Excelsior

by George Sirois

  Excelsior turned from the pile covering his vanquished enemy and began walking down a long stone corridor. A sharp pain forced him to walk with a limp. He looked down at his hands and saw his torn black gloves. He felt so disoriented from the fight he had with Nocterar and he kept asking himself, why was this so difficult? Shouldn’t I have been able to withstand his punishment and then just level him without a second thought? What’s wrong with me?

  The closer he got to the end of the corridor, the louder he could hear the murmuring of concerned voices. As he reached the doorway, he saw a mob of men and women standing there. Every single one of them erupted into a cry of unbridled joy as they saw Excelsior. He started to smile as they held up their fists, ecstatic over seeing him alive.

  One of the men, Radifen, ran up to him, and he could see Grannik among the crowd. Both men had wide eyes and wider smiles. Radifen put his hand on Excelsior's shoulder. “You made it. What happened to Nocterar?”

  “He’s buried in there. The ceiling came down on him. He’s dead.”

  Radifen started to laugh and quickly wrapped his arms around Excelsior in a warm embrace. “You did it! And now the rest of the planet can be told this news by Excelsior himself.” He then pointed to the mountain top that was beside the tip of Nocterar’s castle. “You know what to do.”

  Excelsior smiled as he held up the sword and felt a bright wave of energy cascade through his body, and then he started to levitate. The freed men and women cheered as Excelsior floated higher and higher, reaching the very tip of the mountaintop.

  Denab IV’s savior looked down at his people standing so far away from him; then he looked up at the sky and saw clouds forming over him. More clouds quickly combined to form one larger one. Excelsior held up his sword, and as he did, he heard a voice whisper in his ear. “Matthew… Matthew…”

  He lowered his sword in confusion as the cheering subsided and the clouds began to dissipate. Where could that voice be coming from? He tried raising the sword again, and now the voice grew louder. “Matthew… Matthew, wake up…”

  * * *

  Matthew’s body still felt like lead as he struggled to open his eyes. The memories of what he had just dreamt stayed vivid in his mind, and he felt a tinge of disappointment when he had looked around his room and realized that he had dreamt everything.

  He flexed his fingers to relieve himself of their numbness, then ran his fingers through his hair as he sat up in bed.

  Klierra stood beside the bed, a hot cup of coffee in hand. She wore the same outfit as yesterday, her hair slightly disheveled. “Good morning,” she said. “Welcome back.” She handed Matthew the cup of coffee, who took it and inhaled. His mouth watered as he took a healthy sip.

  “Ahhh, thanks,” he said. “You stayed here last night?"

  "I slept on one of the chairs downstairs. It was very comfortable."

  "What time is it?”

  Klierra checked her watch. “9:00am. Did you sleep well?”

  Matthew nodded, and suddenly his eyes widened. "9:00? I'm late for school!"

  He pushed himself up, but Klierra placed a warm hand on his chest. "Don't worry about school. Your uncle is taking care of that. Just drink your coffee." Matthew nodded and took another sip. “You dreamt of him, didn’t you?”

  Matthew swallowed and then asked, “How do you know?”

  “Watching you get so exhausted so quickly, it reminded me of when Excelsior’s lifeforce went through Semminex’s body. He's moving through your subconscious, but in order for him to move and grow in strength, you have to be asleep.”

  “So he puts me right out, no matter where I am?”

  “He’s still inside you, so if something happens to you, it would happen to him as well. He wouldn’t do anything to endanger you.”

  Matthew took another sip and told her, “I've dreamt of some moments before, whenever I've finished a comic, but I don’t think I’ve had as vivid a dream as that. I was... fighting Nocterar.”

  “You were fighting him as yourself or as Excelsior?”

  “As Excelsior. I saw the fight through his eyes, and at the last moment, I blocked an energy blast that brought down the ceiling of his throne room…”

  “And the rocks buried him alive,” Klierra finished. “That was a great day in Denab IV’s history. Grannik and Radifen couldn’t stop talking about what you did after you emerged from the castle.”

