"You know I still can't believe that you, Hopper Croakington II, are wearing pants," Dexter said chuckling.
"Shut up," Hopper replied. He playfully smacked Dexter behind the head.
Arm in arm, the two princes walked down to the Village of Book End. Fairies fluttered through the town, making it twinkle in the night sky. Hopper sighed dreamily. "I always love the Village of Book End at night." Dexter looked at him, and smiled.
"Then you'll love what I have planned. Come on." Dexter unlinked his arm from Hopper and grabbed his hand. He ran off, towing the frog prince with him. The pair ran through the Village of Book End, bypassing everyone. They approached the Mad Hatter's Tea Shoppe.
Hopper looked curiously at his date. Dexter smiled and just led him inside, opening the door for him. As usual, the shop was live with things flying about, doors opening, and creatures poofing in and out of existence. The only thing that was out of place was the fact that the shop was completely empty.
Dexter put his hand on Hopper shoulder. "I pulled a few threads here and there." Suddenly a large door appeared in front of the pair, making them yelp. The door swung open and Maddie flew out, landing behind them.
"Hello boys!" Madde exclaimed. "You're dinner awaits!" She gestured to the open door. They stared into the abyss with their mouths open. Maddie giggled and tossed her wild hair back. "Don't be so fretful, my geckos! In you go!" She pushed them inside, as they screamed.
Dexter and Hopper tumbled to the floor. Dexter helped Hopper up and found themselves standing on top of the Enchanted Forest. Literally, standing on top of it. They were standing on a canopy of leaves, and just next to them lay a table set with candles.
Maddie stepped onto the canopy, smiling. "You guys are so mad," she said. "I love it!" She plopped them down on the seats. She snapped her fingers and the table was full to the brim of food. Maddie cartwheeled out the door, leaving the two alone.
"Maddie's…. uh," Dexter started. The two sat in silence trying to think of a proper word to describe what just happened. Hopper tapped his finger on his chin.
"Wonderlandiful," Hopper stated. Dexter smiled and nodded.
"Wonderlandiful indeed." The two began to eat. They talked endlessly about the randomest things. Maddie had walked in and out, making sure they had everything they needed. She would also bring up the strangest things, keeping the conversation going.
"What does he think of your outfit?" Maddie whispered from behind Hopper, startling the boy. She put her fingers into Hopper's mouth, moving it up and down and repeated the question making it look like Hopper was talking.
"Well, Hopper," Dexter replied, putting down his fork. "I happen to like your outfit very much. Purple is one of my favorite colors." Hopper and Maddie smiled at each other, before she left them alone again.
"So," Hopper said, "what made you want to ask me out?" He put his napkin in his lap and leaned in curiously.
"I've been wanting to for a long time, actually," Dexter replied. "I mean, you're cute, you're funny… I could go on." Hopper started to blush as he turned his face away form Dexter. He placed his hand over Hopper's. "Hopper, you are the most wonderful guy I know."
Underneath the canopy of trees, Kitty was sitting in the branches with Carolloo, listening to the boys' conversation. "Aw how adorable," Kitty scoffed. "Do you think it's time?" The caterpillar blinked at her. She chuckled. Her smile appeared on her face. "Let's go then." She pulled out a whistle and blew. No sound came out but the faintest whoosh of air.
The forest came to life with the sound of rumbling. From the depths of the forest came all sorts of creatures. "The things you can summon with Mr. Piper's flute," Kitty mused.
Daring pushed back a branch, allowing Lizzie to pass under. "Lizzie, are you sure Kitty is going to be here?" Lizzie looked back at the prince, and rolled her eyes.
"Do I know Kitty's going to be here," Lizzie replied sarcastically. "She's one of my best friends forever after. I know her." They pushed through the forest when they stopped. The sounds of animals were echoing through the forest, a low grumble of doom.
Daring and Lizzie eyed each other warily. "What is that?" Lizzie shook her head. As they came to the clearing, she stopped in their tracks.
"Oh my godmother." Standing before them were gigantic creatures. They looked like something that came out of nightmares.
"Lizzie?" Daring stepped through, coming up behind Lizzie. "What's the prob—"
"Get down!" Lizzie tackled the prince into the nearby bushes. The animals turned to the sound, but turned their attention back to Kitty. "We can't let them, or her, see us." She yelled-whispered to Daring.
Kitty stood on the tree branch, twirling the flute around. "Creatures of unspeakable evil… what to do, what to do." She looked into the eyes of an thing that looked like a combination of a snake and a walrus. "You know, you're not half bad looking!" She giggled.
Still hiding, Daring and Lizzie were crouched down in the bushes. "What's the plan?" Daring asked, leaning over. Lizzie brushed him off and leaned in, trying to hear what Kitty was saying.
"Attention all you creepy things!" Kitty announced, putting her hands on her hips. "I have called you here, with the help of this thing," she gestured to the flute. "And we are here to ruin an oh so magical date between Frog Boy and Glasses Charming."
