CHRONICLES OF THE FOURTH HORSEMAN

FUN & FAN

The meal with my dad was one I had longed for a really long time.He was all work every other day and whenever he came back home he was too busy with his all demanding wife.He never said much but whenever he had something to say it was always important and he went straight to the point.He was never a fun person to be around.I figured his short stay here would involve my studies and my welfare but nothing more.I expected him to pay a visit to the school to check on my performance and count the days I had missed school so he could scold me later for them, but boy, was I in for a surprise.After the meal, my father excused himself and went upstairs he had to go to his room to get some rest.He needed it, after such a long flight, it was understandable also it was totally him to take off without even goodbye.I went back home to prepare for the next days test and get some rest too.Fot the last few days I was all helter skelter and it had taken a lot from me.I even had to kept looking at my back everytime my papa stared at me since I couldn't tell whether my wings were out or not.I could feel them in there somewhere but I couldn't tell where they were or how they were positioned.Just like that itch on my toes.

I arrived home both tired and sleepy but I still couldn't fall asleep right away.I feared the nightmares would come back and haunt me again.I found myself counting sheep and the best part of the night i stayed awake.Slowly but surely I fell asleep until I was finally out.It felt like I had barely closed my eyes when the alarm went off.It was time to go school.As usual I waited for a few minutes before checking on my watch, then my phone and dragged myself out of the bed.I was never a morning person.In fact, waking up early was up there on the list of the things I hated. I stepped into the shower and took my time feeling the water before finally going down to the business of showering.Then I was out and infront of the mirror to see if my body was still holding on.lately I had to inspect it deeply before stepping out since I was slowly loosing the ability to feel pain.It would not be a wonder for me to walk out with a hunging cheek.I had lost almost all the nails on my toes and I had a feeling my fingers would be next.The body was falling apart way too serious and way too fast.The rest of the morning I spent putting the house in order, preparing and taking breakfast and doing the final touches before heading out.The ride to school was boring and fast with me yawning all the way.I felt lazy.

I walked into the class an hour earlier and I had sometime to catch up with larry.I found her seated at the corner telling jokes to her friends or something.How the hell could they manage to laugh this early in the morning?She waved at me to go and though it wasn't my plan I went anyway. We exchanged notes and talked a little bit about the plans we had in place for the weekend.We went through last minute revision and i went back to my seat and waited.Her friends were now fond of me and I felt like I belonged with the pack.It felt a little weird to have all those people around.In my life I only had two friends, no more.This group had about sixteen people, and they all treated as a friend.What a strange thing. Saturday would however to be my initiation and I would become a full member of the club.Larry had told me about the party but she had waited some three days to inform me that the party was all meant for me.I had to do some tests and pass them before I could fully join them.

I never knew what to expect and I was having second thoughts.I was also begining to think that going alone was not such a good idea.Maybe bringing Tom or John with me wasn't such a bad call after all.I planned to ask them later.For now I had a whole day ahead of me.Two papers, a quick stop at the clubs meeting point and then be on my way to meet my dad.He wanted to know where I stayed and he also wanted to meet the two boys.I had no problem with that.In fact I thought that was going to be his first destination the previous day.I had the boys put their house in order and mine was always ready.I knew dad to be the judge of everything.Having him bark at me was not something I looked forward to.I had put together a list of the questions he would most likely ask and I had explanations on standby just in case.

During the previous days meeting he had promised to take me out on fun adventures.I looked forward to seeing what his definition of fun and I was pretty sure I wouldn't like at all.When I got to the hotel, he came to get me in a pair of shorts.He was all wet and there was a huge cute smile on hid face.I took out my phone and snapped, such a moment needed a photo just to remind myself that my old man's stone cold face was capable of a smile.He welcomed me to join him in the pool and i followed him in surprise.He was a new guy.I had never seen his fun side before but today was the day.I had just met the new Rob and I had a feeling I was going to like him.All I knew before was a serious who dude always working and when he wasn't at work he was barking orders at everybody."Who are you and what have you done with Sir Robert?," I just couldn't help but ask.I expecting some rude answer."Can't a man just be happy, take this, a gift from dad 2.0 ,"he said handing me a red shopping bag.

