Pursuit of the Zodiacs (33 page)

“I will answer to no one. Where are we going anyway?” Scorpio responded.

Dynamo replied, “Fuck you, you little shit.”

Scorpio said, “Driver, stop the car! I will not be disrespected by pure waste.”

Virgo untied the knot and calmed everybody’s impudence. “Driver, keep driving. And nobody say another damn word to each other.”

“We have company,” the driver announced.

They saw an old fancy carriage with a masked driver and horse coming from the opposite direction. Occasionally this happened with Gateways, which could be very unpredictable. One never knew who or what occupied the same Gateway. Travelers would come from all parts and periods of the Universe. There’s a good chance they could meet someone or something from the past, present or future.

They engaged as they slowly passed one another. The stranger in the 17th century carriage moved the drape aside, also curious to know who occupied that very same Gateway. Inside the carriage, they saw a coffin. The outer shell of the closed coffin carried a weird dialect and symbols. Next to the coffin lay a clear glass vase with blood in its core. The seasoned Vampeer was strong and powerful. With a keen stare, he analyzed their transport, trying to make out what time they inhabited. Ultimately, he lost interest and closed the curtain.

Karz commented, “And that’s that.”

Dynamo, also intrigued by the passing carriage, said, “Indeed.”

Scorpio said, “I should flip that wagon on its back for the way that man just looked at me. As if I was anything less than royalty.”

Virgo stated, “Boy, your conceit will bring you death. You wouldn’t have stood a chance against that seasoned Vampeer. I can still feel his power coursing from here.”

Dynamo said, “Indeed. Let him try. The thought of his blood being depleted from his body is quite entertaining enough. Now seeing it in its entirety would be another delight.”

Scorpio gave Dynamo a revolting stare.

Virgo said, “Okay. That’s enough. Driver, let’s go.”

They exited the Dimension and arrived in New York City.

“Where are the Gatekeepers?” Virgo asked. They had expected two Gatekeepers, along with a Guide to close the Dimension upon their arrival.

The quiet and emptiness grew discomforting. With their laser weapons drawn, Karz, Zodon, and Dynamo inspected the scene. “Virgo, you wait here with the bastard. We’ll check this place out.”

Not a moment too soon, Dynamo whispered, “Over here.”

A trail of blood in the corner of the alley led them to the two missing Gatekeepers, both dead. Judging from the pale discoloration of their skin and multiple puncture wounds, their blood had been completely drained from their corpses.

Karz exclaimed, ”Vampeers!“

They found their Guide. They walked in on the middle of a feeding frenzy, their Guide was the main course. Unsettled, they happily disturbed the Vampeers from their meal.

“Pathetic bottom feeders!” Dynamo shouted.

Virgo left the limousine to warn her colleagues. “Incoming!”

Three other Vampeers appeared, soaring from the shadows. Three more snatched the driver from the vehicle. Fangs broke his flesh during their departure back through those same shadows.

Scorpio wanted to go to his aid, but Virgo stopped him. “He is lost. Come, child. It’s time you put that gift of yours to the test.”

Virgo drew her Virgin Sword. Blood never stained the steel after her victim was cut. One-by-one, she single-handedly cut through a group of Vampeers, piercing their hearts. Their hearts faded into dust but their bodies remained. “You are one with the Earth,” Virgo pronounced as she stood over her vanquished enemies.

Scorpio unsheathed the stinger attached to his ponytail and initiated a barrage of elusive flips. Upon each contact with Vampeer flesh, a lethal injection of venom transferred from the stinger to his victim’s heart.

The more Vampeers they killed or injured, more arose. In addition to their increasing numbers, the Vampeers made use of laser-powered weapons.

Dynamo yelled, “Go, my Queen. We’ll hold them off!”

Virgo deflected laser fire with her Virgin Light Force Field. She then armed herself with a laser weapon. After killing a Vampeer, Scorpio felt a tug on his arm, “Time to move!” Virgo yelled. He followed behind while she shot their way out of the Vampeer-infested alley.

“Well, this explains the reason for our special guest in the Dimension,” Scorpio stated.

Virgo said, “I hate to agree, but you are right.”

Still sensing some animosity, Scorpio asked, “Are you still upset with me about your friend? Don’t worry. I’m quite sure your other friends are keeping him company. You don’t think they survived that, did you?”

Virgo broke in, “Boy, I am this close to parting your tongue from its mouth. It would be wise for you to remain silent. Let’s keep moving.”

HE’S RETURNED

Accompanied by Grenad, Natenal returned. His presence restored faith in their mission. No longer without a leader, they give him a warm welcome.

Natenal ordered a private meeting between his most trusted companions in the group. At the meeting, he announced Shiloh’s death and warned them not to mention the news to the rest until a later time. Devastation followed.

“What is your report?” Natenal inquired of Levi.

Levi brought him up to date with recent events.

A stunned Natenal exclaimed, “They must be executed. I am disappointed to even think you needed my aid in issuing this judgment, Levi. The Gemini are too much of a threat to keep alive. They’re nothing more than opportunists. Their Air Sign is a curse, and their loyalty blows with the same wind it bears. We’ll take our chances with their descendants.”

