A/N: This probably won't be up to snuff, I haven't had much time to write lately. I've had many appointments, errands and a trip to Tennessee for a doctor's appointment. Hopefully I'll get the first chapter of my new fic up by the 22nd, but hopefully I'll also be able to work out a payment arrangement with comcast. And really? No one wanted to guess the next fic I'm writing or name it? Oh well. The next fic is Zim in the wild west. I'm not giving up on the horrible 40's fic. I'm just writing things as they come to my head. I'm afraid if I don't and try to focus on one thing the other ideas will be forgotten and nothing gets written. The next fic will probably be called Invader of the West. Yeah, not too original is it?
Also, this is clearly set during the renaissance. And yes, if you may notice a couple ideas may be recycled but in different circumstances. I was torn between Zim fitting in somewhat and him being more out of place than ever. On one hand it's the dark ages, and if anyone can appreciate the brutality of it, it would be Zim. But his mannerisms and appearance would not go over like they could in other periods. He would be the first to be accused of witchcraft. And Dib, while any other time would be ignored, might have more sway in an overly superstitious era.
Not sure where this is going to take place. At first I thought Ireland or maybe England. Then I decided it's freakin' fiction so it doesn't have to be set in any real place or be that historically accurate. And it's not out of character, just very very AUish. Or at least that's how I'm consoling myself.
Summary: In order to avoid suspicion, a pact is made to hide one another's true identities from a known foe that has dedicated his life to track down witches. A plan of survival evolves into romance, darkness and a conspiracy for the throne.
Warning: Probably is a bit too melodramatic. And OOC and mushy around the middle, but stick to the end.
Water which had once been steaming now has grown cold. It dripped on the stone floor as the female figure that was bathing in it stood. After drying off, she headed back to her chambers to dress, her servants ready to help her. Gazelyn was pleased to see they had been able to sneak the strongest wine up from the cellars. She nursed it from a chalice as they proceeded to brush and style her hair. It was times like these she was glad she was born from royalty. She had too many things on her mind to worry about trivial details like her outward appearance. The wine was soothing her frayed nerves as she prepared for what lay ahead.
The trial was today.
Trial.
She snorted at the idea of it being called that and her maids asked if she was alright. Gaz waved them off and took another sip. They dare call it a trial when all it really was was a witch hunt. They will ask the question. Are you a witch? And if the answer was in the negative they would ask again after a series of unimaginable torture. If you don't die in the process than you get the pleasure of being executed in public. Either way the guilty verdict more than likely guaranteed.
Hopefully today would be one of the rare exceptions. Yes, as she thought to herself looking in the mirror, there was no way her plan would fail.
The only thing that might be killed today was pride and her standing in the eyes of her family and the subjects that follow them. For a moment Gaz felt some remorse about what she was about to do. It will hurt her father and especially her brother. The public scrutiny she could care less about. But when she thought about what was on the line, she let that remorse drip off her as she had done the water she from her bath.
For years she had accompanied her brother on his adventures. At one time she had been in awe of all the enchanting tales he would tell her. Stories of fairies and banshees. The other realms that is not shown to the mortal eye. Dib had kept alive their mother's stories and beliefs that she had been too young to remember. And she took great amusement at the childish bickering between him and the other worldly creature that came here years ago. But those days are gone. Her brother now hunts the fairies and banshees, anything that the mortal mind can not understand. That playful banter between him and Zim had grown toxic. Now that toxicity had reached to a new level that can not be reversed. And their father, so blind to all of it is enabling Dib's latest attack. If Dib could not have mercy on Zim how could he have mercy for her? So no, she will not dwell on remorse.
As she stood to leave one of the maidens spoke up, "Are you pleased, mi 'lady? We put out the best dress that fitted your description."
Gaz turned with narrow eyes and glared at the girl, not much older than she. The maid trembled only to be puzzled when she nodded in the affirmative, "Yes, Gretchen, this suits my needs perfectly. You are dismissed."
After the two women left, Gaz took one last look in the mirror and followed suit. As she stalked through the halls of the castle, confidence building up with every step she took. This was to be a performance of a lifetime.
