I'm not gonna lie, I was thinking of dropping this story since it didn't seen to be well liked by others. Plus the grammar errors on my previous chapters made me cringe so much, I didn't want to continue. However, the other day, when I read StoppedInTime comment, an uncontrollable urge to write the next chapter down, come to me. I know I said you could comments when you want but, if you could write down your thoughts and opinion... This sound cliché but, yeah you give me a reason to continue this.I'm not active in fanfiction, but, I'm not active in any social media in general except Otome Amino. With work and college my spare time is either spent on games and books. But, don't worry I will not give up this story. I'm very sorry I left many of you waiting so, I will post the next chapter this week or the next. :)
Warning: Be wary of grammar errors and my dragging writing style. Read my review of Boris route /p/x7lv7j
(I did many reference in this chapter so, if u want, read the review to know more about him and his character)
Chapter 4: The Cat's Loneliness
I hesitantly approached the laying fuchsia haired boy, and shyly reached for him. However, before I could make sure he was fine, the boy instantly raised it's upper body. He looked around for a while until his golden eyes landed on me. We stared for what seem an eternity, in silence with only the enthusiastic music coming from the amusement park filled the air.
The lights, coming from the rides, were reflected on his golden eye, the one that wasn't covered by his side bangs. It was useless to say they were captivating, the same way cats' eyes made me feel observed within.
It was like time stopped. Only after I felt something fluffy falling on my head, covering my eyes, taking me away from that sort of hypnotising eyes, I came back to my feet.
With a hand, I touched the fluffy striped fur boa, it was soft and smelled nice. It wasn't bad, it actually invited me to take a nap due to its fluffiness. Or maybe, it was just the night period affecting me. At the time time, I simply didn't know but,...
So fluffy... I thought before I felt the boa being harshly snatched from my hands and head which resulted, of course in my hair going in all places. My gaze slowly switched from my empty hand to the boy hugging the boa tightly on his chest.
He have a slight tint of blush in his face, and suspicion, or maybe embarrassment, written in his exposed eye. His brows irritated as he glared at me. A cold voice, accompanied with smiling eyes, eyes far from cheerful, came out from his attractive lips.
"This is mine. Don't touch it so casually." He said.
Here he was. Boris Airay, the Cheshire Cat of the Hnkna serie. Fuchsia pink hair, bangs covering his right eye while the other was a striking gold iris. Right under the eye on his cheek, lay a tattoo and a grinning tantalizing smile.
On top of his head, there were two cat ears. Both pierced with several gold earings. His fuchsia pink tail, pierced with a fish piercing, was tense. He wore a dark vest decorated with golden zippers matching his accessories. A collar on his neck with a chain attacked to it.
Did he always had that? I mentally wondered. He wore, what seems like a skirt with shorts under it. Decorated, of course, with zippers and a funny funk cat design. His hands were covered by gloves with additional chains.
Why is it that chains are attacked to gloves? What purpose does it serve?!?
I knew this character well. Both from the manga and game. But, what I didn't recognize was that cold gaze he was giving me. The Boris I know, always had a friendly, carefree, vibe. A friendly smile, captivating eyes. But, the boy I have before me had a menacing aura, almost predatory.
"Who are you?" He added. Another cold air blown to me, making me cautious and in guard.
"I'm a visitor. I'm here to talk with the owner Gowland for a personal matter." I firmly answered, my eyes not a second faltering from his.
It was disappointing to say the least, I didn't like treating Boris coldly, this was far from what I wanted but, the situation demanded it...
"With the old man? Sorry, pretty little thing. He's not around. ~ Can't you see the gates are closed. Better next time." He arrogantly answered, teasing me or rather rudely telling me to shoo away.
"That's impossible. Pierce told me, he was stuck in the park, adjusting the rides to the new condition of the country. So please, can you let me pass?" I kindly retorted back.
Overreacting would only make him tease me more, meaning lose time and that was far from my own goal. I extended my hand, offering my help to get him up. "I'm sorry for taking you off guard.. A-and called you P-pink boy..."
He stared at my hanging hand before firmly taking it. He adjusted his fur on his shoulders and got the dust off from his black skirt-short. All his actions were accompanied by the tingling sounds of chains. "Tsk...That xxx rat..." He muttered.
With that, he scrutinized me again from head to toe. Analysing me.
"Still won't help you little miss. You may be a spy or something. We're not really in a good situation."
