A/N: Aha! A new chapter! Oh yeah a few important notes at the end of the chapter ^^
Time Lady Fighter: Awww thank you so much! :D
Sleeping Moon: Hehehe, thank you!
I own nothing except the plot and the OCs~
Mission 9
Joker
"But I don't want to!"
"Lord Nightmare, you must! These documents are to be read and signed by you!"
"No!"
Julius irritably fixed a clock in his hands as he listens to Nightmare's constant whines and Gray's famous scolds. As usual, Nightmare refused to do his work. There wasn't anything new in that. But what irritates the Mortician was because the Caterpillar was whining in his room. Nightmare could've at least take his whines to another room. His whiny voice was starting to get on Julius' nerves.
A visible vein popped on Julius' forehead as the whines increased. He set the screwdriver down, closing his eyes as an annoyed sigh escaped his lips. If Alice was here she could make Nightmare stop and ushered him out of his room. He leaned back against his chair, his arms crossed against his chest. His midnight blue eyes glanced over to his empty coffee mug.
'I need more coffee…' he thought, rubbing his temples.
"But I don't—!" Nightmare's voice died down, making both Julius and Gray stare at him confusedly. He was as loud as a child a second ago, but now he was all silent. A smirk slowly curled up to his lips as he turned his head to look at the door. "Looks like we have visitors." He announced, fixing his posture.
"Visitors?" Gray echoed, glancing over to the door. The ex-assassin glared at his superior, crossing his arms over his chest as a smile appeared. "Lord Nightmare, this isn't one of your attempts to skip work now, is it?" he accused, the aura around him not supporting his smile.
"It's not!" Nightmare childishly denied. Before he even knew it, he was literally dragged out of Julius' room. "Gray—!"
"That's not the first time I've heard that excuse, Lord Nightmare." Gray interjected, dragging Nightmare by the scruff of his shirt.
"But it's someone we haven't seen in a while!" Nightmare shouted as the door closes behind him.
Julius raised an eyebrow. 'Someone we haven't seen in a while?' he echoed in his mind, pondering. He stared at the door, waiting for the visitors to come in. 'Someone I haven't seen in a while… It couldn't be Alice or Ace… So who?' His lips was set in a frown as he couldn't think of someone.
"Are you sure you don't need any help?"
"Nope! Perfectly fine."
"Geez… What are you made of? Girls aren't supposed to carry that much, let alone carry anything heavy. It's a man's job to carry a woman's belongings."
The door creaked open and a familiar pink cat was seen holding the door for a young servant. "Sadly, these aren't mine. So screw that rule." The servant retorted, walking inside of Julius' room with a handful of boxes. His light blue eyes brightened when they landed on Julius. "Julius! It's been a while! Did you miss me?" he eagerly asked, striding closer to the stoic man.
Julius took a step back. "Who are you?" He sternly questioned, glaring down at the rather short male.
The boy laughed, placing all of the boxes on the floor. "Did I really changed that much? Well, it's me! The totally awesome and mighty, Hikari at your service!" he exclaimed proudly, giving a bow.
Boris snorted as he placed the boxes down as well. "Pffft! I'm not so sure about your title, Hi-ka-ri." He teased, wrapping his boa around Hikari's neck. A loud sneeze escaped Hikari's lips and a laugh from Boris'. "See what I mean?" he grinned from ear to ear.
Hikari removed the boa from around her neck, an annoyed look on her face. "That's because you ruined it by using your fur! That was my only moment to be cool!" she complained, turning around to face Boris with a pout.
The Mortician merely stared at Hikari's back as it was turned on him. Her brown hair was shorter, styled in a tousled look with a small top hat on top of her head. Her face was somehow different. The last time he saw her, she was a little messy, but now she was dressed sophisticatedly as a man. From the start, her face was rather boyish, so it wasn't a surprise for Julius that one day the girl would dress up as a boy.
Nightmare burst through the door, surprising the two Role-Holders and the foreigner inside of Julius' room. "Welcome back, Hikari!" He greeted happily, embracing the girl tightly.
Hikari sweat-dropped, "Are you just using me to avoid work?" she asked bluntly. Nightmare's grip around her tighten a little as his whole body visibly cringe. The color on his face drains as he trembled with fear in his eye. "I thought so."
Nightmare kneels down to the floor, wrapping his arms around Hikari's waist as he wailed like a child. "B-But Gray i-is making me work! H-He told me to look over two mountains of paperwork!" he told, whining.
The brunette cringed. She wasn't the one who likes working behind a desk or anything that involves cleaning. Back home, she was just like Nightmare. She would always try to find a way to skip work and be lazy all day. Starting from faking a flu to a last-minute made-up disease. Not matter what disease she told her friends, they won't believe her. Then again, she wasn't good at lying at all.
"You have to help me! Hide me from Gray!" Nightmare cried, clinging onto Hikari as if she would disappear.
Hikari tried pushing him away. "Get off! It's obvious that Gray will look here first!" she yelled.
Boris' ears perked up at Hikari's tone. He got down to his knees, pawing on the brunette's coat.
