Chapter Six: Forward Motion

The knight gazed up at the Clock Tower.

Is it a bit bigger than I remember?

The knight cocked his head to the side to study the tower.

No... it hadn't changed. The memory was just little fuzzy.

The knight rubbed his head. Why do I remember this place anyways? I've only been to Hearts like twice... Weird.

The knight sighed then shrugged.

No use worrying about that. Time to go see the clock-fixer person about staying at the tower until the Hatter guy returned.

"Hellooooo? Anyone home?" the knight called out.

No reply, not even an echo.

The knight frowned. I didn't want to intrude... but looks like I have no choice.

The knight started opening the doors of the tower.

Empty.

Empty...

Ah... once again empty.

Where in Hearts was this guy?! Did he actually exist?

*Cough, cough! HACK!*

Aha! The knight turned around quickly. That way.

The knight grabbed the knob and thrust the door open.

"Mr. Clock-fixer, I-"

"..."

Nightmare frowned at the knight as he curled the blankets tighter around him. "Do you mind? I'm trying to sleep here!"

The knight blushed in embarrassment as he stared at the cocooned Nightmare. "Er... sorry. Um... do you know where the clock-fixer guy is?"

Nightmare blinked. "You mean Julius?"

"Uh yeah."

Nightmare coughed before replying, "He's in his office."

"And that is?"

Nightmare growled in frustration. "Two doors down."

"Okay, thanks. And um hope you sleep well."

The knight quickly shut the door.

That was embarrassing! Well, at least he knew where the clock-fixer person was. What was his name again? Justin? Jude? No... Julius? Yeah, that was it! Julius.

The knight scratched his head thoughtfully. Now where had he heard that name before? Oh, no matter. He could think about that after he found the Julius person.

Two doors down, two doors down.

Aha! Here we are! the knight thought happily.

"Julius?"

"Oh, you're back already, Ace?" the clock-maker asked without looking up from his work.

"Er... I wouldn't say back."

Julius sighed and looked up. "What is that suppose-"

But he stopped mid-sentence once he saw the knight. "You..."

The knight cocked his head slightly. "Um have we met before?"

"Kineta?"

The knight blinked in confusion. "Pardon?"

Alice frowned as Spades dragged her behind him. Her new cuff jangled loudly.

"Where are we going?" she demanded.

"Castle," was his curt reply.

"Could we slow down a little?"

"No."

"Why?"

"Because Griff needs me! Stop asking questions!"

Alice rolled her eyes.

*Bang! Bang! Bang!*

Alice jumped in surprise and covered her ears. "Agh!"

Spades growled. "Great... they're having shooting practice again."

"Who is?"

"The guards. Now come on!" Spades started walking again.

"I'm coming!" Alice grumbled.

Wait. Alice blinked. Coming?

She glanced down at her wrist.

The cuff was broken!

She glanced at Spades. He hadn't noticed that she was free.

Who could have done this?

Alice shook her head. No time to wonder about that! She needed to get out of here before Spades came for her. After another glance at Spades, Alice darted into the brush and away from the castle of Spades.

Safe... for now, I guess. Alice thought as she ran through the woods. But the question is, where is the Country of Hearts?

The role-holders panted heavily and glanced at each other warily.

It seemed like hours ago when they had first started this fight and it seemed... as though Griffin was not going to give up attacking the citizens of Hearts.

"Give up yet, Hearts?" Griffin spat as he fluttered his wings to steady his shaking legs.

"Depends on if you've given up, yet," Ace retorted and swung his sword menacingly.

Blood winced slightly and adjusted his grip on his gun. "Just let us through. We just want Alice back."

"Like I said," Griff growled. "Alice doesn't belong to you! She goes where she pleases!"

"Spades isn't where she pleases!" Peter growled back. "Give me back my Alice!"

Griff plugged his ears mockingly. "Blah blah blah! Alice belongs to nobody! You guys got that? Unless Alice chooses one of you, which isn't likely, she belongs to no one in Wonderland."

Blood let his bullets fly at the gryphon. "You're one to talk!"

Griff dodged the bullets and flew up higher into the sky. "Am I now? I'm just stating facts." His eyes twinkled mischievously. "And perhaps the truth? That's what hurts doesn't it?"

Blood glared up at him.

"Now!"

Boris suddenly shot up into the air and tackled the unsuspecting Griff to the ground.

Griffin screeched in shock and pain as he clawed at the cat on his back. But Boris merely dug his claws deeper into Griff and held on tightly as they plummeted to the ground with a loud thud.

"Boris!"

Ace and Blood rushed to the cat's side.

"You okay?" they both questioned.

Boris laughed. "Never been better! Although..." He glanced at Griff. "I don't think I can say the same to him."

Blood held out his hand to help the cat onto his feet. "It doesn't matter. We're only here for Alice."

Ace pursed his lips slightly and looked back at the fallen gryphon.

Should he help him or continue on?

Ace gritted his teeth in frustration.

What would Alice do?

Blood frowned at the knight. "Aren't you coming? We don't have much time!"

"Hurry up, Ace!" Peter whined. "Alice is waiting for meeee!"

Ace sighed. "I'm going to stay here."

