowly released his defensive posture, relaxing his little muscles and rock-solid stance. However, he still gripped the arrow with an iron fist that not even Alec could loosen. With delicate and patient hands, Magnus took the arrow from Rafael, and held it out to Alec, who inspected it. The fresh ichor coating it was the same shade as the ichor coming out of the demon's tentacle wound. There was a patch at the end of the slime trail that matched, while the rest of the trail was slightly lighter in color. Max gave Alec a big hug, wearing the biggest grin, nearly ramming his baby horns into Alec's neck due to his excitement.
"I wanna be cool an' strong like Raf'el!" the little blue boy proclaimed proudly. Hearing that statement, Rafael finally turned his gaze away from the pentagram and towards his baby brother. His challenging glare immediately disappeared, replaced by a look of concern. Alec recognized the look instantly. He remembered wearing the expression so many times in his life, and still wore it on occasion. It was the look the eldest sibling made when they were concerned for their younger sibling's safety, laced with the ever-present fear that they didn't succeed in protecting them.
Alec set Max down and turned to Rafael. Before Rafael could even open his mouth, Alec enveloped him in a big, strong hug. The Shadowhunter experienced a familiar sense of pride and love that overwhelmed him every time he looked at his sons. It was a feeling he knew he would never tire of feeling, nor ever wanted to stop feeling. It took Rafael a moment to hug him back. Magnus watched the two of them with loving eyes, again asking himself what he had ever done to deserve not just a loving man like Alec, but amazing children he could call his own. Max, not wanting to be left out, tugged at Magnus's robe, his face scrunched up in displeasure at being left out of the moment. With a loving smile, Magnus picked up his little blueberry and held him close, eyes still locked on the forms of his soulmate and eldest son.
"I'm so glad you're ok," Alec said softly, relief etched in his voice. "I'm so sorry! You weren't hurt, right?"
"No," Rafael answered, slightly amused by Alec's worried reaction. Alec pulled back, searching Rafael's face for any hint to the contrary. The boy's face was open and honest, and though it was soft with amusement and love, there was an underlying aura of strength and determination that was distinctly "Rafael." Alec placed the arrow to the side, before taking Rafael into his arms again. This time, Rafael immediately wrapped his arms around his father's neck, smiling as he was lifted from the ground. Magnus moved closer, standing right next to Alec, reaching out with his free hand to place it lovingly on his son's head. It glowed with a faint blue hue, with Magnus's eyes slightly clouded from focus. Even though he was certain Rafael was being honest with them, Magnus just needed to verify for his own sake. He was a parent after all, he had the right to be overly concerned about his son, especially when said son had just had his first unofficial confrontation with a demon. Rafael laughed at the tingle that Magnus's magic gave him, and all former traces of hostility vanished. That alone was all the verification that Magnus needed to steady his frantically beating heart.
"How did you know what do to?" Alec asked, already knowing the answer. Rafael looked at Max, still wrapped in Magnus' arms, laughing as Magnus now placed kiss after kiss on the boy's head and horns. Rafael felt his heart soar with an ever-familiar sense of warmth and fullness that he'd only begun to feel after coming here. For a moment, he remained silent, just watching his papa and baby brother. Max's laugh filled the room. As Magnus finished his onslaught of affection, he turned his gaze back to Rafael, his eyes now mirroring the same question Alec had asked. Rafael simply shrugged.
"It wanted to hurt Max. I wouldn't let it." The answer was so simple. So natural. It made Alec's heart swell. Magnus felt his heart soar as well.
After many more minutes of hugs and fretting, they went out to dinner at Rafael's favorite restaurant. He ended up getting double dessert that night.
Tada! What do you think? I hope you enjoyed it! Hope I'll write another one soon. I had an idea for one where Rafael goes to the Institute for the first time and meets his family. And another where he ends up biting some jerk kid who talks bad about his family (cause in the Land I Lost story it was noted that Rafael bit people).
Please like and leave a comment!
-KiaraBaneTMI