Oh The Webs That We Weave
Chapter 8: Beware the Jubjub Bird
A/N: Hi everyone, I am so sorry about the long delay in this chapter. The past two months I have had problems with my eyes making any computer work nearly impossible. After many trips to the optometrist my eyes are thankfully finally starting to improve. :-) So before reading this chapter I want to apologize for any grammatical errors you may come across. While my vision is getting better it is still not the best when it comes to computer work. I just want to hurry and thank all of you for your many reviews, it really does warm my heart. :-) Well on to the story, I hope that you all enjoy!
She hoped it would be a quick death. Alice kept her eyes firmly shut and braced herself for the deathly blow. Her heart hammered madly in her chest as she silently bid the world farewell. Brief flashbacks flew through her mind. Going on picnic's with her sister, her sister singing her to sleep after her father died. Falling through the rabbit hole with Peter, helping Julius with a clock, tea with Vivladi, Blood's arms around her as they danced. She would never see her sister again, never see Julius or Vivladi...never see Blood.
These final thoughts were interrupted when the bird suddenly let out an ear piercing shriek followed by dozens of wet droplets colliding with Alice's face. Her eyes flew open to see the monotonous bird father away then it had previously been with a large slash down it's chest. Blood pored and oozed it's way out of the cut. Her vision of the bird was abruptly disturbed by a tall man bringing himself between her and the bird. Before she could identify this stranger the bird let out an angry cry and charged towards them. With speed almost faster then sight the man made a matching slash on the bird's torso.
The bird let out a shriek of pain and took flight. As the bird flew above them raindrops of blood splattered down on Alice and the stranger. Alice's eyes followed the bird's retreat until she could no longer make out the shape of the giant bird. Alice then turned her attention to the man in front of her only to find that he was no stranger at all.
"Ace!" she exclaimed.
"Hey ya Alice." Ace said happily while taking off his blood soaked mask.
"Wha what was that thing?" Alice managed to ask. Her heart was still thumping loudly as the adrenalin continued coursing through her veins.
"That" Ace said as he sheathed his sword. " is the Jubjub Bird. I told you it's dangerous to be in the woods at night."
"I was trying to get back to the mansion." Alice said quietly. Placing her feet beneath her Alice attempted to stand. Apparently the adrenaline had been blocking most of the pain because as soon as she began to stand her knees buckled beneath her. Alice would have fallen if Ace hadn't quickly reached out to steady her with his arms.
"Easy there." Ace said warping an arm around her waist to keep her steady. Alice clutched the sleeve of his jacket with her good arm. The adrenaline was leaving her system and in it's wake the pain it had been masking was now making itself known. Her arm and the back of her shoulder were burning with pain. Alice closed her eyes and leaned her head against Ace's chest as a wave of nausea coursed over her. She trembled from pain and excretion and let the knight support the bulk of her weight.
She felt Ace tighten his hold around her waist careful to avoid the gash on her forearm. Gently he brushed her blood soaked hair from the wound on the back of her shoulder. Alice let out a soft hiss of pain as the hair brushed against the gash. She heard Ace take a slight inhale of breath when he caught sight of the wound on her shoulder.
"Is it that bad?" she asked timidly.
"Nah, you'll survive." Ace answered non chalantly.
Her small frame began to quake more as tremor after tremor ran up and down her spine. The full magnitude of the situation she had just escaped from was hitting her full force. Tears of anguish and pain began to course down her checks mingling with the blood of the Jubjub bird giving the appearance she was crying blood.
"I almost died." Alice cried and with that declaration the remainder of her strength left. As if her body and mind had finally acknowledged what had happened. Ace was now supporting her full weight. Carefully so as not to disturb her wounds he placed an arm beneath her knees and scooped her up so that he was cradling her like a child against his chest.
"Shhh, it's okay. I've got you." Ace murmured in her ear.
"Thank you." Alice mumbled as darkness descended upon her. Her final thought before she lost consciousness was something Blood had once said to her. If you get into trouble I bet that knight could probably protect you. And then there was nothing.
