Chapter Four

A Genuine Falsehood

Athena fell face first into her couch, contemplating the consequences of what she was about to do. Had she really thought this through?

It almost sounded like a sigh in her head. When you're done being dramatic, tell me. Or do you really want me to take you by surprise in court?

Rationally, she knew he was right. If this was something they were going to do, they would have to have a routine well established, or else they would be found out. And Athena had no idea what would happen if they were. Would people try to preform an exorcism on her? Lock her up in a mental hospital? Athena's ears had already landed her in there during her formative years, and she had no intention of going back. The way some people treated patients in there was downright cruel. After UR-1, they were the source of her worst memories.

And besides, what was she really risking here? Sure, Gavin was evil, but he was also extremely pragmatic. There was always a grand scheme of things with him, if the archives were any indication. Athena couldn't think of how breaking their deal (here and now, at least) would help him, and didn't sound like he could be motivated by anything else. For all practical purposes, she was safe.

Unless she was missing something.

So Athena resigned herself to this... experiment. "Okay, I think I'm ready. Do it."

Finally. He sounded almost gleeful. Let us begin.

Nothing could have prepared Athena for what happened next. Her body froze. One by one, her fidgeting fingers stopped moving. Athena lost feeling in her arms, then her legs. After a few seconds, Athena felt like her whole body was numb. She tried to voice her displeasure, only to discover that her mouth couldn't move. She couldn't speak.

She was trapped. In her own body.

Athena could see her legs as she stood, but her sense of touch was still cut off. She could hear her footsteps, but something about it felt different, somehow. Less clear.

She vaguely saw her arms stretched over her head as he spoke. "Ahhh. The feeling of corporeality. So this is what resurrection must feel like."

That was her voice, but the sound... it was different, somehow. Less impassioned. All the inflections indicating emotional state were... gone. It was the Phantom all over again.

And that's when it dawned on Athena. Her ears! She couldn't use them when he was in control.

But could he? Athena couldn't see why not, but part of her didn't want to know the answer.

He walked her body over to a mirror, studying his (her?) expression in the mirror. His face had the mask of impassiveness, then dissolved into a frown. He made her look years older, all with the emotions in her face.

"I'm already going to be disrespected in court for posing as a child. But a female? Gaining credibility will be twice as hard."

Hey! Athena tried to object, but she had no idea how to in this form. She couldn't move at all. How had he been talking to her earlier?

He sighed, putting a hand in the air while he shook his head. "I sense your confusion, Miss Cykes. If you want to organize your thoughts into something coherent, work on focusing your words, and think about sending them to me. A letter with your mind, if you will."

Was it really that much effort? He hadn't made it seem that hard earlier.

What did she want to say to him? Speaking out was harder now that she had to think it through.

H-hey! Who says I can't be respected?

"I didn't say can't. I said it would be more difficult. Considering your ability, one would think you're a better listener than this." He studied her ears in the mirror while Athena zeroed in on her eyes. They really were a shade paler. The difference was slight, but it chilled her all the same. "Surely you're aware of the flaws in society? Don't be ashamed if you aren't. Truly, I never cared much for them myself. Now, they shackle me."

...You sound nothing like me.

He smiled, parting her lips like scissors. Her arms were crossed. "You're right. It's going to be a task, molding myself to your speech patterns. Do you have any suggestions for me?"

Athena had to think about that. Well for one thing, be positive. It took me years to make myself an optimist.

"You forced yourself into rose colored lenses?" he questioned her, fumbling with her clothes. "That's odd. Most people take them off when they reach your age. But very well." He bent slightly down, balling her hands into fists as he shouted. "I'm Athena Cykes and I'm fine!"

Something was off about the way he did it. Athena thought back to her times with Apollo, trying to figure out what he'd done wrong. I only do that when I take a case with Apollo. Even then, I usually flash a peace sign at the end.

"Hm..." he moved her hand up to flick her moon earring, capturing her motions almost perfectly. When had he seen her do that? "Like this?" He made one with his left hand up near his face.

Other hand. And push it away from you when you do it. Keep your arm straight, too.

