AN: Welcome back to Rika in the Country of Hearts, Chapter six. I have been doing my best to update the story here on a consistent basis. Hope you have been enjoying the story so far. Please leave a review if you'd like, I'd like to hear your thoughts. Please only leave constructive criticism and no hate speech please, I will ignore those. Thanks again for reading Heart no Kuna no Rika. More to come soon.
I don't own HnKnA or HIgurashi, I'm just a fan writing a fanfiction for fellow fans.
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Chapter Six: Wonderland
"I found myself in Wonderland. Get back on my feet again."
~Alice ~ Avril Lavigne
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After first being introduced to my father's secret rose garden, I continued to visit the sacred place as often as I could to escape. I would often bring my book, sitting on the ornate swing that hung from the tree, losing myself for hours within my book's pages. The golden roses I had conjured still remained mixed in with my father's many red roses. Being in his rose garden gave me a sense of calm that I had not been able to achieve since first coming here to Wonderland. Although my father and mother were pleasant company, even they could not often quell my aching heart. The solitude of this sacred secret garden however, did bring me a sense of serenity.
I flipped the page of my book, wanting to read what happened next. I heard footsteps which called my attention back to reality and I looked up. The tall figure of a woman with dark purple hair stood not too far from where I was sitting on the swing. She was dressed in a very ornate and royal looking gown which was a vivid red and layered with black mixed in. A huge heart shaped like collar shaped her head and her hair was up in tight neat curls. A red royal queen crown rested upon the top of her head. Her dark violet eyes pierced through me as I stared back at her with my own purple orbs. I was more curious about this royal like woman than anything. I assumed that she was the one other that father had mentioned before.
Deciding that it would be impolite to leave her wandering around like a lost fish, I walked up to her and bowed. "Hello your majesty, I'm Rika. What brings you here on this fine afternoon?" I asked her politely. She looked me with a somewhat austere and stiff expression before replying. After a bit, this serious demeanor dissolved and a laugh and smile broke upon her features.
"Oh ohohoho, there is no need for you to be so formal with us. We are the Queen of Hearts, Vivaldi. You may simply call us Vivaldi or rather, Aunt Vivaldi since Blood is our little brother," she replied. Her voice was kind and sounded clear like a beautiful bell which seemed fitting for this queen like figure. I was a bit taken back by her reply. I was the niece of royalty? So many questions had begun to run throughout my mind.
"I take it my dad has talked about me to you? Otherwise, this is my first time seeing you, Aunt Vivaldi," I replied, feeling a bit confused but hid that through a carefully constructed expression of a neutral and polite smile. Since I imagined she was tired of standing, I lead her to the swing which I was previously occupying. It was big enough to seat two people. I offered her a seat and sat next to her. She thanked me for offering her a spot to sit. She smiled kindly as she looked out at the garden with me. We spoke about general things, trying to get to know each other as niece and newfound aunt. She immediately took notice of the golden roses mixed amongst the red.
"Since when has our brother been interested in golden roses? It is most peculiar," she said aloud. She's just as observant as father it would seem. Well, since she's a part of my adopted family circle, there was no sense in hiding it from her.
"The golden roses….were mine. I conjured them by accident when father was showing me his rose growing magic," I confessed. I waited for her to call me a freak but that never came. Instead, she gave me a look of being impressed.
"You conjured them while piggybacking off of our brother's magic? I've never heard of such of thing. It is truly remarkable. Magical talent may run in your veins, young Rika," she replied so eloquently and politely. I could not help but feel a certain pride from her words. I had only discovered this magic a few time changes ago. I had not fully learned to make use of it yet. However, before we had a chance to talk further, father entered the garden with a wide sincere smile and he bowed to his sister and my aunt.
"I see you've met my daughter and your niece, Rika. I hope you were not too inconvenienced by waiting on me for a little bit," he said politely, kissing his sister's hand politely. She shook her head, saying she was not inconvenienced at all.
"Oh dear heavens no quite the contrary, we found our niece to be excellent company," she replied sincerely, smiling at her brother. I really liked Vivaldi and hoped to see more of her soon. She was also excellent company. I haven't known her that long but I found myself wanting to spend more time with her. I hoped such a thing would be possible. As if reading my mind, father spoke to me after a few moments.
