Author's rantiness at the end.

Words- Regular speech

Words- Thoughts

Words- Chapters and changes

(Words)- Bez speech

Chapter 9—Rages of Change—

Narrator....

Days later....

Wren winced as she swung her legs over the edge of the medical cot. She was going mad sitting there doing nothing. A week was too much in her mind and she couldn't handle it too much longer. She had something to do at least from the initial abduction and it had been almost nonstop with all the problems. Being laid up in bed for this bloody week had been the most boring in her life.

"Ma'am?" a nurse asked as she walked into the room. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Moving, I'm going mad just laying here doing nothing at all. I could at least do something in my room," she grumbled looking a little ashamed that she had been caught in the act of trying to sneak out of the room.

"And what isn't strenuous in your room?" the nurse asked placing her hands on her hims giving Wren a scathing look.

"Painting?" Wren said simply. "Or reviewing reports, watching movies, reading, anything that doesn't require me to just sit in this room, on this bed. I'm going mad!"

The nurse snorted, even though she was an Irken and had no nose. "I don't trust you not to go out there and do something stupid. You have a habit of getting yourself into trouble."

"I swear I won't get into too much trouble. Please let me go back to my room. Pleeeeaaase?" Wren pleaded with the nurse, a small pout on her face.

"I don't think so."

"Please?"

"No," the nurse scowled at her Captain.

"What if I promise to keep her locked in her room the whole time?" someone asked startling the nurse.

She jumped spinning to see only Zim there with a smirk upon his lips. She glared at the taller Irken and hauled off to punch him in his arm. "Don't you ever sneak up on me like that again!" she growled.

"Apologies then Uuna," Zim said laughing as she smacked him again. "But would she be ok to just stay in her room if I locked her away until you say she can move freely?"

"Yes, but only if someone is able to come to her room to check up on her healing process. She's out of the woods but I still don't know if there's a hidden infection or not within her system," Uuna frowned. "No heavy lifting, nothing strenuous. Got me? Nothing strenuous."

"Your orders are my command oh lovely head nurse," Zim bowed with a grin at her.

She glared at him and cuffed his antennas. "Don't sass me Co-second in command Zim. Just get her to her room and lock the door. No soaking in the tub and only a really quick shower anymore. Make sure the wound is completely dry before adding a compress and only at night until one of the medical staff say other wise. Got me?"

Wren nodded as she began to stand up. "Anything else?"

Uuna fished a small bottle out of her uniform and handed it to Wren. "Take this if you feel you need to. Two should last six kakes."

"Gotcha," she winced as she straightened fully. "I hate this. This sucks."

"You'll heal," Uuna said patting her on the arm as Wren got to the door. "Now, get out because you're driving me up the wall."

Wren grinned at the nurse. "Till next time!"

"There better not be a next time," the nurse growled as Wren passed.

Zim offered his arm to Wren to lean on and she took it gratefully. "Ready to go sleep in your own bed again?"

"Keepers yes!"

Elsewhere on board.....

Kakes later....

*Lak looked at the calendar on her wall, sighing heavily she looked to Grace who was still asleep. "I better find the captain, I don't need to endanger her crew after they've been so nice and have helped me and everyone so much." She thought heavily getting up and slipping out the door.

She walked trough the winding hallways of Bez, not finding many people wake at this hour. Pausing mid step she asked. "Bez can you wake up the captain for me? It's important."

(I can do that for you Lak. Though, she's probably awake now at the moment.)

"Thanks," she murmured.

Lak finally got up to the Captain's quarters and knocked on the door, "Wren, it's Lak, I need to talk to you..."

The door slid open to show that Wren was sitting on a couch sipping something brown in a clear mug that smelled like hot chocolate. She waved Lak into the room and motioned to the couch across from her.

"Sorry Wren for waking you up but I needed to talk to someone that might be able to help with my problem," Lak began to say.

"I was already awake, couldn't get too comfortable because of the pain and I'm being stubborn with taking my pain meds. But go on," Wren said sipping her drink again and shifting. She winced holding the side where she was stabbed by Krig.

"Remember when Jace told you of the time I was in my past and was covered in blood. I was trapped there long enough for the Warirkens to complete a genetic graphing. Well the genetic graphing that they did to me caused it," Lak paused as she let it sink in. "I was graphed with an organ from a new species called the Bloodieans. They could control magic in a way that they could manipulate blood. Not only did my form change slightly but I did not get the magic that they obtain but I did gain a problem that comes with it the graph. Have you ever heard the term Blood Rages?" Lak looked for a response and saw that Wern was shaking her head no while watching her intently. Lak shifted a little uncomfortably under her cat like gaze.

