We're Monsters

Chapter XIII - A Gift

Monster AU

Warning(s): Dark cramped spaces with a big scary thing chasing you.

Ship(s): None

Summary: "So we'll just camp here for the night?" Roman asked as he seemingly stared off into space.

"It's our best option. Not unless someone has any better ideas." The room went quiet...it was clear what our decision was. No one needed to say anything. We were to stay in this confined space until we had an exit with proper supplies. The way to know for sure whether we make it out...is whether or not there's an exit to escape.

Narrator's Perspective

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It was midnight and the breeze shook the small hut in their hidden refuge. They were on edge...waiting for that...thing...to return. When they were awoken to change shifts, they'd wake up with a start. This wasn't just panic. It was pure fear. When it came time for Logan's shift, Roman had joined him, unable to sleep himself. It was dead silent as they listened and watched the outside world.

Remy was right...they never should have come here. However, they all knew this place held secrets. Secrets of Roman's family. Secrets of the creatures... Secrets of that beast. Surely it had to have been just their imagination. Nothing more. But this was something that couldn't just be made up. The silence seemed to lay a gentle blanket of comfort on the group, almost putting them to sleep...until a roar could be heard in the distance.

A blaring red alarm seemed to get everyone to panic in seconds. They jumped up and quickly made way out of the hut, scrambling to find the exit they had planned hours ago. Tucked away in a corner, they found a cave, cover by vines and leaves. They pushed past the foliage, stumbling through the large, damp and dark cavern. The roars and rumbles seemed to get louder as it called out to them.

"Where are you little birdies?" It laughed manically, the thought of what that beast could do to them made their blood bubble and adrenaline rush. Their legs pounded against the stone, almost slipping and falling from the damp floor of the cave. It was dark, creatures could be lurking around any corner. They could jump out and have them for a pleasant midnight snack, the experience for them being he exact opposite.

Chills ran through their spines as faint sounds of bones crackling could be heard, a sign letting the group know the beast had shifted, and was coming for them. They needed a plan, something to solve the sticky situation they're in. They needed answers, without them, they were lost, without a doubt. Of course, one plan seemed to stick out the most...and as much as they hated to admit it, it had to be done.

"We have to split up." Logan mumbled under his breath, winding paths presented in front of them, fading to a deep darkness, "There's no telling how far it can hear, and if we're together it'll just kill us all at once." He huffed out, wiping his fogged up glasses with his shirt, the humidity not doing him at favors.

They sighed, quickly switching places, Logan and Thomas staying together while Remy and Roman paired up. Intimidated, they stared at the man entrance ways. They could hear the slow pound of foot steps and the taunting voice call out to them once more.

"Where are you my little lambs?" It chuckled deeply, it's voice echoing against the walls. In a hurry, they picked an entrance and ran. They ran as far as they could go, getting shin splints from running too hard. After many minutes of running, the group was seperated into pairs now, both of which were on two separate sides of the entire facility. They were farther apart than what they've been the entire trip.

Yet, now they were far from the creature. No extra foot steps or voices. It was just the two of them...however, that could cause problems. The sky above had a beautiful gradient and the sun rose over head. Clouds turning lilac and stars still shining brightly. It was dawn.

Roman and Remy ended up on the other side of the river...which was way too close to the lab for their liking. Logan and Thomas, however, ended up tucked away in a secret pouch filled with bright green foliage, and vibrantly colored birds flying in the sky. It was small, a rock arch in the back, leading to another area, vines draping over the arch. A loud chirp grabbed their attention within seconds. Still spooked from their previous encounter, they tried to find a way out and fast.

The chirps seemed to get a little louder as they frantically scanned their surroundings. With a brief pause, Thomas shook Logan's shoulder in the direction of the arch. Beneath it stood a creature that was quite cute and seemed innocent. Almost like a child. The creature wore big round glasses, a long scarf and a little poncho. The creature stared at them, inspecting them almost before opening her arms for what looked like a hug.

"Why hello there! And who might you be?" Thomas questioned as the small creature looked at him at a distance. As he went to step towards the creature, Logan was quick to stop him.

"Watch..." They stood and waited. Nothing happened in particular until another creature came along. It seemed to sniff and walk circles around the small thing until it was sniffing the smaller one's face. Without hesitation, the creature's arms closed around the larger figure, engulfing him in a very terrifying hug. What seemed to be the male creature, cried out for a release as the grip just seemed to stronger, the large leaves coming out from under her poncho to swallow the male creature.

The pair watched, horrified as the creature trapped within her leaves struggled before the movement came to an abrupt stop. Stiff, the creature stared at them, approaching the two of them and pulling a gift out of thin air, handing it to them. Surprised, they opened it, and inside was a key. Why did she give them a key?