Outbreak

Is it Enough?

Day 4̶͓̦̍̿̾7̶̩̀͝

Sabre's P.O.V.

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As we climb the spiral staircase toward their rooms, Thera keeps glancing around.  I remember that he's never been in the citadel before, unlike me, who has visited at least twice a week since I entered the kingdom.  When we come to the room with the rainbow crystal gleaming inside, the Green Steve gasps in awe.

"So that's... that's all the crystals?"  To tell the truth, I almost forgot that it's up here.

"Yep.  We keep it here so its energy spreads out to the whole kingdom evenly."

"But there aren't any guards?"  A jolt runs through me as I realize he's right.  I'm sure we had guards stationed here at some point, but they must have been reassigned.  No leader is really focused on keeping the crystal safe right now.  I let out a sigh.

"That's a problem for another day."  I decide.  "For now, let's just gather the others and catch them up."

"Catch us up on what?"

Thera and I both whirl around (thankfully not falling off the step) when we hear the Orange Leader behind us.  

"Are you alright?"  Thera asks instantly.  I frown at the question before noticing that the leader's in rough shape.  His eyes are tired, and rimmed with deep purple bags.  Even his voice sounds tired.

"Of course!  Just the usual.  Orange and Yellow Steves vying for my attention all day.  Green's probably got it worse.  He has to shoo the Violet Steves away every time he has to heal a patient."

I never really thought about what would happen to the now-leaderless steves.  Apparently, they've found new leaders to take their problems to.  Judging by the way Orange Leader is rubbing at his eyes, it's not working out well.

"I'm sorry."  I mumble.  Orange Leader merely shrugs.

"Not your fault.  So what did you two need to talk to us about?"

Thera and I share a glance.  I'm not sure how exactly to answer.  It's not like we can mention the Demon Steves, but starting with the shadow sword isn't a good idea, either.  Thera quickly redirects the conversation.

"Where are the others?  Are they out on leader business, or...?"

"Probably in their rooms."  Orange Leader replies, and I nod.  The only leaders left are the introverts and Orange Leader himself.

"Let's go get them."  I'm already heading up the stairs, not looking back to see if they follow.  I can hear their footsteps come up behind me as I open the doors to Green, Blue, and Indigo Leader's rooms.

"Sabre?"  Green Leader's the first one out.  "Oh Origin, is it the sickness again?"

"Yes."  Thera replies, before I can say 'no'.  I send a confused glance his way, but don't correct him.  I guess Thera has a plan.

"Oh no, I thought we were done with that!"  Indigo and Blue quickly exit their rooms as well, swapping worried glances.  

"Who's infected?"  

"Where are they?"  

"Is it one of the steves outside of the kingdom, or-"

"Guys!"  Thera calls, putting both hands up so the leaders fall silent.  I don't interrupt him, not wanting to mess up whatever idea he's had.  "Sabre has the infected steve contained.  We need you all to help us identify him to see if he's part of the Rainbow Kingdom, though.  That way we know whether to worry about another kingdom-wide infection."