Ralph shook his head emphatically. Not exactly. Because theres an infinite number of timelines. The universe wants the main timeline to follow a certain route, the best route. In order to keep everyone on the right path, the universe imbues Seers with the power to change and alter the timeline, to tweak and realign it and get it back to the correct path. No one knows what weve done because everything rejumbles itself and that becomes the new reality. But Seers know. Unlike normal mortals who tend to forget conflicting realities, we can hold many different timelines in our heads. He beamed with excitement. Although it can get confusing to hold on to many different timelines and threads. Thats why Seers take Rewritten History classes for most of their lives.

Oliver frowned. His mind was spinning, his head pounding from trying to understand it all. So were just pawns of the universe?

Ralph blinked. He looked a little hurt. When he spoke again his tone was softer, his enthusiasm toned down. Our powers are a gift from the universe. She chose us to do this. Were part of the very fabric and essence of what makes reality real. I personally think that is really, really cool.

Oliver looked up into Ralphs earnest green eyes. He felt bad for feeling so overwhelmed that he couldnt share in Ralphs evident excitement.

Why dont you tell me a bit more about our powers? he suggested.

Ralph brightened again immediately, clearly eager to oblige. So, we each have a specialism that allows us to manipulate the physical world in order to change the future. I have a biological specialism. I can rearrange matter; make vines grow to tie someone up, or part the trees of a forest to open a pathway through. Thats how I was able to change the leaf before. Its not a lot but once Ive trained properly Ill be strong. Right now I can just about make a petal fall off a buttercup.

What about the others? Oliver asked. What kind of rearranging can they do?

Well, my friend Simon has a molecular specialism, Ralph explained. Liquids to gas, lead to gold, that kind of thing. Hazel has a chemical specialism. She can change someones mood from happy to sad, for example. She once helped me digest a rather large burrito. So, I suppose if you want to see your role as some kind of predetermined burden you can. Or you can choose to see it as AWESOME like I do.

All right, all right, Oliver said, relenting. That bit does seem pretty awesome. Messing with molecules and atoms and the fabric of reality is pretty cool. But how does it actually work?