Clairvoyance

by TheCartoonPrincess

Zim's PAK breaks down one fateful Earth-day which he successfully repairs. His PAK now improved, he sees the world with a new set of eyes. But now he can see people who aren't really there, and who is this little girl following him? Zim learns the truth about... Now complete. Contains characters from Jhonen's comics — though later on in the story.

17. Unfinished Business

A/N: Hello again! It's only been a week. Like I said, I'll be uploading often now. This is more of a Zim-based chapter (so no more maniacs will be making an appearance... yet).

I had to rewrite this chapter, because I lost the original. It was awful. I cried, I truly did. But it's a good job I remembered what I'd written. I should warn you that this chapter is very long. Five thousand words longer than the original I had, and not including author's notes. How does that even happen?

This is the last chapter in Zim's journey, which you will see after you've read it. Though, of course, he still comes into later chapters, regularly, but the lead role may be switched with other characters.

The rest of the chapters that come after this are 'extra'. I was originally going to end this story with Molly going to heaven, and then Zim moving on and helping other ghosts he saw. But I had to write more, only because Molly's departure was too quick, and having her leave with... with that maniac would be too much for Zim. I don't think you could move on from something like that; you couldn't find true peace. He would still have some uncertainty, and want to see her again.

I know it may seem superfluous to extend the story a bit further, but I'm a writer, and I write...

Update: a part of me now thinks I should have just ended it here. We saw Molly go off to heaven, regardless if her escort was a maniac. We, as an author and readers, know she is happy. We're the objective view point. True, Zim wouldn't get the closure he needs, but isn't that what real life is all about? When someone we love dies, we feel like there was so much more we could have said to them. I don't know. It was fun to write anyway. Many authors have regrets about their stories anyway. I'm not alone (JK Rowling regrets not marrying off Harry and Hermione, which is good news for all you Harry/Hermione shippers).

Disclaimer: Once upon a time there was a fanfiction princess who did not own a cartoon called Invader Zim. That work belonged to a King called Jhonen. That princess has yet to own her own kingdom, but the King already has his... You get the gist?

---

...

Zim returned home from Elizabeth's house with many bruises. Little Molly II was rough. She was a kicker, biter and scratcher. That sweet façade was a perfect guise for such a brutish child.

Why couldn't she be more like her aunt? Gentle, loving, and downright more ladylike.

Molly II was something of a tomboy in that matter. She hated dresses, and loved playing in the mud.

At one point during their innocent, childish games, she pulled out an Earth worm from the ground, and chased Zim all over the yard. When she finally caught up with him, she tackled him to the floor, and put it in his mouth. The Irken wasn't too pleased about that.

His wig nearly came off his head at another point, but he recovered it in time. There were too many human eyes for his liking; they all would have seen his true Irken form.

Molly's oldest cousin—a twenty-year-old college student—had joined their fun, delightful games.

He would chase the girl around the yard, pretending to be a giant monster, but she would attack him too. Zim could see the pain in his eyes when that tiny little girl digged her fists into his chest.

He would mock her and tell her it didn't hurt, but he did flinch a few times; he had to keep his cool, since his girlfriend was watching. That was until she kicked him in the nether region.

But all was well. He managed to see the funny side, after the pain subsided. She was young and cute enough; no one could stay mad at her for long.

She may have been brutal in nature, but she was very loving and protective of her baby brother. Zim had been doomed with the task of baby-sitting duties, just before the tot was ready for bed.

He didn't ask to hold the baby, since Molly just threw the chubby thing into his arms, even before the Irken could protest.

The baby stared up at him, like they all do... Zim was certain it knew of his true identity, but the longer he gazed into the infant's eyes, a warm sensation grew inside his chest, settling on his heart like a mollusc to a sea rock.

Next, the tot smiled up at him with that gummy smile, babbling away. That one tooth poking out was adorable. How could something 'toothless' be adorable?

Just as Zim was about to realise that maybe not all Earth babies are the germ-infested hotspots they all seemingly were, the babe spat up all over him, leaving a milky, white stain on his Irken uniform.

The smell of sour milk reached his nostrils, and he held the baby out to whoever would take it. He put a gloved hand over his mouth to stop the vomit. It was a false alarm. All that came was a disgusting vomit burp, leaving that delightful taste as a reminder of what could have been...

"Note to self," he thought, "never take up Earth resident job of child care duties!"

Little Molly, of course, found this hilarious, shouting and pointing at the alien. "Hey, everyone, look at Zim!"

Zim's eyes burnt a deep, crimson red as he watched the little brat laughing at his pain. She was so unaware of the things he could do to make her stop... That filthy, rotten child; how dare she jeer and mock him.

He tried to tell himself that this was Molly senior's sweet baby niece, but it was hard. Then to his surprise, he actually started to find the situation funny himself, and he laughed psychotically. He didn't stay for long after that, mostly because the humans grew suspicious.

One thing's for certain though; Zim knew he would be seeing more of Molly II. He just couldn't keep away, despite the fact she had her own, unique charm. She may be like Molly in appearance, but in personality far from it.

Zim had learnt that monsters were lurking all over this planet, and bore fool-proof disguises. So he had to stay around for little Molly. He may not have been able to spare Molly senior her suffering, but he could spare this little girl hers. It was the right thing to do. Molly would want for him to protect her niece.

Though he may have taken it too far when he left through the door that evening, when the little boy who lives next door to Elizabeth, and has a crush on Molly, said "hello" (Zim is becoming the obsessive 'dad' type).

Now he stood alone in his living room, staring into the empty space between his kitchen doorway. He knew it was pointless. Molly was never coming back. The thought gripped his heart as always, bringing that overwhelming feeling of despair again.

He had to acknowledge the fact that she was finally happy, and found her peace. Zim didn't know how, but he did sense the relief once Molly entered the hereafter. Their emotions had been tied for so long, but he knew that was the last, final connection he would ever have with her.

That afterlife of hers may as well have been light-years from Earth, or Irk. Space was forever expanding, but it would never reach that world of Molly's, no matter how long it lasts... He may have even contemplated going out in his Voot, and looking all over the universe for her.

It was an awful feeling, realising he would never see her again. Not in this life, anyhow. She had been a big part of his life for the last few months, but it felt much longer, like he had known her always... Maybe they were friends in a past life?

She truly made him feel at home on this planet. There were times he would get homesick; he'd look in his telescope, and stare at a small point of light that he knew marked his home galaxy. It could never compare to Molly's departure. She had become his new familiar — his new home.

Zim assumed she'd left in safe enough hands. It was hard for him to trust that spooky apparition; he didn't have that trustworthy charm with that creepy, insane demeanour. And those glowing eyes just screamed "look at me! I'm all crazy and stuff!" Zim would know, of course.

Now he had to think his priorities through. There were still other ghosts he could help out there.

Finally, after much crying and hoping for something that would never be a part of his life again, he entered the kitchen.

Every time he walked through the threshold, he couldn't help but think he was entering that world beyond. But he always ended up in his boring, old kitchen again, to find GIR feeding waffles to Nick. Wait... Nick? Where had that boy been this entire time?!

"Neural experiment number two thirty..." Zim stopped, shaking his head, "Nick?"

The boy looked up, smiling theatrically. That happiness probe pulsated once again.

"Just playing the part, yep! As the happy, grinning fool that I am!"

"GIR, where did you find him?"

"I don't know..." the bot said, "but it was dark, very dark, and there were strange noises."

He gave a shiver, and then forced another waffle into Nick's mouth.

Zim saw that single tear falling from the boy's eye. Had he been crying this entire time behind that mask of a smile? And had Zim only just noticed? Wow, ignorant much...

A flash shot across the Irken's eyes as he watched the two eating breakfast. Next, he leaped up onto the table, grabbed the boy's head, and then pulled out that happiness probe, like when King Arthur pulled out Excalibur from the stone. There may have even been a heavenly choir playing in the background...

The boy sat in stunned silence. GIR's jaws popped open, releasing the contents of his mouth back onto the plate.

"Oh my... what an interesting turn of events."

The boy started screaming, spitting waffle mix, and who knows what else, all over the table.

"Aw, you broke him," GIR said.

"Huh, yeah, I probably should have sedated him first. Happy probe removal usually requires a delicate operational procedure. Oops."

"Please," the boy cried, "please just let me go home..."

Zim looked at him a moment, and then he made his final decision. "You are."

The boy looked up wide-eyed. "I... I am?"

"Yes. I no longer have use for you in my research."

"Th-thank you..." the boy whispered.

"You are most welcome, my smiley, wafflely chum. Now please excuse what I'm about to do; I can't have you returning to your mother with that huge orifice gaping out of your cranium."

"Orifice?" the boy asked, fearfully.

Zim grabbed a chair, and whacked him across the head. He fell face-first into his plate of waffles.

