''So, we have good news and bad news.''

''Yeah?''

''The good news is that we found a possible cure for Wels.''

''And the bad news?''

''It'll hurt. A lot.''

Beef looked at the wizard, the words sinking in. Wels can be saved, but it would hurt more than he could imagine. Plus, it might not even work.

''I- I'll have to ask him. I don't want to hurt him, but... it's his choice.''

Scar nodded, then walked over to the tree, while Beef went back into the house and to the room Wels was in.

''Hey Wels, buddy.''

A soft mutter came from the bed

''Look, Scar and Iskall might have found a cure. However, taking it would hurt a lot, and they're not sure if it'll work. What do you think? Take it?''

A long period of silence, and then, a single word, almost inaudible.

''Yes.''

Beef sighed, then went back to where Scar was waiting. The wizard got up, and Beef let him in. He went over to Wels and handed him a bottle. Wels looked at it, curious.'

''So, according to Iskall's calculations, this will hurt for about 12 hours, which is until tomorrow morning. After that, the poison should be gone from your body. You ready?''

Wels nodded, although there was a trace of fear in his eyes. He then lifted the bottle, and drank it all in one go. He then fell back on the bed, and curled up, the pain clear on his face.

''Now, we wait.''

The two hermits walked out of the  room and closed the door. Scar then left, leaving Beef at the house.

He sighed.

It was getting late. He should probably sleep, he didn't get nearly enough the past two weeks. He climbed into his bed.

However, he couldn't sleep.

He could hear Wels's screams, filled with pain, and he wanted to help him, but he knew he couldn't. After a while he gave up and just went to sit next to Wels's bed, which seemed to calm Wels down a bit.

Soon, the sun has risen, and Wels's screams have subsided into sobs. As Beef reaches out to touch his arm, his communicator pinged, signifying that the 12 hours were over.

''Wels, buddy. How do you feel now?''

Wels coughed a little, then sat up, looking at his body

''I- I do. It worked.''

Wels laughed a little, them promptly hugged his friend.

''Thanks for looking after me these two weeks.''

''No problem Wels. That's what friends are for.''

Today's motivation to write comes from hermittpad discord yet again