Author : Wild-Melody
Disclaimer : Don't we ever get sick of these things? I no own and am in no way associated with So Weird. This is only being done for fun.
Summary : Have you ever saw a black Unicorn? Unless you're dead, of coarse you haven't.
A/N : Ok, now bear with me on this one, please. I'm not 100% positive on where on Earth (or off therefore) Annie's parents live, but for this story, I am going to say they live in Brazil. Capeche? No? Well then, tough luck. LOL This has got to be my longest chapter yet, hope you enjoy.
SO WEIRD
ALL IS NOT AS IT SEEMS
Chapter 6 : Darktydes
Annie's ghost : I suppose when one mentions a Unicorn, the image you perceive is that of a magnificent white beast? Right? Not always. There is a black Unicorn called Darktydes. Darktydes is the Messenger of Death.
*** *** *** ***
The plane ride was nothing out of the ordinary. Or in Fi's case, nothing out of the extraordinary. She'd sat through the whole flight with Jack on one side of her and her mother on the other. Carey and his brother Clu had sat behind her with their parents, Irene and Ned. The whole trip had been quiet, not a word had been uttered. Each had been lost on their own thoughts and what the whole meaning behind this rushed trip was.
Annie's death. It still didn't sound right to Fi. There was something she was missing, and she still hadn't figured out what it was. There was a piece missing to this puzzle, and some how she would figure out what is was.
Annie's dead…Fi thought for the thousandth time. She's actually gone and not coming back. What's so strange about that? People die in car accidents all the time.
But how many of those people drive their cars over a hundred and fifty foot drop? A voice asked in the back of her head. How many drive their cars off of a cliff and straight into the ocean? Her body was never found.
Fi shook her head to clear it, It's happened before. The ocean current probably carried it away, she was driving a convertible after all and the top was down.
All the more reason why she should have survived. There was nothing keeping her in the car to drown.
She's gone, would you just deal with it? Fi yelled at herself.
You're the one who isn't dealing with it. You're the one talking to yourself after all. The voice said back. There was a brief pause and Fi thought that finally the voice had settled down. No such luck. Besides which, there's also the fact that Annie has been contacting Jack and not you…why is that?
Maybe because she was closer with Jack?
How do you figure? The voice asked. Jack doesn't believe in the paranormal like the two of you do. He couldn't stand her in the beginning…she reminded him too much of you.
He doesn't believe in the paranormal like we use to, you mean. Annie is gone. She's dead. And besides, he didn't like that she took my place, that's why he didn't like her at first. And not that it much matters, she's gone and it's all in the past.
I think you're wrong. You're not seeing the whole picture here.
And just what picture am I not seeing? Fi fairly snarled at herself.
The supernatural forces had tried killing you once before, who is to say that they didn't kill Annie? Who is to say that they won't come for you next? Or maybe Jack or your mother? Have you thought of that?
I got out of all of this, or have you forgotten? It's not a part of me anymore.
You may have gotten out of it, but do you think it got out of you?
What do you mean?
Think about it. The voice said, then remained quiet.
Think about it? That's all you're going to say? Just, 'Think about it'? If you know something I don't I think you had better tell me now!
I know nothing at all that you don't. And you know nothing that I do not.
You know what you are? You're an absolute asshole! You know that?! Fi paused a second in her tirade. I wonder if everyone else perceives me as this annoying too?
Nothing like talking to yourself, is there?
If you know everything I know, and I know everything you know, then why don't you just tell me what you know since I apparently already know it?
Sorry, it just doesn't work that way. You have to figure it out for yourself. And besides, did that actually make any sense at all?
Whatever! Fi cried to herself in exasperation. This is really getting me nowhere.
A crackle came over the intercom system then one of the flight attendants cleared her throat. "We will be landing in approximately thirty minutes, please return your seats to their upright positions and fasten your safety belts. Again, we will be landing in approximately thirty minutes, please return your seats to their upright positions and fasten your safety belts. Thank you for flying with UA and enjoy the rest of your trip."
"Thank God," Jack said softly to Fi's left. "I hate flying."
"There's nothing to be afraid of Jack," Molly said to Fi's right. "People fly all the time and nothing happens."
"Yeah, but what about those few accidents you do hear about? I just really hate flying, I don't see why we couldn't have gotten the bus out of storage and drove down."
