Return to the Rabbit Hole

Chapter Four

I opened my eyes after what seemed like seconds and looked around. What I expected to be similar to a hotel bedroom, ended up being an endless mass of colors. Concluding I was alone, I sighed to myself, "Great. A dream that's almost as strange as this screwy Wonder World."

"It's not necessary for you to say your thoughts out loud, even in dreams, Tiffany."

I turned around to face a silver haired man with an eye patch. He was floating towards me. I would've been surprised, but technically I was floating too. I calmly stated, "Huh, since you know my name, you must be the guardian angel of my mind or something."

The man inhaled sharply and began coughing up blood. I stared as he apologized.

I ripped off a piece of my sleeve, "You don't need to apologize for any illness you have," I handed the man the piece of fabric, "You can clean yourself off with this. It's too bad I don't carry handkerchiefs with me," I paused and waited for him to say something. When he didn't reply, I continued, "What are you sick with anyway? Shouldn't you see a doctor or something?"

"I'm not sure, but I don't like hospitals," he answered me as if he'd been asked this question many times before.

"Why not?"

"They're freaky."

"Why?" I egged on childishly.

"I hate shots."

"That's a little childish, don't you think? Even I'm not afraid of shots anymore," he looked like he was losing his patience with me. I changed the subject, "So, are you a guardian or what?"

"I'm Nightmare, a dream demon."

"Dream demon," I repeated to myself. I observed him again. Aside from his eye patch and a magical floating loop, he looked pretty human. "I don't see it."

He answered me with more silence.

"Why don't you visit a doctor? Is your fear of hospitals really so bad that you'd rather die?"

"Death doesn't matter in Wonderland,-" That must be why they're all so quick to pull out their weapons, "-especially for role holders like myself," I was glad Nightmare had finally replied to something.

"Role holders," I started, "I heard a lot of people use that term today. There was talk about being replaced too. At first I thought it must mean there were more people willing to do that job, but does it mean something else?"

"You'll understand in time," I was about to persist he explain, but the subject was changed too quickly, "You might want to stop assuming so much. People might think you're cheating the Game."

I blinked in confusion, "Game? Even if I was playing Monopoly or something, I still make mistakes. Though, I'd rather not share my latest slipup."

"The Game I'm speaking of is something everyone in Wonderland takes part in," he began, "The role holders, the servants, everyone."

I sighed, "I'm aware I barely know how things work here, but it seems like a lot of you have some very," I paused to search for the word, "rehearsed statements."

Nightmare didn't answer. I had the feeling I insulted him, but I wasn't completely sure. I took the opportunity to ask the question that had been gnawing at me since the moment I fell into that rabbit hole, "Why was I brought here?"

Nightmare looked a little surprised by my question, but answered in a way that made my temper flare, "To be happy, of course."

"How could I possibly be happy here? Everyone I know and love is out of my reach."

"In this world, Tiffany, everyone will fall in love with you."

"I don't want that to happen. I don't want to fall in love with anyone ever again. All it does is causes pain and tension in everyone's life." I thought about my old life. After my best friend discovered I was in love with Jon, it felt like she divided our group up like this country.

"Then you shouldn't have drunk that vial. Now you're part of the game. Now you can't leave."

I thought I felt my heart drop into my stomach. "I-I can't go home? But Peter-"

"He lied. You aren't the first person he's forced into the game, but trust me when I say this: All he wants is for you to be happy."

I pushed Nightmare away (and ignored the fact he started to vomit blood again), "No! If he wanted me to be happy he should have left me there! Sure, I was in a miserable state, but the human heart is always changing! So I would have gotten over it sooner or later!"

I listened as Nightmare's coughs subsided and he calmly added, "Similar to how you'll learn to accept your place in Wonderland."

"No! I-I won't! I don't have a place here! And it isn't healthy for me to be here! A-Alice! She was an outsider once! That meant you all loved her, but look what's happened! She's mad, crazy! She tried to kill me because she wants to go home! She must have accepted staying here, but she made the wrong choice! Now she wants to go home again! To see her family, her siblings, her friends," my voice slowly faded away. Everything became blurry and Nightmare appeared to be fading. "Wait!" I shouted, "I need to-"

I sat bolt upright in bed. I was breathing heavily and covered in a cold sweat. I tried to remember the dream I had just had. I reflected for a moment. Had I stood up for Alice? It couldn't be. I must've been standing up for myself or something. Why would I want to stand up for someone who tried to kill me hours ago?

