Disclaimer: I do not own Static Shock or The Sixth Sense.
Thank you Worker72, Snarky Beth, and KHFan22 for reviewing the last chapter.
Author's Note: I'm sorry it took so long for a new chapter to be uploaded. Thanks to everyone who has waited patiently for another installment. For your patience I will reward you with more horror. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
WARNING: Rated T for violence and horror.
The three superteens looked on with wide eyes at the horror in front of them. The lanky meta-human known as Ferret had disappeared leaving only the late Talon in control of his mind. Static could almost see Talon's robust lips smiling through the rodent's smirk.
"This isn't possible," Gear repeated in a hushed voice.
Ferret tilted his head to the side. His eyes fixed themselves on Static. Those cold eyes gave the electric wielder the same annoyed glare he usually received from the birdwoman. Only now their true purpose was masked behind a sorrowful smirk.
"Why you look so scared, Static?" Ferret chuckled in Talon's accent. "What happened to the tough hero with the nerve to kill another?"
"This can't be possible," Gear gasped for the fifth time.
Ferret's smile widened. "If I recall you didn't act all scared when you pushed me off the building. I was the scared one. You acted all big and bad. Remember?"
"No, no, that's not the way it happened," Static stammered. He closed his eyes recalling every moment of that battle. He knew he tried to save her. Gravity played the enemy that night, taking her body faster than he could follow. "That's not what happened," Static stated.
Ferret shut his eyes and let out mocking laughter. "Now you're trying to hide the truth." He opened his eyes and flashed another smirk in Static's direction. Instantly the three took a step back as Ferret placed one foot in front of the other. "How many more people you going to lie to?" Ferret's eyes narrowed. "Don't matter, all that matters are the ones who know the truth." Ferret pointed a thumb at himself. "And I know firsthand what happened."
"This just cannot be possible!" Gear shrieked.
"Gear, hush!" She-Bang snapped.
Ferret advanced toward the heroes, sending them back. "Does it make you proud to know you permanently defeated one of us?" Ferret asked poking out his lips.
"Ferret, Talon, whoever you are, please listen to me," Static wheezed.
"Listen to you, always listen to you," Ferret laughed. "You always have to have the last word in any situation. Don't you?"
"Please, let me talk."
"I don't want to let you talk!" screamed Ferret. "You've talked long enough. You lie to everyone. Making them believe you didn't do it." Ferret jerked his face away from their eyes. "And they all believe you are innocent. 'Our protector Static wouldn't kill Talon. She must've just fell.'" Ferret's eyes ripped into their souls. He said in a grave voice, "You even lie to yourself." Static could not deny the shivers running through his body. Ferret scoffed, "Some superhero. You make me sick." He spit over to the side.
"I didn't kill her," Static gulped.
"How long've you been trying to live down this mistake?" Ferret asked putting a hand on his hip and lunged his leg out to the side. His fingers drummed over his pocket. "Mistake, hah! How long you been trying to tell yourself it was an accident?" Ferret's index finger pointed towards the man in question.
"I didn't kill her," Static repeated.
"Too many times, huh?" Ferret shook his head. "I'm surprised you can even sleep. I bet your dreams don't let you sleep. Been seeing me, haven't you?"
Static shook his head.
"Lying again," Ferret scoffed. "You telling me you don't see me asking for help, trying to leave, or my friend here following you? In your dreams?"
Static's eyes widened and he gasped. "How do you know what I dream?"
"Think it's all coincidence?" Ferret chuckled. "Don't think I have something to do with it? I've been trying to contact you since that night." Ferret slammed his hands against his thighs then jerked his body towards the right. He grasped his hair, let out a frustrated sigh, then returned his eyes back to the others. His glare, lacking pupils, chilled the spines of the heroes. She-Bang clutched her tattered blanket and brought it towards her chest. Ferret grasped the center of his forehead. "I can't talk to them. I just want to feel again like I used to." Ferret shook his head. "I can't leave. I just want to leave," he cried. "I hate this floating around. Trying to contact anyone who'll listen. Those who hear don't believe me. 'Why would Static kill?'" Ferret's voice squeaked at the mention of Static's name.
"Ferret," Static pleaded.
Ferret's eyes glared directly into Static's face. The intense cold that fell over Static could not be measured on a manmade thermometer. Static clutched his own elbows in a futile attempt to cease the tremors.
Ferret trembled with every passing second. His fingers entwined around each other. "He's the only one who would listen. I hate hurting him. I really do. But it's the only way I can..." Ferret suddenly ceased speaking and let out a heavy gasp. He whipped his head to the left and screamed in a pitch much higher than his own. He grasped his own arms, shredding the skin. "Ferret, stop it! Stop it! I'm not finished yet!" He yelled out inaudible words.
