Jarvis: Season 2

 

Chapter 1: Starbursts and A Sprite.

Stress. Stress causes the wacky, awkward deformities and all I can thin k about is how Meg would perceive me! “Don’t Worry Nathaniel, we will get this under control.” Jarvis reassured but I was not at all accepting. “How long does that usually take man!?” I shouted even though I knew I didn’t even need to be audible. “Well the last host only took four normads to fully acclimate!” Jarvis exclaimed. Now I’m sitting here thinking what the hell is a ‘normad’. “Earth time Jarvis, how long is that in earth time?” I asked nervously, knowing I may not like the answer. “Well, a day is 24 hours, so that calculates to 4 years, 3 months, 11 days..” Jarvis answered as if it wasn’t a very long time. “So now I need to find H.G. Wells or Doc Brown, I don’t have four years to figure this out!” I tried to compose myself and lower my voice because my anxiousness was causing my now bat-like arm fat to sweat profusely. I worked the rest of the afternoon in silence, playing meditation music on my computer and saying "namatse" every 5 minutes. It was helping but not a great deal more than when I was stressing about how the town would see me. I closed up the shop, and standing in the dark behind me was the most heinous figure. Tall, dark, and... stupid. Shiltz head. (Dun Dun Duuuun!) “What do you want Bill?” I was not in the mood, nor was I in any physical state to deal with him. “Are you finished with my setup? I need it NOW!” Bill seemed pissed. “Yeah I called you Saturday and told you to pick it up today. I’m closed now Bill.” I clambered. “Not anymore.” He shoved his finger in my chest and looked dumb founded that it hit muscle and not flab. Or at least I sensed that’s how he felt. I was still very nervous. “Give me 5 minutes, and I’ll load it into your car. OK?” He pulled around back by the loading doors and popped his trunk open. He never got out of the car. As I finished loading it up, he handed me a stack of cash that was about 100 dollars more than I had billed out. “No change needed, and next time be faster about it! Tubster!” Bill threw dust and small debris at me as he peeled out of the alley. I walked back into the shop to reset the alarms and put the cash in my safe, I was starving but I was ready to go home right this minute. I grabbed some starbursts and a sprite from the vending machine next door and went home for the night.

 

Chapter 2: Reese's Pieces

Waking up on a Tuesday morning at 7 a.m should feel like a normal day, but today was anything but normal. I turned the news on the TV, and the seriousness of what was going on seemed to catch the attention of every living thing in my house. “Late last night, a Cyber attack caused havoc in the Midwest.” I thought to myself, “Could this have been Bill? Is he even smart enough to do such a thing?” I mean, over the years I had hooked him up with state-of-the-art computer systems, servers, mass hard drives. “Naaah..” I said under my breath. Then suddenly, the TV alert system announced, “Weird light in the sky spotted near Vichy Missouri early this morning. A seemingly red tailed meteor landed in an unknown location and seemed to be spotted by local college cosmology students. Abruptly my entire body went into fits. My feet swelled then my knees. My body became a wave of flubber from the ground up. “What the Hell is going on!?!” I screeched. “Hold on Sir, now I’m in a panic!” His Voice trembled and I could feel a weird sense if disconnect. Suddenly, from my left ear, Jarvis comes flying out and lands on the couch. “Oh crap! Are you alright Jarvis? Man I feel like Shrek with you flying outta my ear like that!” I joked only to try and calm him down. He only smirked then fainted. “What’s going on?” Milo asked. “I have no idea, but he is scared, and so am I. That was quickly snuffed as I could tell my chunkiness was completely back, yet I was still intrigued with the news and what had Jarvis so spooked. I continued to review the news in hopes that I could see what was wrong, but no visual aides were given about the sighting. I searched online but nothing. I grabbed Jarvis and lifted him up in my hand and gave him a jostle. “Come on buddy, wake up.” Jarvis stirred after about a few soft shakes. “Tell me whats up.” “Nathaniel, I didn’t tell you this before because I never thought it was possible. But I’m not the only one of my race. There are many. Some are good,...and some, are very bad.” He trembled as the words slowly rolled out and I knew it was going to be even harder to become fully integrated as host and friendly neighborhood parasite. To lighten the mood I grabbed a bag off the counter and poured some of it contents into my hand and offered them to Jarvis. In my best E.T. voice I said, “Reese's Pieces?” He smiled and Milo rolled his eyes at me.

