The Zodiac: Chapter 11

Leo was disoriented from the light and the rush of movement. She tried to reach out and strike at Aries but she hit nothing but air. Suddenly she was thrown against the ground. She almost slid to her side but she forced herself to at least remain upright. The floor she was on was polished. So much so she could even see her reflection in it.

“Do you remember this room Leo? I doubt it. You were never one for dances.” Aries said from above her. Aries had one hand on the railing while the other held his spear tightly.

Getting to her feet Leo’s amber eyes locked onto the ram. He was standing atop the mezzanine. There were five columns that helped support it about twenty feet up. The railing was made of polished wood with ornate designs. The railing and floor extended all the way across the room with two sets of curving stairs. The stairs were covered by velvet red carpet down the center with golden tassels.  She looked around the room slowly and saw the walls. Bright with paintings and shields and flags. One side had nothing but windows that looked over Aquarius Lake.

“This is the ballroom.” She said to herself. Aries was right in that regard. She avoided all of the formal occasions that were held at the castle. She never wore dresses save one time in her life.

Aries nodded and then his face turned stoic. “I brought you here because I thought we might need room to fight. I never liked the dances and I figured things would become rather hazardous when we traded blows.”

Leo turned to look up at the ram. He was barely a story above her head from there. She could see his face clearly and his eyes. “You’re never going to answer why you chose Cancer are you?” she growled.

“No.”

Leo roared as she charged forward. When she was almost under the mezzanine she jumped and cleared the distance in a single bound. She brought her arm back and swung the blade straight down. Aries stepped to the side as the blade shattered the floor like glass.

Aries took another step back and then lunged with the spear. Leo dug her sword into the ground deeper to make sure it would stick before lifting herself up. The spear passed where she once was and she growled letting her constellation explode. “Roar Leo!”

Yanking the blade out of the ground she swung it whilst upside down. Aries dropped low to the ground barely avoiding the blade. Leo planted her feet on the ground squarely as she slashed at him again.

Aries blocked the blade against the shaft of his spear. Moving with the momentum of her swing he sent the blade into the ground as he turned and swung the spear hard. The hammer of the guard slammed into her shoulder and Leo cried out in pain. She was sent skidding across the floor and into the wall.

Her arm felt numb as she shoved herself upright. Aries was running toward her and Leo grabbed her sword. Forcing herself to her feet she ran at him as well and swung her sword. She angled it down so that Aries was forced to jump to the side to avoid the blow.

Aries took several steps to the side as he thrust his spear at her. She brought the blade up and blocked each lunge with the flat of her claymore. Her arm was hanging limp by her side and Aries was doing his best to take advantage of that. Leo grit her teeth as she was pushed further back. Aries smirked and jumped forward, thrusting the spear at her foot this time.

She brought it back as his spear hit the floor roughly. Aries turned and swung the hammer end at her other foot. She brought it back and her foot left the ground as the stairs began. Eyes wide Leo got her footing again and then roared. “Roar Leo!” She forced her constellation into her limp arm. It snapped to attention and obeyed her command as she punched Aries in the jaw.

The blow was enough to send him flying and straight into the railing. Grabbing her blade with both hands she dashed after him. Aries was dazed and seeing stars but he heard her coming before he saw her. “Run Aries.”

His constellation crackled along his body and he forced himself to run. He got to his feet and then jumped. Leo’s blade skidded across the top of the railing as Aries landed atop it directly to her right. He jumped backwards as Leo slashed at him again. Leo hopped onto the railing and then dashed at him.

Aries narrowed his eyes as he lunged with the spear. Leo hopped back and then thrust with her sword. Aries side stepped as best he could while staying on the railing and thrust his spear at her feet. Leo stepped back and then leaned to the side as Aries thrust sped up.

Leo growled at the repetition of this and grabbed her blade with both hands. Aries thrust his spear down at her feet but in mid thrust brought the spear point up. Leo swung her blade down as fast as she could and stopped the spear inches from her face. She growled loudly and started to push him back.

Aries tried to stand his ground but he was sliding backwards on the railing as Leo continued to push him. Aries realized that at this rate he was going to lose railing to stand on. With a grunt Aries jumped backwards and thrust his spear into the railing. Using the momentum, he launched himself backwards and flipped landing lithely on a flagpole.

Pointing the spear at the lion he smirked. “You’re still strong Leo.  But that strength won’t mean much in the end .”

