R1NGmasterJ5
Chapter 26
Another great chapter, as always.
Here's the TVTropes link you wanted: /FanFic/MyHostageNotYours
(I was the one that added the pagequote at the top, taken from chapter 23)
Also, I know you're already helping that one person with his fic, but can you help me with an Invader Zim fic in about a week?
Oh my god, YES! Absolutely!
And I love that page, it makes me insanely happy. You have no idea how much I was squealing and grinning at all the categories and things and just . . . I love it! Ugh, words cannot express my adoration!
The quote, too, looked so legit. I never meant it to sound so deep and smart but it really looks good in that kind of context.
You made me look good. Impressive.
ngrey651
Chapter 26
Woah, that WAS an intense nightmare, I admit. You...wouldn't really kill Gaz off, wouldja? I mean, I might not LIKE her, but killing off a character, especially a protagonist and a child, is something that should be treated with real seriousness and build-up and consequences. Too often, death, be it of people or planets in IZ fanwork...is disgustingly CHEAP.
Oh hell no! On principle, I'm against main-character death, unless they get to the BRINK of death and then make a dramatic recovery and such (which I think I've done before . . . multiple times).
If I ever DID though, I would NOT be cheap, as I know what you mean about cheap character deaths. IZ fanfics have a habit of suicides and it's annoying to me. I think all of these people are too arrogant/have too much purpose to ever end their lives. I feel like the only way they could really die is:
Dib: Saving something/someone for whatever reason (probably for the greater good)
Zim: In a fiery, accidental, completely epic explosion of an expirement gone wrong, fighting something or another, or by his PAK finally keeling over in defect-ness.
Gaz: Honestly, I have no idea. I cannot picture Gaz dying. I feel like she'd growl at the Grim Reaper and he would back off and she would revive herself and confuse the hell out of everyone around her as to why she is still alive.
Me and my insight into these characters. -_-
But yeah. I'm surprised you thought GAZ was going to die though. If anything, I would've thought you guys would think ZIM was, since HE'S the one with the time limit.
Gman2092
Chapter 26
Love this chapter as well. The nightmare was done well, but it seemed realistic. Your an amazing author, and you shouldn't be surprised by people asking you to help them with their stories. It happens with me on too. It can be annoying, but it's flattering. I'd like to say I'm at least adequate as an author. If people like my stories then I guess they like Adequate stories. I dunno.
Anyway, keep the story going, and I really am exited about the next few chapters. All my stories are at a COMPLETE standstill because of my lack of inspiration. So much for "Four reviews for the next chapter"...
(Ive had 7, not including Anon reviews.)
Lol. I wouldn't do that "review" thing. It's annoying to wait and it's saddening to readers, who cannot control other people's reviews.
But the inspiration thing I can TOTALLY relate to right now. The first chapter of the newest story I've just started on (you all voted, THE RESULTS ARE IN) has been restarted several times because I've NO IDEA how to start it.
Meh.
I find though that music, abnormal pictures and bringing up conversations that could help or relate to your story can help create an imaginative spark. For example, when I was debating on Dib's reaction to Gaz taking over the world, I turned to my sister and did this:
"Hey, Poop!"
"What?"
"If I took over the world and enslaved the human race, would you be mad at me?"
"That depends on why you did it, but probably not. You're too stupid to be mad at for long."
Hence, Dib's reaction. :D Although Gaz isn't stupid. AND NEITHER AM I, MY SIBLINGS ARE JUST MEAN TO MEH! Poop is normally what I call people in general, before someone says I started it. It's a form of endearment. ^_^
ForceWalker
Chapter 26
What a crazy nightmare! If it scared Gaz that much, then it must be pretty serious! I mean, she's literally unafraid of nearly everything! but what does it mean? If it's important as you say it is, then it's definitely going to be big when we see Gaz next time!
Tak freezing up at the mention of Professor Membrane? She hasn't even met him! Or...has she? What do you have up that sneaky sleeve of yours?
And where's the DATR? I mean, if there's going DATR, then please, let there be some soon! Not too much, just a tiny bit! That's all I ask for! Please make it happen! I beg of you!
*pat* *pat* *pat* Don't you worry! I know how to satisfy my readers!
Or, at least, I hope so. O.o
This chapter title made me giggle.
