Leo thought about that morning’s Horoscope. “Hmmm, a strong man from the North? He was hardly a match. Something is wrong here, or maybe my Horoscope underestimated me. Ha-ha-ha!”
A group of kids on their way to school came across the fallen mercenary’s body. “Look at that guy over there!” one kid shouted. “He’s all fucked up!” It made front-page news along with the sudden Earthquake scare.
Detective Lee arrived at the restricted crime scene. He raised the yellow tape and analyzed the victim from under a white sheet. He had been in homicide for a few years and solved almost ninety percent of his cases. He took each one very seriously.
He saw a weird, abnormal print in some mud near the body. It resembled the footprint of a large cat. When they had contacted the zoo director and keepers from an animal park a few blocks away, they reported that all animals had been confined, and that none had escaped, despite the minor Earthquake. Detective Lee hoped that it would be an open and shut case. But after finding that no animals escaped, things got complicated.
The detectives went from store to store and resident to resident for signs of anybody harboring illegal large cats within the vicinity. This had to have been the deed of some kind of wild animal. The face was completely disfigured and unidentifiable. They ran the fingerprints of the man before the autopsy and found that he had no fingerprints at all.
Detective Lee ordered, “Impossible! Do it again.”
They applied ink to his thumb for a fingerprint, but the black ink never made an impression on the paper.
Detective Lee said, “What kind of shit is this?”
The detectives and medical examiners gathered around, but none succeeded in getting a print
Detective Lee wondered aloud, “Who is this man?”
“Welcome to Japan, my Brothers. Praise God! My name is Masaru, and I will be your Guide for the remainder of the trip.”
Natenal and his small group arrived from the Dimension leading to Japan with no problems other than hearing distant vulgar whispers from Demons that didn’t dare challenge them.
Masaru continued, “Was the trip a pleasant one?”
“Yes, it went well,” Natenal replied.
“I see, I see. We were just hit with a minor Earthquake coming North of Japan in a city called Sendai. All very peculiar if you ask me.”
Grenad said, “Speak on.”
“Well, in addition, Sendai was also hit with a strange murder. Someone’s face had been completely torn off, and the victim had no fingerprints. It’s top news around here.”
Natenal said, “It’s settled. Sendai is where Leo resides, and there we will meet him. We will make our move under the cover of midnight.”
Goliath replied, “Ha-ha-ha! Yes, some action!”
GRENAD’S DREAM
Dear Levitica,
For years, the only entity that’s been keeping my mind at ease throughout this bloody war is the time I’ve spent reading your letters. Furthermore, I can’t explain how your perfume alone brings me more chills than any battlefield. I’m sorry the distance between us has always presented itself as cursed. And I’m afraid you will not like the next disheartening words to this letter.
By the time you read this, I’m sorry my love, I should already be dead. A traitor led us into an ambush. Thousands are moments away from parting us from this very Earth. God willing, my messenger makes it to you on time. I love you. Kiss and tell my sons I love them as well. Also give my love to any family or associates I’ve entrusted to your care.”
Farewell, My Love,
Your Loving Husband
Grenad
He folded up the letter and grabbed his messenger. He placed the message in the sheath of his sword. “Ride your horse as if the very Earth behind you crumbles! Don’t even think about looking back, even if your ears are riddled with our cries and the clashing noises of our swords and shields. Go!”
The messenger, already angry that he’d been deprived of the chance to fight and die with his Brothers, was awarded his best reward yet: life, the opportunity to fight another day. He focused on making his way back to the city to find Grenad’s wife to forewarn her and the other legions about the coming threat and sacrifices made that day.
Taurus spoke to Mr. Alexandrov, “I know it’s been a while, but I’ve had to make sure our relationship wasn’t known. I realize this place is nothing close to my elegant office, but it will have to do.”
They met in an underground parking lot in a reserved private section away from the public. Mr. Alexandrov, along with other members of his organization, received the courtesy of conducting business with the New York City Mayor. Two representatives from an Italian mob made their approach, while five affiliates from a Black Militia greeted the Mayor.
