 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| John Crowley | Daniel McMurran | Julius Larson | Elijah McMurran | Ivy Akasama | Katen Tanek | Feemerson McMurran | Jessica McMurran | Adam McMurran |
J.N: I wish I could smoke.
Daniel: So you could burn people?
J.N: No, just so I could smoke.
Daniel: It's bad for you and if you mess up my lung, I'll haunt you.
J.N: You already are, apparently.
Daniel: You used to be so cool with your burning people and your strangling people and… I dunno. Now you just eat yogurt and hog the couch.
J.N: I thought burning and strangulation was a negative issue.
Daniel: Yeah… but it made you cool. You don't even hog the couch anymore… Man, you might as well just become a vegetarian and join Green Peace and call it a day.
J.N: So, what? You want me to strangle your kid and burn your friend?
Daniel: Nooo, don't do that… In retrospect… When it was happening to me, it wasn't so cool. But um, definitely don't strangle Elijah… He can't afford to lose anymore brain cells. Anyway, you should probably wake up.
J.N: What the hell are you… Oh. Right. I hate this. Snofrk. Awakens.
Julius: Good morning, sunshine.
J.N: …Got a match?
Julius: There's some in the drawer. Do I have to get them for you? Gets up.
J.N: …On second thought, never mind. Rubs his temples.
Julius: Shrugs. I need to talk to you.
J.N: Shoot.
Julius: I'm kind of apathetic with the secret agent thing and all that, but I think you've gone too far with the Jessica thing.
J.N: What Jessica thing?
Julius: You leading to Elijah to believe… even though I'm sure it's not your intention, but simply the fact that he does believe that you are pursuing his mother. Since I don't actually believe you have any intention of doing so, then I really don't think you should be leading Elijah to believe that you are. That's something more serious than the stupid secret agent stuff… You could hurt Elijah and you could hurt Jessica.
J.N: Explain how.
Julius: I don't know… When Elijah tells his mother you're interested in her?
J.N: And how is that going to affect anything? I trust Jessica is smarter than that.
Julius: Maybe.
J.N: Gets up to get some food.
Julius: Look, I know you're not in love with Jessica at all. Maybe you might find her attractive, but you're not in love with her. But I don't know if Jessica knows that, which, like I'm saying, might make her more likely to believe Elijah telling her that. You know… Hearing what she wants to hear and not exactly thinking about it rationally.
J.N: Are you calling Jessica crazy? Opens the fridge.
Julius: She's a little vain.
J.N: Well, I will explain it then.
Julius: Thank you, John. Puts a hand on his shoulder briefly!
J.N: 'Hey Jessica, how are you? Anyhow, you're an ego-maniac, so I thought I would make it plain. I think you're a hot mama, but I'm not interested in the long-term like your child may have mentioned.' Says this in a very conversational tone too!
Julius: Elijah's still here, so I don't think he's said anything to his mother.
J.N: Alright then, 'Like your child may, so I decided to preempt him.'
Julius: If you tell Elijah that you are not planning on pursuing his mother, you won't have to say anything to Jessica at all.
J.N: Where's the fun in that? Leafy veggies in his fridge. Murmurs.
Julius: I didn't say Jessica was an ego-maniac, either.
J.N: You don't have to justify yourself to me. I'm going to the store. Gets his coat.
Julius: Drive carefully.
J.N: Walks out that door and away he goes.
Elijah: In the driveway! Doing push ups! In a tank top! In the snow?
J.N: Slams on the breaks… and honks! Slamming on the breaks when he has barely shifted gear.
Elijah: Jumps out of the way.
J.N: Rolls down the window and motions for Elijah to come over!
Elijah: I'm sorry, Mr. John. I didn't see you come out.
J.N: Whatever. I don't love your mom. Do your push-ups on the walkway. Drives away!
Elijah: Thoroughly confused.
Julius: Comes outside. Did J.N. run you over?
Elijah: Nearly.
Julius: Put on a coat you'll get pneumonia. Really, you've got no sense at all. Goes back inside.
Natey: Bigger than ever.
Ivy: Hugs Natey.
Natey: Chews on Ivy's clothes.
Ivy: Pats him and sets him down. Goood bunny.
Natey: Nibbles on something else expensive.
Ivy: You're so cute, Natey. Ties a ribbon around his neck. Time for your walk!
Natey: Hunkers down.
Ivy: Picks Natey up.
Natey: Desists and pretty much gives up.
J.N: Gets to the store, gets his stuff, and pays for it!
Katen: Catches Feemy in his Feemy ways. I hear you aren't going to be attending Academy until next fall now.