Lak sighed again and continued looking away from her gaze, "The Blood Rages happen when I am traumatized, in danger, or have a temper tantrum. But if you have no powers, like me they also come three times a year. The last one was when we were escaping. The time is coming for me and I don't want to see your crew injured by what may happen. The last time it happened I locked my self up in the small bathroom for about a week while KIA took control of the ship. I was thinking...I'm thinking of leaving without my crew because..." Lak stopped as she burst out crying "I-I'm a-a...fucking...f-freak...who...deserves to be alone! Alone so I don't hurt anyone because I'm such a freak! An abomination!"*

Lak drew her knees up to her chest and sobbed.

"Oh, oh Lak. My warrior," Wren cooed as she quickly moved over to sit beside Lak. "Lak, you do not deserve to be alone, not at all. This is the time to surround yourself with those that care about you till the time the rage come."

"But I could hurt or kill someone! I know I would!" she cried upset at the aspect of doing either.

"You won't, not when we're here to help," Wren firmly scolded.

"There is no where on this ship that is safe for me to even be without attacking or hurting anyone."

"We are quite full aren't we," Wren frowned, biting her lip.

"See! That's why I should go now and leave everyone else so no one gets hurt!"

"Nonsense Lak, they need you, like you need them. And we may not have a room empty at the moment but I'm sure we'll figure something out. Now sit here and calm down," she ordered, wincing as she stood to move to the kitchen. "We need a calm head to figure this all out."

Lak watched as Wren moved through the kitchen on a mission and with ease, even hurt. She grabbed another mug and began mixing a drink from a pot that was on the stove. She filled the one she had and the one she grabbed with the mixture. She drew out a bowl from the cabinet, picked a few leaves of a few plants that were growing in hydroponic containers on her counter. Crushing them into a mix she added a little of what looked like a creamy liquid and strained all the contents into the two cups. She dropped two stirrers in as well.

She slowly moved back to the couch with both mugs. She carefully handed one to Land and sat beside her with the other. "I've found this drink to be rather helpful when trying to calm down. Nothing with liquor of course. I don't drink any sort of alcohol, but I've found a few variations of mints that relax better than any liquor. And all of them are perfectly safe for Irkens when strained and mixed with cream."

Lak looked at the mug with a vary look but took it anyway. The warmth seeping through the mug began to relax her even though she was as taught as a trip wire and the drink hadn't even touched her lips.

"How long does this rage last?" Wren asked blowing on the liquid in her cup.

"About a week. I attack anything and everything that resembles a for or being. Even my own reflection. I'll continue to attack or kill until the week is up."

"So no reflective surfaces," Wren hummed grabbing a vid screen.

Lak frowned at that. "Why are you writing this down?"

"Memory sucks majorly. The pain is getting to me too, which is causing more problems and I'm being stubborn about taking any sort of pain killer for it. And the pain killer will make me a little forgetful of all these little details. Sorry if it made you nervous. What else should I know?"

"I usually don't eat much, if at all. And I sleep fitfully. I'm usually always exhausted and starving after each rage. I really should leave though. I'm not sure what I could do. And – and you've been so nice so far, I don't want to hurt you, any of you."

"You won't," Wren said sternly. "I'm aware of the chances of something happening and that there is a high chance of something actually happening that will be bad. But with you and I thinking this through, we can come up with a solution that will work."

Lak gave her a calculating look that spoke volumes that she was unsure about all of this still.

"You're really good at fixing Voots, aren't you?" Wren asked out of the blue.

Blinking in surprise Lak frowned. "I can fix a Voot Runner in my sleep. But what does that have to do with my blood rages?"

"Well, the Raroduen** has the cargo space for a Voot Runner. We made sure of that."

"Soooo....."

"You're quite apt at working and modifying a runner anyway you wish. I know we have a small runner or two that could be housed properly within the Raroduen. If you wanted to keep the rages quiet and a secret then that would be a perfect excuse. If you wanted people to know then it's still a good excuse. You could prep the ship for your rage this time and you can fix what ever damage that is created from it."

Lak blinked owlishly at her. Wren motioned to the drink in her hand and she took a sip without thinking.

"Would it work?"

"I think so. But that only takes care of this rage. What of the others?"

"A room could be customized within your new ship for those times of the year. That wouldn't be hard, I mean, you've been working with the mechanics to build your ship. You've modified several things on it already and have even taught my people a few things. This will work," Wren stated, then sipped from her mug.