"What is it Boris?!" Hikari asked or yelled, turning her head to face the cat pawing on her coat. She was too preoccupied with getting Nightmare off of her, she didn't even realize that she yelled at Boris. Her blue eyes widened for a second, finally realizing her mistake. She moved her hand from Nightmare to pat Boris' head, scratching him behind his left ear. "Ah! I'm sorry Boris. I didn't mean to yell at you." She apologetically said, sheepishly smiling at the cat.
Boris purred in contentment, leaning into Hikari's touch. "Mrawww… It's alright." He gave his famous grin. "Please scold me again~" he requested, joining Nightmare as he hugged Hikari by her waist.
Hikari's left eye twitched. "Hah?" she responded, staring weirdly at the fuchsia-haired man. He was purring and nuzzling his face on her waist, making the girl shudder at his touch. She placed her hands on top of Boris' and Nightmare's head, trying to push both huggy men off of her. Their grip only tightens when she tried to push them off. She sharply turned her head to Julius for help. "Aren't you going to help me?!"
Julius simply stared at her before turning around, walking back to sit behind his desk.
"Are you just going to abandon me?!" Hikari screamed, staring at the Clockmaker in disbelief. "Traitor!" she faked her tears.
The long-haired man sighed, closing his eyes. "I have no business dealing with the Cheshire Cat and the Caterpillar. That is your job and the Lizard's." he stoically replied, pushing his glasses back to the bridge of his nose.
'He's just like Riku!' Hikari thought, glaring at the man. "Get off already! Before I punch you two in the face!" she looked down to glare at Boris and Nightmare. They both glanced up to look at Hikari with teary eyes—well to be precise, eye, since they both had one eye covered. She flinched at the sight of two fully grown men tearing up because of her words.
"Are you really going to hit a sickly man like me, Hikari?"
"Mraaaawww! You're so mean! I'm just a helpless little cat!"
Hikari covered her eyes, throwing her head back. "GAAAH! It's the magic of guilt!" she screamed to the ceiling.
"Lord Nightmare—!" Gray paused when he opened the door. He stood by the doorframe, taking everything in. The foreigner was covering her eyes as she looked up to the ceiling as his master and the Cheshire Cat were hugging her waist. On the other hand, Julius was ignoring the ruckus. The Lizard raised an eyebrow. "Did I perhaps miss something important?" he asked, blinking twice.
Julius exhaled a heavy sigh before standing up. He walked around his desk, raising his fist. He lightly knock his fist on top of Hikari's head, snapping her from her silly act. "Stop acting like a complete idiot and be quiet." He scolded, earning an 'ow' from the brunette.
"I thought it wasn't your job to keep us quiet." Hikari pouted. She rubbed the spot where Julius had knocked her while giving him the stink eye.
"It's not my job to keep them both quiet, but it's my job to keep you quiet." Julius retorted, crossing his arms over his chest with a heavy sigh. He remembered the things Alice told him. Hikari was like another Ace—only smaller, lazier and more mischievous. She sometime likes to pull harmless pranks on Alice and a few others during her stay. He remembered eight time changes ago, she actually pull a prank on him. So when he sat down on his chair and took his screwdriver from his desk, imagine his surprise when he found that his tools has googly eyes. He immediately blame the keyblade wielder because who else would pull a prank on him? Alice? Never. Everyone else? They didn't even dare to do so. But despite these traits, she's actually very gentle and generous. "Now state your business. Why are you here?" he asked, trying to sound nice.
Hikari 'boo'ed, puffing her cheeks out. "Boo~! You're so cold Julius. Can't I just visit my favorite role-holder?" she grinned cheekily. She flinched when Julius glared at her as Gray dragged Nightmare away. "Er… visit the role-holders then?" she corrected, laughing nervously under Julius' cold stare.
Boris pouted, his ears dropped down as his tail flicked around. "No fair, Hikari! Are you saying that I'm not your favorite? Do you hate me?" he said sadly, a frown on his lips.
"I didn't say that." Hikari said, blinking confusedly at Boris. Who said that she hates him? It was the opposite. She view him as a friend, along with everyone else, especially Alice. She was special. She was her first friend in this Wonderland. Alice was kind, a real sweetheart, although she sometimes can act tough and pack quite a punch. Almost like Kairi. The keyblade wielder shook her head, shaking the thoughts away. There she is again, comparing everyone to her friends at Radiant Garden. "Uh… how about some tea? I did promise you milk tea, Boris." She clapped her hands, a smile on her face as she tried brightening the mood.
Boris lighten up, giving a kitty smile. "Mraww yes please!"
"Ah, let me assist you." Gray offered, jogging to the brunette's side.
Nightmare trembled when he heard Gray was offering his help. Gray wasn't a good cook—scratch that, he's the worst cook Wonderland has to offer! And after looking into Hikari's memories, he was reluctant to accept her cooking too. May it be instant or not, she would always add things she wasn't supposed to. So now, Gray's cooking skills plus Hikari's? Not a good combination!
"Something wrong, Nightmare?" Boris asked as he patiently sat on the sofa.
