~Chapter ten-Introducing the 'side-kicks': Chester, Rufus, and Apollo!?~
-Alice-
Before we begin our tale, again, I must go over the first scenes that took place in chapter five.
Just so you all know: Spike and I had talked out-of-character, so you [readers] could understand my situation better…
In no way, shape, or form, do any of my other co-stars know about my split personality…yet.
They find out more about her later down the road…
I just wanted to clear that up, before we begin.
Oh, and one more thing: my co-stars and I will tend to break character a lot, so please keep that in mind.
I'll try to point out when and where we lose character, okay?
Like we need any help from you, Alice!
Shut up me, no one asked you for your advice!
…
Now, let's get started with the show!
XXX
-Alice cont.-
It's the afternoon after the brawl with the White Roses, so Spike, Jack, and I are all chilling out in the Game Room as we wait for the twins to arrive.
As I'm relaxing in my black arm-chair, Spike suddenly pulls his blue beanbag closer to my chair so he can lean his back against my chair.
"Um, Alice…" He whispered softly.
I glance down at him to I notice that his usually spiky hair is now lying flat around his ears.
"Spike, what happened? Why is your hair so straight today?" I questioned with curiosity.
"Well…I usually gel my hair every morning, but since I ran out of my favorite gel I had to go out and get some more."
"And…?"
"And, I didn't get the chance to put the gel in my hair because it took me all day just to find the right one."
"Where are you going with this, Spike?" I asked with dread.
Spike pulls out a small, clear, container of blue-ish/green gel from his back jean's pocket and he holds it up to show me.
"I'm hoping you'll gel my hair for me…" He finally admitted sheepishly.
"Um…I-I don't k-know about this, Spike." I whispered nervously.
"Why are you asking her to do it, Spike? Why don't you just do it yourself?" Jack questioned with curiosity.
"Because, know-it-all, I didn't have enough time to gel it when I got back since Alice called another gang meeting. And, although it's none of your business, I really want Alice to do it now!" Spike answered in a huff.
Jack sits expressionless in his chair and he is completely speechless now because he didn't expect Spike to get so mad at him.
Spike returns his attention back to me and he gives me the puppy-dog-eyes, before he asks, "Please Alice, I want you to do it…"
Ugh, no, not the puppy-eyes!
That's the oldest trick in the book, Alice.
Yeah, but…it's so cute when he does it!
Don't tell me…You're actually falling for that old trick?
…
Suddenly, Spike's wolf ears and tail appear as he begins to pout more; and, as he pouts, his wolf ears lower themselves and his wolf tail is wagging.
"F-Fine, w-whatever, I'll do it o-okay? Just stop with that look already! I can't take it anymore…" I whispered in defeat.
Spike grins triumphantly, before he hands me his gel and then he turns around to face the TV screen.
I sigh heavily as I twist the dark blue lid until it comes off; and, I sigh again as I look between Spike and the gel.
"I've never done this before, Spike…" I spoke with worry.
"It's easy Alice, anyone can do it! All you have to do is to put some gel on your hands and then run them through my hair. It's no problem at all!" Spike spoke reassuringly.
"Yeah right, I doubt it's that easy…" I whispered grimly.
I'm forcing myself not to sigh again as I dip my fingers into the cool gel; and, as I pull them out again, the gel sticks to my fingers like glue-except the gel is colder than glue.
I start running my hands through Spike's hair just as the twins saunter into the room.
"Where have you two been?" I questioned accusingly.
"We were out lurking about…" Eva replied secretly.
"Enough, sister, we need to hurry up and tell them what we found out!" Elsa spoke quickly.
"What is it? What's wrong…? Does it have anything to do with Lucie or Jester?" I asked with concern and curiosity.
"Nope, it's got nothing to do with those two. Sorry, boss… It's something even worse than them!" Eva replied grimly.
If Eva is replying grimly, it can only be something terrible!
"Well, spit it out you two!" I spoke as I stopped running my hands through Spike's now gelled hair.
Everyone is now staring at the twins intensely, before Eva replies, "It's Chester…he's being poorly treated at Devil's Carnage!"
"Huh? Who's Chester…?" Spike questioned first.
"Isn't Devil's Carnage the circus you two used to work for?" Jack asked next.
"Never mind all that, just listen to what my sister has to say!" Elsa replied angrily.
"Alright everyone, just calm down! Eva, please tell us who this Chester is." I ordered calmly.
"Okay, let's see…Where do I begin? Oh, that's right! Um, first, Chester is a Bengal tiger that works for the Devil's Carnage." Eva began seriously, before she added, "My sister and I used to watch him perform all the time, when we were still with the circus, but just recently we both went together to go see one of his shows; and, after the show we saw him in his cage."
"But, when we went to see him, he had bruises under his fur as if his master was beating him all the time!" Elsa added to the story.
"That's horrible!" I spoke disgustedly.
"Human trainers are the worst!" Spike added with a sneer.
"Let them finish…" Jack spoke roughly.
Spike and I both nod as we wait for the twins to continue.
"The reason my sister is bringing this up now is because…" Elsa started to say.