I then watched in awe as he jump into the pool.He had gotten me a sweet pink swim suit that wasn't even on my taste but coming from him it meant alot.Maybe he had realized he missed so much fun with his little girl and he Wanted make it up to her. The had other girl stuff like makeup, sunscreen and a tiny, red purse with the words "Dads little girl" written in a golden color.The last time he had given me something even remotely resembling a gift was when he gave me my moms favorite chain on my sixteen birthday.He only gave me what was necessary.I planned to make the best of the fun moments since I knew any time his moods would change and he will go back to being the father i knew.I had to be careful though to hide my toes.The last thing i wanted was to ruin his good moods even before the day was over.I joined him in the pool and for a whole hour we had fun.We competed and splashed water about.He even threw shinny coins on the water for us to later fetch .It felt a little childish but it was a good feeling.After the fun i went home feeling refreshed.The day was too beautiful to even remember about our plan to take him to my place.

At home, Tom and John were waiting for me at the door.I had been avoiding their calls and texts all day.I didn't want to explain anything to them.I hoped the two would just let it pass but from the look of things, they had no plan to let that happen.I walked up to them, not sure what to say.I saluted them and went o to open the door, all this while I could feel their eyes on my back.I went for small talk as the door opened but they were not up to it.Tom even got restless and asked the question directly.I fell silent as I walked into the house. Once inside, I told them about Azrael.The fact that that tiny encounter with Asmod had awakened him and the jail I had locked him.in was falling apart.I told them straight and forward that I was loosing control and within the next two weeks the Azzy they knew would be no more. I also explained to them about the regained memories and how they were too much for me to handle.I explained the reason behind my failing body and I could see from the looks in their eyes they were now scared of me more than ever.Tom understood as usual but crazy John was out asking all sorts of questions that I had no answer to yet.I had the memories but non of them explained what to do in case of something like this.All the previous lives i had, i never faced such a situation.I would be born, grow up, grow old and then the body would give out and I was back in the silver city to start all over again.I never tried to keep any of them alive since there was always a new life waiting for me.Now I knew for sure this was the last one, and I told the boys. At the end we agreed to work together to look for a solution and the one way to do that was to go to the treasure house and hopefully learn a little bit more about me.Till then I planned to live a life as normal as possible and the two were okey with it.They however refused to let me choose between them and they agreed it was either both of them or neither one of them.

The week passed by soo fast and it was Saturday morning already.I had soo much fun with my papa that I never noticed the week was over and it was time for him to go back home.He was not the father I knew.No he was a better one.The one I had asked santa for every year when I was a little girl.He was fun, sweet and playful.We even went out to the park on Friday together with they boys.The rides on the rollercoaster were wild and fun.We pushed our fears to the limit and Tom was shaking a little by the end of the event.We deed karaoke at the hotel where papa was staying.He sang his favorite country songs and the whole place had gone alive for a whole three hours.People joined in and we made a madhouse out of the place and enjoyed the moments.Finally we went out to bronc.That was actually my favorite part of it all.Watching my father hold on tight as the crazy machine went round and round.Forcing him to use all his strength to keep the balance.Employing all his military knowledge.He tried it three times and every time he fell within the first minute.I would watch him stagger away for a little while but latter come back much more confident than before.I tried out and by the time I fell off my head was spinning and I felt drunk mark you that was ten seconds into the game.Tom threw up after every spin but he kept on going.He didn't want John's teasing and that meant he had to work through with his weak stomach whether he liked it or not .John was the winner of the day.He was able to hold on for a whole minute and two seconds before dropping to the ground.He was all spinny for a whole minute afterwords but he managed to go through with it without throwing up.Ever since we were little, John was always the strong one.He was also the best when it came to games.He was the boy everybody wanted to share teams with.Whether it was football or the famous "combo" games back in the day.We aced when it came to classes but out there he was everyone's champion.It was a fun week and I hoped to God it would end well.