The silver-haired man sighed. "Truth be told… I'm not that eager to drink their tea." He shuddered, hugging himself.
Boris tilted his head. "But the twins said that Hikari made the best tea for Alice." He said, tapping his chin.
"This is the twins we're talking about." Nightmare leaned back, slouching on the couch.
"Ah… You're right."
"We're back!" Hikari exclaimed loudly, opening the door with a tray in her other hand. Gray followed her, a tray also in his hands. They both couldn't decide which tea would serve better, so Hikari suggested brewing two different teas. She poured tea into Nightmare and Boris' cup. "For Nightmare and Boris, Assam tea! Since it's best with milk and you both like milk." She grinned.
Julius raised an eyebrow when a tea cup was placed in front of him. "And for Julius, Chamomile tea with honey!" she cheerfully said. The Clockmaker stared at the hot cup of tea placed in front of him. Hikari laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck. "I know you like coffee more than tea, but at least try it? Alice told me that you like to stay up late and work. So uh… I thought chamomile tea will help you sleep better and since time randomly changes here, I served it now." She explained, giving a genuine smile.
The stoic man let out a sigh. He gingerly took the cup's handle, bringing the cup closer to his lips. He blew the steaming hot tea and took a small sip. It was not bad. He placed the cup back down on the saucer. "35 points." He scored, leaving the tea to cool off as he went back to work.
"Hah?" Hikari blinked at the sudden score.
Nightmare chuckled. "He scored your tea. That's what he normally do. You're lucky you got that high. Julius doesn't really like tea." He answered, taking a sip of his milk tea.
"Oooh…" Hikari's mouth was shaped in a large 'O'. She sat down on the sofa beside a satisfied Boris. She took a cup of her own. "Then I'm glad, but next time I'll make it to a thousand points!" she exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Such scoring exist?" Boris purred, flicking his tail.
Hikari grinned smugly. "Of course it does!"
"No it doesn't." Julius piped in from where he sat.
"Geez… way to break my spirits." Hikari sighed.
Gray smiled a little. "How are you doing with the Hatters, Hikari? I heard rumors from town that the Hatter has a new 'handsome' butler." He emphasized and took a sip from his tea. "I believe this 'handsome butler' is none other than you." He chuckled.
"Words travel fast... Well yeah, I'm this new 'handsome butler'." Hikari used air quotes, moving two fingers of each hand to draw invincible quotation marks. She sweat-dropped. "Perhaps Blood might over-exaggerate about Griffin."
"Griffin?"
"Griffin Hawkeye, the Gryphon, at your service." Hikari lowered her voice to 'Griffin'. She gave the best charming smile she could faked.
Boris laughed. "Could've fooled me!" he commented and a grin made its way up to his lips. He hugged Hikari's arm, making her look down at him questioningly. "Hey, hey! When are we going to visit the Amusement Park? I wanna show you a new game the Old Man had put in the arcade!" he tugged on the girl's arm.
"After I buy more teas and then drop them at the Mansion. Then I'll have two free time periods to enjoy!" Hikari cheerfully exclaimed.
"Three? One time period is enough to collect those teas." Julius said, turning to look at the keyblade wielder.
"I know right? I think he thinks I'm stupid enough to follow the places on the list, but I'm smarter than I look!" Hikari puffed her chest out, a smug look on her face. She stopped when none of the role-holders speak up to agree. She glanced at them, blinking in disbelief. "Are you… doubting my genius big brain?!" she shouted.
"I doubt there's even a brain." Julius stated.
"Ouch! That hurts right here. Your words stabbed me like a knife, Julius." Hikari faked a hurtful look, tapping her index finger on the spot where her heart is. She grinned soon after. She knew that Julius didn't really meant to insult her. Sora, Riku and many others did that all the time. She simply waved it off as sarcasm. "Well whatever, we should get going if we want to play at the Amusement Park." She went over to Julius' desk, kneeling down to take the tea boxes as Boris did the same.
"Leaving so soon?" Nightmare crossed his legs, staring at the brunette and Boris heading to the door.
"Uh-huh! I promised Boris that I would head to the Amusement Park." Hikari replied, smiling. "I'll be sure to come back as soon as I can." She said before the door behind them closed.
Gray sighed, turning his head to Julius. "Honestly Clockmaker, you're being too cold on her." He said, flashing a glare. "You're a lucky one that she's not the type to hold a grudge."
Julius ignored the glare. "Other than speaking to me, you should keep an eye on your master." he retorted, not moving his eyes to look at the Lizard. The topaz-eyed man quickly turn his attention to the dream demon, dragging him back to his office. The Clockmaker sighed, leaning back against his chair. He stood up and walked to the window, staring out the window. His keen midnight blue eyes spotted Boris and Hikari walking out of the tower, chatting as if they were old friends.
He stepped back from the window to look at the cup of tea on his desk. He picked it up, drinking the cold herbal tea. A small smile curled up to his lips at the sweet taste of honey. 'Perhaps I am a bit too cold on her…' he thought.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Did you get everything on the list?" Boris asked, peaking over Hikari's shoulder to look at the contents on the paper.
