Darkness, Take My Hand

Author: Nina the powerwriter

Rating: PG-13 (for violence and character death in later chapters)
Disclaimer: I own nothing save for thc character, Chasity.
Summary: The children of the Island are special. More special than their parents know. A regular trip to the waterfall turns into a life and death situation.
Note: This is an AU story. Since we're not quite sure if Ethan was one of the 'Others' or was in cohoots with Danielle, I'm just gonna play it by ear and see what comes of this story. Aaron is five, and Chasity is three.

Chapter 1: Uneasy

A giggle brought him back to the waking world. Only one person giggled like that - cute and secretive. Charlie smiled into his arm, knowing who was close by. He didn't move. Instead of him being surprised, he'd surprise them. He heard a whisper. That was his cue.

Charlie turned over onto his back just in time to catch a little girl pouncing at him. The child squealed as he held her in mid-air. The boy, on the other hand, took a more significant route, and landed on Charlie's stomach.

"Keep in mind, Aaron," Charlie wheezed out as he rolled onto his side and putting his daughter down, "that you're not as small as you use to be."

Aaron only laughed as he slid from his Da's stomach onto the tattered blanket used as a bed.

"Am I not as small as I use to be, Da?"

Charlie peered up at the little girl before him - all golden hair and chubby cheeks and grins. He smiled, lovingly. "Yes, Chas. You aren't as small as you use to be, but you're still my darling."

Aaron snorted. "Enough with the mushy stuff. You promised us a trip to the waterfall today, Da!" He grabbed Charlie's arm, tugging without success to pull his Da up. "I'm ready to go!"

"All right!" Charlie replied, exasperatedly. "I can only get up with both your help. Chas, come here." The little girl moved to her Da's side and took his arm, which she could barely wrap her short fingers around. "Ready, and pull!"

The two children, with all their strength, pulled to get Charlie to his feet. The end result didn't happen until Charlie put some effort into it. They cheered when he was up and standing. "I knew you two could do it," he remarked, proudly.

They made their way to the food supply. Charlie grinned cheekily when he spotted his wife. "Good morning, lovely," he said, wrapping himself around Claire from behind.

Claire turned to face him then gave a greeting kiss. "I got breakfast for you." She pointed to a pile of fruit on a dried grass mat. "The children have already eaten."

"I guess I'll eat mine on the road since they're so anxious to go swimming."

"Charlie," Claire began uncertainly, her delighted face falling.

By her tone, he knew something was the matter. "What is it, Claire?"

Claire frowned, nibbling her bottom lip. "It's just," she paused, "I woke up with this sinking feeling about the waterfall."

"Like something will happen?" Charlie added.

"Da!" They looked down to find Chasity at their side. She gave a tug at Charlie's shirt. "We're ready!"

"Hold on, Darling," he replied then looked into Claire's eyes. "Do you think we shouldn't go?"

Claire slumped her shoulders then heaved a sigh. "I don't know. I mean, we've taken the children to the waterfall so many times. I don't know why today would be any different."

"DA!" a deeper voice called.

Charlie saw Aaron impatiently waiting at the edge of the caves. "You two won't be swimming today if you keep that up!" Aaron turned his back to him, sulking. "Look, we don't have to go."

"No, no." Claire shook her head. "I'm sure the feeling came on from a dream or anxiety. Take the children. They look forward to their swims with Da."

Charlie touched her cheek. "Are you sure, Claire?"

"Yeah." She tried to smile. "Have fun with Aaron and Chas. I'll stay here and try to sew some clothes together. Aaron is growing so fast these days."

"Well, he is almost six," Charlie replied, lightly.

"Charlie," and with this, Claire stared desperately into his eyes. "Please take the knife."

Charlie nodded. "I always do."

Claire drew him close, and held him for an extended moment. "I love you," she whispered.

Charlie pulled away, letting his lips linger on hers. "I love you." He called their children, and they rushed over to give quick hugs and kisses to their Mommy.

Claire watched, hugging herself, as Charlie and their children disappeared down the path to the waterfall - the sinking feel leaving her to worry.