I'm sorry, I have to respond to some of these comments.

cheddarbiscuit

Chapter 9
Third party is Tak right? You said you were bringing her back. She's got the motive (not revenge!) She just wants to take over the earth, too, and its easier to over throw a dictator than to actually take each world power down one by one, so, really, she should have waited a little while longer, but... Well, that's what I'd do. But I'm not Tak.)

Or is Skoodge playing both (or all) sides against each other?

Ooooooor is Skoodge just PRETENDING to play both sides against each other, to confuse the world powers that Zim is taking down one by one? To, ultimately, catch the US in a political pincer strike. This is a one time strategy but depending on the presentation, could work as an effective fear tactic and... I need to shut up now.

I think this one might turn out to be the best of the three, plot-wise.

I'm sorry, I had to laugh at this. Clearly you overestimate my brains convoluted ways. While I am psychotically brilliant, I could never focus enough to make a plan like a pincer strike.

Also, that would be way too easy to have her come up like that. YOU. WILL. NEVER. GUESS.
MUAWAHAHAHAHAHAH! And Skoodge is too much of a background character to play anyone like that.

P.S. Stumbled upon your story and then realize you'd been reviewing me shortly after, since I check these reviews every single day. Like, hourly because I love reading ALL OF YOUR REVIEWS. Anyways, just had to say that and I LOVE EET. :D

sikeokilla

Chapter 8
Dear raven follower I apreciate your work. In fact this series is one of my favorites due to several facts. #1 you update often. #2 your story is interesting and descriptive. and #3 you just do a really good job of working everything out logically in character without being so canon it's boring

You have me on the edge of my seat asking "what's next" and I can just imagine you looking back coyly and saying "only time will tell"

Jovially yours

The sikeokilla

EWC

First off, you wrote this like a letter, and I therefor love you because letters are so neat to me (yes I'm weird, this should've been established by now)! And I update often because, um, you're all going to kill me now, but I'm up to Chapter, eh, 22?

YES, STOP YELLING, I KNOW I'VE ONLY GIVEN YOU TEN CHAPTERS! But I update like, every other day, so calm down!

Hehehe, my brain is crazy. At first I thought you said 'deceptive' not 'descriptive' that could just be because I'm reading this at 1 in the morning. But I thank you anyways!

Canon . . . who wants to laugh because I have no idea what that is? -_-

SOMEONE TELL ME! (I'm probably going to get like, twelve response reassuring me and answering me now).

And you can readjust your seat now, the chapter is here!

KotaWingz

Chapter 6

Oooooh! An epic base! Go Zim go! Go Gaz go! Although,I want them to win, I don't want anything bad to happen to Dib cause he's one of my faves... But whatever! I'll still love this story no matter what happens.

O.o Holy hell, a Dib-lover! Good to know that Dib has someone shipping him out there. Everyone always calls him a whiny little bitch, cause he never wins but you know, he actually does win most of the time. Poor Dib.

He's still pretty whiny though. Not a bitch.

Well-.

Potatoes4Eva

Chapter 5

I think you spelled "Skoodge" wrong. Or... I think it's spelled Skoodge. I have no idea. I'll have to do some research...

Eep! :D This chapter made me all excited-y! It was written so amazingly epic! Very fast paced, snd in a deinste good way. :D I can't wait for more! :D

THANK YOU! OH MY GOD, THANK YOU SO MUCH! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THIS! I WENT THROUGH ALL MY CHAPTERS AND FIXED THIS SO THANK YOU!

Geez, really guys, this is the things I love; when people point out mistakes like mixing character names up or spelling things wrong. Sometimes I go back and fix grammar but that normally bothers me when people are like, "You got the 'their' mixed up, it should be 'there". I just want everyone to know that I only recently (like, last year) learned the difference between all the 'theirs'. It's annoying. Who else thinks that?

Time to read!

HOT TIME!

Because I've neglected your fantasies, and I had a dream of my own last night. Totally inspiring (in a not-perverted way) for my story!

Enjoy!


