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

Their jeering made her insides twist, her heart shatter into tiny pieces scattered all over the cold, cement floor. If only she could pick them up and somehow make her heart whole once more. Surely it was just like the puzzles from her days as a little girl! She recalled the ancient relics her parents had stored away in secret crates they'd told her to stay away from. But curiosity always killed the cat! Unable to help herself, she'd always peek inside the metal bins and pull out the old artifacts, staring at the wooden pieces in wonder as she let her tiny hands move over them and put them together until clear pictures formed and swept her away. Breath quickening, Alice reached out, her hands moving to scoop up the small shards littering the floor. The tiny fragments pierced her flesh, causing her palms to bleed, dots of crimson lining her palms as she triedin vainto gather up the pieces of her heart that were strewn about the cold and dingy room. But it was no use, the slivers were just too small and they hurt her hand as they cut and tore, ripping at her soft flesh the harder she tried to gather everything up. Frustrated, Alice sat back and let the tears fall, silent sobs wracking her body as the splinters dug deeper into her skin. How she longed for this nightmare to end, for night to become day... callooh callay ...but the sky was just as black as ever as Alice peered up toward the slit that teased her mercilessly along the top of the far wall. The starlight was blotted out from the inky black as the neon lights blared and blazed, life teeming outside and how she wished to be a part of it! She yearned for freedom, for adventure. Oh Hatter... Alice whimpered, her blue eyes fixed on her bloody hands. The guard nudged his comrade and chuckled. The girl was daft, delusional. She'd gone mad. His friend leaned closer toward the bars and grinned, his eyebrows waggling, a promise for later, but Alice was too wrapped up in despair to notice or care. Cheshire... Alice choked, tears falling down pale cheeks. How she missed her beloved friends. How she missed her Wonderland. Bella giggled as she looked into the small mirror resting on her lap. The shiny glass appeared to be empty, her own lovely refection beaming back beautifullythe envy of many. The beauty of White, the most graceful pawn in all of Chess. It was no wonder she sat upon the throne, a marvelous wonder to behold. As her glittering eyes stared into the looking glass, it wasn't her own face that she saw. Yes, there was a pretty face, her blonde hair hanging in damp strands across her blotchy cheeks and blue eyes red and swollen from crying. It was their Alice, their little dear, a child no more but a woman, a lady and in a room so cold and sinister it made her blood run cold. The White Queen frowned, her one hand gently caressing the mirror as if she were petting a sweet little child or beloved pet. Alice was certainly beloved and the hope of everyone left in the realm. They needed to find her and the sooner, the better. Dear Mick, Bella cooed, her eyes resting on the old fae. Rabbit, she giggled softly. Why, she's in Looking Glass Prisona dark and nasty place. Hardly the sort of place our little darling belongs. So, her eyes shifted toward Caleb, her knight and most trusted. Retrieve her and bring her back to me. I know you both won't let me down. She nodded toward her knight, her eyes locking with his. Bella could feel it in her heart, her bones, her soul, that Caleb didn't trust her choice of rescuers. It was true that Mick and Rabbit had their reputations and notoriety, but she had her reasons and they were her own. She knew Caleb would ensure the two followed through on their assignment. It was her wish and that was enough. It always had been. It always would be. Sighing softly, Bella gestured the two scoundrels take their leave and search for Looking Glass Prison. They had a grown woman to find. Setting down the mirror, she turned toward Caleb and smiled. Before you follow, send word to Hatter and Cheshire. They will want to be here when she arrives. Her heart fluttered as she turned her gaze away. This was a great risk and she loathed placing those she loved in harm's way. But the situation was dire and the fate of the realm growing bleaker every moment that seemed to pass. Things had gotten out of hand. The war needed to end swiftly...somehow. Cold and shivering, Lizzie did her best traversing through the dark maze of tunnels. She had a plana rough one, and how she hoped she could make it! Hearts was no longer safe, no longer her own. Even that bitch, Courtney her jester and confidantehad turned on her the moment...oh, what was her name? Lizzie's thoughts were scattered as she recalled the look at that girl's face when she'd stormed into her throne room, that angry smirk gracing those red lips, while dark eyes glared back at her with a cold bitterness she hardly understood. Katherine Redfield . She still only vaguely remembered when the lowly Red pawn had entered her castle and began blathering on about ending the games. It was a ludicrous idea! Utter nonsense! It would only bring chaos and ruin to the realm! Never had Lizzie thought that dismissing the pawn would lead to chaos anyway. Life was filled with ironic twists. The Red woman had managed to take down Chess and now she had plans to destroy her home, her cherished lands. It made her heart ache to know that she sat upon her throne with that ghastly beast by her side. Just what had she done? What had she done? Her fingers were growing numb as she clutched her skirts, her knees trembling, threatening to give out. But she couldn't stop. They'd be looking for her, hunting her down to ensure the throne was theirs. Just how many of her people would that Red woman...that, Red Queen lure to her aid? It was disastrous! Suddenly, Lizzie came to a halt. Her arms wrapped about her slight body as she shivered violently, a strange sensation that she was being watched, followed washing over her completely. The back of her neck prickled and the urge to scream began to grow. There was nowhere to run now that she was deep within the tunnels. It was onward to Clover or, face the wrath of the Red Queen's new beast. The latter made her cringe, the fear so strong she could feel the bile rising up in her throat. Digging deep and mustering up her courage, she had to press on. It was her only hope. Perhaps in Clover, she'd find a sympathizer, someone willing to escort her to White. Surely, the White Queen would take pity on the Queen of Hearts. The White woman was known for her fairness, her sense of duty to protect those in need. She wouldn't turn her away. Would she? Just as Lizzie was about to run, a shadow brushed past her ear causing her to start. I... she whispered, her heart hammering hard. Something was there. Watching. Waiting? Oh, she needed to get away, to get to safety! The Red Queen had spies everywhere! Who's there! she snapped, but she didn't have time to say more. Just then, a beautiful face, pale and flawless was staring directly into her own, his eyes studying her quizzically. Vampire. Could her night get any worse? What business is it of yours? she asked, trying to sound regal. She might have been run out of Hearts, but she was still 'queen'! And this rogue was still one of her subjects whether he liked it or not! Wasn't he? Oh, she was having the most dreadful night! And don't you know how to address your queen? Lizzie added, holding her head up high. It was difficult showing her courage when her Royal Cards were nowhere in sight, unable to assist and protect. And why wasn't this one with the rest of them? It was peculiar to say the least! And it made her fear run deeper still. Why aren't you at your station? All Cards should be at the castle, I... She bit down on her lower lip, hands trembling, knuckles turning white. Wh-who do you serve?