Pursuit of the Zodiacs

by Walsh, Nathan

  “I believe those are the last of them. Look at them,” Sabrina said in utter disgust at the number of betrayers exiting the Kingdom.

  “So many. Who would’ve thought?” replied one of the Archangels.

  Sabrina answered, “Yes, it is a disgrace. But I am certain we will see them again on the battlefield. There they will come to terms with their mistakes. There is where they will be judged.”

  He cut through the halls of the Vampeer spacecraft decapitating heads while searching each room. All the rooms displayed evidence of torture and feeding. He could not find Aquarius or Libra anywhere. He heard laughter down the hall.

  Sagittarius spoke, “You take me as a joke? What the Hell are you bastards doing here?”

  “What does it matter, Zodiac? You will not leave here, and the same providence goes for your friends.” The stranger welcomed Sagittarius.

  “Are you the one they call Vega?” Sagittarius asked.

  “Yes, and I am eager for some Zodiac flesh,” Vega said as he laughed.

  Sagittarius replied, “Consuming all that blood has turned you insane. I promise to silence your laughter and blow this abomination transport out of this Earth’s sky.”

  Upon his entry, the scientists fled their bio labs. He witnessed all classes of species locked in impenetrable containers filled with some kind of watery substance, but they still lived. To his left, he saw DNA mainframes and interfaces, which contained various information of each detainee. “What are you damn Vampeers up to?”

  The species had huge skulls comparable to the Super Vampeer, all standing eight to fifteen feet in height. “Those containers better hold them,” Sagittarius said to himself.

  The whole spacecraft shook violently, causing him to measure his balance. “An explosion? That must be Aquarius and Libra’s doing.” He gathered himself and looked around to see if any of the containers had been damaged. There was no damage, but the species awakened. Terrified, they signaled the Zodiac for their release. The stranger at first disregarded their motions. Sagittarius was there for one reason and one reason only, to retrieve his two Zodiac colleagues.

  The Species spoke in a familiar tongue, a dialect he’d learned as a child. They mentioned being kidnapped Annunaki.

  “That explains it. These bastards are cross-breeding with the Annunaki and feeding off humanoids and any other beings they can get their wretched fangs into. Even Enoch would turn in his grave at the sight of this madness.” He approached the containers and asked, “Upon release, will you fight alongside me and help me find my colleagues?”

  His response came with no contest. They would assist the Zodiac in killing Vega and other Super Vampeers.

  They moved silently through the Dimension. As they passed through a valley, they could hear the marching of thousands just over a mountaintop. They discreetly inched their way to the top of the mountain to catch a glimpse. As they surveyed, they identified one class of species within the multitude.

  “Reptilians? What are they doing here? and where are they going?” Scorpio asked.

  Virgo replied, “I haven’t the slightest idea, but I am certain of what they are about to do. Let’s keep moving.”

  “Don’t move!”

  Two Reptilians said with their guns drawn. Virgo used her telepathic gifts and ordered them to turn their weapons on themselves. She gave their time of death a duration of ten seconds.

  As they counted down, they moved through the woods towards the gate of the Dimension.

  Scorpio said, “I have that same gift, but haven’t mastered it. Will you teach me, Virgo?”

  Virgo spoke, “Honestly, I’m afraid what you would do if you had that one in particular. You’re young and have many years to master all of the gifts connected with your Sign. It takes a lot of practice. If we make it through this war, you will become more powerful than you could ever imagine. But you lack discipline, and that is why I will not share my knowledge. You are not ready yet.”

  Scorpio replied, “Yes, I’m trying to change. You never tried that on me have you?”

  “No, come on.”

  The two quickened their pace towards the Dimension’s exit portal.

  In Rome, they sensed something they’d grown accustomed to: turmoil.

  “Is there anywhere we haven’t gone without the stench of death?” Virgo asked herself.

  Scorpio didn’t see anything amiss. “What’s happened?”

  Virgo said, “I don’t know.”

  “I suppose you two are the Zodiacs I’m waiting on.” Their Guide approached them after they exited the Dimension. He continued, “The Pope awaits your arrival.”

