The Zodiac: Chapter 8

The journey to Orrin was long. They spent the majority of it alternating who got to ride Speedy. Leo called it good endurance training for her and Gemini. They had no idea how to attain the next level of power that Pisces had demonstrated. They didn’t even know where to begin with that but they hadn’t stopped trying. Two weeks had passed.  They had shed their cloaks the three days previous, giving them to some random passerby’s.

It was midday when they finally arrived in Orrin. Orrin wasn’t like Virgo’s village or the village that Gemini had hidden in. It was a well-put together place and it reminded Gemini of Celestial, the capital. The buildings were made of stone and they had levels to them. The smells of fresh breads mixed and sweets mixed with the saltiness of the water.

The wealth of the village was immense and with good reason. Orrin was near a port. The port was connected to the river. This river was one that cut through the southern part of the country and it would split off into other areas like the far west. Unlike Celestial, which was separated from the rest of the country, Orrin was open center hub. It was where everyone went in the country to sell their merchandise, to become citizens, to start new lives.

Leo held the reins as she led Speedy forward. Gemini was sitting behind Virgo as they crossed into the town.  Gemini had only been here once, so he was enjoying something new. The people were dressed for warmer weather. Things like short-sleeved shirts and even shorts or skirts. He’d never seen anything quite like this before. The amount of soldiers here was sparse. Orrin was a neutral ground for the country. Money was power here. People were friendly but in a different way.

“Awesome Horse you guys. You get her from Bixby’s?”

“You guys make your own weapons or you buy them?”

“Righteous pendants.”

One girl even caught Gemini’s face. “Killer eyes.”

Gemini blushed at that one and then glanced at Leo. “What’s with these people?”

“No idea.” Leo scoff.

Virgo chuckled softly. “There are a few different customs and cultures across Nerodala. This is just one of many.” As he watched a pair of exotically dressed teens he frowned. “A culture that seems to value freedom of expression.”

“Right,” Gemini nodded. “I’m surprised these people are still able to be this with Cancer being around.”

“Taking Orrin would hurt the economy of the country. It’s easier for him to turn a blind eye. Ignorance and indifference are some of his best weapons right now.” Leo replied.

“Then where are our people?” Virgo asked.

Leo shook her head and glanced at him. Gemini glanced back at her before nodding.

“What is it?” Virgo asked.

“We’re being followed.” Gemini said softly. “About three guys, all armed. They look kinda… rough.”

Virgo nodded. “What do we do? Are we going to confront them?”

“Damn right.” Leo growled.

She led Speedy down a side road. Down this road instead of food they had clothing. It baffled Gemini that they had an entire street district dedicated to only clothes. Venders were showing their single pieces of cloth and fabric trying to attract their eyes.

Leo led Speedy down another path. This one was narrower and it went to an alley. It was a dead end and that was on purpose. She slowed down and then stopped all together. Leo cracked her neck and Gemini slid out of the saddle.

“So why are you following us?” Gemini asked as he turned to look at them.

They all looked different, not like native Nerodalans that was for sure. Two of them were very pale. One had a ponytail while the other was bald. Their eyes were narrow and faces smaller over all. The final man was darker of skin tone. He was a large man, tall with thick arms and torso. It showed through his shirt. He had striking red eyes. The two pale men had swords at their hips. This man had a dagger and gloved hands.

They didn’t respond to the question. The large man glanced at his partners and they drew their swords. There was a soft hiss as steel left leather. Leo narrowed her eyes as they began to approach.

“Two Xye and a Lyrian.” Virgo commented.

“I can handle them.” Gemini told her.

Leo looked at him then scoffed as she backed off. Gemini reached down and drew his sword as well. The pair of swordsmen shouted as they suddenly charged at the twin.

The Zodiac trained to better control their own constellations thanks to Virgo’s help. Make their attacks more powerful and their bodies more durable. With Leo’s strict regimen they had learned to do it until it became like breathing. One more step toward learning about the other power.

