gotta escape that void // cool kids+needles, day 3

Is the world supposed to crumble like this? Maybe it was a punishment. To all of them for not having the guts to play puppet to the Gamemakers’ hands. It makes sense, after all. They probably hoped that a blow or two would be swiped to another tribute. By the second swipe, they’ll stumble, fall, leaving them crumpled by the stampede of stone. That’s what he’s thinking is the goal, as he continues to follow Juno and Marceline. The rubble seems closest to him. Some of the rubble that explodes on the ground meets his hands and face, scraping at Marcus’ body as a warning.

He can’t run forever, that’s what the rubble tells him. That escaping the tunnel alive, with Xov and Juno, is just a minor escape from his eventual death. There was only five other tributes in their sliver of a mine. For Xov and Juno it must be easy - he sees them charging ahead. This was their type of thing. But Marcellus already felt cramped, tight. He’s concerned about lifting his head. If he does it too far, or stretches his body too much, the risk getting caught on hanging support beams feels heightened.

Xov coaches him. "Save your breath. Her blood isn't worth anything. None of our blood is worth anything here." He can’t worry about the verbal thoughts that people hurl toward his ally. But it’s hard not to. He wants to protect her - as if he is some guardian dog. Growling at the portrayed threat, or watching and holding his breath. His eyes feel like they’re not allowed to leave the other girl. Maybe she’s a form of witch, and that’s who they were in search for. It makes sense if she was so mad at them. Though, the anger is only toward Xov, so that couldn’t be it.

It reminds him of the many times that he felt that instinct over his mother. He wanted to bark and fight anyone who stepped near her. She never wants him to protect her, as if he would somehow screw it up. Internally, that’s why Xov means so much to him. Tsiuri used to be his replacement for his mother, that in the sense of, a woman who provides so much mental wellbeing. That offers a sense of life, and being, and purpose in someone's daily life. To him, this was a longing to be useful to someone that matters to him. All of the people in the shelter aren’t his friends. They’re just people he services. Xov, who hardly departs being a stranger, is enough of a body worth sacrificing for.

He watches as her hand wraps around Juno’s wrist, pulling him along. Marcus wonders if she’d do the same.

Not that he expects it.

He huffs, urging them to “come on, keep up,” as he begins to charge past. Maybe he needs to lead the way for his partners.