"I still don't want to take the others," Lak quietly fought. "I don't want to hurt them."

Wren was silent for a few moments before she spoke. She chose her works wisely. "Lak, I have that fear to this very day. I still have nightmares of things happening to them. All of this because of battle lust."

Lak looked at her curiously, unsure of where this was going.

"It isn't the same as what you go through, I know it isn't. But the nightmares and the people in them who've blamed me for their deaths possibly are. Some of those nightmares hold those that I value most. I know they're only dreams but the surge of feelings that make it feel as if I've failed. Not only them but myself.

We fight though, and get through this the best we can. We need to be strong for those around us and let them think that there is nothing wrong, nothing we can't handle. This is one of those moments."

"You're too much of the perfect Captain," Lak muttered.

"The perfect Captain is afraid of nothing," Wren muttered herself, leaning back against the back of the couch. "I'm terrified of needles. Quite literally terrified enough to pass out by even getting a booster or anything. I'm squeamish at the thought of anything that reminds me of maggots. They gross me out and I can't stand them at all. I have an irrational fear of dolls. And even though I seem to be ok with all the crew crowding around me, I have to fight panic attacks majority of the time."

Lak looked at Wren, startled that she revealed so much. She jumped though when the door to the room opened and Zim walked in.

"Hi Zim!" Wren smiled widely, all the darkness that had clouded her features moments ago gone as the tall Irken had arrived. It was like a switch and just startling to see how much Zim changed her in such little time.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" Zim asked raising a brow at Wren.

"Lak wanted to talk to me about something," Wren said placing a hand on Lak's. "It couldn't wait and I couldn't sleep so it worked out. And I didn't do anything strenuous."

"You better not have," he glared playfully. He walked over to where they sat and kissed her forehead. "I'm going for a shower. If you still need to talk I'll take more time."

"I was just leaving," Lak said, making as if she were going to stand and move toward the door.

That is, until Wren grabbed her shirt tail to make her sit back down. "Nonsense. It's nice to have a little girl talk. Even if it is serious girl talk. And Bez filled the tub."

"Then I may be a while if he filled the tub," Zim hummed grinning. "Continue then." He then marched, in a sense, to the bathroom without looking back.

Wren giggled, "He's showing his true roots again."

"What?"

"He's acting like an Invader again with that march. Acting like when we first met! I'm just amused by that. Anyway.... back to the matter at hand. We'll figure out everything before your rage comes in. No worries whether or not you'll harm anyone either," Wren said patting her knee. "And I promise that we'll find the bastards who did this to you and make them pay if they haven't paid already. Got me?"

"Yeah."

"Good, now finish your drink. It's good for you."

"I didn't think chocolate was good for you though."

"Nonsense, it's good for the soul. Mends all. I'll write up the report for the Voot Runner for your ship and let you go look at your ship so you can make a decision at what room can be used for your seclusion room when the rages hit again."

"Ok," Lak said, still unsure whether or not any of this would actually work. She didn't say anything else as she finished the drink in her hands.

By the time she started to move to put her cup in the sink. Wren handed her a vid with the orders on it.

"Already?" Lak asked slightly startled.

"Yep, take it to the bridge immediately and give it to whoever's in charge. Either later tonight or tomorrow you'll have clearance to begin working as you please, not that you didn't before. There is no mention of the rages in there at all so only you and I know among my crew now. Like I said, it's up to you whether you want to reveal more than that."

"Thank you Wren!" exclaimed Lak, still looking a little dumb struck.

"Don't mention it, I take care of those that I consider family. You're family now," she smiled widely.

Lak took Wren's cup, much to her protest, and the vid. "I'll take this up immediately," she placed the cups in the sink. "Thanks again Wren."

"No problem, now shoo. You have a lot to get started."

Lak rushed out of the room quickly, barely missing falling over GIR and CADIE as they ran into the room squealing.

Wren watched as they ran around the room for a while before they ran over to the couch to fight about who was going to sit on Wren's lap first. In the end, she gave them both cuddles and then shooed them to their own spot in the room.

"So, what was that all about with Lak?" Zim asked coming out of the bathroom, pajama pants hanging loosely from his hims. He was pulling a shirt over his head as he asked.

Wren smiled at the casualness of the moment. "She was getting a little bored and asked if she could work on a Voot Runner for her ship."

"Uh huh.... You're not going to actually tell me are you?" he asked running a hand over his antennas and looked at her after tying the string to his pajama bottoms preventing them from sliding any lower.

