A/N: Hello again. I'm back after a month. Things have changed for me a lot lately. I got a new job and it requires a lot of my time. I can truly appreciate the weekend again, like a normal person...
I also caught a bad cold so I was trying to find time to adjust to everything. A lot of things happened since I last uploaded. Leonard Nimoy passed away and Terry Pratchett (very, very sad deaths. RIP). Some dress went viral online (which was totally black and blue), and then the solar eclipse, which was then ruined by clouds. There was other stuff, but there the only ones I can think of.
Hint: a certain character from Clairvoyance is back again.
Warning: length exceeds 3000 words... Read at your risk.
...
Skoodge and Tenn finally arrived at the base. GIR was still sitting in front of the TV as Tenn gave him a wide berth, but he was too immersed in his monkey show to notice.
"He's still watching that monkey?" Tenn asked, appalled.
"It's a fifty-hour marathon, of course," Skoodge replied, pulling his sunglasses off. He kept the wig on though, since he likes it so much.
He faced Tenn now and smiled. "So, what did you think of Molly?"
"She has terrible manners, but she's strangely bright for her age. I can see why you're so fond of her."
"Thank you, Tenn. I told you that you would come around."
"Though I can't ignore the overwhelming feeling that I need to see her again. I feel as if she needs my assistance. There's a lot of anger inside that smeet. I could train her up to be the beautiful, composed soldier she deserves to be."
"She was rather impressed by you too, but who wouldn't be..."
Tenn regarded him considerately at that, and then something resembling a smile came to her face.
Skoodge looked around the house next. "Hmm, I wonder where Zim is. I'll ask the computer. He should be back by now from the land down under. Computer!"
"What?"
"Where is Zim?"
"He went out looking for Tak with Dib and Gaz. She escaped. He hasn't been back since."
"What? Escaped?!"
"Yes, she came through from the kitchen toilet and tore my arm off, and then broke Minimoose's antler. But he's fine now. He's in the recovery bay."
"Poor Minimoose. At least GIR's safe." Skoodge looked over at GIR, who was drooling like a moron.
"He is unaware to everything that has happened, and thank you for your concern. I'm no longer in pain either. You all sure know how to make a machine feel loved..."
"Aw, you're so welcome, computer," Skoodge said, cheerfully.
"Shut up..."
Tenn turned on him now. "Skoodge, you assured me that Tak would be locked away at all times. Why has she escaped? I knew Zim couldn't be trusted..."
"And I meant it, but there is something wrong with Tak. Not even Zim could keep her locked away forever. I don't know how to tell you this—"
"She's possessed..."
Skoodge twiddled his fingers. "Oh. I forgot that Dib already told you on the Voot. I didn't think you were really listening at the time, being too..."
"Too what?" she said, narrowing her eyes. He was going to say delirious.
"Too awesome!" Skoodge held his arms out wide. A drop of sweat broke out on his skin.
Tenn just stared at him.
"... You idiot."
Skoodge deflated now.
Next, the door opened, and then Zim entered the house. He immediately shut the door once he saw them. Someone outside shouted "ow" and then "idiot!" when he slammed it shut.
Skoodge beamed. "Zim? You're back!"
"Eh? Yes, Zim is back... Just hold on." He went to leave through the door again.
"Where's Tak?" Tenn asked, folding her arms.
Zim looked at her, surprised. "Tak? She... uh... she exploded. Boom! Just like that."
"Oh no..." Skoodge said, slumping his shoulders sadly.
Tenn shook her head now. "Just open the door, Zim."
"You give Zim orders in his base?!" he yelled.
"Yes," she said, sharpening her eyes. Zim didn't take it any further.
"All right!" He opened the door. No one was there. "See? I was right. No Tak!"
She smiled. "I never said anything about Tak being behind the door..."
Zim narrowed his eyes. "I'd watch your tone. You're on thin ice, Tenn!" he shouted, pointing at her.
She just stared at him, uninterested in what he had to say.
"So where is Tak?" Skoodge asked now.
"She must have heard the idiotic talk coming from in here, and then decided to give us a miss. Smart girl..."
"He's only half right, yet here I am. I guess I'm not that smart." Tak said from the threshold of the kitchen.
She met all of their surprised faces. There was Skoodge in his ridiculous blond bouffant, Tenn in an unconvincing wig and contacts, and then Zim with his stupid Elvis wig. They still looked like space monsters, with their lack of noses and snot-coloured complexions. Tak shook her head.
Tenn took a step back. "How did you do that?" she asked, calmly.
"A magician never reveals her tricks," Tak replied. "No, I kid. I used my stealth suit; it just shimmers on at my own accord. I thought I couldn't use it anymore, but there must still be a little part of my implant stuck in my brain. The Empire can't take everything from me..."
"All the more reason for me not to trust you, traitor." Tenn positioned herself in a battle stance.
Tak regarded her coolly, and then released a dry laugh. "I'm sorry. It's hard to take you seriously while you're looking like that. Who gave you that stupid get-up? Zim? I could give you a far more impressive disguise..."
"No, it was me! I gave her the disguise!" Skoodge announced, stamping his foot.
Tenn ripped her wig off and pulled her contacts out, and then dropped them all on the floor. She walked up to Tak.
"How do you take me now, Tak? I'm not afraid to fight you. So I'd advise you to wipe that smug look off your face..."
The two Irken girls stared each other out for a while. They were doing that thing that male cats do when they size each other up. Skoodge looked terrified. He turned to Zim for support.
"Zim, do something," he said.
Zim met his gaze, and then shrugged. He watched them more closely now. Shouldn't they be betting on one of them? It was fascinating to watch. Like the clash of the titans...
