"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE WAS ATTACKED-!" Nightmare was cut off mid-sentence as he hacked up blood, his lungs strained from all his yelling. I flinched, realizing he must have read Pierce's mind. I know for a fact that I wasn't thinking about the attack, as I was too busy trying to figure out what happened with Pierce a while ago. I opened my eyes and grinned sheepishly, scratching the side of my neck uncomfortably. Nightmare, despite being paler than usual and weak from blood loss, pulled Pierce off of me and grabbed my shoulders, looking down at me with a deep frown. "What does he mean someone tried to attack you?"
"N-Nothing, really..." I leaned my head back and diverted my gaze, slightly perturbed by the close contact. "J-Just..I don't-I don't know, I-I found Pierce in alley doing some-some stuff and before I knew it he had gutted a guy and started questioning him!"
"Seriously? That's all you know? Not even about why they were trying to grab you?" He then cut himself off, turning his head to look at a frowning Pierce. His green eyes had darkened again, and he seemed to be almost death-staring at Nightmare. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I watched as Nightmare slowly released his grip on me as he tensed his shoulders, obviously disturbed by something. He straightened his back and crossed his arms, a hand to his chin. "I see... This is no surprise; in all honesty, I should have been expecting this. You're not only an outsider, but you're also friends with multiple role-holders. It's understandable as to why they would choose you as a target."
"...How the heck is it understandable that I'm a target?"
Something slipped into my hand, and I briefly registered it as Pierce's fingers wrapping around my hand. Nightmare paused, seeming not to want to say anything. "You're bait. If you get kidnapped, the role-holders that are close to you will try to save you, ignoring all rational thought." I stared in confusion as his eye looked towards Pierce for a moment before back at me. "They could be killed, and that's exactly what those people want."
Yeah...right. Like someone would actually freak the hell out at the idea of me getting kidnapped...
-I won't let them take you from me-
I tensed at the memory, wondering if-just for a second-Nightmare was right. If-If Pierce was really a Yandere, and if he-No. It's not like that. I know he doesn't care about me that way. I refused to believe something so ridiculous. I'd only end up hurting myself. It already hurt a little just thinking about it.
"So..." I wasn't sure how to phrase my next question. If I got kidnapped...would they torture me? Kill me? Would they... Fear trickled along my spine at the horrible thought. Would they rape me? I've seen movies like that. A girl gets kidnapped, ends up both physically and sexually abused, and then finally murdered. I crossed my arms over my chest, slipping my hand out of Pierce's. I saw him look at me from the corner of my eye, but I ignored it. I...didn't want that happen. The thought terrified me. I knew it happened in real life, but...all those poor people who actually had to experience that...
It made me want to cry. No one should have to experience something like that.
Nightmare looked disturbed at my thoughts, and offered a small smile as he reached over and placed a hand on my head, ruffling my hair gently. "It probably won't come to that, Alexis. Just remember, even if you are kidnapped, all you need to do is dream and I'll be able to find you. I'll be able to send Gray, and Pierce, after you. They're more than plenty capable."
R-Right... I swallowed, grabbing the sleeves of the shirt I was wearing tightly. I actually regretted removing my hand from Pierce's now. It was more comforting than I thought it was. "W-Well, I'm-I'm heading over to Vivaldi's in-in like, three time periods, so..."
"Take Pierce with you."
"Vi-Vivaldi is scared of Pierce, though..." Tears welled up in Pierce's eyes at the memory as he looked like he was going to cry. I flinched, looking at him in alarm. "I-I-it's not like I don't want you there with me, I-I just-I just-She's scared of you and I-I don't want her to lop my head off or-" I cut myself off, realizing that I was probably just making things worse. "I'm sorry!"
Nightmare scowled, realizing I was right. Oh, god... "Fine. I'll just send a servant with you."
"B-But I wanna go with Alexis~!" Pierce whined, reaching his arms out to hug me. However, before he could do so, I reached up and quickly caught him by his shoulders, causing the tears to finally fall and steam down his face. I flinched, pained at the sight of him crying, and apologized feeling guilty.
