Need

Chapter 1

Edward glared at the idiotic Marine before him, making sure he conveyed his anger properly. Certain emotions may have been overly expressed, but if it were able to get his point across, he didn't entirely mind that. His focus was more on the terrible combination of annoyance, disgust, and trepidation swirling inside of him. While upset with where he had found himself, he felt anxious over the lack of known variables. Being locked in a room with a pestering annoyance without knowing what the future held in store wasn't a pleasant feeling.

Dempsey met his glare with one of his own, looking to share the doctor's feelings on the matter. His brows were furrowed over his eyes, his lip curled with disgust. The two made hard eye-contact with each other as they breathed in the sweet mist circulating in the room with them, praying to whatever god would listen that it wouldn't kill them. Their fears, of which Edward knew they both shared, weren't on display, as the two were clearly more focused on appearing strong. Edward wasn't entirely sure if either of them seemed convincing.

Previously, while Edward had been preoccupied with his own work, a dark blur had sped past him, barking out some sort of warning of which the doctor hadn't been able to comprehend, as it had been spoken rapidly, with the Doppler effect taking place. Based on the voice and speed, it was obviously Dempsey who graced him with whatever that was. His eyes followed Dempsey as he disappeared into the bunker, confusion taking him away from his work entirely.

The distraction hadn't been enough to make him unaware of the thumping against the ground that seemed to be growing closer, so he ignored the confusion he felt to look behind him, being the direction Dempsey had come from. It hit him what Dempsey was trying to warn him of, freezing his limbs.

Tunnel visioned, time halted around Edward, yet slowed down before him. Charging forward came six thrashers en route to his direction, growing steadily closer as Edward couldn't will his legs to move for him, being weakened enough to nearly buckle, but not coordinated enough to take him where he needed to go. Thankfully, Dempsey had cared enough to return to his side, grab his arm and yank him away, which was enough to break him from his trance. With his senses properly returned, Edward quickly reached for his weapon.

The two ran towards the bunker, shooting back at the thrashers before they could have their way with the two humans' corpses, their jaws snapping as their hulkish limbs thrust them forwards towards their prey. Because of the shock, Edward's aim was compromised, and Dempsey couldn't seem to figure out what or where to shoot at all.

They were chased throughout the facility until they'd reached a dead-end, breath promptly taken from sore lungs as adrenaline was their only fuel. Three of the thrashers had fallen, as the doctor had gotten control of his panic to properly aim towards their vulnerability. He had no interest in wasting any more ammunition to his foolish primitive reactions. He was quick to give the remaining thrashers the same treatment, aiming for their weaknesses in an attempt to kill them before they were killed first. It seemed Dempsey, however, had other plans.

From his peripheral vision, Edward watched almost humorously as Dempsey unclipped a grenade and tossed it at the approaching swamp beasts, panic evident on his face as he further displayed his lack of understanding on his expression. As the explosive was tossed, Edward mentally laughed at the attempt, considering the blow would be of no help. The thrashers were immune to such effects unless they were targeted directly to the pulsating bloodstained marigold spores clumped around their body. Moments later, despite his expectations, something he thought to be harmless would prove to be detrimental.

  The doors they'd come through snapped shut, foreign words spewing from the overhead speaker, as red lights began flashing in the room. In horror, Edward realized Dempsey must have triggered some sort of security measure. Edward had no idea they were even there, but regardless of their dormancy prior, they were certainly working.