Hello all! Here it is! Feedback would be great! I hope you guys like this chapter! I'm really excited about this whole fanfic...it was so fun to write!!!

Kayti

They reached Newcity as the sun began to set in all its brilliance. He took a deep breath, fear welling inside him at the thought of what he would have to do. But at the moment, he needed to put that aside. Pacer had asked a passing rabbit, which of the treetop dwelling belonged to the king, and they had been directed to the palace.

It hung in the trees like a nest. An extensive amount of supports, bridges, and walkways surrounding the large structure, which spanned between five huge oaks. It was an architectural masterpiece. Large stain glass windows stretched high into vaulted points. The roof was high and vaulted, and he could only assume that the castle had two stories. Ornate doors opened onto large balconies, lanterns, and candles lit much of the city, and it was a beauty to behold.

As he gazed at it, he knew only one mind could think of something so impossibly elaborate and grand. And that same mind was probably the only one who could think of a way to make that plan a reality. He looked to Pacer and saw that he was thinking the same thing. They nodded at each other as they both said, “Heyward.”

“Yes,” a rabbit in a blue robe paused as he was walking by. “Did you need me for something?”

He didn’t turn around, not waiting to face Heyward, not yet. He simply said, “Just admiring the design of the city. We knew no one but you could have thought of it or made it happen.”

“Ah, first time here I see,” there was the sound of a smile in Heyward’s voice. Heyward then went on, “I had help from Emerson, of course, and the king and his brothers. But you said you knew no one but me could think of this, so do I know you?”

He heard Heyward step closer. He felt Pacer stiffen. No way to save this one he thought. He sighed, preparing himself to face one of his old friends. He turned, knowing he couldn’t hide it forever. Heyward looked shocked and seemed to not know what to say or understand what he was seeing. “I’m sorry for everything I did, Heyward,” he said quickly, steadying himself on his crutches as he added, “Please, hear…”

But Heyward cut him off, “Perkinson, how? How are you alive? Picket, he…we…thought… we thought he had killed you.”

“Pacer saved me…”

Heyward looked toward Pacer and seemed overwhelmed, then he smiled. “Captain Pacer, they looked for you. We assumed Bleston and his soldiers had killed you. Have you two seen the king yet? I am on my way up.”

Perkinson shook his head. Heyward smiled again. “Come then, all traitors were given pardon by Princess Emma after the Battle for First Warren, and then King Smalls extended that pardon after the final battle. But of course, you did the right thing to come here to request pardon personally.” Heyward had started up the stairs, and Perkinson slowly made his way up with Pacer’s help. The stairs were many and long. Pacer carried one of his crutches, and he used the other and the rail to support his weak legs.

“Then what we heard is true, Smalls is alive?” Perkinson asked as they reached the top step. He took his crutch back from Pacer and tried to get his breath back from the climb.

“Yes, Smalls and Heather both are alive. They are our king and queen,” Heyward smiled once again, looking at them and shaking his head in disbelief. He then said, “I still can’t believe it. You’re both alive, there is much to catch you two up on, but first, I believe you have apologies to make and forgiveness to receive.” Heyward then opened the door and ushered them in.