Episode 22

David Johnson watched the face of George Dean as he threw every punch and kick like a wild animal, as if his very hands were crying out for help. He looked into George’s eyes and saw all the pain that filled them. He could hear the hoarse pitch of his voice howling like a wounded dog. Even as he evaded punch after punch, David Johnson could feel the sorrow emitting from his arms.

David thought back to his own life, back to all the trouble making and all the fighting in school. He remembered the anger in his soul, how the burning never seemed to go away. David never knew why his own father had ran out on him. He never understood why he didn’t love him. He knew exactly what George Dean was going through.

Fighting always made it easier, made it feel like he was getting closer to the answers. But the real answer was never in his fists, or in his gifts or talents. It was in the voices of Carolyn Cross and Benjamin King and Turner Johnson. All of them had taught him the most important truth: The Lord God Almighty was the only father he needed.

George Dean wouldn’t stop fighting. David could see his body tiring, but Dean wouldn’t allow himself to let it go. Then David looked at the scar on Dean’s face. David caught the next fist George threw, then placed a hand on Dean’s scar. To David's surprise, the scar began to heal. However, George Dean slapped his hand away before it could heal completely.

“No!” Dean said as he kept coming at him. “What are you doing? Stop it!”

But David didn’t stop. He evaded every attack and repeatedly touched Dean’s face until his scar was completely gone. Despite this, George still kept coming at him in desperation and fatigue. Then David heard the voice.

Stop moving. The Lord spoke to David. It’s alright to let him in.

David stopped evading the attacks. It looked like George Dean was going to strike him in the face. David closed his eyes and readied himself to absorb the attack. But all he felt was George’s body falling on him, collapsing from exhaustion. David opened his eyes and found himself holding George in his arms.

“Why?” George asked with a whisper, wetting David‘s shoulder with his sweat and tears. “Why…can‘t I do it? I want to be…a winner…like you are. Why can‘t I be…a winner like you?”

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood,” David began, “but against powers and principalities. It’s time to rest, George. It’s time to submit to grace and to mercy. And you’re wrong about me. I‘m not a winner. I'm...I'm a part of a ministry. I'm just a servant. You can be one, too. But you have to make the choice.”

“I...don’t know how,” George said.

“I will show you,” David replied.

THE END.

Episode 21

George Dean’s suit was at the end of its rope, but he had just enough power for one final attack. With all his strength, he flew back at David Johnson and tackled him. And a huge explosion followed.

When smoke cleared, both of their bodies were falling out of the sky like dead weight. It was only a matter of time before they crashed to the ground. George Dean was next to David and was unconscious.

David grabbed Dean with a hand and tried to use his orange energy to float, just enough to cushion the fall. But nothing came out. David tried it again. Nothing. He was too tired. He tried and tried and tried and tried. And just when it seemed like in was too late, a small burst of energy poured through his hands and it softened the rough landing.

They tumbled onto the sidewalk. There was a circle of citizens surrounding them. They were too afraid too help them, but not enough to leave. There were cameramen zooming in on their bruised and battered faces, streaming the live video feeds back to their news stations.

David Johnson and George Dean were both beginning to pick themselves up. Dean got to his feet first. He smiled as he looked around and saw the people. There were cuts and bruises all over his tender body.

“Yes,” George said as he nursed his arm and limped toward David. “Now they’ll all get to see my victory.”

David Johnson began to panic as he was getting to his feet. There was nothing left in his arsenal. No more moves. No more energy. No nothing. His body throbbed with agony. He could barely stand. It was all over. George Dean was going to win.

And just when David was about to cry, he thought about the people he had saved from the giant sphere of energy. He looked around and saw the people of Union Cross. He saw the care and concern in their faces. And David Johnson smiled with satisfaction.

“Fight me!” George Dean yelled as he approached him. “Fight me so that I can beat you, David! Fight me so I can win! You hear what I said? Stop smiling! What‘s so funny, eh?”

“This battle...is already won.” David strained with the words.

Dean threw a fist into David’s stomach, then another across his face.

“The battle is not over until I win,” Dean said with heavy breathes. “Now fight! Fight me so I can win.”

David stood up straight and looked Dean in straight in the eyes.

“I’m done fighting you, George,” David said. “It’s over. I forgive you.”

“No!” Dean began swinging his fists at David. “I won’t stop! Have to win! Have to win! If you don’t fight, I’ll tear you apart!”

David dodged each punch and didn’t fight back.

“The Lord is my helper,” David said. “I will not fear what man will do to me.”

“Shut up,” David said as he futilely attack David. “I hate you! I hate you David Johnson!”

“Hate is for the wicked, George,” David said. “Hate is for the weak.”

“Shut up!” Dean screamed.

Then David observed his face. George Dean had begun to cry. The tears welled up like a thunderstorm.

“Please!” Dean pleaded as he continued attacking him. “Please fight me! Please! That’s the only way...it’s the only way I can make things right. My father hates me. I failed him because I couldn’t beat you. I’m useless, now! Useless! Unless I can beat you, David Johnson.”