Invader ZIM © Jhonen Vasquez/Nickelodeon

[Space Sector 47072: GAMMA QUADRANT, SOL-3.
Planet: TERRA [Otherwise known as "Ee-Arth"]

[Location: North America, City..Town? [whatever.]

In the home of world renown (mad) scientist, Professor Membrane.
a door slammed open..and, out walked a very scary looking, ten year old girl.

Gazlene Membrane (or, just "Gaz") was less of a human being, and more of a force of nature.

with purple hair that resembled the jaws of a beast,
and eyes that remained hidden in a squint, UNLESS otherwise glaring at you,

Only the Insane, or Stupid dared to challenge her.

..unfortunately, Gaz knew two people who represent both those qualities perfectly.

Gaz stomped down the hall like a Tyrannosaurus on the prowl for it's next kill.
She then entered the living room where she found her older brother sitting in front of the television.

DIB. One of TWO people Gaz despised with great passion.
And, once again, the nutcase was watching that dumb Mysterious Mysteries show.

Gaz loomed behind her brother as if she were the Grim Reaper itself..and, spoke in an icy tone.

"DIB. I need to go to the mall." spoke Gaz. Not asking..but, Announcing.

Dib turned, and look at his little sister. "well..then go."

Somehow Gaz squinted her eyes more so than usual. "you know the rules, DIB.
Dad won't let me go out that far WITHOUT you with me."

"Okay. Jut give me Fifteen Minutes, and-" Gaz suddenly gripped Dib by his shirt.

"no. I need to go NOW. a new game that I want just hit shelves." stated Gaz.
"and I am NOT going to be the only one at school NOT playing it!"

"Okay, OKAY!" said Dib. "Look, my show is almost over.
I am sure it will still be there by the time we-ERK!" Gaz tightened her grip.

"You'd BETTER be right about that, DIB." growled Gaz. "Because if I don't have that game by tonight..you will PAY."

[Much Later, [which was longer than 15 Minutes BTW.]

"Well, how was I to know there would be an hour long special!?" exclaimed Dib.

Gaz said nothing. She just stomped down the street with Dib keeping his distance.

When the pair turned a corner..they found a ridiculously long line
That started from the Mall entrance, and went down the block to where Gaz was standing.

Gaz turned and GLARED at Dib. Both knowing full well that they would be here all day.

"It..was a good episode?" began Dib, nervously.

"It was a FRICKEN rerun." growled Gaz in response.

Dib exhaled. "right..sorry Gaz. But, I promise I'll-"

Dib stopped mid-sentence upon seeing a familiar, GREEN figure
walking down the sidewalk from across the street that he and Gaz were on.

"ZIM!" exclaimed (well, SHRIEKED) Dib. "WHAT ARE YOU UP TO, YOU..ALIEN!"

As Dib ran across the Street, Gaz clenched her fists. "GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE, DIB!
DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE ME HERE TO..DIIIBB! (shouting) I SWEAR I WILL MAKE YOU SUFFER FOR THIS!"

[If You've Seen "Game Slave 2*", Then You Know Where This Is Going..]

(*The TV Episode, not the gaming system.)

It was great many hours before the line started moving.
..and, Gaz was so close to going postal on everyone in the building.

The only thing that made this situation more bearable than the last time this happened,
was that for once, that weirdo "Iggins" was nowhere to be found.

Maybe Gaz would get lucky today.

But, even MORE hours had passed before Gaz finally made her way into the Game Pit.
Gaz immediately rushed over to the shelves..but, her desired game was no where to be found.

From the shelves, to the display stands..there was nothing.

Gaz widened her amber eyes in dread. "no..NO!, They can't ALL be gone!" exclaimed Gaz.

Gaz was never one to show very much emotion.
to most, she was like a Gargoyle: Cold, Unfeeling and Scary.

BUT, when Gaz did show emotion..it could be very 'explosive.'

Gaz ran up to the counter. "YOU, Nameless Drone."

"My NAME is Greg." spoke the disgruntled employee.

