Masters of the Zodiac

by daughter-of-eris

Long ago the sacred beast were the servants to twelve guardians. With a prophesied evil looming, the guardians are reborn into the modern world. Now with the beasts searching for their masters, Jackie and the gang must find and protect them.

16. Chapter 16

So some good news. I got a new job, yay me! So I'll have more hours but scheduled days off. Also sometimes we'll be slow and the boss is cool with me busting out the notebook and writing down new chapters. Plus I do my best writing in these situations so hopefully the chapters will get better.

So I'm super eager to get this chapter arc finished up. In the end I may go back and paste 14, 15 and 16 all together to make some super chapter.

Also I've been hit by the muses and will be busting out about 5 new stories, not counting rewriting my Perception story. I'd appreciate anyone taking a look and letting me know what they think. Also I'm planning on writing a real novel, not based on a created concept, if anyone is a fan of original, hard cover novels, I'd love some people to bounce some of my passages off of and get some feedback before sending it in for submission, hopefully finishing at least one book by the end of this year.

But anyway here is the trilling continuation of MASTERS OF THE ZODIAC

(cue the theme music)

Aaaaaaa

Sophia felt a rush pass threw her body. Every fiber of her being was pulsation with a strange new energy. Visions passed before her, images she had never seen but somehow knew them to be true. She saw the scenes of her family, her friends, her home. Then she saw the horrifying sight of all she cared for burst into flames. She saw the cause of the fire, a green scaly monster, blood dripping from it's vile yellow teeth. His large claws slashed about, slicing limbs and more from the bodies of those who tried to stop him. The lush green grounds the temple was built on was littered with bodies and blood, the clear blue sky was stained with smoke and ash. The great beast let out a might roar as he charged towards her, his mouth opened to swallow her whole.

Sophia fell to her knees, the shock of her visions settling to her physical form. A boil of emotions brewed within her anger, depression, grief, furry and the deep honor of duty. Her duty, to her family and to the world. The monsters had returned and were once again hungry for blood and human misery. They had taken her world away from her once and she knew she would gladly give her life again if it meant the safety of thoughts she love.

Sophia felt a warm nuzzle on her cheek. She turned to see the warm gentle eyes of her familiar. From her visions they made their connection, she knew who he was and that he was as loyal to her as she was to him and the rest of her family. Her little lamb, Bob. What a silly name for such a mighty ram, all the more reason she wished she could say it out loud. Sophia saw the strange shape of her shadow and took notice of her new form. From her elbows and knees down her skin had become harder, similar to Bob's hooves. From her now more curly hair protruded two large spiral horns. Somehow they were balanced enough to prevent her from falling over on either side. Bob took a stance beside her as he bleated loudly. Sophia turned to see the fight in all its chaos. She turned to see a striped creature, remembering her past as a sister, slashing the strange shadowy creatures with her mighty claws. It was strange that the best friend of her boss, Dante DeRose, was in fact the reincarnation of her past sister. How many times have they met or pasted by in the building or on functions ant yet never truly communicated with one another. Dante herself had helped guide the other civilians out of harms way, the only other human in the room was the rather chiseled red mane man. He jumped around the room landing punches and kicks to the strange shadow monsters, crying out strange attacks along the way. Sophia felt something bite her finger, she looked down to see a silver rat next to her. Bob stomped near the creature, angry for it hurting his master, Sophia watched the small creature rush back up the runway and into the arms of the pale figure she met earlier.

Lydia rushed towards the model and helped her to her feet. She found it strange and disheartening at her new form. Every Master that had awaken had transformed on the spot, their powers awakening along with their memories. True she regained her memories but no matter how hard she tried she could only move small objects. She tried channeling her anger, her joy or focusing on a memory but she never could obtain her true form or unlock her real powers. Lydia pushed such thoughts out of her mind as a stray piece of wreckage came dangerously close to her head. She turned to Sophia, asking if she was alright but was only met with a silent nod of her head. Lydia was strained for ideas, she couldn't sign anything beyond on ok and had no other means to communicate. Sophia motioned from Lydia's lips to her own ears, nodding a yes response. Sophia was born without the ability to speak but could still hear just as well as any other person.

"Can you understand what I am saying?"

Sophia nodded yes.

"Oh thank God. Look there's not much time to explain, that killer Croc monster is the one controlling the shadows. We have to stop him or at least get him away from the building and the people. The red haired guy over there isn't a Master but is a friend, I can try and help but my powers aren't all there yet. I think that if we….AHHHH"

Lydia let out a sharp scream as a shadow has made it's way towards them. A sharp clawed hand swiftly extended and took aim for Lydia's pale face. Before it could make contact, the creature found it's hand in the tight grasp of another. Sophia held it with such force that it would have crushed the creatures' bones if it had any. With speed and precision she placed an elbow jab to it's ribs before tossing it over her shoulder and crashing it into a small group behind her. Sophia continued her assault, landing kicks, punches, jabs and jumps until her and the other's combined efforts nearly depleted the shadowy army. While Hak Foo was pinned under a pile of the creatures Sophia led a charge, ramming the figures with her horns with such force that they were decimated against one of the remaining walls. She helped Hak Foo to his feet, his grip strong and unyielding. He used his grasp to help swing her behind himself as he landed a strong ' Rhino kick' so an approaching minion.

Gwen found herself being cornered behind the dressing curtain, blood dripping from a few gashes the shadows were able to inflict. Her arm was throbbing in pain, she was trained in martial arts but had little experience with using the techniques for attacking in real fights. A group of three shadows approached her, claws and fangs bared. Sasha was on the other side of the room helping to defeat her own group of shadows. The first shadow launched for an attack, but found itself in the strange grasp of a hat rack. The metal figure used it's handles like arms to restrain the creature, as a large handbag descended from above to berate the creature. While in the confusion, the other shadows met with similar fates. A thick curtain wrapped around another, tighten it's hold until the shadow was compressed and crushed into it's liquid form. The last minions tried to retreat but as it stepped down, a large pair of tailor shears were positioned and pierced threw it's foot. Nearby tools for beauty also launched their attacks. A series of needles and threat proceeded to pierce it's eye lids as the sewed his eyes shut, curling irons at full heat began burning the flesh off of the minion in a smoky fit. With the creature's eyes sewn shut, it couldn't see the plugged in coils from the electronics wrap around it, nor the bottles of water that began to pour. The minion let out a strange painful scream as it's body contorted into unholy shapes as the electricity passed threw it's body. It's crisp lifeless body fell to the ground before crumbling into dust. Gwen felt a grasp on her arm, turning to see Lydia wrapping it in a stray piece of clothing. She moved to grab another before something caught her attention on the rack. She took the hanger and held the dark purple gown towards Gwen. She saw herself in a broken mirror, but well enough to see how the dress suited her.

