<span style="color: #FFFF00">"Whether he wakes up or not" the doctor said matter of factly "is entirely his choice. But, I might be able to help him hear you if that is what you might be worried about. I could try to explain my ... I mean, the other patient's experience with this, but I'm not sure how much of a comfort it will be to you. But if I could ask you, why aren't you married to him? I mean, it seems quite evident to me that you love him" the doctor asked inquisitively. "Never mind, it's not really my business. Here, bring the kids into the room and I'll explain everything to them in a way that they'll understand, as mysterious as it sounds. Umm ... I have to leave for a moment, don't open this folder on the table" was the last invitation the doctor gave to Audrey. He got up and left, leaving the folder on the table that he left marked "Stasis Patients" which seemed to be a collection of articles, magazines, and even some papers on the theory of what happens to someone when they have entered stasis. He had no intention of taking the folder back; if asked, he would simply ask Audrey where she had gotten the folder, especially with other nurses and doctors walking around and watching.<br/><br/>Returning to the room, he was not sure exactly if the children would be in there. After all, Audrey didn't have to bring them in. But in essence, if given the opportunity - he would tell the kids that Wesley had gone on a long journey and that he was now experiencing sensations and adventures he had never experienced before. He would explain this happens sometimes when the mind, body, and soul are under both guilt and stress **or** it might happen when the soul does not believe it is ready to do something very important. He had only hoped the children would both understand and believe that it was necessary for Wesley's body to be at home, perhaps in his own bed for home care.<br/><br/>The truth is, Wesley didn't need to hear machine beeps and doctor's jargon floating around him now; he needed to hear Audrey, Brandis, and Trevor right now if there was any hope of reaching him. At least, that was the way someone was able to wake him up.</span><br/><br/>***************************<br/><br/>Following Princess Kiara to the castle was not as easy as Wesley thought it would be; the kingdom seemed to be filled with magical essence and the gravity of the place, though appearing normal, seemed to be especially suited to the native inhabitants. It seemed it might take time for him to learn how to properly walk in a new world. The elves had bidden Kiara and Wesley good journey and they traveled by foot, Kiara holding the red daisy.<br/><br/>Wesley wasn't sure exactly what he felt; he wasn't totally sure why Kiara had taken an interest in helping him to get back home. But they had a sense of family that he lacked. They seemed to understand a plight of a child, a tear of an eye, and an anguish in the soul. "You know, if something happens to me - Brandis would be safe. I mean, I guess Audrey would take care of him. I mean, I guess I shouldn't do that to her" Wesley commented.<br/><br/>Other mixed feelings in his heart included the ... he couldn't quite understand it ... he decided to apologize.<br/><br/>"I'm sorry for grabbing your hand back there like that; I mean, I didn't mean any harm, I just ... well ... not that I know you or anything, but I felt like ... I felt like you cared and I just wanted to enjoy the moment." Wesley almost said something stupid like "made a connection" or something else that would make it sound like he was someone desperate. Then again, he was desperate, so would it have really mattered if he used the right words to describe the momentary connection he felt.<br/><br/>Suddenly, he heard a shout in the distance. It was hard to hear at first, but it soon came into focus. "Open the gates! Open the gates for her majesty, Princess Kiara!"<br/><br/>Wesley looked twice; a man wearing all black except for his chain mail and open silver helmet was doing the crying. He had a sword in one hand, and a hawk was on his left shoulder.<br/><br/>"Whoa, Princess" the dark haired man said. "Has this stranger hurt you? Have you brought a prisoner? I will do whatsoever to him you wish. Should my men tie him up and bring him to the dungeons? What has he done wrong, by the way?"<br/><br/>"I haven't done anything wrong" Wesley protested.<br/><br/>"Aha; he speaks and with insolence to the man of arms! Rest assured, young man, you must have done something. Why else would the Princess bring you here? What manner of attire is this that you wear, I've never seen this before" he stated as he gruffly felt the tie. Turning to Kiara, the man of arms bowed. "Your majesty, I await what form of punishment you would have me inflict on the insolent young boy here."