Zodiac Awakening

by Drew Smith

  “It is no problem Zephry. I had to speak to the council anyway.” Scarlette added.

  (“Now that I think about it I never did talk to them about the hourglass. Maybe it’s for the best. They might take that information a little too hard. It would be best to keep the other world to myself.”) Scarlette thought to herself.

  “Scarlette? Hey Scarlette?” Zelkem shouted out.

  Zelkem had placed his hands on her shoulders to shake her free from her daydream.

  “Ah I’m sorry Zelkem. I must have got lost in thought there.” She laughed. Zelkem moved a few steps back, and he turned his attention to Lumus.

  “Everyone I have been keeping you all in the dark about what the council and I have been discussing. The council has named us the Knights of Twilight. We are bound to no city, and are given access to anything we need to aid us. I have given things a lot of thought recently, and I have determined that we need to take the fight to the enemy. As you know I was born from the planet’s core, and with that I was born with unique abilities. I have had this feeling like something was coming for a while now, and it turns out I was right.” Lumus explained.

  Orson crossed his arms, and turned to the side to face Capaz.

  “Shortly after arriving in Twilight, I began to feel an enormous power coming from the oceans. After some time I felt another, then another. I now believe twelve enormous powers from all around the planet will reach the surface in a matter of days.” Lumus continued.

  Everyone gasped. Brinx shook his head. He turned to the north, but no one seemed to really notice him.

  “I have come up with a plan that you all will disagree with, but I had no other choice. I have talked to the council and explained my reasons.” Lumus added. Dyne stepped forward as he spoke.

  “Out with it Lumus, you are just beating around the bush. Just tell us what you have planned.” Dyne demanded. Lumus closed his eyes.

  “He is already here.” Lumus said as he turned to look toward the north.

  “Lears and his Lords came over the hill just north of them. Everyone but Lumus readied themselves for battle.

  “Please. Everyone stand down. I asked him to come.” Lumus shouted over everyone.

  “Lumus are you insane? Lears is our enemy! Why would you call him here?” Scarlette yelled back. Lears stepped forward with a grin on his face.

  “Lumus was right to call us here. Though it angers me not to kill you all now. We must work together, otherwise we will have no planet to fight over.” Lumus walked over to Lears, and reached out his hand. They shook hands, then walked out to see both groups.

  “Lears and I have been able to sense these powers for some time now. I have conversed with the council and with Lears in secret to plan the safest way to approach this situation. Twelve powers are coming from the ocean all around North Twilight, and the council knows their armies will be no match for them. Everyone here has some kind of influence over star energy which makes us the only chance to defend the planet. Though we are still learning the concept of star energy, we know that the more we train the stronger we become with it.

  Aire pushed Coldblood from his path as he walked forward.

  “These are the beasts of legend? The Zodiac of Twelve?” Aire blurted out. Lumus and Lears looked at each other.

  “Aire what are you going on about?” Lears shouted.” Zephry moved to the center of both groups, and she faced Lumus and Lears.

  “The Zodiac of Twelve. The legend is very well known to everyone of Twilight.” Zephry smiled. Dyne joined Zephry’s side.

  “Zodiacs of creation born with the planet from the beginning of time. Twelve beasts defended the planet from meteors long before man. Craters filled with the tears of the twelve creating oceans for man to be born and watch over life as the twelve rebuilt their strength.” Dyne took Zephry’s hand after he finished his speech.

  “So it wasn’t a legend after all. It looks like they are coming back from their sleep. I am also new to this legend, but might I ask why they wake now of all times?” Brinx asked from the back of the group.

  “They are waking up because of us, because of Lears and I. Lumus ran his hand through his hair. Regardless of why they are coming we need to take action now. The council has agreed to keep all knights within their cities to protect them if we fail. Lears and I have decided to make teams of both groups to strike each beast simultaneously.” Lumus added. Orson shook his head with a sigh.

  “Lumus are you sure that is wise? Why wouldn’t we pair up among ourselves?” Orson blurted out as he looked over to Lears with disgust.

