Chapter 19
☊ ♑️ 26° 14' 🏠5
"And that is enough! Great job, Serenity!" applauded Maryella.
Serenity shoots her a smile back. Throws the Embroidery Blade up.
Spins 5 times. Comes down.
Catches the handle with ease.
"That was a great little fight we had there! Thanks for teaching me so much, Maryella." Serenity said thankfully.
Nighttime has now befallen in the Zodiac Grounds.
The sky turns to water. Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio are moving in the sky. Their body moves as if they're swimming in a body of water.
Pisces is a dolphin. Pisces sign on fin. Cancer comes as a blue crab. Sign on bottom of shell.
Scorpio is a scorpion. Sign on both pinchers and back.
Each zodiac symbol is black with stars throughout them. They glisten and radiate.
Maryella and Serenity look up in awe.
"Wow…" they say in unison.
Look back down.
"What's the meaning of this change in our surroundings? Haha." asked Serenity playfully.
"I think it's because you're enlightened. I don't know, I've never seen this before. They must love you. Do you know their hosts?" inquired Maryella.
Serenity taps her feet, chin thinking.
Light bulb appears over her head.
"Oh yeah! I know Scorpio's host, which is Katrina. We are super close. Then I know Daiyu, and which is Cancer's host. I don't know about Pisces, though." Serenity said.
"Ahaha! Well that makes sense, and even if you don't know who Pisces is with, if Katrina or Daiyu communicated with Pisces' host, then they know you spiritually." explained Maryella.
"Spiritually?" Serenity pondered on the inside.
Maryella reads her mind.
"Yes, spiritually. Pisces is the most spiritual sign in the zodiac. They process everything very deeply. Because of Pisces, their host can subconsciously absorb the other person's emotions to feel how they really feel. Like empathy on steroids.
Afterwards, Pisces will enter that person's dreams and decode them. From there, trust is built. Pisces also rules dreams. That's a part of the 12th house." explained Maryella.
Serenity's eyes light up. Virgo symbols briefly show up in her pupils.
"Wow… I learn something new every day." said Serenity.
"That's right. With me as your mentor, you've learnt a lot. I've taught you everything you need to know at this point." Maryella replied.
Serenity's eyes water.
"Don't tell me you're leaving me already? I want to learn so much more from you!"
Maryella begins to choke up. Voice aches.
"Look, don't make me cry. I'm only here for a season, like fall or winter, or the months of when a certain zodiac can be born. I know you probably feel like—"
Serenity holds up a pointer finger to silence her.
Lovingly. Wipes her tears from her face.
"Listen, Maryella. I get it. I know I feel this way because you and the Zodiac Grounds understand me. My emotions reflect that. You've taught me everything I need to know. I know more obstacles are to come, and this is just one of many. Getting over my emotions from not seeing you again and fighting Selene.
I won't let my past and inner insecurities define my behavior now, and what better way than to defeat my past self and take ahold of my future. My potential. My true destiny." Serenity said confidently with a command tone.
Wow, what's gotten into Serenity? She's changed a lot recently.
"This girl… her confidence is way higher than before. Her zodiac energy is rising even without transforming. She's going to do great things."
Serenity puts down her finger.
Staring at the Embroidery Blade puzzlingly.
"Umm… where do I put this?"
"Oh, just say 'Embroidery Blade.'" she answered.
Puts it in the air.
"Embroidery Blade!" Serenity commanded.
It turns to red yarn. Shifts to an energy state. Pierces into 8 triangles. Go into her hair.
Illuminates red. Black again.
"Now that was neat. That's one heck of a disappearing act, ahaha." Serenity laughed.
Maryella chuckles.
"Yeah, everything here is pretty cool, not gonna lie."
Serenity eyes the moon. Then watching Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio swimming in the sky.
"So beautiful, but I'm ready to go back." said Serenity.
Serenity has worked long and hard in the Zodiac Grounds, perfecting her zodiac powers and techniques.
Although this is a huge milestone stone for her, but she still has many more adversaries.
Even ones that can change time and the order of Drokeo Bay if left unchecked to do their hearts' deeds.
So strength and wisdom are paramount in battle for the Zodiacs. As powerful as they are cunning in battle.
Quick like vipers, float like a spring.
Maryella seems ready to let her go.