Originally it was just "Decisions, Decisions" and then I paused, snickered, and changed the second word.
I'm such a weirdo. ^_^
AND I HAVE TOO MANY FUCKING TWISTS IN MY STORY. D:
Also, I have noticed all of your reviews are gradually lessening. It saddens me, but you shant be punished (like some authors do by making a goal-review number and refusing to give you chapters until that number is reached; personally, I would feel bad for the people waiting, which is why I can't do that. Also, I would get impatient and just end up updating, but that's just me! XD), as you probably just have nothing to say.
Or my story just sucks.
Either way, here's another chapter.
Enjoy!
Chapter 27
"Decisions, Incisions"
Tak dressed, kicking out the nurse out who offered to help her.
MiMi could do far more than they ever could.
It was just a pair of dark, slightly loose jeans (this frame of hers was just so damn thin) and a black shirt. The undergarments, she was assured, had just been bought and not used before. Thankfully, these, at least, fit her properly. When she was done changing she tried to stand, MiMi waiting carefully next to her in case she required assistance. But Tak had managed on her own for the most part, only needing assistance when it came to the bra. She hadn't been able to do it herself, dropping the hook every time it brushed against her scars. So in the end MiMi had and Tak took a few minutes to adjust to the discomfort.
"Honestly, MiMi," She'd growled, as she waited for herself to grow a tolerance. "How do females wear these all the time?"
She walked around fine, keeping close to the machine that her IV was hooked to, so as not to pull it out. It was bad enough she had it in her at all, but if she was awake when they had to put it in her again? That was simply out of the question.
Tak was barefoot, a fact she hardly minded. The tile felt cool on her skin, a nice and curious feel.
Wow, she thought, wiggling her pale toes. The Tallest really went all out on this punishment.
Then again, didn't they always?
Finally, someone had the decency to knock on her door.
It put her in a slightly good mood as she held her arms out to her sides, to keep herself balanced. She was well aware she probably looked like a toddler trying to learn how to walk, but, oh well. "Come in!"
The door opened.
MiMi let out a startled, vicious growl.
Tak's head snapped up.
Dib gave them curious, wary looks. "Uh, hey, guys. I hope you don't mind if I brought-."
"So, Dib," Professor Membrane interrupted, stepping into the room. "This is your friend Tak."
Tak found herself rooted to the spot, mouth opening and closing, unable to find words to speak.
"Yeah," Dib nodded, glancing between his father and Tak. "Do you two . . . know each other?"
"No." Tak said, shaking her head as she sat back down. She stroked MiMi, who was sitting on her lap, focusing on her robot. "It's nice to meet you, Professor Membrane."
"Of course it is!" His father said arrogantly, making Dib's hand slap to his face. Professor Membrane stepped forward, holding out his hand for Tak to shake. "It's also nice to meet you, little girl!"
Tak eyed his hand in a harsh manner, eyes flicking up to his face, making it very clear she had no intention of shaking his hand. Dib's hand slid up to cover his eyes as he let out a silent breath.
His father and Tak attempting to communicate; an epic fail waiting to happen.
"Right, well," The Professor said, retracting his hand. "I've come to see how you were doing."
"Fine." Tak replied, bluntly.
Dib could see her shift away from his father as his dad went over to check her scanners. He saw her hands running across MiMi's ears rather quickly, in an anxious manner. Well, figures. He had just brought his dad in here without warning her beforehand, but that was hardly his fault. His dad had just showed up, said hi to his son and then asked to see the 'little friend' he'd brought in. What choice did Dib have?
"Well," Membrane noted. "Looks like you don't need that IV anymore. I can take it out now, if you like."
Suddenly Tak's eyes flashed and she nodded vigorously, holding out her hand to him. Dib watched his father laugh at her sudden spark of enthusiasm, taking her hand in his gloved one.
"It might sting a little," He warned.
Dib's brow rose. He had never seen his father this careful with, well, anyone. Not even Gaz, when she had gotten that curse placed on her or Dib, when he had been thrown into the loony bin (before escaping of course; ugh, stupid Halloween). Well, Dib had always heard how charming his father was from other people; maybe he was just kind to people to get what he wanted. The thought almost made him snort. That would make sense, especially when he was under the care of the Swollen Eyeball. His dad had probably been instructed to try and get Tak to talk to him, a professional, instead of Dib.
