Rowan: The EcoPan

The Danger Of Eden

"Who are you?" Rook asks, stepping in front of us pulling out a large knife. Who would still be here?

"Stop!" I protest. I step in front of Rook and take a good look at her face. She is so familiar. They all are. They're familiar because I've touched them all, I've felt them all. I've been inside all of their minds. Her milky blue eyes have no pupil because she has lenses. The bright blue of her eyes are a big contrast against her dark skin and hair. "What is your name?"

"Muijiza."

"You shouldn't be here. Why are you here?" I ask, Carnelian and Rook are behind me, watching cautiously.

"I'm here because of my people," She says and we both know what she's talking about. "I'm looking for the one you call Rowan."

"Muijiza, I'm so sorry about your people. I never meant for anything to happen to them," I say trying to blink black tears. I feel such guilt!

"I'm guessing you're Rowan," She says, her eyes narrowing at me. I nod. "Thought so. Aaron has told me much about you."

I gasp. "The Ecopan talks to you?"

"Yes, and he told me everything."

"Oh, did he? I wonder what story that is," I scoff.

"I'm aware that Aaron is dishonest," She says and I see a flash of a grin. "Ecopan told me everything because he thought he could turn me against you, then kill more of your friends, or at the very least make your life hell somehow...but I'm not a fool, and I knew who was truly responsible for my people's deaths, and it wasn't you."

"I'm sorry... how are the rest of your people?" I ask.

"Probably dead."

"What?" I gasp. "But most of you made it across the desert!"

"When we crossed the desert the people of the trees made it very clear that we were not welcome, they executed as many as they could get a hold of. The rest of my people are probably trying to start a new civilization. I have no doubt they will fail," She says.

"I'm so-"

"Sorry? I know you are. But like I said before, I know you aren't responsible for what happened, the Ecopan is."

"You want to help?" I ask.

"Yes."

"Did he tell you why he was doing this to Rowan?" Carnelian asks.

"I asked but he was vague. I gathered that he is trying to break you. Anything he can do to make you suffer, and see the consequence of your actions. I'm not sure why, but he needs you as the Ecopan now, and he thinks killing off a few thousand people is justifiable to get you."

"But why now?" Rook asks. "Rowan already told us her theory, but it still seems like a stretch."

"Ecopan and I have the same goal, to save as many people as possible. Except I have humanity so I take human suffering into consideration. I still can't help but think that if he just told me why he was doing this, I might agree."

"Maybe he knows you won't agree with him," Carnelian suggests.

"That's what I'm thinking, but then if I become the Ecopan I wouldn't do the same things as him, so why would me agreeing now matter?" I ask.

"I might be able to answer some of these questions, but let's get a move on. We can discuss it later. Right now we need to get as far into the inner circles as possible," Muijiza says. She is so emotionless, so cold, that I can't help but pity her.

"How is your name pronounced?" Rook asks.

"Just call me G. That's easier to say. My name is Muijiza, pronounced, me-you-jee-za, which means miracle in Swahili."