Hikari nodded her head, "Looks like it." She said, tucking the paper back into her pocket. She shifted the boxes and bags to a better position, grunting in respond. "Let's hurry it up before the day turns dark!" she cheered. She really wanted to see this new game at the arcade.
"That's the spirit!" Boris grinned.
They both quicken their pace, jogging to reach the Mansion. It didn't take long to reach the gates. The twins were as usual missing from their post. Instead, a very angry looking Elliot replaced their spot. His eyebrows were furrowed down as his lips twitched up in a scowl. A few faceless butlers and maids stood by his side, helping him guard the gates.
Boris flinched. "Geez, talk about angry." He sweat-dropped at Elliot's deadly expression.
"Yeah… Never seen Elliot this angry before." Hikari nodded in agreement. They walked closer, their shoes made clopping noises against the cobblestoned path. The brunette's blue eyes widened when dozens of guns were pointing directly at her and Boris. She took a step back as Boris withdrew his gun, pointing it back at the March Hare. His eye became sharp like a real feline, a smirk playing on his lips. Hikari stepped right in front of Boris, preventing him from pulling the trigger. "Ahaha…Chill Elliot! It's only me and Boris! No need to go gun blazing on us." She laughed nervously.
Elliot lowered his gun, a surprised look on his face. "Hikari? You're back already?" he asked, bewildered. He raised his hand, ordering the faceless to lower their weapon. "I didn't expect you to return this early… It's not even one time period. You're fast! Blood will be delighted to see you back this early!" he grinned happily, a hand on his hip.
"Yeah… I'm sure he would." Hikari said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. "Could you help me out? Me and Boris are going to the Amusement Park. Please don't tell Blood that I'm already back." She pleaded, giving the hare a hopeful look.
Elliot tilted his head. "Huh? Why would you tell me to do that? Blood will be happy to find you finishing the job early!" he exclaimed, placing his hands on the brunette's shoulders.
"That's the whole point. She finished her job in one time period and then she can have fun without worry about her job." Boris explained.
Hikari happily nodded her head like a child. "Uh-huh! And then after that, I can visit the Circus to see White!" She planned.
Boris raised an eyebrow. "Only one Joker? What about the other?" he asked.
Hikari puffed out her cheeks. "Black's a big meanie. I rather visit White than that stupid Warden. At least White's really nice." She huffed out.
Elliot's grip on her shoulder tightened. "You're…going to visit the Jokers?" he hissed out with pure hatred.
The keyblade wielder blinked at the sudden change. "Uh…yeah? It's been awhile and it won't be fair if I just visit everywhere except the Circus." She said. She stared at Elliot. "Is there something wrong, Elliot?" she asked, concern in her voice.
Elliot shook his head, a fake smile on his lips. "Ah… no, it's nothing." He said reassuringly. He snapped his fingers and a few faceless servants took the tea boxes and shopping bags off of Boris' and Hikari's arms. His light purple eyes narrowed as his hand loosen the pressure. "I…don't think you should visit the Jokers, Hikari… they're not exactly friendly. Not just the Warden, but the Jester as well." He warned.
Hikari laughed. "What are you talking about Elliot? They're fine! They're fine! I see no harm in visiting. But if you're that worried, I'll be careful around them, okay?" she simply ignored Elliot's warning, dismissing it as a joke. She stood on her toes to pat Elliot's head, a grin on her face. "I can take care of myself! Besides, I have a few tricks up my sleeve." She reassured, giving a wink.
"Alright. Be careful." Elliot sighed.
"I will. See you soon Elliot!" Hikari waved goodbye as she and Boris walked away. As soon they were in a distance, Hikari leaned closer to Boris. "What was that about? I bring up the Circus as he started acting all weird." She asked, crossing her hands behind her head.
Boris blinked. "Julius didn't tell you about Elliot?" He asked and Hikari shook her head. Why kind of secret would Julius tell her about Elliot? She even doubt that Julius and Elliot were close. "Elliot is a rule breaker. He broke one of the rules and Julius put him in jail…well that is until Blood broke him out." he whispered.
"What? So that's why he's all angry… But that doesn't explain why he doesn't want me to visit the Circus. White seems nice to me." Hikari tilted her head, looking up to the cloudless sky.
"Look beneath the mask. There's more than meets the eye with those Jokers." Boris quoted, tapping Hikari's forehead. The brunette began to think hard. There's nothing wrong with the Jokers—well maybe Black, but White's not. "Don't think too hard! You'll get wrinkles faster." He laughed.
Hikari stuck her tongue out.
"Hey look! We're already at the Amusement Park! Let's get in!" The pink cat took her wrist, dragging her inside the entrance. Hikari stumbled, but managed to keep her balance. They ran towards the arcade, not wasting a single second to stop. It wasn't as crowded as usual. It was rather quiet—minus the music from the game consoles. "Wait here while I go get the tokens!"
The brunette placed her hands on her knees for support. Boris was fast! She glanced around the arcade. It's been awhile since she visited the arcade. Since it was always work, she rarely has time to play a single game. Her light blue eyes scanned the place, looking at the game consoles. It brought back memories, both good and bad.
