JACK CHAPTER 9

Elijah had managed to cope with a lot of things this journey.
She could handle that there were giants, she could handle that there were other worlds, she could even handle the fact that she’d be a freak show the rest of her life. The one thing Elijah could not handle was Jack. Seeing him here now in front of her made her want to puke, how could he be one of them?


Jack didn't move from his spot; his carefree attitude had quickly passed,
and now he looked upon the girl with extreme caution.

Jack squeezed Bethany's hand; partly for support and partly because he was scared. Even this far from the human, he could see the tears starting to trickle down her little eyes. The idea that he was the reason for this made him feel beastly. It wasn't far from the truth, but seeing it in her eyes, seeing her so afraid, made it worse.

He want to scoop up the small girl and tell her everything was going to be okay, but Jack knew Pet well enough to know she wouldn't handle that form of interaction well.  

He gave Bethany's hand one last squeeze before letting go. He approached the human slowly at first, but seeing  the tears starting to flow more smoothly and frequently, he knew he’d need to get this over with.  With a slide and a step he was at the desk. Jack crouched down so that he was eye level with Pet.

The form of approach was too much for the tiny human. At this point, there was no graceful way of hiding it. Elijah was in a full blown sobs. She coughed, trying to swallow her tears down.

Jack didn’t speak for a moment or two letting her cry. Elijah hated crying in front of others but there wasn’t anything he could necessarily do about it,the situation would only worsen if he didn’t talk to her right away, but What would he say, What should he say?

“This isn’t how--”

“OW!” Elijah let out a high pitched scream.

Jack covered his ears, surprised that something so small could make a noise so loud.

Elijah wobbled back and forth a moment, she could feel herself starting to black out.
Jack was quick to notice this as well. He held a pointer finger out to stop the girl from face planting.

With the little energy the human had left, she jumped away from the giant, shaking her head weakly at him. No.

Jack frowned, and, understanding her request, he pulled away. Was she really so scared of him that she wouldn't even let him help her?

Elijah held her hand to her forehead, feeling a raising temperature. She looked up at the giants
right before collapsing and blacking out.


“Annoying little imp, isn’t she?” Jack looked up to see Elliot polishing a recently used syringe.

“What the hell did you do to her?” He demanded.

“I saved her.”

“Saved her?”

“You’re welcome.”

Jack grabbed Elliot by the shirt collar, giving a tight tug forward. Elliot’s hand hit the edge of the table, but with quick reflexes, he wrapped his hand around the edge of the desk and held himself up to keep from crushing the humans.

“How the hell did you help her?” Jack’s face was mere inches from Elliot’s.

“I’d take my hands off if I were you.” The doctor warned.

“Well, you’re not me.” Jack's grip tightened around Elliot’s shirt. “Now start talking.”

Elliots mouth curled up into a sinister sort of smirk “I’m not afraid of you, Slayer.”

“Call me that again, you will be.”

“Slayer.”

Jack stepped back, shoving the doctor away from the desk; stumbling back, but managing not to fall, Elliot balanced himself. Jack held up a fist in a warning.

“What did you do to her?”

“I already told you.” The doctor replied, seeming unthreatened by Jack’s gesture.

“I want the truth.”

“That is the truth.”

“Bullshit.”

“You might find this hard to believe, Slayer, but unlike you, I’m not the one who needs to prove myself in situations like this.” Elliot said coldly.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“You know exactly what I mean.”

Jack curled his hands tighter, making his knuckles go white. He stepped closer, ready to throw a fist. He threw it forward, and aimed right for the doctor's jaw. Maybe that would stop his hellish smirk. Only his hand didn't hit. Just as it was inches from the doctor's face, Bethany had grabbed Jack by the waist and pushed him away from Elliot.

“Calm down, Jackie!” She stepped in front of her fiance and uncle, ready to split them apart in case any more physical violence aroused.

“Yes Jackie, calm down.” Elliot taunted.

“Shut up, Uncle Quinn!”

“I’d listen to your niece.” Jack chuckled.

“Shut up, Jack.”

“I’d Listen to your fiance.” Elliot mimicked back.

"You both need to shut up and listen!" Bethany snapped. She waited a moment before speaking. “These humans aren’t from Atlas, meaning their bodies were just exposed to over a million different types of germs. Things we’ve grown immune to could of killed them in minutes, had Quinn not given them the shot.”

