A few weeks had gone by. The sky people had settled into Dagrun, taking up odd jobs to pay for their homes. Jericho quickly became the favorite of my father, as they were both serious, hardworking Mianite worshippers. Firefoxx, who I tended to avoid, spent most of her time by herself or with Jericho. I decided to avoid the creepy wizard. Tom and Steve became best friends almost right away, so I stopped visiting Cherry Ridge Farms. I was always ignored.

Sparklez, on the other hand, was always there to talk with me. He listened to everything I had to say, even if I wasn't as funny as Farmer Steve or as cool-looking as my father.

"Could I... ah... tell you a secret?" I asked, looking around to make sure nobody could overhear us.

"Sure," he answered, his smile fading. I was very grateful that he took me seriously.

"I'm an Ianite worshipper too. My father wants me to worship Mianite, but I can't. I know that I'm an Ianitee in my heart."

His eyes lit up. "Wow. Well, it's great to know another Ianitee! Back in the Realm of Mianite, I was alone. Nobody was on my side, except for a lady named Captain Capsize. Do you know her?"

"No," I replied sadly, not wanting to let him down.

The light in his eyes died and his smile faded. "Oh. I was hoping I could find her here." We continued in silence. I was tempted to ask him more about her, but there was too much pain in his eyes. I couldn't bear to ask.

About a week later, I went to visit Steve. I was delighted to find that Tom wasn't there and I was able to speak to him myself.

"Hey there, Andor," he said in an I-don't-have-time-for-you-right-now kind of voice. "It's been a while. I'd love to chat with you, but..." He stopped mid-sentence and just watched me for a moment.

"But what?" I asked. When he didn't reply, I reminded him, "You can always tell me if something's wrong, Steve."

His face relaxed slightly. "Listen to me, Andor. Things are going to... change now. Hopefully for the better. I can't tell you anything else, I'm sorry. But please, remember, that no matter what happens, I will always love you. Even if it doesn't seem like it."

He then reached out and gave me a hug. I was so shocked, I couldn't think of a reply before he sent me out of his house. He didn't want my father to associate me with what was about to occur.

I'll admit it- I was scared. Steve seemed nervous, and actually showed affection towards me. Was he about to leave? Surely not. I'd lost everyone. I couldn't lose him. No, no, no.

Two weeks later. Tom had been banned from the town. Farmer Steve was gone, and Cherry Ridge Farms was going up in flames.

I was sitting in my house, with my head in my hands, when I heard someone approach. It was none other than CaptainSparklez, the only person I really had left.

"Sorry to intrude," he said. "I was just... kind of worried. About Steve, and the town, and what's going to happen." He let out a large sigh. "When I arrived here, I was thrilled. A lovely town, with lovely people. Everything was so nice and perfect. And I was thinking that maybe leaving my old home wouldn't be so bad if I got to live in such a beautiful place instead. But, well, I guess nothing stays nice forever."

"Yeah." My voice was hollow. I didn't want to tell him about the town's past. He could find that out another day, from someone else. The town had never been perfect, and I knew that firsthand. But it didn't feel right to explain it to Sparklez.

"Is anything wrong?" he asked, worried. "Is it about Steve?"

I shrugged. "Kind of. It's more about what the town is going to become later. It's already so bad now. Citizens receiving favoritism and some becoming outcasts just because of what god they worship." Sparklez sensed the bitterness in my voice, but didn't seem to have a reply for it. "I just want you to know that, whatever happens, I trust you. If I lose everything else I have, I know that you will be there." I stood up to leave. "Just remember that I consider you my friend."

He was speechless, so he simply nodded. I exited the room. Only when I was far away from my house and Sparklez did I let the tears I had been holding back pour out.