Chapter 12: Onus

Vina emerged from the grip of an uneasy slumber, greeted by a world dimmed by discomfort. Her senses, once sharp, now felt smothered under a blanket of unfamiliar ache, as if every fiber of her being had been rewoven with threads of pain. Electric jolts skittered down her limbs, their capricious dance leaving her fingertips tingling with a sensation that was both alien and intrusive. She moved her fingers, hoping to dispel the numbness, but they responded with a stubborn stiffness, a silent rebellion against her will.

Beneath the shelter of her covers, she conducted a silent assessment, finding herself now wearing a nightgown that echoed the hues of the forest at dusk — deep greens interlaced with serene blues. "I hope Oyna was the one who took care of me," she murmured, not enjoying the thought of Hakim redressing her.

Setting aside the stone of Langternem, she prepared herself for the day. The act of cleaning herself and changing her clothing served as a momentary anchor in the storm of her thoughts and the sharp painful streaks of lightning that raced up and down her nerves.

The soft knock on her door arrived just after her Blood Sense warned of the imminent arrival of Hakim and Eilin, their emotional states a whirlwind of distress and resolve that preluded the weighty conversation to come. Their vibrances painted a vivid picture of the turmoil that churned beneath the surface. Although she had tried to resume normal daily activities, she knew there was a cloud hanging over the day. Parin and all of the guards that had followed her to The Gloom had died, and she needed to inform Hakim and their families.

As Hakim and Eilin entered, the customary greetings were lost to the somber mood that enveloped them. With the door's soft click sealing their shared space, Hakim found his voice, its timbre heavy with the weight of leadership and loss. "Please, have a seat. We need to speak with you."

Vina, her gaze flickering with a mix of apprehension and resolve, found solace in the solidity of the chair beneath her. "Hakim, Eilin, your vibrances... Is this about Parin? There's so much I need to tell you," she began, her voice a blend of strength and vulnerability. Yet, before her story could take wing, Hakim's voice interceded.

“We know some of the details of the tragedy that struck your escort. Parin’s death and the death of the rest of the guards are known to us through The System. We've taken steps to honor their memory," Hakim announced

Vina stared at him in confusion and glanced at Eilin. She saw Eilin looked perfectly healthy, her health bar completely full, “Then what’s going on? You found Eilin. This is the real one.”

Hakim's affirmation came with a gravity that hinted at deeper currents. "Indeed, your guidance led us to her. But what we must discuss extends beyond the immediate, touching upon matters that concern you deeply. Can I count on your trust, Vina?" His question, simple yet she sensed the profoundness.

Vina nodded as her demeanor shifted to one of grave seriousness, a reflection of the seldom seen solemnity in Hakim's expression. "Please, bring your backpack over here," he implored, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.

Complying meticulously with his instructions, Vina donned a glove upon his request and carefully extracted the Aspect of Sculpting that belonged to Kaliq, presenting it for their examination.

From the depths of her dress, Eilin retrieved an object that caught Vina's attention—a diminutive treasure chest secured with an equally small padlock, both adorned with intricate runes. The script was unlike any Vina had encountered, captivating her with its uniqueness. "Please, place the aspect inside," Hakim interjected, pulling her from her reverie.

A moment of hesitation washed over Vina, her thoughts racing back to a past confrontation in Valanire, echoing the demands of Norimor for the aspect of memory. A surge of defiance welled up within her. “Hakim, you saw my painting. You know you’re repeating history here,” she protested, her grip on the aspect tightening. She was resolute, fueled by her father's failures, to not falter her mission to return the aspects to Trina, not merely hand them over to others. And yet, a moment later doubt entered her mind when her thoughts turned to Trina.

Hakim's voice, firm yet pleading, broke through her resolve. "You promised to trust me, Vina. Place it within, and then we shall discuss further." His tone carried a hint of desperation, mirrored by Eilin's aura, which was a kaleidoscope of fear and apprehension.

Vina's gaze lingered on Hakim, then drifted to the aspect cradled in her gloved hand. Memories of the atrocities committed using this aspect haunted her, alongside a deep-seated fear of its potential misuse. Even The Aspect of Memory, by comparison, had not evoked such a visceral repulsion within her. "Promise me, it will never fall into the wrong hands," she demanded.

As the conflict played across Vina's face, a gentleness emerged in Hakim's demeanor, his eyes radiating a deep sincerity that seemed to reach directly into her soul. "Trust me," he whispered, a simple plea laden with unspoken promises.