"Hehe! Do it again!" GIR squealed.

"Seriously, master. There are simpler, more humane ways of sedating the boy."

"Do not question Zim! Besides, computer, I had to knock him out before he noticed that huge hole in his head. I embedded that bad boy pretty deep, huh?" he asked in a macho voice.

The computer answered with silence.

Zim coughed into his fist. "Very well. Onward to the lab! We have to wipe this boy's memory clean, and sew up that hole. He may have strange, alien stitching across his head for the rest of his days, but we can make it work."

The computer reached an arm down from the ceiling, and pushed the boy through a secret opening in the fridge. Now all that remained were Zim and GIR: the dynamic duo together again at last.

"Aw, what am I gonna do with all these waffles?" the bot asked.

Zim watched him curiously, cocking his brow up. Next, GIR tipped the table, and poured all the waffles, plates and cutlery into his gaping jaws.

Zim grunted in disgust, and waved his hand at GIR, sick of the sight of him. Then he went down the toilet.

There were many more subjects that needed seeing to.

...

Zim walked through the automatic doors of his testing room, which brought him that painful yet terrifying memory of his earliest encounter with Molly. It seemed so long ago now. He was a different Irken back then, and Molly was frightening, but he made her cute again.

He approached the hamster cage in the adjacent hall, and there she was, Lisa, sleeping peacefully. He watched her sleeping form, reminiscing in the good times he had with her. But he had to let her go; it was the only way.

The Irken stopped by a freezer a few halls down, and entered a code. The doors opened, wafting cold, icy air all over Zim. He shivered.

He walked into the freezer, hoping that the doors didn't shut on him, and approached the shelf where he stored human Lisa's brain. This was where he also kept his spare Irken hearts, and various other organs.

He had housed Lisa's brain inside a specially designed jar. There was a post-it-note attached, with the words: "Crappy Human Brain Specimen, because the Host was a Vapid Idiot!" It was a bit much, but conveyed whose brain it was.

He grabbed the jar, thankful of his gloves, and left the freezer before he got frost bite. Then he locked the doors, and took the jar back to the main lab.

Once he got there, he grabbed a tranquilizer, and shot a dart at Lisa's flank. The human bolted upright, but then she fell down once again.

Zim entered her filthy, soiled cage, and dragged her out by the legs.

...

Lisa was strapped onto an operating table. There was a prominent stitch below the hairline where the brain re-entered.

Zim had donned his wig and contacts again, while he waited for the effects of the sedative to wear off. GIR sat at the end of the table, chewing poop corn irritably.

Just as Zim was about to snap and tell GIR to chew with his mouth shut, a human groan came across the table.

"Nnnnng…"

"Let me do the talking, GIR," Zim said.

Lisa's brown eyes popped open. "Where... where am I? Who said that?"

"Do not worry; you are in a normal human brain hospital. The pain to your head is the result of a recent, severe head trauma, but you're free to go now!"

Zim released her restraints. She sat up, staring at them back and forth, wondering where the heck she was.

GIR wolf whistled. "Hey, pretty ladeh! Pat mah belly!" He jumped into her lap.

"Ew, get it off, get it off!" she shrieked, pushing the bot off her.

"Oh, don't mind him, he means no harm. He just wuvs his wittle belly wubs," Zim cooed.

Lisa was too preoccupied, patting at her chest frantically, as if something was amiss.

"Wait, you... you removed my implants!" she screamed.

"Um... yeah... They... they exploded. Boom! It was disgusting. We managed to save your brain, though!"

Zim had removed them because he found them distracting.

"S'plody implants go kablam!" GIR shouted.

"What? No! What will I do now with these... " she looked down her top, "these flat, tiny things? I look like a monster, a flat-chested monster! How will I get free drinks at the bar now, and how will I make all the other girls jealous when their boyfriends stare at my chest? Oh, what a cruel, horrible truth!"

Zim sighed, and reloaded his dart gun.

"And how will I get a free pony ride? How will I look hot in the rain when my T-shirt gets wet, exposing my—"

She stopped as Zim aimed for her flank.

"I preferred her as a mouse…" he said.

"Finally, I thought she'd never shut up! So irritating."

"Yes, but despite how shallow, insecure, and downright small-minded she is, computer, we have to rehabilitate her back into the human world. I should have given her a smarter brain... No, it's done now. Brain is back in original host."

"Well you could have kept her as a mouse a while longer, or maybe forever."

"I would be no different to that man I put to justice if I kept this girl locked up. She must have a mother out there worried sick."

"I'd say she was better off..."

"Computer!" Zim scolded. "You watch that vile tone." He couldn't help smiling.

"Well, at least Nick is a nice person. She's the type of character I'd kill off in my comics. Typical idiot of modern-day society…"

"Yeah, I suppose..." Zim said, not paying the slightest attention. "We... we still have all the experimental lab mice, right?"

"Yes, why do you ask such a preposterous question?"

"There may still be hope for the Lisa we know and love. GIR!" Zim shouted.

GIR was licking Lisa's head. "What? I just wanted to see what she tastes like..."

Zim grabbed GIR by the head, and walked towards a chute. It sucked him up to the upper levels, or maybe the dumpster.

"Computer, make sure GIR stays far, far away from our human test subject. I have further business to attend to."

"What further business?"

"Well, we still have mouse Lisa's brain, don't we?"

"You're actually keeping that? It's a useless mouse brain now."

"Hey, Lisa was our beloved pet. I won't have you speak of her useless brain that way!"

"Fine, whatever. Go and find another mouse, remove its brain, and then bring back our beloved Lisa..."

"That's the spirit, computer. I knew you had a virtual heart in there somewhere."

Zim left to replace Lisa's brain into another mouse, thus leaving another mouse without a brain, which contradicts itself.

After that he would set free all the remaining mice, disrupting the ecosystem with his genetically enhanced animals.

...

The base had been contrived, rather crudely, into a doctor's waiting room. Zim and Robodad played the doctors, while Robomom played the receptionist.

Lisa and Nick sat on the couch, staring into the abyss with vapid expressions and matching stitches to the head. Their memories had been wiped clean of their strange, alien encounter.

Zim approached them in a white coat that covered half of his face, holding a clipboard.

"Well, you are finally free to go. We couldn't have asked for pleasanter patients. Goodbye now, and don't forget your five a day!"

The humans rose from the couch, and left through the door and back into civilisation at last.

Lisa seemed to have forgotten about her implants, which was for the best. There was nothing wrong with C-cups.

Zim watched them walking down the street, feeling a warm glow in his squeedlyspooch. A nibbling white mouse sat in the pocket of his lab coat. Lisa lives on...

He sighed, "Nothing quite makes a happy ending, like watching those who have suffered for so long leaving into the sun. So pretty."

He looked up at Robodad.

"Oh, yeah. I forgot I deactivated you two. I do miss your insane antics. Wait, no I don't, you were terrible parents! No one puts Invader Zim in a box!"

His roboparents remained silent.

"Fine, be that way…" he muttered.

He removed his lab coat as Lisa ran up his shoulder. A knock came at the door. Confused, Zim wondered who it could possibly be; he wasn't expecting any visitors.

The knock came again, louder, and Zim cursed this visitor for their impatience. He made a tentative step towards the door, listening to the sounds on the other side. Then another knock sounded, and he jumped out of his skin.

He growled, swinging the door open to reveal none other than Invader Skoodge.

The fat Irken was panting like a dog, leaning over the door frame for support. There were scorch marks all over his uniform from the garden gnomes, but gullible, old Skoodge pulled through, like he always does...

"Skoodge? How did you escape the volcano? My meticulous planning was..." he looked up, smiling nervously. "Oh, my fellow Irken brother, you are alive. Yippee."

Zim's voice just lacked the enthusiasm he was aiming for.

"I... I don't know, but I made it... I made it out alive! Hoohaa!" Skoodge farted, pumping his fists in.

Zim waved the smell away. "How did you even get back here? The Hawaiian Islands are miles away, and not to mention separated by a vast ocean."

"Well, once I escaped the volcano, I made it to the beach, and then a huge wave swept me out to sea. But it's all right; two dolphins rescued me from drowning! They were so cute, but then they turned out to be sharks, and that wasn't good... I don't remember much after that, but I somehow made it back to land and now here I am! So, are you going to let me inside?"

Zim's eyes popped open. "Oh, no, no. The couch is being fumigated. GIR's gas has gotten pretty bad..."

"That's okay. I have gas, too!"

Zim grunted miserably, banging his head against the frame of the door. He finally gave in. "Oh, why not. Come on in, Skoodge."

"Really? We get to be roommates just like before? Yay! Can I live in the basement again?"

"Sure, go ahead..." Zim said, caring less and less.

"Thanks, buddy. I'll never forget this. I've not had an easy time since the Tallest had me banished."