Leo roared at him and ran across the railing. She raised her arm and threw her claymore straight at the wall. Aries ducked but the blade hit high above him. With an explosion of energy, she jumped after it. Aries eyes widened as she landed on the hilt of the sword. She turned and jumped down her fist cocked back.

Aries took a step back and dropped from the flagpole. He hooked his spear against it and swung himself around quickly planting both his feet into her back kicking her off. Leo shouted in shock as she reached out and dragged her arm against the wall. She grabbed a painting and that slowed her descent but she lost her grip. Turning in the air she landed on her hands then collapsed in a heap. Reclaiming his spot on the flagpole Aries chuckled again.

“See what I mean? Useless.” Aries taunted from the air.

Leo wasn’t moving as she tried to force herself to breathe. Panting heavily her body was shaking as she tried to stand but her legs gave out and she went back down. “Dammit!”

“Don’t worry Leo. I’ll finish this quickly. You won’t even feel it.” Aries said softly as he turned his spear in hand. He aimed at her before throwing it straight at her prone figure. “Aries Bolt.” He said and the air crackled. White lightning traveled up and down his frame as he leaped after the weapon. He had it in seconds and grabbed the shaft. His lightning traveled the length of the weapon before arching between the hammerheads and the spear tip.

Leo tried to move. She felt his constellation rapidly approaching but her body wasn’t responding. She growled in rage at herself. “Move. Move. Move! Move! Move!” Every word she spoke made her constellation increase and burn around her. It kept expanding, growing hotter around her body.

Finally her constellation exploded around her, cracking the ground and walls. The wave of energy hit Aries and sent him flying backwards. The ram turned, charging his spear before he threw it at the ground. Aries appeared crouched by the weapon the lightning dissipating into the air. Even from here he could feel the heat radiating off Leo.

Leo’s chest was heaving as she stood up. She grit her teeth and exhaled smoke. Her eyes were filled with fire as her constellation burned bright in her body. “Leo Ignite!” She roared throwing her head back. The floor around her started to shimmer as flames appeared in a circle around her feet. They were bright orange engulfing her arms, back and hair as she roared even louder.

The flames licked hungrily at the air as Leo stared at her hands. The flames appeared over her fingers covering her palm. She could feel the heat from her constellation and it almost burned her. She opened her mouth as smoke issued forth.

Aries stood slowly and looked at her. She had surprised him. Not only with her ascension to his level of power but also the form that it took. Then again it fit her. Untapped anger could burn like flames and it would consume all including the source.

Whipping his spear around he held it with both hands. “Come Leo. Show me the power of your flames.”

Leo’s eyes focused on the ram and she opened her mouth only to roar again as she charged at him. She was faster than before and every step she took set fire to the floor. She hit the stairs taking them three at a time as she rushed toward him.

Before Leo could reach him, she jumped into the air and soared over him. She reached out and grabbed the hilt of her sword. Dragging it out of the wall she crashed behind him. The flames on her arm extended to the sword. The pommel and guard lit up and the blade was engulfed by the fire.

Leo charged at Aries as he whipped around to face her. “Run Aries.” He dashed around her in a blur of movement. Grabbing his spear with both hands he swung it around as the hammer collided with her back. Leo took the hit and stumbled forward but she didn’t cry out. Catching herself she whirled around and thrust her sword straight at him.

Aries spun his spear around and then thrust it straight at her. The point of his spear collided with the flaming edge of her sword and the resulting explosion of fire and electricity sent both of them flying back. Aries’s back slammed into the wall as he slumped forward. His body ached all over from the force and he leaned onto his spear for support.

Leo flew back into the railing but the flames surrounding her melted it. She would have fallen if she hadn’t grabbed the floor and then melted an indentation into it. She clutched her sword tightly before dragging herself back onto the mezzanine.

“Can you even speak, Leo?” Aries asked and Leo just grunted another steam of smoke. Aries shook his head. “Your flames have already consumed you. Let’s make this quick.”

Aries crouched low and then dashed at her first using his power to move like lightning itself. Leo swung her sword up from the floor and slammed it’s flaming edge into contact with Aries’s spear but there was no explosion. They stood deadlocked neither going to give ground. Their true fight had finally begun.

Virgo dashed down the hallway his arms pumping. He stumbled and glanced over his shoulder. He could see the hulking shape of Taurus coming after him. The Zodiac in question wasn’t following at a brisk pace but even running. Just walking.

