Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Oh god, senior prom is just a couple months away. How stupid would Dib look going alone? ZiM would probably make fun of him for being "mateless", but then again, ZiM doesn't have anyone either. 

Don't worry, though! Dib has a plan: Whoopsie Carrie. Or, just "Carrie". One of Dib's classmates from advanced chemistry, and actually one of his friends. He had a friend this year!

To be honest, he really liked her. Well, he didn't know if he really did like her, or if he was just excited she was interested in the paranormal and could talk to him about it. But, either way, he liked having her around. 

And he wanted to ask her out. 

But could he? That's a lot of risk... and so many things could go wrong. He was Dib Membrane, after all; he could get distracted by a monster, he could fall into a trap, the Earth could explode because he's not looking for one second... and, most of all, there was just so many things wrong with him.

He could be just so aggressive sometimes... maybe even creepy... and sometimes just... way out of control and unreliable. He couldn't risk all his bad qualities showing at a date, let alone an invite to a date! Especially when it's the senior-frickin'-prom!

Dib was getting a bit desperate, so he went to the one thing he could always rely on: nonsensical sci-fi type science.

He would take one of the old, broken Membracelets, and turn it into something new. Which would turn him into something new... the best version of himself. It would both benefit him, and make a scientific breakthrough—possibly benefitting all of mankind as well.

Since, y'know, being the best version of yourself means being good... there'd be no more evil. If you take the evil out of yourself and the world, that would mean the perfect system.

"Dad wants to know why you're using his old tech."

"Out of my room, Gaz! It's important!"

"Damn, okay."

Judging Dib, the project may take about...oh...two days to finish. The first night of the experiment, he successfully altered the bracelet to actually work again. He would make the change-y stuff the next day.

But we're not there yet. 

Because it's skool time.

A Thursday, to be precise; Dib started his complete promposal plan on Wednesday. He was thinking about it throughout the day, bouncing his leg in anticipation to get back to work.

"My, someone's looking extra tired today..." a familiar voice came from behind, sitting down in the seat next to him. "What's keepin' ya up this time? ZiM again?" Carrie pulled one leg up to rest on the chair with her.

"Huh?" Dib panicked for a second. "Yes—yes! ZiM! Ohh, that ZiM! I'm gonna expose him..!"

She laughed. "Yeah... convincing enough. You don't have to tell me."

Dib sighed with relief, watching her dyed red hair move just above her shoulders...suddenly, he was self conscious about his own appearance. His hair hadn't been shaved recently, so the sides of his head look weird growing out?? Is it weird he wears the exact outfit everyday?? Does he look like he smells bad??

"Oh, by the way, Dib, that new teacher they got for the detention room? Pretty sure she's a zombie—'saw her arm fall off earlier. My first thought was that she takes kids' brains from there, but then I realized she probably won't find a lot in there." Carrie leaned her head back a bit.

"Eh, 'probably just likes the cholesterol..."

"Maybe."

Dib huffed. "So, about ZiM—"

"Yeah, your boyfriend?"

"Not my boyfriend!" Dib's voice got a bit high and loud, and he froze. He cleared his throat, his voice noticeably deeper. "Not— not my boyfriend." He sighed. "About ZiM... I might be taking a break from, y'know, fighting him for a few days. To focus on something."

"WHAT?" ZiM stood up from behind a fake plant. "BUT WHAT SHALL I DO IN MY SPARE TIME?!"

Carrie screamed. 

"HOLY HELL, ZiM! A DAMN WARNING NEXT TIME!" Dib yelled. 

"I DID! I repeatedly called you big-headed and monologued about you! BUT WHEN WERE YOU TO TELL ZiiiiiM THAT YOU WERE DUMPING HIM..? ME?"

"Yeah, Dib, how could you do that to your boyfriend?" Carrie snickered, shaking a bit from shock. 

"Dear lord, will you both shut up?" Dib slammed his face into the table, trying hard not to think about how they were all making a scene. 

"ZiM, you're not even in this class," the teacher said, staring really confused at the green boy in the plant.

"Sorry, but scheming never waits. But I guess ENEMIES do, HUH?!" He picked up the plant, storming off dramatically. "Come on, Henry..." he told the plant.

"...what the hell just happened?" Dib looked at the girl next to him.

"I'm just surprised you're not used to this after six years."

"Yeah, well, I'm not used to him just appearing when I'm talking to a pretty—yyyyy coooool persoooonnnnnnn..." he did finger guns. Dear lord, help this bi disaster.

When he got home that night, he went straight to work. If that single period had taught him anything, it was that he needed this. He needed to become his best self, and he needed science to do that for him. And, based on the stupid argument with ZiM—and several arguments that had happened in other classes and on the streets—he needed to find goodness for at least himself.

He worked. He worked for many long hours, coding, brewing, fixing... he managed to get the bracelet to function to a single idea: all his goodness would be amplified, and all his badness would be stored in the bracelet. Perfect! No need to worry! He'll just separate the good from the bad, and everything will go smoothly!

Though, he hadn't tested the device on anything yet... and, honestly, he probably shouldn't get anyone else involved. Also, he was desperate. However... by this point, the bracelet was now finished.

In a leap of faith, he put the bracelet on...

...and felt nothing happen.

Ah, screw this, it probably just needs some time to work. So, Dib kept it on the rest of the night.

And went to sleep.

Chapter Text

Heat. Lots of heat. Flowing all through out, attacking him in his sleep... the feeling of pain, changing him, taking him... was it a nightmare? A spell? Possibly... pain, pain! Bad pain... not nice. There were colors... crimson... gray... joy? Joy... lots of it, yes... but a bit... off-putting. Very...

Free.

Dib woke up the next morning sweating hard, just seconds before his alarm went off. This confused him, to say the least, since he always slept through his alarm (as for the sweating, he figured it was just teenage boy/nightmare stuff). Whatever, the gods were nice today. Time to get to skool. 

Dib leapt out of bed, quickly collecting his skool things and, since he slept in his shirt and jeans, just pulled on his trench coat and some red boots. He ran downstairs to get breakfast, and ended up being on time for the bus. Something was... definitely off. Well, everything was perfect, but it was off. And it was like this for the rest of the day...

On the bus, he realized that he was still wearing that Membracelet. That must be it..! That's been making him do things correctly!

...but can he act and talk correctly..?

To answer that question, he turned to a kid right next to him. "H-hi, I like.. aliens.." he awkwardly grinned. When he was met with an odd look, he let out a sigh and rested his forehead on the back of the seat in front of him.

He was a bit disappointed the rest of the day, and even until advanced chem.

Dib tapped on the bracelet. "This was one big accident..." he huffed.

"Yeeeees, I heard my name?" Carrie leaned over the front of his desk, coming to sit down. "You're here early."

"Oh, uh... I said 'one big accident'."

She stared at him. "Dib. Why do you think my first name is Whoopsie?"

Dib froze. "Oh shit." He sat back up. "Anyway, it wasn't about anything important, I just- well- I, uh.."

"WAIT. Shut up a second.." she got really close, staring at him. "Your hair. How did it do that."

"M-my.. huh??" Dib's eyebrows came together.

"It like... grew out, all the way to your neck in like... a night. I like it. I like the fluffy. I'm gonna touch it." She proceeded to touch it. "But how?"

"But, it didn't.." he pulled out his phone, looking at himself through the camera. "Oh, man!" Carrie was right; his hair had grown out fully, and looked very fluffy. Not only that, but some fight scars were gone, his shirt changed to be his little ghost shirt, and he looked a bit more... healthy. "Woah..."

"Did your dad genetically modify you or somethin'? Or did you get a SQUIP?" 

"Huh?"

She shook her head, sitting down. "We're gonna watch musicals together one day.."

"Oh, that would be nice." Dib smiled, realizing he felt a bit more confident than he thought. As if, he could do anything he wanted—within reason, of course... he'd never break a law he didn't have to. "Hey, speaking of doing nice things... I wanted to ask something."

The girl swung her legs as she sat. "Oh?"

Dib took a breath, stopping his shaking hands. "...I wanted to know if you'd like t—" a crumbled up paper ball hit the back of his head, causing him to pause in annoyance. "Hey—!" He flipped around, staring in the exact direction the paper came from. "Keef!"

"Oh, sorry, Dib! I didn't think it would go that far!" The kid in the back of the class called. 

Dib sighed. "It's fine... just. Please don't do that..."

"Huh, you handled that well," Carrie said.

"Huh?"

"Usually you get pretty pissed when someone hits your big head!" She fluffed his hair again.

"My head isn't—!" He sighed again. "Fine... oh, uh. Carrie?"

"Yeah?" She put her hand down.

"Will you go to prom with me?" Dib finally said it. He did it! And he wasn't sweating or shaking! The bracelet worked after all..!

Carrie stared at him, then smiled. "Yeah, of course! I just can't believe it took you this long to ask..."

"Wait, and I can't say this enough, huh?"

"I mean, I thought I was making it obvious that I liked you. You definitely were; I just wanted to give you the chance to say somethin'..."

Dib's mind raced. "Yeah— yeah! Okay! You like me? That's amazing! I've never had a relationship before? Uh, yeah, so we'll go to the prom then! As a date! It'll be nice!" He tried to calm himself down a bit. "Real nice..."

"Real nice." Carrie smiled and took his hand.

The promposal was a success!

Dib felt amazing the rest of the day; he was confident, joyful, nice, and even avoided a couple shoves from bigger people! When he got home, he was proud to report that his experiment was a success...

...but he didn't exactly remember making it home.

He walked up to the front door of his house, then... bam. Blackout. The next thing he knew, he was standing back in his room with the innards of his backpack spread across his bedroom. His head and muscles ached, and he had some mud on his boots. It was a bit odd, but, honestly, not the first time something like that's happened—maybe he took something (he did have a bottle of... something in his hand), or maybe memory loss was a side affect of the bracelet. Nothing too bad!

And then his dream. 

Dib went to sleep that night, still very happy. His dreams? Not so much... there was more of that pain... heat... crimson... it was all very unsettling.

"Oh, you're a shell of what you once were. It's sad, really—you did that to yourself," an eerily familiar voice could be heard: his own. 

"What?" Dib—looking as he did earlier that day—looked around for where it was coming from. 

"I'm just saying! What's with the whole 'nice' thing..? You really think that's your 'best self'?" Out from nothingness stepped Dib. However, his trench coat had more pockets and was a bit torn, a yellow version of his usual face shirt, and knee-high bulky buckle boots. His hair had a shaved pattern around his ears and the back, and there were many scars on his face. "I'm here, too—I had a lot of fun today!"

Dib—the fluffy Dib—stumbled back. "What the—what are you? Who are you?"

"I'm Dib!"

"No... I'm Dib!"

The other Dib just laughed. "Well, I'm the Dib that takes charge. I think about my choices and don't care for the outcomes, but I know I'm in control if something happens..." he gasped. "Pilot. What's what you may call me."

Dib shook his head. "Well, I'm just Dib."

"No!" Pilot growled a bit. "Nono, you're not all. A bit unfair, isn't it? You float around, thinking you can do things... you don't do them well! You're no fun..." he gasped again, pointing to Dib's ghost shirt. "...Ghost. That's who you are."

Ghost shook his head. "Whatever; this isn't real! This is a nightmare! I'm going to wake up soon, and I'll know it's just from whatever the hell I drank last night!"

"Oh! I'm glad you recognize that. You're right—this is a nightmare. All in your head. It's great, really... imagine there being two separate versions of you. HA! I mean, there can only be one Dib at a time, right?"

Ghost awkwardly laughed a bit. "Yeah... yeah! All a nightmare."

"A dead man's dream..." Pilot sighed. "Well, good luck waking up."

Chapter Text

Saturday. The second morning of the separation. What happened last night—Friday night—during the blackout? Well, nothing much—sorry to let you down. Dib—Pilot—just ran around town, illegally buying drinks (don't drink, kids), leaving some small pieces of graffiti near the skool, and sitting on a store to watch the sky...nothing too big. Just that and a small, memorable memory of a little green man that caught his eye for a few minutes. Besides, it couldn't last long; Dib—Ghost—still wanted to get home. Saturday morning—this morning—however, a whole different story.

Dib woke up in an entirely new look: cut hair... yellow shirt... scars... He looked into the reflection of his computer screen, touching his face. He grinned—the overwhelming sensation of happiness was taking his body over, causing him to twirl around his room in a slightly aggressive manner. He needed to do something... anything! He needed to feel like himself.

Dib dashed downstairs and outside, not even bothering to put a non-torn trench coat on. He took a deep inhale of the Earthy air, sinking to his knees. It was amazing. It was all so, so amazing. He felt alive for once. But, oh, what to do, what to do... maybe climb something? Fight someone? Scream? Anything to let out this feeling clear...

He ran to the nearest (the only, really) open field and just spun around, arms open. Feeling the air, the real air on his real skin, felt just fabulous. It was all so nice! He was finally here, finally real! A new person! The best person... and pain. Pain exists! He threw himself to the ground, rolling around—the impact of the ground hurt! He was actually feeling things as himself! Why, he could almost cry from this brilliant feeling... or, maybe the pain. But he was happy! And hurt! And alive! And free! He ran across the field a few times, until stumbling across more buildings. So many buildings... so many people. If there was one feeling he always had, it was a distaste for humanity. It was easily recalled, one someone passing by bumped into him. 

"HEY!" He growled, turning to face them. "Watch where you're going!"

"Oh, sorry, man—"

"Your ass better be sorry..." he brushed his own arm. "Lucky for you, I'm unarmed at the moment." He huffed, turning back.

He crawled up on a roof of a convenient store, watching the people walk in and out. Disgusting; all their lies.. their masks.. he knew every person had a little secret. They always tormented him, and yet, never seemed to torment each other. Why was he the odd one out? Why couldn't any one else feel it, too?

For the moment, the worst thing he could do was dump a soda cup on someone's head as they walked out. And he did.

Dib walked along the sidewalk, letting it take him wherever it led. He took in his surroundings, paying no attention to anything in front of him. Walking along, until—

"OW—HEY!" A strange little voice yelled, and they were both on the ground. "Eh?! Dib... i should have known!"

Dib's look shot up, staring at the small alien. "ZiM!" He grinned. "I've been wondering where you were..!"

"No you haven't! You said that you didn't want to see ZiM right now." ZiM crossed his arms.

"Aww... come on. Don't be like that..." Dib stood up, holding out a hand for ZiM. "Besides!! I'm a changed man, ZiM. In fact, I think I can help you, now."

ZiM very hesitantly accepted his hand, slowly bringing himself up. "...what do you mean?"

"Preparing the Earth for its destruction! It sounds fun, doesn't it? The world is just filled with wild animals, anyway."

"You trick ZiM... I know you. You'd never want to do something like that!"