"S-Sorry, but..." His bottom lip trembled and I froze, stilling as I held my breath. I swore I saw Nightmare snickering with his hand over his mouth out of the corner of my eye.
"You sure know how to wrap him around your finger, Alexis."
My eyebrow twitched and I turned to send him a look, causing him to freeze as violent thoughts ran through my head. His eye went wide as blood spurted out of his mouth.
"You look absolutely precious~!" Vivaldi complimented, causing me to bite my lip and hold back a scowl. I had to be extra nice around Vivaldi... "Come, sit with us and enjoy the tea!"
"Y-Yes, your Majesty."
"We told you already; call us Vivaldi! It is only right to call us by our name just like we call you by yours." She smiled at me, and I hesitantly sat down. I laced my fingers together and set them down on my lap, crossing my ankles and pressing my legs together. One wrong move with Vivaldi could end up with my head rolling on the ground. "Ah, yes...How have you been enjoying your stay in Wonderland? We hope you like it here."
"Oh, uh, y-yeah. It's-It's been good. I like it." Mostly. I wasn't too big on the whole "We're-replaceable-so-it-doesn't-matter-if-we-die" thing, and that every single person in this crazy place was packing a weapon of some sort. Pierce and Gray had knives, Ace had his sword, the twins had their axe/guns, Peter had his gun... "The bloodshed is, uh..." How to phrase it without angering her?
"An annoyance, indeed." She cut in, nodding firmly as she took a sip of her tea. "Almost as annoying as all these foolish imbeciles doing as they please."
"Ah-Yeah..." Smile and nod, Alexis, smile and nod. Vivaldi clapped her hands together happily at my words and said,
"Yes, well, shall we continue? You should try the tea. It is most delicious."
"Tea usually is," I said and flinched, realizing that it slipped out. I cast a worried glance up at her before relaxing, seeing her smile warmly at me. Seeing her expectant look, I hesitantly grabbed the tea cup and stared at the dark liquid for a moment, hoping that it wasn't poisoned. ...Well, YOLO, right? I took a small sip, before grinning as mad as a Hatter. "This is delicious! Seriously, this is one of the best teas I've ever had!"
"Ah, we see you enjoy tea as much as we?"
"Y-Yeah...I-I love tea." Her eyes brightened, and I think I may have just successfully gotten myself completely onto her good side. Now...to avoid getting off of her good side and onto her bad side... "So, uh, how's life?"
"As tedious as always in Wonderland..." She said and scowled, and I frowned, finding it unfitting for her pretty face. "We hardly get breaks anymore due to all the executions we must order!"
"...You can stop ordering executions?" I suggested, causing her to narrow her eyes at me. I flinched. I stammered, "I-I-I just mean, like, tone it down a bit? O-Only execute the people who are truly idiotic and deserve it-like, people who try to assassinate you, or-or people who try to take the tea from your kitchen!" I laughed nervously, seriously hoping that she wasn't going to kill me. I then stopped and sunk into my chair, flinching. I let out quiet, "I'm sorry!"
"...We normally would have your head for such a comment, but we understand how you must think. We, too, think that the executions should be stopped, but alas, if we don't punish those who deserve it how are the people going to learn?"
"...You could execute them for rape?" I suggested. "M-Maybe even...murder?"
"Everyone kills here in Wonderland," Vivaldi said, causing me to swallow and look down at my tea cup with furrowed eyebrows. "Its the way our world works, Alexis. We would love to learn about yours, however, as ours is far to dull to entertain except on beautiful evenings such as this!"
I looked up at the sky as she spoke, and watched the colors turn red and pink. I turned my head and finally took notice of the roses. "Nice garden."
"Yes! Most exquisite, yes?" I nodded, taking another sip of my tea.
"Yeah...pretty. I've never seen a rose garden before." I've seen regular flower gardens, but nothing ever worshiped to roses. I smiled, "It's nice."
"Indeed it is! The most exquisite garden in all of Wonderland, and it belongs to us, Vivaldi."
"I can tell. It looks just like you."
Vivaldi looked at me in confusion, and I blinked at her. "What do you mean?"
