The Zodiac: Chapter 21

They decided to watch the sunrise from the lake that morning. Sitting down on the grass together. Once it was high enough to illuminate not only the lake but them as well they decided it was time to go. Holding out her hand, Aquarius waited for Gemini. He was looking at the castle longingly. More than that he felt a pair of eyes on him. He should have felt panicked but the gaze he thought he felt just made him sad.

“Gem?”

Shaking his head sighed, “I’m coming.”

Turning around he took her hand and smiled at her gently. She frowned but she understood. “I miss him too.” Gemini looked at her surprised and then smiled. She was a mind reader.

Squeezing his hand she opened the circle of light in the water and they both walked into it. When they walked out they were coming out of the river again. They took their time going back to the hideout. The finality of what was coming was hitting them with every step.

“You two are awake early.” Virgo said. The priest was coming from down the street holding bags of what looked like produce. Libra was there as well carrying one large bag for herself.

Gemini smiled. “I could say the same for you.”

Virgo spread his hands out. “You have before.”

Both shared a laugh and Virgo’s face remained pleasant. “Our friends have returned. Safe and in one piece.”

Gemini smiled brightly. “That’s great. Where are they?”

“In the mess hall eating.” Virgo said. “Come on.”

Gemini nodded and followed the priest. Aquarius walked toward Libra and offered to take the bag but she shook her head. Libra stumbled forward but got her footing together and started walking steadily. Aquarius laughed softly but followed behind.

There were more people in the mess hall than Gemini had ever seen before. They must have all heard the news and wanted to congratulate them personally. Gemini moved forward and had to push himself through the crowds which was it’s own struggle. Once he stumbled to the front, he saw Capricorn and Leo along with Kali and others of their group. They were sitting a table, bowls empty as they answered questions. They were still armed as well.

Leo noticed him first and a sort of relief washed over her. However when she looked closer she could see a glow about him. No one else seemed to recognize it as she looked at him. Capricorn was the one to say something first. “Gem! Get your ass over here!”

The goat however jumped over the table and hugged him tightly. “Ease down Cap.” Gemini said from the strength of the hug.

Capricorn did let him go but the excitement on his face just got brighter. “We did it Gem. The mission was a success. The armor and weapons we just got is on par with the army. Everyone’s going to have the best gear the capital can make.”

“You’re joking.” Gemini said eyes widening. As his eyes scanned over to Leo he met her eyes.

Leo nodded. “We’re not. And that means I want everyone armed and fitted. We need to get used to fighting with armor as soon as possible. I want everyone reporting to the black smiths and begin drills. This is the best chance we’ve had and I won’t let laziness ruin it!”

There was a roar of agreement and cheer as the crowd began to disperse. When the crowd had thinned out entirely it left the Zodiac, Kali and Vash left over. He had been among the crowd and came forward once everyone else was leaving.

“Leo. Nice to see you’ve still got your lungs.” Vash said as he rubbed his ears roughly. ”Think I might be going deaf.”

Leo rolled her eyes. “It was quieter when you were gone.”

“Nice to see you too.” Vash grinned. As he looked toward Kali his smile softened and he even looked a bit red. “Nice seeing you as well Kali.”

The fighter looked at him and gave a curt nod.

“If you’re back does that mean the prince is back too?” Capricorn asked turning to face him.

Vash nodded but sighed. “His condition has stabilized for the time being but I’m still worried.”

The trio of returning warrior’s faces turned into ones of alarm. “What happened to the prince?” Kali asked instantly.

Surprised Vash glanced at Gemini. “You haven’t told them yet?”

“We just got back to the hideout.” Gemini shrugged.

Vash glanced between the two of them and an old grin formed onto his face. “I wonder what you two were doing so early in the morning.”

Aquarius and Gemini turned red. “This isn’t the time for that Vash. Explain to them what happened.” Aquarius said trying to get that attention placed elsewhere.

Leo growled. “Yes Vash. Be serious for the time being and give me a report. If something’s happened to the prince that throws a bit of a wrench into our entire existence.”

Vash motioned to the table and they all sat down together. He called for more food this time for Gemini and Aquarius along with Virgo and Libra. It was the first time the six of them had been all together since they had escaped the castle.

Vash quickly caught them up telling them about going to Greyhara and the multiple run ins with Scorpio in the past followed by their showdown in the bar. He talked about the crazy power up he used, the Zodiac all exchanged looks before nodding. He ended with bringing Raku back here and Virgo patching him up the best he could.

“Sounds like you guys had an eventful time.” Capricorn said and leaned back.

“Well we told you ours, your turn.” Vash said. “I doubt the raid was cut and dry like normal.”

Leo shook her head. “It started off routine but Taurus and Sagittarius were there. And they had the same strength that Scorpio displayed.”

