As they walked back to the portal to the Ghost Zone, Desiree put her hand on Ember's shoulder, and stopped walking. Ember stopped as well. The humans went on.
"Listen," said Desiree, "I have something very important to tell you. My powers sometimes let me see a little way into the future. There is a time coming, very soon, when Sam will need you by her side."
"What's going to happen?" asked Ember, brow wrinkling in concern.
"I know not. But I do know that if you are not there, it will end very badly for her. You must promise to look after her, to guard her, whatever else happens," said Desiree.
The two ghosts looked into each other's eyes.
"I promise," said Ember.
"I am glad. Thank you," replied Desiree.
They drifted into the area with the humans.
"We should be going home now," said Sam.
"Yeah, our parents are gonna kill us. Who knows how long we've been gone," said Tucker.
"Fear not," said Desiree, "It is still the same day you left."
The three humans breathed a sigh of relief.
Danny looked at Desiree. "What are you going to do?"
"I will return to my home in the Ghost Zone," she answered, "But first I am going to go to Skulker's place and see that the ghosts there are released."
"Good idea," said Danny.
"Ember?" said Sam, stepping over and putting her hand on the ghost girl's arm. Tears were in her eyes.
"McLane," was the answer. She looked around. "My name is Ember McLane. I have nothing here. No reason at all to stay." She looked at her friends. "Let's go home."
Sam smiled through her tears, and hugged Ember.
Desiree drifted over to her. "If you wish it, I can take away these memories," she said.
Ember looked at the Wishing Ghost, and shook her head. "No, thank you. I just got them back, and good or bad, they are MY memories. I will keep them."
Desiree smiled sadly. "Then my wish for you is that your memories will teach you wisdom."
Desiree stepped over to Tucker. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and knelt before him.
"You are good hearted, brave, and loyal. You love your friends, and they love you. I am very glad to know you." She kissed him on the cheek, then hugged him. "And fear not. What you desire will soon be yours. Without help from me."
She got up, went over to Sam, and knelt before her. She took Sam's hands in her own and stared deeply into her violet eyes. Sam suddenly heard Desiree's voice in her head. "I am speaking just to you. I know your feelings for Danny. I do not wish to make your burden heavier, so will just say this. Girls mature faster than boys. He is unaware of his feelings for you, though they have started to come to the surface. Have patience. Stay with him, and be his friend. He needs you."
Sam looked at Desiree, and nodded slowly. The Wishing Ghost smiled. "You understand. That is hopefull. But do not neglect your other friends. That way lies disaster."
Finally, she went over to Danny, and knelt before him. "You have done so much for me. You are becoming a true leader, and you are much wiser than you know. You inspire friendship,
love, and loyalty in those that know you. You have helped many, both ghosts and living, and never ask anything in return. Stay true to the path you have chosen. The rewards will be very great, though you may not see them yet."
She hugged him tightly, then sat back. "And remember. Despite your protests, I am now, and always will be, your harem girl. Should you ever desire me, or need me, wish for me, and I will come to you."
Danny turned red and grinned. "And if you need me...us," he corrected, turning even redder,
"You know where we are."
Desiree stood up, and went over to the portal. "Fair well, my friends!" she called, waving,
"We shall meet again!" She turned her lower half smoky, and disappeared through the portal.
"Well, you did it again," said Sam, grinning.
"Did what?" asked Danny.
"Turned an enemy ghost into a friend," she answered.
"Yeah, that seems to be happening a lot lately..." he said, and they all laughed.
Carefully, they stepped through the natural portal and found themselves back in the Ghost Zone. The Speeder hovered waiting for them. They looked around, but saw no sign of Desiree.
"I kinda miss her," said Tucker.
"Yeah, you miss any girl who kisses you," said Sam.
The four of them got back into the Spectre Speeder, Sam piloting. She revved up the engines,
and Tucker turned on the navigation beacon.
"Got a lock on the Fenton Portal," Tucker reported, "And we should be home soon." She turned the machine in the requisite direction, and it headed off into the mysterious depths of the Ghost Zone.
The End
Author's Note:
The third story will probably be called "Ember's Sacrifice". It may be a while before it's posted, though. I'm working on another Kim Possible fic right now.