He did it again. This time, it almost sounded like her. She could feel him cringing internally, but Athena was more creeped out at his expression. It was hers. Her face, her body... but his control.

He really was good at keeping a straight face. And without access to her ears, she felt vulnerable to him. He was quite the actor. A genuine falsehood, through and through.

"So, any verbal tics I should be aware of? Aside from adapting my dear brother's fondness for German into a multilingual melting pot?"

Athena considered the question. She wasn't quite used to this level of self-awareness. It reminded her of her time in college, when her Psych 101 teacher forced them all to observe themselves like psych patients for an entire semester, behaving like the test subjects of their own experiments. Athena had changed most of her habits since then, but the basic principles still applied.

But Athena's personality was the opposite of Gavin's on a lot of levels. Most obviously when it came to empathy.

You're going to have to learn how to care for other people. I don't know how you can just imitate that.

He smiled. "Oh, that? That's easy. It might not seem this way to you, Miss Cykes, but people fake their sympathy for others every day. Just because you can tell doesn't mean the world can. Speaking of..." he was back to massaging her ears, "I wonder if I have your ability in this state. It would be most helpful in court."

Was it possible to feel violated by her own hands? Athena was beginning to think it was. Especially when he got handsy elsewhere.

Stop it!

He grunted, putting her hands down. "This is the strangest feeling yet. You try working out of the body of a man with poor eyesight who's significantly taller than you and not find it strange. Speaking of..." He wandered around her apartment to her bedroom, cracking open her closet.

What are you doing?

"There's a power dynamic associated with height. Did you know?"

I studied it briefly. Why?

"Do you own any heels, Miss Cykes?"

I don't think so. I can't even walk in them.

"Neither can I," he growled. "Of all the things I might have regretted not doing while alive, I did not think this would be a consideration."

Why are you so obsessed with looking powerful? There was a complex in there somewhere, she was sure of it. People would think it was weird if I suddenly just changed my style, you know.

"And why is that? People change their style all the time, particularly women. You're young, and you're still growing up. Is it really so unbelievable you'd want to look mature for once?"

For once? You've known me, like, a day!

"And I've seen how you dress for work. You honestly go to your law office and court looking like this?" He gestured towards her current outfit, particularly her short skirt and loose tie. "Considering your boss, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised."

Athena would have growled if she'd been able to. She could see Widget turning red through her eyes. If she focused hard enough, could she get him to say something? My body, my rules! You are a guest here. You don't get to tell me what I should and should not wear.

He shook his head, seemingly conceding. "Very well. Be perceived in court how you will."

As if Athena would ever fall for a trap so obvious. She silently fumed as he walked back to the mirror, asking her how she did this expression or phrased that thing. It was a hard thing to remember, and it felt like their "practice session" lasted for hours. They were just going through how her body moved in court when her cell phone rang.

He walked into the bedroom, looking around for the ringing phone. It was Juniper!

Give me my body back.

"Woods? Who is this?"

Give. Me. My. Body. Back.

He relented at the last moment, allowing Athena to regain feeling in her limbs just before the phone went to voicemail.

"Junie!"

"Thena!" Juniper's voice was weak. It sounded like she'd been sobbing. "Oh Thena... I just heard the news!"

Wait, what news? What could she- ohhh. Yesterday's news. "See Junie? I told you I would free Simon!"

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you, Thena. It's just been so long since you knew him, and when I saw Prosecutor Blackquill last October..." she coughed. "I can't believe I was almost a hostage!"

That's right. Juniper had visited the Space Center yesterday. She must have left right before the hostage situation occurred, narrowly avoiding the whole ordeal. Dios, it all felt like so long ago.

"Are you doing okay, Thena?"

"Never been better!" Athena chirped, ignoring the demonic laugh as she told her lie. "I'm on Cloud Nine!"

"Are you sure?" Juniper sounded concerned. Had she not been convincing? "I mean just yesterday, you were on charge for murder!"

"Oh, that?" Athena laughed. "I'm fine! Everything's been cleared up now. They caught the-" Athena caught herself just in time. "What did you hear in the news?"

