Dear Readers/Writers,
It has come to my attention that on 28 June 2018, the game on which this story is based will receive a sequel in Japan, titled "Mary Skelter 2".
Of note is that "Mary Skelter 2"'s story appears to be similar to the first game's. Given this, to prevent any confusion on which game this story is based on, I emphasize that it continues off from the events of the original "Mary Skelter: Nightmares".
I hope all of you understand and I wish all of you a good day. Thank you.
Jack's team entered through the gate, beyond which lies the destination of their coming battle. On their left and right were Leader's unit, armed with shotguns, and Jack and the Blood Maidens respectively. In the middle of them were the White Rabbit and Arika. Jack and his companions now found themselves in a room with four blue pillars; each placed northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast from the center of the room. Standing in the middle of it was none other than Jabberwock, his back facing the group. Seeing their enemy, Jack and his group left the gate, still open, and faced him.
Upon their arrival, Jabberwock turned around to face them. The air became tense as both Jack's team and Jabberwock stared at each other. The members of Leader's unit gripped their shotguns tight in anticipation of an attack.
"So, the cursed ones have arrived," Jabberwock put on a mocking grin. "Did you decide to fight me even if it endangers the life of your friend?"
"Sorry to burst your bubble, but, that's not going to happen," Red Riding Hood said seriously. "We'll beat you and save Towa. You can bet on it,"
"Such a trivial declaration. Before I put an end to all of you, I believe there is something that needs to be dealt with," All of a sudden, Jabberwock roared loudly, unleashing a shockwave which travelled past Jack's team. To their surprise, a small explosion occurred on their communication equipment, rendering them useless.
"Oh, no," Jack examined his damaged transceiver. "The transceiver!"
At Haru's side, everyone saw the camera feed on his laptop show nothing except static. Haru tried to contact Jack via his transceiver, only to receive no response. This led to those around him feeling concerned over Jack and his friends' safety.
"What the h***?" Hatter asked. "What's going on here?"
"We've lost contact with Jack and his team," Miko answered. "It appears that our enemy cut off their communications with us,"
"This is bad. How're we going to know what's happening in there?" said Hinata.
"You got to be kidding me," Hatter rushed off to the door of the Dawn truck's interior.
"Hey, where are you going?" Haru asked Hatter.
"Ain't it obvious? We're gonna get to them," Stopping in front of the door, Hatter gave a quick reply. "We stay here, there's no telling what kinda s*** they'll get themselves into,"
"That's dangerous," Major objected. "You don't even have any experience in dealing with Marchens; let alone, in fighting,"
"But, we can't just leave them inside there! Especially Jack's cute a** band of hotties-"
"There now, Hatter," March lifted one hand up. Walking around slowly, he began addressing everyone. "It is correct to say that we do not possess any skill in handling Marchens. However, if you're referring to fighting in general, that is a different story,"
"What do you mean by that?" Miko gazed at March, the latter now next to Hatter. The gentlemanly young man raised a fist, conjuring a handkerchief from seemingly out of nowhere. This astonished the members of the Dawn, particularly Clara.
"How… did you do that?" Clara's eyes were wide open. Chuckling lightly, March kept the handkerchief he produced under his dress shirt.
"Would you like to know?"
"To think that Jabberwock would destroy our means of communication," The White Rabbit stated. "I did not foresee this,"
"The only thing you should foresee is your own death," Jabberwock pointed at Jack's group. "Once your lives have been taken, your comrades shall bear witness to your deceased bodies and fall into despair,"
"If you think you can kill us so easily, we'd like to see you try," Thumbelina challenged Jabberwock. "It doesn't matter how many Marchens you take out. We'll bring all of them down,"
"What if I told you it is not Marchens alone I shall be calling?"
"What do you mean?" asked the White Rabbit cautiously.
"Allow me to show you," Jabberwock began gathering dark energy in one hand, shaping it into a ball. Hurling it to the floor on his right, the ball turned into a huge cloud of black smoke which slowly materialized into a physical being. The being in question was a black humanoid, it's legs crossed, seated on what appeared to be a white throne with legs attached beneath it. In it's mouth was an orange pipe held by the creature with both hands.
Jack and the Blood Maidens could not believe their eyes. The creature beside Jabberwock was none other than a Nightmare-The name given to the wardens of the Jail encountered by the youths in their past. Unlike Marchens, which can be killed via normal means, Nightmares are notoriously known amongst the Dawn to be near immortal. To defeat them, one has to search for a Core situated in the Nightmare's respective area and destroy it. This would weaken the said Nightmare, making it vulnerable to any form of attack.
"A Nightmare? At a time like this?!" As Jack spoke, Leader's unit members aimed their weapons at the Nightmare.