  They entered his vehicle and he escorted them through secret back roads of the city. During their excursion, their Guide updated them on recent events.

  Virgo replied, “Aries made an attempt on the Pope’s life? Dead Master Archangels, dead Demon Nuns? Cathedrals burning? How are we going to stop her?”

  The Guide answered, “We are not sure of that yet. But word has it that he’s summoned a special group that might help. We are awaiting their coming.”

  Virgo said, “You’ve mentioned Taurus and Pisces. Will we meet them there as well?”

  Their Guide remarked, “Yes, they’re eagerly awaiting your arrival.”

  After a half-an-hour of zigzagging through the city, they’ve reached the Pope’s secret quarters. They walked inside the underground stronghold and passed heavily armed Nephilim Hybrid Giants, Super Humanoids, Reptilians and Vampeers. But even that army of guards wouldn’t be enough to protect their Pope if Aries knew where he dwelled.

  The Pope identified his new guests and announced them to those around him. “Hmmm, excellent they have arrived.”

  In the flesh, a small percentage of the Zodiacs met. Taurus, Pisces, Virgo and Scorpio were all together in the same room.

  Pleased, the Pope sarcastically expressed, “Great. How nice. Isn’t this special? All of you had better not disappoint. Please don’t let Lucifer regret this. I’ve lost a lot of good soldiers because of all this build-up over you Zodiacs. Mind you, we still have yet to find the rest, but this should do for now. I’ve received word that the Four Talismen will lure Aries to the entrance of Rome. Select two Zodiacs that will meet them there while other plans are carried out.”

  The Pope arose from his throne to retire. One of his guards arrived in the hall and reported that two of Bishop’s Archangels waited outside with an important message regarding God Himself.

  The Pope sat back down on his throne. “Very well, let them enter.” They entered and bowed before the Pope, who disregarded their formality. “What news do you bring?”

  Angel One stepped forward. “We’ve come straight here to announce our newfound alliance and to ask for refuge. God knows of Bishop’s betrayal. Hundreds have been put to death and cast out of Heaven without warning. As we speak, more of the dead are being thrown down into the Mortal Realms of the Universe as a warning.”

  The Pope granted their exile request. “Well, you’ve come to the right place, despite our little current issue. I will see to it that you two are properly cared for. Women, food, a place to sleep. You name it, we’ll provide. We want to keep a peaceful alliance between us.”

  The two Archangels thanked him.

  The Pope continued, “I can’t help but ask how on Earth did they find out? Oh, where are my manners? What are your names?”

  Taurus interrupted,” So you treat the Zodiacs like shit and glorify traitors of their own kingdom as if they were the gold on your throne? Fuck you.” Taurus walked off and into a side room with the other Zodiacs to go over strategies.

  The Pope sat on his throne, inwardly embarrassed and infuriated that a Zodiac cursed him in front of his new guests. He held it in, and outwardly did not react. After the Zodiacs left, he encouraged Bishop’s Angels to continue introducing themselves.

  The two introduced themselves as Bareen and Leon.

  Leon spoke. “We knew the news would eventually surface, but
we didn’t expect it to happen so soon. Someone has faltered.”

  Reptilian guards escorted more guests into his presence, which stirred the Pope’s attention.

  With a smile on his face, he anticipated his next guests. “Oh, there they are!”

  Ten terrified boys stood before the Pope. Shocked by what he witnessed, Leon shared words with the Pope. “What the Hell is this? What are your intentions with these children, Luciferian?”

  Bareen pulled Leon aside. “Leon, it would be wise not to intervene here. This matter is not ours.”

  Leon said, “Bareen, how can you turn your head from this madness? I demand to know his motive!” He pushed Bareen aside and continued, “How long has this been going on?”

  The Pope rather nonchalantly answered, “Since the dawning of Catholicism itself, and nothing will change for the likes of you. You are traitors of God, and you have formed an alliance with us. What does it matter to you how we conduct our business?”

  Leon retaliated, “This is unacceptable! We cannot form an alliance with savages! Bishop must reconsider! And our difference with God is our own business, not yours! We don’t need Lucifer. He is nothing.”

