Collaboration between Tanderbolt and Ghost Shadow -- Henry paced down the sidewalk faster-than-appropriate, a slight bounce to his step. He didn't focus on anyone or anything besides the music that streamed through his Walkman, everything horrible that had happened to him would finally be reconciled - and he would have...[i]peace[/i] He entered the hospital for what was the second time today, not bothering to take his headphones off as he signed in as a volunteer, receiving a dark glare from Ms. Lezowski - who, as Faye aptly put, didn't look too happy at being snuck past. Henry chose to ignore her glare, however, and pinned his nametag onto his coat before strolling through the double-doors and down the hall. The amply spacious room that occupied Snow White was as it always was: dim and sterile, and yet, somewhat cozy. Henry took off his headphones as he entered, that same warm smile on his face - hopeful, sincere. As he stood there, almost afraid to move forward, the music continued to play through his player - the song almost ironic, given the situation... [i]Unforgettable In every way, And forever more That's how you'll stay. That's why, darling, it's incredible That someone so unforgettable Thinks that I am Unforgettable, too.[/i] "Oh!" Henry vocalized, reaching his hand down and pressing 'Stop' with a small flush on his cheeks. "You're not even awake yet and I'm already being awkward." He admitted with a chuckle as he finally stepped up to the side of the bed. "I know you can't hear me yet Snow--" he began solemnly, eyes both sad and hopeful at the same time. "--But I've waited a long time to see you again. Heh...come to think of it, you've never seen me without a tail and four paws. Isn't that something? Bugger [i]Prince Charming[/i], he doesn't deserve you...no one does. But I'll try my best." He ended wistfully before leaning his head in over the bed and letting his lips just barely meet hers. He stayed like this for just a second, pulling back in confusion. "Did I do something wrong?" He asked aloud, scratching the back of his head perplexedly. He tried again, this time trying to muster more fervency into the kiss - again, nothing. "Snow? [i]Please[/i] wake up..." he plead, the once-bright, hopeful tone in his voice fading. He gently shook her by the arm, as if she just needed to be beckoned from her sleep. As if thinking it would do anymore, he kissed her once more, almost roughly as fresh tears stung the edge of his eyes. "Come on, wake up...*Wake up*!" He cried out despairingly, squeezing her bedpost with enough force to turn his knuckles white. As if realizing the truth of the matter, the still-steady [i]beeping[/i] of Snow's heart monitor reminding him constantly, he slowly sunk down to the floor, burying his head in his hands and sobbing quietly. It was all quite clear to him now: He was alone... -- [i]Many years ago.... The Cat strolled about his portion of the castle curiously. Though he'd already been staying there for a few days, there were still new things to find and discover. "Hm...Snow's late. Usually she's here by now." He said aloud to no-one-in-particular. It seemed like the young woman always made time for him, even with her busy schedule. "Might as well wait somewhere convenient." He added before disappearing in a bright orange flash, leaving a silhouette of his figure for just a moment before it faded. Chesh landed in what would be considered his 'bedroom', the same room that they first met in when Snow had been fervently looking for her tiara, which, the Cat had learned, was a gift from her dearly-departed mother. Snow walked into the room, looking for a moment of peace. Her head was hung low and a few tears could be seen streaming from her eyes, a fraction of those that she had cried that day. Lost in introspection, she didn't notice the cat in the room as she found a chair to sit down on. The Cat walked slowly towards her, his own eyes empathetic - off-setting his grin. "I heard what happened, my dear." He began solemnly, letting his tail simply fall instead of swish as it usually did when he was speaking. "Your father was much beloved throughout the castle. He will be missed..." The Cat wasn't sure what else he could say. Were he human, he could do more - say more. Hold her hand, hug her, do *something* other than sit there looking positively amused when he wanted to mourn with her. He only watched King Leopold from a distance, never speaking to the man; but he was just and fair, as any true ruler should be. Snow took a moment befoe speaking, trying to collect her words. "This wasn't normal, this isn't how men are supposed to die. I remember my Mother's death, but that was expected, natural, almost like it was fated to happen. I can't see this the same way, he's gone, not because of natural phenomenon, but because of the choices that someone out there made." Maybe the cat would be able to help her deal with her sorrows, she thought to herself. If what he had said of life in Wonderland was true, this wasn't the first time he had witnessed an unnatural death. "The reports I heard gave reference to a...venom from a bite of sorts - potent enough to kill and an Agrabah Viper was found in his sheets. The guards say they saw no stranger or assassin, and I, myself found nothing of note - but there are whispers though, that your father's advisor, being from Agrabah, is to blame. But, please, my friend, don't let such horrid thoughts remain in your head, precious one. Remember the king for who he was and what he meant to you and to the rest of the kingdom, relish in it - or be swallowed by the pain and self-loathing..." He said, his tone turning aloof and pained, as he knew internally that he was suffering the same fate he was warning her against. She wiped away some of her tears, showing a bit more composure. She looked into the cat's eyes, and said "I don't blame myself, but I wish I knew who could do something like this. I don't think I've ever met anyone who was evil enough to even think of this. In all your travels, have you ever seen someone who would want to kill a man as noble as my father?" "I've met many cruel and vile people who would slaughter scores of men like your father without hesitation. They are men, and women without remorse or empathy. But they do exist...allow me to ask you this, Snow: can there be good, if there is no evil?" He asked wisely, yet his eyes were still sympathetic and kindly. Snow stood up, and her tears had now stopped. She had a little more confidence in her voice when she said "Chesh, I know that there is evil out there, it just shocked me to witness it so suddenly and dramatically. Evil is distancing oneself from good, falling away from path of righteousness. Even allowing the slightest concession means leting evil into your heart. Everyone must choose their road, no one else can do it for you, and it is either one or the other. I hope you will remember this, and journey together with me through the hardships that life throws at both of us. " Chesh seemed to hesitate before speaking. In truth, he was an enemy of law and order - preferring freedom and random chance, chaos. But he hadn't the heart to argue with her philosophy at this time, the wound of loss so fresh and open to infection. The wound would heal, but leave a mark - the scar tissue that would remain forever. "I am, and always will be with you, Snow. No matter what..." He promised sincerely.[/i]