Clairvoyance

by TheCartoonPrincess

Zim's PAK breaks down one fateful Earth-day which he successfully repairs. His PAK now improved, he sees the world with a new set of eyes. But now he can see people who aren't really there, and who is this little girl following him? Zim learns the truth about... Now complete. Contains characters from Jhonen's comics — though later on in the story.

25. Epilogue part two

A/N: Final update… it's me again, that writer person. This will be my last chapter, and then I'm finished. My second complete story...

Disclaimer: and now truly for the last time I do not own Invader Zim or Johnny the Homicidal Maniac.

---

...

Molly came out of that exam room, accompanied by none other than Zim's guardian. They stood out in that small corridor with the window overlooking that vast sky of blue.

"Do you think I did well enough?" Molly asked. She was wearing a light pink dress and a matching hair band with a gerbera daisy attached. It was a real flower, never withered, and smelled divine...

"We'll have to wait and see," She replied.

"I hope so. I really want to pass so bad. I've never done an exam before."

She put Her hand on her shoulder. "You'll be fine, Molly. All that matters is that you tried your best, no matter the outcome."

Molly managed a smile, though she was nervous inside. "Thank you for coming with me. I like being around you; you make me feel closer to Zim..."

"I can assure you he is doing all right. His life is about to change once he confesses to his Tallest. That will be his final test..."

The word confused Molly. "His Tallest?" she asked.

She gave a mischievous smile. "There was a lot he didn't tell you, wasn't there?"

"It doesn't matter now," she sighed, looking down at the ground. She was concerned.

"Don't be so worried, Molly," She said. "You can always try the exam next year."

"I just really want to be a guardian. I will get to see Zim and Nny again. They're both on Earth. I don't want to stay in heaven forever..."

She closed Her eyes, and then looked at Molly once again. "There's something you ought to know, Molly; I didn't want to tell you before in case it affected your concentration."

"What?"

"Nny's trial is happening here today. I'm not sure where exactly — it's a very big building."

Molly's eyes widened. "I should have been there for him! It wasn't all his fault..."

"But he took the blame for you. Nny would rather you tried your exam."

"I have to go and find him. Are you sure you don't know where he is?"

"I'm afraid so, Molly. I could make enquiries, but don't go running off. You could get lost here."

"I know. This place is worse than a shopping mall. I just miss him so much..." she looked down at the floor again.

She lifted her chin up. "I'm sure he misses you too."

"I hope so," Molly said. "He's my new big brother after all."

She laughed. "How adorable. You adopted him?"

"Yeah, he looked like he needed a good home..."

"That's sweet of you. I'm sure he was more than happy to take on that role for you... Now come along; we can go for something to eat while you wait for your results. Just a few hours now..."

She led her down the hall and into an elevator. Molly was feeling a little hungry, but she hoped she would find Nny in the least. Maybe he got food too.

...

Nny was sitting on a white table in the middle of the plaza, as that supernova glared down on his head. It was so hot in here; he wasn't used to this much heat.

Julia sat across from him, but they never talked. What else was there to talk about? They had nothing in common.

She did try to break the silence at times. She would look around at the plaza, playing with her sandy hair, and then open her mouth in a bid to speak. But then she would think better of it, and close her mouth again.

Nny frowned at her now, while she looked around at everything but him. So much company she was...

When will Justine and James get here — a.k.a. karma and life? They had disappeared over an hour ago to go and get those skinny idiots food (Justine's exact words). According to her, they looked like they needed a good meal. Let's hope she remembers Julia is vegan...

Nny was rather interested in the surrounding scenery. It was much like a large shopping precinct back on Earth, which was ironic because Nny had always hated malls, though that was because they had been full of people. He didn't know what half the life forms were here. He did like the cheese blob; he was fun.

Right now, he couldn't take his eyes away from two tall aliens that just sat on the table beside them. They looked like Zim, except they wore elaborate armour, and floated over the ground. One was male and the other female, each owning a pair of green or blue eyes respectfully.

"How much more of this 'waiting' must I endure?" the blue-eyed female started to say. "They're taking their time upstairs. I know I brought races down to their knees and slain more than half of them, but I still deserve an answer. I hate floating around this afterlife... I wanted to live on as a machine, as all good Irken leaders should, but not like this!" She slammed her tray of food on the table.

Nny saw that the bread on her sandwich had a weird insignia. Should he be worried?

"Cheer up, Miyuki. You may not be the Tallest anymore, but try to make the best of a bad situation," the green-eyed male said. Nny noticed he had unusually small eyes for an alien.

"It's not so bad for you, Spork; you were only the Tallest for five minutes," the female replied. "Your reign wasn't long enough to cause any long-lasting effects... I believe they finally granted you access into the divine abode..." she wiggled her fingers for effect. "I wonder why you still linger here."

The male, Spork, managed a smile. "You were a tough act to follow. I never could have had your drive or will. You were the 'iron lady'... And I don't mind waiting a while longer; I'm sure they'll finally make a decision for you soon enough."

"You are most kind, Spork," she said, picking up her sandwich with thumb-less hands. She never met his gaze. He looked kind of sad. Nny felt bad for him then, despite his stupid name.

She continued. "I'm sure you would have made a fine ruler if that... that Zim hadn't gotten to you too."

Nny's eyes widened at the name, but not nearly as much as Spork's.

"Your words really mean a lot to me, Miyuki," he said. It seemed he had waited a long time to hear her say that. He smiled now. "Kind of ironic how the same energy absorbing blob that killed you came back for me, hey? It's like it was meant to be..."

He should have just stopped talking...

She glared at him next, picking up her drink as she sucked through the straw.

Spork looked nervous. What did he say? She was hard to impress, and he just wanted her approval. She was Tallest Miyuki!

He picked his drink up with a similar, thumb-less hand, and glanced over at Nny suspiciously. The strange little creature had been watching them the whole time.

"Is there something we can help you with?" he asked, vexed.

Nny startled. He'd been so absorbed in their conversation, he hardly noticed he had been gawping.

"No, no, you two continue with your date. " He looked down at Spork's tray of food. He had a weird cake with the same insignia. "So, you going to use a fork or a spoon to eat that?" he asked. "How about a Spork?!" he laughed, slamming his hand down on the table.

Ah, he had some good memories with those fork/spoon utensils...

Spork narrowed his beady eyes at him.

Julia looked over at the aliens, and gave that weird, toothy smile in a bid to make peace. "Johnny, that's not very nice..." she said, smoothing down a lock of her sandy hair.

"I... I can't help myself..." he replied, wiping a tear from his eye.

Miyuki spoke up next. "You should address us with more respect, especially for such an inferior creature like yourself. I, for one, commanded an entire fleet. And furthermore, it is not a 'date' as you primitive forms might perceive. We're much too advanced for such nonsense..." She took another bite out of her sandwich.

"Yeah, no such 'nonsense' here," Spork sighed, wistfully.

Nny stopped laughing, and looked over at her in disbelief. Who did she think she was? She commanded no fleet now.

"I understand perfectly," he replied, graciously. "Snow White and I aren't exactly on a date either. There's a sentence I never thought I'd hear myself say..." His eyes blurred out of his sockets, as he drummed his fingers against the table.

Julia looked at him surprised. "Snow White?" she laughed. "Why do you call me that?"

He met her bright, probing eyes, thinking about what he'd say. "If you really want me to sugar-coat it for you, here I go: you're as nauseatingly nice, and those bluebirds just add the icing onto the sweet cake that makes up your entire, cheery persona..."

She stared, baffled. "Oh, I see..." she said. "Nauseating? I could work with that..."

Nny regarded her suspiciously. Work with what? Wait, was she doing it on purpose? The cunning little...

Before he could respond, he felt those strange, alien eyes on him. He looked over to see those ex-Tallest regarding him with pity, which was just too bad; he thought he saw a smile forming on Julia's lips...

"Such peculiar creatures," Miyuki said. "If only the Empire had found their primal planet sooner, we could have ended their misery."

Nny frowned at her, and then met Spork's eyes, who gave him a shrug to say "she's right, you know." Spork probably agrees with a lot of things she says.

So he ignored the tall aliens for the greater good, and Julia's small victory of sorts, and continued to look around the plaza.

There were people walking along the bridges above, and when he looked up, he saw that the bridges went on and on until they were hidden in the glare of that strange sun. He had that horrible feeling that someone may spit on his head, but hopefully people took notice of that 'No Spitting' sign.

Justine finally arrived with a tray packed with burgers, fries, and other high calorie foods. In this world, you can eat all the fast food you want and never worry about your waist line. It was already heaven...

James, however, settled for a posh breakfast instead. He had pouched eggs, smoked haddock, spinach, and a fresh lemon wedge. And don't forget the croissants for dessert...

He placed a napkin on his lap, grabbed his fork in his left hand and knife in his right, and ate his perfect breakfast. He had good table etiquette, and not once did he put his elbows on the table (he would make your grandmother proud).

Justine put a burger in front of Julia, who stared at the thing as if it were alive. Well, it was once...

"I'm... I'm vegan..." she muttered, shyly.

Justine looked down next. "Oh, sorry," she said, shifting her eyes awkwardly. "I'll go back and get you—"

"No, you don't have to do that. You stay and eat your food. I'll be fine..."

Next, her stomach rumbled. It looks like hunger lasts in the afterlife too.

Justine regarded her guiltily now. She did think to go to that salad bar, but she just went ahead and got everyone burgers, fries, and cheesecake for dessert. Why not.

Nny looked at the hungry girl with pity, and then glared up at Justine. Despite how annoying she was, she didn't deserve to starve.

"Where are your manners? You should have at least asked her what she would like to eat!" he scolded.

"It's okay. I don't have to eat anything today," Julia said again.

Nny stared at her disapprovingly, and then stood up from the table. "I'll go back and get you something that you would like to eat. It's on me..."

Julia looked up in alarm. "No, really, it's all right, you don't—"

"Shut up, and stop excusing yourself! I will get you your food, and you will accept it graciously!" Nny barked, sick of her overwhelming niceness.

The whole plaza looked at him now, as he regretted raising his voice. He lowered his pointing finger then.

"Just let him go," Justine said, eating her fries at last. She couldn't be bothered going back over there anyway. The lines were massive...

"Okay, Johnny, you may go. Thank you for your kindness," Julia said.

"It is my honor, you pathetic pushover," Nny bowed. "Now, what would you like to eat? A slice of dairy-free pizza with tomato sauce, mushrooms and extra vegetables? A meatless taco filled with beans? Or how about fries without the animal fat?"

