Pursuit of the Zodiacs

by Walsh, Nathan

The Pope replied, “No! Can’t you see? She is too powerful even for those two! Lucifer wants her alive for the alliance. We cannot risk the deaths of any more Zodiacs!”

  The Pope’s assistant replied, “We have to do something. She’s already made it clear that she’s not open to any negotiation.”

  The Pope said, “I shall call upon the Four Talismen. They’re the only suitable champions for her. Since the Anti-Christ has most likely been murdered, we must push things ahead of schedule. I myself must accept that Aries has a remarkable gift. It would almost be a privilege to be killed by the likes of such power. What I’ve found most fascinating about her abilities is that she was nowhere near the vicinity during the attack. Those were but her replicas.”

  The assistant responded, “Replicas? No, she had companions.”

  “So it seemed, so it seemed. We’ve all underestimated her power. We were so focused on finding her, we never figured out exactly what to do when we did. Or, even how to defeat her if her turning wasn’t a guarantee. As a result, we’ve become the hunted. Ha-ha-ha.” The Pope laughed ironically.

  The assistant said, “You laugh as if this is some sport or big joke.”

  While the Pope continued laughing, he called upon two of his most trusted messengers from the Planet Sirius, Cameron and Julius. The assistant took a blank Scroll from one of the shelves of the underground Cathedral Hall and wrote upon it. “Here, you know what to do. Find them, and give them this. They will take it from there. Afterwards, get those Pyramids ready for the final Alignment.”

  The Pope finalized the message by affixing his official seal to the Scroll. The messengers took the Scroll, bowed and exited.

  The assistant spoke, “What do we do?”

  The Pope formulated a plan and gave his assistant orders. “Call upon the two Zodiacs, and gather some more mercenaries. We will await the arrival of the Four Talismen. No matter what happens, as the most powerful of the Zodiacs, we need Aries alive and on our side. However, if the Four Talismen are unsuccessful in turning her, then she must be destroyed … somehow.”

  Sagittarius, Libra, and Aquarius waited for a messenger who, according to Libra’s Horoscope, was due to arrive in minutes. And, just as predicted, a creature in the shadows appeared and said, “You must find the boy. If it’s not too late you’ll find him in New York City.”

  Sagittarius approached the familiar voice, but its dark appearance remained. Its figure appeared humanoid, but cloaked with a special suit. They could see naught but the glow of its eyes.

  The creature spoke to Sagittarius privately. “Have they been turned?”

  Sagittarius answered, “No, not yet. They have yet to see the Scroll.”

  The voice commanded, “What are you waiting for? Make sure they do.”

  “Affirmative. Are you sure Capricorn is in New York City?” Sagittarius asked.

  The messenger said, “Yes,” tossing a map to Sagittarius as he departed.

  Sagittarius unrolled the map, which revealed Capricorn’s location and The Pursuers’ safehouse.

  Unrolling it a bit further. Rome then revealed itself as another objective.

  Sagittarius said, “Rome? Hey!” He called out to the messenger, but the creature was already beyond earshot.

  Aquarius overheard the last segment of their private conversation. “Turned? What did he mean? And what Scroll is he talking about?”

  Sagittarius replied, “That’s none of your concern right now. Is the craft ready for our departure?”

  Aquarius said, “Don’t give me orders, Zodiac. Of course the craft is ready. We need to leave now if we are to catch him. We have some unfinished business to attend to.”

  Sagittarius said, “Capricorn is not to be harmed. If anything, his actions were justified, considering your involvement in murdering his Father. It was downright stupid. Let’s go.”

  Aquarius replied, “Don’t talk to me like I’m some fucking child. We did what was best, Sagittarius. Fuck you!”

  Sagittarius, staggered by her disrespect, replied, “You will apologize to me at once.”

  She charged her inner core.

  “What are you going to do?” Sagittarius sarcastically inquired, “Give me a bath? I will not kill you, but you’re in need of some goddamn fucking respect.”

  He imploded the ground beneath her; but, somersaulting away from the fresh hazard, Aquarius commented, “If I wanted to join a campfire, I would’ve brought some marshmallows, Zodiac.”