"We want to liberate Chester from Devil's Carnage!" Eva finished for her sister.
"WHAT?!" Spike, Jack, and I all said in unison.
"Well…why not? I mean, you all even seemed concerned for him earlier!" Eva spoke with a pout.
"Yes, we are concerned for him, but that doesn't mean we should steal a tiger from a circus! Think about the consequences for a minute you two…" Jack retorted.
"It's not just that Jack… We need to think this thing through before we act! Or, have you all already forgotten my little episode, last time, when I wanted to rush in?" I questioned seriously.
"We haven't forgotten, Alice…" Eva and Elsa whispered solemnly together.
"It's just…I've never seen my sister so worked up before, until now. Please, will you at least consider it?" Elsa begged with hope.
I stare at the twins for a minute or two, before I answer reluctantly, "I'll consider it, after I see Chester…"
"Oh, thank you so much, Alice!" Eva cried excitedly before she raced over to my chair, threw her arms around me, and she hugged me tightly.
"I didn't say that we would steal-I mean, liberate Chester…yet. So, don't go getting your hopes up!" I replied discouragingly.
"It sounds like a yes to us…" Elsa responded with a small smile.
"Any who, now that that's settled… Does anyone know where Joker ran off to?" I inquired of my gang.
They all suddenly stare at me as if I'm speaking another language; and, so it's safe to assume that none of them even notice when Joker is around.
Let alone when he isn't around…
I sigh heavily as I think about this thought.
XXX
-Joker-
I'm suddenly yawning loudly as I hear birds flying high above my head; and, the bird-calls cause me to slowly open my eyes to glance all around me.
I find myself on the roof of some random, apartment building in the worse side of Gotham City.
"H-How did…I get up here?" I questioned with mild interest.
I brought you here, Jack.
You did, huh, why?
Why on Earth would you bring me to such a desolate place?
Because, Jack, we need to have a major discussion…
About what…?
You know damn well, what!
It's about Alice, isn't it?
Of course it's about her!
Why else would I bring you all the way out here, alone?
Maybe, for the scenic view?
Alright already, just spit it out then!
By the way, why am I in control instead of you?
That's an easy one: it's very tiring being in control of your body, so I brought you out here before I lost all control.
But, enough about me…we need to talk about her!
I'm listening…
We have two problems now, one of these problems is…?
Alice's cousin Lucie.
And, another of these problems is…?
The mask wearing Jester.
So, can you understand where I'm going with this?
"I guess, but you know it's really hot up on this roof… Couldn't you have picked somewhere with more shade?" I questioned indignantly.
Ugh, this is starting off as a long afternoon…
XXX
-Alice-
Before my gang and I leave the warehouse-to go and see Chester's performance tonight-we dress in our "street clothes", so we won't draw as much attention, as we usually get, to ourselves.
I'm wearing my black, knit hat, a short-sleeve, green shirt with black jeans, my black overcoat, and my black ankle boots.
Spike is wearing his studded, black collar, a white shirt with blue jeans, and-his new favorite-neon green shoes.
The twins are wearing matching outfits: long-sleeve, purple sweaters over golden tank tops, golden track pants with two purple lines going down the sides, and white sneakers.
Jack is wearing a Jack and Sally T-shirt underneath his black cloak-the hood of his cloak is up and covering his face-, black pants, and his red sneakers.
"Okay, we don't look like we stand out too much…I hope-I mean, let's get going, gang!" I spoke distractedly.
"Right, boss!" They cheered.
…
"So far, I'm not seeing the animal abuse, Eva." I whispered impatiently as the show began.
Of course, Devil's Carnage begins it's show with the first act being: the Bengal tigers!
So, we are really lucky to have come here early!
At this rate, we'll be able to see Chester and leave before the show even ends…Yes!
…
"Well, of course not! It's not like his human trainer is just going to beat him on-stage!" Eva spoke with a small pout.
"We have to go and see him after the show, to show you his bruises!" Elsa added grimly.
Ugh, so much for leaving early…
We tried and failed, epically!
But, not really…
…
So, to speed things up I think I'll skip past the other performers.
I'm not saying they aren't any good, it's just…I'm not that interested in the circus to begin with!
Any who…
…
After the show ends, the twins lead us back-stage-which really is just the back of the purple-and-gold, striped circus tent, but it's blocked off from the front with a long purple tarp-and the twins shows us exactly where the cage for the Bengal tigers is.
So, while the circus performers and the circus workers are busily taking things down, we are secretly standing outside the huge metal tiger cage.
"Which one is Chester, Eva?" I questioned anxiously.
There are six tigers in all: five of them are orange and black, while only one of them is white and black.
Eva rushes over to the cage, to get a better look, and she stares at each of them in turn before her eyes rest on the white and black tiger.
"That's him! That's Chester all right…there's no mistaking it!" She cried excitedly.
"How can you tell? They all look the same to me…" Jack commented impatiently.
"I know it's him, because Chester is the one with the pretty blue eyes!" Eva replied enthusiastically.
"Plus, we had asked his trainer, which one was him, when we still worked here…" Elsa added casually.
