Pursuit of the Zodiacs (50 page)

Having concluded the story, the Pope laughed on his golden throne.

Angered, Taurus spoke to the Pope. “So, you laugh about the death and disappearance of our Zodiac Brothers?”

The Pope replied, “Don’t get all worked up. This transpired before the second Pursuit of the Zodiacs. Were you not listening? The story was how I became a Vampeer. I only received a little percentage of what remained after fighting my way into the feast. I could only imagine who received the first handful. I would assume it was Dracuul, but he vanished. And for years following that war, we thought death claimed him. So overall, despite some casualties, I must say, the mission met success. It took me quite a while to come from that damn mountain. If I had gotten there any sooner, there’s no telling what you would be setting your eyes upon right now, maybe a god himself.”

“There is no need for that. I come in peace bearing good news.” While observing Michael’s battle with the Demons, Crusix appeared before them. They lowered their laser-powered weapons.

Exodus noticed a Scroll in Crusix’ hand. “Is that Bishop’s seal I see on that Scroll?”

Genesis added, “Yes it is. What are you doing with that, Demon?”

Ezra said, “Answer us at once.”

Amos said, “Enough. Do you not know who this is? This is Crusix, Lucifer’s Demon Master Arch. If he has Bishop’s seal, it’s for a legitimate reason.” Turning to the Scroll-Bearer, he said, “Crusix, please, state your business.”

Crusix spoke, “Thank you, Amos. An alliance has been formed between Bishop and Lucifer. Our differences have been set aside until both parties are one with the Universe ... following the annihilation of our common enemies and all who dare to oppose us, of course.” He threw the Scroll to Amos who read it first. All five of Bishop’s Master Archangels affirmed the authenticity of the Scroll.

Crusix continued, “Bishop said I would find you here in pursuit of Michael. I will aid you in his eradication, but first you must bear our mark so my men will show you no harm. We wouldn’t want to ruin our Covenant due to friendly fire, now would we?”

Leviticus said, “Yes, you are right. There’s been a change of plans. Once we receive this mark, Michael and the rest of his fleet will detect it on sight. Therefore, we will meet them head on.”

Crusix asked, “You will ride with us?”

Genesis looked around. “Ride with whom? You are alone.”

Five hundred Demon soldiers exited a portal. Soon after lining up in formation, they awaited Crusix’s orders.

Genesis didn’t want to dispute the matter, not with over five hundred Demon soldiers following Crusix. “Hmmm, okay. Very well.”

Bishop’s five Master Archangels received the Mark of the Beast. No harm would come to Bishop’s men due to the alliance, and the same rule applied to Lucifer’s minions. They rode down alongside Crusix and his followers to battle Michael.

In the heat of battle, one of Michael’s Archangels ran to him with distressing news. “Michael we have enemy riders coming from the West.”

Michael took the soldier’s telescope and recognized some of the riders. “Genesis? Amos? These are Bishop’s men. What are they doing with Crusix?”

He noticed them bearing the Mark. He could see Crusix, along with over five hundred more Devils, riding along with the betrayers of the Kingdom of Heaven. “This explains a lot. We must fall back into the church.” He yelled out, “Sound the retreat signal!”

The Archangel had barely raised his communications device when his life was cut short by laser fire. The signal for retreat never sounded, and Michael’s fleet was moments away from being overrun.

ANTHONY? WHAT ON EARTH HAPPENED TO YOU?

After his escape from Sabrina, Zacharia had come across an injured and dying Anthony. He moved in closer. “Speak, Brother. What has happened?”

Anthony spoke, “You must deliver this message …”

Anthony’s head drooped back, and Zachariah repositioned his friend. “What message is this? You must find the strength to tell me.”

Anthony mustered enough strength to pull Zachariah closer to him. Too weak to speak above a whisper, he said, “The Four Talismen have been summoned ahead of schedule, and they march towards Rome at this very moment.”

Zachariah said, “Are you sure, Anthony?”

Anthony replied, “Yes. Malachi, along with forty of our soldiers, met death in pursuit of them.”

Zachariah said, “Damn, this could be a problem for Bishop. Nevertheless, the results will be the same. God’s end will come, along with that of any other god in our path. I must send word to Bishop.”

Anthony’s eyes widened, surprised by Zachariah’s crazy rant. “What are you saying, Zachariah?”

Zachariah answered, “It doesn’t matter.”

Zachariah took out his blade and he thrust it towards Anthony’s throat. Anthony stopped him in motion. Both struggled with the blade. Too injured and weak to give much of a fight, Anthony lost the skirmish. Zachariah prevailed in puncturing his neck with his weapon. With a final death gurgle, Anthony took his last breath. Zachariah closed Anthony’s eyes so he wouldn’t feel them staring soullessly at him. He wiped his blade clean with Anthony’s clothing.