  Libra, in the middle of programming the craft’s mainframe for departure, heard the skirmish going on outside. She looked out an interface and was surprised to see Sagittarius and Aquarius exchanging gifts. Quite aware that they could easily kill each other, and not wanting to be down two Zodiacs, Libra rushed outside to intervene.

  Aquarius discharged water powerful enough to pierce through flesh. Sagittarius dodged most of the attack, but got clipped in the leg and fell to the ground. Aquarius readied another attack, but Sagittarius countered by setting a firewall.

  Aquarius dispersed flying ice and the firewall disintegrated, transforming it into a cloud of steam. Sagittarius shot fireballs in her direction. She backflipped out of harm’s way, but slammed against a boulder that she’d failed to notice behind her. With Aquarius grounded and briefly dazed, Sagittarius unleashed a final barrage of fireballs. Libra intervened and consumed the fireballs with a funnel cloud, dispersing them harmlessly into the air.

  Libra yelled, “Just what the Hell do you two think you’re doing?”

  Sagittarius limped towards the craft and spoke to Libra as he pushed past her. “Your friend needed a lesson. And, unfortunately, you just deprived her of one.”

  Aquarius collected herself, yelling, “You bastard. He’s holding back information!”

  Libra lectured, “That’s enough! The both of you! You should be ashamed of yourselves. You’ve wasted enough time quarrelling like children. Now, please. Let’s go!”

  “Something is not right here,” Aquarius said to herself, as she boarded the craft.

  HE WAS CHAINED TO THE GROUNDS OF HELL, THIS TIME WITH NO CHANCE OF ESCAPE.

  Tormented by fire, Pharisees begged for death. Lucifer looked on in total disregard, already angered by the deaths of the Gemini and Leo.

  Lucifer spoke, “I think he’s ready.”

  Pharisees told him everything he could recall and served no other purpose. Lucifer, with a mighty axe, sent him on his way, executing the Soldier of God in the presence of multitudes.

  Lucifer put the bloody axe aside. “It is done. We have acquired a huge gain. This new advantage, if capitalized on wisely, will be the key to our victory. Dismember his body and post each limb on spikes. Let his parts be seen and serve notice in every Dimension.”

  Lucifer gave Crusix, one of his most trusted Master Demon Archangels, a mission to travel where time had forfeited. He was to find Bishop, the Mover of Suns. He dictated a truce message to Crusix, which he wrote on a Scroll. The message contained an offer to broker an alliance between the Mover of Suns and Lucifer.

  Lucifer said, “Read the message back to me.”

  Crusix finished writing and recited:

  Dear Bishop,

  It has come to pass that your plans of overthrowing the Creator have surfaced. Let us join forces, and not only will the news of our alliance tremble the very walls of his Kingdom, but it will also grant us ultimate and certain victory. I’m confident there are more like us who share our differences, but due to their lack of support, they hide their anger. However, they no longer will have to conceal their sentiments once they’re given word of our alliance and rebellion.

  May your Kingdom, your followers and the Fallen be as one. Let us rid the Universe of our common enemy, and we shall share something that no one can call their own. The two of us will rule throughout Eternity with no “God” to answer to other than ourselves.”

  From a pending associate,

  Lucifer

  Lucifer said, “Yes, that seems fitting. I�
�m quite sure he will be pleased with my offer. Unless he’s been informed of some good news of his own, the chances of him defeating God, despite his gifts, is still questionable without the proper aid … our aid. Mover of Suns? Has anyone ever seen him in the act? A mere rumor. It doesn’t matter if he accepts my offer or not. Even with just a few Zodiacs left in my possession, we will still be unstoppable. Bishop, God, Vampeer, or whoever or whatever else gets in our way, … they will be no more than fuel for my Hellfire. Crusix, before your excursion to Bishop, make sure Virgo and Scorpio meet with the Pope in Rome. There we will Align selected constellations with all of their presence and seal this alliance. Nevertheless, I will not get too far ahead of myself to say this alliance will be possible. If not, I must be sure that there is a plan even beyond the Pursuit of the Zodiacs, if necessary.”

  Cusix said, “Yes, my Lord.” He gathered his things and departed.

