"It is far better to be trapped than dead."-Lemony Snicket

Well, I am very sort of kind of maybe upset right now I'd LOVE some reviews, even if they're anonymous, please. . .

Again, bold italics are narration from the character writing. It usually indicates that time is passing. Regular Italics still show a memory...

Happy Reading!

Kylie the Kiwi

P.S. I love guessing Mally's age! It's continued from where last chapter ended (where the non-italics ended)

Mallymkin, 15 years old

I watched them stare at each other, waiting. I expected some kind of realization to pass over their features. I expected them to hug or shake hands at least. I even half-expected for Tarrant to kiss her. I knew he loved her, but had it been so long his memory had faded?

Mirana's expression was one of utter frustration. Here eyebrows were knitted together and she had a slight frown. It didn't look 'normal' for her. She was usually so happy and friendly, not like this. It suddenly came to me then. I remembered.

Mirana and Iracebeth were sisters. Not just 'same family' sisters. They were each other's flesh and blood. Iracebeth had a temper; she had malice on her mind. Mirana...well, lets just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She was had a terrible temper. She didn't lash out, like Iracebeth. She held it all in. I'm afraid one day it'll all build up and she'll explode at someone. I know she won't hurt one but she could yell. And when she yelled (which wasn't often) it was as scary as hell. Even Iracebeth cowered away.

"Mirana, dear, please calm down." I heard her mother, the Queen, trying to quiet her youngest.

"But Mother, that was my favorite doll!" I hid farther in the shadows of her bed and continued watching. The princess was young, but she hadn't ever been angry in her life. I knew this would be her breaking point.

"I understand, Mirana, but you can't hurt her."

"I wasn't planning on hurting her. No, that would be a terrible thing. I just wanted to...have a word with her." She was speaking through her teeth. Her dark lips were in a tight line and her eyes were black as Night.

"Well then. Go ahead. Take her to Marmoreal, it'll be quiet there." She nodded and ran off. I scampered behind her and watched her take Iracebeth by the hand, leading her to the field they called Marmoreal.

Iracebeth's expression was priceless! She was more scared than I had ever seen her! She knew she was in trouble and she didn't like it. Mirana stopped and turned around, allowing me to see her face. And was I glad I wasn't Iracebeth. Her eyes were even blacker and her skin looked as white as inhumanly possible. I'm positive if I were to touch it, it'd be icy cold.

"Iracebeth of Crims. I do hope you know this will not be a pleasant experience for me. It probably won't be pleasant for you either." Her voice had growing intensity, getting a bit louder with every word.

"That was my favorite doll, and you knew that. I swear to the heavens that you knew it was my favorite, yet you destroyed it anyways!" After her loud yelling had died down, her voice began breaking. "Why in Underland would you do that? Why, Iracebeth? Why?" She started sobbing and fell to her knees. I could see she was obviously upset with herself. She had begun pinching the insides of her arms, punishing herself.

Tarrant's expression, on the other hand, was one of awe and wonder. His mouth was open a bit and his eyes were wide. I found it sort of funny.

"Who's that, Mallymkin?" We were around 7 years old. Tarrant was new to the castle. He had come with his father to learn how to make hats. I had just met him the other week but were already best friends.

"Tha's the princess. 'er name is Mirana." I laughed at his expression. He was staring at her like he had just seen the sun for the first time. I didn't blame him. She was rather beautiful, if I can make that assessment.

"She's pretty." He was just staring at her. Come on, Tarrant, say something!

"Hello. You must be the hatter's son. Welcome to Crims." I watched as Mirana took his hand and shook it lightly. "My name is Mirana." She gave him a warm smile and waited for him to introduce himself. I lightly poked him with my hatpin.

"M-my name is Tarrant Hightopp, Princess."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Hightopp. Please, would you call me Mirana? Princess is an awfully formal word." Not surprising. Mirana liked to be comfortable around people. She could only do so if they called her m=by her given name.

"Only if you'll call me Tarrant and not 'Mr. Hightopp'." Tarrant was smiling his gap tooth grin. I always loved his smile. It made anyone who saw it very...happy. But after she had turned her back to walk away, he continued to stare at her in wonder.

"Your Majesty," Tarrant said, bowing. I squeaked quietly. They didn't remember at all. Not one little thing. But there was still some hope in Mirana. I mean, Tarrant was a madman. He could be sarcastic, right?

"Hatter," she acknowledged. "Welcome to Marmoreal." I am ashamed to say I might just cry. This was a sad scene to have to watch. It's like the lost their memory!

Memory...lost...Chessur.

"Chessur Cat ya come wit' meh right now." We walked outside the door and a bit further down the hallway.

"Wha' did ya do to 'em?"

"They each asked me to forget they loved each other. And so I did. I can't refuse royalty and Tarrant's my best friend." I took out my hatpin and poked his fat, furry, face.

"Make 'em remember or I'll-"

"I can't." I stopped and cocked my head to the side, raising an eyebrow.

"Wha' now?"

"I can't make them remember. They'll have to just grow closer. It's like starting from scratch."

"Why ya li'tle!" He disappeared in a spiral. I decided I would have to be the one to get them closer. I ran back into the room, but stopped short when I heard the talking.

"I feel like I know you from somewhere," Mirana said, letting her thought trail off.

"I don't believe we've met before. Perhaps you're confusing me with another Hightopp."

"Well, Hatter, we should get you to your workshop." She held out her hand (which was floating above her shoulder) for him to take. He did and they walked out. Tarrant's walk seemed extremely awkward and heavy compared to Mirana's. She looked more like she was dancing or floating rather than walking.

A month had passed at Marmoreal, and they still didn't remember. They seemed more comfortable with each other. Mirana was spending extra time in Tarrant's workshop. She seemed to be flirting very lightly, but Tarrant was completely oblivious. I didn't worry, though. This was normal for him.

Meanwhile, I had been fretting over the Horevendush day. It was approaching quickly. On that day, the Hightopps were holding a festival to celebrate the Gribblic Day. Horevendush didn't sound good, but it was just a name, after all. What could possibly go wrong?

Me- Oooooooooh what's gonna happen?

Voice Outta Nowhere- Shouldn't you know? You're the one writing this.

Me- Well, yeah but come on, let the people wonder!

VON- 'Let the people wonder' she says. What people? I see no reviews! Those visitors could be you goin to check up on your story!

Me- *pouts* True. Can you guys prove VON wrong? Please? Let him know you're actually there?

VON- Yeah, right. You're talkin' to thin air Kylie.

One measly review and I'll make the next chapter EXTRA long!

Such a nice little review button wants you to press it :)

V