Gemini let the stars course through his body, forming a miniature version of his constellation in his body. He was itching to just run in but he kept himself relaxed. He waited as the ponytail got to him first and swung. He blocked it his arm, his skin like iron and shoved him back. The bald one saw this and let out a shout of surprise as he charged. Gemini swung down quickly shattering the man’s sword on contact. Gemini spun around and kicked him into the ground.

Gemini took a slow breath fighting his grin. He turned his gaze onto the large man and smirked. “You wanna be next?”

“I don’t think that’s necessary.”

The trio turned and looked behind them then up. Standing on the rooftop, crouched and smirking was Capricorn. His blue eyes and dark hair that seemed green and smirk hadn’t changed. His necklace glinted in the afternoon sunlight. Jumping off he flipped and landed neatly in front of Gemini.

The goat grinned at his old friends spreading his arms. “Yo guys? Long time no see.”

“Capricorn you stupid goat.” Gemini grinned back hugging his friend tightly. Capricorn hugged him back and laughed.

Once they separated Capricorn leaped off the ground, to the wall and landed near Leo. The lion glared at him. He hugged her anyway and she growled throughout the entire experience. However, she did pat his head.

“Good to see you too goat.”

Capricorn let her go and then laughed. “Holy Alpha you even brought Virgo. It’s a family reunion out here in Orrin. So why did you come? Not to visit me I bet.”

“Something like that. We have a plan and we need your help.” Gemini said.

“My help? Last time we were together our options were looking pretty grim. Must be one hell of a plan.”

“Let’s find a place that’s a bit more secure to talk first.” Leo said and Capricorn nodded.

“Smart idea. Never know where spies might be hanging around.” He turned back to the trio. The two pale guys were getting up slowly. Capricorn made his way over to them and he even chuckled. “You guys look like hell.”

“We’re sorry captain. We meant to test them and we overestimated our skill. Our reports were… out dated.” The ponytail guy said.

“And you, didn’t even want to give it a crack after seeing these guys?” Capricorn asked looking at the bigger guy. The man didn’t respond. “Don’t worry. I’m glad our captains have kept themselves in shape. Let’s get back to the others and I’ll buy you all a round of drinks.”

The trio nodded and even smiled as they left the alleyway. Virgo urged Speedy forward while Leo and Gemini walked beside the horse. Capricorn fell into step beside Gemini and it was like there wasn’t a war hanging over his head.

Capricorn led them out of the shopping district and they were this time going into a residential area. The homes were comfortable looking from the outside though there were people on the streets. Despite the success of this city poverty was a thing here.

“We’re trying to help those people as much as we can.” The bald Xye man said. “We do all that we can to make sure as many people in this city don’t go hungry.”

“We try but it’s not that easy.” Capricorn said as he put his hands on his head. “Food gets expensive. Even making cheap stews and soups is starting to eat into our reserves. We’re not being funded by anyone. We get our money through raiding the supplies from Celestial and then selling it. We have support from local farmers but even that is waning.”

“Fighting a losing war.” Leo said and the goat nodded.

“Then we’re going to need to finish this soon.” Gemini told them.

Capricorn slowed down as they entered another part of the residential area. It was far more run down and many of the homes were abandoned or falling apart. They were all made of wood though they were multi storied. Capricorn walked toward one of them and then kicked the broken door open. He walked inside and there was a surge of stars. The constellation from the goat bounced through the house hitting every wall and surface it could touch before it returned to him.

“All clear.” He called out. The trio of men entered the house while Leo took the reins of Speedy. She stroked the horse’s neck lightly.

“Hey Cap, can someone take care of Speedy?” Gemini asked.

The goat stepped out of the house to look at them. “Speedy? Really?”

Speedy snorted at him and stamped the stone floor angrily. Capricorn raised his hands up and laughed. “Sorry Speedy. Didn’t mean to piss you off. Yo big guy.” The silent man came from inside the house and glanced down at his captain. “Take Speedy to the other horses. I’ll owe you for this.”

