"Alyssa, are you okay?!"
"...I think so? I'm..bleeding."
There were only some scratches, thank God. It was nothing major and they didn't see signs of a concussion or any major damage. There wasn't a lot of blood but there was enough that I got some on my shirt. It's the only shirt I have and it's got blood on it. I can't see the blood but I can feel the sticky spots and where it's crusted and hard now.
My head is throbbing and I can't even look at the lights, I know I have a migraine from that hit though. Immediately after Boris pulled me up and close to him, that other man went on the defensive and those two boys were yelling at him. They kept calling him a stupid rabbit and other insults, usually revolving around a rabbit. Rabbit..I met the White Rabbit so..wouldn't he be the March Hare? So the March Hare was the one who attacked me and was seconds, and millimeters, away from killing me. I have a small grazing on my forehead, as well as some gunpowder burns, from the shot but again, nothing serious.
I'm...hesitant to see him again though. I'm sure he feels remorseful but Boris told me he had to leave because of Blood. Blood..he must be the Mad Hatter then so those two boys must be Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. So I met the main cast in the book and movie. The Twins and March Hare attacked and almost killed me so, I bet the Mad Hatter would try to do the same thing. Maybe I shouldn't go see them then, if they're that quick to kill. At least Boris waited a few seconds before trying to shoot me in the head. They're a little too quick to kill, it's worrisome.
"Alyssa? Are you okay?" Boris's head poked in, his ears flat against his head and eyebrows furrowed. His tail wasn't high up, like at the Amusement Park, and it was low and almost tucked in between his legs. He's worried, stressed, and I can see the occasional flicks of his tail behind him. Even as a human, he has a lot of cat-like tendencies. I've seen my two babies have the same demeanor, it's not something new to me.
"Yeah, I'm fine. The doctor said there weren't any signs of a concussion or major trauma. I got some cuts and scrapes from the impact of my fall and a burn from the gunpowder. He said I'll recover quickly." I groan, rubbing my head again and wondering when this Ibuprofene will kick in. They gave it to me a half an hour ago and I still have yet to feel anything.
"You're lucky you got away with just some scratches. Most Faceless don't have time to blink before Elliot shoots them, never mind get away from his gun altogether. I thought I told you to stay put?"
"The two twin boys, I think the Tweedle Twins, were chasing me. They kept insisting I play, "Kill or be Killed" with them, even when I tried to tell them no. They were chasing me all around and I didn't exactly have time to look and see if someone was going to knock me to the ground and blow my brains out dodging two giant axes." I hiss, rubbing too hard on a specific spot and hurting it further. I want nothing more than to just sleep this pain away and hope I just wake up back at home, having overslept or maybe had some weird, shift-like, dream. Maybe I passed out and I'll wake up on the ground outside of my running car? I can only hope that's the case and it's not me actually being here in this world, now injured and worried that I'll die any second. Were they this rough with Alice too when she first got here, or is it my shit bad luck?
"I think you should stay here for the time being. You still hit your head real bad and it's not safe to be walking around Wonderland at night in your condition."
"..I don't have any pj's or a new change of clothes. These ones have blood crusted on them."
"The people working here can wash those and I'm sure we can find you some clothes to wear for tonight."
"Yeah, thanks."
"Hmm.. Hey." He bent down a bit, a smile on his face and his finger poking my nose. "I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have water, but no fish. What am I?" He asked, his smile growing a bit more. A riddle? I haven't heard a riddle in years.
"Cities but no houses? Mountains but no trees? Uhm…" I feel my nose scrunch up and I start chewing my lip again. Water but no fish? A book? They don't talk about specific trees or houses, only the actual places. No, no.. not a book. Maybe…?
"Oh! A map~!" I smile, knowing for sure I got it right when his smile brightened and tail perked up. I haven't heard a riddle in so long, I love them so much~!
