They laughed, as Pastor Jacob comprehended the disappointing news.
One ascended the left stairs of the podium, and the other ascended the right.
Pastor Jacob said, “You talk as if I fear death. Death has no sting here!”
The Pastor equipped a Ghost Machine Gun hidden inside the pulpit and reloaded it with holy water. The Gemini teleported from harm’s end as the church was instantly riddled with bullets. Holy water seeped from the holes of their unintended targets.
The smoke from the chaos dissolved. Pastor Jacob reloaded his weapon.
He listened in for their movements and fired again. He spared nothing; more ammunition ripped the church apart.
He could hear the Gemini, but could see nothing. Their gifts improved dramatically since the last time they’d met. Coming from opposite ends, parallel to the Pastor, through the smoke, they planted their swords into his body, separating him. Pastor Jacob lay dead.
One of the Geminis said, “Our Lord will be pleased. We will avenge our Fallen ancestors.”
But his Twin retorted, “You celebrate too soon. Let’s hope he did not inform anyone of the other Zodiacs’ whereabouts. Check his body for any communication devices.”
After a thorough inspection of Pastor Jacob’s body, one of the Gemini Twins motioned for departure. “Let us go.”
The Zodiacs set fire to the church and took flight out a balcony window.
] Fifteen minutes later]
“What has happened here?” one of The Pursuers asked, only to see police cars, helicopters, and fire trucks outside of their mark. Detectives blocked the perimeter with special cars and yellow caution tape, keeping the media and curious residents away. Fire consumed the church.
Justus said, “We failed him. Time is indeed a curse on this Planet.”
Ashamed that they’d failed, Ozias and Justus returned to tell the others of Pastor Jacob’s death.
They had little time to mourn. They needed a new Guide. They regrouped back at the safehouse to formulate a new plan.
Irisan said, “What are we to do?”
Natenal didn’t seem as concerned as the others by the night’s setback. “Hold your heads. It is a hindrance, but other Guide’s await. I’ll summon another one shortly.”
DANIEL’S DREAM
“Mathieu, nooo!”
In his dream, Daniel recalled a secret assignment he had been involved in centuries ago in a past life.
“Where did they go?” one of his soldiers inquired.
Other soldiers ahead of them disappeared in a dark mist, supported by dark magic.
Now divided, Daniel and his group heard a deafening roar followed by the noise of laser fire.
The more they heard the cries of their Brethren, the dimmer their mission appeared, until the dark mist dissipated.
“Go, see if there are any survivors,” Daniel ordered while gazing upon their fallen comrades.
However, there were none. Even Mathieu, their Master Archangel, was found crumpled as if but a piece of paper.
“Who could have done this?” Daniel asked himself.
The questions did not stop there. Just over a hill, in an inner valley of the Dimension, Daniel came across a trail of four bodiless Nephilim heads. He came to terms that neither he nor the remainder of his men had the required skills to go against whatever left this trail of death behind.
“My God! Judging by the marks, the heads of these Giants were not severed; rather, they were torn from their bodies by someone’s bare hands! This being is stronger than anything I’ve ever seen in this Mortal part of the Universe.” Seconds away from calling off the mission, Daniel’s curiosity overcame him. They uncovered another head of a Giant. “This one is still in its dying stages, which means its executioner has yet to exit this Dimension,” Daniel said.
”You mean, whoever’s done this is still here?” one of his soldiers replied.
“Yes, be very cautious,” Daniel answered as they advanced towards the Giant’s head.
After a few more twitches, the Giant’s eyes rolled to the back of its head, and it died.
Daniel continued, “Serves them all right. Their breath still holds the stench of human flesh and blood. This must have all been done in retaliation.”
One soldier asked, “But what of Mathieu and our men? What had they done to deserve the same fate? This murderer must be punished.”
Daniel and the soldiers moved on to more evidence. They found a pair of footprints.
“This can’t be. These are the footprints of a child!” remarked one of the soldiers.
“Let me see.” He measured the footprints, and confirmed the supposition.
