John whined, burying his face behind his hands. "I can't, I can't," he groaned, struggling once more. "Whatever you're looking for doesn't belong here, he -- it -- it can't come out, I can't let it, you don't understand!"

He didn't understand, either. He just felt this bursting power just outside his thoughts, struggling and thrashing as if a monster being held back by a gate. He was afraid of it. He was in awe of it, but he was afraid...