Swift traced his paw along the edged letters of the tomb stone. “Tai” He whispered in a choked sob. He was never thought to read but he knew the name was on there now in letters he recognized. “I-I’ve failed you.” Then he bent his head up into the sky and wailed at the sky letting out of his anger and grief at the world all pour out. He had failed her, his friend, she was the only creature that had looked at him as if he was worth something and he had let her die. If only he had learned to fight from Torrent or not let Tai go out that day. Why had he let her go on that walk? Tai knew, he knew, they knew that she was being followed. So why, why had he let her go? “Swift…” He turned around only showing part of his face to that wolf that had arrived. He knew the distinctive smell of sap and rotting leaves. “Yes, Conifer?” With a faint thud a piece stack of paper hit the ground. His fur prickled with annoyance, now was not the time, did he not feel at all saddened from the queen's death. “I suspect you don’t know how to read but it's mandatory. You're being let go.” “What?!” “Due to… recent events we are under new management and I regret to inform you that due to your recent injuries and the recently rebeleing cats we decided to… let go of our feline employees until our current circumstances come to a close.” He read it as if he were repeating a script he had said too many times that it wasn’t worth enough effort to put emotion into. “You're firing me because I'm not a wolf?” “I'm glad you understand.” “I have no were to go, I don’t even have a home.” “Your life outside of your work is none of our business.” “I see.” “I'm glad you understand.” Swift looked up at him in disbelief through the cracks on his bandages. “Why me?” “You know why.” “I understand.” “Good to know.” “I finally understand.” “Understand what?” “What my sister was talking about.” Conifer looked at him confused, it looked as if he was now paying attention. “You're going to regret this you know.” “Why is that?” “I was the last one on your side, I'm a dangerous enemy you know.” “What do you mean, you're only a child.” Conifer chuckled unforcably. “I was the one who let her out.” Conifer lost his smile “Your still missing the key are you? It would be a shame if something were to happen.” “What are you talking about.” Conifer's voice was deathly quiet. “I'm glad you understand.” Swift walked past him and breathed in his ear “See you tonight in town.” “What are you talking about.” Conifer seem to have forgotten how to breathe. “Good bye.” Swift walked out leaving Conifer by the deceased queen's grave stunned and alone.
Song: The factory of a better tomorrow - Little Big Planet 2