"-ri. Hikari?" She snapped out of her thoughts when a hand was waved right in front of her eyes. She shook her head and blinked when she was a pink blur right in front of her eyes. Boris stared at her, a curious look on his face. He blinked at her before a grin made its way up to his lips. "What's with that look? Are you thinking of something?" he cheekily asked.
Hikari grinned, an arm wrapped around Boris' shoulder. "Nope! Nothing! Now let's play! I'm dying to know what game you want me to play." She said happily, a goofy look on her face.
"Good to know!" Boris said, tossing Hikari a plastic blue gun. "We're playing this!" he exclaimed, pointing his finger to a shooting game.
Hikari stared in awe. It was almost like Hero's Duty, except the plastic gun wasn't as heavy as the ones in Hero's Duty arcade machine. Boris inserted the tokens, pressing the start button and the screen goes to play the story.
"…your mission is to eliminate the mafia before they destroy the town. I wish you good luck!"
The brunette sweat dropped as they began to play. She kept shooting, staring at the characters with a look. The enemies almost looked like the servants from the Hatter Mansion. The difference were the colors and a few other details. "Why do I feel like this is based off of Gowland and Blood's fight?" she asked out loud.
Boris laughed. "That's because it is! Isn't it great?" he asked, glancing over to look at how the brunette was doing. "Hey! You're pretty good at this! Keep shooting. We might make it to the highest level." He encouraged.
Hikari nervously laughed. 'It almost feels like I'm shooting myself…' she thought, her left eye twitching when they've reached the boss' level. It was a Blood-look-alike holding an Alice-look-alike in captive. The brunette almost burst out laughing when the villain was acting flamboyant than the original. She had to admit. Even Gowland's arcade games were interesting. 'This is actually pretty fun…where else can I hit Blood?' she snickered to herself.
Game Over
You win!
"I never knew you're good with games like this." Boris mussed, looking at the scores. He placed his hand on his hip as he shifted his weight on one leg. "I wonder how you'll do with the real deal?" he smirked.
"Actually, I'm more of a close range." Hikari grinned, opening and closing her right fist.
Boris blinked in surprise. "What are you before you go here? Some kind of knight or something?" he asked, his ears perked up in curiosity.
Hikari averted her eyes, a nervous look on her face. "Sort of… I guess you could call me something like a knight." She answered. A keyblade wielder is sort of like a knight. They protect the weak and the light. Just like what a knight would do. Basically the only difference were the weapon they use. A keyblade wielder uses a giant key called the keyblade while a knight uses a sword.
"That's kind of cool! No wonder you and Ace get along pretty well." Boris smiled. He dragged her to another game, inserting the tokens. "I wish we could get along too."
"Aren't we? I mean we are playing together." Hikari commented, pushing the buttons to attack Boris' character. "We won't be playing together if we're not friends." She turned her head to smile at the cat sitting beside her.
A dust of pink was seen across Boris' cheeks. He pounced on the brunette, laying his head on her chest.
"Boris!" Hikari yelped as they both fell from the chair.
"Mrawwww! You're so nice to me~!"
Hikari pushed Boris off of her. "Yeah, yeah. Now get off! Too huggy!"
She stopped when she went face to face with a rifle's muzzle.
"I knew it! I knew I smell a Hatter in my Park!" The Amusement Park's owner bellowed as he aimed his rifle at Hikari's head. "What do you want, you no good Hatter servant!" he yelled, demanding for an answer.
"Go-Gowland! Chill out will ya?! It's me! IT'S ME!" Hikari screamed, taking the wig off and placed her hands above her head in surrender. Gowland was almost as scary as Cid with his stupid flamethrower! She remembered the last time she made Cid mad. Let's just say everything in the garden was burned to crisps, including the fountain. It took her a long time to repair and replace everything. If Cid was that scary, she doesn't want to find out how scary Gowland is. "Has everyone already forgotten about the new foreigner already?!" she added.
Gowland's eyes widened as he lowered his rifle. "Hikari! Sweet pea! I'm sorry! I didn't know. You look so much like that damn Hatter I didn't even know it was you." He apologized sincerely, sheepishly scratching the back of his neck.
"As expected of the Old Man." Boris frowned.
Hikari let out the breath she has been holding. "It's fine Gowland… I'm just glad you didn't go berserk on me." She said, giving a small smile. She placed her wig back on, fixing her bangs.
"Not that I'm not happy to see you here, but why are you here anyway? Did that damn Hatter told you to do his dirty work?! And what's with the wig? You look more boyish than usual!" The bespectacled man commented, looking up and down the brunette's attire.
"I…work for the Hatters for the time being." Hikari sighed out, slumping.
Gowland took a step back. "Y-You work for the Hatters now?!" he said in completely shock.
"As if!" Hikari disagreed, crossing her arms. "I would never work for that guy willingly!" she huffed and puffed her cheeks out.
