Ann stood fast as the earth shook with great force. The sand spiraling inward as the ground opened within a symbolic circle of magical symbols, talismans and candles of red and black. Their flames at one point, flared five feet high then a gust of a hellish howl bellowed from below, "We can go now." Ann followed assorted size boulders forming a symmetrical staircase down, until she was standing on a large boulder just before the first level of hell.
The feeling of pity for the young girl she pulled down with her lasted only a moment and she did not have enough sorrow in her heart to shed a single tear. Ann checked behind the girl to loosen the rope just a bit around her wrist. "I am sorry it has to be this way but when a door opens it is like a dinner bell for demons."
Ann forced the girl down on her knees and ignored her pleas as she dragged her dagger across the juggler. The young girl began to gasp and spew blood onto the dirt red floor of hell. The blood poured out from her neck forming a pool that began to glow and without gravity streamed its way to the river Acheron where it gathered in forms of small serpents.
Before releasing the girl who clung to her last thread of life, Ann took a small vile from her pocket and poured the substance down her throat. "I am doing you a favor here for your forced giving. The water in the vile, I received from an old hag who wrenched herself from the grips of hell where she lived near the mountain Hynos. You will forget all and once hell has finished with you, which could be awhile." Ann kissed her head then let go. "You will be reborn as the water from the river Lethe that I just gave you also makes it possible for reincarnation." The girl's body fell lifeless into her own pool of blood.
The pounding of her body against the floor of hell alerted the twelve serpents that were created from her own blood. They squirmed to the shore where there bodies twisted and changed. Six legs filled with blood red colored hair formed along the body. Their heads stretched and grew. Long snouts and huge pointed ears emerged with such pain their wails soared through Hades.
Ann covered her ears where she had taken cover behind a huge stone, so they would not see her. The last part of their transformation formed their beady eyes into large black pupils with deep red outline. Their entire body covered in hair like their legs reached the ground. Hips and torso grew to mass proportion. The serpents had transformed into hell's bottom feeders.
The sight and sound was unbearable for Ann to watch as they ripped and ate the body. From the mass group of savage feeders the girl's soul tried to pull away. Her transparent form reached for the Heaven. Her face distorted and filled with pain as each bite made her soul swirl and jerk.
One beast held her soul to hell and when nothing was left of the flesh the hounds formed three lines of four and bind her soul to their backs with long strands of body hair. With a roaring howl announcing the arrival of another soul the bottom feeders ran in unison to the shore of Acheron then swam across the wide river to the other shore with the girl's soul bouncing in the wind as they disappeared behind a mound of rocks.
Alone in hell Ann stood and looked around. No one knew she was there. And it didn't hurt having Charlotte's body hidden from demons. That is something Ann was counting on to help get the quest completed without conflict. She jogged into the belly of red molt rocks and screams of pain, "Charlotte, I hope your body can stand the heat." Still wanting to avoid being seen Ann followed a small path keeping her from vision of wandering demons and militants she came across.
Charlotte was flying west down Interstate-forty, making a call to Bobby. "Dang it Bobby where are you?" She paused a moment. "I am almost to flagstaff but I ran into a little problem on the way. I met a dark haired bitch, Ann, who swapped bodies with me so if you see me would you do me a favor and tie me down then give a call. The medallion is being persistent in keeping me on task, so I couldn't chase her down." Charlie took a deep breathe, "Bobby, I really could use some advice here." Charlie saw the exit for Flagstaff. "I am in Flagstaff, Bobby I hope everything is alright. Call me." Hanging up her cell phone Charlie went to the right as the medallion warmed her shoulder.
After finding a place to park Charlie went inside a small restaurant and found an empty booth. There wasn't many as the placed was filled with early morning risers. A young waitress carrying a glass coffee pot greeted her. "Good morning, today's special is scrambled eggs and ham with two flap jacks." She poured coffee into the cup Charlie had over turned. "We also offer a great fruit bowl or hash browns to go with." The young girl smiled with her notepad ready. While stirring the milk and sugar into the hot cup of coffee, Charlie ordered the special with fruit.
Trying not to appear nosey or lost Charlie glanced around looking for the Manitou. She had noticed when walking in the necklace went cool alerting her somewhere amongst the many people was her target. All she had to do was approach the right person. She glanced at her cell phone, no messages. The waitress arrived and set down her breakfast Charlie reached for the salt and pepper. "Wow, you really get into the time here. That is an unusual thing to have a napkin holder do. Tell you the day and time." She sprinkled salt on her eggs then pepper.
"Would you care for ketchup" the waitress offered, which Charlie declined. "We like to have the clocks on the table. Most of our morning customers work at the schools and they spent so much time looking at the clock on the wall, we had to worry about liability over whip lash." The waitress turned to the clock on the wall and then back at Charlie. "I thought of the idea myself. Now that I think of it, I wish I hadn't. Every table tells me the day and time. It really makes the day drag out. I just can't help but read it." The waitress with her name tag saying "Betty" read, "Thursday, May first two-thousand and eight, seven-thirty four in the morning. And at the last table it was seven-thirty one. So, you see I feel like I am watching the clock all the time." She took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.
"Betty, why don't you just rotate the napkin holders?" Charlie turned the holder sideways so only she could see the time. The waitress grinned then moved to the next booth where she promptly turned the napkin holder sideways, giving a quick glance back at Charlie with a smile.