Taurus spoke, “Well, well, we’re all here. I don’t think there’s any need for introductions. You’re all familiar with each other, so let’s get right to the business at hand. I understand we are all having some territorial issues. Please, all of you state your cases, starting with you, Mr. Alexandrov.”
Mr. Alexandrov, pleased to be the first to speak, “Mr. Mayor, my proposal is simple.” He paused for effect, perhaps a little too long.
Taurus said, “And what is your proposal?”
“I want the Blacks and Italians to compensate me for real estate they’ve destroyed while feuding. They have caused a bit of a standstill in my operations … collateral damage, if you know what I mean. Furthermore, may I also add, due to their acts of inconsideration, they have brought too much unwanted attention from the authorities.”
Taurus thought for a moment. “Interesting points. I can definitely understand the reasoning for your complaint, Mr. Alexandrov. Mr. Rohan, starting with you, what seems to be the problem you and your friends are having with the Verdone family?”
Mr. Rohan, a well-known underboss for the Genesis Black Militia, got out of his chair. “I’m just going to make this short and brief because just the sight of these motherfuckers makes me sick. When my men came across something worth a lot of money, these assholes were somehow tipped off; they ended up sticking my guys up and took off with it. Ever since then, things have been a little sour.”
Paul Verdone, one of the captains for the Verdone family, bolted from his chair and had to be restrained from attacking Mr. Rohan. “A little sour! You Son of a bitch! Five of my men are dead, and four are hospitalized over a fucking Scroll that no one can read!”
Mr. Rohan answered, “Fuck you! We took a couple of losses on our end too, and at the end of the fucking day, no one robs me, motherfucker.”
Mr. Alexandrov smiled as both he and his men kept their distance.
The Mayor diverted their attention by yelling and slamming his hand on the trunk of his limousine. They all knew that lack of cooperation would definitely result in financial consequences if his voice stood unheard. The Mayor’s interest had been piqued by the mention of the Scroll. “That’s enough, God damn it! Calm the Hell down!” Both parties complied with his order. “This Scroll. Tell me more about it, Mr. Rohan.”
Everyone else sat back down while Mr. Rohan stood to state his case. “Well, before we were able to get an offer and cash out, from what I saw, it was something out of a Biblical movie. The contents had unique writing, in blood. The writing was archaic, and no one understood it.”
Taurus said to himself, “Those idiots must have lost that fucking Scroll. You must be fucking kidding me.” He gathered himself and carried on with the meeting trying to appear uninterested in the Scroll. “Paul, tell the truth. Is the Scroll still in your possession?”
Paul Verdone answered, “Well, about that Scroll. We had a bit of a problem. Someone intercepted it. He, along with two others, killed some of my guys in the process; and I have some of my best men currently looking for those bastards.” He stared directly at Mr. Alexandrov.
Mr. Alexandrov stared back. “Serves you right!”
Mr. Rohan added, “I agree.”
Paul Verdone rep
lied, “Fuck both of you!”
“That’s enough. We will be civil with each other during this meeting,” Taurus ordered.
Mr. Alexandrov asked, “What the Hell was on that Scroll?”
Taurus said, “Mr. Alexandrov and Mr. Rohan, please. Now, these men who took the Scroll, describe them to me.”
Paul Verdone cleared his throat before describing the three suspects. The rest could not help but smile. This was somewhat amusing to them. But without a doubt, everybody, including Mr. Alexandrov himself, had a newfound interest in that Scroll.
Paul Verdone spoke, “I don’t care what you guys think about this story, but may I remind you these are the last words coming from a stand-up man as he bled to death in my arms. Before his passing, he, along with a few associates of mine, were checking with an appraiser to see exactly how much the Scroll was worth. He said that, out of nowhere, a bright light came out of the appraiser’s back office. They went to go check it out and saw nothing. When they approached the front, three Arab-looking guys with turbans and weird clothing were just standing there. One stepped forward and said they had something very dangerous and for them to be wise and hand it over. He went on to say their eyes started to glow and that the Scroll dropped out of the appraiser’s hand.” That’s when they took the Scroll. Before Jeff, my right hand man, could even take out his gun, one of the Arab fucks took his head clean off with a weird curved sword.
