[b]Li-Li[/b]
Fear grips me in a way I’ve never felt before. I have to stop existing as me in a sense. I start to wonder if this is what that wretched vessel felt and immediately push the thought aside. My lips and hands tremble and this time I can’t stop it. I was born to this but I didn’t really understand until this moment.
The First Lotus climbs the steps and lays her hand atop mine. Her gaze holds my own. “Don’t force yourself child. It has to be welcomed. This is something that has to be done without reservation. If you’re not ready it’s okay. You have time.”

I break her gaze and mutter, “Not much.” She straightens and I feel her eyes on me, assessing me.
I think things through carefully. Why shouldn’t I become more than this? Trapped in this pathetic excuse for power when I could have a real undeniable type of power that my uncle would have coveted. That brings something else to mind. 

I turn quickly to Zaak, "Your power, it’s obviously a threat to me. Is there anyone else who possesses this…Umbra?” It bothers me even now as I look at him. It looks wrong. Unnatural. How strange…




[b]Lexianna[/b]
I look down at the gentlemen now shooting at me. I was sure I’d be properly hidden here among the turmoil in the clouds. It was careless of me. I honestly wanted to avoid involvement with the pirates at all but perhaps it’s actually a stroke of good fortune, that is, if they’ll cooperate. There’s only one way to tell.

I descend in a swirl of heavy fog, the clouds dipping slightly with me. Their gunfire never touches me and I actually have to reach out with my power in order to stop the ricochet from injuring one of them. 

When I’ve alighted on their ship I wave. “Hello, would you please stop firing? I’d like to avoid startling the troops over there and if you cause such a ruckus they are bound to notice.” I turn to who I assume is the captain. “I’m Lexianna by the way. Am I right in assuming you are here for the Command Sphere?”
 
I feel the other ships in the waters. They’ve brought quite a crew. I start an undercurrent that pushes the ships farther out. I don’t need them being sighted. I take a seat on the edge of the boat. “Might I ask why? What your plan is?” I cross my legs modestly at the ankles and fold my hands demurely in my lap.