Part 6

The beast that tried to swallow the world.

Eli stood leaning up against a pay phone that was on base, where he was relocated for the research he was now a participant in. "So how are things on base?" asked Amelia. Eli had now long since been off the Rescue 5 Marina Base. He was exclusively excluded from Rescue 5's activities, henceforth he had been reassigned exclusively to R&D division and relocated to a place far and away from anyone of thing that would care. But he reminded himself daily that this was mainly the reason he was brought in to the group in the first place.

"It's good. Kreach isn't such a bad place. The food sucks and I hate the people running the Research and Development program, but what can I do? It's not like back at school, you guys never forced any of this stupid protocol down my throat, at least not anything I couldn't handle. I'm starting to think I really miss all you guys." He heard what he thought was the stifling of tears but he wasn't about to go on and say anything, since he wasn't completely sure. "So how's the old Doug doing?"

"Good, oh Britney's become a huge help around the school. I can't believe tomorrow will mark her 2nd year living here and so how much longer will they need you? The school really hasn't been the same since you're not here. I've come to think of you as my son. If that doesn't put you off too much." Eli felt a little bit of himself tense up and he wiped away some dust that was in his eyes.

"Yeah, well I guess that wouldn't be too far off if I said you were my mom then huh?"

"Oh, by the way... I want to tell you that we have gained three more candidates. One is a girl from Spain her name's Theresa, there is also one from Albania his name is Manar and the last is a very polite girl from India her name is Lawan and she is very lovely girl. They all are very nice most a few years older than you and Britney but... Oh, wait a moment... Yes, you can talk. Britney would like to talk to..." as Eli could hear the phone being passed about.

"Hello? Eli?" and just from hearing her voice Eli felt his heart skip a beat. "How have you been..." silence was what Britney received.

"... hey... Hello. Um, I'm good. So I hear you've been a tremendous help." he heard her laugh and couldn't help but laugh a little himself.

"Yeah, well I'm just doing my part. Did you get any of the e-mail's that I sent you?" said Britney.

"Yeah, I got them... But I've been so busy. I haven't had enough time to write back, I'm sorry." which in truth he did have plenty of down time. But every time he sat down and thought about writing her back he didn't know what he should even talk about or better yet, how to say how grateful he was to someone that saved your life.

"Oh, I know... I figure with all that technical stuff you're involved in and with you're helping the Rescue 5 Team out... You know, I can't believe how much I see them on the news... I swear it's every night, pretty much all the time. But I never hear anything about you? Your doing them a big favor it's too bad you can't get on the news too."

"Well, that's because what I'm with hasn't even been introduced yet. I'm..." then over the line there was some kind of noise. Like she was having another conversation with someone he didn't recognize.

"Okay, well write back to me. I mean it, after we get off the phone get to any computer that's got the internet, Ethernet whatever and write me a billion page e-mail telling me all the boring details what you are doing, okay? Oh, the news is on... Rescue 5's just come on again... What? It... it... It looks like they've beaten the Daemon! Oh, but seriously write me back I miss you. But I'm going to go watch this and don't forget to write me an e-mail or else! I love you, bye." and before Eli had time to even think she had already hung up the phone. The shock of hearing the three infamous words shook him to his core. Even more than that was the news she had said just before that. He hung up the pay phone a subtle smile was etched across his lips.

"I love you, too." he whispered as he bolted, running full speed back towards base. He checked in and ran to the closest television he could find, which was in a large common room next to the workout center, he ran into the room. Two guys were playing ping-pong and another was mindlessly playing a version of solitaire but with a game of billiards. Regardless he leapt over the commons old maroon pleaded coach that was right in front of the television, he grabbed the remote off the small end table and stood in front of the television in a concerned mindset, he began flipping through all the major news channels until he finally found something on one of the local news stations.

"The Super Rescue team, Rescue 5 has vanquished the threat of the Daemon. Seen here on one of our sister networks a first hand video of the battle in a small town on the coast in Washington state as the team cripples the diabolical threat once and for all! This newscaster is glad that we have Heroes like these on our side." Eli turned off the television, his legs gave out as he plopped down on the coach, he sat in contemplation mulling over the information, really letting it sink in. His face suddenly burst out with overwhelming joy, he leapt from his seat and to his feet running throughout the room screaming and hollering all the way down the hall.

"YES!" was the only word that left his lips for the next couple minutes as all he could do now as he ran back to his dorm. This sudden turn of events the knowledge that he was more than likely going to be going home and very soon at that. Not that the world was saved, that idea was much too great to even truly comprehend, no, his mind's focus went entirely onto one place, onto one girl in particular and the only place he had ever even known or truly could call home. He was going to be finally getting the chance to go back there after his two yearlong stint away.

