Pursuit of the Zodiacs (22 page)

Jacob asked Mileck, “So the Zodiacs don’t know they are Fallen? How did this come to pass?”

Mileck spoke, “What do you mean? You act as if this is bad news. This is excellent news.”

Jacob added, “No, my friend. Its never good news when a Zodiac is around. They might mean well, but anywhere they appear, evil is not too far behind. We must warn the others of their arrival and put an end to this threat. They must be annihilated.”

Mileck replied, “But, … but, the other one. He’s only a child. Must he be destroyed as well?”

Jacob answered, “It will only be a matter of time before they are all turned. He was lost the second he exited his Mother’s womb. It’s a shame. They should’ve never come here. Keeping him alive will only make matters worse for us and the future of this Universe. We’ll be more than grateful we made this decision. You’ll see. Young or old, it must be done.”

Jacob focused on the targets as Mileck got up and snuck away.

Jacob spoke to himself. “Taking down three Zodiacs at once will not be easy. Even the little boy stands as a threat.”

He withdrew from his position as his objectives disappeared in the high grass on the opposite end of the crop field.

At the Safehouse in New York, Pharisees answered a phone in the hall. “Hello?”

He heard an unknown voice on the other end. “Yes, who is this?”

Pharisees questioned, “State your name first, stranger.”

The caller answered, “It’s Ozias. I’m in Mexico.”

Pharisees spoke to the others in the room. “It’s Ozias.” Pharisees took down Ozias’ coordinates and prepared for teleportation. “I will return.”

Justus wondered, “How long do you think it will take before your return?”

Pharisees answered, “Not sure. But when I return, we’ll need to figure out a plan to find the others. We’ve been sitting here long enough, waiting on a report that is not coming.”

Timius said, “I would have to agree. For all we know, the rest could have fallen.”

Abdeel said, “I will not allow any of you to speak with such doubt. We must have faith in our Brethren. You’re right about leaving here to find them, but that is not what Natenal instructed. We will remain here and find the other Zodiacs.”

Pharisees said, “If you manage to come across something before my return, just leave your coordinates, and I will meet you there.”

Irisan commented, “But we have no clue where the rest of the Zodiacs remain. They could be in another constellation for all we know.”

Pharisees responded, “That is possible. But right now, I must make sure Ozias returns safely. If you’ll excuse me.” And, in the blink of an eye, Pharisees vanished into thin air.

Irisan spoke, “I have an idea. Why don’t we examine their Horoscopes?”

Justus commented, “What? That is meaningless.”

“Wait, Justus. Give it a chance. It could work. However, I think we should find an expert regarding this matter,” Abdeel reasoned.

The Guide broke in, “I know someone.” He had just returned after his run and caught the end of the conversation between Irisan, Justus and Abdeel. “She has quite a reputation around here.”

Timius said, “Good we shall meet her. Great idea, Irisan.”

Irisan responded, “It’s a start.”

The Guide continued, “I will take you to her place of business. She’s an Astrologer and a Psychic. She’s a bit odd, but might just have some information. Don’t leave any stone unturned, Pursuers. You never know where aid might surface.”

Timius replied, “You’re right indeed, my friend.”

Justus said, “Wait, let’s take a moment to think about this, comrades. Are you saying we must resort to witches for aid? The very beings we’ve been sent out to destroy? It’s lunacy.”

“Justus, we must find the remaining Zodiacs. If information must be attained through outside sources, it must be so,” Abdeel said.

Justus knew he had lost the argument. Moments later, they headed out in stealth clothing under the cover of midnight.

“Sorry, we’re closed. Appointments only,” said the mysterious woman the Guide had mentioned. She had white hair and dressed in all black attire. Her hair was of snow, but she appeared to be in her mid-thirties.

To counter her rejection, they offered a lump sum of cash. With money being a high motivator, she relented and let them all in. “Come in. My name is Khana, and I’ll be your Reader for the night.” She admitted all of them. They took seats in various parts of the room, though each remained close enough to participate in the reading.

Khana asked, “Which one of you wishes to see your future?”

Justus said, “Ludicrous.”

Khana replied, “Ahh, I see we have a non-believer! What brings you here, boy?”

Justus answered, “Witch, for someone who can see the future, I’m certain you’re aware of what will happen if you utter the word boy, again.”

Abdeel interrupted, “Justus, you need to control yourself, Brother!” He spoke to Khana. “Please, excuse my colleague. We did not come here for that. We have other pressing matters for which we need answers.”

Justus headed towards the exit and ignored those trying to persuade him not to leave.

“Let him go,” Abdeel said.

Khana insisted, “Here, I’ll help you on your way out.”

The door opened on its own.

Justus responded, “Your black magic doesn’t impress me, Witch.”

The door closed behind him, locking shut.

Abdeel continued, “We are here to have some Horoscopes read. Can you help us?”