On Saturday morning I saw my papa to the airport before going back to the house to prepare for the shopping day.I never thought I was capable of feeling the absence about my father being gone but today I deed.I missed him already even though I had seen him just three hours earlier.I had needed him for soo long and finally he was the father I wished him to be, but it was just for one week.I felt a lump form at the back of my throat and I found myself crying.I wasn't ready to say goodbye yet.I had so much I wanted to tell him.I had not figured out yet how to tell but I felt closer to telling him when he was around.And now he was on the way back home where he had better things to do.I consoled myself with the fact that the school would be closed in a months time and then I would be home for the whole holiday.But still a month felt too long.

Larry's call brought me back to the present.I still had a little more preparing to do and she had told me to meet them in an hour.I hurried up and made some final touches on my face.I am not the make up kind of girl but Larry wanted me to and I intended to put some on to fit in, also something I had promised myself to never do not unless I had to.Yet today I didn't have to but I chose to.After all , maybe it was one of her tests.I was out in time to catch the bus and I was off to the first part of the party.Being out with the girls was not something I ever dreamed of.All the "Ooooh you look good in that" even when deep down they were laughing at how bad you looked.Not to mention the waste of money as you bought stuff you didn't even need just because your friends said they looked good on you .One would then go home to hate the person looking back at them on the mirror later when they tried the stuff on and realize they simply just off.The thought of having all those voices in my ears was scary.Buying clothes out with girls is more or less like ordering something online and waiting for the best.

I met them about five minutes late from the time she had given me.I knew she was time conscious and I hoped she wouldn't care much but she deed.She was not furious about it though, but she she was a bit concerned.She had looked at me for a moment before looking at her watch.The next two hours were spent on window shopping and pointing at stuff I couldn't even afford.My dad had given me some cash in one of her best moments but I had to spend it wisely.I did not plan on spending it on unnecessary stuff which included trendy outfits I wasn't comfortable wearing.

The other two hours were spent on deciding which mall we wanted to go shopping to and the next hour was spent arguing on which cafe was best to grab lunch from.Everyone throwing in their opinion and expecting everybody to follow.Girl problems, right!.We then decided to go for a pizza and then off to the mall we went.We bought a few stuff, mostly shoes and jewelry.We also bought the party dresses before scattering around everybody for themselves.We agreed to meet again at the party which according to the time was in two hours time.We had wasted the whole day on admiring stuff on the shop widows and buying pretty much nothing in comparison.I knew I had to go and rush the boys to prepare.I was happy Larry had agreed to my request of bringing both of them with me.I felt safer and much more comfortable knowing they were going to be around.I knew the two boys wouldn't leave my side even though i was also scared John would probably do something stupid or worse something embarrassing.

I found them playing guitar as usual, today the house was a bit more presentable.Of course it was on a weekend and the boys had no classes or better places to be.They had spent the day cleaning and washing.I remainded them of the party and being boys meant it only took a few minutes to prepare.In the next thirty minutes we talked about the week and my father.Even the two had noticed the difference and John had to say there was something wrong with my dad he just didn't want to tell me.I of course shushed him up.I preferred to think that my father had just realized that life was too short for being dull Jack, after all I never saw a wound or any sign that indicated he was in pain or something.We played guitar for a bit to soften the air which had grown a little bit heavy around us and them we were out to the party.

We called in a cub since I wasn't willing to make another late appearance.we carried with us a cheap brand of liquor just for the courtesy.I was not nervous but I was wondering what the initiation tests were.John still thought it was a stupid idea to be in a club where I had to get myself tested and have to go through an initiation ceremony just to be a part of it.From where he was it seemed pretty simple they either wanted him in or they didn't no need to put him into tests.To agreed too even though he was not against it.He preferred keeping it neutral.He was never good at taking sides and that was the reason why he was the most reasonable one amongst us.