I remembered Dum and Dee were here when I went to sleep. They had obviously left sometime while I was unconscious. The sun was out. It looked to be around midday. That must have been why they were gone.

I scuttled into a bathroom adjacent to the bedroom so that I could wash my bloodied face and hands. As I redressed myself, I wondered why I had slept so late. My mind was so preoccupied, the fact my sleeve actually had a piece missing didn't matter. Right after dressing, I exited into the hall and listened. I heard footsteps and voices approaching. I strained to hear the conversation:

"I don't believe it," the first voice said, "Another outsider was lured into the Game by White."

"What did you expect, Elliot?" a second voice said, "Alice never leaves here. He must have gotten bored of waiting."

"Hey, but aren't you worried White nabbed someone just like Alice? A girl who will make the same choice she did," there was a moment of silence, "Blood?"

I felt my face heat up. Shoot. I don't think I could let myself face the mafia boss after mistaking him for a secretary. Everyone did paperwork! My dad even had to do it at the grocery store. He worked in the produce department for goodness sake!

I quickly took a right, away from the voices and into the endless maze of the mansion. No matter how many turns I took, it seemed like the voices continued to follow me. Talk about bad luck, I thought to myself. I was staring at a dead-end. My eyes darted to two red spots on the floor. My handprints from yesterday! I thought. Boris had entered the mansion through that window. That means it would make a great exit.

I forced the window open and stuck my head out. There was a branch about four feet away. It definitely appeared strong enough to support me, but how much effort would it take to grab it? And how high up was I? Bravely, I glimpsed downward. It seemed like I was on the second story. I tried to think quickly. Stories on buildings were about eight to ten feet. If I dangled from the branch, I'd be about six feet closer. I shook my head, that was still too far a drop for my mind.

While I was thinking, the footsteps had become much louder. I panicked and slipped out the window so I was sitting on the sill. I reached out my arm; I still needed to stretch at least another foot. After that I would need to crawl to the trunk. Then it would be the easy part; climbing down. The world seemed to spin for a moment and I grabbed onto the windowsill with both hands again. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. I hadn't attempted anything this B.A. since, well I couldn't think of anything at the moment.

I opened my eyes. I noticed the conversation and footsteps had stopped. I was about to sigh with relief until I heard the cock of a gun. I felt myself tense up. I wouldn't give myself the chance to face these people. They were dangerous. Everyone was dangerous, but this was the mafia. My limited knowledge about them didn't seem to make me anymore comfortable. My adrenaline began pumping. I crouched on the sill and leapt to the branch like a frog. I caught myself on it by the crooks of my elbows. I winced and hoisted myself onto the branch. Nervously, I scooted to the tree trunk. Once I grasped it, I hopped down each branch carefully.

I smiled to myself. I was going to make it down unharmed. The men were talking at the window; I wouldn't be greeted by anyone once I got down. I heard a CRK! and I felt weightless. The world seemed to slow as I watched a small rectangular object float in front of my eyes. My heel had broken on a branch! I closed my eyes and hoped the fall would be as painless as the ones from my childhood. I felt the quick impact and stood up.

"Thank God for adrenaline," I whispered to myself.

I ran awkwardly toward the front gates of Hatter Mansion and exited into the woods. I quickly took off my useless heels. As I ran through the trees (in the direction I hoped was the Clock Tower), I wondered if leaving my shoes right outside the woods was the right choice. Sure, they probably assumed I would run into the woods, but what if I kicked off my shoes in a way that pointed to where I was going? I thought back to my exact movements. Shoot, they would be able to see where I was running now.

Stubbornly, I continued on the same path. Getting lost was not going to help me. After a few minutes, I began walking. "Maybe leaving wasn't the greatest choice," I said to myself, "I mean, at least in the mansion there were people. Now I'm wandering aimlessly and alone."

