???
Once upon a time, there was a lonely rabbit whose life was a constant lack of emotion. Time seems to be frozen as his days were filled with nothing but, the same scenario every turn and every shift. One day however, as he ventures to the outside, he strangely felt attracted to a young maiden like an invisible magnet luring him. He felt deeply treasured and was unable to not respond in kind. And so, begins the first brightest chapter of his quest.
His days felt colored and vibrant as he watches from a far his beloved. When she was happy, the young rabbit was content. And so, goes on those golden Sunday afternoons. From afar he watches. He felt joy and alive. He experiences curiosity, joy, betrayal, love, suffering, and so much more. Full of laughter and fun until the shadow of tragedy cast its darkness on his darling love.
Laughter and cheers were no more. Silence becomes louder. So, like the other side. Time pass but, nothing changes... Thought the white rabbit. Behind a tall tree a few feet from a black dresses' girl, the rabbit watches. Despite his beloved was sadder than before, the pure white rabbit felt even more treasured. How could he thank her back and return her love? He wonders.
As time pass by, soon the joy he felt was changed to worry. His love grows sadder and weaker by the day. From a bond, he could not understand, he sees an eminent danger. The "treasuring feeling" which gave him so much love had become a curse. An invisible force eating the life out of his love. And for the first time, the cold-hearted rabbit experienced fear. I must save her. A determined goal echoed firmly in his mind. The white Rabbit searched high and low, and at last, he came across a helping hand.
As a dream start, a rabbit with vibrant red waistcoat approached the sleeping figure of a girl during a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Back to a time that coincide with Y/n meeting Boris.
With a wounded arm, a silver haired man walked along a glassy corridor. The match with the knave resulted more troubling that he had imagined. Luckily, it wasn't severe, with bandages he stopped the bleeding and soon continued his quest. It's not over yet. She's still here. A glimpse of hope gave him courage with every step. The lingering feeling of the connection was weak but present. The feeling of being beloved was almost lost but, remains vibrant in his mind.
After many doors of different size, shape and design, he found the one and opens it. It was a dark tunnel but with checked pavement. The hall had doors lined up. He took a golden key with ruby gem on top and dropped it. The echoing sound resound across the dark hall but, the rabbit didn't bother giving any attention to it as he stepped out and closed the door.
One trigger out. He thought and headed to the next spot. A dark corridor of opportunities. I must hurry she's going there soon.
At the amusement park · current timeline.
I look at my joined hands, unable to lift my eyes up. In a nicely illuminated room, six people, apart from one, were sitting in a big circular table which had sweets and teacups. At my side, sat the Cheshire cat who looked annoyed and bored as he watched outside the window facing his seat— on the other side there's Gowland with a violin in hand, pulling strings here and there.
Across my seat, sat a composed good-looking man who expressionlessly stares at the teacup he has lifted with his gloved hand. The hat was on the table, leaving his face bare, not failing to show his perfect features with long eyelashes and lethargic expression. Behind him, stood one of the tallest guys in the game of Alice in Heartland. Muscularly visible and towering, there's a goldilocks rabbit-eared man, Elliot March. He wore a long dark coat and purple checked scarf.
Aside the noises from outside and Gowland messing around with the poorly treated violin, the room was dead silent. I wanted to speak up but, with Pierce's resounding warnings in mind and Elliot staring daggers at me, I found myself being shy and unable to. However, that's when...
"I just remember the old man added a new unique ride! Hey, let's try it out!" The Cheshire cat said, not daring to glance or pay mind to any of the presents.
When Boris stood up and dragged me by one of my hands before I could reply, the sound of our movements broke the tension of the room. However, not as much as the thundering shot guns that stopped Boris from going near the door.
As an involuntary response, I was pushed back as Boris bravely stood in front of me. "What the heck... What's you're deal second in command?!"
But Elliot said nothing with an expression so serious I couldn't decipher, instead it was Blood that answered.
"Kitty cat, bring back the lady to her seat. She hasn't even taken a sip of her tea." the lethargic grave voice spoke. Still his eyes show no sign of emotion like his second in command.
"I don't think that's a good idea, Blood" Said Gowland with a worried voice. "we shouldn't talk about business with outsiders."
"How funny of you to say that Mary, when you showed no rejection with that last girl." Blood finally raise his gaze only to give the other man his cold eyes. "wretched woman..." he mumbled in a low voice with eyes narrowing from distaste.
After a long stare between the two domain leaders, Gowland signed "Boris, move aside. Let the lady go back and sit"
I carefully sat back but, to be honest I wanted to lash at Blood. There wasn't any teacup for me! What a shady excuse... I thought until I heard a snap of fingers.
Before me, there's steamy mildly dark tea. The smell of a nicely brew tea reaches my nostrils, making me wonder the taste. I looked at the Hatter who urged me with a stare to try it out. I timidly thanked him although he didn't seem to show any care.
I took a sip from my teacup and to my surprised the taste was less intense than I imagined. "White tea...?" I wondered lowly hoping no one heard me.
