Chapter 24: SO SORRY THIS IS SO LATE! It was not intentional, I promise! Glitchy was kidnapped again because his logic board was failing, and he's been gone for the past week or so. Anyways, he's back now and we're back with the new chapter of Kill the Rabbit! Please enjoy!

Oh, I'd like to thank all and I mean ALL of my readers for actually taking the time to enjoy something I've worked this hard on. You all make this so much more worthwhile, so thank you. Another thank you goes out to all of my reviewers, anonymous and fellow writers alike. Your feedback has helped me so much, and without your ceaseless support, I actually might have abandoned this story, so thank you.

The Unknown: Hahahaha, glad you liked it! Hope you have wifi there so you can keep reading ;P Yup! Off into Wonderland we go! Hope you haven't died by now. Glad you enjoy it that much! Hope this chapter lives up to your expectations!

E (review 1): Yeah, I'm sorry if it was too extreme for you, but I promise it's the only scene like that. Hope you like this chapter!

TFR: Wow…I hope it wasn't too much for you… Yes, Rouge's scene was much more pleasant. I've actually been very impressed with your fluency in English, you're really good! Oh, goody! Did you pick up on all the millions of bits of foreshadowing I left? Wow. I'm glad my writing is that good! Thank you for all your reviews, by the way. You've always reviewed pretty much every chapter and I really appreciate that. Hope this update's out soon enough for you!

E (review 2): …what?

E (review 3): Yes, Wonderland is in this chapter. It's really the entirety of this chapter, so I hope you like it!

Lord of Camels: Yup! Off into Wonderland! Glad you're excited! Oh you liked that? I'm glad it came out well! I wasn't sure what people would think of his rather simplistic description. Hope this is out soon enough for you!

Panda Bear: Yeah, I'm pretty sure everyone wants to kill him at this point. Glad you enjoyed the chapter! Hope this is out soon enough for you!

Cat: Yes, that chapter was rather gruesome. That last chapter was pretty much the end of seeing Ace's time as Hare's captive as now we are off into Wonderland!

This chapter is rated K+ for what some might find mildly disturbing content. Nothing really that harsh in this chapter. Oh, I think I use the word 'opium' once. That's really it. DON'T DO DRUGS, KIDS!

Okay, just a note, apatite is a blue-green stone. Google it. It's a pretty rock. That's what I'm talking about in the simile, not hunger. JSYK.

And now, ON WITH THE CHAPTER!)

"Alright, are you guys ready for this?" Serpent's voice jolted Thatch out of his reverie. He had been staring at the White Rabbit, fascinated. This was the savior Ace had imagined for himself. Serpent's voice pierced his thoughts, and he turned away from the White Rabbit. Serpent continued speaking. "This is the best time to observe. You'll still continue watching for this part. You need to try to figure out who Mr. Savage is before you go exploring on your own later. Everything seems harmless now, but later…" Serpent trailed off.

"What should we be looking for?"

"It's hard to say exactly. Mr. Savage will be hidden among the others. A 'wolf in sheep's clothing' if you will. Wonderland will seem…weird to you at first. A little distorted, maybe. At this point in time, Ace has pretty much rejected reality, so his psyche created something surreal. You probably gathered that already from the White Rabbit. It'll be easier for you later if you can accept Wonderland as it is as opposed to pointing out every flaw or impossibility." Serpent paused.

"Oh, and one more thing. This is kind of really important, so I'd appreciate if you'd pay attention to this bit." Serpent took a deep breath. "Mr. Savage isn't the only one you have to look out for. Every being of Wonderland is currently trying to take over Ace's mind. They each want control, to be their own being, to own Ace's body. When you guys are exploring on your own, you can't allow any of Wonderland's inhabitants to gain any kind of sway over Ace.

"Also…seeing as this is Ace's mind, it might be the case that when the inhabitants of Wonderland see you as foreign, they may try to kill you. They're all pieces of Ace's mind, and if they view you as intruders intending to do harm, well…survival instincts at their finest. And enhanced by being able to disobey physics, manipulate their environment, and being in possession of some deadly weapons and techniques. The Jabberwocky, in particular, was created as a guardian of Wonderland. If you encounter this being, run. Seriously. I know it hurts your little pirate egos, but you should not engage the Jabberwocky. Ace felt unsafe, so he dreamed up a giant monster to protect him. It seemed natural. Never mind that that's when Wonderland started to go wrong. The Jabberwocky is nigh invincible, and it'll know right away that you're not from Wonderland and hate you for it. If it comes for you, don't look at it, don't try to harm it, and run the hell away.