“They were fast,” he said. “It was all over before they could even flinch. Just my luck, I happened to walk in a couple of minutes after the whole incident only to find him crawling with half of his body completely off. And that’s when he managed somehow to say his last words. The appraiser received it the worst. His limbs were everywhere. Actually, as I recall, I don’t know who got it the worst.”
Mr. Rohan said, “What a load of fucking bullshit! They still have the Scroll!”
Paul Verdone reached for his gun, but again his men subdued him. “You Son of a bitch! After all that, you dare call me a liar! That’s what went down, you cocksucker!”
Mr. Alexandrov broke in, “Okay, I must admit this so-called Scroll raised a bit of interest, but I’m still down over a hundred grand in property damages due to the little escapades between these two gentlemen. I think I’m entitled to get my money back. Fair to say, Mr. Mayor?”
Taurus answered, “Yes indeed. In retrospect, you two will split the costs fifty-fifty and pay Mr. Alexandrov what is rightfully his. And please try not to damage any more property. Go about your lives, make your money, and drop this senseless feud over a Scroll about which you know nothing. It’s quite obvious that it’s beyond both opposing parties’ jurisdiction.”
Though unsatisfied with the agreement, both families had to accept the terms or suffer additional financial losses. Everyone parted ways, surprisingly without any problems. At the end of the day, business is business.
Chapter 12
MICROCHIPS
“Hello? Hello?”
Grenad called Simeon on a communicator to check the status of their campaign. There was no connection.
Grenad left a message. “My Brother, once you receive this message please give me a call back. Our journey met success, and we’ve arrived in Japan. I’m praying you have obtained the same good fortune. God bless.”
He turned off the communicator and assumed that they must still be in route of the Dimension.
Meanwhile, in a Dimension heading towards Africa. “We will be there when the Sun sets.” Cautiously, Levi and his group advanced. They tightened their cloaks in light of the increasing winds while treading through the snow. The weather slowed their pace, but they managed. Though the darkness fell, they could see the whole Universe through the Dimension walls. With deep observation, they advanced towards their endpoint. Absent for centuries, things appeared strange. They experienced captivating sightings rare in the Mortal parts of the Universe.
One case involved a strange man with skin that could pass for metal. He passed overhead on a Moon Dragon. Their movements too hastened for a full analysis while they journeyed towards another Galaxy. They crossed paths with a Blood Sun, a Sun that never presented the day. They knew little about it, but this Dimension seemed to administer the normal clarifications that a regular Sun would exhibit. The flowers and trees all stood healthy, and so did the harvests. No encumbrances involving a dead Sun evolved.
They saw a gigantic android with a huge key on its back. It appeared to be just sitting, waiting for their arrival.
“I know what that is,” Levi remarked. “It’s one of those damn cursed Super Computers, invented by engineers who hopes to replace Mortal blood with microchips or flesh-coated technology. Tread carefully, Brethren. I have a strong feeling that that monstrosity is there for a reason.”
The giant Robot stayed motionless as Levi, Zodeen, and Simeon cautiously passed the Super Computer from a distant future. As anticipated, the big key on its back gyrated, as did the head. It chuckled as Zodeen’s angelic horse baulked, throwing him to the ground courtesy of an invisible force field. Levi remained on his horse awaiting the machine’s words.
Simeon helped his comrade up. “Are you okay, Brother?”
Zodeen responded, “Yes, I’m all right.”
The machine spoke, “You may pass, under one condition.”
Levi commented, “What is it, Devil? You are prolonging our passage.”
The Robot continued, “You simply have to solve this riddle. If you fail, an entire civilization will be eradicated.”
A beam of light shot out of the Robot’s eyes and into the Universe. It displayed a giant screen showing a mysterious winged Planet. It’s the land of the Nephilim, the same Planet on which Abdeen currently dwelled.