The hallway had an end eventually and once they hit that end Virgo would be cornered. Taurus was waiting for this to happen but he also knew that Virgo knew this. He was curious as to what the priest Zodiac’s plan was in this situation.

Virgo was cataloging everything he passed from the prison cells to the torches on the wall and down to the loose stones on the ground. They were all going to be his tools to use because he was running out of space. Though it was dark he could start to see the end of the line coming toward him.

Turning around slowly his eyes started to glow white. He raised his hand as he spoke “Repent Virgo.”

Concentrating he raised his hand and several dozen stones pulled themselves loose from the walls and the ground. The stones flew toward the priest and surrounded him like a constellation. Taurus stopped several feet away not wanting to enter into it blindly. So he raised his hands and stamped the ground lightly.

Virgo smiled at the bull’s hesitation and then took a step forward and raised his other arm. He pointed it toward one of the cells and then whipped it forward. The cell door shivered against the walls before it was torn free from the door. It flipped end over end toward Taurus, wrapping around him tightly.

The metal creaked as it contorted onto the bull’s body like a snake. Eyes wide Taurus struggled against the shackles as Virgo thrust his hand forward again. The invisible ball of energy and slammed into the bull sending him crashing into the ground.

Virgo ran toward the bull hurling the stones at him next. Each one of them was packed with his own energy and sent Taurus sliding across the ground. As he ran, Virgo grabbed more and more loose stones to replace the ones that he threw. However, some of his shots were going well past Taurus.

Taurus took every blow but instead of resorting to anger or frustration he was calm. Taking a deep breath his constellation started to build. It was building in a slow rumble and it was getting stronger and stronger. The ground was actually starting to shake under Virgo’s feet.

“Charge Taurus!” The cage was shattered as the bull got to his feet.  Standing slowly he brushed aside the remains of his bonds and turned to face Virgo. Stamping his foot against the ground he charged.

Virgo tried to keep his footing but with every pounding foot fall the ground shook. Virgo stumbled backwards as he grabbed the wall to keep standing as well as keep his hand aloft. The belt of stones maintained their positions in the air around him.

Taurus lowered his head as he charged and the earth shaking energy gained two focal points in front of him. Virgo watched him and then thrust his hand down ward before jerking it up. As Taurus foot came down one of the stones was forced from under him. However Taurus stamped it back into place and continued the charge.

Virgo’s eyes went wide and he thrust his arm against the wall. Placing his palm flat against it he narrowed his eyes and gripped it hard. Concentrating hard his head began to pound but he needed this to work right now.

With a vocal shout he dragged his arm forward. A wave of energy exploded from behind the wall and the outer layer collapsed down. Like a wave it fell on top of Taurus burying him under tons of stone.

The explosion of dust and debris that kicked up clogged the air. Coughing into his sleeve Virgo ducked his head away as the dust began to settle. The ground was no longer shaking so that was the only indication that his ploy had worked. Virgo kept his hand up, though it was shaky, and the stones were back to hovering around him.

Slowly the stones began to shift. Taurus heaved himself out of the rubble of stones and shook off the remnants of them. He turned to face Virgo and dusted off his shoulders. He was bruised and battered but no worse for wear.

“That was a good try Virgo.” Taurus said and he even showed a small smile. “If I had been any other Zodiac that might worked.”

The light in Virgo’s eyes faded away slowly before speaking. “Well if you had been any other Zodiac I would not have done that.” Virgo replied. “I wish we didn’t need this. Any of this.”

The bull nodded his head. “I understand my brother. I simply ask your forgiveness for this.” He said and lowered himself. The earth shaking energy started to return and it rolled over them in increasing magnitudes.

Virgo shook his head. “You never have to ask me for my forgiveness my brother. But I must ask you for my own. Now little one!” Virgo shot his hand forward and each of the stones he had gathered shot past the two of them. Each of them zoomed to the walls before slamming into the lanterns. It broke the glass and cracked the metal tilting them over. Oil poured out of them and splashed against the ground but the candles remained intact. Several of the lanterns tipped over like this in a long line.

Libra had hidden inside one of the cells as Virgo led Taurus away from her in the beginning. However she heard Virgo’s call and she acted. Scurrying out of her hiding spot she picked up a rock. She threw it straight at the lantern nearest her and broke the glasses. Jumping up she was able to throw her strength into it and tilted the lantern all the way over. The candle within the lantern slid out and she caught it as it fell and then bent down. Taking a slow breath she pressed the tip of the flames against the liquid and it ignited.

