CHAPTER NINE
Elijah
The devil’s most devilish when respectable. – Browning
Prophet Elijah shakes himself vigorously in the bathtub, splashing water over the tub’s edges onto the sparkling floor. Submerging himself beneath the foamy surface, he holds his breath, savoring the sensation of the water pressing against him. Two young women, beautiful and entranced, dive down with him, pinning him to the bottom. He stretches out his arms, embracing them as they perform unspeakable acts, things they wouldn’t dare confess to their parents.
Before the great revolt, back when he was in heaven, his name was Angel Denim. The memory of that place has grown faint now. After the rebellion, God banished them to the infernal depths of hell, where his name became Demondenim. Lucifer bestowed upon him the title of Enforcer, a role that suited him. After all, it’s better to be a king in a hamlet than a nonentity in a sprawling city.
The Almighty could keep His heaven; they had their mission to sow seeds of destruction among His precious creations. In this game, they were already a step ahead. Humans continued to prefer his master’s ways to those of the Almighty. The Lord’s path is riddled with thorns, while his master’s road is easy and filled with promises of worldly pleasures. Who wouldn’t choose the easy route?
Humans are susceptible and short-sighted. They carry heaven within them, yet they wander in search of it elsewhere, oblivious to the truth that they are made in the Almighty’s image. What an irony! They marvel at his so-called miracles, not realizing they can perform even greater feats if they believe. They overlook the scripture, “The people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits” (Daniel 11:32). Their blindness is so profound that they repeatedly bring their world to the brink of destruction.
On several occasions, the Almighty has nearly wiped them off the face of the earth in His wrath, a prospect that would have delighted his master. The kingdom of darkness celebrated each time, but God delivered the foolish earthlings at the last minute. When God sent the Messiah, panic erupted in the kingdom of darkness, but Lucifer assured them, “I know my people too well,” he sneered. “Cheer up; the humans will never accept the message of Christ in its entirety.”
In the end, they killed the Messiah and polluted His message. Elijah remembers the initial triumph with a twinge of regret, not knowing that the dangerous seed of salvation had already been sown in the hearts of many. Why the Almighty loves these earthlings so much is beyond him. They are the worst among His creatures when they should be the best.
Their willpower, the very source of their strength, is also their greatest weakness. Oh, humans, what a confused creature you are.
After the birth of the Messiah, there was a lull in their activities in the dark kingdom. Panic surged through the ranks as the other angels gathered around Lucifer, their master, to inquire if the end had come. The master gazed at them and told them there was no need to worry.
“We would be finished if these born-again believers continue the way they are going,” said Archangel Hatred, his face etched with panic.
The master smiled, a sinister grin stretching across his features. “The message of the Messiah will be too difficult for humans to swallow. They love walking down easy streets and will not buy into anything that would disrupt their way of life.”
As always, the master was right. The humans killed the Messiah who nearly destroyed the work that had taken Lucifer many sleepless nights to perfect. Humans, who were meant to be master beings, are truly confused creatures.
With the Messiah dead and the message of darkness spreading, the kingdom of darkness relaxed once more. They should have anticipated that the Almighty’s all-encompassing mercy and love for these foolish beings would not allow Him to abandon them. Even when humans choose to worship Lucifer and accept him as their lord and master, He still loves them.
Why can’t the Almighty destroy these insignificant humans? After all, they have only caused Him pain since He created them. Why? What makes them unique? They break every divine law with impunity and behave abominably towards the Almighty. They don’t even understand why they are here in their world or what role they are supposed to play in the grand scheme of things.
The humans have committed more despicable acts than the ones that led to Lucifer’s expulsion from heaven. The Almighty’s love for these foolish humans is why Lucifer vowed never to leave them alone.
They underestimated the resilience of the twelve apostles left behind to continue where Christ left off. The day of Pentecost was a costly oversight. How those uneducated Galileans orchestrated such a coup de grâce that day was a marvel.
