I am so sorry for this long delay in updating. I got in a fight with my sister and she deleted this off my computer for revenge so I had to restart from scratch. While rewriting I decided to add a few things to this chapter (as if it wasn't long enough). I also had to deal with a lot of stuff (Events such as AX J, trips, ect.) and later had some computer problems. I hope the length of this chapter makes up for the long wait. Also, one last note before I forget, I like to thank the people who reviewed and favorite so far:
HallowBlue
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TheNextAlice
SmileRen
Serasenshi
Mushierooms
Chuu112
Bloodmoonwanes
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Thanks so much you guys. For the rest of you, enjoy and remember to review and tell me what you think so I know that I have people who still want me to continue this story.
Chapter 6: A Forest of Mad Creatures Part 2: Tears of sadness, Mad Tea and a little Blood.
As the pair continued their journey through the forest, Edith felt herself growing tired as the sun dropped lower and lower in the sky. Vorpal on the other hand showed no signs of weariness as he trekked on, not slowing in pace. After failing to stifle a yawn, Edith decided to speak up.
"Are we close yet? It's going to be dark any second now."
"What's the matter? You growing tired?" asked Vorpal.
"No," lied Edith, "I'm just wondering how far away we are from our destination." Edith let out another yawn, which caused Vorpal to smirk at her.
"You say you're not tried, but your body says otherwise. If you want, I could carry you." Edith shook her head, "No thanks, I am cable of walking on my own." As Edith let out another yawn, she felt herself picked up off the ground and was now in the arms of a smiling knight.
"I would have thought that your parents would have raised you to be above lying," teased Vorpal.
"Shut it," replied a tired Edith as she felt herself pulled even closer to sleep. As Edith began to succumb to the oblivion of sleep, she took one last look at the stars. 'They're as colorful as the forest,' she thought before falling asleep. Vorpal smiled at the slumbering form of Edith in his arms as he continued to stroll even deeper into the forest where the only light came from the full moon and the many stars that shown above. Their light barely pierced the branches hanging above, leaving most of the forest shrouded in shadows. As he continued along, he could hear the rustling of bushes coming from all around him, hear the soft pat of small feet and see the glint of red eyes.
Amused Vorpal began humming to himself as he pretended to be oblivious of the creatures stalking him. Other than the occasional chirp of crickets and hoots of an owl, the only sounds penetrating the midnight silence were the silent snickering of the beasts and the knights humming. As he felt them getting ready to surround and pounce on him, he caught a fleeting glimpse of one the animals. Jackals. This brought a twist grin to Vorpal's face. 'Some thing to kill, what fun!' he thought cheerily. He watched as the dog-like creatures walked out of the foliage surrounding him. Their two pairs of eyes fill with hunger and bloodlust. Vorpal not worried in the slightest recited a strange, poorly made, poem aloud. One of the flower girls at the castle made it and for some reason he could never forget it.
"Rivers of blood left in my wake,
As your life I am destine to take.
Your screams of pain,
Bring me no disdain.
Through valleys I march while in the dark,
Where my violence has left its mark.
My laughter that rings in your ear,
Causes you the ultimate fear."
As the jackals neared their prey, ready to pounce, Vorpal put his hand on his sword's hilt. While still holding Edith in one arm, he unsheathed his sword, posed, ready to strike.
"My silver blade goes, Snicker-Snack!"
As Edith began stirring from her dream, she became aware of a thumping sound close to her ear. As her eyes fluttered open, she slowly became aware that she was sitting in the shade of a tree, the morning sunshine reaching only her feet through the leaves. As she tried to stand up, she found that there was something holding her down. When she looked to see what it was, she found that one of Vorpal's arms was wrapped around her, holding her in place. She looked to her left to find Vorpal sleeping against the tree behind them. He was no longer wearing his armor, but a white trench coat instead and had his sword out across his lap clenched tightly in his left hand. Its silver blade stained red with drying blood. When Edith looked at his face, she noticed that he also had a few stray drops of red on his cheek.
"Vorpal," whispered Edith as she attempted to nudge the knight awake. After a few more nudges the knight began to stir. He opened one eye and smiled the moment he saw Edith.
"Good morning. So how is our heavy sleeper doing? You missed a beautiful night sky. I take it you had no problems sleeping."
"That's what I want to talk to you about. What happened while I was asleep?" Edith asked while pointing at his sword.
"Oh that? That's nothing," Vorpal replied with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Some of Wonderland's creatures wanted a mid-night snack. Unfortunately, for them, they picked one that fights back." He let out a sigh of disappointment. "They were not as much fun as I hope for though. Even with me carrying you in one hand, it was still too easy to kill them all."
Edith stared at Vorpal in disbelief.
"You mean to tell me that while I was asleep and you were carrying me, you fought with a bunch of creatures and I supposedly slept through all of it."
"Pretty much," replied Vorpal as stood up to stretch. "Well now that we are rested, shall we continue on our journey my little sleeping beauty?" asked Vorpal as he picked his bloodstained sword off the ground. When he glanced at Edith, he noticed her glare.
"What?"
"I don't like you calling me by those nicknames of yours." she replied.
"But they suit you so well. No matter. Let's get going." Vorpal grabbed Edith by the back collar of her dress lifting up in the before setting her back down on her feet. His actions earned him a glare that he ignored. Edith knowing it would be pointless to start another argument with him followed in silence.
Not long into their travel did Edith notice the air become misty and the depressing aura that began to flood the forest around them. As they journeyed closer to the source the plants sagged downward, flowers hung their heads, the bright colors of the forest dimmed to dull shades, and the mist thickened to the point were droplets hung in the air almost as if the air around them was crying. Edith wanted to ask where they where, but felt as if she had been through here before. Soon she was able to hear the tiny trickle of a stream in the distance. Only when they approached what Edith expected to be a small stream, she was surprise to find a large river in front of her. The water's surface shimmered in a way that it looked as if it were made from liquefied crystal. As Edith's gaze traveled around her surroundings she realize that she knew this place, had in fact had been here many times during her long months of sadness.