  “Lears and I have thought this through. Each team chosen was devised by their abilities and willingness to work together. We understand that we are enemies, but this threatens the very world we have been fighting for as Lears said already. I feel that the teams we chose will be strong enough to face these creatures.” Lumus explained. Scarlette walked over to Lears and raised her hand to shake his. Lears looked at Lumus then back at her. He tentatively shook her hand

  “Thank you, Scarlette. Together we will face these monsters, and maybe after we can learn to live together in peace.” Lumus walked over to Lears’ group.

  “Thank you. All of you. All of you coming here means you are willing to work with us.” Lumus smiled then turned to walk back to the middle with Lears. Scarlette returned to her friends too.

  “The groups will be as follows: Orson and Aire. You will be traveling to Ariond. Zynx and Antsos will be traveling to Taurald. Zelkem and Jol will be going to Geminite. Dyne and Levitz will be traveling to Canby. Brinx and Hedree will be traveling to Leodot. Frostear and Ged will be traveling to Virphire. Zephry and Coldblood will be traveling to Librine. Lears will go to Aquoise, and I will be going to Piscyst at Lake Twilight.” Lumus announced.

  “What about me, Lumus?” Scarlette asked with an odd look.

  “I was hoping you would come with me.” Lumus replied. Scarlette shook her head.

  “No. I will go to the beast that is said to come for Capaz.” Orson stepped forward.

  “Scarlette don’t be mad, but you won’t be able to take on such a power by yourself.” Orson begged. Scarlette laughed.

  “Why? because I am a woman?” Orson stopped dead in his tracks.

  “No, my lady, that isn’t what I meant. I just don’t think it wise for you to go alone.” He explained. She smiled.

  “I am a long-range fighter. I will keep my distance as I fight, so I will be fine. Enough said. Lumus, go on.” She demanded, Lumus walked over to Scarlette, and he rested his hand on her shoulder.

  “Scarlette, the beast for Capaz is also at Lake Twilight.” Lumus whispered. Her anger subsided.

  “Oh I see. Then fine. We can go together Lumus.” She smiled uncomfortably. Lumus smiled as he returned to the center of the groups.

  “We are short people for the other three locations, so groups that are able to must head to the closest free location to assist as fast as they can.” Lears added.

  “You forgot about us, Lumus.” Everyone turned toward Lady Concy, who waved to the group. Doxas appeared from behind her too.

  “Doxas!” Orson yelled out in surprise.

  “Concy?” Frostear seemed confused of her arrival.

  “Mother?” Coldblood pushed Hedree and Levitz out of his way to see her.

  “I see we are not too late for the meeting. I found a young man looking for Orson. I thought I would bring him to you. I also wanted a reason to join the fight.” Concy added.

  “What about the council?” Orson asked politely.

  “They know it is my decision to go. Lumus who is that behind you?” Lumus and Lears turned simultaneously.

  “Kontaminate!?” Lumus yelled out as he stepped back in a panic. Lears didn’t moved. He looked over to Kontaminate to give him a quick scan from top to bottom.

  “So this is the one sent by the gods to kill me? Were they trying to be funny by making you look like Lumus and I?” Kontaminate’s face had a blank expression.
r />   “Omega has changed his mind.” He announced. Lears leaned closer to Kontaminate as he spoke.

  “Omega? Interesting. I should have words with this Omega.” Lears said with a mocking tone. Kontaminate locked eyes with him.

  “I am merely here to assist in this problem. Not negotiate with parasites like you.” Kontaminate added. Lears opened his eyes wide with amazement.

  “Do you know who you are talking to!?” Lears began to coat his body in a transparent black energy.

  “LEARS! Let’s hear him out before you lose your cool.” Lumus cried out.

  Zelkem tried to push Orson out of his way, but he stopped and held him back.

  “Zelkem I know how you feel, but you need to cool it.” Orson whispered as he struggled to hold him back.

  “The West Zin created these twelve creatures when this planet was formed to protect against any threat that may harm the planet, and they were awoken when Lumus and Lears met and fought some time ago. The planet reacted to the surge of power, and caused them to rise once again. I was sent to assist in the disposal of these creatures as Omega has ordered me. West Zin no longer has the strength to handle this alone.” Kontaminate added. Scarlette looked down at her pocket containing her hourglass. Lumus smiled as he tried to judge what Kontaminate had said.