"Yeah, you only conquered Blorch..." Zim watched him leave for the elevator.

A horrible idea came to him next, and no matter how hard he tried to resist, the words escaped.

"Uh... Skoodge?" Zim said.

"Yes, Zim, good ol' pally pal!"

Zim growled, "Don't call me that!"

Skoodge made the sound of a hurt puppy.

"What were you going to say?" he finally asked.

"You... you don't have to live in the basement anymore. Not if you don't want to."

"But... but the upper levels scare me, and GIR is always lurking, waiting to feast on my head. I like the basement; I feel safe down there." He started moving towards the elevator again.

Zim exploded. "No more basement, Skoodge! That's an order! You are to stay on the upper levels from now on!"

"But the Tallest—"

"Never mind the Tallest!" Zim spat, surprised by his hostile tone. He felt he would be struck there and then.

Skoodge held his breath in fear, thinking the Tallest could hear their conversation (in reality, they were playing with their puppet collection, like overgrown smeets).

Zim watched him carefully, wondering what he was about to do or say. Skoodge was frozen, and it almost looked as if he was holding in another fart.

"Don't worry about the Tallest, Skoodge..." Zim finally said. "I doubt they care about where you are now."

"How do you know that?"

"I... I just do..."

"But they hate me. They always have."

"Yeah, well... they hate me too."

All this negative talk of their respected leaders was making Skoodge nervous. It just wasn't natural to speak of them in any other way than positive.

"I think I'll go and sit in the basement for a while. This conversation is making me uncomfortable."

"Skoodge, don't you dare—!"

The chubbster had already ran into the kitchen to go down to his precious basement via toilet route.

"Aaaargh! They're onto us. Every Irken for himself!" he yelled.

Zim left him to it; he was too infuriated by his insubordination to care. Besides, he had other things on his mind now. There were other spirits that needed his seeing to.

He placed Lisa back in her cage, and left through the door.

...

Zim walked that same path from the first morning of his clairvoyant gift. It seemed like eons ago now; such an arrogant, smug thing he was back then.

He walked past the yard with the high fence, and the same dog greeted his presence. It's barking still hurt, but Zim was better able to manage his sonic hearing now.

There was the same street lamp at the corner, and across from there that very house.

He stood next to the lamp and watched the house. He could hear the chatter of those nosey neighbours again, and the sound of rain, but most of all he heard that woman's cry.

For a second he saw the ambulance again, and that human silhouette under the sheet. The memory still brought that spine tingling dread. He had never really seen a dead human, and he remembered how sickened he was by the sight.

It was the elderly woman's cries that remained so etched in his memory. He had no word at the time for that feeling he had. Of course now he knew it was human empathy. The answer to his old questions seemed so simple now. Or maybe it was Irken empathy?

The front door opened, and there was the same lady, wearing a straw, brimmed hat and a pair of gardening gloves. She was at least ten years Elizabeth's junior.

Her husband was right behind her, wearing that night robe as always. Seriously, do ghosts ever change?

She knelt down and started planting flowers. Her ghostly husband gazed down at her, as if she was the only thing in sight.

Zim recited his words, and approached the elderly lady. He stopped by the wall. Her husband still had those empty, soulless eyes, and it pricked at his heart.

All this time he had been helping Molly, while this old man suffered.

She looked up from under the brim of her hat, and produced a charming smile. "Why, hello, sweetie. Is there something I can help you with?"

Again, what was with that word 'sweetie'? There was nothing sweet about him.

"Um... yes, hello. I am Zim, and I... and I..." Words failed him now.

He had been so prepared before. Past experience had rendered him speechless, and quite frankly a little nervous. How would she react?

"Hello, Zim, I am Maggie," she said.

"Huh, yeah... cute name."

He gave a hopeful glance at her husband to see if he'd be the cooperative type, but he only had eyes for his wife.

It incited a burning anger deep inside Zim, since this ghost wouldn't acknowledge his presence. Then that inner ego of his, the one he just couldn't shake off, made an appearance.

"Who does he think he is, ignoring me that way? I will show him. I am Zim!"

"Are you all right? Is there something you need to say?" said the elderly lady.

Her voice brought him back to Earth again.

"Yes, actually. It's about your late husband, ma'am." Zim gazed up at the elderly man. Would he at least look curious?

"Oh... oh my. Well, what is it?" she asked, genuinely concerned now.

"Well, you see... he's standing right next to you..."

Zim had to do it, go straight in for the kill lest he be there all day. He bit his lip.

A series of expressions crossed her face, and Zim knew this was it, where she would reprimand him with a "How dare you pick on a grieving old lady!"

"I know," she said.

Zim's jaws dropped open, as his eyes widened like the full moon. That was not the response he was expecting.

"You... you know?"

"Yes, I know. I know George is still with me. I feel his presence every day."

"Oh... well... well that's something new," Zim said.

"I occasionally catch a glimpse of him, here and there, but only for a moment. When I turn around, he's already gone. But I feel him, I really do. And he helps me out around the house. The other day, I was folding laundry, and the phone rang downstairs, but as soon as I returned, there it was all stacked in a neat pile. Then there was the time I lost my house keys, and they showed up on my kitchen counter in plain sight. They weren't there previously. And just last night, I saw him sitting in his chair. But as usual, he disappears before I can look a second time..."

"So, if you're aware he's still around, then why haven't you told him to leave and move on?"

"I can't. I don't know how to tell him. He means well by sticking around, helping me out and whatnot, but I can't rebuff him that way. I know why he remains here; he thinks I can't look out for myself, like I'm a helpless, teenage girl again. We met in high-skool. The boys were always tormenting me; I was never popular, see, but he was. He decided to help me out one day after one such occasion, and then he stuck by my side since. Being the shy, gangly girl I was back then, I found it astonishing that such a popular, good-looking boy would even think about me. I was invisible, and there he was, helping me out like some guardian angel. Well, we kind of hit it off from there. He was the jock who fell for the geek: a typical romance of nineties cinema... " she drifted off, reminiscing in her younger days.

Zim was speechless. "That's quite the story, ma'am, but it's not supposed to be this way. You have to understand. Neither of you can rest if he's still lingering by your side."

"Yes, you're right, but I can't find it in me to tell him that I don't want him around. It's not that I wouldn't want that, but... feeling his presence every day reminds me that I don't have him anymore, not like I used to."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but it's not fair for either of you. I've never seen such a lost soul like your husband, torn between two worlds..."

Zim stopped short, watching her eyes fill with tears. "Oh no, I'm so sorry. I never meant for my words to make you cry. It's just—"

"I... I know, but it's not easy telling someone you love..." she couldn't finish.

Zim glared up at her husband. "Do you not see what you're doing to your wife? She needs to move on and so do you. You're not helping her by lingering like a bad smell!"

He didn't reply, as he kept those glassy eyes on his wife.

Zim growled, "Hey! I am speaking! Don't ignore me, it's infuriating!"

"What's happening?" she asked, strangely calm, even if this abnormal green child was yelling at her supposed late husband.

"He's being difficult, that's all. At first I thought he genuinely couldn't see me due to some blindness, but now I think he's doing it on purpose..."

She laughed, "Yes, that does sound like George. He was always the stubborn kind, standing his ground, even as a teenager. He is teasing you."

"Well, I've always been the stubborn kind myself, and I will prevail. Listen, you... you wearer of old, tattered night robe thingy!"

She laughed louder. Zim looked down at her perplexed. She really was taking this in her stride.

He continued, "You have to move on. Your wife is hurting, and you're too blind and arrogant to see it. So go on, go into that big, shiny light... " The alien waved his hand into a hypothetical direction.

"Have you ever lost anyone, kid?" the man finally said. His voice was calm, impassive, but there was a hint of humanity to it. He even sounded angry.

Zim was taken aback. What kind of question was that?

"No, not in a 'conventional' sense," he replied.

The old man looked at him now, eyes brown at last. It was good to finally see some humanity in them.

"Well, until you lose someone, kid, come back and tell me to leave my wife then."

"I still know what it is to lose someone, you stubborn, ignorant man. How dare you demean me that way!"

"What did he say?" his wife asked.

"You were right. He is stubborn," Zim said.

And there she goes again with that musical laugh of hers.

"Why are you here anyway, strange, green kid? I don't see how my staying here affects your griefless world. What's your problem?"

"It's not my problem; it's yours and your wife's. And my world isn't griefless!"

"Yes, I gathered that with your inane anger just now, but still, why are you so concerned? My place is here with my wife."

"No it is not. It is up there in heaven..." Zim pointed at the sky.

"Heaven? What is that? A place of pure bliss and happiness? Maggie is all the happiness I need in the next life, and I'll gladly take it from there. Besides, it's frightening that light, so cold but warm... The first time it appeared, a guy dressed as the Grim Reaper turned up. He came by mistake, but I told him to take a hike."