"Would I? ZiM, I get picked on, hurt, and and yelled at relentlessly days on end! You think I like humanity? I just wanted to 'save the Earth' to feel important for once! But with your—mm, with me helping you, we could accomplish something amazing!" Dib grinned, grabbing ZiM's other hand and leaning close. "I'll even call off my plan to... expose you. No longer will there be a threat to have you cut open and shown before the world." There was a slight frightening, unsettling ring to Dib's voice. Unfortunately, ZiM didn't quite catch it.

"...are you..being truthful?"

Dib held his hands up. "Of course! I'm here, as your guardian angel, to help with the defamation and decimation of mankind! Is there anything you want more than that?"

ZiM thought for a second. "...no, there is not."

Dib grinned. "Great! Then we're in agreement?" He held out a scratched up hand, which was taken by the three-fingered claws.

"And if you are lying, you will be executed hard."

"Oh, don't worry, bug—we both will have an end to the deal that needs to be upheld..." Dib released ZiM's hand. "You have something I want, anyway..."

ZiM put his hands on his hips. "And that is..?"

Dib only laughed. "In due time, I'll need you." A nice feeling filled him, resulting in a bit more laughter. This new plan of his may work out perfectly... "Anyway, what on Earth are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be back at home?"

"Eh... none of your concern! In fact I was, eh, thinking! That's it."

"Aw.. no need to lie. We're partners, now! Nothing to be alone for, now!" Dib paused. "Though... when I don't look like this—when I wear that ghost shirt and longer hair? Don't talk to me. I'll act like I don't know what you're talking about! Only talk to me when I'm like this..."

"Uh. Why?"

"I must keep up my 'good boy' facade, y'know?" He grinned once again, patting ZiM on the back. "Here—I'll walk you home."

The second ZiM was back in his house and Dib was alone, he felt a bit upset. A rage went through his head, and he marched back towards his house. Such a lovely world destroyer... why should he have to be away for so long? They could be doing so much. He shoved his hands into his pockets, taking a deep breath before kicking open the door of his house. There, on the couch, was his sister Gaz—she barely did anything for Dib... could she even be a sister?

"Dib? Uh, hey... you normally look awful, but you really look like something's wrong. You good?" She looked at all the tears and scratches.

"Oh, no, dear sister! Everything's amazing... besides, it's not like you haven't seen me hurt before!" He gave his best cheery voice.

Gaz opened an eye, starting to turn away. "O...kay. Have fun, I guess."

"Oh, I'm having so much..." he gave an ominous laugh as he ran up the stairs, making Gaz all the more confused and slightly uncomfortable.

Chapter Text

Dib's alarm clock woke him up the next morning—ah, no... alarms are only for the weekdays... why is it on? It's only Saturday... he turned over in bed to turn his phone off, when he saw it: 

7:33 am

MONDAY

5 Missed Calls From: Carrie

21 Unread Messages From: Various Recipients

He scrambled out of bed in a confused daze, rushing to get his things and run out the door. Did he really sleep through the whole weekend? No, no... he's still very tired. Then again, it's normal to be tired after sleeping... but this was his second blackout. What was going on?

He ran to the bus stop as fast as he possibly could, and got there just in time. As he rode, many questions buzzed through his brain: what was that long blackout? Did he go to sleep? If not, why did he not answer to Carrie? What happened while he was out? Will this happen again?

Throughout the day he'd message Carrie back, apologizing profusely for pretty much ghosting her the whole weekend.

"You can stop apologizing," she told him in class. 

"I know things with you, so I know you have a lot of dad and alien stuff goin' on." She rested her head in her crossed arms. "Maybe soon we should go on a date before prom—we, like, hunt monsters and spy on ZiM together. Uh, if you're fine with your friend coming with you to capture your boyfriend."

Dib's heart dropped at that word. "Friend?"

"Yeah? I mean—" her face went a bit red. "Oh, shit. I guess we're..." she laughed awkwardly, kind of hiding her face. "God, I just did something wrong? I'm sorry if I made that weird, I'm just not used to—"

"H-hey! No, it's my fault for not talking to you all weekend..." he paused. "...and ZiM's not my boyfriend. Only one partner! And that's you."

She smiled, looking over at him. "Lab partners to romantic partners... that's gotta be a story trope, huh." She jokingly punched his arm. "Like the trope with the computer in your brain!"

Dib laughed. "There's nothing like that?"

"Yeahhh. You don't have a chip in your brain telling you what to do, how to dress, and giving you that complete—and I mean this in the best and least shallow way possible—glow up overnight. A SQUIP, my fri— boyfriend."

He shook his head. "I don't... know..."

She sighs. "Us. Musicals. Together. Watch."

"Right... a paranormal investigator that's probably a theatre kid. What are you?"

"A Lemon Demon fan."

"Very fair, nevermind. What did you have in mind, anyway?"

"Oh, y'know... Be More Chill, Twisted, Into The Woods, Jekyll and Hyde, Hea—"

"Waitwaitwait—" Dib's ears perked up at the mention of a familiar name, catching his attention. "...like, the two guys from Monster High that were really just one guy?"

Carrie raised an eyebrow. "Dib, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a story. But also yes."

"Oh. Yeah. I forget sometimes." Dib thought for a second, recalling his dream from last- eh, Friday night. "...what's the story?"

"So, I don't know how different the musical is from the book—heard they changed a bunch a stuff—but basically this doctor believes every man has two sides: good and evil. He wants to separate the good from the evil so that earth can be all good and have no badness in the world—"

Oh.

"—the plan works; though, unfortunately, it turns him into two completely different beings, so not only is the evil separated from him, but it's also an entirely new entity."

Oh no.

"So, he experiences blackouts, but the blackouts are really just Hyde running around messing shit up because he can."

Oh dear.

Dib began to get a bit nauseous, putting a hand to his head. "...shit. Uh. Did he... ever find a way to fix it?"

Carrie was a bit oblivious to Dib's distress. "Uhh... I can't remember... maybe? I don't think it worked, though."

Dib's sickness didn't seem to stop. Not so slowly, things started making sense to Dib; the blackouts, the appearance change, the feeling and tendency change (as little as it was), the confidence... the bracelet. The bracelet worked. Oh, it worked. 

A little too well.

If this, Ghost, was his "best self"...

What happened to the evil?

Dib stares at the bracelet—which was still on his arm—and pondered silently. What was Pilot doing all weekend? If Pilot was really a part of Dib like Ghost, then he should have the same memories as Ghost; he should know to answer people's messages! Oh, god, and the family... what did the family think? Does Pilot also have a separate appearance? What would people think of his change in looks?

Then it hit him.

All his bad qualities... all his bad ideas... all his anger and scheming...

Was ZiM okay?

Obviously, as a young paranormal investigator and someone who's been fighting a singular being for years, there should be a lot of pent-up emotion in Dib. What that emotion was even he doesn't know, but it can't be good. If Pilot is any smarter or stronger than Ghost is, that could mean something bad for the alien. 

Oh, but he couldn't leave Carrie again...

"Hey! Carrie, remember that thing about bringing you along to check ZiM out..?" Dib finally snapped out of his haze. 

"Oh— yeah, that led into the... girlfriend thing."

"Yeah, well... wanna do that today? I haven't in a while... kinda had to prepare everything I could to ask you out..." he smiled a little, and she returned her own. 

"Oh... uh, well, of course! An excuse to hang out with you and see an alien? Anytime..." she moved her chair a little closer. "I'd be happy to help you."

"And I'd be willing to help you anytime... like some kind of paranormal.. knight? I guess." Dib scooted his chair a bit closer to hers, kinda rubbing a spot on his arm that felt a bit sore and thinking nothing of it. "...hey, when do we ever do actual chemistry in this class?"

Carrie paused, looking at the clock, then at the rest of the class. "...I have no idea."

Chapter Text

Dib's day:

(Change), wake up, panic, run out the door, go to skool, think for a long time, panic again, feel better, then panic again. 

Carrie's day:

Wake up, try the bare minimum to look nice today, parents criticize her for hanging out with "the crazy one", go to school feeling like shit, feel a bit better, feel excited.

ZiM's day:

Realize it's morning, wait for any message from Dib, get a message from the Tallest instead, and—you guessed it—get heart broken.

After skool got out, Dib and Carrie went searching for ZiM's base (which was pretty easy, since it only stays in one space). They had a couple small conversations on the way, but nothing too interesting; mostly stuff about cryptids, some movies they've seen, some bands, etc. A few times, Dib would fiddle with the machine still on his arm; it just... wouldn't come off. He twisted, he pulled, there were no buttons to press... it. Wasn't. Coming. Off. If it wasn't coming off soon, he was considering amputation.

By the time they got to the tall green-blue house, Dib began to warn Carrie of ZiM's many dangers. "Beware, he has lots of traps on the lawn—I get caught a l— uh, rarely! I get caught rarely, but it's still good to watch your step..."

Carrie laughed. "Right..." she scanned the sidewalk, taking Dib's hand.

Dib gripped it back, and his face began to heat. "There's a chance he could be waiting for us...so prepare to be grabbed by a bunch of chords or..something like that." Maybe even prepare for a dead alien... Dib thought of the worst. He shook his head, "Alright, uh... follow me!" and pulled her to the sidewalk, stopping suddenly. The gnomes... they were bent over, and didn't even make a move at the appearance of two humans. "Huh.. something's up with the gnomes.."

"Gnomes..?" Carrie noticed as well. "Oh.."

"...something's wrong." Dib pulled Carrie along, rushing to ZiM's unlocked door. This can't be good. "Huh... we can go in." He turned to face her. "I'm sorry you didn't get the full alien-base-entrance experience today.."

"It's fine..." she tried to look in front of him into the house.

"ZiM?" Dib pushes the door open, revealing a darkened living room with an overly loud TV. The stench from the room was that of grease—possibly the work of GIR. Dib began to panic upon the dark room, but realized his fears weren't true once the smell and sounds hit him. Oh, this was something very different. "...not again."

"Again?" Carrie raised an eyebrow. 

"Prepare for a moping alien," he whispered. "ZiM?" Dib repeated, looking for the Irken.

"Whaaaaat..." ZiM turned around on the dirt-covered couch, his voice filled with despair. "Can't you see I'm in the process of forever hibernation..." Once he noticed Dib, however, he sat up more and his tone turned a bit normal. "Dib..!" A gloved hand went to his head. "Oww..nooo.."

Dib rushed over, not daring to let go of Carrie's hand. "Let me guess..."

"Again! I don't..." ZiM put his hands to his head, making it clear he was wearing no disguise.

Carrie's eyes widened. "Holy shit! You! You look amazing!" She got a bit close, examining his long antennae and large pink eyes. 

"What?" Dib looked at her. 

"I know!" ZiM cried. "But they... My Tallest! They don't... they said that getting help from yo— ... a human was the last thing t' kick mme from the armadaaa... they're never coming again!!" He grabbed the end of Dib's coat, burying his face in it (blocking most of his speech). "Wus dh pnt heeeh.."

Carrie reached out for the antennae, but pulled her arm back before she could. "You, uh... your parent-rulers things..." 

"Mh Tllst..!!!"

"Yeah... they don't approve of your partnership with a human here?"

There was a muffled "Yeeeesss..." from the green one, who then proceeded to start chewing on the fabric.

"Yeah, that happens a lot on Earth. I mean, my parents hate Dib with a burning passion."

Dib looked heartbroken over at his girlfriend. "...they do?"

"But hey! I'm still hangin' out with 'm.. I'm not upset about it, no matter how much shit I get!"

"Your parents hate me??"

"Not now, Dib."

"No— hey, wait, why are you making him feel better?! He's the enemy; the last time I did that he used me! He made the whole EARTH move!"

"That was you?!" Carrie's eyes lit up. 

"Yes!" Both ZiM and Dib answered.

"Wow, you must feel really silly about trusting him, then!" Carrie laughed, jokingly punching Dib's arm. "But, hey... that was, what, six years ago? People change..."

"Do aliens that want to destroy the Earth change?!" Dib felt like his voice was raising, but actually, it was getting a bit quieter.

"Dib," Carrie took his hand again. "It's just the right thing to do. If someone's sad..."

Dib paused, then looked at the sniffling ZiM. He thought about it... ZiM's plans were getting less serious... and, besides, the only Membracelet around was the one that Dib was wearing and he couldn't even get it off. Looking at ZiM again, he noticed some guilty feeling in his stomach. He didn't like it; it make him feel bad. For his enemy. It was weird. But... his girlfriend was right.

"ZiM..." Dib sighed, and sat next to him. "I'm sorry if I'm being—oh dear lord, what is that smell?"

"Theee... Vodd-kahh y' left overr.." ZiM shrugged. 

Carrie narrowed her eyes at ZiM. "You... drank Vodka?"

"Yeeeesss.."

"Oh sweet Jesus.." Dib sighed and put an arm around ZiM. "Just... lay here. Don't move. This will all pass... you won't be as emotional..."

ZiM leaned into Dib's hold, his antennae wiggling a bit. "III like hangin' 'round yooou.."

"Yeah... I like fighting you, too."

ZiM smiled some. "...thank you, Dibbb..."

"Aww..." Carrie giggled. "Sorry for stealing your boyfriend, ZiM."

"Oh, shut up." Dib sighed.

"Make me, coward."

Dib locked eyes with her, completely lost for words. "I... what?"

"You heard me," she laughed, and sat next to Dib. "WHAT the hell—" she almost immediately bounced back up, looking down at the cushion; actually, it wasn't a cushion at all! It was GIR.

"HIIIII!!!!" He waved at Carrie. "HI WENDYYY!!!"

Carrie stared at him, grinning wide. "Who the hell is this little guy?" She picked him up. "And my name is Carrie. I know the color of my hair is like the Wendy's logo, sorry for the confusion."

"Ooooohhh..." GIR just started laughing, his dog hood flailing around.

"GIRR.. quiet... heaaaad huuurt..." ZiM groaned. 

"That's the robot..." Dib winced at GIR's loud noises. "Maybe take him to the kitchen or something..? It's right there; he likes greasy shit..."

"Aye-aye, captain Dib," Carrie saluted, carrying the robot dripping god knows what into the kitchen and leaving Dib alone with the smelly ZiM.

"Hey... do you ever shower? I know water burns you, so is there a way Irkens get cleaned..?"

ZiM grumbled.

"Yeah.. sorry for asking.."

There was a long few seconds of silence. ZiM kind of cuddled closer to Dib, taking in this new feeling... he had never been held like this before. Irkens don't really do comforting—they either suck it up or blow something up. Not pacifism. He'd be lying if he said he didn't like it, in fact, he rather enjoyed the warmth and weight of this human next to him. Dib has been inexplicably nice to him the past few days, but this? This felt wonderful... it felt real.

"You're nicee..." ZiM sighed.

"Huh?" Dib looked at him.

"You're nice to ZiM. While we've always been.. ehhh.. fighty punchy people—" enemies. "—you still do this... I would never." He said a few things that were definitely not English, but it was ended off with. "No plans to goodbye the Earth without you..."

