I walked up the first platform and found the minor I saw before me and Cheshire had our little chat. I went up to him and saw that he was groaning from carrying that big orb on his back.
"Excuse me sir, but are you alright?" I asked.
The miner looked up at me and nearly burst into tears.
"We never got a chance to celebrate the victory of the champion." He said.
"Champion? you mean Alice, right?" I asked.
"Those damn cardguards brought the queen back to life. The bloody bastards, now we can't even escape through death. The champion was kidnapped and we haven't a bloody clue where she is." He said.
"But, how could the queen just kidnap Alice and hide her so well that no one, not even CC knows where she is. It doesn't make any sense." I said.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that one for you, deary. You see, all us miners know is what is here in the mines. You'd be best to stay out of the water here, tis made of acid. Some have fallen in and died in mere seconds." He said.
I cringed. I remembered the acidy water all right.
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind. By the way, have you seen a little black kitten run around here."I asked.
"Black kitten, eh? No, can't say that I have, but ask the other miners, I'm sure one of them might have." He said.
"Thank you. Everything's going to be alright, you'll see. I'll save Alice and do my best to help restore Wonderland." I said.
The miner gasped as if he had just realized the most important thing in the world.
"It is you!" He exclaimed.
"It is me, what?" I asked.
"Moments before her capture, the champion found out about the queen's revival. She said an 'Angel Of Mercy' would come and help save us all. You are that angel, my dear." He said.
I just stared at him dumbfounded. True, I'm not a bad person, but I never considered myself to be an angel.
"Well, I may be here to help save Alice, but I'm no angel." I said.
"Oh yes, you are! You came and agreed to help us. You see, in a way, Alice is also like an angel to us and since she has no heir, she had to find someone whose love for Wonderland was as great as her own. She brought many children here when it was still beautiful, but none of them cared for it afterwards. To them, it was only a dream. You saw more than just a dream, you have a wonderful imagination and created your own Wonderland. She knew that you would from the day you were born. That's why she choose you, and since you were choosen by her, that makes you an angel in the eyes of Wonderland's inhabitants." He said.
Tears came to my eyes. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I closed my eyes and sighed.
~I don't believe it. Alice entrusted Wonderland to me. Everyone here seems to have so much faith in me, I can't let them down.~
"So, she's the reason I didn't die when I was born. She's also the reason I'm here." I said.
The miner sighed.
"I wish I could tell you where your kitten is." He said.
"It's alright, I'm sure he's fine. Cheshire already assured me was. Well, I'd better go. The sooner I find Rabbit, the sooner I can save Alice." I said.
"Good luck to you, dear. Do be careful, the queen minions are very hard to deal with." He said.
"Yes, I know." I said.
He stepped to the side to make room for me to go the next platform where I saw another miner. I decided to see what he had to say.
"Our land is destoryed. Our spirits crushed. Twice this has happened." He said.
"Now I know why Alice was reminded of the asylum. Reminds me of that god awful place too. Is there no joy here?" I asked.
"Slavery and happiness do not dwell in the same house." He said.
I sighed.
"Have you seen a black kitten run around here?" I asked.
"Black kitten? Did he have the name 'Salem' on the charm of his collar?" He said.
"Yes, that's the one!" I exclaimed.
"Last I saw the little fella, he went that way." he said.
He pointed to the right and I saw a small blue door. Then, I saw Rabbit appoarching the door.
~Oh, hell no. He is not gonna do this to me! He said I was early, so I'm sure he has plenty of time to answer a few questions.~
I turned my attention back to the miner.
"Thank you. I'll be on my way now." I said.
"Be careful, the water here is not pleasent." He said.
I nodded and began to run towards the small door, but a gap made me stop.
~Great! Now what am I gonna do?~
I noticed little white puffs of steam going arcoss the gap. I put a hand to my chin in thought for a second.
~I don't know if this dress can hack it. I can't even do a proper curtsey with it, but I suppose it's worth a shot. If anything, I'll just grab the edge and pull myself up. I hope I don't fall into the acidy water, though.~
The Cheshire cat appeared sitting on a pillar in the middle of the gap.
"When the path is problematical, consider a leap of faith. Ride the wind." He said.
He disappeared after that. I shrugged my shoulders and ran towards the gap. I jumped and to my surprise, my dress fluffed up with ease. I was able to easily glide across the gap and landed safely on the other side.
~Wow. My dress was never able to fluff up like that before. I wonder if I can curtsey.~
I grabbed the sides of my dress and they lifted all the way with no problem.
~Guess that answer my question.~
I let go of the dress and started running. I stepped on a rock and I cried out in pain. Looking down, I realized I was bare footed.
~Terrific. Now I'm bare footed. I swear, when I get my hands on Rabbit, he better spill his furry guts. Some shoes would be nice too.~
I looked around and saw another miner on the platform near the blue door.
~Okay, let's see what this one has to say.
I walked up the platform and approached the miner.
"What's a sweet girly like you, doing in a hellhole like this?" He said.
"I'm here to save Alice and help restore Wonderland." I said.
The miner looked like he was about to cry.
"Has it been 138 years already?! I can't believe it, the angel the champion spoke of is finally here! Wonderland is saved!" He exclaimed.
I sighed.
~Did Alice really speak so highly of me? But, how did she know I would come to love Wonderland so much, she didn't even know me? Oh, well. I'll find out soon enough, I guess.~
"Did Alice really call me an 'Angel Of Mercy'?" I asked.
"Yes. She said that in 117 years you would be born, and that you would come to Wonderland for the fouth time when you were 21 and help save us all." He said.
