Pursuit of the Zodiacs

by Walsh, Nathan

  “We’re losing him!” A Doctor shouted as he and his team desperately tried reviving a draining Ozias. The plane made an emergency landing on the coast of New Mexico. They rushed Ozias to a nearby hospital. He lost a substantial amount of blood. Stationed at the same hospital, Sagittarius fell in and out of consciousness.

  The doctor spoke, “This just doesn’t make any sense. They reported that this man started leaking like a broken faucet.”

  The nurse said, “Do you think it was self-inflicted?”

  “That would certainly explain it. But the passenger seated next to him mentioned that he didn’t move at all! He slept during the entire incident.”

  Hours later, after a successful operation, the Doctor entered the room and, analyzing Ozias’s chart, asked, “So, how’s our patient doing?” The nurse answered, “He’s in stable condition.”

  The Doctor stated, “This can’t be right. If this analysis is correct, this man would be well over 200 years old.”

  To avoid risking her job, the nurse humbly took Ozias’s chart back and went to the lab to recheck Ozias’ fingerprints and DNA. She returned with the same results.

  The Doctor moved on, “We’ll worry about it later. Right now, he’s in stable condition, but needs to be monitored. Let’s go check on the other one.”

  The Doctor and nurse headed towards Sagittarius’s room. Upon entry, they witnessed their patient heinously feeding on a nurse.

  The influence of Lucifer’s Scroll turned Sagittarius into a monster. The same people who revived him stood in horror. The blood of the innocent had been good enough to further heal his wounds. The doctor and nurse fled while Sagittarius set his room ablaze. He went in search of Ozias.

  Everyone scurried within the halls of the hospital, jarring for the exits. The doctor and nurse skipped the elevator and escaped down the emergency stairs.

  The noise of gunfire one floor up awakened the battered Pursuer still plugged to an IV. He slowly pulled the needle from his vein and struggled to transform into a wild beast for the next round with Sagittarius. He failed. The pain overwhelmed him. He noticed that the clocks on the wall had stopped. He saw Sagittarius down the hallway searching in and out of every room.

  Another Doctor entered Ozias’s room while dodging the burning body of one of the hospital’s security guards. He witnessed Ozias shapeshifting. All classes of entities competed to win over his body, but again Ozias failed. “What the Hell are you!” Terrified, the Doctor ran out the room. Ozias realized that his current condition would be no match for Sagittarius. So, instead of trying to engage him, he wisely shape-shifted into something more manageable: a Mortal. He disguised himself as a doctor and, with the others, exited the burning medical facility while police and firefighters rushed their way in.

  Sagittarius ignored the Doctors exiting the room to join the other fleeing staff. Upon hitting the corner, he picked up Ozia’s scent. His true Demonic form exposed, his big black wings steered him in the direction of his unfinished business.

  When he arrived at Ozias’ room, he found it empty. Only his torn, blood-soaked clothes remained.

  TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

  Your urge to help people less fortunate than you can backfire, especially in these pressing times. As Ruler of the Twelth House, you must not allow yourself to be weak and indecisive.

  “PLEASE MOVE ASIDE”

  With little time to spare, the Three Kings reached the only entrance to the Secret Mountain of the Seven Moons. They encountered a strange humanoid entity. The woman sat on a huge rock in the middle of a lake. Her eyes were like a fish: big and black, as if an empty Universe resided within. Her hair was of thorns, and she wore dark but visible clothing covered with bizarre symbols. She held a staff engraved with more weird writing and symbols foreign to their eyes. The staff pulsated and glowed.

  “Who wishes to pass?” said the strange woman.

  Asad, Farooq, and Rashad dismounted and parted from their Supernatural Carpets, as paranormal aid was not permitted beyond the great walls of the mountain.

  Asad answered the strange woman first. “I go by the name Asad, and my companions go by the names Rashad and Farooq. We are Three Kings from the North on a very important mission. We’ve come a long way, and we kindly wish to pass. Please move aside.”

  The strange woman continued, “No one is allowed to pass until I observe what must be destroyed.”

  Rashad ordered, “What? Move aside, witch. We have no time for amusements.”

  “Listen here, strange woman,” Farooq added. “Just who are you anyway?”

