Destructive Memories

Rejoice, for I have finally found my writer's spirit again!

8. Of Mines and Mutants

The forest was dark, small bits of moonlight were breaking through the crevices in the treetops that still stood. Alice walked as close as possible without running into her trio of friends, their cloaks so dark it was hard to see them. The wind picked up, making Alice wrap her cloak around her tightly. How far away can a mine actually be?

The three came to a halting stop, Alice barely missing Nightmare's back. Is someone there?
" We're here," Gray whispered. He put his hand on Alice's shoulder. " Alright, you need to follow my exact movements. There are craters and gaps in the ground, the last thing we need is to have you twisting a limb." Alice held onto his arm as he started to walk, standing close behind.
He lunged forward, leaving Alice behind to stumble. " Ah! Gray, were did you go?" She could hear rustling in front of her.

" Just jump. There's a small canyon in front of you, but you can easily jump over if you try."

Gray, have you lost your mind?

Holding her breath, Alice took two long strides and jumped. Her feet landed on the ground with a thud, and she flapped her arms to regain balance. Gray grabbed her shoulder." Well done." He pulled her back along the path, but things were strangely quiet now.
" Hey, where did Julius and Nightmare go! They didn't fall did they, or get lost, or-"

Gray laughed. " They have gone to the west wing of the mine, while we are at the east."
Alice could tell they were in a cave now. Stalagtites and stalagmites were everywhere, and a cold chill ran through her spine.
"Alright, are you ready to hunt?

Hunt? I thought we were digging.

Suddenly, a loud roar echoed through the cave. Heavy breathing was heard in the distance, along with the sound of claws tapping against the stone floor of the cave. " Here." Gray pushed a glowing diamond into her hands. The pale purple color illuminated the area. Alice's heart jumped up a notch when it started to levitate from her hands. It gleamed brightly and let out a flash of light. When Alice reopened her eyes, she saw the entire cave was visible. She could see the ongoing tunnel, the tiny bits of color sticking out from the walls which she presumed were gems, and the hideous lion- horse creatures that were running around like speed demons. From the corner of her eye, she saw Gray holding one by it's neck, tearing a stone from it's back. " Gray, what are you doing!"

"Hunting," he replied. " You should be doing the same. Just catch one and take the stones from their bodies. It doesn't hurt them and the stones regenerate over time." He tore another one from it's hind leg, the creature just letting him do so." Why don't they fight back?"

He looked at her, amused." The extra skin on the back of their necks releases a kind of narcotic that numbs their muscules, basically immobilizing them, and, like a narcotic, keeps them from feeling pain when being held." After hearing this, Alice felt better about tearing stones from small animal-things' bodies. She dashed after them, running back and forth, trying to catch the rapid beasts. After taking a gigantic leap, Alice toppled on top of one and grabbed it by the neck. The animal instantly went limp and dangled from her hand.

" Wow, I didn't think you would actually catch one," Gray laughed, his voice echoing against the walls of the cave. Alice smirked, then placed her hand on the bright pink gem on it's back. Twisting, she pulled the gem out of place. The creature purred against her touch. Gray laughed again. " I think it likes you. When gems get too big for the bodies of the carrier, the feeling of having it removed is like ecstasy for them. They like the people who give them that feeling."

Alice gently traced the animal's snout with her fingertips. It purred heavily. Alice pulled the last of the gems from it's body and set it on the ground. It looked up at her then went to rub against her legs like a cat. Maybe it does like me.

"I think we have enough. Time is turning and we need to go back to the tower." Alice snapped out of her little world and turned to Gray. " But we only have," she counted the gems both of them held in their cloaks," 17 gems. Is that enough?" Gray nodded.

" Nightmare and Julius will also have their fair share of gems, and once day approaches, enemies will have a better chance of seeing us. Remember, nobody else knows about this place."

Alice nodded and followed him out of the cave. Two hooded figures stood at the entrance, waiting for them. They regrouped and walked back on the path. Everything was quiet, something Alice didn't enjoy. The wind picked up again, sending another chill through her spine.

This'll be a long and painful walk home. I can just tell.

The heart warmed her numb skin, helping her fingers mend the wire and glass in her hands. " What are you making?" Nightmare asked, seemingly interested. Alice had been working on it for several hours, and had made much progress with her project. " Glasses. Peter can't see very well, so maybe these might help him." Nightmare looked confused. " I thought you didn't care for Peter White." Alice nodded. " I still don't, but when you have the capability of seeing but don't have a way to, I can't help but take pity on him."
Nightmare smiled." Maybe that's what's best."

Maybe it is, but something is telling me.. I'm wrong. Wrong about so many things.
What am I supposed to do?

Her hands stopped moving over the glass, gingerly taking it between her palms.

I've been so doubtful recently. Maybe.. maybe coming back to Wonderland wasn't a good idea. Maybe I shouldn't be here at all.

Alice shook her head. No, they need me. But I need to get my mind off these things. Maybe a visit to the park would help. I haven't seen Boris in so long. I wonder how Pierce and Gowland are doing.

Alice put the objects in her hand on the table. Sleep was starting to take over, and Alice was tired enough as it was. That's what I'll do tomorrow. I'll go to the Amusement Park.

Amusement Park is finally here!
Next chapter coming soon!