"The 'Grim Reaper', you say?" Zim asked, turning cold at the memory of Molly's departure.

"... I probably shouldn't scare you. You're just a kid after all. Or are you?" he said, giving Zim a questioning look.

"Of course I'm a kid, you silly, old fool. Stop looking at me like that!"

"Oh, now I see... I guess my old man was right; little green men are living among us. He was always nuts, regardless."

Zim had nothing to say. So did it take a pair of newly acquired, immortal eyes to see the truth of his identity? Most living humans were too stupid and blind to see.

Dib was something of a marvel in that regard, as Zim only just appreciated his brilliance for the first time. He hated every moment of it.

"Don't worry. Who am I going to tell?" he asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"Don't try to steer away from the subject. I am getting you into that light. No matter what!"

"This again? Why is it so important to you?"

"Because I promised someone who has entered that light that I would help remaining spirits, like you."

"Well I'm sorry to disappoint your friend, but I have no interest in going into that light. Not yet, anyhow. My father has tried to coax me along, and my mother... don't get me started on her. She keeps trying to bribe me over with pie, like she always used to do. It was great to see them again after so long. I'm just as old as they are now. Strange how life works. But I can't leave this beautiful woman here alone. Such a sweet, fragile thing... You know she always used to cry when I killed a spider?"

"Well... I suppose killing a spider is a little mean," Zim said.

"That's how's she's always been. Cares too much about every living thing. So gentle and loving..."

Zim looked over at his wife, Maggie. She was so patient, sitting there planting flowers. At one point, she picked a ladybug off a leaf, and set it free.

She looked up at him then. "Oh, don't mind me. You two just talk it out."

"Thank you," Zim said. "I really appreciate your patience and understanding. I can't say I've had good experiences in the past."

"It's all right. I know you mean well." She smiled, and returned to her task.

He smiled too, noticing that warm, fuzzy feeling. She was such a sweet lady.

"And you wonder why I can't leave her here? I will remain by her side till she takes her last breath. I want her to have company once she enters the light, and I'll be here, waiting as always..."

"That's all good in theory, but you can't stay. It's just not done like that. You need to set your wife free."

"I can't. What if something happens to her while I'm up there, living in bliss? I could never forgive myself. I can't let her struggle on her own."

"I don't think you're giving your wife enough credit. She's a lot stronger than she appears. She can't move on if she knows you worry for her. Set her free; let her have her own adventures now... "

The man gave it some further thought, until he finally made his decision. "Well, since you put it that way. All right."

"Really, just like that?"

"Yeah, you have a certain way with words..."

"I knew it. Zim has eloquence! Hooha!" He pumped his fists in.

The old man stared at him strangely. "You're also a little nuts, aren't you?"

"Me? Of course I'm not..." Zim shifted his eyes. "Well, what are you waiting for? Go into the light."

"There's just one more thing I need to do."

He leaned down and kissed his wife on the cheek. She blushed, like the first time he kissed her when she was seventeen.

"Goodbye, Maggie. Take care of those gullible kids of ours."

"Goodbye, George. I'll always have you on my mind. I love you..."

"I love you too, sweetheart," he said, morphing into a grieving husband at last.

The man looked on behind Zim. He stood, and gave his wife one last, longing glance before he left the yard.

He stopped by Zim. "I guess I should say goodbye to you too. Thank you, I'll let your friend know of your good deed."

"You're welcome, and thank you. That means a lot. Now may your afterlife be full of wonders!"

"My mother will be feeding me baked good for days, so I doubt it, but I have missed her cooking. Well, so long, soldier." He gave Zim a salute. It was clipped and perfect. Had he been in the military?

How did he even know Zim was a soldier?

The Irken saluted back. His uniform must have given him away; he did have the appearance of a valiant soldier.

The man turned away and disappeared at last.

Zim felt him leave. He peered over at his wife. She couldn't see nor hear her husband (well not at all times), but he guessed by her expression that she knew as much as he did. She sighed happily, and continued her gardening.

He found it pointless telling her he left, so he moved on. That was until a warm hand touched his shoulder. He turned around. The lady was holding out a pansy for him.

"Here, you've been so helpful. I know a good heart when I see one. I never would have reprimanded you..."

"That's very kind of you, ma'am, and I thank you yet again. But now I must leave. This is the first chance of peace you've had for a while, I guess... Sorry, I never meant to sound so crude."

She grabbed his hand, and placed the pansy in his palm. It was a cute flower; it had a little face, like it had been plucked out of Wonderland.

He looked her way again. She resumed her gardening. A new warmth entered Zim's heart, knowing that he helped his first spirit in his new mission. Molly would be proud.

One down and two more to go.

...

Zim approached that little shrine by the sidewalk. It wasn't far from Maggie's house, so he found his way in due time.

A fresh bouquet had been placed; it was obvious someone visited this site often, where the dog lost his life that sad, fateful day. The same chewed-up bear sat next to the flowers, looking up at Zim with its button eye. The other one was missing.

It was a cute bear; he had to admit. He remembered how he wanted to kick it onto the road due to its tattered appearance. Such a different Zim now.

He knelt down, and placed the pansy inside the rip of the bear's belly. Now he would wait. Hopefully, that pooch still liked to visit this site too.

Next, he heard those claws raking the pavement, and there he was that loyal dog. So loyal that he stayed by his master's side, even after death.

The dog stopped in his tracks, and looked up at Zim surprised. Was this not the same, funny-smelling human who rebuked him that time, even when he used his cutest puppy eyes?

Zim bit back a laugh. He didn't blame the dog for being shocked; he wasn't exactly the promising type.

"Hey there, boy. You're surprised to see me again aren't you? Don't worry, I'm here to help you now. So, where's your little boy master then?"

The dog approached him with hesitant steps, and sat at his side. He soon relaxed once he felt Zim's positive energy sweeping through him; it wasn't so positive last time.

Zim looked down at the dog, watching that pink tongue moving in and out of his mouth. The dog could really pant. He may have stuck his own tongue out in a pitiful attempt to imitate the dog, but he just looked downright silly. No one was watching him anyway.

He reached his hand towards the dog's head, trying to give it a gentle pat. To his surprise, the dog didn't bite him. It was great to finally have this physical contact with an Earth dog (though it wasn't so physical, was it?)

He always saw dogs as an evil accomplice of the humans, being man's 'best friend' and all, but this dog was something else.

"What a lovely specimen of Canis lupis familiaris..."

"You're not such a bad dog, are you? I can't say I've had good experiences with your kind in the past. And you're not a full pedigree. Interesting. With the way humans flaunt their dogs at those awful shows, you think they only put value in the breed. But you don't need a certificate to prove you're a great dog, do you? Your good nature can't be bred and rebred over again, because you're one of a kind. Yes you are..." he cooed.

Zim knelt to the dog's level, finally giving in to his cuteness. He clutched the dog's black-and-white head, and gave him more embarrassing baby talk.

That was until the dog licked him right up from the chin to the forehead, leaving a shiny trail of saliva down his face.

Zim gasped, moving away from the dog at once. "Oh my, those doggie breath mint commercials really were being serious," he choked, "and then GIR went out and bought some. The fool!"

The dog was definitely more relaxed in the Irken's presence now, even going as far as to jump up against him. It barked.

Zim brushed the dog away. "Don't do that. It's annoying," he said. The dog's claws were sharp.

The dog barked again, and Zim covered his head. "Stop that bothersome noise!"

The dog was restless now, running behind Zim and trying to shepherd him along like a sheep. It looks like he did have collie in him after all, though he took it too far when he nipped at the back of his leg. Zim yelped.

"Hey! If you bite me again, then I'm going home!"

The dog whimpered. It seemed it was trying to coax him away from the shrine.

"What is it?" he asked.

The dog barked once again, and Zim seemed to catch on. Was he speaking dog now?

"You're trying to take me to your little master? Why didn't you just say so?"

Even the dog may have frowned at Zim after that stupid question.

"Oh yeah, you don't talk. Silly me."

The dog dragged his uniform with his teeth. Zim pushed him off.

"Stop that! You don't need to drag and bite me all the way!"

The dog looked apologetic then. He made a small squeak. Zim thought he was losing his mind.

"Then let's go. I'm assuming you know the way?"

The dog barked excitedly, and ran ahead. He stopped to look back at Zim. Why hadn't the funny-smelling human followed his lead? He should be right on his tail.

The dog squealed restlessly. Zim growled.

"I'm coming! Hadn't those humans had you trained?"

The dog answered by spinning around, as if he needed to be let out for a pee.

"Clearly not," Zim said, and finally walked over to the dog. That was until he shot off again.