"Oh, I see…well, call him over here then. We haven't got much time left before the workers, or his trainer, come back!" I responded quickly.
"But, how do we call him over here?" Jack questioned with doubt.
"Leave that to me!" Spike answered smugly.
Spike strides up to the cage, gently pushes Eva aside, and he finally opens the cage's gate.
He stands his ground at the gate as all the tigers suddenly stare at him now.
Spike looks Chester in the eyes and Chester looks back at him casually before Chester yawns loudly, opening his mouth up wide to show Spike his sharp teeth.
Spike only smirks back as he adjusts his studded, black collar.
"Come on out, Chester! We want to take a good look at you." Spike spoke calmly.
Chester only stares back at Spike, before Chester suddenly lowers his head on top of his furry paws.
"Ugh, don't you ignore me, cat!" Spike growled heatedly.
Spike took one step into the cage, before Jack grabs one of Spike's arms.
"Are you crazy, Spike? That cat is half your size!" Jack exclaimed anxiously.
"Like I even care! When I transform, I'm twice the size of that cat! So, stand aside…" Spike argued defiantly.
"Wow, I've never seen this side of Spike before… He's probably pretty upset that we haven't relied on him in a while." I spoke casually.
"That's it…" Eva commented knowingly.
"Or why else would he be showing off so much?" Elsa added jokingly.
Suddenly, Chester realizes the commotion is about him, so he springs to his feet and he rushes over to the open cage's gate.
"Uh, guys, Chester is coming this way!" I shouted frantically.
The gang stops what they're doing and they realize that Chester is charging right at them!
Before anyone has time to react, a strange man-with shoulder-length, scarlet hair, coal-framed glasses over ash-colored eyes, and a white lab coat over a grey suit with coal shoes-appears right in front of the open cage!
"Leave this to me, kids! I'm a professional with animals!" The man exclaimed calmly as he held his arms out wide to stop Chester.
"That's not going to work, you idiot!" Spike shouted angrily.
Just as Chester closes the gap between the strange man, a soft, robotic sound echoes nearby-which causes Chester and Spike to flinch.
"What's wrong, Spike? What happened?" I questioned with worry as Spike sank to his knees.
"UGH…! I know that sound anywhere…don't tell me, it's…! Apollo Grey…!" Spike snarled under his breath as he clenched his teeth and as he held both of his hands over his human ears.
"The one and only, kid! Long time no see…" The strange man spoke casually with a grin as he tilted his head back to glance at Spike.
"Bastard, you made me a freak! I'll kill you…!" Spike growled heatedly as he tugged at his studded, black collar.
"I wouldn't do that, Spike… Once you transform, the ear-piercing sound only gets louder." Apollo spoke casually as he kneeled next to Chester-who crouched down low on the ground when the robotic sound went off.
"What did you do to him?!" Eva cried frantically.
"Now isn't the time for that, kid… Don't you have something else you need to do?" Apollo questioned indifferently as he raised an eyebrow at me.
"Oh, that's right! We need to check Chester for bruises!" I exclaimed anxiously.
"You better hurry too, my sonic interference only works so long on normal humans." Apollo spoke impatiently as he began to stroke Chester's back with his left hand.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Jack questioned with doubt.
"It means, kid, that you only have a few minutes before the circus folk become aware of your little 'liberation' efforts. Just take a look around…" Apollo spoke calmly as he gestured with his free hand.
The gang and I glance around the tent only to realize that no one else sees Apollo, Chester, or the rest of the gang!
The circus performers are still just helping the circus workers put everything away for the next train trip out of Gotham City.
"What's 'sonic interference' anyway? It sounds painful…" Elsa commented worriedly as she glanced from Chester to Spike.
"It's only painful to animals who are within my range of contact. Otherwise, the animal experiences nothing at all…like those Bengal tigers still in the cage." Apollo responded seriously as he lifted his head to glance at the five other tigers.
"I guess that makes sense, but then how are we invisible to the entire circus people?" Jack questioned with disbelief.
"That's an added effect, which I recently installed on the device: when I have to tend to wounded animals in the field, and there are others around, I become invisible temporarily. It wears off immediately once I'm touched by a regular person though, so keep your distance when checking Chester." Apollo answered automatically.
"Right, I think I understand as much…" I whispered anxiously as I approached Apollo and Chester.
Apollo glances up at me and recognition passes over his face, before he turns his head away to look at Spike instead.
"Hang in there, kid… We're just getting started over here!" Apollo called to Spike.
"Oh, shut up already! Ugh…my head is pounding…" Spike howled from where he still kneeled.
That was weird…why did Apollo look away from me?
Maybe it's your face that freaked him out!
I doubt that, me…it was more like: he knows me!
We haven't got the time to worry about that, you heard the quack!
Right…well, let's see.
…
As I lift chunks of Chester's fur up to inspect his skin underneath, I'm also being extra careful not to touch Apollo's hand-which rests just above Chester's shoulder blades.
Sure enough, it wasn't long until I found purple bruises on Chester's sides and his back.
"It looks like the twins were right after all…" I replied grimly as I patted Chester's fur down.