Tak and Tenn were the exact height, so it was an even match. But Tak didn't take it any further. What was the point?
So she moved away from Tenn and looked towards the kitchen. It was filthy. "I'm not going to fight you, Tenn. You may not realise this, but I've always had the deepest of respects for you. You're a brilliant soldier, broken or not. You may not remember, but you were the first Irken to talk to me during training. I was terrified my first day; I found it hard to fit in. But you were there..."
Tenn's eyes softened. "I do remember. You were quiet. What happened to you?"
"I wish I knew. I've always thrown the blame Zim's way, but it's never gotten me anywhere. Just filled me with hatred."
Tenn looked over at Zim. He gave her an evil look. She met Tak's gaze again.
"Zim is an infuriating creature; I can imagine why you would build up so much hate for him." She heard Zim growl behind her. "But what he did doesn't change all the misery you caused others. Including me..."
"I can't remember the day I started to slip away. This... this beast has taken so much of me already." Tak sighed. "Why am I telling you this? You could never relate. Look at you; you've always had luck on your side. Passed all your training and even got assigned planet Meekrob..."
"And look at where it has gotten me. You're right, Tak. I have no idea what it's like to have my mind taken over, but I know what it's like to have the life sucked out of you. And I also lost myself along the way. So you can either buck up and fight this monster, or crumble away and let it consume you. I'm sick of letting those monsters that destroyed me have the last laugh, but not anymore. I suggest you do the same."
Tak met her fervent eyes. She looked so strong now. What had brought all this strength back? Tak looked at Skoodge next. He froze in place.
Skoodge and Tenn had been inseparable since they came to Earth. So they had gotten pretty close. Tak hoped in his case that it wasn't unrequited love. She almost felt bad for him. But something about Tenn's posture told her that she was grateful for his help.
Zim finally stepped in, as he removed his wig and contacts.
"Now, aren't we glad that we put this silly feud behind us? I will need both of your assistance." Zim looked at Skoodge and Tenn. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid Tak has scared away the Dib for the time being, but seeing as you are both staying here anyway, you may as well help me help Tak. Tenn has already made a start. Good work, soldier." He gave her a salute.
Tenn rolled her eyes and saluted back. He wasn't her commanding officer, but what did it matter. Skoodge saluted too.
"Not you, Skoodge!" Zim shouted.
"What? Why? If it weren't for my assistance, Tenn would still be under the kitchen table, hiding from GIR!"
Tenn looked as if she received a blow to the stomach. "Please don't bring up that embarrassing episode, Skoodge... especially in front of Tak."
"It's nothing to be ashamed of. GIR is freakishly unstable. This is no dog bite!" Skoodge pointed at his head.
"I knew it..." Tenn muttered.
"He's right," Tak said. "Zim's SIR has always freaked me out too."
"You know what, he even freaks me out," Zim announced, looking over at GIR. "GIR, you crazeh!"
GIR finally passed out from watching too much television, as his head hit the screen. It was just as well, as the marathon was over. He stood up next and hugged the TV.
"Noooo! Don't go Monkey! I need you!" When his show never came back on, he started running around in a circle.
Tenn recoiled. "It's like being around Molly's small sibling again. Make it stop."
"He wears himself out eventually. Sometimes immediately..." Skoodge reassured.
GIR stopped in front of Tak. He gasped loudly. "Hello, Kat! You finally got out your cage!" He grabbed her leg.
Tak shook her leg. "I'd rather be in my cage again," she said.
Zim pulled GIR off her leg and dropped him to the floor. "Don't be silly," he said, "you'll have new quarters from now on. Now come along." He marched to the kitchen.
Tak glanced back at Tenn and Skoodge. Although she was grateful for their help, she didn't know how to thank them. "Nice to have made your acquaintance..." she finally said, and then followed Zim into the kitchen.
"Well, she's not so bad," Skoodge said once she left.
"No, just messed up. But who isn't," Tenn replied.
Skoodge grabbed GIR once he ran past them, and held him up to Tenn. "I think you're finally ready to face your fear. You were amazing coaxing Tak out of her misery, and a little terrifying. You'd have taken her. "
"I feel as if I've been too harsh with her, and it was wrong of me to challenge her like that. After all, the Meekrob still haunt me. The only difference is that Tak's demons are real, which is questionable. I'm still adjusting to the idea. But I know what I saw."
"So are you going to take GIR or not? My gloves are starting to stick to him." Skoodge held the robot up to her.
Tenn looked him over. "No, he stinks. I don't need to prove myself. I know I'm not afraid of him anymore. So you can explode all you want now, Zim's deranged little SIR unit..." Tenn patted his head. Her glove got stuck too.
"I love exploding!" GIR squealed.
"I'm sure you do..." Tenn sat on the couch. "Now put something on that doesn't involve a drooling monkey. I may as well learn something about human broadcasts."
"Okay!" GIR ran over to the remote and flicked through the channels. Skoodge joined Tenn on the couch.
He finally stopped on some mind-numbing soap opera about young and beautiful people, who made nothing but sheep sounds.
"How am I supposed to learn something from this?" Tenn remarked. "Every female looks the same, and the men are insipid. For the entire screen time, they only showed one male's muscled chest."
"Yeah, let's turn it off. These sheep are boring," Skoodge said.
"GIR, change the channel," Tenn ordered. And he did, to a show with a diversity of animal life. There were still sheep, but there were also pigs, chameleons, foxes, and even weasels.
...
Tak stood outside her new quarters. It was inside a transparent box. She looked at Zim furiously.
"You said I was no longer a prisoner."
"You're not," Zim said, "but I still need to keep you in a secure area where I can keep an eye on any fluctuations."
"No."
"What?"
"No. I will not be a prisoner. Don't you trust me?"
