A/N: Hello! It's a new year, and here is a new chapter! Chapter 13 in the year 2013. I know it's been three months now, but I was busy with work as usual. I could be busy again soon enough. I hope you enjoy this chapter until then.
Disclaimer: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I don't own Invader Zim. Tis sad, but you move on.
...
The next day went by in a foggy haze. Once again Zim was forced to endure Ms. Bitters' ramblings and even more ridicule from his classmates. But there was no bother from Dib. Strange. The boy didn't even turn up to skool that morning.
Zim surprised himself when he looked over at Dib's desk, and noticed how empty his seat looked when he wasn't sitting in it. He was thoroughly disgusted. Well at least he had one less thing to worry about.
His eyes shifted to the clock to keep track of time, wanting desperately for the day to end.
A nervous feeling rumbled inside as the time was almost near, the time to return to that park... If he could just see him again, then it would ease the burden off his shoulders. But he was afraid of how he would treat that man if he laid eyes on him again. He would blow his cover for sure.
The previous night he went straight down to his lab after he took Gaz home. Molly was nowhere in sight, so he revelled in the solitude. Though he did notice how her absence left the lab gloomy and lifeless.
Now he needed to think of a plan B if plan A failed. If the man doesn't show at that park, then Zim will have to look for him elsewhere.
It was possible, if he could just hack into some human records and find the man's address, but it would take too long, and plan A seemed like an easier option.
The finger on the clock still wasn't moving. "To heck with this earthen time!"
Ms. Bitters glanced his way. The alien felt indifferent to her now, even if she were a terrifying monster, but he also found her tamer in comparison to the events of yesterday. He knew he got to her somehow, making her look weak in front of the class when he stood his ground.
The old crone couldn't take defeat, and now her powers over him had dwindled. A hint of a smile curved Zim's lips as he silently rejoiced his triumph.
The teacher sharpened her eyes while she scribbled complex equations on the board. Zim guessed perfectly well that she was growling in her demonic form, even though he couldn't see it anymore. Her human half continued with her cruel teachings, since anyone who tries to teach complex equations is considered evil.
The skool bell rang, but it was only time for lunch. Zim hissed in frustration. Today was going to take forever...
...
Finally, the skool day ended. Zim waited outside the main door for one specific human.
He plonked his bottom on the steps as each student passed by. Torque Smackey hit the back of his head, leaving Zim stunned and furious. The Irken fixed his wig, watching him walk away with contempt. The brawny boy should be more grateful, considering he saved his baby sister from a burning house last winter...
Now Zita appeared, moving around him as if he were a puddle of sick. Zim didn't take much notice. The girl was foolish, anyway, like all the others.
Next a dark shadow moved across his path, and then he looked up to see Gaz blocking his sunlight.
"Come on, let's do this, then I can go home and get pizza."
"If you wish, Gaz, but are you still absolutely, positively sure you want to come with me today? This is a dangerous and unpredictable situation. You can decline now if you don't feel up..."
Her eyes shone bright yellow, leaving Zim exposed to her x-ray vision.
"Okay, stop it. Of course, stupid question, let's go!"
They left the skool premises, and made their way to the park.
Zim felt the unnecessary need to break the silence next. "So, your brother... he didn't show up to class today."
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. He was crying in his bedroom all night. I think we may have hurt his feelings yesterday."
"Really? That stupid, pathetic human. Hahaha!"
"No, that was just another of my classic jokes..."
Zim stared at her in disbelief. "Why would you lie about that?"
"Because it's funny. Well, aren't you going to laugh? It is a joke."
"I don't—"
"Laugh!"
"Um... the possibility of Dib crying like a worthless cretin tickles my innards. Ha-ha-ha!" he laughed nervously now.
"See, isn't the world a happier place now that you've shared your laughter, Zim?"
Zim walked in silence. She was really starting to scare him, and he didn't want to catch her eye in case she forced him to laugh again.
…
Zim was tense when they entered the park. He glowered at every white-haired man who passed, until he got a closer look and realised it wasn't the guy.
He tried to keep the tremors at bay, by muttering, "I am Zim, and Zim is me... I can do this."
Gaz would growl in frustration. His voice was just so annoying and stupid.
Her GS2 felt heavy in her pocket. What she would do for a little game now, just to pass the time. Why did she agree to do this again? Oh, yeah, for justice...
So she folded her arms, and kept her eyes wide open.
One elderly man walked past with a white beard, just like Saint Nick's. She watched him closely, making the jolly man nervous. He whistled merrily, and then fastened his pace to get away from the scary girl.
Looks like she won't be on the good child list next Christmas...
Next, a bush rustled to the left, and Gaz turned to look. It was probably just a rat or something.
She was distracted by the sound of Zim next, hissing like a boiling pot, and then he finally exploded, splashing hot water everywhere.
"Where is he?! This is taking too long!"
"If you don't pipe down right now, Zim, then I will come over there and rip that tongue out!"
"There's just got to be another way. This is ridiculous! What was I thinking? I've put too much hope in this stupid endeavor. Stupid, stupid Zim!" He whacked his forehead.
"Look, I may be no psychic... wait, forget that... but I know something will come out of this. Signs are everywhere..."
Zim looked at a sign by the grass. There was a picture of a defecating dog. Written on the sign were the words: "Pick it up. It is your duty. And if you laughed at the word 'duty', then you will be forced to eat your dog's 'duty'."
Zim turned even greener.
Gaz followed his gaze. "I don't mean that type of sign, Zim. Don't give up yet. I've scanned every older guy, and one woman, who in my defense looked a little mannish, but none of them were our guy. Though I think I may have found Santa."
Zim finally snapped his attention away from the disgusting sign. "But it's not that simple. Why did I have to be so optimistic? Yes, come to the park again, I said, and he'll be there... No he won't! It's just hopeless. Hopeless!"
A small boy came over next, and kicked him in the shin. "Shut up, green weirdo! Haha, you're green and ugly. Go back to outer-space!"
"You wretched, loathsome Earth maggot. You dare kick Zim in the shin? I'll destroy you!"
The kid pointed and jeered some more. "Ha! I'm not afraid of you, smelly space man!"
Zim growled and readied himself to attack the boy, lasers pointed and all, but Gaz intervened just in time.
"Let me handle this kid," she said.
She glared at the boy. He stared up at her horrified.
"What are you looking at? Didn't your mom ever tell you to respect the person beneath, even if they are green?"
"N-no..." he stuttered.
