The author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended on the franchise of Heart no Kuni no Alice and Doctor Who. Some of the elements in the story have been incorporated belong to chaos-dark-lord but I have received permission to use them from her works Wonderful Wonderful Science and its sequel Wonderful Wonderful Science: Diamond Dust due to the fact that we are co-writers in this project.

Geronimo!

The Spring Festival had at last arrived. Unlike the other occassions that took place in Fall, Summer, and Winter, the theme of this particular event was something that no one had seen before in Wonderland: a lively celebration of Death. Where it would be heralded as the sweetest lover and the ultimate balm for a weary soul. A reminder that life was to be lived to fullest until it came to a conclusion, and yet be assured that the dead would be insulted by grief or sorrow for those who were still alive.

It was a strange concept even to the denizens whose time was dictated by the clocks in their chests, and whom could hardly achieve a true demise beyond being replaced by Julius Monrey.

According to the Rules, an event must be hosted by a domain and its primary Role Holder during each season that circulated throughout Wonderland, regardless of the various activities that occurred during the allotted time slot. Elliot, as well as everyone else, were aware that the Queen of Hearts was usually the overseer in the Spring...so why the hell was the Clockmaker suddenly in charge of the festival that currently held the town in a state of camaraderie? It did not make any sense. The Undertaker rarely left his neutral zone except to get coffee beans or parts, much less be the host of an event. Perhaps it was because the wonderful wonder world had become aware that he had not been taking the Role of an entertainer as seriously as being its self-proclaimed necromancer? No one could be sure. However, that was not the reason why Elliot March looked uneasy as he followed Blood and the rest of the Hatter Family through the bustling vendors.

From the information he had received through his intelligence network a few time changes ago, the sponsor for the Spring festival were traced back to a non-existent organization called Hadron's Fine Arts and Science Society. It provided financial consultation, banking and aide to almost half of the businesses in town, from an animal shelter to gourmet restaurants. Not only in this town, but in every single burg within Clover Country. This revelation meant that these funds were an economic power too large to be confined in a single domain that belonged to the Role Holders, yet it still managed to take root in every single providence. That was probably why the faceless owners were not so inclined to give up names even when being interrogated by the mafioso. But what worried the March Hare even more than the lack of information regarding the nameless organization who had been seizing turf with each fleeting time change was the whereabouts of Erin since...that occurrence.

It had been nearly ten time changes since the bombing, yet his henchmen could not find a single trace of the elusive Outsider at the bookstore where she worked at. Even trying to sneak into the apartment complex she lived in was futile because it was heavily guarded, and seemed to be under the protection of that damned cult. At this point, the orange-haired Role Holder concluded with a worried mind that there was only one other place Erin could have gone to: the Circus. Outsiders eventually wandered into the striped tents and colorful balloons of that damned place without even realizing it themselves.

Alice had gone there because she could not forget about her sister. Jackie had gone there because of her own past. But Erin...Erin knew the truth, and she still went to that hellhole willingly. The thought alone terrified Elliot more than the possibility of losing the Game to Blood. Once he made sure Alice had safely arrived at her workplace-a quaint little tea shop that also served as a functioning cafe during the assemblies at Clover Tower-, he ran as fast as his legs could carry him through the Forest of Doors.

He did not know how many times the skies above him had changed, but the first thing that Elliot saw immediately after stepping out of the pinewood was Joker leaning over Erin with a damned smirk on his face. The March Hare immediately reacted: he sprinted towards the small frame of the Outsider and pulled her into his grasp with a single arm, while his other hand aimed the gun at the bastard's head. But despite relishing the brief look of surprise on Joker's face, the Ringmaster continued to smile. He even placed a single gloved finger on the barrel. "Would you be so kind as to release the young lady, Mister Bloodhound? You're starting to look more like a criminal with your pathetic attempt to kidnap her from me." Joker's grin widened further. "Oh? But then you are such a person, aren't you?"

Elliot snorted. "And you're not? It's your fault that Alice has been gettin' more an' more lost ever since the Game brought your damn Circus around these parts!"

"Oh? Then I suppose my tyranny is that of the Game, and nothing compared to the way you abandoned this poor lady in the middle of a bombing to save the first foreigner?" Joker asked with a brow that disappeared beneath his wine-colored bangs. Elliot felt his ears twitch. He barely even noticed the clown didn't refer to Alice as the 'star' and did not offer an explanation for the word play.

"E-Elliot! P-Please lower your gun!"

