Chapter 8
♃ ♑️ 7° 49' 🏠 4
"Serenity! Where are you? I need to talk to you before I go!" said Daiyu.
She's downstairs in Serenity's apartment on the couch eating a muffin.
She rubs her crab pincher necklace. Kisses it, then hides it underneath her shirt.
Serenity comes rushing down. Her hair wild like the Amazon forest. It looks really unkempt. Looks like she just woke up.
The stairs are squeaking as she makes her way to the living room.
"Damn girl you look rough," said Daiyu.
Serenity looks at her with disgust but tries to hide her anger with playful banter.
"And you leave stuff LAYING on the ground. So let's not go there. Okay?"
The sass was really coming through now.
"You sound more emotional than me and I'm a Cancer. But anyway I'm just playing with you. I wanted to talk about Argasis. You know him?" asked Daiyu.
Serenity shudders.
Walks to the couch by Daiyu and sits with her.
"I know a little bit about him. I'm destined to defeat him. But he's extremely powerful," Serenity said.
"Well he's not unstoppable. We have to train. And if you're destined to defeat him that means you need it more than us."
"So where do we start?" asked Serenity.
"Let's train together. Then go from there. Have you talked to your zodiac yet?"
"Yeah I have actually haha. She's pretty funny, cool, and understanding. I kinda gave her a hard time at first," replied Serenity.
"Lucky you. During our ceremony ours showed up as planets. Would love to connect with someone that understands me."
"Don't we all."
They hear a knock at the door.
Knock. Knock.
"I didn't invite a soul in Drokeo Bay over here."
Gets up huffing and puffing.
Opens the door.
In comes Katrina.
Daiyu is elated to see her and runs to give her a hug.
"Katrina what's up! Water girlies unite!"
Sticks her fist in the air. Katrina follows.
Serenity is studying how they interact.
"Nice to meet you Katrina. What brings you here?" she asks.
Katrina closes the door behind her.
"I just really wanted to see Daiyu. I'm having a cookout at my place. Wanna come?"
Shakes her head no.
"Not at the moment. We have pressing issues to tend to. Another time for sure though darling," said Serenity.
Crash!
Boom!
Sounds like something is exploding outside but what could it be?
"Who's blowing up stuff?" questioned Serenity.
She trembles. Never before has she seen extreme acts of violence or anything shocking to her sight.
"I'm going outside," said Katrina.
Katrina storms outside the door.
Daiyu looks at Serenity very concerned.
"Serenity. What's going on?!"
You can sense the fear in her voice. Her anxiety is palpable.
Serenity grabs her hair and pulls on it. Then in frustration puts her face in her hands.
"Look I don't know either ok?!" she shouted at Daiyu.
Her voice aches with pain. In between crying and keeping it together her sorrow is leaking out. She can no longer hold it in.
"Well I'm going outside. We need to figure this out…" Daiyu's voice trails off.
Daiyu walks to the front door.
Pauses. Takes a few seconds to recollect what's going on. Then she looks back at Serenity.
"Even if it kills me," Daiyu said with a deadpan expression.
Leaves.
"Ugh I don't want to do this," groaned Serenity.
A light green mist forms in front of her door.
"May?" Serenity whispered.
The mist takes shape and it is indeed May.
She's smiling ear to ear.
"Hey Serenity! What's up? It seems like you're sad and I felt it in my spirit. What's going on?" asked May.
"Well someone or something is wreaking havoc outside and I got flustered," said Serenity.
"Come closer," said May.
Serenity begins walking to May. May begins to talk again.
"Now look. YOU'RE the chosen one remember? Act like it sometimes. Goodness stop being so scared," May said.
Now they're face to face.
"Ok. I just-"
"Not just anything. Girl you need to get it together. You can't afford to think. Just go. I'm your zodiac. I love order but right now is chaos. You must adapt," May explained.
"What if I don't?"
"You don't have a choice. You either fight or be destroyed by evil. You were going to be involved one way or the other. But you were chosen not only for your potential but for your growth. Do you understand that?" questioned May.
"Well if that's the case which I already know then it'll be whatever."
