Someone Just Like You
Chapter 1: Moonlight Stroll
PG-13
Written by Yuneko
Disclaimer: I don't own Invader Zim sadly...but I do own three parakeets
Author's Note: I did a huge...and I mean huge makeover for chapter one and some for the others be sure to read and tell me what you liked about the new one!
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"There!" Zim wiped the sweat upon his forehead beaming proudly at his new window security system he had install to reduce the chances of another Dib invasion within the premises.
The human had gotten way too good at his work and it egged onto Zim's nerves to put a stop to it. Not only that, it was also hurting his wallet having to pay for new devices to try to keep the boy out. Zim loved to build new creations of DOOM, but parts didn't come cheap.
It also sickened him to no end to know that a primitive ape like Dib could ever foil such a smart, mighty warrior as himself over and over again. He couldn't stand it, what could he tell the tallest, who depended on his very mission to contribute to the ultimate takeover of the universe, and only one human stood in the way of it, Dib. It was embarrassing and Zim made sure that today would be the day he would get rid of that menacing pest of a human.
"Security Check!" boomed the house computer as Zim proceeded from his inner lair back through the small desk in the corner to leave his warm house out for his nightly shift around the block. No can tell what kind of evil and madness that lurked about the corners Zim always said, or more like ranted to anyone listening at the moment.
"Gir! Get down here!" Zim commanded putting on his disguise carefully adjusting the wig to its proper angle. After final inspection in front of the bathroom mirror Zim opened the bathroom drawer and brought out a small bottle of eye drops into his pocket.
Wearing such contacts irritated the Irken's sensitive eyes greatly and Zim found that eye drops gave a little comfort. Turning out the door toward the living room sat Gir watching the Scary Monkey Show, while sucking toothpaste through a straw.
"Get into your disguise! We are here to spy on the humans making it ripe for the picking, not sit and watch that horrid monkey!" Zim glared, shaking his fist at the small robot making Gir shiver under his deathly gaze.
Hopping off the couch Gir ran across the room to get his doggy costume zipping up to the neck, placing the hood over his head.
"I'm ready!" Gir shouted bouncing around the room forgetting Zim's stern lecture of the mission and it's great importance of proving himself worthy to his tallest. None of that mattered to him, he just wanted to sit and squeak his rubber piggy to all day. Continuing to slurp the toothpaste, he abandoned the straw trying to suck the last bit out. Slobbering drool was seen slightly over the rim of the toothpaste.
"That's just sick." Zim muttered looking away from Gir trying to get the rest of the paste by beating the tube with a rock. He did admit to himself that Gir probably did more harm than good to his mission, but he was all Zim had for company.
He was willing to deal with the robot's idiocy for he did not have the heart to dispose the dysfunctional robot as much as he didn't want to admit. He did feel some kind of kinship, if not beyond the call of duty.
"I'm minty fresh!" exclaimed Gir as he opened the door for his master his cyan eyes flashing to red symbolizing that Gir was now in obedient mode. The dog robot saluted to his master awaiting Zim's commands. Gir closed and lock the door behind him, running to keep up with his master.
"Take me to the Dib-Human's house. I have the perfect plan to destroy that worm. Instead of going on the straight on the road of destruction fire and brimstone, I shall hurt them internally somehow. Not through their inferior organs, but somewhere...deep. This "heart" is a great importance to the humans. If I can somehow break Dib's heart. I may just found the way to end all human existence." Zim pondered his plan some more as Gir lead on singing and dancing all the way long.
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Back in the Membrane residence Dib had just finished off an exciting episode of Mysterious Mysteries. To him, the show just never got old. Ever since it had become a great hit on the sci-fi channel, Dib had made it his duty to record and tape every episode for informational purposes.
A ritual started ever since he and Gaz were kids, they would both sit on the couch at nine every night. It was something they both would do together other than eat lunch at skool, even though Gaz's attention would revert immediately to her Game Slave 2, she would "watch" it with her brother out of old habit.
Now a High Skool freshman, Dib had defended the Earth from Zim's clutches for a record of three years. It was amazing how things had changed physically, but the malice and spite for each other still remained. Dib had grown taller, way taller than any of his classmates. An astounding 6'4 he towered among his classmates but still received the same old treatment of ridicule and loneliness.
Zim however had not changed much at all. He still wore his alien clothes, which resembled a fuchsia dress thing. His classmates loved to pick at his fashion taste for Zim had not changed his clothing style for the last three years. Calling him a possible cross dresser, Zim was also made an outcast for his lack of companionship ever since he had parted ways with Keef.
