Author's Notes:All right everyone the next episode is up! For those of you who are interested this episode coversChapters 7-8 of my original story,Invader Zim Renegades: The Beginning of the End!As always I thank you all for your past reviews and support. Please enjoy.

Yours Truly, RoxieDivine;)

S01 Ep04: Aftermath

Episode Summary:In the aftermath of the fire, Gaz begins to see Zim in a new light, Meanwhile Dib realizes Zim's true intentions too late and ends up franticly scrambling to keep him away from his sister!

[Back with Dib]

(Location: A Local Hospital)

He couldn't do it. He couldn't admit it to himself; the fact that he wasn't there. That he had failed her as a brother, yet again. Was his obsession getting out of control?

"Not every disaster is my doing."

Dib cringed at the words,HISwords. What was the matter with him?! He had never been wrong about Zim before, so why now? Why was he going down every wrong turn? "He's up to something. Hehasto be."

Then again, maybe that was Dib's problem. Maybe he was off his game. After all, Zim hadn't started the fire. Firemen concluded that the science wing had a gas leak, and Dib had even investigated the findings himself. He had stayed up all last night going over reports and searching through the rubble. No; Zim did not start the fire, but he had been gone from the classroom about 5 minutes before the fire had started. Zim could have been up to something, or he may have gotten caught up in the flames, saw Gaz on his way out, and saved her.

To save a human… it was so out of Zim's character! Every time he saved them it was because it benefited him and his conquest some way or another. So, what did he have to gain from this?

Was it possible that Dib was right before? Was Zim getting too comfortable on Earth?

Dib shot up to his feet as his father rushed into the waiting room.

"Dad, she's stable," Dib assured him as he rushed past and into her room. Dib didn't want to follow him; he had been staying outside in the waiting room for a reason. It hurt him so much to see her like this. Gaz had been put to sleep, and she was hooked up to several different machines, and there was a breathing tube down her throat to help clean her lungs of all the smoke and ash.

"They said they'd wake her as soon as her oxygen levels return to normal," Dib mumbled. He was half expecting his father to scream at him; to blame him for everything. To shout, "Where were you?" Instead, Prof. Membrane hugged him closely.

"I thought I lost you both," he sniffled. "Thank goodness your foreign friend was there! What was his name again?"

"Zim; his name is Zim," Dib answered. Usually he'd say they weren't friends, but he stopped himself this time. Yes, Zim was still the enemy. He had made that very clear. Still, he saved her! Why? Dib wasn't sure, but Dib owed him at least a little bit of gratitude.

"I think she'd want to thank him," Prof. Membrane went on. "I think I'll call him; see if he'd like to see her."

"That's okay dad, I could-"

"No son. This is something I want to do myself. I want to thank the young man that saved my daughter's life."

Dib watched his father walk out, cell phone in hand, in disbelief. Any other day Dib would have screamed "Has the world gone mad?!" But now he just stared at his sister as fear boiled up in his mind, body, and soul. "Please be okay," he whispered as he kissed her forehead. "Please be okay."

(Zim's house...)

The call…

He hadn't been expecting it. Zim had never done anything worth praise before, so when the phone rang, and as he answered to the sound of Prof. Membrane's voice, he found that he was unprepared.

"Hello?"

"Hello. This is Prof. Membrane, Gazline's father. Is this Zim?"

"Yes…"

"I wanted to personally thank you for saving my daughter's life, and I know she would love to thank you too."

"Well of course; think nothing of it. I was simply doing my duty as a fellow citizen, and friend." Zim found that the words came out more smoothly then he expected them to.

"I'd be honored if you came and had dinner with us some time," Prof. Membrane went on.

"Come over for dinner? Prof. Membrane you're too kind, but I need no rewards, and I simply wouldn't want to intrude-"

"No, please, I insist!" Prof. Membrane said.

"Say yes," Gir urged, "say yes!"

"Well, uh, I'd have to get back to you with a date," Zim answered.

"Sounds great. Oh, and I know Gazlene will want to thank you too, so when did you plan to visit?"

"Visit?" Zim asked.

"Yes; visit Gazline in the hospital. Her levels are almost back to normal, so the doctors will be waking her up soon."

"Oh, of-of course!" Zim stammered. "I was actually getting ready to leave right now," he lied.

"Good. We'll see you in a few then," Prof. Membrane said matter-of-factually.

"You bet," Zim laughed. "Okay, good-bye now."

"Good-bye Zim, and it was nice talking to you."

"You too sir," Zim hung up in a panic.

