North feels the sensation of the split before realizing it's going to happen, closing his eyes and breathing through the discomfort. He doesn't cry out or complain. He simply waits through it, and he opens his eyes again when it seems to be over.

And when he sees Randi, he knows—this animal is a part of him; the universe has chosen a penguin to symbolize everything he is to the world.

He chuckles slightly and puts a hand on the penguin's shoulder, patting gently. "Somehow I'm not surprised."

The penguin gives a nod. "I am happy to be with you," she says.