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Great Buzzard Eli James IV · (08-11-2014)

The Promise Land was slowly growing as Eli continued to bring in so-called sinners who he was trying to change. They were becoming use to this new way of living and adapted very well, thanks to the guidance of Eli James, their leader.

One morning, within six months of the new life, there became an uproar among a few. They began spreading lies and false rumors about Eli's life, Eli as a person, and the whole idea of what they were doing. The words they spread were so believable that a lot started to follow suite and they were ready to overthrow Eli's reign.

Most of the talk happened when Eli was out doing what he called "spreading the message and leading people on the path of truth." No one really dared speak about these things or cause a scene when he was around, at least until they had enough people to take down Eli and those who may still follow him.

The day finally arrived when they had the majority ready to go against Eli's ideology. They knew the day was approaching when he would be returning, probably with a handful of new people but they didn't care. It was time for them to speak out against Eli and end his power. They wanted their old life back.

Four days after planning everything.. Eli had arrived with six new people. When he, and the ones he was bringing, entered into the gates that said "Welcome To The Promise Land," they were waiting. The new people were very afraid at what they saw and stayed behind Eli. Eli showed no emotion towards the group, nor did he acknowledge it. He simply walked towards them like always and they let him walk by. They were actually a bit surprised Eli didn't say anything. This made one of the key leaders of this rebellion to speak out.

"ELI! We're tired of taking orders from you! We're tired of living like this! We want to go back home! We want our old lives back! This is where you end, and we begin!"

They had no idea how many times I played this same event in my mind. I just wondered what took them so long to rebel against me. The darkness was knocking on the door of their heart, and they finally answered. It was just a matter of time before someone rose up against me and the Almighty. I feel bad for them.. that they actually think they're going to win this little battle.

Eli stopped while the man was speaking loudly. Eli slightly turned and told the new group he had brought...

"Come on. I'll show ya to your new homes."

They were a bit terrified. They walked slowly and saw that the others eyes were locked on them.

"Eli! I don't think you heard me!"

Eli finally turned and faced the rebels. He wasn't mad. He wasn't upset. Instead, it was the big grin he's been known to always have on his face.

"I heard ya. I've heard every whisper you've ever told. I've seen every dark shadow that follows your steps. Know this... I have shown you mercy. I have ignored your evil intentions thanks to those who praise the name. You have them to thank for my long-suffering. It doesn't end well to those who oppose me and my words. My words are life.. and those who oppose it must mean they want death. Is that what ya want? Death?"

His talk scared several. They didn't want to die, at least not this way and not this soon. They all started to look at each other and whisper among themselves, but that didn't stop their spokesman from responding.

"You can scare them, Eli, but you cannot.. you will not scare me! I can see through your clever words. They go against everything your daddy taught!"

"I have no weapon in my hand. So, come take me out. Be the leader and end my reign."

Eli dropped on his knees and stretched out his arms. The spokesman didn't know what to do. He never had the intention of actually killing Eli. He just wanted Eli to let them go back home. He glanced around at those who he had been spreading lies about Eli to, and nodded at them. He was assuring them he was going to kill Eli and they would be free. The man started to walk slowly at Eli and looked around to see if anyone was going to stop him... while he was carefully taking small steps.. Eli spoke.

"For every step you take to kill me.. will be every inch of pain you will feel. I warn ya to stop now, Cleveland. Don't do this to yourself. If you take five more steps, then you put those who followed you in harms way."

He stopped. If Eli did take him out, then what would he do to those whom he lied to? His heart started to beat faster because peoples lives were now in his hands. He knew deep in his heart that everything he told those people were lies, just because he wanted to leave. He looked behind him and more people were following. He gave a smile and sighed that it was going according to plan.

"I warn you all... five.. more.. steps.. and you will be able to answer what fire on the flesh feels like. Do not oppose me and the works of the Almighty."

They all locked arms and walked forward together. Thirty six people in all and those who were staying behind.. left and went back to work like before. After the rebels took five steps.. five men came from behind homes with flame throwers and lit the people on fire. Eli remained on his knees and watched every person get burned. In the middle of all the screams.. Eli sing a song...

