Hi everyone! Sorry it took so long to update! I feel awful. Oh and just a warning, the next chapter is going top be real long so be prepared!
Chapter 1: Welcome Back To Wonderland
Rosie's POV
I sat in the garden, as I always did on a warm summers day, reading on of my favorite novels. I wore a purple above the knees dress with shorts underneath, no shoes. I despise shoes during summer. I was sitting under the only apple tree on my parents' estate, the shade it provided felt quite nice on my pale, creamy skin. I could here nothing but the music playing from my headphones. I looked up and saw my older brother coming towards me, I took off my headphones and paused my music.
"Hey Mark, what's up?" I say as I set my book down and stand, brushing grass of my dress.
Markus, or Mark as he prefers, is my only sibling. He is older than me by about a year and more than a foot taller. He has jet black hair as I do, it's a bit long for a boy but he looks more handsome that way. His eyes are a baby blue color, not too pale yet not too bright. His dark hair made his baby blue's stand out exponentially.
He wore a black T-shirt and jean capris.
"Father wants to see you. He says it's important." He says, picking up my book for me.
"Has something happened? Did he get sick again?" Our father has been upset since Mother passed away. He has stopped eating and has been working himself to where he is constantly getting sick. The doctors say it is due to stress. The loss of a loved one and a mess of work has weakened his immune system, making it harder for his body to fight off illnesses.
"No, no, nothing like that. It's a much more, happy reason." My brother says as he slips his arm around my shoulders as.
As we walk I feel as if I'm being watched. I stop and turn to look behind me. 'No ones there. I could have sworn someone was there.'
"Is something wrong, Rosie? Did ya see something?"
"No, I'm fine. I thought I saw a rabbit is all." I said, more to myself, as we continued on towards the house.
Our house was large due to our father being a business man, and a very good one at that. We lived out in the country so Father owned a lot of land. We were rich but me and my brother were not spoiled. We were always taught to be honest and true to ourselves. To never tell a lie and to never treat another man or animal as lower than ourselves, for God created us all as equals.
We were also taught to work for things we wanted, whether it be chores, jobs, or simply earning it through good behavior. We were to clean up after ourselves, care for our things and pets, and share with each other. It is because of these things that our family loves each other much and why Father is such a good business man.
It was because of this that we also had very few workers at our estate. We have one cook, two maids, two butlers, a gardener, and a caregiver. They are less like workers and more like extended family.
Me and my brother walked through the house and towards Father's study. Father was a tall slender man, like Mark, I was also tall for my age and slender. He had a kind face that had only gotten kinder over the years. He had black hair peppered with gray and baby blue eyes, like Mark's, only duller due to his many years of life. He had a pair of glasses that sat at the end of his nose as he read over several forms and documents. He wore his usual suit and bowtie.
He looked up just as we walked in, giving us both a warm smile. He took off his spectacles as he stood to greet us. As he stood, though, he grabbed his back and winced in pain. I ran to his side almost instantly, forcing him to sit.
"Daddy you mustn't work yourself too hard, remember what the doctor said." I say as I kiss his cheek. I may not have been babied myself but I do like to baby others. Especially my father and brother.
"Such a kind young lady, just like your mother. You children do your old man good, I am lucky to have you two ." Father says as he praises us, as always.
"Yes, well what kind of children would we be if we did not care for our father." I say as I take Father's hand, feeling how cold it is.
"I agree, I feel sorry for any man who's children treat him like trash." Mark adds as he comes to stand by me and Father.
"So Daddy, I hear you have good news for me. I do hope it has nothing to do with my Birthday." I say sarcastically.
"Oh well there go my plans for your surprise." He says back, jokingly.
"A surprise? Oh Daddy you do know how much I love surprises! What is it? Nothing too big I hope. Wouldn't want you to overdo it now would we."
"Oh Dad, I can't take it. Can I tell her?" Mark says, practically jumping with excitement.
"Go on my boy before I do." Father laughs, his eyes showing his joy.
"Well, Rosie, you know Ms. Liddell down the road?"
"Yes, she's the one whose daughter went missing a while back. Why?"
"Well, she has offered to throw you a Birthday party, in her garden. Dad remembered how much you like her garden, so he asked if he could borrow it for your Birthday."
"Oh my goodness, thank you so much Daddy!" I yell as I hug him tightly and kiss his cheeks once more.
"Rosie, I've also invited some lads from town, I do regular business with their fathers and I have mentioned you to them on several occasions and they'd like to meet you. Your 16 and as much as I love having you around I must at least find my daughter a worthy young man for her to marry. Someone who'll treat my baby girl right." He says kissing the top of my head.