Zim waved his hand. "Of course I do. Now get inside the plastic box!"
"I promise I can keep it under control. Whenever I feel it taking over, I'll give a code word."
"Like what?"
Tak sighed. "Deelishus weenie. Stupid wieners..."
"No, that one's been overused. I still hear that wiener guy shouting it to this day!"
"How about we just go with "I'm being bloody possessed!" then?"
"Yeah, whatever. It'll do, I guess..."
Zim walked over to his work station and grabbed a strange device that looked like an icing gun. Tak didn't question what it was. It was probably something stupid.
Zim only fiddled with it to pass time. What were they supposed to talk about? "Remember how you ruined my life?" or "how you tried to steal my mission?" No, water under the bridge now.
Tak looked inside her plastic box. It had a bed and a few home comforts, and was that a fashion magazine? What did Zim expect her to do with that? Read it?
She looked back at Zim. He was pretending to concentrate on his icing gun.
"Zim, you can't pretend that I'm not here. We have to talk about this soon."
"Eh? Oh, Tak, I forgot you were in the room..."
"No you didn't."
"Fine! I just don't know how to go about this. I mean, you're Tak! You tried to steal my mission!" Zim squeezed the gun, and sure enough icing came out like play doh.
"If I can put that to one side for a moment, then I'm sure you can too. Besides, it looks as if you've given up on your mission to destroy this planet. Why?"
Zim turned the gun over in his hand. It was sticky with icing. "I doubt you would understand, but that's a little harsh. I was once a cackling, megalomaniac too, so I am going to explain to you, Tak. I should stop treating you like a bad guy, just as I hope you do for me."
"What was it?"
He looked her in the eyes now. "I discovered more to this race. They're a captivating species; they should be preserved. So I'm glad I stopped you from destroying this planet in the end. Me, I stood no chance, but you did..."
Tak only stared, silent as a ghost. "I'm aware of their ability to love," she said at last. "But all that training from Devastis should have removed yours."
"Yeah, so. It's not easy to train someone to be a complete monster. The ability to feel is always going to be there..."
"These ghosts you see. Did they help you change too?"
"Yes, there was one who was very special. Not all ghosts are bad, Tak. I can assure you."
"Who were they? Were they human?"
"She was a little girl. Murdered by one of her own kind. He was a cruel man, but he's rotting away now..."
"Fascinating." Tak sat on a stool beside him. "I forgot that the humans also like to inflict pain on one another. Tell me everything you know about ghosts, of all your experiences."
"It's a long story; you'll be sitting there all night. Now leave Zim to work on his icing gun."
"Or you could just tell me about Belle? Who is she? Wait... was she prettier than me?" Tak asked, crossing her legs and folding her arms. Was she trying to be funny, or was she serious?
Zim dropped the gun. "It all started back when my PAK was malfunctioning..."
He went right back to the start, as Tak listened intently. Zim had lived some life after their little mishaps. Some of the story was funny in parts, and some of it was just plain sad, but other's made her feel something other than bitter hatred. It shined on her eyes as Zim retold the story effortlessly, like he was reliving it all.
"And that's everything up until now," Zim said, voice shaking. There were too many emotional memories to deal with.
"You almost... died?"
"Yes."
"Molly sure sounds like something to change you for the better like that. Even to make you see your Tallest for what they truly are. She must have been special."
"Yeah. It's hard to talk about her sometimes. I do still see her, but we formed a bond that can't be replaced. There was nothing else like it, literally. We were a ghost and an alien. Dib had a field day with that one..."
Tak considered something else now. "Are you a firm believer in destiny, Zim?"
"Yes, I've met her myself."
She shook her head. "That's not what I meant. I've always believed in something greater than us all. See, I always believed I was destined for greatness, but after everything, I stopped believing. I'd never felt as insignificant as I did the day I missed out on becoming an Invader."
"Must you keep bringing that up? I said I was sorry!"
"You never really did, but I will accept your apology. You were meant to be at my trial. I'm sure this destiny person could tell you that herself."
"You think I was meant to seek you out and help you?"
"As much as I hate to admit it, yes. After all, who else knows this stuff better than you, Zim. You've proven yourself worthy. I will put my life in your hands. Now hurry up and fix me in case I come to my senses."
"It could take time, Tak. We need to find out what triggers Green Eyes. With Molly, I had to stop closing myself off from her and not see her as a monster. Trust me, she was far from it. More like a little baby unicorn in the end..."
Tak gave him a funny look. Baby unicorn? "So, what are you saying? I should 'open up' to you?"
Zim gripped the table with both hands. He looked a little embarrassed. That wasn't what he meant to say. How could he be so forward?
"I guess," he said, looking uncomfortable now.
"Will you promise me that you'll make me as cute as a baby unicorn too?" she asked, smiling.
"What?"
"It was a joke. Right now you're not exactly making me feel homicidal, like you usually do. But you have a long way to go yet."
Zim rolled his eyes. "I ought to introduce you to Nny..."
"From what you've described, I would be delighted to meet a fellow maniac."
Next, Bob jumped up onto the table with a chirp. His collar must be broken since he should have said "hello".
Tak startled. "What is that?"
"It's my cat," Zim said, hugging Bob to his chest.
"You have a cat?"
"Yes."
"I'd be more impressed if you had said it was GIR in a real disguise. I would have praised you. A convincing cat disguise always does the trick..." She trailed off in thought.
Zim put Bob back on the table. "You miss MiMi, don't you?"
"What? Nonsense. She served her purpose. No good in missing something that's never going to be a part of my life again..." Tak's antennae drooped as her eyes shined.
"I can see it in your eyes, you miss her."
"I don't wish to talk about her. She's gone now. It's all in the past."
