By animeninjaNIPPON

"I'm… not an Invader?"

Zim was having a hard time coming to terms with this bit of news that a frustrated Tallest Red had just dropped on him.

"That's right – you were banished." Red went on to explain (in great detail) the extent of Zim's screw-ups, each explanation sending a dagger into the depths of Zim's Irken soul.

"Surely this is some sort of joke?" Zim asked, hoping against hope.

The word "joke" suddenly made the Tallest regret spilling the beans to Zim – he was, after all, their only source of entertainment. This gave Purple an idea.

"No, it isn't," Purple responded solemnly, before piping cheerfully, "but you CAN rejoin the rankings."

"How?" Zim asked in desperation, banging his gloved fist against the arm of his chair.

"Bring an Earthling to be your bride," Purple replied with an impish grin, "and we'll talk."

Zim's face lit up; his red eyes burning with new life. "As you wish, my Tallest!" He cut the transmission, setting off to do what they wanted.

"Are we REALLY gonna let Zim be an Invader if he marries an Earthling?" Red inquired.

"Of course not," Purple assured him. "I just wanna see where this goes!" With that, they both doubled over in laughter, along with the entire Irken kingdom.

Meanwhile, Zim wasted no time asking his computer for advice on Earthen courtships.

"Insufficient information," the computer replied.

"WHAT?" Zim cried. "Fine, I'll just have to figure this out for myself. Come on, Gir." He turned to his SIR, who was building a tower out of little toy piggies. "We've got to find some pathetic Earthstink that I can bring to show the Tallest, so I can regain my rightful place as Invader ZIM!"

End of part one