"Um..." Julia started. "I would like a plate of salad today, please, Johnny."

"Salad? Where's your creativity? You can eat more than just salad, you know. You're really living up to those vegan stereotypes... At least get a sundae with dairy-free whipped cream and a cherry on top!"

"But I only feel like salad today, with extra carrots and cabbage, but no onions; I dislike onions..."

Nny stared at her in disbelief. "Okay, I will be back shortly with your plate of rabbit food, I mean, 'salad', and no onions..."

"Thank you, Johnny..."

It's all right; Nny will eat later, even though he had a rumbly in his tumbly too.

"What a gentlemen, putting the needs of a lady first..." James observed, patting his mouth dry with a napkin.

"He really is," Julia agreed, dreamily.

"Shut up; you're both ruining my concentration on this juicy burger," Justine announced next, biting into that meat like a true carnivore...

Julia watched her biting the burger, and then her bottom lip wiggled. She heard that distant cow crying in its grave next, and wept for its soul (though the cow was in an even higher plane than here, grazing to its heart's content).

They were an odd bunch.

Nny was grateful to get away from the table. They were good people, but they were so annoying at times. Suppose it was nice having a group of friends you went for lunch with, or brunch, or whatever...

...

Molly looked over that fine buffet. There was so much to choose from, as she was undecided.

In the end, she piled her plate with sandwiches and cupcakes, and followed Her to a table near a beautiful water feature. Molly gazed into its waters, watching those bright fish that changed colours.

This place was so strange, and the people were interesting. She was certain she saw some aliens like Zim before, and then there was that blob made of seven cheeses...

On one table sat a gorilla in a tutu eating soup. He was accompanied with an orangutan wearing a tie, and a chimpanzee in a top hat.

"Please pass the butter," the chimp asked the gorilla next, as the larger ape handed it over with a grunt.

It seemed animals could talk in the afterlife after all, unless Molly could understand chimp now.

There were even species that went extinct here, like the dodo bird, woolly mammoth and Homo erectus. And was that a T-rex sitting at the back of the plaza?

To Molly's surprise, a fairy flew above her head next and threw a bunch of fish food into the water. She greeted in that jingling voice, and went on her way again.
They say that when a child stops believing in fairies, one dies. Well, Molly just met one, so her faith was restored...

She watched her fly to a table with other mythical creatures, and was that a unicorn too? Nny would be pleased.

This was a place where all beings could co-exist together. She decided it wasn't so bad in the end.

She looked through the waterfall, but the creatures over there were blurred silhouettes.

One hazy figure walked past next, and it was so familiar. Tall and skinny, just like a skeleton man... Could it be?

Molly stood up from the table, and jumped through the waterfall.

She looked up from Her magazine. "Molly? Where are you going?"

The girl didn't reply, as she came out on the other side bone dry.

It was a false alarm though. The silhouette on the other side wasn't who she thought it was after all; it really was just an ordinary skeleton in a pinstriped suit. He also had a head like a pumpkin. He seemed familiar too, like a character from an old Christmas movie.

"Molly, get back over here," She called through the waterfall. "What did I tell you before?"

"I'm sorry. I just thought that—"

"You really don't want to get lost in this place, Molly. It could take years to find your way out."

"I understand," she sighed, jumping back through the waterfall dry once again.

...

Nny reached that salad bar at last, and surprise, surprise, no line.

What he had to get through just to reach this end of the plaza. He had to dodge fire beams from the unseen mouths of dragons, step over tiny mice children dressed in little clothes (whose parents were too busy eating cheese on a miniature table to notice), and witches casting spells that went "poof" in his face.

He also had to get around a live specimen of Homo erectus. Seriously, it was like he still held a grudge since Homo sapiens wiped out his species. It wasn't Nny's fault that he was the superior Hominid. Go sapiens!

Thankfully, this end of the plaza had more order, and the tables lined up nicely in their own aisles. It was just too bad that floating angel bunny got to the salad bar first.

"Oh, no..." he thought.

The rabbit looked at him with mock surprise. "Why, hello, Nny," he said. "We finally meet again..."

Nny pinched the top of his nose, and sighed. "Look, I'm sorry about the whole 'nail' thing. I'm sure you would have made a wonderful pet..."

The rabbit glared with his side eye, nose twitching. Then his mouth pulled up with a grimace, revealing his large teeth. "But I did make a fine voice in your head?"

Nny shuffled his boots. "You were always a good listener…" he replied.

"It was my pleasure to listen to the inner monologue of your deranged mind..."

"I don't fully understand. Are you actually the rabbit I killed, or the voice that was a part of me? It's confusing."

"That's for you to decide I guess, but as for where animals are concerned, we do acquire a little extra awareness in our after lives. We finally start to question our own existence. It made sense back on Earth; we only functioned to survive, and as a rabbit, I was very vigilant and wary of predators, even the predator that was you... But now we dream, like you pathetic sapiens, and think; so much thinking!" the rabbit cried, trying to grip his head with his nubby paws. "I do feel for the big cats. They start to feel remorse for all the zebra they killed back on Earth, then vouch to become vegetarian. It's not so bad for the omnivores, but lions need their meat, as obligate carnivores do; I know many dogs, bears and raccoons now who have ditched the meat. The insectivores aren't better off either. As you must know, even bugs start to feel too; I bet you're disappointed about that. Then there's us, the herbivores, and then the frugivores and the folivores..."

"Okay, okay, I get it!" Nny snapped. "You all eat different things."

The rabbit continued as if he hadn't spoken. "An extra sense of consciousness brings with it a price — compassion. Why, a small part of me can't even eat this poor carrot right bow. Just minding his own business one day, and then he's plucked out the ground!" He looked down at the carrot sadly, sitting in the tray all by itself with its eyes closed...

Nny shook his head. "But you shouldn't anthropomorphize a vegetable of all things, bunny. They are not sentient like you and I."

"Well, why not? Maybe they acquire a little extra 'awareness' too?"

Nny stared speechless. He wasn't sure whether he felt stupider or wiser at those words. He better not repeat this to poor Julia; she may never eat again if she thought that every possible kind of food could feel pain, as a compassionate soul.

"But it's just a natural part of the food chain, I guess..." bunny said next, and then chomped on that carrot at last.

"Hey, no touching the salad! Other people have to eat it too," Nny scolded. "Well, some people..."

"Sorry, I shouldn't be so inconsiderate," the rabbit apologised, grabbing those salad tongs with his nubby paws, and filling the rest of his plate. He made sure to avoid the lettuce, since it's bad for bunnies.

"Well, goodbye again, Nny. Until our next meeting..."

The rabbit floated over to a table with other winged woodland creatures, such as deer, harvest mice and squirrels, as they all tucked into that salad. The bunny shook his head next. Herbivores, so messy...

Nny picked up those salad tongs, as the memories came flooding back. He had done some pretty horrible things with these in the past, shaking the images away at once. He went back to his task at hand, and started piling a bunch of salad onto a plate, remembering her order of cabbage and carrots.

He looked down at the lone carrot in the tray, as it finally opened its eyes.

"Please," it begged in a voice a carrot might have. "Please, have mercy..."

He stared perplexed. "This is... curious," he said a little uneasy, but that didn't stop him from picking up that pleading carrot, and shoving it in his mouth with a loud crunch. It was a yummy carrot...

Now he looked over the rest of his plate. Nothing else talked, so hopefully Julia won't be stricken with grief at the mere thought of eating a helpless carrot.

With his plate full, he started heading back to the other end of the plaza. He passed a water feature next, gazing up in awe at that magnificent unicorn. He couldn't believe it; they were real...

He was too absorbed in the unicorn's presence to notice that small girl leaving a table to his right. She was accompanied with an older girl.

The unicorn turned around next, and looked him right in the eye. "What?" it said. "You look as if you've never seen a horse with a horn before."

Nny startled, and then gave that meek apology. "Many apologies."

"Whatever, go away," the unicorn said again.

He was one rude magical horse. Nny wasn't that interested in him anymore anyway.

So he began to walk away again, until he saw that small girl going up the escalator to the far right. Could it be?

He ran over, bumping into tables and strange beings on his way out the dining area. He may have stepped on something small, but never mind. It was dead now anyway.

They were already half way up the escalator by the time he reached the bottom, but he still called out her name.

"Molly!"

The other passengers looked down at him vexed, but all that mattered was that the small girl looked his way too. And she did. It was her...

He smiled. At last, he found his old friend again.

"Nny!" she shouted, and then tried to walk back down that 'up' escalator. This should be fun.

"Molly, don't. It only goes in one direction," the woman told her.

"But I have to get back down. It's Nny!"

"It's all right, Molly!" Nny called up again. "I'll come for you!"

He hurried up those moving stairs with his crunchy plate of salad, trying to get past all those grumpy passengers.

"Hey! No pushing through!" one snapped.

"Single file only!" the cheese blob cried next.

Nny looked at him irritated. "Oh, shut up, you giant piece of... cheese, you!"

He kicked that blob of cheese down the stairs, as all the passengers fell down like dominos.

Security guards appeared next. Someone was acting 'disorderly' on the escalator.

"Hey, you!" one called up.

"Uh-oh..." Nny ran up the stairs, while holding that plate of salad above his head.

He finally reached the top as he was out of breath, but at least the salad made it.

Unfortunately, Molly attacked him with her arms as the salad scattered all over the floor.

"My salad..." he cried. "Ah, forget it. Molly!"

He lifted her in his arms and spun her around. When he faced the right way again, albeit a little dizzy, he met those cool, liquid eyes of Hers.

"Oh, I don't think I've met your friend." He put Molly back down again, and bowed to the angelic life form of Zim's guardian.

Molly gave an awkward smile. "My bad. I should introduce you two. Nny, this is Her, and Her this is Nny..."

He pulled up a brow. "Her? Why the pronoun?"

"Never mind my peculiar name; you caused quite a stir down there. We could have taken the 'down' escalator." She pointed to the other set of stairs to the right.

He scratched the back of his head. "I didn't see that extra set of stairs. Whoops, could have spared myself a lot of trouble just now..."

"It's too late for regrets," She replied, folding her arms.

Nny narrowed his eyes at Her. "Hey, I know that voice... you were the one shouting at me in the crematorium that time. I was just doing my job!"

"Well you arrived too early. Molly's unfinished business wasn't over yet. I had to reprimand you."

"It's doesn't matter now, Nny. I forgive you for coming too early, and then too late again..." Molly said.

Nny hadn't heard her, as he was somewhere else. "If I knew then of the mess I'd get myself into, would I have returned...?"