 

Chapter 3: Sirloin Steak and Nice White Wine

Several days had passed since the news report of the meteor and still nothing could be found about the sighting or the Cyber attack. Its almost as if it was ignored just as quickly as it had been revealed. Jarvis and Milo spent hours on end staring into what seemed to be an intergalactic laptop, reading information about the bad side of Jarvis’ race. “It says here that when I left my planet, the “Devourers” had taken control of the capital. They were stealing abilities from the normal citizens in our cities but I’m not sure how that's possible, since we can’t feed off of each other.” Jarvis seemed engulfed in the words yet fear still stalked his thoughts. “Well then we are going to have to work harder than ever to become fully compatible and figure out if any of your people are left to come help save Earth if the “Devourers” are that bad!” I tried to sound as confident as possible, but I knew I was coming off a little cocky. I placed my hand out in front of Jarvis and looked him in the eyes. “Let’s Balboa this up!” (Enter Rocky Theme here.) Jarvis glared at me and said, “You my friend, watch too much TV.” I called Timmy and told him I was taking a few days, that my new “diet had made me sick and I needed to try and get back to normal before coming back tot he shop. He said he had things under control and that Bill was wanting to see me in two weeks for another project. “OK Timmy, and thank you.” I hung up the phone, grabbed a tie that was hanging on the coat rack near the front door. Tied it around my forehead and told “Alexa” to play 80’s rock. Jarvis and eye worked around the clock for several days getting timing, breathing, and even our minds somewhat in sync. I kept checking myself in the full length mirror on my bedroom door. Small hands, huge gut. Big ears, small feet, fat fingers, no ass. We would get closer to making a successful transition then two steps back. Finally I put the thought of Meg running down the beach towards me like on ‘Baywatch’ and it seemed to work out well! Jarvis used thoughts of his parents back home and we were getting in sync to the point of having a Fabio-esque body! We were doing it! We were making great strides and I realized that it was just using the Peter Pan technique that was helping us succeed so well. “Just find your happy place Jarvis, I will keep making more of them in my mind.” I giggled as my next happy place was dinner with Meg. A sirloin steak by candlelight and a nice bottle of white wine.

 

Chapter 4: Caesar Salad

I haven’t been to Meg’s in what seems like a month. I haven’t even really talked to anyone in weeks other than Timmy from the outside world of my tiny town. “I think it’s time we get out of this house and mingle with the people. It’s been almost two weeks and I’m sure Shiltz head will be hunting me down like Kraven from Spider-man!” I said to what seemed like an empty room, mainly because it was. Milo was on the bed in a slumber and Jarvis was still nested inside. We had been integrated now successfully for over a week and I felt awesome! “Sir I do believe we are ready to be seen, but just remember, if you lose sight of your ‘happy place,’ we will certainly lose out connection again and I’m not sure how severe that will be.” Jarvis sounded confident but still leery of what was outside the house. I put on my jacket and grabbed my keys. “Later Milo!” I exclaimed. “Tuna bro, tonight I want some tuna.” Milo speaking still was an odd thing for me but we had become closer in the last week or so. I guess that cat really does love me. “And none of that cheap imitation crap either Nate! I want ‘Chicken of the Sea.’ Got that!?” Milo snarled. “What an ass.” I smiled at the idea that this cat could get under my skin more now than when he would scratch at the furniture. I arrived at the shop and slid in the back to my Fortress of solitude and began going through the work orders when I heard Timmy and Bill arguing in the front. I walked through the doors to the main show floor where Bill seemed like a steroid induced gym junkie about to slam his head through a car window. “Why are you acting like this every time you come in here Bill? Are you trying to piss me off?” Not really knowing where the courage was coming from to talk to him that way, I scowled at him keeping my composure. “You gonna do something about it you fat pile of..” Bill stopped and stared at the “new” me standing before him. I puffed out my chest and let the size of my muscular figure do the talking. “You were saying Shiltz?” I almost added the ‘head’ to it but I caught myself. “Well looks like somebody found Jenny Craig’s number finally.” Bill chuckled. “I did! It’s was on your mom’s fridge. She’s outta chocolate syrup by the way. We used it all up last night.” What the hell was I saying? I can’t fight, but I’m sure Bill can and will if I keep this up. “I’m too busy to pound the ugly off you right now Nate, and I need another system pronto! I need a multiple bay centrifuge and a hyper polymer printer.” “Bill I’m not sure what you are into but this is a computer store not a science lab. It would take months to get those things or even build those things for you. What the hell are you putting together?” I demanded but he shot me dagger eyes. “I will pay you to get the from somewhere but you need to be quick about it. You have one month!” Bill shouted. “Or what?” I asked curiously. “OR I’ll… I’ll take my business elsewhere.” I knew Bill was going to say something far more violent but he straightened his tie and twitched almost as if something had manipulated him to change gears. “Thanks.” He whispered as he walked out of the door. “Is he on drugs bro?” Timmy asked with his jaw nearly on the floor. “No that's just Shiltz head in fine form. Don’t Worry Timmy, he’s all bark. I’m heading over to Meg’s for lunch, and to check the system.” I said as I nervously straightened the business cards on the counter. “And to see if Meg is still super hot, she is!” Timmy winked and grinned as I walked out of the shop. “Hey Nate! Oh my gosh, you look amazing!” I was wondering where you’d ran off to. WOW!” Meg seemed very pleased at the new man in front of her she looked at me as if she’d got a new car on the Priced Is Right. “Yeah I went to a ‘fat camp’ and it worked better than I thought.” I hated telling yet another lie but telling her I have worms seemed a little too much for lunch talk. “What will it be today? You look like you could handle the Buddha Belly without any problems now!” She smiled and winked at me and it felt like heaven in that instant. “Just a Cesar Salad today thanks, I have to keep light, I have a lot of work to do today. I’ll check your system when I’m done.” I smiled at her and stared for a minute then looked away. “Sure thing, hot stuff.” She teased, but maybe she meant it too. I impressed her. My happy place just got better. “Sir, you were right, She is lovely beyond compare.” Jarvis said through inner monologue. He was right.