It had to be a good choice, though, I answered myself, somebody put a gun to your head.

I shook my head and cleared my mind. Humming, I thought, that would keep me from freaking myself out. I began humming tunelessly, but I soon began singing out loud. Every now and again, I would laugh between lyrics, realizing I was singing a song I would listen to back home.

There was a crack in the bushes and I immediately silenced myself. I could never have more than five minutes of peace in this place, could I? Silently, I backed myself against the nearest tree. The movement stopped but the tips of something emerged in the bushes. I stared at the exposed tan objects. If I wasn't mistaken, they looked furry. It might have been an animal, but…what kind? The tips straighten and they were further exposed. They were rabbit ears! I closed my eyes tightly. Memories of Peter rushed through my head. I grabbed and pulled the ears in one hand, while screaming and flailing my other.

My scream was mirrored by another and I pulled harder. I would not let myself be manipulated again. I opened my eyes and saw a blond man practically sobbing at my feet. I released his ears and knelt in front of him. I covered my face in embarrassment and began my forgiveness speech, "I'm so sorry! Are you okay? I thought you were someone else! I didn't mean to hurt you!"

The man sat up while holding his head. I looked like I'd given him a massive headache. He looked at me with painful puppy eyes and I bit my lip. It seemed like I had a soft spot for all these animal-eared creeps, with the exception of Peter, of course.

"I-I'm sorry," I repeated, "I thought you were Peter."

I thought I saw him twitch. "It always seems that way doesn't it?" I held my breath. I had probably hit a soft spot, "Just because I have long ears doesn't mean anyone can compare me with that jackass!"

"I-I-I-", I tried to think of something to say, but clearly the long-eared man wasn't finished.

"It's always 'You like carrots and so does he.' But I don't like carrots! I like carrot foods!"

The child in me completely twisted the subject, "Me too!" I smiled brightly and added, "I mean, I've only had carrot cake, but it's really good! It's my favorite."

The man stared at me. I must have confused him, but at least he didn't seem mad anymore. My face heated up.

"I'm, um, just going to go now," I said awkwardly and turned to leave.

The man grabbed my wrist. I twisted at my waist to look at him. He had stood up, and I felt like my inner child had actually made me shrink.

"Wait," he said calmly, "Why did you seem so eager to get out of the mansion earlier?"

I stared at him. I heard the name Elliot mentioned earlier, I assumed it was his. "I-um-I haven't figured my way to the front door yet. Yesterday, I saw Boris enter through that window, so I assumed I would be able exit."

In the silence Nightmare's voice echoed through my head, In this world, Tiffany, everyone will fall in love with you. Even though Elliot obviously wasn't convinced, I pulled my arm away from him, "I have to leave."

"But why? We just met," he argued, "I don't even know your name."

I turned back to face the path. I informed him coldly, "My name is Tiffany. If you haven't heard, I'm the new outsider. Good-bye."

I forced myself through the woods. I didn't want to meet anyone. I didn't even want to see the twins or Boris. They'd fall in love with me. I'd hurt everyone. I sat behind a tree off the path and rested my head on my arms. I wished I would just rot here. Then everyone would forget about me…but if I left, Peter would lure some other helpless girl here. I stood up. I can't just sit around and cry here, I need to fight for my problems, not just hope for the pieces to fall into place!

I stood up and began tirelessly searching for the Castle. By searching, I meant choosing a random direction and heading there. Since I hated being wrong, I sprinted in the direction I hoped was the Castle. I wanted to know where I was more than anything (aside from telling off Peter). I brushed away the last of the bushes and-

…tripped.

I stood up hesitantly and looked at the object. I laughed, it seemed to echo. This time it was actually a root. I looked up in front of me. A mixture of feelings rushed through me: Frustration because I hadn't found the Castle, and joy because in front of me stood a massive amusement park. I smiled gleefully as memories of my town's theme park flooded through me. My joy quickly faded as I remembered something: I didn't have any money. I sighed in disappointment and turned around…only to come face-to-face with Boris, Dee, and Dum.

"Tiffany, what are you doing here?" Boris said cheerfully.