"Everyone, this is not an enemy that you can simply fight head on!" Red Riding Hood warned Leader's unit. "We need to fall back!"
"There is no need for that," Gretel said.
"Huh? Why?" a surprised Red Riding Hood replied.
"This Nightmare feels different than the ones we have fought in the Jail. I believe it is susceptible to injuries even without the destruction of a Core,"
"Rapunzel feels we can beat the Nightmare up," Rapunzel said.
"But, how would you know that in the first place?" Thumbelina asked Gretel.
"Oh, have you forgotten?" Gretel smiled. "I have lived with a Nightmare once. It's only natural for me to perceive how they operate," It was no surprise for the Blood Maiden to say such words. Before joining the Dawn, she resided in the Jail alongside a Nightmare named Hansel, whom she treated as her brother.
"How are you able to call forth an existence such as a Nightmare easily?" the White Rabbit questioned Jabberwock.
"My desire for vengeance granted me empowerment and in turn, the powers I require to fulfill my objective. That though, is none of your concern. It is time I bring a swift end to your lives," Jabberwock, appearing deadly serious, commanded the Nightmare beside him. "Destroy them," At this, the Nightmare blew it's pipe loudly.
"Get ready. Here it comes!" Alice and her company prepared for battle. At the same time, Jabberwock began to advance. Seeing this, the White Rabbit quickly ran ahead and swung his fists at the draconic entity. Jabberwock then grabbed the White Rabbit's hands leading to the latter pushing against the former.
"Mr. Shiro!" Jack called out.
"I will handle Jabberwock. The rest of you deal with the Nightmare!"
"But-" Snow White looked hesitant.
"Just go! Arika will assist all of you! In the meantime, I will try to wear down Jabberwock!" With that said, the White Rabbit and Jabberwock moved a few feet away from everyone to resume their fight.
"Ah! They went there!" Rapunzel pointed out to her friends.
"Don't worry about them, Rappy!" Cinderella said. "More importantly, we need to beat this Nightmare to a pulp!" The Nightmare summoned by Jabberwock played a melodious yet eerie tune using it's pipe. Within seconds, small clouds of smoke emerged around the Nightmare's feet, turning into swarms of rat-like Marchens; their eyes glinting with a red light. Upon being summoned, they ran to Jack's team.
"What in the…?!" Card-One and his teammates frantically fired their shotguns at the little Marchens, killing some of them. "What are these things?!"
"Stay calm!" Leader assessed the situation. "We'll break through the enemy's front and take it down!"
"You got it!" Acknowledging Leader's instructions, Red Riding Hood spoke to Jack and the other Blood Maidens. "Thumby, you and your sisters along with Hameln support the police! The rest of us will plow through and aim for the Nightmare!"
"I shall stay with the police and help them," Arika stated.
"Alright, let's go," Alice said as she readied her weapon.
"Okay," nodded Jack. "Be careful, everyone!" Jack and Alice led several of the Blood Maidens into slaying their enemies. From behind them, Leader and his unit provided cover fire alongside Thumbelina, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Hameln. Arika stood by Leader's group, fending off any incoming enemies with a barrier of white energy.
At the White Rabbit and Jabberwock's side, the fight between the two entities was fierce. Jabberwock flew from various directions and swiped at the White Rabbit with his claws. After blocking his opponent's attacks, the White Rabbit jumped over him and landed a swift blow on Jabberwock's back. Landing on the ground, the White Rabbit jumped up once more and attempted to strike Jabberwock, who had beat his wings to prevent himself from crashing into a wall.
Turning to face his adversary, Jabberwock grabbed the White Rabbit by the head and threw him down; causing the latter to slide across the floor on his back. Quickly, the White Rabbit got up on his feet with a backflip. Jabberwock flew at him and thrust one hand forward, only to have his attack blocked. Bringing his feet back onto the ground, Jabberwock started clashing fists with the White Rabbit.
"What do you intend to accomplish from killing Jack and the Blood Maidens?" the White Rabbit, his fist pushing against Jabberwock's, demanded.
"I told you, it is for revenge," A malevolent grin spread across Jabberwock's face. "Once I am done with the accursed ones, I shall lay waste to all life on the surface. And I will not stop until all is turned into nothingness!"
Whilst Jabberwock and the White Rabbit exchanged words, Jack and his company were struggling against their opponent. The Marchens that were summoned by the Nightmare seemed endless in number. Though they vanished into smoke after getting killed, the Nightmare continued summoning more of them. Alice and Red Riding Hood jumped towards the Nightmare and attempted to strike it. However, the Nightmare deflected their attacks by emitting a sound wave from it's pipe. The force of the deflection was such that the two landed on the ground with a thud. Before they could get up, their bodies were swarmed by the Marchens. At this, Alice yelped while Red Riding Hood tried to pry the Marchens off herself.