The main hall of the castle stood to serve many occasions. Weddings and Funerals. Seasonal balls and other receptions. And as this occasion shows, trials of great scandal. Zim looked around and for once took in the craftsmanship of the high arched ceilings and stone carvings. It's funny how he had never taken a closer look at anything humans had produced. It all had seemed so primitive and lacking to him before. Now that he looked closer he could see the intricate detail in every arch and pillar. Now as he is facing death he wished he had studied the fleshy beings' culture more closely.
He took a deep breath to calm himself from the fear threatening to break through his strong façade. He's been on trials before. More than once, actually. But the consequences never felt more dire than now. This is not even the main trial, which will later be public. It was just the proceedings to something much worse, a fate decided by the men who were held in high status. He had already spent the night in the dungeons, trying to avoid the damp stones lest his disguise rub off. He would not go back there. One way or another. Either his promise of a plan would live to fruition or he will be taken to the torture chambers where they will indeed discover he was not human. Zim just looked at his chained hands as more people entered the room. All he could do was wait.
Everyone that had been seated stood when the king had been announced and entered the room. Everyone in the land could recognize the proud stature of the bold man, his beard something to be envious of concealing his mouth and jaw. His son following behind him. Zim shook with rage as he looked at the source of his dilemma. Every ill in his life was due to this man. Dib. Dibert Membrane the third. Heir to the throne and well known scholar in all things supernatural. And respected witch hunter.
Fool.
From the day Zim came to this planet the boy had accused him of being a witch. The reality was far more complex than what his little monkey brain could handle. Zim knew enough that this species respects wealth and status. Thus forming his base to be a formidable fortress, an envy to many nobles. The disguise was not so easy. Yes the wig and contacts were easy enough for his computer to replicate, but the technology that could completely engulf him in a human hologram had not been granted when he had been assigned to this mission. Powder helped cover his skin, though he looked too pale and still had a hint of green, he could easily explain it away as suffering a sickly childhood. He was most proud of his cover story. It was enough to garner some sympathy while also establishing a sense of wealth to the barbaric animals he had to live with. They all believed his story of being from a foreign land, born to nobility that had to flee as his country had been sieged from invaders. What a concept. If only they knew he was the invader. While he may not have been liked by most of the humans, he did seem to have impressed the father of his enemy, having had a few conversations regarding scientific discoveries in Italy. Another layer to the tale of the perceived fall from grace. It seems now even his Majesty believes he could be a witch. That word uttered when any ill befalls mankind.
Dib had moved to take the floor, preparing to give a long winded speech. Zim knew his routine. He was one of only two that had not fallen for his ruse. Yes, Zim was able to gather some support, he was supposed to be a noble after all. But that often clashed with the power Dib had. And far too often he could feel the suspicious eyes on him when Dib points out Zim's odd habits. Being a foreigner only covers so much. One saving grace that had protected him was the fact Dib's father did not want the subjects to think we would let his son exert whatever power he had to win petty arguments. And Dib respectfully agreed. Their feud would be decided on wit and strength, not on who had more power. At least that was how it had been until last night. The whole kingdom knew of the rivalry between the prince and Zim the stranger from an unknown land. He wondered if they heard of the incident last night yet as well.
"For years have I not said there was danger among us? Have I not said evil resided here? And yet ye people did not listen. And now there he is," Dib pointed at Zim as he was brought to the center of the room for everyone to see, "Caught last night killing our cattle for some nefarious ritual! Ye all have seen the evidence early this morning. And if ye of little faith need more evidence, just listen to the only witness found at the scene. Listen to my sister's word and see if you question anything after this!"
A murmur traveled through out the court as said witness and only living female of the Membrane clan entered the room. While she was still the most intimidating of the royal heirs, the edges have softened a bit since she had been that scary little girl a long time ago. For years now she had been dressing in more colors such as silver or light blue. So seeing her once again wear black immediately brought a sense of unease into the room.
Lady Gazelyn stopped in front of her father and bowed her head. Her gloved hands were clasped infront of her while holding some type of flower, her posture suggesting a demure attitude that every parent or husband would expect their daughter or wife to have. Zim contained a smirk. How the female manages to fool everyone, especially her brother when time after time she has shown her temper was beyond him. But for now he was just going to enjoy the show. Hopefully it would be the show he was promised.
Dib stood next to his dear sister and spoke once more to the lords and ladies watching, "My sister, who had slipped out of her rooms seeming as if she had been walking in her sleep was the first to witness the witch and his familiar, hovering over the dead cattle. I had followed my sister to ensure her safety, sensing she had been spelled. It was when I finally caught up to her and found the horrific scene as well."
