The Black Unicorn

Disclaimer: I do not own Darksiders or its characters. I do not own the lyrics to the song The Black Unicorn by Heather Alexander. However pretty much everything else about the story I do own.

A/N: Sorry for the delay on my other stories but I seem to have gotten a case of writers block. I am hoping the one-shots will help break it loose. Blessed be and enjoy everyone. I really do have to quit listening to such odd music on stormy nights *sigh*.

The Realm of the Charred Council….

War and Death entered the platform before the effigies of the Charred Council and kneeled. They had been summoned to come before the Council and with great urgency on the Council's part. They both waited for the heads to speak as they lifted their heads to look up at them. "Death, you and War will go to Earth." War and his brother shared a long look as they both stood before the speaking stone heads.

"Why?" The entire area rumbled ominously as the fire flared within the heads before they settled to their usual sullen glow. "There is a problem concerning a witch there." War spoke up to the surprise of the Council, "What concern does a human witch bear to the Charred Council?"

"The woman is a gray witch, one of the few who share your races tainted blood. Also the Gray witches are known to keep the balance but a concerning situation has arisen." Both Riders cocked an eyebrow at each other before the Council continued. "A black unicorn has taken an interest in her." Understanding crossed War's face as he looked at his brother whose expression never changed.

"What would you have us do?" Death asked sarcastically and the response was surprising from the three effigies. "If she has fallen to darkness then she must be destroyed along with the creature for all in creation know that the black unicorns are evil given form. Should they turn one of the Gray witches to darkness then they would possess the power to disrupt the balance on Earth." War and Death summoned their mounts and stepped through the portal to where the Council sent them on the Earth.

They exited the portal in the middle of a forest washed of all color by the light of a full moon. Neither Rider nor their mounts had trouble picking their way through the forest. They also had no problem feeling the sudden surge of power coming from ahead and it bore a distinctly human feel to it; although they both recognized the feel of Nephilim magic in it.

"Humans surprise me with how good with nature they can be." War mused to Death as they made their way towards where the energy was pulsing from. "Be quiet brother, most humans are still as ignorant as they always have been. One that is special makes little difference." War shook his head, "I think that you are wrong brother. Something about this sounds different; perhaps this one human can tip the balance." Death snorted behind his mask and they both grew silent as they approached where the human was.

Death and War found themselves standing just out of sight of the human woman but her appearance caused them to pause. They both studied her as her aura swirled about her, more powerful than any human they had ever seen, but she wasn't at full power either. "Interesting…" Death mused softly under his breath and War turned to look at him before his attention once again focused on the human woman.

They watched as she cast her glance in their direction but there was no indication that she could see them. However they could see the fire burning brightly in her eyes, something more powerful than hellfire, something that was Nephilim. Death gave War a sharp look as he swallowed loudly when she removed her robe and held her hands up to the moon. Her long blonde hair was streaked with silver that danced in the moonlight. She spoke then and the power level changed without a doubt.

Death had to now agree with War there was something special about this human. They both tensed then as they felt another presence in the area. Suddenly the woman started singing a song that was more ancient than humans and never before had it been uttered in the human language. They both drew their weapons and prepared for what was coming.

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

I smiled softly to myself as I gathered my new supplies from off my bed as I glanced out the window at the rising moon. I had gotten some new ritual supplies today and I couldn't wait to do my usual cleansing/protection spell. I made sure I had all my supplies in order before dropping them into the cradle of my robe to carry to where I would cast my circle in the glen just inside the tree line behind my house.

It didn't take but a short ten minute walk in the moonlight to reach my spot and the whole time I felt a rushing tingle of power coursing through me. The moon was at its peak and the path was bathed in silver moonlight while I was bathed in its power. I set my stuff down before picking up my sword and pulling it from its sheath. Where others used daggers to draw their circles I used a sword.

Once my circle was drawn I carefully placed out the stone goblets containing a symbol for each element. Following that I set candles out for each element in front of the stone goblet that held the element it represented; red for fire, blue for water, green for earth, yellow for air, and white for spirit. Once everything was ready, the sword now driven in the ground in front of me in the center of the circle, I slid the robe from my shoulders and tossed it aside. I lifted my arms to the sky and let my power go full throttle, pushing just at the edge of losing control.

