Authors Note- Holy slag it's been months since I've updated hasn't it?! Many apologies on that one! But I'm in a total lil author mood, so expect more chapters coming soon!

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CHAPTER 14- Mr. Fredrick's Threat

Ember and I spoke for some time up in the tree house, but the winds began to turn cold, and she requested to go back within the house. I did not object, and we returned inside. I assisted Ember in making our lunch meal, and after we spent the afternoon watching the TV, hoping to find more information about the aquarium where my pod was being held. Unfortunately, we had little luck. Mr. Fredrick returned, slamming the door violently as he stormed inside.

"Alright you low life scum, where the HELL is Emb.." he stopped mid sentence and looked at her. She was curled against me, sleeping, as she had been for some time. I looked up at Mr. Fredrick, a slight smug grin upon my face.

"As you can see, she is safe with me." I answered to him, and then returned to watching the TV. Mr. Fredrick snarled at this.

"Where was she when you said you 'lost her'?" he snarled in a low voice.

"She had gone to her treehouse." I said simply, not bothering to look back at him. "I simply did not know she had a treehouse, and was at a loss for where she had gone. As you can see however, she is quite safe. Now, if you don't mind, please keep your voice down, she is trying to sleep." I chuckled inwardly at this, for I rather enjoyed putting Mr. Fredrick in his place. He fell silent for a moment, then stormed over and turned off the TV. I looked up at him, clearly unamused for being interrupted.

"I THINK you have overstayed your welcome BOY." Mr. Fredrick snapped. His stern voice woke Ember. She sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes.

"What… what's wrong Mr. Fredrick?" She asked while yawning.  He snorted, and then attempted to calm himself.

"Sweetie…" he began "I feel that your friend has stayed here long enough. It's time for him to leave now."

"Excuse me?" I said, rising to my feet.

"You heard me, I think it's time you went home. You've done what you needed, but I can care for her from now on." Mr. Fredrick snapped.

"But… but Mr. Fredrick, Ecco is my friend, and I want him to stay here." Ember said, looking at him with worried eyes.

"He has done nothing but mooch off of us since he got here, it's time he LEFT." Mr. Fredrick snapped again.

"I do not think so. I will stay here as long as Ember wishes it so." I stated curtly.

"YOU are in no position to say anything boy. Now, you can get whatever things you have, and leave." He snarled, his eyes blazing a threatening glare. I stepped forward in challenge.

"And just… who are you to make me?" I returned the glare. "I will stay, until I believe Ember is safe, and she wishes me to leave; not before."

"Mr. Fredrick I want Ecco to stay please. I need him here!" Ember pleaded. He fell silent once again, looking at her.

"…alright. He can stay a few more days, but that's IT. After that he LEAVES Ember, no more excuses." He snarled as he looked at me, then whispered so she could not hear, "Or I will make you leave boy…one way or another… you will be out of my hair…" I glared at him, about to reply when Ember spoke.

"..thank you Mr. Fredrick…" Ember whispered.

"Now, both of you, go… just go play or something!" he growled finally. He walked past me, shoving me forcibly as he did so. I snarled and turned to counter, but Ember looked at me, her eyes pleading for me to let it drop. I did, and calmly took her upstairs to her sleeping room. She sat on the bed, and began to cry.

"Ember, what is the matter?" I asked, sitting next to her.

"Ecco… he's gonna make you go away…" she whimpered to me.

"No he won't." I said coldly, then, looking at her distressed expression, my voice softened. "Ember… I made you a promise, I shall not break it. I will not leave until you wish me to."

"But Ecco, you dun live here… he might call the police… make you leave…" her voice pained me to listen, as it was filled with a great sadness and fear.

"I will not leave you Ember. I will find a way to insure that."

"You… you promise? Promise you'll stay, no matter what?" she cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I promise Ember." I said in a soothing voice. She reached out and hugged me once again, and I gently returned the hug.

No one will make me leave you Ember… I will protect you until my last breath…the human Mr. Fredrick will not stop me…