Jack crossed his arms giving the doctor a questioning glance. “So you’re telling me you had a magic shot to cure their immune systems?”

“Not all, but most of the deadly ones.” The doctor confirmed.

“Most?”

“Yes, That’s what I said.”

“So she could still die.”

“It’s a possibility.”

“Have you tested this medication before.”

“Is this an interview now?” Elliot yawned

“Have you tested this medication before.” Jack repeated slower, worry and agitation slipping into his voice.

“No.”

“ So you made her a lab rat?”

“Well I didn’t have much of a choice, now did I ?”

Jack clenched his jaw. He could think of a few harsh words he’d like to explain to the scrawny doctor,
but more of how much he’d enjoy his fist in the scumbag’s face. Just as he clenched his hand back into a fist, another hand was placed on his shoulder, not in a threatening manner, but calm and caring.

“Take a deep breaths and think for a minute. Uncle Quinn could've just let the humans die, instead he’s taken it upon him to try and save them.”

“Try.” Jack scoffed.

“Yes try! Isn’t try better than giving up? Without the medication, the humans would have died, with this, there is a maybe, and that’s better than nothing. So take it."


Jack unclenched his fist and nodded towards Elliot. Both knew each other better
than to expect an apology out of one another. Understanding his gesture, Elliot nodded back.


“Both of them might be sick for the next few days, but with luck, they should recover.”

"Explain something to me, Quinn."

The doctor folded his arms waiting for Jack to continue.

“When I went to Eden, I only threw up for a few days, but  it was never a life or death situation.” Jack scratched his head.“Why is that? Why are the humans at risk, but I wasn’t?”

It was a good question; he had to give The Slayer points for actually thinking up an intelligent question. “I don't know." He admitted after a few moments of silence. "My best guess would be your immune system. Giants’ immune systems are stronger than humans - we’re able to adapt to different environments rather quickly. Despite your size on Eden, you weren’t human.”

“I don’t mean to be blunt, but doesn’t size make you human?”

“there’s a lot of similarities to humans and giants, yes, but with those similarities, there are differences.
There’s a lot more to it than size, Mr. Calloway.”

“So now what, do we just wait for them to wake up?” Bethany asked.

“I have some human monitors stored in the back, I’d like to hook them up and make sure that is the case.”

“Which I can do for you.” Bethany added.

Elliot chuckled at his niece “ I Think I’m capable of handling a monitor, Bethany.”

“Yes, but you’ve got Del at the bar waiting for you.”  

“What about it?”

“Leaving Del in the bar is a bit harsh.” Bethany frowned.

“So...”

“So, you need to go up there before he starts asking questions.”

“Me actually showing up would cause questions.” Elliot grunted.

“If you don't show up, he's going to come looking for you which could mean sighting the humans.”

“Oh like that hasn’t happened alread--”

“Del knows?" Jack interrupted.

"Better yet: how does he know, why does he know, Who else know--”

Elliot held a finger up. “One question at a time.”

“Who else knows?”

“Albie.”

“You told Albie!”

“Oh you know me, always gossiping.” Elliot dryly replied.

“Albie brought the humans into Uncle Quinn's lab.” Bethany explained.

“What is his involvement so far?”

"Albie's or Del's?"

"Albie."

“So far, he’s brought them here and asked for a reward.”

"Did he make any stops?"

"From what I know, he came straight here." Elliot replied. He could see the concern and worry in Jack’s eyes, something he wasn't used to seeing.

Jack caught Elliot’s glance, feeling uncomfortable. He turned away.

“I’ll meet with him tomorrow, see if doubling the payment will help him stay quiet on this matter.”

“Albie keep a secret?”  

“It’s the only solution we’ve got.”

“well we have another.”

“I’m not killing him.”  

“No, you stupid wanker, I’m talking about memory potion. I was going to whip some tomorrow, so I wouldn’t have to pay him?”

“A memory potion, that's perfect! Could you make one for Del also?” Bethany patted her uncle on the back.

Surprised, Elliot twitched at the sudden contact. “I’ve only got enough ingredients for one, I’m lucky enough to have this one.”

“How'd you come across it?”

“Years of collecting, most come from different parts of the world I traveled to when I was in the force.”


Jack nodded. “If we're going to use it, best to use it on Albie, is Del trustworthy?”

“I’ve only known him  for three months. Good kid, hard worker.”

“That’s not enough for me.”

“It’s going to have to be.”