You may be able to win the others to your side, though. Ace's memories from when he's 20 are still there, just suppressed. The inhabitants of Wonderland will know that Ace trusts and respects and cares about you guys, and that'll make them less aggressive. Still. Don't piss them off. And whatever you do, do not, I repeat, do not eat anything. Hatter's tea, the Red Queen's cakes, nothing. The inhabitants may try to give you food, but politely decline everything. Find an excuse. I don't care if you have to tell them you're allergic to every damn food on the planet, find a way to turn them down. And don't piss them off while doing it. That'll be hard in the Red Queen's case, but find a way. Oh, and one more thing. They're all insane. Completely. Hatter especially, but the others are too. Caterpillar is probably the calmest, seeing as all he does is smoke opium all day, but even he's crazy. So don't piss anyone off. Insanity plus anger equals three little pirates used as wall paint. Got it? Alright good. So, what are you going to do?"

"Watch and try to figure out who Mr. Savage is, and when we get in there later on by ourselves, don't piss anyone off, prevent the inhabitants from taking over Ace's mind, and don't eat anything."

"Good. You missed a point, though."

"Really? What?" Thatch could almost hear Serpent smile.

"You forgot the bit where you find and kill Mr. Savage."

"Shall we?" Ace stared at the proffered hand. He looked at the floor.

"I…I can't…the knife-" The White Rabbit's smile widened.

"What knife?" Ace looked at his hands. The knife was gone, as was any sign of the injury. Ace's mind raced. There was no way. He had felt the knife slide through his hands, pinning them to the floor, had briefly pulled against it and felt tearing pain at the minor attempt. There was no way he just imagined the whole thing. He brought his hands close to his face, studying the perfect skin closely. There was no mark. Not so much as a tiny incision. But…What…? Ace looked to the White Rabbit with confusion apparent on his face. The Rabbit looked down at him kindly, a look of understanding in his eyes.

"Has the young master had a bitter dream, perhaps?" Ace looked back down at his hands. …Dream? There was a buzzing in his ears, low and intense and he tried to think, tried to remember.

"No…no, it wasn't-"

"The best cure for nightmares is a nice walk, don't you think?" Ace continued to stare at his hands. Dream…dream. Nightmare. Ace shook his head. No, it wasn't. There was- The buzzing intensified, drowning thoughts. Ace brought a hand to his head and rubbed his forehead, trying to force down the buzzing. Dream. A dream. A hard, horrible, bitter dream. What else could it be? The buzzing receded, fading to a dull hum. Ace felt like his mind was sinking in honey, the buzzing lulling his brain. Just a dream. A dream. Because in reality rabbits wear waist-coats and dormice drink tea and…and…

and cats smile.

The humming continued, gentle and soothing, just stroking the back of his brain. Yes. This was reality. This was real. The White Rabbit was real.

Ace reached up and took his hand.

They stood, and for a moment Ace felt surprised. My legs…they shouldn't support me… The buzzing returned, and Ace rubbed his forehead again. A dream. Dreams can't hurt you. Of course your legs support you. The Rabbit invited you on a walk, he wouldn't do that if you couldn't stand. The buzzing subsided and the two began walking towards the bars of the cell, and, reaching them, passed clear through them. Ace blinked in surprise. They had looked so solid. A smile came to Ace's face, then he burst out laughing. The Rabbit turned to him, mild surprise on his face. Ace's laughter subsided and he smiled.

"That's a wonderful trick, Rabbit. How did you make the bars look so real?" The Rabbit smiled back.

"What is reality but our perception? What we decide is real becomes reality. We decided those bars weren't real, so they had no power over us. Suppose you believed they were solid, hard as steel. You wouldn't have made it through. Sentient will is the universe. I think, therefore I am."