"That's right! You catch on quicker than Alice too." He hummed, tail flicking my nose and making me giggle. I love how playful he is, he can brighten my mood even with the worst of migraines ransacking my skull. Funny, hot, and a big appetite too? Fuck, what a package~
"Let's find you some clothes for tonight, then you can rest and explore more tomorrow." He stands up, giving a long stretch and holding his hand out for me to take. With a pained groan, I take it with my left hand, taking my time getting up from the bed and slowly walking behind him. My whole body aches all over from that fall onto the Clocktower to bashing my head open onto the cobblestone grounds of the Amusement Park. I want nothing more than to sleep but I guess I'll havta suffer a bit more before I can enjoy some precious, delicious sleep.
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"So you're Alyssa. I've heard quite a bit about you so far, and you have not been here long. Making an impression with Cheshire and White, how amusing." A disembodied voice says as I look around. I remember falling asleep so…how am I awake? I haven't dreamed in so long, is this even one? Is this what they're like? I nearly forgot, it's been years.
"Hello? Someone's there, I assume? You know my name, after all. A dream eater, maybe? A trickster?"
"Dream eater? Far from, my dear." The same voice laughs behind me, making me turn around and look up, seeing a man floating above me. Grey hair, an eyepatch- is he a pirate~?
"I am NOT a pirate!" He huffed, making me laugh, then pale. He..I didn't say anything aloud. Does he read thoughts?
"I do, yes. I can hear you loud and clear. A pirate, sheesh." He lowers his body so his face is closer to mine. He looks older than me, but not by much. Maybe his 30's? High cheekbones, a defined nose, a slim body.. He gives me model vibes. Some kind of guy you'd see showing off in Chanel or someone wearing some kind of old money aesthetic outfit. His outfit choice is very monotonous too with the colors. Greys, blacks, whites and a pop of gold with a purple looking handkerchief hanging from his pocket.
"So are you some kinda Roleholder too? One I only see in my dreams or..?"
"I am a Roleholder, yes. The Incubus, but I also rule over Clover Country and Clover Tower. You'll be in Clover Country one day, but not anytime soon. Quite a few time periods away, actually."
"Clover Tower? Incubus? Uhh.. God, this is a lot to take in in one day. I was hoping I'd get some reprieve when I fell asleep."
"You're all beaten up. Heart's Country isn't boding well for you, is it? It was much kinder to Alice, you poor thing."
"The March Hare nearly shot me in the head and when I was running from the Twins I fell and got a gash in my head. It didn't need stitches, thankfully, but still hurts like a motherfucker." I sigh, hearing him go into a coughing fit. I…only cursed. Is it that bad for me to curse around here? Boris seemed okay with it. Watching him bend over, I see blood spill from his lips and I jump back as it hits the floor.
"Jesus Christ! What's with the blood?! You should go to a hospital or something, that's not healthy!"
"NO! No hospitals I'll- I'll be alright!" He said between coughs, waving a hand in my direction. He must really be used to something like this to be waving me off- it's still not okay! I hesitantly move closer to him, rubbing his back and pulling his handkerchief from his pocket to hand to him.
"I understand you don't, I don't like them either but coughing blood isn't okay. It can cause so many more problems down the road and make your hospital visit worse. The sooner, the better. Take care of yourself, there's only one of you around." I said, bending over a bit to make sure he was at least breathing okay between the coughs. His fit slowly died down and he let out a small laugh, accepting the handkerchief and dabbing at his mouth.
"You're too kind, truly. The hospital is still a no-go, but Grey would definitely like you. Anyone who tries to get me to go to the hospital he likes since they're on his side. Alice will most definitely enjoy your company, although she might be surprised by your colorful language."
"I like to call it a way to show my emotions. Saying something is beautiful versus saying something is fucking beautiful holds way more passion, in my opinion. I just like to use it, no harm no foul." I shrug, standing up straight with him and pulling my arm from his back. He's barely taller than me, maybe by an inch but considering I'm 5'11", that ain't sayin much. Those Twins and Boris were shorter than me, however. Elliot seemed to be taller than me but from my position on the ground, anyone would look taller than me. I'm pretty used to being taller than most people, so it doesn't bother me anymore but it always amuses me when there are people shorter than me, especially guys.
