ᴍᴇʟᴏᴅɪᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ꜱᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴀʟ

Chapter 22: Fall From Grace

Water and mud splattered your legs as you desperately dashed after Minnie as she cursed at Marlon's frozen frame. She screamed, "Marlon, you evil cu-"

"Minerva, stop!" You yelled over her.

With a clenched fist, Minnie delivered a resounding blow to an unsuspecting Marlon, the impact reverberating with an unsettling smack. Unyielding, she unleashed a relentless barrage of punches, each striking the side of his face furiously. As the rest of you hurried to the scene, Marlon, disoriented and reeling from the onslaught, stumbled backwards and collided with the unforgiving wall.

Seizing the moment, Minnie grasped a handful of his hair, coiling her fingers into a tight grip and forcefully slammed his head against the wall. The collision left an indelible mark on the bricks, now stained with the vivid hue of claret. Arriving, Ruby and Tenn instantaneously restricted her, each clasping onto an arm and forcing her back as she cried profanities. Louis was quick to help Marlon up, blood smeared down his face.

Vision tainted red, Minnie broke free. She retrieved her gun, aiming it at his forehead, hands trembling with fury. As her finger increased pressure on the trigger, you wedged yourself between the gun and Marlon. The gun aligned with your forehead. Minnie scowled, "Why are you protecting him, (Y/N)? What has he ever done for you? He left you for dead - he didn't try to protect you when he traded you to the Delta."

"This isn't about what he did and didn't do: it's about being reasonable." You explained, raising your voice as the rain poured in torrents, the onslaught loud as it plummeted.

"He's the reason Sophie and Brody are dead! Enough people have suffered at his hands. I'm giving him what he deserves." Seethed Minnie, her arm unwavering. 

Although you thought the beating was timely, you disagreed. "What he deserves isn't death!"

"Yes, it is!" Argued Minnie. "He traded us like we were nothing and after all that you still care about protecting him?"

"Yes." You said. Andrenaline drummed against your ribcage, each beating pulse desperate to shatter them. A sly hand slowly slithered towards the handle of your knife, your survivor's drive magnetising you to the weapon. Your fingers wrapped around the blade, clasping it so securely your hands were painted white. 

Minnie's finger was pressed against the trigger, her power overbearing as she juggled your life in her hands. You glared up at her, the barrel of the gun glaring back, mere inches from your forehead. "How noble of you." She sneered sarcastically. 

Without breaking eye contact, you asked, "What do you have to say for yourself, Marlon?" The situation took him aback, his heart racing and his palms clammy as the truth surfaced: ugly and brutal. His throat grew dry as he frantically scoured his mind for a reason or an excuse - something! His hands trembled with an unfamiliar feeling. Noting his hesitance, you turned your head to the side, addressing him, "Nothing?"

He stammered. "(Y/N), I'm so sorry." It was all his aching mind could conjure.

With Minnie having lowered her gun, it felt safe to face him. "Sorry isn't gonna cut it." You glowered. Rain showered relentlessly and you weren't sure if the drops gliding down his cheeks were rain or tears, "It's not going to bring Sophie or Brody back and it's sure as hell not going to get you out of this mess."  

Body quivering, he shook his head, evading eye contact. "You don't get it - you wouldn't understand." 

"Understand what? That you're an asshole?" Minnie mocked.