“Duke,” I said. “You’re talking about Duke.”
Maeve nodded. “It worked, too. She…you…became a being of compassion instead of hatred. You saw the good in humanity and would never obliterate them. Mother came to realize she had lost you.
“And that was when she found out we were to blame, and the first war-self was still buried deep inside her, waiting to be set free.”
“How was that possible?” I scowled. “As careful and paranoid as the Ancestrum is, how could Mother find out?”
Maeve sighed and shook her head. “Because we were betrayed from within. Some of us don’t agree that humanity should be spared. They were informed by one of Gaia Grenoble’s staunchest allies, the female golem who served as her original moon, much like your own Duke. Her name is Beatrice Brown.”
So Beatrice was Gaia’s moon, and a golem to boot. It explained her fierce dedication…and her survival under the pile of cinderblocks at Imogene’s murder scene.
“Beatrice tipped off Gaia Grenoble’s allies in the Ancestrum, and they took steps to advance their goals in support of humanity’s extinction,” said Maeve.
“What exactly did they do?” I asked.
“They freed Gaia Grenoble and returned her to Mother Earth,” Maeve said darkly. “They turned her loose in the outside world.”
“What then? Did they go with her?”
“No,” said Maeve. “They’re still here in the Niche. And they’ll be among those who judge you at the trial.”
“Wait, what?” I gaped at her, surprised. “I’m going to be judged? What the hell for?”
“Not just you. Both of you. Both Gaias. The Ancestrum will judge which of you is most worthy…which of your causes is most righteous. Your fates will rest on that decision, and so will the future of all humankind.”
I returned my gaze to the ravine, feeling blindsided. Had Mid expected this when she’d brought me to the Niche? Was this why she hadn’t told me more about our mission—because she’d always known I’d think it sounded like bullshit? The longshot of all longshots? Because maybe, if I’d known more of the truth, I wouldn’t have agreed to come?
For that matter, what about all the other evasions in my life, all the outright lies? If what Maeve had told me was true, my life had been full of them, and people I’d cared about were responsible…though it had taken me coming here to the Niche to find out the truth. Just thinking about it made me angry to the core.
Or did the fact that it was done for a good reason—saving all humankind—excuse the deceit?
“When is this trial?” I asked. “How long do I have to get ready?”
“We were going to wait till tomorrow morning, to give you all some time to rest,” said Maeve. “But we’ve had to speed things up. According to our intel from the outside world, Mother Earth is making her big move sooner than expected.”
“So, when will it be?”
“Two hours from now.” Maeve shrugged apologetically. “But don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just tell the truth and speak from the heart.”
“Nothing to worry about then,” I said. “It’s not like the future of all humanity is riding on this, is it?”
Maeve reached over and touched my arm. “You have a lot of supporters among the Ancestrum, Gaia. We’re on your side…and humanity’s side, too. We’ll get you through this.”
“Thanks, that’s good to know.” Even as I said it, my mind roiled with doubt and fear. Ever since my life had gone off the rails back in Confluence, nothing had gone the way I’d expected. Every turn had made things a little worse, a little shakier. Expecting the best this time didn’t make sense, especially with so much at stake. But how could I live with myself if I failed, and my failure led to humankind’s extermination?
My powers were gone, my confidence shot, my closest friends out of reach, and the fate of the human race was in my hands. Could I have possibly faced a bigger challenge with less of an edge?
“I hope this hike has helped, at least a little,” said Maeve. “It’s good to clear your head, especially after what you’ve been through.”
I gestured at the trail where it continued along the lip of the ravine. “Actually, I think I need to clear it some more…by myself, if that’s all right.”
Maeve nodded. “Of course, I understand. Just please return to the village in an hour or so to prepare for the trial.”
“I will.” I smiled. “Don’t want the Ancestrum not to hear my side of the story, after all.”
