Hey, here's another update! Sorry for the late notice, but I've just gone through a somewhat traumatic event and still need to get over it. But I've decided that this chapter may help a bit in distracting me now that I know what I want to put down! Enjoy!
Alice in Wonderland II: Underland's Champion
Chapter 12: Alice's Choice
The first thing Alice could feel was extreme weariness. Her body felt drained, tired, and limp as she awakens from her temporary coma. She also notices that her head was pounding from the worst migraine she has ever experienced. The darkness began to fade as she slowly opens her eyes. The first thing she notices is the sunlight illuminating the room in beautiful shades of yellow and orange. She could feel a cool breeze and hears several birds chirping cheerfully.
She exhales as she tries to sit up but stops when she feels pressure on her lower abdomen. Confused, she looks down and is startled to see Tarrant resting peacefully on a chair with his head over her stomach. Based on how his arms are sprawled around his head, it seems that he has fallen asleep while watching her. Then Alice notices what she was wearing and flushes as she tries to cover herself with her sheets. She wonders what on Earth Tarrant was thinking by sleeping next to her.
But as she continues to stare at him, her expression softens. He looked so peaceful; more peaceful than Alice has ever seen in the Mad Hatter. His back rises up and down as he breathes deeply in his sleep. Alice has to admit that she is surprised that he doesn't snore; he is resting unusually quiet. His lips are slightly open and his unusually tamed hair is hung over his face in small waves.
Alice relaxes a bit and smiles. Without really thinking about it, she reaches forward to caress his hair and is very surprised by how soft it is. Tarrant must have put so much effort into making it look proper for the ball-
That's when Alice pauses to remember everything that happened from the night before. She remembers the talk that she and Tarrant had before they danced. She blushes at remembering the look Tarrant had when he danced with her and how close they had gotten before Stefan interrupted them. Then she remembers having to talk with Stefan about her predicament before he-
Alice gasps in horror as a sudden realization hits her and all of her initial lethargy is instantly gone. Without thinking properly, she hastily kicks the sheets off her and jumps off the bed. She could hear Tarrant yelping in alarm from the sudden awakening, but she ignores it as she rushes towards her closet and looks for the first set of clothing. Relieved to find a simple pair of training pants and a black long-sleeved shirt, she hastily pulls them out, takes a small pair of combat boots, and rushes to her bathroom.
"Alice?" Tarrant's timid voice says from over the door. Alice doesn't answer him as she hastily takes off her gown and throws on her clothes. In less than two minutes, she is dressed and she quickly fixes her hair before she slams the door open. Tarrant yelps again from the sudden force and steps back as Alice marches towards the bedroom door.
"Alice?" Tarrant asks again. His eyes turn blue from sadness and confusion when she continues to ignore him and stomps through the hallway. Had he done something wrong? "ALICE?"
Alice continues to strut towards her destination until she feels a hand grab her wrist and makes her turn to face the completely confused milliner. "Alice, please talk to me? What happened? Did I do something wrong?"
Alice finally snaps out of her panic and blinks in confusion as she stares at his blue orbs. She pauses and takes in his slightly hurt expression. Then realization hits her and her eyes widen as she hastily shakes her head. "No, of course not Tarrant!" She slightly pulls away from him and says, "But I need to see Mirana! It's very important that I talk with her!"
Without another word, Alice sprints towards the opposite direction and ignores the milliner's desperate pleas. She runs down the hallways through the bewildered bystanders and heads towards the first place she expects the White Queen to be at. She slows down as she reaches towards the dining hall and slams the door open. The unexpected force makes the room occupants jump and turn to Alice with wide eyes. Some of the guards stand over the queen protectively while Alice stomps over to her.
"Alice? You're awake!" Mirana smiles brightly as she stands up and walks around her seat to greet the blonde. She pauses when she sees the terrified look on the blonde's face. "Alice, what's wrong?" She frowns.
"Your Majesty, where is he? What happened to Stayne?" The blonde wastes no time in questioning the queen.
There is absolute silence as Mirana stares at Alice incredulously. "Stayne? You have seen him?" She asks softly with wide eyes.
"Why didn't you tell me that you allowed Stayne to work for you as 'Stefan? That man poisoned me last night, Mirana!" All formalities are gone as Alice loses control and begins to shout. "He and Iracebeth are loose! They're going to kill innocent people at my world!"