"Hmm, all right..."
Zim stroked Bob meticulously, having an amazing idea.
If only Tak could resent him less, and open up to him like he did with Molly, it may just hinder Green Eyes' power over her.
...
Morning arrived, and things were still pretty awkward among Tak, Tenn and Skoodge. Zim, however, was oblivious to it all.
Tak came forth from the kitchen toilet, and there she saw Skoodge and Tenn sipping tea.
She glanced to the right and scratched the back of her head. Tenn and Skoodge acted normal, though they were still having trouble adjusting to things. GIR sat under the table eating an old potato skin. A sack of potatoes stood on his right.
"So..." Tak started to say, "is that tea you're drinking?"
Skoodge and Tenn froze in place, as they held their cups half way to their mouths. They gave each other hesitant looks. What do they say?
"Um, why, yes. We are drinking tea, Irken Tak," Skoodge said. Why was he so formal?
Tak shifted her eyes. "I rather like tea myself..."
Tenn put her cup down next, and looked up at her considerately. "Would you like to join us?" she asked.
Tak seemed genuinely surprised. "All right, I see no harm in it."
She sat in the spare chair and grabbed the pot. It was made from real china; the whole set was. Next, she stirred her tea after adding seven heaps of sugar, since she's an Irken with a sweet tooth, and then noticed their plate of biscuits. Cute.
She took a sip of her tea. "This tea is quite exquisite..." she said.
"Yes, quite..." Tenn replied.
Skoodge put his cup down, and drummed his fingers against the table. "So, Tak... How you feeling today?"
Tak met his piggy eyes. Just a few days ago he was cursing her and calling her 'evil'. Why the change all of a sudden? And then there was Tenn, who couldn't even look her in the eye.
"I feel okay. But only time will tell when I'll 'erupt' again."
Skoodge's antennae drooped a little. That was not the answer he was expecting. "Oh."
"Well we'll be more prepared this time," Tenn said. "We're going to get that thing out of you."
"Why?" Tak asked.
Tenn finally looked her in the eyes. "What do you mean why?"
"Why are you both trying to help? I thought you hated me."
Tenn was a little speechless. "Well, now we know a little more about you, Tak. No harm in trying to help. Nobody's perfect..."
"Just some of us are a little less perfect than others," Tak remarked, sipping her tea again.
Tenn couldn't believe what she was saying. How many times does she have to inform her that she wasn't any less perfect or lucky than she was?
The table was quiet again, save for GIR's chomping noises. Skoodge couldn't bear it any longer. That was when it hit him: a pure light bulb moment. He put his hand into his pocket next, and threw a flier onto the table.
Tenn and Tak looked at it.
"What is it?" Tenn asked.
"They were handing them out just last week. Today is Saturday, right? There's a carnival in town!"
Tenn looked at him as if he had two heads. "Carnival?"
"A fun-filled event for the whole family to enjoy..." Tak told her.
"Yes, and we should all go," Skoodge replied. "It might help you take your mind off things for a while. I mean, Green Eyes doesn't exactly thrive on fun, does she?"
Tak gave it some thought. "I couldn't say for sure. She thrives on my anger at best, but my joy? Just, maybe..."
Skoodge rose from the chair. "Then let us go. Fun awaits us at last!"
"No..."
He looked down at her, surprised. "But why? It'll be fun."
"It's a carnival. I'm willing to change many things about myself, but I will never, ever go to a carnival. It's all too... cheery..." Tak waved a hand in disgust.
"But cheery is gooood..." Skoodge empathized carefully, squeezing his fists.
"I already made up my mind."
Tenn placed her cup on the table. "Fine, don't go. You just stay here while Zim, Skoodge and I have the time of our lives."
Tak raised a brow. "You're really trying to entice me over with Zim? You were better off leaving him out of the equation."
"You make a point, but you'll be left alone here. Who would be around to help you if you were to change again?"
"The answer would be nobody..."
"Exactly. I was like you the other day: refused to leave in fear of what I may run into out there. But I found it was the very thing that helped me."
Tak regarded her now. "You do seem to be more robust today... All right, I will go to this ridiculous carnival. I will entrust my life in a travelling fairground that can be packed up in the back of a truck..."
"That's the spirit, Tak!" Skoodge cried.
"Be quiet," she said.
Skoodge shrunk back into his seat.
Next, the hum of the elevator reached their antennae, as Zim emerged from the toilet. There he stood, arms on hips, ready to seize the day until he glanced to the left.
"What is this?" he said, taking note of their fine china. "You had a tea party without Zim?!"
"One potato, two potato, three potato, four!" GIR chirped, shoving potatoes in his mouth.
Silence drifted through the kitchen again.
"It's rather funny how he says potato... " Tak remarked.
"Iz code word for deeestroyyyy!" GIR shrieked.
Zim was confused. Who told him that?
He walked up to the table. "I come up stairs to find my house guests throwing a tea party without me? Such treachery!"
"But you don't even like tea, because you say it reminds you of Elizabeth..." Skoodge informed him.
"Don't bring her name up!" Zim slammed his fists on the table, making their cups clatter.
"Elizabeth who?" Tenn asked now.
"Even I know this one; she's the mother of the child ghost whom Zim saved just a year ago," Tak replied.
Tenn turned pale. "Child ghost?"
"There's a lot you need to be informed of if you're going to be living here," Tak said.
Tenn looked at Skoodge then. She didn't look too happy.
"What? It wasn't my story to tell!" he yelled.
"I'll find out in time," she said. "I always find out..."
Zim flipped his head back and forth between them, and then made a loud growling sound. "Stop it! All of you! Discussing Zim over a cup of tea. Give me that!" He snatched Skoodge's cup and took a sip.