  “I flew to the mountaintop beside Nocterar’s castle, right?”

  “Well, not YOU, but Excelsior. This was obviously well before you were given the gift.”

  “I’m aware of the technicalities,” Matthew responded.

  “When Excelsior reached the top of the mountain, it became known as Semminex Peak, named after the host of his lifeforce,” Klierra said. “When you return to Denab IV, the name will be changed to Matthew Peak.”

  Matthew cringed when he heard that. “Sounds a little weak. But since I have his memories, it’s as if I was there on Semminex Peak holding my sword up to catch the lightning. But just before I could see what happened, you woke me up.”

  “Sorry about that. But just keep in mind that when we accomplish our mission, the man you can be will be fully realized, then…” She stopped herself and then smiled at Matthew. “…you’ll just have to see it for yourself.”

  “Well, I can't wait to see it happen, whatever it is.”

  “You will see it. And you won't have to borrow someone else's memories. How do you feel this morning? Any different?”

  Matthew turned red and pulled the covers higher. “What do you mean?”

  “Look at your arms.” Matthew looked down and immediately noticed that his shirt was now much tighter than it was the night before. His arms were much larger as well, much more muscular. The young man spent a moment flexing his arms in disbelief. “What the hell?” he asked. “Who am I? Peter Parker?”

  “No, you’re Matthew Peters,” Klierra answered. “And you’re also the next heir to the life force of Excelsior. Your body is simply preparing itself. Now you should get downstairs and have some breakfast. You and Jason have a busy day.” She walked to the bedroom door and pointed at his computer monitor as she passed it. "It looks like someone is trying to contact you."

  Matthew got out of bed, stretched, and walked over to his computer. He saw a notification pop-up on the screen. and clicked the box with his mouse. A larger pop-up opened, filling the screen with an e-mail message:

  From: Thomas (TRules1124@gmail.com)

  To: Matthew

  Subject: Where are you?

  Dude, where are you? Word's already gotten around about yesterday and everyone's asking about you. Rachel wants me to give you her number! If you're still sleeping, you better wake up and get your ass over here.

  Matthew smiled and put on his sneakers, the image of Rachel's beautiful face filling his head. With her tan skin, her short black hair and slim figure, Matthew always assumed that she spent her days at school looking right through him and not paying him a second thought. Only now, because of the very thing he believed made him an outcast to the rest of the school, he became someone worth noticing and, of course, he could not take advantage of this situation. He had to be elsewhere. He shook his head and reveled in the irony.

  As he walked down the stairs and into the living room, he almost tripped over the blankets and pillows sprawled on the floor, each blanket covering one of the four male Denarian guests. He continued walking into the kitchen, where he could hear Jason talking on the telephone.

  “Yes, he has an appointment with the doctor later today, and if it's anything like what I had when I was his age, he's going to be out for at least several days.” Matthew walked up to the kitchen and caught Jason's eye. His uncle nodded at him, then finished his conversation. “Yes, I'll make sure he'll bring in a doctor's note when he comes back. And I'll pass on your sentiments. Yes, thank you.”

  Jason hung up the phone and pointed at Matthew. “Dr…” He stopped. “Did you just get taller?�
��

  Matthew looked at the floor, and then back up at Jason. He gave his shoulders a slight shrug. Jason finished his initial thought. “Dr. Sierra says you have bronchitis. You'll be out of school for a few days.”

  “I do?”

  Matthew's uncle gestured toward the Denarians slowly rousing. “If you want a second opinion, Radifen's waking up.”

  CHAPTER 7

  “So what are we doing here?” Jason asked Klierra as he and Matthew stood at the edge of their driveway. Karini and Zorribis stood side-by-side ten apartment houses away, right at the edge of the block. Both Jason and Matthew wore plain white T-shirts, black shorts and sneakers.

  Klierra took a deep breath and instructed, “Well, when I say ‘go,’ the two of you have to race from here,” she pointed at the two Denarians waiting for them, “to there.”

  “I know what a race is,” Jason snapped. “But what for?”

  “We have to see how fast you can be on your own before we add muscular enhancement.”