The man nodded and went to Speedy. Speedy stamped her hooves at this man and didn’t like it when he took the reins. Gemini smiled at her. “Be nice Speedy.” She snorted at him.

The two walked further down the street and Capricorn waved them inside the building. Virgo, Leo and Gemini walked into the house and it smelled like old. The wood was rotting in a few places and in others he could hear rats arguing around corners.

The house had been abandoned and cleared out. There was no furniture, no keepsakes, no anything. Capricorn walked through what might have been a living room then through a kitchen.

He led them to a sheet of wood on the ground. Crouching down he dragged it away revealing a set of stairs that went into the darkness. The two Xye men walked down the steps first and the stairs creaked.

Gemini and Leo were next while Virgo looked a little skeptic to it. Capricorn smiled and patted his back. “Come on. I gotta go last to cover up.”

“Of course.” Virgo said and walked down the steps slowly. Capricorn grabbed the edge of the board and slid it over the top. He came down and then slid it over a little bit more. They were submerged in darkness suddenly and it was suffocating initially.

However, Capricorn reached into his pants he produced a flint. He placed it against the wall and then he punched it hard. There was a sound of metal on metal and then flames. The fire spread in almost an instant. It was igniting torches down the line every couple of feet. They seemed to go on for a while but it did end at a bottom. Partway down the stairs turned from wood to dirt and stone. When they finally hit the bottom, it was a long tunnel to a doorway.

One of the Xye went and opened the door and it was like a whole other world inside. There were benches and tables lined with fighters of varying nationalities, heights, and sexes. Some of them were talking, some were arguing and some of them were drinking or eating. There were a few side tunnels that went to Alpha knew where. The entire area was lit by torches similar to the ones in the hallway giving the area a warm orange glow. Though the air was very stale.

Capricorn spread his arms as he walked into it. “Welcome to Orrin’s hideout. Welcome to the resistance.”

“We’ve been here before Cap.” Leo said with an annoyed growl.

The goat sighed. “You just can’t appreciate theatrics.”

“That’s because they’re a waste of time.” She growled louder.

“Captain Leo!”

The lion turned around at her name and a Lyrian woman ran toward her. She was tall, nearly as tall as Leo. She was wearing a black crop top shirt, shorts and boots. At her sides were a pair of curved swords. Her skin was very dark but her eyes were a dark red. She had teeth that seemed almost sharp and black hair. There were two long bangs on either side of her face and the rest was in a ponytail. If Gemini didn’t know better he would call her Leo’s little sister.

“Kali. Well met.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kali bowed her head to Leo.

She glanced at Capricorn. “How have things been since I was last here Kali?”

“I’m sure you already know sir. But with your return I believe things will swing again into our favor.”

Leo shook her head. “I want to believe that Kali.”

Kali frowned but nodded. “Yes sir. Captain Gemini, it is good to see you again.”

“You to Kali.” Gemini smiled.

Kali nodded in respect.  “It seems you’ve finally made your choice.” There was more she was likely wanting to say but she stopped herself. She was just like Leo. Down to her condescending views toward Virgo.

From his first sight of the woman Virgo expected something like this and he smiled pleasantly. “You’re Lyrian are you not?

Kali stiffened at his question and she narrowed her eyes. “Is that an issue?”

Virgo held up his hand. “No, it is not. I just did not think I would see a pure blooded Lyrian outside of Lyria.”

Gemini glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

Virgo smiled. “They rarely travel outside of their country. It’s part of their culture.”

“You know of Lyrian culture?” She asked and now she was genuinely looking at him.

Virgo smiled. “Yes. Leo and I have done some research.”

“Whys that? Leo’s not a big one on studying.” Capricorn said teasingly. Leo growled and his grin didn’t fade. In fact it got wider.

“I’m part Lyrian. I wanted to know more about my heritage.” She said simply. 

Virgo smiled. “We can talk sometime. During or after our meals together.”