"Some of you may be doubtful. I'm sure it's no secret that Zim and myself have not been on the best of terms," Dib continued, "But those who know my sister knows she is not easily swayed, not even by me."
Zim was sure this had to be the most annoying sound he's ever heard. This false high and mighty speech was really starting to grate on his nerves. Where did this confidence from the Dib-Beast come from? This persona was not the earnest foe he once knew.
Their father's voice addressed the young woman whom was currently at the center of attention, "Daughter, is there truth to these claims? Speak your truth now."
She could feel eyes boring into her back. She knew Zim was behind her, terrified about what she was about to say. Well, here it goes...
"Yes, Father," Gaz took a shaky breath and continued, "I am hear to speak a truth. One I can not deny any longer lest my own soul be damned."
The whole room erupted in shock. It is true then? Zim is a witch? Eventually the court had to be silenced by the king's booming voice, "Enough! Let my daughter speak! Please continue, Child."
"Yes, Sister," Dib implored, "Speak."
Gaz turned her head and looked at Zim, "I was there last night. I know what hast taken place."
"I have tried to think of a way to avoid this, but I can't be silent anymore," She turned back look at the court, "It's too dangerous."
"What is it you saw, daughter? And why did you wish not to speak out?" Membrane leaned forward in his throne to get a better look on expression on his youngest child's face.
To Zim, it reminded him of the way the tallests would lean forward from the edge of their seat when they were entertained by images of battle. Zim himself would probably be eating a snack had it not been his neck on the line.
Gaz took a ragged breath, sounding to all but Zim heartbroken, "Because to speak would bring shame. Not just to me. But to my brother and to you, your highness."
Zim's smile went unnoticed as every pair of eyes was on the Dib-sister, waiting with bated breath to hear what she had to say. So she was going to go through with their little plot after all. Oh yes, the so called dishonor would be present in this backwards thing they call society. As if Zim ever cared about his honor or reputation before. And this was far better than being dead. Perhaps in a bit he'll join in and help wrap up this little play.
"You see, Zim had came upon the poor sheep the same time I did. We found the dead animals... together."
Zim stood up, perhaps hoping to outdo her dramatic performance, "Don't do this to thyself, mi'lady! Let Zim take the blame!"
The roar of astonished cries was deafening. The members of nobility talking amongst themselves amid the new scandalous turn they could see coming. The guards held him back and Gaz sent him glare hoping he would get her message and shut up. She looked back to her brother's horrified face as he seemed to be drawing the conclusion that she was trying to imply. After all, not once in all the years they've known Zim had he ever call anyone by their official titles.
"When I had left that night. It was to meet Zim as I had done many times before. We had kept our courtship a secret..." Gaz looked back to her father's shocked expression and looked down shamefully, "I'm sorry, Father. But if I had not spoken, what would have became of the man I love?"
That one had to hurt. Zim laughed and quickly covered it up with a cough. Hopefully these stupid guards would think he had the plague and stop invading his space.
"But.. but... what about your betrothal? I was about to announce your marriage to another this week!" Her father sputtered in confusion.
"What about the sheep, Gaz?!" Dib interrupted. Rarely did he ever speak the pet name her family used in public, "Do not deny that nearly half our village's livestock is now dead!"
"Dibert!" Their father objected to his son's tone before looking to the court and addressing them, "Perhaps this is a conversation more suited in private. As ruler, I need to not only sort out the occurrence last night but the occurrences that seem to be happening within my own home."
With that he stood and ordered his children and advisors, along with Zim and the guard's holding on to him, to follow.
The study, which had always been a favorite area for the royal family to interact with each other or just find some peace and quiet, was bathed in a soft glow of candlelight and the fireplace. The drapes had been closed, shutting out the light and prying eyes of the outside world. Membrane looked over the scene before him as he sat at his desk. The guards had to split up, one to watch Zim and another to hold their prince back from attacking him. Finally all had quieted down. Gaz had her head bowed respectfully. Dib was sending death glares at Zim. He in turn seemed to have a bored look on his face. The advisors behind the king were looking around cautiously, truly unsure about how to advise on this situation.
"Gaz," Dib spoke as he was still glaring at his enemy, "I don't know what spell you have fallen under, but you must remember. He is a witch! He will destroy everything he have."
