"Let's beat her up!"
"Touch me and I'll beat the shit out of you."
". . . Let's run!"
-Why are people so surprised someone whose rather short is still so terrifying?

Ah well. I suppose I just have that effect on people. It's no fault of mine. :D

Anyways, so yes, I reveal the climax of this chapter in the title.

Also, I'll be updating every other day from now on. You're welcome.

Enjoy!


Chapter 12
"The First Battle: Tip and Tine vs Dib"

Dib was packed by the time that Zim arrived. He wore his stealth suit and his wrist fixer that Gaz had built, equipping multiple weapons into his belt. A strange seriousness had come over his mind and made him deathly serious. This was his sister's life on the line and as he stood out in front of his house looking like he was about to become a serial killer (and attracting a few surprised stares) he really didn't care that he was being forced to cooperate with the one person in the world he hated the most.

This was Gaz. He'd do anything to save his sister.

Also, though Dib would never admit the truth to this statement, he also didn't want to be outdone by Zim in the ask of saving Gaz.

Getting in the Voot Runner (temporarily disguised as a small vehicle) had been less awkward then he'd thought with this state of seriousness. As soon as he'd got in, Zim wasted no time informing him of what they were about to do and the basic plans.

Dib's eyes narrowed at a certain part and he interrupted Zim, looking at him.

"What do you mean my opponents are twins?"


Tip and Tine were examining themselves in their mirrors on the opposite side of the room.

Tine in particular, being a girl, giggled as she twirled around, eying herself this way and that at the costume their big brother- well, Scythe the Wicked as he informed them they were to call him in front of the intruders that were soon to arrive- had given them.

To compliment her dark green hair, Tine had a darker green dress on. It cinched at her waist that hadn't quite been defined yet, poofing out into a bell skirt. Underneath the main dress was a white, frilly skirt that showed a few inches past the main, dark green hemline. Lacing the front was black ribbon, revealing a white undershirt. The sleeves were long and barely revealed her fingers. Tine had white tights and black ballet shoes completing the bottom half and a white rose clip attached to her chest on the right side.

Tip wore a simple dark green suit, with a white undershirt and black tap shoes. Attached to the pocket of the front of his jacket suit, to too wore a fake (but realistic looking) white rose.

"Look at me, Tip!" Tine shouted joyfully, spinning around and showing off her dress to her twin. "Isn't big brother- I mean, Scythe the Wicked- so kind and generous to us?"

"Yes, sister," He agreed, turning to show off his own costume. "We are truly in his good fortunes to be giving such gifts."

"Come, brother," She insisted, tugging on his arm. "We've got to set ourselves up to the machine, like Scythe said to."

"Okay," He agreed, following her as they ran from the room like the children they were.

Their shoes made clicking noises on the tiles of the floor. They raced each other up the stairs of the large house (a second mansion that Iggins was given for his birthday that he was currently using to deploy his plan) and stopped when they reached their destined room.

"Here it is!" Tine pointed, squinting at the words as she read them. "Sim . . . Simu . . . um-."

"Simulation Room." Tip interrupted, always the more advanced reader of the two. "This is the place."

Tine smiled in satisfaction. "Good." She held out her hand. "Shall we, Tip?"

"Of course, Tine." He replied, clasping her hand with his.

They entered the room cheerfully, knowing full well what they were getting themselves into. Already the young, imaginative minds of the cruel-spirited children were brimming with plans for their designated opponent.

After all, someone needed to take care of that meddling brother of hers, right?

Truthfully, the twins held no appeal to the Primary. In the state she was in, it was impossible to respect her because honestly, it was like trying to hold admiration for a doll. She was unresponsive and somehow hollow to them, unrealistic. So truthfully (though they'd never speak this opinion, for fear of being heard) they were hoping the Invader would be able to save the Primary, so they could see her in action. As the Superior instead of this Primary.

But that was just wishful, impulsive, selfish thinking that was set aside as a chance happening.

There was no way Iggins would lose this battle.


By the time they reached the Mansion of Steel (because really, that's what it looked like from their vantage point in the sky and with all the technology pumped into it, it might as well be made of some sort of metal) Dib knew as much about his opponents as Zim could possible tell him.

Zim had his reasoning; Iggins was all about games. In the world of a game, younger siblings were often featured. If they weren't being protected or worshiped by the older sibling, they were being used as a boss battle. Sometimes they were better then the original but in this case Zim had deduced that it was impossible. Since the begging he'd run searches on Iggins to find out as much as possible before the unavoidable final battle and had stumbled across Tip and Tine by complete accident. When he'd dug a little deeper and found they were home-schooled for making other children cry it was rather obvious they would be helping Iggins in his psychotic plans.

And since both Dib and the twins were kind of like background characters he knew Iggins would find some way or another to pin them against one another for his own personal amusement. Also, Iggins was far too selfish to let anyone have a go at Zim but himself.

However, Zim left out a piece to the puzzle Dib didn't know about because it would make the situation seem completely hopeless. He'd left out that Gaz was under Iggins control and that Zim would probably have to fight her. It was the only part to his plan he hadn't planned out entirely.