"It's always the cats that get the worst kind of treatment, I think anyway…" Apollo whispered grimly to me suddenly.
"What makes you say that…?" I asked curiously.
"Well, just think about it: if the cat doesn't listen and obey immediately, they'll get treated roughly." Apollo answered gravely.
"Ah, I see…you must see a lot of this stuff in your job. By the way, what did Spike mean when he said you made him a freak, Apollo?" I questioned anxiously as I reached my hand out to touch Apollo's hand-which still rested above Chester's shoulder blades.
"No Alice, don't touch me now or the invisible barrier will fade!" Apollo shouted frantically.
"H-How do you know my name?!" I cried shakily as my hand suddenly touched Apollo's.
Suddenly, the soft, robotic sound ceases which makes everything go silent, until the circus people notice Apollo and I are hovering over Chester.
"Those two are trying to steal Chester! Stop them…!" One circus performer cried as they pointed to us.
Once the sound completely left Chester's ears, he springs to his feet yet again, but this time I happen to sprawl on top of Chester's back as he jumped up!
"Oh, no someone help me! I don't know what to do!" I cried frantically.
"Hang on for dear life, Alice! Cling to his fur or else you'll fall down and break a bone as he's running!" Apollo called anxiously after Chester and I.
Chester barrels past the twins, Jack, and finally Spike before he dashes out a rear exit of the tent.
The wind hits me hard as soon as Chester dashes out of the tent; and, the wind nearly knocks the breath right out of me!
"Chester, slow down!" I cried anxiously as I clutched at his soft fur.
Chester anxiously glances around the empty parking lot, which we found ourselves in, before he took off running again!
XXX
-Alice cont.-
"This is just great, first you show up and you use your damn technology to stun both the tiger and me; and, now the tiger has run off with Alice! What do you have to say for yourself, Apollo?!" Spike growled at Apollo as soon as everyone had fled to a dark alley, far away from the circus tent.
"That you look pretty skinny, kid… You haven't been hunting lately, have you?" Apollo asked jokingly.
"This is no time for jokes, Apollo! Chester is on the loose with Alice…what are we going to do?!" Eva questioned worriedly.
"Well, I can tell you what we're not going to do: we're not going to lose our heads." Apollo spoke calmly.
"What is that a skeleton joke, because I'm not laughing…" Jack commented harshly.
"Take it easy everyone… It's not like it's Apollo's fault that Chester escaped with Alice! Oh, wait, it is…" Elsa spoke grimly as she glared at Apollo.
"Well, what do we have here…? A congregation…? I see you're missing a few members here; and, what's this…a new member?" A familiar voice spoke causally from the rooftops, before he added as he glanced at Apollo, "Wait, don't I know you from somewhere?"
The gang and Apollo glance up towards the sky to notice a dark silhouette of a jester, who perches on the two edges of the dark alley's rooftops.
"Is that the jester that Alice told us about?" Eva questioned curiously.
"The one and only, just call me: Jester." The dark silhouette spoke calmly.
"What do you want with us?" Elsa asked cautiously.
"I'm here to give you a little advise: if I were looking for a huge cat, who stole someone precious to me, I'd look at the warehouse district. I hear there is a new supply of horse-meat being shipped from one of the warehouses…" Jester responded coolly.
"We don't need advice from you, Jester!" Spike snarled as he glared up at Jester.
"Easy Spike, you remember what happens to you if you get too angry. You'll transform regardless of your studded collar… I told you that you need a tune up on that old model." Apollo responded calmly.
"I already know that, Apollo…! I just didn't want to go anywhere near you again…" Spike replied roughly as he still glared at Jester.
"That's actually one reason why I'm here today, Spike." Apollo spoke reassuringly.
"Now isn't really the time for chit-chat!" Jack spoke cautiously.
"Jeez, you all are pretty talkative aren't you? Don't you care about Alice at all?" Jester questioned with disbelief.
"Why should we trust you anyway, Jester? You could just be leading us to a trap!" Elsa responded coolly.
"Fine, trust me or don't… I haven't a care for either, in fact, I'm pretty busy myself at the moment. So, if you'll excuse me…" Jester spoke casually before he bowed with an arm in front of him and an arm behind him.
In the next second, Jester straightens his back and he jumps on the dark alley's right roof, before he strides off into the distance.
"What a strange guy…" Eva whispered curiously.
"We better hurry! Alice is probably frantic by now…" Spike spoke grimly as he led the way out of the dark alley.
"Right, let's go!" The twins spoke in unison as they followed after Spike.
Jack remains in silence as he trails after the others; and, Apollo is the last to leave the alley, before he glances one last time at the spot where Jester had stood.
"That was close… Jester almost gave me away. I better be more careful when I'm out of my lab…" Apollo whispered grimly as he turned and he slowly followed after the others.
XXX
-Alice-
"Nice, Chester…good, Chester. Please, can I at least get down from your back before you start eating that meat?" I questioned anxiously as I stared down at Chester, while I still sat on his back.
Somehow, Chester ended up bringing me to the warehouse district where he found crates of horse-meat stored away in one of the warehouses.
So, as I sit atop Chester's back, he feasts upon the meat he had pulled out of the crates.
