The Game of All Hallow's Eve

When Alice ignores the warnings the Jokers have given her about a mysterious spade key she'd found at a thrift store, she soon finds herself facing the role holders… as monsters! Can she break this spell before the end of All Hallow's Eve?

1. One Two, Jokers Coming For You

Colored leaves crunched noisily beneath her feet as Alice Liddell stepped out of the winter barrier that belonged to Clover Tower and headed towards the town nearby Hatter Territory. It was fall for the mafia, and Alice felt herself smiling at the beautiful scenery of the autumn weather.

The town wasn't busy, nor was it empty, but more of a mixture inbetween. Faceless citizens walked about in stories, purchasing their necessities and leaving for home. Alice was on her way to the Hatter's to borrow some of Blood's books; at least, that was what she thought, until she happened to pass by a small thrift store on her left.

Pausing, the brunette glanced in the window, suddenly mesmerized by the small articles of clothing and little knickknacks on display. Checking her coin purse, Alice smiled, stepping into the store.

I should have enough for something. she thought to herself pleasantly, her blue orbs straying about the store. Several glass figurines sat on wooden tables and pretty gowns hung on wire hangers. However, it wasn't long before she spotted something shining out of the corner of her eye.

Curious, the brunette leaned down, examining the metal. It was… a key? Yes, indeed, it was a blue key. Its metal was a tad rusted, and the head of a spade rested on the top.

"What a strange key." Alice thought to herself out loud, picking up the item and standing upright. She twirled the item in her hands, watching the dim lamps' light dance along the metal. "I wonder what it goes to…"

"Miss, can I help you?"

Startled, Alice spun around abruptly, her blue eyes wide. She quickly calmed down once she realized it was just a faceless cashier. Smiling her politest, she nodded, "Yes. I was wondering what this key goes to."

The cashier took the metal item carefully from the foreigner, examining it in confusion. Frowning, she replied, "I'm… not sure. I've never seen this here before. Where did you find this?"

Alice pointed at the floor. "Right here, actually. It looked pretty nice…"

The faceless smiled, dropping the key into the girl's palm. "Well, I suppose since it doesn't belong here, you can have it."

The teen's eyebrows raised. "Really? Are you sure it doesn't go to anything? I wouldn't want to take it and have it belong to something…"

"No, I'm sure we've never sold anything like that." The faceless insisted with a quick nod. "If you like it, you can have it."

Alice smiled broadly, nodding once. "Thank you very much!" With that, the teen walked out of the store, twirling the key in her hands; mesmerized by it.

I wonder what it goes to… she thought to herself, examining the piece. Maybe it's a skeleton key…? That'd be a pretty dangerous thing to have around… I should keep it with me for safes keeping…

With all her thinking, Alice hadn't noticed she'd stumbled into Joker forest, and was currently being watched by a certain ruby-eyed man in a jingly hat.

"Hello." The voice startled the brunette, and she quickly stumbled backwards, falling onto the dirt ground. Her head shot upward to Joker, an amused expression on his face. She sighed.

"Sorry, did I frighten you?" Joker half-apologized, reaching a hand out towards the girl. Alice took it hesitantly, allowing him to help her to her feet.

"Good. Scare the s*** out of her." the small mask on Joker's belt snapped, and the brunette glared at it. "Better yet, send her to the prison. I'll have my own f****** way with her."

"Nice to see you, too, Black-san." Alice muttered, annoyed with it.

"Can't same the same, w****."the mask replied, and Alice's eye twitched. Sighing an irritated sigh, Joker placed a hand over the mask to muffle any oncoming words that threatened the foreigner.

"I apologize for Black." Joker said kindly, an almost pleasant smile lighting his face. She opened her mouth to reply, but the redhead spotted the key in her hands and raised an eyebrow. "What's that you have there, Alice?"

Alice returned her attention to the blue key in her hands, twirling it between her fingers. "A key. I found it at the thrift store… I can't figure out what it goes to, though."

