Pisces walked through the hall of the castle. He had been out, checking on their outpost during the fighting. Once it was over he was recalled as soon as possible. It had taken him two days to return and now that he was here he was taking stock of the damage. Turning down the hall he opened the large double doors to the ballroom and was greeted by pure destruction.
Pisces ran his fingers through his hair as he looked at the hole in the ballroom floor. Pacing around he could see the spots where glass and the ground had been broken. As he walked he took note of a spot where the ground had not only been broken but even melted. Had Leo really done all of this herself?
The last time he saw her had been painful. Too painful for him to want to keep thinking about. But he remembered her strength then and it was not this. As he kneeled down and ran his fingers against a melted part of the ground he frowned again.
“I talked to Aries.” Pisces turned his head back as Sagittarius walked toward him. She had changed into one of her dresses. “He said that she was like a force of nature when she used the second power for the first time. She learned fast though and when she fought Cancer she was wielding it like she had her whole life.”
“Leo was always a fast learned.” Pisces said warmly but then frowned. “What about the others?”
“Cap’s a quick learner too. Ever since the first time he fought Aries he’s been using it. It’s natural to him.” She said and then frowned. “Gemini though. He discovered his during the fight. He didn’t have control over it. Not like Leo or Cap.”
“They’ve gotten strong in such a small period of time.” Pisces said and frowned. “Before I wiped the floor with them with only the second power. But Gemini forced Cancer to use that with his second.”
“What do you think it means?”
“It means that the next fight we have… it’s going to decide things.”
There was the sound of footsteps and both Zodiac turned around as a man came before them. He was in full armor with spear and shield in hand.
“Yes? What is it?” Pisces asked quickly.
The soldier nodded. “Sir, Lord Cancer requires you and Lady Sagittarius to come to the planning room. He’s holding a meeting.”
Sagittarius arched an eyebrow. “A meeting? Of who? Neither of us are commanders in the army.”
When it came to the roles of the Zodiac within the castle, Cancer was the acting king. Aries and Taurus were the highest ranked within the army. Pisces was at the most a scout while Sagittarius was the negotiator to the other nobles. Scorpio was a special soldier in their army.
The soldier looked toward her and his face flushed for a moment. “Ma’am, he’s requiring a meeting of the Zodiac.”
Pisces and Sagittarius shared a look before looking back at the soldier. “Thank you. You may go.” Sagittarius said. The soldier nodded to her before leaving.
“This is a surprise.” Sagittarius said softly and Pisces nodded. “Only something big would have required for him to call us all there.”
“If he’s calling us all back, that means he’s calling back Scorpio as well.” Pisces said and Sagittarius gasped.
“You’re right.” Covering her mouth, she frowned. “He’s been hunting prince Raku for the past year, hasn’t he?”
Pisces nodded. “The only person in the world that could unite the people against him besides the Zodiac. If they were all able to group together then we’d have a true civil war on our hands.”
“It’s either that or he finally beats Cancer.” Pisces shrugged. “I can’t say if I’d rather him be on the leash or not.”
“I can’t either.”
There was a long stretch of silence between them. Sagittarius grumbled and ran her fingers through her hair. “I hate this Pisces. I really really hate this.”
“You and me both. But when it comes to choices we don’t have that. Let’s go meet with everyone.”
Pisces led them both up the staircase to what was left of mezzanine. Returning to the castle they went to the third floor and three doors down. Pisces opened the door and then waited for Sagittarius to enter before following behind her.
The room was large with a long oval shaped table. The table was red and each of the dozen chairs had red cushions. The walls were decorated with portraits of the previous twelve Zodiac. Generations that spanned back ten sets including the current. In the wall was a fireplace though it wasn’t lit at the moment. There were a few windows against the wall and those were open letting in some fresh air.
Taurus was the only one there, patiently waiting with his arms folded. Pisces and Sagittarius took seats across from him. She sat with her hands in her lap, as she glanced around them. It was her home but the longer things stayed the way they were the more it felt like she was a stranger.
The trio waited in a silent sort of patience. There was no ill will between the three of them but Taurus wasn’t much of a talker even in pleasant company. So they waited for around ten more minutes before the door opened once again. This time both Aries and Cancer entered. Cancer had a pleasant smile on his face while Aries was stoic to annoyed.
