Archive of Our Own ^beta

Maki cursed his earlier carelessness towards the leafbugs that put him in this situation. It was because of that he landed on his leg wrong injuring it and rendering him unable to fight.

And now, he was unable to do anything but helplessly watch as a massive Beast charged into the clearing and, instead of fleeing like any reasonable bug would, Kabbu started attacking it. Maki didn't know how to comprehend the sheer idiocy of that decision.

He didn't know Team Snakemouth very well, but Kabbu had struck him as the reasonable one. And yet he was the one determined to kill the Beast for revenge.

Vi and Leif seemed as confused by Kabbu's sudden aditude change as he was. But, instead of convincing Kabbu to run or fleeing to safety themselves like any reasonable bug would they joined Kabbu to fight the Beast. It was an idiotic decision. Yes, explorers had teams because bugs who worked together were stronger than lone bugs, but there was an upper limit to what three bugs could be expected to do.

But the other members of Team Snakemouth didn't even hesitate to back up their teammate. It would be admirable if it wouldn't kill them. And with his injured leg Maki couldn't help them. He would only be a hindrance in a fight putting the others in more danger.

At least with him out of the way they could flee. But it made Maki sick knowing he could very well watch these brave explorers die.

Except, they didn't die. Instead they pushed the Beast back.

Maki fought Team Snakemouth once before, back when they were compromised of only Kabbu and Vi. Back when they first joined the explorer's guild. That fight was nothing compared to how they fought now.

Kabbu continuously taunted the Beast, drawing in all its attention while suffering very little damage from every hit. With the Beast focused solely on Kabbu Vi and Leif were free to deal as much damage to the Beast as they could. Leif froze the Beast over and over which his teammates would either use as an opportunity to heal or for Vi to get a good hit in with her boomerang. Wait, no, Maki was pretty sure she referred to it as her beemerang.

No matter what it was called, her ability to make a miniature hurricane with her most powerful throws made it a dangerous weapon. Despite her small size Vi was a dangerous opponent. All of them were, really.

Watching them fight the Beast Maki could see how they were the first team to conquer Snakemouth Cavern. How they were the ones to find all the ancient artifacts.

Not only were they fighting the Beast, they were winning.

Their dominion over the battlefield ended in an instant when the Beast slipped past Kabbu's guard and took out Vi and Leif with one hit each.

"V—Vi! L—Leif!" Kabbu shouted, staring at his fallen friends in horror. Maki felt sick. Was this the end for these brave explorers?

The Beast looked almost defeated itself. It's attacks against Vi and Leif a last ditch effort to win. If he could gather enough energy to join the fight, brief though it may be, then maybe together he and Kabbu could—

Kabbu was so distracted by his friends falling he didn't even try to defend himself as the Beast struck him as well, bypassing whatever defenses kept him safe through the fight.

"G—Gah! No. . . NO! NOT AGAIN!" Kabbu shouted clutching his injury.

Maki was too late to join the fight. He doubted he could beat the Beast in his current state. If he could lure the Beast away he could give Team Snakemouth enough time to flee.

". . . Ngh. . . My—my friends. . . All because I. . . I wanted revenge! I haven't honored my companions. . . I've tarnished their sacrifice! Vi Leif. . ." Kabbu's demeanor changed. He no longer looked like he was going to collapse. Instead he glared at the Beast with determination as he declared, "Because of you I found friendship again! I will defeat this monster, not for revenge. . . But to PROTECT YOU!"

Kabbu was still conscious. Still fighting. And as he threw himself at the Beast to protect his teammates he was winning. Alter only a few more blows from Kabbu the Beast fell defeated.

Team Snakemouth had just fought a truly monstrous Beast Maki was sure would kill them and won.

Maki was so glad that they survived, even as he headed over to scold Kabbu for his recklessness.