Prof. Membrane smiled. "What a nice boy."

"This is bad, Gir! This is so bad!"

"No, it's not."

"Yes, it is Gir! Don't you see? Her father-" Zim froze suddenly, realizing. Gaz's father invited him over for dinner and gave him permission to see her at the hospital. He had won the trust of her father. "This is perfect."

"I told you," Gir said. "Now let's go see Gazzy!"

"Yes," Zim smiled evilly, "let's go pay a visit to our little Gaz."

(In The Hospital a few hours later...)

She did not expect to wake up. She was convinced she was dead. Then again, maybe that wouldn't be so bad. Sure, she'd miss her family, but there would be no more pain, no more sorrow, just freedom.

Gaz opened her eyes slowly; she did not expect to see him. She had expected to see Dib or her Father first, but instead she saw him in his usual human disguise.

"She's awake," he said bluntly, but there was a smile on his face, and, to her amazement, she found that she liked that smile. She turned her head as a movement caught her eye; her brother and father had been sitting close by in some chairs. They had both sprung up to their feet at Zim's announcement.

"How are you feeling?" Dib asked her as he rushed to her side, the opposite side of Zim.

Prof. Membrane stood beside him, both looking relieved to see her awake.

"I-" Gaz tried to speak, but her throat was dry. Zim held out to her a glass of water, moving at what seemed like lightning speed.

"Drink it slowly," Zim advised as he held the glass for her.

Gaz took a sip; it felt good. Nice and cold against her throat. She looked up at Zim, her eyes searching his.

He gave her a reassuring smile, but otherwise said nothing.

She suddenly realized the uneasy atmosphere that cloaked around them, and instantly knew that her brother had only let Zim come because he saved her.

"I'm glad you're okay," Zim said as he took the glass from her. "Would you like some more?" He asked.

Gaz shook her head. She felt like she had woken up in the twilight zone, but she didn't mind. In fact, she found herself smiling. She had no idea Zim could be so…. So thoughtful. So, caring.

Dib's eyes followed Zim's every movement, searching for the alternate motive. Why was Zim tending to her every need? What was he getting out of it? Since when did Zim go out of his own way to help others?

'He's up to something…'he told himself, but he wasn't as sure as he used to be. Was Zim up to something? Or was it that his own mind wanted Zim to be up to something? Did his brain depend on Zim's plans to keep it sane? He shook his head at the thought, surer of himself now.'He's up to something; I just know it.'

Zim tried his best to fight off a smirk. Dib was definitely off his game, and it was so obvious. He felt a sense of pride as he sat down in his chair beside Gaz. Finally, for once, he had done something right. He pulled out a box neatly wrapped with a bow and said: "You know Gaz, I never properly apologized for the destruction of your Game Slave, so I hope this will make up for it." He handed her the box.

Gaz opened it slowly, not sure what to think, and her eyes widened in shock. "The Game Slave 3!" She exclaimed as she ripped the box open. She couldn't believe her eyes! "How did you manage this? It doesn't come out for 3 more weeks!"

"Yeah, Zim. How did you manage?" Dib challenged.

"Well, my Dad is old friends with the Company Manager that sponsors the Game Slave, so my Dad always gets first dibs on early shipments."

"Really? Well, it's very nice of you to give up such a valuable game to my daughter. Gaz what do you say to-"

"Thanks, Zim," Gaz said, not even waiting for her father to finish. She immediately turned it on. Of course, she knew Zim had been lying about how he came across the game, but she didn't care. She had the new Game Slave before everyone else!

If only Dib didn't always have to open his big mouth, then the moment would have been perfect.

"Zim, could we talk outside for a moment?" Dib asked carefully.

"Why of course." Zim acted as casual as possible.

Gaz watched them go, knowing all too well that a fight was about to begin.

Prof. Membrane's pager suddenly went off. "Sorry Daughter, but duty calls. I will check up on you again tonight. Love you," he kissed her forehead and took off, out her window and into the sky on rocket boots.

"What are you doing?" Dib asked as he and Zim walked out into the hall.

"I don't know what you mean," Zim said, acting clueless.

"This! What are you doing?!" Dib yelled even louder.

"I'm here to make sure Gaz is okay," he answered calmly. "Your father invited me I did not want to be rude."

"And the Game Slave?"

"I broke hers before class. That's how we ended up being late and we got detention. I used my time machine to get it for her; that's where I was when the fire broke out."

"In the future?!" Dib questioned.

"Yes." Zim answered.

