UPDATE: 5/9/13: Wow... it's really been a long time, hasn't it? I would like to apologize for taking FOREVER to update. There's been- issues with this story and it took me a while to get over it. But it still may be on hiatus for a little while longer. It's not my FAVORITE fic, so once I DO start updating more frequently, this story will be the last on my list. BUT IT IS NOT abandoned. I will start plotting out the next chapter sometime soon... and in the mean time I might update Bloodstream and Mein Heiland. So until then, please enjoy the other fics and please remain patient like you all have been. I really appreciate all the reviews, support and amazing attitudes! Thank you all and I apologize once again for taking SOOOOO long.

hello everyone! :D Guess what.. This is the first story I've ever published to fanfiction! YAY! XD Ah~ ... I really hope you guys enjoy reading it as much as I did writing with my amazing collaborator Kat. I just wanted to say that I probably won't be quick to update this series on this website as I am with Deviantart. So if you want to see later chapters faster, then go to my authors page and click on the link ^^ Thanks for reading and please enjoy!

"Stoopid hyooman."

The harsh voice rang through Dib's ears while he let out a cry as a flash of grey collided with his skin. Clutching the metallic limb that burrowed its' way into his shoulder, Dib shot a glare at the very being causing him such immense pain. "How many of your pathetic hyooman years have you wasted hindering the inevitable?"

Bringing his face down to meet Dib's glare, Zim let out a chuckle. "I must admit you did a excellent job at it, convincing my Tallest that I was a failure, but that will all change." Thrusting his PAK leg further into Dib's shoulder, Zim let out a low growl. "And I'll be sure to keep you alive to witness it all."

Dib clenched his teeth as the the limb lodged itself deeper into his body. "I- I won't let you de-destroy Earth, Z-Zim!" Dib struggled to say.

Zim narrowed his scarlet orbs at the threat, but they slowly softened as he spoke. "Your delusionment amazes me Dib-Stink. I'm moments away from ripping your left arm off, and yet you still believe you can somehow save this horrid little ball of mud? Honestly Dib, I had thought you to be one of the smartest pig smellies of this pathetic excuse of a planet."

"Why Zim...?" Dib breathed out. "W-why would you go s-so far to pro-ove your worth to an empire th-that obviously had no faith in your c-conq-quering abilities?"

Zim scoffed at the question. "Why would you, Dib, go so far as to protect the very people who caused you misery your entire life? Why are you here, with me, moments away from watching this world crumble beneath my hands, struggling to save it even though it practically begged for its' doom?"

"It's my home!" Dib shrieked.

Zim's eyes narrowed once again as he thrust another limb into Dib's other Dib's cry, Zim continued. "And this is my mission! Like it or not sad, little, worm-monkey, I will never change. I am an Irken Elite. My very existence is to serve my empire. I will ignore the fact that I have what you pig-smellies call feelings, and I will carry out the rest of my mission without further hindrance."

Dib desperately tried to stop the tears that flowed down his face, but with the second PAK leg in his other shoulder, he couldn't help it. He let his head roll to the side, looking at- for possibly the last time- his father's legacy. Eye's falling closed he willed the tears to stop, refusing to let his nemesis see him weak. Clearing his throat, he tried again.

"Zim, you don't have to do this. You said you have emotions- use them! Can you really stand by while humans are slaughtered like animals?" Dib's voice rose, becoming stronger though his body weakened. "You've seen the wonders of Earth. Do you really want to destroy that?"

"I hate repeating myself Dib. But seeing as you're less superior than an Irken, I will be kind. I was created for the sole purpose to serve the Tallest. I would never betray my empire for something as foolish as what you hyoomans call 'sentimental value'."

Zim shook his head. "It's sad really. It's not like I didn't try to make things easier for you Dib. I was so willing to let you rule next to me, to get revenge on those barbarians, to find your worth. I really did try." Eyes narrowing further, Zim twisted his PAK legs around Dib's flesh. "But you swatted me, ZIM, away like I was some sort of pest!"

