"Dib," the alien whispered panic-stricken. "How... how are you..."
"...He Took me," Dib said quietly, averting his robotic gaze to the ground. "I'm... not human. Not anymore."
Zim felt sick at the idea of his enemy being stronger than him, not to mention his vulnerability. Gir's eyes flashed red and slanted defensively as he stepped somewhat in front of Zim.
"I'm not going to hurt you, Zim," Dib murmured, looking up pleadingly at the alien. His eyes were red, with a black outline, and it sent shivers down Zim's spine. He was so different. Both of them, and probably not too far from each others distance.
Zim was... he knew he was far from invincible. He was practically pathetic.
Dib... he wasn't even the same as when he was born. And now...
"I need your help, Zim," Dib said, taking a step forward. Gir tensed, lowering into a predator's crouch. Dib stopped, eyeing the robot cautiously.
"...My help?" Zim said quietly. "Help!" he barked more angrily. "Why should I help you, big-headed Earth-stink!?"
Dib narrowed his eyes and it scared Zim more than any scalpel at that moment. "Because if you don't I'll tear you and Gir limb from limb."
Gir's eyes lifted slowly and faded to cyan, his attack position fading. He stood slowly and watched Dib blankly.
Zim remained silent, watching Dib before speaking; "You called him Gir."
Dib grimaced and looked down, staring at the ground. "My mind is... it's reprogramming, Zim." He looked up again. "If you don't change me now, I... I'll stay this way forever."
This way.
Not just how he was now. He was changing, his mind shifting, giving him insentive to destroy Zim. It wasn't him though...
Zim stared at the human for a long time before exchanging a glance at Gir at Dibs defeated slump of the shoulders.
Of course he won't help you, Dib thought in surrender, turning slowly.
"Alright."
He looked back, uncertain and shocked.
Zim stared back at him, leaning weakly on his robot but his gaze as strong as ever. "Only to stop you from being stronger than me," the alien added with a grimace. "As if I'd ever help you for your own worthless benefit, sewer-filth."