"Hmm. I never thought of it like that." Ace turned back towards the cell. "So you're telling me if I thought the bars were-" Ace stopped dead. The buzzing in his head exploded into a shrill, impossibly loud ringing and he clutched his head, falling to his knees. His eyes were squeezed shut and he tried to force back the blinding noise. The Rabbit came around and kneeled in front of him, coming between him and the cell. The ringing subsided to a persistent throbbing drone. The Rabbit took Ace's face between his hands, the soft fabric of his gloves pressed against his cheeks. Ace stared up into his eyes, alarm in his face.

"There's something laying there on the floor, Rabbit!" Ace tried to crane his neck to look at it again, but the Rabbit held his face still.

"Hush. Hush. It's nothing. Look at me, Ace. Look at me, not that." Ace looked up into his face.

"It looked dead, Rabbit! I think it's a corpse!" Ace shuddered. "…It scares me."

"Hush, hush. It can't hurt you. I'm here. I'll take away all your fears now, Ace. That's my job. But you have to trust me, Ace, and follow where I lead." Ace stared at him with wide eyes. The Rabbit took his hands gently and they stood, turning away from the cell. They began walking away, down the hallway. The Rabbit looked back at Ace's face and smiled gently. "Come now, Ace, give us a smile. Everyone's happy these days." Ace looked up into the Rabbit's face then, slowly, pulled his face into a smile. It took surprising effort, like he hadn't done it in a long time. They continued down the hallway, coming to the staircase. The Rabbit pulled Ace towards the one that led down, but Ace pulled them to a stop.

"Wait. I think we have to go up to get out." The Rabbit turned to look at him, smile still on his face.

"Down the rabbit-hole we go." The Rabbit tugged on his hand and led the two of them down the stairs. Ace resisted for a moment longer, then gave in, following him. The Rabbit's smile widened. Oh Ace. Naïve, pliable child. Who said anything about getting out? Did it scare you? Seeing your body on the floor? The Rabbit's smile turned to a smirk. The Caucus Race begins. One of us will get you, Ace. The Hatter, Queen, Caterpillar, Dodo, or I will get you. The others aren't strong enough, but we are. I will be the one to claim control. I'll reach the finish first.

You must not trust, Ace. Trust is the fear-killer. Are you really just going to accept us? Let us in? All we want is that key in your pocket. We'll play nice, at first. But over time you'll see our true colors. Violence. Bloodlust. Madness. What do we say about you, creator dear? We're all mad here, and just because you made us doesn't make you an exception. But that doesn't matter. Because I'm going to win the Caucus Race, I'm going to get what all of us want so badly and then I'll crush the rest.

I think.

I think, therefore I am.

I think, therefore I am, therefore I WANT.

Colors. Bright, vibrant colors.

"Well? What do you think?"

Sunlight. Warm, gentle, innately comforting.

Waves sighed softly against the white sand, so pale it almost matched the occasional wisp of cloud floating across the sky. The water was turquoise-blue, like polished apatite and foamy white waves tossed themselves rhythmically against the sand. Ace took in a deep breath, tasting the salty air and distantly hearing the cries of gulls. The Rabbit was standing by his side, smiling down at him. Ace's heart swelled, feeling the breeze, tasting the sea, feeling sunlight, seeing colors. It was all so different from what his…dream had been. He didn't hurt. Nobody was coming to get him. He wasn't alone. Ace could have wept for happiness. Ace turned away from the coast, looking inland. His jaw nearly dropped in shock. The beach continued for quite a ways, an expansive white plain of sand. At the other end, though, just before sand became grass, a massive archway curved into the sky. It was made entirely of woven clear and opaque glass, as if someone had formed it out of sand and blasted it with fire. But it was hollow. Water flowed through the entire arch, a current of the turquoise-blue liquid moving impossibly up and back down through the structure with no means of propulsion. There were fish, brightly colored, swimming in the translucent liquid, vibrant reds, purples, greens, blues and yellows, moving through the water sporadically like butterflies. Ace's mind raced. That's…that's not possible. Water doesn't move like this. Water only flows downhill, so how is it-?

"What do you think? Dodo prides himself on the Gate. He made it to welcome all visitors and travelers. It's a pretty thing, no arguments there, but it's a little…lavish for my tastes." Ace continued to stare in awe.

"But…but how does the water move like that?"

"I've told you before. Sentient will is the universe. Dodo told the water to move, so it did." The Rabbit took Ace's hand, leading him towards the arch.