Tak hissed as the needle was removed from her hand, putting MiMi on edge, but as Dr. Membrane placed a Band-Aid on the wound, they both relaxed a bit, since he released her hand afterwards.
"Now, Tak," Dr. Membrane began cautiously, kindly. Tak's eyes narrowed suspiciously at him. "Do you think you'll be able to help us?"
"Help you how?" She pressed, still eying him in a threatening manner; the silent warning for him to choose his words carefully. "If you think you can go up against the Empire, you're sadly mistaken. However, if you want Zim, I'm more than happy to help."
"What history do you have with Zim?" He asked her, sitting down on a chair next to the table.
"Why does that matter?" Tak snapped back. "We aren't friends. That's all the matters. All you people care about is if I'll help you or not."
"You've got scars on your back." His father countered, making Dib's eyes shoot open. "Do you have any idea what are they from?"
Tak froze, her eyes wide, as if she were seeing something that was not there.
Dr. Membrane leaned towards her. MiMi jumped to her feet, hissing at him, warning him to back up, which he did, holding his hands up warily.
Tak's face was growing pale, her eye twitching.
"Tak!" Dib shouted, running over.
Surprisingly, MiMi did not attack him. Her eyes remained focused on Dr. Membrane and Dr. Membrane alone.
Dib gripped Tak's shoulders, shaking her a little. "Hey, Tak! Tak, snap out of it!"
He yelped as a spark radiated through her body, shocking him away from her, like static electricity. He shook his hand out as the glazed look in her eyes dissolved and she began leaning forward, eyes drooping tiredly. Dib darted forward again and caught her, her head in his chest and his hands holding her shoulders. If she was anyone else, Dib would've felt slightly uncomfortable, but this was Tak.
Nothing could happen with Tak.
"Tak?" He pressed, shaking her a little.
MiMi shot continuous glances between Dib and his father, but mainly kept her eyes on the professor.
"Tak?" Dib repeated, feeling her shift.
Tak sat up again, clutching her head gently with one hand. Dib helped her sit up, his hands hovering near her shoulders in case she collapsed again.
"Traces of that bug is still inside me. My PAK rebooted to prevent another amnesiac cycle," She muttered to him, loud enough for only Dib and maybe MiMi to hear. Tak looked up at him, speaking at a normal level now. "I'm fine."
"I'll leave you to rest," Dr. Membrane began, beginning to leave.
Suddenly Tak's voice was filled with authority instead of nerves, her eyes narrowed. "No. You will stay." She looked to Dib. "And you will leave."
Both of them seemed surprised, sharing a look.
"Um," Dib said, looking away from his father. "Okay. I'll, uh . . . be outside if you need me, I guess."
"I won't." Tak said bluntly, locking eyes with the surprised professor. "Go."
"Tak-."
"Go!" She hissed, her head snapping to his and keeping his gaze.
Dib was stunned by the amount of fire in her violet eyes. Being around Gaz so much, it was impossible to ever become used to her looks, but he'd at least grown a small tolerance. However, Tak's look shattered his resolve and he stumbled out of the room, nodding hurriedly before taking his leave.
As soon as the door shut, all of Dr. Membrane's charm was gone and MiMi darted back onto her master's lap.
"He doesn't know," Membrane said at once.
"Why haven't you told anyone yet?" Tak turned that look of fury upon him, but it had no effect. "If you think that you can use this against me in some way-!"
"What benefit would it have to either of us if I told?" He interrupted, challengingly.
Tak growled at him. "You didn't even tell your son, did you?"
"Dib knows what you are. He doesn't need to know the rest." Dr. Membrane replied curtly.
She snorted. "I thought your kind was supposed to trust your DNA-mates with secrets like these."
"Father's protect their children." He retorted, eyes narrowing slightly at her. "Your kind does not understand that."
"What I don't understand is why you tried to convince him otherwise." Tak said, mockingly. "Even now, when the world knows what Zim is, you still try to hold onto that hope Dib is really crazy enough to believe your convoluted story! You asked me questions, professor, some of which you already know the answers to, in a vain hope that your son won't figure it out and that I don't remember the whole story."
"You don't-!"
