Alison and the rose became quick friends, Cheshire didn't like this at all. Alison discovered that the rose's name was Loretta and that she and the other flowers sang everyday almost all day.

"Wow, so you must have ridiculous singing skills." Alison said, amazed. Alison never sang once in her entire life so she understood that she probably didn't have a great singing voice. But Loretta's voice was gorgeous and it was soothing to listen to.

"Anyone can sing beautifully if they try their best." Loretta said. Alison smiled.

Alison had been carrying Loretta in the jar the whole time, letting the rose replenish her energy. Cheshire just leaded them through the forest, only growling when the topic went to him.

"So, Loretta," Alison said, dropping her voice to a low whisper. "What's with Cheshire? What's his story?"

"None of your goddamn business!" Cheshire snapped, obviously hearing them. Loretta looked at Alison and mouthed the words: Later, when he goes to sleep. Alison nodded, keeping silent for awhile.

Cheshire threw an arm out to stop Alison from walking any further. Alison was about to ask why he stopped but he shushed her as soon as she opened her mouth. Cheshire's dark ears perked forward, his eyes narrowed. A growl rose in his throat.

"C'mon, lets hide." he said, grabbing Alison by her waist. He led her behind the bushes and dragged her to the ground.

A woman with short brown hair and red eyes walked out from the dark trees and looked around. A red spade was on her cheek, like a birthmark, and a sword in her hand. She wore a red dress that reached only a little past her knees and red shoes.

Alison's eyes widened.

This woman, was the person that destroyed those beautiful flowers.

Spade.

Spade looked around, seeking them out like a wolf searching for prey. Her sword was clutched tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white. She raised her nose to the sky, as if smelling them out.

"Where are you?" she said, her voice firm. "Come out and face me!"

Alison pulled Cheshire's hand from her waist. "I'm gonna go out there." Alison said.

Cheshire grabbed her arm, his grip tight. "She will kill you Alice, just wait for her to leave and we'll form a plan." he said.

Alison narrowed her eyes at him. "My name is Alison, not Alice."

Alison didn't know why this really upset her, but it did. It annoyed her when someone saw her great-great-great grandmother instead of her. It was like she was a replacement.

Cheshire's eyes widened and he let her go, immediately hiding behind his long hair. He looked almost sad with the way his arm went limp to his side and his shoulders sagged.

Alison shook her head to clear her thoughts, deciding better than to ask the cranky Old Tom why he was this way.

She took a deep breath before stepping out from behind the bushes. Spade saw her and narrowed her eyes.

"Never seen you around before, why are you here?" Spade asked. Alison shrugged.

"Just having some fun I guess, painting some roses red."