Zim had grown a few inches but nowhere near the towering height of Dib. It didn't matter to Zim who was taller for what he lacked in size he made up in ego. No one had a bigger ego than Zim for he reigned supreme. Besides the title "Lord of all Humans" had a nice ring to it.
Walking towards the kitchen to fix a late night snack, Dib peered into the fridge searching for something edible to eat. Lately in the Membrane house no one had taken the errand of going grocery shopping leaving the three to starve over a diet of toast, toast, and more toast. Looking into the containers he found rotten spoils of food made by his father in attempt of creating a new kind of soup. The vegetables and fruit had way outlasted its freshness and the milk's date overdue.
Trying to cover his nose, he resumed his search about the fridge for something to eat. His stomach was growling and he couldn't wait any longer. Looking into the cupboards desperately he found an empty box of cereal, some cans of beets, and randomly a melted sticky ice cream cone.
"Isn't it your turn to do the shopping?" Dib turned to Gaz raising his brow in question.
"No...." Gaz paused her game to answer then returning without batting an eyelash. "I'm busy. Why don't you go shopping? If you hurry fast enough the store might still be open." Throwing him a list and money she found in Professor Membrane's lab coat, she had missed her aimed target of Dib's large head and hit him mid chest.
Turning to Gaz, Dib's face twisted into a look of surprise. How could she have not understood the importance of Zim not being able to break into their home and do all sorts of horrible tests on his family? He stayed home to protect his family, sacrificing hours of not going out to prevent the Irken from figuring out his spying schemes.
Most people would say that Dib was a loser with no life, but he'd prove them wrong as soon as he gathered the most obvious clues that Zim was an alien. Dib couldn't believe how no one could notice Zim's green skin, no nose and ears. It was sheer stupidity and luck that Zim hadn't had his guts open out for public display in a laboratory.
"I can't leave! What if Zim comes by and tries to infiltrate my room. You know I kept all my secret evidence of Zim there!" Waving his arms about he continued his rant, clenching his fist he slammed his fist into the palm of his left hand to emphasize the importance of him not going out.
"Soon that slimy alien will figure out and what will happen then? Huh? Huh? I have to keep watch!" Pacing around the room sick with hunger. "I just can't leave my post for some food. Please Gaz....do the shopping for once?"
"Hmmm...let me think....NO!" Gritting her teeth in annoyance she turned away, telling Dib in body language that this conversation was over.
Too hungry to argue Dib picked up the money and list walking towards the door to put on his black boots and trench coat for it was quite cold. He shivered at the first step, but made it pass the neighborhood houses blowing into his hands for warmth. Dib now regretted not putting off his gloves and tried to pull his trench coat as close to his skinny body as possible.
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Sulking and scratching his eyes Zim made his way through the disgusting filth houses the humans had made. Such an inferior base! None shall ever pass my brilliance through advance Irken technology! Zim thought.
He made note of how poorly the houses defenses were on his pad as Gir skipped along. He was quite please with his chocolate bubble gum slushy and paid no heed to Zim's train of thought.
Going over his plans silently in his head Zim had planned a mighty plan. A plan so ingenious he wanted to beat himself over on the head for not conjuring up it sooner. He would knock on the door and then leave a nasty letter on how much he hated the little earth monkey.
That would do it! Dib would be crushed to know how inferior he was compared to Zim and have an emotional breakdown to cry. While that was happening the letter would implode on Dib, ridding him of his enemy. It was amazing how his brain continues to work in such at an ingenious level. His intelligence far passed the earth filth he had come to observe.
"ARGH!" Zim rubbed his eyes, trying to ease the irritation of his lenses. It wasn't fair that he had to wear such itchy contact lenses for a good period of the day. Taking the small bottle of eye drop he leaned back, using his gloved fingers to help open his eye wider. While doing this he continued down the sidewalk onto a dark figure.
"Ugh" Dib fell backwards to the force that had rushed towards him. He had tried to move out of the way, but it was all to fast. His reflexes felt sluggish and he was hit. His body landed on to the ground with a slight clink from the money in his pocket.
Groaning and lying on the cold concrete Dib was subconsciously awake his body too tired from hunger to obey him. His legs felt like jelly and Dib laid motionless.
"How dare you get in the way of ZIM! Have you the brain worms?!" Zim peered onto the person he had knocked over. It was the Dib human. Squinting his eyes he evaluated the situation. Yes the worm was unconscious and he was vulnerable.
