by Ballan, Greg
The Hybrid charged in, closing the distance between them in a heartbeat. He unleashed a complicated series of punches faster than the eye could follow. Each metallic fist impacted with a resounding thud that sounded like a trip hammer. The Esper warrior never let up, all of his remaining strength was going into this final assault. He circled his taller opponent, peppering the black creature with a series of left jabs and right cross punches. Each time the Seelak tried to respond, the Hybrid used evasive boxing techniques to avoid the Seelak counterstrikes.
The Seelak, however, was far from helpless; it was beginning to adapt to this new style of combat, anticipating what its opponent might do and doubling, even tripling, its attacks in order to change the momentum of the battle. It clawed at the Hybrid and launched several more fierce strikes of its own that scored several cuts on Erik's exposed torso.
The two super-beings separated momentarily, sizing each other up and getting a measure of each other's remaining strength. The Hybrid began to move around, dancing and weaving, bouncing, pivoting on the balls of his feet, circling the Seelak. The creature was confused, watching curiously. The left jab that impacted with the side of its face came totally as a surprise. When it tried to respond, the Hybrid ducked the blow and danced out of the way, closing the space again, quickly hammering the creature with another swift left jab, right hook, and uppercut which knocked the Seelak off its feet. The creature quickly regained its footing and attacked with all its remaining fury. The Hybrid did not retreat; it continued to rain blows upon the creature like a heavy weight prizefighter. The Seelak's strikes were either deflected or dodged.
Enraged, the creature attacked again. Erik stepped back, still jabbing at it with his metal fist, and confounding the creature.
The Seelak roared with rage and frustration; try as it may, it could not adapt to the Hybrid's ever-changing martial tactics. Erik suddenly attacked again. He moved in and slammed a solid right into the creature's black face. He followed that blow with an immediate left hook and palm strike. The Hybrid stood toe to toe with his larger opponent and rained blow upon blow, his hands causing showers of sparks as they impacted upon the Seelak's body; each punch positioned his body to throw another different type of attack. He pivoted his hips with each blow, pushing off his back leg, which provided even more power to his strikes.
The Seelak was unable to cope with the tactics and began to retreat. As it did, Erik stepped forward, never letting up. His punches were faster than could be followed, his hands and arms lost in a continuous blur of motion. The Seelak's splendid armored shell was now a dizzying array of cracks and splinters; it tried to swing its tensile tail in a desperate attempt to counterattack and buy itself time to recuperate.
The Seelak fell back, extending its tail like an edged weapon. The creature began to whirl itself around like a top at dizzying speed. It closed on the Hybrid, striking the silver warrior across the forearm. The impact cut the Hybrid's limb almost to the bone. The Esper was forced to withdraw, cradling its damaged limb. It reached into its satchel, its fingers touching the staff. He willed the weapon to take its prior shape, the lethal battle blade. The Seelak growled with pleasure upon seeing the damage it had inflicted upon its opponent. The creature began to spin again, closing upon its wounded challenger.
The Hybrid raised his weapon, favoring his good arm. As the spinning whirlwind of a creature approached, the Hybrid swung the sword into its path. There was a brief sound as the sword and tail impacted, severing more than half of the tensile appendage. The Seelak shrieked in agony as blood spilt from the lethal wound. Before the creature could do anymore, Erik took his weapon in both hands and lunged forward, driving the point of the sword straight into the hole in Seelak's damaged chest plating. The sword seemed to whistle even louder as it crashed into the shattered black-armored shell and pierced it.
The sword penetrated the Seelak's chest, and the point exploded out the creature's back. The Hybrid hefted the black monster over his head. The Seelak shrieked with outrage and agony as the Hybrid held it, impaled helplessly in the air. The Hybrid swung the impaled creature in a counterclockwise motion. The centrifugal force wrenched the creature free of the blade when he stopped the motion. The Seelak warrior was propelled over twenty feet straight up into the air from the Hybrid's unorthodox maneuver. It seemed to take an eternity for the creature to come back to Earth. The onlookers watched in silence as it fell earthward.
