Cryptic Wonder- the Awakening

by Wylder Willis

  Denzel corrected her before he turned to the door, “Not any more mom, I’m sorry but Hunter is no more. I am Denzel the Droga and I belong with the Cryptics. I belong with Naomi. Goodbye.”

  They started towards the door again. He heard the humans talk in awe and disgust but faintly heard another sound but couldn’t identify it over the voices. Naomi did though as she turned around swiftly and pulled out her disguised sword from her bun. She said the reveal word under her breath as she aimed it towards the rushing person. With her other hand, she pressed the button on the remote to transform her dress to armor. Somehow she had managed to grab the remote from her bra unnoticed.

  “Umballa,” Naomi almost whispered as her dress transformed. Her swords transformed from the hairpin into a full-length sword, the hilt magically at her hip. Her dress seemed to melt as it became metal.

  Her armor was an edgy mix of both steel and black leather . Her shoes were strapped like the ancient roman’s shoes, which were more like sandals given it was a pretty open shoe, but it had leather to cover her toes. She had leather straps make their way up her legs almost to her knees. Her mask was made of some of the steel. It wrapped down across her face. The faceguard was steel as well but was in two pieces, a lower and higher part. The higher part was for her forehead mainly. The lower part covered up to her nose. In the space between the high and low parts, each piece has rounded steel that looked like teeth.

  She was wearing a Viking style battle skirt with a mix of both leather and metal. A big band of leather covered her midriff to connect the skirt to the chest plate. The chest plate was solid steel; she still had the neck guard but it now met into a single point and had a few spikes sticking out. The chest plate also had an engraving of claw marks across it.

  Naomi growled at the woman with her armor complete and her double blade sword aimed at the woman. Naomi looked scary and fierce in Denzel’s eyes, but to the humans, she looked like danger and a soldier. Denzel’s mother looked scared the most, as the tip of the sword was inches from her face. Naomi stepped closer to the woman, keeping her sword in place. “Kill me you monster, prove to everyone who you are… a freak,” the woman said boldly.

  “Who am I? That’s easy to prove,” Naomi sheathed her sword before continuing, “Now who are you?” Naomi smirked as she tapped the button again and the armor melted back into the dress. The woman didn’t look at her happily--instead she was angry and glaring at Denzel and Naomi.

  Suddenly, something slid into the woman’s hand from her sleeve just seconds before the woman lunged forward and swung her hand toward Naomi. Naomi just barely caught the shine of a blade before it slashed her face as she attempted to step backward. The blade cut upwards slicing from Naomi’s cheek to the bridge of her nose. Leander and Denzel watched frozen in surprise.

  Naomi remained calm and looked at the woman, blood dripping down her face. “ You done yet? Or do you want to strike an unarmed person again? And in front of all of these people?” Naomi smirked knowing the woman had made a mistake.

  The woman looked around still holding a small knife with blood on it; she seemed to realize she had made a mistake when she looked back at Naomi and saw that she actually was unarmed. Naomi smiled at her before she walked out the door with Denzel and Leander.

  “She is a witch, she mind-controlled me. She is a demon! We must end her before she turns our new leader. Long live Hunter the human’s Droga! Death to the Cryptics,” Denzel heard his mother yell as the three Cryptics headed toward the forest.

  Denzel, Leander, and Naomi quietly made their way to the forest path that led back to the portal. They made it to, and through, the portal without any further problems from the humans. Acacia and Topaz welcomed them back to the temple hideout since Gwythyr had fallen asleep.

  Leander pointed out a room that Naomi and Denzel could change in and joined Acacia and Topaz in the kitchen. Naomi changed in the closet into some simple clothes, after tending to the gash across her face, Denzel helped with the bandages. Naomi changed into a pair of blue pants and a black shirt. Denzel dressed in the bedroom into a pair of black pants and a green shirt.

  They returned to the group to find Leander speaking. “We should head back to the hall and our homes. The people will be worried before long. We can’t stay hidden here.”

  Acacia countered, “We can’t leave Gwythyr here, and he can barely walk. We have to stay put for now. Remember it will only take a day or two for him to heal.”