"Then take it from me!"
He ran off, screaming. "I want my Mommy!" There was a puddle of yellow, steaming liquid where he once stood.
Gaz looked at Zim. He was still in 'fight mode', pointing his lasers in every direction. His eyes were fixed on something far away. His breathing was fast and hoarse.
"He's gone now, you can relax. What's wrong with you?"
Zim snapped out of it, and looked up sheepishly. "Me? Nothing is the matter with me. I am fine, I am ZIM! Okay, I'm a little nervous. I don't know what I'll do if I see him again. What if I unleash my full Irken wrath, just like I was about to do with that small Earth boy? And in front of all these people? No! I can't let myself be exposed like that."
Gaz scrutinized him, narrowing her yellow eyes. Then she shrugged. "Well, it's a reasonable excuse, but don't be nervous. If you want, I could chain you to that tree over there. Remember, we're here to get a reading from him, and I need you to stay calm and not distract me. Got it?"
"You don't have chains," Zim said.
"The chains on those swings look functional," she pointed over to the playground. "I could just tear them off, and use them to restrain your savage, alien butt to that tree."
"But, small children play on those swings..."
Gaz growled and looked over at another rustling sound in the bushes. Stupid wind making stupid sounds.
Zim blinked at the strangeness of her words. Now that his mind was clear, he focused his attention back on the playground, trying to find something that would stop his savage side if the man did show. But so far nothing worked.
He watched the little kids playing, and tried to think of how his recklessness would traumatise their innocent eyes. That didn't work either. Honestly, he didn't care if they did witness his Irken wrath. A part of him was glad as it fed his ego.
Why did he have to be so evil at heart? His mind was turning good, but deep down he will always be a sociopath.
He watched Gaz scanning every civilian that walked past, even ones who looked nothing like his description of the old man. She just liked to scare people and give them the 'evil eye'. But he was grateful for her help, though she did terrify him at times.
Her latest victim was a young woman. Zim recalled her from somewhere. He turned away once he finally recognised her. It was that lady again, the one he told that he loved. Her dead boyfriend wasn't with her.
"Well, more of her for Zim to enjoy..." He had no idea why he just thought that. Humans were grose!
Gaz looked her up and down, but soon lost interest. She was just some bimbow anyway.
The young woman was engrossed in her book, but it had a different title from yesterday. Either that book about the colour grey was so good, that she read it all in one sitting, or she got bored and decided to read another. Not like Zim cared for what book she read, with her being the disgusting human she was.
She disappeared from sight, as Zim couldn't be more grateful — one less person to worry about. He thought he heard a scuffle behind a bush, but decided it was nothing.
Horrible, cheerful music rang throughout the park next, as Zim and every other person turned to the sound. An ice cream vendor drove up the path. All the children ran over in delight. The look of pure happiness on their faces made Zim sick.
"Ooh, ice cream. I'll be back in a minute, wait here," Gaz said.
"I don't care. Go on and gorge yourself like all the other sickly children."
"You want an ice cream too?"
"What? Are you hosting a brood of brain worms in that foolish head of yours? Zim does not eat Earth food of such calibre. Waffles are all I need to appear human for now."
"You sure? You do look a little famished... Maybe if you eat something, you won't turn so savage once the old guy turns up."
"That's a good idea. Very well, Zim will have an ice cream." He searched for Earth monies inside his PAK's storage, and gave them to Gaz.
"See ya."
"Remember, I want strawberry! If you bring Zim anything other than his specified flavor, then I shall unleash—"
She turned back, swiftly. She didn't look pleased. "What were you about to say?"
"Um... I would like strawberry, please, Gaz-human. Bring Zim strawberry."
She sharpened her eyes and walked off towards the vendor. Zim was close to receiving a powerful beating. Once the scary girl reached the vendor, she pushed in front of the other kids, and threw her change at the guy.
Zim looked at the lone bench at the edge of the playground. A horrible feeling grew inside. What if the man didn't show? This was a bad idea. Just standing around in this park wasn't going to help find that murderer. Zim could not fail, not this time. Too much was at stake.
A shadow moved in the corner of his eye. He looked down. It was that ugly Chihuahua again, coming back to haunt him. It sat on its haunches and stared up with bulbous eyes. Zim shivered.
It held change in its mouth, and walked off towards the vendor. What kind of dog carries money and buys ice scream? This was a strange planet.
"Madness..." he whispered, as the dog stood in line. At least it had more manners than Gaz, who just cut in front of everyone.
Gaz returned at last, and gave him his strawberry ice cream. She licked hers eagerly, but didn't seem to be enjoying it, being as stoic as ever. Zim looked unsure of his.
The ice cream started to melt down the cone, crying little pink tears. He braced himself, and gave a careful lick. The second his tongue made contact, his face convulsed, and he spat out in disgust. He dropped the ice cream on the grass.
"What is it now?" Gaz asked, irritably.
Zim was panting like he just gulped hot soup. Smoke came out of his mouth.
"No offense, but you're weird, Zim. What kind of life form can't eat ice scream?"
"Foolish girl," Zim said with a lisp, since he burnt his tongue. "Irken food is a lot more satisfying than... than that disgusting... Argh!" He kicked the cone off the grass.
"Whatever. Now be quiet. Your grating voice is putting me off eating this ice cream."
Zim closed his mouth at her demand, and folded his arms, pouting.
They stood in silence until the Chihuahua walked past again, balancing an ice cream cone atop its nose. It stopped and looked up, then disappeared behind a bush.
Zim looked at the bush anxiously. "What... where... How does it do that?!"
"Who cares? It's just a dumb dog," Gaz said.
They heard a voice behind the bush. "Good boy or girl," the voice said, and the dog reappeared with a chicken leg. It stared up at them again, and ran off.
"Something isn't right about that bush..." Gaz remarked.
Zim watched the bush carefully, and walked over. He pulled the branches apart to reveal Dib dressed in camouflage.
It took a while for the boy to realise his cover was blown, since he was so immersed in his ice cream. He looked up and yelped, grabbing the branches to make himself invisible. Not that it made any difference now.
Dib cursed himself for letting his guard down, but that ice cream looked so good, and that dog was just sitting there, watching him watch Zim and Gaz...
Zim grabbed Dib's collar, and dragged him out of the bush. He lay on the grass in his camouflaged suit, while his sister and nemesis looked down with contempt. Next, Gaz snatched the ice cream out of his hand.
"Hey, give that back!"