How was expected to hurt the one he cared most about?

But, as Dib knew none of this, his thoughts were all focused on what these two understudies had in store for him. The odds were against him, since it was two against one, but they were young. However cruel and creative they could be for their unrealistic minds, they would be reckless and probably have no real strategy. And if they did have a strategy it would be an instruction from Iggins, and they'd have no back-up plan if the original was to fail.

That was his advantage and he planned to exploit it by all means.

After all, they were still children. And no matter the situation, children were easy to scare.

"I won't ask if you're ready, because you can't be," Zim informed Dib as they landed in front of Iggins's base (because it hardly had that house feeling to it that was required for a home), his voice icy with the severity of their situation. "But at least pretend you are for the sake of appearances before this fool."

The reality that if they lost, there would be more to lose then their pride weighed heavily on both of their minds and showed through in their exteriors. It was pointless to dwell on these thoughts though as they left the hidden spacecraft, seeming to approach the house on foot. Automatic doors swung open for them.

They were clearly expected, just as Zim had guessed.

"Ah, game novices!" Iggins voice projected from speakers in the room. Descending from the roof was a giant television screen, projecting a live feed of Iggins as he glared down at them. "To what do I owe this expected intrusion?"

"And you said I had a big head," Dib muttered to Zim, referring to the enlarged image of Iggins on the screen.

Zim didn't laugh, but Dib hadn't really expected him to. Zim was wearing his full, somewhat intimidating standard invader uniform (with a few alterations here and there of course), along with his disguise. For some reason, Dib had half expected him not to wear it but he was and so the point was mute.

Iggins, however, had heard the remark and frowned. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that it's rude to speak about a host that way? Obviously you have not learned the proper mannerisms in a villain-to-hero interaction but that was to be expected."

"You're voice bothers Zim!" Zim screeched, hands curling into fists as he took a threatening step forward. It made even Iggins lean back slightly, and the boy wasn't even in the same room as them! "Now tell me where my Gaz is!"

In another situation, Dib might've been bothered by the fact Zim acted like Gaz was something he possessed, like she was his property, but right now, he too just wanted to see his sister and know she was alright. He couldn't care less about Zim so long as they got what they came for.

Iggins smirked once the echo of Zim's furious words died down. He even applauded, but it was done so to antagonize Zim, not reward him. That much was pretty evident.

"Very good, Invader." Iggins complimented, still mockingly. "You've got the righteous fury of the hero down. However, I'm not quite sure you've obtained the observant attitude that comes with it."

"Huh?" Dib questioned, immediately looking around.

Zim, however, completely ignored this obvious hint and continued to glare at Iggins. "You won't win, you know. No matter what happens, I will end your existence on this planet!"

For a moment, Iggins looked afraid before he regained his bravado. "Not if our little friend has anything to say about it, Zim."

Dib was oblivious as to who was being referred to but Zim knew. He knew Iggins was talking about Gaz. And it only served to piss him off all the more that he claimed to be her comrade.

"Insolent dirt-filth!" Zim screeched, pointing directly at Iggins in a very challenging way. "When next we meet, when I find you in this nest of yours, you will wish you had never come across Invader Zim!"

"Such authenticity and dedication to your role!" Iggins replied, eyes alight with excitement.

Dib snorted. If only he knew what 'Invader Zim' ACTUALLY meant. Maybe then he wouldn't be so excited.

"Very well, Invader Zim," Iggins amended, smiling almost sickly sweet. "We'll begin. Twins of Mischief, your presence has been requested!"

"Yes, Master Scythe!"

Hm, Dib thought, hearing the amplified but obviously close younger voices. So Zim was right about the siblings being involved. Good call, I guess.

The screen moved aside to show a staircase that lit up, on stair at a time, until it reached the top to reveal to small, silhouetted figures. One was clearly a male and the other clearly female but even far away they looked to young to be teenagers. They were probably 12, max.

"Dib," Zim muttered, motioning him forward. "Now is your time."

"Right," Dib agreed, tensing.

Iggins howled with laughter at the sight of them. "You've come prepared! Impressive, very impressive indeed!"

He was ignored. The twins descended the staircase, walking next to each other, but not touching. Their faces were smirks off antagonizing mischief that matched their names. Between them was a wide expanse of flat ground that unnerved Zim. And since Dib was going to need to distract them for about as long as he could, Zim spoke quick and low, so only Dib could hear him.

"The ground is probably going to move," Zim warned. "Watch out for any lines and be sure not to stand anywhere too long."

"Got it," Dib replied, completely focused.

"Allow me to introduce my helpers," Iggins continued, pleased that for once the dramatic entrance was going as planned. "These two are named Tip and Tine, my younger twin siblings."

"We aren't very experienced," Tip, the boy Dib remembered, admitted casually.

"But what we lack in skill, Master Scythe has made up for us in weaponry." Tine finished. Such a twin thing to do. The cliches made Zim all the more aware this was all for show and it was annoying that so much time was being wasted just so Iggins could feel some sense of satisfaction.

