PATHFINDERS are an ancient order of super-humans. What allows us to Fall with such control, and to deal so effectively with the Reapers and quotidian enemies that beset all Pathfinders, are four in-born ABILITIES that, in many instances, mirror the properties of quantum physics. Pathfinder abilities may include:

TELEPATHY

Pathfinders can communicate across distances, without speaking. They form words in their minds and throw them to the receiver; at the same time, they may also “read” other Pathfinders’ thoughts.

COMBAT

Pathfinders have a natural predisposition for weaponry and warfare, although they are not gifted equally. Where one might be peerlessly skilled with a sword, another may be a master of pistols. The weapon will always choose the Pathfinder. Never the reverse.

SUPERPOSITIONING

Light, refracted, will appear in multiple places at once. In this way, Pathfinders can also be in two places at the same time. If practiced and honed, this ability will allow you to move, briefly, at the speed of light. A skill that, when deployed in combat, offers advantage, allowing the Pathfinder to swiftly evade enemies, or to attack unseen by the naked eye.

TUNNELING

In the same way light passes through an obstacle (glass, for instance), Pathfinders can tunnel through barriers, by envisioning themselves beyond the barrier. Thus, an experienced Pathfinder can pass through solid walls, by willpower alone.

* Masters only. See APPENDIX for details.

47

“It’s the same with divorce,” I tell Bea, walking home from the horror film (which lived up to our expectations—just enough jump scares to keep us interested. It was about a loner with multiple personalities, one of which was a monster).

“What’s the same with divorce?”

“You get divided,” I say. “You go to the courts and they ask you a load of stupid questions and that’s that. One week here, one week there. On and on. And it feels physical, you know? Like you’re split down the middle. Into two people.”

“Moon, get over yourself.”

“But that’s how it feels. Two sets of clothes. Two sets of rules. Two families.”

“And, just so I’m clear, that’s bad?”

“I’m tired of being split, Bea.”

Bea stops walking and looks at me. I look back at her.

“The world hits you,” she says. “Hard. It turns upside down and back to front. And that sucks. And it feels like the end. But maybe it’s only the beginning. The start of something new. Not better. Just…different. You know?”

“Yeah. Sort of.”

“I mean, maybe we can consciously change things. Take something bad and think it better in our heads. I suppose what I’m trying to say is this, Moon: don’t let yourself be defined, or limited by one thing. You’re so much more than that.”

“I am?”

“Yeah,” Bea says, grinning. “You’re Ana bloody Moon.”

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