~ PANDORA

Pandora stirred from a deep sleep. She tried to ignore how much her wound ached, but it was hopeless. Opening her eyes, she almost forgot where she was. Still at the hospital, it seemed. She didn't know if recognizing the room was comforting or disheartening. Perhaps a little of both.

She looked to her right, where Howard always sat. Sure enough, there he was – fast asleep with his head slumped so his chin rested on his chest. Pandora frowned, she didn't realize Howard had grown out his hair. It looked strange on him. Why hadn't she noticed it before? Confused, she was about to call his name to wake him when a voice spoke up from the other side of her bed.

"Please do not wake him. He just went to sleep."

"How long has it been?" Pandora asked. She tried to sit up, but her arms were like noodles. They slid down the sheets without helping at all.

"You've been here a few weeks, Pandora. You gave us quite a scare," Pan answered.

"A few weeks?" Pandora said incredulously. "How?"

"Well you saved Luxa from another assassination attempt... again," Pan started.

"I remember that part. But then I passed out. And then I had all these weird dreams. Some were just people talking. A lot were about this room. Too many for my taste. And whenever I talked, I made sense to myself, but never to anyone else."

"I don't think all of that happened in your dreams. I've been here almost as long as Howard, and some of that could have been when you were awake. You've had a couple of bad fevers. Howard can explain it to you better than I can."

Pandora turned to look back at the man who took such good care of her. "Why does Howard look so... post-apocalyptic?"

"If you're referring to his hair, it's because he hasn't really left this room since they put you here. You should have seen Ripred two days ago. He got him by the back of his tunic and dragged him all the way to the washroom. Threw him right into the water!"

"Really? He stayed here that much?"

Pan nodded. "He hasn't really been himself. He usually doesn't say anything, unless he's talking with you."

Pandora looked down at her sheets in thought, abhorring how their color matched the walls. "Hey, Pan?"

"Yes?"

"Is there any way I could get out of this room? Even for a little while?"

Pan was silent for a moment, and when he did finally speak, his words left his mouth slowly as if he was thinking hard about each one. "You just broke a fever. It may trigger a relapse."

"But what if it helped me get better? The exercise? The fresh air?"

"I do not think Howard would like it if I..."

"Howard doesn't like a lot of things. He didn't like you telling me the truth about my condition. He didn't like when Ripred contradicted him. And he especially didn't like it when I argued with him."

Pan's expression changed. He seemed surprised that Pandora knew so much about what was going on in her own room.

"You know... now that I am thinking about it. Some exercise could be exactly what you need. Let me see if I can find a doctor who will approve you to start some therapy."

Pan was waddling towards the door when he stopped and turned back to Pandora.

"It looks as though you have some visitors," he said formally.

Who could it be? Pan usually didn't say anything when someone like Gregor or Nerissa entered the room. They visited her a lot. It was someone who didn't normally stop by, Pandora guessed.

A young Underland boy and an older woman stood by the door. The boy looked eager to enter the room, but the woman hesitantly kept a hand on his shoulder, advising him to wait to be invited in. Pandora guessed she was his mother. They both seemed oddly familiar.

"Hi," Pandora greeted.

"May we come in?" the boy asked.

"Yes," Pandora allowed. She cocked her head to the side as she followed the boy with her eyes. He crossed the room and stood beside the left side of her bed. "I know you," Pandora said.

The boy nodded eagerly and looked at his mom. "You do remember! Oh, I'm so glad."

"You're... you're Ciel. Right? That's your name... Ciel?"

"Yes! That is right!"

"Ciel has wanted to visit you for some time, but I made him wait until you were stronger to have such visitors," his mother explained.

"I brought you a gift," Ciel said.

"I led him down to the Overland Museum," his mother explained, "so he would have something to give you that you would treasure from your own land."

"We went and searched for several days. But I finally found something I think is perfect!"

"Awe," Pandora gushed. "That is so sweet! Thank you."

"Go on, my dear," his mother said with a smile. "Show her."

Ciel reached into his pocket, fished out a small object and held it in his outstretched hand. Opening his fist with a proud grin on his face, Ciel revealed a small, shiny silver tube. A battery.

"So your light can shine on forever," he said.

***

~ GREGOR

A few days later, Gregor was feeling like everything was finally falling into place for him. It was as if his life was one big game of Tetris, and the pieces now falling were the perfect ones he needed to fill the spots on his board that had been building up for a long time. One by one, the rows were clearing. He could at last take a deep breath and relax!

Pandora was making huge improvement. Gregor hadn't voiced his thoughts aloud, for fear of jinxing any forward motion and making her take two steps back. She had no more fevers, far less pain, and had started walking around the hospital at least once a day.