"Just that you and Prosecutor Blackquill were released, and that the real killer has been found. Why?"

That's what she thought. The government was keeping the capture of the Phantom as quiet as possible. Wonder what they did to the gallery members. "Some of the information about the case is sensitive. Since it happened at the Space Center and all."

"Oh!" her friend replied. "I never thought about that. I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine. What are you up to, Junie? You're still on winter vacation, right?"

"Yes. Robin and Hugh came over to my house. They're the ones who told me the news."

"Are they still there?"

"Yes. They're in the other room at the moment, though."

Athena briefly considered asking to talk to them, but decided against it. Aside from a few mutual meetups with Junie, she'd hardly seen them since taking her first case. "How are they?"

"Good." Athena caught just a tinge of sadness in her voice. "Hugh's working really hard to learn the material."

"Is he having a hard time?"

"A little." She breathed in heavily. "But he's so stubborn. He wants to prove he's smart enough and won't let me and Robin help him."

"Too proud for that, huh? Do you think he'd appreciate it if I came over? I can say I want him to be my apprentice. Or maybe Mr. Wright could try!" Athena rattled off suggestions. "Does he have a teacher willing to help him out? Who's replacing Professor Means?"

Means is dead? This is news to me.

"Did I not tell you to-"

"Thena?"

"Oh!" Athena flushed with embarrassment. "Not you, Junie. Just a neighbor of mine."

Neighbor? More like a roommate from hell.

Juniper coughed before answering again. "I don't know when we're getting new teachers. The substitute judge professor is nice, but she won't be here long. Ms. Courtney wants to return to the bench next semester. Mr. Shields too."

"Is he the defense attorney guy?"

"Yeah, but the prosecuting side got their professor back, now that she's had her baby. Robin's happy." Juniper paused, likely working up the courage to ask her next question. "How is Apollo?"

"He seemed better yesterday, but I haven't seen him today. He took time off to prepare for Clay's funeral." Normally, Athena would suggest Juniper ask Apollo herself, but now wasn't the best time. He deserved the space to heal, especially after all the pain she'd brought him.

He was right when he accused her of killing his best friend. In a way, she had.

"Oh Apollo... you've all been through so much!" She sounded like she was about to cry.

"Junie, calm down. We made it through." Athena laughed uncomfortably. "Everyone's fine now."

"Are you sure? You sound a little strange."

Could Juniper tell, somehow? The thought seemed ridiculous, but Athena couldn't shake the feeling that everyone knew. Knew, and was judging her for a decision she made years ago.

"I'm just tired. Ran around a lot with Simon today, and he's got a lot on his plate. He's got a place to live, and job waiting for him, but... you know. Oh hey," Athena remembered one more thing about earlier today, "Junie? Did you study State V. Wright during school last year?"

"Huh? That sounds familiar..." Juniper stopped talking to her for a moment. Athena could hear her calling into another room. Was that Robin's voice? "Wait! We did talk about it in current events! I think I was a sophomore. That was Apollo's first case, wasn't it?"

"It was. Do you remember anything about the discussion?"

"No, I'm sorry. It was a long time ago."

So she didn't have any thoughts on the matter. Great. Athena was hoping she could get an outsider's opinion before she confronted the boss about what she'd seen. She still had no idea what she thought or felt regarding the matter.

"Why do you ask?"

"I... was doing some research this morning. On the Dark Age of the Law, actually. I wanted to understand it better." Athena was lying left and right today, wasn't she?

Juniper still sounded confused. "I see. We're a little young to know much about it, don't you think? Professor Courte always said people exaggerate it too much. I think the media played it up to be bigger than it was."

"That makes sense." Athena sighed, wishing she knew what to do next. "I'll... let you go, Junie. Thanks for the call."

"Glad to hear you're doing well, Thena. Maybe you can come up to see me tomorrow."

"That sounds awesome!"

A bit of happiness crept into Juniper's voice at the end. "Great! Goodbye, Thena!"

"Bye!" Athena hung up, only to be barraged with questions.

