Rule one-Always follow the disappearing Cheshire Cat…
Today is a very lazy summer afternoon, while I wait impatiently for my older sister to show up for my tea party.
The tea party-itself, consists of a medium-sized, circular table with a white sheet covering it, two medium-sized, white chairs, and a white china set-is outside near mother's favorite garden of red and white roses.
Although I'm still very close to the ash-color, mansion-which I call home-, my tea party is directly under the shade of an old willow tree; and, mother's garden sits just to the right of the old willow tree.
This spot also gives a perfect view of father's favorite new hedge maze in the distance.
Back to my tea party: I had given my sister her invitation a week before the small, tea party would even start, which is because I know full well that she has a busy schedule.
So, I try to plan around her.
However, the hours slowly pass by with not even a single sign that my sister will show up.
I call out to the passing house maids, of our mansion, and I ask them what could be keeping my sister; and, their replies are always the same: your sister is just running late, Miss Idella.
I could have told them as much…
Alice has always been late for everything!
An old butler strides out of the mansion, over to the old willow tree, and he stares at my lonely tea party of one, before he whispers sorrowfully, "Miss Idella, I'm afraid your sister can't make it to your tea party. Miss Alice's tutoring session is running late, so she sent a message to tell you: she hopes you enjoy your party and that she will reschedule."
"W-What…? T-This…is the first time she can't actually make it to one of my tea parties! How could she? Why is her tutoring more important than me?!" I cried heatedly to myself as my hands clenched the white sheet angrily.
"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Idella." The butler whispered apologetically.
"It's not your fault, it's my sister's!" I cried angrily as I sprung to my feet and I dashed away from my miserable tea party.
"Miss Idella, where are you going?!" The butler cried frantically.
"To the hedge maze! I need some alone-time, so I can think clearly. Please tell everyone not to bother me!" I called coolly as I headed towards the hedge maze.
"As you wish, Miss Idella…" The butler spoke grimly as he returned to the mansion.
XXX
I finally find the deepest part of the hedge maze, so I just stiffly sit down on the grass and I pull my knees up to my chest, while I wrap both of my arms around my knees.
"How…could she? She's my sister… Why isn't she here for me?!" I whispered hopelessly as I started crying.
I suddenly lie my head down on my knees and my medium-length, straight, black hair-with a red hair band in my hair-drapes around me like a curtain; and, I know, without having to look, that my hazel eyes are getting red because I've cried too much.
I sigh heavily as I lift my head off my knees and away from one of my favorite outfits: a black-and-white, checker, dress-which ends below my knees-, a red, pinafore apron, gray stockings, and black dress shoes.
My pale skin suddenly starts to burn from the unrelenting sun overhead.
While I stare aimlessly around the never-ending hedge maze, I suddenly hear a cat meow.
I just brush off the sound as I sign of my imagination, since there are no cats in the mansion or anywhere near here.
Yet, there I hear the same cat meow again…almost as if…the cat is calling out to me.
"But, that's just nonsense, Idella. Cats don't call people to them! They're just cats." I spoke reassuringly to myself.
"Are you so sure about that, Alice?" A strange deep voice questioned nearby.
I nearly jump out of my skin from the sound, before I realize that it's probably one of father's co-workers.
"It is, right…? Who else would know their way around father's maze?" I questioned skeptically.
"A cat might know of a way…that is, of course, if he can climb up high to spot an Alice in hiding." The same deep voice answered casually from up high.
I glance all around me until I notice something red-and-black move out of the corner of my eyes.
I turn my head towards the very top of the hedges; and, I suddenly spot a red-and-black, striped, cat lounging on top of a hedge.
"How did you get up there, kitty?" I spoke curiously as I got to my feet; and, I headed over to the hedge, where the cat perches on.
"I climbed, of course, Alice. How else would I get up here?" The cat purred indifferently as if it were obvious.
"Oh my…you can talk! I've never seen a cat that could talk before…" I spoke excitedly.