BUT, of course, it didn't escape the Mad Hatter's ears.
"Not quite. It's Prince of Walles" Blood responded as he neared his own teacup to his face and inhaled it's aroma.
So, it's that tea, huh? I thought but, ... Wait, this game sells product from the real world?! But, my trail of thoughts regarding some questionable information was interrupted with:
"So, miss...?"
"Y-Y/n!" I stutter but, I could feel Boris at my side telling me to chill out. In the corner of my eye, I saw him caressing his gun which I did not recall he pulled out.
"Well, then Miss Y/n. Does it fancy your taste?" he asked.
"Oh, it's delicious! ··" Although he was polite like in the game, I couldn't relax. Or rather the conversation itself felt uncomfortable.
"Since when did you enter this world if I may ask." said Blood
There it is.
"You see, I ordered my men to inform me as soon as possible if an outsider was ever found yet I have heard no words of you". As he spoke, he glances at Elliot, the coldness in his voice turn darker.
Em, ok...? Not my fault they didn't see since I've been mostly stuck in the forest for the last ... 4 turns, I think? I didn't know how to react to the second exclamation from the mafia boss.
I couldn't help but, notice that meeting Blood so soon was something I thought would be last. He was incredibly chill and enigmatic. Plans? What do I even make plans for when the plot throw stunt like these?
" Just a few turns ago..." I timidly said which was something unlike of me but, the air Blood and Elliot gave, made me more cautious. Plus, there handful of handsome men in this room so excuse me for being bashful.
"Woah, so I'm one of the first people you met?! So, I have the heads up?" Boris exclaimed as he draws near me only to be push back by Gowland's extended arm as the later said:
"Oi. calm down. Personal space Boris! Personal space"
"I've met only you, Julius, Ace, P-... " I stop my words when I recalled Pierce's crying face. Better not say anything after all he's from Blood's group.
"Tsk, the worst kind, huh..." said Elliot with an annoyed tone, looking elsewhere as thoughts fills his mind.
"Excuse me, are you referring to moi? " said Boris angrily but, was interrupted by Gowland who then remember "Ah, Miss didn't Boris said you need to talk to me? Feel free to ask anything now!" he said with a friendly tone.
"Oh, yeah... About that... Maybe later, I think I shouldn't stay here if you're doing business." to be honest, I just wanted to talk to Gowland when the air wasn't this tense. Or better without the Hatter at all. He sure is handsome thou... Aaaargh! Mind don't get distracted!
"Do we look like we were talking about business right now?" said the Hatter as his eyes finally met mine.
"No. But the sooner you finish the sooner I can talk to Gowland. " I said
"So, there's something you need to speak with Mary that I shouldn't hear. You are a peculiar woman... So far you haven't flinched every time I mentioned his first name. Do you have no sense of humor?" Blood asked while staring daggers at me.
"Oi oi, oi! My name is not comic relief, you bastard! " Said Gowland at my side but, later giving me a grateful look. Woah, I forgot everyone jokes about his name... I'm sorry, bro. I got used to it.
"You seem to be in good terms with him. Can I assume you're close?" said Blood while ignoring death stares from the amusement park owner.
"Are you trying to smite him like what you did with the hermit and your pet-cat? Offer him sweet words for shelter and entertainment?" he voiced slowly were coated with disgust with every word.
"··· Tsk, Women are so fickle when they end here" he soon added not hiding his disappointment while looking uninterested and pushing aside his teacup.
"I'm nothing like that!" I defend myself.
I was quickly taken back by the sudden assumption he made! Anger rose within me as I process his words, ... I wanted to explode there and there but, a part of me didn't want to make a scene in front of people who I knew were ready to pull the trigger for the tiniest reason.
"Yet here you are making plans and playing around with men you barely know, comforting them despite you'd been here recently". He said without breaking eye contact.
I must be calm, but this surely is an exaggeration. "I don't have any other dirty motive, it's just plain courtesy. Why do you assume all these?"
After that I sighed and didn't dare look at him anymore, I was annoyed. What is this interrogation?
"You're clearly ignorant to talk to me like that—! " he paused "That's... All of this... Is... so... SICKENING."
I heard a loud crash of teacups hitting the floor, shattering into million pieces after Blood's arrogant voice unnaturally stuttered.
I turned around; Blood had pulled the tablecloth causing everything to be dragged down. Everyone was frozen in place: Boris had a cookie in hand in the air apparently stopping a few second from eating it, Gowland with a violin in hand...
The towering hare next to Blood sighed "Hey, Blood, I think it's about time we discuss what were here for...". I didn't know if was on purpose but, I'm relieved, I won't be the center of Mr. heartbroken's frustration.
bang*
"Ugh!" a bullet.
Blood shot Elliot.
Gowland and Boris stood in front of me, hiding me from the man with a well-earned title of mad hatter. Blood was breathing heavily, his hands that held the machine gun were firm. I could only see his profile, but his eyes seem unfocused.