The guards stand protectively over their queen while two others hold Alice back by her shoulders. Mirana and the other guests look even more confused than ever. "Alice… What in the world are you talking about?" Mirana looks and sounds as confused and terrified as Alice felt.
"He and I had a private talk after Tarrant and I danced!" Alice shouts as she struggles under the guards' grasp. "He tricked us all! He told me about the Looking Glass! That's how he and Iracebeth are able to vanish without a trace! She is using black magic to form a new army! They are at my homeworld now and are planning to destroy Earth and Underland!"
As Alice grunts and continues to struggle against the guards, there is silence as everyone ponders on her statement. Suddenly Alice is released until she feels a hand on her shoulder. She turns to see Tarrant's red eyes as he gives her a look of understanding and simply nods. She nods back to him. The silence went on for a very long time before Mirana's expression turns grave. "Alice… If what you say is true… Then we are in grave danger…"
:)(:
After everyone calms down from the sudden hysteria, they all go the library to discuss things further. Mirana gently sits Alice down and lets her explain everything that Stayne has told her. Alice explains how Iracebeth had gotten hold of the Looking Glass and what the object can do. She also explains what Stayne has said about his and Iracebeth's plans involve with Wonderland and Earth and how they stole from both worlds to improve the Red Queen's black magic. She also explains how he injected her with something that knocked her out and that he fled before Tarrant found her. Everything she said makes everyone's expression change. Some look horrified, angry, terrified, and confused. Only Mirana remains calm and she looks thoughtful.
Then Alice realizes something and looks curious. "But speaking of which… What happened? Shouldn't the poison have killed me?"
Mirana smiles slightly. "It would have if the Flower of Elixir hadn't repelled its effects." When she sees Alice's confused look, she elaborates. "The flower that Tarrant gave you saved your life."
Alice blinks before she turns to look at Tarrant. He smiles a bit shyly and she smiles as she places a gentle squeeze on his hand. She mouths 'Thank you' and is about to say more before Mirana speaks.
"But now that you have mentioned it… I haven't seen Stephen since the accident last night…" Mirana's expression darkens. "But be rest assured Alice… I will put out a warrant for him and see that he is executed for treason. I will not make that mistake again…"
Alice only nods, not really knowing what to say.
"But… What are we gonna do now?" Mallymkun asks. She, Bayard, the Tweedles, McTwisp, Thackery, and Chessur have been permitted to join the conversation and have been silent. Several of them were shaking from fear and anxiety. "You said that with the Looking Glass, they could be anywhere right now!"
"We must prepare for the worst." Bayard adds. "We should have an army ready for when she decided to ambush us."
"But we don't even know what kind of army she will have." McTwisp points out. "For all we know, she could have an army of the dead."
"No…" Alice says suddenly. Everyone looks at her in surprise. "We cannot just wait and expect the worst when it comes up. We need to go find her and stop her before she becomes indestructible."
"Alice, I do know that you are right, but we cannot take any chances." Mirana sighs sadly. "I do not even know where this Looking Glass is. Yes, my parents have spoken about it, but they left it only for Iracebeth to have. They have never mentioned to me of its whereabouts."
"But can you at least tell me the code to activate it?" Alice insists. Mirana is silent as she thinks. Then she sighs. "It's 'Aperta, porta; meus reflexionem me ad parte.' It's Latin for 'Open, portal. Let my reflection take me to the other side.'"
Alice remembered those words by heart and nods. Then she stands up. "That's all I needed to know…"
"Where are you going?" Mallymkun asks.
"I'm going to go out and find this Looking Glass." Alice says simply. Mirana is about to open her mouth in protest, but Alice cuts her off. "Your Majesty, I cannot expect you to risk all your men just to try and find this mirror. They need to be here to protect Marmoreal in case Iracebeth decides to attack. You are right about that. But this is something that I must do… Alone."
"No!" Tarrant protests loudly. He sits up with a stern glare directed at Alice. "That is completely out of the question, Alice! If you go alone, then the bloody Readhead will have her men kill you on sight! It's practically suicide!"
"Tarrant, Stayne is aware of who my family is…" Alice mutters firmly. Her eyes flash in deep worry. "And I have no doubt that he and Iracebeth will find them and kill them to get to me. I need to find the Looking Glass and take them to the safest place possible. I would never forgive myself if anything happened to them…"
"So what? You're gonna leave us… For them?" Mallymkun narrows her eyes dangerously. "You're gonna let a whole world perish just for a couple of people who don't even understand you?"