Chapter 10
"Gaz's Birthday Present"

Gaz was injected with drugs again, after one of them left the room and received a call from their 'anonymous employer'.

She awoke, vaguely, to mutterings of a quiet conversation. She was aware it was dark in the room but she yawned, simply falling back asleep. She drifted in and out of consciousness when she heard words softly spoken in her ear. Her eyes fluttered open to see the room was dark and, slightly delirious still, her eyes roamed to the glass door. It was night, that was for sure. Gaz wasn't sure if she was just that drugged or what, but she swore she could faintly hear sirens in the distance, see the town. Was there a fire . . .?

"What?" She breathed, eyes blinking harshly to try and clear the haze.

The figure, still speaking into her right ear, moved in front of her. Before she could see it, its tongue filled her mouth.

For a moment Gaz screamed in surprise, thinking her kidnappers had changed their mind about being respectful to her. She was about to knee her attacker in the groin when the tongue wrapped around hers, pulling tightly and silencing her scream forcibly. Her eyes snapped open, the surprise sobering her.

She knew that move.

Very gently, carefully, they released their hold on her, the tongue slipping out of her mouth. Their face hovered in front of her, eying her with large, silent and slightly apprehensive eyes.

"I found out recently I love you." He informed her, casually.

Gaz stared at him. "S-Since when?"

He smiled, stroking her cheek. "A few days ago. Tuesday I think. But I needed to say it to you."

Gaz's face fell. "So you set this up, then? You're an idiot, Zim. What if we're caught?"

Zim just chuckled darkly. "No need to worry. I've staged the perfect cover story. I needed to see you, Gaz."

"This is reckless," Gaz hissed, scowling.

"I miss you." He whined, holding her face in his hands. "It's unbearable. Your stupid country keeps stalling their takeover, and they continue to threaten your well-being. I can't just leave you there!"

Gaz realized then her arms were freed as Zim lifted her up, holding her against his chest. She couldn't quite feel her legs, so he was supporting all of her weight, but he didn't even seem to notice, let alone mind.

"You're going to have to," Gaz insisted, but she was sympathetic. Once again the flicker of flames caught her eye and she looked out the glass doors to see a fire now lit up the left half of the city. Her brow rose. "Starting already?"

"A bit of persuasion to help things move along," he assured her, cupping her chin and turning her face back to him. "But enough of that. Do you remember what day it is?"

It took her a second, the last of the fog clearing. "If it's Friday, my birthday."

"Correct!" Zim said at once, smiling at her, running his fingers across her jawline. "And I couldn't not say Happy Birthday to you. What kind of 'boyfriend' would Zim be then?"

"You said you loved me," Gaz realized, eyes widening, the full effect finally hitting her. "You . . . love me."

Zim laughed, seeming pleased by her reaction. "That's also correct."

Gaz gripped his collar tightly, tensing, an odd terror running through her. It was embarrassing to say, as she sounded so dependent and needy, but she needed to know. "You aren't going to make me stay away from you longer, are you?"

"We've got no choice!" Zim said, sympathetically, though there was disapproval in his eye that showed he didn't like it any more than she did. "That's why I'm here, to spend more time with you, before we're separated again. But don't worry, it won't be long. We'll trade soon, and I'll contact your brother about the last of the arrangements, to get a proper rebellion started."

Gaz stared at his red eyes through the dark. All was quiet through their intense moment, just looking and holding one another.

"I missed you too," Gaz finally, said, quietly.

That admission of emotion was all Zim needed.

He captured her mouth with his, forcing his tongue inside once more. Gaz was suddenly flooded with heat from head to toe, blushing furiously. She was never going to get used to this emotion Zim felt for her, the fact that he loved her now. It was strange. Sure, Dib loved her like a sister and maybe her father loved her, but this was just different.

It almost scared her.

But the way Zim almost cradled her against him made her feel . . . safe.

Gaz hated feeling so attached to someone but at the same time, this was what she had signed up for. An eternity of this, being with Zim, having him keep her protected and cared for.

