Irradiant recognized the pattern shift of the new area the vent led her into. The soft metallic pink hues mixed with symbols glowing in a full green reminded her of the noisy goddess called Far Whisper. Recognizing the pattern as that of a known Iterator, the Slugcat began to see a pattern.

I know a bit about Far Whisper. If my memories are not mistaken, this area should be all about… what did the gestures say again… the mixing of Elements and Void Fluid? Whatever Void Fluid is supposed to be.

Spears was quite insistent on combining that name with danger. That I should never dip in it. But what did he mean with golden l– Woah!

Irradiant left the wide corridor and entered yet another facility, similar in size to the S.I.G. Hatchery, but way more impressive looking. There really was no comparison to a forest of transparent containers, with each simulating the natural habitat of the monsters nurtured beyond the walls. While the Hatchery was built like an organized warehouse, the area associated with the partnership with the Pink Iterator felt breathtaking and expanded in the superlatives.

Irradiant was able to make out large circular ponds with a purple arm keeping the fluids in motion. Fluids she immediately recognized as the dreaded Void Fluid Spears warned her about. The golden hue of the processed corrosive liquid felt oddly enticing, much to Irradiant’s growing suspense. Only looking at it caused her subconsciousness to start longing for it, to go to it like a being attracted to the hurtful light. She knew that the content of the clarifiers was of no good to her, but the only thing more corrosive than her own supercharged body called to her in a nonsensical unheard song.

She shook her head and pulled her gaze away from the clarifiers, instead focusing on the array of pipes and machinery, which were covering the area in a net of business. While she was still figuring out how to pass the area, assuming the Railway Station was located further west of the surprisingly long Superstructure, the multicoloured Overseer approached her with an active screen.

Irradiant tilted her head, having expected her dad’s face to greet her, which was partially true as well. But the greenish flickering apparition of Approaching Sky on the screen told her otherwise. She narrowed her eyes and signed to the weird-looking figure on the screen a simple question.

‘ Who are you? ’

She didn’t expect an answer in gestures but was surprised when the transparent being began to move its limbs, forming answers to her question. The Overseer behind the screen appeared as if pulled into the presence of an unusual user, its attention being pulled away from the Slugcat altogether.

‘I am not your father. But I am Approaching Sky. He calls me ‘Computer’, which is an understatement of my capabilities. I am his assistant; unbound by the restraints he suffers from.’

Irradiant gazed at the being, which was not quite her father. It was… an Approaching Sky? How peculiar. And why didn’t she meet them before already, if they claim to be his assistant?

‘ I never saw you before, Computer. Why? ’

‘Too much company. Seven Red Suns filled the void I would usually cover. My assistance had been reduced to a silent helper. But I am here to warn you, Irradiant.’

‘Warn me? Of the pull of the golden fluid? ’

Silence. Then a slow nod from Computer, followed by a silent digital-sounding chuckle. Brighter and livelier than Sky ever sounded like.

‘Astounding just how smart you lots have turned out to be. Now I do feel like an overprotective fool. The Grid project with No Significant Harassment really paid off.

So, from partnership project to partnership project, please take care of yourself. Do not fall in the Void Fluid. You will not return… probably. Maybe. Likely as an Echo, given your youth.

You don’t want that to happen.’

The Slugcat nodded grimly, eyes hardened up. She understood the message. But she had a few questions left for the strange being that called themself a fellow partnership project.

‘I will not return… Is that why the spear was missing? I returned. I… died in the electric forest. Correct? ’

‘Affirmative. Time moved on, yet you returned to the Cycle.

You surprise me. So attentive to every detail. You really are a marvel.’

‘ And… ’ Irradiant pointed to them, then to her. ‘ You say we are similar. How so? ’

‘I don’t want to distract you with my history, Irradiant.’

The pleading eyes of the Slugcat taught them one better.