That was where he was going at the moment. Nerissa had asked him to go down and see her. She wasn't strong enough to support Pandora if she needed an extra hand, but Gregor could easily steady her if she lost her balance.

As always, he knocked on the wall next to the doorway before entering. Pandora invited him in, and he was surprised to see her alone in her room. Strange, Gregor thought, she almost always had company, especially during this part of the day.

"Where's Howard?" Gregor asked.

"He started working again a few days ago," Pandora said with a smile. "He's around here somewhere. I think it's good for him to leave for a while and focus on other things."

"Yeah," Gregor agreed. "And he's close by, too."

Pandora nodded her head. "So, are we ready to hit the road?"

"I am if you are."

"Let's blow this popsicle stand," Pandora said eagerly, flipping the corner of her sheet to the side and swinging her legs over to the edge of the cot.

Gregor always knew that Pandora had lost some weight. No one sat in a bed for weeks without losing some muscle mass, and her face definitely shown it. Her legs, however, were almost as skinny as Nerissa's. Gregor offered her his hands to help her stand, but Pandora tried to stand on her own. She ended up taking one of his hands in order to get to her feet, but was able to hold her balance once she was standing straight. She already seemed winded.

"Where do you usually go?" Gregor asked.

"We just loop around this part of the floor," Pandora answered. "It makes a square."

"How many times can you loop around now?"

"Three."

"Wanna see if we can go somewhere else besides the same square three times?"

"Yes," Pandora answered immediately. "I do... but I don't know much of this floor. I don't want to push it."

"Let's do it," Gregor said. "If you get tired, I can always carry you back. No big deal. But you won't know unless you try it."

Pandora seemed to mull it over as they carefully and slowly stepped down the hall. "You know what? Yeah. I can make it. The more progress I make, the faster I can get out of here."

The pair made their way down a long corridor and turned a corner. Pandora sat several times to catch her breath and get a short break, and Gregor could tell she was slowly losing steam and getting uncomfortable. Maybe she was in a bit of pain, too. She never complained, though.

"Here," Gregor said, pointing to a hallway up ahead. "I think this leads back to the hall where your room is."

"Alright," Pandora breathed. She looked exhausted and was gradually leaning more on Gregor as they continued to walk.

"I knew it," Gregor said. He could spy Pandora's room just up ahead. "There it is."

When Pandora saw her room, she stopped. Gregor thought she was going to head over to the nearest chair for a short breather, but she just stood motionlessly.

"Howard's back," she said.

"Great. You can tell him how far you went today," Gregor laughed. "I didn't even need to carry you."

"Gregor," Pandora turned to him. "Can I tell you something?"

"Sure," he responded. She looked serious, so he stopped laughing.

"I was... really glad when Howard started working again. I could finally get some time to myself. He's... when he's there, he's all over me. 'Can I get you more pillows? Are you hungry? Do you need some more water?' It's exhausting! I love Howard... you know I do. Is it... wrong for me to not want him there all the time?"

"Well," Gregor started. "I have noticed that you kinda get a lot of visitors. I hope you don't think I visit too much. It's pretty important to get some alone time. I don't think you have anything to worry about. You should probably tell Howard."

"Tell him what? Thanks for keeping me from dying, but could you get away from me every once in a while?"

"Geez, not like that. But let him know that you... appreciate his support and would like it if he continues to support you by giving you some time to yourself."

"Ok. That definitely sounds better."

Pandora faced the hall again and resumed their walk.

As soon as Gregor held aside the curtain and Pandora stepped in, Howard moved over to greet them.

"I saw you walking down the hall on my way here," he said, opening his arms to give Pandora a hug before helping her sit in the nearest chair. "You are making fantastic progress! Now, are you in need of anything? I could get you some water. Or perhaps a snack?"

"No thanks," Pandora declined. "I'm ok for now." She gave Gregor a little glance when Howard wasn't looking, as if to say 'See what I mean?'

"Well, I'm gonna go," Gregor said, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder towards the door. "I got some stuff to do."

"You're leaving already?" Pandora asked. "You just got here."

"I don't want to overstay. Just cuz you're in a hospital doesn't mean you can't have some alone time," he said. "Want me to swing by tomorrow? See if we can walk even farther?"

Pandora grinned and nodded. "Ok, Gregor. Thanks!"

***

~ PANDORA

The following day, Pandora was playing a game of chess with Pan when Howard came back to the room after a long day working around the hospital.

"How was it around here?" Pandora asked him as he entered the room. She turned from the chess game she was currently playing with Pan. He had promised to go easy on her, but she was still having a tough time.

"Busy," Howard answered. He took a sip of his water as he settled into the other chair. "Many soldiers are in similar shape as you. Very slow progress. Luckily, more and more are gaining strength. It is always a joyous time when someone is able to leave their hospital bed and go home to their family."