I gave the password given to me at the door and the gentleman standing there let us in with no question.I stopped at the door to analyze and admire the place.First, it was the beautiful house that caught my attention.It was as beautiful as it was bigThe cool light fittings hanging from the Ceiling gave the house a light feel.The disco lighting added on top made the place look and feel like a club.The disco ball at the center scattered light all over the place making the people appear shiny and casting creepy shadows on the walls .The walls changed color with every shade that lit up the room.Beautiful and probably expensive decorations were placed all over the place.Starting with the paintings on the walls to the glass ornaments on the book shelves.The place was simply breathtaking.A flower vase with the words " Simplicity is the true definition of sophistication" was standing right next to a book stand which from what i could tell held hundreds of books.One side of the huge living room was turned into a counter and a DJ's station.Cocktails of all kinds, beer, wine you name it.They were being passed around by Waiters and waitresses dressed in white.Everybody for their taste.People from the club and their plus one dancing and singing happily to me music.It was loud noisy trendy music and I felt like joining in.

Larry came over, held my hand and pulled me towards a tiny podium next to the DJ.The music stopped for a moment and the rotating disco light rested on me.The DJ handed Larry the microphone and she went on to speak."Hello everyone, welcome to my humble home...With me here I have the new bee, a soon to be a member of the ever howling club...ladies and gentleman please welcome Azzy,"She said as she lifted my hand up in the air and later hugged me. Everybody went crazy producing a howling sound and clapping wildly.I didn't know whether to feel good or bad.Instead I found myself questioning my decisions ones more.Was I making a sound decision? what made me think that joining a club I wasn't all familiar with was a good call?people around me were cool though and i figured i was just overeacting.Larry handed me a tiny glass which I figured was filled with some really bitter liquor brand.I had watched way too many shows and I knew this one.I knew what I had to do and I went on to do it.I looked around to see people looking at me with mixed faces.After the usual cheers and the glasses clicking all around we put the liquor into our mouths in unison and everybody swallowed hard.

The night had officially started and contrary to what I thought,their were no more tests or weird ceremonies.All that remained was for us to get ourselves drunk and go crazy.I walked through the crowd to where Tom was standing.John had already joined the dancing people.Tom was still reluctant.He had not made up his mind about the alcohol or the dancing.He preferred staying sober and in all his life he had never even ones tried alcohol.I on the other hand had tried it ones in Ham's office and this would be my second try.

I looked forward to enjoying the night to the fullest.It was specifically my night after all and everything was free.I grabbed a glass of cocktail from the waitress and took a sip out of it.To my surprise it was much sweeter than the shot I had earlier or even the one I had at Ham's. I smiled at the thought of my little knowledge in these stuff.My attention was turned to Tom who was looking around in wonder.He had more than just a few questions in his mind and I could see it.He however couldn't ask and I didn't even want him to.I picked up another glass meant for him and handed it over.I was not drunk yet and i had no plans on getting drunk but I kept on taking a sip from the huge glass on my hand.Every sip was much more sweet than the last and the urge to have more was overwhelming.Tom tasted his and also kept on going.I expected to spit it out and put the glass down but he seemed pretty amused by it.We finished up the first glass and we both went for a second.In about an hour I started feeling the music. The lights looked even more beautiful and I felt a little light headed.O saw the place from a whole new level.Slowly I walked towards the dancing crowd and joined them.The night was getting more and more fun.I danced myself crazy.Everyone's in a while stepping on someone foot and being all apologetic about it.No one seemed bothered by what I was doing and they were all living in the moment.Larry and two of her friends joined in and we danced on.Tom also joined in and the fun kept on going as I also kept drinking more and more.About five hours latter we went down to playing truth or dare.A game that in most cases and as far as I could remember never ended very well.We were at it for about an hour and a fight broke off between two dudes about a girl.We then switched the game to "never have I ever" here it was more about getting much more drunk than fighting.Within the thirty minutes of us playing the game my head was spinning like crazy.I felt free and light.

