13. Sweet Lolita
Alice was not awaken by the bright sunshine of Cloverland, nor the kindness of birds chirping in the spring air. Instead, rain crashed against the tent roof and thunder rumbled in the distance. The foreigner sat up groggily, one hand pressed against her forehead while her body threatened to toss her back into the sleeping bag.
"Joker…" she mumbled, slowly taking in the world around her. She was no longer in the peace of the dream world. She was now inconvenienced by the clashing of the storm outside of Ace's tent. Speaking of which, as she looked around, more aware now, she noticed the knight had gone missing. Where could he have gone?
Her eyes fell onto the redhead digging through his duffle now, nearly fully dressed. He looked clean, as if he hadn't at all tossed his clothes in the storm last night. Alice was somewhat envious, imaging how she would have to go searching for hers outside later on. Joker didn't seem to notice her as he tucked the sleeping bag back inside it's original cover, barely fitting in with the rest of his carry-on items.
"Joker." Alice spoke clearly, watching him. The night before came back to her; Nightmare, their conversation, the interruption of a jester. An aura of anger and confusion waved off of her.
"Oh, you're awake." It was White who spoke, his head turning to show off one of his audience-pleasing smiles. "I was about to get you up. We'll be leaving soon."
"What was that about?" Alice demanded, throwing her pillow at him. The jester stared at her in shock, catching the flimsy fabric.
"Huh?"
"With Nightmare! Why did you wake me up? What are you hiding?" the brunette accused quickly, fed up. Joker stared at her blankly.
"What are you talking about?"
"Nightmare said I still have the key. What's going on, White?" The foreigner was on her knees now, her hands balled into tight fists at her sides. She glared harshly, her pent up frustration finally released.
White spoke slowly, his movements exaggeratedly calm and sluggish. "I don't know what you're talking about, Alice. Are you feeling alright? Do you need more sleep? You don't seem well. I'm concerned."
"What?" The brunette stopped, falling back onto her calves. Her face fell, teal eyes watching him warily.
"That's alright. We don't have to leave right away." White moved over towards the outsider, gently pushing her back down onto the synthetic fibers of her makeshift bed. "Get some more rest. We still have some time before we need to leave. Take care of yourself." He felt her forehead carefully, watching her face. "You aren't running a fever…"
"No." Alice brushed his hands away, sitting upright. "I'm fine. I just… Nightmare…"
"Did you see him? Has he found the key yet?" There was strain to White's voice. He must have been eager to end this as the rest of the roleholders were.
"...No. He hasn't." Alice looked down at her folded hands in her lap. Guilt and confusion washed over her, and the young lady frowned; troubled. She didn't understand. Nightmare had been trying to mention her having the key already. Obviously she didn't have it. Black would have said something. White… She couldn't help but feel suspicion regarding the jester.
White clicked his tongue. "Unfortunate. I suppose that's a dead end, then. We'll visit the Amusement Park next."
"I don't think that's necessarily a dead end." Alice spoke up quickly, her messy locks falling out in all sorts of places as her head lifted hurriedly. "They might know something still."
"If the Lord of Clover Tower knows nothing, it's unlikely the others will." White dismissed.
"But it could still-"
"They would have told the caterpillar if they'd known." White objected. "Or they would seek you out personally, wouldn't they?" He paused, waiting for an argument to rise.
"...I guess you're right." she agreed quietly. This took the jester aback, but he did not argue further.
"We should probably be leaving now. Your dress…" He glanced at the thin tent flap with a frown. "I wouldn't doubt it got washed away. No matter." He smiled, gently waving his hand over the foreigner. The young woman blinked, looking down at her attire. Everything was very slick and suited for the rain. Black and wine adorned her body, checkered patterns reaching up her arms and legs, while her squeaky boots shined dimly. She tucked her hair under a waterproof hat, avoiding as much of the oncoming pour as she could. White grinned, pleased with his choice. She then noticed he had changed himself into a matching outfit. "It suits you."
Alice looked down, a light blush brushing her cheeks. "Thank you."
"Let's go then. Grab your bag." White instructed, already crawling out into the rain. The foreigner nodded, following him quickly behind. It was terrible to see how harsh this rain had become. She could barely make out the trees a few feet away from her. She wondered how on earth they would ever make it to the Amusement Park in these conditions.
"Where's Ace?" she called over the storm, noticing the lack of a directionally-challenged knight.
"Who knows." White remarked, uninterested. "Let's get going."
As they started forward, something hard came in contact with the outsider, and she found herself nearly facedown in the mud. Standing up, she felt two hands squeezing her arms, and the glint of a blade nearly missed her.