Rubbing his fingers together in a plotting manner he was given a chance to strike. Instead of leaving a hurtful letter he would be able to say it to his face. Zim's mouth curved into a grin. Now he would be able to see the reaction on his rival's face before his inevitable doom. Poking and prodding Dib with his boot impatiently.
"Wake up stinkbeast. Obey Zim! Open your disgusting eyes now!" Zim commanded still scratching his eyeballs. Gir on the corner sat on the sidewalk, continued to enjoy his favorite beverage watching with some amusement.
"Master's all excited!" Gir tried to shout, but couldn't due to the massive amount of gum collected in his mouth. Instead he waved his little dog arms wildly trying to blow the biggest bubble known to man.
Hearing Zim brought Dib the strength to get up his feet. He rose up to his full height trying to intimate Zim for he was a foot and a half shorter. Picking up his glasses and cleaning them with his happy face shirt he placed them on his face to deal with the screaming blurry figure.
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After quite some time had passed Gaz looked up from her Game Slave 2 wondering where her idiot brother had gone. It was passed bedtime and she was tired. What in the world could he be doing...shopping wasn't that hard. Was it?
Gaz hopped off the couch and made her way to the bathroom to get ready. Stepping on the cold tile floor she got her toothbrush and opened the bathroom mirror to get the toothpaste and resumed to brush her teeth.
Professor Membrane down in the basement where he set up his main lab took a small break to check up on his children. Walking to the living room he found no one sitting, turning up into the stairs he walked up calling Gaz.
"Where is your brother?"
"Umph..." Gaz grunted with toothpaste foam in her mouth.
"Oh he's asleep? Okay good night kids! My dad time is running out so I'll be back in the lab if you need anything. Just call in through the system for we are now testing with dangerous chemicals to make a new line of toast."
Putting back on his goggles he headed back down into his lab where screams of random implosions could be heard. "Ignore that!" Membrane turned leaving Gaz shaking her head with disinterest.
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"Zim!" Recognizing the blurry figure in front of him. Adjusting his frames he struck his finger out and pointed at the Irken. "What are you doing Zim? A little too late for a night stroll don't you think? What are you planning now alien scum?" A million questions poured faster than the speed of light out of the tall boy's mouth.
"No one tells when Zim shall walk under the night sky for I am ZIM! I have every right to and I don't see any reason why you're out this late either. Besides I have something to give to you." Zim sneered trying to hide his face of delight as he threw the letter on to the ground at Dib's feet.
Looking suspiciously at the letter Dib refused to pick it up. "What if it's some kind of alien virus or something. You can't believe that I would fall for such childish tricks, Zim you'll never take over the world! NEVER!" Staring intensely at the letter he shifted his view to Zim, daring the alien to say anything else.
"Foolish Human! This letter contains a special kind of letter. One I wrote personally to you and I demand you to read it! Read now!" Picking up the letter and handing it to Dib. "I want to see your writhing face when you learn the hateful...things Zim sees in you!"
"You wrote me a letter?" Dib looked taken back. Out of all his evil plans this was the only one the alien could think of?
Deciding to take a chance he opened the letter. His fingers trembling in the process. He was afraid that he was going to contract some alien disease, but his curiosity would not leave him. Tearing open the letter he closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath and glanced down at the piece of paper.
On the paper was written is scribble handwriting "I hate you! Love Zim"
Snickering evilly Zim fell on to the ground in a fit of laughter. "Aren't you crushed Dib Human?" he gasped out for breath continuing laughing. Dib looked flabbergasted he crumpled the paper and stuffed it into his trench coat pocket.
"That was your plan to destroy me?! A stupid letter?"
"Shut up Dib! It's not just any letter...a bomb letter." Zim's eyes glowed dangerously. "At any moment the letter will explode leaving no trace of your disgusting self on the face of the planet." Rubbing his eyes he laughed maniacally in triumph.
Trying desperately to find the letter in the deep pockets of his trench coat he empty everything out. Dib emptied his camera, rubber ball, loose change, grocery list, wallet, and other items in a hurry to find the paper that would soon end his life. He wouldn't die, not until he exposed Zim for what he was and gained the credibility from all those doubted him.
They would thank him...yes they would thank him and he would be a hero. All the torture and pain of being made fun of would be worth it. He would be admired and become famous. Maybe even have his own broadcast talk show about his findings on Zim. But for now he had to concentrate on living, this Irken would not get the best of him yet.
"Don't even try looking for it." Zim yawned in boredom. "You've only got...a few seconds!"
Clenching his fist he waited gleefully with anticipation for an erupting boom to occur. Grabbing Gir, Zim ducked behind a fire hydrant and awaited an oncoming BOOM!