“No, you really don’t want that.” She waved and started back down the trail the way we’d come. “You’re the voice of reason, Gaia Charmer. If you can’t save humanity, no one can.”
Chapter 25
I wandered alone for a while after Maeve left me, lost in thought. I kept trying to get ready somehow, to organize some ideas for my testimony at the trial…but my thoughts kept scattering. The pressure and uncertainty were too much.
I truly felt as if I were on my own in this challenge, the weight of the world resting heavily on my shoulders. I alone could hold off Armageddon…though I’d never felt less capable in my entire life.
I found myself wishing I were home with my support system around me. Duke, Luna, Briar, Ashanti, and Nephelae never steered me wrong. I knew they’d have wisdom to offer—even Duke, especially Duke, though he’d apparently kept me in the dark my entire life about my true nature.
But I didn’t think reaching out to them was an option in the Niche. Even if it wasn’t restricted or blocked, I doubted Ebon was recovered enough from his injury to make the connection. Just when I needed them most, the people I knew and trusted best were truly out of reach. All I had to turn to was myself.
And a self who looked just like me, emerging from a copse of trees along the trail in my path.
“Hello, Echo.” Gaia 2’s smile had a cruel gleam as she stepped in front of me, tossing off a jaunty wave. “Funny meeting you here, don’t you think?”
I stopped and tensed, instantly on guard. Even without her powers, I was sure she could be a potent threat—out there especially, alone on the trail.
“‘Echo?’” I said.
“It’s all you are.” She chuckled. “A weak echo of the original war-self, me.”
“What do you want?” I glared, bunching my fists at my sides. For the umpteenth time, I instinctively reached out for a link to the world and its power—but of course, I was still cut off.
“Kiss and make up?” She puckered her lips and kissed the air while bobbling her head mockingly from side to side.
I stood my ground, every sense on high alert for the first sign of the attack I guessed was coming. “You should walk away while you still can,” I told her, my voice icy. “Just leave.”
“But don’t you want to know your surprise?” She bounced on the balls of her feet, a silly grin crawling over her features. It was hard getting used to seeing that face, a mirror image of my own, from such a short distance away.
“No.” I was ready to fight or run, depending on what she had up her sleeve. “Any surprise you have is of no interest to me whatsoever.”
“Wrong again, Echo.” Gaia 2 smirked and pointed the index fingers of both hands at me. “This one is mucho interesting. It is change-your-life interesting.”
“I don’t care. I have nothing to say to you.” Murderer, I wanted to add. Monster. Bitch.
“Then you don’t want to know how to fix this whole mess?” She raised her eyebrows. “You don’t want to hear how to make this effed-up situation go away?”
I didn’t trust her. “Piss off.” Squaring my shoulders, I took a step toward her, trying to intimidate her into shutting up and going away.
She just stood there and smirked. “I’ll tell you anyway, because I’m such a sweetheart. Because I, at least, am willing to look past our differences and give you another chance.”
“You want to give me another chance?” I snorted. “How generous.”
“Why not? We have so much in common, after a
ll.” She fanned her hands around her face and wiggled her fingers. “We are literally cut from the same cloth, sweetheart. Does it look like we’re meant to be on opposite sides?”
I bristled as her words sank in. “We could never be on the same side.”
“But we could,” she said. “It’s called an alliance.”
I shook my head, filled with disgust. “With what you’ve done, and what you’re planning to do, I’d never in a million years be your ally.”
“But you haven’t heard the rest of the sales pitch yet,” said Gaia 2. “For one thing, if you join Team Mother with me, all your sins will be forgiven. Everything you’ve done to get in the way of her justice will be forgotten.”
I had some choice words ready, but I held them back and listened. Maybe that was the best way to get her to get to the point and leave me alone.
“And that’s not all,” said Gaia 2. “If you join our little alliance, you will also get to keep a handful of pet humans even after the rest of the species is wiped out. Best of all—best of all—you’ll get to save a chosen mate with whom to restart the human race!”