I furrowed my eyebrows and frowned, looking at the Queen in confusion. "You're both pretty." I figured that was obvious. Did Vivaldi not know how pretty she was? The woman's eyes widened in surprise, before a truly honest and genuine smile crossed her face. She then smirked and placed the palm of her hand on her cheek, leaning forward with a sly grin.
"We see Alexis is rather skilled with charming words. You have have managed to befriend both cat and mouse, and appear to have such a disgusting creature grovel at your feet. We wonder just how experienced you are with men?"
My eyes widened at her words, stunned. Did...Wait, hold on. Did Vivaldi just ask me if I slept around?
Anything nice I thought about Vivaldi was swept out the window. My fingers laced tighter together, my knuckles turning pure white at the anger I felt. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I'm not some stupid ass slut that likes to choke on nasty! I ground my teeth together and inhaled deeply, closing my eyes as I said slowly, "No...Matter of fact, I only had one boyfriend in my life, and that was when I was little." Around ten. "Guys tend to be more horrified of me, rather than actually liking me. So, no. I am not "experienced" with men." It took all my willpower not yell at Vivaldi, as I had the intense urge to whack her upside the head rapidly while screaming at her for being stupid. Unfortunately, I had to be nice to avoid losing my head.
"Is that so? We are surprised," She stated, shock writing across her features. "You said such a compliment so easily, and that filthy mouse is always hanging off of you, we just assumed you knew how to manipulate such foolish men. Please, do forgive our rudeness."
"A-Ah, um, you-you're forgiven?" She smiled at me again, before suddenly suggesting with mischievous eyes,
"How about we teach you? Surely you must want to know a thing or two? How to pleasure a frivolous man when you are wed?" My face flared red, really really hoping she wasn't suggesting what I thought she was suggesting.
"Wh-What do you-What do you mean by "teach"?"
"We happen to be very experienced with the knowledge of pleasure." Oh, god, please stop. Whatever I did to deserve this kind of embarrassing conversation, I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry... "We can teach you all you wish to know. From kissing, to touches...Why, dear Alice kept rejecting our proposal. We feel sorry that she ended up with such a ridiculous Hatter."
"I...I'd rather...not..." I swallowed, and seeing her blink I panicked. I unlaced my fingers and held them up in front of me defensively, crying out, "I-I mean, it-it's not like I wouldn't want to, but I-I'd just, I'd rather not take-er, place in...such...activities?" My voice squeaked and I flinched, face flaring red and my heart practically missing a beat when I remembered the feeling of being pushed down against soft sheets, the taste of coffee and cheese practically taking over my taste buds...
Where the hell is a wall? I-I-WHY THE HELL AM I REMEMBERING THAT!? I REFUSE to remember that! REFUSE! If-If I remember it, I'll-I'll be awkward around Pierce, and then I'll feel bad because he doesn't remember anything-No! I refuse to feel bad. I'm the victim here! He's the aggressor!
...But still... the look in his eyes after I pulled on his ear...and the scary look he held-the possessive look-in his eyes when he was talking about the dead guy's friends...
Just remembering sent a chill down my spine. And to be honest, I couldn't tell if it was from fear, excitement, or both.
Vivaldi looked surprised, before she pouted childishly and retreated. "Very well... Has the Incubus been treating you better? We are pleased to see you are wearing the dress we had bought you."
Ah... Yeah. It was a black dress, with red hearts wrapping around the end of the sleeves and across the middle chest, with red ruffles at the skirt and sleeve hems. For some reason the shoulders were cut out, revealing some of my pale skin, and the sleeves flared out at my wrists, just barely stopping before the tip of my fingers. There was another cut out at my collarbone in the shape of a heart, and the cloth reached up around my neck like a choker, accompanied by more ruffles and a darker-shade-of-red heart at the middle. I was wearing red-laced black one-inch boots. They were slightly more challenging to walk in, but was easier than what my Aunt had given me.
"Stop falling! Back straight, chin up! How many times have I told you? Don't you-ARGH! Put that book back on your stupid head! Don't you roll your eyes at me!"
