- Chapter 3 -
A reason to be
The night was dark and surrounding. Many houses kept some lights on, to keep the darkness at bay. But one house in particular had a bizarre glow surrounding it. The whole house was bizarre, to be honest, as it was the headquarters of a non-human.
The living room of that strange house was very quiet, but it was not the same several feet below, within the strange structures of the hidden Irken base. The walls, full of bright purple lights and all sorts of strange technology, were witnesses to the actions the alien and his robot slave were practicing.
-Why must humans be so oddly... *odd*?? -the alien said.
Zim was watching the screen of one of his many computer screens. It was displaying information related to Valentines Day. He needed to learn it all, because he had just gotten a date. Yes, the alien had a *date*, but not because he wanted to spend time with a female 'hyumen'. He NEEDED a date in order to not look "weird". But he would have never guessed his date would be his nemesis' own sister... Gaz, the Dib-human's sibling.
-Oh look, candy! -the small robot next to Zim pointed at the screen (it was showing heart-shaped chocolates).
-Yes, it seems that humans like to corrupt their digestive tracks by means of... sugar-based food, or something.
Zim rubbed his chin with a green hand, thinking nervously.
-I will *never* learn enough to look normal. This is too much info... Unless...
Zim turned his head slowly, until his huge, half-closed eyes met Gir, his tiny robot slave. It was glancing at the screen with a wide smile on its metallic head.
-GIR! -Zim yelled. Gir turned at him, smiling-. Maybe you can be my salvation this time!- Zim glanced at the screen with ambitious eyes-. I am going to attach your electronic brain to the computer. By doing this, I'm gonna TRANSFER all the information about this stupid "valenines" thingy... *thing*... to you. Therefore, you will be able to help me by giving me advice during that stupid "valenines" dance, anytime I need it. Get it, Gir?
Zim turned to hear Gir's reply... but he saw his "loyal" robot slave sitting on the floor and playing with a rubber moose and a rubber piggy, paying no attention whatsoever to its master.
-GIIIRRR!! -Zim screamed, annoyed.
Gir released the rubber toys and turned to Zim in a small jump, its eyes now two red slits. Gir's almost non-existent SIR programming had kicked in.
-Yes, my master! -the small robot said.
-Focus, Gir! -its master demanded-. I'm going to download all the info available about "valenines" into your brain, so you can help me during the dance!
-Oooohhh!! -Gir amazed, its eyes now a wide, innocent cyan-. Can I go to the dance??
-Yes, Gir... -Zim said wearily.
-Can I bring a date of my own, pretty-pretty please?
Zim raised an eyebrow at the petition of his little helper.
-Yeah, fine, whatever, just HELP ME! -he finally said, as his robot emitted a low-pitched "Yaaaaaaay!" of happiness-. Okay, now that you are happy, PLEASE help me here, Gir. I'm going to attach your brain to the computer.
The small bot agreed.
At that exact moment, an argument was taking place in Dib's living room. Gaz was sitting on the couch, trying to watch TV. The word "trying" was because of Dib, her older brother, who kept pacing back and forth, trying to convince his sister to reject Zim.
-He's an ALIEN! You can't date an alien! -he said, disgusted.
-Dib, if you don't shut your mouth, you'll have to get new teeth soon -Gaz mumbled, scowling and never taking her eyes off the screen.
-But he's a MENACE to every living thing! Gaz, this is a huge mistake!
-Speaking of huge mistakes -Gaz glanced at her brother-, you'll make a big one if you say one more word. Don't push your luck.
She returned her attention to the TV. Dib jumped in front of it. Gaz scowled.
-I'm warning you, Gaz! He might even HURT you!
-Not as much as *I* will hurt *you* -she said in a dangerous tone-. Move away, or I'll make sure you get a good grave.
Dib wasn't that stupid. He did move aside, but he didn't stop yakking.
-Maybe he's planning to do tests on you! -he said. Gaz chose to ignore that-. Maybe he wants to generate CLONES with you!!
-Cool, more hands to help me pound you to no end -Gaz said emotionlessly.
Dib approached his sister.
-Can't you see it?? You might be in danger! You *know* Zim is an alien! You saw him without the disguise! You even walked within the dark halls of his space base... thing!!
Gaz slowly turned to Dib. She glanced at him, motionless, for a few seconds... then replied with a numb:
-So?
Dib clutched his head with both hands.
-I can not believe this!! Why, Gaz? Why do you want to keep annoying me this way?! If you know he's an alien... if you know he WANTS to conquer the planet... WHY do you want to go to the dance with... with... *HIM*???!
Gaz kept her frown directed at her paranoid brother. After several seconds, she shrugged.
-I don't know -she said-. Maybe I want to annoy you.