"Zim is no witch," The alien added casually, saying it in the same tone he would when they passed each other in the streets.
Dib approached his father, desperation in his voice as he spoke, "Surely you do not believe them, Father. I have seen this thing in his demonic form. I have seen his familiar, the mutt talks! Even if you don't believe your own son, how else do you account for the sheep last night?"
"I may have an explanation for that." Gaz spoke up, also coming closer to stand in front of her father.
The flower she had been holding in her hand for quiet some time now landed on the desk. Her father picked it up and inspected it carefully. Realization seemed to dawn on him.
"This is deadly nightshade. Daughter, where did you find this?"
"It was next to the pond the villagers bring their sheep to graze. Zim and I had noticed it first. You know how lovely I always found it to be when it's in it's bloom. On closer look, it was mostly chewed. That's when we found the sheep. And that's when Dib found us." Gaz replied, knowing to keep her tone and posture as respectful as possible. How she hated this perfect little doll act, but she knew how it would contrast against her brother's upcoming outburst.
The monarch nodded, seeming content with this plausibility, "Yes. It would explain everything."
As predicted, Dib slammed his hand down on the plant in another outburst, "Nightshade is rarely deadly to sheep! And lest not we forget, over half the livestock died. Surely hundreds of sheep couldn't have all ate from that tiny patch where this grew!"
The patriarch rose to his feet slowly and Dib, realizing his actions, backed up and took a similar stance to his sister. Head down and hands folded, "I am sorry, father."
"No, my son. I am sorry," His voice was low with frustration, "When you wished to follow your studies, I indulged you. Never had I imagined how obsessed you would be come. The people are becoming wary of you..."
"I'm trying to protect them!" Dib protested.
"A leader ruling with a fist too tight is far worse than ten witches!" Membrane sighed and walked over to his son and put a hand on his shoulder, "You have a brilliant mind, Dib. You could outshine Galileo and Da Vinci both if you put your mind to it. You are my son and I love you. But it is clear you are not yet ready to lead. You need to control these paranoid impulses and focus on what's really important. I won't live forever."
Dib just stood there and swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. His father ordered the guards to take his son to his chambers where he could rest. He turned his attention to his only daughter and the young man who has seemed to cause so much commotion.
"Now you two. Explain thyselves now." He spoke with crossed arms.
Gaz cleared her throat, "Perhaps maybe your royal advisors could leave as well."
"Absolutely not. How will they properly advise me otherwise?"
Gaz gave an exasperated sigh. All her life they were always around, following her father nearly everywhere. This conversation is going to be awkward enough as it is.
"This is a very scandalous thing to have happened. You are still the daughter of a king, but your reputation may never recover. The family of the young man I had originally intended you for will not be pleased when they learn of this. They may even stop all trade with us," He tried to stress the gravity of the situation, "Why did you hide this in such a illicit manner?"
"Did you not see your son just now?" Zim spoke up, surprising the both of them.
Gaz stared at him, impressed he had managed to stay quiet for the majority of Dib's tantrum. She nodded and addressed her father, "He speaks true. When our feelings for each other were first realized, that little rivalry between Dib and he had grown. We didn't know how Dib would react."
Membrane walked over to the fireplace with his hands behind his back, "And why did you not inform me? I am your father and king, wouldn't this be my concern?"
"In all honesty, Father, I doubted you would approve. After all, he is a foreigner here and the only one left in his bloodline..."
"A very good bloodline," Zim interrupted, his ego not resisting the urge to discard the notion that he was somehow unworthy of anything, "And with a very impressive castle. It is Glorious!"
"Yes, I've always admired you for your proud heritage and your ability to rebuild a home after the loss of your country. And you've had incredible tolerance to endure my son's madness..." The ruler gave a deep sigh, "But can you be forgiven for this stain on my daughter's name?"
"I assure you, Zim has been very chaste with your daughter."
"We've barely even held hands." Gaz added.
Membrane shook his head, "Be that as it may, finding another suitable husband will be neigh impossible. Not to mention the other scandal of having an innocent man nearly tried and sentenced for witchcraft. These next few days will be a dark time for my rule indeed."
"If I may, Sire..." Zim looked at Gaz and she nodded for him to continue, "Instead of letting the townspeople spread bitter gossip and accusations, why not give them a reason to celebrate?"