"Ok, if that's what you want. I've had an amazing time with you, Serenity. Now make me proud and yourself, and bring peace to Drokeo Bay." Maryella said lively.
Serenity nods in agreement.
"Indeed. Your wise words will always weigh on my heart. I'm grateful, and I'll never forget you. Just don't forget me." Serenity shot back sarcastically.
Playful tone. Salutes her.
"I won't ever forget you, Serenity." Maryella said.
Salutes back. Rubs heart. Smiles gleefully.
Maryella inhales. Chipmunk cheeks. Blows air from her mouth.
It's a small cloud with the 12 zodiac sign symbols in it. Speckled with stardust.
Goes higher in the air. Grows to the size of a jet.
It disperses. The zodiac signs form the Zodiac Wheel. Rotating like a Ferris wheel.
Each zodiac symbol is color coded and glowing. Air signs baby blue. Red for fire. Dark blue for water signs. And dark brown for the earthies.
A rectangle of bright light forms by Serenity's feet.
Turns into a flight of stairs towards the zodiac wheel near the sun. Right past Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer.
It gives off a luminous, heavenly glow.
Serenity is perplexed. Mouth open in amazement.
Snap. Snap!
Maryella snaps twice to get her back focused. The second sounded like a loud pop.
"That's the exit. The zodiacs might want to talk to you too. Just saying."
Serenity grins ear to ear.
"I definitely want to come back here one day and take some pictures, haha." Serenity chortled.
"Who knows, anything is possible. Now go up those stairs. The zodiac wheel will stop on Virgo. Your timeline and sign." Maryella explained.
Serenity shrugs her shoulders.
"Well, we'll see. I'm heading out. Thank you, Maryella."
"It was my pleasure." Maryella said glowingly.
They wave goodbye.
Serenity goes up the stairs.
As she gets halfway, she looks below.
Maryella is an ant in her sight.
The wind blows her Afro to the left. Sending chills down her spine. Teeth chatter.
Shivers. Hugs herself to stay warm. Rubs arms and shoulders.
Pisces swims close to Serenity. Size of a blue whale.
Bubbles blow out his blowhole. Speaks. Deep, majestic voice. The tone of it like a rapid waterfall.
"Serenity, thank you for taking on the task of defeating Argasis. He has been a thorn in my subconscious for tens of thousands of years. I have something for you. I'll get in contact with you through May soon. Farewell." Pisces said.
His body turns into wax. Spreads apart as it resembles a grilled cheese sandwich when pulled apart.
Hardens, then crystallizes into Neptune's glyph. Ocean blue, seafoam green littered with stardust.
"Wow, I can't believe my eyes… I can't even form the words to speak… this is the majesty of the Zodiacs? It's like it saw my soul and the deepest recesses of my mind."
Serenity couldn't help but replay in her head her experiences. From Maine, to training with Maryella, to… this. It's something truly different in her life, but it feels incomplete.
Her soul is slowly changing before our eyes. The world is still expanding in her eyes, and she's just started.
Just what is Pisces talking about? What does he have in store? Is it a new power? More insight? We'll just have to see.
Cancer pinches her claws. Comes to Serenity's left side.
She's almost to the zodiac wheel.
"Serenity. Maine has hired 8 extremely powerful fighters that are mutant orphans. One attacked Daiyu, but we beat her together. 7 more have been deployed by him to fight 7 others. He is the cause behind the 6th house clock technique and the mayhem throughout Drokeo Bay." Cancer said tenderly.
Serenity's clenches her chest. Shortness of breath. Gnashes her teeth.
"I'll KILL HIM."
Cancer is taken aback. Puts a claw on her head gently. Moonlight radiates from it.
Serenity relaxes her body. Hands to the side.
"The desire is strong with you to protect your allies, but he easily handled you, Katrina, and Daiyu. Gather the rest of the zodiacs to fight him if you go that route. Be safe. I gave you some of my love through my claw to calm you down. Virgos can be too restless sometimes. Just relax for now and defeat Selene." Cancer reiterated calmly.
Turns from mist to overcast clouds that let forth rain. It hits her skin. Steam rises from each water droplet.
Exhales. Back to normal.
"Thank you, Cancer. Now I know the truth. I needed to cool off… literally."
