Terrors in Subnautica II; Humanity Reconstructed(Complete)

Part 14: Fight or Flight

Y/N's eyes opened slowly, quickly adjusting to the lowlight of the moon. Confused, she sat up cautiously looking around to find her friends asleep all around her.

"Where are we?" She wondered aloud.

Standing up, she brushed the black sand from her arms and legs to leave the shallow cave. Seán was sat a few feet out, staring at the ocean waves.

She quietly walked up beside him taking a seat on the edge of his rock perch. Wordlessly, he pulled her into a tight embrace. They sat like that for several minutes just breathing together, finding comfort in each other's warmth. She can't help but wonder if the fighting will ever end.

"We have to be more careful." Seán whispered.

She nodded into his shoulder, knowing how afraid he must have been this whole time. However long that may have been.

"When we find Caroline, we have to work with a better balanced team. If it's only you and Venus who can help us in those situations.. I can't keep watching you push yourself past your limits."

"I know. I promise things won't be the same once we get there. I'll be more careful, and everyone will be safer. Everything is going to get better, and when this war is finally over we can go back to a happy life without fighting. Without constantly facing death." She responded, confidently.

He smiled at her determination, gently moving stray hairs from her face. She placed her hand on the side of his neck and kissed him softly. They sat together a long while, sharing little loving smiles they reserved only for each other between every tight embrace. Eventually they took to watching the waves again, Seán pointing out the blue glow along the shore, making Y/N smile.

"How long was I out?"

"You passed out yesterday, and slept all today. So not too long."

"Any idea where I landed us?"

"There we're people running by at one point and they we're speaking Spanish. That's all we really know, though."

"I wish Duke was here."

He looked at her confused, and she chuckled lightly.

"One of his abilities is the comprehension of language. Even if it's brand new, or just code he can understand and use it as soon as he hears or sees it. Even learned brail."

"That's awesome." He laughed, "I wish I could do that."

"Yeah, most of us do." She smiled.

"What rank is he?"

"All of the council members are rank 4. Some mid 4 and some high. Most mutants are in the high 2's or low 3's. It's why only high rank 3's and 4's can go on serious missions alone. Most rank 4's are eventually appointed to the council themselves. That is, once they hit a certain age and prove they're responsible enough."

She could hear him wondering about her, as he had done many a time. He never outright asked in an attempt to avoid invading her privacy, but he was always curious.

"I wouldn't be surprised," She hesitated, "If one day they asked me to take a council position."

Understanding fell over his face as he tightened his grip on her hand. She smiled anxiously at him, knowing the squeeze was a quiet thanks for her trust in him. They sat a long time in silence after that, peacefully enjoying the other's company. Before they knew it the sun was rising, and everyone began waking up.

Everyone but Venus, of course. His over exertion would likely have him out for days. Once everyone was up, Y/N started reaching out to observe the thoughts of any nearby person. A few animals could be heard, but it took miles for any human voices to start showing up.