Methods of Amusement

~Chapter Two~

Tick Tock Around The Clock

"Stupid hole, stupid rabbit, stupid, stupid brown-haired guy!"

Grumbling to myself, I continue along the path I found a while back, all the while keeping an eye out for that guy from before; the one with the sword.

"Where the hell am I?" I ask myself grumpily, gazing around. You know what I really crave right now? A coffee. Maybe even a Mocha.

Some time ago the lighting change just like that, and when I looked up I saw it was morning. Which, of course, is impossible seeing as when I first got here it was clearly midday. For a while I stood there, struggling immensely to come to terms and understand just what happened, when I shook my head and simply accepted the fact that I am losing my mind. I'm not too sure how I feel about the fact that I have been taking things like random time of day changes and little boys wielding massive battleaxes into stride without so much as a second thought, in the case of those twins, but I eventually decided that it will probably be less stressful for me if I just roll with it.

Which leads to where I am now, pondering my sanity as I stomp through the forest on a path that has yet to lead me to anywhere at all. I swear, if I come up to a fork in the road I'm going to scream. Scream a scream that would put my step-mother to shame.

The road seems to stretch on for miles, and for someone like me who is basically operating on what feels like three hours sleep and has no patience, the experience is traumatizing and so utterly boring that I could just die right here and now.

… Not that that was an invitation, or anything. Whatever deity is listening, that wasn't tempting fate and I don't want to die.

With a huff I speed up my gait, wanting to get to wherever this path leads as fast as possible lest I encounter any more insane residents of this strange place.

But to my utter relief my eyes spy a break in the trees a little further up. I could just cry I'm so overjoyed. I have to contain myself and force my legs not to begin skipping my butt over there. Finally I reach it, just as my legs begin to shake. Right in front of me is a massive stone tower that looms high into the air, with several stories and windows placed around the outside. It's easily about four or five levels high. This place seems peaceful, and to my surprise that's just what I'm craving right now.

Peace.

And lack of critically insane people.

I take one more minute to look at the tower before coming to a decision to knock and enter. With any luck, this tower will hopefully house some sane people. With that hopeful optimism in mind I make my way to the wooden front door. My hand hesitates in the air a moment before rapping on the door loudly. Several seconds pass with no sounds of life whatsoever, so I try again, calling out as well this time.

"HEY! Anyone home~?! Hello~?!"

I wait a while, and to my joy I hear angry footsteps coming from behind the door. It is jerked open and I am met by the sight of a grumpy-looking guy with long, rich navy blue hair and deep blue eyes.

"What do you want?" he quips somewhat harshly, levelling me with a glare that no doubt sends fear into the hearts of others.

I, however, am used to grumpy people like this and don't let it bother me. Instead, I flash him a big grin.

"Several things, but mostly an explanation. And some coffee. Please tell me you have coffee in this place." I say, begging slightly at the end because the prospect of no coffee is almost too much for me to bear.

The guy looks a little confused but still pretty pissed. "An explanation?" he questions, giving me this grumpy look. "For what? You better not be asking me for directions."

I let a sheepish laugh tumble from my lips as I rub the back of my neck. "Pshh, ask you for directions? No way!"

I was totally going to ask him for directions. How did he know?

The guy has this sour expression on his face, clearly thinking this was a waste of time or something, and moves like he is about to shut the door.

"Aha ha—wait!" I exclaim, eyes wide, gripping the edge of the door so he can't shut it. "Look, I don't even know how I got here. I fell down this hole and landed in some clearing and then this rabbit guy with white hair popped up and forced this weird liquid down my throat, that damn pervert—"

"You fell down a hole?" the guy asks, this look of distant recognition present on his face. "And a 'rabbit guy with white hair' made you drink some strange liquid?"

I nod rigorously, happy to get through to him. "Yup, that's right!"

"Was this liquid by any chance in a vial with a heart stopper?" he asks with a sigh, like he already knows what the answer is going to be and doesn't like it.

"Yeah, yeah it was!" I say, eyes lighting up in realization. How did he know that?! This guy must be psychic or something.

