Disclaimer: I do not own anything.
Thank you so much to everyone for following this story! I edited a lot of the last chapter after I posted... Long after really. A lot of what I was not happy with... So I apologize for those who were exposed to my rough early draft. Though I thank all of you who have so diligently reviewed and encouraged me, despite the dwindling numbers and words. Which I sincerely hope doesn't mean I did something wrong. You can be honest with me people. Go on. I can take it. Well... *goes and returns with a pack of tissues at hand, just in case* Okay now I can take it. Go ahead, shoot. *covers eyes*
Either way, I hope you enjoy...
P.S. Some dialogue at the end are direct quotes from film, though I did try to paraphrase on some as well. Once again, not mine.
Alice dreamed twice that night.
They were in the room, Stayne was once again attired in his uniform, though more... Relaxed. He wore only his black shirt and leather pants, and was in the process of removing his gloves. The window was open, and the slight breeze shook his long hair away from his face. He was looking at her with a sad expression on his face, as though resigned but in a most reluctant manner. Alice frowned and felt the unexplainable urge to comfort him, so she gently placed her hand on his arm. It seemed to cause a reaction within him, as the next moment he had grabbed her roughly, pushing her hard against the wall and ignoring her cry of pain as his hands wrapped tightly around her neck, and he purposefully leaned down and kissed her lips shut whilst she forgot to breathe.
The image changed. Alice was small once again, being carried gently by Stayne, his hands coiling around her like the petals of a flower. He held her close to his chest, his steady heartbeat remaining constant, while her own feelings of unknown anxiety and anticipation, only seemed to make hers quicken in pace. Two Red Knight's she hadn't noticed before were flanking them from other side. They were traveling down a hallway of the castle that she unfamiliar with, and suddenly they- or rather Stayne, stopped in front of two large wooden doors covered in hearts and spades. One of the Red Guards moved forward to knock upon the great doors. From the other side the slapping of paws against the ground announced the two large birds who opened the great doors. Stayne entered, no longer accompanied, with Alice stiffening in his hands at the sight before them. It was the throne room. There at the back of the impossibly long marble floor, was the throne at the center, currently occupied by the Queen of Hearts. She appeared as she had in Alice's previous dreams, with great locks of curly red hair, held back by a black clip, wearing a floor length red, white and black outfit adorned with little crowns. She looked haughtily down at Stayne, an unsettling gleam in her eye, which met Stayne's own.
"I've a present for your Majesty that I believe you shall enjoy." He opened his palms to reveal her in his hands. "A companion. A doll for your to do with as you please. Her name is Alice."
The gleam in the Queen's eyes turned menacing and victorious in the most frightful manner.
Alice gasped and sat up, panting. She immediately sensed she wasn't alone, and looked up to see the open lid of the music box that revealed Stayne's face hovering over her, blocking out the light of the sun, which was still in the process of rising. His eye seemed clouded with something akin to curiosity and concern, but after a quick study of her form, became impassive once more.
"Time to wake up doll." He, said, outstretching his hand and allowing her to climb on before carefully placing next to the wash basin.
"Good morning to you too..." Alice mumbled, rubbing her eyes and stretching to look up at him, ignoring the protest of her body at the discomfort in her position within the music box. If everything went according to plan, this would be her last night sleeping there, and the end to any remarks from Stayne, the idea of which gave her relief as well as a hint of disappointment which quickly faded. However, after what Stayne had told her, she wasn't sure how escape would be possible any longer. "I thought I asked you to not to call me that."
Stayne smirked. "As you wish, little one." He said, the nick name causing unknown shivers from her. "Do hurry up." He turned his back, and she noted that he was already dressed and clean shaven, save his cape and gloves. "Breakfast will be here in a little while. In the meanwhile I suggest you might take the opportunity to wash up. We've a ways to go."
Alice sighed, and turned to find, alongside the wash basin, a mouse sized bathtub. "I had one of the servants bring it." Stayne said dismissively to her unspoken question, making her turn back and note his riding boots.
"I thought we were just going to the croquet game."
"The Queen still some duties I'm to complete beforehand. I'm searching for Alice." He turned back to gauge her reaction. "Little girls do have a tendency to end up in the most unexpected places..."
Alice stilled for a moment, the image of her dream still fresh in her mind. Too fresh. Taking a breath she forced a smile as she refused to falter in her stance. "Well since we've such a long day ahead, might I take you up on your offer to bathe?"
Stayne's face remained impassive, though there was obvious displeasure in his tone as he continued. "I'll be back in a few minutes." He said, more of a warning then a statement. "I'd advice you not to dally. I might change my mind." With that he turned out of the room and left her to her business.
