I'm sorry to say that this is the second to last chapter of Animal. But don't worry, I'll be writing a sequel called Insomnia. I'll post the summary in my bio if you want to check it out. And it isn't centered around Sky. I'll give a koala to whoever guesses the right youtuber! Because why not? Koalas are awesome. Right? RIGHT?!

Anyways, on with the story! :)

-Cold

Seto was just about to explain when squids burst into the room. Chaos shortly ensued, and all the sorcerer could see was navy blue-grey and flashes of colors as he and his friends were overrun. Seto scowled and reached into a pocket of his robes, pulling out a potion. He uncapped it, but a tentacle wrapped around his hand and snapped the squid poisoning away. The sorcerer kicked at the squid that was holding his wrist, grinning when it yelped as his foot connected with its eye. He shoved the squid away, then grabbed something from his cloak again. But instead of a potion, a long, thin wand had appeared in his hand. The purple-grey wood shone as if it was enchanted, and strange symbols carved into it danced across the length of the wand. The tip shone with grey sparks as Seto snapped his hand round in a circle.

Instantly, the squids were pushed away by a purple barrier, but his friends were safely pulled into the bubble. All except for Sky, who was too much of a squid to be allowed into the safe haven. Dawn ran forward, trying to reach her boyfriend as the squids surrounded him. "Sky!"

Sky grit his teeth as the squids overpowered him, latching into his arms and legs so he wouldn't be able to escape. One tentacle whacked the back of his legs, and he crumpled to his knees. The mobs held him down, kneeling in front of his human friends. Sky glanced at them, then looked over at a figure approaching them. His breath left him as he saw the animal, tentacles waving wildly.

But when the human-squid turned towards Sky, the blue and green crown placed on its head explain everything. The king squid, Derpsolu, stood over him. The King smirked evilly and chuckled. "So is this the mighty Sky, kneeling before me, Derpsolu?"

Sky snarled as the squid lifted his chin, baring his fangs at the sharp claws that the King had rooted to his finger tips. Sky jerked away and struggled slightly, yanking his hands. The mobs holding him down tightened their grip as the King leaned in close to Sky. "Won't it be easier if you submit, Sky? Don't you want power? Look at your friends: Pathetic!"

Sky couldn't help but glance at the others. Seto looked exhausted; the barrier must be taking up more energy than he had. Dawn was beating on the purple shield, tears gathering in her eyes at Sky's hopeless situation. "Sky..."

Derpsolu smirked at the humans and turned back to the butter-lover. "And even you know that sorcerer won't be able to keep them safe for long. So I'll make a deal with you. if you join me in my army-the Squid Army- I will let them go free. And I won't harm a hair on their head. How about it, Sky? Join us, or let your friends suffer."

Sky growled at the King, golden-brown eyes glaring at the transformed squid. He lowered his eyes, staring down at the ground as e thought over his options. They were bleak. Either join the squids and fight against his own friends or let them suffer a terrible fate. There was no doubt in his mind that the King would make him watch them die. Sky didn't know which would be worse. But if he joined the squids... An idea came to his head, like a light bulb flipped on above his head. He refrained from smirking as he looked the squid straight in the eye. "I... I'll join you."

His friends gasped behind him. Seto faltered in his powers, and the barrier flickered. A group of squids crashed into the wall, making the sorcerer wince as if he had been mentally attacked. Seto grit his teeth and the wand's tip glowed brighter, only to die down after he couldn't gather enough energy. Dawn placed a hand against the weakening barrier, just staring at the chaos outside as Sky stood slowly, squids letting hi limbs go. The infected Minecrafter's tentacles curled above his head, arching dangerously as he turned towards his ex-friends.

Kermit's eyes widened as Sky started assaulting the shield. The frog stumbled away from the edge, dragging dawn with him towards the middle. He could hear Seto hiss in pain, but paid no mind to the sorcerer. It wasn't like the barrier spell would kill him, right? Kermit glanced at Jerome and Jason, eyes asking what they should do. He received the same looks in return. Was Sky really joining the squids? This... this was a nightmare. It had to be. There wasn't any way that their trusted and loved Sky would join those monsters.

Seto's breathing was shaky. With the constant assault of the squids outside, and the size of the shield around them, his energy was draining. Fast. He didn't know how much longer he'd be able to stay conscious. Dark spots swam in his vision as the Sky scraped his claws across the purple bubble. "S-Sk..." Another scratch across the shield made whatever energy he had left dissipate from his body. His knees gave out from under him and he crumpled to the ground. Jason knelt next to the sorcerer, shaking his shoulders. "Seto? Seto!" But he didn't comprehend his friend's worried cries. All he could think about was that he was so...tired...

Sky nearly faltered as his magical friend fell. He swallowed the guilt and raked his claws against the bubble against. This time, it tore like paper. He grinned and clawed at the fading purple again. As soon as the squids saw the opening, they swarmed the bubble. This time, with a sickening ripping sound-and a cry from Seto-the bubble was torn to shreds. The aquatic mobs tied up his friends, and he could only sit and watch with a glint of remorse in his eye. Just all part of the plan. Derpsolu walked over to Sky. "I need to do something real quick, Sky. If you would excuse me, but I think that the wizard will be a bit of trouble in the future."

Before Sky could even ask what the King meant, the squid whipped out a long, sharp, grey sword. quick as a flash, the demented King snapped forward and plunged the sword into Seto's abdomen.

A sharp pain pierced Seto's side. The air locked in his lungs, and his muscles seized up. Then, a slow pounding sounded in his ears. Da-dum... da-dum... da-dum... But it slowed down, painfully slow. The rising and falling of the sorcerer's chest slowed as well. His eyelids felt heavy. He heard faint voices, but they were diminishing by the second. Dark spots swam in his vision, and a sudden realization made his blood run cold.

He had failed. He was dying. This was the end. His friends... he was leaving them. Leaving them alone to face the squids. He couldn't save Sky, he couldn't save the others. He was a failure. Seto coughed, a trickle of crimson trailing down his lip. his eyes slipped close for a second, but he forced them open with another cough. He couldn't rest now. The squids were still here; the threat was still immediate. But he was just so tired. And the pain in his abdomen was numb, he barely felt it anymore. But the pounding in his ears remained ever loud, not able to leave him alone. And then there was darkness as Seto closed his eyes. This time he didn't open them. Two words passed his lips as he spiraled into a never-ending black. "I'm sorry..."

Da-dum... da-dum... da...dum. . . da. . . .

Yes, I just went there. I love to beat up on people, you peoples will learn that as I make more stories. And sometimes you guys will hate me for it. *evil chuckle* So what do you think? Do you think that Seto, Sky, and the others will survive? Is all hope lost? Or will our heroes rise to face the challenge...

Wait and find out.