Pursuit of the Zodiacs

by Walsh, Nathan

  They reached the exit to the underground tunnel. Below, at the surface of a shore, they found Goro and his fleet of soldiers, heavily armed and wearing reinforced suits. Pisces pushed Aquarius and Libra aside and unleashed an electrical burst of water that decapitated the engineered specimen, but not without receiving a fatal blow from the same sword it had been impaled with: Aquarius’s own Water-Bearing Sword.

  “No!” Aquarius shouted as she caught Pisces mid-fall.

  “Find my Daughter, Revati. She is in Neptune and is the heir to my power. Please tell her I love her. Train her, and make sure she is a Master in the Arts of the Zodiac,” Pisces requested this as her last breath escaped her.

  Goro had his soldiers cover the area while rushing over to investigate.

  The soldiers entered the tunnel and came upon more of the engineered specimens lurking about. They unleashed heavy firepower that riddled the walls of the tunnel. One threw an explosive device and the walls caved in on the pursuing engineered entities.

  Goro asked, “Aquarius, who is she? What is going on?”

  With her attention diverted, Aquarius missed his question and asked, “How many soldiers can you have within the hour?”

  Goro answered, “Enough to fill each corner of Rome.”

  Aquarius answered, “Good.”

  She had the soldiers carry Pisces’ body away. As everyone departed, she stayed behind and watched the underground tunnel.

  “I will return with my flood. It will crumble every wall and bring your tunnel to the surface of the ground. My waters will be marked with the blood of every Scientist, Engineer and Hybrid origin we’ve witnessed here this day.”

  SEVEN YEARS LATER

  On the high balcony of a renovated cathedral church, Pope Elizabeth gazed upon all the homes and buildings situated throughout a restored Rome. City skyscrapers replaced the burning, impending doom that had blighted the capital and triggered desertion. The streets flooded with businesses and consumers. Not only was Rome restored, but all of Earth shared in this second renaissance. They had rid themselves of its currency and resorted to the ultimate well-being of mankind by simply helping one another. The wicked fled, migrating into other Earths and Galaxies, near and far, to avoid atonement for their sins. Pope Elizabeth sent Special Forces to capture them. They returned and stood trial before the people they had corrupted for many centuries. Evil still lurked, but hid its face.

  The Burning Throne had a suitable successor. As he approached the throne, one could see the piles of ash and burnt bodies from all those who thought they had been worthy of the seat. Lucifer’s Throne showed no mercy to the unworthy. After successfully defending the estates of Hell, Archangel Peter, the heir to the Dark Prince’s power, sat down, and all before him bowed and worshipped the new Prince.

  An extended eclipse heralded the birth of a new Zodiac. Three days passed, and Mercury remained covered in Darkness. The eclipse passed; and in secret, Master Archangel Raphael stood on a hill holding a boy … and girl, Gemini. He was appointed their Guardian. He blessed them and gave them back to their Aunt, who took the Zodiac back inside.

  The People of the Moon, Jupiter and Venus underwent parallel lengthy eclipses as they welcomed more Zodiac newborns. Whether prepared for it or not, respective heirs would inherit the power left behind from their Zodiac descendants who had fallen during the Pursuit. All those who survived took refuge, hoping to live their remaining days peacefully. However, they knew those false hopes would more than likely bring forth more tribulations. It would not be long before another Pursuit of the Zodiacs commenced, so they lay in wait.

  Aquarius and Goro married and bore heirs of their own.

  Despite murals and statues built in her honor, Libra left the luxury and safety of the People Under the Sea to find Revati, Pisces’ Daughter, whom she had promised to protect. She intended to venture to find her own calling and people. The People Under the Sea had bid her farewell, but Aquarius had taken her exodus the hardest.

  Since his victory over Lucifer, Bishop had acquired eminent power. He could lay with Virgo, unharmed by her poisons. She carried his child, a child that would be heir to both her and Bishop’s power. They attended Grenad’s Master Arch ceremony. He, along with ten more Archangels, was promoted as Master Archangels. The Mover of Suns himself granted them extraordinary gifts in addition to their own.

  Another promotional ceremony amassed behind Heaven’s Gates. Everyone attended, including the Son of God himself. Due to his great works, Regal earned his credentials and became a fully restored Apprentice of God. He, along with millions, reviewed the surviving Pursuers as they received their honors. They stood in line for their blessings. Timius, Daniel, Abdeen, Goliath, Irisan and, last but not least, Natenal received immaculate power. They were going to need it as the final war neared.