Dib smiled slightly, kind of chuckling. While he didn't really understand the 'without you' part, he got the gist of the message. "Yeah... well, you kind of need it." Dib suddenly felt his own new feeling... he wanted to help him. He didn't know why, but he just really wanted to make ZiM feel better. He wanted to help him, to see he's okay. He didn't know why—probably the goodness that was left in Dib. "And... if you need a friend," he wrapped the end of his coat over ZiM like a blanket. "You kinda know where to find me."

Chapter Text

Dib had come to determine that he only switched beings once he went to sleep—why Pilot got all weekend was probably because he didn't sleep. Madlad probably didn't even need it, he was so full of chaotic energy. Unfortunately, though, not the good kind.

He ended up skipping class the next day to go to the mall instead. Maybe he went to Hot Topic or snuck inside Spencer's, or went to the food court, or even the Pokéstore... no, actually. He robbed the watch repair place. He wasn't caught, he wasn't seen, he only took two things: both of which were watches (since, y'know, the store). Both of high price, both with jewels embedded into the sides. He just slipped them both into a pocket, and walked out. He didn't care if he was caught or if it was caught on camera; he'd just be gone by next morning.

He did the same in other places: a candy store, Hot Topic, this one place that sold cool gifts but had a defense knife selection in the back... pretty much anything he could quickly get in his pocket that could be of use or interest to him.

By the time skool let out, Dib had left the mall. ZiM was getting home from skool after a day of nothing, only to be met with the scar-covered Dib laying awake on his couch. "Dib!—" 

"ZiM, this place smells awful. Have you even cleaned lately?" Dib's nose was all scrunched up. 

ZiM at any normal time would protest or throw Dib out, but after the events of the day prior, he didn't dare. "Oh eh, uh... I've just not been in the best mood for that... y'know, ever since my Tallest..." ZiM trailed off, kinda just staring at the floor.

Dib had no Earthly idea what ZiM was talking about. He considered questioning it, but settled on thinking: ever since they what?

And that's when it hit him. It's not like it wasn't obvious, anyway.

"Ah! Right... I'm sorry, little ZiM—you don't deserve that one bit..." Dib sat up. "But! I got you a little somethin' that may cheer you up, hm?"

"Yes?" ZiM got a little closer and sat down, hoping for more cuddles.

Dib instead pulled out some candy pieces and one of the stolen watches. "Some sugar... aaand a time piece! Costs a lot—you could sell if you wanted to."

ZiM removed his contacts and wig, looking down at the items in Dib's rough hands. "Oh... eh, thank you..." he sighs, leaning back.

"Hmm... dear bug doesn't seem too happy about anything today..." suddenly, a second idea came to him—it rather annoyed him, making his anger slowly rise like heat. "If you were abandoned here on this rock with no authority... does that mean you have no interest in preparing the Earth for their arrival?" His voice was shaking, it was on the brink of raising... he resisted, trying not to scare the alien. Right now.

"I... I guess not..." ZiM sighed, leaning back against Dib.

Dib, however, pushed him away almost immediately upon contact. "Not? You guess? Oh, so you just have absolutely no authority to prepare Earth for... no one taller than you?" He growled. "Great. Now how are you going to be able to repay me if I can't even help you?!"

"But you brought me some parts I needed to build a—"

Dib threw up his hands. "Yes, I know, but that was never finished! I just want to help you, ZiM! With literally anything..." Dib grabbed a piece of his hair, just... growling more. His shoulders tensed, his knees came up to his stomach, and his hair was a placeholder for ZiM—he wanted to just grab ZiM and scream at him, but he didn't... he couldn't.

ZiM noticed Dib's exasperation, and shrunk down a bit. "Well... you helped last night with making me feel better..."

Dib un-tensed just slightly, slowly looking over at ZiM. "I did... I did!" He uncurled from himself, grabbing ZiM—like, hug grabbing. "You're still not feeling too great, correct?"

"I mean... I was able to go to skool today." ZiM felt Dib tense. "B-but... this still isn't a great feeling..."

Dib leaned back against the couch, just... holding ZiM. His hold was a bit tight, but ZiM didn't mind—he was just happy for more holds. "Anything interesting happen today?" One of Dib's hands pet an antenna.

"Not... really?" ZiM sighed. "Didn't see you in the halls or at lunch, so no exchanging of looks. Someone threw a potato at me; might've been Keef, he's been more annoying than usual recently..."

"He has?" Dib huffed. "Yeah, he threw a ball at my head the other day. A bit of an asshole, huh.."

"I don't... know what that mean."

"I had my own annoyances today! Someone almost kicked me out of a store just because I knocked into them while holding something!" He began to recall when he made an attempt to knock out a mall worker. "Such annoyances..."

"You get so much grossness every day; how have you not done anything about it?"

"Hm?"

"I mean... only after a few days of insults when I first got here, I tried to kill the whole class. How have you not done something like that?"

Dib stopped petting ZiM, and thought. For a long time. Rusted, sharp gears were turning in his head, and what was working wasn't anything good. No, not at all. "Oh, oh, sweet, little Irken..." he held ZiM a bit tighter. "You've just given me a gorgeous image..."

ZiM smiled a little—he wasn't sure what he'd done, but it seemed to make Dib happy.

"Hey... you really have no more higher-ups? No one taller than you?"

"...not really... It doesn't really give me anything to do. I don't know what my current purpose is..." ZiM's antennae began to shake, just slightly.

"Wellll..." he started to pet one again. "...you know... there's someone in this room who's very tall... knows his way around the planet... who can be of good authority..."

ZiM's free antennae raised. "Are you implying the Dib should become ZiM's new Tallest..?"

"Oh, no! Not me entirely..." he grinned. "Juuuust when I look like this. C'mon, ZiM... I'm here to help. You need an authority figure! You see that yourself, don't you?"

ZiM stayed silent for a bit, and his antenna lowered. "...I do."

"Perfect!" Dib closed his eyes, exhaling all his air. "Remember... even if I am your higher-up, I'm still a friend to you!"

ZiM closed his eyes a bit. He wasn't quite sure what just happened, but... he wasn't fighting it.

Dib left ZiM an hour or two later, taking that same walk path from Saturday. He was looking for someone...

...and, eventually, found him. The stupid orange hair... the boring blue shirt. Definitely him. Seeing him made his blood nearly boil, and his head go cold. Why didn't he just stay exploded? He didn't want to see him any longer... unfortunately, he had to.

Dib approached. "Hellooo..!" He gave the fakest friendly grin possible.

"Oh, hi..?" Keef turned around, waving a big awkwardly. "I'm sorry, you look familiar...do I know you?"

Dib was a bit confused—obviously it was Dib! He, for just a second, looked at the reflection of himself in the window of a nearby store. That's when he realized. The scars, the tattered clothes, the paler skin tone, the darker hair and different haircut, the... possible different eye color...

Pilot was almost an entirely new person.

"Oh! Well, yes, I'm sure you know me... from skool! We have lunch at the same time." Dib laughs a bit, shifting his weight. "Anyway... I have something I need to show you! Will you follow me forrrr... just a second?"

"Uh... sure!" He shrugged and followed Dib, who walked around to behind the store.

Dib's hands were shoved deep in his pockets, looking through each of his stolen items. He felt around, searching; candy wrappers... a necklace... there. He felt a long, thing piece of metal and felt it down, gripping the smooth, not as cold part.

"Sooo... what was it? I kinda have something after this, so I don't really have all day..." Keef looked behind himself, huffing.

"Oh... I'm sure they can wait for you just a little longer..." Dib, before Keef could turn back around, plunged the stolen knife into Keef's neck. The other boy froze, eyes widening. A crimson color began to show, the faint smell of copper getting closer to Dib. He removed the weapon, only to shove it back into the boy's chest. To remove it, he just kicked the body down.

Keef was dead.

Now, if these were normal circumstances, Dib wouldn't know how to feel. On the one hand, he's always dreamed at getting back at people, but... not like this. Dib wouldn't feel good at all.

Unfortunately, this wasn't normal circumstances.

Dib stood up tall, staring down at him. "...pathetic." He grinned, leaning up against the wall and kind of just watched for a good couple minutes. Once he was satisfied enough, he turned and his walked out into the street.

He felt amazing. There was a sense of pride in his chest, and it felt like an enormous weight had just been lifted off his shoulders—he finally felt like he truly existed. He was doing something! He was laughing, laughing for himself, at everyone, and everything. Like the mall, like Keef not recognizing him, no one would know it was him. No one could know! The only one to recognize him was ZiM!

He doesn't look like Ghost at all—well, he looks like he could be a distant cousin... but! Still, not him. Pilot could do whatever the hell he wanted, and just go to sleep. Repeat. No one, not even Ghost, would know he was stealing, or killing, or anything. He had no more fears, almost. It was perfect...

Ghost was his perfect hiding place.

His singular fear was Ghost finding out how to get rid of him.

Chapter Text

News of the recent murder spread like any other rumor; one person knows something, then four, then it goes from there. People would talk about how awful it was, how horrifying it was, and how exciting this was. They'd claim to care, claim to be sad; they'd even say the most fake, cliche things imaginable.

To be honest, people didn't care that much; no one really liked Keef. Though, it was new news, and since no one was there and no one knew what happened, they could add on whatever they had wanted. Every version of the tale altered just slightly, based on what someone heard or didn't hear. A game of telephone. While every story was different in its own way, every one still had one thing in common: no one knew who did it. Sure, people would make things up, but no one really believed it. It was all "he said she said they said".

"It's all like 'The Smartphone Hour', 'The Telephone Hour', 'Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little', 'Murder, Murder!'..." Carrie laid on her back across her and Dib's desks, staring up at the ceiling. "I don't know if 'Robin Sucks' counts..."

"Carrie, can you go one day without referencing a musical?" Dib poked her shoulder. 

"No, Dib. I don't think I can. In fact, I may be like this 'For Forever'." She started to laugh. "No, no, that was an awful joke. I apologize deeply and it won't happen again." She sighs. "Though... I wanna make a music based on like... aliens. And cryptids. Maybe cryptid hunters... like us! I don't know if that already exists, but, hey! Sounds cool, right?" The redhead turned to face Dib. "Speaking of; who do you think did it? Maybe somethin' that isn't even human. Liiiike... a bear. Or a dragon. Or a manticore. Or a griffin. Or a giant."

"That's a very specific list."

"You caught me."

Dib stared at her, trying to read her face for any form of negative feeling or something like that... unfortunately, he wasn't very good at that kind of thing. He had mixed feelings about all of this; sure... it was terrible that someone had died, and it was certainly unexpected, but... he didn't know him too well. He didn't have any real attachments. He didn't even realize he killed him. "...are you feeling any form of discomfort from this? Someone in our class just died... honestly, the least the skool could've done was cancel today. I mean, wouldn't more people be broken over this?"

Carrie shrugged. "Oh, no, I'm terrified. I'm just trying my best to hide it so I don't worry you. But, I do have to agree—everyone does seem to be taking this well... it could be like a Heather Chandler situation. Someone that—let's be real, most people didn't like—dies, possibly from murder, and people just... don't care. Sure, people are in shock, but they don't really care. However, the second someone tries to put them in a good light or get publicity off of it, suddenly, everyone cares. Hey, maybe we're in a Heathers fanfiction or somethin'."

Or Jekyll and Hyde, Dib thought. "Well... let's hope more don't happen. As sole defender of Earth—" Carrie cleared her throat. "—ehh, as one half of a defender team of Earth, I can't let anything else like this happen!" He sat up tall, but Carrie poked his side. "Eeah!!! Hey!"

Carrie giggled.

"Ngh.. anyway.. I don't really know who could've. Any of us, really... honestly? My bet's on ZiM."

Carrie raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "Really. That ball of sadness? He's not in the condition to commit murder. Arson, maybe, but..."

"Are you sure? Where was he yesterday? If he wasn't at skool, then— what, what's that look for?"

Carrie's eyebrows were now together and lowered. "You were at his house yesterday. All day. You didn't tell me why but... you told me that much. And ZiM was here yesterday. You didn't lie did you..?"

Dib lost breath for just a second. "I— no! No, I promise..! Just. Ahh..." despite Carrie being the best possible person to tell about his switching situation, he didn't want to worry her about it. "...just, weird things have been happening. I used one of my dad's new testing thingies and I've been experiencing random blackouts. Nothing serious, just memory loss. I've been told it'll go away... soon... uh, I've been told it's a good thing to have no one around during the blackouts, since the impact to other people could... look... frightening... ahh..." Dib's stomach felt heavy, the feeling rising up to his chest. Lying to Carrie felt like the impact of a turret, but it was something he thought he had to do. And what else could he do? Have her stop focusing on her own problems and work just to keep him from turning into an annoying asshole every night? No, he couldn't have her around him at that time. He couldn't have her influenced by him, couldn't have her hurt by him... and, luckily, she seemed to buy his excuse. He watched her eyes relax and her chapped lips curl up into a soft smile.

"Yeah... alright. That does make sense. I'm sorry... I hope you're alright." She ruffled his hair. "And for the record... I didn't really think you were lying." ... "I'm gonna roll off these desks."

"Don't—" Dib held his arms out to catch her—unfortunately, she rolled towards him and landed on his lap and her chair before he did. "oW—"

"SORRY—" Carried laughed and flailed her hands in front of herself, sitting up in her chair. "I just didn't want there to be any awkward silences. Besides, I wanted to do that."

"Well, ghh.. you crushed me..." he gave a pained smile, turning to face her. "Hey... how about we go out soon this week to catch the killer? Like you said; could very well be a paranormal link. Besides... we could have. Y'know. A date..?"

"I'd love to..!" Carrie huffed, her smile dropping a bit. She rested her head against Dib's left shoulder, twisting her ring around. "...do you think anyone else will get killed..?"

Dib shook his head. "Probably. But, y'know, as one of the two defenders of Earth... I won't let 'em get to you." He put an arm around her, smiling sweetly. 

"And me with you.." 

Dib vowed right there to keep his work partner, best friend, and girlfriend safe. There's no way she'd get killed or even hurt; she'll stay alive by the end of the story.

Frighteningly, however, he had no control over what Pilot did.

That night, the tattered and torn Dib woke up early. He laid in bed for a while just pressing his fingers together—his thumb going from index, to middle, to ring, to pinky... over and over. He was still amazed at the fact he could feel everything... he liked it. He liked the feeling of everything. He liked the smell of everything. He liked the sound of everything.

He hated the existence of everything.

Sure, he sounds like some edgy bitch, but he was the worst version of Dib. Of course he'd have a distaste for the world and its inhabitants; he'd already killed one person!

And by that night, two.

And by the end of the week, four.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

That night, he went back to ZiM's house. ZiM, as usual for this time, was sitting on his couch watching trash TV; he wasn't exactly expecting Dib, but was happy to see him nonetheless. What he definitely wasn't expecting was Dib having a dark red substance on his hands and boots. Dib told him to dismiss it, but the smell was a bit too strong for ZiM.

"My apologies, darling—I'll get myself all cleaned up before my arrival next time."

"You'll have human blood on your limbs again? But why this time? You're against human death, I thought." He paused. "Then again, you did say you dislike humanity..."