Scorpio swims to the middle of the Zodiac Wheel, nearly filling up the middle.
Stinger hangs over the top of it like overgrown branches.
"Power almost always comes with a price, but it can be pleasant by practicing humility. Your future enemies will know more about you than them. Through their flaws and the battles you will have, they will be as telling as if you did deep, inner transformation and reflection.
Just remember this, Virgo. The more knowledge you have, the more your sorrow increases because you know the intricacies of humans and zodiacs. Don't get caught up in evil behavior, and you'll be fine and be happy. Follow your gut. Your destiny." Scorpio explained.
Scorpio turns into Pluto. Rotates. Every zodiac symbol but Virgo's freezes.
"One heck of a pep talk. Water signs sure are deep. And very sentimental. Well, time to get on with the timeline."
She rubs the back of her head as she talks.
Walks through Virgo on the wheel.
Bloop!
She's gone.
"Good luck, Serenity. I believe in you. Bring serenity to Drokeo Bay and the zodiacs."
#
Dumph. Dumph. Dumph.
Jasiah bounces up and down on Centaur's back.
He is in the Drokeo Desert and is about to enter the Drokeo Rain Forest.
Sun is just beginning to set. Extra windy today. 15 mph winds. Enough to lift your shirt up.
Enters the forest.
Dark green. Tall palm trees. Black portal ahead. Right behind it, a purple light.
Jasiah gets off Centaur.
"The hell is that!!" His voice jumps.
Swipes down by nearby his ankles. Hand is wet. Breathes a sigh of relief.
"Heheehehe!!" Centaur busted out laughing.
Glares at Centaur.
"Hey, that's not funny!" snapped back Jasiah.
Centaur still showing all his teeth. Big ol' gums.
"Lighten up a little, Aries, damn! Don't charge at me like a battering ram, hahaha. But you know I'm just joking. Just relax here for a bit." Centaur said.
Squints eyes.
"Whatever, lil' bruh."
Shakes his head. Picks a yellow caterpillar crawling to his ankle. Lets it roam in his palm.
Tilts his head in various directions to see the specimen at all angles.
"Thank the zodiacs that was only water… whew, I freaked out, man. Now you, on the other hand, gotta go somewhere safe." He said.
Places it on a nearby tree. Notices the black portal.
Steps back. Gets into fighting position. Ground rumbles.
Pebbles are launched in the air. Leaves fall off the palm trees.
Dam, river current speeds start moving at great speeds. Like the speed of a tsunami.
Dam overflows.
"Centaur, fill a brotha in what's going on here!" Jasiah pleaded.
They lose balance. Jasiah falls on his tailbone. Centaur to his right side.
"Something supernatural is happening… and this isn't zodiac energy. This is—"
Turns body to Centaur.
He has his arms out. Strained face. His very being disappearing. His body is turning into stars, Jupiter and Sagittarius glyphs.
They're carried away in the howling wind.
Jasiah's body freezes up in terror. His back to the portal. Doesn't know what to expect next.
Crunch. Snap.
Leaves, branches crunch together like a sandwich.
Underneath a foot.
Jasiah can't move. Tries to twist his head. No dice.
"Argh!" He hollered like a banshee.
He twisted his neck too much. The resistance strained it.
The footsteps get louder, but less steps as it approached him from behind.
A cool breeze whips across his neck.
"What the heck is going on!?" Jasiah started to explode.
The black portal closes. Feels a hand on his left shoulder.
Goosebumps ramp through his arms and body. Hears his own heartbeat.
"Jasiah, I'm going to need you to calm down. It ain't that serious. Now turn around." It said.
Jasiah's back spazzes. Can move the rest of his body.
Knocks his hand off. Spins body around. Sees him.
It's Dante.
"Wh-who are you??"
Jasiah backs up in fear. Trips over a log.
Thud!
Bangs head on nearby tree.
Dante laughs. His laugh sounds like coins hitting the bottom of a coin machine.
"Jasiah, just relax, bro. I'm just here to help you and give you some advice. And between you and I, Kyle and Tyler will be here in a few minutes, so time is of the essence." Dante emphasized.
"Well, tell me!" Jasiah nearly demanded.
Dante snaps his fingers. Jasiah's voice is no longer audible.
Trying to speak, but no sounds exit his mouth.
