A/N: Another chapter! And I'm linking to some art this time! Figured I better put it up sooner or later so you can all see what the characters look like.. o.o;

http://www.side7.com/cgi-bin/S7SDB/DisplayImg.pl?INO=194390
The minstrel and the heroic farm boy, our two favorite rivals =P

http://www.side7.com/cgi-bin/S7SDB/DisplayImg.pl?INO=194385
The lost tourist and the.. *ahem* experiencialist. Who doesn't really have that hat. Yet.

http://www.side7.com/cgi-bin/S7SDB/DisplayImg.pl?INO=168058
The gypsy girl, KidK, and the evil minstrel!

Okay now that that's over with... oh, and Ivy first appears in this chapter! She belongs to Aliet Faslami! On with chapter 3! ZIP!! WHEEEEE!

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The orcs had a camp all right, but it looked like a temporary one. Aubri stood uncomfortably close to it, a lot closer than Dib would've stood, even if he'd had the help of JC's camera to steady him. The minstrel was grumbling under his breath at Dib's side, the fiddle still clutched protectively in his arms. KidK stood next to him, her long green skirt blowing in the breeze. Zim jumped everytime it happened to actually touch him, then proceeded to grimace awfully as if he'd been poisoned.

Dib muttered under his breath.

hissed the minstrel, actually remembering to stay quiet.

Dib ignored him, gazing into the camp. The orcs were making plenty of noise of their own, chewing on deer leg bones and yelling and growling at each other. They had a couple of prisoners, all of them tied around the mouth, and by the hands and feet humanoids and horses. Dib couldn't see JC from where he was standing, but Aubri probably could at least, if she was actually there.

Those orcs looked big and strong and mean. Dib gulped. How were they supposed to get into the camp and rescue JC all by themselves? There were what four of them!? Dib glanced over at Zim and KidK again. The minstrel was grinning now, as Aubri cast his gaze over towards them from his spot near the camp. Zim straightened, put on a superior expression, handed his fiddle and bow very carefully to KidK, and deftly scaled the tree they were standing by. Dib's eyes widened. The minstrel's ascent was being aided by what looked like long, thin, shiny appendages snaking out from the region of his back and moving quickly from branch to branch. Was that magic?? Or something else?

KidK, too, was watching, holding the fiddle as if it were the most precious treasure in the world. The minstrel paused to glance down at her scrutinizingly, as if making sure she was affording the instrument the treatment it deserved, and continued his silent advance towards the trees over the camp. Dib remembered something he'd heard about minstrels and bards they tended to be just outside the law as it was, with great skills for sneakiness and pick-pocketing. Maybe, then, Zim and Aubri were actually going to do something effective.

Something tingled at the edges of Dib's perception, like a growing condensation of energy coming from Aubri's direction. Yes, they were definitely up to something

Zim paused on an overhanging branch, silver legs bracing him sturdily among the leaves as he gazed downwards into the camp. He sneered. So stupid and hideously filthy These orc-beasts would have no idea what had hit them when ZIM made his move. He paused, and leapt, executing a deft twist in the air to land in the shadow of a stack of loot. His silver legs retracted, and he flattened to the ground, the only giveaway to his presence the blood red glowing of his eyes.

More of that idiotic wizard's energy was building up, even Zim could almost see it, an intensifying aura around the human. Disgusting. Such power belonged to an Irken. But, no matter, he would have it soon enough. He already had two willing stink-slaves, more would follow. Humans loved to worship amazing things.

The minstrel snaked along the ground, silver legs appearing again to help him where it was needed. He was approaching the prisoners near the edge of camp now, and here was where it posed a problem. Not only was there no shelter from the orcs' eyes, there were horses, bound and gagged as well as they could be. Idiotic. Tying filthy work-beasts up as if they were actually able to operate a toaster! Zim shook his head in disgust. However, being as stupid and unappreciative of greatness as they were, they tended to balk and stomp around and make horribly dischordous noises if something disturbed them.

LET'S ALL PLAY TAG!!! a resounding shriek spread through out the camp, and the orcs howled battle cries, looking around for its source. A tiny green dog darted into camp, laughing and hollering, managing to avoid the heavy swings of the huge axes wielded by the orcs. Zim's eyes widened. BLAST that GIR! Blast it!

GIR continued its running, reaching in to poke any part of an orc it could get to before darting away again. it squealed gleefully. YOU'RE IT!!! The orcs' roars of rage were substantial, and when GIR ran off into the woods, screaming COME GET MEEEEE!!! a fair-sized portion of the disgusting monsters charged after it. Zim blinked slowly, having not moved from his hiding place.

How ingenius was his dog-slave sometimes! Zim grinned proudly. For all the trouble it caused and the loud mind-wrenching noises it made, GIR was truly advanced. Perfectly suited to ruling the world at the mighty minstrel's side! Zim stood up and haughtily strutted over towards where the prisoners were staring wide-eyed at what had just occurred. As well they should it was a brilliant move of Zim's, amazingly brilliant. They had a right to stare so.