  Asad intervened, “Please excuse my Brothers. We don’t have much time. Please, what is your name?”

  The strange woman spoke, “My name is Pisces, and my Ruler Neptune has sent me here to protect the well-being of this mountain and the River of Ruin that run through it. It is sacred, and I can’t allow anyone to dump any rubbish in the sacred waters.”

  The Three Kings looked at one another in disbelief. What were the chances of them running into another Zodiac, and furthermore, her being the Guardian of the Secret Mountain of The Seven Moons? They had very little time to make a critical decision. They could sense Taurus and his minions closing in. They could either terminate Pisces before granting her the liberty of reading the Scroll, or let her see the Scroll and allow her to revolve into one of Lucifer’s pawns.

  In unison, they confirmed that the Zodiac must be destroyed. No other alternative seemed fit. She would not take ‘No’ for an answer and devoted her life to the safety of the mountain.

  Asad spoke, “My apologies, Pisces. I do not see us reaching a compromise. May Allah forgive us.”

  Pisces answered, “I am sorry as well, traveler.”

  Pisces’ eyes glowed, as did the strange symbols on her staff. She stood up and with her Water gift summoned a monster from the pond. The hybrid Octopus arose and unleashed its massive tentacles upon the Three Kings.

  Rashad queried, “What the Devil is that!”

  The Three Kings took cover behind several rocks along the edge of the pond. They punished each missed tentacle probe with a barrage of laser fire. And, with each hit, the monster let out a shriek of pain. Those blood-curdling cries motivated Pisces to intervene, and a stunned Rashad found himself fending off both Pisces and the beast.

  Asad yelled, “Farooq! You’re close enough. Take out the beast’s eye.”

  They went for the beast’s eye, but the collaboration between Pisces and the beast proved too seasoned. She relieved Farooq of his weapon with a burst of water.

  In agony, a grounded Farooq yelled at Pisces. “Damn you!” One of the beast’s tentacles grabbed the King and curled around him.

  Pisces yelled out, “Hold him, Sira. Hold him tight while I go after the others.”

  Asad yelled to the beast, “Let him go, Devil.”

  Out of ammunition, Asad severed one of its tentacles. He moved on and engaged Pisces. He dodged her staff as she swung and delivered a threatening strike. A portion of her hair was cut after she maneuvered out of harm’s way. Again, the beast intervened and snatched Asad by his legs.

  “Damn.” Asad dropped his sword and the Scroll. Disappointment settled within as he watched them pierce the sand. He and Farooq hung helplessly in the air. Just as Rashad rushed to retrieve the Scroll, Taurus and his followers appeared.

  Taurus ordered his men to hold their position, and they watched from a distance. “Seems like someone is doing all the work for us, ha-ha.” He continued, shouting to gain everyone’s attention. “Well, well, well … how the tables have turned.”

  Pisces motioned for her beast to stand down, and an exhausted Rashad took the opportunity to rest. Its tentacle slithered away back into its source. “Damn!” he said.

  Pisces spoke, “And, who might you be? Are these acquaintances of yours?”

  Taurus replied, “Not at all, my lady. Those three you have there are nothing more than runaway thieves, and they have stolen something of mine that is very importa
nt to me.”

  Asad broke in, “Do not trust him, Pisces. He’s here with evil intentions.”

  Her name excited Taurus. He and his group couldn’t help but to look at each other in shock. The name rolling off his oppressor’s tongue brought liberation.

  Taurus spoke, “Pisces?”

  Pisces answered, “Yes? She stands before you.”

  Taurus continued, “Let me take this opportunity to say that it is truly an honor to be in your presence.”

  Pisces replied, “We’ll see about that.”

  Asad interrupted, “Don’t fall for his deceit.”

  More curious than ever, Pisces ignored his warning and wondered about the contents of the Scroll.

  Taurus said, “You tell her not to trust me? Moments ago your swords were at her throat.”

  An angry Rashad made his way towards Taurus, but was challenged by Zen and Demetrius.

  Pisces said, “You stay where you are.”

  Taurus added, “Zen and Demetrius, do what she asks.”