"It seems that Rika is fond of your company, dear sister," he said. Vivaldi smiled at my dad's words. I smiled as well. Unable to control myself, I hopped on my aunt's back, hugging her. She seemed taken aback by my tackle hug but chuckled lightly.
"It seems that our niece is found of her auntie," she replied with a small smile. I jumped down and walked around, hugging her from the front. I had never had an aunt before so I might have overreacted a bit.
"Sorry Aunt Vivaldi, I've never had an aunt before. I am just really excited to have an aunt like you," I confessed, letting go of her after a few minutes, sheepishly scratching the back of my head with a rueful expression. She merely chuckled at me, seemingly amused.
"The feeling is mutual. We never expected to become an aunt, let alone have such a lovely niece like you, Rika dear," she replied with a smile as she patted my head softly. My dad seemed happy that we got along so well, despite just meeting. The more I spent time with father and his sister and my new aunt, I liked her more. I expected I'd see her more here. The only reason they met here in secret was because this was the only place they could be siblings and be happy. Otherwise, they had to be rivals and fight over their respective territories. I learned more about Wonderland than I had during my whole time here combined. Finding these topics fascinating, I stayed silent, absorbing their words. Once in a while, I'd chime in about something about myself or if I had a question, I also asked if she had magic. She was perplexed by this but showed me that her staff could turn into a gun. Father also demonstrated his cane could also transform into a machine gun. Then their objects turned back to their respective forms.
I had tea with father and Auntie Vivaldi as well, enjoying their company more for a long time. When it came time for us to separate, I hugged her tightly, saying I loved her and she loved me and I parted ways with father. He smiled slightly as we went back to his room. "You got along well with the Queen of Hearts. She adores you," he said after a bit.
"I adore her company as well," I replied. He nodded, seeming happy to hear that. Before we knew it, we were at the double doors that separated my parents' room and father's office from the rest of the corridor. He opened the double doors, entering with me following behind. He sighed heavily as he untied his giant green neck bow, shaking off his suit jacket and hat as he sat them on a nearby chair. I decided to sit on one of the giant red couches that occupied the front portion of the large divided room. I leaned forward and grabbed my book, opening it up once more to where I had left off previously. It seems Battler was having a hell of a time countering Beatrice's arguments and red truths. I continued to read from there, interested in what would happen next….
Father cleared his throat, summoning me back from the depths of Rokkenjima back to Wonderland. I put my bookmark back in the pages and turned toward my father. "Yes father?" I inquired curiously, wondering what was on his mind.
"I am finally done with this bloody paperwork. Also it is midnight which means it is the perfect time for a tea party. Care to join me, Rika?" he asked me, smiling. I did my best to suppress a laugh at his obsession with tea parties but I bit my tongue. I nodded, saying that I would. He stood up from his desk chair, stretching, I set my book back upon the coffee table, stretching out my stiff limbs of my own, then joined my father leaving the room behind to head outside to the garden where the long tables waited…
As usual, the tables were set up with a variety of teas and snacks upon or in ornate and colorful tea pots and dishes. It never ceases to amaze me how the servants manage to set everything up so nicely. I had a feeling this was Shannon's doing. I assigned names to the faceless servants I talked with sometimes to tell them apart and to give them some individuality. Pushing these thoughts aside, I took my usual spot upon my father's left where Elliot sat next to me as usual. Like always, he helped himself to a variety of carrot flavored pastries. He says he does not like carrots yet indulges himself in carrot flavored sweets. Hmm, for somebody who does not like carrots, he likes carrot flavored things.
I indulged myself with a strawberry flavored cookie and some black sweet tea which was a nice compliment to the cookies I ate. As usual, father's midnight tea parties were animated. The twins seemed to be staring off into space. Come to think of it, I have not seen them for a while. Their vividly colored eyes met mine; they had the same dead eyed look when they did when I first met their gaze a few years ago. I quirked an eyebrow in confusion, I know I had not seem them for a few time periods, but why the hostility all of a sudden? I would be sure to question them once the tea party was over. For now, I kept up an animated conversation with father and Uncle Elliot. Mother surprisingly was missing from her usual place at father's right hand. I wondered where she was. Something did not feel right.