Feemy: …Uh-huh. On guard, since no one has proven he's done something wrong.
Katen: That means your lessons will be taught by me…
Feemy: And you're… Elijah's teacher?
Katen: Yes. Your father would also help, but he is no longer with us, so it will just be me.
Feemy: Maybe I'll be as cool as Elijah with sword… stuff if Katen is my teacher! Alright!
Katen: Then you'll be meeting me for class next Monday at 8 a.m. sharp.
Feemy: Excited. Where's sharp?
Katen: It's a figure of speech… I mean for you to be punctual and… and dress neatly.
Feemy: Doesn't know what "punctual" means. Notes to ask his mom later.
Katen: Sees Feemy's confused face. On time, Feemy. I want you to be on time.
Feemy: Surprised. …How'd you… um… Can you read minds?
Katen: Oh, I could see the little wheels in your head spinning. And your eyebrows knitting. I've certainly spent enough time with Elijah.
Feemy: I don't have wheels in my head and I don't know how to knit. Frowns.
Katen: …You've been spending far too much time with Elijah. Well, you're still young. There's hope for you yet.
Feemy; Nuh-uh. He's at John's.
Katen: It seems I'll have to teach you about literary devices, figures of speech, and turns of phrase. Do you know how to read?
Feemy: Nods.
Katen: Gives Feemy a book titled, "The Ballad".
Feemy: Slowly balances it on his head! Does have kinda good posture, at least!
Katen: It's for reading.
Katen: It's an Elven narrative poem.
Feemy: …Um… Grabs the book and opens it.
Katen: Read the first section of it by Monday. Can you write?
Feemy: I can write… I did really good in school!
Katen: You did really well in school. Well, write down any words you don't know and look them up in the dictionary.
Feemy: That can't be that hard! Cracks open said book!
Book: Flowery archaic language!
Feemy: Oh, jeez.
Katen: I'll leave you to that, then.
J.N: Back with food and hopefully didn't run over or trip on Elijah on the way.
Elijah: Inside now. Thankfully, he's done with his work out.
J.N: Bought chicken and pizza and steak and can barely cook any of them!
Julius: Helps J.N. bring in the groceries.
Elijah: Mr. John…?
J.N: Yeah, Elijah?
Elijah: What did you mean when you said you didn't love my mom?
J.N: Just what I meant. She's great and all, but she's also almost old enough to be my mother.
Elijah: She's only 15 years older than you!
J.N: Still. Besides, you don't want me to boss you around.
Elijah: Actually looks upset. I think you'd be a pretty cool father.
J.N: Father to who? You're already a man and besides, wouldn't you rather have me as an equal than an authority figure?
Elijah: Better you than some other guy.
J.N: Your father just died, Elijah. The last thing on your mom's mind is finding another man.
Elijah: But she might someday.
J.N: Maybe it isn't though. Who knows? What's wrong with that? Besides the violation of the marital vows and such.
Elijah: I don't want some weird guy trying to be my father…
J.N: So you'd prefer it to be someone you know?
Elijah: Someone I like. I'd rather just have my father back. Tears well.
J.N: That's not an option. Don't you think if your mom wanted to find another man, that she'd find someone she liked?
Elijah: Yes, but it wouldn't necessarily be someone I liked. Looks down at his lap.
J.N: I'm sure your mom would factor in her progeny when choosing someone else.
Elijah: My dad didn't like his step father.
J.N: You're not your dad.
Elijah: Buries his face into the arm of the sofa to hide the fact that he's crying. That's not what cool secret agent kids do.
J.N: Pats Elijahs' back.
Elijah: Ashamed! At least he's quiet about it.
J.N: Pat, pat. Trying to be comforting, but isn't so good at that.
Elijah: Sympathy just makes him cry more. Makes short sobbing noises, though it's obvious he's trying to muffle them.
J.N: Pats for a bit longer, but eventually just stops.
Elijah: I-I'm sorry… I should go home… I'm just bothering you.
J.N: If you were bothering me, I would have said something.
Elijah: Sniff, sniff. Trying to calm down.
J.N: You should get something to eat.
Elijah: …I'm not really hungry.
J.N: Then later. Whenever.
Elijah: …Thanks…
Julius: Stares at the meat in the freezer. Hopes J.N. knows how to cook this, since he sure doesn't.
J.N: I know how to make it edible, but if you're hoping for a wondrous meal like those that Jessica made, then you are in for a sore disappointment and maybe a bit of tears.
Julius: After the hospital food, I'm sure I could survive anything… Makes himself a peanut butter sandwich.
J.N: Decides he's not even hungry and gets some water to drink.