"It would have taken to long and Lisa and Kevin wanted us down here as soon as possible. This was the fastest way." Molly answered.
"Yeah, well, I'm taking a bus on the return trip."
"You have the money for it?" Fi asked with a huge grin.
"Um…well…actually, no." Jack answered.
"Then I guess you'll be flying back with the rest of us," Molly said to her son.
"And it would be all my luck we'd get on a malfunctioning plane and crash," Jack said just as one of the stewardesses walked past.
"Our planes are checked before each take off, you have nothing to fear about a possible malfunction," she said to the three.
"And wasn't your airline the one that was having so many problems back in the 90's?" Jack asked, raising an eyebrow at the middle-aged woman.
The brunette smiled pleasantly, "You must be getting our airline confused with one of our competitors. We can proudly say we have not had a single accident within the past thirty years."
Jack just eyed her skeptically. I'm certain this is the airline I kept hearing about over the news. "What about Flight 714? Wasn't that one of your airplanes?" He asked.
The woman appeared flustered, "Yes…it was one of ours." The woman paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It was never proved as a mechanical malfunction. It was termed human error," the woman quickly shut up as she realized her error. "Our Captain today has been flying with us since we originally began operation, you have nothing to fear." With that said she continued on her way before Jack could say anything further.
"And that's suppose to make me feel safer?" Jack asked quietly.
"This is your Captain speaking, we are beginning our descent. Please make certain that you have your safety belts fastened and your seats to their upright positions. The landing may be a bit bumpy."
"Now should I worry?" Jack said as the airplane began to shake slightly with the change in altitude.
*** *** *** ***
"Molly!" Someone called as soon as the group had entered the airport terminal. Molly turned to face the voice and saw Lisa Thelen standing there, waving toward them. Her husband Kevin, stood just slightly behind him, he appeared sad and worn. His daughter's death was taking its toll on him.
"Lisa," Molly said as she walked toward her old friend. "It's good to see you," She drew the other woman into a tight hug. "I'm only sorry that it's under these tragic conditions." Molly said as she drew away from Lisa's tight embrace.
"You know Fiona and Jack," Molly indicated her two children. "And Irene and Ned and their sons Carey and Clu."
Lisa smiled sadly at the group, "It's good to see you again, I just wish it wasn't for these reasons."
"I'm sorry," Irene said as she drew Lisa into a hug. "I never thought we'd be meeting again for Annie's funeral. It just doesn't seem right."
"I know," Lisa said softly.
"Our car's just outside, we can get your bags and go if you're ready." Kevin said from behind Lisa.
Molly hugged him, kissing his cheek gently. "I don't know if I'd be as steadfast as you are right now Kevin if I were dealing with my daughter's death." She whispered in his ear.
Kevin just looked at her and smiled sadly. "It hasn't sunk in yet," he said quietly, "I still can't believe that she is actually gone."
"I know," Molly said just as softly. "I keep expecting to see her come running over and throwing her arms around me."
Kevin smiled and nodded his head. "I know, I keep expecting her to walk through our front door and tell us it was all just a big mistake. The reality of the situation is just positively surreal."
"I'm going to go and get the bags," Jack said, feeling uncomfortable with all the doom and gloom and not wanting to deal with his own emotions. It just brought back to many memories for him. And the sad part is I'm old enough to remember it all this time…instead of just the bits and pieces like I do with dad. I'll carry this with me forever…I'm not a little boy this time around.
"I'll go with you," Carey and Clu piped up at the same time.
As they started walking toward the baggage claim, Carey said softly, "I still can't believe it. It's hard to picture Annie as being gone. She was always so full of life…sometime annoyingly full of life, but this…it's just so unreal."
"Yeah," was all Jack said.
"Man, I'm going to miss her," Clu said. He looked toward his brother and their best friend, "But maybe there was a reason behind her death."
"Oh, don't you start in on it too!" Jack cried out.
"What?" Clu asked, thoroughly confused.
"You're sounding like Fi, because of Annie's ghost…" Jack broke off as he looked at his friends and the perplexed looks they were giving him.
"Annie's ghost?" Carey asked. "What are you talking about Jack?"
"Nothing," Jack answered and continued to walk toward the baggage claim. Carey and Clu traded perplexed looks but said nothing further, instead they followed their friend to go and get the bags.