For Steve, my daughter, and Sennek! His voice screamed in the minds of the human observers.
There were several gasps of shock as the Hybrid swung a mighty upward blow with his sword into the creature as it fell past him. The metal blade of the sword cut into the falling body, slicing it evenly in two pieces with a sickening crunch of severed armor plate, sinew, and bone. Erik looked down at the pieces of the creature; its arms were flailing on one half, while its legs and tail twitched and jerked from its lower half. Like the felenoid, its body began to bubble and whither away.
The Hybrid, Erik Knight, stood quietly overlooking the rapidly dissolving body. The great sword he held loosely in his right hand melted back into a small cylindrical shape. He placed the weapon in the pouch at his side, and turned to face the crowd of onlookers.
He was severely beaten and bleeding from several gaping wounds and punctures. His breathing was labored and heavy. His body was beginning to succumb to the wounds and blows he sustained in combat.
Erik stared into the crowd, seeing the faces of his daughter, girlfriend, ex-wife, and others whom he did not know. He desperately wanted to communicate with them, talk like a human. He moved his silver-hued lips, trying to make words, but succeeded in only making more hissing sounds. The battle-weary Hybrid took a step toward the crowd, and several people backed away nervously. He suddenly realized that the military now had several M-16s pointing at him.
Erik took another step, but stumbled as exhaustion finally overtook him. He fell to his knees, catching himself before he collapsed face-first into the pavement. The Hybrid needed to heal itself. Instinctively, the ability resided within him; the ability to harness the power of the living earth had been given to him from his creators, embedded into his new genetic structure.
Erik relaxed himself and let the reams of knowledge that were now a part of him take control; he felt the Esper part of his personality, Jakor, rising again, dominating what he was. He raised his arms skyward, summoning something. He felt his body tingling, generating some sort of electrical field around him. In response to his plea, the very air around him began to crackle with electricity. His body was immersed in a silvery blue hue. Jagged arcs of raw electricity struck him from the charged energy field that now encompassed his body.
The energy fed his body, wounds were healing, his torn flesh was restored. His body was hungrily absorbing the energy. He felt exhausted, strained muscles rejuvenate and revitalize.
Erik looked down at his body; there were no more bruises or lacerations, and the welts that had discolored his silvery forearms had vanished completely. Within the span of twenty seconds, the energy had dissipated, and he was completely restored.
The Esper intellect inside spoke to him, almost as if the two personalities were two separate individuals inhabiting one shell.
You fought well, Hybrid. You have avenged my brethren, restored honor to our race, and rectified our grievous mistake. Be as you were before you took up my staff. Our gifts are still here for you as our thanks. You are our legacy. You are and will always be the hybrid, the best of both our species. Use these gifts well.
Erik opened his eyes and looked at his hands. They were changing from armored silver to pink human flesh again. He felt his body change drastically. The sheer massive bulk of the Hybrid was replaced by his more human physique. He was, as Jakor said in his mind, as he was when he left the hospital: enhanced greatly, but still human.
Erik knew, though, all he had to do was will the change and he would become the metal-coated warrior that was now his alter ego. The Sent
ient Staff was still at his side; just his thinking of the weapon made it hum and purr in its sheath. He reached over and gently tapped the exposed metal protruding from its case and felt a surge of bioelectricity surge through him. He knew that there were abilities and latent talents that he had not yet explored, but he had time now to become familiar with all that he was, all that he was supposed to be.
The human-looking hybrid looked back over at the crowd of soldiers, politicians, parents, and reporters, all of whom watched the remarkable transformation from hybrid to human. “It's over,” he stated simply, relieved to be able to speak once again. “It's all over.”
The crowd of spectators still stared at him dumbfounded.