"It's for her to tell. But I did appreciate her concerns," she stood with only a little wince. She yawned while making her way over to Zim.

He opened his arms and drew her into a hug. Nuzzling his face into her hair, they both sighed happily.

Next Day...

Rachel's P.O.V....

"So," I said. "Who wants to volunteer for a job?"

Several heads turned to me, when I was sitting on the bridge. In my hand I had a vid screen that hold a suggestion to Wren.

"Does it involve wrangling SIR units?" someone asked. "Because I refuse to deal with SIRs."

"No SIRs, promise. I just need someone to take this to Wren for me. And I need you to wait there for a reply."

"I'll do it!" a young male Sharshan said jumping up.

"Thank you. Remember, wait for a response," I said handed the vid over and watched him head for the lift.

"What was that Ma'am?" a crew member asked.

"A plan to give us a little more to do and a little more space to breath. We need to get a head start on revamping the space station. We need to create a way to gain better access to the station through the field of asteroids, we need mapping of this space, and that's only the start."

"Wow."

"Yeah, so I suggested this with a rotating shift for shuttled and space station work. I think it would be nice to also see if there are repair logs on the station. If there are then we can try the repairs that way with the sections that still work. If not we'll have to replace the station, section by section."

"If we do that then we better start soon."

"That's why I sent it out now."

"I had an idea for a new field generator that is like the field on the Irken helmets. And I admire the Irkens for that technology. It's very clever," a Sharshan science officer said standing beside me. "I wander if we could set it up on a larger scale for the use of a possible passage through the belt."

"Like a tunnel?" one of the Irken science officers asked, curious now. "That's plausible, but there needs to be scale models since the helmet technology is based on a complicated ring of technology at the suits neck. There would have to be many rings and some how to connect them to make the field work. Then there's the problem with the asteroids harming the technology."

"Then you two get together with who ever else you may need to figure out this problem. This idea could very easily work. Think about a collapsible ring or something because this is very useful," I said dismissing the two from the bridge. "If you find any thing of use, then you know who to contact."

"Yes Ma'am!" they saluted and left the bridge in a hurry talking about the project.

I stood and stretched before making my way around the bridge to see the pecs on the equipment. None of the bridge workers were bothered by this and took this time for a little small talk with me. We hadn't had the chance to talk like this for a while since Captain Tonu had visited the ship.

"Ma'am?"

My head snapped up to the voice from the lift area. There stood one of the Elders from the station with a random crew member. If I remembered right it was Tormithy. He held a scowl on his face and a slight look of disgust at the mismatched crew on board the bridge. Humans sat between Irkens, Sharshans conversing with both as if that's always how it had been.

"Elder Tormithy, it is an honor to have your presence on the bridge of Bez. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Unfortunately, there is. The other Elders were wondering if the reconstructions of the deceased Delalines was anywhere near completion."

I brought my hand up and held it out as a bridge worker brought a report to me. Shimming and flipping through it I nodded to myself at finally finding what I was looking for.

"The facial reconstruction work is finished and the Captain asked if she could take the remains and reconstructions back to your station to honor them properly. We even went a step further and tried to look to see if Bez had any records of what happened before the incident. There are a few memories left and records, but most are missing because of system corruption with the core shutdown."

"You weren't asked to do that," Tormithy frowned.

"We weren't, but we thought it could fill in what happened. We did it to offer closure," I said looking him in the eye.

"What closure could that offer?" he sneered.

"It's a mystery that needed to be solved. Finding out what happened and finding closure was something that we wanted to do, just because."

"Is your Captain," he drew out the name in a mix of a sneer and as if it were a joke, "well enough to travel?"

"It is not my legs that were hurt Elder. You were there when it happened. I was stabbed in the side Elder Tormithy. As long as I don't strain myself or lift anything heavy, I am perfectly fine to accomplish the task I set before me. Though the wonderful head nurse will probably have my head for all of this," Wren said, startling the nasty look off of Tormithy's face.

The young male Sharshan I had sent on the task looked a little sheepish from behind Wren and held up the vid with a shrug. Wren looked at me with a small smirk.

"I was planning on taking the remains soon to your people. As soon as a few more things were settled here. But I will change my plans to accommodate this change to return your dead to their rightful place. And Elder Tormithy, it would be a blessing to my crew and family if you didn't try to start problems on my ship."

"How dare one so young, challenge and insinuate that I would cause havoc on this ship!" he bristled.

