Retaking the Name

“Uncle.” The masked woman spoke, but he tilted his head in place of scolding.

“You mean to steal the technology used in creating the Resonance.” Elidibus spokev plainly to Emet-Selch’s adoption case, and whjen she nodded, the Ascian drew closer, moving next to her as he looked through their masks into her eyes before slowly removing his, forest greens boring into her as she reciprocated, and he frowned.

“This is a gift you would kill for.” Elidibus cautioned. Yolanda wir Galvus looked to the metal again, and then back to Elidibus.

“Don’t tell anyone, Uncle. Please.” She implored. Elidibus chuckled, and afforded a look of understanding. She was trained well, by Emet-Selch, and he’d no doubt she would be naught but a boon with the artificial echo, the Ascian bowing.

“Only your cousin, and only that he can cover.” Elidibus stipulated. Yolanda sighed, before looking at the pod again.

“I can use death row convicts and the truly deplorable. Innovents need not die for me.” Yolie said. Elidibus inclined his head in curiousity.

“You already thought of this.”

“I’ve wanted the Echo as long as I can remember. When this was found....”

The small child sat by Solus zos GFalvus’ knee, listening to him speak of the Echo, the force of the Eldest Primals that protected the bearer from temper, provided a connection to souls. Shje listened raptly, before Emet-Selch sighed tiredly, motioning.

“...And I, your uncles, your aunts, even your cousins, all share in the gift. Where Zodiark protects His children, Hydaelyn misleads, lies, and poisons hers with an illusion of free will.”

“Do I have it too, Daddy?” Yolie looked up hopefully, sytartling Emet-Selch before he bent,lifting her in his arms and pulling her to him silently before speaking.

“No. No Garlean has ever been born with the Echo. No magic. The gene for magic simply doesn’t operate; it doesn’t... It’s turned off. And the Echo... No Garlean known has been born B;essed either.”

“Why not?” Yolie frowned, tugging his arm insistantly, and he issued a deep, bemused chesty laugh.

“I know not. But you need not to fret.”

Yolie cast him a dark look and shook his arm some more, the old body hosting an Ascian happily exuding a gentle laugh of pride at his youngest’s ferocity. Ah, were she but some other race, she would rival so many of her lesser aunts or uncles in determination. Emet-Selch leaned in, nuzzling the aggressive child to calm her and she sighed, leaning in to sulk.

“We can be tempered, so why can’t we have the Echo?”

“You don’t need it, my darling, but if it is your heart’s desire, when the world is mended and you are made whole, I will personally see to it your wish fulfilled.” Emet-Selch soothed. Yolie frowned, and looked up silently.

“Promise to do it if there’s a chance before?” She asked. He flipped his wrist easily.

“I promise this and what’s more, magic.” But it would likewly not be this lifetime and he supposed that wqas a true tragedy. Yolie nodded, satisfied, before tucking in to the old form softly, suddenly gentleness again, and sighed, settling to join him for a nap.

“I want to better help, Uncle.” Yolie said, clarifying as she brushed the memory aside. “I can do the mission too. And this will help.” She turned, and Elidibus beamed.