As they approached, the true size of the arch was revealed. The glass curved 40 feet into the air, the ends reaching out equidistant on either side, maybe 30 feet away. When the glass met sand, it sunk down into it, bringing in the water through some kind of subterranean channel.

"Oh my oh my oh my! Welcome! Welcome! Who do we have here?" A figure was approaching them, almost at a run. As he drew nearer, his shape grew more distinct.

The Dodo's feathers were ashy teal. Somewhat stunted wings, certainly flightless, protruded from his sides. In one he held a cane, simple and elegantly carved dark wood leading up to a silver handle. He had a grey-silver vest on, and a monocle covered one eye. The other stared out at Ace as he cocked his head, looking him up and down, studying him through his one visible hazel-grey eye. He spread his wings wide, almost as if to hug Ace.

"Welcome! Welcome welcome! It's really been too long, Ace! You should have come to visit sooner!" Ace's face pulled into a hesitant, confused smile.

"But I've never…" The buzzing in his ears grew once again and he trailed off. Ace shook his head. Of course I've met the Dodo. He's the Gatekeeper, after all. My…dream is just throwing me off. Dodo's my friend. He's welcoming me like a friend. He wouldn't have done that if we'd never met before. Ace's smile became surer.

"Sorry Dodo. I just dozed off upstairs and lost track of time." Dodo threw his head back and laughed, the human sound mixing with the sound of a bird squawking.

"Oh Ace. Narcoleptic, distractible Ace. Whatever would we do without you?" Dodo turned and looked at Rabbit, cocking his head to study him as he had studied Ace a moment before. A silent moment passed. Dodo readjusted his monocle.

"Evening, Rabbit. How goes the Caucus Race?" The Dodo's voice was the same, but his eyes had changed. There was…a spark. No, it wasn't a spark. A spark implies light. There was…hunger. Desire. Animalistic want. The Rabbit placed a gloved hand on Ace's shoulder possessively.

"Fine. And you, Dodo?" The Dodo glanced at the Rabbit's hand, eyes darting to the white glove only for an instant before refocusing on the Rabbit's face. He gave a snort.

"You think you'll win, don't you? Think you have the upper hand?" The Dodo laughed. "I think a little humility would do you good, Rabbit. We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare, after all. Your kind didn't fare so well then, I recall." The Rabbit smiled at him politely, eyes cold.

"Winning, losing, it's all a matter of perspective." The Rabbit smiled. "I think, therefore I am. I think I'm going to win, therefore I am going to win."

"Um, excuse me, but what is the Caucus Race?" Ace was looking between the two with uncertainty bordering on concern, and extracted his shoulder from under the Rabbit's hand, taking a subtle step away from both of them. Both turned to look at Ace and Dodo cocked his head, adjusting his monocle again.

"It's a game we play here." The Dodo's voice went back to its former lightness, the hunger leaving his eyes. "All of Wonderland is currently involved in this round. It's become…quite intense." Dodo reached into the pocket of his vest and pulled out a sheet of paper, studying it for a moment. "Just now, the current leaders are Queen, Caterpillar, and Hatter." He turned to Rabbit with a smirk. "You're in fifth, Rabbit. Right behind me. You've fallen a ways in the last 3 minutes." Rabbit smiled politely and Dodo raised an eyebrow. Turning back to Ace, he continued. "As the name implies, it's a race."

"Where are you racing to?" The Dodo laughed, the strange mix of bird and human noises jumping out of his chest again.

"Why, nowhere, of course!"

"Then how-"

"What I mean is that our destination moves, changes constantly. But it's a twofold race. It's not just the location that you need." Ace blinked at the Dodo with curiosity.

"And the second part?" Dodo seemed to smile.

"The prize."

"Isn't the prize generally awarded after the race?" Dodo chortled.

"Don't you remember?

Backward, forward, outward, inward

Bottom to the top

Never a beginning

There can never be a stop

To skipping, hopping, tripping fancy free and gay

Started it tomorrow but will finish yesterday

Round and round and round we go

Until forever more

For once we were behind

But now we find we are be-"

"Dodo. That's enough of that." The Rabbit, previously studying his watch, snapped it shut, looking Dodo in the eye. "Honestly you'll make us all go mad with your riddles."