If Erin had not interfered, the March Hare would have made sure the asshole had been pumped full of lead before even thinking about hosting another show. Mauve orbs hardened as he watched Joker chuckle and pull out a checkered card from his pocket.

"The Rules say that in order to change the seasons, the 'star' has to beat me in a game. Perhaps she already did." Joker shrugged and smiled at Erin. But since you've done quite a few favors for me my dear, I'll make an exception….this time." He said with a snap of his fingers. "Enjoy Winter."

"!"

Elliot almost stumbled on his feet for a few seconds when he felt a tiny palm push against his chest in a quick, strong thrust and reached out to grab Erin's hand. But it was too late. The Outsider was running back towards the Forest of Doors. The March Hare was about to chase the coffee-haired woman till Joker stood in front of him.

"Ah, ah, ah. I wouldn't do that if I were you, March Hare. While it may seem romantic in a sense to go after the Outsider and sweep her in your arms again with a heartfelt confession, that will not work on Erin Oswald. She is terrified of you, and not just anything related to rabbits." The one-eyed Ringmaster tutted, wagging his pointer finger from left to right. "And a Role Holder cannot use those doors or else there will be...punishment. Unless...you're eager to return to your little cage again? I'm sure Black has taken good care of it in your absence-"

BANG.

BANG.

Elliot did not hesitate to take out his anger on the bastard that time. As he watched Joker's body crumple to a bloody heap on the ground, Elliot pocketed the pistol before he ran to the Forest of Doors to search for the Outsider but it was too late. She had vanished.

That was the last time Elliot had seen Erin. He just hoped that he will be able to win the Outsider's Game before it actually started and the Madness truly affected her.

xDCx

Due to the increased popularity of the Spring festival since its foundation by the Lullaby's financial aide, being able to secure a vendor required a reservation almost twenty time changes in advance; first come, first served. The same went for signing up as participants in the dancing competition. It was the main event for the season that heralded love, especially amongst couples. Just being seen together with Erin in the line to turn in their applications caused a stir amongst the faceless folks, even though they were certainly not an 'item'.

That thought itself momentarily caused the foot-soldier to drop an onyx glove as he prepared his attire in a tiny striped tent. Pinned to the right side of his matching overshirt was a piece with the number nineteen written in red ink. Seventeen contestants have danced in front of the judges since the festivities began, and soon it would be his turn to dance with Erin. He smiled, though it quickly disappeared as his mind wandered to something much more worrisome than not being recognized as a worthy mate to the Outsider.

It was the Outsider's well-being he was concerned about. As well as the Role Holder who continued to go after Erin despite the obvious dislike she held towards. Elliot March. The Role Holder who stood by the Mad Hatter as his Bloodhound. At least...that was he could see. Leo clenched his hand into a tight fist when the image of the March Hare holding the young woman in his filthy hands flashed across the foot-soldier's non-existent eyes.

While his Lady had said more than once that an Outsider possessed the ability to decide what she would do with her time in Wonderland, he knew that Erin deserved much more than a blackguard who made a living in the underworld. That tidbit of information unfortunately also applied to Leo's life prior to accepting the tasks of his predecessor.

Yet if his Little Moon did not bind herself to someone in the near future, the Madness could consume the Outsider like a hungry lion. He gulped. Only one person had lived through the Madness, but even the Berceuse admitted that she did not come out of it unscathed. And he...he was truly terrified for Erin if that were to happen. Although the Madness did not necessary attacked all of the Outsiders, it did infect them if their Games had been dragged on for too long and without the support from an inhabitant in this dimension. It affected each foreigner differently, but the results were still enough to strike fear even in the clock of the most cold-blooded Role Holders.

Why else would Blood attach himself to Alice as quickly as he did when she came to Wonderland?

Leo sighed heavily and sat in front of the full-length mirror, balancing his lithe frame on a wooden stool. There were also other negative thoughts plaguing his subconscious. Regardless of the fact that the Lullaby would be earning a substantial income through this partnership with the Clockmaker, whom Lady Aria had gained quiet support or control as the main overseer of the Spring festival, his family would also be left vulnerable and closer to being exposed in the open, especially in a public event like this. If the Lullaby or His Lady would be harmed in any way during this event...Leo felt his face turn white and gloved hands tremble at the thought.

He looked at himself in the mirror. He had no purpose prior to being found by his family. Where would he go and what would he do without the Berceuse's guidance? His experience and instincts may have made him a bit edgy, regardless of the fact that this was a time where his family could stop looking over their shoulder and enjoy some light-hearted camaraderie with comrades over a few drinks. The young man inhaled a deep breath before releasing it slowly, trying to calm the rapid ticking in his clock.

