The Zodiac: Chapter 9

“There a reason for this place goat?” Leo asked as she paced around an impromptu ring. The ring was sunken into the ground about a dozen feet and fairly new. It was deep enough that it was taller than the Zodiac but low enough that they could climb out if need be. The area had fewer torches, which left the sunken arena darker by comparison.

“It’s used for training and the occasional grudge match.” Gemini and Capricorn were standing in it. Capricorn was crouched stretching one of his legs and then the other. “Alright Gem, let’s get going.”

“Alright, whatever you say.” Gemini unhooked his scabbard and sword from his belt and went to lay it against the wall.

“Nope, keep the sticker. You’ll need it.” Capricorn said as he finally stood up. Raising his fists, he also raised and bent his leg.

He wasn’t sure if this was just the goat overconfident, like normal, or if he was being serious. Either way Gemini unsheathed his sword and left the scabbard against the wall. He tossed his sword to his other hand and then he pushed his constellation through it and split the blades.

Gemini raised one high above his head and kept the other one low. Capricorn watched him for a moment and then his constellation pulsed. The stars formed across his body, revolving into the constellation that gave him his namesake, “Kick Capricorn.”

The ground exploded as Capricorn leaped forward. It wasn’t a burst of speed like Aries but an explosion of force. Gemini squinted his eyes at the barrage of dirt and lost track of the goat. However, he knew him well enough to guess where he would attack. Pressing the blades against one another he turned around and swung the blades at air.

Capricorn was in mid kick as Gemini’s blades flew toward him. Capricorn grinned at that and that constellation suddenly changed, almost like it left his body to attack Gemini. “Capricorn Pierce.”

The sword met foot and the sound of metal hitting metal echoed in the arena. The shock was clear on Gemini’s face and Capricorn grinned as he spun swinging his other leg into the twin’s head. Gemini pushed his constellation through his body as quickly as possible before the boot hit him. Gemini grunted as he hit the ground, sliding backwards.

Gemini groaned as he rolled onto his hands. Shaking his head, he stabbed one of his swords into the ground to help him stand. “What the hell was that?” he panted.

“Me? What the hell was that? I felt the energy Gem.” Capricorn was grinning as he hopped in place. “That kick should’ve laid you out. Might’ve killed a normal person.”

Gemini rubbed his neck slowly but smiled. Whipping his sword out of the ground he pointed it at his friend. “Do that again. I want to see it again.”

Capricorn gave him a curious look and then grinned even wider. “Demonstration from the best? I got ya.” His constellation flashed again as he jumped toward his friend. Gemini looked upward expecting him there but instead the goat remained in front of him.

Capricorn spun and shot his leg forward. Gemini’s constellation split down the middle as he separated. Luce and Umbra stepped around in unison before merging again behind him. Gemini slashed his sword straight down over the exposed back of the goat. Capricorn’s constellation turned pointed as he lurched forward. Going hands first he raised leg and cause the sword with his foot.

The sound of metal hitting metal rang out as Capricorn’s heel collided with the sword. The pointed energy returned to its bouncing origin as he spun around and kicked Gemini in the side. Gemini jolted and as his body slid with the attack. Luce leaped free as Umbra took the momentum into the wall.

Luce leaped and thrust his sword forward. Capricorn raised his hand and the blade hit his palm. He blocked it and Luce’s eyes widened. The point of his blade was pressed against his skin but it wasn’t even piercing the skin. The point of contact was like chest armor.

Capricorn looked at them and then smiled. Capricorn jerked his hand into the air sending Luce’s arms high above his head. Capricorn lunged, slamming his fist into the twin’s chest. Luce forced his own constellation though his chest but being separated it was only half as strong.

Luce let out a shout of pain as he flew backwards from the blow, bounced twice before getting caught by Umbra. Gemini coughed as he gingerly touched his chest. He leaned against his sword as he clutched the other one tightly.