Gemini and Aquarius started at the news. “They have it too?”

Capricorn nodded grimly. “Fraid so guys.”

“Then it might be safe to assume that they all have it.” Virgo said.

“All of Cancer’s Zodiac?” Leo asked and Virgo nodded. “Well that’s just great.”

“Well on the plus side, we can hold our own against them.” Capricorn said and grinned.

Leo smirked. “I can but I don’t know about you.”

“I noticed Leo.” Gemini said trying to hide his smile.

“I can say the same for you.”

Gemini and Leo exchanged a warm look that only siblings could share.

“When did you get there?” Leo asked.

“Last night.” Gemini said.

Leo nodded. “Mine right before the raid which was timely considering. Sagittarius had my back to the wall but she couldn’t finish things. I could tell her heart wasn’t in it.”

“I got the same feeling when we fought Pisces.” Virgo said softly.

“So their loyalties not all there?” Vash asked and there as an agreement among them all.

“Cancer is controlling them,” they all looked at Gemini and he looked at them. “One way or another he’s forcing them to follow him. But that control isn’t perfect. Sage and Pisces have fought it. I think Aries and Taurus are also not in it.”

“Then can we use that to our advantage?” Kali questioned but Leo shook her head.

“The grip Cancer has on them is like iron. They won’t go against him easily.”

“Can we force them to?” Vash asked and there was a communal shrug among the Zodiac.

Virgo spoke up. “Perhaps. The power of multiple zodiac should be able to overwhelm the influence of one. Then maybe they would join us. This is all speculation though.”

“For the time being we need to plan and fight as if it’s just us against them.” Kali said.

“Agreed.” Leo grunted.

“Okay,” Capricorn said softly. “So with the raid over with does that mean we’re marching toward Zodiac castle.”

They were all silent. The realization that the end of this war was now in their sights hadn’t hit them solidly until now. They had been striving toward this goal for years but now that it was in front of them it seemed strange.

“It’s funny,” Gemini started. “It’s only been two years.”

Leo suddenly stood up and walked around the table. “Follow me.” She said over her shoulder.

Surprised at the sudden movement they did as she said. They followed her out of the hall and into the training arena. It was mostly empty though there were some people starting to try out new sizes of armor. She nodded approvingly at them.

Jumping into the arena she walked to one end and then drew her claymore.  

“Runt, get down here and show me what you can do.” She said pointing her weapon at Gemini.

Gemini was surprised at the sudden challenge. He reached to his hip but realized he was missing his sword. Glancing around he wondered if he could get a replacement.

“I’ve got you covered.” Aquarius said as she raised her hand. “Pour Aquarius.” Water rose up from the jug she wore around her neck. It swirled in the air quickly before becoming a thin disc. “Aquarius Connect.” Reaching her hand through the small portal she had a look of concentration on her face. When she pulled her arm back she was holding his blade and scabbard.

He smirked and took them gratefully. Walking forward he jumped down into the arena and fit it against his hip. Gripping the hilt of his sword he lowered himself into a ready position.

Leo chuckled. “Reminds me of when I dragged you back into fighting shape.”

“I’m stronger than before, Leo.” Gemini warned.

“I’m hoping so runt.” Leo smirked.  Leo grabbed her blade with both hands as she stilled her breath and relaxed. Gemini did the same, the way she had taught him years ago.

The pair of them watched the other.  They had done this numerous times in their lives but never on the level that they were about to try.  The others noticed it almost instantly though the humans in the group didn’t.  The slow increase of constellation between the two of them was like the arena was filling up with stars. When they collided, it sent a ripple of energy over those sensitive enough to feel it.

The pair in the arena stepped forward and then shouted together.

“Zodiac Gemini!”

“Zodiac Leo!”

In an explosion of dust and stars they threw themselves at one another. Running across the ground the silver constellations trailed their bodies. Leo’s body was slowly taking on flames without her calling on the power. The flames were smaller compared to her actual fire but they quickly covered her blade, her arms and licked at the edge of her hair. Gemini on the other hand was starting to float.

Leo swung her sword sideways, Gemini straight overhead and the weapons collided against one another. The energy exploded buffeting the spectators. They pressed against their weapons trying to pressure their opponents to back down but they were even.

At the same time they jumped back and then dashed forward again. Their weapons clashed again and again each of Leo’s heavy strikes being met by the quick ones of Gemini. Each blow had the same force behind it and for the first time was matching her.

The Zodiac watched the pair fight and that was the surprise between them. Leo’s strength was fearsome but in this case Gemini’s was equaling hers. Because of the Zodiac power they were equals but there were other things to do to tip the scale.

Leo gripped her sword with both hands and growled. “Roar Leo!”