  Dark Mosqidou was on the rise. They had successfully defeated the Tyrant threat that promised the extinction of their people. They rebuilt and provided security for the future of their Vampeer Race.

  Aries and Adam found contentment. Despite the tragic deaths of their children, they found peace once more and started a new family that would inherit their power. Only a select few knew their whereabouts, and they did everything in their power for it to remain so.

  Lisa, the last survivor of the Children of Time reunited with her cousin, Capricorn. Lucille left them together in order to partake of matters that also shared importance. Safe and at peace under Saturn’s supervision, there they would stay unless given another reason to leave.

  Lucille, still loyal to her fallen leader, Noah, formed a secret militia for the rebellion. Their objective of dethroning Aru and restoring the name of the Dark Graduates ended in failure. Bishop the Mover of Suns had an interest in Aru’s appointment as the new leader of the Dark Graduates. Their affiliation made both sides even more dangerous. Aru provided more Suns, and Bishop provided protection. Her fleet was destroyed and scattered during Aru’s inaugural ceremony after discovering their affiliation. A month later, she received word from Genesis, Representative of Planet Uranus. They both shared a common enemy, Aru, and secretly formed another alliance for the furtherance and well-being of their Universe.

  Scorpio went into exile in search of a normal life. He discovered some distant relatives, members of the Chinese Zodiacs, and with them, formed a unification to maintain the existence of their kind.

  The Astrologer appointed new Watchers, and they underwent protocol.

  One Watcher said, “So, the final battle between all that is Good, Evil, Just and Unjust is moments away. Differences will be settled by more bloodshed, and the fight for Power will bring this Universe to its knees once again.”

  Another said, “Yes you are right. The Zodiacs are caught in their delusion that they will never have to choose a side. They’ve been cursed ever since the day of their birth.”

  Watcher: “Yes, how unfortunate. As long as they continue to exist, there will always be a Pursuit of the Zodiacs.”

  THIS IS NOT THE END

  GLOSSARY

  Aaron: A child, one of the Giant natives Abdeen comes across on the Planet of the Nephilim.

  Abdeel: A member of The Pursuers (Mosqidou). Blessed with power over water. Brother of Abdeen.

  Adam: He was neither from Earth nor of the Nephilim. His skin was of a silverfish gold complexion. He was once a soldier for Lucifer until Lucifer had his children killed.

  Alexandrov, Mr: The underboss for the Russian Mob in New York City.

  Alignment: A meeting between members of the Dark Graduates (a Congress of Representatives from different Planets).

  Amos: One of the five Master Archangels organized by Bishop’s Emissary. Bishop tasked them to go to the Moon to find out what had happened with the two Archangels sent to execute Jedediah. The other four were Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Ezra.

  Anderson, Mr: The real name of the Bookkeeper.

  Anthony: He, along with Malachi, was an Archangel who traveled from the North to bring news
to Natenal that the Judgment Realm had been restored.

  Aquarius: A Zodiac [3rd Air Sign; 11th overall & in command ] The Water-Bearer. She is affiliated with water. She also has the gift of managing air. She is unpredictable and powerful.

  Archangels: They are a rank below a Master Archangel. Abdeen, Abdeel, Timius and Levi were Archangels.

  Ariel: One of six Master Archangels (with Vincent, Emanuel Uziel, Camiel and Sabrina) sent to investigate and clear the most challenging dimensions none dared enter.

  Aries: A Zodiac [1st Fire Sign; 1st overall & in command]. Not only does her Fire hold the temperature equivalent to the surface of the Sun, she can also replicate herself, enabling her to be in more than one place at a time. Mother to her remaining Son, Paul.

  Aru: A Dark Graduate Representative from the People of the Sun. He is Leo’s Brother.

  Asad: The new carrier of the Scroll after it was stolen from the Italian Mob. He was one of Three Kings protecting the Scroll. The other two were Farooq and Rashad.

  Atef: Expert translator, hired to decode mysterious art on a wall discovered by a team of explorers.

  Bareen: One of Bishop’s soldiers (Accompanied by Leon) who fled Heaven and sought refuge from the Pope.

  Bernard: The Pursuer’s (Mosqidou) first Guide after entering the Earth Realm.