To demonstrate, Tine raised her hand left hand (and Tip his right), revealing a chunky looking glove that lit up in a few places. Dib tensed further end Zim simply analyzed them, looking for any weakness in the technology.

"Now, while you two are down here, playing with the Twins," Iggins said as the two children seemed to be charging up their weapons. The boy on the screen was practically squirming in his seat, he looked so pleased with how things were turning out. "I'll be making the permanent adjustments to the Primary upstairs, in the North Wing. Think you can reach me in time? Just try!"

And then the screen went black, disappearing back into the roof. Both males then had their attention captured by the giggling siblings, who were both aiming their arms at them.

"Brother told us to keep you down here," Tine informed them.

"And so that's exactly what we're about to do!" Tip finished.

"Together!" They shouted in unison.

"Move!" Zim shouted at Dib, just in time for both of them to dodge and avoid the blast that emanated from the gloves.

Dib landed relatively close to Zim and got up, flexing his hand to ensure his wrist was still fine. Then he scowled up at the smirking siblings, who were already recharging. "Zim, go get Gaz. I'll take care of these two."

Zim didn't have to be told twice, "Good luck, Dib-filth."

Dib didn't reply, only having eyes for the opponents he'd be facing alone.

And Zim didn't need a thank you anyways. His appendages sprung from his PAK, startling the two children as he aimed his own blast at theirs. In response they pressed their arms together to form a single, much more powerful blast. They shot off at the same time and the resounding explosion made them cry out a little. But it was a good enough distraction for Zim. He raced past them, into the smoke, unnoticed by the Twins.

Dib had an ingenious idea then. He screeched, "ZIM!"

If the Twins thought he was dead, then so would Iggins. And if Iggins thought Zim was dead, then the alien would have the advantage of a surprise attack when he reached Gaz.

When the smoke cleared and the Twins stopped coughing, Dib pretended to have been injured by the impact so they could call Iggins. Which they did of course.

Hey, Dib has his moments.

"Twins to Master Scythe," Tip began, stonily, speaking into the wrist of the large glove.

"Are you there, brother?" Tine added, leaning onto Tip so they could speak into the same transmission.

There was a pause before, "Yes, what is it? Shouldn't you be fighting?"

"We only called to bring you good news." They replied, nervously. Maybe they should've called when Iggins wasn't so busy.

Another pause before Iggins demanded, "Well? Are you going to tell me or just waste my time?"

"W-We've killed the Invader!" Tine insisted, weak with fear but filled with pride at their accomplishment. "Their was a lazer fight and our blast overpowered and destroyed him. He's dead."

Vaguely, Dib was aware that these children should probably be more traumatized at taking a life. They were far too nonchalant about it and they didn't even know that they actually hadn't killed Zim. But whatever was wrong with them was not his problem. Dib began to reach for his own weaponry. So long as he stalled, Iggins would take his time, unintentionally giving Zim more time. As soon as he found out Dib was loose he'd pick up the pace.

This battle was all about drawing out the fight and keeping both parties alive. A distraction.

Just like Zim had said.

"Well, that's certainly a surprise," Iggins said. Then he sighed. "Disappointing but, it can't be helped. You two will just have to keep the boy occupied for my entertainment instead."

"Yes, Master." They replied sweetly. "We obey."

"We'll prove most worth entertainment, big brother." Tine assured him.

"Good." Iggins said, with finality. "Do so and you two might just be rewarded."

The children squeaked and shouted with joy, even after Iggins had hung up on them. Dib gave them incredulous looks until they stopped, turning their attention back to him.

"Now, brother," Tine growled slyly, raising a fist as her glove charged. "Shall we start with the show?"

"Of course, sister," Tip agreed, also aiming at Dib.

Dib immediately jumped to his feet, dodging the blast easily enough. These kids were smart, but Dib needed to find their tactic, so he could have the upper hand until Zim got to Gaz and he didn't need them for a distraction anymore. Before the smoke cleared, Dib hid, but this time both parties knew well that he hadn't been killed. They'd seem him dodge the blast.

"This should prove most enjoyable!" Tip shouted, giggling.

"Agreed," Tine replied viciously. Calling out, she said, "Come out, come out, wherever you are little Trainee!"

Dib scrunched his eyes up in confusion. "Who are they calling little?" He muttered to himself. "I'm probably over twice their age!"

"Stop being such a chicken!" Tip ordered, angrily. "Come out and face us!"

Steeling himself, Dib darted out from hiding and aimed at the troublesome pair, who screamed and ran off before they could get hit. Really, Dib knew, it wouldn't be too hard to keep all of them alive.

He just hoped Zim found Gaz before something changed.


And, we'll end it about there. Sorry if this still feels like a filler, I'm just setting up all the pieces still before the grand finally.

You'll see Gaz in the next chapter! I promise! Sorry she was only mentioned in this one, I almost put a scene of her and Iggins in somewhere in there but in the end I decided it just wasn't necessary so yeah.

KEEP READING.

Till next time!