"Red Riding Hood! Alice!" Jack rushed to the two girls to help them. Noticing her friends' predicament; Cinderella, who had kicked away some Marchens, called out to Rapunzel.
"Rappy!"
"Okay!" Wasting no time, Rapunzel lifted her weapon; a hammer larger than herself, and struck the ground, creating a small tremor which startled the Marchens and rendered them immobile momentarily. Seizing this opportunity; Alice and Red Riding Hood, with Jack's help, shook off the Marchens that were on their bodies. He then led the two girls away to safety and regrouped with the rest of his companions.
"Are you two alright?" Jack asked Alice and Red Riding Hood.
"I'm fine. No sweat, Jack," Red Riding Hood replied with a smile.
"I am fine as well. Thank you, Jack," Alice said gratefully.
"Ugh, there's no end to them!" Thumbelina griped as those next to her watched the Nightmare; the Marchens huddled around it, standing a few feet away from her group. "Where exactly are these Marchens coming from?"
"It appears that Nightmare is summoning them using the pipe in it's hands," Kaguya referred to the Nightmare's pipe. "So long as it has that, fighting the Nightmare will be a bother,"
"An astute observation, Kaguya," Gretel remarked. "On top of that, it's powers are derived from the pipe itself. Destroying it should give us an advantage,"
"How are we supposed to do that when we got those things to deal with?" Card-Three pointed to the Marchens.
"Worry not! I, the great Hameln, have just the thing for a time like this!" From out of her blouse's collar, Hameln pulled out her weapon, a white whistle hung around her neck, and displayed it proudly.
"Is that… a whistle?" Card-Two and his teammates stared at Hameln's weapon; all of them, save Leader, looking puzzled.
"How is that going to help us?" asked Card-Four.
"I see," Coming to a realization, Red Riding Hood grinned. "Alright, Hameln. Show that Nightmare what you've got!"
"Acknowledged! Now, behold as I display my prowess!" Walking ahead of her company, Hameln held her whistle close to her mouth. All at her side watched as she stopped in front of their enemies and stood still. Noticing this, the White Rabbit and Jabberwock, whom are currently a short distance away from Jack's team, paused to look at Hameln.
"What's she going to do?" asked Card-One as he and the other police officers looked at Hameln curiously.
"Well, just watch," Red Riding Hood said with a smile. The Nightmare and Marchens, remaining at their spot, gazed at Hameln. Soon, the Nightmare played it's pipe, commanding the Marchens to advance slowly towards Hameln.
"Hey, look out!" Card-Four called out. Right when the Marchens were a few steps away from Hameln, she blew into her whistle, causing them to halt. Pausing for a second, Hameln played a musical tune akin to that played in a marching band. The Marchens, hearing her whistle's melody, became enthralled and encircled themselves around the Blood Maiden. The Nightmare responded by playing it's pipe in an attempt to intercept Hameln's tune and regain control of them.
What ensued next was a musical showdown between Hameln and the Nightmare. As both of them kept playing their respective instruments, it was evident that Hameln's melody proved superior against the Nightmare's. The more the Nightmare played, the more it's melody became overpowered by Hameln's. Continuing to blow her whistle, Hameln walked aside; the Marchens giving way to her and following the Blood Maiden from behind. Everyone was then greeted by the sight of her leading the Marchens, in a manner similar to the Pied Piper of Hamelin, to the room's entrance.
"Amazing…" Card-Three and the other members of his unit were awed by Hameln's action. As for the Nightmare, it was about to move towards the Marchens; still trying to get them back to it's side. The minute it did, Red Riding Hood quickly spoke to her companions.
"Everyone, the Nightmare's distracted! Now's our chance!" Red Riding Hood raised her weapon and ran ahead. Jack and the other Blood Maidens, followed by Arika and Leader's unit, did the same. Reaching their opponent, Alice and Red Riding Hood swiftly cut off the legs beneath the Nightmare's throne; bringing it down to the ground. Before the Nightmare could do anything, Rapunzel smashed it's pipe with her hammer. She and the other Blood Maidens then proceeded to attack it from all directions. The members of Leader's unit joined in, firing their weapons at the Nightmare. Jack and Arika stood by the side, ready to protect their friends whenever necesssary.
During all of this, Hameln had let the Marchens out the gate and proceeded to join her friends. By the time she arrived, the Nightmare was already defeated, it's body crumbling into ashes. The White Rabbit and Jabberwock watched as those at Jack's side enjoyed a brief moment of respite.
"That was awesome!" Card-One said to Hameln in amazement. "How did you bring those things away just by blowing a whistle?"
"That Nightmare was controlling the Marchens using the power of song. And as music is my forte, all I needed to do was fight fire with fire. An eye for an eye, a song for a song," Hameln beamed with pride. "Impressive, don't you think?"