"I am not finished!" Tak snapped, silencing him. "He is a smart boy, professor. Just like your daughter is smart; smart enough to make her own tough decisions about her life choices. Dib is going to figure it out you know. And then he's going to figure out what you did!"
"Enough!" He ordered, shutting her up.
Tak eyed him with distaste and disgust, snorting at him before looking away. "Your son isn't insane, you are."
"I kept you safe," Dr. Membrane retorted, pointing at her. "I kept you unaware of your misery when you were threatening to kill yourself. I kept your secret when I discovered what you were."
"For your own benefit!" Tak hissed, in disbelief. "You brainwashed me so I wouldn't reveal myself! I know what you've been trying to do, Dr. Membrane. Despite what your children believe, you are not ignorant to what lies outside of your world. You've turned a blind eye to it, to keep your planet and your family from intergalactic war. A smart tactic, but one that was bound to break eventually. You tried to keep it a secret for long enough and now it's out. Nothing you do now is going to change that!"
Her words echoed in the small room, stinging Dr. Membrane. She couldn't see it in his outer appearance, but Tak knew well he was crumbling on the inside. His last hopes to keep Earth unbiased, untouched, crumbling with each word she shot at him.
"He thinks the scar is from the Tallest's operation, not yours." Tak muttered, turning away from him again. "Your secret is safe, for now. I assume no one has listened in on our conversation?"
"They trust me enough to relay the information myself."
"Oh, if only they knew what you could've handed them when you first found me." Tak chuckled, darkly, a smirk on her face. She glanced at him, sneering at his unreadable form and knowing how disheveled he was on the inside now. "They wouldn't have so much blind faith in you then."
"Do not tell my son." Dr. Membrane said in a warning tone. But he was begging. Tak could hear it. The smirk dissolved into a scowl of indifference. "When the time is right, I will tell him myself."
Tak laughed, but nodded. "You two are both keeping secrets from each other. Or, at least, he thinks he's keeping one from you. Although his is to protect an ally. Yours is for your own selfish reasons. That must be where your daughter got it."
"I don't need the likes of you telling me how selfish I am," Dr. Membrane shot back. "And don't you dare speak badly about Gaz."
"What are you going to do about her?" Tak demanded, ignoring his threat. "She's betrayed her own species. That isn't exactly what I imagine your 'ideal' child would be doing."
"She's doing what she wants and what she thinks is right for her." Dr. Membrane replied, folding his hands behind his back as he paced, towards the wall. "That is all I can ask of my children."
"Some father you are," Tak scoffed. "If I know Zim, he probably took over the world to keep Gaz safe in some way that made sense to his twisted brain. And with Dib the poster-child for the world's only hope, well," she laughed, grinning at him. "It seems your children were your precious Earth's downfall, weren't they?"
"Without Dib and Gaz, Zim would've done worse sooner." Membrane said sternly. "And without them, you would've destroyed the Earth if Zim hadn't. I read Dib's files, whether he knows it or not. I know the three of them beat you."
"AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENED TO ME BECAUSE THEY DID!" Tak shrieked, gesturing furiously to her human body and slamming her hands on the table. "I'm a disgusting HUMAN! And you tried to convert me fully! You're lucky I hate Zim so much more then I hate you, or I wouldn't be willing to help this side at all."
"What motive do you have in going after Zim?" Dr. Membrane questioned, stepping towards her. "You can't take his mission now. Not with the Tallest on his side."
"My reasons are my own." Tak growled, defensively. "And are of no business of yours. Rest assured, it won't hamper your mission to retrieve your world."
"Why should I trust you to keep to your word?" Dr. Membrane demanded suspiciously.
Tak laughed at him. "Why should I trust you to keep yours? The same reasons, Dr. Membrane. As soon as one of us reveals the others secret, both of us are going to spill the beans and just make a bigger mess then the one we're already dealing with. And like you said before, that isn't going to get us anywhere."
He glared at her. Eventually he nodded, reluctantly.
"Very well. We've come to an understanding, then."
"Then I guess you have no reason to be here anymore," Tak said insinuatively, eyes flicking towards the door before looking back at him expectantly.
Dr. Membrane nodded. He got his handle no the door before stopping. "Tak."
Tak's eyes narrowed at his tone. "Yes?"
"Betray my trust as you like. But . . . don't . . . Don't betray Dib, alright?" At the last part of his sentence he looked up, locking eyes with her through his goggles.