"The Valley of Sorrow and the River of Tears," said Vorpal interrupting Edith's thoughts, "The place where people go to forget their sorrows. A river created by the tears of others. A place infused with sadness."
Edith approached the river and gazed into its water. In it, she saw images of her oldest sister, Lorina, along with her mother and her father flash by on the river surface. She reached out to the water's surface, leaning forward, but felt a hand on her shoulder stopping her. She turned to see Vorpal shake his head. Edith stood there on the bank staring into the water with Vorpal at her side. After a short time in silence, Edith spoke.
"Vorpal...why has this valley not changed like the rest of wonderland?" Judging by the strain in her voice, Vorpal knew that it pained her to ask. He expected her to ask but it did not make it any easier telling her, knowing how she was probably going to react.
"It hasn't changed much because this is the only place in Wonderland that you frequented during the last couple of months. It's the only place you can still remember," said Vorpal in a sorrowful voice. Edith could feel herself tremble slightly. She could still recall all the times she had fled here to cry out all her sorrows. Only now, thinking back to those times, she realizes that there was something there that she had ignored, a sound in the background. They were not the sounds of birds chirping or of the river water trickling, but of the ground cracking, the sky ripping and the cries of pain and angst, all coming from a distance. They were the sounds of Wonderland falling apart. All the times that Edith had come to the River of Tears, she could hear the destruction of Wonderland, but chose to ignore it, instead focusing on her own grief and self-pity. She could have done something to stop it if she only bothered to pay more attention to what was going on. Edith's vision began to blur as her eyes started to water.
"It's my fault isn't it? That Wonderland was nearly destroyed. I still came here to cry but never bothered to check on the rest of Wonderland. I end up ignoring all of you." Edith paused to take in a shaky breath before continuing. "Who disappeared?" she asked.
Vorpal hesitated before answering, "We lost a couple towns all around Wonderland and…Griffin didn't make it."
Edith felt as if she had been stabbed through her heart. At the mention of his name, Edith could suddenly remember everything about him. His brown curly hair and soft blue eyes with the golden wings on his back. He was the General for the White Kingdom's armies. She remembered how kind he was, always willing to lend a hand, and how he always acted like a gentleman. Now he was gone forever.
"Was…was there anyone else?" asked Edith as she did her best not to break into tears, knowing that if she did, she won't be able to stop.
Again, Vorpal hesitated unsure if he should tell her or not. Sighing Vorpal knew that it would be pointless lying because she will about one way or another.
"There were three others." Vorpal watched as Edith's body tensed up as if she was expecting to be hit by a series of blows. Considering how much this was hurting her, they might as well have been. "We lost Admiral Nelson Turtle and Captain Gonzo Dodo, along with his brother Luka Lizard."
Edith flinched at each name as her memories of each one of them came rushing back to her. She remembers how kind and friendly admiral Nelson was, how he scared easily and loved the sea. He was a short round man with white hair tied into a ponytail like those old powdered wigs and bright green eyes. He was always handing out trinkets that he collect from his many voyages. They ranged from broken glass bottles to pearls to shark teeth. He was also close friends with Bena the Caterpillar. He was also known for racing his ship, The Griffin, in the caucus race against Captain Gonzo and his ship The Crow. Gonzo was also a kind man like Nelson. Gonzo was taller than Nelson and had orange color eyes, but had the same styled white hair. He was not only a captain, but a stargazer, explorer, and a skilled fisherman as well. He was always ready to take on any challenge or obstacle no matter how difficult or ridiculous it may have been. Gonzo was the one who created the caucus race, the race with no beginning or end.
His brother Luka was constantly getting himself caught up in his adventures. Luka was an apprentice carpenter. Unlike his brother, Luka had black shaggy hair and emerald green eyes. He wasn't very brave and frightened easily like Nelson. He was quite gullible which got him caught in many sticky situations. Despite his faults, Luka was fun to be around, but now he's gone. Luka, Gonzo, Nelson and Griffin were all gone. No matter how Edith or anyone else may try to convince her otherwise, she knew that in the end, it was her fault that they were gone and now she will have to carry that with her for the rest of her life. Vorpal crouched down behind Edith before turning her around and pulling her into a hug.
Immediately Edith broke into heavy sobs, clutching onto the front of Vorpal's trench coat. Vorpal stroked the back of Edith's head in an attempt calm her down. He could feel her tears soak into his coat. Vorpal could feel the tears rolling down his coat to collect into a tiny puddle on the grass. The puddle was then pulled into a thin thread-like stream as the tears were pulled into the river to merge with the countless ones that already existed there. On the surface of the water, an image of this very scene formed, playing itself out in silence before fading behind the glossy surface of the river. Vorpal always felt indifferent about the Valley of Sorrow, but now, he truly did hate it.
Edith found herself awaking in Vorpal's arms yet again, but this time he was on the move. She could not recall when she had fallen asleep and could not tell for how long she had been slumbering. Glancing around at the surrounding forest, she noticed that they were no longer in the valley of sorrow, but the section of forest they were in was different from the rest she had already seen. Unlike the other parts of the forest that were made up of a rainbow of colors, this section was mostly pink, purple and black.
"Looks like somebody is finally awake," Vorpal said, interrupting her thoughts. Edith glanced up toward the smiling face of the knight.
"Vorpal, what happened?"
"Simple, you cried yourself to sleep so I carried you away from that horrid place. You have been sleeping for about a quarter of an hour." Vorpal paused to look up at trees around him. "What's the point of exploring if you sleep through all of it," teased Vorpal.
"Well, I am awake now, so can you put me down?"
Vorpal still feeling a little mischievous decide to tease Edith a little further. "As you command, my tiny princess."
Edith felt herself bristle at being called small and a princess. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she turned and stomped on Vorpal's foot.