With a heavy sigh, Vina acquiesced, gently placing the aspect within the confines of the diminutive treasure chest. Eilin acted swiftly, sealing it shut, prompting the chest to emit a brilliant azure glow. The lock animated of its own accord, culminating in a distinct click accompanied by the delicate sounds of tumblers aligning seamlessly.

Vina's gaze was riveted by the enchanting dance of the locking mechanism, her curiosity piqued. She tried to read the runes and found she didn’t have much trouble. Her eyes moved over the script quickly. “You keyed it to Trina’s divinity? Only she can open this.” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion “Were you testing me?”

"Not in the way you think," Hakim conceded, a note of relief discernible in his tone. "Hand it over to her," he directed Eilin.

With an abrupt motion, Eilin returned the chest to Vina, her explanation carrying a mix of caution and reassurance, "Our aim was merely to prevent any inadvertent contact. We had assumed your inability to bond with aspects was absolute. This one, however, raised doubts. If you’re carrying an unknown aspect, we wanted to protect you from it.”

Vina regarded the chest with a wary eye. The disparity between their spoken intentions and the emotions they projected was palpable, but she could discern a thread of concern that suggested their actions were not borne of deceit. The atmosphere remained charged with unspoken tensions. "Why this elaborate process? A straightforward explanation would have been good enough."

"Everything will become clear in due course," Hakim assured her, then, shifting the conversation, he posed a question of profound significance, "What is the reason for your existence? What drives you to live?"

She opened her mouth to answer and hesitated. Her eyes flicked over to Langternem on the end table. “I’m bound to destroy Langternem at The Kaliters at Norfany.” When the words spilled out of her mouth, she immediately knew they were wrong. "Oh god, Hakim, that's not right!" she exclaimed, a wave of distress washing over her. "My sisters... I wish to..." Her voice dwindled, losing its strength as she struggled to articulate her feelings, her internal conflict rendering her speechless. "What's happening to me?" she gasped, bewildered and alarmed.

"It's alright, Vina. Recall what you told Oyna when she inquired about your purpose?" Hakim gently prodded.

A flicker of clarity crossed Vina's face. “Yes. I told her I wanted to protect my family.” she remembered, still ensnared in confusion. “Why could I say it now?”

Meanwhile, Eilin, engrossed in her notes, murmured an insight, "Memories versus emotions," hinting at the crux of Vina's turmoil.

Hakim expounded, aligning with Eilin's observation. "Your direct response about your emotional drive was clear because it's presently true for you. Yet, when your memory contradicts this emotion, the lack of coherence distresses you. When you lack an emotion to anchor these feelings, they seem alien. Recollecting a genuine memory allowed you to articulate your true motivations without the emotional dissonance."

Eilin muttered as her hand continued to write, “Not… a… successful… transition,” then she put her pen down. “Thoughts, Lord Halos?”

“If it was a successful transition, I imagine her memories and motivations would be flawless. We would be speaking with a perfect Shaper that had both their own memories and motivations and all of Vina’s previous memories and motivations. There likely wouldn’t be a conflict,” Hakim said.

Eilin nodded, “If she was The Shaper, she also wouldn’t have come back here. She wouldn’t have dialed the portal ring to our home. She certainly would not have allowed us to lock away the aspect. She’s the real Vina, if slightly bruised from her experiences.”

“She also expressed a genuine desire to return the aspect to Trina. The reports say The Shaper abhors Trina,” Hakim added.

Vina pursed her lips at their side conversation. Understanding dawned on her. They were scared she was Kaliq. “I’m not The Shaper. I just have memories that aren’t my own… and some other things.” She opened her class abilities screen and saw a node that read Infuse. It sat by itself and was completely disconnected from her normal class ability tree.

Infuse: Gain the ability to force your blood into the bodies of others. Infusions may be passed to allies or enemies through this ability. You may learn one additional infusion.

Eilin was frantically writing again, and Hakim gave her a sobering look, “What are these memories?”

“The Shaper was really two people with one body. Kaliq was the primary body and Siany was attached to him. When he shaped me…” she paused, struggling with the painful recollection. “He took something away from me, causing me to fail a quest. Then he forced his memories of Siany into me, I began to think she was my own sister. My memories of my actual sisters conflicted and… I don’t know. There’s so much I still have to tell you about Trina,” Vina said, trying to change the topic.

Hakim observed Vina's internal battle with compassion. "Let's address Trina's situation later. You were aware that Siany wasn't actually your sister, correct?"