"Ace! Pierce! What are you doing?!" the outsider cried, protecting the sobbing mouse from a fatal blow to the head. The young man clung to her, his red hair soaked along with his heavy clothes. He sneezed profoundly away from her, shivering in the cold.
"Haha! About time you woke up, Alice!" Ace yelled in a sing-song voice, laughing as he thrusted his sword up against his shoulder. "Come on, mousey, don't use her as a shield. That's cheating."
"D-D-D-D-DON'T HURT ME!" Pierce squeaked, falling into another sneezing fit between his sobs.
"Oh, Pierce!" Alice hugged him protectively, petting his hair. "You're soaked! We need to get you dry before you get sick." He sniffled, rubbing his eyes. "Or give you some medicine." She corrected herself, knowing full well the boy was probably infested with germs. "Ace, stop bullying him."
"I'm not bullying. We're just playing a friendly game. Right mouse?" The malevolent glint in the knight's eyes contradicted his words entirely. Pierce cowered behind the young woman. Alice sighed.
"We're taking you back to the Amusement Park." Alice promised, brushing his hair lightly. "You're going to put on pajamas and curl up in blankets and have a nice bowl of soup." The mouse's face lit up a little.
"You're no fun." Ace pouted.
"Don't you have a job to do, knight?" Joker spoke up. Alice had nearly forgotten he was there. "I'm sure your duty isn't camping in the middle of the forest."
His crimson eyes narrowed, but a smile never left the knave. "I guess you're right. But don't you have a circus to run?"
"Some matters are more important than others. Don't break the rules now." Though he spoke kindly, there was a dark, threatening undertone to White's voice. Alice stared at him uncomfortably, still holding Pierce in her arms.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Ace replied.
A long silence followed the two. Finally, Joker spun on his heel, walking in the opposite direction. "Alright. Enough wasting time here. Time to leave."
"Er, right." Alice nodded, taking Pierce's hand and leading him forward. Ace smirked, watching the trio disappear into the storm.
"A-A-A-Achoo!"
Pierce sneezed loudly into his fluffy tissues, the pile in his small trash can growing a little too high. His green eye continued to glance away awkwardly from Joker, whom stood in the corner of the room with a watchful gaze. There was a smile to his face, but it didn't match his eyes. While Alice might have asked the meaning behind it, Pierce was too frightened, and instead returned his attention to his blankets on his lap.
"Did the medicine help at all?" the foreigner asked from the doorway, a tray of hot tea and soup in her hands. The mouse looked up quickly, shrinking back into his bed.
"A-A little." he mumbled, clutching onto the sleeves of his pajamas tightly. They were large on his petite frame, meant for a man.
"Here. Now be careful." Alice warned, setting the tray carefully on his lap. "It's really hot. Don't try to eat it until it's-"
Too late.
Pierce let out a loud, girlish squeak, nearly knocking the tray over as he reached to cover his mouth. Tears brimmed at his eyes in pain as he muffled something about the heat of its contents.
"She warned you." Joker spoke up from the corner. "You ought to listen to the young lady."
"Careful." Alice warned, dabbing a cloth over the spilled contents on the tray. She already assumed this would happen and was well prepared beforehand.
"S-Sorry." Pierce mumbled, blowing on his next spoonful.
"Laaaame~!" a whine came from the hall outside. "What's the use of his body if I can't show it off with all the rain, eh~?"
"Is that all you care about?" A familiar, annoyed voice replied.
"Don't be a prick. When do you get a body in life like this?"
"I plead the fifth."
"Now now," Another voice spoke up, footsteps becoming clearer. "This isn't about bodies. Think about what this rain is doing to my Amusement Park! I haven't had a single customer in days!"
"Hmm~ What's that smell?" A bob of pink hair popped up in the doorway, golden eyes widening as the cat realized who was visiting them. "Ah, Alice!"
"Alice?" Julius and Gowland peeked around the doorway, stepping in when they acknowledged the foreign guest.
"Ah! What brings you here, little lady?" Gowland said happily, greeting the girl with a hug.
"Back off, old woman." Boris slid slyly between the two, pulling Alice in a tighter hug. White tensed up. "She doesn't want to catch your old germs."
"Please. You two are ridiculous." Julius sighed, shaking his head. Long blue locks flowed gracefully side by side. Alice couldn't help but admire his beauty even as a woman.
The small sneeze on the bed answered their question. Boris glared at the mouse, entirely unamused by his presence. "Oi, mousey. What are you doing with Alice?"
"He was sick, Boris." The brunette said gently, removing his arms from around her. Joker relaxed, leaning back against the wall. "He was stuck in the rain, so I brought him home and took care of him."