 

Chapter 5: Braised Chicken

Yesterday was wonderful! I had lunch at Meg’s, I told Bill Shiltz off like a boss, and I didn’t have any weird reactions or disconnect with Jarvis. However, something is definitely strange about Bill. I keep trying to think what if he is an evil-doer or worse, what if a “Devourer” has made him a host. “I can feel your thoughts Nate and I too, feel that there is more to Shiltz head than meets the eye.” Jarvis said with more confidence in his voice than I had in my own head that Bill was a “mastermind.” “I have something new to share with you Nate but it will take a lot of time to master. I can indeed heightened your strengths and abilities to supernatural levels. Once on the planet Furon, we gave super hero like powers to a race known as Healux. They were mighty warriors yet very peaceful people. Many of my distant relatives live there still, but those hosts can fly, have super strength, x ray vision and many other sorts of attributes.” Jarvis exclaimed. I was curious if those powers were giving randomly or if the powers were somewhat hidden with in each individual and Jarvis’ kin’s abilities just heightened the power. “Maybe we should focus on keeping me from looking like ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’s’ mother.” I referenced yet another movie that of course Jarvis had not seen. “OK Nathaniel, that’s it. I’m spending the night in your ‘movie collection’ inside your mind when we get home from work.” Jarvis took a tone with me but I grinned knowing he was in for a long night. We set off for work with visions of myself as Spider-man, Batman, maybe even Deadpool. I thought about Superman and Louis Lane and of course I put Meg in that position in this fantasy. Flying around with a beautiful woman in my arms. “Watch the road Nate!” Jarvis yelled! My ears started ringing from the loudness of his scream. I slammed on the brakes and there in the middle of the road was a dark object. It looked like a possessed skunk with eyes that glowed even in the morning sun. As soon as we made eye contact it vanished just as quickly. “What in the world..?” I asked. “Not this world I’m afraid ol’ boy, that was more like something from mine.” Not much was said between Jarvis and I the rest of the morning and on into the afternoon. We worked on many different projects and was able to finish up research into finding Bill his equipment. Again, another deadline was shortly approaching and even though I wanted tot ell Bill to kick rocks, I needed all the business I could get. Especially if I was ever to get the nerve to date Meg. After I left the shop I swung into House of Chen for the famous Braised Chicken. I got 3 full orders because one, I knew I could do it all in one sitting, and two, I was preparing for war.

 

Chapter 6: Nut & Honey

I spent a long night staring up at the ceiling wonder what the hell is going in this tiny town. Bill is a psychopath on the lose, the rest of the town folk are oblivious to change, there could very well be other aliens besides Jarvis occupying my home town, and Milo is picky as one can get when it comes to tuna. “Bro, thanks for the tuna the other night it was soo good! The flavors, the juices, the burps...the BURPS even tasted good!” Milo complimented his words by brushing his face against my forehead as I sat in a sleepless stupor at the kitchen table. I could tell that Jarvis was still in a state of rest because usually I don’t’ feel this draggy. I made myself a bowl of cereal and sat back down feeling heavy and sleep deprived. “What cha having Sir?” Jarvis asked. “Nut and Honey.” I giggle at the thought that I just became a commercial comedian. “Well your eating something sweetheart cause I can see the spoon and bowl.” Jarvis snickered as he read the box of Nut & Honey cereal sitting on the table. “Oh!, now I get the joke!” Jarvis laughed and even snorted a bit then cleared his throat before he spoke. “What I’d like to do today is help you build an intergalactic encyclopedia that we can access from anywhere. We need information from our universe sharing friends and family Nathaniel.” I shook my head in agreement, I was curious as well as to the things outside my world, and how could they help me in my endeavors or at least help me build up my confidence. “So today we look deep into your mind to see what exactly lies in the subconscious as your super power.” Jarvis explained. “Well, I have sarcasm and a pocket protector.” I thought it was funny but the room was silent. Once again Milo rolled his eyes at me as if he thought I was completely moronic. “Let us try strength first, lets go outside and hit something.” Jarvis seemed to almost take complete control of my body as we scooted out the back sliding glass door. “Hold up you want me to just punch an inanimate object? What if I break my hand?” I asked. “Then I will repair it again good as new.” Jarvis was being very pushy and demanding but I understood that if what we saw was a Devourer, I should let him be this way, for both of our sake. “OK now focus. Pull your fist back and hit this metal pole. Think about your fist going right through it.” Jarvis had way more faith in my abilities than I did. I stood back, cocked back my fist, and thrusted forward with everything I had. WHAM! The pole didn’t even vibrate but my hand went numb. As I looked down I could see that my entire arm looked almost elastic. Like a rubber band, my arm from the elbow down was now a meat noodle. “Maybe they make Viagra cream you could rub on that arm Nate.” Milo chuckled which got Jarvis going in my head. Loud and proud they both laughed at my expense. “Maybe my first and only power will be extermination of these pests in my home.” I grumbled. They continued to laugh at me.