Molly looked up, eyes shining. "What? So you regret reaping me now?" she said, bottom lip wiggling.

"You've only gone and upset her, " She said.

Nny looked down at her, guiltily. "Of course not, Molly. Get over here!" He pulled her to his side, and ruffled her hair.

"Hey," Molly said, pushing him away. "It took me ages to get my hair right this morning."

He shook his head. "You're not fretting about something as trivial as appearances, are you?"

"Well one of us should..." Molly muttered, regarding his unruly hair.

He produced a toothy grin next, left eye twitching. "Oh, you..." he laughed, leaning over to squeeze her cheek. He gave it a hard pinch.

She pushed his hand away, and rubbed her cheek with a scowl.

"You! Come with us!" said that brute of a security guard, grabbing a hold of Nny's shoulder with a huge hand.

He had a featureless face that even spooked Nny of all people.

"What? It was an accident..." he said. "That cheese thing had it coming!"

"That's enough excuses. We know what we saw." The guard dragged him away.

"Where are you taking him?" Molly shouted.

"Don't you worry about a thing, Molly," Nny reassured. "I'll be just fine, dandy doo!"

"Stop!" Molly cried. "He's innocent."

"Tell that to the crying lump of cheese downstairs!" the guard snapped, as the girl stumbled back.

Nny bared his teeth. "Don't talk to her like that!" He grabbed the guard's blunt weapon and knocked him out cold.

More guards appeared. He was going to get barred from this place if he didn't behave himself.

Molly grabbed a hold of Nny, as he looked down at her ashamed.

"I'm really not giving you the best of examples, here, Molly," he said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"So, I won't let them take you!"

The guards finally pulled him away, and tied him up in a straight-jacket. They even put a muzzle on him (at least he can't bite anyone now).

This was humiliating, having to be led away like a dangerous animal. Are they taking him to the crazy house for grownup boys? It's about time.

"Could you at least send a plate of salad to my friend downstairs?" He asked one of the guards next. "She's pretty hungry."

"No," a guard emphasized, harshly. "Any friend of yours deserves to suffer!"

"Well that's rather uncivil of you."

Molly kicked the guard in his leg. "Let him go! I won't let you big meanies take him away!"

"Quiet, little girl, unless you want to be taken away with your friend," the guard growled.

She pulled Molly away. "Let me talk to them, Molly," She said. "Guards, please, just this once, let him off."

"We're sorry, miss, but we can't allow it. He's a danger to public."

Nny rolled his eyes. Now that's the understatement of the century.

"Yeah, look what he did to Bonky's head!" another guard said, pointing at the previous guard who got "bonked" by Nny. He was coming to, while rubbing his nasty bump.

"He-he, Bonky," Nny giggled.

"Quiet, you!" the first guard snapped, tightening the straps on his coat.

"Please let him go," Molly asked sweetly, gazing up at the guard with those big, dewy eyes that you just couldn't say no to. That was her mistake before; she forgot to use her cute powers on him.

The guard was torn now. It was his duty to take away miscreants who upset the peaceful balance of the plaza, but the little girl was just so cute.

The guard glared at Nny, who pulled the same dewy eyes to show how cute and sorry he was too. It was close enough.

"Fine, you're off the hook for now," the guard spat, removing his muzzle at last.

"Thank you..." Nny breathed, taking in a mouthful of fresh air. The plaza always smelled like peppermint, which was a plus.

Now they removed his straight-jacket, setting him loose once again.

"We'll need to keep a record of you for future reference," the guard said, voice deep and ominous. "Smile!" he sang.

A floating camera flashed before Nny's eyes, momentarily blinding him as he blinked several times.

Now the guards will display his photo in the head office for all eternity...

"Have a good day, folks, and don't forget to clean up all this salad!" the guard barked, and then left with all his colleagues.

Nny finished rubbing his eyes, as he glanced down at Molly.

She was smiling up at him, so he spread his arms out wide and invited her over. She jumped up into his arms as they hugged again.

"I really missed you, Nny," she said.

"And I missed you too," he replied. "I'm afraid you're stuck with me forever now, Molly. I'm not letting you go again."

"Me too."

She watched them from a distance. They were rather adorable together, as it was nice to see such a soft side to the maniac at last.

...

"I wonder where Johnny's at?" Justine said, picking at her teeth with a toothpick.

"I'm sure he's all right," Julia replied, flinching when that burger chunk flung her way. "I do hope he'll return soon enough; I am feeling rather hungry now." She looked down at her belly.

"Oh, quite your whining. You'll get your grub," Justine said, putting an arm around her like she was her best friend.

James finally returned from his trip to the men's room. "Did you hear about the ruckus upstairs?" he asked, sitting down. "I believe they've captured some sort of maniac. Whilst I was at the loo, I overheard these fine gentlemen discussing the mishap. Apparently, this maniac knocked out a security guard with his own weapon..."

"That does sound like quite the ruckus... Man, I love how you say loo..." Justine mused. "Go on, say it again."

James smiled. "Thank you for your delightful compliment, Justine, but I dare not."

"Fine, then say jolly good... I heard you saying it before."

"Guys, I'm beginning to worry about Johnny. He's been gone an awful long time," Julia said, looking around the plaza.

Justine rolled her eyes. "Your boyfriend will be back with your salad in a minute, so stop worrying."

Julia gave a nervous giggle. "Johnny isn't my boyfriend..." she laughed, turning red.

Justine was somewhere else now. "I wonder if he was the maniac they caught. It does sound a lot like Johnny. Someone must've called him a skinny fag. He hates that."

"Oh no. Do you really think so? I hope not. Poor Johnny," Julia said, giving the plaza a sad, reflective look.

"What about the security guard?" Justine asked.

Julia's eyes popped open. "Oh, yes, of course. Him too," she added shyly.

Justine shook her head with disbelief, then noticed the familiar sight of Johnny walking toward them.

She gave a sly smile. "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up. You had us worried there for a minute, Johnny — Julia especially. Thought you were the maniac the guards captured..."

Nny stopped before them, shifting his eyes. "Uh... yeah, that was someone else..."

"Johnny! You're back!" Julia cried, rising from her chair.

He placed her plate of salad into her hands (let's just hope he went back to the bar instead of picking it all up off the floor again).

"Here's your salad. I went through a lot of trouble to get it. Enjoy."

"And I thank you, Johnny, for all the troubles you endured," she thanked, smiling.

Things turned a little awkward between them again. "Um... call me Nny instead..." he told her at last. Julia stared in shock.

"Hey, who's the little cutie?" Justine said, looking down at that small girl hiding behind Nny.

The girl gasped once she saw her, and hid behind Nny again.

Nny grinned. "Say hello, Molly," he said.

"Hi..." she said.

"So adorable," Justine chirped. "I never even realized she was there till she poked her little head out. I never knew you had a kid, Johnny."

"She isn't my kid; she's a friend. Seriously, just one look at us and you wouldn't have to think twice!" He looked down at her concerned now. "I think you need your eyes testing..."

"I suppose it is kind of an insult on her part," Justine said. He wasn't in the slightest amused. "So, this is her then; the famous Molly? I can see now why she won you over..." There goes her sweet side again. It was just as disturbing as her creepy side.

Molly still refused to show herself. The lady was scary...

"Oh, come on, I won't hurt you," Justine reassured, pulling her out. The girl wriggled a bit, but she finally gave in.

There she stood before those grownups. Molly had never felt so small and intimidated.

"Well, say something..." Justine said through smiling teeth.

"H-hello. I am Molly," she said, shuffling her feet.

"I'm karma, but you can call me Justine. This here is James — a.k.a. life. Then there's Julia, who's also known as destiny..."

James and Julia both greeted her then.

"I believe you're already familiar with destiny," Nny informed her next.

Molly stared up at that pretty lady in awe. Her bluebirds were so lovely. She gave a bow.

"What are you doing?" Nny asked. "You don't have to curtsey."

"She can if she wants to. I don't mind at all. I find it sweet," Julia said, smiling again.

"Thank you, destiny, for taking good care of little Johnny," Molly said at last, rising from her curtsey.

"It was my honor, Molly, and I promise you that little Johnny's fate is secured. He'll make it after all."

Molly stepped up to her and gave her a hug. "It really means a lot to me," she said, giving her a small peck on the cheek.

Julia put a hand across her mouth. "My, that was the sweetest kiss anyone has ever given me. You're most welcome, Molly," she said, eyes glistening.

James smiled. "How delightful."

Justine stuck out her tongue. "Okay, that's enough. All this gushiness is making me wanna barf. I don't mean any disrespect of course, Molly; I'm sure your kisses feel just like kittens' whiskers..." she said again, voice all high and sweet.

Nny narrowed his eyes at her. How she know how kittens' whiskers feel?

Molly didn't seem to mind, as she smiled up at her. "It's okay, scary lady..." She turned red when she realised she just called her scary.

Justine didn't take much notice. She may have even been proud (if you can unintentionally scare children, you know you're doing it right).

The table turned quiet. Nny thought it best to tell them what was on his mind...

"So, it's been an eventful day. I thank you all for your assistance, but I must leave. Molly here is receiving her exam results today, and I promised I'd wait with her until they're released."

"An exam? How old are you?" Justine asked.

"I'm five..." Molly answered.

"It's not an academic exam, Justine. Molly is waiting for her wish to be granted as a guardian on Earth."

Justine's wicked eyes lit up. "Oh, kind of like you, except yours is community service... Haha!"

Nny scowled at that bitch karma... He hadn't informed Molly of that part of his trial, as he didn't want to get her hopes up.

Molly beamed up at him. "You're going to be a guardian too?!" she squealed. Her smile never wavered.

He closed his lids and rubbed his forehead, then met her fervent eyes again. "Yes, I am. It's the part of my punishment I haven't told you about. That and other things..." he said.

"Why? Don't you want to be a guardian?" she asked.

"Look at me, Molly. What do you think?"

"... Yes?"

"No!"

"Oh..." She looked away, embarrassed.

"It's only for two-hundred hours. It's not forever. Please, don't get too hopeful."

She bowed her head.

"What's up with you now?" he asked.

"If... if you're not going to be a reaper anymore, then I won't even get to see you on Earth after your two-hundred hours have finished..." she said.

Nny had nothing to say. The others all looked concerned for him, which made it all the harder to bear.

"Aw, how sweet. She must really like you, Johnny..." Justine said.

He snapped his head at her. "Shut up! This is all your fault!"

"She had to find out some how..."

He knew she was right. Molly held onto him now. He felt his heart shattering to pieces, but he must go on.

"As I was going to say before," he continued. "I bid you farewell. Come along, Molly." He started to walk away.