"I couldn't agree more!" Cinderella said in delight. "That was indeed a spectacular display of your abilities!"
"And thanks to Hameln, all that's left…" Red Riding Hood and her company brought their attention to Jabberwock. "…is him," The draconic entity's expression seemed blank. Deep down though, a sense of disbelief was etched into his very self.
"It's you against us, Jabberwock," Thumbelina said to the entity. "It doesn't matter what you do, we'll beat you down like we did to the Nightmare," Upon hearing this, Jabberwock's heart filled with anger.
"How many more of my kind must you kill?" he asked Jack and the Blood Maidens. "Does it really satisfy you to commit such an act?!"
"Huh?" Jack was puzzled at Jabberwock's sudden outburst.
"You have murdered Marchens and Nightmares, deeming them to be enemies of humanity! Why do you wish to disrupt our lives when we seek to help humanity itself?"
"What do you mean 'help' humanity?" Red Riding Hood asked in disagreement. "The Marchens caught and tortured people! How is that called 'helping' at all?"
"We sought to grow our home, the Jail, in order to create a world where one can live on unbridled instinct-A world where the living can indulge in their greatest pleasures without restriction! For that purpose, we captured humans; inflicted pain on them and in turn, fed and nurtured the Jail,"
"What's he getting into all of a sudden?" Card-Three asked.
"So, to form a utopia, you drew the blood of the innocent?" the White Rabbit questioned Jabberwock.
"Indeed. It was a necessary measure to attain our objective. But, that is no longer the case. And it's all because of you!" Jabberwock pointed at Jack and the Blood Maidens furiously. "You, that are monsters cursed with the blood of our kind, have been a thorn by our side. Had you not existed, we would have realized our goal long ago. The only thing that we have left is vengeance,"
"For that, I shall kill all of you! After that, I will kill all that live on the surface!" Jabberwock gave a soft wicked laugh. "That's right. I'll destroy everything! That is our only purpose! All that matters is to bring the world into oblivion!" Those hearing Jabberwock, particularly the members of Leader's unit, were unnerved.
"You're insane," Cinderella remarked.
"We don't care about all of that!" Thumbelina said impatiently. "All we want is Towa. Give him back to us now!"
"Dear sister, please calm down!" a concerned Snow White spoke.
"In the end, you intend on killing me like how you did to my kind," Jabberwock's tone was calm yet serious. "Very well. If that is how it is, I will bring death to all of you first!" Suddenly, a purple aura arose from beneath him, it's intensity such that a sense of caution and dread was instilled in the hearts of his enemies.
"W-What is this?" Thumbelina felt worried. "I'm feeling really bad all of a sudden,"
"Be careful," the White Rabbit warned. "I sense a terrifying power within Jabberwock,"
"Perceptive. And I shall first demonstrate it…" Jabberwock looked at the White Rabbit. "…on you," To everybody's surprise, the former dashed toward the latter at blurring speed. Before the White Rabbit could react, he was sent flying into the northwest pillar with a punch from Jabberwock.
"Mr. Shiro!" Jack along with a few of the Blood Maidens called out. Having dealt with one opponent, Jabberwock focused his eyes on Jack's side. "You are next," Pointing menacingly at Jack and his companions, Jabberwock glared at them.
"All units, defensive positions!" At Leader's command, he and his team members lined themselves up in front of Jack, Arika and the Blood Maidens. They then directed their shotguns at Jabberwock.
"No, wait! It's dangerous to-" In the midst of warning Leader's unit, Arika watched in shock as Jabberwock rushed forward and swiped one hand upward; unleashing a force that sent Leader and his teammates flying over the rest of Jack's group. Leader's team was sent crashing onto the ground in front of the gate.
"Oh, no!" Jack exclaimed as he and his friends turned to look at Leader's unit. During this moment, Cinderella and Rapunzel brought their attention back to Jabberwock.
"Everybody, we must strike!" Cinderella ran to Jabberwock.
"Grr… Get him!" Lifting her hammer, Rapunzel followed suit. The two Blood Maidens launched themselves at Jabberwock, with Cinderella launching a kick and Rapunzel swinging her hammer. To both their surprise, Jabberwock blocked the two girls' attacks effortlessly. Grabbing Cinderella's leg and Rapunzel's hammer, the draconic entity lifted and threw his attackers to the left and right respectively. Both Blood Maidens hit the ground hard with Rapunzel crying out a loud, "Ouchy!"
"Thumby, take Snow White and Sleepy and tend to the injured!" Red Riding Hood instructed, as she and the people close to her readied themselves to fight. "We'll take Jabberwock on!"
"But, Sister Red, it's dangerous if we don't fight together!" a worried Snow White spoke out.