"What…?! You say that as if this is your first time seeing strange and unusual things… Wait, you don't remember Wonderland at all, Alice?" The cat spoke with genuine surprise as he sat up to peer down at me.
"What's a Wonderland? By the way, my name's not Alice… My name is Idella; and, my sister is Alice. You must have us confused; although, we look nothing alike." I spoke casually.
"Wonderland isn't a what, it's a where. And, nothing alike…? You look the same as ever to me, Alice. Although, I wouldn't really know, since this is the first time I've ever met Alice." The cat purred indifferently.
"If it's the first time you met Alice, then how do you know her name?" I questioned curiously.
"Everyone knows about Alice in Wonderland. It's where I'm from, you know, and where we'll be going." The cat spoke suspiciously.
"What do you mean 'we'll be going'…? I hope you aren't referring to me in that statement, because I have no intention of going anywhere with a talking cat." I spoke firmly as I placed my hands on both of my hips.
"Oh, is that so? Well, would you come along with me, if I wasn't all cat?" The cat spoke slyly.
"What now, cat?" I spoke anxiously as I removed my hands from my hips; and, I moved my hands, to place in front of me, instinctively.
Suddenly, the cat jumps down from the top of the hedge; and, as the cat is slowly falling to the ground, he transforms into a guy!
The guy-who took the place of the cat-has shoulder-length, straight, black hair with red eyes and pale skin; and, he wears a short-sleeve, black jacket with red fur around the collar, a long-sleeve, red-and-black, striped, shirt with black pants and red shoes.
Even though he looks like a normal guy, he isn't because of the red-and-black, striped, cat ears and tail, which appears out of nowhere!
"Oh my…! Did…that just happen?!" I spoke with disbelief.
"I tend to have that effect on people, especially when they see me transform for the first time." The guy spoke jokingly and with a warm smile.
"W-Who…are you?" I asked nervously.
"Just call me: Cheshire Cat. Everyone does anyway, so I've just been stuck with it ever since." The guy spoke coolly as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Would it be alright if I called you, Cheshire…instead? I don't really see the need to add the cat part, since it's so obvious after all." I spoke casually as I lowered my hands to my sides.
"That's fine with me, Alice." Cheshire purred unexpectedly.
"I told you already: my name isn't Alice!" I spoke indignantly.
"Alright, just calm down. I'll stop calling you Alice, since you hate it so much…" Cheshire spoke with concern.
"I'm sorry… It's just, my sister and I are going through something now." I spoke uneasily.
"I know, Idella. I've watched you two for some time now." Cheshire spoke absently.
"Y-You have…?!" I spoke anxiously as I crossed my arms over my chest warily.
"Idella, is that you? I've looked everywhere for you! You didn't show for dinner tonight; and, I began to worry about you…" Alice spoke sweetly as she turned a corner, of the hedge maze, and she stood facing Cheshire and I.
Alice looks the same as ever from her medium-length, wavy, blonde hair-a black hair ribbon in her hair-, with blue eyes and pale skin, to her clothes: a blue, knee-length, dress with a white, pinafore apron, white stockings, and black dress shoes.
"W-What's…going on here?" Alice asked worriedly.
"Cheshire, says he knows you, Alice. Is that true?" I questioned curiously.
"C-Cheshire…?! As in, Cheshire Cat…?!" Alice questioned uneasily.
"The one and only, Alice. Or at least, I am the only Cheshire Cat left anyway…" Cheshire spoke coolly and with a devilish smirk.
"Idella, get away from him now!" Alice cried frantically.
"Oh, why should I sister? You didn't even show up for my tea party… Why should I even listen to you?" I asked indifferently.
"Because, if Cheshire Cat is here…it can only mean one thing: trouble!" Alice spoke anxiously.
"Why, Alice, you insult me! I would never cause Idella any trouble…but, you-on the other hand-I wouldn't mind starting trouble for." Cheshire spoke coolly as he suddenly grabbed my arm and he pulled me closer to him.