Seriously, where's the fire? He was like a dog that had been set loose at the beach, only to go diving head-first into the waves like a manic canine. That's dogs for you; ready to seize the day.

...

The dog had slowed now to a steady pace, but he still kept a fine distance between Zim. All the while, the Irken followed that steady, white-tipped tail swishing side to side.

He hadn't even noticed how absorbed he was in the dog's tail until it stopped outside a house.

Zim looked up at the house, taking note of its distance from the shrine. It wasn't too far, but there were many curves along the way, so it was never a straight path.

The dog must visit its shrine regularly, and then return back here. Was the dog waiting for him this entire time? He felt guilty. Poor pooch.

The dog sat outside the gate, and glanced up at Zim. He didn't know how exactly, but something about the dog's expression was telling him to "get to work".

Zim moved his eyes to the yard, where a young boy sat on the grass, poking a stick in the mud. The boy didn't even realise what he was drawing in the mud: a dog running and chasing a ball.

The boy leaned his head in his hand, pushing the skin of his cheek up. He stopped his mud-poking then, and looked up at Zim.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Me? Just an ordinary boy, like you. I couldn't help but notice how lonesome you look. Whatever troubles you, small Earth boy?"

"I'm not that small; I am nine. But... it's nothing. I… I just miss my dog."

"Your dog? Why? Whatever happened to him?" Zim asked, peering down at the dog. He had a smug smile.

The dog didn't share his enthusiasm, even giving him a look as if to say "tone it down a little". Zim was overdoing it, but how did the dog tell him that?

"He died a few months ago in a car accident. My mom has been really nice; she even asked me if I wanted a new puppy, but I couldn't. Billy can't be replaced."

"Billy?" Zim asked, meeting the dog's gaze. "Interesting name."

The dog frowned up at him. Zim was getting a little freaked out.

"You do understand, don't you...?" the boy paused.

"Zim. My name is Zim."

Oh, I'm Aaron."

"Of course I understand, Aaron. May I come into your yard?"

"Yeah, go ahead."

Zim let himself through, and he and Billy sat in front of Aaron.

"I know losing a pet can be hard," Zim said.

"It is. It's like losing a best friend. Billy was my best friend. I've never made friends easy, and the other kids are always mean to me. They even laughed and told me to get over Billy, saying he was just a dog, and that I was a baby for crying over him. How could they say something like that?"

"They're probably just jealous of that special bond you had with Billy."

"But it's not fair. I wish they could just understand. I had Billy since I was four-years-old. He may have 'just' been a dog, but he was ten times the friend any of those kids were. He was always there for me..."

"Yes, animals can be like little humans with fur. More loyal for that matter, and they never judge." Zim looked down at Billy. "Though recent experiences have led me to believe otherwise..."

A smug look came across Billy's eyes. Zim turned away at once. This dog was becoming less of an animal in his presence. Was he going crazy?

"They don't. Billy was the best dog ever. We did everything together, and now that he's gone... I don't know what to do anymore... I can't get used to him not being around."

"Well, you never know. Billy may have never left your side..."

Aaron looked up curiously. "You mean like a ghost?"

Zim smiled. This boy was so easy to work with. He still had the innocence of childhood.

"Yes, exactly," he said.

"How do you know that? Do... do you see him?" he asked. Zim could hear the hope rising in his voice.

"I do. He's sitting right next to me."

"Where?!"

"To my left."

"Cool! I always wanted a ghost dog!"

Zim looked down at Billy. "Well, what are you waiting for, Billy? It's done. The boy knows you're here. Go and say hello."

Billy gazed up at him with his tongue out, and it may have even passed for a doggie smile. And so he ran to his master, and knocked him down with the force of his speed.

The boy relished, feeling that slimy tongue all over his face again.

"Billy! It is you. I've missed you so much, boy," he cried, stroking that fur again. It was soft as always.

Zim tried to be nonchalant, but the sight cracked his Irken shell. Reuniting a long-lost pet with a lonely boy, it doesn't get any better than that. Molly will be proud yet again.

Billy gave the boy a few more loving licks, and then looked up at Zim.

Zim heard his thoughts through a spiritual, telepathic connection, and he was astonished. Who knew dogs were actually thinking inside those heads of theirs?

"Um, Billy is telling me—I don't know how he is telling me—that you should consider that new puppy. After all, why deny the love you gave Billy to another dog?"

"I can't. No other dog could compare to you, Billy..."

"... Billy just wants you to be happy again. So go and find that new dog. Let him know what it is to be loved. Isn't that what all dogs cherish? An owner to care for them so they can give their loyalty in return?"

"I guess so," Aaron said. "You sound just like my mom."

"Well, your mother is a very wise woman. Don't feel bad. It's what Billy wants."

"Okay, I'll do it for you, Billy. I'll get that new puppy."

The dog licked his master's face proudly for one last time.

"Goodbye, Billy. I'll never forget you, even when I'm grown up. Thank you for all the memories you gave."

Something resembling a doggie smile came to Billy's face, as he looked up at Zim satisfied.

Zim saw the relief in the dog's eyes, no longer anchored down to this planet due to the breaking heart of his little master. He really was an intelligent-looking animal; those brown eyes were so expressive.

Billy glanced outside the yard, as if he heard a whistle. Zim followed his gaze, and then he saw that young girl standing outside the gate in a white dress. She looked to be twelve-years-old. She smiled pleasantly at Billy.

"Come on, Billy," she said. "It's time to go."

"Who... who are you?" Zim asked.

The girl met his gaze. "I'm here for Billy."

"So, you take animal spirits to the other side? Is that it?"

"Yes, I've always loved helping animals..."

"Neat. You really are a sight for saw eyes. I've had the rather unfortunate experience of meeting someone not unlike you recently. He didn't exactly have your pleasant charms."

"Well, there are many kinds of us, in different shapes and forms."

"Interesting," Zim said, thinking it through.

Billy trotted up to the girl. She placed a lead and collar around his neck, and led him to the Rainbow Bridge. Zim couldn't see, but he guessed it was the Rainbow Bridge. That's where all the animals go when they cross over.

Just before the dog entered the hereafter, he looked back up at Zim, and muttered a "Thank you."

Zim was stunned into silence, but somehow he heard himself say, "You're welcome."

The dog opened his mouth to let out that tongue again, and it was definitely a smile this time. Then he disappeared with the girl at last.

Zim was still a little too shocked to notice the boy's questioning gaze. A dog just spoke to him; he actually heard its voice. Though it had one of those Scooby Doo voices, so really it said "Rank rou."

At least Zim thought he heard its voice. Maybe it was a telepathic connection, or some kind of weird, universal language that all spirits posses. It was too baffling to contemplate.

"Where did Billy go? Has he finally moved on?" Aaron asked.

Zim looked his way. "Yes. Billy has finally gone to the hereafter..."

"Who was there? You were talking to someone."

"Just someone here for Billy. He left in good hands, I can assure you."

"Oh. Well, I'm happy for him..." the boy said, sadly.

"Well I should get going. There are other ghosts that need my superior assistance."

"Hey, Zim?"

"Yes?" Zim replied.

"You can come back over anytime if you want. You seem really cool."

"I am, though I never truly understood the term 'cool' until now."

"So what do you say?"

"Very well. I don't see any harm in making one more human friend. I seem to be collecting them lately. Goodbye, Aaron, it was nice meeting you. And I advise you to go and get that new puppy."

"I will. I'll go and tell my mom the news."

"You do that..."

Zim watched the boy running into the house, as he felt pleased yet again.

Just one more ghost to go now.

...

Zim re-entered the park at last, feeling a knot in his chest. So many painful memories came crashing back. Why, it was this city park that seemed to be the very setting of most of his past endeavours.

He never would have found that man after all. Then there was the time he almost lost Molly due to her fear, but he got a hold of her again. But now she was at peace. So sweet, but painful.

He approached his bench and sat down, noticing it was wet. It was July; it hardly rained...

Despite the newly formed wet patch on his butt, he focused his attention around the park. He couldn't help but steal a small glance at the playground. The kids ran around, screaming in laughter. So innocent, and so unaware of the evils that lurked in their world...

Zim took note of every adult around the playground. He had learnt that looks can be very deceiving, so he gave everyone a second glance, just to make sure.

There was an obese lady, eating mounds of food on a picnic table. Her skinny husband hardly ate but a piece of lettuce.

Then there was that young, scanty lady arguing with her tattooed boyfriend, slapping him across the face when he looked at another girl that walked by.

And then there was that helpless mother with all the children, looking rough as heck as they climbed over her.

Humans truly were fascinating creatures. He felt like he was watching a documentary about chimpanzees.

None of these humans seemed particularly threatening, so all was well for the children; no one here was a threat to their existence.

He focused his attention on the playground again, as he recognised a large, brawny boy.