Feeling the warmth on her neck, Charlie looked out into the street and saw a young woman getting into her car. There was a bumper sticker that read Cromer Elementary. She watched her pull out almost hitting another car. An accident was avoided and both parties seemed content on just driving away.
Betty returned with the ticket and started clearing the table. "Maybe you can help me." Charlie asked as she pulled money out of her pocket. "I am looking for Cromer Elementary." The waitress gave directions to Silver Saddle Road where she would find the main entrance. "Thank you Betty, and keep the change. Oh, and may I get a cup of coffee to go?" The waitress was happy to oblige and had a large cup ready to go within minutes.
At the counter Charlie fixed her coffee and then went to pay, but Betty offered her the cup on the house. "Well, thank you Betty and maybe I will see you at lunch." With cup in hand Charlie jumped in her car and headed to the school. When she arrived busses and parents were still dropping off children. School Monitors were standing at the main doors greeting the kids as they entered. It was busy, busy enough for Charlie to pull into the staff parking lot park her car and find the woman's vehicle. Charlie noticed the small writing above the bumper sticker that read, "Third Grade is Awesome at". That narrowed her search now all she needed was a name. Looking through the windows Charlie saw a pile of papers and found "Fury".
"Fury, I don't know anyone who would name their kid Fury?" Charlie headed back to her car and sat behind the wheel trying to decide how to approach a third grade demon teacher. She could wait for Fury to leave the school, follow her home and then get the story or storm into the school. Settling on catching up with Fury after school Charlie headed out. On the way to town she saw a sign for an old Indian Cemetery and decided to take a tour.
An old wooden archway marked the entrance with totems and symbols to help those within find their path to the spirit world. Charlie walked around, reading different wooden markers and headstones. Far back near a cliff side she found the oldest grave where she filled a quart mason jar with dirt. Along the cliff ragweed was growing and she put a few handfuls into a baggie. There were other plants she found and collected.
An old Indian sat in the distance on his brown paint observing her every move. He watched as she headed back to her car and only then did he edge his horse to approach. At her car he found Charlie storing the grave dirt and other items inside a hidden compartment built under the back seat. "Hello" He watched Charlie jump in surprise and spin out of the car welding a fancy blade. "Whoa, there I come in peace. You have taken from my ancestors many herbs and I must ask if you have the spirit." The man dismounted and let the reins fall to the ground. His unsaddled mount grazed on the nearby grass. "I am Alosaka and I watch over my people in times of trouble."
He watched Charlie put her dagger away. "There is a young girl who is in labor and she is alone. Those who know her have shunned her to the end of the land. I asked the Angels what I can do to help and they sent me here to you." He waved his hand around Charlie who stepped back, "do not fear me I am confused about your spirit. It has been trapped inside a false vessel. I can help." He walked back to his horse and placed the reins over his neck, then spoke softly to him. The horse darted away.
Charlie didn't know what to do. She was shocked seeing Alosaka send his horse away and then climb into her car. She climbed inside. "I take it you never heard of the word no." Charlie started up the car. Not sure how she could help, having never delivered a baby before and wondering why the old Indian don't throw the girl on his horse and gallop off to a hospital. "Alosaka, I am not a doctor. It may seem to you with me collecting herbs but I assure you I don't know the first thing about babies." Charlie looked at him, "You said you can help me get my body back?"
Alosaka nodded. "You will need to take the next left onto that old dirt road and we must hurry or else we will be too late. The child she carries is son of the Kikmongwi son and will one day be a Kikmongwi, he who is chief over the tribe, but only if we can get there soon and we have far to travel."
Turning down the dirt road Charlie kicked in the four barrels. Dirt flew through the air as they sped to the end of the land. "This is a mighty knight your vehicle. We just might make it." Alosaka sat with no fear of the speed they traveled for an hour when the road narrowed down to one lane. "You can slow down, we are almost there. There, there is her trailer." Alosaka pointed off to the right.
They walked quickly from the car. "Once the birth is done you will need to take both to the hospital. But before then we will make you whole." Alosaka opened the door, cries came from inside. The place was cold and damp with no electricity and pails filled with water sitting on the counter. From the small bed in the back the cries came again. "She is there, please go to her." He ushered Charlie to her bedside. Blood soaked the wool Indian blanket, the young girl laid on.
Looking around Charlie found some rags. Not the cleanest but close enough. She grabbed a pail of water and a cup. "Here drink this." Charlie helped raise the young girl to the cup. Her body pouring with sweat was hot to the touch. Another contraction came and the girl knocked the cup into Charlie's lap. "Ah!" Charlie wasn't sure what to do. "Breathe easy." She placed a wet rag on her forehead. "Why don't you lay down and let's get this boy started on his life journey…OK!" Charlie didn't know what to say but what she did seemed to calm the young girl. "Oh, by the way my name is Charlie."
The girl breathed a little easier as the contraction subsided. "I am Dawn."
This is good, Charlie thought. "Just relax I am going to boil some water so we have something warm to wash the baby with." Charlie looked around the small kitchen and table area for a pan to cook in and then noticed she had been doing her cooking outside with a fire pit. "Well, Alosaka, I think we need a fire to boil some water. If you can do that I can work with Dawn." Charlie watched him head out and build a small starter fire. She then started to clear things around the small table and found a wooden apple box.
Charlie took the small arm cushions from the couch that wrapped around the table and put them snugly in the bottom of the box. Inside the small shower bathroom she took a clean towel and tucked it around the cushions. Dawn called to her and pointed at the tiny built in refrigerator. Inside Charlie found a small quilt and a few receiving blankets neatly wrapped in plastic bags.