"And what? You gave it to her out of the kindness of your heart?" Dib challenged.

"Your father asked me to come and see her. I've read that visitors often bring get well gifts, and I was already going to give it to her, so she'd stop threatening me. Now, is this interrogation over with or what?!" Zim pushed pass him.

"You're up to something, Zim. We both know it, so go on; tell me your brilliant plan like you always do. Tell me how I will never hope to save my planet from your reign of terror."

"Actually Dib, I'm done with that," Zim said bluntly.

Time seemed to stop all together; Gaz's blood went cold as she heard those words. Her door was partly open, she could hear every word.

"What… what did you just say?" Dib questioned.

Zim tried his best not to laugh at the stupid expression on his enemy's face. This was the most delicate part of his plan. Gaz would never date him if she knew he still planned to destroy their planet. He knew all too well she could hear them; this was nothing more than a ploy to gain her trust further.

"I'm done. I give up. Your precious world is safe, okay? All I want to do is live an almost normal Earth life."

"You're lying; you want to destroy us all!"

"Look Dib, I'm tired of this never-ending cycle. It's over now. Please just leave me alone."

Dib looked at his greatest foe in disbelief. "But you said…"

"Yes, and I meant it. You and I will never be friends; nothing has changed between us, but I know when I am beaten. Now please, Dib, let this end here."

"What about your leaders?!" Dib shouted, giving one last attempt to catch him in some sort of lie.

"I have already told them that Earth's conquest is a failed expedition. There is nothing here worth their time; your precious world is safe. Don't you get it? You've won Dib. All I ask is to live here on Earth for the rest of my days in peace."

Dib watched him walk back into Gaz's room in total horror.'ZIM GIVE UP?!'he blinked his eyes as if to see if he was hallucinating; hearing things! Zim was giving up…

"I'll see you later Gaz," Zim said politely as he reached her bedside.

"Did you mean it?" She asked him.

Zim froze, pretending to not understand the question. "Mean what?"

"When you said it's over… Did you really mean it?"

Zim bowed his head in falsehood. "Yes. I understand if you don't believe me, but I mean it. It's over now."

"But if that's true then why not just go home?" Gaz asked as Zim sat down beside her.

"Go home? I was banished from my home planet years ago." Zim sighed "This mission was my last chance to be welcomed back into the collective, and I have failed. I have no home now." Zim was surprised to feel his eyes begin to water; he had never been so open with anyone, not even Gir, and he was only being honest now because he knew it would help him gain her trust.

"You have nowhere to go?" Gaz felt her heartache with pity as he moved to walk out the door. All this time Zim was just trying to return home, but he couldn't do that without proving himself to his leaders. That was what this was all about? Every ploy, every plan… was just Zim trying to regain his right to go home, to be among his own kind once more? What must it be like to have nowhere to call your own, to wonder time and space, forever searching for your place among the stars?

"You don't have to go," she said, not quite sure of herself. If she reached out to him, what difference would it make; what would they gain? A friend? An ally? What could they learn? What challenges could they overcome with him by their side? And if she reached out, would he accept what she was offering? Would he even want it?

Zim looked over his shoulder and forced a pained smile. "I'm afraid I've overstayed my welcome." He then pointed to her game. "You know, with that version you can hook it up to your TV for a bigger screen and use multiple game controllers. You can even play online and battle swarms of Vampire Piggies with as many friends as you want."

"Sounds pretty cool," Gaz admitted, and as he opened the door to leave, she said "You know my dad's probably going to throw a big get-together to welcome me home. That's what he did for Dib when he got out from having a bad case of the measles."

"Yeah," Zim smiled, not sure where this was going.

"So, I'm gonna have mine at Bloaty's. Want to come?" Gaz asked.

Then it hit him; she was asking him as a friend to come to her welcome home party. He was in; he had found a way in!

"I'd love to," he said.

"See you then," Gaz smiled. "And Zim, you have my permission."

"Permission?"

"You know… to live here on Earth and all."

"Really? You mean it?" Zim suddenly felt as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He had never been accepted before, and here she was willing to forget all he's done, just like that. "Why? Why give me this?" He asked.

"No one deserves to be alone, no matter what they've done. We all make mistakes Zim. I don't know why you saved me, and maybe you don't even know, but you did, and that tells me that there is good inside of you. Somewhere… and even if you don't think so now, I want you to know that things will get better."

"Thanks Gaz," Zim smiled.