"I swear, I mean no harm. I just need to ask him a few questions. I don't even need to enter. All I want is answers! Please don't make me go away."
I'm basically homeless and this late at night... There was no way in hell, I'll stay out waiting for Ace to pick me up! Knowing him, he'll head this way since I told him my plan last night. Hopefully he's lost so I have time but, I won't risk.
"Answers? I also want answers..." His eyes suddenly look conflicted and angry. Eyes so similar to Ace's. Lost somewhere in the distance.
"So,...?" I called out for him. Hearing my voice, his mood turned cheerful and carefree. A playful grin adorned his face. Tail swinging excitedly from side to side. This is the Boris I know. My mood lifted up as well from all the worries.
"How about a little game?" He excitedly proposed, eyes blinking with anticipation.
"Game...? Weren't you in a bad situation. How can a game solve or help?" I suspiciously asked, not failing to see his tail reactions. I once read cats' tails can tell a lot of their mood.
"Yeah, well... I'm bored. So, forget that. The old man can take care of his own." His grin grew wider.
"Come on! It would be fun. You answer three of my demands then I let you in. it's easy." He tempted me.
"You do know I can just climb over that gate the same way you did?" I sarcastically eyed him.
"Hahaha..." He stretched his hand as if trying to hold something. Then there was flash. Now in his hand, a gun was pointed at me. "No way I'll let that happen. Not when I around."
He gave his cheerful grin but, I could feel he was serious. The finger on the trigger didn't falter, his eyes were silent yet, full resolution. At the sight, I could only watch in fear and satisfy his demands.
I don't really know if it was his eyes or his friendly tone that made me accept. Maybe, it was just a part of me wanting to live this unique experience.
"What a nice friend you are... Sigh... Yeah, sure let's do it. But, make it quick!" I sighed and then give him a challenging smile.
Despite my impatient, I was looking forward for whatever Boris had in store for me. He was fun guy after all.
"YES!" We both smiled. "Let's start with an easy one...
What's the old man favorite song to play?"
Knowing Gowland, the musician desperate for audience... Plus his numerous multiuse of variegated types of instruments and the no knowledge regarding him playing something decent, I say...
"His CREATION" I proudly answered.
"Oooh, neat! Yup, totally got it right. The old man has tons of those unworldly songs for every occasion. But they sound all the same I consider it as a one song." He applauded comically like those people in TV and shows.
"Good, now two riddles! Do you like riddles? Because I sure love them! You don't have a choice though, answer this and you're free to go." He put away the gun he was holding until now and rested a hand on his fluffy fur.
His expression expressed excitement and joy. His tail swinging from side to side. The tingling sounds of chains followed his every movement. Cunning eyes watched my every reaction, analysing me.
I can't say, I'm a good at riddles but, I do admit I find them intriguing. Plus, I'm quite familiar with Boris riddles in game so, I should be safe... Maybe. So...
"Bring it on!" I answered back, not hiding the least the excitement in my eyes and voice.
"That's the spirit!" Boris said while pointing a finger at me with eyes sparkling with the same animated mood. His pose was very similar to those scenes in anime and comics...
"Riddle number one! It's mine, I rarely use it, but other people use it often. What is it?"
"Hmm." With a hand on my chin I started thinking.
It was a familiar riddle... It's a thing that is mine... I don't use it often but others do... My school books..? Perhaps... I don't open them often but everyone in my class always does. But, is it the right answer. School books, really? Can't be. I'm emphasizing too much my laziness in school. Must stay neutral.
But, why do I feel like I heard this riddle before... Think. I played the game. It must be some of his visits events riddles.
"So? Got it? Come on, it's super easy!" He teased me trying to get me out of my concentration zone.
"Shh! I'm thinking. I'm thinking." I zipped him.
I tried remembering his game riddles... There's the mirror one, the rose one, his love related riddles... Which of these.. Which?
"By the way, what's your name?" he casually asked.
"Y\n. You're the host of this riddle game. Stop bothering and distracting the contestants here." I scolded him.
"Eh.. Not even bothering to know mine?" He gleefully and purposely continue his interference.
I already know you Boris. Already said (mentally) your name so many times, I don't need to ask you... I mentally thought.
Wait.I GOT IT!
"Name! The answer is name!" I shouted. Boris grin grew wider.
"Correct!"