Jostled from her state of unconsciousness Alice blurrily opened her eyes to see the night sky above. Tress flew by overhead...There were voices. Words slurred undistinguishable together... Ace smiling down at her... Now Blood's face...Pain. White hot searing pain shooting through her shoulder. Screaming... Arms holding her tight...Warm. She was warm. Everything was soft. Safe.
The Hatter's Mansion
The breeze ruffled the hair on the Hatter's unhatted head. Stripped of his jacket he leaned against his chair in the front porch. Anyone who knew the mafia boss could tell by just a glance that he was in an incredibly foul mood. He taped his rose walking cane continuously against his polished shoe. Over time there was a shorter gap of time between each tap as he became more and more agitated. All the while never straying his gaze away from the gate to his home.
"I'm sure she'll be here anytime." said a nervous Elliot.
The March Hare was rewarded with a stealthy glare. Elliot outwardly flinched at his friends cold glare. Rather then be subdued by his boss's demeanor Elliot continued on in Alice's defense.
"She didn't run away Blood. Alice wouldn't do that after she promised to stay." Elliot said
reassuringly.
Elliot's comment was met with silence. Heaving a sigh of surrender Elliot took a seat on the chair next to his friend and they both gazed out into the night, both waiting for Alice's return.
Not long after Elliot was seated there was movement near the gate. Blood and Elliot instantly sprung to their feet while simultaneously drawing their weapons. Both carefully made their way towards the gate. The object that caused the movement suddenly stepped under the light near the gate entrance.
"Hatter, mind opening the gate? my arms are kind of full." said a smiling Ace.
Upon seeing what the knight was carrying in his arms Blood and Elliot both rushed forward. Elliot flung the doors open while Blood immediately went to the bloodied Alice's side. Blood instinctively reached out to take Alice from Ace's arms and was more then angry when the knight didn't relinquish his hold.
"Careful Hatter. She's hurt." Ace said. Clearly enjoying the Hatter's anger.
Blood growled at Ace's obvious statement but headed Ace's warning and this time gently and carefully began to remove Alice from Ace's arms. As the transfer was happening Ace noted Alice's eyes were fluttering open and closed. He gave her a warming smile then handed her over to Blood.
Seeing Alice's eyes open Blood gave a sigh of relief. "Alice, I was so..." the Hatter stopped as Alice's eyes once again closed as she was lost in oblivion yet again.
Blood quickly turned and made his way back to the mansion careful not to jostle Alice. Blood was flanked on either side by Ace and Elliot. Casting a glance at Blood Elliot saw a look he had never before seen on his friends face. Absolute fear.
"What happened?" Blood questioned His eyes never leaving her blood soaked form.
"The Jubjub bird happened." Ace said.
Elliot let out a surprised gasp and Blood's eyes instantly flew to Ace's as if to verify that he was telling the truth.
"What was that thing doing around here?" Blood practically yelled.
Elliot looked wordily at the Hatter. He had never seen Blood this flustered and out of control. Alice's current state was without a doubt the reason for his boss's current emotional state.
"I was on a mission for Julius." Ace began. "It appears that the faction that doesn't want the clocks collected has somehow obtained the obedience of the Jubjub bird. Alice was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I barely got to her in time." Ace finished seriously.
Blood hugged Alice a bit closer to his chest after Ace's last sentence. Reassuring himself that she was there and at the moment alive.
"You have my thanks knight." Blood said. "Feel free to spend the night."
Ace chuckled. "How could I pass up an opportunity to see inside the Hatter's mansion."
Blood let a small smile briefly cross his lips. Then turning to Elliot he instructed. "Fetch the doctor and send him to my room."
Alice's senses gradually began to come back to her. First was feeling. Her shoulder and forearm had a dull burning sensation. It was nowhere near as intense as before but upon gaining consciousness that was the first thing she felt. She was also warm and lying on something soft and plush. There was a cool breeze against her back indicating that there was nothing covering her large gash. Her hand was also clutching something soft yet unyielding.