"Let go of my sister, Cheshire Cat!" Alice spoke heatedly as she rushed towards us.
"You'll never make it in time, Alice. You'll always be late…isn't that right, Idella?" Cheshire spoke sarcastically as he leaned closer to me.
"C-Cheshire…what do you plan on doing?" I asked nervously as I stared up at him.
"I'm just going to take you to where you really belong, Idella. Wonderland has been waiting for its Alice to return; and, it will have an Alice again." Cheshire spoke seriously as he glared at my sister.
Suddenly, a blue-and-silver, crystallize, door appears right out of the ground; and, Cheshire lifts me into his arms as he turns to face the door.
"Take us to Wonderland, Crystal Door!" Cheshire spoke eagerly.
The Crystal Door slowly opens up, at hearing Cheshire's voice, and a blinding light shines through the door as Cheshire-with me still in his arms-strides through the door.
"Cheshire Cat, I won't let you get away with this! Do you hear me?! Don't take away my only sister!" Alice cried frantically, but to no avail as the Crystal Door immediately slammed shut behind Cheshire; and, it disappeared into the ground again.
XXX
The only things I know, at the moment, are: that the world feels like it's spinning out of control, but I'm stationary the entire time; and, that the blinding light, from earlier, changes to crystal blue as it surrounds me.
"Relax, Idella. It happens every time you use the Crystal Door. It'll pass once we get to Wonderland." Cheshire spoke reassuringly near me.
That's right, I forgot that Cheshire is still holding me…which is probably why only the world, around me, is spinning.
"So, you're taking me to Wonderland, Cheshire?" I asked with disbelief.
"Yes… We'll be there any minute now." Cheshire answered absently.
Silence fills the space between us as the world suddenly rights itself again; and, the crystal blue light fades.
Suddenly, the Crystal Door appears in front of Cheshire and I again, but once Cheshire strides through this one, we end up in a different place from father's hedge maze.
"We've arrived at Wonderland, Idella!" Cheshire spoke eagerly as he let go of me and he placed me on my feet.
A forest surrounds Cheshire and I on all sides, but this is no ordinary forest either because all the colors-in a normal forest-are gone; and, in their places are only black-and-white colors!
Plants, trees, and even insects are all devoid of color; and, they're just in black-and-white!
"W-Where…has all the colors gone, Cheshire?" I questioned worriedly as I glanced around.
"Oh, that's right, it's your first time in Wonderland… This forest is: the Neutral Forest; and, because of its name, everything is neutral here. Except, the guardian of the forest is the only one with color." Cheshire spoke casually as he stretched his arms above his head; and, his cat ears twitched suddenly as if they heard something far away.
"Well, at least someone has some color here. Oh, um…will we lose our colors if we stay here too long?" I questioned curiously as I stared at my clothes worriedly.
Cheshire looks at me with a curious expression, before he answers indifferently, "It's not something that has happened before, so I wouldn't really know. You'd have to ask Elodie, Idella. She would know more about this forest than me…"
"Who's Elodie, Cheshire?" I asked eagerly as I returned my attention to him.
"She's the guardian of the forest, of course."
"The one you mentioned earlier?" I asked with surprise.
"The one and the same…" Cheshire spoke absently.
"I would like to meet this 'Elodie', if you don't mind, Cheshire." I spoke anxiously.
"Fine, but she only shows up when people have questions that need answering…" Cheshire spoke seriously as he strolled deeper into the forest.
"That's fine because I have plenty of questions for her." I spoke eagerly as I followed after Cheshire.
XXX
"So, do you even know where to begin looking for Elodie, Cheshire?" I asked curiously as we kept walking deeper into the Neutral Forest.
"Not a clue, Idella… I've never really had any questions to bring to her." Cheshire spoke grimly.
"No questions?! Oh my…how can that be? Everyone has questions…" I spoke with shock.