I don't usually say my name. But others use it a lot when they call me. The realization hit me thanks to Boris...
"Boris, you did that on purpose, didn't you?" I eyed him with scolding eyes.
"Well, duh. You were taking too long! And I want to go to my room! It's dark!Also I'm Boris Airay" He teased me and mockingly smirked at me.
"Then just let me pass!" I lamented.
"No can do. Rules are rules" He proudly said. But, you invented the rules on the spot... "Next riddle!" He announced again. And I sighed heavily.
"I see without seeing. Noise is an ally. What am I?"
I blind man? No. Too easy. Something similar. An ultrasound! But,... I gazed at Boris...
"Don't look at me, Y\n! Not gonna help you with this one." He teased me a gave a light hit on my forehead with his gloved hand.
"Hey! I wasn't asking for your help..." I murmured... Ultrasound was completely out of the question. I don't know much but, I'm pretty sure the Hnkna serie is not set in modern time. So probably, it's something unchanged by time. An object.. Like paper, books... Or maybe an animal. A well known animal. I don't think Boris a sadist to assume I know even rare animal names...
A blind animal... A kitten? Young kittens are blind right? But, isn't this a little too easy... I glanced around and stared the darkness behind us. Knowing him I bet he came out with a riddle appropriate to the mood or our surrounding... Night... An nocturnal animal... Something that depends on hearing alone...
"A bat..." I said aloud.
"Correct!" Boris shouted aloud. "Bet you had fun thinking! Am I right?" He said and put a hand on my head and started patting it.
"E-eh...? ?" I was taked off guard. I wasn't a scared of touches but, the sudden contact was unexpected. It took me a while before I could answer. "Yeah, I guess. It was fun." I timidly said.
Boris's smile grew even wider and genuine joy was shown in his eyes. He gently took my hand and dragged me to the gates, smiling the hole time. "To the amusement park then!"
It was fun and kinda exciting being drag and entering that marvellous park, I once only admire with envy through the computer screen of the game.
"To the owner!" I screamed back with the same fervour Boris had. I gripped his hand and followed him, watched him put his feet on the first bar of the gate and then another... Wait, what?
"Boris..." I bluntly said.
"Hm? What? Wanna go or not?" He asked joy and mischief mixed in his voice.
"Y-you're not opening the gate." I stared at him with an unspeakable face. "W-we're CLIMBING it?!?!? HOW is this different from my idea!" I shouted in exasperation.
"Oh, come on!" He was sitting on the top of the big gate and watching me from above. He grabbed my hand that was on the bar and pulled me up. With a few full and climbing over two metal bars, I too arrived on top of the gate and with Boris' support sat next to him.
"See it's fun this way!" He said cheerfully, his hand still gripping mine as we stared at the amusement park before us.
"More like troublesome..." I complained. Boris let out a laugh "You're too serious Y\n. You should enjoy these moments." He turned distant again and the smile became almost strained.
"You never know when all of it gets taken from you... Without notice.." His voice that a few minutes ago was full of life now sounded so... Sad.
I wanted to say something to comfort him. But, nothing came from my mouth. Only silence. I didn't have it in me to comfort him, to say lively words or promises I'm not sure I could uphold. So, I just stared. It was in these moments, I wish the game's otome choices show up and help me...
The silence was broken by Boris himself. After a few minutes of staring at the void and a grip on my hand, his faces illuminated with joy excitement. He turned towards me and smiled. He let go of my hand and jumped on the other side of the gate. From below, he looked at me with open arms. A warm smile and gentle eye stared at me. As if I was something precious.
Maybe it was just my imagination but, when he said "Jump." with those eyes "I'll catch you" he add.
All thoughts was forgotten and I throw myself on him. Maybe it was the sweetness of his voice or the trusting vibe he gave. But, I knew he meant every word.
What I did was definitely reckless. I was expecting a romantic catch with both us hugging like those scene from anime and manga but, NO. Reality is harsh. I thrown myself so fast and boldly on Boris, we both collided against the hard concrete.
If you're expecting I fell on his broad chest, then you got the wrong idea. After falling on him, the impact caused me to bounced a little a head of him. So he caught my upper body but, my head between the crock of his neck and shoulder, went straight against the floor. Leaving a stinging bruise on my cheek. It hurt but, nothing compared to what happened to Boris's head that made a thud sound upon the fall.
We both suffered, with both hands on our aching bruises. Boris' head and my cheek.
