Dead Inside

43.

Sabre grunted as the group pushed their way roughly through the thick branches of the crowded trees and sticky bushes. Rainbow Steve had gotten his foot stuck a few moments ago and struggled to break free. He was able to get out without any injuries. The friends had been making their way through the forest for a while now, all tired and doubtful in some ways.

"How much further, Portal Steve?" Sabre asked. "We're all getting tired."

"I'm sure it's not that far," Portal Steve glanced over his shoulder at him. "Just a little further."

Galaxy Steve moaned. "'Just a little further'. Sure, it's probably going to be another twenty-five million miles."

Blue Steve nodded. "We should take a break. To be honest, I don't even think Portal Steve knows where he's leading us."

"Yeah, I know where we're going," Galaxy Steve said. "A death trap. He's Forest Steve, he's got to be!"

"What?" Portal Steve turned to them. "No! I'm trying to help you, we're going to find Green Steve and then the others and stop Forest Steve, together."

"That's what Forest Steve would say if he wanted us to follow him to our doom," Galaxy Steve pointed out. "Admit it! You are Forest Steve, or at least his helper."

"I'm not going to admit something that's a lie," Portal Steve said, his voice quavering from anxiety. "Please, believe me!"

Galaxy Steve was now in his face. "I am never going to believe you. Not when you hurt Sabre, Forest Steve!"

"Stop!" Rainbow Steve pushed the two apart. "Portal Steve isn't Forest Steve. He's trying his best to help us and save all of the Steves, including Sabre and the spirits of the Cementary of Bones. Friends don't fight, and fighting will only make things worse. We don't have time for quarrels, the Steves and spirits are at sake." 

Galaxy Steve folded his arms and huffed. Portal Steve gave Rainbow Steve a thankful nod and continued to lead the group through the dense, unknown forest. 

*   *   *

The group had been traveling for quite some time longer and had been silent the whole way, to Sabre's relief. He didn't want fighting, and like what Rainbow Steve had said they don't have time for those sorts of things. 

Suddenly, Rainbow Steve dropped to his knees. Sabre stopped to go back for him and help him back to his feet. 

"You okay?" he asked Rainbow Steve.

"I guess," Rainbow Steve replied. "But- something feels weird."

"What do you mean?" Sabre questioned.

"Like," Rainbow Steve didn't finish his sentence before he collapsed back to the ground. Sabre didn't know what was going on, but surely it wasn't good. Before long, Galaxy Steve, Alex, and Blue Steve collapsed, too. 

"Oh, no!" Portal Steve exclaimed. "I know what's going on."

"What?" Sabre whipped around to face him. "What's happening? What's wrong with them?"

"Redfire ticks," Portal Steve explained. "They look like berries on bushes to lure in people in. One bite can cause a terrible sickness, and result in-" he hesitated for a moment. "death."

Sabre froze. Death? That wasn't good! Rainbow Steve probably attracted a few when his leg got stuck. Then he felt a small prick on his arm. When he glanced down, he saw a red spider-like beetle crawling down to his wrist. He had been bitten! Weakness washed over him and before long, both him and Portal Steve collapsed on the ground. Sabre saw one glimpse of a figure coming straight for them before falling into unconciousness.