Then sound. It was quiet but not eerily so. She could distantly hear the servants speaking and wondering around the halls performing their duties. Then smell. She could smell his scent all around her. It was comforting and warm. A scent that she would know anywhere. Blood Dupre.
Sight. Gradually Alice opened her eyes; and there he was. Alice's heart stilled at the sight of him. There was Blood sound asleep in the chair he had pulled next to the bed. One arm was positioned on the arm of the chair so that his head could rest against his fisted hand. Alice traveled her gaze down his other arm to find that the soft unyielding form that her hand was clutching was actually Blood's hand.
Memories of her flight from the Jubjub bird began flooding her mind. Alice had never encountered something so horrific in Wonderland. She had never been so frightened before. Alice unconsciously gripped Blood's hand harder as fear suddenly washed over her.
Blood's eyes instantly flew open st the slight increase of pressure.
Alice's fearful eyes met Blood's alert orbs as he searched for any sign of danger.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." Alice chocked out.
"No, I'm glad I woke up. Are you in pain?" Blood asked, his concerned eyes quickly scanning her wounds.
"Not much. I feel much better." Alice replied trying to choke down her fear.
"The doctor gave you some pain medicine." Blood said. "He stitched up your arm and back as well."
At the mention of her back Alice remembered that sensation of cool air hitting her bare skin. Was she even wearing anything? Alarmed and suddenly embarrassed Alice quickly tried to pull the cover up. Pain shot up her arm and shoulder at the sudden movement. Alice let out a small cry of pain as she collapsed back on the bed.
Blood was instantly by her side gently placed a cool hand on her back.
"What are you doing young lady?" Blood said angrily. "You can't be moving around right now."
A flush crept up Alice's face as she replied. " I can't feel anything on my back. Do I even have anything on?"
Blood chuckled and sat on the edge of the bed next to Alice. "What if you're not?" Blood questioned seductively.
Alice instantly tried to move to cover herself but the hand on her back kept her firmly in place.
"Relax Alice. It was a joke. The maids found a sleeveless nightgown for you." Blood said.
"Oh." Alice said feeling suddenly sheepish.
"My my what an interesting young woman. Here you just faced of the Jubjub bird and you're more afraid of not being entirely clothed in front of me." Blood said.
At the mention of the Jubjub bird Alice's face fell. "I was scared." Alice started quietly. "I thought I was going to die."
Blood's face lost all of it's humor.
"I've never been so scared in my life." Blood said with pain in his voice. "When I first saw you there was so much blood. My thoughts immediately strayed to the worst."
Alice couldn't look away from the raw pain in Blood's eyes. She wanted to comfort him. It broke her heart to see him like this Reaching up a hand to stroke his cheek Alice said softly, "It's ok. I'm right here."
Blood grasped her hand and held it to his face, closing his eyes. As if reassuring himself that she was in fact lying beside him.
Blood's eyes reopened to stare intently at Alice. "Don't ever leave me." he implored quietly.
Lying down next to Alice he pulled her gently to his side."Don't you dare ever leave me."
Although he said it as a demand it lacked all force behind it revealing his vulnerability. Alice responded by nestling her head beneath his chin. Blood draped one arm across her waist and before either one knew it they had drifted off to sleep in each other's embrace.
Deep in the uncharted woods of Wonderland lay the Jaberwock's lair.
"Mr Jacberwock Sir." said a faceless servant.
"What is it?" snapped a cold voice.
"The the plans are already to visit the Hatter's mansion tomorrow." stuttered the frightened servant.
"Excellent." said the cold voice. "You're dismissed."
The servant scurried out of the dimly lit room. The Jacberwock turned around in his chair. Fingers laced together and a malicious grin on his face. "Well Mr. Hatter, ready or not here I come."
Alice awoke to sunlight streaming through the window. Blinking her eyes a few times to disperse the remaining sleep from her eyes. After her vision had cleared she noticed a note on the pillow next to her head, where previously there had been a warm body. Alice flushed at the thought. Gingerly so as not to disturb her wounds she reached out and unfolded the note.