During his encounter with Anthony, Demons observed while hidden behind trees. He heard a voice as he prepared to leave. “Are you one of Bishop’s soldiers?”

Zachariah saw nothing. “Yes, Demon. Why do you ask? Come out and show yourself.”

He didn’t anticipate so many. He found himself surrounded. However, they did not come for a fight.

One Demon stepped forward to relay the news. “Bishop and Lucifer have formed an alliance.”

Surprised, Zacharia spoke, “What? How is that possible?”

“Yes, this news came sudden to us as well. After much research, we verified the news’ authenticity. Otherwise, our teeth would meet flesh.”

Zacharia responded, “Thanks for the kind words. What now?”

The Demon spoke, “Follow us. We head North to the negotiating table where both Lucifer and Bishop will meet to go over war strategies.”

Zacharia answered, “I will follow. I must see evidence of this alliance for myself.”

After the eclipse passed, Julius and Cameron traveled to the Great Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, built to Align with the Earth’s neighboring Planets.

Julius said, “Should we take the craft?”

Cameron answered, “No, these skies are more dangerous than ever. We will move silently through these Dimensions.”

Hours passed until they arrived at the site. It took more to fool the Children of Sirius. The place overran with Reptilian shape-shifters posing as tourists. Cameron whispered, “These must be Noah’s men.” Noah, the leader of the Dark Graduates, feuded with the Pope for quite some time. Their differences heated up after Noah dispatched those mercenaries at the White House, which resulted in the First Lady’s death … reason being she was a traitor to her own kind.

Julius continued, “I never understood why the First Lady turned against her own counsel, and was giving the Pope confidential information.”

Cameron replied, “Hmm, you’re right. For reasons of her own, she made her sacrifice nonetheless. We have our own mission to fulfill.”

Julius added, “I remember those days when Super Humans and Reptilians fought side-by-side with one another.”

Cameron replied, “Yes, the only way that could happen again is if we all had another common enemy capable of destroying the Universe. Everyone seems to have his or her own share of power so another alliance like that would be futile.”

Julius said, “Let’s see how many of them we can eliminate before detection.”

The two Super Humans attached silencers to their laser sniper rifles and positioned themselves in a secret location in the city. Ten fell by the time someone acknowledged the breach.

“We’re being attacked!” They heard someone shout in the distance.

Julius and Cameron moved across the field leaving their sniper rifles unattended and arrived at the first Pyramid. Where their oppressors had gone, and why they left their weapons, sparked confusion. They continued scanning the perimeter.

Julius and Cameron managed to stay one step ahead of the game by continually moving. They entered the Pyramid that Aligned with Jupiter, courtesy of Sagittarius. With a few of the Zodiacs already deceased, the mission would be a lot briefer. They left a Topaz Gem in a secret compartment of the wall and moved on to the next Pyramid. A highly skilled Reptilian equal in height approached and engaged them in hand-to-hand combat. With special signature blades, they moved as a team, confusing the Reptilian. It was outclassed, and both their blades met its neck.

“They’re over there!” Another cried out as it shot its laser automatic weapon.

Julius and Cameron evaded the lasers and entered the Pyramid. This time they would have to shoot their way out. However, Julius remembered a secret door leading to the back from their last visit to the chamber. They placed a Moon Stone in another secret compartment of the Pyramid that Aligned with Neptune, courtesy of Pisces.

They equipped themselves with automatic weapons from their inventory and unleashed heavy lead.

Julius spoke, “Damn, how many are there?”

Cameron replied, “I agree. They are like pests. Throw your poison gas.”

Julius and Cameron both positioned their gas masks. Julius set off a gas explosive that deprived the Reptilians of habitable air. They ran to the third Pyramid that Aligned with Pluto, courtesy of Scorpio. Cameron placed the Opal Gem in a secret compartment.

Cameron sensed something. He cautiously stepped outside to an empty district. Other than the dissipating gas vanishing amongst the Pyramids nearby, he didn’t see an enemy in sight. “Something isn’t right.”

Julius confirmed, “Yes, the Reptilians are completely gone, even the ones we eliminated. They’ve retrieved their dead and disappeared.”

Cameron said, “Let’s finish the mission and get out of here.”

They headed outside and soon discovered why all the Reptilians had disappeared. They came face-to-face with the Four Talismen on their Supernatural horses.

Dearth spoke first. “So, we meet again, Trekkers of Sirius.”

Cameron responded, “Indeed, what brings you here, might I ask?”

Plague answered, “During our passage to Rome, we just so happened to come across your little problem.”