"Celebrate?! Are you mad?" The older man whipped around to stare at him as if he had grown another head.
"Zim is quiet sane. This day can be a glorious accomplishment for you. After all, it was you who had fairly watched over this morning's trial. And these past criticisms of injustice, harsh punishments and false accusations will all be forgotten when a man who was innocent walks free."
Gaz listened to Zim's tone and felt impressed at not only how convincing he sounded but how he seemed to have her father slowly wrapping himself around his finger. Though it shouldn't have been too difficult as she had coached Zim on how her father thinks and what he likes to hear.
He rubbed his beard in thought, "Yes... it would be a triumph, wouldn't it? But what of Gaz?"
"Well, Sir, perhaps we can change the narrative on that as well. What is so illicit about true love? Is that not the basis of every fairytale? A princess and a hero find each other? Is love not sung by nearly every bard?" Zim had been leisurely walking around and examining the room, as if he were not in chains almost sent to the torture chamber an hour ago.
"I'm unsure. How ever would we get the public to see a young woman going unescorted to meet her secret suitor in such a perspective?"
Zim stopped in front of her father and bowed his head in the same respective manner Gaz had told him to, "Sir. Your highness. With your permission, I Zim, would like ask if I may marry your daughter."
"Father, I pray thee to say yes." Gaz looked in her father's eyes and implored, "A royal wedding would be so welcome after the stress of the past twelve hours. And... and Zim was almost lost to me forever."
One of the advisors stepped forward, "It would likely be well received news, Sire."
"Yes, can you imagine? An innocent man falsely accused by his lover's brother only to walk free and marry the princess thanks to the wise and fair judgement of our king. Truly sounds like a tale mothers might tell their children at bedtime." The other agreed.
King Membrane took all this in, nodding, "I suppose this is the best way to salvage everything. He may not have a country left to trade with, but he has enough wealth and a noble background to be a suitable match. So, yes. We will announce it at the end of the week, when the fever from the trial has had time to dwindle."
"Thank you, Father, " Gaz clasped his hand with tears in her eyes, "Thank you."
"But I do have one concern," He interrupted the moment between father and daughter, "What of Dib? Already Zim fears for his fragile state of mind. And wouldn't there be some resentment toward him when the news of his mistake is revealed?"
He merely smiled and put his hand on Zim's shoulder as he had done Dib earlier, "You are kind to worry about the friend that has put you through so much today. But I'm afraid this is a mess of of my son's own making. Worry no more for his sake. He is my son and my burden to handle. You are soon to be a wedded man. Believe me, you will have plenty to worry about in the future."
"Well, there is one more thing that is a little concerning." Zim held up his still chained hands.
"Oh dear," one advisor pointed out, "We sent the guards with the keys to watch Dibert for the night."
Gaz interrupted and took Zim's arm, "I can take him down to the blacksmith. I'm sure he could unbind him."
"Yes, yes. Do so daughter but take the secret passages to avoid being seen. We don't need anymore talk before the announcement." Her father dismissed them with a wave of his hand and turned back to his advisors to discuss the days events and suggestions that could prove fruitful.
Zim followed the female out of the room. They walked in silence until the reached the passage hidden behind a large tapestry. It was only when they were in complete solitude did they address the other.
Gaz dropped Zim's hand which she had been tenderly holding as if it had burned her. Instantly her demeaner changed, her anger and some relief was now visible on her face, "Thank the heavens that is over. I wanted to slit mine own throat."
Zim was quiet for a moment as he was memorizing the layout of the darkened tunnel for future reference. He started to laugh sinisterly, "Thine father is as oblivious as you said."
"It pains me to admit, but you did very well. To pretend to be submissive and vulnerable can be humiliating. But you withheld yourself and let my brother act the fool."
"Victory is Zim's!" Zim cackled, "And soon the throne will be mine as well. The filthy humans will bow down before me!"
"...and?" Gaz growled as his normal self returned.
"And... you will share in the glory. You had earned your place as Zim's queen. You've kept your word. I wasn't sure at first this morning when you first began to speak." Zim conceded.
She nodded and replied, "Just don't forget who'd formed this plan to begin with. Thee and me are going to be stabbing a lot of backs as it is. Do not put a knife in mine. You know what I'm capable of."
"I understand why you seek vengeance on your brother. But why do you seek it against thy father?" Zim inquired.