"whatever..Don't you have ANY copy of Dynasty Souls III left?!"

"Sorry, kid. we're sold out-"

"THERE HAS TO BE ONE LEFT!" shouted Gaz, who leapt up like a grasshopper,
and was now clinging to the man's vest like a tick.

"SECURITY!"

[One Tense Skirmish Later..]

Gaz was tossed out of the Mall, and into the street.
She scowled, her face scuffed up, and her black raincoat torn up a bit.

For a ten year old, she put up a good fight against the Rent-a-Cops.

..BUT, regardless, she still failed at her mission.
All she wanted NOW was to find Dib, and vent her frustration upon him.

"Hey..are you okay?" asked someone.

Gaz looked up, and saw a boy around her age looking down at her.

The boy had green hair that resembled a Pineapple,
and an expression that implied he was the "cheerful" sort.

Gaz already despised him.

"I'm FINE." grumbled Gaz, despite clearing not looking 'fine'.

"You sure?, because I saw how those guys threw you out of the building."

"I'm not hurt." replied Gaz, her tone deadpan.

"Did you get caught shoplifting? That tends to happen alot."

Gaz grabbed the boy by the neck of his shirt, looking ready to punch him.

..But, his devoid of ANY fear made Gaz freeze. She then released him..feeling defeated.

"There was this game that I really wanted." explained Gaz.
"My stupid brother brought me here LATE..AGAIN. so, I couldn't get a copy."

The boy frowned. "That really does suck..what game was it?"

"Dynasty Souls Three." replied Gaz. "I waited so long for it, and I NOW have to wait even longer."

"That IS a good game." said the boy. "I even pre-ordered it last week."

Gaz grumbled. "Lucky YOU.." responded Gaz, icily.

"ye-yeah, but..see. When I went to pick it up today, the manager screwed up my pre-order."

The boy then reached into a plastic bag that he was carrying. "I ordered one copy..and, they gave me TWO!"

Gaz's eyes nearly shot from her sockets at seeing TWO identical copies
of the very game that she sought in each of the boy's hands.

"No wonder it was so expensive.." mused the boy. "I was gonna sell the extra copy, but.."

It was then that the Boy reached out his arm, and offered Gaz one of the games.
Gaz stared at the boy..puzzled at this act of charity. "What's the catch?"

"No catch..just take it. I feel like it's rightfully yours, anyway."

Gaz still remained motionless. She couldn't comprehend this behavior.
Someone like Iggins stealing a game, she could understand.

But, not someone just GIVING her one without asking for anything in return.

But, the sight of the game before her..was too much for her to bear.
So, with some minor reluctance..Gaz took the game in her hand. CLASPING it.

"Thh..Thhhh!, Thhhhaaaaahhhh..." Gaz struggled to say a word that wasn't in her vocabulary.

"You're welcome." said the boy, anticipating what Gaz was trying to say.

With that, the Pineapple Haired Boy picked up his bag, waved to Gaz and walked away.

Gaz just stood there. Still like a statue..and, lost in thought.
She felt so confused. No one had shown her kindness like that before.

..at least, NOT without seeking personal benefit.

But, Gaz eventually pushed it out of her mind, and began to walk home with her new game.

[Skool*, the Following Day]

(*The guy responsible for that awful typo no longer works here anymore.)

Gaz was sitting alone in the far corner of the classroom.

..FAR away from the other school children that annoyed her so much.

While she'd rather be playing her Game Slave, she HAD to do this homework thing
(despite already being smart enough to TEACH this class, since her father was a world renown scientist.)

a door opened, and in walked an adult..but, it WASN'T disgustingly the chipper Mr. Elliot.

"Afternoon CLASS.." spoke a middle-aged man with a shiny bald head, and beer-gut.

"uhh..Mister?" began a small boy named 'Squee' "Where is Mister Eliott?"

"Regrettably..Mr. Elliot is sick with the flu." explained the man.
"I am MISTER Lance. (*in booming voice*) THE SUBSTITUTE!, (normal voice) and you will all RESPECT my authority."

