Beneath the Surface [Yandere Creature x Reader]

Chapter 6 - Return to Base

Back at camp, the humid morning air did little to ease the tension that clung to me like a second skin. The team was already buzzing with excitement, eager to hear about my experience in the cavern. But as I approached, the unsettling words of the voice echoed in my mind,

"Welcome... Y/N. You've... found us."

Dr. Sullivan turned to me, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. 

"Y/N, what did you find down there?" he asked, a hopeful smile on his face.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

"There's definitely something down there," I began, choosing my words carefully. "It's a whole biome, just like I described last night. But... there's more. I heard a voice again. It welcomed me, and it felt like it was speaking directly to me. It knew my name." My voice wavered as I spoke, the eerie sensation of the voice still fresh in my mind.

Mark and Sarah exchanged glances, their expressions shifting from curiosity to skepticism. Mark raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "A voice? Are you sure it wasn't just the wind or maybe some kind of echo?"

"No, it was distinct," I insisted, frustration creeping into my voice. "It wasn't an echo or the wind. It was like... like something was aware of me, like it was waiting for me."

Sarah chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Sounds like you've been reading too many ghost stories, Y/N. We're here to find ancient artifacts, not paranormal activity."

I bit my lip, feeling a surge of anger and disbelief. "I know what I heard," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "And it wasn't my imagination."

Their dismissive laughter stung, and I felt a wave of isolation wash over me.

Maybe I am going crazy.

Or maybe they just don't want to believe anything that doesn't fit into their scientific framework.

I glanced at Dr. Sullivan, hoping for some validation, but he was lost in thought, his brow furrowed as he considered my words.

Mateo, our local translator and guide, had been listening quietly. His usually calm demeanor was replaced by a look of confusion.

"What hole?" he asked suddenly, his voice cutting through the laughter. His expression was serious, almost alarmed.

I frowned, turning to him. "The hole I was told to go into," I replied, pointing back toward the dense jungle. "The one leading to the cavern."

Mateo's face paled, and he took a step back, shaking his head slowly. "There's no hole in that area," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "That section has been sealed for as long as the locals can remember. They say it's forbidden, dangerous."

A chill ran down my spine. "But I went through it," I insisted. "There's a narrow tunnel that leads to a cavern filled with glowing plants and a river of light. I crawled through it twice now."

Mateo's eyes widened in horror, and he crossed himself, muttering something in Spanish under his breath.

"You shouldn't have gone there," he said, his voice trembling. "If the locals sealed it, there's a reason. They speak of spirits and ancient guardians that protect those places."

I felt a lump form in my throat as Mateo's words sank in. "Ancient guardians?" I repeated, my mind racing. "You mean like some kind of supernatural presence?"

He nodded, his eyes dark with fear. "It's said that those who disturb the guardians will never find peace. They protect the secrets of the island, and they don't take kindly to intruders."

I opened my mouth to respond, but Mateo turned away, clearly shaken. He walked off, his shoulders tense, leaving me standing there with a thousand questions and no answers.

This can't be happening.

What have I gotten myself into?

I turned back to the others, but their expressions had only grown more incredulous. Mark crossed his arms, a skeptical smile on his face. "So, now we're dealing with ancient spirits? Come on, Y/N, this is getting ridiculous."

Dr. Sullivan finally spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Let's not jump to conclusions," he said, looking between us. "We need to investigate this further, but we also need to respect the local beliefs. We'll proceed with caution."

I nodded, grateful for his level-headedness but still feeling the weight of the doubt and fear pressing down on me.

They don't believe me.

But I know what I saw. And what I heard.

The voice's unsettling welcome echoed in my mind, a constant reminder that the mysteries of this island were far deeper—and more dangerous—than we could have ever imagined.

As I walked away from the group, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching me, waiting for me to return to the cavern. The thought sent a shiver down my spine.

What lies beneath the surface of this island?

And why does it feel like it's calling to me?

The answers seemed as elusive as the shadows in the jungle, but one thing was certain: our journey into the unknown was far from over, and the island's secrets were only just beginning to reveal themselves.