"I told you to jump! Not come at me like a meteor!" Boris scolded me. He rubbed his head. Both ears down due to the pain.
"This is the second time I fell so hard against the concrete! Are you trying to kill me?!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, ..." I repeated like a mantra. I was quite confuse why I did it too. So all I could do was apologize and clumsily tried helping him up.
Observing my reactions, Boris burst into a joyous laugh, he patted my head again. "Just don't try that again. It's dangerous."
Through and through, Boris was a fairly attracted man. Maybe that was the reason I felt heat in my cheek and my heart skipping a beat... I wasn't really sure. But, I followed him either way.
The park was lonesome. Despite the lively and chaotic sounds of rides and the beautiful night lights of the amusement park, there was no one in sight. I trailed behind Boris.
"So, how far is Gowland office?" I asked.
"Ha? Where not going to the old man. Where going to my place!" He cheerfully said while turning around and letting his massive boa trail behind him. A cheerful and mischievous grin painted on his face.
"Why would I go to your room!?"
I was almost speechless. During this hole time I felt like he just wants to drag me with him. Or just messing with me.
"Forget it. I'm already inside, I'll search for Gowland on my own" I irritatedly declared while turning my heels to the other way. "See you around..."
Before I could take another step, I felt a fluffy stripped boa launched on my neck, forcing me to step back. It was Boris. And speaking of the devil, from behind he menacingly said.
"Do I need to remind you why I had a huge bump on my head?" We wore his trademark grin with cunningness.
"Now you go home with me nurse me!". He announced.
"What?!?! I already told I'm sorry!"
"Zip it. Let's go. We need to clean that cheek of yours before it get infected too." He said and grabbed my hand.
"Cheek...?" I unconsciously touched one my cheek and felt a cold and dry sensation, followed by a burning pain. "Ouch!" I exclaimed. I looked at my hand and there was blood. "!"
"I-I'm b-bleeding..."I said.
" I know!" Boris said back "Wait. You didn't noticed it until now?!?!? Hahaha. Your hilarious Y\n" he laughed harder as if, I just told him a funny joke.
His grip on my hand, gently strengthen and he gave me one of those kind and sweet looks again.
"Come. Let's treat that quickly."
I didn't truly know how to react at those looks. I wasn't treated this gently often in my old world.
And so we quietly walked through the night holding hands...
...
Not Readers p.o.v.
(set earlier in chapter 2)
After I left the Clocktower. I cleared my mind from all the thoughts and confusions running in my head. I leaned quietly at a nearby tree. And gazed at the star and moon smiling down on me before I closed my eyes. I went under a brief slumber stimulation and tried to contact a peculiar Dream resident.
"Resident?" A mocked voice said.
I opened my eyes. No tower, trees or stars were in sight. I was in this unknown space surrounded by blurry lights, green, yellow and blue. Mixing together, creating this dream-like place. Facing me, was a sickly looking man, pale skin, purple lips, a pipe in hand, wearing a black suit with his shoulder exposed. He have silver hair and grey colored eye, the other hidden with an eye patch. Nightmare Gottschalk.
"This is the first time you referred to me so nicely.." He said.
"Shut up, worm." I irritatedly said back. "I need your help."
I didn't like depending on others but, he was the only one I could turn to. The only one that knows my reasons. The only one the supported my ideas.
"Yeah, I'm also the only one that can help you too" He contently said after reading my mind while he put the pipe on his purple lips and breathed. From his mouth smoke elegantly came out as his eyes went distant and lost in thoughts.
"This is about the new foreigner, I presume." He coldly said. "Looks like our predictions came true."
"So you were already aware, Nightmare." I icily told him. He could have told me the moment that thing arrived. If I only arrived sooner at the Clocktower. I would have end this quickly.
"But, you arrived late. And the lost girl escaped..." Nightmare smirked. "Be patient. The plan is still operable."
It better be. I thought. I knew I was being impatient but, the wait was overwhelming me. Endless time waiting for that chance to bring her back. To bring back my love.
All these time waiting, I could do nothing but, be consumed by anger and my irritation growing worst day by day. It didn't matter weather it was a faceless or a role holder no one was excluded from the bullets of my gun.
If only she was here. If only I could her voice telling me to stop.
What a disappointment I have become...
"Don't be so down. There's someone else worst than you." Nightmare comforted me. "I prefer you over that fool".