Elliot thrown a bloody spit while pressing the place he was shoot with his hand in an attempt to stop the bleeding. He looked at his superior. "S-so... You good?"
Hearing his voice, Blood seemed to have returned to normal after he closed his eyes and passed a hand in his eyes then hair, he regains his composure. He lowered his weapon which reverted to a normal crane and he returned to his seat with crossed legs and joined hands. Here was an image of a man emitting arrogance while in the midst of a chaos he did himself. "Well, where were we?"
Everyone went back to their seat while giving me a "just get along" look. I sat down with eyes staring at nothing. The other role holders sat down and started discussing about setting boundaries between territories and negotiating lands with unheard names.
What. Was. That?
Was all I thought.
How could they discuss so calmly like nothing happened? I looked at the shattered shards of cups, tea and sweet splattered messily on the floor. I looked at the others, but no one seemed to care like Boris with both hands on the back of his head, yawning. No one other than Blood and Gowland were talking. It was then I noticed Elliot with his bloody hand on his stomach. I stood up and searched in my pocket something to wrap his wounds. Ughh right. Different clothes and Ace has my handkerchief.
I looked at Gowland but Blood seemed to noticed me first as he stopped talking and motion to my direction with his eyes, attracting the attention of the amusement park owner as well.
"U-um. Do you have something to wrap that man wounds—" of course, I can't just say Elliot's name.
"Leave it be!" Elliot said before I could finish.
" I can't just do that! You'll die from blood loss!" I retorted back.
I heard Boris laugh while Gowland sighed. "Blood loss! The second in command dying from that?! That be the news of the year!"
"There's nothing to laugh about! You said earlier it's important to care for oneself!" I tried to make him recall the conversation we have in his room.
"Knock it off. You annoying b*tch. Can't you see you're making this situation even worse?" the March hare said with annoyed voice. Oh right...
He doesn't know me yet. I'm not in his good people list and he's not a kind person either yet it still hurt have him talk like that to me.
But, was I too preaching? However, this is the right thing to do... It was then I felt a chill in my spine. I turned around and there was Blood sitting elegantly but with eyes darkened.
"Until when are you going to keep up this third-rate facade, young lady?" he asked. I felt my mood flare up again and ready to bark back however, Gowland stood up first.
"Hatter, can we just move on?" the short haired brunette asked with a calmed voice then talked to Boris and me: "Boris can you go with her? Sorry little miss, I'll talk to you as soon as we're finished. "
Blood had an enigmatic look. "Considering the low quality of entertainment here, I guess we should stop this now. " Blood said then he turned around to Boris:
"Cat, escort that thing out. It's giving me headache" he then resumes his discussing with Gowland and later ignored my existence from there on.
However, my brain said otherwise. E-excuse me?! Entertainment?! Is he referring to ME?! I was speechless. But I didn't dare say anything when Gowland told me to come by later. I head out with Boris tailing behind as the door closed, I could have bet I heard:
"This is the move he pull... What to do? "
.
.
.
Several minutes later.
When Boris and I were safe from the 3 role holders' hearing, we could finally let out a heavy sighed.
Boris's bubbly personality made me smile as he gave me his Cheshire smile trademark. "I'm really sorry, you couldn't speak with the old man."
"It's okay. The air back there was so tense I couldn't relax at all..."
"Yeah. But, all and all, I think it's better this way. Second in command didn't hold back... One of those shot was aimed at you... Are you okay?" he softly said as he raises his hand to touch one of my cheeks.
Before I could reply, the realization of his touch made my face heat up. I quickly looked away. "I-I'm alright..." I stuttered. "that guy tho... That Hatter is insane."
"H-ha ha, I'm sorry you have to witness that. But you're lucky at least he tried to hold back."
"Hold back?" I said indignantly. "He shot one of his men for... I don't know, literally talking"
"Listen, you made him snap twice. You're lucky enough to even come out there alive." Boris tried to calm me. He scratched his head and looked at the direction of Gowlands' office.
"Changing clothes wasn't enough. Your actions are way too similar"
"Similar to whom?" O-oh right. Alice. I shouldn't have acted that way... Well what else could I have done? I rubbed the bridge between my eyes. This is so stressing. I need to find a way to get Blood lower his guard. He has a part in refilling my vial after all.
"A-anyway, we should check that new ride you mentioned earlier"
"Yeah, but first what about we get something to eat!" he proposed with a proud smirk that say "what a great idea~"
For a moment, I could see sparks as he gives me that warm and cheerful smile that made me almost forget the cold icy blue eyes of the Hatter.
Lifeless eyes and velvet deep voice of Blood Dupre the man the Alice of this story was with.
I felt my chest tighten a little.
Why did she leave him?
As Boris dragged me AGAIN by my hand, I recalled something.
"Hey, Boris".
"Hm?" he hummed with a smile.