The brown-haired man sighed in relief. "What a relief… We don't need another foreigner falling head over heels for that man… Everyone needs some loving here." He grinned, ruffling Hikari's hair.
"Me? Fall for him? Get real! He's not my type! I will never fall for a guy who wears a bow tie bigger than his own head!" Hikari grinned, moving her hand to the right size of Blood's tie and then moving it to her head. Boris snickered as Gowland laughed uproariously, placing his rifle on his shoulder. "Ah… I hope neither Blood nor Laura heard that…" she sheepishly said, rubbing the back of her head.
The Duke smiled, patting the girl's head. "No worries! It's safe with me!" He said as he leaned closer to her ear. "So, anything you learn from the Hatter?" he asked in a whisper, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"I want in too!" Boris appeared between the two, eager to hear.
Hikari thought back. She did learn a few things. One thing Blood can't stand was Elliot's carrot cakes. Perhaps the Mad Hatter didn't like eating carrots. The brunette grinned mischievously. Just maybe, she could blackmail him with carrots. The grin faltered to a small frown. If she tell Gowland, then Blood would most likely kill her. She paled at the thought of the mafia boss pointing his machine gun at her head.
"Not that I know of, no." Hikari whispered back, her eyes darting around to find any spy.
"That's too bad… I was kind of hoping you know something juicy." Gowland sighed, scratching the back of his head. He leaded the two out of the arcade. The Duke stood in front of a stand. "How about I treat you two some ice cream? As a sorry for disturbing you two and for almost killing you, Hikari." He offered, a broad smile on his features.
The brunet handed Boris and Hikari each a cone of ice cream. Boris happily licked his ice cream, tasting the sweetness of the flavor. He tilted his head when Hikari only stare at her ice cream. "What's the matter? You don't like vanilla and chocolate?" he asked.
"Ice cream…" Hikari said with sparkling eyes. She ignored Boris and took a bite. It was sweet. Not like the usual ice cream she had. Sea Salt ice cream was sweet, but salty at the same time. "I love ice cream…" she grinned.
Gowland laughed, ruffling Hikari's hair. "Looks like we got ourselves another sweet-tooth!" he said as Hikari kept eating her ice cream. He smiled. The foreigner was enjoying herself. He was happy that he could make her smile. That was his job as the Amusement Park's owner. "Ah… You got a little something over here." He took out a napkin, wiping the ice cream away. "Honestly, you eat ice cream like a five year old! So messy!" he added.
Boris snickered. "Like an Old Man named Mary with his granddaughter." He said behind his hand.
A visible vein popped on Gowland's forehead. His violin was turned back into a rifle as he turned to Boris with a deadly aura around him. "What did you say?" he hissed out through gritted teeth.
"Errr nothing!" Boris said quickly.
Hikari snickered. The bright sunlight was suddenly replaced with the orange rays of the sunset. She glanced up to the sky. The time has shifted to the evening. The lights inside the amusement park began to light up, decorating everything in different colors of light. The evening was her favorite time of the day. She would watch the sun sets down from a high tower as it gives its last ray of light for the day.
"Ah! I almost forgot!" Hikari exclaimed in surprised. "I better get going if I want to make a quick visit to the Circus." She said, quickly finishing her ice cream.
Gowland's eyes widened. "You…want to visit the Jokers?" he asked, shocked.
"Only White." Hikari corrected. "Can't hurt to give a quick visit." She said with a bright smile.
The Duke placed his hands on Hikari's shoulders. "Listen, they're not exactly all that nice… Why don't you stay here instead? It's almost dark." He said worriedly.
Hikari removed Gowland's hands from her shoulder. "Now you're acting like Elliot! There's nothing wrong with White! Well, maybe something's wrong with Black, but White's good! If you're that worried like Elliot, I'll just say 'hi' and go. How's that?" she suggested.
Gowland scratched the back of his head. "Alright… if that's what you want." He said in defeat. "We'll escort you to the exit then." He offered with a strained smile.
Boris gave a tight hug, "Don't be a stranger~! Visit us soon!" he chirped happily.
Hikari returned the hug. "I will~!" she gave Gowland a hug as well. She waved her hand goodbye. "I'll see you guys later."
The worried look never faltered from Gowland's face. "She's too trusting… I'm actually worried because of that." He admitted.
Boris' eyes narrowed. "Relax, Old Man! She's a knight in shining armor." He said, a smirk on his lips.
"Knight or not. It still worries me. I'm just glad that it's not April Season yet…" Gowland sighed, scratching the back of his head.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Now which way was the Circus again?" Hikari thought, tapping her chin. She wasn't that fond to the roads in Wonderland yet. She tends to forget her way once in a while. She hung her head down, realizing that she was lost in the forest full of doors. "Oh great… I'm directionally challenged like Ace!" she face-palmed, running her hand down her face.
"Maybe if I go back and ask for directions…" Hikari turned around on her heels, doubting her decisions. She have a few choices. Go back to the Hatter Mansion or the other territories. She ratter go to the others knowing what stupid jobs Blood has for her when she got back. The Heart Castle was too far. So it was either the Clover Tower or the Amusement Park. "Alright then! Amusement Park it is!" she gently placed her right fist on her opened left palm.