Father did not seem concerned so I let it be for now. Closing my eyes, taking another sip of my tea, I let my mind wander. In my mind, I imagined myself in a peaceful place like father's secret rose garden, a fountain with water flowing freely into the pool that captured it, and I sat on the swing and took in the beauty around me. Without knowing, I had teleported to the rose garden, I opened my eyes to find myself sitting on the swing. Oh no, that means the twins saw me doing magic and so did Uncle Elliot. Shit, what the hell would they say?
I got up and paced, panicking slightly. I did not understand how I was able to use magic in the first place. I know father said that all the Role Holders have some kind of small amount of magic. What about me though? Technically, I was an outsider who had been adopted into the Hatter Family by my father, Blood Dupre and Alice became my mother. Suddenly, somebody appeared out of thin air like I had done a few moments ago.
Examining his appearance, he had reddish hair, wore a jester like outfit but seemed dressier. He had an eye patch over his left eye with a golden "eye" like pattern. His outfit seemed to consist of layers of red and black. He bowed to me politely and greeted me with a smile. I was a little wary of him, but decided to curtsey to keep with the niceties.
"Greetings Lady Bernkastel, I am known as Joker. Some call me "White." You may call me whatever you desire. I have foreseen your arrival to Wonderland under the guise of Rika Furude," he said smoothly, still keeping his smile. I quirked an eyebrow and was confused by his slightly cryptic words.
"I am Rika Dupre since I have been adopted by my father, Blood. I do not know of Bernkastel. You may be mistaken," I replied and corrected him politely. He shook his head, not at all convinced by my reply.
"Red truth: You are Lady Bernkastel, the Witch of Miracles. Your arrival in Wonderland has been prophesized for quite some time now. You are to become a Role Holder and your role will be the Giver of Miracles." He spoke, his words seeming to take on a different form as if the words themselves he spoke were red themselves. How was something from my book possible? I had so many questions. How would Joker or whoever he is know?
I could not reply for a few moments. I am Rika, Rika Furude who was given the last name, "Dupre" since being adopted by my father. I paced back and forth, confused. He merely smiled, observing my confusion with amiable interest. "This bitch probably could not be any denser. She clearly has no idea what the fuck you are talking about, Joker," said a mysterious voice that seemed harsher than that of White. Although I think calling him Red was more fitting given his red attire. I growled slightly when hearing this gruff voice's words.
I retorted, my voice changing, "Excuse me, who the fuck do you think you are? You do not know me! Why don't you come out and face me instead of hiding in that damned prison of yours?!" Red seemed taken aback by my change in demeanor. I narrowed my eyes slightly, not sure of what to expect.
"Whelp, it seems we have our Bernkastel after all. Especially after being talked back to like that," the gruff voice confirmed. It did not belong to red. I searched for the source of the voice and it came from his belt. He seemed to be speaking through the rose mask. I thought this was very interesting. I sighed, wondering what the hell this Joker made an effort to appear before me.
"Why appear before me? I have not heard of you before today yet you seem to have heard of Bernkastel? I do not know her. Is this why I am able to use magic so readily?" I asked, wanting some answers. Red nodded, indicating that this was the case.
"Yes Lady Bern, you are able to use magic a bit more freely than that of most Role Holders. While you are still discovering it, once you gain full control. You will be a force to be reckoned with. This is why the twins regard you with some caution lately," he replied, smile never leaving his face. I crossed my arms, how the hell could he possibly know? However, before I could ask more questions, he merely bowed. "Until we meet again, Lady Bernkastel," he said as he disappeared. Great, just great, I did not know what to make of what he told me. However, I decided to believe it. I took a deep breath, deciding that I probably should return to the tea party. I am sure I would get questions later but decided not to burden myself with those thoughts.
I used the same method of visualizing the tea party and the surroundings to rematerialize in that location. I could hear a few surprised gasps which came from father and Elliot. "What in the world?" Elliot gasped in surprise, his hare ears sticking straight up. I decided to keep the conversation between me and Red a secret for now. I would find a way to talk about it with father in private later. I had a feeling he would be more receptive as hardly anything seemed to surprise him. However, my teleporting in front of them clearly did.