  Bishop: A.k.a. The Mover of Suns. Arguably, God’s highest soldier. He had been known to move Suns with his devastating gravitational pull that could incinerate any man or God in his path.

  Bliss: Heaven/Paradise

  Bookkeeper, The: The Pursuer’s (Mosqidou) personal record keeper or Watcher. His real name was Mr. Anderson.

  Book of Life: All those worthy of living in God’s Kingdom, his or her names were in this book

  Cameron: One of two Super Humans from Sirius who were eight feet tall, solidly built, and carried equally impressive weapons. They were two of the Pope’s messengers. Julius was the name the other messenger.

  Camiel: A restored Vampeer. One of six Master Archangels (with Vincent, Emanuel Uziel, Ariel and Sabrina) sent to go investigate and clear the most challenging dimensions none dared enter.

  Cancer: A Zodiac [1st Water Sign; 4th overall & in command]. He gets his power from the Moon. He can teleport anywhere on the Moon, especially to escape turmoil and to reflect. Has dominion over the waters. His strikes consist of meteors filled with electrical fireballs generated from the hottest divisions of the Moon.

  Capricorn: A Zodiac [3rd Earth Sign; 10th overall & in command]. He has incredible strength and power. Has power over Earthly matter. His skin is tough and solid as rock, making it hard for even an expert swordsman to penetrate it. His Father was named Peter and hid him on Saturn to protect him while he grew up. Aquarius and Libra often visited and trained him.

  Capricorn’s Dead Rising Minions: One of Capricorns many gifts, able to summon flesh-eating zombies.

  Chariots: One of the many modes of futuristic transportation throughout the Universe by The Pursuers (Mosqidou).

  Charles: Libra’s Uncle who lives near Las Vegas, Nevada.

  Chemtrails: Long-lasting trails of chemical or biological agents deliberately sprayed for sinister purposes undisclosed to the public.

  Children of Time: Responsible for Time itself. They aided the Dark Graduates during the First Pursuit. They can detect those who have illegally traveled in time, a crime punishable by death.

  Conners, Denzel: A Mercenary for the Dark Graduates. He’s been assigned a secret mission to acquire certain information regarding the rumors of Zodiacs on Planet Neptune and return with a full report.

  Corvesh: Meaning Conquerors in the Vampeer tongue, given to Daniel and Goliath by the Vampeer natives due to their blood manipulation capabilities during their stay while under Dracuul’s authority.

  Creator: God, the Creator of Earth and all living things

  Crusix: A Demon Master Archangel who was known as Lucifer’s messenger.

  Damned, The: Those who burned in Lucifer’s Lake of Fire. One of Lucifer’s most cherished accomplishments. He can see them looking out his temple window.

  Daniel: One of The Pursuers (Mosqidou). Blessed with power over wind. He can summon hurricanes and tornadoes. He could also suffocate his enemies by cutting off the air they need to breathe.

  Dark Covenant: Secret society involving Representatives for Lucifer. They wore a special Mark to distinguish themselves from other societies. Adam had been a member of the Dark Covenant.

  Dark Graduates: An open Society, where Representatives from different clusters of Planets and Galaxies come together to govern and set laws for the Universe.

  Dark Side of the Universe: Lucifer and other federations control the Dark Side of the Universe.

  David: He was the Archangel Jedediah’s tactician.

  Dearth: One of the names of the Four Talismen: The others were Feud, Plague, and Demise. They were Ghouls and Overlords of the Underworld.

  Demetrius: A trusted colleague of Taurus, along with Zen. They were both highly skilled assassins.

  Demise: One of the names of the Four Talismen: The others were Feud, Plague, and Dearth. They were Ghouls and Overlords of the Underworld.

  Demon: An operative of Lucifer.

  Detective Bishop: The detective in Ozias’s dream investigating the kidnapping of him and his wife’s children.

  Detective Lee: The detective from Japan, investigating Giloh’s death.

  Detective Lisa: Detective Lee’s partner.

  Dracuul: The powerful Vampeer Goliath and Daniel encountered in a Dimension. His Nephew is Ecor. His nickname was The Engineer.

  Dubhe: One of the Planets the Mercenaries who confronted the Pope in the streets of Rome were from. The other Planets were: Vega, Vy Canis Majoris.

