Dominion 4 - Ascendance (19 page)

Caleb hopped up, ignoring Bryar’s continual assault, but had a hard time keeping his footing. I curled my hand outward, blood sticking my skin to itself and muscles tight, but willed the earth to protect my friends. Roots shot out of the ground, gripped Sam, Gabe, and Timothy, and lifted them up out of the ground. Caleb howled with rage and kicked me hard in the head.

Stars erupted in my sight, but I kept fueling the pain and power into the stream, which grew into a raging river as the land made way for it. A gap in the ground formed, expanding and shoving up water tables to add to the flow. Bryar returned to his safe spot behind my ear just before the ground split beneath me, and the water poured over my head. I sputtered, trying to keep afloat.

The water battered at the stones of the ring until they gave. I prayed that Sam, Timothy, and Gabe would escape. The roots that held them rose higher, stretching more branches up to help hold the others. I directed all I could of the power into the growing crevasse.

The break curved around and through the property, finally opening enough to take the water back. I kept pouring the wild earth back into the ground, not knowing what else to do with the power that had been released from the tree. The energy sizzled through me like fire, burning until I felt nothing physically anymore. All that I was became the earth.

Roots dug into my body, pulling me down beneath the waves, while my spirit wanted so badly to float free of it all. The earth needed fuel, and power alone couldn’t do that. Sacrifice was required. I had to give it something.

The stump of the tree pulsed in the distance with pain and fading strength. I recalled the levels testing and how a tree had been reborn from the stump when I touched it. Perhaps that was why the tree existed to begin with, just to saddle the strength of the earth with its stability. There was no way I could actually touch the dying wood to rekindle its flame.

I bobbed beneath the water, still fighting the grip of the earth. My eyes felt heavy, corporeal consciousness leaving me, and water filled my lungs. Finally I released my physical form, giving the earth my blessing to use the shell however it needed. The mass of ever-changing flesh was useless to me anyway.

For a few seconds there was a dizzying sense of separation. Floating, sinking, pain, and peace, and then finally a snap. My soul flew above the ground. The water formed a stream that flowed up and out of the middle of the circle. It trickled down like a fountain. Mud swirled around in a whirlpool pattern that sucked the extra water away with all the filth of past wrongs.

Caleb climbed free of the water, looking exhausted from fighting its pull. A dark form stepped before him. The moonlight and spatters of colored lights flashing like fireworks overhead revealed Lily, taser in hand. She shot him with it, slapped in another cartridge, and shot him again.

Sam struggled to release himself from the grip of the roots that held him, finally got free, and slashed into the water. When he reached for Gabe, who began to wake and move, I continued forward beyond the overgrown yard. I felt every part of myself ingrained into the earth now. Everything glowed with life and strength, even the house. Had the simple gesture of giving up my body done this?

A small stream wove through the yard, and I watched tiny fish jump over one another to get their own space as I floated above them.

Finally I glided through the wall of the house with little resistance and passed from room to room, renewing the vitality of the vines and branches as I went. The tree stump raged with sparkling lights, uncontrolled power, and threats of tipping the balance of the earth into a deadly spiral. I drifted to the shorn stump and knelt. This tree had capped centuries of energy, balanced it, and renewed it. Placing my spectral hands to the base, I directed the power back into the tree, willing it to bloom and blossom again. The millions of little flickers of power had vanished, leaving me unsure and alone to tame the beast.

The fireworks fizzled but didn’t die. Only a tiny little stalk curled up through the stump. I put one hand on my mostly invisible knee and glared at the new bud. No way was that little thing going to be able to contain all that power. It had to grow, maybe not be as big as the old one. There would be time for that sort of solidity to form. But something at least as thick around as I was would be necessary.

I put both hands beside the sprout and willed the little thing to develop. Only a few more inches appeared. Never in my life had I had to try so hard to make something grow. I took a deep breath and wondered what it would take. Another sacrifice, perhaps. But what to give? There wasn’t much left to me.

My father had died to stop the Ascendance from succeeding. He’d given his spirit back to the earth to rebalance the elements. Perhaps if I put that last bit forward, it would be enough. I concentrated my effort and poured everything I was into the seedling. The peace expanded outward, flowing through me in a soft warmth, as if I were sitting in the grass on a sunny day. I prayed that everyone would be safe, and that the earth would correct itself once my spirit had infused it.

