And just as I was about to close my eyes one last time, I felt air.

I breathed fresh air into my lungs and coughed horribly. It was so cold. My lungs hurt, my clothes were stuck to me. I laid there on the cold ground, regretting every single thing I ever did that led up to this moment. I let out a quiet groan and tried to get up, but I couldn't. My body wouldn't have it. I slumped back down and accepted my fate.

"Easy Sparkley pants, you almost died back there," I heard a British voice say. I should strangle him. I should, I really should. He's put me through hell and back for the entirety that I've known him for and now he's gotten me on a list of fugitives to be caught and executed in front of everyone in Dagruns walls.

"Wh....what happened..." I coughed more water out of my lungs. I know exactly what happened, I just want to listen to whatever sorry excuse he decides to use for this situation. Gods I'm tired.

"I turned into a squid, hauled your ass halfway across the lake, and swam back to the island I live on. Sorry I nearly killed you Sparklez. I just didn't want you to get caught. You did sort of help me out, so I guess getting you killed by the herald wouldn't be holding up my end of the deal, eh?" It was meant as a joke, but I didn't laugh. I was tired. I wanted to yell at him that he was a selfish idiot who should've been executed by the king a long time ago, but I didn't say anything else because I couldn't. I wanted to go home and sleep.

But I can't go home. Ever again.

I closed my eyes and I'm pretty sure I began crying. It wasn't sobbing or wailing, it was just silent. I never cry, especially in front of people. The only time I ever did was when Capsize, my first love, was turned to an undead fresh eater and she tried to kill me. That was the only time. It was the first time I had ever experienced loss.

But never had I felt more pain and ache than I did now.

I missed home. I missed the land of Mianite. I missed sitting and talking with Capsize everyday, even when she was acting difficult around me. I miss her piggy back rides and her kisses and her eyes that always seemed to be full of adventure. I missed her so much.

I felt Tom put his hands around my waist and neck, lifting me up over his shoulders. I was gonna protest, but I didn't have the energy. I went limp.

"I'm so sorry Sparkles." I heard a crack in his voice. He felt sorry for me. I was pitiful.

I fell asleep after that.
~~~