Now at this time Serenity is talking with her hands. May is not getting completely through to her. What else has to happen?
She's been told the prophecy. Been shown in her dreams. Gotten the power but it just hasn't fully clicked.
So Serenity must go through it by trial and fire. The trials will hurt her but it won't be life ending if she fights back.
Little does she know whatever awaits her outside will force her to grow up and take on her destiny by the horns.
Life has a funny way of doing that sometimes.
"I'm going outside. Probably just some fireworks or something," said Serenity.
May looks happier and cracks a half-smile but you can tell she's disappointed in her a little bit.
"You have a hard head. Stiff-necked even. But that will be broken. I'm out," replied May.
She reverts back to mist and it's sucked outside, whistling through the cracks of the door as the wind howls.
The door is shaking like someone is trying to get in but it's really the wind moving it.
"Time to go," stated Serenity.
Kicks her door open and it flies off the hinges.
The door is carried by the wind into the air. Going straight to where the sounds of chaos are.
"AIIEEEE!!"
It's unclear whose scream that was but it sounds like multiple people at once.
"The hell?? Was that Katrina and Daiyu? I'm coming y'all don't worry!" stated a determined Serenity.
Takes off running.
#
"Maiden Style: Stars Of Light!" shouted Maine.
Katrina and Daiyu are standing before him.
Maine is up in the air. His right hand raised.
6 bright green stars with mini white ones swirling in a circle just a inch or two away from his palm.
"Where is she?" asked Maine.
"Where is who? And stop destroying ish you're going to kill somebody!" shouted Katrina.
"You bastard… just STOP!!!" Daiyu shrieked.
A tsunami is behind Katrina and Daiyu.
80 feet tall. Coming in hot.
"Daiyu calm down don't do thi-"
She's cut off.
"Water Element: Land Tsunami!" commanded Daiyu.
The tsunami is taking up cars, trees, and even the pavement in its wake.
"No!" shouted Katrina.
"We're fine," Daiyu hissed.
The tsunami splits in the middle. They don't get wet or touched at all.
Now it's coming to Maine.
"Not so fast. When emotions are high, logic is low. Do you know who you're messing with? Let me give you a teaser," said Maine.
The tsunami is only a few feet away from him now.
Everything in front of him is dark.
He can't see anything BUT the tsunami. Sounding like a runaway freight train.
"Got it!" he said.
He throws the stars. One star hits left, the other down, another up, and the last one to the far right inside the tsunami.
They glow bright. The green overtakes the color of the ocean wave in the tsunami.
One more hits the middle causing the tsunami to heave and cave in mimicking someone's stomach when inhaling fully.
The last one hits the middle again.
The top of the tsunami peels back like an orange peel.
In the middle of it forms a giant compass. Sage green on the outside and the inside white.
His Virgo sign in the middle of it.
"It's time."
Snaps his fingers.
The tsunami implodes. All of the water rises in the air. Then coming down as torrential rain.
Serenity finally makes it. It's about time she got there.
"Daiyu! Katrina! Are you two okay?" asked Serenity concerningly.
They look back at her.
"Somewhat. This guy is something else. We need to get rid of him," said Katrina.
"Man he's really freaking me out. We need to kill him," said Daiyu.
"Kill? That's extreme but it's him or us and it's not going to be us. We're in war right now. Time to act like it," Serenity stated.
They all look at Maine.
The rain stops.
Sun comes back out. Humid. Muggy. Sticky.
He spots Serenity. He looks pleased and happy.
Lowers himself to the ground. Shoes click against the wet concrete.
"Serenity. Nice to see you. Who are your friends?" asked Maine.
They all looked at each other. Mouths aghast.
Daiyu and Katrina stare at Serenity with intensity. Even with a little disdain.
"You know this guy? Serenity?? What gives? You keeping secrets now too?" probed Daiyu.
Katrina's expression softens.
"No she doesn't know him. I can tell. She's in the same boat as us," stated Katrina.
"So if he knows her then that means…" Daiyu's voice trailing.
"He might be-" thought Serenity.
"I'm her brother. Don't you see the resemblance?" said Maine.