"Of all the times to find the perfect dress, it has to be during a fight with a monster!"

"Just think what you'll have to go threw to find the matching shoes."

Lydia and Gwen ran back out from behind the curtain, their voices leaving them as they found the same sight. Sasha, Bob and Hak Foo stood to attack, in the middle of the room stood a very smug Vam with a silent Sophia trapped within his coiled tail. It was hard to think that this creature was ever once human, his very aura gave the sense of evil and damnation. He looked at the 'warriors' that stood before him and knew they would never attack so long as he had one of their own, and what luck that it would be his favorite. How easy it would be for him to just crush her now, to force the life from her body to pass in an instant. Then there would be no stopping his master, no stopping him. He could have what he was promised so long ago. Immortality, power, Godhood and more. He brought the little lamb to face him but was met with a surprising sight. There was no fear in her eyes, only fury. Her gaze did not leave his, her light green eyes sending silent daggers into his yellow ones. He brought her closer towards his face, opening his great mouth and bringing her closer. Her face was mere inches from his tongue and yet she still did not flinch or scream. In his frustration he brought her back to his face, this little bitch was not going to rob him of hearing her dyeing screams.

"You think you're being brave, why won't you scream!"

Vam increased the pressure of his tail around her body, Sophia's face cringed in pain as she tried to maintain her gaze. A thought of clarity passed threw Vam as the room filled with his wild laughter.

"I see my last attack left an impression. And her I thought nothing was better that slicing threw that pretty neck of yours, but never having to listen to your voice ever again, well it seems that dreams can come true! Oh poor thing are you mad at me, why don't you tell me how you really feel."

Vam let out a hearty laugh, ignorant to the fire burring in Sophia's eyes. She remembered the numerous battles she had with this demon, their last one in particular. It was this same laugh he gave when he launched his attack, when he began slaughtering innocent bystanders within her temple home, when he ripped threw her neck and the wicked wound was the last thing she heard as life began to wither within her. If she even accomplished anything in her life, her one goal would be to rid the world of his laughter once and for all. Sophia felt an animal instance take over, a deep rooted need for defense she gained from her bonded animal. Sophia reared her head back as far as it would bend, and then with all her might she forced it forward. A sick cracking boom filled the room. Covered with flesh and muscles, no one could see the true extent of the damage the blow had caused. Vam was in such pain he lost all control over his functions, his tale released Sophia who landed on her feet in a defensive pose. Vam grasped over his left eye, he felt a bone pierce into his eye and in the flesh that surrounded it. He felt the bone leave a trail of pain from his brow and down his jaw, he knew that the quiet little lamb had successfully cracked his skull. Sophia's rage was not relieved, while Vam was howling in pain Sophia launched forward. Punches flew as a heighten speed, striking the scaled monster repeatedly in the back and the chest. Sophia felt no sympathy, landing a powerful punch in the monster's left eye. The wound had already filled with blood, once Sophia made contact, a gazer of blood erupted from the spot. Vam was unable to fight back, in a brief moment of battle he had lost all sight from his left eye, and due to his animalist form, had lost all visual response for his left side. He tried to slash back but couldn't see where his claws where aiming or moving to . when Sophia landed her last punch, the bits of bone scattered from his cracked wound borrowed deeper into his muscles. Vam could do little more than curl on the floor, a strange instinct to hold the wound in some hopes to ease the pain. From his other eye he saw a shadow loom over him. He looked up in hopes to see his Master coming to his rescue. Instead he saw a frightening sight. Sophia stood over him, her eyes still burning as blood dripped from her clenched fist. He face gave a silent scream as she began kicking the wounded beast. Stomp after stomp, kick after kick. With ever other attack the room filled with the sound of bruised flesh and cracking bones. The attack was fueled solely on emotion, unlikely to kill but precise enough to cause lasting pain.

Sophia raised her leg for a final blow, before feeling a pair of hands holding her shoulders back. The hands gripped her shoulders tightly before flipping her across the room. Sophia partially saw the room spin uncontrollably. She felt gravity take hold and knew she would collide with something soon. What she didn't expect was the softness of the impact. She looked up to see herself incased in the arms of the man she had fought side by side with. His face turned with the pain of his impact, Sophia rose to see a deep crater in the wall he had saved her from crashing into.

Before she could come to his aid a dark wind took up the room. Debris of materials, metal and broken rubbish swirled throughout the room, a dark tornado began to form near the still bleeding Vam. From within its depths came a pair of red eyes. Without pupils or any means of expression they radiated the hatred the hatred they felt for ever person in the room. The tornado began to expand, sending the winds or destruction threw out the room and blinding everyone in the room. Slowly the four remaining people, and three animals, slowly opened their eyes. The tornado and the wounded Vam were gone, along with one of the last standing walls. The sun shined threw the vacant hole as San Francisco sky looking in to the battle ridden room. Sophia helped the still staggering man to his feet as the others made their way to the room's border. Sophia looked on, she had been so absorbed in her own fight that she had paid little attention to the others. Gwen was still in her beast form, clenching her right arm as blood trickled down, her partner Sasha limped to her side carrying Lydia on her back. Shards of various material slices threw her skin, non to deep but the multitude of them cause great pain. Even from a distance Sophia could see her ankle swollen and purple, and to Sophia's side came her loyal Bob. Stray material stuck to his coat, but a large chunk from his left horn hung loosely from its host. Sophia began to gently stroke his mussel, true they had all gained injuries but at least they were all still alive to complain about it. She felt the body beneath her stir, a hand raised in blemishes and blood reached up to clench his head. Dust and tiny debris fell from his hand and into his eye. Hak Foo tried to blink it out and brought his hand to try and brush it away. Before he could he felt a pair of hands cup his face and a gentle gust on his eyes. He could feel the debris leave his face, he slowly opened his eyes and found himself staring into a pair of light green jewels. Sophia silently, swiftly, released his face and helped him to his feet. Hak Foo stumbled but quickly gained his balance as Sophia placed one of his massive arms around her shoulders. She gave him a simple smile before helping his over to the others. Soon everyone found themselves looking out over the city, each one in deep contemplation over how the city will never know how close they were to being destroyed. Gwen took in a deep breath, but before she could exhale felt a great tremor beneath her feet. The others also lost their footing, looking on to see the smoke from a great explosion float into the air.