"Not everyone does, Idella… At least, not me anyway." Cheshire spoke casually as he placed both of his hands behind the back of his head, while he kept walking.
Silence fills the space between us when suddenly, a red knight-on a white, horse with red armor-rushes through the forest and he stops right in front of us.
This red knight has short, wavy, auburn hair-which is halfway down his neck-, with orange eyes and lightly tan skin, and an entire suit made of red armor; and, the red knight has a sword with a horizontal, orange, hand-guard and a red sheath, which tucks in at his waist.
"Halt, who goes there?! State your names; and, your business in the Neutral Forest!" The red knight spoke heatedly as he glared at Cheshire and I.
"Cheshire Cat; and, I'm a wanderer…I go where I please." Cheshire spoke coolly as he dropped his hands to his sides.
"I, Crimson Heart, recognize you: Cheshire Cat. And, you…girl?" Crimson Heart spoke impatiently.
"M-My n-name is Idella; and, I just came to Wonderland by chance… I'm also here in the Neutral Forest to see Elodie." I spoke nervously as I glanced up at Crimson Heart.
"Y-You're…not from here?!" Crimson Heart spoke with shock.
I only nod my head in silence.
"I, Crimson Heart, recognize the newcomer: Idella." Crimson Heart spoke seriously.
"Oh, um…thanks, I guess. Can I ask you why you're called: Crimson Heart; and, why you need to recognize people?" I asked anxiously.
"I'm afraid I cannot answer questions, Idella. That job is Elodie's and Elodie's alone… I can, however, show you the way to her cottage." Crimson Heart spoke firmly.
"Cheshire, did you know Elodie has a cottage?!" I questioned with disbelief.
"I've forgotten unnecessary things like that." Cheshire spoke indifferently.
"Uh, Crimson Heart…would you mind taking us to see Elodie?" I asked sincerely.
"It would be no problem, Idella. That's what knights are for, after all." Crimson Heart spoke warmly as he turned his horse, in the same direction he came from, and they led the way into the forest.
XXX
Once Crimson Heart leads Cheshire and I to a clearing-in the Neutral Forest-, we all spot a rust-colored cottage sitting directly in the center of the clearing.
"That's Elodie's cottage, Idella. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to return to my other duties, so I'll take my leave of you both." Crimson Heart spoke formally as he bowed his head at Cheshire and I.
"Thanks so much for bringing us here, Crimson Heart." I spoke sincerely.
"It's the least I can do, for a newcomer to Wonderland, Idella." Crimson Heart spoke warmly before he turned his horse away from us; and, they hurried out of the clearing and on to wherever his duties call him for.
Once Crimson Heart leaves, I turn towards Cheshire and I ask eagerly, "Shall we pay Elodie a visit, Cheshire?"
"I'm sorry, Idella. I cannot enter the cottage because I have no questions for her… So, you'll have to go in without me." Cheshire spoke reluctantly.
"Wait, you can't expect me to go in there alone, do you?!" I asked with disbelief.
"Yes, of course. I'll wait for you to return, but that's all I can do for now…" Cheshire spoke firmly before he suddenly vanished into thin air.
"Cheshire…!" I spoke with surprise as I glanced around to see where he could have gone.
"Don't worry about Cheshire Cat…he'll be back. Also, to clear things up, he was lying when he said he didn't have any questions. That Cheshire Cat has many questions, probably more than you, Alice." A sincere, sweet, voice spoke reassuringly from somewhere nearby.
I quickly turn my head towards the cottage and I spot a human-sized, indigo, butterfly girl standing in the doorway of the cottage.
The butterfly girl's body is all indigo-with blue antennas on top of her head-, her eyes are a bright pink, and her butterfly wings are a mixture of blues and pinks.
"Oh my…! You're quite lovely, do you know that?" I asked warmly.
"Thank you very much, Alice. Everyone usually says that when they first meet me." The butterfly girl spoke sincerely.
