Chapter Ten: I've Got You Now, My Little Runaway

Ugh... I feel so stiff. But why?

Oh yeah... Silly me. I fell asleep outside the tent and I fell asleep sitting up. Gonna have that ache in the back for a long while.

I yawned and stretched. Guess I should wake up Alice too.

"Aliiiice!" I sang out as I unzipped the tent. "Time to wake up."

"Mmmm... five more minutes..."

I chuckled softly and crawled into the tent. "Aaaalice."

"Ngh!" Alice pulled the sleeping bag over her head.

I smirked slightly and carefully unzipped her sleeping bag. She stirred a bit, but I wasn't worried.

"WAAAAHHH! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

I grinned in triumph.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA! Ace! HAHAHAHA! Please!"

"Naw... this is fun!"

"HAHAHAHA! No! HAHAHAHAHAHA! It's not! HAHAHAHAHA! Please HAHAHAHA stop! HAHAHAHAHA!"

I ignored her pleas and kept tickling her.

"Ace!" she gasped out, with her cheeks flushed from her laughter (and perhaps embarrassment?). "Please... hahahaha."

I gave her one last tickle before releasing her. "All right."

"Wah..." Alice clutched her sides. "Don't ever do that again!"

I cocked my head to the side and grinned. "Why not?"

"Because!" She wiped some tears away from her face.

I let my elbows rest on her lap. "Because?"

Her face turned red with embarrassment. "Ace!"

"What?" I smiled innocently.

This was fun. It was almost like having the old Alice back.

She stood up suddenly, knocking me backwards.

"Aw, Alice. That wasn't very nice!" I gave her a pouty look which she just ignored.

"What are we doing today?"

I shrugged. "I dunno... Probably get lost. Maybe camp again."

"Get lost?" Alice cocked her head and looked at me curiously.

I yawned. "Mhmm."

She blinked in confusion. "Why do you want to get lost?"

I laughed. "I don't want to."

She looked more confused. "But you said you would get lost?"

"Yup."

She gave me a blank look. "I... don't get it."

I stood up and patted Alice on the head. "You'll get it soon enough. Who knows?" I leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Maybe you'll find your lost memories."

(Alice's POV)

It had been three (maybe four?) hours since Ace and I set out from our campsite. And now... I have no clue where we are. I think I might be understanding what Ace was saying earlier.

This knight... he has no sense of direction.

I sighed. This is just great. I'm lost in a place I don't even know. But then, it isn't so bad. I looked at the knight in front of me. I felt a small smile tug at my lips. Yes, it wasn't so bad. I have Ace.

Ace... He's a little strange though. But, I like him. Although, I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because he's very comfortable to be around? He's nothing like that rabbit-eared man. I shuddered. I don't know why, but I really dislike the rabbit-eared man. I have this feeling that in a dream long ago that I had a bad experience with him. Ugh... I really don't like him. His name is Peter, I think. I hope I won't bump into him anytime soon. I have a feeling he wants to hug first chance he gets. Ha! If he tries anything funny, I'll just let Ace handle him. That should fix everything. I don't know why that rabbit-eared man likes me so much. It's all very strange.

But then again, this whole place is very strange. And I still don't even know where this is! Maybe I should try asking Ace again.

I cleared my throat to get his attention. "Ace?"

"Hmmm?" he replied without looking at me.

I sighed. He's distracted with trying to get 'unlost' I suppose.

"Ace."

"Mhmm. I'm listening." He glanced at me out of the corner of his eye.

"Where are we?"

"Dunno!" he answered cheerfully.

I sighed again. "No, Ace. I mean where are we? What is this place?"

Ace cocked his head. "Oh... you want to where you are?"

"Yes..."

"You're in Wonderland."

"Wonder... land? You have got to joking..."

Ace cocked his head again. "Why would I joke about this?"

I threw my hands in the air in frustration. "Wonderland isn't real! It's a fictional place in a book!"

"Fictional what?"

I sighed once again. "I must be dreaming or something..."

"Yeah, you're definitely dreaming." Ace playfully poked me in the head.

"What's that suppose to mean?" I asked.

This time Ace sighed. "You really don't remember, do you?"

I slowly shook my head.

I don't remember. But I don't exactly understand what I am suppose to remember.

It seems everyone here thinks I need to remember something. But none of them seem care to explain themselves. Well, Ace is kinda trying to help. But still... I want to know something about what ever 'memories' I'm suppose to find again.