'What just happened, was it Vam?'

'I'm not sure. Anyone know what's over there?'

'Wait weren't they doing that Olympic trial today? Over at Saint Sebastian's?'

Hak Foo let out a grunt of pain as Sophia left his side and rushed to the window. Sophia was propped to jump from the window before being pulled back by Gwen and Lydia. Sophia franticly began signing in the air but her silent words fell on ignorant ears.

'She says she needs to get to the stadium. She's in danger.'

-aaaaaaa-

Jade stared at the building before her. Cheers of joy erupted from within, banners adorn the outside for the day's events. A sanctioned track meet was being held with the winner earning the honored positioned or representing the United States for the upcoming Olympic Games. Athletes and spectators from across the country had gathered in support for the day. There was no sign of trouble yet but Jade's view was limited from her stance. Her friends slowly made their way to her side, unsure of what they should be looking for or what they could find.

'Not yet but we need to get inside. Where did everyone else go?'

Jade and Paco turned to see the trio of minihenchmen running from a burly, rather peeved security guard. Rocko and Charlie knelt to their knees to catch their breath as Frank stared back at the guard.

'Stupid suit!'

'What happened?'

'We tried to get in, you know try the whole 'our parent's are inside' trick.'

'No go?'

'No go.' Jade gave a chuckle, trying to hide her mirth with her hand. Frank and the others began to blush, unsure what exactly they did that Jade found so funny.

'Come on guys, this requires a woman's touch.' Jade confidently lead the way as the others followed a few paces behind her. When it came to Jade there was no telling what she would do.

She walked confidently to the single guard on duty, others most likely stationed inside to keep watch over the athletes and spectators. He was a very tall, very muscular man, whose face began to frown with the returning sight of the trio. His dark brown eyes locked on Jade as she approached, unsure of what she could need or what she could do. Jade stationed herself in front of him, waiting for him to make the next move.

'Now lisen 'ere. Like I told your boyfriends der, yah not getting in without a ticket.' His voice dripped with a sort of creole charm. The kind that demanded respect but at the same time could charm you into gladly doing as he ordered. Jade motion for him to bend down to her level. The guard, who's name on his blue uniform read Devoir, eyed the boys behind her before slowly doing as requested. Perhaps this girl needed help and wanted to tell him something in private.

'CLAP'

Without warning Jade as clapped her hands an inch from the guards nose. The others jumped from the shock but the man just stood there. The group slowly made their way closer to Jade, the guard still didn't move. As they got closer they saw that his pupils were dilated, and slight yellow sparkles where fading on either side of his face. Jade kept her eyes locked on his, slowly lowering her hands to her sides.

'Now listen. You just got word that there's been a gas leak inside. Your orders are to get everyone out and reschedule the remaining events. No fuss, no crazy, just get everyone out with as little panic as possible. Do you understand?'

Slowly Devoir nodded his head.

'Good, now as soon as we pass those doors, you're gonna round up your buddies and get the others out.'

Jade slowly made her way to the doors as Devoir straightened to his original and attentive position. Once she and the boys were inside they all broke out into a collective run towards the inner arena.

'Jade how did you do that!'

'Basic Chi magic mind altering spell.'

'But you didn't get all furry or tall or nothing.'

'I didn't tap into my past memories, I used the more recent memories I had.'

'So it wasn't magic that you learned before but magic you learned now. But how could you not use a memory from the past but you were able to use a memory from a more recent past that you remembered remembering?'

'Seriously Rocko, talk later unless you want your brain to burst.'

Rich sunlight blinded the group as they made their way inside the stadium to the open arena. The crowd was splattered with various supporting colors and messages for the athletes below. Past the rows of collected fans, on the lush green grass and evenly paved track a dozen or so runners stood ready for the last deciding event. Jade looked back to see their new friend Devoir gathering other security guards and alert them to the danger. His eyes fell on her for a moment, a questionable expression crossed his dark features. There was something about that silver haired girl that seemed familiar.

'Oh Crap.'

'What is it Y'ade?'

'Seems I need more practice with the memory spell. If he remembers us from the entrance he could kick us out before we find who we're looking for.'

'Then let's get to work.'

'Right, Paco and Frank head right, Rocko and Charlie head left. I'll jump down the field for a better look.'

'Woe woe woe, why should you run off by yourself?'

'Because Y'ade is the only one with magic and perro powers to get away easily.'

'Perro?'

"It means dog.'

'Then why didn't yah just say dog!'

'What other powers would I be talking about!'

Jade tried to separate Frank and Paco with a hand on each shoulder, quickly Rocko and Charlie came to her aid and helped pull both boys back. Both teens glared daggers at the other, wishing nothing more than the chance to punch the other. Rocko and Charlie silently decided to switch partners as they pulled the other boys in opposite directions. Paco rambling of a long chain of Spanish as he walked.

'Over a thousand years and I swear I will never understand boys.' Jade shook her head in confusion and irritation before she back flipped onto the field behind her. Everyone was so focused on the events in the middle of the field that no one noticed her. Except for one. Jade hugged the wall as she sniffed the air, truth be told she had no idea what to look for. There was no clear sign of any new master in the stands. Nothing as helpful as a spectator holding a sign saying 'Here I am!' She watched as the runners took their marks and with a loud shot from the signal pistol, they sprinted to action. Each in a race with the others, and themselves. The crowd erupted into a frenzy of cheers as the racers became a blur. Suddenly a shriek came from one of the spectators above. Jade turned to see she was not under attack but saw something on the field. Jade found a familiar scent, she turned to see that from the field entrance at the opposite end, running at full speed was a familiar rabbit and a familiar uncle.