Alice,
I had some urgent business to attend to. I will be back this afternoon to collect you. I have something I would like to show you. Elliot will take care of your needs until I return.
Blood
True to his note Alice heard a tentative knock at the door.
"Alice? Are you awake?" came Elliot's muffled voice through the wooden door.
"Yeah I'm up." Alice replied.
:"Are you... decent?" Elliot managed to ask.
Alice chuckled. She knew without a doubt that Elliot's face must be completely flushed. He seemed to get embarrassed even more then she did. on the other side of the door.
"Yes. You can come in." said Alice with a hint of humor in her voice.
Elliot emerged in the room pushing a car full of tea and cakes in front of him.
"I brought up some tea and cakes for you." said Elliot. "I thought you might be hungry."
Alice smiled warmly at Elliot. "Thanks Elliot, that was really thoughtful."
Elliot beamed at Alice's praise and continued. "Whenever I'm not feeling well carrot cake always makes me feel better."
Alice spent a good portion of the morning having breakfast and chatting with Elliot. A little bit later the twins came in to visit. They brought their favorite toys . weapons in to show Alice. Hoping that it would make her feel better. And Alice did in fact find herself feeling better. It appeared as though she had been truly accepted as part of the Hatter family.
Mid afternoon a few maid came into Blood's room to help Alice change into a simple dress that left her wounds unclothed. Almost immediately after she had changed Blood entered the room. After brief questions about how she was feeling Blood took her arm and lead her out of the mansion and through the garden. Supposedly to show her that something that he had mentioned in his letter. The scenery began to become more familiar as Alice remembered once coming this way in search of Blood.
"Are you taking me to the rose garden?" Alice abruptly asked.
Blood's lips twitched slightly upwards as he replied. "Well well so much for a surprise."
"Oh. I'm sorry." Alice said flushing. "I didn't mean to ruin it."
Blood smiled and replied. "Not at all."
Alice's response died in her troat as they rounded the corner and she caught full sight of the rose garden. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
"It's beautiful" Alice breathed.
"Yes." agreed Blood. "Only myself, one other, and now you are ever allowed here."
Remembering who the one other person she had seen in here was Alice raked her brain trying to decipher the relationship between those two. Caught up in her thoughts Alice hadn't noticed that Blood was leading her to a small table set up for tea in the corner of the garden and that one of the chairs was already occupied.
As soon as her senses came back to her Alice found herself in front of none other then Vivladi.
"Vivladi." Alice said in surprise.
"Alice." Vivladi said happily. "We have missed you."
Still in shock from seeing Vivladi Alice let Blood pull out a chair for her and help her sit. Taking a seat between the two women Blood began pouring tea for both himself and Alice.
"You look so surprised." Vivladi said laughing and taking a sip of her tea.
"Well. I am." Alice admitted.
Vivladi laughed again. Clearly she was enjoying some secret that Alice was not privy to.
"You see Alice" Vivladi began. "Blood and I have been a part of each other's lives since birth."
"So then you guys are..." Alice trailed off, not following where this conversation was going.
"Siblings." Vivladi said smiling.
Alice sat in silence for a moment trying to take in what she had just heard. She looked from the smiling Vivladi to the smirking Blood. And it suddenly clicked. The stories Blood told her about his older sister, the way Vivladi defended Blood the night of the ball. She felt foolish for not seeing it before.
"Well that makes sense." Alice managed to say.
Vivladi's smile turned into a laugh as she said, "And to think you thought we were lovers."
Alice flushed and a disgusted and horrified expression crossed Blood's face.
"Outside this rose garden our roles dictate that we are enemies. This hidden rose garden is the only place we can meet as brother and sister. Which is why we keep it such a secret." Vivladi said giving Alice a secretaire smile. "The rules say we can not met other then as enemies so officially we are bending the rules."
"Speaking of rules." Blood inserted while stirring his tea. "There is something we need to discuss Alice."
"Ok." Alice said perplexed. After finding out those two were siblings she doubted they could drop a bigger bomb shell on her.
