Chapter 3

Jose and Safira are on their way home from the medical center in town.

"Dad, what should we say to Petra when we get home?" asks Safira worriedly while looking out of the taxi window.

"Take it easy, Mom. Leave it to me," says Jose.

"Hmm..." says Safira.

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Meanwhile, at the Zodiacs' headquarters

A meeting is being held regarding the arrival of one of the 12 strongest demons. All the Zodiacs are present. The meeting also signals the start of a great battle. 

The Zodiacs present are:

 Gunther (Aries), 49 y.o. 

Ozzy (Taurus), 35 y.o. 

Domino and Domina (Gemini), 81 and 82 y.o.

Maximus (Leo), 54 y.o. 

Crysalia (Virgo), 35 y.o. 

Domevlo (Libra), 50 y.o.

Tristan (Scorpio), 53 y.o. 

Ivar (Sagittarius), 52 y.o.

Archibald (Capricorn), 55 y.o. 

Cordelia (Aquarius), 51 y.o.

Iris (Pisces), 49 y.o.

Apollo (Cancer), 55 y.o. 

During the meeting, they're planning to create a seal in every city around the world. With the help of other elite team forces, they establish communications to install holy domes, so that the demons could not enter the cities at will. The sacred dome functions to detect and resist negative forces that are within its range.

"For now, we only know of three demons and their powers. The first demon is Fikz. He's a demon with puppet manipulation ability. He can make humans into puppets. The second one is Ignedio. He can create clones of his body. And the last one is Jean with Hyper Sonic ability who I just faced this afternoon," explains Ivar.

"Domino and Domina, what do you two think? This time the situation forces us to think fast. I want to hear what you two think, 'cause you two are the longest-serving Zodiac members who definitely have a lot of experience and data on battles with demons," says Maximus.

"In my opinion, the rumors about the 1500 year seal are true. In the last 20 years, demons with great powers have started to appear. They're probably looking for a way to free Ryushiba," replies Domino.

"But, we all know that freeing Ryushiba is almost impossible, 'cause the four Gatekeepers of Hell can't be defeated easily," replies Domina.

The 4 Gatekeepers of Hell are:

Gaia (Earth), 1600 y.o. - Gatekeeper of the North

Zephyra (Air), 1850 y.o. - Gatekeeper of the East

Agni (Fire), 1500 y.o. - Gatekeeper of the West

Kai (Water), 2000 y.o. - Gatekeeper of the South

Each gate has its own level. The demons are confined according to their level within the gates guarded by the 4 Gatekeepers of Hell. The levels from the lowest are the East Gate, then the South Gate, then the West Gate, and finally the place where Ryushiba is locked up is inside the North Gate.

"What's the conclusion, Domina?" asks Maximus.

"I think they're trying to find a way to free Ryushiba without having to fight Gaia," replies Domina.

"You mean there will be traitors among us?" asks Maximus.

"It's just an old woman's hunch. It may or may not happen. However, I think it's the only way for them to get through the maze and meet Gaia, 'cause if they make it through the maze, then they can directly go to Gaia's place without having to pass through the East, South, and West gates first," explains Domina.

"Well, we came from many different walks of life, but here I want to emphasize once again! We are the Zodiacs! The vanguard of protecting humans from demons. So, please if there might be any offers from those damned demons, remember we're here 'cause we must protect humans from them. I can't do it all by myself. We're a team. Unite to protect this world!!" says Maximus .

NEE-NAW!! NEE-NAW!!

"WARNING TO ALL MEMBERS. A DEMON HAS BEEN DETECTED IN DISTRICT 12. PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION," says someone over the loudspeaker.

"Apollo, that's your territory! I trust you!" calls Maximus.

"Roger, Captain! I'll be right there," replies Apollo.

"Be careful!" says Maximus.

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Meanwhile, Jose and Safira have arrived home.

"The lights are off. Looks like Petra is asleep. We should enter slowly so as not to wake him up," says Jose.

Creak...

Click.

The door is slowly closed.

"Ouch! Mom, you stepped on my foot," says Jose.

"Sorry, Dad. I can't see very well," replies Safira.

Click.

The lights are switched on.

Jose and Safira are shocked to see Petra sitting in the living room.

"Dad, Mom, what are you two hiding from me?"

I thought something strange is going on. Seeing Mom and Dad covered in wounds like that makes me even more convinced that there's a secret hidden from me.

"Umm... Ah... That's... Ah..." says Dad.

Dad can't answer my question.

"We were invited to a meeting downtown, so we came home late," replies Mom.

"Mom, I don't remember you two ever teaching me to lie. Why don't you just be honest with me? I want to know what really happened. You two went away fine and came back injured like this. Plus, there's a summons from the Zodiacs."

"Alright, Petra. We're hiding something from you, but we didn't mean to lie. It's just that we both have quite dangerous tasks that might be difficult for you to accept," explains Dad.

"Well, let Dad explain and I'll make you a drink," says Mom.

Seeing Mom and Dad in this condition, it's too much if they have to explain everything right now.

"Tell you what, you two get some rest tonight. At least I'm grateful that you two are okay. Tell me the story tomorrow, Dad. You two need a good rest so that tomorrow you two can recover."

"Petra, before we even know it, you're getting more and more mature. Forgive both of us for making you worry," says Dad.

"No. Mom, Dad, no need to apologize. I'm sure you two are just doing your job. So for me, as long as you two are fine, that's more than enough for me. Alright. Good night, Dad, Mom."

I go into my room.

I'm even more curious to hear the story that Dad will tell. I can't wait to wake up tomorrow.

Okay. Now the most important thing for me is that they're okay.

Thank you, Supreme Being, for granting my prayers to always protect Mom and Dad.