"Sorry, I did not mean to disappear then reappear again so suddenly. I am still getting used to having magic," I confessed with a small shrug. The twins glared at me, raising their axes and pointed their blades directly at me. Not this shit again, I sighed. I decided to confront them. "This shit again, really?" I said, my expression not holding any amusement whatsoever. "You two know me. I thought you were done with your petty childish bullshit," I added pointedly, getting a small rise out of them. I merely chuckled lightly, now amused slightly.
Father and Elliot watched this interaction with interest, not used to seeing me the twins in their place. They did not relent, deciding to come over to my side, closing the distance. I did not flinch. I stood up, walking toward them without preamble. If they really wanted to settle this, then we would settle it. "What have you done with our sister, Rika?" growled Dum, his halberd blade almost even with my neck and inches away from cutting into my skin.
"Red Truth: I AM RIKA, the same Rika you helped comfort that night. Why the sudden hostility toward me? Is it because of my magic? If so, I don't know what to tell you guys, sorry," I replied, no longer taking a confrontational tone. I put my hands up in the hope this would be a sign that I was not going to fight. They still kept their axe blades held aloft. Father, seeming to have enough of them threatening me called them out.
"Enough! Put your weapons down! You are threatening MY DAUGHTER and I will not have it. If you keep it up, consider yourselves without pay for the next year," he said calmly but forcefully. They lowered their weapons. Why were they suddenly acting like this? I was reminded of the scene from a few years ago where they had tortured me by using me as a throwing knife target. The memory burned red hot in my mind, that coupled with the flashback of being held down at gunpoint by Takano and my bravado disappeared. I felt like a deer in headlights as I ran. I ran back into my room, once again shaking.
I collapsed onto my bed, shaking, as tears escaped from my eyes. "Damnit, DAMNIT!" I cursed over and over as my body was wracked with hard sobs. Unable to cope and see straight, I fished around for a blade and took it to my arms, cutting, and drawing blood again. The blade cut through my skin like butter, leaving a thin red line behind as blood continued to flow. I repeated this action until my arms and legs were covered with fresh cuts, all bleeding profusely. I did not care if I ruined my bedding again or my clothes.
The door to my room was blown open by axe blades. My eyes widened fearfully as I was afraid they were here to finish the job. I chuckled dryly, tears still streaming down my face. "Kill me already," I said without emotion. They dropped their blades, instead wrapping me in a hug and not seeming to care whether or not their uniforms got bloody.
"We are SO sorry sis! Please forgive your stupid ass brothers!" they pleaded together. I was surprised by their words.
"I…I thought….you…hated me since….I have magic," I replied, more tears streaming down my face. "Why did you threaten me at the tea party?" I asked pointedly.
"I honestly don't know what came over us. Part of us hated you for disappearing and not being able to see you for a while. Then we got somewhat jealous when you said you had magic. We thought you had changed, but you're still our sis. Forgive your brothers, please. We have been stupid," replied Dee, his vivid blue eyes meeting mine. "And we caused you to relapse too. We're stupid," he added, examining my cuts. I did not say anything but did not try to shrug myself out of their grasp. I sighed again heavily.
"Are you that insecure? Do you think that I would abandon you? You ought to know me better than that. I don't know where I got the magic from, it is what it is. I am still Rika, got it?" I replied, annoyed and very angry. They had released me then, I turned my back to them. They probably could see the full extent of my cuts, blood dripping down my arms and legs.
"You…hurt yourself again….because of us….didn't you?" asked Dum, his voice caught my attention and I turned to look at him. I nodded, confirming that their actions were the cause of the cuts and my breakdown.
"Yes, when you threatened me with your blades it reminded me of being tied to that tree and being used as a throwing knife target. That and I were reminded of being held down at gunpoint from a past loop. What you guys did was not cool," I replied angrily, tears falling again, my body was shaking. I did not want to talk to them anymore. My back turned toward them again, walking toward the window. They walked up behind me, wrapping their arms around me, apologizing again. I wanted them close to me, but I did not want to live with the worry of being threatened by them again if they decided to have another fit of jealousy.
"Please, forgive your stupid brothers. We love you….Rika," pleads Dum, his face buried into my back, hugging me tighter than Dee. I sighed, they seemed sincere.
