Yes I'm still alive! And Yes I'm still gonna work on my fics! I'll finish them eventually! I SWEAR! XD;

CHAPTER 31- Reunited.

The old woman looked at us, before smiling.

"Ah, you must be Kimmy and Ecco; the police told us you would be coming. Please come in dearies." She then stepped aside, and allowed us to pass. Once inside the building, I called out.

"Ember? Are you here?" I looked around this small house. I could sense the age in this place, it had been around for many years, perhaps as long as I. The scent was a comfort of sorts, it has a soft smell, not the harshness of the police station or the coldness of the hospital. I waited, albeit impatiently, for a sign of Ember. Finally, I heard a small voice from another room.

"Ecco? …Ecco?" To my delight, Ember walked around the corner. She appeared in good health, though she looked meek. Standing at the corner, we looked at each other for a moment in silence, for once, I did not know what to say to the child. Do I apologize? Beg for forgiveness? Be stern with her? Or simply be grateful she is unharmed? Suddenly however, she answered such questions when she rushed forward and threw herself into my arms. I instinctively knelt and embraced her, lifting her into my arms softly. A wave of relief and happiness rushed over me.

"Ember…" I said softly, holding her tightly as she began to babble.

"Ecoo! Oh Ecco I'm so sorry! I didn't mean what I said! I didn't want you to go away I'm sorry! You're the only one I have and I got scared and everything that happened I-!" she looked up at me with tear filled eyes. I put a finger to her lips to silence her. I understood.

"Oh Ember… your anger and fear were justified, do not be sorry, you have no need to explain your actions. I am simply joyous that you are safe and sound. I worried for you greatly. Have the hu-people here been treating you well?"

"Yes Ecco, they've been wonderful! They let me do whatever I want and they're so nice to me! …but I missed you…" she said softly. I smiled.

"Well I am here, and I will protect you Ember, as I promised." Ember smiled at this and nuzzled into my arms, not wishing to release me. I did not mind, I was just too happy to see her again. I felt a feeling I had not before. Now, more then ever, I wished to protect Ember, to care for her. But it was more then protecting a pod member… It felt like I wished to protect… a daughter. I suppose if it was any other moment I would have cursed my foolishness, but at the moment, I cared not for who was what, I only cared that she was safe.

"So uh… Mrs. McCloud… hope Ember hasn't been to much trouble for you." Kimmy spoke at last. I turned my gaze to the elderly woman.

"Oh no dear, not at all, she has been a sweetheart." The woman replied softly. I stood, still holding Ember in my arms.

"I thank you for caring for Ember in my absence. I am pleased she has been cared for so well. I will take her now."

"Take her? Oh now one moment child…" she began. I raised an eyebrow. Child? I could laugh! I would imagine I am older then YOU!

"What is it?" I asked calmly.

"Do you have a place to take her? A place to live? Have you filled out the adoption and care papers yet? Can you support her? Do you have a job?" She looked at me, with a soft look, yet there was doubt in her eyes. She had caught me off guard and she knew it. I shot a glance at Kimmy, lost for a reply.

"Well uh… I have a part time job and he's looking! I have my own house where she can stay, and we'll get the papers filled out right away!" Kimmy stammered quickly. The woman eyed her.

"Well… for now, you may take her for day visits, but since we are her temporary foster parents, she must return here for the evenings and nights." She said sternly. I was about to object when Kimmy silenced me.

"Okay! Not a problem! Honest! We'll bring her back by eight!"

"Six." She ordered.

"…Right. Six! No problem!" Kimmy giggled nervously.

"…Very well." The woman agreed. "I have your name and phone number on file, if you do not return her by six, I will phone the police, understood?" I did not like the sudden change in her tone, but again Kimmy silenced me before I could speak.

"Gotcha! Not a problem Ma'am! Common Ecco, Ember, lets go have some fun today and make sure she's back later." Kimmy smiled at us. Ember looked at her, then the old woman, and nodded.

"Okay… long as I'm with Ecco." She said quietly.

"Alright dearie, you go off and have fun now. Run along." The old woman patted Ember on her head, then I nodded and led her out, back to the vehicle. Kimmy followed a moment later. Once we were all seated in the vehicle and Kimmy made it begin to move, I snapped at Kimmy.

"Why did you agree to such terms! I am taking Ember and that is final!"

"Sure Ecco, and be arrested again? Human rules are different then yours! We have to go along with this, just for a little while okay? If you don't go along with it they'll KEEP her and you'll never see her again!" Kimmy replied curtly. I fell snilent and snorted. "Oh hi by the way! I'm Kimmy!" she quickly giggled to Ember.

"Hello…" Ember replied quietly, then looked at her. "You… you know what Ecco is?" she asked quizzically, then looked worried.

"Yeah, he told me and my friends!" Kimmy giggled. "Don't worry, we'll keep the secret." She winked at Ember, and Ember giggled back at her. I had to smile at this, if Ember was giggling then she is healing.

"So can I meet your new friends Ecco? Huh can I?" Ember asked, tugging my arm.

"Of course you may Ember. We shall also see Dalphinnia again." I replied.

"Who? Did- did you find your pod Ecco?" she asked excitedly. My body slumped upon hearing this.

"…yes."

"Really? How are they? Are they happy to see you? Are we gonna get them free?" Her bright eyes looked at me hopefully. I heaved a sigh.

"No…" I began, and then I brought her up to date on what had happened.