"You have hated be even before you saw or talked to me Elder. By now, I'm sure, I can spot someone who is trying to cause problems. Snapping at me will not solve anything and wishing ill will against me will not bring those lost back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will go change into something more fitting a funeral."

Wren then turned to me. "Rachy, we'll discuss your plan later, after this is done. If you wouldn't mind selecting a few crew members to accompany me to the station in their best uniforms. I would be grateful."

"I can do that Wren. Anything else?"

"Collect a selection of our flowers from the garden and see if anyone can create a floral presentation for each of the fallen crew to go on top of the containers the remains will be put it."

I nodded. "I would also like to say that I believe a crew member has actually created a full painting of those crew members. She's worked hours on it, if I"m correct. I'm not sure if it's finished or not though."

"Really?" Wren asked, interest perked.

"Yes, do you want me to check if it's finished and ready to present to the Elders?"

"If you would, please. Now, good day to you Elder Tormithy. May the stars shine as brightly for you as they do your family."

With that Wren bowed to the Elder, turned and went to the lift. Tormithy scowled at her as she left.

"Elder, would you like an escort back to that station?" I asked as politely as I could.

"I can find my own way," he growled and stalked off the bridge.

I rolled my eyes then began giving orders. Hopefully we could get this in order fast enough that no one's head spun.

Later....

"Well, I didn't think any of our members of this crew would look so stunning," I smiled.

Several of the four officers grinned at me. They were quite stunning dressed in their best. Which oddly enough Bez had created to mesh his uniforms with the traditional wear of the officers' original race. Though, one crew member wasn't an officer, but I had preferred that.

I looked down the row of four and smiled. Straightening a cadet's collar made him blush fiercely but I smiled at him confidently. Several officers had actually requested him to be part of this because he was so dedicated to Bez. He was one of the very few of the human crew that wanted to be in the mix on the bridge. It was mostly the Irkens and Sharshans on the bridge besides myself and Curtis now. I was proud of him and showed it by making sure he was confident.

I moved down the line making sure the others were well kept. The Irkens were well dressed and I only had to brush lint off of one of their uniforms. They seemed very pleased as I nodded in their direction. The Sharshan crew member smiled down at me and waited for me to see if anything needed to be fixed. I motioned for him to turn about then straightened the panel across his fox half and fastened it with the back of his human half shirt. No one would have noticed at first glace but with my critical inspection it didn't get passed by. I stepped back to rake my eyes over his leggings that acted as part of his bottomless sandals.

I nodded to myself as I stepped back. Now we were ready carrier wise. I turned to look over my shoulder at the florist who was arranging flowers upon the tops of the boxes that held the remains of the first crew. Only four out of the six crew members left me wondering what actually happened.

"Will you just stop a moment? I need to fix something!"

My attention drew to two Sharshans carrying a fairly large panel. Trailing behind was a frowning female human with a paint brush in hand.

"You said it was finished Autumn," one of the Sharshans muttered.

"But I see something wrong!"

"Autumn, you don't need to fix anything," grumbled the other Sharshan as they set it down between them after finally coming to our little group.

"Yes I do. It just doesn't seem right."

"It hasn't seemed right for several weeks. And for several weeks you've been fixing it Autumn. It's perfect as is."

"It is not!" she whinged trying to get to the painting.

Quietly I wen to investigate the work and was surprised at how well it was composed. Each gazed out from the painting as if you could just reach out and touch their faces. Their gaze was calm and the only female had a quirk of her lips that was barely there. There were only four within the painting seeing as there were only four bodies found. Two of the crew were still unaccounted for and Wren was trying her hardest to get the info from Bez's corrupted database. But the faces that look out from the frame were spot on the images that Bez was able to get for us. The artist herself should be beyond proud of what she had accomplished.

"Autumn, this is beautiful," I said, catching her off guard.

She blinked at me owlishly. "It is?"

"It is. Very, very close to the frames that you received. I'm impressed," I smiled at her trying to calm her worries.

"But will they like it?" she asked as she chewed on her thumb nail. "I mean, I'm not a profession by far. What if they don't like it? This is the last of an alien race that has much better technologies than us so would they really like this? Is it missing something?"

Autumn started to fidget more than she had been. The thirty something was rambling and nervous, trying to find comfort in someone who was more than ten years her junior.

"Autumn, you are rambling dear," Wren said coming out of no where. "The painting is unbelievable. You are a true master of your craft even if you don't see it."

Autumn turned quickly to see Wren smiling at her. She opened her arms and hugged the startled Wren. Wren returned the hug.

