Pursuit of the Zodiacs (28 page)

The spy answered, “By the time we reached him to forewarn of the threat, someone had already challenged him, someone very powerful. Word on the streets of Japan was that men bearing weird masks with lengthy noses challenged him.”

“Those damn Pursuers. There will be repercussions! I will make sure all of our Suns are coated with the blood of enemies!” Aru vowed, pounding his fist.

Chapter 19

BAD BLOOD

“We are an authentic species, but it seems that someone disapproves of our existence.”

— L
IBRA

A
dam spoke, “What’s troubling you, Brother?”

After seeing the mark of the Dark Covenant on his new comrade, Abdeen had a change of heart regarding his loyalty. He confronted him about it. “I see you bear the mark of the Dark Covenant, Brother. You have a story to tell … and, please, one that will not deceive.”

Adam replied, “So, you’ve been spying on me, friend?”

Abdeen countered, “Adam, be aware, this is no time for jokes.”

Adam comprehended the serious look on Abdeen’s face. “Yes, if you must know. I was a soldier for Lucifer for many years. Some might say I’ve done things even holy water can’t absolve. After having seen the potential and good in all living things during my travels, I swore I would make things right as much as I could to earn a seat in Nirvana. Have I earned it yet? I’m not quite sure.”

Abdeen said, “I sense there is more you fail to share, Brother. What’s the real reason for your redemption?”

Adam watched the three Moons in view just over a mountain. “Yes, you are right. Many years ago during protocol, I met a woman on the very Planet I was sent to destroy … a Zodiac named Aries. At the time, she went by the name Ursula. Lucifer gave me strict orders to escort her off the Planet before it met with disaster, and so I did. Then, the unthinkable happened. We fell in love. It marked the beginning of the end of my so-called profession as a traveler, a profession I knew so well. Somehow, Lucifer was informed and had my children executed. I guess my bloodline wasn’t pure enough for his plan. Ursula left me a farewell letter and vanished with Paul, my only surviving Son. She declared it too dangerous to tell me her terminus in case the letter fell into the wrong hands. I didn’t blame her. Because of the sins of their Father, I had cursed my family. It was a miracle my Son Paul survived the contract that was put out on him. He’s to be the heir to her power should anything happen to her. Ever since, I’ve traveled Galaxies in search of them, not even sure if I’d ever find them. It’s been my obsession.”

Inspired by Adam’s story Abdeen said, “It’s settled. Our paths were destined to cross, Brother. God led me right to you. A small group and I are also in Pursuit of all of the Zodiacs. Please, join us. We can help each other. You will be an excellent addition to our mission.”

Adam thought about the offer. “A Pursuit of The Zodiacs, huh? That’s an impossible mission. To my knowledge, Lucifer and other powers-that-be had killed them off. Even the ones I’d considered friends. It has taken me years to find a clue where Ursula and my Son might be hiding. My apologies, but I don’t see your mission standing a chance.”

Abdeen said, “You may be right, but failure is not an option here. Prior to escaping the Judgment Realm, Lucifer successfully found and turned three Zodiacs: Taurus, Sagittarius, and the Gemini. He has a mysterious Scroll he plans to use to
deceive and unite this new generation of Zodiacs, the descendants of the original Fallen Archangels. If we do not stop him, he will eventually find Aries. She will be turned with the others, and they will be almost impossible to defeat. Everything you’ve been fighting and searching for will be lost.”

Adam thought to himself for a while and took out a picture of what Abdeen presumed to be Aries, Paul and his deceased children. He took a deep breath and accepted Abdeen’s offer. “Your words strike importance, Brother. And I will assist you in your Pursuit. After the Sun sets, I will take you to your World.”

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

As Ruler of the Seventh House, your quest for fairness and balance in the World will bring forth complications. Stay composed, even in the time of indecisiveness…

They arrived at their mark, a safe house just a mile away from Las Vegas, Nevada. Libra’s Uncle Charles welcomed them all in his home despite the dangers of having them as guests.

Libra hadn’t seen her Uncle in a while and gave him a big hug. “Hi, Uncle. It’s been how long? Let me introduce you to my friends Aquarius and Capricorn.”