"Give me a good reason not to squash your nose with my boot, Dib," said Zim. "This game is getting old!"
"Well, what do you think my reason is, alien? To catch proof of that ghost! I'm sick of telling you already."
"Molly isn't here. She's in a safe place where you can't find her. So just go home. You're really starting to bore me."
"No!" Dib stood up. "It's not fair. Why do you get to have the cool powers and not me? You're not even from this planet!"
"So that's it? You're just jealous? Dib, a little word of advice: this kind of power comes with a price. Oh, such a price indeed! How would you feel if your nights were plagued by the souls of the dead, praying for your help, not leaving you alone until you finally cave in?"
"That... that sounds awesome! I bet you screamed like a baby when they all turned up to your freakish house. You were so delirious in skool the next day. What a wimp. That's why I should take over from now. I'm a professional. I know what to expect with ghosts. So let me handle Molly."
"Why, so you can take her to your swollen eyeballs? I won't let you hurt her. I know Molly now. I understand her more than you ever will."
"I can make you a deal. I will help you and Gaz with whatever this is, and once the ghost's... Molly's unfinished business is resolved, I can capture my footage before she crosses over to the other side. Once she's free, it won't matter if I exploit her spirit. She'll have gone, all tucked up safe in eternal sleep."
Zim watched him with cold, calculating eyes, trying to see through his innocent façade.
Was the boy true to his word?
He turned to Gaz for support. She, too, watched Dib for any fluctuation. So far he was keeping it cool. It was hard to tell if he was planning anything.
"I think your sister and I shall talk this through, you know, just to make sure you're not a snake in the grass... a back stabber! "
"Oh, come on! What could I possibly be hiding? We'd both benefit from my idea. It's genius! You get my expertise, which you've craved this entire time, admit it, but you had to settle with the next best thing... No offense, Gaz."
Gaz snarled.
"We may be kin, but Gaz's knowledge of ghosts I'm afraid is lacking."
"If you don't stop talking right now, Dib, then I'll knock all that knowledge out of that ginormous head!"
"Well, you could always tell him about your..." Gaz cut Zim off with a one-eyed glare.
"Oh, just confess. It would wipe that smug look off his horrible face. You heard how jealous he was of my—" Gaz punched his shoulder. "Ow!" he yelped.
Dib raised a brow. "What's going on? Am I missing something?"
"No, mind your own business. And if you persist on asking, I'll glue your lips together!" Gaz snapped.
"Oh... okay. I won't ask again. Look, I know I was a real jerk before, but I've changed now. I don't need a real life ghost to show the Eyeballs. If Molly cooperates, then I'll be sure to win them over with photographic evidence. What do you both say?"
Zim and Gaz talked between themselves. Dib tried to busy himself by looking patient, but he had a horrible feeling he was being watched. He turned, and there was the Chihuahua...
"What?" Dib said. "I don't have any more chicken!"
The dog only stared.
"Stop staring at me like that!"
Zim turned around. "We've come to an agreement... Um, who were you yelling at, Dib?"
"That dog again, he's... gone! Man... that's just creepy."
Zim looked at Gaz. "Has your father ever had him tested?"
"I don't know, maybe. Who cares," she said.
Zim shook his head. "Enough of this chitchat. Irk to Dib! We have decided that you are worthy to join our cause, but only if you keep your promise. However, if Molly refuses to have her picture taken, even if she has moved on to her afterlife, I won't allow it. If you take her picture regardless of her wishes, then I will make your life even more unbearable than that Torque child ever has or will."
"What? But that's not fair!"
"Though that's depending on Molly's decision. If she says yes, then you've got nothing to worry about."
"Fine, I'll make sure I remember to ask. So what have you both been doing this whole time? What's the deal about this park? I don't get it. What's so special about this place? Though the swings are pretty neat... but not that I'd know, because I've never played here... Swings are for babies!"
"I don't know where to start. It's a long story. It's best I leave out the important details in case you go and tell all your humans with the swollen eyes."
"Do I have to go through this again? I am not here to get secret information or capture the ghost. I just want to help, and of course receive my reward at the end."
"Oh, let him hear it. What harm could it do now?" Gaz said, pulling out her GS2. She couldn't wait any longer.
"All right. We best sit down for this."
"Good idea. Look, the swings are finally free!"
"A bench would be more ideal, Dib. Feed your child-like ego later. Right now we need somewhere stable to sit."
"That bench over there's empty. Oh, wait, that girl just sat down. I guess we could share it. She looks harmless and simple enough. I doubt she'll understand anything we say."
Zim looked over and saw that it was his love-pig. What was her deal? Was she following him? Her ghost boyfriend still wasn't around, and it eased him once again. At least his presence wouldn't distract Zim from his angel... No, humans are grose and ugly!
"No, we can't go there, that girl is... infested with germs. Yes, germs."
"She looks okay to me, though that top is a little tight." Dib looked at Zim. "Zim, are you blushing? You've just turned a disgusting color. Why did I leave my camera at home?!"
"I think he's got a crush on that girl with the cleavage there. Who'd have thought, our Zim falling for some trampy Earth-chick," Gaz said, emotionless as ever.
"She is not a tramp, or a chicken! Um... what I meant to say was "that's preposterous". Humans are soooo ugly."
"I think I'm going to throw up," Dib said. "An alien with feelings? Ugh!"
"Cease this nonsense! Let's move on with our original plan. Why are we all gathered in this park today you ask, Dib? Well, it all started a week ago, with my first encounter—"
"Is this really necessary? I don't need a running commentary."
Zim sighed. "Very well. You remember the other night when I came to visit?"
"Yeah."
"I told you about Molly, and how she came to me for help? Is this all coming back to you yet?"
"Sort of, but continue..."
"Then I informed you of how Molly was killed by a member of your fellow species."
Dib was quiet.
"Well, to cut it short, I saw him here yesterday, and I'm hoping to meet him again. There, that's the backbone of my story, though there's slightly more, but you won't get to hear any of that now, so there. You shouldn't have interrupted me."
"He...he's here, in the city?"
"Yes, unless he had the sense to run off now that I'm on his trail. What he did is unforgivable, and I won't let him be spared."
Dib didn't know what to say. He really regretted involving himself. His speciality was monsters, not people. How does one hunt a person?
"Haven't you thought about calling the authorities or something? They'd know what to do."
"And what am I supposed to say? I'd reveal my identity in doing so."
"Well that doesn't bother me."
Zim growled.