 

Chapter 7: Spicy Chicken Sandwich

“Thank God for the weekend.” I exclaimed waking up at 9 a.m. after a strenuous couple of days with the likes of ‘Abbott and Costello’ living under the same roof. In the last 24 hours or so, I had been made to look like ‘Jabba the Hut, The Blob, Stretch Armstrong, and Gumby.’ I had bounced of the side of a tree, punch the metal clothesline pole, thrashed against the house, and tried to pic up the car in hopes to find my outer strength and nothing. “Good morning Sir, Are you ready to try another power today?” Jarvis asked telepathically. “You know what Jarvis I’ve decided I know what my powers are. Null and void.” I hung my head in disgust. “That’s not true Nathaniel you have great intelligence and a knack for movies may be what we needed to figure out what it is you have inside you that's special. Today we try high powered intellect and mind manipulation.” Jarvis seemed to have so much confidence in his analysis of me that it felt much like being shoved into a door to get things moving. “Alright Jarvis, I get it. You’re excited.” I exclaimed. “You don’t understand Sir, if we open this power all others will be possible through thought. Flying, laser eyes, you name it!” Jarvis almost sang as he said these words to me. I of course stood there in a daze daydreaming once again of flying with Meg in my arms. This could be the magic I need to be “the one.” We began by meditating while Jarvis scanned my brain like a computer to find a light at the end of tunnel. Milo sat on the kitchen table staring at me sitting in the living room floor hoping that either I would start to show signs of great power, or get off my ass and make him a snack. I hoped for the latter. Jarvis seemed to be manipulated my synapses and nerves cause I felt tingles all over and from time to time a muscle would twitch. First my legs, then my arms, my neck and then randomly and with greater frequency. After what seemed like hours, I decided to open my eyes because it was too silent and still. As I opened my eyes I noticed the brown cobweb that stuck in the corner of my living room walls. Right at the crease where two walls met the ceiling. I noticed it because I was eye level with it! Floating and nearly bumping my head, I uncrossed my legs and flailed my arms. “You did it Jarvis!” I shouted. “No Sir, you did. I only found the key. You opened the door!” Jarvis was proud of what I had done and I could sense that he was finally becoming secure with being at home within me. I floated down to the floor and grabbed the corner of the fridge in the kitchen. I concentrated on lifting it as if it were light as a feather. Up it came, effortlessly and it felt as if it were weightless. I then walked out the back sliding glass door and flicked the metal pole I had earlier that folded my arm like an accordion. With just a flick, I dented the metal together. I pinched it on the opposite sides and repaired it instantly as if it were an aluminum can. I was indeed becoming a superhero. Now I needed three things. A cool costume, a really awesome name, and a spicy chicken sandwich.

 

