Chapter Text
Airo was panicked. Mino lifted his sword only to be crushed by one of the Wither Storm’s massive black tendrils. He laid on the sand as a purple beam sucked him into the sky. Airo kept calling his name, but he couldn’t seem to get his attention.
“Mino!” Airo yelled again.
Nothing.
“Airo stop!” Someone familiar called his name.
He wasn't listening.
He threw on his elytra and flew up to him. His armour had been smashed, his eyes closed. He grabbed him, briefly flying through the alien-like purple beam.
He flew and flew.
As far away as possible.
He landed in a plains biome a few minutes later. Airo dropped Mino in the grass as his eyes fluttered open.
“What?” He looked around. “Airo? Where–”
“Not too far from the Storm. Are you in pain?”
“N-no I think my armour saved me from that.” He pulled off a broken piece of netherite. “My stomach doesn't feel too good though. Or my head.”
He coughed.
Airo glanced at his arm. Pu-purple veins?
“Mino.” Airo whispered. He looked down at his arm.
“No.. Airo..” he tried to rub it off but it stayed. “W-what do we do?!” He said frantically.
“Calm down. We-we can figure out something.”
Airo couldn't even tell the stages he was at. They saw a few people with this wither sickness on their journey, always complaining of migraines and stomach aches. Their stages though, were determined by how much skin turned void black.
Mino was a voidling. They wouldn't be able to tell, unless they followed it based on the symptoms and the heart removal.
Which had already started.
Tick.
“It’s taking away my hearts! No–no I wasn't supposed to die like this. I don't want to die like this!” Mino grabbed Airo’s arm. “Calm down, Mino.” Airo’s hands shook. “What can we do? No cure… no cure…” Mino rocked.
Then he stopped, and rubbed his temples. “I shouldn't… do that.”
Tick.
Why was it so fast?
Someone landed on the tree behind them. Airo looked up, seeing Evo, Noob and Extra panting. “It's coming! We have to move!” Evo exclaimed.
“C’mon Mino.” Airo stood up. The voidling stood up, a little off balance. “Do you think you can fly on your own?”
He nodded, pulling out his dragonfly wings. He launched himself up and Airo followed just behind.
“Where are we going?” Airo shouted. “Somewhere to come up with a new plan!” Extra exclaimed, flying just above him.
Tick.
Mino lost his balance for a second but regained it.
—
They landed in a field of sunflowers.
They could still see the rough outline of the beast chasing them, but it was far enough that they could take a break.
Mino had ticked again on their flight, having a harder time regaining his balance. Airo practically had to fly right next to him to make sure he wouldn't fall.
He landed in the sea of flowers, taking off his wings. He coughed, doubling over.
Tick.
He winced that time. Airo rushed over to him.
“Is he okay?” Evo asked.
“He has the wither sickness.” Airo said, looking down at his veins. The purple was much brighter.
“I-I’m okay.” He roughly stuttered. “Does anyone have some water?”
Extra pulled out a bottle of water and tossed it to Airo. He handed it to Mino. He took a gulp of it, then spitting it out. “Are you sure that's water? It tastes… weird.”
Airo took a sip. Tasteless. Cool. That was water.
“Mino-”
Tick.
He gripped the grass.
“How many hearts do you have left..?” Airo asked, nervous.
“4.”
“What should we do?” Extra asked the group. “We might have to leave him behind.” Noob said coldly. Mino’s eyes widened. “We are not leaving him behind.” Airo said firmly.
“Keep attacking the Storm? Maybe after we kill it, the sickness will be gone?” Evo suggested. “How long do we think that will take? Mino could be dead by then.” Airo answered, staring at his veins.
They sat in silence as the Storm got closer. Airo poked one of the sunflowers. Mino sat up, resting his head on Airo's shoulder, hugging his own chest.
Tick.
He felt his friend shudder.
—
Mino felt nauseous.
His skin clamy, his head pounding.
This was awful.
He felt awful.
Airo stayed next to him, still as possible. The rest of the group trying to figure out what to do.
Warm scent of sunflowers.
A nap would be nice.
A small nap.
His eyes fluttered.
Sleep. It welcomed him with open arms.
…
Then he was rudely disturbed.
“Don't fall asleep, Mino. Keep your eyes open.” Airo said quietly. “I'm tired.” Mino rubbed his eyes. “I know. You have to stay awake though, okay?”
He nodded.
Tick.
His stomach turned, nausea and dizziness washing over him. He groaned, putting a hand on his face. His hands shook, chills running down his skin. Airo watched him with concern written in his face.
DO YOU:
1. Listen to what Extra has to say (if you chose this go to Chapter 2)
Or
2. Stay with Mino and let the others find a cure (if you chose this go to Chapter 3)