Levi said, “What? You mean to tell me you would annihilate a whole civilization over a silly riddle?”
The Robot answered, “Whole Planets have been annihilated over lesser reasons. If you give the correct answer, it will be spared. I’m not the one who will bring forth such a cruel act. Unfortunately, it will be this being.” Their eyes widened as an image of the strange man riding a Moon Dragon appeared before them.
Levi shouted, “Devil, a riddle! A riddle! Play your damn game with someone else!” Levi dismounted from his horse and altered his form into a rock-like humanoid. He bashed the force field; but, no matter how hard he hit it, it still remained.
Zodeen said, “Levi, it’s no use. Do not trouble yourself.”
“Ha-ha, you fool! Are you ready to solve this riddle, travelers?”
“Fine, Devil. It seems that your silly little diversion of a game is unavoidable. Commence with your pointless riddle.”
The Robot remarked, “Diversion? Ahhh yes, but from what?”
It chuckled once again. Simeon, unable to bear it any longer, unveiled his special shield used to unlock his End of Time gift. Time paused; and everything in motion ceased, including the Robot’s annoying laughter. The duration of his gift was approximately two minutes, and he used it to draw his weapon of choice. After finalizing his weapon, a Dimension formed on his shield, and his weapon of choice rose from it.
But disaster struck. The Super Computer within the robot went into safe mode and rebooted. Immune to his End of Time gift, it spoke directly to Simeon. “That doesn’t work here.”
The Robot moved towards the stunned artist, but stopped. It turned to Levi and Zodeen, both motionless and frozen in time. Simeon underestimated the Robot’s mass and height. It ranged to about thirty feet.
The Robot spoke, “You interrupted our game. Let’s play another, shall we? You’re going to have to make a sacrifice.”
One-and-a-half minutes left into Simeon’s gift. The Robot pointed towards Levi and Zodeen. With its free hand, it pressed a few buttons on its wrist, and a huge laser canon emerged from its mechanical palm. “Simeon, you have your own decision to make. Which one of your comrades is more imperative for the remainder of your worthless mission? Make a choice, or they both will die.”
With one-minute left, in an attempt to stall the Robot just long enough for the time limit on his gift to expire, Simeon asked, “From whom do you take your orders? Who is your Master?”
The Robot responded, “That is the least of your worries. Make a decis…”
Simeon jumped into flight towards the Robot’s head. He diverted the Robot’s attention away from Zodeen and Levi and punished it with his engineered guns. The robot began to spark. The robot covered up with both arms while advancing towards Simeon. It unleashed laser fire towards him. Simeon readied his shield; but the impact was too much, even when gripping his boots to the ground. Lost in its paralyzed state, his Angelic horse erupted with laser fire. Chunks of its burnt body scattered on the field. The Robot moved in and Simeon took flight. His wings desperately climbed air.
Forty-five seconds.
The Robot swiped its fist at Simeon. “Come here you little gnat!”
Simeon is knocked out of the sky. He crashed into the force field and ricocheted to the ground, stunned.
The Robot gloated, “You have failed! All of you will die, and a Planet will be destroyed because of your stupidity.”
Fifteen Seconds.
The Robot’s booming caused a wave of turbulence as it reached its grounded opponent. The noise awoke the stunned Guardian Archangel, but he lost his battle with time. The Robot’s big metal hand grabbed him. Simeon struggled to move as the inescapable grip tightened around him. The Robot pressed a combination of buttons on another unit strapped to its arm.
The Robot spoke, but more to himself than Simeon. “Hmmm, let’s see, I’ve always wanted to try this feature.”
The Robot had a counterpart. It was reptilian mixed with some other kind of species in the chamber of its core, behind a fine thick indestructible glass. Wires connected the Super Computer to its brain. “Release me you bastard!” Simeon demanded.
The fist entrapping Simeon shot out, and he had seconds to escape. After hearing beeping noises, he didn’t need help in figuring out what it was.
Pursuit of the Zodiacs Page 8