My brother was already engaged and to be married this fall to another girl from town. They call and text each other often. I have always dreamt of finding someone to love and whom will love me back, but I'm very shy around others. I agree to my father's wishes though, knowing he has my best interests at heart.
Gray's POV
I had just returned to the tower as Alice was leaving. We chatted a bit and she said Master Nightmare wanted to speak to me. I wonder what it could, did he have more work for me or had he finally agreed to see a doctor? I assumed it wasn't the latter. I walked in on him doing his paperwork. Wait...
"Master Nightmare? A-are you actually doing paperwork? Did Alice tell you to?" I ask suspiciously.
"No, I decided to help you out since you work so hard." He was buttering me up for something, but what.
"What do you want me to do?" I say as I sit at my own desk as I hear him sigh.
"I need you to go to Alice's world and get someone for me." He says in one breathe. 'Impressive. And blunt.'
"Who? And why?"
"This girl." He points to the picture he keeps on his desk. I've never really gotten a good look at it so I pick it up and look at it, careful not to drop it. I see a girl in a lavender swimsuit with her jet black hair pulled into pigtails, a matching lavender bow holding each in place. Her violet eyes sparkling as she smiles at the camera while holding one of Nightmare's hands in one of hers and Julius' hand in her other. "You should remember her. You've met her before."
Then I do remember, I did meet her only once. She was an adorable sweet little girl, strange how she was related to Julius. So curious and positive and always smiling, she even enjoyed cute things as I did and figured that out about me as soon as she met me. She was very smart. Then I remember something else, a funeral. Her funeral.
For the next hour, Nightmare explains what really happened and why I had to get her. I agree to do this. Far be it from me to be the one to keep a young girl from her home and loved ones. So I agreed to leave for the real world almost immediately. I would have to blend in and bide my time. Figure out a plan on how to get her to the rabbit hole.
Rosie's POV
Today was the day of the party so I decided to wear my fanciest dress, which still wasn't all that fancy. It was a purple and blue spaghetti strap that went to my knees. There were two more straps that hung from where the dress came to my underarms to just below my shoulders. The top was a tightish V-neck that gave the illusion that I had bigger boobs than I really did. The top ended just above my waste in a ruffle belt that was sown into the dress, then it came out some. The top was a plain blue but as it came to the skirt it blended into purple with a swirl design that went all around the skirt.
I straightened my hair and wore it down with a braided crown just above my ears that went to the back of my head, held in place by my favorite bow. The bow was black with silver lines and a little violet heart on it.
I didn't wear much make-up, I don't really care about make-up as much as other girls. I find it very pointless for me to hide my face behind a mask of blush and eye shadow. I did wear a bit of eyeliner to bring out my violet eyes, though.
On my feet I wore a short pair of black wedges with straps that came a bit above my ankle, down the center of my foot and stopped just above my toes. I don't like heels but I will wear short wedges and these were my favorites.
I always wear a pair of fingerless gloves no matter the season. I do this because I have a strange marking on my right arm that Mother always said was best kept hidden. It wasn't a tattoo, but it sure looked like one. Only it couldn't be removed. Today I chose a black lace pair that went to the middle of my forearm, it sat just above my marking.
I walk around the garden as people finish setting up tables and chairs. A few people have already arrived, one being a business associate of Father's. He is talking to my father and I think to join them. Then, I see a young man around my age standing with them, and I decide to walk the other direction.
"Rosie dear, come say hello to some of your guests!" My father has seen me. 'Darn it...' I quickly turn and towards them, not wanting to disappoint Father. I walk up and stand next to my father, looking at me feet.
"Don't be shy my dear, this is Mr. Millers and his son... Oh, I apologize, I forgot your name already."
"My name is Eric. It's nice to meet you sir, and your daughter as well." He says and I can hear the smile in his voice.
I look up and finally see the young man. He is tall and slender like me and Mark. He has somewhere between light brown and dark blonde hair and electric blue eyes. He smiles kindly at me and I find myself blushing.
"H-hello Eric, Mr. Millers. It's pleasure to meet both of you. Thank you so much for coming." I say as I try to avoid meeting Eric's eyes.
"Well a young one's 18th Birthday is the most important. I remember my Eric's 18th Birthday. Now your officially an adult. Well, I won't keep you. Go and enjoy your Birthday miss." Mr. Millers says in a cheerful tone. He seems like a kind man.
