A Mortal Instruments Fanfiction: Part 1 - SACRIFICE

Chapter 10

"But I can't tell you on an empty stomach," announced Magnus firmly, "or the terror of it may make me quite sick." Alec muttered something about the last two statements being mutually exclusive - Jace added something about mutually exhaustive. Clary, however, heard neither of them; Magnus, centuries old Magnus, whom 'nothing shocked', was describing the terror of something? That certainly was something to be concerned about.

Minutes later, they were arranged in a circle, surrounding what could only be described as a shrine of dubiously resourced Taki's food. Despite Magnus's protests that they now did takeout, Clary couldn't help but feel suspicious of the fact that no delivery person had been involved in the deployment of the food; rather, just a click of Magnus's fingers. Rather than complain, though, she reached for a chipped, willow pattern plate stacked with paper thin pancakes, and dripping with a shimmering golden liquid. Only to have it snatched away by Izzy.

"Sorry,Clary, no human food until at least a day after the effects of the Faerie poison have worn off. Unless you want a Seelie hangover. Which you really don't."

"But, I'm fine - besides that syrup hardly looks like human food - "

"She's got a point, Clary," said Magnus, looking at Izzy in surprise. Clary couldn't blame him - Izzy was a good shadow hunter, but to outsmart Magnus's four hundred years of experience was quite extraordinary. Besides, since when had Izzy cared so much about Clary's well being? Shaking her head in bemusement, Clary watched mournfully as plates of sumptuous - if strange - food were passed: a guinea fowl sized bird with it's feathers replaced with butterfly wings; octopus tentacles with pearls embedded into the suckers; flutes of liquid with a pink flower floating on top, puffing out fragrant bubbles.

Magnus smiled apologetically at her. "Would you like to hear the plan, now, Clary?"

"Yes, please," she replied, grateful for anything to take her mind off her suddenly gnawing hunger. As he so often did, Magnus seemed to read her thoughts, for he leaned in conspiratorially and whispered

"If you don't tell Isabelle..." he pulled a Hershey bar out of his blazer pocket and handed it to her. Clary could have kissed him. Instead, she asked quietly,

"Why is she being so...caring? Not that I don't appreciate it, but it seems so..." she struggled for words.

"Out of character?" suggested Magnus. "I'm no expert. But I think it may have something to do with Mr Lewis over there." As if on cue, Simon sat down heavily next Izzy, bashfully offering her a tube of antiseptic for her Pixie scratches. Rather than rejecting it for her stele, as Clary had expected, Izzy accepted it, smiling at him. "I believe," mused Magnus, "She thought you didn't need any more attention that would undoubtedly be gained from a fainting spell." Seeing Clary's shocked expression, he quickly said "Not entirely for selfish reasons- "

"No, no," interjected Clary, "I just can't imagine Izzy feeling insecure in having attention from every single boy." She felt a sudden warm rush of affection for Isabelle, tough, fearless, enviable Isabelle. She hoped her friend and Simon would get together.

"Me too," Clary thought she heard Magnus say softly. She decided she must have imagined it, though, as when she turned back to look at him, he was smiling cheerfully, and looking, Clary guessed, as though he would change the subject. She guessed right. "So this plan..." Magnus began. Clary looked up eagerly,

"Yes?" Magnus hesitated.

"It's going to be risky. And it will probably anger the Queen. But it's preferable to you sitting there and being eaten." Clary smiled slightly,

"Yes, I think anything other than that is a more desirable option."