The meeting in hell after the day of Pentecost was full of intrigue. Although Elijah wasn’t a member of the committee of twelve elders, they invited him along in his capacity as the enforcer. His job was to ensure those who signed various pacts with his master did not renege on their promises once they realized the benefits were less than the gain.
Humans beg the master for what their maker has already given them. They lack the patience to wait for it to manifest. Some ask wrongly, while others do not even deserve what they seek. Some ask for things detrimental to their spiritual growth that will lead to their eternal damnation. Yet, they expect the Almighty to grant them at the snap of their fingers, irrespective of the consequences. It is deplorable.
They run to Lucifer, eager to fulfil their desires, and he grants them without hesitation. However, there is always a catch: whatever the master gives, he takes back tenfold.
The meeting in the infernal council chamber threatens to end in chaos. The twelve elders cannot agree on the action to embark on several Earth years after the Pentecost incident. Frustrated murmurs fill the air until Demondenim raises his hand to speak.
“Gentlemen, why do we quarrel among ourselves when we face our greatest crisis since the birth of Jesus Christ?” Demondenim asks, his voice cutting through the discord like a blade. “Didn’t we say that eliminating the one called the Son of God would signify the end of His message? How wrong we were. Now, the message He left behind is about to destroy us. Do we fold our hands and accept our fate with equanimity? No, we fight back. How? Use the message to fight the message. Contaminate it. Let’s spread a counterfeit of it.”
The council chamber falls silent, the faces around him blank with disbelief. The tension in the air is palpable, a living thing that seems to coil around the gathered demons. Sensing he has captured their attention, Demondenim presses on. “Let us find a country ripe for it and spread our brand of the Christian message. I have already identified the country. It is called Nigeria.”
“Nigeria?” Lucifer’s voice is incredulous, his disbelief almost tangible. “But it is a black country and one of the most backward at that!”
Demondenim remains undeterred. “It is the second most corrupt country in the world, and—”
“Why don’t we go for the number one, then?” someone interrupts, the voice sharp with sarcasm.
“Because Nigeria will soon become number one, and the country’s condition is worse spiritually than any other in the world,” Demondenim replies confidently, meeting the eyes of his master with unwavering determination.
The master contemplates this, his face a mask of calculation. The room holds its breath, waiting for his verdict. Finally, Lucifer speaks, his voice a low growl. “Who will go to Nigeria?”
Silence stretches, taut and unyielding. Lucifer’s gaze sweeps the room, piercing each of his Archangels. None meet his eye. The tension thickens, heavy and oppressive.
Then, Demondenim raises his hand, willing to take on the assignment clearly and unwaveringly.
“Demondenim,” Lucifer says, a smile curling at the edges of his lips. “I have always known you were destined for greater things. You have just confirmed that belief. Who else would be better suited for the job? You will go to Nigeria. You have my blessing to use any means necessary to win the people over to our side. We would have the whole world if we had Nigeria on our side. On your return, I promise to promote you to the elders’ council.”
Lucifer sweeps from the chamber, leaving Demondenim to bask in the glow of his master’s approval. The weight of the assignment settles on his shoulders, a mantle of responsibility and ambition intertwined. Demondenim knows the path ahead is fraught with challenges, but he also knows the rewards will be beyond measure.
The meeting concluded, and the elders dispersed, each pausing to congratulate Demondenim. They knew that one of their number would soon have to step down to make room for him on the council, as tradition dictated there could never be more than twelve elders at any given time.
Upon his arrival in Nigeria, Demondenim found the political climate ripe for exploitation. The president was embroiled in a bitter conflict with the House of Representatives, their relationship as acrimonious as a cat and mouse. This discord suited Demondenim perfectly. Knowing that Nigeria had an insatiable appetite for the miraculous, he needed to establish a church that would showcase unbelievable miracles. The populace rarely questioned the source of such powers.