Alice hesitates as she sees the fierce looks on some of the people's faces. Only Chessur and Mirana seem to understand her but are curious for her answer. "They're all I have left. But once I am sure that they are safe, I will come back and destroy the Looking Glass once I am sure that Stayne and Iracebeth are here. Then I will fight for Underland. That's a promise."
"Alice…" Mirana hesitates as a sense of dread seizes her heart. "If you destroy the Looking Glass, then there is a possibility that you can ever see your family again… Is that really a risk you want to take?"
"I'd be happy for the rest of my life knowing that Iracebeth would never be able to touch my family again. I'd be able to say my last few words before I come back… And maybe die old knowing that they will forever be safe." Alice's eyes glisten a bit when she realizes that the White Queen is right. But she also knows for a fact that she would be happy knowing that her family will be safe and happy without having to deal with something she started (although unintentionally). She just hopes that her family would understand what she would be risking for them and still love her no matter what.
"But what if you don't… Come back…?" Tarrant murmurs quietly. His eyes are the dullest shade of gray that Alice has ever seen. She has never seen that color on his eyes before so she is uncertain of how he is feeling. But she understands his inquiry.
"Tarrant, this is not like the last time. I left because my purpose has been fulfilled. Underland was safe and sound back then. I will not abandon you all when you need me most, but I have to protect my family. I thought that you of all people would understand that…"
Tarrant is silent. Taking that as his final answer, Alice turns to the White Queen. "I will leave only with your permission, Your Highness. But I hope you understand the importance my family is to me."
"I do…" Mirana hesitates when her last conversation with Absolem comes to her mind. She glances at Tarrant and could see that he was thinking the same thing. "But this is not something I can make you choose upon. You have my permission to leave, Alice. However, I insist that you stay here until tonight to get some rest and recover from your recent attack. I do hope that you will be back soon to reinstate your role as Underland's Champion."
"You have my word on that, Your Majesty. I will be back soon, I promise." Alice bows deeply before Mirana before she turns to smile at her friends. She falters a bit when they don't return it. With a heavy sigh, she turns and walks out of the library.
The walk is quiet but she could hear loud shouts from the library. This makes her quicken her pace towards her room. She slams the door shut behind her and lies down on the bed before she begins to cry. She cries out for her unfortunate predicament and how her choice will possibly affect Underland and her family. She knows that in the end, she will have to choose one or the other.
:)(:
Alice was sure that this has been the longest day of her life, but it's definitely not one of the best ones. She has spent most of the day resting on her bed (mainly upon Mirana's request), trying to find more information about the Looking Glass' location, or eating alone. She felt very disappointed that no one besides Mirana has spoken to her since their meeting in the library. Were they all really that mad at her for wanting to protect her family? She could somewhat understand their anger towards her, but she would have thought that they understand that her family is the only thing in the universe that she would die for. Tarrant, especially, should be able to understand her desire to protect her family. But if she does manage to bump into him, she could see his eyes changing from red to blue and gray. Why was it so hard of them to accept her choice?
Sunset came before she even realized it. She was reading a book out of boredom when a guard knocked on her door. When she permits him to come in, he peeks over the door. "Mirana wishes to see you at the courtyard. She has made preparations for your travel."
Alice frowns for a bit. Preparations? What kind of preparations? Curious, she places the book down and straightens out her clothes before she looks at her bedroom one last time. With a soft sigh, she follows the guard through the hallway towards the entrance. She could feel a cool evening breeze and sees some stars illuminating from behind the purple and blue sky.
Alice is greatly surprised when the guard beckons her to the large gates. She sees Mirana and a few soldiers making a few adjustments onto a belt that is strapped onto the Bandersnatch. The large beast held various large supply bags that would surely last Alice several months but he didn't seem fazed as he waits patiently. He occasionally grows at the guards when they adjust the belt too tightly. He snaps his head over his shoulder to see Alice approaching and relaxes.
Mirana and the guards stop to look at Alice as she stops before them. Mirana glances at the guards and they nod before they walk back to the castle. The Bandersnatch adjust himself and walks through the gates to rest at the other side. His movement reveals to see all her friends looking a bit upset about something. Alice is a bit hurt that they don't even look at her.
