Disclaimer: I do not own Prototype or Familiar of Zero

Chapter 11 – Nobody Kills You But Me

Jake was angry. Angry at this stupid dragon, angry at Wardes, but most of all, himself. He was supposed to be the one who kills this lizard, not an overgrown chicken!

Gritting his teeth, Jake punched the ground hard. He had lost almost everything, and now the one thing that actually braved his rage, endured his punishments, taken away.

'I care! I care!' Its damn words haunt him. It was just like losing his parents all over again. Being too afraid to prevent their deaths. Again!

No...no...he won't lose her like he lost them! Jake would be damned if this dragon dies and he wasnt't the cause, he forbids it!

His right arm formed to claws and raised his up. "RRAAAHH!" He drove it into Sylphid's body and Tabitha jumped back.

"What are you doing?!" They shouted but he paid them no mind.

He began injecting Blacklight into the dragon, taking measures that the virus would not turn her into a mindless infected. Pulling back his claws, he waited until the virus could heal her.

Seconds felt like hours, minutes felt like days until...

"J-Jake...?" Her voice was weak amd strained but she was alive. The viral avatar breathed a little easier before scowling.

"Turn into a human, now."

Sylphid then transformed into a wounded Illococoo which greatly surprised the others and Jake lifted her up bridal style. "I-I'm glad you're o-kay." She wheezed out and Jake turned to Wales.

"I need a secure room." The prince did nothing and Jake was at his wit's end. "NOW!"

Startled, Wales led him to a room where Jake laid Illococoo down. "Get out." And he did while Jake just...reflected.

Why did he do that? Why did he give it the virus, his curse? Why had he acted like that and saved it again? This dragon was nothing more than a pain but...why...

Looking at her broken form, he noticed she was sleeping steadily. This thing was now like him, a real monster now. Jake should kill her now...but he couldn't. For now, Wardes would have to wait...the damn dragon had to wake up first.

Tabitha and the others soon came through the door and Jake glared at them. "How is she?" Louise asked for Tabitha.

"Fine. Now get out." Louise was about to protest but Jake revealed his menacing eyes and claws, he was in no mood for this. They quickly left.

"What's with him and her?" Louise asked herself.

"I don't know."

After they left, Jake stared out the window, trying to distract himself from this. He had plans to make for Wardes.

Illococoo slowly opened her eyes for the first time began to sit up. She instantly fell down as intense and searing pain gripped her body. Her wounds might have healed but Blacklight was still changing her.

She whimpered in pain until she heard a distinctive growl. "Shut up, dragon." The voice carried irritation and hate, a voice she knew to be weary of and admire.

"Jake." She sighed as the pain lessened. The said person walked into the light. It was already night and only a lantern illuminated the room.

"What?"

Illococoo just smiled innocently. "Hi."

Jake huffed and crossed his arms. They was an intense silence between them. The virus wanted to rage on her for pulling a stunt like that, making him turn her into something like him, but how could he?

"Um, Jake, I just-"

"Are you okay?" His supposed question caught her off guard.

"W-What?"

He growled in annoyance. "Are. You. Okay?" He said through gritted teeth.

Illococoo was stunned. Jake, the one who didn't give a damn about anyone was actually asking how was she? She smiled widely at him.

"Right as rain." Illococoo sneezed and rubbed her nose. She tried to stand up bit the pain flared up again and she fell down on the bed, panting.

"Don't move. Your body's still accepting it." Jake said.

"Huh?" She groaned out and the virus huffed.

Might as well get this over with. "I gave you my blood. You're like me now." He saw Illococoo widen her blue eyes and look at Jake with a thousand questions.

"So, I'm like a dragon-something hybrid?" Jake nodded.

"I can do the things you do?" Jake nodded.

Illococoo fell silent, trying to process it. Jake understood her position and he expected her to be disgusted with herself now, to hate him so he can have an excuse to kill her. But instead she smiled in glee.

"YAAY!" She cheered that genuinely surprised the viral entity.

Jake said no words but surprise was etched on his face. He just turned her into a walking bioweapon like him, and she was happy about it?

"Why are you happy?" He asked before Illococoo hugged him suddenly.

"I can finally be your friend for real." She said excitedly and Jake pushed her off him. He said nothing while Illococoo realized something.

"Jake, why did you save me?" Her answer was immediate.

"Nobody kills you but me." He said, remembering Wardes. Blackwatch was to be put on hold, that snake was now top priority on his kill list for almost killing the dragon.

Jake may not have noticed it but Illococoo smiled softly. What he said was Jake for he didn't want to lose her and that warmed her heart. He may not show it but somehow, Jake did care for her and Illococoo giggled.

"I guess I should thank you." She giggled.

"I don't need your-" Jake didn't get to finish as a lair of lips collided with his. His whole body tensed up as Illococoo's lips were dancing with his. Jake tried to keep a straight face, he tried to be angry with her but it was starting to get a little hard to get angry.

Illococoo found this kiss to be sweeter than before. She could feel her whole body writhing at the sensation; her body heating up as it finally accepted the new compound. She could get used to this but what was this feeling in her stomach?

When the kiss ended, Jake was slightly dazed and confused. How...why...why did she...why didn't he..?!

"Thank you, Jake." She said softly, truly she was.