I'm kidding; he doesn't look enough like a hippy to be psychic. Not that all psychics look like hippies. Just that most of them do. Actually, I don't think 'hippy' is the right word to describe it. Maybe… 'gypsy'? Yeah, let's go with that.

This guy looks very much like he wants to facepalm, and hard. "That bloody rabbit." he mutters to himself before returning his sapphire gaze to me. "Come inside, and I will explain as much as I can."

He steps aside, allowing me room to enter, and I oblige.

O

"So… I have to participate in this… 'game'… and in order to win I must meet as many people as I can?"

The man nods, looking glad I grasped the concept so quickly.

"And you've explained all the territories and such, but you didn't say who you are and what your role is." I say, grinning at my not-so-subtle hinting as I take a sip of the coffee that this guy was so nice as to gift me with.

"I am Julius Monrey, master of this Clock Tower." he introduces, looking slightly exasperated. I ignore it and flash him a charming grin.

"Okay, I know you said that the more people I meet the more liquid will accumulate in that vial, and once it's full I can go home, but there's one teensy little complication."

Julius looks wary. "What might that be?" he asks, looking very much like he really doesn't want to know the answer.

I give a nervous, sheepish chuckle. "Well… I may or may not have the vial. You see, it all happened so fast—"

"You don't have the vial?!" Julius exclaims in shock, eyes wide in a way that clearly says he thought I would at least be intelligent enough to grab the vial.

In my defence, I'm not exactly accustomed to being assaulted by a rabbit-man. That kind of thing doesn't allow for much thought on other things.

"Well, no, but—" I start, but I am cut off by Julius' loud, grief-stricken groan. "Hey, don't judge me. I don't exactly fall down a hole every day to be assaulted by a rabbit."

Julius takes a deep breath before returning his gaze to my face once more. He decides to completely (somewhat) change the subject. "Since you're a foreigner, you're going to have to be especially careful in this world. If you die, you die. For good."

I give another somewhat nervous chuckle. "Aha, yeah, speaking of which, I suppose two axe-wielding twin boys is a normal occurrence in this world?"

Julius' eyes widen once more. "You ran into the Bloody Twins and you're still here?!"

"I take it I was right in assuming they're dangerous, then." I say mostly to myself. Julius is still shocked.

"What did you do that stopped them from killing you?" he asks incredulously.

I grin. "They saw me yanking on the rabbit's ears as payback after tackling him to the ground and they said I did a good job. I complemented their weapons, and narrowly avoided their invitation to go 'play' with them by saying that if they could catch me the next time I saw them then I would."

Julius shakes his head, giving me this weary but somewhat proud look. "Quick thinking. No doubt they've taken a liking to you now."

I simply shrug, voicing the thought that's been on my mind the past few minutes as we sat in Julius' lounge room drinking coffee. "Would I be right in assuming that everyone else is as dangerous as them in this world?"

The clockmaker nods. "I believe the correct word is 'trigger-happy'." he says, almost rolling his eyes at the methods of the occupants of his own world.

I absorb the information better than a sponge, trying to learn as much as I can because I simply hate not knowing vital things or things that will affect me.

"Regarding the vial that has been, ahem, misplaced, no doubt it will turn up sooner or later. It is simply a quality of the vial and the game. You'll probably find it somewhere around here when you're not even thinking about it." Julius says, looking and sounding sure of himself.

I nod, accepting that little nugget. My thoughts take a sudden turn for the more violent. "Say… Julius… who exactly is that stupid rabbit that made me drink that liquid?"

"That potion's called the Potion of Hearts." he replies, like he can't help himself in informing me on that. "And that rabbit is Peter White, the Prime Minister at the Castle of Hearts I mentioned earlier."

"Peter White, huh?" I'll kill him. I'll bloody kill him. I really hope the Castle of Hearts doesn't need a Prime Minister that much because I'm going to kill him.

