Wicked || larry

32. Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one

The world almost seems muted as everyone walks towards the castle. All the children are rushing to their parents aid and stressing over this intense sudden illness. Harry can feel the weight of the antidote heavy in his pocket but he remains quiet.

Henry and Bria keep their heads down as they starts to walk to the castle as well. The group is trying to stay discreet so Louis decided to go with his friends to avoid anyone spotting them. Harry can feel the empty space next to him and swallows thickly. He just hopes the space is filled when he really needs it.

He tries to remember the speech he's had memorized in his brain and each time the words slip away in a wave of anxiety. He needs to do this for his mother and his friends. He needs to do this for himself.

The castle seems more menacing as it comes into view and he can't believe yesterday he was dressed up in it's walls and sleeping with his boyfriend. How things can change so quickly is astonishing to him and he coughs awkwardly.

"You okay?" Michael whispers next to him and Harry whips his head to the left to see his friend watching him closely. Harry just nods because he doesn't trust his voice and Michael looks unsure but doesn't call him out.

People are filing into the large room and Harry's feet feel like lead as he climbs the castle steps and his heart pounds painfully. This needs to be done. These people can't keep living in luxury as others rot away.

He finally makes it inside and he expects everyone to disperse to their parents special rooms but they all continue to walk together. Harry gives Michael a confused glance and the boy shrugs.

"Everyone is in the infirmary. Better for you I suppose," he explains and Harry doesn't think so. If the children attack he's going to be outnumbered. Unless he smashes the antidote... But he promised Louis no deaths.

They all enter a large room and beds line everywhere. Harry's stomach drops as the moans and coughs of the royals fill the air and children are running all over to see their parents. The people that raised them.

"Come with me to see my family. It'll look less suspicious," Michael whispers. Harry turns to look at Henry and Bria but they've moved to the wall and no one pays them any mind. Harry just nods and let's his friend lead him to his family Harry has yet to meet.

They walk over and he can feel Michael tense as they come into view. Mulan and Shang don't look like the Warriors they are when sick. They looks fragile and weak and Harry looks away knowing he caused this.

"Michelle?" A woman's voice calls and Harry flinches at the name, as does Michael.

"Yeah, mom, it's me," Michael replies and Harry frowns at how small the boy sounds in their presence.

"Where is your dress? Why do you dress like that? You know I hate it," Mulan tells him sternly and Harry bites his tongue so he doesn't snap.

"Sorry. I rushed over when I heard you were sick. I wanted to see you," Michael whispers and his father looks up and shakes his head.

"Why do you always insist on upsetting your mother, Michelle?" Shang asks and Michael looks down, making himself seem small and weak.

"I'm sorry," he whispers and Harry feels sick. He's sorry? Sorry for what? Harry can feel fresh rage filling him and he grabs his friends arm.

"Can we see Louis?" He whispers and Michaels parents watch him closely. The boy just nods and clears his throat.

"I'm just going to show my friend where the Pan's are. I'll be back," he promises and his mother looks away.