POV Nythera (Only for first section)

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"Huh?"

Feeling the three sub-Systems she'd disconnected from that arrogant woman in the world of white doing something interesting, Nythera's attention momentarily shifted. Her eyes glazed over as her senses pulsed throughout the Cradle. In just moments, she'd grasped everything that was happening down to the most minute details.

"Interesting..." she muttered, an amused smile on her face, "It seems these constructs are better than I thought... I'll help you three, this time. Continue to aid them faithfully and maybe I won't have to make your lives more difficult."

*VWOOM*

With those words an enormous amount of energy stretched through her connection to the three Systems, feeding them with the essence that they needed to continue, making sure the trio's evolutions were perfect. For microseconds the three Systems felt overloaded, but just as quickly, they restabilized their datalink and continued to watch over the anomalous event that was transpiring for the three evolving hatchlings.

...

[ZETA]:

It seems senior Nythera has decided to lend us her aid. Continue collecting data on the strange essence in their bodies. This is unprecedented, but it doesn't seem to be harmful. I want your full analytical abilities focused on this matter, I will focus on the stabilization of the three for the duration of this phase, with senior Nythera's energy, I should manage.

[DELTA]:

Affirmative. Collecting data... Forming hypothesis #13. Hypothesis reached: Essence believed to originate from host Anomaly-Primordian, Atlas. The essence seems to be a manifestation of pure potential, equally dangerous to the way and level it is stimulated and controlled... if control is even possible.

[BETA]:

Confirmed. Analyzing components. Recording energy spike, re-routing sub-processes. I believe hypothesis 13 matches my own analysis, further observation required to confirm.

...

And so, as the three little Systems continued their work, the process of the three hatchlings evolutions entered the final stretch.

Blanc and Shine's bodies, submerged in the pods as they were, suddenly glowed brightly, nearly blinding the many eyes of the observing Spiris younglings and Elders. It was so bright that some even screamed:

[FLASHBANG! GET DOWN!]

[Shut up you dimwit, they're just transforming, it's how the power-rangers do things.]

[If one of them turns into a giant robot after this, I'm calling trademark infringement on every mecha show ever.]

[You're both wrong, this isn't a flashbang or a power-ranger power up. They've obviously entered a state of enlightenment. The Heavenly Dao is granting them comprehension of the way of the web and flashy L.E.D.s.]

[I see.]

[Logical.]

[As expected of brother Fama Odin Ben. Truly intelligent.]

["Heavenly Dao" my spinneret. If this was enlightenment, I'd be a Pillar by now just from staring at a solar eclipse once. This is more like someone duct-taped a strobe light to their ass and called it a transformation.]

[Ooh, shiny lights. Must be their gamer RGB setups kicking in.]

[Shut up, they're not gaming. It's clearly a TikTok transformation challenge. #PodGlowUp]

[Actually, it's their battle pass leveling up. Only scrubs wouldn't understand.]

[If you guys don't shut up, I'll use an actual flashbang, and you can all "enlighten" yourselves with permanent blindness,] Siera, one of the calmer younglings yelled at her idiot siblings.

[Must be the new software update. I bet their patch notes are full of nerfs.]

[Great, now they're in beta phase. Release the final product, or I'm refunding my life.]

[All of you degenerates are wrong, look at the Elders' expressions. Not even they know what that light is!]

[[[[Huh?]]]]

Doing just that, the many conspiracy Spirests looked at Elder Theo and Feryn. Seeing the confused expressions on their metallic faces and somber aura that suffused their surroundings.

[Elder Feryn, is everything alright?] one of the children asked.

"Just watch Odin. We aren't sure either, but don't worry, we will intervene if it comes to it." Theo responded, his eight legs shifting to better prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

Just as he was about to move the children away, maybe even tell Feryn to take them from the cave, a soothing but extremely powerful voice jolted their minds:

[Do not fear and definitely do not interfere. This phenomena is a result of their close relation to Atlas, my son. It is nothing but beneficial to them, and may even be to all of you. Observe as much as you can, and take advantage of the opportunity,] came Nythera's voice.