  TWO SUPER HUMANS CAME FROM THE NORTH

  They came very far and carried a Scroll with the Pope’s Seal on it. They were very wise and moved as if they knew the future. Upon entry, the Super Humans bent over to fit through the door while masking their cone-shaped heads. They carried Super Weapons that only someone with their bulk could lift. The Talismen looked on as the eight-foot tall, solidly built snipers approached their thrones.

  They gazed upon the Ghouls and Overlords of the Underworld, whom all had famine, conquest, death and war in their eyes. Feud’s red skin complemented his renowned gift of fire. Dearth’s skin was as black as night, and impressed with the souls of his victims. But instead of pain, it brought pleasure. Demise deceived many with his skin greener than the finest of grass, but death hid beneath his cloak. White as a cloud ascending over the horizon, Plague’s pigment instilled fear in many. And their hybrid horses neighed outside vying for their attention.

  Feud saw the Scroll and motioned his guard to deliver it to him. If the Pope confidently had them in mind to accomplish a task, they would get the job done. Feud received the Scroll first as the rest waited patiently, sitting on their mighty thrones.

  Feud asked, “Hmm, what are your names?”

  One of the Super Humans stepped forward and answered, “My name is Julius, and this is Cameron. We are both personal messengers of the Pope.”

  Feud looked the Scroll over and gave his approval before passing it along to the rest. Their approvals followed shortly after, and they swore their allegiances to the assignment. They gave the Scroll back to the two Super Humans, who left the Fortress shortly thereafter.

  Hours passed. On the horizon, an eclipse began to form, causing the two Super Humans to take shelter in a Dimension. “The coming of the Rider of Meteors is upon us. We must seek shelter until his passing.”

  “An Eclipse? This is a good time to head back to Earth undetected.” Cancer prepared himself for his return home fully energized by the recent alterations of the Super Moon. He created asteroids from the Moon’s crust that would be his ticket home. He boarded and made his move. But only a few minutes into his journey, he saw another swarm, a powerful meteor shower. He and the meteor storm were on a collision course, but had little time to react to avert it.

  “Great,” thought Cancer.

  The meteor storm looked custom-created ... so perfectly aligned that Cancer realized that he was not the only Rider of Meteors. He locked eyes with the being controlling the meteor storm. As Cancer braced for impact, the mysterious being commanded the meteors to stop. Even the asteroids Cancer commanded paused in their movements. He couldn’t explain the power this being possessed.

  Cancer spoke, “That was very close. I almost feared a collision. May I ask who might you be, Traveler?”

  On a single meteor, the mysterious being hovered over to him. Within reach, Cancer surveyed him. It was another cone-headed Super Human, but with weird skin, as if it were a crossbreed with some altogether other life form. This one stood eleven feet tall and had red and grey armor. And its voice was like a lion. “My name is Vetrius, Rider of Meteors, and these are my Chariots, upon which I trek the cosmos.”

  Cancer said, “My name is Cancer, and I am a Zodiac. Where are you from, and what brings you here?”

  Vetrius replied, “I’m in the presence of a Zodiac? My apologies. However, I’m not certain how to take this kind of news. Never in my years would I ever think I would cross paths with one.”

  Cancer said, “Do you only travel under the darkness of an eclipse?”

  Vetrius answered, “Yes, a lot of things come to pass during an eclipse. Occurrences that would take decades to explain. This is a pressing time for you and your kind, Zodiac. The balance and future of this Universe depends upon your survival or death. This is beyond even me to comprehend; therefore, I must leave before the eclipse expires and let you set your own providence.”

  Cancer responded, “I understand and I apologize for keeping you waiting. Unfortunately, I do not know which path is best for me; and I’m still in the process searching.”

  Vetrius said, “Farewell, and good luck.”

  Vetrius directed his meteor back into formation, moving all the meteors in their respective positions, including Cancer’s.

  Cancer waved goodbye as Vetrius departed.

  VIRGO AND SCORPIO HEARD THE PHONE RINGING.

  Using her telekinetic abilities, Virgo relocated the ringing cordless phone. It arose and headed towards her. Scorpio followed the hovering phone down the lengthy hall. As she sat comfortably on the couch, it descended into her hand. She answered it, already sensing who was on the other end of the call.

  Virgo said, “Yes, Crusix? What’s the word?”

