The Guild of the Forsaken

CHAPTER 15 - Defenders of Anarchy

Holding Out for a Hero (From "Footloose" Soundtrack) - Bonnie Tyler

September 12th 2024

RAVENHOLD

LEVEL D

The pounding of his feet against the tiled floor mimicked the pounding of blood in his ears.

Each stride caused the sole of his threadbare slippers to make a slapping noise against the ground. He groaned internally as his footing slipped again, his ill-chosen footwear provided little grip, rather nearly sending him flying into the wall.

In Max's defence he did not expect to be running along Level D in his pyjamas. He had planned to transform once exiting the first control room then portal to the next one. Yet it seemed Plagg was out for his arse today, as when he stepped out of the room shots immediately began firing in his direction.

Unprepared he had bolted and ran, which in hindsight made him appear more suspicious. Perhaps if he had stepped back into the room and transformed there, he would have avoided this whole mess. However, it seems that his brain was only useful when technology was involved.

The next control room is on 'Ground Zero,' from there he can deactivate the shields and barrier around Ravenhold.

He internally cursed the God of Bad luck.

As if Plagg heard him Max felt a bullet graze his ear, "Fucking Hell," he swears out loud. If anything, his steps get sloppier as he hears the Guards advance on his retreating form.

Taking his eyes off of his feet for a moment proved to be a grave mistake as the next thing he knew his face was about to kiss the floor. Max let out a very unmanly shriek as he fell. Hands flying to his face bracing himself for an impact that never came as the next development to hit him was the fact that something was coiling around his chest.

Another shriek left him as he clocked in on the massive snake that was curled around him.

"Oh, my Kwami, what the fuck are you, oh my, this is where I die," Max rambles to himself as his breathing quickens. The snakes hold tightens on him in annoyance.

The shots continue to ring out as the Guards advance on their position, surprisingly the snake shields Max from their bullets. 'Probably wants to kill me itself' Max thinks wanting to snort at the absurdity of the situation.

Before he can allow the humorous thoughts to fill his brain the corridor is set alight as the snake breathes purple fire at the guards. Max lets out another scream as the Guards are set on fire. He watches slack jawed as they crumple soundlessly to dust.

Max releases a sharp exhale of breath as the snake turns its yellow eyes to his own.

"Please don't kill me, you know I don't think I would be very tasty," Max tries to reason with the giant reptile. Why? He isn't sure himself. They say the human instinct to survive is very strong and at this point Max's rational thinking has clocked out.

He remains deathly still as the snake trails its eyes along Max's form. He bites his lip to stop another scream from leaving him as the snake opens its mouth and displays its long fangs. Max gulps.

He fucking hated snakes, it was something Marinette teased him about often.

'Hang on a fucking second,' Max's panic halts as he regards the snake with narrowed eyes.

"I swear to Kwami, is this is one of yours Marinette I am going to stuff you back in that cell myself," Max hisses at the reptile.

Its only response is a flash of purple that overtakes its eyes for a moment. Something that Max is very familiar with.