The Zodiac: Chapter 23

Gemini found himself in the air. When the armies clashed, he had leaped from Speedy’s back. In the moment that he was in the air he could see everything and nothing at the same time. The two armies had blended and devolved into small chaotic skirmishes. Time seemed to be slowing down from where he was and he liked it from this angle. Closing his eyes, he soaked up this fraction of a moment before getting his head together.

Splitting his sword into two pieces he spun in the air. The winds picked up around him as he crashed into Cancer’s army, throwing soldiers and dirt into the air. Getting up slowly Gemini jumped forward and swung his swords tearing through armor. The diamond edges to the blades were more than a match for steel. No matter how strong it was.

However, despite the element of surprise, the army quickly closed in on him. Spears and swords thrust their way forward and Gemini did his best to parry and block the attacks. He might have bitten off more than he could chew in this situation.

A spear thrust came forward and roughly hit his armored back. It didn’t pierce thankfully. Grunting at the pain he turned and then jumped again. Boosting his ascent further with the wind he shot himself into the middle of the clashing armies.

Instead of an explosion it was a soft landing. Turning he jumped to one of his soldiers’ side. Blocking a sword swing with one blade the other sailed forward and cut through a man’s armor sending him reeling backwards.

The resistance woman nodded her thanks before swinging her axe at a trio of men. Two managed to get out of the way while the third took the axe to the side and was knocked backwards. The woman pressed but soon a spear found its way into her leg and dragged her down.

Gemini leaped forward and broke the spear with a swift kick. Spinning he slashed his swords down put the blades were caught against another sword. The sword was dented but it halted Gemini’s attack. Surprised he was suddenly hit in the shoulder by a war hammer. It sent him spinning backwards and the soldier that attacked swung again.

In a moment’s thought he split apart and the twins dived to the sides. Fighting men and women quickly closed the gap. The twins were separated and their swords were moving swiftly. Umbra blocked a sword swing before punching the soldier in the head. He jumped forward and kneed him in the chest before driving the soldier to the ground.

The black twin raised his sword and blocked the swing of an axe but two more spears came from the throng of fighters and stabbed him in the chest. It didn’t break the armor but he was knocked onto his back. The Zodiac could hold their own in one on one situation’s. They could even make do during group fights. But in the giant chaotic battles that were wars they were out of their depth.

Leo was several dozen yards away from him her sword throwing down soldiers. With one swing three soldiers were lifted off the ground. She grabbed it with her other hand and swung back around to cut down another two soldiers.

“Push forward!” She shouted raising her sword into the air.

She heard the shouts and screams. Her head whipped around in surprise.

She could see from the distance the source of the mayhem. It was the bull, standing tall in his armor with his axe. He was holding his broad axe in a double handed grip as he swept them down. The resistance, as per Leo’s words orders, were retreating away from him and the army was surging forward.

“Commander! We can’t maintain this offensive stance with Taurus here.” A man shouted toward her.

Leo narrowed her eyes but she nodded. “I’ll take care of him. Keep the pressure on over here.” She said before charging straight toward the bull. Her sword was in one hand while her fist shoved soldiers out of her way. The shouts were getting more frequent and Leo’s patience was wearing thin.

Gritting her teeth her constellation rose up quickly and she shouted. “Roar Leo!” Taking another step forward she jumped high into the air. The sudden surge of energy surprised Taurus mid swing.

Leo flipped forward before grabbing her sword with both hands and swung down hard. Taurus grabbed his axe swung it upward quickly. Their blades met and the air rippled before a shockwave exploded to the point where soldiers around them were thrown backwards. They even backed away to give these two monsters their space.

Leo landed and then shoved him forward her shoulder throwing the bull backwards. She got a better handle onto her sword and charged forward with a wide swing. He raised his axe and blocked the blade against the flat of his own before stamping the ground. “Charge Taurus!”

He charged her, his head slamming into her chest. The pain was instant and she was thrown backwards. She landed roughly, using one hand to keep herself standing.  Grunting her energy flared up again as she gripped her sword tightly.

“Leo Ignite!” She shouted and leaped forward.

Taurus gripped his axe tightly as he watched the flames appear around her body. She dragged her sword along the ground before swinging it at him and sending the flames forth. They leaped forward before engulfing the bull.

Leo didn’t slow down though as she ran forward. She jumped into her own flames and swung her blade at him. Taurus raised his arm and stopped her sword. His body was glowing faintly but it wasn’t the silver constellation of the Zodiac. Her eyes widened as she realized that it was from his burns. They were healing over almost instantly.

“Taurus Endure.”

Arm cocked back Taurus punched her in the jaw and sent her reeling backwards. He stepped forward and threw another punch hitting her in the stomach. With a quick step forward, he punched her jaw again but turned with it driving her flat onto her back.

Leo was winded from the suddenness of the barrage upon her. Coughing heavily, she rolled to her side. She felt cold steel against her neck and didn’t bother to look behind her. “Stand down Leo. You’ve been driven to your knees. It’s over.”

Leo grit her teeth together as her energy and anger started to rise. Her fingers tightened around the handle of her sword. “No one. Drives Leo. To her knees!” Her energy exploded outward with enough force to send Taurus stumbling backwards. She got herself to her feet and her constellation radiated around her quickly becoming visible. “Zodiac Leo.”

