०Tonic०

०Chapter Three०

After a while, Myles had started vomiting too. I had no idea what to think, or what to do. I just stood there, not knowing what this was all about. Tobin looked drained from life, on the verge of death it seemed. He started vomiting blood, then Taliah followed. I only had a matter of time before I was next, since I already felt a sickness in my stomach.

I sat down on the couch, tears forming in my eyes. I looked around, then spotted the crate full of liquids. Maybe... I stumbled over and ripped the top off the crate. I pulled one from the very first column that was full of a deep red liquid, and on the cap labeled, 'Stage #1'. I grabbed it and pried it open, the liquid quivering at the force.

I rushed over to Tobin and sat him up, his mouth foaming a red bubbly color, most likely from the blood he threw up. I gulped, ready to hurl myself. I tilt his head back and pour some of the crimson liquid into his mouth, a stream of the substance flowing into his mouth. He forces a swallow and coughs.

Within seconds he was able to wipe the foam away and looked much better. Well, that was really risky... I was utterly amazed and proud of the fact of it working.

The same worked for Taliah and Myles. I poured some of the red liquid in, and they went back to normal in a few minutes. Whilst I was tending to the others, I started vomiting too, so I took a swig of the liquid and felt better almost immediately.

They stared at me in shock -well, Myles seemed to be passed out on the couch after I poured the liquid- with wide eyes. 

"H-how... how did you know to do that? You saved our lives!" Tobin exclaimed in astonishment.

I simply shrugged. "I have no idea, and I could have just killed you. You're welcome." I flash a sarcastic smile at them.

Taliah rolled her eyes but kept smiling. I could tell she was happy that I'd saved her.

After a few moments of silence, I hear a sudden crash outside. We all jerked our heads towards the open door, hearing many unknown sounds. I slowly stood up and tiptoed over to the exit. 

I peeked outside and saw the worst possible outcome that could ever happen. There were human-like creatures wandering the toxic streets, bubbles foaming out of the sides of their mouth like they just had a deadly seizure. It looked like the beings themselves had gouged their eyes out for there were two gaping holes where their eyes should have been. Their skin seemed to stretch around their frame, their features and bones poking at the thin wrapping. Their flesh was paler than the moon, and almost seemed too bright to look at. It looked as if with a single touch, the skin would crumble.

Veins popped from their almost human structure and crawled through out their bodies like rivers, however there was no water, no blood. Nothing was alive about them. They were the walking empty shells of people. Nothing inside them except the sound of sloshing guts and human containments. Some were wearing ties and suits, some wearing high waisted shorts and band-tees, normal attire for normal people -well, they weren't exactly normal beings-. 

I wondered if this would have happened if I left Taliah, Tobin, and Myles to die. I wondered, if I had left, would my friends be those like things outside?

I look to my seemingly perfectly fine friends behind me, peering at the monsters in shock. None of them said a word, just looked, wide eyed and mouths gaping.

I ushered them back inside and closed the door quietly, jumping over furniture to close the blinds on the windows. Tobin caught on quickly to my actions and helped me.

When I had almost finished, I peeked out the last window in their kitchen and saw them everywhere. Wandering the streets, slowly chasing stray and wild animals, or just standing still. I figured I needed a name for them, so I thought for a few seconds and came up with something; The Endemic.