Ugh, where is Joker when I need him?
Maybe he's out robbing a bank?
This is no time for jokes!
Geez, what crawled under your skin and died?
Ugh…I hate your stupid jokes…
Just trying to lighten the mood a little…
…
"A-Alice…is that you?" A familiar voice questioned shakily and full of doubt.
I turn my head to glance behind Chester and I spot Joker standing there by the warehouse's sliding doors.
"Joker! Boy, am I glad to see you…" I whispered happily.
"Alice…it's been so long since I-I mean, I'm glad I finally found you at last!" Joker spoke excitedly as he strolled over to Chester and I.
"You were looking for me?" I questioned with shock.
"Of course, since you weren't at the mansion-I mean warehouse…I was worried!" Joker spoke distractedly.
"Joker, is everything alright? You sound strange…" I whispered worriedly.
"Oh, me, I'm fine! I'm great actually…in fact, let me help you get down from there. You're terrified beyond belief, right?" Joker spoke warmly and with a crooked grin.
"Is it really that obvious?" I asked shyly.
"Definitely…"
I hold my arms out towards Joker and he wraps his arms around my waist as he pulls me off of Chester's back.
"There now, all better?"
"Yeah…"
"Are you afraid of big cats, Alice?" Joker asked jokingly.
"No, of course not! It's just…I wasn't used to Chester yet. It's really my first time seeing a tiger…" I whispered nervously as I hugged him tighter.
"Ah, now I get it… Well, don't worry anymore because I'm here for you." Joker whispered as he lowered his head closer to me.
I hold my breath as Joker's face hovers over mine, before finally his lips find mine and I sigh happily.
"Maybe we shouldn't interrupt them…they seem busy." Eva whispered devilishly.
I quickly pull away from Joker to notice my gang and Apollo are standing near the warehouse's doors.
"What took you guys so long to find me?" I cried half-jokingly.
"Well, it's all Apollo's fault really… Apollo said he had to tune Spike's collar and then he would search for both of you." Jack replied grimly as he glared at Apollo.
"Now let's stop playing the blame-game, kids. We found Chester and Alice didn't we? You should never doubt a professional!" Apollo spoke confidently and with a small smirk.
"Any who, now that we're here…what are we going to do with Chester?" Eva commented casually.
Everyone in the warehouse stares at Eva for a long time, before they turn their attention to Chester-who suddenly stops eating long enough to notice everyone staring at him.
"I say we keep him!" I cried excitedly.
"Here, here!" The twins replied enthusiastically.
"Sure, why not… We already stole him anyway." Jack responded indifferently.
"I still hate cats, but since Alice said so… I guess." Spike replied reluctantly.
"If that's what you want, Alice." Joker whispered with a grin.
"Well, since you've decided to keep Chester after all… I think it's time to give him a collar of his own, don't you think so, Alice?" Apollo questioned casually as he strode over to me.
"Will that collar transform him, like Spike can?" I questioned worriedly.
"Nope, since Chester here was born a tiger, he doesn't need to transform. I'm just giving him a special collar which will give him the ability to talk. That way, he will be able to understand you and follow your orders." Apollo responded confidently.
Apollo suddenly pulls a black, robotic collar out from one of his white lab coat's pockets and he hands the collar to me.
"You'll have to put it on him, of course." Apollo spoke firmly.
"Oh, um, sure…I guess." I replied sheepishly as I turned to face Chester.
Chester turns to me as he notices me and he sits down on his hind legs.
"Good Chester, now just sit still while I put this collar around your neck…" I whispered nervously as I placed the collar over Chester's head.
Chester yawns loudly, but he remains on his hind legs as the collar adjusts around his neck.
"Now it's my turn!" Apollo spoke eagerly as he walked over to Chester and he knelt next to him.
Apollo presses several buttons on the robotic collar until a light-blue, light flashes on the collar; and, as the light slowly stops flashing, it turns into a steady green light.
"Alright, you're all set to go, Chester. Now Alice, tell Chester to speak!" Apollo ordered confidently.
"Um, okay… Chester, speak!" I ordered.
"Roar…T-Testing…Testing, one, two, three… This is impossible, I can speak?!" Chester spoke with surprise and with a surprisingly Russian voice.
"Hey Apollo, why does Chester have a Russian accent?" Eva questioned curiously.
"Well, it's simple: I just set his accent to Russian!" Apollo spoke with a smirk.
"No, my sister means: why Russian?" Elsa added.
"Isn't obvious?" Apollo spoke casually.
"Not really…" Jack and Spike spoke dully together.
"Ugh, it would take all day just to explain it to you… Why don't you all just head home for now?" Apollo commented absently.
"Why should we go home? What aren't you telling us?" I questioned with doubt.
"I think, what Apollo means, is that we should head home before anyone finds us with Chester." Joker spoke up.
"Exactly, Joker…" Apollo spoke calmly.
"Wait, how do you know Joker?" Spike asked accusingly.
"More importantly, how do you know me?" I added angrily at Apollo.
