Pursuit of the Zodiacs (30 page)

TODAY’S HOROSCOPE

As Ruler of the Eleventh House, your brash decision-making can be cold to some, but your ultimate purpose surpasses all those in disagreement. Your goal is the future, and it should remain so. But be realistic, know that not every plan is a success
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Mileck and Jacob stationed themselves out of sight a mile away from Libra’s Uncle’s house following the Alignment among members of the Dark Graduates.
They’d been instructed not to intervene with the Pursuer’s mission, but to keep a heavy eye on the Zodiacs’ whereabouts. Before the Zodiacs arrived in Las Vegas, they’d planted bugs in several rooms of Charles’ house. Their work paid off as they listened in on a vital conversation.

Libra spoke to Aquarius, “The boy sleeps.”

Aquarius said, “Good, he’s going to need it. We have a long day ahead. Speaking of sleep, you look like you’re in need of some.”

Libra, though tired, didn’t want to sleep. “How can I rest when he’s a constant reminder of how vile we are? We murdered his Father, whom we could easily have spared.”

Aquarius replied, “Don’t dwell on the past. The deed has already been fulfilled. You knew how much of a liability he was the second word came regarding this Pursuit. Do I have to remind you who carried out the command?”

Libra said, “Yes, and each time I see Capricorn it tears me apart. I can’t even look him straight in the eye.”

Aquarius continued, “Enough of that. What did your Uncle say regarding Sagittarius?”

Libra answered, “He’s expected to arrive tomorrow.”

Aquarius said, “Good. Be prepared.”

Mileck and Jacob looked at each other in disbelief. The alliance was growing faster than anyone expected. “We cannot intervene! Those were the instructions,” Mileck cautioned.

Jacob responded, “Four Zodiacs will meet tomorrow. Do you understand what I just said? Those four alone are unstoppable, depending on how well they operate as a team. And I’m not going to sit here and find out.”

Mileck knew Jacob was right. “I understand the urgency; but if we intervene, we will die. The Dark Graduates were very clear on that.”

Jacob said, “Don’t you see? We are dead either way. Mosqidou has failed, and we must make our move. The Fallen are dangerously close to forming the alliance and picking up where they left off centuries ago!”

Mileck pleaded, “They said this Pursuit would turn even the most righteous man into a madman, and I am a witness to it right now. Our mission has been hopeless
since their arrival on the crop circle. Brother, you are torn. I’m pleading with you. You must not interfere with their mission. Where are you going?”

Jacob headed out without a word, slamming the door behind him.

Back in Japan, Natenal said, “Quick, let’s put her down on that table.”

Daniel arrived at the safe house with Shiloh, unconscious and critically injured. Natenal met him at the door and collected her while the rest of the team prayed.

“Will she live?” A distraught Daniel, covered in Shiloh’s blood, questioned.

Natenal asked, “What happened here? Where are her arms?”

Barely able to answer, Daniel spoke, “The beast who goes by the name Year of the Dragon from another group of Zodiacs impaired her.”

Goliath broke in, “There’s more of them? I thought only twelve exist.”

Grenad added, “The ones we seek are of Lucifer’s counterparts. Those Zodiacs, I believe, are from an entirely different time and parallel Universe.”

Goliath replied, “This is starting to not make much sense here.”

Natenal stood next to Shiloh’s body and informed everyone of her death. “Enough. She’s moved on to the Immortal Realm.”

Natenal covered her body with a blanket. Stirred by Shiloh’s death, The Pursuers were infuriated. Natenal continued, “We’ve lost a good soldier tonight, and her death will not be in vain. I demand progress in this mission.”

Goliath spoke directly to Natenal, “Wait. My apologies, but please don’t ask us to turn the other cheek. We must seek vengeance. The beast responsible must be put to death. Please, give us word.”

Natenal answered, “You spoke too soon, Brother. It’s time repercussions were met. Anyone who opposes the Children of God will succumb. Daniel and Goliath, see to it that this Devil is disposed of by any means.”

Natenal didn’t have to say another word. Daniel cleaned himself of Shiloh’s blood, after which he and Goliath headed out of the door.

“Is it a good idea to send Goliath? He’s like a caged animal on the loose. He’s likely to make mistakes built off nothing but rage,” Grenad proclaimed.

Natenal replied, “With Daniel accompanying him, he will keep things composed before any situation gets too out of hand.”

Grenad said, “It is the Year of The Dragon, so tonight they must be stronger than they’ve ever been. Don’t you think we should accompany them?”

Natenal answered, “No, we must make our way back to America. I trust that their retribution will be a success. Leave them the coordinates for the Gateway home, and let’s take our leave.”

Grenad asked, “But what about the Bookkeeper? Shouldn’t he be here to record this?”

Natenal answered, “This one is personal and will be off the record.”

Chapter 20

DISCLOSURE

“Torture, if executed properly, will restore any man’s memory. It will go as far as them telling you at what age they were potty trained as a child.”

