Austin groaned in pain from where he lay on his bed. His back felt like he was being stabbed and he could feel himself becoming increasingly more tired as time went on. From the moment they realized what was happening Ritchie had shoved him into bed and was trying to take care of him. He was currently in the kitchen making food.

Austin could tell Ritchie was panicking and taking care of him was an attempt to take his mind off the very real possibility that Austin would die. As well as an attempt to not feel useless. He envied him for that feeling

Michael on the other hand had shut himself in the magic room again. That made Austin a little nervous but Michael had explained to him that it was necessary as the Mana potion let off toxic chemicals as it brewed. Still he couldn't help but fear Michael shutting down again.

Still the fact that they would put so much effort into helping made him happy. It wasn't a surprise. Ever since he had met Ritchie, the two always had each other's back, and when Michael eventually joined the Dream Team, as they called themselves, the only thing that had changed was the number of people. They still took care of each other the same only now they were three.

As he layed there he realized he was afraid. In fact he was terrified. What if he died? He didn't want to die but he moreso than that he didn't want to leave Michael and Ritchie.

He didn't doubt that Ritchie would make it. He would be upset of course but he knew that he would live. He would live and avenge him. (Or die trying but Austin didn't want to think about that.) Eventually Ritchie would be okay. But he would also be stuck looking after Michael alone. Ritchie, despite being more level headed and emotionally stable than Austin himself, probably wouldn't be able to handle it on his own. But he still believed he would manage and be okay.

Michael on the other hand, he wasn't so sure about. Michael was strong. There was no doubt about it but, his mental health had never (at least as long as they'd been friends) been exactly stable. Not that Austin blamed him, he knew most of what had happened through his childhood, although he was sure Michael hadn't mentioned all of it. He dealt with a lot, and if his reaction to losing Sabrina meant anything, Austin wasn't sure he could take any more tragedy.

Austin sighed turning his head to bury his face in his pillow. He hated how helpless he felt. He was stuck in bed while his friends worked, almost definitely prepared to work til exhaustion. Curling up into a ball. He tried to think positively.

It could be Michael or Ritchie laying here instead, a part of his mind supplied, then you'd be forced to watch them die. Shriveled away to nothing.

Austin shuddered, that was a terrifying thought. He would go insane if he had to watch his friends suffer. They were practically his brothers. Watching them die would break him.

If you fight the Liche then the same thing will happen, that little part whispered, if you fail they'll die. Why should this be your burden? Why not leave it to the adults? You're all children after all...

Austin frowned and shook his head. That didn't matter. They caused this problem and they would have to fix it. The headmaster had tried to shelter them but they couldn't afford that privilege anymore. The Ministry wouldn't want them to do this but they didn't have an choice.

It's not fair though. Why should you be punished for something that was an accident? The book wasn't even that well hidden or protected. The devious thoughts continued despite his attempts to stop them. They were like a whisper in his head. A dark and traitorous thought that... Wasn't... His own...

That was when Austin realized what it was. They weren't his thoughts. The Liche was in his mind. He didn't know how but he was.

"GET OUT!" He screamed curling up and clutching his head, almost screaming more when his back felt as though it was being lit on fire. The burning sensation was awful considering heat never typically bothered him. He heard footsteps sprinting towards him.

"Austin!? Are you okay?" Ritchie sprinted into Austin's room still wearing an oven mitt from the kitchen.

"He's in my head!" He groaned out.

"What!?" Ritchie yelped before whispering to himself. "The school is supposed to be protected though..?" Shaking himself from his thoughts Ritchie sat next to Austin and hugged him. "It'll be okay. He'll be gone soon. Michael's working on something that will help you feel better."

This boy who cares so much for you will die. As will the other. Are you okay with this? The Liche cooed in his mind. All you have to do is close your eyes and not wake up. You won't have to see them suffer.

"Shut up! You don't know anything about us. We'll beat you!"

Ritchie must have figured he was talking to the Liche because he just tightened his grip and held him.

The Liche laughed. We'll see about that boy. He was quiet after that.

"Austin..? Do I need to get Michael?" Ritchie's voice was hesitant bordering on afraid as he asked.

Taking a breath, Austin shook his head. "No I think I'm good. I don't think he's gone but he stopped bugging me so that's something."

"Good cause I don't think we should distract Michael from his work." Ritchie sighed. "I can't believe he didn't hear this giant commotion."

Austin forced a laugh. "Well he did block up the door again, right? What he use this time?"

"Watermelon again. I don't understand how he gets it to grow so quickly..."

Austin smiled weakly, easily aware of Ritchie's attempts to lighten the mood.

"Do you need me to get you anything?"

"I wouldn't mind some water."

"Alright," Ritchie stood from the edge of the bed, "I'll be right back."

Watching Ritchie walk off Austin was sure that despite the pain he would be fine. He had to be. This wasn't something he had an option in. He would be fine.

Not for himself, but for Ritchie and Michael.

A/N: Yo! Know I've kinda been dead for awhile I've been busy like I said before but I'm hoping to get back to writing more now. I've been fully trained at my section and hopefully getting better into the swing of things. And like I stated in my Origins book I still want to write after least one chapter with each character so yeah it's not abandoned.

Also this will have slow updates... Yeah fair warning there.