Chapter 8: Pizza by Alfredo

I really want Meg to be the Pam to Jim. I had this thought in my head all weekend. We went to the lake and practice all sorts of cool superhero training and I had to admit to myself that things were working out just fine. My intellect seemed to be more rapid and advanced, I had spider senses and cat-like reflexes. I was super strong and agile, and I had guts. “Sir, your deadline for Shiltz head is coming up tomorrow morning. Should we go in today and finish up now that we have unlocked your smarter side?” Jarvis was correct in thinking it would be good to have it ready when he shows up. However I wouldn’t mind showing him a taste of my powers too. “Yes, lets see what we can do to get this done by morning. I think we can do everything in about 5 minutes. As we arrived at the shop, I had a heavy feeling that someone was there by the back door. I only meant to jog but my power kicked in and I ran like the flash to the door in the rear of the shop. I grabbed the person’s arm and swung them around before they had the chance to turn the knob. “Oh God! Please don’t hurt me!” Meg screamed. “Meg? What are you doing here this late on a Sunday? I mean, I didn’t mean to scare you but your wearing this black hoodie again and I thought you were a burglar.” I tried to sound sincere about her and not the shop but I’m sure I came off wrong. “I’m sorry Nate, I need you. I witnessed something strange and I think I’m going crazy or something crazy is happening here. I’m freaking out!” I told her to come inside and we could talk as I worked on finishing the project for Bill. She told me that she saw Bill at the diner, and his eyes kept changing colors and glowing read as he was eating. Then he went into the bathroom and made some weird loud grunt, then came back out almost entirely different. Even his attitude and demeanor were more like the Bill we both know. Arrogant and sleazy. “What do you think it means Nate? Is Bill on drugs? Is he possessed?, Is he an alien? Is he possessed by an alien?” Meg spouted. “Calm down Meg, I don’t know but I promise I will figure this out and I won’t let anything happen to you.” I spoke as if I knew what to do, but the honest truth was I was clueless. Meg hugged me and kissed my cheek and said goodbye. I walked her out to her car and watched her taillights until I couldn’t see them anymore. “Jarvis this is like bad pizza.” I smirked. “It looks good on the surface, but it’s definitely not ‘Pizza by Alfredo.’

 

Chapter 9: Meatloaf

I stayed the night at the shop, knowing that Bill would be in first thing in the morning. I had his project finished and preset per his cranky specifications but had no idea what He would be using it for. “A subterfuge is used to test blood and other mixed chemicals to breakdown the compounds and see how it works.” Holy crap I’m smart, I thought. I searched through the world wide web to find a hint of another use besides this. Then I finally decided to ask a question itching inside. “OK Jarvis, so the Devourers are very similar to you, and I’m going to assume that they are the same race or species as yourself, just much more chipper demeanor.” I said sarcastically. “Nathaniel, they are the same, but when it comes to the heart of where their evil lies, that is unknown. With the way they attach, they use their host until they become expendable then drain them to death. I have never seen one in the flesh, but I know the history well.” Jarvis’ speech was shaky and full of fear. “So how do we stop such a thing from happening? I mean, I really don’t like Bill much, but I never would wish anyone dead. Besides he was already blessed with stupidity.” I snickered. “Maybe it’s time we devised a plan for the future Sir. Are you ready to become a real life hero? One other thing I haven’t yet told you about this group is that they almost always work in teams or a clew. So we may need to send a message through the galaxy to the good side of my species.” Jarvis announced as he appeared in the palm of my hand. In front of him, was a small device floating in front of him. I pair of hands, which seemed like a hologram of light protruded from his body and typed at an alarming rate. In just a few moments, radio white noise seemed to fill the room. Jarvis made some clicks with his mouth and said something inaudible into the device. Nothing was received. He tried over and over through the night until I fell asleep at my workstation. I woke up just as the sun was starting to come through the windows. He seemed to be speaking with someone and as I stirred awake, he simply said. “I did it. My brothers are coming, but it will be a while before they arrive. Until then, you my good man, are our only hope. It’s time top knuckle down!” I stood up, puffed out my chest and said: “For humanity and the love of a beautiful woman, I’m your hero! Now let’s crank up the jams and get ready for the day!” I turned the knob on the radio and Meatloaf was singing. “And I would do anything for love!”

 

Chapter 10: Six Inch Tuna on White

As soon as I flipped the open sign to “open” I could see the whites of Bill’s eyes. I was glad they were white and not red as Meg had described, but I also wasn’t afraid of him anymore. I was actually ready to fight if need be. “Here you go Bill, This is the last special request I’m taking from you for a while. This was extremely hard to find and even harder to preset and configure without authorization from the company.” I said calmly. “You’ll get me what I ask for, I don’t care how fat or skinny you are! You work for me!” Bill seemed overly agitated but also scared. So I treaded lightly with my next words. “Look, its obvious we don’t like each other but I do NOT work FOR you Billy boy. I’m happy to help you as a customer on a normal timeline, but I have a life.” I thought that was nice and sweet with a little hint of kiss it. “Look you moron!..” I could see the red glow start to fill the whites in Bill’s eyes as he spouted obscenities at me but I was too focused on them to hear his words. Finally I had had enough. I grabbed Bill by the collar of his shirt and walked him into the front wall. Before I could even think I had him lifted about an inch off the floor, mainly because Bill was a good 6 inches taller than me. His eyes went back to white and I saw the twitch that Meg had mentioned. Then a slight hint of what I had assumed all along. In his left ear, a small red hair and a black shadow emerged and simply disappeared. “I saw it and recorded it from your eyes Nate. Now let Bill go before it takes him over and destroys us all!” Jarvis said nervously. I sat Bill down and stepped back to the counter. I picked up Bill’s order and walked it out to his car. Bill followed not speaking at all. HE gently handed me a check and seemed to almost bow to me before getting into his car and driving away. “Jarvis, I think it's time we ‘Matrix’ some fighting skills into my brain. I need to know how to fight these things and how to win this war.” I said confidently. “Your right Sir, but we need sustenance.” Jarvis explained. I could go for a six inch tuna on white.