"Don't….do that to me again….please…I can't take it," I pleaded back, turning around to face them. They nodded, kissing the sides of my head. I was dragged to my bed and laid down. I protested but they insisted on comforting me and disinfecting my cuts. This met I was in for a long session of licks and kisses. Honestly, I did not mind that. I gave in, letting them lick and "disinfect" my wounds. This was their way of comforting me, I relaxed as a moan escaped my lips once in a while….
Something felt different as I woke up. I could feel a little pain in my chest. Did…..my breasts actually get bigger? I looked down at myself and it seemed they had. Finally, I had a body that belonged to a woman. I had grown tired of being trapped in a childlike body for a century of hellish loops. Looking at the twins as they slept, they looked a little different as well. Dee's hair had grown longer, his bangs partially obscuring his closed eyes. I ran my fingers through his dark raven colored tresses, admiring how smooth and silky his hair felt. It suited him. I rubbed my cheek against the top of his head, snuggling him slightly, happy he was near me.
Dum also slept peacefully with his bangs slightly obscuring his sleeping eyes. He looked peaceful like his twin did. I tucked some of the stray strands behind his ear. Like his brother, he looked slightly older. If I had to guess their ages, they'd be 19 or 20. Maybe somehow I used magic to make us grow a little older? I did not know. I may be closer to 18 now, an age that I was never allowed to reach due to being stuck through so many loops. Suddenly, groans could be heard near me. The brothers slowly sat up, opening their eyes and blinking a few times to get the sleep out of their eyes.
Their vivid crimson and sapphire colored eyes bore into my amethyst colored eyes with intensity. I looked up at them, quirking an eyebrow and wondering what was on their mind. I sat up and tackle hugged the twins. Shock was written on their faces for a brief moment before they returned my hug. "What's gotten into you sis?" asked Dee suddenly, and I released him and Dum but latched onto their arms. "Also, it appears as if your cuts are gone as well," he added, examining my right arm with his left hand. He was right, the cuts vanished somehow. Scars from the last time I self-harmed still remained but the cuts from the other night were gone, bandages and all. It was as if I had never had cut myself in the first place.
"How….How did I heal?" I asked them curiously.
"Wonderland residents have a remarkable healing ability. It takes us only a few time changes to heal our wounds completely. It seems as though some of that magic has flowed into you. We guess it is because somebody has recognized you as a Role Holder," replied Dum, putting a hand on his chin. How did he know that? Could they read my minds? I know Nightmare is capable of reading minds. I felt slightly confuse at Dum's sharp intuition. It was uncanny, very uncanny.
"Are you alright, sister? You seem a bit out of it," notes Dum and his deep voice calls me back out of my thoughts. I blushed slightly at the timber of his voice, he sounded so grown up like his brother. "Also, are you sick because your face is slightly pink too," he added.
I shook my head no. "No, forgive me but I was slightly enamored by the sound of your voice. You two haven't noticed yet but you two actually grew up and are taller. Thus why your voices are deeper and you've gotten a bit more handsome than usual," I replied, not looking them in the eyes in my slight embarrassment for pointing this out to them. Then their confusion turned into smirks and they closed in on me, each of them kissing my neck a little, adding a small nuzzling with their noses, causing "mi" sounds to escape my lips in surprise. They backed off after a moment or two and then Dum suddenly kisses me deeply, tongue and all plunging into my mouth. I tried to fight his forceful tongue with my own but his overwhelmed mine, licking the inside of my lips, causing me to groan slightly from feeling pleasure from his kiss.
He backed off after a minute with a wicked smirk and then Dee captured my lips again, taking over where Dum left off, making out with me once more and giving me another passionate kiss. I returned it as I felt the same for them. I wrapped my arms around Dee, running my fingers through his long hair. We stayed like this for a bit but had to release each other to catch our breaths. My face felt even redder now and warm from their actions.
I confessed, "I love you…Dee and Dum. I am sorry I never could say it before. I never had the courage but now I do. I want you two near me. When you two are around me, I feel happy. You two comforted me and made me feel better after my breakdowns and made my pain go away for a while. When you two sleep near me, I don't have nightmares. I feel peaceful when I sleep and happy. Sorry for saying this mushy stuff. This is new to me; I have never been in a relationship before." I also forgave them for hurting me in the past. They made up for those bad moments by being near me. It sounded corny but it was true.