Her eyes widened. "W-What?"
"Dib trusts you." Dr. Membrane explained, warningly, as if he was telling her top-secret information. "And he likes you, even if he doesn't know it yet. Dib is going through enough thinking over what he's going to do with his sister. He does not need the only person he ever considered and still considers a friend losing his trust as well."
Tak blinked rapidly, her mind trying to cope with this new information. "I'm his . . . friend?"
"And you'll stay that way," Dr. Membrane took a deep breath, as if trying to force the next words from his mouth. "Even if it means lying for you, or covering for you, or even blackmailing you, you will stay my sons friend." He shot her a dark look. "Understood?"
"Y-You can't blackmail me! I have dirt on you back!" She shouted, defensively, panicked slightly as her hands gripped the table.
Damn these human emotions programmed into her PAK!
Dr. Membrane nodded, slowly. "I'm well aware. But if keeping my son sane means using the vulnerabilities of an alien, young girl or otherwise, I will do it, Tak. Have no doubt about it. Now, I will ask you again, are we clear?"
Tak bared her teeth at him, breathing heavily as a growl emanated from her throat.
"Crystal," she spat, turning her back on him. "Get out."
Dr. Membrane nodded again, as if she was looking, and left.
Dib, waiting by the door as he'd promised, surprised Dr. Membrane.
"Son!" He shouted, caught off guard. "What are you still doing here?"
"Waiting, like I said." Dib replied, standing. He peered over his father's shoulder as the door shut behind him. "Tak okay?"
"Perfectly fine. But she became tired in our questioning and requested to be alone." Dr. Membrane explained, cheerful as ever.
"Oh," Dib seemed down-trodden for a moment before shrugging away the momentary blanket of odd depression, folding his arms behind his head casually as he and his father walked away from Tak's room. "She's sick all the time. Gotta feel bad for her. I wonder when she'll start feeling better."
"With any luck, science will find a way to heal her sooner!" Membrane shouted, pridefully, one finger in the air to exclaim his point.
Dib smirked at his father's ignorance. "Yeah, Dad. I'm sure it will."
When his son looked away, lost in his own thoughts, Dr. Membrane glanced at him, his goggles making it look as if he was just looking straight ahead, one of the many advantages of wearing them.
Little did his son know, he was far less ignorant then Dib ever could know he was.
Meanwhile, in her room, Tak hugged her legs tightly to her chest as she muttered curses in several languages. MiMi watched her through narrowed eyes, trying to decipher the unfamiliar turmoil that was her master's emotions. The information she was getting off of Tak's PAK was confusing and all she could do was sit and watch until Tak gathered herself.
Finally, Tak sighed. "We are being used, MiMi."
"You are being used, master." MiMi corrected, tail flicking out behind her in whip-like motions. "I am for your assistance and your assistance only."
Tak's head bowed. "Yes . . . you're right . . . Of course you are, you're Irken."
MiMi's head tilted to the side, padding forward. "Are you alright, master?"
"MiMi," Tak did not look at her, one slender finger tracing her SIR unit's face as she looked down at the blankets she not nestled in. "Why do you continue to remain in the form of an Earthling pet?"
Her SIR unit hesitated, knowing this was not relevant to Tak's confusion, but answered. "I . . . cannot change back, master."
Tak's eyes shot open, staring at MiMi now. "What? Why not?"
"The Empire did not want me losing your cover because I reverted. I've been locked into this form, to ensure we were not revealed because you were seen with me in my true form." MiMi explained, peering closely at the horror on Tak's face. "Master, you should rest. I can sense your energy draining."
"No, I . . . I'm . . . I don't want to sleep." Tak amended, not quite sure what she was.
Because she wasn't Irken, because she was human.
But she wasn't human, because she was Irken.
And she wasn't Dib's friend because she hated him (right?).
But she was Dib's friend because Dr. Membrane was blackmailing her into doing so.
And she wasn't an ally to the Swollen Eyeball because they were idiots, and she was using them for her benefits.
But she was, because she was going to start feeding them information on Zim.
So then . . .
"I am a traitor to the Empire, because I am a failure." Tak murmured to herself, slipping out of Irken as her eyelids drooped with self-hatred. "And I am their loyal servant, because I am going to rid them of Zim before he becomes a problem they cannot control."