"Oh, I'm not Alice… My name is Idella; and, what were you saying before about Cheshire having questions? He told me that he didn't have any!" I spoke anxiously.
"Y-You're not Alice…?! So, that means…this is the other story. Now I see! I, Indigo Butterfly, welcome you to Wonderland, Idella." Indigo Butterfly spoke seriously before she suddenly bowed to me.
"Um…thanks, I suppose. But, you ignored my question!" I spoke impatiently.
"Please, won't you come inside my cottage, Idella? I'll answer any and all questions you have." Indigo Butterfly spoke warmly.
"Oh, I guess that's alright…after all, it might just take all day to answer my questions!" I spoke only half-jokingly.
XXX
"So, let's begin shall we?" Indigo Butterfly spoke eagerly as she fluttered around the cluttered cottage with glee.
"Um…sure. First things first: what happened to the Neutral Forest to make it lose all its colors?" I questioned curiously as I stood by the cottage door.
"Please, have a seat first, Idella." Indigo Butterfly spoke sincerely as she gestured towards an ornate, oak, arm-chair.
"Oh, thank you very much." I spoke warmly as I strolled over to the chair; and, I quickly sat down as I waited impatiently for her to answer my question.
"Well, it all happened a long time ago…when Alice had just left Wonderland; and, she finally returned to her home. A terrible war broke out throughout Wonderland, since no one had wanted Alice to leave at all." Indigo Butterfly began with remorse.
"Oh, that sounds dreadful! I can't believe a war started because of Alice…" I spoke grimly.
"That was only the beginning, Idella. Something awful happened during the war, once the knights of Wonderland gathered in the Neutral Forest… They fought endlessly, shedding countless blood, until one day their blood suddenly dissolved all the color in the forest." Indigo Butterfly spoke coolly.
"That's so terrible… I'm so sorry that happened to your forest, Indigo Butterfly." I spoke sincerely.
"Thanks for your concern, Idella. But, on the bright side, war is now prohibited in the Neutral Forest, so all is well. I suppose…" Indigo Butterfly spoke nonchalantly.
"Do you still feel up to answering my questions?" I asked with concern.
"Of course! Why do you ask, Idella?" Indigo Butterfly spoke eagerly.
"Well…it just seemed like I've upset you with my first question." I spoke anxiously.
"Not at all, Idella. It's my job to answer any and all questions, so feel free to ask me anything." Indigo Butterfly spoke firmly.
"Um, okay, if you're sure… Why does everyone have such strange names in Wonderland?" I asked curiously.
"Ah, well, that's an easy one: everyone has a role and a real name, but the citizens of Wonderland can't go around telling just anybody their real name." Indigo Butterfly spoke assuredly.
"Oh, so it's bad to tell people their real names?" I questioned worriedly.
"It's not that it's bad to know… People can just use our real names against us, if they know how." Indigo Butterfly spoke calmly, before she ended her sentence with a wink.
"So, your real name is: Elodie? Am I correct?"
"Right you are, Idella."
"Does that mean Cheshire and Crimson Heart also have real names?" I questioned with disbelief.
"Yes, but I'm afraid I can't tell you their real names, without their permission to do so." Indigo Butterfly spoke grimly.
"Oh, it's okay! I understand now… Um, do you prefer Elodie or Indigo Butterfly?" I asked anxiously.
"Which ever you prefer, Idella. I'm used to people knowing both my role and real name by now, so I can answer to both." Indigo Butterfly spoke casually.
"Alright then, I shall call you by Elodie, from now on." I spoke firmly.
"I will happily answer by it, Idella." Elodie spoke eagerly.
"By the way, why did Crimson Heart need to recognize Cheshire and I earlier?" I asked worriedly.
"Well, Crimson Heart is a knight; and, after the war, all the knights' main order is to recognize friends or foes, especially in the Neutral Forest." Elodie spoke seriously.
"I thought war is prohibited in the Neutral Forest?" I spoke with disbelief.