Levi replied, “Apologies, Natenal. I will make sure your judgment is carried out.”

Natenal added, “Nevertheless, Cancer must be kept alive. I understand his loyalty might be questionable given the current circumstances, but we shall see. Adam is more than welcome to fight alongside us as Brothers despite his past with Lucifer. He could be the key to having Aries side with us due to his strong connection with her. But, Abdeen, may your eyes fail to wander.”

Abdeen answered, “Yes, Natenal.”

Pharisees inquired, “But, Natenal, how will Cancer take the news of us executing his own blood? Is it wise to antagonize him?”

Natenal responded, “His true loyalty will be disclosed in time. But as of now, there must be balance. And what I’ve learned during my absence is this: that in order to defeat a Zodiac, it’s vital that we learn more about their species. Soon, even he will have to decide if he is willing to defile his own hands with the blood of his equals.”

The Gemini said, “You are making a huge mistake! You need us!”

Natenal spoke to Ozias. “Ozias, you will stay behind and summon our Bookkeeper. I’m sure by now he is finished with his report. He should be safe under Ithiel’s watch. They await our call.”

Ozias replied, “Yes, Natenal.”

Timius opened up a Gateway to a disclosed area of the Universe for the Gemini’s execution. The mountaintop carried a strong wind, strong enough to assist them on their travel to the Afterlife. The tall grass complemented most parts of the field, while in some sections it stood a bit shy in length. The clouds darkened, and it was almost the closing of the evening.

The Gemini spoke again in unison, “You fools need us. You stand no chance against the Dark Prince.”

Helpless, the Gemini tried talking their way out of their situation. “Save your rhetoric,” Timius said while checking his state-of-the-art shackles that resisted any
kind of Power or Gifts. His new invention was unique, and the Gemini had no answer to their confinement. Infuriated over their captivity, they locked eyes with a familiar face, Adam. They hadn’t seen him in decades.

The Gemini spoke directly to him. “We know about you, Adam, Destroyer of Earths. You’ve committed enough corruption to earn your place here with us.”

Adam responded, “Yes, I’ve made mistakes in my past, but I was brought into this misery as a child. You two signed up for your tyranny at a respectful age, which justifies the difference between our positions here this day, Devils.”

The Gemini realized that Adam was going to be of no assistance. “Fuck you, Adam. We’ll meet again real soon. And you, Cousin, are you going to just stand there and let these bastards kill your own flesh and blood?”

Cancer answered, “I have no quarrel with you, my cousins. It is truly an unfortunate day. But as mentioned prior, you have chosen a path no repentance can answer. And personally, where would my morals stand if I were to free you from those chains? You’ve slaughtered children and many innocent men and women. Those works I cannot condone regardless of our blood ties. You must pay for your crimes.”

Though angered, the Gemini resigned and came to terms with death. “Very well, let’s get on with this shit. Fuck you, Cancer. You are a disgrace to all Zodiacs. This is the thanks we get for saving the lives of a bunch of ungrateful bastards!”

Natenal interrupted, “Silence! I’ve heard enough from you Devils. You’re in no position to pass judgment. You brought this infliction upon yourselves when you decided to be pawns for Lucifer. More than enough time has been wasted on parasites such as yourselves. Zodeen, commence the execution and let’s be on our way.”

The Twins replied, “The Gemini shall live forever. Our descendants will avenge us! May the winds of their Air Sign bring death upon every one of you ba—”

Zodeen decapitated both Gemini at the same time with his massive double-handed sword. Their heads rolled in tandem down the mountain. Cancer had to be restrained as he sensed a sharp pain in his heart.

“What’s troubling you, Brother?” Levi came to his aid.

Cancer clutched at his heart. “This explains a lot. It seems any time a Zodiac is killed, this sharp pain occurs, and my heart begins to glow shortly thereafter.” His heart pulsated and glowed. It depicted a Gem or stone through his flesh due to the luminosity.

Levi said, “Brother, you represent an authentic species. Your service could be of great value to the entire Universe, let alone this little World.”

Natenal commended, “Excellent job. May God be praised. Timius, with this note sealed with our mark, recover their heads, and send them to Lucifer.”

Chapter 22

THE BLOOD

“In the end, it all comes down to the Blood”

— D
RACUUL

“A
ll the lights are out, and everyone seems to have fallen asleep. There are four Zodiacs present in that house just a mile ahead.” Jacob passed Rashad the binoculars. He managed to get in contact with the Monarch. While they waited for their order, he had brought together even more mercenaries, all extremely skilled, stationed in the alleyways, tall grass and other dark corners.

“We have a breach,” one of the men notified Rashad over his communicator.

The men hidden around the perimeter surrounded the intruder, guns drawn.

One of the men yelled, “Identity yourself!”

Staggered, the visitor raised his hands. “Whoa, don’t shoot!”

Jacob intervened before there could be any mistakes. He recognized the intruder. “Let him pass. He’s here with me.” They walked up a flight of stairs onto the second floor of the sanctuary.