"Hey, that's not fair. I want to be taken care of, too." the cat objected. He glanced at the window. "I'll be right back-"
"No you won't." Alice deadpanned, grabbing his collar. "If that's the case I'll have Gowland take care of you."
"Ew. So mean, Alice." Boris whined, pouting. Alice blushed, looking away. She couldn't admit that Boris's cute act looked even more adorable and heart-string pulling as a girl.
"Have any of you seen a key around here?" Joker finally asked, bringing the real question to order. The roleholders stared at him, finally becoming aware of his presence.
"No. I aint seen anything in this rain." Gowland said with the shake of a head. Boris shook his head in agreement.
"I haven't been able to sneak into the castle in this." he said miserably. Alice thought that was for the best, but kept it to herself.
"Actually…" Julius tightened his hair back, straightening himself up. All attention was drawn to the undertaker at once. "Nightmare mentioned something about a key this morning. I would have come looking for you, but that's rather impossible in his weather. You might want to check with him."
"I told you." Alice quickly remarked to Joker, her arms folded determinedly across her chest. The jester sighed, pressing a hand to his forehead.
"So you did." White grabbed his duffle from the chair, swinging it over his small shoulder. It looked large compared to his feminine bodice. "Lead us there then, Monrey."
"Gladly." the mortician said, shooting a quick glare toward Gowland and Boris before exiting the room curtly.
"So why were you at the Amusement Park, Julius?" Alice called over the howling wind, barely able to push against its strength. The tower was incredibly close- just few yards more. She was all too eager to gain entrance to its warmth. "You don't usually visit Gowland."
"The fairy dragged me along." Julius replied loudly over the storm, referring to the duke's former state at Halloween. "Gowland wanted me to test his new ride."
"In the middle of the storm?"
Julius's face turned a pale shade of green. "It was inspired by the storm." That was about as much information as Alice needed to understand.
"I'm sorry." She hung her head, understanding his pain.
"I assume you were looking for the key there." he said, pulling the entrance doors with all of his strength. Alice and Joker scurried inside, the mortician following quickly. Alice nodded.
"No luck." she sulked, hunching over in misery.
"Where did you have it last?" he inquired.
"On my night stand." Alice fretted. "But I looked everywhere in my room for it and it was gone! I even flipped the mattress over and moved my furniture all over the place! I couldn't find it anywhere!"
Julius sighed in frustration. "Nightmare better be of help. I'm becoming rather… used to this body. I don't like it." Joker chuckled.
"Has the knight been using that to his advantage?"
The blunette's face turned a deep shade of red. Joker took that as a yes.
"Alice!"
The call of her name followed by a loud coughing fit gave way to their host. Nightmare stumbled down the stairs haggardly, one hand clutching a bloody handkerchief to his mouth while the other gripped on the banister for support. He stopped midway on the stairs, seeming he would topple off of his heels and down onto the solid floor below.
"Nightmare!" Alice was no less than shocked by his appearance. He wasn't joking when he'd mentioned Gray got ahold of him. He wore a very frilly, knee-length dress decorated in shades of purples and yellows and whites. A petticoat puffed out the skirt, and small bows sat in a line up his chest. His sleeves were longer than his arms, and he wore polka-dot stockings and his shoes were clunky, white, and had just about the tallest heels Alice had ever seen. Bows littered his long, messy hair, and.. was that makeup?
"Save yourselves!" the incubus yelled heroically, collapsing onto the stairs. Alice hurried upstairs to assist the man, while Julius disappeared entirely, knowing precisely what his warning meant.
"Nightmare?!" Alice helped him sit up, running her hand along his back gently as he coughed again into his handkerchief. Joker burst into laughter at the bottom of the stairs.
"Oh, caterpillar… You look like a five-year-old threw you up. Are those glitter stickers on your face?" the jester snickered into his hand, unable to contain his amusement. The incubus glared.
"Shut up! I didn't-" His face fell paler than usual as the loud clicking of heels upstairs caught his attention. "No! He's coming! Hide me!" Nightmare ducked under Alice's skirt. The girl yelped, her face bright red as she attempted to shove him out.
"Don't hide there!" She scolded.
"Lord Nightmare?" a timid voice asked above. The foreigner and roleholders looked up towards Gray, neither sure what to make of his attire.
The lizard sported bright shades of yellows and whites and pinks all slapped into a candy-coated decorated dress. Bits of a white petticoat peeked out beneath the bright yellow skirt, and several tacky candy-inspired jewelry littered his neck, fingers, wrists, hair, and even patterned on his dress. Bows and buttons and frills and lace were splattered all over his attire. The only somewhat normal appearance of him was the white stockings. Even his light yellow shoes were clunky and tacky.
