I forgot to say last chapter that I actually did start crying. Not only because of what I was typing, but also because of the song. It's called "I Swear" by All-4-One; it's such a beautiful song, I cry every time I hear it, no joke. I listen to every song I put into my chapters as I'm typing that chapter, just to get into the mood, so I guessed that song would have been really great for the last chapter.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Invader Zim or any of the songs…I'm not claiming that I do.

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Chapter 21: Seeing changes.

Everyone seemed to be staring up at Tallest Red. Even Zim and Ember awaited his decision; they looked up, tears were still in Ember's eyes, and Zim still had his arms wrapped loosely around Ember.

Red looked around, he started to feel the pressure. He looked down at Zim and Ember, fixing his stare on Ember's eyes. He noticed her tears, suddenly getting a feeling of deep guilt.

He looked away, he glanced at Tallest Purple; he sighed after looking away.

Looking up, Red suddenly lost all traces of regret and guilt. He turned back to a guard near the entrance. "Guard!" He shouted in a cold voice.

The guard (who strangely wasn't there a few minutes ago) looked up, he started towards where Ember was kneeling. Another guard joined him.

The two walked up behind Ember, one of them grabbed her arms. The other watched, making sure his partner could fully contain the human; he grabbed Gir.

"ZIM!" Ember shouted as she was grabbed and forced up. She was forced to walk backwards as the guard dragged her away from Zim.

Zim watched; he looked away with a look of depression in his eyes. He sighed and said in a quiet voice "I'm sorry Ember…"

Purple stood up in surprise; he leaned on the railing that was in front of him and watched the scene below with his mouth wide open. He looked at Red in disbelief. "How could you…." Purple stopped, a hand gesture from Red told him to "Shut up".

Red glanced at Purple then looked down at Zim. He looked to where the Control Brain was.

The Control Brain seemed to stare at him, watching every one of Red's movements. It saw as Red nodded, then smiled slightly.

"Very Well…" It said, and then gave out a disappointed sigh. Humming sounds seemed to come from it, sounds that you would hear from a computer that was having a hard time downloading something.

The metal wires that were attached to Zim's PAK detached themselves and retracted back in the Control Brain.

Zim fell and landed on his stomach. He got up and brushed himself off; he looked up at the Tallest that set him free.

"Gottcha" Was all that Red said before once again looked back to the guard holding Ember back. He nodded his head, signaling Ember's release.

The guard released Ember, standing back as she bolted towards Zim.

Gir was also released, but he decided to just walk back to his master.

Ember grabbed Zim in a tight hug as soon as she got to him. She was happy that her fingers didn't brush past those harsh, cold wires again.

Zim hugged back; he didn't exactly know how she did it, but Ember had saved his life.

Ember pulled back, a warm smile on her face as Zim wiped away her tears.

Purple once again looked at Red; he looked back and smiled at Zim and Ember. He would never admit it, but he had a soft spot for happy endings, and he knew that Red did too.

"Well… Zim, you've only been shown as being a bigger defect than we originally thought. …But your friend has shown that you're not completely worthless after all…" Red had a sort of warmth in his voice.

"…Yeah yeah okay, you two got your happy ending…now get lost before I change my mind." Red said, his voice getting its calm and coldness back.

Zim pulled away from Ember upon hearing this, he grabbed Ember's hand and ran, pulling Ember with him.

Ember looked up at Red as she was being pulled. She mouthed the words "Thank you" to him, and then smiled a warm smile.

Red shrugged; he smiled back, but that smile was quickly erased as he looked away.

Zim and Ember disappeared as they turned the corner to where Zim's Voot Cruiser was; Gir followed, catching up to them with the radio and Zune in his hands.

Ember lead the way to the Voot Cruiser, she stopped and let Zim lead the rest of the way.

Zim ran up to it and popped open the windshield; he got in and waited for Ember and Gir. As soon as they had their spots in the Voot Cruiser, he closed the windshield and away they went.

Ember was surprised; she almost couldn't believe what she had done. But when she told herself what exactly Zim meant to her, she accepted it. Ember closed her eyes and laid her head back; she was very tired.

Zim glanced at Ember, he saw changes in her. Instead of seeing that shy human girl that he had met at least a week ago, he saw a strong, determined girl. He saw someone who could do anything with the right motivation and the right friends. And more importantly, he saw the person that he knew that he loved and would always trust.

He sighed and looked back to the starry atmosphere that was in front of and all around him. They were approaching Earth fast; its beautiful blue and green colors starting to show themselves off in the vast universe of black and shining stars.

As the Voot Cruiser flew near the familiar scenery of Zim's cul-de-sac, Zim got a feeling of actual happiness.

Ember opened her eyes as the brightness of the outside world disappeared, and the darkness of the top of Zim's base covered her.

The windshield popped open and Zim got out with Gir following him. Ember rubbed her eyes and climbed out, she looked around, glad that she was once again in comfortable surroundings.

All three walked out, heading for the elevator.

Before either knew it, they were sitting on the couch, a feeling that nothing had happened came over them.

Gir jumped off the couch and headed for the kitchen; disappearing.

Zim and Ember were left alone, both not really wanting to say anything. Both were exhausted and laid back.

Ember shivered, the night was cold, and midnight was fast approaching.

Zim looked at Ember; he put an arm around her, trying to keep her warm.

Ember leaned close to Zim; she laid her head on Zim's shoulder and closed her eyes.

Zim held Ember tight; he was about to close his eyes when he saw Gir come in and set the radio down. He took the Zune away and turned the radio on; he retreated back into the kitchen as a song started to play.

We were drawn from the weeds
We were brave like soldiers
Falling down under the pale moonlight
You were holding to me
Like a someone broken
And I couldn't tell you but I'm telling you now

This song made Zim thing of the past events; he knew that Ember was already sound asleep; he wondered what she was dreaming about.

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me
Tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you forever in me
Ever the same

The song was quiet and calm; Zim closed his eyes. He held Ember closer; hearing her steady and calm breathing.

We would stand in the wind
We were free like water
Flowing down
Under the warmth of the sun
Now it's cold and we're scared
And we've both been shaken
Hey, look at us
Man, this doesn't need to be the end

Exhaustion was starting to get the best of Zim; he now couldn't open his eyes, they were too heavy.

Just let me hold you while you're falling apart
Just let me hold you and we'll both fall down

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

You may need me there
To carry all your weight
But you're no burden I assure
You tide me over
With a warmth I'll not forget
But I can only give you love

Fall on me tell me everything you want me to be
Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same
Call on me
I'll be there for you and you'll be there for me
Forever it's you
Forever in me
Ever the same

The song was coming to an end; both Ember and Zim were now sound asleep.

Ember's face was peaceful with a slight smile; tonight, there will be no nightmares or shadow like demons plaguing her mind.

Forever with you
Forever in me
Ever the same(Ever the same)

The song ended, its final lyrics fading and vanishing.

Gir came in and took his radio, turning it off. He looked at Zim and Ember and said "Aww…" quietly. He returned to the kitchen, grabbing his rubber piggy and walking out of the kitchen.

He sat and laid down on the other end of the couch and fell asleep.

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YAY!! A happy chapter! But, this is not the end….1 more chapter.

Yes…now I know that Zim does not sleep…but I can't really change it now…and besides, I like the idea of Zim sleeping.

Next chapter should be up soon.