**Before you read, I would just like to add: Art for these stories would be most helpful. What I mean to say is, if you ever have spare time and have even the tiniest spark of inspiration after reading any of my Ume articles, you can make some art to go with a scene, and I would post it on these if possible!**

So, the morning didn't quiet turn out how I had planned.
The night before, I was sent down a long elevator-like shaft to an area in Zim's base he calls my "resting module". I guess thats where I'm sleeping. I'll admit I'm not exactly like other Irkens. I have an unnatural ability Zim had to witness the other day. Turning a solid black, and nearly ripping him to shreds.

When I awoke, Gir was standing right at the edge of my "bed". I was pleased to see him.
"Gir!" I smiled. His tongue stuck out again.
"Master wants you!" he screeched. It was the first time I had heard Gir call Zim "master". It reminded me of the way Sumomo did it. Her legs spread apart, one arm stiff at her side and the other tightly inclosed in a salute to her forehead. "Yes, Master Ume."

Gir and I went back up the metallic shaft while he hummed a tune I didn't recognize. When we arrived at the first floor, Plum greeted me with my disguise in her hands.
"Master," she bowed. Expressionless, I smoothed down the band aid on the side of her head as it began to peel away. Her eyes drooped slightly. As I did this, I looked up at Zim, who stood not 6 feet away.
"What is it, Zim?" I asked.
"You must come to school with me today, and the rest of the time you are staying here." he explained. "Not only does this protect our cover as children, but it gives us knowledge of the human ways." he glanced at my dress and wig, and then into my eyes. "Put it on."

When Sumomo had begun to follow us out the door, Zim had stopped her and told her she had to stay with Gir at the "house" and protect the base. I didn't notice the way her eyes glinted sullenly as she agreed. Then Zim and I were walking silently to school.

He adjusted his black wig and said sternly,
"You do know how to act human, don't you?"
"Of course not." I replied blandly. "But I'll do my best."
"You best won't be good enough." Zim added. "Study the earth children and learn their ways."
"Why don't you teach me yourself?" I asked.
"It would take too long."
I didn't say anything more. There were two humans waiting by the front of the dull school building. A boy and a girl. I flinched, and fruitlessly hid behind Zim, clutching his shoulders. He did not withdrawal.

"Hello, Zim." the boy said. He had strange hair. It showed in stripes on both sides and came to a sharp point across the top. He also wore strange clothes. A lab coat and a T-shirt with a marking I'd never seen.
"Good-morning, Dib." Zim said crossly.
"This one of your alien friends?" Dib asked surly, leaning over Zim's shoulder. I got pale and whispered in Zim's here,
"How does he know?"
He didn't reply.
"I don't know what your talking about."
Dib walked behind him fully, and I plastered against Zim's back.
"Act normal... act human." Zim spat hoarsely in my ear. I breathed deeply stepped toward the boy.
"Dib," he smiled, menacingly, eyeing my green skin. He put out his hand. Instead of shaking it at the time, I studied his hand. I took it in mine, and rubbed it curiously. Suddenly, Dib snatched it back furiously.
"Thats enough!" he exclaimed with red cheeks. "I know what your trying to do, alien-girl!" I jumped behind Zim again. Thats when I turned to the girl next to him. She had dark purple hair that curved and then came to points in the front on either side of her head. She, too, had dark clothes. She looked angry the whole time, but had said nothing. The color of her eyes weren't visible. Dib's head whipped toward her.
"Don't associate with them, Gaz!" he grabbed her arm quickly, but seemed to fear doing it. They dashed off out of sight.

"Who were they...?" I muttered.
"Neighbors." was all Zim said. His teeth baring bit.