Thread: Whiffling Through The Whimsy Wood, To War-torn Wonderland We Go (AlphaWolfQuin & DA)

There was a slight tug at Bella's heart as she watched Caleb take his leave, his shadow so much larger than those of both Mick and Rabbit. He was a large man, a strong man. He'd see to it that everything was done and soon both Hatter and Cheshire would find their way to White and be waiting for their dear Alice's arrival. She just hoped the two would remain calm and civil once the childno, womanreturned. Alice had clawed her way into the hearts of both men even as a wee thing, but now...a part of her worried as to what would happen when the three were reunited once more...grown and ripe with emotion. Alice had been through so much back in the human world. She'd need her dearest friends by her side. But they'd need to work together if they were to complete the task she knew laid before them. But she had other matters to think on as her heart shattered a little at the sounds of Caleb's footfalls growing lighter and lighter. Ah, Kitty, Bella whispered, her fingers gently caressing the mirror in her lap. These games you play. Her blue eyes glistened with unshed tears. Suddenly, she felt a small sting on her finger and looked down at it. A small dot of crimson wept at its tip. She sighed as she brought her finger to her mouth and sucked the little drop of blood away. She knew what was coming. Shivering, she reached for a lacy shawl that hung over the arm of her throne. As the flimsy material draped over her shoulders and she pulled it tight, she felt the sting again and saw the broach jabbing the flesh of her finger. This time, the blood didn't come. She smiled weakly at the backward events of time. Hurry, Caleb. Hurry. She's cracked, this one, the one guard hissed before spitting through the bars. The wad of phlegm landed close to where Alice was curled up. She raised her head just enough to see the two men leering her way. A shiver ran down along her spine. How she longed for freedom. Outside, the lights were flashing, a promise of freedom and fun. Though what kind of fun could truly be had out there? Alice was never one for parties or clubs. The music pounded while bodies writhed and crushed up against one another, swaying to a pulse that made her long for air. She'd choke on the heat and sweat, while everyone else was transfixed, in some hypnotic trance that frightened her. Dizzy, senses muddled, she'd often run away screaming, her sobs filling her ears as the onlookers stared with cold and cruel eyes. She was an anomaly. A freak. She never fit in. Hot tears stung Alice's eyes, as the neon lights grew brighter. The guards' laughter grew more confident and so did their words. I bet your cunt is dirty, bitch, one of them goaded. The other just whistled suggestively. Guess it's good I've got protection handy. He smirked at her as he stood and began fumbling with his pants. Alice's mind ran wild. They couldn't be serious! Could they? Feeling frantic, she decided that they were. The one's hands were just starting to loosen his belt, while his cohort shuffled through his keys so he could unlock Alice's cell door. But there was nothing she could do. It was her against them, the wall behind her hard and cold and barring any sort of exit. Out of the corner of her eye, she glimpsed what appeared to be the hole for a rat. Strange that she hadn't noticed it before. Tilting her head slightly to the left, blonde locks sticking to the sides of her face, she let her eyes rest upon the little hole in the corner. Somehow it seemed to grow. Did the guards see, could they tell? It didn't seem like they were paying attention to anything but their own desires and power. Bullies! Squinting, Alice peered at the strange hole and gasped. She was certain she saw one very familiar White Rabbit. Never had Lizzie come across such insolence! Such...no. No! This wasn't who she was...this was the madness, the paranoia! Ugh, if only she could summon Caterpillar. Perhaps once in Clover someone would help her find that wretched snake! A shiver ran down along her spine causing her body to shudder. She looked at the vampire before her, his eyes flashing in the darkness of the dank tunnel. He served no one, he said. But could he help her? Would he? Lizzie winced when recognition finally crossed the vampire's flawless face. If he truly served no one, she could at least trust that he wouldn't take her back to Hearts, back into the clutches of Kitty and her new pet. Just what had that pawn unleashed? These were powers far greater than she could hope to understand or control. It would only lead to destruction and the end of all of Wonderland. There's no time, Lizzie rasped. At that, she heard a splash not far off. Something was lurking and she didn't want to linger long enough to find out. We need to get to Clover. We'll be safe there. For now. Of course, she new the safety wouldn't last. She needed to get to White. But being in the company of a rogue card...there was a factor of unpredictability that frightened her. Lizzie clutched her skirts, her body shivering and wet. She hoped with all her might that this vampire wouldn't suddenly decide to feed or change his mind and find himself suddenly in alliance with... No! No, no, no...! This was the madness, the paranoia. Shaking her head, wild tendrils framed her face, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. It was foolish to travel alone, in protected. She had to take her chances. She was a Heartland! She was Queen! This is a matter of life and death, card! Lizzie hissed. Come take me to Clover before we're both killed! Her insides twisted with fear as the words poured out of her mouth. More than anything, she longed to collapse and cry.