Chuckling darkly, Zim leaned in closer "But YOU are the pest Dib. You and your entire species. You think anything on this dirt speck is worth saving? Your technology is primitive, your flora and fauna, while interesting, is barely past being single celled, and your 'natural wonders' are pitifully ordinary. Besides, even if there was some redeemable quality, Earth is so overly polluted with chemical waste it wouldn't be worth the effort of making it something useful to the Empire. That's why I will find absolute joy when I can finally rid space of its pitiful existence."

Zim tilted his head, leering down at the human teen. He grinned smugly, "But maybe if you beg, I'll spare earth- turn it into an Irken prison or some such endeavor. Of course, you hyoomans will still need to be taken care of...slaves maybe? Would you prefer your race be beasts of labour? Or maybe you'd prefer Earth to be some sort of zoo? The Empire would make lot's of monies and you get to keep your life. It's a, as you say, a 'win-win', no?"

Dib's eyes narrowed; the deal was too good to be true. But still, he could save the human race with this deal if he played his cards right... "I know you Zim. You wouldn't be so willing as to spare humanity for free. What's the catch?"

Zim threw back his head, a laugh bellowing out from his throat. After a few moments, his laughter slowly died. He brought up his hand and wiped away the blue tears that rested at the corners of his eyes. "Whoo... I haven't laughed that hard since I saw that hyooman's eyes explode when I sent her off into space three years ago." With a sigh, his gaze returned to Dib's. "I will say I'm shocked at your ability to comprehend a deal when it's being made."

Dib's eyes narrowed further at Zim's attempt of a compliment. "Despite what you think Zim, I'm not stupid. I was the only one who saw through that stupid disguise five years ago."

"MY DISGUISE WAS INGENIOUS!" Zim shrieked.

Dib flinched from the sound of the other's voice. The small movement caught the Irkens' attention, causing a grin to spread across his face, exposing his zipper-like teeth. Zim liked that feeling of power over the taller male. Gripping the hyoomans' chin in his tri-fingered hand, he lifted Dibs' gaze to meet his.

"The 'catch' as you say, would to become my personal servant Dib-stink. With a little work you'd be the perfect pet."

Shocked, Dib gaped up at the alien. His brain worked overtime, trying to decipher what his enemy had just implied. Zim...want him? As some sort of pet? But... "Why? Why keep me - your enemy- around? Aren't you just a little worried about having someone that wants to harm you around?"

Zim's serpentine tongue flicked out across Dib's cheek. "The fallen warriors of other species are often kept as trophies. Besides, you intrigue me Dib." he cooed.

Forgetting the incredible pain that spread across his body, Dib couldn't help the blush that crept across his face. "Z-Zim? What hell are you doing?"

Zim pulled his head back and met Dib's gaze. "You are mine now hyooman. I can do what ever I wish."

The unfamiliar feelings were forgotten as anger surged through the teenager. Dib's eyes furrowed once again as he shot Zim a death glare. "I will NEVER be yours, ZIM!"

Zim's own eyes narrowed at Dib's words. "Too bad. And I was so willing to go easy on your race. Oh well." With that, Zim reached into his PAK and pulled out a small vile. A smirk crept across his lips as he caught a glimpse of Dib's fear-stricken face. With a sudden movement, Zim reached out and ripped off a part of Dib's shirt. Using his free hand, Zim opened the vial and poured the unknown substance onto the strip of fabric.

With every one of Zim's movements, Dib's eyes grew wider. "Zim! What the he-" He was cut off by the Irken as he threw his hand over Dib's nose.

Zim tightened his grip on the teen as he began to struggle. Dibs' vision started to blur around the edges, colors fading as the drug took over. He fought it- forcing his tired eyes to focus on the being above him. An almost gentle hand brushed his wayward hair back from his face, trailing down his blood stained cheek. Zims grinning face was the last thing Dib saw before the blackness engulfed him.