— T
AURUS

A
fter the brief confrontation inside the safe house in New York, the remaining group circled the Gemini. They didn’t know what to make of their sudden change of heart. Their Guide and his trustworthy angelic canine had perished during combat. Not quite the homecoming present Levi and his group had anticipated. Pharisees walked into the room, angered to see their new guests. He instantly charged towards them. Other Pursuers subdued him.

Levi objected, “Pharisees, part from thy anger. Let us get to the bottom of this.”

“A little gratitude for relieving you of your situation?” a Twin remarked.

Pharisees retaliated, “Save your bragging. Tell us, what is your real motive for being here, Devils? May I remind everyone here that these two killed Isaiah. And, what about our Bookkeeper? If I didn’t intervene, he would’ve been another victim of their series of murders.”

The Twin answered, “Oh yes, your Bookkeeper. How is he doing anyway? As far as your question goes, there was no motive other than differences within the Dark Kingdom.”

Irisan answered, “Our Bookkeeper is safe from the grasps of Devils like you.”

Pharisees said, “You think we’re going to let you just walk in here and join us? We’ve followed you for days, and all we’ve uncovered were trails of blood and the stench of innocent people you’ve murdered along the way!”

Cancer, amazed to see another Zodiac, said, “Gemini?” He failed to keep his silence and moved in closer to investigate his cousins.

“Don’t get too close to these Devils, Cancer,” Zodeen warned. “They are nothing like you, despite your history.”

The Gemini were equally amazed to see another Zodiac among Mosqidou. “Cancer? Well, well, I see you guys accomplished something. Sorry we had to meet under these circumstances, Cousin.”

Pharisees continued, “Do not let them deceive you. We would’ve been just fine without them. Let’s get rid of them before they thrust their blades through our throats while we sleep.”

Half of the group picked up arms again. “Stop! First we must find out the reasons for their visit here,” Abdeel urged the others as he made his way down the balcony stairs, cleaning the Demon blood from his two-handed Water Element Sword. He continued, “Are the three Zodiacs among us potential allies, or do they stand as a potential threat? That question needs to be answered before we set fire to this place and depart. Now, you’ve mentioned differences between you and your Dark Kingdom, Zodiac. You need to explain.”

The Gemini asked Abdeel, “So, I take it that you’re the leader of this Pursuit?”

Abdeel ignored the question. “Your only position here as of now is to answer my questions. Cooperate with us, and perhaps we’ll let you live. Your crimes against this Universe have torn your Father’s memory beyond recognition.”

The Gemini, like most, did not like the memory of their Father sullied. “Easy there, Pursuer.”

Abdeel said, “What’s this? Did I strike a nerve? To avoid tarnishing his name further, you must atone for your sins. And atonement can’t be met if your grave is created in this very room.”

Pharisees broke in, “I’m afraid they do not care to listen, Brother. We waste our time. Their level of comprehension isn’t in anyone’s favor but their own.”

Abdeel replied, “We’ll have to wait and see.”

Zodeen went to investigate noises coming from upstairs. “We have more company descending upon the roof!”

Abdeel replied, “What is this?”

Pharisees declared, “They’ve brought more Devils here!”

The Twins dismissed Pharisees claims. “What’s with all the paranoia?”

“Guard those two. We’ll go check out the roof,” Levi said while joining Abdeel in the investigation.

They headed up towards the roof. And, to their surprise, they saw Abdeen on his Chariot of Fire accompanied by a new comrade on a Supernatural Flying Carpet.

THE MOVER OF SUNS

Between the realms of Mortals and gods, Jedediah traveled a great distance to the House of Bishop, The Mover of Suns. Every Immortal knew that, if he traveled within the compass of the Mortal realms, he gave up his Immortality. However, the greatest risk to Archangels was dying in sin. For his many works, Bishop had been rewarded with his own Planet, Moon, Sun, and a golden kingdom accompanied by fifty wives. Jedediah hoped to persuade the god to leave the safety of his humble abode, or risk forfeiting his own life.

Free from chemicals and poisons, the air alone allowed all of its inhabitants to live for all of Eternity. Roaming the land free, he witnessed multiple classes of extraterrestrials parallel to what he saw on an African savannah. To his left he saw golden Pyramids and similar fixtures that displayed nothing but royalty. Crystal clear rivers circuited through land.

“Why would he leave such a place?”

For Jedediah, it was too late to alter his thoughts. Bishop’s great golden gates opened upon his approach. He chanced that he would not leave this land alive. Convincing Bishop would be his biggest challenge yet. He had indeed become another statistic of the madness plaguing this Pursuit of the Zodiacs.

“Come forth, Jedediah.” He heard a voice that riddled against the walls of the hall, and Jedediah followed it.

The giant hallway was filled with great statues of Archangels, books and Scrolls neatly piled on tall bookshelves, and lastly, four sets of colossal mirrors. The technology behind these great mirrors made it capable of detecting Devils and anyone bearing marks of Dark Covenants. After analysis, these mirrors would present the results to the man that could move Suns. So far, he had passed security, and a second pair of enforced gates opened.