"Ow!" cried Vorpal. "That was uncalled for my little princess. What did I ever do to deserve that?" asked Vorpal as he feigned innocence.
"Keep mocking me and I will aim for your other foot," threatened Edith as she glared at him.
"Me, mock you!" gasped Vorpal as he placed a hand on his chest feigning hurt. "I would never do such a thing."
"Keep it up, and we will see what happens."
Vorpal, having decided that he has teased Edith long enough, chuckled as he dropped his façade. "Very well then. Now that we are done bickering, shall we continue onward? There is someone expecting us and we have already wasted enough time."
"And whose fault do you think that is?" replied Edith.
"Why, yours of course." replied Vorpal nonchalantly.
"What! How is it my fault when you started it!" yelled Edith as she grew more and more frustrated with Vorpal.
"But you escalated it." replied Vorpal, unfazed by the glare he was receiving. "Now its stop this before we get off track even further. There is someone waiting for us some where around this part of the forest."
"Who would meet us in the middle of strange forest like this?" asked Edith.
"It's rude to insult the looks of another person's home."
Edith little out a small shriek as she was startled by the unknown voice. She glanced around looking for the speaker of the voice, but could see no one. She turned to face Vorpal who was staring off into the distance.
"Did you hear that?" she asked.
"I did. Must be the wind." he replied.
Edith looked at him in disbelief before putting a hand to her head. "You are giving me a headache."
"A short walk should fix that." Without waiting for a reply, Vorpal continued down the dirt path. Knowing that it would be futile to argue with the knight, Edith followed him. Constantly during their trek, Edith felt as if some one was watching her, but every time she turned around, she could not find anyone. Finally, Edith decided to break the silence around them.
"Vorpal, how much longer before we find this friend of yours?"
"Someone lacks patience, for you have already found him."
Again, this unknown speaker startled Edith. She glanced all round, desperately trying to find the speaker. It was only until she noticed Vorpal gazing upward, did Edith think to look up in the trees. She was surprised to find a pair of yellow-green cat eyes staring back at her. She watched as a black striped, dark purple colored cat, crawled out of the shadows to rest on the very end of a low-level tree branch.
"What are you?" asked Edith.
The cat flashed her, a sharp-tooth grin. "I believe the correct term is who are you? No matter this is a purrfect time to introduce myself."
The cat jumped from the branch and morphed mid-air. Now a large tiger stood a few feet away from her, still wearing its grin. The tiger began walking toward when it morphed again. Now standing in front of Edith, was a young man about as tall as Vorpal with purple cat ears and tail. He wore black trousers with a near black, purple shirt. He had dark blue-purple hair that appeared to be wrapped around his neck under a purple scarf. The scarf covered the lower half of his face, stopping under his nose. On the front of the scarf was a design of a sharp-tooth grin on top of where his mouth would be. His yellow-green eyes gleamed with mischief.
"My name is Ches Ayman and it is great to see you again."
Edith was surprised that his scarf did not muffle his voice. Ches glance over to where Vorpal was standing, acting oblivious to his presence.
"Aren't you going to say hello or are you planning on ignoring me?"
Vorpal did not respond as he continued to stand, acting oblivious to his surroundings.
"Is he upset or something?" asked a puzzled Ches.
"I don't know. He was acting fine earlier," responded an equally puzzled Edith.
"Looks like there is nothing we can do so why don't we-AH!"
Edith jumped back, surprised by Ches' scream. As she stepped back, she noticed that Vorpal was now standing next to Ches. He had some how managed to move over to them without either one noticing and was now crushing Ches' tail under his foot.
"Hello cat," Vorpal said through grit teeth, "You didn't think I would forget about you, did you?"
"N-Nice to see y-you too V-Vorpal," replied Ches, "D-Do y-you mind g-getting off m-my tail?"
Vorpal smirked as he leaned close to Ches' ear. "Now why would I do that? I think it is fair that I pay you back for 'cleaning' my shoes. Did you think that I wouldn't realize that it was you, who greased them? You're the only person that could have gotten into my room without anyone else seeing you. I'll deal with the girls who gave you the so-called grease later, but for now I'll have my fun with you."
Ches looked at Edith with pleading eyes. "H-Help me?"
"Vorpal get off his tail," Edith commanded a frustrated tone. To her surprise, Vorpal complied. As soon as Vorpal's foot came off Ches' tail, he jumped back a few feet cradling his bruised tail in his hands.
"Thanks. Now that my tail is out of harms way, shall we get going. We don't want to be late." Already, all trace of pain and discomfort had left his voice, acting as if nothing had happened.
"Wait, why does everyone, but me know where we are going," complained Edith.
Both Vorpal's and Ches' eyes gleamed with mischief. Vorpal was smirking and Edith was certain that Ches was doing the same under his scarf.
"It's a surprise," they both said in unison.
"A surprise is not a surprise unless it's a surprise," said Ches. Edith groaned in frustration.
"I am not going to get anything out of either of you, am I?" asked Edith.
"Nope." replied Vorpal.
"We should get going. No doubt he is waiting for us, some where on the way."
"He's here? Well then we must get going right away." Vorpal paused to glance at Edith who was opening her mouth. "And we have no time for questions," he said as he grab Edith's hand and began walking further into the forest with Ches trailing behind.
After a few minutes of walking, Edith managed to free herself from Vorpal's grip. When she looked ahead further down the path, she saw someone standing in the distance. As they drew near, she was able to make out the details about this person as they drew closer and closer. The first detail was that he was wearing all black. A little closer and she was able to see that it was a man wearing an open, black, short sleeve dress jacket with a white undershirt with vertical black strips. On his legs, he wore black shorts and brown boots with folded flaps. There were thin white strips running down the sides of his sleeves and shorts. When they came to a stop just a few feet from him, Edith realized that it wasn't a man but a teenage boy who looked no older than sixteen. He was smiling as they approached. His hair was a golden blond color with faint white streaks. He had gentle ice blue eyes that were focused on her. Clipped to his hip on his right side was a saber with a gleaming, gold plated hilt. Clipped on his left was a gold pocket watch with a white cross on the coverlid. He was the first to speak.