Just saying a whole bunch of nothing. Wait, I can't joke around too?
Hey, sorry about that, my friend keeps interrupting me.
So far, we haven't seen any action… yet, but Dante has appeared, and I don't think he showed up for no reason.
My boy Jasiah doesn't know what to think. He's just trying to not freak out, and now that's it out in the open…
Serenity knows about Maine's actions. The mutant orphans. I don't know if she'll forgive him.
I don't think the guy is all that bad either. I mean, he did spare her before, but hey, everybody is different.
Now let's see what happens next.
Showtime, baby!
"Adonis will be here in 30 seconds. Two mutant orphans are about to appear to destroy you and Adonis, but fear not. You will overcome. Lastly, the other 6 have been killed by your comrades. After you two battle Kyle and Tyler, I will be here. Stay ready. Zodiac."
Turns into glowing brown-white stars.
Ching. Cling. Ching. Cling.
"Wind chimes?? This dude… no, this thing is—"
They shine brighter and brighter. Covers eyes with forearm. Too much radiance.
Starts to feel dizzy. About to pass out.
Stars combine into a massive 7-point star. Rotates like a water wheel.
Wind chime sound is getting louder. Nearly haunting. Like the sound of footsteps drawing near.
Each point has an eye. All of them brown.
Instead of pupils, each has a sigil from the star signs.
They're listed as follows. Starting from the apex, from right to left.
Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Capricorn.
The center of the star is Dante's face.
Lips, nose, cheeks. The color of burnt brass. Beard, dreadlocks black as coal.
Eyes have no pupils nor an iris. Just a 7-pointed star.
Rises. Out of sight, out of mind.
Jasiah is finally able to uncover his eyes. Rubs them.
Stands up. Grips head tight.
"Man, I don't feel the best… need some water."
Rustling. Irregular breathing he hears in his vicinity.
"Who's there! Come out!" He bellowed.
From a bush to his left steps out…
Adonis!
Jasiah's face lights up. Cheekbones extra pronounced. Runs to him.
Dap each other up. Jasiah gets animated. Talks with his hands.
"Yo, I've been experiencing some crazy stuff, bro bro. Did you see that light? The star?" He asked.
Adonis nods no. Rubs back of head.
"Nah, g, I didn't see or hear anything, but we'll talk about that later. Have you seen Serenity? You talked to the other zodiacs?" Adonis inquired.
Jasiah rubs his chin.
"Just the zodiacs. Our plan is—"
One of the palm trees begins to tip over where they are standing.
"Move!!" Adonis shouted.
Dodge it. Grazes Jasiah's arm, drawing blood.
"Dang, bro, you alright?" asked Adonis.
Steps over the tree. Checks on the wound.
"It's straight. I'm an Aries. Scars are a badge of honor for me. Shoot, I got a scar when I became Aries' host." Jasiah responded.
Unexpectedly, they hear a voice from up in the trees.
Deep, resounding with gruffness. Slightly animalistic. Grizzly-like.
"Good, because when I'm done with you, I'll have you looking like a sacrifice. You hot-headed punk. The 1st of the zodiac shall have his resting moments in this forest. Along with the bull."
Oh boy. Mamma, it's that man again! Well, mutant, but you know what I'm saying!
The voice oozes with venom and malice.
It's Tyler.
"Yo, get down here! Stop being scared! Talking all big and bad." shouted Jasiah from below.
Adonis scans the area with his eyes. Looking for someone else.
"This thing isn't alone, so whoever the other jerk is, just come out and show yourself. You ain't just playing with fire, you rocking with the bull." Adonis stated.
The tree to Tyler's left sways. Adonis locks in.
Another voice emerges. This one is more serious, like he wants a fade on sight. Speaks with a slight rhythm in his voice.
"Homeboy finally said somethin'. Got a lil' bass in your voice too. I'm ready for the action. I'm with it." said Kyle.
His cloak swaying.
Jumps down from the tree. Kyle follows.
Kyle's dreadlocks start swaying. Shielding his expression and eyes.
Locks in on Adonis. Tyler glances over at Kyle.
Now staring at Jasiah feverishly.
"I just have one question… who's ready for the smoke?" Tyler asked rhetorically.
"I don't think they do, Ty. They looking stuck over here. Especially Taurus over here. Born on May 8th, but he soft, though." Kyle mocked.