Charles motioned to some seats. “Please, make yourselves at home,” he said to Libra. “Eight long years, my love. It is wonderful to see you. You and your guests are welcome to stay as long as you like.”

Capricorn grunted. “Can I go outside, I don’t want to be inside just yet.”

Libra clarified, “We’ve traveled very far, so please excuse him. He seems to be angry with everyone and everything at the moment.”

Charles ignored Capricorn’s comment. “It’s alright. We were all his age once. Remember, he is a Capricorn nevertheless,” he joked.

Libra said, “Yes, how can we forget?”

Charles motioned to the stairs. “Your rooms have already been made up. I hope you find them comfortable. Let me know if there’s anything you need.”

Capricorn and Aquarius retired for the night. Libra stayed behind and spoke to her Uncle in private. “So, what news can you share?”

Charles, a retired operative at Area 51, had his fair share of encounters with extraterrestrials: some a part of various federations, and some employed by the Dark Graduates. He worked specifically with an alien Race known as the Tall Whites.

Charles answered, “I sent for Sagittarius. He will be here in a day or two. There’s word that a special team has been formed to destroy all of the remaining Zodiacs.”

Libra took this in. “Is that so? Remaining Zodiacs? Who gave the order?”

“It’s unclear, but they’ve already managed to eliminate Leo. They should not be taken lightly.”

Libra replied, “This is disheartening, and explains the intensity of our latest Horoscope.”

Charles asked, “Horoscope?”

Libra answered, “Yes, I think it occurs any time one of us is in immediate danger or has fallen. Until this day, I could not reconcile the two. We were stricken with a deep pain in our Fortune Gem. It glows once or twice before we receive our Horoscope. It occurred twice on our journey here.”

Charles added, “I’ve heard rumors of it during my time at the base, but thought it was a mere myth more than anything.”

Libra said, “Yes, we are an authentic species, but it seems that someone disapproves of our existence.”

Charles said, “Come, get some sleep. I will get to the bottom of this so-called ‘Pursuit.’

“What failures!” In another Dimension, Jedediah crossed out yet another one of his assassins from the list. He planned to rid the Zodiacs himself by forming his own group of Pursuers.

“What is your obsession with these Zodiacs?” David, his tactician, inquired, as he prepared to summon another hit man for the frustrated Archangel.

Jedediah spoke, as much to himself as to David. “Recruiting Zodiacs when they should be destroyed is not an option. It’s a move ready to self-destruct, and our Kingdom will be among its casualties. I will not sit around and wait for their whole operation to crumble to its foundation.”

David replied, “You should leave this in God’s hands, Brother. Remember who established this whole operation. It’s everyone’s job to obey and await results.”

Jedediah was perturbed by David’s comment. “You’re a bit too late with objections, Brother. The only result I see in their mission is failure. Now, do as I ask and summon Bishop.”

Staggered, David continued, “The Mover of Suns?”

Jedediah said, “Has your sense of hearing escaped you? Yes, summon Bishop, the god who can move Suns.”

David said, ”No, this can’t happen. He’s not scheduled for summoning until the Day of Judgment, the final war. Have you gone completely insane?”

Jedediah said, “I’m taking it upon myself to make sure that great Day of Judgment occurs.”

David argued, ”Your obsession with the Zodiacs has made you mad, Brother. I must resign from our little secret operation and report this to the High Counsel, even if it results in my own atonement. Your madness is costing the lives of too many good men.”

Jedediah said, “You leave me no choice. Guards, seize him, and execute him.”

“What? You have gone completely insane, you have no right to execute me Jedediah!” David cried as the defenders hauled him off. A determined Jedediah carried out his own orders by going completely against the Kingdom. He prepped to summon Bishop, also known as the Mover of Suns, arguably God’s highest soldier.

Jedediah thought to himself, “With the Mover of Suns’ aide, I will accomplish all things.”

“In need of any assistance?” Music to their ears, Levi, Simeon, Zodeen and their special guest, Cancer, entered the safe house and joined the melee. Ozias changed into his original form to avoid confusion, his golden armor shining as brightly as ever, partially stained with Demon blood.

“More are coming from the training room!” Pharisees shouted as he parried an incoming axe offense.