"Sorry, but this is a big deal. You're hunting down a human, a real person with feelings. I could understand vampires and werewolves, but not this."
"Feelings? Dib, there's a lot more about monsters that you'll never understand — the true kind. This man is a disgrace, a cruel and twisted specimen, and you're calling him a person? He lost the right to bear humanity the day he took Molly's life!"
"You're just being a hypocrite now. What was your sole purpose of coming to this planet again, Zim?"
"That isn't the same thing."
"How so?"
"We've been through this before. I am a trained soldier. Irkens are programmed to annihilate. It's coded in our DNA!"
"Oh, so that makes it better? I see. Nice logic by the way."
Zim growled, "I'd never hurt a young smeet! Don't you ever compare him to me!"
"You harvested a bunch of organs out of an entire skool of children, Zim. You are evil! Only a real monster could do such a sick thing like that. You could give Molly's murderer a run for his money..."
Imagine a dog with its lips curled up, ears pinned back and its hackles raised. That animal is ready to kill.
That description of a dog was similar to how Zim looked, and he only had one thing in sight — Dib. Zim was gone, replaced by a wild and viscous animal.
Dib was frozen in fear. He couldn't take his eyes off the predator prowling towards him. That in the grand scheme of things was the most sensible thing to do, because predators like Zim only chase fleeing prey...
Gaz stood out on the side-lines, and watched in awe. She almost looked frightened of Zim, but it lasted only a moment. Nothing compares to the wrath of Gaz.
"Gaz, help me," Dib whispered.
Gaz looked at him confused. She didn't know what to do. Things escalated all too quickly.
The wind blew in her face next, and then she turned her head to the playground. An old man settled down with a newspaper.
On the surface, he seemed normal, innocent, but Gaz felt that sensation, just like with the taxi and the guy.
He looked up and noticed her staring.
At first, he appeared unsettled to see such a demonic girl watching him, but then his face softened, and he smiled warmly.
Gaz felt the bile rising in her throat. She only continued to stare, and then his smile vanished.
An image appeared in her mind of a house and a number, and then a street sign came up outside a circle of large homes. Another image came to her of Molly and a much younger man. Gaz removed it just in time, as the last shot contained a frame of Molly's frightened face.
Gaz's skin turned even paler, making her child-like face worn. She looked disoriented, but her features remained hard, never taking her eyes off the old man.
He moved his eyes away, finally giving in to his weakness. Gaz could beat all in a staring match.
She had almost forgotten about Zim and Dib, as she looked over.
Dib was still shocked and speechless, but Zim's eyes were fixed on something else. The very same thing as her. Of that much she was certain.
His expression was unreadable.
Gaz sensed a white hotness rising inside of Zim, and then she saw his PAK's compartments opening out, as the tips of his spider legs emerged. The alien crouched like he was about to take a leap, and the next thing she knew, she was on the floor, tackling him by the legs. She got to him in the nick of time.
Dib stared as Zim writhed from his sister's hold. She may be strong, but she won't be able to keep it up for long.
"Don't just stand there. Do something!"
"W-what?" he muttered.
"Help me restrain him! Use your alien-catching thing. Quick!"
"I don't have..." Dib felt his suit, "wait, my bag!"
He ran behind the bush where he left his bag. The food had been stolen by a teeny, tiny dog, but there they were, his Alien Sleep Cuffs. It was a good job he brought them after all, thinking he may have gotten lucky with capturing Zim too. He grabbed them instantly, and ran over to his sister.
He slipped them on Zim's wrists, and watched as his alien convulsed with a strange current. Next, he passed out, and then those primitive sounds ceased from his jaws.
Dib had replaced the last pair since they were vaporized by Zim's garden gnomes, so now they were a slightly updated version — Alien Sleep Cuffs 2.0. It was great to see they actually worked, like they said they would in the magazine, but obviously, Dib knew he couldn't take Zim with Gaz around. She seemed as determined and adamant as Zim in this whole endeavour. Why she even cared was a mystery to Dib. His sister was a heartless banshee for all he knew.
"What do we do now?" he asked.
"Go back to his place. What else is there?"
"What exactly happened, Gaz? What mess have you gotten yourself into now?"
"It's not a mess! Whether you believe me or not, Dib, I actually wanted to help Zim. I don't know why, but I did. And guess what? You're going to help too!"
Dib turned to the playground, and there he saw the elderly man. It looked as if he was there watching over his grandchild, but then everything fell in place in his giant head.
"Is... is that—?"
"Yeah, and stop looking! We need to act natural, even if we're carrying an unconscious alien out of here. We can't let him know that we know who he is."
Dib looked around. "Everyone's looking at us."
"So, people pass out all the time, Dib."
"Maybe someone called an ambulance."
"Then let's move out, now!"
Gaz lifted Zim from underneath the shoulders. "Aren't you going to help me? I can't do this alone!"
"All right, don't bite my head off!"
"Your head isn't delicious enough anyway, Dib."
Dib didn't say a word to that. He walked over to Zim and lifted his legs. "This looks suspicious, as if we did this to him."
"Well we did, but for his own good. And why don't you just forget about everyone else? You must be used to standing out like a freak by now."
"Hey, that hurt!"
"Not as much as my fist will when it hits your face. Now hurry up. I'm growing tired of this park myself. I can see where Zim was coming from."
"Yeah, because you two are just so close now, aren't you?"
Gaz glared at him.
"Sorry, but I'll admit that I'm a little jealous. You never help me!"
Gaz rolled her eyes over the stupidness of his words. Jealous? What weakness.
So they carried the Irken away with surprisingly good strength, but mostly on Gaz's side. They passed Belle sitting on the bench, who looked really concerned for Zim.
"Is he okay? What happened? All I heard was this horrible snarl, and then there he was on the ground."
"He's fine. He was just so love-sick in your presence that it made him pass out. That snarling is just how he expresses affection," Gaz said.
"Oh..." Belle looked disturbed. "Just take him home to bed now, okay, so he can recover from his um... love-sick trauma."
Sure thing, big boobs," Gaz quipped.
"And while you're at it, put a jacket on," Dib said. "Your exposed cleavage almost made me hit puberty, and believe me, I don't need that kind of distraction yet. I have too many paranormal studies to think about."
Belle covered her chest, turning red. "Well, thank you for the advice."
Gaz heard a man laughing, and looked up to see Robert beside Belle. He noticed her too, surprised she could see him.
"You too?" he asked.