I was awe struck. I didn't know what to say. I looked back towards the blue door and saw that Rabbit was just standing there. He checked his pocket watch from time to time and smiled everytime he did. I sighed. I knew what this meant. If he went through the door I would have to go through the Fortress Of Doors and get the potion to make myself small so I can follow him. I couldn't but smirk, though.
~Well, the Fortress Of Doors was my favorite level. Hee-Hee, I'm gonna have fun killing every damn one of those banshee wannabe bastards.~
"Do you know how I can get to the door over there?" I asked.
"You'll have to make yourself small, should the one you seek decides to go through it." He said.
"In that case, I'll just have to make myself small, about 3 inches. Do you know how I can pull it off?" I asked.
"No, I don't. Go see the Elder on the other side of the mine, he's the wisest one here. He'll tell ya." He said.
"Thank you." I said.
I turned to leave when the miner called after me.
"Stur up no trouble, stranger. The red queen's agents are ruthless." He said.
I turned back around and narrowed my eyes.
"I'm not afraid of her, or her creatures. Someone needs to stand up them, and it seems I'm the only one who can. That is why I must go save Alice." I said.
"Defiance is useless. While the queen reigns, not even death can release us from this misery." He said.
I smriked.
"But, her death will." I said.
"Bless you, dear. You better get going, you'd be best not to stay in the same place too long." He said.
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." I said.
I turned again to leave. I walked up the fourth platform and noticed that there was no miner here. Oddly enough, I also noticed that the blue door was just on the other side of the walkway. The only problem was that there was another gap seperating it and there were no steam puffs for me to float on. I also noticed that the blue door was bigger than I thought. I was confused to say the least. I certainly didn't remember the game being like this.
~What the hell? In the game there was only one gap in Dementia I had to float across. The door was not that big and Rabbit was not just standing there, he went right through. I keep forgetting that this isn't the game, though.~
I looked around trying to figure out how I was gonna get across without falling into the acidy water.
~Great. How am I gonna get across?~
I sighed. I picked up a small rock and threw it. A long vine broke free from one of the poles that were holding the walkways together. I pulled on it a few times to make sure it was stable enough for me swing on. I smiled.
~Hee, hee. This is gonna be fun.~
Suddenly, Cheshire appeared on top of the pole that held the vine.
"Hanging ropes are as good as stepladders to those who know how to use them." He said.
He disappeared after that. I smirked.
~Oh, I know how to use them alright, CC. Don't you worry.~
I climbed up the vine til I was half way up. I began to swing myself back and forth a few times to gain speed. When I let go, I glided over to the other side and landed safely in front of Rabbit.
"Ah, so good of you to come so soon, Libby dear. Now, come along. If we leave now you may reach the Fortress of Doors before the Boojums come." Rabbit said.
He turned to hop off, but I grabbed his arm before he could get away. He turned to face me with a rather shocked look on his face.
"Fiesty, aren't we?" Rabbit asked.
I glared at him and stomped my foot in frustration.
"You said I was early, did you not?" I asked.
"That I did." Rabbit said.
"Then why can't you take a few minutes to tell me what's going on?! Surely you have enough time to answer a few questions!" I exclaimed.
I let go of Rabbit's arm. He sighed and adjusted his jacket.
"Since you came so early, I wanted to tell you everything myself on the way, but I noticed that your kitten was following some cardguards to the Fortress of Doors. I asked Cheshire to tell you everything, seeing as how he was the one who had the bright idea of bringing you here earlier than the queen expected, while I went to see if Salem was safe. He is, for the time being, but he won't be if you don't stop dwalding, Libia. You're going to be very late indeed, if you don't." Rabbit said.
I fell silent. I was in too much shock to say anything.
~Oh, god! Here I am raving on about Rabbit running out on me when he was out making sure that nothing happened to Salem. I have to learn to stop jumping to conclusions.~
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
Rabbit rasied an eyebrow at me.
"Sorry? Whatever for, for my dear?" Rabbit asked.
I gulped and put my head down in shame. My sudden outburst wasn't the only thing I was sorry for.
"First of all, for my sudden outburst. I didn't mean to yell at you like that, and..." my voice trailed off.
Rabbit tilted his headand put a gloved hand on my shoulder, encouraging me to continue.
"Go on, dear." Rabbit said.
"Well, when I found out about the game, a friend of mine told me that you were like a double spy. You know, making Alice confide in you and then running off to tell the queen. Well, I was stupid enough to actually consider it, but I didn't really believe it. I found out the truth a week later and I felt bad. I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed.
At that moment I burst into tears. Rabbit hugged me tightly and rubbed my back to confort me. A few minutes later, I calmed down.
"It's alright, dear. No harm done. The important thing is that you didn't believe it and you found out the truth. Whoever told you I was your enemy needs to have a big pole shoved right up his or her ass for saying such an idiotic thing, though." Rabbit said.
I laughed.
"Thank you, Rabbit." I said.
You're welcome, dear. Now, we must going. No telling what may happen to Salem out there." Rabbit said.
I nodded. Rabbit then went through the door. I just stood there, stupified. I didn't really understand how he was able to do that. I laughed at myself for actually attempting to figure it out, knowing damn well that I wouldn't be able to.
"Libby, don't even bother trying to understand what you see and hear, just accept it. Remember, you are no longer in the world where reality rules and logic applies." I said qiutely to myself.
"Ah, what very good advice. Question is, will you pracitice what you preach?" Cheshire asked.
I looked around, but I couldn't find him. I sighed.
"I'll do my best CC. I'm not making any promises, though." I said.
"Fair enough." Cheshire said.