For the first time in a long, loong while there was nothing on my head.All the voices were quiet except for the noise from the people around.I never cared much about my body or the fact that I was doing something that my father would never have approved.I felt free and truly happy.Larrly kept on glancing at me and after a short while she would come to me to see if I was comfortable and to ask whether I needed something.She gave me more drinks everytime and remainded me to feel free and to fill myself to my contentment.I sometimes wondered why she was so good to me but I never asked out loud.Of course if I ever deed Tom would have a positive answer while John would sight all the negative answers the universe could give and leave me asking more and more questions in my head.At the moment I was just glad I found people to associate myself with.Everytime she came around my answer was the same each I would tell her I was doing just fine and she would then walk away and repeat the process latter.

The night was short and crazy.John had been out there partying hard and getting drunk while Tom heeled me to make sure I didn't do something stupid.He knew his limits and even though tonight he had pushed them he never went too far.One of us had to be reasonable and in all our lives it was always him.It was almost morning and people were clearing out.I was by then too drunk to even notice the music had gone down and most people were either too drunk to dance or had left.Tom had a hard time getting the two of us to go home with him and we continued to drink for a little longer.Then I blacked out.

I woke up the next morning on the couch at Tom and John's I had no idea how o got there or when.I still had one shoe on and my sweater was inside out.My head was still spinning and pounding.My hands and legs felt a little bit numb and my mouth was dry.I tried to sit but but I was feeling completely sick.I felt like throwing up too and I dragged myself up and headed to the bathroom.I there John was busy throwing up and I joined him.All this while Tom was laughing himself crazy.We threw up until nothing came out except air.My rib cage hurt like hell.

I was feeling hungry yet I had no appetite.My whole body felt week and I thought I would never feel better.Tom then went on to explain about the night and we listened with our mouths slightly open.I could not believe I deed the things Tom claimed I deed but with the fact that I remembered nothing, I never questioned him.All I knew was that all my fears and worried were now back.I had lost two more toes and I could feel Azrael breaking free from his jail and I knew I couldn't do anything about it.Tom said the best way to deal with a hungover was to sleep.I couldn't sleep on his couch anymore and that meant I had to go home.I took my stuff and walked out of the house feeling ashamed of myself and promising myself I would never repeat it again.

Once in the house I remembered I my clothes were still soaked in the basin.I had to clean them plus the utensils that were still staring at me on the sink.As if I didn't feel bad enough my wings popped up all large and flappy.I was about to end the weekend angry, tired and sick.My body shook with pain and I shivered a little.Bright flashes blinded my eyes and I felt exactly like I had felt an year earlier only this time there was the addition of the wings.When all of this started I was standing at the edge of the bed undressing ready to take a shower and hopefully feel better.I felt myself drop in bed and the falling followed.Just like the last time, the being with four faces was came to me by the crystal clear river.We waited for a while and this time when I walked into the hall filled with angels everything was quiet.I was there to witness the last seal amongst the thirty two being broken.Heaven had no choice but prepare to break the seven seals and from the looks if it my fate was sealed.I would wake up in a world where the veil between the magix and the normal world was torn and the creatures released.How was I supposed to deal with that? How I wished to wake up and find it was just a dream.I thought I had time to have more fun.Enjoy life a little and maybe even find a way to repair my broken body and hopefully enjoy at least fourty more years on earth with people I loved and cared for.Knowing now that I was locked out of heavens baby center meant I had no chance of ever having a human body again.But if the world ended I would be bound away for good and not even my true body would be important to me.It was time I made friends with the elements.They would never want to be friends with me but I figured they wanted the same thing as I deed, for the world to be around for a little longer.Maybe if we worked together we could get a solution to all this madness and everybody would win and then maybe they were willing to leave me be.There was only one way to find out.

This time round I came back into my body within the hour and no one had even comeby and that meant no one had noticed.Every time I was away my body benefited a little and this time I woke up with the hungover gone and one of the remaining nails which was dangerously hanging was all healed and I felt better.The jail in my mind was still breaking down though and for that I knew I had to get help from somewhere else.I only had Tom to run to but Duke was the only person who I knew had been in contact with the elements.I still didn't trust him completely yet and I couldn't risk approaching him alone.John was by now asleep and the only person I could call was Tom.This time i needed help.