I notice that Eric looks a bit out of place. 'He may not know any of these people.' I think this over and decide to introduce him to some people.
"Uh, Eric?"
"Yes, Rosalina?" He asks as he smiles kindly at me.
"Um, you can call me Rosie, if you like. I was just wondering if you'd like me to introduce you to some of my friends? Only if you want to, though."
"I don't really know anyone here so that would be nice. So, thank you, Rosie, for the offer." He says my name and my knees turn to Jell-O, I do everything in my strength to keep my legs from buckling.
First I introduce him to Ms. Liddell and as we say goodbye, I spot Mark. I drag Eric over towards him and say hello, quickly forgetting Eric is there.
"Hi Mark. Where's your fiancé? Isn't she coming?"
"Hi Rosie. No, she said she wasn't feeling well. She sent you a gift, though. It's from both of us so we hope you like it." Mark suddenly realizes I'm holding onto, a somewhat confused, young man. "Who's your friend, Rosie?"
I look up, now remembering Eric is here. Then I notice me holding onto his suit coat and I instantly let go.
"Uh. This is Eric Millers. His father is one of Daddy's business associates. I'm introducing him to people so he'll have fun. I thought you'd like to meet each other 'cause your close in age." I smile sheepishly.
"Oh, well it's nice to meet you Eric. I met your father earlier, he's very kind. I hope your family will work with ours for years in the future." Mark says as they shake each others hands.
Since Mark is older he will inherit Father's company as the new CEO. As honored as I'd be if I were in Mark's place, I'm still very proud of him, regardless. I just know he will make Father and I proud and that the company is in good hands.
"So I hear your getting married this fall, congratulations! So, are you and Miss Rosie cousins?"
Me and Mark look at each other and back at Jake, whom is serious. 'He thinks we're... cousins?' We can't help ourselves, we both start laughing simultaneously. Mark is doubled over and I can feel tears in my eyes. 'I can't breath! Haha!' Poor Eric just stands there, looking confused as ever.
"So... I take it your not?" I am the one to recover first, wiping a tear from my eye I explain.
"No, we're not cousins, we're siblings. We've never been mistaken as cousins, everyone always assumes we're twins. Sorry for laughing at you."
"Are you twins?"
"No, I'm older by about a year. Technically we aren't even related, by blood I mean." Mark explains, his face flush from laughing.
"B-but, she just said your siblings. And you look so alike. How are you not related?"
"I was adopted when I was only 8. As far as I'm concerned it doesn't matter if we're related or not. He's still my big brother!" I say as I hug Mark around his middle.
"Hehe. Yep, and she'll always be my lil' Rose." I blush as he calls me by his pet name for me. It's been years since he's used it, and to use it in front of Eric.
"That's sweet. I wish I had a little sister."
"Haha! After I'm married you can borrow her anytime ya like! God knows the wife'll have me running ragged. Haha!" Mark says as he wraps an arm around my shoulders.
"Maark..." I blush harder.
"I may just have to take you up on that offer, Mark." He grins and I could've sworn I saw him wink at me.
"Hey Rosie, do you mind if me and Eric talk privately? Ya know, guy stuff." He says as he removes his arm from my shoulders.
"Uh, sure. Eric?" I say turning to him.
"Yea?"
"Come find me when you guys are done." I say as I run off to go mingle.
I soon get bored with talking and decide to go take a break and look at the rose bushes. I take my shoes off and sit on a concrete bench near the roses. I take a deep breathe, savoring the smell of rose in the air. I tuck my legs behind me, I feel so free when I'm in nature. I like plants and animals much better than people.
I feel so relaxed and happy that I start humming a tune. The humming soon turns into singing. I sing a lot, but only if I'm alone. The only person who has ever heard me sing is Mark.
"~ In my field of paper flowers, and candy clouds of lullaby~" I sing as I take a rose and twirl it in my fingers. The dew on its crimson petals glistening in the summer sun.
"~I'd lie inside myself for hours, and watch my purple sky fly over me~" I lay on my back, my legs still turned behind me. I continue to sing until I hear a rustling sound nearby, I jolt upright only to find Eric standing a few feet away.
"I saw you head this way and then I kinda got lost, until I heard humming. So I followed it and saw you sitting here. Your singing was very good by the way." I didn't know what to do, I sat there like a deer in headlights. My eyes wide and mouth in a small 'o' shape, a slight blush on my cheeks.