I scratched my head and raised an eyebrow in confusion.
~Whoa, I didn't think anyone heard me. Oh, well. Time to move on.~
I looked around to see how I was gonna get out of that corner, but the vine was too far away for me jump to, and there was no walkway or anything. I sighed and slumped on the ground next to the door. I knew I had to call Cheshire for help.
"CC!" I exclaimed.
Cheshire appeared in front of me two seconds later.
"What's the matter, dear?" Cheshire asked.
CC, as much as I hate to admit it, I think I'm a little lost. This Wonderland is not like the one I remember from the game. It's even stranger, as a matter of fact. How am I to find my way?" I asked.
"As knowing where you're going is prefferable to being lost, ask. Rabbit knows a thing or two, and I, myself don't need a wheathervane to tell which way the wind blows. Let your need guide your behavior. Surpress your instcint to lead, pursue Rabbit." Cheshire said.
"Yes, but Rabbit just went through that little blue door. I can't follow him just yet because I'm not small enough to fit through. I just wanna know how I can get out of here." I said.
Cheshire chuckled.
"Just as hanging work as stepladders, a rock boulder is a good as a staircase to those who know how to use it." Cheshire said.
"CC, I don't understand." I said
"Look behind you." Cheshire said.
I did and saw a big pile of rocks hovering above the acidy water.
"Ah, now I understand." I said.
"Time you got going, dear. The sooner you get out of here, the better." Cheshire said.
I nodded and he disappeared. I walked to the edge and jumped towards the rocks. I don't know how, but I landed on top of the pile with no problem.
~Strange. This pile is big, bigger than me. I thought for sure I would have to do some climbing to reach the top. Oh, well. Better for me, less of a hassle.~
I looked up and saw a pole that was attached to the next platform. I took off my ribbon and tied one end to the pole. I pulled on it a few times to make sure the pole wouldn't break. I climbed up to the pole. When I reached the pole and pulled myself up, I was surprised to see that this walkway had another gap. This one lead to a tunnel of some sort. I was too far away to see if there were any steam puffs, though. I walked up to the edge and I realized that not only were there no steam puffs to float on, but the tunnel was actually a dead end. I sighed in frustration.
"Great! What am I gonna do, now?" I asked.
I folded my arms across my chest and looked around trying to figure out which way to go. Then, I heard chuckling.
"Only a few find the way. Some don't recognize it when do. Some, don't ever want to." Cheshire said.
I looked around trying to follow his voice to see if I could find him. I looked up and saw a row of smiling teeth on another platform right above me. I chuckled.
~Well, I do remember having to actually jump onto a higher platform in Dementia. Oh, why not.~
I went as far back as I could safely go without falling into the acidy water. I made a mad dash and jumped. I grabbed onto the edge and pulled myself up. I tried to find Cheshire, but no such luck.
~This is really gonna get annoying. Thank the gods I've understood everything he said so far.~
I sighed and sat down on a nearby rock to rest for a minute. I must have drifted off to sleep or something, cause the next thing I heard was the voice of a young woman singing a song. I think it may have been Alice, trying to tell me something.
~There was a friendly, but niave king.
Who met a very nasty queen.
The king was loved, but
the queen was feared.
Til one day strolling in his court
an arrow pierced the kind king's heart.
He lost his life and his lady love.~
My eyes shot open and for a moment I franticly looked around trying to remember where I was. When I regained my compouser, I stood up and noticed another gap. This one had steam puffs going across, but for the time being, that was not what caught my attention. A few feet from me was a heart meta. I walked towards it, but before I could reach it, a club cardguard came running at me. I smirked and took off the ribbon. I slashed him with it. He came at me again and threw his spear at me, getting me in the rib. I cried out as I felt the bones there break. I threw the ribbon again, and strangled him with it. Ignoring the pain of my broken rib, I pulled on my end of the ribbon. It wrapped itself even tighter around the cardguard's body until it exploded in flash of blue flame and blood started flying everywhere, once again staining my ribbon and dress in the thick red liquid. I tried to get the triangle meta he left behind, but it fell into the gap.
~Shit! I needed that meta essence! Wait, there's still that heart meta over there.~
I ran to the heart meta and absorbed it. I felt myself grow stronger. I could feel the bones in my rib instantly snap back into place as if they were never broken in the first place. Then, Cheshire appeared.
"Meta essence is the life force of Wonderland; that of your enemies is especially potent. Collect what you can, use it wisely." Cheshire said.
I nodded. He was beginning to vanish when I realized I hadn't gotten the Vorpal Blade yet.
"Hey, CC, wait a minute. Come back." I said.
He rematerialized and grinned even wider than before.
"What's the matter, Libby?" Cheshire asked.
"Well, shouldn't I have gotten the Vorpal Blade by now? I remember it being here in Dementia." I said.
Cheshire's grin faded and sighed. I was a bit shocked, but did my best not to show it.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm afraid I don't know. You should find it soon enough, though. Remember, this isn't like the 'limitations' of the game. This is your Wonderland. This is your game. You alone will determine what happens to each of us. It is entirely up to you." Cheshire said.
"'Limitations'? What do you mean, CC?" I asked.
"The only true limitation is one's own imagination. You, my dear, have plenty of it. Do not expect this to be like the game. Make it yours, make your own rules. Do not try to understand what you see and hear, just accept it. Have fun making your enemies groval at your feet. This is your game, you make the rules. You alone will now determine who will live, and who will die. Don't worry, it'll all equal out in the end." Cheshire said.
I titlted my head in confusion and just stared at him. I think I may have understood, but I wasn't quite sure. I thought of a little remark of my own, just to see if I really did understand.