  “Good, we can use all the help we can get.” Zephry said.

  “Fine you can go to Sagnet just west of Lake Twilight. I won’t stop you… this time.” Lears walked over to his group. Lumus gave his head a shake.

  “Well that leaves Scorpial for Lady Concy and…Doxas was it?” Lumus suggested. Doxas bowed his head to him.

  “Yes sir.” Doxas said politely. Orson laughed as he let go of Zelkem.

  “I had a question, Mr. Kontaminate?” Zephry squeezed past Orson and Zelkem as they let go of each other. Kontaminate looked over to her.

  “I just wanted to know why this Omega guy would want to help us. Don’t get me wrong, but last time we saw you, didn’t you try to kill us? I also had one more question. Is anyone else freaking out that gods exist, or is that just me? Scarlette smiled, and turned not to show her reaction as she giggled.

  “Agreed. I am a bit taken aback by the fact that the gods do exist. I haven’t gave it much thought myself, but if they are willing to help out, then I’m on board.” Kontaminate stepped forward just past Lumus.

  “You misunderstand. Omega is helping the West Zin, and only because we cannot afford to lose Twilight. The core of this planet is a vital part of our galaxy just as any other planet.” Kontaminate explained.

  “So the gods don’t care for the people, they just care for the planet? Some gods…” Zelkem added. Frostear continued over to Lears and his group.

  “Ged how about we get this charade over with?” Frostear didn’t wait for an answer. He just continued walking past like he didn’t care whether Ged followed or not. Ged didn’t say a word. He walked away with Frostear toward the south.

  “Gods or no gods, we need to go. These beasts are coming regardless, and they won’t wait for us. When everyone is ready head out when you can. Scarlette are you ready to go?” Lumus said. Scarlette hugged Orson before she joined him.

  “Be safe, everyone!” Scarlette said, full of concern for her friends.

  (“This may be the last time I see them, but I will always watch over them when I’m gone. Be safe, everyone.”) Scarlette paused to remember the moment.

  Lears and Kontaminate both left without a word. Lears didn’t even talk to his group before he took off. Lady Concy and Doxas started to head south. Dyne watched them leave, thinking it was weird for them to head south until he realized going north meant going around the Aster Mountains. Dyne looked over to Levitz.

  “Are you ready then?” Dyne asked.

  “I suppose the sooner, the better.” Levitz replied. Dyne and Levitz started toward the South for Canby.

  “So, golden boy. Are you ready to get on with this?” Aire said with a smug laugh. Orson waited to answer. The short pause infuriated Aire. Other groups were partnering up and heading out, but Orson just stood still. Aire finally walked in front of Orson to see his face, but his eyes were closed.

  “Okay Aire, before we head out I want to ask you a question.” Orson said. Aire smiled.

  “This should be good. Well go on, golden boy, what did you want to know?” He asked. Orson opened his eyes to look Aire eye to eye.

  “What do you plan to gain from this?” Orson asked.

  “What… What do you mean?” Aire seemed puzzled.

  “I mean, you fight for Lears and he clearly uses you. Let’s say Lears wins and he kills Lumus. What do you think would happen to Twilight? Why would you not fight to help Twilight stray from darkness?” Orson explained. Aire was taken back for a moment. He looked down and clenched his fists.

  “You may not have seen what happen the day Lumus was born, but even as a small child I still remember that day. The large black hole in the sky. My uncle was taking me on a fishing trip to Lake Twilight. We must have been just outside of Capaz, just a bit south of Aster Mountains. That’s when the demons came from the sky. At first they were rushing to the caves. I remember seeing so many of them trying to enter the caves at the same time. The ones left outside started to look around, and that’s when they saw us. My uncle took me by the arm, and we made our way to the bridge toward Capaz, but the demons caught up to us and dragged my uncle away. I was left crying on the bridge. That is when Antsos appeared. He just looked at the other demons and they ran away. He took my hand, and said “This is only the beginning. Would you kill or be killed?” Ever since then, I have lived my life believing that it doesn’t matter which side you fight for. It is the weak that die, and the strong that live.” Aire took a deep breath. After a pause he smirked.