Darkness began to pull at my sight, but the tree was growing and that’s all that mattered as I faded into nothing.
Chapter 21

W
HATEVER
I expected death to be, it wasn’t the glowing garden of my dreams. However, that’s exactly what I saw. Only this garden had no night—it shone bright and clear, flowers blooming everywhere, soft grass beneath my feet, and peace surrounding my soul. Was this heaven? I’d never really believed in life after death, but if this was it, I was all for it.

A ladybug big enough to be a golden retriever walked beside me, then shifted, changing from bug to man. Bryar. Was he dead too? I would feel awful if I’d killed him with the water somehow.

He put his hand in mine again, long fingers warm and solid in my grasp, and walked with me to a little area filled with plants growing to look like furniture. “You can stay here, you know,” he said to me.

“I don’t even understand what this place is.”
“It’s where you feel most at home.”
“The earth,” I said without question.

“Of course. This is how Gaea welcomes you, what she offers.”

“It’s very peaceful.” I sat down on the soft petal of a chair and leaned back to put my feet up. My hair fell over my chest, even longer than before, and bright mossy green, the glow of my skin a blinding pale green. I looked up at Bryar. He didn’t sit or even look at me. The disquiet in him brought me heartache. “What’s wrong? Did I hurt you? I didn’t mean to.”

He dropped to his knees, head bowed like I was some sort of king. “You could never hurt me. Your heart is too pure. But I’m selfish and not ready to share you yet. I sought for so long to find your weakness so I could send you running. I’m stupid. You truly are the GreenMan, Father Earth, master to all of mine. I have no right to keep you when others need you so much more.”

“What do you mean?” An image of Gabe slashed through my head. He looked tired and sad. Then another flash, this one of Jamie sobbing while Kelly held him and tried not to cry himself. My heart ached, and I sucked in a deep breath. “I should go back. Everyone’s worried. Can you wake me up from this dream?” Too often I hurt them.

Bryar wrapped his arms around my legs and held me tightly. “I am your servant, so I must do as you ask, but I beg you, all that awaits you out there is pain. Stay here. Let them go. Gaea is not always kind, but she’s protective of what’s hers.”

I wanted to say that he wasn’t my servant, release him from any demands, but he put his fingers to my lips like he knew what I was going to say. “I am happy serving you. You gave me a name, and I give you my loyalty. You saved my life, and I will save yours.”

“Why do you talk in riddles? Can you take me back? I need to be sure that Gabe is okay.” Distantly I felt him in my head, but for some reason I couldn’t open the bond to him. The absence ached more than when he normally had himself closed to me. “The earth is no place for me without Gabe. Do you understand?”

“If I say that others will continue to try to hurt you, will you stay?”

Another vision flashed by my inner sight, this one of a little red-haired boy with bright sapphire eyes. He turned his head toward me and revealed a little girl with dark curls and a similar blue gaze who clung to his hand. My soul soared with a happiness I’d never felt before, realizing these had to be my babies. I agonized every day about never having had a father. Leaving them was not an option. Sweet Gaea, I had to go back. “I have babies who need me.”

“Blessed Father Earth, will you at least let me stay with you?” Bryar begged.

“Don’t call me that. But, sure, you can stay with me. I’m kind of good at collecting orphans.” I thought of the tree that Kelly had gifted me. It sat in the living room next to my favorite reading spot. “There’s a tree you can live in. Let’s go back. I’ll show you my babies.”

Bryar’s laugh sounded pained. “If you insist.” “I do.”

The world brightened again, reminding me I would awake soon. The sun’s warmth had me stretching out my paws and rolling to get up. I shook out my fur. The smell of clean earth filled me with joy and peace. Strolling toward where I sensed Gabe’s presence, I played in the water a bit, danced in the grass, and even flipped over a few small rocks to bat at the bugs that scrambled for cover.

A red ladybug landed in my path again, and we played awhile until we got to the door of a human dwelling. It landed on the white frame, crawling up slowly. Were we done? I still had so much energy to play. He floated down and landed on my head, right by my ear.

