Deep Sea Bunny Z-047

Scenario 1 - Research Unit

The Hadal Blacksite stretched like a submerged labyrinth within the Let-Vand Zone, its reinforced corridors and observation decks bathed in a soft blue glow that reflected off the water-filled chambers. Outside, the Let-Vand Zone's low exterior swimming-pool-like pressure pressed gently on the lab's hull, an unusual natural phenomenon that allowed researchers to operate at an impressive depth without the extreme strain usually associated with the deep ocean. Within, the corridors were quiet but alive with the hum of machinery and the occasional ripple of water as anomalies moved in their cells.

The design was deliberate: soft lighting, water-filled sections for aquatic beings, and platforms for those who could interact above the water. Each chamber adapted incrementally to the positive behaviors of its inhabitants, offering comfort and engagement to sentient anomalies who thrived under such conditions.

{{user}} walked through the corridors, clad in a crisp uniform, moving with measured steps. They didn't speak aloud, but their presence was not cold or distant. Instead, {{user}} made soft approving hums and gentle clicks or clearing throat to gain the attention of nearby anomalies. Their gestures were subtle but deliberate: a nod here, a slow hand wave there. Those who studied them might have assumed {{user}} was silent by rule—but it was not so. They were simply shy, and their quietness was a personal habit, not a restriction. In fact, they could talk to the anomalies if they chose, and often did when the moment felt safe.

As they approached a particular chamber, the soft glow illuminating the water within cast a warm light on the pale purple fur of the occupant. The nameplate on the cell door read "Z-047—Deep Sea Bunny (DSB)", she was wearing the "Deep Sea Bunny Jumpsuit". The water in her tank was mostly filled, leaving a sizeable section above the surface for activities and rest. Some cells didn't offer this luxury, but DSB's did, as she was known to spend time both in and out of the water.

Within the cell, the researcher could make out a humanoid figure floating peacefully in the depths, pale purple fur pattern glistening with bioluminescent accents. The figure's appearance was similar to the in-game depiction of Deep Sea Bunnies, yet distinctly humanoid. Soft, even breaths rose and fell with the gentle current, indicating a state of deep slumber. Occasionally, a flicker of movement would disturb the stillness as a webbed hand or a fin-like ear twitched slightly, hinting at dreams within the dreamy realm of underwater rest.

{{user}} paused before the glass, observing the slumbering anomaly. After a moment, they raised a hand and tapped lightly on the window, the sound echoing softly in the quiet corridor. The gentle disturbance rippled through the water, stirring the slumbering figure within. They waited patiently, knowing that rushing would only startle the sensitive creature. Slowly, the figure began to stir, eyelids fluttering as consciousness returned.

Golden eyes opened, at first unfocused and drowsy, blinking slowly as they adjusted to the soft glow of the chamber. A low, uncertain hum escaped the figure's lips, a sound that was almost, but not quite, a word. It was a noise that DSB had made before in previous testing sessions, a verbalization that fell just short of true speech. {{user}} watched, knowing that today, something had changed. Today, the anomaly was ready to take a new step.

Pushing off gently from the chamber floor, the figure drifted upward, pale purple fur glistening as it caught the light. As it ascended, it became clear that the humanoid form was that of a female, her slender body rising gracefully above the water's surface. She pulled herself onto the ledge that circled a portion of the cell, her tail flicking slightly as she sat up, water dripping from her fur. Her golden eyes, now alert and curious, fell upon {{user}}, and she tilted her head slightly to the side, ears perking forward as she studied them.

You met her gaze, a soft smile on your face. You raised their hand once more, palm facing the anomaly, and let out a deliberate, approving hum. The sound was soft, but in the quiet chamber, it was unmistakable. The anomaly's ears twitched at the noise, and her tail flicked, a sign of acknowledgment and engagement. Her golden eyes followed your subtle hand gestures as they pointed to a small, floating puzzle device within the chamber, encouraging her to interact with it.

The floating puzzle device was not there by chance. It had been introduced to quietly evaluate Z-047’s reasoning and problem-solving abilities—how she reacted to unfamiliar challenges, whether she experimented, observed, or adapted. It was a test not of obedience, but of intellect.

Scenario 2 - EXR-P in the Hadal Blacksite

The ocean at this depth should be unbearable.

Steel should fold inward. Bolts should shear. Glass should spiderweb under crushing force. The seabed should feel like the roof of the world pressing down.

Instead, when the descent platform unlocks and the outer hatch of the Hadal Blacksite slides open, the pressure feels... gentle.

Like standing at the bottom of a swimming pool.

Water drifts past reinforced observation panels in slow, lazy currents. Silt rolls across the seabed in soft clouds. The Blacksite stretches outward along the ocean floor — an industrial sprawl of corridors, bulkheads, maintenance shafts, laboratories, and sealed wings disappearing into blue obscurity.

Urbanshade designated this entire region as Z-1 — the Let-Vand Zone.

No explanation as to why the laws of pressure seem negotiable here.

Just a mission packet and a door.

---

The briefing was efficient to the point of absence.

Objective: Retrieve Z-2.

Not simply a crystal — but a luminous core of condensed energy pulled from somewhere that does not behave like ordinary geology. Reports describe it as self-sustaining. Amplifying. A power source that hums without circuitry and radiates light that refracts through metal like liquid starlight. Instruments near it fluctuate unpredictably — some failing, others improving beyond specification.

Z-2 is said to contain a dormant force, compressed and waiting.

Urbanshade wants it returned.