"Don't worry about us. The wounded need to be protected. Go quickly!" Alice said to Snow White briefly.
"Alright, don't overdo it! Snow White, Sleepy, come on!" Thumbelina called for her sisters to follow her.
"O-Okay dear sister. Be safe, everyone!" Snow White and her sisters attended to Leader's team whilst the others, led by Alice, charged at Jabberwock. Joined by Cinderella and Rapunzel, who got back onto their feet, the Blood Maidens took the fight to the middle of the room. Jack and Arika moved across the battlefield speedily, watching over their friends.
Compared to their previous opponent, Jabberwock proved to be a challenge for the Blood Maidens. Any attack they made on Jabberwock was either avoided or deflected. Cinderella engaged in hand-to-hand combat with him, only to get knocked aback by a single punch. Speeding atop Bamboo No. 1; Kaguya attempted to ram into Jabberwock, the latter evading her by simply retreating a step back. At this moment, the White Rabbit had joined in the fight, jumping towards Jabberwock to land a punch on him. Blocking the White Rabbit's punch, Jabberwock pushed him aside.
From behind Jabberwock, Gretel spun around once and swung her scythe horizontally towards him. As if he had anticipated this, Jabberwock evaded her blade by flying up into the air. The entity was now hovering above Jack and his friends, whom are gathering quickly at one spot. Meanwhile, at Leader's team's side, Snow White and her sisters were helping the police officers up onto their feet while treating any minor wounds they suffered. At the same time, they were watching the battle taking place at Jack's side.
"He's fast!" Red Riding Hood said to her company as everyone looked at Jabberwock.
"He has become more powerful compared to when I fought him previously," the White Rabbit cautioned his team. "Be on your guard,"
"You declare to defeat me but, are unable to lay a finger on my being. In that case, allow me to bring an end to this match!" Jabberwock raised his right hand, dark flames enveloping it and blazing intensely. The flames transformed into a huge burning sphere which remained stationary above his palm.
"What is that?!" Jack exclaimed as all at his and Leader's side were astonished at the sight of the fiery sphere.
"Everybody, stand behind me! I shall protect all of you!" Arika said to her companions.
"It is pointless to resist. Perish now!" Saying this, Jabberwock hurled the ball of fire down to Jack's team. In response, Arika conjured a white dome-shaped barrier which covered the people at her side, who stood behind her. Unfortunately, the barrier was not strong enough to fend off Jabberwock's attack. To the shock of those at Leader's side, a large explosion occurred at Jack and his company's spot. All of them watched in horror as their friends yelled in pain and were sent flying to different directions. Jack, Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Rapunzel landed next to the southwest pillar; the White Rabbit, Arika, Kaguya, Gretel and Hameln ended up in between the northwest and southwest pillars and Alice crashed on the floor next to the southeast pillar.
Jabberwock landed himself down a few steps away from Alice, watching his opponents lying down on the ground. Thanks to Arika's protection, Jack and his friends did not suffer any major injuries. But, the force of Jabberwock's attack debilitated them to the extent where most of them struggled to get up. Kaguya leaned onto an overturned Bamboo No. 1 whereas the White Rabbit brought himself up on one knee. Seeing this, Jabberwock began to gloat over his enemies' predicament.
"Did I not mention? It is pointless to face me. Your only option is to give your lives up to me!" Just as Jabberwock finished, a pinkish arrow flew towards him. Sweeping it away with one hand, he saw that Sleeping Beauty; her bow aimed at him, had arrived with her sisters to fight. The trio was standing not too far away from Alice.
"Stop right there, Jabberwock!" Thumbelina said. "You're going to pay for what you did to our friends!"
"Thumbelina, don't fight him!" Alice said. "The three of you cannot take him alone!"
"He's too strong! You need to get back!" Red Riding Hood brought herself up on one knee and planted her scissors into the ground.
"No! Snow White will not let him hurt anyone further!" Snow White protested.
"Protect…. Everyone…" Sleeping Beauty's tone was quiet yet resolute.
"How brave of you to stand up for your friends," Walking towards Alice, Jabberwock smirked. "However, I have no need to attend to the three of you. Instead, I shall do this," The next thing to happen was Jabberwock grabbing Alice's hair and lifting the Blood Maiden over his head. He slammed her into the floor hard; making Alice let out a pained cry.
"Alice!" Jack cried out as he and everybody else became appalled at Jabberwock's actions. Even Gretel, whose demeanor was usually neutral, hid a feeling of dismay. Although she was downed, Alice mustered enough strength to pierce Jabberwock with her blade. The latter grabbed it and kicked the Blood Maiden away. Alice was sent rolling across the floor and ended up beside Jack.
"Alice!" Jack moved close to the injured Blood Maiden and held her in his hands.