I let out a small scream as I tripped over my feet, the heel on my left shoe snapping and twisting my foot as I collapsed roughly against the wooden floor, the book on my head falling and clattering. Tears pricked my eyes and I flinched, hearing Aunt Tammy's footsteps. She was gonna yell at me again...
"You stupid girl. You're as bad as my sister," She said, kneeling down and peeling the black two-inch heels off of my feet. "You're both so short, and yet despite that you can't even walk properly in heels?"
"I-I'm thirteen..."
"Thirteen and four-foot-eleven," She corrected, narrowing her jade-colored eyes at me. She placed the heels beside her and sighed, shaking her head. "Now just how badly does your foot hurt?"
"..." I didn't want to admit it. I turned my head and scowled, only to flinch and cry out in pain as I received a smack to the head. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry-I-It hurts, okay!? It hurts a lot! J-Just stop being so mean to me already!"
"What I'm doing is going to help you in life, little brat! Even Lillian knew that!" Sadness hit me in the face at my mother's name. Everyone always spoke so highly of her, whenever she was rarely brought up, but never really spoke about her. No one ever really told me what she was like, other than a physical description of her eye, skin, and hair color. I always wanted to meet her, find out what she was like for myself. Tammy suddenly paused, tensing before frowning and letting out a stressed sigh. She tucked a couple strands of pale blonde hair behind her ear and said, "Listen...One day, what I'm teaching you is going to help you. You may not thank me now, but you will later on in life."
"J-Just-I don't want to do this! Why do I have to learn all this?" I cried, sitting up and flinching at the excruciating pain in my foot. I don't want to do this!"
"Yeah, well, deal with it, brat. It's going to help you one day."
I hated to admit it, but she was right. She had a caring side to her, my Aunt did. She never really showed it though. She did what she thought was best for me...even if I disagreed with it. However, with how much I've been having to watch myself and my behavior around Vivaldi, my Aunt Tammy may have just saved my life with her lessons.
"Ah...yes. N-Nightmare's been good. He, uh, got me new clothes." Well, Gray did, actually. Ugh...pink. However, seeing as he's one of those people you don't want to make upset or see cry, I... God damn it, I'm gonna have to wear it at least once, aren't I? "Nothing dull." Act polite. Be on your best behavior. Do as Aunt Tammy said.
"He finally learned how to treat a young lady properly?" She sounded astonished, and the way she said it made me almost burst out laughing. I cracked a small grin, fighting off the urge to smile like an idiot.
"Smile warmly. Like this-" Aunt Tammy's lips stretched out into a small and polite smile, which seemed to radiate kindness and warmth despite that not truly being her intention. "Do it properly and you may-may just get tea instead of soap."
So, with that thought in mind, I smiled as best as I could without goofing off. My fourteen-year-old self was more obedient than what I used to be. Expecting a slap, I was greeted instead with a stunning smile of pride and happiness. Tammy clapped her hands together, her green eyes bright and glowing.
"You did it! Oh, if only Lillian could see you now! You make such a lovely young lady when you smile like one! So cute."
"So he has! And, uh," Crap. What else was I to say? Quick, think of old-fashioned language and keep going! Bring up a casual topic, "the dresses you got me are really pretty." Oh, yes, because that was totally smooth Alexis. Very old-fashioned. "Th-Thank you for those, by the way." Oh, that's better!
She smiled at me again. "Oh, it is not a problem! We would help out countless times for such an adorable friend."
Suddenly it grew dark, causing Vivaldi's smile to instantly vanish as she scowled. It was now night- A.K.A, time for me to go home. All I need to do is find John and we can head back to the Clover Tower. "Well, I got to go now, Vivaldi. I promised Nightmare and Gray that I'd be back when the time changed."
Vivaldi looked disappointed, and also looked like she wanted to protest to me leaving, but sighed instead and stood. "Very well. We look forward to seeing you again. Please, do visit us soon." She smiled down at me. I offered a small smile back, only to let out a startled squeak when she lunged forward and pulled me into her chest, hugging me tightly. "Oh, you are just so precious in that outfit! You are so adorable!"
...What did she think I was, a doll? Some kind of toy?