When she was done Charlie had the quilt draped over the sides of the box and one receiving blanket folded in half as a bottom blanket. The other blanket she saved for when the boy arrived. Dawn let out a controlled scream. "Ok, ok, that makes your contraction at least five minutes apart. Don't push yet."
With warm water in a bucket, her dagger ready, Charlie felt terrified. She was more scared of making a mistake now then she ever was of any demon she had encountered. "Let's make you comfortable", Charlie knew it was time and let her mind slip away to her own problem but couldn't find comfort in knowing she would soon have her body back. The head began to show. "Ok Dawn," Charlie spoke serenely, "I am going to need you to push one more time like you have never pushed before. And if you feel like screaming you just go ahead and let it rip." Charlie gave a quivering grin.
After the baby was born Charlie laid him on Dawn's chest. She went to find Alosaka who was standing by the fire with his horse alongside him. "It's a boy." She walked to the fire. "Dawn is resting and I could use a shot of tequila right now." Charlie scuffed the dirt with her boot, "Alosaka I want to thank you for your offer to make me whole and I have to admit I have been eagerly waiting, but I must decline. I can't explain why, but knowing where my body went, I can wait. I see your horse found. I will get dawn ready to travel in a little bit." Charlie sat on a chair log and lit a Marlboro.
Alosaka handed Charlie a bracelet of hair, "Take this as a gift. It is made from the main of my stallion and will keep you safe." Charlie accepted the horse hair, then went inside and gathered Dawn who was sitting at the table waiting. Carrying the apple box with the small new life bundled inside Charlie used her arm to support Dawn as they walked out to the car.
Dawn leaned sideways against the passenger seat holding the apple box between them. "Charlie I don't know how you found me, but I will be forever grateful." She stared at the new life sleeping and then adjusted herself to rest. "I am so hungry, my friend Tonya has not shown up for months and I ran out of food a week ago." She felt the motion of the car as Charlie pulled away from the trailer. "I must find out if Tonya is ok. She is my best friend. We share the same classes and she was bringing my homework once a week with grocery. But I told her to stay away if anyone caught on." Dawn looked at the sun sitting high in the sky then went back to starring at her son. "The council thought it would be best if I aborted my child. They said if I did they would allow me to keep my standing as honorary Kikmongwi until I came of age. But I couldn't."
The car sped back down the dirt road as quick as it arrived. Charlie wanted to get Dawn to a hospital as soon as possible. The bleeding had not stopped and the towel Dawn was sitting on couldn't hold much more. "Alosaka led me here and on the way he told me about your son and his father. How he raped you and has never told anyone and that the tribal council where his father is Chief said you had to abort the child of sin. Alosaka also said the car wreck your father died in was setup along with turning your mother into an alcoholic. Apparently your pregnancy has thrown a huge wrench into their plans to disgrace your family and keep your rights as tribal chief."
Now, with two Kikmongwi spirits running through your son's blood they will have to reinstate your family with the honors your father protected. Then your son will be Kikmongwi." Charlie was looking at Dawn who had a strange smile on her face. "What? Did I say something wrong? Alosaka told me, he said you have told no one except Tonya about the rape."
Dawn raised her head, "Charlie I don't know who you spoke with but Alosaka is a myth, one of our kachinas spirits." She yawned and fell asleep.
That made sense to Charlie for the horse arriving so soon at the fire. She looked to Dawn who was sleeping. There were still miles to go on the dirt road before Charlie would need to know where to find the hospital. Pulling the car over Charlie stepped out and gave her marshmallow man a squeeze. She was not alone. Hundreds of Hopi spirits stood around the car almost swallowing the land as far as the eye could see. Charlie found herself in awe. She could see through the first spirit to the next and to the next and on and on, each reflecting back a twinkle of sun. "I see this child has a very welcoming beginning, but if I don't get him to a hospital soon both the mother and son will die, so who will show me the way." Charlie watched as many motioned her to follow.
Back in the driver seat, Charlie continued down the road. She watched as the spirits soared ghostly alongside the car and beyond. "Well, spirits lets see how fast you are." Charlie stepped on the gas and the spirits kept up, their ghostly form swimming in a murky cloud. Soon many were mounted on spirit horses and then all. To Charlie it looked like a large band of warriors racing across the Arizona valley in their transparent forms charging off to the battlefield. "Dawn, wake up, wake up." Charlie saw the startled expression on Dawn's face. She quickly looked into the apple box to see her son still sleeping. "Oh no, the baby is ok, I want you to see how important your son is. Take my hand."
Taking Charlie's hand Dawn's eyes opened wide at first in fear. "Oh, my God, I can't believe it. Those are spirits of my ancestors. I can't believe it. There are hundreds" She looked at Charlie, "Why are they here?"
"There here to make sure you and your son survive. That is Alosaka by your door." Charlie noticed Dawn look and heard her say father and then she was out. Her bleach white complexion frightened Charlie. She was loosing Dawn. With nothing left to do Charlie pulled over. The spirits keeping near, their horses pounding the ground to keep moving.
Charlie rolled down her window, "Alosaka I have to stop we are loosing Dawn." Moving the baby into the back Charlie placed both her hands on Dawn's stomach area. It took longer then usual and many of the spirits rode by to watch some showing Charlie their concerns. But all worked out well as the bleeding stopped and rosy red cheeks developed on Dawn's face. "Dawn will be ok, but we still need to get them to a hospital." Down the road they traveled, leaving the dirt road then into town and off the reservation.