"How horrible…" Kaguya muttered.
"Instead of fighting us head on you attack an already injured person?" Thumbelina said to Jabberwock in disbelief.
"How low have you fallen in order to do such a thing?" the White Rabbit asked Jabberwock.
"As low as I need to be," Jabberwock, now steps away from Jack and Alice, replied. "I have mentioned that I will bring an end to this fight. And I will do anything, even if it includes trampling on those beneath me!" Pointing to the two youths, he added, "First, I shall start by killing the both of you. Then, the rest of you are next!"
"No, I won't let you hurt anyone!" Jack stood in front of Alice, the latter seated on the ground with her blade lying next to her. "I'll protect everybody even if it means giving up my own life!"
"Jack, don't!" Alice spoke out loud with concern. "You cannot fight him. It's reckless!"
"I know!" Jack glanced at Alice. "But, I can't let anybody get hurt anymore!"
"That's crazy! You can't even fight as well as we can!" Thumbelina's words were mostly true. Throughout Jack and the Blood Maidens' past battles in the Jail, the former mainly supported the girls with the use of his Mary Gun. When it comes to actual combat though, the best he can do is use his body as a shield to protect them.
"Even still, I'll do it. Because my friends are important to me. Especially Alice. I care for her more than anything else. So, that's why, even if it's dangerous, I'll fight!" Jack raised the Mary Gun, his face displaying determination that was unlike any that he had ever shown before.
"Jack…" Alice lifted her eyebrows. She and the rest of the Blood Maidens, along with Arika and the White Rabbit, felt surprised yet impressed upon hearing Jack's words.
From their spot, Leader's unit was watching the conversation between their comrades and Jabberwock. They were observing the situation in order to plan their next move.
"What should we do, captain? Do we fall back?" an anxious Card-Three asked Leader. For some reason, Leader was unable to answer.
"Captain!" Card-Four urged. Leader's mind was occupied by two thoughts-On one hand, retreating was the most rational option at this moment. On the other, there was a need to protect Arika and her companions even if it meant fighting a losing battle. Deep down, the police captain was conflicted over what's to be done.
"It seems you wish to hasten your own death. If such is your desire, I shall grant it this instant!" Jack braced himself as Jabberwock lifted one hand. To his and the others' astonishment, the draconic entity lunged towards him in the blink of an eye. Before Jack could react, he found that Jabberwock thrust his hand forward. The force of his attack was such that it could potentially kill Jack in an instant. And it was only a matter of seconds before Jack gets hit by it!
"Jack!" Alice cried out in horror. All at Jack's side widened their eyes. Everything was happening so fast. So fast that Thumbelina and her sisters were unable to act promptly. Right when the worst was about to transpire, something unexpected took place. From Jabberwock's left, a young man with red hair ran and launched himself at the draconic being.
"OHHHHH, YEEEEEAH!" With a passionate cry, the young man delivered a flying kick to Jabberwock's head, sending the latter sliding on his feet a few steps away to the back. Jack and his companions were surprised to see that the person was none other than Hatter. Behind him were March, Drake and Hinata. Prior to Jabberwock attacking Jack, the four youths had entered the room and joined Leader's unit. Despite being told to leave the room, they ran to Jack's side, with Hatter taking the lead and managing to intercept Jabberwock in the nick of time.
"Yo, fellas!" Hatter greeted the people at Jack's side, whom are staring at him. "We here to help and ready to kick some a-" Noticing that most of Jack's companions were down, the redhead added, "God****! What happened to your ladies, Jack, my man?"
"Hatter?!" Thumbelina exclaimed. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you came all the way here to fool around!"
"Whatchu talking about, Thumby?" Hatter replied with a frown. "I come bustin in here like the Kool-Aid Man and that's all you hafta say?"
"Hatter, the Kool-Aid Man breaks through walls. You didn't go through any walls so, you're not him," stated Drake.
"But, I said his catchphrase-"
"You!" Jabberwock said to Hatter's company, irritated. "I did not expect you riffraff to show your faces again! What brings you here this time?!"
"Hinata, you go help Jack and his pals. Me and my bros will handle Jabberwock," Hatter spoke quickly.
"What do you mean you'll handle him? Are you out of your mind?!" Thumbelina said in disapproval.
"Just go, Thumby!" Hatter raised one hand toward the red headed Blood Maiden. "We got this. Plus, I can see your friends are a little worse for wear here," Even though Thumbelina found Hatter's statement to be rash, the tone in his voice exhibited a calmness which made her not say anything further.
"Alright, fine," Thumbelina looked at Hatter and his trio. "You guys better not do anything silly!"