-Oh, no... no, no, no... YOU, little girl, are making a HUGE mistake. I'll go to my room, now, but mark my words: HE'S NO GOOD!
Dib dashed to his room, feeling Gaz watching him. After he was out of sight, Gaz looked back at the TV. But she wasn't paying attention to the bright, plain screen in front of her... but something else. Only after a complete minute of intense thoughts, she mumbled to herself the words she didn't dare say in public.
-Or maybe -she whispered-, because he actually *asked* me out... Not like anybody else.
Gaz could be cold and threaten-y around everybody, and she also had a strong attitude... but not even that could stop that small tear leaving her right eye and rolling down her cheek.
The moon, high in the dark, clear sky of the night, would have never guessed the unusual situations under the roofs of the two houses. In one, a girl with guts had become weak for a couple seconds. In the other house, a being not of this world was assembling his mechanical partner, in order to learn the hundreds of small details about this strange human festivity.
The next morning the Earth was greeted with a bright, yellow sun; suggesting a nice Saturday. There was no skool, so Zim was glad he wouldn't have to see his Nemesis until five o'clock, when he was supposed to go to his house to pick his human date. This skool-less factor was a relief for the alien, because he had more time to test Gir's new knowledge; and also a relief for Dib, because he had more time for Plan "Make Gaz Understand".
-GIR!!! -was the first word of the alien in the morning. He heard a strange "crack"ing sound, a small rumble, and then he saw his loyal robot slave approaching and dragging a piece of broken computer, connected to it by a thick wire coming from its head.
-Gir, reporting for duty! -the small, red-eyed bot saluted.
-GIR! The next time, CHECK IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING ATTACHED TO YOU!!
-Oh, you mean the wire? -the little robot smiled, again with cyan eyes.
-You was supposed to be learning all about this *filthy* humanoid party.
-Party! Yaaayy!!
-Silence!! -and Gir paused-. I'm hoping your knowledge about all of this has improved, so I'll ask you a few questions.
-Kay!
-Very well... Let's see... Ah, I know... Gir, tell me... What *is* "valenines"?
-First, it's misspelled! It's "Valentines", and is a human celebration where Love and Affection are the main factors. Humans use it to give presents to show affection toward other humans, by means of sweets, cards, or other presents.
-Excellent! -Zim smiled-. Now, I want to ask you... What am I supposed to *do* during this... lame dance thingy?
-Valentines Day Dance!! -the small robot proclaimed with a wide smile-. During this event, a human and his/her human date/mate will spend a joyful time together. There will be food, drink, and music for the event. A while after the party starts, the couples must DANCE along the room at the rhythm of the music (usually, slow love songs), in order to show affection to one another -Gir stopped here-. Pretty, eh?
But Zim wasn't paying attention. His eyes widened in horror upon hearing the word "Dance".
-D... D... -he gulped- ... "Dance"... I thought it was just a NAME!
Zim began to sweat. He felt kind of a chill running down his spine.
-I can not dance! -he exclaimed-. Irken invaders do not do such dippy actions!
-Dance is fun! -Gir cheerfully said.
-No, it's NOT! I will be discovered when they realize I CAN NOT DANCE!!
-You do dance.
-Maybe I can move the muscles of my legs to the rhythm of SOME tunes, but I've never danced with a DATE! Least of all, a *HUMAN* date!!
-Ooooh... Is that bad?
-Bad?! BAD?! GIR! This is a catastrophe!!! That slimy earth monkey named *Dib* will discover me to the entire skool! -he turned his freaked eyes to Gir-. GIR! I *need* to learn to dance! Right now! I only have a few hours until the dance starts!
-Yes, sir! I obey! -the small robot saluted, showing red eyes.
-He's an alien!
-Shut up...
-He's not human!
-Be quiet...
-He's a monster!!
-Let me play...
-He might...!! *OOF*!!
Dib fell off the couch, holding his stomach with both hands. His eyes pointed to the other person on the soft surface of the furniture. The girl was glaring at him with burning eyes.
-Why...? -he asked weakly.
-You just made me lose this game -she whispered, waving her "Game Slave" pocket system at him-. I had enough of your stupid speeches of Zim this, Zim that, Zim, Zim, Zim...
-But he...!
Gaz jumped off the couch and approached her brother. He was still embracing his damaged belly.
-I know he's an alien, okay? -she whispered-. I know what I am dealing with. It's *my* problem... not yours. Leave me alone.
-I just...
Gaz growled at Dib's protest. She grabbed him by the neck of his shirt and pulled him up, getting face-to-face with him.
-Let me put this straight, Dib -she whispered in anger-. I'm going to my room, now. If I hear just ONE more word from you about my date, *I* will make sure you won't have to worry about teenage problems -here she pushed him closer-, because you won't REACH that age.