After a few more seconds passing Dib managed to find the letter, but it was too late. The letter glowed into a bright light making Dib drop the letter to shield his delicate eyes from being blinded and awaited his fate.
Good bye world, he thought. Would they ever know how hard he tried to save them? Would they ever remember Dib, the future paranormal investigator?
A resounding BOOM was heard, but no one bothered to investigate it. For the little neighborhood was asleep lost in its world of dreams and nightmares.
Confetti sprung forth and Dib opened his eyes. He was alive? Pinching himself he jumped up and down in happiness. He wasn't dead! His heart racing with adrenaline with such happiness, he glanced out at the alien enjoying the angry look spreaded across his face.
"Why didn't it work?!" Zim snarled, looking down at Gir. "Did you order the right letter bomb?"
"I did! I order the birthday surprise in a letter! Comes with a free cake!" Springing forth from his head came a small birthday cake the size of a muffin.
Attacking the birthday muffin cake thing, Gir devoured the cake, leaving no trace of the cupcake, but a very messy chocolate mouth. Grinning stupidly back at his master he continued squeaking his moose he had conjured up from his head.
Trying very hard not to strangle to robot Zim continued to glare at Gir, then Dib. Switching his eyes dangerously from the human to robot he cleared his throat. What was he to do now? Go home in another defeat without disposing the enemy.
"Let's go home Gir. I shall deal with you later human." Sulking, Zim walked towards the direct of home, pulling Gir's leash a little harder than usual, keeping the robot dog from getting too far ahead.
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"WAIT!" Dib shouted, running after Zim and Gir.
"What?! You got to live stinkbeast, but I shall destroy you another day. Enjoy your last day of life." Zim waved his hand carelessly at Dib motioning him to go home.
That made Dib angry, how could he send him away like that? He wasn't a child to be shooed away at anytime. Having Zim treat him as a child or a mere play thing angered Dib greatly. Zim had no right to treat him so lightly for Dib would find a way to expose him someday. He was a threat to Zim's mission of invasion and the alien knew that. So why did he continue to treat him in such a manner of a five-year-old? He wasn't to be turned away from, not any more by the alien.
"You can't just tell me to go home without a fight!"
"Well...Dib human, I do what please and I want to go home. I know fully that you're not armed so why try." Turning his back he continued down the sidewalk.
Dib ran after him blocking Zim's path. "I'm not letting you go home. You can't run away from me forever. I will hunt you down and then you shall be exposed to what you really are. An aliiiien."
"Get out of the way" Zim replied coldly going to the other side, but being continuously stopped by Dib. "Zim demands you to move out of the way. Obey Zim!"
Glaring at Dib his mouth quivered with anticipation on what was to happen next. Knowing the human, Dib was not one to act so irrationally leaving Zim to wonder what Dib had planned for the moment. Scratching his eyes, Zim waited for what was to happen next.
Inching his face close to Zim's he breathed in. Smelling Zim's breath, it smelled of peppermints, not like the stereotypical aliens with drool and smelly goo breath. This was as close he'd ever got to Zim and his heart rushed with panic. What was he to do now? He called out the alien, but didn't know what else to do. Staring at Zim's lavender contact lens, he poked Zim in the eye.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh! My eyes! My eyes!" The Irken screamed in pain, trying to fix his contacts, but they wouldn't stay on. His ruby eyes were exposed to the world. Zim glanced down in horror, knowing fully well that Dib was armed with a camera.
Stepping back Zim threatened, "If you dare take a picture, I will just erase the memory of the disc like last time." Feeling more confident he glared upwards trying to match Dib's size.
Staring down into Zim's eyes he found them quite unique. There were no pupils and was smooth, shiny, ruby red. It was amazing Dib was entranced. Leaning forward down to Zim's height, he gazed down into the depths of Zim's eyes. Looking at the reflection of him, Dib's face inched closer and closer till his lips lightly brushed Zim's. It wasn't till then Dib came back to reality in a huge shock.
They were the softest lips he'd ever felt Dib had to admit. Not that he had ever had any to compare with for he was considered the High Skool outcast. It made his heart race and adrenaline pumped into his brain. His mind was thrown into a panic. What had he done? Was he crazy?!
This was Zim, the enemy, the horrible alien scum who vowed to destroy the world and bring the people to his feet. How could he let himself go for that one moment, all because he looked into Zim's eyes? Dib found himself drowning in a whirlpool of emotion. It wasn't fair. They were enemies. What was going on? Forgetting his hunger and unable to find the answer fast enough, he did the only thing he could do at the moment.
Run.
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