“Alpha… and Omega. That hurt.” Gemini said hoarsely as he struggled to his feet. Fusing the swords together he turned and then thrust them into the ground to try and balance.

“How’re you even standing right now?” Capricorn asked. “That last kick should’ve been lights out.”

Gemini shook his head with a smirk. “I’ve been doing my own training Cap. I’ll have to show you it some time.”

“Damn straight you are.” Capricorn ran to his side. He slowed down and helped him stand up straighter and then wrapped his arm around his waist.

Gemini groaned as they limped toward the edge of the arena. Leo and Virgo both slid down the sides to meet them. Gemini was able to stand on his own by the time that they were together.

“So we all saw the power there.” Virgo said as he pressed a hand to Gemini’s chest and then neck. His hands were warm and Gemini relaxed under the touch as he started to heal. “Capricorn. Try to give us more details on it.”

He nodded and crouched. “Well, when I bring my constellation out I can feel it change. You know how when we bring it out it has like… like a certain feel to it?”

Virgo nodded to him. “I’ve felt them as well. Pisces constellation flows like a river. Leo’s like a fire. Gemini’s is like two distinct energies meshed together.”

“Taurus has one that’s solid like a rock. Cap’s is like constant tension like a guitar string.” Gemini said and then looked at Virgo. “And yours is. Holy for lack of a better word.”

Capricorn nodded. “When I used the new power. I felt my constellation change. It felt like me still but it at the same time it’s not just me. I could feel the other Capricorn’s in me. Giving me their strength. No more just really strong kicks. Now my body is like a sword and shield.”

“That explains how you could block my sword.” Gemini said frowning in thought.

The goat nodded his head. “I don’t know what made it change. Fear maybe. Refusal to lose against Aries. It was really heat of the moment kind of stuff.”

“That’s not a lot of help.” Leo growled and the goat shrugged.

“Sorry. I can’t help with something I don’t get myself.”

“No this is good. Its something.” Virgo said and his face showed just how much concentration he was putting into this. “Our powers can evolve. I’m going to continue thinking on this. When should our people be ready?”

“In a day. Two at the most.”

“So soon?” Virgo asked surprised.

Leo smirked. “Our people are dedicated. At least the ones that we have left.”

“Anyway, let’s get some grub guys.” Capricorn pat his stomach. “All that fighting worked up an appetite.”

“Agreed.” Gemini said as they climbed out of the arena. They returned to the tables and got bowls. The stew that they were serving wasn’t much but considering the fact that they hadn’t had actual cooked food in weeks they accepted it eagerly.

As the four of them shared the meal together it felt warm and not just because of the food. Despite having spent the last few weeks together this felt the most normal. The eating, the teasing the joking between the goat and the twin. The lion reigning them in or becoming the target. The priest laughing and gently keeping the peace. Having hope that things would come to an end. This was what it meant to feel like a family and they hadn’t had that in months.

 “Aqua where are we going? It’s late. I thought you said you couldn’t sleep.” Gemini said as he walked barefoot across the grass. He was wearing rolled up pants and an open shirt. He couldn’t see anything because her hands were covering his monochrome eyes.

“Just be patient Gem. I couldn’t sleep and this has been nagging me. I want you to be a part of it. It’s special for me.” She said softly, her footsteps were trailing behind his. She was wearing a nightgown that was a pale blue with a darker blue shawl. Her blonde hair was in curly waves down her shoulders.

It was dark and the stars were brilliant points of light on the velvet sky. The moon was hanging in the air as a full sphere.  It gave so much light that Aquarius could see where she was going with ease.

Aquarius led him to the open field outside of the castle. The grass was dark green from recent rain. The smell of water wafted over the air. It was a cold night but the smell was relaxing.

Gemini kept trying to balance as the ground sloped downward. The ground was moist and he slid slightly. Aquarius slid one hand over both his eyes while she brought her other hand to his chest to keep him steady. His face grew warm at the touch but he smiled anyway.

“Th-thanks.”

She giggled.

