Disclaimer: Invader Zim and all related content © Nickelodeon.
Zim headed to school the following morning, a slight bounce in his step. Not requiring sleep had its advantages. The irken spent all of last night researching singing and its effect on the brain. According to his findings, it produced mainly positive reactions, such as relaxation, tranquility, and excitement, yet it can cause negative ones as well, depending on the song's content. Additionally, zim researched the characteristics of a beautiful singing voice, which included being powerful, well-supported, controlled, and having great vibrato. Zim knew his had all those attributes, which boosted his already high confidence. This led the irken to where he was in the present.
As he approached the large building, Zim noticed some students walking around and talking amongst themselves. As he passed, some gave him strange looks, others just ignored him.
"You know, sometimes I wonder where that green kid is from," a blond girl remarked to her friend.
A brunette quickly glanced in the alien's direction and shrugged. "Greenland, you know, because he's green. I don't know."
"He's weird," the first stated simply, to which her friend nodded in agreement.
The irken's antenna twitched under the black wig at hearing their conversation, but he paid them no mind as he ascended the steps to the school's front entrance. Turning around, the alien faced the group. Some looked back, expressions curious. After a moment, Zim stood tall, inhaled deeply, and broke into song, vocals ringing out strong. All heads turned, as if the irken's singing commanded them to. Mixtures of shock and astonishment were etched into their faces, some even emitting dreamy sighs. Zim suddenly paused and glanced at his audience. Satisfied with the looks of entrancement he was receiving, he turned and headed into the school, continuing his song. Desiring to hear more of the invader's melodious voice, the children followed.
"I'm telling you, Gaz, that house they showed on Mysterious Mysteries is definitely haunted! I mean, how else would that man have found his kitchen table in his bedroom?" a bespectacled, raven-haired boy declared as he headed to school along with his younger sister. Dib had been ranting and raving about last night's episode of his favorite TV show, to the girl's annoyance. Apparently, a man had sent in some evidence of his house being haunted to the studio.
As the school came into view, Dib immediately suspected something was amiss. Turning to his sister, he commented, "Either we have off today, or Zim is up to something."
"Whatever," Gaz grumbled.
When they entered, Gaz turned and headed to her first class, as did her older brother. While he walked down the hall, however, he saw a group of students walking up ahead, but what raised his suspicion was a distinct voice.
"Zim," the boy muttered, picking up his pace, determined to find out what his arch enemy was planning this time.
Nearing the group, Dib realized Zim wasn't talking, but singing. Glancing over a girl's shoulder, he noticed her faraway expression, as if she was in some sort of trance. Could the invader's music have something to do with this? The boy decided to wait until everyone was in the classroom to confirm his answer.
Zim turned into the classroom and headed to the front, ending his beautiful melody and glancing at his audience. Once again satisfied at their reaction, he instructed, "Sit, my earth children. I will provide you with more music in a moment."
The students did as they were told. Zim headed towards Dib, smiling smugly. The ladder stared the alien hard in the face. "What are you doing, Zim?"
The smile widened into a grin. "You see, Dib-Stink, yesterday, I discovered I have incredible vocal talent. In addition, I learned of its impact on those who listen. They are enthralled by the beautiful sound coming from my vocal chords. With a few modifications here and there, my singing will be the most beautiful sound ever heard, and maybe, just maybe, Zim shall conquer Earth!" the irken concluded with a cackle.
The paranormal investigator stood abruptly, outraged. "No! I won't let you get away with this, Zim! I won't!" Turning to the class, he cried desperately, "Don't listen to him sing! Can't you see he's trying to control you? Remember that pustulio incident? Well, this is just like that! Please, you've got to listen—"
"Silence, filthy human!" Zim snapped, placing a gloved hand over the boy's mouth, the other forcing him back in his seat.
Ignoring the human's struggles, the alien returned his attention back to the rest of the students. In an unnaturally sweet tone, he instructed, "Sleep now, my earth children. Let your minds be soothed by my voice."
The irken began to hum a gentle lullaby, the notes smooth and filling the ears of each of his victims. Slowly, their heads came to rest upon their desks as their eyes closed.
"Stop singing!" Dib yelled through the hand covering his mouth, but to no avail.
Zim's voice increased in volume, prompting more yells from his enemy. He had everyone wrapped around his green finger, and Dib-Stink would be no exception. He would succumb to the power of Zim's beautiful vocals.
The scythe-haired boy ceased his shouts, suddenly feeling sleepy. Yawning, his head rested on the desk, amber eyes slowly sliding shut. Less than a second later, he snapped awake, determination coursing through his veins like a raging waterfall. He wasn't letting Zim win! Dib suddenly remembered what the invader said about the impact his singing had on people. It only had this hypnotic power if they listened, so, with a determined smile, Dib pressed his fingers into his ears, hoping to drown out the irken's lullaby.
Zim internally grinned at the human's pathetic effort. He just raised his voice even more, the sound resonating throughout the room.
Dib pressed his fingers further into his ears, yet the pain resulting from that forced him to let go. With no other options left, he bit the three-fingered hand covering his mouth. Its owner pulled away quickly, letting out a pained cry, giving Dib the chance to stand and make a bee line for the door. Before exiting the classroom, he turned and bellowed, "You won't get away with this, Zim! You'll see!"
Zim shouted after him, "I believe I already have, earth boy! Soon, the melodious voice of Zim shall be loved by all!"
The day's events replayed in the irken's mind as he headed to his base that afternoon. Despite his enemy trying to foil his plans, everything worked out perfectly. His theory was correct: he'd received the same reaction from the humans as he did GIR. How they obeyed him, how they were like putty in his hands, and all he had to do was sing. Zim closed the front door to his home, smiling at a job well done.