"Master?" MiMi's eyes widened as Tak did not respond, her forehead resting against her knees. "Master, what is it?"
Tak ignored her. Things were leaking, she could feel it falling from her eyes. And it infuriated her. She wished she could pull out of her body, split it into two, so that she could beat herself for allowing this body to become so insufferably miserable. Weakness, that's all this body was.
Just another way for her to fail.
As she continued to berate herself, she heard MiMi leave, darting out the door. And all she would've seen was a blur, naturally. These eyes were too weak to see anything as quick as MiMi moving. She snorted. Now even her own SIR unit, one she had designed for obedience to her and her alone, had abandoned her to go off who knows where. Was she truly so weak that MiMi had left hre again before she collected herself? Was she becoming too human again?
I feel too human, Tak thought to herself, her grip around her knees tightening to the point where it was painful. Why this punishment, My Tallest? Why couldn't I just have been deactivated like the rest of the failures? Were my failures truly so horrible that I deserved to have this happen to me?
A glance down at herself was all the answer she needed.
Yes.
"Tak?"
She did not move.
"MiMi, go call a doctor or something."
The sound of her retreat was heard again, nearly extinguished by quick, heavy footsteps. Her hands curled into fists. How she wished she had the will to punch him right now.
"Tak, hey, are you okay?"
Arms embraced her, in a way that was more concerned then affectionate. Good. She didn't think she could deal with a twist like that now, either. A part of her wanted to tear free from the embrace, take MiMi, and just walk until she reached ocean. Then just turn around and do the same thing again. But the rest of her smothered that will and so Tak remained immobile, listening to her PAK, that was telling her to rest while it healed.
Walking around the world was hardly restful.
"Tak, come on! MiMi comes into my room and just pushes me all the way down the hallway and I've got no idea what's going on! Cut me some slack! What's wrong?"
His pitiful pleas were amusing to her. She nearly smirked. She would've, if her PAK wasn't demanding she lay immobile until it could gather enough energy for a reboot again.
Rebooting twice in one day.
Pathetic.
Dib sighed heavily. Why had MiMi come and got him, of all people? He wasn't a doctor. And he was obviously having no better luck then she, as Tak remained curled into a ball, just leaning against him but only because he was holding her. Tak was kind of a brat, sure, but they were still sorta friends. Or, at least, he considered her a friend and she was using him as a lifeline. He knew Tak would probably backstab him in the end but it was a simple relationship. Unlike the one with his sister, that was in Hell right now, but that was something to talk about later.
MiMi returned, without a doctor.
Dib didn't question her reasoning.
She made beeping noises he couldn't understand.
"She says, 'I almost got one and then realized it would do nothing'."
Dib's head snapped down, holding Tak up by the shoulders. "You speak?"
She didn't even make note of his joke, just looked at her lap blankly, eyes drooping with either depression or sudden exhaustion.
MiMi made more sounds, hopping up next to Tak.
"She says, 'Don't be insulted that she won't respond to you; she won't respond to me either'."
Dib and MiMi shared looks. So apparently, Tak was only up for translating, not speaking on her own accord. Dib didn't need Tak to see what MiMi was saying through her body language.
'I've no idea what's wrong with her because it's a human thing; so fix her, stupid human boy.'
He sighed and placed one hand under Tak's chin, tilting it up, making her face him.*
"Tak," Dib said, sternly. And then he shortly after realized just how ridiculous he sounded and went back to his normal, slightly pleading face. "Snap out of it, Tak. This isn't like you at all! You're acting like a human child."
He knew this would normally get him a punch in the face.
Instead her eye twitched and she grimaced, trying to pull her face away from him.
Dib took her face in both of his hands, firmly, making her lock eyes with him.**
"You are a lot of negative things, Tak." Dib informed her.*** "Weak is definitely not one of them. Whatever the hell is wrong, suck it up and deal with it!"
He sounded like an ass and he'd never dream of saying these kinds of things to anyone but this was Tak. She didn't respond to things like humans did, even if she was acting like she did.
Her lip twitched, curling up into a snarl.
Dib resisted a whimper, swallowing his fear and glaring at her. "Sick my ass! You're just lazing around so you don't have to deal with your problems! That isn't very Irken, now is it, Tak?"
