Pursuit of the Zodiacs (20 page)

Asad yelled, “Farooq! You’re close enough. Take out the beast’s eye.”

They went for the beast’s eye, but the collaboration between Pisces and the beast proved too seasoned. She relieved Farooq of his weapon with a burst of water.

In agony, a grounded Farooq yelled at Pisces. “Damn you!” One of the beast’s tentacles grabbed the King and curled around him.

Pisces yelled out, “Hold him, Sira. Hold him tight while I go after the others.”

Asad yelled to the beast, “Let him go, Devil.”

Out of ammunition, Asad severed one of its tentacles. He moved on and engaged Pisces. He dodged her staff as she swung and delivered a threatening strike. A portion of her hair was cut after she maneuvered out of harm’s way. Again, the beast intervened and snatched Asad by his legs.

“Damn.” Asad dropped his sword and the Scroll. Disappointment settled within as he watched them pierce the sand. He and Farooq hung helplessly in the air. Just as Rashad rushed to retrieve the Scroll, Taurus and his followers appeared.

Taurus ordered his men to hold their position, and they watched from a distance. “Seems like someone is doing all the work for us, ha-ha.” He continued, shouting to gain everyone’s attention. “Well, well, well … how the tables have turned.”

Pisces motioned for her beast to stand down, and an exhausted Rashad took the opportunity to rest. Its tentacle slithered away back into its source. “Damn!” he said.

Pisces spoke, “And, who might you be? Are these acquaintances of yours?”

Taurus replied, “Not at all, my lady. Those three you have there are nothing more than runaway thieves, and they have stolen something of mine that is very important to me.”

Asad broke in, “Do not trust him, Pisces. He’s here with evil intentions.”

Her name excited Taurus. He and his group couldn’t help but to look at each other in shock. The name rolling off his oppressor’s tongue brought liberation.

Taurus spoke, “Pisces?”

Pisces answered, “Yes? She stands before you.”

Taurus continued, “Let me take this opportunity to say that it is truly an honor to be in your presence.”

Pisces replied, “We’ll see about that.”

Asad interrupted, “Don’t fall for his deceit.”

More curious than ever, Pisces ignored his warning and wondered about the contents of the Scroll.

Taurus said, “You tell her not to trust me? Moments ago your swords were at her throat.”

An angry Rashad made his way towards Taurus, but was challenged by Zen and Demetrius.

Pisces said, “You stay where you are.”

Taurus added, “Zen and Demetrius, do what she asks.”

Pisces remarked, “And you, King of the North, hold your steps or your friends will become Sira’s meal.”

Both parties held their positions. Rashad avoided the smirks coming from Taurus and his rebels. The view of his Brethren suspended helplessly in the air by the tight clutches of the water beast brought no comfort either.

Pisces continued, “Tell me: Who are you? And, what do these Three Kings have in their possession that is so important that they are willing to risk their very lives in seeking its destruction?”

Taurus answered, “My name is Taurus and I’m also a Zodiac, just like you. My associates and I have come a long way pursuing these thieves who have stolen a sacred Scroll of mine. Thanks to destiny, they were able to accomplish another task for us, which was finding you.”

Pisces said, “Another Zodiac, huh? I must confess, in all my years I never thought I would come across another one such as myself. It’s just not meant to be.”

Taurus said, “I must respectfully disagree. It is meant to be, and more. Our paths have crossed in this manner for a reason. The Scroll they have stolen from me has our history … power, for all Zodiacs to witness.”

Pisces inquired, “History?”

Asad interjected, “Don’t listen to him. I’m pleading with you, Pisces. Do not read the Scroll. It only contains darkness.”

Taurus yelled, “Silence, infidel.” He looked at Pisces. “The high altitude must be getting to his head. Your beast looks quite hungry. Has it eaten today?”

Pisces said, “Don’t worry about Sira. She’ll be okay.” She pointed to Rashad. “You over there, hand over that Scroll.”

Rashad delayed.

