The Mysterious Case of the Missing Dodo

by TAstars

Everyone was ready to play a game of baseball, but Dodo didn't show up. "Where is she?" is the question on every Role-holder's mind. If she were dead, why hasn't a replacement shown up? As time goes by, they grow up, Alice comes and goes, but still no Dodo. When Daphne returns, will they even realize it's her? Will she remember before its too late? First read "Dodo's Ballgame".

1. The Dodo wants to have fun?

Okay, Daphne's back! For those of you who read "Dodo's Ballgame" earlier, and either reviewed or favorited/followed it. Thank you for letting me know you liked it! I was hoping for a few more, but I feel this story needs to come out! Because what I have planned, I have yet to read in any other fanfiction, so if there is one with a similar idea, tell me.

This is my first time really working with a story with such a large group of well-known characters. So I hope that they don't come across as OOC. Because I will be the first to admit, I don't know everything about the Heart no Kuni no Alice series. I've only read a few of the mangas online, watched the movie, read a lot of other fanfictions, and looked things up that I wanted to know more about. (not always finding any answers. T_T) I haven't read anything from Diamond, so I don't really know much about Crysta, Sidney, and Jericho. So any information, especially about Jericho's personalty will be greatly appreciated.

Anyways moving on. This picks up right after "Dodo's Ballgame", so I will retell certain things pertaining to Daphne and Deloris. I already went through everyone's general look, so if you don't want to read it, it's okay. It's just a cute story about the Role-holders playing baseball, and also gives more information about my OCs Daphne and Deloris, as far what their Role is all about. So just picture everyone as a younger version of themselves, without tattoos and piercings.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Daphne and Deloris at the moment; there will be more OCs to come. Everything and everyone else of the Hearts no Kuni no Alice series belong to Quinrose.

---

I walk home from the baseball game, carrying the picture of me and my friends after we won. That was so much fun! I can't wait to tell Deloris!

I climb up the ladder to our tree house. It was right in the middle of the forest, in one of the biggest trees. The home was three stories, and looked like any other home, only it was in a tree. Also, the house can only be seen by a Dodo; which is what Deloris and I are.

My name is Daphne Olivia Dawn Olsen, but all my friends call me Dodo. Deloris is The Dodo; it's her Role. I am Deloris's apprentice, because I will take over her Role when she dies. Which will hopefully be a long time away.

I walk through the front door, "Deloris! I'm back!" I call as I enter the parlor, and head towards her office. I pop my head through the door to see if she's in there.

Empty. Where is she? I start looking in very room on the first floor. Guess she's upstairs.

I walk up the stairs and check all the rooms. Okay. I'm starting to get worried. ...Maybe she's in the attic? I go up the stairs to the attic. The door is already open. I poke my head in.

There's Deloris, sitting on the window seat looking out to the evening sky. "Deloris?" I call entering the attic cautiously. She turns her white feathered head to me, her light yellow eyes looking tired.

"Daphne." She gives a small smile, and motions for me to come to her.

I walk over, and she pulls me into her lap. "How was the game? Did everyone have fun?" She asks.

I nod and show her the picture.

Her smile brightens more, bringing the life back into her eyes. "Looks like you chose a good team. Who ensured the win?" Deloris asks.

"Julius." I say watching for her reaction.

Her eyes widen in surprise. "Julius Monrey? The Guardian of Time, Julius Monrey?"

I smile. "Yep! He even got a home run! ...So what are you doing up here?" I ask tentatively.

"Oh, I just wanted to look at the sky. I always get so busy, I never have time to enjoy the simple things in life." Deloris says looking out the window while she speaks. She suddenly looks at me. "Daphne, promise me, to always make some time to enjoy the little things. Our life is long, compared to the others, which makes us think that eventually we'll have time to enjoy the little things, but we just forget about them." Deloris looks out the window again and speaks, more to herself. "We don't remember until it's too late. Now, I understand what Dianna was talking about." Dianna? She was The Dodo before Deloris.

"Dodo?" I question worried, about her words and actions. Surely, she isn't going to be dying soon. We've only been together for two years! I still have a lot to learn! I don't want to be on my own yet!

When Deloris turns to me, she looks like herself again, full of life. "Everything is fine, Daphne. You've had a long day, you must be tired." Just as she says this the sky turns to night, full of stars and the moon.

