CHAPTER 7: THE AMUSEMENT PARK

Alice followed Peter through the forest to a place that seemed to be out of a fairy tale. The Amusement Park shown in the daylight like a jewel composed of joy and laughter. Everywhere she looked families and lovers were going on crazy rides, playing games, and eating delicious-smelling foods. Alice's mouth began to water when she saw the cotton candy. "Is this... heaven?" she asked in a daze.
"For me, it's more like Hell," Peter said, clearly disliking this place. "Being in such a germ-infested den makes me feel unwell."
"I didn't realize you were a germaphob," Alice commented. "When we're out in the Temple Gardens, you used to hop around on the grass without a care in the world."
"That is because I trust the Jedi Temple and its gardens," Peter explained. "But the Amusement Park is enemy territory. As an Outsider, you can go wherever you wish, but the owner of this Park and his pet cat are enemies of mine."

"Oh." Alice said, understanding why he didn't like being in such a place.
"I'd like to get this over with as quickly as possible," Peter continued. "Let's see if we can find the old hick. Ah, there he is."
"Peter White, what brings ya to my park?" a man with reddish stubble on his chin asked. He was about 45, with brown eyes, and was dressed in a strange yellow suit with horses on his belt. In one hand he held a - oh my Force, was that a Violin?! - and in his right, a bow.
"Gowland, I've been asked by her Majesty to introduce Alice to the Roleholders of Hearts," Peter said, trying to maintain his composure. "Alice, this is the Duke and owner of the Amusement Park, Gowland. Gowland, this is Alice Liddell. She is an Outsider."

Gowland broke into a smile. "Well, pleased to meet ya, sweet pea!" he said cheerfully, bowing politely. "Since you're new around here, I'll play you a Welcoming song!"
"No! Put that horrid thing away!" Peter protested, but it was too late. A terrible screeching filled the air, and Alice realized another reason Peter didn't like it here.
Gowland was a terrible musician.

BAM!

The terrible noise stopped, and Peter and Alice uncovered their ears. Is it safe? Alice wondered. "That's enough, Old Man," a punkish young man with fuchsia hair, amber eyes, cat ears and a tail with multiple piercings, said crossly as he approached, lowering his pink blaster. "You're disturbing the peace. And you're killing that girl."

"What did you just say?" Gowland looked angry. "I was just gettin' to the good part! She would've loved it! I was feeling it with my little ol' heart!"

"I was feeling it, too, but it was heartburn." the cat-guy, Boris, said. He then turned his attention to Alice. "So, what are you, anyway?" he asked. "Never seen you around here, before."

"Alice is not a 'what'!" Peter retorted furiously, though it'd been an innocent question. "Alice is-"

"She's an Outsider, Boris," the park owner broke in, immediately cheering up. "Ain't that somethin'?"

"What?! Seriously?!" Boris looked incredibly excited. "I've never seen an Outsider before. COOL!" He threw his arms around her shoulders in a 'hello' hug, making her giggle with almost childish glee, it sounded so innocent. He drew her unique, one-of-a-kind scent deep into his nose and lungs. "Your scent is amazing," he said, almost intoxicated by the scent of her meloorun shampoo. "Wanna party? I'll show you all the best rides!"

Now, for as long as Alice could remember, she'd loved animals. Especially cute ones like cats, rabbits, mice, squirrels, and dogs. Even with his punkish tattoos, midriff leather vest, and piercings, Boris was undeniably cute. She couldn't help but pet his head. The kind treatment surprised him, but in a few seconds, he was purring with pleasure, while Peter's face began to turn as red as his jacket.

"Should I take that as a yes?" the Cheshire cat asked when she was done, finally letting go of her, much to Peter's relief.
"Sorry, Boris, not today," Alice said. "Peter's giving me a tour of Hearts, and we're not finished yet. But I'll come back tomorrow, and then we can party till we're purple!"
"Promise?" Boris asked eagerly.
"Promise." Alice said sincerely.

*.*
O

"Well, have a safe trip," Gowland said as he saw the two off at the gates. "And watch out for Ace. That boy ain't been right in the head lately."
"So I've been told, but I'd prefer to judge his state of mind myself."
"Seeya tomorrow!" Boris said, his face alight with his trademark smirk. "Don't forget about us!"
"I won't, I promise!" Alice said, waving goodbye as Peter led her away.