Blood blinked then coughed. "E-excuse me?!"

Ace pursed his lips. "I'm staying here... with Griffin."

"Are you outta your mind?!" Boris gasped.

Ace smiled slightly. "Maybe."

Blood grunted. "Just leave him... he can take care of himself."

Elliot shrugged at the cat and joined his boss.

Boris glanced back at Ace.

Maybe he should stay as well?

He swished his tail, trying to decide.

"Oh well... might as well keep the knight in check."

Boris plopped down beside Ace. "I'll stay too."

Ace grunted.

Elliot took another look behind him and raised an eyebrow.

Boris merely waved at the hare and made gestures signifying he was staying.

Elliot sighed. "I hope they know what they're doing..."

"Don't worry about them. If you're going to worry, worry about Alice."

"But boss..."

Blood shot his assistant a warning look. "We don't have time for this."

Elliot's ears drooped slightly. Blood was right. They didn't have time to just sit around. Alice needed them. After all, she was the prisoner of Spades. Of Spades! That knight was obviously more dangerous than the Hearts' Ace. Yes... he should be worrying about Alice.

Ow... ow. Ow!

Alice winced as she pulled out another thorn from her stockings. These woods were not like the ones in Hearts. There were too many thorns in this one.

She huffed in frustration. How was she supposed to escape from Spades if she kept having to pluck thorns out of her legs? That... and how was she supposed to find her way home?

Home?

Alice sighed. What was really home to her now? She hugged her knees and rested her chin on her knees.

Home... It seems like every time she tried moving forward toward home, she found herself back where she started.

Alice sighed again. "Nothing to do but wait for someone to rescue me, I guess... even if it is Spades. I just want to get out of here."

"Aliiiiiiice."

Alice sat up straight. "Nightmare?"

"Alice!"

Alice got on to her feet. "Nightmare? Is that you?"

The voice chuckled. "Alice."

Alice frowned. Maybe it wasn't Nightmare? Should she try find out or stay put?

She tugged at her loose stockings. Getting more thorns stuck in her legs didn't sound like fun. But... if that voice was someone who could help her, it would be worth it in the end.

But then again, she might just end up back where she started.

She slowly sat back down. "I wonder... I wonder if this is how Ace feels when he's lost. Always ending up exactly where he started every time he tries to move forward."

"I miss you... Ace."

Author's Note: A rather short chapter... I apologize. ^^;; I kinda got distracted with my other story Where Did You Go, Alice?. *dodges bricks and flames* Heh heh... But don't worry I'm back on track! I will have the next chapter up soon and it will be longer. :D Aaaand this chapter title was inspired by the song "Forward Motion" by Relient K. I think that's all... any questions? Just review or pm me! ^^

Author's Response to Reviews:

SamShamrocks-Yay! An update! ;u;" I really really reeeeeally like Griffin *u* He seems awesome! And I like your version of the Country of Spades. Seems legitamate, enough, aha! Pluuuuuuus, ya gots another Ace! And he's from Diamond! O: Ooooh snapplepie! X3 So so so, are ya gunna add an Ace from Clover/Club too? And a queen/prime/other folk? O3o" This story is just awesome, because the characters are just like the characters! For once, you actually made Alice like Alice! Not some crybaby, weak-girl, who's annoying, like most fanfics I read and and and Ace (I LOVE ACE. ._.) Is just fgyhujikl- along with the others as well, so kudos to you fer keeping as character! ;U; Sorry, I just really like this story... a lot... hope ya update soon, deary!- Sam

Aw thanks! I'm glad you liked Griff! I was kinda afraid people wouldn't like him. ^^;; And thanks again! :D I was also worried people wouldn't like my Country of Spades! You really got that off my chest! Thanks! Yup... I gots another Ace heh heh. X3 Weeeell I can't give to much away about the Ace of Clover/Club buuuut he will make an appearance. ;) I don't know how much of the other peoples from the other Countries I'll show. I just know (at the moment) that the Queens from Spades and Diamonds will pop up occasionally. And thanks again! I always want to keep characters in character as much as possible. (It's a pet peeve of mine when characters are totally not what they are suppose to be. TToTT such a pity...) Ah yes, I know what you mean about Alice! It's kinda hard to find ones that have Alice as well Alice. XD I have found several though. *thinks* I should have some of them favorited if you're interested. Yes! I love Ace too! He's the reason I even wrote this story haha. Well that and Blood... but more Ace than Blood.w And thanks soo much! I really appreciate your review. And naw you're fine, I hope you liked this update! Cheerio!

KawaiiChocolatierChan (aka StorybookPrincess)-*Faints from shock and from the cliffhanger*

ooo not good... I'm sorry! I hope this update wasn't as shocking! Please keep reading! :D

MedleyofOddity (aka Koneko-meko)-I just realized i keep reading this but haven't reviewed yet (forgive your silly friend) Griffin-like, from the book? *sees authors note and feels happy* and i luffs him don't kill yourself trying to update ;; -Your weird friend]

Aw hello there! I don't mind though. I'm just glad you've read it, my friend! *huggles* Aand thanksies. I luffs Griffin too! Gonna have to draw him sometime. If I do, I'll upload it onto my deviantart account. ^w^