Dib gulped. Gaz took it as a "yes", so she released him.
Gaz walked to her room and slammed the door after her. The young girl jumped onto her bed and lay face-up, staring at the ceiling, resting on the soft surface of the mattress.
-Valentines Day... -she mumbled, scowling- ... sucks dirt.
She kept glaring at the ceiling, thinking. Her face turned sad a couple times, but the aggressive look returned soon.
-Stupid morons... -she whispered- ... Stupid jerks... Stupid, STUPID Valentines Day.
A thought got jammed in her mind... a memory from her very young life. A strange white mist surrounded her thoughts as the memory became stronger. She saw the scene form in her brain... it was... it was the living room of the house... but something was different... Everything seemed to be... bigger.
The TV was on. A woman was talking to the camera.
-Have a happy Valentines Day! -the woman greeted-. I'm your local TV News Reporter, Nancy Harris. Welcome to "News-At-Eight". It's a clear night and we go right to the main news...
-Va... le... nine... -a soft voice said.
-... even on this happy day, there is bad news. Sorry for being so direct, but that's how the World is. We had reports of a crime on Gunter Street this afternoon...
The sight was turned from the TV, and pointed down... A couple of small, naked feet were in sight, almost hidden under the wooden tray of the high chair. A shadow covered the small feet and the high chair. The viewpoint went up and a very tall human in a large, white lab coat was spotted. Two small arms raised.
-Da... Dad... -the soft voice said.
-Oh, here you are, honey! -the man in the lab coat said quickly-. You shouldn't see that, you are too young. I'll put on something more appropriate for a baby like you.
The little arms swung a little, asking the tall human to hug her, or maybe even scoop her little body up and embrace it with a parent's love... but the man in the lab coat was busy searching for the remote control.
-Dad... Da-addy... -the voice implored.
-No worries, sweetheart. I've found the control, so I'll change it to...
Something beeped on the left sleeve of the lab coat. The tall man pushed a small thing on it and began to talk to himself.
-What is it, Simmons? -he paused-. Is that true?! Oh, no! I must fix that this minute!!
The tall human glanced at the small person in the high chair with a hurried look.
-I have to go, honey! Daddy must work for the good of the planet! You change it, I'm sure you can push the buttons! Bye!
Without even kissing his own daughter, the man hurried to put the remote control on the small tray of the high chair. He left the room in a hurry, not noticing the waving, despaired, little arms and the soft voice, which sounded sad when saying:
-Daddy...! Da-aad!
-... as a result of this horrible shooting, several persons were injured, and I am sad to say some have even died.
The reporter was still talking. The sight focused on the screen, which was showing the scenes of a shooting between policemen and thieves. The soft voice emitted a loud gasp... the scenes were indeed too strong for such a young audience. The viewpoint lowered and the remote was in sight. The two small hands tried desperately turn the TV off... but their coordination was very bad, and the remote ended up on the floor with a loud impact that made the batteries fly away.
-... according to the police, the thief may have shot twice: first impacting on the victim's left arm, which ended in a big loss of blood; and second in the victim's head...
The voice of the reporter was louder. The sight raised one more time, glancing at the screen. There was a horrible image of murder. The sight stared at it for a few seconds, but then nothing else was shown... except the many tears, obstructing the vision.
Gaz opened her eyes. She was still glancing at the ceiling of her room, laying on her own bed. She had drowned herself in a past memory, and it was not amusing. She jumped off the bed, and walked to her wardrobe. Inside, she searched for something. After shoving through all her clothes and possessions, she found what she was looking for... at the back of the wardrobe... a book.
She walked out, looking at the cover of the book. It was a yearbook. Almost with fear, her hands opened the book. There were photos of a younger Gaz, already wearing black. After several pages, she found what she was looking for... A page with the title "Valentines Day Dance".
Gaz's eyes opened with caution. She glanced at each photo, carefully. She saw her schoolmates, smiling and being accompanied by another friend... a dance couple.
Her mind was lost again... in a new thought.
-Here we are, Gaz.
Gaz turned and saw his brother, Dib, standing next to her at the cafeteria's door.
-Is *this* the party? -she mumbled.
-Yes, of course it is! -his brother replied-. I'll try to pretend I have a date, or they'll call me "freak", and things like that.
-Whee, that'd be a riot... Enjoy your life... -she said sarcastically.
Dib ran to the crowd of young students and Gaz was now alone. Was that a party? she thought. All the kids seemed to be having a good time... and also a dance partner. Not really knowing what to do, Gaz began to walk, heading to the food tables and wondering if there was any pizza on the menu.
She reached the table, but before she could even look at the many dishes on it, a female voice was heard behind her.