She inhaled sharply as Zim's gentle cradling was suddenly a tight squeeze, talons digging slightly into her waist as he held her. Gaz hooked her arms under his, and raked her nails down his back. Zim groaned into her mouth and suddenly she felt her feet leave the floor as she was spun around. Her back collided with the wall as she was pressed up against it.

"I want to give you the world, Gaz," he breathed, vicious somehow, growling seriously but gently in her ear. "And I intend to."

A shiver tore through her spine at how hot his breath was in her ear, almost unnaturally so, making her eyes squeeze shut tightly. The shudder seemed to please him though, motivating him all the more. Zim's hands intertwined with hers, their hands moving next to their heads. Gaz opened her eyes to find Zim looking at her. As she stared at him she felt his lips curve against hers in a smirk as he removed his mouth from hers, letting her breathe, diving for her neck instead.

It was so much easier to let him 'indulge' now. She wasn't so defensive, so guarded as she had been when this had started.

She was able to enjoy it instead of feel frustrated and uncomfortable she was allowing someone to be so close to her. Even though Zim was well aware from the start that she enjoyed it, it was still nicer for her to admit it freely instead of having to coax it out of her.

Gaz reached a hand up to stroke his antenna and immediately felt him tense and bite her neck, out of instinct. She smirked. Many times since the first warning, Gaz had nearly crossed the line when it came to playing with Zim's antenna. She was well aware that if she wasn't careful, Zim might hurt her by complete accident, but it was always funny to see how riled up he got when she ignored those warnings. Always upon touching them, even if her hand just barely brushed one, Zim gave her a silent warning by being rough and abrupt with her in some way or another. Gaz wasn't sure if he could help it or he was just reminding her but either way, she thought it was particularly amusing.

"I missed this," Zim hissed in her ear, sucking just below it afterwards.

Gaz snorted. "So you didn't miss me, just what you could do to me?"

Zim growled at her, "Why must you turn all of my signs of affection into negatives?"

She snickered, hitching her leg up around his hip. "It's just so fun to see you get riled up."

His hands dug into her waist again, growling with less irritation and more arousal. "Oh, you'll regret that."

Zim's hand slid up her thigh and Gaz's breath caught in her throat. Noticing this, Zim paused, his head bent down towards her neck. There was a moment of complete stillness before he spoke, very quietly.

"You asked if we were compatible," He said, seriously. "And we are."

Gaz swallowed hard. Did that mean he was going to . . .?

"But," he continued, retracting that hand. "I want you to give yourself to Zim only when I know I have you."

"What do you mean by that?" Gaz breathed, eyes narrowing as she grasped at her senses.

Zim locked eyes with her. "Zim wants to marry you, Gaz. In the eyes of your culture and mine, I intend on marrying you. Look!" He was suddenly more energetic, his mood swings just on the brink of being bi-polar, as usual. He reached into his PAK and pulled out a metal, black box with glowing wires running across it. "I even followed the strange tradition of bringing jewelry in a box to propose the idea of marriage."

"You're . . . proposing?" Gaz's brow rose as he stepped away from her (but not very far). "Why?"

Zim made a contemplative face. "I remembered you talking about it, however briefly, and studied it more. When a male on your planet loves a female, and has had time to mull over the decision, he often offers her a proposal. So, following this one of your human customs, I'm here to ask you to marry me."

"Mm," Gaz eyed the box before looking up at Zim. "Well can I see the ring?"

"Oh, yes, of course." Zim replied, getting down on one knee and scowling. "Now, I've no idea why the male has to get down on one knee, not both, to do this, but all of the movies I saw said to and did so, and so I am as well."

Gaz snickered at how irritated he was by this and waited with her arms crossed. Zim scowled at her smug expression and opened the box, with both hands. He popped it open and Gaz's eyes widened. She hadn't expected a diamond, in fact, she'd expected him to give her a plain old rock, at best. Zim still didn't know much about the emotional aspects humans put to tradition, and she wouldn't have blamed him.

However, the material the band was made up of was unbelievable.