I yawn. "Okay. Night, Dodo." I hug Deloris and leave for my room.

First thing I do is grab my memory book. It's pretty much a diary, but I only write in it when something exciting happens, and most the time, have a picture or some kind of souvenir. The last entry was my trip to the land of the Foreigners. I start writing everything I can remember that was meaningful about today. Then I put a piece of tape on the back of the picture to ensure it would stay in the book, yet I could still easily take it out. After placing the picture under my writing, I close the book, and change into my pjs.

Once changed into my long nightshirt (not nightgown), and some comfy shorts, I jump into bed. It only takes a few minutes before I'm asleep. Yet, those few minutes were cruel to me. You know how when you're ready to fall asleep, then anything that could have recently come up to worry you, resurfaces? I remembered my worry about Deloris. She can't be dying yet!I don't want to be alone.

As I felt myself falling asleep, I felt a single tear fall down my cheek.

I was sitting on the ground. It was dark, I was alone, and I felt alone. I didn't even bother looking at my surroundings. I just sat there, with my knees up to my face, and my arms wrapped around my knees. I want to wake up! I know this is just a nightmare. ...Nightmare! I calm myself down some, and pray he's sleeping and will hear me. NIGHTMARE! Please come! I NEED you! I waited. I hate how in dreams it feels like forever, or like no time at all passes. Right now, though, it wanted to take forever. I could feel the sobs coming again, and I couldn't fight them.

"Miss me already? Really Dodo, you should- Dodo?! What's wrong?" I looked up. Nightmare was kneeling in front of me. His eye filled with worry.

"I'm scared..." I whimper. I feel myself calming down now that Nightmare is here.

"Of what?" Nightmare asks softly, urging me to continue.

"I think Dodo is... dying!" A sob wracks my body as I say the last word.

"You know she won't live forever. No one does." Nightmare says kindly.

"I know that. But it's too soon! I'm not ready and I-I … I don't want to be alone!" I curl in on myself more, trying to become as small as possible.

"You'll never be alone, Dodo." Nightmare says with a kind smile. I can see the world around us start to change, I put my head down to my knees again. Nightmare is an incubus, or dream demon. Along with being able to read minds, he can visit you in your dreams. Though if it were another incubus, you'd have to fear about them seducing and/or raping you... UH!Just remembering that conversation with Deloris gives me the creeps. Why did I ask her to explain what those words meant?! She should have known better! I was too young for that! Nightmare snickers as he listens to my thoughts. I look up at him, ready to glare, when I see all the other Role-holders standing behind him.

"Nightmare! Did you- Are they really here?!" I'm the only one who knows about Nightmare's abilities and sickness. Though, Julius knows about Nightmare's sickness and mind-reading ability; since he has to stay with him, when we live in Clover country.

"No. I just projected their images from your mind, to show you that you'll never be truly alone. Even if you wanted to be. You know we'd all check in on you." Nightmare says happily.

"Julius, Gray, Blood, Peter, and Joker just tolerate me. I'm sure they would be very happy, if I wasn't around to bother them." I say looking at the mentioned Role-holders.

Nightmare looks at me, a little bothered by my words. "Julius would never admit it, but he likes it when you interrupt him, ...every now and then. If you weren't showing up to bother him, I think he would venture out of the tower to look for you." I think about it. I don't know. Maybe. Nightmare nods at my thoughts and moves on, "I don't know Gray very well, but from what I heard in his thoughts, he'd miss you checking in on him." Nightmare smiles in a way that I want to smack him, because its a smile he makes when thinking 'weird' thoughts. "Moving on! Blood finds you 'not boring'. So you know he wants you around, even if you annoy him sometimes." Nightmare hurries after hearing me think about smacking him. "Peter... well, Peter is Peter. He doesn't really like anyone. Though, I think you're his least hated person." Nightmare offers lamely. Least hated? Wow, really make me feel special with that one. Nightmare looks at me a little exasperated. "I'm just telling you what I hear and see. The Joker, actually really likes you. Though, he calls you a 'toy' in his thoughts... Since you're the only one who isn't afraid of him or hates him. He'd feel extremely lonely if you didn't visit. The mandatory events, don't mean anything to him, or April season; it just means the others are there because they have to be, not because they actually want to be." Nightmare stops and looks around at all the other Role-holders' projected selves. "You don't realize, Dodo, how important you are to us." Nightmare sighs. All the projections flicker and then disappear.