"I... I... Uh... I-I'm..." I stuttered and stumbled over my words like a child. 'Idiot. Idiot! I'm such an idiot!' I thought as I mentally slapped myself in the face, not having the courage or strength to do it physically.
"You know you look real cute when you blush. And you pry get this a lot, but your eyes are very pretty." I snapped out of my state of mental cursing back to reality as he sat down next to me, our shoulders touching. 'Too close! He's too close!' I scoot as far as the tiny stone bench will allow.
"U-uh... Th-thank you, but n-no one has said th-that about my eyes b-before." I can't stop making a fool of myself, he seems to not notice my stuttering and smiles at me.
"Really? Well they should." He scoots closer to me, much to my discomfort.
"W-well, thank you. Um, what did my brother want to talk to you about?" I ask, trying to change the subject.
"Oh, nothing. Just guy stuff, so Rosie. Are you, uh, seeing anyone by any chance?" Then I realize what's happening, he wants to go on a date with me. I want to say yes but something inside me says not to trust him. That he won't love me back.
"I am not. To be honest, I'm not really sure I'm ready for a relationship. Thank you for the offer, though. It was v-"
Eric suddenly stands and turns so he is front of me. I'm very confused, his actions cause a chill to crawl down my spine. I look up and realize he is holding something to my head. A gun.
Gray's POV
I go through the 'rabbit hole' and find myself in a large garden. I see men, just beyond the hedges, setting up chairs and tables for what looks to be a party of some sort. I know she must be here somewhere but I can only see servants. I see no girl with jet black hair and violet eyes. I look closer and see that the servants have faces. 'What a strange world.'
I already know that this world differs in many ways to mine, but to actually see those differences, it certainly will be interesting.
I soon notice a black car pull up and three people get out. An older gentleman who seems to have seen better days. A young man about Ace's age with black hair and blue eyes. And, a girl with black hair and... '...violet eyes! It's her!'
I find a servant come near the hedges and I grab him. Taking a knife from the holder on my sleeve, I slit his throat before he can scream, warning every one of my presence. I take his clothes before blood gets on them and put them on myself.
I walk out and act like I know what I'm doing. I cater to Master Nightmare all the time so I know how to hold a tray of drinks and offer them to people. After I am close enough I realize the three are Father, Son, and Daughter.
I offer a drink to the older gent and the young man, both taking one and downing it instantly.
"Drink Miss?" I offer her the tray as she looks up and I finally see her face up close. She's very pretty and though I know she is 18 she still has a sort of childish charm to her. She smiles at me and takes one of the drinks.
"Thank you." She says as she smiles at me and I find myself blushing. 'She's too cute! But I can't focus on that right now, I must focus on my mission.' She takes a small lady-like sip and turns back to me.
"Ah, this is delicious! Please give my thanks to the chef, Sir." She smiles and I resist the urge to pinch her cheeks.
"O-of course, Ma'am." Finally getting my thoughts and emotions in check I take her glass once she's finished.
I walk away and offer drinks to others who have arrived, keeping an eye on her the whole time. She talks to an older woman who looks similar to Alice then walks off. She then joins her father in a conversation with another older man and what looks to be his son.
After she walks off with the younger lad, I offer the other man a drink. I find out his name is Mr. Millers and the other boy must be Eric. I also find out the boy with the black hair is indeed her brother and that his name is Mark.
She takes Eric around for a while talking to different people. She then sees her brother and they go talk to Mark. They talk for a long time, at least 30 minutes. She then walks off so I decide to go offer them drinks as well.
"Drink, Sirs?"
"Ah, yes please. Thank you." Eric takes one and drinks it, Mark politely refuses. He looks as if he wants to tear this other boy apart. 'They were just getting along, I wonder what happened?' Mark seems to be holding himself back very nicely. I walk only a few feet away so I can listen to their conversation.
"Tell me, do you like my sister?" Mark says bluntly.
"I guess I'm just that obvious. Can she tell?" Mark's expression seems to soften at this. He seems like the kind of older brother Julius would appreciate taking care of his sister, strong, protective, loving, caring, kind.
"Haha. Lucky for you my sister is quite the oblivious one. I can tell she likes you too. Which is why I must say this." Mark then grabs Eric's collar and pulls him close, I pretend to be busy cleaning an abandoned table. "If you break her heart or hurt her in any way whatsoever I will make sure your family never has any business ever again. And I will personally hunt you down and shove a stick so far up your ass you'll be able to taste blood. Then I'll strangle you with my own two hands." Mark says this in a low whisper and he sounds very serious, it even sends a chill down my spine.
