“We’re Garde,” I say, correcting this billion-year-old godlike energy force, because what the hell, we’ve come this far. “We’re here for your help.”

The entity actually chuckles. “It does not matter to me, daughter. Elders, Garde, Cêpan—these words are how the Loric chose to understand my gifts. It does not have to be that way here. It does not have to be any way.” The entity pauses thoughtfully. “As for help, I do not know what I can offer, child.”

More confusion, more riddles. I didn’t think coming to the Sanctuary would go like Nine had joked—that we’d unleash some massive power that would wipe out all the Mogadorians. But I expected to find something that could help. Our friends could be dying right now in the first wave of a Mogadorian invasion, and I’m down here making small talk with an annoyingly mysterious immortal.

“That’s not good enough,” I say.

Frustrated, I take a step towards the entity. Energy crackles around me and I feel my hair stand up from static.

“Six,” Adam whispers, “be careful.”

I ignore him, raising my voice to yell at the all-powerful Lorien. “We’ve come far to awaken you! We’ve lost friends! You have to be able to do something. Or are you cool if Setrákus Ra just marches down here and destroys this planet? Kills everyone on it? You’re going to let that happen twice on your watch?”

The entity’s brow furrows. A crack opens in the skin on Eight’s forehead, and energy begins to spill forth. Marina covers her mouth but manages not to cry out. It’s like Eight’s body is hollow inside and the energy is gradually breaking it down.

“I am sorry, daughter,” Eight says to Marina. “This form cannot hold me for long.”

Then, the entity turns back to me. There’s no sign that my words have offended it, or had any effect at all. Its voice is as melodic and patient as ever.

“I do not condone the senseless destruction of life,” the entity explains. “But I do not choose fates. I do not judge. If it is the will of the universe that I cease to be, then I will cease. I exist merely to bestow my gifts upon those who are open to them.”

I spread my arms. “I’m open to them. Load me up. Give me enough Legacies to destroy Setrákus Ra and his fleet and I’ll leave your glowing ass alone.”

The entity smiles at me. More cracks form along the backs of Eight’s hands. The energy is escaping.

“It does not work that way,” it intones.

“Then how the hell does it work?” I shout. “Tell us what to do!”

“There is nothing left to do, daughter. You have woken me and restored my strength. I am of the Earth now, and so are my gifts.”

“But how will that help us win?” I yell. “What was all this shit for?”

The entity ignores me. I guess that’s all the wisdom it’s willing to impart. Instead, it gazes upon Marina.