"Hey, this tea's not half bad, except for all the Skoodge germs. Ugh! Skoodge, why did you let me do that?"
"I... don't know," Skoodge replied, holding up his hand as if his tea was still there.
Tak stood up from the chair and grabbed the flier. "Here, we were just discussing this carnival. So we all decided to go and visit for the day."
Zim took the flier. "Carnival? No. We have much to do. Skoodge and Tenn, you can go, but Tak and I have to stay to get to grips on Green Eyes. What triggers her?!"
"I think a day out would do her some good," Skoodge said. "She's been cooped up for days."
"Yes, but there will be people at this event, Skoodge. Tak is not going. It's too risky."
Tak frowned at him. Before she never really wanted to go, but now she just wanted to prove Zim wrong. Of course she could control herself. Sure, she almost hurt a baby(or not)last night, but not today.
"I am going to this event, Zim, and there is nothing you can do to stop me. I am myself right now; the decision is all mine. So you can either come with us, or stay here."
Zim was torn. Was it the right thing to do? He had to get Tak on his side. As long as he went with her, she would be safe, or better yet those around her.
"All right. We will go to this carnival. Hopefully we won't run into anyone we know."
"That's the spirit, Z—"
"Be quiet!" Zim yelled. Skoodge sank back in his seat. No one liked his enthusiasm today.
"Then it's settled," Tenn said. "We're going. Should be fun. My first carnival..."
GIR gasped next. "My potato has things growing all over it!" He held his potato up, and there those white stalks stood like the spikes of a hedgehog.
They all looked a little queasy, but it was fortunate they were already green. Zim grabbed the potato and threw it in the trash.
"No more potato antics, GIR. It's getting old! Smashing your head into a whole sack does not give you mashed potatoes!"
"Aw," GIR cried, handing over his sack. Zim had them disposed of immediately. Now they all ended up in the trash, since they had things growing on them too.
Carnival time at last.
...
They walked up to the carnival as Zim was nervous. What if Tak was to just explode right now and attack all these citizens? How could he control her? Green Eyes was powerful. He did have the help of two other Irkens, but still. He had to take the chance. Maybe Tak needs this.
Tak had on her old disguise since she never got rid of it. It should help her fit in. It worked the first time. The others, unfortunately, all wore their lazy disguises. Tak would have to put a stop to that.
They approached the colourful entrance of the carnival, which was situated on a large, grassy area of the park.
There was a booth where a guy was selling tickets. They pooled what little cash they had, but it turned out Skoodge had a lot of Earth cash from mowing the lady's yard across the street every Saturday for the past few months. So they were able to get into the carnival. What joy.
There was a guy on stilts at the entrance, but he covered them up with pants. They marvelled over his tallness except for Tak, who wasn't convinced. So she pushed him over, and he went falling for ages and ages since he's so tall.
The others looked at her shocked.
"What?" she said. "He mocks what it is to be tall. Now let's just enter this place." They walked into the heart of the carnival.
There were booths where you shoot at things and win absurd toys, and even ones where you kiss. It was all too much. Everyone was smiling and laughing, but then there was the smell of candy floss. The scent caught them all, since Irkens have a weakness for sweet things. So they all went and got some.
"This fluffy pink sugar is very delicious…" Tenn said.
"Very..." Tak replied.
Skoodge smiled now. "See, I told you there were some things to be enjoyed from Earth."
Zim pulled a face once he tasted the stuff. "Wait, we have cotton candy on Irk anyway. Why we acting like we only just had it for the first time?"
"Yeah, but this is Earth cotton candy, Zim. A very big difference," Skoodge pointed out.
"I suppose. We even have nachos and curly fries. No big deal," he said.
Tak looked around the carnival. "So, these shouting men want us to shoot at things, where we can win a ridiculously large rabbit? I think I will give it a try."
"Go for it, Tak!" Skoodge shouted. "Go and have some fun and show Green Eyes—"
"Be quiet," she said. Skoodge deflated like a balloon.
Tak approached a booth. The others followed suit. "I want to shoot at these clown faces so I can win a ridiculously large rabbit," she told the guy. If only she knew the clown faces were fixed. That way they never fall down.
"Sure thing, little lady. You get three tries, and if the clown face is still standing by the third try, you lose. No rabbit for you!"
"We'll see about that..." Tak grabbed the plastic gun. It shot water, but no ammunition. How stupid.
"Since when would I ever need to shoot water at a clown? This game doesn't simulate reality."
"Trust me, there are some scary clowns out there, little girl. Woooooo..." he made a scary noise next.
"I'd like to shoot you..." she said.
"Three tries!" he snapped.
Tak shot a jet of water at a clown face. It giggled horribly as it never moved an inch.
She lowered the gun. "This game is rigged."
"But you only had one try. Give it another shot!"
She eyed him suspiciously, and then shot at the clown face again. The clown didn't move. The others cheered her on, but mostly Skoodge.
"Whoohoo, come on, Tak! Show that clown face who's the boss. You're the boss!"
"Shut your noise tube, Skoodge!" Zim yelled.
Skoodge squeaked like a hurt puppy.
Tak aimed the gun again. What was the point? That clown face wasn't going to move. How could she fall victim to this pathetic conman? Everywhere she looked, people shot at things in a hopeless attempt to win a large stuffed animal. Why? So they can walk around showing off their prize, which was a cheap and ugly-looking knockoff anyway?
"Go on, little girl. Third times a charm..." the man said. He smiled through crooked teeth.
"That statement wasn't cliché in the slightest," she replied.
She threw the gun down and released her PAK legs, and shot at the clown. The clown face incinerated, as it giggled no more. The guy at the booth stared, speechless. Where did those lasers come from?
