The castle was a peculiar case when it came to design. It was painfully straightforward in some sections, while others were a confusing mess of tangling hallways. In other words, you were better off staying put if you didn't know your way around.

Wilson was not one of those people. Although his memory was still a little foggy, he remembered the way out of the castle from every location. He mostly stayed to well lit winding routes, trying to stay away from any shadow creatures. His plan was succeeding quite well.

Just like that he was outside again, the musty smell of dusty castle replaced by clean, cool summer breeze. Wilson made a break for it as soon as he was outside, wanting to get as far from the hellish place as physically possible. He somehow knew that his Grue was still inside the place, and the presence of it gave him anxiety.

As soon as he was far enough away to feel safe, he stopped and leaned on a tree, breathing heavily. He never wanted to be near that place without his ice staff again.

After a few moments of rest, he began to walk. He realized the familiar ache of hunger in his stomach, and he looked around for some means of making it subside.

Carrots and berries were strewn thinly around him, and he practically dove for them with a sense of relief. After eating enough to feel ready to walk again, he stood and looked around, trying to figure out where his comrades were.

Everything began to catch his eyes again, and he spotted a trail of footprints on the edge of the treeline. He was impressed he saw it as he approached it, as the prints were smaller than normal.

Wendy's or Webber's. Child size.

Excitement coursed through his veins at the thought of seeing them again. He never felt this way before, unless you count his first meeting with Charlie. He began to follow the trail carefully and quickly, which was easy considering that his eyes seemed to see everything now.

His headache faded as he continued on, and he felt light, like the very wind was carrying him forward. This childish realization made him laugh to himself. Why didn't he ever act like this before? He felt great!

He stopped dead when he heard quiet sobbing coming from his left. Not even hesitating for a second, he dove into the underbrush to the sound, concern and curiosity pushing him on.

What he found wasn't necessarily surprising, but it was enough to make Wilson feel like someone kicked him in the gut.

Webber was sitting against a tree, legs pulled up to his chest. His spiders sat next to him, staring at their crying master, unable to comfort him.

Piteous of the young man, Wilson walked slowly up him. The spiders saw him, and attempted to get the boy's attention. When Webber saw Wilson, he didn't hesitate to practically tackle Wilson in a hug, sobbing harder. Wilson was a bit speechless, but returned the boys hug.