WITHERSICKNESS [MCSM INFECTION AU]

Chapter 71: Clingy

“So, what now?” Lukas immediately questioned. Ivy untied Ellegaard, looking at Lukas. “Well, I have two more ideas.” Ivy answered confidently. “So, first we can try Magma Cream, then Red Mushrooms.” Ivy added. Ivy handed two cures to Lukas, the extra being a backup. “You and Axel will go to find them. Return back when they are found. Don’t fool around.” Ivy instructed. Lukas nodded.

“Anything else we need to know?” Axel asked, crossing his arms. “Yes, actually. If the Witherstorm is much closer to the safe place while you guys are traveling back, do NOT return to it. Go as far as possible.” Ivy replied strictly. “But-”

“I will allow no argument with that. You guys have the cures, the thing to basically save the world! You guys have the most important job, to keep those potions safe, and in the hands of no one! Understand!?”

Lukas stayed silent for a second, nodding. Lukas had gone up to his area, packing anything he needed[book & quill, bow & arrows, sword, bandages]. Lukas stood up, jumping in fear as he saw Axel standing at the doorway. “Are you going to take anything?” Lukas asked. “Nope, other than weapons and explosives, since I’m assuming you're taking the cures.” Axel replied. “Where will you keep them?” Lukas asked, adjusting the bag’s strap on his shoulder.

Axel pulled out a mini bag of TNT from his pocket. “Not to mention, I made something for myself.” Axel replied, pulling out a sword holder that went on his back. Lukas stared at the sword holder, in awe at the details. “How did you manage to make this? It’s awesome!” Lukas asked. Axel chuckled. “I was able to gather some supplies to make it from the trips I’ve been on. I have a talent for making stuff.” Axel answered, flustered at the sudden compliment.

“It’s really well made.” Lukas added. “Thanks.” Axel grinned. “Now, c’mon, we got a sickness to stop.” Axel replied, scruffing Lukas’s hair. Lukas followed Axel as they went out onto the mission.

***

“So, where to first?” Lukas asked, jotting down stuff in his journal. “I was thinking maybe we could hit the swamp first to get the mushrooms.” Axel answered honestly. “Sounds good to me.” Lukas replied. Axel slowed down to see what Lukas was writing, peaking his curiosity. “Whatcha writing?” Axel questioned.

“Oh, I was just keeping note of certain places we can use as shelter, just in case we don’t make it back immediately and if we can’t go to the safe place.” Lukas replied, his eyes glued to the writing on the pages. “Smart move.” Axel commented, Lukas shaking his head as a thank you.

“Do you know any swamps you saw on any of your other trips?” Lukas asked, raising his head to look at Axel. “I think we were near one at the cave we were at after the whole ‘incident’ and before we went to Olivia’s safe place— or whatever it was called.” Axel replied. Lukas looked at him worriedly. “Are you sure it’s even safe to go there?” Lukas questioned, looking back at the Witherstorm, which was a long distance away.

“Well, it looks like it’s just going in a straight line. We can go in a half loop, then go straight to the swamp.” Axel suggested. “But what if it isn’t going in a straight line? What if it finds us on the way?” Lukas added, paranoid. “Well... we can always try, right?” Axel remarked, not knowing what else to say. “I guess you're right.” Lukas muttered.

Axel comfortingly put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t stress about it much, alright? Trust me, I feel like we’ll make it out alive.” Axel tried to comfort Lukas, making him smile. “Thanks. I know I say it a lot, but sorry for the past. I really had no idea.” Lukas commented. “Luka, you're fine. You really gotta over-apologizing.” He chuckled, scruffing up Lukas’s hair, making him laugh.

After Lukas finally managed to release himself from Axel’s grasp, once as he stopped laughing, his smile turned into a frown. Axel looked at him, feeling bad. “Hey, I don’t mean anything personal by it, you know?” Axel replied, trying to assure Lukas. “I know.” Lukas answered. “Now, let’s get to that swamp.” Lukas said after a few minutes of silence. “Good call.” Axel agreed, leading the way as Lukas followed, still jotting down stuff in his journal.