Julius: Did you make Elijah cry?
J.N: Yeah.
Julius: Sighs. Why?
J.N: It wasn't on purpose, though I assure you that I'll make up for that by kicking harmless animals.
Julius: Stares at him.
J.N: For the love of god, it's sarcasm.
Julius: …I have a stupid name. Anyway, you can get Elijah to cook.
J.N: At least no one calls you "Jay Enn". And that's fine.
Julius: You don't like being called J.N.?
J.N: Doesn't bother me, but I concede that it's no better than Julius.
Julius: Shrugs. All my brothers and my sister have normal names. I think they just thought I was going to die so they were like, "What the heck? Let's give him a weird name for the hell of it." I don't think I'm even my parent's biological child anymore.
J.N: Really now? Is there a sign on my back? Why are people opening up to me? Don't I just usually mock them?
Elijah: Wanders back outside. To run some more.
Julius: I know that the clouds must clear and that the sun will shine. I know the night must end and that the sun will rise.
J.N: Well, that was pretty.
Julius: I'm just wondering, but do you care about ANYTHING?
J.N: What kind of question is that?
Julius: As far as I can tell, you have no ambitions. You weren't taking good care of yourself before we came here, so it seems you didn't even care all that much for YOURSELF. On the other hand, you don't seem to care about anyone or anything else for that matter. I was just wondering what it's like to go through life entirely apathetic about everything.
J.N: Was that last comment even a question? Is there any real reason why you want to talk about this, or do you just like to hear yourself talk?
Julius: I don't know, but at least I'm not just going through the motions of keeping myself alive and making sarcastic remarks like you.
J.N: No, you're just whining about your name. I have to say, you're way above me.
Julius: What else is there to do around here? Though I don't know if I'm imagining, or if your morals have gone back downhill since Daniel died.
J.N: I don't think you need me to stimulate you. Or maybe you do, seeing as you've gotten around to asking pointless questions about myself. Are you just hoping that some dam is going to break and I'm going to gush forward with some kind of hidden wellspring of emotions?
Julius: I wish you'd do SOMETHING. That's exactly it. I wish you'd DO SOMETHING. I wish you had some sort of emotion.
J.N: I'd love to rip my stitches, but I think I'll pass.
Julius: Talking to you… It's like talking to a wall that makes sarcastic remarks back at me. When they finally make robots they'll be just like you.
J.N: You've got me pegged. I'm really a robot.
Julius: I don't know what Daniel saw in you. I honestly see absolutely no potential here. I could probably blow my brains out right in front of you and you wouldn't bat an eyelash.
J.N: Of course I would. If some got into my eye, I'd have to flush it with water.
Julius: Daniel wasted his time on you. He wasted his money on you. He wasted his lung on you.
J.N: I'm sure you're an excellent judge of that. Besides, what potential are you even talking about? When did you get to decide for me when my life is worth living? From what I recall YOU mentioning, you're going to be replaced for the 'greater' good, so when did you get the nerve to talk to me about potential?
Julius: Are you kidding? That… That is… my potential. But I'm talking about your potential to do something with your life besides just surviving.
J.N: Which is what you're doing, right? It's easy for you to say, because… you know what? YOU don't have any damn potential.
Julius: How is it I don't have any potential?
J.N: You're just going to be replaced by Gabriel or whatever his name is. So what are you doing with your life now? You made a peanut butter sandwich and are arguing with me. Besides, you and Gabe are different people apparently, so his potential is different from yours, I'd say.
Julius: We're the same person.
J.N: Then I'll make sure to call you Gabriel from now on.
Julius: Whatever you like. What I'm doing with my life is babysitting you. We've been over that.
J.N: Yeah, because you feel bound by your dead friend's last words and use it to constantly bemoan that you're doing nothing better with your life. We've just got through with that.
Julius: You're right. I'm certainly Daniel's last ditch effort at a WASTE OF TIME.
J.N: Are you just angry because you don't know why Daniel bothered? Well, guess what? I don't know either, so that little secret isn't going to be spilling out of me anytime soon, either.
Julius: Yes, I'm angry about that. I'm angry that my future's already been decided for me and you've got your whole future ahead of you just waiting for you to do something with it and you're WASTING IT.
J.N: So, did someone decide that you were going to get up, put on that shirt and pick a fight with your friend's waste of time? Why don't you do something with the time you have left and stop worrying about the time I have, since apparently YOUR time is much shorter.
Julius: I. Am. Babysitting. You.
J.N: Pft. Do you really think you have to? I can even walk without a cane. Now you're just using me as an excuse.
Julius: If I thought I could, believe me, I would leave right now and be glad of it.