Jackie looked like he was about to collapse, keeping up with a full speed rabbit threw busy San Francisco was no easy feat. He gripped a nearby wall bar as he watched the noble rabbit, Lucky, run further onto the field. The small gray creature had lead him all this way, perhaps his true master was someone on the field. Or on the track. Where the noble rabbit now sat. In the middle of the track. With a herd of trained athletes running full speed in his direction!

Lucky sat perfectly still as the runners approached. He did not hop, he did not twitch, he seemed to be waiting for something. The group of athletes were fast approaching, but the small creature still did not move. Suddenly a strange pink blur found its way to the front of the track. A young sun-kissed woman with long twin pink braids found her way to the front of the pack. She held the front position, it she could hold it for a few more moments she could easily secure her victory and her place at the next Olympics. Spectators watched as her body began to sink. In a feat faster than an instance, the woman scooped up the small beast before rolling with it off the track and onto the safe soft grass. The crowd was stunned and the erupted in cheers. The woman looked up to see that the runner right behind her had taken first place. The woman let out an exasperated sigh as she looked down at the creature that she had sacrificed her win for. The soft fuzzy creature was nuzzled against her as she held it close. The fragile fluff ball would have easily been trampled to death had she not intervened. She smiled as she stoked it's soft fur.

'Well at least you came out of this alright. What do yah say we get out of here, doesn't look like I'll be offered an endorsements. I know this great juice stand, you in?' The gray rabbit stood on its back legs as it nuzzled its nose to hers. The woman let out a joyful chuckle as she made her way to her feet.

'I'll take that as a yes.' The woman with rabbit in tow turned towards to field exit before stopping in her tracks. She realized that the cheers had become more stranded, more panicked. A series of loud booming explosions erupted, she turned to see the bleachers on fire. Spectators and athletes were panicking to the exits as strange black creatures flooded the stadium. The picked up whole rows of bleacher seats and threw them into the crowd. They seemed to be clearing an entrance for something. The woman held the rabbit closer to her as the largest fire's flames rose higher and higher. From their center walked two figures. From the distance she could only make out the forms of what appeared to be a woman and a man. She saw the female form motion her arm, before the man jumped to the sky. She looked towards the sky to try and figure out where he would land, without warning the male figure landed a foot in front of her. The force of his impact left a small crater and sent enough force to send the pink haired woman toppling back. She still held the rabbit close to her, straining to regain control of what was happening around her. He eyes slowly opened to the man before her. She slowly saw everything in great detail. His well pressed suit, his old time fedora, the stern look in his eyes, and the gleam from the large revolver he had aimed at her head.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaa

'Doctor Harper to Ward 5, Doctor Harper to ward 5.'

The speaker echoed down the sterilized halls. Nurses in blue and doctors in long white scurried threw different doors as the made their way threw the halls. Each one had a sense of urgency in their eyes, as if they had to keep constantly aware or something horrible could happen. A young intern in white followed a senior nurse with a cart full of prescriptions in tow. The older nurse looked to her young male counterpart, sizing up the new addition.

'Keep your head up, they can smell fear.'

'Isn't that a bit cliché?'

'If you're lucky you can spew this saw crap to some other new kid someday. Do you know why they pay us more to work in Building 7 rather than the rest of the hospital?'

'Because of the patients?'

'Right kid, and because we're more likely to get hurt or killed on the job than those lightweights in the prenatal ward. They think if they flash more money around then more people will come running for the positions. Too bad most people hear the stories and get scared of this place.'

'Nurse Rosalind please. I've worked with the mentally handicapped for years. I know how to treat them, and to be honest if you treated them more like people and less like monsters you would have a better relationship with your patients.'

'Patients, HA, that's a good one. You have no idea what you signed up for.'

Rosalind made her way to the end of the hall way where a large bolted door stood. She fished a collection of keys from her pocket and began to unlock the series of locks. The younger nurse looked confused, they already went through a security check after they got the need prescriptions, why did they need to go through another. And why was there a bolted door in a mental ward, surely there was a law against this. Rosalind clicked the last of the locks, before opening the door she picked up her pant leg to grab a black plactic pole. With a slight turn the pole extended and with a push at the base a bright electrical current danced at the tip.

'A cattle prod! Nurse Rosalind this goes beyond any evolved notion on how to deal with the mentally unstable!'

'Unstable, try crazy. Behind this door are the craziest most deadly people you will ever see. And I don't mean 'I broke my arm jumping of the roof 'cuz I thought I could fly' crazy. I mean convicted crazy. More like 'I slowly stabbed my family to death before eating their raw flesh so that I would please Satan be seated at his right hand' crazy.'

'You don't mean to that extre'

'Tabitha O'Neal, last door on the right. Thought just that and if she please him enough, Satan would make her his whore and she would give birth to the antichrist. Did I mention that one of her family members was her brother's newborn baby girl. Tabitha likes to mess with people by telling the different ways she cooked it.'

'My God.'

'Mine to kid. These peop, no. These things are convicted evil. They did great harm, with no remorse, and the only reason why they weren't given the chair is because some jury asshole thought that with a little medicine they could be ok. These monsters are beyond rehabilitation, beyond retribution. It's our job to keep them at bay until either they die or are cleared to enter prison where they will earn the death penalty. And sweetie, I sit front row every time they do.'

The younger nurse had sweat dripping from his brow as looked at the door. It might as well have been the door to hell as he backed away from it.

'Look Ceril, you're young and from what I hear have a cute little newborn waiting for you at home. No one will think less of you…'

Rosalind didn't have to finish, the young intern was more than halfway up the hall and to the main office. She doubted if he would even return to clear out his locker, very few did. Her only regret was that she was exaggerating the patients beyond the door. She gathered the cart and made her way inside. She locked the bolted door before she started, if there was a revolt she would be the only casualty.

