Chapter 35 - Unexpecting Turns

Rikki POV

"Ball? What ball?" I ask the faceless heart soldier, though he had no eyes, his lips were pressed into a thin line to show his nervousness. It has happened whenever I'm near a faceless person, they got extremely flustered and I don't know why...

"It's an event where roleholders get together for a time of peace, and anyone the Queen invites can come. She invited you and would like you there as soon as possible." The soldier's face was flushing pink and I couldn't tell if he was looking at me or not...

"Alright thanks, I'll leave soon." I gave him a huge false smile, but he bought it as he smiles in relief and leaves. I frown, closing my door behind me. I was mad at Audrey and the twins- not so much Pierce- for now, but I guess I shouldn't take it out on Vivaldi though they would probably all be there...

I sighed heavily as I leaned against my door, my head falling against the wooden surface, my heart heavy. What I needed was a public event, but knowing they'd be there... but I don't want to anger Vivaldi. Propping myself up and walking towards my closet, unsure if I even had a dress I could wear.

Pulling out my dress, I quickly shed my nightgown and tried out the dress. The dress went to my knees, with poofy shoulders, and long sleeves. The top of the dress was green, the sleeves white, a brown belt secured around ym waist, and from my waist down was white. I wore silver high heels and a silver crescent moon necklace, my hair fell flat, straightened, down to my shoulders.

There was a quick knock on the door and I yelled "Come in!" as I continued to twirl and examine myself infront of my fully length mirror, which was propped up againt the wall. I stopped spinning when, from my peripheral vision, I saw a shadow stop a few feet short of me. Pierce stood behind me in a handsome black tux, ditching his hat, with a gray undershirt and a reddish brown tie. He shifted his weight between his feet uncomfortably, trying to find something to say.

"You look beautiful." He started, his gaze flickering between mine and the floor as a flash of crimson spread across his cheeks. "I know you're mad and you have every right to be. But if you let me I'll-" I stopped him by pressing my lips against his, our hands intertwined. When I pulled away he blinked in confusion, stunned at what just happened.

"Just escort me to this ball you silly mouse!" I laugh, slipping my arm inbetween his and he smiled widly. We kept our hand entwined as I tried to give an awkward embrace, but he seemed pleased nonetheless.

"I'd love to!" His ears perked up as we headed out of the room, out of the park, and to the castle where the ball was being held.

"Wow." I stared up in awe at the scenery before me, atleast, what I could see. Pierce and I, still joined at the hands, were in the ballroom, and boy was it crowded. But the room was illuminated by candles, casting shadows on everything, making the red seem crimson and the white seem gray. Everything, from the walls to the plates, was some shade of red, white, or even purple. Lining the walls were rows of foods and drinks, and of course in the middle everyone was dancing or talking or even both, but everyone seemed happy.

"Do you want to search for Leah or Audrey?" Pierce asked. My head snapped up to meet his eyes, I really wanted to, but the look in his eyes made me double think my choices. Find my friends or dance with my possible boyfriend at an extravegent fairytale-like ball? I'm pretty sure there's no contest.

"No." Now it's his turn to see surprised. I squeezed his hand in comfort. "I want to dance with you, it's just us tonight." I gave him a wide, true, happy smile. Of course he smiles back as he leads me to the dance floor.

I wasn't that good of a dancer, but Pierce was amazing and willing to give me some tips and pointers. My hands wer wrapped around his neck and his hands were on my hips, his voice- almost like a whisper- told me how to do this and that, but sometimes I would just be mesmorized by his soft, sweet voice. I caught myself smiling like an idiot the whole time.

I stood up on my tip toes, giving him a small kiss as a 'thank you'. "I'll be right back, going to go get a drink." I slipped inbetween all of the people, somewhere managing to find my way to the punch table. Punch in hand I overlooked the crowd, a lot of faceless, unknown people, but I did spot Elliot and Nightmare. They seemed to be fighting as I saw Elliot retreat towards the entrance -or the exit- Julius was also heading that way..

I frowned, taking a sip of my fruity punch before looking for someone else. Crushing the cup and tossing it away I took one last look at the crowd, noticing no one, I try to find my way back to Pierce.

"Rikki!" I froze in place at the familiar voice calling my name, unable to find Pierce and not wanting to appear rude on such a lovely night, I turned around to face him. He wasn't exactly shining nor did he wear any armor, but the Knight of Hearts stood before me. He wore a white tux, a dark red undershirt, and a crimson tie which matched his eyes. "I finally found you!" Ace laughed, a big smile was plastered to his face, but for once, it seemed real.

"Ace... what are-" No, wrong question. "What do you need?" I asked bluntly, just heading straight to the point as I was anxious to head back to Pierce.