Makes me wonder... did something bad happen here which makes them want me to remember but not at the same time?

My temple throbbed.

Ugh... it hurts to keep thinking like this.

Ace gave me a worried look. "Are you okay, Alice?"

I tried to smile. "I'm fine."

He frowned but didn't push me. I'm glad. I don't want him to worry. I don't like people worrying over me. Not like it happens often, but still... I'm not that important to be worried about. Not like... not like Lorina.

(back to Ace's POV)

I think I should take Alice back to Julius. She doesn't look like she's feeling too good. But for Heart's sake I don't know where the Tower is! I'm lost. Lost as always, and a camping trip isn't going to make things better. I need Julius.

I ran my hand through my hair. Heh. I always need Julius, but especially when it comes to Alice.

I glanced at Alice. She's rubbing her forehead again. Her head must be bothering her. But that could be a good sign, right? She might be remembering something. But then again.

I really need to get her to Julius. And soon. Real soon.

I grabbed Alice's hand. "Come on."

"Eh?"

I just grinned. "I think the Tower's just up ahead."

"Um Ace... that doesn't look like the Tower."

I glanced up at the sky. Nope... doesn't look like the Tower at all. Go figure. I knew that'd be the case anyways. But I can't just stand here doing nothing.

I laughed. "Don't be silly, Alice. The Tower is this way."

She smiled slightly and let me lead her further into the woods.

Maybe being lost isn't so bad. (Well if you ignore the fact that I need to talk to Julius about Alice's headaches...)

Rustle rustle.

I instinctively put my hand on my sword. I could feel Alice tense and I silently slid my sword out of its scabbard.

Swish!

With a quick slash, I cut the shrubbery hiding our mysterious stalker.

"Ah, still as good as ever, Mr. Knight."

"Blood," I growled.

Alice let go of my hand causing me to glance back at her.

She... looked terrified.

(Alice's POV)

Of all people... why? Why is he here?

But wait... this is a dream, right?

He's not... he's not really here.

There's no way.

Lorina's husband... he can't. He just can't be here.

Ace turned toward me. He must have sensed my uncomfortable feelings.

"A-Alice?"

I tried to relax and smile but... for some reason I couldn't move.

He was staring at me.

As if... as if he wanted me... and wanted me to me to come to him.

And, as if everything was in slow motion...

He came.

He came to me.

This had to be a dream.

This can't be happening. He's not going to coming back to me.

But my eyes say otherwise.

Ace is gone. And it's just me and him.

I feel myself slowly shudder.

Instantly, he is beside me.

He took a few strands of my hair and kissed it.

"I've got you now, my little runaway." He smiled at me. "I missed you, Alice."

I tried to pull myself away from him but he suddenly embraced me.

"Stop!" I cried and pounded him with my fists.

He ignored me and pulled me into his arms bridal style.

"Let's go back to the mansion, hmm?"

"No, I want Ace!" I cried. "Ace!"

"Shhh..." he whispered in my ear, tickling it slightly with his tongue. "I'm here for you."

I clenched my eyes tightly.

I just want to wake up.

Author's Note:Wahoo another update! :D Well this chapter was fun so I hope you guys enjoy it! ^-^ Anywhos, this chapter was inspired by the song "Spy" by Super Junior.

Oooo, just a note. I'm working on another HnKnA fanfiction (haven't posted it yet though but if you guys waaant me to I can make it happen ;) ) at the moment sooo I might not be updating this story as often. Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up.

Author's Response to Reviews:

SamShamrocks- Aha, how lucky of me! Anywho, you should totally reeead as much of this series as you can! Some of the mangas are online! Ahem, now to the actual review: - Yes, I love the idea of Lorina being in Wonderland. Its perfect and you're making it work well. - Aww! All these Ace x Alice , moments are just cute - The plot of this story is getting more and more intense with each chapter that goes! Goshers, loved this update and will adore the next! 'Til the next chappie, dear! X3 - Sam

Aaaand you're the luck 28th review! How awesome! ;) Awww. I've been trying to get myself to read buuuut *shrugs* i just can't stand the drawing style. :P Oh well. Anyways I'm glad! I just really like putting Lorina in. It just feels so right haha. I'm also glad you like the AcexAlice moments! ^^ That's my favorite pairing. But I do like BloodxAlice, JuliusxAlice, GrayxAlice, and Joker(White)xAlice. Welp, I hope you like this chapter. :) I really appreciate you reviews! Toodle-loo!