"I told thee last night. I love mine father. And mine brother too. But had they had their way, there would be no future for me," Gaz stared ahead and Zim could see a hint of sadness on her stone cold face, "At least not one I would care to live. Besides..."
Gaz continued and gave Zim a look that he could not fathom, "The world is a horrible pit of shit, as you've always said. The time for change has to come."
He smiled a vicious smile, clearly pleased, "Yes, Little Gaz. The time for reckoning for your primitive planet is now."
Last night
Down in the dungeons, Zim sat contemplating his dilemma. As he stared at the man he had been forced to occupy the cell with, he noticed the smell coming from him. His suspicions were confirmed when a rat began to gnaw on the body. He wasn't sure how long the corpse had been in here or how he died as the boils on his skin could suggest the plague or as the puddle of dried blood suggests torture. Zim wasn't sure which was worse. For the hundredth time he considered using his PAK to break the bars. But the chances of success seemed unlikely. He did not know the layout of this part of the castle. Or the number of guards that could easily outnumber him. Not to mention the fact that if they were to see the legs come out of the PAK he had disguised as a hunch on his back that they would further draw some outrageous idea that he was trying to take the form of a spider or some other nonsense.
Those stupid sheep. He had only been trying to update the chip he had placed that monitored the livestock of the humans to better understand more about the animals that humans relied on for wool and food. A boring and mundane task. Honestly there could have been dozens of reasons the sheep had died. They were almost as filthy as humans and some not well cared for. Sickness or hunger would be his first guess not witchcraft. Not that he didn't think there could be people with abilities. Many other races had individuals that had abilities ranging from telepathy to telekinesis. But that was due to abnormal brain activity. How in the world did these humans come up with the notion of some devil giving his disciples demonic powers? Never would an advanced species kill eachother just based on someone's guess.
Though he might guess poison. Which would explain why the Dib-Sister was there. Zim knew the girl had darkness and rage under the poised and fragile demeaner she seemed to have better developed as she grew older. It's seemed to be effective, even her brother who has faced her wrath before views her as innocent and modest. She sure wasn't modest as she stood in the middle of that field in only her shift. Perhaps seeing his sister in this state among the scene is what lit the fire to the years of fighting, pushing Dib over the edge. Their standard battle was Dib would foil one of Zim's brilliant plans, he in return would ensure Dib still would lose in someway as well. Then they will threaten eachother. Dib claiming to bring him to trial and he promising to destroy Dib's world. Then they would go their separate ways. That's not how it played out this time.
It's not the first time Zim's been in a tough situation. He's faced deactivation before. He conquered exile. Those seemed so easy. Any other time he could admire the humans sheer brutality in war and in their interrogation techniques. But to actually be subjected to it? It has been a notion that actually scared him, the Almighty Zim. Perhaps it was his own naivety that had convinced him that Dib's threats were empty. Surely his friendly foe wouldn't really go to these lengths? Well, it seemed he underestimated the Dib-Stink.
Zim shivered as another rat came up, sniffing at his foot to see if he too was dead yet. He kicked the creature away and watched it scurry through a small hole that led to another cell. It was after both rats left did his instincts raise alarm. Though he heard no footsteps or saw anyone unlock the door to his cell, he knew he was not alone. Staring into the dark corner, he waited, body tensed ready to fight despite his manacled hands and feet.
He could see a figure seemingly made of the shadows emerge. Zim was reminded of the old widow that had scared many children, including himself who had moved in a similar fashion. As Zim recalled, she had also been tried as a witch and burned at the stake. Now clearer, he could see the dark hood and cape. A delicate pale hand removed the hood. Gaz's face was revealed.
She gave a wicked smirk, "What's the matter, Zim? Has thou witnessed a ghost?"
"No, something far worse," Zim sneered his teeth at her, "Have you come to mock Zim? To see your brother's greatest enemy's misery?"
"Far from it, actually," Gaz came closer and looked down on him from the pile of rotted hay he was sitting on, "We both have problems. I feel the need to help fix yours, mainly because the solution to your problem could be the solution to mine."
"Is the tiny little Dib-sister trying to ask Zim for help?" He laughed at the audacity of him helping a human, "Despite the circumstances, Zim would never stoop so low as to offer or accept help from a human."
"You have before. When that she-devil had been here? You requested Dib's help and helped him in return, did you not?"