  Leander growled, not liking the idea, storming up some oak stairs. Naomi and Denzel watched Leander storm off as they sat down at the counter. The kitchen was simple looking with oak wood countertops, an electric stove, a black small fridge, and black cushioned tall seats. Above the counter where Naomi and Denzel sat were some oak cabinets facing inwards towards the kitchen. Naomi and Denzel were actually sitting just outside the kitchen.

  Acacia frowned knowing Leander was in a mood now. Topaz smiled over her shoulder to Naomi and Denzel as she was making some eggs with sausage chunks mixed in. A window allowed fading sunlight to shine through over the stove before the sun disappeared from the horizon. Naomi heard wings and then saw a raven landed on the window sill above the stove. Topaz shooed the bird inside and away from the food. The raven transformed on the floor into a tall, slim man. He had raven black hair with feathers mixed in. His eyes were a mysterious brown, nearly black, making him almost seem sinister. He was only wearing dark clothing and had a black cloak that had feathers stitch into it. Naomi looked at him with only one thought, “He takes his wild side way too seriously.”

  “So, what news do you have for us? I hope it is good news because we could use some,” Acacia inquired.

  The man spoke with a wondrous voice, “The Humans have proclaimed war and have already moved to set up at a nearby large field in their land. They will have the home-field advantage. They plan to take the high ground and use it to slaughter us. If we don’t answer in return we will be annihilated. Sorry, it’s only bad news, my lady.”

  Acacia groaned, “It’s ok it couldn’t be helped. Now you better head home and ready for whatever comes next.” With that, the man bowed, transformed and flew away.

  Topaz looked at the sky. It was dark out now as the sun had sunk below the horizon and the moon was rising in the sky. “It is getting late, let's eat then go to bed. We can plan our response to the Human’s actions when we are all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.”

  Naomi nodded, too tired for words. Topaz dished out four bowls of the eggs and placed them on the counter with spoons for herself and those present in the kitchen. Naomi and Denzel dug in having had little to eat since breakfast. Acacia and Topaz smiled at each other knowing nothing beats Topaz’s cooking . Once they were done they put the dishes in the sink and headed to their separate rooms, though Naomi and Denzel went in the same room and collapsed on the large bed together. They were life partners after all!

  Chapter 14

  The next morning, Topaz got up early dressed in an ocean blue kimono and set about cooking breakfast. She made eggs both fried and scrambled, sausage, toast, and bacon. Everyone else woke up slowly to the smell of the food, Acacia put on a Cloak and headed downstairs still in her sleepwear. Leander and Gwythyr wandered to the kitchen, both in only shorts, aside from the bandages on Gwythyr. Gwythyr had an arm slung around Leander as he was still a bit wobbly on his feet. Naomi and Denzel, however, woke together facing one another in the same bed, arms wrapped around each other.

  Naomi was the first to notice as her face flushed pink and she looked at him scared. Denzel noticed next and his reaction was that his face blushed as he scrambled to move away embarrassed. In his embarrassment, he forgot he was on a bed and he fell off the bed onto his back. Naomi sat up surprised by the thud and his clumsiness. “You ok?”

  Denzel moaned in answer.

  Smelling the food, Naomi said, “We should head down, it smells like breakfast is waiting.”

  Denzel gave a thumbs up to show he agreed. They both
got up and headed down. Naomi had placed a cloak on as a robe over her red nightgown, while Denzel walked down in simple shorts and a t-shirt. Everyone was already seated at the table and starting in on breakfast. Naomi sat next to Topaz with a smile as she grabbed a few fried eggs and sausages. Denzel sat next to Gwythyr and across from Naomi as he grabbed some scrambled eggs and bacon. Everyone ate in silence thinking about the news from the raven last night. Leander and Gwythyr had found out from Acacia before Naomi and Denzel had come down stairs. When everyone was done the plates were placed in the sink and everyone headed to their rooms to change for the day, Except Gwythyr who stayed behind to wash up before getting dressed.

  Naomi changed in the closet again. She wore a tan, long-sleeve, cotton shirt, a pair of matching pants that went just slightly past her knees, a cloth belt that she looped around her waist twice, and a tattered brown cloak that had no hood. She buttoned it at only one point so the rest draped over her shoulders and behind her.

