Meanwhile, Kit finds out that his dog, Ponch, is able to create universes out of nothing, bringing in a lot of research possibilities where they can explore.

Nita begins to practice with kernels - magical "software" that describes and reflects the surrounding area- in order to try to save her mother's life.

While her mother is in surgery, Nita enters her body with Pralaya and begins to search for the kernel in order to kill the cancer, leaving Kit behind.

He helps her undo the deal she was in the process of making with the Lone Power for her mother's life, but she is still unable to eliminate all of the cancer.

They further highlighted the "changing landscapes of various alternate universes", which "provide subtle commentary on each character’s physical, emotional, and spiritual state".