Scratch on the door. They will let you in.
Why do I want in?
I asked back, happy my little friend could speak to me.
I want to play.
They have food. Yummy chicken.

My tummy rumbled, making me snort. Well, if they were going to share chicken with me, being inside couldn’t hurt. I was sure there would be plenty for my bug friend and me. When I ran my claws down the door, little white ribbons curled around me.

How fun!

I jumped on them, then scratched a little more, freeing more streamers from the door. The door opened while I was happily grunting at the white flakes. I bit the painted wood frame and chewed on its blunt edge.

Shouting came from inside, then grabby hands. I backed away. None of the words made sense. Everyone soon disappeared back inside. They left the door open a crack, and my little bug friend and I cautiously made our way inside. The smell of chicken hit me as soon as I poked my head through the door. I raced to the plate set across the room, devouring the juicy chicken left out for me. The scent of cucumber and mint traveled to my side, and a moment later a man sat down.

A gentle hand ran through my fur, rubbing my spine so sweetly I couldn’t help but purr and arch into the touch. Footsteps approaching made me pause and look up. The crowd of man-things made me want to run for the door, which was still open. The one touching me was the Earthman. He often gave me chicken and a warm space to sleep, but he didn’t have claws to protect himself and me. I prepared myself to defend him if I needed to.

Everyone in the room stood frozen, all staring at me. When they didn’t come any closer, I continued eating, and the hand returned to stroke my back. The Earthman offered his lap for me, but I wasn’t ready for a cuddle yet.

He was a good man-thing, opening cans of chicken and scratching behind my ears in that spot I could never reach. When the chicken was gone, I licked the plate clean and let him coax me into his lap, where I curled up with a full belly. His touch warmed me. I snoozed lightly while his hand rubbed my back in slow circles. My little bug friend nestled by my chin. Hushed words floated over me. Gradually they began to make sense, but I brushed them all aside. My eyes suddenly felt so heavy. Sleep took me down into dreamless darkness, and all I felt was safe.

Chapter 22

T
HE
sound of little voices pierced through the nothingness of my exhaustion. Two small voices that whispered things I couldn’t understand, but they were close. I blinked my eyes open. The attic room again and the giant bed surrounded me. Gabe’s scent lingered on the pillow beneath my head, but when I turned my head it was Hanna who sat in a chair, reading. A new lamp hung over her from a bended pole.

She glanced up, and our eyes met. Her smile was so sweet. She rested one hand on her belly and put the book aside with the other. Did she hear them too? Could she understand them? Did she know the babies were in there talking to each other already? Could she fathom how beautiful they would be?

“I’m glad you’re awake, and human. I was a little worried I’d have to explain to the children that their daddy was a cat.” A blush stained her cheeks. “I think that would have been more awkward as they got older.”

I snorted and tried to sit up, expecting pain, but nothing hurt. My hands looked normal, skin unbroken, bones all in place. Had it all been a dream? Even the lingering ache from the back injury months ago had vanished.

“What happened?” My voice sounded rough, somewhat like I was still a cat trying to speak.

 

The door opened, and Gabe stepped inside. “I’ve got it, Hanna. Do you need help getting down?”

She rose from her chair, straightened her long skirt, gathered up her books, and headed toward the door. “No. I’m not that big yet. Where is everyone else?”

“Kitchen. Jamie said dinner would be in a couple hours. You probably have enough time for a nap.” Gabe held her hand as she climbed down the ladder.

“I may just do that.”

The door closed. When Gabe crossed the room to the bed, the floodgate opened between our bond and everything came through in a rush: his pain, fear, self-doubt, and selfloathing. He’d failed to save me again and hated himself for it. He’d searched the yard for hours, only relenting when the sun rose, to be back at it the second it set. I’d vanished. But that made sense, since I’d given my body to the earth. Yet here I was.

I sighed. “I don’t need saving.”

He disappeared into the bathroom for a moment, then returned with a glass of water. I gulped down the whole thing before he said anything else. He shared his memories with me. How he’d freed himself from the root and lunged into the water to try to save me. No matter how it battered at him, he fought and dug into the earth, trying to get me back. “I’m so afraid of losing you.”