"See you soon," Gaz waved. Maybe Zim was telling the truth, maybe it really was over. Then again, a trick like this was right up his alley. Gaz wasn't sure if she believed him or not, but she saw at least some truth in his eyes, which meant not all his words were lies. Maybe all Zim needed was a chance to belong somewhere; to feel wanted… then maybe all his words would become true.

Zim waved back, and just as he did Dib walked in. He saw and his blood began to noticeably boil.

Zim force a straight face as he walked past the Dib and out the door. He could feel his glare bearing down on him.

Everything was going according to plan. Yes, surely nothing could stop him now.

(Days Later...)

This was it. After all his hard work, Zim had finally done it. He had gained the trust of Gaz and her father in one fell swoop. He smiled at himself as he looked in the mirror; today was the big day.

Gaz was released from the hospital just last night, and just as she figured, her dad announced the welcome home party moments later. Zim smiled as he remembered that he was the first person that Gaz's father had called with the big news.

'Silly humans, so easily trusting,'he snickered as he remembered the look on Dib's face when he told him that lie about giving up.'And so easy to fool!'He turned to Gir and then said "Okay Gir… how do I look?"

Gir looked him over, head to toe. Zim was wearing his usual human disguise, and a big grin on his face. "You look perfect, now all you got to do is give her these," Gir gave Zim a bouquet of flowers and said, "Everyone brings gifts to a welcome home party!"

Zim took the flowers and breathed in a deep breath. "Here it goes," he said as he ran out the door, calling back to hisrobot. "Wish me luck, Gir!"

Gir pulled on his doggy suit and took out his camera. "I'm coming with you!"

"No, Gir you stay here," Zim ordered from the doorway.

Gir gave him the puppy dog eyes.

"No Gir I said-" Zim suddenly cringed as Gir started to cry loudly. "Okay! Fine… you can go. Just promise me you'll behave."

"I promise!" Gir vowed.

"Okay, let's go before we're late," Zim ordered as they raced out onto the street.

'This is it.'Zim could hardly hold in his excitement. He was finally going to win, and this time even the Dib would be powerless to stop him.

(Bloaty's Pizza Place...)

Bloaty's,

Dib hated this place. With its ruckus of loud children, and the over-powering smell of cheese. He had no idea what Gaz liked about it; it was crowded, noisy, and every other thing you could think of that Gaz just couldn't stand. Still, she seemed to be at one with the place.

Dib smiled as he watched his sister help Rachel set up the piñata in the field just behind the restaurant. Dib remembered when this little field of grass and trees was just another parking lot. However, a few years ago the new mayor decided that the town needed a park for kids to play in and the parents decided it should be built at the one place every kid loved: Bloaty's.

He watched as Gaz tied the piñata full of candy up to a tree. He was glad she was okay, but as soon as she was better, his thoughts immediately returned to Zim. It had been seven dayssincehe saw Zim last, and his last words to him were still clouding his mind like a morning fog.

"You're up to something, Zim. We both know it, so go on; tell me your brilliant plan like you always do. Tell me how I will never hope to save my planet from your reign of terror."

"…Your precious world is safe. Don't you get it? You've won Dib. All I ask is to live here on Earth for the rest of my days in peace."

And with those final words, Zim just walked away, and just like that it was over. Just like that Dib had won. At least, that's what he was telling himself now. Zim gave up, so Dib wins; Earth is safe. So why didn't he feel like it was over? What was this nagging feeling in his mind that just wouldn't go away? Why did he feel as if Zim was still plotting? Still planning against them?

'Because he still is,'Dib told himself, realizing the truth.'He's trying to throw me off the trail of his real scheme, but what is it? What is Zim planning?!'

Rachel and Gaz walked over to him, and he followed them into the restaurant where their Dad and almost everyone from town waited for them.

Dib smiled. He knew that having everyone here to celebrate Gaz's recovery would make her happy. Then he frowned as he watched his sister's eyes comb through the crowd as if looking for someone in particular.

"Well, it looks like everyone's here," Rachel told her.

"Where's Zim?" Gaz asked, still searching.

Dib's frown deepened. "Did you really think he'd come? I mean, come on Gaz. He's a heartless monster who wants to destroy our world! Did you really think all it would take was an invitation to a party?! Zim is the enemy and that is never going to chang-"

"Hello Gaz."

They both turned and Dib's anger soared to new heights. There he was, his greatest foe, holding a bouquet of flowers that he gave to Gaz.

"I thought you'd like these," Zim said, smiling.

"Aww, that's so sweet!" Rachel said as Gaz blushed slightly.