Almost as if he can sense my murderous thoughts, Julius smiles this pathetic excuse of a smile. Honestly, it's like he's forgotten exactly how to do it. "And from what you said before, that brown-haired man you ran into was Ace, the Knave of Hearts. He is severely directionally challenged."

I nod, taking it all into stride. I gathered as much. He seemed like he was lost, despite what he said about knowing where he was.

"So that's why he appeared to the side of the path, rather than on it." I mutter to myself. I gaze at Julius. "Is there some Hotel or some place I can stay while I'm here?"

He sighs. "No, I am afraid there isn't really. Unless you're willing to venture out in search for one. I suppose you could stay here at the Clock Tower a while. That's what the last foreigner, Alice Liddell, did before she went to the Hatters Mansion."

I sense the slight pain and longing in him when he mentions this Alice. I can only imagine why that is. I ponder on Julius' offer, trying to think of any other options I may have.

"Are you sure about me staying here?" I ask him, trying to analyse his expression. "I don't want to be a bother."

"No," he sighs. "It should be perfectly fine. Just don't make too much noise or anything like that."

I nod, determined to keep to his terms. "Anything else? I'd be happy to help out if you need anything. It wouldn't be fair for me to stay here completely for free."

Julius simply shrugged. "There's nothing else, really. Tomorrow I must go to town to get some parts, you can come along too if you wish. It would be a good opportunity to meet new people."

I nod, giving him a winning smile. "Thank you very much. I really appreciate you doing this for me."

Julius huffs, the slightest trace of a blush on his cheeks as he sets his mug on the coffee table awkwardly, looking as though he isn't sure how to handle that particular comment. This gives me a sort of twisted satisfaction, as usually it's me who blushes and isn't sure how to proceed.

"It's no problem." He mutters, rising up from his spot on the couch opposite the one I'm seated on and gathering all the mugs.

This could turn out to be interesting, but I can't help but feel as though there's something I'm forgetting.

O

After coming to the conclusion that I was too tired to continue conversation, Julius practically sent me to bed. The whole night was spent tossing and turning, but I eventually fell asleep. When I awoke, it took me a while to remember exactly where I was, but once I did I got up immediately. Mostly because I was craving a coffee but also because I didn't want to fall asleep again and be left behind by Julius.

So that leaves me where I am now, making two coffees because it would be rather rude of me to only make myself one considering this isn't even my house, or in this case, my tower. It doesn't take me long, and soon I am walking down the hallway towards where Julius said his workroom is, hoping he's in there and I don't have to wait for him to wake up.

Sure enough, the clockmaker is seated at his desk busying himself with a clock, fiddling with its insides with a delicate tool.

"Hey. Morning, Julius." I say, clearly just despite the fact that it is dusk outside. Stupid random time changes.

Julius looks up, clearly surprised to see me up. His eyes lock onto the two coffee mugs I am holding and he shoots me this look as I place his on his desk.

"Is it good?" he asks before even thinking to touch it.

I huff, only slightly offended. "It's been put through numerous experiments and rigorous testing in order to come out good enough for the mighty Julius. I stayed up into the early hours of the morning labouring away to ensure its perfection. Only the best can be presented to you, oh master of the Clock Tower." I manage to say with a straight face.

I bow, rising back up with a cheeky grin to show him I wasn't serious just in case he thought I was. Julius simply rolls his eyes before picking up the mug and taking a sip. He sits, pondering the taste a while like some bloody coffee critique before nodding his approval. "Not bad." He says, resuming his work on the tiny clock.

I smile a smug, satisfactory smile. Ha HA! Victory is mine.

"I'll be leaving in a little while." Julius says, still hunched over the clock. "You know where the bathroom is if you want to freshen up."

"I'm choosing to believe that there wasn't a subtle insult in that!" I say in a sing-song voice as I take my coffee with me up a level to where Julius showed me the bathroom was. I can basically see him rolling his eyes.

I do freshen up, washing my face and re-plaiting my dyed purple hair so that it isn't so scraggly and bed-head-like. I straighten my clothes, glad that no major harm came to them in my numerous close calls yesterday. Especially the striped stockings. I think I'd scream if they got ripped, despite the fact that it often happens to me. I am kind of known for ripping stockings accidentally. Among other things.