Awkwardly I wrapped my arms around her to return the one-sided hug, which only made her hug me tighter. My face started to turn blue. "V-Vivaldi-You're-You're crushing me!" I struggled, gasping for air the moment she released me. She giggled and knelt down in front of me, smiling.
"We apologize. You were just too cute to resist."
Why the hell do people keep calling me cute!?
"I'm not cute!" Vivaldi looked surprised as why words and I flinched, realizing I said that out loud. "I-I mean, I-I don't think so-I-I mean I know so-I mean-" I froze, finding arms wrapped around me-this time more gentle, and more...
What was the word? Not motherly, I know that, but...
Sisterly? I wouldn't know. I've never had a sister before. That would be an interesting experience. Wait, am I actually considering Vivaldi as a possible sister figure? HELL NO. REFUSE!
"You are very cute, Alexis," Vivaldi told me, pulling back with a soft smile on her beautiful face. "You're as cute as our adorable Alice; just look at that button nose!" My eyes widened as she grabbed my nose, causing me to cry out protest as she lifted my head up and left-and-right.
"H-Hey!" I cried out in protest, my voice nasally. "Let go!"
Vivaldi giggled at me and released me, causing me to scowl and rub my nose. Geez, after all I did to act polite-I tensed, realizing my mistake. I slipped up. I quit being proper and formal. I looked up at Vivaldi in alarm, then surprise, and then confusion.
She...hadn't yelled "off with your head". So...does that mean I'm in the all clear? Does she not care that much for formalities?
"Well," She began as she stood, dusting off her dress. "We think you should return back to the rotten Incubus and the Lizard. Next time you come, you absolutely must bring the cat!"
I was confused for a moment before asking, tilting my head as I furrowed my eyebrows, "Boris?"
"Yes, yes! Come, walk with us while we escort you out!"
...Shouldn't it be the other way around? Wait... A sour look formed on my face as the sudden realization hit me. It's because I'm a kid, isn't it? She just thinks that I'm cute because I'm short. And-And what's wrong with my nose!? Reaching a hand up, I placed it over my nose and rubbed it, suddenly feeling very self-conscious about my face. I-I know I'm not all that appealing to look at, but-but what's wrong with having a button nose!? I-Yeah, I have freckles, and I look like a ginger-gone-wrong, but... I didn't think I looked that bad. I-I was average I guess, but I didn't think that there was anything wrong with my nose.
If I'm not being made fun and called or short, I was always getting made fun of for being born a girl and not being all that pretty. At least, that's how the girls in my school viewed me.
A short, freckle-face eye-sore who can't even dress fashionably.
"As if anyone would love you!"
"Gee, thanks. You're so kind."
"Why you little...At least I actually have friends! Unlike yours who are just being "nice" to you."
That one stung. When someone implied that my friends were only my friends out of pity... I looked up at the girl with a blank face, looking totally bored of the conversation. "Really? If they were being nice to me, I think they would have already left me to die in a hole by now. So, really, I think you got your facts wrong. Besides, you don't even know my friends, so therefore you can't speak on their behalf."
"Che. You shouldn't even be considered a girl," She sneered, making me blink at the insult. Was she still here? "You're so scarred up you can't even wear clothes that make you look good! What, is your figure so horribly disfigured that you have to wear guy clothes in order to make yourself feel good? And that hair! Ever hear of a hairbrush?"
"What's wrong with my clothes?" I asked defensively, frowning at her. "And so what if I have a few scars on my legs? It-It just means that I'm not some spoiled brat who has everyone do things for them. Unlike you, I actually try to do stuff."
"Does that stuff include eating fifty bags of chips every day?" Her face lit up as an idea hit her, causing me to yawn. I was tired. I only got an hour of sleep last night. I didn't really want to deal with these bullies right now. "Oh! I got it. The reason why you wear such trashy clothes is because you're so overweight and you don't want people to know! Haha! Hey, everyone! Check out this little slut!"
I scowled as tons of people looked at me. Slut? Please, says the chick wearing booty shorts on a High School field trip to a college. Just how low was that v-neck she was wearing? It barely covered anything. Normally, I don't judge people-but when people start being jerks to me when all I do is try to be nice...Hell yes I'm gonna judge.
