Shade (who called herself Umber) in an attempt to make Sophie cooperate. And since Umber used shadowflux for her attacks, Fitz’s injuries were complex and long-lasting. He and Sophie (who’d sustained similarly frightening injuries) spent several weeks in the Healing Center, and both of them needed additional weeks of therapy after they returned home. (Grizel and Sandor were also injured during this incident, as was Dex Dizznee; his bodyguard, Lovise; and Wylie Endal, who’d arrived after Sophie sent out a call for help.) Fitz occasionally walks with a slight limp as a result of the attack, but otherwise seems to have fully recovered.
EXCLUDED FROM THE TEAM:
In a move that many have found surprising, the Council opted against inviting Fitz to be part of Team Valiant—though they have assured Sophie that he can be added if she ends up needing his telepathic assistance. The Council’s reasoning was that Sophie had grown too reliant on her Cognate and might discover new strengths if forced to work more closely with some of her other friends—particularly the friends with whom she seemed to team up the least often. It’s too early to tell if the Council made the right call in this regard, but either way, Fitz was understandably disappointed to be passed over for the assignment.
A HIGHLY ELIGIBLE MATCH:
Despite all of the above drama, Fitz remains one of the most eligible candidates for the match, and will likely cause quite the stir once his name begins appearing on match lists. Most assume he’ll be invited to a record number of Winnowing Galas. And given his family’s slight fall from favor, it would be excellent timing for him to choose a smart match—and very unwise for him to consider anyone not specifically matched to him.
FINAL NOTE:
This was touched on above—and should be taken somewhat lightly, since it’s only connected to extreme circumstances—but Fitz’s default reaction to emotionally intense, high-pressure situations tends to be anger (and occasionally even violence). He has been known to verbally lash out at friends and family, often unfairly blaming them for the causes of his frustrations. And his physical altercations with his brother, while justified, have grown increasingly brutal. All of which may make him a liability in the future, if the situation with the Neverseen continues to escalate.
REGISTRY FILE FOR Biana Amberly Vacker
KNOWN ABILITIES: Vanisher
RESIDENCE: Everglen
IMMEDIATE FAMILY: Father (Alden Vacker), mother (Della Vacker), brother (Alvar Vacker), brother (Fitz Vacker)
MATCH STATUS: Unregistered
EDUCATION: Current Foxfire prodigy
NEXUS: No longer required
PATHFINDER: Not assigned. Restricted to Leapmasters and home crystals.
SPYBALL APPROVAL: None
MEMBER OF THE NOBILITY: Yes
TITLE: Lady
NOBLE ASSIGNMENT: Regent; member of Team Valiant
SIGNIFICANT CONNECTIONS: Fealty-sworn member of the Black Swan; former Wayward at Exillium
ASSIGNED BODYGUARD(S): Woltzer (goblin)
THIRD CHILD:
Many may consider the following to be a touch scandalous, since it’s something that so rarely gets mentioned—but if this file were for someone in any other family, it would be a defining entry. Since Biana is a Vacker, there are hardly ever whispers of it—and yet, it should be noted that Biana Vacker is child number three for her parents, Alden and Della Vacker (though the inclusion of this note is in no way meant to cast any judgment). Since many in the Lost Cities fear that second children (and beyond) have weaker abilities and DNA, it’s generally rare for a family to have more than one child—and extremely rare to have more than two. Little is known about why Alden and Della chose to have a third child (again, since the subject is so rarely discussed). But one might speculate that they were hoping for a daughter. Whatever their reasoning, they definitely skirted convention and are quite fortunate that their family name protects them—and Biana—from facing the scorn they surely would have endured otherwise.
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS:
Given Biana’s last name, the constant praise that was always showered on both of her brothers (though most of the praise was for Fitz), and the fact that she’s a third child—it’s safe to say that she’s had a lot to live up to. And like a true Vacker, her beauty, accent, and school performance have all been exceptional. But the real test came down to Biana’s manifesting. For years, gossip circles speculated about what ability the youngest Vacker might inherit from her legendary genetics, and whether it could possibly match that of her siblings. Biana did an excellent job of pretending not to notice the pressure she was facing (though she surely must have). And in the end, she outshone what everyone expected, manifesting as a Vanisher at an even