On his way to the town square Leo passed excited children as they muched on sugar skulls and women that danced for a clapping audience, their faceless physique painted in prominent sheep-white and black to resemble skulls decorated with colorful flowers and intricate patterns. Men wore different types of hats; from simple top hats to large sombreros that enhanced the eccentric aspect of their full-body skeleton costumes, with elaborate apparel draped over them as they sang and played their instruments Latin melodies on the edges of the festival. Exotic scents permeated through the air, sweet and sour from unusual dishes that were being prepared near the middle of the town. Sweet breads, sugar-filled treats, and even roasted tarantulas or other edible bugs. Tonight was the opening time change of a festival where Death was adored, recognized as a natural part of the human experience. A continuum that stood by your side through birth, childhood, and growth up to becoming a contributing member of the family as the community.

The theme of the Spring festival originated from Lady A's world, based on tales she had eagerly told to her militia as she tinkered in the laboratory. It surprised the Berceuse somewhat how telling the Lullaby about her world's culture lightened her heart. That was the reason why she lended an insistent hand with the festival's preparations. But despite the fact this event could be seen as a long-needed break from their duties and another way to bond even further with their beloved Lady, tonight it served as a mere cover for their special plans.

Everything will be fine.

Leo sighed again and remained still on the stool until an assistant came into the tent, announcing that it was time for him to stand before the judges with his partner. The foot-soldier slowly rose from his seat and walked out of the makeshift dressing room, silently following the slender teenager. Ten minutes later his non-existent eyes fell upon a coffee-haired woman dressed in an emerald green chiffon cocktail dress standing across from him with a nervous frown on her face. He bit his lip. Erin had no idea how cute she looked with that expression. However, when his gaze fell upon a ring on her right hand, a befuddled frown stretched across his mouth. The band was sliver and the sapphire stone had the engraving of an ocelot. It looked...familiar.

But where I have seen it?

He inhaled another deep breath before he turned to the panel of judges, listening to the faceless emcee as the competition's rules were explained to the audience including the scoring method. There were five people and could reward each pair up to twenty points; whoever scored the highest evaluation would be the winner. But it was just not about showing good footwork. Dancing was nothing without passion.

Everything will be fine. Those words repeated inside Leo's mind again and disappeared just as quickly as the small orchestra beneath the judging panel began to play lively music. It was time to commence his greatest performance upon this stage. And to declare a proclamation of 'war' for his Little Moon against the Role Holders.

With a subtle smirk he walked towards Erin and met her in the middle, coiling his gloved hands around her lithe frame before starting a simple box move. He then took a step back and guided the flustered Outsider across the floor while at the same time giving her physical hints on when to change direction, quicken her pace, slow down, and pause before crossing her feet. She twisted herself to his side while trying keep up with Leo's pace.

"Am I doing all right?" The college graduate whispered softly as she leaned against her partner, pressing her sternum slightly forward before putting more weight on the balls of her feet. Once she was close enough to weave a hand through his inky locks Erin began to perform a punteo, tapping on the point of her foot and then twisting it to perform the step a second time. Leo answered her question with a sunny grin.

"We're supposed to be having fun Erin, not thinking about our feet." He said, shivering slightly when the foot-soldier felt his partner rest her cheek against his shoulder for a brief moment and then on his heaving chest. Anticipation thrummed in his veins as he watched Erin pull away from him and then come back to coil a leg around his hip. The pair were dancing an accelerated version of the tango called miloga, though the proper name for it would be miloga brava. Given to the advanced steps in this dance, Leo had made sure they practiced at any and every time change Erin had off from work so that their feet could reflect a perfect synchronization.

As the two of them continued to glide across the wooden floor in front of the flabbergasted audience, various emotions began to emit from their bodies and affect them in turn.

Excitement.

Anxiety.

Adoration.

Passion.

And under the audience's intense gaze as well being in such proximity of such a fine dancing partner Leo became even more daring as he pulled Erin to him again. A small shudder crawled down his spine as he pressed their clothed chests against each other, briefly relishing the heat emitting from the Outsider's petite frame.

But while the young man was pleased to see his student's hard work being paid off on this stage, he had not forgotten his other objective. When Leo was required to dip Erin's lithe frame towards the ground, he made sure that the March Hare would see it. The foot-soldier took small joy in seeing that dark frown on the bastard's face. Elliot abandoned his querida when she needed protection the most. The Role Holder did not deserve to stand by her side and shield the Outsider from the Madness. Or the dangers that lurked around every corner in Wonderland.