I raised my voice loudly to call down the moon and summon the Watchers to protect my circle. "Maiden, Warrior, Mother, Crone. Help us keep this land our own. Rover, Guardian, Hunter, Guide. With us now forever ride." I smiled as I felt the familiar pressure of the Watchers awakening and protecting my circle. However before I could start the next part of my ritual I felt a different pressure, several actually, but one gave voice to a song that I didn't know. I may not have known the song but the words flowed effortlessly from me.

"I am he that knocks on your windowpane; I am he that stalks the night. I am he with silver shot through my mane; you'll dream of me with fire-eyes bright. If you ever meet me standing there; you'll wish that you were never born. I'll seize your soul strip it bare. I am the Black Unicorn.

My horn is forged of silver fire; my shoulders bear leathern wings. I am the nightmare of your own desire; I am the song that the Devil sings. Hellfire dancing in my eyes; my coat is as black as coal. Mortals are so quick to hypnotize and then I merely take your soul.

Teeth sharp as daggers cooled in the snow; and hooves that burn through the ground. Follow me not where I lead you to go; for then your soul will be devil-bound. There is but one who rides my back; and keeps her soul ever free. Her heart is cold and will not crack; and she is as cursed as me.

I am he that knocks on your windowpane; I am he that stalks the night. I am he with silver shot through my mane; you'll dream of me with fire-eyes bright. If you ever meet me standing there; you'll wish that you were never born. I'll seize your soul strip it bare. I am the Black Unicorn."

I stopped and lowered my hands to my side as the wind started to howl outside the circle but not a single candle flickered. I braced myself as I heard the rustling of dried skin and saw red eyes approaching from the deepest shadow. My breath stopped in my chest for a moment as a black unicorn stepped into the light but stopped at the line of my circle; at least it couldn't enter. Once again I heard the leathery rustling that its wings made as it flexed them in irritation.

I walked to the edge of the circle where it stood with its head raised so that no part of it entered my circle. I felt a bravery then that I didn't know I had as I spoke to it, "I have met you face to face and still I am glad that I am born. I do not fear you." It reared up and crashed back to the ground as it shook its great head fiercely.

It pawed at the ground and shifted restlessly as its eyes beckoned for me to step from the circle. I closed my eyes, seeking the guidance of the Watchers. I felt something suddenly settle warmly into my left hand and I spared a quick glance to it. Where there had been nothing before now rested a shining bright fine silver woven chain. It hardly looked strong enough to hold a necklace much less a beast of this size but I would trust them. In order to escape this with my life, I had to capture the beast. That was a message that was loud and clear.

It watched me with obvious intelligence as I remembered the song, only one had ever ridden on its back. Suddenly movement caught my eye and I glanced to the right but couldn't see anything so I turned back to the beast. Slowly I reached my hands out to the unicorn only to snatch them back as it lashed out with dagger sharp teeth. I reached out once more and held gazes with it as I did so.

I felt anticipation course through me as it sniffed at my right hand and ignored my left hand as I prepared to flip it over its neck. I flipped it and the chain wrapped back into itself and I clenched it as the unicorn thrashed and screamed to get free. Finally it stood shaking like a long legged colt as it bowed its head in defeat. I felt a tug at my heart as I looked at the defeated creature. Perhaps it was more misunderstood than evil.

Carefully I moved to stand beside it and reached a hand out to stroke the creature as I stepped from my circle. It didn't move so I spoke to it softly, "Easy boy, I'm not going to hurt you but I don't wish for you to hurt me either." Much to my surprise it looked up at me as if it understood perfectly well what I had said. It turned to nudge at my arm as I pressed my hand to its forehead and closed my eyes.

I pulled away then and looked down at it as it blinked in confusion. I had felt the connection to the creature immediately. "Poor thing; someone cursed you." It snorted and once again I caught movement from the corner of my eye. This time when I turned two riders were approaching from the trees. I tensed as I waited for them to get where I was. It was then that it struck me that I recognized them and I muttered under my breath when I did. Someone wasn't going to be happy that some many secrets were getting out.

"Hail Pale Rider and Red Rider." I said in way of greeting when they got even with me. Death simply nodded his head though War looked confused. "How do you know us human?" I laughed softly before turning my left arm to him, "I carry your mark upon my shoulder because it is also the mark of my patroness." This seemed to appease him.