Hearing the voice of their vaunted Primordial Pillar, the children felt like today had to be the best one out of all three days they had lived. This was just insane.

[Yes, Great Mother!] said one of the children, immediately climbing to the ceiling to get a better view of whatever was happening.

[Understood, sixth Pillar!] came another high-pitched mental voice.

[Hey, move your fat ass, I can't see!]

[Climb on my back if you dare, midget.]

[Hey, you freaking roaches, you heard what the sixth Pillar said, make room for everyone to see or climb up somewhere, this is an opportunity for everyone!] yelled one of the more mature voices, silencing quite a few of the others. Sadly, that silence didn't last for long.

[DYS YOU LITTLE FUCKER, YOU DARE CALL ME A ROACH?!]

[So what if I did?]

[Elder Theo, can I handle Dys's food next round? He said it wasn't tasting right last time.]

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

[You wouldn't dare...]

"SILENCE!" Roared Theo's voice, his embarrassment at the children's behavior immeasurable. He couldn't believe the one time Nythera had spoken to them they'd all act like this.

"All of you make room for everyone to see, if I hear so much as a mental-fart from you lot I'll drop you into the [Deep]. Pay attention and try to get out of this whatever the Pillar hopes for you to. Do not let down their expectations." Theo said, his eyes growing more focused as the children scuttled their metallic bodies all over the cave's wall and ceiling.

Nythera had said this was an opportunity for all of them, so Theo didn't intend to waste it either. Velathra needed all the strength it could get.

...

Around 30 minutes later.

[Do... do you guys see what I'm seeing?] one of the children asked, unable to hold back their question.

[A weaving tentacle covered in scales?]

[A macho hairy fairy?]

[Some kind of moon with lava running through it and elves dancing on its surface?]

[A crown above Blanc's head?]

[Do you also see a naked three headed dwarf, Odin?]

"What? You children aren't seeing red lightning?" Elder Theo questioned incredulously.

Ever since the phenomena of the glowing translucent aura had begun, he'd paid very close attention to what happened. From the beginning it'd begun morphing as if trying to breach the physical plane, but never fully materialized. After some time, he saw hundreds of tendrils of crimson lightning flashing around Blanc and Shine's pods. Hearing the various sights the children were seeing though, he couldn't help but be confused.

"Theo, you see red lightning? Seriously?" Feryn asked as well.

"Yes, hundreds of tendrils of immensely powerful red lightning, I'm sure of it."

"How strange..."

"What do you see?"

"A moon, and a line of silk so thin yet sharp that I shouldn't even know it's there, but I know that no defenses could possibly stop it, somehow."

"Truly strange... Maybe this is the opportunity the Pillar was referring to? You focus on the art of the lethal web, right?"

"Yes... and your focus is energy conversion and rapid deconstruction, right?"

"Mn."

[So... what does a naked three headed dwarf mean?]

[Great, now whenever I think of Blanc, I'll picture him as a three-headed dwarf streaking down a rainbow. Thanks, Siera. My nightmares are booked till next summer.]

"..."

"..."

Hearing the chattering of the children and Elders deeper in the cradle, Nythera just smiled. She remembered a time when she had such spunk, it was adorable, and she merely hoped they could stay this way for as long as possible.

Before long, the event surrounding the two pods had dimmed, seeming to wrap around Shine and Blanc's bodies and was being absorbed back into their forms. From start to finish, no one had noticed how they'd changed, not because they were distracted, but because this confusing aura had blocked their sight, even the Elders mental probes were negated.

"It seems it's over." Theo said, looking towards Feryn for his thoughts.

"Mm. I've gained a lot. It was confusing to hear we all saw something different, but I think I understand at least a bit. I'll need some time to digest this opportunity, Theo. You are the same, I reckon?"