"I was wondering how long you guys were going to make me wait," he said smiling as he cocked his head to the side. "It is wonderful to see you again Edith."
He held out his hand, which Edith took. Instead of shaking it, like she expected him to, he leaned forward and kissed the back of it. Edith had to stifle a gasp. She was able to see the back of his head. Attached to it was a pair of long white rabbit ears that went to the middle of his back.
He smiled pleasantly as he released her hand.
"In case you have forgotten, I am Ran Whitman, the White Rabbit of White Castle."
As soon as she heard his name, Edith could feel more memories flooding back into her mind. Her vision blurred with images from her past that she had to blink repeatedly to clear them. As soon as she see clearly again, she smiled at Ran before hugging him.
"How could I forget Mr. Snowy," said Edith in a teasing manner. In the background, she could hear Vorpal and Ches snickering as Ran tensed under her.
"I was hoping you would have forgotten about that incident," groaned Ran "And I was also hoping you would stop comparing me to other rabbits."
Edith couldn't help, but smile at the memory.
Flashback: age 6 1/2
"Look! Sis, Look!" shouted an enthusiastic Edith. Lorina looked up from the book she was reading to stare in the green eyes of her youngest sister.
"What has gotten you so happy?" she asked curiously, as Edith jumped up and down in place.
"I found a white rabbit," exclaimed Edith happily, "Look!"
Lorina followed Edith's pointing finger to the garden. It had snowed heavily the night before so the entire garden looked like a white wonderland. Finding a white rabbit among the snow would be a little difficult, but Lorina was sure she could spot it if she looked carefully. After a few moments, she spotted it. It sat in front of the garden hedge, its pink nose twitching in the cool evening air. The small rabbit appeared to be staring at the two of them.
"I see now. It's a cute little rabbit. I never thought I would see one roaming in our garden," said Lorina.
"How do you think it got here?" asked Edith.
"I don't know. I'm just as puzzled as you," replied Lorina.
They watched as the rabbit start to take small steps towards them. It got a few feet before it fell through the snow. Only its ears remained visible above the snow as they twitched back and forth.
"What happened?" asked Edith.
"It looks like he fell through a hole that formed under the surface of the snow," explained Lorina.
They watched as the rabbit slowly claimed out of the hole it fell in. It took a few hesitant steps before it start to hop across the snow. It only got another foot before it fell through the snow again. Edith burst into a fit of giggles as did Lorina. Edith ran from the porch to where the rabbit fell.
"Edith what are you doing?" Lorina asked with a little worry.
Edith didn't respond. She reached into hole, pulling out the rabbit before hugging it to her chest.
"Edith put him down. I don't what to explain to mother how you got scratched because the rabbit kicked you," scolded Lorina as she walked toward Edith.
"But he's so soft," whined Edith as she pressed her cheek against his fur. "I'm going to call you snowy."
Lorina stared at her unsure of what to do. She was surprised that instead of squirming and trying to get free, the rabbit remained still in her arms. It seemed content with its current situation.
"Where did the rabbit come from?"
Lorina jumped from surprise. She turned to see Alice standing behind them, staring wide-eye at the rabbit in Edith's arms. Alice walked up next to Lorina so was also standing in front of Edith and her rabbit. Alice reached out slowly to pet it. When her hand was close enough, the rabbit lifted its head to sniff the tips of her fingers. Satisfied, it sunk its head down back into Edith's arms. Alice gently stroked her fingers along the top of the rabbits head, in-between its ears.
"Where did you find him?" asked Alice in a low voice.
Edith looked up, noticing Alice for the first time. Her eyes were gleaming with joy as she smiled at her.
"He was running around in our garden," replied Edith happily, as she continued to hug the little rabbit while Alice stroked its fur.
"Alice, I thought you said you were staying indoors today," said Lorina.
Alice turned to face her older sister, almost forgetting why she had showed.
"I came out here to tell you that mother wants you both inside before either of you can get sick."
"Very well then," replied Lorina. "You're going to have to say good-bye to Mr. Snowy now Edith."
"But I don't want to," whined Edith as she buried her face in his fur.
"But he probably has a family that's waiting for him. You don't want to keep he from them, do you?" asked Alice.
"Fine," Edith replied as she set the rabbit down in the snow. As soon Edith let go, the rabbit turned and headed toward the garden hedge.
"See. They are probably waiting for him right now. Come on, we should get inside before we upset mother."
As the three headed into the warmth of their home, Alice stopped and turned to gaze out at the garden. She was surprised when she spotted the white rabbit sitting in front of hedge watching her. Alice smiled at it before turning and stepping into home, closing the door behind her. The white rabbit sat there staring at the spot where Alice stood, before it turned and ran, disappearing into the hedge.
~~X~~
"It's even snowing in Wonderland," said Edith as she did a twirl, her green and red stripped dress swishing around her. "Everything looks so pretty."
Edith is standing in the middle of one of the many open paths running through Wonderland Woods. The floor and trees are covered in a fine soft blanket of snow. Along the wide path, stand piles of snow shaped into snowmen, pillars, and statues of various sizes at random intervals. Hanging from the branches are icicles of the most bizarre arrangements. Some are the common needle-like icicles that can be found anywhere where it snows. Among them though, are icicles shaped into bells that tinkle softly in the occasional gust of wind. There are some that form lines of snowflakes that flap in the wind, but never break and hundreds of other forms hang along side them, ranging from the most beautiful to the most bizarre.
Arches, made of snow cross the open gap above Edith, each separated by a couple yards. Intricate designs adorn each arch giving the feeling that the passage of one is a journey into a new world in Wonderland.
"Edith!"