"I'd be wary of those Hatter folks though. You've already had a bad run-in with them and they live quite a dangerous lifestyle."
"Boris told me, so did Julius. They're mafia. If Alice is as sweet as you and Boris say, then should she really be around the mafia? Are they just hiding everything from her or is she just oblivious?"
"A mix of both, honestly. Blood hides her from most of his depraved activities and sends Elliot to do most of it so he can be around her; however, she believes everyone is good and has good in them, so she usually turns a blind eye or believes that it's not actually happening. She's a good girl, sometimes I feel she's too good for Wonderland but her temper surprises me when she finally does snap. You'll see it one day and decide for yourself. We have to part ways for now, you're waking up. Do take care of yourself, I'd like to see you less battered and bruised next time we meet." He says, floating back up out of my reach as the grey world around us swirls into pinks, blues, and purples. A pretty mix, reminding me of a sunset in spring. I wonder if I could have these colors again in my dreams, if I ever dream again outside of seeing Nightmare, that is.
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"Come on, let's go see the Twins and Alice. She should be at the Hatter Mansion by now. She'll be so excited to see another Outsider, she seems so lonely so another one might just do the trick!" Boris smiled, pulling me along down a dirt path, supposedly towards Hatter mansion. I really, REALLY don't want to go because of the fact that Elliot oh, I dunno, NEARLY TOOK MY HEAD OFF THE OTHER DAY! Not exactly looking forward to staring him straight on and smile. I'm not one for staring my almost killer in the face and just hoping everything will be okay. I'd rather just avoid him at all costs, the Twins too.
At least Boris was nice enough to help the cuts and burns on my head heal. He said his saliva had healing properties so he went to town licking all over my forehead and cheek, the cut and burns healing in a matter of minutes. My face looks like nothing even happened to it, how cool! He even got my clothes cleaned for me so now they're good as new and no blood stained or crusted on them. Of course, it's the same outfit I wore yesterday so there's that but I suppose I'll just have to find more clothes later to buy and wear.
I wanted to stay at the Clocktower where Julius is since I won't be particularly bothered by anyone there since it's just his workaholic self, but I'll havta make my way back there after this supposed "tea party" Boris says we're going to. I'm not that fond of tea, I'd much rather have coffee, especially since there wasn't any at the Amusement Park and, seemingly, none on the way to the Hatter Mansion as well. I'd kill for a cup of coffee right now, I need caffeine to live and it would help to have a cup to down some more Ibuprofen for the gash in the back of my head. I'm thankful my face looks better but my head is still killing me and I haven't taken any meds yet since I have an empty stomach. No tearing my stomach up at someone else's home, thank you.
"Is there any coffee at this tea party?"
"Hm? No. Blood hates coffee from the smell to the taste. Coffee isn't allowed anywhere near or in the Hatter Mansion. It's why he sent Pierce away. Pierce loved coffee and Blood got sick and tired of it in the Mansion so away that pesky mouse went."
"Greaaaattt.. The one thing I want and I can't even have it." I groan, practically ragging my feet now. Even caffeinated tea makes me tired, I'll just want to sleep if I drink it. Maybe they have like- sweet tea or just some water I can drink? Hell, I'll even take juice or soda. I really don't want to be sleepy at the mafia's mansion.
"Boriiiis!" "Hello kitty kitty!" I hear the two Twins from yesterday yell, making me stiffen as I hear the metal shing of their axes. With a quick dodge, I flatten myself against a tree as their axes hit Boris's gun, holding them back with one arm.
"Hello to you too~ We'll play later, you're scaring the new Outsider." He said, looking behind him to see me pressed against the tree, staring down at the two boys. They can't be more than 13, maybe 14, years old? They're so young and so eager to kill and maim. Has it been indoctrinated in them even younger? Was Boris like this too? Blood? Julius? Peter? How is this Alice girl handling this all if she's even nicer than I am?
