Descent

Chapter 20

Mai wondered what it was about her family that drew them to constant danger, or rather, that led danger straight to them. Her mother had never asked for Eden's Gate to come strolling into Hope County and proceed to tear her life asunder. She and Mai never asked to be housed in a bunker for four years with a fanatical madman. Mai never asked to be kidnapped by raiders and forced to duel in a fight club for children. Never asked the Twins Mickey and Lou to come into her life and begin tearing her life down. She especially never asked for her brother and best friend to be held at the mercy of a maniacal tyrant who stood no more than 100 yards away from her.

There was no sense in seeking out an alternative way into the amusement park turned self-made fortress. Mai had received Raven's direct calling so now was the time for resolution. Mai and Thomas stood at the edge of the moat that led directly into the entrance of the park while on the opposite end, Raven sauntered about with her posse of goons. In her midst was the man Mai had scuffled with just two moons ago, Buck Hughes. In front of Hughes stood one of the hot topics in question: Malik Thomas Seed. Mai gasped when she placed the name to the body. His skin lacked color and his hair was a matted mess. The boy was trembling so bad that it broke Mai's heart into a million pieces. It was inconceivable to believe that this was her sweet, loving brother. There were two vital individuals missing from this dismal party: Dove and Roger. Raven must have Dove on an extremely short leash, explaining her absence in this parlay, while Roger's send instant dread in her body. Every worst possible scenario ran through her head, filling her with rage as Mai began to storm forward, pausing only to Thomas' grasp.

"Easy there...we're outnumbered." he muttered, his eyes drifting subtly to the guards standing atop of the fortress walls, "Let's see what she wants first."

I know what she wants, Mai thought to herself, having just hand-delivered it right to Raven's door. She looked to Rush, her heart racing with each passing second.

"If this goes sideways. I want you to take Malik, and get as far away from here as possible."

Thomas' eyes widened and then narrowed with concern, "Cap, if you're not comfortable doing this, we can figure out something else-"

"We don't have time. You have to promise me if it comes down to it you'll take Malik and run."

Thomas' face scrunched up, obviously not one-hundred percent comfortable with the idea of possibly leaving her behind. Mai tried to settle him by resting her head against his.

"You know I can't do that." he said.

"I know." she sighed, "But I'm asking you to do this for me."

The two sealed the pact with a warm embrace, fighting against the cold front that had swept through the area. It was honestly the most dismal setting. The intimidating Capital against the backdrop of dark, ominous clouds, signaling that a storm would be arriving soon. Mai and Thomas began their walk towards the center of the moat as the entry way opened, a few more guards appearing dragging along another human. The man was disheveled, and he had bandages wrapped around one of his hands but they were soaked with blood. Mai gasped audibly, her hand covering her mouth. Roger. She looked to Thomas, who looked as equally unsettled and worried. If Raven had done what Mai was currently envisioned in her head, that meant there was no one here able to pilot La Grosse Patate out of here. They were essentially stranded in the belly of Highwaymen territory with no one coming to get them out.

"Glad you could finally come to join us." Raven announced from where her group stood, "I'm going to get straight down to it. I wanna make a deal."

She waved her hand to her goons, prompting them to bring Malik and Roger up to the forefront. Malik stood on one side as Roger kneeled on the other, Raven's hands placed firmly on their shoulders. Both of them look to Mai like she was some sort of Messiah, each one astounded that she had come back despite the odds stacked against her.