"Thanks for being a human shield back there. That was insane but thank you for protecting me". this time a gripped his hand tighter trying to convey even more my gratitude.
"I'm just protecting my Mortal death ride partner. Well, then let's go! " he smiled.
"Ha ha… Wait what?"
He laughed even louder. "To Deadly Teacups kart!"
"No wait! Borissss! What about eating?!"
"Oh yeah that too!"
We ran through the night with flashing of the Amusement Park attraction lighting our way and the cheerful music lift our moods.
I truly felt like I was in a dream.
Full of laughter and wonders.
But in the back of my mind, I knew it wasn't just that.
Alice in the country of Hearts is truly a wonderful wonder land.
.
.
.
After a while...
I was standing in front of an oddly looking structure. Behind the safety bar around it, teacups of variegated colors with wheels stood still on a very lucid floor. Boris went to power up the machinery behind what's it was supposed to be a kart-riding attraction.
When I was about to call out for Boris, the structure gave sign of life. The lights started to flash and a preregistered music typical of amusement parks offered its lively tone. I could only say: wow. Of course, they are other attractions, but I couldn't help but feel the child in me getting excited. It's been so long since I did these kinds of stuff. Usually, I... Um... What do I usually do...?
"Tadaa!" Boris exclaimed with his hands waving at me after he emerged from behind the structure where the commands where in. I smiled in return; I didn't expect Boris to be this open to me.
"It's look fun at least—!" before I could finish my sentence from the corner of my eye, I saw a spark.
At the same time, Boris rushed to my side and pulled my arm. The sudden grab made me lose my balance and fall from the impact. I look up and saw Boris's back, yet I can also see a glimpse of two young boys' silhouettes.
"Aw, dude you totally ruined our surprise!" one of the voices said followed by his sibling's reply:
"So lame. We were this close from giving Boris a scare."
"Oh, you gave me a fright, alright. Here's my think you" he raises his hand that magically was holding a gun.
bang*
He shoots but missed and followed by the two boys' cheerful laughter.
"! Boris! What happened to no hurting anyone!" I jumped in fright at sound of the shoot gun.
I stood up and look at the two young boys known as the Hatter mafia's gatekeepers.
Both had dark hair but different eye colors. The one with blue eyes is Dee, a young gentleman obsessed with vacations and free time while the red eyed one is Dum, the one who value money a lot. I mean that's the standard... Because from the game, I learnt that both switched identities often and they actually have the same eye color.
They stood cheerfully wearing striped uniforms which main color is red while the other is blue, axes in their back when they noticed me looking at them, they smirked.
"Who's she?" Dee asked with his upbeat voice followed by his twin slow voice: "Never seen her before".
"She's an outsider. I'm showing her around. We were about to get in those teacup karts when you guys decided to sneak attack us" Boris explained, the attack earlier forgotten.
The three role holders engaged in a friendly chat and the tension seemed to have faded into the distance. These guys really get along, I thought.
"Teacup KARTS?!" the boys shouted in unisons. "Let us join! We want to play too!"
Surprisingly, they didn't flinch at the "foreigner" part but, I could only nod when Boris throw me a seek approving look. After all, the three are friends and they are still young I don't have the courage to tell them to buzz of. Not to mention, it just for an attraction theme park.
" The merrier the better they do say" I said with a smile which earned me Boris's smile in return.
We head to the teacups, the twins quickly run in both my sides and started bombarding me with questions. "Hey, miss. Are you and Boris a thing? What were you doing with him? Did you know he did..."
"Oi, what the hell man. Don't believe 'em Y/n. I let you know, I'm a very well-mannered cat." Boris said with confidence.
"Y/n? Is that your name? We're Dee and Dum!"
" Pleasure to meet you both." at my words, the smile on their faces grew wider as the twins exchange stares but said nothing in return.
We decided to head towards the mechanized teacups. I saw Boris get into a pink colored cup, I tried to follow suit but a strong force holds me back. I looked at the source of such hindrance and saw a pale hand with slender fingers caging my wrist.
I looked at the owner of the hand and saw two red orbs smiling at me. " Ride with me, Miss!" Dum said while the grip on my wrist become tighter at his next words:
"let's. go." the smile grew creeper.
"Oi, Dum what the hell." Boris lamented as he got up so he can leave the cup and follow me. However, his track was halted by Dee tugging him back by his collar as he jumped into to the pink cup.
"You're riding with me lover boy" the teen with bright Marine eyes said while grinning.
"Wha— wait..." despite my protest the other teen dragged me to the red teacup.
In the end, I complied and sat next to the excited youngster who griped the cylinder handle in the middle of the cup.
Inside the cup-kart, there were seats and a cylinder handle in the middle. It was actually... Exciting. I sat facing Dum and hold the handle: if I rotate the handle to the left... Nothing happens.
"Huh? It's broken? Lameee. " Dum questioned while rotating the cylinder with more energy understandable by his young age.