Demondenim’s arrival was a spectacle that would be etched in the country’s memory for years to come. He knew he had to move quickly, especially with that meddlesome John fellow polluting the minds of the youth with his Eternal Hope doctrine. The master had warned him that John was a special messenger, threatening their plans. But Demondenim was confident; he intended to humble John and break him, stripping him of his faith and offering him to Lucifer as a prize. Such a victory would elevate Demondenim’s status, perhaps even positioning him as the master’s second-in-command. Ambitious thoughts flickered before he quelled them—opposition to the master was not tolerated.
The day he invoked rain and thunder upon the mosque was a turning point. The storm had left many dead, a powerful demonstration of his abilities. Initially reluctant to revive the dead, Demondenim ultimately decided to do so, realizing that not all were yet bound for hell. Some could still be turned away from salvation, a prospect he relished. The thought of anyone else making it to heaven, a place he could never return to, filled him with loathing.
Nigeria’s spiritual aura was as he had anticipated. The nation stood on the precipice, needing only a gentle push toward perdition. The aftermath of the mosque incident exceeded his expectations, showcasing just how gullible humans could be. Why did they search for external miracles when they held the source of divine power within themselves?
Dubbed “Elijah incarnate” by the newspapers, Demondenim embraced the moniker. Elijah was the prophet who had ascended to immortality without tasting death. It was a fitting comparison for Demondenim, who was already immortal and capable of miracles that would have left the original Elijah awestruck. He decided to make the invocation of fire from heaven his signature miracle—an act even the indomitable Prophet John could not replicate.
His Tabernacle quickly became a phenomenon. The miracles he performed were instantaneous and spectacular, leaving no room for doubt. The dead were resurrected with such frequency that the media began referring to him as the Christ incarnate. Demondenim reveled in the attention, each headline and broadcast further solidifying his power and influence.
As his church grew, so did his followers, each seeking a glimpse of the divine through the man who promised salvation with a single touch. Everything would have been perfect, but for that persistent thorn in his side—John. The master had warned Elijah about him, describing John as a formidable opponent. Elijah realized now that his master had underestimated John’s tenacity and influence.
Elijah’s brand of preaching, which he called “liberalism,” quickly gained traction among the people. It was a unique blend of the two dominant religions, designed to appeal to the masses more than any existing faith. While traditional Christianity frowned upon polygamy, Elijah not only condoned it but actively encouraged it, citing biblical passages to support his claims. He was equally permissive about fornication and adultery, dismissing any concerns about moral decay. His sermons emphasized that God did not judge based on outward appearances but rather on the heart, allowing him to dismiss any criticism of immodest dress.
His lifestyle starkly contrasted with the teachings of Christianity, yet his followers seemed unfazed. Elijah’s reputation as a notorious fornicator who shamelessly seduced married women within his Tabernacle did little to dent his influence. Isaiah, his chosen second-in-command, was even worse. He had long abandoned the concept of restraint and reveled in decadence. Elijah often considered recommending him to Lucifer for further assignments once his mission was complete.
Elijah’s message resonated perfectly with the people of Nigeria, overshadowing the dour warnings of the killjoy John. His New Dawn Tabernacle snowballed, becoming the largest religious sect in Africa. President Victor, initially terrified the day Elijah had appeared unbidden in his office, had been a desperate man willing to grasp at any lifeline. Elijah had provided that lifeline, saving him from impeachment and delivering on every promise made.
Under Elijah’s influence, the country had blossomed into one of the world’s most prosperous nations, resembling Gomorrah and Sodom in their heyday. President Victor’s popularity soared to such heights that a constitutional amendment was underway to make him president for life.
For a time, everything progressed as planned. But then, like a house built on a shaky foundation, it all began to crumble. Elijah cursed himself for not being more vigilant. The president, it seemed, had a spiritual resilience that had caught him off guard. Elijah had never imagined such a complete turnaround could happen so swiftly.
He suspected that the hands of Joyce, John, and Moses were behind this unexpected shift. If only he had insisted more on removing Henry from his position as head of security. Elijah had suggested it multiple times, but Victor, unfortunately, was too strong-willed to follow all his advice. His power of suggestion, effective on others, sometimes seemed to falter against Victor. To make matters worse, Victor’s wife was a devout born-again Christian, and her influence had thwarted Elijah’s plans repeatedly.