"ALEXIS!"
"GAH-! L-Let go of me!" I struggled to get out of Peter's grip, Vivaldi's face growing red with anger at the White Rabbit's appearance. "Peter, get off!"
"But it's been so long, I was so worried about you being away from me and gone!"
"Go-Go hang out with Alice, then!" Peter released me and scowled, muttering,
"She and that treacherous hatter are always together. It won't be a surprise if little ones start to gather." My eyes widened. Wait, hold on, was Alice pregnant or something? Peter's red eyes were actually red, as if he were holding back tears. "I came along when I heard you were here, so excited to see a friend I hold dear." He looked at me with a bright smile, but he still seemed extremely hurt.
D-Don't...Don't look like that, damn it...I can't stand it when people start to cry. No...I-I am not...going to...
"Yeah, well, I-I didn't miss you that much," I muttered, hugging the stupid rabbit around the waist. He looked down at me in shock, my actions contradicting my words, before grinning. He looked better like that. I don't like seeing people sad. I scowled and quickly pulled away, ignoring him ruffling my hair. I looked up at an annoyed Vivaldi, who was glaring at Peter.
Oddly, compared to her glare the first time I came to Heart Castle, it actually seemed a bit toned down... Did Vivaldi feel pity for Peter, or was that just me imagining things? I had though she hated him. Or was it just sympathy?
"Well," I said, clearing my throat awkwardly as I scratched the side of my neck. I was suddenly grateful for the choker-like attribute it held as it covered my bruises, "I should get going. It was fun seeing you guys again. Uh...bye." I quickly whirled around and started walking away, hoping to find John at the front entrance. Somehow, I managed to avoid getting tackled by Peter or my head cut off as I made my way towards the gate entrance.
He was there, but he was soaked in blood with a knife protruding out of his stomach. I stared, horrified at the sight in front of me, feeling a scream bubbling up my throat, before I ground my teeth together and ran over, ignoring the tears welling up in my eyes. I knelt down beside him, not daring taking the knife out in case he bled out faster. "J-John? John, dude, h-hey, you-you okay? Please, tell me you're okay?" The panic in my voice was badly hid.
He coughed and blood bubbled up out of his lips, trailing down his chin as he turned his head to look at me. I froze, almost able to see a pair of pained and terrified brown eyes looking at me, tears streaming down his cheeks. I froze when he reached up and grabbed my shoulder, lifting himself up and whispering roughly, his voice strained, "They're...A-Alexis, get-get back to Lord Nightmare-" He broke out into a rough and blood cough, and I could do nothing as I watched him slowly die. What...could I do?
I had no medical expertise, I had no idea how to remove a knife wound and stitch it up-I had no idea how to conduct surgery in order to stop internal bleeding. By the time I got him to the town for a doctor, he'd be dead.
"They're a-after you!" Horror formed on my face as I watched him slowly fade to black, before evaporating into nothing, the only thing left but a bloody clock in my right hand. He...he was...John was...
John was dead. Someone was after me. John was dead because someone was after me.
Someone innocent was dead...because of me. Slowly standing up, the clock dropped out of my hand as I took a few steps back. Suddenly I felt even less safe than before-paranoid even. I looked behind me, to the left of me-all around me in as if someone was going to jump out and kill me as well. I swallowed, almost unable to feel the tears stream down my face, before I broke out in the fastest run I have ever ran.
I needed to get to Nightmare. Something was wrong-horribly wrong. I wanted to know who was after me...But most of all, I wanted to stay away from those who could get hurt. I was going to hide in my room and never come out. John was killed because he was with me, right? Therefore, if I stopped hanging out with people, those people would stop dying...
John didn't deserve to die.
No one needed to be put through that kind of pain.
I was going to hide and never come out. No one would ever get killed because of me then.
At least, that was what I was hoping.
Still not too sure on Vivaldi's character. XD I remember reading in a game summary that she kept asking Alice multiple times if she could "train" her and give her "lessons", so I figured I'd go and do that here. I'm not too sure though. But, anyway, the plot thickens! DUN DUN DUNNNNNN