His heart dropped once he realised it was Torque Smackey. The boy still held a grudge on him over the dookie weenie name calling.

What was he even doing in the playground? He was too old, standing out among those small children.

Zim noticed the little brown-haired girl dragging him over to the swings. He finally realised; he was there with his little sister. It was wonderful to see that she fully recovered from the fire.

Zim relaxed again, deciding that Torque wouldn't try any funny business with his baby sister around — a sister that wouldn't even be alive if it weren't for him.

Torque glanced his way. Zim knew exactly what he was thinking — if he could think that is. A satisfied, evil grin formed on the boy's face, as he punched his fist into his hand.

Zim jumped off the bench. The boy was out to get him. He may have been a child, but he had a strength that surpassed even his.

That Robert ghost would just have to wait another time when Torque wasn't around.

The Irken shot off like a bullet, only to go bumping into the tall shape of a man. He fell on his back, knocking out one of his contacts.

The alien gazed up into the light brown eyes of Robert.

"Hey, Zip! Nice alien eyeball by the way..."

Zim felt his eye. He shivered, searching for his missing contact. There it lay on his belly, as he slipped it back in place.

"What color is that? Pink? Y'know pinkeye's a disease, right?" Robert said.

Zim stood up. "Never mind my pink alien eyes! I have to leave. That meat-brained child in the playground is coming for me."

"What meat-brain?" Robert looked over at the playground. "Oh, yeah, I see him now. Wow, he really does stand out like an elephant with those kids."

"Yes, he's a colossal giant, so I must be on my way!"

Robert put his hand against Zim's face, preventing him from moving any further. The instant contact took him by surprise. His hand was surprisingly warm for a ghost.

"Let go! I can't help you! Not now!" the Irken said to his hand.

"I still owe you a favor, remember? You did help me out with Belle. Well, sorta, before you told her that you loved her. I'm still a little mad at you over that."

Zim moved his hand away. "That wasn't me! I couldn't help it. Your awful, human hormones channeled into my thought process, and made me... feel."

"Yes, but regardless of that embarrassing situation for you, I never go back on a promise."

"What are you saying?"

"What I'm saying is that I'll help you out with that meat-brained kid in the playground. Oh, look, he's coming over."

Zim looked, and saw the boy making his meaty way over, flexing those muscles of his.

"I... I must leave... He's gonna eat me!"

He tried to move around Robert, but the man held him in place, and faced him towards the bully. Zim was frozen into a stupor, while those strong, firm hands gripped him like a vice.

"Don't panic, just play it out," Robert said.

"... I'm urinating out of places I never knew existed, and my species doesn't have to urinate... What's happening to me?" Zim cried.

He closed his eyes, feeling the wind of that pure, brutal strength pushing past him.

"Hey, Zim!" Torque yelled.

He opened his eyes again, and looked out from narrow slits. Robert had vanished, leaving him to fend for himself. The coward! Running off and ruining any of his chances of escape.

"Um... hello, Dookie Weenie... I mean, Torque..." Zim faltered.

Big mistake...

Torque's smile stretched into a cruel sneer. "You think you're so smart, don't you?"

"No, not really. Did I say something smart?"

"Stop playing mind games with me! I'm gonna knock your head off all the way to next Tuesday..."

"Mind games?" Zim asked. "And... next Tuesday? My head has never seen next Tuesday."

Torque growled, "Take it back! Take back the Dookie Weenie!"

"Your sister's watching..." Zim said, shrinking away.

The boy balled up his fist, and aimed for his face.

"Well, whad'ya know? A little more than just urine escaped out of some other orifice..."

Zim watched that fist coming slower and slower towards his face. He couldn't even run now.

Next, an invisible hand grabbed the boy's fist. Zim saw Robert holding him back without a trace of sweat. Super, spooky ghost strength...

"I won't be able to hold him off for long, the kid's got power," Robert said.

"Well, it's just enough for me to go running off in blind terror."

"What is this?" Torque said. "Stop using your freaky geek powers on me!"

Robert's face boiled. "Geek? Oh, that's it." He pushed the boy as he went flying on his back. All that meat cushioned the fall.

Torque looked up at Zim, shocked. "You have beaten me... My macho strength is no match for your freaky geek powers!"

"Torque!" his little sister called out from the playground. "Get back here now, or I'll tell Mommy you're picking on green kids again!"

"Coming, Mae!" Torque shouted in a sing-song voice. He glared back up at Zim again.

"This isn't over..." he said. He got up at last, and walked off towards the playground.

Robert watched him walk away. "Well, would you look at that? Rendered weak by his baby sister. Cute."

"He's not such a bad kid deep down. His mother is a lovely woman," Zim said.

"So what's his problem with you?"

"I really don't know, but it has something to do with Dib."

"Who's Dib?"

"Just some large-headed boy. I'll get him back!"

"Oh, you mean that kid..." Robert laughed, remembering Dib's puberty remark over Belle's chest. "He's funny. The last time I saw you, he and that scary little girl were carrying you unconscious."

"I couldn't recollect, being as unconscious as I was, but that would have been Dib. The scary little girl is his sister, Gaz."

"She saw me too, you know? How many of you are there?"

"You mean aliens or clairvoyants? I'm either all."

"Well, the second one..."

Zim paused to think. "I couldn't say for sure. There must be more of us, but she's the only one I've encountered so far. She can see the future too. Well, bits of it, but she's not important now."

"No, what's important is getting you to help me talk with Belle."

A sudden rush came to Zim. It felt like insects flapping around inside his spooch; he had a notion to call it butterflies.

He gulped, "Oh, yeah, right... Belle."

"She's on her way here now. I can hear her shoes. I've kinda fine-tuned my senses to her. Neat, huh?"

"More like creepy, stalker-like, but I suppose so."

"It's not creepy, it's romantic! Besides, I was surprised to find you here too. Why are you here?"

Zim composed himself. "I'm just here on business, as usual..."

"You knew she'd come here, didn't you? This is her favorite spot. It's where we had our first kiss..."

"I don't know what you're talking about. I could care less where your ex-mate sits, what she reads, what perfume she wears, and what her favorite song is!"

Zim was out of breath. That was a load of his chest.

Robert smiled down at him.

"I think I finally see... And FYI, her favorite song is 'Big Girls Don't Cry' by Frankie Vallie and the Four seasons. Also, to say you "could care less" means you do care."

Zim cursed himself for his grammatical mistake. It was only once.

He looked up at that big brute, and pointed his skinny finger. "You know nothing, gigantic Earth man. Nothing!"

"Oh, I don't blame you," Robert continued. "I can understand perfectly. I'm sure Belle's hotness would even break universal boundaries."

"It doesn't, but that's beside my point. I do not have revolting feelings for your human girlfriend!" he yelled, catching the attention of all the humans.

"But you agree she's hot?" he asked.

Zim covered the sides of his head to drown out Robert's voice.

"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!" he screamed all over the park. People started moving away then.

"Aw, those hallucinations are really taking their toll on you, hm?"

Zim stopped, and released his hands from his head. He turned around.

There she was, Belle, standing there in all her glory. She had on a short skirt and a tight tank top, and on her feet were heeled shoes that went "clippety clop" like a pony.

Her long, red hair trailed behind her, reminding Zim of that famous work of art with the naked lady in the giant glam. She had long, red hair too...

He bit his bottom lip, trying not to picture her naked. Where had that thought even come from?

"Are you all right now? I mean, the last time I saw you, you were unconscious. You had me a little worried."

"Me? I'm right as the rain, and... you were worried about me? Shut up!" Zim spat at no one.

"Yes, of course. Lucky your friends were there for you."

"Yes, I am blessed to have such good people in my life." His voice was frighteningly hollow.

An awkward silence commenced between them. Zim scratched his head.

"What are you waiting for? Tell her I'm here," Robert said.

"Leave me alone!" Zim snapped. He glanced up at Belle nervously. She only looked sympathetic, as he yelled at the voices in his head.

"You poor thing," she said. "I remember when my cousin's hallucinations started too. Broke the whole family apart..." She sighed in her memory.

"They are not hallucinations," he corrected. "I could only wish..."

"Then what are they?" she asked.

Zim paused a moment. "You... you best sit down for this. It's quite a revelation."

"A revelation? That sounds delightful," she chirped, trying to put on a smile, though she was as nervous as ever. What did he have to tell her?

She sat down on the bench, and folded her legs. Such a lady.

He turned away from her then, thinking of his best approach. Aaron and Maggie had been so easy, but he doubted this one would run as smoothly.

He faced her again, and met that curious gaze in her bright, green eyes. It hurt him to look at her, knowing that pretty face could hate him after today's session.

"Okay, this will probably sound crazy," he wiggled his fingers for effect. "But... Oh, why couldn't you just be ugly?!"