"Rest assured, we won't," March replied. With that said, Thumbelina and her sisters, along with Hinata, went to regroup with their friends in between the northwest and southwest pillars. Jack helped Alice up and the duo followed soon after. At the same time, Hatter's trio conversed with Jabberwock.
"Hey, man," Hatter started off with a good natured tone. "I dunno what happened inside here, but, Jack and the ladies look like they had a bad time,"
"Those youngsters were no match for me," Jabberwock responded. "More importantly, I shall silence the three of you for interfering with my fight,"
"With what? You ain't got nothing to silence us with," Hatter taunted. "Besides, quit what you're doing, man. You ain't cut out for this s***,"
"Do not tell me what to do!" Jabberwock shouted. "I will do what it is necessary in order to fulfill my goal!" Jack's group and Leader's unit were watching the exchange between Hatter's trio and Jabberwock. By this time, all at Jack's side whom were previously weakened were able to stand up thanks to support from Hinata and Snow White.
"Tell you? I ain't talking to you, Jabby," Hatter's next words caught his listeners' attention, particularly Jack's group and Jabberwock.
"What?"
"Oh, you didn't hear me? I'm not talking to you. I'm talking to the man whom you kidnapped and is inside you right now. That's right. I'm talking about Towa. And speaking of which…" As he talked, Hatter's expression turned serious. Raising his voice, he added, "Yo, Towa! I dunno what kinda man you are. But, if you really are a man, you gotta bust yo self outta Jabby there!"
"You can hear me and I know you can. I don't really get how you ended up looking like this but, your friends are waiting for you. Waiting for you to come back to them!" Hatter referred to Jack's group as he continued. "So, stop playing and break yourself out of there! Show Jabby who's in charge!"
"If you think you can free Towa by words alone, your efforts are meaningless. Enough talk. I shall deal with you right this instant!" Jabberwock stepped forward and flew towards Hatter's trio.
"Look out!" Jack cried out. Jabberwock ignited one of his fists with dark flames. Just when he was about to thrust it forward, March moved ahead of Hatter and raised one finger.
"One moment please," Hearing this, Jabberwock turned curious. Stopping mid-air, he retreated a few steps away from March. Jack and his friends were puzzled over his action.
"What is it now?" an irritated Jabberwock said.
"Let us not indulge in violence, shall we?" March smiled amicably. "Before we do anything, how about a magic trick?"
"What?" Jabberwock asked. All eyes were now on March as he brought a handkerchief out of his shirt. "It won't be long. I promise," Still smiling, March spoke in an assuring manner. "Let us start with something simple," Waving the handkerchief, the young man turned it into a long black and white rod, the kind typically used by stage magicians. Jack's group became surprised at the sight of March's trick. Rapunzel, in particular, was filled with childlike awe.
"A simple trick, I see," Jabberwock didn't seem impressed by March's action. "And what may be your point in displaying such a move?"
"Oh, you did not like it?" March spun the rod with his right hand. "Perhaps, you would like to see something more…" In an instant, the rod changed into a bouquet of flowers. "…beautiful?"
"Hm?" Jabberwock's curiosity was piqued.
"Or perhaps, you wish to witness something more…" Reaching his free hand into the bouquet, March pulled out a deck of playing cards. Tossing it aside, the cards floated around him in a mystifying manner. "…fascinating?" Jack, the Blood Maidens and Hinata could not believe their eyes. They had seen March's magic previously but, what they're seeing took the cake for them. Even Leader's unit members were stupefied by March's magic trick. As for the White Rabbit and Arika, both felt fascinated and surprised respectively.
"Incredible…" Cinderella muttered to herself.
"For you to be able to pull off such a display," Jabberwock said to March solemnly. "You must not be human,"
"Why I am but a mere human," March chuckled lightly. Lifting his free hand up, the cards stacked themselves atop his palm. "More importantly, the real trick begins now,"
"What do you mean?" At this time, the cards around March have reassembled into a complete deck.
"Did you not notice?" March kept the deck of cards under his clothes. "That one of us is missing?" Jabberwock scanned his surroundings. It was at that moment that he realized Hatter was nowhere to be seen. Jack's team and Leader's unit also came to the same realization.
"Huh? Where did Hatter go?" Snow White wondered.
"What is this?" Jabberwock looked to his left and right hurriedly. "Where did that mortal disappear to?"
"Right here, jacka**!" Turning around, Jabberwock saw Hatter standing a walk away from him. The red headed boy threw a small reddish sack at Jabberwock's eyes. The sack burst, releasing a cloud of red smoke that enveloped the entity's face. To Jack and his friends' surprise, Jabberwock began to give a loud cry of pain. His eyes felt as if they were stung by something hot. As he staggered backwards from the pain, Hatter; March and Drake rushed to hold him in place. Hatter and March, having tossed his bouquet aside, grabbed onto each of his arms whereas Drake held down Jabberwock's wings.
