"Do you really think this'll work?"

Minnie sighed as she glanced at the bag she was carrying. In it was the ointment Clarabelle had given her the previous night, as well as some bandages and a few basic medicines taken from their own supplies. She had planned to go to the castle on her own, but Daisy wasn't having it and finally got her way after a good deal of whining and badgering. In the end, though, Minnie was glad for the company.

"To be honest, Daisy, I really don't know. But it's the best chance we have."

Her friend frowned a little.

"Maybe we should have dressed a bit nicer."

Minnie couldn't help rolling her eyes.

"Daisy, we're supposed to be doctors. We might have trouble even with these."

She glanced down at her own gown and bit her lip. It was one of her plainest, but she still wasn't sure it would do the trick. Daisy let out a little huff, lifting her skirt. The street was paved and clean looking, but the duck always seemed to have a talent for finding dust.

Minnie barely paid attention. She gazed up ahead as they approached the castle, her heart fluttering with fear and anxiety. What if the guards refused to let them in, as they very well could? There'd be no chance of trying again, and if what she'd heard yesterday was true the stakes were even higher.

Finally, they reached the gates. The two guards posted outside lifted their spears, and Minnie could see the slight frowns under their helmets.

"Hold on there," one said. "Castle staff only, ladies. Move along."

Minnie felt her stomach twist, but then she thought of Mickey. Pushing back her fear, she took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Please, wait… we came because we've heard about the prince. We want to help."

The guards stiffened, looking at each other, then back at the girls, their faces much more strict. One lowered his spear, his voice firm.

"And just where did you come from?"

Minnie swallowed hard, but ordered herself not to show any fear.

"W-we're from out of town. We were passing through when we…"

The other guard interrupted, gesturing toward her bag.

"Let me see that."

Reluctantly, Minnie removed it from her shoulder and handed it to him. The guard rifled through it, frowning.

"Hmm…" He uncorked the bottle of salve and took a cautious sniff, then looked at the other guard. "Seems clean."

Minnie's heart fluttered hopefully, but it dropped at the guard's slight exasperation as he handed the bag back.

"Look missy, your concern's appreciated but I don't think any of this would do much."

Minnie felt panic stir in her chest; she couldn't lose this chance. She forced herself to speak calmly.

"Please, I know this must look strange, but I just…"

A small door beside the gate opened, interrupting her.

"Hey, what's going on out here?"

Minnie gasped at the familiar voice and stared as the rabbit from the tower walked out. His eyes went wide the minute they landed on her, but the guards didn't seem to notice.

"She's asking about His Highness, sir," one said. "Says they want to help. Could be they're genuine, but it looks like they've just got some local remedies."

The rabbit squinted, his eyes shifting from Daisy to Minnie. It seemed like ages before he finally said something.

"Let them in."

The guards looked just as startled as Minnie felt.

"But, sir… are, um, are you sure?"

The rabbit nodded.

"Don't worry, I'll handle it," he said. The guards looked at each other, then sighed and stepped aside.

"Right, milord."

The rabbit nodded a thank-you and looked back at the girls, gesturing toward the door he'd come out.

"C'mon, follow me and hurry up."

Minnie immediately fell in step behind him, shooting a quick glare at Daisy when the duck scoffed at their escort's apparent rudeness. She looked around as they crossed the main courtyard; there were several people there, from workers tending the gardens and statues to officials going about their business, but everything was oddly solemn and she couldn't see one smile.

They're all waiting too.

Slight unease came as Minnie realized they were heading off the main walkway, but she resisted the urge to ask why. One wrong move and they'd lose this chance, not to mention get in big trouble.

They went along the side of the castle until they reached a door that led to a small passageway, likely one used by servants. The rabbit opened the door to a small storage room and motioned for the girls to go in first. Minnie nodded at Daisy's questioning glance and walked in, her friend following rather reluctantly. The rabbit looked up and down the hall, then closed the door and turned, directing a suspicious glare at Minnie.

"What makes you think anyone'd believe that story?"

The coldness in his voice startled Minnie, but not much. She wouldn't be surprised if he blamed her.

I guess he has a right.

"It's not a story," she said, forcing her voice not to shake. He didn't reply, but continued to study her with a frown. Finally Minnie sighed and stepped forward.

"Please, I know he's your friend too…"

He gave her a sharp look and scoffed.

"Oh, and he's yours? Well, we both know where that got him…"

Without second thought, Minnie slapped him.

