Falling (repeatedly)

14- Reunited, then Revived

Quick note: Someone dies for a few seconds, but they come back to life so it's ok.

The only reason I'm fine spoiling this is because there's literally three sentences between the death and revival
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Espresso is confused. "No he- he's been with me."

"Did you hit your head or something? He came running out of the woods ten minutes after you vanished."

"Do you really think he would leave me behind? You've seen how often he bothers me."

"Wait.."

There's a bright flash of light from around the corner, then Madeleine runs out. He looks at the two. "ESPRESSO!"

The magic holding him in place fizzles away. He runs over and hugs Madeleine.

Madeleine coughs. "Ess, I am still very injured."

Espresso lets go. "Sorry! Wait, what happened to you?"

"Oh, all these injuries are from escaping."

Espresso reaches to move Madeleine's hair, but stops.

"What happened to your hair?"

It only reaches his shoulders now.

"Oh.. I will tell you later."

"How about we talk when we get back to the kingdom?"

In the background, they don't notice Red Velvet yell "Wha- Hey! Give back my sword!"

Madeleine smiles, his eyes sparkling. "We can eat donuts together!"

Espresso sees Red Velvet's sword. It's going to hit Madeleine.

Espresso grabs him, trying to move him away, but the sword hits.

Madeleine tries to move his head. "Espresso?"

Espresso doesn't say anything. He can feel the sword get pulled out of his back.

"Espresso, what happened?"

"N.. Nothing important."

Madeleine looks up. "Why are you crying?"

"It isn't important.. Help the others get home."

"Why are you excluding yourself?"

"Well-" The pain gets worse. "I can't go with you."

Madeleine is very concerned. "You are acting like you're dying."

"Because I am."

"WHAT?!"

Espresso smiles "It will be.. be fine..."

He collapses. Madeleine yells for Herb.

Espresso closes his eyes.