Just like when they die and get replaced... I couldn't stop the thought, and the tears started coming again. The Dodo usually lives through at least three generations of Role-holders. So even after I lose Deloris, I will eventually lose all my friends, too! More tears silently fall from my eyes.

"Dodo. I'm sorry. I don't know what else to say that would make you feel better... Just let it all out. You have my shoulder to cry on." Nightmare says as he pulls me into a tight hug. I don't know how long I've been crying for, when I realize Nightmare hasn't coughed once. Uh! Please don't cough up on me! Even if it's just a dream, it's still gross!

"Hey! I'm trying to be a good friend and you think about that! I'm offended!" Nightmare whines, and pulls away to cross his arms over his chest. I couldn't help the laugh that came from seeing his reactions. Nightmare looks less upset and smiles. "Well, I guess if the only way to get you to smile and laugh are at my expense... then I'm okay with it." Nightmare's cheeks redden a little. Your reactions are the funniest part! His eye widens at my thought.

"You- you..." Nightmare turns his back to me. You're such a drama queen! I can see his posture stiffen at the thought, then he slowly turns to face me. "If anything, I'm a drama KING!" Nightmare raises his arm, pointing his finger at me.

I couldn't stop the laughter. I was reduced to rolling on the floor of the dream realm. Nightmare sighs and sits down next to me, waiting out my laughing fit.

"You're one of my best friends, you know that, right?" I suddenly ask, once I can breath again from all the laughing. He looks at me surprised.

"Really?! Wait! One of? Who else is your best friend?!" Nightmare asks shocked.

Well, I consider Vivaldi one, though she's like my older sister, so I don't know if that would count. I know I'm pretty close with Julius, though I don't know whether the feeling is mutual. I'm more of a sister to the twins. I get lost in my thoughts, thinking of the others. Nightmare waves his hands.

"Never mind. You're The Dodo, after all. It should be expected that you are close to almost all the Role-holders." Nightmare smiles. "But I bet, I'm the first one you've said anything to?" I nod. I've never really said that to any of the Role-holders.

Nightmare suddenly coughs up blood. He grabs his lavender colored handkerchief to cover his mouth. I pat Nightmare's back and wait for the coughing fit to subside. I was really worried the first couple of times this had happened, but I think I've become desensitized to it. I still care that he's sick. It's just that I know he's not gonna die from this, and its something that has to happen to get out of his system. He finally stops, and the world around us starts to blur; meaning I'm about to wake up.

"Hope this helped calm your nerves. I'll see you soon, okay?" Nightmare waves as he disappears. I feel someone shaking me to wake me up.

I crack my eyes open to see Deloris, who is the one shaking me and telling me to get up. She seems happy about something, but it just feels so off. Maybe because I feel like she's going to die. This happiness just doesn't make sense.

"What?" I ask, as I sit up, stretch, and yawn.

"We have things to do today. Today, is a day of just you and me together, having fun!" Deloris says happily. "The only business I need to take care of today, is at Clover Tower, then it's just fun for the rest of the day!"

"Okay." I smile at her. She leaves my room and I change into some gray pants, a three-quarter sleeved turquoise blouse, a black vest with gold buttons, and tall, black lace-up boots. It's a little dressy, but if we're going to Clover Tower, it'll be winter; so I need to dress warm.

First I tie, my electric neon blue hair back with a black ribbon. Then I grab my neon blue leather satchel, and head out the door.

"Ready!" I say as I walk over to Deloris, who is waiting in the parlor by the front door.

"Okay, let's go!" Deloris cheers. She then grabs my wrist and pulls me out the door.

The walk over to Clover was pretty quiet and uneventful. We chatted about the baseball game some more.

Deloris knocked on the door of Clover Tower. It was answered shortly by a faceless butler. By faceless, I mean, he didn't have eyes. Only Role-holders have eyes and, in certain cases, animal parts, depending on their Role. Like how my top layer of 'hair,' is actually feathers of the same color, and my black beak with a white stripe across it, is where my nose would be. Though, I still have a normal mouth. Deloris looks like an older version of me, just in her own colors.

"Lord Gottschalk is expecting you." The butler says as he ushers us in from the cold.