J.N: So, what's keeping you here? Can't think of any other way to feel sorry for yourself?
Julius: Sigh. I told Daniel I would stay with you until you got your stitches out.
J.N: You know, using Daniel as an excuse is pretty pathetic. And that's coming from a robot. So maybe you should think on that.
Julius: I'm not using it as an excuse. You can see the piece of paper where he wrote it if you want to.
J.N: Legality doesn't change it. Though it does make it easier for you, at least I can imagine it does.
Julius: He was my best friend! Not having HUMAN EMOTIONS, I'm sure you can't imagine caring for someone.
J.N: And now he's worm food. You can leave at any time. I can get along fine by myself.
Julius: I'll leave when you get your stitches out and I will never look back and I won't care if I never talk to you or see you again.
J.N: I won't bring it up then.
Julius: I spent 11 years with Lonan and I can guarantee you that you're a worse person than he is.
J.N: That statement means nil to me.
Julius: I'd rather be with someone who murdered Daniel than with you. Goes to eat his sandwich.
J.N: Oh. That Lonan. Ouch. Walks right after Julius and tries to GRAB HIS SHOULDER.
Julius: Shoulder grabbed. What?
J.N: Lets go only to shove him with the hand he'd grabbed with. Never do that again.
Julius: Shoved. Do what?
J.N: Don't compare me to Daniel's killer again.
Julius: Why should you care? Fully expecting to get punched.
J.N: By the rarely seen look of authentic anger, not annoyance or grumpiness, that wouldn't be a completely incorrect expectation. Because I do. If you're willing to sink down so low just to insult me, then I have to question what anyone saw in you.
Julius: Well, at least you care about something.
J.N: Oh, congratulations. You've figured me out. Who knew that I considered Daniel a friend? That I'm looking after his family as best as I can because HE asked me? Regardless, I don't care how many stitches pop out, if you say that again, then I'm going to make you wish you hadn't.
Julius: Well, I never claimed to be any better than you OR Lonan.
J.N: That says a lot for you, then. Leaves Julius to his sandwich!
Elijah: Comes back in! Feeling better. Hugs J.N. Thanks again…
J.N: …Yeah. No problem. Said a bit snappishly, since he keeps hugging him, which partially hurts a bit and partially invades his comfort bubble.
Elijah: Lets him go. Sorry about… crying and stuff…
J.N: What's to be sorry about?
Elijah: You're a secret agent and everything and… I'm not a baby.
J.N: So?
Elijah: I'm not supposed to cry and stuff.
J.N: Says who?
Elijah: Everybody… I'm 15-years-old… I'm supposed to be a man and stuff. You're not crying. Neither is Julius.
J.N: Why would I be?
Elijah: Well, you wouldn't because you're a man.
J.N: So, how long have you been listening?
Elijah: Listening?
J.N: Giving you a bit too much credit there. Being a man has nothing to do with it.
Elijah: You're a hardened warrior!
J.N: Shrugs. Why do you feel ashamed to cry?
Elijah: I'm the one whose got to take care of my family now, so I've got to be strong and stuff and not crying, you know?
J.N: Yeah. That's right for the most part. I don't think your father would have been ashamed, though.
Elijah: No, he wouldn't mind… But Katen would… He's a hardened warrior, too.
J.N: Yeah. Katen is also an asshole.
Elijah: Eyes widen.
J.N: Though he did save my life that one time from a flame-wielding Gwen. That was probably unintentional though. Was going for a bit of wry humor. too. I think.. that your father would be more proud of your ability to cry than he would if you were hardened.
Elijah: I respect Katen… But… I guess…
J.N: Might make sense when you're older. Barely makes sense to me now.
Elijah: Whispers to him. Why's Julius looking all pouty?
J.N: We were yelling at each other before you came back.
Elijah: Why?
J.N: It's hard to tell. I'll have a better grasp when I stop seeing red.
Elijah: He should go back home. Demi misses him and I bet he misses Demi too and they didn't get to see each other for like 14 years or something.
J.N: …Hm. Guess so. Want to go to Atlantis?
Elijah: You want me to go home?
J.N: Yeah. But I want to go with you.
Elijah: Smile. Okay! Lemme get some potions! Runs over to his satchel.
J.N: Walks up to Julius. Hope you're in the mood for a change of scenery.
Julius: Wasn't even listening to their conversation… Was staring off into space. What?
J.N: If you've got to babysit me then I guess you should get a potion from Elijah.
Julius: What? Are you visiting Atlantis? Gets up.
J.N: No, I just like drinking the only beverage that tastes great and gives me a feeling of displacement.