"In a game of horror/survival, the only rule is that there are no rules. Do what you must to win and survive." I said.
I swear, if Cheshire's grin became any wider, the skin around his mouth would just tear right off.
"That smart mouth of yours is gonna get you into trouble someday, my love. Though I must admit, your smart mouth and your ablilty to understand this madness will make things quite interesting." Cheshire said.
I smirked. He didn't give me enough credit.
"I understand the madness here, because I have come to understand my own." I said.
Cheshire raised his eyebrows in thought. He began to slowly walk around me with his tail caressing my ankles.
"A sane persons who understands, much less accepts her own madness. This is quite interesting, indeed." Cheshire said.
I laughed.
"There's no such thing as sanity, CC. I thought that out of all of Wonderland's inhabitants, you would know that. I'm not insane, though. I assure you, I'm quite sane, but I do have a special madness in me. Hell, everyone does." I said.
"Only the truly sane can accept and understand their madness that dwells within them." Cheshire said.
"It's true. People are often afraid of what they don't understand. I'm not gonna lie and that I'm not, cause that wouldn't be true, but some are just more willing to embrace it than others." I said.
"I quite agree. They fear what they don't understand and can't prove with science, so they shrug it off as unimportant, or just in people's minds." Cheshire said.
I smirked.
It's funny. I'm mad, yet I'm sane. What a contradiction that is." I said.
"Like Alice, you have a madness that equals out. You're mad enough to understand and accept the insanity that reigns here, yet you're sane enough to change it. Whereas in your world, you're sane enough to live amongst people without being a threat to them or yourself and not be written off as 'insane.' Yet, you're not sane enough to ever really fit in." Cheshire said.
I once again tilted my head. It was weird. It was if I understood, but at the sametime, I didn't.
~Should I tell him about the woman I heard signing in my head? Nah, maybe it was just me. I really should give Resident Evil a rest.~
"Libia, are you alright?" Cheshire asked.
I snapped out of my trance and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I said.
Now it was Cheshire's turn to tilt his head. I knew he didn't believe me, but he didn't press me on the matter any further.
"In that case, you must get going. Rabbit will not approve if you are late." Cheshire said.
I nodded my head and turned to leave. I didn't get too far, though. Cheshire appeared in front of me. He was still grinning, but it wasn't his usual joker grin. It looked concerned.
"Libia, I know there's something wrong. Why don't do you tell me what's on your mind?" Cheshire asked.
I sighed.
~Well, he's showing that he cares. I can't say I'm not grateful, though.~
"Well, when I jumped onto this walkway, I sat on that rock over there for a moment to rest. I closed my eyes and must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I know, I hear a woman signing a strange song in my head. I think it may have been Alice, but I'm not sure." I said.
"What kind of song was it?" Cheshire asked.
"Something about a friendly king that was niave, that was in love with a mean queen that was feared.(A/N: You can pretty much guess where I'm going with this, can't you?)She also said something about the king being killed." I said.
Cheshire arched an eyebrow at me. He put a paw to his chin in thought.
"Interesting. I highly suggest you remember this bit of information, Libia. You may need it later." Cheshire said.
"Alright." I said.
I sighed and began biting my lower lip.
"Is all, dear?" Cheshire asked.
"Well, I'm kinda scared. I mean, what if I get lost, what if I can't save Alice, what if I fail?" I asked.
"Never under any circumstances are you to underestimate yourself, Libby dear. This land is your playground, you call the shots." Cheshire said.
I smiled. In a strange, twisted sorta way, I actually felt better and calm. I guess Cheshire has that gift of making people feel comfortable.
"Thanks, Cheshire. I'm gonna get going now. Rabbit's waiting." I said.
Cheshire nodded.
"Don't let what you see and hear get to you. Remember, the Jabberwock will try and play with your mind. Also, remember that you can wake up anytime you feel the need to, but as soon as you fall asleep, you'll come back, and you'll start right where you left off." Cheshire said.
He disappeared after that. His grin lingered for a moment, though. I sighed.
~Man, I hope I can do this. I'd hate to let everyone down. Beating a game, and doing it for real are two entirely different things.~
I ran towards the gap and floated across with ease. When I got to the other side, I noticed that there was a tunnel that led to the other side. I smiled.
~The Elder must be on the other side. Who knows, maybe I'll find the knife over there. Yeah, I can do this.~
I was about to go into the tunnel, when Cheshire appeared again.
"A word of caution before you go on." Cheshire said.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Since everyone is on your side, not only must you expect to fight new, stronger enemies, but you must expect betrayel as well. We have held out this long, but remember that the queen is far more powerful this time around. Please, be careful." Cheshire said.
I gulped. I had a feeling I would be facing new enemies, but I hated to think that the others could become evil, again.
"Thanks, CC. I'll do my best." I said.
"That's all we ask, Libby dear. That's all we ask." Cheshire said.
He disappeared again. I sighed.
~I hope none of them become evil again. I would hate to have to kill them. Expect the Jabberwock. That motherfucker, and the bitch of hearts are going down, if it's the thing I do.~
I looked into the tunnel and noticed another factory. After a moment's hesitation, I walked into the tunnel.
A/N: Well, I hope you all found that interesting. Wasn't that conversation between me and Cheshire weird? I'm still trying to figure it out, myself. R/R. BTW, the little song about the friendly king, and the nasty queen, was actually taken from the 'Resident Evil: Code Verinoca' game. It's the playstation 2 version, if I'm right. It's on the soundtrack CD, that's where it popped up, I guess. You'll see in later chapters how that little song fits into my story. Ta ta for now.