The power of the born-again Christians baffled Elijah, and it infuriated him that he could not harm them as easily as others. Despite his mastery over miracles and manipulation, their faith seemed to shield them from his influence, presenting a challenge he had not anticipated. As Elijah pondered his next move, he realized he would need to employ a strategy more cunning and subtle than any he had used before. This battle was far from over, and he was determined to win, no matter the cost.
Elijah repeatedly curses Moses, John, and Victor, his anger bubbling with every mention of their names. The two girls in the bath with him start to irritate him: their presence now a distraction rather than a comfort. With a wave of his hand, he dismisses them, sending them scurrying from the room so he can focus. The enormity of his potential failure looms large in his mind, casting a shadow over his thoughts. If he fails in his primary assignment, he will lose the coveted position among the council elders and face demotion to a status lower than he currently holds. The prospect sends a shiver down his spine.
Elijah knows better than to believe the council elders were sincere when congratulating him on his impending promotion. There can only be twelve elders, and they are all too aware of what his promotion means for them. Secretly, they all hope for his failure. And now, thanks to John and his newly adopted son Moses, he is hurtling toward that failure.
How could Victor betray him like this? Victor would be nothing without him, a mere footnote in the annals of history. Perhaps he should have allowed the House to impeach him and focused on the vice president instead. But he couldn’t take that risk; the vice president was an unknown entity, and time was of the essence. Now, he questions that decision, wondering if he had misjudged the situation.
The master’s response to his request for help had been disappointing. He had been granted a carte blanche to handle matters as he saw fit, but now he felt the weight of that freedom bearing down on him.
“Damn it!” Elijah slams his fist into the water, sending waves crashing over the tub’s sides. The water splashes onto the floor, but he barely notices. He regrets not dealing with John when he had the chance. A minor irritation had grown into a formidable adversary. Elijah had been so focused on securing his place in society that he had underestimated John’s threat. Now, the man has become a significant obstacle to realising his dream.
Some of the elders of his Tabernacle had already begun to question the source of his power. Elijah played it cool, quoting scripture to reassure them that his power was divine. But their skepticism lingered. The fact that they dared question him indicated the situation’s urgency. The confrontation was inevitable; it was now or never.
He has five targets to deal with to steer his mission back on course. His pilot had hit a turbulent patch, and the plane would crash if he didn’t act quickly. He will start with the small fry and up to the big fish. Oyekanmi, who refused to keep quiet after receiving more money than he could have ever hoped for his worthless land, would be the first to fall.
Victor and his wife would follow, and then he would deal with Moses and his boss, John, for dessert. The sweet taste of impending victory warms Elijah’s palate as he considers his next moves. But before that, he has work to do. Rising from the tub with determination etched into his features, Elijah dries off, every movement purposeful, as he contemplates the steps he will take to regain control. He knows the consequences will be dire if he fails, but he cannot dwell on that possibility. Instead, he focuses on the task ahead, confident that he can outmaneuver his enemies and secure his place in the hierarchy of darkness.
The multi-billion-dollar Naira mansion known as Elijah’s Lodge stands proudly within walking distance of Dodan Barracks, the former state house where the president stays whenever he visits Lagos. The land on which Elijah built his estate once comprised ten buildings belonging to people of diverse backgrounds. Some initially refused to sell, even after he made them offers no sane person should decline. However, after a bit of persuasion from Elijah’s thugs—euphemistically referred to as his “security details”—they were all too willing to relinquish the land for free, though Elijah still paid them handsomely.
This house is an architectural masterpiece. Servants, whom Elijah pays far more than many university graduates working in lucrative sectors of the economy, maintain the property. Exotic flowers adorn the compound, and all the roads are paved with asphalt. One feature a first-time visitor cannot miss is the Olympic swimming pool, which occupies a large portion of the estate. Elijah is often found in the pool whenever he is home.