Vina's response was a mix of confusion and clarity, "No, I mean yes. I was aware, and that's precisely why Kaliq couldn't manipulate me further."

"You resisted him," Hakim noted, his tone gentle.

"I ended their lives. And I mourned because I felt I had killed my sister," Vina confessed, her emotions nearly overwhelming her as tears welled up in her eyes.

“You killed someone you were manipulated to believe was your sister.” Hakim clarified, maintaining a calm and steady voice.

Vina acknowledged this with a nod. "Then Oyna arrived..."

Hakim gently interrupted, emphasizing a crucial point, "Vina, the person you killed wasn't truly your sister. That wasn't reality, was it?"

She denied it, her actions betraying her emotional state as she discreetly dried her tears, "No, it wasn't."

"She wasn't your sister. You didn't kill your sister," Hakim reassured her.

Accepting the truth with a slow nod and wiping away fresh tears, Vina found a small solace in Eilin's gesture of offering a handkerchief, thanking her with a grateful smile. "No, I didn't."

Hakim then shifted the conversation to a more comforting topic, "Do you recall your real sisters?"

A weak smile appeared on Vina's face as she confirmed, "Vividly."

Sharing in her smile, Hakim imparted wisdom, "You're a survivor, Vina. Our emotions and thoughts often conflict. Our minds adapt quickly with new insights or information, but our hearts lag behind, stubbornly attached to old ways. Yet, one constant remains: our hearts will eventually align with our minds, though it may require patience. Whenever you're feeling lost or conflicted, remember Etana and Annalina. Let your memory guide your heart."

At Hakim’s prompting, Vina looked inward and tried to examine her motivations. Immediately her quest window appeared and she sighed.

Current Quests: Destroy Langternem at The Kaliter Colony at Norfany. (Binding Quest) Reunite with your sisters Find your Adoptive Mother Kill the twelve (3/11 killed) Learn Skills 3 40/75

Vina had always navigated her quests with a sense of direction that was as random as the wind, never once pondering the sequence in which they were listed. She had harbored the belief that they simply followed the chronology of their acquisition. Yet, in a moment of unexpected clarity, she realized that their arrangement might not be arbitrary after all but rather a guide, hinting at the underlying priorities of her journey. A sense of urgency filled her as she attempted to articulate one of them, "I still need to reunite with Etana and Ann." The words, simple yet profound, seemed to lift a weight off her shoulders, and she could almost feel a collective sigh of relief in the room, as if Hakim and Eilin's very souls had exhaled alongside her, their vibrance noticeably softening in response.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Just then, a subtle premonition brushed against Vina's consciousness, a silent whisper that spoke of an approaching presence. "Oyna is here," she announced. “I’d like her to join us.”

Eilin's eyebrow arched in intrigued skepticism, her pen dancing across her notes in an attempt to capture the peculiarities of Vina's talents. Hakim merely nodded, an unspoken acknowledgment of the normalcy of such wonders.

As if on cue, a gentle knock echoed through the room, and Vina got up to answer it with a smile. “Please join us, Oyna”, she said.

“Good morning. Lord Halos requested I be at your room at this time. Are you feeling better?" she inquired as she stepped inside. Vina cast a wary glance at Hakim. "He's still testing me. This was all planned out," she deduced, a realization that caused her further concern.

Eilin rose with a start, her reaction a mixture of shock and awe. For a brief moment, concern flickered across Vina's features, only to be replaced by amusement as Eilin unabashedly admired Oyna. "In Trina's name, aren't you absolutely gorgeous! So many undocumented abilities!" she exclaimed, her enthusiasm momentarily breaching the decorum Hakim tried to maintain. His voice, laced with a gentle reprimand, reminded Eilin of the gravity of their situation, causing her to retreat into a blush of embarrassment.

Oyna's confusion was palpable as she sought clarity from Vina, "Her blood changed. What happened to her?" she questioned

“Yeah. The first one you saw was probably using the disguise skill. This one is the real one,” Vina said.

Oyna, with a nod of acceptance, expressed her preference, "Excellent. I'm fond of this one. She has no intention of harming me."

Hakim, eager to steer the conversation back on track before it veered off course, interjected, "Let's table the discussion about Eilin's situation until after our meeting. Vina, the reason for Oyna's presence is to delve deeper into the mysteries of your red crystal. Oyna, would you please take a seat, if you're amenable?" As Oyna extended her wings and settled into a chair, Eilin barely muffled a squeal of joy at the captivating sight.