JC's eyes widened in fear, and Zim smirked. She struggled, and Zim posed. She managed to get her bound hands up to point.

Zim turned around curiously, and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. All of the orcs hadn't left! There were two of them heading straight for him. A heavy axe, glinting in the light of the fire, swung into the air, coming fast down towards Zim's head. He leapt, dodging the attack and cutting around to the side. Blast it, where were the others? Had they all fled in terror? Or were they just positive that he could take care of it by his amazing self? Well, that was a given. He would defeat these evil monsters! Although, as he desperately dodged their attacks, he wondered somewhere in the back of his mind just how he was going to accomplish this

The concentration of enery increased. Zim's antennae twitched madly, sensing it easily as it moved in a wave towards the orcs.

You filthy disgusting MONKIES!! Zim hollered at them. They were slowing down, pausing, and Zim stood straighter, puffing out his chest. You thought you could best ZIM!? HA!! The entire camp of you vermin could not leave a scratch on my amazing MIGHT!! he crowed. The orcs were looking more and more uncertain, and as the wave of energy pressed down onto them, they turned and fled.

Zim shouted after them. BOW TO ME!!! FLEE BEFORE ZIM'S POWER!!

Dib, watching from the trees, felt a tinge of regret that he hadn't helped, a tinge of disgust at the minstrel's display, and many tinges of relief that the operation had been successfully carried out. He ran into the camp, dodging boxes, scattered weapons and food. Had the minstrel really gotten the entire camp emptied with the help of his dog? Were the orcs really stupid enough to believe his boastful self-praise? Dib hoped not, else the idiotic green being would be trying to rule Fantasyland with an army of loyal stupid monsters.

Aubri and KidK moved over towards Zim as well. It wasn't just you, Aubri said to the minstrel. Remember things aren't always under your control you could have easily been killed.

huffed the minstrel, glaring ferociously at Aubri. And what did YOU do!? Sent the orcs after MY POOR HELPLESS GIR!!! What possessed you to do such a thing!? Why did you not send them after the stupid, huge-headed larva? He pointed insistently at Dib.

Dib protested, glaring.

Aubri rolled his eyes, then went over to the prisoners. Besides the three horses, there were four human or humanoid prisoners. JC, a middle-aged woman, a female green being like Zim, and a young man probably a teenager. Aubri systematically freed them all, the two humans thanking him profusely. The female green being mumbled something under her breath, seeming afraid. JC, on the other hand, was much more enthusiastic. She leapt at Aubri with a huge cheerful smile on her face, and glomped him.

Thank you so much! she cried. I thought I was a goner for sure! You rock man!

Dib said in confusion, glancing at one of the stones surrounding the fire.

You're such a cool wizard guy!! JC said, still hugging the life out of Aubri. Zim, watching this spectacle, looked as if he might throw up.

Could you let go? Aubri said to JC stiffly. And I'm not a wizard.

oh sure okay, JC said, a bit downcast. She turned to the minstrel. And YOU! You were amazing! You saved me! Her gratitude was overflowing. Dib stared.

Yes, I am amazing, the minstrel said smugly, folding his arms. Now bow before ZIM!

JC cooed, and dropped to her knees, hugging him tight.

Zim's eyes popped open. SWEET MOTHER OF IRK!! he howled, struggling madly. RELEASE ME AT ONCE!! GRAAAH!! OH DISGUSTING!!! AAAAUUUUUUGH!!

Okay okay, geez, JC said, and let him go. He staggered away from her, writhing in disgust. Why did that stupid minstrel have such an aversion to being touched? Humans couldn't possibly be any more filthy than Irkens. Although, Dib was very glad it was the minstrel that was getting hugged by the overenthusiastic JC, and not him.

KidK had set the fiddle down on the ground, and Zim stomped over to it as soon as he'd recovered his composure, scooped it up, and checked it over lovingly. He patted it. There, there, fid-ill, the minstrel said, You will be kept safe from the JC-beast of hugging doom!

JC protested.

Ignore him, Aubri said, rolling his eyes.

Dib glanced back over towards the female green being. KidK had joined her and was talking softly to her. She looked really scared, and uncertain, though. But then, she'd probably gotten beaten up a lot more by the orcs since she was so small. Although she was taller than the minstrel was. Dib glanced back at Zim, who was patting his fid-ill and staring moodily into the fire. Why hadn't he noticed her yet? Surely the arrogant green being would be more polite to someone of his own species.

Hey, Zim, Dib said, and the minstrel turned to glare at him. There's another one of uh.. you, over there, you know.

Zim knows this!!! the minstrel flared. It is not important!! She is merely a sniveling, emotional, child!!

She's taller than you, Dib said. What do you mean she's a child?

For some reason, this only furthered the minstrel's rage. DO NOT SPEAK TO ZIM IN SUCH A FASHION!!! he screamed, shaking a gloved fist at Dib. ZIM IS MIGHTY!! AND AMAZING!! AND I WILL RULE OVER YOU ALL!! YOU WILL ALL BOW!!!!