"Yeah, and don't worry about my brother. He'd never have a chance with your girlfriend, anyway."
Dib and Belle looked at her confused.
"Who are you talking to? And hey!" Dib pestered in his annoying fashion. Gaz ignored him.
"I'm not worried," Robert said, "but thanks, anyway."
"Always here to help, because that's what I do now. Help."
"Who are you talking—?"
"It's nothing, now keep up. We can get there sooner if you stop dragging your feet."
"Hey, he's heavy!"
"Pfft, for you..."
Dib grumbled as they continued on to Zim's house.
...
The gnomes tried to stop their entry into the path upon arrival, but they verified the unconscious life form as Zim, and resumed their positions. Dib looked at them smugly, but then the closest to the house zapped him with a tiny beam, burning a hole through his camouflaged suit.
Gaz kicked the door open, and then they walked inside and tossed Zim on the couch like old rubbish. Dib had to catch his breath, but Gaz was as good as ever, without a trace of sweat to show for her efforts.
"Never ask me to do that again. Zim could do with losing a few pounds!"
"Oh, quit your whining. We're here now. Where's that robot?"
"Which one? He has a few."
"The one that looks like a tin can."
"... They all do!"
Gaz growled, "GIR!" she yelled.
"Why didn't you just say his name in the first place?"
"GIR!" she yelled again. She waited, but the robot never showed.
"Oh well, we could just talk to his miserable computer instead. Hey, you, Zim's stupid house. We have a special delivery."
Silence only greeted them.
"Where is everyone?" Dib asked. "His fake parents aren't even around."
Gaz continued. "Hey, I'm talking to you! There was a little mishap at the park, but everything's fine now. We brought him back."
"Let's just go home, no one's here."
"No, we need to be here when Zim wakes up. There's no telling what he'll go and do."
"So, he would only blow his own cover in the process. Not a bad idea, if you ask me."
"What would be the point if it's not you who has exposed him? I always thought that was what you wanted?"
"Fine, call the house's brain again."
"No, I have a better idea. Molly! Where are you?"
"Molly? You're calling the ghost?!"
"Shut up. Molly! Come here, I need you!"
"I can't believe it. You're as delusional as Zim now. What help would that ghost be?"
"Well, have you got any better ideas? She has a certain power over him. He's like a different alien around her. He's almost... protective. I bet she would talk some sense into him."
"You haven't fallen for all that crap have you? Zim just pretends to care about that ghost. I know how his head works. He's trying to gain sympathy."
"Why would he do that?"
Dib stopped a moment. "I don't know, but he is. He doesn't care. He just wants the ghost out of his life so he can go back to doing his evil schemes."
"I'm not so sure, he's really different around her. Like a tamed animal."
Dib face-palmed.
"Believe what you want, but we need to make sure that the first thing Zim doesn't do when he wakes is go after that guy! Molly can talk some sense into him with her sweetness."
"Sweetness? You talk as if you see her too. Have you?"
Gaz ignored him and called Molly again.
Dib watched her very carefully. The paranormal cogs of his mind were turning. There was something mysterious and unknown about her, so he watched her more curiously than ever.
…
Meanwhile...
Molly was sat at a small desk beside the computer. He continued with his work as usual, finding it a challenge since Molly liked to talk, a lot, about cute, fluffy things. He spent the last half hour talking about 'ducklings', and how cute they were when they hatch and think you're their mother...
He often spoke to her around the house as a voice and nothing more, but he had a deadline to meet and was pushing it lately. This comic wasn't going to draw itself.
He gave her some paper and wax crayons (why he even had crayons was a mystery, since he was a professional artist). It kept her occupied for a while.
It was at that moment that she decided to speak again. "Hey, computer, look at this." She held up her picture for him to see.
He grumbled inside, thinking he finally understood why he put all those kids in his comics through pain, and looked up at her as graciously as he could. His smile was too forced, and quite frankly, a little creepy.
"Wow... what is it?" he said.
"It's a rainbow, see? They're all my favorite colors like I told you. This line is pink, and this line is blue, and this line is green, and this line is yellow!"
"Of course. What are those blob things?"
"That's me, you, Zim, GIR and Minimoose!"
"Oh, how could I have not realized..."
"Can I see what you're drawing now?"
"No. I already told you; they are not for your eyes."
Molly folded her arms and pouted. "I'm bored. You're more fun when you're just a voice inside Zim's house."
"That was a little harsh, but you are right. I am better off as a soulless voice."
"Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"I'll be fine. Zim hasn't bothered us for hours, so I'm feeling rather pleased today. The only pleasure I ever feel is when I don't hear that horrible, nasally voice..."
"Well, you should be happier. Start drawing rainbows and kittens! That always makes me happy."
"Despite all odds, you still retain some child-like innocence about you. And for that, I am grateful."
"Thank you. You're really nice, computer."
Something resembling a smile came to the computer's face. He flickered, disappearing a moment, but then he restored once again. Now his image seemed fuller and brighter than before, as if something sparked inside.
A voice rang out throughout the room, and Molly looked at the computer startled. He studied the sound, and gave a sigh.
"Just when I was actually starting to enjoy myself..."
"Molly!" the voice sounded again.
"Is that Gaz?" Molly asked.
The computer's drawings vanished, and in their place was a buttoned panel. A monitor appeared above their heads with an image of Zim's living room.
"It looks like we have visitors," the computer observed, indifferently.
"Why is Gaz calling me?"
"I don't know, but that green lump on the couch looks an awful lot like Zim. He must be unconscious."
"Oh no. Will he be okay?"
"Yeah, probably. We'll never be rid of him."
"I must go and see what's wrong. Poor Zim."
"But not poor enough..."
"Wait, who is that boy?" Molly pointed at the screen.
"That's Dib. He breaks in all the time. I always liked him."
"I don't think I trust him. Zim says he's bad and is trying to capture me."
"Dib is obsessive and misunderstood, but not bad."
"Molly!" Gaz called again.
"I need to get out of here. Zim needs me."
"Well if you could get inside, then I'm sure you could get out all the same."
Molly stood and walked over to the computer. "Here, have my picture to make you happy."
The computer took the picture. He stared at it a moment, and said, "I'm feeling something. Could this be... happiness?"
"Does your belly feel all warm and fluffy inside?"
"Yes, it does. How could this simple picture make me... happy?"
"Because of the person who gave it to you, duh. I make you happy!"
"Thank you, Molly, for being the first to ever show me kindness. Zim could learn a lot from you."