"Hold on!" Justine shouted next. "Don't you want to at least hang out again? I'll admit: this has been fun..."

He turned back, surprised. "Are you sure you all want a friend like me?" he asked.

"Of course!" Julia sang.

"Yeah, why not," Justine chimed in.

"You're a fine fellow, Johnny, and I would be honoured to call you my friend," James said last of all.

Nny welled up. "I... I've never been called friend before... Very well, I look forward to meeting you all again in the future. We must arrange another lunch date."

"Yeah, except you're paying. And it's 'brunch' by the way," Justine corrected.

James gave her a pointed look. "And we look forward to it too, Johnny."

He gave a dismissive wave. "Oh, call me Nny, all of you. I insist..."

"Nny?" James said. "How clever. Really rolls off the tongue..."

Nny smiled. "It really does! Well, when we meet again. Goodbye, my new friends..." he said, giggling, and then ushered Molly away.

"Goodbye, maniac!" Justine called out. "And so long, Molly, you cutie pie!"

"Cheerio!" James shouted.

Nny waved back, grinning like a happy idiot, and just before he moved away any further, he felt that light tap on his shoulder.

He turned around, meeting Julia's bright-eyed gaze.

Molly looked up curiously, glancing at her and Nny, and then back again. She finally saw it...

"Yes?" he enquired with a smile.

"Well, goodbye, Johnny," she said.

"Nny," he corrected.

"Oh, yes, sorry..."

"Stop apologizing."

"Of course."

He sharpened his eyes, then gave a long sigh. "Well, goodbye to you too, Julia."

She hesitated a moment, and then moved in for a hug. He turned rigid in her arms, even going so far as to lean back a little.

Her bluebirds fluttered above them both now. It was like they were mocking him, making him feel as if he were inside a classic Walt Disney picture. Fair enough. If she were Snow White, then he was the Huntsman. He spared her in the end too.

She finally let go, and looked up coyly. "I really am sorry about taking all your wretched souls, Nny, but I'm grateful we were able to put our past behind us. I look forward to hearing from you again."

"Yes, me too, Julia..."

She produced a large, stupid grin next. "Call me Ulia instead..." she said, fluttering her lashes.

He looked confused. "What?" he asked. Was she making fun of him?

She laughed pleasantly, and he felt that familiar hatred again, but it died down due to something else brewing inside (she's just lucky that no Pillsbury Boys were around anymore to tell him to 'immortalize' moments).

She waved goodbye, and walked back over to the table as graceful as ever, but then she tripped over a puppy.

"I'm okay!" she yelled from the floor. "That... that puppy... he just... appeared..." James and Justine came to her aid then.

Nny produced his own grin, and then noticed Molly smiling deviously.

"What are you smiling about?" he asked.

"Nothing..." she said.

"Oh, I see... It's not how you think!"

"I didn't say anything, Nny. I'm innocent..." She looked so smug.

"Let's go before your head grows any bigger!" He pulled her away.

"My head's not big!" she snapped.

...

Nny and Molly waited in the hallway on matching chairs. He folded his arms patiently, though the same could not be said for her.

She was just too agitated as she kept fidgeting on her seat. Every time someone opened the door, she would jump out of her chair only to be shortly disappointed.

How much more of this 'waiting' did she have to endure?

Nny sat deadpan to her right, tolerating her constant fidgeting as best as he could, but his face kept twitching. Why couldn't she just sit still?

That vast sea of sky and cloud spread out before them, as that supernova still wouldn't shift. It was enough to blind a mere mortal's eyes.

Luckily a plane flew past the sun next. Molly looked up at Nny confused, raising those eyebrows of hers. Who knew they flew that high?

He never met her gaze, but it was easy to see he was equally confused.

Minutes passed. Molly started bouncing up and down on her seat, but on her fifth bounce, Nny finally blew his fuse...

"Will you please stop that fidgeting! It's driving me insane–er..."

"I can't help it. Why are they taking so long?!"

"Have patience..." he advised.

She climbed up on her seat and leaned in close. "But whhyyy?" she asked, squeezing her fists. She was inches from his face. Nny looked disturbed. She had those crazy eyes...

The door opened once again, and then a short, stout woman called out her name. Nny was relieved.

"Molly McCormack?" she called.

"Hey, that's me!" Molly piped.

"Well it's definitely not me..." he said, dryly.

She started to panic now. "What should I do?"

Nny shifted his eyes. "Go in there?"

"Oh, good idea..."

"Molly Mc—"

"I'm coming!" she snapped. She faced Nny once again. "Wish me luck, Nny."

"I wish you luck," he said.

Molly jumped down from the seat, and took a deep, exaggerated breath, then entered the room.

Nny was all alone now, as he stared out the window for a while. That was until a pigeon flew into the glass from the outside, scaring the living poop outta him.

"What the f—!"

He jumped out of his seat, heart racing like a rabbit. No wonder... How did the pigeon even get up there? The high altitude would have killed it, surely.

Nny took a tentative step towards the window, and peered down at that great expanse below. He pressed the tip of his nose against the glass to get a closer look, making it all foggy as he breathed against its cool surface.

That distant green miles and miles below was daunting to say the least, and he may have gotten a bit of vertigo. He staggered back and fell into his chair. Who knew he was afraid of heights.

Why did Molly have to do an exam anyway? She was made to be a guardian, unlike Nny.

He didn't even have to do an exam. He was just expected to go back to Earth with no experience and no exam results, and look after all those sick kids at that ward.

It should be fulfilling, but challenging. He will have to ease scared parents, help children when they can't pee into their bedpans, and then stay by their sides when they go into theatre... terrifying.

He was a reaper, well, ex-reaper, so how was he supposed to put anyone at ease? The kids on Earth had started perceiving him as something else; he could work with that.

What sick kid wouldn't want to see Santa or the tooth fairy? Now the thought of putting a smile on a sick kid's face was rather satisfying. Maybe he could do it for two-hundred hours...

When it was over, what would he do then? He would never go to heaven (just the thought of sitting in a chair for the rest of eternity was discouraging enough).

Now he remembered what Devi had said about 'rediscovering' himself.

Since he had to give up his reaper's title, he didn't have much else to do. He was interested in what he might find.

Maybe he could sign up to be a creativity muse one day, just like Devi. There could be some other struggling artist out there, driven to insanity due to a creative block or the reverse, like in Nny's old case.

He was starting to get bored now, while he led his thoughts astray. How long did it take to reveal exam results?

Next, he reclined against the seat and sprawled out his spindly legs.

Suddenly, that cry rang out from inside the room where Molly entered, and he felt his stomach twist. Had she failed?

Fortunately, it wasn't Molly. A blubbering girl in her college years ran out the room next, and then down the hall. She looked like the type who'd never failed an exam in her life, and always got top marks. So this must have come as a shock.

There were no memorizing facts here. It was a test to examine your will, strength and nobility, and she obviously had none of that.

Nny sighed, and sat back into the chair once again, dropping his arms to his sides.

"You're looking a little too comfortable there, Johnny..." said that female voice to his right.

Nny startled, as he looked up to see Her again. She was reading a fashion magazine with an angelic model on the cover.

"Where... how did you do that?" he asked.

"Do what? I came down from the hall five minutes ago. You were sleeping," She said.

"Sleeping?"

"Yes."

Nny couldn't believe it. He shook his head. "Who are you exactly? Why is your name Her? Nobody is named Her, or Him..."

"I don't want a fancy name; a pronoun will do me just fine."

"But what was your name when you were mortal?"

"What makes you so sure I was mortal?" She turned a page and gasped. "Oh my god! How adorable is this dress?!"

She showed him the picture, taking on that high tone of an obnoxious, dopey blonde again.

He stared at Her in disbelief. "Everyone here was mortal once on that butthole of a rock, Earth, or on or in some other planet or universe. Even the cheese blob! And... uh... you would look rather 'fetching' in that little strapless number, I suppose. You have the right shape."

"Thank you. I think I'll buy it. Oh, it's five-thousand angel monies. Forget that!" She turned the page again.

Things turned awkward between them now as She stared at the page, humming and pondering.

He drummed his fingers on his knees. "So," he started to say, "what plans have you for that little bug-eyed alien? He is kind of cute in a freakishly abnormal way..."

She sighed, "I know; his eyes are just precious. But I can't share that kind of information with you, Johnny."

"Well it's not my business. I won't ask again."

They didn't say anything for a while again, as She kept turning the pages of Her magazine. That loud clock on the wall was driving him crazier.

"Did the exam in question take this long?" he asked.

"No, it was even longer..."

His face turned white. "Poor Molly..." he muttered.

"She'll get through it; she's tougher than she looks."

"Don't I know. My nose is still a little bent, but I know she'll pass. She's perfect for the job."

"So are you, if you really put your mind to it. The whole plaza is talking about your community service, by the way. "

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, nothing goes amiss in the after world. Everyone even knows of your Zim."

"I had to share his story; he's my first alien."

"Well, he was pissed when he found out you told everyone about his wing phobia."

She laughed, releasing an attractive snort.

"I know I shouldn't, but he was just so adorable and confused when I showed them to him."

"Yes, Molly and I have pulled that trick too. Did you know there were aliens like him here?"

"The correct terminology is 'Irken', and yes; they are his ex-Tallest, the ones he killed all those years ago. Almighty Tallest Miyuki and Spork, respectfully."

"I knew he had killed some people. Spork wasn't so bad, but she needs to lighten up."

"Tallest Miyuki is the most revered and recognized leader in Irken society, so naturally she expects betterment, even in her afterlife. Not only was she tall, she was also a hard and determined ruler. They didn't call her the 'iron lady' for nothing."

Nny hadn't really been listening; Tallest Miyuki will always be a creepy bug from space after all. "I think Spork was besotted with her. I don't see why. She was a high and mighty bitch."

"I'm not surprised. Even though they don't breed naturally anymore, the male Irken has always liked a powerful lady. There are some good historical records up here of their old customs."

"So, they become leaders because they're... tall?"

"One of their strangest customs. Height is essential in their race. Sexes are equal; it's only height that matters."

"So any idiot could be the leader just because of their height? They sound like the dumbest race in existence."

"Tell that to all the races they've conquered," She said, smiling. She flicked through another page.

Nny frowned at Her tone, but he did take Her claims into consideration. Maybe he would have been pleased if Zim had come to Earth sooner while he was still mortal, and then destroyed the planet. He'd always had a love/hate relationship with the rest of the human population.

The door to the room finally opened, and then Molly appeared in a state of shock. Not unlike Nny before when he found out his verdict.