Stuffs hands in cargo pockets. Rummages hands inside.
Adonis raises his eyebrows.
"How in the hell do you know me!!? I don't know you." said Adonis angrily.
Balls hands into fists. Knuckles turning white. Grits teeth.
Jasiah keeps his cool.
"These two want nothing but problems, but why? Why us? Did we do something?" Jasiah thought.
Tyler runs his fingers through his long, grizzly-like hair. Picks at it.
"I suppose you two childless bastards are wondering why we are here. It's fairly simple. We are hired killers, so to speak, and we thought it would be a good idea to fight you two. No other zodiacs compare to the raw strength, power, and aggression of Aries and Taurus." Tyler remarked.
"That's one way to put it, but I just wanted to throw some hands and kill someone with my bare hands. Killing the host of Taurus would be my crown jewel. Oh, I just love the thought of submission and domination. We're here because of Maine Rice." Kyle said.
Adonis immediately gets agitated hearing Maine Rice. Lashes out.
"Maine Rice!!?? You're friends with him!? I'm gonna kill you just for that!" Adonis said.
He gets increasingly agitated.
"Adonis, calm down. We need a strategy!"
Kyle chuckles. Covers his mouth with a fist, trying not to laugh harder.
"Did that strike a nerve, O' immovable one? So emotional. I had no idea earth signs were so fragile. Whatever happened to being cool, calm, and collected?" Kyle mocked.
"I'm tired of this baseless speaking. Let's just get straight to the chase. We chose you two for a simple yet thrilling confrontation. No more talking. Let's get straight to the action." Tyler said.
They remove their cloaks. Toss them into the dam behind them.
Sink.
"They know this monster that attacked Serenity, Daiyu, and Katrina. I won't forgive them for this." Adonis thought.
His tone increasingly getting angrier. Snappier.
Jasiah cracks his fingers.
"Well, that won't be happening. I'm pretty sure you knew exactly what you were getting into. Should've stayed in your natural habitat. Adonis, let's beat them, then get to the others. Ready? Full power."
Adonis nods yes. Clenches fists until knuckles begin to turn white.
"Ready. Bull Style: Taurus Transformation!"
Makes X with arms. Grunting. Voice changing between his normal pitch and high pitches.
"Haaaaaaa-eagh!!" Adonis screams.
A mini earthquake ensues.
Legs grow. Thickness of horse's legs, but 3x bigger. Chest expands 5x. Veins popping out.
Taurus symbol burns on his neck in dark black. Brown bull fur grows everywhere. Covering his whole body.
Dark brown aura covers his body. Bull horns grow from his temples. Ivory in color.
Spiritual energy in the fashion of cowbell earrings form in his earlobes. Forest green and dark brown.
Transformation complete.
Tyler gazes upon Adonis in awe.
"Majestic but powerful. I wanna showcase my power as well! Grizzly Instinct: Ascension!"
Kyle smiles like a proud father.
"It's time to throw them hands, jit. Gorilla Instinct: Full Silverback!"
"A fight to the death. I'll bring life into this skirmish. I'll call this battle… The Battle of the Physically Strong. 1st House: Aries!"
"Aaaaagggghhhh!!!!" Jasiah, Kyle, and Tyler scream in unison and oddly in harmony.
Kyle, Tyler, and Jasiah let out battle screams that could burst an eardrum.
Crows, hawks fly away. Palm trees are tipping over. Crashing to the ground.
Violent winds are blowing the leaves off of them.
Sunset befalls them.
Another atmosphere covers the forest like a bowl. Oak and palm trees sprout out of the ground, creating a canopy.
Sea moss, palm trees, the dam's flowing water are seen in the atmosphere. Mirroring the now forest-turned battlefield.
Kyle turns into a silverback gorilla. However, he retains his facial features and hair.
Tyler turns into a grizzly bear. Human-like legs. Standing 9 feet tall.
Jasiah's body is enveloped in a scarlet red aura. Body type is the same as Adonis in his Taurus form.
Hands are on fire. A flaming Spartan-like shield is on his back. Orange-blue flame. The face of Aries the Ram graces it.
The wind stops blowing. Dam stops flowing.
"Time to cut to the chase. Let's fight." said Jasiah.