“Elliot, please, I need you to talk to him, tell him to keep quiet, bribe him.”

Elliot studied Jack's face a moment, he could still see that look of concern in Jack’s eyes he simply nodded. “Since you said please.”


******************************************************************************

When she opened her eyes. Elijah  didn’t have to think of where she was. Her  head had the same throbbing ache it had when she first arrived on planet. She rubbed her head knowing very well this might start becoming a casual thing in a world so big.  

She shifted herself into a more comfortable position, glancing at her surroundings. This was different. She'd been moved from Elliot's desk and onto the couch she'd noticed earlier. Guessing by the feeling of the surface beneath her, someone had grabbed a pillow and lay her on top of it, taking care to make sure she was more comfortable.

A long, dark shadow covered her and most of her light. Confused and a little scared, she cast her gaze in the direction of the maker and gasped, scooting back in shock.

Jack was at the foot of the couch, his back pressed against the hard surface. Elijah waited nervously for a reaction, it took her a minute to realize the giant was asleep.

He looked like Jack, but not her Jack. Aside from the height there were other differences  to the giant.

Long, curly black locks that once tangled and mixed together, had been cut back and styled in a well-kept, clean cut manner. They still held a slight wave, but not like they once had.

His face was older, too. It held a salt-and-pepper sort of look; crows feet and laughter lines were beginning to settle in.

The most noticeable thing was his clothing. He wore a clean blue suit jacket with silver lining, and under it was a purple sweater vest with a white collar poking out. Straight cut levis with a classy oxford style shoe. His style gave him an important sort of look, one she didn’t like.

Ripped up jeans, v-necks and leather jackets - that’s what her Jack would wear. He would’ve never been caught dead in such fancy attire.


Elijah’s observations were interrupted when she felt the wind from the main door slowly begin to slide open. The girl quickly laid on her back, and closed her eyes just as Jack’s opened, alert and ready.

“Who..who’s there.”  He sounded concerned and protective, as if he was ready to shoot the intruder on command.

“I come in peace,” Bethany stood in the doorway, surrendering two coffee styled cups, one in each hand.

Jack yawned, holding a hand out to take one of the drinks. His fiance handed  him one of the cups and sat down next to him, she draped one of his arms around her shoulder. Jack pulled her in closer, giving a kiss on the forehead.

“How long was I out?”

“Long enough for me to get the crooks tea and come back, Six minutes.”

Jack nodded “Well, it’s a good thing you brought the drinks.” He took a sip of his drink and wrinkled his nose. “What the hell is this.”

“It’s called water.”

“I thought you got crooks tea?”

“Oh, I did” Bethany took a sip of her drink, winking at Jack. “Come on. Jackie, you really thought I’d give you Crooks tea when you’ve had ….six minutes of sleep in the last three days?”

Jack pinched the end of Bethany's nose giving it a light shake. “I hate you.”

“I want a divorce after the wedding,” A nasally Bethany said. She grabbed his nose and  pinched back.

“Deal.” A nasally Jack replied.

They looked at one another, each holding the other's nose. Seeing how ridiculously stupid and childish this had to look, they both burst into a fit of giggles, pulling back their hands at the same time. Bethany leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to Jack's cheek, and he turned into it at the last second, resulting in a kiss on her lips.


“You’re the worst.”

Jack put a finger to her lip before gently putting his own lips on and giving a longer more gentle kiss.

“I think this is the first time I’ve seen you look relaxed since you saw the humans.”

Jack shifted slightly. He seemed to tense up at the sudden reminder of why he was there.

“Jack, you’re exhausted. We’re lucky the humans didn’t wake up yesterday.”

“I was fine.” He defended.

“You were a tirant.”

Jack looked back at the small girl. “Just one more hour. Then I’m off to bed, scouts honor.”

“Scouts what?”

“Scouts honor… it’s something the humans said on Eden.”

“One hour.” Bethany agreed. They sealed the deal with a kiss.

“I’m going to go see if the boy’s awake.”

Jack waited until Bethany was out of sight before turning back to Elijah. “Alright you little shit, I know you’re faking.” Elijah remained still. "Come on, Pet. You always wrinkle your nose when you're pretending to sleep, don't you  think I learned that from the countless times I looked after you as a child?"

Elijah slowly opened her eyes, although she didn't move. Only stared at him.

Jack seemed surprised by that reaction, having expected her to fight him as opposed to the quiet cooperation. He looked down at the tiny girl, taking a deep breath. "Look, Pet..." He stalled,
trying to find the right words to comfort her. "I-I'm sorry."