"Go see Nightmare, as I talk to his father." Deloris says as she follows the butler to the lord's office. I nod, and make my way up the stairs to his room.

Nightmare! I hear a noise behind his door. I chuckle, that never gets old!

He opens the door, with a glare. "Seriously?! Can't you just knock like a normal person?" He asks crossing his arms.

"I am normal by Wonderland standards. You should be used to it by now." I say as I walk past him into his room, then sit on the corner of his bed.

"You're in a better mood. So, I guess, I'll forgive you." Nightmare huffs.

"I'm still worried. Dodo said that today is just for fun. Me and her. Fun. No work." I say emphasizing the words that bothered me. "She's obviously sick. To act like that." I bite my lip.

"What's wrong with that? I wiiishh my father would act like that every once in a while!" Nightmare says as he flops down on his bed next to me.

"Yeah, but I took a day off from studying yesterday to play the ballgame, and did a lot to make up for it before. She should be after me to be learning something else." I say looking down at the floor.

"Well, I guess, you would be the one to know what's 'normal' behavior for The Dodo." Nightmare says.

"How would you feel if your father were dying?" I ask Nightmare. He's the only one who would have to face this situation. No one else had or has a mentor Role-holder to teach them what's the correct way to do their Role.

"Honestly? Don't get me wrong, I love my dad, but … I wouldn't really mind. He's been saying he's gonna die for a while now; I guess to get me used to the idea. …It means, it's my turn to do the Role. It's what he's been preparing me for. Plus, I'll have no one to be on my case about needing to do my work!" Nightmare adds with a big smile and a fist in the air.

Oh, Nightmare. I shake my head.

"What?!" Nightmare whines and sits up to look at me. "I said I love him. I never said I wouldn't miss him. … It's just it wouldn't hurt that bad, I guess." He shrugs his shoulders.

"Well, maybe, it's because Dodo has become like a mother to me. I willingly accepted her as a parental figure, and I love her with all my heart. She understands me in ways that none of you guys do. ...She's... my best friend." A tear trails down my cheek as I realize the truth of what I said.

Nightmare sighs and puts his arm around my shoulders. He then hands me his lavender handkerchief. I look at it for a second, then grab the collar of my shirt to wipe at my eyes.

"Seriously?! It's clean! I swear! I haven't used it ye-" That's as far as he gets before his coughing attack starts. He brings the handkerchief to his mouth to catch the blood.

"You really shouldn't get so upset." I say as I rub his back. "You know, that's one of the reasons you go into a coughing fit."

Once he was done, he looked at me seriously. "Dodo, you're my best friend, too. You really do care about my well-being. I don't get a lot of that anymore." Nightmare hugs me tightly.

"Can't. Breathe." I gasp.

Nightmare released me. His face suddenly darkens. What?! I wasn't thinking anything mean... Nightmare shakes his head at me, and puts his finger to his mouth, telling me to be quiet.

I just let my mind go blank; which is difficult when hundreds of questions were ready to fill it.

"You're right." Nightmare says so quietly I can't understand him.

"What-?" I was getting ready to ask when the door opens. Deloris is standing there smiling.

"Time to go!" She trills. Okay, she seems to be overdoing it. Nightmare nods.

"I need to say hi to Julius, first!" I say as I dash past her, and go to his office.

I walk in and am ready to say hi, when I see him slumped over his desk. I shake my head. That boy just doesn't know when to stop. I wonder how long he's been asleep?

I grab a pen and piece of paper, and write:

9:34

Hi, Julius! Dodo here! Wanted you to know, since you've gone and worked yourself to the point of exhaustion. Again. I've told you time and again- you need to take breaks, eat, and go to sleep in your bed. This really isn't good for a boy your age to be working so hard! How does your back not kill you from sleeping like that? Anyways, I digress... Wanted to say hi. So, hi. And now, bye, see you later. Hopefully soon! And you better be awake!

~Dodo

I place the note under his finished clock, making sure it sticks out so he'll notice it.

I sneak out of the room and quietly close the door. Once it's closed, I get my arm grabbed and am yanked out of the Tower by Deloris.

"Gees, Dodo, too much force!"I say as she pulls me into town.

"Where do you want to go?" Deloris asks stopping and releasing me.

"Hmm. … How about the library? I should probably get some more books." I say.

"NO! Let's go somewhere fun!" Deloris says sounding like a little kid. What is going on?