The three superteens could do nothing more than watch on in horror as Ferret mutilated his own skin. Static remembered watching a special on television once about how to restrain a loved one in a time of self-harm. However the documentary never included a section on what to do if said person happened to be possessed.
Ferret's hands fell down by his side, the blood trickling to the pavement below. In no time the crimson puddle reflected the face of the host to the parasite. Ferret screeched once more. "Don't make me do this!" The shaking increased and he lifted his own clawed fingers in front of his body.
Ferret clutched his own neck and began to strangle himself. She-Bang screamed as Ferret fell to the ground gasping for air. The others stared on, too shocked to intervene. The rodent writhed about on the tarmac with his own hands cutting off all oxygen supply. Static let out a growl and hurled forward without any plan of what to do when he arrived at the flailing victim.
Static suddenly skidded to a halt when Ferret's arms fell down beside his body. He panted for a few seconds before gaining the energy to pull himself to his knees. A solitary tear fell down his cheek. Static gulped as he watched the thin, silver liquid glistening under the moonlight. Ferret's hand quickly wiped away all evidence of emotion as he wobbled while supporting himself on the lanky legs.
"Forgive me, Ferret," he spoke, quickly shutting his eyes before more tears took the previous one's place. He inhaled deep and slowly let his eyelids part. His eyes narrowed and fist clenched up against his chest. "But you must sleep a little longer." He gave a shy smile that gradually faded as his face rose to meet the heroes. "I didn't want to hurt him, really."
"Please stop this!" She-Bang cried as she began to weep.
"Not until I can leave." Ferret slowly reached out his arm to an exaggerated angle. His index finger extended, the claw pointing at Static. Ferret's lips drooped. "Not until Static bleeds by my hands."
"I didn't kill you, Talon!" Static shouted. "Please believe me."
"Begging won't save you," Ferret snapped.
He turned his body parallel to Static's. His eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth. Gear let out a gasp and She-Bang a scream as they witnessed the rodent ready himself for Talon's ultimate weapon. Static did not have time or sense to react as his only thoughts consisted of survival. Ferret narrowed his eyes then shouted, emitting a sound similar to that of a proud, soaring falcon. Accompanying the shriek were purple, spiral lights that shot out of his mouth. The teens rushed out of the way before the scorching flames seared their skin. The lights smacked against the brick building, instantly reducing them into rubble. The debris and dust fell about the sidewalk.
Gear was the first one to sit up after the explosion. He rubbed the back of his aching head then turned to face the other two. Static had landed on his back and sat up, cracking the aches out of his spine. A quick nod and half smile notified Gear not to worry for his sake. Concern landed on the two when they heard a painful moan escape the lips of the female. Static hurried over to She-Bang to find her clutching her ankle. She tried to move her foot only to receive yet another sharp sting through her nerves. She let out a hiss and lowered her head beneath her shoulders. Static did not have time to comfort her due to their opponent softly calling out their aliases.
All the doubt in Gear's heart died as the dust cleared revealing the meta-human with a twisted smirk on his face. Static grabbed hold of an injured She-Bang and shielded her with his body as he witnessed Ferret preparing to use Talon's signiture move a second time. Ferret glared at them once more, stalling merely to sense the fear in the atmosphere. After waiting a few seconds he cackled then sent another attack their way.
Static powered up and blocked the waves just before they reached his friends. Static threw his disk out and hopped upon, steering through energy beams until he hovered directly over the bang-baby. He sent electricity down on the host's body. He screeched bringing out a violet force field around himself. The lights knocked Static off his disk and slammed his body against the pavement. The force field vanished leaving Static defenseless and Ferret heading their way, chuckling with every step.
"It's finished, Static," Ferret said stopping just before the mentioned.
Gear stepped in front of his fallen friend. He put one hand out in front of his body as a way of both protection and surrender to the offense. "Hurting Static won't bring you back to life, Talon," Gear said in a calm, yet firm voice.
"You think I don't know that?" shrieked Ferret. He clutched his hair then let his hand fall by his side. "He robbed me of my life." Ferret pointed down at Static who scrambled to his feet. Ferret's gaze tore from Gear and landed on his pray. "It's only fair the same happen to him."
"We won't let you," She-Bang growled, attempting to stand. "You'll have to kill me first." She ignored the throbbing pain pulsing through her foot while pushing most her weight on her uninjured leg. She shuffled forward, the wounded leg sliding behind the other. She stopped the moment she stood beside Gear. Her eyes glimmered with the strength her body lacked. Her voice contained authority. "I won't let you hurt him."