"May I see?" White Joker asked, holding out his hand; releasing Black's mouth. Alice nodded, dropping it into his palm. The jester-like Joker examined it carefully, his expression quickly turning stern.

"What's wrong?" Alice asked, surprised by the sudden silence from both Jokers.

"Is this what I think…?" Joker asked, more to himself than to Alice.

"F****** looks like it."the mask replied.

"But how…?" Joker started intently at the blue metal between his fingers; almost glaring at it.

"Weren't those damn things destroyed?" Black asked; annoyed. Joker nodded.

"So how…?" The redhead didn't seem to be able to wrap his head around the key; confusion and concern broad across his face.

"What are you talking about? What's wrong with it?" Alice demanded, placing her hands on her hips in irritation. Joker turned to her; a sullen expression on his face.

"Take this back. Wherever you found it, take it back." The redhead demanded, pressing the key firmly in her palms. "Take it back and don't touch it again."

"Why? What's wrong with it?" Alice demanded, clutching the key tightly in her hands. What were they going on about? What was wrong with the key?

"Just listen to what the f*** he told you, f****** ingrate." The mask spat at her, his tone deadly and serious.

"But why! Why won't you tell me what's wrong with it?" Alice cried, her hands balled into fists at her side; the spade threatening to cut her palm.

"Listen carefully, Alice." Joker warned, his face suddenly inches from hers; a deadly glint in his eyes. Alice blushed, prepared to move backwards, but for some reason the look he was giving her held her in place. "You mustn't speak about this to anyone. You cannot show this key to another role holder, and you can't tell anyone else about it. Hide it- lock it up- and pretend you never found it. Understood?" "B-but… Why? What will happen?" Alice objected, suddenly worried.

"A new game begins." His voice was so calm yet so cold… It sent shivers down her spine.

"B-but aren't you two role holders?" she argued, frowning at him.

"F****** bitch has a point." Black pointed out, and Joker stood upright, taking a few steps backwards.

"Then you'll have 'till dawn until the game starts." Joker stated, his voice almost threatening. "Good luck, Alice."

"Wait! What game? What's going to happen to me?" she cried, watching as Joker began to float away.

"You'll just have to wait and see, won't you?" he called over his shoulder, disappearing into the forest. Once he was out of sight, Alice felt like her heart had dropped along with her stomach.

What's going to happen to me? she thought, her legs beginning to shake as she attempted to walk back to the tower. Why was he so… upset? I have until dawn… Dawn until what? What's going to happen?


"Hey, Alice, I thought you were going to the Hatter's."

Alice didn't pay much attention to the owner of the voice and continued through the tower, heading upstairs.

"Alice?" This time, Nightmare caught her attention, and the brunette slowly turned her head to face him. She didn't reply; merely stared at him, and he at her.

Suddenly, he paled, having read her thoughts.

"Do you know what it means?" she asked, already knowing he'd read her mind. This time, though, she wasn't sure if she minded it or not. She just wanted to know what was going on.

Nightmare didn't respond. Instead, he faked a smile and said, "It's nothing."

"Nightmare…" Her tone was exhausted from worry, and sounded almost heartbroken. Nightmare frowned unhappily.

"Do you want me to sleep in your room? I can keep the bad dreams away." he offered, but Alice shook her head, sighing.

"No thanks. I know where you are if I need you." she mumbled, turning back up the stairs and making her way to her bedroom.

Everything from that point seemed to happen in slow motion. She changed into her night dress, brushed her hair, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and crawled into bed, waiting for the nighttime to pull her into slumber. It seemed to take hours, but eventually, she was soft asleep in her bed, and whatever awaited her in the morning would just have to be handled when she awoke.


WOOT! Chapter one is done~! I'm big on Halloween, so I

needed to write a Halloween story for the Wonderland characters! It probably won't end until after Halloween, but that's fine with me. I hope you enjoy so far!