As Eilin endeavored to compose herself, Vina carefully lifted the Langternem from the end table, drawing it close once more. She cradled the sizable, marquise-shaped gem tenderly, as though it were a cherished pet. The room fell into a breathless silence when the entity within exhibited a solitary rotation within the crystal. “I’m not sure why it does that. It has all of the blood it needs, but sometimes it still moves around,” Vina explained.

“What do you believe is inside, Vina?” Hakim asked before anyone could say anything.

“Siany said this is Langternem. She ordered me to contain it, and this is the only solution I could come up with,” Vina responded.

Oyna spoke up next, “What did you do exactly? I cannot read the runes.”

A smile touched Vina's lips, her eyes lighting up with the eagerness to share her insights. "Siany mentioned that Langternem has a preference for Kaliq's blood. It seems that was their method of preventing its escape for years. She also warned that if Langternem were to consume any blood other than Kaliq's, it would unleash its affliction once more. I encased Langternem in a blood crystal, specifically crafted from Kaliq's blood, creating a hollow center filled with the liquid blood it desires. My hope is that, surrounded by its preferred blood, it won't attempt an escape. Additionally, I inscribed blood runes on its surface, designed to allow the infusion of Kaliq's blood exclusively."

Oyna nodded, a flicker of realization in her gaze. “That’s why it felt familiar. It’s his vibrance I feel.”

Vina returned the nod, but it was Eilin who voiced the concern hanging in the air, "But isn't Kaliq no longer with us? How do you plan to sustain this entity with his blood? What will we do when it's all gone?"

Vina responded with a calm shake of her head, signaling not to worry. "I have a method. Watch." Extending her hand, she allowed her own blood to pool within her palm. "This is my blood, but watch what happens next." She then initiated an ichoric transformation, concentrating on altering her blood to match what she had sensed in Kaliq’s. "You see?"

Oyna watched with rapt attention, utterly engrossed in Vina's demonstration. However, Vina could sense the rest of the group's confusion. "Oh, right. To you, it probably just looks like ordinary blood. But I assure you, I can convert it to match Kaliq's. Oyna, do you think you could replicate this?"

Oyna glanced at her own hands, then from what could be perceived as her torso, a red tendril tipped with a spike emerged to hover over her finger. It began to pull back, but Vina quickly stopped her, "There's no need for that! I have sufficient blood for our purpose." She then directed the blood from her hand into the crystal, before gathering more into her palm and shaping it into a small orb, which she floated towards Oyna. "Try converting our blood," she instructed gently.

Oyna cupped her hands, catching the orb, and they all watched as the blood slowly shifted, its vibrance altering under her touch. Vina observed the process, noticing the inconsistencies in Oyna's conversion—her attempts to fine-tune the vibrance wavering slightly. “Focus your Blood Sense skill on the process as well. It will pull the vibrance from your memory and help guide your intention”, Vina said, encouragingly.

“I’ll try, but you know the skill takes a lot of stamina to use. I can’t try for long”, Oyna confessed.

Vina's brow furrowed in confusion. The skill had always been effortless for her. Curious, she reviewed her own abilities.

Skill: Ichoric Conversion Level: 62 Description: Not Found Skill Points: None Earned

A sense of unease washed over her. "Another malfunctioning skill? What has The Shaper done to me?" she pondered quietly. Vibrance tracking was free as well and for a moment she wondered if it too was broken. “Can I even gain a skill level in this?” she wondered to herself. She jumped when she felt Hakim’s hand on her shoulder.

“Vina, Oyna said she’s finished. Did she do it?” Hakim inquired with hopeful anticipation..

"Absolutely, well done!" Vina exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine admiration as she detected the precise vibrance in Oyna's work. "It's flawless!"

As Oyna observed the blood, now slowly seeping through her fingers to the floor, Vina noticed a shift in her vibrance, a sign of unease. Yet, before she could delve deeper, Eilin redirected the conversation with a question. "What exactly makes Kaliq's blood—or its vibrance—so unique?"

Swiftly, Vina gathered the dripping blood from Oyna's grasp to prevent further mess. “I don’t know. I don’t think Kaliq or Siany knew either. In my memories… I mean, Kaliq’s memories, Trina also didn’t seem to know.”

“Eilin, tell them about Langternem”, Hakim said, taking control of the conversation.