He signed and looked like in deep thoughts, a frown formed on his pale visage.
" The Hatter?" I asked
"Yeah. If Alice knew what have become of him... She would cry"
I listened in silence. Recalling the few times I saw her cry.
Me and Nightmare aren't close but, all of us feel the same way. Seeing Alice's crying face was a stab, more painful that what we ever experienced. It was like seeing thousand puppies cry. If she came back, that would be an inevitable pain. Both for her and us. At the mere thought of the cause, made me grip my hands in deadly fists, feeling my own nail digging my skin.
"What become of the Hatter is disgraceful. I'll make sure he never approach her again." I firmly announced in disgust.
"Is he aware of the new outsider presence in the country?" I asked.
Nightmare blow at the blurry space we were in. The once messy mess of lights and color, opened up and revealed a man quietly tending his roses. Despite the breathtaking view, this Sunset rose garden, the man, no the whole scene screamed melancholy and solitude. Pathetic , I thought. How dare he act like a wounded lamb after all he had done. After all the filth, he caused. How dare he compare himself to us.
"Indeed. He's nothing more than a shell. With no purpose... Dead inside. The one that gave up." Nightmare sympathetically added to my thoughts.
"Don't underestimate him, White. He still haven't met the girl. But, once he realize our plan he might jeopardize it."
He warned me...
What?
He dare to take Alice away from us again?
Steal her away from me?
How. Dare. He.
Unforgivable.
"Conceal your emotion. Act like you normally do. If he and the girl do met... Let her see the man he has become. And we shall watch the show of his fall." We coldly stared at the man's back before, Nightmare dissipated the vision in the dream.
"About the favor you asked..." He continued, catching my attention.
"I sense instability at the forest near you. The girl is there."
With the information gained and saved in mind, I turned around and watched the glass full of liquid resting in my pocket. Before, I opened my eyes and return to the real world, I heard Nightmare voice's: "Remember White, don't interfere if she come in contact with Blood... Let her lose herself in this world".
I wasn't looking at his face but, I knew a cunning smile accompanied those words.
I opened my eyes, and I was back in the Clocktower. In the tree I rested. I stood up hold the glass container in hand. I looked around until I saw a file of trees. A forest. I calmly walked through it with only one goal in mind.
...
Back to the amusement park
"Ouch!" I let out in pain. The burning sting across my cheek became more unbearable as this pink haired cat added more disinfecting lotion on my wound. Once we arrived at his "extravagant" room full of weapons and chains, the first thing I did was wash clean my wounded cheek. I was currently sitting in a couch.
Surprisingly, I didn't expect Boris to be the one that would tend to my injury. When I played one of his route, the importance of life and the self-harm Boris had, was a major flag or issues. I knew from those hours sitting on my desk, playing the game, that Boris from nature wasn't a great fan of his life. In fact, he tended to endanger himself. Letting Alice heal and care for him.
But, here he was... Tending to my injury with an obvious clumsiness as he tenderly, with shaken hands, applied disinfectant on my cheek. It was clear he wasn't use doing this. Yet, the he was trying really hard to make me feel better again. Maybe a little too hard...
His hands trembled so much, he added more disinfectant in my cheek!
"OK, OK. Let me deal with it... "
I took the wet towel from his hand. He gave me a sad face as I tented to my own wound. We stay like that for a while until I decided to break the ice.
"So,... How's your head? You should put some ice on it if it hurts so much..." I started.
"Ah..eh? Nah, my head is good. I'm more worried about you... you lost lot of blood from that wound." He said cheerfully a smile returning to his face.
I smiled back, he was only trying help me out. But, still...
"You have so many aid kits in your room. This place almost look like a nurse office if you didn't hide all these bandages, painkillers, disinfectant, in a corner." I carefully said.
"I just do". He bluntly answered. It was clear that he didn't want to talk about it. The same way it was shown in his cold voice.
I couldn't bring myself to continue or say something back until, I saw a small well decorated item in the bedside table. It particularly caught my eyes since it was so refined and feminine, thus it crashed terribly with Boris's room interior
With my wound completely clean and hidden by a bandaid, I got up and approached the item sparkling due to the lights hitting its shiny surface. Meanwhile, Boris followed my move with his eyes.
"It's pretty." I said. The box was highly carved with in intricate design.
"You like it?" He asked.