"I never thought you would ask. Gorilla Instinct: Seismic Clap."
Kyle claps his hands once. HARD.
A silver-grey beam shoots from them. Going toward Jasiah.
"Jasiah!" Adonis yelled.
Grabs the shield from his back. Shields his body.
Bam!
Hits it. Sparks, flames, and remnants of the beam come off the shield. Sounds like a wheel breaking at high speeds on concrete.
"Now's my chance. Bull Style: Raging Bulls!"
Adonis squats deep, then propelling himself 30 feet in the air.
4 bulls appear. 2 on his left, 2 on the right.
Lower their heads. Steam blowing out their noses. Boulders the bulls only leaving the heads sticking out.
Adonis throws them one by one. Each traveling 50 mph.
Coming at Tyler. Sprints toward the dam. Running on all fours.
Huff. Huff.
"Ram Style: Battering Ram!"
Jasiah's aura grows to 8 feet. Muscles get hairier. Digs feet into ground. Charges. Overpowering Kyle's beam.
"You rat bastard!" said Kyle with vitriol.
Kaboom! Bam!
One bull inside the boulder hits the ground, leaving a gaping crater. 1000s of caterpillars and centipedes are exposed.
Another one.
This time nearly hitting Tyler as he is jumping.
Jasiah slams into Kyle with the flaming Aries shield. Kyle tries to cushion the blow by putting his arms out, but they are being torn up upon impact.
The very hair on his arms turns to ash.
Kyle's eyes blacken. Lacerations on his chest.
Shield fades into stardust.
"I've had ENOUGH!! Gorilla Instinct: Locs of Fate!!!"
Kyle grabs ahold of Jasiah's arms. Bites down viciously on his left bicep.
"ARGHH!!"
Headbutts his chest.
Ough!
Jasiah is coughing up blood.
Kyle's dread locs become sentient. Wrap around Jasiah's torso. Throws him back.
Gets into a ball and begins to spin like a tire doing donuts. His silver-grey dreadlocks spinning rapidly.
Barrels toward him.
Tyler gets on top of the dam, which is 10 feet high.
Stands up tall.
"Forest Style: Environmental Overflow."
The free-falling dam water forms into a wall-like structure. Moss and tree bark come from various directions to form a grizzly bear face.
The next boulder comes straight for it.
Opens its mouth and eats the boulder. Water splashing everywhere like a water park.
Adonis positions his body as if he is doing leg presses. Kicks the last one like a pissed-off horse.
"I got you now, Aries!!!" Kyle proclaimed.
Jasiah stops a direct impact with an outstretched hand.
"Damn, this guy is stronger than I thought!" Jasiah said.
Kyle is still spinning. His locs wrap around his arm, chest, and neck like a python.
"1st House: Spark!"
The locs begin to burn. Kyle sneaks in a punch. Cracks him in the head.
Jasiah eats it like a boxer.
Stops spinning. Now going blow for blow at lightning speeds.
Colliding punches. Knee to knee. Evenly matched.
They're locked up now. At a standstill.
Oh man, this is getting good! This fight is crazy!!
Me personally, I don't know who's going to win, but these techniques? The trash talk? Top tier, bro.
No lie, Kyle's aggression is just crazy. Just wild, primal energy.
Back to the action.
"Hehe, I got you now. Should've stayed in your place. Now DIE!!!" Jasiah said.
Flings him in the air.
Kyle flails. Jasiah looks up.
"Ram Style: Aries Flaming Destruction!"
Inhales deep. Blows fire out his mouth. Splits into three giant ram heads on fire. Scarlet in color.
"No!!!" Kyle cries.
They charge at him. Hit him diagonally, horizontally, and one coming straight between his legs.
Cave his body in, destroying his muscle, then the very fabric of his being.
Boom!
He explodes. Instant death.
Temperature rises to 110 degrees. Nearby palm trees catch fire.
"Kyle!!" Tyler cries out.
The last boulder breaks through Tyler's defense. Moves backwards just enough to not get smashed.
#
Grizzly Instinct: Bear Club Extraordinaire," Kyle shouted.
Outstretches paw. Grandiose.
Fur moving from arm to the center, creating a 5-foot-long club out of his fur. Showing his pale human skin.
Locks his eyes on Adonis.
