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Sylenn looked up from Mosin's arms and stared into the startled face of a Descendant. He was green, with long green hair bound by a wide blue band around his forehead. A quick glance around the common room showed ten other Descendants in various positions: sitting, standing, leaning against walls or furniture; one male Descendant stepped down from a chair. They all wore shocked expressions. Sylenn glanced back at the Descendant who'd taken Mosin's place, who was now staring at her with bright red eyes and backing away. Glancing down, Sylenn gasped loudly.
Her body had transformed. Gone were the thin arms, bony hips, bruises, scratches, blouse, and skirt. In their place was a powerful, well-developed figure wearing no clothing. The skin bore variegated shades of green and white gently swirling into one another. From her viewpoint, her breastbone stood out prominently in the center of her chest, which was considerably fuller than before. Below it, she could see healthy arms, large hands, a flat stomach, and long, long legs reaching down to a floor that was suddenly very far away.
"Impossible," someone murmured.
Sylenn fought to control her breathing. "What's happening?" she managed to ask. "What happened to me?" Her voice, so different, rose shrilly.
The Descendant who had taken Mosin's place regained his composure. "Welcome Sister. What is your name?"
"My-- my name? My name is Sylenn! What-- what--"
"Take ease, young Sister," the red-skinned Descendant said calmly, coming up to them. "It would seem that you are also a Descendant, Sylenn. It's nothing to be afraid of; we're all here to help you. You have just Awakened through the touch of your Brother Descendant, Vyenthon Nenkthen. You already know your own name; let it flow into your mind."
"I'm Sylenn!" she gasped, cradling her arms to her chest, looking around wildly at the bizarre, solid-colored eyes of the Descendants. "I'm--"
"Who was your father?" the red one demanded.
"Fulen!" The answer tumbled out of her mouth. "Wait, how did--"
"Who was your mother?"
"Ah, Soneli. Wait, I don't understand--"
An ocher-gold Descendant walked up to her other side and placed a hand on her shoulder. Calm washed over her as he said, "We welcome you, Sister Fulenthen Sonelion."
Fulenthen glanced from one to the other, fighting the calm.
The world turned black.
No Turning Back Page 6