I risk a glance back and see Eric's eyes are wide as Mark's bear into the poor boy's soul.
"Y-yes. I-I p-promise I w-won't h-hurt her i-in any w-way." Eric's voice comes out quiet and shaky as he stumbles over his words.
Mark stares him in the eyes a bit longer before letting him go, Eric stumbles a bit before getting his footing back. Mark seems pleased with this but continues to cross his arms and continues to stare at Eric.
"Good. I'm glad we have an understanding. And just for the record, I don't like you or trust you but I will pretend to, for my sister. Only when she's around will I tolerate your presence, that is, until you show me that you are good enough for her. Got it!" Eric can only nod his head in response, to afraid and stunned to speak.
"Good. Oh, and she's most likely in the garden." Mark walks off, leaving a very confused young man to try and comprehend what just happened. I chuckle to myself, not knowing he had heard me.
"And what, pray tell, is so funny, servant?" He hisses at me. He is much younger and obviously much less skilled than I but I can't fight him or kill him. I would blow my cover. For now I must pretend to be a lowly servant, and resist the urge to slit his throat.
"Nothing, sir. I simply saw two squirrels chasing each other, that was all." I lie and bow slightly.
"Very well." The boy saunters off with a cocky grin on his dumb face. "I have an heiress to win over. That business is as good as mine." He mumbles this under his breath and I put the peices together. 'He only wants her for her power. He's going to use her to get her father's company. But, how? I thought her brother was next in line... Unless. He's going to kill them!'
I watch as he makes his way towards the garden and I follow him closely behind. I have to help them and stop this brat from using Miss Rosalina!
By the time I get to where they are, I see him sitting next to, a very flustered looking, Rosalina. They talk a bit as I watch from afar. 'If he tries anything I will not fail to act, this I promise you Master Nightmare. I will protect your friend, no matter what it takes!'
I am brought back to reality as I see him stand suddenly, causing the young lady to flinch. He grabs a hand gun from his suit coat and points it to her head. Her eyes go wide and I see her hands grip at her dress.
"I find it a great waste of beauty to kill you but you have failed to give me what I want, and I always get what I want." He says as he holds the gun tighter. Though she is afraid I see she is staying quite calm. 'Impressive.'
"And what is it you want?" Her voice is strong and unwavering.
"Your father's company of course! Are you that stupid as to think I would actually fall in love with you? Hah! Your nothing but a commoner dressed as a princess! Your nothing special! I only want the power your father's company has, and I will have it!" He presses the barrel harder to her forehead but she continues to stand her ground.
"I know I'm not special, that is not new to me. I only wish to know how you plan on taking the company? We aren't married and my brother is older. Even if you do manage to get the company, you will never have the power my father has." Her voice is quiet with an angry undertone as she glares at her attacker. I wish to save her, but, she isn't in any danger. Minus the gun to her skull.
"And why is that?"
"Because he has something you could never hope to gain. Trust. He has power because of the people who he partners with. They partner with him because he is trustworthy and kind. They know he is a good person and that he is worthy of their business. Same with my brother. They are good people," She stands, the barrel never leaving her forehead. " you, are not. Nor will you ever be!" She glares at him as I notice his finger go for the trigger.
"Rosie. Rosie! There you are my dear, Mark said you would b-" BANG! The boy shoots the girl's father in the head. He crumples to the ground, instantly dead. I hear the girl scream as her father dies before her eyes.
"Father! No!" She screams as she runs to his side, cradling his head in her arms. Blood covers her dress.
Rosie's POV
After the shot goes off, after I see my father's limp body hit the ground, I don't process this. I don't know if this is a dream, no a nightmare, or if this had really happened. I look down at my hand and see my nails digging into my skin, drawing blood. I scream, not knowing what else to do.
"Father! No!" I run to him as I feel the numbness leave my body. I cradle his head in my arms, ignoring his blood on my dress and arms.
"Father, yes! Now it's your turn, my fragile Rose." He presses the gun to the back of my head as I stand, my bangs covering my eyes. I feel like gravity is working against me, wanting me to stay on the ground forever.
"I am not yours, nor am I fragile." I face him, my eyes bearing into his non-existent soul. 'This man just killed my father without so much as a flinch. He is a murderer and his presence disgusts me. I must put an end to him. I must send him to hell, where he belongs!'
I do the last thing I could think of, use my powers. 'So much for keeping them hidden. I apologize, Mother, please forgive me.' I point an arm towards the rose bush behind him, it begins to grow quickly. I tell the thorns to grow also, so he may feel the pain he has caused me.