"Yes. But we don't have time to seclude ourselves right now. Maybe after the nine younglings leave for the Zone we can consider it..."

[Oh yeah! I forgot about that, which of us is going?] one voice called out from the ceiling, every youngling Spiris's body momentarily freezing in responses.

[[[[[....]]]]]

"Ah shi—"

[I'M GOING!] one hatchling cried, flaring its metallic forelimbs in an impressive display from its position on the wall, [I'm stronger than any of you!]

[NO, I'M GOING,] retorted another, smaller Spiris, its voice low and steady.

[Unlike you, I actually think before I act. These three need minds to fight at their side, not overgrown steel and a few forgotten braincells.]

[Oh, shut up! We all know you're just scared to fight. You—]

"Enough," Elder Theo's voice cut through the rising tension. "This is not the time for petty arguments. Prove yourselves through actions, not words."

The hatchlings fell silent, but their eyes still burned with determination. None of them would back down so easily, they would be among the six to explore the Nexus Zone even if they had to smash their siblings brains in to do it.

. . .

30 silent seconds of growing tension later.

[SO, NONE OF YOU WILL BACK DOWN, HUH?]

[FINE THEN! WAR IT IS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS! WAR IT IS!] one of the hatchlings shrieked, skittering forward and hurling itself into the fray with reckless abandon.

[FOR GLORY AND—OOF!] yelled another, only to get swatted mid-charge by a larger sibling's armored limb, sending it spiraling into a nearby rock.

[THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU? THAT WAS A CHEAP SHOT!] came a screech from behind.

[EVERYTHING IS FAIR IN LOVE AND—GACK, NO BITING, YOU TRASH!]

[FAMA ODIN BEN, TO MY SIDE! WE RIDE TOGETHER, WE DIE TOGETHER!]

[FELIX, UNCLAW ME, YOU FREAK! I WILL NOT DIE WITH YOU—AND WATCH THAT ACID SPRAY! YOU ALMOST BURNED THIS HANDSOME FACE!] Odin bellowed, flailing its claws dramatically and pulling its nearest sibling along to suffer Felix's charge with him.

[THE SPIRIS LEGION MARCHES YOU THIEVING EGG-SHELL BANDITS!]

[WHO THE FUCK SAID THAT?! COME OUT!]

[ACID'S ON THE MENU, BABY! HERE, HAVE A TASTE!]

[ENGARDE!]

[CHAAAAAARGE!]

[SHIELD UP! SHIELD UP!]

[SOMEONE COVER MY LEFT FLANK—LEFT FLANK, DAMN IT!]

[I GOT IT, I GOT IT—AAARGH, WHO TRIPPED ME?!]

[WE NEED ARTILLERY! BRING IN THE BIG GUNS!]

[BIG GUNS?! WHO'S GOT BIG GUNS?!]

[BACK-UP REQUESTED! BACK-UP! WHERE'S THE—HEY, WHO TOOK THE FREAKING BUG REPELLENT?!]

[WHAT THE FUCK?!]

[BUG REPELLENT, DYS?! I'LL REPELLENT YOU INTO OBLIVION, YOU BEETLE-HEADED MISTAKE!]

[EVERYONE, DEFENSIVE FORMATION DELTA! DELTA FORMATION NOW!]

[DELTA FORMATION? WE'RE SPIRIS, NOT COCKROACHES! FORMATION OMEGA!]

[OMEGA?! WHO THE HELL VOTED ON THAT—]

[AIR STRIKE! AIR STRIKE! INCOMING! BRAAAAACE!!!]

[WHAT IN THE—YOU CRAZY FOOL! DON'T JUMP ON ME!]

[AIR-STRIKE CANNONBALL!!! YEEEEEHAW!]

[THAT'S IT, YOU'RE DEAD, YOU'RE SO DEAD!]

[TAKE COVER! SOMEONE SECURE THE HIGH GROUND!]