Zim shook his head, "I did not ask for your brother's stinking help. I merely was trying to give him a warning, from one worthy adversary to another. Honestly, he hardly helped at all because of his infatuation. No, Zim defeated Tak alone, so forget those filthy lies of your brother's."
Gaz gazed at him thoughtfully before turning to the corpse on the other side of the room, "Even so, you are still in need of my help. It would be beneficial for us both if you swallowed your foolish pride and listened."
"Why should Zim listen to the likes of you?"
She looked back at him and smiled darkly, "Have you ever seen thumb-screws, Zim? Surely you know what flaying is. Does thou know how much damage can be done with one rat, a bucket and a couple of hot coals..."
Gaz moved closer and sat next to him on the floor as she continued, "Believe me, the pear of anguish is not a ill-tasting fruit."
"Why. Are. You. Here?" Zim stressed every word.
Gaz sighed and looked away, "I've already said. I want to help thee."
"Why?"
"I have my reasons. But I suppose I owe you this much. It is my fault you are here now. I know thou art not from our world. But I also know that ye be no witch."
Zim looked at her and gave a cold smirk," Ye would know best, wouldn't you? Witch..."
"Oh dear, you've found me out." Gaz put her hand on her forehead, mimicking a maiden about to faint in distress before laughing.
Zim caught a whiff of a scent, one that smelled of smoke and burning leaves. She must have been near a fire recently, the smell of something burning was always one of his favorite scents. Much more welcome than the piss and death smells the dungeon had to offer.
Her sudden light mood seemed to disappear as fast as it came. Not looking at Zim, she spoke solemnly, "That, Zim, is why I am here. I know what you are. You know what I am. We are both facing being exposed and death."
"What situation is the Dib-sister facing that compares to Zim?"
Gaz sighed and surprised Zim when she replied honestly, "I don't know where to begin. Last night my father had told me I was to be wed to the son of the Iggins' house. I hate him, perhaps more than I do Dib at the moment. Do you understand what happens when a marriage is arranged? To be shipped of like some object to be sold at the market? To feel like cattle? If I were to be sent to that buffoon where my only existence is to lay on my back and have male heirs, I believe I would kill myself. And that's just the problem I face if I were to agree to leave."
"And Dib refuses to help you and confront your parental-figure?" Zim asked. Truly humans were disgusting creatures when mating is treated more as a barter system, always seemed designed to hold back the female race.
"Dib... that's where I face the conundrum we are speaking of." She gave a bitter laugh, "I trust Dib would try to help if I asked. But if he were to succeed and I were allowed to stay than more are the chances he will eventually find out what I am. I could easily wake up in your place tomorrow. Especially if you were out of the picture. With Dib's and everyone else's attention mostly on you and your little dramatic stunts has allowed me to remain undetected"
"What do you mean Zim's little dramatic stunts?" Zim hissed in annoyance, "I'll have you know, mortal that Zim is a master of blending in!"
Gaz quirked a brow, "Ye must be jesting, right? The manner of your speaking could be dismissed as you not being a native to the land but the lack of basic understanding of simple human concepts. Your ever changing moods draws whispers about your sanity and I know thee doesn't leave when it rains lest that white white powder washes off. If you had gone about it differently and not tried to convince everyone so desperately that you were normal, you could have easily passed as eccentric yet unsuspicious. It's no wonder how easy Dib was able to convince everyone that you were responsible for what happened in field."
Zim, quiet miffed about her sharp criticism, spat back, "And you were so discreet last night, killing half the village's livestock. Sure you're less rambunctious now than when you were younger, but you're not as unseen as you might think. While everyone seems to focus most of their attention on Dib or I, they still whisper about you. They call you either the King's terrifying daughter or Prince Dibert's scary little sister. What will you do when Zim is gone and attention is focused back on you?"
"You're right in your assumptions. Which is why I have a plan to have you declared innocent and be released."
"And how do you plan to do that? Your species is a race very thirsty to see people pay for their 'sins'. Hpw do you think you'll have them overlook these charges?"
Gaz looked him directly in the eyes, the vibrant amber irises visible to him and he couldn't help admire the color. She spoke in a calm clear voice, "Because we will trade one sin for another. A taboo courtship may not be as dangerous as being labeled a witch. However we will need to be cunning lest we both be put in the stocks. You will need to be calm and composed and say everything I tell ye to."
