"James is right," said Dr. Memphis. "Genetic engineering was barely in its infancy during World War II. A lot of mistakes were made then that we learned from. Even now, there are a lot we just don't understand about genetic engineering."
"What about what Crawford said about using a White Lighter as a host?" asked Marcus. "Instead of splicing the DNA into the demonic DNA?"
"Yes, I suppose that would have been the easiest way," said Memphis. "You get the exact mix you want then inject it into a host body. The mix would alter the DNA of the host in favor of the new DNA."
"You mean they used a White Lighter as a host?" asked Leo. "They altered his DNA to produce this monstrosity?"
"No," said Memphis, "the hosts DNA wasn't altered at all. He was simply injected with the new DNA mix which would then begin to alter the hosts DNA."
"Well, there have been White Lighters who have disappeared over the years," said Philip. "If they're not found the Elders just assume they must have been killed by a Dark Lighter. I suppose that this particular White Lighter wasn't killed but was somehow taken prisoner. Or maybe they used the body of a deceased White Lighter."
"No, the body would have to still be alive," said Memphis. "It doesn't do much good to inject the new DNA mix into a dead body. There has to be chemical reaction for the new DNA to survive."
"That would explain why they used a White Lighter," said Leo. "I don't think any demonic leader would risk one of its underlings becoming a super demon. They couldn't be sure that underling wouldn't kill them to take over. And a human body wouldn't withstand the demonic DNA in its system. They'd have to use a White Lighter as a host. Only a White Lighter would be able to take the altered DNA and still remain alive for the mix to do its work."
"That's why they underestimated how long it would take for it to mature," said Dr. Memphis. "In order for them to get the completed demon, the new DNA would have had to completely replace the White Lighter DNA. And they didn't take in to account the amazing regenerative powers of a White Lighter."
"Leo," asked Marcus, "exactly how does a White Lighters healing power work?"
"Well," said Leo, "in the strictest sense, White Lighters can't really heal. Our power simply stimulates the recipient's natural healing processes to its maximum potential. The bodies healing processes work so rapidly they actually overtake whatever damage or illness the recipient has."
"And everyone has some form of resistance to almost all diseases," said Memphis. "A lot of the time this resistance is negligible, but it's there nonetheless. And healing injury is very simple. It's simply a matter of reproducing and replacing damaged cells."
"Which is what a White Lighters' power does," said Marcus. "What happens when a White Lighter heals another White Lighter?"
"Pretty much the same thing," said Leo. "That's usually only necessary in the case of a Dark Lighters bolt. The poison on the bolt works faster than a White Lighters healing. So one White Lighter has to augment another White Lighters healing with a sort of boost. What are you thinking?"
"Doctor," asked Marcus, practically ignoring Leos' question, "what would happen if White Lighter DNA was stimulated to its maximum potential?"
"If I understand Leo and Philip correctly," said Memphis, "it would go into overload. I see where you're going with this. If it were stimulated enough, it would overwhelm any foreign DNA in its system. Literally destroying it to replace whatever DNA was lost."
"Will someone please explain this to me in English?" asked Piper. "Just what the hell are you talking about?"
"A possible weapon," said Marcus, smiling. "One that just might stop that thing permanently. We've been going about this all wrong. We thought the White Lighter DNA helped the creature to regenerate damage. But it can't. If what Leo and Philip say is true, a White Lighters healing power won't work on demonic DNA. Not even the inherent healing of a White Lighters natural system."
"Some demons can regenerate," said Leo. "That's probably how this thing is regenerating. Not from the White Lighter DNA."
"Precisely," said Marcus. "This things natural abilities are enhanced by the additional demonic DNA. That's why it's so powerful. We can't destroy it by destroying that DNA. We have to enhance the White Lighter DNA in its system. Get it to overwhelm the demonic DNA."
"Oh Lord," said Dr. Memphis. "Leo, you said a Dark Lighter bolt kills a White Lighter."
"Yes," said Leo. "The poison on the bolt . . . oh, no."
"That's why it hasn't come up yet," said Memphis. "It's not regenerating. It's waiting for the last of its White Lighter DNA to die. If that happens, our only weapon against this thing will vanish with it."
"We've already shot it several times with the crossbow," said Amy. "A lot of the DNA will be dead already."
"And the rest of the DNA is dying right now," said Memphis. "If that happens, this thing will become truly unstoppable."