WITHERSICKNESS [MCSM INFECTION AU]

Chapter 52: Cure 1.5

“So, where have you guys gotten to?” Olivia questioned, a blank and empty tone present, keeping the tone she's been using the moment they got here. “It gets rid of the infection a bit, but not fully. It works in small amounts. It got rid of some of Ellegaard’s infected veins, but she’s still very clearly infected.” Jessica added.

“Hm.” Olivia muttered, grabbing a pen and notebook, writing it down. “How about you?” Jessica questioned. “It hasn’t worked yet. I tried to recover the notes Ivor made, but nothing worked. I couldn’t find them at the lab. I did find some healing potions, though.” Olivia added.

Jessica poured a bit of the cure she carried with her into another glass bottle, going to grab a healing potion. “What are you doing.” Olivia demanded. “Testing something out.” Jessica answered, pouring a bit of the healing potion into the bottle. She mixed it up, making it shimmer. “That’s new.” Olivia stated.

Olivia then immediately snatched it from her hands. “But please, don’t waste my resources. Healing potions are very minimal everywhere.” Olivia glared. Jessica nodded. Olivia walked near the glass cage Jesse was in. Jessica set a hand on Olivia’s shoulder, making her stop in her tracks. “What.” Olivia snapped. “Maybe you should give him a break...” Jessica insisted gently.

“Don’t tell me you're taking that traitor’s side.” Olivia added. “I’m just saying he’s not in the best condition.” Jessica warned. “Look, I’m not the person you once knew. So don’t act like I am. I’d barely consider us friends. More like, collages.” Olivia stated. Jessica removed her hand from her shoulder, backing up.

Olivia approached the glass cage, sliding it through the little slit in the wall, making it be dispensed by a dispenser, splashing on Jesse. It removed some veins, obviously hurting him. It was helping, but it was hurting him. Jessica bit her lip. “The gunpowder is working.” Olivia muttered.

Jessica looked at Olivia. “The what?” She questioned. “I put gunpowder in it so it can distract him so he doesn’t try to attack us.” Olivia added. “It’s hurting him.” Jessica answered. “Look, do you WANT my help or not!?” Olivia snapped again. Jessica nodded frantically, scared. Olivia returned back to her emotionless tone again, making Jessica question her.

“I’m assuming you have the notes from the lab?” Olivia asked, not a sign of anger in her voice or expression. “Y-yeah.” Jessica answered, grabbing them out of her pockets. Olivia snatched them, reading them.

Lukas was watching from a distance, seeing Axel leaning against a wall, far away from Olivia. Lukas frowned, going to check on him. “You good?” Lukas asked, joining Axel. “I’m fine.” Axel insisted. It was silent for a few moments, Axel glaring at Olivia. “Don’t agree with what she’s doing?” Lukas asked. “It’s straight up TORTURE. Not to mention the fact of how shitty she’s acting.” Axel complained.

“Yeah, none of us do. Except Olivia, but we won’t have to deal with this when we’re done finding this cure.” Lukas smiled reassuringly. “It doesn’t help the fact that she’s fucking HURTING him too.” Axel muttered under his breath. “At least we’ll get Jesse back. I just don’t want to deal with this shit anymore, especially with HER.” Axel added.

“Yeah, at least we will.” Lukas agreed, looking at the ground, feeling bad. He couldn’t be saved... he damn well knew this. But he kept quiet. He didn’t want to make things worse than they were. Everyone was feeling like shit. He wanted them to at least have hope. That’s what Jesse would have wanted.

Ivy walked into the entrance of the lab. “Ivy, your back.” Olivia announced. “Yes. I’ve led the other survivors upstairs.” Ivy nodded. “Got a count?” Olivia asked. “Just three.” Ivy added. “Hm. Well, we’ve made some progress, and I think I know what can help.” Olivia smirked.

“What can help?” Jessica questioned. “Ivy, would you show the others what I’m referring to?” Olivia insisted. Ivy lifted the hood away from their face, showing half of her face’s flesh showing, it more so looking like a burn, it being black and small purple spots covering it. “Whoa.” Jessica added. “She’s one of the immune whose body can remove the sickness. It will just be present on the skin, but other than that, she’s perfectly healthy.” Olivia explained.

“So, she’ll be able to donate her blood, so we can make the cure even better.” Olivia added proudly. “YES!” Jessica replied excitedly. “We'll continue this tomorrow. It’s getting dark.” Olivia insisted. “Ivy, may you lead them upstairs.” Olivia asked. Ivy nodded, leading Axel, Lukas, and Jessica upstairs to the resting quarters.