Taurus frowned at the call of Virgo and then he heard it. The rush of the flames as they ate at the oil. Taurus was able to see the dark liquid across the ground and watched as the oil dripped down from the recently over turned lantern. The rush of the flames grew louder echoing in the tight tunnel. “Well done Virgo. I did not think you would have the will to do what needed to be done.”

Virgo’s face was grim as he watched the approaching flames. “Repent Virgo.” He said softly and the glow returned to his eyes as he turned around. Swinging his arm down the stones from the wall that he had collapsed were flying towards him. They hit the ground and started to build up quickly until they had created a wall without any gaps.

It didn’t take long for the flames to wash over the bull Zodiac while trying to breach the wall that Virgo had erected. The wall remained in tact though some of the stones were beginning to turn orange.

The heat began to die down, having burned up all of its fuel in such a quick amount of time. Letting out his breath he let the wall crumble but he kept his energy constellation flowing around him.

His eyes fell onto Taurus who was kneeling on the ground. His arms were crossed over his face. His skin was dark red and his clothing was either burned off or burned black and streaked with blood. Taurus lowered his arms slowly his chest rising and falling with controlled breaths.

Virgo looked at his brother and he felt his eyes moistened at what he’d done. “Taurus. Hold still. Allow me to heal you-“

“Taurus Endure.” The energy that was radiating from Taurus was solid like metal. The energy radiated out slowly and then receded, surrounding Taurus like a shell. Virgo watched the energy cling to his skin and then watched the burns on his skin began to heal. It was like watching time reverse as he was stitched back together. In seconds the bull was getting to his feet good as new.

“By Alpha…” Virgo whispered as he looked at the bull. Tearing away the remnants of his shirt the bull raised his arms into the air and chuckled softly.

“I hadn’t thought you would possess the destructive power to force my hand in such a way. For that you have my respect Virgo. Don’t worry, it’s not perfect. And it takes massive energy.” Taurus said and then narrowed his eyes. “But now I’ll finish what you started Virgo.”

“I’m impressed you made it this far Gem.” Cancer said as Gemini and Capricorn stood across from him. The twin was unable to process words at the moment. “In fact, I’m impressed you eluded me for so long. It’s been hard to catch you and the other members of the resistance and yet here you are just waltzing into my home. Well, it’s your home too. At least it was.”

“What are you doing here?” Gemini asked breathlessly.

Cancer made a surprised face. “That’s an odd question.”

“Why are you here?”

“I live here?”

Gemini was shaking as he glared at him. “You chose this. You did this. Why Cancer? What the hell made you do this?! Answer me Cancer!”

Cancer blinked slowly and then smiled again. “I just finally saw the truth about our world. Truth about our inheritance and truth about our role here. We shouldn’t just be passive observers to the world. We should take what we want and do as we want. We’re the children of Gods! This world was made for us! I thought my brothers and sisters would understand that.”

“Understand? You killed the king! You put Aqua and Libra in prison cells. You’ve hunted us across the country and for what?!”

Cancer met his eyes. “We can’t ignore our destiny Gemini. This is who we are. Who we were born to be. You can’t run from it.“

“So for everyone who doesn’t follow you you’ll do what? Throw them into prisons? Execute them? Have you completely lost your mind?!”

Cancer looked at him and there was a flash in his eyes. Something black flitted across his them and it confused Gemini. His expression darkened and he glared at the twin. ”With that kind of thinking, you’ll never be able to ascent. You’ll never be able to become what you’re meant to be. A God.“

“Where’s Aqua?” Gemini asked sharply.

Cancer arched his eyebrow before smiling at him. “You and Aqua have always been close. I remember that much from our time together.”

“Where is she Cancer?” He asked as he took another step forward and unsheathed his sword.

Cancer’s dark face returned as he reached behind his back. His fingers wrapped around his katars.

“It doesn’t quite mater Gemini. You aren’t going to be seeing her again.” Cancer said.

Gemini screamed as he ran straight at him whipping his sword through the air. Swinging down Cancer raised his arm and opened the katar as it was caught in the split blades. Cancer looked at his friend and then lunged with the other katar splitting the blade open. Gemini split his sword as he turned the sword around and locked the sword against the katar.

