[ANNI-24] 5 - CHANGES

matapang can't help the swell of pride in their chest as they watch this year's hatchlings grow bigger and stronger. more followers for them, after all. realistically, they know that many of them will leave to start their own herds, but they'll enjoy the time before that while they can.

the nesting grounds are full of more life than usual, with the hatchlings and their parents playing and spending time together. the rest of the herd keeps vigilant watch for any that might stroll off, out of their parents’ sight. it's a lively time of year indeed.

silently, they think back to their host's memories, back when they themself were that size. it's quite difficult to believe that a being as imposing as matapang used to be such a small fry. it's also difficult to believe how much more powerful they've gotten since getting crabbed. they were already strong, but they've since become unbeatable.

bones to reinforce their neck, armored plating around their body, teeth in all the right places to do damage. they feel invincible.

but they know better. they're not. it's cockiness like that that often does their opponents in. still, it's nice to admire their own strength every once in a while.

they look back to the hatchlings and their parents. would any of them turn out to be as strong as them, before they were crabbed? they half hope so, and half hope that none of them get any ideas like the last challenger they had to put in place. it'd be a shame.

they get up from their lying position to walk around and behold the fruits of this year's clutch. the hatchlings all look strong and healthy, a good sign. the herd’s health and power will continue to flourish.

things have been changing indeed.