Our constants management of the handle made noises like the one we were hearing on the other side. I look up and saw Boris and Dee bickering on why it's wasn't working as well. Then suddenly we heard a gushing sound followed by Boris's hands up in the air: "It works!" he screamed with joy.
"Dum, Y/n, press the handle down for a couple of seconds to start the engine—! Wha, Dee stop rotating the handle so fast! " he said while their teacup was moving by... Rotating on itself.
"we'll end up flying to the moon with this speed" Dee replied laughing.
"N-ne, let's do this. You press from there and I here" Dum said with a rosy blush on his cheeks. Don't tell me he can't press it down on his own...? I guess they're still young boys...
Both gatekeepers are frightening at first with self-centered tactics and ruthless mannerisms, but they are still young children after all. Dum must have seen the pity or rather the "awww~" look I was giving since he quickly replied: "It's not because I can't!"
Yeah, right...
"Yeah, right..." Boris and Dee sing sang as they pass by still rotating.
We laughed as Dum hid his face in his hands. We can see the blush in your ears. Was what the three of us thought at the same time. "Traitor..." he mumbles.
I tap Dum's shoulder: "We'll show them what we got."
He looked at me with his red orbs that quickly sparkled with excitement" Yeah! Let's do this! On my three" we both held the handle and exchange stares.
"3... 2... 1... 0!" we both press down the handle and from below we heard a familiar gushing sound.
"Yes!" We both exclaimed. On the other hand, Boris and Dee seems to be having a good time as they scream: "left! Left! That's RIGHT! I said left" their bickering continues.
So, if we rotate the handle to left, the teacup start rotating at a clockwise way while rotating to right it goes to left. How curious I thought. Wait...
"where's the break?" I asked as I search other handles inside the vehicle.
"Hehehe... It's perfect. We can have more fun" Dum exclaims almost jumping with excitement in his seat while holding the circular handle with anticipation. This is not gonna be good... I thought.
"With that settle. Let's get those traitors!" Dum said while I nodded.
"Boris, Dum you better get ready — wait what?" we looked around and our eyes falls at the open gates of the safe bars.
"Oh, are you kidding me?! Those guys totally ditched us! Brother how could you! " Dum screamed.
" that's explain why it suddenly peaceful while we were figuring out the controls... Dum, I think it's better if we catch and —AH!" I screamed.
"What are you doing lady?! Standing up while we're moving! Let's go after them. quick!" he tugged my dress and forced me to sit back.
"We weren't moving...! Ooh, whatever. Let's catch those guys. Boris still own me a meal!" As I hear my grumpy stomach.
Of course, the boy facing me heard that unpleasant sounds: " ya hungry? Here" I catch what he tossed from his pocked. It was... A candy.
A fruit flavored one. With no mocking at my grumpy stomach, he gave me his candies. How curious and very mature of him. I don't remember much but, if I recall correctly the twins aren't the sharing type and they basically don't know me.
So... This was sweet of him. I muttered a "Thanks ". I unwrap the candy and... Mn... Strawberry flavor. Sweet!
"Yeah, yeah let's go! Well turn to left after we exit " he said. We both took hold of the handle and rotate.
Crush*
"Dum that's right. We have to go to right to go to left remember?" as we crush against the nearest surface but as usual, he paid me no heed.
Crush*
"Hey! Listen—" Dum continuously laugh and played.
I tried several times to reasons with him, but he seems to ignore me completely. Even when so tried to stop the cylinder handle, Dum was too strong.
He keeps doing as he pleased. How embarrassing I can't even stop this child... I thought. What's the point of me being here if you plan to play by yourself?
"Oh turtle! Hehe, he looks like Pierce!" He exclaimed as the teacup rotates, I try make look at the tiny green spot on the road several meters away. It's truly a turtle.
"!"I noticed Dum continue to head straight towards the defenseless animal and a realization hit me.
I strongly held the circular handle and rotated to left. I heard Dum protesting but I was too caught struggling to stand up in my ground and not get myself overpowered by a 14-year-old boy.
"Hey!" I heard him screamed.
When we turned to right before driving over the animal, I let go of the handle and jumped out of the teacup cart and head to the small animal.
With a great amount of uncertainty because technically i never held a turtle before, i lifted the animal and put it to the nearest bush I could find. The little turtle who looked confused and lost soon calmed down as it started to chew a nearby leaf.
I sighed in relief but soon stood up and screamed at the boy that watched the scene.
"What were you thinking?! You could have hit it! "
The red eyed teen looked at me with confusion." That was kind of my intention... Why are you angry? "
Color me speechless but how should I reason with someone with that logic? Scolding could work... I think.
"That turtle could be... Be a p-person you know! "
Considering Elliot, Peter, Pierce, Sidney, Jericho... I don't see why not argue with this logic in the table.
"Hm, I guess that could be a possibility but, doesn't change anything. " he said with his hands on his waste and with a voice slow and child-like.
"You're not getting it I see... Anyway, don't ever do that! What if your brother was transformed into an animal and you happen to hit him for fun"?