Zim saw her blush and as she did, he felt his own face burn with embarrassment, though he didn't know why. His stomach suddenly began acting up again too. He forced a smile. "So, uh, some party, uh?"

"It hasn't even started!" Dib yelled, suddenly outraged.

"Dib," Rachel gave him a shocked look. "What's gotten into you?!"

"Me?! What's gotten into me?!" Dib yelled. "I'm not the one who's the problem here! It's him! He's evil and I'm not falling for his little trick!" Dib stood in front of his sister protectively. "I don't know what you're up to, or who you think you are, but stay away from my sister, Zim!"

Gaz glared at him with such hatred. "That's it, Dib, you and I need to talk. Now!"

"But he-Gaz…" Dib whined as his sister dragged him to the far corner away from everyone else.

"What do you think you're doing?! You're ruining my party, Dib!" Gaz growled as she threw him against the wall.

"Why did you have to invite him? Can't you see he's evil?!" Dib tried to reason with her.

"Listen Dib, Zim and I are friends now and your just gonna have to deal with it." Gaz growled.

"Friends?! But Gaz, he's the enemy!" Dib hissed.

"No, he'syourenemy. Now if you ruin my party with your alien talk, I will never forgive you!" Gaz warned.

Dib watched her walk away in shock.'FRIENDS?!'His sister had just labeled Zim her friend, and Dib wasn't the only one who heard it.

Zim smiled as his impressive hearing picked up every word. He had done it. Little Gaz was his. Now it was time to use her to get to the Dib.

Dib watched in horror as Gaz grabbed Zim by the hand and led him over to the counter to order their food.

Zim smiled his old evil-plan smile. The smile that let Dib know all too well that he's up to something, and that is when it clicked. That very moment, when his eyes locked with Zim's, he realized his mistake.

"You should be more protective of those things closest to you, Dib. If you don't, you may turn around one day to find them gone, and once that happens you may never get them back."

'No.'His world shattered around him; this was it. This is what Zim had been planning all along; all the sudden it madesense. The waving at his sister at lunch, the need to keep him out of detention, the GS3, the flowers, saving her! Zim was using his sister to get to him and Dib had let it happen. He was so busy being obsessed that he let Zim worm his way into their lives. He had to stop him! Dib marched his way towards them and got right in Zim's face.

"I know what you're planning Zim, and you will not get away with this."

Zim smiled knowingly. "I told you, Earth-smell; I give up."

"You're lying! Don't let him fool you, Gaz. He's only trying to get close to you so he can get to me!"

"I warned you, DIB!" Gaz growled as she moved to attack, but Zim held his hand out in front of her, stopping her.

"Gaz, why don't you take our food and sit; your friends are waiting to celebrate," Zim said, handing her their tray of food. "I'll join you in a second, 'kay?"

"Fine," Gaz said taking the tray, "but I mean it, Dib, this is your last warning." She turned then and walked away.

"It took you long enough," Zim whispered darkly once Gaz was out of range. "It's just too bad. You see, Dib, Gaz is mine now, and there's nothing you can do about it."

"You monster; you won't win this! I'll get her to see through your lies!"

"I warned you Dib, you should have taken my advice. Now the very thing you love will be your own undoing." Zim laughed evilly.

"If you hurt her," Dib warned.

"Hurt her? Oh Dib, I plan to do no such thing. You see I don't have to do anything," he said as he circled around his enemy, herding him into a dark corner of the room. "All I have to do is push the right buttons and your anger will do the rest for me."

"You think this will cloud my judgement?" Dib challenged.

"It already has. You're off your game and it shows, Dib. You just can't stand seeing us together. It makes your blood boil in rage, and that rage will destroy you," Zim smiled. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a party to get to."

Dib watched him go. He was surprised to feel himself shaking. He had never seen Zim so empowered before, so evil, but that wasn't the only thing that scared him. His worst fear had now been realized. Gaz in the hands of the enemy; his enemy! His eyes suddenly narrowed in anger. He wasn't going to get away with this; he'd prove to Gaz that he was using her, that he hadn't changed at all. That he was still bent on taking over the Earth. He walked over towards them as music began to play and the party began to liven up.

"This is the best thing I've ever tasted," Zim said. He was sitting at a table with Rachel, Gaz, and her father. "What is it?" he asked.

Dib sat down by Rachel, his eyes like daggers stabbing into his enemy.

"It's a chocolate and banana milkshake," Gaz told Zim as she tried to ignore her brother.

"Wait, you've never had a chocolate and banana milkshake" Rachel asked.