The spirits did not follow, their land was set by boundaries but there were hospital signs to guide Charlie through another town and to the emergency entrance where she rushed in to get help. Within an hour Dawn was set up in a private room and her baby was in a neonatal intensive care unit being born under three pounds and a month early. Charlie relaxed in a chair by Dawn, "Don't worry about anything I have it all taken care of." Dawn gave a smile to Charlie.
"You have been an Angel sent to me by the spirits and because of this I give my son his first name Charles. Because the fathers of our fathers formed the wind of protection to guide our way His second name is Yaponcha meaning Wind God. Because we will not be returning to the reservation until he is of age he is a lost one so his second middle name is Pahana and his last name shall be mine and not his father's who shamed him and my last name is Kachinas meaning many Gods." Dawn handed Charlie a copy of the birth certificate.
"I hope you will take this honor Charlie, you deserve it. My son will have a great name and I will teach him the traditional way and the new way he will bring in the fifth world as he is Charles Yaponcha Pahana Kachinas." Dawn paused a moment and giggled, like a sixteen year old with her life ahead of her should giggle. "That is one long name." They spent the next hour sharing stories until Dawn drifted off to sleep. Quietly Charlie left the room and went down to the parking garage to her car.
Sitting alone in her car with an empty apple box in the back seat, Charlie took a moment to admire the birth certificate. Dawn had named her God-Mother. The feeling of warmth and love grew inside Charlie from the heart and out. Placing the paper in the box Charlie started the car and went back to the school. It was almost four-thirty and some vehicles were still in the staff parking lot, including Fury's.
Inside her classroom, Fury was busy putting away art supplies the kids had used that day. With the art cart filled she pushed it down the hall towards the supply closet. The cart was old and one wheel wobbled making a swishing sound. Just before reaching the closet the wheel fell off and rolled away tipping the cart just enough that the finger-paint bottles spilled onto the hall floor.
"You must have luck on your side today." Charlie knelt down and picked up a few bottles of un-spilt paint. Placing them back on top of the cart Charlie held out her hand. "Hi, my name is Charlie". She had practiced in the car what she was going to say, she just hoped it sounded convincing. "I just moved out here and my son will be attending school here. I wanted to get a look over the grounds before then."
"Oh, well Thank you for helping, but you need to check in at the office and schedule a tour." Fury pushed the cart to the supply closet and pulled out her keys. "Your son will love it here. I am just a substitute and the kids here are just wonderful and love to learn." Opening the door she turned on the light then rolled the cart inside. Metal shelves sat along the long back wall filled with all sort of art supply. Against the far wall was another stack of metal shelves with office supply. Near the door was a paper cart with eight large rolls of assorted craft paper six feet in length.
Following Fury into the closet Charlie stood by the paper rolls. "You are a substitute. That has to make life exciting, getting to teach at different schools or do you just teach here?" Charlie watched Fury roll the cart into the back corner by the office supply shelf and then she just stood.
"Let's not even start this game." Fury approached. "I know why you are here. You are not a parent cursed with children, I can see you possess someone and you have come to challenge me or stop me. Who knows which?" Fury waved her hand causing different colors of paper to unroll and wrap Charlie up like a white chocolate Easter rabbit sealed in foil.
Caught off guard, Charlie barley had time to get the dagger out of its sheath. It didn't make much difference her hands were held tight to her side and she couldn't tell Fury why she was there with the paper covering her mouth. She tried muffling out the words, but that didn't help. Fear swallowed her. The medallion she wore tucked in her shirt was not protecting her. No one knew she was there and Fury had her suspended three feet off the floor, floating her out of the closet.
An elderly teacher walked by, "You see nothing, just keep on walking." Fury watched as she turned away. "I love my powers. Don't worry Charlie or whatever you are. I am going to take it nice and slow. It has been months since the last minion found me and I have gotten a little rusty." She stopped to open a heavy door.
Seeing the words "BOILER ROOM" on the door opened Charlie's eyes wide with fear. She thought to herself, "Luna, Luna, where are you I need help". Then she remembered as she was floating down a staircase, "Gabriel where are you, get your feathery ass here and kill this bitch, Gabriel". No one came. With what little movement she had Charlie worked the dagger.
Over at the boiler Fury conjured a fire that blasted from the belly of the furnace and rattled through the pipes, shaking the many years of accumulated dust. The pipes screeched as the metal slowly heated. "There now," Fury walked over to Charlie who, unknown to her had taken the dagger and put a small slice in the paper. "Usually I would use the crematorium, just to be nice. It is quick and clean, but I have another engagement tonight".
With her feet feeling the heat first, Charlie worked more quickly to escape. The dagger cut through the remaining paper like butter warmed in the sun. With her boots set on each side of the furnace door, Charlie let her knees bend then with all force, pushed herself away from the flames and broke the spell, leaving her to fall on the floor at Fury's feet. She wiped the dust off one shoe, "Nice heels, where did you get them?" Charlie stood to a confused looking Fury. "Hi, I am not a minion or hell bounty hunter."
You could hear the powerful impact of Fury's swing that connected with Charlie's face and sent her soaring back onto the floor. "You low life's are all the same. Nothing but liars", Fury watched Charlie pick herself up. "I can see you are possessed by the two faces you wear. You have hidden you demon face well." Charlie's boot smacked into Fury's shoulder. "Ouch! That hurt." She returned the invite with a fist swing to the stomach, but missed as Charlie moved out of the way.