"You're welcome, computer. I... I should go now."
Molly walked away, but then she stopped as if she forgot something. She approached the computer again, and gave him a hug. The computer felt the fluffy warmth rising to his chest, and then a more prominent smile appeared on his face.
"Goodbye, computer," she chirped, skipping away.
When the computer turned around, Molly had left. A sharp pang replaced the fluffiness, but he looked at her picture again, and his smile reached his cheeks.
"She's so cute..." he said before he could stop himself. "Did I really just say that?"
There was a slight adjustment to the computer's programming from that moment on, full of kittens and colourful rainbows. He placed Molly's picture above his desk so he could see it always, and continued with his work.
…
Gaz had shouted Molly at least a dozen times, and Dib was getting really impatient. He was about to snap until Gaz flinched. She almost never bats an eyelid, but something startled her.
"There you are!" she exclaimed to no one.
He continued to watch Gaz. He knew something was up with her, and he was determined to find out.
"What happened to Zim?" Molly ran over to the couch and patted his forehead. "Did he do this?" She pointed her finger at Dib.
"No, we both did. We had to. Zim was going to really hurt someone, so we had to stop him. You're not mad, are you?"
Dib found Gaz's concerning manner strange. She almost sounded guilty.
"Who exactly is there, Gaz? Just tell me what is going on!"
Gaz sighed. "Fine, but I didn't want to tell you because you're weird and you'll get all excited about it. I see Molly too."
"What? Since when?!"
"Since the other day, but that's not all..."
"There's more?"
"I can also see events before they happen, or after."
Dib's chin hung loose. "You... you mean you're a p-prophet?"
"Yeah... If you utter a word to dad, I swear I'll—"
"I... this..." Dib finally exploded. "It's just not fair! You don't even like ghosts or the paranormal!"
Gaz looked at Molly. "Don't pay any attention to him. Just try to wake Zim. We're afraid he might hurt someone, but I know you'll be able to help."
"What did he do?"
"You mean what he didn't do. I stopped him in time."
Gaz studied her, seeing how vulnerable she truly was. The ghost looked up at her with such trust, Gaz couldn't bring herself to say the next thing on her mind. But she had to hear it.
"We saw him again. I have his house, street and everything now."
Molly's eyes widened in fear, and then she grabbed a hold of Zim. She started to whimper, shaking the alien, but he didn't stir.
"You know where the guy lives, just by looking at him?"
"Dib, shut up!"
"He's come back for me, he's going to hurt me again!" Molly screamed.
Even Dib felt the energy change in the room at that moment. The whole house seemed to shake. Gaz approached Molly and tried to console her. Again, Dib was shocked to see her display such behaviour.
"Don't be scared. You have nothing to fear anymore."
Molly held onto Gaz and gripped her tight. Gaz held her too. Apparently, she had a caring nature after all, but Dib was just so annoying and obnoxious, he brought out the worst in her.
Dib was still shocked by Gaz's revelation to take much notice, but it was strange seeing his sister hug air.
He looked at Zim on the couch, and wondered whether now was the right time. Zim was restrained and far gone, and Gaz had her back to him. He could finally try to capture the ghost.
He dug inside his bag for his ectoplasm net, which was used for capturing spirits. He was going to stick to his word at first, but then the circumstances changed in his favour. Dib couldn't miss an opportunity like this, though he would have Gaz to face after he catches the ghost. He did have an ordinary net in his bag; he could restrain Gaz too.
He pulled the net out. It glowed with a soft light, enticing Dib to give in to temptation. It was his duty to capture all monsters. He had to for the sake of mankind, but mostly for himself. He had to think about what was best for his career, if he ever wanted to be someone one day.
As he watched Gaz's reflection in the screen of the TV, his eyes detected a small shape. He saw it take form and materialise into a little girl in a pink dress. Gaz was holding onto air before, but in the reflected world of the screen, there she was, Molly. A small girl like any other he'd seen.
Dib felt the gooseflesh prickle his skin, up and down his arms, and behind his neck, but then he saw her face. She looked so scared and lost.
He turned around, and he almost saw it, a transparent figure in Gaz's arms, but then it vanished. Disappointed, he looked back at the screen again. Molly was staring right at him. Cool wind brushed against his neck.
She smiled at him shyly. Dib was frozen, but then a twitch of a smile curved his mouth up. An actual ghost was right there, looking at him...
She waved at him. He waved back.
Dib looked at his net again, and shoved it back in the bag. What was the point? He would be doing the right thing in letting go. A little girl needs help.
He stood up and faced Gaz again. He still couldn't see Molly, but he could feel her presence, and it made him glad, though he was a little jealous of his sister. Even she gets to see the ghost.
"Dib, take those cuffs off Zim. They're upsetting her."
"... All right."
He walked carefully around the room, making an attempt not to walk into Molly, and reached Zim's side. Unknowingly, he stood right next to the ghost. He leaned over and removed the cuffs. They were harder to get off than they were to put on.
Zim lay as still as stone. His mouth gaped open while his tongue lolled to one side. Dib thought he wasn't breathing at first, but then the rising of his chest was evident. Dib noticed how relieved he was to see he was alive. One thing at a time now; he already gave up his devious plan.
"How long will he be out for?" Gaz asked.
"I'm not so sure. It could take up to twenty-four hours, or longer. I never really paid attention when I bought the cuffs."
"Well how can we revive him?"
Dib said nothing, and glanced at Molly on his left. He couldn't see her, but he could feel her there watching him. He was surprised by how settled he was with that.
Gaz looked at Molly. "Well, go and work your magic."
Molly met her gaze. "Okay. I'll try."
She approached the alien.
"I think I almost heard her say that," Dib said.
"Dib, get your spare net out, and I don't mean your ectoplasm net."
Dib scratched the back of his neck. "You knew about that?"
"I'm not stupid. We'll need the other in case Zim turns... well, you saw him before. I don't know how effective Molly will be."
Dib's face turned white at the memory of Zim, wild and ferocious, and he nodded silently. "Yeah, sure..." He went to grab his spare net.
Molly stood over Zim's sleeping form. He looked so peaceful and very cute, she thought. She reached her hand and touched his face. The warmth of his skin burnt her hand slightly, but she remained calm, and tried her best to wake him. She knew he would still be mad over seeing him again.
"Zim, wake up. Gaz told me he came back. I'm really scared..."
The alien didn't stir.
"Zim, why aren't you waking? I can't face him alone. We're a team, remember?"