"Umm... the … Amusement Park?" I ask unsure of my choice.

"Good choice!" Deloris dragged me into the forest, and made the trees and vegetation move out of the way to clear a path. We arrive quickly thanks to the path. It's summer here, so I'm starting to sweat."Oh, we better change!" Deloris snaps her fingers making our clothes change to something summery. I am now wearing a gray tee shirt, blue shorts, and black sandals.

"Hello, Dodos!" Gowland greets us as we enter the Park. Gowland is the head of this territory. "Didn't think I'd see you again so soon, captain." Gowland holds out his fist for me to bump. I bump my fist to his.

"Well, Dodo wants to have a fun day." I say unsure about this whole situation.

"That's unusual, but I'm happy you came here!" Gowland says as he hands us some passes, for all the rides and to cut to the front of the line. "Have fun, and hopefully, I'll see you later. I have to go get some stuff from town." Gowland smiles as he leaves.

"What's so unusual about wanting to have fun?" Deloris asks as Gowland disappears around the corner. "You don't think this is unusual, do you Daphne?" Deloris turns to me, and I swear, it was like looking at a little kid doing the puppy dog face. How can I be honest when she makes a face like that?! I didn't even know she was capable of this!

"No, I don't." I lied with a smile.

"Good! What should we ride first?" Deloris looks at the surrounding rides. "Ooooh! How about that!" Deloris points to the tallest roller coaster in the park. Is she for real?!

Before I could completely comprehend her choice, I am dragged over to it, and buckled in before I realize I've moved. Roller coasters and I have a love-hate relationship. Mainly, I think the problem is that Gowland put them together, so they aren't that trustworthy. I've been on two where they flew off the tracks. TWO! So maybe you could understand my initial fear.

When the rides goes without difficulties, I'm fine. I really enjoy them, then. The worker was about to start the ride when-

"Wait!" We both turn our heads to see Boris running towards us. He jumps in beside me, and buckles himself up. "Okay. Hit it!" He calls to the faceless worker, who nods and hits the button.

"AAAAAHHHHHAAAAAHAHAHAHAHA!" We scream and laugh throughout the ride.

When the ride came to a stop we got off, and walked over to the games area. "So, what are you guys doing here?" Boris asks, his tail twitches with interest.

"Well, we're here to have fun. What else would we be here for?" Deloris says.

"Really? Then what do you want to do next? There's a new ride..."

"NO." I say. If it's new, then that means it hasn't been properly tested; which I bet is why Gowland went to town.

"Oh, come on! It'll be fun!" Boris says, making the sad cat face that makes me melt every time. Before I could condemn myself, Deloris did it for us.

"Lead the way!" Boris gave his signature Cheshire cat grin.

"Follow me, birds." He says as he takes us to a … new roller coaster?

"What is it?" I ask, unsure what to make of it.

"It's called, … the Rewind." Boris motions with his hands. "It's a coaster that once you go through, it goes back through the ride in reverse. So it's like watching something then rewinding it." He explains.

"Has Gowland properly tested this?" I ask, afraid that I already know the answer.

"Of course! Let's go!" Boris pulls us onto it. There was a faceless worker there, who waited for Boris to give the signal.

"This should be fun!" Deloris says.

"Alright, let's -" Boris was ready to give the signal when-

"BORIS! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Gowland yelled as he ran over to the ride. "You know I haven't gotten all the kinks worked out of it yet!" Gowland chastised him. The last time I rode a ride that went berserk, I made Gowland promise me that he would work all the kinks out, before letting anyone, other than Boris ride.

Boris, in case you haven't noticed, has no fear about dying, and actually likes doing stupid, dangerous things. I don't know if it's because he's a cat and he thinks he's got nine lives, or what?

Anyways, I told Gowland if he did, I would tell everyone, his first name is Mary. I remember his reaction to this promise. He hung his head, and said, "For such a cute, sweet, little girl, you really know how to be devious." It makes me laugh to think about it.

I can be devious, but that's how everyone is. It's how we survive. Some of us just show that side more than others. Or in my case, keep it hidden.

Boris flattened his ears. "Gowland, you ruined it! I wanted to have the bird in tears, and for her to keep her promise! I don't know what it is, but I want to know! No, I need to know!" He cried out to the sky. The fact that I had a secret driving the Cheshire Cat mad, is amusing. Although, it's really Gowland's secret.