Cancer walked to the end of the table and sat down while Aries sat beside Taurus. “Let us begin.”
Sagittarius glanced at him surprised at his words. “But Cancer, we’re still missing one of our number.”
The crab chuckled and then shook his head. “No. All six of us are right here.”
Pisces felt the air shift slightly and his eyes darted to the window. A shadow lunged past him and jumped at Cancer. Cancer stood quickly his katar flashing in the light. He caught a gleaming black khopesh inches from his face. The blade was curved like a sickle but the edge was parallel with the hilt.
Cancer shoved his attacker back as he brought out his other katar and he felt the constellation in the air. It was hard to hold onto, almost like it didn’t exist. But Cancer knew what to look for. Narrowing his eyes, he kicked his chair backwards as the black shape leaped over it. It attacked with the khopesh again and Cancer caught the blade in his own.
There was a glint of light in the corner of his eye and the shadow ducked low. A small curved dagger flew over his head, attached to a length of chain. Reaching forward Cancer grabbed the chain and then yanked on it.
The shadow spun around and swung the khopesh at him again. “Protect Cancer.” The blade of the khopesh slammed into the ice shield. The dagger tried to attack but Cancer’s grip on the chain was iron. He turned his free hand to his attacker and pointed the katar. “Cancer Impact.”
The blast of water slammed into the shadow and sent him across the room and slamming into the door. The other Zodiac had watched the exchange with calm surprise. This was a ritual after all.
“You haven’t completed your mission.” Cancer said as he glanced at his attacker. “This attempt was doomed to fail from the start, Scorpio.”
The man leaning against the wall snarled at Cancer. He was nearly Leo’s height. He had long black hair that was loose and shrouded his face. His skin was light brown in tone and his eyes were dark red. His teeth were sharper than a normal man’s.
Dragging himself to his feet he was wearing dark pants and a sleeveless brown shirt. His body was well toned and slim. In one hand was his black double bladed khopesh though the edges glittered with diamonds. The hilt was golden decorated. Around his waist was a golden chain with a similar black bladed dagger dangling from the end. It had the same treatment as the khopesh in design.
“My mission was almost over.” He growled though his face was turning calm. When he took one final breath there was no emotion on that face. “My target would have been killed given another three days.”
“That’s impressive considering you’ve been hunting him for a year.” Cancer said with a smirk.
Scorpio’s face struggled to remain calm as he stood and then sheathed his blade against the scabbard across his back. “The time it’s taken is only long because you call me away on missions for yourself!”
“And in return you get to continue to have a shot at separating my head from my body. How many attempts those that make now?”
“Fifty two.” He said and spat the words at him. “Fifty two times you’ve made me leave my best target. Fifty two times you’ve called me away and-“
“And fifty two times you’ve been humiliated by me.”
Scorpio’s composure broke as he snarled at him again and whipped his sword out. His constellation woke up and like a barbed spear it was flying at Cancer. Cancer responded with his own constellation and slammed into Scorpio. Stepping back he tried to swing but he was barely able to keep standing. The others felt it too and some of them put their heads down from the pressure. This wouldn’t have worked in a real battle but in a test of wills it was perfect.
Scorpio glared at Cancer. Cancer smiled and with a chuckle offered him a seat. Scorpio brought his face under control before slipping into a chair far from everyone but not directly across from the crab.
“Now that we’re all here, I want to address the reason I’ve called you together. As you all know well by this point our estranged family visited. They were repelled but they showed more power than we gave them credit for. Because of that I cannot allow you to all go into battle unprepared.”
“What are you suggesting?” Aries asked.
Cancer smiled at them. “I am suggesting that I share with you the way to attain my power.”
The shock in the room was palpable as they all turned to face him.
“What do you mean?” Pisces asked. “Are you suggesting that you’ll show us how to wield the third level of power?”
Cancer nodded. “That is exactly what I’m saying. From the way things stand, four of the twelve Zodiac can use the power. Myself included.”
Sagittarius balked. “Four?”
Aries frowned. “Which four?”