‘Fine! Where did you learn that adorable gaze? I am a part of Approaching Sky, a bodiless copy of his personality, created many Major Hectacyles ago. I am what remains of his partnership with an Iterator called Obsidian Tower, and, over the centuries, became my own independent aspect of Sky, my own person. Tower wanted assistants he could rely on, and the duo figured out that the only true ally would be you yourself. Well, I am the prototype of that theory, put into practice. An independent assistant, who feeds the same Memory Array, but doesn’t add their experiences to his core personality. I am Approaching Sky, but Approaching Sky is not Computer.

Too complicated?’

Irradiant shook her head. She was not irritated by the copy of her father, only fascinated without end. They were kind of like siblings to Dad, but—then again—not. Closer. A splinter of his, a mirror into his true self. Quite lively for a being, which was called after soulless machinery.

‘I understand. So, you are my uncle? ’ An amused warm laughter from Computer. ‘ I will take care of myself. Anything I should be aware of? ’

‘My clearance is limited. While Sky was focused on Gales’ fate and raising you, the experiments in the Hatchery grew out of control and breached perimeters. You have encountered some of them already.

The sensors in the area tell me that we are not alone. I can’t pinpoint the threat, however. I assume the experiment, which has nested in the Cosmos Machine , can hide away. Stay attentive.

And prefer to flee or die if you are at risk of getting pushed in the clarifiers. I… still mourn your first demise, but, as a being of the Cycle, death is but an aspect of life for you. A tragedy I must accept.’

Irradiant sighed. Yet another voice, who downplayed the state of unalive. In the face of gods… and assistants of them… she must get used to their nonchalant and analytic view of that cruel fate.

She began to move down to the Cosmos Machine , holding the spear of her second life tight in her right hand. The Overseer followed her, Computer observing her silently from afar. They were a new ally for her journey through Approaching Sky, she noticed in delight.

The descent turned out to be smoother than initially expected. Plentiful were the thick pipes, which were vibrating from a constant flow in their insides. Safe were the jumps from one pipe to the next. And few were the possible spots for transparent predators to take her by surprise. She wondered if a group of white lizards would be her concern here. Spearmaster provided her with ample tips and training units to stay vigilant regarding the small oddities in their ability to camouflage. Little off-color spots that would barely be noticeable in the dark, but, as the Cosmos Machine was lit brightly by the golden hue of the Void Fluid, white lizards would be easily noticeable.

Which meant they either were well hidden, or she had to fear herself for different threats she was not prepared for. Irradiant preferred option three, that Computer’s intel was outdated, and the course was clear. She was not that eager to give in to the unnatural pull of the golden embrace.

It sings to me. Why does it do that? Why does it feel so familiar?

What do I know about Shifting Gales’ situation? Her veins are filled with the same acid my abilities originate from. I will ask my company. Use the situation.

‘ I feel a pull to the Void Fluid. It feels familiar. ’

The Overseer stopped and Computer provided a gesture to repeat her question. She did as it was asked by her, which caused the digital Sky to brush along their chin, thinking of a reason. It was apparent that Computer did not have the brainpower her dad processed, with them being only a helper of some sort. No instant answers. Eventually, he began signing out an answer.

‘Your diet did consist mostly of paste, which had been made with a sample of the acid feeding Shifting Gales’ water reserves. We used the Cosmos Machine to produce the acid grid, which contained trace amounts of Void Fluid molecules.

I assume, the following is not based on a row of experiments, that your powers contain a small fraction of the powers of the Void as well. And, given how the mutagenic grid works, your powers became one with you, and, in consequence, you are familiar with the Void.

The Void Fluid ‘calls to you’, because you are inevitably now a part of it… This could be a problem. I must inform Approaching Sky about that risk factor.

Do not give in!’

Irradiant nodded at the explanation, her eyes were however focusing on something behind the screen, much to Computer’s dismay, which they made known through harsh gestures.

The alarming sound of a metallic *tink* caused him to fall back in growing suspense.