Zim shook his head.

"No way. Like, never?" Trina was shocked.

"He's from another country," Prof. Membrane explained as Mark and another boy came up to their table.

"So, I hear you guys are going to my school now," the boy with Mark said. He was about Dib's age with short brown hair and tan skin. "My name is James, I'm Mark's cousin," he gestured to Mark. "Sorry about what happened; I heard the fire was rough; nearly took down the whole school."

Mark sat down beside Zim, and Gaz as James went on. "I heard you guys are starting Monday. You gonna be there?"

"Yeah," Gaz answered as she took a sip of her own milkshake. After a week in the hospital, she was dying to go to school on Monday, if only for a sense a normalcy.

"Well, if you think you're ready," Prof. Membrane said, obviously unsure of her decision. "Then I guess I have no choice but to let you go."

"Don't worry Prof. Membrane," Zim smiled. "I'll make sure she's safe," Zim put his arm around Gaz's shoulder.

Dib half expected Gaz to growl at him, but to his horror she let Zim pull her close into a sideways hug.

"This shake is amazing," Zim went on. "So, you said there's chocolate and bananas in this thing?"

Gaz smiled as Mark and James gave him a weird look. "Yes. There's also milk and ice cream," she said.

"Fascinating," Zim said in awe as he drunk some more from his straw.

"He's joking right?" Mark asked.

"Um, no. Zim is from another country," Rachel told him. "And I guess they don't have milkshakes over there."

"Which is so not cool," Trina said as she took a sip of her own strawberry banana shake.

"Is that why your skin is green?" James asked.

"No," Zim hissed. "I have a skin condition."

"Oh," James looked embarrassed. "Sorry dude."

"It's cool," Zim smiled. "So, what's your school like?" He asked.

Dib felt his anger boil over with every passing second. Here he was, at a table full of people, but as James went on talking about their amazing school on the west side of town, all Dib could think about was Zim, who now had his arm resting on the chair just behind Gaz's head.

"You know if you guys need anything, Mark and I would be glad to show you around," James went on.

"Totally," Mark agreed.

"That sounds great," Rachel said. "We could sit together at lunch."

"What about you and Trina?" Zim asked politely. "You cool with sitting with us less popular kids?"

"Sure, I'm cool," Trina said. "Besides, I won't be there long anyways."

"Why not?" Zim asked, pretending to be concerned.

Dib had the sudden urge to throw up. How was Zim managing this act?! He never thought of anyone but himself, but here he was, talking with his friends with such ease!

Zim smiled. This was so easy! He had been on earth long enough to learn how to carry on a conversation with them, and as for being polite, he read from his many books about human behavior that being a nice gentleman made people feel more comfortable around you. Andsincehe needed these humans to trust him, he decided to put his gentlemen skills to the test.

"Trina is moving after my party. Her mom was a teacher at our school; there are no openings at our new school for her to take, so they are moving to Orlando to be with family," Rachel said sadly.

"It's so unfair," Trina growled.

"It's okay Trina; we can still text and face time," Rachel said.

"But it won't be the same," Trina moaned.

Rachel frowned.

"I'm so sorry Raych," Dib said to her. He put his hand on her shoulder, pushing his anger aside for the moment. "It will be okay, and I'm sure Trina will have no trouble fitting in," he looked to Trina for help.

"He's right, I'll miss you, but I'll be fine," Trina forced a smile.

"And you still got us," Dib went on.

"Yeah," Zim agreed. "You have many friends here."

"I was talking about me and Gaz," Dib growled.

Rachel smiled. "Oh, come on Dib, Zim's trying here," she got up from the table. "I know, let's start some games before all the candy melts in the Piñata."

Everyone from the table got up and followed her lead out the door. Dib slowly dragged his feet, following from behind.

How could he let this happen? How could he have been so blind?! Dib sat down on a fallen log and watched as everyone around him was laughing and playing in the park. Everyone was having a good time but him.

"What's wrong?" Gir asked, appearing beside him in his doggy suit.

"Oh, hi Gir," Dib sighed.

"You, sad. Why?" Gir asked.

"I lost my own sister to the enemy. Your master stole her heart and now he's using her."

Gir sat beside Dib, his head heavy with shame. "They meant to be," he told Dib. "I want them to be together, so I got them together, because they are meant to be together."

"No, they're not, Gir; they are not meant to be. There has to be something I can do. This… it defies all laws of nature! He's not human, my sister can't-" Dib looked at Gir, who had tears in his eyes.