When did Professor Means die, if I may ask?

"He isn't dead. He went to prison for murder. You two were in the same prison." Athena paused, realizing something. "Didn't you see him?"

If you recall, I was kept in Solitary Confinement during my prison stay. Don't be surprised if I know less than Mr. Blackquill.

"How do you know Professor Means?"

He was a new teacher when I was a senior at Themis. The man stole my legal commentary and claimed it was his. And while he was credited for giving a daring reflection on our legal system today, I was forced to remain silent at the threat of expulsion. That commentary was my ticket into legal renown!

Athena shuddered at the sheer amount of anger coursing through her body. She didn't need her ears for this one. "What was your commentary about?"

My analysis of the work done by such figures as Manfred Von Karma and Blaise Debeste, who were praised endlessly despite being constantly followed by accusations of corruption. I wanted to point out how hypocritical the legal system was, especially in regards to prosecutors versus defense attorneys. The Initial Trial System only made it worse. My investigation fell just short of hard evidence and because evidence is everything in court- Athena froze at the mention of his maxim. Professor Means publishing my work didn't lead to their arrest, only him being sued ineffectively for libel. So called "Dark Age enthusiasts" claim Means- meaning myself- predicted the fall of almost every name mentioned in the book, foretelling the next legal age and beginning the Machiavellian philosophy that Means so arrogantly takes credit for. He scoffed. The pride of my senior year, stolen.

"And why exactly are you proud of this?" Athena questioned. "Thanks to people like you, the public lost trust in the system entirely! All this proves is you founded the Dark Age more than anyone thought."

If they lost trust in the legal system, it's because they finally saw the truth of the world they live in. A truth they had a right to know. Don't blame the messenger. Your precious Simon Blackquill would have died without my order's intervention. Your system didn't save him; a lower angel did at your request. Your faith in the people around you is nothing short of idiotic.

"Oh, and you're so high and mighty?" Athena was shouting into the air, driven on by both his and her own resentment. "You were executed for being as corrupt as the people you exposed!"

And yet, I never would have been caught if your boss didn't use corrupt means to entrap me. She hated his condescending tone in her head. She hated his laugh. She hated everything about this demon.

And most of all, she hated that it was true. All of it.

Corruption doesn't hide well, Miss Cykes. Once someone smells something off, you can't just convince them it isn't there. The only way to survive is to redirect their target. Give them someone else to go after and waste their energy on. Phoenix learned that from me.

Since gaining employment with the lower order, I've been blessed once again with a clear mind. Now that everything is visible to me, I've been able to see myself for who I am, and others for who they are. And the difference between myself and others is that I accept my own evil. In the end, that's the only difference that matters. Especially if you end up in the place I did.

Athena now knew where Means had gotten his ideas from, and it showed. Like student like teacher, it seemed. She was surprised Apollo had turned out as well as he did. It must have been a struggle for him.

But if he could make it, so could she. "What's wrong is wrong no matter who does it. Now that people are coming into the light and acting in the open, I'm sure people will realize there are trustworthy people out there."

If you say so, Miss Cykes.

"And if it makes you feel better, I was the one who accused Means in court. He went after Juniper two months ago, and no one succeeds at framing my friends. No one!"

Well then, I suppose I have reason to thank you. You have my gratitude. Know that his actions are not in any way different from how he was fifteen years ago.

Athena looked for the sarcastic edge in his voice, only to find none. It seemed he was actually being genuine for once. Even without her ears at work, she could always feel exactly what was stirring in his heart, and vice versa. On one hand, it was like they couldn't lie to each other.

On the other, it made her vulnerable.

A/N's: I am now over halfway there on my goal for Camp NaNo. Whoo hoo!

But this should be the last set-up chapter. Stuff starts happening in Chapter Five. I think you all are going to like it. For now, enjoy the mental image of Kristoph impersonating Athena. I laughed more than once while writing this chapter just thinking about it.

Also, big thanks to The Scollard, who betaed this chapter for me. He has another fanfic coming out soon, one I hope you all check out after leaving a review here.

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you on the far side!