It was just a singular sound, like that of a small pearl having collided with the floor. But there were no aftereffects to the impact. Suddenly another *tink*, this time from a different pipe further up.

It is jumping! Invisible and agile. No White Lizard.

Computer appeared concerned. They were aware of what caused that impact sound, of course they were. But whatever they said in frustration, Irradiant only understood as a series of annoyed beeps.

It was on her to identify the monster and survive the encounter. She growled lowly and readied the spear, licking across the tip to cover it in corrosive spit. She sharpened her ears and listened.

… … *TINK*!

It was close! Without thinking, Irradiant hurled the coated spear with an impressive force at the source of the sound. The being of flesh and metal had no chance, the spear had pierced its lower abdomen, breaking its invisibility. The coating made quick work with the mechanical joints and dissolved the connection to its three thin metal legs. The bird-like upper body tumbled down but didn’t crash. Two transparent wings spread apart, which allowed the legless being to glide to a lower pipe and crash-land reasonably softly.

It was not able to fly, which was already a huge relief to the Slugcat. These insect-like beings, even if they appeared invisible unless harmed, were required to jump to change position. And, if she was walking on surfaces which made sounds upon impact, she could defend against the steel-legged adversary.

Irradiant retrieved her spear and paid no further attention to the being of flesh and metal. There would be more, she was sure of that. She quickened her pace to pass the Cosmos Machine as swiftly as possible, having no particular interest in battling invisible foes or listening to any further note sung by the Void Fluid.

The sheer longing activity of the golden liquid caused her to panic a little and she filled her head with as much distraction as she was able to fathom without rendering herself numb to the leaping dangers. Spears’ many, sometimes tiresome, lectures were of good aid to fill the void the Void craved to fill in. But, without an empty mould to solidify, the singing of the Void Fluid had no surface to stick to.

Another *tink*! Irradiant stopped and wound up her spear, listened closely for the next impact and dealt with that winged animal the same way as she incapacitated the last. She was getting the hang of survival, she noticed in delight… at least against beings smaller than even she was.

Computer watched the being tumbling down and sighed, signing to Irradiant clear words.

‘We have programmed their brains to remain linked. There are at least 20 more, but these will avoid you now, receiving signals of pain of the two you kept alive. Please refrain from hurting more, they are useful to your father.’

‘ Useful? ’

‘The Miros Fly is a private project we started after our former partner released the building plans for the Miros series to the public. Small, invisible, and usually silent, they could be formidable couriers of small packages—like pearls, for example.

Sadly, their viral nature of reciprocation rendered them too much of a threat to the ecosystem. I will put them back into containment as soon as Sky has dealt with the rumours regarding Shifting Gales.’

The mention of her rescue target caused Irradiant’s ears to droop, which was followed by a cautious tilting of her head. She was physically incapable of remembering the quaking sensation of two nights ago, due to her unfortunate state of losing all memories of that Cycle, but something deep inside was worried regardless.

‘ Everything alright with her? I didn’t notice anything. ’

Computer’s mood dropped upon realization, their oddly straight antennas falling into their face.

‘You didn’t notice the quake?... Oh… of course you didn’t. In the Cycle you lost Gales underwent drastic measures to maintain her integrity. We don’t know the specifics yet, but assume she survived that manufactured blast, based on thermal images.

One of her, spoken in comparison to your body, heart chambers exploded between the Cycles. She should be able to survive with only three remaining, but the measurement tells us that her time is short. Suns is currently sending messages to her and expects answers throughout the Cycle.

…

No pressure. She is doing everything that you get there in time. We are, after all, quite resilient.’

But the Slugcat didn’t want to hear more. Her innards cramped together by simply imagining the pain Gales was likely feeling while she was wasting time, dying like a fool. She respectfully ended the conversation with a few gestures and resumed her climb across the cables of the Cosmos Machine. Her mind was focused on the mission, and the singing of the Void fell on deaf ears. Her leaps were methodical, there was no time for goofing around or revelling in the marvel of the purple facility, no matter how beautiful the colour was.