He didn't reply first, in fact with a hand on his chin he began thinking of that possibility.
"Hmmmmm."
"Big-sister has a point. It's too risky. It's better doing it with people. That way we won't mistake anyone. Hehe"
Still not getting the point, at least the animal is safe and...
"Luckily the Park is closed" I said as I went back to the teacup where Dum had been waiting.
"Yeah no traffics but it would had been fun running people down hehehe. Ouch! " Dum screamed it pain as I briefly pull his ear "That hurts!".
"That's not nice and you know it!" I rebuked.
Dum angrily shoved my shoulder as a sort of payback to his ear. It didn't hurt but, it's wasn't ok.
"H-hey!" I retorted back at his rudeness.
"I don't know what you're talking about — wait now I get it. Is this about the faceless-are-important-thing? Big Sister was also like that..." he said with a smile as he recalled blonde girl that used to care for them lovingly.
Is he talking about Alice? "Well, if you know already then you should stop-"
"Close your stinky mouth" he coldly said back yet just like Ace and Blood, the smile was so alarming.
There and there, I realized I might have been taking Dum lightly considering he's in his child form.
How could I be so careless?
His voice didn't leave out any sympathy towards me. In fact, none of the twins regarded me at all when I met them. They didn't listen, they didn't reply at any of my remarks when we first met.
"You're a foreigner. We don't know you. You have no values to any of us" he keeps repeating with a sickening childlike voice so slow and smug as if coated with honey.
"Mind well, what comes in that pretty mouth of yours. Press too many red buttons and you might find pieces of what left of you on the cold floor". He continued with his threats.
Uggh. Gross. I thought.
That followed by a great fear I was succumbing into; I felt a knot on my throat.
I couldn't utter a word.
As the Amusement park lights reflected on those big red orbs, they seemed to glow even brighter. Threatening. Malevolent.
Despite the flashing lights, the darkness of the night has those heavy contrast.
I couldn't help but recall a fleeting info I read somewhere. Lights and shadows on one's face can increase the expressive impact and emotion it gives on the spectator.
Was it from Cinema or Theater? I couldn't remember but, oh boi. The lights and darkness made this cheerful kid named Twiddle Dum look incredibly threatening.
And it was working.
This is...
... Kind of similar with what happened with Ace, the night before.
Deja vu?
What did I got myself into...? Boris come back!
crack* The red eyes teen kicked one of the surfaces of the teacup, making the entire mobile shake.
" He he he. What too scared to reply?" he arrogantly said as I scream in fright.
"Lame"
The amusement park was deserted, and I was here in this damn red teacup cart with a kid throwing images of my potential end as if he was talking about the weather.
I wish I could say I found a power within that make me throw some sense in this kid but, i felt my mind blank.
What was I was doing here? Find Alice, have fun, go on adventure or find a way to return home?
These were my objective but right now I couldn't find in them any motive o help to overcome this wave of killing intent coming at my way.
Why am I scolding this boy?
Why is he showing this hostility?
...
Well, it's simple. I thought with little support I found my voice again. It sounded more frightened that I hoped. Today I have learnt I'm not used at all at training my fear. Too much peace has it downfalls, I guess.
With reluctance I find my voice and replied:
"E-even so... You can't reject everything I say or am because I'm different or unimportant. "
Crush* another kick on teacup.
"This again. Stop talking back at me! No way, I'm listening to people other than the boss, brother and big sister! " He insisted not understanding or listening to any of my words.
"I'm not asking that! " I scream as he soon heavily sighed in exasperation. He gave me another push which hurried more than the previous ones.
Crush*
"And stop kicking this damn kart!" I screamed back.
Dum's stood up, his shadow covering my figure and with trembling hands closed in a punch, nails digging in his palms and red eyes staring at me from above he uttered the following lament:
"You strangers don't even want to live here what's the point of going around asking us to understand and follow your way of things, befriending us, loving us, living with us, promising us to that we'll...we'll play ...next time, ... When you DON'T even want to stay here! Just go away!"
It happened so fast initially Dum was smiling, his voice cold but slowly it becomes forced, trembling while the last part sounded close to accusing and screaming. After the outburst he realized what he has done and once again lowered his head to the cylinder handle of the teacup as if hiding his shame.
I remained stunned by his words as I realized what I've done. What happened to Elliot and Blood earlier that evening wasn't a one-time scenario.
Everyone had a strong bond with Alice. They care for her but also detest her for leaving them. ... living with us... The Hatters must have a stronger bond with her because she lived in The Hatter mansion! Alice and Blood were in a relationship back then, meaning the people who most probably be with Alice before she disappeared were them and especially Blood.
Knowing Blood from his route, if he knows the reasons, he would have done all in his power to get Alice back but... Why did he sounded like he wanted nothing to do with Alice and foreigners at all earlier? Did something happen?
"*Sniff*"
My trail of thoughts was interrupted by that sound, I looked at Dum who was still holding his face down. Holding back his tears and his shoulder was trembling. I recall what happened earlier.