"Excuse me sir, but are you alright?" I asked.
The miner looked up at me and nearly burst into tears.
"We never got a chance to celebrate the victory of the champion." He said.
"Champion? you mean Alice, right?" I asked.
"Those damn cardguards brought the queen back to life. The bloody bastards, now we can't even escape through death. The champion was kidnapped and we haven't a bloody clue where she is." He said.
"But, how could the queen just kidnap Alice and hide her so well that no one, not even CC knows where she is. It doesn't make any sense." I said.
"I'm afraid I can't answer that one for you, deary. You see, all us miners know is what is here in the mines. You'd be best to stay out of the water here, tis made of acid. Some have fallen in and died in mere seconds." He said.
I cringed. I remembered the acidy water all right.
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind. By the way, have you seen a little black kitten run around here."I asked.
"Black kitten, eh? No, can't say that I have, but ask the other miners, I'm sure one of them might have." He said.
"Thank you. Everything's going to be alright, you'll see. I'll save Alice and do my best to help restore Wonderland." I said.
The miner gasped as if he had just realized the most important thing in the world.
"It is you!" He exclaimed.
"It is me, what?" I asked.
"Moments before her capture, the champion found out about the queen's revival. She said an 'Angel Of Mercy' would come and help save us all. You are that angel, my dear." He said.
I just stared at him dumbfounded. True, I'm not a bad person, but I never considered myself to be an angel.
"Well, I may be here to help save Alice, but I'm no angel." I said.
"Oh yes, you are! You came and agreed to help us. You see, in a way, Alice is also like an angel to us and since she has no heir, she had to find someone whose love for Wonderland was as great as her own. She brought many children here when it was still beautiful, but none of them cared for it afterwards. To them, it was only a dream. You saw more than just a dream, you have a wonderful imagination and created your own Wonderland. She knew that you would from the day you were born. That's why she choose you, and since you were choosen by her, that makes you an angel in the eyes of Wonderland's inhabitants." He said.
Tears came to my eyes. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I closed my eyes and sighed.
~I don't believe it. Alice entrusted Wonderland to me. Everyone here seems to have so much faith in me, I can't let them down.~
"So, she's the reason I didn't die when I was born. She's also the reason I'm here." I said.
The miner sighed.
"I wish I could tell you where your kitten is." He said.
"It's alright, I'm sure he's fine. Cheshire already assured me was. Well, I'd better go. The sooner I find Rabbit, the sooner I can save Alice." I said.
"Good luck to you, dear. Do be careful, the queen minions are very hard to deal with." He said.
"Yes, I know." I said.
He stepped to the side to make room for me to go the next platform where I saw another miner. I decided to see what he had to say.
"Our land is destoryed. Our spirits crushed. Twice this has happened." He said.
"Now I know why Alice was reminded of the asylum. Reminds me of that god awful place too. Is there no joy here?" I asked.
"Slavery and happiness do not dwell in the same house." He said.
I sighed.
"Have you seen a black kitten run around here?" I asked.
"Black kitten? Did he have the name 'Salem' on the charm of his collar?" He said.
"Yes, that's the one!" I exclaimed.
"Last I saw the little fella, he went that way." he said.
He pointed to the right and I saw a small blue door. Then, I saw Rabbit appoarching the door.
~Oh, hell no. He is not gonna do this to me! He said I was early, so I'm sure he has plenty of time to answer a few questions.~
I turned my attention back to the miner.
"Thank you. I'll be on my way now." I said.
"Be careful, the water here is not pleasent." He said.
I nodded and began to run towards the small door, but a gap made me stop.
~Great! Now what am I gonna do?~
I noticed little white puffs of steam going arcoss the gap. I put a hand to my chin in thought for a second.
~I don't know if this dress can hack it. I can't even do a proper curtsey with it, but I suppose it's worth a shot. If anything, I'll just grab the edge and pull myself up. I hope I don't fall into the acidy water, though.~
The Cheshire cat appeared sitting on a pillar in the middle of the gap.
"When the path is problematical, consider a leap of faith. Ride the wind." He said.
He disappeared after that. I shrugged my shoulders and ran towards the gap. I jumped and to my surprise, my dress fluffed up with ease. I was able to easily glide across the gap and landed safely on the other side.
~Wow. My dress was never able to fluff up like that before. I wonder if I can curtsey.~
I grabbed the sides of my dress and they lifted all the way with no problem.
~Guess that answer my question.~
I let go of the dress and started running. I stepped on a rock and I cried out in pain. Looking down, I realized I was bare footed.
~Terrific. Now I'm bare footed. I swear, when I get my hands on Rabbit, he better spill his furry guts. Some shoes would be nice too.~
I looked around and saw another miner on the platform near the blue door.
~Okay, let's see what this one has to say.
I walked up the platform and approached the miner.
"What's a sweet girly like you, doing in a hellhole like this?" He said.
"I'm here to save Alice and help restore Wonderland." I said.
The miner looked like he was about to cry.
"Has it been 138 years already?! I can't believe it, the angel the champion spoke of is finally here! Wonderland is saved!" He exclaimed.
I sighed.
~Did Alice really speak so highly of me? But, how did she know I would come to love Wonderland so much, she didn't even know me? Oh, well. I'll find out soon enough, I guess.~
"Did Alice really call me an 'Angel Of Mercy'?" I asked.
"Yes. She said that in 117 years you would be born, and that you would come to Wonderland for the fouth time when you were 21 and help save us all." He said.