  Denzel got dressed in the bedroom behind a changing screen to be polite just in case Naomi walked out before he was ready. He dressed in a simple black shirt that had green tribal markings that looked like tiger stripes and matching pants, along with a black cloak similar to Naomi’s. They both walked out from where they were changing and saw each other and that they were similarly dressed. Naomi shrugged as she reminded herself she was his life partner. Denzel just smiled. They headed back down to the living room and sat on one of the two couches.

  Gwythyr was already there sitting on one of the chairs with a glass of water. Leander soon joined with Acacia sitting in chairs next to each other. Topaz joined bringing a pitcher of water while Acacia’s aura brought some glass cups, which were balanced on a serving tray that had been placed on its back. Everyone had a glass of water and sipped it as they thought what to do in response to the humans , they didn’t have much time.

  Finally, Gwythyr spoke, “I think we are past diplomacy; we are at war and it is clear to me who should lead us into battle.”

  Everyone looked at him surprised and thinking the same thing… Who?

  “Denzel and Naomi, will you lead us into battle?” Gwythyr asked looking very serious with not even a hint of a smile.

  Naomi and Denzel stood up shocked by is question as they asked in unison, “Us?” Gwythyr nodded as the others remained silent probably thinking on what Gwythyr had asked.

  “We can’t lead the Cryptic people we just got our weapons! No one will follow us; we have no experience leading,” Naomi pointed out.

  Acacia spoke, “They will because you have the presence and aura of a leader.”

  Topaz piped in, “Plus you and Denzel are prophesied to!”

  Naomi glared at Topaz who wasn’t really helping with persuasion. Topaz just smiled but stayed silent.

  Denzel looked to Naomi and spoke, “If they believe in us then so do I… partner.” Naomi looked at him confused. Why would he fight against his own family with people he barely knew ?

  The room went silent as Naomi and Denzel sat back down. Acacia’s Aura dashed off at a wave of the hand and returned with a map in its jaws. “Now that the leader part is settled, let's figure out a battle plan,” Acacia recommended. Everyone agreed as Leander set to flattening the map out and Gwythyr set out figurines to show the human’s location.

  “Okay, so the humans are here. I think our best option is to set up here; that way we have most of the forest for our use,” Leander said as he pointed to the human figurines then placed a figurine to show the Cryptics. The figurine for the Cryptics was at the edge of the forest which surrounded the battlefield.

  Naomi assessed with a smile, “I see what you're getting at! Have a squad or two hide in the forest area around where the fighting will be so that they can strike unseen, like assassins. Plus it will be a good cover for archers!” Naomi had used a two-person version of this attack on Denzel with the help of Zeke.

  “Exactly! But the only thing I worry about is this flank here,” Leander said pointing to the rear flank.

  Denzel inquired, “What about them?”

  “The humans are rumored to have catapults; those will be the ones hit the worst by them if the rumor is true,” Leander replied, hoping Denzel would confirm no catapults.

  “The humans have three of them, and they can do a lot of damage. I recommend having that flank spaced out--maybe even the whole army spaced out to be safe,” Denzel answered, glad to help with the plan.

  Leander nodded as Gwythyr looked pleased. Acacia looked at Denzel and Naomi in wonder. To her, it seemed that the war was in the hands of these two children and they took it in stride as if it was just another weapons practice or a game. Naomi smiled at Denzel glad to have him around. They talked battle and war strategy for a couple of hours before they were confident they had a solid plan and a backup plan in case things went sideways. They adjourned the meeting and went to their rooms where they readied to head back to the ceremony stadium and meet with the people.

  Acacia went over the map a few more times then set to sharpening her broad daggers as she waited in her room. Topaz extended her lance and went about polishing and sharpening it as she hummed a tune that sounded like ocean waves. Gwythyr cleaned his steel fukiya and dipped his darts in a jar of hemlock. Leander didn’t have to do much to tend to his weapon so he just set about practicing with it in a small garden in the smaller building.

  Denzel and Naomi sharpened their swords in silence as they felt the weight of what they were about to do. They were going to lead people they knew, loved, and cared for into war. For Denzel, it weighed heavily as he was leading the Cryptics against his former people.