"Molly? Is everything all right, sweetheart?" She asked, joining her side.

She continued to gaze out the window; Nny knew the feeling. The shock can take some getting used to.

He came to her other side, and leaned in forward. The light of the supernova reflected in her large, blue eyes.

"Molly?" he asked, tapping her shoulder.

She slapped her shoulder and shook herself about. She looked around surprised. "How... how did I get out here?"

Nny grabbed his chin, curiously. "Hmmm. It appears you were in a state of shock, and now have no recollection of your memory."

Molly shifted her eyes. "Oh, that makes sense..."

"So, how did you do, Molly?" She asked.

Molly met Her gaze. "Oh, that? I passed!"

Nny couldn't look more ecstatic at that moment. "Hurrah, bravo, and other such words of exclamation, Molly. You did it!" he cheered.

"I get to be a guardian after all!" she cried.

"I knew you'd make me proud. Come over here and give your big brother a hug!" He spread his arms out wide.

She ran over and gripped his waist. He pulled her up and hugged her even tighter.

She come over then and put a hand on her shoulder. "Congratulations, Molly. It begins. Your life on Earth with your nephew can finally start..."

"I can't wait! Can we go together, Nny? You can go and do your guardians' work with me."

"Of course," he replied. "At least I'll have that to look forward to. Just give me a date."

"As soon as possible!"

"ASAP, huh? Well, there are other matters that need my seeing to first."

"Such as what? I thought you were a jobless bum now? You lost your title as reaper."

"That I did, but there is one more I need to reap..."

"Who?" she asked, curiously.

Nny stopped on that account, staring into her blue eyes undecided. He stole a quick glance at Her.

She shook Her head. He had his answer...

"It's a secret," he said. "If I tell you I'll have to kill you..." (It probably wasn't a joke either).

She seemed to comprehend; he saw it in her eyes. "Okay. I won't ask again," she whispered. She glanced the other way then.

He set her back down, and watched her curiously. Did she understand? She was never aware of his plans, but he did speak briefly about it with Zim in Molly's presence. He should have thought better of it at the time, but his heart hadn't fully re-transformed yet.

But all that had been talk anyway. Now it was official that he was going to reap that lowlife's soul, and the knowledge would upset Molly. He would spare her that heartbreak.

He could understand perfectly, being as sweet and forgiving as she was, and that was something he would never take away from her...

"We should head downstairs," She said, "and have cake to celebrate."

Molly seemed to forgot the sombre moment at the mention of cake, and raced ahead to the elevator.

"I bet you can't beat me to the elevator, Nny!" she called out.

"I could probably beat you with two strides. Your legs are too stubby," he said.

"You're just too afraid to try because you're slow!" she blew a raspberry next.

Nny looked offended. "Oh, we'll see who's fast..." he stopped, and looked back at Her.

"You two go on," She said. "I'll catch up."

He bowed his head in thanks, and turned to face Molly slowly. An eerie smile stretched across his face, lighting up his dark eyes.

"I'll give you a head start," he whispered, eyes glistening.

She watched him confused. "But we're racing, not chase—"

"Ruuunnn!" he screamed suddenly, pulling out that 'fake' knife.

Molly's scream echoed through the hall next as she ran away from the crazed maniac.

Even though it was a game (she hoped it was a game), she couldn't help but be terrified. He was absolutely nuts.

She watched them run down the hall, as Molly stopped before the elevator to press the button frantically. She looked like a character from a horror movie, trying to escape a serial killer (Johnny's here...)

The doors opened at last. Unfortunately, Nny caught up and seized her, but only to tickle her to death with hands that could slice a man like cucumber in seconds.

Molly's laughter filled the hall. "Stop! I surrender!" she yelled. "You're the fastest!"

She shook Her head and followed them down the hall, telling them to behave as they entered the elevator.

...

August, 1995...

Aw, the 90s... What else is there to say? A colourful decade full of excellent cartoons, sitcoms, movies, music and... clothes? (that last series in the list is subjective).

At least no one's partying like its '99'. That won't be for another four years (we're not that far yet).

It was a breezy afternoon in a dark, lonely city. Despite how overly populated it was, one can still feel lonesome...

Upon a sidewalk the tall, slim figure of Johnny C. emerged, waiting for that endless red light to turn green. It was too bad he wasn't a spirit; he could just walk through traffic when it suited him.

He held a backpack, in which its mysterious contents were concealed. What was in there? Just one of those questions in life that don't require an answer...

Johnny, or Nny, as he prefers, wore a pair of headphones attached to a portable CD player. There that fine, classical music blasted out from those headphones, making life seem all the more spectacular.

But isn't life already wonderful when you're a twenty something individual? You have your life at your fingertips. Well, maybe not for everyone. Youth is wasted on the young, or whatever they say.

Those lights still wouldn't turn green, but no matter; his favourite part of the song was coming up, and then the chorus swells... That will keep away 'unwanted' thoughts.

Just as he was revelling in his solitude, more people arrived at the crossing, all in business suits no doubt — too important to acknowledge Nny in their busy, superficial lives...

Oh the joys of rush hour traffic. Streets filled with pedestrians, and roads filled with cars. Now he was one of hundreds yet again.

At least African herbivores had more structure; everyone got their fill of grass on the plains...

Here in this human city, people were constantly bumping and walking into one another. Personal space was a thing of the past.

He closed his eyes, trying to imagine that he was somewhere else.

He was too busy envisioning a different scenario to notice the small girl appearing at his side, licking a fruity-pop.

She looked around with those brilliant blues, scanning every grownup in sight. They all towered above her, but that didn't sway this little girl. Today was too wonderful.

Her Mommy had let her walk all the way back home by herself, even though she was three-years-old.

"Mommy must think I'm a big girl already!" said that cute baby voice in her head.

At least she thought her Mommy had let her. She hadn't seen her since she left the clothes store. It was so boring in there, and when she pulled off that mannequin's arm, she got scared and ran off.

She had severed a poor dummy's arm. What a cold-hearted murderer!

But she knew her Mommy trusted her, despite how big the city was.

"Hi!" she called up to a lady in a business suit.

The woman didn't acknowledge her. Instead, she flipped out her phone, and started barking orders at her poor assistant.

She looked to the other suits. "Hello!" she said. They didn't notice her either.

She looked troubled then, wondering why they wouldn't say hello.

Next, she glanced up at that tall, slim figure to her right, and gasped. He was so scary, as his eyes were all red and swollen, like he hadn't slept for months and months.

Right now, those dark, penetrating eyes stared straight ahead, trying to suppress some madness within...

He was kind of funny-looking, which made him seem less scary now, and his hair was silly. His loose strands of hair seemed to quiver as he went to pull something out from his backpack.

She watched his arm move across to the bag slowly. It was like it had a mind of its own, but that didn't stop her saying hello.

"Hello, Mister!" she called up next. His hand stopped.

He shook his head, rattling his brain about, and then peered down.

He stared at her vacantly, as if he couldn't make sense of her. But when she waved up again, he released that smile, and pulled off his headphones.

Even with the headphones he could hear that small girl's friendly tone. The first nice sound he'd heard all day.

"Why, hello," he crooned. "You're certainly a sight for weary eyes..."

"I have a fruity-pop!" she informed, showing her treat to him.

He stared down at her fruity-pop. "Yes, you do..." he said ominously, having a thought to steal it out of her hand, since they were his favourite, but thought better of it.

Besides, it was covered in her slobber, and you just can't steal sweets off little kids. Where did she get it?

"Have some!" she yelled next, holding it up fervently.

"No, no, it's all yours."

"Mm, okay," she chirped adorably, licking that fruity-pop again. It turned her drool a funny colour, as it dripped down her chin. Toddlers, nothing sweeter...

The sight amused Nny regardless, as he peered around at the others. Who did she belong to?

None of them acknowledged her, and then he wondered if she were a ghost that only he could see. His eyes grew twice their size.

Finally, the lights turned green, as all those people crossed the road. The city never stayed still for long...

The little girl was nearly trampled by all those ignorant people. She looked up at Nny anxiously.

Thankfully, he was still standing there, waiting for everyone else to go about their business. It eased her; she weren't allowed to cross the road by herself, after all...

He noticed her blue-eyed gaze, surprised. So she weren't a ghost after all with the way those people almost knocked her off her tiny feet. Unbelievable. At least he was big enough not to get trampled.

"Hold hands?" she said, holding out her small, sticky hand.

He stared down at her hand, unsure. So she was alone. Did he really want to bother with some lost kid? It was a busy road... How he hated these mortal dilemmas.

He sighed, giving in at last. "All right. Hold hands it is..." He grabbed that sticky, cold hand then.

They crossed the road, but she hardly kept up because there was always something pretty on the road, such as chewed gum or a squashed frog.

She never would have made it alone. If the people on the street were that ignorant, how would the people in cars behave? He didn't dare think about it.

They finally arrived on the other side. He let go of her hand, unsure of what to do now. Surely, someone was looking for her?

"My Mommy said I should never cross the road by myself," she told him, firmly.

"And she's right. Never take a mother's advice for granted."

She stared at him for a while, trying to discern something. What was she looking at? Was there something on his face? Blood perhaps?

Luckily, she smiled up next, showing off those stained baby teeth.

He smiled back. It was hard to resist. So cute she was, and she really made his ugly day less, well, ugly...

"Molly!"

They both turned to look at that young woman across the street. She ran across the road just before the lights turned red again.

"Mommy!" the little girl cried.

She rushed to her side and knelt in front of her. Nny noticed her eyes were filled with tears.

"How many times do I have to tell you to never wander off? You can get lost, Molly. The city is a big place full of bad people!"

Nny had to agree. She had met him after all.

"I'm sorry, Mommy," the little girl apologised.

"It's okay, sweetie. Just promise me you'll never run off again."

"I promise, Mommy."

"Now come along. I thought I lost you..." She lifted her into her arms.

Nny regarded them satisfactorily. Happy endings were always the best.

He started on his way, but then the young mother stopped him.

"Thank you so much for keeping an eye on her."

Nny met her thankful gaze. There was genuine sincerity in her eyes, and it pleased him yet again. She was but a year or two older than him, but the last hour seemed to have aged her. Stress and fear can have that effect.

"You're welcome, miss. You have an adorable daughter. I would never want her out of my sight either."

The woman looked down at her daughter. "What do you say, Molly?" she asked. Molly seemed too distracted by the button on her jacket.

She looked up and shouted, "Thank you, Mister!"

"You're most welcome," he replied, patting her head.

"And?" her mother said again.