The creatures started to rumble, stomping their feet and flapping their wings. "Dex you hear that?" Hopper asked, taking his head off Dexter's shoulder. They were sitting at the edge of the canopy, dangling their legs off the treetops, watching the night sky.
"Hear what?"
"I don't know. Sounded like a horde of… things."
"I'm sure it's nothing. You wanna head out? I have more stuff planned."
Hopper smiled and stood up. He pulled Dexter up and they walked back out through the door. "So what's next?" He intertwined his hands with his date's. Dexter made a gesture of zipping his lips and smiled, shaking his head. Hand in hand they walked out the door.
Down below, Kitty was finishing up her assignments to the little beasties. "Ok, now that I've finally gotten through the plan, shall we start the attack?" The animals growled in agreement. "Flappy bird-like thing, you're up!" Said bird creature flapped its 4 wings and broke through the canopy with a loud screech.
"Lizzie!" Daring shouted quietly to the Wonderlandian beside him. "Are we going to do anything heroic or not?" Lizzie shushed him and turned back to the cat girl. The bird thing came back and squawked something at Kitty.
"What? How could they be gone?" She stomped her foot. "Fine then. Beasties!" Kitty yelled, turning to the gathering of creatures. "Change of plans. We all strike. Go!" The creatures screeched and roared and barged out of the forest to find their targets. Kitty disappeared, following the rampage.
Lizzie and Daring stood there with their jaws dropped. "Daring," Lizzie started, "now we do something." Daring flashed his dazzling smile and pulled out his sword.
"Thank goodness! I've been dying to slay one of those foul beasts." He turned to Lizzie, his eyes widening in amazement. In the girl's hand, she held a flamingo shaped scepter, made entirely out of playing cards. "What is that?"
Lizzie's eyes were glassy. "I had to leave my trusty pet flamingo back in Wonderland," she replied wistfully. "This is the best thing I could do." She perked up suddenly. "However, this is much more sharp then Corazon ever was." Lizzie slashed her scepter, creating a large "L-shaped" gash through the trunk of a large tree.
Daring smiled in amazement. "What are we waiting for, princess? We have a date to save!" Daring and Lizzie ran out, following the rampage of Kitty's minions, weapons raised.
"C'mon Dex!" Hopper whined. "Just tell me what your family curse is!" Dexter chuckled and shook his head. Looming behind the couple were the creatures eyeing their prey. Behind them were the royal pair—poised to strike.
"I don't see Kitty."
"Just because you don't see her, doesn't mean she isn't there," Lizzie warned. Daring paid no mind to Lizzie's warning and charged towards the beasts slashing them down left and right. Lizzie rolled her eyes and shrugged. Letting out a spectacular battle cry, she leapt into the fray.
Together the pair slayed the monsters in their path. Soon enough all the monsters were gone; Dexter and Hopper never knowing any better as they settled into their romantic boat ride.
They smiled at each other. Daring pulled out his mirror and fixed his hair. Lizzie chuckled. Daring joined her, sheathing his sword. The two stopped laughing when another voice joined them in their chuckling.
"I must say," Kitty said suddenly appearing next to them. "Killing all my friends wasn't so nice."
"Kitty, you leave my brother and Hopper alone," Daring warned.
"Hmmm. Let me think about that," Kitty replied, flashing her signature smile. Without another word, she disappeared.
Lizze stamped her foot down, she held out her palm, and the scepter unmade itself back into a stack of cards. "She can just be so—so—ugh!" The cards poofed away. "Let's try and find her." The pair walked off, searching for the feline prankster.
"This is nice," Dexter said, putting his arm around Hopper.
"It really is."
The pair sat in silence, enjoying the ride around the lake. It was a slow, peaceful ride. The only sound came from the boat gliding across the water. And the occasional bubble pop from the mermaid who was towing them around.
"I really just love this," Dexter said, breaking the silence. "Sitting here with you, enjoying the moonlight, it's all just perfect." Hopper scooted in closer to Dexter, nuzzling his head into the charming prince's neck.
"I'm still in awe of this. That I'm here… on a date… with you. You're perfect, Dexter. Has anyone told you that?" Hopper looked into Dexter's eyes. Dexter laughed and snorted, making Hopper giggle.
"I'm not perfect," Dexter said. "I mean, look at my brother. He's perfect. With his dazzling smile, his ability to slay dragons at the drop of a crown; Daring is the perfect prince charming. And to top it off, he has a destiny awaiting him." Hopper sat back, looking at Dexter as he spoke.
Dexter ran his fingers through his hair, pushed his glasses up, and sighed. Hopper pouted, and removed Dexter's arm from his shoulder. "Dexter, look at me." Dexter complied and faced Hopper.