"It's cute"
At that point, he walked to my side, his taller stature shadowing me. "Open it" he said. As I did, from the music box came out a lovely song with a calming tone. Me and Boris stayed still until it ended.
"It's really lovely..." I said amaze and tried replying the box's song again.
Meanwhile Boris added with a heavy and serious voice, "I wanted to give it to a girl a like but, I didn't make it..." The smile he had cracked and sadness was visible in his gaze.
"I'm sorry, I didn't kno-" I tried to comfort him and blame my stupidity. Of course its Alice's music box! I mentally face palmed myself. I should have expected this!
"Anyway, we should head over the old man now!" Boris's mood once again brightened.
Here it was again. Pierce, Ace and now Boris presented this mood swings. I wasn't an expert but, I could tell Alice's disappearance affected them or rather, is still affecting them. They were somehow trying to move on but, at the same time they couldn't. If I have to put it into two words, they were like following her shadow or the afterimage she left. With this clear in mind, I knew that bringing back Alice was the only way I could solve this.
I knew it wasn't my business to butt in but, it was undeniable I feel connected to these characters. After all, I learnt to love and care for them. Even though, it was irrational holding affections for fictional characters. I couldn't find it in me to ignore those sad eyes.. I simply couldn't. This is a dream. Helping out wouldn't harm anyone. Right?
I followed Boris again this time, to Gowland. Unlike earlier, Boris was even more bubbly and energetic. During the entire trip, we chatted and tried a few open rides. It was cute listening to him excitedly talking about the rides and some funny moments he had with a particular girl. Of course an undertone of nostalgia was hidden behind his words the whole time. Apparently every time Alice was with him they would go to rides and do mischievous things.
One we neared a peculiar and big building decorated with various and vibrant colors, I knew this was Gowland's residence. This especially proven by some instruments, like a cello, a violin, viola, hanging on the entrance... Needless to say, weird and enthusiastic music came out from the building.
From the distance we sawa tall guy's silhouette. It was dark but, the lights from the building illuminated his gaudy yellow suit. His back was facing us until, the boy beside me called out the man's name.
"Oi Mari! You've got a visitor!" Boris excitedly shouted while we run towards the man. I startled at the name Boris called the man. It was common knowledge that the Owner hated being called by his first name.
Mari Gowland is the Owner of the Amusement Park, one of the Country of Hearts main dominant ruler along with the Queen and the Hatter. A man with a great passion for music. He's very creative. So creative that no one still comprehend the wonders and fascination running in his head whenever he plays wrongly any instruments. He always hate being called by his name, it was said he hid it until his archenemy, the Hatter, spilled out and spread his name for everyone to mock. Since then he hold a long-term grudge against Blood.
At the sound of his name, the brunette, almost reddish haired man, turned around with an angry expression. "Damn, cat. How many times do I have to tell yo- Huh?" Gowland eyes widened when he saw me behind Boris. Soon a flash of nervousness crossed his face.
It all happened in a flash, a light flashed. It took me a few second to realized that the light was coming from me. Once it was gone, I looked at myself. My clothes, no Alice's light blue clothes were changed into a light green and white dress! It was cute of course, But, I didn't understand why it changed.
Boris who saw the entire ordeal as well, remained speechless then turned to Gowland with an annoyed expression. "Old man, what's the deal?!"
He shouted while pointing at my dress. Gowland on the other hard didn't respond or rather he looked very stiff and... Is that sweat?!
Until we heard the sounds of footsteps from behind Gowland, we finally understood the reason. Me and Boris froze in place.
As those deadly step approached, a
cane decorated with a diamond on top which also has black hat on it, appeared. I could recognize that cane everywhere...
The owner of the cane elegantly rested it on Gowland's shoulder then slowly pushed it aside indicating the other to step as well. "Step aside Mary." The man said with his soothing voice.
With Gowland removing himself from the other guy's way, the figure of the man I was told to stay away, now stood in front of us. He approached us, eyeing me and with enchanting almost lethargic voice he said:
"Ara-Ara, and who is this young lady here?"
With the night's darkness lowering over him, his spiky black hair framing his handsome face, his aqua green eyes looked more striking in the dark. The smile he gifted us was brilliant almost dazzling.
If only I didn't hear Pierce's warning... I thought. But, I have. And now, all I could hear in my head was Pierce's voice, a repetitive mantra saying: "..., listen carefully, Y/n-chan. The boss is always in a bad mood. SoDON'T EVERask him about Alice!"