 

Chapter 11: Foot long Chili Dog

I went to work early this Tuesday morning not because I had a lot of work orders, but I had set up a private gym in the back of my shop. I was learning how to bend steel with my bare hands and doing it quite well actually. I bench pressed the old garbage truck at the end of the alley that had been there for a decade. I climbed the service ladder to the top of my shop and worked on flying from there to the buildings across the alley and back with out being seen. I felt like with my super intellect turned on I could do pretty much anything but something seemed to be holding me back. “Jarvis, did you figure out how to upload skills into my brain yet?” I asked. “Yes, and I’m going to be uploading a massive file when you go to sleep tonight. When you wake up, you will in fact be a trained assassin of sorts. True Matrix style.” Jarvis stated in a way where I could tell he was pleased with himself and my progress. As I climbed back down off the roof I caught a glimpse of Meg talking with Bill in front of her diner. I focused on them and could suddenly hear their conversation. Bill- “Why don’t you want to go out with me? It’s not like you have much to chose from in this town Meg!” Meg- “Bill you’re a creep and a jerk 90% of the time. I don’t associate with jerks. Besides you aren’t the only guy in Vichy!” Bill- “Oh who else is there that isn’t married or a hundred? HUH?!?” Meg- “I’d take the elderly over you Bill so just leave me alone.” The conversation continued but I wasn’t going to let it go on for too long. I ran to the corner in a flash then walked around the corner as if I had strolled the whole way. “Do what the lady says Bill. Don’t you have old ladies to sell romance novels to that you’re done reading?” I smirked. Meg laughed. “Please tell me this dweeb isn’t on your list of available bachelors Meg.” Bill scanned me as if he was checking me for a bar code. “As a matter of fact, That stud of a man is on top of that list, Now beat it Shiltz Head.” Out of the mouth of a babe! “What did you just call me?” Bill seemed shocked to find out his name sounded a lot like, well, you know. “Your loss.” Bill mumbled as he turned and walked away. I want to say it was because of our confrontation the other day or maybe he just got board. “Are you alright?” I asked as I put my arm round her. “I am now Nate, thank you for saving me from that weasel. He thinks he’s the greatest thing in town and lately he just doesn’t seem like the ‘usual jerk’ I’m used to seeing.” I definitely knew what she meant by that, but I was no where near ready to tell her he was being manipulated by an alien worm! “Let me walk you back to the diner and then I have to come back and close for the day.” I smiled as we walked together across the street. She held my arm as we walked in unison. “Would you like a bite, it’s just about dinner time and I’m closing early tonight. I have a foot long chili dog with your name on it. You know, if you still eat like that.” Meg said. “Hold the onions and add the pickles and I’m there.” I grinned at her with stars in my eyes. Her words still swimming in my head...”at the top of her list.”

 

Chapter 12: The Night I Wasn’t Hungry

The day at work was very mundane. Normal. Nothing out of the ordinary really, I flew to the east coast and back in 20 minutes, I picked up an anchor at the naval yard in Norfolk, Virginia while I was there and I threw it out into the middle of the ocean about a mile from shore then flew back. I learned that I could somewhat persuade a person to do things like I made a guy staring at me on the bus lick the window by staring. Or he just found me sexy. The drive on my way home was a different story. (Law & Order: SVU beginning credits noise.) “At 5:43p.m. Nathaniel Hawthorne, age 31, was last scene leaving his computer shop “The Motherboard” in his sissy ass sky blue Prius. I need to shut my inner monologue off now.” I thought to myself revisiting mentally what the hell happened tonight. As I was leaving town and entering no man’s land, I noticed Bill’s BMW parked on a gravel road outside the city limits. This wouldn’t be odd for most, but I know for a fact he wouldn’t dare drive on gravel or near dust, or the fragrance of cows. I pulled up behind his car to be the good Samaritan I was hoping to become. “And what better way than to help a ‘Dingus’.” “Hey Bill!” I shouted out to get his attention but that was a bad move. Bill Glided from inside the car like a ghost, not yet facing my direction. Strange glowing light that looked like yellow lightning flickered from his head shoulders and hands. I swear it felt like watching ‘Howard the Duck’ when I was a kid. Suddenly he spun around to face me. His face seemed distorted and his eyes were as red as hot embers in a fire. He said few words but I will never forget what he said. “So Jarvis, long time no see….brother.” “Jarvis?” I whispered. “Yes Nathaniel, its seems even my closest relative is a Devourer. It’s my brother and his name is, ….Adil.” Jarvis swallowed loudly as he said his brother’s name and I could feel a second heartbeat in my head. My body started to tremble and my fingers began to swell. I knew it was time to retreat but my worm was giving me fits. I lowered my head and closed my eyes in hopes that Jarvis would refocus and decide to leave as well. But I was frozen. The only thing that saved us in this moment was Betsy. Betsy the lovable pet cow of old man Sinclair. She’s an attention whore and will knock a fence down for some physical contact with humans. As Betsy shoved her large body against the old barb wire it snapped and tossed dear ol Betsy into the side of Bill’s black BMW. It was enough to help Bill regain control of his body and get me out of Dodge. I hopped in the car, pushed the “power mode” button and drove like a bat out of hell. Just in time to see my body fall apart and become a lump again. Hadn’t been this way in such a while, I forgot how heavy it felt. “Fat man walking! There’s a fat man walking here!” Milo joked as I walked in the door, but my sorrows were too great. It wasn’t just me who had to hold it together and be a hero. I stripped down and put on my PJ’s and slid into bed with out supper. Tonight, I just wasn’t hungry.