I sighed what should I do? I don't know how to deal with adult children crying! I'm angry at his words since I'm not Alice but I can't go around scolding a crying child. I sighed once again.
What to do? Pretend that never happen or get angry? Whatever follow my heart! I shout at myself.
"H-hey, Dum. Listen. I'm sorry I sounded like I was forcing my value on you. That wasn't my intent... I guess habit are difficult to cut down." I said as I rubbed his back.
"My words triggered some unpleasant memory and I'm sorry about that. I don't know what you're talking about but feel free to cry it out and shout them. It's not good keeping all those angry and negative thoughts inside bottled like a ticking bomb threatening to exploded. I can't guarantee I can solve your anger but I can listen and be at your side. It's okay, Dum".
I felt the muscle in his back slowly relax. He then launched his body at me.
Clank*
I heard something drop, it was a short Knife.
He was holding that when he hid his face?
Dum hugged me as he mumbled something I couldn't grasp while I calmed him down, I stared at the knife at our feet.
"Big sister Alice... Nee san... "
If I didn't comfort him would he have stabbed me?
Gulf*
When he calmed enough, he turned his back:" Ne, I'm sorry back then... Lately we get easily angry. "
He was more relaxed now.
"Sorry I screamed earlier. Saying Alice's name again is refreshing...I think we can go catch those freaks now" he said as he stretched his arms and sat down.
He picked the short knife and stuff it inside his barrette.
Whoa... Never thought they kept those stuff there too. The things I discovered in 3d...
Wow, now that's what I call a mood swing.
When he saw me staring at the knife:" Oh, this? We were initially ordered to scare you a little, but I changed my mind. "
"Scare us? Who... " I asked with worry.
"The Boss. Say did you said something to him as well? Boss was quite pissed. Hehehe, stupid rabbit was all blue from an injury too... " the teen cheerfully said.
However, I couldn't ease my heart. Blood ordered his subordinate to hurt me despite he said he wasn't interested.
He... He didn't want me to get out unscathed from that confrontation. This is bad. That guy is dangerous even if I do nothing...
"I didn't intentionally want to provoke him but, I guess my worrying of Elliot, trigger... Something". I said worriedly.
What did I got myself into...? I just want to have those beautiful tea parties and fun activities I saw in the game not all these stuffs. I sighed.
" Don't get fooled by his calm and lethargic outer appearance and behavior, the boss is much crueler that he shows. I recommend staying away from him... Anyway, let's catch up with the others! I hope Boris is still alive when we get to them".
Wait, wha..
We started rotating the handle together as we speak. Maybe comforting him made him relax around me.
Apparently right before we left, the twins were called by Blood and were ordered to make my stay and use of the attractions more "interesting". As in life and death interesting. Boris wasn't excluded from that, so we hurried up searching.
And yes, we were still using the teacup-karts. It would have been faster if we go by foot, but Dum threatened me that he'll cut me to pieces if we didn't fully made use of the kart we barely moved. The rotating was tiring but fun as we often argue about every turn and break. It was also quite useful, from my talk with Dum I obtained some valuable info.
"Hey, Dum. Can you tell me more about Alice?" I brought the topic hoping I sound casual and clueless.
"Why are asking about big sister?" he inquired.
"I heard she's a foreigner that suddenly disappeared and... Well, I'm like her, for my own safety I want to know what happened." I tried to reason him.
It's true I wanted to find Alice since I promised Pierce but a part of me was terribly excited and worried at the same time. It has been a while since there were new contents about Hnkna since the company, Quinrose no longer exist. In a way, part of the reason why I enjoy this experiences was my thirst for new story. I mentally sighed at my greedy fandom tendency when I notice it.
Nevertheless, Dum didn't argue my words and shared what he knew even if he was fully in the circle of people who was close to Alice.
"Big Sister Alice used to live with us in HQ. She usually works with the cards keeping the place clean. What happened before she disappeared? Well, nothing major. It was quite peaceful and to be honest I don't remember much... Big sister Alice disappeared for a while due to the move but then she appeared again in the next one. She said she was in Spade, but she didn't tell us much since she couldn't remember. After that, normality came around. She would stay with boss a lot, bake something horrendously orange for the stupid rabbit and play lots with me and brother. Then she suddenly disappeared. " he stopped rotating the handle and gripped the wheel with a conflicted look as if trying to understand what happened. But...
"Wait, Just like that? " I asked incredulously. There must have been a trigger or something major happening in the background like April fool or another strange phenomenon. Dum finally let go of the handle and stretched his arms behind his head as he leaned more in his seat.
"Boss was furious. We can't tell for how long. After she disappeared all kind of stuff happened... For example: The moves were incomplete with two Queens Domain in the same place or those lame fake twin brothers trying to steal our job. It became chaotic to the point there was too much to handle and adapt. Even boss started saying big sister Alice never came back... "
"Wait a sec, what does he mean by that? "
" He said she left. " he kicked. *Crush*
"Was she unhappy or depressed before the disappearance? ".at my words he quickly recovers his initial energic self.