He still wouldn't wake. Molly was furious. "Wake up, you stupid brain! We need to stop him like you said. Then I can go to heaven with all the other angels..."
She looked down and sighed. It was no use.
"He won't wake up," she said, defeated. "My powers aren't good enough."
"I don't know about that. Yell at him again. I think he stirred a little. You're just being too soft with him. He is a soldier, so he's used to being screamed at."
Molly tried again. "Zim, wake up! If you don't then... then I won't be your friend no more."
"No, you don't have to be petty, just yell. It's called tough love, honey!"
"I can't, he looks so cute..."
"Oh brother," Gaz said. "I have to do everything, don't I? Drop down and give me twenty, you worthless swine!" Gaz screamed at Zim.
The alien jumped up in no time, and got down on the floor. "I'm awake, I'm awake!" he yelled.
"Worthless swine?" Did asked.
"I only speak the truth, Dib..."
"Zim, you're okay!" Molly squealed, gripping onto Zim during his tenth press up, as if he may blow away.
"What? Where am I? How did I get inside my base?" he asked.
He stood up and didn't bother with the rest of his press-ups, then ripped Molly off his side.
"We had a little problem at the park. You were about to kill a man," Gaz told him.
Zim's eyes widened. "Of course! It's all coming back to me. Oh, he was such a fool to show his face again. I must go immediately, and exact my revenge! Molly, come."
Molly looked at Gaz frightened.
"I got his home address, Zim, so you don't need to bother. If you're going to hunt him down, do it in the dead of night. The park is a little populated right now. You'll only do something you'll regret."
Zim had opened the door by this point, leaving it ajar. His muscles relaxed, as he turned to Gaz.
"You're right. I was lucky you were there. Thank you, Gaz-human, for stopping me. You have shown true strength of character. Though I wish I could say the same for your brother." Zim gave Dib a sideways glance.
"I couldn't have done it without him. Dib played his part too. They are his handcuffs."
Dib looked at his sister shocked once again. "Thank you, Gaz. That's really nice of you to say."
"Like I said, I only speak the truth."
Zim approached the couch and picked up the cuffs. "So, you were finally able to utilize these pretty things after all, Dib. How did it make you feel?"
"If I'm going to be honest: victorious! I told you they'd work!"
Zim remained impartial as he scrutinized the boy. In truth, he was seething inside, as his heart raced. He was trying to keep his calm, and doing a good job of it. Maybe he needed that black out.
So they finally got what they were looking for... if Gaz's words held true.
Zim approached the scary girl and looked her straight in the eye. "Well, I guess it is time. What did you see, Gaz? I assume he already knows of your powers." Zim indicated a hand at Dib.
Dib again felt that wave of jealously, since it was something they kept between themselves.
"His house, at least I think it was. It could have been an old address, so don't get your hopes up."
Zim breathed in and out, slowly, and counted to ten. "Very well, but it's still worth trying. What are you waiting for? Tell Zim what you saw."
Gaz peered over at Molly, who gazed up at her wide-eyed. Zim flowed her eyes.
"You needn't worry about her. It's all in her best interest. She's going to have to come to terms with her demons sometime."
"All right. His house number was 333, and the street was called Cadence Close."
"I've never heard of a Cadence Close. You sure it's local?" Dib asked.
"No. I think it's in a rich district at the edge of the city. All the homes were big with huge gardens and secured gates. He's obviously made a life for himself. He even had one of dad's electric generators around the house. If this is his place, Zim, then you've really got your work cut out."
Zim looked out the window, watching the darkening sky. He catalogued the details of Gaz's words in his PAK's memory storage.
If his house was heavily guarded, then Zim had to think of some special tactic. He didn't think he'd succeed in bringing Molly along, but he had to try. Ghosts could walk through walls after all...
Since his arrival in the base, Zim smiled for the first time. But it wasn't a happy, genuine kind, but one which was cruel and bared all his teeth. Then he felt it, his desire for destruction growing inside. Now was the time. Not another moment must be spared.
He started to laugh in his maniacal fashion, as tears streamed from his eyes. He even frightened Molly, who hid behind Gaz.
"What's wrong with him? He's scaring me," she squeaked.
Gaz grunted in annoyance. "Zim, stop it. You're overdoing it."
Zim stopped suddenly, and faced Gaz. He had taken his contacts out and pulled his wig off, so now his features were even more terrifying.
"I think it's time you both left. Now that I have everything I need, I no longer require your assistance. Please make your way out the door." His voice was so calm. It was disturbing.
"What?!" Dib and Gaz shouted together.
"You heard me, now be gone! I have more important things to attend to. Hurry, the longer I waste time here, then the longer I'm prevented from enacting my revenge!"
"So that's it?" Gaz said. "Now that you've got what you need from me, you're just going to throw me out? I thought we were a team. I sacrificed a lot of gaming hours for you!"
"How far did you think our journey in this would last, Gaz? It's like I told you last night, you're just a child. I won't allow either of you to come along on this dangerous mission."
Dib looked at him disgusted. "Are you kidding me? Since when did you start caring about our safety? We're old enough to take care of ourselves!"
"No you're not. Both of you are mere children with years ahead of you."
"Well our dad would disagree. He thinks we're old enough. He leaves the house to us all the time!"
"Well, your dad, the famous Earth scientist, could benefit from proper parenting techniques. He may have taught you independence, but there's a difference between that and leaving your children for days and weeks on end. Monsters like that thing in the park prey upon abandoned children like you."
"You take that back! Our dad doesn't abandon us!"
"No, he just puts his career before either of you. Some people aren't meant to be parents."
"And what would you know about being a parent? Your species can't even produce offspring."
"Will you stop turning everything I say against my species, Dib. It's not even about me or the rest of my kind anymore. It's about you, Gaz, Molly and finding that killer!"
"Why are you so concerned about me and Gaz?"
"Because I couldn't bring myself to see either of you hurt! You're the only people on this planet I have close to friends."
Dib fell silent, as Zim's words echoed through the room. All three looked awkward, including Molly, who didn't even know what was happening. Everyone just started yelling, so she covered her ears.
"You're just children in my eyes," Zim finally said. "You both need to realize that. I know I disguised myself as an Earth smeet, but that was due to my size. I needed to blend in with your age group to learn about your planet. That's why I enrolled at the skool."
Dib's face looked shamed and slightly touched, but he was still uncomfortable. Gaz too had a similar expression.