  Pisces remarked, “And you, King of the North, hold your steps or your friends will become Sira’s meal.”

  Both parties held their positions. Rashad avoided the smirks coming from Taurus and his rebels. The view of his Brethren suspended helplessly in the air by the tight clutches of the water beast brought no comfort either.

  Pisces continued, “Tell me: Who are you? And, what do these Three Kings have in their possession that is so important that they are willing to risk their very lives in seeking its destruction?”

  Taurus answered, “My name is Taurus and I’m also a Zodiac, just like you. My associates and I have come a long way pursuing these thieves who have stolen a sacred Scroll of mine. Thanks to destiny, they were able to accomplish another task for us, which was finding you.”

  Pisces said, “Another Zodiac, huh? I must confess, in all my years I never thought I would come across another one such as myself. It’s just not meant to be.”

  Taurus said, “I must respectfully disagree. It is meant to be, and more. Our paths have crossed in this manner for a reason. The Scroll they have stolen from me has our history … power, for all Zodiacs to witness.”

  Pisces inquired, “History?”

  Asad interjected, “Don’t listen to him. I’m pleading with you, Pisces. Do not read the Scroll. It only contains darkness.”

  Taurus yelled, “Silence, infidel.” He looked at Pisces. “The high altitude must be getting to his head. Your beast looks quite hungry. Has it eaten today?”

  Pisces said, “Don’t worry about Sira. She’ll be okay.” She pointed to Rashad. “You over there, hand over that Scroll.”

  Rashad delayed.

  Pisces again demanded. “Hand over the Scroll, or your friends will die. I am done with your games.”

  Asad pleaded, “Don’t give it to her, Brother. No matter what.”

  Pisces said, “Silence!”

  Farooq added, “Hold your ground, Brother.”

  Pisces responded, “Fine, you leave me no choice. Sira, it’s time for dinner. Remove one of his legs.”

  The beast sunk its teeth into Farooq’s leg. Farooq shouted in anguish. Hungry for more blood, the beast opened its jaws for another bite. Pisces stopped it. “Patience, Sira. That’s enough for now.” Looking at Rashad, she said, “Or, is it, traveler? Must your comrades endure further torment?”

  Rashad answered through clinched teeth. “You bastard.”

  Asad added, “Damn you.”

  He helplessly stared at a distressed Farooq as the beast downed the blood pouring from his torn leg.

  Rashad said, “Forgive me, Brothers.”

  Asad replied, “Nooo, Rashad.”

  Rashad walked towards Pisces.

  Pisces held up her hand. “Right there is fine. Throw the Scroll to me.”

  From a safe distance, Rashad tossed her the Scroll.

  Asad yelled, “No!”

  Taurus responded, “Yesss. Read it Pisces. It’s time you knew your history. It is your destiny. Answer the call of the Fallen.”

  Pisces spoke, “Quiet, let’s see what all of the worry is about.”

  She unrolled the beginning of the Scroll, and the supremacy within went to work. Pisces was born again with fire. Flames engulfed her, but it did not burn her flesh. Then darkness completely consumed her soul. The ghost of the damned forced her to read the remaining words. Her gifts stood no chance against their power. Time was unaccounted for. The Original evil Zodiacs, the ones who were cast out of Heaven with Lucifer, visited her. Mind Control embedded upon her. What seemed to be hours to her were only minutes to the ones who observed from the outside.

  Taurus said, “Yes, deliverance! Her turning is almost done.”

  He sent Demetrius and Zen to finish things. Without pause, Rashad sprung at them. Pisces was still in transformation. As for her beast, it too underwent a phase and shook uncontrollably.

  Asad and Farooq ground their way free out of the monster’s clutches. They hit the water hard. They saw Rashad clashing with Taurus’s henchmen. Asad pulled out a spear lodged in the sand and thrusted it right into the Giant eye of the distraught beast. The beast retreated into the depths of the lake, writhing in agony.

  Asad ran over to help Farooq as he watched him crawl out of the pond. Taurus intervened, wielding a giant axe before he could do so.

  Asad blocked Taurus’ attack, but the force of the blow grounded him. Too injured to bounce back, Taurus pinned him down with one of his hooves, and motioned Pisces to come over.