  An hour past and they gathered at the portal as it would take them to the Ceremony arena. Acacia had drawn her aura back within herself and waited patiently as the others arrived. When they were all at the portal they each jumped through one at a time. The raven had done his job and the Cryptic people were waiting in the stands watching the leaders, as well as Naomi and Denzel, emerge from a relocated portal doorway.

  Leander gestured for Naomi and Denzel to take the stage. They did and gazed out at all those gathered, feeling a little nervous.

  Naomi stepped up to the microphone with a calming breath. She spoke boldly, “Welcome everyone. We apologize for the last-minute summons. We have grave news… The humans have proclaimed war on us. We must answer in kind or risk our destruction. We must strike for our survival, our future, and for those we love! We will not go without a fight for we are Cryptics and we will thrive! Who is with me?” At her question, she drew her sword and raised it. The air seemed to chill for a minute as no one answered.

  Leander stepped forward raising his whip, “ You will have my strength and whip at your side.”

  Gwythyr mimicked raising his fukiya, then Acacia, and Topaz, but that didn’t surprise the crowd. It was when Denzel stepped forward and spoke that the crowd was surprised.

  Denzel spoke raising his saber next to Naomi’s. “You will have my courage and saber at your side.”

  When people saw that, they stood and raised their own weapons as they joined with Naomi. Naomi smiled seeing all the people that received weapons with her, and even those older, were with her--and more importantly, with Denzel.

  Leander walked over to the door and tapped a stone. It transformed into a large, swirling, green portal--large enough for a big group to walk through together. Denzel noticed and tapped Naomi on the shoulder to signal the portal was ready. Naomi turned and pointed her double-blade sword towards the portal as she spoke, “Follow me, my people! The battle awaits!”

  Naomi and Denzel charged into the portal, the leaders followed. The Cryptics in the audience that were standing leaped down from the stands and ran after, following them through. Once through the portal, everyone slowed down and stood to the side of the portal to let others through. Naomi tried to hide the surprise she felt when she emerged from the portal. Waiting for them was a group of tents, most small, except for one at the center
. Naomi quickly saw how the tents were already waiting for them when she saw a group of ravens and crows. The raven and a group of others had come here to put all the tents up.

  Naomi then realized she was still in her humanoid form and looked over to Leander for a hint as to why. He just smiled as he glanced back at the portal. Naomi looked back and noticed there was no doorway just a swirling green vortex. The stone doorway was what transformed her in the human world !

  Naomi and Denzel sheathed their swords as everyone put their weapons away. Leander led the other leaders, Naomi, and Denzel, to the large tent where there was a table with seating and a map spread across the table. The map was of the battle area showing the terrain and had mini-figures , that stood about five centimeters tall, showing both Cryptics and humans. The Cryptic figures were moving on their own. They moved as the Cryptics did and so did the human figures.

  Naomi watched the map and saw figures representing some familiar people. She smiled as they were heading towards the main tent where the figures for the leaders, herself, and Denzel were. Naomi turned around just as the familiar figures got close to her figure. Four familiar faces greeted her with smiles. Naomi smiled, glad to see them and a new face, “Zeke, Celeste, Esme! You guys came? Uh, who is he?”

  The new person was the Loki boy that Zeke had a crush on. He had decorated his horns with some beadwork that was a mix of opals and sapphires. “Hi, I’m Dante! It is a pleasure to meet you,” the newcomer said as he held out his hand.

  Naomi shook his hand as she replied, “I’m glad to have you with us, Dante.”

  “So, what is the battle plan, Commander Naomi?” asked Celeste.

  Naomi waved them over to the table so that she and Denzel could explain the plan. Zeke watched Naomi explain and was amazed at how easily she explained it all; she looked like she belonged there. They listened to Naomi and Denzel swap in and out in describing the battle plan for about an hour. All captivated by the two new leaders and how well they worked together as a team. Naomi and Denzel seemed like they knew each other for more than a week, as they took turns speaking without even a signal to one another for when the other was to speak. Once the plan was fully explained Naomi and Denzel turned to look at the small group.