With a sudden crescendo in the music, he twirled Erin and pressed her back against his chest once more before he firmly ran his gloved fingertips over the subtle curves the coffee-haired woman possessed.

I will protect her. Leo thought vehemently as he pulled Erin to his chest again for a brief second and separated from her to perform another quick twirl. I will protect her from anything that could and will harm Erin Oswald. That is the duty that the Berceuse has given me! Before his fierce thoughts could heighten any further through the miloga, he heard a disembodied voice pulsed in his mind through a very tiny communicator discreetly lodged in his right ear.

"It is time to commence Operation Sonata. Team A, retain your positions after the machine has been activated. Team B will stand by until further orders are given. You have your orders. Proceed."

Leo's grin widened further at his Lady's command and dramatically gathered Erin in his arms once again by the waist, her bare leg resting on his hip just as the last note to their song concluded. But before the audience could lift their hands to clap for them, a bolt of blue thunder rolled across the deafening silence, followed by lightening as Wonderland's skies suddenly began to become distorted and unstable. Within seconds there a black hole hovered Clover Country, frightening the denizens even further as darkness started to drift towards the town from the Clock Tower's massive shadow at a slow and steady gait.

Everything will be fine. I just need to get Erin to safety and-

"My Lady, we're trying to stabilize the portal between Clover and Diamond, but there is too much excess energy flowing from both countries!" The ticking in Leo's chest froze at the panicked voice on his communicator. Frederico Bencivenni. An expert in tactical support and intelligence gathering. He taught classes in his spare time and even took Leo aside when he was struggling with a certain grappling technique.

W-What?

Another voice soon boomed in the foot soldier's ear. Antoinette Legard. Head of the strategic unit and retired combat medic. She taught everything Leo needed to know about first aid on the battlefield, despite being a subversive bitch.

"None of the relics in our possession are able to handle the large concentration of energy! What are your orders, Berceuse? If we don't figure out what the hell's going on here soon then they'll be more than just a half dozen dead bodies to bury...My Lady? Lady A?"

WhatisgoingonIthoughteverthingwas-!

The Berceuse's voice soon came through the communicator, but it was strained with distress. "I heard you the first time. I will divert the flow for as long as I can. Find out what is damaged or missing ASAP. You have your orders. I'm heading to the site now."

Leo heard both of his superiors solemnly answered their Lady before Frederico mentioned that the Knave was closing in at the rendezvous point where Julius Monrey and the staff from Clover Tower were currently located. Antoinette confirmed that the shots being fired from the west belonged to the Hatter Family. The Cheshire Cat had just been reported been seen in the southern area of the town, but there have been no sightings of either Mary Gowland or the Dormouse. Their men would try to keep on an eye what was happening with the Role Holders while they tried to discover what was causing the operation to falter.

Lady A responded. "Forces that belonged to the Queen of Hearts are retreating to their respective domain, but remain alert in case the Role Holders would try to close in on us. Especially on the Hatter Family. I just received information that Alice Liddell has gone missing and are in pursuit. Good luck. Over and out." The senior Lullaby operatives returned the sentiment before signing off from the intel feed with a loud 'click'.

When the noise in his communicator became static, the foot soldier immediately knew that there was no time to waste. He had to get Erin and himself out of here. And quickly. When Leo swiveled his head from left to right looking for an escape route amongst the terrified townspeople, A ear-piercing roar echoed from above. He looked up and saw a massive sphere of darkness that was still being drained from the Clock Tower. Its quivering form unsteadily moved from side to side for a few seconds until it dove towards the stage, splintering against the wooden floor into large chunks that were sent flying across the area.

Towering over the couple with a slender eleven-foot frame made from silver fur and electric blue irises that were slitted was a two-tailed wolf. Its obsidian claws dug into what remained of the decimated stage, leaking a black ooze-like substance that rapidly rotted the wood beneath them. When its gaze fell upon them the creature smiled, revealing rows of white teeth that glistened with the same oily liquid. Leo could feel the ticking in his clock quicken as horrified realization stretched across his paling face.

This was the Bandersnatch. A Frumius creature fueled by its desire for carnage and appetite for afterimages; it could easily devouring seven of them with its massive jaws, and is said to have the ability to grant the aforementioned 'ghost' its 'true death' whose clock had been destroyed. It had no territory but preferred a nomadic lifestyle that included hunting. The Bandersnatch was the type of monster that parents told their children to keep them out of trouble.

