A/N: I'm trying to be a good little updater, since I go away soon for two weeks. ARS promises on all the good stuff in the world that she'll write at least three chapters up while she's working with the horsies. (Maybe ten, tops?)

Lingering Paranoia

Zim walked into the base, shutting the door with the careless shove of a gloved hand and peered about with narrowed crimson eyes for any cameras or lurking teenagers. The small alien froze upon the realization that, at least for now, there would be no cameras.

Was he assuming? What if the Dib-beast was actually alive?

More importantly, was it good or bad? His being alive would enable all of Zim's ideas. His beloved Irk, was, after all, a showman's planet. Everything was a display, full of lights and lasers and fancy machinery and big buildings that really didn't need to be so big. How perfect would it be to bring down that problem in a similar display for his planet. However, it would be easier to conquer the planet without his irritating interventions.

Again, Zim turned back, peering around baby-pink shoulder garments to check, just once more, for Dib's presence. Maybe it was a hoax. An insane plan of Dib's to try and expose him to the world.

His body shifted back as his memories flashed to that crimson, crimson human liquid. No, that had to be real.

"Zim finally beat you, Dib-worm," He said out loud, tasting the words and trying to work his mind around them. It was too much of a challenge, the reality not quite sinking in yet, the impact failing to proverbially smack him.

The Irken plopped down on the couch, blinking. It was so surreal...it felt like any moment, he'd hear Dib's screams as he was dragged out by a pair of gnomes.

On cue, a blood-curdling scream came from behind the door, bursting open and slamming against the wall as a tiny ball of green fuzz tore inside, screaming insanely, tongue sticking out of his mouth. His eyes bulged from his head as he continued to shriek, staring at Zim as he continued the eardrum-shattering noises.

"GIR!" Bellowed Zim, fed up with his robot. "That's enough!"

The little robot dog seemed to ponder his master's irritated statement, then nodded and plopped down on the ground. "Ookay!" He watched as the Irken's memories flashed back on the events of the day.

"GIR...I have some good news," The alien noted, a wide grin spreading across his face, showing a great number of teeth. "The Dib-beast was vanquished by the almighty Zim today!" He shrilled, jumping to his feet without warning. "He's in one of those human care places..." His emotion switched as suddenly as his position had, face thoughtful. "Did you know that human leak this liquid when they bleed? This bright red. It was fascinating..." He held out the last syllable, his servant studying him.

"Dib's in the...hospital?" The confused robot squeaked, eyes growing bright with tears. How a SIR unit could cry was still beyond Zim, but he nodded and went along with it. "Then you got to go visit him!" GIR announced, throwing his paws up into the air.

"Visit...yes..." Hissed Zim, eyes narrowing. "Then, I can actually see the filthy creature in his last moments. It could still be glorious." His eyes flickered down to the little robot. "Come, GIR. We're going to the hospital."

A/N: Shorter than I planned...still okay? D;