I hit Boris's arm. "You wanted me in tears!? JERK!" I started trying to undo the seat belt to get out, but Deloris stopped my hands.

"We're riding! So let's go!" She motioned to the worker, who looked to Gowland, unsure of who to listen to.

"Gowland, get on, and I won't tell." I say through my teeth. If I die, I'm taking him with me!

Gowland smiled, "Sure!" He hoped in next to Deloris and fastened his seat belt.

"HIT IT!" Boris, Gowland, and Deloris screamed together.

I held on to the harness for dear life, praying that I'd live to see tomorrow.

"It worked!" I said after the ride. Everything went right, and it was fun.

"Yep, I'm actually as surprised as you!" Gowland says happily.

"I messed with it." Boris said.

"WHAT!?" Gowland and I say in unison. Boris working on a ride? And it was to make it work? Not malfunction? What has this world come to?

"Yeah. I got bored, in like a minute of Gowland leaving to get the parts. So I just messed around, and I did a trial ride, and it worked. Then I heard that both Dodos were here, so I hightailed it to where you were." Boris smiles. His feelings of being proud oozing from his being. I swear this cat just wants me to die from a heart attack.

I shake my head. "I'm impressed, Boris. You actually can do something good when you put your mind to it." I say crossing my arms.

"You! I'm gonna get you, Birdie!" Boris growled and suddenly had a knife and fork in his hands. What the hell! Where did he get those from?!

He licked his lips, and I ran for cover. I could hear Dodo and Gowland laughing at my expense. I darted around a building and worked my way back to them. "Aren't you going to help me?!" I ask as I stop by them.

"Why? Isn't playing tag fun?" Deloris asks.

"It's NOT tag! It's run or be eaten!" I say as I see pink coming from around the building.

"He's not serious!" Deloris said with a smile.

"Well, apparently he hasn't taken a bite out of you! And then compliment you on tasting like chicken!" I say and run for the games.

"He's done WHAT?!" Deloris screams after me. Oh yeah! I forgot to tell her about that! Oh well, Boris is on his own!

One thing that sucks being the Dodo; no weapon/item to have on you at all times. Since the Dodo is the peacekeeper, she should only need a weapon to break up fights. No one cares about defending yourself apparently.

I run into the game section of the park and scan the booths for something useful to use against Boris. My eyes catch the butterfly nets in a game about catching some difficult item. It would be big enough to get around his head and use as a leash. I like it!

I grab one, and run to the food section to help me, by making my scent harder for him to track. He always says I smell like chicken, too! Well, I'm about to teach you, AGAIN, that this dodo, is NO chicken! The other time had been when I caught Boris chasing Pierce. I know…at least I hope…Boris wouldn't seriously eat Pierce, but try telling that to a scared-out-of-his-mind dormouse. Not easy.

I find a spot to hide, that Boris should pass, and that gives me some leverage to catch him. I wait for a few minutes, and Boris comes to a stop right next to me, completely oblivious to how close we are. Perfect!

"Uhh, where is that stupid bird?" Boris huffs, he's bent over trying to catch his breath.

"Right here!" I yell as I jump from my hiding place, Boris is too stunned to move as the net encloses around his head.

"What the-?! How?!" Boris is shocked.

"Still want to eat me?" I ask, ready to start pulling him around by his 'leash.'

"Of course. But... I give up for now. Now will you take this off before someone sees?" Boris pleads, a blush crept onto his face. It was as bright as his hair!

"Well, since you put it that way... NO!" I say and pull him along.

"What if I say sorry?!" Boris is getting frantic now.

"It definitely wouldn't hurt." I say.

"I'm sorry, Dodo. Very, very sorry!" Boris pleads. I jostle the net a little, just to see how tight it is. Uh oh! It's not gonna come off easy. Better play it off as unwilling to give in.

"And?" I ask still pulling him through the least populated places and trying to ensure no one sees him.

"You're the top cat! I-I mean bird!" He adds.

"Thanks. Have you learned your lesson yet?" I ask, pulling him towards the public. Why not make him sweat a little. It'll be good for him to remember the next time he tries to do anything to me.

"YES! Please take this off!" He pleads.

"Boris, I want you to promise me, you'll never do this again." I pull him closer to a crowd who has yet to notice us.