"It's still prohibited, Idella. Which is why knights must recognize people, so they can prevent war in the Neutral Forest again." Elodie spoke reassuringly.
"Well…I suppose that makes some sense." I spoke casually.
"Any more questions, Idella?" Elodie asked eagerly.
"Yes… Are these roles, which everyone has, important?" I asked curiously.
"Definitely! Without a role, one just can't exist in Wonderland!" Elodie spoke firmly.
"But, I don't have a role; and, I certainly exist in Wonderland, at least for the moment I do." I spoke worriedly.
"Well, you have the most important role of them all, Idella!" Elodie spoke excitedly.
"Which is…?"
"You're the only one who can bring an end to this never-ending war." Elodie spoke seriously.
"W-What…?! I-I can't do something so important! You must have me confused with someone else…" I spoke nervously.
"I am never wrong about these things, Idella. I have a book around here somewhere, which tells the tale of Wonderland; and, the tale of two sisters, who both came from a different land." Elodie spoke distractedly as she flew around the cottage looking for the book she spoke of.
"Do you need any help to find it?" I asked sincerely.
"That isn't necessary, Idella. Just stay where you are; and, I'll find it before you know it. Ah, here it is…!" Elodie spoke eagerly when she finally stumbled upon a big, ornate, blue book, which sits on a wooden, pedestal at the back of the cottage.
Elodie grabs the book, with both of her hands, and she carries it over to where I'm sitting; and, she then places the book in my lap.
"Go ahead, Idella. Open the book; and, it will tell you all you need to know about your role." Elodie spoke anxiously.
"Um…o-okay." I spoke nervously as I touched the book's cover, which says in gold letters: the Book of Wonderland.
Just as I'm about to open the book, the front door of the cottage swings open and a green knight stands in the doorway.
This green knight has medium-length, straight, dark green hair-which is in pigtails at either side of her head-, with light green eyes and peach skin, and an entire suit made of green armor; and, the green knight has a green mace with a dark green, handle, which tucks in at her waist.
"Elodie, I have come for a routine check in the Neutral Forest. Nothing to report so far, but…" The green knight spoke formally, before her eyes rested on me.
"Halt, who are you?! What is your name; and, your business within the Neutral Forest?" The green knight questioned heatedly as she reached for her mace.
"Not this again…!" I spoke grimly as I sighed deeply.
"Emerald Clover, meet: Idella. She's new to Wonderland; and, she came to me to answer her questions." Elodie spoke firmly before I could answer.
"I, Emerald Clover, recognize you: Idella. Crimson Heart told me of your arrival in Wonderland. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance." Emerald Clover spoke formally before she bowed slightly to me.
"Uh, likewise, Emerald Clover…" I spoke sincerely as I nodded my head in her direction.
Emerald Clover raises her head and she smiles warmly at me, before she returns her attention to Elodie.
"Elodie, have I come…at a bad time?" Emerald Clover asked cautiously.
"Not at all! I was just showing Idella the Book of Wonderland. Won't you come in and join us?" Elodie asked sweetly.
"I cannot, Elodie. However, there were some…things I would like to discuss with you, but giving that you're busy…I shall come back at another time." Emerald Clover spoke seriously, before she turned to leave.
"Wait, if it's about your questions…I can make time for them. That is, of course, if Idella doesn't mind postponing our time first…" Elodie spoke anxiously.
"Oh, I don't mind. You've answered a great deal of my questions already, Elodie." I spoke sincerely as I handed her the book, which was on my lap, before I got up from the arm-chair.
"Thank you very much, Idella. I'll find some way to repay you." Emerald Clover spoke sincerely as she entered the cottage.
"No need to trouble yourself about it, Emerald Clover. It's getting late, so I was leaving soon anyway." I spoke casually as I headed out the front door of the cottage.
"Don't be a stranger now, Idella! If you have any questions, any at all, feel free to stop by!" Elodie called warmly before I closed the door behind me.