I was awe struck. I didn't know what to say. I looked back towards the blue door and saw that Rabbit was just standing there. He checked his pocket watch from time to time and smiled everytime he did. I sighed. I knew what this meant. If he went through the door I would have to go through the Fortress Of Doors and get the potion to make myself small so I can follow him. I couldn't but smirk, though.
~Well, the Fortress Of Doors was my favorite level. Hee-Hee, I'm gonna have fun killing every damn one of those banshee wannabe bastards.~
"Do you know how I can get to the door over there?" I asked.
"You'll have to make yourself small, should the one you seek decides to go through it." He said.
"In that case, I'll just have to make myself small, about 3 inches. Do you know how I can pull it off?" I asked.
"No, I don't. Go see the Elder on the other side of the mine, he's the wisest one here. He'll tell ya." He said.
"Thank you." I said.
I turned to leave when the miner called after me.
"Stur up no trouble, stranger. The red queen's agents are ruthless." He said.
I turned back around and narrowed my eyes.
"I'm not afraid of her, or her creatures. Someone needs to stand up them, and it seems I'm the only one who can. That is why I must go save Alice." I said.
"Defiance is useless. While the queen reigns, not even death can release us from this misery." He said.
I smriked.
"But, her death will." I said.
"Bless you, dear. You better get going, you'd be best not to stay in the same place too long." He said.
"Thank you, I'll keep that in mind." I said.
I turned again to leave. I walked up the fourth platform and noticed that there was no miner here. Oddly enough, I also noticed that the blue door was just on the other side of the walkway. The only problem was that there was another gap seperating it and there were no steam puffs for me to float on. I also noticed that the blue door was bigger than I thought. I was confused to say the least. I certainly didn't remember the game being like this.
~What the hell? In the game there was only one gap in Dementia I had to float across. The door was not that big and Rabbit was not just standing there, he went right through. I keep forgetting that this isn't the game, though.~
I looked around trying to figure out how I was gonna get across without falling into the acidy water.
~Great. How am I gonna get across?~
I sighed. I picked up a small rock and threw it. A long vine broke free from one of the poles that were holding the walkways together. I pulled on it a few times to make sure it was stable enough for me swing on. I smiled.
~Hee, hee. This is gonna be fun.~
Suddenly, Cheshire appeared on top of the pole that held the vine.
"Hanging ropes are as good as stepladders to those who know how to use them." He said.
He disappeared after that. I smirked.
~Oh, I know how to use them alright, CC. Don't you worry.~
I climbed up the vine til I was half way up. I began to swing myself back and forth a few times to gain speed. When I let go, I glided over to the other side and landed safely in front of Rabbit.
"Ah, so good of you to come so soon, Libby dear. Now, come along. If we leave now you may reach the Fortress of Doors before the Boojums come." Rabbit said.
He turned to hop off, but I grabbed his arm before he could get away. He turned to face me with a rather shocked look on his face.
"Fiesty, aren't we?" Rabbit asked.
I glared at him and stomped my foot in frustration.
"You said I was early, did you not?" I asked.
"That I did." Rabbit said.
"Then why can't you take a few minutes to tell me what's going on?! Surely you have enough time to answer a few questions!" I exclaimed.
I let go of Rabbit's arm. He sighed and adjusted his jacket.
"Since you came so early, I wanted to tell you everything myself on the way, but I noticed that your kitten was following some cardguards to the Fortress of Doors. I asked Cheshire to tell you everything, seeing as how he was the one who had the bright idea of bringing you here earlier than the queen expected, while I went to see if Salem was safe. He is, for the time being, but he won't be if you don't stop dwalding, Libia. You're going to be very late indeed, if you don't." Rabbit said.
I fell silent. I was in too much shock to say anything.
~Oh, god! Here I am raving on about Rabbit running out on me when he was out making sure that nothing happened to Salem. I have to learn to stop jumping to conclusions.~
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
Rabbit rasied an eyebrow at me.
"Sorry? Whatever for, for my dear?" Rabbit asked.
I gulped and put my head down in shame. My sudden outburst wasn't the only thing I was sorry for.
"First of all, for my sudden outburst. I didn't mean to yell at you like that, and..." my voice trailed off.
Rabbit tilted his headand put a gloved hand on my shoulder, encouraging me to continue.
"Go on, dear." Rabbit said.
"Well, when I found out about the game, a friend of mine told me that you were like a double spy. You know, making Alice confide in you and then running off to tell the queen. Well, I was stupid enough to actually consider it, but I didn't really believe it. I found out the truth a week later and I felt bad. I'm so sorry!" I exclaimed.
At that moment I burst into tears. Rabbit hugged me tightly and rubbed my back to confort me. A few minutes later, I calmed down.
"It's alright, dear. No harm done. The important thing is that you didn't believe it and you found out the truth. Whoever told you I was your enemy needs to have a big pole shoved right up his or her ass for saying such an idiotic thing, though." Rabbit said.
I laughed.
"Thank you, Rabbit." I said.
You're welcome, dear. Now, we must going. No telling what may happen to Salem out there." Rabbit said.
I nodded. Rabbit then went through the door. I just stood there, stupified. I didn't really understand how he was able to do that. I laughed at myself for actually attempting to figure it out, knowing damn well that I wouldn't be able to.
"Libby, don't even bother trying to understand what you see and hear, just accept it. Remember, you are no longer in the world where reality rules and logic applies." I said qiutely to myself.
"Ah, what very good advice. Question is, will you pracitice what you preach?" Cheshire asked.
I looked around, but I couldn't find him. I sighed.
"I'll do my best CC. I'm not making any promises, though." I said.
"Fair enough." Cheshire said.
I scratched my head and raised an eyebrow in confusion.