"I promise! Swear on my gun! PLEASE!" Boris is really freaking out.

"Okay." I stop and pull him away from the crowd. "There are two things I need to tell you. … One, I'd take this off you now if I could. …Two, your big head is stuck in there!" I say trying to remove the net enough for him to understand.

"WHAT!? Get it off!" Boris started clawing at the net around his neck.

"We should probably go find Gowland so he can get this off." I say pulling him back to where Dodo and Gowland were.

"NO! Gowland might cut my head off with the net!" Boris was becoming more frantic than before.

"That's more Vivaldi's forte. Don't worry, I just need some tools from him, and I'll do it." I say trying to calm down the Cheshire cat. My words we barely registering with him. I let go of the net handle and start petting Boris's arm; it's the only way I know of to calm him down. Usually his head is better, but since it's covered, I have to compromise.

Once he's relaxed and I can hear a small purr in his throat, I take his hand and pull him to Gowland and Dodo. Who upon seeing the cat, burst into laughter.

"I thought I was going to have to get you for biting my little chick, but I guess she's bested you, Cat!" Deloris laughs and points.

Boris's ears flatten and his tail drops. "It's-it's not funny!" Boris says ripping his hand out of mine and crosses his arms.

"Gowland, can I see your tools?" I ask.

"S-s-sure!" Gowland laughs throughout his answer. He regains himself and retrieves his toolbox.

I look inside for a small saw. Ironically, he has one. I'm surprised that the net isn't made of some flimsy material. It's actually pretty sturdy plastic.

"Boris, you need to stay still, or else it'll be 'off with your head'!" I mimic Vivaldi. Boris cracks a small smile. "Ready?" I ask. Boris gives me a thumbs up.

After at least half an hour, I finally cut through the net. "Finally!" I say taking the net off of Boris.

"Took you long enough!" Boris says crossing his arms, and looks away from me.

"Well, if you would have wanted me to probably cut your head off, then sure, I could have gone faster." I say harshly. I turn to Deloris, "Can we go?" I ask ready to get away from the Cheshire cat. I can only take small doses of Boris at a time. This is one of the longest times I've spent with him. I don't know if its a bird-cat thing, or not.

"Sure! There's a show at the Circus tonight! We can go early!" Deloris says with a smile as she pulls me away from Gowland and Boris. "Bye, boys!" Deloris calls as we exit the park.

"Bye! Come back soon!" Gowland calls and waves. Boris stands silently beside him and waves.

As soon as we hit the forest Deloris stops. Before I can even ask, she snaps her fingers, and we're wearing our clothes from earlier. She then begins to drag me towards Joker's territory.

After we pass through the Circus entrance, the Circus surroundings shimmer and we are standing in the Prison. Uh, I'm glad we're in our warmer clothes again. It's always so cold in the Prison. I look around the gray stoned floors and walls. There are bars and toys all over. I look down at the ripped teddy bear with spots of fresh blood. I shiver, and not from the cold. Shoot, Joker's been on one of his rampages. I hope he hasn't killed everyone.

"What are you two doing here?" The warden asks from above. "If you're here without my counterpart, that means one of you must be feeling really guilty." Joker smiles, a mischievous glint in his unmasked red eye. He jumps over the railing and lands in front of us.

"Nope." I say automatically.

"Joker, who is in the Prison with you?" I hear the jester's voice. I look at the warden's hip, where his communication mask is.

"Hey Joker!" I call into the mask.

"Dodo?! What are you doing in the Prison? And before I even get to see you!" The jester says with disappointment.

"Sorry. It just sort of showed up after we entered the Circus grounds." I answer.

"Hmm...I'll be right over." The jester says.

"Great. Just what I need right now." The warden says sarcastically.

"Neither of us feel guilty about anything, Joker." Deloris says gaining his attention.

"Is that so?" The warden's eye narrows as he really looks at her. "You're lying." The warden gives a smile, that made shivers run down my spine.

"I'm here! Why hello, Dodo and Dodo. What a surprise! What are you both doing here?" The jester smiles.

"We're here to see the show." Deloris answers.

"I'm honored!" The jester says. "I hope my counterpart hasn't offended you or said anything out of line." He says looking at the warden.

"He's been pretty well behaved actually." I answer looking at both of them.