Pisces again demanded. “Hand over the Scroll, or your friends will die. I am done with your games.”

Asad pleaded, “Don’t give it to her, Brother. No matter what.”

Pisces said, “Silence!”

Farooq added, “Hold your ground, Brother.”

Pisces responded, “Fine, you leave me no choice. Sira, it’s time for dinner. Remove one of his legs.”

The beast sunk its teeth into Farooq’s leg. Farooq shouted in anguish. Hungry for more blood, the beast opened its jaws for another bite. Pisces stopped it. “Patience, Sira. That’s enough for now.” Looking at Rashad, she said, “Or, is it, traveler? Must your comrades endure further torment?”

Rashad answered through clinched teeth. “You bastard.”

Asad added, “Damn you.”

He helplessly stared at a distressed Farooq as the beast downed the blood pouring from his torn leg.

Rashad said, “Forgive me, Brothers.”

Asad replied, “Nooo, Rashad.”

Rashad walked towards Pisces.

Pisces held up her hand. “Right there is fine. Throw the Scroll to me.”

From a safe distance, Rashad tossed her the Scroll.

Asad yelled, “No!”

Taurus responded, “Yesss. Read it Pisces. It’s time you knew your history. It is your destiny. Answer the call of the Fallen.”

Pisces spoke, “Quiet, let’s see what all of the worry is about.”

She unrolled the beginning of the Scroll, and the supremacy within went to work. Pisces was born again with fire. Flames engulfed her, but it did not burn her flesh. Then darkness completely consumed her soul. The ghost of the damned forced her to read the remaining words. Her gifts stood no chance against their power. Time was unaccounted for. The Original evil Zodiacs, the ones who were cast out of Heaven with Lucifer, visited her. Mind Control embedded upon her. What seemed to be hours to her were only minutes to the ones who observed from the outside.

Taurus said, “Yes, deliverance! Her turning is almost done.”

He sent Demetrius and Zen to finish things. Without pause, Rashad sprung at them. Pisces was still in transformation. As for her beast, it too underwent a phase and shook uncontrollably.

Asad and Farooq ground their way free out of the monster’s clutches. They hit the water hard. They saw Rashad clashing with Taurus’s henchmen. Asad pulled out a spear lodged in the sand and thrusted it right into the Giant eye of the distraught beast. The beast retreated into the depths of the lake, writhing in agony.

Asad ran over to help Farooq as he watched him crawl out of the pond. Taurus intervened, wielding a giant axe before he could do so.

Asad blocked Taurus’ attack, but the force of the blow grounded him. Too injured to bounce back, Taurus pinned him down with one of his hooves, and motioned Pisces to come over.

Taurus declared. “Your little voyage ends here, sand trotter.”

Pisces, fully turned, showed no signs of mercy. Due to her compliance with the Devil, more power had been bestowed upon her.

Taurus pointed to Asad. “It is only right that you do the honor.”

Pisces handed him the Scroll in exchange for the axe. Asad saw a critically injured Rashad in the distance, outnumbered.

Asad said, “You will not prevail. The Pursuers will avenge us. Blood will be paid in blood.”

Taurus replied, “Ha-ha. That senseless assembly of a crusade was lost before they entered the Earth’s Realm.”

Pisces added, “You’ve brought harm to Sira. She will recover off your entrails.”

Pisces raised Taurus’ axe and split Asad’s head in two.

Farooq yelled out, “Noooo.”

Taurus motioned to Pisces. “Ha-ha. Go and finish that one too.”

Pisces responded, “With pleasure.”

She summoned another creature from the lake. With the head of a great white shark and giant legs of a crab, it swam to Farooq and crawled out of the water. It clamped down on him with its razor sharp teeth, shaking him violently before returning to the lake.

Taurus observed Rashad. “That one isn’t dead yet? Wait. First, let me share words with him.”

Zen, Demetrius, and two others had Rashad cornered on a cliff. Taurus walked past three of his associates lying dead on the ground, two missing heads, and the other nearly cut in half.

