Disclaimer: I don't own Invader Zim but I do own Xai, Naizrra and sorfian enhanced steel.

Chapter 5: The Training Begins

After sulking for about a minute, Xai heard the classroom door whoosh open. As the chattering mass of smeets entered, Noza sneered at furry hybrid.

Noza: Oh, look, everybody. It's still here. I hoped the little mutant went back to its experimentation cage.

The rest of the class snickered as Xai returned Noza's glare.

Xai: Oh, yeah!? Well, I'd rather be a hybrid than a stupid jerk like you!

Before Noza could retaliate, the amber-eyed teacher strolled into the room. He was pretty short by adult standards but he towered over the tiny smeets. The class immediately sat at down at the computer desks.

Teacher Dif: Welcome to level 1 invader training, class. My name is teacher Dif. Now, we'll start with attendance.

After taking down the names of the students, Teacher Dif lectured on how to use a ray gun.

Teacher Dif: Now, this dial sets the power level of the laser. Level one gives a mild shock while level ten is powerful enough to melt sorfian enhanced steel. The higher you set the power, the more it drains the battery so don't overdo it in battle. Any questions?

The class continued to gaze silently at the teacher.

Teacher Dif: Good. Please line up to receive your ray guns.

The class assembled a line behind a box of indigo blasters.

A lavender-eyed smeet: Teacher Dif, are those real lasers?

Teacher Dif: Yes, these standard issue ray guns should last you through all your conquests, as long as you don't lose them.

Watching her reflection in the metallic violet wall, Xai posed with her new laser.

Tox: Ooh, look at the mighty invader.

Xai whipped around, barely able to stifle the urge to slash Tox's eyes out.

Xai: Why don't you just leave me alone already!?

Teacher Dif: Settle down, class. It's time for your first laser battle. The first irken to hit their partner ten times wins extra credit points. Now, remember to keep your lasers set to level 1 because setting it too high could injure or even kill your partner! Everyone get into pairs, please.

Xai: (to Tox) I betcha I could beat you easy, you big jerk!

Tox: No way I'm gonna lose to a mutant!

Xai's magenta eyes narrowed into a glare

Xai: Bring it on!

Tox shot a beam at Xai but she leapt over her foe dodging the attack. Xai tried to blast Tox from behind but he spun around and darted out of the way. Managing to land a couple shots, Tox was distracted just long enough for Xai to attack. After struggling for a few minutes, the two smeets had sustained seven hits each.

Tox: (panting) You're not too bad... for a hideous mutated beast.

Xai: I'm so sick of this!

The irate hybrid dropped onto her front paws releasing her weapon. Barely able to speak, she half hissed her words.

Xai:... I... am... not... a mutant...!

Xai completely forgot about the laser battle in her fury. Her fearsome snarl revealed needle-sharp fangs which glistened in classroom's harsh lighting. Xai pounced but was knocked away by a laser bolt. Leaping to her paws, Xai made to sink her claws into Tox's face. Suddenly, she stopped.

Xai: (thinking to herself) Stop it. Stop it! STOP IT! You have to regain control!

Disoriented, Xai hesitated just long enough for Tox to hit her again. She fell to the floor once more.

Xai: (thinking) The laser battle! I gotta win!

Tox took aim again and Xai knew her only chance was to jump out of the way with her spider legs. Still having trouble controlling them, she barely managed to roll out awkwardly to the side. The laser zipped passed, less than an inch from grazing her right antenna. Xai thought to counter attack but her laser was lying on the floor just out of reach. Tox was taking aim again. Thinking fast, the young hybrid noticed her reflection in the spider leg still jutting from the pack. A confident sneer spread across her lips. Within the split second it took for Tox to pull the trigger, Xai grabbed the spider leg and shoved it in front of the blast. The bolt of pure energy ricocheted off the reflective blade and whizzed back toward Tox. The hit startled Tox just long enough for Xai to snatch her laser and shoot him twice more. On impact, a faint sizzle cut through the air. The pain of Tox's defeat magnified the light sting of the laser.

Xai: (Beaming in triumph) Yeah, you lost to a 'mutant'

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I know this chapter is a little short but at least I finally managed to update again. Please review if you enjoyed it.