Well, a few weeks go by and he still desperately would await the call or a messenger because he was in hopeful anticipation he knew that the threat is gone, heck the entire world knew now the threat is gone. But why haven't they been given the word. Why isn't everything okay? He began to hear people rushing by his room. He was beginning to get nervous and tad worried. He got dressed and opened his door. He saw that the halls were empty. He just then began to hear a familiar rumbling as he instantly knew where he should go to see what the buzz is around base. Moments later, he was outside with the rest of base. Watching as a large helicopter made it's final preparations and was finishing it's landing, he was one of the last people he thought to get out here, as the Rescue 5 team came walking out of the back of the helicopter. They looked exhausted and completely worn out in there entourage hovering between Natalie and Souichi, a box in someway it resembles a technically advance coffin from a bad sci-fi novel. Eli made his way up to greet everyone, but he was a little taken back by their dreary drained faces. But he couldn't waiting, that would spell time, time in which he could be on his way back home. "Hey Rick, so what's the word? Why haven't we been able to leave yet?" Rick looks solemnly at Eli and gestures his head backwards towards the box that was with them.

"I don't think we'll ever get the chance kid because of what we have in that box. We've only incapacitated the leader of the Daemon, Prince Kierka." and for those that are wondering, Prince Kierka was the ruler of a group of Demons that terrorized the Earth over 6,000 years ago. Their plans were ultimately thwarted by a group of magicians, a group proclaiming themselves Shaman. Well, a few years ago, the remnants of these very same Daemon suddenly re-awoke to our modern era and they decided that they were going to try again and take back what in their words was rightfully there's. After a while, the United Nations in a state of utter chaos and confusion having no idea on what actions they could take. Enlisted one Doctor Henry Anderson a specialist in ancient civilizations and mythology, who chose the very best of the best. He employed other means, some have stated self-replicating nanotechnology and bio-infused mechanics to create living hardware and of coarse this was all gratefully funded substantially by the bureaucrats from the UN to form what is now Rescue 5.

"What? Why are you keeping him alive?" asked Eli. "Isn't he some demon who wants genocide for all humans? Why are we risking our safety to watch some glorified mummy popsicle!" Rick turned and smacked Eli with enough strength to knock a few teeth loose.

"We have our orders!" said Rick in the most unemotional voice Eli had ever heard. "We're ordered to incapacitate and deliver said demon and rendezvous him to this location. I'm sorry. But looks like you're going to have to stay on board a little longer." Eli slowed his walking pace and watched as they continued towards one of the three main hangers. He turned around on his heel and kicked at the ground.

"I hate this place." as he began running back towards the dorms.

That night, while everybody was partying in celebration over the defeat of the world's enemy, Eli sat leaned against the corner of his bedroom wall. His knees again pressed up against his chest. The computer the Rescue 5 team had bought him as an early birthday present it lay open next to him. He had just finished writing Britney the first of a series of e-mails. But for know he had been staring at a picture for the last four and a half hours, it was a picture of staff at the institute and it had the new members that had just recently joined. They looked like they were nice enough, though he noticed Doug and the Professor were looking a little older, must be stressful there. Though he must have changed just as much, his 15th birthday wouldn't be for another couple months. He felt old, and not in the ironic sense like all teenagers suddenly come to realize when they realize they need to grow up, no, this was more true. Since long before this moment, obviously long before the capture of Prince Kierka, Eli was being drilled harder and harder every day. He was beginning to have a rising suspicions that he is quite possibly being drugged in some way. Could they be using Steroids of some kind? Though, that would be the most effective means to improve ones physique this was probably not it. No, the scientists would not try and risk endangering his still growing body for the simple sake of physical power and especially not for these stupid tests.

But maybe they would, what if he was only that. He was only a test for a new system that was in development? What if the true goal of all this was to turn out some silly research data could the other Carroll students also be in line to be used to make a mindless hoard of viscous killing machines, the thought of a super soldier crossed Eli's mind on more than a few occasions. What if the UN having this new super soldier decided to flex it's own political muscles with this new brand of super soldiers? This would all mean a turn in the opposite direction, a heading back into the days of the Nazi-like regime. Eli was being overcome with a feeling of sickness, utter disgust to his own ill thoughts. No one would do such things not in this day and age. It was completely unthinkable not to mention boarder line insane and going against so many of the laws established by the former League of Nations.

Then a feeling, like a ripple in water hit Eli. It was not at all physically effecting him, the change or challenge if you would was of a mental kind like another persona was trying to force its entry into and overcome his own. Then, he began to hear a voice it was hoarse, his thoughts drew to a conclusion like a person down in a deep well. It sounded far away and was so probably from the screaming the person had attempted but it was like the voice was a person next to him whispering. 'Can anyone hear me? Can someone help me. I fear that I am lost, I am alone and I am afraid. Please someone help me?' Eli could hardly believe himself. But he tried to feel for the person calling to him, something he could latch his psyche onto and in his mind he called back.

'Hello, can... Can you hear me? Who are you? Where are you?' the voice remained silent a moment. Eli began to think that maybe he was loosing his mind.