  “Excuse me? What?”

  Klierra began to respond, then gave a slight shake of her head. “I’ll explain when we’re finished here. Ready, Matthew?”

  Matthew nodded. He looked down and lifted his shirt, showing off his brand-new six-pack. “I never had abs like these before.”

  “We’ll see.” Klierra held her arm up. “Get ready.” Matthew and Jason locked their eyes on each other before looking down at their feet. “And...” Klierra dropped her arm. “GO!”

  They took off. Jason glanced over his shoulder and yelled, “Check me out, kid! The old man’s still got it. It’s been a while since my track days, but I still got some left in me.”

  Matthew smiled back and accelerated past him in a blur and smacked Zorribis’ outstretched hand. His smile grew wider as he bounced on the balls of his feet. The 50-yard dash felt like a stroll to the curb. He turned as he heard his uncle smack Karini’s hand. Jason was making deep, sucking sounds. He staggered a few paces then put his hands on his knees.

  Matthew bent over so he was level with Jason’s face. “Since when did you have track days?”

  Jason wiped the sweat from his brow and forced his body upright, his face contorted. “Since I wrote about it in the high school paper.”

  Karini came over and took Jason’s pulse while looking at something that resembled a stopwatch. One eyebrow tried to vanish into his hairline.

  Klierra walked up. “Just how bad is he, Karini?”

  Karini’s mouth tightened into a line. He pulled a small receiver from the back of his “watch” and placed it in his ear. Then he started moving the watch over Jason’s chest.

  “I thought your medical literature said that a 40-year-old human male should have an active heart rate around 140 beats per minute,” said Karini.

  “Yeah, that sounds about right,” agreed Jason. “Why? What’s my heart rate?”

  “More than 140 beats per minute. But please don’t be alarmed. Your vascular system is in fairly good shape and the plaque in your arteries is surprisingly minimal.”

  Jason mopped his crimson face with the back of his T-shirt sleeve. “You got all that from a stopwatch?”

  Karini looked at Zorribis, “Stopwatch?”

  “Do you have a device that can stop time?” asked Zorribis.

  “No, no, that thing,” Jason pointed to the object in Karini’s hand.

  The Denarians laughed. “Oh, the Krephth!”

  “The what?!” asked Jason and Matthew in unison.

  “The Krephth. The tool of a healer,” Karini said as he glanced at Klierra.

  “It’s a biologic scanner and activator, set to human physiology,” said Klierra.

  “Okay. Why do you call it a…what was it? Kref?”

  Zorribis corrected him. “Krephth. Named after the Denarian that designed and perfected it.”

  “Okay, so it scanned me. But what does it activate?” asked Jason.

  Karini glanced at Klierra. “Is activate the right word?”

  Klierra shrugged. “It’s as good as any.”

  Jason asked again. “What does it activate?”

  Karini turned to Zorribis. “What do you think, Zor? I want to increase his blood supply by 40 percent. Can this Krephth handle that load?”

  “I wish I could say. This is going to be the first human we’ve ever tried this on.”

  Jason’s face went from scarlet to white. “What?”

  “I’ll double its capacity and hope it’s enough. It’s up to you not to shock his system beyond repair, Karini,” said Zorribis running a finger over the face of the device.

  Ignoring the dents his uncle’s hand was squeezing into his forearm, Matthew stepped up to Zorribis. “Do you mind if I take a look at that for a moment?”

  “This is a sensitive instrument, Matthew.” Zorribis began. Klierra caught his attention and pointed to Matthew with her chin. Her eyes were unreadable beneath her impenetrable shades.

  “Ummm... all right.” Zorribis handed Matthew the Krephth.

  “Thanks, guys.” Matthew took the device and walked toward the front door of his home. He could hear the conversation continuing among the Denarians and his uncle, who still gasped for air.

  “So what are Grannik and Radifen up to in there?” Jason asked, pointing to the house.

  “They’re eating the remaining food from last night,” Klierra answered. “Then they’re coming with me to pick up my belongings from my apartment.”

