WITHERSICKNESS [MCSM INFECTION AU]

Chapter 37: The Lab

“Finally back.” Jessica replied, grinning. “Yup.” Axel sighed. “Don’t worry, we’ll help Jesse. Plus, Lukas would surely help us out. I know it.” Jessica grinned. Axel smiled slightly. “I just hope you're right.” He added. “Ready to head into the unknown?” Jessica asked. Axel nodded.

***

Axel led the way, not wanting Jessica to be infected, too. Axel knocked on the door carefully, trying not to be too loud. “Axel, that’s not gonna work.” Jessica pointed out. “What would YOU do then?” He asked. “I’ll show you.” Jessica added, cracking her knuckles. She knocked even louder. Lukas soon rushed over.

“See, I told you.” Jessica smirked. Axel rolled his eyes. “Anyways, do-.” Jessica began before being dragged in by Lukas, Axel just following. “I’d rather not be dragged in.-” “SH!” Lukas insisted, leading them behind a corner.

“That’s one way to greet someone.” Axel added to himself silently. “As much as I’d kinda rather not see you guys right now, nor hear sarcastic comments, I appreciate the help.” Lukas said quickly. “Lukas, what’s going on?” Jessica asked.

Lukas looked worried after looking outside the door frame of the area they were in. Jessica peaked her head out, seeing an infected. She could tell who it was immediately from the purple suspenders. “Oh no...” She muttered. “THAT’S what’s going on.” Lukas answered.

“How did he get infected this fast!?” Jessica asked, trying to keep quiet. “I don’t know.” Lukas sighed. Lukas pulled her away from the doorframe, terrified. It crept towards the doorway. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!” Lukas panicked.

Jessica was about to say something, but Lukas covered her mouth before she could. It peaked its head out, trying to look for them. Lukas stayed silent, even stopping breathing to stay hidden. Bones cracking could be heard as it formed a deranged smile.

It left the area, looking in other places. Lukas uncovered Jessica’s mouth. “The fuck happened to him? It shouldn’t affect him this much already.” Jessica asked. “It didn’t at first.” Lukas answered.

“Well, we have to help him before it gets worse!” Jessica insisted, trying to remain quiet. “There IS no saving him!” Lukas stated. They all peaked their heads out.

“You see the things coming out of his back, that means he’s deforming. Once they get far enough into the infection, they can’t be saved. That’s one of the main signs. Trust me, I tried when he wasn’t this bad and had some consciousness, it was too late.”
Jessica stayed silent, Axel regretting leaving him behind even more. They hid behind the door frame again. “I’m sorry, but he’s already gone. It’s not him anymore... just something in his corpse.” Lukas answered. “Well, how are we going to get out if he’s there?” Jessica asked.

Lukas thought for a second. “We need a distraction.” Lukas answered, frowning. “What!? But someone could die!” Jessica argued. “I know, but it has no weaknesses, you can’t kill it.” Lukas added. Axel sighed.

“There is.” Axel answered. “What?” Lukas replied, shocked. “The heart. You stab it in the heart and it will die.” Axel explained. “Is there a way just to stun it?” Jessica asked, desperate. “The head.” Axel added. Lukas pulled out his sword.

“I’ll stun him while you guys leave.” Lukas answered.

“Are you crazy!? I’m not leaving you too! I’ve already been a horrible friend to you, I’m not letting you kill yourself! I’ve already lost Petra and my brother, I don’t need you dead either.” Jessica argued against it.

“Jessica, that’s sweet, but I’m going to kill it, plus, who else is going to do it.” Lukas added. Axel took a deep breath. “I will.” Axel pitched in. “What?” Lukas asked, shocked. “I’ll distract him.” Axel repeated. “But-”

“I’ll distract him. It’s my fault he’s like this anyway! I might as well do it. Even if I die, I’ll deserve it.” Axel insisted. Lukas paused for a moment. “Fine, just be safe.” Lukas warned, handing the stone sword to Axel. Axel nodded, standing up and standing in front of the doorframe.

“HEY!” Axel yelled. It cracked its head back. “COME OVER HERE AND GET ME!” He yelled. It formed a giant smile, showing its sharp teeth. Axel ran into the next room, it following him. Jessica and Lukas ran out to the staircase, not wasting any time.

Axel backed up, it was getting closer. He took a breath, planning on throwing it right at the center of its head. As it approached him, he tried to throw it at the perfect time. Right as it came into the room, he threw it.

It went right through its forehead. It collapsed, still breathing. Axel approached it, pulling out the sword. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.” He apologized to the corpse of his friend before leaving.

***

Axel walked up the stairs, reaching the others. “You good?” Jessica asked. Axel threw the sword to the center, tears starting to stream down. “Axel?” Jessica asked again, concerned. “Let’s just go. I’m fucking done with this place.” Axel muttered, walking away to the exit.

Jessica frowned. “Maybe we shouldn’t have let him do that.” Jessica suggested, regretting the choice they made. “Yeah. I bet that didn’t help.” Lukas sighed. “You guys coming?” Axel called out. “Yeah.” Jessica answered, following. Lukas picked up his sword, following shortly after.