The cart was light enough that she could push and control it with one hand while she kept her prod steady with the other. The 'Special Cases' wing was different from the rest of the hospital. There was no clean smell of bleach, but the discussion combination of body odor, fluids and fecal matter. There were rooms on either side of the single hallway, one door to each. Aside from the doors the walls were made of glass so that the nurses had a clear view into the rooms. There were a total of ten patients in all. The first rooms' guests seemed to be knocked out from there prescription cocktails even only an hour earlier, the other was too involved in his personal pleasure to realize she was there. Parker Thurston was prone to such an act over twenty times a day, a dramatic decrease since he was place on his new medication. A few others jumped on their beds, rolled on the floor, or once was obsess with the poor spider that found it's way to his room. Rosalind saw how happy it made him pulling off each of the spider's legs and watching it twist and scurry to escape the torture. She didn't have to make it far to see her first surprise. To her right she saw that the old resident in room six couldn't take it anymore and decided to end it all with a bed sheet he ripped and tied from his bed to the lamp fixture in the middle of the ceiling. She would have rushed for help, but the life was clearly gone. Across his face in bright red lipstick was a large cartoonish smile, on the far wall behind him wrote in the same lipstick 'Search all you like, but you'll never find. Where I hid these hearts of mine.' Rosalind looked again to see with a shock that the resident of number six had written his last message in blood. Even from the other side of the door she could start to see the wound over his chest where he had gotten the blood for his message and his makeup. She remembered his case in detail, Steven Kirby arrested seventeen years ago on April25th for abduction, rape and homicide. Steven had routine, find a target, abduct them, torture or as he called 'love' them for three days, and then dump them where their mothers could find them. Before he would dump them he would cut out their hearts to add to his collection. The ting was, Steven was nearly seventy years old, police theorizing he'd been committing these acts for the last fifty. After all the decades of searching, the police had only found six hearts. With him gone the thought of finding more and giving closure looked very bleak. In his mind he had died with the 'love and hearts' of all his victims. Rosalind turned to alert the guards when she saw another patient clawing at the walls. It was none other than Tabitha, the sadistic Satanist she had spoken of earlier. But something was wrong. Tabitha clawed at the glass door, her fingers dripping with blood as the contact force popped her nails from her fingers. Tabitha was not one to get scared, Tabitha was one to cause fear in others. As Rosalind got closer she could hear a soft mantra from the startled woman.

'idontwantitidontwantitidontwantitidontwantitidont wantitidontwantit'

Rosalind turned to face the last cell in the hallway, number 10. Inside was a young girl, little Leto Callas, who's recent birthday placed her at thirteen. Her case was the most frightening and mysterious to which only a few new the truth. According to the public she was found in her home, sitting in the living room watching television while the murdered scattered remain of her family rotted in pieces throughout the house. A heinous act for any age, but for a child of three it was even more so. The with no true way to prove what she had done, and to her evident mental instability, she was placed here until the day when answers could be found. What the reports left out was instead of finding only three victims in the house, there were over thirty. Instead of finding her in her home, they found her in a strange church. Her captives and family were part of some deranged cult and had brought little Leto as some absurd sacrifice. No one knew if Leto had killed the others out of fear, defense or the product of a wicked mind. Rosalind had watched her over the years, Leto was a good enough girl but there was something in her eyes. Like with one look she could look inside and know every single cruel act you've ever committed. One more than one occasion she found the need to confess to her local priest as soon as she was off duty.

Leto was sitting on the floor, her head cocked to the side as she gently and repeatedly bumped it on her cell's back wall. Her eye were dreamy, focusing on something else than the creature beside her. Rosalind couldn't hear what it said, or if it was even talking. It was a terrifying creature, made of shadows the twisted in turned in its base. The lower shadows near the floor took shape, transforming into hideous nightmares that attacked one another in vicious fashion. The creature turned to her, her thoughts lost in his monstrous red eyes. The nightmare paid her no mind as he turned back to his captive, he slowly extended a dark hand to the young girl. With slow hesitation she took hold as he helped her to her feet. A slight glow began to shine from her forehead as she kept her eyes to the ceiling. It looked like a lost image of an angel and demon meeting, or perhaps parting. Rosalind was to lost to pay attention to the world around her. From behind Tabitha let lose a terrified scream, something had grabbed Rosalind by the neck as it hosted her to the air. Her trusted cattle prod fell to the floor with a loud clank, just as Rosalind gurgled the blood in her throat. Her last thoughts were of the indescribable pain in her chest, as she looked down to see a large blade that pierced her hear from behind, and pale yellow eyes of Steven Kirby looking over her shoulder.

Aaaaa

Jade had no time to think, it was clear who the new Master was and that if she didn't act fast, the war to save everyone she loved would be lost. Jade ran as fast as her legs would allow, leaping over fleeing athletes and dodging from fiery debris. Her frontal claws extended as she found herself on all fours, gripping the soft earth as she raced to the rabbit's aid. Perhaps if she could get the attacker's attention she could give them enough time to get to safety. From the corner of her eye, Jade could see a blinding form of yellow light head in her direction. She stopped in just enough time, the ball of energy past right before her and collided with the stands to her left. On contact the metal seats busted and a rain of debris and shrapnel fell from the sky. Had Jade taken only another step, she would have suffered a greater fate than the few strands of singed hair she had now. Jade turned to see the female counterpart of the duo approach. Unlike the other dark warriors, she was not foolish enough to spend time prattling on over taunts and threats. Instead she pulled from her side a large gun, she then quickly took aim as Jade raced against the remaining stadium walls. A voice called in her head, 'Free Me, Release Me!'

Aaaa

The pink haired woman stared at the man who still had his gun locked on her head. He did not move or give any sign to his intent, meaning he could shoot any moment or he was waiting for something first. The grey rabbit jumped from her arms and took a defensive stance in front of her, she though that perhaps the rabbit was trying to return the favor for saving his life. The gunman didn't seem to notice as his gun still held its position. He turned only slightly as he head his counterpart let out an aggravated cry of pain. the runner opened her arms to welcome her furry friend back, the creature then turned and made its closer. But instead of running to her arms he ran behind her. The woman turned to see the rabbit sniffing and fidgeting near her ankle, she went to place a comforting hand on his head before feeling his cold nose on her flesh and a blinding surge of power flow threw her body.