"Uh-oh." Zim looked around the carnival. A few people stopped to look. But others cheered when she finally got that clown face down.
"I would like my over-sized rabbit now." Tak stared at him with no emotion, but there was a hint of a smile growing on her face. It felt great to win things.
"Uh... sure." He pulled down a rabbit that hung up above, and passed it to her. Tak wasn't amused. It was ugly with large blue eyes and buck teeth, but something grew inside her. Was she enjoying herself?
She met up with the others. "Come, we have more to explore of this place. Those spinning rides; we should give them a try."
"Sure, all right," Zim said, seeing that spark growing inside her. It was small, but there. Well, as long as she was enjoying herself. Hopefully he could enjoy himself too.
They went on some rides, specifically one that spun you around so fast as the force threw you back. They were all used to it though. The force was nothing compared to what they endured in training and in space.
They tried the Ferris wheel next, as Zim and Tak shared a seat. The large rabbit she won at the booth sat between them.
Zim realised while they were up there that they were on a double date. He wanted to barf, but he was too high up. It would just fall on someone's head. Was it the height making him feel sick? They were stuck up there for a while, and it was cold.
Skoodge and Tenn were in the seat below, as Skoodge swung it back and forth. He looked like he was having a blast. Tenn held onto the seat for dear life.
"This is so much fun!" he yelled. "Aren't you having fun, Tenn?!"
"Yes, but it's getting cold up here."
"But you can see all the way into the city!" He pointed at the sky scrapers next.
"Yes, glorious. I'll admit; I am having fun. I think Tak is too."
"And Zim, but he tries to hide it."
They looked up at Zim and Tak. They weren't even talking to each other. The stupid, buck-toothed rabbit was sat between them, staring up at the sky with its freaky eyes. Zim and Tak just looked on at everything around them.
Skoodge waved up to them. "Hey, Zim! Down here!"
They looked down.
"What?" Zim asked.
"Isn't this fun?!"
"Yeah..." he said. "When's this thing going to move down?"
"I think they're having some technical difficulties down below," Tenn told him.
"Of course they are..." Zim slumped back in the seat.
Tenn shivered. "Seriously, the vacuum of space couldn't compare with this cold."
"It is a bit windy today," Skoodge said. "What are the chances? On the day we picked our fun day out."
She covered her arms. He regarded her thoughtfully, as he budged in closer.
"Here, we will be warmer if we sit closer..."
Tenn looked at him timidly. "Uh, okay. Good idea."
So they sat closer. Skoodge was tempted to put an arm around her, but that would be taking it too far. Then Tenn moved in a little closer. Skoodge's eyes popped open. He could feel her body heat...
"Get this thing fixed already!" he screamed at the men below. They were looking over the panel that controlled the ride.
"We're getting to it, fatty! Just wait!" one snapped.
Skoodge sat back in the seat. He turned to meet Tenn's stunned gaze. She also looked slightly offended. He must have upset her, because now she shifted away from him. He banged his head on the bar in front. Tenn pretended not to notice.
Tak had heard the whole commotion below, as she laughed quietly to herself. Gullible old Skoodge... She was playing on the square curl of her antenna, though with her disguise it looked like her hair.
Zim coughed next. She glanced his way, irritated.
"What?" she asked.
"Did I say something?"
"You cleared your throat in an irritating attempt at grabbing my attention. Well you grabbed it. What is it?"
"Honestly, I just had to cough; I had phlegm in my throat. Oh no, what if I'm coming down with something?"
"Well keep it to yourself. Your sickness sickens me."
A cool breeze blew over. Zim shivered. "Brrr, it's getting chilly now. I don't know whether to climb down myself. The spokes of the wheel are a little far apart."
"Pfft, I'd like to see you try..." Tak said.
"Is that a wager I smell?"
"You can't smell a wager."
"I can climb down this wheel!"
"I'm not saying you can't. I just meant I'd like to see you try and fail. Go on, climb down; I hope a strong wind doesn't blow you off first."
Zim stood up. "Fine, I will! People of Earth! Behold as I climb down the wheel and get myself to safety!"
"Shut up!" someone yelled on the wheel.
"Yeah, we're trying to make out over here."
Zim looked to the passenger who just shouted that. "But... that's a stuffed monkey!"
"I know..."
He looked away. Tak was laughing.
"What's so funny?" he asked.
"You. Some things never change."
"I will get down this wheel!"
"Just try it!"
He made a start down the wheel. Next, it lurched forward as he went falling over the bar, but Tak grabbed him in time and threw him back in the seat.
Zim lay back against the seat, frozen. That was a bad idea. Tak was still laughing.
"It's not funny, Tak!" he yelled.
She couldn't stop. Zim folded his arms and looked the other way. Stupid Tak, stupid wheel...
They finally got off the wheel as they met Skoodge and Tenn below. Neither of them were talking, as they avoided each other's eyes.
"Why aren't you talking?" Zim asked them.
"Did you not hear a thing up there?" Tak said. "It was embarrassing."
"Whatever, I don't care." Zim moved away next. Skoodge followed after him, like a dog with its tail between its legs.
Now Tenn and Tak were alone. Tenn looked her way, but then she glanced away again, embarrassed.
"Don't worry," Tak assured her. "All first dates are meant to be awkward. So I've heard..."
Tenn glared at her, and then moved on after Skoodge.
Tak smiled and soon followed her example. This was different. Was this what it felt like to have friends?
Zim walked through the crowd. He saw Dib up ahead with Gaz. She was shooting at a booth. Of course she'd shoot down all the targets, despite the fact they're rigged. She had a special talent. No need for lasers.
