Earlier today, my power at home went out five times within one hour. Strong winds out of nowhere.
So to the best of my ability, here is the next chapter.
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Scorpio stood at the doorway waiting to leave. Leo grabbed his swords and strapped them to his back. Gemini took his old wallet from his back pocket. He emptied it of its contents and left it behind in the room. Together again, the three left on a journey to meet someone they hadn't seen in quite some time.
Brittle Apocalypse
Chapter 3: Fates Converge
The man sat at the bar alone watching his glass precipitate slowly. His eyes remained transfixed on the amber liquid filling the mug while watching bubbles rise to the surface. As he took a sip, he relished the low burning sensation it created in his throat. It was the most alive he had felt in years. His left rose to his neck and he grasped it gently, rubbing while deep in thought.
What happened back then? I shouldn't be alive.
He removed his hand. The low light was just enough to illuminate a scar on his neck. It ran all the way around as if he had been decapitated.
It all leads back to that man. A man had come to him, speaking through hollow eyes. His voice still echoed in his head from years ago.
"Please join us, Ethier. We are your true family. Our signs give us power just like yours gives to you. I am soon to surpass to the next ranks and when this happens, I can help you join with no problem."
Having refused this offer, Ethier showed no regret and never will. His decision has made him proud of his free thinking. His empty glass thudded down on the counter as he left ten dollars behind and exited the bar.
Who gives a shit about the Zodiac anyway?
*****
Chris ran his hand through his hair. Suddenly he felt the pain of his death again and it became surreal for him. He and the others should all be dead. So what is this place they had awoken to?
"If you have any questions, I can gladly help you." The receptionist waved the boys over to the counter. Chris, Isaac, Kibo, and Enka stood as a group and approached the desk.
"So..." Isaac tried to think of a simple question first. "I think I should ask what we all want to know. Are we dead? And along with that, what is this place?" The receptionist giggled and her soft blond hair fell in front of her shoulder.
"Well, well...straight to the point I see." She pushed some papers aside. "This place is known as Archea. It's somewhat of what you would call an in-between plane. And by the by, you aren't dead yet."
Enka giggled at the way the receptionist seemed to mock that they didn't know what was going on. Isaac turned around and rested his chin in his hand to think. Chris turned to the receptionist.
"Why are we in Archea?" She took on a more serious expression.
"That..." Her voice sounded sympathetic. "I can't answer. You have to continue down the hall. You will know which door to open."
Kibo didn't seem too sure. She simply gave him a calm and comforting smile. He could see that she didn't mean any harm. The four had a group huddle and discussed their options.
"I mean, do we really have another choice here?" Enka seemed confused.
"No, no we don't. Let's just walk the hall and see where it leads." Isaac stood up straight and signaled them to follow.
*****
In the elevator, Leo briefed them on their "mission."
"So what exactly is this guy gonna do fur us anyway?" Scorpio put his hands in his pockets.
"Hmph." Leo made a smug look at Scorpio. "This isn't just some guy. We are after the Generals okay? So what better way to find them then by going through one of their own?"
"Wait a sec..." Gemini joined in the conversation. "You told us you knew where this guy is. If he is a General and you know where he is, then that means..."
"Yeah. I know... I don't want to see him either, but we would have to kill him at some point." Leo looked to the floor. Scorpio looked confused.
"I don't get it. What do you two know that I don't?" Leo looked up again. Scorpio continued. "Who are we going after?" Leo took a deep breath.
"My father."
*****
Chris grabbed another doorknob and the door became yet another section of brick wall. Extending back to where they had entered, the hall was now freckled by brick walls that used to be doors.
"What the hell?" Enka began to get frustrated. Kibo simply patted his shoulder.
"Calm down. Apparently we'll know which door to use when we find the one that doesn't turn into bricks if we touch it." Isaac laughed after Kibo finished.
"That could take forever. This hallway must go on for miles." Isaac sat down against the wall.
Chris grabbed another handle to watch it become bricks like the rest. He ran off in anger and forced the other to follow. His rage kept building until he felt the need to release it somehow. With a sudden stop, Chris turned and punched a door next to him as hard as he could.
He sank to the floor in desperation. Isaac, Enka, and Kibo caught up.
"What is wrong with you?" Isaac questioned Chris in the hopes of settling his own emotions.
"I don't know." Chris felt tears of anguish welling up behind his eyes. "I guess that i just want some answers."
"Hey guys." Kibo finally got their attention. "Look..."
The door that Chris had punched wasn't brick, but instead remained as a wooden door. All together, the four of them stood in front of it as Chris turned the knob and entered the room beyond.
Scattered about the room were some very familiar faces. Along the left wall were Cancer, Aries, and Taurus. Across the room were Virgo, Aquarius, and Capricorn. Taurus stepped forward laughing harder than ever.
"WELCOME ONE AND ALL!!!" He began with his booming voice. "To the collision of two forces of opposite charge. Here in this wasteland known as the Zodiac Graveyard."
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To be continued in
B.A. Chapter 4
Re: Savage Stars 
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