Dib twirled around once with his arms out. "You're right! I am! ...for now! That's why this is just frommm... dragging someone's found cadaver across a street into a dumpster. It'll be alright!" He sighed, flopping to the floor. Pretty much every single word was a lie; including the dumpster part! The poor soul would be found outside a store door seven hours from then.

"..mmmhh. I'll never understand you, Dib." ZiM shook his head. 

"Oh, but you must! ZiM," Dib began, standing up and taking ZiM's hands. ZiM flinched a bit at his gloves getting dirty, but did nothing else about it. "You're going to be the reason I'll get so successful soon... not just in business! Besides, I promised you I'll keep you safe from those mean doctors... but still! Success in life! You've inspired me, ZiM, to live life in the best way possible... doing deeds how I please with no remorse! And still, I'd like to make certain people pay for what they've done in the past."

"That is a fun way to live..." ZiM looked away slightly from Dib's face, which was gradually getting closer.

"Exactly! See, you already understand something! And ohh, since you're not fit at the moment to do something terrible, I could just help you! Help you so much... who's been getting on your nerves recently? Who shall I persuade into leaving you alone?"

"Why have you started talking all fancy-like? You've been speaking... differently." ZiM kinda just skimmed over the question.

"Just is an easier way to speak, small one. Now, the question?"

"Uh..." ZiM shifted where he sat—he didn't really have an answer, but not because no one bothered him... he despised so many people, but in this situation? Everything was just escaping him. "Well, I... uh." But he had to give an answer or else Dib wouldn't back off. "There's this stink worm in my fifth period... he makes fun of ZiM's skin and then threatens me. I've tried getting revenge, but for some reason he'll never come to my house." ... "I don't know his name, exactly..."

"Ah, I'm sure I'll figure it out." Dib grinned, then pulled ZiM into an awkward hug. "Besides! Anything I do? No one will know it's me. They can't know! In fact, I'm surprised you were able to recognize me, ZiM."

"...you have the same gross smell..."

"Mh. Of course. It's a good things human's don't have your superior senses, then."

ZiM smiled. "I am superior!"

"You are!" Dib grinned. "Far more than any of them. For the time you have left, I'll make sure that stays true!"

Oh, if only Ghost knew of Pilot's plan. Ghost, and Dib on his own, would never even consider this. But, Pilot was sure of his success; not even Ghost, his goddamn other half of mind didn't know he was a criminal.

And who did know?

ZiM sighed, trying to not feel so uncomfortable anymore. He really did think Dib was being genuine and nice, and thought he shouldn't be so unfair to him... as much... anymore. "...thank you, Dib."

"Please," Dib grinned. "Call me Pilot."

Chapter Text

Since the death of Keef, there had been another known murder; two within the span of four days. Of course, once another one in a similar fashion to the first happened, people were now genuinely starting to get nervous. Sure, two wasn't a big number, but it just means since there was no grudge on just one person, the criminal clearly had plans. People were trying desperately to remain calm, but just couldn't with all their questions: who could actually be doing this, and could anyone be next? What should they do to survive? To keep safe? To stop asking so many questions? Ghost wanted to know the answer, and he was determined to figure it out.

On a date.

Dib knocked on the door to Carrie's house; it had paint chipping off it, and his knocks didn't seem to be pretty loud... so, he rang the doorbell. The door almost immediately swung open, the handle being gripped by a taller (though, not as tall as Professor Membrane) brown-haired man with a slight look of disgust on his face. "I heard you the first time."

Dib winced. "Oh, uh.. hi, Mr. Carrie... is Car— ehh, your daughter here?"

"Yes, what for?"

"Work-related things." Too vague. "We're going out to look for... stuff!" That's not much better, y'know.

Carrie's dad sighed and called her down; she confusedly (but happily) took the door handle and his place, and looked to Dib. "Hey!"

"...does your dad actually hate me?"

"Don't take it personally... he's one of the people who think you're insane." 

"...oh." Dib sighed, feeling a bit pained. "Anyway. Carrie! Hi!" He waved for a bit too long. "Uh, hi, so..." he cleared his throat. "You! Ma'am! Would you like to... go... find monsters with me right now? Uh, like who could be killing people? Just us? And possible cryptids? Just us.. alone.. in possible darkness? With flashlights, of course, but... yeah?"

She smiled. "Wanna go on a date?"

"Yes." Dib sighed with relief. "Yes, that is what I'm asking."

"Dib, you asked me the other day; it's not like I'm gonna change my mind about you. Lemme go get my shit..." Carrie dashed off, leaving Dib rocking on his heels for a few more minutes. He was smiling uncontrollably, punching the air while laughing. He quickly composed himself when Carrie came back. "Alright! Got the flashlights... garlic... stakes..."

"Anything not for vampires?"

"Stakes are pretty useful."

"Fair point," Dib laughed, mimicking a stake stab. "...point. Haha. I'm not funny."

"God, I'm glad I like you. Now, let's go!" Carrie grabbed Dib's hand and closed the door, starting to run off (and dragging Dib behind her). 

Dib picked up speed, running after his girlfriend; he got out of her grip and ran around her. She laughed and jabbed at his chest. Once they eventually slowed down, they discussed where they would first look. Their decision ultimately ended up being an empty field on some edge of down; it lead into a small forest, and there was bound to be some kind of creature there.

"A bit weird how it seems like only the forested area has a block of dark clouds around it, huh?" Dib would look back and forth from the field and forest.

"Huh. Never noticed that. 's like it's an evil place, eh?" Carrie rocked on her heels, twisting her ring.

"Then it's perfect!" Dib grinned, holding his hand back out for her. "Ah, but first, we should check this clear area..."

Carrie just scanned across the horizon. "Oh, well, looks like no one out of the ordinary is here. Guess it's time to go to the dark place!" Carrie took Dib's outstretched hand (finally). Dib's face heated up, just a little. "Flashlights out?"

"Uh, you have mine."

"Right, here.." Carrie handed Dib the flashlight and they both flickered on; the second they stepped in the trees seemed to eat the light however, as not a lot ended up showing or staying. Despite it being long before dark outside, it felt as if it were midnight in this area. Of course, immediately, the nerds found that noteworthy.

"Oh.. man!" Dib squinted, trying to see any break of light from the trees above.

"How've I never been in here before?" Carrie did the same, eyes wide instead.

"Same here.." Dib trailed off—he was getting weird images in his head.. this place, he had been there before... but when? Actually, it's obvious, and Dib's an idiot. "Mh... feels sorta familiar, though? Do you get that too?"

"Uh... not really... more than anything, I'm a bit spooked— 'never been in a place like this, where there's barely any light? It's like somethin' outta nightmares..."

"...yeah. Yeah, outta nightmares—that's probably why this feels familiar!" He, along with she, started walking deeper in.

Carrie laughed a little, swaying around. "Well... being in a place from your nightmares is a bit, eh, how do I say it... absolutely terrifying, if you think about it. Unless you're lucid, everything could go wrong and scare ya!"

Dib grinned. "Been there. Done that. Halloween. Corn."

"ZiM?"

"Ohh yeah."

Carrie sighed and stepped a bit closer to Dib. " 'can't believe there's been an alien 'round here this whole time... I never noticed, somehow; am I just an idiot? Am I just stupid?"

Dib looked at her. "Hey—no..! Not at all... you okay, though? You're repeating things from a small part of a conversation and you're being minimally self deprecating."

"Huh? Oh, sorry, I get like that when I'm a bit, uh, nervous. And frightened. Keeps me talkin'. Talking. Talking. Enunciate the g, Care.. I don't know why I do that; I don't believe I've ever lived in a place where I could've picked the way I talk up. Maybe I was born somewhere, I—" ... "..rambling. Is also something I do."

Dib smiled, putting an arm around her. "Hey... you've no reason to be nervous here! Or frightened! All we're doing is walking in the woods with no one around, trying to find an awful, savage killer..."

"A normal Saturday..."

"It's not Saturday?"

"I know."

"Well, you're with me! I'm your backup, as you're mine! So what if we run into some awful, deadly, otherworldly murderer..." Dib stopped the descriptions—and the walking—once he felt her shake. "...I'm sorry, I guess I jumped into this a bit too quick, huh.."

Carrie shook her head. "N-no.. it's fine—! I should'a prepared more. And, I should'a waited until we got much deeper in to worry."

"You prepared just fine! You brought lotsa useful tools, and you said you wanted to come here! Getting nervous—especially from my over-exaggerations—is a perfectly normal feeling! But, hey!" He began to walk around her again. "A bit scarier when you're alone.. and you're not! You have me! I have you! Now, uh, to get your mind off that... wanna talk about something as we look?"

"Uh, sure! Topics..?" Carrie only stopped shaking a little, but smiled at Dib.

"Hmm.. well, from the mention of ZiM from earlier—"

"Yeah, hey, about him.. you don't really think he did it, do you..? I mean, that stuff you said the other day 'bout everythin' and.."

"No.. I don't. My conclusion-jumpiness got the best of me. You're right, though—he can't do anything right now. Oh, which, reminds me: I gotta see him after this to bring him something. Wanna come?"

"Ah, can't, my parents will want me home."

"Yeah, my dad won't care. So just me.." he huffed. 

"Hey, be glad I'm here now! They don't like the paranormal stuff, 'think Imma be insane. Like you!"

"Hey! I'm only a little insane!"

"Yeah, a little."

Dib laughed. "Heh, Lookat that! You've stopped shaking!"

Carrie thought for a second, then grinned. "I guess I got distracted." She poked him. "Your fault."

He blushed, poking back at the tall girl. "Think we can search for monsters now..?"

She giggled. "Of course."

"...Y'know, I don't mind hangin' around in total darkness here.."

" 's that so?"

"Because we're both here! Which I've already made clear. And it is clear because we're both kinda here... this isn't working out."

"Silly.." Carrie looked around, pointing her flashlight towards the ground. "Oh shit! There's a trail here!"

"A trail? Of what?" Dib looked at her stream of light. "Footprints and drag lines!" And yes, there were footprints and drag lines. "Do we follow them?"

"Of course!" She gripped his hand tight, following the paths. "So... ideas? We can look at the size of the footprints to see if they could be anything other than human.."

Dib did his best to avoid stepping directly into the footprints. "Well, much too big to be ZiM, so he's out of the idea entirely. However, they do look like bootprints. We should take pictures in case we can pair them up with anyone's..." Dib fumbles around his pockets, trying to get his phone out.

"Yeah, like people are gonna let us just look at the bottoms of their shoes," Carrie laughed.

"Hey, you never know!" With flash on, Dib snapped the picture. "Got it. How long do you think these go for?"

Carrie continued walking, aiming her light straight ahead. "Only one way to find out!"

After a good while of walking and occasionally distracted conversation, they were still following the tracks. They'd often stop for a second to just talk, but they mostly got way too invested in what they are saying. They didn't even realize when they were coming to the end of the line.

"...the only bad boy introduced type person I could ever be interested in."

"I'm sorry, but I stand by Angel being superior, no matter how dramatic he is."

"But enemies to lovers is the superior trope!"

"You get how difficult it is to fall in love with your enemy?"

"Exactly! Proving my point about Spike." Carrie tugs on Dib's collar. "And.. long black coat is always a plus."

Dib blushed a tiny bit. "Well! Uh! Y'know, I—...hey, how long have we been walking for?"

Carrie looked around. "Oh. Shit. We haven't really been paying  attention, huh... well, to get back, we can just follow the footsteps backwards, right?"

"I guess, but how much further do they go..?" Dib squinted, trying to see in the further dark better.

"Not far enough yet, I guess," Carrie sighed, spinning her ring.

Dib chewed his cheek. "...it's not all bad. I've been having a lot of fun with you here!"

Carrie's eyes lit up. "Yeah.. me too! With you, I mean." She kicks some of the dirt. "You're my first boyfriend, y'know."

"I am?" Dib raised his eyebrows, not really expecting that. Though, he did end up blushing some more.

"Not even a girlfriend before you, either. I mean, I've tried with other people, but I'm either called crazy, avoided by some dumbass neurodivergent stereotypes, or just get stared at." She kicked the dirt a bit more.

"Oh, what the hell?" He walked closer, looking up at her. "Well, I'm, uh, happy to be your first, then. You're actually mine, too."

She smiled small. "Then same to you. It's nice that I've found someone who's willing to disprove the existence of birds with me."

Dib grinned. "Any day."

In that moment, they were actually staring at each other. Soft smiles were on both of their red faces, and they were all alone. Nothing was heard around them except for the sounds in their inner thoughts; even their thoughts were a bit out of whack, though, because in that second...

They backed up from each other, their eyes going wide.

"Holy shit," Dib whispered. 

"You just— I just—" Carrie hid the bottom half of her face, not breaking eye contact.

"It was—"

"—nice?"

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"...wanna do it again?"

"Yes please."

And just like that, they kissed once more. Just standing there, pressed together, eyes closed, barely moving, barely thinking. Feeling amazing.

"...I love you," Carrie said the second they moved away. 

Dib blushed even brighter (somehow), and pulled her into a hug. "I love you, too."

I could just stop telling the story right there. I could let you and them be happy and say "ohhh and then they lived happily and then they went home early and got lots of candies because they found out the footprints were actually BIGFEETS???", but that would be lying, and I'm not ready to lie to you just yet.

As things work, their time of emotional paradise would be short lived for the next several seconds. They walked a bit further, hand in hand, until they finally saw what was at the end of the path.

The third corpse.

Or, what was left of it.

"Oh my god—" Carrie's hand went to her mouth, and Dib's stomach dropped. It didn't make him feel any better once he felt Carrie start to shake again. He gripped her hand tight.

Sure, they had seen monsters and aliens and general creepy things before, but never something like this; only in horror movies and games, but never up close. They finally decided to come to terms with their feelings—they were scared. They really were. This isn't some fun murder mystery that's probably caused by a monster that can be easily expelled; this was real. This thing knew what it was doing.

"Holy shit... I know that kid..." Dib resisted stepping closer. "She's in one of my classes.."

"One of mine, too..." Carrie didn't seem to be moving any time soon either. "I don't know much about her, she never really did anything... I mean, except for spread some shit about both you and ZiM to the class once. Nothing of importance, don't worry."

"Wait, she what? ... Uh, actually, I'm not surprised by this point..." Dib sighed shakily. "Ssso... what do we do..?"

"Cry."

"Hey, n-no..." Dib wrapped his arms around his shaking girlfriend, shaking himself. "I-I'm so sorry you had to see this... I r-really didn't expect anything like this going in. I'm so, so sorry for getting you i-involved with this..."

Carrie held back tight. "Dib... it's okay. I-I-I guess when you do something like this, it's bout t-to happen eventually..!" She nervously laughs. "...w-we should tell someone. I-If the path is still here, we c-can tell the police or s-somethin' that there's someone at th-the end... I'm sorry, I-I just can't take them back on my own..."

