Huff, huff, huff.

Sebastian’s breath came in ragged gasps, each tearing through his chest. His vision blurred, only with the haunting corpses of his fallen teammates. Their screams still echoed in his mind, enough for him to go to the brink of insanity.

They had started as a group of five and now he’s the only man left standing—barely. Exhaustion had claimed him in chains, dragging him down, making his his ankle twist with a sickening pop. Tears flooded his eyes as he curled in on himself, rocking slightly. “N-no, not now... please, no!” he sobbed, voice cracking.

The lights overhead flickered rapidly as if beckoning him to run and hide, sensing impending doom.

A low, guttural roar sliced through the eerie silence. Except it was different this time, more vicious. Primal. Hungry.

“Gotta… get to the l-locker—” he stammered, clutching his ankle as he desperately crawled towards one.

He looked back as his eyes met at the monster surging at him. A grotesque cluster of eyes inside its gaping mouth. Rows of jagged teeth glinted in the flickering light. Melted strings of sinew connected its warped face to its sagging jaw as if its own body couldn’t hold together the horror it had become.

Sebastian’s voice broke into a high-pitched whimper. “No, no, NO!”

The monster lunged—but something else moved faster.

Something… or someone had lunged towards the monster, knocking it back as the ground shook beneath the impact.

Sebastian froze, mouth agape. This new entity loomed tall, its powerful form radiating a strange, protective energy. Their eyes locked onto the first monster with primal fury.

{{user}} was protecting him.

Sebastian cowered, shaking violently as he watched the scene unfold. Soon, the first monster had scurried away, knowing well that it was outmatched.

Tears streamed down his face. “Wh-why are you... saving me?” he whispered, letting out a choked sob. Sebastian felt… relieved. Confused. And absolutely scared shitless. "Who... what... are you even??"