The explosion of power from her was more intense then before. She threw herself forward and swung it one handed. The wind whistled as her blade split the air and his eyes widened.

“Split Gemini!” He shouted not even attempting to block it. The twins jumped and rolled to the sides each of them holding a blade.

With a smirk she turned toward Umbra and darted forward. Gripping the sword with both hands she dragged it across the ground before dragging it upward swiftly. That sent rocks flying straight at the twin.

Umbra deflected them with his sword the best he could but he couldn’t see at all. Leo was on him in an instant swinging her blade into his side. Spinning his sword downward he was able to stop her sword but the force from the blow sent him flying into the ground.

Luce came down from the air stabbing his sword down. Leo jumped to the side but Umbra had enough in him to throw his sword at her. The blade spun through the air end over end. The lion growl and grabbed it out of the air.

She turned to swing her sword as Gemini came forward. He jumped forward kneeing her in the stomach and jumping over her. Spinning around he quickly slashed down at her back and scored a hit. She grunted and stumbled forward.

“I’ll take that.” Gemini took his sword from her hand and with both swords swung at her back again. She turned around and caught the blade in hand with a grunt. Glaring at him she shook her head slowly.

From her hand there was smoke rising up and Gemini’s eyes widened slightly. He had seen it before but he never saw her flames being this hot before. “Not this time. Leo Ignite.”

Her flames truly came to life now flowing off the backs of her arms and legs. Her eyes blazed to life as she turned and then swung her sword at him. The blade was easily dodged but it was the wall of fire that was going to do him in. His eyes wide he raised his hands but the force threw him back. Shouting in pain he skidded across the ground.

Leo’s breathing was a bit ragged but the flames were hungry as they burned against the air. Leo stood up swiftly and then angled her sword forward before charging. Gemini split his sword’s apart and then crossed them together as he got ready for her. She suddenly jumped into the air and roared as she slashed down.

The flames that flowed forward surrounded Gemini. He jumped backwards as he covered his face. Leo dashed through the flames, spinning around and slashing her sword at him. Gemini caught her blade between his own swords but she growled. “Roar Leo!” The extra strength into the blow sent his swords flying through the air.

She came forward and then lunged for a hit into his stomach. “Gemini Tempest!”

Her hand punched through his body as suddenly the twin turned himself into the wind. Spreading around her he spread himself to fill the arena turning the area into a whirlwind. Leo snarled as she kept a hand in front of her as she tried to see in front of her. However things changed instantly. The wind died down and suddenly there were six Gemini’s.

Each of them was fading in and out of visibility and each of them was holding a sword made of wind. Leo hadn’t seen this put to work yet so she was hesitant.

The Geminis floated on the air for a moment before they lunged forward. The first of them Leo swung her sword at and it ducked under it to lunge.  Before the blade hit the clone disappeared. Instead of a stab there was a huge laceration across her arm as the wind attacked her.

As the gust past it reformed behind her into the clone. The remaining five attacked and Leo attacked them back. Her sword cut through them easily but they attacked her instantly causing more lacerations across her body. Though none of them hurt as much as that initial one did.

She was panting and growled as the six Gemini’s floated again. Each of them looked no worse for wear and looked ready to go for another round. Leo stood her ground as she grabbed her sword and wanted to test her theory based on his new power.

The clones readied themselves and then lunged forward and on the attack. She threw her head back and roared her energy blowing Gemini into the ground. Leo stumbled to her hands and knees. She was gasping for air but she was in a better condition than Gemini who had been forced to merge again.

She got to her feet slowly and then walked over to Gemini. Gemini was dazed as he stared at his teacher. She looked down at him hotly but extended her arm. He took it and grunted she pulled him up to his feet.

They were both unsteady but they were standing. They had also both lost their silver constellation around them. “How the hell did you do that?” Gemini asked.

She shook her head. “I don’t know. Whenever I’m in that state I can feel my constellation even more than normal. So I grabbed it with all my might and then just let it explode. Whatever it was, it worked.”

Gemini groaned. “Yeah it did.”

“Your wind. It’s very strong. Once you use it it’s damn near impossible to stop.” She said but frowned. “But it’s not invincible.”

“Tell us more.” Aquarius said as she ran down the edge of the hill and toward them. She was followed by the others and Gemini made a sound.

Leo looked at the group of then and barked out a short laugh. “When you’re made of wind you can’t be hit by anything physical. However you’re still there. If something that can mess with the wind like my flames-“

“Or an explosion of energy from the Zodiac power.” Capricorn said quickly. Leo glared at him but nodded.

“Or that. If one of those hits you then your concentration is going to break and you’ll be solid and most likely stunned for a moment.”