With a sigh, Alice took the chance to relieve herself calmly in privacy. Once over, she turned back to the bath tub, which was filled with warm water, still slightly steaming. Smiling, she began to wash.
Once finished, she walked, wrapped in yet another black handkerchief and jumped down from the table upon which the basin lay, sliding onto the table where the music box stood in place. Next of which, the dress the Hatter had given her lay. Smiling at its design that revealed its owner, she dressed and admired herself in the mirror.
"I see it fits." A soft female spoke, bringing her attention away from the reflection. Alice smiled upon recognition of the voice.
"Mally! What are you doing here?"
"Well I was only just waiting to see when the giant would leave. If you recall we're supposed to depart."
Alice thought how best to explain, and decided being blunt was the best approach. "I can't."
"What do you mean you can't? The Hatter is counting on you!"
The sound of now all too familiar footsteps approached. Alice let out a frustrated sigh. It couldn't have been that long already. Time worked so strangely here. "Look he'll come out any minute now. The point is that Stayne is taking me with him today on the hunt. For me." She emphasized. They both knew he'd never let her out of his sight.
"Does he know?" Mally asked quietly.
"I'm not sure... I think he might. But..." He hadn't mentioned anything since last night about her name. He'd still called her Margaret. But what if he was simply acting, and just waiting for her to slip up? Though she simply couldn't believe he had bought the lie. Not after what had happened last night. "He knows."
"It's more serious than I thought." Mally looked pensive for a moment. "We'll find a way to get you out. Don't worry. Just don't try anything."
We? Before she could begin to question, Mally had scatter back under the table and into the hidden mouse hole. In that moment Stayne chose to make an appearance.
"Fe Ready or not here I come-" Stayne stopped as he took in her sight.
"What is your opinion?" Alice choked out, giving a nervous twirl about to distract from the awkward silence that had passed, allowing him full view of the Hatter's latest creation.
It was a simple gown once again, though he had emphasized on black and white over red. Once again showing off her shoulders, the gown cupped her form nicely in an inner layer of white that cupped her busy and spread out like a flower, reaching just below her knees. It then had an over layer of black which was adored with stripes. It started at the centre of her bust, forming a heart over the white, and then spread down towards the sides and back, allowing the very front of the bottom to reveal white frills. The only red shown in the lace which held her backing together like a corset, that which outlined the bust, and the red bandage which covered the Bandersnatch mark. The colors suited her well, Stayne couldn't help but think. Like a courtier. And she would look rather... Attractive. If she wasn't the size of a mouse that is. Nonetheless... "Your look fine... For being so small." He said with a smirk.
Alice scowled at him. "Very funny... Better small than large." She bit back, cowering slightly at his slightly tempered look at the pitiful blow.
A knock sounded, ending the moment. Stayne frowned and motioned for Alice to hide behind the whiskey bottle from last night and she covered her form quickly behind the amber liquid. "Enter."
The badger walked in and Alice peeked to look at the meal which caused pause for both parties as it was revealed, meanwhile the animal moved to fill the tea pot. Frog's Legs. Battered and cooked in butter and garlic sauce with two yellow plums accompanying it at the side. The meal would have been delicious in any other setting, but after last night... Alice could not stomach to look upon the sight.
"Take it back." Stayne snapped.
The animal blinked, startled and a little frightened. The Knave understood why. It was supposed to be a gift, an honor of the Queen's latest kill, which unlike most, in case could be made into a meal for humans. No one refused, ever. "Excuse-"
"Do not make me repeat myself. Come back with a suitable alternative. Wait, never mind, I'll go without it." He said dismissively, grabbing the plums before the Badger had exited the room completely, still unnerved at the thought of the Queen's possible reaction.
"You can come out now." Stayne muttered, placing the plums in his front pocket. Alice looked at Stayne gratefully. While he looked merely uncomfortable. "Are you ready?"
"Yes." Alice replied.
It was at that moment that Stayne signalled from a corner, and therein appeared a large, green, venomous looking serpent. Alice stood still, just like with the Bandersnatch, and instead of crying out with fear, as most little girls might at the sight of a snake, she simply cried out indignantly. "What is that?"
"This." Stayne spoke, stroking the back of the snake, who had rested upon his left arm. "Is my insurance that you'll behave. Margaret, meet Scon." He looked at Alice speculatively. "I left him in the room while I was away."
Alice struggled to maintain her composure. Oh dear, had it seen and heard the interaction between herself and Mallymkun? Though she'd once read that snakes couldn't hear, simply sense the vibrations of sound. However she'd once over heard Lord Asboth talking with his colleagues- it had been a long dinner party and she'd grown tired of the weary conversation of court ladies, but to both Margaret and her mother's displeasure- of a recent discovery that showed they could identify certain sounds from airwaves. But did that constitute words? This was Underland however, and nothing would surprise her. Not after talking mice and rabbits. "Oh?" She asked, attaining a frown.