Aaaaa

Jade was on all fours, her tail and ears extended as fangs growled at her opponent. She took a beastly stance as she poised for attack. Without warning Jade charged towards the woman, dodging her shots left and right as she made her way closer. The dark warrior, with an yellow silk tied to her waist, tried to take aim but Jade was moving too fast. She slowly moved her right free had to her back, intending to grab the second weapon she had placed. Before she could close her fingers on the weapon's handle, she felt a fiery bolt of pain from her right shoulder. The woman could not help but let out an annoyed cry of pain as she turned to see a large security guard with his weapon locked on. How dare this mortal interfere with their battle. Time seemed to slow down as she raised her left arm to dispose of the annoying pest. In her distraction she forgot the larger threat still racing towards her. Jade sunk her claws clear threw the left shoulder of the dark warrior. Using the added momentum, Jade twisted her body, and claws still inside the bleeding flesh, before using her remaining strength to throw the woman into the burning stands. The woman's cries were less annoyed now and she fell to the fiery bleachers. Jade and the familiar Devoir had little time to celebrate as from the drops of the woman's blood, strange putridge demons began to take form. Devoir shot at the heads of the creatures, but instead of falling defeated their bodies seemed to morph over an repair their wounds.

'Pull back, that thing isn't going to do any good.'

'Den what will?'

'These creatures are an abomination to earth, only purity can stop them?'

'Meaning?'

'I have no idea, it's what the first voice in my head said.'

Devoir turned his head in confusion, it was hard to tell over what. Was it the monsters, the little girl with the wolf like features, the fact that she had used something to alter his mind, or the fact he was taking orders from the voices in her head. Jade tried to attack the closest trio of minions, with all her might she slashed and punch and kicked. Just as with the bullets before, the minions simply healed their wounds as quickly as they were inflicted. Jade tried to keep calm but the minors were getting closer fast. She still had to save the rabbit master, save her friends and her uncle. The voices in her head were demanding to be heard. Each one shouting on how she should attack or how she should retreat. Jade felt her mind splitting apart, the loudest voice of all still demanding to be set free. Her vision began to blur as her body began to buckle, it was too much to keep bottled up. A loud 'pop' echoed from the stadium as the minions stopped their advancement. The leader stood for only a minute as the others saw the large hole now formed in his neck. Before the minion could reach to touch what wasn't there, it burst into dust before being carried by the wind. Jade and Devoir looked stunned as the creature faded from sight. Jade looked to the ground in front of her, a soft white t-shirt laid at her feet as slight traces of black debris faded with the wind. Jade looked beyond the monsters to the few remaining stands behind the creatures. Frank and Paco both had t-shirt launchers hoisted on their shoulders and Rocko and Charlie carried the ammunition. Jackie stood behind them, a fire extinguisher in hand to try and keep the flames from advancing on them. He waved to his niece, whom he was glad was alright. The boys continued to take aim and shoot down the remaining minions, no doubt using all the skills they'd gain from years of video games. Jade's smile faltered as she heard running steps behind her. The gunman had forgotten his original target and instead decided to take aim at the five males standing in the bleachers.

AAAA

Noah heard the loud crash behind him. He turned to see his beloved mistress fly from the earth and crash into the fiery stands. His attention was distracted from his captive as he ran to his masters' aid. He saw the little dog master about to be killed by saved by a shot fired from the stands. He saw how happy she looked at them, she saw how happy and safe they looked back. He saw his arm rise as he took aim, he saw as his finger clenched the trigger, he saw as the bullets left their chambers and flew to their targets.

Aaaaa

Warm memories and the newly awaken master rose to her feet. Her little familiar jumped happily around her, she could mentally hear him cheering at his job well done. He stopped just for a moment for her to scoop him up as he took refuge on her shoulders. Her body felt different now, lighter somehow. The world seemed to be slightly slower, not like she was in a daze but like someone left the player on slow instead of play. She was only familiar of the past but not on the present. She scowered the field, or what little remained, and saw the only familiar face. The long silver hair of her older, or perhaps now, younger sister. She wanted nothing more than to hug the familiar presence and ask all of what had happened. But a stray shine caught her eye. Her previous captor had his weapon raised and aimed, at four young boys in the stands! Out of maternal instance her feet found the need to aid them. She had intended to run and catch the man off guard, suddenly she found herself ahead of the man, suddenly she found her way up the stadium stairs, suddenly she found herself face to face with the four boys and their adult guardian, suddenly she had found herself scoping up each boy and pushing the man out of the way, just as enforced bullets streaked passed and exploded the remaining stadium on impact.

'What the hell was that!'

'Frank! Language!' frank looked at Jade's uncle in disbelief. They were nearly killed and all he could think of was his vocabulary?

'Well that was fun. Anyone know if I can do it again?'

'Probably, all the others can use their powers over and over.'

'Others! How many! How's the fight going! Are we winning! Wait how do you know any of this?'

The woman had persistently asked her questions, inching closer to Frank till he found his back to a metal bar and the woman to his nose. Jackie placed a hand on her shoulder to signal her to realize the boy from her questions.

'Oops, sorry. But you can't blame me for being curious, kinda of a big deal, you know end of the world and all that. Kinda like that one really good movie.'

'The one with Keith Swanson?'

'I said good movie.' Charlie was the only one who laughed as he extended and was rewarded a high five.

'I'm Madeline by the way. Madeline Walsh. Call me Maddie and I can't be held responsible for my actions.'

Charlie saw how the athlete had indeed changed. Her ears had grown and taken the shape of long rabbit ears, covered in light pink fur. A trail of fur covered down her arms and to the back of her hands, a similar occurrence with her legs and feet. Her nails had extended to thing needle like claws and even from her squatted position a fluffy cream tail could be seen above the small of her back. He wasn't sure if the fast talking was part of her transformation or just an original habit. One thing her did know, Madeline was cool.

Madeline's ears priced up from behind the stone wall they took refuge in, twitching and turning to try and listen to the battle below. Suddenly her ears froze.

'You guys stay here.'

'AWWWW!'

'Uh ok all those with super powers raise the hands. Those without stay here and keep a look out.'

'A look out for what?'

'I don't know monsters, demons, oh here hold my bunny.'

Madeline handed a confused Charlie her somehow larger grey rabbit as she raced to the battle below. Before she could explained to the others, she saw the remaining three figures fighting on the field. Make that two.