*** *** *** ***
That Night…
Fi glanced out of the bedroom window, looking out over the forested land. It was beautiful here, the moonlight spilled onto the ground in molten silver, bathing everything in its pale light. Why would Annie have wanted to leave this place and come live with us? Why would anyone want to leave this place?
As if you don't know, the irritating voice said.
Oh no, not you again. Can't you just go away and leave me in peace?
That's virtually impossible and you know it.
Yeah, yeah…whatever.
Argh, what is it with you kids today and that word?
What word? Fi asked, her curiosity sparked.
Whatever! That has got to be the most used word in a young adult's vocabulary.
Oh, so now I'm a young adult and not a kid, huh?
To quote you, whatever.
So why are you back now?
We need to take a walk.
Why?
Do you always ask so many questions?
I don't know, do I? You are me after all, remember? Fi asked and actually smiled at the groan that came in answer to the question.
Now you think you're so smart, don't you? The voice asked, irritation apparent in its ethereal voice.
Maybe. So, what about this walk?
We have someone to meet.
Annie? Fi asked, her hopes rising.
No, someone else.
You will find out when we get there.
Cryptic, aren't we?
*** *** *** ***
Fi walked for what seemed like an eternity, but when she glanced at her watch she realized it had only been half of an hour. Ahead, the silver moonlight spilling upon it, a meadow opened up before her with a quiet stream bisecting it. The moonlight fell upon the quiet waters, turning it into sparkling silver. Trees lined the outer edges of the meadow and Fi could hear the calls of the night animals. Shouldn't I be worried about all the animals around here?
No, the voice answered. You have nothing to fear, not here anyhow.
Where is here?
Just wait, he is on his way.
Who? Fi asked just as a large black cat stalked out of the undergrowth. Fi suddenly felt a shiver of fear creep its way up her spine.
It was a large black panther, his yellow eyes focused on her. She stared uncertainly at it, fear coursing through her body.
Don't be afraid, little one. I mean you no harm. His voice purred in her mind.
Fi stared at him, not certain if she had heard right. "What…who are you?"
You know who I am already.
Annie's panther!
I have come with a message.
A message, from whom? Fi wondered.
The panther did not have the time to answer as another creature slipped from the depths of the forest. Fi stared in awe at it, having never seen its like before.
The moonlight did not touch his coat, as if it feared to do so. His black coat was blacker than the blackest of night, as if he were the night itself. The moonlight bounced off of a horn made of pearl, and glistened from mane and tail as red as fire's light. His eyes blazed red, fierce and fiery…Fi could almost image their heated glare burning her flesh.
"What…what are you?" Fi whispered.
He was a Unicorn, she knew that much. But he was unlike any Unicorn she had ever seen or read about. Unicorns were suppose to be white, with glistening golden horns and manes and tails of woven gold…not black as pitch, like this one.
He reared up on his hind legs, fire spilt from his nostrils. His front hooves hit the ground, the air resounded with a crack of thunder. "I," he said indignantly, "am Darktydes, the Messenger of Death, and I have come for you Fiona Phillips."
Now I know what you're all saying…Darktydes? Messenger of Death? I know, Death comes for you himself, but for this story, he has a helper…a black Unicorn that arrives before he does to prepare the soul for its departure.
Well, let me know what you think of the story so far…I hope you're enjoying it as much as I'm enjoying writing it. Things should start to heat up from here on in. There's a coming battle that will decide the fate of the world. For good or for evil, only one side can win.
Review!!! Please, I love reviews. It lets me know if you're liking the story or not.
Now onto the shout outs, thanks to everyone who has reviewed, and if you're reading this story and haven't reviewed, how 'bout doing so. I appreciate it greatly when I get reviews!
Swim6516 : I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as you have the previous ones.
Rebecca : Fi's not going to be helping Jack specifically with the Annie thing, she's going to be helping Annie more, but you'll find that out in the later chapters. Jack's going to have a few problems of his own to deal with.
Melloni : glad you're enjoying the chapters so far, make sure you read all of them though! They'll be getting more and more interesting as things start to really develop. Tell Ashlee that she had better read this to and review it or else…I know where she lives after all! LOL
MP : Thanks for the heads up on Annie's dad's name. We already had this discussion so I won't repeat myself again. I fixed his name in this chapter, but I'm not going to bother with the previous chapters, too much work and I'm too lazy. LOL. Hope you like this chapter. J
Jenn : glad you liked that last chapter. Hope you like this one too, it's my favorite so far.