“Don’t you worry Aries,” Cancer gave him a pleasant smile. “Three of those four belong to our side.”
Silence rested over the gathered Zodiac as their eyes turned onto one another. Which of their number had been hiding this secret? Which of their number was actually strong enough to possibly challenge Cancer?
“I know the identity of one of them. However I’d like the other to admit to it on their own.”
No one moved or stood and Cancer sighed. “Alright, let us do it the hard way. Everyone stand. Come on stand, stand.”
The crab stood and motioned with his hands for everyone to do the same. Slowly they did as he asked, pushing back their chairs and standing. Cancer waited for the last, Scorpio, to stand as well before smiling at them.
Without warning he unleashed his constellation upon them. It slammed into them all and they stumbled from it. It was like the night sky was suddenly dropped on their heads. Cancer kept the onslaught going and the first to finally sit was Sagittarius. She collapsed down, her skin pale.
The next was Aries who stumbled backwards. He gripped the edge of his chair in an attempt to keep standing but ultimately, he slid down into his chair. The weight of the energy pounding down was too much for him to bear.
The ram’s eyes lit to the remaining four standing and it was becoming clear how this could work. This was a test. Only those who had attained the power could withstand this onslaught.
As he looked between Scorpio, Taurus and Pisces he wondered which of them was the one who would drop first. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if Scorpio was one of them. Though he never beat Cancer his strength wasn’t anything to scoff at. That left Pisces and Taurus. Neither of them showed the strain on their faces so it was impossible for him guess.
The tension in the room was high as the Zodiac watched. Cancer watched them both, wanting to know just how strong they were. It was one thing to attain the level of power, it was another to be able to maintain it.
Without warning Taurus crashed to his knees. His body slumped forward and his head leaned forward. With that the answer was clear. Pisces and Scorpio remained standing, glaring at one another while Cancer clapped his hands slowly.
“I had hoped you would come out and say it on your own Pisces.” Cancer said though there was no anger in his voice.
Pisces glanced at him and nodded. “My apologies.”
“No harm done. Unlike before no punishment is required. But I think it’s time everyone was on the same playing field.”
Aries looked toward Cancer and then frowned. “How do you suggest that we attain this power. From what you’ve described the power is beyond imagination but it’s also rare for us to obtain.”
“Normally it would be both of those things,” Cancer nodded “But another who has awakened their power can forcibly awaken it within their fellow. However the process isn’t pleasant.”
“Where did you come across information like that?” Pisces asked.
Cancer turned his gaze onto him. His expression darkened for a moment, so quick it was hard to see. “I have my ways brother.”
Pisces flinched and his head pained him like a sharp needle. Cancer continued to speak as he glanced at the others. “My question now goes out to you my brothers and sister. Do you want this power? We will grant it to you of course. All you have to do is accept it from us.”
Aries nodded as he stood. “I would be honored to attain this power.”
Taurus stood as well with a simple nod of his head.
Sagittarius looked at Cancer before her eyes found their way to Pisces. The fish nodded lightly and she returned the slight nod before standing. “If this gift is to be true then I will accept it gladly.”
Cancer smiled almost smugly and walked to Aries. Scorpio began to stand in front of Sagittarius but Pisces stepped in front of him. Scorpio glared but Pisces stood his ground. Scoffing he backed off to stand in front of the bull.
“Do as I do.” Cancer said as he pulled back his sleeve. Placing his hand on Aries shoulder he let his constellation begin to build. Scorpio put his hand atop Taurus’s head while Pisces placed his hand lightly against Sagittarius’s cheek. All of the Zodiac let their constellation start to flow forth. Without warning they ascended, the faint silver aura radiating around them, making their constellations real.
“Zodiac Release.” Cancer said as his energy surged into Aries through their contact. Aries grunted and his body stiffened as that energy forced it’s way into his body. Gritting his teeth, his hands curled into tight fist as his own energy fought against it.
“Zodiac Release.” Scorpio and Pisces said with mixed results to their partners.
Taurus showed no visible sign of discomfort though his hands did curl into fist. He felt the stinger of Scorpio’s and his energy became a wall to keep the intruder out. Though the scorpion’s energy found the cracks to slip through.