Julius: Sigh.
Elijah: Hands them each a potion.
J.N: Yeah. I am.
Julius: Takes it.
Elijah: Takes it.
Elijah: Appears in the nursery.
Jessica: Snoozing in the rocking chair.
J.N: Appears somewhere in the castle.
Julius: Appears in the nursery. Where's J.N.?
Elijah: I dunno… I thought these all came to the nursery… Oops. Well, uh…
Julius: Damn him. He probably sent us both home and is sitting there in his living room snickering.
Elijah: You think he'd really do that?
Julius: Yes, I think he would… Now I have to find a potion BACK.
Elijah: No, Julius… You should stay here and hang out with Demi… He misses you.
J.N: Nursery. …I didn't drink it all in one go. Got a little caught in the back… right where it's sore when you eat too much ice cream.
Elijah: Mr. John! I knew you wouldn't abandon us!
J.N: The thought was present. Yeah.
Julius: Refrains from making eye contact.
J.N: Not trying to catch his eye anyhow! Hello, Jessica.
Jessica: Soft breathing. Sleep.
J.N: Oh. Hm. Well, I'll just excuse myself, then.
Adam: … WAIL.
Jessica: Snerk. Gets up to get Adam. O-Oh John… Over the wailing.
J.N: Oh great, wailing! Hello, Jessica. And Adam.
Jessica: Smi-ile. Elijah! I didn't say you could stay that long at John Nathan's house. Bringing Adam over to the changing table.
J.N: I wanted him to stay. Sorry.
Elijah: Smile.
Jessica: Looks at him curiously. Really? Shrug.
J.N: Yeah. Really. Actually beginning to feel a bit sorry for Elijah, since everyone thinks he's annoying.
Jessica: After she gets Adam's diaper changed, he calms down. Stares at them just hanging around. What's with that face, Julius? Oh yes! Hands Adam to Elijah. Hugs Julius. Haaaappy biiirtthdaaay.
Julius: Oh yes, that makes me feel better.
J.N: So, how old are you now? Two thousand?
Julius: Mutters something that sounds like 'nearly'.
Jessica: He's forty!
J.N: I'll make sure to keep my cane around for you.
Jessica: Oh, John… I'll be 40 in August.
J.N: Shrugs. Yeah, but Julius acts like an old man.
Julius: Glare.
Jessica: Well, he always has. Pinches Julius' cheeks and laughs. Well stop standing there like a sad sack. Go spend some time with Demi and your wife. Goodness. You deserve a break. Go on. We'll have a party for you tonight. Heart.
Julius: Sigh. Look at J.N. and leaves.
Jessica: I've never seen anyone so depressed about being 40.
J.N: Offers Julius a BIG SMILE. OH HO HO. I think we might have a contender in August. How's Adam?
Jessica: That's most likely true. Just fine… Looks back over at Adam and Elijah. Isn't he cute? I think he looks like his daddy. Heart. Is there anything you'd like to do here in particular, John?
J.N: Chance of pace is nice.
Jessica: Nods. Are you feeling better?
J.N: Yeah.
Jessica: Smiles and hugs him, albeit gently.
J.N: That's a relief. Gives a small half-hug like embrace back.
Jessica: I've been a bit worried for you. Pats him a bit.
Elijah: Puts Adam back in the crib. I'm gonna do stuff.
Jessica: Mmmkay… Don't get into trouble.
J.N: Gives Elijah a pat on the shoulder.
Elijah: Smile. I won't. Waves and is gone!
Daniel: Your great-great-great granddaughter is pretty fine.
J.N: What?
Daniel: I've been to the year 3000. Not much has changed, but they lived under water. And your great-great-great granddaughter is pretty fine.
J.N: …Oh. Good..?
Daniel: Got in an argument with Jwee-eh, eh? Don't listen to him 'cause what does he know? We need each other, to have to hold. He'll see in time. I know. When destiny calls, you you must be strong. I may not be with you, but you've got to hold on. He'll see in time. I know. WE'LL SHOW HIM TOGETHER. 'CAUSE YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART. BELIEVE ME, YOU'LL BE IN MY HEART.
J.N: Why the singing?
Daniel: I dunno… DON'TCHA MISS ME?!
J.N: I guess I do.
Daniel: Smile. Aren't you sweet? Thank you for looking after Elijah. You're kinda neglecting my Feemz, though.
J.N: Baby steps here. I haven't even been in Atlantis for a long while.
Daniel: Yeah, I forgive you.
J.N: Thanks.
Daniel: But DANGER'S NO STRANGER HERE.
J.N: …What?