  Dynamo: One of four Demons who accompanies Virgo when she joins Taurus, Gemini and Sagittarius in finding the remaining Zodiacs. The other three demons are Karz, Rufus and Zodon.

  Ecor: Dracuul’s Nephew.

  Elder Zodiac: Zodiacs who have survived into adulthood. Taurus is an Elder Zodiac.

  Emanuel: One of six Master Archangels (with Vincent, Camiel, Uziel, Ariel and Sabrina) sent to go investigate and clear the most challenging dimensions none dared enter.

  Emim: A Super Giant that terrorized a whole metropolis on the Planet of the Nephilim. Responsible for eating Mortals and other Giants.

  Engineer, The: A nickname for Dracuul due to his blood manipulation capabilities.

  Ephron: A Dark Graduate, Representative from the Moon.

  Erkvin, Lieutenant Marvin, of Pluto: One of the Mercenaries for the Dark Graduates.

  Exodus: One of the five Master Archangels organized by Bishop’s Emissary. Bishop tasked them to go to the Moon to find out what had happened with the two Archangels sent to escort and execute Jedediah. The other four were Genesis, Leviticus, Ezra and Amos.

  Ezra: She was one of the five Master Archangels organized by Bishop’s Emissary. Bishop tasked them to go to the Moon to find out what had happened with the two Archangels sent to execute Jedediah. The other four were Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Amos.

  Fallen Angels: The original twelve Zodiacs were Fallen Archangels commanded by Lucifer. The name can also apply to anyone who shared differences with God who was either cast out of Heaven or left of their own accord.

  Farooq: One of the Three Kings protecting the Scroll. The other two were Rashad and Asad. Asad was the king who was actually carrying the Scroll after it had been stolen from the Italian Mob.

  Feud: One of the names of the Four Talismen: The others were Plague, Dearth, and Demise. They were Ghouls and Overlords of the Underworld.

  Fidor: One of Dracuul’s soldiers who later betrays him for power.

  Four Talismen of Armageddon: Went by the names Feud, Plague, Dearth, and Demise. They were Ghouls and Overlords of the Underworld.

  Gatekeeper: One who holds the key to another Dimension.

  Gateway: A passage that could be created by Timius to transport othe
rs to another Dimension. Timius’s gift was that of a Dimension transporter.

  (The) Gemini: A Zodiac [1st Air Sign; 3rd overall & in command]. Fallen Archangel, commanded by Lucifer. Paired Twin entities that act as one, though often with two distinct voices. Killed Isaiah the Gatekeeper at the start of the story. They are both obliged to find the remaining members of the Zodiac. Variously referred to as the “Twins.”

  Gems: Instead of hearts, the Zodiacs had special Gems that pulsated and glowed upon the death of one of their own. Agonizing pain would be endured upon its occurrence.

  Genesis (two distinct characters):

  •A Dark Graduate Representative from the Planet Uranus.

  •One of the five Master Archangels organized by Bishop’s Emissary. Bishop tasked them to go to the Moon to find out what had happened with the two Archangels sent to execute Jedediah. The other four were Exodus, Leviticus, Ezra and Amos.

  Grenad: A member of Mosqidou (Pursuers). Blessed with the touch of death. Anything he touched detonated. He is also able to discharge astronomical matter from his hands.

  Giant Killers: Classified Humanoid one-man mercenary machines operated by Archangels and Special Soldiers. Almost as big as the Nephilim.

  Giants: Another name for the Nephilim.

  Giloh: The assassin sent to kill Leo.

  Globetrotter: A strange man on a silver-like bullet transport who flew overhead Simeon, Tessai, and Zodeen. He was controlled by a Super Computer Robot and was being sent to destroy another Planet if the three couldn’t answer a riddle.

  Goken: The new Guardian of the Secret Mountain of the Seven Moons. He took Pisces’s place after she resigned.

  Goliath: One of The Pursuers (Mosqidou). Blessed with amazing strength and speed. His skin was impenetrable against attacks.

  Goro: The person in charge of The People Under the Sea whom Aquarius had called forth.

  Great Pyramids of the Sun and Moon: A secret location that can be used to generate more power for the Zodiacs due to the Pyramid’s Alignment with certain Stars and Constellations in the Universe.

  Guardian Angels: The rank below Archangels. All The Pursuers other than Natenal (Master Archangel) and Abdeen, Abdeel, Timius and Levi (Archangels) were Guardian Angels.