Pursuit of the Zodiacs (2 page)

MERCURY

SIMEON’S DREAM

“B
rethren, by the time you have received this message, I will have already passed on to the Immortal Realm. So please, do not trouble yourself by sending a rescue team to my coordinates. There is no purpose here, and I don’t need others risking their lives on my behalf. Know that this recording will be the only vital information you will need in order to prepare for what’s to come. It could happen in a week, a month, or years from now; but know that this threat is coming, Brothers.

Our mission to destroy the last of the Nephilim was a complete failure. Someone made them aware of our advances. We were hit so fast that we didn’t have a chance to counterstrike. Some of my Brothers have been destroyed, some have fled, and those who were captured have become meals to these beasts. I’m afraid that I will meet a similar fate. But I am not weary of death. I will make sure that they give me a quick exit.

These Giants are under the command of a Zodiac who goes by the name Scorpio. Our campaign was lost before we scratched the surface of this Planet with our highly classified, one-man Mercenary humanoid machines. Almost as big as our Nephilim adversaries, only experienced Archangels and Special Soldiers were permitted to operate them. Backed by advanced alien technology, these combative Giant Killers were successful against other Nephilim threats until some sort of power like I’ve never seen disrupted the machines’ mainframe and disabled our cannons. Only a few of us were able to override it, forcing everyone else to rely on their melee weapons. Those who didn’t make the transition on time fell victim to the Nephilim’s guns, swords, and desire for Mortal and Angel blood.

It was utter chaos. I’ve seen some of my best men consumed in front of me, and I had no answer. To prevent further bloodshed, I ordered all survivors to retreat and get out while they could before all communication systems went down.

Included in this message is the picture that I’ve received from one of my soldiers before our communications system failed. The Zodiac had a strange symbol on his forehead that only presented itself when he seemed to be in conflict.

I must depart, I hear them getting closer to my position. My Giant Killer has a little fight left, and I plan on taking full advantage of my opportunity. May God be with you all. This is your Brother Simeon signing off.”

The Pursuers tightened their cloaks and leaned into the menacing winds and pelting snow of this Planet. The storm finally passed, and after their vision returned, they discovered a Gateway to another Dimension. Two pairs of footsteps lay before the Dimension, indicating someone had entered. They found the body of Isaiah, a gatekeeper, murdered. As The Pursuers investigated further, the tracks in the snow exposed signs of a struggle. The killers severed Isaiah’s head, placed it on his left hand, and finished their message by carving the Mark of the Beast into his forehead. They drew a line of his own blood from the top of his head all the way down to his chin. A symbol coated in blood rested in the snow. It represented Gemini, one of twelve Zodiacs, or Fallen Archangels, under the authority of Lucifer.

The last Scroll had been signed, sealed and sent out in his possession. The rumor of the Scroll’s existence shook the Universe. And with one rumor came many more, the Scroll contained a weird dialect written in Lucifer’s blood. Only Fallen Archangels could decrypt its meaning. If Gemini succeeds in bringing Lucifer’s Scroll to the rest of the Zodiacs, the whole dark side of the Universe will have a huge advantage. Isaiah’s death was a warning to Mosqidou, in the Immortal tongue meaning “The Pursuers,” Archangels, sent down from Heaven upon the Mortal Realms of the Universe.

A few feet from his body, Gemini left a message in the snow, written in Isaiah’s blood:

“Pursuers, pursuing Death.”

“Natenal, we await your orders,” one of his soldiers said while joining the others by their Chariots. Well aware of the dangers, they still exercised a great display of zeal after being sent down to be one with Mortals. Instead of interstellar crafts, they’ve taken technologically advanced Chariots through different Dimensions in order to move undetected by enemy satellites.

“We leave for Earth at Sunrise,” Natenal, leader of the Pursuit, replied as he dismounted. He urged his men to be patient and rest. But he conveyed a warning, “Listen, as our Brother Simeon encountered, you will have dreams of your past life on your respective Earths. Whether it comes tonight, in a day or week, it will come. Do not give in to the Devil’s deceit. If you can record them in your journals, maybe we can decipher and use them to our advantage.” The Pursuers comprehended his warning and prayed before the Moon set.

Later, as everyone slept, Natenal asked, “Why are you not resting Brother? Have you encountered a dream of your past life on another Earth like our Brother Simeon?”

Standing by a cliff, Ithiel observed all of Mercury. Mercury was a beautiful Planet from the first day formed. A Full Moon cemented the midnight sky, and the massive waterfall mustered the attention of all classes of extraterrestrials. From a distance, he saw golden Pyramids built by the natives who, in fear, hide or have abandoned this Planet. His wings gave the impression that he was going airborne for a midnight flight to further vent. He paused, dropped his thoughts and said, “Brother, this mission troubles me. I am confused.”

Natenal tucked in his chin and answered, “Our Creator granted this mission to us. How can you have such doubt? It’s an honor that we were even chosen for an assignment of this magnitude.”

Ithiel responded, “You are right, My Lord. Forgive me. I’m highly indebted, but where’s the honor in being sent here over a mere rumor? What if this Scroll contains nothing?”

Natenal answered, “Who are we to question its contents? Once we apprehend Gemini and obtain that Scroll we’ll find out one way or another. It’s best we stay alert about this. For the sake of our mission, do not share your burden with the rest of The Pursuers.” As he turned from Ithiel’s sight, he came up with an idea. “Since you are up, would you be interested in a secret assignment?”

Ithiel said, “What is your inquiry?”