"Well, would you look at the time…I really need to go. There are a lot of animals out there that need tending too, so…see you kids later!" Apollo spoke distractedly as he glanced at an imaginary watch before he stood up and he waved goodbye at us.
We all watch Apollo leave the warehouse, before we turn our attention back to Chester.
"I'm still hungry, Alice. Can I eat more before we head off to wherever this 'home' is?" Chester asked impatiently as he glanced at me.
"Aw, your accent is so cute, especially with those blue eyes!" I cried excitedly.
"Yes, I know…so, if you don't mind, I'll be helping myself." Chester responded indifferently as he turned his attention back to the horse-meat.
"What are we going to do with you, Chester?" Elsa spoke jokingly.
"Chester needs lots of food to stay healthy, sister." Eva commented casually.
"The question should have been: what are we going to do with Alice." Jack whispered half-jokingly.
"Never mind all that…let's just get out of here! I can't stand the stench of horse-meat any longer!" Spike spoke with disgust as he pinched his nose.
"Then, what are we waiting for? Let's head home, everyone!" Joker spoke with a grin.
Everyone stops dead in their tracks and they all stare at Joker as if he were a ghost.
"Since when is Joker a nice guy…?" Jack asked with disbelief.
"I'm just as shocked as you are, Jack." Spike commented casually as he nodded.
"Definitely out-of-character…" Elsa added nonchalantly.
"I kind of like this new Joker, though." Eva responded sheepishly.
"You guys are paranoid! Joker is still the same Joker…right?" I spoke hopefully as I glanced at Joker.
We all stare at Joker, before he finally answers seriously, " Of course I'm the same Joker…who else would I be?"
"See, that settles that! Now let's head home…" I ordered confidently.
"I'm ready if you are, Alice." Chester spoke up as soon as he finished the horse-meat.
"Is it okay if I climb on your back?" I questioned nervously.
"It would be an honor to serve you, Alice." Chester purred seriously as he crouched down low on the ground for me.
I smile happily as I throw one leg over Chester's back; and, just as I settle my other leg against Chester's side, he springs to his feet.
I clutch at his black, robotic collar as he speeds out of the warehouse and as he heads towards our warehouse.
"Wait for us, Chester!" Eva cried excitedly as she dashed out of the warehouse after Chester.
"Slow down sister or you'll trip!" Elsa spoke anxiously as she dashed out of the warehouse after Eva.
"This is the Bloody Roses, huh? I swear, where would we be without me?" Jack commented half-jokingly as he casually strode out of the warehouse after the twins.
"He's all talk, though…" Spike whispered jokingly under his breath as he followed after Jack.
"And, I'm just a two-face person…who will never be caught." Joker whispered grimly to his other self, before he took off after Alice.
XXX
-Lucie-
"Today sure is a boring day!" I whined as I sat in my comfy, golden armchair.
"Well, we could always go and challenge the Bloody Roses again!" Edward responded hopefully as he sat on the red love-seat.
"Wouldn't that be fun?" Erik added enthusiastically as he sat next to his brother on the red love-seat.
"Nah, I can't really come up with a plan today… Let's do something else!" I spoke indifferently.
"We could go and gather information on Jester." Lydia spoke up from her black stool.
I quickly sit up, in my chair, at hearing his name and I glare at Lydia.
"Easier said then done, Lydia. I have no idea where we should even begin to search for clues on his whereabouts!" I replied grimly.
Silence fills the room until Felix bursts through the library's double doors.
"Have no fear, I bring news of the Bloody Roses' activities!" Felix purred excitedly as he strode over to my desk and he grinned at me.
"Well, what's the news about, Felix?" I questioned curiously.
"Alice and her gang liberated a white Bengal tiger from Devil's Carnage earlier today!" Felix spoke confidently.
"Alice did what?! Wow, I never knew she was such an animal lover… This is a real page turner for me! Any who, we can't let Alice show us up this time…so I say, we go and liberate our own animal!" I spoke smugly.
"Here, here!" My gang cheered.
XXX
-Lucie cont.-
Before we headed out to search for the perfect animal to 'liberate', we all dressed in our street clothes.
I'm wearing a white, knit hat, a short-sleeve pink shirt with blue pants, my green trench coat, and my yellow rain boots with the white diamonds on them.
Felix is wearing a long-sleeve, striped, grey-and-black t-shirt, black pants, and his black combat boots; and, he is still wearing his black collar with the cross attached to it.
The twins are wearing matching outfits: a long-sleeve, red t-shirt, orange pants with brown sneakers.
Lydia is still wearing the same black and white stitch dress with white lace boots, but I gave her an indigo cloak to cover up her patch skin.
…
"Are we really going to 'liberate' a jaguar, Lucie?" Edward asked with disbelief.
"Of course Edward, why else would we be at the Zoo?" I questioned sarcastically.
"I don't know…it sounds kind of dangerous!" Erik spoke nervously as he stared at the big cats.
"Don't worry, I can handle cats!" Felix chimed in with a smirk.
"Except, these cats are twice the size of you, Felix." Lydia spoke emotionless.
"Haha, very funny doll-girl…" Felix replied jokingly.