  Crusix replied, “You and Scorpio must head out to Rome at once. Take down these coordinates; they’ll bring you to another Dimension. And make sure you get there within the next few hours.”

  Virgo grabbed a pencil and paper. “Okay, I’m ready.”

  She wrote down the coordinates as Scorpio re-entered the hall.

  Scorpio looked over her shoulder. “Who is it?”

  She motioned towards the chalkboard in the hall and guided a piece of chalk with her telekinetic gift. Scorpio spelled out “C-r-u-s-i-x” with the chalk.

  Scorpio responded, “Impressive, but you’re still not better than me.”

  He went to his room to pack some belongings.

  After overhearing Scorpio, Crusix added, “If it was up to me, I would send his heart back to his Ruling Planet.”

  Virgo answered, “He’ll be good in time.”

  Crusix said, “We’ll see, now, I must go. I have my own campaign to start.”

  They hung up their phones. Crusix continued his journey to Bishop as Virgo and Scorpio geared themselves for their trip to a Dimension leading to Rome.

  Virgo sensed danger. “Shit, we must hurry.”

  Scorpio asked, “What happened?”

  Virgo answered as she hurriedly packed, “Someone must have been eavesdropping on our conversation.”

  Virgo and Scorpio walked to the garage and took the car, another amenity courtesy of the safehouse.

  Minutes into the drive, Virgo spotted their followers in the rearview mirror. In stealth mode, two strange beings, clearly not of this Earth, trailed their vehicle. They piloted a craft with special stealth technology that caused it to blend in with the scenery.

  “Why are you following us?” Virgo asked, entering the minds of both pilots.

  They responded, “I’m sure you already know the answer to that question. You must be destroyed.”

  Virgo sensed more danger as lasers discharged from the craft.

  Virgo ordered, “Here, quick, take the wheel.”

  Scorpio, from the passenger side of the vehicle, did his best to direct the car out of harm’s way. Virgo held her head, focused on the lasers, and sent them back into the craft, which exploded on one side and spiraled out of control.

  Virgo took back control of the wheel and made an immediate U-turn. They could hear the craft crash as their vehicle spun around. Sh
e headed towards the crash site, sensing that one of the pilots had survived. She parked the car, and both Zodiacs entered the woods to find the survivor. It would be only a matter of minutes before other witnesses came to investigate, so Scorpio and Virgo quickened their pace. At the crash site, they first set eyes on the dead pilot slumped over an unfinished old fence near the damaged craft. The other pilot remained in its seat, dying.

  Virgo shook the surviving pilot. “Who are you, and why are you trying to kill us?”

  The pilot coughed up blood.

  Virgo shook it again. But Scorpio intervened and helped the dying entity by repositioning its head, eager for an answer. The dying pilot responded, “You owe your allegiance to Lucifer, and that is all we needed to identify. May God bless the Dark Graduates!” The pilot pushed Scorpio aside, and with the last of its energy, hit a secret button in the craft’s compartment. Instantly, Virgo and Scorpio ran, having only seconds to get clear of from the blast. The Soldier shot at them from a high-powered laser gun as they fled. He fanned the gun, firing wildly, hoping to strike them down no matter how much they zigzagged as they ran. “Damn! He has forcefield-piercing lasers!” Virgo shouted as a laser pierced her shoulder. Scorpio grabbed her as she fell forward. But she brushed him off and held onto her wound. Her gift of healing commenced while they exited the woods.

  As the craft self-destructed, the force of the blast knocked them both against their car. They heard sirens from a distance and struggled to their feet.

  Scorpio yelled, “Shit!”

  They recovered enough to drive. They drove past oncoming police cars on the opposite side of the road heading towards the explosion. “The Dark Graduates? Who the Hell are they?” Scorpio asked as Virgo increased the speed of their vehicle.

  Virgo answered, “I thought you knew? They are a bunch of seasoned extraterrestrials and humanoids from multiple Planets and Galaxies with an extraordinary amount of luck who have so far avoided death. They think they have the authority to rule the Universe and everything therein. Like everyone else, they fear what we are about to become, so it’s only right they try to destroy us. It’s only going to get worst from now on, so I hope you’re prepared for the test that awaits us.”