A New Beginning

3.1 Contact

Book 3: Chapter 1 Contact

Sleep had been heavy for Dib as his body fell on the bed. In the other room, Rakel laid on her side sleeping while Zim sat on the other side of the bed, awake and thinking about the different ways he could help her. When all the ideas seemed weak he decided to take a mental break. For a time he observed the sleeping hybrid and noticed how her ribs gently moved up and down with the breathing. He also noted that asleep she was most vulnerable and that needed to be fixed soon. At some point he had also laid on his side and stared at her back semi hypnotized by her breathing. It wasn't long when sleep also visited him. 

The sky slowly changed colors as the first golden rays illuminated the night sky. Rakel opened her eyes and  remembered that Zim had stayed to stand watch. She turned to the side and much to her surprise she found the irken asleep besides her. "Oh?" She murmured as a small smile appeared on her lips.

It was indeed a sight of seeing him asleep as it was a contradiction to his usual self. He seemed serene and peaceful. His body didn't need sleep like humans but who knew, perhaps it was also beneficial. It wasn't long he slowly opened his eyes and the image sharpened and could see Rakel looking at him. His body froze at the realization he had fallen asleep and for being so close to her. 

"Good morning." Rakel greeted. 

His faced flushed in a dark bluish green  as a lot of alien feelings intensified within him. He quickly sat up before any of those feelings took control and mumbled "Morning..." 

Rakel internally laughed upon his reaction. She was able to get a glimpse of his blush and thought it was endearing. The hybrid mimicked his movement and sat besides him. For a bit of a tease she asked "How was your sleep?"

"Hmm? It was okay I guess... Good. But Zims body is now slow. MY AMAZING BODY! What's happening?"

"You're waking up. Give it a few minutes." She replied as she stood up and looked for a change of clothes. 

Zim just stared at her, observed her every movement with a blank mind as he internally focused on 'waking up'. However he blurted out an idea he had in mind before sleep consumed him. "I will train you from today on. You will become the best at fighting thanks to Zim. No one will be able to hurt you." 

Rakel turned back and faced the Irken. She could see he was deep in thought but his face also reflected concern. Ever since last night he had been deciding what he thought it was best for her perhaps he was much more worried than he actually showed. Rakel gave him a light warm smile and also agreed with the idea. After all, it wouldn't hurt to go through what she had been thought in her early years. "I agree. It might come in handy." 

For a brief moment Rakel stepped out of the room in order to be able to change. Then returned to put away her pajamas and invited Zim downstairs. Rakel brewed coffee and cooked breakfast for her and Dib. She knew Zim would prefer to just eat a snack if he decided to eat anything. 

Zim sat on the couch and from his PAK came out a few floating metal pieces that presented a holographic screen. He scrolled through the irken text and added new text of his own. He stood and headed towards Rakel. Once he was near he placed his hands on her hips and rested his head on his shoulder.