I waited for a while to make sure Nightmare was done with his little speech. Then I began to feel tears welling up in fear and frustration and I stubbornly wiped them away. Stupid Nightmare with his vague stupid words. I don't get it! Stupid, stupid Peter who forced me into this mess. Stupid and...

...Dangerous. Oh no. I was so busy being angry that I forgot I could still be in danger.

My head snapped up to where Peter had trotted off to, only to see no one. Good, he was gone, for now that is. I massaged my temples, willing my brain to start working and my heart to slow down. Think, think, think! What in the world should I do now? What... was that Game about anyway?

Making up my mind, I sneered at the vial lying on the ground, picked it up and shoved it into my pocket. I don't care what the Game was about. All I wanted was a peaceful life, away from role-holders. Oh, I am so done with the role-holders for today. All of them! Getting nearly shot was not worth the soft bed and delicious meals. I would choose the safety of the forest over that within a heartbeat. I hopped up and brushed off the dust. Yup. I made up my mind.

I am so out of here.

I kept looking over my shoulder as I made my way to the edge of this town, which was less inhabited. The forest was still a long way to go and... Why did I get this feeling that someone was stalking me? I didn't see anybody, didn't hear anything out of the ordinary… But when I closed my eyes earlier, I was positive I sensed somebody. A presence, not too far from me. I hugged my shivering shoulders close.

Are my ... are my senses still oversensitive after the encounter with Peter? Or should I really fear for my life? I bit the inside of my cheek in worry while quickening my pace. Only one way to find out…

I slightly changed my path to walk closer to the shop windows, being as inconspicuous about it as I could. I could use the reflection to my advantage. Now, if I could just get the angle right…

There!

For a fraction of a second I saw the end of a long crimson coat disappearing into an alleyway. My heartbeat sped up as I felt anxiety rushing through my blood. Shoot, I was right! And I'm not happy about it! Just minutes ago, I was nearly killed because I was negligent, but it won't happen again. But... the fact that this person could creep up on me like this had me uneasy. I needed to ditch whoever was after me, fast.

I was approaching the end of the street and I felt the adrenaline rushing to my body. Perfect! If I rounded that corner, he wouldn't be able to see me. I am going to run like crazy then. It was not far from the forest. That had been my safe haven for so many time changes… Surely, I can outsmart my stalker on my own grounds, right? Unless he is as fast as Gray. No, Fay, this time it will work. Anyway, it's my best bet.

I readied myself as I neared the corner, mentally forcing myself to keep an even pace to not raise suspicion. Steady now, steady…

GO!

I dashed with all my strength, willing myself to go faster than I had ever ran. One near death experience is enough for the day, thank you very much! I zoomed past buildings without really noticing what they looked like, too focused on escaping. Luckily, the streets were deserted, so I didn't have to worry about bumping into someone.

Meanwhile, I strained my ears to catch the faintest of sounds. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Strange... I had to look back now. It will slow me down for a few seconds, but I had no other choice. I just have to know!

I quickly glanced back, prepared to look my enemy in the eye, but all I saw was an empty street. W-what? Did I get rid of my stalker already? I almost lost my footing in disbelief before I picked up the pace again. I should have been happy, but I couldn't shake off the unmistakable feeling of being watched. It's not that I lost him, oh no. It's much worse… I lost sight of him.

The forest was my only hope now.

I raced forward with renewed vigour. Maybe it was my imagination, but I could feel him getting closer. I tried not to pay attention to my surroundings too much, in order to focus purely on running, breathing and simply surviving.

Which was why I didn't see that stupid rock.

I tripped on the rock and I felt myself falling towards the ground. Everything went in super slow motion from then when suddenly, I saw a strong arm hitching itself around my waist from behind me as it pulled my body strongly against something warm, or rather... someone's chest. I sensed his close proximity, feeling his breath in my right ear and closed my eyes.

I was officially doomed.

My stalker then laughed merrily and my cheeks immediately exploded in redness as I realised who this voice belonged to. My eyes snapped open, immediately forgetting all the angst of the last few minutes.

Great. Smiley, of all the role-holders that could, had followed me. He didn't seem dangerous at the meeting, but I was still thoroughly embarrassed because he had seen me fall. And worse, caught me. I took a few steps back, not used to having someone so close to me, but halted when I felt a dull pain in my foot. Ouch. That's going to be yet another bruise.

"Ahahaha! You're a fast runner, but you need to remember to watch your step, Fay. Oh and hello, by the way!" The Knight said, while helping me upright. Was he trying to be funny by rhyming? How could-

Crap. What was his name again? I can't call him Smiley. Uuuuh... something with an 's' sound. Brain cells, work with me! Oh double crap, he's expecting an answer by the looks of it.

"Ah, yes. Hi. Sorry, I thought I was being shadowed, so I was scared… sir." I answered flustered. Ho ho ho~ dodged a bullet! I tried to stop a triumphant smile from appearing, but felt the corners of my mouth lifting anyway.

"No need to be so formal with me, you can call me by my name. I'm calling you Fay too, right?" He grinned carefree while taking my hand and shaking it up and down. I laughed awkwardly, muttering a nice to meet you while cursing myself.

Oh shoot! Why didn't he say something like 'you can call me blablabla'? How am I supposed to address him now?