Edith turned around to see Ran running out of the forest toward her, waving a hand in the air. He was dressed the same as always, the only difference was that he was wearing black pants instead of shorts. Before he could reach Edith, a snowball flew out from the tree in front Ran hitting him in the face. Edith watched as he tripped and fall face first into the snow. Edith glanced up and saw Ches sitting in the tree above Ran, his tail swishing in amusement. As Ran picked himself off the ground, he glared daggers at Ches.
"I kill you for that, you stupid cat!" he shouted.
Ches chuckled. "No, you silly rabbit. That was to get your attention. This will be the reason you try to kill me."
Ches jumped off the branch he was on, shaking it in the process. Ran took a step after him before a large plop of snow landed on his head. As the realization dawned on Ran, he had barely enough time to look up and scream before he was buried by a mountain of snow. Edith let out a small gasp of surprise.
"Don't worry. I'm sure he's fine."
Edith jumped in surprise. She turned around to find Ches standing behind her.
"Look! He's climbing out, and no worse for wear." Ches said as he pointed.
Edith turned around again to see Ran climbing out of the pile of snow. He managed to get his upper torso free before the layer of snow under him collapsed, causing him to fall under the snow again. Edith let out a stream of giggles as she ran over to help.
"You're such a silly rabbit," said Edith, in between giggles as such stuck her hand out.
"I am not," said Ran as he grabbed Edith's hand. "Thank you." Ran managed to take a step forward before his foot sunk to deep into the snow causing him to trip and fall, face first.
"Some one must really love the snow!" Ches shouted through his laughter.
"I'm going to kill that cat," mumbled Ran as he picked himself up.
"Snowy."
"What did you say, Edith?" asked a puzzled Ran.
"Snowy. The rabbit I found in our garden today. You keep reminding me of him. That's it! I'm going to call you Snowy from now on. It will be your new nickname."
Ran's expression fell. "Please don't compare me to other rabbits," he whined.
"Someone seems to have a little inferiority complex," teased Ches as he appeared behind Ran.
"I do not!" exclaimed Ran as he drew his sword.
"I'll take that as a lie," said Ches as he ran into the woods with Ran following close behind.
"Get back here you stupid cat!"
Edith sighed as they ran off. "There they go again. Oh no!" she exclaimed in realization. "We're going to be late if they don't stop," Edith exclaimed as she went after the two. "Get back here!"
Present:
"Edith, do you mind letting me go? If we don't hurry, we'll be late."
"Alright," said Edith as she released him from his hug. "Wait, where are we going, cause it seems that everyone, but me knows our destination."
"I'm sorry, but I can not say," said Ran smiling, "But I will tell you that it will be well worth the wait."
"He's right, you know," said Ches, "You're just going to have to be patient."
"Fine," sighed Edith, "Can we get going then?"
"Sure thing," replied Ran. "Follow me and I will have us there within minutes."
Ran led, while Edith walked close behind with Vorpal and Ches following behind her. While they were walking, Edith could here Vorpal and Ches whispering behind her, but she paid it no mind. Her current focus was on Ran's white rabbit ears. She was constantly stealing glances while doing her best not to stare. Her face flushed a little as she reached out to grab his ear. Without even realizing it, she was holding the bottom of his left ear, rubbing it gently between her thumb and fore finger. Edith was so caught up in what she was doing that she did not notice the shiver that went up Ran's spine or heard the snickering from Vorpal and Ches.
"Um, Edith?"
"W-wha," replied Edith, as if she were in a daze, as she gazed up at Ran who had a light blush on his face.
"Can you let go of my ear, please?"
Edith's eyes widen in realization of what she was doing. Her hand shot back to her, as if she burned herself.
"I'm so sorry," said Edith as her hands flew up to her mouth, "I did mean too, it's just that your ears looked so soft and I…I'm so sorry."
Ran chuckled while Vorpal and Ches outright laughed behind her.
"It's alright," replied Ran in a cheerful tone. As they continued on, Edith heard Vorpal and Ches whispering again and managed to catch something one of them said.
"I told you, she was going to do it. She has a soft spot for animal ears."
Before Edith could turn around and say something, Ran spoke up.
"We're here."
In front of them was a white fence post that surrounded a large clearing. At the other side was a beautiful two-story house. In the center of the clearing was a long white table filled with what appeared to be teapots. Sitting at the end of the table were two figures.
"Shall we join them?" Vorpal asked as he opened the gate for Edith. Edith nodded and stepped through with the others following close behind. As they approached the table, the two figures, who were a man and a woman, rose from their seats and walked down the length of the table to meet them. The man walked, hunched over. Even hunched, he stood at an amazing six feet in height. He was wearing a ridiculously tall top hat, covered in numbers, fractions, and card symbols, all placed in a black and white checkered pattern. The hat was titled, so the brim would cast a shadow over most of his face, that the only thing visible was a single, glowing, red eye. His hair was messy and stuck out from under his hat. It was divided into two colors, black for the front half and snow white for the back half. He wore a dress jacket that was also two colors, white on the front and an olive green on the back. It covered a plain white undershirt with a ruffled ascot. His pants were simple blue slacks. He carried in his left hand a wooden cane, with a white stone handle with a white diamond implanted on the top.
The woman wore a matching top hat with a similar colored outfit. She wore a dress with a white upper half and olive green, lower half. The dress stopped at her knees, revealing green and white colored stockings. The dress' sleeves stopped at her elbows, above green gloves. Her hair was a light chestnut brown that fell to her shoulders. The color of her eyes matched the color her hair. She looked like she was probably in her thirties. She stood next to the man, who appeared to be only few inches taller than her, in front of the table. She smiled pleasantly as Edith and her group approached. The man lifted up his head, allowing them to see his face. He looked as if he was in his thirties as well. His eyes though, weren't red. They were two different colors. His left eye was green and his right blue. He was smiling just like the woman next to him.
"Well, well, well! Look what we have here," said the woman, "I didn't expect such a huge group would be joining us today."