Aaaa

Jade continued to pounce on Ram's minion. Vague memories of the dark warriors being able to infuse their powers to others to create captains returned. She made a mental threat to hurt whichever of her past lives forgot to release that information. Since her transformation her attacks became more primal, but Jade had not forgotten her training. Her beastly approach got her close, her martial arts training landed the blows. Devoir dropped his gun to the side as he charged the man, placing his arm in a tight hold and forcing him to drop his weapon. As it fell the guard kicked the gun with all his might, sending it soring. The fedora dubbed man freed his arm and snapped his fingers, freezing his weapon in the air. Quickly it flew back to it's masters hands, as he made it collide with the guard's head. Devoir flew a few feet before skitting across the remaining grass. Madeline ran to his side, cupping his head and gasping at the blood that trickled down.

'You guys just love hurting mortals.'

'If it's what the boss wants, it's what she gets.'

'I get why she's doing this but why you. Let me guess she offered you money, fame, immortality.'

'None of the above. I'm a soldier, I fight for my leader and do as ordered.'

'You're not a soldier, you'd a mindless drone! Soldiers fight to protect, what are you protecting?'

'I'm protecting her!'

'And a great job you're doing. Strange how she had come down yet to help you, maybe she took the hint and ran.'

The 'soldier' gritted his teeth as he reviled a knife hidden until now. It wasn't a normal blade, it radiated a slight greenish glow and smelled of countless deaths. Jade remembered the weapon, and whom she had given it to before. Jade growled with primal furry as her eyes began to glow their golden yellow hue.

'Alabaster!'

'Sorry names Noah, but say whatever you want before I slit that pretty ne..'

Noah could hardly breath as the pain consumed him. A trio of slashed across his back ripped deep into his body as he felt the blood rain down. He felt the creator hoist him over his shoulders as he threw him across the field and into the fiery stands. Drago looked down at the baffled Jade, a smug smile covered as features as he offer his hand to help her to her feet. Jade's eyes returned to anger as she swatted it away before charging to his face.

'WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO THAT FOR!'

AAAA

Jackie had gathered the boys to the base of the field, a familiar sound grabbed his attention as he heard a distinct 'Angry crow takes flight!'

The last remaining door feel as Hak Foo took a defensive stance, only to find his only opponents were four boys, Jackie, and a large grey rabbit. Hak Foo's quickly turned to disappointment as Lydia pushed him aside to make her way in with an equally disgruntle Gwen following close behind.

'The entire flippin time! Angry crow, stealthy mongoose, agile ladybug, seriously! Can't we just run into uncertain life shattering-earth destroying danger like normal people.'

Jackie couldn't help but laugh, it was true Hak Foo took some getting use to. After he'd helped him so much on their excavations, Jackie had learned to block out his battle cries. Jackie only stopped to notice a third woman with their group. He was unsure of who she was, but judging from the protruding spiral horns and the loyal sheep at her side, he had a save guess. Jackie extended his hand in welcome, but was quickly brushed aside as the new woman made her way to the field. Apon seeing a familiar streak of pink, she ran to the other woman's side. Only to slow her pace, along with the rest of the group as the sounds of shouting increased.

Aaaaaa

'What the hell did you do that for!'

'I heard you the first time! And to answer your question I was helping you!'

'What made you think I needed help?!'

'I don't know, maybe the super powered lunatic wielding the knife at you?!'

'Do you really think I can't handle a knife!'

'I don't know, you needed help before from those kids!'

"HEYYYYYY!' The four boys collectively took offense at Drago's last statement. Even Paco and Frank had put aside their rivalries at the collective insult. A painful sound of binding metal echo from the stands as everyone turned their attention. From within the fire stood Noah, trying to carry the burnt and pierced body of his master. Metal shrapnel and poles pierced her skin at different angles and places, her burned flesh was so bad it seemed to be burnt black in some areas. It was no doubt to her dark powers that she could even be alive. Noah turned his head in pain and vengeance towards to collective group of wounded fighters. There was no was even in their weaken conditioned that he could take them and get his beloved mistress to safety. He took out his knife from earlier, on seeing it Jade took a few steps closer to truly see it. Noah plunged the knife into the air, seeming to cut into it. On thrusting down, a green ripped formed in the sky as Noah and his mistress jumped threw and disappeared to safety. Jade took only a moment to let the dust settle before turned back to the dragon teen. He was a full head taller, much stronger and more skilled, but something about her stare ascend shivers down his spine. Little did he know he was not alone. Even Jackie, who knew that Jade would never hurt him, had a new fear for his niece.

'Now you listen to me Gecko boy. I am not some damsel in distress that needs constant saving by some jerk who's only doing it to boost his own ego and fulfill some twisted notion of his. You see a giant sword about to slice my arm off, fine step in. but unless you actually see my life in danger, or better yet if I ask for help then, STAY THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE KNIFE WAS OR WOULD IT COULD DO! NOW THANK'S TO YOU WE'RE PRACTICALY BACK AT SQUARE ONE! EVERYTHING IS MESSED UP BECAUSE YOU HAD TO BE MR. MACHO MAN! HEAR WHAT I'M SAYING AND STEP OFF!'.

Jade was breathing hard as the others looked on, Drago was firmly backed into the last stadium wall he looked like he wanted nothing more than for it to swallow him hole. Jade gave no time for him to reach as she troughed off to the closest exit. Jackie tried to respond to his niece but before he could utter a word, Jade extended her index finger in a determined 'not right now'. It wasn't until Jade was out of the stadium did Drago remember he could breath. He slowly slumped to the floor, a look a fear still plastered on his face.

'Wha…what just happened?' a struggled chuckle came as Devoir's injured body turned slightly towards the teen.

'Mah friend…you don fucked up.'

Aaaaaaaaaaa

Ram cried in pain as another metal pole was ripped from her skin. She was in a strange room, a sort of medical ward with Vam and her loyal Noah. Each were being treated for their various injuries by strange creatures. They resembled normal humans, but where their faces should be was nothing. No nose, no mouth, no eyes, no features at it. They were like strange store manikins. A team of three each worked on a different patient, tending to broken bones, burns and more. Their powers kept them alive but sadly they did not have a pure healer like the retched Masters. Each hauled their cries of pain as a strange and familiar twister of black formed not far beyond them. With each new warrior found , the shadow took a more solid form, resembling more of a figure than a random blob. As it approached, steps could be heard as if it had recently grown feet.

'Ah Vam, still getting fixed I see.'

'Sorry master, these..these healers are taking too long. I would be to you side quicker if they would only release me!'