They looked upon a battered and bruised King.

Taurus spoke, “Well, is it fair to say your mission has come to a disappointing end, my friend? I’m afraid you must meet the same providence as your friends. As a courtesy, I must ask, how do you wish to die?”

Rashad answered, “The failure of your alliance. That is the only providence you should await.”

Rashad threw a blade into Taurus’ arm. Infuriated, Taurus charged towards Rashad who ran towards the edge of the cliff. He leapt off.

Zen spoke, “Ha! So the fool resorts to suicide.”

Moments later, his Supernatural Carpet caught him in mid-air. He raised his hand and pointed to them, “Praise Allah! You will meet the swords and guns of my mercenaries very soon, Devils! I will make sure the very ground beneath you shakes upon my arrival.”

The last remaining King departed.

Taurus said, “Pisces, you are relieved of your duties here. You are worth more than the well-being of this mountain and its river. Come with us. We have more pressing matters to attend.”

Voicemail Message from Mr. Alexandrov
.

Hi Mayor
,

        
I’m not sure if you’ve been informed, but our friends are all over the headlines. They’ve completely disappeared off the map somehow, and their whereabouts are unknown. I don’t know who you are dealing with, but it’s definitely something out of my power. My apologies. Enjoy your vacation
.

Chapter 16

DECEPTION

“M
y Lord, there’s word of Aquarius, Capricorn and Libra entering the Earth Realm. Are the rumors true?” Skore, one of Lucifer’s personal messengers, asked.

Lucifer stood with his hands crossed behind him looking out of his temple window down at one of his most cherished accomplishments, the Damned. As they burned to his viewing pleasure, he answered, “Yes, the rumors are true. You will give Taurus word of their coordinates, and he will make the bond.”

Skore answered, “Yes, my Lord.”

Lucifer asked, “Is there any word on the Gemini? They have yet to make a report.”

Skore answered, “No word on them yet. They’ve gone missing.”

Lucifer said, “I’m going to need an extra hand in keeping my operatives on track with their mission. Hopefully, in return, these reports will become less disappointing. But, who?”

Skore suggested, “Someone very keen, cunning, and fast … someone who can travel great distances with ease.”

Lucifer thought about it for a moment. “You’re right. But the Mortal I’m thinking about is already undergoing a serious mission, and he’s been on it for years. However, it must be done. This matter is more important.”

Skore questioned, “So, who shall it be, my Lord?”

Lucifer answered, “I shall call upon Adam.”

Skore questioned, “Adam? No one’s heard from him in centuries? Are you sure he’s qualified for a task of this magnitude?”

Lucifer replied, “Do not question my authority or the capabilities of my associates, especially if they are of higher rank than you. Just see to it that he receives his message.”

He turned his back to Skore, who wisely departed for his next assignment without delay.

BACK AT THE LAND OF THE NEPHILIM

“Abdeen! Run!” Aaron, the little boy Giant shouted from a distance. His Mother covered his mouth, upset that he’d given away their location. Emim sniffed the air, licking his lips. His feast at the beach wasn’t enough. He had carnage in his eyes. His reputation as a cannibal put the whole metropolis in a panic.

Abdeen made his move, sending out a massive fireball towards Emim’s knee, briefly setting his attire ablaze. But the move only angered the beast. After fighting off the flames, he gave Abdeen a look that would disperse men from a battlefield. Abdeen boarded his Chariot of Flaming Lions and took off just in time. Abdeen made a U-turn in mid-air and geared up for another assault, grabbing a spear from the side of his Chariot. Emim threw boulders and anything else he could get a hold of. Abdeen maneuvered his Chariot to avoid the crushing hail of boulders and random fixtures sent in his direction. His spear finally pierced the flesh of the Giant, but a boulder smashed into his Chariot. The Giant removed the spear just an inch below his cannibal heart while watching Abdeen and his Chariot spiral out of control.