Written to Plum, Say Your Name. Please listen to it, and support this amazing band.

I stared down at the pistol in my hand, my fingers shaking on the cool metal. It felt weird to hold; alien and bulky, with a strange aura that oozed deadly threat hovering around it. I didn't want it, but Thane had given me a basic rundown on how to turn the safety off, and how to aim and fire without breaking my wrist. He insisted I have it, so I had no choice. He'd told me the gun was a Carnifex and was one of the safest guns for me to use.

Doesn't feel too safe right now though.

I looked around the little nook Thane had ushered me into and bit my lip. I didn't do well in small spaces, and already the walls were closing in, threatening to crush the air from my lungs. Greedy and sinister, they throbbed with the sound of gunfire and explosions rocking the building.

A soft whimper escaped me, forced through the lump in my throat by my fear. Goosebumps rippled over my skin, and I shivered, despite the leather coat covering me. I tightened my fingers on the gun, keeping it pointed to the floor away from me. The walls shook again, and a sprinkle of dust fell on my nose, making me want to sneeze. Please ... don't collapse, walls. Please.

Something hit the door that was supposed to keep me safe, denting it, and the light flickered, going out. Plunged into darkness, I lost control and panic took me flying, before plunging me into nothing but terror. No, no, no, no, no. Please god. Please. I can't breathe ...

"I don't want to die," I whimpered, the words choked with tears. Insidious voices purred in my mind, trying to convince me that I was about to die, and I had no control. I was a mistake, a fuck up that was about to be corrected. Why else was I here? No god or saviour wanted me; they made a mistake. They've made a mistake, right?

I can't breathe ...

My breath began to saw in and out of my chest in rushing bursts, punctuated with gasps and hiccups. I dropped the gun to the floor and clutched my throat. "Help," I croaked, one hand slamming to the wall to hold me up as my legs shoot. Dizziness began to blind me, and tears fell from my eyes. I couldn't breathe. The walls were surrounding me, and I had no escape. I was going to die in that little room while war raged outside.

This is my tomb.

My back hit the wall and I slid down, my foot knocking the gun. Chest heaving, I began to claw at the leather that had once felt safe and warm. Now it felt constricting, working with the walls to kill me. "Please," I begged, a ragged whisper as panic took its hold. I couldn't escape.

I dragged my knees up to my chest and wrapped my arms around them, the sharp sting of my healing cuts soothing me just a little. Peeking out through the fall of my hair, I tried to see through the darkness. I needed light. I had to see. I didn't want to die in the dark.

Don't put me in the dark again. Please ... I can't stand the dark. It's too much. It hurts in the dark. I ... I ... Please. I want to go home. I don't want to be in the dark.

I wanted to scream, the pressure building until I thought my chest would explode, exposing my racing heart. Hands clutched at my hair, pulling it until the roots tore and silky strands fluttered around me in thick swaths.

Let me out! It hurts in the dark! I don't want it to happen again! Let me out.

I scrambled to my knees, clawing at the door until my nails snapped and my fingers bled, all the time chanting words that made no sense, just primal fear jumbled up into sound. Begging in my mind, I pleaded with the gods who had put me here, offering everything, even my soul to be let free, to find Thane and let me feel safe again.

At the edge, a tiny crack appeared when I pushed the metal. I pushed again, leaning my shoulder against it so I could feel the cool, yet smoky air brush my lips. A spark of hope lit in my chest, and I took a deep breath.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

My heart rate began to slow, a steadying drum as the air washed away the panic attack that had held me in its claws. Dizziness made me sway as the oxygen filled me once more, and my whole body trembled. The seconds ticked by as I calmed, and I opened my eyes.

I have to get out, but ... what if the monsters are out there?

My chest tightened again, and I held my breath.

It'll be okay, Billy Goat. Just like Hide and Seek. Be brave, okay?

A little smile tilted my lips and my body relaxed. It's just hide and seek. I can get out any time I want. I bent my head to look through the small crack, my fingers finding the gun, just in case. Just like Hide and Seek. Peering through the crack, I watched the fight outside. Three massive krogan were smashing their way through the apartment, and I knew they'd somehow broken through Thane and Garrus's defenses. How, I didn't know, but if they could do that, then I had to help.

The door shifted and groaned as I began to push. I didn't know what I could do, but maybe I could distract them long enough for Garrus and Thane to escape. At least I've found a use for myself, instead of being useless, right? I can save someone, and it'll be my choice.

I pushed with all my strength, until the door gave way and I fell into the hallway. Bulletholes riddled the floor, and as I rolled to my feet, I spotted the first body. He looked human, but his face was badly messed up, torn almost in two by bullets. Sickness welled inside me, but I forced it down. Now wasn't the time to be sick.

The krogan had made its way to the door leading to Garrus's balcony area and as he pounded his fist against it, he roared. The room shook with the sound, and the floor almost rippled with his steps as he moved back to charge.

"Hey!" I shouted, raising my gun. I didn't fire, just stood there, legs braced and arms locked. "Hey, you. Stop!" Well done, Liz. Some hero you are. 'Hey, you. Stop.' How badass. I glared at the krogan, ignoring the voices in my head, and bared my teeth.

I was so focused, I didn't see the shadow behind the krogan until the giant fell to the floor, blood gushing from his chest. His friend fell next, the gory smile gracing his flabby skin. The third krogan looked around, his beady eye focused on me.

Oh shit.

I backed away, one step at a time, keeping my gun trained on him. "Stay there!" I warned, my hands shaking so hard I feared dropping the gun. "Just ... don't move. Please."

Please? Really, Liz, you're not inviting him to tea!

Shup up!

I'm so fucked.

Guess I was right ... I am a mistake.

While the battle of voices in my head raged, the krogan took a step, leaning forward ... and then he charged, deadly intent in his eyes.

Thane ... I tried.

A/N: Hey all! Well, I know it sucks, but I'm still poking my muse into writing the story that so many of you want me to write, so I hope you enjoy this one, and keep your faith in me. Please read and review, cause right now, they're all that's keeping me writing.

Thank you to all of you for putting so much love into your reviews. It means a lot. Please read and review, and I hope to have more for you soon.