“So, what’s this grand plan of yours Gemini?” Capricorn asked motioning to an empty table. The Xye man walked away to his own business while Virgo, Leo, Gemini and Kali sat down.

“I want to break into the castle.” Gemini stated.

Capricorn whistled. “And I thought I was crazy”

Gemini smiled. “Not with this one. Leo and I went up north. We went there to find Virgo but we found a lot more.” His smile faded. “We figured out why Cancer and rest are so much stronger than us.”

Capricorn nodded his head as he stared at his hand. “Yeah, I think I know why too.”

“What do you mean?” Leo asked as she stared at the goat.

He grinned. “It was during a raid on one of their supply trains. Aries was leading it but we were strapped for supplies at the time. We took the risk. I went out and played the good distraction for the sheep and soldiers. Our guys picked off the stragglers and stole what they could. Me and Aries had a bit of a brawl and he busted out some weird lightning powers on me. I’m assuming that’s what you guys are talking about?”

Virgo nodded. “Considering Aries primary power source has been speed this evolution into lightning could very well be what we encountered.”

Capricorn nodded. “I thought so. I would have told you guys but you were already long gone by then. But that’s not the craziest part of the whole thing.”

Leo rolled her eyes. “Oh it gets better.”

Capricorn stuck his tongue out at her. “Aries had been kicking my ass with that lightning thing. I thought I was a goner when suddenly I figured something out. I used a different power. I can remember the words, I can remember calling on the power, but it was all instinct. I’ve been able to do it a small amount of times since then but it was… incredible. It evened the playing field that’s for sure. Managed to get away in one piece.”

“You’re saying you accessed that power?” Virgo asked eagerly.

The goat nodded. “I did. I don’t know how but I did.”

Virgo nodded. “It’s better than what we’ve been working on so far. Maybe even we can figure something out. You said that you remember what happened correct?”

“I remember bits and pieces.”

“That’ll be enough hopefully.” Virgo said softly.

“Good. But back to your plan Gem. Sneaking into the castle ain’t gonna be easy. It’s damn near suicide”

“I know. That’s why we needed to come here. We need you guys to give us a distraction and we need you, Cap, to come with us.”

Capricorn raised his eyebrow but Kali spoke up. “You are asking to risk a lot, Captain Gemini. All for what?”

“Aqua and Libra. They’re being held captive in the castle. If we can rescue them then we will be able to have an even playing field.” Gemini said.

“It would be nice for us to have a six on six instead of six on four.” Capricorn said thoughtfully. “But we have to consider the risk.”

Kali nodded. “If we lose any of you four we take a blow. We have barely been keeping up a front of being a threat to them. If we lose one of you after just having gained some strength then we might as well give up.”

“Things are that bad.” Virgo said softly. Kali nodded anyway.

“It’s worth the risk.” Gemini said putting his hands on the table. “Even more so with what Cap has done. And that’s assuming we get into a fight which is the last resort. We need Aquarius and Libra on our side. If for no other reason so that they aren’t prisoners anymore.”

Kali frowned. She didn’t like this. Leo looked at her and then looked around. People weren’t energized by their return. They were tired, beaten. They needed hope..

“Kali do you doubt our strength?”

Kali sat upright. “I would never, sir.”

“Do you doubt our resolve?”

“No, sir.”

“Do you trust us?”

“With my life and my home, sir.”

Leo nodded. “We will return from this mission. Our men could use something to believe in. We could use some ground to stand on.”

Kali stared at her captain before conceding this. “If you believe in this mission sir then I shall as well.” She bowed her head and then Leo nodded satisfied.

Capricorn stood up suddenly. “Alright, Kali spread the word and get us some volunteers. You guys come with me. It’s time I did more then tell you about this power. Hopefully you guys pick it up fast.”

As one the Zodiac stood up. Kali bowed her head to them once more and then she went to the soldiers. Gemini wasn’t thinking about that part though. He was excited about what it was that Capricorn could show. He could feel the energy bubbling up inside of him ready to burst.