Follow the Leader

He was in his room, in front of the closet. His blue notebook was on his desk, and his bed was neatly made.

But wasn't he just in bed?

Something brushed against his leg.

Meow

A cat…?

"Why don't you open the closet, Alice?"

There wasn't anyone else in the room. Just Allen and the black cat. So who could have spoken?

"Why are you so surprised? There are plenty of talking animals in fairytales. And it's not like it ever bothered you before, right?"

'Before'? What was the cat talking about?

A whip like tail curled itself around his legs.

"Oh, you're confused, aren't you? Don't know what I'm saying, is that it? Well, I suppose you might find out if you open the closet, Alice."

Feeling uncomfortable at even thinking of turning his back on the cat, Allen placed a hand on the knob of the closet door.

"Well, go on! Have a peek inside!"

He opened the door, to be greeted with the smell of vanilla and honeysuckles. And a bright void of some sort.

There was a dizzying sensation, and a metallic ringing in his ears as he felt himself get sucked in.

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"….I have a favor to ask of you."

"Oh, I already know. You want me to help you save him, right?"

"…."

"But if you open the door, you already know what'll happen. Is that really okay?"

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He was in his bed. But this was not his room.

For starters, his room at the facility had a ceiling.

But here, there was just a black void. And the wooden floor had lots of gaps- gaps that would've never been at the facility.

Minding his feet, Allen crawled out of the bed and began walking along a hall- of sorts- careful, of course, to avoid the gaps.

It ended at an alcove, in the middle of which, was a humanoid figure with a tail and…cat ears?

The figure turned, and golden eyes stared at him.

"So, you've finally made it, Alice. Uueeeheehee! It sure took you long enough!"

Alice? Who was…Alice? Was the cat talking to him? But his name was Allen.

"You still don't get it? Good news for me! Hmm…but I suppose it wouldn't be fair if I didn't give you some sort of hint…hmm….."

There was a moment of silence before the cat grinned- a sharp-toothed, Cheshire grin.

"I took something from you. You might want to get it back, but when you do, it'll only bring sadness. "

Even though his voice was serious and low upon saying this, it was quick to return to its almost mocking tone.

"Ueeheeheehee! That's all I can say for now!"

He swept out his arm and bowed.

"Toodles!"

And then disappeared.

There was a metallic ringing in his ears, and a strange tugging sensation, and then, just like that, Allen woke up.

The dream was still clear in his mind, so he decided to write it down in his notebook before it left.

The cat told me to open the door. And I listened.

And then…

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David was out in town, shopping, again, for Christmas. He had yet to find anything for Joshua, and he had to get something for Allen, too.

Not that he minded. It's not like money was any issue, after all.

And Allen was like a living puzzle- one he was eager to solve, but also willing to wait for.

David exited the small shop with a parcel in his arms. A sweater for Joshua, with a chain around the collar. Perfect to match that beanie he always wore.

As he walked, David allowed himself to get lost in thought.

Just how did Allen come to lose his memories? Was it something to do with the alley he was found in? And that warmth in his chest- that painful yet wonderful warmth. What was it?

Somehow, that feeling grew more intense with each child he brought into his care, but the growth seemed especially significant once he brought Allen in. Why was that?

Something crashed into his chest, drawing his attention.

"oh my! I do beg your pardon! Let me give you this as an apology!"

Another parcel was thrust into his hands, and the hooded figure who'd ran into him quickly ran past him and on his way.

How strange…

But he'd look into it once he returned to the facility. Speaking of which…

He looked down at his wrist-watch. It was almost time for him to get dinner started.

Yes, he'd best return now. There was still a little time before Christmas.