Sentry Rising

by Birkenhead, Naomi

  “Why do you think I love you Zyphie? I do because……”

  “I said Shut up,” Her eyes were alive with a fierceness Leath had never seen. “You can’t love me, because to love me you would have to love this,” she said yanking the opal off her skin.

  Leath’s eyes widened. His jaw fell open. He watched the woman he had relentlessly persuade for the last eight years transform into…..he couldn’t even describe what. Her curvy form he so adored was suddenly replaced by a long, lean, and very muscular body. Her ivory skin was now a swirling translucent film reflecting and blending with the environment.

  With every passing second Leath’s optic nerves discovered something new. Feather like tendrils vibrating off the back of her arms, legs, and neck, large owl like purple eyes bore directly into his. Zyphera’s brown flirty bob became a bundle of sheer dreadlocks, secured neatly off the back of her oval skull. Her feet changed, elongating and curving, shifting her weight so it appeared to be supported with the balls of her feet, her heels hovered off the ground.

  Leath stumbled backwards as this new creature stepped towards him. “Now what human? Do you think you still know me? Does your heart still beat wildly at the mere sight of me,” Zyphera seethed.

  Leath stared at her, completely speechless.

  “I can see the fear and panic flitting all over that once smug face of yours.”

  Leath continued to stare at Zyphera, unsure of what to do. He couldn’t make sense of anything. When he’d left to go fishing, life was the way it’d always been. Now suddenly two people he loved were dead, one was missing and the other just transformed into some cosmic alien being. He tried to say something, anything, but his lips would not move. His mouth felt like he’d eaten a tube of glue, and his stomach was starting to feel the same. Tiny beads of sweat formed at his temple. He needed space. He needed a place to be alone. Without hesitation he turned and sprinted towards the driveway, glancing over his shoulder only once.

  “That’s right you filthy weak human. Run back to your own pathetic breed,” Zyphera shouted after him.

  She watched as Leath’s form disappeared from view. Tears flooded her eyes. Wiping them away with the back of her hand she caught sight of three faces plastered against the living room windows. Guilt, anger, shame, and fear overwhelmed her when her eyes connected with his. She quickly averted her gaze. The accusations she read in young Thad’s eyes pierced her soul. Her usual Guardian poise fell to the way side. She fled, giving into the cowardly guilt.

  Thad’s eyes remained fixed on the area Leath and Zyphera had been only moments ago. Everything had changed and nothing was as it seemed. His life was a veil of secrets that had just been torn to shreds. Hate and distrust swelled in his core.

  “Come Thad, some of Mrs. O and Miss Mirdy’s relatives will be here soon,” Zekiel said gently pulling the boy away from the window.

  Thad allowed Zekiel to guide him towards the hall, his skin numb to the kindness of the old Keepers hand.

  A party it shall be

  Three days had passed since the tragic slaying of Mrs. Osborne and Miss Mirdy. Life continued as usual considering the circumstances. Mathias was notified and on his way back. Remy returned to Tuathia to update the rest of his clan of the recent events. Zyphera had returned home with Mrs. Osbourne’s body to brief the council on her death and the kidnapping of the Professor. A representative of Uraleigha had arrived to claim Miss Mirdy’s remains and promised to send any information they gathered from her third eye back to the Sentry, and Leath was trying his hardest to keep Thad busy while everyone figured out what to do next.

  “So your ninth birthday is next week. Would you like to have a party?” Leath asked.

  Thad gave him a funny look. “Seriously, do you think a birthday party is an appropriate event at this moment?”

  Thad’s blatant rejection and slight disgust at his suggestion made Leath feel sheepish. “I thought it would help alleviate some stress, maybe take your mind off things,” He tried to explain in a hurt tone.

  Thad looked at his friend. “I am sorry. I know you’re trying to help. I am just having a hard time sitting around doing nothing. I feel like I am letting Grandpa down.”

  “We both know your Grandpa would want you to celebrate your birthday,” Leath reminded him kindly, “and sometimes it takes time to gather all the information and resources we need to set us off in the right direction.”

  “I know, but I feel so helpless,” Thad sighed, pondering things for a moment. “You’re right…..a party would be a good idea and you can plan it,” Thad added with a smirk.

  “No problem,” Leath replied his eyes sparkling.

  “You didn’t,” Thad groaned. “When is it, and how many people did you invite.”

  “The party is next Saturday and only a few people from Minerva, Tuathia, and a couple other worlds are coming.” He said casually, “We started this before…” he paused waving his hands in the air, “all of this happened and everyone agreed we should still celebrate.”

  “Well thank you,” Thad replied still trying to find the excitement “it sounds like turning nine will be a blast.”

  “It will be,” Leath said enthusiastically.

  “Well I am going to see how Goliath is holding up, mind if I catch up with you later?” Thad asked.

  “Sure, I think Zyphera and Remy are coming here soon to have a little chatting session anyway,” Leath replied.

