Synopsis: From back cover: "Valerie led a simple life. One might even call it hedonistic. Her best friend, Amelia, certainly did. The only reason her other best friend, Kelly, did not was that imaginary friends don't fixate on things like that. But when Val discovered a mysterious artifact in the basement of her grandparent's house, everything changed. She was to be Earth's Champion... although it would have been nice for someone to let her know. Gabriel also led a simple life. but for very different reasons and far from hedonistic. Born to the Circle Massaea on the southern continent of Jasseth, one learned at an early age to listen to the Beacons, the mysterious Callings from the future that guided all who live on Aerth. And Gabriel's Calling, his ultimate Purpose, was to be Aerth's Champion. He didn't know the job title, nor what the responsibility entailed. He didn't know about Valerie or Earth. But then he didn't need to. It was enough to understand that he had to journey to the City of Visions and speak with the First Mother. While the Champions may not have understood what was happening, someone else did. This person was the last in a long line of Keepers, travelers between the worlds, and well aware that The Nexus was fast approaching. And moreover, this stranger was certain beyond any doubt that when the Champions finally received their instructions, following that guidance would unquestionably lead to everything going horribly, apocalyptically wrong."