“Look!” One of his soldiers pointed.
They saw a boy no more than twelve years of age. He left a message in the snow in a weird dialect. It was coated with the blood of the Nephilim that he’d just destroyed.
One of the soldiers equipped with classified conversion goggles, decoded the message.
Daniel read the message aloud:
“Your men had been warned to leave me alone. They did not heed that warning and have thus paid the price. I admonish you not to make the same mistake.” — Leo
Chapter 4
WATCHERS
It was quarter past eleven in New York City. A man requested more coffee from a waiter at a local diner. “Thank you, my dear,” he replied, as she kindly refilled his cup. She calmly smiled and walked away to attend to her other customers. He waited patiently as security frisked his anticipated guest.
With a menu in her hand, another waitress questioned the odd guest, “Table for one, Sweetie?”
“No, Sweetheart, I’m here to meet an old buddy of mine.”
The guest was none other than one of the Gemini. Taurus waived over to him and sipped his coffee.
“Where’s your other half?” Taurus asked.
The Twin answered, “He is not too far behind. He’s watching our ass.”
Taurus combed the menu. “Their specialty tonight is Italian wedding soup. He’s missing out.”
“It’s alright. Let’s move forward,” was the curt reply.
Taurus asked, “Did you get any information out of Brother Jacob?”
The Twin answered, “We weren’t given the chance, unlike the rest. Before we were able to detain him for torture, he put to use some impressive special weapon.”
The Gemini missed out on all the information that they would’ve derived by torturing Pastor Jacob, but unfortunately, things ended abruptly.
Taurus continued, “All right, let’s get down to business. For the record, I have a public speech to nail in the morning involving our friend Brother Jacob. You guys screwed up on that big time.”
The Twin responded, “Like I said, he didn’t give us many options.”
Taurus said, “Well, it will be quite pleasing to know that Sagittarius’ whereabouts have been discovered.”
Surprised at this news, the present half of the Gemini moved in closer to hear more and so they could talk more quietly. Booths have ears. “Where is he?”
Taurus handed over a business card, with an address written on the back of it. “That’s his whereabouts. Where exactly he rests his head is beyond me.”
The Twin took the business card and memorized the address. “Great news.”
Taurus said, “Find him and disclose the Scroll. Everything should be easy after that. Unless, of course, he refuses.”
The Twin pocketed the business card and headed towards the exit.
Taurus said, “Stay out of sight until called upon again.”
The Twin exited the diner.
Until they unearthed Aries, Taurus ruled. Once all of the Zodiacs Align, they will stand as one of the key ingredients to the final movement against God. Not only was Taurus a Zodiac, he was an Elder Zodiac. If survived to adulthood, a Zodiac becomes more powerful in season.
And it was indeed Aries’ season. She was to be the Ruler and have dominion over all the Zodiacs until the cusp
.
Ever since their casting out of Heaven, the original Zodiacs had already passed and gone, but their bloodline carried their gifts from generation to generation. The new generation of Zodiacs migrated across countries to unidentified Earths and Galaxies. Anyone attempting to find them would need nothing short of a miracle.
The Pursuers stationed themselves on the roof of a skyscraper in the heart of New York City. After finishing a hymn, they continued their meeting.
“There is a traitor among us,” Natenal said it so suddenly that it caused an uncomfortable silence.
Grenad responded, “My Lord?”
Natenal continued, “Pastor Jacob’s assassins were tipped off from someone within our unit. His death was marked before our exodus from the safehouse.”
Goliath said, “How is this possible?”
Confusion reigned within the group.
Natenal restored order to the rapidly disintegrating meeting. “Pursuers, before this meeting gets out of hand, please bear in mind that we don’t have time to even raise suspicion. The traitor will be revealed as our enemies’ end draws near. It is clear they have pledged their allegiance to Lucifer or another Covenant, and there is no changing that. When the Devil is defeated, all who have sided with him will share his defeat. We have Zodiacs to pursue and a Scroll to intercept.”