With the seriousness of a mentor addressing her pupils, Eilin elaborated, "Contrary to the tales of the Twins, Langternem didn't ravage just one city. Records from across the world detail the spread of the disease. Alarmingly, the system fails to notify or track the infection's advance, making most people completely unaware of what is happening to them. The first subtle sign is a gradual depletion of experience points, followed by the deterioration of skills, attributes, and then class and innate abilities. The progression is systematic, leading quickly to sores on the body and a spreading cough. When it has stripped everything away, Langternem claims lives, culminating in death within days to weeks post-infection."

Vina stared at Eilin, before speaking, “When Siany died I didn’t get any experience points from her.”

Hakim confirmed her suspicion, "It's likely the disease had already stripped her of her achievements. Vina, it's crucial to understand that while Valanire suffered immensely, the contagion spread far beyond, threatening the entire world. If..."

“Valanire?” Vina asked in disbelief. “The city Trina first took Kaliq and Siany to was Valanire? That can’t be. It was wiped out a second time by the Aspect of Memory.”

The exchanged glances between Hakim and Eilin underscored the gravity of their next words. Hakim solemnly concluded, "Should the crystal's contents be the origin of Langternem Disease, its presence here poses too great a risk. We cannot risk a historical recurrence, especially without Trina's healing. The consequences would be catastrophic, far exceeding any threat from The Darkness."

A somber silence enveloped the room, as the weight of Hakim's words settled among them, prompting Vina to reflect on the path ahead.

The heavy silence that filled the room after Hakim's revelation seemed to carry the weight of their predicament, pressing down on Vina with a newfound gravity. "It seems I must leave once more," she declared, a hint of resignation in her voice as she felt the weight of her next journey settle on her shoulders. "Where can I find Norfany? I don’t have a quest marker."

Eilin exchanged a glance with Hakim, then with Oyna, before Hakim gave a nod of approval. "She's caught in a binding quest. Transparency is key now. Oyna has earned our trust."

"Binding quests differ from the usual ones," Eilin explained with a gravity that underscored the severity of Vina's situation. "They're tied up with a promise and refuse to be ignored. The longer you try to resist its call, the more it will pain you, eventually causing your death. I fear this quest might have been designed as revenge."

Vina felt her heart leap into her throat. “Why? Can’t I just go to the Kaliter colony and give them Langternem? Wouldn’t that complete the quest?”

Eilin hesitated before answering. “Giving it to them may not be sufficient. The quest calls for Langternem’s destruction. Vina, Norfany is a rumored colony of the Kaliters. It’s in the book I gave to you. The exact location isn’t known, but the general area is. Due to their highly prized scales, many adventurers have raided the areas around their colonies, and the Kaliters have become reclusive as a result. They've grown wary of our people, destroying any portal rings placed near their territory. They are extremely hostile to visitors. You likely won’t receive a warm welcome even if you do find them.”

“How much time do I have before the quest kills me?” Vina asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Eilin's shrug was noncommittal, but her eyes betrayed her concern. "It's difficult to predict. How compelling is the urge to leave on this quest at the moment?"

Vina paused for a moment and checked within herself for any subtle changes. For a fleeting moment, her inner self felt unchanged. But as she drew in a breath, she felt a subtle unease in her stomach. Ever so slowly she felt it tightening. The sensation was not yet painful, but she knew its potential, “It’s weak right now. I could go, but I can also remain and do other things.”

“We'll ensure you're prepared for what lies ahead, Vina. Right now, we need to hear about Trina.” Hakim said. “What happened?”

Vina glanced at Eilin, “I think Oyna and I want to know what happened to Eilin first.”

With a weary sigh, Hakim began, "The tale lacks drama. As part of her duties within the Halos Family, Eilin had set times to observe your artwork. Caught in a moment of distraction, an imposter with a knack for disguise attempted to take her place. Your unexpected return forced my hand to call upon Eilin, exposing the impostor's deceit."

Yet, as Hakim recounted the events, Vina noticed a subtle shift in his demeanor, a dissonance that didn't sit right with her, echoed by a fleeting dart of his eyes. Her own eyes unveiled the truth before her.

You perceive that Hakim is being deceptive.

She saw Hakim had received a similar notification, and he rubbed his forehead in frustration. "This situation is under control," he attempted to reassure.

Oyna's voice, devoid of inflection, cut through, "He's holding back, not with malicious intent, though. He means us no harm, Vina."

Hakim held out a hand as if to say, “See”, but Vina’s gaze remained skeptical. In response, he tried to move on, “Please, tell us about Trina.”