She blinked rapidly, just staring at it. Eventually, impatiently, Zim took her hand and removed the material, slipping it on her left hand ring-finger. At least he'd done enough studies to know which finger it went on.

"Well do you like it?" Zim demanded, when she examined her hand for a considerable amount of time.

Gaz just nodded. "Mhm. Weirdest birthday present ever but that's fine."

He sighed in relief, standing up. "So you are willing to marry Zim, then?"

"Eh, sure, why not?" Gaz replied with a shrug. "How am I going to explain this to Dib and the government, then?"

"See how it glows a bit?" Zim asked, taking her hand and holding it up to the moonlight. "That's because I injected a bit of star-matter into it. The effect, however, is convenient for a cover story. You will tell them that I warned you, should you take this off, or anyone attempts to harm you, a state will explode, but I refused to tell you which one. You can tell them I wanted to apologize for my actions against your planet, and that I wanted to ensure a part of me could be with you while I was away."

Gaz played with the little band. There wasn't a jewel on it, but it seemed Zim had wanted the jewel to be the band. She had no problem with it, as Gaz was never one to follow traditional ways.

"Convincing," Gaz said approvingly, looking back at him. "Well, I can officially say this is the weirdest birthday I've ever had."

"But pleasant as well?"

"That too."

Zim beamed proudly, kissing her on the forehead. "Zim designed that ring specifically for you. It will keep an eye on your health for me, while I am away."

Gaz's brow rose, irritation filtering into her eyes. "You think I need someone to watch out for me constantly?"

Ignoring her expression, he kissed her tenderly, feeling and tasting the bitterness she held for him at the moment as he slid his lithe tongue along her tense bottom lip. Instinctively, Gaz's mouth parted slightly and he smirked at his triumph over her, even when she was a bit cross with him. His mouth encased hers roughly, breaking the gentle touch for a few seconds, before pulling away, smugly. There was an unidentifiable taunt in his eyes that made Gaz want to hit him, especially when he had the audacity to kiss her so passionately while he knew very well she was angry.

"Regardless of my opinions," he said, tongue sliding along his teeth in a way Gaz just sort of knew was a taunt. "It does it anyways."

Gaz let out a huff, blowing a strand of disheveled hair out of her eyes.

"I will contact your brother soon, and begin sending you letters with Irken lettering. You can read Irken writings now, correct?"

"Yes," Gaz assured him, flicking his forehead lightly. Despite the gentleness of the touch, Zim's face still scrunched up at its intended harshness. "You do know what that makes us now, doesn't it?"

"Yes! I looked this up as well, en . . . engaged is the word, correct?" Zim's antenna rose hopefully.

"And you're my fiancé," She added. "And I'm yours."

Zim growled his satisfaction, teeth bearing in a playful smile. "It's official now, then? I own you?"

"Shut up," she hissed, shoving him away from her. "That's not what I meant."

"But you said it," He pointed out, scooping her up in his arms. "I think I've kept you long enough, then. This has been a very productive meeting indeed but the two of us have got roles to play."

"And you've just made mine more complicated." Gaz informed him, leaning against his chest and wrapping her arms around his neck. "So where are you taking me and why can't I walk there?"

"To my ship. My helpers were paid to leave the area for the night. I'm going to drop you off at a site and wire the coordinates to your brother. Whether he chooses to bring his new powerful, stupid friends is his choice, but I'll be sending a message with the coordinates. Hopefully, if he's smart, he'll decide to go by himself. This won't get fun until he gets his own troops. And I just like holding you."

"Of course not," Gaz agreed, ignoring that last remark in favor of the ones about her brother. "So are you going to leave me tied to a chair, or, what?"

"As much as I like the idea of having you tied up at my mercy until the Dib-filth arrives, no. I planned on leaving you in a National Park, so he has to break in." Zim replied, smirking at her. "A fun idea, yes?"

She rolled her eyes and yawned, nodding against his chest, too tired to care about his filthy remark before his explanation. "Sure. Whatever."