"EEP!"

Mr. Lance took out a clipboard, and adjusted his glasses.

"now..PRIOR to taking the job, I studied the files of EACH, and every one of you.
So, please don't bother telling me your names..because I DON'T GIVE A-"

*CREEEAK!*

At that moment, the classroom door opened. Everyone looked to see a boy enter the room.

a boy with green hair that resembled a Pineapple.

"uhh..Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting anythi-"

"FREEZE!" exclaimed Mr. Lance, who looked at his clipboard.

Gaz looked over, and recognized the boy as the very same one who gave her his spare videogame from yesterday.

"let's see..AH!, SIDNEY CORTEX."

"It's just "Sid", sir."

"I don't care what you call yourself" said Mr. Lance. "YOU'RE LATE!"

"I know, but you see..There was this green dog, and he stole my-"

"TAKE YOUR SEAT, SID!"

"ye-yessir." Sid quickly walked between desks, and sat at his own.

..Which was right in front of Gaz's desk.

Gaz couldn't help but bat an eye towards Sid.

It almost seem weird that this kid who did her a huge favor,
just so happened to be in the same class as her, and WASN'T just a total stranger.

(but, to be honest, Gaz never paid much attention to anyone at school,
So this wasn't as strange as it seemed to be afterall.)

Just then, a male kid (who went by the name of Torque) leaned over to Sid.

*the REAL reason you are late had better be for what I think it is..* growled Torque.

Sid looked nervous. *I, uh-*

"ATTEEEEN-TON!" exclaimed Mr. Lance, prompting the students to focus on him.
"Todays subject will be about..Meteor Showers."

"Now, some people tend to "wish" upon these falling stars." continued Mr. Lance.
Not realizing of course that at the speed that these planetary debre are falling..

(shouting)..THEY WOULD DRILL STRAIGHT THROUGH YOUR BRAINLESS SKULLS LIKE THEY WERE WET TOILET PAPER!"

As Lance continued, Torque glanced at Sid. *I'll see you later at lunch.
and, when I do..I had *BETTER* like what you have to say.*

Sid grimaced, feeling very anxious. Gaz just watched this scene,
unsure how to really feel about what was clearly intimidation against Sid.

It would've been easy just to not care like she always does..

But, for some reason that Gaz couldn't fathom..she DID care.

[The Lunchroom*]

(*Or, "Cafeteria". WHATEVER you want to call it.)

With her usual scowl, Gaz walked with her tray to her usual seat.
AND, as usual, her brother was there..Spying on Zim with his binoculars like some creepy stalker.

"what are you up to, you..you..ALIEN."

Gaz opened her eye a bit to see what Zim was ACTUALLY doing.

..which was apparently examining his cafeteria food with some alien-looking magnifying glass.

"What could that alien scum be plotting now!?" exclaimed Dib, certain that Zim was doing something 'sinister'

"maybe he's "scheming" to make this slop more edible." said Gaz, sarcastically.

"or, maybe he'd..CONVERTING IT INTO EXPLOSIVE MATERIAL!" exclaimed Dib.

Gaz groaned, feeling embarrassed to be near her paranoid sibling.

It was then that Gaz spotted Sid walking by with his own tray.

looking kinda worried.

She watched as he sat down..ALONE.

he wasn't alone for long, though. Torque, and his group of friends soon approached, and surrounded Sid.

Gaz watched with mild interest.

"Okay, SID. Did you get my homework done, or not?!" demanded the bully.

Sid looked up at the four boys that were ganging up on him."Oh, uhh..Sorry Torque.
But, this new game came out recently, and since it isn't due until next week, I thought that-"

"YOU THOUGHT!?" exclaimed Torque, outraged. "WHO ASKED YOUR OPINION, PINEAPPLE HEAD?!"

"uhh, well-"

"THINK, you nerd, THINK!, I need time to recopy!" snapped Torque.
"Do you know what will happen if I turn in "MY" homework in "YOUR" handwriting?!

