Black Plague

Chapter 35

As the group stared at the lioness stunned, Jessie could feel his anger start to boil. Feeling his face flush Jessie stared in contempt as she chuckled in amusement.

Jessie now is not the time for anger, now is the time for action. You don't have long before she starts to hunt you down like dogs! Move!

As her laughter reached its peak Jessie couldn't contain himself anymore and sprinted towards her. Confused Animal could only watch as Jessie pulled back his foot kicking her as hard as he could across her furry face. She stumbled backward as Jessie grabbed a nearby branch readying himself against her.

"Everyone start running! I'll meet you there!" Jessie screamed turning towards his friends.

"What about you?" Travis asked confused.

"It's one lion and I'm an Icon, I've got this. Now move!" Jessie screamed turning back to face a now recovered Animal.

"You heard the kid let's move." Sarah said as she grabbed Travis collar dragging him behind her. Confused both Lily and Rose stared at each other then at Jessie.

"Let's go ladies!" Toby said as sprinting towards his sister.

"Don't die on me Jessie or I swear to god I'll kill you!" Rose screamed as she grabbed Lily's hand. They ran off alongside Akita and Toby.

"I'm so kind as to let my toys have a free head start and you spit in my face." Animal said as she growled at Jessie.

"You'll have to forgive my friend here, he doesn't have many manners." Lucas said as he placed his hand on Jessie's shoulder.

"I told you to leave." Jessie said annoyed.

"I'm not great at following orders kid." Lucas said as he flashed his magnum.

Reluctantly Animal took a step back as he stared intently at Lucas' weapon. Jessie watched as she trained her eyes on the magnum almost afraid.

"If you use that Lucas you'll be put out of commission before the real fight even starts. I need you to go with the others, even if she kills me I'll just come back." Jessie said as he took a step closer towards Animal.

He watched as she didn't react to him moving closer and decided on a plan.

This is not going to end well.

"That's no reason to let you die kid. Besides we don't know that, maybe last time was a one-time deal." Lucas said as he slowly aimed towards Animal.

Seeing her tense up Jessie saw his chance and sped towards her swinging his tree branch down with as much force as his small frame could muster. He cracked her across the face so hard it snapped his improvised weapon. Stunned she stumbled backward tripping over an exposed root.

"Join the others! Make sure to keep them safe." Jessie screamed at Lucas.

Sighing Lucas dispelled his weapon with an annoyed look on his face.

"Can't believe I'm doing this. Don't die on me, kid!" Lucas cried out as he ran towards the others leaving Jessie alone.

Finally, we're alone.

I can respect your commitment to keeping those you care about safe but you do realize this is suicide.

Of course, but I can't have them getting hurt because I decided to save this woman. This is on me, I have to be the one to stop her.

Dropping the broken branch beside him Jessie held up his arms as the lioness jumped to her feet growling fiercely.

Leaving no room for a conversation she pounced towards him blind rage as her guide. Jessie jumped to his side just barely dodging her attack hitting his head against a tree. Rubbing the back of his head he peered up to see her bearing down on him her claws outstretched. He ducked down as she swiped her massive paw, she left deep scratches against the bark and Jessie swallowed.