"S-Sweet Lolita." Alice choked out, her eye twitching at the over abundance of "cute" used on the two former men.
"Oh… my." Joker had no other words. He was nearly as speechless as the foreigner.
A soft mewl was heard from the assassin's arms. Nightmare Jr. popped its little furry head up. Much to Nightmare's dismay, the white kitten was covered in glittered stickers and leftover ribbons and bows.
"N-Nightmare Jr!" Nightmare cried at out in horror at the sight of his companion. The kitten dove in a screech from Gray's arms, rushing to graciously cuddle up next to its owner.
"U-Um… Gray…" Alice wasn't sure how to phrase words properly. She viewed the man over uncomfortable. "You look so…"
"Terrible." Black Joker said flat out from the mask. Alice glared at the amulet.
"Alice…" Golden eyes lit up at the sight of the foreigner and Gray rushed down quickly. His face was entirely serious, but a light pink blush tainted his cheeks. "You look adorable."
"T-Thank you." the outsider said uncomfortably.
"Can I give you a makeover?" he asked eagerly.
"Um… I think I'll pass. Maybe later." the brunette declined softly. "Actually, I had to talk to Nightmare…" She glanced at Joker, Gray's saddened expression too much for her. "But I'm sure Joker would love a makeover!"
"What?!" She could hear the jester and prison guard cry out in unison. Alice smiled at the duo, quickly grabbing the dream demon's hand. "Alice, wait-!"
Joker tried to make a move towards the foreigner, desperate to prevent her from conversing with the dream demon privately, but Gray stood before him, an excited gleam in his eye. Joker paled, and Alice happily escaped.
Nightmare sighed in relief once the door was closed, plopping down onto his bed. He waved a hand over himself, changing into his regular suit comfortably. "Those shoes… They hurt so badly…" He sat up, rubbing his aching toes. His eye met the foreigner's as she sat down next to him. "But that's not why you came here."
Alice shook her head. "You were cut off last night."
"Joker woke you up." the incubus's eyebrows knitted together.
I knew it. She thought. "Yeah."
"Alice…" Nightmare sighed, turning to give some attention to his pleading kitten. The white furball curled up on his lap, purring happily as he removed the junk Gray had stuck onto him. "You already have the key."
"You told me that." Alice pointed out. "Can you please explain?"
"Alice, you've had the key all along. I thought you knew that." Nightmare nuzzled his kitten, trying to detangle his hair from the cat's claws. "Joker has had it all this time."
"Why would he keep that a secret from me?" The foreigner frowned, looking down at her lap. She hadn't known the Jokers as long as everyone else in Wonderland, true, but in the time she had known them, she'd come to think of them as her friends. She'd even begun to fall in love with them. Why would they betray her trust now?
"You're in love with Joker." Nightmare spoke aloud, reading her thoughts. Alice's face blushed a deep red. She opened her mouth to object, but the incubus smiled softly, patting her hand. "I can read your mind. I've known it's there. It's fine." He sighed, looking away. "Joker is a dangerous man. I'd wish your heart had chosen wiser. I guess there's no helping it."
"Do you know how he feels about me?" Alice mumbled, hiding her blush behind her thick tresses.
"Yes."
"Are you going to tell me?"
"No." Alice pouted. Nightmare laughed, poking her cheek. "You're so cute."
"Shut up." She pouted.
"I would tell you, but I think it's better you hear it from him yourself." Nightmare explained softly, his smile gentle. "There's something about hearing it from the one you love that makes it more worthwhile, don't you think?"
Alice recalled her ex. Her feelings towards the idea of waiting weren't exactly pleasant. "I guess."
"That wasn't love." Nightmare said abruptly. "If it was love, you would still be together. Have you ever felt the way about him that you do with Joker?" Alice shook her head without a second thought. "Then there's your answer."
The brunette blushed, twiddling her fingers. "Thank you." She looked up. "So where's the key?"
"That I don't know." Nightmare frowned, his lips pressed in a firm line. "He's been very careful with his thoughts around me." He sighed in frustration, glaring at the door. "I can't imagine what the bastard's hiding. He better have a good reason."
Alice stood up, staring at the door. She was sure now. She had to confront him. She had to know what White wanted once and for all. "I hope so."
Longer chapter than usual. ^^; I don't think the last chapter will be super long, so I hope this pleases you all for now! Thank you again for reading, and I look forward to finishing this series soon! Expect a few of Joker x Alice shorts after I finish the series entirely. I just love my Joker x Alice 3 Later everyone! :)