Dib glanced his way. The boy looked angry. Was he mad at him? Not like it was his fault; he was the one who brought Tak back to his stupid house after all. But then he noticed he was looking over at Tak just a few yards behind him. Well, that made things a little better, but Dib still kept his distance. He hoped he wasn't losing his human friend.
He was dwelling that much over the possibility of losing Dib, he didn't even notice the tallish, skinny person in front of him. He bumped into it, and the person turned around.
"Hey, watch it!" the person snapped.
Zim looked up, and growled. Well, well, if it wasn't Johnny C. having a good old time at the carnival. He still had those dark rings under his eyes, and black smudges like he went to town on eye liner. Did he never catch up with that sleep he so clearly needed? He looked tired but alert, as usual.
Johnny put his hands behind his back. "Oh, it's just you; Zinc, or whatever your name is."
"Nny? What are you doing here? Don't you have sick children to take care of? And it's Zim, not Zinc!"
Nny peered to his left, pursing his lips. "It's my day off," he said.
"It better be, or I'll alert the heavenly council that you're skiving, skiver!"
"You just try. I have a perfect record now." Johnny smiled, revealing all his teeth. His smile was twisted and curved. It wasn't normal.
"I doubt it." Zim folded his arms now. "So, you teaching the kids ninety-nine ways to use a knife?"
"And are you teaching toddlers to use matches? Arsonist..."
"Slasher!"
Nny looked on in thought. "But neither of us is a gun nut. I know why I won't touch a gun, but you... Interesting."
"Well guns are just plain horrible. That would be taking it too far, don't you think?"
"Agreed."
Skoodge, Tenn and Tak finally caught up. Skoodge gasped for joy, clasping his hands as he danced on his feet. Nny watched him strangely.
"Johnny! I still see you!" he cried.
Nny cracked a smile. "It's great to see you too, Skoodge..."
"Oh, you remember his name!" Zim yelled.
"Skoodge doesn't give me such homicidal thoughts. "
Zim growled, balling up his fists.
"So, who's this?" Tak asked.
Zim and Skoodge flipped their heads in her direction. Tenn couldn't see Nny. She looked a little uneasy.
"You... you can see him?" Skoodge said.
"Yes, I see the tall, skinny human. Why? Is he something special?"
Nny regarded her with cold, stoic eyes. "Not anymore, creepy little girl, who's actually an alien; I used to be the angel of death. Before that I was a waste-lock..."
Tak froze. "Oh... so you... you're a..."
He produced a creepy smile. "Yes. I'm just like that spirit harboring that shell of yours. She's creepy too. I see her green eyes looking back..."
"But Green Eyes isn't around right now. Tak is fine..." Zim remarked. His face was grave.
"Oh, she may not be possessed now, but Green Eyes is always around, feeding off Tak's emotions. Waiting. She must be stopped before... what... what did you call me?" Nny stopped and listened. "You alien freak!" he shrieked. "Go back and haunt your own planet!" He pulled a knife out next.
Tak was still in a state of shock, but when she saw the glint of a knife she went into defensive mode. She released her PAK legs for the second time that day. Everyone was looking.
"Oh, I'm sorry," Nny said, putting his knife away. "I meant to direct that anger at your spiritual friend. My apologies for the mix up."
Tak wasn't really listening. She stood stock still with her legs pointing out. Nny didn't look fazed by them one bit. He'd seen Zim's before, so he knew they weren't much harm to him.
"Tak..." Zim reached a hand to her shoulder. The tips of his fingers touched her just slightly.
His voice seemed to subdue her. The Irken finally put her PAK legs away. Many people had moved away by this point, so there were no more problems. Unless they had gone to alert the authorities, then they should move out fast.
Tak glanced up at Nny next. He smiled and waved. Her eyes moved down to his boots next.
"Nice boots," she said, then ran off.
"Tak!" Zim yelled. "Where are you going?!"
"You better go after her; that creature was relishing in her pain just now. It gets stronger the angrier she gets..." Nny said.
"Yeah, we already figured that one out, genius. But thanks anyway. Got to go!"
Zim crashed into another figure. He heard the sound of strings, as he bumped into a ukulele. He looked up, and there was the beaming smile of destiny. Behind her was a guy in pure white, and a woman with crazy hair and black cloths. They were life and karma. They had names, but Zim couldn't remember them. Destiny was Julie or something...
"Oh, I'm sorry, little boy," destiny said. "Wait, Zim? You're disguise is so convincing, I'd mistaken you for a real little boy. Hehe."
"Why, that's very kind of you, destiny, but Zim has to go and find a friend before she goes missing again."
"You mean that crazed space chick that just ran past?" karma asked. "Man, she had troubling karma levels. That green-eyed freak was feeding off it, and trust me she liked it."
"Most troubling indeed," life weighed in. "I feel for the poor soul. That was not a friendly spirit."
Karma folded her arms, smug. "Not like us, anyhow."
Zim stopped and looked at them. "So, you mean Tak needs to change her karma?" he asked, meeting karma's gaze. His spine tingled. She had ice blue eyes that bore right through your flesh...
"Yes, by doing good deeds. Uncanny, right?" she said.
"Of course. It all makes sense. Anything to get that green-eyed freak out of her!"
"Then you go, Zim. Go and help your friend!" destiny cried.
Zim ran off. Now Skoodge and Tenn were left. Poor Tenn couldn't see any of them, as she was completely lost.
"Am I missing something here?" she asked.
Skoodge looked at her. She saw Green Eyes when she was taking over Tak, but she couldn't see these spirits in front of her. They weren't your ordinary spirits, but Skoodge could see them. After all those brushes with death, he had retained some of his psychic abilities, and he was glad.
"It's no big deal," he said. "We should really fill you in on some details..."
Tenn narrowed her eyes. "Yes, I think it's time you should."
