The Zodiac Cycle

3.7 I-

Clementine swung her mace, but it was too slow, too heavy, as Hecate spun past the ball end and landed her feet on Clementines shoulders, forcing her onto her back and knocking the wind out of her.

Clementine rolled onto her stomach, Hecate bouncing away, and tried her hardest to keep breathing. The pressure in her chest made her feel like a fish out of water.

She struggled to get up, only able to watch as Hecate flashed in and out of her vision, taking down the other Zodiacs one by one. George was checking on Brianna, then on Elizabeth. He looked worriedly across the area, at Clementine, a glimpse of anger flashing across his face.

Something wasnt right.

Mark had said that Hecate would try to kill them, but she hadn't even drawn her swords, or any blood. Her strikes seemed to be designed to incapacitate only. Clementine tried her hardest to figure out her intents, but not being able to keep an eye on her half the time made it difficult. The only emotion Clementine could detect from her was a hint of fear.

Hecate stopped, all of the Zodiacs either unconscious, struggling to breathe, or helping one of the others. She stood there a moment, taking the time to wrap a thin cloth around the cut on her hand, and Clementine saw George stand behind her.

He took a full running start, summoning his spear from above his head.

He jumped a bit, drawing the spear back more, a fiery look in his eyes.

Hecate turned her head slightly, to look back at him.

And just as quick as she was before, drew one of her swords as she spun.

"GEORGE!" Clementine shouted, pulling herself to her knees.

The moment registered in his brilliant pink eyes.

Clementine got one foot against the ground, hoping to stand in time.

But Hecate's sword was already through George's abdomen.

the two stood there as a silence fell over the group, perhaps in shock, perhaps in disbelief, no one could move.

George made eye contact with Clementine. her heart wrenched as his lips moved.

"I-" Hecate pulled the sword out of him and he fell down with a loud THUD.

No.

Clementine got to her feet and ran toward Hecate with no further hesitation. Her body was quick in flipping the switch from shock and fear, to that of pure, unbridled anger, as she summoned and swung her mace at the soldier with all her might. Hecate jumped out of the way, but Clementines actions spurred he others in the group to move, throwing their own attacks at her.

She continued dodging, and jumped into the trees. Alex spread his wings and launched himself into the canopy, to catch her, but after a few moments of silence, returned emptyhanded.

"She's gone." They huffed.

Clementine turned to look at George, who remained motionless on the ground. She ran to him, crouching beside him, and putting her hand on his shoulder. "George."

The rest of the group gathered slowly, holding their breaths as Clementine checked George, tearing a bit of cloth off her own shirt and pressing it over his wound.

It all seemed so familiar.

Clementine put her fingers up to his throat, and after a second of panic, she felt a beat through his skin.

He was still alive.

She took a shaky breath. "Hes still breathing."

The group reacted just as fast as before, circling George and helping Clementine try to care for him. They tried to lift him, but he was far heavier than they expected.