"Go find yourself a tub in the spa Autumn, it's on me. You deserve it after all the work you put into this piece. You probably need to soak the paint out of your pores as well."

"Really?" Autumn squeaked comically, eyes growing wide.

"Yes, now shoo, go soak. That's an order Miss Autumn McCarthy," Wren pushed her toward the lifts.

Autumn squealed and leapt at Wren who was shorter than her y almost six inches, almost knocking her over. She then rushed out of the room without a glance back at the painting.

"Well, that was easy," I laughed.

"Who can deny the spa?" Wren laughed as well.

Narrator....

The procession through the halls of the ship felt as if it took an eternity. Almost as if everything was moving in slow motion. If you knew the funeral scenes in many of the movies and shows from Earth, you'd have a decent idea of how slow it would have probably looked to one of the members of the procession if they were watching it themselves.

Wren lead the small group, her Captain's uniform of purely Bez's work. Her hair was a mess of waves down her back. She held herself as if she hadn't fought and been hurt a flin*** or so ago. Some very faint bruises and the slightly stiff way she held herself was the only telling sign if you looked close enough.

The two Sharshans that carried the painting were behind her and were dressed as finely as their Captain. They held their faces stone still as they held their line in the procession. The others followed carrying their burdens as if it were their own family members they were bringing home.

As they arrived at the Elder's chambers it was packed. Several people burst into tears as they saw the portraits of the four crew members.

Wren went through the motions of presenting the portrait first, watching the faces of the Elders carefully before continuing. She then motioned for each crew member to present the closest relatives with the box of remains in turn. Each family member received the token with grief written upon their faces and silent tears upon their cheeks. They stood strong though as Bez's crew finished. Wren's crew, as one, stepped behind her as she announced that two crew members at present were missing. That they were working as hard as they could to find out what happened to them and that the Delalines would be the first to know if they did find anything out. Each and every Delaline rose their head and began singing. As haunting a melody as anyone had ever heard. Amongst the singing several members began keening.

And so the ceremonies were over. The crew members seemed to make their ways back just as slow to the ship. Each a little numb at what they had done. Remembering the tears and pain on the faces of those that had lost someone. The collapse of others as their last thread of hope was shattered as they received the remains of their loved ones. Each of the crew were silent as the haunting keening from the Delalines seemed to follow them throughout the halls of Bez.

The crew who had stayed on Bez quickly and quietly let them pass without a word. Each held a little bit of pain in their eyes and finally shock as the haunting melody reverberated through the halls of the ship. Several knew all too soon that Bez was morning the loss of those that had been his first crew. The feeling of loss so acute that it hit everyone on board, no one was spared the tears.

Slowly, as they made their way through the ship, the group broke apart. Each making their way to their respectable rooms. Wren didn't expect them to do anymore for the rest of the day. Not a word was said as finally Wren walked into her room.

Zim looked up to see the haunted look in his girlfriend's eyes and stood, putting the report from his hands down. Tears welled up in the corners of her eyes and she began to walk toward him. He carefully wrapped his arms around her as she cried into his shirt. He picked her up like the first time, so many months ago when this who thing started, and carried her to the couch. Sitting with her on his lap he let her cry herself out as he cooed sweet nothings in her ear. He held her closer as she finally cried herself out and feel asleep pressed against him, nose buried in his neck.

Zim shifted only slightly into a more comfortable position and just held her close. He hoped that the warmth of his body and the beating of his heart kept the nightmares away. At least for tonight.

* - This little bit was graciously written by Invader Lak. I tweaked it a little, barely deleted anything more than a letter or two. Without this snippet, this chapter wouldn't have a title!

** - Raroduen – if anyone was wondering, my names are screwy but easy to pronounce when you know what they are. Raroduen is pronounce Rawr-o-do-en. Easier than it looks. Lol

*** - flin – for those of you who don't remember is about a week and a half. Yeah.... my times are weird as well as my names.

Sorry this one took so long. Homework, real life, and the like is getting me down along with the weather. I do have a surprise for you though, there will be a side story soon! Entitled 'Heading for the Unknown' it includes Dib! Yes, Dib and Ravwrin, another character from another story. If you haven't read 'Thoughts of Destiny' you can get to know the character in there. That story isn't finished yet either. I'm a lazy loser! Lol

And a random fact about me, I write in neon pens in notebooks before even typing anything up. The neon gel pens and my hand writing keeps anyone from understanding what I write.

Now I'm going to try and start the next chapter of this story!