Elijah sat up, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Please say something" Jack's voice cracked at the attempts of sounding light hearted and gentle
he was nervous. No going around it.

“ A-and to think this whole time I was your p-pet” She muttered.

Jack scrunched his eyebrows concerned by the girl's comment. “Is that how you think I see you?”

Elijah slowly nodded.

Jack let out a sudden high pitched giggle.

“W-What’s so funny?”  Elijah tilted her head. Confused by the sudden unexpected reaction

“You honestly think that?” He chuckled

“I-it would explain why you c-called me, Pet.” She defended

"I call you pet because you went through a phase where you liked to be dog. It was the only
name that'd get your attention."

Elijah pulled her jacket sleeve down wiping the tears from her eyes.  

“W-where are the humans?”

Jack smiled. It was nice seeing the girl try to keep a conversation instead of slipping back into a comatose state. “They’re on Earth now.”

“E-earth, b-but how?”

“With the help of a brave giant named Jack.” He bowed. “He slayed many giants earning the title

“J-Jack the g-giant slayer.”

“Exactly.”

“So you w-were named after t-the story.”

“More like the story was named after me.”

“T-they got the story wrong.”

“Time changes things, even stories.”

“B-but  those b-books where written a-ages ago. A-and Albie said the humans had been gone for only t-thirty years. J-Jack and the G-Giant Slayer happened hundreds of years ago.”

“On earth.”

“On earth?”  

“It happened hundreds of years ago on earth. Time on earth and time on Atlas work differently.”

“S-So people on earth th-think I’m dead?”

“Not exactly.”

“What?” Elijah scratched her head.

“Think of a time zone; we all currently live in the same moment, but our times are different. Only instead of a few hours, it’s a few decades. Currently, earth could be going through the second world war with the distance it is from us.”


“So when you helped the humans go to earth it was….”

“The beginning of earth life.”

“How did you help them? With the magic beans?”


“Heavens no! The humans took their journey in a much safer non magic form of travel, teleportation.”

“Teleportation! S-So there's a way home?”

“The teleporter had some unstable functions. Itself distracted by the time the last human slipped through.  
“Not at first. I had to find a way to… alter my presence .”

“So you couldn't follow?”

“Not at first. So, I waited a few years. Once learning how to reduce my size. The teleporter was broken and I needed a less dangerous way to travel to Earth, hence the creation of the magic bean. Though it hadn’t worked quite how I planned.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“Magic beans. Hop into a random point in time, no controlling it. Myself not knowing this expected to meet and be with the humans of the past. Instead, I was met with the humans of the future. Transported to a small town in Rhode Island.”

“Liams town.”

“June 13th 1997.”

“You still look confused.”

“I have a lot of questions.”  Elijah coughed. She felt better than she had the first day but a slight cold still did linger. Jack also seemed aware of the girls cold. She was still sick but in no means a life or death situation.

“They’ll be answered with time.”

Elijah nodded. “I-I think I’d like to rest for a little while, if that’s okay?”

“Of course, we’ll catch up tomorrow.”

“Jack…?”

“What?”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Helping.”

Jack winked at the small girl. “Get some sleep, Pet.” Jack pressed his knuckles to the ground and lifted himself up. careful not to rock back to the couch. His knees bent and popped as he stood up. Old age was getting to the giant, and he could feel it.  

When he turned to look back at Elijah, she’d already fallen asleep. Though this time, the girl looked a little bit more at peace.

Jack took a sip of his water. He walked to the edge of the loft’s banister and, peering down, he saw Elliot at his desk, busy writing and mumbling to himself.

“I didn’t hear you come in.”

Elliot made no notion of Jack's presence. That was often like the doctor. Getting caught up in his work and tuning out the interaction of others.

Jack shrugged and walked down the stairs. He was too tired to hold a conversation anyways. A nice long nap was needed. He went to the coat hanger by the door grabbing Bethany’s ivory petticoat, draping it across his arm. Bethany was a beautiful, selfless woman. Constantly concerned about others needs, constantly forgetting to take care of her own.  He gave Elliot a slight smile and opened the door.

“Starting off with a lie?” His voice was low, hardly a mumble. but still haunting.

“I did it to protect her.”

“You did it because you’re ashamed of your past.”

Jack paused. “Goodnight, Quintin.”