"Alice, know that no matter what happens, Marmoreal will always be your home." Mirana says calmly. She looks over Alice's shoulder and Alice turns to see the two same guards returning with a long ebony box. They hold it between the women and Mirana opens it to reveal the Vopal Sword in perfect condition. She also takes the Flower of Elixir-which is now hanging from a chain necklace- from the other guard's hand. Alice's heart stops.
"I'd like for you to take these with you. It's only right that they stay with their true master." Mirana gracefully takes out the sword and necklace and present them to Alice. Alice hesitates while Mirana continues. "Use these for all your battles as our guardian. As Underland's true Champion."
Alice stares at Mirana for a little longer before she slowly takes the sword and necklace. The very last time she held the sword was the first time she has ever slain something. She isn't sure if she should feel more relieved by having a valuable weapon with her or have a sense of disgust at herself for what she was forced to do many years ago.
Alice carefully places the necklace over her neck before she nods and bows low to the queen. Then she turns and looks at her friends as they finally look at her. Alice notices that Tarrant's shoulders were slightly shaking but doesn't know why. She forces herself to smile. "I'll be back before you know it."
"Alice…" Tarrant finally speaks for the first time. His voice is slightly more roguish and he sounds like he was trying to restrain himself. "At least let one of us go with you. Just to make sure that you are safe on this journey."
"Tarrant…" Alice sighs deeply. "I know that you mean well, but I'll be fine. After all, I'll have the Bandersnatch, Flower of Elixir, and Vopal Sword with me. What more help could I possibly ask for?"
Tarrant looks a bit hurt by that statement. He clears his throat. "Please at least let me go with you. I just can't stand knowing that I won't be able to see you again…"
"Tarrant, my decision is final. I'm going alone and that is that." Alice says firmly. Her heart twists at seeing the heartbroken look on his face but tries to ignore it as she turns away. As she walks, she could feel his presence close behind her.
"Damn it, Alice! I'm not letting you go alone because I lo-" He instantly stops himself. Everything turns deathly silent and even makes Alice stop her movement. She turns around to look at him with wide eyes, inquiring on what he was about to say. The others, especially Mirana, stare at the milliner with wide eyes and open mouths.
Tarrant stares at Alice for a short moment before he closes his eyes and sighs quietly. "Because I lied to you." He finishes. He couldn't bring himself to confess his feelings for Alice. Not like this. Especially on what he is about to tell her next. "Alice, I wasn't supposed to tell you this… But the Oraculum has prophesized that you wouldn't survive this battle."
"Tarrant!" Mirana hisses angrily, outraged that he disobeyed her orders. However, she falls silent when she sees the look on Alice's face. Her expression clearly states that she doesn't understand. "What?" She demands.
Tarrant sighs again and decides to just spill it all out. Too late to go back now. "On the night of the ball… Absolem came to us with a concern about the Oraculum. It stated that you had two split fates that you needed to choose upon… But in the end, it led to your death. We weren't sure on what those two split fates were, but I honestly think it has to do with choosing us or your family…"
The atmosphere suddenly changed as everyone waited uneasily for Alice's response. Her expression was blank before it turned into confusion, shock, anger, and sadness. "… You knew this… And you never told me…"
Now she could understand why everyone was upset about her was leaving. It was possibly the last time she would see them before she… Died. "But how will I… Die?" She ask uncertainly.
"We aren't sure, Alice." Mirana murmurs softly. She tries to ease the situation mainly because Tarrant was on the brink of a panic attack. "But we couldn't tell you because… It was your choice. We had no say in what you should do. We respect you enough to let you make your own decisions after everything you have done for us."
"…"
Honestly, Alice couldn't think of anything else to say. She felt a variety of emotions run through her. Deep disappointment at the fact her life is coming to an end, betrayal that her friends kept this from her, sadness that she didn't have any idea how this really affected everyone around her… It really was too much…
"… I…" She couldn't even finish her statement before she started shaking. "I cannot believe this…"
"We're so sorry, Alice." Mallymkun murmurs quietly. "Please forgive us…"
Alice's expression suddenly grew angry and she gives everyone a dirty look. "I can't believe that you thought that hiding this from me was a very good idea. I'd think I would have liked to known that my purpose in life is nothing more than to serve people…"
"Alice!" Tarrant cries, outraged by her statement. "That is NOT-"
"Isn't it, Tarrant?" Alice cuts him off harshly. "Although I saved you all from the Jabberwocky and that horrendous woman, this is how you thank me? By thinking that my death coming soon was not something I should know about? I had made plans to live here for the rest of my life with friends who I thought understood and cared for me."