Dib stared. Yeah.. sure.. whatever, he muttered, backing away. Zim's glare followed him.

He's sad, isn' he, the child murmured, shiny green eyes downcast. She was just a kid, KidK had gathered that much from the way she talked and acted. The poor thing, captured by orcs, who knew what she had been through. The gypsy girl gently patted her arm. The child certainly looked a wreck she was taller than Zim, it was true, but she was definitely younger, a tad thinner, and her antennae had graceful curls at their tips, instead of down-swept kinks. Her eyes, instead of brilliant crimson, were a soft, soothing green. She was wearing a tattered green dress, with black trim. It was actually in the royal style, and probably looked very beautiful before it had become so worn.

KidK pondered the child's question. She wasn't sure who she was referring to, so she just patted her arm again. What's your name? she asked.

said the girl, and looked up, green eyes wide. Thanks.. for.. for savin me an the other ones

Oh sure! You're welcome, of course, KidK said. We couldn't just leave you all here we were coming after someone else who was in our.. um a quest party, I think this is? She was captured, and we followed her, else we probably wouldn't have even known the orcs had other prisoners.

Ivy suddenly hugged the gypsy girl, and, startled by this sudden display, KidK patted her gently on the back. Like the minstrel, she sported a hard, carapace-like hump there. It must be something their race had naturally.

Thank you, Ivy mumbled again, tears forming in her pretty eyes. The orcs.. they's scary..

Aww.. it's alright, KidK felt her entire emotional resolve softening irrevocably to this little Irken girl, and she hugged her gently, trying to reassure her.

Enough, enough!! the minstrel said, marching up to them. Enough of this frivolousness!! Come with Zim, stink-beast KidK!! We are leaving! The stinking wizard says there are traces of some the minstrel sneered. black magic. At any rate, he informs us that we cannot stay here, and while he is QUITE stupid and filthy, I, the amazing Zim, have decided that it would be best to—

Are you going to be okay? KidK said quietly to Ivy, turning her attention from the still-chattering minstrel.

The child nodded, then looked up at her again. Can I go with you? she said. I dun want to stay here by myself

Yes, I think you can, KidK replied, and got to her feet, smiling at Ivy and holding a hand out to her.

—the fid-ill of ZIM is quite enough entertainment for your puny stink minds as it is, I do not see why the DIB had to bring his sketchbooks' and I am going to insist he leave such filthy, pointless items in a MUD HOLE where they belong!! And as for that JC-stink's camera—

Ivy said to KidK, extreme gratitude evident in her eyes. She couldn't have been more than well five or so, at least, it must have been awful for her being a prisoner of orcs. But what had Zim said about black magic? Or rather, what had Aubri said? Orcs didn't use magic. Something else was going on here

—a wizard, no matter what he might say, filthy interfering stinking huuuuuman that sent the orcs after my GIR!! As well, that large-headed DIB larva cannot possibly be of ANY use to this mission, and I will destroy him at my earliest convenience. KidK!! Are you listening to ZIM!? the minstrel glared at her.

Yes, I'm listening, she said. Zim, Ivy here is just a kid she's scared, and alone I think she should come with us.

You are not in a position to make demands!!! snarled Zim, placing his fiddle under his chin immediately and setting the bow on the strings. Ivy's gaze immediately went to the instrument as Zim started to play.

Aubri stepped up next to Zim, and the slow, entangling threads of music somehow dissipated abruptly. No time for that now, Aubri said shortly to the minstrel. We have to leave.

Zim glared mightily at him, but took the fiddle down from playing position. We are NOT bringing this child-female with us!!

Aubri looked at Ivy. She gazed up at him, and something passed between them. KidK squeezed Ivy's hand reassuringly.

Yes we are, Aubri said to Zim. Now come on. JC, grab one of those horses. The young man went over to them himself, untied its feet and muzzle, and leapt onto its back.

Dib called from the other end of the clearing, where he'd been digging through some bags. You lost all your supplies in the fight!! Shouldn't we get some more??

No time, Aubri said again. Zim, KidK, JC we've got to move out. It's not safe to be here.

What about GIR!?! demanded Zim. Do not think you can just leave my dog-slave behind!!!

He'll find his way back, Aubri said, and digging his heels into the horse's flanks, took off through the trees back towards the road. KidK glanced down at Ivy again she was light, and small, she could ride with KidK.

Come on, KidK said to the girl with a smile, and led her out of the camp, through the trees. Dib, with a disgusted glance at the minstrel, who was standing there fuming, followed them. It took him a moment or two, but Zim followed as well, KidK noticed, and smiled to herself. He might be arrogant and demanding, but he was a master on that fiddle, and just because someone wasn't the nicest person in the world, didn't mean they didn't deserve a friend. Had Ivy been referring to the minstrel when she said he's sad'? It was something gypsies knew about companionship was very important, and Zim probably hadn't had any his entire life.

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