Gemini frowned. “Yeah, I figured that much after the Scorpio thing. I haven’t figured out a way to counter that though.”

Leo shrugged. “There might not be an answer other than you learning to keep your concentration up.”

“That’s not an easy task for you.” Aquarius teased with a smile. Gemini ignored that comment.

“That or he can have someone with him so in case he’s forced back he’s not defenseless.” Leo said. “I can’t imagine him getting too far without you two by his side.”

Capricorn and Aquarius smiled at the notion but nodded. “Don’t worry Gem. If you can’t handle Cancer I’ll make sure to snuff him out for you.”

He elbowed him roughly and Gemini pushed him back. Aquarius was laughing and even Virgo was chuckling along with them. Leo’s face broke out into a grin and she wrapped her arms around both of their shoulders.

Despite everything, they had each other. They had moments like this still and in those moments, they could forget all about the coming battle that would decide everything.

The following two weeks for the resistance were rough. Leo drilled them hard and with little rest but they understood the need. Gemini and the others were taught by her separately helping them to learn how to use their new power. Though she was a novice too, she was a born leader and they followed.

It was through Leo that they learned they could share their power. The process to do that wasn’t pleasant for any of those involved but the job was done. Capricorn and Virgo joined them in the ranks. They didn’t even attempt for Libra despite her protest. She was far too young to be fighting with them.

They didn’t only train in combat though. They also taught themselves strategy. Ways to lead their men in combat, when to retreat and when to attack. How to do much more than just charge forward. It reminded them of their lessons in the castle. Their teachers and their peaceful moments back home. However now they were learning to siege the castle. How to infiltrate it if need be. It was surreal but they didn’t let that stop them.

After breakfast the six Zodiac would leave the hideout and meet at one of dozens of fields. These fields were abandoned and were far enough away from Orrin that they could practice with their powers and not be noticed by anyone. They would pick this spot and spar with one another. Usually in one on one situations but they had done two on ones, two on twos and every other combination that could be thought of.

Capricorn and Aquarius were squaring off against one another. Their silver aura’s were bright against the early morning sunlight. Capricorn was crouched stretching his legs while Aquarius’s face was tense with concentration. She didn’t look it but she had tells. Her somewhat narrowed eyes, tightly pressed lips and how her body became slightly more rigid.

The swirling energy between the two of them started to focus upon the pair. Capricorn’s constellation swirled around him and he was ready to explode forward. Aquarius on the other hand let her constellation surround her like a sphere ready to attack whatever broke its barriers.

Before Capricorn could unleash that energy and before Aquarius could retaliate Vash ran to them. “Wait! Guys we’ve got bad news!”

Everyone had their eyes on him and he bent over to catch his breath. It took him a second and by that time they had all gathered around him. Vash stood suddenly his breath with him. “What happened this time?” Leo asked and her voice was colored with annoyance.

Vash was shaking his head. “No. Serious this. Cancer’s left the castle.”

“What?” Virgo said sharply.

“Cancer, the other Zodiac and a sizable part of the army have just left the castle.” Vash said and took a deep breath. “They were coming this way.”

“Shit.” Leo swore under her breath. “Do you think he’s coming for us?”

“I can’t imagine why he would.” Gemini said with a frown. “He doesn’t know that we’re here. He shouldn’t know that at least.”

“Cancer is coming for us. Going out in the open like this is a show of strength but also to get us out of hiding.” Leo said.

“Guys I think this is it.” Capricorn said. “This is our chance.”

“What are you talking about Cap?” Leo asked.

 “We’ve been training and working to be ready to fight him. This is the fight. We won’t get a better chance than this.”

“I don’t know. This seems too good to be true.” Gemini said cautiously.

“Wait a minute.” Virgo said. “Maybe Capricorn’s right. Maybe it’s time we put an end to this. The fighting, the running, the fear, the hate. Put an end to everything.”

They were silent for a long moment before Gemini nodded. “I agree. We need to end this and this is going to be the best chance we have at an even playing field.”

Leo growled but she nodded as well. “We’re as ready as we’re ever going to be. It’s now or wait until they poke us down into a husk of what we are.”

Vash looked at them all and his face quirked into a smirk. “Alright. Alright we need to alert everyone about the choice.”

Leo nodded. “I want everyone ready to march by tomorrow night. We can’t miss this opportunity because we were lazy.”

She was already starting to walk toward the entrance to their hideout. Vash followed and so did the rest until Gemini was left standing by himself. He stared off into the sky, gaze hovering in the direction of the castle.

“This is it.” Gemini felt like a weight had been added to his shoulders while at the same time it felt like another had been lifted. Drawing his sword, he pointed it at the castle. “I’m coming for you Cancer. And one way or another this will be over.”