Khana replied, “Most certainly. Judging by your friend’s behavior, my estimate would be that he’s an Aries. Therefore, that is the first Sign of the Zodiac I will begin to read.”

Abdeel asked, “If you can … during your reading … are you able to figure out where each Original Zodiac might reside?”

“The Original Zodiacs? So, you are aware of their existence? I knew there was something abnormal about this group. Well, I’m not sure. Each reading is unique and has a destination of its own. What is read will inevitably become your passageway, whether it is good or bad. Shall we begin?” Khana urged.

Abdeel answered, “Yes, you may, please continue.”

Outside of the Readers’ place of business, Justus prayed, “God, give us the strength to do your work. And, may all of our enemies be swept beneath the
Pillars of the Earth, Amen. If Natenal was here, he’d have no part of this. This is an abomination.”

Justus saw an old lady crossing the street, apparently burdened with groceries too heavy for her to carry. Apples fell from one of the bags, and she put down the other bags while she stooped over to pick them up. Like a Good Samaritan, Justus left his post and went over to assist her.

“Here you are, young lady,” Justus joked as he gathered up the rest of the apples.

The Little Old Lady replied, “Oh thank you, my dear. I wish there were more like you in this World. I can’t recall the last time I’d eaten the flesh of an Archangel.”

Before Justus could register what she had said, her head made a full turn. Her back remained arched, but she locked eyes with the Pursuer.

Justus noticed the Demon’s double row of razor sharp teeth as it smiled. He backed away, dropping the apples. It was Khana. “Devil, you will die before you bring harm to my Brothers.”

Justus levitated the witch a good distance away before she unleashed any of her dark magic. Thinking he was in the clear, Justus ran into an electrifying force field that blocked the entrance leading up to the Psychic Medium. His helpless body ricocheted against a parked truck and stopped in a set of garbage cans. She muted the sound and created an illusion from the inside out. From the inside, anyone looking out would see a mirage of what they had seen before entering the Reader’s place of business.

“Daaamn you, Witch!” Justus shouted. He tried to rid himself of his excessive shaking due to the current coursing through his veins. He struggled to his feet, but failed. While grounded, he saw a shadowy beast figure creeping towards him, followed by a discouraging laugh. The will for revenge intervened. Justus got up to meet his oppressor. He had lost his laser weapon after running into the electric field. His special Super Sword absorbed the electrical discharge, and he couldn’t wait to put it to good use. “This is what it is, Witch.”

The Witch unleashed a barrage of rolling lightning meteors on the sidewalk. Even though he protected himself with a force field, he felt the heat as the rolling lightning meteors deflected from it.

Khana said, “You, your friends, and your pointless Pursuit of the Zodiacs will meet its end here this night, boy.”

Justus replied, “You were warned. Those same words have gained you access to the Judgment Realm, Devil.”

He levitated one of her lightning balls and sent it hurling back at her. Caught off guard, she barely escaped. The force of the explosion caused Khana to collide with a light pole. The impact stunned her, giving Justus enough time to close in and behead the Psychic. The electricity coursing through his blade completely incinerated her head before it even reached the ground. In the middle of their reading, Abdeel and the rest watched in confusion as Khana’s head incinerated before them. Abdeel reached for his laser gun and activated it. “What the Devil is this?”

Weapons drawn, they tried figuring out what had just happened.

Irisan noticed the carnage outside the window and yelled, “Look, outside!”

The Witch’s magic had dissipated, and they witnessed cars and trees engulfed in flames.

Upon exiting, Timius called them to action. “Prepare yourselves!” They saw a shadowy figure approaching through the cloud of smoke. Much relieved, Timius yelled, “It’s Justus. Let us go back inside.”

Justus followed his comrades back inside. “Where is that Witch?” A sign of relief came over his face after seeing her motionless frame slumped over the table … without a head.

Chapter 17

TOTAL DISREGARD

“Blood is important in all things.”

– L
EVI

A
fter their successful campaign in Africa, Levi and his small group trekked through another Dimension for their return back into the United States. Recruiting Cancer brought hope for the future.

“Any word from Ozias?” Levi asked.

Simeon answered, “No, we have yet to receive a report.”

“That’s strange. He’s always on time with his reports. Something must have gone wrong,” Zodeen replied.

Cancer inquired, “Ozias? I assume he’s a comrade of yours.”

Levi answered, “Yes, you will meet all of our Brethren soon.”

Levi warned them of a visitor descending South from the clouds where they headed. Despite the traveler’s great distance, Levi identified him. “Jedediah?”

Simeon commented, “He must have some grave news.”

“Another comrade of yours contributing to your mission?” Cancer asked.

Levi answered, “No. Unfortunately, he sat this campaign out. His reasons were unclear until now.”

Zodeen addressed him. “Jedediah, what news do you bring?”

Motionless in his advanced Chariot, he ignored Zodeen’s inquiry. “I am here for a report on the status of this mission.”

Cancer remarked, “Straight to the point, this one, huh? Your friend has no news, but comes for a report?”