"Club of Heavens. Extract Taurus from Adonis. Hmmph!"
Swings club like a baseball bat.
As he is in motion, grizzly bear cubs come out of it. The fur gets pointy, as if it's fabric being knitted by a needle.
5 pop out. Drenched, yolk-like liquid. Their mouths open. All paws outstretched. Predatory, hungry-looking faces.
Adonis braces for impact.
"Just the bare necessities," Adonis muttered.
1st one goes for his neck. Grabs it. Explodes. The fur blows into the sunset.
2nd at his right foot. Hits 'em with a spinning kick. Hoof to chest.
Whizzes down below. Exploding just like the last. Teeth, claws rolling. Smoke rising from them.
Kyle roars.
"My cubs!!!!" he cried out.
The remaining three are so close you could smell their breath.
Two coming for his eyes. The last at his heart.
Adonis curls up in a ball. Aura expands further.
"2nd House: Aura Shards!"
Dark brown aura turns into long, thick spikes. Green thorns sticking out.
"Noooo!!!!! How could you be so heartless??" said Kyle.
"Eeek!" squealed a cub.
The others follow. Each now impaled. No blood. Turn into—back into—grizzly bear fur, looking like sea moss.
Falls below gently.
"It's over!!! Kyle!!!" Adonis said.
Adonis dives in his direction like a missile.
Destroys the top of the dam.
Face to face now.
Adonis lands a haymaker with his right. Then a gut shot.
"Eaughh!"
"Bull Style: Taurean Scream!"
Adonis screams. His voice sounding soulful, bluesy at an ear-piercing pitch.
Tyler covers his ears as they bleed.
"Time for my final combo. Bull Style: 3 Bell Combo!"
Yellow cowbells burn on the top of his hands.
Uppercut.
Ding!
A bell rings.
"You bastard. You'll pay for this!! I'm not done yet!!!" Tyler screeched.
"You ain't got no choice, bruh. I'm gonna end you, and there ain't a damn thing you can do about it. Humph!" Adonis said.
Liver shot.
Ding ding!
Tyler barfs up salmon and blueberries. Hurling into the dam.
"Only the strongest can live, and now it's your time. Your end. I don't give a damn about yo history, cuh. Lights out. Bell…"
Winds up. His fist glowing in a dark brown, green aura.
His bull horns detach. Fitting themselves into both sides of his fist. Bull horns poking out.
They grow to 15 inches.
Tyler hears 6 more bells ringing. He's too stunned to do anything else.
"Ringing final blow!!"
Aims for his chest. Pierces it. Breaking his skin, then the fur.
Sticking out his back like shish kebabs. Twitches, body jerks uncontrollably.
Lifts him up. Tyler squirms. Kicking his feet.
Adonis slams his fist into the ground, smashing Tyler through it.
Tyler free-falls into what looks like a never-ending black hole.
"2nd House: Venus Obliteration." He commands.
A tiny version of Venus spins and grows in the center of his bull horns. Spawns a yellow, poisonous gas. Fires.
Kaboom!
Yellow gas rises.
No more Tyler.
Adonis huffs and puffs. Nearly hyperventilating.
"It's over." Adonis said.
Adonis jumps back down from the dam. Jasiah is already waiting for him.
They revert back to their normal states.
"Everything good with you?" asked Adonis.
Jasiah wipes sweat from his face.
"Yeah, I'm ok. Let's get out of here." Jasiah said.
The atmosphere covering fades away. The canopy retreats.
Dante descends back down, still in his 7-point state.
Adonis lays eyes on him.
"Oh my—"
"No time to talk and wonder. Jasiah knows who I am already. Follow me." Dante said.
Two bright stardust orbs come from the tips of his star points.
One with an Aries glyph. The other Taurus.
One goes to Jasiah's forehead. The other to Adonis's neck. Instantly healing them both of all battle injuries.
"Wow, we're healed!" said Adonis happily.
"Let's go. Time is of the essence. We're going to where the other zodiacs are." Dante said in a hurry.
He shines brighter. The star turns away from the forest.
5 streams of heavenly energy that resemble ribbons twist and circle around Dante.
Each ribbon is filled with hazel, amber, brown eyes, and the 12 glyphs of the zodiac signs.
Dante starts traveling via floating, guiding them.
They follow behind him in a hurry.