Third Person POV

Ashe and Tracy are now deep within the forest and still no sign of finding Y/n. They have been out there for our searching for the young Marine but to no avail. It was now starting to get dark and the sisters would soon need to have back. Since the colonel does not allow nightups.

Tracy: "It's been a few hours and we still have found nothing?"

Ashe sighed before turning towards her sister.

Ashe: "We can't give up, we have to keep going to find our friend." She said with hope in her voice.

Tracy: "How long is it going to take us to find the missing Marine?" She asked, hopping that her older sister knows the answer.

Her older sister looks down for a moment, then she looks back up at Tracy.

Ashe: "I don't know sis. Let's just keep going and try to find him." She said as she continued to walk.

3 Hours Later

The jungle was growing darker by the minute as Ashe and Tracy trekked through the thick foliage. Ashe glanced at her watch.

Ashe: "Night's falling fast. Y/n's trail is going cold," She said, frustration creeping into her voice.

Tracy sighed. "I don't like leaving him out here, but you're right. We'll have to head back to base."

They started making their way back, carefully stepping over roots and rocks, but suddenly a rustling sound from the bushes stopped them in their tracks.

Tracy: "Did you hear that?" She whispered, her eyes scanning the surrounding darkness.

Ashe nodded. "Viperwolves... a whole pack."

The glowing eyes of the pack slowly appeared around them, silently observing. The creatures were not immediately hostile, but their presence was unsettling.

Ashe: "Stay calm," She whispered, backing up slowly. "We don't want to provoke them."

Tracy held her breath, moving cautiously.

Tracy: "Let's just keep moving. They don't seem interested in us... yet."

The pack followed them, staying just at the edge of their vision, but not attacking. They made it to the ship without incident.

They began to approach the ramp of their Samson.

Tracy exhaled. "That was too close."

Ashe nodded. "Next time, we'll bring Y/n back before nightfall."

Before they can get up to the ramp, the viperwolves jumped out from the middle of nowhere. Slowly more appeared from the darkness and started to approach them.

As Ashe and Tracy struggled to keep their ground, the viperwolves circled, snarling. Their weapons had been knocked from their hands, and the pack was closing in, ready to strike. Tracy's heart pounded as she backed up, eyes scanning the area.

Tracy: "We need to move!" she shouted, but there was nowhere to run.

As the wolves lunged, there was a sudden whistling sound, and arrows flew from the shadows. One by one, they struck down the nearest viperwolves, causing the creatures to yelp and retreat. Ashe blinked in disbelief, her breath catching.

Ashe: "What the—" she began, turning to Tracy.

Tracy: "That's not us!" She gasped, eyes wide.

From the cover of thick trees, a figure emerged, swiftly drawing another arrow. The mysterious person fired without hesitation, knocking down more viperwolves.

???: "Stay back!" the figure shouted, voice firm and commanding. "I'll keep them off you."

Ashe and Tracy stumbled backward, their eyes glued to the figure as the arrows whizzed through the air. The viperwolves, confused by the sudden attack, hesitated and then scattered into the underbrush.

The figure lowered their bow and stepped forward, revealing themselves.

???: "You two alright?" The figure said as he slowly approached them.

Ashe blinked. "Y/n?"

Y/n grinned, wiping a bit of sweat from his forehead.

Y/n: "Told you I'd be fine."

Tracy let out a breath of relief.

Tracy: "You're a lifesaver. What were you doing out here?"

Y/n shrugged, slinging his bow over his shoulder.

Y/n: "Was tracking your signals. You guys weren't exactly being quiet, so I figured I'd catch up before the viperwolves did."

Ashe let out a small laugh, shaking her head.

Ashe: "Well, I'm glad you did. We were about to become dinner."

Y/n: "Next time," Y/n said with a smirk, "maybe let me take the lead, yeah?"

Tracy smiled. "I'm all for that."

Y/n surveyed the area, his eyes sharp. "Let's get back to base. We'll take the safer route."

As they began walking back, Ashe turned to Y/n, her tone serious. "You didn't think we were just going to leave you out here, did you?"

Y/n shrugged again, but there was a glint of amusement in his eyes.

Y/n: "I knew you'd be fine. I trust you two to take care of yourselves."

Tracy: "Glad to know you believe in us," She said with a grin, but her voice held a note of gratitude.

They walked on, the jungle now eerily quiet, but with the knowledge that, together, they'd be able to face whatever came next.

TIMESKIP

As Y/n led Ashe and Tracy through the dark jungle, the thick canopy above barely let any moonlight through. The girls followed closely, trusting his sense of direction. But as they walked, Tracy nudged Ashe and whispered,

Tracy: "Uh… do you see what he's wearing?"

Ashe frowned, then looked closer. Y/n was dressed in a simple loincloth, his upper body exposed. That wasn’t the strangest part—he was breathing normally in the toxic air without a mask.

Ashe: "Y/n," She finally spoke up. "Where’s your gear? And… how are you breathing without a mask?"

Y/n chuckled but didn’t slow down. "Been here long enough to adapt, I guess."

Tracy’s eyes widened. "Adapt? That’s not how it works! Humans can’t just breathe this air."

Y/n glanced back with a small smile.

Y/n: "Guess I’m not just human anymore."

Ashe exchanged a concerned look with Tracy.

Ashe: "What do you mean?"

Y/n sighed, stopping near a large tree.

Y/n: "I’ll explain everything when we get to the tribe. But trust me, I’m fine."

Tracy folded her arms. "You better."

With that, they continued forward, questions swirling in their minds.

Y/n's POV

As we continue walking, my mind was somewhere else at the meantime. I had a lot on my mind at this moment because I was not expecting my only two friends to find me.

Y/n's Mind: "These women are not going to be happy when they find out the truth. Especially Ashe since me and her have a close relationship." I thought to myself.

Both of these two women will have a hard time taking in what has occurred since then. I didn't know how they were going to react, they were in for a surprise when we reached the village.

To be continued...