  Taurus declared. “Your little voyage ends here, sand trotter.”

  Pisces, fully turned, showed no signs of mercy. Due to her compliance with the Devil, more power had been bestowed upon her.

  Taurus pointed to Asad. “It is only right that you do the honor.”

  Pisces handed him the Scroll in exchange for the axe. Asad saw a critically injured Rashad in the distance, outnumbered.

  Asad said, “You will not prevail. The Pursuers will avenge us. Blood will be paid in blood.”

  Taurus replied, “Ha-ha. That senseless assembly of a crusade was lost before they entered the Earth’s Realm.”

  Pisces added, “You’ve brought harm to Sira. She will recover off your entrails.”

  Pisces raised Taurus’ axe and split Asad’s head in two.

  Farooq yelled out, “Noooo.”

  Taurus motioned to Pisces. “Ha-ha. Go and finish that one too.”

  Pisces responded, “With pleasure.”

  She summoned another creature from the lake. With the head of a great white shark and giant legs of a crab, it swam to Farooq and crawled out of the water. It clamped down on him with its razor sharp teeth, shaking him violently before returning to the lake.

  Taurus observed Rashad. “That one isn’t dead yet? Wait. First, let me share words with him.”

  Zen, Demetrius, and two others had Rashad cornered on a cliff. Taurus walked past three of his associates lying dead on the ground, two missing heads, and the other nearly cut in half.

  They looked upon a battered and bruised King.

  Taurus spoke, “Well, is it fair to say your mission has come to a disappointing end, my friend? I’m afraid you must meet the same providence as your friends. As a courtesy, I must ask, how do you wish to die?”

  Rashad answered, “The failure of your alliance. That is the only providence you should await.”

  Rashad threw a blade into Taurus’ arm. Infuriated, Taurus charged towards Rashad who ran towards the edge of the cliff. He leapt off.

  Zen spoke, “Ha! So the fool resorts to suicide.”

  Moments later, his Supernatural Carpet caught him in mid-air. He raised his hand and pointed to them, “Praise Allah! You will meet the swords and guns of my mercenaries very soon, Devils! I will make sure the very ground beneath you shakes upon my arrival.”

  The last remaining King departed.

  Taurus said, “Pisces, you are relieved of your duties here. You are worth more than the w
ell-being of this mountain and its river. Come with us. We have more pressing matters to attend.”

  Voicemail Message from Mr. Alexandrov.

  Hi Mayor,

  I’m not sure if you’ve been informed, but our friends are all over the headlines. They’ve completely disappeared off the map somehow, and their whereabouts are unknown. I don’t know who you are dealing with, but it’s definitely something out of my power. My apologies. Enjoy your vacation.

  Chapter 16

  DECEPTION

  “My Lord, there’s word of Aquarius, Capricorn and Libra entering the Earth Realm. Are the rumors true?” Skore, one of Lucifer’s personal messengers, asked.

  Lucifer stood with his hands crossed behind him looking out of his temple window down at one of his most cherished accomplishments, the Damned. As they burned to his viewing pleasure, he answered, “Yes, the rumors are true. You will give Taurus word of their coordinates, and he will make the bond.”

  Skore answered, “Yes, my Lord.”

  Lucifer asked, “Is there any word on the Gemini? They have yet to make a report.”

  Skore answered, “No word on them yet. They’ve gone missing.”

  Lucifer said, “I’m going to need an extra hand in keeping my operatives on track with their mission. Hopefully, in return, these reports will become less disappointing. But, who?”

  Skore suggested, “Someone very keen, cunning, and fast … someone who can travel great distances with ease.”

  Lucifer thought about it for a moment. “You’re right. But the Mortal I’m thinking about is already undergoing a serious mission, and he’s been on it for years. However, it must be done. This matter is more important.”

  Skore questioned, “So, who shall it be, my Lord?”

  Lucifer answered, “I shall call upon Adam.”

  Skore questioned, “Adam? No one’s heard from him in centuries? Are you sure he’s qualified for a task of this magnitude?”

  Lucifer replied, “Do not question my authority or the capabilities of my associates, especially if they are of higher rank than you. Just see to it that he receives his message.”