Vina took a deep breath and told her story. She tried to keep her emotions under control and tell them the facts as they occurred, but she had trouble keeping the two separate. But, the recounting of Parin's demise proved difficult, her voice wavering with emotion as her eyes grew misty. When she explained her confrontation within Trina’s sphere, Hakim interrupted her.

“So shadows were controlling a kaliter or was the kaliter The Darkness itself?” Hakim asked.

"Znza was under the control of The Darkness, known as Stine. It wasn't merely shadows; its vibrance was a void so deep I doubt it could ever be filled," Vina recounted, a chill running down her spine.

Hakim looked contemplative for a moment, but gestured for Vina to continue her story. She began to explain the state of Trina’s body and the stones on her chest when Eilin stopped her. “What color were the stones that she was bonded with?”

Vina paused, picturing them. "They resembled opal, in three distinct colors. Does that make sense?"

Eilin's pen flew across her notes. "Shan detailed those in his writings. They were never distributed, presumed to be aspects tied to the system itself. This is somewhat reassuring. Please, continue."

Vina moved onto the discussion with her father, but she chose to omit the most personal aspects of their exchange. She could see the questions on their faces, but she was honest that she had no idea how Shan was still alive. When she mentioned the axe known as Everlasting, she asked them to wait until she finished her story for more questions related to it. Finally she simply said, “I found a way out of Trina’s sphere of influence, but I can go back to it anytime I want. I arrived near the city of Randar…”

“Wait!” Eilin said, “How did you escape?”

Vina shook her head, “It’s deeply personal and I don’t want to share it.”

Eilin clearly wasn’t satisfied with her answer, but Hakim reassured her, “When she's ready, she'll share. Knowing she can return to Trina is enough for now.”

Vina continued her story about meeting with her sister, but she began to struggle to articulate her emotions. “When I saw Etana impersonating Trina, I felt…” She paused when there was nothing there. “Etana came to my room and we talked. She had so many aspects in her necklace and her vibrant energy as all over the place. She said she saw my life experiences and tried to… to… comfort…” Her voice trailed off as she realized she had the memories, but the feelings were completely absent. She shook her head and pressed a hand to her chest. “I can’t... I can’t feel it.”

To her surprise Oyna reached out and took her hand. The moment Oyna's fingers intertwined with hers, Vina felt an unexpected anchor in the confusion of her emotions. “The feelings will come back. I promise. Slowly, mine are coming back. It becomes less painful the more you expose yourself. Don’t shy away from it.”

Vina squeezed her hand and continued on. Her words came out flat and landed like stones. She lost all emotion in her speech, and she had the self awareness to recognize she sounded exactly like Oyna. Despite her best efforts to convey her story, a sense of hollowness pervaded, leaving her with nothing but a gnawing emptiness and a heartache too profound to articulate.

Hakim summarized, “The Darkness is named Stine, but is controlling a kaliter named Znza. Your sister is bonded with Trina’s necklace and is assuming her identity, and there’s another outworlder named Zel'alor that is bonded with a copy of the Aspect of the System. Zel'alor claims it only struck down Trina after she tried to help Stine.”

Eilin, barely keeping pace with her notes, mused aloud, “This is more information than we’ve ever had on the events surrounding The Severing. It was always assumed the Kaliters were creatures, but Zel'alor’s claim would say otherwise. There’s only a few more questions I personally have left. How did the Stigandorians get to our world? How are the assemblers here? Finally how and why did the Kaliters come to our world?”

Vina interjected with a piece of the puzzle “I know the answer to the second question. The assemblers were created by The Shaper and Zel'alor. The Shaper was trying to create different host bodies for Siany that were immune to Langternem. They wanted to control me so I could seal Langternem away forever. I don’t know Zel'alor’s motivations”, Vina said.

Hakim rubbed his forehead in concern, “Vina, in a very narrow amount of time, you have met extremely powerful forces in this world. With help, you managed to kill one of them, but now you hold in your arms the most destructive source of disease this world has ever witnessed. Unfortunately, you’ve also perhaps created another powerful person. Etana’s abusive use of Trina’s necklace is a significant risk. If she gathers too many of Trina’s aspects and is unwilling to return them, there might be a real chance of her replacing Trina.”

Vina, taken aback, defended her sister's intentions, “She wouldn’t do that! She only wants to save Annalina and me.”

Acknowledging her conviction, Hakim added a troubling note, "That's precisely the problem. Something changed with Ann the moment you returned the aspects to Trina."