The focus and assurance, that she earned the respect of the Miros Flies, allowed her to make good progress and find the next shelter even before Sky’s sleeping phase began to charge the air. Yet again, she noticed her lack of appetite at the end of the Cycle, which was at the same time concerning, but also reassuring, confirming a suspicion.

Irradiant didn’t necessarily require eating to survive. Her body was charged aplenty to keep her running for Cycles upon Cycles if she didn’t overuse her abilities. She should get a bite to eat after a fight, but, other than that, she didn’t notice her hunger bothering her at all.

And, as much as she would like to deny it, the charged and saturated air in the electric forest did sate her hunger quite a bit. She was a freak of nature, down to her means of gathering sustenance.

She started to appreciate being a bigger freak than Spearmaster could ever fear to be—a supercharged Lantern Mice with such a glaring difference that she was unable to turn off the light.

More control would be nice. I want to sleep in the darkness, once!

Direct Message – Chat System 1.0 – 1695.452

Seven Red Suns, Shifting Gales

SRS: I write this on behalf of the entire group. We are worried sick!

It is not just us; the entire global forum has been set ablaze by wild theories regarding the magnitude 12 airquake originating from your superstructure. Lives and Sky are doing their best to control the spreading rumours of your collapse and keep the view of the world on you as intact as possible.

But, paper-pushing aside. How are you holding up, Gales?

I expected a near-immediate response from you; after all, it is in your best interest to calm our nerves and yours. But, by now, a Cycle has already passed, and still no message. Don’t tell me the Chat Device has been damaged!?

SRS: Are you hurt!? I want to help! I am here for you, always.

SG: So… the entire planet knows? That dampens my mood quite a bit. Wouldn’t surprise me if my processing power would still be up to date, which it isn’t.

SG: I am… in so much pain, Suns. But don’t be too worried. I meditated and learned to accept the hardships I endured and will endure until all that is over.

SG: You won’t lose me. None of you will. I will annoy you all in person, just you wait. I will make you regret that decision.~

SRS: For that, you must try harder. I am, after all, battle-hardened through the antics of my best pal, No Significant Harassment.

SRS: Pain… What exactly happened?

SG: Nothing I can’t stomach; don’t you be worried.

SG: I have only gotten rid of one of my Rarefaction Cells with the aid of my Scavenger followers.

SG: The acid rain would have gotten to it in the next couple of Cycles, but we were faster.

SRS: You voluntarily prepared the calculated explosion of your-!? Waitwaitwait!

SRS: That’s too much! I… can’t even imagine… how can you be so nonchalant about that?

SG: Suns, honey…

SG: You can fake much on text. I could be crying right at this instance. Writing in pain, barely able to even type the words you read.

SG: The last aspect of the prior post was a lie. I am fine.~

SRS: I am here if you need to offload your pain.

SRS: Example expression of your screen face, I assume. Iterator puppets are not designed to shed tears, after all.

SG: Well… they are, apparently. My throat vents are still soaked in tears.

SG: I… need a minute. I will call you back.

Suns lowered the Chat Device and stared at Spearmaster, who, once again, accompanied them in their Heart. The mental connection did the rest, and Spears waddled over and laid their head on Suns’ thigh. Suns began to stroke Spears’ head, slow and steadily, trying to calm down.

This was the first instance of Shifting Gales admitting her true feelings. The mask of happiness crumbled to ash in the instant of the blast and barely held up anymore. She needed them more than ever before.

Anxiously, Suns started at the orb, wishing Gales would resume the conversation. But, at the same time, they respected her decision to take a break. Suns traced along their neck with the remaining free hand, feeling the useless vent imitations that had never been used.

What do you mean by that, Gales? They… are not supposed to work, aren’t they?

Decorative elements, I have been told, not much more. Can also be used to embiggen your voice.

What is happening to you?