Levi added, “The Bookkeeper will soon make his presence known, and he’ll have to witness and record everything he sees here. How shameful it is that the traitor will be someone of importance in his book. The thought of this turns my stomach.”
THE SURROGATE MOTHER
My Sister was a Zodiac who went by the name Sagittarius. Her husband’s name was Lieutenant Marvin Erkvin of Pluto. He was one of the Mercenaries for the Dark Graduates. It has been seven years since their marriage, and he had no idea his wife was a Zodiac until the sixth year. Many times, he would wish she had never told him; but, for the sake of their future, she had no other choice.
He’s been on many classified missions involving the rumors of Zodiacs. Who would’ve thought that this whole time one was right under the Dark Graduate’s nose? When the Dark Graduates were getting closer to finding out her identity, that’s when a distraught wife decided to disclose the news to her husband. From then on, they were both in danger. If the news was ever to surface, and he held out on this information, it would be considered treason by the Dark Graduates and punishable by death.
The Dark Graduates were known for enforcing their laws rigidly, which is what made them the most dangerous society this Universe had ever seen. It was only a matter of time before he could no longer tamper with evidence, which slowed down the advances of his fellow associates. So, they both took refuge.
Sadly, for some reason, my Sister could not conceive a child. Through her blood, her offspring would be the heir to and future of her power. I allowed their secret doctors to implant my Sister’s fertilized egg into my uterus.
For years, the Dark Graduates tracked them down. Marvin was forced to kill his own Mercenaries, men he considered Brothers. But times have changed for the Lieutenant, and only the survival of his family mattered.
After the married couple killed too many soldiers, the Dark Graduates sent Hybrids. When the Hybrids fell, Marvin knew it would not be long before Special Alien Forces would be dispatched to capture them. Even Giants might be sent.
So, my Sister and Marvin decided to bring the fight to the Dark Graduates. I continued to live out my duties as a Surrogate Mother. As hard as it was, they said their goodbyes to their unborn child. Seven months into my pregnancy, I was sent to another part of the Universe. That was the last time I would see my Sister and Marvin. One night I was awakened with anxiety. I thought I was having a miscarriage, but I soon learned from the doctor that the baby suffered an unknown process or stage that challenged their expertise. They had no explanation. But, thank God, the baby was still alive and well inside my womb.
Sadness came over me, and I could not hold back the tears. I cried uncontrollably. I knew my Sister was dead. Despite her power and his skill, they knew they were no match in taking on the Dark Graduates. But, for the sake of their unborn child, they wanted to buy enough time for me to get her to safety.
She was a healthy baby, weighing nine-and-a-half pounds. Another Zodiac had been brought into this Universe … a Universe that would soon prove to have total disregard for her innocence, let alone her life. She would grow up so fast, but I would make it my goal to ensure that she had a childhood, even if it killed me.
Chapter 5
COMMON INTERESTS
At the headquarters of a famous news station, Mr. Anderson, a well-established news anchor for the ZDYX News, was in the process of relocating his office. He guided his assistants towards another office across the hall. “Careful with those! They’re very important documents.”
His secretary confirmed that his 6:30 appointment had arrived.
Mr. Anderson answered, “Thanks, Jane. I’ll be right with him.”
The visitor was Pharisees, who waited patiently in his suit and tie reading a Time Magazine.
Mr. Anderson added, “Send him to my old office, Jane. Thanks.”
Jane entered the waiting room and notified the guest, “Mr. Anderson will see you.” She escorted him to Mr. Anderson’s office. The door shut securely behind them.
Pharisees entered the office, and after a few pleasantries, they got right down to business.
Mr. Anderson said, “May God be praised. It is time, I suppose.”
Pharisees answered, “Yes, my friend. Take a leave of absence, and meet us at these coordinates.” He passed the news anchor a piece of paper and moved towards the door.
Pharisees remarked, “Mr. Anderson?”
Mr. Anderson answered, “Yes, Pharisees?”