"What do you plan to do with the beast?" I looked up at War in confusion before looking back at the unicorn looking questioningly at us all. "I am unsure. I know that I cannot break a curse that I do not understand. Why were you sent here?"

"We were sent to kill you should you fall under its thrall." I flared my power only to find it stonewalled against a red energy that crackled against mine like fiery lightening. "Calm yourself Gray One; you have nothing to fear now." I nodded slowly and eased my power back to myself as I regarded them carefully. Okay they were strong so fighting them wasn't going to do any good if something bad happened.

What Death said next had me shuddering in worry for myself. "You will however accompany us to the realm of the Charred Council. They must test you to make sure that you truly have not fallen from your path. The creature will come as well." I took a step back inside my circle as if to protect myself from them though I knew that it would do precious little good. "And if I refuse to go with you?"

He shrugged his shoulders before leaning forward in the saddle to rest an arm over the horn and the gesture carried a message that suggested nothing of laziness. "It makes little difference if you walk or if I have to drag you." I bared my teeth at him and hissed out a breath which earned me a sharp look from War. I felt his power prodding at the edges of mine again and I snapped them at him like a whip; to my surprise he recoiled as if struck. "I take it back; hellfire is appropriate for the little Gray witch." I curled my lip at him before my attention was turned back to Death when he spoke again. "Well girl?"

I rolled my eyes before picking up my robe and putting on. "My name is Susan; not girl." The next thing I did was toss the silver chain to War who stood closest to my circle. He questioned me with a raised eyebrow, "Do you plan on resisting then?" I sent him a patronizing smile, "For a powerful 'magical' race you really are thick in the head aren't you? I have to close my circle before leaving." He scowled at me deeply when Death snickered behind his mask but he held the silver chain any way.

Carefully kneeling back inside my circle I dispersed the Watchers and was a bit sad when I felt the coursing energy dispersing. I blew out the candles then finally pulled my sword from the ground so that I retraced the circle counter-clockwise to close the circle. The final thing I did was use a pine bough to wipe away the circle completely. I left a small offering for any other-kin or elementals that I might have disturbed by leaving a small bowl of milk sweetened with a dab of honey.

When I rose I stepped to War's side and held my hand out for the silver cord. Once I had it back in my grasp I turned to the unicorn and I could feel the two staring at my back in confusion if not a little impatience. I fashioned the chain into a bridle before turning to face them. Understanding crossed both their features as they motioned for me to follow them. I looked at the unicorn and then back to them as a blush crept up my face. "Um, I hate to ask this but do one of you think you could help?" I motioned at my robe and bare-feet to indicate I couldn't climb up on the unicorn's back without assistance.

War dismounted immediately and strode towards me purposely and I couldn't stop myself from taking a step back at his intimidating size; not to mention his power. He paused to stare down at me with a blank look until I stepped back towards him. He was almost gentle as his large hands closed around my waist which surprised me for a moment since I am not exactly a tiny little woman. He sat me on the back of the unicorn before turning to remount his horse.

Death gave a nod before signaling his horse in some unseen way to turn back into the trees. It was so bright under the light of the full moon that even in the trees it wasn't difficult to keep up with them. I couldn't stop my mind from wondering what would happen to me if the Charred Council decided I was a threat. I swallowed hard as I went over in my mind the things I had done since my powers had awakened. I had done nothing that wasn't within the keeping of balance.

"What are you fretting over Gray One?" I sighed deeply at the fact they still were not using my given name but I let it slide for now. "I was thinking is all." I figured that would be the end of it since neither of them seemed to be very talkative; I was wrong. "So how do you know of the balance and the council?" I shot him a fearsome scowl before I turned to face him. "I know because I know. My teacher taught me the Olde Ways well Horseman. Humans labor under the misconception that just anyone can be a witch and to an extent they can."

He gave me an odd look and I also noticed that Death seemed to be listening closely now. I cleared my throat before continuing, "A human with no inherent gifts can grasp at the edges of magic but can never control them or call them at will. A blood witch can. They are said to be the descendants of Nephilim, of the original Watchers." Death gave a snort and turned to glance over his shoulder at me. "That is complete rubbish."

I sneered my lip up at him, "You would know wouldn't you Kinslayer?" He turned his entire upper body to face me and I returned the glare. "Mind your tongue Gray One or you won't live to see the Council. I and my brethren slayed all the Nephilim." I snorted softly. "You killed most of the original Nephilim but not the ones that remained here among humans. I would know since I carried your tainted blood Horseman and I have no chance at a normal life."