Dib rubbed her shoulder, still tense himself. "...you don't have to, at all." Dib looked down at the ground, trying to focus his attention away from the body. While trying to pay attention to nothing, he couldn't help but notice something about the footprints. Very carefully, he moved his shoe into the print. That's when he knew—the murderer had the same shoe size as him. That... that's good to know! Maybe that could help figure out who it was! "...h-hey, Carrie?"

"Y-yeah?"

Dib sighed, taking her hand again. "Let's go."

————

Dib arrived to ZiM's house a lot later than expected. He wasn't planning on telling ZiM why, and he was definitely not telling ZiM what was going on. Nothing about the killer, nothing about the forest, nothing about having to call the police. He just had to deliver what he was supposed to.

"Dib-thing! What are you doing here at this time looking like that?" ZiM was a bit surprised to see him—especially as Ghost.

"Oh, uh, I brought you something. I know it's been a shitty time recently, so I thought I should just, do somethin' nice, y'know?" He stood a bit awkwardly, but only because he had somehow gotten a rock in his boot on the way over. 

"ZiM is waiting for the offering."

"Wow, sure, okay," Dib held out a medium-sized back, filled almost entirely with candies. 

Upon taking it an examining the contents, ZiM's eyes widened and sparkled. "Yes, yes, come in, Dib."

Dib walked in and got a look at the current state of ZiM's base; still a bit dirty, but most things had been straightened out. It was nice to see that things were getting better. "Sorry I couldn't come earlier, I was out with Carrie..."

ZiM's eyes stopped sparkling a bit. "Yes... your human mate. Eh, strange Earth feelings, I must say..." he sighed, something in him hurting a small bit.

Dib smiled. "Yeah, yeah, Irkens don't feel love, yadda yadda. How've you been recently?"

"Oh, well, you know."

"Not really."

"But, you do! Why would—" ZiM paused, remembering how Pilot told him to act around his "other look". "...ehh, I've been alright. Still no purpose in life anymore, but it seems to be working out. I have been wanting to go back to demolishing your filthy kind, but that still has no purpose to me." ... "...you don't want anything from me right now after coming here, do you..?"

Dib walked over, sitting on ZiM's couch. "What? No! I don't want anything from you at all! If we're going to be, well, friends, I can't just bribe you with gifts 'n' shit to do stuff. Unless that was completely unrelated and I mistook your question."

"...you don't? You just came here to give ZiM gifts? No yelling or demanding or anything?"

"Uh... yeah?"

ZiM smiled. "That is... nice, human." ZiM sat down as well.

"A thank you would be nice," Dib grinned.

"Don't push your luck, I'm not that nice yet," ZiM nicely smirked. There was then a short silence, and they kinda just looked at each other for a while. "...I like you better this way."

"Huh?" Dib blinked.

"When you're like this... nice. I like the nice from you."

Dib nudged him a little. "Well...I like you like this, too."

ZiM tried his best to keep himself from turning slightly purple; he couldn't let these primitive feelings contaminate his Irken mind! Besides, he doesn't have a good chance with someone who already has a mate.

Honestly? ZiM was jealous of Carrie. She got to hang out with this Dib all the time... why couldn't Dib always be like this with him? No screaming, no weird demands, no shaking when things don't go right... but, hey! Maybe it didn't matter! Maybe his Dib will drop the scary act soon..!

"God, I'm sorry, but can I take my shoe off for a second? There's a rock or something in the bottom..."

ZiM snapped out of his silence. "Eh? Oh, sure..." he turned away a bit, trying to grab a pillow from behind him. 

Dib got his boot off, turning it upside down. He hit against the heel, focusing on getting the small deathtrap out... until his focus shifted to something else: the boot pattern. Something in Dib's head went off, and he was paralyzed. It couldn't be. It couldn't!..

Dib quickly got his phone out and went to photos; sure enough, the shoe prints in the trail, the shoe print that was the same size as Dib's, had the same pattern as his boots.

Chapter Text

Hi. It’s Dib Membrane. I have decided to start a journal again due to… well. Something’s happened. In case anything happens to me, I need to let this shit be known and obvious so that people KNOW it’s not my fault. Uh mostly

About a couple weeks ago, I tried creating a formula to separate good and bad qualities from a person. Embarrassingly enough, it was for the sake of impressing a girl—I mean, it was for science definitely, but mostly the girl thing.

It all was working great!!! I was looking better, feeling better, reacting better even… I even got the girl! That never happens!

But, I unfortunately forgot to take one thing into consideration:

What happens to the bad qualities?

I had just assumed that they would be stored in the bracelet, like some kind of computer storage. And honestly, it could still very well be like that! Just, (almost) every time I go to sleep, I’ll wake up a few days later, having been blacked out all along. The data switches me out with my bad qualities: my jealousy, my anger, my deceit, my, uh… homicidal tendencies , I guess…

I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know. Today. Today. The body was found near my footprints MY FOOTPRINTS THEY WERE MY FOOTPRINTS

NO NO NOnono no I’m getting too much right now I’m sorry I’m not

Let me calm down and. Explain more

I have been split into two. There’s my good stuff: “Ghost”. There’s my bad, evil stuff: “Pilot”. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how evil Pilot really was (or was even real… I thought he was just a nightmare for the longest time).

In the last 6 days now, there have been 3 known murders. All out of nowhere, all seemed to be planned, all having some sort of bad connection to me or to ZiM.

Last night I went out with my girlfriend to try to catch the killer, without even THINKING of the possibility of being him myself. And my god I am hoping with every atom and innard of my being that he is not me. He can’t be. They can’t be. I can’t kill I can’t do that I wouldn’t I wouldn’t no no no

The clues, though… they all lead to Pilot. They lead to that effing asshole as the one who murdered them in cold blood: the bad connections to me, all from my schools, my shoe’s footprints found near the most recent body . Not to mention my blackouts seem to occur at the same times the murders take place…

…

…

…

No

No

No no no

No no

Nnono no

It can’t be it really can’t. It can’t be. I’m not a criminal on Earth. I’m a good person. IM A GOOD PERSON

IM A GOOD PERSON

IM A GOOD PERSON

IM A GOOD PERSON!!!!!!!!!

I AM A GOOD PERSON

"We need to talk," Gaz stated the second Dib woke up.

"AH— G-GAZ! What are you doing in my room?! Y-you shouldn't be in here, it may not be safe, I don—"

"DIB," Gaz cut her panicking brother off. "It's this shit; it's pretty different from your usual shit. You seem to be genuinely going insane, and not just as a joke this time."

Dib started to shake a little. "I-insane..? Ha! What makes you think that..?"

She stood completely still. "Well, you will out of nowhere change your appearance entirely to the point where I can barely recognize you, you'll act super creepy when you're like that and then when you're like this it's as if nothing's happened, you refuse to tell me where you're going—especially on a night where one of the knives are missing, you hide yourself in here longer than usual and a lot of the times I'll hear laughing or some goddamn purring shit you do, and then last night? You ran into the house and ignored everyone, repeating to yourself 'no it can't be I'm a good person I'm a good person'."

"...oh.." Dib hid himself a bit in the blankets.

"...Dib." Gaz stepped a bit closer. "Normally, I'd think this was hilarious and make fun of you. But right now? As a sister? I'm legitimately worried about you. Your edgelord thing was amusing at first, but now it's getting out of hand. In fact, I looked through your desk to find something I could make fun of, and all I found was a buncha junk that doesn't even belong to you; like, they still had hella expensive price tags on or the names of other people scribbled on."

Dib's stomach dropped, and more than ever he wanted to just vanish. Although, wishing that could also mean becoming Pilot, and no one wants that. 

"Dib. My older brother. Sir Pogchamp." Gaz opened her eyes.

Dib shook a bit more, fighting with all his remaining strength to prevent tears. "...Gaz, I... I can't tell you. I can't. It's not my fault. I promise, I..." he gripped the blanket tight. "If something happens to me. If I ever get out of hand. If something absolutely dreadful happens... you'll do something, right? No matter how hard? You do something to save me..?"

Gaz tensed up a bit, realizing just how deep this all went. She knew she had to be serious, and had to be a good sister to him. "And what if I can't?"

"Promise me anyway. Please, please promise me. Please." Dib's eyes were shaking along with the rest of his body; the tears had won, and were silently streaming down his face.

Gaz chewed her cheek, and nodded. "...yeah. I promise."

#2. Forgot to number the first one. Whatever, it’s on the first page, and I might just forget again anyway.

At skool today, I was once again met by my girlfriend, Carrie. She had informed me that a fourth body was found. Four. 4. More and more. More people I could have saved. I’m supposed to save lives… not end them.

As I write, the pen feels heavy. Probably because I should be using a pencil and not a pen, but mostly because the weight of the pen is like the weight I’m feeling right now. I’m responsible. I’m responsible for these people. I’m responsible that their families are more incomplete. I’m responsible…

It can’t be me. But it has to be. There’s no other option. I don’t want to think about it, I don’t want to talk about it, I don’t want to acknowledge anything about Pilot. Unfortunately, I have to. 

"I'm sorry you had to see that last night," Carrie sighed as she pulled her knees to her chest in chem class.

"Why..? I'm the one who brought you... I should be apologizing for you."

"Just because you're a guy or a trained paranormal investigator, it doesn't mean you can't be terrified too. I saw how you looked. You couldn't handle it any better than I could."

Dib stayed quiet, looking down at his desk.

"...they found a fourth one earlier."

Dib's chest seemed to get a bit weaker. "H-huh..?"

Carrie nodded slowly, this time she was quiet. She bit her lower lip, staring at her own desk. "...this isn't fun anymore."

Dib smiled—not like an amused smile or anything, but more like a confused, nervous smile—and looked over. "It was fun..?"

"N-not exactly... more of, 'oh shit crime never happens how exciting' but... it wasn't exciting. It's messed up."

#3. After ripping out many, many scribbled on pages, I have come to a conclusion.

As I, Ghost, am still awake, I must find a way to get the bracelet off. If Pilot is stored in the bracelet and it switches us off as we sleep, then he should be gone once the bracelet is! Unfortunately (again), it’s literally impossible at the moment to get this damn thing off. After a couple panic attacks from the realization, I’ve sat down and started all I can at the moment: ordered certain kinds of tools to get them off, purchased some chemicals that could counteract the ones put in my body through the bracelet… they’re all to arrive in 4-7 business days. Screw this, I can’t wait that long. I mean, I kind of have to, since somehow dad’s version of the tools are broken and he doesn’t have the chemicals somehow and I have no other options until I get a new ID.

I just need to get this bastard out of me. 

ZiM still had no clue what was going on. And honestly? Good for him. ZiM doesn't deserve all this crime stuff on top of his abandonment and planet problems... well, to be fair, it's not like he would even care—wasn't his whole job to commit crimes?

Over at his house, he was marching about the kitchen. He was growling to himself, muttering angered nonsense and Irken words under his breath. The reason? He was thinking of Dib.

He hated how Dib made him feel. Well, he loved it since it was a good feeling, but he hated it. What he hated most of all, however, wasn't necessarily that it was with Dib (though, that was a lot of it); it was that he was showing signs of possible adaptation to Earth. 

Normally, he'd be happy for this; he'd be blending into Earth and soon he could take over without anyone suspecting a thing! But, there was no taking over this time. With no reason to, he was becoming more human.

What would he even do now? If he's adapting more to Earth and losing all connections with his previous assignment, how will he spend his life?

Irkens live longer than humans. ZiM doesn't really have a working ship, so he's pretty much stuck on Earth for all eternity.

ZiM sighed, continuing to debate on what he would do on Earth.. when there was a noise coming from a wall.

He took a step back, readying his PAK blasters. 

The noise got a bit closer. 

ZiM steadied himself.

Then...

Out from the base entrance popped a short (taller than ZiM), pudgy Irken brushing off his stained uniform. "Hey, ZiM! I'm moving out."

ZiM blinked. "Skoodge?"

"Yeah! I'm still living in your basement! Or, not anymore." He started for the front door.

"Nonono, wait, you've still been there this whole time?" ZiM stopped him. 

"Uh, yeah! You can get pretty lost down there."

ZiM groaned, sinking to the floor. "Do you know how longs it's been since I've seen another Irken?! Let alone someone not from Earth?!"

"...no?"

ZiM put a hand to his head. "I don't even... I was banned from Irk! I haven't even spoken to my Tallest! Where— where are you going?!"

Skoodge, after hearing this, started to feel a bit guilty. "Oh... uh, I called a guy—I'm gonna go to another planet." He paused. "...Irk, probably."

ZiM stood up quickly, grabbing the other's shoulders. "Yes. Take me. I'll do anything. I'll even say please."

Skoodge's antennae flattened. "I'm sorry, ZiM, but the ship can only hold two people..."

"I'M TWO PEOPLE!"

"The pilot and me, ZiM. The two people."

ZiM grabbed his own face. "I-I-I..." he curled up a little. "I want to go home, Skoodge... even if I can't, I at least want to leave here... leave all these stupid feelings behind. This planet's been changing me, Skoodge! I need to leave!" He sighed. "Leave Dib. I feel safe with him, but only sometimes. I feel other things, though! And I HATE IT! But..." ... "Hell, what am I even saying... I've been spewing nonsense all day."

Skoodge didn't say anything for a few seconds, thinking. "ZiM?"

"What?"

"I'll uh, see what I can do."

#4. A day’s passed and I can still think of only him. He hasn’t come out since I started this, which just makes me even more crazy; if I know he’s there and what he’s done, why not just come out already! It’s not like you’re not real! Come on out, come on and kill another person with strange connections to me! Who’s wronged me! Who’s in some way wronged ZiM!

…

ZiM. 

My pent up feelings. My years of fighting. What in the universe is Pilot gonna do to him.

Obviously something terrible. He doesn’t just wait around to kill from what I’ve seen… he just finds them, and kills them. Maybe he just hasn’t found ZiM yet! No, he knows where ZiM lives, we have the same past memories (I think). He knows where he goes to skool and all his classes. He knows everything… why hasn’t he done anything to ZiM ?

He won’t do anything. No. If I can save one person from all this, it’s ZiM. And Carrie. Two people. But mainly ZiM for the current second. I have to save him. I have to warn him about Pilot, I have to tell him to run as far as possible and please don’t kill me with his PAK legs… I can save ZiM. I can save ZiM. I can save someone. 

Immediately after skool let out the next day, Dib ran to ZiM's house. He didn't stop, he didn't look behind him, he didn't talk to anyone. He had to warn ZiM. He had to. He had to tell ZiM about Pilot, about how he could get hurt. He was going to save ZiM. Don't worry; ZiM was going to stay alive through the story.

Dib was quickly approaching ZiM's street, not stopping for anything. 

Until he felt a sharp pain in his chest. 

He came to a halt, trying his best to move. His breathing started to sharpen as the pain got progressively worse.