  “See you at dinner?” Thad asked, walking out the door.

  “Dinner it is,” Leath shouted after him. Once he was sure Thad was out of sight, he hustled down to the kitchen.

  “So what do you think we should do?” Zyphera asked grouchily, as soon as he walked through the door.

  “Well obviously we have to go after whoever did this and make him pay,” Leath said slamming his fist down on the kitchen counter, his face flushed with anger.

  “Sshh” Zyphera said scowling at him, “Do you want Thad to hear this discussion.”

  “He’s down visiting Goliath,” Leath replied.

  Zyphera’s face remained cold. She and Leath had not spoken since their argument on the lawn, “I agree with you, but until we better understand what happened and we know for sure where the Professor is being held, we are incapable of moving forward.”

  “That is where I come in,” a voice interrupted.

  Leath and Zyphera turned around. Mathias’s giant frame stood hunched in the doorway.

  “Mathias,” Zyphera exclaimed with relief in her voice, “I am so glad you made it back okay.”

  “Holy crap boy, have you grown?” Leath asked giving Mathias the once over.

  Zyphera glared at him, “Is this really the time to be discussing such matters.”

  Leath opened his mouth, but Mathias stepped in. “As a matter of fact I have grown,” he said with a sly grin on his face.

  “You must be about 7’2, 7’3” Leath guessed.

  Mathias shook his head and laughed. “Try 8’1 and over 460 pounds of pure muscle,” he boasted, standing tall and proud.

  Leath whistled in amazement. “Have you ever considered professional wrestling,” he asked.

  “I am afraid I am unfamiliar with the sport.” Mathias replied as if the thought had never crossed his mind.

  “You have to let us in on your secret. What are you?” Leath asked. He thought it was completely unfair that Mathias was the only one in the house whose ancestry was a secret.

  “Would you shut up for one god damn minute and actually take something serious for a change,” Zyphera almost shouted at Leath before turning to Mathias, “Have you learned anything useful?”

  “I can confirm that it was Shadow Breathers acting on Madron’s orders. No one could give me any other details,” He added dejectedly, “I am still waiting for one of my sources to contact me though,” sounding hopeful.

  “I suggest we wait till after Thad’s birthday to act,” Remy, who had remained quiet, piped up, “By then we should have heard back from Admir
al Poclin on the analysis of Miss Mirdy’s third eye, and hopefully have gathered more useful information from other informants.”

  The others agreed.

  “No more is to be said of this matter till after Saturday got it,” Zyphera insisted sternly.

  The three boys nodded their heads.

  “Now if you excuse me I have some gardening to attend too” she said grabbing a dirty pair of pink gloves and heading out the side door in the kitchen.

  The boys stood there silently looking at each other.

  “Well, I am going to head back to Tuathia and see there is any new information for us,” Remy replied heading for the door.

  “Remember what Zyphera said, no talking about it till after Thad’s birthday,” Leath mimicked her.

  Remy laughed and shook his head, “If I have anything of great importance I will send for one of you to meet me.”

  “Thanks for everything Remy,” Leath said genuinely grateful for his help, “You’re a pretty cool dude.”

  “You’re not to shabby yourself…….well, for a human anyways,” Remy added as he went out the door.

  Leath stood there with his mouth hanging open listening to the Gnome chuckling as he yelled his goodbyes to Zyphera. “Sassy little things those Gnomes,” Leath muttered.

  “So are we still going ahead with Thad’s birthday?” Mathias asked changing the subject.

  Leath nodded, “I asked Thad about it and he agreed it could help take his mind of things till we have some sort of game plan in place.”

  “Anyway I can help?”

  “Just show up and have a good time,” Leath said with a smile.

  “That, I can do.” Mathias replied.

  Saturday crept up faster than Thad was expecting. It was only seven in the morning and the house was already a buzz with activity. From somewhere in the home Thad could hear Leath performing the disco classic “Do a little dance.” He stumbled down the stairs and into the kitchen half asleep.

  “No, no, no, no,” Leath cried, rushing to push him out. “Zyphera,” He yelled, “Birthday boy is on the loose.”

  “Coming,” She replied with an edge of irritation. A moment later Zyphera glided into the kitchen. “Morning Birthday boy,” she half sang to Thad while completely ignoring Leath, “Come on, your breakfast is waiting for you in the dining room,” She said tugging him out the door.

  Thad didn’t protest.

  “What is up with Leath?” Thad asked once in the dinning room.

  “He’s been dominating the kitchen all morning, doing the whole “Martha Stewart” thing. He’s insisting on cooking everything for your birthday, including your cake,” She explained with a hint of disgust in her voice.

  “This will be a very interesting day,” Thad mumbled plunking down in front of the steaming plate of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and fluffy chocolate chip pancakes Zyphera brought him.“Yum,” he replied lifting his fork as his stomach gurgled.

  “I have some things to do so I will catch up with you later okay,” Zyphera said kissing his messy bed haired head.

