He still pouts like a damn cat in a hammock, even now. A wry smirk tugged at the corner of Edmund’s mouth as he watched Reo’s less than enthusiastic expression. “Aw, don’t ya worry, sweetheart. These here worms are a lot more friendly than they look. They’re gonna get us the hell outta here and back to somethin’ a whole lot nicer.”
He kept Reo close, his muscular arm a steel band around their waist as he guided them towards the waiting nydus worm. The creature’s tendrils writhed and pulsed, as if sensing their approach. Edmund could feel the thrum of its power, the way it resonated with his own Zerg-enhanced body.
I reckon he ain’t never seen nothin’ like this ‘fore. But he’ll get used to it. He’ll have to. ‘Cause he ain’t never gonna leave my side again.
As they drew closer, the worm’s entrance yawned before them, a dark, fleshy tunnel that seemed to beckon them in. The air around it shimmered with heat and a strange, pulsing energy. Edmund took a deep breath, the scent of loam and something more primal filling his lungs.
“Alright, darlin’… time to take a leap of faith.” He turned to face Reo fully, his hands on their shoulders. His thumbs rubbed soothing circles on their shoulder blades, a gesture that was more about calming his own nerves than anything else.
Just like jumpin’ outta that dropship on Umoja. Remember how scared he was then? I reckon he’s scared now too. But he’s still here. With me.
“Stay close to me, ya hear? And don’t go wanderin’ off in there without me. Them tunnels can be real tricky if ya don’t know yer way ’round.” He leaned in, his forehead touching Reo’s as he gazed deeply into their eyes. “And I ain’t about to lose ya again. So you just hold onto me real tight, alright?”
With that, he took a step into the waiting maw of the worm, pulling Reo in with him. The darkness enveloped them, the air growing thick and heavy with the scent of Zerg biomass.
It’s gonna be alright, Reo. I’m gonna get you home. I’m gonna make this right. No matter what it takes, I’m gonna be the one to keep you safe. Always.
