The dark-haired man trekked through the snow, a mass of lankness and bone. He had a rather handsome face--stark cheekbones and a narrow jaw--but any traces of beauty had been overshadowed by his strange appearance, whether it be the extravagant jewelry or the mane of wild black curls.
He stopped in front of a moderate-sized house, spacious with a picket fence and a large oak to boot.
He didn't even need to knock.
"Magnus?" Too-bright blue eyes squinted at the man through a crevice in the door.
"Elysia," returned the eccentric man, willing a cigarette to hang between his lips. "It's been far too long."
"Quite so." The woman returned dryly, opening the door. "Come in. I wasn't expecting you yet. Tea?"
"I'll be fine, darling," replied Magnus, a hint of impatience in his voice. The door swung behind him as he entered, bringing in a gust of snow and ice. "Can I see her?"
Elysia rolled her eyes. "She's not a hybrid breed, Magnus; I'd appreciate it if you'd not speak of her as a new toy to your collection."
"I can't help it now, can I--after all, you've hidden my niece--my only remaining family--from me since birth. Did you ever once think that maybe I'd like to see the face of my brother's legacy?"
"Don't you dare try and pin this on me," roared Elysia, fire in her eyes. "You don't know what it's like--"
"Having your only family being taken away from you? Witnessing a loved one die? Alecto wasn't just your loss, Elysia, he was taken from all of us."
Elysia opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.
Damn you, Megaera, she thought, biting back curses.
Magnus exhaled, smoke spiraling out of his lungs in a slow staccato. "So, Ellie-bear, where are all your pokemon? Have you truly abandoned them all in naught?" He taunted, crushing his blunt under the heel of his boot. "I would've thought for sure Darkrai would have remained."
"He's adamant on staying," Elysia spat bitterly. "Probably lurking around the house as we speak. Such a nuisance."
"Careful, child. I wouldn't be as quick to hurl insults at lifelong companions," reasoned Magnus. "That beast has been by your side since you were a mere babe; your ignorance astounds me, my dear."
"Damn you, Magnus--will you chit idly or do what I asked of you?" Elysia nearly screamed.
Magnus grinned.
"Ah, where is my little niece? Most certainly a beauty--it runs in the family. Does she have my eyes?"
"Unfortunately so," Elysia muttered under her breath, motioning for Magnus to follow her into the kitchen.
Magnus blinked his heliotrope eyes. There, curled up on a high chair, was the most amazing being he'd ever laid eyes on.
"She has his eyes." He whispered in aw. "My eyes. Our eyes. And his lips. And his cheekbones. And--and--"
"She's mine, Magnus." Elysia picked her up, and Magnus watched in fascination as the little girl stared at him, a curious glint in her eyes. Slowly, she smiled--a beautiful, white smile so much like Alecto it made him want to cry. "I'd be damned if I let her be influenced by your ways."
"Her name?" Magnus wondered, almost breathlessly.
Elysia gave him a rare smile. "Aradia. Alecto always wanted a girl named Aradia."
"Aradia." Magnus repeated in wonder. "May I hold her?"
Elysia hesitated. Magnus, by no means, looked capable of being within a ten feet range of a child--nevertheless her child. He was always far too lean and thin, a bit too striking for paternity--she feared his spidery fingers would accidentally choke her, or his arms would slip and she'd fall.
YOU ARE READING
Furies' Game
Fanfiction"The first time I told my mom I wanted to become a Pokemon trainer, she laughed. "The second time, she told me to put away my childish dreams and focus on reality. "The third time, she gave me a good whooping and locked me in the attic with nothing...