Sagittarius on the other hand bit her lip hard to resist the urge to cry out. Despite Pisces’s calm energy, the flow was drowning out her own. It as if she struggled to breathe in a river with a strong current.
She stiffened and began to panic slightly. Pisces squeezed her cheek gently to get her to focus on him and her eyes did turn to his own. There was a slight sign of tears but she didn’t make a sound. She focused on his face and held her panic in check.
The longer the two opposing energies remained in contact with one another the stronger the struggle became. The discomfort and pain of the receiving Zodiac were decreasing as their energy adapted to that of their partners. Pisces eyes widened slowly as he saw the wisp of a stars manifesting around Sagittarius.
She looked at him and her eyes narrowed. Gritting her teeth, she unclenched her hand and pressed her hand against Pisces. Taurus pressed his large hand on top of Scorpio’s and their gaze evened out. Aries unclenched his jaw and the calm that usually rested over his face returned as he placed his hand on the opposing shoulder of Cancer.
“Zodiac Taurus.”
“Zodiac Aries.”
“Zodiac Sagittarius.”
One by one their constellations flared and the shock wave of energy threw the table into the wall. It sent the chairs skidding across the ground and it threw the doors wide open. As the six of them stood with silver aura’s surrounding their bodies there was a glow from the combined light.
“Well done. Well done indeed.” Cancer said with a clap of his hands.
Aries raised his hands up slightly staring at them. “This is incredible.”
“Truly amazing.” Taurus said as he flexed and then punched the air. A shockwave flew forth and struck the wall leaving an imprint of his fist in it.
“How did you discover this power on your own?” Sagittarius asked as she looked at Pisces.
Cancer glanced at him for a moment and Pisces said. “Trade secret.”
“Enough with the chit chat. Now we’re all on even playing field. What do you want Cancer?” Scorpio asked resisting a growl.
“I want you,” He pointed at Scorpio. “To resume your hunt. However, this time do not worry about discretion. You find the king’s son and you execute him.”
Scorpio was silent for a long stretch of time before his grin returned. He let out a sharp laugh and turned around. “It’s about fucking time.”
With that he turned and walked out of the room. The energy in the room began to fade and one by one they let the constellations ebb away.
“The rest of you are to continue with your duties,” Cancer said. “When Scorpio returns we’re going to snuff out the resistance once and for all.”
Gemini was knocked onto his back and groaned laying in the grass. His sword was lying flat on the ground a few inches away from his hand. He raised his head but let it flop back against the ground.
“Come on Gem, you can’t be done yet.” The voice said and was laughing at him.
Gemini raised his head again and then glared at the voice’s owner. “Shut up Vash. You’re supposed to be my teacher.”
Vash, son of the guard captain, laughed and stepped back raising his arms. He was a thin white teen. He was the same age as Gemini, only sixteen. He had dark blonde hair in a braided ponytail. His eyes were dark green and a fierce smile on his face. He was wearing a sleeveless black shirt and black pants. At his feet was a long double-sided sword. Each blade was double edged and the steel was bright. The hilt was wrapped leather and red.
The pair of them were within the castle, to be more exact they were in the courtyard. The area was mostly empty save for a few crates and a tree that had been planted long ago in the corner. The ground was a mix of grass and dirt. There were no clouds in the sky and the sun was shining on them warmly.
Vash laughed and his voice was light with mirth. “That’s true and you suck as a student.”
“I’ve only been handling my sword for like two months.” Gemini grunted as he got to sitting position.
Vash grabbed the hilt and then spun his sword between both hands and chuckled again. “What’s your point? We’ve been on practice sword for twice that time. Gotta learn with the real thing some thing.”
Gemini glared and then jumped to his feet. Kneeling down he brought his sword up and then pointed it at him holding it with both hands.
“So ready to stop complaining and ready to start again?” Vash asked in a mocking tone.
Gemini glowered at him and nodded. “I’ll get you this time.”
Vash looked into the heterochromatic eyes and he nodded. “I like that look. Alright Gem, use your power this time.”
Gemini’s eyes widened in surprise. “For real?”