They seemed slightly stunned and a bit taken aback by my confession. I looked down, afraid I had said too much. However, after a moment or two they kissed my cheeks suddenly, making my face grow redder. "We've always loved you, little sister. Even though sometimes we may not be the best at expressing our feelings or we get too insecure. Like we said before, we are sorry for hurting you in the past," Dee said, speaking this time. I only hugged him in reply, wrapping my arms around his back, snuggling into his blue pajama shirt covered chest. I could hear his clock heart ticking a bit faster than normal. The sound of it made me happy, snuggling him more.
"You don't have to apologize anymore, I forgive you. Both of you, as I said before, you made up for it by comforting me and chasing my nightmares away. Please always be with me," I replied, smiling slightly. Dum kidnapped me from Dee's grasp, hugging me tightly. He rubbed his cheek on the top of my head as if snuggling me more. I grasped the back of his red pajama shirt, tightening my hug more, my breasts pressed up against him firmly. He noticed and uses his body weight to lay me down, pinning me beneath him. "It seems we aren't the only ones that have grown. Let us touch you," he whispered huskily in my ear before kissing it slightly.
I nodded a little, allowing them to touch me which led to Dum pulling my nightgown down, exposing my chest to them. Dum wasted no time in grabbing my newly grown breasts and began massaging them, causing soft moans to escape my lips. I never expected to be touched like this so suddenly but I liked it. After a moment, he allowed his brother to touch them as well, pushing them in and rubbing them roughly with his fingers. I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling. His twin captured my lips in a sudden kiss, making my moans sound muffled. They did this for a long while, making me feel good between them, taking turns massaging my breasts and kissing my lips and my neck. I wanted them to continue but a harsh knock made us stop, causing my heart to beat more frantically.
I hastily pushed my nightgown back over my boobs, covering them up as my face burned even more hotly. Father had just come in with a stern expression directed at the twins. "Two certain Gatekeepers need to get their asses out front to guard the mansion. You can make out with my daughter later," he said, trying to keep his expression straight but a smirk ended up betraying him as his green eyes met mine. I tried to hide my embarrassment of father discovering us but he knew as he always did, I was sure. The twins protested but after a glare from my father, they shut up. They gave me a kiss before leaving for their rooms to get ready for the day. After they left, father decided to come in.
"As if I would not know that two certain Gatekeepers had a thing for my daughter. I knew that since they decided to bully you. They're bad sometimes at communicating feelings. However, it seems that the three of you were able to figure it out. While I would rather you'd choose somebody else. If they make you happy, then that's good enough for me and your mother," he said as he sat on my bed, facing me. I nodded, happy my father did not mind me being with the twins.
"Thanks dad, I am glad that you don't mind me being with the twins," I replied. Then, I suddenly remembered I should mention the conversation between Red and I that happened in the rose garden. "A couple of time changes ago, I teleported into your garden and this person calling himself Joker appeared. He told me I was a witch and Role Holder. He called me Lady Bernkastel and said I was the Witch of Miracles. I had no clue what he meant," I said, remembering that conversation. Father's expression changed to one of hatred as his eyebrows furrowed at the mention of Red the Joker. I surmised that he had some kind of history with Joker.
"That bastard was HERE!? What the hell did he want with my daughter? However, I suppose I'm not too surprised. He seems to have a knack of knowing things that even Nightmare does not know sometimes," he replied, his expression still a mixture of interest and hatred for Joker. I watched his green eyes closely, reading his emotions. Soon after, his eyes returned to the normal glassy look they usually carried. He turned and faced me with a measured expression. "I suppose I suspected something when you started displaying magic. Not many Role Holders can perform magic like you have displayed. For this reason, we have to be careful. Who knows what will happen when others find out? My sister probably wouldn't try anything. I trust her and the Clock Maker to a degree. Not that damned wayward knight, and a few others," he added as he now leaned forward, staring ahead. I sighed, not sure what he meant by others as I have not met them yet. I decided to take his word for it for the time being.
"Dad, I know you worry but I promise I will be careful. I want to learn to control it so I can be useful and help my family," I replied, smiling and I hugged my dad from behind. He turned and looked at me again; finally noticing that I looked a little older than when I had ran away from the tea party.