"I'll admit, at times I do feel as if I'm speaking with two adults. And I get so carried away with pretending to be an Earth child that I sometimes forget we're not the same age. You're both very precocious, but you're still just … smeets."
Dib looked up at Zim. The only thing he could bring himself to say was, "How old are you, anyway? And I don't mean how many years you've lived, just give me an example of your age. Like how one year is worth seven for a dog. What is being five-hundred equal to in Earth years?"
Zim watched him strangely, and tried to think of a rough answer. "I couldn't tell you. Irkens age differently to humans. We reach maturity and seem to stay that way until we die. Many of us die considerably young, since we're a military-based society. The best fit for a human age group for me would probably be college. I'm still considered a young adult."
"So, you're nineteen? That's not too old."
"It's roughly my age, though I could be slightly younger or older. You're just thinking from a human perspective. Like I've said, Irkens age differently. We become adults very early in life. There, has that answered your question?"
"No, not really. I'm sorry I asked."
"Well, there's not much more I can say. I guess I've grown accustomed to you both. And the irony is that I dream to conquer your ball of filth one day. At least, I think I still do. I'm just so confused lately, I'm not myself." Zim rubbed his temples.
Dib's eyes widened. "You've actually reconsidered taking over the planet?!"
Zim glared at him as if he was deaf or stupid.
"I guess there's hope for you yet. Though you're still an alien, nothing will change that."
Zim sighed through gritted teeth. "I don't need to explain anymore, but I would like you to leave my house. I need to prepare for tonight's mission. I'm finally going to do it. I'm going to face Molly's murderer."
The siblings watched him closely. His words scared Molly, and once again she looked to Gaz for support. She never met her gaze.
"Come on, Dib, let's go. I guess we've fulfilled our purposes."
The scary girl left without waiting for Dib. She gave Molly one last glance, and turned to Zim.
"Whatever you do, Zim, think about Molly. Don't make her do anything she doesn't want to."
"I've practically been babysitting the child this entire time, so I think I know how to handle her."
Gaz sharpened her eyes, but not in a hateful manner. She had gained some mutual respect for Zim. Now she left through the door with only one thing on her mind — pizza.
Dib followed suite, as he lingered at the door.
"My offer still goes, right? I can take her picture after all this is over?"
Zim never muttered a word as he only glared. Dib seemed to understand the sentiment.
"I know, now isn't the time. Just making sure." Dib looked around the room. "Bye, Molly. I hope I get to see you one day." He finally left.
Molly waved after the door, deciding that Dib wasn't so bad. Then it was just her and Zim.
He finally faced her. She looked up expectantly, and a little nervous.
"Are you ready for the battle of a lifetime?" he asked.
She didn't seem to understand. "No, I don't think so..."
"I'm not going to be sweet with you, Molly, but I'm asking, no, telling you straight. You are to accompany me on tonight's mission."
"Where are we—?"
"I think you know well enough where I plan to go. Don't play stupid with me. This is for your benefit, though I do crave privacy at the end of this. Helping you move on will help me."
"I don't want to go. I'm too scared."
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop being afraid of him? You're already dead, so what else could he do to you?"
Molly's face scrunched up as tears filled her eyes.
"Stop crying. I need you to be brave, and get over your fears. If you continue to resist, then I will have to resort to drastic measures to bring you along. I can't do this without you."
"I can't go. Please don't make me see him again, Zim."
"You have to. Are you really going to let him have the last laugh? Don't you want to avenge yourself and see him suffer?"
"No, I just want to go home and be with my family again. I miss them so much."
"So you've never really craved revenge?"
She nodded her head and continued to sniffle.
"Of course, children don't know how to hate, just love. Stupid love ruins everything!"
"You're wrong, love helped you help me."
Zim stared at her. "I do not love..."
"Yeah you do. I felt your heart. I know you can."
Zim's face turned hot and embarrassed. He hated that she was right.
"I know you're scary and mean sometimes, but I was scary too, and I know you can't help it. But you made me beautiful, and I made you beautiful too. You're the nicest alien I've ever met."
"I'm the only alien you've met." Zim shook his head. "We should go. It's getting dark. I plan to attack before midnight."
"Okay. I will come. I have you to protect me now, so I'm not afraid anymore."
"And you promise to stay brave?"
"Yeah, I can be brave for you, Zim."
"Excellent. Now let us make haste and begin our mission." He led her away.
"Oh, I almost forget. Have you ever wanted to fly in an alien spaceship?"
Molly's eyes lit up. "You have a spaceship?"
"Well, how else do you think I came to this planet?"
"By space bus?"
"No, Molly, not by space bus..."
They went off to prepare for tonight's mission. What the night would bring had yet to be confirmed. Zim was a little scared himself, but he would never admit to that in a zillion light-years.
After they left, GIR and Minimoose walked into the house. They had spent the day at the fun fair, and Minimoose seemed really exhausted. But GIR was as vibrant as ever, jumping all over the couch. It was only then that he caught a familiar scent.
"Wait, I smell Mary!" GIR sniffed at the floor with the nose of his dog suit.
"Squeak?" Minimoose said.
"Because Mary is his name, stupid moosey."
Minimoose's eyes closed over, and he flew away shaking his antlers.
"Gazzy was here too. They had a tea party without us!"
By now, the moose had already gone down into the lab, leaving GIR by himself. Let's just hope he doesn't sniff out Zim's plan, and cry to be a part of it too.
The last thing they need is GIR ruining everything.
A/N: If you're confused about the sentence involving Torque and his sister, it's just a reference to another fanfic of mine. I'm not going to advertise, because that's basically what I did. Shameful. I never intend for my fanfics to share the same universe, but I guess this time around they do. Torque is just so horrible to Zim; he needs to respect him more.
Update: I write meanwhile whenever we enter the computer's world, in reference to Jhonen's Meanwhile Comics.
Thank you for reading. I just have a question: how do you picture this story in your head? Is it like a cartoon, or in the style of Jhonen? When I write it tends to be live-action (update: though now as I have gotten into a lot of anime lately, I like to re-imagine it that way too). I also picture other fanfics I read in live-action too, even when I know the author intends for it to be a cartoon, as they draw comics for their stories (I tend to read the stories first and comics after.) The canon characters are hard to re-imagine in real life, but Molly, Belle and Robert are easy. Though you can personally picture it any way you want. I actually wanted to know for ages how everyone sees what I write. I think's it's amazing how different everyone's imagination is.
Till my next update.
Toodles!