"Zim is interested, though I don't like taking orders," He said the last part menacingly before switching his tone back, "But please continue. How would we avoid punishment for this new sin you've concocted for us."
"One, the relationship must seem like a plausible idea, along with any affections. We must appear guilty but chaste as well. And here's the part neither one of us will like..."
Zim narrowed his eyes, "And that is."
"For any future plans to succeed you will need to convince my father to allow us to marry. To make an honest woman out of me." Gaz's jaw clenched as she gritted her teeth, clearly still not quiet in peace with the idea just yet.
For several minutes Zim did not talk. He just stared at her with his mouth open, disgust clearly written on his face. Gaz started to count to the oncoming fit.
3...2...1..
"Have you the brain-worms?! Zim? Marry a disgusting human?...I..," Zim sputtered for a few minutes before asking in disbelief, "Zim thought you did not wish to marry?"
"And I don't. But if I were to marry thee, than I would have some control over my own life. I could stay in my home country and do as I please without the expectations that is demanded from a married woman."
"Y-you want to... mate with Zim?" Zim asked with a shudder. Though disgust was prominent, there was a small part that felt flattered someone would wish to choose him as a mate. He couldn't blame her, Zim is amazing.
Gaz, seeming to read his thoughts, added, "No, I am speaking of marriage not mating. A partnership. This would benefit you as well."
Zim nodded, "Yes. You are a female of high status. This marriage would give Zim an ample opportunity to gain access to his enemies and to be close enough to strike."
"More than that, while Dib is next in line for the crown for now, that could change in the future." Gaz said letting him put the pieces together.
"If something were to happen to him, we would be next in line, correct?"
Gaz nodded, "Well, as a gentle, fair lady I would not likely to ascend the throne at least not by myself. My husband on the other hand..."
"..Would be king." Zim finished for her, genuine glee on his face. The same type of he would have when she saw him staring into flames after he had destroyed something.
He looked at her suspiciously, "And you want Zim to believe that you'd would sit by and let me kill thy brother?"
"I never said anything about killing him." Gaz hissed, "It's not just sentiment that bounds me from doing so. It would look far to suspicious if the Prince were to die and his enemy took his crown."
"Does Zim have any say in these plans at all? Am I to just sit there and let you do all the work?" His frustration was palpable and understandably.
"Yes, I want thee to help. Tell me plans of your own. But I have knowledge of my family and the castle. I know the politics and how the people respond to them. The easiest way to get my brother out of the way is to plant doubt about his competence to lead. That shouldn't be too hard."
Zim considered this, "And then?"
"And then?.."
"What happens after that? Whether the people are against Dib taking the crown or not, he's still the first born male, isn't he?" Zim leaned in to speak quieter as if he were suddenly worried about being over heard, "I know your brother hates the idea of not being viewed as credible. And as you said you know how your family functions. You would know his fears?" in
Gaz smiled in understanding, "We send him into a nightmare world of madness."
"I imagine being a witch would be helpful in this."
"Perhaps a curse or two would be helpful. One to plague his sleep with nightmares." Gaz quickly was threading all the loose ends in her mind, "But I think we can put into play Dib's fear of our father seeing him as a failure."
""This would be poetic justice. To turn both my father and brother against each other. Dib, who has turned his back on his pagan roots. Hunting our kind with those new puritan beliefs. He's forgotten who he really is."
"And thy father will rightfully suffer. So much time and care that went into one child, but preparing to send another away to fulfil his society norms. When he sees his son as a threat to his legacy, he will start pushing him away. Emotionally and mentally destroying father and son." Zim said.
"So..." Gaz asked, "Do you wish to agree to my little offer. Ruling the world. Thee and Me?"
Zim stood up and took her hand, bowing an a dramatic fashion, "Yes. Zim will ask you to be his... what you humans call.. bride. And will you accept?"
With a dark laugh, she nodded, "Long live the king."
Well, archaic English is a bit harder to write than I had hoped. I also hope this didn't turn out too badly. I really wasn't trying to make dib sound like a bad guy, but him being a witch hunter seemed to fall in place with his obsession with the paranormal and need to save the world. I was worried that the beginning came out ridiculously melodramatic, but some of that was intended. But all of it came out that way. And I wanted Zim and Gaz to be not so nice in this.
This story will definitely be a series of one-shots. Let me know if you liked it.