I frowned. “Why would mother restart humanity after going to the trouble of wiping it out?”
“She’ll introduce certain—upgrades—to make humankind more…civilized. More forward-thinking. Less destructive. She’s learned a lot about how people shouldn’t be this last time around.”
“I see.” I pretended to think it over, though I had no intention of taking her up on her offer. “That’s interesting.”
“Isn’t it?” She grinned. “And I’m confident I can sell it to Mother Earth. She’ll be so happy to get you on board, she’ll accept the terms in a heartbeat.”
I just nodded, remembering how awful I’d felt since being cut off from Mother. I could never buy into this bitch’s alliance, but part of me certainly wished I could, just to reconnect with Mother Earth.
Even though it was true, since the big separation, I’d learned and experienced so much as an ordinary human that I’d never known or experienced as a tuned-in avatar.
“So, what’s the verdict?” asked Gaia 2. “Can I put you down as a yes?”
“If I do, what happens after that? Neither of us has powers here.”
“Neither do the Ancestrum women; they’re so worried about drawing Mother’s attention.” Gaia 2 sneered and nodded. “That’s why you and I could make a real splash if we join forces.”
“You and I?”
“Just imagine it!” she said. “Even without powers, the two of us could really tear this place apart!”
I had my doubts about that, but I just nodded.
“So, what do you say?” asked Gaia 2. “Yes or no?”
I shrugged. “I appreciate the offer,” I said, though I didn’t really. “The problem is…”
“Think about it,” she said, extending her hands with palms out. “Between now and the trial, give it some thought, then give me a signal.”
“But I can already tell you…”
“Did I mention the awesome super special bonus?” she asked. “What is perhaps the greatest reason for accepting this one-time-only offer?”
I sighed. “What’s that?”
“If you do accept the offer,” said Gaia 2 with her most sinister, reptilian smile yet, “I might not kill you.”
Then she whirled and ran back into the woods, laughing all the way.
Chapter 26
The Ancestrum weren’t wasting any time. When I returned to the village after my hike, Maeve rushed me right to a huge amphitheater carved out of a hillside a short distance away. Every stone bench in the place was already packed with women in white shifts, talking animatedly among themselves as they awaited the proceedings.
“This is it,” said Maeve as she led me down the tiers toward the stage. “These women are about to decide the future of humankind.”
Looking around as we descended, I met one gaze after another—just as many frowning as smiling. “Why do I get the feeling that future isn’t such a sure thing?” I said.
“We don’t know how it will shake out yet,” said Maeve. “Just do your best.”
Across the amphitheater, I saw Gaia 2 walking down the tiers with Tess at her side, approaching the opposite end of the stage. Just as I spotted her, Gaia 2 blew a kiss in my direction, then waved.
That started me thinking about what I’d do to her first if I got my powers back at the trial. Have the ground swallow her up? Crush her with a giant boulder? Bury her in mud and flash-fossilize her?
All of the above sounded good to me.
Just then, Maeve interrupted my daydream. “Look who’s here.” We reached the bottom tier, and she gestured at the front row of the audience. Georgia, Mid, Ebon, and White Buffalo all sat there, side by side, and smiled as we approached. Beatrice Brown sat alone at the far end of the row, scowling at Gaia 2’s mark on the stage.
“Thanks for coming,” I said, then focused in on Ebon. “How are you feeling?”
“Pretty good, considering I almost died,” he said. “And rethinking the whole extinction thing that’s been my mission in life. Turns out it’s not as much fun when you’re the one going extinct.”
I reached for his hand, pressing it between both of my own. “I’m just glad you’re here, Ebon. I need all the friends I can get right now.”
“Friends.” He nodded. “Right. That’s us.”
Maeve cleared her throat then. “Everyone, please remember not to interrupt or intervene unless asked to do so. Gaia must stand on her own to argue the merits of her position.”