Dib jolted back, slamming on the sidewalk. He grunted trying to get back up, but was slammed back down every time. The pain turned to heat, spreading through his chest and stomach like volts of electricity. Dib screamed; the pain could almost make him pass out. He resisted the most he could, pulling himself down the side walk. Tears streamed down his face as he made an attempt to crawl; he wasn't exactly sure what was happening, but he had a pretty good idea.

"No. Nonono. No, please! Please!" He cried out.

It became even harder to move once he noticed the ground was coated in some weird, sickly green goo. It sizzled, and snakes popped out from beneath it. He screamed more, grabbing his head and falling back once again. His back hitting the normal concrete confirmed for him that nothing he saw was real, so he slammed his eyes shut and refused to open them. Besides, if nothing is real, then what is? What can he trust? What time is it? Where is he? Is he even awake?

Dib began to cough, his lungs seeming to lose breath. He rolled around on the pavement as he felt himself start to change; his hair started to fade, he felt cuts and scrapes form across his body, and his glasses broke.

"No, nono, get out GET OUT GET OUT!" Dib screamed to himself, begging and fighting with everything he had to stay in power. "PLEASE!"

It had been a day since ZiM had seen Skoodge. He (almost im)patiently waited, trying to find out if he could leave or not. He was honestly a bit nervous, as he hadn't said anything about this to Dib or anyone else. Pilot had seemed to... taken some form of interest in partnership with him—why doesn't he just fully accept it and they dominate the Earth together?

ZiM didn't belong on Earth, that's why. 

Where did he belong, anyway? Not on Irk, either.

"Dear dirt, I don't even know what I'm doing," he thought aloud to himself, exhaling. "I am ZiM! I can live wherever I want! I should have no problems, and I can overcome anything!" ... "Ngh. UGH! What do I even do?! ZiM doesn't belong anywhere. How do I adapt here so easily?" ... "Who am I..?"

"...I know, ZiM," a soft, familiar voice came from the door behind ZiM.

ZiM gasped, quickly turning around. His small glimmer of hope was quickly matted once he saw that it was, not in fact, the nice Dib. He stared, not even moving. "...For a second I thought you were, eh, someone else."

"...for a moment?" Dib smiled, the last remaining scars appearing on his face. "It... almost was."

Chapter Text

((SUMMARY OF WHAT'S TO HAPPEN FOR PEOPLE WHO WANNA KNOW BUT DON'T WANNA READ (if you wanna read, you can scroll down further):

The last part left off with Pilot making it to ZiM's house before Ghost could warn ZiM—something that's never seemed to happen before in daylight. ZiM was wanting to see Ghost, but whoops, ends up with the one he's usually stuck with at this point.

In this next part, Pilot confesses what he's done. He tells ZiM he's killed four people who've bothered him, and that he's helped him out and is ready for ZiM's part of the deal. However, that's something completely different than killing someone.

So basically, we all know what Pilot is; he's the worst version of Dib with all his bad qualities and feelings. Of course, Dib has a lot of pent up emotions about ZiM... not just rage and hate, but also others he never wanted to focus on (like love). Unfortunately, all that was put into Pilot all at once—every feeling is at large at the same time, mixing and growing and doing weird shit. When in the beginning of his outings and he stumbles across ZiM, they made that deal where if Dib helps ZiM, ZiM can help him with something Pilot wants in return. Of course, that something he wants is ZiM, and because Pilot has killed four people who have done stuff to ZiM in some way, he thinks his part of the deal is fulfilled and now he can have Hand Holding+ time with ZiM. On ZiM's side of all this, he, even though he should, doesn't mind. He's in love with Dib by this point, but he's only in love with Ghost. It isn't clicking with him that Ghost and Pilot are different, but it doesn't matter to him because it's still Dib. And yeah they enter the florpus and uh yeah im sorry this is shit

So, Pilot now has ZiM entirely, and ZiM now has no more intentions at all (if there were any left, even) to fight Dib.))

ZiM stared at the tall boy, feeling like he wanted to scream. He didn't want Pilot, he wanted Dib..! His Dib! But, this was his Dib... he was still Dib, he knew somewhere there was the one who comforted him. Yes. He should stop being selfish, he can't control how the Dib acts..!

"...huh." ZiM turned back around, his back towards Pilot. "Funny way of putting it."

"I don't know what you mean, my Irken smallest..." Pilot huffed, starting to inch closer. "But, hey! I bring some fabulous news!"

ZiM narrowed his eyes, starting to look back over at him. "Eh?" ... "'Smallest'?"

Pilot laughed. "Well, I'm your Tallest, aren't I?" He stood still. "And, yes! Good news! Those people who've been bothering you? They won't be doing that anymore! I helped you!"

ZiM raised an antennae. "They... won't?"

Pilot held out his arms. "Yep!" He spun around, standing tall. "I killed them!" He grinned wide, awaiting the praise from the tiny Irken.

ZiM took a step back, gasping small. "You—?"

"Yes, dear bug—I've taken out every obstacle you've complained about, every asshole who's hurt you or taunted you, every piece of shit I've encountered... well, four in particular... anyone else is a bit blurry for me. But, hey! They haven't seemed to find anyone else I've dealt with; I'd say I've done a pretty great job with them!"

ZiM was solid; he didn't know what to do, what to say, how to react... once he could finally do something, his antennae both rose up a bit. "You killed humans... for me?"

"God, yes! Helping you was in our deal, wasn't it?~" Pilot started to strut towards ZiM again with a hand in a pocket.

"It was, I do remember."

"And in return... you help me." And just like that, Pilot stuck a thin, round device from his pocket that was shaped like a coin underneath ZiM's PAK. "Are you ready for your end of the deal?"

ZiM's antennae shot straight down, and he stumbled back. "I— eh?! What did you—"

"Oh! It just disables most of your PAK functions. Wouldn't want any of your spider leg-thingies coming out at... inappropriate times." He took ZiM's hands, looking him in the eyes.

"Di— Pilot... you have killed for ZiM."

"Yes."

"And... that was helping ZiM."

"Yes!"

"...is... shutting off ZiM's PAK helping you..?"

"Yes."

ZiM stared, trying to ignore the negative possibilities that device could have on his PAK, then sighed. "Very well."

"...where's the robot?"

"Out at some club... went with Minimoose."

Pilot scanned ZiM's near-featureless face, trying to understand his movements. Once he was sure of himself, he grinned again. 

"Pilot-one, I—"

Pilot kissed ZiM. 

He cut him off, right there.

Pilot held the alien's head close, closing his yellow eyes.

ZiM on the other hand was a bit surprised—he didn't object at all, but it was certainly unexpected. Once he got used to what was happening, he put his hands to Pilot's arms and rested them there.

"Computer?" Pilot called out once he pulled away. 

"Hnnrrgg..?" The Computer replied.

"Please. Send us to the most comfortable area in this place."

The computer sighed, then lowered the floor section the two were standing on down below the house.

"Eh..?" ZiM looked up, a bit confused.

"I want this to be nice for you, don't I? Well, for the both of us."

ZiM just nodded, staying quiet.

Once the platform came to a halt, Pilot brought ZiM over to a large, soft cushion. He bent over to kiss ZiM's neck, laughing a little to himself.

ZiM's antennae shot back up. His face felt hot, and he didn't know exactly what he was feeling. It was strange... he wasn't sure if he liked the feeling. It was different, and he couldn't quite place what it was. However, he didn't try to resist it. It was a feeling Dib gave him. It must be a good one.

Pilot took an antenna, pulling it down to leave soft kisses against it. He whispered into it, "Such a nice way to spend the time you have left, isn't it?" And pulled back, tossing back his coat.

ZiM shivered a bit, then stared at the broken boy. "...Computer?"

"What."

ZiM didn't blink once. "Lock all the doors."

Chapter Text

Three things were realized the next morning.

Dib groaned and rolled around in bed, trying to silence his phone alarm. It was somewhere next to him, he could turn it off so easily...

He turned to where the vibration was coming from, and opened his eyes to find it. He reached out and grabbed it from his pant pocket—which he wasn't wearing. Once it was shut off, he looked up and made his first realization: he wasn't in his room.

Where was he? It wasn't like him to not go home at night.

But it was like Pilot.

Ghost shot up, looking around. The walls had wires, there were cushions everywhere, and it was a bit cold. There was red and gray all along the walls, and his vision was a bit hazy. His glasses were off, but he could see his clothes on the floor...

And a sleeping ZiM right next to him.

There, he made his second realization: neither of them were dressed.

Dib looked down at himself and yelped—he tried not to wake ZiM up, but also knew he had to get out of there. Why was he there? Why was he nude? How was ZiM even sleeping, Irkens don't sleep?

Then, he made his third and final realization:

What Pilot did last night. 

Ghost's stomach dropped, and he felt his head getting light. Not for a change of user, but for what this all meant.

As quickly as he could, Dib gathered his clothes and ran out of there. He did get a bit lost in the labyrinth of ZiM's base, but managed to get out. Get out. Get out. He had to. He had to get home. This wasn't good. This wasn't good.

What the hell?

What the actual hell?

Pilot... and ZiM?

Dib burst into his house, shaking. He aimed for the stairs, when—

"Hey, where the hell were you last night? Usually I could care less, but since—"

"Shut up! Shut up, let me go!" Dib cried out, launching himself up the stairs. 

Gaz took a step back, opening her eyes a little in worry. "Bro.."

Dib locked his door tight, pressing his back up against it; his breath made many strange patterns, refusing to calm down.

#5. I’m a monster. That’s what I am. That’s what Pilot is. Pilot is me. I’m a bad person.

This really isn’t what I meant when I said “get closer to my enemy” years ago .

I love Carrie. I care for ZiM. I don’t want to hurt either. And yet, I cheated on Carrie. I f⬛️⬛️⬛️ing slept with ZiM. I didn’t even stay to talk to him once I woke up. 

What happened last night..? What did ZiM think? What did Pilot do? What is Pilot planning? Is he just planning to do this kind of shit with ZiM from now on?

My hands are shaking so goddamn much. I’d scream, I’d write more aggressively, but honestly..? I’m not feeling anything right now. I’m in such a weird state that I’m just. Numb. 

It’s not fair. It’s not fair to me, it’s not fair to Carrie, it’s not fair to ZiM. I don’t like ZiM that way, I’m in love with Carrie. I would never love ZiM that way. He’s my friend, ex-enemy, and nothing else. ZiM recently lost everything—Pilot using him like this is freaking gross.

I hate this. 

I don’t like Pilot. I hate him. 

If I’m to admit something, it’s that I only recently started hating him. If I’m being honest, I kinda enjoyed him in the beginning; he supposedly did things I was too afraid to do, and didn’t really feel the guilt in anything “sinful” or shit like that. Feeling like that was pretty cool… especially since no one recognized me. I only didn’t want him out because I kinda like to know where I’ve been. Forgetting shit is pretty damn scary, but… I only started despising him once I realized what he’s done. Murder, ZiM… it’s disgusting. He’s awful. He’s all my bad qualities, what did I expect?

Not this. 

I never thought I’d resort to murder or hardcore cheating or anything like that.

I need to get this bastard out of me. The chemicals and tools I’ve ordered are still not here yet… the shipping service is being an asshole. At this point I’m ready to chew my arm off. 

Although… there is another option.

If I, Ghost, were to die, Pilot would die too.

Take out the body, take out the mind(s).

This could be the only choice. 

…

No, I can’t. Not yet. 

Prom is in a few weeks. Or days, I’m not exactly sure what day it is. And if I don’t act quick, I could lose even more time.

God. Damnit. Shit.

I’m trying. I need to try harder. I’ll try to get in contact with ZiM and Carrie and try to set things right. Shit, Carrie doesn’t even know about ZiM. Honestly, I’d like to keep it that way. To be honest, I may just have to tell Carrie about Pilot. She’d most likely understand, since she knows about Jekyll and Hyde shit. Maybe I need to read the book or listen to the musical to see how this ends. Though, I don’t have time for that.

I’ve been writing for too long. I gotta go. I need to try to work shit out.

Carrie, if you find this, I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry. 

I really am. 

Dib couldn't help but cry. It was a stupid, unhelpful thing to do at this time, but he did. He couldn't contain it anymore. Kind of like how he couldn't contain Pilot.

It was shit. Now, he doesn't know when Pilot could come out. It's not just sleeping anymore; it's all the time, any time. The world has gone insane. It's torture.

But when hasn't this place been torture for him?

Finally, I lied to you; four things were realized that morning. The fourth being: Pilot doesn't care.

Ghost knew that Pilot doesn't care what happens anymore. He knew that he could do anything, and it could never be traced back to him. He isn't afraid of life, he isn't afraid of the consequences.

There's one thing he's afraid of, however:

If Ghost cuts him off permanently.

REASONS WHY DIB MEMBRANE SHOULDN'T CONTINUE ON:

-Who knows how many more crimes and harm he could commit at any time?

-It's not like he's made a scientific breakthrough anyone cares about.

-His family doesn't care. Why should he?

-He could continue to hurt ZiM. He could continue to hurt Carrie.

-It could save ZiM and Carrie.

-He could do something even worse than before.

REASONS WHY DIB MEMBRANE SHOULD CONTINUE ON:

-He could figure out how to stop this. 

-He could expose this story, let people know that this kind of inhabitant shit does not work. (Only artificially with good and evil; anyone who has an actual system is valid and cared for.)

-His family does care. Gaz made a promise.

-He could save ZiM and Carrie himself.

-He could stop Pilot, and have a happy prom.

The prom.

Shit. 

Carrie. 

He needed to stay. He did. 

He had to do it all himself. He had to save everyone. He had to save himself. He could just make this harder for the people he cared for, who cared for him.

Dib felt a sudden tiny impact against his hand. He lifted it up and looked down, noticing a tiny pamphlet had been kicked under his door. It was of Mysterious Mysteries, with a note attached:

Love you, asshole.

Thanks, Gaz.

————

The next time Dib went to skool, he was still Ghost. Pilot hadn't come out once, and honestly, that only out Dib more on edge.

He really could just pop out whenever. What if he does in front of Carrie before he could warn her, like he did with ZiM? What if he does something even worse to Carrie?

No, he's never decided to come out during skool—even though he's never appeared during the day before... Besides, he seems to have a resistance to it.

Whatever.

He was going to warn Carrie.

"I'm in a rage," Carrie announced to Dib as she was down beside him.

"Huh..?" A slightly shaky Dib looked to his girlfriend. God, she was so nice to him... why did he have to go and hurt her like that..?

"It means I'm mad at you." She sighed and dropped her things. "Normally, I wouldn't think to be, but you've just seemed really... distant lately. You barley answer my calls or messages, you've been blowin' off a couple dates recently, and sometimes you even smell like underage drinkin'..." she put her head in her crossed arms. "If it's not a SQUIP, you better have a good explanation..."

Dib tensed, quickly looking at his phone. The amount of dismissed notifications from Carrie were uncountable. "...shit." He bit his cheek, trying to hold back any loud speaking or tears. "Carrie, I'm sorry. I never— I didn't expect this— I can explain everything, just... god." He grabbed his hair and pulled his knees up to the chair, shaking a bit more. She was never mad at him. He was a terrible person. She was his girlfriend, why did he not appreciate her enough?