'I cannot tell you, for one, I do not know and the other the one of who I am, you may not believe me?' the voice received Eli's laugh as he shook his head in disbelief.

'Oh, let me guess you are Jesus Christ and this is my chance to become a good christen after my failures... Even after my failed attempt at suicide.' again there was no reply for quite some time. Eli was beginning to feel very tire, when reply finally came back to him.

'Who? I know no such Jee-zus Chris-tah or whomever that is? But please and inquiry is in order, what could overcome of person especially of your talents to want to die?' Eli was just outright annoyed with the voice in his head now.

'What talent? Just because I can hear voices in my head? That's not a talent of any kind this is possibly insanity? Provoked by too many nights watching porn and eating far too much sugar.' the voice finally broke the silence with a swaggering laugh.

'I've called out to every single soul within a five mile radius... Your soul is the only one that can hear my thoughts or to be more true our spiritual waves link to one another. Let me inform you there are not too many people who have the mental strength to speak with a person of my stature and prowess. So please, if you could only indulge me and keep me from boredom. Would you try and assist me?' Eli quietly thought to himself. A part of him screamed to not trust this voice, but whoever listens to the conscience anyways?

'Sure, why not? I'll try and help you?' thought Eli.

Eli ended up over in one of the old hangers bays, in one that had been abandoned for the betterment of the base's knowledge. It housed many old worn out engines, broken down parts and even quite possibly some spare parts if one looked carefully enough, although mostly everything in here was just a pile of discarded junk. As he entered he fondled around in the darkness along the walls, his hands searched for some kind of switch, then eureka he opened up what somewhat appeared to be a fuse box he swung open the large panel door and tried some of the switches. Many of which were dead probably burned out that was the first several, then as his hands neared the bottom. A solitary light that hung about three hundred feet high somewhere in the lost ceiling suddenly came on. The light was dim, but it was all he would need. As Eli made his way through the piles of broken parts, his foot slipped on a puddle of oil from a half torn apart airplane engine he caught and from then on was more careful about where he placed his feet. Noticing a large utility cord about three inches in diameter it was lying on the ground, a faint blue light illuminated from its small transformer at several foot intervals. He stood up and followed this cord, it looked far newer than anything else in the room and it indeed lead him straight to a piled up group of engine parts as he walked around it he saw something and this made his jaw begin to sink.

The utility cord he had followed ran right to the coffin shaped device that the Rescue 5 team brought back with them earlier that day. Could it be? That the one that was reaching out to him was and is the one and only... the Daemon Prince, Kierka and he was asking a human for help? 'You're... you are Kierka?' no answer came from the voice. 'Answer me! God damn it! Are you the Demon Prince Kierka or not?!'

'Yes.' finally said the voice 'I am Kierka, High Lord Sovereign of the Daemon. Does this change your opinion to help me?' Eli began to turn around.

'And why shouldn't it? From what I hear, you are trying to obliterate all of mankind. Why? What would killing all the humans do? Do you want to have this big world all to yourself. Why? That's sounds much worse then living in the world now. Like everyone is gone and all you would have for company would be you that sounds to be an awfully lonely place, if you ask me?' Eli partially said this out loud.

'I was... I was doing it for the one I held dearest to me. I would have destroyed countless worlds for her sake... It was all for her sake so, so we could be together unhindered by what everyone else thought and wanted. All I wanted was a world where I could love her... My Wilina and to have a world where our love could grow and blossom, like the flowers of the great sphere. Is that so wrong?' Eli turned back he looked at the coffin feeling a deep-seated anger that was growing from inside his very soul. It came almost out of nowhere for him.

'Was it wrong? Yes, it is wrong! So what if you fell in love... people or daemon must fall in love all the time. So who cares! So what you found someone? You think you're special, you think just because no one understands you, you need to wipe an entire world clean. Free yourselves from restrictions, obligations, you're so much stupider than I thought you were. Where do you come off thinking just because you're not understood you need to kill innocent people. Those people must have loved too, but I suppose you never thought of that. It is selfish to put only your needs ahead of everyone else's.

'There are more things at stake in this world... There are more things in this world that you just disregard as trash or unwanted. You know what fuck you, you know that. Fuck you. No person, nor daemon or anyone! No one has the right to make decisions for anyone other than themselves. You cannot just sacrifice others just to make your own ideals shine. You, are one of the most arrogant selfish kind, you are a bastard... Not in the marital sense of the word, no you are a bastard because you are too ignorant to what is going on around you. You are a bastard because of that selfish ignorance the kind that children have... The kind that selfish people have when everyone's turned there back on you. The problem with people like you is you do not see that there are better answers out there... You just have to keep trying. Not everything works but to keep trying that is the most anyone can do and to follow that I will not help you. Yes, my minds is made up about it. You have no right. You have no fucking right to play god with people!' as Eli left the hanger he shut the light off and closed the hanger doors behind him. After this the voice of Kierka never again made another attempt to contact Elijah Cavanaugh.