"I shall show you no mercy, just as you did to my father. You do not deserve mercy, only death. So I shall send you back to hell. Where you came from!" I pull my arm towards me, causing the vines to bear down on him. The vine wraps around his legs, then up his middle, and around his arm. He drops the gun as the vine grip his arm.
"You're a witch! A freak!" He screams at me.
"I can live with that. At least I'm not a greedy killer!" I shout back.
I take my hand and squeeze at an imaginary item in my hand, making the vines grip him tighter. The thorns dig into his skin further, and I begin to see blood seep through his suit. I find a small smile creep onto my lips as I hear him scream, my grip tightening.
I suddenly feel a sharp pain in my side and I lose my concentration. The vines loosen and fall to the ground. I am hunched over grabbing my side. 'Someone cut my vines! Someone saw! I don't care who saw. I must end this disgusting creatures life! I must!' The pain fades as I stand.
"Thank goodness your here! That girl is a witch and tried to kill me! She must be thrown in prison!" Eric yells at another man. This man is tall with black hair and yellow eyes, he has a lizard tattoo on his neck. He held a giant knife in one hand. I scream in pain as he cuts more of my vines from Jake, and I crumple to the ground.
"Please stop! It hurts! Don't cut them anymore! Please." I look up just as Eric swipes the other man's knife from his hand and cuts more vines. The pain is unbearable. I scream more as tears form in my violet eyes.
"Stop." The man says, taking his knife from Eric's hand and putting it in it's holster on his sleeve. He walks up to me and uses his thumb to wipe a tear from my cheek, giving me a kind smile. 'He looks so familiar. Why can't I remember?' He then stands and walks over to Eric and, with an angry glare, grabs his shirt collar. The man is so tall he has to pull Eric off the ground a few feet.
"Wh-what're you d-doing?! She's the witch! Why are you coming after me!?" Eric yells at the man, his voice wavering slightly.
"Because I saw what you did to the young lady." The calm before the storm, that was what his voice was now. I can see Eric squirm in his trousers as a bead of sweat falls from his hairline.
"N-no! She's tricked you! She used her witch powers to make you think I'm the bad guy!" The man's eyes bear down into Eric's.
"I would never let anyone control my mind so easily. Especially you. I saw you pull a gun to this girl's head. I saw you kill this young lady's father then attempt at her life with a puny hand pistol. All for greed. Disgusting. Therefore, you are unworthy to live."
My eyes widen but my body is frozen as I watch him pull the knife back from his sleeve. He held it to Eric's throat and, before either I or Eric could react, pressed the blade down. With a flick of his wrist the boy who had just killed my father fell limp to the ground. The last sound I would ever hear him make again was a low gurgling, then, nothing.
I stare up at this man that had done my job. I didn't know whether to feel happy that this murderer was dead. Or angry that he had taken my revenge.
"I apologize. I realize this was your fight, but revenge is an ugly color for a young lady. Here." He holds his hand out to me as I realize I'm still on the ground. He pulls me up easily.
When I stand I see my father's limp body on the ground, his eyes dull and empty of life. I walk over to my father and kneel next to him. I kiss his cheek one last time and shut his eyes. I bow my head and put a hand to my face, the other holding the locket around my neck. My shoulders shudder with every sob. My sobs soon turn into crying as the reality of all that had happened sunk in. I scream into the wind, thinking this will make everything return to normal. It doesn't.
Without warning, a hand rests itself on my shoulder. I shy away from the touch, the hand simply follows and rests again on my shoulder. It is the man, his grip begins to tighten slowly and I fear that he may hurt me. Before I can call upon my plants, he pulls me towards him. His chest is broad and solid and I find myself strangly comforted by the embrace. I cry into his chest freely, letting everything flow.
I suddenly hear a ticking sound come from his chest and I push him away. I stare at him wide-eyed and I can tell he has already guessed why I pushed him away. 'His heart. What's wrong with his heart? Wait. I've heard a heart that sounds like that before.' I begin to remember things and it hurts. It hurts so bad. I clutch my head and shout as I hunch over my knees til my nose touches the grass.
"Aah! M-my head! Make i-it st-stop!" I cry and beg for it to stop. I want to remember, but the memories don't want to be remembered. They refuse to come but I force them to come.
"If it hurts to remember then don't. You'll only hurt yourself and the memories will be lost forever." I look up at this man, the man that saved me, killed the young man who tried to kill me, then comforted me as I cried. Our eyes meet and I can't help but stare into his. 'So familiar.'