"What, can't dance with my baby sister?" He shook his head, laughing. Before I could protest, he continued. "Just listen, alright? I know mouse boy is your date and you want to return to him-" How does he know that? "but after the ball we really need to talk, please?" He fiddled with his cuffs, unable to look at me when he spoke.

"Maybe, I might listen." I bit down on my lip, not wanting to say anyting I would regret later. "But I really have to go now!" I insisted, leaving Ace in the crowd. Not able to find Pierce, I headed for the closest guest room just outside the ballroom.

The guest room was a dark purple with a small lamp to light up the small space. I took a deep breath and sat on the bed as I tried to calm down, my head had started to spin and I got a major headache.

"Chu! This is where you're hiding!" My head snapped up -making my head hurt more- and I met Pierce's gaze as he stumbled to sit beside me, placing a hand on my back. He gave me a quick peck on the cheek, wrapping an arm around me and I snuggled close to him, my head on his shoulder.

"Sorry, I tried looking for you... but I got dizzy suddenly so I had to sit down." I tried to explain. I took his other hand in mine, his thumb rubbing circles against my palm, as I tried to calm down. My lips turned down into a frown, this dizzy spell was quite random.

"I'll be right back, I'll get you some water." He released me as he hurried out the room. I sighed, as quick as he arrived he was gone.

Hoisting myself up, I nearly fell over if I didn't grasp the window sill. "What the he*l?" I frowned, my pocket had grown unnaturally heavy. Fishing into my pocket, I grasped something cool and hard. The vial that I drank from when I first came to Wonderland, it was now radiating a small crystal blue light and it was filled to the rim.

I felt a shiver course my spine, I could go home, the time has finally come! I smiled widly, I could go home, wake up! Gripping the glass tightly, I lifted it to eye level. Wake up and go home or stay in this surreal dream with the boy I'm falling in love with... with friends... I don't even get bullied as much here.

This caused me to frown again, was I falling in love with just a dream? Which worlds pros outweighted their cons? "Now that's something to think about... at least I'm happy here." I uncapped the vial, the liquid really was filled to the brim.

I was tackled, so surprised by the sudden force that the vial flew out of my hand and smashed against the wall into a thousand mini pieces and the liquid stained the wall. My eyes widened in shock, the arms around my waist tightened instinctivley. "I'm sorry... but I panicked." Pierce whimpered.

"Pierce." I closed my eyes in frustration, annoyance getting the best of me. My only way home is now destroyed. How could he do such a thing? "Let go." I commanded softly.

"Please, don't be mad." He whispered into the back of my neck. I unwrapped myself and looked at Pierce, his eyes wide and watered.

"Pierce!" I yell, exasperated. "That was my only way home! Only way!" I huffed angrily.

"But you promised you'd stay here! And I didn't mean for it to shatter... but you have to stay here! You love me! I love you. I'd miss you too much if you left me for good." He held my hands, trying to make me see it his way.

"But my family-"

"But you friends! Us! You even said you didn't like your family." He pleaded, trying his best. "What about us." He pouted.

"This is a dream!" I shouted back, knowing I had a sh*tty arguement backing me up, but still...

I was thrown against the wall, stepping in some of the glass. "D*mmit this isn't a dream! I'm real! This world is real! Even if it wasn't- it's better than your world, so you've told me over and over!" Pierce snapped back, frustrated tears streaming down his cheeks. His hands gripped my elbows and kissed me, tears still streaming as our lips met.

He continued the kiss as his hands moved down my elbows toward my hips, keeping me against the wall forciably. "I love you too much to just let you run away from me." He leaned his forehead against mine, gazing at me with such love and compassion..

I can't help but think of him as nothing more than a fragment of my dream dimension. Yeah, that's mean, but what if this is just a dream and I could stay in this dream? I am happier now than I was back home... not like it matters now, I'm stuck here, no way back.

"Don't be mad, chu!" His arms wrapped around my neck. "I promise you won't regret staying here. I'll make sure of it. Chu~" He gave me a huge, wide, hopeful smile.

"So pick up the pieces, now where to begin? The hardest part of ending is starting again." Linkin Park lyrics raced through my mind, and I realized how true they were to my life right now. I'll have to make a life here unless I can find a way back..

Pierce snuggled his face into my neck, smiling still. What if I promised a way out? An unfamiliar voice entered my head. To leave here... I know a secret way out. I tried to block the new voice in my head, it can't be good that I'm hearing voices. I just kissed Pierce on his forehead, a small smile creeped on my lips. "I'm not mad, promise." I tried to make my tone light and friendly.

But Pierce could tell something was up by giving me a quizzical look. "You sure, chu?" He kissed my cheek again before continuing. "Come on, you look tired. Lets head back to the park."