Carrie started to feel a bit guilty, kind of letting her guard down to try to comfort him. "H-hey, Dib..?" He put an arm on his back, then looked at her bag. "...uh, just in case, drink this.." she picked up her opaque water bottle and handed it to him.

He took a sip, and immediately was met with not water. A bit surprised, he coughed a little. "What is that?!"

She looked a bit embarrassed. "...Mountain Dew: Code Red... just checkin' to see if y' have a SQUIP..."

"Damn, girl..." he sighed. "No, not a SQUIP, but..." Like a computer still, he thought. He was going to tell her. He was. "I—mmhph."

Carrie stared at him. "You eh?"

He tried again. "Mmmfm."

"Dib..." she sighed.

Dib wasn't talking. He was trying to, but every time he tried to say "I altered the bracelet, now I've been split in two and I'm acting like a different book-turned-to-musical you like, please run", his mouth would forcefully shut. He couldn't tell her.

Pilot was keeping him from speaking.

He was getting stronger.

No. No no.

Dib was in a state of panic. His breathing quickened and the room spun—he could only rock himself, and he forced his head between his knees. Carrie was a bit frightened and worried, standing up to try to get him calm. He felt like he couldn't breathe, even though he was getting plenty of oxygen. It just kept getting worse, didn't it?

Several minutes pass, and a teary from worry Carrie managed to get Dib's head in her hands. He was getting calmer, but still looked as if he could pass out.

"Dib..." she lowly spoke. "Are you okay?.."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." he kept whispering. He was being forced to look at her, but he couldn't look her in the eye. It hurt. Knowing what he did that night, it was hard. He wasn't saying a thing, but it felt like lying. It didn't even make him feel any better when she kissed his cheek.

"Hey... I-I didn't mean to get aggressive, if I was... or just.."

Dib weakly shook his head. "I promise," he started finally. "I'll have this all fixed by prom." He made real eye contact. "I promise."

Chapter Text

ZiM was a bit relieved when he woke up alone. He thought maybe it was just a dream—though, he wasn't exactly what dreams were like, since he never slept before. It had all been so weird, and he didn't know what to make of it... he did miss Dib, however, but didn't really want to talk to Pilot. He didn't want to face him.

Throughout the day he had tried to forget about it all, focusing on what was really important: what he would do now that he's on Earth for maybe forever.

Would he stay with Dib? Would he go to another place on Earth? He had been in the same place for six years now... maybe it was time to move. Maybe. What would Dib think? Would he come with him? Would he not like it? Would—

No, stop thinking about Dib, ZiM. This isn't about him, it's about you. Though, with what's coming up, I'm afraid you'll be as stupid as you are here.

What's important is that ZiM will be leaving.

ZiM paced back and forth in his house, alone, hours later, thinking the same thing over and over: "Will I leave? Will I leave?"

His answer would come, in 3... 2...

"ZiM!" A familiar voice came from his monitor, causing the Irken to snap out of his small trance. "ZiM, are you there?"

ZiM rushed into the main room, only to be met by Skoodge on the screen. "Yes! It is I! Eh, what are you doing here..?"

"So! Good news! I found an extra working ship on a nearby planet—I can send it to you, but.. you can't exactly go back to Irk. But don't worry, because it can go literally anywhere else! You don't have to be stuck on Earth any longer!" He smiled, sitting a bit close to the camera. 

ZiM's eyes widened, and his shoulders relaxed entirely. "ZiM.. can leave?" His antennae slowly raised, and he hardly noticed the growing relief in his squeedlyspooch. "Really?"

"Yeah! Really! If I put in your location now, it could be there by tonight! You want it?"

ZiM's antennae shook a bit. "Yes, yes of course ZiM wants it! Yes!" He stood on the edge of his boots, his arms bent up in front of him. "Give to ZiiiiM!"

Skoodge laughed, "A 'thank you' would be nice."

"Oh, come on, ZiM thanks no one!" ZiM grinned. "But... thank you. Really."

"Sure, dude— oh, hey, I gotta go, I have another call!" Skoodge waved, then as quick as he came, he was gone.

ZiM stood there, staring at the screen playing white noise as his positive feelings hit him all at once. He didn't dare move; he was up straight, staring straight forward, feeling as if he was being held up by a tall string. He would be leaving soon, he would be able to do whatever he wanted.

Oh, but Dib.

He had to tell Dib.

When? School didn't start until tomorrow.. why rush it? Or, should it be rushed? When was ZiM going to leave, anyway? The ship would be there by that night, that gives enough time to say goodbye, right? Besides, that PAK numb-er was still attached behind his PAK—he needed to get it out.

Stop it. This was no time to think about him.

ZiM was finally going to start a new life. 

That's what he needed, right? It's what he wanted? After the Tallest cut him off, he needed something else to do... he had thought going to serve another leader would fill the missing needs, but all it did was just make his longing worse. He wanted to do something else, not continue to do the same thing. 

But obeying was what he was good at—it's what he was programmed to do. 

But he has no one he really needs to obey, does he? He follows Pilot, but doesn't need to. He won't die without him, so why stay around?

It was time for something new, time for what he's been waiting for. He would stay alive to the end of the story.

It was a new life. 

"Ohhh ZiiiiM!~" an eerie voice sung from the door. "I have some news for you!~"

ZiM tensed once more, knowing that the rougher, yet more smooth voice was, in fact, Pilot. While he was the one he spent the night with, he really wished for it to be Ghost who he said goodbye to. Ghost was softer, more caring... while ZiM was more used to the assertive, more aggressive nature of Pilot, he actually preferred Ghost's actions. They weren't anything he was used to as an Irken, and actually, he liked it quite a bit.

"Oh, Pilot, hello..." he huffed, trying not to think about their time together. "I, too, have news. I'm not sure how you'll take it, but I do not care."

Pilot walked in, sat on ZiM's couch, and motioned for ZiM to come over. "Ohh.. somethin' troubling you, ZiM? Well, aside from that chip I put behind your PAK... allow me to get that for you." ... "Mm, it will require for me to remove your PAK, just for a second."

ZiM narrowed his eyes, but stiffly began to walk over. "Alright.. just for a second." He sat on Dib's knees, sighing. "ZiM is going to leave the planet."

Pilot blinked, pressing a button on ZiM's PAK to loosen it. "...yes, you are, aren't you?"

"Yes. I don't know when; tonight, tomorrow, the day after... but I am leaving the planet, and I do not intend to come back." ZiM waved off the timer that appeared in his vision, not even noticing that, due to the dampener, the timer was a lot lower than ten minutes.

Pilot set the PAK down beside him. "Interesting... and you're alone?"

"GIR and Minimoose are still out together."

"Well, all that works well with my news!" He ran his fingers up ZiM's bare back, causing ZiM to shiver. "Loooong ago.. when we first made our little deal... I brought you pieces to build a nice shiny weapon to use against the people of Earth, remember?" Pilot's hands ran down ZiM's antennae, practically petting them.

"...yes, you did.." ZiM started to think, remembering what had happened so long ago.

"Well, did you ever finish?"

"I did..! I didn't think you needed it anymore, so I just left it in the kitchen..."

Pilot sighed, shaking his head. "Of course I still need it... but, thank you, ZiM! And with that, it's time you know!" He stopped petting him. "Your services are no longer required."

"...services?"

"Oh, yes! Remember? I brought you supplies and killed for you, and you built me a pretty gun and provided me with... certain needs. I'd say we're pretty repaid by now, hm?"

Something inside of ZiM started to sink. "...you only needed me for your own advantage?"

Pilot wrapped his arms around the bug, holding him close. "Of course! Did you really think I cared about you?" He laughs a little, swaying with him still in his arms. "Well, I did, a little, I must admit... not as much as Ghosty boy actually does, but enough to notice your worth... however, that worth is gone now, and so is the world's need for you. I'm almost sorry you won't be able to safely leave... but you did want to leave this world, didn't you?"

More things in ZiM just started disintegrating, and his feelings began to boil in a strange mix. "No.. what? Eh? D-Dib— Pilot— w-what're you—" and then he realized.

It wasn't just his feelings disintegrating.

ZiM quickly looked back at his countdown timer, realizing he only had a minute left.

The air in ZiM's chest started to go in and out, and his head got lighter by the second. "No— no— please—" he kicked his legs, swung his arms, did anything to try to get out of Pilot's hold as he was literally melting. "PLEASE!" He cried out, sinking pink eyes filling with tears of fear. "GIVE IT BACK! PLEASE!"

Pilot only huffed, annoyed by the struggles and noises of the pathetic little alien. Well, not only from ZiM, but he was also annoyed by the pulling feelinh at the back of his head. He wasn't the only one who wanted to be free. Holding onto ZiM with one arm, he takes the PAK with his other, and threw it to the ground. In one swift kick, Pilot's boot heel crushed the Irken's life force right underneath him. As ZiM screamed, Pilot growled at the continuing tugging at the back of his head... then, decided, 'why not?'

Pilot's scars began to flicker away, and every cut and tear got fixed. His hair grew out, and his skin tanned...

And the first thing that Ghost saw as he came to life, was his former enemy, now former best friend, turn to dust in his arms.

I am so sorry that I lied to you.

Dib sat there, alone.

Alone.

Entirely. 

Quiet. 

Still. 

Shaking.

Quivering. 

Horrified. 

Responsible.

Disbelieve.

Refusing.

Crying. 

Crying...

Crying...

"Oh. Oh,"

A voice in his head called,

"Isn't this amusing?"

Chapter Text

Dib stared at the pile of dust that was once someone he knew very well before him. He didn't know what to do... he couldn't do anything. He was dead. Dead. ZiM was dead. He had killed him. Just like he had killed everyone else.

One of the two people he wanted to protect, and he couldn't even do that right. 

Shit. Shit. No. No.

He had known ZiM for over six whole years now. They had been fighting, friends, closer than anyone for the whole time. And now, he was gone. He couldn't handle it. He couldn't. It was his fault. His best friend was dead, and he killed him.

He had to get rid of him, he had to get rid of Pilot.

Tears were streaming down his face, and all Dib could do in the time he was frozen in place was put his head in his hands, letting the drops just fall to the ground, fall into the dust. So many terrible things happened. They were all his fault.

Dib just wanted to save the world. He just wanted to get a girlfriend. Did it really have to lead to this?

"Oh. Oh,"

A voice in his head called.

"Isn't this amusing?"

"...huh?" Dib shot up, his face going pale, and his stomach plummeting.

"Oh, ohhh, it's so fun, so, so fun! Look at me! I can talk to you!"

Ghost stood up, gripping to his jacket. "...no, no, you can't. You can't be around at the same time as me, that's... y-you're not me. You're not me at all. I'm going crazy, that's.. exactly what's happened... I just have to go, and you'll be away from me... I don't have all the correct chemicals myself, but maybe ZiM.."

Pilot just laughed. "Do you really think that I'd ever set you free? You literally can't get away from me, Ghost; I'm a part of you!"

"ALL that you are, is a voice in my head! One that I can get rid of!" Ghost yelled, the tears continuing to fall. "You'll disappear! I'll never have to be you AGAIN!" He jumped up, running towards the elevator down to ZiM's lab.

However, before he could reach the platform, something like invisible hands pulled him back to the ground.

"You will never get away from me, Ghost," Pilot's tone was low and dark, and a lot less smooth than usual. As if he no longer had anything left to hyde. "How can you even get down there if I'm gaining more control? Soon enough, I can overtake you in your entirety! You lost, Ghost! It's just fun to see your last few minutes of mindless struggling!"

Ghost's heart was growing more rapid with each word Pilot said. In his mind, it was almost like he could see Pilot right in front of him, and to him, he was absolutely disgusting. He couldn't let Pilot win, he couldn't let him use his body for the shit he's been getting away with. "If I die before I can get the antidote, I know you'll be gone.

Pilot's voice stopped for a second, like he was thrown off guard. "...then I guess that will be a problem, for you," he sounded grim. "Since there is no antidote. I made sure last night that any chemical that could be used to get rid of me was out of this shithole."

"...no, no, you couldn't have known what's needed. I never wrote it down, I never told anyone, I—"

"I AM YOU! WE SHARE THE SAME THOUGHTS, GHOST! When will you learn that we are ONE?!"

"YOU'RE NOT ME! I'M MY OWN PERSON! I can survive without you, but you sure as HELL can't survive without ME!" Ghost finally was able to grab the nearest surface and fling himself to the elevator. Through his ears, Ghost could hear Pilot's growls and swears, almost feeling himself get pinned to the ground.

"I can survive FINE without you! In fact, I dare say I've made your life BETTER! I got away with crime! I can get people to bend to my will EASILY! THINK of what I can do with your family, with your girlfriend..." the last part was a snake-like whisper.

"No—" Ghost could nearly see red; his limbs kicked around, trying anything to get out of Pilot's hold. Once he was finally able to stand up, he was almost immediately slammed into the tube they were sliding down. The smooth curved walls running up his body wasn't a... pleasant sensation, but with all the blood and energy surging through his body, Ghost didn't seem to notice. "ASSHOLE! JUST LET ME—"

"WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?! I TOLD YOU, THERE IS NO CURE FOR YOU! THE ONLY POSSIBLE WAY YOU COULD GET RID OF ME WITHOUT DEATH IS REMOVE THAT DAMN BRACELET! AND YOU KNOW ALL TOO WELL THAT THAT'S NEAR IMPOSSIBLE!"

...the bracelet. Of course.

Thanks for telling him, Pilot.

Ghost started to get ideas.. some good, some kind of, well, dangerous. The first thing he did was try to slam the bracelet against the tube to try to get it off, but that only resulted to Pilot's laughter. 

"Unbreeeeaaakaableeeee..~" he sang.

"Shut up." Ghost kicked at it, trying to pull it off. However, he would end up falling backwards and onto the ground unexpectedly from the platform finally coming out of the tube, knocking the wind out of him. "I'll get you out—I'LL CONTROL MYSELF SOON ENOUGH!"

"Even if you do, do you really think I'll be gone?! I'm in your head, Ghost! I live deep inside you! You'll feel me growing stronger every. Single. Day!"

"I CAN KILL YOU! I CAN! AND I'LL CONTINUE ON—I DON'T NEED YOU!" Ghost lunged over to ZiM's laid out tools, grabbing what looked like a bone saw.

"I'LL LIVE INSIDE YOU FOREVER—"

"NO!"

"—WITH SATAN HIMSELF BY MY SIDE!"

"NO!"

"NOW AND FOREVER, NO ONE WILL EVER HAVE KNOWN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN US! I WAS ALWAYS A PART OF YOU, DIB, I CAN'T BE REMOVED THIS EASILY!" Pilot's confidence and ego grew almost as fast as Ghost's heart rate.