~Whoa, I didn't think anyone heard me. Oh, well. Time to move on.~
I looked around to see how I was gonna get out of that corner, but the vine was too far away for me jump to, and there was no walkway or anything. I sighed and slumped on the ground next to the door. I knew I had to call Cheshire for help.
"CC!" I exclaimed.
Cheshire appeared in front of me two seconds later.
"What's the matter, dear?" Cheshire asked.
CC, as much as I hate to admit it, I think I'm a little lost. This Wonderland is not like the one I remember from the game. It's even stranger, as a matter of fact. How am I to find my way?" I asked.
"As knowing where you're going is prefferable to being lost, ask. Rabbit knows a thing or two, and I, myself don't need a wheathervane to tell which way the wind blows. Let your need guide your behavior. Surpress your instcint to lead, pursue Rabbit." Cheshire said.
"Yes, but Rabbit just went through that little blue door. I can't follow him just yet because I'm not small enough to fit through. I just wanna know how I can get out of here." I said.
Cheshire chuckled.
"Just as hanging work as stepladders, a rock boulder is a good as a staircase to those who know how to use it." Cheshire said.
"CC, I don't understand." I said
"Look behind you." Cheshire said.
I did and saw a big pile of rocks hovering above the acidy water.
"Ah, now I understand." I said.
"Time you got going, dear. The sooner you get out of here, the better." Cheshire said.
I nodded and he disappeared. I walked to the edge and jumped towards the rocks. I don't know how, but I landed on top of the pile with no problem.
~Strange. This pile is big, bigger than me. I thought for sure I would have to do some climbing to reach the top. Oh, well. Better for me, less of a hassle.~
I looked up and saw a pole that was attached to the next platform. I took off my ribbon and tied one end to the pole. I pulled on it a few times to make sure the pole wouldn't break. I climbed up to the pole. When I reached the pole and pulled myself up, I was surprised to see that this walkway had another gap. This one lead to a tunnel of some sort. I was too far away to see if there were any steam puffs, though. I walked up to the edge and I realized that not only were there no steam puffs to float on, but the tunnel was actually a dead end. I sighed in frustration.
"Great! What am I gonna do, now?" I asked.
I folded my arms across my chest and looked around trying to figure out which way to go. Then, I heard chuckling.
"Only a few find the way. Some don't recognize it when do. Some, don't ever want to." Cheshire said.
I looked around trying to follow his voice to see if I could find him. I looked up and saw a row of smiling teeth on another platform right above me. I chuckled.
~Well, I do remember having to actually jump onto a higher platform in Dementia. Oh, why not.~
I went as far back as I could safely go without falling into the acidy water. I made a mad dash and jumped. I grabbed onto the edge and pulled myself up. I tried to find Cheshire, but no such luck.
~This is really gonna get annoying. Thank the gods I've understood everything he said so far.~
I sighed and sat down on a nearby rock to rest for a minute. I must have drifted off to sleep or something, cause the next thing I heard was the voice of a young woman singing a song. I think it may have been Alice, trying to tell me something.
~There was a friendly, but niave king.
Who met a very nasty queen.
The king was loved, but
the queen was feared.
Til one day strolling in his court
an arrow pierced the kind king's heart.
He lost his life and his lady love.~
My eyes shot open and for a moment I franticly looked around trying to remember where I was. When I regained my compouser, I stood up and noticed another gap. This one had steam puffs going across, but for the time being, that was not what caught my attention. A few feet from me was a heart meta. I walked towards it, but before I could reach it, a club cardguard came running at me. I smirked and took off the ribbon. I slashed him with it. He came at me again and threw his spear at me, getting me in the rib. I cried out as I felt the bones there break. I threw the ribbon again, and strangled him with it. Ignoring the pain of my broken rib, I pulled on my end of the ribbon. It wrapped itself even tighter around the cardguard's body until it exploded in flash of blue flame and blood started flying everywhere, once again staining my ribbon and dress in the thick red liquid. I tried to get the triangle meta he left behind, but it fell into the gap.
~Shit! I needed that meta essence! Wait, there's still that heart meta over there.~
I ran to the heart meta and absorbed it. I felt myself grow stronger. I could feel the bones in my rib instantly snap back into place as if they were never broken in the first place. Then, Cheshire appeared.
"Meta essence is the life force of Wonderland; that of your enemies is especially potent. Collect what you can, use it wisely." Cheshire said.
I nodded. He was beginning to vanish when I realized I hadn't gotten the Vorpal Blade yet.
"Hey, CC, wait a minute. Come back." I said.
He rematerialized and grinned even wider than before.
"What's the matter, Libby?" Cheshire asked.
"Well, shouldn't I have gotten the Vorpal Blade by now? I remember it being here in Dementia." I said.
Cheshire's grin faded and sighed. I was a bit shocked, but did my best not to show it.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart. I'm afraid I don't know. You should find it soon enough, though. Remember, this isn't like the 'limitations' of the game. This is your Wonderland. This is your game. You alone will determine what happens to each of us. It is entirely up to you." Cheshire said.
"'Limitations'? What do you mean, CC?" I asked.
"The only true limitation is one's own imagination. You, my dear, have plenty of it. Do not expect this to be like the game. Make it yours, make your own rules. Do not try to understand what you see and hear, just accept it. Have fun making your enemies groval at your feet. This is your game, you make the rules. You alone will now determine who will live, and who will die. Don't worry, it'll all equal out in the end." Cheshire said.
I titlted my head in confusion and just stared at him. I think I may have understood, but I wasn't quite sure. I thought of a little remark of my own, just to see if I really did understand.