"You need not have worried for your privacy. He was quite hidden." Stayne added. "Consider him as a... Guard. Simply looking out for any unsavory individuals who might do you harm." He smirked again. "You can come closer if you like. I promise he won't bite... Unless necessary."
No, thank you. Alice thought, knowing he was simply teasing her- or at least she hoped. "How do you do." She could not hide the displeasure from her tone, though she made an effort to bite back her retorts, such as the dangers of placing a potentially dangerous animal that was substantially larger than her to guard her.
"He's mute." Stayne added. "Even so, he's not one for idle company." Alice flinched at the insult.
"I suppose that's best, since he doesn't seem like very agreeable company in the first place. Quite like someone else I know." Alice muttered quietly, backing away at the serpent's sudden lunge and hiss, and Stayne placed a firm hand on his head.
"Mute, but loyal." Stayne warned, and Alice hopped to all hope that Mallymkun would be able to succeed in her mission, despite this setback. It was certainly not going to be easy.
S~s~S~s~S
Alice rode within the satchel of Stayne's horse, eating the second plum he'd handed her, having eaten one already. She wondered at his consideration, as he himself had forgone breakfast. Was it for her? Was he himself disturbed at last night's events? Or was he simply tired of waiting to start the hunt? She didn't think she'd ever fully understand his motives or intentions either way. He simply... Confused her.
If everything went according to plan however, she would have much larger things to worry about then the mysteries of Stayne. Rescuing the Hatter for one, escaping the castle, finding the White Queen, going home... However, as with any plan, it was ever prone to chance and change.
"Stop here." Stayne ordered to the Knights, as they pressed into a large mark of desolate land. They had gone off the path long ago and so far it had been only green and fresh, but here... It was, dark, and tainted. Ash and debris were scattered upon the barren ground, atop of which molten wood and metal lay. The trees were blackened and mere stubs of their former glory, and there were whole heaps of wood which she realized were meant to be structures of some sort, perhaps towers or mills of sorts. Red smoke and light illuminated the site. Alice shuddered. "What happened here?"
Stayne ignored her and simply lead Erebus to the lake, patting the horse's neck in an encouraging manner. "A fire."
Alice was hit with sudden realization. "Oh..." This was the place Tarrant had told her about. Where the Red Queen had attacked and war had infected the White Queen's peaceful kingdom. The place where Tarrant had lost his family, and all because of the Queen and the man before her who seemed completely at peace with himself. For some reason it brought a rush of tears to her eyes which she turned in attempt to wipe them away. Scon however, appeared from his hiding place and hissed, alerting Stayne.
He was at her side in seconds. "What is it?" He asked, voice and eye softening with concern from their usually stoic form. He reached out to touch her cheek with his thumb.
She backed away from his touch. "Don't." Alice shook her head, unable to explain as she breathed deeply and concentrated on remaining calm. "It's nothing. I'm fine." She croaked. It just seemed so real, so utterly real and too terrible a nightmare to face. Her childish fears had long since been replaced by horrors most men she knew couldn't stomach, let alone wish to imagine. The cries of those who had been pillaged and murder, the light which had gone out in the once bright and beautiful world. To top it all off here she was, being coddled by her capture! The man who had helped create this slaughter and devastation from no so long ago. No matter how much she might start seeing good in him, he was still dangerous and unpredictable and it was foolish of her to think otherwise. "I'm just tired and lonely, I can't seem to do anything right! I got stuffed into a teapot, kidnapped, held prisoner by said kidnapper, poised myself, was forced to watch a beheading. So no, no I'm not alright, and your being all caring and nice one moment and murderous and threatening the next isn't helping..."
"Commander! The Bandersnatch! It's escaped!"
Stayne head snapped towards the sudden cries of the Red Knight's as they were made to fold as the heavy form of the Bandersnatch trashed about in a seemingly blind manner. Upon careful inspection, Alice quickly perceived that one of the creature's paws remained positioned over its left. As it stumbled, the paw slipped to reveal a miniature blade the size of a toothpick protruding crudely from its formally good eye. And Alice knew immediately what had happened. Stayne appeared to realize as well and cursed loudly as he dropped the satchel containing Alice upon the ground and quickly mounted. He galloped towards the site of destruction in attempt to calm the savage beast and return to order.
"Alice!" Mally's voice called her from behind, confirming her theory. She ran forward towards the rodent.
"Mally! You released the Bandersnatch?" Alice spoke in awe.