"Alice, please-" Mirana pleads, but Alice cuts her off.
"Forget it. At least I have a plan to fulfill my tasks before I welcome death." Alice mutters darkly before she stomps towards the gates. She ignores the heartbroken looks on her friends' faces as she walks over the gate and approaches the Bandersnatch, who seemed to have the decency to be away from the conversation. "That's all I seem to be good for now…"
But before Alice could jump onto the Bandersnatch and take off, she feels a pair of strong hands grab her arms. Knowing who it was, Alice was about to yell at the milliner before he spins her around, pins her shoulders against the wall, and crashes his lips against her own. Alice lets out a yelp of surprise when she finally realizes that Tarrant was kissing her.
Alice is frozen from shock as the milliner continues to kiss her deeply and pins her body against the wall with his own. He lances his fingers with one of her hands while the other hand caresses her jaw softly. It was like his hand was studying every inch of her face as he continues to kiss her.
Alice could feel the shock fade as a new feeling in her stomach flutters and makes her heart melt. She relaxes as she closes her eyes and kisses the milliner back. She could feel him groan into their kiss as he deepens it and wraps his arms around her tightly, almost as if he was afraid of letting her go. Neither of them are aware that Mirana walked around the gate to see what was going on. When she sees it, she blinks in surprise before she smiles softly and turns away before the others could witness what was going on.
The kiss continues for several more moments before they both pull away to breathe. Their breathing is heavy as they could feel their hearts beating frantically against each other's chests. Tarrant breathes heavily before he opens his eyes and is delighted by the sight before him. Alice's lips were slightly swollen from the unexpected kiss and her cheeks are slightly flushed. Her eyes darken into something that the milliner had never seen but is quite enchanted by.
Alice finally blinks back into reality when she feels Tarrant caressing her cheeks as he places a soft kiss on her forehead. "Tarrant… Why-"
"Alice, I love you." Tarrant murmurs so softly that the blonde was certain she heard wrong. "I have loved you from the moment I realized that I missed you far too much in the past two years. That is why I do not want you to go alone. I've lost you almost twice now; it was too much for me to watch you leave me again… To watch something I love be taken away again…"
Alice knows he is implying on the loss of his clan, but his words have affected her much more than ever. She blinks when she rests his forehead on her own. "So do not ever think that your purpose is just to serve other people, Alice. You are far more to us than you realize. Especially to me…"
Alice says nothing and continues to stare at Tarrant for a long time. Tarrant could feel his heart shattering when he realizes that she must be thinking different thoughts. "Alice, have I gone mad?"
Upon instinct, Alice places a hand over his forehead. "Absolutely. You're entirely bonkers…" His disheartened look makes Alice's heart twist before she smiles. "But you know what? All the best people in the world are."
Tarrant slowly gives a small sad smile. He exhales softly. Then he tilts her head up to make her look at his eyes. They were a mix of blue and green; he was feeling sad and happy all at once. "Alice… Please let me go with you." He fiddles with her chain necklace. "I was serious when I have given this to you as a promise gift. Where you go, I will go. I will always be here for you. I am now and forever your guardian and closest friend." He places one of her hands on his chest; right over his heart. "And if saving your family is what you want, I will fight with every inch of my soul to ensure that they will be safe forever. Please…" He whispers as he hugs her tightly and rests his face on her hair. He inhales deeply as he waits for her response.
Alice could feel a tear slide down her cheek as a sudden realization hits her and makes her see a new light. She doesn't want to lose Tarrant, but at the same time she wants him to be there for her when she will need him most. Soon the strongest of the two makes her finalize her choice. "Tarrant-"
CLIFFHANGER! MWAHAHAHAHA! Yes, I know I'm evil. Couldn't resist. But in all seriousness, I am debating on if the Mad Hatter should go with her or not. I need at least five vote reviews (that way there are no tiebreakers) before I make my final choice. I'm fine with either one.
So yay! Tarrant confesses! I think this turned out pretty well! Leave any comment, please!