-Ewww! What happened to your clothes?
Gaz turned. There was a blonde girl, maybe a year older that her, standing behind her.
-What? -Gaz asked.
-Your clothes! Well, if THAT can be called *clothes* -the girl chuckled.
-Ergh... Do I even know you? -Gaz growled. She didn't like that blondie.
-I think I do know you... Eh... You're the girl always at that freako Dib's side, aren't you?
-I'm his sister.
-Ah, had to guess. You also look freaky.
The blonde girl giggled evilly. Gaz preferred to ignore that and search for pizza, or something tasty to eat. Unfortunately, the blonde girl stayed at her side.
-I'm in Dib's class, by the way.
-Poor hopeless girl... -Gaz whispered.
-Is this your first Valentines Day Dance?
-Yes.
-Yes, I had to guess that too. Mine was last year, and you must be one year back, right?
-Yes.
-And where's your date? -the blonde girl said as she looked everywhere.
-What? -Gaz turned at her.
-Your dance date, of course! Heh, I'd curse myself if I had came to a Valentines Day Dance party WITHOUT a dance partner!
-Really? Why? -Gaz asked, getting a little nervous.
-Because those who come alone are losers! Freaks! Weirdos! That's a forever mark! Look at your brother!
Gaz turned and saw Dib, talking to other kid.
-Oh, yes, she's pretty. Too bad she's in the bathroom right now, so I can not introduce her to you... -Dib was heard saying.
-That hopeless kid -the blonde girl said-. He thinks he can fool us. We all know he has no date. He's a loser... a freak... a *weirdo*.
-That's stupid... I don't think it can be THAT bad to be all you say.
-You *think* so?? Listen, girl... This is a FOREVER mark, understand? If you are a loser in a Valentines Dance Party, then you'll be a loser *FOREVER*.
Gaz, suddenly, gulped. The blonde girl noticed this.
-You gulped? -she asked, smiling evilly-. Why?
-None of your business -Gaz said, then she returned to her search for food.
-Where's your dance partner? -the blonde girl smiled.
Gaz didn't answer, but began to sweat.
-You are *so* NOT telling me you came... alone. Right?
Gaz was sweating more. Her hands were trembling in both panic and fury, but still tried to grab a piece of pizza.
-Why are you so quiet, all of a sudden? -the blonde girl whispered with a sly smile-. Maybe because you are... a lose...
*SPLAT!*
There was silence. The blonde girl stepped back, losing balance and falling on her tush. The kids around turned to see her. She had a slice of pizza on her face, sliding down and staining her dress with grease. Gaz had turned, showing teeth and breathing with difficulty.
-I'm sick of you -she said-. I didn't answer, because I brought NO ONE with me! Are you happy?!
Nobody replied. Gaz turned to search for more pizza.
-Good -she whispered.
She was about to grab another slice... when somebody said something to her back.
-... freak...
Gaz froze.
-Freak...
She turned her head, not scowling. The blonde girl had stood up, and she was pointing at her.
-You are a freak -she said-. You brought no one.
Gaz turned her entire body. She was not scowling. She was scared.
-You -the blonde girl said- are a... LOSER!
-She's a LOSER! -another kid said from the back.
-A LOSER! -a third kid yelled.
-LOSER!!
-SHE'S A LOSER!!
-... A COMPLETE LOSER!!!
One by one, all the kids in the cafeteria began to shout the darned "L" word, stronger each time. Gaz stepped back, holding the border of the table with strongly closed fists. The small semi-circle of kids in front of her was approaching, screaming "LOSER" with every step. Gaz's eyes got wet. Some tears appeared. The lower lip of her dropped jaw began to tremble. She felt weak... vulnerable... Her legs also trembled, and she had to kneel. The crowd kept approaching. Gaz couldn't resist it. She lowered her head and held it with both hands.
-STOP IT!! -she screamed-. STOP IT!! I AM NOT A LOSER!! I AM NOT!!
*BAM!*
The yearbook had collided against the door of the room, and it fell to the floor, observed by a girl breathing hard.
Gaz had to sit down on the floor for ten minutes to relax. Finally, when her breathing was at a safe level, she stood and went to pick her yearbook up. She looked at the cover with new resolve.
-You're not gonna beat me... -she mumbled-. No you won't, Valentines Day... Not this time... Not this year. I have a date... Yes, I do... and I will prove I am NOT the loser everybody think I am.
In a quick movement, she threw the yearbook back to the depths of her wardrobe. With the accuracy from a thousand or more virtual battles, it landed in the same place she found it.
Not only did the Irken invader have reasons to be at the party with a date, but she herself had a mission to complete during the festivity. Zim was going to prove he was "human" enough...
... While Gaz was going to show she was not the loser they thought.