Static glanced up at his teammate dressed in pink. He never noticed before how bright her skin shined in the moonlight. Her dark eyes remained focused on their target. Her frowning lips were the deepest shade of maroon. An intense heat overtook his body. Never before had Daisy put herself in the way of a vengeful ghost to save him. Never before had Daisy sacrificed anything for him.
The silence was broken by the villain's soft snicker. "So be it!" Ferret boomed.
He swiftly busted She-Bang in the face. Her balance slipped, causing her to scream as her weight shifted onto the injured leg. She fell hard and landed on the frigid ground. A steady flow of blood poured from her left nostril. Static called out to She-Bang to receive no verbal reply from the female. The only sign that she still lay conscious were the agonizing moans accompanying the twitching in her fingers.
Ferret smirked at a shaking Gear who had stopped dead in his tracks the second the blow hit his comrade.
Ferret chuckled. He stepped forward, widened his eyes, and said in a soft voice, "Boo." Gear gasped and immediately dropped the zap cap aimed for him. Gear struggled to step onto the defense against his trembling body. Ferret cackled then kneed Gear in the stomach. He bashed the genius in the cheek, knocking out a tooth in the process. Gear landed on his side. Ferret leapt up and kicked Gear in the chin. The superteen fell unconscious with one arm over his forehead.
Ferret turned away from the distractions to face the main course of his slaughter. Static's eyes widened the second he stared into the white eyes before him. The squiggling lines of red decorated the whites where his iris and pupils should have been. The scent rising from Ferret's skin matched that of a corpse. Still it was the creature's smile that haunted the electric wielder the most. The soulless smile followed by shrieking laughter foretold his death. The meta-human wished to taunt him with the inevitable news before bringing forth the prophecy. Ferret's claws extended and his fingers parted. The blood from self-inflicted wounds fell from Ferret's frail biceps onto Static's chin.
Gear moaned and regained consciousness. He grabbed his pounding head. His eyes rose in time to see Ferret towering over a frozen Static. She-Bang managed to pull herself into a sitting position, immediately wishing she failed for the sight before her was enough to butcher her sleep for the next five decades.
Ferret had managed to corner Static against the brick wall. The disk and any other forms of metal were too far out of his reach. All Ferret had to do was extend his arm and slash his opponent's throat. The standing hero lowered himself into a stance that readied to ward off whatever attack Ferret threw at him. He surveyed the area for anything he could use to his advantage as well as any possible opening for escape. A hasty retreat was not beneath him when his safety and that of his closest friends were on the line. Static's heart pounded with each passing second. If death awaited him in a moment's time, he found no reason to argue with the reaper, it was the uncertainty of the predator's next move that stilled his legs.
"I'm going to enjoy watching you bleed," Ferret whispered.
A dark figure leapt out of the shadows and grabbed Ferret by the waist. The three teens looked up in unison to find a tall man in shades having his arm firmly around the boy.
"He's not your vessel, Talon!" the man yelled.
"If you don't let me go, you too will suffer a curse!" Ferret shrieked while wiggling in the larger man's grasp
"I won't let you use him anymore!" Kangor yelled. He clenched his fist then bashed his friend in the back of the head. He grasped Ferret as the latter fell unconscious into his arms. Kangor turned Ferret around to survey his face. He sighed in relief upon seeing no blood.
The superheroes rose to their feet.
"Kangor, how can we ever thank you?" She-Bang asked, holding onto Static for support while using what was left of her cape to clot the blood leaking from her nose.
"Not now," Kangor responded. He looked down at Ferret's pale face covered in scratches. "I had to. But when he wakes she'll try to take him again."
She-Bang grasp on Static's arm tightened. Static let out a cry of pain to which She-Bang immediately released her strong hold. Static placed his hand around She-Bang's waist and let her lean her head on his shoulder.
Kangor's head jerked up to the sky. The three followed his sudden movement. She-Bang burrowed her head further against Static's chest. Almost instinctively the male tightened his hold over the woman's back.
Kangor warned in a hushed voice, "We need to get out of here now."
"Why?" the three asked in unison.
"She's still lingering around here," Kangor replied.
"She won't take one of us, will she?" She-Bang asked.
"No," Kangor said surveying the area. "She can only take someone who pities her. Ferret made that mistake the first night he met her spirit." He picked Ferret up with his back and let the meta-human's arms rest over his shoulders. "We have to get out of here before she takes him again."