"You have just made in time for tea, my friends," said the man, "And I find it wonderful that Edith is also joining us."
"It's good to see you, Hatter," said Ran cheerfully, "And it's good to see you too, Hattress."
"Edith, I do hope you remember the Hatters," said Vorpal as he rubbed the top of her head until she swatted his hand away.
"I do remember them a little bit, but not completely."
Hatter smiled, not worried in the least about her memories. "Remembering is much better than forgetting, isn't that right dear?"
"It is indeed, and at least you remember us partially, rather than not at all." Hattress grabbed Edith's hand and led her to a spot at the table. Vorpal took the seat next to her on her right, while Ran and Ches took seats across from her. The Hatters sat at one end of the table. As soon as Ran sat down, he began to glance around table looking for something, an act that did not go unnoticed by the Hatters.
"Is something the matter Ran?" Hattress asked.
"It's just that I don't see March or Mewnet anywhere. I rarely see them away from this place, so I'm wondering they could have gone," he replied.
"Mewnet should be somewhere on the table and March went hunting a while ago. He should be back any second now," answered Hatter as he poured tea into a group of teacups in front of him.
Edith looked at hatter confused with her head titled to the side. "How can a person hid on a table? They would be very easy to spot."
Vorpal shook his head as he wagged a finger in the air. "Ah, but Mewnet is not a person, she's a mouse."
"A mouse?" Now Edith was more confused. Before she could ask why the mouse was important, she notice something sticking out from behind one of the teapots on the table. Edith moved the teapot aside to find a brown mouse sleeping in a knocked over teacup. The lower half of the body was sticking out of the cup, lying on the table. Edith reached over and gently, picked up the mouse with her hand.
"I think I found your mouse," Edith said, gaining everyone's attention. The mouse awoke as Edith gently stroked its fur. The mouse stared at Edith with its small black eyes.
"It looks so cute…ow!" Edith cried as she dropped the mouse.
"What's wrong?" asked Vorpal, worry in his voice.
"It bit me," Edith said as she sucked the wound on her injured finger. She stared at the mouse that sat on the table looking at her. It was almost as if the mouse was glaring at her. After a few more seconds of their odd stare contest, the mouse turned and ran across the table toward the empty chair next to Ran. Edith watch as it jumped and morphed in mid-air. Where there was once a mouse, was now a little girl, about Edith's age, sitting in a crouch in the chair. She wore a short purple dress with a dark purple vest on top. She had short silver hair. What stood out the most was the silver mouse ears on the top of her head and tail that was swishing back and forth. She turned around to reveal dark, velvet red eyes that stared into Edith's green ones. Edith stared at the girl in surprise as she glared at her.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
"You should calm down, Mewnet," Hatter said as he mixed the cups of tea.
"But you know how I hate having strangers for tea time," complained Mewnet. Ran placed his hand on her head and turned it so she was looking at Edith.
"I'm not surprise you have forgotten what she looks like. You could never remember anything past a month," chuckled Vorpal, "This is Edith." Vorpal patted Edith's head earning him a glare while he looked at Mewnet's shocked face.
"Impossible," she whispered. "Edith forgot about us. She can't be here."
"Vorpal isn't lying," Ran said as he patted Mewnet's head. "You should apologize for biting her."
Mewnet's eyes widen in realization. "It is you! I'm so sorry!" Mewnet cried bowing her head.
"It's alright," Edith said while smiling at her. "But I have to ask, can everyone transform like that?"
Ches answered. "Not everyone. Only a select few have the ability and those select few, all have animal traits of some kind. Take Ran here for example; he can't transform as well as March, who has yet to show. I on the other hand posses the most advance, transformation ability. The only other person, or persons, that come close are the insane Twins."
"Insane Twins?" asked Edith.
"Just the nickname we use for those two, because they run the asylum," answered Vorpal, "Oh, before I can forget…"
Mewnet shrieked and ducked under the table as two table knifes impaled into her chair's headrest. Mewnet peeked above the table, her eyes wide in fright and the fur on her ears standing up.
"Hurt Edith again and I will be sure not to miss." said Vorpal smiling, his smile twisted and menacing and his words sincere.
"Vorpal, please don't kill the other party members. Show some restraint," said Hatter.
"You're one to talk, Mr. Butcher," Vorpal said tauntingly.
Hatter's head shot up as he glared at Vorpal, his eyes flashing a dangerous red. "I would prefer it if you would not use that name."
"Or you'll do what?"
Hatter rose from his chair, his backing cracking in the process as he stood to his full height, an intimating eight feet. His eyes glowing red and his upper face hidden by the shadow of his hat.
"I'll have to teach you some table manners, Interrogator," Hatter threatened, griping his cane in both hands.
Vorpal also rose from his seat, his hand on the hilt of his sword.
"In all of the time I have known you, this is the first time you have taken offense to that name. Why is that? Ashamed all of a sudden? Hm? I on the other hand love my name." Vorpal couldn't help, but egg the Hatter on.
"Vorpal, there are certain things that Edith would be better off not knowing, so still that tongue of yours, before I remove it." Hatter threatened, pointing his cane at Vorpal.
"Will you two stop it!" Both Hatter and Vorpal turned to see Hattress walking from the house with a large, plain looking cake in her hands. "The both of you are acting like children right now. If you're going to fight, do so after teatime. There is a time for everything and now is teatime. Am I not correct Mr. Whitman?"
Hattress set down the cake as she looked toward Ran. He pulled out his pocket watch, flipping open the lid to see the time.
"Right you are Hattress. It's tea time, right on the dot," Ran paused to look around, "And it seems that our other rabbit friend will be late."
"How unfortunate," said Hattress, as she began cutting slices from the cake.
"If I remember correctly, March is a hare, not a rabbit. Both are different," said Ches.
"Rabbit, Hare, I see no difference. We're all the same," replied Ran relaxing into his chair. He didn't see the mischievous glint in Chess's eye.
