A/N
Yay! I actually updated quickly like I used to do before I started drawing XD. This is a pretty long chapter so I hope it makes up for those few days I skipped without a single update. Enjoy and review! Oh, and see if you can find the Zim fan-girl moment I added for you ;) ha-ha!
Also, I created an account at . My first picture is of Zim so be sure to check it out! My account log in is lillywintersIV.
Zim smiled to himself as he made his way to the auditorium. So far, it had been a good day. Actually, it had been perfect. He had managed to outwit Dib in their daily bickering, Gir did not destroy anything in the base, and he had spent nearly the entire day with Gaz whenever he could. He could not help but be happy. Now, he was making his way to rehearsal to spend even more time with her. Every time he thought of the shy girl, it was unbelievable at the amount of feelings he held towards her. Never before had the Irken experienced such a strong bond with anyone, especially a human. He stepped into the room, all ready scanning it for Gaz, and found her seated on the stage as she usually was. Only this time, Keef was also there. He raised an eyebrow in confusion as he made his way over. Catching his eye, Gaz's eyes pleaded for the alien to find a way to get rid of the annoying human. Even she was getting annoyed with his constant happiness.
"Keef-worm. Mr. Elliott said he would like to see you," Zim explained while stepping up beside Gaz.
"Oh really? Sorry, Gaz. I'll have to talk to you later!" He waved over his shoulder as he raced into the crowd of students occupying the auditorium floor.
"What did the teacher want with Keef?" Gaz asked as Zim took Keef's spot next to her.
"He didn't," he smirked wickedly.
She shoved him playfully. "You're so jealous and evil."
"Yes. Yes I am," he replied proudly. "So what scenes are we going over today?"
"I think we are doing the finale."
"Very nice," he drummed his fingers in pleasure. He knew what the finale called for. It called for a kiss between Christine and the Phantom. Or, a kiss between Gaz and Zim. Gaz eyed him in confusion as he continued to smile deviously. She opened her mouth to say something, but the teacher stepped onto the stage and gathered the attention of everyone.
"Okay guys! The final performance is quickly nearing so I want to practice the ending today. This includes the song Past the Point of No Return, the lines and scenes in-between, and the finale. Are you ready?"
Everyone nodded.
"I would like everyone who is going to be performing to get into costume. Act like this is the final performance today."
Everyone grabbed their stuff and headed to the bathrooms and changing rooms. Gaz hopped up, but Zim quickly grasped her arm.
"Are you ready?" he asked her specifically.
She nodded.
"You?"
He smirked and leaned his face closer to hers. "I'm always ready for a kiss with you…" He gently tugged her chin up, wanting to kiss her, but pulled back when he heard giggling from behind. They turned to see Zita and immediately separated. Why does she always seem to catch us at the worst times? Gaz grumbled to herself.
"I'll see you soon," she mumbled before grabbing her costume and heading to the changing rooms behind the stage. Zim nodded, displeased, and watched Zita follow Gaz closely. They stepped inside the girls' changing room and Gaz headed to one of the temporary stalls made specifically for the musical. Zita took the one next to Gaz's.
"You and Zim seem to be having fun," Zita observed.
"Yeah, this musical has been good for everyone," she replied, embarrassed and acting like she did not know what the girl was implying. Zita was given the role of Carlotta, a stuck up opera singer who always craved attention. Gaz thought it was funny that she got the role because Zita was a shy, yet outgoing girl who was almost the exact opposite of the character.
She laughed.
"I think it has been good for you too."
"What do you mean?" She finally managed to find the correct dress for the finale and began slipping it over her head.
"I mean that I have seen you two together quite a bit." Gaz could feel the girl's excited smile through the stalls. "Are you getting serious?"
"Serious?"
"Like are you two dating?"
Gaz hated talking about her personal life, especially with anyone outside the usual circle of people she talked too, but decided to go along with it this time.
"Yeah, you could say that," she mumbled. She cringed when she heard Zita's chipper squeals. Her and Keef would make a perfect couple, she thought to herself, shaking her head.
"I knew it! You guys are a great couple, you know?"
"Thanks, Zita," Gaz faked smiling.
Across the hall, Zim stood in a stall and began removing his shirt. Beside him, he could hear Dib wrestling with his costume.
"Is the Dib-stink having trouble completing a task as simple as dressing?" Zim smirked when he heard the human huff loudly.
"No, Zim! I'm not having trouble getting dressed."
