Disclaimer: I don't own Invader Zim or any characters from the show.

Chapter 6: Target Practice

Teacher Dif turned to Xai who couldn't keep her lips from curling into a smug grin.

Teacher Dif: Congratulations, you've earned 15 extra credit points. Now you and Tox can sit and watch while the last few smeets finish up.

Most of the class was seated in the computer desks watching the last three pairs still locked in battle. Xai skipped to her desk and rested her head in her sea green paws. A minute later, her ears twitched at the sound of mumbling.

Noza: (Under her breath) This is so boring! There's gotta be something fun to do around here.

Glancing at her laser, a cruel smirk formed on Noza's face. She aimed at Koj, a particularly tiny, azure-eyed smeet. He was so short that his toes barely scraped the ground as he swung his legs under the chair. Noza fired making Koj yelp in surprise.

Noza: (Snickering maliciously) That's funny! Hey, scrawny, stand by that wall and hold still.

Antennae drooping, Koj did as he was told.

Noza: C'mon, Tox, let's see which one of us can make this runt cry first!

Tox: Okay!

Tox darted over and they let flow a barrage of laser bolts at the tiny cringing smeet.

Noza: Let's see what happens when we turn the power up to level four!

Tox: I dunno, Noza, we might really hurt him.

Noza: What do we care? Or would you rather I use you for target practice?

Tox: Relax, it's not like I care what happens to that pathetic runt. I'm just afraid we might get in trouble.

Noza: Good Point. We'll leave it at level three then.

Meanwhile, Xai was watching the whole thing. Seeing them torment Koj infuriated her almost as much as being teased, herself.

Xai: (Thinking) What is wrong with those morons! And why doesn't that kid stand up for himself? He's not even trying to dodge. At least when they bully me I can fight back.

She wondered if she should tell Teacher Dif but was afraid that she would be mocked as a tattletale. After all, it wasn't her fight and Koj never asked for her help. She didn't even know the guy.

Just then, Koj looked toward her, his eyes quivering through a layer of tears.

Xai: Teacher Dif!

Teacher Dif ambled over from the other side of the classroom.

Teacher Dif: Now, Xai, you know that when you want my attention you are to wiggle your antennae and wait to be called on.

Of course, his back had been turned so there was no way Dif could have seen Xai's antennae but she decided it wasn't worth mentioning. She sighed and swished her coiled feelers.

Teacher Dif: Yes, what is it?

Xai: (pointing toward Koj) Noza and Tox are hurting that kid.

Dif turned to Noza.

Teacher Dif: Noza, are you and Tox shooting lasers at Koj?

Noza bit her lip apologetically.

Noza: Urr... kinda.

Teacher Dif: And what level are your lasers set at?

Noza and Tox: Three.

Teacher Dif: Hmm... that's probably not high enough to do any permanent damage. Go right ahead.

Xai: (to Teacher Dif) Wha...? You mean you're not gonna stop them?

Teacher Dif: (shrugging) They're taller than Koj.

Tox stuck out his worm-like tongue while Xai blinked in astonishment.

Xai: (Shouting) Aarrrg! Is there anyone, anyone at all on this planet, who isn't either a bullying slime ball or a COMPLETE IDIOT?

Teacher Dif: Now, now, use your indoor voice, Xai.

Dif returned to refereeing the final laser battle across the room while Noza took aim at Koj. Xai dug her claws into her palms and gritted her teeth.

Xai: (To Noza and Tox) You know what you morons gotta do?

Noza: (Aiming at Xai) Get a second target?

Xai: (Not intimidated) No. You gotta go to the mechanic and get your laser guns fixed.

Tox: But our lasers aren't bro...

With lightning speed fueled by her rage, Xai snatched their guns and slammed them down onto the floor. The blow pounded huge dents into the weapons' protective shells.

Tox: Hey!

Tox silenced as he noticed Xai's glaring eyes smoldering like two crimson embers.

Tox: Err... we'll just be going to the mechanic to get our lasers fixed.

Tox dashed for the door while Noza strolled behind. She looked back at Xai.

Noza: This isn't over, mutant.

Xai turned to Koj.

Koj: But... why would you help a tiny runt like me?

Xai: Gee, I was expecting something more along the lines of a 'thank you'. But seriously, I did it because I know what it's like to be mocked for the way you were born. I don't care how short you are, people just shouldn't treat you like that. Think about it. Does height really matter all that much?

Koj: Well, of course it matters! Short people like me are weak and stupid.

Xai: Oh, really? Why? What does one thing have to do with the other?

Koj: Well... because... I dunno. That's just the way it is. You're weird.

Koj started towards his desk but then paused and smiled at Xai.

Koj: Thanks.

Teacher Dif: Xai, Koj, get back to your seats. The next lesson is about to begin.

For the rest of the afternoon, Teacher Dif droned on about Irken history. Once class ended, an exhausted Xai hurried to the teleporter. As the bright glow of teleportation beam enveloped her, Xai felt a sharp pain in her tail. Fearing the worst, Xai yelped in panic. What if her tail got caught in the machine? What if it got cut off? The light faded and Xai was startled to find herself still in the academy. Then, she found the source of the pain; Noza had stomped on her tail.

Noza: (with false kindness) Oh, was that your tail? I'm sorry. I thought you were being attacked by a furry, green space worm.

The rest of the class laughed. After a trying day, Xai was too exasperated to respond. She reset the teleporter and muttered to herself as the laughter faded.

Xai: I hate being a hybrid.

Yep I finally updated again. Well, what do you think? Let me know if you think Xai is a believable character.