Pharisees says, “Bring a lot of paper. Rest assured that what you’re going to witness will be Biblical.”
“I understand,” Mr. Anderson nodded.
Pharisees took an elevator to the street level. It was another busy New York afternoon downtown. He saw the average corporate and city workers fresh into their daily routine, flooding the streets of this never-sleeping city. Two strange men with suits and ties entered the building just as Pharisees made his way out. Pharisees thought nothing of it. He walked around the corner. A few minutes into his walk, he sensed danger. “There’s something wrong here.”
He walked back into the building to check on the newly appointed Bookkeeper.
The phone rang.
“Mr. Anderson?” his secretary, Jane, interrupted him.
Mr. Anderson, irritated at being disturbed, huffed, “Yes Jane?”
Jane reported, “Your 7:30 is here.”
Staggered, he replied, “My 7:30?”
Jane confirmed, “Yes, they said they were here on behalf of that Stock Exchange story you reported recently.”
Paranoia set in. He gathered his important documents while in his new office and told Jane that he would be right with them. Just in case, he checked on his hidden 9mm handgun in the center drawer of his new desk. He took the safety off and closed the drawer. He shut off his office lights and closed the blinds.
“Can you bring them to my old office. I’m still cleaning things up.”
Jane didn’t notice Mr. Anderson’s high alertness. To her it was just another instance of unannounced visitors. “Sure,” she obliged.
Mr. Anderson hid in the dark to see who these so-called 7:30s were as Jane escorted them to his old office. He wasn’t surprised to see his suspicion confirmed. He’d never seen any of these guys before. Something told him that his 9mm stood no chance against these unexpected guests.
One of the Geminis said in a whisper, “After we‘re done with this scum, we should have our way with his secretary.”
His Twin responded, “What? Don’t be foolish. There’s no time for that. He wants a report of what goes on here when we’re done. And need I remind you that we have yet to find Sagittarius?”
&n
bsp; The First Gemini answered, “Well, let’s just add her to the report after we kill this Bookkeeper.”
His Twin replied, “Our time is no longer ours to keep, not since the day we were given the Scroll. Don’t you care about the importance of forming this alliance? Enough of your bullshit!”
The First Gemini scanned the perimeter. Jane vanished and so did everyone else, except for the same guy they’d passed in the lobby heading into the building. It was Pharisees making his way down the hall.
The First Twin spoke, “And just who the fuck are you supposed to be?”
Pharisees answered, “The rest will envy me when I deliver the news of how I eliminated the Gemini before they ever laid eyes upon them. But no one has to die unless you hand over that Scroll and atone for your sins. Meet my demands, and I will let you live.”
The Gemini scoffed in unison, “Ha-ha-ha! You arrogant bastard. You’ll lose your life in retribution for those words!”
Pharisees touched the floor where they stood; his gift revealed their weakness. They ran out of the office for their initial attack, but a barrage of lengthy sharp throwing knives forced them to teleport out of harm’s way. The knives violently pelted the walls and fixtures of the hall and office.
The Gemini put their Air Signs to work and knocked Pharisees back down the hall with a burst of wind. It was as if a tornado had ripped through the hallway. Pharisees hit one of the walls hard and collapsed. The Gemini sprinted towards him. “Do not move.”
One of the Gemini Twins summoned his special power and entered the mind of Pharisees.
Pharisees fended off the invasion within his mind. He focused on the physicality as he teleported his way in the opposite direction of the Gemini.
Stopped in their tracks, they stumbled as he vanished in plain sight.
He reappeared behind them, equipping his Super Sword. They gathered themselves and exchanged sharp metal. He showcased over a hundred years of training. Despite the two of them, the Gemini still could not find an opening or an effective defense against the skilled swordsmen of God. Pieces of their flesh piled upon his sword. Yet, with another surge of wind, they sent him towards another wall. Pharisees countered by using his teleporting abilities. He went through the wall unscathed, leaving his Zodiac adversaries puzzled.
Pursuit of the Zodiacs Page 3