“Yeah, no more handicaps for you.” Vash crouched slightly and raised his sword above his head.
Gemini nodded and then grinned at him. “Ready when you are.”
Vash laughed and then dashed forward. He stamped down and skidded forward as he swung his blade at Gemini’s legs. Sliding his hand down the grip of the blade he stopped short for maximum range on the swing. Gemini swung his sword down and parried the blade away from him.
Vash spun on his heel jumping over him. Spinning his blade he stabbed down at his head. Gemini leaped forward and stumbled for a moment before turning around and lunging.
Vash spun his blades catching the sword on his hilt. With both palms pressed on the bottom of the blade he turned it and sent Gemini stumbling to the side. Turning his blade horizontal he stabbed it forward aimed at Gemini’s back.
Gemini glanced behind him and his erratic energy surfaced. “Split Gemini.” Luce and Umbra jumped to opposite sides as the blade touched air. Umbra landed on his feet skidding to the side while Luce rolled to his feet. Both twins turned around and pointed their swords at him.
Vash looked at them and raised his eyebrow. He had little experience fighting the two of them. Spinning his sword between both hands slowly he waited.
Umbra lunged forward and stabbed with his sword. Vash side stepped that and slashed at Luce. Luce blocked it but just barely. He stepped backwards and threw a kick at his head. The kick almost connected but Vash jerked his head back on reaction.
Umbra came from behind him and slashed at his back. Vash spun his sword upward and blocked the slice. Umbra stepped forward and shoved his elbow into his side. Vash grunted at the blow but kicked the bottom blade of his weapon. With momentum he swung it up quickly and almost stabbed the dark twin in the stomach.
Luce reached forward and grabbed the hilt of the weapon and yanked on it. The blade missing his stomach and sliced across his shoulder. Umbra shot his foot forward and kicked Vash in the stomach.
Vash grunted and tumbled backwards as Luce went to catch his brother. Helping him up he stood in front of him defensively but Umbra shrugged him off.
“I can do this.”
“Sure you can with only one arm.” Vash said with a chuckle.
Umbra glared at him. “Shut up!”
Vash laughed. “I can keep going if you want.”
“Damn right I do.” Umbra said with a glare.
Luce put his hand across his chest. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Umbra glanced at him and then glared. “We can do this.”
“Sure you can.” Vash taunted.
Umbra shouted in frustration as he ran straight at him. Vash arched his eyebrow at the attack. He waited for him to get close and then moved fast. His blade spun through the air, controlled by his hands as he knocked the sword from his hands. Turning once more he pointed the blade at his throat, the tip pressed against him.
Umbra was still as he stared down the blade. His entire body was frozen, his breath caught in his throat as he looked at the disappointment in Vash’s eyes.
“That was reckless. If this was a real fight you’d be dead.” He said coldly. Lowering his blade, he stabbed it into the ground. “Promise me you’ll never do that again.”
The twins merged together and stood as Gemini, a blade in each hand. “I promise.”
Vash smiled and wrapped his arm around the twin’s shoulder. “Good. Now that last fight was impressive even for you. Maybe you should use your power more often.”
Gemini rolled his eyes. “You know Leo would have a cow if I did that. She’s my power trainer and you’re my sword trainer. That was the deal.”
Vash pouted. “Hey, if I had won that fight it would have been different.”
“But you didn’t cause Leo’s a monster.”
“Ain’t that the truth?”
Both of them laughed as they walked their way toward the castle interior. As they set foot on the stone itself they were greeted by a golden haired youth their age. He was wearing dark green robes and had a black belt around his hips. He had brown boots and equally brown eyes. His hands were on his hips but a smirk was across his lips.
“What happened Gemini? Did Vash give you another thrashing?”
Gemini scowled at the teen. “No he didn’t. It was a tie?”
“That true Vash?” the teen asked.
Vash grinned and nodded his head. “Course it was. We’re equals.”
The teen walked over and put his arm around the shoulders of Gemini from the other side. “Well don’t rough each other up too badly. I’ll need you both when I run the kingdom.”
Gemini grinned and the trio smiled warmly, “Trust us Prince Raku, we’ll make sure to get there together.”
The Harlequin Library 