Despite the fact that there had been no reported sightings of the Bandersnatch for almost two hundred time changes after the demise of Spades, the foot-soldier had heard through the Lullaby's grapevine that the Berceuse had made contact with the beast in that Country. But now making eye contact with it for the first time in his life as 'Leo' made the bloke realize just how intimidating the prescence of the Bandersnatch truly was.

While instinctively praising Lady A in his rattled mind as well praying for her support in this dire situation, Leo leaned forward and whispered softly in Erin's hair but loud enough for the stiffened Outsider to hear him. It took almost all of his strength to not stutter. "Querida, we need to get away from here. Follow me and do what I do. Move slowly...and whatever might happen, you must not under any circumstances look at its eyes." He had no idea why the Bandersnatch possessed this unique trait upon briefly realizing it moments ago, but it bothered him. A lot.

"..."

Erin did not utter a single word and remained motionless in Leo's arms as the confused faceless called out to her again, only to be trampled by a panicked civilian seconds later. The impact caused the grip on her frame to loosen. The Outsider remained still for another moment until she began to walk towards the Bandersnatch, yet there was no change in either her straightened posture or calm stride as her pearl-colored heels lightly tapped against the floor and Leo struggled to push the faceless woman off him. When he finally looked up, the raven-haired man saw Erin standing in front of the beast.

It growled menacingly at the Outsider, arching its massive frame into an offensive position and positioned to strike if necessary. But the threatening noises did not phase Erin. Instead, she lifted a bone-white fist in the air and raised it towards the creature's snout.

Jackal-shaped ears perked at the gesture and the Bandersnatch blinked warily before slowly leaning forward to sniff the appendage. Once. Twice. Three times. He released another growl, but it was much softer than earlier. The response for some reason prompted Erin to unclench her fist and stepped closer to stroke the fur on the Bandersnatch's chest while her other hand caressed his cheek. As if this massive wolf was not a bloodthirsty legend of Wonderland, but instead a puppy that had a sudden growth spurt in its adolescent stage.

A cold sweat trickled down Leo's back as disbelieved shock continued to shake his quivering frame at the sight his non-existent eyes witnessed. Not even for an instant did he stop fearing for the Outsider's safety. He called out to her again, this time in a hoarse and terrified voice. "ERIN!"

CRACK!

The foot-soldier winced as he felt another pulse of energy surge through the skies, most likely caused by a sudden increase in pressure from the unstable portal above them. In turn, it created a gust of wind that swung across the stage. Leo was able to stand on his feet when it briefly assaulted him, but it soon revealed why Erin did not hear him as the coffee-haired bangs were lifted from her stony face. Her vibrant emerald-green orbs were lifeless. The Madness had taken possession of the Outsider.

With a smile that was both calm and chilling, Erin blinked owlishly at the Bandersnatch before she stroked its fur again. "Good morning, Mister. It took you long enough to come here. I hope you know that there are repercussions for being late to a tea party." The Bandersnatch simply grinned down at the Outsider and nodded.

"Of course. And good morning to you as well."

Leo could only stare the spectacle in horrid realization. An Outsider influenced by the Madness. The Bandersnatch was summoned and could freely speak as any other sentient life form in Wonderland. Even Lady A was stepping out of the shadows to see what was going on, risking herself to be exposed when there were Role Holders running amok in this chaos. Something had definitely gone wrong with Operation Sonata.

Well, here we are. Everything that has transpired in Dark Chocolate has finally led to this royally screwed up situation. But there is more going on than meets the eye, so please be prepared for more twists and turns that will be happening! For a visual reference of the Bandersnatch, I used the character named Moro from a well-known animated film called Princess Mononoke.

Furthermore, the holiday that is used as the backdrop for the Spring Festival is based on none other than the Mexican Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. In Aria's world and according to Latin America culture, the Day of the Dead is a time when all of the countries become unified despite the fact that there are various ways to celebrate it. There is no better way to welcome Death as a beloved companion in life with friends and family than the Day of the Dead.

And that holiday actually begins today, November 1.

Furthermore I would like to thank Momochan77, snm1, LucianKnight, Virun, Big Ham, ChickenAtSchool, Kittycat0521, sebasu and the two Guests for not only taking the time to read and review the last chapter, but being patient with the publication of this one as well everyone else who has dropped by to take a look at Dark Chocolate! See you soon and good luck to the readers who have upcoming semester exams as well other projects occurring in their respective schools! See you soon!

Allon-sy!