Darkside 30 

Avery sat on the beach a beautiful white and silver seagull flew over head and landed on her bent knee. 

“Any good fish out there?” Avery asked the seagull. The bird shook its head yes and then transformed into a mouse. “You know they want me to look into the future to see all possibilities. I can’t do that.” Avery held her hand out and the mouse climbed into it and scurried up her arm. “I know you think it’s harmless but every choice you make changes the future.” 

“Avery? Who are you talking to?” Kit asked. 

“Um. No one.” Avery answered the mouse scurried down and hid behind Avery’s sketchbook. 

“No I distinctly heard you talking to someone.” Kit stood over her. 

“No I wasn’t.” Avery said. 

“No I wasn’t. You still suck at lying kiddo powers or not.” Kit said. 

“Fine I was talking to my imaginary friend Fred.” Avery said. 

“Still Lying.” Kit wasn’t impressed. 

“You have to promise not to scream.” Avery said. 

“Avery what in sam hill are you talking about?” Kit said. 

“You have to promise.” Avery wasn’t joking.

“I promise.” Avery slid her hand under the sketchbook. The mouse climbed into it. Avery held her hand up so Kit could see the mouse. 

“This is Jaime aka Fred.” Avery said. Kit jumped about 2 feet in the air. 

“Why are you talking to a rat?” Kit asked. 

“I’m not a RAT!” The mouse said. Kit jumped again. “I am whatever I want to be.” The mouse shape shifted into a large red and orange bird. 

“Technically she’s a Phoenix, but she can shape shift into anything she wants. Except a human.” Avery said. 

“I thought they were extinct.” Kit said. Jaime transformed into her original form, a beautiful large orange and red bird. She swooped up and landed on the log next to Avery. 

“Promise you won’t tell anyone.” Avery said. 

“I won’t but why would you want to keep this magnificent creature a secret?” Kit asked. 

“Because she is the last of her kind. If others knew she existed she would be hunted.” Avery stroked the birds head. 

“I see you have my word. I won’t tell a soul.” Kit sat down next to her niece. 

“Do we ever fulfill our destinies or is it just something that we are supposed to always strive for?” Avery asked. 

“I think we can but we have to be strong and stay on the right path. Why do you ask?” 

“I don’t think I can do what I know I have to do if there isn’t some hope of life afterwards.” Avery looked at Kit desperately trying to hide the fear that was bubbling up inside. 

“What is it that you have to do?” Kit asked. 

“I have to return us to the ways of old and put the rightful person on the throne.” Avery looked out over the water. 

“And who is that?” Kit asked.