As we all stand around the jaguar pen, deep inside the zoo, I stare at each and everyone, before I fall in love with their coats: the top layer-of their coats-is golden brown, while the bottom layer is white, and spots dot their coats here-and-there.
They remind me a little of myself…
Yeah right…if you were a cat that is!
Oh, shut up you! I was talking about their fur…
Yeah, I knew that.
…
"Alright, does anyone know which one we should take?" I questioned curiously as I stared at them all.
"More importantly then that…how are we going to get one out of the Zoo?" Erik questioned worriedly.
"That's easy! Um…we…huh, well, this is a lot tougher now." I spoke dismally as I glanced around the Zoo.
The black, iron fence-which stands all around the jaguar pen-looks completely sturdy.
"So, one of us will have to jump the fence and make a jaguar jump back over!" I cried excitedly.
"Great plan, Lucie… There is, however, one flaw with that plan: how will you get the jaguar to listen to you?" Edward questioned with worry.
"That's the easy part. Leave this to me!" Felix purred eagerly as he jumped high over the fence and he landed safely, on the ground, on the other side.
Felix stands his ground as he waits for a jaguar to glance in his direction; and, once a jaguar spots Felix, the jaguar charges at him head on.
Before Felix has the time to react, a strange man-with shoulder-length, ruby hair, ebony-framed glasses over onyx-colored eyes, and a white lab coat over a steely suit with jet-black shoes-appears right in front of Felix!
"Leave this to me, kid! I'm a professional with animals!" The man exclaimed calmly as he held his arms out wide to stop the jaguar.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Felix shouted angrily as he glared at the strange man.
"The name is Apollo Grey; and, you'll be thanking me later." The strange man replied casually as he tossed back his head to glance at Felix.
Suddenly, a soft, robotic sound echoes nearby-which causes the jaguar and Felix to flinch.
"Ugh… what is this?! What are you doing to me?!" Felix howled as he clenched his teeth and he covered his human ears with both his hands.
In the next minute, Felix drops to his knees-while still holding his ears with his hands-and so I muster up my strength as I climb over the jaguar fence.
"Listen here mister, I won't let you go around doing as you please to my gang members!" I cried angrily.
"Wow, you're definitely different from Alice…" Apollo replied jokingly and with a small smirk.
"Wait, what was that?! Do know Alice? Tell me at once!" I spoke frantically.
"Now isn't the time for that, though. Didn't you want to liberate one of these jaguars?" Apollo questioned seriously and he raised an eyebrow at me.
"Yeah, sure…but, how am I going to do that?" I questioned with disbelief.
"Here take this collar and place it around his neck." Apollo spoke firmly as he handed me a black, robotic collar from his white lab coat.
As I take the collar from Apollo, I notice that he inches his hand away from my hand.
"What are you doing?" I questioned skeptically.
"I can't let you touch me or my sonic interference will fade." Apollo replied casually.
"Whatever that means…" I responded dully before I turned my attention to the jaguar and I asked eagerly, "Okay, Rufus are you ready to come home with us?"
As I place the collar around the jaguar's neck, Apollo presses buttons on the collar and a light-red, light suddenly flashes; and, as the light slowly stops flashing, it turns into a steady green light.
"So, his name is Rufus is it, Lucie?" Apollo questioned casually.
"Yes, I just came up with it! Do you have a problem with that, mister?" I questioned accusingly.
"Nope, not at all; and, would you please call me: Apollo? I'd rather not be labeled as mister." Apollo spoke, feeling disheartened.
"Fine then, Apollo. Now what is this collar supposed to do anyway?" I questioned eagerly.
"It would take a very long time to explain everything, so please just ask Rufus to speak." Apollo spoke indifferent.
"Alright…Rufus, speak!" I ordered.
"Roar! T-Testing…Testing, four, five, six… I can't believe this, I can talk!" Rufus, the jaguar, spoke with surprise and with a surprisingly German accent.
"Hold on a second, why does Rufus have a German accent?" Erik questioned curiously.
"I've seen this scene somewhere before. So, to speed things up a bit…I'll say: his 'collar accent' is set to German; and, that you all should go home before my sonic interference fades." Apollo responded casually.
"What happens if your sonic interference fades?" Lydia asked lazily.
"Well, since I already know what's going to happen next… Lucie, please just take Rufus and your gang before I change my mind." Apollo spoke grimly.
"Why so grumpy, Apollo?" I questioned jokingly.
"Because, I've already been through this with Alice and her gang. So, let me tell you, it wasn't the way I wanted it to go!" Apollo spoke grimly as his onyx eyes gleamed.
"Well, if Alice already did it…then so should we!" I spoke excitedly as I grabbed one of Apollo's hand.
"Lucie, don't…!" Apollo spoke with shock.
The soft, robotic sound disappears which makes everything go silent; and, the Zoo keepers suddenly notice Felix, Apollo, and I inside the jaguar pen.
"Those three are trying to steal one of our jaguars!" One Zoo keeper shouted as they pointed to us.
"Not this again…!" Apollo spoke angrily as he hopped over the jaguar fence and he took off running.
"What a wimp… Come on White Roses, let's go home!" I ordered.