  “Antsos showed me how one’s presence is power enough. I grew to like that, and I grew to fight for power. I don’t care for what I fight for. Just that I am the one standing in the end.” Aire explained. Orson smirked.

  “Just know: If you fight against Lumus, you won’t be standing in the end.” Orson started to head south. Aire smirked, but Orson had lowered his gaze as he passed him.

  (“Watch your back, golden boy.”) Aire continued to smirk as he followed him.

  Chapter Twenty- Aries, Zodiac of Ariond

  Orson and Aire continued on their journey without a word to each other. Cobalt, Orson thought as he looked to the sky. Every so often he would check behind him to see if Aire was keeping pace. He acted like he didn’t notice, but each time Orson turned around aggravated him.

  Orson passed a sign saying they were entering the Breedlands Region of Virphire. It took him a minute to think of who was sent there, but sure enough Orson could see Frostear in the distance with Ged.

  “It looks like the Frostear and Ged are waiting outside of Virphire. We are not too far off from our destination either it would seem.” Orson smiled.

  “You know golden boy, I have been thinking. How do we know we are going to the right place? How do we know these beast are even going to show up? How long will we have to wait if they do show up?” Aire’s face went red.

  “You heard Lumus and Lears. They said these things are coming, so if we are early, we wait. If they don’t show, we wait. If we are in the wrong place then we go to the right place.” Orson ranted. Aire smirked at him.

  “So calm, so collected. Just looking at you pisses me off.” Aire laughed.

  “If these beasts are rising from the water near each city then we should set up camp just west of Ariond. We still have an hour or so to travel, so less complaining and more walking.” Orson ordered.

  He was happy to bark orders to the opposing team. Somehow it put a smile on his face, but the smile quickly faded as the earth began to shake. The water from the lake to the west started to creep up on land. Orson the edge of the water lapping at his feet, but as he looked down a tornado-like lake funnel of water suddenly shot up.

  “Aire get ready! Remember to watch m
y back and I will watch yours.” Orson yelled. Aire watched as the water cleared, but nothing was in front of them. Suddenly he was hit from behind throwing him across the ground toward the water. Orson quickly turned around, but still nothing was in front of him. Aire picked himself up. He looked at his arm, which had sustained some scratches.

  “Aire, are you okay?” Orson asked while glancing back and forth, looking for the next attack.

  “Behind you, golden boy!” Air yelled out. Orson didn’t think he just turned with his sword blocking his front. A small blast of star energy pushed Orson back a few feet, but he kept his footing, and recovered just in time to see above him a creature he had never seen before. It was like pure energy, with tentacles coming from everywhere on its body. A light shot out from each one, dispersing energy. The beast had the zodiac symbol of Aries were its face should be, but there was no face at all. It was roughly nine feet tall, and it loomed over Orson. The more he analyzed the creature, the more he began to fear it. “Careful golden boy, this thing seems faster than a normal demon.” Aire brushed himself off. “This is no demon, Aire. This is the Zodiac, Aries. I have a feeling we haven’t seen anything yet. Remember this thing was created by the gods to wipe out all living things.” Orson announced as he readied his sword.

  “Great. How are we going to fight it then?” Aire readied himself with his fist clenched. He grabbed a thick worn-out cloth that he had wrapped around his waist and used it to wrap his fists.

  “You plan to use hand-to-hand combat, Aire?” Orson said, surprised.

  “Well I usually carry a massive battle axe, but it’s in the shop.” Aire smirked.

  (“How did Lumus think we would be a good pair, especially when we have to face one of these?”) Orson thought.

  Aries reached its arms into the sky, and Orson noticed it was gathering energy from its body. The energy began to form into a perfect ball. One of its arms dropped back to its side. The other arm pushed into the ball of energy, pushing it forward in front of its body, and readied itself to attack. Orson blocked the first attack, but he was pushed off balance. Aries turned around after slowing itself down then rammed Orson with the ball of energy once again. This time he held his sword directly in front of his face. He held his sword with one hand on the grip and one hand with his palm holding the sword in place.