Zim tossed his uniform to the side and could not help but stare at his reflection. A hand rose up to his chest and lightly traced the scars that engraved his body. He could remember how each wound was made; nearly feel the pain as if it were happening all over again. He ignored Dib's ranting and got lost in his past. Gaz has seen all of this, he thought, and she still accepts me? She was so upset when she saw this, but does she not understand that I deserved this? He rested his claw on one scar in particular, the largest and deepest of them all. I failed so many times. Clearly, I deserved the punishment, he assured himself. He shook his head, not bothering with the depressing thoughts and nodded his head approvingly.
"Not bad," he mumbled as he looked over the clearly evident muscles. Though, instead of finding assets to praise himself over, his eyes refused to leave the scars alone. Zim was at a war with himself; the usual charming, self-approving being was battling with the lack of self-confidence he held within. No matter how often he had claimed to be the 'Mighty Zim', he knew it was all just a facade. Dib's voice intruded on his thoughts and he was brought back to the present.
"Shut your noise hole, filthy worm baby," he snapped.
Dib remained quiet a moment before he became concerned.
"You okay?" he asked lowly.
"Yes," he sighed, "I am fine. Just thinking of the musical," he lied.
"You're just looking forward to that kiss with my sister!"
Zim raised an eyebrow mischievously and decided to have a little fun with Dib's temper. "Perhaps I am. After all, your sister is very satisfying."
He held in a laugh as he could nearly feel the boy's anger radiating through the stalls.
"Satisfying? Did you just say my little sister was satisfying?"
"Oh yes. Even you would be shocked with her lack of innocence she holds when we are alone." Zim chuckled evilly at the risky choice of words. He was not usually as 'forward', but he enjoyed the human's anger.
"I don't care," Dib lied, "I'm not even listening."
"Yes, I suppose you shouldn't know about…that…"
Dib's eyes widened.
"Know about what? What do you mean?"
"Oh," Zim shrugged, "nothing…" He loved the amount of anger and curiosity he could feel pulsing through him. Oh, Dib you are too easy. By the time he had his costume on and was returning to the stage, Dib was fuming.
"I mean it, Zim! You better tell me now!"
Gaz came in shortly after and watched her brother in amusement, starting to catch on to the fact that Zim was messing with him. Zim simply ignored him and stood by Gaz.
"Your pig-sibling is fun," he grinned evilly.
"You two are children," she shook her head.
"Are we all ready?" Mr. Elliott asked from behind. Zim quickly grabbed something from his PAK and handed it to the teacher. It was a small device that the teacher immediately recognized from Romeo and Juliet..
"It works the way the last one did," he informed.
"Oh, thank you Zim!" the teacher chirped.
Zim nodded questionably at the teacher's excitement, returning to Gaz's side.
"You made another one?" she asked excitedly.
"Of course," he smiled.
She recalled the last device he had created for Romeo and Juliet. It displayed the scenery for the play, so realistic that you could actually feel the texture of the grass on the ground and walk onto the famous balcony. She could not wait to see the scenery he had chosen for The Phantom of the Opera.
The correct roles took their places on the stage and the teacher walked over to the stereo in the corner, searching for the music for Past the Point of No return. Finally finding it, he turned the machine on and immediately the stage was turned into that of an old-fashioned, French opera house. Gaz watched in amazement as the colors flowed through the air, creating the scenery. Zim stared at the dark beauty and wrapped and arm around her waist, smiling down at her wonder and awe.
"Do you like it?"
"It's beautiful…" she breathed, distracted by the creation. He led her to the stage and they waited on the sidelines for their part. The music began and Dib, Zita and the others walked onto the stage. The chorus had come and they all began to sing.
Here the sire may serve the dam,
Here the master takes his meat!
Here the sacrificial lamb utters one despairing bleat.
Zita's voice began to sing louder than the rest as the script had directed. Gaz had to admit: she did not have a bad voice. She was impressed when she heard some of the notes the girl was able to reach.
Poor young maiden!
For the thrill on your tongue of stolen sweets,
You will have to pay the bill
Tangled in the winding sheets!
Serve the meal and serve the maid!
Serve the master so that, when tables,
Plans and maids are laid
Don Juan triumphs once again!
Dib's solo came and even Zim was impressed. He didn't know the big-headed boy had it in him.
Your young guest believes I'm you
I, the master, you the man,
Melvin, one of the kids who used to be in Zim and Dib's classroom in elementary skool, was given the role as Don Juan, Piangi. Gaz grew bored with his long solo.