"…great, I'm talking to myself…" She sighed, rubbing her temples. 'I should really hurry it up… who knows what time change it'll be next… it could be night.' She thought, continuing in her mind instead of speaking it out loud.
"Three…"
Hikari stopped as she heard rustling from behind her. She looked over her shoulder before shrugging. It was probably a squirrel or a deer. She continued her way back to the Amusement Park with her hands inside her pants' pockets.
"Two…"
This time, the brunette stopped. She heard something. A countdown to be exact. It was faint, but she could hear it clearly now. Even through the wind and the rustling sounds. She decided to just go with it until the countdown strikes zero and her attacker comes out. She continued to walk, trying her best to ignore her soon-to-be attacker.
"One!"
A set of throwing knives was thrown at her way. She jumped out of the way, dodge rolling to safety. She skidded to a stop, staring at the knives stuck on the ground. She glared at the bushes as she stood up to her full height.
"Come out. I know you're there." Hikari ordered in Griffin's voice. It would be weird if she's dressed as a young man who has the voice of a girl. From what she read, Griffin was an overbearing and dismissive character. He was bold and didn't take kindly to those who threaten him. In this case, 'Griffin' is loyal to Blood, but act dismissive to anyone except Blood and Alice. She can work with that. "Come out before I come over there and get you to come out by myself. Which is your choice?" she asked coldly.
"Awww he figured us out!" A childish voice whined.
"I know! But I guess it's time to confront him face to face! He is in Joker's territory!" Another child's voice said.
Hikari blinked. "Eh?" she stared as two small figures came out of the bush. Two jester kids to be exact, one boy and one girl. 'So the kids were the one trying to kill me… What did White teach them?!' she gave a look, staring at the kids weirdly.
The girl turned to face her, her eyebrows furrowed down with a hand on her small hip. "Hey, mister! What are you doing in Joker's territory?" she shouted. She sounded angry for some reason.
"Yeah! Didn't you know that no trespassers are allowed in Joker's forest?" The boy agreed.
'Sassy kids… what did White teach them anyway?' Hikari sweat-dropped, staring down at the jester kids.
The girl suddenly gasped. "Hey look! It's one of the Hatters!" she exclaimed, pointing her finger.
"You're right! And he has eyes too!" The boy nodded after looking at Hikari's uniform carefully. "What role are you? Did someone die?" he innocently asked.
Hikari cleared her throat. "Errr no. No one died. I am the one who they call the Gryphon. My name is Griffin Hawkeye." She introduced, still staring at the kids.
"Liar!" Both jester kids shouted in unison.
'Li-Liar?! They don't believe me? Well they shouldn't…but still!' Hikari stared at the children in disbelief. Kids their age should've believed everything what everyone tells them…right? Unless White specifically told them to never believe a person with eyes.
"No one has ever taken the Gryphon's role for a long time! You're a liar!" The boy shouted.
The brunette sighed. "Believe it or not… that Role has been given to me." She tried to convince. 'Dunno why I'm still trying to convince these kids to believe me.' She thought as the kids continue to glare.
"Liar! Liar! Liar!" They cried, sticking their tongue out.
"Argh! Okay! Okay! You caught me!" Hikari shouted irritably, putting her hands up in surrender. She took off her wig and coughed, losing Griffin's voice. "Geez… Did White tell you to be so stubborn? You kids didn't even believe me for a second!" she sighed in defeat.
The look on the jester kids' brighten when they saw the foreigner. "EH?! It's Big Sis~!" they happily sang, taking Hikari's hands. "No way! Is Big Sister a role-holder?!" the girl said in surprise.
"Nope! I'm just acting like one. Let's just say I met Laura in an unpleasant way when I was as Hikari… she treated me nicely when I'm Griffin though." Hikari answered, scratching the back of her head. She placed her wig back on, a small smile on her face. "You two won't tell her now, will you?" she asked.
"Is that why Big Sis is dressed like the Hatter's servant?" The boy asked. Hikari shook her head. The boy tilted his head. "Ehh? Then why?"
Hikari motioned her hand for the two kids to come closer. She covered their ears with her hands, cupping her mouth as she leaned down. "I owe the big bad Hatter 500.000 G." she whispered.
"EEEHHH?!" both exclaimed in surprise.
The girl turned to the boy, an excited look on her face. "Let's take Big Sis to Joker! He'll know what to do!"
"Yeah! Let's do it!" The boy pumped his fist up in the air.
The two took Hikari's hand, dragging her to another direction. "C'mon Big Sis! We're going to see Joker! He'll know how to solve your problem!"
Hikari sighed. "I'm sure he would…" she was doubting the jester kids.
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-
"Mr. Joker! Where do you want this to be put?" A jester asked, holding a bunch of supplies in a box.
Joker smiled, directing his hand to the corner of the ring. "Just place them over there." He ordered nicely, a broad smile on his lips. He was known to be the nicer Joker compared to Black who was all out and rude. The Ringmaster was a bit disappointed. The foreigner hasn't come to visit for a very long time. He only saw her once and that was around eight time periods ago. He stared at his workers, a small frown on his lips.