"Uh... goodbye!" the little girl yelled, and waved to Nny as her mother carried her away.

"Well, goodbye, and thank you again. Just be careful when you have kids of your own, lest they all keep running off..."

Nny found the comment strange, but he appreciated her good nature all the same.

"And goodbye to the both of you too!" He waved them away, watching as they disappeared down the street.

What a good afternoon. It was just too bad that those group of twenty something Friends were laughing at him through that coffee shop window. They thought they were cool because they had their own couch and everything, and drank out of giant cups (I'll be there for you my ass).

Well, not to worry; it was where he was heading anyway.

He made his way through the glass doors with the words "Central Poop" written across, and then there came the sound of screaming, as those once clean windows were now splattered with blood and gore.

A real happy ending...

...

A lone man sat in his cell, miserable as a captive beast. He may not be dead, but what life was this, to spend your last years in this filthy manner?

Who had the last laugh now...

He wished he could wither up and die, but did he want that? After all, they still hadn't come up with a final verdict. He may be a free man again.

The lights went out, but what did he care. There was no light in his world anymore, unless he thought of an old victim, then some light would ease its way back in.

He hoped that she was happy now wherever she was, and that thing that helped her...

In all honesty, he hoped that thing would die a miserable death, and the girl was rotting in hell.

No one believed him. There were moments where he thought he lost his mind and imagined the whole affair.

No, that little bitch was as real as the day he took her innocence. Such a sweet thing she was, and even though she may be laughing at him now, he will always have that part of her. Nothing she could ever take back.

Now he started to laugh in his dark cell, hearing that constant ringing in his head, or was it coming from somewhere else?

The ringing stopped, as it was soon replaced by a sudden hush.

He sat up, having the uneasy notion that he was being watched. His eyes settled on a hooded shadow in the far corner of his cell. It only stared, and he felt his blood freeze.

So he lay back down and faced the wall, feeling that hooded form's eyes boring into his soul.

If an old victim could come back from the dead, then maybe that form in the corner was real too...

Next, he heard its shallow breathing as it neared, brushing cool breath against his clammy neck. It was so cold; he was sure the room's atmosphere turned to frost.

How had he fallen under this creature's cruel suffering?

Now that skeletal hand gripped his shoulder, as he heard the sound of his bones crushing.

He cried out. The figure leaned in close, and whispered: "How does it feel to hear your own screaming now?"

He screamed back.

"Save your cries for later. There's plenty of pain where you're going."

"Go on, take me! I'm not afraid of death!"

The form gave a dark chuckle. "My, you're a plucky one. You've certainly got the balls, but not for long..."

"What—?" He looked up at that sharp, glinting edge, but it was too late. He soon felt that piercing rip between his legs.

"No! Stop! Just kill me!"

"But I already killed you. I've never ripped a soul from the genitalia before. Sickening, I know, but I suppose that's the only part of your body you think with... I'll have to remember to wash my hands."

The man, albeit in serious pain, looked at his surroundings. This wasn't his cell anymore; this was a dark chamber, and his bed was now a torture table.

"How did I get—?"

"Shut up and sit still!" the form yelled. "I'm only doing this for a friend. I try hard enough not to be touched, but... you deserved this..."

The man gazed up at that hooded face through tears. Its glowing eyes glared back down; he could just make out its dark pupils. There were no irises to be seen or colour, just round dots of pure black...

But that didn't stop him from sputtering out that mindless laugh. "Another friend of hers, hey? So, where is she? Why isn't she here now?"

Those glowing eyes tapered. "I don't know who you speak of..."

"I think you do. What? Was she too afraid to come and see me again? It was her virginity I took, not yours..."

A cold, powerful hand seized his jaws. "I don't like those noises coming from your mouth..."

"I'm sure you don't. What else don't you want to hear? How she screamed, how she struggled when I—?"

"SHUT UP!" The form crushed his jaws next.

The beast just seemed to be enjoying the pain now. This wasn't going to work; he had to use a different tactic.

The form sighed. "I didn't want to do this, but you provoked me. Please, redirect your attention to that funny contraption overhead."

The man looked up smug as a fox, and then turned pale. What an ugly sight to behold, especially when you're lying flat against a torture table. What was that pointy thing?

"I want you to keep your eyes on it and never look away, even when the end of that pointy stick hits its ugly target. That will be you, by the way."

"What... what are you...?"

"I'm sorry it had to come to this, but you need to learn what it is to have something forced on you. Only then your soul can move on."

The form wanted to rip his brain out for ever considering something so tasteless, which was a first, but the innuendo was there. His had only been an interest beyond the flesh, to the inner crux of the organism, but this simple simian's interest only stopped at the topical level...

The beast needed to be beat at his own game, and being jabbed multiple times in a particular, topical region would do the trick.

The man was sick, who even made this creature want to projectile vomit.

"Go on! Do it! I love a good f—"

He tuned him out, and approached that lever almost torn, maybe even ashamed. Why? Torturing never bothered him before, but it was more than that. He was reducing himself to his level, but this weren't for him after all. This was for a friend.

"When you feel the spear," he stopped to swallow, "penetrating... I want you to think about that little girl." His callous voice broke at those last few words, taking on that mournful tone at last. "Envision you are her, and that... that the spear is you. Need I say more?"

"No... stop!"

"Too late."

He pulled the lever, and down came the spear.

The man's tortured screams burst through the room, and the form had to leave. Lucky he set the lever so it would keep penetrating again and again...

He emerged from out the door, and pulled back that hood. There he finally was — Johnny C. He was shaking. It had to be one of the hardest things he ever had to do, and none of it did anything for him. Cold emptiness was all he found.

Why should he feel happy about something like this? Surely, no one deserved this kind of torture?

Luckily, the man's memory will be wiped clean once he's reborn again, so all this newfound knowledge was pretty pointless on the long run. But the soul must move on, start over, and mess up again until it finally gets it right. Eternal happiness was but a far dream to the beast in the adjacent room...

After a while, his screams became too much to bear, even from out in the hall.

Now his screams turned into Molly's, and he suppressed those tears. But it was too late. They came, as well as those disturbing images, dripping from moist, brown eyes at last.

He moved down the tunnel, and far away from that torture room. This wasn't fulfilling. He couldn't bring himself to enjoy any of it, as it was just another reminder of someone else's pain.

It seems that reaping has finally become a thing of his past, and he was glad he could move on from that dreaded existence.

This was no life for anyone. Not even a Homicidal Maniac.

...

Zim never moved his eyes away from the TV. He couldn't believe it; he had died in prison. Nny had done it.

But he felt no remorse or joy, just a cold, empty nothing. The man didn't deserve his grief, but that wasn't his reason. Death was death. It should not be celebrated.

He switched the TV off in anger and stormed out the room, surprising Skoodge. So innocent and gullible: Zim could never take that away from him. It was pleasant to have someone around like him — someone unaware...

"Zim, where are you—?" Skoodge started.

It was too late. He had already left the room and gone down into his lab. He was finally going to do it; his Tallest had to know. The time had come to tell them of his findings on Earth. This was his chance to move on from his past.

Little did he know, Skoodge had followed him down to eavesdrop. So nosey.

…

Zim stood in front of the giant monitor, facing the enlarged images of his purple and red-eyed leaders. He hadn't called them since the whole incident occurred.

He had certainly changed in those short few months...

He didn't even know why he felt obliged to call them. As an Irken, he was programmed to obey his leaders, and it worried him greatly since they hadn't heard from him for a while. Surely, they must have been sick with worry.

Maybe a part of Zim knew they wouldn't care whether he called or not, but that obedient urge was too powerful. It was like giving in to an overwhelming hunger when you're trying to fast.

"So, you're telling us that you're resigning from your... superior position as an Invader?" Purple asked, trying to contain himself.

"Yes," Zim replied, as detached as he could muster. How had he never seen them laughing before?

Purple looked genuinely surprised. "Oh. Well, that's wonder... I mean, terrible news, Zim. We'll miss you. Well, goodbye then." Purple went to tell a technician to cut the feed, but then Red stopped him in time.

"Wait, hold the feed," he said. "Why exactly have you resigned, Zim? If I had to be honest, it's the smartest idea you've ever had..."

Purple turned to him in shock, since he was so frank. Well at least one of them had the decency to be.

Zim took his words in, surprising himself with how little he cared for them. It was his duty to care about what his Tallest may think, lest he wanted to lose his head or worse PAK.

"I appreciate your honesty, my Tallest. However, recent events have made me realize that I... that I want to preserve this planet."

Purple made a 'tutting' sound. "We already have a number of preservation planets. We can't save all the species of the universe from extinction, Zim."

Zim went on. "Well, no, but you see, there is something on this world. It's hard to explain from an external, non-human perspective. You wouldn't understand. You're much too superior..." he added as a precaution.

"Well, try us. We're not the Tallest for nothing..." Red said.

"All right. It's a simple word really, but seems to echo for an eternity..."

"What word?" Purple asked, curiously.

"... Love." Zim looked away.

The Tallest took on contrasting expressions. Purple looked troubled, but Red was just plain old deadpan.

"Oh, that word," Purple said, somewhat nervously.

Zim flipped his head back up. "You know of it? How? Is it forbidden? Have I failed you, my Tallest?"

Red rolled his eyes. "Well you're not exactly the first Irken to discover that word, Zim." His voice was impassive, but there was the teeniest, tiniest hint of regret.

"I'm not? I always thought of myself as a pioneer in that regard."

"No, you are not," Red replied, gritting his teeth. "Nonetheless, we have no use for it in our mission."

Zim scratched the back of his head. "You're not going to put me on trial again, are you? I'm sorry. The love just beckoned me!"

"Since the last time was a total, miserable failure, it would be pretty pointless. I think an eternity on that rock would be more deserving for you, Zim," Red told him.

"Really? I don't see that as a bad thing..."

It was Purple's turn to gloat now. "Well it's your punishment, whether you like it or not," he said, smiling. He just knew that the love would simply destroy him. How?

The room turned silent now. Then it was settled. He was to stay on Earth, and he couldn't be more happier. At least he could make peace with the fact that Earth was off limits; the Irken Empire will never have it.

Zim had one more question on his mind. He just wasn't sure how to get it out.

So he squeezed his eyes shut, took a deep breath, and finally let it out. "Why?" he said.

They both looked at him confused.

"Why what?" Red asked, irritated.

Zim met their eyes now. "Why do you hate me so much? We're practically family. We've known each other since we were smeets. We all have! But why?"

Red was speechless, as Purple's face turned into a blank canvas...