Gray's POV
She walks over to her father, after I help her up, and kneels beside him. She kisses his cheek as a sign that she loved him dearly and closes his eyelids so he may rest in peace. She then hunches over him, her back may be to me but I can still tell she is sobbing. The sobbing soon turns to crying as she screams at the sky, as if to will time to turn backwards. 'I don't know what to do. Should I leave her to cry alone? No. No one should ever have to be alone. Especially in a situation such as this'
I do the last thing either of us expected, I put a hand to her shoulder. At first she shies away but stays still as I try again, accepting the touch. I progressively tighten my grip as I try to pull her closer to me. She isn't very strong so I easily pull her into an embrace. She tenses at first but soon accepts this as she cries freely. I can feel as each cry racks through her small frame.
Her body suddenly tenses again and she pushes me away, causing her to fall backwards a bit. I can tell she heard my clock by the way she stares at me.
Her mind must begin to remember something by the slightly pained look on her face. This soon turns into much more as she grabs her head and hunches over until all I see is the back of her head.
"Aah! M-my head! M-make it st-stop!" She shouts.
"If it hurts to remember then don't. You'll only hurt yourself and the memories will be lost forever." I warn as I move closer. She looks up at me with those large amethyst eyes. She looks at me for quite some time. She seems to recognize me but her mind won't let her remember.
"I just want to remember, but why does it hurt so bad. I want to know who I really am. That I'm not just a name. That I have a place. I just want to remember..." She bows her head low as she says the last sentence. I notice, as a single tear falls from her cheek, that her left hand is holding something around her neck. I remember seeing her wearing a silver locket in the photograph Nightmare showed me. 'Julius must've given it to her before sending her here.'
I look up at the sky and realize how late it is. 'If I stay any longer there will be no way back. We'll both be stuck here.'
"We have to go, now." I say as I stand, I offer her my hand. She looks up at me, one eyebrow arched in confusion.
"W-what?"
"We must go. It'll be too late soon."
I can tell already she won't come on her own. So, I go over to her and hold her hand, easily picking her up. I did it so quickly that it took her a moment to realize she was now standing. I then pick her up bridal style and run further into the garden, searching for the rabbit hole.
"W-what're you doing!? Put me down! Put me d-mff." I put a hand over her mouth to keep her quiet. If she's too loud someone will come and we'll both be screwed.
I hear a high pitched scream come from where we had just been and I know someone found the bodies. I then hear some people shouting for her brother. I soon hear him join the conversation and he yells something about his sister. 'He must be looking for her.'
"Rosie! Rosie! Please answer me! Rosie!" I feel a vibrating feeling on my hand, she's trying to call back. I then feel something wet touch my hand. She is crying. 'They must really love each other. I apologize young lady, but it must be done.'
I turn a corner and find what I have been searching for. The rabbit hole.
Rosie's POV
This man whom I had just met, told me to come with him then picked me up bridal style. He then begins to run away from the party as if searching for something. 'I don't care what he's looking for! I just want to know why he's kidnapping me!' My mind is in a panic, I cannot use my abilities without full concentration.
"W-what're you doing!? Put me down! Put me d-mff." He then covers my mouth with his hand to keep me quiet. 'H-he's so warm.' I find myself blushing at this thought. No man has ever dared to touch me. Until today, Mark was the only person who ever comforted me when I was upset.
I am pulled from my thoughts as I hear Ms. Liddell scream. She must have found the bodies. She then yells for some help, and they call for Mark. It takes him only a moment to realize I'm not there.
"Rosie! Rosie! Please answer me! Rosie!" I hear him call me and I try to call back but the man's hand stops me. 'Mark, I'm so sorry...' I feel so helpless and pathetic and this upsets me more.
I hate feeling pathetic. I begin to cry as I grab at the man's coat. My cries are muffled by his big hand.
He turns one last corner and stops. I look up and see a giant hole in the middle of the garden. 'I don't remember this being here!' I stare wide eyed as he slowly approaches it and I get the sinking feeling he's going to jump. And he does.
His grip on my face fades and his hand returns to carrying me. I do the only thing I can think of. I scream.
"Aaaahh! We're falling! I'm going to die! We're going to fall to our deaths! You idiot! Why the hell would you jump!?" I shut my eyes as I repeatedly call him names, most of which my father and brother would be appalled to me even knowing.
