I do not own Invader Zim.

Chapter 20: Rise of the Irken Rogues, Part 2

Dib was alone, in Zim's lab. He was punching some numbers into the computer, when he noticed his hands, green and Irken. But it wasn't a surprise. He stared into the mirror at himself, at his new Irken face. But he didn't feel fear, or disgust, In fact, he almost felt acceptance.

"I told you that you are more like Zim than you realize."

Dib spun around. Standing behind him was an Irken woman, about a head taller than Zim and dressed in a pink tunic. Dib wondered who this woman was, but before long, a name leapt to his lips; "Three-halves."

She smiled. "Indeed, that is my name. And you are the infamous Dib Membrane, no? Nice to meet you in the flesh." Dib stared, unable to say anything, until -

"…Why has this happened to me?"

"Please, sit." She motioned to a set of chairs behind her. I have much to tell you."

…

"That gas that was fed to you by me was meant as a gift. It was a supplement for your human body, but an enemy abused its biomechanical nature. The enemy caused mutations to grow around your vital organs, which would eventually spread and shift your form into a pile of non-life sustainable goo."

Dib nodded, unable to think. "But I'm not dead."

Three-halves smiled again. "Yes, for that same enemy used the biomechanical tumor to mutate your DNA into that of a half Irken-"

"Wait…HALF-Irken?"

"Yes…you are only half Irken, just as your friend Holi is. That is why she can shift form, which you will be able to do in due time."

Dib thought all of this over. So I can hide this…well, that isn't so bad. "Ok…so now what?"

"Now you must work with Holi to destroy the enemy. Her name is Vita, and she wishes to overthrow the Irken Empire through the use of mind virus use. Her sisters, Ela and Sira, were Invaders that were seeking to control the Empire with the same methods. Vita wants to rule, and she wants to eradicate the Tallest, Irk's leaders, and any possible threats to her reign, called rogues, who are resistant to the virus. You are a rogue, as is Holi, the daughter of the Tallest Red, and Zim. It is your duty to help save the race, which you have now entered into. I know this is a lot to load on you at this time, but you need to know. A war is coming. You need to be ready, as does Zim and Holi and your allies. Earth and Irk and in grave danger…"

…

"Mmm…" Dib opened his eyes to find Holi, Zim, GIR and Minimoose staring at him.

"He's awake!" said Holi.

"Indeed," said Zim.

"I like pie!" said GIR.

"Meep!" said Minimoose.

Dib blinked and sat up. He knew what he was and what he had become, but he had now accepted it.

"Take it easy. Dib. You've become…"

"I know what I am!" snapped Dib. "I…I…" he stared at all their anxious, yet overjoyed, yet sad faces. "I need a minute." He burst out of the lab on the verge of tears.

…

Holi, after shifting back to human, ascended into the house. Dib was nowhere in sight. She walked outside and found him hiding behind a bush, sobbing.

"We ran some tests, and-"

"I know, I know! You know that I'm half Irken and that I'm not vulnerable to that stupid virus, and blah, blah I don't care! I'm a freak, and I'll always be a freak! Not a human, not an alien…I'm…I'm…" Here, he broke out into harder sobs.

Freak. The word cut to Holi's core, as she heard her father call her that dreaded name. And I thought you cared about me…

"No," she said. "You are not a freak." She sat down next to him, cradling his head in her arms. He sobbed, but lessened up once she began stroking his scaly skin. She began to sing him a lullaby that Red had sung to her when she was a little smeet that went something like this:

The sun has drawn away from here

Another night is drawing near

But though the light must run and hide

I'll always be here by your side

...

The Shadows dance across the sky

Their frightfulness makes you scream and cry

But do not wail, don't shed a tear

Be still and know that I am here

...

I fear to lose you, my little one

Just as dusk falls, we lose the sun

But though someday we may depart

Keep my love inside your heart

...

Times will come that are dark and bleak

Too much for one so mild and meek

But you will conquer all you fear

For my love will be with you my dear

...

Max's note: I'm going to post a video for the lullaby soon. Sorry for the lack of updates. I've been trying to get this right for ages, both tune and lyrics.