“There’s a satellite believed to be ten thousand years old, engineered by a secret society hovering over the surface of this atmosphere. It’s currently watching our every move. I was going to send an independent source to take care of it, but since you are awake, maybe this assignment will open your eyes further, Brother.”

Ithiel said, “A ten-thousand-year-old Satellite? It must be heavily guarded.”

Natenal replied, “You would think so, but it’s not. It is so well cloaked that no one knew of its existence until recently. Representatives from Earth’s neighboring Planets have all incorporated these technologically advanced Super Satellites. They pose as asteroids and space debris. Their ultimate purpose was to manufacture a hologram that deceived explorers into thinking life was incapable of existing on their Planet. In return, they successfully kept unwelcomed guests out, which ensured the survival of their species. These Satellites even have the capability of masking a Planet’s Moon and Sun. Over time, all Planets have implemented this technique, and only a few had been left in the dust, including Earth. Tipped by some shadow government, the five percent who rule the Earth are now aware of the existence of these Super Satellites and have invested in their own panel. They will succeed, unless of course you prevail in destroying their first model, Ithiel. See that this satellite never reaches its investors. But beware, it does have a Guardian.”

Ithiel said, “Leave this one to me.”

Natenal gave the coordinates to Ithiel.

Levi woke in time to see Ithiel leaving. “Where is he going?”

Natenal answered, “He’s going to take care of something for me. You should be resting, Brother, unless your dreams have met dejection?”

Levi answered, “No, Brother, not as yet. I shall retire for the night.”

An hour passed by, and the coordinates had been precise. The giant satellite posing as an asteroid had fooled the World, but not The Pursuers. Amazed, its engineer sees Ithiel landing on the satellite’s wing. He clumsily reached from his compartment and knocked over a few books. He pressed the buttons and the transmitter shot a signal into space.

The Extraterrestrial spoke to Ithiel in a strange tongue. Despite the Extraterrestrial not moving its mouth, Ithiel was able to hear its voice telekinetically and answer in the same way. “It’s best you leave, Devil.”

The Creature did not seem threatened by Ithiel’s warning. With the glint of its wicked eyes, the Creature left the satellite’s control room and fired his laser weapon.

Ithiel took cover as floating asteroids behind him exploded with each burst from the laser. Ithiel returned fire. His weapon did not match the advanced technology coming from his enemy’s laser.

The Creature stopped firing to reload. Ithiel moved in. He equipped his Super Sword, a sword no entity lacked in their inventory. He pressed a button and a blade surfaced from its core to Ithiel’s desired size. His power of electric current pulsated through the blade.

The Creature wielded a two-handed spear. Ithiel blocked it; but the weapon gave off an incredible rubberlike recoil, which still allowed it to strike Ithiel, knocking him about the satellite. The impact generated an electrical spark from the Super Satellite’s extension supports.

Briefly dazed, blood trickled from under Ithiel’s armor. Regaining his senses, he put pressure on his wound, yelling, “What black magic possess your toy, Devil?”

The Creature investigated the collateral damage done to the satellite. He heard electric current generating from Ithiel’s sword.

“No more gimmicks, Monster.” Ithiel pierced another electrical compartment in the satellite. Infuriated, the Alien charged in Ithiel’s direction. Ithiel drove his lightning-ignited sword through the heart of the Alien and forced it upward towards its skull. The Alien’s mutilated body fell to the surface.

“And it is done.” Ithiel set the ten-thousand-year-old Satellite ablaze. He sat and rested on one of its wings and left as the fire reached his side of the satellite.

In addition to their highly accomplished fighting techniques, honed over a hundred years of experience in Bliss, each Pursuer had been given incredible gifts blessed
by God. The Pursuers consisted of sixteen members. Starting from their respective ranks: Shiloh, Zodeen, Ithiel, Daniel, Goliath, Ozias, Grenad, Pharisees, Simeon, Irisan and Justus earned the titles as Guardian Angels. Levi, Abdeel, Abdeen and Timius earned the titles as Archangels. Lastly, Natenal held the title, Master Archangel. Anything above the rank of a Master Archangel would be considered a god. There were strict instructions for their campaign: to annihilate anyone or anything sponsoring Lucifer’s Agenda; to not harm any Mortals; and to intercept the Scroll that Gemini possessed. They could use brute force upon anyone in defiance against his or her Lord’s assignment. Last, but not least, never surrender to the Sins of the World.

Each Pursuer has an important role to fulfill, all of his or her gifts complemented the other once put to creative use. They all knew that to succeed, they must work together.

Heaven has had its share of betrayals. Therefore, God limited each soldier’s ability in the event that history should repeat itself. Their gifts accommodated any Zodiac resistance.

Natenal said, “Timus, it’s time. Please make your way towards the cliff.”

As Timius approached, a dark mist embraced the cliff.

Timius asked, “Where to, my Lord?”

Natenal answered, “Boston, let’s initiate the Pursuit.”

The shadowy, dark mist revealed the shape of the Eastern city that Pharisees prophesied.

Natenal continued, “Come on. Our Guide awaits us.”

Shiloh spoke, “My lord, I understand humans must not be harmed; but judging by the heavy circumstances of this mission, how will human casualties be avoided?”

Natenal answered, “I know this is a concern to you all. However, the mission must be a success. Let’s hope the casualty count is at a minimum.”

Ithiel returned and Natenal led them through the misty, dark Dimension. A Demon appeared, blocking the entrance to the Earth Realm.