WITHERSICKNESS [MCSM INFECTION AU]

Chapter 17: The deal

“So, do you know how to make a cure to save these people?” Magnus asked, following Ivor. Ivor paused in his tracks turning around towards him. “No. Trust me, I tried.” Ivor answered emotionlessly. “What about the potion you had to stop the Wither Storm, surely that has to work.” Jesse answered. Ivor glared.

“I tried that, it just made Aiden’s infection grow faster and be more hostile.” Ivor added. “Do you at least have a lead to help these people?” Jesse questioned more. Ivor nodded no. “I haven’t been able to figure out what can stop the infection. I’ve tried every potion and potion combination. I even tried healing. It seems potions just burn the infected.” Ivor answered.

“That’s why Aiden had all those burns.” Jesse muttered to himself. “So you're using an innocent person as a lab rat? That’s twisted for even someone like you, Ivor.” Magnus added. “Magnus, may I remind you that you run a place full of people who kill each other by blowing each other up violently. Can’t imagine how it is there.” Ivor answered. Magnus just stared at him.

“But I can help in other ways.” Ivor began again. “Oh yeah, like how.” Magnus asked rudely. “I see someone has a missing limb.” Ivor answered, his attention turning towards Lukas after answering. “How can you help?” Lukas replied. “I can give you a prosthetic to help you walk instead of using a sword. It’s most likely close to being broken.” Ivor offered.

Lukas was skeptical for a second, Jesse could see him thinking of the offer. “You sure you’re actually going to do this.” Jesse asked. Ivor looked straight at Jesse with anger. “This is a time where creatures, humans and mobs, are the biggest threat and will spread this sickness like rapid fire. Of course I plan on doing this.” Ivor replied sharply.

“Is there another part to this offer?” Lukas questioned Ivor. “Yes, in fact. I know damn well that Gill and Aiden are infected. May I ask if Maya had got infected at any point?” Ivor asked. Lukas’s eyes widened, filled with guilt. “Y-yes. But we killed her because she didn’t want to infect anyone. She wanted us to.” Lukas answered, his voice a bit low but understandable

“And judging by Aiden’s lack of an arm before he got infected, he had to get it amputated?” Ivor questioned again. Lukas nodded. “It was before it got to the point where there was no saving him.” Lukas added. “And Gill? Did you try to save him, or was he dead? And did you come in physical contact with him once he was infected?” Ivor continued.

Lukas thought for a moment, then nodded. “He was dying, I tried comforting him and promised I’d help him.” Lukas replied. “And how did you lose your leg, Lukas?” Ivor requested. “B-by Gill... He was infected. He didn’t even look like himself.” Lukas stated. “Hold on, what does this have to do with the deal and Lukas getting a prosthetic!?” Jesse yelled, seeing that Lukas wasn’t comfortable with these questions.

Lukas put his hand on Jesse’s shoulder, signaling that he should probably stay out of this. Ivor glared at Jesse again. “All these encounters with people with the sickness and infected people are BOUND to get someone killed. Lukas is lucky he just lost a leg! I think he might be the answer.” Ivor replied, looking at Lukas again.

Lukas was hesitant, then looked back at Aiden, knowing damn well what this might lead to. “What do you plan to do to me if I say yes?” Lukas asks. “Simple, get some blood samples and test it on an infected that might SURVIVE if cured.” Ivor answered.

“But who? By the sounds of it, Gill can’t be saved, and neither can Aiden. You said it yourself that Aiden was far from being saved.” Magnus budged in. “Same with Petra.” Jesse added. “I think we all know who.” Ivor replied, staring at Lukas. Lukas realized immediately. “Maya? But she was killed! There’s no way she’s one of them!” Lukas protested.

“Explain Gill and Aiden. Aiden lost all his organs basically, yet he’s still one of them. And didn’t you WATCH Gill die? And I ran into Petra too, she’ll be dead immediately! She put her own sword through her head! Maya is the only one who has a chance of surviving. A high one, no, but still a chance.” Ivor argued.

“But no one has SEEN her.” Jesse chipped in. “Me and Magnus have.” Axel answered. Lukas looked at him worriedly, Jesse looking at Axel with shock. “Where.” Ivor asked, invested into finding her. “She was near the portal when we exited the Nether. She was definitely infected.” Axel added. “Well, you and Magnus will be in charge of finding her.” Ivor replied.

“What!? They could get infected, or worse,- KILLED!” Jesse protested immediately. “They survived once. They can survive again.” Ivor argued. Ivor’s attention turned towards Lukas. “So, what will it be, Lukas? Will you accept or decline?” Ivor asked.

Jesse looked at Lukas worriedly, not wanting anyone else dead. “I’ll be fine, Jess. Don’t worry about me.” He smiled. Lukas’s attention turned towards Ivor. “I’ll accept.” He answered confidently. Ivor’s face formed a small smile.

“I knew you would. We’ll begin tomorrow. Now, come with me so I can get you that prosthetic.” Ivor answered, leading Lukas towards another room. Jesse looked at Lukas walking away, worried for his well-being. “What’s wrong?” Axel asked, trying to comfort Jesse.

“I just know what Ivor’s capable of. I mean, look at Aiden! He’s got burns all over him! Just imagine what he can do to Lukas. Plus, he doesn’t have a good record of staying true to his words.” Jesse answered honestly.

“I won’t blame you. I even feel worried for him, and I barely know him! Ivor is a bit... crazy. And Jesse has a point.” Magnus pitched in. Axel’s attention turned towards Jesse. “He’ll be fine. Like Ivor said, it’s a time when the world is deranged. Why would he try to make it worse.” Axel answered, trying to assure himself too.

He didn’t like Lukas, but no one deserves even slightly of the hell Aiden was in. Jesse sighed. “You’ve got my point. But I still have my suspicions.” Jesse added. He just hoped that Lukas wouldn’t be hurt.