Yosh. ~

Ch.7: Never Forgotten, My Red

The streets were busy on the planet, and it took some time for the group to reach the palace. After talking it over with the guards they were cautiously led inside the large structure.

The group looked around, analyzing the place and admiring the architecture. Most of the pictures were of other planets, and the décor was a mixture of red and purple trappings. Soon they were led to the throne room and they stopped in front of the large closed double-doors. One of the guards turned around and faced the group.

"Excuse me," he said, "…I have to go inside and announce you. Just wait here."

The guard left and the group waited. Zim looked around and muttered, "Something about all of this feels…familiar in a way."

Tak looked around and nodded, "There IS something a bit odd about this place."

The guard returned several minutes later and motioned for them to come inside.

The throne room wasn't big, but it had many beautiful items of gold and crimson, deep purple and black. The group approached the center of the room and noticed a figure sitting there with a bored expression on his face. His skin was a gray color, his eyes were dulled and he looked as if time had not been kind.

"Welcome strangers. My guard tells me you are here in search of a cure for a virus?", his voice seemed to be forced, as if trying to mask it with a deeper tone.

Tak stepped forward, and as soon as she came into closer view the leader sat up abruptly and stared at her. She cleared her throat and spoke,

"I was given some sort of pheromone that increased my want and desire for…sex." She started to fumble with the bracelet on her wrist, "I'd pay any price to have that cure, and if I can't pay the price…" she looked up at the old ruler and smirked evilly, "I will take it by force if need be."

The guards held their weapons tightly and moved forward, but the king lifted his hand and motioned for them to leave the room. As soon as they did, another old figure came into the room, looking similar to the king but with a cocky grin on his face.

"Hey what's with this? Who are they?" He walked up to Zim and the others and suddenly his grinning face burst into surprised laughter.

"Well what do you know! Irkens! I was sure that they had died out a long time ago…especially with those 'doubles' we left in charge. So who are ya? Elites? Invaders? Some kind of special forces group?"

Zim's antennae moved in curiosity "Wait…what did you mean by doubles?"

Tak looked at the other old figure, his voice sounded so familiar and it sent waves of displeasure throughout her body.

The king got off the throne and moved toward them, "Take a good look…Purple." He smiled, "It's Zim and Tak."

Tak's eyes grew wide and she felt an uneasy feeling rise in her gut as flashbacks came to her mind at the sound of that name.

Purple's smile faded slightly, "Oh and here I thought it wasn't important." He reached down to his belt and pressed a button that changed the illusion of his body back to Irken form. He looked exactly as he did that day he raped Tak, maybe a little older but it was hardly noticeable.

Tak started to back away, and bumped into Dib who held her in his arms and whispered, "Don't be afraid. I'll protect you." She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. Then she realized that if this guy was Purple, then the other must be…

She got out of Dib's hold and ran up to the other one, taking hold of his belt and pushing the button. Immediately the illusion disappeared and there he stood; tall as usual and with that same, intelligent grin on his face and those bright red eyes.

"Red…" Tak breathed, she felt her heart race at the sight of him. He looked at her, half surprised and half glad.

"You've gotten older Tak." He raised his hand and placed it on top of her head, "You'll reach my height sometime haha."

She suddenly wrapped her arms around him and placed her lips to his. There's no way, she thought to herself, no way I'm going to let go or run away from this!

Red tried to pull her away, tried to break the kiss, but he found himself falling into it, and eventually let it happen. She was like his daughter anyway, he thought, and daughters kiss their dads on the mouth sometimes …don't they?

Suddenly he felt a fist collide to the side of face and he fell backwards, looking up with an angry expression. Dib stood over him, growling angrily with his fist shaking.

Tak grabbed Dib's arm, "WHY'D YOU DO THAT! I SAID HE DIDN'T HURT ME!"

"I DON'T CARE!" He screamed at the top of his lungs, "YOU'RE MY GIRLFRIEND! YOU HAVE MY KIDS! I'LL BE DAMNED IF I LET SOMEONE ELSE HAVE YOU WITHOUT A FIGHT!"

Red stood up and spoke, "I'm not…interested in taking her from you…big-headed alien."

Tak looked between the two of them, and then at Red, "It's always been you though Red…"

Red had a pained expression on his face, "I'm too old for you, how many times do I have to tell you? Especially now, and you've got smeets! You need to realize that …that big headed alien over there is your mate!"

Tak growled in frustration, "HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE! ALL THESE YEARS RED! IT'S ALL BEEN FOR YOU!" She ran up to him and grabbed his arm, squeezing it gently.

"You didn't even know what happened, and what I sacrificed to keep you safe. I've always wanted you, always…"

She turned and pointed at Purple, "You don't even know what HE did!"

Red looked up at Purple, who just shrugged and replied, "I don't know what the hell she's talking about."

Tak let out another frustrated sound and Red stared intently at her, as if trying to figure out what she was so upset about.

"Maybe we should discuss it over…dinner? You and your friends and your mate are welcome of course."

"Fine." She replied instantly, "As long as we…" she said motioning to herself and to Red, "…get some alone time so I can tell you what's happened over the years."

"It's a deal." He said as he lifted his hand and pointed, "You and your friends can stay in the west wing of this palace; the guards will show you to your rooms."

Purple chimed in, "…and don't try to cause trouble, we're not in the mood for any shenanigans." He looked over at Tak, eying her up and down briefly before adding, "The dinner will be formal, so dress nice."

With that said, the group left with the guards and proceeded to their rooms. Tak casted a longing glance at Red before leaving, and Red gave an exasperated sigh.

"She still has feelings for me." He muttered.

Purple walked up beside him and placed his hand on Red's shoulder, a sadistic grin spreading across his face, "No worries, I'll help you out and find a way to make sure she doesn't feel that way about you anymore."

Red nodded, "As long as you remain civil about it." He gave another sigh and looked toward her fleeting direction, "I don't know why she was getting so heated up…last time we talked she insisted on going to planet Dirt and wanting to get far away from Irk, away from us. "

Purple just waved his hand unenthusiastically and replied, "Females, you can never understand them, but I'm sure you'll get an answer of some shape or form later tonight, when you both share quality personal time."

Red just shrugged and walked off to the banquet hall to have the meals prepared. Purple stood there, and crossed his arms as a smirk spread across his face.

"I'll be sure to get my own personal time from her as well…"

Oh no! Comments will be used to make delicious snacks...curly fries...