  Thad nodded his okay as he eagerly downed his breakfast. He was curious to see what the rest of the gang was up to. After all shouldn’t the birthday boy be informed of everything pertaining to his momentous day? He quietly tipped toed from the dining room after clearing his plate, and into the living room. Not a person in sight. “Hum, I wonder where they could be?” he thought.

  He listened for any sound that could give him a hint as to where the party planners were. The only thing he heard was the commotion Leath was making doing goodness knows what in the kitchen. “Perhaps they are doing something outside.”

  He donned his red converse high tops, and zipped into his stripped green hoodie and headed out the front door. As soon as his feet hit the front walk way Thad knew he was headed in the wrong direction. Even for an early summer morning it was unusually quiet outside. Barely a bird or cricket could be heard chirping happily in the morning sun. “A walk will be nice anyways.” Thad said deciding to give up on the hunt and leave the others to their business.

  He headed down the winding driveway lined with shimmering green and red maple trees. Even from a distance he could see Goliath perched atop his marble pillar observing the bustling world around him with unblinking eyes. It took Thad ten minutes to walk the length of the driveway to the gate.

  “Hey Goliath,” He called out.

  A sharp crack followed by a loud pop rung in Thad’s ears. “Well goodness me if it isn’t the birthday boy,” Goliath replied in his deep growling voice. “Enjoying this cozy summer morning young Sir?”

  “I am,” Thad replied nodding his head. Despite everything, the initial panic and fear and given way to a weird sense of calm.

  “Are you feeling any older? Found any grey hairs or wrinkles?” Goliath asked his red eyes glowing.

  Thad laughed, “None that weren’t there already.”

  “Oh, I would like you to meet someone,” Goliath said turning to the other pillar, “Delilah,” He commanded sharply, “Your beauty sleep is over.”

  Thad had been so pre-occupied he didn’t realize that David’s old pillar was occupied by another gargoyle. The same sharp crack rang out. Thad tried to cover his ears. “Warn me next time,” he said with a playful scowl.

  “Sorry,” Goliath apologized before continuing. “Thad, I would like you to meet the newest member of “Team Thaddeus”, say hello to Delilah.” He introduced her as if he were a talk show host.

  Thad shook his head, “You have to stop watching late night TV from Leath’s room it is going to rot your brain.” Thad looked up and was greeted by a very beautiful pair of purple eyes.

  “Hello Thad,” A sultry voice said, “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

  Thad stood there with his mouth open. “You’re a girl,” he sputtered.

  “You seem surprised by that,” Delilah chuckled, her laugh even more beautiful than her voice.

  “It’s just that I didn’t…” Thad mumbled trying to explain his reaction.

  “Don’t worry about it,” Delilah reassured him, “These guys never get over it either,” She said throwing a wink over her shoulder.

  Thad stepped back really taking in the newest member of “Team Thaddeus”. She was exquisite, a perfectly sculpted being. She had a long mane of black hair rippling down her back. Her face was an image of symmetrical beauty. Her dark skin clung seamlessly to flawlessly formed muscles. Powerful wings folded themselves neatly into her back. Every inch of her was a faultless creation. She had an almost human appearance that disturbed Thad a little. He wondered if it was at all possible for cross breeding to happen. “Don’t be silly,” He chided himself, “No human in his right mind would be crazy enough to blend with a beast species.”

  “You’re right about me. I have remnants of my human ancestors,” Delilah’s words breaking into his thoughts.

  Thad was taken by surprise. “Okay, can you hear what I am thinking?” he asked curiously.

  “I can’t hear them, but I can see them through your eyes,” She explained.

  “I don’t understand what that means,” Thad replied studying her with confusion. “What exactly are you?” Thad asked.

  “My species was created over seven hundred years ago by a group of men who visited our world. They were amazed by our size, strength, and our decelerated aging. They befriended thirteen young female Gargoyles, luring them back to their home world in the hopes of studying them and creating a human hybrid. The results produced a Gargamon, a cunning human looking hybrid but with none of their weaknesses and all of the Gargoyles strength. They spliced out the genetic coding required for the physical appearance and replaced it with the human counterparts along with a code placing the hybrids completely under their control. Twenty years later five of the original females escaped with eighteen of their young. The mother’s were accepted back into the Gargoyle packs but their young were considered an abomination. They were cast out into the fringes of the land expected to d
ie. In a years time a scouting party was sent to see if the young survived. They were shocked to find all alive. The scouting party brought them to the city and approached the council with an idea to reintegrate the Gargamons into society. They hoped after a few generations the Gargamons would breed out and remain nothing more than a bad memory,” Delilah explained.

  “So you’re a throw back gene,” Thad exclaimed.

  “Every so often one is born. We are not looked upon quiet as highly as our kin, but we are accepted into society.”

  “Do all Gargamons have purple eyes?” Thad wondered.

  “We do. It is the combination of the Gargoyles red eyes and the blue of our human donor,” She explained.