Story on Quotev : https://www.quotev.com/story/9625851/For-the-Sake-of-Survival-Sea-Emperor-x-Reader

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(Y/n) yawned

As they rouse from a heavy slumber, they're first aware of the coolness of the air and it's loamy fragrance. The Precursors' base is solid and cold. (Y/n) half wonders if she/he is still dreaming as they sit up to take in the shafts of green light that bursts through the research facility. Now they're awake, perhaps more enthusiastically than they're ever been.

Yesterday's Memories flowed through (Y/n)'s head: the Bulb Zone - The reaper. The human scanned themselves in search for any injuries, but luckily there were none. (Beside the kharaa infection obviously)

"Oh thank goodness, I'm alive!" - signing in relief, the (gender) stood up happily, ready to kiss the alien surface below them. But there was no time, for (Y/n) had to get back working.

The Human skipped to a research lab;

In there, (L/n) scooped closer into an Aline working Bench where all their equipments were neatly stored. Upon scanning the Flora that (Y/n) collected, the PDA stored information into the data bank - the Sea Crown.

"This plant consists primarily of a large sack containing a huge variety of bacterial species, which may enable it to break down complex compounds it draws from the root system. Environment scans indicate this plant is rare to the point of extinction."

"To the point of extinction?! You're saying it now? I would've been more careful with it... perhaps I'll plant some of them in the Aquarium of the Sea Emperor." - this organic plant was harvestable, and if it contains huge variety of microorganisms, then that's exactly what the Sea Emperor Leviathan requires for its habitat.

"I'll do that when I'll see the Emperor later on, next thing I need to find...uuh?" Searching for any specific materials , The Hatching enzyme requires a substance that filters sediments from the environment. And the only familiar Flora that could do that was a Gabe's Feather.

"Who's Gabe? What kind of bootleg translations am I getting recently? Unless the aliens here were so creative at naming stuff. Why couldn't they name it Bob's Feather?"

"Aquariums provide an ideal opportunity to study alien fauna up close. Select carefully which lifeforms you bring onboard - they may also be studying you"

"Stop sassing me."

After using a Warp Gate to reach outside; (Y/n) was swimming around the Deep Sparse Reef , a grumpy expression plastered on their face. In their hands was a disinfected wobbly peeper.

The water was uncommonly clear, so much so that it was impossible to gauge the depth. The rocks around could be ten feet down or forty; one depth was dive-able and the other was not. Instead (Y/n) tried to guess the terrain of the Sparse Reef from their Seaglide - who provided a small scan of the surface.

"Gabe's feather grows almost exclusively in deeper waters, where its hand-like leaves have evolved to filter sediment from the environment. The fastest route - Sparse trenches. Caution : Reaper Leviathan territory nearby."

"I hate the oceane, I hate the oceane ,I hate-" - (Y/n) muttered under their breath. They need to enter those cave systems, but due to the Reaper who tried to kill them yesterday - it's a game of life and death. So the human decided to do what the Emperor Leviathan asked for.

Feed the Reaper Leviathan.

"Heeey, Reaper Reaper Reaper... I brought you some foood~!" The (Gender) awfully sang, their voice cracking out of fear.

A long red tail danced in the far corner of (L/n) sight, followed by echoing roars of death. The Reaper was nearby, and it seems he noticed them. (Y/n) tensed up, ready to swim back and forget the peeper - Extending her/his hand forwards, (Y/n) presented the peeper as a gift, hoping that the Reaper would smell it.

The Red Leviathan made its course towards the human, it's roars getting louder while it swam with an inhuman speed.

"Wha- ohOH AGH GOD I REGRET EVERYTHING-" the deafening sound throws (Y/n)'s hands in protection. Closing their eyes shut in horror, the last thing the human saw was a close up of the Reaper Leviathan right in their face.

Nothing happened. The roars faded away.

After what seems like forever, the 28 year old human opened their eyes anew. The monstrous fish was gone - and so was the peeper in their hands. Looking down at their gloved hands, (y/n) didn't find the peers. The Reaper actually snatched it away - just like the Emperor foretold.

"It worked."

(Y/n) pissed themselves, but luckily their Stillsuit reclaimed it and turned it into disinfected and drinkable water.

In the deepest points of the Emperor Containment Facility, the Lonesome Leviathan circled in their prison, in hopes that their babies may hatch sooner or later. But Alas, they stayed sleeping.

With scales like the most delicate of armour plating, the Emperor made its way upstream, looking at platform from which (Y/n) enters. Focusing on the life forms that thrived - the Sea Emperor could hear the school of peepers swimming in circles. They could sense the Furious Dragon Leviathan that roared outside in the lava. And most importantly - They could hear small footsteps of a human rushing towards them, as if they were in a hurry for telling them something.

It seems that the Human had a successful journey today. With a loud splash, (Y/n) dived into the aquarium.

'You're back.'

"I am! And I brought a- AaaGH!"

(Y/n) entered the waters facing the Sea Emperor with their back, which made them not notice the giant Leviathan's head behind them. The human spoke with excitementе, but the moment they turned around to face the Sea Emperor they were met with the Emperor's face up close.

The (Gender) shrieked unexpectedly. But The Emperor could only chucked in amusement.

"....oh a-um, a small gift... I have Gabe's feathers and Sea Crowns, and since they're the richest plants with microorganisms, I decided to plant some in here! Um, isn't the habitat better when it's teeming with life?"

'That's very thoughtful of you.'

Observing with affection, the Sea Emperor let go of the platform, letting (Y/n) to follow them Into the bottom of the Aquarium. In their gloved hands were simple gardening tools that will help them to plant those seeds. The (Gender) Human now stood there, feet in the sands , their eyes wandered around the Leviathan Eggs.

(Y/n) decided to plant some sea crowns next to the Egg incubators.

There was a lingering silence as (Y/n) planted some of the spare seeds. The Sea Emperor leaned in, observing how the small human could delicately handle the flora around it. Humming in curiosity, an undertone roar could be heard from the Leviathan.

(L/n) grind in approval. The (Gender) learned, if the Emperor is observing in silence nearby, that means they appreciate the work. But what bugged (y/n) was the five eggs - Just for how long have they been here in such a state?

"For how long have they been waiting?" - (Y/n) spoke carefully, their voice is softer than usual. The passive creature knew exactly what they were asking.

'My young need to hatch, To play outside this place. We have been here so long.'

Dusting off the sand from their gloved hands, the Human thought what to say before answering. "By combining raw flora , it should be possible to fabricate a substance which would create the natural environment and catalyze the birthing process... it is possible."

'With the passage you have opened my young can leave this place. But first they must feel the time is right and break free of their shells.'

"Yes! I will make sure their are safe, healthy and comfortable in their nest with you. I hope they will like the plants that I just placed nearby."

'I am certain my young ones will appreciate it as much as I do.'

The Sea Emperor softly bumped the (Gender) Human with their snout, causing (Y/n) to giggle in response "Heh... That would be lovely."

'Your nature is prosperous and your mind is at peace. I believe your journey has been successful today.'

"Huh? I guess... yeah!"

'I believe you achieved something you haven't faced before?'

"I did," - (Y/n) smiled with delight, realizing the Emperor was speaking about the Reaper.

"A Gabe's Feather sample has been collected."

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Writing about an alien fish rather than prepare myself for two upcoming tests tomorrow. Way to go, me.

Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it.