I could get detention..MAYBE even Expelled. and, you wouldn't want that to happen, would you?"

Sid was awkwardly silent.

"WOULD YOU?!" snapped Torque again, who jerked Sid's shirt.

"uhh..no. No, of course not."

Gaz scowled at this scene. No gamer should miss out on a new game
JUST to help a jerk like Torque cheat his way out of expulsion.

"Get my homework delivered to me TONIGHT." said Torque,
as he snatched away Sid's carton of milk. "Or, it's YOUR ass."

Sid frowned. "okay, Torque.."

"good. with that, Torque and his friends walked off. Leaving Sid alone.

"poor guy." said Dib, who also watched this scene.
"No friends, and getting bullied constantly. I can't imagine how that feels."

Gaz said nothing..she just punched Dib, and then took his unopened carton of milk.
She then picked up her tray, got up, and walked over to where Sid was sitting.

"hey." spoke Gaz, her voice monotoned.

Sid looked up, and recognized the girl with purple, jaw-like hair. "oh, HI..it's you."

"I'm sitting here, so scoot over." Gaz then shoved Sid aside as she sat down. "So..you're name is Sid."

"yeah..Sid Cortex."

"My name is Gazlene." began Gaz. "Gazlene Membrane..but, everyone calls me "Gaz"

"Gaz..that's a pretty cool name." said Sid.

Gaz almost smiled..she then handed Sid Dib's carton of milk. "here."

"Are you sur-"

"JUST TAKE IT." repeated Gaz, her tone forceful.

Sid did as he was told, and took the milk.

"You sure do have a problem with sticking up for yourself, Sid." said Gaz.

"yeah..I know." said Sid, frowning. "I wish I could stand up to jerks like Torque.
But, what can I do?, being aggressive just isn't in me."

"I could teach you." said Gaz.

Sid then smiled weakly. "I appreciate that, Gaz..but, it isn't that simple.
See, I..I get these headaches any time I feel upset about ANYTHING.

So, I try to stay positive, and optimistic about everything. Negative thoughts make my brain hurt."

"Is THAT a fact?" inquired Gaz, as if in disbelief.

Sid nodded. "It is. I even have to take prescribed medication to keep me mellow.
or else I suffer these extreme blackouts, and a memory lapse."

Gaz pondered this for a moment.

"So, you're weak..and, can't defend yourself if your life literally depended on it."

Sid looked down, feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry."

Gaz sighed. "well..I guess I'll have to protect you, then."

Sid stared at Gaz. "you're gonna WHAT, now?"

"Look, When people anger me, I make them suffer..HORRIBLY." began Gaz.
"BUT, when they please me in any way..I make sure they remember my gratitude.

See, you did me a great service when you gave me that game..so, I will repay your kindness."

Sid paused for a moment. "wait, so..does this mean we're friends?"

Gaz eyed Sid. "Show me your gaming skills, and MAYBE we'll talk about that.

Sid smiled. "Maybe" isn't a "No"..So, it sounds good to me!
Hey!, maybe you can come over to my house, and we can play some games there!"

"no." said Gaz.

"oh.." said Sid, disappointed.

"But, you CAN come over to my house." said Gaz.

Sid smiled again.

"stop doing that, it's creeping the fudge out of me."

"sorry."

[End of Part 1]

[Author Notes]

First chapter of my very first Invader ZIM fanfiction.

And, I started off with a "sequel" to an event from an episode of the cartoon,
and just jumped right into Gaz meeting, and befriending my OC in the best way I knew how.

HOPEFULLY I wrote Gaz's character as authentic as possible.
She is still dark, moody, and uses Dib as her personal punching bag.

(I personally found it oddly cute how she took Dib's milk, and gave it to Sid after his was stolen.)

[NOTE]

"Dynasty Souls III" is my take on a parody of Kingdom Hearts III.

Mister Lance was my attempt to give Gaz a Substitute teacher that nearly matches Ms. Bitters in personality.
Who I deliberately based on Mr. Lancer from Danny Phantom (only grumpier.)