"It doesn't matter how great Daring is." Dexter scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Hey! Hey now. Dexter Charming, you are a spectacular prince. You're genuine, you're smart." Hopper cupped Dexter's face. "And who cares about if you don't know what lies ahead? Destiny is… complicated. After Raven's stunt at Legacy Day, who knows what to expect?"
Hopper's speech was cut short when they realized the boat was back at the dock, and an angry mermaid was splashing around trying to get their attention. "Sorry!" Dexter said, as he tossed the bag of coins to the mermaid.
The two stepped onto the dock. "Where was I?" Hopper asked.
"You were saying something about not knowing what lies ahead?" Dexter replied helpfully.
"Right. It's all a surprise now. Just like this." Hopper grabbed Dexter's head and kissed him. Dexter sank into the kiss, and bent his knees so that Hopper wouldn't have to tippy-toe. He wrapped his arms around Hopper, pulling him in closer.
Suddenly the couple found themselves submerged in the water. Dexter was first to surface. "Hopper? Hopper!" He splashed around frantically looking for the boy. He dove under the water, trying to find his date. He came back up for air, gasping.
Lizzie and Daring came running in, stopping where the dock had broken. "Dexter! Brother, are you alright?" Daring pulled his brother out of the lake with the assistance of the mermaid. Lizzie made a blanket of cards and wrapped it around Dexter.
"What in the hex happened?" Dexter asked, shivering slightly.
"Kitty," Lizzie replied. Dexter only nodded. "Wait, where's Hopper?" She asked looking around. "Oh hex no. She did not do what I think she did." Lizzie took off her heels and her gloves.
"Lizzie? What are you—" Daring got cut off when Lizzie belly-flopped into the water. Lizzie gasped as she resurfaced. "Did you find him?" Lizzie just looked away from Daring.
"Of course she wouldn't," Dexter said darkly. "He's not there." Lizzie got back up on the dock. Daring put a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. Dexter shrugged it off and stood up. Daring and Lizzie stood up as well.
"Dex—"
"Daring, I don't want to hear it." Dexter cut him off, not even looking at his brother. "The only thing I want to hear is how we're going to find them."
"How do you even know if Kitty took him?" Daring asked. Dexter and Lizzie looked at him incredulously. "Right. My bad."
"Lizzie, do you know where she could possibly be holding him?" Dexter asked, turning to the future queen of hearts. Lizzie opened her mouth to say something, but stopped and shook her head.
"I have an idea!" Yelled a voice from the water. The three standing on the dock peered curiously at where the voice came from. All of a sudden, a gigantic splash erupted from the water. Out flew Maddie, followed by Briar and Cupid.
Cupid caught the two girls in mid-air, and gently fluttered down to the pier. "What are you guys doing here?" Dexter asked incredulously.
"Our boy was going on his first date," Briar said.
"We obviously had to keep an eye on him!" Cupid cut in.
"Fair enough," Dexter replied. "What about you, Maddie?" She shrugged.
"I saw Briar and Cupid and Lizzie and Daring following you guys, so I thought I would join too!" Maddie pulled out a cookie from her hat and started nibbling on it. "It worked out anyways! I may know where Kitty might be," She said as she wagged the cookie at Dexter.
Everyone turned to look at Maddie. She happily chomped on her cookie. "Well?" Daring asked.
"Oh, you want to know now?" Maddie asked, tilting her head. Everyone nodded eagerly. Maddie laughed. "Well what are we waiting for then!" She tossed her hat into the air. A portal opened up in the hat, growing into a large vortex.
The vortex sucked up Dexter, then Briar. Daring jumped in, not wanting to be forcefully pulled in. Cupid flew in, following Daring. Lizzie held her ground as the vortex turned to her. She stared into Maddie's eyes with a somber look.
"We're not going where I think we're going are we?" Maddie said nothing. Lizzie nodded her head and sighed. She jumped into the portal leaving the hatterkin by herself.
"Oh, Kitty," Maddie said softly. "I think you went too far this time." She allowed herself to get sucked into the portal. The portal vanished without a trace with a marvelous poof.
Hopper groaned as he awakened. He tried to get up but found he was tied. He looked around to try and gather where he was. He appeared to be in a forest of some kind. But it was unlike any forest he'd ever been in. The trees were multicolored. The sky was a tinge of purple.
The bugs were all kinds of sizes and made of unique shapes. He could have sworn he just saw two pieces of toast flap by. "Finally awake are you? Thank goodness. I was getting oh so bored." Kitty's voice came from nowhere he could see.
Suddenly she appeared in front of him, floating upside down. "Kitty? Where am I? Why am I tied up? Where's Dexter?" Kitty only giggled as she corrected herself so she was floating right side up.
"Don't worry about your precious boyfriend," Kitty replied, her face smiling as always. "He'll be here eventually." She winked and leaned closer to Hopper, mere inches from his face. Hopper backed up, until he hit a tree. "As for where? You're in Wonderland."