At that thought, I am reminded of something I had in my pocket before I fell down the hole. My hand flies to feel my pocket and an odd sense of relief washes over me when I feel the familiar shape of my iPod. Miraculously enough, it hasn't fallen out or anything yet. I cuddle my baby before putting it back into my pocket. I'm slightly concerned about Julius seeing it, considering he is someone who likes to tinker with things like clocks. No doubt the little rectangle of technology would fascinate him and I'm not planning on giving away my iPod as a test subject anytime soon.

Having finished pimping myself up, I leave the bathroom and attempt to swagger my way back to Julius. I hope he realises I'm intending to latch onto him and simply attach myself to him for quite a while. Or, at least until I'm comfortable by myself in this world.

I think it could be fun to follow him around like a lost puppy for a while. I mean, some people have funny reactions when they get annoyed.

"Oh, you're ready! Let's go~!" I cheer, running out the door ahead of Julius. I can almost feel him rolling his eyes.

"Don't lose me." he says as we near a town. "I'm not overly excited at the prospect of having to look for you like a lost child."

I scoff, having too much fun peering around and observing the town and its inhabitants to be downed by his doom and gloom nature.

"Puh-lease~ Julius! Have some faith in me, I am not that directionally challenged." I say, linking his arm with mine. He flinches and I shoot him a mischievous grin. "Besides, there is no way in hell I am willing to get lost in a world like this."

He nods in understanding, and I continue peering around at the town's liveliness. "Say, Julius?" I ask idly, having noticed a recurring trait among the people here. "Why don't the people have eyes? Or even faces?"

"They aren't Role Holders." he says simply. "Look at it this way; they're like extras on the set and the Role Holders are the main actors. Role Holders have faces, the Faceless don't."

"So that's what they're called." I hum, taking the information in. So basically he's saying that these people don't matter as much as the Role Holders, that they're more like extras; like supporting cast. That's... interesting.

"After this I'll take you to one of the other territories." he says after a while as we head into a particular shop. I instantly pick up on what he really means. "I'll take you" really translates to "I'll drop you off".

I suppose I'm okay with that. I do acknowledge that I'm going to have to stop relying entirely on Julius at some point. Might as well start early, right?

Julius had shaken my arm off as soon as we entered the shop, believing that it is pretty much impossible to get lost in a shop. I wouldn't be so quick to assume that, it's happened to me a number of times—and I have a good sense of direction.

Once Julius has gathered his parts we exit the shop and I don't bother linking arms with him again. To my surprise we got a fair few looks and stares when I did it before, and I really don't want to embarrass or inconvenience Julius in any way seeing as he's been kind—or as kind as he gets—to me so far. I suppose Julius mustn't go around town with an arm linked with a girl very often, as the vibe I got from the people staring was one of surprise and incredulity.

We continued wondering around as Julius gathered all the things he deemed necessary. He lost sight of me a couple of times, and after the fourth time I'm pretty sure he was considering getting one of those animal backpacks for children that have a leash for the parent to hold onto from behind attached to it that I've seen both in my world and this one. He can't deny it, I saw him eyeing one thoughtfully as we passed the shop. I have absolutely no doubt that he was tempted to get it.

This leaves us where we are now. About three time periods have passed so far, and leaving out the incidences where I lost sight of Julius it's been a pretty successful trip. He introduced me to a few people he was acquainted with, so I am pleased he's helping me.

Julius in general doesn't seem like much of one for mindless conversation and chit chat, but I basically made him talk to me to quell my boredom. Out of consideration for him I tried to make the subjects interesting, and he didn't seem to mind that much. Then again, he seems like one of those people who internalises their emotions, so I could be annoying the hell out of him and I wouldn't even know.

We finish up pretty quickly, and I can't help but ask as we exit the town at the opposite side we came in. "Oooh~ Julius where are we going now?"