XXX
As soon as I close the door to the cottage, who should reappear but Cheshire himself!
"So, where exactly have you been, Cheshire?" I asked curiously.
"Oh, you know, just around and about… Did you get the answers you were looking for, Idella?" Cheshire spoke distractedly.
"Yes, most of them anyway…" I spoke tiredly before I yawned softly.
I glance up towards the sky to notice that it's already a strong shade of orange.
"It really is late, isn't it?" I questioned with disbelief.
"Time flies…especially in Wonderland." Cheshire spoke absently.
"Cheshire, is something the matter?" I asked worriedly.
"Nothing is the matter, just ask the Hatter." Cheshire spoke jokingly.
"Who's the Hatter?" I questioned curiously.
"Never mind…you'll meet him later, I suppose. But, for now, let's head to the Land of Hearts!" Cheshire spoke casually as he grabbed my hand and he dragged me off, deeper into the forest.
"The Land of Hearts…? Where is that exactly?"
"The Land of Hearts is to the West of the Neutral Forest." Cheshire answered automatically as if he recited it constantly.
"Why haven't you told me about it before, Cheshire?" I asked with doubt.
"Because, you were busy asking other questions with Elodie; and, because I never found the time to tell you." Cheshire spoke seriously as he continued to drag me after him.
"Am I to assume that there is more than one land in Wonderland?" I asked half-jokingly.
"Yes, there are four lands in Wonderland. The Land of Ice is to the North, the Land of Thunder is to the South, the Land of Crystals is to the East; and, you already know the Land of Hearts is to the West." Cheshire spoke casually.
"Let's not forget: the Neutral Forest is in the Center!" I added teasingly and with a slight grin.
Cheshire glances back at me, while he still walks straight, and he smiles warmly at me.
"We're going to get along just fine, Idella." Cheshire whispered sincerely as he returned his attention in front of him.
"I'm sorry…I didn't quite catch that. Did you say something, Cheshire?" I asked anxiously as I struggled to keep up with him.
"Nothing at all, Idella! By the way, we're almost to the gates." Cheshire spoke eagerly.
"Gates…? What gates?" I questioned with disbelief.
"Those gates, Idella." Cheshire spoke assuredly as he pointed in front of him and he suddenly let go of my hand.
As soon as we step out of the forest, a tall, iron, double-gate looms in front of Cheshire and I.
Surrounding the gate-on either side-is a tan-brick, wall as high as the gate.
There is also a small, white, sign to the right of the gate, which says in red letters: the Land of Hearts.
"How do you suppose we get inside, Cheshire?" I asked nervously as I stared at the ominous gate.
"We don't get inside…you do. I have business elsewhere." Cheshire spoke slyly before he suddenly disappeared into thin air again.
"Ugh…! Cheshire…stop leaving me behind like this!" I cried heatedly to the sky.
Suddenly, in the distance, I hear the sound of hooves approaching; and, I instantly become aware of how alone I am.
"Oh no…what should I do?" I questioned worriedly to myself.
Once the white, horse-with red armor-finally arrives, I realize right away that Crimson Heart is the one riding the horse.
"Good afternoon to you, Idella." Crimson Heart spoke warmly as he-and his horse-stood on one side of the gate.
"A very good afternoon to you as well, Crimson Heart. You nearly made my heart stop altogether!" I spoke casually as I stood on the other side of the gate.
"That would be a terrible thing for me to do, considering that the King of Hearts wishes to see you." Crimson Heart spoke formally.
"T-The King…w-wants to see me?!" I asked with disbelief.
"Yes, and right away too. His Majesty doesn't like to wait." Crimson Heart spoke seriously, before the double-gate suddenly opened out.
"I suppose, I should hurry along with you. I wouldn't want to displease the King…" I spoke anxiously as I passed through the gate.
"That is the right choice, after all." Crimson Heart spoke formally as he-and his horse-led the way down the red-brick, road we both were on.
XXX
-To Be Continued…-