"Yeah I can imagine," Pandora dreamed of being one of the lucky ones who was able to leave. An idea popped into her head as she thought about it. Perhaps she could leave, too, even if it only was for a little while. "Hey, how's Perdita?" Pandora continued the conversation. "How is she doing?"

"Oh, the lieutenant left the hospital a few days ago. She has improved greatly."

"She's really nice," Pandora said. "I'm happy for her."

"She's very smart, too," Pan said. "Cleon would always talk about her whenever she crossed paths with General Eurymedon. Check mate."

"What? Oh," Pandora looked at where Pan had just moved his queen. Her king was trapped. "I thought you said you'd go easy on me."

"I did," Pan laughed. He got up from his chair and took a few steps towards the door. "Would you like something to eat, Pandora?"

"Oh, I'll get it," Howard said, immediately rising from his own chair.

"Are you sure? You just finished working a shift," Pan countered.

"It's no trouble." Howard turned to Pandora. "What would you like?"

"I've been craving some fruit," Pandora answered. "I know that might be difficult, but..."

"I can get you some," Howard said immediately. "Hazard always likes to have them. I know we must have a few somewhere. Would you like anything to go with them?"

"No, no. Just the fruit would be amazing," Pandora said. Howard was just about to leave the room when Pandora called for something else. "Actually, Howard, if you don't mind also bringing me a couple of extra pillows, I'd appreciate it. I'm getting a bit uncomfortable."

Howard smiled. "Not a problem. I'll be right back."

"Oh, no rush," Pandora said gently, watching Howard intently as he walked out of the room. "I'm really fine," she continued, knowing he could still hear her in the hall. "You don't even have to bring me those pillows..." Pandora wheeled around and looked wildly at Pan, speaking to him in an urgent stage whisper. "Pan, quick! Help me up!"

"What? What're you doing? We took a walk around right before the chess game." Although confused, Pan walked to the side of the bed. Pandora sat up and swung her legs over the side.

"We're leaving. Just for a little while. Please. Before Howard gets back. Let's go... oh! Let's go to the High Hall! I need to get out of here!"

Pan nodded his head and smiled. "You haven't walked up any stairs yet, but I'm willing to let you try!"

"Alright. Hurry! Let's go," Pandora leaned on Pan's shoulder as she stood out of bed. She gave herself a few seconds to make sure she could maintain her balance. "I'm ready."

Pan and Pandora made their way out of the little, private hospital room and started to make their way towards the nearest staircase.

"Up for a challenge?" Pan asked.

"I'm up for anything if it means leaving the hospital," she replied. Gripping the handrail and keeping a hand on Pan's shoulder, Pandora lifted a leg and placed it on the first stair. "and... up! Oh geez. I feel like I weigh a ton."

"Let me know when you need a break," Pan offered.

"I'm not gonna need one. I'm going to make it all the way up." Pan nodded his head and kept supporting Pandora as she slowly made her way onto one stair after another. It was always disheartening to think about how she used to fly up and down the palace stairs, and now could barely lift herself up one stair at a time. She was already getting tired. Perhaps going to the High Hall was biting off more than she could chew, but Pandora craved for the gorgeous view. If she could just see the city of Regalia for even just a second, she could withstand the stifling white walls of the hospital once more.

"Where are you off to?" A low man's voice came from behind her.

Dejected that her adventure was cut short by a doctor, Pandora looked over her shoulder, expecting to see someone from the hospital standing behind her.

Instead, it was two non-hospital-personnel Underland men standing on the stairs.

"I was just trying to leave. For a little while. I was hoping to make it to the High Hall, but I'm realizing now that it's going to take a while to make it up all these stairs!"

The two men turned to each other and shared a look. Then one of them said, "We could help you get there, if you would like."

"Really?" Pandora asked them. "Yes. That would be great!"

Pan gave the men some room to join Pandora on the stair she was on. She put her arms over their shoulders, and they held her by the underarms. They then took their other hands and clasped forearms, using them to scoop her up from the back of her knees. The fast motion made Pandora's chest hurt just for a second, but once she was in position, she felt much better. They had essentially made her a chair out of their arms.

"Let us get you to the High Hall," one of them said.

"Thank you!" Pandora exclaimed.

"It is the least we could do," the other said. "You saved our queen after all."

Pandora gave Pan an excited look and he followed her up every flight of stairs between the hospital floor of the palace and the High Hall at the top. The two men slowly and carefully set Pandora down and held onto her arms long enough for her to maintain her balance.

"Thanks again," she waved as they made their way back down to wherever in the palace they were heading to. "Well, that was nice of them," Pandora said to Pan.

"Really nice! Now, what was it you wanted to do up here?"