"YOU'RE A FACE IN THE MIRROR!" Ghost screamed, banging and scratching at the bracelet with the saw. "I'LL BREAK IT! YOU'RE EVERYTHING I DON'T WANT TO BE!" His face was pretty much stained with tears at this point, his body with sweat, and his brain fogging from Pilot. "YOU KILLED MY BEST FRIEND! THE ONLY PERSON WHO KNEW THE KIND OF SHIT I WAS GOING THROUGH! YOU KILLED INNOCENTS! YOU.. YOU.." Ghost fell to his knees, shaking and sobbing. He couldn't give up. Not now. "..if I die.."

"THEN I'LL LIVE! It's as easy as THAT!" He cackles.

"NO! IT'S OVER! IT'S MY GODDAMN BODY!" Ghost swiftly held the bone saw to his neck, choking up every word and breath. 

"It's MINE NOW!" The arm holding the saw shot down, pinned at his shoulder instead of his neck. "And just for that? I don't think I'll let you have the satisfaction.."

"...G-Goddamn you.." Ghost, even without the saw at his throat, continued to choke on his words. He knew he was slipping, and he couldn't do anything about it.

Until he realized where the saw was resting.

Ghost's vision was blurring. He had to move fast. He had no other option. He had to. He had to. 

"..Pilot." With all the strength left he had, he turned the sharp end to face his arm. "Rot.. in hell.." was the last thing he breathed out, just before biting his lip and shoving the bone saw into his flesh. The pain was a new kind of pain, more physical. He screamed with all the breath he had left, he wanted to stop, but he knew he couldn't. He couldn't.

Pilot's screams mixed with Ghost's, eventually becoming a singular Dib screech. Pilot's last comprehensive words were: "I'll see you there, Ghost."

And there, on the floor of ZiM's lab, was Dib's severed arm with the Membracelet. 

If Dib's brain was any clearer, he would've gagged at that moment. However, due to the surging of unbearable pain going through Dib's body, his singular body, he was more focused on getting himself treated. With his remaining arm, he dragged himself over to what looked to be ZiM's med bay, blood dripping and draining from where his arm should be. With blood loss and a mental shatter, Dib was passing out fast. In his final conscious words, he wheezed out...

"Computer.. help me.. please..”

Chapter Text

(CW: gun in school, death)

The prom was finally here, and it was everything you would expect it to be.

Lights were flashing, music was loud as hell, and a large range of teenagers were getting absolutely wasted (snuck in items; don’t do drugs kids). The only things out of the ordinary were a few small memorials for the students who had been murdered in the month prior; including ZiM, who's was decorated with a pack of FunDip, a gun he had made for Pilot (to others, it looked like some kind of Sci-Fi toy), and Dib's old, torn up shirt. 

Throughout the deafening gym, the most notable teenagers—though, two were technically adults—were three people that had arrived together: a girl with purple hair, a girl with a special interest in musicals, and a boy with an artificial limb. 

Gaz was dressed in a deep purple suit, her lighter hair clipped up behind her ears. 

Carrie wore a long, sparkling white dress—the fanciest thing she owned—with her own red hair curled.

Dib was dressed in his nicest, least scratched up suit, his robotic arm getting a hold of everything perfectly.

"Care to dance?" Dib held out his new hand, giggling to himself at the formality of his request.

"Always," Carrie happily accepted Dib's hand, twirling over to kiss his cheek.

It was finally here. It was finally prom night. It was finally the happy ending.

Dib was finally happy with Carrie.

The two danced for as long as possible, messing around during trash modern pop songs and absolutely killing the Cha Cha Slide. Together, it was almost like they could do anything that night, and not have a care in the world. The only thing bringing it even slightly down was slight headaches Dib would get from the overwhelming music. 

“So,” Carrie swayed, speaking at one point. “You never told me. What happened to you?”

Dib shook his head, definitely not ready to unpack all of what happened the past month or so. “I’ll.. tell you later. Don’t wanna bring this down now, do I?” He smiled at her, twirling her around for the millionth time. It was the only “real” dance thing he knew to do with a girl. 

“Alright, but I’ll get it out of you soon, Membrane!” She grinned, twirling him instead.

Dib laughed, his gaze quickly passing by the memorials on the side of the gym.

“...it’s a shame ZiM couldn’t come, y’know?” He sighed, “He would’ve hated it.”

“Yeah, he would’a,” Carrie nodded, sighing as well. “I just wish we could’ve helped him more.”

Dib felt a slight pain in his stomach. He could’ve. He could’ve saved ZiM.

But now wasn’t the time to be guilty.

“...at least there’ve been no more murders. Maybe he took him down with him.”

“Yeah. Maybe ZiM really was a hero after all.”

“Yeah. Maybe.”

Dancing, dancing, talking, and more dancing. They had been dancing for a while now. It was time to get some rest, so the two sat over at a small, round, cloth and streamer covered table at a wall where a certain purple lesbian was.

“Where’s your date?” Dib looked over, tiredly bouncing his leg a bit.

“Bathroom,” Gaz simply replied. “Some asshole spilled ‘punch’ on her. I’m guarding her stuff.”

“Aww, you have a heart,” Dib teased. 

“Yeah, yeah, don’t tell nobody.” ... “Hey, bro. Are you doing alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re sweating pretty bad.”

And she was right; he was a sweaty mess. 

Dib put a hand to his head, only now realizing how wet it was. He started to panic for a second, but then shook his head. “Yeah, I’m fine. Probably the heat, the sound, the pretty girl..”

Gaz softly laughed, holding out a hand. “Hell yeah, honestly, get it, bro.”

Dib grinned and reached to shake her hand, but Gaz promptly pulled it away.

“Don’t touch me with your sweaty-ass and robot oily-ass hands.”

“Love you too.”

Carrie, who had been partially listening in, turned her head to now join the Membrane conversation. “Actually, she has a point—Cyber Dib, meet me outside?” She kissed his cheek, then got up to go to the hallway. 

Dib quickly looked over at Gaz, with big eyes.

“GO, dude,” she gave a thumbs up, and Dib scrambled off.

Nothing too special happened in the hallway. Carrie, looking like an angel in her dress (minus all the eyes), stood there, waiting for Dib. Well, waiting for like, five seconds for her sweaty date. When he finally arrived after those seconds, she looks into his eyes the best she can.

“It always seems like whenever I wanna say a certain somethin’ to you, and do a certain somethin’ to you, I end up gettin’ cut off by a tonna things; usually bad things,” she told him.

Dib, guilty for all of what happened to cause that each time, just nodded in response. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be, because I got you right here, right now,” she smiled. “I love you, Dib. I’m glad you’re here with me tonight.”

Dib’s guilt lifted a bit, and his expression matched hers. “I love you too, Carrie.”

Carrie giggled, and pulled Dib upwards into a kiss. The music around them seemed to follow, as it climaxed the second their lips touched. It just added to the already magical effect they had at the moment. They lasted quite a while, just clinging to each other and swaying as they stood. Only they existed to each other in ghat moment, and that was okay. That was all that mattered.

They were happy.

When they finally pulled away, they were both red-faced. Well, Dib was already, but even more now. They stared at each other, not saying a word. They were trying to determine whether they wanted to kiss again. 

They did.

After pulling away the second time, Carrie grabbed ahold of Dib’s wrist. “Now c’mon,” she said, we don’t wanna miss trashing the king and queen with Gaz. Or, the queen and queen. Or king and king. Whatever,” she smiled.

“Yeah,” Dib laughed, walking alongside her. “Though, if Raven is a queen, I kinda don’t wanna trash her.”

“True, she’s chill.. but what about Dexter?”

Dib’s face scrunched up. “Ew. No. Screw him.”

“Yeahahah, there’s our goal,” Carrie grinned, leaning against Dib.

A few more minutes of dancing went by after they went back in, and Dib really needed to sit down again. He could’ve sworn it was just because he was tired, buy there was something... just, burning at him inside.

But it was just the heat.

“...seriously, bro, are you okay?” Gaz checked in again. “Did you have some of the punch? Pretty sure someone spiked it. My bet’s on Tora.”

Dib shook his head, “No, I’m fine.. just this, burning feeling..” his hand went to grip his stomach, as he was getting an ache there now. Then, he could feel a slight piercing in his chest, along with an even realer burning sensation around that area.

No. It was the heat. 

“...lemme walk around for a second,” Dib quickly—and wobbly—stood up, starting to pace around towards the memorials. He felt like going there. Why?

Suddenly, a couple feet out from Gaz, he stopped dead in his tracks.

The burning started to spread. His head was getting light. Pain ran through his body, and it wasn’t getting away. 

No.

No. 

No no. 

“Dib?” Carrie looked up from her seat, previously focusing on pressing her fingers together. “Is.. he alright?” She asked Gaz.

Dib started to shake, his legs nearly giving out. A surge of panic flew through his body, attacking every nerve and muscle. No. No no. Please. It can’t be.

This was real.

“No. Please,” Dib whispered to himself. “Not here. Not now. Not in front of her. Anything, but in front of her.”

Dib tried his best to stay where he was. He was fighting, battling to keep himself conscious. He had to.

Gaz stood up, “..Dib?”

Dib, in a new spike of pain, fell forward onto his palms with a loud yell. People around him started to look in his direction, probably thinking he was just on some sort of drugs. Dib scratched at the ground, his metal arm making indents into the surface.

“NO!” He yelled. “PLEASE!”

“Dib?!” Carrie shot up, rushing towards him.

“GET AWAY FROM ME!” He hissed out at her, scratching his arm back. “NOW!”

Carrie fell back and Gaz grabbed Carrie’s arm, pulling her close. Her eyes were opened, “Holy shit.”

Dib’s neat hair had started to become shaggy change shapes. His clear skin had started to scratch up drastically. His glasses shattered. His eyes turned grim.

People around him gasped in confusion and disbelief, backing up from the transforming boy.

Carrie’s eyes widened, and she watched her boyfriend change before them.

And just like that, it all clicked for her. 

“...Jekyll and Hyde.”

“DIB!” Gaz called out.

“There IS no Dib,” Pilot laughed out, standing up finally. He turned to Carrie, scoffing at her. “So. You’re the one he’s always going on about?” Then, he suddenly smiled sweetly. “Lovely! You’ll do nicely,” he zoomed forward, pushing Gaz away with one arm and grabbing Carrie’s with the metal. Carrie cried out in alarm, and everyone’s attention was now suddenly turned to the small group.

Pilot pulled her through the crowd, getting to ZiM’s memorial. He grabbed the gun placed on a stand, wrapping an arm around Carrie’s upper body. He looked at the gun with interest, “Ah, I finally get to hold you. It’s about time,” he looked at Carrie. “You too.” He then placed the opening on the side of Carrie’s head.

“Dib!” She squeaked out. “No! This isn’t you! This is some Hyde you; some evil you! You’re still in there!” Her heart was pounding, and her oxygen was lessening.

“Like HELL he is! I AM Dib! There’s nothing he wanted MORE, than to BLAST THIS PLACE TO PIECES!” He booms, looking around at everyone with deathly intent. “He thought he could just stop my plans! He went all fancy and cut off his arm, but he doesn’t get it!” He laughed. “There’s no destroying the evil in human nature!”

“DIB! PUT THE GUN AND THE GIRL DOWN!” Gaz pushed through the crowed, shaking. “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!”

“OH, and what are YOU going to do, GAZLENE? Not tell me how much I actually mean to you until it benefits you MOST?”

“WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH THIS? I DON’T DO THAT!”

“Oh, SURE! ACT LIKE YOU ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT SAVING THESE PEOPLE!” Pilot sims the gun at the ceiling, pulling the trigger. It fires a couple times, causing small rubble from above and a few scrams from the room. Pilot runs, dragging a struggling Carrie along.

“Dib,” Carrie’s tears were breaking through. “You can hear me. I know you can,” she tried her best to keep her voice from shaking. But her best wasn’t enough. “Please, Dib—“ Pilot’s hold began to choke her. “Please—please.. it’s me.. Dib..”

Suddenly, Dib’s arms began to soften, along with his eyes. “..Carrie..” he whispered.

Gaz, not letting her goddamn brother get away, stood a foot from him. “...give me the gun, Dib.”

Shakily, Dib’s other arm reached out, frightened, to give his sister the weapon.

Unfortunately, someone behind him, who thought they could try to help, ended up hitting Dib from behind, which just sent the gun to the floor and closer to himself than to Gaz. He hissed, and he stood back up as Pilot. He kicked up the weapon, turned around, and shot at the poor kid.

Carrie let out a scream, trying to struggle away from her boyfriend’s grip.

“DIB!” Gaz screamed, and students rushed to the other person.

Carrie, in a surge of adrenaline and fear, used all her force to knock Pilot’s other arm back to send the gun dropping back to the floor. “DIB!” She tried once more. “PLEASE! Dib! I’m here! Your sister’s here! We both love you, please!”

Dib shook his head, the two versions of himself trying to decide who was real at the moment and who was not. It was a strange battle to look at, but a horrifying one to experience.

“Carrie..” Dib’s legs started to give out, and he started to drop to the floor. Carrie held him, trying to keep him upright. Dib’s gaze shifted from the girl, to the Gaz, then to the gun. “Gaz...” he kicked the gun towards his sister. “Gaz, you promised me...”

Gaz picked up the gun, registering what he said. “...Dib, no. There’s another way.” She looked at him. “There’s gotta be.”

“No..” Dib shook his head, which just got faster. “You promised...”

“Dib—“

“NO,” he roared, knocking Carrie back. She fell backwards, continuing to sob. “I’M HERE! FOREVER!” Pilot curled down, cringing, allowing one final message from Ghost:

“...do it, Gaz,” the pain in his voice was enough to ruin someone’s life. “Please. Do it. I can’t risk him coming back and hurting anyone else.” ... “I can’t win this, Gaz.”

Gaz’s eyes were watering up, and she couldn’t keep herself from crying any longer. “Dib..”

Pilot stood back up, making some animalistic noise. Carrie jumped up as well, but only to grab ahold of Pilot to keep himself struggling to get away. “BITCH,” he growled, wobbling.

Then, Gaz aimed the gun, closed her eyes, and pulled the trigger. About five times.

Once. 

Carrie screamed.

Twice. 

Everyone got what was going on, and gasped

Three times.

Dib’s knees started to give out again.

Four times.

The scary facial expression on Dib began to fade.

Five times.

He fell into Carrie’s arms.

Carrie screamed again. This time, not of fear, but of sorrow.

She held Dib’s body tight to her own, her tears hitting against his suit.

“Carrie...” someone from inside of him called out. “Carrie...” his eyes began to close, and his body went still and heavy.

A final sigh came from his mouth.

The gym was quiet.

Gaz was silently shaking and sobbing, not wanting to hold the gun a second longer.

Dib’s body was getting cold.

Carrie’s cries were getting nowhere better, but she had to do something. She had to.

So, as a final goodbye to the man in her lap and arms, she did the one thing she knew to to:

A shaky hand went over his half-closed eyelids to make them shut for good.

“Go to sleep,” she quoted. “My poor, tormented love.”