Chapter 6

Rescue

Warning – Mild Language

(Dib's POV)

"I think we're safe now." Sam's voice came to my ears as I huddled beneath the blankets. Zim lay motionless below me, his breath light and slow. My sight was lit up as something blinked…..Zim's PAK. Lights were blinking slowly, and I had a feeling something was wrong. A light blinked again, but didn't go out. And Zim stopped breathing.

"SHIT!" I screamed, leaping up and knocking the blankets to the floor. Sam began to walk towards me, concern showing on his features. I closed my lips over Zim's, exhaling into the small Irken's body. I hoped with all my heart and soul that CPR would work on him. "Come on Zim, breathe!" I cried, pushing my hands on his chest. I breathed into him again, a few tears slipping down my cheeks.

He began to cough, slender body shaking with the effort. One eye opened slightly and he watched me cry with relief. Before I knew what I was doing my lips met his in a mind-blowing kiss.

He gasped when I released him only a second later. "Dib! I have enough trouble breathing!" I pouted and kissed his jaw gently. He sighed. "Are we safe yet?"

"No." I whispered. "I thought I'd lost you."

He smiled his eyes lidded and dull. Darkness was creeping up on him again, I could tell. "You'll never lose me," he murmured, setting one hand on my chest. "I'm always right here."

I hugged him tightly until he slipped into unconsciousness again. He seemed to be alright, but I knew his body was failing. It had only been 3 days since the Fever had settled in and already there had been a scare.

I looked to Sam, who was standing beside the fireplace. He smiled, obviously aware that everything was alright again, then shut his eyes to sleep. I pulled the curtain up on my shoulders over myself and Zim. His breath was ragged and uneven, his skin pale, but he was alive. I cocked my head as a noise echoed through the room, one that sounded like a shout. It didn't come again so I settled down to sleep.


A crack sounded through the room and the doors opened, slowly at first, then flying out. I looked up as I heard Laura's voice. "Who's that?"

"My father." Sam answered. Two men stood in the doorway, both smiling happily. I smiled in relief, pulling Zim's limp body closer.

"Let's get you home." Sam's father said, raising a hand to us. I rose to my feet, tucking Zim up to my chest. I pulled the hood up over his antennae, then followed the others from the room. We began walking through the snow towards the Statue of Liberty. I could feel Zim shivering against my chest and I held him tighter. A chopping filled the air as a helicopter came into view. Sam waved happily, getting their attention. As they landed I smiled. We could get Zim to his labs, he would get well. The copter began to fly, taking us from the cold expanse that used to be the bustling city of New York.

Sam's father, Jack, came closer, concern showing on his face. "Is something wrong with him?"

I nodded. "We need to get to Southern California, Modesto. It's very important."

He nodded seriously. "I'll have this copter take you there. But what would you do? Most of it's under snow."

I looked down at Zim's pale face. "I can't tell you why. I'm sorry, but it's personal. I know what I'm doing though."

A hand rested on my shoulder and I looked up to friendly eyes and a warm smile. "I understand. We'll get you there."

I smiled. "Thank you."


(3 hours later, USA Refugee Camp, Mexico)

"Here son." I looked up to see Jack handing me a portable breathing machine. "We can tell the poor boy is having a hard time. This will help."

I smiled, taking it from him. He was right, Zim's breathing had been getting steadily worse. His two week prediction had dwindled down to only a few days. As I climbed onto the helicopter that would take us to Modesto I strapped the mask to Zim's face. After a few minutes a bit of color returned to his skin as the clean air had its effect. I stared out the window as we flew, watching as the white landscape rolled by. 'Only a bit longer.' I thought. 'Hold on Zim.'