Destructive Memories

Disclaimer: I don't own anything sadly.

~*Note*~ these next few chapters revolve around Alice becoming more aware of losing herself, like everyone else in Wonderland. But they have it worse since they've been through it for 10 years.
(hint, hint - her sounding depressed and consciously weak)

7. Return to the Clock Tower

Alice felt heat against her skin. The room was warm, the woven blankets soft against her cold frame.

How can I be cold in a world filled with nothing but fire?

She tossed the blankets aside, and let her legs dangle over the bedside. Looking down at herself, Alice noticed her dress was smeared with dirt and ashes. But that wasn't a problem when you had a spare hanging on the bed posts. She walked over to it, and placed her hand on the silky fabric. A small card hung from one of the laces.

Once you've awakened, change into this. It will help you move freely throughout the flames.

Love, Vivaldi.

Alice smiled. Taking the fabric into her hands, Alice pulled off her dress and changed into the warm colored gown. It stopped at her knees, and it's warm red matched her skin. Her blue bow and socks stood out, but that was the least of her problems right now. Alice stood up and rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes. With what seemed like a few little leaps, Alice was at the door, her hand on the brass knob.

Strange. I feel so much better, like I have handfuls of energy, but I still feel tired.

Opening the door, the first thing she saw was the goofy grin of Peter White. " Alice dear, you've finally awakened!" He pounced on her with force, both of them tumbling to the floor. " It's so good to hug you again~" Peter said gleefully. Reluctantly, she actually hugged him back. Peter gasped.

It's been so long since I was hugged by someone who cared.

Who loves me.

Peter pulled back. " Is something wrong?" he asked.
Alice stood up, and he followed her lead. " No, it's just.. fatigue." She smiled at him. He was different too.

His once short white hair had grown out to his shoulder, but was perfectly cut so that there wasn't one piece of hair out of place. And he wasn't wearing his glasses, something that puzzled her. " Peter, where are your glasses? Did you forget them?"

"No, my dear. Glasses are a leisure I just can't partake in. You can only repair them so many times before your grade doesn't exist anymore."

Alice felt her heart well with sadness. " You can barely see me," Alice teared up. Peter nodded but continued to smile." But I can see that you haven't changed at all, and that's what keeps my clock ticking." She leaned forward, reaching out to touch his rabbit ears. They twitched under her touch, but were still soft as clouds.
" Hey Peter, do you still have your rabbit form?"

Peter chuckled. " Many things in Wonderland have changed, but that remains." Peter held out his arms, and within a gleam of light, there stood a tiny rabbit. It's fur was grown out longer, and wore the same cloak that slithered along the ground.

" Are you happy, Alice?" Peter asked, his whiskers twitching. Alice smiled and leaned down to pat his soft white fur.

" Yes, but I think some friends are waiting for me. I need to go."

She touched his tiny pink nose with her finger and then strode from the room. Peter stood there, his little rabbit clock ticking faster and faster. He touched his nose, then delightfully jumped up and down. My Alice is back!

Alice crossed the rock path, leaping from each stair and finally onto the ground. With the maze of fire behind her, she walked to the forest. There waiting, were three cloaked figures wearing masks to hide their faces. " I didn't think you were coming," a deep, masculine voice stated.

Alice waved at them. They surrounded her, standing close while smothering her with questions.

" Why did you run away?"
" Are you alright?"
" Who have you met, and who has met you?"

All she could say was that she would answer as soon as they were at the tower. But something kept her from doing that. She went to her room without a word and stayed there for what seemed like eternity. But a knock at her door made reality return.

" Come in." The door creaked open and Julius appeared. His cloak swayed at his side as he entered. " You've been in here for a while. Why don't you come mining with us. It might be a learning experience in your case."

Alice looked at him, then to the window. " But isn't that dangerous?"

He shook his head, his navy bangs covering one side of his face." No, we're going to safest location we know of. Nobody else knows about it." After hearing that, Alice was slightly persuaded to join them. " Alright, it sounds fun," Alice was surprised at how perky she sounded. Julius smiled, and immediately Alice's spirits were lifted." It can be very rewarding at times. Here."

He tossed a small black fabric onto the bed. " Better to look like a friend then an enemy."

He left, and Alice picked the cloak up, her fingers intertwining between the black thread. Two clasps were underneath her neck, keeping the cloak together. Alice threw one side over her shoulder and pulled it on the rest of the way. A perfect fit.

Looking at herself in the mirror, Alice looked like a different person.

It's matching. I feel like one.

But anyway, Peter and Vivaldi made their scenes and like I said the Amusement Park is coming