 

Chapter 13: Key Lime Pie

The next morning, I woke up refreshed and much lighter. I got out of bed and jumped in to take a shower. My body was back to being mean and lean, but Jarvis said nothing. I brushed my teeth and combed my hair, ate breakfast and made it to work. Jarvis said nothing. “Dude if you don’t say something soon I’m gonna lose it! I need to know what we are going to do to beat you brother!” I shouted out loud and made even my own ears ring.” Timmy came rushing in curious of what I was saying. “You good bro?” Timmy questioned. “Yeah sorry rough morning, just trying to wake myself up a bit.” I hoped that Timmy bought it. He turned and went back out onto the floor. “He has always been the successful one Nate, I have always been the nobody.” Jarvis said as I could feel he was trying to exit my body. “Jarvis I command you to be brave on this and let me help you be somebody then!” I held back my shout to more of a growl, but I got my point across. “Where’s Nate?” Asked Bill impatiently to Timmy in the other room, sounding desperate and flustered. “What do you want Bill? Come on back to my workstation!” I clambered. Bill came back to the back and he looked like his old self again. “Nate I need your help man! You saw me last night! I was possessed by some freaky deaky, ‘THING!” Bill’s words felt sincere. “Do you have a plan Bill? Do you know how to stop it?” I asked to see if Bill had any insight since he was the host after all. “I have a plan but you have to help me with it. He hates Chocolate. He’s allergic or it’s poison or something. I had a 3 Musketeers on my first encounter and he projectiled out of my nose and into the blender! If I would have known he was mortal then I would have turned that damn thing on!” Bill said with fear in his voice. “Ah yes! We just have to take Bill down when he is taken over by Adil and force feed him chocolate. When Adil gets sick and projectiles out, we catch him in a cell we can create. Then we send him packing!” Jarvis rejoiced. He was ready to rid this world of his evil brother and help humanity protect itself against the Devourers. “Are you in Bill?” I asked. “Does a saw horse have a wooden wang? I guess that means yes. We walked together over to Meg’s diner to hash out more of the details and she was shocked to see us all together. Bill apologized numerous times to her and out of the kindness of her heart she forgave, but she wouldn’t forget her disdain for him. “Can I get you something sweetheart?” Meg asked me with a wink. “I’ll take a slice of your delicious key lime pie darlin’!” I pretended to tip my hat like a cowboy and smiled sheepishly. “You got it!” She said with a smile and a giggle.

 

