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Hello all! Welcome back. So, I've been debating on whether or not to split this story into parts because I don't want it to morph into one of those stories that has, like, over 100 chapters. Not that I think it WOULD, but just as a precaution, you know? Plus, I made 3 different covers, so it would be cool to show those since I made them with the different settings and themes of this story in mind. Yes, I'm still sad I killed Siké...I was so close to making her a love interest for Zim, I kind of hinted at it in the last chapter, but for some reason it didn't feel as natural as the one I originally planned. Hopefully it goes well when I actually decide to introduce them.


"Whoa!"

Dib barely had enough time to jump out of the way as the ship made impact. He braced against the side of the house, next to his sister with Gir still planted obliviously on the front stoop. He watched as the craft finally hit, wincing at the screeching of metal. It left a trail of crumbled asphalt in its wake as it skidded towards them, the engine that had been on fire now smothered and smoking. It broke through the wooden fence like tinfoil, simultaneously taking out one of the lawn gnomes, before it lost momentum. With one final lurch forward, the ship dropped and settled heavily into the deep crater it had made.

Everything was silent. Dib had long given up on being surprised when no one came out to investigate, knowing full well that they'd just chalk it all up to something stupid. What a shame.

*bang!*

He jolted, catching the scarce glimpse of Gaz doing the same beside him. That had come from inside...there really was a pilot!

*baNG!*

The door to the pod pushed outwards before getting stuck on itself. Gaz flexed her hands, knuckles cracking loudly as she crouched in preparation while Dib turned to the SIR unit at the door, trigger words on his tongue. However, to his surprise, the robot was already far ahead into his defensive settings. Various weapons outed and aimed, his tiny body stood tense and his dark crimson eyes were narrowed with focus. Biting his lip, Dib anxiously pushed up his glasses and assumed a flimsy fighting position, trying to rid himself of the gory mental images that raced through his mind.

The third hit proved to be the last as the door abruptly shot open, crashing into its own barriers from the force. Dark smoke billowed out of the cabin and a furious shout could be heard. Adrenaline shot through his veins as his eyes caught movement. The figure stumbled onto the mangled platform, only to trip on a piece of jutting metal. A yelp made it passed his lips as he was propelled into view, catching himself against he side of the pod and, all at once, the world stopped turning.

Zim both gasped for air and suffocated on it, fighting to keep himself upright. His vision swam, but he was far too angry to let himself pass out now. He was determined to get a few choice words in first! Growling, he had to refocus his eyes a couple of times before he finally caught sight of the two teens. They were already staring at him, shock spread across their faces almost comically. They'd gotten taller, he noted...Dib still had that silly scythe, but his glasses were different. Still round, but they took up less of his face. Gaz had grown her hair passed her shoulders, her loose bangs framing her more angular features rather nicely. His fury quickly died out, his body going slack.

Dib dropped his jaw, whether it was to gasp or speak he didn't know. Unconsciously, his grip released and he allowed his hand to fall to his sides. No way...there was no way...! He shot a look at his sister, hoping for some kind of...something, but she didn't acknowledge him. Bright fuchsia eyes stared through him, an emotion he couldn't place swimming in them. His long antennae were pinned to the back of his skull and despite nearly being as tall as him, he seemed small. That wasn't right...this couldn't be the little hell-raiser he'd known through his childhood! Zim was nothing short of a raging spitfire; fierce and determined and dripping with endless enthusiasm and passion for everything he stood for! The person in front of him now...displayed none of that energy. He opened his mouth again, willing himself speak, but nothing came out. The words caught in his throat and he released the breath he didn't know he'd been holding. He searched those eyes, desperately and silently pleading for an answer. It came in the form of a subtle, almost nonexistent, nod and that was all it took for him. Tears flooded his vision.

Zim wasn't far behind, the sight causing his own eyes to water. He started forward, newfound energy fueling him as he met Dib halfway. The teen's body hit him hard, arms immediately encircling and crushing him in a tight embrace. His own grip was lighter and he felt himself lift off the ground as Dib spun them, his laughter almost manic. He caught a flash of purple when he was set down, finding Gaz standing before him and meeting her disbelieving gaze. He didn't get a chance to say anything before she flung her arms around his neck, effectively hiding her face from view. After a few beats, she released him, a smile tugging at her lips as she tried to maintain composure. He took another look at each of them before turning his attention toward the house and, more importantly, the small robot that regarded him with wide, shocked eyes. Zim tried not to look too nervous as he drew closer, settling down quietly on his knees a few paces away. Gir's cyan gaze followed his every move, but he had yet to make any of his own. The SIR stood stiffly, almost fearfully, as he considered his former master. The Irken already knew that he was being studied, his antennae picking up the faint beeps and clicks of the inner workings in the robot's head. After a moment, self-consciousness began trickling over him and the terrifying thought that Gir might not even remember him dominated his thoughts...

It was realistic possibility. His servant had such a limited attention span...he could forget vast amounts of information with the flip of a coin. He hasn't been around in so long...and he looked so different now! But the thought of having been replaced in his SIR's life...he tried not to let the hurt and jealousy overwhelm him...he had no right to blame any of them. It was his fault- Miyuki's fault!

His features tightened and he felt the burn of emotion behind his eyes as he gently held his arms out.

"...Gir?" his voice cracked.

At the sound of his voice, a hint of recognition ran across the unit's features and his eyes seemed to glow brighter as he slowly connected the dots. Suddenly, his face contorted into pain and he let out a string of dramatic cries. His arms shot out, stretching unnaturally far as he wove them tightly around the alien and used the tension to propel himself forward. Zim grunted as the air was knocked out of him and he did his best to hug the robot that was currently nuzzling at him. The front of his gown was soaked in a matter of seconds, but he couldn't quite bring himself to care.

"I can't believe this..." he heard from behind him.

The shock had since worn off and Dib was now pacing in small circles, his hand clutching at his head as he struggled to organize his concerns.

"How did- when- why- oh man! It was you! And I- and you...! Ugh, I'm gonna pass out." he said shakily.

Gaz held up a hand, "That can wait until after we get an explanation. Right, Zim?"

So, she maintained her status as the most intimidating of the group, huh? At least something had stayed the same, he supposed.

He nodded, "Right...but first," he looked down at himself, "I really need to get out of this dress."


Welcome to the end of chapter 6, everybody! I can't quite decide if it's what I originally envisioned, but it's as close as it could be. Thank you for reading and please review!