"Joker! Joker!" White turned around to see the jester kids running to him with a young Hatter servant. He blinked. A Hatter? Here? At the Circus? That's unusual. He placed a hand on his chin as he kneeled down to the jester kids' eye level. The redhead smiled down at the kids. "We found something interesting!" the girl giggled.
White tilted his head. "Oh? What is it?" he asked politely.
"Do you know him, Joker?" The boy giggled as he pointed his finger at the servant standing right behind him.
"Hmmm," White hummed, staring up and down the servant. He has eyes. Bright blue eyes. There weren't many people in Wonderland who has eyes. It couldn't be any new role-holder. Alice was definitely not this boy. So 'he' could only be… "Oh! If it isn't, my dear Hikari! It has been a while, hasn't it?" the Ringmaster smiled.
Hikari stared at White in shock. "You…You recognized me?!" she shouted, her jaw dropped and her eyes were wide.
White chuckled. He tilted Hikari's chin up, gazing into her bright blue eyes. "Of course I would, why wouldn't I, my dear? Your captivating blue eyes are not easy to miss." He said smoothly, a smirk playing on his lips. His words were sweet like sugar. Always complimenting a woman's feature.
The brunette wrapped her arms around White's large frame, surprising the Jester. "Awww! I feel honored you remembered me! Everyone else didn't even recognized me at first glance!" she puffed out her cheeks, pouting like a five year old. "But I'm glad there's one role-holder who remembers me." She looked up to the redhead with a grin that could rival the Cheshire Cat.
The Ringmaster smiled, happily returning the hug. "Perhaps they don't know you like us." He said as he patted the girl's head. "By the way, my dear, why are you wearing the Hatter's uniform? Surely it does not suit an adorable girl like you." He took a lock of her wig, rubbing it between his thumb and index finger.
"That's the problem, Joker!" The boy began. "Big Sis owes the mean Hatter 500.000 G! We were hoping you could help Big Sis with her problem since you always solve everyone's problem!" the girl finished.
"Oi! No need to yell about it!" Hikari bends down and shushed the two kids, a finger on her lips.
"Oh dear…"
"HAHAHAHAHA!"
Hikari's ear twitched when she heard the all familiar laugh. She turned around to face White, glaring at the white mask on his hip. There he goes, Black with his mighty arrogant laugh. It was annoying. White didn't laugh at her dismay. Black on the other hand, laughed at her like a hyena. She raised her fist threateningly, matching the aura around her.
"That's a first! Hahaha! What did you do? Burn down his entire mansion?" Black asked, teasing the brunette.
Hikari's eye twitched irritably. She forced a smile. "For your information, I broke his stupid fancy teapot and now I'm working for him until my debt is paid. I don't expect you to understand, Black. After all, all you do every day is sit on your chair while snoozing around and let everyone do your work for you." She taunted, giving a fake laugh.
"You little B****." Black growled.
White covered the white mask with his hand. "Now, now, Black. Don't be rude to our guest." He said, wiggling his finger. He turned to face the equally irritated girl. He placed his hands on her shoulder. "I don't have that much money for you, my dear. I'm truly sorry that I could not repay your debt to the Hatter." He apologized.
"It's fine…" Hikari sighed.
"Well tough luck, b****. You deserved it." Black rudely said.
Hikari snapped her head down to glare at the mask. "I didn't ask you, Stupid Idiotic Foul Warden!" she said, flicking the mask with her finger.
"You little—!" Before Black could even give a comeback, White covered the mask, muffling his nasty comebacks.
The brunette stuck her tongue out at the mask. "Serves you right!" she grinned mischievously. She turned around on her heels, waving her hand goodbye to the jester kids and White. "Well, I should get going! It was nice seeing you, White. See you all later!"
"Oh? Leaving already? You just got here, my dear." White followed Hikari outside, his hand claps behind his back. The two looked up at the sky as it turns pitch black, the moonlight shining down at them. The Jester smirked as he placed a hand on Hikari's shoulder, making her look up at him in curiosity. "Oh dear… It looks like the time has shifted to night. Perhaps it'll be best if you stay the night with us, my dear. It's dangerous for you to wonder around in Wonderland at night." He offered his hand, a charming smile on his face.
"Ah, you're right." Hikari said without a second thought, taking White's large hand. 'Sorry Gowland…Elliot. Looks like I'm spending the night with White.' She thought, a small smile on her lips as she hummed happily.
A smirk was seen on White's lips as he held Hikari's small hand.
'So gullible.'
A/N: End of chapter! Oh yeah, the Jester kids called her Big Sis while the twins called her New One-chan or Onii-san. There's an explanation later on ^^
I'm making the comic version of this story! I just hope I won't abandon it… I'' post it tomorrow on my Deviant art account ^^
And a Julius x Hikari one shot is already posted in my DA account
Special thanks to AliceXero and Nythtak for adding this story to their favs and alerts!
Reviews are very appreciated! And no flames please ^^
R&R please!