Skoodge shifted his feet. "Well, let's go. Maybe we can catch up with Zim and Tak."
Skoodge looked up at Johnny, who was hiding away from the others. They knew he was there, of course.
"See you later, Johnny. It was nice catching up."
"Yeah, you too, Skoodge..." Nny replied, pulling the collar of his coat up over his face. He looked kind of stylish. He really didn't want to be seen by his fellow spirits. Had he been hiding from them all along?
Skoodge gave him a salute, and then marched off. Destiny grabbed his shoulder.
He startled. "What is it?" he asked. Her touch was like nothing else.
"Don't worry about a thing. Your path is all worked out for you. I see it now. Great things will happen. But be patient; you won't get her straight away..."
Skoodge turned a little sheepish. Thank goodness Tenn couldn't hear any of this.
"Thank you, destiny," he said, shyly.
"You're welcome, Skoodge." She pinched his cheek. "Aw, you're in love. So adorable!"
"Yeah, I guess I am kind of adorable. Can I have my cheek back now please?" he asked.
"Sure." She let go of his cheek.
Tenn was watching him closely. There was a mark on his cheek. Her eyes widened.
They took off at last, leaving Johnny to the mercy of his friends.
Julia put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot. She got herself a pair of shoes in the end; vegan ones, where no beast had to suffer...
"Nny, are you hiding from us?" she asked, voice mocking. Her voice was still melodious. It was like honey for the ears, yet Nny covered his as hard as he could.
"Or maybe he's pretending he can't see us..." Justine said.
"He can't keep it up forever..." James uttered this time.
"Fine." Nny turned around and faced them. "I just needed some time by myself. I do enjoy our brunches, and whatever today's supposed to be; a fun-filled, family event that smells like horse crap, but who cares about that."
"Well, did you get time to yourself?" Julia asked.
"No, not really. That stupid alien interrupted my alone time. I'll get him back."
"Come on, we discussed this. You have friends now; you don't always have to be alone anymore." Julia put a hand on his shoulder.
"I know, and I am grateful, but sometimes it helps... Well, let's go and have fun."
"Yes, let's go on the Ferris wheel!" Julia peeped.
"Okay." Nny sighed. Ferris wheels could be fun, depending on how you look at them.
"I say, are those 'hot dogs'. I have always enjoyed American cuisine." James went over to the hotdog stand.
"Actually, they're called deelishus weenies," Justine said. "I wouldn't mind one of those too." She walked after him.
Julia grabbed Nny's arm and led him over to the others. Nny seemed mentally exhausted. Keeping up with all these friends was hard work, especially for one that had been alone for as long as he could remember.
He saw a glimmer of light in the corner of his eye, as he glanced over. Molly smiled and waved at him. Beside her was baby Johnny in the pram. She had come with her family. Molly junior was shooting at some clown faces at a booth. She managed to hit one.
Nny waved back with a huge grin on his face. Now there was one friend he would always have time for.
A/N: Johnny's back! I often wondered how he was getting on after Clairvoyance. I gave him a nice ending. From my own experience as an introvert, like Nny, being with a group of people can get too much. Not at first though, but after a while... I can adapt to both extremes if I have to though.
I've often come up with little stories about Johnny and his friends in my head. Nothing much, but if I wrote them I wouldn't know where to publish. Not on here. JtHM fans would get confused. Unless they have read my fanfiction, which I doubt. They wouldn't fit in with that category anyway.
If you want to know more about his friends, then here you go. Karma was born in 2015. Or the year after in 2016. So by the time it was 2052, she would be 36. Though she died at twenty-six. Life was born in the late 1800s as his language is too old-fashioned. He died at twenty-seven. He is supposed to be British, btw. I got rid of any direct indication in the first story. I kind of wanted my readers to click on to it themselves.
Then there is destiny. She's Johnny's age, born in 1973 and died at twenty-two, though Johnny's physical appearance is twenty-four.
I always thought it looked like Nny wears eyeliner, and it gets all smudged, but I just think that's Jhonen's style where he draws around his eyes. Though wouldn't that be guyliner?
Carny is short for carnival. There's a song with that name by an artist called Pleasurekraft, as that was where I got the idea for the name. It's a good, creepy song.
For some reason, the characters have all taken to drinking tea (except for Zim). I have no idea why. Just seems so trivial and human for aliens to do. Coffee is better.
Cotton candy or candy floss. Same difference. I think the wording is to do with whatever side of the pond you live on (that would be the Atlantic ocean).
Remember, potatoes is code word for destroy... a reference to the first story, Clairvoyance. I hoped you remembered... it's what Nny told Molly in the tunnel.
Tak has applied paste now, which was why the water never harmed her. Also, even though her implant was removed, there's still a chunk of it left in her brain. So she can still enter that disguise and do other fancy tricks. Whoever removed her implant did a sloppy job. No more brainwashing people though. She still needs to be able to do some extraordinary things as she's not Tak otherwise, possessed or not. It's just convenient at times.
I've wasted too much time at those booths all because I wanted a giant minion off Despicable Me. Everyone else had one at the fun-fair, so I wanted one. One was even giving me the eye. Really, as I was cuing for a ghost train ride, I saw one looking my way... It was the one-eyed one (Stuart or whatever), and his eye was narrowed slightly. Come hither he said…
That's it. No more waffle.
Would it be okay if you are signing in as a guest reviewer to put a name, so I can tell who is who and thank you more personally? Otherwise it's just going to be "thank you anonymous person and thank you other anonymous person". Though thank you for your time, regardless. It means a lot, guest reviewer x 1000!
I will get back in time. It won't be on a weekly basis anymore, but definitely not a monthly. See you soon.