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 younger age than Fitz manifested as a Telepath. And even with limited training, she’s proven herself to be incredibly adept at her ability, managing to vanish completely within hours of manifesting and holding her vanish for longer and longer periods of time. Records also suggest that when Biana teams up with Sophie Foster and allows Sophie to enhance her, she’s able to not only make herself invisible—but make others invisible as well. And while some may whisper about the irony of one of the most “watched” prodigies in the Lost Cities being able to literally disappear, others suspect that Biana may relish the anonymity her ability allows. There have also been numerous reports of Biana using her ability to eavesdrop on important conversations or sneak into places she otherwise wouldn’t be able to access, which has made her a valuable asset to the Black Swan and her friends.
ALL IN THE FAMILY:
A primary goal of the matchmaking system is for each new generation to have increasingly powerful abilities. And while that isn’t always the case (much to the matchmakers’—and the Council’s—consternation), Biana’s family is a prime example of success. Like Biana, her mother (Della) is an incredibly powerful Vanisher (as is her brother Alvar, and it should also be noted that Fitz is a powerful Telepath, much like his father). But Biana seems to have also inherited her mother’s unique blend of grace, gumption, and ferocity. Reports indicate that Della’s received defensive battle training, and has combined the moves she’s learned with her vanishing to make her a true force to be reckoned with. And it appears she’s taught Biana (and Biana’s friends) how to protect themselves as well, which has allowed Biana to hold her own against some truly formidable enemies.
STRUGGLING SOCIALITE:
While most Vackers tend to be effortlessly popular by reputation alone, Biana has not had the number of friends and acquaintances that one might expect. In fact, it would appear that she has developed some trepidation as to whether potential new friends are looking simply for access to her prominent family, or to find a way to connect with her brothers (particularly with Fitz, who has many admirers at Foxfire). This very concern offered an initial challenge to the development of Biana’s friendship with Sophie Foster when Sophie first moved to the Lost Cities. In fact, numerous reports paint Sophie and Biana’s initial relationship as adversarial—and when they first began spending more time together, it was apparently at Biana’s father’s (Alden’s) urging, which caused a fallout between them when Sophie discovered the truth. Ultimately, though, Biana and Sophie have grown to genuinely respect and admire each other, and are now well and truly friends. Biana has also made amends with others she’s neglected or lost touch with over time, including Maruca Chebota and Marella Redek.
A NATURAL TRENDSETTER:
It of course helps that Biana’s family name, teal eyes, and incredible beauty make her a magnet for attention. But anyone who understands “style” knows that none of those things can give someone that additional head-turning factor that makes people stop and pay attention. And for Biana Vacker, all of that comes together perfectly, making her someone others often strive to emulate—whether it be through their clothes, hairstyle, makeup, or shoes. (One notable exception is Sophie Foster, whose distaste for attention often results in her resisting Biana’s makeover suggestions.) And while some may consider such things to be trivial or frivolous, there’s something to be said for Biana’s ability to fearlessly face down giant mutant beasts or angry ogre kings, or any of the other terrifying situations she’s found herself in, and then swipe on some of her favorite lip gloss and put on her frilliest, fanciest gown like nothing happened. In a way, it’s kind of inspiring—and an excellent reminder that when it comes to emulating Biana’s style, the most important element is staying true to who you are.