When you met,
You wore my cloak,
She could not have seen your face.
She believes she dines with me in her master's borrowed place!
Furtively, we'll scoff and quaff, stealing what in truth is mine.
When it's late and modesty starts to mellow with the wine.
Gaz blocked out a few of the lines, nervously waiting for her part as it was quickly nearing. Finally, Melvin exited the stage and walked to the back, handing Zim the cloak he had been wearing. Zim placed the cape on his shoulders and a black mask on his face. Gaz took a deep breathe and walked onto the stage. Zim smiled as he heard her lovely voice.
No thoughts within her head
But thoughts of joy.
No dreams within her heart, but dreams of love.
Dib was waiting on the side of the stage, in view for the audience but covered by the shadows. Zim entered, his arm lifting the cape in front of his face slightly and Dib faced him.
"Master?" he half-sang.
Zim eyed him and gestured behind him.
Passarino. Go away for the trap
Is set and waits
For his prey
The Phantom stared at Christine who was seated a few feet away, grasping a rose he had given her earlier in the musical. He slowly made his way over to her.
You have come here
in pursuit of
your deepest urge,
in pursuit of
that wish,
which till now
has been silent,
silent . .
Gaz glanced over her shoulder and Zim brought a finger to his lips as if shushing her as he sang.
I have brought you,
that our passions
may fuse and merge -
in your mind
you've already
succumbed to me
dropped all defenses
completely succumbed to me -
now you are here with me:
no second thoughts,
you've decided,
decided . . .
He whipped his cape and she stood as though she were in a trance. Her mouth hung slightly open in awe at the charming man that stood before her, both the Phantom and Zim.
Past the point
of no return -
no backward glances:
our games of make believe
are at an end . . .
He reached a hand out and grasped her hand gently. He slowly traced the surface while wooing her with the music.
Past all thought
of "if" or "when" -
no use resisting:
abandon thought,
and let the dream
descend . . .
He quickly stepped behind her, pulling her body close to his, and placed a hand on her throat. She leaned back into the touch, his voice caressing her body and making her feel a way she had never felt before.
What raging fire
shall flood the soul?
What rich desire
unlocks its door?
What sweet seduction
lies before
us . . .?
He released her and stepped back.
Past the point
of no return,
the final threshold -
what warm,
unspoken secrets
will we learn?
Beyond the point
of no return . . .
As his part came to a close, she shook her head nervously and began singing. She glanced nervously at Raoul who was seated in a balcony in the corner. Keef stood and watched her curiously, wondering what she was doing. In the musical, Christine and Raoul decided to get rid of the Phantom so that they may be together by getting him to come to the opera performance and hopefully have him arrested. Though, Raoul did not expect Christine to go as far as singing with him. The Phantom glared up at Raoul who stared back, completely shocked that she was continuing.
You have brought me
to that moment
where words run dry,
to that moment
where speech
disappears
into silence,
silence . . .
She looked at Zim and could see his eyes gliding down her body, taking in the image of her in the dress for the musical.
I've decided,
decided . . .
She stepped closer to him to which he watched her suspiciously. The Phantom was not sure whether or not she was tricking him or actually going to him willingly. Zim could not help but continue staring at Gaz. He loved the fierce, passionate tone her voice had taken and was enjoying every second of it.
Past the point
of no return -
no going back now:
our passion-play
has now, at last,
begun . . .
Past all thought
of right or wrong -
one final question:
how long should we
two wait, before
we're one . . .?
As she sang, they began making their way up the two separate staircases behind them which were parallel to each other. At the top, a bridge-like structure connected the two stairways where the two would meet soon.
When will the blood
begin to race
the sleeping bud
burst into bloom?
When will the flames,
at last, consume
us . . .?
They were directly across from one another and stared into each other's eyes intensively. They slowly began walking closer and closer, Zim taking off his cape and tossing it to the side. Their duet came and their voices mixed perfectly.
Past the point
of no return
the final threshold –
Zim grabbed her hands and spun her around where her back rested against his chest. They both moved a hand up to her neck, his hand atop of hers and the other gliding down her stomach and landing on her hip.
The bridge
is crossed, so stand
and watch it burn . . .
We've passed the point
of no return . . .