"Uhm, thank you," I muttered. I shifted my eyes nervously elsewhere, trying to think of a plan b. Okay, there isn't a plan b. Please don't notice I forgot your name, please don't...

"Don't mention it! So, were you heading to the forest? 'Cause I'm going there too! We can go together if you'd like."

"Ah... okay." Oh. I was so glad he didn't press on about his name I accidently agreed. But… it's hard to be distrustful, when he seems so... normal. Already I could feel myself relax in his presence and I mentally scolded myself. Focus Fay, he's still a role-holder. I eyed his sword, keeping my mind on track.

The Knight grinned happily at my response and then proceeded to lift me up.

Hold on. Wait.

What?

"Hey! What are you doing?" Due to my shock, my voice went an octave higher than it normally would while I frantically waved my arms in an attempt to free myself. What… how? He just… I shook my head frantically in order to get a grip on reality. He just lifted me?!

"I'm protecting you, of course! From that mean Mr Peter! Rescuing damsels in distress is my job as a knight after all~" Wait, he saw what happened with Peter? Then why didn't he help me earlier then? Some knight you are. I slapped his shoulder to snap out of it and focus on my current situation.

"But still! Why are you carrying me?"

"You hurt your foot when you almost fell, right Fay? We can't have you limping in the forest. Now, onto an adventure we go~" He sang and started walking to heaven-knows-where. You have got to be kidding me. Is he for real? I struggled in his arms, but he was too strong for me to break free of his hold. Strong like the rest of Wonderland's role-holders. Is there some mad scientist who's feeding them super hormones or something? Why is everyone so abnormally strong in this world?!

"Put me down! I can walk just fine, it wasn't sprained or anything... Put me down right now, Smiley! Let me go!" I said as I tried to at least kick my legs free.

He abruptly stopped and peered down at me. Big ruby eyes stared at me curiously. I froze in realisation of what I had done.

Oooooh no. Ooooh bloody hell no. By the owl of Minerva, please tell me I didn't just say what I think I have just said.

"Smiley?" He said surprised, his ever-present smiling face gone and replaced by a blank stare. I did my best to look as innocent as possible, trying to fool him into thinking nothing's wrong and that he's hearing things. Of course, I failed and was forced to look elsewhere.

"Did you just call me Smiley?" I could hear the hint of laughter in his voice and I died a little inwardly. I held my tongue stubbornly, knowing that anything I would say at a time like this would be suspicious.

I carefully peeked at his face, seeing it was far too close to my liking. Oh my gosh, he was too handsome for goodness' sake! I felt my cheeks burn as our eyes locked. My heart stuttered uncomfortably. I quickly put my hands in front of his eyes so he wouldn't see my cherry red face. He grinned widely at this, even though his eyes were covered. That grin! If only my hands were bigger, then I could cover his entire ridiculous handsome face.

"Aaawh, are you embarrassed that you gave me a nickname? Or did you forget my name, hmm?"

"Of course I know your name! It's… Ace." I suddenly remembered his name, thanking the heavens as I did. Brain, I love you. If I could do a high five with you then, I would have.

"Then it's a nickname? You're so adorable, Fay!" He laughed loudly and my face went a deeper shade of red as my brilliant moment of recollection backfired. It wouldn't surprise me if this blush was forever etched on my cheeks now. But he was just too close… And I was still in his arms for crying out loud!

As if he sensed my discomfort, he held me even closer than before. Oh, no you don't!

"I'm not adorable and you have to put me down! Now! Please!" I said desperately. I sounded like I was begging and threatening at the same time but I didn't care. I just needed to feel the ground beneath my feet.

"No can do~" He sang. "But can you remove your hands, I already know you're blushing and walking is easier when I can actually see what's in front of me."

OH MY GOSH HE KNOWS I AM BLUSHING. Did he see my face through the tiny gaps in between my fingers?! Aaaaargh I want to disappear so badly now… My heart can't take so many embarrassing moments!

"No, I'm not doing that until you put me down!" And until my blush had died down, but I won't tell him that.

"Theeeeen… I'll just have to walk like this while you give me directions," he smiled triumphantly, like he had just solved a complex problem.

I sighed deeply at his logic, and felt like I had lived for a thousand years. This guy... he was way too carefree! But I won't give up, I will not let him see me when I'm all flustered.

"Okay, fine. I'll guide you. Please keep walking straight."

And then we had the most awkward 'adventure' in my life as I tried to guide him.

"Oh! Wait, go a little to the left, there's a boulder there. No, THAT'S RIGHT! Go to the other left! We'll go into the bushes if we don't- Okay fine go into the bushes. No go to the left again. Careful, there are some low hanging branches. Hey, can you put me- OUCH! That was a tree, why did you suddenly turn? Are you trying to injure me? You should really… Woah hold on, we're straying from the path. Ace, are you even listening? ACE! Dammit Smiley, listen to me!" I roared as the singsong Knight kept on humming, probably enjoying having me all frustrated in his arms. To make matters worse, I had this awful feeling he was rocking me along the tune. Oh for the love of-

Suddenly, I fell silent as I looked around. I dully noticed that Ace began humming what seemed like the song's second verse. My eyes shifted from tree to tree. I… don't know these parts of the forest. I hadn't had the chance to explore it after that weird move.

I looked back at Smiley. Oh boy.

I will never make it out of here alive with this airhead.