"Stop it!" she snapped, holding back tears. "You think I wanted this?! If it makes you feel better to blame me, go ahead! But this isn't about me or you, it's about HIM!"

She dimly heard Daisy gasp as the rabbit stared at her, eyes wide.

Finally, he looked down at the floor. His voice was quiet when he spoke.

"You… really think you can do somethin'?"

Minnie took another breath and nodded.

"Yes. Please, just let me try."

The rabbit looked up at her again. After what seemed like hours, he sighed.

"C'mon."

Her heart pounding eagerly, Minnie hurried after him with Daisy close behind. They followed the corridor deeper into the castle, passing several doors. Finally, the rabbit stopped in front of one and opened it, heading out into the main hallway and toward a large pair of carved doors. The guards posted outside frowned, but the rabbit waved a hand.

"It's alright, they're clear."

The guards relaxed and nodded, opening the doors.

Minnie couldn't help glancing around the room as they crossed it; other than the more masculine décor, it wasn't much different than her own sitting room at home. Even though she'd already gathered as much from their conversations, Minnie felt a twinge of warmth on seeing the similarities her and Mickey shared.

That warmth quickly faded as they approached a smaller door. The rabbit's ears drooped as he approached it.

"Just… let me do the talking if anyone asks, okay?"

Without waiting for a reply, he turned the knob.

"Oswald?" came a voice from inside. "That you?"

The rabbit, Oswald, sighed as he opened the door.

"Yeah, Goofy."

The room was strangely dark, a result of the drawn curtains. A gloomy red light emanated from the low fire in the grate, filling the room with a gentle warmth. A tall, lanky figure stepped out from the shadows with an inquisitive look, but Minnie's attention had already been drawn away. Her heart pounded in her throat as she approached the bed, then dropped to her stomach.

Mickey lay still under the covers, the only movement his chest rising and falling. His slow, heavy breathing seemed to fill Minnie's ears, drowning out the voices of the others. She pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the sobs welling in her chest as she gazed down at him. Even unconscious, she could see how much he was struggling. His pale face was tight with pain, and beaded with sweat. Up close she could see him wincing, hear his faint moans.

Desperate to comfort him somehow, Minnie placed a hand on Mickey's forehead and bit her lip at the feverish heat.

"He's been like that all night."

Minnie turned to find Oswald had come up beside her, his eyes dark with anger.

"Rusty knife… n' who knows what else that ape had on it. It's slowin' down th' healing. The doctors are doin' their best, but th' reactions are slow too."

Minnie suddenly remembered the medicine Clarabelle gave her. Kicking herself for forgetting, she grabbed her bag and dug out the bottle. Oswald cocked his head with a slight frown.

"That's it?"

His cynical tone rankled, but Minnie could understand. Looking at it now, she was doubting its usefulness herself.

"That's it. Can you help me?"

Despite his doubtful look, Oswald nodded and hurried to the bed. He gave her a warning look.

"It's not pretty."

He pulled back the covers, revealing the thick bandages wrapped around Mickey's side. Minnie pressed her lips together and helped take them off. The sight of the gash made her gasp. The only sign of improvement was that it wasn't bleeding anymore. In fact, it almost looked worse. She covered her mouth to stifle a whimper, then grabbed the bottle.

A pungent, earthy scent drifted out when Minnie opened it, but she didn't waste time wondering what might be in it. She looked around and saw a small table beside the bed with a stack of clean cloths. Grabbing one, she carefully poured some of the thick amber liquid on it and set the bottle on the table, then sat on the bed beside Mickey. She dabbed the cloth against his wound, a lump rising in her throat when he flinched in pain. She hated hurting him even more, but she reminded herself it would help and kept going until the gash was completely covered. Goofy walked up with some fresh bandages as Oswald watched.

"So, now what?"

Minnie sighed, knowing he wouldn't like the answer.

"We'll have to wait, see how it works."

Sure enough, he let out a frustrated growl. To her surprise, however, he didn't say anything as he helped Goofy re-bandage Mickey. As they worked, Minnie found herself gazing at his face. He looked so weak and sick that it brought tears to her eyes. Slowly, almost carefully, she reached out and took his hand, holding it in a firm, gentle grip.

"Mickey," she whispered. He stirred, furrowing his brow; she wasn't sure if it was in response to her voice, but she found herself hoping so. Despite the tears in her eyes, a soft smile tugged at her face.

I'm here, Mickey. I'll be right here for you… no matter what happens.