They ran down the street until they came upon the abandoned apartment building Ferret and Kangor took refuge in for the time being. Static helped sit She-Bang down on a wooden chair. The three took a look around the other's current residence. It was drafty and chilled. The walls were moldy. What furniture they did own looked as if it had seen better days. A few roaches skittered past She-Bang's foot. She shrieked then stepped on one with her healthy leg.
"Won't do any good," Kangor said not making eye contact as he gently laid Ferret on a mattress of blankets. "They're everywhere in here."
She-Bang shuddered.
Kangor placed a blanket over his shivering friend then placed his palm over the smaller boy's forehead. Ferret seemed to be safe for the time being. He ripped up a few sheets and bound the wounds before an infection seeped inside his skin. He then reached into his pants pocket, startling the two male heroes. They sighed in relief upon seeing him pull out a tiny, plastic container of salt. Kangor flipped opened the top and poured a good amount of the contents in his hand. He then sprinkled the pieces over Ferret's sound body.
"You want some?" Kangor asked the two standing beside him.
"Salt?" Gear asked.
"What's it for?" inquired Static.
"Keeps evil spirits away," Kangor replied.
"I'll take some," Gear said slightly raising his hand. Kangor tossed what remained on his hand a top Gear's head.
"I'm good," Static replied.
"But you're the one she wants to kill," said Gear.
"If so I don't think a little salt will ward her off," Static responded. He turned to Kangor. "How do you know about all this ghost stuff anyway?" Static looked away for a second. "I mean, well I guess Ferret told you."
Kangor shook his head. "He didn't have to." The three stared at the taller man. He paused for a few seconds, debating whether or not he should reveal his secret. He gave in upon seeing their inquisitive eyes. "I've seen her too." There was a collection of gasps as Kangor expected.
Kangor left the sleeping bang baby and went to the three dusted floorboards in the corner. He ran his hand over one and lifted it up. He brought out a tarnished, silver box and blew the dust off the top before lifting the lid. Static and Gear made their way over to the tall villain who recently had his title switched to their rescuer.
"What's that?" Gear asked.
Kangor did not verbally answer, instead he pulled out a fluffy, pink notebook with the sides locked.
"Is that a diary?" She-Bang asked as she staggered over to join the others.
"Yes. Talon's diary," Kangor answered. The superheroes exchanged glances with each other. Kangor stroked the front cover. "Ferret said when she died she came to him in his sleep and asked him to get it for her. He didn't know what do to. Just out of curiosity he did what she said and then she asked him to keep it hidden."
He flipped through the pages. He suddenly stopped and glanced down at the blue ink filling the more recent ones. He turned a few pages back to find the writing to be beautiful and flowery, full of adjectives and a more hopeful tone. The more recent writings were sloppy and ran together. It almost seemed rushed.
"He's been writing in it," Kangor spoke. "I've seen him with it writing away without a care in his face. He's writing her words for her." He looked up to meet the faces of the teens. "That's when I realized she could take his body." He looked over at Ferret. "He left for hours and came back looking nauseas. When I asked him about it he said he couldn't remember."
"That's what he said tonight," Static spoke.
Kangor nodded. "At first I thought he was drunk, but it didn't take long for me to figure it out." Kangor shut the diary. "He doesn't remember what happens when she takes him. But he does know when she's coming for him." Kangor's face became glum. "One night I asked him where he was going. That's when I saw his eyes." He raised his face to meet Static's. "Like what you saw tonight. He said, 'I have to get my killer.'" Kangor shook his head. "I knew something like that was happening."
"That's when he was stalking me," Static replied. "Well, Talon was."
Kangor nodded. "I saw him put the diary there one night." He pointed to the broken boards. "In that box. When he went to sleep I opened it up and read." He ripped the glasses off his face revealing his eyes to them for the first time. The teens saw the amount of fear and concern hidden inside his pale brown eyes. "When I realized they weren't Ferret's words I closed the book and heard a growl. I looked up to find the bloody face of Talon staring back at me. She was angry. I've never seen anyone this angry. Not even Hotstreak." He touched the front of his neck. "She grabbed my throat. She pinned me down and shrieked into my face. I chanted a charm that's supposed to protect me from spirits."
Kangor paused.
"Did it work?" Gear asked.