Zim eyed her figure in his arms, holding her tightly and sighing with content. He wasn't quite sure when he was going to see Gaz again, and the drugs he'd given her to reverse the first ones were starting to wear off. Once she got actual sleep, they would wear out of her system, but her body was temporarily suspended in a frozen state, so she wouldn't be uncomfortable while she waited until he had a free moment to come retrieve her, even for a short while.

He loaded her into the Voot Runner, smiling to himself as she curled up against him, on his lap still. He set it to autopilot, leaning his head against hers as she slept, his antenna rubbing against her hair. He gave a content little noise, kissing her forehead and scowling at the thought that he would have to give her up soon.

But he'd had some time, at least.

"Hmph," he smirked, stroking her face gently. "I'm sure Gir will be cross with me for not allowing him access to this little visit as well."

Of course, she didn't say anything, as she was asleep, but he didn't mind much. If being away from Gaz for a while ended up for her benefit (because he was truly staying alive only for her sake), so be it. He'd suffer through the pain of separation with his chin held high.

When they landed at the drop point, Zim sighed as he contemplated his next move. He was about to call Dib. So should he be respectful and move Gaz off of his lap and release her from his cradle-hold, or let her remain there to show Dib that Zim had never stopped loving her?

In the end he compromised, loosening his hold on her but keeping her on his lap, her head resting on his shoulder. However they were only able to be viewed from the torso up, so he wouldn't see her on his lap, and hopefully wouldn't assume so.

He hit dial.

There were a few rings before a rather dazed look Dib appeared on the screen, staring past the computer. "Who's calling?"

Zim smirked viciously. Oh, how he'd missed these calls. "Hello, Dib!"

At once Dib snapped out of his stupor, looking at the screen and staring in disbelief. "ZIM! I knew that it was you who-!"

"Keep your voice down, you little Earth-monkey!" Zim growled, interrupting him as he glared through narrowed red eyes. "Do you want to alarm your foolish babysitters of your call, or do you want your little sister back?"

Dib was silent, eyes glancing around suspiciously before leaning in towards the screen, speaking quietly. "The place is bugged anyways, most likely."

Zim let out an uproarious laugh. "HA! That's a good one! As if I'd ever risk anyone peaking in on a conversation they weren't present for! No, stupid, filthy Dib-stink, even if they did bug your room, my transmission would frazzle and corrupt their listening devices. So if they're listening live, we haven't got much time to discuss things, so I suggest you listen."

"Why would you give Gaz back?" Dib demanded instead.

Zim's brow rose, his fingers curling around her just a tad tighter at the idea. But it was also a protective move, for Dib's question hadn't sounded quite right to him. "Do you not want her back? My apologies, I assumed you'd want to spend time with her, especially on her birthday. Very well, I must have misunderstood and overestimated your concern. I'll leave you to-."

"No! That's not what I meant!" Dib interrupted, shaking his head in panic at the idea of losing the chance to get Gaz back. "I just . . . Zim, do you love her or not? Don't deny you love her! I know you do! No matter how much it sickens me to admit it."

The last part was a grumble, but it was still well heard by Zim.

Zim, however, remained calm and smug. "I never denied it. In fact I told her, tonight."

"Why would you just give her up then, if you love her?" Dib demanded, suspiciously, eyes narrowing.

Zim scowled. "I don't want to give her back, Dib, but I am, out of courtesy to you and your father. The reason I took her, however, Dib, was because I don't trust that little group of miscreants who are trying to overthrow me. They threatened Gaz, something I cannot allow. You know very well it's hopeless, at least, their attempts are."

Dib made a face at him. "What are you saying, Zim?"

He beamed, a smirk of complete superiority. "Only this, Dib-worm. I'll let you have your sister back and keep her, temporarily, if I'm confident she's safe wherever she is away from me."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning," Zim growled, getting frustrated with the dense sibling of his love. "Either you stay away from the Swollen Eyeball and the government, or I simply won't give her back to you. Think of it this way, Dib-monkey. A parent isn't going to let someone irresponsible handle their child, would they?"

"That's creepy to compare Gaz to your child when you're claiming to love her at the same time," Dib insisted, making a face of disgust.