"I just wanted to look. You know? At the city. Get a scenery change," Pandora said.

They both slowly made their way over to the balcony. "It really is a beautiful place," Pandora said softly.

"It will look even more so once they get everything cleaned up," Pan answered.

"Seems like they've made a lot of progress, though."

"Excuse me, miss," came a lady's voice from behind them. "Would you care for a place to sit?" She held a chair in her arms.

"Oh, I don't need a chair now, thank you. I just wanted to stretch my legs for a while."

"Very well," the lady said. "If it doesn't bother you, I'll leave one close by if you change your mind."

"Thank you, that's very kind," Pandora answered.

The pair stood silently, looking out over the city. Pandora couldn't shake the smile off her face. She had been crawling out of her skin sitting in that bland hospital room. The view from the High Hall, by far, was one of her favorites. And it was even sweeter now after staring at the same four walls for days on end.

"Water, miss?"

"Excuse me?" Pandora tore her gaze from the city skyline.

"Are you thirsty?" A small child held up a glass of water for her to take.

"Yes, thank you," Pandora accepted the glass. The little girl ran back to her parents and got a second glass. She ran back over to give one to Pan as well.

"Your kindness is appreciated," Pan purred.

"Thank you both," the little girl said with a smile and a wave as she left to rejoin her parents. "For being so brave."

Pandora walked over to the chair to sit as she sipped on her water. She could have stayed up there for hours! Days! All you had to do was bring her some...

"For you, miss," came another Underlander. A young man held up a platter of bread and cheese. "A token of my appreciation. Thank you for saving our queen. And us."

Pandora turned to look at Pan as she accepted the plate from the man. "I, uh... thank you. Very much!"

The man gave a small bow before hurrying off.

"What's going on?" She asked Pan. "Why is everyone being so nice?"

"I have a feeling it is because you escorted Queen Luxa to kill our enemy's leader, saving Regalia from inevitable destruction, and then saved Queen Luxa from getting murdered by a spiteful group of extremists whose plot would have plunged the Underland creatures so far into hatred that they would likely start a civil war. It could be that," Pan said with a shrug. "I am not quite sure though," he joked.

Pandora gave him a smug smile. "Here, take some. I can't be expected to finish all of this."

"Pandora," came a tight but quiet voice from behind her. "How did you get all the way up here?"

Pandora didn't dare turn her head. She put down the bread and cheese that she was about to pop into her mouth and looked at Pan sideways.

"Looks like we've been caught," Pan whispered.

"No, it looks like I've been caught," Pandora said. Spinning around as much as she could in the chair, she turned to face the man behind her. "Howard, I..."

"You shouldn't be up here. You need to be resting. You can't heal properly if you're up and about all of the time."

"I know, but I..."

"Come on," Howard pressed, coming towards her and helping her gingerly get to her feet. "Let's get you back downstairs. Hazard gave you a few of his favorite fruits."

"Howard, I just want a few more minutes up here. Please."

"And that is a few less minutes of rest that you will not get today. Also, it is far too cold to be out here in what you're wearing now. We can't risk..."

"I can't go back down there!" Pandora said, attempting to be firm. Her voice cracked a little bit, showing just how much she hated the place. Howard stopped trying to get her to move closer to the stairwell. He had only managed to get her to take a few steps. "At least not right now. If I had to spend another minute down in that room, I would've gone crazy! The real kind. Not the fever kind."

"I know it can be tedious, but you shouldn't risk your health just for a change in scenery." Howard held one of Pandora's hands and placed his other hand on her shoulder. He gently started guiding her towards the stairs again. "You almost died several times in the last few weeks. Let us not become overzealous once..."

"Howard, stop. Please." Pandora did her best to yank herself away from Howard. Her effort didn't do much, but Howard still let go and took a step away. "I just want to stay up here a few minutes longer. I need some fresh air. I can't stay cooped up down there! You can't make me go back."

Howard's expression changed from steadfast determination to broken-hearted surprise. "Well, if that's how you feel," he said slowly. He looked down at the ground. "I'll leave you be. I'm sorry." He helped Pandora back to her chair beside Pan before turning to leave. Not once did he look at her. "I'll rejoin you soon to see if you need help getting back." Shoulders hung low, Howard made his way towards the stairwell by himself and descended into the palace.

"What do you think made his mood change so suddenly?" Pan asked. "Do you think he realized he was being more of a doctor than a friend?"

"I'm not sure," Pandora said sadly. "Maybe." She clasped her hands together on her lap and looked down at the platter of food. Even though she had only taken a few bites of bread, she suddenly wasn't very hungry at all. She looked out over the city and admired the way the torchlight made the place look as alive as its inhabitants. It was just as beautiful as before, and yet the view didn't feel as enticing and magical as it once had.