"Rain down on me... rain down on me... your everlasting water."

As people were screaming in pain.. Eli got up and walked around...

"I think I might take a swim."

Eli walks in between people as they run.. trying to find relief and water.. but there's none around. Eli is laughing as he dodges people running. He continues to sing songs about water.

The new ones that came with him are huddled together.. crying.. and realize maybe they should have stayed where they were.

The next day.. Eli placed a letter on everyone's door step to let them know they were going to have a barbecue in the evening and fresh squeezed lemonade. He was also going to address the people.

Everyone gathered.. some were really frightened to think what Eli may do.. and were eating fresh barbecue ribs.. corn on the cob.. baked beans.. and freshly squeezed lemonade. While they were eating.. Eli made his appearance to address everyone.

"Every heart beats when you're alive. It's not the physical that makes you wicked, but your soul. We are all made of flesh and blood. All flesh is weak. It gets tired. It becomes weary. You must strengthen the soul. It is what will separate you. The only way your soul will be strengthened is if you follow me.. and hold onto every word I say."

"Mr. James? I wanna learn."

"So do I, Mr. James."

Ah, yes. I remember both of those ladies well. They were with me when I first came in the XWF. Emma Lee and Mary Beth. It was this moment when our friendship started. They were always so loyal to me and defended me among everyone while I was gone.

Their story was unique, and will always be close to my heart. They will return again. It will be a glorious reunion.

Eli looked at the pretty young girls and assured them they were making the right decision. The rest followed their acknowledgement and this began the new world people heard about at the Promise Land.

"This wasn't the first, and won't be the last people will rise up against the message. Even some among this very group will try to take me out of your lives, but they will fail. People forget that while I grew up in the south.. I left and made a name as a private investor. I know every loophole in business and I know how people think from all walks of life. When it comes to the very core of the human... it's the same. We will be different. We will be soul first, body second. We will be stronger than all who oppose and will be ready when it's time to fight back. Just wait and see what the future will bring to us."

When I think about those who were burned up... I can't help but realize they had an opportunity. They became so obsessed in their own agenda in the moment that they forgot the truth. It's like a man going to a gun fight with a knife. You think it'll be a strong battle, but it's over in a matter of seconds. People see red and forget there are other colors. Add some white with that red and you get pink. Not so tough then.

Am I so evil? I showed mercy and gave them a warning.

It reminds me of the many warnings I gave the XWF, and instead of seeing the truth.. they saw their own agendas. I told them that if they wanted me gone from being the owner... I would go. I sacrificed myself for the good of everyone and instead of capitalizing.. they ignored it. It's just the beginning of the dark clouds that are moving over the XWF. No one can really say I never warned them. My hands are clean of their filth and sin.

I will continue my path because the end will be a masterpiece. I will leave this world with a smile and once again know what the warmth of the sun shall feel like on my face. I will hear the voices of the unseen creatures praising my work. I will no longer have to hear people say stupid things.

Eli and those who have chosen to follow him enjoyed the rest of the evening. After hearing his talk and interacting with him, they felt comfortable once again. Eli also shared he knew about the rumors that were spread, and he easily proved they were lies. This hurt many who felt betrayed believing Cleveland's lies. They had a moment of silence for the innocent who had accepted the lies as truth and gave up their own life for it.

Eli promised more mercy would be given to those who would be repentant. In the next few years, he vowed to push sin out of the Promise Land and to keep those who would remain pure.

As the evening was fading away and the day was coming to an end.. Eli had a few more words to say.

"No matter what you face in life... there are always lessons to be learned. It may take a day, week, month, or year to see it but you will see the lesson. You can learn from it, or ignore it. The lesson you all should hold onto is that there is change in death."

As I flew away in my helicopter several years later when I set the whole place on fire... I saw the look in their eyes.. the hope they had. Even in their own death, they were learning that sin will take you further than you want to go, stay longer than you want it to stay, and cost you more than you're willing to pay. I will not stand for it.

In the end.. they learned.. and so will everyone else...

There is...

Change...

In...

Death."

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