Zim rolled his eyes. "But you understand the analogy nonetheless. You can keep Gaz so long as you're taking care of her, Dib-beast. And I know that while you hate me and I wish you were dead with every fiber of my being, we do agree on this one thing; that your sister's safety is our priority."

Dib eyed Gaz, asleep, leaning comfortably on the one person he wished never existed in his life. "Yeah."

"Good. Then we have an understanding." Zim said, pleased.

Dib glared at Zim. "You just want me cut off from allies, so I can't fight you!"

"On the contrary," Zim laughed wildly a moment before continuing. "I never saw you at my meetings with the president, even if your father was. In fact, Dib-creature, if it hadn't been for the press, I never would've known you were involved at all!"

That was untrue, as Zim knew Gaz's (and therefor Dib's, since he stuck to her like glue) whereabouts constantly thanks to his tracking device and satellites. But Dib didn't need to know that, now did he?

Regardless, the message was clear to Dib. He was being used, no matter how much he tried to deny it. No matter how many or what form of respectful terms they used, he was every bit an observer as Gaz was. And that wasn't going to do Earth any good. Dib needed to get out there, to do his part, otherwise his planet was doomed. He was irritated it took a remark from Zim to make him realize it that but better late than never.

"I'll leave as soon as I can, Zim." Dib threatened, pointing at the screen. "And when I get a group together, I'm coming after you. You aren't going to take over this world and keep my sister from me!"

"I look forward to the event." Zim replied, smugly, stroking Gaz's hair absentmindedly. "It should prove to be a most entertaining battle."

However, Dib noticed the small sign of affection and glared venomously at his renewed enemy. "When are you going to give Gaz back?"

"Eh?" Zim's brow rose before he recovered, nodding. "Oh yes, right! I will be sending you coordinates to a National Park you are to retrieve her at. I will be there, but you will not see me, Dib, so don't even bother bringing weapons just yet. Your sister isn't very happy with me at the moment, though, so when next we meet, it probably won't be on the best of terms."

It was finally Dib's turn to laugh. "Ha, you told you that you loved her and she's mad at you? Serves you right for abandoning her!"

Zim's eyes widened at the accusation and his gaze filled with horror for a long moment, much to Dib's amusement. This had just started and already he was getting the one up on Zim, just like old times.

Then Zim's eyes narrowed and Dib wasn't so confident as Zim's talon stroked Gaz's defenseless face, moving down to stroke her arm up and down in a very deliberate and somehow threatening manner.

"Be careful what words you throw Zim's way, insolent human boy-ick." Zim growled, warningly. "I don't have to give Gaz back, and frankly, I don't quite trust you to take care of Gaz. So be warned, Dib, I will be watching and as soon as you show the slightest incompetence, I will take her back, Dib. Just because she's unhappy with being ill-informed doesn't mean she doesn't love me the same as before."

"She doesn't love you!" Dib shrieked, angrily. "How could she love someone who was changing her entire way of living, a way she was fine with before you had to go screw it all up?"

Zim bared his teeth, shrieking back, "You DARE-!" But he only ended up quieting himself as he glanced down at Gaz, calming down. "She loves me, stupid Dib-monkey. And she knows I only ever do anything for her."

Dib's face scrunched up in confusion. "What are you-?"

"Zim is DONE SPEAKING WITH YOU!" He shouted with finality, glaring at Dib. "Now hurry up and come get her, Dib-filth, before I change my mind."

Dib was left with a blank screen before Irken lettering appeared, morphing into English.

He glared. Gaz couldn't love Zim. No way.

. . . Right?


Aw, poor Dib.

HE'S SO USED!

I like pizza. I'm ordering it online.

YAY INTERNETS!

I recently found out Richard Horvitz, the voice of Zim, supports ZATR. I think that's hilarious he has a favorite.

Also, he's okay with ZAGR and will have nothing to do with ZADR. YAY RICHARD HORVITZ!

Pretty crappy marriage proposal, huh?

THAT'S HOW ZIM ROLLS, BITCHES! BD

Till the next chapter!