They exchanged fist and foot action, until Fury tired of the skin contact and with her powers hurled Charlie into a pile of boxes filled with old school books. Amongst the scattered books on the floor, Charlie saw what looked like an Amulet. It seemed most appropriate for Fury with its devil child and five scrolls piled next to her. In her head she heard a voice whisper. "Quickly put it on the chain." Without hesitation she did.
From across the room Fury hurled a fireball but it did not touch Charlie as its reddish blue flames roared past her on both sides. She could feel the pull of Fury's power trying to raise her in the air, but Charlie remained sound to the ground. This only made Fury more angry and throwing more fireballs only proved futile except for the frustration building in Fury as she tired. "Please, Fury I am Charlie and I have come to get your story. Not kill you or drag you to hell, just to get your story."
Letting most her anger out with a deep release of air, Fury became calm. She fussed with her long deep-red hair a moment then looked at Charlie, "Sorry, a girl has to protect herself these days. I will tell you my story." She headed up the staircase with Charlie following. "I need to get my things from the classroom. One of my students lost his game boy during class a few days ago and I thought he might like it back." They walked to the classroom where Fury gathered her belongings. "It is almost five and they will lock the doors soon. Why don't we go to the parking lot? My story is short so it won't take long."
They sat in the comet as Fury told her story with the journal sitting in Charlie's lap.
ENTRY DATE: MAY 1, 2008 – LOCATION: Flagstaff, Arizona
My name is "Fury" and I come from Hell. I was spawned by Satan twenty-three years ago when my virgin mother and he ran off to Las Vegas on the eve of her sixteenth birthday. Nine months later, there I was an unwanted child. My mother born me and then skipped out on my life and my father never claimed me. So, I was left to be raised by a pack of nuns in the local Orphanage. I am smart, quick thinking, light on my feet and I have a score to settle.
When I turned twelve I had to run away from the orphanage. Apparently holy places and I have this opposing magnet affect on each other. Not to mention the fires I started with my mind or the way I could get the nuns to do about anything I wanted just by thinking it. Once I left that gloom abolishment of what one calls good faith, I felt strong, powerful.
Alone at age twelve on streets you have never seen can be a little over baring, but Cherry, this young working girl took me in. She put a roof over my head, helped me stay in school and all I had to do was baby-sit her three daughters and new born son who will always be my siblings.
I learned quick to stand on my own and to control my powers. One night Cherry came home and one of her jo's followed. He busted down the front door, scarring the kids and without hesitation my thoughts picked up a kitchen knife and flung it across the room into his chest. Needless to say, Cherry made up some cover story and then we talked. My whole being melted into submission as she was the most honest person I have ever met and that night, she said I could call her mom.
Life was normal until the night of my sixteenth birthday when Cherry was struck down by a drunk driver. Social Services took the children. I didn't want to let the nuns know where I was and so I ran. From there on fending for myself became first nature. Stayed in school, made it to college and took on this grade school job. The night I walked away from my siblings, I never looked back, but I think about them every single day of my life and one day I will find them.
It was during college when one of my professors, possessed by a demon, told me about my father and who I was. He must have thought I was an easy target, but I was faster. They will never find that professor or the handy little book he kept about me and my family. The professor also had a Chalice along with some other useful tools in his office which are now mine. After a few special thoughts relayed to the Dean, I graduated early with honors and headed out of town. Along the way my car got a flat and this nice gentleman stopped to help. While waiting, I browsed through the professor's book and found a good use for the chalice. The gentleman helped me with one more issue when he became my coin to call home.
Before making the call I wondered what I would first say to the man, creature, king, animal, sperm donor or whatever you call Satan, My first thought was to tell him about how my flaming red hair runs long down my back in locks of natural ringlets. My eyes a sky blue, with deep black pupils and my skin is fair, almost white. I am small, fragile looking in size, but if you mess with me - you won't see the next minute. Then I could ask him what parts did he give me, but I didn't.
When he answered he knew it was me. Said he has been watching me since birth and that he was there when I came into power. Then he congratulated me for graduating from college. I had nothing to say.
My father Satan talked for sometime and convinced me of his love and then asked me to help him.
A few months ago I start teaching where the girl friend to one of those pesky Demon hunters enrolled her son. My other demonic kin have tried to distract Demon Hunters by going after family members, but I feel the ties there are to strong and you have to deal with all and not just the one.
I believe using an outside connection to the hunter will keep him off his game long enough for my father to connect with the hunter's brother. Then I can release the real school teacher from the coma she is in and be on my way to glory where I will penetrate hell with my fury and then my father with my knife.
END ENTRY DATE: MAY 1, 2008 – LOCATION: Flagstaff, Arizona
Charlie thought, "Fury was right short and sweet". She looked at Fury, "Not much to your beginning Fury. I am sorry you had to go through so much in your life." Charlie didn't know what to say. "I guess this is it. Thank you for getting yourself in the book."
Fury turned and grinned at Charlie. "You are protected against my power, which is fine. I have no grudge with you. But that journal your writing I have heard rumors about. It is suppose to be the collective of the whole. From what I know that book will be used to bring forth new life. Of course that is only what I heard"
Charlie saw a young man walk out of the building to the staff parking lot, when she looked back at Fury she was gone. The medallion began to get warm. "The first Amulet", Charlie thought back to the morning when Fury was outside the restaurant. She watched the young man get in his car, "Oh, man. That is the car Fury almost hit this morning. She wasn't my Manitou, he is."