They closed their eyes, listening to the music and enjoying the feeling of the passionate touch. Raoul watched, awestricken, and could not move. In fact, no one in the auditorium could move. It was as if Gaz and Zim were the real Christine and Phantom; their performance was so good that even Dib began choking up. He could not speak or react; all he was able to do was stand there and stare at his sister with the alien. Zim buried his face into her hair and she could feel his breath sweeping across her neck and ear. He breathed in slowly and she awaited his solo that would soon follow after.
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime ...
Lead me, save me from my solitude ...
Say you want me with you, here beside you...
He turned her around so that she was face-to-face with him. Gaz placed a hand on his cheek and he smiled as he sang.
Anywhere you go let me go too -
Christine, that's all I ask of...
Though, he did not have time to finish. Gaz hated this part the most. Christine grasped the mask off of his face and pulled it away, revealing the distorted face that lied beneath. Only a small amount of makeup had been applied for the rehearsal, but for the final performance, there was going to be enough to present the Phantom's messed up face. When the mask was off, everyone screamed and whispers and hollers filled the air. Zim looked at Gaz in pain, hating the sound of the judgment, hating the sound of rejection. Her heart broke at the sight of the pity that filled his eyes. Each time they had rehearsed it, it tore her apart because he would get so into character that it were as if she were really betraying him.
They were about to continue, but the teacher clapped his hands loudly. Everyone faced him and nearly face-palmed when they realized he was crying.
"What an odd man…" Gaz and Zim said, shaking their heads and holding onto to each other still.
"I'm sorry, that was just to beautiful," Mr. Elliot whimpered, wiping away a tear. "Now, I was going to let you go on, but we are almost out of time and I want to rehearse one small part before we leave."
He grabbed Zim, Gaz, and Keef and took them aside.
"I would like to practice the finale. And the only characters required for that are the Phantom, Christine, and Raoul."
The three nodded and after listening to their instructions, took a spot on the stage. The teacher switched the scenery to that of the large cave-like place the Phantom lived in. The part they were to perform was to take place shortly after Past the Point of No Return. The Phantom had taken Christine to his cave and Raoul had followed them to save her. But he did not realize that the Phantom was setting up a trap for him. Gaz quickly changed into a wedding dress the Phantom had chosen for Christine to marry him in. She laughed as she could feel the alien's gaze following her closely when she stepped back onto the stage. The teacher waited for them to get into position and began the music. Raoul approached the gate that blocked the entrance of the cave and grabbed onto the bars in desperation. Zim quickly faced Keef and sneered.
Wait! I think, my dear, we have a guest!
Raoul! Gaz gasped.
Sir, this is indeed an unparalleled delight!
I had rather hoped that you would come
And now my wish comes true - You have truly made my night!
Zim walked over to Gaz and grabbed onto her harshly. He pulled her close and Christine panicked, fighting against his grip. Keef reached an arm through the bars towards Gaz and began singing.
Free her!
Do what you like, only free her!
Have you no pity?
Zim smiled insanely at Gaz.
Your lover makes a passionate plea!
Gaz faced Keef and shook her head.
Please, Raoul, it's useless…
But still, Raoul continued.
I love her!
Does that mean nothing? I love her!
Show some compassion...
Zim released Gaz and stepped angrily towards Keef, even though a pool of water separated them.
The world showed no compassion to me!
Keef glanced at Christine, staring at her lovingly.
Christine ... Christine ...
Let me see her...
Be my guest, sir ..., Zim purred as he opened the gate for Keef to enter. Raoul stumbled in, exhausted from previous trials he had to go through in order to get to the cave. Zim saw his weakness and smirked evilly as he began walking down the stone steps and into the water to where Keef was walking in slowly.
Monsieur, I bid you welcome!
Did you think that I would harm her?
Why should I make her pay for the sins which are yours?
The gate closed behind Keef and when he glanced back at the sudden movement, Zim reached into the water and retrieved a noose. He quickly threw it around Keef's neck and pulled it tight. Of course it was not a real noose, much to Zim's dismay. Sure he wasn't jealous, but still, the kid was just annoying him. Raoul gagged while Zim tied him to the gate.
Order your fine horses now!
Raise up your hand to the level of your eyes!
Nothing can save you now - except perhaps Christine ...
He faced Gaz and growled her name.
Start a new life with me -
Buy his freedom with your love!
Refuse me, and you send your lover to his death!
This is the choice -
This is the point of no return!