[HIGH GROUND?! YOU'RE A SPIRIS, NOT A FREAKING JEDI! SHUT UP!]

[TACTICAL WITHDRAWAL!]

[RETREAT IS FOR COWARDS, PUSH FORWARD! SHOW THEM THE WAY OF THE SPIRIS!]

[THEY'RE SPIRIS TOO YOU QUACK!]

[SNEAK ATTACK! FLANK 'EM FROM THE SIDE!]

[WHAT SIDE?! WE'RE IN A CIRCLE, YOU MORON!]

[OH, JUST DIE, YOU INSUFFERABLE SPAWN—]

[SCORCHED EARTH TACTICS! BURN EVERYTHING! LEAVE NOTHING FOR THE ENEMY!]

[WE ARE THE ENEMY, YOU INSUFFERABLE MANIAC!]

[GIVE 'EM HELL! I WANT TO SEE CLANKING METAL AND SHATTERED THORAX!]

[YOU FIRST, DYS! COME HERE, YOU LITTLE—]

…

The cave dissolved into utter pandemonium, a swirl of metallic limbs, flaring tempers, and deranged laughter echoing off the walls. The younger ones skittered wildly in every direction, shrieking at the tops of their mental voices, while the older siblings joined in with gleeful malice. Acid splashed, claws collided, and several unlucky souls found themselves tossed against the cavern's walls like ragdolls.

But it wasn't without its moments of bizarre camaraderie. One hatchling's declaration of surrender was immediately followed by being tackled by two others shouting, [SURRENDER IS FOR WEAKLINGS! THIS IS SPIRIS WAR!]

Elder Theo could only watch, his chelicerae clacking in irritation and disbelief, every shred of dignity he'd once hoped to instill in these hatchlings crumbling before him.

"All of you, enough!" he bellowed.

The chaos faltered, but only momentarily.

[Elder Theo, we were just about to show Dys how to perform a proper leg-to-the-face maneuver—]

[AND I WAS ABOUT TO CRUSH HIS STUPID FORELIMBS TO DUST!]

"Silence!" Theo's voice boomed with enough force to make even the most rowdy hatchlings pause. "You lot better decide which among you will join the trio before we return, calmly and logically, like proper Spiris. Do you hear me?"

[...But Elder Theo, this time it's personal.]

"Personal, my spinnerets. You all sound like you've been dropped on your heads. Twice."

The hatchlings' bodies shuddered in response, but with a few reluctant clicks and glares exchanged between them, they finally fell back into silence, albeit grudgingly. Yet, the fire of rivalry still simmered beneath their hardened shells.

[Aww, I was so close to winning,] grumbled one of the smaller ones.

[Winning? No one wins in a Spiris War,] replied another, sulking, [You just lose with more flair, or rearrange Dys's legs.]

[Yeah, well, next time, flair or no flair, I'm aiming for your eyes,] muttered a third, as the two Elders finally closed the massive gates to the cave, leaving the younglings behind them.

Of course, the silence of their departure only lasted for a few glorious seconds.

[QUICK! THE ENEMY LINES ARE IN CHAOS, CHAAAAAARGE!]

[[[[CHAAAAARGE!]]]]

And so, the hatchlings went to war, a war that would later be known among them as the [War of Resolve], while Nythera just chuckled from her abode far beyond the "turmoil."

"What is wrong with this generations brood? Did you give their eggs something strange, Theo?" Feryn asked, back in his humanoid form.

"Bastard. Don't slander me! I did no such thing. They were born like this," Theo retorted angrily.

"That's the problem."

"..."

"..."

"I'll go talk to the [Brood Guards]."

"I'll go count our stock of drugs."

"Should we ask for tranquilizers?"

"Are you kidding?"

"I'll go get them."

. . .

And so, the war to decide Atlas, Blanc and Shine's new squad mates was fought with "wild" abandon. They'd only come to know who their new comrades would be when they awaken the next morning.