Feeling she had done enough for one day Charlie decided to let things rest for the night. Back in town she found a motel room and kicked back to relax. She ordered in Pizza and watched movies. While relaxing she thought about doing something special for Dawn before she left.
When she went into the bathroom her own reality was looking her in the face. She needed to get back to herself. Her mind would not rest. Thinking of Dawn, Fury, Ann and Bobby made it hard for her to concentrate. It was eleven-thirty when Charlie decided she needed to just sleep. With a quick shower and one more look at Ann looking back at her in the mirror, Charlie crawled into bed hoping for a good nights sleep. But it didn't come. She tossed and turned until she fell into realm sleep.
Somewhere in the darkness of her deepest dreams approached the deep growls and piercing howl of hell hounds. Charlie tried to focus but the darkness was too solid. The most horrifying painful scream escaped her. The hounds were on top ripping into her flesh. Their burning hot breathes scorching her skin and razor sharp teeth piercing her throat. Claws long and pointed dug into her torso ripping the flesh from the bone. Blood steamed from every inch of her body and then she was falling. Far down, further and further her body spinning. From out of the darkness a long chain with a hook flung towards her digging into the skin under her shoulder, then another. More chains with hooks drove themselves into her skin hooking onto the bone. She was no longer falling. The chains suspended her in the darkness of unbearable pain.
Charlie's body sprung to a sitting position her voice screaming in pain. She could feel the fear in her heart beating fast. Grabbing her chest she crawled out of bed and went into the bathroom where she splashed water on her face. That wasn't good enough her entire body burned so Charlie stepped into the shower and let the cold water rain down on her over heated body.
Letting herself go, Charlie collapsed in the tub. The cold water steaming from her touch brought her temperature down to normal. She could hear a knock at the door, but was too weak to answer. The commotion grew outside the motel door and then increased when the manager opened the door and a tall young man entered the bathroom. It was Hank as most people call him but his given name is Chankoowashtay Chyldes. He grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her. "Are you ok Miss, Your screams woke me. I thought you were being murdered."
Charlie thought to herself as he carried her to the bed, "Great! Here is Hank and I am not myself. I remember him from the train station". She looked at him and saw such concern in his eyes and then saw the manager standing near the door. "Please, Thank you I had a very bad nightmare and just need to rest. What time is it?" The manager left and Hank let her know it was twelve-thirty. "I truly am sorry for waking you."
Hank offered to stay the remainder of the night, but Charlie sent him on his way. Alone once more Charlie fell back to sleep and did not dream. She woke at five, took a shower, dressed then headed out the door to breakfast. She gave a quick sweep of the parking area, hoping she may see Hank, but there was no one out that early. At least not at the motel, it was Friday and if the young man has a constant routine of being at the restaurant Charlie felt she could get his story and then head out after herself.
The restaurant was busy when Charlie entered. She saw Betty serving a large round corner booth where eight people were sitting. There eyes met and she nodded a good morning and received the same. There was barely any room to sit, but Charlie found the counter stool she needed, next to the young man. "Good morning". She spoke as she sat down. Remembering, Betty brought Charlie a hot cup of coffee and a small metal pitcher of whole milk. "Thank you Betty. I will have the breakfast special, when you get a moment."
Betty grinned, "Why I have all the time in the world. If they can't wait for me, then they best eat elsewhere." She filled the man's cup with fresh coffee, "Will there be anything else for you Job?" Betty darted off after Job asked for a hot butter horn and she put both orders at the window then carried an order that was ready, to another table. Charlie watched her for a moment dash from one spot to another.
Turning to Job who was drinking his coffee and finishing the last piece of bacon on his plate, Charlie wondered how she was going to get his story before he left. In minutes Betty had his hot butter horn sitting in front of him and removed his breakfast dishes. "I should have ordered a hot butter horn. That looks good, but I should eat my breakfast first." That was a simple opener.
Looking at her Job finished swallowing the bite he had chewed. "You should order one, they complete the breakfast." Job took another bite then went about folding up the newspaper he had been reading and placed it in his satchel that sat on the floor by his feet. "I saw you at the school yesterday talking with Felicia are you two friends?" Job waited a response while finishing another bite.
Who was Felicia? "Oh, Felicia, no we just met. I was getting a story from her that I needed for my book. I saw you there. Are you a teacher too?" Job responded with a no. "Oh, well you see I actually was at the school to talk to you and see if I could get your story about your beginning for my journal." There she did it. Somehow asking that question in any form compelled each Manitou into spilling the beans. "Of course we can wait until you have finished your butter horn and we aren't around so many people." Charlie looked at Job who had started to talk before she had interrupted him. "I tell you what, now that you're done with your butter horn, why don't we go out to my car." Agreeing to this proposition, Job picked up his satchel and paid Betty. Charlie motioned she would be right back and the two went out and sat in the comet.
"I understand you need to get to school so just give me a minute." Charlie reached into the back and brought her Little Demon up front. She opened it to a blank page as usual. Without trying the book always opened to a blank page and Charlie never looked to see if the page before was her previous Manitou or if it was blank. The book choice the page she just listened. "Ok Job, all you have to do is talk about your beginning and whatever else you wish to share."