They walked a few more steps forward and the ground was turning moister. It wasn’t mud yet but it was getting there. She pressed on his chest again to slow him down and then stop him.

“We’re here.” She said and the happiness in her voice was palpable.

“Great. Can I look now?” Gemini asked unable to keep the smile off his face.

She giggled softly and skipped in front of him. “Yep. I want you to watch this next part.”

Opening his eyes, he rubbed them. Things were fuzzy for a good few minutes however she was the first thing that came into focus for him. It made him smile out of habit. They were in front of Aquarius Lake. It had been filled a long time ago by a previous Aquarius. His Aquarius told him that this was her favorite place at the castle.

Aquarius glanced back at the twin for a moment before walking toward the lake. She took a slow breath and spread her arms. She took a slow step on the water and then started to skip forward standing on its surface as if it were solid.

She slowed down when she reached the center of the lake she lowered her arms. With a smile she turned around to face the twin. She raised them again, hovering them over the tiny jug around her neck, and whispered. “Pour Aquarius.”

Her constellation washed over her like a cool wave of water and it spread out in every direction. It spread over the surface of the lake, spread to the grass and even to Gemini. He closed his eyes and soaked in the sensation. It didn’t make him flinch away like Leo or tense like Taurus. This relaxed him like sinking into a warm bath.

The water rose up around her taking the shapes of various men and women filled with stars. Each of them was specific down to messy hair, tight buns, formal gowns, and ragged pants. Each man and woman was a water likeness of a once living person.

The watery men and women turned to face Aquarius and then they all seemed to smile. They raised their right hands together and the water moved with them. They moved their hands sending thin tendrils of water toward Aquarius.

In response she reached to her neck and kneeled down. She placed her jug on the water and directed the streams straight into the jug.

The people on the water sank back into the lake with a gentle splash. Aquarius was by herself once more. Picking the jug up she walked over the edge of the water to Gemini’s side. When she touched the grass, she tackled Gemini into the ground laughing.

“What was all of that Aqua?” He asked staring up at her.

She sat up as she looked down at the twin. “That was a ritual that every Aquarius does at least once every year. The figures you saw were the past Aquariuses Though that wasn’t really them I think. I’m just building them out of feelings I get from my energy. When they fill the jug, it makes a special type of water.  It helps clear the mind, heal wounds, give inspiration. Plus it taste really good.”

Gemini laughed softly as he sat up slowly. “So, what, you wanted me to see how the special Aqua water was made?”

“Well yeah but…” Her face turned red as she glanced away from him. “I… I also wanted you to have it.”

The twin was silent for a long moment as he looked at her. “Why me?”

“Because I want you to have it.” Reaching up she pulled the jug from around her neck and then offered it to him. “Drink it, please Gem.”

Gemini met her eyes then took the jug from her. He glanced into the jug and the water was sparkling, almost glowing. Gemini took a deep breath before he drank. It was empty within seconds, there wasn’t much, but it was delicious. When it emptied his entire body was tingling.

“Whoa. This is… wow. Holy shit! Wow!” He shouted as his energy bubbled up inside of him. He shuddered as he looked at her and laughed. He laughed his heart out until his voice echoed on itself and next thing he was a they, coverered in his constellation.

Aquarius was on top of Luce as Umbra lay on his back next to his twin. Both of them were breathing heavily but the energy distributed evenly between them. They could manage this. “Wow Aqua. Just wow.”

“I’ll say. Alpha and Omega.” Umbra added and looked up at her. She was laughing at them and they were staring at her. She was being highlighted by the moon. It turned her blonde hair to silver and her skin almost translucent.

“You’re such a dork Gem. Both of you.”

The twins looked at her with the same expression. Almost something like pleased resignation. “You’re beautiful.” They said as they became one again.

Aquarius stared down at Gemini her mouth agape in surprise at his words. Her face turned bright red. He took advantage of that. He sat up quickly, pressing his hand to her cheek and he kissed her. When she pulled away they were left staring and smiling and laughing.