Chapter 14: No Gravy on the Taters

After our long conversation at Meg’s Diner, Bill, Jarvis, and I had a solid plan. We were going to meet at the lake for showdown. We would get Adil to become aggravated enough to use Bill and create a super weapon like me. Then I would go toe to toe with Bill, waiting for the right moment then shove chocolate bars in his mouth. This would cause Adil to be expelled from Bill’s body, and then we throw our trap and capture him. Easy peasy, Lemon squeezy. At least that was how we all pictured it going down, and for the most part, it didn’t happen that way at all! My alarm sounded about 7 a.m. and R.E.M. blared through with “The End of the World as We Know It.” and it seemed fitting for this was the day we fight off evil. “Jarvis do you think Adil will read Bill’s thoughts and figure out our plan?” I asked surprised we didn’t think about this last night. “Sir, Adil doesn’t have the exact same abilities as me. I’m more of an intellectual, mind oriented creature, and well, Adil… he’s not that bright you see. He’s a bit of what you earth dwellers would call, an idiot.” Jarvis’ words resonated in my head like harp music. This was going to be easy. We ran through drills all morning where I used my speed and agility to shove 2 whole Hershey chocolate bars into a pint sided Ziploc bag open about 3 inches. I did well not to tear the bag or miss the opening and with the wind blowing made the challenge more realistic. I went through about 6 bars when I thought that was sufficient. We strategized what kind of trap to make and spent the rest of the early hours building and prepping our device to capture Adil. “This is never gonna work Nate. You just don’t have the stuff bro. I mean I’m your cat and all but, I’m nervous for you buddy.” Milo cried out from the back door. “Milo, I may have never made much of myself over the years and the highlight of the last decade has been binge watching ‘Gilmore Girls’ While you lick yourself. Now, now is the time to become more and I can and will do this!” I said with more confidence than I had ever had before, and I wasn’t ever going back to that mess of a man again. Darkness was approaching the tiny town and I wanted to be fully prepared. Milo asked if he could tag along and of course I obliged. I put him in the pet taxi in the car and the three of us set out to the lake with the device in the trunk, and my heart in my throat. Bill was already there waiting, and I was worried that Adil knew our plans. I stayed silent and took a deep breath. I barely mad a few steps from the car when Bill lunged towards me! I side stepped his linky frame and grabbed his foot with mind tripping him to the ground. His eyes were now glowing a deep red and his voice had changed. I could tell it wasn’t him I was fighting or talking to anymore. It was Jarvis’ brother, Adil. “So you picked the frumpiest loser on the lot eh Jarvie?” Adil snickered under a deep english accent. “Adil, you might as well just give up now. Father would disown you for being such a pain in the ass.” Jarvis helped manipulate my brainwave patterns inside my head and I watched as I telepathically lifted Bill’s body off the ground. I started to spin in quickly as he levitated in the air just arms length away. “Get ready Nate.” Jarvis whispered in my head. I reached into my pocket and retrieve a handful of Hershey from a Ziploc bag I prepacked with open chocolate bars. I squished them in my hand and rolled them into a small phallic shape, fitting for this event, cause if this didn’t work, we were screwed! “Now!” Jarvis yelled. Milo pressed the open button on the trunk of the car and I swung into action leaping towards Bill with a handful of Wonka goodness! You know cause he’s the ‘Candy Man’...oh never mind. I was successful in hitting Bill’s mouth but unsuccessful in knowing what Adil would do. Instead of projecting from Bill and being trapped by our device, he entered another host. One that was currently occupied. Me.

 

Chapter 15: The Last Hershey Bar

I feel my body went into a vegetated state but I remember everything about the fight inside my mind. Jarvis and Adil stood toe-to-toe, if they had toes. They slithered to and fro inside my skull and somehow created a virtual arena within my mind, like a magic room in ‘Harry Potter.’ Appearing almost like Mii avatars on the Wii console about to box. No arms, just floating fists of different shades of light bobbed in from of each worm. Adil took the first swing but his balance was poor and toppled over. His plump black body rolled like a rollie pollie on the ground of the arena. Jarvis bounced into the air and landed on top of Adil, no clinching what would be the neck of a worm in his virtually-made hands. “Give up brother, you never were good with the physical athletics. Besides, this isn’t what family is supposed to be.” Jarvis held back his grip and his tears as he spoke. “You never could see why the dark is brighter Jarvie, but your death will prove my point!” Adil rolled and as he did he grabbed Jarvis’ tail. Adil crawled on top of Jarvis pushing his face into the mat, and punching what I assumed were vital blows. Somehow, maybe with our connection, or maybe it was just me saying something out loud in my head pushed the fight in Jarvis’ favor. “Over the Top!” I shouted. As the words echoed in my brain, I watched as Jarvis stretched his body and slung Adil across the arena. Keeping his grip on Adil, Jarvis seemed to fly...right out of my ear and into the trunk of the car! There inside the trunk, both worms were captured inside the cell we had created. Now trust me when I say, we made this thing with a prison in mind, so Jarvis will be able to get out leaving Adil behind, but this journey is far from over. For now though, we won. I packed up the car and carried Bill over into the front seat. I grabbed a hoodie (4XL) from the back to cover my hideous rolls now that my parasite wasn’t there to hold me together. I drove Bill home and laid him on the front porch ‘Back to the Future’ style, and drove over to the shop to manipulate our device and release my friend. Jarvis walked me through the process and was able to be released while keeping Adil in place; he was knocked out anyways. We turned on the Cell holding mechanism we build along with the cell inside my back storage room to keep it secure and as I locked the doors to the shop I noticed someone standing across the street. “Hey Nate. You OK?” Meg asked from the diner. “I’m having a rough night but I’ll be fine Meg. I’ll see you on Monday.” I hoped. “Sure thing! Oh and maybe after work you and I can go see a movie?” Meg asked me out. Meg. “I wouldn’t miss it for the last Hershey bar! I’ll see you after work on Monday!” I smiled even though the dark night hid it from her. As I looked at the chocolate in the Ziploc bag, the old me would have devoured it, but this time. I simply threw it away.

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