  “What? You’re moving in with me, too?” Jason asked. “Just because I live in a house it doesn’t mean there’s room for every Denarian to beam down and set up shop. How do you write ‘No Vacancy’ on a microwave?”

  “Do you remember what I told you last night? We don’t have much time before Danaak is fully revived and starts destroying anything and anyone he sees. I need my communicator to alert Acerus that we have found the vessel of Excelsior’s lifeforce.”

  “Forgive me Elder Klierra, but he’s more than just a vessel,” Zorribis said, frowning.

  “Thank you.” Matthew said as he walked up to Karini, the device still in his hand.

  “That was quick,” Karini observed. “Or do you have a question about the Krephth?”

  “No, it’s all set,” Matthew replied. “I was able to fix it before I went inside. I adjusted for his lack of physical condition, the deterioration of cartilage in his knees and hips, and tweaked it to increase his heart capacity and percentage of fast-twitch muscle fibers.”

  Zorribis took the Krephth from Matthew and examined it. “How did you do that? This activator doesn’t have that sort of capacity.”

  “It does now,” said Matthew, grinning. The Denarians traded glances.

  “Our plan was to increase his blood supply so that there would be more available oxygen for strength and endurance,” explained Karini.

  “The blood of a typical Denarian has a much greater capacity to carry oxygen, right?” asked Matthew.

  “Right,” Klierra responded.

  “So it makes sense to want to improve Jason’s physical condition. But you need to do it in a way that won’t overwhelm Jason’s body. I made some adjustments that will improve Jason’s entire physical condition and overall health – among other things.” He winked at his uncle. “Don’t worry, you’ll thank me later.”

  Jason gulped as Zorribis nodded and handed the watch to Karini.

  “Remove your shirt, please.” He motioned to Jason’s damp T-shirt.

  “Out here? On the street?” he demanded of Karini.

  “We need you to run outside your dwelling,” Karini answered.

  Jason turned to Matthew: “You’re sure this is going to work? Is it safe? Did you test it on yourself or something?”

  Matthew shook his head. “I didn’t have to.”

  “What do you mean, you didn’t have to?” Jason’s voice carried a touch of panic.

  “I saw what had to be done,” Matthew answered. “You’ll be fine, and you’ll thank me later. Just do
what they tell you to do.”

  “Are you absolutely sure this is necessary?” Jason demanded.

  Klierra was quick to answer. “Do you have some other way to increase your physical capacity without weeks of intensive training? Is there a life force within you that is quickly manifesting itself and forcing you to be taller, faster and stronger?”

  “N-o-o-o,” Jason answered.

  “Then it is necessary. Healer Karini, if you please,” she said.

  “Do I activate the Krephth in the same manner as before?” Karini asked Matthew.

  “Yup.”

  “All right then. Get that top off, Jason.” Karini fiddled with the device then held it up like a camera. Jason stripped off his shirt and tossed it to Matthew, who jumped back and let it fall on the ground.

  “Matt!”

  “What? It’s all soaked in sweat. I’m not touching that.”

  “The savior of the universe is afraid of a little sweat?”

  “Hold perfectly still, Jason,” said Karini who still held the Krephth up to his eye. He clicked what looked like the stem and a round patch appeared on Jason’s chest.

  “Hey! What’s that?”

  “A contact point. They will disintegrate when we’re finished. Now stay still.” Karini clicked several more times and more quartersize patches appeared on his chest, abdomen and arms. “Now lift up your short pants, please.”

  “They’re called shorts.”

  “Isn’t that what I said?” asked Karini. Jason lifted his baggy shorts and Karini added patches to his calves and thighs.

  “I think we’re ready, Zor,” said Karini handing the device to Zorribis. He looked over the patches and checked Jason’s pulse. “I had no idea how much you would need this. I am so glad you suggested it, Elder Klierra.”

  Jason gingerly poked one of the brown discs. “So what’s next?”

  “Just start running at a moderate pace and the Krephth will begin the enhancement sequence,” said Zorribis, handing Jason his sweatshirt.