Christine stared in disbelief and fear. She was trapped. If she did not stay with the Phantom, he would kill Raoul. But if she did stay with him, he would let him live. Her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at the Phantom angrily. When she began singing, Zim's face fell as he realized she would still not agree to stay with him.
The tears I might have shed for your dark fate
grow cold, and turn to tears of hate!
Zim glared angrily at Keef before walking over to and behind Christine to grab more rope in order to kill Raoul. Raoul took that time to sing one final time to Gaz.
Christine, forgive me, please forgive me ...
I did it all for you, and all for nothing ...
Gaz joined in, tears forming in her eyes.
Farewell, my fallen idol and false friend ...
We had such hopes, but now these hopes lie murdered
Zim shook his head, showed Gaz the rope, and returned to Keef, joining in their farewell.
Too late for turning back,
too late for prayers and useless pity ...
Say you love him, and my life is over!, Keef cried out.
Zim glared angrily and hurtfully at Gaz, hating the fact that she would not love him for anything.
Past all hope of cries for help: no point in fighting
Either way you choose, he has to win, Keef sang while Zim sang, For either way
you choose, you cannot win! So, do you end your days with me, or do you send him to his grave? He tightened the noose on Keef's neck and Keef choked further before singing bitterly, Why make her lie to you, to save me?
Christine tried one more time to reason with the Phantom.
Angel of Music…
Past the point of no return, Zim sang. Keef shook his head, For pity's sake, Christine, say no!
... why this torment?, Gaz continued.
... the final threshold ... Zim replied.
Don't throw your life away for my sake!, Keef hollered.
Why do you curse mercy? Gaz questioned.
His life is now the prize which you must earn!, Zim screamed, shaking his head angrily. I fought so hard to free you ... Keef finally sang sadly.
Angel of Music, Gaz sang as Zim joined in the background, You've passed the point of no return.
You deceived me, "I gave you my mind blindly," Christine whispered.
"You try my patience," Zim hissed, "make your choice!" He jerked the rope so hard that Raoul could no longer breathe. Christine drew in a shaky breath and could see his life quickly fading. She sang one last time.
Pitiful creature of darkness ... What kind of life have you known ... ?
She stepped into the water, the train of her dress floating on top, and walked towards Zim who looked like a lost child as he limply held the end of the rope.
God, give me courage to show you,
you are not alone ...
She stepped before him and glanced into his eyes one more time before pressing her lips to his. Raoul watched from behind as their kiss deepened. The Phantom released the noose and wrapped his arms around her back, drawing her near and taking in her presence. Christine pulled back a moment before quickly returning. Only did they pull back for good when they heard applause from behind. They released each other and glanced back at the crowd of student that had gathered at the base of the stage. Everyone was smiling and clapping, even Dib. Zim smiled at Gaz and lightly rubbed the side of her face with his claw.
They parted long enough to get out of their costumes and met back in the hallway outside the auditorium.
"You were perfect," Zim muttered as he pulled her against him from behind.
"So were you," she mumbled, dazed.
He kissed the top of her head and let her go.
"I hate to leave you so quickly, but I do not trust Gir home alone for so long." He cringed as he thought of the destructive robot. All he could think of was coming home to his base being complete disintegrated with Gir sitting in the remains, giggling madly and shoving soap and bacon into his mouth. Gaz saw the look of horror and agreed.
"You better go home."
He nodded quickly before waving goodbye and leaving. Right as he stepped out the doors, Keef stepped out of the auditorium. It was as if he were waiting for Zim to leave…
"Hiya Gaz!"
"Hey Keef," she mumbled, clearly annoyed by his presence.
"You were great. And you sang beautifully!"
"Thanks?" She rose an eyebrow at the sudden flood of praise she was receiving from the odd, hyper boy.
"I was wondering if I could show you something really quick?"
"Um, sure. I guess. But it has to be quick. I need to get home soon."
"Okay! Let's go."
Gaz began following him back into the auditorium, but did not realize that Zim had come back into the skool and had seen everything. He had forgotten something behind the stage and decided to retrieve it when he saw Keef approach Gaz. He glared angrily from the shadows.
"Perhaps I shall accompany you and Gaz, Keef," he growled his name, silently following the pair. Both Gaz and Zim had a feeling that Keef was about to do something that would make Zim want to kill him. They never dreamt of how correct they would be…
A/N
So how was it? Enough Zagr for ya? Lol I hope so! Chapter 11 will be up soon! Oh, and I understand if you want to kill Keef. I do too ^-^.
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