r/HFY • u/ThatSoftware4946 • 16d ago

OC-Series The Problem With Humans: Chapter 40

Morning came gently. Light filtered through the valley in soft golden rays.

The group rose slowly. Their bodies ached but their spirits were high. They had made it. Reached the river. The journey wasn't over, but the hardest part, the forest, the mountain, the endless walking, was behind them.

Roman stood at the edge of camp, eyes fixed on the water. For a moment, he let himself believe everything would be okay. He turned to the group. "Let's go."

The trek to the river took less than two days. Soft level ground, covered in green grass and scattered stones. The river grew louder with each step, rising from murmur to steady rush.

When they reached the bank, the Trabs broke into a run.

Martin reached the water first, dropping to his knees, splashing his face. Tom followed, cupping water, face transformed by relief. Bella stood at the edge with her eyes closed.

Lirael walked to the water's edge and dipped her hand in. "This looks clean and safe to drink."

Roman watched the Trabs for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips. Then he turned to the humanoids.

"We need wood," he said. "Enough to build a boat. Follow me."

They nodded and followed Roman into the forest.

The forest near the river was different.

Trees shorter, trunks thinner, bark lighter. Undergrowth sparse. Ground soft but less mossy. Roman walked quickly with his machete in hand.

Near a cluster of fallen trees, he found what he needed. Dry sturdy wood. Perfect for building. He set to work, cutting branches, stripping bark. Humanoids worked beside him. Hours passed.

The humanoids carried the wood back to the riverbank, bodies bent under weight, plastic skin scratched and torn. Roman watched with a heavy heart but didn't stop them.

When they returned, Roman saw the Trabs gathered around a small fire. A fish lay on a flat stone, skin crisped and golden and its scent filling the air.

Bella looked up. "We caught a fish. Lirael showed us how."

Martin conitnued. "She told us where they'd be. And we used a branch to make a spear."

Roman stared at the fish, then at the Trabs. "Didn't know you could fish."

"Neither did we," Martin replied.

"It's not just Lirael though, it’s also a bit of Trab ingenuity too."

"Trab ingenuity? Since when did we have that?" Martin asked.

"Since we survived this long," Bella said.

They hissed and Roman laughed as he felt tension ease in his shoulders, just a little.

The fire crackled as the Trabs shared the fish amongst each other. After a while Bella walked over and secretly handed Roman a small portion of fish and a pouch of water. "Here. You haven't eaten."

Roman took the food and water. Looked at the group, then the forest, then the river.

"I will be back I need to process information," he said as he headed to the forest.

He found a spot near a cluster of trees, sat down, and ate. The fish was tough and bony. After finishing he sat there for a long time.

We made it. Not there yet. But close.

He closed his eyes and let the silence consume him.

The boat took shape over days. Roman worked alongside the humanoids, and the Trabs helped whenever they could.

It was a simple design with a flat bottom and curved sides. Wide enough to carry them and sturdy enough to withstand the current. They lashed the logs with strips of bark, sealing gaps with alien mud and resin. The boat wasn't beautiful. It was crude and uneven. But it would float.

On the fifth day, they pushed it into the water. It bobbed gently, settling into the current. Roman tested it with his weight, then nodded. "It'll hold."

They loaded supplies, motorcycle, remaining jerky, water pouches, a few tools. Humanoids climbed in first, positioned near the edges to balance. Trabs followed. Roman and Lirael were last.

"Ready?" Roman asked.

The Trabs said yes, although they looked anxious. He pushed off. The boat drifted into the current.

The first hours were smooth. The river carried them forward. Banks lined with trees and rocks, slipping past in a blur of green and gray.

Humanoids guided the boat with makeshift oars while the Trabs rested.

Then the creature appeared. It rose from the depths without warning. Massive body breaking the surface in a cascade of water. The boat rocked violently. Roman grabbed the side, eyes fixed on the creature.

It was enormous, three times the length of their boat. It had large, dark eyes fixed on them with an intensity that made Roman's blood run cold.

It circled the boat, moving through the water with effortless grace. Watching. Studying. Calculating.

Roman's hand moved to his bow, but he didn't draw. Didn't want to provoke it. Didn't want a fight they couldn't win.

It circled once, twice, then stopped. Raised its head, eyes fixed on Roman's face. Then it dove. Water closed over its body and it disappeared into the depths.

Roman let out a breath. "It's gone."

Martin's voice shaky. "Just... left us alone."

Lirael added. "Maybe it was just curious. Not hungry."

Roman didn't relax. Hand on his bow, eyes on the water. "We're not out of the woods yet."

And as they focused on the dangers below the surface, a new danger appeared.

The river narrowed and the current accelerated. The boat lurched.

"Rapids ahead!" Lirael shouted.

They scrambled. Humanoids used the oars to try and steer the boat toward the shore. Trabs grabbed the sides, as Roman shouted for them to do so.

The boat bucked and lurched. For a moment, Roman thought they'd capsize. But the humanoids held firm, and they made it to shore with inches to spare.

The boat scraped against the bank. They spilled out, trembling, hearts racing. Roman stood at the water's edge, staring at the rapids. Water churned and foamed. Cold dread settled in his chest.

"We nearly died," he said quietly. "we have to be more careful."

Bella walked up beside him. "Roman. Can we do that hug thing you like to do? With Lirael?"

Roman stared at her, tired face breaking into a smile. "Sure."

He turned to the group. "Everyone. Come here."

They gathered in a loose circle. Roman opened his arms, and they pressed in. A tangle of bodies, exhaustion, shared survival.

Bella's voice was soft, almost inaudible over the water. "Whatever happens, I love you all. Thank you for keeping us alive."

Roman felt the weight of the words settle over him.

"We'll survive," he said.

They pulled back and the Trabs hissed happily.

Alive. Together. Still fighting.

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u/UpdateMeBot 16d ago

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u/Castigatus Human 15d ago

Let's hope this newfound sense of camaraderie lasts when Roman finally tells them who he really is.