She was growling at him now.
Did he have the common sense to shut up?
Of course not!
"You whimper at the site of needles. What kind of soldier does that?"
WHAM!
Dib was knocked across the room, thanks to a viper-quick punch to the face. He groaned, sitting up, pain washing over his face as he gingerly touched his abused cheek.
"There she is," He groaned, moving his jaw slowly. Nothing broken. "You're welcome, MiMi."
"I offered no thanks." MiMi muttered. But Dib took that as a, 'You're welcome' and smiled at her while she glared at him in confusion.
"Dib," Tak said, sternly, shaking her hand out. That had been a hard punch. One that had even hurt her. "Talk to me like that again and you will receive a kick to your groin as well. However, I thank you for knocking some sense into me. I suppose I owe you reimbursement of some sort."
"Yeah, yeah. Next time, don't knock anything into me and we'll call it even." Dib retorted bitterly, making odd faces to test his jaw. "What was up with that?"
"Emotions," She said, as if it was a bad taste in her mouth. "I have to ask you something, though, Dib."
"Yeah, what?" He grumbled, massaging his cheek.
Tak's eyes narrowed. "What are you going to do about Gaz? Whose side are you on?"
Dib froze.
"Tak . . . I can't answer that." He said, very quietly. "I still need time to think."
"You've had enough time," Tak argued. "Tell me what you're going to do."
"Why does it matter to you?" Dib said defensively, getting to his feet. "You already told me you'd be helping the Swollen Eyeball, no matter what. Why do you care about what I do?"
"Because I just need to know!" She hissed. "Are you on Gaz's side or your father's?"
"Dad isn't on anyone's side!" Dib shouted back at her. "He was at Gaz's wedding; all he cares about is if we're happy or not! That's what dad's do."
Tak resisted an eye role. Arguing with both the males of the Membrane family within the same hour. She was starting to feel tired.
"But you are not happy," Tak noted, getting to her feet slowly. "You miss her. You cannot fight her Dib, just admit it already."
Dib locked eyes with her. But slowly the anger faded out from his face and he looked at the ground, pitifully. "I know."
"So I'll ask again; what are you gonna do?"
There was silence.
"I think . . . You already know what I'm going to do." Dib finally said, looking up at her again.
Tak smirked. "Then you've decided to 'grow a pair', I believe is the term."
Dib laughed, weakly, uncomfortably. "Yeah, that's it."
"Anything I can do to help?"
"Why would you want to help me?" Dib asked, surprise flitting across his face. "You don't even like me!"
"I like to consider us . . . friends," Tak said, forcing a grimace off of her face in favor of a half-hearted smile. "And I believe friends help each other, right?"
"Uh," Dib rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Right."
"So," Tak pressed, placing her hands on her hips expectantly. "What do you want me to do?"
*Bet you all thought he was gonna kiss her, huh?
**Okay, now I'm just pushing it.
***WOW, DIB. WAY TO BE SUPPORTIVE!
Lol, so no Gaz or Zim in this chapter, but a lot of mystery.
You got the gist of the mystery between Tak and Dr. Membrane, but what's the whole story?
And Dib and Tak are sort friends now, but what is it Tak is helping Dib with?
Didn't I tell you how twisted my brain is?
Now you all know why Tak looked so surprised by her scars. She'd "forgotten" about them.
Can you believe that I planned all of this ahead of time?
Daily Quote:
"Dude, I had the weirdest dream last night."
"What was it?"
"It was Invader Zim and weird as FUCK. Everyone was fighting and in the midsts of the brawl some interdimensional switch got pulled and they went into like Live Action instead of animation and Zim and Tak and their SIR units were all turned into humans. And the whole plot was that they had to figure out who pulled the switch because if the person who pulled it doesn't reverse it, and someone else grabs it, then they're stuck there forever."
"What the hell?"
"I mean it was cool cause I was MiMi and it was awesome even though I kept getting into fights with Gir but I've been sitting here for like two hours going 'what the fuck'? I really need to stop writing right before I go to bed."
-Me, waking up, really confused and telling my sister of my dreams.
EVEN IN SLEEP I AM COMING UP WITH IDEAS FOR STORIES! :D
And yes, if you've seen my vote, that's where that option came from; my dreams.
Till the next chapter!