"In a game of horror/survival, the only rule is that there are no rules. Do what you must to win and survive." I said.
I swear, if Cheshire's grin became any wider, the skin around his mouth would just tear right off.
"That smart mouth of yours is gonna get you into trouble someday, my love. Though I must admit, your smart mouth and your ablilty to understand this madness will make things quite interesting." Cheshire said.
I smirked. He didn't give me enough credit.
"I understand the madness here, because I have come to understand my own." I said.
Cheshire raised his eyebrows in thought. He began to slowly walk around me with his tail caressing my ankles.
"A sane persons who understands, much less accepts her own madness. This is quite interesting, indeed." Cheshire said.
I laughed.
"There's no such thing as sanity, CC. I thought that out of all of Wonderland's inhabitants, you would know that. I'm not insane, though. I assure you, I'm quite sane, but I do have a special madness in me. Hell, everyone does." I said.
"Only the truly sane can accept and understand their madness that dwells within them." Cheshire said.
"It's true. People are often afraid of what they don't understand. I'm not gonna lie and that I'm not, cause that wouldn't be true, but some are just more willing to embrace it than others." I said.
"I quite agree. They fear what they don't understand and can't prove with science, so they shrug it off as unimportant, or just in people's minds." Cheshire said.
I smirked.
It's funny. I'm mad, yet I'm sane. What a contradiction that is." I said.
"Like Alice, you have a madness that equals out. You're mad enough to understand and accept the insanity that reigns here, yet you're sane enough to change it. Whereas in your world, you're sane enough to live amongst people without being a threat to them or yourself and not be written off as 'insane.' Yet, you're not sane enough to ever really fit in." Cheshire said.
I once again tilted my head. It was weird. It was if I understood, but at the sametime, I didn't.
~Should I tell him about the woman I heard signing in my head? Nah, maybe it was just me. I really should give Resident Evil a rest.~
"Libia, are you alright?" Cheshire asked.
I snapped out of my trance and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I said.
Now it was Cheshire's turn to tilt his head. I knew he didn't believe me, but he didn't press me on the matter any further.
"In that case, you must get going. Rabbit will not approve if you are late." Cheshire said.
I nodded my head and turned to leave. I didn't get too far, though. Cheshire appeared in front of me. He was still grinning, but it wasn't his usual joker grin. It looked concerned.
"Libia, I know there's something wrong. Why don't do you tell me what's on your mind?" Cheshire asked.
I sighed.
~Well, he's showing that he cares. I can't say I'm not grateful, though.~
"Well, when I jumped onto this walkway, I sat on that rock over there for a moment to rest. I closed my eyes and must have fallen asleep, because the next thing I know, I hear a woman signing a strange song in my head. I think it may have been Alice, but I'm not sure." I said.
"What kind of song was it?" Cheshire asked.
"Something about a friendly king that was niave, that was in love with a mean queen that was feared.(A/N: You can pretty much guess where I'm going with this, can't you?)She also said something about the king being killed." I said.
Cheshire arched an eyebrow at me. He put a paw to his chin in thought.
"Interesting. I highly suggest you remember this bit of information, Libia. You may need it later." Cheshire said.
"Alright." I said.
I sighed and began biting my lower lip.
"Is all, dear?" Cheshire asked.
"Well, I'm kinda scared. I mean, what if I get lost, what if I can't save Alice, what if I fail?" I asked.
"Never under any circumstances are you to underestimate yourself, Libby dear. This land is your playground, you call the shots." Cheshire said.
I smiled. In a strange, twisted sorta way, I actually felt better and calm. I guess Cheshire has that gift of making people feel comfortable.
"Thanks, Cheshire. I'm gonna get going now. Rabbit's waiting." I said.
Cheshire nodded.
"Don't let what you see and hear get to you. Remember, the Jabberwock will try and play with your mind. Also, remember that you can wake up anytime you feel the need to, but as soon as you fall asleep, you'll come back, and you'll start right where you left off." Cheshire said.
He disappeared after that. His grin lingered for a moment, though. I sighed.
~Man, I hope I can do this. I'd hate to let everyone down. Beating a game, and doing it for real are two entirely different things.~
I ran towards the gap and floated across with ease. When I got to the other side, I noticed that there was a tunnel that led to the other side. I smiled.
~The Elder must be on the other side. Who knows, maybe I'll find the knife over there. Yeah, I can do this.~
I was about to go into the tunnel, when Cheshire appeared again.
"A word of caution before you go on." Cheshire said.
"What's up?" I asked.
"Since everyone is on your side, not only must you expect to fight new, stronger enemies, but you must expect betrayel as well. We have held out this long, but remember that the queen is far more powerful this time around. Please, be careful." Cheshire said.
I gulped. I had a feeling I would be facing new enemies, but I hated to think that the others could become evil, again.
"Thanks, CC. I'll do my best." I said.
"That's all we ask, Libby dear. That's all we ask." Cheshire said.
He disappeared again. I sighed.
~I hope none of them become evil again. I would hate to have to kill them. Expect the Jabberwock. That motherfucker, and the bitch of hearts are going down, if it's the thing I do.~
I looked into the tunnel and noticed another factory. After a moment's hesitation, I walked into the tunnel.
A/N: Well, I hope you all found that interesting. Wasn't that conversation between me and Cheshire weird? I'm still trying to figure it out, myself. R/R. BTW, the little song about the friendly king, and the nasty queen, was actually taken from the 'Resident Evil: Code Verinoca' game. It's the playstation 2 version, if I'm right. It's on the soundtrack CD, that's where it popped up, I guess. You'll see in later chapters how that little song fits into my story. Ta ta for now.