Gene's not the only one who's wondered that, particularly after the test. She's theorized that it's both: lack darkness, and the rings are uncontrollable; lack light, and the bearer becomes uncontrollable. They need to be in some kind of balance.

"Yeah. Me, too," Pepper breathes. "It wasn't fun, but it was really important. Seriously mega important, probably more than anything else I've ever done." Then she shrugs, and smiles a little. "Maybe you don't know yourself completely after the Shadow test, but you've basically put your head on the chopping block willingly, and that means you can do it again. People change, they always change, and being super self-aware pays off. Doing magic like this is something I'm really proud of, not just excited."

The latter, of course, being what most people see out of her. The Shadow test isn't something she's planning on sharing with just anyone, but Gene is family. Plus, if he wants to find his ka, Pepper will be more than thrilled to help.