Brianna, who had been watching the battle with the other children, broke through the crowd and ran to her father's side. “Daddy!” she screamed as tears rolled down her face.
The young girl ran to Erik and he knelt down, allowing her to jump up and wrap her arms around him.
“Daddy, you're okay!” she whispered as she held him tightly.
“Did they hurt you, baby?” he whispered. “I'm so sorry I couldn't come for you sooner. I'm sorry I let them take you. I tried to stop them at the schoolyard,” he said, holding her tight.
“It's okay, Daddy, you came for me, just like I knew you would.” She held up his dog tags to show him. “I never doubted you for a minute.”
Erik wrapped his arms around his daughter, feeling the warmth of her tears as they fell upon his shoulders, and easily lifted her off the ground. His smile was enormous as he held his little bundle of joy in his arms. “Like I told you before, nobody messes with daddy's little girl,” he gently whispered into her ear.
Brianna's cascade of laughter served as a beacon of light to drive away the darkness that had settled upon the sleepy community.
Margaret, Shanda, and Alissa carefully approached the two, not really wanting to interrupt the moment between father and daughter.
“Erik,” Alissa asked, “are you okay?”
Erik lifted his head, looking in Alissa's direction. He nodded slightly and acknowledged the other two women. “I'm fine.” He hugged his daughter tighter. “Everything is fine now.”
Shanda walked up to him slowly at first, then running the last several steps, hurling herself in his open arm. “I thought I'd lost you forever,” she cried.
“I'm all right, baby, it's over,” Erik whispered as he inhaled the scent of her hair and perfume. “I'm sorry for what this must have put you through. There was no other way. I didn't have a choice,” he added in an attempt to explain and apologize.
Shanda gently touched her finger to his lips. “No, no apologies. You did what had to be done, what the Espers needed you to do. I'm just thankful you're back to normal.”
Erik smirked, and Shanda sensed immediately that all was not normal. But at this time right now, she didn't care. Erik was back, Brianna and the other children were safe, and the creatures from another time were destroyed.
“How?” Alissa asked. “How did you change back?”
“It wasn't intended to be permanent, I guess,” Erik answered simply, not wanting to reveal everything to her or anyone just yet. He needed time to evaluate what had happened to his body, and to study the new gifts he had been given.
“Mr. Knight,” a voice called.
Erik looked up to see Major Ross and Captain Anderson approaching him.
* * * *
“Mr. Knight!” the Major repeated loudly. “Well done, mister, well done,” the Major complimented.
Erik turned and faced the Major. He looked deep into the Major's eyes with his fiery gaze, and Ross could feel the Esper's powerful mind reading him, studying him. At that point, the Major knew that he was dealing with intelligence and a power beyond anything that he had coped with before. It was obvious that Knight was still more than human, the flesh simply a façade of the powerful being still residing within.
“Thank you,” Erik replied simply and evasively.
“We have several questions,” Ross added uncomfortably, comprehending that Knight had some ability to read minds. He tried to shield his thoughts from the Esper as much as possible. “Would you consent to a debriefing in our command tent?”
“No, thank you,” Erik declined. “I want to take my daughter home, curl up on my own couch, and pretend that this whole nightmare never happened—”
“Mr. Knight,” Captain Anderson interrupted, “we just need some more details of what actually went on up there; all we have are the verbal accounts of four children. Any light you could shed upon this would be greatly appreciated by military intelligence. For example,” the Captain continued, using a more reasonable tone. “Are there any more of these things running around up there, or anywhere? Do you know who controlled the helicopter that attacked two of our choppers?”
“As far as I know, those were the last of their kind,” Erik answered truthfully. “As far as your rogue helicopter, I only have speculation, but no real proof of anything, yet. But when I do, you'll hear from me.”
“We lost over 50 men today because of those things, Knight.” Ross commented.
“I'm truly sorry for that, but that's not really my fault. They almost killed me too, on more than one occasion, remember?”