'Ah yes, it's the healers fault. It has nothing to do with the fact that you were so disgracefully defeated by that little lamb now does it.' Vam turned his head in shame, there was nothing he could do to redeem himself to his master. At least not now. Hei'an turned his attention to the other two patients, neither met his gaze.

'And I take it your mission didn't go much better. Now the Masters have awaken and added two more to their ranks, and here I have….only you all.' Vam and Ram felt a boil in their pits, they wanted nothing more than to punish those Masters for the insults and the worthlessness they felt.

'But no matter, all and all the day has not been a total loss.'

From behind Hei'an came a small teen girl. She looked and smelled as if she had not bathed in days, an upkeep creature that the world had clearly discarded. Her eyes kept to the ceiling as the glew as they cast a plaque purplish glow. On her unbrushed, unwashed, once blond hair was a black metal tiara. It was case down with a hole sculpted from the middle where her pale purple symbol shined threw. Noah notice how his mistress and Vam clenched their fist at the sight of her symbol, unaware of what it could mean. Slowly Hei'an lead his new find deeper into his lair, to make further preparations for his plan. Once out of earshot Vam rambled an ancient swear as he clawed at the table beneath him. Noah turned to his mistress in confusion as she gave only one answer.

'Daddy found his favorite.'

Aaaaaa

Jade reclined in the back of the mustang that had once held her captive. She carelessly tossed the still rolled t-shirt from earlier in the air and masterfully caught it before it landed on her face.

The Ice Crew were to focused on their jobs they barely noticed her, but when they did they thought best to leave her to her own. Strike Master Ice was carrying a large pile of debris past when the loud rhythm of Jade's cell phone rang out. With a loud sigh she answered. He notice the conversation didn't last long and she only responded with a few 'yah's before hanging up. Deciding he needed a break Ice decided to see what had happened. With little confrontation, Jade told of the day's events, mainly at the stadium, while returning to her t-shirt juggling.

'Dang dwag, sounds like a rough day.'

'Right, rought…I see whatcha did there.' Ice chuckled at his unintended pun.

'But check it, I don't get why the bullets didn't hurt dem demon things, but a t-shirt did.' Jade tossed the rolled t-shirt that Ice caught easily. He unrolled the item but found nothing unique about it. Seem like a regular promotional shirt to him.

'Since this was the last meet and there were so many health nuts in the stadium, Saint Sebastian ordered special organic shirts for the last run. The trick with Ram's minions is that you have to use a pure item of nature. The bullets from the gun were unrefined metal and the bit that was, was made from recycled bullets. All that powered, shards and whatever the metal was covered in seeped in and in away polluted the pure part of the metal. Truth be told it could have been uny organic or natural item, put it in a bazooka and fire it across the field and it would cause damage to anything.'

Ice nodded his head as he understood and tried to hand the shirt back.

'Enjoy your souvenir. They only ordered a handful, maybe it's worth something to the collector.'

'Many thanks lil shorty. So who was on the phone, your uncle J?'

'Nah it was Scarlett, you know the pilot lady. She was just calling in to say everyone was fine and resting at my other Uncle's store. She couldn't join the fun today cause she was on some mission somewhere.'

'So why if everyone is chillin at your crib are you just sittin here in some beat up car?'

Jade looked up at the sky, the sun was setting and painted the sky in an array of yellows, oranges and pinks. She didn't realize how long she'd been there but it was time for her to head back.

'Ice do you know the one thing I really like about you three.'

'Yo dog, it gotz to be out fly looks. Or maybe our killah style. Don't tell me lil shorty be crushin on us, like so many other hunnies do.' Jade smiled, unlike certain others everyone knew there was nothing between the largely age gaped teens.

'It's because you guys don't care about me.'

'Say what?'

'You guys don't see me as some ancient warrior, as some frail girl you have to protect, as some love object you have impress or anything. You just see me as Jade, nothing more nothing less.'

'Yo homes, Iz don't get the whole ancient sprit thang, I'm pretty sure any love thing would be illegal between us, and after fightin with you for the past few years, aint nothing I think you need savin from.'

'Great now if only you could pass that message on to the others.'

'Iz doubt they'd listen. But check it, you ever needs a place to chill, you can come down any time and me and the boys promis to ignore you as long as you want.'

'Aww that's so sweet Ice.'

Jade and Strike Master Ice gave an affectionate fist pump before he helped her out of the car. She didn't take but a few steps before a familiar bark was heard. Scruffy bounded for his master with uncontrolled joy.

'Hey bud, I was wondering where you go to.' The pair turned to see the same old man from before waiting by the entrance to the junk yard. The poor man looked beyond exhausted as he held tight to his walking stick for support. Jade gave an exasperated sigh.

'Well looks like I can't hid from any other problems today.'

'You want me and the boys to show him out.'

'Nah, he's cool. Just loyal, he was hoping to escort me home after such a crazy day.'

'So you know who he is?'

'Not a clue.'

Ice was left questioning her logic as the silver haired teen made her way to the older man. His face seemed to light up as she approach, he even went as far as to kiss her hand as she greeted him. It wasn't long before the two were out of sight and out of earshot.

Aaaaa

'So what should I tell the others.'

'Tell them to gather all they can and meet where I original said. We have three weeks to get everything in order, nothing can put off this moment.'

'But what of the others in your group, will they not suspect something?

'Let them, in all honestly this does not concern them. We shall gather my army as I have said, and from there we will begin to change the world.'

Aaaa

Bum bum bum. Who were the last people talking, was it jade or perhaps someone else. Cue dramatic cliff hanger music!

So what do you guys think? I changed it up a bit with the flow of this chapter, and I'd like some feedback. Was it easy to follow, did you have to pause for a moment to figure out who was talking, did it flip too much where your head was spinning? Please let me know, if I don't fix these problems now then I won't know to correct them in the future.

Two more things, I'm still trying to figure the overall looks of my characters but in the mean time I found a chibi maker on deviant art where you can see a cute version of each master, so you can get a better idea of what they look like.

Also I'm working out the final details for a possible contest for my story with a tangible prize. Let me know if y'all would be interested or if I should just stick with writing. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read my stories and leave me some good feedback. Until the next chapter then. (Note to self-come up with less corny sign off)