Kangor shrugged. "She leapt back and cried, asking me why I wasn't helping her. I kept chanting to make her leave. She wailed. Hotstreak crashed here that night." Kangor looked down at the empty spot where Hotstreak slept on the night he mentioned. "He asked me what I was yelling about. I pointed to Talon and he couldn't see her. She cried and yelled more. Hotstreak called me crazy. We argued for a while. Then Aqua-Maria and Ferret woke up. She asked Hotstreak what was going on. Hotstreak told her I was seeing things. Then Ferret saw the diary in my hand. He asked me what I was doing with Teresa's private writings." Kangor looked down at the closed book. "I told him that Teresa was using him. He wouldn't listen. Then Hotstreak and Maria left saying we were both crazy. No one else could hear her but me and Ferret."
"Wait," Static interrupted. The three turned to face him. "If what you said is—but I heard her." His pleading eyes stared up at the only one who had any knowledge of what was happening.
"That's because she wanted to reach out to you, and you let her," Kangor replied. He switched his gaze over to his sleeping friend."So did Ferret." Kangor's eyes returned to his adversary. "Only people who are willing to listen can she communicate with."
"Then how can you see her?" Static asked.
"Yeah, you obviously don't want to," Gear added.
Kangor clutched the diary. "I just can," he replied. The room became silent. "It's something I've been able to do since I was a kid. Lots of people in my family can."
"Wait," Gear said backing away. "Are you telling me you're like the kid in that movie The Sixth Sense, or something?"
"It's not violent or anything," Kangor retorted. Gear put his hands on his hips and glared. "Except Talon," Kangor corrected. Upon seeing the mixed emotions in the three he continued. "She's a vengeful ghost. She died a very violent death. Most of them aren't though. I pretend not to see them. Talon didn't give me that choice."
"But what does she want?" Static asked snatching the diary away from Kangor. "Is it in here?"
"You're welcome to read, but I don't think you should," Kangor answered.
"Why not?"
Kangor lowered his head. "It'll scare you." He paused. "You're in it."
Static pondered Kangor's warning for a moment. He shook it off and flipped the pages towards the back of the book. He too noticed the change in handwriting.
He began to read the date after the night she died.
Ferret, you have to help me. Please. I can't do anything anymore. No one can see me but you and Kangor. He acted like he couldn't, but I saw him looking at me. He was scared. I can't see my own reflection, but I know it's not pretty. Please Ferret. You're the only one I can trust with this. You got me my diary. It's the only thing I can remember aside from Static. It happened so fast. I can't remember much only he let me die.
"That is a lie!" Static yelled. The others stared back at him with gaping eyes. "She said—nevermind." Static continued to read.
There's no one else Ferret. I need you. You are a good friend Ferret. Remember all the times I was kind to you. Like you were to me. Please, I wouldn't ask your help unless I needed it. Please. I know that you know who Static is.
That line caught his attention.
When Ebon brought it up before I saw your face. I didn't at first but when I did I looked over at you every time it was mentioned. You know. I know you do. You can find him. And when the time is right I'll take my revenge. When you wake tomorrow look at this and you'll know what to do. Then you must hide it. No one can know of this. Remember I'm trusting you Ferret.
Static turned to the next entry.
Ferret, you did what I told you and thanks. You really are a good person. I only wish I were alive again so I can kiss you. But if you see me then you probably don't want to kiss me. I miss you. And Hotstreak and Maria and Shiv. My friends. Please Ferret you have to continue to do this for me. By now you know I can possess your body. Please DO NOT fight me. You must know that when I take your body I will not harm you. I don't want to. I care for you Ferret, but this is something I have to do. I WILL find Static and make him pay. Don't fight me Ferret. Let me do what I have to. Please don't fight me. If you do I will have no choice but to hurt you.
Static winced remembering what Talon did to Ferret not an hour ago.
Thank you Ferret. Now I know who Static is. How stupid I am not to known before. Also I'm curious why you never told anyone. Think of what we could've done if we knew. That's in the past now like me. I still need your help. I need to weaken him so I can take my revenge. Let me borrow you until that is done then I will not take you no more. I promise. I'm sorry it has to be this way.
Static dropped the diary at the sound of screaming. They all looked over at Ferret to find him shrieking and clawing at the air.
"Stay away from me!" he screamed.
"Not again," Static whispered.
Author's Note: I read several places that salt is used to ward off evil spirits. I don't know if it's true or not, but I thought it would be pretty cool to bring that up.
Since this is a horror story I'm attempting to make this as creepy as possible. Please let me know if I'm doing a good enough job scaring you, or if you want a little more. Or a lot more, I'll be happy to comply. Or if you want less I can try to tone it down a bit.
I've made an outline for the rest of the story and I believe that there will at least three more chapters to go, maybe four if one runs too long. Again, I thank everyone who has taken the time to read this. May you all have a blessed day.