"Really?" The jester tilts his head, making the bells on his hat jingle.

I nod. The warden seems slightly surprised by my reaction.

"Since you came to see the Circus, how about I let you come have a look around. You can even watch the performers practice." The jester motions as if ready to take us back.

"Um, actually you guys go ahead. I want to stay here a little longer." I say.

"Why?" Deloris looks at me worried.

"I'm just a little tired. Come back and get me before the show starts." I say easily enough. It is the truth, but I also want a break from Deloris. Who knows what she'll drag me into up there.

"Okay. Let's go Joker." Deloris smiles and takes the jester's arm. They disappear back to the Circus.

"Why the hell would you want to stay here?!" The warden asks harshly, like I'm an idiot.

I look at the mask and point to it.

"What about it?" The warden asks.

I mouth the word 'off'. The warden huffs and complies.

"You said Dodo was guilty. Do you have any idea what type or why?" I ask as soon as I see him turn it off.

"I only know she felt guilty, she'd actually have to tell me why. I'm not a mind reader." He crosses his arms.

"Could it have been she feels guilty for keeping something secret?" I ask.

"Could have been. It was a strong sense of guilt, though. Usually keeping secrets isn't that strong." The warden says, still sounding annoyed.

"I think she's trying to hide the fact that she's dying, from me." I let it out.

The warden's eye widens in surprise; which for the record, doesn't happen often. "What?!"

"It fits. She's keeping something that makes her feel extremely guilty. Plus, all day she's been taking me all over Wonderland to have fun. It's like trying to ease her guilt of leaving me alone." I say sitting down on the floor, suddenly feeling weak.

"You're not gonna cry are you?" The warden asks, worry tinting his voice.

I shake my head. "I don't think I have anything left to cry." I hang my head. I feel a hand rest on top of my head.

"It'll be okay. You won't be alone. You'll have us, …and all the other Role-holders." The warden kneels in front of me.

I let out a small laugh. "That's what Nightmare said. Though, it's funny hearing it from you of all people." I say looking Joker in the face. I've surprised him again, but he gets angry by my last remark.

"What the f*** is that supposed to mean?" The warden says sounding more like himself.

I know he's angry, but honestly he's like a kitten that believes itself to be a tiger. I couldn't stop myself from hugging him. The warden freezes within my arms.

"It's funny because when Nightmare said I wouldn't be alone, you were one of the Role-holders I named that wouldn't care or miss me if I were gone." I snuggle my head into his chest.

The warden didn't try to move when he responded, "What the hell?! Of course I'd... … care." He forces the last word lamely. Oh Joker, you are so bad at showing your feelings. Plus making people think you're a total heartless jerk, really makes it difficult to do that, huh? You've dug yourself quite the hole.

"Thanks. I needed that." I say releasing him. I had learned from a previous visit here, that the warden can't handle it when you show him affection. Though, his counterpart isn't affected by affection, and will reciprocate it easily.

I look at the warden who is turning red. I bite my lip to keep from smiling. "What's with that look?!" The warden turns from me. "Stupid little bird." He mutters as he walks down the hallway of cells.

"I'll see you soon!" I call after him.

"Whatever." He says loud enough for me to hear him.

I can feel the Prison fading, and am now standing in the Circus. I look behind me to see the jester with Deloris. "Hey." I say as I walk over to them.

"I hope my counterpart behaved himself." The jester says.

I nod. "Is it showtime?" I ask.

"Yes. So we better get going." The jester says as he walks towards the big top.

I follow silently, thinking about how much more time I'll have with Deloris. It must be soon. I look up, at her back, since she's walking in front of me.

I walk faster to be by her side and take her hand in mine. This could be one of the last times I'll be with Deloris. I shouldn't be wasting what little time we have left.

---

So what do you guys think?

You'll actually get to see the last few 'days' Daphne has in Wonderland before she goes missing, so you won't have to wonder the 'why' and 'where' in this story. It's more of the Role-holders having to figure this out; which to me is the fun part!

Please tell me if any character seems too OOC. Although, right now they are kids, so they haven't fully developed their character yet. But still it'll be good to know once Daphne comes back. So please tell me!

I hope you guys like it as much as I do. Please leave a review with any questions, concerns, ideas, etc. I'm open to anything you want to give me. Even if all you say is that you liked it, it will make me very happy!