"I appreciate that, Rika. You look really grown up. Did the time change affect your growth? I suppose it had given you've been here for a while," he replied. He smiled, looking into my eyes, and then he patted my head with a small smile. "Why don't you get dressed and ready for the day too?" he suggested before he left the room. I smiled at him as he departed; waving at him and promised I'd be out soon. With that I decided to wash up and get ready for the day as he suggested.
My mind wandered somewhat after I came out of the bathroom and went into my closet, choosing one of my usual dresses that somewhat resembled the ones my mother wore. This dress was a light green, about the color of a green apple with the silver ring patterns like hers on the sleeves and skirt. The skirts had another layer of pink that stuck out from the middle of the front and had a pink ribbon that tied off in the back with white lace around the collar. It was one of my favorite dresses that mother helped me pick out not too long ago. I smiled as I looked at myself in the dress in the mirror in my closet; I twirled around in the dress and felt a little happy.
I thought about Dee and Dum. They're probably out front of those massive ornate gates, guarding them from intruders. With that thought in mind, I teleported to the place I thought about in a flash of purple. I blinked a few times, looking around, and I found myself sitting on one of the gate posts. As I looked downwards, I could see the Bloody Twins looking out toward the forest and the surrounding area. They had bored expressions on their faces. They had not noticed me yet and I continued to watch them in amusement as I waited for them to notice me.
After a few seconds, Dee looked up and his blue eyes widened. "What the hell are you going up there, sis? HOW did you get up there?" he asked me. Dum then saw me and mirrored his twin's surprised expression, his red orbs also widened; his mouth fell open like a gold fish out of water. I released a small laugh at their surprised expressions. I then leapt down in front of them, only to be caught suddenly by Dum. "Don't make us worry like that," said Dum softly. His words made me rethink my actions; I nodded and promised I would be more careful.
"Forgive me, I only wanted to have a little fun," I replied, sheepishly scratching the back of my head. "Also, still learning how to control this magic," I admitted with a shrug. He set me down in front of him and his brother. I looked up at them as if I noticed how tall they were for the first time. They wore matching black and gray pinstriped suits with matching armbands with the card suits on their arms and legs. For Dee, they were strapped to his right thigh of his pants and the left arm of his sleeve and Dum's were on the right arm and left leg. His hair was pinned back with blue and red hairpins, holding his bangs in place off to one side. Dee wore his long hair tied back in a low ponytail that cascaded down his collar. Matching pin chains could also been seen on the front of their suits with the buttons being a respective red and blue. They looked handsome, I had to admit. Not that they weren't handsome before, but more handsome now they were grown up.
I observed them for a bit longer with a content smile on my face. The wind blew my hair and dress slightly. They caught me staring at them and smirked slightly, walking toward me. I debated on teleporting out of their range just to joke around but decided not to. I allowed Dee to pick me up and I sat on the crook of his arms as he supported my legs. I hugged him, my head resting on his, nuzzling his hair slightly. His head rested against my chest as I hugged him around his head, holding him gently against me. I felt content as he held me like this and I hugged him back. Then Dum decided to take me from Dee and held me in a similar manner and I hugged him and rested my head on top of his like I did with Dee, nuzzling his hair softly with a small smile on my face.
After a few moments I lifted my head up to look into his eyes. His crimson eyes seemed to have a glimmer in them. I felt the same way, spending time with him and Dee. He set me down and I hugged him around his waist since that was all I could reach from my height. He chuckled, patted my head affectionately. "Usually guarding these gates is boring as hell. However, you made it more interesting by spending time with us, Rika," he replied, with a small smile on his face. I blushed lightly, returning his smile. I also looked over at Dee and smiled at him as well.
I turned away from them for a moment, allowing the breeze to flow through my long curtain of hair. Closing my eyes in content as well as enjoying their company for the moment. My eyes shot open when I noticed a certain wayward brown haired knight coming our way. He looked to be lost as usual as confusion colored his wine colored eyes. I crossed my arms and observed Ace with a slightly dubious expression, quirking an eyebrow. Something about him seemed off as he looked around. He then noticed me with the twins. He waved awkwardly at me, saying hello. However, Dee and Dum got in front of me, raising their halberds.