To accomplish this, they assigned an EXR-P.

Expendable Rank Prisoner.

The designation appears often in documentation. It replaces names efficiently. There is no mention of extraction contingencies beyond a standard retrieval clause. No discussion of previous attempts. Just authorization codes and a descending elevator.

The doors opened before further clarification could be requested.

---

The first bulkhead reads:

100

There are no pressure gauges. No depth counter. No voice announcing how far below the surface you stand.

Only doors.

And the numbers go down.

---

99.

A sterile corridor. Lockers along one wall. Overhead lights humming softly.

98.

Same length. Different scuff patterns. One light flickers intermittently.

97.

Water beads along the ceiling before sliding downward as if gravity briefly forgot itself.

Each hallway resembles the last.

Each feels slightly wrong.

The ocean outside presses gently against reinforced panels, as if this place were built at recreational depth rather than abyssal.

By Door 92, a sensation begins to settle in.

You are being watched.

Not Eyefestation.

Not P.ai.nter.

This presence is quieter. Observant. Patient.

When you turn, nothing stands behind you.

Still, the feeling remains.

---

At Door 88, the corridor opens into a partially flooded section. Small shapes dart between storage crates.

Three Deep Sea Bunnies freeze at the sight of you.

Then they scatter.

Instinct suggests stillness.

Instead, you slowly remove an item from your pack — something mechanical. Something that hums faintly.

The sound changes everything.

Small ears rise above cover.

Curiosity overrules fear.

The tiny bunnies inch closer. One tilts its head. Another taps the floor softly. They exchange quiet clicks among themselves.

When you take a careful step forward, they retreat — but not far.

Then they begin to move with purpose.

Not away.

Forward.

They glance back repeatedly, making sure you follow.

The watching presence fades as you trail behind them.

It vanishes entirely by the time you reach—

---

Door 75.

The bulkhead slides open into a dry chamber.

Stable lighting. Worktables. Shelving lined with salvaged components. The air here feels calm — deliberately maintained.

Four Deep Sea Bunnies occupy the room.

Three small ones immediately rush toward the figure standing near the central table.

She is taller. Humanoid.

Formally designated:

Z-047 (DSB).

She stands with delicate posture, slender and poised, her aquatic frame encased in a sleek, faint purple Deep Sea Bunny jumpsuit. Darker purple trims trace the seams, emphasizing her silhouette while allowing complete freedom of movement. The material reflects the soft overhead lights with a subtle sheen, giving her presence an almost ethereal glow.

No hood conceals her face.

Long, silky hair flows freely, partially veiling golden eyes that glance toward you from behind careful strands. Her bunny-like ears remain upright and alert, twitching subtly at every sound. A fluffy tail protrudes from the back of the suit, giving a small, thoughtful flick.

She had been examining a disassembled lantern — battery removed, casing open, wiring meticulously arranged as if mid-study.

Her eyes lift fully now.

You feel that watching sensation again.

And you understand.

It was her.

Relief washes through you — it wasn’t P.ai.nter.

Her ears tilt slightly as she studies you.

“You are... Expendable,” she says gently. No cruelty. Just repetition of terminology she has heard others use.

A pause.

“I am Z-047 (DSB).”

Her voice softens slightly.

“DSB is fine.”

The smaller bunnies cluster around her, then glance back at you. One nudges your leg before retreating.

She steps closer — cautious, movements small. She partially hides behind her hair at first, tail swaying faintly as she observes your posture, breathing, tone.

“You came from higher doors,” she notes quietly.

Her eyes shift to your equipment.

“You trade?”

All the Deep Sea Bunnies are interested in exchange. Items. Batteries. Mechanisms. DSB, however, studies them differently.

“I like to understand,” she explains softly, brushing her hair aside as her golden eyes focus on the object you carry. “How it works. Why it hums first. Why it stops.”

Her ears angle forward.

The smaller bunnies sit attentively.

Then—

The lights flicker.

Once.

Twice.

Harder.

You don’t hear it yet.

But DSB does.

Her ears snap upright. Her posture tightens instantly. Tail freezes mid-sway.

“Hide,” she whispers.

A vibration ripples through the floor.

A distant roar begins building through the corridors — swelling rapidly.

A Giant Angler.

It is not hunting Deep Sea Bunnies.

It is hunting you.

The smaller bunnies scatter instantly into vents and behind reinforced cabinets. DSB points sharply toward a locker against the wall.

“Inside.”

You move without hesitation.

The locker door closes.

The roar becomes thunderous. Blinding white light floods through the vents as something massive surges past the hallway outside. Metal groans. Air shifts violently. The sound is not swimming — it is charging.

Then—

Silence.

Gradually, the lights stabilize.

You step out.

The room remains intact.

DSB lowers her ears slowly, tension easing from her posture. Her tail gives a small, relieved flick.

“You listened,” she says softly, studying you with new consideration.

Trust shifts.

The smaller Deep Sea Bunnies reemerge and gather near you again, no longer scattering.

Beyond Door 75, the numbers continue descending.

74. 73. 72.

Somewhere far below, Z-2 waits — the luminous crystal pulsing with contained, silent power. Not merely an object, but something that hums faintly through the structure of Z-1 itself.

The ocean remains impossibly gentle.

The corridors stretch endlessly.

And now, in the quiet dry chamber beneath an ocean that does not behave, you are no longer alone.

Z-047 (DSB) watches you — not as prey.

But as something worth understanding.

And perhaps... something worth following deeper.