"You my best friend," Gir said. "I like you, but my master doesn't. He's always sad, always angry, always alone… but now he has Gaz, and no one is gonna ruin their love," Gir warned.

"It's not love Gir! Besides, aren't there rules on your planet against this kind of thing?" He asked Gir.

"I don't know," Gir said, "and I don't care."

Dib stood up and took a deep breath. "I have to tell her the truth; she's just got to believe me," he ran over to Gaz, who was about to swing at the piñata, but Dib suddenly foundrobotic tentacles wrapping around his body and the next thing he knew he was hanging from the tree by one of Zim's PAK legs, tied up where the piñata had been, his mouth covered by a piece of cloth. He watched in horror as Gir took the bat from Gaz and handed her a new bat covered in nails.

Zim grinned evilly as Gir put the piñata full of melting candy on the ground. This was going to be good! The other party guest had tried their hand at the piñata and failed before losing interest and giving up. Leaving to bug the Professor for cake.

Gaz, however, was determined to give it another try. Zim chuckled quietly. He could see the Dib sweating in fear.

Gaz swung the bat hard and-

"Okay everyone, it's time for cake!" Prof. Membrane yelled.

Gaz stopped the bat just inches from her brother's face and pulled her blind fold off.

Zim panicked and threw the Dib into the bushes.

Gaz turned to him puzzled. "What was that?"

"I don't know," Zim shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, let's go get some cake!" He grabbed her by the hand and led her away.

Gir ran over to the bushed and helped Dib. "Gir, I thought you said we were friends! Friends don't help their Master tie their friend up and nearly let him get beaten by his sister!" Dib shouted.

"I know," Gir bowed his head. "I panicked, okay?! My Master is finally happy, and you was gonna ruin it!"

"He's using her Gir! You know that!" Dib yelled.

"They love each other, they just don't see it yet," Gir told him.

Dib screamed. He wanted to pull his own hair out in frustration. "Fine, I'll do this the hard way. I'll show her; I'll show her proof that he's no good for her. I'll show her that he's just using her! That he still plans to destroy us all! Then she'll see him for the monster he really is!"

Gir sighed. Why couldn't Dib just see that this was meant to be? He shook his head. Love stories seemed so much easier on TV.

Zim laughed as Rachel snapped a photo of him and Gaz eating cake. "This is fun," he said, and to his surprise he meant it. He suddenly looked up at the sky and realized it was almost dark; he had spent the whole day with Gaz, and it had only felt like a few minutes. "I really should get going," Zim told Gaz awkwardly.

Gaz looked around shocked. It was night already, where had the time gone? "You want me to walk you home?" she asked.

Zim smiled. "I'd like that."

Gaz walked up to her Dad. "Hey Dad, Zim and I are gonna play some video games at his house, 'kay?"

"Alright, have fun, and be back by nine," Prof. Membrane told her.

"Okay, let's go," Gaz said as she and Zim began to walk away.

"Gir, let's go home."

Gir immediately ran after his master's voice. Dib saw his sister and he raced off after them. He had to warn her; he had to stop this from happening before it was too late!

(A Few hours later at Zim's house...)

"No, it's back, circle, back," Gaz shouted as Zim tried to shoot his lasers at the oncoming Vampire Piggies.

Zim followed her command without hesitation. They had hooked up Gaz's GS3 to his TV and they had been battling vampire pigs for hours and now they were finally on the last level. "Look out for the Vampire Hog; behind you, 12 o'clock!" He warned her.

"Got it," Gaz said, taking down the hog with ease. She smiled. She and Zim actually made a great team. She stole a glance at him quickly; he had taken off his human disguise the moment they stepped foot in his house. She guessed he didn't care that she saw his real form; after all, she had seen it many times before.

Zim concentrated on the task before him; he laughed as he destroyed one piggy after another. "You know," he said, looking at Gaz, "this is kind of fun." He smiled and suddenly found himself lost in her eyes; it was like they could see right to his very soul.

Gaz felt her heart skip a beat. She loved that smile. She suddenly looked back at the game and gasped. "Look out!"

Zim dodged a swarm of Piggies just in time. He shook his head, trying to shake the feeling her gaze had placed upon him.

Dib peaked through Zim's window, watching them closely. All they were doing was playing video games! When was Zim going to strike?! They had been playing for hours now… it was already 8:30, and still Zim did nothing but play the game, and if Dib didn't know better, he'd say Zim was actually having fun, but that couldn't be right…

Right?