ENTRY DATE: MAY 2, 2008 – LOCATION: Flagstaff, Arizona
My name is Job On the eve of my Mother's sixteenth Birthday she gave herself to her boy friend. My mother doesn't know he was a Guardian Angel who watched over her since birth. He fell in love and on that night he fell from grace, but before that happened I was conceived.
At age ten I lost my father in a fatal car accident. At that time we owned a small farm outside of town and with no one to help, my mother leased the land out and we moved in with her twin sister who had given birth to a still born child on the eve of my birth. After ten years my aunt still showed remorse for her loss and taking me under her wings seem to ease that pain. She now is remarried and has two twin boys. My mother has never attempted another relationship and spends most her days helping my Aunt.
I started college when I was in High School. During my last year, one of my professor's just disappeared. We use to play chess together on Wednesday nights, while discussing the power of Angels and Demons. I enjoyed the Demonology class, but dropped it after the professor left. It just didn't feel the same without him.
My major was "Advanced Course in School Administration" and when I heard my home town elementary would be hiring a new principal for the coming year, I applied. When the response letter came I was nervous. This was a big jump for me and my resume was lacking in many areas, including community awareness, Child development, and others. I studied all, but my hand on percentage was zero, unless you count my twin cousins, who certainly were a handful. My good fortune was keeping up with current events through a subscription of the local paper.
Not wanting to be alone when I opened the letter, I remember going to my friends dorm room and asking him to open it for me. He was in a rush on his way home for our last winter break of college, but he gladly told me I got the position. Then padded me on the shoulder and headed out the door. I still remember feeling sick to my stomach and using Dave's bathroom. I was knocked for a loop, I mean I wanted the job, but to stand in reality and have it. That was one of the greatest days of my life and that night my worst.
After cleaning myself up I took the letter to the Dean and we discussed my choices. The plan was for me to assume the Vice-principal position, so I could become tuned to the system. Once I was principal I would have all my doctrines, but should continue my education as life grows and evolves so do our ideas.
Back at the dorm I packed most my things then gave mom a call and told her I was coming home. I thought she was going to break my ear drum she was so excited. I kept trying to call Dave and had to leave him a message that I was behind him by about two hours and he should wait at Lonnie's Pit and Pie.
Two miles from home I was stopped by a road block. Someone's truck had gone off the road. At that point I remember trying to call Dave and when he didn't answer, I parked my truck and went beyond the road block over by Marty's tow truck and watched as they pulled Dave's truck up out of a deep ravine. Marty was working that night and told me I should get back beyond the tape.
After a talk with the Sheriff and some re-gathering of my soul, they let me pass through. If they didn't I probably would have given Sheriff Will another black eye. In High School we use to get into some good brawls. In fact Marty, Dave, Sheriff Will and I all went to school together, but Dave and I we were like brothers. I was the suit and tie kid while Dave was more like Marty, a mechanic. While in High School Dave worked at Marty's garage, it was Marty seniors at the time. Now it is Marty Junior's and he had the displeasure of having to tell me our friend was gone and intended to work through the night examining his truck.
Driving away from the scene felt like I was abandoning my best friend and I had to stop. The Lonnie Pit and Pie sat on the outskirts of town where I decided to take some time and collect myself before heading home with the news. A girl about my age caught my attention. Her long red wavy hair reminded me of someone from the college. As she walked by my memory placed her as a fellow student who sat a few rows in front me, but I couldn't recall which class.
What a way to start a new faucet in life. It has been about eight months since Dave was murdered. Apparently his heart was removed. What sane person would do such a thing? I say none. Sheriff Will said they had a power black out at the asylum the night prior to Dave's wreck and that most of the mental patients were running loose. Over time they returned all, except seven. Out of those the Sheriff said at least three of those round the bend loonies could have done such a horrible thing. They never found his heart.
All I have now of Dave is his truck and when I have a rough day at school, I find comfort just sitting in the passenger seat, pulling old memories from my heart and laughing. One of my favorites is when Dave and I would see his mother Helen out back or standing over his dad. It was, "Roy do this or Roy take me here." Dave and I would chuckle together as we watched Helen of Roy dictate their world.
To Dave, I say may his climb to Heaven been accompanied by Angels and his life there filled with happiness. I only say this because lately, I have been seeing my father, in the faces of strangers leering my way from afar and this sent me to confession where I found my father waiting for me. He didn't have wings I could see and he was dressed in his Sunday suit that we buried him in. So at first I though I was hallucinating. In brief he was forgiven for his sins and taken under the wings of heaven. Now he is back and wants me to help him protect a young child from being the pawn in some devilish game.
Because I am half human and half Angel the Demon's won't feel me coming so I should be able to keep a watch over the child and then warn my father if I feel there is a threat close by. Why they don't just move the child I am not sure, but my father did say they are using the boy like cheese on a mouse trap. This is not good. Most cheese is either eaten by the mouse or squished in the trap along with the mouse and they won't give me a name. Confusing, confusing.
END ENTRY DATE: MAY 2, 2008 – LOCATION: Flagstaff, Arizona
"I am sorry to burden you with my story. I must warn you – stay away from Felicia. She is not all she seems and I have a grave feeling the young child is in her class. I don't know why I feel this but I do. Take care Charlie." Job climbed out of the car, leaving Charlie to wonder if Fury and Job are cousins and that Job may have to kill her to protect the child and maybe his Aunt. Charlie went back inside and ate her breakfast that Betty kept under the heat lamp and then she went to the motel and packed up her stuff.