At this time Serenity couldn't believe her ears.
Daiyu's face reeks of disgust. She can't even look at Maine or anyone for that matter.
Katrina eyes lock onto Maine. They're piercing.
"8th House: Scorpio Rising Eyes," said Katrina.
Her eyes turn a deep piercing blue. Streaks of crimson appear in her scleras.
Irises turn a deep, ocean blue. The Scorpio wrap around her pupils like vines.
The tail pokes out from the glyph and can now be seen in her scleras as well as her irises.
A small version of Pluto forms in her pupils. Predominately pale blue along with highlights of crimson that look like cracks.
"Wow look at those eyes. Someone has some heat towards me don't they? You want to see me for who I really am? I invite you," said Maine.
With Scorpio Rising Eyes the user can look into someone's soul. Paralyzing them with fear.
This also allows the user to manipulate them, see where their life source lies. If their life source takes a hit the heart of the opposer will change.
All the user has to do is lock eyes and based on the users desires that person will change accordingly.
"Katrina. I've never seen that technique before," said Serenity.
Katrina stays silent for a moment.
"He must pay. I can nearly predict his next move. It's all about how well he conceals his emotions," said Katrina.
"Is he really my brother? No it can't be…" Serenity thought.
"Let's get him. Daiyu give us backup in case he tries to get away. Ready Katrina?" asked Serenity.
"I ain't never been more ready in my life," stated Katrina.
Serenity hesitates.
"Girl what are you doing we have to get him?" said Katrina.
"Is he really my brother? Is he bluffing Katrina?"
"I don't think he is but I couldn't tell you. He's very stoic. He knows how to conceal his emotions. Earth signs are good at that but don't take my word for it."
"Let's get this fool," said Serenity.
They run towards him at full speed.
"Virgo and Scorpio. Earth and water. Fall and winter," whispered Maine.
"Scorpion Style: Stingers of Death!"
Tails of scorpions form in the state of water then turning into them physically.
8 of them are in the air.
They shoot streams of poison at him.
Maroon in color.
"Maiden Style: Purity Bombs!"
In her right hand is a ray of green light that is changing, shifting its shape as if it's mutating.
Sparkly and radiant.
3 more manifest in her hand.
Winds up and throws them like a baseball pitcher.
"Cool techniques but y'all are just rookies. Let me show you a little something. Earth Element: Fortress!"
A giant fortress covers Maine. He is safely inside.
The poison hits the front wall and runs down the way like leaking coolant from a car.
Serenity's purity bombs make contact with the fortress. Exploding as soon as it hits.
Thick black smoke billows in the air.
The front of the fortress is still standing but barely intact.
"Daiyu launch an attack!" shouted Katrina.
"Got it. Crab Style: Pinchers of Death!"
Two crab pinchers come towards Maine. They're the size of mannequins.
"No escape," said Serenity.
"Maiden Style: Virgo Rising Eyes," Maine said.
Serenity notices his eyes.
"Wait he's a Virgo too??" Serenity exclaimed.
"Those eyes… the rotating glyphs… how does he have power? I thought each zodiac only had one host?" she thought to herself.
She even sounded a little concerned.
They finally reach him.
Serenity and Katrina launch a flurry of blows.
Maine weaves in and out of every one with ease. They can't touch him.
They stop and jump out the way.
Here comes the pinchers.
"Get him!!" shouted Daiyu.
One claw grabs his arm. Pinches him.
"Argh! Damn that hurt!" said Maine.
The other pinches his waist.
He can't get out. He's stuck midair in the claws grips.
"No where to go! Stingers, propel!" Katrina commanded.
One stings his stomach. The others sting his legs and his body.
"Katrina clear yourself. I'm going in for the kill," said Serenity.
Katrina does 3 cartwheels to the right and gets out the way.
"Maiden Style: Righteous Cannon!"
A beam comes out of her hands to Maine. Light green. Bright white. Sounds like a wind chime.
It engulfs him.
His body at this time is not tangible as it's completely engulfed by Serenity's Righteous Cannon technique.
Puts her arms down.
"Finally over," Serenity said.