"Almost there," Gaz said. "All we have to do is get past them and grab the sword!"

"Watch out for the fangs!" Zim screamed. "The fangs of DOOM!" He laughed as he cut a pig in half. "Take that you blood-sucking pig!" He continued to take down one vampire pig after another.

Finally, only one last vampire hog stood in their way. It was huge and it towered over them.

"We got to work together on this one," Gaz told him. "It's the only way we'll take him down."

"Let's do this," Zim said, his red eyes narrowed with determination.

"Go, Master, GO!" Gir cheered as he watched them play from the floor. "Go, Gazzy, GO!"

Gaz and Zim hit the hog with everything they had and finally, with one final blow, the giant hog-beast fell.

"Yes! Victory for Zim!" Zim exclaimed as Gaz reached the sword and held it high with pride.

The screen suddenly exploded with special effects as the word "WINNER" was spelled out on the screen in red letters.

"Sweet, high score!" Gaz exclaimed as she high-fived Zim.

"That's right! Evil Piggies beware!" Zim laughed.

"Oh, it's late, I have to be home soon," Gaz said as she realized the time.

"Oh," Zim frowned. He suddenly realized he didn't want her to go, they were having so much fun together… he froze as he realized what he was just thinking; he wanted her to stay? Zim shook his head as he chased the butterflies out of his stomach. What was going on? What was wrong with him?

"Well, I guess I'll see you Monday," Gaz said, her words dragging Zim out of his thoughts.

"You want me to walk you home?" He asked.

"No, my nosey brother can do that," She said as she pointed to Dib, who was still spying on them from the window.

She marched out the door. "Seriously Dib?"

"He's using you Gaz! Don't fall for his tricks!" Dib screamed as Zim walked out from behind her.

"He LIES!" Zim yelled. "Gaz, I had a great time tonight, and I would never jeopardize our friendship. I meant it when I said I was done with world conquest; I just want to live in peace, but Dib-"

"He's lying Gaz! Don't you see he's using you to get to me?"

"That's enough Dib!" Gaz yelled.

"But-" Dib tried to argue, but his sister grabbed him by the ear.

"I said that's enough, Dib!" She looked at Zim, searching his eyes, but she found no evil in them, but something else… something she had never seen before.

"I'll see you on Monday," he told her with a sigh.

Gaz found a smile slipping onto her face; something about Zim was changing. She could see it, even if her annoying brother couldn't. "Bye," she said before dragging her brother off by the ear.

Zim watched her go, his mind racing. What was this feeling that had suddenly washed over him? He shook his head and went back inside. Maybe some time in the lab would help clear his mind…

"Gaz, stop. You have to listen to me!" Dib suddenly pulled out of her grasp. "Can't you see what he's doing? He's tearing us apart!"

"No, you are!" Gaz yelled.

"Gaz," Dib was hurt. "How could you say that? I'm trying to protect you!"

"We were playing video games!" Gaz yelled. "We were just having fun, and you had to ruin it!"

"Ruin it? Gaz, he's a monster, and he hasn't given up! He told me himself; he's using you Gaz!"

Gaz shook her head. Why did Dib have to be so frustrating?! She wanted to pull her own hair out; why was she defending Zim? She knew Dib was probably right; this is exactly like something Zim would do, but then she remembered the way he looked at her when their eyes met each-other's… how it was so easy to get along with him… how they had spent 3 hours playing a video game, hours that felt like the most amazing seconds of her life. She felt this… what was this feeling? She was not sure, but she knew she felt it, and she knew Zim had to be feeling it too, weather he wanted to admit it to himself are not.

"Listen Dib, I like hanging out with Zim. It's fun, and if you don't leave us alone you will wish you had!"

Dib watched her walk away. "But Gaz," he stomped his foot in frustration.'Fine. If she won't believe my words, then I'll get proof!'He told himself as he ran home to get ready for his new mission. He'd get the proof he needed to convince Gaz one way or another, and once he did Zim would pay!

He'd pay for everything he ever did to him, and to this planet, but more importantly he'd pay for stealing his sister's heart and forcing him to be the one to have to crush it with the truth.

'Oh yes, Zim will pay for this!' Dib vowed. 'And he will pay with his life.'

End Notes: Oh no is it just me or is Zim's plan actually working for a change! When did Dib get so blinded by rage? And what the heck has gotten into Gaz?! Since when did she feel sorry for anyone?! Find out next time on Invader Zim: Renegades!

Thanks for reading and please review!

Yours Truly, RoxieDivine ;)