Here in front of us stood the tall and handsome main male lead of the Heart no Kuni no Alice serie. Blood Dupre. The Hatter. The leader of the infamous mafia group.
I looked at him back, I wasn't sure what expression I had. I was too shocked to even know what to do. What to say?
His eyes... His eyes... Were dead.
Two bottomless of aqua green pool. Devoid of any emotion. He was smiling but, he was dead inside. The very sight, the very gaze digging into my body, only aroused a cold chill running through my entire body.
I was scared.
Back to the poor lost knight and the tormented white rabbit.
3rd party p.o.v.
In the deep of the dark forest, a man clothed with red, a blood stained sword in hand, wondered around humming a song. His thoughts run between the girl's words and the voices whispering in the back of his head.
She knows Alice... She knows us... The voice whispered. There's something fishy here. Ace couldn't agree more. As the executor, closely tied to this world rules and administration. The fact that the girl hold a face, the same clothes as Alice... The strage fact, she didn't have guide. Or a role holder that invited her in this country... was unheard.
Can she really be qualified as an outsider? Is she really like Alice?
If he was with other people, everyone would fright at the deadly glare, the knight was giving. He hold his sword firmly.
"Is she the reason of all this mess?"
If so, then she will be soon haunted by the Jokers soon. She's just like Alice... Guilty yet innocent... Poor thing. Ace thought but, with no pity nor sympathy.
He heard noises approaching him. Ace's was already aware of the white rabbit presence the moment he felt his instinct being alarmed. From two tress, a pure white haired man emerged from the darkness. A handsome faces, pale and immaculate skin and two piercing cold red eyes. Similar to his but, much threatening and cold blooded. This was the dangerous Peter White, an opponent Ace deemed Worthy. Like the lizard bodyguard from the Clover domain.
First, a lost foreigner, now a cold blooded rabbit. This must be my lucky day.
"Tsk. So the idiot is still lost as ever." Peter White coldly said.
His round glasses which reflected the moonlight hid his eyes. But, Ace didn't need to see because the bloodlust in the man's tone was clear as day. "Step aside. I have no time to waste on fools"
"Fools , eh?" Ace's scoffed at his demands. He didn't move. But, just stared at the rabbit with a challenging smirk. His mood couldn't be best than ever. Finally a bit of spice in his boring day. He smiled widely at the Prime minister who instead was frowning even more. Hand tense from irritation. "Am I really the fool here, I wonder..." The Knight retorted back.
However, the albino Prime Minister didn't even seem to care for whatever provocation his colleague throw at him. Instead he sighed in exasperation and irritation, murmuring "...If only the rules didn't prevent us from mortally harm each other... I would've killed you already." The white rabbit said aloud with no effort hiding the disgust he felt for the the other.
Peter white really wish he could. But, he can't affair to get punished. To comeback from death with no memories. To have his clock fixed and adjusted to what that insane world planned for him. He mustn't fall here. Alice still needs me. He firmly told to myself. His resolution.
The Knave of hearts watched in silence, the dark calculating aura surrounding the white rabbit.
"What are hiding, murderous white rabbit?" Ace asked. No more traces of his friendly and bubbly character but, only an equal murderous intent. A slight undertone of insanity made him smile at the thought of finally killing the man before him.
In the penumbra of the dark forest, the moon shining upon his silver hair, the white rabbit smirked.
He knew it was a lot coming from him but, in that moment, Ace knew that the prime minister must have gone insane.
Crazy yes, but with a brain.
And Ace knew well a cunning freak was even more difficult to cut down.
...
Author's note:Since no one seem to guess the visitor's name, I decided to reveal his identity! And yeah it's Peter White! In the game prologue, only Peter was present and witnessed Julius kicking Alice out. But, the mysteries doesn't stop here. Why does he hold a sword in Y\n's dreams? Guess again! A hint is hidden in Daiya no kuni no Alice.
Y\n's (reader) plans doesn't seem to work! Now the last boss Blood Dupre is out! What will he do? How will he react?
Also, a big key of the mystery regarding Alice disappearance and plot is mentioned here. ;)
Remember, this is a mystery fanfic. Not only Y\n but, YOU too have to find the truth behind Alice's disappearance.
Thank you so much for reading. Please tell me what you think about this chapter.