Elijah phones his head driver to prepare the Rolls-Royce. Elijah’s passion for vehicles is evident in his stable, which has more than ten cars. There isn’t a car brand that isn’t represented, and he seldom keeps a vehicle for more than six months before gifting it and replacing it.
His first stop will be to see Richard Stone, the one man he can rely on, come rain or shine. Elijah’s motorcade consists of six motorcyclist outriders and ten cars, each filled with heavily armed security comprising twelve police officers and civilians. Denis, his head driver, stands beside the gleaming Rolls-Royce with the back door open as Elijah approaches the car park. But Elijah’s mood shifts when he notices his chief security adviser standing beside Denis, wearing a worried expression.
Little Joe is anything but little. He is a man whose stature contradicts his nickname. Elijah has yet to meet anyone who can look Joe in the eye without tilting their head upward. Compared to Andre the Giant, Joe is renowned for having once tossed five people over his head while working as a bouncer for a well-known politician.
Joe radiates confidence. His optimistic outlook on life initially made Elijah hesitant to hire him when Isaiah introduced them. One of the few people Elijah encountered who held no religious beliefs, Joe lived by the creed “live each day as it comes.” He was also one of the few people Elijah couldn’t sway.
Elijah swears silently when he hears why Joe appears so worried. Though he anticipated it, he didn’t expect it to happen so soon. The government followed through with its announcement, withdrawing all police escorts. The reality of this new situation hits Elijah like a cold wave, highlighting the changing tides of his influence and power.
The government had disarmed his civilian security, too. Elijah swore again, cursing under his breath.
“I beg your pardon,” Joe said after Elijah’s fifth outburst, raising an eyebrow. Elijah had often admonished him for his penchant for swearing, but at that moment, Elijah couldn’t care less about niceties or maintaining pretenses. The situation has reached a critical point, with his carefully crafted script barely in the third act. Yet, Victor had fast-tracked the narrative to the final act, accelerating events toward the inevitable climax.
He decided to forgo his visit to Richard and instead seek out the hopeless idiot who called himself Hope. The president’s speech about withdrawing security details from all civilians not holding political office was still fresh in his mind. Courtesy demanded they inform him before stripping away his security apparatus. Disarming his civilian security team, whom he had personally armed and paid, was a line crossed.
His security outfit had been better armed than the president’s detail, and maybe that was what this was about. Jealousy. “Victor,” Elijah muttered the name with contempt, a bitter taste in his mouth. “You will pay for this.” The man forgot too quickly that the same power that made him could just as easily unmake him. He would ensure that Victor regretted every decision that led to this betrayal.
Elijah’s thoughts seethed with vengeance. The president was playing a dangerous game with someone who could destroy him in the blink of an eye. Elijah vowed to make him pay with his presidency, his life, and the lives of all the members of his household. He would make Victor regret the day he set eyes on him, as Elijah’s anger burned brighter than ever.
He decided to forgo his visit to Richard and instead seek out the hopeless idiot who called himself Hope. The president’s speech about withdrawing security details from all civilians not holding political office was still fresh in his mind. Courtesy demanded they inform him before stripping away his security apparatus. Disarming his civilian security team, whom he had personally armed and paid, was a line crossed.
His security outfit had been better armed than the president’s detail, and maybe that was what this was about. Jealousy. “Victor,” Elijah muttered the name with contempt, a bitter taste in his mouth. “You will pay for this.” The man forgot too quickly that the same power that made him could just as easily unmake him. He would ensure that Victor regretted every decision that led to this betrayal.
Elijah’s thoughts seethed with vengeance. The president was playing a dangerous game with someone who could destroy him in the blink of an eye. Elijah vowed to make him pay with his presidency, his life, and the lives of all the members of his household. He would make Victor regret the day he set eyes on him.
PS: The story continues in “The Immortal Walks Among Mortals: Deliverer’s Metamorphosis.”
J.J. OlutiCreative Voice of Africa
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