"You!" Trying to break free from the three boys, he shouted, "What did you do to me?!"
"How did ya like that, Jabby? That was a chili bomb! Stings ten times worse than a bee. Especially when it hits you in the face!" With March and Drake's help, Hatter made Jabberwock face Jack's team. "Arika!" he then called. "Use your powers or whatever mumbo jumbo you got to get Towa outta this freak!"
"Alright!" Arika flew ahead and landed in front of Jabberwock. Placing her hand a few inches away from Jabberwock's chest, the angelic girl emitted a white light out of it. The light gradually enveloped the being until it covered his entire body.
"What are you doing?" Jabberwock said to Arika.
"I am now going to purge you out of the man who serves as your vessel," Arika replied solemnly. "From here onwards, I shall sever the bond between you and him,"
"No, you cannot do this!" shouted an angry Jabberwock.
"It must be done. Your existence cannot be allowed to remain. The time has come. Let us end this," The light on Jabberwock's body began to glow. Everyone soon saw Jabberwock letting out a long cry of rage. Minutes later, Towa's face emerged on the being's chest. The sight of the man's face led to Hatter exclaiming out a loud, "God****!"
"STOP!" Jabberwock yelled in anger. "It cannot end like this!" Soon after, Towa's neck came out of his chest. "NO!" All eyes were affixed on Jabberwock. Slowly but surely, Towa's unconscious form was becoming separated from him.
"It's working. Towa's coming out of Jabberwock!" stated Red Riding Hood.
"That's good. If this keeps up, we can save him," Alice stared at Jabberwock intently.
"Please… Please let this work…" Closing her eyes, Snow White clasped her hands in prayer and held them close to her mouth. Meanwhile, Leader's unit witnessed Arika's power, their faces filled with wonder and surprise.
"I don't know what's going on but, things seem to be going fine. Right, captain?" Card-Two glanced at Leader.
"It is too soon to tell," Leader replied solemnly. "For now, we stay still," By this time, Towa's upper body was slowly emerging out of Jabberwock. The latter made angered grunts as he tried to free himself from his captors.
"Arika! How much longer will this take?" Thumbelina asked.
"I'm almost done," Arika answered. "Just a little more to go…" In the midst of her work, the White Rabbit noticed something. Observing the corner of Arika's face, he could make out her strained expression.
"Arika, stop!" the White Rabbit's words grabbed Jack and the Blood Maidens' attention. "You are exerting yourself! At the rate this is going, you may end up exhausting all of your power!"
"It's alright!" Arika, having made Towa's upper body come out of Jabberwock completely, replied. "It will be over-" Suddenly, the angelic girl felt something was off. Her divine form vanished instantly much to the surprise of everybody, especially Jack's team. In the process, Arika's white robe and wings were replaced by a grey tattered robe. Immediately after that, the light on Jabberwock's body faded and Towa ended up returning into the former's body.
"What the…? What's going on?!" asked Red Riding Hood. The minute she finished speaking, Jabberwock knocked Hatter, March and Drake away from himself. The three boys were sent rolling to different directions; March to the west, Drake to the north and Hatter to the southeast. Soon after that, the draconic being grabbed Arika by the neck making her let out a startled yelp.
"Arika!" Alice called out.
"Hey, let her go!" Thumbelina shouted.
"You dare to deceive me and attempt to end my life?!" Jabberwock squeezed Arika's neck causing the girl to moan in pain. "That is unacceptable! For that, you shall die!" Raising a hand, Jabberwock prepared to hit Arika with it.
"No, don't!" Jack pleaded.
"Freeze!" A voice caught Jabberwock's attention. Leader and his unit had arrived at the scene, now standing next to Hatter; who was lying on his stomach. The police officers aimed their shotguns at Jabberwock.
"Let go of the girl," Leader said to Jabberwock seriously.
"You stand up against me even after having been defeated by my hand?" Jabberwock mocked the police unit. "An admirable yet foolish act indeed,"
"Jabby, you listen to me and put Arika down!" Hatter got up onto his feet and pointed one finger at Jabberwock.
"Did I not mention for you to not tell me what to do?" Jabberwock shifted his gaze from Hatter to Arika. "No matter. The girl's life ends here!" Dark flames engulfed his free hand. To the horror of his enemies, Jabberwock thrust it toward Arika. His act was so fast that no one was able to react on time.
"Arika!" Hatter shouted. Suddenly, Jabberwock's hand stopped inches away from Arika, the flames on it extinguished. The being stood rigidly as if something was preventing him from moving.
"W-What's going on?" Red Riding Hood asked curiously. Even everybody else shared her curiosity. The next thing they knew, Jabberwock began to look distraught.
"What… What is this?"