“Shouldn’t she have an attorney, at least?” asked Georgia.
Maeve shook her head. “The rules are different here. Lawyers just get in the way, especially when time is short and the stakes are as high as they are now.”
“How short is it?” asked White Buffalo. “The time, that is.”
“You don’t want to know,” said Maeve, leading me away by the arm.
She stopped at one of two white rings painted on the gray stone surface near the edge of the stage, ten yards apart. She gestured at the nearest ring, indicating I should step inside, but I hesitated.
“Don’t worry,” said Maeve. “That’s just the mark where you’ll stand during the trial. Gaia Grenoble will stand in the one over there.” She pointed at the other ring, then turned and gestured at a stone throne in the middle of the stage, some distance back from the rings. “And that is where the arbiter will sit as she conducts the proceedings.”
Before I could ask another question, a chime sounded three times in quick succession. The noise from the crowd faded, and everyone in the amphitheater stood.
Gaia 2 just made it to her mark as Drusilla, the first person we’d met after arriving in the Niche, emerged from a doorway in the stone wall along the back of the stage. Her chestnut hair was arranged in an elegant pile atop her head, bound with leafy garlands, and her white shift had been replaced by a black gown tied with golden cords.
It didn’t take a genius to guess who the arbiter was.
“Welcome, beloved sisters and honored guests.” Her voice, which had been raspy when we’d first met, was strong and clear, not even slightly hoarse. Her tone was commanding, her bearing regal. “We have come here today to render judgment on a matter most grave. At stake is no less than the very survival of the human race itself.”
Eyes glinting, she looked around at the hundreds of women in the amphitheater. “We have never before faced a crisis on this level. The Ancestrum has never been so divided. But fate has brought this burden before us, and we accept it as we have always accepted the burdens of service for which we were created.”
Everyone remained quiet and fully focused on Drusilla as she spoke—except Gaia 2, who was watching me intently the whole time. When I looked over, annoyed, she tapped the side of her nose with an index finger, giving me a sign. I ignored her bullshit and returned my eyes to Drusilla.
“Two women have come before you to make their
pleas,” she continued. “They may look the same, but make no mistake—they have very different points of view.
“Please listen and consider the merit of their arguments with care, informed by your own unique experience as avatars. Like me, like them…” She gestured at me and Gaia 2. “…every one of us is both Earth and human, world and flesh. We have the special ability and responsibility to see both sides of this matter in all their complexity and understand them at the deepest level.
“Let us, therefore, clear our minds and hearts, hear the testimony of these two passionate speakers, and find concurrence among us on what is surely the most weighty and consequential decision of our lives.”
When she finished, everyone applauded, signaling their approval. I only clapped a little, because my mind was very much elsewhere…wondering what the hell I was going to say when it was my turn.
I hoped I wouldn’t go first, because my mind was blank. I knew I should’ve spent my hiking time coming up with some kind of talking points, but I hadn’t. I’d been too distracted by Maeve’s flood of information, then Gaia 2’s offer of alliance, to sort out what I might say. Was that intentional, I wondered, at least on Gaia 2’s part?
Looking over at her sly, confident smirk, I could believe it.
As the applause faded, Drusilla spoke again. “Before we start in earnest, however, I ask that you all join me in a moment of silent meditation for our lost sisters, Ellie Grenoble and Imogene Parker.
“These two great women served as avatars of Mother, as we all have. Instead of retiring here to the Niche, they chose to remain in the world outside, monitoring the avatar, Gaia Charmer, and reporting her activities to us.
“They were killed by Gaia Grenoble as part of Mother’s war on humanity, to frame Gaia Charmer for murder and provide a further impediment to her interference in the conflict. But we will not dwell on these dark deeds today, as more pressing matters consume our attention.
“Let us instead remember these two casualties of war and all the good they did with their lives. Let us lift them up with the energy of our own spirits. We will join you soon enough, sisters.”
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