They were not happy to see the wayward Ace. From their expressions, I assumed that he passing by was a common occurrence. "What business do you have here, Knight? Rika belongs to us! Move along!" said Dum forcefully, his previous happy expression now colored with annoyance and a little anger, his eyebrows furrowed. Ace clearly was not deterred by Dum's words.
"Surely, I thought I was going to Heart Castle? But I guess my feet took me in the wrong direction. Stupid feet," he said, chuckling lightly and shrugging as if to say, "What can you do?" I only rolled my eyes. I suppose I could help him out. I did not know where Heart Castle was but maybe with his help describing the location, he could guide us there?
I walked forward despite the protest of the twins. I smiled slightly up at Ace, kind of happy to see this lost knight again. "Hello Ace, I see that you are lost as usual. You do know that the Hatter Residence is not Heart Castle right?" I said, slight amusement and playfulness coloring my tone. As if noticing me for the first time, he did a double take.
"Rika, is that you? It has been awhile hasn't it? I suppose quite some time has passed since Alice kidnapped you from my tent. Now look at you, you've done and grown up and you look more beautiful than ever," he said, smiling as he spoke. I watched his red eyes closely; his smile and cheerful tone did not quite reach his eyes for some odd reason. "Maybe you want to go camping again sometime?" he asked but was quickly cut off by Dee.
"She's not going anywhere with you, dumbass knight! Did you hear us the first time? She's ours! Go get your own!" he yelled at Ace who playfully shrugged once more.
"Since when did the twins get with our newest Role Holder? I suppose I never stood a chance. I however am here to kill her," he replied, his cheerful tone now replaced with a more malicious one as he unsheathed his long red handled broad sword, pointing its long blade at the Bloody Twins and I. My violet eyes widened in surprise. He was sent to kill me? Was he really or was he just popping off just to say stupid shit? I had to know so I inquired more.
"Who sent you to kill me? And how the hell did you know I was designated to be a role holder?" I stepped forward in front of Dee and Dum once again, crossing my arms. My previous cheerful expression had been replaced with a furrowed brow and frown as I eyed him dubiously. He smirked, pointing the tip of his long sword at me. I noticed it had a heart detail near the end of the hilt, not that such details mattered if he was threatening to kill me.
"Hmm, who indeed?" he playfully retorted before he lunged forward to make a slice at me but was interfered with the twins parrying his strike with their halberds, their curved blades ringing out against the sound of Ace's sword. They clashed back and forth for a few rounds. Ace's speed and skill with his sword was nothing to spit at. Hell neither was Dee and Dum's dexterity and agility was also something that was impressive. Especially with their own skills of using their weapons as if an extension of their own long bodies, I could not help but watch in awe.
Parry, block, metal clashing against metal, an attempted strike on me when Ace thought they weren't looking, only to be thrown back by my own magic. His red eyes widened with shock. "So you really are a witch? Hmm, try blocking this," he said as he lunged forward once again, trying to make a strike at me. My hands glowed purple and I summoned a replica of Dee and Dum's halberd. It was almost an exact copy with the suits of cards near the curved black and silver blade of the axe. I raised it defensively, blocking his strike, my eyes glowed purple and I jumped back. I then followed up with a swing of my newly summoned halberd, throwing a wave of purple magic at Ace and efficiently knocking him back off of his feet and he hit a tree.
"Don't underestimate me. I may just get used to my powers. However, this is more than enough to put you in your place," I replied with determination, holding the halberd axe aloft and in a defensive position in case he decided to try to strike once more. I looked over my shoulder to see a shocked Dee and Dum meeting my eyes. I suppose I would have some explaining to do once this was settled. Ace barely got up this time and decided it would be smart to surrender.
"You win this round, White Witch," he glared, spitting venom before turning on his heels and walked back into the woods. I glared at his retreating red coated back as he resheathed his sword. White Witch, just what the hell was he talking about? Before I have a chance to ponder Ace's cryptic words further, Dee and Dum approached me from either side. The halberd disappeared in a flash of purple light, I felt myself returned to a more normal state. I closed my eyes, sighing as I supposed that I should probably tell them the truth…