"You'll see." is all he says, leaving me to ponder on which one we're going to. It's eating me alive and the desire to know grows stronger and stronger with each step I take. I finally relent and ask again. He simply gives the same reply each time I question him.

"Can't you just—"

"No."

"Aw poop, Julius." I huff, crossing my arms playfully. "I just wanna know where we're going."

"I told you before; you'll see." He rolls his eyes, but I can see the hint of a smile on his lips.

"Meanie." I huff childishly, before deciding to pester the clockmaker to make up for not knowing.

He seems relieve after about the fourth time I ask him a question, and I look ahead to see a break in the trees. My excitement grows.

"Yes! Finally!" I cheer excitedly, only just holding myself back from running on ahead.

Julius stops me just before we exit the forest. "Now—wait, I still don't even know your name."

"Aha, it's Shiki." I grin at the clockmaker.

"Right." he takes it in stride. "Now, Shiki, you mustn't go around parading the fact that you're a foreigner. Try and let as few people know as possible if you can help it, excluding the Role Holders of course, because they might kill you if you don't tell them."

I nod to show him I understand. "I got it!"

He gives me a tiny, tiny excuse of a smile before continuing on down the path. As we exit the tree line my eyes lock onto the sight in front of me and I just about burst from excitement. The Amusement Park! YES!

We reach the front gate—faster than normal thanks to my tugging Julius along and nagging him to go faster—and Julius flashes a card at the faceless situated there, allowing both of us to pass inside. I just about explode from happiness and excitement. I absolutely love rollercoasters and just about everything at theme parks and amusement parks. They are my most favourite places in the whole entire world.

I think Julius can sense the pure joy basically radiating from me as he lets another tiny smile slip whilst he rolls his eyes. I feel nothing but pure amazement and wonder as I gaze around the massive establishment. This place has everything from an arcade to a water park. I struggle to contain myself enough to not drool at the sheer awesomeness of this place.

Oh my glob all the rides! All the games! All the stands! I am almost overwhelmed, but Julius brings me back to Earth as he clasps my wrist and tugs me through the crowds. His hand engulfs my wrist, making it seem tiny in his grip. He seems to know where he's going so I let him lead me and gaze around in awe and elation. My eyes lock onto a particularly high and thrilling rollercoaster not too far from here. I want to ride it so badly, but no! I mustn't run off, Julius might, no, will get mad.

"Oh my absolute deity! Holy Schneizel! Hakuna Matata! Holy eloping Drarry! Julius, this place rules!" I exclaim, barely contain my excitement as I practically bounce along behind him.

Julius chuckles lightly. "Glad you think so."

We finally come to a stop in front of a man with his back to us. He has on a yellow suit, and his dark maroon hair is cut short with a braid at the back. He's talking loudly to a group of people, sounding very much like he's trying to sell something.

"Ah, Gowland!" Julius calls out to him. The man spins around, a huge grin on his face.

"Julius! I never thought I'd see you out of your tower! What brings you to the amusement park, my friend?" he says, letting loose a joyous, raucous laugh.

I note idly that he has a face, and come to the conclusion that he must be a Role Holder.

"Yes, well I'm not staying. This is Shiki. Goodbye!" Julius disappears after what has to be the lamest excuse of an introduction I have ever been witness to. Honestly, that sucked bananas.

So here is chapter two. I tried really rrreeeeeeaaallllyyyyy hard not to rush how things are happening, like I deliberated for ages on how to word certain things to make it seem like things weren't proceeding abnormally fast. So yesh! I really want to thank the two people who reviewed the first chapter, Sleeping-Moon and Shadow-Fox-2013. I love you, I hope our future together never comes to an end. ON THIS NOTE I feel I should mention that Sleeping-Moon has a fantastic story of her own called Carrot Cake which, as you can most likely guess, pairs her character Erin with Elliot. It's BLOODY GOOD. So read it.

Can I please get at least 5 reviews for the next chapter? I want to know what youthink of the story so far and if you have any outstanding opinions or ideas. So help me help you. I love you.