She stood with her power wrapping around her like fire. Taking a step forward she whirled her sword through the air and blasted him off his feet.

Taurus was barely able to register that he was in the air before Leo was above him. Her arm was drawn back punching him into the ground again. She landed hard and stared at the spot that he had made in the ground. With narrowed eyes she growled letting out more smoke.

The dust began to settle around them and the bull began to glow. Leo growled knowing what it meant as she backed away. She pointed her sword at him and Taurus stood up. His arm reached out and picked up his axe. Dusting off his shoulders he said slowly, “Zodiac Taurus.”

The pair stared at one another the sounds of battle drowned out around them. It was almost as if there were no sounds but this numbed silence. The fighting and the world around them seemed to have slowed down. “So, it’s come to this.” Taurus said.

“You and Cancer brought it here.” Leo growled. Grabbing her sword with both hands she raised it high as the flames licked at the blade’s edge. “But now I’m ending it.”

She lowered the blade as she ran forward and then swung it. Taurus blocked with the flat of his axe before swinging the weapon up. The blade collided with her arm and her flames leaped up to protect her. The axe hit them and was pushed to the side. She jumped forward then and kicked him in the chest. Leaning forward with the momentum she thrust the sword at his chest.

Taurus dropped the axe and grabbed the blade of the weapon with both hands. He halted it inches from his stomach before rolling. He threw it and her against the ground as he jumped back. Turning he ran forward and picked up the axe. The ground shook under his footfalls as he raised the axe high into the air.

He swung it down as Leo stared up at it. She grit her teeth ready to jump to the side when the axe blade was kicked to the side. Kali landed lightly, her weapons whirling through the air. Her swords cut across Taurus’s armor but the brute didn’t budge. He dashed forward aimed to punch.

The lieutenant leaped toward him and then spun around the fist. Her blades lunged forward before cutting this time at his head. Taurus twisted his head and made sure that the helmet slammed into the sword. Her arms jarred from the force of it as she stumbled backwards.

Taurus reached forward and grabbed her by the shoulder and turned throwing her into the ground. Kali shouted in pain her eyes widening quickly. “Kali!” Leo shouted as she lunged forward.

Taurus grabbed the sword and the flames singed his palm. He winced slightly but he stood strong against her rage. Leo grunted as she tried to press forward. Taurus grabbed his axe and then swung it around aimed at her side.

Leo raised her armored arm and the axe almost cut through it. She shouted in pain and her arm going somewhat limp. Taurus yanked the sword out of her hands and slammed his forehead into her own. The blow was jarring and she stumbled backwards letting her sword drop from her hands.

“Captain Leo!” Kali shouted as she pushed herself upward. She grabbed one of her scimitars and then ran forward.

She leaped and swung the blade against the bulls open back. She wasn’t aiming for him however. She was aiming at the straps in the armor. It took only a few expert blows and when she landed, she painfully hit the ground. However, the sound of metal hitting the ground was satisfying.

Leo saw this and took advantage of it. “Leo Ignite!” Punching the air flames flew forward and slammed into the bulls exposed chest. The flames exploded once they hit him and he was sent flying backwards. The bull grunted as he hit the ground roughly.

The lion panted heavily, the aura around her fading slightly. The healing process of the bull was starting though. Kali got to her feet and ran forward. She wasn’t going to let him get back up.

Leo’s eyes caught the flash of metal and she gasped. “Roar Leo!” She shouted and jumped forward. She reached out and something struck her shoulder before sending her spinning to the side. She panted roughly her constellation fading more.

The flash of metal flew into the air and she panted heavily but her eyes alit onto the owner. It was almost instant that her anger got the better of her. Her rage flared up and her constellation became bright as she closed her hands into fist.

Pisces flew through the air his eyes concentrating. His two chakrams were under his feet as he controlled them with both hands. With his constellation he was manipulating the chakrams so that he could fly. Leaning forward he kicked one at them at her.

The chakram flew forward and she brought her flames under control. Raising her hand, the ball of flames shot forward and knocked the blade out of the sky. It flipped upward before darting back to Pisces. He flipped forward, grabbing the blades in his hands as he thrust them forward.

Leo raised her hand and grabbed his wrist the blades halting near her face. Their glowing eyes met one another’s. Pisces glowing white eyes met Leo’s flaming ones.

Pisces looked at her and he tried to say something but the words wouldn’t come to him. Leo however had no more words. She roared and threw him into the ground.  Pisces rolled away before getting to his feet. His chakrams flew to his open hands.

Leo was bare handed but she roared at him. “You’re better than this Leo! Don’t let your rage consume you!”

She didn’t respond and Kali, wounded, watched her. She couldn’t allow her to fight this man empty handed. She moved quickly, pain sparking across her back to get to Leo’s sword. Her hands closed around the grip and she hefted it up.

“Catch sir!” Spinning around Kali let go of the enormous blade and let it fly at the lion. Leo ducked low to the ground catching the blade in one hand.

Pisces spun his chakrams around his fingers as he ran at her and shouted, “Come back to your senses Leo!”