"I'm at your service, Lucie…" Rufus spoke as he crouched down low on the ground for me.
I throw one leg over Rufus' back and as my other leg rests against his side, Rufus springs to his feet.
I clutch at Rufus' black, robotic collar as he runs past Felix and as he charges at the iron fence.
At the last second, Rufus jumps high over the fence and he lands safely on the other side.
"Well, you all better hurry up or I'll leave you in my dust!" I spoke smugly.
Rufus then springs forward just as two Zoo guards charges at us, which they miss us completely and they run into each other instead; and, we finally barrel past the exit sign and we head towards my mansion.
"Wait, for us Rufus!" Erik spoke eagerly as he dashed, out of the Zoo, after Rufus.
"Slow down brother or I'll trip you!" Edward called arrogantly after Erik as he dashed, out of the Zoo, to follow him.
"So, we end up being left behind, Lydia?" Felix spoke half-jokingly.
"Speak for yourself, cat-boy…" Lydia spoke seriously as she strolled after Lucie and Rufus.
"And, here I thought Lydia was expressionless…" Felix whispered sarcastically to himself as he followed after the others.
XXX
-Alice-
"Those fiends went and copied us again!" I cried angrily as I sat in my comfy, black, arm-chair.
"Well, what do you expect? It's Lucie we're dealing with after all…" Spike commented grimly.
We are all sitting in the Game Room-even Chester is lying on his stomach next to Spike's blue, beanbag chair-when a news report came on the TV screen about the White Roses stealing a jaguar from the Zoo.
"Seriously, is there anything she won't copy?" Joker asked sarcastically.
"I know, right? By the way, I'd like to know why Apollo helped out Lucie!" I cried angrily.
"What makes you think Apollo helped them?" Eva asked curiously.
"It has his signature all over this! I mean one minute, the White Roses are on one side of the fence and the next minute they're stealing the jaguar… It's definitely Apollo's doing!" Spike argued dully.
"So, does this mean he's on their side?" Elsa commented worriedly.
"I'm on no one's side really… I just like helping animals in need!" Apollo spoke indignantly from behind my chair.
I scream bloody-murder; and, I nearly jump out of my skin, while the others have frozen faces of shock-except Joker, who is more calm than the rest of us.
"What the hell…do…you think you're doing sneaking up on us like that, Apollo?!" I cried frantically.
"I just thought I'd stop by to see how things are adjusting with Chester around. That's all…" Apollo spoke with a smirk.
"Ugh, we don't need you around to 'see how things are', so get lost!" Spike growled heatedly.
"Enough, I'm the most qualified to check up on him, so that's that. Right, Alice?" Apollo spoke smugly as he grinned down at me.
"I really can't stand you, Apollo…" I whispered grimly.
"But, this is only the beginning of our friendship, Alice. By the way, I'll need a place to stay when I come over…" Apollo spoke casually.
"He's already making himself at home, isn't he?" Jack spoke dismally as he shook his head.
Suddenly, a beeping sound goes off and Spike immediately covers his human ears, but he realizes the beeping sound is just a phone going off.
"Whew, close call…" Spike whispered softly.
Apollo pulls out a red, flip phone from one of his white, lab coat's pockets.
"How many things do you hold in your pockets?" I questioned with disbelief.
"Would you like to reach in and found out, Alice?" Apollo asked with a sly grin.
"God, you sound like such a pervert!" I cried frantically as my face flushed and as I turned my head away from him.
"Apollo…-" Joker began, with a warning tone to his voice, but got cut off when Apollo held up one hand to silence him.
"No need to say anything, Joker. I'm leaving now anyway. I've got another case to handle…" Apollo spoke seriously as he headed for the door.
"Is it Lucie's jaguar?" I asked absently as I stared blankly at the TV.
"Maybe…" Apollo responded suspiciously.
"Don't bother trying to hide it… Just whose side are you on?" Spike spoke heatedly.
"I told you already: I'm on no one's side, really. By the way, the jaguar's name is Rufus… Until next time, Alice!" Apollo spoke casually as he strode out the Game Room's door.
"Ugh, I hate that guy…" Spike whispered grimly.
"I think everyone here hates him, Spike." Jack added dismally.
"Alice…are you okay with letting him stay here?" Joker questioned worriedly.
"Yeah, like the saying goes: keep your friends close and your enemies closer…" I whispered absently.
Silence fills the room then, before a knock sounds outside the warehouse.
"I'll go and get it…" I spoke softly as I stood to leave.
"It could be a trap, let one of us go with you!" Joker was the first to speak up.
"Nah, I'll take Chester with me this time. Come on Chester!" I spoke indifferently as I opened the Game Room's door.
"Alright, I'm right behind you, Alice." Chester spoke roughly as he climbed to his feet and he trailed after me.
…
As Chester and I stand right in front of the warehouse's double doors, a white envelope comes flying through under the door.
"Let me guess…" I whispered casually.
Sure enough, on the white envelope is the name: Jester-in black letters.
"I've expected you to send me a message since we last met…Jester!" I spoke angrily as I tore open the envelope.
XXX
-End of Chapter ten: To be Continued…