"So what you are saying is that you're not special at all. You're just another ordinary rabbit," Chess teased.
Ran's eyes shot open and a twisted smile appeared on his face. He reached forward and grabbed the handle of a metal teapot in front of him.
"Say that again and I will be happy to smash your head in with this metal teapot," Ran threatened in a sweet voice.
"Please gentlemen, reframe from killing each other. It's time for tea." In front of Hatter sat a dozen plates, sporting teacups and large slices of cake. With a snap of his fingers, all the plates sprouted legs and began to carry their contents to each person. Edith watched in amazement as two plates, one with cake and the other tea, walked to her. As soon as they were in front of Edith, they set themselves down, retracting their legs, leaving no evidence that they were ever there.
"That was amazing," said Edith in awe. Hatter smiled and raised is cup to her for a silent glad you enjoyed it. When Edith glanced down toward the cake, though, she was disappointed. It looked like an overly sized slice of bread. What confused her though, was that next to the fork was a large needle with a blue bulb on the end.
"Hattress? Why do I have a needle," Edith asked.
"To change the flavor. This is Wonder Bread my dear. You prick it with the needle and it changes to a different flavor. Whether it be chocolate, blueberry, apple, any assortment of flavors you can imagine." Hattress lifted her slice for Edith to see. It was no longer white, but red with a blue swirl in it.
"What if I want a specific flavor?"
"Then put the head of the needle in your mouth, think of the flavor you want then prick the cake and you will get that flavor. You can also add fillings and icing that way as well."
"The cake is delicious," butted in Mewnet, "It's wonderful as always and the tea is amazing. Nothing can taste better."
"Oh, I beg to differ."
Mewnet turned to see Ches fixing her with a hungry gaze. She picked up a table knife and pointed it at him, interrupting Ran as he tried to take a sip of tea.
"Don't even think about it," Mewnet threatened.
"When it comes to such matters, it's best to not waste time thinking about it," Chess purred. Ran glanced at both of them before scooting his chair back.
"Chess, would you not attempt to eat the other guests. It's rude and your being a bother to Ran," Hatter said, not even glancing in their direction. Ran nodded his thanks while Ches returned his focus to the cake in front of him. Edith, who had watched the whole event in amusement, shook her head before pricking her slice of cake. It turned into a bright blue color. When she took a bite, the rich taste of fresh blueberries filled her mouth. She loved it, but before she could take another bite, she heard a shout.
"Oi, I hope I'm not too late to join in!"
Edith looked behind her chair to see someone coming out of the trees. He looked to be about Vorpal's height and age. His hair was short and an orange color that matches his eyes. A scar ran down his left eye and a pair of brown rabbit ears that stood on the top of his head. The, ears though looked torn and injured as if they were mauled. He was wearing an open, red trench coat that had orange fur lining. There were a few noticeable patches and the bottom of the coat looked shredded at the edges. His brown trousers were in a similar state as his overcoat, patched and shredded at the bottom. .On his feet are a pair of brown, mud-caked combat boots. Strapped over the coat and the brown, bloodstained vest underneath, was a bullet belt with a dagger sticking out in the middle. Slung over his left shoulder were three dead foxes. Resting on his right, with the barrel facing the sky, was a bolt-action rifle.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my favorite huntsman. Good to see you March," Vorpal said as he rose from his chair and embraced March in a hug.
"It's good to see you too, Vorpal," March said returning the embrace. March glanced over Vorpal's shoulder and could see Edith staring from around her chair. "And it seems you brought me a present."
"As yes, Edith I like you to meet March Hunter. The Huntsman of Wonderland's woods. I do hope you remember him some."
"All I remember is that there was a freeloading rabbit living with the Hatters," Edith said nonchalantly. Everyone burst into laughter while March looked at Edith in shock.
"How can you say such a cruel thing?" March cried.
"I'm just playing you, you silly rabbit," Edith said giggling. March immediately perked up.
"Come now March, Tea time as already started. I already served you a plate," Said Hatter gaining March's attention.
"I was wondering what that delightful smell was," March said as he took the left seat, next to Edith. He hung the fox hides on the back of his chair, their bodies dripping blood on grass.
"I didn't think you were going to show," Ran said, nibbling on his cake, "You're late enough as it is."
"Please, tea time started three and four color changes ago, I'm not that late," March said.
Edith looked that them both confused. "Three and four color changes? What does that even mean?"
"It means what it means," replied March and Ran simultaneously. They looked at each other before Ran nodded, giving March permission to continue. "I was gone for three and Wonderland's forest changed color four times in four different sections."
"Yes, but three what? Seconds, minutes, hours?" Edith felt even more confused than before.
"I would not bother with it, Edith," Vorpal said, cutting into the conversation. "It's the main way to tell time here in the forest. It can't be explained, only understood. You'll see what I mean if you stay in the forest long enough." Vorpal took a sip of his tea before he eyed the fox hides hanging from March's chair. "Those are some nice foxes you have caught."
"I have to agree, looks like your hunt has gone well," complemented Hattress.
March beamed. "You should see the state the live ones are in." March let out a sigh of longing. "I wish I could have butchered that Alpha of theirs too, but atlas, he did not show."
At the mention of butchering, Edith perked up and looked toward Hatter. "That reminds me. Hatter, why did Vorpal call you a butcher?"
Hatter practically choked on the tea he was drinking while everyone else stopped and focused on him.
"You never told her?" March asked surprised.
"We thought it would be better if she didn't find out," Hattress replied while sipping her tea. Vorpal smile smugly at Hatter, who was staring into his cup.
"She is going to find out one way or another. It's not like what happens here is any worse compared to the other places here in Wonderland, besides she is traveling with me. I sure that she can handle it." Vorpal sat eagerly waiting for Hatter's response.
Hatter stared into his teacup before letting out a tired sigh. "Very well, and since you seem so eager to, why don't you tell her."
Edith looked between the two of them confused. "What's going on?"