Red shifted his eyes next. "Where did you ever get the impression that we hate you?" he asked, laughing.

"Well, you've tried to thwart me multiple times. I could always see it. My SIR unit isn't exactly... how do I put this... ideal..."

Did Zim really see that as a bad thing? GIR was a big part of his life now. That's destiny for you (though not by Julia's doing).

"Yes, and we always failed," Purple said.

Zim continued. "Please don't tell me it's because of all those explosions I caused, which I still think are pretty amazing. Just give me an explanation."

"You're just irritating, Zim. Nothing more. Well, there is more, but we've told you enough already..." Red told him, flat.

Zim looked the other way. "I gathered it was along those lines..."

"So, what will you do now?" Purple asked. "Now that you finally know how we hate you and all."

"I don't know. Continue with my new mission, I guess..."

Purple's eyes burnt with curiosity. "And what's that?" he asked again. What was he hiding?

Zim stared at the monitor, and there was that flash of hostility. It lasted only a second, but his Tallest saw it. Were they afraid? He was a well-known psychopath, after all.

"It's a lot to tell in one transmission," he replied, coolly, "but you were right, my Tallest. There was a little girl standing behind me that time..."

"Huh?" Purple said.

Red bared his teeth. "Is there something else you want, Zim?"

"No. That'll be all. Thank you for your time."

Red scrutinized him, but Purple was still mulling his brains over Zim's words. What little girl? He must have forgotten, being too important and all.

The little Irken was as courteous as ever, so it was hard to trace any disobedience on the system, though they could see it. How cunning of the little non-Invader...

Red could never let someone as short as Zim have the last laugh. "Yes, well..." he purred, voice lilting, "enjoy the rest of your banishment, Zim."

"See you in another life," Purple piped next, forgetting about the 'little girl' now. "And you too, Skoodge! Wow, the TV really does add ten pounds. You look even uglier and shorter..."

Skoodge, who had been hiding behind a mound of wires, yelped in surprise once he had been discovered. He ran out the room screaming next.

That was until Zim grabbed him with an extended arm from his PAK, and pulled him to his side.

He put an arm around him then. "Is there something you want to say to our respected leaders, Skoodge?" he asked.

Those two leaders frowned at his mocking tone, but no computer could scan any rudeness. His words were still polite.

Skoodge stared into those impassive red and purple eyes — eyes he had constant night terrors about. What would happen now that they caught him hiding in Zim's base?

"Well, what do you have to say?" Zim probed him once again.

"I... I... nothing... I'm sorry, my Tallest. I didn't mean any disrespect. Please don't throw me into the side of another planet. I can stay here with Zim!"

Zim palmed his forehead. "Tell them what you discovered on Earth. Tell them about Molly..."he encouraged.

"Who's Molly?" Purple asked.

"NO!" Skoodge yelled. "I won't let you hurt her! This is her home! This is my home!" He gasped next, and covered his mouth.

That was not the reaction Zim was hoping for, and for a moment he looked concerned for his chubby companion. He really shouldn't have put him in such a vulnerable position.

Fortunately, the Tallest still regarded him with disinterest, as if he was just another fart sound in the empty vacuüm of space.

"I'm so sorry... I never meant to..." Skoodge ran out the room, crying over his disobedience.

"Goodbye, Skoodge!" Purple said, waving off the gullible idiot. Red was heard off-screen demanding the transmission to be cut, after having seen enough.

The screen went blank. Now Zim was alone in the room, feeling unusually happy.

It was a relief to finally get it off his chest, but he still didn't like their excuses. Skoodge was also of little help. So he was just irritating? The most pathetic excuse if he ever heard one.

So what now? He had confessed to his Tallest, but they seemed indifferent and almost melancholy. Why? They were superior beings; they were immune to such weaknesses.

That was how Irken society was shaped. The Tallest were the strongest and most superior, because they were tall, but Zim saw something in their similar, jelly-like eyes...

Zim knew they didn't want him. It was time to stop kidding himself, and continue with his new fate of helping human spirits.

...

Zim materialized out of the toilet, and walked through the house. Everything was a haze. He heard that cutting sound next, and looked to the left.

Skoodge was sitting at the table, making paper pirate hates. It seemed he had gotten over his fright downstairs, and was now planning their next meeting with little Molly. He was making quite the mess, but he left him to it.

The fat Irken had really taken a shine to the little girl, and it was more than he deserved.

At least Zim didn't have to coax him out of some misery induced stupor, thinking the Tallest were out to get him for the 1000th time. He saw it himself; they didn't care about him. It's best to focus his mind on what really matters now.

GIR and Minimoose had also settled on Earth quite nicely. He heard that Minimoose was becoming a well-recognised member of the community, saving cats from house fires, as well as those elderly pedestrians. He was super moose now. What a good little doomsday device.

He had no idea where GIR was at that moment, but he was probably befriending more hobos and farm animals. He did keep regular contact with Heathcliff, who got a new job at a mansion. Things worked out for him after all.

But what of the computer? Where did he go to? Zim did keep seeing that red-headed human around the city. Just... maybe.

He looked to the couch, and there was Bob the cat curled up with Lisa the mouse on his head (now there's a sight you never see).

Was he definitely free? It didn't seem real. It was probably the kindest thing his Tallest could ever do for him, and he was grateful.

Now he took that deep breath, and approached the door. Once he opened it, he gasped loud and clear.

The Earth had changed. Was the sky blue at last? Birds sang, and the sun was shining rays of gold.

It may have been a slight exaggeration, but there was an apparent change in the atmosphere. He could almost smell it. Yes, now he could smell fresh flowers in full bloom rather than the city cesspool.

The people had altered too. That ugly neighbour lady was quite attractive next door after she got that boil removed... Even the legless man across the street was less brooding now, and did he just smile at Zim? Unless he was seeing some hidden beauty.

All those flaws he perceived before had vanished. The humans were actually very beautiful for the first time, and he was glad he decided to preserve these species after all. So powerful, yet vulnerable. How could he not enjoy them? They taught him so much.

Next, a white feather landed next to his boot. He looked up at the roof. Three birds were perched at the edge, watching him it seemed. He didn't know much of Earth avifauna, but he could see that these weren't the usual birds you see in an urban area in broad daylight. One was an owl.

Its intelligent, yellow eyes gazed back down at him, while holding that white feather in its beak. It had just preened it off its wing.

Zim smiled up at the owl, as it let the feather go. He wasn't sure why at the time, but the owl just had a look to it.

Next to the owl was an eagle of pure white. Now Zim knew for certain that eagles didn't usually come in that colour. It was just too bad that ugly vulture sat to the eagle's right, regarding him like he was a meal.

It had a horrible baldy head, with feathers sticking up like unruly hair. Its black wings were also tattered too.

These avian life forms seemed somewhat familiar to Zim, even though they were just birds.

All three watched him for a while, and he was sure that little owl smiled then. It couldn't possibly, but the shape of its beak had curved upwards, and its yellow eyes sparkled.

The eagle's beak curved in the same shape, and its eyes shone a liquid blue. The vulture, however, continued to glare at the Irken with its beady eyes, but then its crooked beak curved into an insane melon shape. It's black, opaque eyes were terrifying.

Zim gasped. Across the purple tiles of his roof, from the golden rays of that magnificent sun, their shadows stretched tall and... human. The wings were still there. He finally understood.

"Winged humans? Pah!"

Now the vulture and the owl took off in flight, and flew into the direction of the city hospital.

The vulture's black feathers rained down on Zim, and the Irken hissed. He swore he heard it squawk in laughter, only to be reprimanded by the softer squawk of the owl.

All that remained was the white eagle, peering down with its majestic eyes of blue. Those eyes narrowed satisfactorily, and Zim finally heard what it... no, what She was saying...

"Well done, Zim. Now enjoy your new mission."

Now the eagle spread Her wings and took off, as a pristine feather glided down onto the grass.

Zim looked back at the house, and smiled. "Home," he told himself.

He knew he could do it then; his true mission at long last.

The end.

---

A/N: there you have it. The ending... I'm trying to leave room for more, so that a sequel could be possible, but I don't think it needs one. It was long enough.

My consolation is that I told this story in three parts. Part one is from chapters two to eight, where Zim meets Molly. The second part is when he gets to know her and helps her find her murderer, and thus succeeds. That ran from chapters nine to sixteen, and in the sixteenth chapter was Nny's appearance. Like I said, it was originally going to end with Molly finally moving on after her killer confessed and she met her mother again, so I was going to leave her murderer's fate unclear. Extending the story that much further, from chapters seventeen to twenty-five, gave me an opportunity for him to meet his destiny.

He did suffer quite a bit, and because I have too much empathy, I gave him a chance to start over. No one is truly bad. I like to think all souls are pure, and it's only the bodies we have that taint them. They need to be recycled and start fresh in a new life.

His fate was dark, and it was originally darker and more suggestive, but I had to tone it down because I wasn't comfortable with how it was portrayed. I'm still not now (spears? What the...? I don't even know), but it more or less fits into a T rated story now. I hope so. M rated usually have more graphic scenes, and I tried to make these minor, as it specifies on the site. It even says minor course language too, which I hope I had in here. I did put a few grown up words.

I believe that if you ever put anyone in any form of pain or discomfort, then a taste of that pain is what will help you understand what you put them through, seeing through their eyes or shoes. That was the moral here, and I hope it went down well. Raping, and the other hand, is a big issue; it is not easy to portray. You don't want it to be too overemphasized as well as underemphasized, if that makes its difficulty clear.

The things he said to Nny made me want to staple his mouth shut. I'm not sure how these kinds of beasts think, so it was hard to imagine. I remember this line in the movie Con Air. It's about a bunch of criminals that hijack a high security plane. One character describes a rapist as something between a cockroach, or the white stuff that accumulates in the corners of your mouth when you're thirsty. It stuck with me, because it's true, and plus it made me feel physically sick. The white stuff, not the cockroaches. I'm okay with cockroaches, but not dry spit, ugh. I had a school teacher who always had that stuff in his mouth (starts to heave now).

I hope you think he got his lesson learnt, even though it involves his pain. Nny is ideal for this because he can be detached, but he took it very personal since Molly is something akin to his little sister now.

This is the part where I would normally say you don't have to continue reading, because I have all my references and so on, but you may want to know some stuff in here. Be prepared, it's very long…

Other stuff in this chapter…

I never intended to give Zim's guardian a name, so she's a Her. I capitalize it to give it an effect, but I can't help but capitalize She too. I'm not sure if she was human, but she acts and looks human. She acts gullible or immature in people's presence when they're unsure about something, and an example is seen in this chapter when she squeals about a dress in her magazine. Nny had been confused about her origins, but when a character gets wiser, she matures. She even became an old lady after her talk with Zim, because he had been filled with newfound wisdom. I honestly don't know much about her. Strange, I know, because I wrote her. She even turned Irken at one point, but she speaks of Zim and other Irkens as if they're alien or foreign to her. I personally want to leave her as a mystery for myself.