"... I think I know what this is about. It's okay, a crush is a crush. You'll get over me, eventually. If you want, I could show you a picture of me at your age? I was a bit of an ugly duckling then. Maybe that will help you get over me?"

"No, it's not about that, though that would be an interesting transformation to see. Ugly duckling you say? I never knew you started life off as a bird..."

"No," she laughed, "I mean like the story, where he grows up to be a swan because he weren't a duckling after all."

"But you're not a swan," Zim said.

She had nothing else to say, closing those plump, red lips in a straight line.

"Let's get back to the subject of our discussion... Oh, now I get it! You mean it figuratively because they're beautiful, like you... Wait, I meant you're not beautiful, and... and swans are horrible! Someone shut me up!"

Robert threw a rock at him then. Zim wished he weren't already dead.

"Well, I wouldn't say I was beautiful either," Belle said.

Zim looked her way confused. Human females were strange creatures. He had an urge to assure her she was beautiful, but he thought better of it. He felt bad telling her she weren't now; it seemed to dampen her spirits.

"Well, go on, I'm listening. What is it you really had to say?" she asked.

He sighed, deciding to get straight to the point. Their conversation had gone on long enough.

"Please, please don't get mad with red-hot rage when I tell you this, but... but I have a message for you from your late boyfriend." Zim closed his eyes. He was lucky she had no book on her person now.

She was frozen, staring at him with unblinking eyes.

"Please say something," he begged.

"I... w-what are you talking about?"

"I think you know. You lost your boyfriend, Robert, some months ago. He's here beside me, or more less beside you."

Her face turned into a blank canvas, and Zim found the look so unattractive. She was never a highly intelligent looking woman, but that cold look did her no favours. She did always have a friendly warmth to her.

"I have to go. I just realized I left my coat in the oven. Silly me!" she yelled, and stood up. She was going crazy.

Robert laughed. "She did always crack me up!"

"It's not funny, Robert!" Zim spat.

"Stop that! Stop pretending you're talking to him. I don't know how you... just... just leave me alone!"

"I'm not pretending. I really am telling the truth. He is here. Seven-foot tall—"

"—I'm six-foot five," Robert said.

"Well, lucky you..." Zim continued, "Six-foot five with black hair, tanned skin, and light brown eyes. I paint quite a handsome picture, don't I?"

"What's wrong with you?" she cried. "Why are you doing this? I thought you were a nice kid?!"

Zim chuckled. "You honestly believe I'm doing this to spite you? What could I possibly gain from such an unnecessary, cruel act? You disappoint me."

"I don't know what I believe anymore, but it's not you. So stay away from me." She walked away from him then.

"No!" Zim ran around in front of her, blocking her passage. His face was livid.

"Move out my way!"

"No, you will listen to me. I've come too far to fail now, so sit back down!"

She sat at once. His anger really terrified her, mostly because his eyes shone a ruby-red.

Zim finally relaxed. He saw the fear in her eyes next, and then felt the guilt. "Sorry, sometimes I just get so filled with this blind, white-hot rage that I can't think straight anymore. Certain things will set me off."

"It's... it's okay. I can understand about the 'white-hot rage'. You're just lucky it's not that time of month yet... wait... no, two more weeks," she said brightly.

Zim turned frail. "I don't like where this conversation is leading."

"Well just count your blessings. In another two weeks, you may no longer have a head," she said in that sweet voice again. She was creepy when she was mad.

Zim tried to look past her feeble threats, telling himself he wasn't scared.

"Please, you have to have faith in me. Do you not see the sincerity in my eyes? Would I lie to you? Would I?" He moved in close to her, so much in fact that he forgot what personal space was.

She pushed him back to reclaim her breathing space again. It was hard to see anything in his crazy eyes when he was inches from her face, though from a distance she could see his hope. So she let him speak.

"All right. I'll at least let you talk."

"Thank you. I'll begin. Robert has never left your side. Spirits are with us every day, though hopefully not all the time because sometimes we need our privacy, but they are, and Robert is with you."

"... He didn't see what I was doing in the shower last night, did he? Oh, I just said that out loud, didn't I? Stupid Belle..." She put her head in her hands.

Robert smiled like a pig. "Oh yeah, I saw..."

"What were you...? Never mind, stupid, obvious question!" Zim shouted, strangely aroused.

"It's all right. We've done worse things together..." Robert burst out laughing.

"Stop it, you disgusting ape! I really don't need to hear of your strange, human courtship rituals!"

Robert continued to laugh, amused by his own rude comments.

"What's he saying?" Belle asked, curiously.

"Nothing, you minx. He's just being vulgar."

"That does sound like Robert. He did have a particular sense of humor."

"Well, that makes one of us." Zim glared up at the ghost. "Planting disgusting images into my mind, you... Wait, you believe me?" He looked back at Belle.

"I don't know. Maybe..."

"I guess that talk of mating was what motivated you. It's not your fault; it's just your species. And I do realize you're both of the young, desirable quality amongst your race. That stuff should come to you naturally when in each other's presence."

"Why do you say species?" she asked with a smile. "You talk as if you're a little space alien. It's really adorable."

"Yes, so adorable am I. I'm just going through my 'alien' phase..."

"I do wish Robert would tone it down some. You're still just a kid."

"Oh, he's fine," Robert said. "I was worse at his supposed age. If only she knew you were older."

"Well she never will, so be quiet, you!"

"What did he—?"

"Nothing... nothing for you to worry your pretty... ugly head about!"

"I'm starting to wonder whether you were the right one for this. You can't even think straight," Robert said.

"Well what is it that you want me to tell her exactly?!"

"Tell her that I love her like last time, but that I love her."

"How? Do I kiss her for you? That's not a bad idea..."

"No you don't. You tell her with words!"

"But actions speak louder than words..." Zim said, smug.

Robert whacked his head. "You're not kissing my girlfriend!"

"Ow! It's merely for curiosity, an experiment if you like. You humans are kissing all the time, sharing saliva..." He shivered. "I want to see why."

"Just tell her what I said, space freak!"

"All right! Um... Belle?"

"Yes?" she asked.

"Robert wants me to tell you that he loves you. There I said it!"

Belle sucked in a breath, as she put her hand against her mouth. "He... he what?"

"I think you heard me. I don't want to repeat myself."

"Oh..." Her eyes filled with tears. "That... that's so sweet of him. Tell him I love him too..."

Zim looked up at Robert. "She loves you too."

"I heard her!"

Robert sat next to Belle. She felt his presence at last.

"R-Robert? It... it is you..."

"Yes, I never left you for a second."

She was blubbering now as she was too overcome with happiness.

Zim observed from a distance, hating all the human affection.

"I guess now it would be pretty pointless to convince you further? I don't need to pucker my lips after all?" he asked.

"No, I believe you... I do."

Robert put his arm around her. "I always knew she was the girl for me. I just never found the courage to tell her how I feel. I had my heart broken in the past: ripped out and stomped all over more like. That's why I found it hard to get close to anyone else. But I knew she could never break my heart, even if she tried. There's not a bad bone in her body..."

"He says that past experience rendered him uncertain of any future romance. That's why he could never share his feelings for you, as a precaution. But he's come to realize you really were something different. Someone he could settle with. I put it much better than he does."

"I always felt the same way about him. He was my dream man. I finally found him only to lose him. We only dated for several months, but I just knew it was meant to be..."

"Tell her everything will be all right from here. She will move on and find happiness. I want her to love again."

"He tells me that you must find love again. He just wants you to be happy. The best kind of gift you could give anyone..." Zim reflected, sadly.

"No other guy could hold a candle to you, Robert."

"Well... yeah, but you will find another guy. I've picked one out for her. He was a kid I went to skool with; he was a bit of an outcast. I used to protect him from a pack of bullies. He's quite the handsome chap now, though he's still a geek, being a scientist and all, but he's a good guy."

"Now he's saying he even picked out a guy for you, playing some kind of spiritual matchmaker, a scientist."

"A scientist?" she asked in mock surprise. "Much more impressive than a gym instructor..."

Robert looked over at Zim. "I had my own gym when I was alive. My little brother runs it now. I've been helping him a lot too. I even found him a new girl, a pretty model called Lisa."

"You can really tell. Your toned physique even shows in ghost form. And Lisa, you say? May not be such a good match for your sibling. She's shallow and insecure, and plus she used to be a mouse..." Zim said.

"A mouse? Well, if it doesn't work out, I can always find him another girl."

Robert stopped talking at that, as he glanced over at something unseen.

"Well, I guess it's my time..."

He grabbed Belle's hand and squeezed it tight. She leaned her head against his shoulder.

"Goodbye, Belle. I'll always remember you. People come into our lives for a reason, and I was meant to meet you. You taught me there was a reason to love again. For that I'll always be grateful..."