"Outsider? Boris, I'm pretty used to the Twins by now." A light, almost airy voice comes from behind them, a girl no taller than the boys peeking around them. She's so small, so dainty, so fragile looking. Is SHE Alice? How the Hell is someone so tiny surviving this place?!
"You're Alice? Uhm.. Hi, I'm Alyssa. I'm the new Outsider Boris mentioned. Peter yanked me down some hole- uh… it's nice to meet you?"
"There's another Outsider? There's..someone else besides me?"
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"No way. Another Outsider? Nightmare told me I was the only one and that there's only one per game." She said, looking me all over and even walking around me. It makes me uncomfortable, how small she is compared to me. She's the size of these 14 year old boys who tried to kill me and she's supposedly 20? What? She barely looks a day over 16, it's weird.
Her lolita-esque dress was complimenting to her figure, making her slimmer looking and more like a doll. The bow on top of her perfectly styled hair, her big, blue eyes, and porcelain skin- she looked perfect in every way, shape and form. I'm not normally self-conscious of my figure or looks, but she makes me shift in place and look down at what I was wearing. I don't look like a hobo, no, but it was my relax clothes for my night driving that night I was supposed to leave. A cropped black tank top, black high rise jeans, black ankle boots, and a blue and red flannel with my black purse to match. It looks...boring in comparison to all of these colorful and well put together costumes these people are wearing. They all look like main characters and stand out from these Faceless crowds and here I am, in my plain ass outfit just trying to blend in. How drab.
"Well I guess that was a lie or whatever. I was forced to drink that potion too, so I guess I have a "game" too or whatever it is. The whole "meet every Roleholder and the vial will fill" nonsense that Julius told me when he found me on top of the Clocktower the other day? I think? It shifted to night, then morning in the middle of the Amusement Park, then night again so...the other day? Yeah, we'll go with that." I hum, watching her make another circle around me curiously before I shifted away from her gaze and against the gate so she couldn't circle me anymore. It's making me uncomfortable at this point and I feel like some inspected piece of meat that's being surveyed at the butcher's.
"Ugh, Peter forced it on you too? Disgusting rabbit he is. He's so annoying." She rolled her eyes, moving to grab my arm and pull me along, only for me to yank my arm away. I don't like the way her hand felt around my wrist. Too demanding, it doesn't match her at all.
"I'm not fond of people touching my wrists. I can walk." I said, walking to where she was and then past her, looking around curiously. I can hear the boys walking and talking to Boris behind us and Boris's chains clinking together. There are bushes everywhere, expertly pruned and plucked, all of them even and perfect as we make our way to the front entrance.
"Bigger sis, bigger sis! Did you and Alice know each other?"
"Ah- probably not, no. Where I'm from and where she from is probably completely different. Where are you from, Alice?"
"England, you?"
"United States, New York to be exact." I purse my lips, looking back at the blue eyed twin. Is this one Dee, or Dum? They haven't properly introduced themselves, maybe I should ask?
"Yeah, totally different places. Say, what's your guys' names? I gathered you're the Tweedle Twins but your names..?"
"I'm Dee!" "And I'm Dum!" They said at the same time, making me smile. Blue for Dee, Red for Dum. Easy enough, I guess. I'll havta remember it so I don't forget them.
"United States? I've never been. You're quite far from me. No one I know has been to the United States."
"No? I didn't think it was that expensive of a plane ride."
"..plane?" She furrows her eyebrows, making my own dip in confusion.
"Yyyyyeahhh, a plane. Yanno, flies through the sky? Goes from country to country? Do..you not know what a plane is? How do you not know- what year are you from?" I ask, my stomach dropping as she looks just as confused.
"1928, why?"
"...Alice, hun, I'm from 2022. We're not just from different countries, we're from different times. Nearly 100 years difference."