"A man named Jay Jaberwock will be visiting the mansion tomorrow." Blood said flatly.
Alice jumped in surprise as Vivladi abruptly dropped the tea cup she was sipping from.
"A personal visit?" Vivladi exclaimed anxiously and leaning forward in her seat. " That is highly unusual, other then the ball we hold we rarely see him."
"I know." Blood replied coldly.
"Who is he?" Alice questioned curiously. Alice expected Vivladi to be the one who answered and was very surprised when it was Blood who did so.
"Jay Jaberwock is the enforcer of rules in Wonderland. Thus his nickname the Enforcer. His role is to make sure that all role holders follow their roles to a T and if he feels that anyone is a threat to the game it is within his "right" to exterminate them." Blood explained hatefully.
Alice looked on at Blood. He had such hatred and rage in his voice. This Jaberwock must be someone awful in deed. The mention of him coming to the mansion had even shaken the calm and collected Queen of Hearts.
"Why is he coming here?" Alice asked softly.
"To check up on me." Blood replied taking a sip of his cold tea.. "and you."
"Me?" Alice asked startled. " Why would he check up on me? He doesn't even know me."
"Alice, the Jaberwock and Blood have a..."Vivladi paused trying to come up with an appropriate term." a bad past. Now that you and Blood are betrothed I'm afraid you've cast your lot in with him."
Alice turned her gaze to Blood and glared daggers at him. Once again she was being thrust into trouble because of Blood Dupree's careless actions.
"Don't look at my that way young lady." Blood chidded. "Especially not in front of the Jaberwock. It will be trouble for us both."
Alice fumed. The nerve of him! "Oh I'm terribly sorry. How inconsiderate of me to act without thinking how those actions would negatively affect you." Alice said sweetly with sarcasm dripping from each word.
Blood's eyes narrowed at Alice as he retorted, "Sarcasm is most unbecoming of you and is counter productive given our current situation."
Alice opened her mouth to lash back at Blood but was interrupted by Vivladi.
"Children children." Vivladi reprimanded. "Now we all need to get along if we're going to get through this."
Alice and Blood remained glaring at one another while Vivladi continued. "Now Blood, I think it's best that you tell Alice everything before the Jaberwock gets here. It will help prepare her."
Alice gave an audible huff and went to shrug her shoulder's as if she didn't gave a damn. The movement, however, caused the stitches in her shoulder to pull and in turn Alice cried out in pain. Blood was instantly at her side.
"I'm ok." Alice winched. " I think I just pulled the stitches."
Blood pushed Alice's hair to the side and inspected the bandaging. Satisfied that everything was ok he kissed the top of her head roughly and she heard him mutter something about a troublesome young woman.
Sighing Blood sat back down in his chair and began. "We will need to get along when the Jaberwock comes to visit." Blood said. "He'll be looking for any small indication that something is amiss."
"And why would he do that?" Alice questioned, still slightly upset.
"A few years ago I broke Elliot out of prison. Breaking another role holder out of prison is against the rules. The Jaberwock and I had a duel. I miraculously was able to walk away from it in one piece. Since then, however, the Jacberwock has been keeping a close eye on me, waiting for me to falter from the rules again." Blood explained.
Alice listened attentively. Elliot had told her that Blood had rescued him from prison, but she had no idea that Blood had gotten into so much trouble because of it.
"Which is why he can not find out about the rose garden or that our engagement wasn't entirely...consensual" finished Blood.
Alice raised an eyebrow at Blood's choice of wording. Not "entirely" consensual. It wasn't consensual at all! She had half a mind to tell him tough luck. He should have though of that before tricking her into accepting his proposal. Bastard. ... But if the Jacberwocky is as dangerous as they were making him out to be... She didn't want Blood to get hurt, that's what it came down to. So although she would totally be within her rights to let Blood handle this on his own she wasn't going to. She would go along with it.
A/N: I know this seems like an abrupt ending to the chapter and I apologize for that, I just really wanted to get this chapter out. Next chapter will be the official introduction to the Jaberwock.