Reborn

There she stood, as if a statue on a pedestal. Her raven tresses slid over her shoulders in waves, black as death. A pale face was set in a determined expression, like a porcelain doll, framed by the pure white foam of a sapphire ocean. She was the epitome of beauty. Too bad nobody noticed.1

"Jessica," I hissed underneath my breath, "I need to talk to you." It wasn't as if I knew what to say to her. She had never paid attention to me before, so why would she suddenly start?2

"Jessica, please, just listen." I struggled to keep my voice to a whisper, but I couldn't even be sure that she could hear me. Finally, her head turned toward me. A faint glimmer of recognition twinkled in her eyes. How I loved the way the emerald spheres caught the sunlight, but today, in her solitude, they seemed shadowed in mists.3

"Who are you?" Her curiosity was dampened by sadness. I hated to see her overtaken by sorrow, but it wouldn't be forever. It couldn't be, could it? No, I was sure that Jessica would be alright. It was my mission.4

"You really don't remember who I am, do you?" She shook her head. I couldn't tell if her helpless expression betrayed fear or just simple confusion.5

"Don't be afraid. My name's Tyler. It's been a while since we've seen each other." This was going to be harder than I imagined. How was I supposed to regain her trust in a single night?6

"Tyler..." My name turned over on the grave of her tongue. I shivered at the thought.7

"Are you okay?" Her question caught me off guard. I wasn't the one who was about to discover that the last few months of my life had been a complete lie.8

"Yeah, fine," I replied, breaking out of my moment within my subconscious. "I guess my nerves are breaking at the excitement of finally seeing you again."9

Jessica blushed, but the smile I was anticipating never appeared. To be honest, she seemed to withdraw even farther inside of herself. Upon studying her porcelain cheekbones, they grew sunken against my gaze.10

"I could ask you the same question, but I have a feeling that I already know the answer." Jessica only looked at the floor, even as I extended my hand to take hers. I only wanted to make things easier for her, but we were running out of time. If I didn't get through her cage soon, I would lose her forever.11

"Come on out of that emotional prison," I coaxed her. Jessica raised her head just high enough for her emerald eyes to catch the light. I couldn't help but stare at how beautiful she was. My words were going to shatter her already bleeding heart.12

"I have no choice!" The sound of my own voice startled me. I had not meant to speak the thoughts aloud. Jessica was shaken by my urgency and finally reached out to grasp my fingers.13

"There is always a choice," Jessica whispered almost silently. My sigh of relief at her voice was much less discreet, but I was forced to shake my head in helpless dread. I clasped her delicate hands in protective instinct and began to lead her toward the wooden docks and sandy beaches of our island home.14

"Whether or not we see it, there is always another choice. I just wish the good people in the world had a chance to pick the right one." The sun was setting already. The alabaster expanse above highlighted the sincerity upon her lips.15

"You are one of those good people, and I hope that I turn out to be one too." A single crystalline tear fell from her eyelid to the rippling ocean. Gently, I wrapped my arm around her shoulders. Warmth enshrouded the docks, even as darkness closed in.16

"Let's take a nighttime swim, and we can talk some more." I had no idea how else to get her out into the rushing waters. She looked at me inquisitively, and then shook her head.17

"You're the only one to pay attention to me for as long as I can remember, but I feel as if we've only just met."18

"I can explain that to you, but I need you to trust me. Jessica..." I trailed off. Nothing could ever be more difficult for me.19

"I loved you, but if anyone else is ever to notice you again, you have to come with me." My heart raced in urgency as the rising moon bathed us in its milky glow.20

Just out of the corner of my eye, I caught the flapping of a flag out at sea. Panic engulfed me. If the trademark golden crossbones came much closer, it would be too late. Jessica followed my unwavering stare, directed at the ghostly ship. It was already preparing to drop anchor.21

"We have to go now," I pleaded with her. I brushed a loose strand of obsidian silk behind her ear, trying desperately to offer a source of comfort. I couldn't fail my mission, not now.22

Jessica shivered against the unexpected touch. As the dreaded vessel closed in, she only shrunk farther from the darkening sea. I had to try one last time.23

"Jessica, I wish I had time to explain this all to you, but if you don't trust me now, there will never be another chance."24

"For what?" I hadn't even expected a response.25

"For anything, well, and for us."  My cheeks burned at the confession, but it was enough.26

"Tell me what I must do." I led her into the frigid ocean. Heat still lingered above, but darkness mocked us from below. Waves crashed against us with a personality all their own. Magic was working against us.27

A scream pierced the air. I thrashed around in the blackness, praying to reach Jessica nearby. A set of fat, red fingers latched onto my arm and dragged me aboard the Vengeful Fury.28

"No!" I had been so close. I could not go back. The unwelcome stench of rotting wood invaded my nostrils as I struggled to free myself from the ropes being tied around my wrists. I lashed out violently and connected with a set of teeth. I felt blood dripping down my fist, but all I could think about was saving the girl.29

I lashed out blindly, again. The Vengeful Fury rocked dangerously as my captor jumped out of the way. I took my window of opportunity.30

"Jessica! Jump!"31

"Walking the plank so soon, Blackheart?" I cringed at the mention of my old nickname. Jessica had brought my heart into living technicolour, and I refused to let that go.32

I heard a splash, just as I felt a drop of saltwater graze my cheek. I dove into the ocean before the old pirate could grab me again.33

"Take a deep breath, Jess, now!" I felt around for her hand, and held it tight. 'Never let go,' I persuaded myself.34

My lungs burned and my ears pounded at the pressure of descending so quickly. I couldn't imagine how much pain Jessica would be in. The magic was on our side now, drawing us ever closer to the ocean floor, but even so, it was impossible to communicate. I reached down as far as I could, her delicate hand enclosed in my own.35

The instant our fingertips skimmed the muddy foundation, a blinding white light surrounded us. The next thing we knew, we were back on our island home. Jessica looked straight at  me and a jumble of phrases tumbled out of her strawberry kissed lips.36

"I remember now, but how? What happened to us? The pirates, the loneliness, we almost died!"37

"It's over now." I rubbed her back soothingly. "Everything is going to be alright. Blackheart doesn't exist in this realm, only me, but I love you just as he once did." I paused to catch my breath.38

"You gave your life for me?"39

"To save your soul. The curse of the Vengeful Fury cannot get you here. It's safe now."40

Jessica did not let me speak anymore. She threw her arms around me and brushed her lips against mine. Only for a moment, she pulled back to look me in the eye.41

"I was afraid to admit it for fear of killing us both, but I guess it's too late for that. I've always loved you, Blackheart."42

That time, the nickname made me smile, as we walked toward the village in our new world, hand in hand.43