Stopping at the hospital to tell Dawn goodbye, Charlie met Tonya. The three of them discussed Dawn and Charles future. Dawn told her the doctor wanted them to stay in the hospital for another week. Charlie asked if she had contacted her family, but she hadn't. She was afraid they would take Charles from her. Tonya told Charlie they were going to look for a place off the Reservation near the High School. Dawn had two years of High School to finish and wanted to get into college if possible.
A nurse came in and said it was time to leave, so after saying goodbye Tonya and Charlie went to the local realtors and did some house shopping. On a side street across from the High School football field there was a large four bedroom house that sat on the corner with two acres of land. On the far end was a smaller house with its own street entrance. All it took was a quick phone call and the property was Charlie's.
The next few days Charlie took time to go shopping with Tonya and provide the house with furniture and necessities. During the evening hours Charlie put protection spells around the entire property and a few extra on the little house. There were two bedrooms a small front room and a large kitchen with a deck off the back. Charlie decided to make this a safe house for hunters. She hung a talisman wind chime on the front porch and nailed house numbers on the front gate along with a pair of wooden Angel wings. It was odd looking but definitely noticeable should a hunter need a place to go.
The property was secured by a wooden fence five feet high and several gates. The little house was partitioned off by the same fencing, making it look like two properties instead of one. By Friday May ninth Charlie was eager to get on her way. She left Tonya with Dawn at the hospital, but before going she made a quick stop at the house and went into the nursery where she hung the bracelet Alosaka had given her, for protection, on the crib.
Then stopping at the restaurant for a hamburger and fries to go Charlie headed out of town. In no time she was flying North on U.S. sixty-nine until she reached the interchange for highway one-sixty. Why she was taking that route she didn't know. Something inside her itched to go that way so she did. The one-sixty took her to the four corners area where she decided to take a break. But finding herself somewhat lost she left the highway following a sign for assorted accommodations.
Somehow she got lost and wound up on some endless back road. Then out of the blue she approached an intersection with no signs. The car died and coasted to a stop. "What, no, no please," She began to panic. "Don't leave me on this lonely desolate road. We need to get back to the highway." Stepping out of the car Charlie stood in the center of the crossroads without realizing it. There on the ground reflecting her headlight beams was an Amulet. "Now this is too crazy."
Back in the driver seat Charlie was examining the Amulet when the car rocked. Out of nowhere appeared Bobby, "Oh my God!". Charlie grabbed her chest. "Bobby, Bobby how did you get," Suddenly it dawned on her. "Oh no Bobby, what happened?"
Looking around Bobby starred at Charlie, "Who are you I am looking for my friend Charlie?" It took some explaining but Bobby finally accepted the girl in the driver seat as being Charlie. "Well, I hope you get yourself back soon. I like you better as you." Bobby sighed. "I found out about the ghost paths and figured if I followed one it would lead me to you. Well, it would have too. I am following the marshmallow man you got from Lynda." Bobby stopped for a moment. "That is my problem, Lynda." Bobby went on to explain about the Chalice canister and how he was dripping his blood into it so Lynda could take physical form and they could be together. Bobby went further to say what Lynda didn't tell him, that the chalice was cursed. When he dripped blood into the chalice for the thirteenth time and while they were together in his room, the curse placed Lynda's soul in his body and trapped his in her ghostly shell. "I should have listened to you Charlie." Bobby seemed very sad.
"I don't understand. Did Lynda become you or did she become herself, because you look like you, yet you were able to follow Lynda's path?" Charlie listened as Bobby explained, he was stuck in Lynda's ectoplasm and he couldn't handle looking like her so he changed it to look like him. "You have to come home and help me, she is ruining my life."
Charlie turned the key and the car started. Spinning a donut in the intersection she headed back to Highway one-sixty. There was a sign for U.S. Route four-ninety-one and decided to take it. "Hey look Char, we are near the Four Corners Monument. You know they say the marker is out of place since they relined the States way back when and that this road were on is the Devil's Highway. Well that is its nickname. It originally was number six-six-six, but after too many mishaps and the nickname it was decided to renumber it in two-thousand and three." Bobby pointed up ahead towards the side of the road. "Look the signs, one is four-ninety-one and the other is the original six-six-six."
Charlie looked at Bobby, "Are you trying to make something out of this or are you just trying to make me more nervous then I am?" Bobby never answered. "Look there is a sign for Cortez. Let's find a place to stay for the night."
Within the hour Charlie and Bobby were settling in for the night. "Well, Bobby I suppose you don't need a bed but if you want to fake it, yours is nearest the window." Charlie went to take a shower, before shutting the door she turned to see Bobby turning the television on with his ghost touch. "Hey, don't turn it up to loud or to x-rated channels and don't come into the bathroom. I don't want to have to zap you"
After her shower Charlie remembered her lunch from the restaurant and settled on eating it cold while they shared stories. By two in the morning Charlie had talked herself into sleep. Bobby stood by her bed for a moment then began to shake and fade. His lips spoke the words "Help, help Char wake up." But nothing came out and he was gone.
Waking from her slumber Charlie stretched the stiffness from her body and stood. When she turned and saw the other bed empty she began to worry. She called for Bobby but he didn't answer. "Damn Lynda she must of used that ghost finders spell and grabbed him. I have got to head home." Then she remembered the Amulet and didn't know what she should do. So instead of using a map or placing the Amulet near the chain, she loaded up the car and took off with plans to head to Washington State.