I like to think that the angel characters in this story can morph into birds on Earth, but it was also for Zim's sake. Humans with wings freak him out. Birds would make more sense to him or 'avifauna'. Sorry about using technical words.

I should point out that most vegetarians and vegans I've met don't cry when they see people eating meat. I'm just depicting Julia as the caring, compassionate soul she is, who even gets upset when she steps on a snail.

I have no idea what she sees in Nny... Okay, I do, because I'm kind of a Nny fangirl now, even though he's a serial killer, but I think Nny may be developing a soft spot for her too. Friends for now and all that. I will hint that she will help him out when he's a guardian on Earth...

Like with Nny's trial, I don't know who was in Molly's exam room. But whoever it was, it was enough to make a young college student cry, but Molly passed. That was a joy to write, because I have given you the chance to see how she progressed in the afterlife, since her life had been taken away so young. She deserved it. She can still go and visit her parents in heaven at her leisure, but she discovered heaven wasn't for her after all. It was Earth, where she can be a guardian angel to little Johnny.

That talking carrot may or may not have been in Nny's head; I doubt a carrot would become aware in the afterlife, but Bunny's just adjusting to his extra awareness. Only a human characteristic, really, to anthropomorphize things, but I wonder what it would be like if other animals did too. Lions and other cats are strict carnivores, so if they feel bad about eating their prey, they will starve. We have developed the compassion to consider animals' feelings. It's probably best animals kept those primitive traits. The circle of life and all.

I wasn't sure what eye colour to give Nny. At first, I didn't want to specify to show how inhuman he was, but I imagine them brown. It's not that important, but sometimes you need the visualisation. If they are blue, then they will clash with his navy hair...

That scene in 1995 took place during the comic, preferably before, as it happened in August. The first issue came out that year of that month, to my knowledge. I liked writing that scene, because three-year-old Molly is so adorable. If she seems stupider, try to consider early childhood. A five-year-old has a very different mentality to a three-year-old. They're still like babies at that age.

JtHM references. Again, there's a few…

Nny said to Squee: "Aren't malls revolting places?" after he saved him from that guy in the alley. So he has mixed feelings about that plaza. That's a moment where you see some goodness in Nny, saving Squee from what most likely would have been a traumatic, childhood experience, then he cuts the guy's brain out and shows it to him. That happened on a Tuesday in the comic, because Nny later specifies that Tuesday means UFOs and runs off screaming. That last bit is irrelevant, but I like that line.

"And the chorus swells!" is just something he shouted after he let off that bomb at café le prick. He's listening to 'Ode to Joy' by Beethoven on his Walkman, one of my favourite songs because I can play it on a keyboard. He's also listening to classical music on his 'walk' in this chapter, even though he likes to walk at night. He must have stopped since daytime is full of people.

Nny purchases a fruity-pop in JtHM, and states to the clerk: "I really like fruity-pops," all crazy like, but then the guy is shot by a masked gunman, so Nny doesn't get to buy his fruity-pop.

That's why Molly has the fruity-pop, and Nny wanted it for a slight moment… He was also in a mortal dilemma when he was torn between helping her cross the road.

When Nny went to heaven, you see a plane in the background. Same thing here too. I'm not sure how it got up there.

Nny says to God: "I've done horrible things with salad tongs," when he meets him in heaven. He handled salad tongs once again here, though for their actual purpose — salad.

Not a JtHM reference, but still applies here. In I Feel Sick, Devi is trying to get back to her apartment to stop Sickness, and there are many obstacles in her way, and one is a dead puppy lying on the floor. This again is an IZ reference, because in 'Parent Teacher Night' Zim trips over the puppy, which Dib in his thought bubble warned him about, but that puppy was alive for good reason… That's why Julia tripped over a puppy that came from nowhere — a reference we can all get, due to its appearance in IZ.

Mr. Eff convinced Nny to 'immortalize' the moment after his date with Devi. That's when he tried to kill her. Coz he ain't so insane anymore, he may have a chance of happiness again. The mentality Nny had with killing Devi was so he always had the beauty of the 'start'. Messed up. He has already killed Julia anyway, and it is unlikely he could kill her again, even though he tried in the elevator, but still. Just shows ya how determined Julia is, liking a guy who killed her (people change, like she says). I'm really not shipping them...

Nny specifies how his killing is an interest beyond the veil of the flesh, after he is accused of raping that girl that Jimmy (Mmy or 'darkness') raped by Tess. That's a character I should have involved here. She's really funny in the comic.

Topical is also another word pertaining to the skin, like when you apply something topically like cream to a rash. That's why I used the word here. That man had a bad rash.

Other references...

That was actually Jack from The Nightmare Before Christmas behind the waterfall, or someone like him. It was probably just a cosplayer; that place does seem like a convention. I think Jack and Nny look alike in silhouette.

In Peter Pan, they say that when a child stops believing in fairies, one dies… Do you believe?

If you were to say you had a "rumbly in your tumbly", you would be quoting Winnie The Pooh.

"I'll be there for you," is from the song to the opening theme of Friends. Nny killed that group of friends in the coffee shop window because they were laughing at him, and they were similar to the cast of Friends — three girls, three guys. I believe Friends would have just been in its second season back in 1995. We're getting old...

'1999' is a song by Prince. It's brilliant, and it was way ahead of its time in the 80s. Prince pretty much was with his electrical sound (update: RIP Prince).

That was a reference to 'The Shining' where Jack Nicholson shouts his famous line "Here's Johnny." Though I wrote, "Johnny's here" to spice it up a bit. I personally prefer the book to The Shining. A good read.

In Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks receives a white feather at the end, which I'm assuming is a sign from Jenny. That white feather scene inspired that here. It's a sign from an angel.

Finally, IZ references…

Almighty Tallest Miyuki and Spork. I liked writing those two in; their deaths were pretty tragic. I like the ship between them, so that's why I did the Spork moment, and I enjoy fanfics that explore Irk's older rulers. I'm not sure what colours Spork and Miyuki have, but some fanfictions I've read give them blue and green eyes.

I hear once an Irken becomes Tallest, they have their thumbs cut off as a ritual, though I never described Tallest Red and Purple as 'thumbless'. I should have, but it's not important now. We've seen enough of them to know.

If you remember, I had two portraits of Miyuki and Spork in the ballroom scene from Zim's nightmare. Their eyes were watching him hatefully. I guess they lived on, and still discuss him every now and then, and go on dates, even though Miyuki said it weren't a 'date'.

I describe her as the 'Iron Lady' like Margaret Thatcher. I just get that 'Iron' vibe from Miyuki (the Massive was created during her reign, but she seems graceful enough). There's something about a powerful female ruler that makes you shiver. I reckon most Irken females are like that, and the males leave them to it. Zim tried to stop Tak though, but he felt her power, and he knew she would have gotten his planet. He just got lucky.

You can read a transcript to the unaired episode 'The Trial' online. That's where Almighty Tallest Miyuki and Spork were going to appear in flashbacks.

And to assure you that this is still an IZ fanfiction, I ended with Zim's confession to his Tallest. He only told them so much, but after how they treated him (have always treated him), he left them to mull it over instead. If you remember, Tallest Purple saw Molly when she was behind Zim on the monitor. It was a reference to the show at the time, but it worked out in the end.

I don't know when or who the Tallest loved, or even if they ever have loved, but they seem aware of it and turn melancholy, and almost wistful, at its mere mention.

The Tallest are actually hard to keep in character. Here's the thing I find with them; they're both very funny, and have had their fair share of good and bad moments in the show, so you want to balance that out… Yet you can't help but make Red the big, bad mean one and Purple the softer, but there are moments in the cartoon where Red appears tougher. Red gained my respect when he regained control of the Massive when it was about to go flying into the sun, so he's remained my favourite. Purple did what I would have done: cried while eating donuts in the corner. But Red isn't monotone like he is here(though maybe he's just that sick to death of Zim, so he has lost the will to care). He's as funny as Purple, and cracks a joke about Zim all the same, but for some reason I see Purple as being more gullible here, especially when he mulled over Zim's words. So I hate to make Red all mean and cold, but he hates Zim. They both do.

I guess most of the Tallest' scenes happen away from Zim, so they can act natural and be their selves. Red especially.

I just had to get that off my chest. I had that problem with them when I wrote their last scene in chapter four, but like I said it's hard to portray them accurately. If you can, you're an IZ fanfiction genius.

I have always had the inkling that Zim knew about his mission's true nature deep down, but he just skates along and works with what he can. I do love fanfics where Zim finds out and is genuinely shocked, but I wanted to put my own spin on his 'finding out about the true nature of his mission', or however you wanna say it.

I hope it worked because he just directly asked them why they hate him, and it was blunt and straightforward. I know he worships the ground they float over, but that was pre-clairvoyant Zim: the one who was deluded, or just refused to see reality. Now post-clairvoyant Zim has gained some insight, not just in the paranormal or spiritual, but in his own life and mission. That finally helped to shed some light onto his confused, little head.

Wow, I rambled for three-thousand words.

I don't know how to say, but this is it. I'm all finished with Clairvoyance, which turned out very different to how I originally had it in my head two weeks, four months, and two years ago. This story has been with me during my whole student experience, and was one of the only things getting me through college at times.

I'm not promising anything, but if I find myself inspired again in future, I may come back and write a sequel, though do keep an eye out for me on here. I may post IZ one-shots and write for other fandoms, but as for multi-chapter stories go, they're done. They can be hard to keep up with. I want to start on some original stories soon, since that big, wide world is so close, though I will always have IZ to be thankful for and JtHM. Who knew that a cartoon that disturbed me once when I was twelve would end up being a starting point for me…

Update: I only went and wrote a sequel called Recyclable. Check it out, if you dare...

If you have been with me from the very beginning, then I thank you for staying with me for so long, and if you joined along the way, thank you again because you were all very much a part of this as I was.

I'm going to dedicate this story in the memory of my friend Steven, who lost his life while this story was still in the works. RIP good friend.

I'm also going to make a dedication to my cat, Mindy, who was very much a little human with fur to me. RIP.

And this is for anyone who has ever loved and lost. Writing this helped me realise that death wasn't the end, but really the start of another life...

Thank you for reading.