"No, he did that himself, right after I stabbed him. Reacted rather pettily about it..." At Alice's startled look, she huffed. "Oh he'll be fine. Now lets get out of here!" Halfway through their run, Scon appeared, threatening and large while venom seemed to hang on his all too visible fangs. Alice froze, but Mally remained unfazed, merely taking out another epee from her size and switching it in the serpent's face. "Run Alice! Ride back to the castle, and don't stop!" With that both mouse and snake lunged, allowing Alice to make her escape.
She ran without looking back towards the large hound that ran towards her. "Bayard. You're early." He nodded. She supposed this is what he'd meant by 'we'. "You're my mount?" At his bow, she climbed upon his back, wrapping her fists into the fur of his neck. "To the Red Queen's Castle!" The hound paused. "What is it?"
Bayard sighed, recalling the White Queen's words. She needed the Vorpal sword before she could continue her quest. He would then take her to Mamoreal, and he would be one step closer to reuniting with his family. "I apologize. I'm ready now."
Alice puzzled and shook her head. "To the Stalice and Graum!" And they took off, never looking back.
As they neared the castle, the great hound halted before the moat, from whilst protruded a great magnitude of heads. Like the stakes of Vickings to reveal the Queen's many, many victims. "There's only one way in." He quipped, answering her unspoken question while she dismounted.
"Thank you." Alice whispered half-heartedly, and turned back to face the grotesque sight of heads once more. Taking a breath, she thought back to the muchness the Hatter had found her lacking in, taking comfort in the thought that soon it would be over. She quickly began jumping straight across, using the heads as her stepping stones, and ignoring the sickening softness and crump of decay and bones. Once across, she studied the stone wall before her speculatively, and finding the crack between the stones ran forward and climbed through into the beautiful garden.
She could see it much more clearly in daylight, the hedges, the trees, the sculptures, and there before her, feet away stood the Queen and her attendants, playing croquet- or in the case of her attending, watching the Queen play croquet. Women and men of ever size and shape looking on with false admiration and expression of lifeless joy. Her attention however was focussed solely on her page. That is of course until a hedgehog which she soon discovered was the ball came flying her way. She narrowly missed being hit, and soon became distracted in freeing the creature.
The sound of moving grass made her turn and the hedgehog run, ending in a thud from McTwisp who appeared before her.
"Well, if it isn't the wrong Alice." McTwisp said in an accusatory tone. "What brings you here?"
"I need to go help the Hatter and-
"You won't be any good the size of a gerbil."
She huffed indignantly at being interrupted. "Have you any of that cake that made me grow before?"
"Upelkuchen? Yes, I believe I have some left..." Ruffling through his pockets, he searched, prompted by her next words of: "I would appreciate it if you'd hurry." At which he handed her the cake into which she eagerly bit. She began to grow.
"Good, good... Wait, no! Stop! It's too much! Stop! Oh dear..." McTwist gasped, watching in horror, and if at all possible paling as Alice soon reached the height of seven feet, and became all too visible to the Queen and party, who stopped and stared.
"Page!" The Queen yelled, and the Rabbit quickly hopped back towards the monarch. "And what is this?"
"It's a who, you're Majesty. This is... Um..."
The Queen frowned at the Rabbit. "Um?"
Alice thinking fast, quickly cut in. "From Umbridge, your Majesty." The lies seemed to flow easily then, as she depicted herself as a victim to the cruel mockery that came with size, something she was becoming accustomed to. And her want- no, her need, for sanctuary in the merciful kingdom of the noble and great Iracbeth of Crims, whose companion for such misunderstood souls was known. The Queen's expression softened considerable throughout, almost moved, and seeming completely absorbed. Her quick words however cut the mood.
"Use the curtains if you must. Clothes, for this enormous girl."
The attendant's quickly set to work, some going back to the castle for materials, the first of which was a seamstress who came for her measurements, the second was waiting for a suitable dress to be made. All the while the female attendants asked her travel from Umbridge, to which she answered in the simplest but most amusing manner, in hushed, secretive tones, which she knew from experience was most appreciated amongst the fairer sex. After which the Queen invited Alice to play alongside her for a game, after which they would all go in.
Neither the courtiers nor Alice or the Queen noticed the lone figure who stood apart from all the rest, standing with the reigns of his horse in hand. He remained hidden deep within the shadows of the hedges, eye fixated entirely upon the woman before him as all events took place.
Stayne's face was thunderous, as his grip tightened, causing the reins to tear beneath his fist. And in that brief moment, for a mere breath, Alice's eye met his.
Thank you as always for reading! Please comment and review!
P.S. I don't think I described the earlier gown very well, uh but I was inspired by a picture I'll post the link of on my profile page (that is protocol isn't it?). Hope it becomes clearer then...