“I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist on a debriefing, Mr. Knight, too much has happened today, and we need answers,” the Major pressed, blocking Erik's path.
Erik looked directly into Ross's eyes, his light blue eyes suddenly burning with aqua fire. The Major felt those eyes threatening to burn right through him with their inhuman intensity.
“Major, it's over. I'm not going anywhere. You already know how to find me. Let's not start another fight so soon after I just finished with one. You're tired and I'm tired. You have a great many dead soldiers up in those woods.” He gestured, pointing toward Hopedale Mountain, “And there are many hungry wild animals out wandering at night, searching for food. Your men deserve better than to be gnawed on by some carrion eaters looking for a midnight snack.” Erik walked by the Major.
“We'll get them out,” Ross replied in a whisper as he watched Erik walk away. The Major noted the look of content and satisfaction as young Brianna Knight looked over her father's powerful shoulder. “We're not through yet, Mr. Knight,” Ross mumbled to himself, “not by a long shot.”
“Where are we going, Daddy?” Brianna whispered.
“Home,” Erik replied as he carried his daughter toward Madame's.
Ross watched Shanda, Alissa, and the Pendletons pile into their cars and head toward the restaurant.
* * * *
Jeff sat quietly at one of the booths, reviewing invoices and balancing ledgers from his business. His mind kept wandering back to the sight of his friend's broken body lying in the hospital bed on the verge of dying. He would occasionally look over into Erik's favorite corner booth, remembering his young friend as he enjoyed his favorite meal, or dealt with clients. Jeff knew that that was not how Erik would have wanted to end his life. He figured that there was not much chance of finding young Brianna Knight or any of the other children that were abducted from the schoolyard. That, too, anguished his soul—four innocent children terrorized by those beasts.
The dark thoughts continued to depress him further and he pushed away his receipts and papers in disgust. He heard the chimes announce the arrival of somebody entering the diner.
“We're closed,” he yelled moodily.
“Jeff?” Shanda made her way into the main area of the restaurant.
“Shanda?” Jeff replied. “Is it over, is he...” he paused. “Is he dead?” he finished, struggling to force the distasteful words from his mouth.
“Uncle Jeff?” a little voice cried from the hallway.
Jeff's eyes widened and he slowly stood up from the table. “Brianna?” he said in disbelief. “Brianna Knight!” he whispered as he saw the girl walk into the dining area. Jeff ran to the child and scooped her up in his arms. “How is it possible?�
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“Daddy came and got me, Uncle Jeff. You shoulda seen him. He was all silvery, like a big mirror, with glowing blue eyes,” Brianna announced proudly.
“But I saw him. We saw him earlier,” he stammered, looking at Shanda for help.
“It's true,” another voice said as Alissa walked into the diner with Margaret Pendelton.
“But how?” he asked.
“It's a long story,” Shanda answered, looking over at Alissa who smiled briefly. The mysterious young girl seemed relieved that the events had finally played out to their proper conclusion and that Erik would not be condemned to a life of isolation.
They all sat down and gave Jeff the quick version of the incredible events that had taken place over the past two days. Jeff's jaw continually dropped bit by bit as the story continued, until his mouth hung open in disbelief.
“Where is he? Where is he now?” Jeff demanded
“Right outside, waiting to talk to you,” Shanda answered.
* * * *
Jeff calmly stepped out into the dark parking lot, he peered into the darkness, as if not knowing what to expect.
“Erik?” he called out into the darkness.
Up here, in the big tree over the dumpster, a voice rang out in his mind.
Jeff was startled as he heard Erik's voice trumpeting inside his head. He looked up and saw a pair of glowing blue eyes looming in the tree. Erik gracefully dropped from the tree to land silently two meters in front of the startled man. Jeff looked at his friend in awe.
“You get used to being up there,” Erik remarked as he studied his friend.
“My God!” Jeff exclaimed. “You look like you just came out of a show room, not a single scratch or mark on you. Far different from when I last saw you.”