"Never! But I guess she must have been if she decided to leave... But... But... I think she really loved the hatter family. She promised we'd go mushroom hunting and do Halloween tag games again... She said... " before he could go back to sulking, I quickly threw, another appetizing question that have been bugging me.
"Dum tell me how was she back then?"
"she was the same, she loved us and play with us. She was close with Boss too. They were together a lot!
Aha, another confirmation she was in his route.
"So, she was healthy and happy back then huh... "
"Yeah! Well... Now that I think about it, she seemed to be sleeping a lot back then. She also become clumsy and forgetful."
"Sleeping a lot? Wait, earlier you said she has troubles remembering? " I asked with great interest as I recall similar events in the manga adaptations and spinoff.
Alice in Heartland was one of Quinrose titles that had many spinoffs that came to the west. Some of those especially the one that weren't short stories includes truths and facts that weren't specified in the game but only mentioned or left to the players' imagination.
This means Nightmare might have a hand on the disappearance and most probably Peter too.
I believe it happened in Joked no kuni Alice manga adaptation, to contrast the Jokers, those two... Erased intentionally memories that could affect Alice's stay and mental stability.
Peter and Nightmare conspired by hiding Alice's diary, so she doesn't remember about the country of Clover's events and the people she lost because of the move. When they intervene, she usually faints and forgets the previous events. Maybe there was something or memory that was the threat that bought her disappearance.
I must know which memories are those or at least what trigger them. I thought to myself.
"Yeah, big sister was so forgetful. If you ask me it's because she's always locked in boss's room. " the gatekeeper added as he thinks back but to me it was another clue. If Blood keep Alice close to him then that means, there was something big going on.
To know more I had to speak to the main role holders: Vivaldi, Julius, Nightmare, Gowland, Christa and Jericho. Well, there's also the joker but... I don't want to go to jail.
I need to go Gowland. I concluded.
"Thanks Dum! I think I have more clues to find Alice now" I said with confidence.
"Find Alice?! Wha!? For real?! That's impossible! The boss said she's gone. "
"That can't be! I - um, I heard you can leave this place once you met some requirements and if you enjoy it here, they make you stay." I said as I recall the dialogues of the ending game. 30 minutes of Alice's monologues with herself questioning if she wants to stay or not. Can't forget something like that especially after more than 5 endings.
"Anyway, you said it yourself, she loved you guys so... This is just a hypothesis but, I think she's around and there's some sort of abnormalities involve which reflect in this world as well. If she just left, there shouldn't be any of these abnormalities. "
This was just my initial premise when I started but after Pierce's words and implications from Julius and Boris, it almost felt like the abnormalities happened exactly after she left.
Everything has a reason. I thought to myself.
"Big sister is still here. S-she loved us... Yeah! You're right she wouldn't leave us just like that. " Dum repeated.
He finally smiled but not just any kind of smile. It was a genuine one. I felt warm in my chest. I guess it makes my heart flutter helping others. I think...
Now that I look at him, he got a charming visage. If it was my young self, I would be blushing hard for a boy like him... Argh! Now is not a time for that. I shook my head at the thought.
"A-anyway let's hurry to the others."
"Yes ma'am!"
crash*
"I told you that's right! You're rotating left. We need to go left so you have to rotate the handle to right! " I try to take control of the vehicle but, yet again an excited boy's power is stronger.
"Why do we always have to go left?! We don't even know where they are! " he argues back.
"Because if you go to right, we go off road! Gimme' I'll move this thing"
"Hey no! I'm the boy I have to drive this"
"What does that mean?! Ha! " I finally overpowered Dum, I gripped the handle and started to turn to left while my partner pouted. The drive started to get less rocky as we finally stopped driving at the end of the road however...
"..."
"..."
"You're slow! " Dum exclaimed with exasperation.
"Ugh" I felt like a huge rock has fallen in my head.
"Well, excuse me if I'm not fast enough at rotating this thing. We can either go like this or you listen to what I say? " I tried to compromise since I honestly believe the turtle I save earlier was faster than our current speed.
I heard Dum sighed heavily.
"Fine! I'm growing old at this slow phase. "
I smiled and handed him the handle as if I was offering him the privilege of riding a super luxurious car. What a weird metaphor.
The ride was full of friendly bickering but without me knowing, the young boy at my side, was having a great time as if everything had been dull before to the point, the simplest thing of the present felt new.
.
.
.
Author's note
At long last, I finished this damn chapter 5. I wrote started this chapter last year but, I got caught with something called laziness and short memory. In other words, I forgot it. I deeply apologize. I read the last reviews and oh, dear I'm feel so embarrassed and grateful for the nice words. I once thanks again for keeping up with this long and slow story of mine. With that said, I apologize in advance for all the grammar errors you'll stumble in this and the following chapter.