"He says he's grateful of the love you gave him..." Zim repeated, trying to tell himself that his eyes didn't sting a little. It brought back a painful memory of the one he lost too.

"Thank you, Robert, for being a part of my life too. Even if just for a while..."

Robert gazed at her lovingly, then leaned in and kissed her lips. She savoured his soft touch.

"I love you..." he said.

"I love you too..." she replied.

Zim wondered if she'd heard him say that, but it was his actions that spoke louder.

He stood up and looked at Zim. "Well, goodbye, Zip." .

"Zim!"

"Sorry, Zim it is. Thanks for the help. If there's anything else you need, just mention it. You've earned it."

"Just tell a little girl, Molly, how I helped you. That's all I ask."

"Can do. I guess it's time I left."

"Yes, now off you go into the light."

He smiled, and entered the light, stealing one last look at Belle. "She's gonna need a little comforting. I'll give you the honor..." He said with a mischievous grin.

Zim looked over at Belle. She was crying. It made him uncomfortable.

Robert disappeared at last.

"Has... has he gone?" Belle asked.

"Yes, he's finally happy, and you were an important part of that happiness."

"I can't believe the world has just lost someone like him..."

"I know, you can never get used to it. Their absence..."

She wept into her hands, and Zim looked around. People might think that he's making her cry.

He approached the bench and sat on her side, placing a hand on her shoulder. He had no idea what to say. "There, there, don't..." he gulped, "cry..." It was a start.

His feeble attempts seemed to pacify her regardless. She looked at him gratefully.

"Thank you. You're really sweet..."

"I'm not, but that's not important now. I just thought you needed cheering up. I could also tell a joke?"

"No, that's fine."

"Good, because my sense of humor tends to be of the twisted variety, usually involving fires and explosions. Oh, and eye removal..."

She smiled, thinking he was telling a joke. If only he was... "I don't even know your name," she said. "How rude of me."

"That's all right. I am Zim."

"Zim? Is that why you were shouting that word at Robert? I just thought you were making a random noise..."

"Noise? My name is not a noise, you foolish human! If anything, your name's a noise. A 'bell' makes a ringing sound!"

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to offend... Zim?" she said again. "I like it. Kind of like Jim with a Z."

Zim shifted his eyes, and gave an awkward, toothy smile. "Huh... yeah... I suppose it is... Well, I must leave. All my work is done."

He jumped down from the bench, but she grabbed a hold of his shoulder.

He turned around. "Yes, is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No, just this."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. He froze in place, but then he seemed to melt again due to a warmth flowing through his Squeedlyspooch.

"I'm sorry I was angry and mean to you before. I know you're a nice, sweet boy deep down."

"Uh-huh..." he mumbled, miles and miles away on cloud nine.

"Thanks for everything, Zim. It's just a shame you're really not ten years older..." She fluttered her lashes, and he had an urge to tell her he was older, but thought better of it.

"Z-Zim must go now... "

He finally left, but it was hard to walk in a straight line, like he was intoxicated with some unruly substance.

He only made it a few yards before he stole one more glance at Belle. She was reading a different book now, and then he felt it, watching her there, those foreign feelings coursing through him.

His heart was racing, as breathing became a challenge. His palms were even sweating beneath his gloves.

What was happening to him? Robert was gone, so why was he still feeling his disgusting emotions? But they weren't Robert's now were they. They were Zim's, and he hated every single one of them. Not to worry, a quick, medical procedure in the lab should remove them.

"She's just a human," he told himself. "A bipedal ape that reads books and wears really tight clothes..."

Then he wondered whether a human and Irken could produce viable offspring, and whether they would have her eyes, and he cursed inside. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't make those feelings disappear.

His cheek still tingled where she kissed it, and he wiped it away to discover her lipstick. Her dirt was all over his cheek, and he was all right about that. Maybe even happy. Did he really want to contemplate never washing his cheek again? It was highly unsanitary.

He growled, and finally left the park, deciding he would just have to get over her. She was in need of a new mate; Zim could always dispose of that scientist... No, never, ever.

He decided a walk was what he really needed, and he opted just for that. He hadn't been to the city in a while; he could go there, and try not to get lost again.

---

A/N: What surprised, shocked, disgusted, or made you feel happy in this chapter? Let me know, and I'll say a big 'rank rou' to you too.

You really don't need to read the rest of the author's notes. They're lengthy again as usual.

I thought that last scene was adorable. I don't want to make Zim fall in love, yet I do, but it's up to you how you interpret it.

I apologise about the sexual innuendoes: Robert's jokes, and Belle's saying things out loud.

I think I should finally let you in on Molly's family members. I haven't given them all names yet, but here's the breakdown on everyone.

There's Molly's mother, Elizabeth, and her two sisters. One is little Molly's mum; she's the youngest, and her name's Ruby. Then there's the oldest daughter, Lily, who has a bun in the oven, or however you want to put it. The middle child and only son is Michael. They're in their early/mid-forties now. If you remember, they were babies on that picture from '2012' on Elizabeth's mantal.

These are their kids, and Molly senior's nieces and nephews, and, of course, Elizabeth's grandkids.

Lily's kids...

1) A sixteen-year-old daughter who I haven't given a name (she was watching Gaz play with her GS2 at the wake).

2) A ten-year-old son called Samuel. He has a name, because it's mentioned in a later chapter. He's the kid who looked over Dib's photos at the wake, and the boy who hangs out with those snotty twins.

3) And of course the baby that's due soon. It's a boy, if you remember Zim's conversation with the oldest sister, Lily, at the wake.

Michael's kids…

1) The twenty-year-old who gets kicked in the nuts by little Molly. His name is Gregg, as it's mentioned later. I like him; he reminds me of one of my own grown cousins growing up.

2) Then those snotty twin girls. I haven't given them names, because I don't like them. They're ten. If you've not noticed, they're a bit like the twins who mocked Molly before her abduction.

Ruby's kids…

1) Little Molly of course. She's five, as you already know...

2) Then her baby brother, who again I've not given a name. He's a cute, chubby thing. He must be about nine months if he's growing teeth.

And that's that. Elizabeth each has four granddaughters and four grandson's. Nicely balanced.

I should apologise for Lisa. I know she's a horrible stereotype, but that was sort of my idea, a horrible parody. Jhonen does a similar thing in JtHM. She doesn't deserve such a pretty body with an ugly brain. If you've read JtHM you might get the reference. Basically, Nny takes home some pretty chick (he kidnapped her more like), who laughed at him once, and after much ranting and whatnot, he finally kills her because he's ugly in the inside too. How cheerful.

Did you know Nick was supposed to have something to do with Nickelodeon, about trying to keep the channel 'happy' all the time with the show's content? I'm glad he's finally been set free. I almost forgot about him too in this, like Zim. It's a good job I read over past chapters, or I would have missed him out. I wonder if I've forgotten anyone else?

I never involved the roboparents in this, I don't know if it was intentional, but I had to mention where they'd been. I guess Zim deactivated them all this time. That reference about him sitting in a box, which was labelled "Zim's room", is from the unaired episode 'Roboparents Gone Wild'. You should read a transcript. It's good.

Then there's Skoodge! Are you surprised he turned up? Later on in the series, he was going to move in with Zim after he conquered blorch. I put him in this story because I had written a sentence way back in chapter four, where Zim remembers pretending to be a ghost with GIR and Minimoose to scare Dib. That was taken from another unaired episode (there's too many!) 'The Day of Da Spookies'.

Well I realised if Zim remembered that, then Skoodge at one point must have been in this story (because he's in that episode too). Why not? He's kind of fun. The part where he confuses dolphins for sharks is a Lilo and Stitch reference, where Pleakley does the same. I guess it was the 'Hawaii' thing.

Torque's sister Mae is an original character of mine in my other fanfic 'Dousing the Flames'. You don't have to read it, but I just thought she could have a part in this story. If you have read that story, this, in a sense, is a sequel to that, or an update. I will never write one for that story, but her progress is shown briefly in this after the house fire.

I kind of made Torque too dumb. Oopsie... Again with the stereotyping! That 'Dookie Weenie' thing is a reference to the unaired episode 'Ten Minutes to Doom'.

Maggie and George are cute. Their high school romance is typical of nineties movies — popular guy falls for unpopular girl. I think the movie for an example is She's All That, and maybe A Cinderella Story with Hilary Duff (though that came out around 2004 I think). If you've seen Not Another Teen Movie, that makes fun of the theme.

I really enjoyed writing Billy the dog's part. Really helped me move on from losing my own beloved pet.

I just happened to be listening to the song Big Girls Don't Cry at the moment I was writing that part. It really fit the scene. Plus, there's a reference to the Weird Al song Word Crimes. "Could care less" is a stupid phrase, I always agreed.

Let's say this time next week again? Okay, see you then.