Both of them were deadlocked against one another meeting glare with glare. Cancer pushed back against his friend and Gemini pushed equally hard but their strength was even.

“Forget about me?” Capricorn jumped off the wall and hit the ceiling. Hitting so that both his feet were planted against it he shot himself into Cancer, kicking him in the head. He drove the crab into the ground before jumping off and landing behind him.

Cancer groaned as he rubbed his jaw. “Not bad. Silly me. I got caught up in the moment.”

Gemini pointed his sword at Cancer growling. “Where. Is. She.”

“Maybe you can make me tell you.” Cancer chuckled softly.

Gemini shouted again as he ran at him again merging his blades into one. Holding it with two hands he swung hard and Cancer blocked it with the edge of his katar. The force made him take a step back. Gemini swung again but this time Cancer ducked under the blade. Lunging Cancer thrust his katar aimed at Gemini’s throat. The blade hit air as Umbra and Luce jumped to put their backs to the walls.

“Kick Capricorn!” Capricorn launched himself forward his kick aimed at Cancer’s exposed back. Cancer however was already turning and took a step to the side.  Capricorn’s foot flew past him but not before Cancer slashed with his katar. Capricorn raised his vambraces up but the blade cut into his arm.

Capricorn spun and landed badly, using his bad arm to support himself. Grunting in pain he got to his feet he grunted before raising his fists again.

Luce raised his blade as his eyes met with his twins. Together they lunged at him. Cancer raised his katar’s catching the swords in the open blades of the weapons. Stepping back, he let them close around their swords and then dragged the twins forward. Jumping slightly, he kicked them both in the chest and flipped backwards. Capricorn leaped at him in the air ready to take advantage.

Cancer glanced at the goat and chuckled. “Defend Cancer.” Capricorn’s fist slammed into a circular shield of water. Capricorn’s eyes went wide as his fist touched it. It felt almost entirely solid. The water rippled at the contact with Capricorn but it didn’t break or even splash.

Cancer took the time to recover and he slashed his blade. The water dissipated into the air as the katar cut across Capricorn’s cheek. He flinched away shouting at the pain.

Umbra leaped forward and swung his sword down hard. Cancer raised both katars into the air, crossing them to catch the blade. Umbra leaned forward glaring down at him as Luce came from behind and lunged at his exposed back. Cancer stepped to the side and Luce let out a surprised shout. Before his blade could stab his twin they merged.

Gemini stumbled forward as Cancer attacked his back with a thrust of his blade. Capricorn dashed at them, dropping low to slide under them both. Kicking his foot up he sent Cancer’s blade wide. Thrusting both his hands into the ground Capricorn propelled himself forward and swung his other leg at Cancer’s head.

Just like before the shield of water appeared in the air. “Capricorn Pierce.” Capricorn’s constellation lunged and his leg cut clean through the shield. Cancer’s eyes went wide as the kick swept past his head. Instead of being kicked there was a long cut across his cheek.

“It seems like you’ve learned a new trick.” Cancer grunted.

The goat jumped backwards as Cancer thrust his katar into the ground where he had been. Capricorn flipped backwards and then stopped, hopping on his feet again.

“Yeah, you can thank your sheep for that one.”

Cancer rubbed his cheek as blood dripped down it. He turned his hostile eyes onto Gemini and then smiled. “So, why don’t you show me your second power?”

“I don’t need it against you.” Gemini said readying his blade again.

“Cocky huh?” Cancer narrowed his eyes and cracked his neck. “Then let me try and persuade you otherwise.”

Scrapping the blades of the katar together Cancer ran forward. Gemini got into a position worried about such a direct attack. Cancer jumped forward and slashed one blade down. Gemini blocked it and tried to parry it but Cancer kept the momentum. He stepped forward quickly and lunged with the other blade.

Gemini was going to separate when that same darkness appeared in Cancer’s eyes. He saw the dark blues of them turn black and it froze him in place. It was fear that gripped him. Fear of the end. “Cancer Impact.”

A small sphere of water appeared at the tip of his katar. Cancer shoved his katar into Gemini’s shoulder and then there was an explosion of pain. A perfect hole shot through his shoulder from one side to the other. Gemini shouted in pain as he stumbled backwards holding the new wound. He looked at Cancer and the fear left his eyes and was replaced by defiance. “Come on Gem. Your turn. Show me what you’ve got,” Cancer said coldly.