  The Pope laughed and replied, “Lucifer cannot die, you fool. But your Mover of Suns can. Besides, our victory is certain with or without the aid of Bishop and his good-for-nothing kingdom. We have Zodiacs. Ha-ha. Furthermore, it’s not up to you to decide whom Bishop forms alliances with. Find somewhere else to rest your head tonight, motherfuckers.”

  He motioned his guards to escort Bishop’s Archangels out of the secret quarters. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to deal with.”

  Leon yelled, ”No!”

  Bareen replied, “Leon, wait!”

  Leon ran toward the Pope, first shooting one of the Reptilian guards in the head with his laser-powered weapon. The guard fell lifelessly to the floor. He shot another in its stomach. With those two out of the way, he targeted the Pope.

  With great speed, he relinquished the Archangel of his weapon. He parted Leon’s throat from his body and consumed his blood right in front of his comrade. The Pope was a seasoned Vampeer, well over a thousand years old.

  Devastated, Bareen shouted, “Murderer! We never should have come here!”

  Bareen ripped through the other Reptilian guard with a series of Sunrays generating from his gun before moving towards an exit.

  The Pope yelled, “Look around you. There is no escaping this place. The only way out is death.”

  The Nephilim were the first out of all the species present to partake of Bareen’s flesh.

  The Pope looked at what remained of Leon and Bareen. “Well, that’s that. What a fucking waste, ha-ha. Pour some of their blood in one of those vessels. I shall save every drop. Do you know how hard it is to obtain Angel blood? This should last the week.”

  In order to maintain the alliance with Lucifer and Bishop, the Pope ordered his men to dispose of their bodies after they were bled bone dry.

  JACOB’S REPORT

  “One of the Pope’s cathedrals has been attacked by a powerful woman. I’m assuming Aries, due to her constellation that burned during the attack. The casualties are unknown. I’m not sure if the Pope was among the dead or if he escaped. Nevertheless, yes, the news everybody has been waiting for is here. Aries has risen, and the Zodiacs are close to either meeting death or forming an alliance. I predict more death will plague this city. May God save our Universe.”

  Jacob finished his report and sat back at his desk to think. He felt the temperature shift and loosened his collar. He got up to open the sliding door to his balcony and identified the culprit to this sudden increase in heat. In the flesh and fire, he saw Aries hovering inches above and outside his balcony guardrail.

  “Who are you and why are you spying on us?”

  Jacob’s cover had been blown, spotted by the last person he thought he would ever meet: Aries. He noticed her replica, a skill he learned she possessed since ordered by the Dark Graduates to study the Zodiacs. The replica stood as Aries’ representative and communicator.

  He trembled inside with fear. He knew not to lie, so he told her the brutal truth. “My name is Jacob, and I’ve been forced to spy on you on behalf of the Dark Graduates. If I had refused, they surely would have killed me.”

  Aries said, “Hmm, I’ve heard of them before. You should have let them, because what you’re about to feel will not be pleasant.”

  Jacob held up his hand. “Wait, wait hold on. I have some news you might be interested in. Aries, please!”

  An impatient Aries stopped and let him continue. “Well, what is it?”

  Jacob said, “Please give me your word that you will let me live.”

  Aries considered his proposal. “How do I know you won’t inform the Dark Graduates of my whereabouts?”

  Jacob answered simply, “You have my word. But I’m guessing that won’t be good enough. I will just tell you the news and whatever you feel you need to do, just do it. I’m tired of this shit.”

  He told her the Pope’s current whereabouts and forewarned her of the other Zodiacs that awaited her. He went on to mention Mosqidou and their Pursuit of the Zodiacs, and the coming of the Four Talismen. Pleased with the information, Jacob proved why the Dark Graduates had hired him.

  Aries decided to grant his request and let him live. “I’m impressed, spy. Even I couldn’t figure that out in time. You’ve brought more news than I anticipated. I see why the Dark Graduates haven’t killed you yet. Leave this place and never return.”

  Jacob offered his services to her, hoping to also gain her protection in the process. “But they will find me and send their executioners. Let me work for you, Aries.”