"Oh, but we're all mad here." Ace's head jerked around, looking for the source of the sound. That voice… Ace looked all around, but could see no sign of any speaker. It wasn't Dodo or Rabbit, though. So who?

"Well, Ace and I must be getting on. We're very late indeed. Are you ready to go, Ace?" Ace turned to face the Rabbit once more.

"I- yeah. Let's go." The pair began walking off, the sand fading into tussocks of scrappy grass, white fading into tan and then brown as sand mixed with dirt. Ace turned back and waved to Dodo, smiling. "It was nice to see you, Dodo!" The Dodo gave a bobbing bow and called back.

"Always a pleasure, Ace."

Ace turned back to face the Rabbit only to find him studying his pocket watch with narrowed eyes, annoyance plain on his face. He looked up and met Ace's eyes. He sighed.

"I have to go. Queen is calling me. Can you manage on your own for a little while?" Ace blinked.

"I-I guess. Did you say Queen?"

"Yes, Red Queen is my current employer. I work as an announcer in the court." He paused for a moment, looking pensive. "You should meet Queen. I'm sure you two will have a lot to talk about." He studied Ace critically. "But you can't come as you are now. Hmm…" He snapped his fingers, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a pen and a small notebook of paper. He opened the book, but paused studying the page. The pen began to flip between his fingers as he studied the blank page, spinning from one finger to the other and back again. Finally the pen paused, then the Rabbit began to write. After a moment he tore the sheet out of the book and handed it to Ace.

It was a map.

"I want you to follow this map, okay Ace? There're all kinds of landmarks you can use to guide you, and there's nothing here that will do you any harm whatsoever." Ace traced the trail the Rabbit had drawn on the map with a finger.

"And where does this lead?" The Rabbit smiled down at him.

"This will lead you to Hatter. He'll help you get properly dressed and teach you some of the dos and don'ts of visiting Queen." One of Rabbit's ears swiveled and he jerked his head, looking off to the left. "I've got to go. Queen will be upset if I'm late." Ace nodded.

"O-Okay." The Rabbit turned to look at him once more.

He bent at the waist, giving a slight bow. "See you later, Ace." Ace nodded and smiled.

"Yeah." With that, the Rabbit spun on his heel and began walking away. Ace stared after him for a moment, then looked down at the map.

It was relatively simple, containing only information pertinent to the route the Rabbit had outlined for him. The paper itself fascinated Ace, though.

"Rabbit, is this-" Ace looked up, meaning to shout the question to the departing Rabbit, but he was gone. Ace blinked. The Rabbit had been no more than 10 feet away 2 minutes ago. There was no way he could just vanish. Ace snorted to himself. Who am I to define what is and isn't possible here? An hour ago I didn't think rabbits could talk or that dodo's could rhyme. Look at the Gate.

Ace glanced around, examining his surroundings. He was on the border of a forest. The trees nearest to Ace were all cherry trees, all in full bloom. Pink-white petals floated through the intermittent shafts of light, the gold of the late afternoon sun giving a barely detectable orange tint to the scene. The ground around the blossoming trees was bare of vegetation, the light soil in stark contrast to the dark bark of the trees. Further in, past the grove of cherry trees, the forest changed a bit. It was still light, the trees neither densely packed nor overgrown, and while there were ground plants, they didn't choke out the ground. The area was rich green, seemingly it got enough rain each year to support a rich variety of plants. Moss grew on the trunks of trees and on the ground, softening harsh edges and making the emerald shading of the entire area all the more obvious.

"Enjoying the scenery?" Ace snapped out of his thoughts and he jumped, eyes instantly searching for the source of the voice. That's the one. That's the one I heard at the Gate.

Ice blue eyes met hazel-grey ones.

"Evening, Cheshire."

A/N: yeah…so I was going to write the scene where Ace and Cheshire talk, but then I looked at the clock and it was 12:08 AM on a Thursday, so I decided it was sleeping time instead. Anyways, hope you enjoyed! Next chapter will be out whenever I have the time to write it! Again, deepest apologies for the tardiness of this chapter, the delay was not anticipated or desired! Well…yeah. I'm off to sleep now. G'night/morning/afternoon to you all! ~Mountian97