The falling sensation fades and disappears and, much to this man's pleasure, I stop screaming. I slowly open one eye and see we have landed and we are alive, as far as I can tell. I open both eyes and I realize I have my arms wrapped around his neck, my face very close to his. 'I can feel his breath on my cheeks.' I blush and let go. 'Too close! He's too close!'
"Put me down right now!" I demand. 'I sound like a princess.'
"No." He's so nonchalant about it too.
"And why not! Afraid I'll run off? Can't have your victims running off now can you."
"No. Your not my victim. I brought you home. I can't put you down because your injured."
"Injured?" I'm quite shocked that this man would care about my well being.
"Mhm." He gently takes my hand and I see my fingerless lace glove is burnt where my mark is and nowhere else. 'Not another pair.' But he doesn't stop there he moves his hand to my fingers and takes my index. He turns it and I see a small cut that is barely bleeding.
"You need medical attention." Is he seriously talking about that cut?
"Wat?" I deadpan. "You can't be serious. Your joking, right?"
Instead of answering me he pulls out one of his knives and deflects a bullet that had come from nowhere. I give out a small 'Eep' at this. 'That bullet would have hit him in the neck! Where did it come from anyway?!' I get my answer almost immediately.
"Give her to me, Gray. She will be staying at Heart Castle, where she'll be safe." A tall man wearing a red plaid shirt, brown trousers, a pair of white gloves, and glasses. As I stare at his face I see he has red eyes, white hair and... rabbit ears? 'Their so cute.'
"She's not going anywhere with you, Peter. She's staying here wi-"
"Wait. Your a r-rabbit?" I cut the man, now known as Gray, off as I keep staring at the other man's ears. 'I want to touch them!'
"Why, yes." He puts his gun down partially as I squirm from Gray's arms . I cautiously approach the rabbit man named Peter. 'Wait. Peter? A rabbit man and his name is... Peter. You've gotta be kidding me.'
"So, those," I point at his ears, making him look up at them. "are real?" He looks back at me and smiles as he nods.
"Mhm." I come closer, much to Gray's displeasure, standing only feet from Peter. I continue to stare at them.
"Can I touch them!?" I ask, sounding like an excited child.
"Of course!" He smiles and bows his head down so I can reach. He is about as tall as Gray, both men tower over me and I feel so small.
I give one ear a gentle, and cautious, touch and I feel him lean into it like a pet. I smile and move to the base and scratch, his eye glaze over in pleasure. 'He's so cute! Like a real bunny!' I start rubbing the other and I hear a strange, deep throated sound. 'Is he... purring? Oh my god! That is so cute!' I blush and inwardly squeal to myself.
"You like that don't you Peta-chan!" I say happily. 'Wait a sec. Did I just call him Peta-chan? That's not his name. Why would I say that!?'
He noticed too. He grabs my hand, causing me to stop petting his ears. He straightens and looks into my eyes. He's smiling, but his eyes are sad. He suddenly pulls me close and hugs me.
"Yes, yes I do, Rosie." I hug him back, not knowing why or how he knew my name. 'He just feels so familiar.' Suddenly my head starts to hurt again as memories come flooding back. I try to suppress them but this only causes my head to hurt more.
"My head! Gray, make it stop!" I run to him because he made it better the first time.
As soon as I reach him I crumple at his feet, holding my head with both hands. He sits on his knees in front of me and lifts my chin so I look at him. Tears begin to well up in the corners of my eyes.
"This time don't suppress them. Your remembering and that's good, so it's ok to let them come." I nod my head, showing him I understand. I shut my eyes and concentrate, inviting my memories back.
I see a younger me, around 5 or 6, playing with Peter. We're running around some sort of Amusement Park, laughing and having so much fun. The next is of me and him at a pool. I'm on his shoulders while he walks in the water, I'm holding onto his ears. I see other memories of us having fun together, then they stop.
"I remember. I remember!" I jump up and tackle Peter in a giant hug, we both fall to the ground.
"Then tell us something only Peter and you would know." Gray says, he says it like he's testing me, not calling me a liar. Me and Peter both stand and he stares at me expectantly.
"When I was 5 I got lost in the maze by the Castle and you had to come find me. I was in the middle curled into a messy little ball of dirt, crying my eyes out. And, Peter, I used to call you Peta-chan 'cause I couldn't pronounce your name but, when I got older I only did it because your face would light up when I did. It made me so happy to see you so happy, my Peta-chan." After I finish I see his face has a big smile plastered on it and, next thing I know, he's hugging me.
"I missed you so much, Rosie." He says as I hug him back. "And welcome back to Wonderland!"