"What would you know about living a life that wasn't normal?" War asked as he glanced between me and his brother. "I tried for so long to deny what I was until the darklings of the other realms and this one came looking for me. Each of us is trained to our strengths." War continued questioning me after we stepped into the portal that Death opened before us. "So what gifts were you trained in?"

I smiled over at him, "You felt one first hand earlier. I was trained in battle magic meaning I can physically lash out with my magic to defend myself. My other talent that is just as strong is healing without taking on part of the injury myself; which according to my teacher is an extremely rare gift indeed."

"We are here." This was the only warning that Death gave before we exited the portal. Suddenly I couldn't breathe and I clutched at my throat in agony as the oppressive heat shocked my system. I was dimly aware of hitting the rocks beneath me which offered no comfort either since they were just as hot as the air. Somewhere I heard someone screaming.

Then my senses returned as I sat up quickly gasping for air and slammed my forehead painfully into War's. "Damn it." I muttered as I rubbed my forehead while glaring at Death who just shrugged. I suppose that was the closest to an apology I was ever going to get from him. War helped me to my feet and we started walking down the path in silence.

Suddenly we were just standing in front of the beings that I had only ever dreamed of. If not for War grasping my arm I would have fallen again because I was disoriented at the sudden transition. One moment we were walking on a path through the lava fields and then we were here. He quickly released my arm and moved to stand at the edge of the platform beside Death. As I stood before the three stone heads I was aware of the fact that I was almost totally naked with a flimsy robe my only garment. I mentally shrugged, there was little to be done about it now.

"Gray One step forward." One of the heads rumbled and with steps far surer than I felt I stepped forward. I bowed my head as I waited to see what they would say. "You will be tested Gray One. If you are found to have been swayed then you will be destroyed." I glared up at them in challenge. "Then test me." My voice rang out with more challenge than I intended it too.

The heads rumbled warningly and the ground shook as the fire flared, "Impudence!" I cringed back as I felt a crushing pressure and once again I felt myself falling. I could feel them stripping everything down to my soul. I could hear the raging of the unicorn behind me and its shrieks of pain as they did the same to it. "ENOUGH!" I managed to strangle out from where I kneeled on the floor gasping. "Impossible." I heard Death and War both growl out from behind me. I spared them a quick glance over my shoulder.

"Gray One, how dare you eject us?" The heads rumbled in anger and I shakily rose to my feet. "How dare YOU." I snarled before continuing, "You had no right to probe that deeply. Have I passed your stupid test?" All was silent for long minutes except the sound of my loud breathing and the hiss of the lava flowing around us. I caught War's open look of admiration while Death's expression remained hidden behind his mask. "You did but we warn you; you play an important part in the End War so we will let you go. Take that hell-spawned beast with you but should it cause any more problems on the Earth you and it will be destroyed."

I bared my teeth before dropping my head in a mock bow. "As you wish." I turned towards the unicorn whose eyes blazed hotly in the light and it pawed chips from the ground. It was still angry at the painful intrusion and I gave it a gentle pat to calm it. A fearful steed indeed, "How will I hide this beast from the other humans?" I asked to no one in particular as I followed the two Horsemen into the portal that the Charred Council had opened after War had once again assisted me onto its back.

We traveled in silence as I tried to think of something to hide the horn and wings from other people but I couldn't think of anything. I was still puzzling the problem when we reached the glen where they had accosted me. We all three stopped and seemed to be lost in our own thoughts until finally I gave my head a shake. I slid down off the unicorn's back and turned to the Horsemen.

Finally Death rode his horse close enough that he reached down a hand. I stared up at him in confusion until he opened it to reveal a leather halter that was glowing a faint iridescent green. I took it from him and turned it around in my hands. "As long as the beast wears it; it will appear as no more than a black horse to anyone else." I smiled up at him in thanks, "Thank you, I was wondering how I was going to do that." He grunted and turned his horse to leave. "Come War."

War was slower to follow as he continued to gaze intently down at me. I held his gaze steadily as he turned his brute of a horse to follow his brother. Just as I was about to turn around and head home I felt the slightest whispering of his power across my aura. It was so familiar now that I felt it again. I had thought I dreamed it those long four years ago. When I had been saved by a Rider…