  Aries said, “You will only get in the way. Besides, you’re as good as dead. Take my advice, spy, go somewhere very far away and live the last few days, months, or if you’re lucky, years, of your life. These upcoming days will prove nothing is promised to us anymore. This Universe is on the verge of collapse.”

  “Say no more. I wish you and your Son good luck, and please make sure the Pope gets what’s coming to him.”

  He gathered his things and bid her farewell. Aries’ replica dissipated upon his departure.

  Back in Aries’ safehouse, her Son Paul released the bindings holding her down to her bed while her Models guarded her safe house. “What are you going to do, Mom?”

  Aries answered, “I’m going to finish this. On my return, we will live in peace once more. You stay here okay, Paul?”

  Paul obeyed, “Yes, Mother.”

  Aries said, “I love you, okay? Never forget that.”

  “I love you too, Mom. Hurry up and come back,” Paul responded.

  Aries answered, “I will,” and left, but not before ordering three of her replicas to guard her Son. She generated several more to accompany her. No room for failure, she promised to complete this objective personally.

  ADAM’S DREAM

  Adam returned to a complete and utter disaster. The sight brought him to his knees. He cried out in pain, unable to conceal his rage. The experience turned him into a Devil. His children had been brutally murdered and his wife and remaining Son Paul absent from sight, supposedly murdered too. Retribution from Lucifer himself, he swore retribution of his own.

  “Brother.” He turned to see a concerned Elder Leo.

  Adam spoke through tears of anger. “Leo! Look what he’s done!”

  Leo put his hand on Adam’s shoulder.

  Elder Leo said, “This was done by Crusix’s hands. But overall, he follows orders from the Dark Lord himself.”

  Adam said, “Bastards! I’m going to kill them all!”

  Elder Leo said, “Please Adam, you must get yourself together. They will arrive here shortly.”

  The Elder Gemini twins entered the room. Both he and she could not take in the desolation before them.

  Elder Gemini spoke softly. “Forgive us.” They sincerely apologized and left the household.
/>   Pained, Adam spoke, “Do you know where they have taken them?”

  Elder Leo answered, “They weren’t taken, Adam. Aries left of her own accord, and she’s made me give her my word not to tell you her whereabouts until she’s safe. I have to agree, she is doing the right thing. Have patience. Soon she will call upon you, and you will be reunited with your wife and Son again. It is too dangerous right now to know where she is. Who knows who could be watching us? You’ll only put them at risk again.”

  He pushed Leo off of him and yelled, “Again? Oh, so you think this is my fault, Leo!”

  Elder Leo replied, “No, you have me misunderstood, Brother.”

  Adam lost his mind, and both Gemini and Leo knew it. “Gemini back off,” Leo said, as they watched Adam unsheathing his Super Sword.

  Elder Leo stepped in front of Adam to remind him of their affiliation. “Have you gone mad, Adam? Control yourself, Brother. We are on your side.”

  Adam yelled, “You are not my Brother, not anymore. You will tell me where Aries and my Son dwell, or it all ends here.”

  Adam followed Leo onto the field where Demons were still fresh in their death.

  Filled with despair, Elder Leo spoke, “It seems there is no other way. I see no sign of a compromise with you, Adam. I’m sorry it has to come to this, Brother.”

  Adam replied, “I am sorry, too.” He ran towards Elder Leo who held back his power as he evaded Adam’s sword strikes, hoping Adam would tire himself out. But he showed no sign of tiring at all.

  “Leo, defend yourself before he pulls off some bullshit!” a Gemini twin shouted.

  Adam shouted back at the Gemini. “Shut your mouth. After I’m done, you can join him.”

  The Gemini yelled, “Leo, make this quick. He has clearly lost his mind.”

  Gemini’s words struck a nerve, and he diverted his attention towards them. Adam’s skin converted into crystalized matter, making him practically indestructible.

  Leo stepped in front of Gemini. “Adam, you must calm down.” He knew Leo had impenetrable skin as well, until he realized part of his mane had been hacked off, so he delivered vindictive sword strikes in its direction.