I stared and said apathetically, "Don't give me that. You obviously followed me."

The twins straightened their posture, while Boris innocently asked, "Why would you think that?"

"If you were here in the first place, you would have been in front of me. So why did you follow me?"

Boris hesitated, "Well, I-"

Dum interrupted and started, "We were just about to leave the mansion earlier and we saw you fall out of a tree!"

Dee laughed, "Yeah, you fell! I had the feeling you were a klutz."

I put my hands on my cheeks to prevent myself from turning red, "Oh, you guys saw that? I thought I was being sneaky."

Boris laughed, "Don't worry, Tiffany. It was actually pretty cute."

"Yes, Tiffany is the cutest!" the twins said together and hugged me. My attempt to remain pale failed. I looked for something to say that was off the 'cute' topic.

"You know, you guys can call me 'Tiff.' When people call me Tiffany, I picture my mom yelling at me."

They all laughed. This is ridiculous, I thought, It's obvious Nightmare wasn't lying. By now the twins had released me and I glimpsed at the amusement park again. Boris grabbed my hand and led me towards it, "C'mon, 'Tiff,' it's obvious you want to go in."

"I-I-I can't. I don't have any money," I stuttered. Come to think of it, I didn't even know what currency was used in Wonderland.

"That's okay. I'm a freeloader and Gowland doesn't mind."

"Go round?" I repeated. With my head stuck on the idea of amusement parks, I added, "Like merry-go-round?"

"Yeah, you've met him already?" Boris asked seeming a little surprised.

"Him? What do you mean 'him?' The only merry-go-rounds I know about are the ones I've seen back home."

"Mary Gowland owns this amusement park."

"But don't call him by his first name," Dum chuckled, while Dee laughed in the background.

I rolled my eyes and sighed, "Jeez, this joke with guys being called Mary and Marian gets so old."

Boris, Dee and Dum stared in shock. Boris was the first to speak, "You don't find it funny?"

"Not really," I said quietly.

"But you have to find it funny somewhere!" Dee shouted.

"Yeah, Gowland's name is the reason he hates the boss so much!" Dum added.

Dee continued, "The boss told everyone Gowland's first name was Mary!"

I sighed again, "Nope. It's not funny in the slightest. Now if you don't mind, I'll be on my way."

I began walking back into the woods, until Boris asked, "Aren't you hungry?"

I stopped in my tracks. My stomach began growling at the mere thought of food. With all the excitement in the last day or so, I had completely forgotten about eating. "No," I paused, "I'm not hungry."

Dee peeked over my left shoulder, "Tiffany, I think you're lying."

Dum mimicked his brother, "So do I."

I shuddered. These kids were too close; I could feel them breathing down my neck. I shut my eyes, "N-no, I'm not lying. If I need food, I'll get some once I arrive at the Castle."

"You're still trying to get there?" Boris asked. He sounded a little upset.

I bit my lip and refused to look at him. If I did, I probably couldn't say no. Curse my like for cats. "Yes. I need to yell at someone."

The twins began talking excitedly, "Who is it? Who is it?"

"It must be Peter!"

"No, maybe it's the Queen!"

As expected, their conversation quickly turned into an argument. Before a repeat of yesterday occurred, I pulled them both away from each other by the collars of their shirts and commanded, "Stop arguing."

They both looked at me, innocently, "We will if you visit the amusement park with us."

"No deal."

"Okay," Dee said and they began trying to hit each other while I was restraining them.

"Fine! Fine! I'll go! Just stop acting like idiots!" I released them and took a few aggravated steps towards the park. When only Boris was next to me, I looked back at the twins.

"Does Tiffany not like us?" they asked sadly.

"W-wha? I never said that! You guys are fine, I just say insensitive things a lot! Don't take them personally. If I mean something, it'll probably be followed up with physical pain too."

They ran up and hugged me. Dum said, "I'm glad Tiffany doesn't hate us."

Dee added, "Me too!"

The two of them grabbed my hands and pulled me into the amusement park, while Boris slowly followed. I only wish I understood why he was dragging behind earlier.

A/N: I totally used a ruler for the tree part. ;3 And I'm sorry if you like the metric system Dx