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  Scratch and Howl emerged from the shadows of the hallway. They looked around and noticed that their black coated friend wasn't present.

  "Oh, shit! Where's Shadow?" Scratch exclaimed. Howl looked around too, hoping their friend is just around the corner. "I don't know...."

  Scratch was starting to tremble from all the chaos. Howl looked at him and nudged reassuringly. "Come on, we need to get going...he would want us to continue."

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  Scratch nodded. "Right. Are you coming in with me?"

  Howl slowly lowered his head. "This is as far as I can go.." he said shamefully.

  Scratch understood. "Can't bear to see him like this, huh?"

  Howl nodded slowly. "I'll keep watch."

  Scratch nodded too. "If a knight shows up, you need to run! We can't face those things, even if we ARE human!"

  "Don't worry about me, Scratch. If one does come...I'll go find Shadow."

  Scratch nodded again and looked at the door to the King's chamber. His body trembled with fear and uncertainty. He didn't want to do this, but he knew he had to.

  He was ready to face the music.

  He took a shaky breath and changed his form. He pulled out a key Rose had given him, back at camp. He opened the door and slipped inside.