Then behind all of them high up in the air. They hear a voice.
All of them turn their heads.
It's Maine.
Slow claps.
"Very nice teamwork. That makes the dream work haha," Maine chuckled.
All of the girls look pissed. Especially Katrina and Serenity.
"No! No! No!" Serenity repeated.
"How in the hell! But when?" said Katrina.
"This guy. Whatever he is. He's not normal," whispered Daiyu through clenched teeth.
The girls look back at where Maine was.
It turns into gray-brownish dust. Slowly but surely starting from his head first.
They look in surprise and horror.
"I couldn't just let you get me that easy. Did y'all really think it would be that easy for you? You all must be sadly mistaken. Now that I've seen how you all fight it's my turn to be on the offensive. Just remember two things. Life is not always fair. And number two. I don't hit women," said Maine as he held up two fingers.
"Water Style: Catastrophic Flood!" said Daiyu and Katrina.
The street begins to overflow with water.
"Not so fast. Earth, reclaim that water," said Maine.
Portions of the ground open up resembling the mouth of a hippo. Swallowing up all of the extra water.
"My turn. Maiden Style: Purity Clone!"
A giant version of Miranda manifests. Towering at 16 feet.
Floating in the air he merges with her. Right where her chest is.
Daiyu runs over to Katrina and Serenity.
"We have to fight," said Serenity.
"Serenity. Little sis. You and your friends can use all the zodiac powers you wish but… my eyes see through it all," Maine stated as Virgo and Mercury glyphs rotate in his eyes like a clock.
Maine angles his palm towards the ground.
"Maiden Style: Field of Harvest."
The ground turns into a prairie.
"Now you're in my domain. Miranda get them."
"Yes Maine," replied Miranda.
Holding out his hand a giant energy sword forms in her palm.
"With this sword I will decipher if y'all should live at this moment. Its wisdom will judge you accordingly. By your purpose and works only will you live. Anyone not worthy will die. Brace yourselves."
With one swing he brings the sword down.
Grass, shrubs, and various types of herbs are cut by the blade then taken up in the air. Floating away.
The girls barely avoid it but are nicked.
"Damn it!" screamed Katrina.
"I will separate the weeds from their roots. The wheat from its straw. Earth Element: Seismic Quake!" he commanded.
Everything below them shakes. They fall to the ground.
"Another one. Maiden Style: Star Bullets."
28 small bullets circle around Maine.
"Fire!" he commanded.
The girls run. The bullets landing all around them making small craters.
Miranda shrinks to Maine's size. Takes off after them.
Katrina turns around and locks eyes with Maine.
She sees his soul. It's bright white and green.
Maine comes down like a falcon.
Now in middle of them the girls attack.
Maine uses Miranda to block their blows.
Daiyu and Katrina try to punch Maine but he catches their blows.
Like a ventriloquist, Maine uses Miranda to blast Katrina with an energy beam and kicks Daiyu in the stomach. They fly back.
Now it's only Serenity face to face with Maine.
"Little sis. How nice for you to show up. Are you ready for your destiny?" asked Maine.
"That has nothing to do with you!! How do you even power? I'm the host!" Serenity shouted.
"That's what you think but like a baby you have no idea of everything that's going on around you. I don't spare I prepare. Argh!!"
Maine guides Miranda to grab her wrist.
He sees her fates point in her stomach. Notices how small it is.
"She doesn't have much life left right now. I'm not going to kill her," he thought.
Miranda hits her in the stomach with a closed fist. Nearly knocking her out.
She rolls on the ground. Gets back up quickly. Breathing heavily with minor scratches but she's ok.
"Resilient. I respect it. That's enough for now," said Maine to himself.
Fades away as rock pebbles.
Katrina and Daiyu get up. They're hurt but nothing crazy. Some minor cuts that'll heal in a few days.
"Your brother is a psycho," said Daiyu.
"Yeah…" Serenity said quietly.
"He may be but he spared us I think. He doesn't seem overtly evil but we can discuss this later. Let's go back home," said Katrina.
"Back to my place," said Serenity.
All the girls walk together back to Serenity's home.