"It's simple; Hatter is afraid that you won't respond well to the reason he and his wife have earn the nickname Butcher." Vorpal replied nonchalantly.
"Why? What did do to earn such a name?" Edith asked, staring at the Hatters, who refuse to meet her gaze.
"The reason the Hatters are called the Butchers, is because they're Wonderland's top serial killers."
Edith's eyes widen in surprise. "They're what?" she asked shocked.
"They're serial killers," Vorpal replied, acting as if the manner was trivial. "If you look closely at that yellow Mansion of theirs, right behind that first line of trees to the left is a silver building. That silver building is a giant meat locker. Anyone who wanders into the Hatters' territory is dragged into that locker and hacked to pieces. Hell, sometimes they just grab random people from the scattered towns. In the end the result is the same; you'll never see them again."
Edith stared at Hatters, unable to believe what she had just heard. She opened her mouth, but no words would come out. Finally, after a few tries, she managed to get the words out.
"W-Why do you do it."
Neither Hatter would meet her gaze. After a few seconds, Hatter responded. "Because it's the way things are. It's what feels the most natural to us and it's how the cycle of life works here, only the strong survive."
When Edith heard the phrase cycle of life, something clicked in her mind. Suddenly all the fear she felt, disappeared. She felt different.
"Is that all you do?"
Everyone looked at Edith surprised. The fear had completely left her voice.
"What do you mean?" Hattress asked.
"I mean-" Edith raised head and stared into Hattress' eyes. Her eyes no longer held fear, but were filled with worry. "I mean is that all you do in that room. You don't make the tea in there, do you?"
Everybody, but Vorpal who was grinning triumphantly, looked at Edith in surprise.
"N-No," replied Hattress, "Blood could ruin the tea."
"Good, I was worried about that," replied Edith giving a sigh of relief. Everyone looked at Edith speechless. Soon they were chuckling, then it transformed into full-blown laughter, the tension in the air dissipating.
"How you never cease to amaze me," Vorpal chuckled as he patted Edith on the head.
Edith swatted his hand away. "I still have one last question for you, Vorpal."
Vorpal along with everyone else ceased their laughter. "Oh, and what would that be?"
"Why did Hatter call you Interrogator?"
"Because that is what he does," Hatter answered, cutting off Vorpal. "Your knight here is a psychopath who works as the interrogator and executioner at White Castle. He is man who takes delight in hurting others. No one has ever survived the torture he commits."
"I'm not surprise," Edith replied calmly, while taking a sip of her tea, "Spending a day with him is torture enough. I'm surprise I haven't died yet. I can't imagine what it would be like to be locked in a room with him for days. Now wonder no one survives."
Everyone was looking at Edith, speechless before they all broke into laughter. All, but Vorpal who was looking at Edith shocked.
"Now that was very mean. You hurt me," Vorpal said clutching his chest.
"I know your faking and besides that for earlier in the forest."
"I never thought you would be one to hold a grudge. It's not become for a princess like you." The last word barely had to time to leave Vorpal mouth before he was hit with a hot splash of tea. "Ow!" he cried. "What was that for?"
"For calling me a princess," Edith said while hold the empty cup in her hands.
Everyone else was in hysterics after watching the two. March was the first to calm down.
"You two make quite a pair," March said while holding his aching side. "I was wondering. Where do you plan on heading after this?"
"Where ever Edith chooses to go," Vorpal replied while cleaning his face. When he was done to looked to Edith. "So where would you like to head to next?"
"Where is there to go?" Edith asked.
"We have the coast where we will find Carpenter, Walrus, and the Siren. We have hearts castle which is home to the Executioner, the Queen of Hearts, the Jabberwocky, and Ran's sister or lover, the Black Rabbit."
Ran, who heard what Vorpal had said, spurted the tea he was drinking then proceeded to grab a teapot and toss it at Vorpal who caught it mid-air.
"I HATE THAT WOMAN!" Ran yelled, "Don't dare say that I love her," he threaten, his saber pointing across the table. "And we are not related in any way!"
"Calm down, I was only joking. No need to draw your sword." Vorpal sounded sincere, but the sincerity did not reach his mischievous eyes. Ran withdrew his sword and sat fuming in his seat. Soft giggles could be heard from Hattress and Mewnet. Edith couldn't help, but look at Ran curiously, but decided her questions could wait and returned her attention to Vorpal.
"Now where was I?" Vorpal asked himself, "Ah yes places in Wonderland. If I'm correct, the last place to see is the Wastelands. They are the most diverse place in Wonderland."
"Why is that," Edith asked.
"The Wastelands are broken into three sections," Hatter answered.
Hattress named the places off her fingers, "First is the Asylum which is run by the Twins. The second is the Carnival, which is owned by the Puppet Master and Jesta the Jester. The last place is the main body of the wastelands which has been nicknamed Dolls-land."
"Can you tell me what each place is like?" Edith asked.
Vorpal chuckled before shaking his head, "That would eliminate the point in visiting now, would it not?"
Edith sighed, grabbing another cup of tea off the table. She downed the whole cup while she was thinking about it, before she finally set it down.
"I know where I want to go first."
AN: Cliffhanger. Yes I know, hate me for it.
As you can see this was a very long chapter so please (and I'm begging you) Review and tell me what you think. Are there some things that are not clear to you, let me know so i can explain and probably fix. I love reading your reviews they giving drive to work on this. I promise the next chapter won't take too long to update. You can check my profile to see the progress on my stories.
Just a heads up this story is still in the prologue stage so Alice and her Wonderland will not be seen for a couple more chapters. So thank you for reading and please review.
Want to play a game: There are three locations that Vorpal has mention in this chapter Wonderland Coast, Hearts Castle, and Wonderland Wastelands. Where is Edith going to go first? If you guess correctly you will learn about another group of OC's that have yet to be mentioned and learn alittle about the background of the character's here. Feel free to play, put your guess in you review. What do you have to lose?
~~~~~Puppet Master