Hidden in the Depths

Chapter 33

 As night settled over the calm waters above, everyone within the base also decided to get some rest. Just like everyone expected, it felt a little unnerving to sleep separated from each other, which caused them to leave their doors open for now. That way they can still call out to each other and have the noises of the base echo around without being muffled. It helped only a little, but it was better than nothing.

Techno laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Quackity was curled into a tight ball on his bed, snoring peacefully once he finally managed to actually fall asleep. The noise was a welcome distraction from the silence, but did little to allow him to sleep himself. Techno's brain was still too worked up to let him rest, jumping between moments that happened during the day and possibly scenarios that could happen depending on their next moves. At the forefront of his mind was his seeming connection to Foolish and how it could either benefit their survival, or cause something terrible to happen. Although he was struggling to see any immense negative effect outside of being dizzy or having little memory blanks.

He turned on his side with a sigh, shoving one of his arms under his pillow as he tried to find a more comfortable position. With no windows in the extra rooms, all he could do was stare at the wall and hope exhaustion would knock him out soon. There was no way for him to tell how much time had passed, no clock, no outside view to see the light change. The only clue was the occasional softening and strengthening of the rumbles from outside, signalling how deeply asleep the leviathans were. Should their rumbles stop entirely, at least one of them was awake and dawn was beginning to light the sky.

And that brought his thoughts right back to both Foolish and the dream leviathan. They really need a name for that one, just so it's easier to talk about them should more visions start happening. Perhaps she already has a name and was willing to tell him? That way he could also make sure it actually was a 'she'. Unless leviathans don't have genders and just reproduce by themselves. The scanner and PDA had described Foolish and Roier as male though... Then again, with only those two around, they had no idea how reproduction or family bonds actually worked for these creatures. You can't exactly define a whole species based on the actions of a single adult and their (apparently) adopted juvenile.

Techno gave another annoyed sigh and finally pushed himself up, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Maybe walking around will clear his head, even if just a little. Maybe even a venture out to his garden, although he would need to brighten the lights for that. Waking up anyone else wasn't exactly on his list of possible distractions. He quietly walked down the hallway, hearing equally peaceful snores coming from the other two rooms. Looks like he was the only one with sleeping problems. That's good, having one exhausted person is more than enough. Maybe he should get checked for Insomnia or other possible reasons why he is having so much trouble falling asleep.

The main room was faintly illuminated thanks to the glowing reef outside, the lights having been fully shut off since no one was staying in it right now. Techno walked over to the window pointing towards the leviathan sleeping area, seeing both of them sound asleep as well. Foolish was sprawled out over the sand, with Roier curled up against his side. A few small fish were swimming around them, most likely picking off pieces of algae or kelp from the asleep predators. Wasn't an uncommon thing to happen, a surprisingly large amount of small fish seem to gather around them every evening.

Techno let his eyes wander, observing the much quieter activity of the reef. It really was beautiful. They could have landed in a much worse spot to settle permanently, at least for now. Even if appreciating the beauty of it still came with the dread of feeling stuck and helpless. It had gotten much better the past week or so, but the feeling was still there.

Eventually his gaze focused back on Foolish, furrowing his brows as he tried once more to recall anything from their connection. He won't be able to train it now, not with the leviathan dead asleep, at least he doesn't think so. The dream leviathan had connected to him in his sleep once, at least he thinks so. The first time he was definitely wide awake. Maybe he should try, just out of curiosity. If his brain goes fuzzy and he zones out, at least his racing thoughts can't bother him anymore.